Aina: So what do you plan to do next, Tegaru?

Tegaru: You asked that question the way like Hiroshi does it. *chuckles* I like that.

Aina: *blushes* is that so? Well, that was just unexpected. Anyway what are you gonna do next?

Tegaru: Well, I'll leave the Dominion's navigation system on to keep track on the mobile suits nearby. This won't take long.

Aina: I see.

After Tegaru activates the Dominion's navigation system, he jumps out of the Dominion's cockpit and sat on its opening beside Aina.

*Dominion's eyes flashes*

Tegaru: Geez. Working with a disabled mobile suit sure is a pain in the ass.

Aina: Are you sure that's gonna work? 

Tegaru: Yeah it's gonna work. I've tested this before and it works. We won't be here in this spot for long.

Aina: Is that so? Ok then, guess we'll have to wait. So, you also knew something about my father?

Tegaru: Yeah, I only knew him from his battlefield record, but I never knew him about his family background. I didn't realize your father was Ronin Matsunaga, Aina. I knew your name was familiar.

Aina: He is.That's why I rushed here to the battlefield to see if you guys really are the Gundam pilots from 3 months ago. I needed answers to my unanswered questions in my head for years.

Tegaru: Good thing you did. Well actually, you're lucky you survived the battlefield. That was one risky thing you did. That took guts you know.

Aina: Well, to be honest, I'm not like that.

Tegaru: Huh? What do you mean?

Aina: I mean,I'm not a fighter.

Tegaru: Not a fighter? Are you kidding me? You were great out there.

Aina: It's not that. That was just my first time to fight. I've never fought like that before. That's not the real me.

Tegaru: I see.So you've acted out of your comfort zone and fought with guts.   

Aina: Yes.....No......ugh. It's complicated.

Tegaru: In other words, you never wanted to fight, but you did earlier. The question is, why?    

Aina: *sighs* I don't know. I just acted without thinking at all. It's the first time it happened to me.

Tegaru: You protected someone you care about? Is that the reason why you acted without thinking earlier? 

Aina: Exactly! You do really understand me.

Tegaru: But who did you care about? Why did you fight earlier? Who or what are you fighting for?    

Aina: For the innocent people in this city. I don't want any people get hurt in such battles like this one or what happened in Shibuya 3 months ago.

Tegaru: Well said, Aina. What you said is not wrong. There some things one must fight to protect.

Aina: Is that so?

Tegaru: Yeah. My father, Takeshi Nishida, did the same thing when he was alive. He's the original pilot of the RX-78-2 Gundam. That's the Gundam you piloted earlier.    

Aina: You said something about my father piloting a mobile suit or something earlier.

Tegaru: Oh yeah. Your father, Ronin Matsunaga, piloted the original GAT-X105 Strike Gundam during the Second Neo Zeon War in 2089 A.D. He fought alongside my father. With my father and his RX-78-2 Gundam and your father with the Strike Gundam, both of them were feared when they get deployed in the battlefield. Even the infamous Red Comet, Char Aznable, himself had a hard time fighting them off. 

Aina: I never really knew anything about my father. That's also one of the reason I came to the battlefield. But from the sounds of it, it seems like both of them are monsters in their Gundams.

Tegaru: Actually they were. If my enemies call me "The Red Devil", my father was known as the"White Devil". But your father never earned an alias in his entire career as a mobile suit pilot. But from what my grandfather has seen and told me, your father's one hell of a devil in the Strike Gundam.    

Aina: Is that so?

Tegaru: You were trying to look for someone who knows about your father right?

Aina: Yeah. My father's death is still not clear to me. Even my mother's too.    

Tegaru: Don't worry; I'll help you with that.

Aina: Really? But, aren't you gonna find out about your father?

Tegaru: *sighs*I've been on that case for 7 years now. It's very tiring to work on the same case for years you know? I think I'll put that aside for now and I'll help you with yours.    

Aina: Thanks Tegaru. I'm grateful for having to meet you.

Aina then slaps herself and covered her mouth with her left hand after to what she said.

Aina: Oh snap! What did I just say right now?! I hope he doesn't get the wrong idea.

Tegaru: Same here, Aina. I'm glad to have met you too.

Aina: Ugh....yeah.......I........think so too.

Tegaru: What was that?    

Aina: What?

Tegaru: You just slapped yourself right after you said.

Aina then blushes and buries her face into her hands.

Aina: I don't know what I just said. I feel embarrassed.    

Tegaru: Embarrassed? Why be embarrassed?

Aina: I don't know. Geez, Aina. What were you thinking? You're acting weird as your first impression to Tegaru. I'm so embarrassed of myself. 

Tegaru: You're acting weird. Are you alright?

Aina: I'm fine. I just don't feel like myself like before.

Tegaru: You know, with that skill of yours, you could join us.    

Aina: Join you? In being what? He changed the topic huh?

Tegaru: To become a mobile suit pilot. What you did earlier took guts, we need guts. What do you say?

Aina: I don't know Tegaru. Like I told you, I'm not a fighter.    

Tegaru: Maybe this will change your mind.

Aina: What is it?

Tegaru: I'm currently working on something, something what your father has left behind in case his child finds it. But I never knew he had one, until today.

Aina: Please tell me what it is.

Tegaru: Your father left behind the Strike Gundam. He entrusted the Gundam to my grandfather. I found it in the hangar where the Dominion docks.    

Aina: What? So, my father's mobile suit is still complete?

Tegaru: That's what I'm currently doing right now. After I saw the damaged Strike Gundam in the hangar, I requested to my grandfather to send it to Anaheim Electronics fora complete restoration and re purpose.    

Aina: Where is this Anaheim Electronics?

Tegaru: I've sent your father's Strike Gundam to Anaheim Electronics' headquarters at Von  Braun, which is the largest lunar city located at the Moon.

Aina: At the Moon? Are you serious?

Tegaru: Yeah. There are other various lunar cities at the Moon. Sounds like you're not well – updated to what's happening around the world.

Aina: Actually, I'm not. I spend most of my time being alone. I never really had time to look up to news updates. I was not like this ever since my parents died when I was little. 

Tegaru: Sorry to hear that. I was abandoned by my parents when I was 6 years old.

Aina: So we both faced the same fate huh?

Tegaru: Yeah, it sounds like it. Anyways, I asked the Chief Engineer of Anaheim Electronics, Allan Adams, to re purpose the Strike Gundam.

Aina: What do you mean by "re purpose"?

Tegaru: The Strike Gundam was restored and was added with a little modification made by yours truly.

Aina: What did you do with it? 

Tegaru: I developed a brand new Gundam Frame for the old Strike Gundam and after a few months, Chief Allan finally made my modifications possible. And therefore, the Strike Gundam is now developed into the GAT-X105B Build Strike Gundam.

 Aina: What...? You've been working on that?

Tegaru: Yeah, your father's machine is very hard to get through with.

Aina: This day was full of revelations. It's too much for me to handle. I need a break.

Tegaru: Don't you worry, I'll break it down to you one – by – one once we get back to base. I bet you're tired and hungry. You fought a rough battle out there; I think you deserve a rest.

Aina: Thanks Tegaru. After all, my mission to know the truth about my parents, especially my father, has just begun.

Tegaru: You've done the first few steps from the beginning. You should pause and cool down.

Aina: Yeah,I'll do that.

Tegaru: By the way, what's with you and Dennis De Silva? You trembled upon hearing his name earlier.

Aina: Oh that? Well...um.......

Tegaru: You can tell me. I won't judge, I promise.

Aina: Well.......Like I told you earlier, he was my class mate since 4th grade at Shibuya.

Tegaru: So what's with you and him?

Aina: Actually......*tears fall from her eyes*......I've been bullied by him.   

Tegaru: Aina......Is that why you - - - -

Aina: Yeah. After I heard his name earlier, I thought I'll be suffering the same pain of being bullied again from the past.

Tegaru: Aina, calm down. Take a deep breath and let it all out.

Aina: *breathes in and out* Ok....*sighs*

Tegaru: Ok, calm down and tell me what Dennis did to you back then.

[Meanwhile with Hiroshi] [Hiroshi's POV]

Time: 14:32 hrs.

Weather Condition: Windy

The wind's getting colder and colder this time. Winter here in Neo Japan is getting nearer and near eh?

After I passed a few blocks from the spot I left Amanda with the witnesses, I finally found the Wing Gundam Fenice, with its left arm lost and its wings detached. The Fenice is resting its back against a damaged building.    

I quickly pedaled until I reached the Fenice at its foot.

[Normal POV]

After Hiroshi reached the Fenice, he quickly gets off the bike and runs to the Fenice's cockpit and knocked on it.     

Hiroshi: *knocking on the cockpit hatch* Knocking to the pretty lady pilot inside the XXXG-01Wf. Can you open the door for me?

After Hiroshi knocked, Heather, from the inside, opened the cockpit hatch. After she opened the hatch, she removed her helmet and fixed her glasses. 

Heather: Hiroshi, you don't need to call me like that.

Hiroshi: Why? Don't you like being called "pretty"? Well I'll call you "cute" then.

Heather: *blushes* Shut up! I don't like it either.

Hiroshi: *smiles*I like it when you get mad.

Heather: Tch, will you stop please? I just - - -

Hiroshi: Want to call Ensign Tegaru to see if he reached the base and ask him to get some help and pick us up?

Heather: Well....yeah, now that you've said it, you - - - -

Hiroshi: I'll call him right now. May I use the Fenice for transmission, madam? *chuckles*

Heather: *sighs*Fine, you may. And don't call me madam or I'll shove you into the Buster Rifle.   

Hiroshi: *chuckles* in your dreams, Heather. Now move over would you?

Heather: Pfft. Whatever.

As Heather move aside from the cockpit's seat, Hiroshi entered the cockpit and started to use the Fenice to send a transmission to the Dominion Gundam/Tegaru.    

[Back to Tegaru and Aina]

Aina: Back when we were classmates in Shibuya, he used to bully me every day ever since the first day I introduced myself in class.

Tegaru: He bullied you for what reason? I get it that Dennis is such a jack – ass but why did he bully you?

Aina: It's because - - - - - -

Tegaru and Aina's conversation was interrupted when Hiroshi sent a transmission to the Dominion Gundam.

Hiroshi: Ensign Tegaru? Tegaru! Are you there? Can you hear me? Please respond.

Tegaru: Excuse me Aina; I have to take this one.

Aina: Sure thing, go ahead.    

*Tegaru jumps into the Dominion's cockpit*

Tegaru: Ensign Hiroshi this is Ensign Tegaru, go on.

Hiroshi: *opens video transmission* Oh thanks goodness you're safe.    

After Hiroshi opened a video transmission, Tegaru saw Heather with her arms crossed. Alongside her is Hiroshi sitting next to her.

Tegaru: Well don't you two look cute together.

Heather: Zip it Nishida! It's not what you think.

Tegaru: Fine,have it your way Heather. 

Hiroshi: Whoa Tegaru, how are you both there? You look like you've dove into a haystack of pins and needles. We are you two?

Tegaru: We're both fine. We're still here at the Dominion's crash site alongside the Gouf,bout you two? 

Hiroshi: Well, I just found the Fenice and this lovely lady (Heather) just now.

Tegaru: Which is where?

Hiroshi: Not far from where I left Amanda and the survivors we've gathered.

Aina: Class president Amanda's working with you guys too? 

Tegaru: Yeah she does.

Hiroshi: Is that Aina I hear?

Tegaru: Yep, loud and clear.

Hiroshi: How washer piloting back there Tegs? Did she do well?    

Tegaru: Ground – breaking bro. She did very well back there.

Hiroshi: That's good to hear, brother. I didn't know Aina can handle such an intense fight.    

Tegaru: From what I've seen, that was just a piece of cake or rather lasagna to her. By the way, Heather, Hiroshi, there is something you two need to know about Aina.    

Heather: What is it, Nishida?

Hiroshi: Yeah, tell us.

Tegaru: I'll make this short. Aina is the daughter of the Strike Gundam's pilot, Ronin Matsunaga.  

Heather: WHAT? That girl is his daughter?

Hiroshi: Is it true on what I'm hearing right now? Aina's dad is Ronin Matsunaga?  

Heather: You call that 'short', Nishida? It was barely a full description.

Tegaru: Hey, I couldn't think of a cooler way to make you understand ok?*puts his hands behind his head* but yeah, grandpa earlier told me: "she has her father's eyes and her mother's hair color and attitude". Plus, Old man Ral seems to know her.    

Heather: That doesn't make any sense. Lt. Matsunaga never had any children. I never even knew he was married.

Hiroshi: Yeah,same here, but, how? How was that possible?    

Tegaru: I don't know either. I think that explains about Aina's skill as mobile suit pilot I've witnessed earlier. We'll get things clear and straightforward once we get back to base.

Heather: I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with you, Nishida.     

Hiroshi: Same here. After all, this is not the right time and place to talk this over. So where do you suggest we talk?

Tegaru: Back at my place, the Dominion Gundam's hangar. Is that a good spot you think?

Hiroshi: That, my friend, I give a 100% yes!    

Heather: Maybe. I don't stay in that place for how long.

Hiroshi: Come on Heather, it'll be fun. Besides, what could go wrong?    

Tegaru: Yeah, I got refreshments in my office in the hangar. I got all the good stuff you guys want.

Heather: You have an office inside the Dominion's hangar?

Tegaru: Wait, I thought you knew?

Heather: No, you just said that just now.

Hiroshi: Yeah about that. I never told her you had a private office filled with good stuff we like, especially potato chips because she might secretly sneak in and you know why.

Tegaru: Why? What's with her and potato chips? 

Heather: Hiroshi, I swear to God if you - -

Hiroshi: You don't know? She loves potato chips so much she tends to finish off two or more bags of it.    

Heather: *face palms* Why did I even bother? Plus, I don't sneak in to other peoples' places like that. I only do it in missions when it's necessary.

Tegaru: Well, if that's the case, I'll give you some if you want.

Hiroshi: Really?You'd do that for her?    

Tegaru: Not just for her, I know you live potato chips too as much as Heather does. So why not give some to the both of you?

Heather: *fixes her glasses* I appreciate the offer but - -     

Hiroshi: Thanks Tegs! Heather won't regret this.

Heather: Why you - - -

Hiroshi: She means to say thanks bro, I'm sure she'll enjoy our chill session tonight with the others.    

Heather: THAT'S IT! Hiroshi, you're a real nuisance! Same goes to you too Nishida!

Tegaru: Awww that's cute. Lover's quarrel eh? Break it up you two. Don't get me into that.

Heather: Shut up Nishida! I had enough of you and your childish games!    

Hiroshi: Whoa easy there, Heather. Don't get heated up like that.

Tegaru: Yeah chill down Heather.     

Heather: Why shouldn't I?

Hiroshi: You're just tired; you need some rest even though you're a super soldier you know.

Tegaru: Hiroshi's got a point Heather. You needed some rest from time to time.

Heather: *closes her eyes and sighs* you know what, maybe you're right. My head does feel a bit like it's spinning around.

Hiroshi: You feel dizzy because you're tired.

Heather: Ugh, I don't know anymore. 

Tegaru: You can't think straight if you're tired. Don't worry you two, since the Dominion's communication line seems to be still functional, I'll contact the base right away and send reinforcements to pick you guys up and the Fenice.

Hiroshi: Thanks brother, you always knew what to do.

Tegaru: No problem brother, always happy to help. Don't stress out Heather. Take care of her Hiroshi.    

Hiroshi: Roger that. *smiles* Alright then, I'll leave you and Aina with your 'alone time' with each other. Better make your move Nishida.

Tegaru: *chuckles* Shut up Hayashi. Why won't you go first?

Hiroshi: Oh I will, Ensign Hiroshi Hayashi and Lt. Heather Sanchez, moving out.

Tegaru: Ensign Tegaru Nishida and Aina Kazuki, over and out.

*Transmission ends*