Until the End
Chapter 10
Consequences
Ranma fell asleep shortly after the MP's (Military Police) showed up and arrested him and the captain.
Apparently someone in a nearby barrack had heard the short scuffle and called the MP's, for by the time Ranma had begun crying, the police were there and asking questions. Ranma had been unable to answer them. He had also been unable to get up from the ground.
Under normal procedures, Ranma would have been interrogated right away, and when they found out that he had indeed inflected the wounds upon the Chinese captain, he would have been arrested and placed in a cell. But a very sympathetic guard house officer had Ranma placed on a cot, with one guard placed outside the door. This did not bother Ranma, as he had simply gone into a state of utter depression.
The sympathetic guard house officer tried to get Ranma to talk about what happened. He very gently explained that the Chinese captain had accused him of attacking him when he was walking out of his barrack, and if Ranma wouldn't tell his side of the story, than he would be arrested on the charges of assault on a superior officer.
Ranma understood what he was being told, but he couldn't talk. He merely asked very quietly if he could lie down for awhile.
When he was alone, Ranma was finally able to think things through.
I snapped. I would have killed that officer if it hadn't been for the noise created from a door slamming on a nearby barrack, Ranma told himself. He tried to shake himself out of his stupor. I'm losing it.
If it happens like last time, I may kill some innocent people, and even some men that I have come to like. I thought I could handle this, but it's too much. The responsibility is horrible, how can I be responsible for other people's lives, especially when I can't even get a good grip over my own. Well, at least it won't matter now; they'll lock me up for beating that Chinese sonofabitch up. Hopefully I won't spend too much time in prison, maybe I'll get out on some technicality.
Ranma closed his eyes and lay back on the cot. He let a deep sigh escape his throat.
"This can't be my life," Ranma groaned.
Just as sleep began to claim him, a very loud knock sounded at the door, startling Ranma.
"Mail call!" a gruff voice called from outside the door.
"What the hell?" Ranma asked as he moved to the door, opening it.
The sergeant from Ranma's platoon stood at the door, a large smile playing across his face. He held an envelope in his right hand which was resting by his side.
"Good evening sir," the sergeant said. Ranma realized with shame that he did not even know his name.
"What brings you out here sergeant?" Ranma asked, trying to sound relaxed. His effort failed miserably.
"Well sir, I was called before the CO today and he had a special task for me."
Oh shit, Ranma thought. I'm in big trouble.
"It seems that there was a situation and some very special procedures were needed," the sergeant said. Then, as if he had read Ranma's mind, he said, "Nothing to worry about sir, it just seems that a General Ryutaro asked that this letter be passed onto you. You're actually pretty lucky, all other mail addressed to soldiers is being held and edited for proper reading."
The sergeant raised his arm and handed Ranma the letter. Just as Ranma was about to turn around, he leaned forward to whisper in Ranma's ear.
"You don't need to worry about being brought up on any charges sir, a friend of mine in the mail office just accidentally 'lost' the letter sent out by the CO to Japan, and he 'forgot' to report it. So it may be about two or three weeks before anyone notices."
Ranma guessed that the sergeant took a special joy out of seeing the shocked expression on his face, judging by the smile that lit up his face. The sergeant nodded his head once and walked off down the hall.
Ranma, who was still shocked, closed the door and walked back to his cot. He sat down with a thump and stared dumbly at the letter.
It was addressed to Private Ranma Saotome, and there was a small note attached to the envelope. He removed it.
This letter just happened to be passed under my desk, and I happened to think that I was due for my annual good deed for the week. Maybe if you're lucky, your reply to this letter will pass by my desk at the next one.
General Ryutaro
Ranma smiled and set the note aside, he carefully opened the envelope and pulled the letter out. Just by smelling it Ranma knew who it was from. Akane.
He began reading.
Hello my dear sweet husband;
I have taken the time out of my busy day of sitting in the house to write you this letter. As strange as it may sound, I sort of miss you, and I have even begun thinking that just maybe I might love you. But we both know how impossible that is. Still, maybe there is something going on between us.
Okay, now that I've gotten all these sarcastic feelings out of me, I think I can tell you just how much I really miss you. The house has never been emptier, without your presence it feels as if someone has ripped the life out of the entire community. And to me it seems as if someone has taken the most important thing away from me.
I want you to know that no matter what happens, I will be waiting for you, and nothing you can do will ever change that.
I have an ulterior motive for writing these loving words. By filling you with the love of your wife, I'm hoping to deter you from sampling any of the local flavors (you know what I mean).
I know I know, you would never cheat on me, but that doesn't mean I can't worry, in fact, that's about all I've been doing since you left. Maybe, when you write me back I will stop worrying so much.
If you are having trouble thinking about what your going to say in the letter, than maybe you can explain why a letter came back to the Dojo telling me to address all my letters to Second Lieutenant Ranma Saotome. What's that about Ranma? They already recognize your overall overabundance in skill and promote you. I know our parents will definitely want to know about that.
Oh, I almost forgot. Guess who dropped in while you were gone. Ishii! He got across on a freighter. Turns out that Phil had some news, and he recommended that Ishii come and tell us it face-to-face. If you're wondering what that news was, I'll tell you. But I'm not going to go into any specifics, as Ishii told me that it might get you into trouble. Okay, I'll give you the news in code, and I'm sure that even you can translate it. Here goes: Your wife's twin is in war country. He is alive and the U.S. know.
I can tell you that Akari cried her eyes out when Ishii told her. I'm so happy for her; I just hope that they can get him out of there.
I don't want to go into anymore detail as I think that I am beginning to babble, for I am quite happy about it myself. I don't want you to worry about it either Ranma, Phil said that he would not stop until he got all the information he needed.
I'd better go now, I'm not sure I can keep writing this, as I think I might begin to cry. I hope you know just how much I love you, but if you happened to forget I'll tell you again.
I love you, Your loving wife.
Ranma noticed that the last few lines were a little shaky, as if the person writing was unable to control their hand. He would have had to been blind to not see the tear stains on the paper, which made Ranma's eyes sting.
"Alright Akane, like you said, no matter what I do you'll be waiting for me. I'm going to hold you to that, as I'm not too sure I'm going to be the same person after this war."
Taking a deep breath, Ranma stuffed the letter into the envelope and got to his feet. He walked to the door and opened it, walking down the hall wear the officer of the guardhouse was sitting behind a desk reading the Japanese Playboy.
"If it's alright with you, I think I'll be on my way now," Ranma said his voice clear and stern.
Somewhat startled, the guard quickly dropped his magazine and rose to his feet, affecting a very sharp salute.
"Have a good day," Ranma said, smiling at the officer and exiting the building.
===============
Akane smiled slightly when the mailman walked down the front walk into the Saotome Dojo. She ran out the front door and met him halfway.
"Good morning Mrs. Saotome," the mailman said, extending his hand, which held a stack of envelopes.
"Good morning," Akane said back and took the offered envelopes. She smiled at the postman as he turned and walked back out.
Turning around, Akane walked back into the house and shut the door behind her, quickly looking through the mail. She moved into the kitchen, where Akari and Kimura were having a cup of tea. She smiled to them and continued looking through the mail.
"Who would have thought a Dojo could have so much mail?" Akari said. She was smiling at Kimura when she said it but when she turned back to Akane her smile dropped.
Akane had dropped the mail, except for one letter, and it looked like she was trembling and was about to cry.
"What's wrong Akane," Akari asked, getting up and walking over to her. Kimura followed behind her.
"T-the letter, it's from Ranma," Akane said in a soft voice as she showed the envelope to them.
Kimura looked closely at the envelope.
"Second Lieutenant Ranma Saotome Infantry? What the heck is that about?" Kimura asked as he read the sender name.
"Who cares about that," Akari said, pushing the letter back into Akane's hands. "Open it up!"
Akane smiled at Akari and looked down at the envelope. She lightly tore it open and extracted the letter inside.
The three of them began to read.
Dear Tomboy, (uh, scratch that) Dear my beloved wife, (yeah that's better)
As I am writing this letter to you I am sitting inside the officer's barracks. My room is about the size of out room, which is nice, and my platoon is just across the field so I can get over there without worrying about getting lost. We landed in China about a week ago, and I'm still getting adjusted. There are almost 3,000 soldiers here, and were all crammed into the base.
Ugh, I just finished eating my supper in the mess hall and I can certainly say that I am dearly missing your cooking, and Akari's.
If Ishii is over there, I feel a little better, but I've got some words of warning for you Akane. Do not let Ishii involve you or Akari in any way if he is planning something (which I'm almost certainly sure he is). I don't want to have to worrying about you guys while I'm over here. I hope you guys haven't already promised your help, because I know first hand just how stubborn the both of you are.
This next part is for Akari.
Hey babe, I want you to know that I've got an idea about Ryoga. So if Phil's plan doesn't work, than I'll get him out of there. Even if it means getting in trouble with the government, you can bet that I'll spring him the first opportunity I get. So please don't go crying anymore, your face is just too pretty for that.
Alright Akane, back to you. I want you to know just how much your letter helped me. When I first got here I was absolutely depressed, almost to the point where I could have performed the perfected Shi Shi Hokodan. But your letter arrived just in time, and now I feel like a new person, full of energy. Don't take that the wrong way though; I'm not even going to glance at any women I see. Besides, if the temptation gets to bad, I've got a cool glass of water by my side.
I'm really worried though Akane. I've been having thoughts about what might happen if I go into Russia. A couple of the other officers were saying that if America does decide to help Russia (which I'm sure they will) they will send in a Special Forces team first. I just can't help thinking that I might end up fighting Phil out there, and I couldn't handle that. He's one of my best friends, and I don't want to end up having to fight him and maybe even kill him.
I can't get those thoughts out of my head, and I suppose I'm just going to have to deal with them before I do anything else.
I'm just about out of steam here, so I'm going to wrap up this letter. It occurs to me that I have yet to tell you just how much I love you so I will take the opportunity.
I love you Akane, you have given me everything that I have ever wanted in my life. A loving wife, someone to care about, Kagome. You are what makes me who I am, nothing else.
Oh yeah, if your wondering about the Second Lieutenant thing, than just glance at the photo I included, it should help clear things up.
Your loving husband, Ranma
Akane looked at the envelope in her hand and pulled a photograph from inside. The photo was of Ranma, standing before a building with a large smile plastered on his face. He was wearing the uniform of a Second Lieutenant of the Japanese Army.
"Oh my god," Akari exclaimed silently as she looked at the photo. "He looks so handsome."
Akane rubbed the back of her hand against her face to wipe the tears that had collected on her cheeks. She laughed when she looked at the photograph.
"Looks like what I wrote to him was right," she said. Looking at his face made her feel warm inside. She tried to stop it but she began to cry.
"Akane?" Akari asked worriedly.
"It's okay," Akane said, trying hard to smile. "Just seeing him all decked out in that uniform makes me realize that he's really going to be fighting."
Kimura placed a comforting hand on Akane's shoulder.
"If there was ever a word that could describe what Ranma is, it would be a warrior," Kimura said softly. "Ranma has been in more fights than most people have had days. And if half the things that have been said about him are true, that he has never been beaten, and he has never given up when he thinks the battle could be won. Ranma is not the sort of man that would die in a war; he would be the kind of man that would thrive on it."
Akane smiled at Kimura and threw her arms around him.
"Thank you, Isamu," Akane said quietly.
"You're welcome Akane."
===============
Russian President, Vladimir Andropov, had a decision to make.
He had just received the very uncomfortable news that the no satellite photos had revealed the location of the Japanese soldiers that had crossed into China. This news was unsettling because he would now have to make the decision if he would either alert the country to the threat facing them from the southeast, with the belief that China and Japan were indeed within weeks of invading Siberia, or if he would hold off on his announcement with the belief that the two countries had yet to fully organize and were not prepared to mount an invasion.
Both decisions were less than appealing. Mass hysteria or lying to your country was not decisions that any sane man would want to make.
His press officer had been little help. The man had merely reiterated what the President had been mulling over for the past two days. This had earned him a verbal reprimand.
President Andropov leaned back into his chair and sighed. Democracy was not proving to be a very good way of running the country yet. The mafia were running their little games in the city and the Russian people were starving.
But communism had proven to be a very ineffective way of running a country. Brutally suppressing your own people, and turning your back to the rest of the world was not the ideal way for a country to act. Eventually the people would fight back, and the world would lose their patience.
The President looked at the document sitting on his desk and sighed. It neatly detailed the areas that the Russian and American satellites had photographed, and told him that they had discovered absolutely nothing.
Today was not a good day.
But perhaps the Chinese and Japanese had realized what faced them when they invaded and gotten cold feet. The President shook his head. Absurd, the leaders of those countries had absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. Both countries are on the brink of economic ruin, and all they have right now is whatever they can get from other countries.
"The Russian people need to be told," the President said aloud. If we are going to have any hope of repelling the threat to Siberia, then the Russian people will need to have the hatred they felt before for their enemies. We have done it before, and we will do it again.
Feeling elated, Vladimir Andropov, the Russian President, reached across his desk and hit the button on his phone that punched him through to his secretary outside.
"Bring my press secretary back in here, I need to think up a speech to deliver later this evening," he said in a soft but commanding tone.
"Right away sir," the voice of his secretary rang out.
Well, the President thought, maybe the situation is not as hopeless as I thought it was. We can keep those bastards out of our land, and this millennium will bring a new glory to the Russian people.
===============
"The problem is simple, we have simply allowed ourselves to move to spread ourselves to thin," the Secretary of the Army stated as he addressed the President and several other high ranking politicians.
"So what you are saying is that we cannot get involved in a war between China, Japan, and Russia, if we want to keep our troops in Afghanistan?" the President asked.
"Yes sir," SECARMY said.
"So what you're also saying is that, I will not be able to keep my promise to President Andropov. That if indeed Japan and China invade, we will be unable to come to their aide."
"Yes sir," SECARMY repeated.
"So I'm supposed to tell President Andropov the next time that he calls me asking for American assistance, that were sorry, but you caught us in the middle of a war, if you'd like to wait a month, than I'm sure we can help you rebuild Moscow."
An uncomfortable silence befell the room and the secretary of the army flushed with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry Mr. President, but I can only give you the facts as I see them," he said quickly. "All of our Navy and Air Force forces are deployed in the Middle East, except for a few Navy battle cruisers and Air Force Squadrons that are deployed in the Pacific, just in the south of Mexico. We could divert the rest of our forces here to move towards an Asian war, but that would leave the United States defenseless against any kind of attack that terrorists or maybe other countries may be forming."
The President seemed to consider what he said for a moment before sighing.
"You are right of course general, I'm sorry I made such a snappy comment, I've had some trouble sleeping these past few days," the President said as he rubbed at his eyes, hoping to remove the intense headache that was pounding in his sinuses.
"It is quite alright Mr. President," SECARMY said.
"Alright, how about we knock off for the night," the President said and rose from his seat around the table. He got reaffirming nods from the men gathered around the table and smiled to each man as they exited the room.
"Just a moment general!" President Winnfield called as the general was about to step through the door.
"Is there a problem sir," SECARMY asked the President somewhat uneasily, but he obliged the President and sat down again at the table.
The President took a seat directly across from him and passed the general a cup of coffee.
"Tell me general, is it true that we have absolutely no resources to divert to Russia?" the President asked in a deadpan voice.
The SECARMY cleared his throat and took a sip of coffee.
"Well sir, it's not too say that we don't have any sources that we may be able to divert, it's just that we don't have anything that could make a significant impact in the war."
"Well I just want it to look like were trying to help Russia and not like were sitting back so we can send the winners a gift basket."
The general looked a little uncomfortable.
"Well sir, the truth is I did send a message down to the Special Warfare School, so that they could mount some A teams to perhaps move into Siberia," the general said.
"You did this without my approval?" President Winnfield asked, though not unkindly.
"No sir," SECARMY shook his head. "You may remember that about a month ago you gave me the order to find out what resources we had that could be immediately diverted to Asia, just in case their happened to be a war. I took this as a request to prepare some resources just in case so I sent a letter down to the commander of the Special Warfare School, and asked him to mobilize as many resources as he could."
The President looked at the general for a moment.
"Are they prepared yet to go into Russia?"
"Not quite sir," SECARMY admitted. "You see, we caught them in the middle of their training season and because of that they have to retrain their soldiers in the type of warfare that their bound to do when they reach Russia."
"Do the troops know what's going on?"
"I would have to say no Mr. President, the commander that I instructed has yet to tell anyone about what's happening, and I suppose the other troops just believe it's a new training technique that their new commander has come up with."
"Good," the President said. "I want it to stay that way for as long as possible, I don't want anyone that I have not personally approved of to hear about this. Though I doubt that it's going to be a secret for very long."
"Sir?"
The President reached into a briefcase and handed a piece of paper over to the general.
"It seems that the Japanese have already been sending troops into China. It's been almost three weeks and we have yet to discover where they went after landing on the coast."
The general did not reply as he scanned the page.
"Does this mean that we have no idea where almost five thousand soldiers have gone? Isn't it a little hard to hide that many troops?"
"It would appear that the Chinese moved them to a very remote location, or that is at least our reasoning. We have our satellites probing all of China round the clock, but we haven't found anything yet. It's my hope that were able to find them before they end up across the Russian border without any idea where they are on our or the Russian's part."
SECARMY did not reply.
"Get those soldiers ready general," the President said, rising to his feet. "I want them in Siberia before the Chinese and Japanese."
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Author's Notes: Oh, only three reviews, I'm hurt. I guess you guys didn't like the last chapter.
I have sort of happy-sad news this week. I was finally able to talk to my husband (it took almost this long for him to finally get a satellite phone from the army). While this is great news for me, he had less than great news to say himself. It seems that all the soldiers based where he is are not very happy with the large protests that are being staged throughout the world. My husband referred to it as being like the Vietnam War. Granted he was just born around the beginning of that war, but all soldiers have a good idea what things were like in that time.
I just want to put it into words exactly what he said:
It would appear that since everybody has been able to forget about the images of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon being attacked, they feel that it is alright to preach what they think is the right thing to do. War protestors are becoming daring, and I have received the unfortunate news from a friend of mine in London that said he was spit on as he walked down the street in his uniform. Curses like, 'babykiller', are once again being used in a way that makes me think of the Vietnam War. This is not an acceptable way of doing things. Anti-Americanism seems to be a world sport nowadays, what with the burning of President Bush dolls, and the hatred that is directed to all of those that have any plan on supporting the war on Iraq.
We were given a rude awakening on September 11, 2001, and the world has been quick to forget that. Only nations that have the strongest ties with the United States have been giving their approval of a war with Iraq. Nations like France, and Germany have been vehemently denying that they can see any good in an Iraqi war. Those words are coming from nations who, if not for the United States intervention, would be under the rule of a tyrannical war monger. Peace is a hard thing to come by, and most of the time, to reach a peaceful state, war is necessary. The United States has helped so many, and asked for so little in return. We have granted so many nations the help that they desired, and now, when we have finally asked for something in return, they have turned their backs to us.
The United States has contributed more than every nation combined in the UN to their goal, and we have given more soldiers and money than it is pleasant to think. President Bush has yet to declare war on Iraq. He is waiting because he wants the support of his allies. The United States does not need the support of their allies, yet President Bush is waiting, hoping to get UN approval. But he won't wait forever. The weapons inspectors have asked for more time but I can't see that happening.
To all the protestors and people that have hatred towards this war remember: When you do not lift a hand to stop evil, you become a part of it. (End Speech)
There, that's the end of his little speech. I'm no politician, or soldier, but I think my husband is right. But I'm not going to go in depth with anybody about it.
Ranma fell asleep shortly after the MP's (Military Police) showed up and arrested him and the captain.
Apparently someone in a nearby barrack had heard the short scuffle and called the MP's, for by the time Ranma had begun crying, the police were there and asking questions. Ranma had been unable to answer them. He had also been unable to get up from the ground.
Under normal procedures, Ranma would have been interrogated right away, and when they found out that he had indeed inflected the wounds upon the Chinese captain, he would have been arrested and placed in a cell. But a very sympathetic guard house officer had Ranma placed on a cot, with one guard placed outside the door. This did not bother Ranma, as he had simply gone into a state of utter depression.
The sympathetic guard house officer tried to get Ranma to talk about what happened. He very gently explained that the Chinese captain had accused him of attacking him when he was walking out of his barrack, and if Ranma wouldn't tell his side of the story, than he would be arrested on the charges of assault on a superior officer.
Ranma understood what he was being told, but he couldn't talk. He merely asked very quietly if he could lie down for awhile.
When he was alone, Ranma was finally able to think things through.
I snapped. I would have killed that officer if it hadn't been for the noise created from a door slamming on a nearby barrack, Ranma told himself. He tried to shake himself out of his stupor. I'm losing it.
If it happens like last time, I may kill some innocent people, and even some men that I have come to like. I thought I could handle this, but it's too much. The responsibility is horrible, how can I be responsible for other people's lives, especially when I can't even get a good grip over my own. Well, at least it won't matter now; they'll lock me up for beating that Chinese sonofabitch up. Hopefully I won't spend too much time in prison, maybe I'll get out on some technicality.
Ranma closed his eyes and lay back on the cot. He let a deep sigh escape his throat.
"This can't be my life," Ranma groaned.
Just as sleep began to claim him, a very loud knock sounded at the door, startling Ranma.
"Mail call!" a gruff voice called from outside the door.
"What the hell?" Ranma asked as he moved to the door, opening it.
The sergeant from Ranma's platoon stood at the door, a large smile playing across his face. He held an envelope in his right hand which was resting by his side.
"Good evening sir," the sergeant said. Ranma realized with shame that he did not even know his name.
"What brings you out here sergeant?" Ranma asked, trying to sound relaxed. His effort failed miserably.
"Well sir, I was called before the CO today and he had a special task for me."
Oh shit, Ranma thought. I'm in big trouble.
"It seems that there was a situation and some very special procedures were needed," the sergeant said. Then, as if he had read Ranma's mind, he said, "Nothing to worry about sir, it just seems that a General Ryutaro asked that this letter be passed onto you. You're actually pretty lucky, all other mail addressed to soldiers is being held and edited for proper reading."
The sergeant raised his arm and handed Ranma the letter. Just as Ranma was about to turn around, he leaned forward to whisper in Ranma's ear.
"You don't need to worry about being brought up on any charges sir, a friend of mine in the mail office just accidentally 'lost' the letter sent out by the CO to Japan, and he 'forgot' to report it. So it may be about two or three weeks before anyone notices."
Ranma guessed that the sergeant took a special joy out of seeing the shocked expression on his face, judging by the smile that lit up his face. The sergeant nodded his head once and walked off down the hall.
Ranma, who was still shocked, closed the door and walked back to his cot. He sat down with a thump and stared dumbly at the letter.
It was addressed to Private Ranma Saotome, and there was a small note attached to the envelope. He removed it.
This letter just happened to be passed under my desk, and I happened to think that I was due for my annual good deed for the week. Maybe if you're lucky, your reply to this letter will pass by my desk at the next one.
General Ryutaro
Ranma smiled and set the note aside, he carefully opened the envelope and pulled the letter out. Just by smelling it Ranma knew who it was from. Akane.
He began reading.
Hello my dear sweet husband;
I have taken the time out of my busy day of sitting in the house to write you this letter. As strange as it may sound, I sort of miss you, and I have even begun thinking that just maybe I might love you. But we both know how impossible that is. Still, maybe there is something going on between us.
Okay, now that I've gotten all these sarcastic feelings out of me, I think I can tell you just how much I really miss you. The house has never been emptier, without your presence it feels as if someone has ripped the life out of the entire community. And to me it seems as if someone has taken the most important thing away from me.
I want you to know that no matter what happens, I will be waiting for you, and nothing you can do will ever change that.
I have an ulterior motive for writing these loving words. By filling you with the love of your wife, I'm hoping to deter you from sampling any of the local flavors (you know what I mean).
I know I know, you would never cheat on me, but that doesn't mean I can't worry, in fact, that's about all I've been doing since you left. Maybe, when you write me back I will stop worrying so much.
If you are having trouble thinking about what your going to say in the letter, than maybe you can explain why a letter came back to the Dojo telling me to address all my letters to Second Lieutenant Ranma Saotome. What's that about Ranma? They already recognize your overall overabundance in skill and promote you. I know our parents will definitely want to know about that.
Oh, I almost forgot. Guess who dropped in while you were gone. Ishii! He got across on a freighter. Turns out that Phil had some news, and he recommended that Ishii come and tell us it face-to-face. If you're wondering what that news was, I'll tell you. But I'm not going to go into any specifics, as Ishii told me that it might get you into trouble. Okay, I'll give you the news in code, and I'm sure that even you can translate it. Here goes: Your wife's twin is in war country. He is alive and the U.S. know.
I can tell you that Akari cried her eyes out when Ishii told her. I'm so happy for her; I just hope that they can get him out of there.
I don't want to go into anymore detail as I think that I am beginning to babble, for I am quite happy about it myself. I don't want you to worry about it either Ranma, Phil said that he would not stop until he got all the information he needed.
I'd better go now, I'm not sure I can keep writing this, as I think I might begin to cry. I hope you know just how much I love you, but if you happened to forget I'll tell you again.
I love you, Your loving wife.
Ranma noticed that the last few lines were a little shaky, as if the person writing was unable to control their hand. He would have had to been blind to not see the tear stains on the paper, which made Ranma's eyes sting.
"Alright Akane, like you said, no matter what I do you'll be waiting for me. I'm going to hold you to that, as I'm not too sure I'm going to be the same person after this war."
Taking a deep breath, Ranma stuffed the letter into the envelope and got to his feet. He walked to the door and opened it, walking down the hall wear the officer of the guardhouse was sitting behind a desk reading the Japanese Playboy.
"If it's alright with you, I think I'll be on my way now," Ranma said his voice clear and stern.
Somewhat startled, the guard quickly dropped his magazine and rose to his feet, affecting a very sharp salute.
"Have a good day," Ranma said, smiling at the officer and exiting the building.
===============
Akane smiled slightly when the mailman walked down the front walk into the Saotome Dojo. She ran out the front door and met him halfway.
"Good morning Mrs. Saotome," the mailman said, extending his hand, which held a stack of envelopes.
"Good morning," Akane said back and took the offered envelopes. She smiled at the postman as he turned and walked back out.
Turning around, Akane walked back into the house and shut the door behind her, quickly looking through the mail. She moved into the kitchen, where Akari and Kimura were having a cup of tea. She smiled to them and continued looking through the mail.
"Who would have thought a Dojo could have so much mail?" Akari said. She was smiling at Kimura when she said it but when she turned back to Akane her smile dropped.
Akane had dropped the mail, except for one letter, and it looked like she was trembling and was about to cry.
"What's wrong Akane," Akari asked, getting up and walking over to her. Kimura followed behind her.
"T-the letter, it's from Ranma," Akane said in a soft voice as she showed the envelope to them.
Kimura looked closely at the envelope.
"Second Lieutenant Ranma Saotome Infantry? What the heck is that about?" Kimura asked as he read the sender name.
"Who cares about that," Akari said, pushing the letter back into Akane's hands. "Open it up!"
Akane smiled at Akari and looked down at the envelope. She lightly tore it open and extracted the letter inside.
The three of them began to read.
Dear Tomboy, (uh, scratch that) Dear my beloved wife, (yeah that's better)
As I am writing this letter to you I am sitting inside the officer's barracks. My room is about the size of out room, which is nice, and my platoon is just across the field so I can get over there without worrying about getting lost. We landed in China about a week ago, and I'm still getting adjusted. There are almost 3,000 soldiers here, and were all crammed into the base.
Ugh, I just finished eating my supper in the mess hall and I can certainly say that I am dearly missing your cooking, and Akari's.
If Ishii is over there, I feel a little better, but I've got some words of warning for you Akane. Do not let Ishii involve you or Akari in any way if he is planning something (which I'm almost certainly sure he is). I don't want to have to worrying about you guys while I'm over here. I hope you guys haven't already promised your help, because I know first hand just how stubborn the both of you are.
This next part is for Akari.
Hey babe, I want you to know that I've got an idea about Ryoga. So if Phil's plan doesn't work, than I'll get him out of there. Even if it means getting in trouble with the government, you can bet that I'll spring him the first opportunity I get. So please don't go crying anymore, your face is just too pretty for that.
Alright Akane, back to you. I want you to know just how much your letter helped me. When I first got here I was absolutely depressed, almost to the point where I could have performed the perfected Shi Shi Hokodan. But your letter arrived just in time, and now I feel like a new person, full of energy. Don't take that the wrong way though; I'm not even going to glance at any women I see. Besides, if the temptation gets to bad, I've got a cool glass of water by my side.
I'm really worried though Akane. I've been having thoughts about what might happen if I go into Russia. A couple of the other officers were saying that if America does decide to help Russia (which I'm sure they will) they will send in a Special Forces team first. I just can't help thinking that I might end up fighting Phil out there, and I couldn't handle that. He's one of my best friends, and I don't want to end up having to fight him and maybe even kill him.
I can't get those thoughts out of my head, and I suppose I'm just going to have to deal with them before I do anything else.
I'm just about out of steam here, so I'm going to wrap up this letter. It occurs to me that I have yet to tell you just how much I love you so I will take the opportunity.
I love you Akane, you have given me everything that I have ever wanted in my life. A loving wife, someone to care about, Kagome. You are what makes me who I am, nothing else.
Oh yeah, if your wondering about the Second Lieutenant thing, than just glance at the photo I included, it should help clear things up.
Your loving husband, Ranma
Akane looked at the envelope in her hand and pulled a photograph from inside. The photo was of Ranma, standing before a building with a large smile plastered on his face. He was wearing the uniform of a Second Lieutenant of the Japanese Army.
"Oh my god," Akari exclaimed silently as she looked at the photo. "He looks so handsome."
Akane rubbed the back of her hand against her face to wipe the tears that had collected on her cheeks. She laughed when she looked at the photograph.
"Looks like what I wrote to him was right," she said. Looking at his face made her feel warm inside. She tried to stop it but she began to cry.
"Akane?" Akari asked worriedly.
"It's okay," Akane said, trying hard to smile. "Just seeing him all decked out in that uniform makes me realize that he's really going to be fighting."
Kimura placed a comforting hand on Akane's shoulder.
"If there was ever a word that could describe what Ranma is, it would be a warrior," Kimura said softly. "Ranma has been in more fights than most people have had days. And if half the things that have been said about him are true, that he has never been beaten, and he has never given up when he thinks the battle could be won. Ranma is not the sort of man that would die in a war; he would be the kind of man that would thrive on it."
Akane smiled at Kimura and threw her arms around him.
"Thank you, Isamu," Akane said quietly.
"You're welcome Akane."
===============
Russian President, Vladimir Andropov, had a decision to make.
He had just received the very uncomfortable news that the no satellite photos had revealed the location of the Japanese soldiers that had crossed into China. This news was unsettling because he would now have to make the decision if he would either alert the country to the threat facing them from the southeast, with the belief that China and Japan were indeed within weeks of invading Siberia, or if he would hold off on his announcement with the belief that the two countries had yet to fully organize and were not prepared to mount an invasion.
Both decisions were less than appealing. Mass hysteria or lying to your country was not decisions that any sane man would want to make.
His press officer had been little help. The man had merely reiterated what the President had been mulling over for the past two days. This had earned him a verbal reprimand.
President Andropov leaned back into his chair and sighed. Democracy was not proving to be a very good way of running the country yet. The mafia were running their little games in the city and the Russian people were starving.
But communism had proven to be a very ineffective way of running a country. Brutally suppressing your own people, and turning your back to the rest of the world was not the ideal way for a country to act. Eventually the people would fight back, and the world would lose their patience.
The President looked at the document sitting on his desk and sighed. It neatly detailed the areas that the Russian and American satellites had photographed, and told him that they had discovered absolutely nothing.
Today was not a good day.
But perhaps the Chinese and Japanese had realized what faced them when they invaded and gotten cold feet. The President shook his head. Absurd, the leaders of those countries had absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. Both countries are on the brink of economic ruin, and all they have right now is whatever they can get from other countries.
"The Russian people need to be told," the President said aloud. If we are going to have any hope of repelling the threat to Siberia, then the Russian people will need to have the hatred they felt before for their enemies. We have done it before, and we will do it again.
Feeling elated, Vladimir Andropov, the Russian President, reached across his desk and hit the button on his phone that punched him through to his secretary outside.
"Bring my press secretary back in here, I need to think up a speech to deliver later this evening," he said in a soft but commanding tone.
"Right away sir," the voice of his secretary rang out.
Well, the President thought, maybe the situation is not as hopeless as I thought it was. We can keep those bastards out of our land, and this millennium will bring a new glory to the Russian people.
===============
"The problem is simple, we have simply allowed ourselves to move to spread ourselves to thin," the Secretary of the Army stated as he addressed the President and several other high ranking politicians.
"So what you are saying is that we cannot get involved in a war between China, Japan, and Russia, if we want to keep our troops in Afghanistan?" the President asked.
"Yes sir," SECARMY said.
"So what you're also saying is that, I will not be able to keep my promise to President Andropov. That if indeed Japan and China invade, we will be unable to come to their aide."
"Yes sir," SECARMY repeated.
"So I'm supposed to tell President Andropov the next time that he calls me asking for American assistance, that were sorry, but you caught us in the middle of a war, if you'd like to wait a month, than I'm sure we can help you rebuild Moscow."
An uncomfortable silence befell the room and the secretary of the army flushed with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry Mr. President, but I can only give you the facts as I see them," he said quickly. "All of our Navy and Air Force forces are deployed in the Middle East, except for a few Navy battle cruisers and Air Force Squadrons that are deployed in the Pacific, just in the south of Mexico. We could divert the rest of our forces here to move towards an Asian war, but that would leave the United States defenseless against any kind of attack that terrorists or maybe other countries may be forming."
The President seemed to consider what he said for a moment before sighing.
"You are right of course general, I'm sorry I made such a snappy comment, I've had some trouble sleeping these past few days," the President said as he rubbed at his eyes, hoping to remove the intense headache that was pounding in his sinuses.
"It is quite alright Mr. President," SECARMY said.
"Alright, how about we knock off for the night," the President said and rose from his seat around the table. He got reaffirming nods from the men gathered around the table and smiled to each man as they exited the room.
"Just a moment general!" President Winnfield called as the general was about to step through the door.
"Is there a problem sir," SECARMY asked the President somewhat uneasily, but he obliged the President and sat down again at the table.
The President took a seat directly across from him and passed the general a cup of coffee.
"Tell me general, is it true that we have absolutely no resources to divert to Russia?" the President asked in a deadpan voice.
The SECARMY cleared his throat and took a sip of coffee.
"Well sir, it's not too say that we don't have any sources that we may be able to divert, it's just that we don't have anything that could make a significant impact in the war."
"Well I just want it to look like were trying to help Russia and not like were sitting back so we can send the winners a gift basket."
The general looked a little uncomfortable.
"Well sir, the truth is I did send a message down to the Special Warfare School, so that they could mount some A teams to perhaps move into Siberia," the general said.
"You did this without my approval?" President Winnfield asked, though not unkindly.
"No sir," SECARMY shook his head. "You may remember that about a month ago you gave me the order to find out what resources we had that could be immediately diverted to Asia, just in case their happened to be a war. I took this as a request to prepare some resources just in case so I sent a letter down to the commander of the Special Warfare School, and asked him to mobilize as many resources as he could."
The President looked at the general for a moment.
"Are they prepared yet to go into Russia?"
"Not quite sir," SECARMY admitted. "You see, we caught them in the middle of their training season and because of that they have to retrain their soldiers in the type of warfare that their bound to do when they reach Russia."
"Do the troops know what's going on?"
"I would have to say no Mr. President, the commander that I instructed has yet to tell anyone about what's happening, and I suppose the other troops just believe it's a new training technique that their new commander has come up with."
"Good," the President said. "I want it to stay that way for as long as possible, I don't want anyone that I have not personally approved of to hear about this. Though I doubt that it's going to be a secret for very long."
"Sir?"
The President reached into a briefcase and handed a piece of paper over to the general.
"It seems that the Japanese have already been sending troops into China. It's been almost three weeks and we have yet to discover where they went after landing on the coast."
The general did not reply as he scanned the page.
"Does this mean that we have no idea where almost five thousand soldiers have gone? Isn't it a little hard to hide that many troops?"
"It would appear that the Chinese moved them to a very remote location, or that is at least our reasoning. We have our satellites probing all of China round the clock, but we haven't found anything yet. It's my hope that were able to find them before they end up across the Russian border without any idea where they are on our or the Russian's part."
SECARMY did not reply.
"Get those soldiers ready general," the President said, rising to his feet. "I want them in Siberia before the Chinese and Japanese."
===============
Author's Notes: Oh, only three reviews, I'm hurt. I guess you guys didn't like the last chapter.
I have sort of happy-sad news this week. I was finally able to talk to my husband (it took almost this long for him to finally get a satellite phone from the army). While this is great news for me, he had less than great news to say himself. It seems that all the soldiers based where he is are not very happy with the large protests that are being staged throughout the world. My husband referred to it as being like the Vietnam War. Granted he was just born around the beginning of that war, but all soldiers have a good idea what things were like in that time.
I just want to put it into words exactly what he said:
It would appear that since everybody has been able to forget about the images of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon being attacked, they feel that it is alright to preach what they think is the right thing to do. War protestors are becoming daring, and I have received the unfortunate news from a friend of mine in London that said he was spit on as he walked down the street in his uniform. Curses like, 'babykiller', are once again being used in a way that makes me think of the Vietnam War. This is not an acceptable way of doing things. Anti-Americanism seems to be a world sport nowadays, what with the burning of President Bush dolls, and the hatred that is directed to all of those that have any plan on supporting the war on Iraq.
We were given a rude awakening on September 11, 2001, and the world has been quick to forget that. Only nations that have the strongest ties with the United States have been giving their approval of a war with Iraq. Nations like France, and Germany have been vehemently denying that they can see any good in an Iraqi war. Those words are coming from nations who, if not for the United States intervention, would be under the rule of a tyrannical war monger. Peace is a hard thing to come by, and most of the time, to reach a peaceful state, war is necessary. The United States has helped so many, and asked for so little in return. We have granted so many nations the help that they desired, and now, when we have finally asked for something in return, they have turned their backs to us.
The United States has contributed more than every nation combined in the UN to their goal, and we have given more soldiers and money than it is pleasant to think. President Bush has yet to declare war on Iraq. He is waiting because he wants the support of his allies. The United States does not need the support of their allies, yet President Bush is waiting, hoping to get UN approval. But he won't wait forever. The weapons inspectors have asked for more time but I can't see that happening.
To all the protestors and people that have hatred towards this war remember: When you do not lift a hand to stop evil, you become a part of it. (End Speech)
There, that's the end of his little speech. I'm no politician, or soldier, but I think my husband is right. But I'm not going to go in depth with anybody about it.