In the parking lot there was a lively discussion over which carol to sing. In spite of his having started the whole thing, Togusa now left the planning to the Major. She suggested title after title, but always only a couple of the men knew each song. Ishikawa privately wondered how she knew so many Christmas songs.
"So, someone tell me a song he does know," the Major demanded, showing rare exasperation.
"How about Feliz Navidad?" suggested Saito, and there was a murmur of agreement from nearly everyone.
"Feliz Navidad?" exclaimed Togusa. "I don't know that! What is that, Spanish or something? How on earth would you all know it?"
Saito shrugged, "South America," was all he said. The rest of the guys laughed ruefully, a more somber mood suddenly taking over the group.
Paz broke the tension by laughing and said, "See Togusa, we really did need you for some variety in the Section! You're not just the only family man, you're also the only one of us who didn't serve in South America in some fashion." He draped his arms around Saito and Borma and cheerfully bellowed, "Come on! Let's get going then so we can get to the fun afterwards!"
"Togusa, since you don't know the song anyway, go get your wife and kids ready for this experience and we'll wait outside the door," the Major ordered as they moved toward the stairs.
The caroling was a success by any standards that don't include accuracy of pitch or lyrics, but it still brought tears to Togusa's eyes to see how happy his wife was. The children gleefully climbed all over everyone. They were especially fascinated with Ishikawa's beard, asking if he was Santa Claus' brother. When they began to pull on it, Ishikawa got particularly nervous. Togusa laughed and shooed the childrenoff to bed.
"I'd like to serve you some egg nog in thanks," Togusa's wife offered the group shyly.
"It's a traditional Christmas drink," Togusa explained.
"I don't know," Ishikawa said, "I'm not too keen on drinking eggs anymore after this one time . . . " He broke off and grimaced when Borma laughed at him.
"Oh, it's more than eggs, it has bourbon and rum too!" Togusa's wife was quick to reassure him.
"Well then! I suppose I can't let bourbon go to waste," Ishikawa decided.
When those who wanted to had all sampled some egg nog, Saito and Paz couldn't be held any longer and insisted that they move on. The Major looked at the clock thoughtfully, then said, "Yes, I think we can go now," smiling around at everyone.
"You sure are in a good mood Major," Togusa commented.
"I'm just looking forward to spreading some more Christmas cheer," she replied. Saito and Paz heartily endorsed this idea, being very full of liquid cheer now themselves, and the Section finally made its farewells.
Back in the personnel carrier, Togusa had reclaimed his seat in the front with the Major. He had to admit that now his curiosity was piqued. More off-key singing was heard from the back, though it definitely wasn't a Christmas song. In fact, it sounded suspiciously like something bawdy from the late twentieth century. After a few minutes he thought he recognized the part of town they were in. When the Major parked on a side street next to a convenience shop with apartments over it, he was pretty sure he knew where they were. Coming out of the back of the carrier, the rest of the guys knew where they were too.
"Hey! This isn't . . . "
"Are we picking up Batou too?"
"Yeah! Batou wouldn't want to miss this!"
"Oh I don't know about that," Togusa heard the Major say under her breath.
In the elevator on the way up the Major switched to private net communication, "Everyone get on the channel I'm on and stay there. This is now a covert operation, do you understand?" The chatter that had filled the small space was instantly gone as five heads turned to the Major in shock. Togusa wondered if there was something wrong, but the smirk on the Major's face relieved him somewhat. Saito, Paz and Borma looked at each other questioningly, but their unison "Yes, sir!" echoed in everyone's head. Ishikawa suddenly had a bad feeling, but kept it to himself.
As the group came up to Batou's door they slowed, waiting for orders on how they would proceed. The Major pushed to the front and swiftly entered a long string of numbers on the doorpad. A soft sweeping and the door was open, revealing a spartan living area. "Follow my lead," the Major signaled, and led the way into the darkened apartment.
Togusa was surprised by the relative neatness. It was shabby to be sure, but not the typical bachelor dump he'd expected either. He looked to Ishikawa for some indication of what was going on, but was answered with a shrug. Without any hesitation the Major went to one of the doors off the hallway, and paused for everyone to gather behind her. Irregular snoring could be heard from the other side of the door.
"Since it's the only appropriate song you all know, get ready to sing Feliz Navidad again on my mark," came the Major's voice in their heads. The nature of their operation here finally dawned on the group and several sniggers were hastily suppressed. The Major carefully opened the door of Batou's bedroom and the five men slipped inside with all the stealth that only a team of covert operatives had. Togusa, Paz and Saito kneeled with Borma and Ishikawa behind them. The Major began her count, "Three, two, one, MARK!" and flipped on the light switch.
What dark secret is revealed by the light? Why has the Major brought them here? Just what is the meaning of all this? And where are the Tachikomas? Check back in a few days for the exciting conclusion!
I just couldn't resist the natural cliff-hanger here! -Neg