SIX DEGREES

A Gunslinger Girl fanfiction, based on works by Yu Aida.

EPILOGUE

It had once been said that if a Liberty Ship survived a single crossing of the Atlantic, then she had paid for her construction. If that were the case, Captain Howell mused, the trip from Ranong to the Mediterranean had certainly earned SS Tempest a few more turns by the dry dock. Normally standing on his bridge would have made him a happy man and, as a proud British subject, a charter from Her Majesty's Government would have made him an even happier one. Now though, watching the two figures walking across wharf concrete below, away from his ship, he could only feel profound relief.

He had gone to the South Pacific for a change of scenery, not have the catalyst for that change find its way back aboard.

Striding beside her partner, Monty glanced backward, finding the Captain looking down at his departing guests, before swinging her gaze ahead once more.

"I get the distinct impression he was not happy to see us."

"You think so?"

"Yes."

Comfortable silence fell again and, continuing a few more steps, she glanced up at him, mulling over her next words. Finally, she cocked an eyebrow. "Do you believe Algy will follow through on his promise?"

"What, on clearing my name? Finding a slot for us in England?" Another collection of paces, and she felt a hand settle on her shoulder, drawing her in. "If he and Katherine can make anything stick to Charlie I'm sure he'll try. However, I don't think that will be so easy a task as they would like to insist."

"They did manage to retrieve everything from Hong Kong."

"True, but at the moment that is only what we collected which, given our shared history, everyone will be taking with more than a pinch of salt."

"Hmm."

'Finding a slot for us.'

It was a nice, if fanciful, thought, and at it the girl's face grew dour. Unfortunately, no matter how well intentioned, Algy's offer could only ever be for one of them, not both. At the end of the day, if it actually came, even if they really would be welcomed with open arms, only Jethro would be able to go. Her lot was tied to Italy, whatever personal feelings on the subject she may harbour…

"If he did though, would you go?"

"What, back to the SIS?"

"Yes."

Now she felt the hand on her shoulder tighten as her partner came to a halt, staring out into space. Then he sighed. "You know as well as I it would be lying to say there was not some appeal, so maybe… maybe one day…" now however he turned to face her, bending over to place their single suitcase down, and plant a kiss on her forehead, before pulling her in tight, "…maybe one day, but not yet, not for a long time yet." He drew back, looking her square in the eye. "Ideally a very long time indeed."

Returning his gaze, she managed a tired smile. "Until death do us part, huh?"

"Something to that effect."

Leaning forward, he planted another kiss, this time to soft lips, its touch lingering on, until finally drawing back to return the same weary smile.

Then the moment was past and, giving her one final squeeze, he stood to retrieve their luggage.

"Come on, there are people waiting for us."

The remainder of their walk passed in silence and, rounding the end of a long warehouse, they were greeted by the sight of a dark E-Class estate, parked under soft morning shadow. Turning to the suited man beside it, Jethro held out a hand.

"New car, Victor?"

Shaking it, Hilshire nodded. "It is a long story."

Presenting her own paw, Monty cocked an eyebrow as it too was grasped. "Well, you can tell us all about it on the way up to Paris."

There was a brief pause, detective opposite wrestling with his next words.

"Not Paris, my orders are to bring you directly to Rome." Now the German's expression became dour. "Besides, you probably want to be in my company for as short a time as possible."

"All the more reason to go collect our car and make our own way through Italy."

"No. Rome. You can argue with Jean there."

Hearing her partner sigh, Monty waited for him to place their suitcase in the boot. It was a small item, cardboard shell worn and battered, probably befitting of their current vagrant status, but it was enough to contain the few meagre possessions Algy had managed to salvage from Hong Kong: Jethro's Sig, her PPK, the underpowered laptop, a few spare changes of clothes. Little as the prospect enthused her, perhaps it was a good thing they were visiting Rome first: they were going to need time to rebuild.

Turning around the Mercedes' side, she slipped behind dark privacy glass into the rear bench, finding it unusually empty.

"Where's Triela?"

Twisting as her handler settled into the passenger seat, Hilshire looked back. "At the compound, I draw less attention without her."

"So you found who the Padania identified and who they did not?"

"Yes." His face became grim once more. "We were top of the list."

It was her partner, however, who replied. "How bad was it?"

"Bad." The other man sighed, firing his car's engine in to life. "Still, at least now Jean can plan accordingly, and we can start rebuilding."

"Just so long as we don't get trapped helping."

"You can debate that one with Lorenzo."

"So, Paris?"

Hauling the gear lever in to drive, Hilshire pulled smoothly from his warehouse hiding place, idling off down the road.

"No, Rome."

"Fine. Rome first."

And the Adventure Continues.