Vandread - Out of the blue
Author's note: Sorry for the long delay you guys, I had other things to
attend too ^^; Anyway, this fic takes place 2 and half months after Meia last saw
Hibiki.
Disclaimer: I do not own Vandread [darn] and the characters [some] in this
fic.
Life on the ship Nirvana never seemed to
change for Meia, the determined and strong-willed leader always seems to be doing
the same thing day after day. Her position being the squadron leader and an
instructor, she really didn't complain one bit and took it in stride. However, it
sure was stressing to say the least and a challenge. The one thing that she noticed
about herself was she no longer occupied herself with troubled thoughts and worries.
She felt good about it and knowing that, a certain someone was working just as hard
as she was and doing all right himself.
Things were sure dull for these past few months on Nirvana though, a few encounters
with earth's fleet and a couple skirmishes with wannabe pirates that didn't seem to
know how to hit the broad side of a barn. They were just a pitiful sight and a
complete nuisance. Meia winced at it and shook it off thinking it wouldn't be a
bright thing to do. She had other important things to take care of, like scolding
her best pilot for instance. Reasons? For being always late and being absent-minded
at briefings and important meetings. Also, another thing was the disposing of love
letters she'd been getting from secret admires of both genders.
Meia: [In her bed completely covered by her blanket] I'm amazed how I was able to
get through these damn ordeals. I wonder how long I'll be able to keep this up?
Being a leader, an instructor, those damn love letters, and Hibiki [Sighs]
Meia sat herself up, the sapphire hair looking all a mess and took a glance at her
digital clock. It was early in the morning, 0405 hours to be exact. The room was
entirely dark, and the indigo colored digital clock was the only thing that was
noticeable. She had only slept for 6 hours, but the funny thing was it felt like a
lot more than that.
She made herself get up, her inner voice telling her to get her behind out of bed.
So she did just that. The lights in her room were out and were not yet been fixed
yet, she filed for repairs a few days ago; but maintenance hasn't really done squat.
Knowing about the light situation, she blindly used her hands to guide herself to
the bathroom, she'd been doing that for a few days now and slowly got herself ready
for another dull day. To Meia, she didn't see herself as a morning person, but it
was just one of those rare days you just did for no apparent reasons.
Meia: [Steps out into the hallway] This sure is strange, I feel like an early bird.
[Looks at her watch and sighs, 0436 hours] I guess there's no helping it, I'll just
take a wander down to the hangar then. I wonder who is up at this time of
hour?
Meia began walking down the lonely hallways, making eerie echoing sounds as her
footsteps hit the floor. It made her uncomfortable and shivered a little, but soon
found it funny so she laughed at herself quietly for being utterly silly.
Parfait: [Smiling heavily] Morning Meia.
Meia: [Scared stiff] Whoa, holy crap! Geez... Parfait, what in the world are you
doing up this early? You sure are a sneaky one aren't you?
Parfait: Hehehe... Never underestimate my sneakiness ^^ How about you Meia? Why are
you up this early huh? [Asks curiously]
Meia: I asked you first Parfait?! [Folding her arms]
Parfait: Huh? Me? Well, I'm always up this early. I'm a morning person I guess and
you?
Meia: I...? [Thinks for a moment] Well, I just did OK? I felt like getting up for no
apparent reason. How's that for an answer?
Parfait: All right Meia I get ya, first time I take it?
Meia: [Starts to walk away] Don't ask, see ya?
Parfait: Wait a minute Meia! Here, have some juices [Holds up a bottle and throws it
to her]
Meia: [Catches it, then opens it, and takes a gulp of the juice] Ow! Damn, brain
freeze!
As Parfait walked away, she heard Meia say something in the back and stopped to see
what's up. She saw Meia leaning against the wall holding her head with both
hands.
Parfait: [Sighs, then shakes her head] She's definitely not a morning person, I'll
tell you that.
Meia stumbles herself into the large hangar still holding her head with one hand and
the bottle with the other. She was unable to fully recover from the dreaded brain
freeze just yet. Feeling a bit disorientated; Meia made herself sit on the floor.
She looked up and saw all the Dreads and Vanguards were all nicely lined up
together.
Meia: [Takes a deep breathe] Oh, home sweet home [Throws the empty bottle at the
trash bin, but misses it entirely which thus makes a loud noise in the hangar]
Male pilot: [Awaken by Meia's morning racket] Hey, keep it down over there? People
are trying to sleep here, you know? [Sticks his head out from the cockpit with
drowsy eyes]
Meia: [Looks at him, a bit startle] Sami? What in god's name are you doing in
here?
Sami: Oh, it's just you Meia... [Ignores her question and starts going back to
sleep]
Meia: What do you mean it's just me? Sami, you shouldn't be in here at this time of
hour...?
Sami: Yeah I know, but you do it don't you? Why?
Meia: [Walks up to he's Vanguard] That's just because, now c'mon head back to your
quarters before I report you.
Sami: [Unwillingly] OK OK I'm going I'm going...sheesh!
Meia: Oh and one more thing [Stops him at the exit door] Tell Graham to come see me
at 1030 hours all right? I need to have a talk with him personally.
Sami: [Groans] Ugh... Since when I have become a message boy, I'm a Van pilot you
know?
Meia: Yes, I'm fully aware of that. No but's and why, just do it OK? Now get going
you...
Sami: Yeah yeah yeah I'm going [Then abruptly stops and turns to her once more] Hey
Meia?
Meia: Yes? What is it now? [Getting irritated]
Sami: I... ummm I-I...?
Meia: [Now getting really irritated] C'mon, out with it Sami?
Sami: [Playing with his pillow] Well, I was just wondering if you've received my
letter the other day? [Looks at her feeling embarrass for asking her that]
Meia: [Sighs] Let's see...? [Brain storms for a moment]
*** Flashback ***
Meia: [Holding Sami's envelope in hand] Eh? Another one? Crap, this is getting to
become of a nuisance... [Tries opening it] Why is it so, argh... stupid...?
She struggles with the envelope, trying to pry it open. It took her a couple more
seconds, until she finally was able to open the damn envelope.
Meia: [Takes out the turquoise color letter] Ugh... what is up with this scent?!
[Takes a whiff of it, then coughs and covers her nose] What is this person trying to
do? Kill me or what?
Starts reading through the letter as fast as she could, being really not that
interested one bit.
Meia: Gawd...? [Still covering her nose] My eyes, they're really watering up and
dammit, why is it sticky? [No, it's not what you think you perv... ^^]
Shakes the letter, trying to get it out of her hand then a picture falls out from
the back of the letter. She picks it up and looks at it, then shakes her head.
Meia: [Sighs] Whatever... [Puts the letter and picture back in the envelope]
Takes the letter and puts it with the rest of the piled up letters in her wooden
chest.
Meia: [Grinning] Well, I had worst... Crap, this has to stop somehow?
*** End Flashback ***
Meia: Yours wouldn't happen to be the one that had a gallon of fragrance and a
picture inside wouldn't it? [Looks at him suspiciously] And the guy in the picture
had boxer shorts with hearts on it?
Sami: [Smiles excitedly] Yep that's it, that's the one! So did you read the
letter?
Meia: [Thinks again] Hmmm... It went through it quickly.
Sami: Ah man, you should've at least taken your time reading it?
Meia: I'm sorry, the fragrance was just excruciating and it was sticky? [Eyes him
suspiciously]
Sami: [Smiling shyly] Oh ummm... let's just say I put a lot of work into it...
Meia: Go now dammit! [Points at the exit, slightly blushing]
The stubborn Van pilot finally scurried off back to his quarters, leaving Meia
behind in the hangar. She looked at her watch once more and the time was now 0510
hours. Seeing that it was just past 0500 hours, she cursed at it and almost kicked
one of the Vanguards that was nearby out of frustration and to make matters worst,
it seemed like she was coming down with a minor headache thanks to Parfait's morning
juice.
Meia opened up the hatch of her Dread and took a sit inside. She began to routinely
check all her systems like she always do, just to see if they're working correctly.
Everything looked fine and in top-notch condition. Parfait, armed with an army of
technicians and mechanics always seemed to take care of her Dread and she
appreciated that very much. Meia started to wonder how Parfait did it also, having
to deal with 2 separate jobs and on top of that, having to help out Duero in the
infirmary on her free time.
Meia: [Smiling] I guess were both in the same boat aren't we Parfait?
She took a big stretch, and made a silent yawn covering her mouth with her hand.
Meia utterly satisfied with the check-up, she shut down the Dread and the system,
then exited her craft. Meia stood there for a moment fully understanding that she
had made a huge mistake by getting up way too early. Meia took another glance at her
watch once again, now it starting to become more of a habit she thought herself. It
was now 0530 hours...
Meia: [Frustrated] Ugh... Hell with it, I'm going back to sleep!
Meia marched back down the hallway looking a little out of it and having a few
things on her mind. That was, trying to get back to sleep and make the time go by
fast. She was able to get back to her quarters without running into anyone on the
way, it kind of creep her out. She lay back down on the bed and stared up at the
ceiling. Meia slowly began to doze off back to sleep and until finally her eyes went
shut.
There was a knock on her door. Meia stirred a little, but didn't seem to notice.
There was another knock again, this time more soundly. She popped open her eyes and
shot a look at her door, then back to her indigo color digital clock, it read 0610
hours.
Meia: [Deliriously] Rage!
She quickly went to her door and opened it, only to see her best young male pilot
Graham.
Meia: What?!
Graham: [Feeling a bit intimidated by her] Ugh Mei-a... I-I'm here because Sami said
that you wanted to see me? [Makes a nervous smile]
Meia: Time?!
Graham: [Quickly check's his watch] Oh ummm... it's 0611 hours.
Meia: Unacceptable!
Graham: Wha?! But you said...
Meia: Time?!
Graham: What? But Meia, Sami told me to...
Meia: Time!
Graham: [Finally remembers the correct time to meet her] 1030 hours?
Meia: Correct! [Shuts the door and tries to calm herself]
Meia could just feel it coming, and she didn't have to think it, she knew that she
was going to have a messed up day for sure. She shrugged off the feeling and gets
right back into the bed, then sets her alarm at 0830 hours. This time around things
went well, with no interruptions. When her alarm clock went off, she happily got
herself up and refreshes again.
Meia: [Looking in the mirror] Well, I guess I'll have some breakfast.
She exits her room and starts heading to the dining hall to have a bite to eat. This
time, the hallways had the ship's crew walking up and down. This was what she was
used too, being able to see people around like this. Meia entered the dining hall;
it was filled with people having their morning breakfast. She walked up to the
servers, then sees a sign reading "Breakfast sandwiches: build it the way you like
it and we'll make it for you" and "Ingredients: white bread, wheat bread, buns, ham,
eggs, bacon, blah, blah, blah, and the list goes on ^^; "
Meia decides to get just that and tells the servers how she wants hers and is told
that it'll take fifteen minutes. To her surprise, it was quite popular and everyone
was ordering it also. Still, she went with it and confirmed her order, then heads to
where Parfait and Duero were having their morning breakfast.
Parfait: [Stuffing her face] Oh, morning Meia. How you doing this fine
morning?
Meia: OK... thanks for the juice by the way, it was very refreshing.
Duero: ...
Parfait: Huh? Oh yeah, you bet! [Gives her a wink]
Duero: ...?
Parfait: So, what are you're plans for today?
Meia: The usual I guess, scowl some pilots, classes and patrol run.
Parfait: [Interested] Oh, some pilots are in for it huh?
Meia: [Grins] Yes, you can put it like that.
Parfait: Oh scary... Well, say something [Nudges him]
Duero: Orange...
Parfait: [Befuddled] Eh? What about...?
Duero: It's sour.
Parfait: [Laughs] OK right! Well, Meia we'll be leaving now. See you later all
right?
Meia nods and continues to wait for her order. It didn't take long for her to wait
and went up to the serving counter to get her breakfast, along with some other
things.
Male server: [Smiling happily] Here you go Meia, just how you wanted it.
Meia: Thanks, have a good day.
Male server: Hey ah Meia? [Stops her]
Meia: Yes?
Male Server: [Smiling] I'm Kira by the way, in case you don't know who I am. Oh and
I do mines just actually like yours. It's really quite something huh? The both of us
are doing it the same way, the sandwiches I mean.
Female server: [Looking not amused] ...
Meia: [Not sure what to say] Ugh... Thanks Kira, it's... ummm... excuse me, I gotta
go.
Kira: [Waving goodbye after her] OK, I'll see at lunchtime or whenever. [Looks at
the female server, Landis] What?
Landis: [Points to the sandwiches on the tray] There are some more buns here, wanna
kiss them too? [In case you guys don't get it, Landis meant ass kissing ^^;]
Meia quickly finishes up her breakfast and exits the dining hall. She briefly
returned to her room and did some things she needed to do then heads out to the
briefing room to wait for Graham.
When she got there, the room was empty. Meia took a seat at her instructor desk and
checked her watch; it was now 1015 hours. Meia began to wait, wait and wait.
Forty-five minutes had pasted and still no Graham. Tired of the wait, she got up and
decided to look for him herself.
Meia began asking other pilots and ship crew where this absent-minded pilot of hers
is. It took her another half an hour, until she could finally locate him. Graham was
in the garden area, sitting all by himself by the water and looking up at the
stars.
She was a little upset with him for making her wait and was going to go up to him,
and then slap him in the back of the head just to put some senses into him. But she
suddenly stopped herself, and re-evaluates her situation.
Meia calmed herself, then approached him again but abruptly stops herself once more.
She looked at her surroundings and smiled. It seemed to have brought back memories
of her and Hibiki being here a few months ago. She wondered that maybe this is how
Hibiki approached her back then, but him not being upset with her of course.
Meia: Graham?
Graham: [Looks at her] Meia... I guess you came looking for me?
Meia: Yes, you got a minute? [Sits by him]
Graham: Yes, I sure do instructor...
Meia: [Goes right straight to the point] OK Graham, what's going on? What's on your
mind and why you have your head in the clouds most of the time?
Graham: [A bit surprised by her questions] Well, I-I... it's kinda complicated
Meia.
Meia: Oh, what's it about then? What's it about that has you like this?
Graham: [Nervously] It's cause of these feelings...
Meia: Oh, OK what kind of feelings then? [Listens attentively]
Graham: [Looks at her] Love?
[Crickets chirping]
Graham: Meia?
Meia: Oh I'm sorry. Did I hear you correctly, you said love right?
Graham: [reddening] Yes, I'm ah in l-love with a g-girl...
Meia: [Feels like a ton of weight is on her back] It's not m...
Graham [Re-assuring] Don't worry Meia, it isn't you!
Meia: [Relieved] Whew... you really had me there.
Graham: Oh sorry for the suspense Meia, anyway that what's up with me. That's what
kept my mind elsewhere, I apologize for that.
Meia: Look Graham, I'm not really good with mushy stuff like this but I will say
this. Try to keep you're mind and body focused and see what's ahead of you. When
you're able to do that, I'm pretty sure everything will fall right into place OK?
[Places her arm around his shoulder] You're an excellent pilot, one of the best I've
seen. If you don't, I'll pound you to smithereens [Jokes]
Graham: Thanks Meia. It really means a lot to me, especially it coming from you.
Yes! [Gets up] I'll try my very best and I won't disappoint you dear
instructor.
Meia: [Grins] That's good to hear ^^;
Graham: By the way Meia, do you have someone that you like or even love?
Meia: [Makes a nervous laugh] Me? Ummm... well, I...?
Graham: [Face is beaming] My gawd... you are, aren't you? So who is it then, please
tell me?!
Meia: [Feeling awkward] There is this person, you probably know or heard of him. We
used to be comrades on this ship, but left the ship after we made the journey back
to our home planets 2 years ago.
Graham: [Busts out laughing] I can't believe it, you mean Hibiki! I must say, he's
quite a catch!
Meia: [Blushing] Hey, you don't have to put it like that you know! But the thing is,
I told him a like him but I... [Becomes quiet]
Graham: [Understands completely] Oh I see, you didn't say the L-O-V-E word
huh?
Meia: Yeah, but he did promise that he was going to return someday.
Graham: [Sits in front of her] Don't worry, everything will fall into place in due
time [Smirks]
Meia: [Kicks his shin] Hey, that was my words of advice... But thanks Graham
^^;
Graham: Well, that settles it. It sure was a nice chat Meia; I'll see you later
Instructor.
She waved goodbye, but remained at the garden area to enjoy the quiet time. Meia
felt glad that she finally had a talk with Graham and about other some things that
was on her mind. The day had come and went, to her amazement things didn't turn out
like she thought it would. All went smooth and had no trouble with enemy's or
classes.
Meia returned to her quarters and fell on her bed, she was tired as heck. She rolled
over to her draw, opened it and put in the things she needed to put in there. After
she done that, she noticed her answer machine was blinking and had 1 message on it.
Puzzled, she pushed it to see whom it was that left the message.
[Answer machine: "You have 1 message, 4 minute and 45 seconds"]
Meia: [Amazed] That sure is a long one ^^;
* * *
Person 1: Is this thing on? Hello hello? Are you sure it's on?
Person 2: It's on you idiot! Start talking!
Person 1: Shut up Barnette!
Barnette: OK Jura, say something to Meia then?
Jura: I'm gonna [Clears her throat] Hi Meia, this is Jura. Sorry weren't able to
catch you, I guess your really busy. Anyway, we're calling because were coming back
to the ship Nirvana in a couple weeks. Guess what?! I have a baby now, and you
wouldn't believe this either. It's a boy!
* * *
Meia: [Falls off the bed, completely surprised] Boy! No way!
* * *
Jura: I'm I lucky or what? We're in Taraak still and...? [Someone interrupts
her]
Person 3: Hey blondie, I thought I told you not to put your damn things on the
table! And the dinner's gettin cold dammit!
Jura: Yeah yeah yeah, whatever Hibiki!
* * *
Meia: [Shocked again] Hibiki?!
* * *
Jura: Oh yes, we're staying at Hibiki's apartment for the time being and we've been
staying here for like a week now. Barnette and I are really having a blast, and...
[Someone is heard running up to Jura, and yanks the phone from her] Hey! Hibiki! I
was still talking to Meia!
Hibiki: Shut up will ya! You've talked long enough! It's now my turn!
Jura: Gosh Hibiki... You meanie!
Hibiki: Hi Meia, it's me Hibiki. I wanted to let you know that Jura, Barnette and I
are coming back to Nirvana in a few weeks. I was planning to be there a week early,
but Jura wanted to make some stops on the way [Stops] I'm bringing my daughter Eimi
with me and you can meet her...
* * *
Meia: [Blushes profusely]
* * *
Hibiki: She's really great, I'm sure you'll like her too. Oh, by the way I...? [Is
heard yelling] Ow! The what?! Jura! Your baby poke me with the fork!
Barnette: Hey Hibiki! Where do you keep your stash!
Hibiki: Stash? What stash?
Barnette: You know, the good drinking stuff. Sake! Sake, oh yeah!
Hibiki: I don't have such thing!
Barnette: Liar! I'll find it Hibiki!
Hibiki: So anyway Meia, like I was saying [Is interrupted]
Barnette: Whoohoo! I found it! The place's gonna buzzing now, yeah!
Hibiki: Oh crap! My stash! I gotta run Meia! Take care and we'll see you in a couple
weeks OK! Laters! [Hibiki hangs up and call ends]
* * *
[Answer machine: "End of message"]
Meia was completely dumbfounded, she sat on her bed not sure what to think. All her
tiredness had all but gone, and was replaced with nervousness and happiness. For the
first time, she really felt quite happy having the chance to see her friends and
Hibiki in a couple weeks. She lay back on her bed and looked at the ceiling.
Meia: [Smiling] This is just wonderful, it's like the carnival coming back to
Nirvana and most importantly; Hibiki and he's daughter.
She just couldn't wait to see them again; Meia got back up and put on her sleeping
attire, refreshes and gets back in bed. This wasn't a bad day at all she thought; it
was absolutely a superb day. She smiled again and off she went into dream
world.
Well, there you have it guys, the 2nd chapter. Please I would like you're reviews and tell me what you think about this 2nd chapter? ^^ I'm doing the 3rd chapter right now, it's only gonna get better! So, until next time! See ya, laters - Sun_bu_daya ^^;