"I came to apologize," Elma announced her entrance.

Cross opened his eyes to see the white haired woman sitting next to him. How she had managed to move so quietly was beyond the BLADE.

"How did you find me?" Cross asked.

"Your mim has a tracker in it," Elma admitted, tapping the scroll at her belt. "It helps us keep an eye on all our BLADEs."

Cross grumbled, and looked away from Elma.

"Look," Elma began, "I wanted to apologize for my actions earlier. Lin told me what's been bothering you."

"You don't have to worry yourself with it," Cross evaded.

Elma frowned, "You're one of my soldiers. I am very concerned for your wellbeing."

Cross sighed, "…It's just a lot to take in. All this time I keep hearing how humanity is facing it biggest struggle. Yet we do it without fear of legitimate death. It feels to me, like we're denying ourselves our humanity by using robotic bodies."

The Colonel nodded, "I see where you're coming from. But wouldn't you say it's our fundamental sense to survive? Above all else, humans are superb at surviving. I find it to be one of the most admirable traits of our kind."

Cross blinked, "So mims are just a means to an end? We aren't going to use them even after we find the Lifehold?"

"Yes," Elma smiled. "I for one, long to have my real body back again. I find mims unnatural…but useful."

Cross laughed, "Thanks for the talk, Elma. I needed it."

As the young man moved to stand, Elma held him back down with a slight frown, "Not yet, rook. I'm not done with you yet?"

"Oh?"

"If this was bothering you so much, why didn't you come to me?" Elma demanded as Cross leaned back on the bench.

"I…er…" Cross ran a hand through his hair. "Well, you're the Colonel. I didn't want to bother you."

Elma's eye twitched. She leaned forward, setting her hand on his, and spoke quietly, "You're part of my team. I care about you as much as I do for Lin. When something's bothering you, I want you to talk to me."

"Yes, ma'am," Cross said stiffly, glancing at her hand.

"Lean over," commanded Elma.

"Huh?"

"That's an order."

Cross leaned over to Elma, and she positioned his head on her shoulder. In his complete puzzlement, he asked, "Elma?"

"You're stressed. I thought this would relax you," Elma explained, thankful that he couldn't see her light blush. "Was I wrong?"

"No, ma'am!" Cross hastily said, easing into her shoulder.

"If you ever need a shoulder to lean on, or cry on, I'm here," Elma whispered.

Cross nodded, and smiled.

Author Notes: Damn, do I love this game.

You're move, mate.