Twenty-Three Days to Gate Closure

Thus it was that the very next morning, as early as the general's timetable could allow, he had an officer standing in front of him, presenting his paperwork. Normally it would take at least a week to make such an appointment, but considering the officer in question, exceptions had been made in the past, why break a good habit now?

Anything for the Hero of Ginza, after all.

Accepting the forms from his subordinate, the General deftly slid it across the desk and deftly spun it around to read. Koichiro Hazama studied the request in front of him, his gaze narrowing the further he got down the page. Everything was in order, all the T's crossed, all the I's dotted, functionally the paper was professionally done.

It was the actual contents that troubled him.

"What's this?" Hazama asked, glancing up at Itami.

He stood at attention, back straight, shoulders squared, and eyes forward. He didn't even look at the General as he made his pronouncement. "Sir, I'm here to formally make my request known to... remain behind."

While he was up to his ears in paperwork, the General quickly turned to his aid, instructing them to handle his calls and field some of his less vital work while he gave the young Captain his full attention. It gave the dual purpose of getting them out of his office, so what they were about to discuss couldn't be overheard by overly gossipy privates.

Settling back in his chair, the General regarded Itami. "Just so we're clear... could you repeat that?"

"Sir I'm interested in discharging my commission, retiring from the armed forces, and remaining behind here in the quote, 'Special Region', unquote... Alnus... when the Gate closes," Itami said smartly and matter-of-factly.

His superior steepled his fingers, pondering. He knew the captain better than most, and he certainly wasn't given to frivolous decisions. Except maybe when it came to his off-duty hobbies, but even then he usually never let it interfere with his duties or his professionalism. This seemed to contradict both of those. "I seem to recall your officer commission not expiring for another year or so," Hazama said. He idly shifted the paperwork on his desk, the folder beneath being of Itami's service record. All the facts were laid out there.

The younger man nodded. "I'm aware, sir, but I was hoping the extenuating circumstances could allow for such. It's not entirely without precedent."

True enough, the General mused. "You do realize once the Gate closes all information points to it never being opening again," he stated. "Not in your lifetime, at any rate. And certainly not back to Japan."

"Yes, sir," he replied at once.

"And that you'll never be able to come home again as a result."

"Yes, sir."

"Miss out on all your manga and your anime and your light novels and countless other things you profess to be working so very hard for."

There was a brief hesitation this time, and he swallowed nervously, but Itami stubbornly refused to give in to the temptation. "Yes, sir."

Well, he seemed committed to this. That more or less made up the General's mind, but he would prefer at least a little clarity. "May I ask why?" General Hazama inquired.

"You may, sir," Itami replied, shifting somewhat nervously. The older man nodded to the chair in front of his desk, beckoning the young Captain to sit. He did so, feeling instantly more relaxed. Enough to begin telling his story at any rate.

"Sir, I know we originally came to the Special Region to secure the borders of Japan, protect its interests, and secure any resources we could discover here. As well as bring those responsible for the Ginza Incident to justice. And we've done that and more in our time here. But I feel we've done far more than just that. We've had an... an impact on the world here. Economically, politically, socially. The Empire's in an uproar, and most of the surrounding countryside has been looking to us for protection and assistance for over a full year now."

General Hazama nodded, well recognizing this as a fact. Despite the JSDFs intentions to remain relatively neutral in such things, outside forces or the good intentions of soldiers under his command (prominently the one sitting across from him) had indeed made an impact.

Not always a positive one either.

"Go on," he instructed gently.

"I don't think they're ready for us to leave," Itami said. "The Empire, especially, is on very shaky feet as it works out the kinks of democracy and free speech and human rights. They have a chance to really make something good of themselves, and improve the lives of the people here. All the people. I want to be here to help make sure that happens. I've... grown attached to the people here."

"And they've grown attached to you," the General replied with something close to amusement in his tone.

Itami shifted his gaze elsewhere, sweat on his brow, and it didn't take a genius to read his thoughts at that moment. While the Captain had a very good heart and a surprising clear head when it came to more important matters, his three young charges (well, only one of them was really young) were likely the real reason he was staying behind. Honestly, what else could General Hazama say to something like that?

"... alright."

Blink. "... sir?"

"We'll have something appropriate drawn up. And we'll have to expedite the usual process for de-commissioning an officer and retiring him from the military, but with your record it shouldn't be a problem."

"I, uh... t-thank you, sir," Itami said, standing upright stiffly, his right hand shifting, as if unsure to offer it for a shake or a salute.

General Hazama stood, and saluted, saving him the discomfort. Itami swiftly returned the gesture, waiting for the senior officer to lower his hand before he did so.

Not inclined to immediately let the boy off the hook, Hazama gave him a taste of just what was coming. "You should be aware though, that a decision like this is going to create enormous waves. You might inspire others to do the same as you have, and I doubt more than a few are going to try and entice you to remain in service and on our side of the Gate once it closes. Are you that committed to this endeavor?"

He once more squared his shoulders and straightened his back. "I am, sir," Itami replied in a clear tone.

"Then I wish you nothing but success. Your service has been nothing but exemplary from day one. You deserve this. I'll see to these papers... you just keep doing your duty until the day comes... and stay accessible. No leaving Alnus hill until this is all over. I have a feeling I'm going to need to contact you soon."

"Uh sir," he said tentatively. "I, uh, I do intend to work right up until the very last day but... I may also need some leave to return to Japan before the Gate closes. Some essentials to bring through if I'm going to be remaining here the rest of my natural life."

Hazama nodded. "Fair enough. Well, keep available by cell phone then, at the very least."

"Understood, sir."

Another crisp pair of salutes were exchanged, and Itami turned on his heel and walked out of the office, maintaining his composure the entire time. Only once he was out of sight and the door was closed did his professional aura slip. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, and slumped against the far wall, hoping he'd made the right decision.

Twenty-Two Days to Gate Closure

As his superiors had predicted, Itami's decision was met with considerable backlash.

The government of Japan was not keen to lose the national "Hero of Ginza," and as the General had guessed, many were keen to offer what essentially were tantamount to bribes in an effort to retain his loyalty and keep him from making what they believed was a horrible decision.

They offered money, a quick rise through the ranks, property in Japan, one was even suggesting he could have a career in politics with relative ease despite his young age. Not a single one of them came close to appealing to Itami, and he did his best to politely turn them all down.

If any of them were slow to pick up the hint, Rory Mercury was quick to pick up her halberd.

They might've had better chance offering things he actually had an interest in. Yet not one had the slightest inkling the so-called Hero was a fan of doujinshi and manga first and foremost. In fact, he was easily more troubled by the upcoming loss of his internet connection that he would ever be for the day-to-day toil and turmoil of his homeland.

And the backlash against his choice only strengthened his decision to remain behind in the new world. He felt he could do a lot of good here. Maybe not completely unhampered by law and rule, but perhaps a little less tightly restricted by it. If nothing else, then by being a good example for others to look up to.

He had no idea just how right he was until the announcements started being made.

Twenty Days to Gate Closure

A weekend later, and decisions had been made. Nearly two dozen additional requests for de-commission and retirement had also crossed the desks of the Special Regions director. All for personnel who had or were currently serving under Captain Itami.

He gave a weary snort of amusement, puffed his cigar, and stamped his approval on each and every one. It was their lives to lead, if they wanted to spend the remainder of it here, that was their choice.

Truthfully, General Hazama might have once been tempted to do the same, if not for fact he had a family waiting for him back in Japan. As it was, he'd leave the adventure to the younger generation, and simply wish them well.

Nineteen Days to Gate Closure

"You guys too?!"

Itami felt his jaw hit the ground as he beheld the newly retired members of the Third Recon Squad, who had almost to a one quit their jobs with the JSDF with a modest severance pay and decided to remain behind in the Special Region. Most were still in uniform, they hadn't had a chance to collect their things from Japan, but they were wearing them with considerable more casual grace than before, not bothering with military restrictions. Kurata had discarded his hat. Kuribayashi had even discarded her under-shirt, tying up her jacket in front to expose her midriff.

"But... you guys... the Gate...!" Itami vaguely gestured, unable to quite articulate himself. He collapsed backwards into his chair, his legs unable to support his weight.

Takeo Kurata stepped forward, patting his former captain on the shoulder, guessing well enough what he was trying to say. "It's alright, cap'n," he said. "We're all going to miss Japan a lot... it's our home. But we're staying here because we believe in something important. We believe in doing right for the people here. Besides, I've got another good reason to stay behind," he thought, ducking his head somewhat shyly.

Itami flicked his gaze to the ring on Takeo's finger. That was true enough.

Takeo had married Persia, after all, and while he might have considered the possibility once of living with her in Japan... her place was here, amongst her own kind. So the young sergeant and his heavily pregnant wife had, of course, elected to stay behind.

Akira Tomita had elected to stay behind for similar reasons. He already had a child with the Lady Bozes, after all, and had been making vague plans to retire to Alnus once his tour was finished. Perhaps give up soldiering entirely and settle as a merchant or some such. The Gate's closing had simply moved up his timetable, to the delight of the Golden Rose.

Itami could understand their reasons, but he was more shocked when Mari and Shino showed up at his desk. "You guys too?!" he exclaimed.

"Sure," Sergeant Kuribayashi said. "I got a job offer to join the Knights of the Rose. Empress says I could make group captain in virtually no time thanks to my experience. All they have to do is train me up on how to use a sword."

Now that Pina co Lada was Empress, the Knights of the Rose had become her honor guard, a position many in the Empire would have gladly given their left leg to be a part of. And Mari was being offered it despite her lack of noble birth. Feeling his jaw go slack, Itami tried to close his mouth before he looked a fool, glancing at the medic, hoping she had a better reason for her staying behind.

"And you?"

Mari smiled. She was wearing a long violet robe, evidently trying to fit in amongst the local populace moreso than her comrades. "I can't in good conscience leave the people here behind in the Dark Ages of medicine. Not even with the supplies we've left them. They need a proper medical practitioner to show them how it's done. Besides, I've always wanted to retire to somewhere nice and country-like. Doesn't get much better than this."

Itami felt his head start to hurt, and futilely slammed it down against his desk. Tuka reached over to pat his head gently, trying to ease his worry, but it was futile. He'd get used to the idea in time, but they'd all decided to stay with him. Not through obligation from their military rank and profession, but because the Third Recon Squad believe in Itami doing the right thing. Naturally, that meant they wanted to do the same. So they'd follow him to Hell and back. Or into the nest of a Fire Dragon, though hopefully that wouldn't be a recurring thing for them.

Nearby, Rory Mercury just smiled. Nothing quite pleased her as seeing people stand up for their convictions, regardless of personal hardship or sacrifice.

"Itami... you truly are never dull to be around," she whispered to herself.

Fourteen Days to Gate Closure

All told, nearly three dozen was the final number of Japanese citizens staying behind when the Gate finally closed. Primarily military, with a few exceptions.

Prominent amongst them was Ambassador Kouji Sugawara.

One did not need to look far to find the reasons for his remaining. Though the obligation of such had long since ceased to be an issue, Sherry had taken quite the shine to the brave politician who had sheltered and protected her during a moment of crisis. Only fourteen and still precocious, she was getting dangerously close to the age of consent in Japan (nevermind the Empire's flimsy laws on such a thing). Kouji was doing his best to treat her properly, but that didn't stop a single person from assuming the worst of him everytime mention of his future wife was brought up.

He lived with it, because she was worth it. If he had to be a little patient, so be it.

The rest were mostly contracted businessmen and women who worked in the village and the PX stores, who'd taken a shine to a new market to conquer, or else were hoping to continue trade with the various races scattered across the world. A pair of doctors were also staying behind, and it seemed General Hazama had arranged for a number of crates with desperately needed (to say nothing of expensive) medical supplies to be 'lost' during their re-deployment back on the other side of the Gate.

Paperwork, he explained, could be so very tricky to keep on top of.

Itami made sure the 'lost' merchandise was appropriately distributed throughout the Empire with the help of his former subordinates and the Knights of the Rose. Empress Pina was grateful, but discreet. She was quickly learning how to rule well.

Authors Notes:
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