I had no idea what I was getting into when I saw Yoshino after so many years. The first things that came to my mind was possibly swindling him of his fortune, which I had kept… tabs on. The second was the pretty woman who was with them. The third thing was the presence of the clanner.

In all my years with the DCMS, I had never met anyone like Descartin Winters, even for the short time we spent talking in the teahouse. It wasn’t that he frightened me. It was more that he felt like an over pressured dam, just waiting to burst.

The Dragon help whoever causes that dam to break, because I have a very bad feeling when that happens.

Of course, I didn’t like it when Yoshino literally drafted me into looking for Winters. Come to think of it though, that probably saved my life later on. I sure didn’t want to get left behind on Luthien for an honorable death.

-Life with the Rat Pack, Tai-sa Ryo Saeba

 

Imperial City, Luthien

Pesht Military District, Draconis Combine

19^th August 3068

The alarm clock went off, but Descartin was already awake, staring at the ceiling of his small room. He reached out with a hand to silence the ringing machine, but he remained on his bed.

He stared up at the small blue and green dragons decorating the ceiling. Somehow, this was not what he expected of a room that was supposed to be an infant’s nursery. Nevertheless, the small crib in a corner of the room gave ample evidence of its future use.

For the past few days, he had been staying with the Tanaka family. They had a small shophouse with living space above the shop, while the rest of the block above it was given over to cheap residence. It was small by any standard, but they did not seem unhappy about it.

Every morning, he would wake up to a breakfast prepared by Atasushi’s sister and her husband. It was almost invariably bread of some sort, but Descartin did not mind, since the bread every morning was different.

And indeed it should be, because they owned a small bakery. Bread of all flavors, of all shapes and sizes. There was bread with raisins in them, bread with pieces of pork floss on top, bread with their insides stuffed with cream. There was some cake as well, though not as much in demand as the bread. Descartin could not figure it out, though he assumed that the tastes of the locals ran more towards bread rather than cakes.

It made Descartin’s head spin the first time he woke up to the bewildering array of food. The fragrant smell of the bread did not help, an unfamiliar miasma of scents that he had never experienced, not even in his years among the clans.

Even in the room, he could smell them already, imagining the bread steaming hot off the ovens. The bread shop would be opening for business soon, and Atasushi would be picking him up in a car for work.

The past few days had been… interesting. Descartin had been at a loss at what to do at first, but Daisuke had squared him away quickly. There were only two rules, he was told. One, keep an eye out for possible trouble. Two, ensure that the Duchess was safe and comfortable.

Between him, Daisuke, and Atasushi, there had been no other incidences like that day in the alley, though Irene’s new found wariness of dark passages had a lot to do with that. Descartin found himself more of a companion to Irene than an actual bodyguard, though he made sure to still watch their surroundings carefully for problems.

The day after he was hired, he had been brought on a shopping trip. Irene had said tit was to buy normal clothes for him, but ended up buying much, much more than that. In the end, because neither Daisuke nor Atasushi could be drawn away from their official bodyguard duties(he thought it was a poor excuse anyway), Descartin had been the one to carry heap upon heap of boxes from the commercial district.

He remembered hearing sympathetic passer-bys remarking about overbearing girlfriends and overworked boyfriends, which brought an involuntary blush to his face. Irene had been tickled silly by that incident, and she had began treating him as if they were attached.

Descartin hoped she was just joking.

He washed up, and changed into his clothes. Having worn combat ready jumpsuits for the massive bulk of his life, he still felt uneasy wearing ordinary civilian clothing. Today he decided on a plain white shirt and a pair of brown pants, reasoning that his role was to look as inconspicuous as possible. After changing, he opened the door just in time to see Koji Tanaka clamber up the rickety stairs from the shop.

“Konnichi-wa, Winters-sama,” the Japanese man greeted him with a ready smile. “Breakfast is ready, and Atasushi will be here soon to pick you up. Come on and have some food!”

Descartin nodded thankfully. Atasushi’s brother-in-law Koji was one of the most guileless men he had ever met. Nobody could ever accuse Koji of brilliance, but he had an unguarded optimism that was infectious. Atasushi had remarked quite often about how his sister had been lucky to marry Koji.

They went to the small dining room, trading small talk. As they reached the round eating table, Koji’s wife Maeko was already waiting for them. Like most Japanese women, she was quiet and demure, often deferring to others. However, she had a presence and an insistent way about her that spoke of hidden strength and character.

She smiled as they walked up, and greeted Descartin. Koji grinned back at her, and they settled down for breakfast.

Twenty minutes later, Descartin helped Koji out with the opening of the bakery, holding cartons of bread and arranging them on the shelves. He had nothing better to do while waiting for Atasushi anyway.

“Domo arigato, Winters-sama,” Koji said as they finished. “I am sorry for making you help us do our work. You are our guest…”

“Nothing to it,” Descartin waved it off. “It is good to help people. Accrues good karma.”

“Descartin, I didn’t know you believe in this sort of thing,” Atasushi said as he entered the shop. “Konnichi wa, Koji-kun.” He bowed his head slightly and quickly to his brother-in-law.

Koji bowed in return, rather more respectfully, as he belonged to a lower social class. Nevertheless, Descartin could sense that both men were at ease with each other, and did not really need such expressions of formality.

“Ready to go, Descartin?”

“Aff.” He turned to Koji, “Goodbye, Koji. I wish you good business.” Koji smiled in reply. Their bread business was always good. In fact, Descartin remembered with dread a stampede one morning from a mob of housewives when Maeko debuted a new type of bread filling.

That morning, he had nearly been flattened by the mob as they charged into the shop. An ignoble fate for any warrior, clan or not.

 

It was a short drive to the imperial palace, where they would pick up the Duchess and Daisuke. The streets were already starting to bustle with people, as Combine citizens hurried to work.

“So what are the plans for today?” Descartin asked. Most of the time, there was not any, since Irene Manson seemed to make impromptu decisions about the visit for the day, but he figured that it did not hurt to ask.

“Well, there’s a traveling carnival from the Magistracy of Canopus. The Duchess says it’s a lot of fun, and she wants to go there.” Atasushi rolled his eyes. “Daisuke and me tried to dissuade her, but she insisted. Also, there’ll be somebody else joining us today.”

Atasushi’s tone suddenly turned deadly serious. “Descartin, I’m really glad you’re with us, since you’ve given us another pair of eyes. The extra person we have is very, very important, and no harm must ever come to him. So I want you to be on your most alert state.”

“I am always alert.” Descartin chewed on it for a while, before asking, “Then why not a few more guards?”

Atasushi shook his head, “Too conspicuous. Right now, even the ISF doesn’t know you’re with us, and it wants the amount of escort to remain low in order to avoid our charges from standing out.”

Descartin shook his head slowly. The convoluted logic of the Inner Sphere still made his head hurt at times. How difficult would it be to have a few discreet guards standing around?

No, he realized suddenly, there will be other guards around, only that we are not supposed to know about them. He glanced at Atasushi. No, Atasushi must know as well, or at the very least, he suspects so.

Descartin finished his line of thought. If we knew who those extra guards were, we might give away their position, simply with an unintended look or wayward glance. However, if we do not know, then it will be easier for them to blend in.

He nodded to himself. It was perfectly reasonable, and an excellent idea. However, it did worry him slightly. Am I beginning to think like a spheroid? He wondered.

But there was one more thing he needed to know.

“Atasushi?” Descartin asked hesitantly.

“Yes?”

“What is a carnival?”

 

Descartin stared down at the boy in front of him. Irene beamed as she introduced the young boy to her bodyguards. For his part, the boy was very polite as he bowed deeply and respectfully to Daisuke and the others.

Irene was saying, “My friends, this is Kitsune. He’s a son of my friends, and he had just returned to Luthien. Say hello to these uncles, Kitsune.” She was dressed in a simple blue blouse and jeans, for a casual look. Kitsune, like most children, wore shorts and a T-shirt.

Kitsune bowed again, “I am pleased to meet you.”

Descartin could not help but notice Daisuke and Atasushi’s discomfiture, as they bowed back again rather stiffly and respectfully. He also noticed that Kitsune was a great deal more well-disciplined than even clan children of his age. Of course, Descartin admitted freely his sibko was never the best behaved lot in any case.

This is a strange child, Descartin decided. He could only belong to the nobility, but the question was, how high was he on the totem pole? High enough to make Daisuke and Atasushi very uncomfortable, I think.

“How do you feel about going to the carnival today, Kitsune?” Irene laid a hand gently on Kitsune’s shoulder.

The boy’s face lit up as he exclaimed, “Wow! Are we really going to the carnival, Obasan Isi… I mean, Irene?”

Descartin’s ears perked up at the slight slip, as Irene quickly answered, “Of course we are. Kitsune, please remember my name, okay? Also, I’m not that old. Call me big sister.” She leaned down and winked at Kitsune, who giggled and nodded, as the two exchanged conspiratorial looks.

Not for the first time, Descartin felt out of the loop. Now even the kid was being let in on the big secret while he was left out. How fair was that? He shook his head, while the others all smiled.

They set off in the vehicle, with Descartin sitting behind while Atasushi drove. The vehicle was a hover wagon, which allowed at least six passengers at the back. It was meant for large families, and Descartin recalled Koji and Maeko talking of buying one once they had saved up enough money, as well as the children to fill up the wagon.

As they drove through the city, Irene played some simple games with Kitsune. Scissor paper stone guessing games that even Descartin had heard of. The clans had instituted such games as good tests of anticipation and judgment. Those were good times, as he remembered the laughter and fun, even in the rigid structure of the sibko, training to be warriors.

Apparently, he had allowed his melancholy to appear on his face, because Irene suddenly asked him in a concerned tone, “Descartin, are you all right?”

Descartin said, “No, I am fine. Perfectly fine.”

He hoped he sounded convincing. Irene did not seem like the type to let go easily, and she proved him right when she spoke.

“You know, after more than a week together, and I still don’t know a lot about you. Maybe you could tell Kitsune about the clans.”

Kitsune sat straight up upon hearing the word ‘clans’. “Winters-san, you know about the clans?”

Strangely enough, many young boys in the Inner Sphere, he had observed on Outreach, and even on Luthien, seem enamored of the clans. Descartin privately wondered if cultural influences go both ways. He smirked, “Of course I know about the clans. I am a warrior of the clans.”

Kitsune’s eyes bugged out, “You are a clan war…”

“Does that frighten you, boy?” Descartin leaned forward to look Kitsune in the eye. “Before you were even born, I fought to conquer this world.” He pasted a wicked grin on his face, and leaned even far forward, as though going to devour Kitsune. “I have come to finish my task.”

Kitsune leaned back in fear, before Irene pinched Descartin hard on his thigh, which elicited a yelp from Descartin as he jumped in his seat, which broke the tension.

“Except, of course, that I am currently employed by a sadistic woman who loves to torture stray warriors.” Descartin deadpanned.

“Don’t worry, Kitsune, he’s housebroken.” Irene grinned, as Descartin rubbed his thigh ruefully.

Kitsune laughed in delight at his antics, while Descartin shook his head in mock dismay.

The car soon reached the carnival. Descartin, after Atasushi’s explanation, was still not quite sure what a carnival was. Like many things in the Inner Sphere which revolved around the concept of entertainment, he had not the slightest idea of what it was like.

The moment he saw the twisting tracks of the roller coaster ride, Descartin felt a lump of iron sink into his stomach.

 

Isis grinned as she observed the grimace on Descartin’s face. The idea of a member of the most fearsome warrior race bred by mankind being worried by the prospect of a carnival ride tickled her insides silly.

Because of the Draconis Combine’s strict immigration laws and behavioral regulations, the famous pleasure circuses of the Magistracy of Canopus were not allowed within their borders. In an attempt to circumvent those restrictions, the Canopans took out the more… controversial aspects of their pleasure circuses, and put in more rides and game stalls. They also changed the designation to “Traveling Carnival”. Such groups were slowly gaining popularity in recent years, and it was said that the carnivals might soon overtake the circuses as the Canopans’ most famous export service.

Young Kitsune had pressed his face to the window, trying to get a better and closer look at the many rides and games that were visible from the road. He was excitedly shouting out the names of the rides that he knew, while Descartin seemed to be getting more and more uncomfortable with each name that he heard.

“Look, there’s the Space Slingshot! I’ve never tried it before!” Kitsune exclaimed excitedly.

“Can I sit this one out?” Descartin muttered softly to her. She noticed he was staring at the Space Slingshot, a passenger globe connected to two towers by two long and thick elastic ropes, one on each side of the globe. The globe was currently bouncing up and down over a hundred meter distance in less than two seconds. Screams could be heard from it, even from this distance.

Isis smiled sweetly at him, and said, “No.”

Atasushi stopped the wagon in the sprawling field converted for parking purposes, and they got out. People were trickling past the carnival gates, but Isis could see that as it was not a weekend, there were not too many people around.

Isis made sure she was holding onto Kitsune as they passed thorough the carnival gates. Like all children, the boy’s strict self control in the presence of strangers was slowly slipping away as he saw things which interested him.

She had no intention of letting down either Theodore Kurita or Victor Davion by misplacing Omi’s son. Even this trip to the carnival was only allowed because Uncle Chandy had persuaded Theodore to let Kitsune out.

Kitsune Kurita was the son of Victor Davion and Omi Kurita, and Isis could not help but feel sad whenever she thought of Omi. The boy had no idea who his father was, but she could see in Kitsune some of Victor’s features, as well as some of Omi’s.

In hindsight, the name was a dead giveaway to the boy’s identity. Kitsune was Japanese for ‘fox’, and was apparently Omi’s way of honoring Hanse Davion, Kitsune’s grandfather, known throughout the Inner Sphere as the Fox for his cunning and skill.

Of course, Kitsune had not been revealed to the public yet, even though he was now third in line to be the Coordinator after Hohiro and Minoru. The revelation of his status as Omi’s son would no doubt be linked to Victor, and that would in turn lead to even more dissatisfaction with Theodore’s rule. So his existence had to be kept a secret, until such time as it could be safely announced.

Daisuke and Atasushi knew, of course, but not Descartin. The plan called for her to get acquainted with Kitsune first, then bring him to Tukayyid to meet his father. They were scheduled to leave in about a week, since Theodore had hoped that Kitsune would be safer with Victor on Tukayyid, and wanted them to leave as soon as possible.

Isis recalled her last meeting with Theodore, and the strain on his face was apparent. There was something very serious going on, but despite her best efforts, she was unable to uncover anything.

Shaking off her ominous thoughts, Isis spied a candy store, and promptly bought Kitsune and herself sticks of cotton candy. She had offered to buy for her bodyguards, but like all men who needed to keep up appearances, they refused.

“So, Kitsune,” she asked, “which ride do you want to try out first?”

“The Space Slingshot!”

Isis smiled as Kitsune, like all kids, started running for the ride, pulling her along. Descartin followed, with Daisuke and Atasushi not far behind.

 

They got into the short queue for the ride. They were the next group in line, and the three men started discussing important issues in low tones while Irene chatted with Kitsune.

“One of us has to be with them.” Daisuke stated. “Descartin-san, you’re it. We’ll be the lookout on the ground.”

Descartin took one look at the bouncing globe in mid air, where the passengers were screaming their heads off, and cleared his throat. “Uh, can I say no? I mean, you will probably have done this before, quiaff? Surely one of you would be better.”

The look on Daisuke and Atasushi’s faces gave him the answer.

“Wait a minute,” Descartin stared at them, “Neither of you had done this before?”

Atasushi shrugged. “Never had the time. Besides, I was deprived as a kid.”

Daisuke added, “Same here. Samurai do not have time for such activities.”

“And I haven’t done this either. What makes you think I’m any more suitable?” Descartin uttered in a harsh whisper.

“Because you are clan, and the clans are known for their bravery and courage?” Daisuke smiled weakly. “To tell the truth, we’re scared too.”

Descratin took another glance at the globe, which was being lowered onto the ground by several servos in the towers, “By the Kerenskys, you think I am not? I would rather face a Daishi in a Locust!”

Before the other two could say anything, the ride operator shouted, “Next!” The passengers stumbled out, all deliriously happy, for some strange reason. They went off in something like a group hug, since none of them were able to walk unaided.

Irene and Kitsune suddenly reached over with an arm each and grabbed Descartin by his shirt. “Come on!” Irene said as the two started dragging Descartin to the globe.

Descartin looked back at Daisuke in panic, but all he saw were the two Otomo waving goodbye to him happily with innocent smiles pasted on their faces. Their eyes told him the rest.

We didn’t choose you. Irene did. Too bad. Enjoy the ride!

Traitors. Descartin gritted his teeth. He looked at Kitsune and Irene, who showed no fear at all of the ride, and steeled himself. If they can do it, so can I.

“Descartin, have you done this before?” Irene asked.

“Uh, no. This is a new experience for me.” Descartin answered. “Have you done this before?”

“Oh, certainly. Rides like these are common in the Free Worlds League,” she said nonchalantly.

Not for the first time, Descartin wondered what a noble like her from the Free Worlds League was doing on Luthien.

They clambered into the globe, while the operator gave them some emergency advice while strapping them into the seats, which could accommodate three people. Kitsune was strapped in between Descartin and Irene. Descartin tugged at his own straps to ensure that they were tight, and was satisfied when they barely budged.

As the globe closed, leaving them with only the clear plexiglass windows all over the globe to look out, Descartin felt Kitsune’s hand slide into his.

“I feel scared, Winters-san.” Kitsune stammered.

Descartin smiled reassuringly. “Hey, so am I.” He squeezed Kitsune’s hand briefly. “Do not worry, this will be fun.” Internally, he made a quick prayer to the Kerenskys, just to be on the safe side.

As he looked over Kitsune to ensure that the boy was seated properly, he caught Irene’s eye. She had a strange look on her face, one that Descartin did not understand, but which stirred something that he could not define in his soul.

He could feel the tangible connection between them as they looked at each other. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the globe was suddenly launched into the sky.

The Space Slingshot operates much like a sling, with the globe right in the middle of the elastic bands. The ride starts off by having the motors in the towers connected to the elastic bands lower the globe to the ground, where a series of clamps would hold it in place. Then the motors would move up, increasing the tension in the bands. When the clamps were released, the globe would shoot up into the sky as the bands release their potential energy.

“AHHHH!” Descartin yelled for his life as they flew through the air upwards, the outside through the windows a kaleidoscope of swirling colors. He had dropped into combat from the midst of space, from burning dropships, fought through uncountable situations, but this was something which all his experience had never prepared him for.

The press on his body from the sheer acceleration, the feel of being propelled through the air at incredible speeds, the slight whistling of sound as the globe flew through the air. They all added to the experience.

He was dimly aware of Irene and Kitsune screaming right along with him as the globe gradually slowed as it reached the apex of its flight. For the briefest moment, he took a deep breath, before the globe started descending towards the ground at increasing speeds, propelled by the tension in the bands, this time in the opposite direction.

“WOOHOO!” Descartin shouted as they saw the ground approach them at high speed. Then just before they actually struck the ground, the globe slowed to a momentary halt again, bare meters above the ground, before shooting back up.

This time, they were all shouting in exuberance now, thoroughly enjoying the ride.

 

Isis walked out of the globe. Actually, it was more like she was being half carried by Descartin, who amazingly was able to retain enough of his equilibrium to stand upright and walk properly. He had lifted Kitsune onto his shoulders, despite Kitsune’s size.

Daisuke walked over with a grin. “Did you enjoy the ride?”

They all nodded, even Des. For Isis, it was not her first time, but it was still exhilarating every time. She was glad to see that Kitsune had enjoyed himself.

And there was that moment in the globe when she was looking at Des…

“Well, what’s next?” Kitsune asked, swinging his legs around Descartin’s chest.

“Anything you want.” She answered.

They walked past a stall offering toys to whoever could knock down several bottles. Several teenagers were trying their hand at the game, and a girl squealed in delight as a boy managed to knock down a bottle, with the vendor handing over a stuffed bear which looked suspiciously like a Ghost Bear caricature. The vendor spotted them, and shouted, “Try your skill! Win something for your girl and your kids! 4 tries per ryu!”

Descartin slowed down, and he lifted Kitsune off his shoulders and down onto the ground as he walked up the stall.

“Des, what are you doing?” Isis asked as they watched him fork out a dollar coin to the vendor, who smiled through a set of grimy teeth and handed over several balls.

Descartin didn’t answer, but he took a ball and flung it with all the strength he had as a trueborn mechwarrior at the bottles.

The bottle he was aiming at didn’t just fall off. It broke under the impact, breaking into several shards onto the ground.

Without pausing or looking at the gaping vendor, Descartin took a second ball and flung it again, smashing down another bottle. He left the remaining two shots, signaling that he had enough.

The dumbfounded vendor handed over two large stuffed bears, shaking his head at his lousy luck.

As Des grabbed the bears and turned around to look at them, Isis commented loudly, “Show off.” She also saw the embarrassment on Descartin’s blushing face, as though he wasn’t quite sure why he was doing all this either. He held out the bears stiffly, one to Kitsune, and one to her.

Despite her words, Isis accepted with both hands the stuffed toy he had won for her, and hugged the toy. For the first time in her life, somebody had done something just for her. Not because of her title, not because he wanted something from her. All her life, the people around her had constantly badgered her into doing this or that, in return for some future favor or gift. Even Sun-Tzu had not truly cared, tricking her with false promises into securing aid for his battered nation, and later sacrificing her on Hustaing. Nobody, not even her father, had cared. Only Victor and Omi came close, and Omi was dead.

But here was a lost clan warrior, a simple soldier who didn’t even know exactly what he was doing or why, willing to do something for her without asking for anything in return. It was a heartfelt gesture that touched her to the depths of her soul.

Isis could feel the tears threatening to spill out of her eyes, but she clutched the toy close to her face, shielding her watery eyes from the others, and breathed in hard, bringing her emotions under control.

“Are you all right, oneesan?” Kitsune tugged her jeans.

“Yes,“ Isis said, lowering the bear, sniffing slightly, “I have never been better.”

 

It was evening, and Descartin was still wondering what came over him. They were all sprawled around a table tiredly with their spoils of the day. They had added to his initial haul of toys, and the table itself was cluttered with empty boxes previously full of sushi, pizza, and fried chicken, and several cans of soft drink.

“Buuurrp!” There was loud belch from Daisuke. “Sorry,” the elder Otomo warrior apologized, “Ate too much.” He stumbled away in search of a toilet, after Descartin and Atasushi had assured him that they were on the job. Atasushi took up a standing position several meters away to act as a lookout, while Descartin stayed near the table.

Kitsune was sleeping on Irene’s lap, obviously tired from the day’s activities, while the noblewoman stroked the boy’s hair.

She looked up as Descartin sat down next to them.

He asked, “Did you have fun?”

Irene nodded, “Yes, this was one of the best days of my life.” Her long brown hair, normally tied in a ponytail, was now loose, and it cascaded around her shoulders. She looked at him, “Thank you so very much for making this day so memorable for Kitsune. And for me too.”

Descartin gulped, feeling a strange sensation stir within him. He looked away for a moment, before turning back to Irene, having made his decision. Might as well ask it out now.

“Duchess, I have been with you for more than a week now. I would like to know who exactly you are. I know Irene is not your real name.”

It was her turn to look away. “I’m exactly what I told you, a Duchess from the Free Worlds League. As for my name, it doesn’t matter.”

Descartin sighed, “Look, I may not be all that familiar with the Inner Sphere, but I do know enough to see that having a noblewoman from the Free Worlds League staying in the Imperial Palace of House Kurita is pretty unusual. You do not seem like an ambassador, nor the consort of a diplomat. So, who are you? Who is Kitsune?”

Irene shook her head, “I really can’t tell you. You know, state secrets and all that. I wish I could, but I can’t.”

“I understand,” he said after a pause. “You have your own problems, and you do not need me to add to them by knowing about it. I am sorry for prying.”

“Don’t be. Showing concern for others is what friends do.”

Descartin raised an eyebrow. “Are we friends?”

“Of course we are. You won a stuffed toy for me, remember?” Her eyes twinkled. “Trying to impress me?”

Descartin blushed, “I was just trying to fit in.”

She laughed softly. “I know, I know. And besides, you’ve never told me why you came to Luthien anyway.”

Descartin shrugged. “It is a long story.”

“Then tell me about it. We’ve got time.”

He gave her the abbreviated version. He told her of his life as a member of the clans, his wanderings from one clan to another. Then the battles on Einstein, where he had undergone an epiphany. His meeting on Outreach with Jaime Wolf, and finally the letter to Narimasa Asano.

“So that’s why you had nothing to do. You were waiting for Asano to turn up.” Irene said.

“Aff. I plan to ask Daisuke for help in this matter. I only hope that he is willing to help.”

“Well, you could ask me.” Irene grinned.

Descartin blinked for several moments. “You? But, I thought…”

“I know Tai-sho Asano, and I think I can get him to see you once he returns from his trip. But what happens when you do see him?”

“I find out where to find that Archer pilot, and I intend to go look for him.”

“For what? Answers that don’t really matter?” Irene asked.

“Irene, they matter to me. I need to know where to go, what to do. I need something to give me a reason to go on, to keep fighting. Right now…”

“Aren’t you doing something? Protecting me and Kitsune here?” Irene smiled. “Des, stop trying so hard to give yourself a reason to fight. Just live your life the way you want it. Tell me honestly, are you happy here?”

Descartin looked at her for a long moment, before he admitted, “Aff, I think I am. It is not a familiar feeling.”

“Des, life doesn’t have to revolve around finding enemies and then beating them up silly. If you like what you’re doing now, why can’t you just let go of your quest?”

Letting go of my quest? Descartin thought in silence. She is right. Why not? Why do I have to keep pushing? For what? A bloodname? Fame? Glory? I have ensured my inclusion in the breeding program. What else is there?

He continued to think. I am happy here, and I would like to stay here, I think. It is a good life. An easy one. No need to worry about sudden Trials, no need to fight pointless battles. Was this what Peyes Mannix meant when he said that the greatest reward of all for a warrior is a happy life?

“I do not know,” Descartin said, “I feel so empty. The answers I get may help me dispel that feeling.”

But he knew he was lying, because right now, at this moment, he did not feel empty. Indeed, he had not felt empty since he met her. It was something he did not have the courage to say.

 

Isis was about to reply to Descartin when she felt Kitsune stir. She looked at her watch. It was almost 8 o’clock, and she had to send Kitsune back to the palace.

“Kitsune, we have to go back to the palace now. Wake up.”

The boy sat up on the bench, helped up by Descartin. Kitsune yawned, a sign that he was still tired. Isis knew the boy would be sleeping early once they got back.

“I think we should call Daisuke and Atasushi to send you back. It has been a long day.” Descartin remarked.

“We heard you,” the two Otomo walked up to them. “It is getting late, and the Duchess is right. Let’s clean up the table, then we’ll be on our way.”

With all five of them helping out, it was an easy task. Even Kitsune helped by bringing the cans to the recycling bin, which Descartin insisted on rather than just chucking the whole lot into the waste bin. Apparently the ‘waste not’ mentality of the clans was not a rumor.

They walked off towards the hover-wagon, past the throngs of people. There were more people than in the morning, since the carnival was open until midnight, and the citizens of Luthien were obviously freer in their evenings and nights.

Kitsune hopped between them happily, with Isis holding onto one hand as usual. When Kitsune grabbed hold of Descartin’s hand, who was walking opposite her carrying a bulging bag of toys with his other hand, Isis could see the momentary confusion on Descartin’s face. On instinct, she took a quick look at Daisuke, and she thought she saw a wry grin on his face.

Apparently, with Kitsune between her and Descartin, holding both their hands, they looked every inch a small family leaving the carnival. Daisuke need not have said it, but she read his expression all the same.

Well, well, Isis thought, smiling, I never thought I would find myself like this on Luthien. She had always thought it would be Sun-Tzu beside her, not some confused clan warrior masquerading as her bodyguard. Or was he her bodyguard masquerading as her boyfriend?

Isis didn’t care anymore. Either was fine with her.

“Instant photos, folks!” A man near the gate was shouting. “Instant photos for just 5 ryu! Something to remember this day! A memoir for the future! For your family, or with your loved ones! Photos for 5 ryu!”

Isis immediately steered the group towards the man, pulling along Kitsune and Descartin along.

“Irene, what are you doing?” Descartin asked.

“A memento, for me, you, and young Kitsune,” Isis smiled as she paid out the coins to the man, who smiled. “Come, stand over here!” Kitsune eagerly placed himself in front of her, while Descartin looked more confused than ever.

“Ahh, a family photo!” The man exclaimed in delight, getting into position and readying his camera, while Descartin stood around with Atasushi and Daisuke.

Isis gestured to Descartin, waving her hand, “Des, over here!”

The photographer spun around and said to Des, “Ahh, my man, your wife is calling you! Go stand next to her and your kid!”

What, me? The expression on a flabbergasted Descartin seemed to say before Daisuke and Atasushi sent him towards Isis with a strong shove to the back.

Isis grabbed him and pushed him into place just beside her. She whispered to him, “Just pretend for a moment, okay?”

He nodded, obviously still in shock, while she laid a hand on Kitsune’s shoulder, and one around Descartin.

“Put one hand around my waist.” She told him. It was half in cheek, but she really did want to feel his hand around her.

Descartin responded robotically to her command, as though his brain had been overloaded by the curve she had thrown him. But he did so anyway, while an uneasy smile appeared on his face. He was extremely tentative, but his hand did rest eventually on her hip.

“Are you ready?” The photographer asked. “Nice family you got there!”

Isis grinned at Descartin’s blush, while Kitsune fidgeted slightly.

“Okay now, on count of three! Three, two, one, say cheese!”

Isis smiled as the camera flashed, leaving colored dots in her vision as the photo was taken.

The photographer walked over, and handed her four copies of the photo.

Isis beamed as she looked at the photos. Yes, it had turned out exceptionally well.

”Here,” she handed one to Descartin, explaining, “Something for you to remember this day.”

Descartin took the photo and stared at it for a while. It wasn’t very big, but Isis figured it was large enough to tuck into a wallet. He looked at her, and said, “Thank you.”

Isis smiled, “Well, consider it payback for what you got for me.” She nodded her head at the bag he carried, which held the toys.

“Come on, let’s go!” Atasushi reminded them. “It’s getting late!”

As they left the carnival, Isis made sure she was holding hands with Descartin.

 

“Got anything?” Ryo Saeba groaned on hearing the words as he entered his room. As a Tai-i in a line regiment, even one as disreputable as the Legion of Vega, he was allowed the privilege of staying outside the military compound, though he had to make sure he would report on duty every day, or the privilege would be revoked.

Yoshino Ihara was sitting in a chair, with a map in his hands. He looked at Ryo. “Well?”

“No, not yet.” Ryo admitted. “It’s a big city, Ihara-san. For all we know, he could have left the planet already.”

“I don’t think so. I am sure he does not have enough money to get off world, and he still needs to see Tai-sho Asano.”

Ryo sat down on his own bed. “Then we can just wait for the Tai-sho to return and get Winters then. It’s certainly easier than going around like this.”

“I’m afraid he’ll get into trouble.”

“Come on, Yoshino,” Ryo said, “You’re talking about a clan warrior here. He can take care of himself.”

“Can he?” Yoshino rubbed his chin speculatively. “I’m not so sure. This is a new environment for him. Who knows how he’ll react?”

“Better than you might think. Hey, where’s Tina?”

“I think she went off to look at the stage performance next door.” Yoshino folded up the map. “I also need to ask you something.”

“Yes?”

“I don’t know if it is just me, but the street gangs and yakuza around here seem to be very nervous.”

Ryo narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“The eta you referred me to. They nearly pulled their weapons on me when I was asking around for information. Now, I think I haven’t been away long enough for them to get that paranoid. So that means something big is probably up.”

Ryo realized that Yoshino did have a point. Perhaps because he had been in such close contact with the underground, the change had not been so apparent to him, but to an outsider like Yoshino, it was readily clear.

“So what do you think?” Yoshino asked.

“I don’t know. I’ll try to find out.” Then a thought struck Ryo. The last time yakuza had gotten nervous, he hadn’t noticed either…

And it had led to the assassination attempt during the Coordinator’s birthday. A chill ran up his back, as Ryo digested the implications of Yoshino’s observations.

The Black Dragons could not be planning to kill the Coordinator again, could they? He thought. But they were supposed to be wiped out after the war with the Ghost Bears…

Except he knew in his heart that the Black Dragons could never be fully eradicated, not while the credo of the Dragon ascendant over all of humanity still existed in the Combine. Every time they were said to have been wiped out, they had proven the ISF wrong. Hell, it had occurred so often that there was a running joke in the Legions of Vega that the ISF was half in cahoots with the Black Dragons themselves. Except that it wasn’t funny anymore.

And if they were up to something, it was his duty to find out.

He stood up, and headed for the door. “Yoshino, I’m going out, maybe to my regimental HQ. You’re right, there’s something wrong.”

Yoshino stood up as well. “What do you mean?”

“Go to the starport with Tina and Wolkul now. Immediately. Find a room to stay there. I want you near your mech.”

“Ryo, what’s going on?” A puzzled Yoshino asked.

“I’ll explain to you later! Just do as I tell you!” Ryo yelled as he ran down the stairs.

There were some men he needed to see.

 

The elderly man with a white beard smiled as he sipped at his cup of tea. Yes, things were proceeding very nicely. Nothing, save for a truly grievous leak in security, could stop them now.

“Are your men ready?” the old man who was Duke Hassid Ricol, known otherwise as the Red Hunter, asked his guest, sitting opposite him.

“They are ready as they will ever be, Duke Ricol. The plan is flawless, and I shall soon claim my vengeance on those who betrayed me.” In the dark, illuminated by dim light, the face of his guest was not readily visible, though the light did light up his neck and a small part of his face, showing a patchwork of scars on one side of his face.

Ricol nodded. Tomorrow, he would claim everything that should have belonged to him. Tomorrow, he would lead the Draconis Combine back onto the proper path.

Under his leadership, of course.

“Let me toast you, my friend,” Ricol lifted his cup to his guest. “May our endeavor be successful!”

“Yes,” his guest leaned forward with his own cup of tea, which brought his horribly scarred face into the light, “May we succeed!” They touched their cups together.

Ricol watched impassively as Vance Rezak, bandit leader of the Band of the Damned and former samurai, consumed the contents of his cup in a single swallow.

 

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