I do not own Highschool of the DEAD or its characters.

Again, I also do not own the British and US Marine characters in this chapter. They are the property of MarshalZhukov and are from her wonderful New DEADs Order story as well as several of her long running British Marines series. I thank her for the loan of them. Its been great having them!

Updated: 10/20/13

Takashi awoke to find Saeko already dressed, and sitting on the outer porch. He sat down behind her and gathered her into his arms. As she leaned back against his chest, turning her head to look at his face, she reached up and stroked his cheek gently.

"Wearing that it looks like you're going into battle," he said.

"I feel that I am," she whispered. She had on her mini-skirt outfit with all its gear, including her pistol on her leg and sword at her side.

"I thought the Captain said you didn't have to carry your pistol in camp?" Takashi said.

"It's just in case we need to go quickly."

Saya walked up looking as if she was hunting a fight also, leather jacket on, Luger in her shoulder holster and MP5 over her shoulder. "I'm ready if you are," she said to Saeko.

Nodding, Saeko got up as Takashi scrambled to get dressed.

The girls had started down the porch by the time Takashi sat to put his boots on. Kohta waited on him and they double-timed it to fall-in behind the two juggernauts as they marched out the gate towards communications.

This caused several of the troopers walking around to pull up and watch the four teens go by.

Trooper Kurogane leaned over and asked Tatsumi quietly, "Are we going into a fight today?"

"Nothing I know of, but it sure looks like they're headed to one," Tatsumi replied.

The boys caught up as the girls climbed the outside stairs to the second floor of the mess hall. Entering they found a large open room with computer and radio equipment along one wall.

Nakajima, Tomasa and Rika were already there when they walked in.

"Ah, just in time," Tomasa said. "Sat's coming into range now. We should have a signal any second."

"Better yet, how about a video feed?" asked the communications tech, as he pounded away on the keyboard. Pointing to a camera on the table he said, "Stand where the X is marked on the floor. Look into the camera when you speak. You can see who you are talking to in the first screen and what your outgoing picture looks like in the second screen."

Saeko nodded and placed herself on the X taped to the floor.

The tech typed some more, which caused some sounds like a phone dialing to come from the computers speakers. He muttered into the mic on his headset, flipped a couple of switches and said, "Got it. Feed is going live in…three…two…one…" He pointed to the blank screen, which wavered, and formed into the image of a stern looking man with black hair that was graying over his temples; he had a square jaw and a small mustache.

Saeko bowed deeply and said, "Greetings father."

"Greetings daughter, I am pleased to see you in good health."

"And I you. I was surprised to learn you were back in the country, and that your adventures had led you to the palace," she said.

Kage grunted, "It was just happenstance that I was there at the right time. I will explain further when you get here."

Saeko's face hardened, "That is what I have called about, Father. I would ask you to retract the order you gave the Colonel to bring me to you."

"There is a place waiting for you here in the Emperor's guard. Explain to me why I should retract the order."

Saeko took a breath, "I offered my service to Captain Tomasa as an instructor of sword. I feel I can be of better use, teaching troopers the use of the blade against Them, more so than anything else."

Kage looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, "Is there any other reason you might wish to stay? Might it have something to do with that young man standing behind your shoulder?"

Saeko ducked her head slightly, a smile forming on her lips as she replied, "Yes, it does. I would like to formally introduce to you Komuro Takashi, the leader of our team and school mate."

Takashi stepped forward and bowed deeply, "I am honored to meet you, Busujima-sama."

"He is also the man I have decided to spend my life with," Saeko said as she stared her father in the eyes.

Oh crap! Takashi thought as he felt a bull's-eye growing on his forehead.

Kage's right eyebrow climbed his forehead and his jaw twitched. Suddenly his control broke and he roared with laughter.

Expecting anger instead, Saeko was surprised as she also heard other voices laughing off camera. Kage looked to his left and said, "You were right!" before turning back to his daughter.

"Komuro-san!"

"Sir!" Takashi replied.

"Do you love my daughter?"

Blinking at the suddenness of the question, Takashi nodded, "More than life itself, sir. I would do anything to make her happy."

Kage grunted as he nodded, "Very well, I will take your word on that. I place her in your care then. Nakajima! I'm sure you can hear me so I retract the order to bring my daughter to me."

"I understand sir," Nakajima called out.

Focusing back on the two in front of him, Kage said, "I would like to converse with you longer, but we have others here that want to talk to their daughter. Saeko, Komuro-kun, good health to you both and when we get some of this settled, we will visit each other."

Takashi breathed a little easier before Kage made one final comment. "I look forward to testing your mettle when I get out there myself, Komuro-san."

And just like that, Takashi felt his blood run cold again as Saeko took his hand and the two of them stepped off-camera.

Kage nodded and stepped out of view. A moment later, Takagi Souichirou stepped into sight with his wife by his side.

Saeko moved as Saya rushed forward. "Mama! Papa!"

"Saya-chan!" her mother said as she placed her hand over her mouth, happiness showing in her eyes. "I'm so glad you are safe!"

"That goes for you also, Hirano-kun. It seems you have done your job well and with honor," Souichirou commended.

"It was my honor sir!" Kohta said as he bowed.

"So what shall you call me now? Don? Or otoo-san?" her father asked with a smirk on his face.

Kohta's head came up from the bow and his eyes narrowed, after glancing at Saya he spoke as a smile crept across his mouth, "With yours and okaa-san's permission, I hope one day to call you giri no chichi."

The others in the room gasped as Saya blushed and ducked her head a little. Souichirou's eyebrows shot up before…he roared with laughter. Looking at his wife who was beaming at him, he nodded, "We will speak of this, Hirano-san. I think I would be proud to have a man such as you call me father-in-law!"

Turning his attention back to Saya, Souichirou said, "Alright Saya, give me your reasons for wanting to stay, other than the obvious one."

Saya took Kohta's hand and pulled it to her chest, "I have found a job that challenges my intellect, Papa. Supply and logistics will be a constant challenge for me, and allow me to use my knowledge to the best of my abilities. Rika…uh…Lieutenant Minami and the Captain have been testing and training me for over a week now. I feel a calling and I want to be a part of what is being built here."

"Captain Tomasa, do you have faith in my daughter's abilities?" her father asked.

"Yes sir," the camp commander said. "She has already proven innovative and inventive in her thinking and I would hate to lose such an asset."

Thinking for a minute, Souichirou nodded, "Colonel Nakajima, I also withdraw my request for you to bring my daughter to me."

"Yes Minister, I understand," Nakajima said with a grin.

Saya frowned at this, "Minister? What does the Colonel mean by that, Papa?"

Souichirou smiled, "I had not gotten the chance to tell you; the Emperor has appointed me Minister of Reclamation and Relocation. It seems that my quick thinking and actions, the previous government disliked, was admired by the Emperor. I will be in charge over all resettlement efforts on the mainland including the area south of you."

"Once things start to settle, we should be in the area inspecting infrastructure and should be able to get to the base for a day or maybe two, to see you," her mother told her.

Saya beamed at this news.

Her father turned to listen to someone off to the side, "We need to go, Saya-chan, there is only three hours of sat time today and we have taken enough of it. In the meantime, write, we should get letters within a few days."

Busujima Kage stepped back into the picture behind them and all three waved goodbye as the picture wavered and faded out.

"And we're out," said the communications tech. "We still have voice to HQ for two more hours, but video burns too many cycles for now."

Saeko hugged Saya as Nakajima walked over to them. "I'm sorry I had to put the two...well the four of you through that, but you understand I had my orders."

They nodded as Saeko said, "We understand, Colonel, and please understand we meant no disrespect to you in this."

Smiling, he turned to Tomasa, "Well let's get on with what we have to do today. It won't be long before it's time for the Western forces to muster out."

"Excuse me, Colonel, what did you just say?" Saeko asked.

"The Americans and the British have finished with what they came to do. They will be leaving this afternoon."

Saeko looked at the others and said, "Then we have some things to do before then. Lieutenant, may I speak to you for a second?" Rika nodded and they walked down the stairs to the street.

000

A couple of hours later…

"Attention on deck!" Sergeant Sakamoto called to her command as Captain Tomasa inspected the line. Lieutenant Minami fell in-step behind him as they paraded in front of the Western Allied forces.

"You have all done a great service to the people of Japan," Tomasa called out. "Far more than could be expected or asked. For that, I and my troops, will be eternally grateful."

The troops snapped a salute. Tomasa continued his pacing. "Now the time has come to return to your homes and commands."

Sakamoto stepped forward and saluted once more, "On behalf of the United States Marine Corps, it was an honor and a pleasure to serve under and with you, Captain."

Tomasa smiled and returned the salute, "I look forward to better and closer cooperation between our forces, Sergeant Sakamoto. While our peoples have often quarreled, and yes, gone to war, perhaps the future holds peace for us all."

Sakamoto turned an about-face and returned to her place in line. Shaun took his turn and stepped forward. He offered a salute and stood at attention. "While I cannot speak for Her Majesty, I can speak for the Royal Marines and myself when I say the honor is ours, Captain."

Tomasa saluted Shaun and shook his hand, "Sergeant Phillips. I cannot begin to imagine what we would have done without your help and direction in securing this outpost. It was a blessing of heavenly proportions that you came to us in our hour of need, and the thanks I can offer are not equal in value to what you and those who serve with you have done for us. Thank you."

Tomasa resumed his pacing, as Shaun returned to his place, "Men and women from far shores. I am not much for speech making, so please bear with me. This disaster has affected humanity, not as nations, countries, tribes, or groups, but as a species – the whole of humankind. I speak to you now, not as a police officer, not as your erstwhile commanding officer, nor as Japanese. I speak to you as a man and a human being. The bravery, selflessness and sacrifice you have shown, the dedication in spirit from one human being to another has brought tears to this old cop's eyes. There are no words, not thanks enough to express my gratitude, the gratitude of everyone here and those under your protection. I will quote – badly, I am certain – a Western phrase that may mean something to you; God Speed, Ladies and Gentlemen."

Tomasa turned to Rika, "You may dismiss them, Lieutenant. I'm sure they are eager to return to their homes."

"Yes, sir," Rika saluted. She turned to the assembled Marines and soldiers, "Company...dismissed!"

The Western Allies fell out of formation and made their way to the mess hall for one last meal before departure. Rika came up beside Shaun and gently nudged his ribs.

"Before you go, Sergeant," she said. "The Fujimi group wants to see you. Something about a parting gift." Looking around she waved to the three British Marines, "You gentleman are invited also."

000

They followed Rika into the house compound and around to the pavilion, that was to be converted into Busujima-san's dojo. There, they found the five teenagers kneeling side by side with several items lain out in front of them. Saeko was in the middle, with Rei on her right, and Saya on the left. Takashi was right of Rei and Kohta left of Saya.

Rika stopped at the door and pointed Shaun to a kneeling pad nearest the teens. Three more pads were positioned behind him for Davis, Edmonds and Sharpe.

As Shaun knelt down and bowed to the group he noticed the aura of authority Busujima Saeko projected. She is a noble lady, trained and true, Shaun thought. Alex could learn a lot about control from this young woman. I shall have to see about that in the near future.

"Thank you for indulging us, gentlemen. We will endeavor not to take up much of your time," Saeko said. "First of all, we would like to thank you for accepting our schoolmates into your home and family. In this world of death and woe, you show a bright light of humanity, which we admire. While we may not have known them well before the Outbreak, we feel a kinship to them as survivors of Fujimi Academy."

Shaun bowed slightly, "It is my honor to call them daughters. They are extraordinary young women and I cherish them as does my wife."

Saeko smiled and bowed slightly in return, "That being said, we would like to send them a few items we have gathered in our travels." She reached out and picked up a katana in black sheath with a gold tiger engraved on it. She placed it in front of Shaun and said, "You told us Schweiger-san put her bokken to good use in their travels, so we thought she might like to have something with a little more edge to it. This sword was made by Bugeisha Steel, whose owner was a very honorable man. I feel this is the best of the lot we have, it is a good blade and we hope it serves her in her adventures to come."

Shaun blinked for a second before picking up the sword, "On her behalf, I thank you. I'm sure she will be surprised and pleased with this wonderful gift."

Saeko nodded and then glanced at Rei who reached down and picked up a pole arm in front of her.

"This is a naginata. While it is not the yari we trained with in school, I feel Kinoshita-san will be able to adapt to it easily as I have. It is also made by Bugeisha Steel and is of excellent quality."

She laid the naginata in front of Shaun and bowed slightly.

After laying the sword to his left, Shaun hefted the naginata and bowed to Rei in return. "I again thank you on Misa's behalf. While I have only seen her use a jo stick, I'm sure she will put this to good use."

Saeko then glanced to her left at Saya.

Picking up a book in front of her Saya said, "This is a book on higher mathematics that we have extra copies of. Please ask them to donate it to the school they are trying to get started with our compliments." She leaned forward and placed it before Shaun.

Shaun smiled as he picked up the book. "I will make sure they and the headmistress of the school will understand the meaning of this gift of knowledge and your hopes for it."

Smiling, Saeko then addressed the three men sitting behind Shaun, "Men of Her Majesty's Royal Marines. We would like to thank the three of you for befriending and protecting our schoolmates. We have been told of your adventures in Osaka, and are pleased they can depend on companions such as you."

All the teens bowed to them, and Davis and the others looked distinctly uncomfortable with all the kind praise, deserved or not.

"Ah, thank you in return," Davis said. "It is an honor and joy to deal with the ladies even though sometimes they do get us into some sticky situations." With him saying this Sharpe grinned and Edmonds snorted, holding back a laugh.

Saeko and the others laughed and then she said, "Well gentlemen, I know you want to get lunch before the helicopters arrive to transport you home. If you don't mind, we will join you for your meal."

The gathering broke into informal chatter as Kohta and Takashi plied the Marines with questions on tactics, weapon maintenance and dealing with combat stress. Shaun, Saya and Rei shared tales of adventure as Shaun imparted his knowledge in getting the settlement up and running. Saeko hung back a few paces and watched the interaction.

"Sergeant Phillips!" Rika called out. "May I see you for a quick moment?"

"Yes, Leftenant," Shaun called back. He excused himself and ran over to Rika.

"I wanted to personally say thank you," she said. "I know we have not known each other for very long and always in a commander-subordinate relationship. But please know that everything you have done here will be noted and passed on to whoever may follow me."

Shaun blushed and scratched the back of his head, "You flatter me, Leftenant. I only did my duty."

Rika smirked then laughed aloud. "Ever the proper soldier," she said at last. "The Captain doesn't know it yet, but I'm sure he'll agree with me when I invite you and your family for another visit."

"Once things get calmed and settled of course," Shaun chuckled.

"Naturally," Rika laughed softly. She checked her watch, "And I've taken more of your precious chow time. Thirty minutes before the helos are due in. Get going, Sergeant."

"Yes Ma'am," Shaun snapped to attention and gave a salute.

Rika returned the salute and dismissed Shaun to lunch. She watched as he rejoined the teens and Royal Marines.

000

"So, I'm standing at the side gate, right," Edmonds regaled his audience. "Sergeants White and Pegg are popping off zeddies when this yellow Toyota car pulls to a stop opposite the Embassy. I don't think nofink of it till two high school girls, Alex and Misa, jump out and run to the gate."

"Really?" Shizuka turned her full attention to Edmonds. "I used to have a yellow Toyota, too."

Sharpe, Edmonds and Davis all looked at each other, each suppressing a smirk. "Thought it was kinda odd, two schoolgirls driving a car in Japan, but with everythink ewse goin' on, put it outta me mind."

"I drove to work that day because I overslept and missed my bus," Shizuka went on. "Good thing I had a reserved space in the faculty lot. Too bad, though. I really liked that car. It was perfect for a single woman to get around in."

"And two students, apparently," Sharpe whispered to Edmonds. Edmonds choked back a laugh as Davis bit his lip.

"Oh, well, it's gone," Shizuka sighed. "Whatever happened and whoever got it, they can have it now, I like the Humvee's better."

Phillips set his tray on the table and sat next to Takashi. "Mr. Edmonds here was telling us about what happened the first day," Takashi said. "How Alex-san and Misa-san drove up to the Embassy."

"Oh, I remember that story," Shaun said as he sipped his water. "Alex said something about how she had to hijack a car from the faculty lot, or something to that effect."

"Actually, Sergeant," Davis said, choking on his own mirth. "I think they borrowed it."

Davis could hold out no longer and burst into laughter.

Edmonds and Sharpe joined moments later. "No, no, they scavenged it, remember? From the faculty lot at the school no less!" Sharpe corrected.

The Fujimi teens stared in wonder while Shizuka remained apparently clueless.

"Did I miss something?" Shaun asked. Takashi smiled and shook his head, "No matter. They got out of the school and to safety."

"And that is the most important thing," Saya said. "Everyone who lives gets us that much closer to a new world without Them."

"Amen," the group intoned together.

000

A short time later the group watched a Chinook and an Osprey touch down in the landing field. As the aircrew hooked up the slings to the bulldozer, Phillips and the others waved as they boarded the Osprey and the big rotor blades spun to life.

The Osprey took off and circled the field as the Chinook lifted and took up the slack in the slings. Pouring on the power it hoisted the dozer and lumbered south with the other following to one side.

Tomasa smiled and turned toward the group, "Well, let's get this base operational. I want to have a staff meeting in the mess hall in fifteen minutes. Busujima-san, I'll need a report on what you need to start training. Takagi-san, everything you've got, current supplies and wants. Komuro-san please get Marikawa-san so she can give a report on medical. Hirano-san, go and relieve Toda-san so he can attend."

"That's it! You have your orders! Move it, move it, move it!" Rika cried out as she clapped her hands together. "I want to see you jogging, Hirano! Don't you slow up! Go! Go! Go!" she called as Kohta groaned and began to run.

Tomasa laughed as they got out of earshot.

A/N: Otoo-san = father, Okaa-san = mother, Father-in-law = giri no chichi.

This is going to wrap it up for our American and British friends. Please read the reaction to their return home in New DEADs Order.

The scavenging Of Shizuka-sensei's car is in A Simple Kind of DEAD, the first Alex and Misa story by MarshalZhukov.

As always please leave a Review and/or Favorite.