The scant few crewmembers that could be gathered on such short notice arrived at Yamato's dock. Sundown brought them in clusters of five and six, so instructed by Kodai and Shima so as not to arouse suspicion. Ota was on friendly terms with some of the security guards. He told them they were holding a party, and promised to send along food and drink once the festivities peaked. In this way, Kodai and his men were able to load supplies and begin system checks. They donned their uniforms underneath civilian clothes, or smuggled them in using supply containers. Yamato had been completely refitted since the last war, and had gone on patrol only twice, so she sat ready for her children like a mother cat about to nurse her brood.

For her part, Yuki affected symptoms of a cold and was allowed to return home in the afternoon. Her red, puffy eyes from the sleepless night before enabled her to carry out the charade with nary a raised eyebrow. She met Sado Sensei at Central Hospital, and they packed medical supplies to overflowing in her car. Earlier in the day, she had faked (and later destroyed) an order for food rations to be delivered; the shipment had arrived in the evening and was brought onboard. With St. Cyr distracted by his new duties, it was easy to do. Yuki and Sado Sensei arrived with the last of the sickbay provisions at about one o'clock in the morning, Analyzer in tow.

About a half-hour before takeoff, Ota wandered down to the dock proper and told his friends that some of their "very important" guests wanted to see the Wave Motion Engine in full swing, adding that they would only run it for a short while. He left them with a wink and a bottle of sake.

Aihara made a casual note of Kodai's return to the bridge after a hectic last minute inspection of the ship's departments. The communication officer's own systems check was already complete, and he sat monitoring a wide variety of dispatches in case anyone had tipped off Command about Yamato's impending voyage. Aihara waved for Kodai's attention just before the Captain sat down at his station.

"Say, when's Nambu coming?"

A look of resignation passed across Kodai's face. "I spoke to his wife. He shipped out on the Amagiri about two days ago."

There was a brief moment of silence on the bridge as the other officers drew the inevitable conclusion. They already knew about Nambu's promotion to Captain (and were still exchanging stories about the month-old celebratory party), but the news of his absence left them speechless.

Aihara turned back to his console upon receiving an incoming call. "Uh huh…got it…about ten minutes. I'll tell him right now." He looked over his shoulder. "That was Yuki. They're running late on the inventory. Said she'll report to the bridge as soon as she can."

Kodai nodded slowly, then called out for a final status report.

Yuki hung up the phone. She walked into the main receiving room and informed Sado Sensei that Kodai wanted her on the bridge for take-off. Sado Sensei absentmindedly nodded his approval, being busy directing Analyzer with some containers headed for the storage bins. Yuki left him with the news that the ship would be lifting off in about ten minutes. In her mind, she wished him a heartfelt good-bye.

She began to walk on a path that would take her to the bridge…or it also could be taken to the hangar bay. Yuki had not yet changed from her dress uniform. From inside her jacket she pulled out an envelope. After marking it "Eyes Only," she stopped one of the Living Group technicians as he ran by her.

"Deliver this to the Captain, please, at 0400 hours." By that time, Yamato would be traveling well past the Moon. "No sooner, do you understand?" She stared evenly into the eyes of the freckle-faced man.

He nodded amiably, and tucked the envelope into a pocket. He had just continued on his way when Yuki called out.

"I'll be in sickbay if anyone needs me," she said.

With two fingers to his forehead, the tech casually saluted and hurried on.

Shima's hands felt relaxed and comfortable as they gripped the double throttle. The auxiliary engines strummed a gentle tune, and the air of the bridge was crisp with the scent of polished metal. It felt safe to him there, like a womb, despite the grim features of the mission. Shima knew the crew would have a lot to discuss after lift-off in order to develop a specific plan. He was loath to depart in such an underhanded way , but also felt that the situation demanded swift intervention. He glanced over at Kodai, and felt a brief ripple of brotherly love for his old friend. "Well," Shima said, "if we're going to leave, we should do it now."

Kodai nodded, and ordered for the take-off sequence to begin.

It was carried out with a very subdued air, like a stolen whisper in a place of worship. The crew feared the very air outside would vibrate forcefully with their voices if they spoke too loudly. Yamato rumbled to life without a hitch.

The great twin engines purred, sending out a wave of shimmering heat across the docks. Happily buzzed, the guards simply waved giddily at the departing behemoth. Third shift maintenance workers momentarily paused in their tasks as they stared at Yamato, which was now slicing slowly through the channel and heading towards the mouth of the ocean cave. One or two of them thought about reporting it to the dock officer, but since it was Yamato, and the guards didn't seem to be concerned, they figured that neither was it a problem of theirs.

In a corner buried with dark shadow, behind a pile of scrap metal waiting to be hauled off, Yuki watched as the ship sailed regally away. She could barely contain the wrenching gulf of hurt that opened in her heart and threatened to overwhelm her. With baited breath she looked, anxiously hoping against the moment that Kodai realized she was not onboard, and with it the sudden stop he would surely order. She imagined his distraught expression, as she had so many times since receiving her orders.

But the moment never came, and the churn of the engines faded slowly away. In the sudden vacuum of silence that was left, Yuki felt small and alone. I should be with you, she thought. When an abrupt onslaught of tears threatened, she remembered Daijiro's instructions about this moment. Soon, she would face St. Cyr, and it would not do for tears and inflamed red eyes to betray her weakness. Yuki hardened her resolve. Slipping from her hiding place, she left the docks and started running to the Command Center.

The main control room of the Earth Defense Force was manned with its usual contingent of third shift personnel, and all was orderly and quiet when Yuki arrived.

"Where's the Commander?" she breathlessly asked of the watch officer.

A pair of blue, bored eyes stared lazily up at her. They flicked back down to the monitor. "Where else would he be at three-thirty in the morning?" he asked. "I imagine he's home asleep."

You're going to blow your cover wide open if you don't demonstrate some common sense, she thought. Yuki brought her full professional resolve to bear on the colonel, whose name she thought was Kobayashi. "Call him immediately. I have an urgent report to make."

He hesitated, and shot Yuki a questioning look.

"It's an emergency!" she cried, causing some heads to turn.

"All right," Kobayashi replied crisply. He opened a link and patched the call through. ("You want to talk to him?" he asked. She nodded.) A moment later, he identified himself to St. Cyr, and rose from his seat so that Yuki could borrow it. An exclamation from one of the radar operators drew away the colonel's attention.

St. Cyr appeared on the monitor looking tired but alert. Curiosity saturated his voice. "What is it, Miss Yuki? Surely I didn't forget another signature!"

Inwardly, Yuki was relieved at his joke. It meant that the ruse was working. She pushed her hands tightly against her thighs. "Commander, there's been an incident. I think you should report in."

"Incident?" His eyes narrowed, and by the pale light of his monitor they were cast into gloom. "First I would like to learn what kind of incident requires my presence at such an odd hour."

Yuki's stomach coiled into a taut uneasiness. Carving her features into a determined expression, she responded with a firm voice. "Captain Susumu Kodai has boarded Yamato with an undetermined number of men. Unauthorized, they have recently departed Earth with the intention to confront the peril at Good Hope Colony." Per Daijiro's orders, Yuki was not to reveal any knowledge, known or guessed, of bodies being shipped out in commercial vessels. She waited patiently for St. Cyr's reply.

It was curt and efficient. "Await my arrival," he said, and the screen went blank.

Kobayashi had heard her. He donned a headset and looked at her in bewilderment. "We only just found out about the flight. How did you know?"

Yuki stood up. "Shouldn't you be trying to raise them?" she asked quietly, avoiding his gaze by pretending to be absorbed by the immense video panel which hugged one side of the room. Radar had picked up Yamato and was projecting its trajectory.

Kobayashi pursed his lips. "We're on it, but they're not responding. What is it?" he said to a junior officer, walking away from his station again.

Yuki stared ahead, gazing at the screen and trying to mask her forlorn expression. She imagined that she had argued with Kodai over his decision to leave, and that his impulsive behavior angered and upset her. This is for his own good, she thought, beginning the plunge into a make-believe world.

St. Cyr arrived about thirty minutes later, flanked by an entourage of handpicked officers, some of whom had served with him for over a decade. Yuki never recalled Todo having so many follow him around like that. Tonight, however, there was a new addition to the group. Yuki tried hard not to stare at the old man who followed St. Cyr the closest. Old is an understatement, she thought, noting his sparse white hair and creased skin, generously mottled with age spots. He had to be at least in his eighties. The stern set of his face belied the frail, thin nature of his body. Yuki inadvertently shuddered.

St. Cyr immediately sequestered Yuki in his office, and showed her to a chair near his desk. When he sat down, their knees almost touched. The old man was the only other staff allowed inside. He stood like a wraith near the door. Upon seeing the nervous dart of Yuki's eyes, St. Cyr told her that he was Qasar, his personal advisor. "Now," he began, bearing down on her with a fatherly gaze, "Tell me everything you know."

"What I relayed to you earlier is pretty much all I'm aware of, sir. Kodai, he…somehow he learned about the war there--"

"Who told him it was a war?"

"I don't know" (which was the truth. Kodai hadn't mentioned specifics about the merchant ship's crew. Yuki found herself able to relax somewhat as she met the Commander's gaze). "But I think he just wants to help." She adopted a timid expression. "As you probably know, this isn't the first time he's done this."

St. Cyr nodded in understanding. He had been away on a mission when Yamato left for Telezart, but heard about it through the channels.

Yuki hardly noticed that she had begun to wring her hands. "Maybe someone asked him to help; I'm not sure, because he wouldn't tell me."

St. Cyr leaned over, and placed a warm, gentle hand over hers. To Yuki, it felt more like a bear trap.

"You seem nervous, Miss Yuki, why? Why didn't you go with him?"

Yuki stood then, as much to withdraw from his touch as to collect her thoughts. She walked a few steps away, then turned back around. "To be honest, Commander, I'm tired of it." When his eyebrows went up, she continued. "There have been so many wars over the past several years. It's taken a long time for Kodai and I to be together, just as a couple. I know this sounds tremendously personal, Commander, but he promised me we could start a family." It wasn't entirely true, what she was telling him, but there was enough veracity to prompt some convincing tears. Yuki wiped at the corners of her eyes and sniffed. "I didn't go with him because I believe he's going about this the wrong way. I think it's all he knows! With Todo gone, I'm not sure he thinks you would have supported him. And he certainly won't approach General Stone. Commander, I've come to help you get Yamato back. Maybe it's selfish, but I just want my husband back!" She turned away, and quietly sobbed for a moment.

St. Cyr crossed his arms, and his gaze flicked to Qasar and back. "Well, then, Miss Yuki, it seems as though we both have our crosses to bear."

Yuki looked at him in surprise.

St. Cyr sighed, then nodded slowly, deep in solemn thought. "After you returned home sick earlier today," --and as he spoke, Yuki squirmed under his penetrating gaze--"I received word that General Stone has been stricken with illness. His ship landed on Neptune Base to access better facilities. I've ordered a quarantine due to the unknown nature of the virus."

Yuki quailed. "Is he conscious? Has his family been notified?"

"No, and yes. Everything has been addressed, for now. The doctors are doing all they can." St. Cyr shook his head. "He's an excellent General. It would be dreadful to lose him."

Yuki nodded dully. You did this, she thought, a kernel of anger forming in her heart. Biological warfare! I wonder if Daijiro knows?

"So it seems as though we'll be working together a short while longer. The Council approved my appointment to the office, and a Commander needs a reliable officer like yourself by his side. According to your report, Yamato is involved in a rogue mission. I intend to get her back, because a ship such as her should not be abused for some petty conflict." St. Cyr rose to his feet. He stared benevolently down at Yuki, and placed his hands upon her shoulders. "I'm sure I can count on you to provide any helpful information."

"Yessir!" Yuki's response was sharp, resolute. She felt sure of the implied meaning of his words, that she would tell him anything and everything about Kodai's strategy: What she knew Kodai would do, and what she guessed would be his tactics. She hoped he didn't feel her trembling beneath his fingers, because despite the appearance that he had bought the cover story, she sensed a perceptiveness about him that would demand constant, careful navigation. She had yet to gain his complete trust. St. Cyr, Yuki thought, would thoroughly test her loyalty. He was asking her to betray the people she loved most. Kodai's life was at stake; it felt like the fate of the entire crew was in her hands. Even for Earth, Yuki wondered how far she would go.

"For now," St. Cyr continued, "our people will try and contact your husband. I'm sure there's room for discussion."

"He'll probably maintain radio silence until he's closer to Good Hope." There, she had done it again. She only hoped that it would become easier with time.

St. Cyr stared at her for a moment longer. "Go home, Yuki," he said. "It's been a long night for you, and I need you back here as soon as possible."

Yuki nodded in thanks, and saluted. After making arrangements to return in the afternoon, she turned to leave. She met Qasar's eyes as she walked to the door, feeling intensely curious about this strange old man in civilian clothes. He returned her look with a derisive, measured stare. Yuki nodded courteously before dropping her gaze. Instantly, she felt as free as an insect narrowly escaping a spider's snare. The air of the corridor felt surprisingly refreshing.

Qasar strode forward after the door closed. "I don't trust her."

St. Cyr nodded, and sat behind his desk. "All the more reason to keep her under our wing, don't you think?" He began to type a memo to be distributed to every active war ship. His first edict: To waylay Yamato, and place her crew under immediate arrest.

Yuki sped home as quickly as she dared in her exhausted state, fearing the weight of the emotional anchor would snap her neck at any moment. The lights of the city streaked by in a blurry rush. Kodai, please forgive me! was the mantra she desperately repeated, willing it to reach the stars and somehow find its way into his heart. But she wanted very much to be strong; the tragedy that had befallen General Stone was no small thing. An entire base was at risk and hundreds could die. It horrified her to think that one man had sown such diabolical seeds. However was she to find any proof? As soon as possible, she vowed, she would go to Daijiro. There was still much to learn.

When she finally staggered through the front door of the house, Yuki sensed an immediate difference. At least, it felt different. Clothes and papers and dirty dishes were strewn about, the indication of her and Kodai's harried attempts to leave. Yuki ignored the mess, and headed straight upstairs. She could not even bear to turn on the lights, because it would be too much of a reminder that Kodai was gone. Every night now, for who knew how long, she would return home to an empty house. She had barely finished undressing when she collapsed onto the bed. With tight fists she drew the sheet to her, and buried her head in the pillow. The tears Yuki had fought for so long now flooded from her eyes, soaking the bed with her guilt.

Wishing his roommate a tired good night, Sasaki peeled off his shirt, then sat down on his bunk to remove his pants. He was about to toss them aside when he felt something inside the pocket. He realized its identity immediately: It was the envelope he was supposed to deliver to the Captain. In a panic, he glanced around for the clock. The digital face read ten minutes past four a.m. Breathing an audible sigh of relief, Sasaki hurriedly donned his uniform. I won't be that late, he thought. Besides, it was his second service run aboard Yamato, and he almost never had a chance to visit upstairs. He felt rather excited. After a few more tucks he was ready, and left his quarters to jog up to the bridge.

"Any sign of pursuit?" Kodai asked.

"That's a negative," Ota responded. "I hope our luck holds out." Yuki sure is taking her sweet time, he thought. I guess being married to the Captain has its perks. He heard the lift door slide open, but when he glanced to his right, saw only a Living Group crewmember step forward. Ota swung his head around the other way to watch as the man approached the combat station and handed Kodai an envelope.

"Our luck might hold out even better if you keep your eyes on the screen where they belong," Kodai said.

Ota flashed an embarrassed grin, and turned back to his console.

"It's from Lieutenant Kodai, sir," Sasaki was saying. His eyes wandered up to the video panel as his lips parted in slack-jawed awe. A panoramic view of space was displayed on the screen.

A knowing glint appeared in the Captain's eye, for he, too, still felt that way. "Dismissed," he told the young man.

Sasaki saluted, and tried hard not to rubberneck as he left the bridge.

Kodai wondered at the classified nature of the missive. He hoped it didn't indicate a problem was brewing below deck. A quick glance around told him that the other officers were engrossed in their work. He remained standing as his fingers tore it open. It was a handwritten note.

Dear Susumu, it began, You are a man of strong convictions, and I know that your allegiance to Earth runs deeper than even the ocean. I feel truly proud to know such a dedicated soldier as you. Very few men would risk their careers in the face of an ambiguous, elusive threat. I salute your unwavering devotion to duty, to protect even the least among us. Which makes it extremely difficult to write what I am about to tell you.

A startled cry issued from Kodai's throat, and he had to take a deep breath before continuing. He was oblivious of the others, who now peered curiously in his direction.

I have decided to remain behind. I thought long and hard before arriving at this decision. In all honesty, I don't believe that Yamato is suitable for this mission. There are avenues yet to explore, and I believe that the solution to the problem could be found on Earth, if we were only to avail ourselves of it. Susumu, I love you dearly, but I think you have made a rash choice. At first, I didn't question the need myself, but as I sorted through the issues, I began to wonder about what Yamato's role really was, what our roles were. And I began to wonder if you were truly ready to settle down. Forgive me, Susumu, but there are others who can fight now. I feel strongly about our relationship, so strongly that I felt I needed to make a stand. You have my blessing to go on, but please understand that I didn't feel compelled enough to join you. Be careful, and come back to me soon, dearest husband. Love always, Yuki

To the extreme confusion of the bridge crew, Kodai ran from the bridge. He beat a path to sickbay. "Yuki!" he cried out, charging hard into the main examination room and looking wildly around. "Where are you?"

Sado Sensei appeared, rubbing eyes that still felt sleepy from his nap. "She's not here. She left for the bridge just before take-off."

Kodai shoved the letter into the doctor's hands. "What do you know about this?"

Sado Sensei adjusted his glasses, and his tone was convivial. "I'm sure I don't know anything about it. I've never seen it before."

"Just read it!"

Kodai began to pace. In his anger, he kicked aside a cart. Sado Sensei glanced nervously toward him, but didn't speak. He read Yuki's note, then put it down with a sigh.

"Well?" Kodai asked through clenched teeth. "What's this plan of yours all about?"

"Plan?"

Kodai stabbed a finger towards him. "You and Yuki! What's going on?"

"Nothing, Kodai. I honestly didn't know. She lied to me, too."

Kodai stopped short upon seeing the doctor's weary expression. It was true, then. Yuki had made the choice alone. His shoulders sank, and his eyes and mouth drooped with sorrow. "Where did I go wrong?" he whispered hoarsely. "Is she mad at me? Did she say anything to you?"

Sado Sense shook his head. "Kodai, she's been the happiest I've ever seen her. A bit more stressed out, perhaps, but we all feel that way. These are strange times. But her focus was as strong as it's ever been."

Kodai slumped into a nearby chair. "She told me I was doing the right thing. When I asked her…" his voice trailed off, and he stared morosely at the floor.

"She knows how you feel about Earth, Kodai. Even if she disagreed, she wants you to have the freedom to do what you think is right."

Kodai looked at him in despair. "But I didn't want to do it without her! There's almost no point…" he shut his mouth suddenly, realizing how he sounded. "That's not what I meant," he muttered. His hands balled into fists. "Damn it!"

Sado drew himself up as a thought occurred to him. "Kodai, how much did you tell her?"

Kodai had resumed staring off into space. "About what?"

"About the bodies. The Dutchman's crew."

"Well everything, of course. Why, what does it mat…oh, hell!" His last word turned into a snarl. He glared at the doctor. "What are you implying?"

Sado Sensei shrugged. "Nothing, exactly. But don't you think she'll be questioned? We may have to assume the mission could be compromised."

Kodai stared at him in horror. "She wouldn't!"

"I don't think so, either. Not on purpose, anyway. But you know she'll be questioned. Or watched."

Kodai was speechless, feeling both enraged and defeated. He was unsure how to express this feeling of abandonment. The albatross that swung about his neck now felt three times as heavy. He felt embarrassed, too, because he thought he should have anticipated a defection. Maybe not Yuki, but…someone. But it had been Yuki, and now there was another harsh aspect to the game. And he missed her. For a brief moment, he wanted to throw it all away and go back, so that he could talk to her. Yuki, I didn't think it would make you this unhappy. You should have said something. Why didn't you tell me?

"Kodai?"

The Captain stood up. "All right. We'll just have to deal with it. Pull whomever you need to replace her. I'm going to the bridge."

He turned his back on the startled doctor and left. But as he walked on, feeling vigilant and determined, a moment of weakness overcame him. Making a quick detour, he went to the nearest observation port. As expected, it was empty. Kodai grabbed the handrails and beat his head against the glass. The pain somewhat dulled his fear, but did not stop the tears from falling. Yuki! he thought, shouting out her name in his mind. What's happening to us?

Shima, Sanada and the others stood huddled by Ota's station. They turned in unison as Kodai stormed onto the bridge, returning over an hour later from the time he had abruptly left. His eyes were as dark as a storm cloud. He strode purposefully to his seat, ignoring his companions as though struck suddenly with tunnel vision. "Status report, everyone!"

Shima approached him cautiously from the side. "Yuki's not coming with us, is she?"

"No. Now get back to work!"

Shima exchanged a worried glance with Sanada before resuming his post. The meaning was clear: It was going to be a long ride.

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