Eda went outside and called Balalaika.

"Hello? This is Eda from the church. You wanted to talk to me?"

"Yes, Eda. You see, I haven't assigned you a position yet."

"Oh. Well...what were you suggesting?"

"I'm not so sure, yet. But I just wanted to tell you some very important information. You see, I'm confident that we'll cause major casualties to the U.S army, casualties they will try to avoid at any cost. That's why we need to be careful of any rats."

"Uh...rats?"

"Yes. People on our side who are actually spies. We can't afford to let those people live. That's why I'm warning you...anyone I find who is on their side will be shot on sight. Do you understand me?"

"Uh...yes Ms. Balalaika."

"Good. Now we better not have any problems, do you hear me?"

"Yes ma'am. Now, about my position."

"Right. You and your church are to remain on stand by until further notice. We'll contact you when we have an update."

"Okaaay..."

"Good. You are dismissed."

Balalaika hung up.

Meanwhile, back at the Lagoon offices...

Dutch was reading the newspaper on the couch, trying to clear his head. Despite trying to forget about what was to come, he couldn't help but worry about the events which were soon to unfold.

"Fuck..."

He tossed the paper aside and laid on his back on the couch. Just then there was a knock on the door.

"Excuse me, is anyone there?" asked Roberta's voice.

"Good thing Two-Hands isn't home..." said Dutch as he got up from the couch and stepped over to the door. He answered it to see the cleanly dressed maid.

"Ah. Hello Mr. Dutch."

"Hi Roberta. Come to stop by for a visit?"

"Yes...I mean, only if it's a good time..."

"Hell, it's a good time as any..."

Dutch let her in.

"I oughta tell ya, I've had the most brutal headache all morning."

"I can tell. You look really tense. I have just the cure for that."

"Yeah?"

"Yes. Please, could you show me the way to your kitchen?"

"Uhhh right over there..."

Dutch pointed across the room and Roberta walked toward that direction. Dutch followed and watched as Roberta took out a tea kettle from one of the cabinets, and some tea packets she had in the pockets of her dress.

"What are you doing?"

"Mr Dutch, please, take a rest on the couch. I'll bring tea to you when it's ready."

"Alright."

Dutch decided to do what she said, and went to lay on the couch. He was sure glad Rock and Benny were out attending an important meeting while Revy was doing who knows what. After a little while longer, he heard a high pitched whistle. Then, a few moments later, Roberta walked out holding a tray with a pot of tea and a couple of cups. She set it down on the table, picked up one of the cups, and handed it to Dutch. She then took the remaining cup off the tray and sat herself down on the chair across from Dutch.

"Please, try it."

Dutch took a sip, and was surprised by its sweet flavor.

"Wow. Not bad."

"Hm..." Roberta said with a smile. She took a sip herself. "So, Mr Dutch, what troubles you?"

"Everything. This whole thing about our full scale war...it's messing with my head, you know?"

"Well, you could always try and back out."

"Hell no! I'm going to fight to my last breath! I've got nothin' to lose."

"That's the spirit. You should always be ready to fight for what you love."

"Right...and I'm glad you'll be there to fight alongside me."

"Of course. I just can't believe Ms. Balalaika named me one of the commanders."

"It should be no surprise. I already told you that you're one of the strongest warriors we've got. Balalaika knows that too first hand. You're essential to this army."

"I know but...me? Commanding an army? I've never done something of the sort. It was always me taking the orders."

"It's easy. Analyze exactly what you'll be doing, analyze how the enemy will attack, and position each man to where you'll think they'll be able to cause the most damage."

"Okay...I suppose it doesn't sound like too much trouble..."

"You'll do just fine. I know you will." Dutch said with a smile. "But me, heck, I'll probably go down in smoke long before you are even shot just once."

"Oh Mr. Dutch, don't say that. I know you're quite skilled yourself. You're just letting this whole thing go to your head."

"I know..." Dutch said putting the tea down and laying back on the couch. "I've tried so hard to keep my mind off it...and think to myself I've got no other alternative but still..."

"Well...do you have any regrets?"

"Regrets?"

"Well like...maybe there's something you wish to do...before..."

"Huh...well...there was this one thing I've been wanting to do but...nah it's too far-fetched..."

"Mr Dutch, this is something you wish do to that will make you happy. You shouldn't think of it as weird."

"Well...I always wanted to have just one day off, you know? One where I can just relax. But not just any day off..." Dutch said sitting up. "Roanapur has like the most beautiful beach in the world. Problem is, no one ever has time to appreciate and visit it. Everyone's too busy commiting crimes and what not, so it would be nice to take the whole gang out there for a day to relax."

Roberta smiled.

"Mr Dutch, that sounds lovely. And it certainly doesn't seem impossible."

"Heh, good luck convincing Balalaika. There's no way she'd be up for it."

"It doesn't hurt to try. Besides, I'm sure she'd agree keeping in mind how hard you're working."

"Well, I guess I could ask. I'd feel like an idiot doing it, but it's worth a shot."

"In that case, what are you waiting for? Go call her up right now!"

"Heh. You know what? I think I will."

Dutch got up from the couch and walked over to the phone. He dialed Balalaika's number. After a few rings she answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey Balalaika. It's Dutch."

"Ah, Dutch. To what business should I address this call?"

"Well, if you don't mind, I have a request."

"A request? Well let's hear it."

"It's kind of a strange one, to be honest." Dutch said scratching his head.

"Dutch, you should know by now that we can provide what ever it is we need within reason."

"Well...you see, I've kind of been thinking. Everyone is a bit on edge right now from thinking about the big war...so I thought it would calm everyone's nerves a bit if we all took a day off and went to the beach. You know, to just relax."

"I see. I can tell by your voice that you're very serious about this."

"Indeed, Balalaika. I'm sure even you could use a day off."

Balalaika let out a sigh. Dutch glanced over at Roberta, who gave him a small smile.

"You know what? As much as I would normally say otherwise, you're right. I can tell this whole situation is clouding a lot of people's heads, and considering what we're all about to do...I suppose it's only fair to give everyone a break."

Dutch smirked, surprised by her answer.

"So tomorrow it is, then. I'll invite all of our comrades, and those who wish to look after our assets may do so."

"I understand, Ms. Balalaika. Thank you."

"Don't mention it, Dutch. I'll see you tomorrow."

She hung up as Dutch put the phone back on the receiver. He turned to Roberta.

"So, what did she say?"

"Ha. Tomorrow's the day."

Roberta's smile got wider.

"Oh Mr. Dutch! I knew you would convince her! I hope that tomorrow will be very fun for you."

"You're not coming?"

"I'm...afraid not."

"Why?"

"Well...let's just say I wouldn't appear too...flattering in beachwear."

"Roberta, take my word for it. You'll look just fine."

"No...I know I would appear decent in a swimsuit but...it's my prostetics...I know I look alright now with these long sleeves and gloves but...in a swimsuit...I'm afraid it would be too embarrassing."

"Roberta. No one cares about that. I sure as hell don't. Balalaika's going, do you think she cares about what people think of her scars? Sure, she teases Chang, but she couldn't care less about what people think. She knows she's a strong person. And you, why you'd look pretty in a swimsuit. Prostetics or not."

"Oh Mr. Dutch..." Roberta said with a light blush. "That's very sweet of you to say."

"Well I mean it. Please come tomorrow."

"Yes...I will Mr. Dutch."

She gave him a quick hug and after a moment they pulled back.

"I suppose now I chould go back to Mr. Chang's headquarters to tell the others of the plan."

"Alright. See you tomorrow, Roberta."

Dutch saw her off as she left.

Meanwhile at Chang's headquarter's...

Chang was talking on his phone at his desk.

"I see...so listen. Here's the deal. In this whole situation, I don't know what side you're on. Be aware that whatever Balalaika tells you is all that I can tell you. If at any time I find out that you'll betray us...then I won't hesitate to react accordingly."

"I understand..." said Eda.

"Good. I trust that you'll make the right decision."

"Okay."

Eda hung up. Chang sighed and put his feet on the desk. Just then his phone rang again. He picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Hello babe."

"Ah. Fry-Face. What's up?"

"There's a change in plans. Tomorrow we're all going to have a day at the beach."

Chang threw his head back and let out a laugh.

"Ha, and I thought you didn't have a sense of humor!"

"I'm serious, Chang. Tomorrow everyone is going out to the beach to relax."

"Really? You mean we're just going to go to the beach and play around?"

"Dutch made me realize how hard we've all been working...and what's to come. Everyone is a little stressed because of the whole thing. We should have at least one day to relax, then get right back to work the next day."

"Huh. You know, a day at the beach sounds good to me! This could be fun."

"You are coming, right?"

"Of course! I wouldn't miss the chance to see you in a bathing suit! I'll never have the chance again, ha ha ha!"

"That you won't, Chang. I'll see you there."

"Alright. Bye bye!"

They both hung up.

A few minutes later Roberta showed up at the headquarters. She walked up to the living quarters and knocked on Fabiola's door.

"Hello? Fabiola are you there?"

"Ah yes, hold on."

Fabiola answered the door.

"Hello Roberta."

"I have some good news. Everyone plans to go to the beach tomorrow."

"Wow! Seriously!?" Fabiola said, her face lighting up. Roberta smiled and nodded.

"Yes. Mr. Dutch convinced Ms. Balalaika to give us all a day off."

"Oh man! I'm so excitied!"

"I am too. Where's Jeeja?"

"She took that homeless family out for brunch. She should be back soon."

After a while, Jeeja returned to the building, and up to the living quarters. She met the two maids in Fabiola's room.

"Hey you two! What's up?"

"Ah Jeeja, there you are! We have some good news. Tomorrow everyone's going to the beach for a day off."

"Whoa! For real?"

"Yep. It's going to be so much fun!" said Fabiola.

"Wow I can't wait! Oh uh...is Chang available? I need to talk to him."

"Yeah. He should be in his office."

"Okay. I'll be right back then."

Jeeja left the living quarters and walked up to Chang's office. Inside, Chang was just resting at his desk, his feet on top of it.

"Uh...Mr. Chang? Are you busy?"

"Nope. Not at the moment. Come in."

Jeeja stepped forward and up to him. "I need to talk to you..."

"Okay. What's up?"

"Well...it's about that homeless family...that I've been visiting with."

"Ah yes. What about them?"

"Well...I was wondering if there was anything in your power that you could do...to help them."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Is there...like...some place we can send them?"

"Hmmmm you mean like away from Roanapur?"

"Yes. Somewhere they won't be harmed."

"I'll be frank, I'd like to help. Any other day I could give them a chopper and send them on their way, but with the US watching our every move, there's a good chance they'd shoot the chopper down...now that we've declared war on them."

"Damn..."

"Now hold on. There's one thing we could do. It's risky, but it could work."

"Anything to help them."

"Well, Here's my plan. We set up a transport in the outskirts of the city. I'll have a driver waiting with a van. When it all starts, someone can escort them to it. The US will be so occupied with us, that they'll never notice."

"Wow...that does sound risky."

"But it's the only way I can think of."

"Well...alright. I'll tell them about it."

"Good. Now I'm sure you're aware by now the plans for tomorrow."

"Yes! I can't wait!"

"Neither can I...well. See ya!"

Jeeja nodded and left the office.

The next day was the big day. Dutch had already told the rest of the Lagoon Gang the plan, to which they reacted happily. A relaxing day at the beach was something they needed. The gang was first to arrive. They carried their chairs and an umbrella to a spot on the sand.

"I gotta hand it to ya, Dutch." said Revy. "This idea wasn't half bad!"

"Yep. I thought everyone could use a break."

They set up their chairs while Rock set up the umbrella.

"Lord knows I do..." he said as he set it up. They then all took off their shirts and put on sunscreen. Dutch and Benny then sat down on their chairs.

"Alright! Last one in is a rotten corpse!" Revy shouted excitingly as she ran for the water.

"What happened to rotten egg?" asked Benny.

"I don't think Revy's heard that one..." answered Dutch. Rock plopped down on his chair.

"Ugh...does this feel good. Benny, could you hand me a drink?"

Benny tossed him a beer. Rock put on his sunglasses, popped the can, and took a sip.

"Ahhh..." he sighed, finally enjoying a much needed rest. Just then he felt a spray of sand hit his face. He spat and sat up.

"What the? Revy?"

"What are you doing here, you lazy ass! Let's go for a swim!"

"Come on, Revy. I'll go in later. Just let me rest for a bit."

"Hey, we're at the beach, got it! We're never coming back after this, so the least you could do is just enjoy it while we can!" explained Revy.

"Ouch..." said Dutch. Rock sighed.

"Alright, you got me there. I'm getting up."

Rock got up from his chair and followed Revy, who smirked as they headed to the water. The stepped in and Rock immidiately shivered.

"Damn it's freezing..."

"Oh lighten up ya big pussy!" Revy said shoving him face first into the water. He quickly got back up clenching himself tight from the cold.

"Hey what was that for!?" Rock demanded as Revy burst into laughter.

"Well looks like they're having fun." said Dutch. He then heard footsteps behind him and turned around to see Chang, Fabiola, Jeeja, and Roberta, the latter of whom Dutch thought looked stunning in her black two piece bathing suit. Her hair was still tied into two ponytails, and despite her prostetics being exposed, she still looked beautiful. Roberta smiled as she walked up to Dutch.

"Hello Mr. Dutch, how are you today?" she asked looking down at him. Dutch smiled.

"Never better. And you?"

"I'm very fine, thank you."

Chang walked up to them with the other girls and set down the cooler he was holding.

"Ha ha ha! Today's going to be a blast! I brought all the good imported beers!"

"I'll take one!" said Benny. They set up some more chairs around. Roberta sat hers next to Dutch's. She then sat down on it. Jeeja and Fabiola headed for the ocean. Chang opened himself a beer and put sunscreen on. After a few moments, Balalaika walked up to them wearing a red one piece bathing suit, one that showed off the curves of her body. She stepped up to Chang.

"Well well well! Fry-Face! Lookin' good!" He told her.

"Thanks, babe. I expected a lot less, but you actually look decent yourself." Balalaika said to Chang, who was shirtless with a pair of black trunks. He let out a laugh.

"Whatdya expect?" he said handing her a beer. She popped the top and took a chug. "Now what are waiting for? Let's join the gals!"

"Very well."

The two headed for the water with their beers. A few more minutes went by, and Shenhua, Lotton, Sawyer, and Tony showed up with beach attire and towels.

"Damn Dutch. Beach so pretty. You make good call." said Shenhua. They all took off their clothes.

"You know it." said Dutch.

"Tony...you look...so sexy...my bae." said Sawyer. Tony smiled.

"And you look radient yourself, Frederica."

They held hands and went for the sea. Lotton and Shenhua soon followed. Dutch and Roberta were now alone with Benny, who was asleep.

"Hey...Mr. Dutch?"

"Hm?"

"I know you're relaxing right now and all but...if you don't mind, do you think you could lotion my back? It's a little hard with my prostetics..."

"I'd be happy to, Roberta."

"Thank you, Mr. Dutch."

Roberta laid down on her stomach on one of the towels. Dutch kneeled down beside her with the sun lotion in hand, squeezed some out, and began to rub it into Roberta's back. She smiled as this happened. He continued to massage the lotion in.

"Mmm..."

Roberta then undid the strap to her top, much to Dutch's surprise. This didn't stop him though, and he continued the massage. Eventually, the lotion was all rubbed in.

"All done." said Dutch. He noticed Roberta did not respond.

"Roberta?"

He then realized that she had actually fallen asleep. He smiled, then sat himself back down on his chair. Dutch continued to sip his beer, enjoying the peaceful day.

Suddenly, he woke up to the smell of burgers. He then heard a sizzling noise and opened his eyes to see Chang grilling burgers on a small grill. Several of the others were hanging out on the blankets. Benny was sitting on one with Jane.

"It's about time you woke up. It's lunchtime!" Chang said with a smile.

"Good. I'm starving."

Chang put a cooked one in a bun and handed it to Dutch. He took a big bite.

"It's about the best thing I've had in a while."

"Thanks. Oh yeah, and I was just about to ask about that." Chang said pointing at Roberta, lying on her stomach sleeping, her top still undone.

"It's not what you think. She wanted her back rubbed with the lotion, so I did it. She undid her top herself."

"Ha. Sure. I know you two fancy each other, ha ha!"

"Yeah, and I could say the same about you and Balalaika."

"What can I say? A woman like her only comes around once in a blue moon, ha ha!"

He began to put the finished burgers on a table that already had condiments and other utensils set out. The rest of the gang began to walk back towards them. Revy noticed Roberta lying on the towel.

"What the hell is she doing here like that?"

"Come on Revy, she can lay down for a tan if she wants." said Rock.

"Hmph! Whatever. Chang, get me a burger!"

"They're right on the table, two hands." said Chang pointing to them. Revy immediately walked over and grabbed one, taking a big bite.

"Damn that's good..." Revy said with her mouth full.

"Mm what's all the noise?" Roberta said, her eyes opening. They widened once she saw Revy and Chang looking at her.

"Well, look who finally woke up. This isn't a nude beach, you know."

"Y-You!" Roberta said, angrily covering her breasts.

"Revy, she was just laying for a tan. Women do that all the time."

"Yeah, right."

"Ms. Rebecca..." said Roberta tying her top back on and standing up. "You're really trying my patience!"

"Oh boo hoo! Did I make the maid mad?"

"Hey, come on back off already!" said Jeeja stepping in front of them. "Let's all just have a good time here, okay?"

"Hmph." said Revy crossing her arms and looking away. Everyone else continued to have their burgers.

"Wow...all it take for Two-Hands to calm down is little girl to step in." said Shenhua.

"It's a long story." said Dutch.

"Basically, I kicked her ass. Twice." said Jeeja.

"Ha. I was just being nice those two times." said Revy.

"I must say, that is quite impressive, my lady!" said Lotton.

"I know how to handle myself."

"It's true. She's quite skilled." said Tony.

"Anyway, who's up for some volleyball?"

"I am!" said Revy.

"Alright then here's how it's going to go down. Chang and I will be the team captains." said Balalaika.

"She's even in charge of volleyball..." said Benny quietly.

"We're going to pick the team members one by one."

"You can count me out. I'd rather stay and watch." said Dutch. Those who didn't want to play stood by him.

"Very well, Dutch. I have a better position for you in mind. I'll start. Two-hands, you're with me."

"Okay..." said Chang as Revy stood next to Balalaika. "Rock, get over here."

"Uh alright..." said Rock as he stepped over to Chang.

"Jeeja..."

"Darn...Roberta."

Roberta stood on Chang's side.

"Hmph...Fabiola."

"Tony..."

"Very well. Now that the teams have been picked, Dutch, it's your turn." said Balalaika. "We'll now discuss the wager. If one of us should win or lose, what should be the penalty?"

Everyone turned to Dutch. He grinned.

"Hmph. I've got just the thing in mind, and it's something everyone will want to see."

"What exactly do you have in mind?"

"Ms. Balalaika, if your team loses, then Two-hands there will have to give Rock a big kiss on the lips, and she has to act like she likes it too."

"WHAT!? Dutch I'll fucking kill you!" screamed Revy.

"And Chang, if your team loses, Rock will have to do the same to Revy."

"What!? Dutch, w-wouldn't you rather us do something else?" asked Rock.

"You're right. Also, who ever loses, the team captain has to buy me and everyone else a round of drinks at the Yellow Flag."

"That's not what I meant..."

"Very well. I agree on them." said Balalaika with a smile. "Now let's get started."

"Either way we'll have to kiss...grrr Dutch! I'll have your ass for this later!" Revy shouted.

"When the time comes, I'll be ready." said Dutch.

"Alright, let's get to it!"

They all helped set up a net which Jane had brought.

"Mind if I begin?" asked Chang.

"Not at all." said Balalaika.

"Alright! Then try and return this! Yaaahh!" Chang said as he leaped into the air and served the ball.