Vandread: Corruption

Chapter 4: A horrible picture and heartache.

In the last chapter Samui had two intimate moments with two separate girls on the ship he has now made it back to his room and as he suspected his sister had found out.

“So you were with Valore tonight then I see.” Smiled Atsuko as he entered the room.

“Yes I was with her but why do you ask?” Asked Samui knowing full well what was sure to follow.

“Why do you think I am asking mister?” Atsuko grabs him by the ear and she makes him park his butt on his bed.

“Though you promised not to be like that anymore.” Replied Samui as his sister continued to yank on his ear.

“Do you seriously expect me to let some woman take you away from me!” Atsuko looks at Samui just a few inches away her face furious. Samui starts giggling as he climbs into bed.

“Just calm down Atsuko. It’s late just go to sleep.” Samui then turns away from his sister and she falls asleep.

“Just you wait I will speak to you about this.” Atsuko sulks and she climbs into bed. The light gets turned off and both of them fall asleep.

Though Valore is in her own room thinking about Samui. “Geesh what in the heck was I thinking kissing the kid like that. Talk about dumb. One of the first nights with a man and I kissed him of all things.” Valore then lies on her back sprawled out on her bed. “Argh stop it why can’t I get him out of my head.” Valore tosses and turns in her bed. Valore hears a knock at her door and she tells them to enter her room. Meia opens the door and she closes the door before sitting on Valore’s bed.

“I could hear you from the next room. Something bothering you?” Asked Meia as Valore looked up at her.

“No not really Meia.” Replied Valore as she looked up at the ceiling.

“Valore I heard you mention his name what was that all about?” Replied Meia as Valore turned around looking straight at the wall.

“I see so you also know what happened then when you heard me rant about it then?” Valore looks at Meia and Meia grins.

“Yes I did hear what you said but I wouldn’t be concerned all of us had to speak with men at some point along the line. But the truth is back then no one really connected on the level that each empire expected us too. But he is a strong fighter and a decent pilot maybe with a little training he will be able to fly along with us. But everyone is getting with him. It was like Hibiki when he first showed up. We all can relate to him and Hibiki as well as Bart and the doctor. So if you feel attracted to him for what ever reason go for it. But it’s getting late I have the early patrol in the morning so I better be off.” Meia turns to the door and it slides open.

“You know Meia this isn’t like you at all. What happened to miss professional?” Smiled Valore.

“Never mind.” Meia turns round leaves the room and Valore giggles a bit as the door shuts closed after Meia leaves. Valore then closes her eyes and goes to sleep and Meia goes to her own room and falls asleep.

Though the next morning. Everyone is now awake and the early morning patrol has just returned from their patrol. Samui has walked into a room which he had just stumbled in to he then finds Hibiki and Gascogne sitting playing cards and Hibiki seems to be losing quite badly.

“It looks like you lose again Hibiki.” Smiled Gascogne.

“Wha! Not again.” Hibiki frowns as Gascogne takes his playing chips.

“You’re just not cut out for this Hibiki. Do you want another hand?” Asked Gascogne as Hibiki sat their looking stressed out. Though they still hadn’t noticed Samui in the room with them.

“Yeah you bet. I am feeling lucky deal me another hand.” Hibiki rubs his hands together. Hibiki watches as Gascogne deals him his cards. Gascogne then deals her own cards. She then lifts her cards and Gascogne raises her head.

“Sorry Hibiki you lose again all aces.” Gascogne lays all her cards down on the table.

“What? I lost again.” Hibiki sighs and Samui lets out a slight chuckle.

“So you finally decided to make your presence known.” Smiled Gascogne as Samui walked out of a dark corner.

“You knew I was there?” Asked Samui as he stood beside the table.

“Yeah I knew you where there. Not many people sneak past me so I am afraid I knew you were there ever since you entered the room. But now that you are here do you fancy a game? Hibiki here can’t seem to win a single hand do you want to try?” Asked Gascogne as she turned around to look at Samui.

“No thank you I don’t play card games.” Replied Samui smiling as he gave a slight nod.

“Ah I see well Hibiki that’s too bad. It looks like you will have no one will be joining you on the losing list. Well I must go see to the supplies etc so I will leave you two to it.” Gascogne gets out of her chair and she walks off leaving Hibiki and Samui in the room.

“So is it true she always beats you at that game?” Asked Samui as he sat down beside him.

“Yeah she always does it. Sometimes I wonder why I keep trying.” Replied Hibiki as he let out another sigh.

“One day you will beat her. But until the do you; keep trying.” Samui then waves and walks off. Though he stops when Hibiki calls him.

“Then why don’t you beat her then?” Growled Hibiki though Samui doesn’t know why.

“I couldn’t beat her even if I did try because I can’t play the game.” Replied Samui.

“I will beat her one day I swear it!” Hibiki throws his hand in to the air as if he had won a victory and he walks up beside Samui. “I will beat her one day.” Hibiki and Samui both exit the room but each of them goes their separate ways, though Samui turns around and watches Hibiki chanting “I will beat her.” All the way down the corridor. Samui chuckles and he walks off. Though else where on the bridge the captain and BC are chatting again privately away from the eyes of the bridge crew.

“What is the matter BC you seem troubled?” Asked the captain as she looked at BC.

“We haven’t had any attacks for a week I am just concerned the enemy is planning something big that is all.” Replied BC clearly deep in thought.

“I can see you are troubled BC it has concerned me also but we have galaxy wide reports just lately that the new harvest has began to show up a lot more. Though I do know that Tarak and Mejale are rallying up their own forces and are preparing for the worst.” Replied the captain.

“Then should we not turn around and head back to aid in the defence?” Replied BC sounding rather startled.

“Yes we will but first we must re-supply the ship with supplies as we haven’t made a single stop yet.” Added the captain.

“Have you told the crew? Or better yet how did we get the message? We have travelled quite far and the last time I checked a galaxy wide transmission is impossible.” Replied BC.

“It is impossible but each planet that receives each message and passes it along in a chain and if the message capsules don’t make it small craft are despatched to deliver the message. Though I haven’t told the crew yet though I was about to. But before I tell the crew I want you to see this.” The captain hits a button bringing up a small screen. “This is the machine that destroyed Samui and Atsuko’s world. I have also worked out that at the location in which we picked up Samui and Atsuko. That was the last known position of their remaining space fleet. I couldn’t find out the exact location of their former home world.” Replied the captain lowering her head.

“I see but captain I am surprised you kept this hidden from me.” BC’s tone kind of trails off. She is upset that the captain had kept it from her.

“I am sorry but after the first attack in which we found our two new recruits. I have being keeping in touch with sources updating me as best they can. Though you are a man BC which you hid from us you were also spying on us. So I think you captain can hold one our two secrets herself can she not?” Smiled the captain.

“Yes of course captain I am sorry.” Replied BC.

“That’s ok now lets get back to the crew we will have to in form them.” The captain then his hits a button in which the floor opens her chair and a medium sized metal platform it then lowers itself through the floor until stops at the captains desk on the bridge she then hits a button which gets in everyone on the ship in contact with her. “This is your captain speaking. Would you all please look at the monitor and watch the following footage.” The captain hits a button and on every monitor over the entire ship then begins to play the footage that the captain had shown BC. “The footage you are watching is footage of the weapon that the enemy uses to destroy planets. This weapon has already destroyed the home of our two new arrivals. The two major battles and minor skirmishes we had thus far are nothing compared to what battles that will lie ahead. As we speak this planet killer along with the main force are making their way closer to Tarak and Mejale both our own home worlds. Both worlds are mobilising their respected fleets to help us thwart the attack. We will re-supply the Nirvana at the next opportunity we then head back to Tarak and Mejale aiding anyone we can on our return journey. I ask that you all stay strong captain out.” The captain the switches off the footage and device which lets her talk with the whole ship.

“Nicely done captain. The crew seems calm and they aren’t panicked.” Replied BC looking at the captain.

“Are you sure BC they have seen it before I guess but look into their eyes. They are fearful I can’t blame them either it is just like the harvest before.” Added the captain as she sat back in her chair. The captain then grabs her chest coughing out loudly.

“Are you alright captain?” Asked BC as she ran to her captain’s side.

“Yes BC I am fine. Age is just catching up on me.” Replied the captain. Though elsewhere Atsuko and Samui are chatting in a corridor after watching the footage of the enemy’s planet killer.

“That was the machine that destroyed our world. Those monsters aren’t going to stop until everyone is dead.” Atsuko’s facial expression changes to a look of deep sadness and pain. Samui pulls her in and gives her a hug.

“It’s ok I wont let die that’s a promise.” Smiled Samui as he wiped the tears away. “You’re my sister and I love you. Though we have to help the ones that saved us. We must save their world’s from the fate of our own. I am not as good a pilot as Hibiki in his Vanguard or Meia, Valore, Jura or Barnette. As the are in their Dreads but I swear I will die before I let any of you die so cheer up and smile for me.” Smiled Samui as Atsuko managed a smile. “Now go and lie down you don’t look so good.” Atsuko nods and she walks off leaving Samui to stand there concerned about his sister. Samui slams both his fists of the metal wall as the memories of his mum and dad’s death come rushing up again. Tears begin to drip down his face as Gascogne watches from the distance. She turns around and leaves before Samui spots her. Samui then leaves and he walks off. Though else where Meia has knocked on Atsuko’s door and Atsuko tells her to come on in.

“I was told by Dita that you felt unwell; so I decided to come and see how you are doing.” Commented Meia as she sat down on her chair opposite of Atsuko’s bed.

“Thank you Meia though to be honest I am a little surprised.” Replied Atsuko.

“Why is that?” Asked Meia not exactly sure about what she means.

“I didn’t expect to become friends with you. You are very professional it is just not something some one of your nature does often. Though I am sorry if what I said has offended you.” Replied Atsuko.

“Well I have changed since meeting Hibiki though I am still me.” Replied Meia.

“Yeah you’re a strong person.” Smiled Atsuko.

“Thank you though how do you think Samui is taking this?” Asked Meia as she spotted a picture of Atsuko and Samui sitting on her bedside cabinet.

“He is strong though I think he is hurting a lot. I hope he is ok, though I must admit he is a lot more open than what he used to be. He is chatting to everyone now though he still retains that distant approach to must of them on the ship.” Replied Atsuko as she took the picture from her cabinet and looked at it rubbing her hand over the picture.

“Yeah he has opened up quite a bit you must be proud of your little brother.” Smiled Meia.

“Yes I am very proud of him. I just hope he doesn’t over do it trying to help everyone along the way.” Added Atsuko.

“What makes you think that he will over do it?” Replied Meia now showing a concerned expression on her face.

“It was something he said before I came here to rest. He promised me he would die to protect me and the others on the ship. I am just concerned he will go through with it and he will die trying to defend everyone from the horrors that a wait.” Replied Atsuko really concerned.

“He wouldn’t be the type to throw his life away. You mean a lot to him. I have seen talk to the others about what his sister is like. If he knows that you will be very upset if he was to lose his life, then I am sure he wouldn’t die.” Smiled Meia.

“Yes you are probably right. Thanks for that Meia but would you keep an eye on him just in case?” Asked Atsuko as she looked at Meia.

“Yeah I will keep an eye on him for you. Just you rest a bit. I will come by later.” Meia waves as she walks towards the door

“Thank you Meia but there is one thing I should tell you about. I don’t know what you think of men but I think Samui likes you in that special way.” Replied Atsuko as she turned to look at Meia as she resting in bed.

“You mean you think he loves me that is what you mean am I right?” Asked Meia as she stood in the door way.

“Yeah that’s what I mean. But do you really have to be so blunt about it Meia.” Smiled Atsuko as she coughed a bit.

“I am sorry. He is a professional just like me and I will admit that there is something about him that distracts my attention. But please get some rest I will ask the doctor to come have a look.” Replied Meia as she turned round still standing in the doorway.

“Thank you.” Atsuko looks away as the door closes behind her. The secret that even her brother doesn’t know about is about to be revealed when the doctor arrives. She is not looking forward to it.

Else where on the ship Misty has bumped into Dita and Hibiki.

“Hey you two have you seen Samui about?” Asked Misty as she looked around for Samui.

“No we haven’t seen him Misty but I heard his sister is ill the doctor is going to go examine her. I bet Samui must be sad.” Added Dita as she looked at the ground shuffling her feet.

“Aw come on it is not as if a man would get upset over that.” Snorted Hibiki.

“Actually he would mister alien as where comes from it is only natural to do that when some one is ill.” Giggled Dita as Hibiki cracked up and he pulled one of those weird faces.

“Oh well I will continue to look for him thanks anyway.” Misty waves and she walks off leaving them to their own thoughts.

The doctor has taken Atsuko to the medical bay. Samui has been told and he is in the medical bay with his sister.

“Hey are you feeling better?” Asked Samui as he held his sister’s hand holding it tight.

“Yeah a little. Has the doctor explained to you what my situation is?” Asked Atsuko as Samui wiped as the sweat from his sisters brow.

“Yes he has why didn’t you tell me about it?” Asked Samui as the tears begun to drop down the side of his face.

“I didn’t want to worry you. But there is no reason to cry neither.” Atsuko wipes the tears away from Samui’s eyes.

“If you go I won’t be able to go on. You might think I am a strong person I am not I need you sis…you can’t die on me.” Samui looks at Atsuko his eyes are not like they normally are the pain and the thought of grief can be clearly seen in the young mans eyes. The doctor comes over and he rests his hand on his shoulder.

“I am sorry I have done all I can do not it is up to fate.” The doctor turns away and stands beside Paiway leaving them both on there on own.

Outside BC has shown up with a number of the crew. The doctor has heard them and he is now standing out side he moves outside bringing Paiway with him.

“Well doc is she going to be ok?” Asked Hibiki as he looked up at the doctor.

“She is dying.” Replied the doctor as he closed his eyes in disgust knowing he can’t do anything.

“Can’t you do anything for her?” Asked BC obviously concerned.

“All I can do is keep an eye on her. According to Atsuko herself the disease is rare on her home world that they couldn’t cure they could only prolong the life of the sufferer for so many years. But since her world was destroyed we can’t even apply that treatment.” Replied the doctor.

“So there is nothing we can do at all for the kid?” Asked Gascogne as she leaned up against the wall her smile no longer present.

“No I am afraid not. All I can ask is that everyone that has spoken to her and has got along with Atsuko to stop by and chat for a few minutes with her.

“Yeah we can all do that.” Replied everyone who was standing there.

“Alright everyone back to your posts. Ok doctor keep me posted on her condition.” Replied BC.

“Ok Commander but what about Samui?” Asked the doctor as everyone else left.

“Leave him be for now I am sure it is very tough for him.” Replied BC.

“Yes alright I will leave him be.” Replied the doctor as BC left.

The doctor went back into the medical bay to find Atsuko and Samui still talking.

“Sorry to disturb you but would any of you like something to eat our drink?” Asked the doctor as he sat down.

“Could you get us both a glass of water doctor?” Asked Samui as he turned to look at the doctor.

“Yeah sure just hold on for a few seconds.” The doctor then goes over to a water machine he keeps and he fills two glasses full of water. He then brings the water over and sets it down.

“Thank you doctor.” Replied Samui as he helped Atsuko drink the water.

“Yes thank you. I am sorry for causing so much trouble.” Smiled Atsuko from her bed.

“You are not causing me any trouble. As I have said before if you need anything don’t be afraid to ask me. I would be glad to help.” He smiles as he gets back to work.

“Well Samui I want you to go back to our room and get some sleep. I don’t want you exhausting yourself.” Smiled Atsuko.

“But I don’t want you to be on your own. I want to be here for when that time comes. Though I wish it wouldn’t come as I don’t want you to die.” Samui’s tears begin to come back again. “I will be ok. Go and rest as it is getting late. The doctor will call if you anything happens right doctor? Asked Atsuko.

“Yes I will please go and get some rest Samui. BC said you can have time off to come to terms with this. So go and rest.”

“Ok doc I will but call me right away if anything happens ok?” Replied Samui.

“Yes I will you have my word.” Replied the doctor.

“Ok I will go but I will be here as soon as I wake up. You take care ok.” Samui kisses his sister on the head and he leaves the room. The doctor then turns to Atsuko and says.

“You know you have a very kind hearted man for a brother.”

“Yes I know he is the best brother I could have.” Smiled Atsuko as she looked at the picture of the two of them she had brought from her room. “He is the best.”

That’s it for chapter four. Thank you Benji and Haruna for the continued support. Thank you to everyone who has read my fic see you all soon.