Lucien "Luc" Enjolras

[Auro Syrdash]

Memorial Park
Captital City of Wiedergeburt
Independent World of New Earth
0900 December 04, 3060

Luc stood under a gazebo that overlooked the tomb of New Earth hero Colonel Jake Death. Since his arrival on New Earth, he had attempted to discover whether this man, this legend was truly dead. There was no evidence to indicate otherwise. However, after learning the transformative role Colonel Death had played in New Earth history, one could hardly be blamed by thinking him to be nearly immortal.

Nonetheless, this tomb was universally accepted as his resting place by the population of New Earth, including Colonel Death's daughter and sole survivror. Kimiko Tetsuhara Death. Since her arrival back on New Earth last week, she had made no less than four visits to her father's tomb. Each visit involved a carefully orchestrated effort by Death's Brigade and capital police to ensure that she could mourn privately at her father's tomb.

Luc was here today to meet with Kimiko, alias Alizee Blanchett. To build trust, he would reveal to her that he knew her true identity. For Kimiko's safety, he could not risk entities outside of his Lyran Intelligence Corps team listening in to their conversation. It was for this reason that Luc had decided he would need to silence his personal communicator's mic. If the opportunity to confer with his CO on this matter had presented itself before today's meeting, he would have requested authorization. As XO, he had no choice but to trust that he was trusted and proceed with his plan.

Luc checked his chronometer for the dozenth-odd time. In just over an hour she would arrive. He straightened his jacket and tie and combed his fingers through his wavy hair again. He had been forced to admit to himself that he had feelings for Kimiko which were beyond his ability to dismiss. Ignoring his feelings would amount to self-deception, which he considered a liability born of chaos and confusion. He would not be subject to such an undisciplined and volatile state of mind.

At the same time, he could not simply give himself over to love. He could not afford the luxury of a conventional romance. Therefore, he would do his utmost to keep his feelings for her in check. After all, he had to remain focused for the benefit of the Lyran Alliance. Kimiko could be the key to preventing a second Lyran invasion of New Earth and the accompanying bloodshed. He would fulfill his mission, thereby doing his duty to the Lyran people and thus himself.