Ace Combat: Ranma's War

Disclaimer: Ranma ½ belongs to Rumiko Takahashi; Ace Combat belongs to Namco; Area 88 belongs to Kaoru Shintani; Full Metal Panic belongs to Shoji Gatoh; and Stratos 4 belongs to Bandai Entertainment and Studio Fantasia

Mission 102: Recruits

'I eventually got to meet the base commander, under forceful circumstances, thanks to that fiasco earlier at the base grounds with my camera and that pig-tailed hair guy. What was his name again? Anyway, shortly after, I got accosted by the MPs and was brought before the base commander of Sand Island himself - Lieutenant Colonel Orson Perrault. Apparently somebody forgot to inform of my arrival here, thinking of me as some unauthorized personnel. I sat there in the Colonel's office, waiting, as he was with the phone at the moment.'

"…Get me Lieutenant Iwasaki right away." The bald, corpulent man in sky blue air force uniform returned the handset to its receiver. He then turned to face the man, with a camera, sitting in front of his desk and regarded him with utter disdain as evident on his hawkish expression.

"Mr. Shinjou, I've got word from the mainland that someone had a hand in having you hear. Now I don't know what strings you had to pull there but it won't work with me!"

'I've dealt with his kind – cool, egocentric, the 'expecting to be followed without leading by example' type of guy – basically: a pain in the ass. It's just what I would expect from a desk-job officer.'

"If it were just me, I would have had your butt shipped back to Kyoto or to what ever hole you crawled out of, faster than you can say 'sayonara'!

'Is it just me or has this guy ever seen action beyond this office? He probably had to do a lot of brown nosing to get to where he is now, nice and secure.'

"But since your presence here has the approval of my superiors I have little choice in the matter. However let's get some things straight. First off, I'm the overall commander of this base, this Sand Island. I have my way of running things over here and my word is law! You break the law and I make sure you burn!"

'Is this guy for real? Sheesh!'

"Second, I hate press people. Never have and never will like them. They just muddle the issue around for the sake of critics out there who would just love to see the military in a bad light."

'I had to speak up.' "Actually Lieutenant Colonel, I'm here looking for a story with a human side to it. You know the kind that tells the story from a person's point of view, in this case Sand Island's defenders. " 'Feh, that almost sounded as bad as I said it. Oh well…' "If I can capture a picture that the public would learn to accept and understand then maybe they would realize that people in the military are no different from them – earning a living, making everyday choices that affect their lives, having personal problems to resolve…having a social life, and all those sorts of things."

'I could tell from his face that he was not buying it. He eyed me like a wolf, ready to pounce at me any moment now. He sure is a hard guy to sell to.'

"Are you done with your grandstanding, Mr. Shinjou?"

'Yeah I'm done. It looks like nothing I say would convince him of my intentions, not that I'm planning anything unscrupulous in my work under his nose.'

"Yes…Done.'

"Ahem. Finally, your movements while here in Sand Island will be monitored and supervised. Don't go around anywhere without a guiding officer, otherwise I might bear the burden of accountability if anything happens to you."

'How you wish.'

"Also all photographs you take and any other media correspondences will be discreetly screened, for security reasons. Oh don't worry Mr. Makoto, you'll get enough for your story, I guarantee it."

'Somehow those words weren't reassuring. Well so much for press freedom in this part of the world.'

The Colonel's intercom sounded followed by the secretary's voice: "Sir, Lieutenant Iwasaki is here to you."

"Send him in."

The door to the office opened and in entered a dark-haired Nipponese man. He was dressed like the Lieutenant Colonel but his stripes denoted him as a low-ranking officer. His lean built and handsome features were a direct contrast to the commander's bulldoggish character. Shinjou's first impression of him was biased – figuring him to be another pencil-pushing desk officer but immediately dismissed that, sensing something from the Lieutenant but can't figure it out what.

"Lieutenant, this is Makoto Shinjou, a photo journalist from the mainland. He's here doing a story on us, the 'Defender's of Sand Island'."

'Hey that's my line!'

"Please show Mr. Shinjou around the base, at least those not restricted. And I want a written report, of his activities, on my desk every morning. You got that, Lieutenant Iwasaki?"

"Crystal clear, sir."

"Good. Now get out here, the both of you!"

Lieutenant Iwasaki crisply saluted, then turned to Shinjou. "This way please," he said, acting like some butler, courteously leading the photo journalist out of the Lieutenant Colonel's office. Once out, Shinjou gave out an obvious sigh of relief.

"Boy I'm glad I'm out of there." He realized too late of Lieutenant Iwasaki within earshot.

"Don't worry about it," said Lieutenant Iwasaki, reassuring him with a pleasant smile. "I understand how you feel about the commander. He might be a bit high-strung most of the time, but he does mean well you see. Be glad he even allowed you to stay here to do you kind of work. That only shows that you got to his good side."

'…His 'good side'? I hope I don't get to see his bad one.'

"Ah, but where are my manners, I haven't introduced myself fully." He offered his hand formally. "The name's Kazuma Iwasaki, First Lieutenant, 98th Air Defense Corps of Sand Island, at your service."

Shinjou likewise shook his hand in response. "Shinjou Makoto, photo journalist of the Kyoto Times." Of course that was a cover; so far nobody's on to him.

"So you've been a photo journalist for long?" asked Kazuma as they walked down the hallway.

"Yes, I've been to all the troubled spots in the world: Asran, Hejimestan, the Eurasian region, you name it, I've been there." Those were lies as well meant to fuel the false impression of Shinjou's renown as a media practitioner. In fact Shinjou hasn't seen action beyond Nippon's shores let alone from his native town of Tokyo were he had to contend with small time stories; even worst – a birthday coverage.

"Well you won't find any action around here, that's for sure."

"Oh really, then you won't mind if I ask you of the details of the incident those pilots were involved with after their return."

Lieutenant Iwasaki stopped and turned to face Shinjou, his eyes were serious all of the sudden.

"I've haven't read the report yet, so I don't know the details. I'm sorry."

"C'mon, you must have heard something? I can tell. You can tell me, I want to know."

Kazuma looked about, if someone was watching; his face was still a creasing, grim mask. "I guess you won't put to rest unless I tell you. All right, but until it becomes official it's best you keep it to your self, understand? Can I depend on your discreetness?"

"You can count on it." Shinjou gave him the thumbs up. He hopes he doesn't have to betray the Lieutenant's trust, since he was beginning to like the guy.

"All right, word has it that in spite of the planes being unmarked, they're configuration suggested that they're Rus."

"The Rus? Why would they start provoking an act of aggression at this time?"

The Lieutenant shook his head. "I don't know. But what's more disturbing was their attack vector of origin."

Shinjou earnestly waited for an answer, the Lieutenant was putting him in a sense of anticipation.

"If the coordinates were correct," continued Kazuma. "Then they must have come from the People's Republic of Tsung."

"What? Are you sure?" Shinjou could see a story in the works here, if he could only get more details.

"Sorry. I've said too much already. It's best to get back at the business at hand."

Kazuma led the way again. "So where do you want to go first?" he asked.

"Actually, I was wondering if I could meet Captain Bartlett and his team, if that's alright?"

Kazuma gave it a quick thought. "Hmm, wanting to get directly to the source, huh?" He faced Shinjou on the matter. "The Captain is probably interviewing new recruits at the moment, to replace the ones he lost…"

"…Don't worry. I'll just stay in the sidelines; I won't be a bother," begged Shinjou, hoping this opportunity would get his career moving.

Lieutenant Iwasaki contemplated on his request a final time. "Well I guess it would be okay…"

"Great! Let's get going!" The journalist skipped, with enthusiasm, passed Iwasaki. The Lieutenant could only smile and shake his head, thoughtfully, at this.

"Lead the way, Lieutenant!" called out Shinjou. Lieutenant Kazuma Iwasaki followed.




'After meeting the infamous Colonel Perrault, Lieutenant Iwasaki left me off with Captain Bartlett and his team: Lieutenant Nagase and that Ranma fellow, in the briefing room. It so happened that the three of them were waiting on new recruits who'd just arrived on the island. Being the only surviving members of the Sand Island Squadron, they needed fresh recruits and fast if they ever hope to keep up with the mysterious 'enemy' that everybody in the base been fussing about. Who's the enemy you ask? Speculations abound that it's most likely the Rus, but lack of ID of the enemy early on prove otherwise. Another possibility, though remote, that the planes came from the People's Republic of Tsung. Nothing has been heard from the recluse of a country since the 'Great War' fifteen years ago, when it closed its borders completely from the rest of the world.'

Makoto took his seat at the back, sizing up the room. It was near-Spartan: with folding chairs taking much of the room's space; a long table for three situated in front of the seats, where the three pilots sat and waited for the arrival of the recruits; a whiteboard filled the wall behind the table and chairs while windows to a side, overlooking the base grounds, filtered in natural light into the room. The crimson and white colors of Nippon, and the white and blue, seven star flag of the Western Federation flanked the table on either side.

Spotting something to his fancy, Makoto aimed his lens at the three airmen, particularly at Captain Bartlett who appeared stressed or bored or both as he sat limply on his chair, staring out to space. Switching his aim, he catches Lieutenant Nagase writing on some book and she seemed greatly immersed in it. Finally turning towards Airman First Class Ranma, Makoto's frame only captures a dirty look from the pig-tailed pilot. Lowering his camera, Makoto could only smile and shrugged back in response.

"Ranma…" Captain Bartlett finally said.

"Yes, Captain?"

"No matter what happened up there; no matter of the report I've submitted, you did fine."

"Sir?"

"What's important is you survived. Remember that."

Ranma could only solemnly remain quiet at the Bartlett's words - how true they were.

"However, from now on you'll fly next to me in number 3, just next to Nagase. I'll keep a close eye on you. Who knows what kind of mess you might get into next time."

"Yes, Sir!"

"Speaking of which, when did learn to fly and fight like that. I don't remember seeing that during your flight training. It was very unorthodox."

Ranma gave it a thought, his body reflexively reverberating by recalling those tension-filled moments. "I don't know. When I saw my teammates fall something snapped inside of me. I had to do something." Ranma gritted his teeth and clenched his fists in frustration; he couldn't save them even if he wanted to. "Guess I just lost my cool in the heat of battle and forgot my training; I went crazy..."

Captain Bartlett could only sit there, leaving Ranma's explanation at that. It was natural for all first timers to be like that in their first battle. He had the same experience during the Great War when he just a lowly airman. But if war were to break out again he would need Saotome's, as well as Nagase's and the new recruits', competence and focus, if not skill, to overcome and survive the next series of battles to come. He hoped it would never come to that.

A couple of knocks sounded from the door, breaking the conundrum in the room. Without moving from his sagging posture, Captain Bartlett answered: "Enter," in weary tone. The door opens and in comes four girls dressed in the manner of high school students but air force issue – white blouse with black tie, and black short skirts and long black socks and brown leather shoes. The stripes they woe indicated that they were merely cadet trainees. Nagase could only stare in bewilderment, mixed with concern for the girls. 'They're only children,' was going through her mind. Ranma scoffed upon seeing them, making a grunting noise that brings Captain Bartlett about and focusing his attention on the four. His reaction was no better than his two subordinates.

Feeling uncomfortable of the scrutinizing gaze of their superiors, one of them started out in introducing herself.

"Cadet Ayamo Nakamura reporting for duty, Sir!" feisty declared the reddish-brown, short-haired girl.

"Cadet Shizuha Doi reporting, Sir!" came from the brown, long-haired one who seemed mild mannered in her bearing.

A momentary silence draped the briefing room save for the intermediary beeping sounds of a cel phone. All eyes were intent on bearer of the cellular device, the blue, short-haired cadet, who upon noticing the attention quickly put aside her phone.

"Cadet Karin Kikuhara reporting…sir," she meekly complied.

The last cadet remained not introduced - the greenish-haired, with pigtails, girl, who appeared to have many things on her mind. "…Mikaze, it's your turn…" The harsh whisper from her peer, Ayamo, snapped her from her preoccupation.

"Umm…Cadet Mikaze Honjou reporting, Sir!"

The four girls saluted in unison.

"And you're here for…?" Captain Bartlett pensively asked, but was already having a bad feeling about this.

"...We're here for the vacant positions of Wardog Squadron," answered Ayamo, handing out a folder to the Captain. "Everything about us, our assignments and duties, are in there, sir."

Captain Bartlett opened the document and looked it through. He felt a headache developing.

"This is just great!" he said with much sarcasm. "I asked for replacements and they send me the Girl Scouts' League!"

The girls were flabbergasted. Nagase felt sorry for the trainees but only could sit in silence; what was Command thinking, she thought. Ranma for his part has many reasons for not wanting these girls in Wardog. His stomach was churning just at thought of an almost all female fighter squadron. He hopes the Captain would find a way overturning this. Shinjou was getting perked up by all of this after a long, boring wait. His journalistic instincts ready to capture every scene, every word said in this room.

"Excuse me sir, but with all due respect! We wouldn't be here if they thought we couldn't handle it!" brusquely stated Cadet Nakamura.

"Young lady, there's a great difference in tests results and combat simulations to the actual thing. This isn't a bake sale that I guarantee. You could lose your lives here."

"But…"

"Give it up Ayamo. It's apparent they've prejudged us already of our inexperience as fighter pilots. I mean, we're barely out of flight training and they expect us to throw away our lives just to do their dirty work."

"Now hold on right there…" interposed Captain Bartlett.

"Mikaze! This not time for your 'negative-girl' attitude! You're not helping!" shot back Ayamo, wanting to strangle the girl.

"Ayamo, take it easy, we're in the presence of superior officers here," said Shizuha, trying to calm her irate friend. Karin in the meantime continued on texting with her cel phone, forgetting everything that's going on.

"I for one would be glad, if all this nonsense won't push through," continued Mikaze, already earning the ire stares from the Captain as well as Ranma, who find her way of conduct uncalled for.

"You girls, knock it off this instant! Especially you Mikaze; you disappoint me!"

The voice came from a newcomer, a pretty woman, who stood by the doorway. She wore her purple hair long and straight and the id pass pinned to her aqua-green dress gave her away as a civilian visitor..

"Ms. Sayako!" cried the girls together.

"And you," she said, referring to Bartlett. "This is the kind of thing I would expect from the Great Captain Jack Bartlett himself." She then sarcastically added, modulating her voice to a low pitch: "Telling little girl that they shouldn't become fighter pilots. It's too risky. It's because you're a girl." Nagase made a sudden realization at that comment. 'Is that why the Captain has been that way towards me?' she wondered. Ranma however flinched at that statement. So far, his dark secret has remained just that – a secret. He can't believe his luck has lasted this long since he left his old life, and he has made every effort to let it remain that way.

"Sayako," smirked the Wardog Leader, his attention fully focused on the newcomer. "It's been a while." He gave her a look of that of someone who hasn't seen an old acquaintance in long time.

"…Yes it has…" sultry smiled back the woman named Sayako.

The four girl trainees gawked at the two back and forth, puzzled by their familiarity with one another. Ranma and Nagase were absorbed in their private thoughts. And Makoto could sense some past relationship brewing up here.

"Do you know this woman, sir?" asked Nagase finally, whispering it to the Captain's side. Sayako noticed this. 'Is this his new girl now? She does look a bit younger than me.' She mused, with tinge of jealousy.

"…Oh yeah, Nagaer, Saotome, this is Lieutenant Sayako Kisaragi. She's an old student of mine during the early days when Nippon became part of the Federation."

"It's ex-Lieutenant now. I just go by the name of Ms. Kisaragi, or Ms. Sayako – a contented civilian and trainer-instructor for aspiring cadet pilot like these here." She said, making a sweeping intro of the four girl-trainees.

"So these are your pupils, huh? They sure have a lot to learn in the conduct of becoming air force pilots."

"Well, they do have they're kinks to be straighten out, just as was I when I was under your tutelage."

"Maybe so, but I find them just too young. Girls of their age should be living off their lives to the fullest, without worry from the affairs of adults."

"Times have changed Jack. We grown-ups turn now to next generation for a bright and secure future, we have to trust them on this," lectured Ms. Sayako. "And besides, you very well many veterans, from both sides, lost their lives during the war, the next in line to bear arms in defense, are the youths of today."

"Do you seriously believe in all that?" Captain Bartlett asked, giving Ms. Kasiragi a stern look.

"Let's put it this way, whether you'll accept them or not, their papers have the approval of both Command, from the mainland, and from the Federation Bureaucracy. I could always find some else, here in Sand Island, to take them. I hear Lieutenant Iwasaki is available…" she replied, with an impish grin plastered on her face.

"…I'll do it."

"What was that?"

"I said: 'I'll do it!'. Sheeh! You sure are making it hard for me."

"Great then, I shall leave them in your care now!"

"What, up and leaving so soon?"

"I'm a civilian now, whatever you have to discussed to my girls is now not for my ears." She turnabout on her way out of the when she noticed Shinjou for the first time at the back.

"Hello. I didn't notice you there earlier."

"The name's Makoto Shinjou, photo journalist." He stood up to introduce himself. "I'm here doing a life story on Sand Island and on its people."

"I see. Well, I'll leave you all to your own devices, then." Sayako headed for the doorway, stopped and turned about. "We'll talk later Jack, to catch up good 'ol times, 'kay." She faced the four cadets. "And girls, don't antagonize Captain Bartlett too much." And with that, she left the briefing room.

"Gee, I never thought that Ms. Sayako and Captain Bartlett were old acquaintances," said Ayamo.

"Maybe more than that, don't you think, Mikaze?" added Shizuha, asking her quiet friend.

"Umm…yeah. Whatever."

"Listen up you four," Captain Bartlett started, bringing the attention of everybody in room, including Ranma, and Nagase. "If you're to be taken under my wing, you'll have to deal with the way I handle things. You! Spitfire!"

"Spitfire!" Ayamo was defiant at that moniker.

"Don't interrupt me, just listen!" It seemed to work. Ayamo remained silent from that point on. "That hot-head of yours will likely get you killed if you don't stay cool and focused." He shifted his gaze to Karin.

"You, Space-out!"

"Who? Me?" The blue-haired girl said, innocently.

"Yeah you, and put that phone away!" She did what was told of her and stood again at attention. Captain Bartlett was not finish with her though. "Don't ever do that in my presence, understand! And I hope you won't be doing that during your flight training, much less in a sortie. And you, the one that Spitfire refers to as 'Negative Girl', don't give that and look at me when I'm talking!" Captain Bartlett almost shouted. Nagase flinched at this, Ranma never saw or heard the Captain this mad, not even when he was his loud self when it comes to giving out orders. He hopes he never has to face this side of the Captain.

"I don't know what issues you have, little lady but you better drop them when you're on duty. This is a serious matter. Even though all I see are bunch of school girls before me, that uniform you wear, this job you've been trained with entails you with great responsibilities. Be responsible, act like adults, you got that!"

"Sir yes, sir! Absolutely, sir!" snapped Honjou, straightening her act together.

"That's more like it." The Captain sternly eyed each and every one of the girls' faces, searching from any doubts in their eyes - that they're his to command; that they, technically, have become part of Wardog Squadron.

"Take a seat…Now then, let get down to business. You might have heard, more or less, what befell my former squad members." Captain Bartlett observed their reactions to this and waited for a response, or for questions from them. Seeing none forthcoming, and noticing their calm and composed exterior, the Captain continued. "Starting tomorrow, we'll be conducting frequent air patrols in the vicinity of Sand Island. I need not inform you that your lives are at risk due to the present circumstances. You'll have push harder and be extra cautious up there if we ever come face to face with the enemy." Again the girls appeared unfazed by Captain Bartlett's explanation. However, each one of them had mixed feelings about all of this. Ayamo's itching for a battle, hoping to make use of all she learned up to now and to score her first enemy kills. Shizuha was uncertain and a bit worried but tried not showing it; all she can do is hope to do her best. Karin seemed least affected and unconcerned, all that was on her mind was: 'When do we eat?'. As for Mikaze, her mind was in turmoil.

'This it Mikaze, there's no turning back now. This is the real thing but what if I screw-up. And what if in my screwing-up, I hurt or even accidentally kill someone, or worst what if I get killed! Or even if I survive, where will all this lead to? Can I actually live up to the Honjou name and honor?' Mikaze's iron exterior momentarily melted. Captain Bartlett noticed this.

"But don't worry. I'm assigning you to squadron sub-leaders. Nakamura, Doi you'll be Second Lieutenant Nagase's wingmen."

"Me sir?" exclaimed the female officer.

"Yes, you Nagase, don't tell me you're having cold feet over this?"

"N-No sir, it's just…" Captain Bartlett grasped her on the shoulder, give her a reassuring grip.

"I have faith in you Nagase. Don't sweat it." Nagase blushed at this and her cheeks remained red long after the Captain let go of her.

"That leaves Honjou and Kikuhara in your care Ranma. Are you up to it?" Captain Bartlett almost smiled devilishly.

"No, I mean, sir yes sir, I'll do my best, sir!" Ranma had no choice in the matter. He didn't want 'this' responsibility dumped on him all of the sudden. And on top of that, the lives of two people rests on his hands now, something he not sure of. He was after all unable to help his former associates back then.

"I know you will…" Captain Bartlett turned solemn. "Stick close to your assigned sub-leader at all times, you should be fine; and with these two at my sides, we could weather any adversity." The Captain tried to convince himself that that would be the case but he's trying not to too optimistic. He has seen many good people die due to false assurances. Well, he soon find out if these girls, no, Wardog, have what takes to survive the hostile skies.

"Are there any questions?" He turned to two subordinates, then again to the new recruits. "If none you're all dismissed." Everybody started on leaving the room, except for one.

"Umm, excuse me, Captain Bartlett!"

"Yo, media man, what's up?" Shinjou directly approached the Wardog Leader.

"I was wondering if I could come along in your flight patrols. You know, to see first hand of the things you do up there…"

"Umm, I do have a spare seat on my plane. But even if I get approval, I can't guarantee your safety."

"Don't worry. I am a man of the press, the one gets into risky situation just to get the story out."

"Fine then, I hope you prepared your will."




"What is it Karin? Stop pulling my arm." Mikaze was in no mood for antics not especially coming from her short, blue-haired eccentric friend, after enduring that hectic meeting.

"Please accompany me in asking him where the cafeteria is?" Karin gave Mikaze the sorrowful doe-eyed look while still clinging to her arm.

"Who? Airman First Class Saotome? Why don't you ask him yourself; you're a big girl."

"Please join me in the cafeteria." Karin pleaded.

"I'm not hungry!" retorted the girl, with pig-tails.

"Please Mikaze, eating something good. It will make you feel better, I know it will."

"But why him, why not ask Captain Bartlett?"

"I'm scarred of him, and I do what to hear his angry voice again."

"Who wouldn't," Mikaze added sarcastically.

"Please Mikaze."

"Alright already, I'll accompany you in asking him where the cafeteria is and that will be that, okay?"

"Thank you…"




"Lieutenant Nagase!"

"Oh, Ranma, what is it?"

"I was wonder if you could join me for dinner." Ranma asked with much hope in his heart.

"Mmm, I'm sorry. I don't feel hungry yet. You go on ahead, I'll follow later. Excuse me." Ranma felt dejected, but he understands Second Lieutenant Nagase's feelings. She hasn't gotten over yet with the lose of her friends which she knew more than he since his arrival here in Sand Island. His almost lost his appetite at this.

"Umm, excuse me…"




"Ohhh! Why do Mikaze and Karin get Airman Saotome as their Squadron Sub-Leader. Why can't it be us, be me rather?"

"You have the hots for him don't you, Ayamo? Captain Bartlett won't approve of your school girlish behavior," Shizuha stated in matter of fact.

"I don't care. He has no rights when comes to my love life."

Shizuha could only sigh. Something then caught her attention.

"Hey Ayamo, isn't that Mikaze and Karin over there talking to Airman First Class Saotome?"

"What!"




"Umm…excuse me?" Karin spoke in a meek voice.

"What?" Ranma however was a bit harsh in his response.

"Umm…" Taken aback, Karin's body began to quiver. The pain of hunger momentarily gone it then shifted to her chest and finally to the lump of her throat. Her eyes swelled, becoming moist, threatening to become tears. Mikaze didn't approve of this.

"You do have to be rude! Karin here just wants to ask you where the cafeteria is, that's all."

Ranma felt ashamed, realizing what has done. "Sorry 'bout that, just had something on my mind."

"Tell me about it." Mikaze wasn't convinced and Karin still remained hopeful.

If there's some things Ranma have learned after leaving the craziness of Nerima, it's keeping his mouth shut and having an open mind in every situation. Of course it doesn't always work, like in the case of blowing up with that Shinjou person earlier and now this.

"If you like, I could bring you to the mess hall. I was heading there myself. I'm really sorry."

Karin's expression brightens. "Oh, really, thank you very much." She said, bowing to the pigtailed airman in gratitude.

"Hey you don't have to do that. You're embarrassing me."

Mikaze felt like she did a good deed. "I hope you're happy Karin. Now if you excuse me…"

"Hey why do you join us? Mikaze isn't it?" offered Ranma.

"Huh? Well, I'm not really hungry yet…"

"Oh come on, you probably had nothing since you arrived here. Besides, this is a way for me of making up with the both of you for my crude behavior, what do say?"

"Well…"

"Please, Mikaze."

Three stomachs audibly growled simultaneously. Three faces flushed with embarrassment.

"I guess all this talk of food finally got to my stomach." Mikaze joked.

"Then it's settled then."

"Hey can we join you too?" interjected an enthusiastic Ayamo, with a mildly concerned Shizuha in tow.

Ranma felt a heavy weight being put on his shoulders upon see the two girls joining in the band wagon. Three's a company, but five is daunting, in Ranma's book, especially if it involves four cute girls like these. And in Ranma's experience, being surrounded by many pretty girls usually signifies a prelude to something bad happening to the young martial artist turned fighter pilot.

"Sure why not," If it's okay with you, ahh, Mr. Saotome, I mean, sir, ahh…" fumbled Mikaze, finding the right words.

Ranma snapped out of his reverie. Come what may, he finally decided. "Huh? Oh just call me Ranma. I'm not very much into those formal titles."

The girls were amazed by the candid nature Ranma's been displaying towards them.

"Gee, I guess Airman First Class Saotome is an okay kind of guy to be with," whispered Shizuha to Ayamo.

"You think, Shizuha? And you forget he wants to call by his first name – Ranma." Ayamo whispered back with a dreamy look.

"Sure he does, and you of all people are most happy for that," smiled and shrugged Shizuha.