I made it up to the bridge just as the final warning alarm sounded, slamming the hatch shut behind me and dogging it down tightly. There was a colossal thunderclap that reverberated throughout the ship as the view out the bridge window vanished in a cloud of smoke. Washington was at the holomap, watching the shellfire fall relatively on target, the devastating rounds followed shortly by South Dakota's strikes. The bombardment continued to bury deeper and deeper into the complex, but the fact that we hadn't been snapped back to our world told me that the reactor at its heart was still operational.
After surveying the damage, I could hear rumbling deep within the ship as Washington prepared another salvo before turning to face me. While she still looked perturbed, a thin smile crossed her face. At least, what passed for a smile from her. She was getting better at it, though.
"Welcome back, Commander," she greeted me. "You had us all worried there for a while. Try not scaring the pants off of us like that again, okay?" Before I could answer, her eyes flicked down to the sword tucked into my ammo belt, then narrowed. "Not like you to take spoils of war, sir…"
And here we go, I thought to myself as I self-consciously cleared my throat. "It's not a 'spoil of war', I'm holding onto it for Takao because she asked me to."
Her clear blue eyes went back to the sword, then to my face. "And you just decided to grant prisoners' requests?"
I quickly realized this was about to become much more complicated than I originally thought, but I definitely needed to nip this in the bud before this misunderstanding went any further. "They're not prisoners," I explained. "They're our guests for a little while."
"What?!" Washington exploded. "Sir, I know you're a big fan of the Far East, but have you lost your mind? We may have a cease-fire agreement with them, but they're still the enemy! What did they do to you out there?"
"She saved my life!" I snapped back. Even if I didn't need Takao to help unravel this conspiracy, I would've defended her just as strenuously. "If it wasn't for her, I'd be dead at least twice over, if not more. She was injured trying to protect me, so we're going to help her get back on her feet. Is that clear?"
Those last three words, and the tone behind them, left little room for doubt as to which answer was the correct one. Washington's expression slowly softened, and while she still looked displeased, she looked considerably calmer. "...alright. Sorry, Commander" she softly apologized before she eyed me up again. "She really left an impression on you, hasn't she?"
I chuckled softly and nodded. "You have no idea," I grinned wryly at her.
Washington raised an eyebrow as she peered at me. "So…what the hell happened out there? You were gone four days and now you're back, half your gear is from the Sakura Empire, you've got Takao's sword, and we're supposed to be bringing them back to base."
The warning claxon sounded and I waited for the next volley to thunder before I answered her. "It's a long story. For starters, Takao and I have only been awake for…two days, now?"
Washington reeled back in surprise. "Two days? What was going on the rest of the time?"
We watched as the shells from Washington and South Dakota landed on target once again, continuing to dig deep into the island. As the smoke began to clear, though, we could see the glowing reactor core of the Mirror Sea. One more volley should do it. I glanced over at Washington. "The Sirens captured Atago and Takao in order to put me and one of them in a situation where we would either wound or kill each other, breaking the cease-fire and giving the Sirens an advantage."
"Damn," Washington muttered. "So…how'd you guys figure it out?"
I patted the pistol strapped into my holster and smiled. "I found this on Takao's bridge, along with two clips of ammunition for it. Just sitting on the compass for anyone to see the second they entered the space."
Washington peered at the weapon and raised an eyebrow. "Sakura ships don't carry Colt 1911s…and come to think of it, neither do you."
I nodded. "Exactly Someone left that for me to find. Two people, from an uneasy peace, both of whom are now armed, are trapped onboard a non-functioning vessel with no idea of how they got there. They put us in a powder keg and a zippo for a light source."
She shook her head and grinned ruefully. "Damn lucky you two didn't come to blows."
"Yeah…about that…" I chuckled nervously.
Washington's face fell. "Commander…"
"I didn't start it!" I protested. "...sort of."
"Commander!"
I threw up my hands as I tried to defend myself. "Look, I was in an unfamiliar space, I didn't know if she was a Pawn, or a Siren illusion or what, so I took steps to make sure she didn't get the drop on me. I didn't pull the trigger or try to harm her. Only disarm."
That seemed to placate Washington a bit. "So what happened."
I looked away and quietly, sheepishly muttered, "...she got the drop on me."
"Commander!" she admonished.
"I know, I know!" I shouted back, shaking my head. "I made a stupid mistake and I got punished hard for it. Fortunately, Takao pulls her punches. Or sword strikes. Once she realized who I was, we came to an accord, teamed up, made it to the island, and discovered the Siren's hidden lair. Which you are about to destroy by the looks of it."
Washington smiled, that genuine, predatory smile, not her forced, awkward-looking rictus grin she sometimes puts on and turned back to the holomap. I followed and stood beside her as the ship's guns thundered for hopefully the last time on this trip. We watched as the shells arced over the beaches, the now torn apart jungle, over the spot where Tester's body lay motionless before slamming into the reactor core. It began to shatter and crack, white light pouring out from within as South Dakota's shells finish the job. There was an explosion, and the holomap blinked out as the shockwave rushed toward us in a blinding light. We both shield our eyes, familiar with what's about to happen next. The light engulfed us, and there was a sudden feeling of disorientation as if the entire ship had been spun about like a child's toy, and as we got our bearings again, everything flickered back to life.
Washington's communications systems began flashing immediately, on nearly every priority and emergency channel we had, the board lighting up light a Christmas tree. "Well, nice to see we were missed," I quietly quipped as I began filtering through the channels to find the highest priority message.
It was from what appeared to be our would-be rescuers, led by Hornet. As I pulled it up, her voice filled the bridge.
"To any members of Patrol One One One Three, this is Hornet, please respond." There was a pause, and I could hear the roar of planes in the background. "...c'mon, Commander, where are you? Repeat, this is Hornet calling for Patrol One One One Three, please respond. If unable to break radio silence squawk twice. …dammit."
The line went dead, but by then I was already opening up a channel to her. "This is Patrol One One One Three to Hornet, do you read me?"
Hornet's response was immediate and relieved. "Commander!" she excitedly answered. "Where the hell have you been, we've been worried sick about you!"
"I know, it's been a rough few days," I empathized as I tried to find where the Mirror Sea had spat us out at. To my surprise, we were only a few hours away from the base. "But we're heading home, best speed along return route…one alpha. Be there in a few hours. And tell Vestal to prepare the drydock, we've got an injured guest coming with us."
There was a moment's hesitation, and when she spoke again, I could hear the confusion. "...a…guest, sir?"
"Yes, a guest," I confirmed. "I'll tell you more back at base. Patrol One One One Three out." I cut the channel, thought about it for a moment, then turned to Washington. "How do you think the other girls will take it when we get home with those two?"
She eyed me up and down, shook her head, then walked away, laughing softly to herself.
"...that good, huh?"
By the time we'd returned to base, there was a rather large crowd gathered at the pier already waiting for us. I could see Vestal at the head of that crowed, distinct in her religious garb, with Perseus beside her. As we pulled into dock, I could make out more and more faces in the crowd. Most, if not all, of them had been in combat with the Sakura Empire and more than a few in personal combat with the Takaos. I wondered how they'd react. While I wasn't exactly expecting them to be welcomed with open arms, I was hoping it would be with less…hostility than Washington had implied.
While Washington was getting us docked, I headed down to the infirmary where Atago was helping Takao get to her feet. She looked a lot better than before but still worse for wear. Atago, meanwhile, still looked like she'd stepped out of her apartment, everything perfectly in place. I'm pretty sure I looked like I'd been run over by a truck or two, and I was also sure I'd feel like I'd been run over by a truck or two tomorrow.
"How are you feeling?" I asked Takao with an empathetic smile. She smiled back, her eyes meeting mine for a half-second before they darted to the floor, and blush colored her cheeks.
"I am well, but somewhat sore," she admitted. "However, I think some rest would be sufficient to get me back up to full strength, Commander."
"Well, that'll Vestal's decision," I reminded her, much to her disapproval, "But if you're feeling better already, that's a good sign."
The ship shuddered as it was towed into position, causing both women to glance at the door. "I take it we've just arrived," Takao deduced.
"Correct," I confirmed with a nod. "I came down here to escort you two off the ship and to give you a heads-up: There's a pretty big crowd on the docks."
The two siblings shared a worried glance. "Is it because of us?" Atago asked, the worry evident in her voice.
"I don't think so," I shrugged, "I've been missing a few days, and all I said was that I was bringing back a guest. They don't know I'm bringing home Sakura girls."
The look on Atago's face went from worry to playful mischief. "Ooh, Commander," she cooed, "I had no idea we were your dirty little secret."
"Y-you're not!" I protested as I tripped over my words. "I didn't want to tell Hornet I was bringing back two Sakura Empire kansen over an unsecured channel!"
She giggled, and I knew she'd played me yet again. "Goddammit," I swore under my breath.
"It's alright, Commander," she smiled as she placed her hand on my forearm. "I only do it because you look so adorable when flustered…" She turned and glanced back at Takao, who gave her a perplexed look. "Almost as adorable as my sister…"
Takao immediately flushed red and sputtered a moment before she crossed her arms over her chest and turned away from both of us. Atago giggled again, patted my forearm, and stepped around me. "Well, we'd best not keep them waiting.."
As Atago opened the hatch, I looked over at Takao, who was still staring intently at the wall. I stepped closer to her and took her hand in mine, giving it a brief squeeze. That seemed to snap her out of her reverie and she turned to look at me.
"You okay?" I asked, peering into those beautiful brown eyes of hers as I saw the uncertainty and anxiety within them.
"I…will be fine, Commander," she said slowly, taking a deep breath. "I am simply…uncomfortable with crowds. So many people staring…" Her voice trailed off and she looked away, her cheeks flushed once more. "..but…if you are with me…then, I will be fine."
I smiled reassuringly at her and gave her hand another squeeze. "As you promised me that I would be safe with you on the island, I give you my word you will be safe with me here."
Her gaze slowly returned to mine, her eyes full of admiration and affection. "...Thomas," she sighed as she moved closer to me. I felt inexorably drawn to her as I moved closer as well, pulled by an unseen, but not unknown force. My hand cupped her cheek and our lips brushed against each other. We hesitated, pulling back in uncertainty before we both decided to seize the moment and dove in, our lips meeting in a tentative, but tender kiss.
As we broke, still staring deeply into each other's eyes, we became faintly aware of the sound of clapping behind us. Slowly, I craned my head around as Takao leaned to the side so we could both stare at the source of the applause: Atago.
"It's so precious!" she practically squealed with glee. "I wish I could have gotten a picture!"
"Atago!" we both shouted in unison, our faces a matching shade of red, I'm sure.
With an infuriatingly amused giggle, Atago gave us a playful wave as she slipped out the door. "Don't keep us waiting, lovebirds," she teased as she closed the hatch behind her.
For a moment, we didn't say anything, continuing to stare at the door and avoiding eye contact. Eventually, we began exchanging furtive glances, shared embarrassed smiles until we were able to hold each other's gaze without all of our blood pooling in our cheeks.
Takao spoke up first, her voice soft and meek. "...was…was it good? I…I never trained for it."
I stared at her for a moment, incredulous as to what I'd just heard. "First off, yes, it was very good," I answered, wanting to allay her fears before moving on to the more pressing subject. "Did you just say you…never…trained…for a kiss?"
She nodded, a short, sharp, embarrassed gesture as she averted her eyes in what seemed like shame. "There was no way to...appropriately train, should I ever find someone I…I'm attracted to."
My heart went out to this beautiful woman, so vulnerable and shy, and my hand cupped her cheek, lifting her face until her eyes met mine. "There are things in life you just can't train for. You just have to trust your gut and do what feels right."
Her eyes peered into me, searching for something, as she whispered, "It…it felt right to me. Did it feel right to you, as well?"
"It did," I answered softly. We spent another moment, just basking in the nearness of one another before I sighed and gestured to the door. "As much as I would love to keep doing what we both feel is right, we should get out there, lest your sister and the crowd get curious and decide to check on us."
The thought of us being discovered colored her cheeks an even deeper shade of red and she nodded eagerly. "Let us be off then."
I looked her up and down, sizing her up. "You sure you're ready?"
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and exhaled slowly. When she opened them again, I could see the resolve and stoic calm in her eyes once more. "I am."
I smiled and nodded, giving her gloved hand one last squeeze. "Good. Let's go, then."
Together, we opened the hatch and stepped out into the sunlight. Much to my surprise, Atago was by the door, patiently waiting for us, that mischievous, teasing smile still on her face.
"I'm surprised you're out so early," she grinned playfully at us.
"Didn't want to keep everyone waiting," I replied with a polite smile. "Also didn't want anyone to get concerned and interrupting us."
Atago's smile changed from playfully mischievous to proudly surprised as she lets out a little gasp. "Commander!"
"C'mon, let's go," I grinned back, and we strode down the length of the ship. As we made our way toward the gangplank, I kept glancing at the crowd. By this point, I was able to make out individual faces, and I was sure they could see who was with me at this point. There was a noticeable murmur rippling through the crowd and my heart began to beat faster. Hopefully, this wouldn't cause too much of an uproar. I'd already had enough on my plate trying to figure out who was selling us out.
I nodded to Washington as I passed by her before disembarking, making sure to stop and salute the ensign before heading down the ramp. I took point, with Takao and Atago right behind me, the two battleships behind them, and Dace bringing up the rear.
Vestal was the first to greet us, looking between the six of us. "Welcome back, Commander! Who requires my aid?"
I stood aside and smiled warmly as I guided Takao forward. "Takao's taken some hits and I'd like her to get checked out as fast as possible, please. Atago, if you could go with her."
"Of course, Shikikan," she smiled back as she linked arms with her sister.
Vestal kept that professional smile on her face, but I could see in her eyes that she wasn't quite expecting this. "Would you like any…escorts for them, Commander?"
Well, there was no time like the present to rip the band-aid off, so I decided to just announce it here. Word would get out quickly either way. "They're going to be staying with us a while as our guests, so no." Another murmur went through the crowd and I looked around, trying to judge their reaction. Most seemed shocked and surprised, although a few, like Northampton and Prince of Wales, seemed rather nonplussed.
"Aye, sir…" Vestal slowly said before she put her professional smile back on and turned to face Takao and Atago. "If you'll come with me right this way. Oh, would you prefer a wheelchair or stretcher, Miss Takao?"
Takao vehemently shook her head. "No, I can still stand on my own."
"Of course. This way…"
As Vestal led them away, Takao looked over her shoulder at me one last time. I gave her a reassuring smile and quietly said, "I'll check up on you soon."
Her fears somewhat assuaged, she nodded and followed Vestal, Atago at her side. The crowd parted for them and I watched them go for a moment before the crowd reformed in their passing, leaving me surrounded by several dozen worried kansen.
"Alright, alright," I said, addressing the elephant in the room. "I know some of you may not be happy about this, but they saved my life out there. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here. I'm not asking you to like this, but I am asking you to at least try to welcome them for the time being. Am I clear?"
The assembled throng generally nodded their assent, even if some did so reluctantly. "Good. Now back to work…and has anyone seen my secretary?"
As the group dispersed, Bremerton cut through them, her bright pink hair standing out amongst the other shipgirls. She reached out and gave me a big hug, leaning back slightly so she could take a selfie with me. "...lemme just post this to Juustagram real quick," she muttered, her arm still around my shoulders. "...and done! So glad you're back, Commander! You gave us all quite the scare! And what's with the sword?"
I glanced down at the sword still tucked into my belt before looking back at Bremerton with a sheepish smile. "Oh, uh, Takao asked me to keep it for her until she's back on her feet."
"Ooh, intriguing!" she grinned. "I bet she wouldn't give that to just anyone. Got an interesting story behind it, Commander?"
"Very," I said with a tired grin. "But first thing's first. I need you to find Atago and Takao quarters, I need a shave and a shower, and then I have to make about half a dozen phone calls…"
A/N-Oh thank god, we're FINALLY back at base! Now the real mystery begins! Until next time, fair winds and following seas!
