Janus Responses:

I had not wished or planned to post anything like this. Frankly, I would rather work on the story and update faster. However... I've received some comments that I need to address. First: To anyone who has left a signed review, even one critical of what I have written, I extend my thanks and gratitude. I feel that feedback and constructive criticism are very important for a writer.

As to guest reviews: While some of them have been nice and appreciated, I can't directly reply to guest reviews and some do warrant an honest reply. And by that is I am always willing to discuss things people see as problematic in my work. I may not end up changing my opinion on an issue but I will listen. Frankly, this is best done via the pm system. But as I said, the guest review system does not allow for that.

Now to the point: When the last two chapters went up, I received some guest reviews that looked like they were composed by one individual. This person complained that this story had too much flirtation and I was forgetting the reason all these soldiers went through the GATE.

Fine. Let's address this:

The goals of the Pacific Alliance

1) Stop the invading forces in Ginza.

This was obviously done.

2) Prevent future attacks on the civilian populace.

Accomplished by the seizure of the Gate and Alnus Hill

3) Safely recover as many of the captives taken in Ginza.

4) Make Peace. This can include demands for reparations but the initially proposed sum demanded in canon was blatantly provocative as it called for the Empire to hand over more gold than was mined in Earth's entire history prior to the Industrial Revolution.

It is painfully obvious that for the Pacific Allies, making war on the Empire is the easy part. Just in the defense of Ginza and the seizure and defense of Alnus, the allies killed at least a hundred for every person killed or injured in Tokyo. Could the Allies systematically wipe out the Empire? Yes. But to what end? It would not be to protect the people of Japan. That goal has already been achieved. It would not help those still held captive by the Empire. It would instead probably guarantee these people would be killed by vengeful Saderans who would have nothing left to lose at this point. Wiping out the Empire would, in my opinion, achieve nothing but prove that our branch of humanity was just as savage.

Now... There are times when an outmatched foe continues to fight and attempt to kill even though it should be obvious the fight is over. To men who can only accept ruination, only ruination can be given. But at the very least, Princess Pina is willing to make peace.

So do we insist on vengeance or do we make a peace that rewards us for our efforts and just maybe as in the case of say West Germany, do we start making a friend? Modern Germany and Japan are two of America's best allies even though we fought them both in a war which makes an event like Ginza nothing more than a social faux pas. Whatever reasoning one may ascribe to the effort, it remains that the United States, Germany, and Japan ALL benefitted from a policy of building friends rather than just tearing down enemies.

Here, the choice the Allies seek is peace and at least some in the Empire's ruling circles want this as well. This is the best way for the largest number of Ginza captives to come home alive.

To make peace, people need to talk and try to understand each other. This often leads to interactions.

And yes, science and understanding of a new world and a new culture are VERY important. Especially as the Operational objective of preventing further aggression against civilians HAS been met.

Now, having said all that and getting off the soapbox, if people still feel that they would prefer a story of salted earth, this story really isn't likely for them. I thank these people for their time but what else can I say?

As for anyone left in the room, I'm glad you stayed! Hopefully, you'll continue to enjoy where this story goes! Again, reviews and constructive criticism are ALWAYS welcome!