[22:45] <Nathan_Carver> <Rain falls.... a slow, rythmic series of drops that beat against the porthole of the decending shuttle as it leaves the serenity of the sun-bathed stratosphere to venture below the clouds. Flying in over the Pacific ocean, it leaves a trail of steam behind it in the dew, the last ebbs of atmospheric heat starting to cool.>

[22:47] <Nathan_Carver> <The steel bird, a small shuttle craft designed for high-speed flight, passes a collection of concrete towers at high speeds, sending a shattering echo through the darkened sky.>

[22:50] <Nathan_Carver> <A crash of thunder, and a streak of lighting play across the hull, sending the craft into a sudden, evasive turn. Still, the flight resumes, and few disturbance hinder from thence onward.>

[22:53] <Nathan_Carver> <As it reaches the end of the storm, the weary shuttle begins to retract its landing gear. Bird-like talons, a set of four, meant to give a harrier-style descent. Designed for space travel, the machine is elaborately equipped, and distinct in style.>

[22:56] <Nathan_Carver> <As the shuttle sets down, it's arrival is marked by little more then the faint moan of a few servos. No activity reins on the field, the day's turn in the weather having put a... yes, a dampen, on the flight schedule.>

[22:57] <Nathan_Carver> <Chapel Hill, NC. The airfield sponsored by Retrotech Inc. As the hatch opens, a curious staff of space-faring workers file down, eager to get what will be (for some) a look at the planet Earth. First impressions are less then stellar... but then, blame the weather.>

[22:58] <Nathan_Carver> <Trailing behind, heedless of the rain, he moves on down.>

[22:59] <Nathan_Carver> <Stops, a triumphant voice echoing behind him.> [Arthur] "I told ye, there'd be nay a person 'ere."

[23:00] <Nathan_Carver> Shut up Arthur... <he mumbles> Figured... seven years, and it'd rain.

[23:01] <Reve_Hunter> [RT Ground Staff] Mr. Carver? A car awaits you.

[23:01] <Nathan_Carver> <A small hand tugs at the tail of his coat, and an inquisitive twelve year old girl, brown hair tucked beneath the hood of a raincoat, looks up at him.>

[23:02] <Nathan_Carver> <Nods> Thanks. <giving a knowing wink, pausing for Kit to follow, he ushers the child along, and they get into the car.>

[23:03] <Reve_Hunter> [Driver] Mr. Carver, Mrs. Carver, Dr. Hunter extends a warm welcome. She's eagerly awaiting you at the ranch.

[23:04] <Nathan_Carver> <chuckles> Glad to hear it.

[23:05] <Reve_Hunter> <the driver takes them through rolling hills and green pastures. the rain, although obstructing them so that they're unable to catch a clear view of their surroundings, doesn't stop them from being able to appreciate the beautiful land, mountains frame quaint farms, and the sun begin to peak through dark clouds>

[23:06] <Nathan_Carver> <The young girl rushes to the window, and remains absorbed with the scenary. Seeing a never-ending expanse of land.. no walls, no stars, just nature in all its glory. Quite a wonder...>

[23:08] <Reve_Hunter> <30 minutes later, after stoping over in a small country store to pick up an icecream for the young girl, the car rolls into the Hunter Ranch's Driveway. It's a 3 Story house, with far reaching wings. A white verranda surrounds it. It really is a perfect picture, set in the countryside>

[23:09] <Sakura_Hunter> <runs out into the rain with a large umbrella> Come in, quick, before you catch your death....<tries to get everyone under the umbrella and rushes them inside>

[23:10] <Nathan_Carver> <The girl, followed by her mother, rush in. Nathan trails behind, still admiring the scene.>

[23:11] <Sakura_Hunter> <stands beside nathan beneath the large umbrella. the sound of the rain, a rhythmic pattern, very soothing to the weary soul> It is beautiful isn't it?

[23:11] <Nathan_Carver> <nods> Been a long time... after awhile, you get used to life in a tin can.

[23:12] <Sakura_Hunter> <smiles, and puts an arm around Nathan's waste> it's been a long time, you're right too long. You have three beautiful children. You and Kit should be proud. <escorts him up the steps and into the house>

[23:13] <Nathan_Carver> <laughs> "Little miracles." They cringe when we call them that. <grins> Still, you're Herusu's no slouch either.

[23:14] <Sakura_Hunter> <smiles> no he's not, that's for sure. I think he and sean have taken to each other. Unfortunately, I don't believe Rêve and Catherine had the opportunity to meet, she spends a lot of time in New York...that may actually be a blessing in disguise though. Our Rêve is certainly different from our Herusu.

[23:15] <Nathan_Carver> <nods> I can sympathise. Catherine's the same.

[23:16] <Sakura_Hunter> However, they're both back home. Cliff and the kids went grocery shopping.

[23:16] <Sakura_Hunter> I said i'd stay back to await your arrival.

[23:16] <Nathan_Carver> <nods> Well, I can't wait to see them all.

[23:17] <Sakura_Hunter> <closes the door behind them and escorts him into the brightly lit family room. A warm fire crackles, and Kit and the little one are sitting down on the ground, piecing together a puzzle and drinking hot chocolate>

[23:17] <Sakura_Hunter> <smiles> looks like they've already made themselves at home. Sit down Nate, you must be weary from your travels. Let me take your coat.

[23:18] <Nathan_Carver> <hands it to her> In any event, let's make the best of it.

[23:18] <Nathan_Carver> It's not everyday that you see old friends. <he sits, looking out the window.>

[23:18] <Sakura_Hunter> <smiles at sean> Rêve and Herusu will be back shortly. Make yourself at home in the Rec room if you like.

[23:19] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <gives a mock salute> Sure, ma'am. <he kneals by his younger sister, watching her assemble the puzzle at a rapid pace.>

[23:19] <Sakura_Hunter> <stands beside him, she too looking outside, an almost forlorn look on her face> This isn't a social visit is it nate...

[23:19] <Nathan_Carver> <sighs> In a way, it is one, in disguise.

[23:20] <Nathan_Carver> Still, if it were just business, I wouldn't have brought everyone along.

[23:20] <Sakura_Hunter> <looks at kit> will she be alright on her own? I'd like to talk to you in private.

[23:21] <Nathan_Carver> <nods, he exchanges another glance with Kit, years of familiarity erasing any need for communication beyond a few words, thoughts, or gestures.>

[23:21] <Sakura_Hunter> <smiles at Kit and leads Nathan into the kitchen>

[23:21] <Nathan_Carver> So, what's up?

[23:22] <Sakura_Hunter> <Sakura walks to the cupboard and takes out two well worn mugs, then fills them with coffee from the fresh pot on the stove. She then hands one to nate and pulls out a chair for him to sit on>

[23:23] <Nathan_Carver> <He sits> Thanks.

[23:23] <Sakura_Hunter> Have a seat. <pulls a chair for herself and sits back and takes a deep breath>

[23:23] <Sakura_Hunter> I'm assuming you've seen what we've seen?

[23:23] <Sakura_Hunter> Herusu sent back a video to us, from the camera in Healer.

[23:24] <Nathan_Carver> <nods> I was taken aback... Sean's mobile suit provided some interesting images.

[23:24] <Sakura_Hunter> same.

[23:24] <Nathan_Carver> I'm not surprised... frankly, I expected this thing nineteen years ago. It's a little late in coming...

[23:25] <Nathan_Carver> A whole station... just like that. It had to be one unit. No squad could have gotten in, and out, so quickly, and cleanly.

[23:25] <Sakura_Hunter> <takes a sip of her coffee> Cliff and I were taken aback. News of the route closures came as a surprise, but to see what remained of a resource satelite...I've not seen anything like that since....

[23:26] <Sakura_Hunter> The suit, the red one, not the black one sent in by S8N...the pilot was good...

[23:26] <Nathan_Carver> The war, I know... weapons of such mass destruction have been under a sort of undeclared ban. No one really wants to repeat history.

[23:26] <Sakura_Hunter> almost too good for my liking.

[23:26] <Nathan_Carver> That too...

[23:26] <Sakura_Hunter> No sim could teach a pilot to do that.

[23:27] <Sakura_Hunter> And Retrotech is a leading school in MS pilot education

[23:27] <Nathan_Carver> If he was just a pilot, he wouldn't have chosen to fight at close range. <nods> He was humouring you daughter's friend.

[23:27] <Sakura_Hunter> And we haven't produced anything close to that skill.

[23:27] <Sakura_Hunter> That's not taught, that's years of experience nathan.

[23:27] <Nathan_Carver> We've only begun looking into construction, let alone training. Catherine is our best pilot.

[23:27] <Nathan_Carver> <nods.> I know.

[23:28] <Nathan_Carver> I expect that it's either a seasoned mercenary, or a war veteran.

[23:29] <Sakura_Hunter> I don't want to jump to conclusions, because the ones I come to scare me and are enough to bring me nightmares. What happened 20 years ago will haunt me to my grave.

[23:29] <Nathan_Carver> But, since there really hasn't been a great deal of heavy-endurance conflict... that lets out option one.

[23:29] <Sakura_Hunter> <nods>

[23:29] <Sakura_Hunter> Nathan, did Sean's video have sound on it? Herusu's had his com recorded alongside

[23:30] <Nathan_Carver> Very garbled. Even then, it was mostly Sean's own transmissions.

[23:30] <Sakura_Hunter> Herusu's suit had both outgoing and incoming coms, we've designed it as such to record any incoming distress communications.

[23:31] <Nathan_Carver> That can be useful. So, what've you got?

[23:31] <Sakura_Hunter> one second, let me go get Cliff's laptop.

[23:32] <Sakura_Hunter> <moments later, Sakura returns with the laptop, and searches for the file which holds the video and communications from the battle, she presses play and turns it towards Nathan, putting the volume up. The sound however a bit staticy was still audible>

[23:32] <Nathan_Carver> Hmm... it's hard to say. It's been a long time...

[23:33] <Nathan_Carver> Though, from the sound of it... he's confident. <listens to the "stance" comment to Dez> He's practically telling us that he's been around.

[23:34] <Nathan_Carver> <Nods> Well, from the attitude, I'd like to think that it isn't one of our old people.

[23:35] <Sakura_Hunter> <nods> He's definitely not a mercenary, the S8N suit is a formidable suit in it's own right, if he were a mercenary, to not be intimidated by that suit is almost inconceivable.

[23:35] <Nathan_Carver> <sighs> Still, it could be. Not every Preventer was exactly the hero type.

[23:35] <Nathan_Carver> Also, his own suit. It's not standard. He had to get it from someone.

[23:35] <Sakura_Hunter> tell me then, forget the pilot, where did that suit come from?

[23:35] <Sakura_Hunter> Retrotech didn't build it, and obviously Thinline didn't.

[23:36] <Sakura_Hunter> We know it's not S8N either.

[23:36] <Nathan_Carver> That leaves a lot of people...

[23:36] <Sakura_Hunter> That leaves a few other companies capable of creating such a suit, however the million-dollar question is why?

[23:37] <Sakura_Hunter> Why destroy a station?

[23:37] <Sakura_Hunter> Why create a monster suit?

[23:37] <Nathan_Carver> Alright... we can make a few inquires, but not too many people will admitt to being able to do so. Even the wealthier companies don't discuss their arsenals.

[23:37] <Nathan_Carver> <frowns> I don't think it was him.

[23:37] <Sakura_Hunter> i was going to say, i doubt the two answers are related.

[23:38] <Sakura_Hunter> which leaves us with even more unanswered questions.

[23:38] <Nathan_Carver> I think, based on his behaviour, he was just another onlooker. He stuck around, when he could have just left. Why bother, if you'd destroyed your target?

[23:38] <Sakura_Hunter> Who is the pilot? who created the suit? Who destroyed the Station? And Why?

[23:38] <Nathan_Carver> A lot of mysteries...

[23:39] <Sakura_Hunter> And...i almost forgot.

[23:39] <Sakura_Hunter> Who is trying to set our companies against each other?

[23:40] <Nathan_Carver> It's all so convoluted. <nods> What gets to me is the reasoning? I mean, why start this whole mess up again?

[23:41] <Sakura_Hunter> Perhaps someone has a score to settle?

[23:41] <Nathan_Carver> It doesn't make sense. Right now, I can only think of one or two things capable of leveling a whole satellite.

[23:41] <Nathan_Carver> But why workers?

[23:41] <Sakura_Hunter> That's a very good question.

[23:42] <Nathan_Carver> Maybe it was more of an expression of "look at me, I can do this." <sighs> Which means that we don't just have a super-weapon, but one in the wrong hands.

[23:42] <Sakura_Hunter> I don't know Nathan. To be honest, It's been bugging me to no end. And it scares me.

[23:43] <Sakura_Hunter> nathan, when i saw Rêve and Herusu out there. I was petrified.

[23:43] <Sakura_Hunter> They're younger than we were when we played the same roles.

[23:44] <Sakura_Hunter> The only difference is, we weren't strangers to war...they've known nothing more than history books and stories told by their aging parents.

[23:44] <Nathan_Carver> I know... I don't want this to fall down on to them.

[23:44] <Sakura_Hunter> They've grown up in peace, albeit a fragile one.

[23:44] <Nathan_Carver> <nods> Hell, they get excited when they hear about it.

[23:44] <Sakura_Hunter> Christ, that's all we need, children rushing to a cause they don't understand.

[23:52] <Nathan_Carver> I know... I knew that the moment Catherine was born. I promised that she, and her brother and sister, would never have toknow any of this.

[23:52] <Sakura_Hunter> I really, really hope this doesn't become a full out war.

[23:54] <Sakura_Hunter> Anyway Nate...let's discuss this further when cliff gets back, the four of us can sit down and try to mull over it.

[23:54] <Nathan_Carver> <nods> Alright then.

[23:54] <Sakura_Hunter> Remember it's a social visit in disguise

[23:54] <Sakura_Hunter> <smiles> we should still try to make it social.

[23:54] <Nathan_Carver> <laughs> Right. We'll do our best.

[23:55] <Sakura_Hunter> Let's make the best of it, <stands up and gives nathan a hug> really, it's great to see you nathan. we'll sort through this. <smiles> let's join Kit, she's probably wondering if i've spirited you off somewhere <laughs>

[23:57] <Nathan_Carver> <nods, and turns back to the living room>

[23:59] <Nathan_Carver> <he returns to his seat, still thinking over the evidence presented... but then, he puts it aside.>

[00:00] <Sakura_Hunter> oh, one moment

[00:00] <Sakura_Hunter> let me go get something for you guys.

[00:00] <Nathan_Carver> <nods, and turns to Kit> Well, it's not quite a reunion...

[00:01] <Sakura_Hunter> <runs upstairs, a rustling can be heard at the top of the stairs, obviously bags of some sort, the sound of boxes and other unknown sounds. Sakura then comes down with loads of gift bags, two for each of them>

[00:01] <Sakura_Hunter> I was going to send them to ya, I know it's a bit late, but it's been hectic around here

[00:01] <Sakura_Hunter> when i heard you were coming, i just put them aside

[00:02] <Sakura_Hunter> Merry Christmas. <smiles>

[00:02] <Nathan_Carver> <smiles> And what might these be? <Lain shakes her presents, curious>

[00:02] <Nathan_Carver> <Laughs> Now I feel guilty. I'd totally forgotten.

[00:02] <Kit`Carver> You shouldn't have done this...

[00:02] <Sakura_Hunter> <Lain opens the first box, it's a beautiful victorian porcelain doll, the second, a larger one, a baby carriage for the toy>

[00:02] <Sakura_Hunter> Oh, don't be silly. We're country folks here, we've got nothing better to do. <smiles>

[00:03] <Sakura_Hunter> <Nathan's box holds a deep blue wool scarf, and a small box a pair of cuff links. While Kit's own holds a bottle of perfume and a silk scarf of her own.>

[00:04] <Kit`Carver> [Lain] <Lain manages a smile for Sakura's sakem although she feels she's too old for such things>

[00:04] <Nathan_Carver> Thank you, Sakura. <he sets the gifts down> You really shouldn't have.

[00:05] <Kit`Carver> Oh, it's beautiful...thank you so much. Now I'm going to feel really guilty.

[00:05] <Sakura_Hunter> <smiles> i know you probably think you're too old for such things, but they're actually collectibles....auction them on e-bay and well...that's a college education there.

[00:05] <Sakura_Hunter> They were my grandmother's.

[00:05] <Nathan_Carver> <he steps over, sitting alongside Kit> Though, we'll get a chance to make it up to them.

[00:05] <Kit`Carver> [Lain] Oh...<a slight blush comes to her face>

[00:06] <Sakura_Hunter> <stands up> don't even mention it. You're our guests, let us treat you as such, how often do we get to see you?

[00:07] <Nathan_Carver> Well, give us a chance to, just the same. <he shrugs> We'll think of something.

[00:07] <Sakura_Hunter> well if it makes you feel better, go ahead, but please don't feel as if it's necessary because it's not.

[00:07] <Sakura_Hunter> Oh...

[00:08] <Sakura_Hunter> something i don't believe cliff told you

[00:08] <Sakura_Hunter> well, he couldn't have...seeing as it just happened today...

[00:08] <Sakura_Hunter> You're not our only guest here...

[00:08] <Nathan_Carver> I see. So, who else snuck in?

[00:08] <Sakura_Hunter> um...Sabre.

[00:09] <Nathan_Carver> <stiffens for a moment, and nearly leans on Kit>

[00:09] <Sakura_Hunter> Don't ask...apparently he was camping out in a tent on retrotech property by our garbage bins.

[00:09] <Kit`Carver> <Kit start coughing for a moment>

[00:10] <Sakura_Hunter> Security was going to take him away, until he started saying things like, I know Cliff hunter! I used to be a preventer! Do you know who i am?!

[00:10] <Sakura_Hunter> I'm sure you understand

[00:10] <Nathan_Carver> My God.... <sighs, and immediately puts an arm around Kit's shoulder, almost protectively. Sabre's situation, in a way, is a twisted version of what his own once was... albeit to the worst extremes.>

[00:11] <Kit`Carver> <nods, then takes hold of Nathan's hand and gives him a reassuring squeeze>

[00:11] <Sakura_Hunter> let me share something funny though, he took a bathrobe from a spare room...and donned it....it happen to be one of my own, a pink one with an S monogram embroidered on it, he could have sworn it was left for him, the S being for Sabre.

[00:12] <Sakura_Hunter> <still amused by the thought>

[00:12] <Nathan_Carver> He could be... a little off balance...

[00:12] <Sakura_Hunter> yes, well..i thought i'd warn you before hand.

[00:13] <Sakura_Hunter> any funny noises are probably coming from the green room in the west wing, that's his room.

[00:13] <Nathan_Carver> Thanks... better to find out this way.

[00:13] <Sakura_Hunter> i'll try to block it off with caution tape. <laughs>

[00:13] <Nathan_Carver> Please... tell me we're on the other side of the house...

[00:13] <Kit`Carver> [Lain] So...you let a mentally unbalanced guy into your household?

[00:13] <Nathan_Carver> <coughs> Kids...

[00:14] <Kit`Carver> [Lain] Whaaaat? You were thinking it.

[00:14] <Sakura_Hunter> <sighs> My dear young lady, I was thinking the same thing...

[00:14] <Sakura_Hunter> And I take no responsibility for it.

[00:14] <Nathan_Carver> <"Psychic kids at that." he grins, and nods>

[00:14] <Sakura_Hunter> It's all cliff's doing.

[00:15] <Kit`Carver> <starts silently laughing>