An Unexpected Encounter

    The sights and sounds of combat remained chaotic and piercing though the day waned.  Day eight of the Battle of Cepheus saw the fighting shift to the furrowed slopes of Mount Perseus where both sides found better cover than in the plain that bordered Alpha Mine.  Ikoma’s ground forces had routed the enemy from the facilities and was attempting to drive the invading army south into open territory where it would likely be more vulnerable.  The sides were well matched, and breaks in the fighting came only at night. 

    Acrid smoke drifted across the battle lines under ashen-gray skies as armored tanks and other vehicles discharged their weapons or were themselves blown to pieces.  Armed with grenades and rocket launchers, troops made various forays into each other’s ranks.  Casualties were rampant, and base med-techs followed the soldiers as closely as they dared to retrieve injured comrades. 

    Kodai Miyuki had been assigned triage that day.  She wove among the wounded on an air scooter and marked their uniforms with a fluorescent slash:  Red for critical, yellow for serious.  Occasionally she would meet soldiers limping or stumbling back to base.  The dead would have no mark.  The closer she came to the battle proper, the more often she found herself pelted by stray shrapnel or tossed to the ground by the force of an explosion.  Miyuki had been on duty for several hours now; her white uniform (with the tell-tale red cross upon her breast)—from the long-waisted shirt to the leggings—was scuffed and dirty.  She was notorious for opting for short-sleeves despite a chilly climate. 

    Miyuki had made a few passes over the main battle area and was now searching the edge of the forest that lined the foothills.  She encountered a soldier passed out among the tall grass.  Checking his pulse she found he was alive but further examination revealed some internal injuries.  Miyuki slashed his collar and radioed in his location to the nearest med-tech.  She did a preliminary patching up and sat cross-legged on the ground beside him.

     Miyuki reached for her canteen.  “How about some water, Yamamoto?” she asked, addressing him by the name on his tag.  “Don’t mind if I do,” she answered, and took a swig.  She rested for a moment, letting her eyes rove across the battlefield that stretched out left and south of her.  Miyuki had never expected to see so much military action this early in her career.  Earth hadn’t been at war for over twenty-five years.  There were skirmishes now and again, but mainly with pirates or renegade colonies.  The nations of Earth had built themselves into a very powerful galactic presence that was very much a response to invasions of the past.  Other races usually came to offer alliances or trade, not to fight.  This new threat was a mystery.  Observing the conflict before her Miyuki wondered if it bore any relation to the battles that were fought when her parents were young. 

    Then she blinked, for she saw a flash in the sky not very far away.  The flash morphed into a black speck and it was coming closer.  An air attack?  she wondered.  She reached for her radio but paused because the craft was suddenly closer and veering in towards her direction.  Guessing it was too late to run (and anyway she had a comrade to protect) she hunkered down in the grass and watched expectantly.

    It was about the size of a fighter jet.  A torrent of black smoke poured from its nose and obscured its body as it shot toward the ground.  The wings tipped precariously.  Miyuki could feel the heat wash over her as it clipped the treetops and passed slightly northeast of her position.  Throwing up her arms to block the windfall of burning twigs and leaves, Miyuki used her body to shield Yamamoto as best she could. 

     A moment later she heard the loud splintering of trunks and branches on the other side of the hill.  The ground shuddered briefly.  Miyuki looked around, thinking nearby forces must have witnessed the incoming ship, but she was further away from the main fighting than she initially thought.  There was no one near her.  Wound up with concern for the fallen pilot, she grabbed her med kit and rushed into the cover of the forest.  She followed the trail of smoking bramble and damaged trees. 

   Miyuki’s path led her up a steep slope.  The air grew quiet under the wooded eaves and any sounds of battle that reached her ears were very faint.  Miyuki felt hot.  She had run nearly half a mile when she reached the crest.  A wide ravine opened up before her that was populated with copious vegetation and sturdy trunks of pine and oak.  At once Miyuki realized her mistake. 

    An enemy fighter was lodged at the far end. 

    Miyuki ducked behind a tree.  Praying she hadn’t been spotted she assessed the situation from her vantage point.  A deep stream passed straight through the hillsides.  It formed a shallow pool before winding its way south again.  The ship lay at an angle to the ground only yards from the water.  Fire belched smoke out of various crevices and Miyuki could hear the creaks and groans of metal as the ship settled. 

     Suddenly part of it moved.  The cockpit hatch tipped up and over and a figure started to emerge.  He caught himself on the edge and gingerly edged himself out sideways.  Miyuki watched as he dropped to the ground and collapsed.  Unable to resist her nurse’s calling any further, she stumbled down the slope and dashed toward the jet.  Enemy or no, someone was hurt and she was the only one in a position to help.  I can dress his wounds and be gone before he knows it, she thought. 

     The smoke hung in the air.  It made her cough and lent an eerie atmosphere to the ravine.  She reached the pilot shortly and hooked her arms under his shoulders.  Pulling with all her strength (he was a of medium build but nearly a third taller than she) Miyuki dragged him away from the jet.  It was slow going because of fallen branches that blocked her feet and made her trip.  The air was heavy with the smell of jet fuel and she had to stop briefly once to catch her breath. 

     Panting heavily she deposited the pilot in a recessed part of the hill near the stream.  She cleared the surrounding ground free of bracken and popped open her med kit.  She knelt by his shoulder and pressed her hand under his neck to check for spinal injury.  Feeling none she removed his helmet.  She gently turned his face to her and brushed back his silvery blonde hair.  Miyuki had never seen a man more beautiful.  He was young; not more than twenty-five or so, and his skin had the gray-blue complexion of his people.  His features were very fine, as if he were of some noble or royal lineage.  The rivulets of blood seeping from a gash on his forehead did little to mar his handsomeness. 

     Miyuki checked his pulse and reached back to her med kit for some supplies.  When she turned around the muzzle of a laser gun met the tender skin of her neck.  The enemy pilot was propped up on one arm while the other lodged the gun against her further when she tried to pull back.  His teeth were clenched and his eyes bore down on her fiercely.  Miyuki swallowed nervously but amid private self-admonishments of stupid! stupid! stupid! she was determined to remain calm.  Staring back at the pilot she could see beads of sweat mingling with blood as he tried to remain upright despite his injuries.  His breathing was somewhat labored.

     Miyuki was holding a package of bandages in one hand and using careful motions brought them into his view.  “You’re badly injured,” she said.  Her voice sounded scratchy to her.  The gun barrel dug painfully into her.  “I’m a nurse; I can help you!”

     The pilot’s gaze darted quickly to the bandages.  He made a movement as of straightening his aim.  Then his expression shifted, and his features softened.  He let his elbow drop and held Miyuki’s gaze for a brief moment more.   Abruptly his eyes closed and he collapsed back onto the ground.  Miyuki quickly disarmed him and clutched at her throat.  There would probably be a bruise but she knew she’d be fine.  She had been terrified, and the tears that welled up were a testament to that.  Being a consummate soldier, however, even at twenty-one, she wiped away her tears and resumed tending to the pilot’s injuries. 

     Miyuki was deep into the situation now and anxiety soon overtook the fear.  She was aware that she had been gone for quite some time and it was more than likely that radar had picked up the jet.  She worked quickly to clean and dress his wounds not only because of the alarming blood loss but because anyone could appear there at any moment.  She injected him full of antibiotics and an amount of coagulant to slow the blood from seeping through the gashes on his forehead and side.  Lastly, she administered a sedative to keep him sleeping and still. 

     Miyuki packed up her kit and glanced nervously around.  The woods had quieted and much of the smoke had cleared.  Miyuki gave silent thanks that the jet had not exploded.  At this point she had already decided that no one would know of her encounter, least of all her parents, if she could help it.  Miyuki allowed herself one last gaze at the unconscious pilot.  “I’ll come back if I can, my handsome adversary,” she whispered.   She was strangely excited despite the apprehension of being caught.  Miyuki traipsed back up the hill. 

     Emerging from the woods on the other side she noticed that Yamamoto’s body was gone.  Jumping on her scooter she headed back to the battle area.  She found that Earth troops had secured it.  Easing up on the power she slowed and came to a stop.  She looked around to get her bearings.  Miyuki started as a hand gripped her arm.

     “Hey!” a voice said.  “Where have you been?”

      Miyuki relaxed when she saw the voice belonged to her brother.  “Mamoru!  I was waiting by one of the wounded.  Over…there,” she said, and gestured vaguely toward the foothills.  She pulled up the collar of her uniform.

      Mamoru’s grip on her lessened and he guided her toward a nearby armored truck.  “Well we’re pulling back for now.  Get in!  We’re returning to base.” 

     Miyuki followed him and scrambled in with the last of the troops.  The truck rumbled to life as the gears shifted and it lumbered forward.  A caravan of vehicles sped toward the base as the sun’s rays burst through gaps in the clouds.  Moments later it swiftly set and left the battlefield in a darkening gloom. 

    Nearly two days passed before Miyuki found both opportunity and courage to risk a visit to the injured pilot.  She convinced herself she ought to ensure the man hadn’t taken it upon himself to come prowling around the base.  Just one more check wouldn’t hurt.  Grimly she supposed he was probably dead by now anyway.  Nevertheless she took with her a fully stocked med kit and procured some non-perishable, nutrient packed food from the commissary. 

    Miyuki’s heart was pounding wildly as she made her way out of the base early in the morning.  Night had yet to make its passage and a thick fog had sunk nearly to the ground.  She could not see far in front of her and worried about bumping into any guards.  However, she found that the fog also precluded her being discovered crossing the security perimeter.  She retrieved her air scooter from its hiding place.  The fog started to lift and night passed into gray early morning.  Miyuki sped off toward the ravine.

     This time she arrived armed, and approached the hillcrest with much greater caution.  Peering down the slope she could barely make out that the pilot was lying where she had left him.  Breathing a sigh of relief she left her scooter nearby and walked slowly down toward the prone figure.  She set down the supplies and steeled herself as she took his wrist in her hand to check his pulse. 

     "You’re still alive,” she murmured. 

     A groan issued through his lips in response.  Miyuki set to work quickly.  She gathered water from the stream and dropped a purifying tablet into it.  The bandages were soaked and crusty with blood but they seemed to have absorbed most of it.  Miyuki pulled him out of his shirt.  It took her several trips to the stream to gather enough water to cleanse his head and torso.  One of his cuts required stitches.  She rubbed a salve over his wounds before dressing them again. 

     When she was done she reached out her right hand and pressed the back of her fingers against his cheek.  His skin felt cool and a full day’s growth of beard was on his face.  She found herself making a note to bring a razor the next time.  Next time?!  Miyuki shook her head and stood up.  There shouldn’t have been a first time, she told herself.  But the deed was done and she felt a certain obligation to see it through.  She could hardly be faulted for just wanting to help.  She checked her watch.  Several hours remained before she had to report for duty. 

    Miyuki didn’t like the looks of his dirty and blood stained uniform so she ambled over to the jet to see if she could find a jacket or extra clothing.  She climbed into the cockpit and began to open up any compartment whose flap would yield to her.  Her efforts were rewarded with a standard issue thermal blanket.   Miyuki stood up gingerly and jumped to the ground. 

    She returned to where the pilot lay.  The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end when she saw that his position had changed.  She slowed her pace as she approached him.  He was lying more than sitting against the hillside but his eyes were open.  Miyuki’s laser gun was in his left hand.  He lifted the butt end toward her.

    “You really should be more careful in a situation like this,” he said sternly.  When he saw that she didn’t move he tossed the gun on the ground as far away as his strength would allow.  His tone grew kind as he continued.  “And who is it that I have to thank for my valiant rescue and skilled medical assistance?”

    Miyuki faltered.  She hadn’t expected any courtesy.  She knelt on the ground and laid the blanket across him.  She kept her eyes lowered, for the sight of his gray eyes made her stomach jump.  “Miyuki,” she whispered shyly.  She felt somewhat embarrassed at having neglectfully left her gun within his grasp. 

    “Miyuki,” the pilot repeated.  “I’m glad of our acquaintance, Nurse Miyuki.”  He cleared his throat with some effort.  “Might you have any water I could drink?” 

    Miyuki looked at him then and concern rippled across her face as she saw his pained expression.  “Of course!  Yes of course!  Right here,” she said and opened her canteen.  Holding it to his lips she helped him drink.  “Easy, “ she commanded, as the liquid made him cough and splutter. 

    The pilot drank a good deal of the contents.  Miyuki sat back down beside him.  “And who is it that I have to thank for drinking nearly all of my water?” she asked. 

    Startled, he looked at her in surprise.  “I’m sorry…” he began and then stopped when he saw the mirth building in Miyuki’s expression.  “Ah,” he said, and offered her a contemplative smile.  “Your humor becomes you!  My name is Alois.”  He took another sip of water and set the canteen down.  “So, Miyuki, where are you going to take me?”

    Miyuki looked at him questioningly.  “Take you?”

    Alois raised an eyebrow.  “Yes, take me.”  He raised an arm and gestured toward the ravine.  “Unless this is standard Earth procedure for prisoners of war.”

    Miyuki avoided his gaze.  “Well, um, I didn’t…um, plan on taking you to the base.”  She cleared her throat.  “You see, when your ship crashed I thought it was one of ours.  So I rushed over here to provide assistance.”  Miyuki blushed and raised a hand to her cheek.  “It’s too late now.  If they find out I helped you, I’d be in a super amount of trouble.  They’d probably ship me back.”

    Alois stared at her a while before speaking.  “I should feel terribly guilty if you’re punished on my account,” he finally said.  “I’ll tell you what:  If my radio still works I’ll call for transport away from here.  Your superiors won’t find out I was here from me.”  He looked across at the jet and was thoughtful for a moment.  “If the transmitter is damaged I’ll need time to repair it.  Are we agreed, Miyuki?”

    She didn’t think to ask why enemy forces would risk such a rescue for one pilot.  Miyuki looked visibly relieved and nodded her head.  “But you’ll need time to recover.  I brought…” she fished through her bag ”…some food and more medicine to ease the pain.  I’ll bring more when I can, which may not be soon so you’ll have to conserve.”  Her voice trailed off when she saw Alois’ eyes had closed.  

    “Poor thing,” she murmured.  “Far from home and only silly Miyuki to keep you company.” 

    Miyuki had to be leaving anyway.  She tucked the blanket around him and packed up her gear.  The scooter bore her through the woods and she headed back to base.  Miyuki had already planned a return route by way of the mine processing buildings.   She stored the scooter and headed toward the commissary for breakfast where she tossed back a couple cups of coffee and a steamed bun.  People greeted her as usual and seemed none the wiser for what she had done.  Humming to herself she went to sickbay to begin her day.

    The invasion dragged on mercilessly.  Fighting spread to other mines and areas of rich natural resources.  It was determined the enemy had warp technology as a few of its cargo filled transports disappeared before reaching the upper atmosphere.  The battleship Ptomkin IV joined the fray and launched its newly trained fighter squadrons against the enemy’s.  Kodai Mamoru’s D Brigade (affectionately referred to as “the Cubs”) was winning renown for its successful defense techniques and strategic raids into enemy camps.  However, Cepheus Colony continued to be stripped of its valuables and pressure was on the troops to shut the enemy down as quickly as possible.

    It was now five days since Miyuki’s initial encounter.  She had requested and been granted permanent triage duty, which made it easier to slip away unnoticed when it was clear the fighting had lessened for the day.  Her superior just thought she wanted the combat experience.  At the tail end of what had been an unusually light engagement with enemy troops she carefully wove her scooter away from the battle proper and out of sight of commanding officers.  The weight of two med-kits was cumbersome but necessary if she were to deliver sufficient food and medical supplies to Alois.  She had also stashed some hygienic products.  Perhaps because of who she was no one seemed to act concerned, and no one questioned her.  Then finally she was far enough away, and headed to the ravine.

   Miyuki felt much more calm when she reached the cover of the forest.  This time she let the scooter take her up and over the hill before dismounting.  Alois was nowhere to be seen.  Miyuki searched the area briefly before sitting down on a rock by the stream to wait.  The med kit with food and other supplies lay beside her. 

  The sun was beginning its descent and the light in the ravine grew dusky.  Miyuki was fretting that she would have to leave soon when she heard the sound of a twig snap behind her.  She jumped up and nearly collided with Alois.  He reached out a hand to steady her but winced, being mindful of the stitches still in his side.  Miyuki looked him over briefly before speaking. 

    “I need to change the bandages, but I brought you food so you should probably eat first.”

    Miyuki opened the kit and handed him what provisions she had been able to snare without raising suspicion.  Alois sat down immediately and began to eat with gusto.  Miyuki refilled the canteen she had left with him and inserted a purifying tablet into it.  Silently she handed him the canteen and waited for him to finish.  Rarely did his eyes leave her face.

    Alois wiped his mouth after gulping more water.  “Thank you,” he said.  “I suppose I should have made you taste some of this first, but if you had any plans for me they would have already happened.”  Miyuki looked crestfallen and he hastily amended his statement.  “I trust you, I do!  You’re very sincere.  And your actions speak volumes.”  He offered her a wry smile.  “I hope I’ve earned your trust as well?”

    Miyuki chuckled.  “If I didn’t trust you I believe you’d be dead by now.”

    “True, true,” Alois murmured.  “How is the battle going?  For the most part it’s very quiet around here but I can see a good amount of smoke in the distance.  I was out trying to get a look when you came.”

    Miyuki shrugged her shoulders.  “About even I think.  Your comrades are making off with a fair amount of resources but we’re not making it exactly easy.  I’m just a combat nurse, anyway.  I’m not privy to much of the intelligence.  Here, if you’re done eating let me change those bandages.”

    Miyuki helped him take off his uniform shirt.  It looked somewhat cleaner; Alois must have soaked it in the stream.  The wounds appeared to be healing and were free from infection.  Miyuki cautioned him to refrain from moving unnecessarily as the stitches would need to remain in a few days longer. 

    “Now let me examine your head.” 

    Alois leaned back against a tree.  Kneeling beside him Miyuki carefully removed the binding.  “Looks okay,” she said softly.  “I just need to salve it and a smaller bandage should do this time.”

    Alois could feel Miyuki’s warm breath on his face and he was keenly aware of the softness of her breast as she leaned into him, although she seemed oblivious, focused as she was on her task. 

    “Okay, all done,” she said after a few minutes.  “What?” she asked, for Alois was staring at her. 

    “Nothing,” he answered, and touched a finger gingerly to his forehead.  “Feels a lot better, thanks.  Shouldn’t you be heading back?”

    Miyuki looked over her shoulder at the hill.  “In a moment, I guess.”  She turned back and motioned with her head at the jet.  “Does the radio still work?”

    “Hmm, the radio.”  Alois looked serious.  “Well, at least it isn’t smashed beyond repair but it will need a significant amount of work.  I can rig it to code an SOS to my location but that’ll be it.  To be honest I haven’t had a lot of strength since the crash.  I’ve been sleeping mostly, and the repair is going to require a lot of movement, what with tearing out parts and all that.”  He paused.  “Although the food is making quite a difference; I feel much stronger now.”  He reached out and touched the back of Miyuki’s hand with his fingertips.  “I’m really grateful for all of your help.  I can’t imagine why we’re attacking Earth colonies if people like you live there.”

    “Where are you from?” Miyuki asked.

    Alois looked to the side.  His tone was apologetic.  “Well, surely you realize I can’t share specifics, but…do you mean my people? Or me?”

  “You,” Miyuki prompted.

  “Oh, um, I’ve been in space for many years now.  I spent my childhood on many different planets (my father is in the military) but I don’t come from ‘a’ world.  My people’s home planet, on the other hand, goes back to antiquity.  We originate from Ilydria, a galaxy cluster some, I would say, four-hundred to five-hundred million light years from the Milky Way.”

  Miyuki gasped.  “Then you must be very old!”  She stopped, shook her head and giggled.  “I mean your race must be very old.”

  Alois smiled.  “Yes, I suppose.”

  “You know, you’ve responded very well to the medication I’ve given you.  Genetically speaking we must be very similar.”  Miyuki looked at him shyly.  “Well, we sort of knew that anyway, from autopsies we did on bodies we captured.”

  “You think we did not?”  Alois’ gaze was penetrating.

  Miyuki gave a nervous laugh.  “Of course you did.”  Silence passed between them for a time.  “But why…”Miyuki said, and paused.

  “Why what?”

  “What do you want?  Why are you invading the colonies?”

  Alois sighed.  “That’s a very good question.”

  Miyuki looked at him expectantly.

  “It’s a good question for another time.  Miyuki, you should be heading back before you’re missed.”

  “Oh!” Miyuki exclaimed and leapt up. 

    Night was creeping forth and it was becoming dark.  She hurried about to gather her things.  Speaking to Alois from her scooter she said in a rush, “ I don’t know when I can come back so be careful about the food.  Good luck with the radio, and remember not to move too much!”  Her voice trailed back to him and grew faint as the scooter lifted and bore her away. 

    Miyuki found it difficult to sleep that night.  She constantly worried about Alois being discovered and the anxiety flavored her dreams.  At the same time the excitement of seeing him created a restless sort of energy.  There were so many questions she had.  Where would he go when he left?  What did he know about the enemy’s objective?  While lying awake her mind also drifted to other thoughts, like what it would be like to kiss him. 

    Miyuki was conscious even as the alarm clock sounded.  Grumbling to herself she bathed, dressed, and went to the commissary.  It was unusually full this morning.  She had a satchel with her and stacked her tray high.  As she was looking for a place to sit her attention wandered to the noisiest table.  There she could see her brother among some of his crew and made her way over.  Mamoru saw her coming and motioned for the men across from him to make room on the bench.  Miyuki set her tray down.

  “Hey Miyuki!” shouted Osamu from the corner.  “Let’s get married today!”

    Miyuki put her hand against her chest in acknowledgement of the proposal.  With all the sincerity she could muster she said, “That’s very sweet!  But I can’t today.  I have to wash my hair.”

    The men around them chortled and slapped at the table in delight.  Miyuki blew Osamu a playful kiss and sat down.  While they ate she asked Mamoru all kinds of questions about the raids, listening for any news about a crashed enemy pilot.  If Mamoru knew of anything he would have shared it, but he didn’t, and Miyuki breathed a quiet sigh of relief.  The more questions she asked, the more the soldiers thought she was impressed with their feats.  The storytelling became tinged with bravado and wasn’t without a few exaggerations.  Mamoru was rolling his eyes at one point but his sister maintained a rapt interest.  She genuinely enjoyed hanging out with her brother and the other combat soldiers and they knew that.  By extension she was a kid sister to all of them. 

    The morning meal came to an end.  The table emptied.  Mamoru leaned against the wall and folded his arms.  He studied Miyuki intently.  He had been watching her surreptitiously insert food into her satchel throughout the meal.  “I’ll be along in a minute,” he said to his second, who was lingering around waiting. 

    Mamoru caught his sister’s eye.  “What’s with the extra food?” he asked.

    Miyuki looked at him in surprise; she thought she had been careful.  “It’s for later.  I get hungrier these days.  Must be this military way of life.”

    “You look really tired,” Mamoru said. 

    Miyuki’s hands went instinctively to her face.  “I do?”

    Her brother nodded.  “Yeah, your eyes are looking kind of baggy.  I’m sure that taking care of all those injured troops must be tough.  Don’t overdo it.  Mom said it could get overwhelming if you don’t pace yourself.”

  Miyuki nodded.  “Well, I had really good training.  The simulated battles had it pretty close.”

    “You can take up to twelve hours of leave a month, you know,” Mamoru reminded her.  “I know the this isn’t exactly the beach but there’s a spot or two where you can go to clear your head.”

  “Speak for yourself, big brother,” Miyuki said.  “If Mom knew how many times we’ve been out in the field already we’d be looking at some reassignments!”

  Mamoru laughed.  “Yeah, no kidding!  We’d be a couple of pencil pushers!”  He stood up to leave and Miyuki did the same.  “Take it easy, kid.  See you on the circuit!” 

  With a wave he was off to join his brigade.  Kid!  Miyuki thought, feeling mild indignation.  He’s only three years older!  She went to report for duty.

    Miyuki had to be very, very cautious about her trips away from base.  While on duty she worked extra hard to triage the wounded in record time.  She won praise for her efforts but also an occasional warning about her tardy returns.  Alois had now been stranded for eleven days.  Miyuki made another early morning visit. 

    When she arrived she found Alois sitting by the nose of the jet.  He was surrounded by radio components and damaged parts.  He looked visibly relieved when Miyuki came into view.  Despite the chill in the air he was perspiring.  Miyuki placed the bulging satchel beside him. 

   “This should be enough food for a week.  Here, let me take a look at you.”

    Alois put down the part he was working on.  He removed his shirt with some difficulty.  “I don’t suppose you have any more of that…aspirin with you?” he asked.

    Miyuki nodded and pulled a packet from her kit.  “Is there a lot of pain still?”

    “Comes and goes,” he said and put out his hand to accept the pills. 

    Miyuki sighed after examining his wounds.  “You don’t seem to be healing as fast as you could be.  I’m sure this first class hospital accommodation has something to do with it.”

    Alois laughed and then stopped.  “Ow,” he said.  “I keep thinking each visit will be your last so I haven’t been eating as much as I should.  It’d be a terrible shame if I died from starvation after all of your efforts.”

    Miyuki looked at him and smiled briefly before continuing with the bandages.  “Lack of nutrition is probably a factor too,” she said.  “But I brought a lot more food, and short of being ordered away from Cepheus I’ll keep returning until you’ve healed properly at least.”

   “Why would you do that?  You don’t owe me anything.”

    Miyuki paused; her movements slowed as she pondered his question.  “It’s just the right thing to do, I guess.”

    “Altruistic to the core, eh Miyuki?” he said chidingly.  “No, it’s all right,” he said at the hurt expression on her face.  “I believe you, but I also believe there’s another reason.  When you’re ready, you’ll tell me.”  If you get the chance, he thought.  “Oh by the way…” Alois looked around him and picked up a bit of spiraled wire.  It was charred on one end.  “Can you bring me back something that looks like this?  Any metal will do as long as it’s sturdy.”

    Miyuki took it and turned it over in her hand.  “I can try.  I’ll have to find a way around the supply officer.  They’re very careful about what parts they give out.  I can’t promise anything.”

    “I’m not asking you to.  Just…if you can.”

    “Okay.” 

    Miyuki encouraged him to eat while she went to refill the canteen.  Despite the rustic setting Alois’ condition was improving so far as she could tell.  He was cleaner shaven and much less pale.  She had so many burning questions but was hesitant to waste time conversing with him when the priority was for him to escape.  Miyuki decided she would try once more to find out what his army intended.  She cleared some space on the grass and sat beside his outstretched legs.

    “Alois,” she began.  “What’s the big picture here?  What is your army trying to accomplish?  Obviously all you want from Cepheus is resources.  But what’s next?”

    Alois chewed thoughtfully, and nodded his head as she spoke.  He lowered the biscuit he was eating.  “To be completely frank with you Miyuki, I honestly don’t know.” 

    Miyuki’s eyes narrowed. 

    Alois raised his hand.  “First, remember who you’re talking to.  I’m just a fighter pilot.”  He glanced over at his jet.  “And not a very good one at that.  I’m sure our emperor has great plans for our people.  The military as a whole is not informed of the final purpose.  Each arm is given specific assignments, such as the raid here on Cepheus, but how it all fits together is a mystery to us foot soldiers.”  Alois tapped the side of his face.  “It’s all in the emperor’s head.”  He finished the biscuit.

    Miyuki looked confused.    “That—that doesn’t sound right,” she said.

    Alois shrugged.  “Of course it doesn’t.  But that’s all I know.  What I can say for certain, however, is that we far outnumber your Earth forces.  We far, far outnumber you.  But that’s not to say that our full might is easily assembled.”

    He placed a hand on Miyuki’s shoulder.  “I know you’re worried about Earth.  You probably have family there.  But I can’t say for sure if or when we’ll attack.  Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you.”

   When his hand left her shoulder Miyuki came out of her swoon.  “But if you did tell me, and I reported the information, my commanding officer would wonder where I got it.  So your secrets are safe with me.”

    Alois stared at her in consternation.  “That could be considered treason, Miyuki!”

    “I know.  I’m not worried about being disciplined, really.  It’s just that my parents are…I guess you could say…very important people.  Very well known.  This would not go over well.  I would be such an embarrassment.  They wouldn’t understand why I helped you—oh bother I’m not even sure why I helped you!  Maybe there is no reason!  Look, you’re a very nice person, and maybe under different circumstances we’d be allies, or friends, or whatever!  But I couldn’t have known that about you when you crashed.”

    Alois chuckled.  “You knew I was a lousy fighter pilot!”

    Despite her anxiety Miyuki laughed.  “I thought nothing of the sort!” 

    They laughed together for a moment.  Miyuki calmed herself and folded her hands tightly.  She bowed her head.  “I’m scared, Alois.  This is a highly, highly unusual situation.  It goes against all of my military training.  I went against my military training.  The problem is, I would like to get to know you, and everything is conspiring against that.  But I knew what I was getting into.  I come from a military family too.  I know war is about conquering, about winning, about death.  It’s not about making friends.  I’m supposed to automatically hate you—

    “Not necessarily,” he interjected.

    “Well, you know what I mean.  We’ve been turned against each other before we even met.”  Miyuki looked at him; she was tearful.  “Then there’s the matter of…well, you’re different.”

    Alois regarded her quizzically.  “How so?”

    “You didn’t kill me that first day.”

    “Miyuki, you were going to help me.  Simple survival strategy!”

    She shook her head.  “Then why didn’t you kill me, or threaten me, or leave this place, when it was clear you had recovered enough?  You’re not acting like a soldier acts.”

    Alois did not respond.  Long moments passed while they looked at each other.  Miyuki was the first to avert her gaze.  She sniffed, and wiped at her eyes.  “I have to go.  I’ll try to find that part for you.”  She stood up to leave.

    Alois grabbed her hand.  “Miyuki!” he said. 

    She paused and looked down at him.

    Alois continued,  “A good soldier knows also when not to fight.”

    She didn’t know what more to say, so she just turned and left.

    Miyuki went to great pains, and turned in a lot of favors, to get Alois his part.  She also decided to use her leave in order to spend more time with him.  A week later she emerged over the crest of the hill.  Miyuki had carefully planned her absence so she could stay nearly five or so hours this time.  Alois’ face brightened when he saw her and he thanked her cordially for the fresh supply of food.  She found Alois’s health to be much improved.  She asked him how the repair was going and handed him not only the part he had asked about but also several other radio components she thought might be helpful.  Several times Alois found himself staring at her in amazement. 

      Miyuki offered to assist with the repair but her role really came down to just handing him a device or two.  The day was a bit warmer than usual and a smattering of sunlight broke through into the ravine.  While Alois worked on the repair they talked, exchanging stories about their childhoods and the places they had visited.  Miyuki found out Alois was twenty-six.  His mother and two older brothers were dead. Casualties of war, he explained.  He preferred not to discuss his father, and told her so.  Miyuki did not press him.  Instead she chatted gaily about things she did when not on duty and wanted to know what Alois did for fun. 

    “I haven’t had much time for that, I’m afraid.  Although I like the ocean, and I read whenever I get the chance.”  He looked thoughtful.  “There are so many things I want to try.  I get tired of the endless fighting and the ruthless campaigns.  I don’t think I’ve had anything to celebrate for a long time.  Even though I’ve had a stressful time of it in this ravine I almost prefer it to what I’m going back to.”  He smiled at Miyuki.  “And you—I think you’ve spent more time here yourself then on those battlefields.  I can’t believe you’re getting away with this!”

      “I can’t believe it either,” Miyuki murmured, and yawned.  “I’m so tired!”

      “If you’re tired,” said Alois, “then you should rest.”

      He moved aside some parts and created a makeshift pillow from the blanket.  He invited Miyuki to rest her head on it.  She curled up on the grass, her eyes half closed.  Alois lay down next to her and gazed up into the trees. 

      “Let’s pretend we’re at the beach,” Miyuki said drowsily. 

      Alois began to speak softly, and painted a picture with words of their ocean escape.  After a while Miyuki fell asleep to the sound of his voice.  Alois found himself thinking that he had never felt so happy.

       Several hours passed.  The sun had disappeared behind clouds and the air became cool.  Miyuki awoke with a start and realized it was because Alois was shaking her. 

      “Get up,” he said when he saw that she was alert.  “There’s something I have to show you.”

      Miyuki rubbed at her eyes and combed her hair with her fingers.  She looked at Alois and he motioned to the ground.  Miyuki’s eyes rested on the radio. 

      “It’s fixed,” he announced.  “I sent a message.”

      Miyuki’s eyes opened wide.  “When will they come?”

      Alois stood and helped Miyuki up.  “Soon.  Now.”  He stepped close to her.  “Once again, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done.  This won’t come back to haunt you on my account, I promise.”

      “Alois!”  Miyuki laid a hand on his chest.  “I…” she found herself at a loss for words.  Her throat began to close and she could feel herself choking up. 

      Alois looked down at her, and his eyes radiated a burst of tenderness.  “I wish there were time for me to do something in return.  You’ve been so kind!”

      “Maybe you could find a way to end this war.  Then we’d be able to spend some proper time together.”  Miyuki wiped at a tear that was forming.  “I know that sounded really flippant.”  She pulled on his shirt and drew his face close to hers.   “But I think I love you!”

      “Miyuki!”  Alois felt stunned, but though secret to him at the moment, his heart was gladdened by the words.  Suddenly he didn’t want to leave and was sorry he had transmitted the SOS so soon.  His head bent down; his lips parted.  He would kiss her good-bye at least…

      Abruptly a strong wind kicked up and unbalanced them.  They could hear rumbling which quickly grew louder in the sky above.  The air suddenly felt warmer.  The wind whipped their hair and clothing into a frenzy.

      “What is it?” Miyuki cried.

      Alois grabbed her firmly by the shoulders.  “They’re here.  Run, Miyuki!  If they find you they’ll kill you!”

      He pushed her southward toward thick bushes that crowded together near the stream.  Miyuki called for him as he parted but the words were snatched from her mouth by the noise and he did not hear her.  He looked back only once to make sure she was hidden from view.  She was crouched down in the center but parted the branches to see out.  Miyuki thought she heard voices.  Some lights flashed, and then the sound of an engine churning filled the air. 

      The ship lifted quickly away.  Miyuki felt as though her heart was being torn out of her chest.  The quiet settled again into the ravine and Miyuki knew that it was over, that he was gone.  Dirty and tearstained she struggled out of the bushes.  It was starting to get dark; she had tarried too long.  As fast as she could she headed back to base. 

      Miyuki encountered a few inquisitive glances as she walked to her quarters but a defiant glare cut short any comments.  When she reached her cot, she dove under the blanket and sobbed quietly far into the night.

      The afternoon of the following day the enemy forces withdrew as quickly as they had come.  All raids and assaults abruptly ceased.  There were no more attacks, and no more plundering.  The Battle of Cepheus was over. 

End of Part I

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