A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I'm back with a new chapter and I know many of you were waiting for this! I'm looking at you, "Cooldude"
Anyway... I forgot to point this out in my last update but December 30th marked one whole year since I satarted Tiger Strike, so... wooo!
To everyone who got the reference in the last chapter, you get cookies!
Now on to the Story!
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{ Chapter 29: A Day on the Town... }
December 20th, 20XX
Berks County Volunteer Fire Department.
5:57 AM...
Another day had dawned in New Jersey and at the home of the Berks County Volunteer Fire Department, something very interesting had transpired the night before. and no... it was not the lewd kind. That night, an American Marine had conducted a impromptu movie marathon in an attempt to "help" a member of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force relax. As well as help her take her mind off of her problems and help the Sargent smile for once.
Shino herself was rather surprised and even shocked at the Marine's idea, but allowed herself to take part in the Corporal's idea. what did she have to lose anyway? She sat next to her secret sempai on the couch, just as the first movie began to play. Shino could not remember when last she just sat down with a friend to watch a movie, let alone have a friend to watch a movie with, but it felt good to do so. It also felt good to laugh with someone for once as well, as both herself and Williams enjoyed the antics of both Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as the night progressed. But the duo were not able to finish their little movie marathon, as both the Sargent and the Corporal had drifted to sleep just as "Paul" came to an end.
Williams fast asleep while Shino has some how managed lean up against the marine with her left arm resting on his chest. As some point during the night, the young woman managed to snuggle in a bit closer, while Williams unknowingly wrapped his arm around the curvy woman. Needless to say, the two slept very well that night. But like all good things, this too came to an end as the two "adults" woke up at the same time and realized the situation they were in. Completely red faced, the two quickly fixed themselves on the couch. All the while muttering apologies to one another. Fortunately, no one else had woken up as yet so nobody saw them.
A couple hours later the rest of the group had woken up and once again were treated to pancakes and bacon for breakfast. They were just passing the time with small talk as they ate when a loud beeping sound interrupted their conversation.
"Shit!" Williams exclaimed, as he practically leaped out of his seat. "Cover your ears!" the marine exclaimed, as he ran out the kitched an into the station.
"What's going on?" Tuka asked curiously, as she and the rest of the group wondered just what was going on.
"Just do it!" Puller told the group, as he soon followed his friend out of the kitchen and ran up stairs.
Then it happened. It started off slow, but soon a mournful wail filled the air and it became louder and louder. Immediately both Mamina and Tuka grab their heads as if they were in pain, as the rest of the Falmart natives covered there ears and looked on in confusion.
"What's going on?!" Myui asked tearfully, as the young countess covered her ears as hard as she could. But while the Falmart contingent were almost in a state of panic, Itami and the rest of the group just sat there and wondered just why the Station's Siren. They then remembered what Williams had told them when they were given a tour of the building the day before.
Moving towards the kitchen entrance, Shino could see Williams running in between the trucks in the Garage and switching them on. Though drowned out by the siren, the young woman could still make out the familiar sound of truck engines being started up and left ti idle. Moments later, the large garage doors began to open and the Japanese Sargent could see that a couple cars had parked up out side and men run into the building. Soon more and more people began to show up and immediately change into their fire fighting attire, while Williams by this point was on a near by phone and writing down something on a piece of paper.
By now the siren had been silenced and everyone who had been in the kitchen were now looking on at what was now taking place. The LED lights on Tanker 6 and Engine 6 came on as the two large trucks rolled out of the garage and made their way down the small driveway and onto the public road. A burst from Tanker 6's air horn signaled their departure, as a chorus of Hi-Lo and Attack sirens began to be heard as the trucks drove out of view.
"What... just happened?" Pina asked, a confused expression still visible on her face.
"We got called out." Puller replied, as he came down the stairs after switching off the station's vintage "Air Raid" siren. "Where they goin' Lewis?"
"Warehouse fire in Eithen." the Marine replied. "Shannontown and James County got called out too."
"James County?" Puller replied, as he knew James County was a HAZMAT unit. "I wonder what was in that Wharehouse?"
"So... there was a fire?" Myui asked curiously, as she and the rest of of the Falmart natives came out from the kitchen.
"Yep, like I said yesterday, Berks would sometimes be called out to other towns to help local units." Williams told the young countess.
"When will they be coming back?" Itami asked his friends.
"Could be a few hours." Puller replied. "Eithen is about a 90 minute drive from here and depending how long it takes them to out the fire, they may not make it back until this evening."
"Well.. that was rather entertaining." Rory commented, " So what else can we do to keep ourselves entertained for the res of the day?"
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( Meanwhile, In Eithen )
"Well that could have gone much better." Agent Adams thought to himself, as he and his team looked on at the burning warehouse.
Just hours ago, the CIA field operative and his strike team had conducted another raid on this very same building. The information they had recovered from the Russian Cargo ship had hinted that another, secondary FIS team had been deployed with the first one. Apparently, the FIS had somehow discovered the location of the CIA's secondary safe house for the Falmart natives and had even sent this team just in case the first one had failed to secure their targets.
This was a serious breach in security and heads would most certainly roll for this, but this secondary team needed to be eliminated now. And Eliminated, they were. The element of surprise was on Adams and his team's side and after a brief fire fight, only the CIA operatives were still alive.
In all, 12 FIS agents were killed and once again, a treasure trove of intel was recovered. But now they needed to make sure no one outside of the agency knew what happened there the previous night and it just so happened that this particular warehouse was being used to store petro-chemical products. Accidents do happen after all and it was an old building they were being stored in.
But as Adams watched the old structure burn, he realized that Itami and his party were no longer safe where they were. The FIS would not have invested so much time or effort in setting up a base in New Jersey of all places, unless they had a reason to. As the first emergency units began to approach the scene, the CIA strike team quickly their convoy of armored up SUVs and fled the area without drawing too much attention to themselves. While the senior CIA agent began to make some calls and organize transportation for the Falmart contingent.
The Safe House was no longer safe...
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( a couple hours later, Back in Ceder Hill...)
As the morning progressed, the combined American/Japanese/Falmart group made attempts to keep themselves occupied. Itami helped his wife illustrate some Doujins she was doing for work, Leilei and Tuka were reading some of the books Puller had loaned them from the Station library (which as nothing more than two small shelves). Pina was also there with the, though she wanted to get as much information on this world as possible. Not because she wanted to if the world had a weakness she could then tell her Father to exploit, but because she was genuinely curious as to how this world operated. It was not long before she asked both Shino and Williams if he could help her with her questions.
Puller himself was with both Persia and Mamina, as the two of them were watching Myui play on Attack 6, making sure that the young Countess did not hurt her self on the large vehicle. Tomita was on the couch with Lady Bozes and the two were engaged in conversation. The only one who was missing was Rory, who left the group without being noticed.
Things were going rather well until a familiar convoy of black vehicles rolled up to the building, with Adams stepping out of the lead vehicle and more or less, speed walk to the office entrance.
"We need to move, now!" the "Secret Service" Agent announced, as he entered the building.
"What?" Puller asked, as the rest of the group reassembled in the living area. "What's going on?"
"We think this location has been compromised." the Agent informed the group. "We have received intelligence that some unknown agents may have discovered this location. I don't have time to explain, but we got to get you out of her now!"
"Oye!" Williams groaned out. "So where are we heading this time?"
"You're going back to New York City." Adams replied, "You're gonna be there until SAM 34000 (The Tail Number for Air Force One) is ready to leave."
"Well you heard the man, we're heading back to the NYC!" Williams decleared. "Gather your things, we're outta here!"
Within a few minutes, the group boarded the Ford Transit and were on the move once again. Rory had actually rejoined the group just as they were gathering their things. When asked where she had went, the Demi-goddess replied with a smile "I just needed some fresh air." All the while remembering the three hooded figures she had encountered in the Forest near the Fire Station. Rory wondered just how long it would be before anyone discovered those headless bodies, maybe they were the same "agents" Adam's had warned them about?
Driving back the way they came (and passing a still very traumatized Tom who was hiding under a stone bridge) the convoy of black vehicles crossed the George Washington bridge. Knowing that keeping the assembled group in one place was too risky, Adams informed them that they would be allowed to tour the city while they were there. This was something that surprised both military personnel and the Falmart natives. None more so than Williams, who was informed that he would be guiding the group through his former home city.
"The best way to keep the enemy guessing." Adams told the Marine. "There will be a group of my men following you just incase, but you will decide just where you go. Just don't draw too much attention to yourselves."
The Falmart natives were provided with clothes to wear, as they were intended to blend in to the hoards of tourist who visited the City every year. Even Countess Myui's maids were accounted for, as some minor adjustments to their outfits as to hide their distinct physical traits. Bozes was rather rather disgusted by the idea of dressing like a simple commoner, but had little choice but to wear what was given to her. Within an hour, the entire group were now dressed in a combination of t-shirts, 3 ΒΌ jeans, cargo pants, coats and in the case of Myui, Persia and Mamina, simple blouse with skirts.
Tuka had a baseball cap on that hid her ears while Persia wore a hat that not only matched her top, but hid her cat ears as well. Someone on the "Secret Service team got creative and simply cut holes in Mamina's dress hat and made it look as if her ears were apart of her outfit. Only Rory wasn't given as outfit to wear, as the Demi-goddess made it very clear that her "dress" was the formal wear of Emroy's Oracles and if she wore anything else, it would be an insult to her lord.
"Alright then!" William's decleared proudly. "Let's go have some fun in my city! New York!" he finished that last part with a very distinct Brooklyn accent.
"You can't be serious now?" Bozes asked accusingly, as she adjusted her Jacket. "This is not a time to have fun! Adams said we are in Danger!"
"All the more reason t have fun when we can!" the Marine replied. "We are in the greatest city on Earth and we can't fully experience it if we are content to hide from ever shadow. Besides... Adams said we have to blend in and we are not gonna do that if we just hide all the time."
"He has a point!" Itami said with a smile. "So where are we gonna head first?"
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( Half an Hour Later... )
"Lombardi's!" Both Williams and Puller exclaimed, as the group now found themselves outside the ahformentioned Pizzeria.
"You guys are gonna love this place!" Puller added. "They make the best Pizzas anywhere!"
"Pe... zah?" Tuka asked curiously, as the two marines lead the group inside the famous establishment.
"I always wanted to try a genuine New York style pizza!" Risa exclaimed happily, as she and the rest of the group were lead to their tables and given their menus. "Ooooo... it all looks so good!"
"Williams?" Shino asked the dark skinned marine. "How will you be able to pay for all of this?"
"Don't worry." the man replied. "Adams said the Secret Service will cover all charges. But don't over do it, okay?"
About half an hour later their meals had arrive and everyone began to eat. Both Risa and Itami had the "Cake Boss" Special with Pepperoni, while Myui and her maids ordered Calzones for themselves. Puller and Tomita gleefully shared a large Original Margherita topped with sausage, with Pina and Bozes. While Tuka, Leilei and Rory enjoyed a "White Pizza", with Rory enjoying it more than her two companions.
Williams for his part, just ordered a Clazone stuffed with Italian Sausage and meat balls. With Shino ordering the same for herself and eating with her secret sempai. Needless to say, a good time was had by all, with Pina even suggesting that not even the Palace cooks could do any better.
'Now I know why Williams and Puller gush about this place so much!' Shino thought to herself, as she happily ate her meal.
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As the day progressed and with Williams playing the part of Tour guide, the group visited many familiar and famous locations in an around the city. The Famart Natives were awed when Williams took them to the top of the Empire State Building to view the city skyline. Pina was absolutely impressed that such a large city not only existed, but seemingly thrived as well. After this, the group traveled to the American Museum of Natural History in the upper west side of Manhattan. Where they were given more insight on how this world worked, as well as how life evolved over millions of years to become what they were now.
'They are so advanced, yet they see the need to document the world around them so that others can learn' Pina thought to herself, as she eyed the massive T-Rex display. Not even the scholars at the Imperial Halls of Learning made this much effort into understanding Falmart, not unless they wanted to anger certain faction in the Imperial court or even the many Religious bodies that held more power than they actually should.
A few hours later, Myui became the happiest girl/countess in the world. As the 10 year old child was able to acquire a some what large Pikachu plush that wore a Deerstalker hat on its head, when the group visited F.A.O. Schwarz. Basically, the Rolls Royce Toy Stores. Surprisingly, the child was not the only one who bought themselves something from the Iconic store. Itami brought his Risa a Drone that had a built in camera, while Tuka got a stuffed elephant she personally took a liking too. Even Williams and Puller bought themselves a few Hotwheels for themselves that they would ship back home once they returned to Fort Ginza.
"You are never to old to like Hotwheels." Puller stated, as both himself and Williams pocketed several cars.
Not to long after this stop, Rory Mercury found love... in the form of a while gown that almost mirrored her Oracle attire. The outfit it self sat in the window display of a store that specialized in "Otaku Culture" and was of luxurious design. Apparently this was a costume that was based on an Anime which had recently came out and although the Apostle took her role seriously, Rory could not help but to think that his particular "dress" would look super cute on her.
"So much for insulting her lord." Williams chuckled, as both Rory and Risa dragged the helpless Itami into the store to buy what they wanted.
Eventually the Group made it to the final stop on their grand tour of New York and it was something that caught them all by surprise.
"U.S.S. Intrepid..." Shino said out loud, as the curvy Sargent read the name on the side of the Aircraft Carrier that was docked near the area known as Hell's Kitchen.
"Welcome to the Intrepid Air, Sea and Space museum!" Williams announced, as the group looked on at the collection of ships before them. "Figured we finished off today with a bit of military history from our past."
"What kind of ship is this?" Bozes asked fearfully, as her hazelnut colored eyes gazed at the gray monstrosity before her.
"That... is an Aircraft Carrier." Tomita explained, "And if I am correct, it is one of America's most decorated Warships."
"That is a warship?!" Pina exclaimed in shock, as she eyed the super structure"How... How... are you able to build such things? Its even bigger than our Dragon Carriers back home!"
"oye..." Williams muttered to Shino. "If she acting like this seeing the Intrepid, she would lose her damn mind if she ever saw the Enterprise."
Shino could only giggle at the Marine's comment, as the group slowly made their way onto the retired Essex-class Carrier. Once on board, an actual tour guide began to show them around the ship while giving them a brief history about the vessel. All the while, Itami and his counterparts translated everything for the Falmart natives so they would be able to understand. After some time in the ship, the group were lead on to the flight deck and were greeted with the sight of over a dozen aircraft parked on display.
But while most of the group looked on in awe (and in Pina's case, absolute horror) at the displays and the stories that went with them. Rory cold not help but to feel a bit strange at the moment.
As the Apostle for the God of War, Rory could sense if someone or something had seen combat. It was something that helped her determine if someone was worthy of Emroy's respect and deserved a place at his side in the afterlife. Rory remembered when Tomita said that Intrepid was one of the Most decorated warships America had and from what she was sensing, Intrepid would most certainly have a place next to Emory.
Suddenly, the Demi-goddess' ears were filled with the sounds of an alarm and men yelling. Looking again, the Apostle saw that the Intrepid was no longer in New York. But now in the middle of an ocean and surrounded by a collection of ship of various sizes and types. None of the men she saw running seem to notice the small girl, nor did they seem to notice her when she tried to interact with them.
"Enemy Dive Bombers, incoming!" a voice said over the ship's P.A. System, just as Rory saw a large number of black spots appear above the Carrier. But those spots soon revealed themselves to be Japanese A6M "Zero" fighters and Aichi D3A "Val" bombers and began to dive on the fleet below. Almost immediately, the entire American fleet erupted as anti-aircraft gunners opened up in an attempt to destroy their attackers before they could strike and the Intrepid was no different.
Rory could only look on in absolute shock, as the Intrepid's gun crews desperately tried to dive off the Japanese aircraft. Every so often, her crimson eyes would see explosions rock some of the ships in the distance. Yet they continued to fire at their attacks. Suddenly they was a massive explosion and when she looked, Rory could smell the smoke and feel the heat from the flames that poured out of the Carrier's flight deck. As men with hoses ran towards the fires in an attempt to put it out.
There was another violent explosion and before Rory could react, the Apostle soon found herself and he vessel back in New York with no signs of damage.
"Rory, did you hear me?" Williams asked the Demi-goddess, as he was now standing in front of her. "We gotta go. Adam's called and he said the plane was ready to take us back to Japan.
"Uhhh, yea." Rory replied, still feeling a bit unnerved by what she had experienced. "Tell me, Williams. The Intrepid... did it see a lot of combat?"
"Um.. it did." The Marine replied, no sure just why she wanted to know. "She saw some of the worst fight during World War 2."
"Oh... well then... let's be off." and with that, the Apostle walked away to rejoin the rest of the group. Leaving a very puzzled marine in her wake.
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JFK International Air Port, New York City...
Like all good things, their visit to America had come to an end and it would be a visit they would remember for the rest of their lives. The Falmart natives had learned a lot about this world, how it worked and it's history.
They had also gotten some souvenirs for themselves to take home for themselves while in New York. Tuka had gotten a brand new hunting bow with arrows and of course, her suit which she used when speaking at the UN. Leilei bought herself enough books to open her own library once she got back to Fort Ginza. There was just so much she wanted to know about the World Itami and his people came from and she wanted to know as much as she could. Hence the numerous history books she now carried and the mage planned to translate every single one of them.
Rory, of course, had the new "dress" she made Itami buy for her, as well as a series of books she found interesting called "Death Note" she found in the store as well. Even Pina and Bozes got them selves some Manga they found VERY interesting, though these were more"Blue" nature and were not the type of thing meant for younger individuals. But despite this "glorious" find, Pina was still rather troubled.
Her father had made a terrible mistake by crossing the Gate and the result was not only the Empire angered the Coalition, but an entire world. The Imperial Army slaughtered thousands and took slaves from this world. An action that was seen as barbaric in this world and had angered their populations. The Empire had gotten itself into a War it could not possibly win and the only thing keeping the Coalition from utterly destroying her people, was the fact they didn't want to... for now anyway.
For the Saderan people, the war was already lost. They just did not know it. The only question left to be answered was just how badly the Empire woyld be defeated? Would their even by an Empire by the time it was all over? Pina remembered listening to both Itami and Williams when they explained the Relationship between Japan and the United States. How at one point they had gone to war after Japan had attacked a Naval base and just how badly the Japanese Empire was defeated once the U.S. Went on the offensive. Winning the war and crippling Japan as a result. Now these two former adversaries were not only close allies today, but were now united against her Nation for its actions.
If Sadera and it's people were to survive, then Pina would have to make good on her promise to locate every single person taken from Ginza, and bring them back home. It was a task that was easier said than done but with the fate of her people at stake, the Princess would have to go the distance and do everything she could to keep her promise to the United Nations.
That was Pina's only thought, just as SAM-34000 lifted off into the to begin it's long journey back to Japan...
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A/N: And with that... the "United Nations Arc" comes to an end. Sorry there was no big shootouts or Chinese agents trying to kidnap our Heroes, or anything related to that one scene from the Anime where they go to the bath house. I changed the narative so much that I felt I would be trying to shoe horn in the Bath House scene just to get a Drunk Shino hitting on Williams.
(I had an idea, but then I realize it sounded way to much like another story I read and the last thing I want to be called is a plagiarist! They are scum!)
Anyway, that is also the reason why I left out some elements out of this chapter, sounded too much like other fics I have read. So don't be mad, okay?
As always, please leave a review and tell me what you think... until next time, NIGHTSTALKER OUT!
Trivia!: When the US President is not on the Presidential aircraft, said aircraft is reffered to by its tail number. The 2 VC-25s that are used are called SAM-28000 and SAM-29000. So in my fic, the 777-X used was named SAM-34000.