Author's notes: Well hear it is, the next chapter in this epic, which will
contain even more battle sequences. That means shooting, killing and shit
blowing up, what more could you possibly want, and hey maybe Kenshin will
join the party. Enjoy and please review, come on that's not asking too
much is it.
Ambassador Norrington was terrified. He had heard the explosions and the gunshots and knew immediately that he was in serious danger. Norrington had heard stories of foreigners who were murdered raped and even tortured and mutilated by radical former samurai and ninja. The cries of the invaders were easily heard through the open windows of his office. Like howling wolves rallying to attack they're prey. They were coming for him and he knew it. All he could think about were his wife and children back in London and if he would ever see them again. Norrington took out his rosary and started praying the Hail Mary. Just then two British soldiers entered the office and helped him up from under his desk. "Come with us sir," one of them said. "We need to get ye to a safe location."
"Is there a back exit we can use?" asked the terrified Ambassador.
"Afraid not sir, we will take ye to the basement, its the safest place we have to offer ye sir," said the other soldier. They quickly made their way down the stairs of the building and down a hidden staircase to the basement they both climbed down and locked the door all they could do was pray.
Leftenant O'Callaun quickly loaded his webley revolver and took his place to the left of the middle line, of which was kneeling. In a triple line each rank stands higher than the other. The first line would lie down in prone position the second line would kneel so they were a little higher than the first and the third line would stand. The first line would fire a volley on command then the second line would fire on command and then the third would fire on command there by giving each rank or line a chance to reload before all three volleys were fired. The rifles they were using were standard issue breach loading rifles. To load them you simply lift open top and slide a shot into the barrel then fire and latch open the bottom to remove the bullet's shell. This could be done in five seconds. "First rank take aim!" shouted O'Callaun. They did as they were commanded. The war cries of their invaders were getting louder through the smoke of the explosion. The outline of men wielding swords was seen through the screen of white smoke, running towards them with hate in they're eyes, as if the devil had seen all his demon warriors loose on them. "First rank FIRE!" shouted the Leftenant. After the crackle of the rifles O'Callaun saw that five to seven of the invaders had fallen. The gate way was somewhat narrow so only about half a dozen could run through at a time. "Second rank FIRE!" he shouted again. Another half dozen fell but the invaders kept coming, more and more at a time. "Third rank FIRE!" shouted the O'Callaun this time he discharged his weapon as well. "First rank FIRE!" he fired along with them. The invaders continued to fall but continued to advance. "Independent fire. Fire at will!" shouted the Leftenant.
"Thought he'd never ask," said Cook with a smirk. They continued to fire at they're own speed for many this was one shot every five seconds. O'Callaun emptied his revolver very quickly firing as the Americans do, with one hand over the hammer so he could fire and almost instantly fire again in a series of cock-fire-cock-fire-cock-fire, several of the invaders fell during his suppressive fire but he wasn't the type to brag about his kills. Cook and Burke however were a different story. Cook took aim with his rifle and fired. A swordsman only twenty yards away at the front of the advance fell right in his line of fire. "That's me sixth down already mate," he said to Burke at his left. Burke promptly fired his rifle and looked carefully forward. "That was me fifteenth down," said Burke with a smile. "Hu!" said Cook with amassment and disgust. O'Callaun knew that they wouldn't be able to hold out in the open. He turned to the twelve-year-old bugler at his side. The bugler seemed to be terror stricken but returned the Leftenants gaze. "Sound retreat," he said the bugler nodded and blew through his horn. The soldiers knew that sound all to well. As quickly as they could they rose to their feet and ran back to the embassy building. Color Sergeant Connor heard the bugle call and immediately gave the command, "COVERING FIRE!" the men inside the building took aim and fired through the windows of the building. This took down several of the invaders, since the had higher ground they had a better view of the enemy and therefore had better accuracy, especially those in the second and third stories of the building they had two sharpshooters up on the rooftop too. The soldiers opened the door and let the soldiers from out side in. Cook and Burke stumbled in with a gasp of relief. "Wow back so soon ye fellows won the war already did ye?" asked private Wallace. "If we survive this I am goin to kill ye ye bloody fool of Scotsman!" said Cook. Private Wallace only laughed and helped them both to their feet. Wallace was the only one of them who was a Scotsman, a daisy amongst daffodils. He wasn't even a member of the Irish brigade, he was sent there as a sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. Whether than being sent off to Australia he was sent into the army and sent to Japan. Similar to his brother, of whom was his assistant in theft. His brother James was sentenced to the Royal Navy. He had heard that hi brother's ship the "Victoria" was in port presently and was looking forward to seeing him soon. Unfortunately this got in the way. "Good lord almighty look!" said Burke looking out the window. Cook and Wallace joined him. They all stood in shock as the saw that the Leftenant hadn't come in yet, he stood alone with dozens of swords men running towards him. "He's gone made, they'll kill him for sure!" said Burke. O'Callaun pulled a second pistol from his belt and with both he began indiscriminately shooting the oncoming swordsmen. When his fire arms ran empty he pulled out a second pair from the back of his belt and continued to cut down the advancing invaders, knocking down at least a dozen more. Once they were empty he threw them down and pulled out another pair of pistols from his boots and proceeded to unleash his fury. "I swear I have never seen such courage be for in me life," said Wallace in a humble tone. "He is either extremely brave or insanely stupid!" said Cook with a look of amazement and admiration. After his pistols gave out he herald them at the invaders then drew his saber and charge with an intense war cry. He slashed the side of one swords man then turned and faced another. His opponent parried the Leftenants attack then with one fail slash decapitated the doomed soldier. The entire garrison gazed in horror at what had happened, they had lost their commanding officer. Color Sergeant was the first to break the silence. "Well don't just stand there gapping like idiots resume firing, you three," he said referring to Cook, Burke and Wallace. "Barricade that door with whatever you can find. Prepare for the fight of your lives Lads. They all complied. "Leftenant Collins lead his men down the stone road to the Embassy he had never been in a combat situation before but was well trained in combat command and was confident that he could handle the situation if the embassy garrison hadn't already taken care of it. He looked at his men and saw the desperate ambition in their eyes particularly in Wallace's. He was surprised to see Wallace so ambitious; Wallace had always been a rebel in fact he was only in the Royal Navy as a sentence for stealing. Collins decided it best to instead concentrate on how he would go about handling the problem when he they get there but he couldn't help but worry about the men of whom he so admired. They had served together for more than two years now and had become like a family to him despite his anger for their actions earlier. Inside Wallace's head was a race of emotions and worries. He knew his brother was stationed there and, if he read the flare signals right, the embassy was being attacked by an overwhelming force. He wished he could be sent there within an instant to protect his little brother. But he knew that was impossible. All he could do was continue on and hope they make it there in time. Cook and Burke had just placed a heavy cabinet against the pile of other heavy furniture they had placed in front of the door. Wallace had found a rifle and was firing through the nearby window. Suddenly the smell of smoke filled their nostrils. Just then one of the snipers from the roof came down and said to Connor "Sir they've set fire to the roof sir they're tryin to flush us out!" "Damn," said Connor. "Do we have any explosives?" he asked. "Yes sir, in the basement," Answered Burke from across the room. "Then what are ye doin standing there, get down there and bring em up and tell the Ambassador he goes out first along with his escort," said Connor. "Yes sir," said Burke. Not sure what to do Cook took a rifle and began firing out the same window as Wallace. Most of the swords men had reached the concrete porch that lead up to the door thus protected from British fire. There didn't seem to be anymore of them coming through the gate way but there was probably about as many of them as there were the soldiers. A close quarters battle would be very blood for both sides. Burke had the explosives in had and was heading out the back door that lead to the barricade wall, a small portion of the wall behind the embassy building was closed off from the rest. He placed them all right beside the wall then lit the fuss and ran back inside. The bomb exploded making a hole big enough for one man to exit at a time. At the sound of the explosion Connor ran to the back wall and saw the hole the two guards and Ambassador Norrington followed behind him. "Right through there sir," said Connor to Norrington. "Stay with him no matter what," he said to the guards with a serious expression. The guards both responded, "Yes sir." "Sergeant," said Norrington. "I'll never forget this," he said with great admiration. "Your remembrance is accepted, now go!" said Connor. Norrington nodded and ran with the two soldiers behind him. The swordsman probably knew what was happening because right then they charged the door and began to pound and slice their way through it. About half a dozen were shot on the way up but the door was out of range from most of the windows. Connor noticed this and ran quickly to the front of the house and shouted, "All personal to the back wall immediately!" he shouted. They all abandoned their firing positions and ran to the front even the men on the second and third floors came down. "Sir are you not comin with us?" asked Cook. "Not yet, I will stay and cover yer retreat," he said. "Than I will stay with ye," said Cook. "Ye do and I'll put a bullet in yer arse now go!" shouted Connor. Knowing all to well that he would do it Cook quickly ran to the back with the others. Connor saw the pounding on the door and knew they would break through soon he had already loaded his revolver and held it at the ready. Just then he noticed that at his side was privet Wallace. "Get out with the rest of yer lads soldier and that's an order," he said. "Sorry sir but given the circumstances I must respectfully decline to obey that order sir," said Wallace. His tone of voice made it clear that he wasn't going to leave unless Connor followed. "Well it'll be yer arse when we get out of this mess, if we get out," said Connor. Just then the door broke open and the swordsmen cut and pushed through the furniture towards Connor and Wallace. Collins and his men arrived at the back of the barricade just after the explosion. "Skirmish formation men, take aim," shouted Collins. As the smoke cleared Collins saw red-coated soldiers and a man in civilian clothing come out of the man-sized hole in the wall. "Hold your fire, it's the Ambassador. Norrington ran up to Collins. "Oh thank heaven you've all come I thought we were doomed," said the nervous Ambassador. "We've been attacked the Sergeant is holding them off in the embassy." Collins and Norrington looked to see more British soldiers coming out of the wall one at a time. "Form a defense line men don't let them sneak around and attack they're withdraw!" shouted Collins. The marines and sailors formed two lines one overlooking the right side of the wall and another overlooking the left. Wallace however looked at the carefully at the men coming out of the wall trying to see if one of them was his brother Richard. Connor and Wallace both discharged their weapons killing the first two swordsmen who entered the embassy. Connor continued firing with his pistol but Wallace had to reload his rifle for about a minute they continued to empty their weapons at the enemy and reload in which they killed more than a twenty. Unfortunately they ran out of ammunition. Wallace quickly bayoneted the nearest swordsmen and clubbed another before he could strike. "Private, come on now we can't hold!" shouted Connor heading for the back wall. "Go on I'll only be a minute sir," Wallace shouted back. Connor took the Private's word for it and left the building, being without a sword at the time. James Wallace continued looking desperately for his brother. Then he saw a Color Sergeant come out of the wall. "Excuse me sir?" he asked Connor. "Where is me brother, Richard Wallace." "I'm afraid he's inside fighting the radicals hand to hand," said Connor. James's emotions went haywire and he quickly panicked. "Richey I'm come fer ye me brother!" he shouted into the building. In a state of madness he ran into the hole in the wall despite Connors call in opposition. He ran inside the building to find his brother fighting off no more than ten swordsmen in a narrow hallway. He rushed quickly to his brother's side and started jabbing his bayonet into the swordsmen along with him. "James!" shouted Richard in surprise. But quickly remembered the swordsmen and continued to stab at them. "We need to get out quickly," said James. "But we can't leave with them on our areses." "I have an idea," said Richard and he ran off down the hallway. "Last time ye had an idea we were both arrested!" he shouted back to him and quickly ran his bayonet through a swordsman who was running at him in position for a vertical attack with his samurai sword. Richard came back with a lit stick of dynamite. At the sight of this the swordsmen started to walk backwards away from the two brothers. When the dynamite was almost burnt down Richard threw the stick at them. The explosion not only killed all nine swordsmen but brought down the wall as well. James and Richard made it out of the building and through the hole in the wall just before the building collapsed. By now civilians had gathered around the embassy to see what was going on. Among them were Kenshin and the gang. "What's going on in there?" asked Yaheico. "I don't know but whatever it is it doesn't look good," said Sanoske. Just then a column of Black coated Japanese soldiers came down the road. An officer on horseback leading the way. "Keep these people out of there!" he shouted. The soldiers quickly pushed the civilians aside and advanced into the barricade. The swordsmen noticed this and as the new arrivals moved into the courtyard they all jumped the wall using themselves as a later and threw a grenade into the courtyard the explosion killed at least a dozen of the column of thirty soldiers. "Return fire!" shouted the officer, but it was too late. Another grenade was thrown, but it was thrown short of the column killing only five men at the most. The marines on the left side of the wall saw the escape attempt. "OPEN FIRE!" shouted a marine sergeant. The marines obeyed. Several of the two dozen escaping from the embassy fell to the ground but most ran off down the nearby road. One of them managed to throw a grenade. It exploded at the far left end of the line killing two marines and four sailors. Kenshin and the gang quickly ran around back to see what had happened. They saw where the bomb had exploded and rushed to aid the soldiers. "Yahieco run and get a doctor, their wounds need to be healed!" Yahieco complied and ran off in the direction of the hospital. Within ten minutes the doctors had arrived and were treating the wounded. Color Sergeant Connor began take role call of the men of the Irish brigade. "Burke?" he called. "Yes Color Sergeant," said Burke. "Say sir, officer on parade," reminded Connor. "Cook?" he continued. "Sir," said Cook. "Wallace?" said Connor. "Sir," said Wallace. "Johnson?" called Connor. "Relived of duty," responded a sarcastic voice followed by a sort series of laughs. "No comedians please?" asked Connor then continued role call. After role call he noticed up to two dozen did not report. "Why so much silence men?" he asked. "Sir the men in the third story were there when they started throwing torches, we lost both sharp shots and I'm afraid not many made it off the third floor because of the fire sir," said a solider in the ranks. At this Connor paused for a moment then continued, "Stand at ease men, our transportation will arrive soon." At this Connor closed the role call list and sat beside the road. Collins gave a role call of his own. "Blatly?" he called. "Sir," responded Blatly. "Lincoln?" called Collins. No answer, "Lincoln I saw you your alive" "I am, thank ye sir," responded Lincoln, dazed from a shrapnel wound from the grenade. "Lincoln your injured get over there to where the doctors are," Ordered Collins, Lincoln promptly limped to the road side where the doctors and civilians volunteered to treat their wounded. Among them was Kenshin and the gang helping to bandage and clean wounds mainly Kenshin and Kauru. "Uh where's miss Meguime when you need her," whined Sanoske. "Oh quite whining, its not all that bad," replied Kauru. Just then a four large horse drawn carts came down the road. Captain O'Riley jumped down from the head cart and walked up to the area occupied by the doctors and civilian volunteers. He looked to Kenshin who was bandaging a soldier's wound at the moment but stood and returned the Officers gaze. O'Riley gave a quick bow and addressed himself. "On behalf of the queen I thank you for the treating of her majesties men," he said. Kenshin bowed and returned to his work. O'Riley turned his attention to Connor. "Where is Leftenant O'Callaun?" he asked. "Dead sir," responded Connor. "I have totaled twenty five dead and fifteen wounded sir." "Dear lord!" said O'Riley while he swallowed the loss of his second in command and nearly a sixth of his brigade. "Well the men deserve some rest. Have them climb aboard the carts except the wounded. Our next stop is The diplomatic base in Tokyo where we will meet the rest of the Brigade. Leave a subordinate be hind to clarify where the wounded are to be sent when they have fully recovered." "Yes sir," Connor saluted and gave the order the men all climbed aboard the carts, all tired out and weary. Richard bid his brother a fare well and climbed aboard next to Cook and Burke they all rested on each other's shoulders. They were happy to be alive but sad for the loss of so many of their comrades. "All right men," said Collins. Back to the boats and then to the Victoria, you men have the bodies shipped back to ship," he motioned to Wallace and Blatly who were to pull the wagon carrying the six corpses. They all left in silence. Kenshin watched as each one of them walked or road away. "You have to admire these men," said he said. "But Kenshin aren't those the sailors from the pier who attacked that woman?" asked Yaheico. "You better believe it they are. I was bandaging one of the wounded sailors when he suddenly recognized me," Sanoske pointed to a bruise on his face. "The guy totally freaked out." "What's this? The mighty Sanoske was hit?" asked Yaheico with a laugh. Then was swiftly smacked across the back of the head by Sanoske. "I wasn't ready okay!" shouted Sanoske. The two of them nearly came to blows but Kauru shot them one of her homicidal killer looks, in which her teeth turn sharp and her eyes turn red and bulge out, and they both turned and went back to their work in what appeared to be a split second. "It's not entirely their fault though, they have been sent here. Taken away form their friends and loved ones and sent here to safe guard a lasting peace between our country and theirs," said Kenshin in a serious tone. "Unfortunately not everyone wants a lasting peace in our nation. There are still those who think foreign influences are evil and must not be allowed in Japan," he looked at the British casualties that were being hauled out of the destroyed building. 'Why? Why dose it have to be like this?' he asked himself but received no answer. Kenshin took a long gaze at the British soldiers dead and alive who were being placed on the carts, he bowed his head to them then turned and returned to his work.
Ambassador Norrington was terrified. He had heard the explosions and the gunshots and knew immediately that he was in serious danger. Norrington had heard stories of foreigners who were murdered raped and even tortured and mutilated by radical former samurai and ninja. The cries of the invaders were easily heard through the open windows of his office. Like howling wolves rallying to attack they're prey. They were coming for him and he knew it. All he could think about were his wife and children back in London and if he would ever see them again. Norrington took out his rosary and started praying the Hail Mary. Just then two British soldiers entered the office and helped him up from under his desk. "Come with us sir," one of them said. "We need to get ye to a safe location."
"Is there a back exit we can use?" asked the terrified Ambassador.
"Afraid not sir, we will take ye to the basement, its the safest place we have to offer ye sir," said the other soldier. They quickly made their way down the stairs of the building and down a hidden staircase to the basement they both climbed down and locked the door all they could do was pray.
Leftenant O'Callaun quickly loaded his webley revolver and took his place to the left of the middle line, of which was kneeling. In a triple line each rank stands higher than the other. The first line would lie down in prone position the second line would kneel so they were a little higher than the first and the third line would stand. The first line would fire a volley on command then the second line would fire on command and then the third would fire on command there by giving each rank or line a chance to reload before all three volleys were fired. The rifles they were using were standard issue breach loading rifles. To load them you simply lift open top and slide a shot into the barrel then fire and latch open the bottom to remove the bullet's shell. This could be done in five seconds. "First rank take aim!" shouted O'Callaun. They did as they were commanded. The war cries of their invaders were getting louder through the smoke of the explosion. The outline of men wielding swords was seen through the screen of white smoke, running towards them with hate in they're eyes, as if the devil had seen all his demon warriors loose on them. "First rank FIRE!" shouted the Leftenant. After the crackle of the rifles O'Callaun saw that five to seven of the invaders had fallen. The gate way was somewhat narrow so only about half a dozen could run through at a time. "Second rank FIRE!" he shouted again. Another half dozen fell but the invaders kept coming, more and more at a time. "Third rank FIRE!" shouted the O'Callaun this time he discharged his weapon as well. "First rank FIRE!" he fired along with them. The invaders continued to fall but continued to advance. "Independent fire. Fire at will!" shouted the Leftenant.
"Thought he'd never ask," said Cook with a smirk. They continued to fire at they're own speed for many this was one shot every five seconds. O'Callaun emptied his revolver very quickly firing as the Americans do, with one hand over the hammer so he could fire and almost instantly fire again in a series of cock-fire-cock-fire-cock-fire, several of the invaders fell during his suppressive fire but he wasn't the type to brag about his kills. Cook and Burke however were a different story. Cook took aim with his rifle and fired. A swordsman only twenty yards away at the front of the advance fell right in his line of fire. "That's me sixth down already mate," he said to Burke at his left. Burke promptly fired his rifle and looked carefully forward. "That was me fifteenth down," said Burke with a smile. "Hu!" said Cook with amassment and disgust. O'Callaun knew that they wouldn't be able to hold out in the open. He turned to the twelve-year-old bugler at his side. The bugler seemed to be terror stricken but returned the Leftenants gaze. "Sound retreat," he said the bugler nodded and blew through his horn. The soldiers knew that sound all to well. As quickly as they could they rose to their feet and ran back to the embassy building. Color Sergeant Connor heard the bugle call and immediately gave the command, "COVERING FIRE!" the men inside the building took aim and fired through the windows of the building. This took down several of the invaders, since the had higher ground they had a better view of the enemy and therefore had better accuracy, especially those in the second and third stories of the building they had two sharpshooters up on the rooftop too. The soldiers opened the door and let the soldiers from out side in. Cook and Burke stumbled in with a gasp of relief. "Wow back so soon ye fellows won the war already did ye?" asked private Wallace. "If we survive this I am goin to kill ye ye bloody fool of Scotsman!" said Cook. Private Wallace only laughed and helped them both to their feet. Wallace was the only one of them who was a Scotsman, a daisy amongst daffodils. He wasn't even a member of the Irish brigade, he was sent there as a sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. Whether than being sent off to Australia he was sent into the army and sent to Japan. Similar to his brother, of whom was his assistant in theft. His brother James was sentenced to the Royal Navy. He had heard that hi brother's ship the "Victoria" was in port presently and was looking forward to seeing him soon. Unfortunately this got in the way. "Good lord almighty look!" said Burke looking out the window. Cook and Wallace joined him. They all stood in shock as the saw that the Leftenant hadn't come in yet, he stood alone with dozens of swords men running towards him. "He's gone made, they'll kill him for sure!" said Burke. O'Callaun pulled a second pistol from his belt and with both he began indiscriminately shooting the oncoming swordsmen. When his fire arms ran empty he pulled out a second pair from the back of his belt and continued to cut down the advancing invaders, knocking down at least a dozen more. Once they were empty he threw them down and pulled out another pair of pistols from his boots and proceeded to unleash his fury. "I swear I have never seen such courage be for in me life," said Wallace in a humble tone. "He is either extremely brave or insanely stupid!" said Cook with a look of amazement and admiration. After his pistols gave out he herald them at the invaders then drew his saber and charge with an intense war cry. He slashed the side of one swords man then turned and faced another. His opponent parried the Leftenants attack then with one fail slash decapitated the doomed soldier. The entire garrison gazed in horror at what had happened, they had lost their commanding officer. Color Sergeant was the first to break the silence. "Well don't just stand there gapping like idiots resume firing, you three," he said referring to Cook, Burke and Wallace. "Barricade that door with whatever you can find. Prepare for the fight of your lives Lads. They all complied. "Leftenant Collins lead his men down the stone road to the Embassy he had never been in a combat situation before but was well trained in combat command and was confident that he could handle the situation if the embassy garrison hadn't already taken care of it. He looked at his men and saw the desperate ambition in their eyes particularly in Wallace's. He was surprised to see Wallace so ambitious; Wallace had always been a rebel in fact he was only in the Royal Navy as a sentence for stealing. Collins decided it best to instead concentrate on how he would go about handling the problem when he they get there but he couldn't help but worry about the men of whom he so admired. They had served together for more than two years now and had become like a family to him despite his anger for their actions earlier. Inside Wallace's head was a race of emotions and worries. He knew his brother was stationed there and, if he read the flare signals right, the embassy was being attacked by an overwhelming force. He wished he could be sent there within an instant to protect his little brother. But he knew that was impossible. All he could do was continue on and hope they make it there in time. Cook and Burke had just placed a heavy cabinet against the pile of other heavy furniture they had placed in front of the door. Wallace had found a rifle and was firing through the nearby window. Suddenly the smell of smoke filled their nostrils. Just then one of the snipers from the roof came down and said to Connor "Sir they've set fire to the roof sir they're tryin to flush us out!" "Damn," said Connor. "Do we have any explosives?" he asked. "Yes sir, in the basement," Answered Burke from across the room. "Then what are ye doin standing there, get down there and bring em up and tell the Ambassador he goes out first along with his escort," said Connor. "Yes sir," said Burke. Not sure what to do Cook took a rifle and began firing out the same window as Wallace. Most of the swords men had reached the concrete porch that lead up to the door thus protected from British fire. There didn't seem to be anymore of them coming through the gate way but there was probably about as many of them as there were the soldiers. A close quarters battle would be very blood for both sides. Burke had the explosives in had and was heading out the back door that lead to the barricade wall, a small portion of the wall behind the embassy building was closed off from the rest. He placed them all right beside the wall then lit the fuss and ran back inside. The bomb exploded making a hole big enough for one man to exit at a time. At the sound of the explosion Connor ran to the back wall and saw the hole the two guards and Ambassador Norrington followed behind him. "Right through there sir," said Connor to Norrington. "Stay with him no matter what," he said to the guards with a serious expression. The guards both responded, "Yes sir." "Sergeant," said Norrington. "I'll never forget this," he said with great admiration. "Your remembrance is accepted, now go!" said Connor. Norrington nodded and ran with the two soldiers behind him. The swordsman probably knew what was happening because right then they charged the door and began to pound and slice their way through it. About half a dozen were shot on the way up but the door was out of range from most of the windows. Connor noticed this and ran quickly to the front of the house and shouted, "All personal to the back wall immediately!" he shouted. They all abandoned their firing positions and ran to the front even the men on the second and third floors came down. "Sir are you not comin with us?" asked Cook. "Not yet, I will stay and cover yer retreat," he said. "Than I will stay with ye," said Cook. "Ye do and I'll put a bullet in yer arse now go!" shouted Connor. Knowing all to well that he would do it Cook quickly ran to the back with the others. Connor saw the pounding on the door and knew they would break through soon he had already loaded his revolver and held it at the ready. Just then he noticed that at his side was privet Wallace. "Get out with the rest of yer lads soldier and that's an order," he said. "Sorry sir but given the circumstances I must respectfully decline to obey that order sir," said Wallace. His tone of voice made it clear that he wasn't going to leave unless Connor followed. "Well it'll be yer arse when we get out of this mess, if we get out," said Connor. Just then the door broke open and the swordsmen cut and pushed through the furniture towards Connor and Wallace. Collins and his men arrived at the back of the barricade just after the explosion. "Skirmish formation men, take aim," shouted Collins. As the smoke cleared Collins saw red-coated soldiers and a man in civilian clothing come out of the man-sized hole in the wall. "Hold your fire, it's the Ambassador. Norrington ran up to Collins. "Oh thank heaven you've all come I thought we were doomed," said the nervous Ambassador. "We've been attacked the Sergeant is holding them off in the embassy." Collins and Norrington looked to see more British soldiers coming out of the wall one at a time. "Form a defense line men don't let them sneak around and attack they're withdraw!" shouted Collins. The marines and sailors formed two lines one overlooking the right side of the wall and another overlooking the left. Wallace however looked at the carefully at the men coming out of the wall trying to see if one of them was his brother Richard. Connor and Wallace both discharged their weapons killing the first two swordsmen who entered the embassy. Connor continued firing with his pistol but Wallace had to reload his rifle for about a minute they continued to empty their weapons at the enemy and reload in which they killed more than a twenty. Unfortunately they ran out of ammunition. Wallace quickly bayoneted the nearest swordsmen and clubbed another before he could strike. "Private, come on now we can't hold!" shouted Connor heading for the back wall. "Go on I'll only be a minute sir," Wallace shouted back. Connor took the Private's word for it and left the building, being without a sword at the time. James Wallace continued looking desperately for his brother. Then he saw a Color Sergeant come out of the wall. "Excuse me sir?" he asked Connor. "Where is me brother, Richard Wallace." "I'm afraid he's inside fighting the radicals hand to hand," said Connor. James's emotions went haywire and he quickly panicked. "Richey I'm come fer ye me brother!" he shouted into the building. In a state of madness he ran into the hole in the wall despite Connors call in opposition. He ran inside the building to find his brother fighting off no more than ten swordsmen in a narrow hallway. He rushed quickly to his brother's side and started jabbing his bayonet into the swordsmen along with him. "James!" shouted Richard in surprise. But quickly remembered the swordsmen and continued to stab at them. "We need to get out quickly," said James. "But we can't leave with them on our areses." "I have an idea," said Richard and he ran off down the hallway. "Last time ye had an idea we were both arrested!" he shouted back to him and quickly ran his bayonet through a swordsman who was running at him in position for a vertical attack with his samurai sword. Richard came back with a lit stick of dynamite. At the sight of this the swordsmen started to walk backwards away from the two brothers. When the dynamite was almost burnt down Richard threw the stick at them. The explosion not only killed all nine swordsmen but brought down the wall as well. James and Richard made it out of the building and through the hole in the wall just before the building collapsed. By now civilians had gathered around the embassy to see what was going on. Among them were Kenshin and the gang. "What's going on in there?" asked Yaheico. "I don't know but whatever it is it doesn't look good," said Sanoske. Just then a column of Black coated Japanese soldiers came down the road. An officer on horseback leading the way. "Keep these people out of there!" he shouted. The soldiers quickly pushed the civilians aside and advanced into the barricade. The swordsmen noticed this and as the new arrivals moved into the courtyard they all jumped the wall using themselves as a later and threw a grenade into the courtyard the explosion killed at least a dozen of the column of thirty soldiers. "Return fire!" shouted the officer, but it was too late. Another grenade was thrown, but it was thrown short of the column killing only five men at the most. The marines on the left side of the wall saw the escape attempt. "OPEN FIRE!" shouted a marine sergeant. The marines obeyed. Several of the two dozen escaping from the embassy fell to the ground but most ran off down the nearby road. One of them managed to throw a grenade. It exploded at the far left end of the line killing two marines and four sailors. Kenshin and the gang quickly ran around back to see what had happened. They saw where the bomb had exploded and rushed to aid the soldiers. "Yahieco run and get a doctor, their wounds need to be healed!" Yahieco complied and ran off in the direction of the hospital. Within ten minutes the doctors had arrived and were treating the wounded. Color Sergeant Connor began take role call of the men of the Irish brigade. "Burke?" he called. "Yes Color Sergeant," said Burke. "Say sir, officer on parade," reminded Connor. "Cook?" he continued. "Sir," said Cook. "Wallace?" said Connor. "Sir," said Wallace. "Johnson?" called Connor. "Relived of duty," responded a sarcastic voice followed by a sort series of laughs. "No comedians please?" asked Connor then continued role call. After role call he noticed up to two dozen did not report. "Why so much silence men?" he asked. "Sir the men in the third story were there when they started throwing torches, we lost both sharp shots and I'm afraid not many made it off the third floor because of the fire sir," said a solider in the ranks. At this Connor paused for a moment then continued, "Stand at ease men, our transportation will arrive soon." At this Connor closed the role call list and sat beside the road. Collins gave a role call of his own. "Blatly?" he called. "Sir," responded Blatly. "Lincoln?" called Collins. No answer, "Lincoln I saw you your alive" "I am, thank ye sir," responded Lincoln, dazed from a shrapnel wound from the grenade. "Lincoln your injured get over there to where the doctors are," Ordered Collins, Lincoln promptly limped to the road side where the doctors and civilians volunteered to treat their wounded. Among them was Kenshin and the gang helping to bandage and clean wounds mainly Kenshin and Kauru. "Uh where's miss Meguime when you need her," whined Sanoske. "Oh quite whining, its not all that bad," replied Kauru. Just then a four large horse drawn carts came down the road. Captain O'Riley jumped down from the head cart and walked up to the area occupied by the doctors and civilian volunteers. He looked to Kenshin who was bandaging a soldier's wound at the moment but stood and returned the Officers gaze. O'Riley gave a quick bow and addressed himself. "On behalf of the queen I thank you for the treating of her majesties men," he said. Kenshin bowed and returned to his work. O'Riley turned his attention to Connor. "Where is Leftenant O'Callaun?" he asked. "Dead sir," responded Connor. "I have totaled twenty five dead and fifteen wounded sir." "Dear lord!" said O'Riley while he swallowed the loss of his second in command and nearly a sixth of his brigade. "Well the men deserve some rest. Have them climb aboard the carts except the wounded. Our next stop is The diplomatic base in Tokyo where we will meet the rest of the Brigade. Leave a subordinate be hind to clarify where the wounded are to be sent when they have fully recovered." "Yes sir," Connor saluted and gave the order the men all climbed aboard the carts, all tired out and weary. Richard bid his brother a fare well and climbed aboard next to Cook and Burke they all rested on each other's shoulders. They were happy to be alive but sad for the loss of so many of their comrades. "All right men," said Collins. Back to the boats and then to the Victoria, you men have the bodies shipped back to ship," he motioned to Wallace and Blatly who were to pull the wagon carrying the six corpses. They all left in silence. Kenshin watched as each one of them walked or road away. "You have to admire these men," said he said. "But Kenshin aren't those the sailors from the pier who attacked that woman?" asked Yaheico. "You better believe it they are. I was bandaging one of the wounded sailors when he suddenly recognized me," Sanoske pointed to a bruise on his face. "The guy totally freaked out." "What's this? The mighty Sanoske was hit?" asked Yaheico with a laugh. Then was swiftly smacked across the back of the head by Sanoske. "I wasn't ready okay!" shouted Sanoske. The two of them nearly came to blows but Kauru shot them one of her homicidal killer looks, in which her teeth turn sharp and her eyes turn red and bulge out, and they both turned and went back to their work in what appeared to be a split second. "It's not entirely their fault though, they have been sent here. Taken away form their friends and loved ones and sent here to safe guard a lasting peace between our country and theirs," said Kenshin in a serious tone. "Unfortunately not everyone wants a lasting peace in our nation. There are still those who think foreign influences are evil and must not be allowed in Japan," he looked at the British casualties that were being hauled out of the destroyed building. 'Why? Why dose it have to be like this?' he asked himself but received no answer. Kenshin took a long gaze at the British soldiers dead and alive who were being placed on the carts, he bowed his head to them then turned and returned to his work.
