A Soldier's Apology

[vjockey]

1) [Video]

[It's Cheng, and it seems he has something to say.]

My friends.... comrades... if... you will still allow me to call you that... I owe you all a tremendous apology for what had happened. For what I was forced to do.

[He takes a deep breath before continuing, clearly the guilt he was feeling was very real.]

I do not know how long Adventus has

Comments

1

[zetahatsudo]

Cheng... Listen to me, and listen well: I don't care what it was that made you do things that you did, I'll still welcome you back with open arms.

It's good to have you home, man.

[vjockey]

... It is good to be home Kamille... it truly is...

[He couldn't find anything else to say than that.]

[zetahatsudo]

Glad to hear it, Cheng. Now then, could you do me a solid? [You can now see his damaged Zeta Gundam in the background, and that smile is suddenly looking very forced.] Can you help me find Sayla so she can explain why my Gundam is MISSING A WING?

[vjockey]

I... suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble.

[And right back into the madness of the Chalice. Home sweet home.]

1

[mydutyisnotover]

Do you have anything more to say, Cheng?

[vjockey]

[He gives Frank a small grin that falters slightly.]

Should I have thanked everyone for not shooting me on sight?

[He soon grows a little more serious in demeanor though.]

I have... a few more words... but they would be for Devon...

Even then though... I am not sure what else can be said without it sounding as if I was making excuses..

[mydutyisnotover]

I'm sure you can think of something.

In the meantime, help Tsukasa in his kitchen. That'll make you feel right at home.

[vjockey]

[Cheng nods and snaps to attention, giving Frank a salute. Though a grin formed on his face at the tail end of it.]

Yes sir.

[The results of said assistance would be proof that in addition to the list of things Gucun does NOT have, its gourmets and good taste.]

2

[howling_alone]

[Click... cold metal pressed behind Cheng's head. Behind it, the blank eyes of a soldier.]

...Give me a good reason not to pull this trigger...

[vjockey]

... I can only give you more reason to unfortunately. Mind Control or not, I still opened fire and even captured one of our own.

[Cheng is being.... surprisingly calm about this.]

[howling_alone]

...We're sworn to service on this ship and you broke that contract... Turn around and face me...

[Alexei's grip on the gun tightens. If he was going to do this... he was going to make sure it counted.]

[vjockey]

[And Cheng does, merely looking down the barrel of the gun at Alexei.]

A contract... we both know it was more than that to me.

3

[emorangerblack]

[Reading a book, sitting on a bed, like if nothing happened.]

You have something to say.

[vjockey]

I do Devon...I wanted to thank you ... for ... for...

[Cheng seems to be trying to get his words in order on the go. He sighs.]

You were willing to believe in me when I expected otherwise...

But even then I... I apologize for whatever troubles I brought upon you.

[emorangerblack]

I have made my promise. Without any intention of breaking it. Yes, even considering the consequences.

Will your loyalty remain with the White Chalice now?

[vjockey]

My loyalty has... it always will remain to the Chalice and it's crew. Come what may.

I would die rather than betray y... everyone... again.

[You. You specifically Devon. Because out of everyone he holds you up to a vastly different standard, and not just because you're his waifu now.]

2

[emorangerpink]

[Laura's watching Cheng from what should be a safe distance. Her amplifier is on her wrist - it usually is, of course, but she's rubbing at it absent-mindedly with her other hand, drawing the eye to it.]

Should you be out on your own? Has anyone been able to confirm there aren't any more... surprises, waiting?

[Her voice sounds... not cold, not quite, but flat. Locked down hard.]

[vjockey]

... I possibly shouldn't... even I do not know the extent of what has been done.

You would have preferred it if I had died. Or had been executed for my treachery.

[Cheng's tone for the last was matter of fact and calm. And entirely too at peace with the concept of someone trying to kill him.]

[emorangerpink]

No. [Her head-shake is almost a spasm, abrupt and forceful.]

What happened... hurt her. ["You hurt her" is conspicuously what she does not say.]

If you'd died that'd have just hurt her more. I'm not interested in punishing you. I just don't want her hurt further. If you're going to... again... better in a cell or medbay bed than out here where you could do damage.

[vjockey]

And do you believe I wanted to hurt her?

[His tone is, bitter to say the least.]

Killing that man may have brought me some closure to the matter, but the extent of what I have done to everyone... especially her will always hang over my head.

[He takes a deep breath before speaking again, brushing at the side of his face and wincing. There was an ugly hit there.]

Forgive me if I spoke too rudely...