A/N: I wrote this as a bridge chapter, so don't expect too much. I also wanted to thank Draco38 for his input with editing and to all the readers who submitted reviews. Keep 'em coming.
We are a Happy DEAD
Misa and Alex spent the morning cleaning up and napping. After the previous night, this was considered luxury on par with the Emperor's palace.
By mid morning, Alex was up and wandering the lobby by herself. Misa elected to stay in bed a while longer. Alex glimpsed the Major and another Marine she did not recognize speaking with a man from JGSDF. They were discussing the disposition of survivors within the compound. The SDF man agreed to escort the survivors to a predetermined rally point.
The unidentified Marine spotted Alex, who had really made no attempt to hide her location, and invited her over.
Alex walked over, bowed and introduced herself in English.
"Allow me to introduce my senior non-commissioned officer, Staff Sergeant RJF Blake," Major Giles said warmly.
"Pleased to meet you," Alex said as she shook Blake's hand.
"Senior Sergeant Aono Shinji, Japan Ground Self Defense Forces," Aono replied with a respectful bow. "I have been in contact with my company and they are enroute to our position. I offer you a place with us."
"I'll have to talk it over with my classmate," Alex switched to Japanese. "But I think she will want to go. She is worried about her family and so am I."
"Splendid," Giles rejoined. "Then everything is in order."
"Oh, um, one more thing," Alex spoke, switching back to English. "Is it possible to do something about my uniform?"
The three men had their attention drawn to the blood spatter and grime that covered Alex's once neat white uniform top.
"Of course, my dear," Giles replied. "Blake, see to it this young lady and her friend are given something clean to wear."
"Sah," Blake saluted, he then turned to Alex. "Will you follow me?"
Alex rounded up Misa and explained what they were about to do. Blake then escorted Alex and Misa to the Embassy laundry. He explained that the civilian staff were evacuated to another location with only a few days clothing to save space in the helicopter. The girls were then given reign to choose anything that might suit them among what was left.
Alex had some difficulty in finding something that fit at all, but settled upon a pair of denim trousers cuffed to the calf, a pair of men's running shoes and two t-shirts. Misa ended with a similar outfit, but one that needed alteration to fit her petite frame. Misa chose to keep her school issued sneakers. Blake offered the services of one of his Marines, a former tailor's apprentice, to aid Misa in her fittings.
Alex spent the rest of the morning attempting to keep up with L/Cpl McDonnogh and two other Marines on their exercises, but dropped out early on. Misa laughed aloud at Alex, but also congratulated her temerity to even try. Misa then paraded her newly tailored outfit to the approval of all present.
Shortly, Misa pulled Alex to the side.
"The Major told me that the man from the SDF said his column should be here early this afternoon."
Alex smiled and nodded.
"We should get our stuff together, then," she said.
The two girls stood clustered around the Union Jack with the rest of the survivors. Since they arrived, no one else came by. The two Marines on the guard house roof would glance over from time to time, but mostly called out contacts on the street. Alex guessed them to be the company's sniper team.
One of the men called out the approaching column of armored vehicles lead by an APC.
Sr Sgt Aono informed all the survivors that the SDF column had arrived and to make sure that they had everything they came in with. Misa and Alex rummaged their sack and confirmed its contents. The pry bar still tied to the straps, Misa carrying the jo staff, Alex her boken in hand.
Aono spoke to the Major and the leftenant before bowing deeply. Misa noticed the column had formed up a tight half circle around the pedestrian gate while soldiers pointed their rifles into the street.
Aono sped-walked over to the group and quickly ushered them into the waiting HMMWVs. Taking the last said truck for themselves, Misa, Alex and Aono shared the truck with the driver and the top gunner.
The sniper team on the guard house roof waved their good byes and good lucks as the column drove off to the south.
"I wanted to say thank you," Misa said in Japanese. "We are in your debt."
"It is my pleasure, honor and duty to help my country and her people," Aono replied graciously. "I met Miss Schweiger earlier this morning, but I do not believe I have had the pleasure."
"Kinoshta Misa, Second Year at Fujimi Academy," Misa nodded politely. "Alex-san and I are classmates and…friends."
Alex perked up the word friend. This was the first time anyone in Japan other than her cousin Maki even used the word regarding Alex. Blushing slightly, Alex realized that her life may not be all bad after all.
