Coming Home
"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," he said. "Far more than could be expected or asked. For that, I 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. "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, not 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."
They followed Rika into the 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. 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, and 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 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 blushed.
"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 him rejoin the teens and Royal Marines.
"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 pulls to a stop opposite the Embassy. I don't think nofink of it till Alex and Misa jump out and run to the gate."
"Really?" Shizuka-sensei 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, her index finger resting on her cheek. "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."
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. "About 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, they scavenged it," Sharpe corrected.
The Fujimi teens stared in wonder while Shizuka-sensei 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.
Sakamoto and Clayton met Shaun and the Royal Marines in the field as an Osprey touched down followed shortly by a Chinook.
"I hope you don't mind a detour into Camp Schwab, guys," Sakamoto said. "The General wants a complete debrief from all of us."
"I don't mind, but I should like to get word to my wife," Shaun replied. "I am certain she and the girls are worried sick."
"You can send word once we're airborne," Clayton volunteered. "Comsat's out of range by now, so we have to get altitude for direct radio chatter to work."
Shaun nodded his head. The British gathered their kit and followed their American counterparts into the waiting Osprey.
"Who dere?" Alex asked as she slid open the front door.
"I have a message for Mrs. Phillips," the sailor from the Ark said with a salute. He handed over a small folded slip of paper, and promptly excused himself.
Alex watched the sailor walk out of sight before she slid the door closed. She turned and walked into the kitchen where Asuka was preparing dinner.
"This came for you, nee-chan," Alex said as she handed over the note.
"Thank you, Alex-chan," Asuka said. "Would you keep an eye on the veggies for me?"
Alex nodded as Asuka sat at the counter. She unfolded the paper and shrieked uncharacteristically. Misa came running in to find Alex fanning Asuka with her hand.
"Nande?" She asked, her eyes wide with concern.
Alex handed over the note. "Shaun's on his way home."
Misa sank to the floor and joined her housemates in happy laughter. Their separation was, at last, coming to a close.
A/N: The adventure's nearly done. The State wishes to thank everyone who has been with us from the start and those who came along later. We sincerely hope you have enjoyed our efforts and invite comments and reviews. The State wishes to thank the ever-present Draco38, jm1681 and Rassilon001 for their efforts, contributions and critical eye. Without their efforts, this story would not have seen the light of day.
T/N: Nande is an informal way of asking "what going on?"