NationStates Jolt Archive

Yvgenni let out a contented sigh as the movie ended, with the main characters all huddled together on the capsized boat.

"Jessica, would you ever want that many kids?" he joked, referring to the six girls in the film.

---------

"Well we left kinda early," Yuri explained, "So we can travel most of the day. I'd say at least two, including today. "We'll stop for a bit at night, so you can rest up, at least."

Jessica was slightly alarmed by Yvegnni, but she smiled and said,"Two is fine."

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Alright, thanks." said Rachel, watching the scenery.

"Yeah," he chuckled, "I think 1-on-1 is easier than a zone defense," Yvgenni joked. He looked at his watch; 10:00 pm. "Should we call it a day?"

------

Yuri stared out the window too. There wasn't much to see. Most of the towns between San Salvus and the border had been wiped of the earth, crumbling ruins the only sign of their existance. North, however, the first peaks of the Western Range could be seen.

"Yeah," he chuckled, "I think 1-on-1 is easier than a zone defense," Yvgenni joked. He looked at his watch; 10:00 pm. "Should we call it a day?"

------

Yuri stared out the window too. There wasn't much to see. Most of the towns between San Salvus and the border had been wiped of the earth, crumbling ruins the only sign of their existance. North, however, the first peaks of the Western Range could be seen.

"Yeah sure." said Jessica getting up, she was almost too tired to walk back to the room.

----------------------------------------------

Rachel had seen destruction like this back in Greal. In Sasha alone, there were more wrecked tanks then cars.

Yvgenni walked at her side, noticing she was in a half-doze. With a mischievous grin, he went and scooped her into his arms.

"Tired?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

------------

"In the Motherland, we've come to appreciate what we have," Yuri told Rachel. "We'd been at peace so long, that we never thought that the things we held dear could be taken from us...war was an abstract; something we saw on the nightly news, far from home..."

Yvgenni walked at her side, noticing she was in a half-doze. With a mischievous grin, he went and scooped her into his arms.

"Tired?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

------------

"In the Motherland, we've come to appreciate what we have," Yuri told Rachel. "We'd been at peace so long, that we never thought that the things we held dear could be taken from us...war was an abstract; something we saw on the nightly news, far from home..."

"Yes, very." said Jessica smiling. Then she couldn't keep her eyes opened and she closed them. Soon, in Yvgenni's arms, she was fast asleep.

--------------------------------------------------------

"So, what caused the war?" asked Rachel, turning away from the destruction.

"Yes, very." said Jessica smiling. Then she couldn't keep her eyes opened and she closed them. Soon, in Yvgenni's arms, she was fast asleep.

--------------------------------------------------------

"So, what caused the war?" asked Rachel, turning away from the destruction.

Yvgenni carried her all the way back to the apartment, all the while grinning like an idiot as he watched her sleep. When he carried her inside, he kicked the door shut and carried her to the bed. He was a bit hesitant as he laid her down, but Yvgenni pulled off Jessica's shoes and her jeans. He got ready for bed too and got in next to her. As he drifted off into his own sleep, Yvgenni held her close.

--------------------

"Oh, a lotta things, I suppose," Yuri answered. "In our history, Katangara and the Commonwealth have gone to war three times, including this one. It came to a head two years ago...on Valentine's Day," Yuri explained. "That's why we call it the St. Valentine War. Anyway...their orbital structure, Orbital City One, was destroyed in a nuclear attack. Of course, they blamed us, and we denied it. Then Katangaran forces attacked out naval base at Galonighiir...then we were at war."

Yvgenni carried her all the way back to the apartment, all the while grinning like an idiot as he watched her sleep. When he carried her inside, he kicked the door shut and carried her to the bed. He was a bit hesitant as he laid her down, but Yvgenni pulled off Jessica's shoes and her jeans. He got ready for bed too and got in next to her. As he drifted off into his own sleep, Yvgenni held her close.

--------------------

"Oh, a lotta things, I suppose," Yuri answered. "In our history, Katangara and the Commonwealth have gone to war three times, including this one. It came to a head two years ago...on Valentine's Day," Yuri explained. "That's why we call it the St. Valentine War. Anyway...their orbital structure, Orbital City One, was destroyed in a nuclear attack. Of course, they blamed us, and we denied it. Then Katangaran forces attacked out naval base at Galonighiir...then we were at war."

OOC: I'm going to assume its night time on the road also.
IC:

Rachel listened carefully, then looked outside, it was getting dark."Should we pull over for the night?"

OOC: I'll be back in a hour.

As if to answer her, the lead truck signaled a halt, and the convoy took the next exit off of the interstate and into a parking lot. Cots and jerry-rigged awnings were set up as the troops prepared to sleep the rest of the night.

"Get some sleep," the convoy's commander, a tough-looking Captain informed them, "We wake at dawn and don't stop until Helheim, get me?"

"We get you sir!" the troops answered in unison.

"C'mon," Yuri invited Rachel, "If you don't grab yourself a cot, you'll have to sleep in the Jeep."

ooc: sorry, but gtg. have to be up @ 5 am.

As if to answer her, the lead truck signaled a halt, and the convoy took the next exit off of the interstate and into a parking lot. Cots and jerry-rigged awnings were set up as the troops prepared to sleep the rest of the night.

"Get some sleep," the convoy's commander, a tough-looking Captain informed them, "We wake at dawn and don't stop until Helheim, get me?"

"We get you sir!" the troops answered in unison.

"C'mon," Yuri invited Rachel, "If you don't grab yourself a cot, you'll have to sleep in the Jeep."

ooc: sorry, but gtg. have to be up @ 5 am.


Rachel quickly grabbed a cot and prepared to go to sleep.

Rachel quickly grabbed a cot and prepared to go to sleep.

"'Night," Yuri said as he grabbed his own cot. He spared one last look at Rachel before throwing his blanket over his eyes. She seemed all right, Yuri thought, and it was nice of her to travel so far for her sister's wedding.

ooc: will her dad be attending, too?

"'Night," Yuri said as he grabbed his own cot. He spared one last look at Rachel before throwing his blanket over his eyes. She seemed all right, Yuri thought, and it was nice of her to travel so far for her sister's wedding.

ooc: will her dad be attending, too?

OOC: Yes
IC:

Rachel went to sleep, with a last few thoughts about her upcoming plan....

"On your feet!" the Captain shouted. "Everybody up!! This is not the Four Seasons, we do not have breakfast in bed!! We have to move 150 clicks in 15 hours, let's move!"

The soldiers responded and began packing up the cots and awnings. Even though they'd been promised to sleep til dawn, the sun didn't show any promise of rising soon. Yuri rushed over to wake Rachel, in case the Captain's shouting hadn't roused her.

----------

"We should bring him in, shouldn't we?" Dmitri asked the Premier.

"I'll send a communique to Greali command," he replied, "And inform Minister Park on the situation..."

CONFIDENTIAL EYES ONLY
To: Greal Ministry of Defense
Fr: Office of the Premier, Commonwealth of Free United States
>>Comrade Minister, as you are aware, your daughter is engaged to marry a man who I am proud to call a comrade in the Defense Forces. With the peace brokerage, they have agreed to wed within a week, next Saturday to be precise. However, we do not know if you are well enough for transport. If needed, an air ambulance can be dispatched from the Commonwealth carrier Agamemnon's Wrath and transport you to Helheim ADB, where the ceremony will take place. Yourself and your country are in our hearts and prayers.<<

"On your feet!" the Captain shouted. "Everybody up!! This is not the Four Seasons, we do not have breakfast in bed!! We have to move 150 clicks in 15 hours, let's move!"

The soldiers responded and began packing up the cots and awnings. Even though they'd been promised to sleep til dawn, the sun didn't show any promise of rising soon. Yuri rushed over to wake Rachel, in case the Captain's shouting hadn't roused her.

----------

"We should bring him in, shouldn't we?" Dmitri asked the Premier.

"I'll send a communique to Greali command," he replied, "And inform Minister Park on the situation..."

CONFIDENTIAL EYES ONLY
To: Greal Ministry of Defense
Fr: Office of the Premier, Commonwealth of Free United States
>>Comrade Minister, as you are aware, your daughter is engaged to marry a man who I am proud to call a comrade in the Defense Forces. With the peace brokerage, they have agreed to wed within a week, next Saturday to be precise. However, we do not know if you are well enough for transport. If needed, an air ambulance can be dispatched from the Commonwealth carrier Agamemnon's Wrath and transport you to Helheim ADB, where the ceremony will take place. Yourself and your country are in our hearts and prayers.<<

Rachel was up and awake, putting away her cot quickly. Military training in the Greal Marines had helped her along here.

---------------------------------------------------

Jessica woke up suddenly, and looked at the time, but before she was able to, she saw that Yvgenni was asleep and holding on to her.

---------------------------------------------

The Minister read the message, and sent another one back.

To: Office of the Premier, Commonwealth of Free United States
Fr: Greal Ministry of Defense
>>Thank you for your kind offer. I am well enough to air travel, and I accept your offer. A plane will dispatch me to your carrier, and from there, your plane can take me to Helheim.<<

"Good job," Yuri complimented Rachel as she got her things packed. He opened the door and turned back, "Let's get in." The front elements were already beginning to shift into gear.

-------------

FSS Agamemnon's Wrath CVNX-41, Off the coast of Greal

Combat launches were still being conducted for the defense of Greal, and two Rafale's rocketed off the forward catapults. Aft, a CV-30 Vogel was being readied on one of the waist catapults. It was headed back home for a dignitary mission.

"Agamemnon ready to recieve the Minister," the radioman informed Greali command.

"Good job," Yuri complimented Rachel as she got her things packed. He opened the door and turned back, "Let's get in." The front elements were already beginning to shift into gear.

-------------

FSS Agamemnon's Wrath CVNX-41, Off the coast of Greal

Combat launches were still being conducted for the defense of Greal, and two Rafale's rocketed off the forward catapults. Aft, a CV-30 Vogel was being readied on one of the waist catapults. It was headed back home for a dignitary mission.

"Agamemnon ready to recieve the Minister," the radioman informed Greali command.

Rachel thanked Yuri for the compliment and got into the vehicle.

---------------------------------------------------------------

A Black Panther helicopter coming from Womer asked for permission to land. It carried the Minister, who was staring out at the naval fleets.

As soon as Rachel's foot had gotten inside, the Jeep roared off, following the caravan onto the interstate again.

-----------

The deck crewmen waved the helicopter down on one of the landing areas, with more crewmen tying it down. From the Island, two men in khaki uniforms sprinted over. They reached the helicopter as the door opened.

"Comrade-Minister!" the first shouted over the engine noise, "Welcome aboard the Agamemnon. Afraid we can't give you a proper tour!"

"Sir, I'm Captain Willard," said the second man, "This here is Lt. Mitchell. He'll be traveling with you and be your personal liason."

"Minister, if we may?" Mitchell gestured to the awaiting Vogel. "Just stick to my six as we cross the deck. We're still doing combat launches!"

As soon as Rachel's foot had gotten inside, the Jeep roared off, following the caravan onto the interstate again.

-----------

The deck crewmen waved the helicopter down on one of the landing areas, with more crewmen tying it down. From the Island, two men in khaki uniforms sprinted over. They reached the helicopter as the door opened.

"Comrade-Minister!" the first shouted over the engine noise, "Welcome aboard the Agamemnon. Afraid we can't give you a proper tour!"

"Sir, I'm Captain Willard," said the second man, "This here is Lt. Mitchell. He'll be traveling with you and be your personal liason."

"Minister, if we may?" Mitchell gestured to the awaiting Vogel. "Just stick to my six as we cross the deck. We're still doing combat launches!"

Rachel again watched the scenery. There was nothing much to do besides that.

-----------------------------------------------------

"No problem, Lieutenant." said the Minister, he was holding a laptop bag with him.

The Black Panther Helicopter behind him suddenly exploded as it was preparing to take off...

"So...Rachel," Yuri said awkwardly, "I take it your sister is younger then, right? So, um, what do you do?"

---------

"Fire on the flight deck, fire on the flight deck, all hands lend assistance!" the PA blared. The hangar bays sealed themselves as the fighters and any ordinance was lowered to the hangar deck.

"Get him outta here now!" Willard shouted to Mitchell.

"Come on!" Mitchell shouted to Minister Park leading him to the waiting Vogel. Within a minute the craft was lifting off of the deck vertically, the crew watching the mass of destroyed helicopter being heaved over the side.

"So...Rachel," Yuri said awkwardly, "I take it your sister is younger then, right? So, um, what do you do?"

---------

"Fire on the flight deck, fire on the flight deck, all hands lend assistance!" the PA blared. The hangar bays sealed themselves as the fighters and any ordinance was lowered to the hangar deck.

"Get him outta here now!" Willard shouted to Mitchell.

"Come on!" Mitchell shouted to Minister Park leading him to the waiting Vogel. Within a minute the craft was lifting off of the deck vertically, the crew watching the mass of destroyed helicopter being heaved over the side.

"Me? I'm in the Marines. The Marine commander was gracious enough to let me off." replied Rachel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Minister was shocked about the helicopter being destroyed. Just ten minutes ago, he was talking with the Captain on the helicopter. Then he turned back to the Vogel.

Nearby, two Greal LA-13 Halo fighters took off from the carrier, Grace and they flew over the carrier, asked what happened.

"Oh really?" Yuri said conversationally. That's something I didn't expect he told himself. "I've never met a Marine before," he chuckled.

-----------

"Halo flight, at this time we have not had a chance to review the incident," the radioman reported. "We know 'bout the same as you."

--

On the Vogel, Lt. Mitchell went over to see how Minister Park was doing.

"Oh really?" Yuri said conversationally. That's something I didn't expect he told himself. "I've never met a Marine before," he chuckled.

-----------

"Halo flight, at this time we have not had a chance to review the incident," the radioman reported. "We know 'bout the same as you."

--

On the Vogel, Lt. Mitchell went over to see how Minister Park was doing.

"Really? When I was in the Greal military, we met every single division of the military. My sister, Jessica is in the Special Ops reserve."

--------------------------------------------------

The fighters reported back to base, and their superiors sent a message to the carrier saying they suspected an assassination attempt on the Minister.

---------------------------------------------

"Hello Lieutenant. Something wrong?"

"Wow, that's something..." Yuri said. "And as for meeting other divisions, since I was part of the Resistance, I never met an Army regular until a few months ago when we were liberated." he explained.

----------

"Just making sure you're all right, sir," the Lieutenant responded. "How are you holding up?"

ooc: g'night

"Wow, that's something..." Yuri said. "And as for meeting other divisions, since I was part of the Resistance, I never met an Army regular until a few months ago when we were liberated." he explained.

----------

"Just making sure you're all right, sir," the Lieutenant responded. "How are you holding up?"

ooc: g'night

"Its a family tradition. We have to join the military." explained Rachel.

------------------------------------------------

"I've been better. I have seen men die before. But this was horrifying. " replied the Minister.

"Its a family tradition. We have to join the military." explained Rachel.

------------------------------------------------

"I've been better. I have seen men die before. But this was horrifying. " replied the Minister.

"Oh, I see" Yuri said sympathetically. "I suppose, in a land of peace...there isn't much for military tradition." He caught what he was saying and retracted a bit, "But we're a strong people...a lot of us have long military backgrounds. For instance, my friend Daniel can trace his lineage back to the first Nordic settlers here."

---------

"We'll find out who did it," the Lieutenant assured him. "That bombing was not only a threat on your life, but an assault on sovereign Commonwealth territory."

"Oh, I see" Yuri said sympathetically. "I suppose, in a land of peace...there isn't much for military tradition." He caught what he was saying and retracted a bit, "But we're a strong people...a lot of us have long military backgrounds. For instance, my friend Daniel can trace his lineage back to the first Nordic settlers here."

---------

"We'll find out who did it," the Lieutenant assured him. "That bombing was not only a threat on your life, but an assault on sovereign Commonwealth territory."

"Well, Greal is not exactly the most peaceful country. By my count, ever since we entered world stage, we have suffered sixteen wars and invasions." said Rachel sadly,"I wonder if it will ever end."

---------------------------------------

"Yes. The person who did it didn't have to bomb the carrier to. Were there any casualties from your crew in the bombing?"

"Well, Greal is not exactly the most peaceful country. By my count, ever since we entered world stage, we have suffered sixteen wars and invasions." said Rachel sadly,"I wonder if it will ever end."

---------------------------------------

"Yes. The person who did it didn't have to bomb the carrier to. Were there any casualties from your crew in the bombing?"

"I'm sorry..." Yuri said as he placed an encouraging hand on her shoulder. "But if there's one thing this war has taught me...it's that peace will prevail."

---------------

"I got you to the Vogel so quickly," Mitchell answered, "That I didn't even stop to look...I surely hope not."

"I'm sorry..." Yuri said as he placed an encouraging hand on her shoulder. "But if there's one thing this war has taught me...it's that peace will prevail."

---------------

"I got you to the Vogel so quickly," Mitchell answered, "That I didn't even stop to look...I surely hope not."

Rachel suddenly became a little nervous when Yuri placed his hand on her shoulder. She didn't know why and didn't respond to Yuri.

--------------------------------------------------------------

"Can you please find out if there were any?"

Yuri noticed her silence and got uncomfortable. He didn't know why he'd reached out to her like that. He brought his hand back and held both in his lap.

"S-sorry..." he mumbled.

----------

"Right away, Comrade-Minister," Mitchell said as he went to the forward crew area.

ooc: how old is rachel, btw?

Yuri noticed her silence and got uncomfortable. He didn't know why he'd reached out to her like that. He brought his hand back and held both in his lap.

"S-sorry..." he mumbled.

----------

"Right away, Comrade-Minister," Mitchell said as he went to the forward crew area.

ooc: how old is rachel, btw?

"Its alright." said Rachel quietly, looking at the scenery, afraid of glancing at Yuri.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The minister watched the sea as he waited for the report.

OOC: A year older then Jessica, why?

Yuri kept his eyes away from her, too. He didn't know what to say...

The ride grew quiet as the driver kept his eyes on the road. Yuri took a look at his watch; 1311. That meant there was still quite a while for them to be on the road with each other.

--------------

Mitchell came back to the cabin after a short while.

"Sir, the Agamemnon reports that, while there were no casualties save from the helicopter crew, several crewmen were seriously injured and are currently being treated in SickBay."

ooc: 'cause any older and it'd be kinda inappropriate for yuri to hit on her

Yuri kept his eyes away from her, too. He didn't know what to say...

The ride grew quiet as the driver kept his eyes on the road. Yuri took a look at his watch; 1311. That meant there was still quite a while for them to be on the road with each other.

--------------

Mitchell came back to the cabin after a short while.

"Sir, the Agamemnon reports that, while there were no casualties save from the helicopter crew, several crewmen were seriously injured and are currently being treated in SickBay."

ooc: 'cause any older and it'd be kinda inappropriate for yuri to hit on her

OOC: LOL, I would like to see that happening. :D
IC:

Rachel was quiet during the next fifty minutes. Not sure what to say.

---------------------------------------

"Alright, thank you." said the Minister,"How long until we get to the base?"

OOC: LOL, I would like to see that happening. :D
IC:

Rachel was quiet during the next fifty minutes. Not sure what to say.

---------------------------------------

"Alright, thank you." said the Minister,"How long until we get to the base?"

Not being able to stand the quiet any longer, Yuri decided to try and talk again.

"So...Rachel..." he hesitated, "This wedding thing is kinda sudden, isn't it?" Yuri nervously chuckled. "Were you able to get a date in time..." his voice trailed off as he realized what he'd just said. "I mean...uhm, it's nothing...nevermind." Oh bother, he thought. Why'd I have to say that to her?

-------------

"We'll be refueling in an hour, and after that we'll have another couple of hours before we reach Helheim."

ooc: remember how the priest talked about 'sessions.'? i think we'll just do that off-screen, ok? and assume she's been attending all along. also, what will minister park think of them living together...?

Not being able to stand the quiet any longer, Yuri decided to try and talk again.

"So...Rachel..." he hesitated, "This wedding thing is kinda sudden, isn't it?" Yuri nervously chuckled. "Were you able to get a date in time..." his voice trailed off as he realized what he'd just said. "I mean...uhm, it's nothing...nevermind." Oh bother, he thought. Why'd I have to say that to her?

-------------

"We'll be refueling in an hour, and after that we'll have another couple of hours before we reach Helheim."

ooc: remember how the priest talked about 'sessions.'? i think we'll just do that off-screen, ok? and assume she's been attending all along. also, what will minister park think of them living together...?

Rachel suddenly smiled and then asked,"What do you mean?"

--------------------------------------------------------

"Alright." said the Minister, looking out at the sea, and a Greal cruiser nearby, a small speck in the distance.

OOC: Well, the Park family is shocked.

"Well...that is," Yuri began. He was glad she wasn't offended or angry, and decided to be a bit bolder, "Aren't girls supposed to have a date to weddings...or something? I mean, I see that in the movies..." Yuri fixed his glasses nervously.

-------

"Would you care for a drink or something, Comrade-Minister?"

"Well...that is," Yuri began. He was glad she wasn't offended or angry, and decided to be a bit bolder, "Aren't girls supposed to have a date to weddings...or something? I mean, I see that in the movies..." Yuri fixed his glasses nervously.

-------

"Would you care for a drink or something, Comrade-Minister?"

"Are you asking me out on a date?" asked Rachel, in a sexy-like voice.

---------------------------------------------------

"Do you have any juice?" asked the Minister.

"Are you asking me out on a date?" asked Rachel, in a sexy-like voice.

---------------------------------------------------

"Do you have any juice?" asked the Minister.

"Um..." Yuri gulped. He'd taken a chance and gotten that far, but now what. He felt his cheeks flush deep red and dipped his head a bit, "Y-yeah, I guess I am," he finally answered.

------------

"Yes sir," Mitchell answered as he went to the small hatch built into the bulkhead. "Apple or orange?"

"Um..." Yuri gulped. He'd taken a chance and gotten that far, but now what. He felt his cheeks flush deep red and dipped his head a bit, "Y-yeah, I guess I am," he finally answered.

------------

"Yes sir," Mitchell answered as he went to the small hatch built into the bulkhead. "Apple or orange?"

Rachel now turned around from scenery to look at her "date". "Alright. At the marriage?" she asked, still in her sexy-like voice.

--------------------------------------------------------

"Apple please." said the Minister, looking at his laptop.

Yuri did his best to straighten his back, to look a lot more confident than he felt.

"Y-yeah," he replied, glad that the quaver in his voice was almost negligible.

Before she could answer, the Jeep braked suddenly. Yuri looked forward as the convoy exited the interstate. Above them, a pair of jet fighters on patrol rocketed across the sky. The convoy slowed as the first of the trucks reached the guardhouse. Each truck was passed through individually. When the guard got to the Jeep holding Rachel and Yuri, he looked suspiciously at her credentials.

"And who is it you're visiting?"

-------------

Mitchell selected one from the row and passed it along to the Defense Minister as he sat down across from him.

Yuri did his best to straighten his back, to look a lot more confident than he felt.

"Y-yeah," he replied, glad that the quaver in his voice was almost negligible.

Before she could answer, the Jeep braked suddenly. Yuri looked forward as the convoy exited the interstate. Above them, a pair of jet fighters on patrol rocketed across the sky. The convoy slowed as the first of the trucks reached the guardhouse. Each truck was passed through individually. When the guard got to the Jeep holding Rachel and Yuri, he looked suspiciously at her credentials.

"And who is it you're visiting?"

-------------

Mitchell selected one from the row and passed it along to the Defense Minister as he sat down across from him.

"My younger sister, Jessica Park." replied Rachel, turning to the guard.

----------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you." said the Minister, drinking a little then,"So what branch of the military are you in?"

The guard called into the Security Office and waited a few moments before flagging them on.

"You're clear."

"Well," Yuri chuckled, "That was interesting."

-----------

"Maritime Forces, sir," the Lieutenant answered.

The guard called into the Security Office and waited a few moments before flagging them on.

"You're clear."

"Well," Yuri chuckled, "That was interesting."

-----------

"Maritime Forces, sir," the Lieutenant answered.

Rachel did not know what to say. She now had feelings for Yuri. Wait until her father found out that two of his daughters are going after Commonwealth military personnel.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

San Salvus

A plane from the Commonwealth's main airport landed. On board were a few passengers that had come from Greal....


-------------------------------------------------

The Minister smiled, "I should have figured that. I thought you were air force."

Rachel did not know what to say. She now had feelings for Yuri. Wait until her father found out that two of his daughters are going after Commonwealth military personnel.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

San Salvus

A plane from the Commonwealth's main airport landed. On board were a few passengers that had come from Greal....


-------------------------------------------------

The Minister smiled, "I should have figured that. I thought you were air force."

The Jeep dropped them off where they'd been told Jessica was berthed. Yuri led the way, counting down the numbers until they reached the right one.

"You wanna knock?" he asked Rachel.

------

"Welcome to San Salvus; persons arriving for recovery efforts should report to the nearest CD Forces office."

--------------

"I can't see how you thought that," Mitchell chuckled a bit, "But it's ok. I'm sure our soldiers in Greal get your uniforms switched around sometimes."

The Jeep dropped them off where they'd been told Jessica was berthed. Yuri led the way, counting down the numbers until they reached the right one.

"You wanna knock?" he asked Rachel.

------

"Welcome to San Salvus; persons arriving for recovery efforts should report to the nearest CD Forces office."

--------------

"I can't see how you thought that," Mitchell chuckled a bit, "But it's ok. I'm sure our soldiers in Greal get your uniforms switched around sometimes."

Jessica heard someone knocking on the door. Freeing herself from Yvgenni, and waking himself in the process, she went over to open the door. She found herself face to face with....Rachel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

A Greal male passenger, wearing sunglasses instead looked for the exit out of the airport.

---------------------------------------------------

"Well, I assumed you were with the plane." said the Minister.

Jessica heard someone knocking on the door. Freeing herself from Yvgenni, and waking himself in the process, she went over to open the door. She found herself face to face with....Rachel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

A Greal male passenger, wearing sunglasses instead looked for the exit out of the airport.

---------------------------------------------------

"Well, I assumed you were with the plane." said the Minister.

"Hey, Jessica," Yvgenni called out after her. He tried to rub the sleep from his eyes as he stumbled out of bed after her, "Who is it?"

------------

"All passengers, please make note that there is a 15 minute wait limit on vehicles parked at the east and north exits...Vehicles who fail to comply may be towed at the owner's expense."

-----------------

"Oh, I see," Mitchell said, "No, I'm the Agamemnon's Public Relations Officer," he explained, "And this Vogel is from the Agamemnon, one of four that she carries."

"Hey, Jessica," Yvgenni called out after her. He tried to rub the sleep from his eyes as he stumbled out of bed after her, "Who is it?"

------------

"All passengers, please make note that there is a 15 minute wait limit on vehicles parked at the east and north exits...Vehicles who fail to comply may be towed at the owner's expense."

-----------------

"Oh, I see," Mitchell said, "No, I'm the Agamemnon's Public Relations Officer," he explained, "And this Vogel is from the Agamemnon, one of four that she carries."

Yvgenni found himself looking at a older and more attractive version of Jessica.
"Hello Jessica and Yvgenni. Surprised?"

"I'm surprised you didn't tell us you were coming." replied Jessica.

"I wanted to make an entrance."

Of course.

-----------------------------------------

The sun glasses man was looking to rent a car.

-----------------------------------------

"I'm surprised that the Vogel can be carried on the carrier, but then again, I've heard nothing but praise about this."

"Hello, Rachel," Yvgenni said innocently as he extended his hand, "How're you?"

------------

"Adventure-Rent-a-Car, for all your travel needs," a marquee stated from a kiosk. "Inquire within..."

---------------

"The wings and tail fold inward for storage," Mitchell answered, "And the super-carriers are designed to hold a large compliment."

"Excuse me," the internal radio crackled with the pilot's voice, "We're making our descent to Helheim, please fasten up."

"Hehe, you heard 'em," Mitchell grinned, strapping himself into his seat.

The slow descent they were expecting isn't what they got. To them, the Vogel seemed to stop abrupty, dropping from it's height of a thousand feet to a few hundred in a gentle glide. The rest of the way was vertical as the tilt-fan engines kept the Vogel in a controlled landing. There was a gentle thud as the Vogel's wheels touched tarmac, and the whine of the engine's dying off.

"Minister Park, welcome to the Commonwealth," Mitchell said as he undid the clasps and stood up.

"Hello, Rachel," Yvgenni said innocently as he extended his hand, "How're you?"

------------

"Adventure-Rent-a-Car, for all your travel needs," a marquee stated from a kiosk. "Inquire within..."

---------------

"The wings and tail fold inward for storage," Mitchell answered, "And the super-carriers are designed to hold a large compliment."

"Excuse me," the internal radio crackled with the pilot's voice, "We're making our descent to Helheim, please fasten up."

"Hehe, you heard 'em," Mitchell grinned, strapping himself into his seat.

The slow descent they were expecting isn't what they got. To them, the Vogel seemed to stop abrupty, dropping from it's height of a thousand feet to a few hundred in a gentle glide. The rest of the way was vertical as the tilt-fan engines kept the Vogel in a controlled landing. There was a gentle thud as the Vogel's wheels touched tarmac, and the whine of the engine's dying off.

"Minister Park, welcome to the Commonwealth," Mitchell said as he undid the clasps and stood up.

"Fine. Thank you." said Rachel, shaking his hand and smiling,"So congrats on getting engaged to Jessica."

-------------------------------------------

He went over to the rent-a-car place and looked for a suitable car.


-------------------------------------------------------

The Minister grabbed his bag and said,"This ought to be interesting. Anyone waiting for me?"

"Fine. Thank you." said Rachel, shaking his hand and smiling,"So congrats on getting engaged to Jessica."

-------------------------------------------

He went over to the rent-a-car place and looked for a suitable car.


-------------------------------------------------------

The Minister grabbed his bag and said,"This ought to be interesting. Anyone waiting for me?"

"Thank you very much," Yvgenni beamed, scratching his head abashedly. "Uh, c'mon in, I guess. I'll put on some tea so you girls can catch up..."

------------

"Hello sir," a receptionist said, "Welcome to Adventure. Where would you like us to take you?"

-------------

"Um, I'm not really sure," Mitchell said as the hatch opened.

"Atten-shun!" a Marine officer ordered. A small squad of Marines snapped upright, standing guard along a red carpet at the bottom of the Vogel's steps. Coming from the end of the carpet were three figures; an Air Defense Forces colonel, a business-like woman and an equally businesslike man.

"Present-arms!" the officer barked, each Marine presenting their rifles. The man led the way, flanked by the woman and the colonel. He returned the salute stately, with a slight smile. Dropping his salute, the Marines snapped back to attention.

"Welcome to the Commonwealth," he said as he approached them. "Comrade-Park, I'm Premier Galindo. How was your trip?"

"Thank you very much," Yvgenni beamed, scratching his head abashedly. "Uh, c'mon in, I guess. I'll put on some tea so you girls can catch up..."

------------

"Hello sir," a receptionist said, "Welcome to Adventure. Where would you like us to take you?"

-------------

"Um, I'm not really sure," Mitchell said as the hatch opened.

"Atten-shun!" a Marine officer ordered. A small squad of Marines snapped upright, standing guard along a red carpet at the bottom of the Vogel's steps. Coming from the end of the carpet were three figures; an Air Defense Forces colonel, a business-like woman and an equally businesslike man.

"Present-arms!" the officer barked, each Marine presenting their rifles. The man led the way, flanked by the woman and the colonel. He returned the salute stately, with a slight smile. Dropping his salute, the Marines snapped back to attention.

"Welcome to the Commonwealth," he said as he approached them. "Comrade-Park, I'm Premier Galindo. How was your trip?"

"Yeah sure." said Rachel, she turned back to Yuri,"You want to come in?"

----------------------------------------------

"Helheim airbase. Not sure civilians are allowed there." said the stranger

----------------------------------------------------------

"Except for the explosion, everything was fine. I have recommended the Vogel to our air force for use. They haven't decided yet." said the Minister.

"Yeah sure." said Rachel, she turned back to Yuri,"You want to come in?"

----------------------------------------------

"Helheim airbase. Not sure civilians are allowed there." said the stranger

----------------------------------------------------------

"Except for the explosion, everything was fine. I have recommended the Vogel to our air force for use. They haven't decided yet." said the Minister.

"Sure," Yuri said. He'd been hiding a bit in the back, watching the whole exchange.

Yvgenni opened the door wider and led them in, showing Rachel over to the sofa as he went off to the kitchenette.

"Corporal," he called over to Yuri, "Why don't you help me out?"

"Of course..." Yuri hesitated. The boy joined Yvgenni and they began to busy themselves.

"So," Yvgenni said as he placed the teapot on the burner, stealing a glance at the girls, "How'd you get involved in this."

"Well, Rachel needed a guide, so I sorta offered..."

-------------

"Not normally, sir." the Receptionist answered. "For farther trips, we do have extended leave leases..."

-----------

"Well, we're all glad you've arrived safely," the Premier said as he led the way back across the tarmac. "And our economic secretary will be most overjoyed to hear that...have you eaten yet? We've prepared a small breakfast if you're hungry."

"Sure," Yuri said. He'd been hiding a bit in the back, watching the whole exchange.

Yvgenni opened the door wider and led them in, showing Rachel over to the sofa as he went off to the kitchenette.

"Corporal," he called over to Yuri, "Why don't you help me out?"

"Of course..." Yuri hesitated. The boy joined Yvgenni and they began to busy themselves.

"So," Yvgenni said as he placed the teapot on the burner, stealing a glance at the girls, "How'd you get involved in this."

"Well, Rachel needed a guide, so I sorta offered..."

-------------

"Not normally, sir." the Receptionist answered. "For farther trips, we do have extended leave leases..."

-----------

"Well, we're all glad you've arrived safely," the Premier said as he led the way back across the tarmac. "And our economic secretary will be most overjoyed to hear that...have you eaten yet? We've prepared a small breakfast if you're hungry."

Jessica was not very happy Rachel was here, but she managed to hide it well. When Yuri and Yvgenni were at the kitchen discussing, Rachel and Jessica were also talking.

"What are you doing here? And who is that?" asked Jessica glancing Yuri.

"He helped me make my way here. Calm down."

"Look, if you're here to disrupt my marriage, then be careful." said Jessica showing anger on her face.

"I won't do a thing."

"And where is Edward?" asked Jessica.

"He took a later flight."

-----------------------------------------

"Alright, I would prefer a SUV. How much?"

-----------------------------------------------------

"Breakfast sounds fantastic." said the Minister.

Jessica was not very happy Rachel was here, but she managed to hide it well. When Yuri and Yvgenni were at the kitchen discussing, Rachel and Jessica were also talking.

"What are you doing here? And who is that?" asked Jessica glancing Yuri.

"He helped me make my way here. Calm down."

"Look, if you're here to disrupt my marriage, then be careful." said Jessica showing anger on her face.

"I won't do a thing."

"And where is Edward?" asked Jessica.

"He took a later flight."

-----------------------------------------

"Alright, I would prefer a SUV. How much?"

-----------------------------------------------------

"Breakfast sounds fantastic." said the Minister.

"Fancy her?" Yvgenni asked.

"Well, I've only known her for a little over a day," Yuri answered, "But she's nice."

"Just make sure before it gets serious," Yvgenni offered, "I've heard some interesting things about Jessica's sister..."

The teapot whistled and they busily prepared the tea, with Yvgenni bringing the cups over while Yuri was tasked with bringing the biscuits and other essentials.

"And how have you fine ladies enjoyed our absence?" Yvgenni winked at Jessica.

-----------

"We have a Land Rover, a GMC Hummer H2, and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Prices for each are $45, $65, $35 a day, respectively. We do ask that at the return, the gas tank be at least 3/4 full or we may charge for refueling. We must also ask that you sign a contract agreeing not to take any of our SUVs off-road..."

----------

"Great," the Premier beamed, leading the way. He noticed Samantha's raised eyebrow and noticed his faux pas. "Forgive me," he said as they walked, "This is my NSA Samantha Lexi," he pointed to the woman, "And this will be the man giving away the bride, Col. Dmitri Polenin."

"Pleasure to meet you," both said as they offered their hands.

"Fancy her?" Yvgenni asked.

"Well, I've only known her for a little over a day," Yuri answered, "But she's nice."

"Just make sure before it gets serious," Yvgenni offered, "I've heard some interesting things about Jessica's sister..."

The teapot whistled and they busily prepared the tea, with Yvgenni bringing the cups over while Yuri was tasked with bringing the biscuits and other essentials.

"And how have you fine ladies enjoyed our absence?" Yvgenni winked at Jessica.

-----------

"We have a Land Rover, a GMC Hummer H2, and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Prices for each are $45, $65, $35 a day, respectively. We do ask that at the return, the gas tank be at least 3/4 full or we may charge for refueling. We must also ask that you sign a contract agreeing not to take any of our SUVs off-road..."

----------

"Great," the Premier beamed, leading the way. He noticed Samantha's raised eyebrow and noticed his faux pas. "Forgive me," he said as they walked, "This is my NSA Samantha Lexi," he pointed to the woman, "And this will be the man giving away the bride, Col. Dmitri Polenin."

"Pleasure to meet you," both said as they offered their hands.

"Fine, just catching up on what happened, said Rachel, smiling at Yvgenni and Yuri. That charming smile.

----------------------------------------------------

"GMC Hummer H2 is fine. Please bring the papers for me to sign." said the stranger, still wearing his sunglasses, indoors, which was odd.

----------------------------------------------------

He smiled then shook their hands, "Pleasure to meet you both."

ooc: realized i screwed up. it should be yvgenni's dad who's there, not dmitri

ic:

Yvgenni smiled back but kept his eyes on Jessica as he passed her her tea.

"That's good," he answered, "I suspect sisters would have a lot to talk about, right Yuri?"

He glanced over at Yuri, who held a stupid smile on his face, totally enamoured with Rachel's smile.

-----------

"Here you are sir," she said, passing over a clipboard with the appropriate papers and a pen.

----------

"It'd finally good to meet you," Yvgenni's father chuckled, "It's always an occasion when the father of the bride meets the father of the groom."

ooc: so assume it's been congressman govena, and not col. polenin.

ooc: realized i screwed up. it should be yvgenni's dad who's there, not dmitri

ic:

Yvgenni smiled back but kept his eyes on Jessica as he passed her her tea.

"That's good," he answered, "I suspect sisters would have a lot to talk about, right Yuri?"

He glanced over at Yuri, who held a stupid smile on his face, totally enamoured with Rachel's smile.

-----------

"Here you are sir," she said, passing over a clipboard with the appropriate papers and a pen.

----------

"It'd finally good to meet you," Yvgenni's father chuckled, "It's always an occasion when the father of the bride meets the father of the groom."

ooc: so assume it's been congressman govena, and not col. polenin.

Jessica took the tea and kept an eye on Rachel. This would only be the beginning.

Rachel then looked back at Yuri briefly and saw his smile. Of course other people could be induced by Rachel.

---------------------------------------

The stranger signed it "Edward Park" and handed back the clipboard, smiling at the receptionist. Always be friendly Edward learned.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Its finally nice to meet you too." said the Minister, then he looked gloomily," Unfortunately Jessica's mother died a few days ago, and I have to pass that information on to her."

Jessica took the tea and kept an eye on Rachel. This would only be the beginning.

Rachel then looked back at Yuri briefly and saw his smile. Of course other people could be induced by Rachel.

---------------------------------------

The stranger signed it "Edward Park" and handed back the clipboard, smiling at the receptionist. Always be friendly Edward learned.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Its finally nice to meet you too." said the Minister, then he looked gloomily," Unfortunately Jessica's mother died a few days ago, and I have to pass that information on to her."

"So, Rachel," Yvgenni said to keep the conversation going, "What do you think of the Commonwealth so far? We're just recovering from a war, so pardon if we cannot be as hospitable as usual."

-----------

"Here are your keys," she informed him, "The license plate is HKM-456, located in the third row of the parking lot outside. Enjoy your drive and thanks for your business."

Two men walked into the office at that moment and waited patiently, standing by the offered chairs. One took out a cell-phone and dialed.

------------

"I'm sorry to hear that," Andelko replied. "I remember having to tell Yvgenni the same thing when my wife died years ago...if there's anything you need..."

They got to the private mess hall just as a man came running towards them. He slowed a bit and jogged up to the Premier, whispering in his ear.

"Sir, we've tracked him down. San Salvus."

"Oh, that's good," the Premier said.

"He's rented a car and will be traveling here."

"Let the guardhouses know he may pass," the Premier answered. "And keep an eye on him."

"Yes, Comrade-Premier," the aide said as he dashed off to pass along the orders.

"So, Rachel," Yvgenni said to keep the conversation going, "What do you think of the Commonwealth so far? We're just recovering from a war, so pardon if we cannot be as hospitable as usual."

-----------

"Here are your keys," she informed him, "The license plate is HKM-456, located in the third row of the parking lot outside. Enjoy your drive and thanks for your business."

Two men walked into the office at that moment and waited patiently, standing by the offered chairs. One took out a cell-phone and dialed.

------------

"I'm sorry to hear that," Andelko replied. "I remember having to tell Yvgenni the same thing when my wife died years ago...if there's anything you need..."

They got to the private mess hall just as a man came running towards them. He slowed a bit and jogged up to the Premier, whispering in his ear.

"Sir, we've tracked him down. San Salvus."

"Oh, that's good," the Premier said.

"He's rented a car and will be traveling here."

"Let the guardhouses know he may pass," the Premier answered. "And keep an eye on him."

"Yes, Comrade-Premier," the aide said as he dashed off to pass along the orders.

"Well, I've seen nothing but wrecked cars and a countryside on the way here. Reminds me of Greal." said Rachel, turning to Yvgenni. Jessica looked a little annoyed.

----------------------------------

The stranger thanked the receptionist and walked away. He found his car quickly, placed his bag next to him and drove off. He wanted to avoid attention.

-----------------------------------------------

"Is something wrong?" asked the Minister to the Premier.

"Well, I've seen nothing but wrecked cars and a countryside on the way here. Reminds me of Greal." said Rachel, turning to Yvgenni. Jessica looked a little annoyed.

----------------------------------

The stranger thanked the receptionist and walked away. He found his car quickly, placed his bag next to him and drove off. He wanted to avoid attention.

-----------------------------------------------

"Is something wrong?" asked the Minister to the Premier.

"Hopefully, with our war efforts concentrated on Reconstruction, the Commonwealth can be the peaceful jewel it used to be," Yvgenni said hopefully. He looked at his tea, Rachels gaze making him uncomfortable, especially with the look on Jessica's face. Is this how sisters behave? he thought.

-------------

Several car lengths behind, a blue BMW M5 followed closely. The two plainclothes men of the Commonwealth FSO had been advised to tail the man and ensure his safe travel.

-------------------

"Your son has arrived, I believe," Premier Galindo answered as they walked in. "Edward Park, correct?"

"Hopefully, with our war efforts concentrated on Reconstruction, the Commonwealth can be the peaceful jewel it used to be," Yvgenni said hopefully. He looked at his tea, Rachels gaze making him uncomfortable, especially with the look on Jessica's face. Is this how sisters behave? he thought.

-------------

Several car lengths behind, a blue BMW M5 followed closely. The two plainclothes men of the Commonwealth FSO had been advised to tail the man and ensure his safe travel.

-------------------

"Your son has arrived, I believe," Premier Galindo answered as they walked in. "Edward Park, correct?"

Rachel didn't say anything in response glanced at Yuri to see what he was doing, while Jessica kept her eye on Rachel while drinking her tea. Tension mounted a little.

--------------------------------------

The stranger watched the line of cars behind him through a mirror as he drove on.

-------------------------------------------

"Oh great. Edward's here? That's just great."said the Minister showing anger on his face, then he quickly explained,"Edward is in the Greal Intelligence Agency, and also does their dirty work for them. He's as charming as he is ruthless."

Rachel didn't say anything in response glanced at Yuri to see what he was doing, while Jessica kept her eye on Rachel while drinking her tea. Tension mounted a little.

--------------------------------------

The stranger watched the line of cars behind him through a mirror as he drove on.

-------------------------------------------

"Oh great. Edward's here? That's just great."said the Minister showing anger on his face, then he quickly explained,"Edward is in the Greal Intelligence Agency, and also does their dirty work for them. He's as charming as he is ruthless."

Yuri looked up from his tea, "I hope that we can rebuild San Salvus," he said, less hopeful that Yvgenni had been.

"I'm sure we will," Yvgenni replied, "It's an important part of what the Commonwealth stands for. It shall be our Jewel once more."

----------

After a few miles, the BMW exited the interstate, and an equally nondescript red Volvo pulled on at the next on-ramp.

----------

"Well, I do have FSO agents making sure he travels safely," the Premier replied. Internally, he thought, Minister Park didn't seem the kind to have a child like that.

Yuri looked up from his tea, "I hope that we can rebuild San Salvus," he said, less hopeful that Yvgenni had been.

"I'm sure we will," Yvgenni replied, "It's an important part of what the Commonwealth stands for. It shall be our Jewel once more."

----------

After a few miles, the BMW exited the interstate, and an equally nondescript red Volvo pulled on at the next on-ramp.

----------

"Well, I do have FSO agents making sure he travels safely," the Premier replied. Internally, he thought, Minister Park didn't seem the kind to have a child like that.

"San Salvus, is it an important town?" asked Rachel to Yvgenni, skillfully pretending she was interested.

---------------------------------

Edward smiled, of course the government would watch him since his father was nearly killed in that explosion.

---------------------------------------------

The Minister seemed to read the Premier's thoughts,"Back in the dictatorship days, Edward was taken away to a special training school for future agents. That would explain his ruthlessness."

"San Salvus, is it an important town?" asked Rachel to Yvgenni, skillfully pretending she was interested.

---------------------------------

Edward smiled, of course the government would watch him since his father was nearly killed in that explosion.

---------------------------------------------

The Minister seemed to read the Premier's thoughts,"Back in the dictatorship days, Edward was taken away to a special training school for future agents. That would explain his ruthlessness."

"Yuri, would you care to explain?" Yvgenni offered.

"Sure thing," he nodded. "The first of the Revolutionaries met in San Salvus in the early Forties, and eventually these men formed the core of the November Revolution. During the Occupation, we even used some of the same catacombs they used to hide from the Czarists." Yuri beamed, he was quite proud of his little town.

------------

"Bolzhe moi," the Premier commented as they seated themselves, "I thought such atrocities were a thing of he past..."

"Yuri, would you care to explain?" Yvgenni offered.

"Sure thing," he nodded. "The first of the Revolutionaries met in San Salvus in the early Forties, and eventually these men formed the core of the November Revolution. During the Occupation, we even used some of the same catacombs they used to hide from the Czarists." Yuri beamed, he was quite proud of his little town.

------------

"Bolzhe moi," the Premier commented as they seated themselves, "I thought such atrocities were a thing of he past..."

"Thank you." said Rachel smiling at Yuri before drinking her tea.

--------------------------------------------------

"Oh no. Greal used to be ruled by a brutal dictator. Until earlier this year, an alliance forced him to make this nation democratic." said the minister,"The horrid thing is I was the Minister of defense during the dictatorship days."

"Y-you're welcome," Yuri answered, scratching his head self-consciously.

------------

"Well, since our Revolution, we've strived to maintain our peaceful democracy by all means," the Premier assured him, "It was with a heavy heart that I accepted nomination for the presidency. It's a heavy burden, being entrusted to the security of democracy."

"Y-you're welcome," Yuri answered, scratching his head self-consciously.

------------

"Well, since our Revolution, we've strived to maintain our peaceful democracy by all means," the Premier assured him, "It was with a heavy heart that I accepted nomination for the presidency. It's a heavy burden, being entrusted to the security of democracy."

"So,"said Rachel turning to Jessica and Yvgenni,"when is the marriage?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Well the reason I'm worried is that Edward has made many enemies doing his work in the GIA."

"So,"said Rachel turning to Jessica and Yvgenni,"when is the marriage?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Well the reason I'm worried is that Edward has made many enemies doing his work in the GIA."

"This weekend," Yvgenni answered, "Father Mulcahy has been very accomodating to us."

----------

"Rest assured, the FSO agents main responsibility is to keep him safe."

ooc: fso is like the secret service, btw

"This weekend," Yvgenni answered, "Father Mulcahy has been very accomodating to us."

----------

"Rest assured, the FSO agents main responsibility is to keep him safe."

ooc: fso is like the secret service, btw

"He's the priest for the wedding?" asked Rachel.

---------------------------------------------------

"Anyway, whats for breakfast?" asked the Minister, sounding cheerful again.

"He's the priest for the wedding?" asked Rachel.

---------------------------------------------------

"Anyway, whats for breakfast?" asked the Minister, sounding cheerful again.

"Yeah, he's the base chaplain," Yvgenni explained, "He's pretty cool, for a priest."

---------

As the Minister asked this, a server came up with their plates, loaded with eggs, bacon, potatoes and biscuits in gravy.

"I hope you're hungry," the Premier chuckled as he picked up his fork.

"Yeah, he's the base chaplain," Yvgenni explained, "He's pretty cool, for a priest."

---------

As the Minister asked this, a server came up with their plates, loaded with eggs, bacon, potatoes and biscuits in gravy.

"I hope you're hungry," the Premier chuckled as he picked up his fork.

"So, where do I stay? Do you have another room?"

------------------------------------------

"Thank you." said the Minister, before digging in. The long air trip had nothing but apple juice.

"So, where do I stay? Do you have another room?"

------------------------------------------

"Thank you." said the Minister, before digging in. The long air trip had nothing but apple juice.

"Y'know, I'm not really sure," Yvgenni thought about it, "I'll contact Base Housing if you want..."

----------

Samantha cleared her throat and elbowed the Premier.

"Forgetting something...?"

"Oh..." he said, wiping his mouth with a cloth napkin. He bowed his head, as did Samantha and Andelko, "We thank You for this meal and ask for Your guidance in our duties."

"Amen," they responded before continuing with their meal.

"Y'know, I'm not really sure," Yvgenni thought about it, "I'll contact Base Housing if you want..."

----------

Samantha cleared her throat and elbowed the Premier.

"Forgetting something...?"

"Oh..." he said, wiping his mouth with a cloth napkin. He bowed his head, as did Samantha and Andelko, "We thank You for this meal and ask for Your guidance in our duties."

"Amen," they responded before continuing with their meal.

"Sure. Thanks." said Rachel, attempting to flirt with Yvgenni, then she flirted with Yuri, testing him also,"You have a place to stay?"

-------------------------------------------------------------

"People in Greal are not very religious. In fact, its outlawed in some cities." said the Minister, eating some of the eggs.

"Sure. Thanks." said Rachel, attempting to flirt with Yvgenni, then she flirted with Yuri, testing him also,"You have a place to stay?"

-------------------------------------------------------------

"People in Greal are not very religious. In fact, its outlawed in some cities." said the Minister, eating some of the eggs.

"I'm in the same boat," Yuri chuckled, a bit of a blush coming on his cheeks. "I suppose I could help Yvgenni with that."

"Sure thing," Yvgenni answered.

-----------

"Oh, well far be it for us to judge others," the Premier replied, "But to outlaw religion...at least to me, seems to be against what democracy and liberty are about."

"I'm in the same boat," Yuri chuckled, a bit of a blush coming on his cheeks. "I suppose I could help Yvgenni with that."

"Sure thing," Yvgenni answered.

-----------

"Oh, well far be it for us to judge others," the Premier replied, "But to outlaw religion...at least to me, seems to be against what democracy and liberty are about."

"You alright Jessica?" asked Rachel to Jessica.

"I'm fine." But evidently she wasn't. She managed to hide it well.

"Does anyone have the time?" asked Rachel suddenly."My watch stopped on the plane."

-----------------------------------------

"Well, many cities in Greal are still used to the anti-religious laws from the dictatorship era. The Dictator did well. His son was elected president by a majority of the people earlier this year." said the Minister.

"You alright Jessica?" asked Rachel to Jessica.

"I'm fine." But evidently she wasn't. She managed to hide it well.

"Does anyone have the time?" asked Rachel suddenly."My watch stopped on the plane."

-----------------------------------------

"Well, many cities in Greal are still used to the anti-religious laws from the dictatorship era. The Dictator did well. His son was elected president by a majority of the people earlier this year." said the Minister.

"It's a little past 1030," Yvgenni glanced at his watch. "You could get a new one at the PX."

-----------------

"Your political system is very...complicated," the Premier said, trying to put the matter delicately.

"It's a little past 1030," Yvgenni glanced at his watch. "You could get a new one at the PX."

-----------------

"Your political system is very...complicated," the Premier said, trying to put the matter delicately.

"Alright. Why don't all of us go out and eat lunch?"

Jessica thought for a few moments. It was alright with her.

-----------------------------------------------

"Yes. Though this new president will lead us back to dictators, or even communism. Who knows?" said the Minister grimly.

"Alright. Why don't all of us go out and eat lunch?"

Jessica thought for a few moments. It was alright with her.

-----------------------------------------------

"Yes. Though this new president will lead us back to dictators, or even communism. Who knows?" said the Minister grimly.

"Sure," Yvgenni agreed, after noticing Jessica's approval, "It's all right with me. The Mess should be relatively deserted right now anyway."

Setting the tea cups and other utensils for a later wash, Yvgenni led them out and to the Mess hall.

-------------

"I certainly hope not the former," the Premier answered.

"Sure," Yvgenni agreed, after noticing Jessica's approval, "It's all right with me. The Mess should be relatively deserted right now anyway."

Setting the tea cups and other utensils for a later wash, Yvgenni led them out and to the Mess hall.

-------------

"I certainly hope not the former," the Premier answered.

Rachel and Jessica looked uneasily at each other. Every time either of the boys turned around to see what was up, they smiled and said nothing. The Mess Hall did seem deserted.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Anyway. That was a splendid breakfast. I would like to see my daughters now. I hear Rachel is here."

Rachel and Jessica looked uneasily at each other. Every time either of the boys turned around to see what was up, they smiled and said nothing. The Mess Hall did seem deserted.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Anyway. That was a splendid breakfast. I would like to see my daughters now. I hear Rachel is here."

As Yuri scanned the room, he froze in mid-stride. He'd seen pictures and tv broadcasts, but still, "Is that...?" he nodded to a group that was about to leave.

"Yes it is," Yvgenni chuckled. "No wonder it's deserted, the Premier is here."

-------------

"Sure thing," the Premier said as he stood up. "Let's track them down."

"Sir," Samantha said with a grin, "I think they tracked us down."

As Yuri scanned the room, he froze in mid-stride. He'd seen pictures and tv broadcasts, but still, "Is that...?" he nodded to a group that was about to leave.

"Yes it is," Yvgenni chuckled. "No wonder it's deserted, the Premier is here."

-------------

"Sure thing," the Premier said as he stood up. "Let's track them down."

"Sir," Samantha said with a grin, "I think they tracked us down."

Jessica and Rachel froze for a moment, the Minister was also there.

The Minister looked around at the incoming group and recognized his daughters quickly.

Jessica and Rachel froze for a moment, the Minister was also there.

The Minister looked around at the incoming group and recognized his daughters quickly.

As the Premier and his entrourage approached them, Yuri and Yvgenni both snapped to attention, bringing their hands up to salute.

"At ease," the Premier said as they met up with them.

Yvgenni extended his hand towards Minister Park, "Pleasure to meet you sir, I'm Sgt. Yvgenni Govena."

As the Premier and his entrourage approached them, Yuri and Yvgenni both snapped to attention, bringing their hands up to salute.

"At ease," the Premier said as they met up with them.

Yvgenni extended his hand towards Minister Park, "Pleasure to meet you sir, I'm Sgt. Yvgenni Govena."

The Minister took the hand,"Pleasure to meet you Sergeant. I'm the Greal Minister of Defense. Not sure that counts for anything."

"Dad, where is Edward?" asked Jessica

"Not sure. Don't worry. The government here is watching him after what happened..."

"After what?" asked Rachel and Jessica

"Never mind." said the Minister sighing.

The Minister took the hand,"Pleasure to meet you Sergeant. I'm the Greal Minister of Defense. Not sure that counts for anything."

"Dad, where is Edward?" asked Jessica

"Not sure. Don't worry. The government here is watching him after what happened..."

"After what?" asked Rachel and Jessica

"Never mind." said the Minister sighing.

"Edward?" Yvgenni quieried. He shifted his eyes from the daughters to their father. What wasn't he telling them? he thought.

"Edward?" Yvgenni quieried. He shifted his eyes from the daughters to their father. What wasn't he telling them? he thought.

"Edward is our brother." explained Rachel, apparently she was serious.

"Anyway, were you guys coming to eat late breakfast?" asked the Minister

"Actually, we were coming here to eat an early lunch."

"Well, it's obvious you have much to talk about," the Premier said as he shifted glances between the kids, Minister Park and Congressman Govena. "We'll leave you to catch up." As he and Samantha began to walk off, the Premier grabbed Yuri by the collar and pulled him away, "Come along..." he sighed.

"It's finally good to see you in person," Yvgenni's father said as he went to shake Jessica's hand. He turned to Minister Park, "The Premier is right, we have a lot to discuss."

"Well, it's obvious you have much to talk about," the Premier said as he shifted glances between the kids, Minister Park and Congressman Govena. "We'll leave you to catch up." As he and Samantha began to walk off, the Premier grabbed Yuri by the collar and pulled him away, "Come along..." he sighed.

"It's finally good to see you in person," Yvgenni's father said as he went to shake Jessica's hand. He turned to Minister Park, "The Premier is right, we have a lot to discuss."

"Alright, what is on everyone's mind?"

---------------------------------------

Still plenty of daylight left. He was a few hours from the base. Edward expected to be stopped by a checkpoint at some point.

"Well, the rehearsal is in a couple of days," Yvgenni explained, "So I'm glad almost everyone is here...perhaps we should set up another meeting with Father Mulcahy..."

---------

The Interstate was still blocked off at a certain point, since there were still hazards along the border. A pair of MPs saw an approaching SUV and flagged it down. Nearby, their comrades in Humvees parked as a blockade climbed into the turrets, knowing it was probably just another routine stop.

ooc: is jessica going to inform them she's converting?

"Well, the rehearsal is in a couple of days," Yvgenni explained, "So I'm glad almost everyone is here...perhaps we should set up another meeting with Father Mulcahy..."

---------

The Interstate was still blocked off at a certain point, since there were still hazards along the border. A pair of MPs saw an approaching SUV and flagged it down. Nearby, their comrades in Humvees parked as a blockade climbed into the turrets, knowing it was probably just another routine stop.

ooc: is jessica going to inform them she's converting?

OOC: She is afraid to. You did see how the Minister talked about it.
IC:

"That's nice. Have you chose anyone to be your best man?"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Edward sighed and pulled over and waited for questions to start. He was dressed in a business suit and had a glock that he managed to get past security here and in Greal. The gun was safely somewhere else.

"Not really," Yvgenni scratched his head, "I was gonna ask a friend of mine who was in my squad, though..."

--------------

"License and travel permit?" the MP asked as he approached the driver's side.

"Not really," Yvgenni scratched his head, "I was gonna ask a friend of mine who was in my squad, though..."

--------------

"License and travel permit?" the MP asked as he approached the driver's side.

"What about you Jessica?" asked the Minister.

"Well, Rachel is fine. But I need one more."

------------------------------------------

Edward showed him his travel permit and license, and there happened to be a gIA badge next to the permit.

"What about you Jessica?" asked the Minister.

"Well, Rachel is fine. But I need one more."

------------------------------------------

Edward showed him his travel permit and license, and there happened to be a gIA badge next to the permit.

Yvgenni held his tongue. He didn't think it was appropriate to mention Sara at the moment. He still hoped the two of them would work through it, he wanted his friend back as much as he wanted his bride-to-be.

--------------

"Ok, you're good," the guard said. "Remember to show these again at the gate." he said before waving him through.

Yvgenni held his tongue. He didn't think it was appropriate to mention Sara at the moment. He still hoped the two of them would work through it, he wanted his friend back as much as he wanted his bride-to-be.

--------------

"Ok, you're good," the guard said. "Remember to show these again at the gate." he said before waving him through.

The Minister noticed Yvgenni wanting to talk about something, "Is something wrong?"

-----------------------

"Thank you." said Edward, he started the car and made his way again to the base by car. He was still wearing his sunglasses.

The Minister noticed Yvgenni wanting to talk about something, "Is something wrong?"

-----------------------

"Thank you." said Edward, he started the car and made his way again to the base by car. He was still wearing his sunglasses.

"No, it's nothing, sir," Yvgenni said evasively. "Just a lot to think about is all."

--------

The soldier passed a sidelong glance at his friend. "That was weird..."

"No, it's nothing, sir," Yvgenni said evasively. "Just a lot to think about is all."

--------

The soldier passed a sidelong glance at his friend. "That was weird..."

"I understand perfectly." said the minister, smiling.

-----------------------------------------------------

Finally after another hour of driving, Edward had reached the base. He prepared for any guards.

"I understand perfectly." said the minister, smiling.

-----------------------------------------------------

Finally after another hour of driving, Edward had reached the base. He prepared for any guards.

Yvgenni wore an abashed smile. "So, should we meet with the priest, then?"

----------

The gate was guarded by a nearby APC and had a pair of anti-ram barriers in its path. From the guardhouse, an MP with a sidearm flagged him to stop.

"ID and travel permit."

Yvgenni wore an abashed smile. "So, should we meet with the priest, then?"

----------

The gate was guarded by a nearby APC and had a pair of anti-ram barriers in its path. From the guardhouse, an MP with a sidearm flagged him to stop.

"ID and travel permit."

"Thats an excellent idea. I have a few words to speak with him."

--------------------------------------------------

Edward stopped the car, and took out his license, ID, and travel permit. And like last time, the GIA badge was there.

"Thats an excellent idea. I have a few words to speak with him."

--------------------------------------------------

Edward stopped the car, and took out his license, ID, and travel permit. And like last time, the GIA badge was there.

"Yes sir," Yvgenni said as he led them to the chapel. He wasn't all that cautious, after all, Mulcahy was an amiable fellow and no one ever had a problem with him. Even the more loudmouthed agnostics and athiests on base liked him. As they approached, Yvgenni waved to the priest, who was trimming the verge of the chapel, humming away gleefully.

"Oh, hello there," Mulcahy greeted them. "How's everyone this morning?"

---------------

The guard ran the numbers, and at the sight of the badge, looked through a ream of papers on his clipboard. It was titled Foreign Badges/Insignia, and he found the GIA picture on the second page. They'd been given instructions beforehand of his arrival and checked his identification one more time to verify it was him.

"Mr. Park, you're cleared."

"Yes sir," Yvgenni said as he led them to the chapel. He wasn't all that cautious, after all, Mulcahy was an amiable fellow and no one ever had a problem with him. Even the more loudmouthed agnostics and athiests on base liked him. As they approached, Yvgenni waved to the priest, who was trimming the verge of the chapel, humming away gleefully.

"Oh, hello there," Mulcahy greeted them. "How's everyone this morning?"

---------------

The guard ran the numbers, and at the sight of the badge, looked through a ream of papers on his clipboard. It was titled Foreign Badges/Insignia, and he found the GIA picture on the second page. They'd been given instructions beforehand of his arrival and checked his identification one more time to verify it was him.

"Mr. Park, you're cleared."

"Father, I would like to present you my....father." said Jessica,"And this is my sister."

------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you." said Edward then he drove to park in a parking lot, if there was one.

"Good morning, Mr. Park, Miss Park," Mulcahy said as he shook their hands respectively. "Bless you."

"This is my father," Yvgenni introduced Andelko.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," the priest replied, shaking his hand.

"The pleasure is mine," the Congressman answered.

"Well, let's not loiter out here," Mulcahy chuckled, "Let's go on inside." He held the door opened and ushered them inside as he led them to his office.

ooc: there is, he found one, i think.

"Good morning, Mr. Park, Miss Park," Mulcahy said as he shook their hands respectively. "Bless you."

"This is my father," Yvgenni introduced Andelko.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," the priest replied, shaking his hand.

"The pleasure is mine," the Congressman answered.

"Well, let's not loiter out here," Mulcahy chuckled, "Let's go on inside." He held the door opened and ushered them inside as he led them to his office.

ooc: there is, he found one, i think.

The whole group went into the small office.

---------------------------------------------

Edward parked his car and went to find the nearest soldier. Perhaps someone can tell him where his father, along his sisters were.

The whole group went into the small office.

---------------------------------------------

Edward parked his car and went to find the nearest soldier. Perhaps someone can tell him where his father, along his sisters were.

"Well, I suppose everyone knows why we're here," Mulcahy chuckled as he sat down at his desk. "Now, the rehearsal is tomorrow, so that'll be an opportune time for those of you unfamiliar with a Mass to learn the particulars, the orders and such...it is customary for a member of the bride's family to read a passage from the Old Testament...preferably from Genesis or some other passage about marriage. I personally like the Song of Songs, though," he chuckled. He looked around at the faces, "Oh, listen to me ramble...you must have a ton of questions for me."

-------------

Sara and Mark were outside, getting some air after another exhaustive session. A man in civvies she didn't recognize walked by, so she called out to him.

"You lost?" she asked, "Can I help?"

"Well, I suppose everyone knows why we're here," Mulcahy chuckled as he sat down at his desk. "Now, the rehearsal is tomorrow, so that'll be an opportune time for those of you unfamiliar with a Mass to learn the particulars, the orders and such...it is customary for a member of the bride's family to read a passage from the Old Testament...preferably from Genesis or some other passage about marriage. I personally like the Song of Songs, though," he chuckled. He looked around at the faces, "Oh, listen to me ramble...you must have a ton of questions for me."

-------------

Sara and Mark were outside, getting some air after another exhaustive session. A man in civvies she didn't recognize walked by, so she called out to him.

"You lost?" she asked, "Can I help?"

"Do you have a bible I would borrow?" asked the Minister,

-------------------------------------------------------

"Yes thank you. I'm just wondering if there are any other civilians here. specially from Greal." said Edward walking up to her.

"Do you have a bible I would borrow?" asked the Minister,

-------------------------------------------------------

"Yes thank you. I'm just wondering if there are any other civilians here. specially from Greal." said Edward walking up to her.

"I wouldn't be much of a priest if I didn't," Mulcahy joked, turning to pick one from a bookshelf behind him. "You'll find this one especially helpful. It has annotations to explain the significance of each passage, the meanings of parables and such...however, since you are giving the bride away, this position is usually left to another member," he explained. "Of course, it is still entirely up to you."

------------

"Well, there are..." Sara supplied. She wondered just who he was. "You look kinda familiar, how do you know them?" she asked.

"I wouldn't be much of a priest if I didn't," Mulcahy joked, turning to pick one from a bookshelf behind him. "You'll find this one especially helpful. It has annotations to explain the significance of each passage, the meanings of parables and such...however, since you are giving the bride away, this position is usually left to another member," he explained. "Of course, it is still entirely up to you."

------------

"Well, there are..." Sara supplied. She wondered just who he was. "You look kinda familiar, how do you know them?" she asked.

"Should give you you my answer now?"

-----------------------------------------------

"Well, Jessica and Rachel happen to be my sisters." said Edward," I presume you met them?"

"Oh, you can discuss amongst yourselves on who wants to do it," Mulcahy said, "But tomorrow is the rehearsal, so make your decision by then."

------------

"Oh, I see," Sara replied, "Jessica and I were friends in school," she continued, For a time she added silently. "I haven't seen them lately, but...m guess would be either in their quarters or," she thought, "Oh, that's right. They might be talking to the priest."

"Oh, you can discuss amongst yourselves on who wants to do it," Mulcahy said, "But tomorrow is the rehearsal, so make your decision by then."

------------

"Oh, I see," Sara replied, "Jessica and I were friends in school," she continued, For a time she added silently. "I haven't seen them lately, but...m guess would be either in their quarters or," she thought, "Oh, that's right. They might be talking to the priest."

"Alright. Thank you." said the Minister, looking at the bible.

--------------------------------------------------------------

"Can you lead me to their quarters, please?" he added thoughtfully. I sense something about this girl. She seems...

"Alright. Thank you." said the Minister, looking at the bible.

--------------------------------------------------------------

"Can you lead me to their quarters, please?" he added thoughtfully. I sense something about this girl. She seems...

"You're quite welcome," Father Mulcahy replied. "Does anyone else have questions regarding the Service? We'll go over everything tomorrow, but it's still a good idea to "test the waters" as it were."

----------------

"Yeah, sure," Sara said, a bit uneasily.

"Should I...?" Mark asked.

"No, we still got work to do," she lied, "Just come with and afterwards we can get back to work."

"Sure, no problem," Mark said, picking up and not breaking stride. Sara led them over to the quarters, all the while asking herself questions about Edward. He certainly seemed different than Jessica, was about all she could conclude.

"You're quite welcome," Father Mulcahy replied. "Does anyone else have questions regarding the Service? We'll go over everything tomorrow, but it's still a good idea to "test the waters" as it were."

----------------

"Yeah, sure," Sara said, a bit uneasily.

"Should I...?" Mark asked.

"No, we still got work to do," she lied, "Just come with and afterwards we can get back to work."

"Sure, no problem," Mark said, picking up and not breaking stride. Sara led them over to the quarters, all the while asking herself questions about Edward. He certainly seemed different than Jessica, was about all she could conclude.

"Should we send out invites today?" asked Rachel, clearly having something in mind.

----------------------------------------

"So, you went to school with Jessica? She mentioned you a few times in Greal." said Edward awkwardly, aware of the situation. He had a few sources at the school who informed him of what had happened.

"Feel free," Mulcahy smiled, "By my predictions, most of the base is invited already," he chuckled. Yvgenni seemed to redden a bit and look away. "I'm sure you already know of the news stories..."

------------

"Oh, she did?" Sara asked. That's surprising... As she went to the door and knocked, Sara resolved that the two of them really needed to talk.

"Feel free," Mulcahy smiled, "By my predictions, most of the base is invited already," he chuckled. Yvgenni seemed to redden a bit and look away. "I'm sure you already know of the news stories..."

------------

"Oh, she did?" Sara asked. That's surprising... As she went to the door and knocked, Sara resolved that the two of them really needed to talk.

Rachel seemed annoyed after hearing the whole base was invited.

"Thats not a surprise." said Jessica, smiling at Yvgenni.

---------------------------------------------------------

No one was inside, since everyone went over to the reverend's office. Edward seemed willing to be patient. "You have a way of getting inside?" asked Edward, curious about the room.

"My comrades are very supportive," Yvgenni answered her. "Just be careful with some of the ones that want to kiss the bride for luck," he kidded.

-------------

"That wouldn't be very kosher, and the military doesn't take kindly to B&E," Sara answered. "How 'bout we go over to the chapel? I'm sure they're there."

"My comrades are very supportive," Yvgenni answered her. "Just be careful with some of the ones that want to kiss the bride for luck," he kidded.

-------------

"That wouldn't be very kosher, and the military doesn't take kindly to B&E," Sara answered. "How 'bout we go over to the chapel? I'm sure they're there."

Jessica was slightly alarmed then she smiled, knowing Yvgenni was kidding around. "How many personnel are in this base?"

---------------------------------------------------

"Why are they....oh...never mind." said Edward, evidently remembering."We may as well go over there.'

Jessica was slightly alarmed then she smiled, knowing Yvgenni was kidding around. "How many personnel are in this base?"

---------------------------------------------------

"Why are they....oh...never mind." said Edward, evidently remembering."We may as well go over there.'

"Two fighter wings, a bomber wing, and of course, the Special Operations Wing..." Yvgenni answered, ticking off the numbers, "A few thousand at least."

"Thankfully, only Yvgenni's squadron and the air wing will be able to attend," Mulcahy added.

--------------

"Well, just follow me," Sara replied as she led them back out. She wondered a bit about this man. What kind of brother snoops in his sister's room? Maybe when you're five or even ten it would be acceptable, but he should have grown up by now.

Once at the chapel, Sara led the way inside, pushing the doors away to reveal an empty chapel. She subconsciously dipped her fingers in the bowl of holy water and made the Sign of the Cross before walking further. When she heard voices from the corner, Sara walked over to the office and knocked.

------------

"My, I certainly am popular," Mulcahy said as he stood up, "Gimme one second," he told the group as he answered the door. "Yes?"

"Father, someone here wants to see you," Sara said, stepping aside for Edward.

"Two fighter wings, a bomber wing, and of course, the Special Operations Wing..." Yvgenni answered, ticking off the numbers, "A few thousand at least."

"Thankfully, only Yvgenni's squadron and the air wing will be able to attend," Mulcahy added.

--------------

"Well, just follow me," Sara replied as she led them back out. She wondered a bit about this man. What kind of brother snoops in his sister's room? Maybe when you're five or even ten it would be acceptable, but he should have grown up by now.

Once at the chapel, Sara led the way inside, pushing the doors away to reveal an empty chapel. She subconsciously dipped her fingers in the bowl of holy water and made the Sign of the Cross before walking further. When she heard voices from the corner, Sara walked over to the office and knocked.

------------

"My, I certainly am popular," Mulcahy said as he stood up, "Gimme one second," he told the group as he answered the door. "Yes?"

"Father, someone here wants to see you," Sara said, stepping aside for Edward.

"Edward! Great to see you!" said Rachel, a little excited. Edward smiled. Rachel would always be a child underneath.

"Hello everyone, I am Edward Park." said Edward, stepping up to Yvgenni,"You must be Yvgenni correct?"

"Yes, I am," Yvgenni said as he extended his hand in welcome, "How do you do?"

At the doorway, Sara and Mark discreetly made their exits.

"Yes, I am," Yvgenni said as he extended his hand in welcome, "How do you do?"

At the doorway, Sara and Mark discreetly made their exits.

Edward evidently noticed Sara and Mark and he said, "Thank you." Then he turned to Yvgenni and shook his hand,"I've heard many things about you. Almost too many things."

Edward evidently noticed Sara and Mark and he said, "Thank you." Then he turned to Yvgenni and shook his hand,"I've heard many things about you. Almost too many things."

"Oh? All good, I hope," Yvgenni said as he returned the shake.

"We were just getting to the particulars of the wedding service," Mulcahy informed Edward, "If you'd like to join in," he gestured to the last available chair.

----------------

Sara and Mark walked back in silence. Seeing them all together like that...it reminded her of a dream she'd had about Yvgenni. Why? she asked herself now, why couldn't I have told him sooner? Back before when it was just the two of us...she remembered all the good times they had together, her being the straight edge when he horsed around and vice versa.

"Hey," Mark said as he noticed her tuning out. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.

"What?"

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"No, it's nothing...really," Sara evaded.

"You really love him, don't you?"

"That's none of your business, is it?" she retorted, leaning on the rail as they passed over a bridge. She pretended to be interested in the barren scenery ahead.

"Then who's business is it?" he asked, moving to stand behind her. Surprising them both, Sara spun on her heel, burying her face in his chest as she began to cry. His arms came up to wrap around he consolingly, and Mark felt somewhat of a scoundrel for enjoying it just a bit...

"Oh? All good, I hope," Yvgenni said as he returned the shake.

"We were just getting to the particulars of the wedding service," Mulcahy informed Edward, "If you'd like to join in," he gestured to the last available chair.

----------------

Sara and Mark walked back in silence. Seeing them all together like that...it reminded her of a dream she'd had about Yvgenni. Why? she asked herself now, why couldn't I have told him sooner? Back before when it was just the two of us...she remembered all the good times they had together, her being the straight edge when he horsed around and vice versa.

"Hey," Mark said as he noticed her tuning out. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.

"What?"

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"No, it's nothing...really," Sara evaded.

"You really love him, don't you?"

"That's none of your business, is it?" she retorted, leaning on the rail as they passed over a bridge. She pretended to be interested in the barren scenery ahead.

"Then who's business is it?" he asked, moving to stand behind her. Surprising them both, Sara spun on her heel, burying her face in his chest as she began to cry. His arms came up to wrap around he consolingly, and Mark felt somewhat of a scoundrel for enjoying it just a bit...

"Thank you." said Edward, sitting down. He still had the glock in his holster, but he was authorized to use it. He was more worried about being attacked.

"Thank you." said Edward, sitting down. He still had the glock in his holster, but he was authorized to use it. He was more worried about being attacked.

"Now then," Mulcahy began, "I was just explaining the Mass for the wedding service and was basically fielding questions about the service if you had them. So, is there anything you'd like to know?"

"Now then," Mulcahy began, "I was just explaining the Mass for the wedding service and was basically fielding questions about the service if you had them. So, is there anything you'd like to know?"

"Ah, I think know the basics, and Jessica can explain to me if I have a question." said Edward. Rachel looked a little surprised but managed to hide it quickly. The Minister smiled, his kids were pretty much still the same.

"Well, if everyone's questions are satisfied, I suppose we'll see each other tomorrow for the rehearsal," Mulcahy said as he stood up. Yvgenni was the first to shake his hand.

"Thank you, Father," he told the priest, "You've been so helpful."

"Oh, well," the priest said," I have my ways," he nodded upwards.

"Well, if everyone's questions are satisfied, I suppose we'll see each other tomorrow for the rehearsal," Mulcahy said as he stood up. Yvgenni was the first to shake his hand.

"Thank you, Father," he told the priest, "You've been so helpful."

"Oh, well," the priest said," I have my ways," he nodded upwards.

Everyone in the room had pretty much said," Thank you, Father," then the group headed back to their quarters.

"I'm really glad to finally meet all of you," Yvgenni said as he led them back to their quarters. "I've never had a big family, so this is all new to me."

"Same here," his father replied. "I must admit, I was a bit anxious in meeting you all as well."

ooc: they're going to yvgenni and jessica's room, btw.

"I'm really glad to finally meet all of you," Yvgenni said as he led them back to their quarters. "I've never had a big family, so this is all new to me."

"Same here," his father replied. "I must admit, I was a bit anxious in meeting you all as well."

ooc: they're going to yvgenni and jessica's room, btw.

Edward didn't say anything. At the age five, he was taken away by the GIA for training as a future agent. Jessica and Rachel were soon was required to join the military.

"Same for me actually. This is my first time overseas also." said the minster.

Edward didn't say anything. At the age five, he was taken away by the GIA for training as a future agent. Jessica and Rachel were soon was required to join the military.

"Same for me actually. This is my first time overseas also." said the minster.

"I hope the Commonwealth is a nice visit for you," Andelko said. "We pride ourselves by our hospitality.

"I hope the Commonwealth is a nice visit for you," Andelko said. "We pride ourselves by our hospitality.

"Your hospitality is very nice. Speaking of that, will we get another quarters here? or somewhere else?"

"As a matter of fact," Andelko spoke up, "I have already arranged for separate quarters for you all with the base commander," he said as he reached into his jacket pocket. He pulled out several keys, "Here are the keys. They are on the...third floor I believe."

"Only one floor above us," Yvgenni chuckled as they reached the door to their apartment. "Here we are..."

"As a matter of fact," Andelko spoke up, "I have already arranged for separate quarters for you all with the base commander," he said as he reached into his jacket pocket. He pulled out several keys, "Here are the keys. They are on the...third floor I believe."

"Only one floor above us," Yvgenni chuckled as they reached the door to their apartment. "Here we are..."

"Nice place." remarked Edward."Reminds me of my room."

-----------------------------------

Two men had rented a car and drove toward Helheim. It would be a long journey.

"Please make yourselves at home," Yvgenni said as he walked in. "There's not much, but if anyone'd like tea or something, let me know." At that moment, he noticed a shirt of his lying on the couch and quickly tossed it in a hamper. "Eh, so..."

"Please make yourselves at home," Yvgenni said as he walked in. "There's not much, but if anyone'd like tea or something, let me know." At that moment, he noticed a shirt of his lying on the couch and quickly tossed it in a hamper. "Eh, so..."

"I would like some tea." said Edward, looking around the room. Rachel and Jessica were arguing nearby quiet to avoid any attention from Yvgenni.

"I would like some tea." said Edward, looking around the room. Rachel and Jessica were arguing nearby quiet to avoid any attention from Yvgenni.

"No worries," Yvgenni said as he headed for the kitchenette. Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed the girls. He sighed internally, keeping up his cheery facade. Maybe it was a good thing he was an only child.

"No worries," Yvgenni said as he headed for the kitchenette. Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed the girls. He sighed internally, keeping up his cheery facade. Maybe it was a good thing he was an only child.

Edward chuckled when he saw Jessica and Rachel fiercely arguing. Glad I was at the GIA. "So, Jessica tells me you're a sergeant?"

"Staff Sergeant," Yvgenni offered as he heated the water, "But with the war over, there's little for me to do here," he explained, setting up the tea leaves, "My team will be reformed soon, I hope, and might get reassigned."

"Staff Sergeant," Yvgenni offered as he heated the water, "But with the war over, there's little for me to do here," he explained, setting up the tea leaves, "My team will be reformed soon, I hope, and might get reassigned."

"Well, Greal is always open to recruits if you're ever interested. They could use a man like you." said Edward, glancing at the heated water.

"We already have forces in your country," Yvgenni said as he poured the water, "So it is possible I'll be deployed there..." his eyes wandered over to Jessica, "She traveled through a warzone for me, I might as well do the same."

"We already have forces in your country," Yvgenni said as he poured the water, "So it is possible I'll be deployed there..." his eyes wandered over to Jessica, "She traveled through a warzone for me, I might as well do the same."

Edward smiled,"I've heard about that. Greal is no longer a war zone. The war is over, and our enemies have retreated."

OOC: TG

"That's good to hear," Yvgenni handed him his tea, "Now both our countries can restore themselves to peace."

ooc: replied. just post their arrival, etc.

"That's good to hear," Yvgenni handed him his tea, "Now both our countries can restore themselves to peace."

ooc: replied. just post their arrival, etc.

"Thank you," said Edward, he sipped the tea before saying,"So, what is the main intelligence agency of this nation?"

----------------------------

The two men drove past the security check point after flashing their GIA badges. They said they were bodyguards and had important news for the Minister.

"Well we have several for different purposes," Yvgenni began. "SVR is for foreign service, KGB is internal, along with GRU and FSB...FSO is for dignitary protection..."

"That reminds me," Andelko spoke up as he overheard their conversation, "Two agents will be with the Minister during his stay." As if to answer him, there was a knock on the door. Govena walked over and confirmed the agents standing guard.

"Well we have several for different purposes," Yvgenni began. "SVR is for foreign service, KGB is internal, along with GRU and FSB...FSO is for dignitary protection..."

"That reminds me," Andelko spoke up as he overheard their conversation, "Two agents will be with the Minister during his stay." As if to answer him, there was a knock on the door. Govena walked over and confirmed the agents standing guard.

"I don't remember calling for guards. I guess the GIA is always concerned..." The Minister looked at the guards in horror, "Shut the door quick!" but the guards had already kicked the door past and started firing at anyone they could see. They were using silencers.

Edward grabbed Yvgenni to get down behind the kitchen counter. Edward took out his small glock and returned fire. "You alright? Take this." It was a small revolver. "And get Jessica and Rachel, I think Jessica is hit."

ooc: actually, i meant they were my agents at the door, but...ok

ic:

Yvgenni opted for his service pistol instead, a Sig P226. He fired off two shots and darted forward towards the girls. Taking a knee, he fired off three more shots, taking out one of the shooters. His next shots were meant as a distraction as he collected the girls and hurried them to the bedroom, where he instructed them to lock the door. Yvgenni reloaded his only spare clip and waited...

ooc: actually, i meant they were my agents at the door, but...ok

ic:

Yvgenni opted for his service pistol instead, a Sig P226. He fired off two shots and darted forward towards the girls. Taking a knee, he fired off three more shots, taking out one of the shooters. His next shots were meant as a distraction as he collected the girls and hurried them to the bedroom, where he instructed them to lock the door. Yvgenni reloaded his only spare clip and waited...

Jessica was bleeding in the shoulder but she ignored it and ran into the bedroom. Edward looked around for the Minister and Andelko. The agents opened fire again, and Edward was pinned down. He reloaded quickly and returned fire. The Agents directed their fire toward Yvgenni now, then Edward fired and got one of the agents, in the head. The other agent ignored his dead partner and returned fire from his position.

Jessica was bleeding in the shoulder but she ignored it and ran into the bedroom. Edward looked around for the Minister and Andelko. The agents opened fire again, and Edward was pinned down. He reloaded quickly and returned fire. The Agents directed their fire toward Yvgenni now, then Edward fired and got one of the agents, in the head. The other agent ignored his dead partner and returned fire from his position.

Noticing a discarded cup on the floor nearby, Yvgenni tossed it against the opposite wall. The crash distracted the last shooter long enough for Yvgenni to get a bead on him and take a series of well-placed shots. The man went down. It was about that time that shouts from the hallway approached. Two agents with FSO badges and drawn pistols entered, flanked by a pair of MPs. The agents instructed the soldiers to secure the scene as they approached Yvgenni and then onto the Minister.

"Minister Park, I'm Agent Borichev, are you injured?" he asked.

Noticing a discarded cup on the floor nearby, Yvgenni tossed it against the opposite wall. The crash distracted the last shooter long enough for Yvgenni to get a bead on him and take a series of well-placed shots. The man went down. It was about that time that shouts from the hallway approached. Two agents with FSO badges and drawn pistols entered, flanked by a pair of MPs. The agents instructed the soldiers to secure the scene as they approached Yvgenni and then onto the Minister.

"Minister Park, I'm Agent Borichev, are you injured?" he asked.

"I'm alright. Check the others." said the Minister. Edward grinned after seeing Yvgenni take down the other agent and rushed into the bedroom.

"Jessica's been hit. We need a medic here." said Edward to the newly arrived agents.

"I'm alright. Check the others." said the Minister. Edward grinned after seeing Yvgenni take down the other agent and rushed into the bedroom.

"Jessica's been hit. We need a medic here." said Edward to the newly arrived agents.

"Right away," Borichev said as he got on his radio.

Yvgenni dropped his pistol and scrambled for his medical kit, pushing others out of the way as he crouched down at her side. One look at the wound and his eyes flashed in anger. Get a grip he told himself, you have to treat her.

He opened up the kit and ripped her shirt open to examine the wound. The bullet had passed through, and it seemed to have missed anything important. Yvgenni took out an antiseptic cloth and cleaned the wound before starting to dress it. He pressed a gauze pad onto both the exit and entry wound and began to wrap it in gauze. Within a couple of minutes, Jessica was sporting a field dressing.

"Are you okay?" he asked her fearfully, caressing her cheek with his hand. At that moment, the medics reached the room and walked over to examine her.

"Right away," Borichev said as he got on his radio.

Yvgenni dropped his pistol and scrambled for his medical kit, pushing others out of the way as he crouched down at her side. One look at the wound and his eyes flashed in anger. Get a grip he told himself, you have to treat her.

He opened up the kit and ripped her shirt open to examine the wound. The bullet had passed through, and it seemed to have missed anything important. Yvgenni took out an antiseptic cloth and cleaned the wound before starting to dress it. He pressed a gauze pad onto both the exit and entry wound and began to wrap it in gauze. Within a couple of minutes, Jessica was sporting a field dressing.

"Are you okay?" he asked her fearfully, caressing her cheek with his hand. At that moment, the medics reached the room and walked over to examine her.

"I'm fine." said Jessica, her voice quiet, and ignoring the pain. Rachel looked a little fearful at Jessica's wound.

Edward examined the two dead agents, he picked their guns, unlicensed. He wasn't very surprised. He checked the badges, to his surprise, they were authentic. "Now we got assassins running around with authentic GIA badges." he said to the Minister.

"I'm fine." said Jessica, her voice quiet, and ignoring the pain. Rachel looked a little fearful at Jessica's wound.

Edward examined the two dead agents, he picked their guns, unlicensed. He wasn't very surprised. He checked the badges, to his surprise, they were authentic. "Now we got assassins running around with authentic GIA badges." he said to the Minister.

The medics helped Jessica and wheeled her away on a gurney, Yvgenni squeezed her hand assuringly before turning on Edward.

"What the hell do you mean, they're GIA?!" he fumed. Before waiting for a response, he followed the medics out of the room and to the medical center.

The medics helped Jessica and wheeled her away on a gurney, Yvgenni squeezed her hand assuringly before turning on Edward.

"What the hell do you mean, they're GIA?!" he fumed. Before waiting for a response, he followed the medics out of the room and to the medical center.

"They have GIA badges. Authentic in every detail. I have no idea how they copied the badges." said Edward,"Probably some fanatic who wants to kill the Minister."

"I'll let him know that," Andelko told Edward. Although, the congressman hesitated a bit. He'd never seen his son so angry.

Helheim Medical Center

The doctors and nurses had treated Jessica's wound, commending Yvgenni on his quick actions. They hadn't allowed him in the room as they worked on her, but now they let him in, reminding him that she needed rest.

"Hey there," he stroked her cheek. His eyes watered, and Yvgenni took a deep breath before continuing, "I thought I'd lost you..."

"I'll let him know that," Andelko told Edward. Although, the congressman hesitated a bit. He'd never seen his son so angry.

Helheim Medical Center

The doctors and nurses had treated Jessica's wound, commending Yvgenni on his quick actions. They hadn't allowed him in the room as they worked on her, but now they let him in, reminding him that she needed rest.

"Hey there," he stroked her cheek. His eyes watered, and Yvgenni took a deep breath before continuing, "I thought I'd lost you..."

"I thought I lost me too." said Jessica, her eyes close to tears.

Sasha, Greal

"The Minister reports he has been attacked. One wounded."

"Now what? We can't watch him if he is overseas."

"We may have to send guards. Someone we can trust."

Yvgenni stroked her hair and kissed her. He'd been so scared only moments ago...and now? All he wanted to do was hold Jessica in his arms and remind himself she was still with him.

-----

Four FSO agents, two of which had been the Premier's personal detail, now traveled with the Minister. One unobtrusively hid a P90 submachine gun under his coat, and they had fitted the Minister with a kevlar vest.

Yvgenni stroked her hair and kissed her. He'd been so scared only moments ago...and now? All he wanted to do was hold Jessica in his arms and remind himself she was still with him.

-----

Four FSO agents, two of which had been the Premier's personal detail, now traveled with the Minister. One unobtrusively hid a P90 submachine gun under his coat, and they had fitted the Minister with a kevlar vest.

The Minister arrived at the medical center and saw Yvgenni and smiled,"You alright Jessica?"

"I'm fine dad." said Jessica, looking at the IV next to her.

The Minister arrived at the medical center and saw Yvgenni and smiled,"You alright Jessica?"

"I'm fine dad." said Jessica, looking at the IV next to her.

"Why would the GIA want you dead?" Yvgenni asked bluntly. "Is there something about your country we should know...something you haven't told us?"

"Why would the GIA want you dead?" Yvgenni asked bluntly. "Is there something about your country we should know...something you haven't told us?"

The Minister calmly replied,"The GIA doesn't want me dead. The people who want me dead may have infiltrated the agency. We're a very unstable nation."

The Minister calmly replied,"The GIA doesn't want me dead. The people who want me dead may have infiltrated the agency. We're a very unstable nation."

"I'm sorry I snapped," Yvgenni said with a sigh, reaching for Jessica's hand for support. "We're not...we're not used to this sort of thing. We're all comrades, people we can trust...especially between the military and government services." He hung his head, ashamed at how he'd acted.

"I'm sorry I snapped," Yvgenni said with a sigh, reaching for Jessica's hand for support. "We're not...we're not used to this sort of thing. We're all comrades, people we can trust...especially between the military and government services." He hung his head, ashamed at how he'd acted.

"Its alright to be angry. I am just as shocked as you. These people went great lengths to kill me. Going all the way to another country." said the Minister, "If you ever go to Greal, you will learn why."

"Its alright to be angry. I am just as shocked as you. These people went great lengths to kill me. Going all the way to another country." said the Minister, "If you ever go to Greal, you will learn why."

"No offense, Comrade-Minister," Yvgenni said, a bit more lighthearted, "Your tourism industry needs to try a different tactic..."

"No offense, Comrade-Minister," Yvgenni said, a bit more lighthearted, "Your tourism industry needs to try a different tactic..."

"Our tourism industry is doing just fine." said the Minister smiling, "Did you find out when Jessica will be released? I may have to tell the reverend to delay the rehearsal."

"Our tourism industry is doing just fine." said the Minister smiling, "Did you find out when Jessica will be released? I may have to tell the reverend to delay the rehearsal."

"Well, I suppose she can be released soon," Yvgenni pondered, "Though, there is usually the obligatory overnight stay...I'm sure I could talk them out of it." He gave Jessica's hand an encouraging squeeze and kissed her cheek, "I'll be right back."

Yvgenni nodded to the Minister as he exited, on his way to search for her doctor.

"Well, I suppose she can be released soon," Yvgenni pondered, "Though, there is usually the obligatory overnight stay...I'm sure I could talk them out of it." He gave Jessica's hand an encouraging squeeze and kissed her cheek, "I'll be right back."

Yvgenni nodded to the Minister as he exited, on his way to search for her doctor.

Jessica was awake and listening, but she was too tired to get up. The Minister said good bye and went back to the quarters. Edward was still examining the Glocks that the agents carried."These guns were put together after they arrived here. Very smart." Edward said grimly,"How's Jessica?"

"She's fine." said the Minister, sighing.

Rachel had left the room a few minutes before. Looking for Yuri or Yvgenni....

In the ensuing chaos, Yuri had been cast aside by the military and FSO agents. He'd wandered over to the hospital, looking for any word on Jessica and the others. As he turned the corner, Yuri caught a glance of Yvgenni walking briskly down the hallway. He decided to catch up with him, but noticed someone else as he got close.

"Rachel," he called her name as he stepped forward, "Is everyone okay?"

In the ensuing chaos, Yuri had been cast aside by the military and FSO agents. He'd wandered over to the hospital, looking for any word on Jessica and the others. As he turned the corner, Yuri caught a glance of Yvgenni walking briskly down the hallway. He decided to catch up with him, but noticed someone else as he got close.

"Rachel," he called her name as he stepped forward, "Is everyone okay?"

"Jessica's been wounded, but she'll be fine." said Rachel.

"Jessica's been wounded, but she'll be fine." said Rachel.

"I'm sorry I didn't help," Yuri mumbled. "We all did our share of fighting back home...but I've been a desk jockey for months now..." he fixed his glasses and looked away, "I know that's not an excuse."

-------

As Yvgenni walked, he noticed a familiar figure with an equally unfamiliar expression. Father Mulcahy walked up to him with a look of worry.

"Oh, my son, I was worried," the out of breath priest panted. "I came as soon as I heard, are you all all right?"

"Yes, sir," Yvgenni replied, "Jessica was w-wounded. I was looking for the doctor, actually."

"I just spoke to Dr. Collins, he's in the Reception area," Mulcahy offered. "I'll go see how the poor dear's doing..." the priest said as he patted his shoulder and walked off.

-------

Knocking softly, the Father opened the door to Jessica's room, only to be confronted by two FSO agents.

"Oh, dear," he said to their stern expressions.

"Who are you?" one demanded.

"I'm sorry I didn't help," Yuri mumbled. "We all did our share of fighting back home...but I've been a desk jockey for months now..." he fixed his glasses and looked away, "I know that's not an excuse."

-------

As Yvgenni walked, he noticed a familiar figure with an equally unfamiliar expression. Father Mulcahy walked up to him with a look of worry.

"Oh, my son, I was worried," the out of breath priest panted. "I came as soon as I heard, are you all all right?"

"Yes, sir," Yvgenni replied, "Jessica was w-wounded. I was looking for the doctor, actually."

"I just spoke to Dr. Collins, he's in the Reception area," Mulcahy offered. "I'll go see how the poor dear's doing..." the priest said as he patted his shoulder and walked off.

-------

Knocking softly, the Father opened the door to Jessica's room, only to be confronted by two FSO agents.

"Oh, dear," he said to their stern expressions.

"Who are you?" one demanded.

Jessica noticed the priest coming in. "Father."

---------------------------------------

"Its alright. There was nothing you could do. These guys were armed and deadly." said Rachel, smiling shyly.

Mulcahy revealed his military ID, and after scrutinizing his face, let him through.

"Hello my dear," he greeted her, "And hello to you as well, Minister," he told her father. "I was so worried," he smiled, a bit weakly.

--------

"Well, I still feel..." Yuri said, still not quite able to meet her eyes. "I was worried, and when I saw Jessica get hit, I thought you'd be next..."

The Minister nodded, with no expression on his face. Jessica, despite being sleepy sat up on the bed. "Its just a wound I'll be fine."

--------------------------------------------------------

Rachel now knew that she could never get Yvgenni, because of what had happened. She would try someone else then. She kissed Yuri, ignoring the glasses.


OOC: :D

"Still, I worried," Mulcahy chuckled. "I couldn't possibly think of expecting you to go through with the rehearsal tomorrow...I'll postpone it for however long you want."

----------

Yuri was dumbfounded. He hadn't even thought she liked him that much. Somewhere in the back of his mind, a neuron fired telling him to be careful, but the rest of him got swept up in the moment.

ooc: OMG, look @ my reply #!

"Still, I worried," Mulcahy chuckled. "I couldn't possibly think of expecting you to go through with the rehearsal tomorrow...I'll postpone it for however long you want."

----------

Yuri was dumbfounded. He hadn't even thought she liked him that much. Somewhere in the back of his mind, a neuron fired telling him to be careful, but the rest of him got swept up in the moment.

ooc: OMG, look @ my reply #!

"I would like to do it tomorrow, if the doctor will let me." said Jessica.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After about a long moment of silence, they broke apart. Rachel smiled, this time, not shyly.

"Well, aren't you a brave soul..." Mulcahy smiled. "Far be it from me to interfere with a bride before her marriage," he chuckled. "As long as your doctor agrees, I'll go along with the rehearsal, as sheduled."

----------

"Absolutely not," Dr. Collins replied.

"But sir," Yvgenni pleaded, "She's fine. The wound didn't even require surgery."

"And she's damned lucky for that," Collins answered.

"Sir, I'm asking...please; as a wedding gift..."

"Don't look at me like that, dammit..." the doctor grumbled. "I'll examine her when I do my rounds in an hour. If she looks okay...maybe."

"Yes sir, thank you sir," Yvgenni said.

-------------

Yuri stood there, his cheeks flushed a bit. It was, not surprisingly, his first kiss. He bit his lip nervously, not knowing what to do next.

ooc: just so i know...is she playing him?

"Thank you Father." said Jessica, ignoring her tiredness. The Minister walked off back to the quarters.

----------------------------------------------------------

Rachel wasn't sure what to say, but if she did have anything to say, she didn't have time. The Minister walked back to the quarters and noticed Rachel and Yuri. "Rachel," said the Minister, showing a puzzled look to Yuri,"You are?"

"Oh, that's just what I do," Mulcahy said, noticing the Minister's sudden departure. "Is your father all right?"

------------

"Yuri [forgot his last name, its a couple pages back], sir," he saluted crisply, the way the other soldiers had been doing. "I helped Rachel get here from San Salvus..."

"Oh, that's just what I do," Mulcahy said, noticing the Minister's sudden departure. "Is your father all right?"

------------

"Yuri [forgot his last name, its a couple pages back], sir," he saluted crisply, the way the other soldiers had been doing. "I helped Rachel get here from San Salvus..."

"He seems a bit preoccupied lately. Troubled. Probably the assassination." said Jessica, not sounding worried at all.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"I suspect so." said the Minister, looking at Rachel. She blushed, her father knew her well.

OOC: Sorry, forgot to answer: Rachel is not really playing him.; They might get married also :D

Oh, and the Minister is disturbed about his brain tumor.

"Or he could be just a father worried about having to give away his daughter," Mulcahy joked, ruffling her hair.

----------

"Eh..." Yuri muttered uneasily. He'd dropped his salute, but was a bit intimidated, as the Minister had seemingly appeared right after the kiss. Rachel's blush seemed to trigger his own capillaries, and he was blushing within seconds.

"Or he could be just a father worried about having to give away his daughter," Mulcahy joked, ruffling her hair.

----------

"Eh..." Yuri muttered uneasily. He'd dropped his salute, but was a bit intimidated, as the Minister had seemingly appeared right after the kiss. Rachel's blush seemed to trigger his own capillaries, and he was blushing within seconds.

"I don't think thats it. When Louisa got married, he didn't seemed disturbed like that. You should go find out."

---------------------------------------------

"I have to go find Edward, and also find out when we all have dinner tonight." and the Minister walked off. I suspect Yuri and Rachel will find something to do....

"Hmm, you're probably right," the priest said, "I must be getting old...not catching on these things as quickly as I used to. Now, you rest up, take it easy, and I will see all of you at four pm sharp." He made the Sign of the Cross over Jessica before taking off after the Minister.

---------------

"That was..." Yuri was at a loss for words. Awkwardly, he reached to hold Rachel's hand.

"Hmm, you're probably right," the priest said, "I must be getting old...not catching on these things as quickly as I used to. Now, you rest up, take it easy, and I will see all of you at four pm sharp." He made the Sign of the Cross over Jessica before taking off after the Minister.

---------------

"That was..." Yuri was at a loss for words. Awkwardly, he reached to hold Rachel's hand.

Jessica lied back in bed, saying good bye.

--------------------------------------

"My father is like that." explained Rachel, then she held his hand.

OOC: I gotta go.

"Minister Park," Mulcahy called out when he was a few paces behind, "Wait a moment...I think we need to talk."

----------

Rachel's comment made him smile, and Yuri turned to look at her, "That's nice to know," he chuckled, exhilirated as she held his hand. "So, what now?"

ooc: k, see ya later. btw, won't be online til tomorrow night (full day @ work TT_TT)

"Minister Park," Mulcahy called out when he was a few paces behind, "Wait a moment...I think we need to talk."

----------

Rachel's comment made him smile, and Yuri turned to look at her, "That's nice to know," he chuckled, exhilarated as she held his hand. "So, what now?"

ooc: k, see ya later. btw, won't be online til tomorrow night (full day @ work TT_TT)

"Hello Father, what can I do for you?" asked the Minister, who turned around to see the priest walking up to him.

------------------------------------------------------

"Do you have a room?" asked Rachel, she suspected what she had in mind...

"First, I must apologize for being so intrusive," Mulcahy began, "I know I hardly know any of you, but I very much believe that a priest must tend to his flock faithfully." He cleared his throat to continue, "Your daughter seems to think something is weighing on your mind, something other than Jessica's marriage..."

----------

"Oh, yeah, I do," Yuri answered naively. "It's a Junior Officer's quarters. Not as fancy as the ones we were at earlier, but at least I have it to myself."

"First, I must apologize for being so intrusive," Mulcahy began, "I know I hardly know any of you, but I very much believe that a priest must tend to his flock faithfully." He cleared his throat to continue, "Your daughter seems to think something is weighing on your mind, something other than Jessica's marriage..."

----------

"Oh, yeah, I do," Yuri answered naively. "It's a Junior Officer's quarters. Not as fancy as the ones we were at earlier, but at least I have it to myself."

The Minister was quiet for a moment, then,"I have a brain tumor. A year left to live. I found out this last week. I appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anyone just yet."

------------------------------------------------

"Do you mind me going into your room?" asked Rachel.

The Minister was quiet for a moment, then,"I have a brain tumor. A year left to live. I found out this last week. I appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anyone just yet."

------------------------------------------------

"Do you mind me going into your room?" asked Rachel.

"Oh, my..." Mulcahy said slowly. "I feel a bit like I overstepped my bounds. I don't claim to know what you must be going through, but your family will learn sooner or later...it might be best they learn before it's too late."

----------------

"No, I don't mind," Yuri said, trying to keep his voice from shaking. He began to lead the way, "Haven't you been issued quarters as well?" he asked conversationally.

"Oh, my..." Mulcahy said slowly. "I feel a bit like I overstepped my bounds. I don't claim to know what you must be going through, but your family will learn sooner or later...it might be best they learn before it's too late."

----------------

"No, I don't mind," Yuri said, trying to keep his voice from shaking. He began to lead the way, "Haven't you been issued quarters as well?" he asked conversationally.

The Minister looked at him grimly."I didn't want my family to know about this yet. Let Jessica be happy first before..."

---------------------------------------------------------------

Rachel looked at him a bit surprised. "Actually, I do have quarters. Its down the hall."

"I understand completely," Mulcahy replied, "Many a man has wished that...if you need anything, however," the Father pulled out a card, "Here's the number to a terminal illness support group. They're faith-based, but that won't stop them from helping."

-------------

"Oh, VIP quarters?" Yuri asked. "Those must be nice." He had a vague idea of what she'd been getting at, but his innocent mind still didn't connect all the dots. "Wouldn't your quarters be nicer?"

"I understand completely," Mulcahy replied, "Many a man has wished that...if you need anything, however," the Father pulled out a card, "Here's the number to a terminal illness support group. They're faith-based, but that won't stop them from helping."

-------------

"Oh, VIP quarters?" Yuri asked. "Those must be nice." He had a vague idea of what she'd been getting at, but his innocent mind still didn't connect all the dots. "Wouldn't your quarters be nicer?"

The Minister looked at the card for a moment,"Thank you, I'll check them out later."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I think so. I haven't been in it yet." After a few moments of walking she found the quarters." Here it is." They went inside.

"You're welcome," Mulcahy responded, "And I'm always around to help out as well. I must get back to the chapel, I'll see you tomorrow." Shaking his hand, the priest walked off.

------------

"Wow, this is nice," Yuri said as he did a turn to take in the quarters. "You even have a separate bedroom and bath...and everything," he smiled.

"You're welcome," Mulcahy responded, "And I'm always around to help out as well. I must get back to the chapel, I'll see you tomorrow." Shaking his hand, the priest walked off.

------------

"Wow, this is nice," Yuri said as he did a turn to take in the quarters. "You even have a separate bedroom and bath...and everything," he smiled.

The Minister walked on to find Edward, and possibly Rachel.

-------------------------------------------------------------

OOC: Lets skip this part. Assume what happens. :D

ooc: had a different idea for rachel+yuri. note, this doesn't mean they won't hook up...

ic:

A few hours later....

Yuri walked through the base aimlessly. He stopped near the flightline, staring off towards the quarters he'd left a few hours ago. Rachel was probably mad at him now. It wasn't that he didn't like her, but Yuri just couldn't bring himself to...follow through. He'd been raised very traditionally, and though he didn't judge others who lived by other principles, Yuri still believed in living his life a certain way. He'd tried his best to explain, but in the end, he'd simply gathered his things and left quickly. Taking a seat on the cold tarmac, Yuri wondered, What next?

ooc: had a different idea for rachel+yuri. note, this doesn't mean they won't hook up...

ic:

A few hours later....

Yuri walked through the base aimlessly. He stopped near the flightline, staring off towards the quarters he'd left a few hours ago. Rachel was probably mad at him now. It wasn't that he didn't like her, but Yuri just couldn't bring himself to...follow through. He'd been raised very traditionally, and though he didn't judge others who lived by other principles, Yuri still believed in living his life a certain way. He'd tried his best to explain, but in the end, he'd simply gathered his things and left quickly. Taking a seat on the cold tarmac, Yuri wondered, What next?

OOC: Gotcha, great idea
IC:

Edward was evidently talking with someone on his cellphone. The Minister walked in quietly, Edward didn't seem to see him coming in.

"Howard, this is serious. Find out who got those badges. The intelligence agency here is asking lots of questions. Jessica's so-to-be-husband indirectly accused the GIA of setting this up. Bye." said Edward to his phone, then he put it away and say the Minister standing there. "You scared the hell out of me."

The Minister nodded "Well?"

"Howard seems to think someone in the GIA is after you."

"The authorities in this country won't let that happen right?"

"These guys are professional, not some terrorist."

"I better be off. Check on Rachel and the others."

--------------------------------------------------------

Jessica woke up suddenly. She looked around her surroundings and soon realized she was still in the hospital.

OOC: Gotcha, great idea
IC:

Edward was evidently talking with someone on his cellphone. The Minister walked in quietly, Edward didn't seem to see him coming in.

"Howard, this is serious. Find out who got those badges. The intelligence agency here is asking lots of questions. Jessica's so-to-be-husband indirectly accused the GIA of setting this up. Bye." said Edward to his phone, then he put it away and say the Minister standing there. "You scared the hell out of me."

The Minister nodded "Well?"

"Howard seems to think someone in the GIA is after you."

"The authorities in this country won't let that happen right?"

"These guys are professional, not some terrorist."

"I better be off. Check on Rachel and the others."

--------------------------------------------------------

Jessica woke up suddenly. She looked around her surroundings and soon realized she was still in the hospital.

FAPSI HQ

Standing for the Federal Agency for Government Communications and Information, FAPSI was the technological arm of the Commonwealth intelligence community. Learning their methods from the less-than-scrupulous KGB, they had intercepted Edward's phone call, tracing it back to Greal. A satellite still in station to observe the remnants of the Expedition Forces even zoomed in to find the place where the call had been placed. The call was noted and logged, the information passed on to the FSB and FSO.

------------------

Yvgenni opened the door and walked into Jessica's room.

"Hey, beautiful," he said as he noticed she was awake, "Ready to go home?"

FAPSI HQ

Standing for the Federal Agency for Government Communications and Information, FAPSI was the technological arm of the Commonwealth intelligence community. Learning their methods from the less-than-scrupulous KGB, they had intercepted Edward's phone call, tracing it back to Greal. A satellite still in station to observe the remnants of the Expedition Forces even zoomed in to find the place where the call had been placed. The call was noted and logged, the information passed on to the FSB and FSO.

------------------

Yvgenni opened the door and walked into Jessica's room.

"Hey, beautiful," he said as he noticed she was awake, "Ready to go home?"

Edward's conservation luckily could not be heard since his cellphone had a special device to prevent eavesdroppers.

--------------------------------------------------

"I can come home?" asked Jessica, a bit surprised the doctors haven't said no.

ooc: thought i'd intro my country's more nefarious schemes, ehehe

ic:

"Sure thing," Yvgenni sat on her bed. "Doc approved...a bit stubbornly, but he did. Let's say we get to bed and have a good sleep before tomorrow...?"

--------------

Yuri stood up. He'd better at least try and apologize...

Later...

Yuri knocked on Rachel's door, a haphazard bouquet of flowers he'd collected from some hedges clutched in his hand. He looked down, that was pathetic...He took a deep breath and waited.

ooc: thought i'd intro my country's more nefarious schemes, ehehe

ic:

"Sure thing," Yvgenni sat on her bed. "Doc approved...a bit stubbornly, but he did. Let's say we get to bed and have a good sleep before tomorrow...?"

--------------

Yuri stood up. He'd better at least try and apologize...

Later...

Yuri knocked on Rachel's door, a haphazard bouquet of flowers he'd collected from some hedges clutched in his hand. He looked down, that was pathetic...He took a deep breath and waited.

"Alright, we all need sleep before tomorrow." said Jessica, smiling at Yvgenni.

-----------------------------------------------

Rachel opened the door and to her surprise, found Yuri standing there with flowers.

With that, Yvgenni helped Jessica out of her hospital bed, gathered the few items the staff had collected of hers and placed in a bag, and led her back to their quarters. Having her in his arms once more, all of his worries were gone, and he felt an overwhelming wave of 'safeness' wash over him.

------------

"Hi," Yuri said meekly. "I...got these for you..." he smiled weakly, holding up the flowers. "Can I come in? To talk?"

With that, Yvgenni helped Jessica out of her hospital bed, gathered the few items the staff had collected of hers and placed in a bag, and led her back to their quarters. Having her in his arms once more, all of his worries were gone, and he felt an overwhelming wave of 'safeness' wash over him.

------------

"Hi," Yuri said meekly. "I...got these for you..." he smiled weakly, holding up the flowers. "Can I come in? To talk?"

Jessica felt the same. When she was in the hospital, she felt alone and scared at some time. Now with Yvgenni, she felt a familiar calm.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Rachel left the door open, which meant was he was allowed him. She went behind the kitchen counter. "You want anything to drink? Tea? Coffee?" she asked in a calm way, with no expression on her face. She was no longer happy.

Getting to the apartment was even better. Even though it had been cleaned up and sterilized, it was where they lived together. Like before, Yvgenni carried her over the threshold, taking care not to upset her arm. He carried her all the way to the bedroom.

------------

"I'm fine," he said as he entered, "But I can tell you're not. I'm really sorry about earlier...but, I've already said that, haven't I?" Yuri chuckled self-deprecatedly. He tried to read her expression, but she kept such a calm look about her. Yuri sighed...

Getting to the apartment was even better. Even though it had been cleaned up and sterilized, it was where they lived together. Like before, Yvgenni carried her over the threshold, taking care not to upset her arm. He carried her all the way to the bedroom.

------------

"I'm fine," he said as he entered, "But I can tell you're not. I'm really sorry about earlier...but, I've already said that, haven't I?" Yuri chuckled self-deprecatedly. He tried to read her expression, but she kept such a calm look about her. Yuri sighed...

Jessica's arm actually did hurt a bit. Thats what happens when a bullet hits your arm. She ignored the pain and tried to keep a straight face.

--------------------------------------------------------

Rachel gave Yuri a piercing look and said nothing. She fixed some tea then she said,"Besides coming here to apologize, why are you here?"

"Do you need anything?" Yvgenni asked as he helped her into bed.

---------

"I like you," Yuri answered quickly. There was a slight pause before he continued, "And all considering, I think you like me too." He paused a bit more, trying to select his words carefully. "Everything just happened too quickly for me. Call me old fashioned or quaint or whatever, but it's my belief that you should know someone a lot longer than a week or two before going to bed with them," he concluded. "I like you," Yuri repeated himself, "And I want to know you better; I want to know all the things you like, all the things you don't...what makes you happy and what makes you sad...how you like your tea," he pointed to her cup. All the while he'd been saying this, Yuri had been stepping ever closer. "So, can we take this one night at a time...?"

"Do you need anything?" Yvgenni asked as he helped her into bed.

---------

he'd be"I like you," Yuri answered quickly. There was a slight pause before he continued, "And all considering, I think you like me too." He paused a bit more, trying to select his words carefully. "Everything just happened too quickly for me. Call me old fashioned or quaint or whatever, but it's my belief that you should know someone a lot longer than a week or two before going to bed with them," he concluded. "I like you," Yuri repeated himself, "And I want to know you better; I want to know all the things you like, all the things you don't...what makes you happy and what makes you sad...how you like your tea," he pointed to her cup. All the whileen saying this, Yuri had been stepping ever closer. "So, can we take this one night at a time...?"

She smiled "I have everything I want."

----------------------------------

Rachel looked at him quietly, then she said,"Alright. What about a dinner date tomorrow night?"

"So, do I," Yvgenni answered, kissing her as he got into bed beside her.

--------------

"Dinner sounds nice," Yuri smiled, nonchalantly fixing his glasses.

"So, do I," Yvgenni answered, kissing her as he got into bed beside her.

--------------

"Dinner sounds nice," Yuri smiled, nonchalantly fixing his glasses.

She kissed back, as if she hadn't seen him in years. Then she laid on the bed, full of thoughts.

----------------------------------------

"Tomorrow then." said Rachel, now looking at the time, it was 12 PM.

Yvgenni lay next to her, gently running his hand along her forearm. He wondered what she was thinking.

------------

ooc: you mean 12 AM, right? ;)

ic:

"Yeah, tomorrow..." Yuri replied, smiling hesitantly, glad that she was no longer angry. He turned to leave...

Yvgenni lay next to her, gently running his hand along her forearm. He wondered what she was thinking.

------------

ooc: you mean 12 AM, right? ;)

ic:

"Yeah, tomorrow..." Yuri replied, smiling hesitantly, glad that she was no longer angry. He turned to leave...

She was longer thinking, her thoughts vanished as she became sleepy then she was asleep.

---------------------------------------------------

Rachel left the kitchen counter and kissed him for a brief moment, more like a bye gift.

Yvgenni watched her sleep soundly, stroking her hair before kissing her on the cheek and laying down next to her. He listened to Jessica's soft breathing as he fell asleep.

---------------

Yuri kissed her back, envigorated by her touch.

"Until later then..." he whispered.

Yvgenni watched her sleep soundly, stroking her hair before kissing her on the cheek and laying down next to her. He listened to Jessica's soft breathing as he fell asleep.

---------------

Yuri kissed her back, envigorated by her touch.

"Until later then..." he whispered.

Hours later

Jessica woke up with a start. The wound was bothering her.

----------------------------------------------

It had been hours since she had kissed Yuri, she got up, and looked for Edward to make arrangements for breakfast.

His eye opened a fraction, and Yvgenni noticed Jessica was awake already. He reached over and brushed his hand on her forearm.

"Morning, beautiful," he greeted her, "Somethin' wrong?" he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

------------

Yuri woke up in his bed in a jolt. He'd had a disturbing dream...he was back home, during the Occupation. He had watched as enemy troops took away friends and relatives...and then his dream had shifted to Rachel. Being in her room the other day, the kiss...

His eye opened a fraction, and Yvgenni noticed Jessica was awake already. He reached over and brushed his hand on her forearm.

"Morning, beautiful," he greeted her, "Somethin' wrong?" he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

------------

Yuri woke up in his bed in a jolt. He'd had a disturbing dream...he was back home, during the Occupation. He had watched as enemy troops took away friends and relatives...and then his dream had shifted to Rachel. Being in her room the other day, the kiss...

"My wound. Its hurting. Its what woke me up." explained Jessica, calmly.

------------------------------------------------------------

Edward on the other hand was looking for the cafeteria where they had eaten the day before.

"Lemme see," Yvgenni was suddenly alert as he stood up in bed. He unwound the gauze and peeled back the bandage a fraction. "It looks okay...We should get you a new dressing. It'll still hurt for a bit, though..." With that, he stood up and fetched his kit. He returned in a few minutes and began dressing it again.

-----------

Yuri's stomach grumbled, and the prospect of well-made food convinced him to search out the mess hall. Grabbing a fresh uniform, which he was grateful for, he headed out.

ooc: gtg. nyquil is kicking in ~.~

"Lemme see," Yvgenni was suddenly alert as he stood up in bed. He unwound the gauze and peeled back the bandage a fraction. "It looks okay...We should get you a new dressing. It'll still hurt for a bit, though..." With that, he stood up and fetched his kit. He returned in a few minutes and began dressing it again.

-----------

Yuri's stomach grumbled, and the prospect of well-made food convinced him to search out the mess hall. Grabbing a fresh uniform, which he was grateful for, he headed out.

ooc: gtg. nyquil is kicking in ~.~

Jessica closed her eyes as Yvgenni dressed the wound. The wound was bleeding, but it still looked horrifying.

-------------------------------------------------

Edward ran into Yuri while he was searching for the mess hall. "Whats up?"

ooc: it shouldn't be bleeding, because the docs woulda stitched it. unless you're implying the stitches have come out...

ic:

"I was just on my way to the mess hall, sir," Yuri answered.

ooc: it shouldn't be bleeding, because the docs woulda stitched it. unless you're implying the stitches have come out...

ic:

"I was just on my way to the mess hall, sir," Yuri answered.

OOC: I menat to write down it "wasn't" bleeding

IC:

"Could you lead me there. I've seem to forgot my way." Chuckled Edward.

ooc: ok

ic:

Spraying a pain medication on the wound, Yvgenni bandaged her arm and wrapped it back in gauze. In finale, he kissed the gauze over her wound.

"There, all better," Yvgenni smiled.

----------

"Of course, sir," Yuri answered, "Follow me, please."

ooc: ok

ic:

Spraying a pain medication on the wound, Yvgenni bandaged her arm and wrapped it back in gauze. In finale, he kissed the gauze over her wound.

"There, all better," Yvgenni smiled.

----------

"Of course, sir," Yuri answered, "Follow me, please."

"Thank you." said Jessica. "Lets go find the others."

-------------------------------------------------------

Edward chuckled, "You don't have to call me "sir". I'm just an intelligence agent."

"Sure," Yvgenni answered, groaning a bit as he reached for his clothes.

-----------

"Yes si-" Yuri replied. He stopped and said, "Erm, it's this way."

"Sure," Yvgenni answered, groaning a bit as he reached for his clothes.

-----------

"Yes si-" Yuri replied. He stopped and said, "Erm, it's this way."

She went to change and came out, wearing her special ops uniform." My dad brought it here." she explained.

--------------------------------------------

Upon arriving at the mess hall, which was a bit quiet, despite personnel eating breakfast there, Edward asked where to order.

"I love a girl in uniform," Yvgenni winked as he kissed her.

----------

"Well, it's more like a line," Yuri pointed. "Just pick up a tray and pick up what you want."

"I love a girl in uniform," Yvgenni winked as he kissed her.

----------

"Well, it's more like a line," Yuri pointed. "Just pick up a tray and pick up what you want."

She smiled at the comment. "This uniform is a bit old. You should see the body armor I wear, its very heavy."

----------------------------------------------------

As Yuri and Edward lined up and grabbed whatever they wanted Edward asked,"So you guided Rachel here?"

"I bet you look great in it, though," he answered.

-----------

"Yeah, I did," Yuri replied. "She happened to be near my post at the airport, and I offered to take her to the convoy...they wouldn't let her on cuz she was a foreigner, so I tagged along to vouch for her."

"I bet you look great in it, though," he answered.

-----------

"Yeah, I did," Yuri replied. "She happened to be near my post at the airport, and I offered to take her to the convoy...they wouldn't let her on cuz she was a foreigner, so I tagged along to vouch for her."

"Why thank you." said Jessica kissing him. "Should we get going?"

----------------------------------

Edward looked at Yuri closely, sensing something,'What is your opinion of her?"

"Yeah, lets," Yvgenni agreed, gathering his *cover before heading out with her.

--------------

Yuri balked, not sure what to really say. "She seems like she has a good heart..."

"Yeah, lets," Yvgenni agreed, gathering his *cover before heading out with her.

--------------

Yuri balked, not sure what to really say. "She seems like she has a good heart..."

Jessica still had trouble finding the way in the base, so she had Yvgenni lead her.

-------------------------------

Edward looked at him curiously, while taking the food to a empty table he said," Because I've heard interesting things about her. Anyone else warn you about her?"

"Hehe, you'll get your bearings soon," Yvgenni assured Jessica, "I mean, even I got lost my first few days here," he chuckled abashedly.

----------

"No..." Yuri said as he sat across from him. "What kinda things...?"

"Hehe, you'll get your bearings soon," Yvgenni assured Jessica, "I mean, even I got lost my first few days here," he chuckled abashedly.

----------

"No..." Yuri said as he sat across from him. "What kinda things...?"

"Hey, look who's up!" said Jessica, Rachel was ahead, she turned around alarmed, but her face broke into a smile when she say Yvgenni and Jessica.

"Hey guys. I'm lost too."

------------------------------------------------------------

"First, are you attracted to her?" asked Edward, looking very serious. The last time he looked like this was when he was interrogating prisoners.

"You both really are sisters, huh?" Yvgenni joked. "C'mon with us if you want."

--------------

"Well..." Yuri said, suddenly not hungry. He couldn't meet Edward's gaze. He felt like a prisoner in a gulag... "Yes, I suppose I do..."

"You both really are sisters, huh?" Yvgenni joked. "C'mon with us if you want."

--------------

"Well..." Yuri said, suddenly not hungry. He couldn't meet Edward's gaze. He felt like a prisoner in a gulag... "Yes, I suppose I do..."

Rachel didn't respond. Jessica noticed that she was uneasily, but she supposed that Rachel had problems of her own.

-------------------------------------

"She has a talent for that, attracting every man. She was the most popular at the Sasha University." said Edward, still looking serious, "Did you do anything? Did you tell her?"

Rachel didn't respond. Jessica noticed that she was uneasily, but she supposed that Rachel had problems of her own.

-------------------------------------

"She has a talent for that, attracting every man. She was the most popular at the Sasha University." said Edward, still looking serious, "Did you do anything? Did you tell her?"

"Are you all right?" Yvgenni asked out of genuine concern. He wondered if he'd misspoken.

----------

Now Yuri was even more apprehensive...what was Edward leading at? he wondered.

"Do anything...?" he asked in return, "N-not really...And not in so many words, but..."

"Are you all right?" Yvgenni asked out of genuine concern. He wondered if he'd misspoken.

----------

Now Yuri was even more apprehensive...what was Edward leading at? he wondered.

"Do anything...?" he asked in return, "N-not really...And not in so many words, but..."

"I'm alright." said Rachel, smiling uneasy. But it was apparent that she was not alright.

-----------------------

Edward looked at him in a questionable way. "Did you...kiss her?"

"All right..." Yvgenni said, dropping the subject. He glanced at Jessica, as if to ask, What happened...? before leading them on.

------------

What business is that of yours?! Yuri thought, though he decided not to actually say that. He'd heard of protective brothers, but still...

"We did, now that you ask..."

"All right..." Yvgenni said, dropping the subject. He glanced at Jessica, as if to ask, What happened...? before leading them on.

------------

What business is that of yours?! Yuri thought, though he decided not to actually say that. He'd heard of protective brothers, but still...

"We did, now that you ask..."

She shrugged, she did not know more then Yvgenni.

-----------------------------------------------------

Edward did not look affected by what Yuri just said. He counted eating and talking when his mouth wasn't stuffed with food. "Did you kiss her, or did she kiss you first?"

Yvgenni reached out and held Jessica's hand, trying to reassure her, even though he was just as apprehensive.

-------------

"Well, she kissed me..." Yuri replied.

Yvgenni reached out and held Jessica's hand, trying to reassure her, even though he was just as apprehensive.

-------------

"Well, she kissed me..." Yuri replied.

The Minister spotted the small group and also joined them. "Good morning. You alright Rachel?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." said Rachel, but it was obvious she was uneasy about something. The Minister decided to drop it and followed Yvgenni to the mess hall.

------------------------------

"Thats a first." said Edward, clearly surprised.

Yvgenni nodded a polite 'good morning' to the Minister and held the door to the Mess Hall open for them. He noticed something about the Minister, and wondered about this family he was marrying into. Although, one glance at Jessica, and his hesitation was gone.

---------------

Yuri was a bit taken aback, "Eh, how so...?"

Yvgenni nodded a polite 'good morning' to the Minister and held the door to the Mess Hall open for them. He noticed something about the Minister, and wondered about this family he was marrying into. Although, one glance at Jessica, and his hesitation was gone.

---------------

Yuri was a bit taken aback, "Eh, how so...?"

Before Edward could say anything, he noticed the Minister, Jessica, Rachel, and Yvgenni walk in. "We'll wrap this conservation up later."

Yuri scowled a bit. He hated being the lowly soldier who was never told what he really needed to know. It was the same type of feeling. Or like when he was in school and someone would tease him with, "I know something you don't know." He quickly hid his scowl, and stood up to offer Rachel the seat next to him.

"Good morning," he directed to them all, though he only looked at Rachel.

Yuri scowled a bit. He hated being the lowly soldier who was never told what he really needed to know. It was the same type of feeling. Or like when he was in school and someone would tease him with, "I know something you don't know." He quickly hid his scowl, and stood up to offer Rachel the seat next to him.

"Good morning," he directed to them all, though he only looked at Rachel.

After picking out their seats, everyone left Yuri and Edward as they went off to pile food on their trays. Edward made sure no one was listening then he said in a quiet voice "Normally she waits for the person she is targeting to kiss her first. If she kissed you first, I have no idea what that means."

A small smile crept on Yuri's face. That sounded promising, to say the least. As the others returned, he stood up and pulled out Rachel's seat for her.

A small smile crept on Yuri's face. That sounded promising, to say the least. As the others returned, he stood up and pulled out Rachel's seat for her.

"Thank you." said Rachel, suddenly smiling. Jessica was a bit alarmed. First Rachel was uneasy, then she was happy.

Yuri returned the smile, oblivious to the previous goings on.

"You're welcome," he answered.

Yvgenni held out Jessica's seat and shared in her emotion. He didn't know the family's dynamic that well, but if she seemed alarmed by Rachel's actions, there was probably good reason.

Jessica noticed that Rachel wasn't the only one alarming. The Minister seemed to nervous, and very uneasy. Edward evidently did not noticed and started a conservation with Yvgenni. "What kind of aircraft do you have here?"

Jessica noticed that Rachel wasn't the only one alarming. The Minister seemed to nervous, and very uneasy. Edward evidently did not noticed and started a conservation with Yvgenni. "What kind of aircraft do you have here?"

"Well, this base has a lot of different squadrons," Yvgenni started, keeping an eye on the two as he turned to face Edward, "We have Vogels, which are interesting...I haven't flown in those a lot. UH-60 Blackhawks and MH Little Birds are what I'm used to. The combat squadrons have F-15s, F-16s and Rafale-Bs. We have a slew of transports and support aircraft...combat helicopters. And UCAVs as well," he chuckled a bit. "We were the largest forward base in the war."

"Well, this base has a lot of different squadrons," Yvgenni started, keeping an eye on the two as he turned to face Edward, "We have Vogels, which are interesting...I haven't flown in those a lot. UH-60 Blackhawks and MH Little Birds are what I'm used to. The combat squadrons have F-15s, F-16s and Rafale-Bs. We have a slew of transports and support aircraft...combat helicopters. And UCAVs as well," he chuckled a bit. "We were the largest forward base in the war."

"What is that war you speak of?" Clearly Edward did not know what had happened in this nation.

"You mean...you don't know?" Yvgenni asked. He shrugged and began to explain, "We were at war for almost a year with a neighboring country to the west, Katangara. Their forces actually pushed into our territories, quite far."

"You mean...you don't know?" Yvgenni asked. He shrugged and began to explain, "We were at war for almost a year with a neighboring country to the west, Katangara. Their forces actually pushed into our territories, quite far."

"How did it end? Did you launch a counterattack and drive them away?"

"Well, the war bogged down for several months, the frontlines were pretty static," Yvgenni recollected. "The air war is where the real battles took place...and of course, the Occupation of San Salvus," he turned to Yuri.

Yuri had grown silent, gripping his fork tightly. He remembered the Occupation; he knew it well...

"Well, the war bogged down for several months, the frontlines were pretty static," Yvgenni recollected. "The air war is where the real battles took place...and of course, the Occupation of San Salvus," he turned to Yuri.

Yuri had grown silent, gripping his fork tightly. He remembered the Occupation; he knew it well...

Edward noticed Yuri, but he evidently thought that war would change a kid like him. "Its great to hear you won't be fighting a war. Every day I wake up in at my apartment, I expect some invasion or civil war in Greal."

"They defiled our sacred soil," Yuri said quietly, stopping Yvgenni mid-sentence. "So we punished them...but I suppose," he looked over to Edward, "We should consider ourselves lucky..."

"They defiled our sacred soil," Yuri said quietly, stopping Yvgenni mid-sentence. "So we punished them...but I suppose," he looked over to Edward, "We should consider ourselves lucky..."

"Well, your nation is bigger in size, thats why you're luckier." said Edward. Rachel and Jessica were chatting, and the Minister was checking his cellphone for any messages.

Yuri simply nodded and returned to his meal, no longer hungry. He glanced at Rachel as she chatted with her sister and wondered what she had planned for dinner.

Yuri simply nodded and returned to his meal, no longer hungry. He glanced at Rachel as she chatted with her sister and wondered what she had planned for dinner.

The Minister also returned to his meal and started talking with Edward about politics. The presidential election in Greal was coming up.

"Just a reminder," Yvgenni spoke up, "Remember that the rehearsal is at four this afternoon."

"Just a reminder," Yvgenni spoke up, "Remember that the rehearsal is at four this afternoon."

"How long will it last?" asked Rachel curious.

"Well, the Mass is about an hour, but Father Mulcahy is just gonna walk us through it...so I think it won't take more than a half hour," Yvgenni replied.