Ok, here goes my first try at this. This weeks prompt is: Storm

Good job, Kritter! (See? This wasn't so hard, was it?)

The storm raged all around us, penning us in, preventing us from leaving. Yet inside our shelter it was dry, if somewhat cold. I shifted uncomfortably, rocks on the ground digging into my backside. Beside me, Jun shifted as well, her thigh bumping against mine. A memory flashed through me: skin pressed against skin, a rising heat consuming us both, a mutual joining serving to only stoke the flames within us. That had been a mistake. I knew it; she knew it. We had never discussed what had happened between us, because it should never have occurred. It wasn't who we were, who we needed to be. But it was whom I wanted to be. The thought made me gasp in shock; it was something I had never allowed myself to consider. Something I should have buried deep within myself. She turned, her eyes assessing me, probing my thoughts, immediately taking in everything. No matter how cold, how aloof I behaved on the outside, she had always been able to see right through me. I fought the flush that threatened to rise to my cheeks, struggling to maintain a cool exterior. She didn't say a word, merely shifted again, her eyes darting away from my face. Her body pressed against mine; it was unavoidable, given the cramped nature of our temporary quarters. Unbidden, my arm lifted, allowing her to rest on my side as it moved around to drop across her shoulders. She hesitated for just an instant: long enough that I knew she was debating the matter within herself. Yet then the fleeting moment was gone and her body melted into mine, snuggling into the warmth and protection I offered. I closed my eyes, leaning my head back against the rocks, savoring the moment while the storm grew stronger, threatening the tiny sanctuary we had found. If I had to die, right here, right now, I would be happy. "We're coming." Ryu's voice echoed through our bracelets, breaking through the white noise of nature's rage outside. "We'll be there in about two minutes." "We'll be here." I replied, already feeling Jun pulling away. "We'll be ready." The moment was over. But not forgotten.

Ah, this is that episode from Gatch II when Jun follows Joe up that mountain right? A wonderful look into his thoughts here TJ! And I think it sounds very realistic. I always thought it was interesting how in Gatch II Jun seemed to focus a bit more on Joe rather than Ken.

Ooh...nice description, TJ! It sound like the K2 mission to me, too...yet I'm wondering/hoping it may be a piece from a longer fic...

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TJ - another great piece from you. I thought it sounded familiar as I read it, and now the others have pointed it out it seems obvious!

KT, I wonder what Ken is thinking? LOL, all you guys are thinking K2... I hadn't really been thinking of that at all! I wasn't certain if I wanted the main character to be Ken or Joe... I was thinking Ken would fit from the original series, but also that it could be Joe in a Gatch II setting. Whether it's K2 or not, I'm not even sure...

KT: At least Ken is getting the message that she's in a lot of emotional turmoil and that he should hold off.

TJ: Damn. LOL. You know I wasn't totally sure when I was reading it that it *was* K2, considering you didn't name the other person. Still good nonetheless. KT: Oh dear, how long until Ken puts 2+2 together? He may not like the answer!

KT: Ken is wise to hold off...he may be playing with fire!

I had the urge to take a stab at this: I'd really done it this time. I killed her. I killed me. I killed us... Not to mention what I'd done to the team. But, I *had* to do it. It was the only way... Or at least that's what we thought. Instead, I ended up letting my sense of duty win out over my heart for no useful purpose. Princess is still dead and the flowers are still out there, still unleashing horror and destruction. Meanwhile the storm inside my soul rages on unabating as it ravages me emotionally. As team leader, it's my duty to hold us all together, but right now, I can't understand why. When our actions do no good, I find it hard to rally myself, much less face my team. Heading out, I got to check on Keyop because my sense of duty demands it. Even as I try to shut down completely, it refuses to let me. Yet, when I start to open the door and see him sitting there dejectedly, I can't do it. I have no words to help him. I add him to the list of teammates that I have now failed. Some leader I turned out to be. One major setback and I just fall apart. I can't help it, my heart isn't in it anymore. I've lost my will to fight. Slowly I back away and quietly close the door. As I turn to walk away, I see Tiny and Jason lounging against the wall, watching my every move. I sigh and turn away from them, silently refusing to be a part of anything anymore. I hear their voices behind me, but my mind doesn't register the words. Instead I just start to walk away, no destination in mind, my feet moving of their own volition. My strength, my meaning, my focus all lie in a field, burned to ashes with those flowers. My life ended with the death of the woman I loved. I find myself back in my shack at the airfield with no memory of getting here. I remove my bracelet, no longer willing or able to handle the problems of the world when I can't even deal with my own. I wander the airstrip aimlessly. After a while, I consider heading to Jill's for a drink. Normally, I wouldn't even think of drinking, it's not something I do or enjoy, but I hold out hope that it would dull the pain, if only for a hour. Yet, I can't even bring myself to muster the energy to make the trip there. Besides, I couldn't bear to run into the others there. I can't risk seeing my own emotional state reflected in their faces, the storms flashing through my eyes mirrored in theirs. It doesn't matter that Tiny flew the Phoenix or that Jason launched the missile. This is my responsibility, my order killed her. The blame is mine and I hold it tightly, refusing to share it with anyone. It's my only remaining connection to Princess and what now could never be. Dejectedly, I head back to my shack and see that a signal is flashing on the bracelet as it lies on my desk where I'd abandoned it earlier. I pick it up and my mind translates the message automatically. Princess! She's alive and suddenly I am too. The events of her rescue fly past me in a blur. My only thoughts are of holding her in my arms and telling her everything that's in my heart. I almost lost that chance once, I can't risk losing it again. I need to tell her, kiss her, love her. Finally the battle is over and the dust is settling around us. There she is standing safe and sound. I will myself to run to her, sweep her off her feet, toss our helmets to the floor and claim her mouth with mine. My body refuses to respond to my demands as the 'commander' reasserts himself and takes control. I cringe inwardly as I hear him speak, hear my voice tell her that it's good to have her back. 'It's good to have you back? What's wrong with me?" I want to tell her everything in my heart, but my body is no longer under my control. Mark, the man, is once again a mere observer as Mark, the commander, runs the show. I see the pain flash in her eyes as she weathers her own inner storm and know that it reflects the one brewing in my own heart and soul. Someday I will win this battle and force the commander to step aside to me for a change.

Mylari, you've doe a great job capturing Mark's inner turmoil and explaining his emotions in context with canon! A heart-twisting read.

Thank you! It's the first thing I've written in any of the Gatchaman universes so I was nervous about my characterization. It was nice to dip my toes in slowly with a short piece here

It's a good dip, at that. I'm looking forward to you taking the plunge!

Great stuff mylari! It's such a powerful moment in BOTP and Gatch, though in different ways. I wonder if she could see his struggle in those big blue eyes of his.

Great piece mylari! Looking forward to seeing more from you!

Mylari - an excellent first attempt at the Gatch fandom. I hope you'll contribute more to the Bradbury's Jar threads, I can't wait to see what else you come up with.

Mylari, that was great! The Fierce Flowers episode is my favorite one, and you have captured Mark's emotions so well! Great writing!

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I think I know what's causing the storm....

TJ - very moving! I haven't watched Gatch II, but with fic, I got a very good feel for it - and a lump in my throat!

EW: You're really milking this, LOL ... hold on, Ken!

EW...hope the team saves Ken quickly!

Tj--very nice use of imagery and emotion. I like the mystery as to who she might be cuddling up to as well. I can picture these kids doing just that and trying to sort out their wants versus needs... Ahhh...KT...things are just blooming with possibilities aren't they? I've got a few more questions, but I am sure you can clear them up in chat later on. Hello Mylari! Good to meet you. Even though I am not a big fan of exposition, you have some nice introspection here on a very powerful scene from my favorite episode, well done. You describe Ken's inner turmoil of the events quite well. EW-Not quite sure what to make from this as I know I am starting more towards the middle than anywere else... I found the banter among the teammates humorous, although fitting well with the make up of the team...Although as a whole I felt it a bit more adjective heavy than your usual funny pieces which makes me want to think that perhaps this is a bit of a more dramatic story then some of your previous works? Please let me know.

Whew...it has been a long time I know, but with now getting my youngest off to college I finally have some time to myself. Although for empty nesters were still managing to see either one or the other of the offspring each weekend. Now all I need to do is get the hubby back on assignment and I will truly be able to experience what a truly empty nest feels like and I think I am ready for it.. start laughing now folks... Anyway...time to pick up on the Iona stories. When I first envisioned them, I wanted to have some of the tales feel like they could be actual episodes. Not very long, but with a bit of a plot, and drama, but an actual ending as well. For those of you not familiar, as I know we have some new members, this is an AU...with Iona being brought in by Nambu to be the pilot of a new and improved Godphoenix. By having her pilot this much more heavily computerized ship, it would free Ryu to a larger part in the team's activities, rather than being left behind to babysit the ship. Iona's physical capabilities are not nearly that of what the team's are, although she has been trained to sufficiently defend herself and the ship if need be. What she does possess, however is a perfect (didactic-if you like to look things up) memory--which also comes in handy from time to time. Galactor does know of her existance, yet they were outbid at her origin, and eventually move, through some rather nasty treachery to reclaim what they feel is rightfully theirs. Her introduction causes great jealousy in Jinpei, as he feels the girl might be a replacement for his beloved Ryu, which really isn't the case. Eventually they begrudgingly become frenemies..if not outright friends...(some of this is based on an actual friendship my son had long, long ago....) Anyway...onto the story..which will be in the next post. Glad to be back.

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k2 - Welcome back it's great to have you joining in with us all once again. It's a good piece, as usual, but there's just one thing I don't understand, if the male skater was supposed to be Galactor, then why did Ken clasp his hand?

KT -- Ken was wise...no one wants to deal with a man while suffering from hangover, however light it may be! Mylari -- brilliant! You did justice to one of our favourite eps ever! EW -- Suddenly I feel there's a dark twist here...I don't want to think what the kit in the suitcase is...

K2 -- I like how you build up a scene from something as, at first sight, trivial as tying the laces on your skates. I really enjoyed your description of these simple moves, which then result in the scene in the rink! Glad you're back with more time to write!

Back to my OC, Sarah (Anderson's romantic interest, for those who haven't met her yet) for this one: //Jason had practically stormed off. He hadn't gone so far as to slam the door behind him, but the atmosphere in Anderson's office could not have been chillier, as the sullen teenager glowered at him. Anderson had stood his ground -- Jason had blatantly disregarded an order to leave the racetrack and get a move on back to Centre Neptune, and he was not going to get away with it. The fact that he had been shot at with a strange new ray should be taken into account, but the only reason he was shot WAS BECAUSE HE WAS LATE, fumed Anderson to himself. And because Spectra wanted to conquer Earth, and because Zoltar had crazy scientists working for him. A knock on the door was followed by the door opening before he had a chance to open his mouth. He got ready to shout at whoever was about to enter -- then his face slid into a small smile as he saw Sarah. "Oh. It's you." "Yup. It's me," she said amiably. "Why the long face?" Anderson sighed. "Sarah, you're a scientist. Tell me how an intelligent person can have so much trouble dealing with a teenager?" "Who's the intelligent person you're talking about?" she asked seriously. Anderson snorted. "If even you don't find me intelligent, it's no wonder Jason is just about to tell me go drown myself." Sarah took his hand into hers, a rare display of affection when they both were at Centre Neptune. "Jack. Listen to me. This is just a storm in a teacup. Jason is not about to tell you go drown yourself. He is a normal -- here Anderson snorted again -- teenage boy, in a very abnormal situation of having to risk his life every day to defend Earth and the Federation. When we gave them cerebonic implants, we knew that we could augment their physical strength, maybe their senses, but we would not be able to change their feelings." "Oh great, I've got five super-ninjas with the emotional intelligence of five year-olds." Anderson let his head drop on the desk. "Cheer up. It's not so bad...after all, you have a girl among them." At that, Anderson looked up suspiciouly, but Sarah was all innocence. "Shall I ask, or will I then regret it?" "Everyone knows boys never grow up anyway. With Princess around, you just might have a chance...//

DT: Now the Chief's going to have nightmares about Princess growing up!!! Nicely done.

LOL, boys do grow up eventually... just not as much.

Originally posted by Daniella T ...I don't want to think what the kit in the suitcase is...

I guess I assumed too much when I described it as being the size of a diabetic's insulin kit -- those are about the size of a fairly large wallet, not a suitcase. (I'd hate to imagine lugging a suitcase around if it was necessary to be away from home for more than a couple of hours!) If you hadn't made that comment, I'd be none the wiser. Thanks, DT!

DT- amen! At least in my experience, it takes forever for boys to grow up! K2- loved your descriptions! I, too, was curious about the red headed man from Galactor. I'm wondering if he is an old friend who joined Galactor later. Hmmmm. Could he possibly be a spy for the ISO?