Opening Song:

https://youtu.be/yCYCR_MTJuc

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"It feels nice! The shower's working again," Major Agatha happily said in a calm voice while enjoying the water in her shower. She relaxed as the refreshing sound of running water surrounded her. Drops fell from the shower, giving her a cool break after the repairs.

As she stood beneath the steady stream, memories flooded her mind—memories entwined with the name she uttered softly, "Major Lexus."

The sound of that name resonated in the quiet solitude of the bathroom, conjuring images of shared laughter, camaraderie, and a connection that transcended the boundaries of military life.

"Lexus..."

The echoes of Major Lexus's name lingered in the air, underscoring the passage of time since they last shared moments like these.

"It's been 4 years, 6 months, and 88 days," Major Agatha mused, her gaze fixed on the photograph. 

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Major Agatha looks at a picture. It's her and Major Lexus, smiling together in the past.

Alone in a quiet moment, Major Agatha looks at a photo on the bathroom shelf. It's her and Major Lexus, frozen in time, smiling. The picture holds a happiness beyond friendship, a special connection. As she gazes at it, she feels nostalgia and a hint of longing. The bathroom turns into a space for reflection, where memories merge with the present. In the quiet, Major Agatha ponders time, relationships, and the enduring bond captured in that photo.

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Chapter 19
The Calamba Under Siege Part 2: Fate's Tangled Threads
story & illustrations by Eugene Mark Lopez
text by Anna Mae Apalla

"Good morning, everyone," Major Agatha greeted the cadets lined up in the field.

Her voice, clear and strong, broke through the morning quiet. The cadets stood up straight, showing respect to their leader. As the sun rose, Major Agatha walked up. Her strong presence made the cadets pay attention. They were eager on the last day of their tough training.

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"Today is your big test," Major Agatha said, making everyone feel serious. It's the day they've been training for—the final test. They're about to face a challenge that will decide if they're ready for space exploration.

"Ma'am, do we need to bring food to space for the 6-hour test in Earth's atmosphere?" asked a guy cadet.

"Um! Silly! I gave you the Silver Fox Robosuit to fly in space, not as decoration!" Major Agatha knocked the cadet's head.

"Hahahaha!" Other cadets laughed while lining up.

"Look above you. Those are stars, that place is where you'll go. In space," Major Agatha said that made the cadets a little bit of nervous since all men know that going to outer space is not that easy.

"Oh my" One of the cadets said while looking above.

Everyone was getting ready in the field of the Ozone Research Lab OZR1 in Calamba Laguna for the cadets' final test—an actual space exploration using the new Silver Fox Robosuit, launching today. As the sun rose, the cadets' excitement rose too. They were ready for their first journey into outer space. The Ozone Research Lab in Calamba, against the Laguna backdrop, was the place for a big moment in the cadets' journey—a moment that would decide their futures among the stars.

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Tahhhhhhhhiiinnkkkk!!!

Major Agatha pulled a lever, and the big doors opened. It felt like something amazing was about to happen. Trucks came with huge Robosuits, each 40 feet tall, the Silver Fox Robosuits. The trucks stopped, and the powerful Robosuits stood still, casting shadows on the walls. The space became like a stage, waiting for something big to happen. The Silver Fox Robosuits were ready to leave Earth and go on a journey into space.

The Silver Fox Robosuit: a 40-foot, silver-colored Robosuit designed for space exploration.

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KAAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZOOOOOOMMMNNNN!!!

The Ozone Space Shuttle had just landed back to Ozone Research Lab OZR1, signifying that the cadets in training had successfully completed the six hours space test drive.

"HHHhmmm" Major Lexus said, he silently watched the cadets do their space test drive for six hours from far away. Not wanting to bother them he and his team came secretly to the research facility the night before. He stayed  in the mini-bar at Ozone Research Lab OZR1 to meet the most beautiful and smart woman in the building.

"You have a mini bar in your research building? Don't get too attached to your students," Major Lexus said while sitting beside a bar table. 

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In the Ozone Research Lab OZR1, there was a mini bar. It showed Major Agatha cared about her workers' relaxation. It was like a secret treat in the lab, giving tired workers a break. Even though the lab was busy, the mini bar was a place to relax. It wasn't just for drinks; it showed Major Agatha cared about her team.

"Like you and your staff, Lt. Gyro and Lt. Farah," Major Agatha replied to Major Lexus while sitting beside him.

"They are already professionals," Major Lexus said while holding a glass of wine.

"It depends on how you see them, Lexus," Major Agatha replied with a smile.

"Oh, come on, Agatha! You always speak the undeniable truth, don't you? What's the catch this time? Are we talking 'just like old times'? Hehehe," Major Lexus quipped, his smile suggesting a mix of playful curiosity and fond reminiscence.

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"The people in this place—everyone here dedicates their time for the success of this place. And everything matters now that you've just arrived all of a sudden. Because you played a significant role in my success, Lexus. I wish, in the last four years, you never left for Ozone and instead got along with me and stayed here," Major Agatha said to Major Lexus, contemplating and expressing a wish that the last four years could be revisited.

"Now that I'm here, what can you say?" Major Lexus replied with a rare smile.

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Deep in their sweet talk, Major Lexus's phone beeped.

Tut Tut Tut!!!

Tut tut!!!

"Sir, there will be a test drive tomorrow of the Robosuit Centurion using a simulation. One of our Ozone troopers will perform a virtual simulation," Lt. Gyro said over the phone. He actually didn't accompany Major Lexus to the research facility but instead completed his assignment regarding the Robosuit Centurion.

"It's better, Lt. Gyro, since the Robosuit Centurion offers no assurance of keeping its pilot alive," Major Lexus replied on the phone.

"Yes, sir, that's why we will only conduct a short virtual simulation. No actual maneuvering indeed. Only monitors and screens will be used," Lt. Gyro replied.

"Copy that and keep me posted," Major Lexus answered.

"Noted, Major Lexus. I'll keep you updated," Lieutenant Gyro said and ended the call.

It is evident that Lieutenant Gyro is preparing for a non-human test drive of the fastest and probably the most powerful Robosuit of Ozone, the Robosuit Centurion.

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"Lexus, excuse me. Can we just forget about our jobs and consider this as our reunion?" A cold voice emanated from Major Agatha, indicating she is bothered by the call.

"Ha? Major Agatha. I mean, yes, Agatha..." Major Lexus said, switching off his phone and facing Major Agatha eye to eye.

"This is our moment; it's been so long," Major Agatha said in a gentle voice.

"4 years, 6 months, and 88 days," Major Lexus replied romantically.

"Oh my! You know it," Major Agatha said, surprised that Major Lexus also counts the days they were separated because of their Ozone Empire duties.

In a tender moment, Major Agatha and Major Lexus set aside their duties and embrace their reunion after years apart. Major Lexus's romantic gesture of counting the days they were separated touches Major Agatha deeply, reinforcing the depth of their connection. With a warm embrace, they express their longing and joy at being reunited, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship.

copyright 2003 (c)
Allrights reserved

Coming Up Next!
Chapter 20- The Calamba Under Siege Part 3: Lights Up

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Summary

Major Agatha enjoys the repaired shower in her bathroom, reminiscing about Major Lexus. Later, she observes cadets' space test drive, and they prepare for a celebration. Major Lexus secretly watches, then joins a party and has a private conversation with Major Agatha in the mini-bar. They discuss the past and share a moment. Major Lexus receives news about a Robosuit Centurion test, and Lieutenant Gyro is preparing for a virtual simulation. Major Agatha and Major Lexus decide to focus on their reunion despite their duties. It ends with a romantic exchange and a hug, marking the reunion after 4 years, 6 months, and 88 days.