Trixie was searching for Jaze with an almost frantic passion. She had been trying to find him since the fight ten minutes ago, but he appeared to have vanished from the face of the planet. She needed to find him; needed to know if he was okay. The unicorn had seen something in the assassin’s eyes as he had left Sands, but she could not be sure what it was. Fear? Anger? Hate? A combination of all those and more?

Her search continued until, at last, she spotted the colonel leaving the tent he had changed in before, Sairugi once more at his side and his uniform back in place. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her, but Jaze seemed determined to leave her behind.

“Jaze, wait!” she called out, hoping to stall him for a moment. He spun around, hand flying to the hilt of his weapon. He was obviously still tense from the fight, but he relaxed his stance as he saw who was calling for him.

“Oh, hey Trix,” he said in a tired voice, “I’m sorry that you had to see that. Human nature can be ugly at times.”

“He asked for it,” the same haunted look was still fixed on the soldier’s face, “are you okay?”

“No, I’m not.” he confessed, “I always knew that my marks had lives, and families. But to see a target’s son with no other desire than to kill me for killing his parents… it’s a terrible feeling.”

“Your ‘marks’, what’s that?”

“The people I was supposed to kill. I tried to refer to them by anything other than their names. It made it easier to think of them as objects, or by their deeds. But in the back of my mind, I knew that someone would be sad that they wouldn’t come home again.”

“So, were all your marks evil?”

“Pretty much, though there were a few that I wish I had never had to kill.”

“Like?”

“Like, can we talk about something else? I don’t want to talk about this now.”

“Fine, how about we go home and get ready for tonight?”

“But there are things…”

“No buts, we’re going home. I’m getting tired, and you’re exhausted.”

“Okay,” the assassin smiled, “we’ll go home. I can always do what I need to from there.”

“Good,” Trixie sighed in relief, “then let’s get home.”

Jaze basked in the pleasant smell of cooking that filled the air. The simple act of creating the meal had done much to calm him after the past few adrenaline-soaked hours he had had. It did not hurt to think that this would be the first time in a long time that he had spent any time with Vincent and Shelby when they were not getting shot at.

The food was mostly ready and the only thing left to do was wait for people and ponies to arrive. It felt good to just relax into the couch with nothing pressing him into action. But it did give him time to think about what to do about Trixie. She had said she liked him, so he saw no reason not to confess his feelings. But still he hesitated. He had no desire to take things any farther than they were, and yet a part of him truly wanted things to work out between them.

Jaze suddenly became aware of Trixie staring at him from across the room, “I see that you have a question.”

“Just something that had been bothering me,” the blue unicorn’s face was contorted in a look of confusion, “why did the Cye send so many fighters to kill just you?”

“That is a pretty good question. It’s because they wanted to make sure they got the job done.”

“What?”

“By sending in almost twenty fighters, they could be reasonably sure that I would die.” His tone became lifeless, “And they don’t care how many soldiers they lose.”

“Why wouldn’t they care? I would think that losing a lot of soldiers would equal a loss.”

“For organics, it would. But cybernetic foes are… different” the assassin drew in a deep breath, “For humans and ponies, it takes at the absolute least eighteen years for us to replace one member of our respective races. But, since the Cye can repair, or at least recycle, their ‘dead’ in a matter of hours; they could lose a hundred thousand soldiers taking a world and have them back in the fight in days.”

“Now I can see why humans are having so much difficulty in fighting this war…” Trixie looked downcast; worried about the outcome of a fight that had suddenly come to those she loved.

“Don’t worry; we’ve got the Cye right where we want them.” Jaze said confidently.

“How do you suppose so?” she asked as uncertainty flooded her voice.

“Their leader will be here, and he’s called me out for a personal fight.” The soldier’s face grew suddenly dark, “I’m an assassin, killing those who bring harm to others is what I do.”

“There’s more though, right? Or is the only reason you’re doing this because it is your duty?”

“You know that it’s personal for me. But I have to have an actual reason to risk my life for the brass to accept it if I di…”

“Don’t say those words, Colonel Armand!” Trixie suddenly yelled, “I won’t hear them; you’re not going to die!” Sudden tears stung her eyes as she glared at the young colonel.

“Don’t worry,” the young assassin said as he gave the unicorn a comforting hug, “I have no plans to die.”

“Promise me,” she said resolutely.

“What?” He pulled away from her a little to look her in the eye; taken aback by the force in her voice.

“Promise me that you won’t let yourself die.”

“For you Trix, I’ll be immortal. I promise.”

“Thank you Jaze, I’m just so scared right now”

“I know,” Jaze said with a caring smile, “we all are. It’s part of what lets us know we’re alive.”

The unicorn swallowed as she nodded her head, “Thank you for being so understanding.”

Jaze stood and stretched his back, “I’m going to go ahead and take a shower and get the grime of a fight off me before anyone gets here. Are you okay finishing up on your own?”

“Sure,” she said as she waved a hoof at him, “go get clean. You do have a particular odor about you today.”

“Yeah, it’s called eau de fear and adrenaline.” he said as he walked toward the bathroom, “I didn’t think it would be a popular smell. Let me just get rid of that.” Trixie could not help but notice that he seemed to be happier, and that he seemed to have come to some kind of conclusion.

Jaze stepped into his room and tossed his dirty uniform and towel into a bin as he searched in his dresser for something to put on. The shower had been exquisite, the pounding water relieving him of the stress of the day. Unfortunately, the stress wanted must have wanted to stick with him; he could not find anything to put on. He was just about to take a peek out the window to see if he had left his clothes on the line, when his door opened. In walked Trixie, with his clothes balanced on her back; to find an oddly naked, and red, Jaze diving for his bed and throwing the covers over himself.

“Trixie! What in the name of the galaxy are you doing?!” His face was getting redder by the minute as she stood there, unable to speak.

“I, that is, uh…” Her own face had begun to color now, “Clothes! I brought your clothes in from the line. I, uh, thought that that you might need them. Yeah…”

“Well thanks,” the embarrassed soldier snapped as she tossed the garments on the bed, “now would you please leave so I can get dressed?”

“You know,” she said with a suddenly mocking voice, “you see me naked all the time. So why is this wrong?”

“Well, um… that is… I… you…” the assassin stammered, “You’re used to being naked for the majority of your day. In human society, it’s not kosher for a man to see a woman naked, or vice versa, unless they’re…” he blushed a deeper red, “well, whatever. Point is that I am not comfortable with you seeing me naked.”

“Oh come on Jaze,” she was now wearing a smile at his discomfort, “maybe I should take a look at you; you know, for science’s sake.”

“Oh ha, ha; really funny. Please leave, this is already embarrassing enough.”

“Have I managed to catch the best assassin in the game off guard?” the honey in her voice utterly failed to hide the friendly sarcasm.

“Yes you did, are you happy now? And would you please just leave?”

“Okay, assassin.” She couldn’t resist one last jibe, “Better hope nopony catches you with your pants down; you would be utterly worthless.” She then left the bright red soldier to get dressed. He wasted no time and soon joined her in the front room; the front of his shirt left unbuttoned for the moment.

“Thank you Trixie,” Jaze said huffily as he returned to the couch, “for bringing me my clothes.”

“Are you still upset?” the dusky-blue unicorn asked worriedly.

“Not upset, just a hell of embarrassed.”

She took in his unbuttoned shirt, “So why is this okay?”

“Because all the important bits are covered, that’s why.”

“Okay then,” she chuckled, “humans are a strange lot.”

“No more strange than ponies, my dear little lady.” He retorted with a bemused smile, “They’ll start arriving any moment, so let’s go ahead and get set up.”

It did not take long for the first guests to arrive. Pinkie Pie, being Pinkie Pie, had somehow known about the party before hand and had taken it upon herself to pass out invitations to everypony. She and Fluttershy were the first to arrive, quickly followed by Dash and Twilight. Applejack arrived soon after, while Rarity was the last to arrive. Despite this being a gathering of friends, Rarity had decided to appear in her Gala best, something that amused the rest of the group. Jaze was pleased to see that Dash and Applejack had their swords belted on like he had told them. Everyone grabbed any seat they could to wait for Shelby and Vincent to arrive.

“Ugh, when do we get to eat?” Dash groaned, “I’m starving!”

“Would you please be patient darling,” Rarity pleaded, “the guests of honor have yet to arrive.”

“I know but… ugh!” the cyan pegasus let her head fall to the table in front of her.

“Now hol’ on a minute sugar cube,” Applejack stated, “they’ll be here any minute. Then we kin eat.”

“In fact, is that them now?” Twilight asked as a knock came at the door. The portal opened to reveal a very impressed Vincent and Shelby.

Vincent gave a low whistle as he looked around at the house and said in awe, “You don’t deserve this, Jaze. Alls you did was crash here.”

“Yeah, if only getting a house was this easy everywhere else.” Shelby added as she fell onto the couch, “Mmm, comfy.”

“Yeah,” Jaze said as Vincent took a seat, “go ahead and make yourselves at home.

“Oh yeah,” Shelby tossed Jaze his colonel pin, “you forgot that.”

“Okay,” Dash groaned, “they’re here. Can we eat now?”

“Yeah why not,” Vincent said as he took a deep sniff of the aromas filling the air, “now I know Jaze didn’t cook. It smells far too good.”

“As a matter of fact,” the assassin replied with a mock-offended tone, “I did cook; at least some of it. And just for that, you can’t have any.”

Everyone laughed at the look of near fear on Vincent’s face, “Aw, c’mon boss. You know I didn’t mean it. Can I please have some, for old times’ sake?”

“I suppose so, if you’re going to whine about it.” Jaze put on a grin, “but I will remember this.”

“Oh god, I can’t eat any more…” Shelby moaned contentedly as she pushed her nearly full plate away.

“Great, more for us.” Dash said happily as she snatched the plate up and divided its contents between her, Applejack, and Vincent. The rest of the diners watched with a mixture of horror and fascination as the three wolfed down morsel after morsel.

Vincent let out a deep belch and sighed with satisfaction, “Ah, good food.”

“Yes indeed,” Rarity said while she daintily wiped her mouth, “and splendid food deserves proper manners.”

“Don’t mind her none,” Applejack reassured the large soldier, “she’s just a might fussy.”

“I am not!” the white unicorn protested loudly.

“Oh yes you are!”the farm pony countered, “One time, when was supposed to be clearin’ up braches before a storm, she was tryin’ t’ make look all fancy.” Vincent let out a deep laugh as Rarity’s face colored.

“All right,” Jaze cut in, trying not to laugh himself, “that’s enough of that.” He looked over the stack of dishes piled around the three new-found friends, “And since you three dirtied so many of them, you get to help with the clean up.” A unified groan arose from Dash and Vincent while Applejack looked to the dishes with a look of regret on her face.

“Man, I knew there was a catch.” Vincent complained as he began to gather the dishes from the table.

“Oh well,” Dash answered, “it was worth it.” Between the three of them and Jaze the dishes were cleaned and dried in record time, and everyone retired to the living room for conversation. The sky had begun to darken as Luna brought forth another night.

“You know Applejack,” Jaze said when they had all settled in, “Vin and his family are actually farmers on good old Earth.”

“Ah, dang it Jaze,” Vincent quickly called out, “you said that you wouldn’t tell anyone.”

“You,” the assassin smiled, “have got a lot to learn about Equestria. Around here, farmers are respected.”

“What d’you mean?” Applejack asked while confusion seeped into her voice, “Ain’t they respected everywhere? And what is ‘Earth’?”

“In a way,” Vincent explained, “yes they are. But for many they think farming is a stupid man’s profession. They have no idea just how much work goes into every crop that gets planted; rotations, knowing when to plant and water, it’s a lot of thought.”

“Okay, but what is Earth?” Twilight asked; her hunger for knowledge ever present.

“Earth is the human home world.” Jaze told her, “It was where humans first came into being, and from where we spread all over the galaxy.”

“Oh,” Pinkie Pie suddenly chimed in, “I thought you meant dirt!”

“Is she always this, well…” Shelby looked to Twilight.

“You get used to it.” the purple unicorn assured.

“And while we’re talking about pasts,” Vincent said in a serious tone, “why did you never tell us you lost your parents?”

All mirth left the room as everyone in the room looked to the assassin for answers, “Well, it didn’t seem that important. Most of the kids on my home planet ended up orphaned. It was a recruitment strategy for the gangs of that world.” His voice had become apathetic, as if he were commenting on the weather, “Kill a child’s parents and then raise them as a member of the gang family; then look, you’ve got another dedicated soldier for your cause.”

“That’s terrible!” Twilight whispered in a sickened voice.

“At least what happened to a lot of children did not happen to me. The planet was very poor in general, but the gangs always managed to make money. It was not uncommon for parents to sell their children to the gangs just to make it through another year.”

“What about the law enforcement?” Shelby asked, her voice mirroring Twilight’s, “Why didn’t they stop it?”

“The gangs were the law.” Jaze countered, “Sure, there were police officers here and there. But they mostly left the gangs alone. The police did not have the power to stop them, so it was in their best interest to just leave them alone.” He let out a short, unamused laugh, “Sometimes the gangs helped fund the police forces; with the tidbit that they leave the gangs to their own devices. Mostly they were just cleanup crews.”

“That is the worst possible thing I can imagine for a child.” Rarity’s voice was quiet and disheartened.

“I don’t regret it.” Everyone in the room looked to him in shock, “If not for that, I would not be here; with you all.”

“That’s sweet sugar cube,” Applejack replied, “but Ah still wish that ya didn’t have to go through that.”

“Yes, quite agree.” Rarity added.

“Thanks girls, but it’s okay.” The assassin wore a serene smile, “I am well past everything that happened then. It’s all in the past, so I can’t change it.” Despite his brave words, Trixie could see that something from then still haunted him; something that he wished not to speak of. She only hoped that one day he could share it with them all, whatever it was.

“It’s getting late,” Shelby said as she glanced at the now starry sky, “perhaps we should get back to camp.”

“Ah could let ya stay with me at the farm.” Applejack offered the two soldiers from the stars.

“No,” Vincent graciously declined, “We have a small tent and bunks waiting for us back at camp.”

Pinkie suddenly gave a whole body shudder, “Twitcha-twitch, something’s coming.”

“What is that about?” Vincent asked Jaze.

“Like Twilight said, just go with it.” he replied as he stood from his chair. He cautiously started for the door, when it suddenly burst open to reveal Master Sergeant Sands; his arm in a sling and a pronounced limp in his leg. In his good hand, he held a small pistol.

Shelby and Vincent’s hands dipped for side arms they had left behind in their tent. Jaze unconsciously stepped in front of Trixie; shielding her from Sands’ view and gun. Dash and Applejack came to their feet in a rush, drawing their swords as they did.

The blonde haired youth ignored all the aggression aimed at him as he addressed Jaze calmly, “I just want to talk.”

“If that’s all you want,” the assassin asked, his heart racing, “why did you bring the gun?”

Sands looked down at the weapon, “Call it insurance. I just need some answers.”

“Okay,” Shelby sneered, “Yes, no, maybe, forty two, two miles, up yours. Was one of those the answer you were looking for? ‘Cause I’ve got more.”

“Don’t get smart.” the young pilot cautioned, “I am the one with a gun.”

“You should know,” Jaze retorted, “that means nothing.”

“Whatever, just tell me what I need to know and I’ll go.” He holstered the handgun, “See? Everything’s cool in here.”

“What is your question?”

“I want to know why you killed my father.” Jaze cocked his head in confusion it was not the question he had expected. Sands pointed to the blue unicorn peeking out from behind Jaze, “She said you wouldn’t kill without a reason. I want, no, need to know why. So tell me, please.”

“I won’t lie to you to protect your father’s image.” The assassin warned.

“I’m prepared for that. But I can’t live in ignorance anymore.” He replied resolutely.

“Okay then,” Jaze shrugged, “do you remember the Alumi Incident? Your father bank rolled that incident.”

“Alumi Incident?” Vincent questioned, “Why does that sound familiar?”

“It was a takeover by pirates of the colony on Alumi.” Shelby answered, anger coloring her voice, “I lost my brother when they killed all the soldiers there. That’s what made me a join up.” She took an aggressive step towards Sands, “You’re telling me that whelp’s father paid for that muck-up?”

“Stand down, Lieutenant.” Jaze ordered. Shelby stepped back away from the blonde pilot, but only reluctantly. The assassin turned back to Sands, “Is that all? If so, leave.”

“Was that all my father did?”

“No, he also killed several colonists that tried to move onto a planet he claimed as his and more in his rise to power as a gang lord. But Alumi bumped him up to a tier one hit. Before, there were bigger fish to fry, so to speak.”

“I never knew…” The young man’s eyes fell to the ground as he turned to leave, “This isn’t over yet. You still have to pay for taking my father from me.” He quickly left the house, slamming the door behind him.

“I’m glad you killed that bastard.” Shelby’s eyes fixed the scarred soldier with a glare, “I just wish I could have seen justice done.” She followed after Sands out the door.

“Hey Jaze,” Vincent placed his hand on the man’s shoulder, “if he gives you more trouble, I’ve got your back.”

“Same here,” Dash added, “that guy’s a jerk.”

“He’s just confused.” Twilight countered, “He’s learning things that contradict what he held to be true. That will make anypony a little mean.”

“Ah think it’s time we all got some shut eye. Been a long day for everypony.” Applejack yawned.

“Indeed, it is getting late.” Rarity agreed, “See you again soon, everypony.”

“Yeah, this was fun!” Pinkie Pie agreed as she bounded out the door, “Except when it wasn’t.”

“See you all tomorrow.”Jaze waved to his friends as they left his house. Soon, it was just him and Trixie; alone in the house. Should I… he started second guessing himself, I need to. I can’t wait until it’s too late anymore. I need to say it, tonight, now. The scarred soldier switched off the lights, leaving only the small lamp next to the couch on.

“I’m sorry that you had all this happen on top of what happened earlier.” Trixie gave him an apology.

“It’s not your fault.” Jaze assured as he took a seat next to her on the couch, “And don’t worry about it.”

“But I do.”

“I know.” He turned on the couch until he was staring into her beautiful purple eyes, “There’s something that I need to say.” He took a deep breath, “In orbit, just before the Cye came, you remember how I said that I liked you and all my friends?”

“Yes,” she said while her eyebrow went up, “what about it.”

“I also meant that I liked you, too. I only realized it when I saw the Cye about to hurt you.” He took another steadying breath, “But I think it might be more than just like, I think I might lo…”

She pressed her hooves to his lips, “Don’t say that yet.” She curled up against him again, “You know, you’re still really comfortable.”

“Thanks,” he said as their eyes grew heavy. He had just enough time to switch off the lamp before the excitement of the day caught up with him and he fell into a deep slumber.

Outside the living room window, a pair of eyes watched as the assassin fell asleep. A grin broke across the face containing the eyes as he found out Jaze’s one weakness. “I’ve got you now, fool. I will kill you, soon. You should not have let your guard down.” The figure made a hasty retreat, quietly stealing away into the dark of the night with his new found knowledge.