Welcome back, everyone! There may be a few of you that are wondering when Sasha will be coming back into the story. My answer to that is – right now. Read on to see how they will be spending some quality time together.
As it was getting closer to Saturnus, the 501st prepared for the final assault to take back the port of Kiel. However, there was a problem – a Neuroi had created a thick fog covering the city and the surrounding areas so that one couldn't see more than a few feet in front of them. This meant that the allies couldn't conduct in a precision bombing operation of Neuroi positions in Kiel. As a result, while they may ultimately be successful in retaking the port city, the port facilities would most likely be severely damaged in the process, requiring a rebuild of those facilities and a further delay to the Berlin operation.
As the unit was briefed on the situation, it was determined that Daniel would lead the team that would escort the bombers to Kiel – a team that also included Erica, Trude, Shirley, Francesca, Lynne, and Perrine – while Minna would remain at the base with everyone else to guard against a surprise attack. There was also the incentive of a nice Saturnus celebration when everyone returned.
While Daniel was looking forward to the celebrations with everyone else in the 501st, he missed being with Sasha, and really wanted to spend some time with her if he could. He also considered the fact that he had built up some leave time over the last year and a half or so, and decided to ask Minna if he could use some of that leave to go to St. Petersburg. As Minna considered the request, she knew that in all likelihood that after the Kiel operation, it would be fairly quiet until after the new year. With that in mind, she told Daniel, "I'll call Gundula to see if she would agree to your request. If she says 'yes,' and if you successfully fulfill your mission in Kiel and stick around for the Saturnus festivities here, then I'll grant the leave." Daniel was thanking Minna profusely when she added, "However, I will expect you to return here by no later than the third of the new year. Is that understood?" Daniel saluted Minna with an emphatic "yes, ma'am," as he left the office.
A couple of days later, as he was leading the escort team and the bombers through the fog towards Kiel, a Saturnus miracle occurred – the fog suddenly lifted, meaning that the bombers could now engage in precision bombing. Not only were they able to retake the city, but they were able to do so while leaving the port facilities intact! When they returned to base, they learned it was because of a daring plan devised Sanya (and executed by her, Eila, Yoshika, and Shizuka) that the Neuroi creating the fog was destroyed.
At the Saturnus party, the rest of the 501st was surprised when they received a crate of Saturnus treats and goodies – courtesy of Daniel. He just smiled at them and exclaimed, "Happy Saturnus everyone! I wanted to show you just how much you all mean to me." After much thanks from everyone all around, they engaged in music and friendly banter for the remainder of the evening. During that time, Daniel was also able to present Yoshika with the medic's bag that he had gotten for her in Amsterdam. She gasped as she saw it. "Wow, Daniel! This is amazing! Thank you so much!" she said excitedly as she gave him a big hug.
The next day, having gotten approval from both Minna and Commander Rall, Daniel headed off in his X-wing to St. Petersburg to spend a week with Sasha and the rest of the 502nd. When he arrived that evening, he was greeted enthusiastically, not only because he was missed, but also because of the care package he had sent the unit for Saturnus – which had been well-received and very much appreciated. In addition, Daniel received congratulations all around for his recent promotion.
After greeting Sasha with a big hug, a twirl, and a peck on the lips, Daniel then began to ask how everyone else was doing. Hikari immediately responded that she was doing great. "I've been doing really well in battle! I've been able to anticipate the Neuroi movements a lot better, and I've even gotten better at locating the core!" she said. When he asked Meister Rossman to explain what Hikari meant, she told him that she had been able to dodge and weave through the Neuroi with greater ease, and was even making physical contact with the Neuroi right where the core was located on several occasions – confirmed by her Contact Eye skill. At this, Daniel looked intensely at Hikari, sensing a noticeably increased level of power emanating from her. "Very curious," he murmured to himself. He then offered to continue their morning training sessions, and incorporate more, advanced techniques – something to which Hikari enthusiastically agreed. Needless to say, dinner was abuzz with happy and excited conversation.
After dinner, Daniel was able to take Sasha aside alone for a few minutes as he gave her the scarf he had bought for her in Amsterdam. "Oh, Daniel – it's gorgeous! And it's sooo soft! Thank you!" she exclaimed. As she put on the scarf to try it on, she got an idea that put a bit of a mischievous look in her eyes – as well as her smile. As she put on the scarf, she did so using one end, while wrapping the other end around Daniel's neck. She then used the scarf to gently pull Daniel towards her and kiss him. While Daniel was a bit surprised at her boldness, he was definitely not complaining as they proceeded to make out for a few moments while they were alone.
The next morning, as Daniel got up to conduct training with Hikari, he noticed that he was noticeably more tired than usual after a night's sleep. 'It's probably jet lag,' he thought, 'I'll just have to plow thought it today.' As he began to conduct his specialized training with Hikari, as well as Takumi and Shimohara (who had decided to join in), while Sasha watched from a short distance, it was becoming clear that something wasn't right with Daniel. Not only had his fatigue increased from when he woke up, but his reduced energy levels became noticeable to the witches present. "Are you feeling okay, sensei?" asked Hikari. "Yeah, you don't look too good," added Shimohara. Daniel tried to reassure them, saying, "I'm fine, just a bit tired – probably from the trip here." In the next few moments, however, he realized it was more serious than he thought as he began to feel a dull pain in the back of his head and the energy he did have just drained. "Actually," he then said, "I do feel a bit…off." He then collapsed to the ground and the last thing he heard before passing out was the commotion of the witches around him.
When he awoke, he saw he was in his room, still in a bit of a daze. He then heard a voice that was like music to his ears. "You're awake! Thank goodness!" When he turned towards the voice, he saw Sasha sitting by his bed side. "Sasha?" he asked groggily, "How long have I been out?" She then stated that he had been asleep for most of the day. "After you collapsed, we carried you back here and Georgette used her magic to help you." She then pressed her forehead on Daniel's as she continued, "You were running a high fever, most likely the flu." At that, Daniel cringed inwardly. 'That's right, I forgot,' he thought, 'I haven't had a flu shot since I got to this world. I'll have to ask about that later.'
Sasha then added, "There was one other thing Georgette found. There was some damage in the back of your head that hadn't fully healed. She was able to repair the damage with her magic, but she said that your collapse could also have been caused by a concussion." She then looked directly at Daniel with a very worried face. "What in the world did you do to cause such damage to yourself? You weren't doing something reckless, were you?" Daniel shook his head 'no,' but added, "It's kinda embarrassing to explain…" Sasha continued to look at him and said firmly, "Please, tell me." Daniel sighed, not being able to fight Sasha on this, and began to tell the story of the incident with the idol and how he got whacked in the head.
When he finished, Sasha reacted with a mix of concern and amusement as she giggled slightly at his telling of the story. "Oh, my goodness. Poor Lynne. That sounds like quite an experience," she said. "But why didn't you tell me about it sooner. It's not like you did anything you shouldn't have." Daniel simply replied, "Because describing that whole thing was REALLY awkward." Sasha continued to giggle as she said, "Okay, whatever you say. I'm just glad you're alright." She then asked, "So Yoshika's magic is still not working right?" Daniel nodded and explained, "Basically – sometimes she's able to use it, and sometimes she isn't. When this happened, she wasn't able to use it, so she couldn't use it to heal me like she normally would."
Sasha then leaned forward and kissed Daniel on the forehead. "I'll have someone bring you some food in a little bit. Georgette and the doctors say you should probably stay in bed for a few days. Don't worry, I'll come by when I can. In the meantime, rest up." As Sasha left the room, Daniel sighed in frustration as he thought, 'Great – I finally get some leave time with Sasha and I'm stuck in bed.'
As Daniel recovered over the next few days, Sasha was his most frequent visitor, although he was also visited by everyone else in the 502nd at one point or another, wishing him a speedy recovery. In between visits and naps, Daniel was able to entertain himself with his books, music, and the contents of his laptop computer. The night before New Year's Eve day, Sasha was even able to join him for a movie – The Martian (starring Matt Damon) – which Sasha got quite a few laughs out of. "Seriously – 'I'm going to have to science the shit out of this thing'?" she asked as she was laughing. Daniel, laughing along with her, replied, "You have to admit, it's one of the best lines of the movie." Sasha also asked, "Tell me, is disco music really that bad?" Daniel thought about it for a moment before responding, "It depends on who you ask. Me personally – I can take it or leave it. You'll have to decide for yourself in about thirty years"
The next morning, Daniel was finally feeling well enough to get out and about the base. At the same time, everyone else was getting ready for the New Year's Eve party that night. Daniel wanted to contribute to the festivities, seeing as how he had spent nearly the entire time there so far in bed, and offered to play some of his music again. While Commander Rall agreed to his request, she asked, "Can you perhaps play something a bit different this year? While your selection last year was fun, I think this time calls for something a bit more classical – do you have something like that?" As it so happened, Daniel did have a few selections that could be considered 'classical,' building a playlist that included his collection of John Williams numbers as well as the score for the symphony Peter and the Wolf. The party was a success, as there was good food and music all around. When the clock struck midnight, someone nearby set off a bunch of fireworks. As everyone else was distracted by the fireworks show, Daniel and Sasha took the opportunity to steal a kiss together.
Two nights later, as Daniel prepared for his departure the next morning, he took the time to just lie on the bed alone with Sasha and just talk about various things. As their conversation went on, Sasha asked Daniel, "I'm curious – if you hadn't been forced into the military or come to this world, what would you be doing now?" Daniel thought on this for a moment before saying, "I would probably be in college studying to be a professional writer." Sasha then looked at him curiously. "What kind of a writer?" she asked. Daniel then explained that before being in the military, he had wanted to be a travel writer. "I wanted to go all around the world, visiting exotic places, eating different cuisines, and meeting fascinating people while getting paid to write about it." Sasha listened in fascination, "There are real jobs like that in your world?" He smiled and replied, "Oh, yeah. People write magazine and newspaper articles, literary essays, and books about that," he said. "If you're really good, you can even host your own television show." Sasha smiled as she cuddled closer to Daniel. "That sounds like fun. Maybe you can find a way to do something like that after the war here," she said. Daniel smiled back as he responded, "One can only dream."
Poor Daniel! Even when he finally gets a vacation of sorts, he spends most of it sick in bed. Well, he still got some much-needed rest (as well as some quality time with Sasha – albeit not in the manner he had envisioned). Now he's refreshed, recharged, and ready for the upcoming battles! Until next time…