Gate: In the Company of Shadows
Chapter 6
Contravention Complications
[REDACTED] RONIN [REDACTED]
FORMAL ESTATE, FALMART
IMPERIAL CALENDAR 687 - 07:25:00
"To show our appreciation for your assistance here… we'd like to negotiate a fair and equitable compensation."
The aftermath of battle always left a strange feeling in Ronin. About an hour of time had passed since the battle of Italica. An hour ago, lives were on the line, and death and destruction reigned supreme all around him. About an hour later, he had mopey prisoners and white tarps covering bloody bodies. Not that the prisoners or tarps were any of his ideas. If the company had its way, they'd be executing the surrendered and disposing of the bodies in a massive burn pit. It was kind of hard to do that when you've got another country's eyes on you. More specifically, another Japan.
Word spread around Site Hotel Gamma pretty quickly about the JSDF. The Self Defense force was in the Special Region, meaning that Japan had been attacked by the Saderan Empire. From what he remembered from Formal's interrogation, they attacked a busy street, probably a shopping district in Tokyo. One could easily deduce that innocent people were hurt that day, and Japan responded to defend its citizens. As no such event happened back home, this was clearly another world. What he didn't understand was, what were the JSDF doing here?
At first, he thought it was retaliation, but this Japan didn't seem bloodthirsty or even hardened by combat. Though he did keep the butterfly effect in mind. Was the arrival of the Empire really enough for Japan to toss aside its ideals of pacifism? He doubted it. His Japan barely even got involved when World War Three broke out. They just sat around and twiddled their thumbs as they received more NATO allied troops on their bases, waiting on the defensive if Russia tried anything.
Maybe this Japan never got rid of its imperialistic ways, always keeping it lingering in the back of their minds and waiting for the perfect opportunity to capitalize on it. Ironic, considering that their perfect opportunity was in the form of the Saderan Empire, that way they can justify their expansion by bringing peace and prosperity to an old and barbaric way of life. Not that he could really say anything. Shadow Company was absolutely just in it for themselves.
God knows he's rolling in bank notes after every wire transfer…
Merry dreams of money aside, Ronin found himself bored out of his mind as he stood guard. Once again, he found himself back in the throne room of Count Formal's estate, rifle hanging limply by his sling as he eyed their Japanese counterparts. Two men in a simple green uniform with a blue-haired girl equipped with a staff, a blonde elf in civvies clothing, and lastly a tiny red murder reaper, all stood in front of the throne as Hamilton read the official terms and conditions from a parchment scroll.
It feels like a cosplay con right now. The girls don't even look legal. What the hell are these guys doing with them?
He lazily turned to the side to see Princess Pina stand at attention along with her underlings, the Knights of the Rose Order. They seemed to be more ceremonial than actual knights, but maybe they had an off day. It's hard to shine with a blade when a bullet outmatches you.
"Article two is regarding all envoys and their safe passage, as well as their expenses… And article three is regarding the trade privilege with shopkeepers on Alnus Hill. Tariffs will be waived for you, but only for today. You are hereby allowed to conduct trading business."
Good to see they weren't getting it all…
"However, we would like to make it clear that we possess the rights to captives."
The blue-haired girl looked up to the young soldier, both speaking to each other in Japanese before she turned back to Hamilton.
"We understand that human resources are necessary for Italica's recovery. However… They want reassurance that the captives are treated well… yes?"
Hamilton hummed as she tilted her head in confusion, "You want us to treat the captives… well?"
"Like a friend, relative, or someone familiar. Not treated as if they were animals."
At her response, Hamilton grew a disgruntled look on her face. "Friends and relatives wouldn't attack a peaceful city like this! Friends and relatives wouldn't betray innocent people! Friends and relatives wouldn't look you in the eyes as they raped, pillaged, and murdered, all for their own satisfaction!"
The blue-haired teen looked at her stoically, poker face never once wavering, "This is their requirement. It's non-negotiable"
Trying to stay on the moral high ground? Ronin mused to himself. Like that's gonna get you anywhere…
Hamilton looked like she wanted to say more before Count Formal interrupted her, "Knight Hamilton, I understand that the pain our enemy has inflicted upon us will no doubt leave haunting scars amongst our people, but to respond the same will have them carrying grudges till the grave."
She looked aghast. The Count agreed to show kindness to bloodthirsty bandits? "B-but Count! How could you agree to that?! They-!"
He waved her down with his hand, "Hamilton, I've learned that the failure of defeat is already humiliating enough. They're still people, and we shouldn't treat them as if they were nothing. Goddess knows I wouldn't be sitting here if the men in black thought in such a way."
She glanced at the assembled members of the mysterious Shadow Company before huffing in annoyance, reluctantly accepting his request, "Fine then… that will be all regarding the treatment of captives. The rest of the provisions are in regards to the conditions for withdrawal of your troops from the city-"
"No objections as it's been written." She cut her off.
They weren't occupying the city? That was good news. Less of a headache for him.
Hamilton turned back to the Count, who looked at Commander Graves, to which he gave a silent nod in response. "Then the terms have been agreed upon."
The JSDF soldiers gave a deep bow to the Count as the blue-haired teen translated for them once more, "We thank you for the opportunity, your excellency."
"Of course, my head maid Kaine will help lead you to the exit."
Kaine, an elderly woman who had been watching from the sidelines, stepped forward. "Please, this way if you will."
The JSDF soldiers looked like they wanted to say more, but chose not to, probably in favor of not overstepping their boundaries. He watched as the JSDF left the room with their tag-alongs. Ronin doubted that it would be the last he saw of them.
"Princess Pina, would you also please leave the room with your knights? I'd like to speak to our guests in private."
Pina glanced at the operators, Ronin made sure his eyes met hers. "Are you sure that is wise, your excellency?"
"I'm certain of it."
She looked at him in hesitation before complying, "As you wish…"
"And bring my daughter along if you will."
The little girl turned to look at the Count, almost pouting. "Why can't I stay with you, daddy?"
"I'll just be discussing boring grown-up stuff. I'm sure it's nothing you'd want to hear. I'll see you later, okay sweetie?"
The excuse seemed to work, as Princess Myui merely shrugged her shoulders before hopping off the chair, following close behind Hamilton as the Rose Order left the throne room.
Commander Graves, now sharing the room with only the Count and his operators, stepped forward. "This certainly shakes things up a little…"
The Count sighed in response, "Yes, I've been meaning to ask about this JSDF. Not yours, am I correct?"
"No, they're not. The JSDF are from the other side of the gate at Alnus Hill. They come from a country that's associated with us... in a way."
"I have a feeling that there's more to it than that?"
"It's the basic barebones but yes… there's more to it."
The Count found his eyes lingering on the closed doors for a moment before moving back to Graves. "I have no idea what I could possibly do in this situation to assist. How exactly do you plan on dealing with them?"
His tone carried a slight bit of worry underneath. Ronin could certainly see why though. The group that he's been forced to serve under have just encountered another group of similar individuals. It could turn into a tug of war for political power. Though he doubted that Japan would willingly step on their toes so to speak, the Count had no idea how the JSDF operated.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it, Formal. It'll be our problem to deal with."
"Yes, but the real question is how much of a problem will they be? It's almost certain that they'll report you to their superiors. This situation won't escalate and involve my people, right? I'm already risking enough just cooperating with enemies of the Empire…"
"You have my word Formal. Your people are in safe hands now. Security is one of Shadow Company's main areas of expertise and we've got procedures for these sorts of things. We've learned a thing or two from operating in non-permissive environments."
Formal still looked unconvinced but accepted the answer anyway. "Right now they're going to take a few prisoners while they wait for their refugees to trade the wyvern scales they've collected. They should be done within the hour and their forces will have left Italica."
"If everything goes as planned… They might break the treaty and leave someone behind to keep an eye on us."
Formal quirked a brow up at him, "What makes you say that?"
"It's what I would have done. We'll just have to hope for the best. In the meantime, do you have somewhere in your estate to house me and my men?"
"I have plenty of rooms for visiting guests and diplomats. I'm sure the accommodations will suffice?"
"Soft cushioned beds and some privacy are all we need."
At that moment, Kaine returned to the throne room after having escorted the JSDF out. "Ah, perfect timing. Kaine, would you please help these men get settled into the guest lodging?"
"Of course, your excellency."
Finally, I can stop standing around…
23 HOURS LATER
"Yo Ronin, wake up man."
His eyes slowly opened as he was shaken awake.
"Wha- I'm up, I'm up," He replied, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He glanced down at the watch on his wrist, the time displaying as 0600 on the dot.
"Six in the morning, seriously? I just wanted a decent night's rest, am I asking for too much?"
Viper rolled his eyes, "No, but Commander Graves is asking for us, and that's more important than catching some Z's. So get your ass up, pronto."
"Graves?" He asked in confusion, standing up and reaching for his gear. He put the plate carrier over his body before tightening the cummerbund around his torso. "What the hell does the boss want at this time?"
"Fuck if I know, but we don't get paid to sit around and ask questions." Viper replied, picking up the helmet off the nightstand and handing it to him. "I will say that it sounded pretty important though…"
"Thanks..." Ronin buckled the helmet onto his head, wiggling it a bit to ensure it didn't shift, before looking back at Viper. "No time like the present I guess."
"Come on, rest of the squad's waiting in the hall."
Ronin finished throwing the sling of his rifle over his shoulder as he stepped out. Just as Viper said, the rest of Bishop squad was geared up and ready to move. Accompanying them was the head maid, Kaine.
"Glad to see you gentlemen are up. If you'll please follow me to the throne room, there's much important business to discuss."
"You mind giving us a quick rundown?" Vale asked, stepping beside her. "This is all very abrupt."
"I can't give you all the exact details, as the situation is still developing as we speak…" She sighed, "But to put it simply, the treaty that Japan has signed and agreed upon with the Empire may be in jeopardy."
The members of Bishop squad all glanced at each other. How could the treaty have already been at risk? It hasn't even been a full day since it was signed.
The group arrived at the doors to the throne room, stepping in as Kaine opened the doors for them. There, they caught the end of a furious rant from Princess Pina.
"-Have any idea what you've done?! You've gone against the wishes of the Count, against me! Your actions could very well put the lives and safety of not just the people of Italica, but the greater Empire at risk!"
She appeared to be shouting at a blonde with twin tail ringlets and a tomboyish silver haired girl, both wearing armor similar to that of the Princess herself. Most definitely members of the Rose Order.
"Your highness, we were only doing what we thought was right!" The blonde shouted back, "The men said they came from Alnus Hill, I assumed that they were the enemy!"
"Well look at where your assumptions got us!" Princess Pina looked to be on the verge of a mental breakdown.
From the sidelines the rest of the Rose Order stood at attention, looking somewhat downtrodden, probably from the verbal beatdown of their peers that they had to witness. At the throne, Commander Graves stood next to Count Formal, both having a look of concern painted on their faces.
Kaine cleared her throat, getting the room's attention. "I've brought the guests, your excellency."
"Thank you Kaine, you can return to care for Itami."
Itami, so that's his name…
"Of course, your excellency." She bowed before leaving, closing the doors behind her.
As the doors clicked shut, Vale stepped forward. "What's the situation, sir?"
Graves gave a heavy sigh before recounting the events to the squad. "The rest of Princess Pina's Rose Order was still on their way to Italica to aid in its defense. Obviously they were too late, but not late enough. They caught the JSDF just as they were leaving."
"Jesus Christ… body count?"
"Zero…" He replied, surprising the squad. "Neither side engaged in combat thankfully, but they captured the First Lieutenant and roughed him up a bit. I've no doubt that his soldiers are already scoping the place out and preparing a search and rescue raid on the estate."
"Well where is he?"
"He is in another guest room," Count Formal spoke up. "He is being cared for by all of my maids at the moment."
Ronin felt a single brow raise on his forehead and it was mirrored by Vale when he asked the question. "All of them?"
"Yeah… figured it'd be best to give him first class treatment, y'know, considering these ladies basically bruised him purple." Graves jabbed a thumb at the two women currently shrinking under Pina's stern gaze.
Vale looked unconvinced. "Forgive me for saying this sir, but I doubt that a nice fluffy pillow and some eye candy in maid skirts are going to be enough to change his mind on anything. Add the fact that he's been beaten and battered and there's no way in hell we'd be able to hide his treatment."
"Duly noted, but we're doing our best to stay on their good side. Keep in mind, their forces saw we had Apaches. Unmarked obviously, but they still saw them regardless and that's for sure going in their reports."
The commander raised a good point. If the public was going to find out about Shadow Company and the nature of its involvements, there were going to be many questions about how a private military got their hands on air support equivalent to the air force. Then the questions about restrictions on their armaments would flood in, and that would be annoying to deal with…
"Graves, I'll have to agree with your subordinate on this one. I'm very obviously trying here, but the Japanese could use this event as a catalyst for all out war. They might want to seize Italica itself entirely as retaliation. I'm already losing enough sleep as it is right now."
"Perhaps, the solution to our problem is the one that started it all…"
Everyone turned to look at Princess Pina as she crossed her arms.
"What exactly do you mean by that?"
She closed her eyes, looking as if she was about to make a heavy decision for her subordinate.
"Bozes, your treatment of an officer of the Japanese Self Defense Force has not only been undeserving, but has also been a severe breach in the terms of our agreed upon treaty. This causes problems for us all. You'll need to offer him your body…"
The eyes of the other knights could be seen widening. Sadness and pity could be seen as they looked towards the blonde.
"What?! M-My body?!" Bozes gasped, "You want me to whore myself out to some… some-"
"Bozes, do not make excuses! You know what's at stake here!"
"I…" She sighed in unwilling acceptance, unable to refuse what was essentially an order from royalty. "I understand, your highness. If this is what it takes to protect the people of this realm… then that is what I will do…"
Graves shrugged his shoulders at the offered solution. "Well, if she accepts then it's worth a shot…"
Not a moment later, his radio buzzed to life. "Shadow One, Sentinel One here. How copy?"
"Sentinel One, I'm hearing you, go ahead."
"Uh, one of the maids here says they sensed someone trying to force their way through the back door. Carnival One confirmed five Japanese foot mobiles with three civilians. Break, the maids are going show them to the VIP. Interrogative, how should we respond? Over."
"Ugh, just what I needed right now…" Graves complained to himself. "Just let 'em in. We wanna make a good impression and holding them back from seeing their CO is just gonna make matters worse. Let's not escalate anything unnecessarily, got it?"
"Understood, Sentinel One out."
[REDACTED] BOXER [REDACTED]
FORMAL ESTATE, FALMART
IMPERIAL CALENDAR 687 - 06:15:00
"So what's the word?"
"We just sit here and watch him."
"Seriously? Babysittin' duty? I'm pretty sure the maids are already doing a good enough job at that."
Boxer turned around to find their unexpected client being spoon fed by the human maid Momu, while the medusa maid Aurea, cleaned him with a warm towel. Kaine hovered over their shoulder, making sure that the Japanese man received all the accommodations he could possibly need.
When he woke up he definitely looked much better when compared to his sorry state back in the throne room. They must have used magic or some sort of otherworldly method of healing, because the poor man initially looked as if he was dragged through the city by the neck from horseback. Boxer wouldn't have been surprised if that was what actually occurred, but it was certainly better than being beheaded for insurgent propaganda…
Despite experiencing countless other clients go through more extravagant treatments, Boxer couldn't help but scoff at the sight. Maybe it was his inexperience and rank, or maybe it was the way he obtained said treatment, but something about this Itami fellow rubbed him the wrong way. He could have been wrong though. Looks can be deceiving…
"What is he, twelve?"
"Oh give him a break, the man just got the shit kicked out of him. Something like that is bound to screw up relations. I'm sure this is just to get back on his good side."
"I get that, but what I don't understand is-"
"Lieutenant!" A young Japanese soldier emerged from the door. At the sight of several operators in black uniforms, he raised and pointed his rifle. "Wait, who are you? What are you doing with the Lieutenant?!"
None of the contractors flinched or even showed the slightest bit of worry as they stared down the barrel of a gun. "Stand down there kiddo, we're the security detail assigned to watching over your boss."
"Security… detail?" He asked, hesitantly lowering the gun.
"It's true, sir Itami is also being cared for by us." Kaine said as Itami laughed in embarrassment.
"Cared for? Wait, I'm confused. What's all this about?" Asked a shorter Japanese woman stepping into the room. Boxer immediately recognized her as the soldier that engaged in unnecessary CQB during the battle of Italica. Moments later, the rest of the JSDF team filed their way inside.
Getting a better look at them, Boxer could see how woefully unprepared they all were for this situation.
Is that facepaint? There's barely even any coverage, and what's the point if you're just gonna roll your sleeves up and expose your pale skin anyway?
"Members of the Rose Order of Knights mistook sir Itami as the enemy, and Shadow Company has been assigned to watch and safeguard him. The ones who are responsible for his unfortunate position are most likely being reprimanded for their actions as we speak." Kaine explained.
"So it was all just a big misunderstanding?" The young Japanese soldier in front of him asked.
"Yes, which is precisely why I'm ignoring the fact that you pointed a weapon at my face. If that happens again, I will break your arm." Boxer threatened, "Capiche?"
"Hey, who the hell do you think you are, tough guy?!" The smaller girl yelled at him. "Do you honestly think you can just threaten a member of the Japanese Self Defense Force like that and get away with it?! I've taken on idiots twice your size without even breaking a sweat, so why don't you watch what you-"
"OH MY GOSH!"
The JSDF got their rifles raised, ready to flick their safeties off at a moments notice. "Kurata, what's wrong?"
"A-Are you a real cat girl?!"
…
The young soldier, who was shaking in his boots with barely contained excitement, pointed an equally wobbly finger at the purple haired cat maid. Said cat maid froze as all eyes in the room turned to her as she had no idea what to do. Confusion was clearly evident on her face, as well as everybody else's. The poor girl probably thought that she had done something wrong or possibly offended someone.
"Um… yes…?" Persia asked slowly.
Then out of nowhere, he stood rigid before snapping his arm into a salute. "Ma'am, Corporal Takeo Kurata reporting, milady! Twenty one years old and single. My hobbies are anime and doujinshi. I'm single, totally, absolutely, one hundred percent single!"
What the fuck? Why did he repeat himself as single? Unless… Boxer looked at the corporal as he postured himself in a slight bow. Of course he's that type…
At least now the attention was shifted from him, despite it coming from out of the blue.
Persia could do nothing but blink dumbfounded, before turning her cheek and giggling to herself. Boxer glanced around the room to find that the tension was beginning to simmer down. The rest of the JSDF were simply bewildered at the sight of their Lieutenant getting special treatment and Kurata becoming immediately lovestruck, though Boxer could see the female soldier still glaring at him from the corner of his eye.
"Hey guys, let's take a page from Kurata's book and just relax." Itami said, waving them down. "It really was all just a big misunderstanding. The Formal clan maids have been taking great care of me, see?"
The female soldier rolled her eyes. "Yeah… clear as day."
"What did I tell you Kuribayashi, the LT can handle himself…" She glared at one of the other soldiers as they began undoing the chin strap of their helmet, clearly doubting him despite the proof. "But I think Itami's right. That stakeout was tiring and I wouldn't mind taking a load off right now."
"Wha- take a load off?" She asked incredulously, glancing at the now lovestruck Takeo Kurata as he fawned over the cat lady. "We're in a room with a bunch of unknowns with loaded weapons! How could you relax right now?!"
"Those same unknowns are also standing right in front of you and can hear you perfectly fine." One of Boxer's men said plainly. "You could also just ask us who we are. You know, like regular people?"
"Regular? You're the furthest thing from regular. Your gear and uniforms scream that you're here to kill!"
"Kuribayashi, just play nice for now at least, okay?" Itami pleaded as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'd really rather not start anything. Too much paperwork for that…"
"You want me to play nice with the reckless and shady kill squad assigned to watch over you?" She asked in the most monotone way possible.
"Reckless?"
"Yeah, you're reckless! Your people called in three Apaches for close air support. Unlike our military, which is actually structured to work smarter not harder, we make do with what we've got, especially considering that they send us in with half assed gear…" She muttered that last bit with a frown.
"Aren't you the one that bayonet charged into the frontlines of battle with a perfectly fine rifle in hand?" He asked, looking at the slightly bent barrel of her Type 64.
"T-that's besides the point!" She sputtered, doing her best to hide the damage before deflecting with a question. "What country are you from? I don't recognize any of your uniforms."
"If you're asking me, I'm from Germany." He replied, showing off the German flag patch velcroed to his plate carrier. "In general? We don't belong to any specific nation, we're multinational."
"Hmm, a multinational task force? Well that does explain why your Japanese is so good…"
"You don't just join overseas private military contracting without knowing at least one other language besides English. It pays to be multilingual."
"Private military…?" The look on her face quickly shifted to one of realization. "You're all mercenaries?!"
"I prefer the term 'operator' myself, but whatever floats your boat."
Kuribayashi looked absolutely aghast at the revelation. It all made sense to her now. The need for secrecy with masks, the specialization in VIP security for Itami, the word 'company' literally in their name! The evidence was as obvious as the bright neon signs in Dotonbori, Osaka.
She ran up to Itami before harshly grabbing his arm and whispering into his ear. "You need to get dressed so we can go, now!"
"What? Why?" He asked as he pulled his arm back. "You just got here and I'm still being cared for."
"Seriously?!" She hissed back. "Screw your stupid spa day. I spent all night lying in dirt and leaves, wearing crappy face paint in uncomfortable gear for hours just to see if you weren't dead. Then when we arrive to rescue you, only to find you surrounded by foreign fighters and maids spoon feeding you like a child!"
"So? I don't see what the big problem here is."
"You don't see what the big problem is?!" She asked in disbelief. "The problem is, Japan has called you back to the other side of the gate to attend the Diet, and private military contractors are in the Special Region! We have to report this immediately!"
"Ow, okay quit it!" Itami complained. He attempted to get up, only for one of the maids to softly put a hand on his chest, preventing him from standing.
"Don't worry sir Itami, we'll get your clothes for you."
"Aw, thanks ladies…"
"It's our pleasure!"
Kuribayashi tapped the toe of her boots against the ground, arms crossed as she waited impatiently for him to get dressed. The other JSDF soldiers in the room who were just about to relax instead opted to keep their gear on, sneaking glances at the operators while said operators just stared back, emotionless.
After a couple minutes of awkward silence, only broken by the sound of clothes shuffling and the annoyed urging of Kuribayashi, Itami and the JSDF team quickly rushed out the door. They brushed past a blonde woman in a pink nightgown, who looked ready to enter for some reason. Maybe she got the wrong room somehow.
"But wait, I wanna talk to Persia more!" Kurata begged as he was dragged away. "Please, she's so pretty!"
"Wait, I need to ask something of you!" The blonde in sleepwear rushed to catch up with them.
Boxer kept his eyes on the door while the maids began making the bed behind him. He reached for his radio once he was sure that any possible Japanese eavesdroppers were gone. "Shadow One, there's been a development…"
PHILLIP GRAVES
FORMAL ESTATE, FALMART
IMPERIAL CALENDAR 687 - 06:40:00
"So you're telling me that he's got a Diet assembly with his country?"
"Heard it first hand from the source, sir." Boxer tapped the headset attached to the arc rails of his helmet. "Considering that Japan has never been big on its military budget, I guess that Kuribayashi girl never had any experiences with an expensive pair of military grade hearing protection."
Graves felt his eyes narrowing at the new bit of information. Japan was holding an assembly and requested Itami specifically by name. His rank and role in his unit must have been important enough that they'd need him to give a status report, which also includes details of running into another military. Something that important was most definitely going to be broadcasted live on national television. It'd be impossible to silence one man when the rest of the unit can speak in his absence. A random village in the Middle East being wiped could be written off as extremists and insurgents, but a military unit in a medieval world? He certainly couldn't imagine any protocols for that.
Whether they liked it or not, Shadow Company wasn't going to stay in the shadows for long… but maybe that was for the better.
Rather than looking at the situation bleakly, the revelation could be seen in a much better light… a new opportunity. It would be good to set some official boundaries, just so the company could figure out how to work around them.
That and setting his foot down would show just how formidable the company really was. An unwillingness to bend properly to Japan would send the message that they were there to stay, and if they wanted to force them out, they'd make it extremely difficult to the point that it'd be better to just leave them alone. It could put them in good standing with other nations, possibly those wanting to be business partners that would line their pockets to the brim.
But he would also need more assets with positions of power, more specifically, in the Special Region. He couldn't bring the Count of course, the man had a vital trading city to watch over. He racked his brain for possible figures before settling on a specific individual.
The third princess, Pina CoLada…
If the title was anything to go by, then she held a very high standing in the Saderan Empire. A perfect asset, especially considering how submissive she appeared to be despite being the leader of the Rose Order of Knights. They might have been exemplary fighters and he might have been severely underestimating them, but anyone would fold pretty quickly after seeing firsthand the destruction some good air support could bring.
Graves wordlessly made his way to the doors of the throne room, pushing them aside and making him and his operators known.
"-Returning to Japan to testify to their senate."
"Hmmm, I see…" Count Formal was pulled from his thoughts, turning to face the entrance he made. "Ah, Commander Graves, how can I help you?"
Graves looked around the room, ignoring Count Formal on his throne. Eyes passed over Princess Pina, then over Bozes, who was still in her pink nightgown for some reason and awkwardly standing nearby Itami, to finally stopping on the man himself.
First Lieutenant, Yoji Itami of the Japanese Self Defense Force…
"I've heard from sources that you're set to return to Japan to attend your nation's Diet assembly, am I correct?" Graves asked, expression set in a poker face and his tone business like.
Itami gave an unsure look back to his team. "Uh… yeah, we are. We've got to report our progress and happenings to our lawmakers. The people back home are starting to want answers…"
Graves quickly made eye contact with the Count, conveying that he had some sort of plan in motion.
"Then I request that Shadow Company be given permission to attend as well."
At his words, Itami sputtered in disbelief. "Wait, wait, wait… what?!"
Rather than clarify, he continued on. "And I believe that the members of the Rose Order that were responsible for your injuries would also like to accompany you, to apologize for the harm they've brought upon you."
Princess Pina was about to voice her protest, but Graves stared back at her, making her feel uncertain. "W-well… I suppose that he's right. What my people have done has violated the treaty, actions which were dishonorable from those I have personally trained. It would be best if I could… meet with your superiors and, like Graves said, apologize for any undue harm brought upon you. I believe this will help clear up any misunderstandings."
He could tell that she was uneasy, remembering the past twenty four hours, but as long as she was going along with them and speaking in their favor, there wouldn't be any problems. Though the girl could certainly work on her acting a bit more. She was as easy to read as a children's book.
Kuribayashi had her lips pressed into a thin line, doing her best to discreetly shake her head no to her Lieutenant. Itami sweat nervously as he looked back and forth between his subordinate and Graves. He could tell he was backed into a corner here, and what he said next might shake things up. For better or for worse… he wished he didn't have to be the one to find out.
"As good as it would be to clear up any confusion, which you don't need to worry about… I'm not so sure we could afford to bring more people across the gate. We simply don't have enough seats in our vehicles and we need to limit the amount of heads to keep track of."
"Then we'll drive with you. A few more wheels to the convoy wouldn't hurt, would it?"
"We're trying to be discreet about this, guys. I'm not so sure driving around Tokyo in bullet littered Humvees equipped with .50 cal guns will help to ease the public…" Itami bit his lip in nervousness, clearly running out of excuses to counter Graves' determination.
Graves was starting to get annoyed with the pushback. "If the Diet meeting is so important for your nation, then surely your government can easily supply some inconspicuous transport of their own."
"I… I guess that's true…" Itami replied dejectedly, finally giving in to Graves' demands much to the chagrin of Kuribayashi, who looked just about ready to pull her hair out at any moment now. "But if you're tagging along, I'm gonna need to radio in to my superiors about you guys."
"Go right ahead, if we're in the region, we need to make ourselves known. Don't want any more close calls, that'd be bad for everyone." He reminded not so subtly before turning and nodding to Vale.
"Alright everyone, you heard the man. I want wheels ready to roll in ten, let's move it!" After barking orders, Vale turned back to him. "What about things back at base, sir?"
"I'll inform Oxide, I trust that he can manage things in my absence."
He looked over to his new asset for the foreseeable future, having a discussion with her people and assigning temporary positions.
"Bozes, I hope you remembered where you kept your diplomat dress." He overheard Pina say before sighing. "Because you're going to need it…"
YOJI ITAMI
FORMAL ESTATE COURTYARD, FALMART
IMPERIAL CALENDAR 687 - 07:25:00
Itami looked at the side view mirror, watching as the contractors clad in black hopped into their Humvees and mounted their guns.
When he crossed the threshold into a completely new medieval fantasy world, he wasn't at all too surprised by all the undiscovered cultures and creatures. There were all sorts of walks of life that by the time they reached Italica, he found it hard to be surprised anymore. Then life decided that he didn't have enough on his plate and uppercut him right in the groin.
It couldn't have just been another foreign nation, no... That'd be too easy. Instead, what he got was highly skilled and deadly ex-special forces fighters that didn't pledge to any flag, country, or set of ideals.
Private military contractors...
Contractors - the same type of people used to wage proxy wars if a drone strike and questionable intel weren't good enough to do the job. Mercenaries that got in the thick of it to get their hands bloody, unlike the detached drone operator sitting in the comfort of their air conditioned room with the coffee dispenser a couple steps away. Itami barely had any experience with foreign soldiers, let alone mercenaries. The only time he interacted with other nations was during joint training sessions, and even then, those were few and far in between.
Guys like these though? Hardened ex-special forces veterans with probably countless tours in the sandbox turned mercenaries, were running around rampant without a leash in the Special Region.
Oh, and those same mercenaries were about to drive in a convoy with them to Alnus Hill, where they were set to cross the gate and enter into his world. Foreign mercenaries were going to plant boots on the ground in his home country of Japan. The situation was basically a powder keg waiting to blow, and his team were the unfortunate souls that just so happened to have their faces next to the fuse. He hoped that the soldiers at Alnus were professional enough to stay tight lipped about this because needless to say, if something like this leaked to the press, his job would be getting a whole lot more harder...
He groaned, letting his head hit the warm metal of the vehicles dashboard that the sun was beaming off of. "I love my job..."
A slight shift of weight in the rear and the shutting of doors told Itami that their plus two's had also entered. He picked himself up from his exhausted state and raised a gloved hand to adjust the rearview mirror above, getting a better look at Princess Pina CoLada and Bozes Co Palesti, both out of their armor and dressed in their best diplomat dresses. When he asked Princess Pina about who would be in charge of the Rose Order, she assigned Norma and Hamilton to help keep the peace in her stead. Apparently they were going to play bodyguard for a bit, as the Count was going to give a speech to the citizens of Italica in the coming days. Something about honoring the fallen guards and militia that aided in the defense of the city. All the fallen, which there were simply too many to count...
Itami realized he was staring for too long, and the blonde knight caught his eyes in the mirror, before quickly diverting her attention to the floor of the vehicle while blushing. Itami felt pretty bad for her. Sure, she beat the absolute hell out of him but it was a genuine mistake, one that he wouldn't against her. Besides, from what he heard from the lovely maids, she no doubt felt the repercussions of her actions already.
Itami was certainly no stranger to getting an ass chewing from up above, and by the looks of things, Bozes was forced by Princess Pina to appeal to him as an apology. She did her best, he'll give her that... even if the proposition to bed her was extremely unexpected and awkward. The poor girl was floundering in her words, flirting clearly out of her depths.
Talk about desperate…
Lucky for her, she wasn't going to be suffering from this situation alone. He was also in for a load of embarrassment when he got back to Alnus. First Lieutenant Yoji Itami, the so called 'Hero of Ginza' getting his ass handed to him from some admittedly, very beautiful women. When word gets out about this, there's going to be nonstop talk about it in the FOB mess hall. If he was lucky, then maybe he'd be able to get away with telling people that he simply fell. But alas, he was Yoji Itami, and luck seemed to be deathly allergic to anyone with that name.
"Persia, we'll be back one day, I just know it!" Kurata waved at the purple haired, cat eared maid. "I'll see your beautiful face again soon!"
"Meow'll be right here, waiting for you!" She gleefully responded back with a slight blush.
"Wow, look at you lady killer." Itami complimented before doing a double take, "Wait, am I hearing things or did she just meow at you?"
Kurata shrugged his shoulders. "I guess it's part of her vocabulary or something."
"Uh-huh..."
Tomita stuck his head in between their seats. "Sir, you've got a response from the major. He sounds a little aggravated… but he's given us permission to bring the extras, including the mercs. Orders are to treat them courteously but to also keep an extra close eye on them."
That clearly went without saying...
"Yeah, you don't need to tell me twice. Just let 'em know our ETA." He stuck a hand out the window, slapping the door of the HMV twice. "Let's roll, people!"
Author's Notes
Back again!
I apologize for the long wait, but the main problem I had with this was planning out the future of the story. Had several ways to take this next chapter that I decided to scrap and redo. Still not even sure if I'm happy with the way this chapter came out. So far we've followed the same basic plotlines of the anime and manga, which I've realized is a little restrictive. I've made some choices that will hopefully make sense with character motivation and they'll be understood later as the story progresses. One of those choices is having Shadow Company attend the Diet meeting, which is a pretty big deal as this would put them on the radars of several interested parties. Another major choice, if you couldn't already tell, is that one of Shadow Company's main goals is to takeover as much of the Falmart continent in the Special Region as possible. Their aim is to bring the Saderan Empire to its knees, all the while making a puppet government out of them.
Like I've mentioned previously, Inspiration has also been a huge deciding factor in continuation as well. Lately, I haven't had much of it and because of that, I'd find myself opening the story, typing a snippet here and there, and then ultimately getting distracted doing other things.
Luckily the MW2 beta put me in the mood to find some inspiration. So I've just been on a huge mil-sim binge.
I've rewatched Zero Dark Thirty, both Sicarios, private military documentaries, special operations documentaries, war footage, replayed the Modern Warfare 2019 campaign, and read a little bit of Black Powder Red Earth.
(Black Powder Red Earth is amazing by the way. 5 dollars on their P a tron site gets you access to a downloadable PDF version of all of their graphic novels, which you get to keep. Not being endorsed to say this, but their stuff is genuinely good if you're into that sort of thing.)
I'll be working on the next chapter now, but don't be surprised if there's another decently sized wait.