Okay here's the thing, this is the last of the chapters buffer we had built up. Due to RL work and some writers block on both mine and the Marshal's part we do not have chapter 15 ready for posting next week yet. We do have several more chapters in progress, but if we miss an update date or two don't think we've "bunked off' on this as Alex would say. Stay tuned, more to come!

We do not own Highschool of the Dead or its characters. All British Marines and their companion characters are owned by MarshalZhukov.

Chapter 14

Zday+210

"So," Rika said, eyeing up the man who called himself John." What is it you do for a living?"

"Well, LT," John said in accented, but passable Japanese. "Ain't much to tell. I was a staff sergeant in the US Army. Got a medical discharge, but had a friend owed me a favor and so I wound up at Camp Zama in civilian service working in logistics. Things went to hell in a hand basket and I ended up here."

"Another Zama man," Rika asked. "Seems there's no end to you folks."

"I'm not following the LT, ma'am."

"Seems we have quite a few personnel and survivors from Zama," Rika replied. "But I'll make the introductions later. Right now, I'm sending your group over to the medical hooch to get everyone looked over. You may not be zombies, but we don't want other diseases floating around this base either."

"Yes ma'am," John said, saluting. "If there is anything I can do to help out, please let me know."

"I could use another logistics person," Rika said. "Our current supplies officer has been kvetching about too much work and not enough down-time."

"Uh, I think I've met her, LT. Pink hair? Feisty?"

Rika smirked. "That's her. Takagi Saya."

"Oh, this is going to be a real fun posting…"

"Try and play nice, Staff," Rika half-asked, half commanded. "I know she can be a handful, but if you at least listen to what she says, she'll be easier to work with. She really is a bit of a genius after all."

"Understood, LT. Anything else I should know?"

"She can be a bit…touchy?" Rika searched for the right word. "However, at heart she is a nice girl, just used to people trying to get close to her as a stepping stone because her father was and is a big wheel in Japanese politics, so she closed herself off. Once you get to know her and let her vent, you'll see she's not that bad at all."

"Ah, okay. I am beginning to see," John said, smirking. "Let her get used to me as I get used to her and then see where it goes, am I reading you right, LT?"

"Five by five, Staff," Rika said. "And speaking of, I know you are former Army and not looking to re-up, but would you consider at least an honorary return to duty? We don't have a lot of senior non-coms and your expertise would be invaluable."

"How about this," he said, smirking. "I will offer my services as your independent advisor, but I can't be on active duty anymore, at least not as a soldier."

"That's fine," Rika said. "We have a couple of retirees helping out in command, but we don't press them anymore that we absolutely have to."

"I think I can agree to that," John offered his hand and was rewarded when Rika took it in a firm grasp.

000

"One moment," Shaun called out in response to the polite knock at his door. He let his face register the confusion at the stranger standing on his stoop. "Yes? May I help you?"

The woman bowed politely then straightened up after a few moments. "Please forgive the sudden intrusion," she said in perfect American accented English. "My name is Seiko Kobayakawa-Schweiger. Do I have the honor of addressing Sergeant Shaun Phillips?"

"Y-yes!" he struggled to collect his thoughts. "Dear me, please do come in!" He stepped aside, allowing Seiko to enter. "I'm afraid I haven't much to offer by way of snacks or refreshment, I have only just started moving in."

Seiko held aloft a small sack, tied neatly with a blue ribbon. "As your guest, I felt it my duty to provide you with something," she said, a warm smile gracing her face. "It would be very rude of me otherwise."

"Ah, in that case, at least let me put the kettle on."

A few minutes of pleasantries passed as they sipped tea. "I wanted to thank you personally for everything you have done," Seiko said, nodding.

"Well, I admit the tea was good, but…" Shaun scratched at the back of his head, a habit he had picked up from Asuka.

Seiko chuckled, "The tea was quite delicious, but that is not why I am thanking you. I am to understand from Busujima-san that you and your wife took care of my daughter and her…friend while they lived with you. For that, you have my undying gratitude."

"As much as I hate to pry…"

"But you want to know how I feel about those two living together," Seiko said. "It's no secret that I was shocked, to say the least. It's not something one expects."

Shaun shifted on his cushion while Seiko gathered the rest of her thoughts. She took a slice of orange and nibbled thoughtfully before holding Shaun's gaze once more.

"Please try and understand, Sergeant," she said. "I was born and raised here, I absorbed the conservative social contract we Japanese implicitly understand. Anything that disrupts the flow of giri – obligation, or social harmony, if that makes better sense – is distinctly frowned upon."

Shaun waited for the pause before speaking. "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down?"

Seiko smiled, "Exactly." She finished her orange slice. "It is also understood that, while not a question of morality like it is in the West, non-heterosexual couples disrupt that giri by removing themselves from the gene-pool, the relationship produces no future generations."

Shaun contemplated his tea leaves for a moment as Seiko finished her thought. "I think I can understand where you are coming from," he said at length. "That being said, you spent some time in the United States, Santa Monica, California, if I understand Alex correctly. How did that change your perceptions then?"

"To be honest, when I first came to America, it was a huge shock," Seiko admitted. "I had never been exposed to so many people from so many backgrounds. The first time I encountered an openly gay couple was an eye-opener. James, my husband, explained that it was quite common for people of all sexualities and even gender expressions to be very open about their lives. It took me almost a year before I even got used to the idea."

"And now?"

"What happened with Yukari…sorry, Alexis, and Kinoshita-chan was an unfortunate gut reaction. While I was used to it in other people, it was wholly unexpected with Yukari. Growing up, she never expressed interest in anyone, boy or girl, so to see her and Kinoshita-chan together and with a baby, no less…"

"And almost immediately after your reunion was rather too much to take in?" Shaun offered.

"Yes, that exactly," Seiko said. "After I had gone to cool my head, I spoke to Captain Tomasa and assured him that the issue was put to rest."

"And now?"

"I feel I owe the both of them a great big apology." Seiko gazed off to an empty corner, "And sooner, rather than later. Best to clear the air before bad feelings can manifest and cloud the air."

"A wise idea," Shaun said. "Perhaps even tonight? I know Alex is on the roster to meet the Kaiwo when she arrives."

000

"Mom," Alex said as she slid the door open. "What – "

Seiko held her hand up. "Please, Yukarin. May I come inside? I want to speak with you and Kinoshita-chan."

"Are you gonna yell at us some more?" Alex eyed her mother warily.

Seiko sighed and hung her head, "No, I am not going to yell at you, but I would like to discuss something with you and Kinoshita-chan in private. Please?"

Alex stepped aside and allowed her mother admittance. "Please pardon the intrusion," Seiko called out.

"May I offer tea?" Misa asked.

"Oh, no thank you," Seiko waved off politely. "I just came from visiting Sergeant Phillips. Any more tea and I expect to be swimming home."

Alex choked back a snicker as Misa smiled. She led Seiko into the main sitting area and offered the best cushion. Alex followed in with a glass of water and some crackers. The two girls then sat opposite Seiko and waited for the next fight to commence.

Seiko sipped the last of her water and set the glass down. She stood from her seat and moved to Misa's side of the table then prostrated herself before the younger woman. "Please forgive me," Seiko said in an even voice. "I was rude and inconsiderate to you when we first met. I let my own prejudices cloud my judgment. It was unfair to you and to Yukarin. I see now that you two care deeply for each other and have taken the responsibility for Megumi seriously."

Neither girl could say anything for a few moments. Seiko remained prostrate. Catching her thoughts, Misa laid a hand on her mother-in-law's shoulder. "Okaa-sama. I accept your apologies. I fully understand why you reacted as you did. No mother wants their child to engage in relationships that seems out of the ordinary."

Seiko sat up, tears plainly visible in her eyes. She gathered Misa into her arms and wept. A short while later, they broke their embrace. "I ask only one thing now," Seiko said. "Please don't call me okaa-sama anymore. It makes me feel old."

Misa laughed in spite of herself. "Then what may I call you?"

"Giri-no-haha*," Seiko said, then smiled mischievously. "Or, if you are feeling particularly daring, 'Oh Captain, My Captain'."

Misa laughed harder, so much so her sides hurt from the effort. "Oh, my gosh. You sound just like Ah-chan."

"Where do you think she got it from?" Seiko chuckled.

"See?" Alex grumbled. "It's not all my fault."

"Just my luck," Misa sighed, still giggling. "I not only married an otaku, but into a family of otaku." She regarded Megumi, sleeping contentedly in her crib, "My poor baby. I fear for her future."

000

Zday+211

Giba and Shion worked on setting the dozer blade while Paddy sang softly to himself as he fitted snow chains to Stryker One's wheels. Rei, Kohta and Takashi fitted out, loaded and cleaned the weapons systems on Stryker Two, laughing all the while. Shion poked her head around the hull and gained Paddy's attention.

"They're like a bunch of old women," she snickered. "God, is that what we were like when Giba and I hooked up?"

"Worse," Paddy chuckled. "Much, much worse."

"Gee thanks," Shion muttered and returned her attention to the blade. "Is this where you want the blade depth to cut?"

Paddy spared a glance over, "Set it one notch up. The depth you have it now is if we intend to plow the street for traffic. Once we get the chains on the other vehicles, we can just skim enough snow and ice that the chains will bite on their own. I'm really glad we found these things at that truck parts place."

Giba whistled low. "Man, I can't imagine having to do this nonsense every year."

"It doesn't snow where you are from?" Paddy asked.

"Naw, I'm from Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island," Giba said. "We get some snow, but it's usually gone in a couple of days. Now, hot and humid? We got that in spades."

Shion grunted, "Ugh, where I'm from, Sapporo City in Hokkaido, it's mostly the opposite. So snow I'm used to. It's like this in Boston, right, Paddy?"

"Yep. Some winter days, it's cold enough to freeze the Charles River. And in summer, the joke is, you can cook an egg on the hood of your car. Humidity is not too bad, but you can work up a real sweat in the summer."

"I wonder what this summer is going to be like?" Giba questioned.

"Don't know," Paddy replied. "All I know is I want to get done so everything is ready to meet the ship this afternoon."

"Hai," the other two replied as they got back to work.

000

Zday+212

"LT, you're coming along on this?" Toda called out as Rika strode to the head of the column. She had donned her favorite shooter vest and form-fitted leather body suit. Her prized PSG-1 slung across her shoulder and a SiG Sauer in drop-leg holster completed the look.

"Rika!" the shrill voice cut through the morning mists. The troop turned to see Shizuka bouncing up the path, something waving in her hand. "You almost forgot this!"

"Ah, my lucky collar," she attempted to take the leather strap from the blonde doctor, but Shizuka was having none of it.

"No no no," she admonished. "I put it on you. It's tradition, remember?"

Rika grumbled softly, but relented as Shizuka slipped the collar around her neck. This was met with whistles, cat calls and more than a few stopped up nose-bleeds.

"Knock it off!" Rika shouted, causing everyone to shut up. She turned to Toda, "Yep, captain said to keep an eye on this crowd and I'm curious why the ship got delayed at the last minute. Plus I need to get some decent target practice in." She thought for a minute before speaking again, "We need to go out and work with Kohta and several others, come to think of it."

Toda nodded, "Next week sometime maybe. I also need to do some live-fire qualification checks on some of the newer people like Alex. Nothing like shooting at a live…or rather an undead target that tells you how they shoot."

"I agree," Rika said as she handed her gear up to Kohta. "Saeko is also thinking about taking her students out in groups and letting them wet their blades also. Well, we better mount up."

"Don't forget me," Rei called out. She had changed into a multi-cam BDU set and boots, a matching kepi hat pulled over her ginger locks. She clutched her naginata in her hand. "Alex-san, will you show me how to tie this as a scarf?"

Alex took the red check shemagh, twirled it into a loose rope and tied it around Rei's neck. "There you go, nice a toasty. Captain thinks you needed practice too?"

Rei chuckled, "Nope, my idea. I haven't been outside the base since we arrived and I wanted to test out some new techniques. Dean-san is minding the school and Sonoda-san is covering training in the dojo."

"Wait, didn't you get to the base like in May or June?" Alex asked, shocked.

"Except for a flight to the Mercy and then back through the safe zone, I've been inside the whole time," the ginger-haired girl replied. "Alex, I had a lot of…issues with the way the world ended up. For a while there I intended to never leave the base again if I could have got away with it."

Alex scratched her cheek and thought about it, "Yeah…I can see why, knowing what I know. It's been a long strange trip for all of us really."

"And will continue to be," Rika said, interrupting the girls. "Now for the next part, load up! We have a ship to meet!"

000

Harbor at Kakisaki on Highway 135: A few hours later.

"We had several most interesting encounters on our voyage," Captain Tsugumo said as Rika accepted hot tea on the flying bridge of the Kaiwo Maru. "As we neared Amani-ōshima, we ran into a convoy of several ships from America, one an older aircraft carrier and a battleship of Pacific War vintage along with a freighter and oil tanker."

Rika cocked an eyebrow, "Did you recognize the warships?"

"No, I did not," Tsugumo shook his head. "I only caught their hull designations. They were polite, but not very talkative."

"Schweiger!" Rika called down to the dock. "Get yer butt up here, pronto!"

"Aye-aye!" Alex called as she scampered up the gangway. She stood to attention and saluted. "Lance Corporal Alex Schweiger, present as ordered!"

"Captain, perhaps our Marine here could identify your ships," Rika said, returning Alex's salute.

Tsugumo looked at the young American and smiled, "Perhaps she could at that. Lance Corporal, what do you know of the America navy?"

Alex bit her lip, "A bit. My dad was Army, but we did live in Santa Monica so…" she looked at the expectant faces of the officers and shrugged her shoulders. "It's worth a shot."

"An aircraft carrier, oil burner, based on the funnel on her island, hull number '41'," Tsugumo said.

Alex mulled it over, "I'm not sure, but I think that's the Midway. Last I heard she was a floating museum berthed down in San Diego."

Tsugumo nodded, "And a battleship, definitely Pacific War vintage, hull number '61'."

Alex's eyes lit up, "The Big Stick?!"

"So you are familiar with this vessel?" Rika asked.

"The USS Iowa?!" Alex said. "You bet your sweet Aunt Martha, I am! She was also known as The Gray Ghost. She was the backbone of the Pacific Fleet during the landings on Guam, the Mariana and Palau campaigns, the destruction of the Japanese Pacific fleet at Leyte Gulf and the final storming of Okinawa as well as bombarding the Japanese...Home…Islands…" Alex stopped nerding out long enough to notice the uncomfortable looks on the Japanese officers' faces. She quickly bowed, "I'm sorry for bringing up painful memories."

Tsugumo recovered quickly, "It is our shame to bear, not yours, Schweiger-san."

"Anyway, she was refitted and updated back in the 80's, saw service in the first Gulf War and then wound up on display in Port of L.A. I've been onboard her," Alex said as she caught her breath. "She is impressive. Why are you asking about these two museum pieces? Both were decommissioned long ago from active service. Then again, current world affairs as they are…"

"We ran across them during our sail up to Shimoda," Tsugumo said as Alex's eyes widened in surprise. "They were escorting a freighter and oil tanker to Okinawa."

Rika cleared her throat, "You mentioned several interesting encounters," she said. "What were the others?"

Tsugumo regarded the junior enlisted, "Sorry, Lance Corporal. Need to know. I hope you can understand."

Alex let her face fall slightly before quickly recovering her composure and saluted Rika and Tsugumo, "Permission to return to my duty post."

"Granted," Rika saluted. "Dismissed."

The two officers watched the girl depart before Tsugumo cleared his throat. "At the same time we ran into the American flotilla, we also had a run in with a fast attack vessel," Tsugumo spoke in hushed tones. He looked around to make sure no one was in earshot, "A long-range coastal defense ship, flying the Chinese naval flag."

Rika barely contained her shock and surprise.

"She claimed we were in Chinese territorial waters and ordered us to stop and prepare to be boarded for inspection," Tsugumo continued. "The response came from the aircraft carrier. We were in Japanese waters and therefore not subject to any search and seizure by anyone claiming to be Chinese."

"I am almost afraid to know what happened next," Rika whispered, her throat dry.

"The convoy was fired upon, a warning shot across the bow of the carrier," Tsugumo said, the strain and worry evident on his face. "The American battleship returned fire with one of its main batteries. It was not a warning shot; the Chinese vessel exploded and went to the bottom in seconds. There were no survivors."

"Aw, hell," Rika spat. "This is going to cause all manner of shit storms we don't need any part of."

"I agree and so did the commander of the American fleet," Tsugumo said. "Since we were close enough to Okinawa, he ordered the tanker and freighter to steam on to Naha port with the carrier. He then detached the battleship to escort us on to Shimoda. I expect by now the Emperor is more than aware and our operational directives will have changed."

"I better let my CO know as well," Rika said. "May I use the radio room?"

"I will have my XO show you the way," Tsugumo bowed.

000

"Well, well, look who we have here, Jamie-boy," the voice drifted over the gunwale, gaining Alex's attention. She looked up to see Sergeant White and Sergeant Pegg looking over the side at her.

"We've got ourselves a wayward little lamb, Nick my lad," Pegg chuckled. "Couldn't hack the Sar Major and hot tailed to the JSDF."

Alex stuck her tongue out at the two sergeants, "You know as well as I do the Sar Major left me here."

"Proof from the horse's mouth," White laughed. "Well, little lamb, we have something for you. Jamie-boy here wanted to toss it in the drink, but orders is orders."

Alex watched the two senior enlisted debark and approach.

"Tis true," Pegg said, a big smirk on his lips. "The Sar Major ordered us to deliver these to Onohira and get them into your hands."

He held out a small canvas shoulder bag.

"You two are the nicest guys on the face of the earth, you know?" Alex replied, a hint of sarcasm tinting her tone. She accepted the bag and slung it over her shoulder.

"Naturally," White said, a huge smile on his face. "We are the nicest guys you have ever met and will ever know. Everyone can see that."

"Don't you have some sort of guard duty to perform?" Alex asked.

"Oh, look at this, Nicky old son," Pegg said, letting a low whistle escape. "The 'Honorary' Lance Corporal has grown a set of stones since we sent her into the big, mean ol' world."

Alex harrumphed once then returned to her patrol. White and Pegg fell in step right behind her.

"Well, I will credit Davis one thing," White said. "He trained her to march in proper fashion, at the very least."

"Indeed," Pegg said. "View's not bad either."

At this, Alex spun in place, hand on her sword ready to draw. The look on her face told both sergeants she would not hesitate to cut them both down. "That will get you a write-up," she hissed.

Instantly, both White and Pegg back up a few paces, hands in plain view.

"Whoa, whoa," White said, his contrition sincere. "Only a bit of hazing, Schweiger, everyone in the Marines gets their dosing. You're still the 'fresh meat' even if you are on detached duty."

"It's true," Pegg concurred. "Might not look it now, but Nicky and I were once bottom of the heap just like you. Took our first chevron just to get it down to a dull roar. We still get shite from the Sar Major even now."

Alex narrowed her eyes, but let her hand fall from her sword. She stiffened in place. "If the sergeants will excuse the Lance Corporal, she has her duties."

"Off to it, then," Pegg said.

Alex nodded curtly and resumed her patrol.

"Good for her," White said, just loud enough for Alex to hear. "I was really concerned about her, but she will be a fine Marine."

"I agree," Pegg said. "Put that in our report to the Sar Major."

Alex smiled to herself as she neared the end of her route.

000

"Thank you for the information, Lieutenant. I'll put in for a com-sat to the Palace for tomorrow." Tomasa sighed. "Get your shore parties working round the clock, I want to get Tsugumo safely out to sea and back under the American umbrella as soon as possible. Do you know if the battleship is still on station?"

"Yes, sir. She's anchored several klicks off-shore, we can see her from here with binoculars," Rika said over the radio. "Her crew has volunteered to help us out. We should have everything unstowed and ready for transport first thing in the morning."

"Alright, Rika," Tomasa replied, all formalities forgotten. "Do what you need to and get back here as quick as you can. Onohira out," Tomasa looked over his shoulder to regard First Sergeant Tatsumi. "Shit."

"I agree, sir," Tatsumi said. "We can hope it was only a pirate vessel and that the Americans dealt with them the only way pirates should be dealt with."

"And if it actually was a remnant of the Chinese fleet?"

"More powerful heads than ours will be tackling that problem, sir. All things considered, we're too far north and far enough inland that even if it was the Chinese navy, they can't get at us here. Well at least not easily."

Tomasa thought about that, "They can still cut our supply line to Okinawa, that will hurt us long term. And the safe zone is a whole different story."

Well as long as the Americans are keeping that battleship in the area, the Chinese won't try anything in open water. She's boss of the lake now."

"I don't know," Tatsumi replied. "Remember that trouble with the Chinese subs the week after the outbreak?

""I don't know," Tomasa said. "Remember that trouble with the Chinese subs the week after the outbreak?" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Meh. I'm not going to lose sleep on it. I'll await orders from the Palace. Meanwhile, I have a, uh, medical check-up scheduled. Ops is all yours, First Sergeant."

Tatsumi snorted and saluted as Tomasa walked out of the office.

000

"Aw, the captain has a headache?" Shizuka cooed softly as she massaged Tomasa's shoulders. He leaned his head back into her ample cleavage as they soaked in the tub. "Well, tonight nursey will make it all better."

"May your patient offer a suggestion on how?" Tomasa said. He turned to face the blonde, cupping her assets.

"My, my," Shizuka giggled, taking the rapidly hardening length of his manhood firmly in hand. "It would seem my patient is feeling better already."

"I find myself in excellent hands," Tomasa struggled not to laugh at his own joke. Shizuka took the lead and soon both were laughing easily as she hiked her hips up to straddle him.

000

Back at the ship, Davis relieved Alex of duty and she finally had time to find Asuka. She spent a few minutes poking around, making sure to stay out of the crew's way. She heard Rika give the order for a round the clock off loading and was surprised to see several US sailors and more than a handful of US Marines rushing about to help. Eventually, Alex made her way to the stern of the ship to the passenger cabins. There she found the room she sought.

"Come in," the familiar voice responded to the double rap on the door frame.

"Pardon the intrusion," Alex excused herself as she opened the door.

"Alex, my dear!" a very pregnant Asuka called out. "How, oof, nice to, ugh, see you."

Alex crossed the distance in time to head off Asuka struggling to gain her feet. She leaned in and gave her surrogate mother a deep hug.

"Help me, guh, stand up, please, hon?" Asuka said. "I'm oof, not as, oi, sprightly as I was."

Alex helped Asuka struggle to gain her feet. That accomplished, Asuka pulled the girl back into another hug. "How's Shaun getting along?"

"He's fine," Alex chuckled. "The captain has him running all over creation trying to get the base into some semblance of working order. He shanghai'd poor Angie Park into helping out where she can. I think she was planning to get back to Okinawa and see her engineer friend, but that got shot down. All the same, Papa misses you and can't wait 'til you're with him again."

"Good. Once I get him alone, I'll punish him for what he's put me through with this pregnancy." Asuka let a gleam of mischief escape her eye. "You would think the second one would be easier, but I suspect this one's figured out Shaun was a footballer in his university days and wants to follow up on that."

Alex stuck her tongue out at the thought of Asuka being pummeled from the inside. "Almost makes me wish I were a guy," she joked. "Between periods and pregnancy, I'm beginning to think God wants us to suffer."

"You don't mean that," Asuka chided gently. "All the nonsense we put up with as women is proof the Heavens made us stronger than the men." She laughed at the thought. "Could you even imagine one of those guys struggling under a pregnancy?"

Alex mused over the thought of Takashi waddling around with a swollen belly before laughing along with Asuka. "No, I don't think I could."

"Good, now help me over to the toilet. I swear the baby is kicking my bladder and I have to pee like there's no tomorrow."

000

"Alright!" Rika called out into the pre-dawn morning. "Let's mount up and get gone. I want to be back in time for morning chow."

Her troops scurried toward their assigned vehicles as Alex, Rei and Hazakura stood last watch. Kohta stood at the forward hatch in Stryker One looking down the road they would take back to Onohira. The four had taken a few minutes earlier to catch a short nap during their down time and were now glad of it. While their sojourn was brief, it was frantic as everyone not on guard or patrol had been roped into unloading the ship as fast as possible.

"Why do you suppose Rika was in such a hurry?" Rei asked as her route intersected Alex's. Hazakura approached from his route. The three stood together as Rei asked her question.

"Dunno," Alex said, shrugging her shoulders. "Maybe it had something to do with those other ships Captain Tsugumo said they ran into."

"What other ships?" Hazakura wondered.

Alex again shrugged her shoulders and pointed out to sea, "Well that battlewagon sitting out there was one and he did say there was an old aircraft carrier. I don't know what it means that they are here and not off the US coast, but I'm sure it concerns him."

"Alright you three," Rika said as she strode up. "Get in. We're gone."

The three blade wielders ran into the back of Stryker Two, followed shortly after by Rika. Shion pulled the ramp and helped Hazakura into his lap harness. She then returned to the rear hatch and took guard on the rear M240 they had mounted.

Rika looked about the cabin. Seeing only the former cop and two teens still awake, she beckoned their attention. "I overheard you three talking about Captain Tsugumo's little high seas adventure." She spoke in a low whisper. "That is need to know only. If and only if Captain Tomasa decides the rest of you need to know, the camp will be notified. Until then, you are under a gag order starting right now. I don't want scuttlebutt pulling the camp apart. Got it? As far as you know the battleship was doing escort duty as a courtesy."

All three nodded. Rika smiled, "Good. Now get some shut eye. We'll be in camp around dawn and we'll need every able body getting this stuff unloaded. Then I'll put everyone on this little joyride in for some R'n'R. Sound good?"

Alex had already drifted off to sleep and Rei was starting to nod off as well. Only Hazakura remained awake to salute.

A/N: Please Review, Favorite and Follow!

* Giri-no-haha – Mother-in-law

EN: 1st posted 8/16/15