Chapter 6

"Easy does it." Vestal coaxed.

Her hands hovered to either side of Kooper's waist ready to catch him should he stumble and take a fall. Again.

Little by little, step by step, Kooper walked under his own power down the hall of the medical wing. With one hand braced against the wall, he was careful to mind the tables and seats resting outside the other empty patient rooms. He wasn't sure what to make of the idea that he was literally the only patient there. Perhaps it was good sign for the kansen that their biggest concern was a single human.

At least for the time being.

"Okay…" He panted after returning to his room and slumping onto his mattress. "I'll take a break here." He let out several heavier gasps and wiped the sweat from his brow. "I don't remember ever being so winded after just walking."

Vestal slid a table with a wash bin and towels alongside the bed. "I would expect malnutrition would have a much more severe impact on your body than fatigue alone." She dipped a washcloth into the water, and wringing out the excess. "But you're doing better every day and that is something I'm sure we both can be glad for."

Kooper rocked his head from side to side as he removed his hospital gown, letting the flimsy cloth drape over his lap. "Fair point."

Vestal smiled, keeping her eyes locked on his as she scooted closer to begin wiping him down. "Look at it this way. You've been with us for...what? Two weeks now? And you've been awake for about half that time?" She dipped the cloth again and gestured back down the hall. "While your recovery is a tad slower than average, you just did two circuits around the top floor more or less on your own. And you could barely stand up the first time."

Kooper smirked at her, grabbing a second cloth for himself and washing his face. "Well, that's to be expected when I have a great nurse."

Vestal blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his remark. But a heartbeat later her eyes averted, and her cheeks flushed pink. "Goodness, is it my turn already?"

Kooper snickered. "Yes, that's what you get for making me tell Essex about the incident with Liz the other day."

Vestal pouted cutely and slapped his chest with the washcloth. But a moment later it was quickly overtaken by a sly grin. "I made you do no such thing. You volunteered that intel yourself young man."

Kooper let out a horse-like snort. "I did not intentionally bring up a day-old topic of my own accord. I was set up."

The two shared a laugh as the nurse moved to work on his back.

God, he could fall asleep to physical contact like that alone. Soothing did not begin to describe her touch. It was a little embarrassing to be looked after as though he were a child, but a memory made him relish in the motherly attention, even if it was more professional than maternal.

"Just a fair word of warning," Vestal spoke up, snapping him out of his thoughts. "I wouldn't go calling Her Majesty Liz to her face. She's quite the proper lady in case that wasn't made obvious."

Kooper gave her bob of his head but did not hide the roll of his eyes. "Yes Ves."

Again, she blinked before that cute pout was back. "It's Vestal, mister."

Before Kooper could respond, a new voice rang out, causing them both to jump in surprise.

"Awww, but Ves is such a cute nickname."

Both Kooper and Vestal snapped their heads up as Hornet appeared in the doorway, a big cheshire grin on her lips.

Kooper let out a gasp as he placed a hand to his racing heart. How had she managed to sneak up on them like that? Was she a stealth carrier or something?

Vestal's pout only grew more adorable before she held up a warning finger to Hornet. "Your sister gives me enough trouble as is. If you start giving me more to issues, then I'm going to be extremely-"

"Alright, alright Ves. We get it." Hornet waved her off with a chuckle. "Was only funnin'."

Vestal's eye twitched, unamused by the carrier's words.

Hornet either didn't notice or didn't care because her grin spread even wider, threatening to remove her jaw from the rest of her head. "Maybe just keep it to a private nickname, eh?" She shot Kooper a wink and he returned her mischievous grin.

"I can do that."

He was promptly smacked once more with the washcloth.

Hornet giggled and Kooper turned to grin at his nurse.

Vestal leered at him for another moment before her expression softened and she too joined in the snickering.

"Fine… If you must, then only when we're in private please. I do like to keep up a professional appearance amongst the base residents."

"Yes ma'am!" Kooper gave a mock salute, the grin never leaving his lips.

Vestal scrutinized him a moment longer. When no further teasing commenced, she dampened the cloth again and began to go about washing his hair, mussing it as though he were a rascally child.

"Hey!" Kooper laughed and batted her hand away playfully before turning to look at the grinning blonde. "So, what brings you here Hornet? Got a checkup today or something?"

The carrier waggled her eyebrows. "Or something..."

Kooper arched a brow and looked to Vestal for an explanation. The repair ship smiled warmly, as she handed him a hotel-sized shampoo bottle.

"Hornet has volunteered to take you out for the day."

The corner of Kooper's mouth curled into a toothy snicker as he worked a small glob into a fine lather. "Awww. Getting sick of me already?"

A huff of amusement left the repair ship's lips as she shook her head. "No. But I do have some other matters to tend to today which will take up a bit of time."

Kooper nodded in understanding. After several earlier conversations together, it stood to reason that she would need to get back to her regular schedule once he started showing improvements in his health.

He glanced at Hornet who watched with interest as Vestal helped him rinse his soapy hair. She flashed him a wink at his curious expression and gave a dismissive wave of her hands.

"Hey now, I ain't here to kidnap ya and hold you for ransom. It's just a lil' sightseeing tour." She gave a small shrug. "If you're up for it."

A towel draped over Kooper's head and a moment later Vestal began drying him with great vigor. Once dry, he shook his head, sending his long hair all about his face. A quick glance at the kansen and he could see them holding back giggles of amusement.

He probably looked like a lion having a bad mane day.

"Sure." He finally answered as he began to smooth out his hair. "Some fresh air would probably do me good."

"I concur." Vestal chirped, and moved towards the door. "I'll leave you to finish washing and I'll be back with some supplies for your outing."

Kooper nodded and she disappeared into the hallway. His eyes drifted to Hornet who was still watching him, oblivious to what the nurse had said. The carrier noticed his questioning stare and had just opened her mouth to speak when Vestal's hand appeared and grabbed her by the cloak.

"Ah! Wha-hey! Ves!"

"Modesty, Hornet. Give our guest some privacy."

Kooper listened as the sounds of their footsteps faded down the hall before shaking his head and chuckling internally.

These girls…

By the time he finished cleaning himself, the sounds of footsteps could be heard approaching, making him wonder, yet again, how Hornet had managed to sneak up on them.

"I apologize if they're not an exact fit." Vestal said as he slid into the navy scrubs she had brought him. "But all things considered, they're not too bad."

Kooper looked himself over. The pants were about six inches too short, but the top was large enough that it kept him mostly covered save for some exposed chest area.

"I'll manage." He reassured her and turned to Hornet who was still watching with interest. "Shall we?"

The carrier blinked herself out of her silence, having been watching him casually from under the brim of her hat like a curious child. But the grin was back, and she made no remarks towards his modesty. "Saddle up." She gestured to the wheelchair sitting just outside the door.

"You two behave." Vestal warned as Kooper and Hornet boarded the elevator. "No funny business Hornet."

"Scouts honor Vestal." Hornet saluted.

Vestal gave her a dubious look as the elevator doors slid shut.

The elevator whirred to life and Hornet leaned over Kooper's shoulder and whispered in his ear. "I was never a scout."

"I heard that!" Vestal's voice boomed causing both occupants to jump before bursting out in a fit of nervous chuckles.

Once on the ground floor, Kooper tried to relax as Hornet pushed him towards the hospital entrance. He could already feel the sun's rays warming him up and the light was blinding. With a groan, he shielded his eyes and held his breath. The doors slid open, and the ocean breeze hit him like a tidal wave. Warmth mixed with a salty chill enveloped him, leaving a tingle on his dark skin, leaving him feeling refreshed with every breath.

"What kept you?"

Kooper turned in the direction of the voice to find three girls at the bottom of the stairs. The tallest girl with lime-green eyes and skin like golden honey stepped forward, arms crossed impatiently.

Hornet gave a nervous chuckle. "Sorry for the wait Northampton. Had to get pretty-boy ready for his outing."

The girl, 'Northampton', eyed Kooper with a stare he could not perceive. Was she irked at him somehow?

"Sorry." He apologized without realizing he had spoken until the girl's brows jumped a fraction. "I didn't know there would be others waiting on me."

Northampton gave a soft hum. "It's fine. Hornet said five minutes. And I tend to hold her to those timetables."

"Give or take." Hornet protested as she rolled him down the handicap access ramp.

"You've been up there for almost twenty minutes." Northampton chided.

"Okay, I know what I said, but it wouldn't be too much to ask for a grace period."

"But you always…"

Kooper swallowed and glanced at the other two girls. The taller one, a blonde with ocean blue eyes sighed and massaged her forehead. The shorter one, with eyes that matched Northampton's and with bright pink hair crossed her arms in displeasure.

"Is this normal?" Kooper whispered, leaning away from the still bickering Hornet and Northampton.

"More or less." The pink-haired girl sighed.

"Well, since we have time…" The blonde step forward and leaned over until she was eye level with him. "I'm USS Chicago." She looked him over. "Interesting. I had heard that an expeditionary fleet had found a human, but I didn't expect you to be so handsome."

Kooper's face immediately was set ablaze as the air in his lungs vanished. Chicago met his eyes and he fought to look anywhere else. "Eh…heh…" He chuckled nervously. "Th-thanks." He ran a hand through his frizzy hair. "I hope you'll understand if I don't exactly feel very handsome at the moment."

"Oh! I can handle that!" The pink-haired girl piped up and practically bounced over to him. She reached into her top and pulled out what appeared to be a hair clip, judging by the similarity to the two holding her hair into twin tails.

Kooper's face reddened even further, and his fingers dug into the arms of the chair.

"Hold still." The girl ordered as she pressed a finger to his cheek to turn his face away. Kooper swallowed hard when he felt her hands take hold of his hair, her fingers combing through it several times. After working out a couple knots, she pulled it into a ponytail, followed by a soft click.

"All done!" She chirped and stepped back to admire her handiwork.

Kooper reached back to touch the clip, finding that it had some weight to it, keeping his hair neat and out of his face. When he looked up at the girl, she was beaming with pride.

"Lookin' good! You got the Houston seal of approval!" She flashed him a thumbs up and the brightest smile Kooper had ever seen.

"Th-thank you." Kooper continued to rub his fingertips over the clip. "Do you always keep spares with you?" It was an effort not to glance at her top.

At least so he tried.

"Mhmm." Houston nodded unabashedly. "I'm known to lose one periodically. And since I don't have pockets, I use the next best thing." She slapped her chest proudly and Kooper could not help but chuckle at the bravado.

"Fair enough." He extended a hand to them. "David M. Kooper. Nice to meet you both."

Chicago and Houston both shared a surprised look before taking the hand.

"Interesting name." Chicago mused, and for a heartbeat, Kooper thought he detected a devilish glint in her eye. But before he could inquire, she blinked and looked towards the other two girls who were still babbling back and forth. "Ahem!"

Hornet and Northampton continued.

"Excuse me…" Chicago lifted her voice a bit but received no acknowledgment from the two.

Finally, Houston stepped around the blonde until she was standing behind Northampton. Kooper's eyes widened as the smaller girl's eyes locked with her target.

SMACK!

"Ye-ow!" Northampton shrieked and launched into Hornet. The two became entangled and nearly knocked Kooper over in his seat had Chicago not caught him. "What was that for?" Northampton snapped. Her eyes were watering as she clutched at her backside which now sported a rather noticeable red handprint.

Houston pressed her fists to her hips and shot the two a condescending glare. "You were doing it again. And you did it in front of a guest we're hosting."

Northampton and Hornet both blinked, as they stared up at the shorter kansen who looked like she was taking on the role of an older sister scolding their younger siblings.

"S-sorry Kooper." Hornet apologized sheepishly. She scooped up her hat which had been knocked off during the fall and covered her face with the brim. "We really should have saved that for later."

Kooper could only smile at them awkwardly as they got to their feet and dusted themselves off. "I've seen worse."

Hornet groaned in embarrassment. "You just sayin' that to make me feel better?"

"Yes and no." He shrugged and watched Houston take over Hornet's position behind him and begin wheeling him along down the path. He gave her an appreciative smile and continued to talk as they walked along at the smaller girl's insistence. "So, where to first?"

Hornet blinked curiously as if she couldn't believe he were trying to drop the topic. He gave her a shrug as if to ask if she had issue with that. A small smile and a grateful nod were his response.

"Well, I brought the girls along so we could take you on a tour of the port before heading into town." Hornet glanced around at the other girls and received confirming nods. "From there, we can play it by ear."

"Sounds like fun to me." Kooper said with a roll of his head and felt Houston's hair clip brush the back of his neck.

"You like it?" She asked when he reached back to touch it again.

Kooper could not help the flutter in his chest. "Yeah… It's very sweet. Thank you."

Houston gave a happy little hum and gave a wide grin.

"My, my." Chicago cooed. "My big sister is such a thoughtful soul."

Kooper looked between them. Sure, they all dressed similarly, but he had assumed they all just shared the same fashion sense. "You're sisters? Wait… She's the older one?"

Houston put on a pout as they rounded the end of the hospital building and began crossing a lot in the direction of a long, white suspension bridge. "What? You think because I'm not as big as my sisters that I can't be older?"

"N-no! It's just surprising is all." Kooper quickly explained, leaning forward as if expecting her to smack him like she did Northampton.

Thankfully she only proceeded to pout and give him small grumbling noises until Chicago wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a hug, smothering her with her ample chest. "Now now, Houston. What were you just saying about being cordial to our guest?"

"Yeah, yeah. I was only kidding." Houston protested, only half serious. She locked her green eyes with Koopers. "But before you get any further ideas about my size, I'll have you know I faced an entire Sakura Empire fleet before on my own before. Don't underestimate me mister."

She booped him on the nose to send the point home.

Kooper's eyes crossed before he shook his head with a smile. "No ma'am."

The group proceeded to make small talk, but soon Hornet and Northampton repositioned themselves towards the front of the group, leading them off to the side of the bridge.

"U-uh. What are we doing?" Kooper asked, a slight edge of nervousness in his voice.

"I told you." Hornet said, matter of fact. "We're taking you on a tour of the port."

"But… isn't that…" Kooper shot an anxious glance from the carrier to the bridge.

Hornet only laughed. "No way. We're giving you the special VIP tour." Her mirth softened when he continued to tense his shoulders. "Hey, now. I promise not to let anything bad happen to you." She held out a hand to him, walking backwards. "Trust me."

Kooper looked at the hand for a moment before sucking a deep breath and taking it with a nod.

"Alright then!" Hornet's cheery smile was back. "Form up girls! Let's show Kooper how we give a guided tour!"

Houston gave an excited "Woohoo" while Northampton and Chicago nodded.

Hornet paused to adjust the leg rests on the chair, raising them so that she and Northampton could each hold one while Houston and Chicago took a handlebar.

Kooper gripped the arms of the chair even tighter as the girls proceeded to walk down the rocky incline beside the bridge, towards the water's edge; and kept going.

"Uh… Hornet? You're going into the-"

He stopped mid protest as Hornet and Northampton stepped out onto the water.

Blinking, he leaned forward in his seat and stared. They were standing on top of the water, the waves splashing over their boots but neither girl appeared to be sinking.

"Per 'ty neat huh?"

Kooper broke his wide-eyed stare to see Hornet grinning at him. Even Northampton was cracking a small smile.

"Very…" His voice was practically a whisper. He still held on tight as Hornet motioned them forward and tucked his knees to his chest as the waves splashed his bare feet.

"Relax Kooper." Chicago said and gave his shoulder a squeeze as though she were giving him a massage. "We won't drop you without warning you first."

"Huh?" His widened eyes snapped up to her.

"Sis, stop teasing him." Northampton scolded.

Chicago paid her no mind and gave Hornet a nod. Houston did the same and after a moment of leering from Northampton, nodded as well.

"Hang onto yer butt." Hornet called.

"My wha-ooooh!" Kooper let out a high-pitched shriek as the girls shot forward with incredible speed. He sat straight up in his seat, eyes darting around in panic as the pillars supporting the suspension bridge zipped by. His breath caught in his throat as the girls banked under the bridge, weaving in between the pillars.

A hand rested against his back, and he looked up to see Chicago supporting him with a gentle smile on her lips.

"Lean into the turns." She spoke. "You'll feel more balanced."

Kooper turned back to see Hornet and Northampton were both watching him as they sped towards the massive port just ahead of them.

"Ya good?" Hornet asked.

Kooper swallowed hard and nodded, leaning back in his seat, if only a little.

Hornet and Northampton skimmed across the waves in a graceful serpentine pattern. With each shift in direction, Kooper swayed with them, following the movement of their bodies, and found that he felt calmer. Just like Chicago had said.

Was this what waterskiing felt like?

Settling back into his seat a little, Kooper spread his arms, letting the rushing wind caress his skin. He closed his eyes, relishing in the spray of water against his face each time the girls shifted their course. Ships or not, this felt more like flying than sailing. This was freedom in its purest form. The feeling of wind on his skin. The smell of salt water in his nostrils, and the soft giggling of girls in his ears.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Kooper opened his eyes to see Hornet's wide grin aimed at him.

He mirrored the smile. "Do you really need to ask?"

Hornet tipped her hat to him and was about to speak when Houston frantically tapped his shoulder. "We have company!"

Kooper's head snapped around in time to see four dark shapes streak through the water alongside them. His heart leapt into his throat when sleek rubbery bodies broke the surf. The dolphins let out explosive exhales before diving to weave in an out of the kansens' wake.

"Oh ho, you guys wanna race today?" Hornet laughed and banked further towards the open ocean with their guests hot on their trail. The dolphins put on a burst of speed, managing to pull up alongside the group.

"Are they really that fast?" Kooper called over the wind as one burst through the surf, getting a good meter of air under them before splashing back down.

"Nah, we're just slowing down to have some fun with 'em." Hornet stated and shot Kooper a mischievous look. "Why? You curious how fast we can go?"

Kooper swallowed hard and instinctively gripped the arms of his chair. "N-no thanks. Maybe another time."

Hornet let out a huff, but shrugged. "I'll hold ya to that."
Grateful to stave off a potential heart attack, Kooper continued to watch the dolphins swim and jump all around them. They were so close he could have reached out and touched them.

Which he did.

However, no sooner had his fingers graced the water's surface than the dolphins veered away sharply and disappearing in seconds.

"Awww." Houston pouted. "Guess they have other things to do."

Kooper felt the sentiment. He had never touched one before. But simply being this close was more than enough to make his day.

Hornet and Northampton took him back towards the port, passing barges and cargo vessels docked at the piers.

"That there is the cargo port." Hornet explained when she caught Kooper staring. "Anything we get comes in through there before being distributed throughout the shipyards."

Kooper nodded and looked ahead to where the blonde was gesturing with a nod. "An' this here is the dry dock."

"Dry dock?" Kooper arched a grow.

"Think of it as the hospital for our vessels. If there's any significant damage to our hulls, the dry dock is where we go to get fixed up."

Kooper continued to gape at the walls that seemed to loom over the rest of the port. The towers of several ships peeked over the walls of the enclosures, with one particularly large one looming over them like a great monument of power and engineering. "I take it they're conveniently beside the cargo port for that reason?" It must have been close to a hundred feet tall.

"You're smarter than you look."

"Hey!" Kooper gave her a hand a playful flick to which she laughed off. "So what's the deal with that one? Was there a battle recently?"

"Not for damages." Northampton replied, giving the gates and Hornet cursory glance. "We and the Royal Navy have been getting some technological upgrades from the Iron Blood over the last weeks though, so the crews have been plenty busy."

"The Iron Blood huh?" Kooper squinted at the pier but found no sight of any human personnel.

"Something wrong?" Hornet asked, slowing with the others so he could get a better look.

Nothing.

"No." Kooper finally replied. "I've never met anyone from the Iron Blood before."

"Give it time." Chicago said reassuringly.

Kooper nodded but continued to stare. Not a single person could be seen but there seemed to be dozens, if not hundreds of little yellow blobs moving about the docks. Before he could inquire, however, Northampton called out. "Battleship ahead."

Everyone turned and Kooper's mouth nearly fell into his lap.

If the large-towered ship in the dry dock was a giant, then this ship was a titan of vessel. The colossal ship was steaming away from them, not fast, but the waves it was generating were more than enough to make Kooper tuck his feet in and hold onto the chair for dear life.

"C'mon, let's go say hello." Hornet called.

"Wait, what?" Kooper let out a yelp as the girls shot forward again, Chicago having to catch him once more before he fell out of his seat. Kooper clenched his jaw so tight he thought he might crack a tooth as they closed in on the massive wake of the battleship.

"Hang on tight!" Hornet called, crouching low as if preparing to jump.

"Wha-Hold on -"

Houston and Chicago gripped his shoulders and the next instant, the entire group was airborne. Kooper screamed, half in terror, half in exhilaration as they cleared the waves that would have easily engulfed them had they tried to cut through. Upon splashing back down onto the surface, the spray of salt water was enough of a shock to get Kooper to begin trying to breathe normally again. He shot a look back over his shoulder at the churning wake before his eyes swept along the hull of the massive ship.

The word impenetrable did not do her justice.

"Hey Oklahoma!" Hornet called.

A moment passed before a girl appeared leaning over the railing to eye the group with surprise.

"Hornet?" Oklahoma brushed her platinum blonde hair out of her face as the wind whipped it about. "You weren't scheduled to go on patrol today, were you?" Her eyes locked onto Kooper and her expression lit up with excitement. "Is that him?"

She makes it sound like I'm a celebrity.

"You know it!" Hornet called. "We're giving him a tour, so we thought we'd parade him about a lil."

"Hey!" Kooper barked in mock indignance.

Oklahoma covered up a giggle before her features fell slightly. "You're all too kind. Sadly, I'll be preoccupied until I return to port." She shot a glance over her shoulder towards her command tower then back to the group. "Maybe later we can all grab a bite at the dorms?"

"Sounds good!" Hornet nodded and tipped her hat. "Safe travels then."

Oklahoma waved farewell as the group broke away, banking towards the port once more. Kooper watched as the kansen vanished inside the command tower.

"She seems nice." He finally said aloud, taking a moment to see that he was being carried towards a beachhead.

"She'll be happy to hear that." Hornet said with a contented smile on her lips. "Oklahoma's a sweetheart. Just don't make her sad."

Kooper blinked. "She becomes a force to be reckoned with I take it?"

"I think your biggest issue would be her sister." Northampton shrugged but Kooper caught the faintest hint of a shiver. "Nevada is very protective of her sister."

"I see." Kooper shot another glance at the lone battleship.

"Easy…" Vestal said in warning voice and positioned herself should he prove unable to stand.

"I got it Ves." Hornet strode forward and positioned herself to take hold of Kooper's arm in order to support him. "But maybe we should grab him a chair to take with us."

Vestal ignored her nickname, and after once she was certain Hornet had him, disappeared into an adjacent hall, retuning with a wheelchair a couple minutes later.

"Down ya go bud." Hornet chuckled as she helped Kooper

It was a bit embarrassing to have his legs shaking so much from the simple act of standing.