Gate: And Thus the Federation Fought There Too!

Disclaimer: Mobile Suit Gundam belongs to both Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate; while
Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri is owned by Takumi Yanai

Chapter 9: Interludes

October 18, 0079 U.C.

Road to Italica

It was all out of whim by Itami. He, Third Recon, and three of the Special Region natives–Rory, Lelei, and Tuka–decided to leave the growing intrigue in Alnus which has practically bogged down the Federation's operations in the new world. Their destination, the city-state of Italica–a very important community and considered the breadbasket of the Empire. It is there that they plan to trade off some scales the natives salvaged from slain flying dragons that the expeditionary force dealt with in their earlier incursion into the area. Each among the group was mulling over the happenings before they undertook this unlikely trip.

October 14, 0079 U.C.

Alnus Base

"What were you thinking, bringing in refugees into the base, Lieutenant Itami!"

Sergeant Farrel was not too happy when Itami came in reporting to him. The fact that it will be the sergeant who will be doing the explaining with the higher-ups on this development did not make his job easier or reassuring.

"Why did you not confer with us before coming back here, bringing this mess with you?" Sergeant Farrel was fuming for all its worth, while the leader of Third Recon just stood there taking on a 'playing dumb' look literally perspiring at the scolding he was receiving.

"Well, what did you expect me to do? Just leave them to the wolves?" Itami answered.

Farrel slammed his fist on his desk. "That IS not our problem! We are not here on a humanitarian mission!"

"With all due respect, sir." Turning serious, Itami interrupted him. "Maybe we should be doing that as well, since many innocent people would get involved in this conflict."

Farrel was about to respond to the retort when Yanagida stepped into the tent and presented himself before the two men.

"Lieutenant Yanagida!" Farrel stood up and saluted the superior officer. Itami did the same, although halfheartedly, expecting an earful from someone higher than Farrel.

"At ease." Yanagida simply said. His expression rather appearing darkly as if a lot of burdensome things were on his mind. He stared particularly at Itami.

"Sergeant, I'll be handling this."

"Yes, sir!" Farrel answered.

"Lieutenant Itami, come with me."

"You've got a lot of nerve deciding on things without consulting with others, Lieutenant. As the Sergeant mentioned, we're not here to save anyone. We're here to hunt down and to bring to justice those who murdered Federation citizens and who threaten the security of the Federation. That is our primary goal. Investigation and interacting with the locals is just limited to gathering intelligence. There is no reason for us to get involve in local affairs."

"I know what you're getting at, Lieutenant, but it is just me, I made the call. I just don't like the idea of the glass being half full."

Both men were having their discussion outside amid the bustling, newly improved Alnus base. Things have changed and progressed since Third Recon's absence and at a startling pace. By the time they returned, along with the refugees, the Federation Forward Operations Base in the Special Region has fully expanded and developed to a more efficient and capable military facility that now sports helipads and an airstrip, along with other amenities that are meant to make a soldier's life more comfortable in the frontlines.

After hearing the response, Yanagida smirked and straighten up his glasses. "You're one of those guys who think they're doing the right thing, huh?"

"Well, yeah, if I can get away with it. But most of time such things requires a lot of work and effort in my part, and I can't do it alone. That is why I'm hoping if you could just give a hand with this thing with the refugees. Or better yet somehow get it off my hands."

"You're a piece of work, you know that, Lieutenant." Yanagida creased his forehead for the longest time, mentally fretting over the added development that is sure to have his work cut out for him. Itami merely waited until Yanagida spoke again.

"Alright. I'll try to work something out to make this all doable. But you're going to do your share. I'm letting you oversee to the refugee's welfare until I straighten things out. That will be all." Yanagida started to take his leave.

"Wait! Why do I have to-"

"Is there a problem, Lieutenant?" When Yanagida turned to face Itami, his expression looked menacing. "You make a mess, you deal with it. Be thankful I'm going out of my way in helping you, so quite your bellyaching and get to it Lieutenant!"

Yanagida finally left, leaving Itami to sigh to what he considers one of his misfortunes.

"This is what I get for being such a humanitarian sometimes."

"Who was that, Itami?"

Itami almost jumped at the sound of Rory's voice. Turning around, there right behind him was the dark-clad lolita with a mischievous grin on her face.

"That was my superior, Lieutenant Yanagida. But never mind that. What are you doing here, Rory? Aren't you supposed to be with the others?"

Rory put on an innocent and mischievous look on her cute face. "Yes. But when I noticed you weren't around I came looking for you."

"Why?" Itami disinterestedly asked.

"Have you forgotten your promise already?" Rory responded, somewhat taken aback.

"Promise?" Now Itami looked confused.

Rory's face twisted in annoyance at this. "You promised to take responsibility of me!"

"Eh? I did?"

"Do I have to spell it out? What ever happened to 'having a shoulder to cry on'? Were you even sincere that time?" Rory was at a point of shrilling.

"Oh! Oh, that? For a minute there I thought you were referring to something else." Itami smiled in relief, chuckling as he did. But Rory did not share his amusement.

"You're awful!" And she began stomping away.

"Rory," Itami began, trying to recoup with her by injecting further humor, "I was just pulling your leg-"

The child-Apostle turned to glare at him one last time before finally marching off.

Mission Failed, Itami. He sighed and slouched.

A strong hand grasped his shoulder from behind. "Don't worry, Lieutenant. I have this covered." It was Kuwahara. The man appears his jovial self, Itami notices, but it turns grim when he gazes at the direction Rory went.

"You were really serious on keeping an eye on her." Itami asked.

"If not me, then who?" the older man said.

"Good point."

Both men continued their conversation as they shadowed the girl though the base's grounds.

"You noticed it, don't you?" Kuwahara started.

Itami nodded. "Yeah. The base's on edge."

"A lot of things have happened since we were away, according to someone I asked. Apparently the Kerensky Corps has been found, or what's left of them. All slaughtered like hapless cattle save for one. See the connection?"

"Then there is survivor?" Itami was a bit worried about this.

The Sergeant Major bobbed his head in the affirmative. "He's in a state of catatonic shock thought. Which is sad for me to say is fortunate for us, for now. Should the guy somehow recover…"

"I'll take full responsibility when the time comes. I'll tell them that I made the call and that you were all just following orders." Itami sternly stared into Kuwahara's eyes. The old soldier had no doubt of Itami's integrity when it is needed. But perhaps because of that Kuwahara cannot help feel worried about him. And there is still that matter when Itami 'froze' during the Flame Dragon attack.

It was Itami's turn to clasp the Kuwahara's shoulder. "Well Pops, I leave it to you then." he said, referring to Rory.

"Where are you off to?"

"Where else, doing my job as a humanitarian."

Itami backtrack his progress until he found what he was looking for.

"Lieutenant!" Kurata called out to him.

Third Recon was helping out in overseeing the processing of the Coda survivors turned refugees. Each individual, young or adult, was being required to provide essential information like name, profession, etc. Linguine in particular was doing the paperwork while Kurokawa conducted an on the spot medical checkup with each native. The rest of the team were guiding and generally assisting the survivors in an orderly fashion.

"How's everything going?" Itami asked.

"So far so go sir," answered Kurata. "Oh, Rory wandered off somewhere and Sergeant Major went out looking for her."

"I just met both of them. Kuwahara is on it. Is there anything else?" Itami then noticed it. "Where's Kuribayashi?"

"About that…"

"You can't keep us in here! We have our rights you know, as citizens of the Federation!" It was the sassy camerawoman who has been very vocal and has become the self-proclaimed spokesperson for the media crew that is being presently held within the detention of the base.

"Shut up already back there!" the soldier assigned on guard duty hollered back. He was doing the crossword puzzle of an old newspaper, hoping keep his mind off his dismal job and to at the same time keep his sanity from the harping woman behind bars.

Nanami Kuribayashi was in one corner of the cell, traumatized. This was supposed to be her big break in becoming a field reporter, her dream. But it seems she still has a long ways to go when steeling herself from the harshness field reporting entails as proven by her troubled state. Fellow media crewmembers by her side were trying their best in calming and giving her reassurance.

The door to the detention center bursts open and came storming in was a very angry Shino Kuribayashi. She scans about not minding the startled guard. Her face becomes a mixture of relief and worry when she spots what she was looking for.

"Nanami!" she calls out, rushing towards where her little sister was.

"Big sis?" Nanami mumbled, the familiar voice of Shino breaking her out of her stupor. "Big Sis!" The young girl jumps up from her hunched position and almost slams herself on the cold bars separating her and her older sister.

"Nanami, are you alright?" Shino asked, her voice trembling with concern.

"Big Sis! We didn't anything wrong! We were given permission to cover a story here in the Special Region. But when we got here…" The younger Kuribayashi was on the point of breaking, choking with tears and grief. Her camerawoman continued on for her.

"They started incarcerating us, and took away all out stuff! It's a cover-up I tell you!"

"Don't you listen to them Sergeant! They are all just sour grapping is all." The guard joined Shino while giving the prisoners a knowing stare each, indirectly telling them to be at their best behavior or else

"What did they do?" Shino angrily demanded, catching the guard off-guard as she turns to him.

He was at a loss for words. "Gee, I don't know. I'm just following orders here."

"But this is my sister here! She wouldn't even hurt an ant!"

"I'm sorry. If you have a problem with it, take it up with the General or Lieutenant Yanagida."

Even though she wanted to punch the face of the guy, Shino had enough sense not to make things more complicated than it already was.

"Don't worry Nanami, big sis will get you out this mess as soon as I can. I promise."

"Um, big sister to Nanami," butted the camerawoman at the touching sisterly moment. "If you don't mind, can you do something about our case as well?"

"That Itami. Oooo! How infuriating!" Rory fumed as she stomped in an undignified manner, swinging her arms to and fro as she did so around the camp, giving a dirty look to anyone that gives her any amount of attention. Of course how could anyone not take notice of a young girl in a glaring black goth dress strutting about. It is a good thing though that nobody dared crosses her not even the crassest of the Federation personnel within the base as if they sense messing with her would be a mistake they would regret.

But Rory promised Itami to 'behave' even though she is presently upset with him. Promises can be not kept especially for someone as whimsical as her, a demigoddess of no less than that of a god of death and war; however she feels a kinship that she could not explain than makes her honor bound to the man that showed her a bit of kindness in these waning years of her humanity.

"I can control myself right now even if I never met Itami. These men, I sense many of them haven't had a chance in killing yet. They are still somewhat new in the ways of fighting. But that could change in time…"

Rory suddenly felt a familiar presence, one she has met recently. Its killing instinct has all but faded but it has been marked by her for Emroy's sake. An oversight actually, one she did not think she was still capable of. It was coming from a large building a with a large red cross symbol emblazoned at its façade. She was about to move toward when she was stopped by a heavy hand on her shoulder.

"You don't have to worry too much, old man. I just want to have a look inside."

"I can't let you do that. Besides nonmilitary personnel wandering around the base is prohibited. Go back with the others. You haven't been processed yet."

"Hmph. Is that concern for my welfare I sense from you, old man?"

"Don't be ridiculous! I'm just keeping an eye on you."

"Oh? You will? How very diligent of you. So is this going to be a long term kind of thing? Will you be there when I relieve myself?" she impishly smiles at Kuwahara.

The old soldier was beginning to lose some his cool over the girl's antics. Rory quickly alleviates this with a response.

"I'm just teasing you, old man. Very well, I'll be going back then. And whether you believe me or not as long as Itami is around I'll…behave."

"You were going to check on that man you left alive weren't you?"

Rory started her backtrack but stopped to the man's question.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Fine. If that's the way you want it, I won't force you."

The Apostle thoughtfully smiled. "If you must know, I spared him. Why you might ask when I slaughtered all his comrades? I do know the answer to that myself."

With her back still turned to him she continued.

"When I'm in the fervor of killing I do not stop until all my enemies are dead. Even if they surrender and beg for mercy, or even when they flee, I simply see to it that I offer their lives to Emroy. No, that's not it. I've come to enjoy killing because I can."

Rory suddenly began recalling the times she had killed, remembering the countless victims she slaughtered, all faceless now due to the long passage of time of her existence. She breathed out a deep sigh.

"Oh, listen to me, telling an old man with extreme distrust a little about myself. I'm sure I've wasted enough of time, so I'll being going now."

She finally left, leaving Kuwahara all to himself. He did not follow Rory at that point, instead he just saw her off until she disappeared out of his view. Kuwahara still did not dismiss his doubts with the dark-haired lolita. In his mind she still poses a great threat to everyone involved and yet some part of him almost wanted to believe that there is more to Rory's psychopathic nature. He shakes his head.

"I'm really getting old with this…"

October 16, 0079 U.C.

Two days have passed since Third Recon's return and no assignment has been given to the group allowing each of its members to relax while they can. Operations of the Alnus base has been moving smoothly now with no further untoward incident but was still at a slow pace, focusing on further fortification and setting up facilities to optimize their usage.

One of those enjoying the most of the rest after an extensive and daring reconnaissance mission in the field was none other than the leader of Third Recon, Lieutenant Youji Itami. Who was presently anticipating in receiving the latest update of doujin on his personal device since near direct communication link has finally been established between this world and that of Earth on the other side of the Gate.

"Finally, the much needed rest I've been looking for is here. Not only that, I can finally check out all of those doujin I've missed for many weeks now that there is a signal back home."

Itami was practically drooling with delight as he intently watched the screen of his device gradually load the desired site. Not as fast enough though unlike when he was in Japan but still it is better than no signal for the past several weeks since their arrival here.

"Oooh! This one is totally new, and looks interesting…" His focus on his handheld device was absolute that he became oblivious to the presence of two his subordinates, Kurokawa and Linguine, who came to see him.

"Lieutenant Itami…" Kurokawa called out but Itami did not take notice of her.

"Yes, a new chapter! I can't wait to dig right into it…"

"Lieutenant Itamy…" said Linguine. He turns to Kurokawa who just shakes her head.

She then could not take it any longer as went for the offensive and pinched Itami hard on his flank.

"Owww! Hey! Oh, Kurokawa. Linguine. How long have you two been standing there?"

"Long enough, sir!" she sternly said, leaning her face at him with both her hands resting by her waist.

"So, what is it…" said Itami, both figures had his attention.

"Sir, it is about Tuka," brought up Kurokawa.

"Tuka? Oh, you mean the elfgirl?" responded Itami rather in a desultory fashion.

"Yes, the elfgirl. She has been acting very queer lately," continued the dark-haired field medic, her beauteous expression showed general concern on the topic and a stern admonishment over her superior's dismissive attitude.

"Queer? Like how?" replied Itami.

"She seems to be troubled, sir. Tuka wanders around the base as if looking for someone. When I asked her about it, she wouldn't say," provided Linguine.

"Not only that but I've observed her asking two of everything: meals, beddings, clothing," added Kurokawa.

"Maybe it's for one of the refugees?" reasoned Itami.

Kurokawa shook her head in the negative. "That's not possible, sir. All of those we brought back with us have been accounted for. She asks for extras for someone who does not exist. And may I add that the extra clothes are for those of a man."

"What are you telling me, Kurokawa. That she has lost it and is coping up by having an imaginary male friend with her?"

"Probably. I'm not certain but she might be coming down with schizotypal personality disorder where in the symptoms are somewhat similar," Kurokawa pointed out.

"So, what do you expect me to do about it?"

"Go to talk to her. Maybe she might open up to you. Try to help her to come to terms of her situation."

"Me? Why me?"

"Well you were the one that saved her. Twice."

"I didn't do it alone." Itami said, referring to the Flame Dragon incident. "I pushed the dragon away so that rest of you got her to safety."

Kurokawa sagely smiled. "I didn't come to you if I didn't think you could do it, Lieutenant."

Seeing the dark-haired beauty's expression Itami knew he would never hear the end of it from her until he accomplishes the duty required of him. Itami sighed in defeat.

"Fine I'll do it." He started to stand up but was stopped by Kurokawa.

"Oh, before you go...Linguine, go wait for me and the Lieutenant outside. I will have a little word with him in private. It won't take long."

The Italian dutifully did what was requested of him with glee, leaving the two behind.

"What is it this time, Kurokawa?" Itami asked with suspicion.

"Sir it is about that dragon incident. When you froze…"

Itami's face twisted to a scowl at the mention by Kurokawa but she was insistent.

"Please hear me out, Lieutenant! What happened back then is something no squad should expect to happen from their leader. I think you should somehow deal it. If you want I can help-"

"I really appreciate your concern, Sergeant but this," he waved and showed her his personal device which was flashing all things related to doujin. "Is all I need in coping up with all the shit I've been going through up to this point."

It was Kurokawa's turn to show her derision toward Itami over his weird line of thinking. "Really sir? Doujin?"

"You don't how this makes me feel, especially when detached from it for so long. You might even say it's therapeutic, the best medicine for depression."

"I can't believe I'm hearing this," she moaned. But she immediately thought.

His evasiveness and bouts of denial could be signs of combat stress or even PSTD. But bringing it up with him at this time may have been a mistake in my part. I'll just continue observing for now and try again next time.

"Are we done here, Sergeant? We can't keep Linguine, and most especially Tuka waiting, can we?" Itami said, somewhat impatiently.

"Yes, we're done." For now.

As she has done so since settling with the rest of the refugees, Tuka wandered around the base on her own. She was searching for someone, as several around the base have come to conclude. They've tried helping her but she politely turned them all down. Strolling around in a strange environment like a modern military camp can be intimidating for the elfgirl and at times frightening when it involves seeing men with dubious intentions towards her; or when she was nearly run over by some strange moving vehicle. Of course Tuka had enough sense to run away or be more cautious in such cases. One place she does make a point of revisiting day after day is the motor pool area where the large metal giants are kept and maintained. Standing there, gazing at them, Tuka could clearly recall the first time when they arrived here in Alnus.

Two days ago

As Tuka stepped out of the Bloodhound her initial reaction, like the rest of the refugees, was being dumbfounded by the sights and sounds of Alnus Base. That soon changed when her attention shift to the metal giant that has been the group's guardian during their exodus from Coda, not to mention the one that was responsible in saving her from the Flame Dragon.

"My God! What have you done to it?" exclaimed Astonaige Medoz, referring to the slightly battered and charred GM Ground Type that came back with Third Recon and checked in at the vehicle repair, maintenance, and storage area. As a mobile suit mechanic with the expeditionary force, it is his duty to maintain and keep these walking giants battle ready. So far, there has been no major repair work required on the available units, until now.

"Sorry man for the mess. But if it would make you feel better, the ol' girl really did good out there." Itami patted the man on back after disembarking from his machine and discreetly excused himself to deliver his oral report.

Astonaige remained aghast for a few more moments, staring at Itami's 'bruised' unit. He then brightened up.

"At least I get to finally do some real work around here for a change."

Tuka's heart rose when she saw that person emerged out of the metal giant, the same person she though she remembered in a dream, a dream where she was surrounded by water and on the verge of life and death. She was in the arms of this person in the dream, who was handling her with loving care, reassuring her that everything would be all right. Turns out, this man really did saved her twice, one from out the well where she fell into, and the other from falling prey to the Flame Dragon that slaughter her people.

The elf maid wanted to be close to this person, to offer her gratitude for rescuing her at least. But she was barred from doing so as was treated like the rest of the refugees. Tuka was also still pretty much still in shock as so much has happened to her. All that she could do now was to allow herself to be attended to.

Tuka's expression grew sad. It looked like another wasted effort in her part for the search of her savior. The willowy elf girl was about to call it a day when she caught glace of the person she was looking for. He was accompanied by both Kurokawa and Linguine.

"Tuka! Lieutenant Itamay would like-" The Italian was suddenly cutoff by a joyous cry from the elf.

"Father!"

All within earshot took notice as Tuka rushed towards Itami and tightly embraced him.

"Father! I so glad I found you!" she cried, tears of joy running down from the sides of her cheeks as she clung and nestled herself onto Itami and catching him in very awkward moment.

"Eh, what's going on?"

October 17, 0079 U.C.

The Coda refugees have somewhat adjusted to their new setup while remaining amazed by the wonders and amenities their benefactors have been offering to them. While their ultimate fate remains uncertain, for now they need not worry about where their next meal would be coming, or where they would sleep during cold nights or under bad weather. Everything humane has been provided to them by the Federation presence here in Alnus. But a few among the refugees wish not to rely too much on such wondrous dependence from these men in brown and felt they should become somehow self-reliant. This is how Lelei felt as she discussed the matter with the Apostle Rory and Tuka the elf.

"Hmm, I know what you're getting at but accepting their help isn't bad either, you know?" idly offered Rory.

"Yes, but for how long? At least I would like to do something to repay them for all things they've done for us." Indeed, for Lelei, not only were the amenities wondrous and convenient they all felt like something only nobles are meant to having: rich-tasting food, very comfortable sleeping arrangements, and even hot baths.

"Does that mean, we might have to use are bodies as payment very soon?" Tuka innocently asked. The thought suddenly made her fearful and conscious for herself. Rory sighed at this.

"While I notice some if not many of these men in brown are rather crass in their ways, they are generally quite helpful toward us 'guests'. Of course it they do dare do something they'll regret…"

"If you do that, you might get us all killed." Lelei plainly stated.

The three remained quiet for a while, imagining the grim scenario in their minds. They have been made aware of Rory's slipping control of her humanity. There will come a time, in the heat of a battle, where she will see only enemies in everyone. The young lolita was the first to speak up, changing the topic.

"Anyways, Tuka I see you have become open and lively, not like before."

The elf girl brightened up. "Yes. It's all because I've found father finally. I thought I would never find him."

Both Rory and Lelei looked doubtfully at Tuka. The mistaken identity case with regards to Itami by Tuka, thinking him as her lost father has not been resolved. Itami had little choice at the time and had to play along with the elf girl's fondest wish of seeing her father alive within him. Trying to dissuade her otherwise seems to cause an ill effect that is so evident that could be dangerous for her well being.

Rory continued on in her prodding of the elf girl. "So why aren't you with your 'father' right now?" This caused Tuka face to become saddened.

"He said he is very busy, lots of work to be done." She then cheered up again. "But he promised that he'll come home for dinner!"

"Really, how sweet of him," said Rory, lying through her teeth as she did. She was kind of jealous towars the elf, who more or less has gotten the attention she deserved from Itami. The apostle could understand what Tuka is going through but she has become an added burden for Itami who is swamped with all sorts of concerns that he has all but forgotten about the lolita. She then noticed Lelei starting to leave.

"Where are you going, Lelei?"

"I'm going to see Itami. I want to ask him for some advice," said the blue-haired mage.

"But it's wrong to go on disturbing father at work right now," worriedly said Tuka.

"I'm pretty sure he is just loafing around. I've noticed him that way for some time now. He doesn't appear to be really working."

Rory giggled in amusement. "That definitely sounds like Itami." She then started to join Lelei. "I'm coming with you. I would like to give that Itami a piece of mind. Besides you'll need someone to translate."

"There is no need actually, I've learned some of their language from Linguine," she said confidently. Lelei is aware that Rory has somehow learned the men in brown's language but as she said she has been trying to learn from them, one step at a time. She hopes to put to test the knowledge she has gained.

"Wait! I'm coming too you two!" Tuka rushed to join with the two other girls. Together the trio headed toward their common goal.

Unlike what they presumed, Itami was busy making an update report on the Coda refugees on his laptop and was hurrying in finishing it. It was boring as hell Itami thought but he had to complete before indulging into other distractions.

"May I come in?" A somewhat familiar voice called out in a rather sing song manner at the entryway, the accent giving away that the speaker is a native of the Special Region.

"Lelei, is that you?" Itami responded, his brows rise in surprise over the effort the female mage was exerting, a bit stiff for now but with further practice she could speak fluently in no time. Sure enough it was Lelei but she was not alone. In followed a smug Rory, and a very shy Tuka who appeared uncertain at first on whether to come in or not but an okay sign coming from him caused the elf to happily enter eventually.

"So now then…" Itami looked at each of the girls, a sense of worry creeping over him. "What can I do for you ladies?"

Lelei was the first to respond. "Sir Itami, Lelei thanks you for what you done to us so far. You and your Federayshon. But Lelei want to repay for your help."

Itami seems to understand most it. "But you have helped. You and master Kato have been providing us with valuable information."

The blue-haired frowns a bit, more on grasping at Itami's words. "But Lelei wants to help more…um…independent…"

Rory loudly groaned, she could not stand it anymore, the awkwardness of the situation being too unbearable to watch and listen.

"Listen, Lelei, next time you want to learn these men in brown's language, come to me first, okay? I can teach you since I don't have anything better to at the moment." Rory turns to eye Itami with a smirk causing him to gulp a bit. Whatever it might imply he felt it could be not good for him. He shakes it off and turns back to Lelei.

"Like what I said, Lelei you and Master Kato have done lots already. You don't have to feel indebted with what we've been doing to you and with the rest of the refugees. It is our job."

Whether Lelei liked it or not, Rory translated Itami's words clearly to the young mage, although she did catch some of words on her own. Lelei was adamant, she pushed own her point to Itami.

While the three, Rory included, were working out their discussion, Tuka hovered to Itami's side with little effort. In fact, Itami seem not to notice the elf girl nearby causing her to become sad then upset. She might as well be invisible to the man whom she perceives as her father. Tuka suddenly took notice of the thing her 'father' was working on. It appears to be some sort of strange device with what appears to be words written on its surface. Instinctively she touches something on it twice and it emitted a beeping sound that startles her, causing her to jump back.

"Tuka!" It was Itami. He inadvertently pushes the elf aside and appears upset over the tampering of his work. Itami frantically tried salvaging it but it was too late. "The report…it got deleted!" he groaned, cradling his head with hands in frustration.

"I'm…I'm sorry, father…" Tuka was in tears as she felt responsible for the mess she made.

"Youji!" scolded Rory, her angry face directing Itami to a quivering and crying Tuka.

Itami looked at Tuka. He knows it is her fault but it was also an accident, she did not mean it to happen. He embraces her in his arms and pats her comfortably.

"Hey, Tuka, shhh. I'm sorry. It's not your fault. Father…is not mad at you. So don't cry anymore…"

As the two were having their touching moment, Lelei noticed some sacks stacked on the side. Upon inspecting them her discovery on what is inside sparks some interest.

"What you planning on doing with these?" she asks Itami, referring to the sack of dragon scales that sat in one corner of the Lieutenant's tent.

"Oh, those?" He gently lets go of Tuka, addressing the blue-haired mage. "I plan to bring them back to my world."

"To sell them?" Lelei asks.

"Maybe," answers Itami, putting out a grin. "Actually I plan to have somebody fashion me some armor out of them. They are after all honest to goodness dragon scales."

Rory helped in translating and conveying for Lelei. "She says there might be someone in Italica who could do that."

"Italica?" quizzed Itami.

"It's the city where the Coda villagers were heading. We would have reached there had we gone with them all the way," Rory smugly pointed out.

"Hmm, you don't say…" A bunch of notions were playing on Itami's mind.

"I can't believe I'm allowing you to do this," Yanagida groaned.

After some wheeling and dealing with Lieutenant Itami, he has authorized Third Recon on a special reconnaissance mission. Their destination: the city-state of Italica.

"Hey, what better way to gather intel than to go in and mingle with the locals. Plus we get to learn some economics and commerce on the side while we're at it." Itami was dressed in clothing native to the Special Region, which was salvaged from the exploits of the expeditionary force here. The rest of Third Recon was similarly garbed as they geared up and got on to their vehicles.

"This is reconnaissance mission on paper. Remember that Lieutenant Itami. I'm allowing some latitude in your discretion here but don't be reckless. You and your team will practically be behind enemy lines!" reminded Yanagida, a bit worried of the risks involved.

"I understand." Itami stepped on his GM's cable lift which reeled him up towards the mobile suit's cockpit. "I'll give you hollower if things get dicey!"

"Don't bet on it!" Yanagida shouted back as Itami eventually got in and sat within the control center of his machine.

"He's joking, right? I hope," Itami said to himself, hoping this trip, no, this mission would go on smoothly without a hitch. "Italica and custom made dragon armor, here we come..."