Chapter 8 – The Offer
Part 1:
Bridge of the DDG-52 USS Barry,
United States Fleet Activities,
Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
1620 PM GMT +9
The airwaves filled with confused calls, spoken in the Japanese and English languages.
Ships of all sizes and of all types, numbering in the hundreds, sailed through the crowded sealanes of Tokyo Bay without regards to any rules of the sea lanes.
All of this lay before the eyes and ears of a man, who is standing in the bridge.
It was the captain of DDG-52, the USS Barry - an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer.
But her captain, someone who had seen many conflicts across the world, remained calm and stern look in his face. His name is Captain George Arlington, a tall bulky man from Texas, standing with a height of 195 cm or 6'2.
And then, he heard a voice coming from his left.
"Sir we have received an order from the Vice Admiral." The radio officer approached his captain, handing him a piece of paper.
"All ships of the Carrier Strike Group 5 are to depart the naval base. The USS Blue Ridge will be taking command of the fleet. As for us, the USS Barry will be assigned to capture a vessel who has a suspected Japanese terrorist onboard and detain the suspect and his accomplices. However, the order also says that we try to make them join us if possible."
The Captain then took the paper from his radio officer and read its contents. Confusion visible on his face as he reads the document.
'If this man is a terrorist, why not just arrest him instead of convincing them to join us?'
On the document was the authorization procedure and codes to access the RQ-4 Global Hawk, details of the suspected terrorist and the ship particulars of a yacht that is currently leaving Tokyo Bay. There is also and instruction on the paper on where to catch them and a note of caution.
It took him about 10 minutes to read all three pieces of paper the radio officer has given him. However, after he have read the contents of the paper, he then turned his head towards his radio officer. He then gave him a nod, on which the radio officer then left him there, immediately going towards his station, which is the radio room.
The Captain then folded the paper containing the instructions and inserted it into his pocket, leaving only one paper on his hand.
"First Mate, come here." The Captain ordered the person who was standing on the port side of the bridge.
"Yes Sir, what is it?" The Chief Mate asked.
"Enter this access codes and coordinates. HQ has provided us authorization to access that RQ-4 Global Hawk who is following a suspected perpetrator of this terrorist action here in Tokyo. I want you to keep an eye on it. Also call the commandos on board to prepare for close quarter combat and possible boarding operations."
The Captain then handed the paper to his Chief Mate. That paper contained only the ship particulars of the vessel and the access keys to the drone.
"Yes Sir." The Chief Mate answered. And then he left.
He then took the radio from his pocket and brought it close to his mouth. "Ok. Gentlemen, let go everything."
"Roger that, Captain. Aft Station let go." An officer on standby in the aft mooring station replied.
"Copy. Forward Station let go lines." Another officer on standby in the forward mooring station also replied.
The Captain then looked at the crowded seas at Tokyo Bay, with his mind thinking.
'Why does the Vice Admiral want to use a powerful destroyer to catch a suspected terrorist? Is there something else going on here? But he also said, I approach them diplomatically and convince them to join them – but then their terrorists? Why should I approach terrorists diplomatically? Use of force is not restricted? Does he mean I go all out or should I take this easy?'
Questions like that popped up in his mind and thoughts go into his head.
But then, several minutes later, his train of thoughts were all disturbed when he heard a sound from his radio.
"All Lines on deck." The two mooring stations said simultaneously.
"Ok." The Captain replied. He then placed back the radio to his breast pocket and went to a microphone that is connected to the ship's public announcement communication system. The moment he arrived there, he pressed a button near the microphone, were then he started talking.
"All crew. All crew. Standby to your perspective combat stations. I repeat. All crew, standby to your perspective combat stations. Prepare for combat. This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. Standby."
Part 2:
Intelligence Gathering Station,
Federal Security Bureau
Somewhere in Vladivostok, Russia
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
1640 PM GMT +9
"Sir! Sir!"
A feminine voice yelled across the room, turning all heads of all the personnel inside the room to her. Including the man she wants to communicate with.
The young female, possibly on her 20s, is a blond Caucasian woman. Her name is Lower Class Intelligence Officer Natalia Volkaya (or atleast, the name she uses), a newly assigned FSB agent in the Vladivostok Monitoring Station. Her real age, origin, background and other personal information are not known. The man, her superior, is Colonel Andrei Gachapov, a middle aged man, also working for the FSB.
This Intelligence Gathering Station is a facility located in the city of Vladivostok. It is also known with the name 'Vladivostok Monitoring Station'. The function of the facility is to monitor naval and air movements as well as radio communications in the Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk and the Northwest section of the Pacific within the 1500 kilometers from the monitoring station.
"What is it?" The man looked at the woman with an annoyed look.
Afterall, he is monitoring the situation that is currently happening in Tokyo.
"Sir, we have detected movement. The US Fifth Carrier Strike Group based in Yokosuka is on the move. The current intelligence we have is from our local agents."
The female agent then provided the man, her superior, a photo of the USS Ronald Reagan along with her escort fleet proceeding towards the mouth of the bay.
The man gave an annoyed look again. "Look Natalia, the Japanese government has placed an advice for all vessels in the bay to leave. It isn't strange at all that the American fleet has departed the bay."
"Yes Sir, but look at the photo closely."
The man then grabbed the photo from the new FSB agent and looked at it. "What am I supposed to see here?" He asked.
"Sir, one destroyer is missing from the fleet. The USS Barry isn't sailing along with the fleet. Don't you think that the USS Barry might be doing something else?" Natalia asked, giving her superior an inquisitive look.
The man then looked again at the picture taken by one of their local informants in Japan for a few moments. Seconds past by and then, the male superior looked at her again. "If there is, perhaps it might be to assist the Japanese government."
"It might be the case Sir but…"
Before the young agent can answer her superior, the man talked. "Natalia, what do you think is the case?"
He said in an annoyed voice, with hints of anger on it.
"Sir, I believe that the higher ups in Moscow are clear about monitoring the movements of the Japanese and American navies. Especially the American navy. I myself have received a directive from the chief to explore all possibilities of the movements of the US navy."
When she said chief, the face of her superior stiffened.
The chief she is talking about is one of the few directors of the Federal Security Bureau, a group of people who directly reports to the President.
Afterall, it hasn't been that long ago when the former leadership of the Far East Sector of the Russian intelligentsia has been sacked due to failure to gather intelligence about something he has no knowledge about, until today.
"Ok, what do you suggest?" The man said, still in an annoyed voice.
"I suggest that we monitor the missing US destroyer."
"Why do you think we need to monitor the missing US destroyer?"
"Perhaps, it is related to the reason that caused whatever that is happening in Tokyo."
"The perpetrator?" This time the annoyed tone of his voice disappears as he starts to think about something. He then looked at young agent, now looking at her at an eye to eye basis. "Why would you think that the US would be interested on using a state of the art destroyer, or maybe even an entire Carrier Strike Group just to catch them?"
"That is not what I am sure of. I am sure of, though, that the Americans are after something."
Andrei then turned his head away and then back at the screen, as reports of a radio and media blackout has been reported from all agencies and organizations reporting about the incident to the world.
And then, he sighed. "Ok Natalia. Many times you have reported to me incidents that caused false alarms. There was even one time that the Pacific Fleet have been almost deployed because you reported that a submarine of American origin has entered Russian waters, eventhough it was actually a Russian submarine conducting its usual maritime patrol missions. However, this is your last chance. Count this as redeeming yourself."
An expression of glee immediately appeared on her face. "Thank you Colonel. I swear that today I can prove to the agency that I have what it takes to be part of the group." She then raised her hand in salute.
Meanwhile, there are people inside the room looked like they are about to laugh. Some smirked, some tried to keep their composure and some simply ignored it.
Afterall, Natalia Volkova is known as the Ms. Failure, with a notorious record of wrong intel or disorganized information, and sometimes even making and submitting reports eventhough the intel is actually known already. If it wasn't because of her mysterious backer, one of the elusive directors of the FSB, she might have been already kicked out of the agency.
"Ok. Show yourself to me only if you have managed to gather relevant information. I will let you use several of our assets monitoring Tokyo Bay. And don't fail me. Now go."
Natalia responded to her superior with a nod and then left Andrei.
As soon as she left the room, Colonel Gachapov remained glued onto the screen, showing situations about what is happening in Japan.
"Is it ok to let her look into something like that. You know how careless she can be?"
One of the agents operating near the Colonel talked.
"Who knows!" The Colonel replied. "Anyway, focus on your work there. Or else."
Colonel Andrei Gachapov's second statement was said in an intimidating manner.
As a result, no one replied to the grumpy colonel's statement and soon focused their attention solely on their work.
Their work is actually to monitor the current happenings in Japan.
Part 3:
Tokyo Bay Approaches
18 km South of Yokosuka
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
1650 PM GMT +9
It has been more than an hour now since they have left Tokyo Harbour. Moving at a speed of 25 knots or 46 km/h, the ship has only travelled a total distance of 56 km.
But compared to the ships that are also trying to leave Tokyo Bay, they are moving at a very fast pace.
Also, 20 minutes ago, the ship has also passed the US Naval Base in Yokosuka without incident.
However, during all those time the yacht is moving away from Tokyo Bay, Saito has been looking out at the sight of Tokyo, He listened on the radio with the airwaves filled with confused communications. He also watched as ships and planes of the JSDF rushing towards Tokyo.
Mixed emotions can be seen in his face.
He just stands there silently.
Colbert and Kirche also stood by near Saito. For several times, they tried to talk with him, but after several times, they failed.
'Where did I go wrong? What have I done? What should I have done?'
'How about Louise, how is she?'
Questions rages on his mind. Meanwhile, Tabitha stood beside him, her hand holding his.
"Remember that iron dragon i used to kill the black dragon? Tabitha, I stole that iron dragon and now my home country is trying to catch me."
There was silence. Tabitha was only looking at him.
"But I didn't kill anyone." Saito resumed, looking intently to nothing in particular.
"You have done nothing wrong. You have saved us all. Not even that Louise could do anything. If you did not use that iron dragon, Halkeginia would have become a sea of flames."She said, with a hint of malicious intent and anger when she uttered Louise's name.
Tabitha then tightened her grip on Saito's hand. "We owe you everything. I owe you a lot. More than you'll ever realize. And I want to repay you for all that. I will do anything. Because..."
Tabitha was about to say something when she stopped herself as she dug her nails on her left palm.
"You know Tabitha, I wish to surrender myself to my home country. I want to explain to them that I did all that for the sake of Halkeginia. I want..."
Tabitha placed her finger on Saito's lips, thus stopping his train of thoughts.
"Don't even think of something like that. And besides, I don't want to lose you. That is why I have made my decision."
Tabitha turned her head towards Li Mei. And then back to him.
"I believe I can trust her. She is not my friend and I don't know her. But I have a feeling our interests aligns with each other. I don't have the specifics of that, just intuition. And besides, they seem more than willing to pay the price to whatever they want."
Tabitha said with conviction on her voice.
'Tabitha is right. Even if I surrender, that doesn't mean everything is over. When I surrender, what happens to Tabitha, to Professor Colbert and to Kirche? How about those Chinese soldiers who died because of me? What if the Chinese really meant what they said?'
Saito looked at the Chinese servicemen working around the bridge and on the deck.
Li Mei who is reading paper after paper worth of documents. The crew focused on their jobs. And men on deck carrying out boxes after boxes of what he thinks are boxes full of guns and weapons.
"Was this all necessary, all in the name of peace between two worlds? Is this even about peace?" Saito asked.
"Was this all necessary?" Saito asked her again.
"Sometimes, there are questions that doesn't have an answer." Tabitha removed her finger from Saito's lips. "And there are questions only the future you can answer."
"Is this all necessary? I don't know. I cannot say for sure how much is enough. I have lost way too much and way too many to determine how much is enough."
Tabitha said, her eyes looking far away into the distance. And then she turned her head back to Saito.
"Being here in your home world made me thought of several things. You lost parents like I did. You lost your previous way of life and unlike me, you were sent to a faraway land against your will. And perhaps, before you came to Halkeginia, you must have your own dreams and aspirations, all of which are gone now. No, I shouldn't have said I lost too much in front of you, for you have lost much much more."
'What is Tabitha talking about. No, wait... How much did I lost. My mother. My father. My sister. My life. My world... How much have I lost? And how many more are going to be lost because of me? How many more will I lose?'
Tears flowed out of Saito's eyes as he finally hit by the realization. But Tabitha pushed on as she grabbed his other hand.
"In front of you, I must never say I lost too much, for you have given me a lot and asked nothing in return. No! I doubt you are even aware about it. And no, I must give you something in return. No matter if the world goes against you, no matter if no one else wishes to stand beside you, I will always be there and always reaching out my hand to you. I shall always be on your side."
Tabitha finally showed him a wholesome smile, the first time ever since they went to Earth.
'No, Tabitha, what are you trying to say? What are you talking about. And why...'
And then Tabitha hugged him tight.
'No, Charlotte, why...'
"Ahhh... Tabitha... Ahhhh..."
"Saito, I will talk about with on this some other time. I will tell you everything. But for now, I only want to tell you that I will be on your side for as long as I live."
Tabitha finally let go of her hug on Saito.
"Tabitha, what should I have done?"
"To be honest, if I were you, I might have no idea as well, but as I am, for now, like I said earlier, i have made my own decision. I believe that our interests and Li Mei's interests are aligned and so far has approached us in the best way possible. Her interest may as well be finding a way to Halkeginia and conquer our world but that's not important to me. That place is rotten to the core anyway, changing it might be its saving grace. I am more interested in your world Saito. And besides, I have no intention to align myself to those who harmed you even at the slightest. Not even in the future."
Tabitha said those words with a smile on her face while Saito is failing to keep up on understanding her.
"And about Louise, you still have your mark as Gandalfr, right?"
Saito immediately take a look on his left hand. And there it is, the rune of gandalfr. An expression of hope and enthusiasm slowly appeared in his face.
"She is still alive." the girl again looked far away into the distance, again to nothing in particular.
Saito looked at her. That's when he first noticed how long her hair has grown. Usually, Tabitha has shoulder level hair, but this lady over here has a longer hair. She also has a chest size a bit bigger than he remembers. And then he looked away after seeing that, only to look back at her again.
'Charlotte sure has grown more beautiful ever since I last saw her. But was she always this lonely?'
Saito looked at her, the color red appeared on his face. Tabitha then looked back on Saito, sending back at him a smile.
"Hey Honey, haven't you noticed it?" Kirche asked Colbert.
Being called Honey, Colbert answered Kirche in an embarrassed manner. "Notice what?" He asked.
"About Tabitha. I think she is acting weirdly."
Colbert then looked at the blue haired girl who is standing close to Saito. "Now that you said it, I think she does. She is lingering closely around Saito. And she behaves differently."
"Hmmm. I see." Kirche then took a step forward. "There is only one way to find out."
Kirche then walked towards Tabitha. However, before she can reach Tabitha, the Chinese personnel acting as a radar lookout on the yacht noticed something on the radar.
A ship has been detected. However, not by the civilian radars like X band and S band but on other radars.
"Madam, we have a ship approaching towards us at high speed. Looks like a military vessel. Bearing: 210 degrees. Distance: 3 nautical miles. Course: 108 degrees. The ship is sailing towards us. "
The Chinese crew on the bridge immediately looked at the area were the man has witnessed the ship on radar. Looking at where they are looking, Saito and the group immediately looked towards that area also.
Indeed, the approaches of the bay is full of ships sailing as fast as they can out of the area. From that viewpoint also, they can see military ships sailing away from the area as well.
However, those ships are moving on a different course. This one is sailing towards them.
"It's an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer."
"Shit, it's the Americans." For a moment, Li Mei lost her composure for a moment upon hearing of the name of that ship. However, a few moments later, she regained her composure and looked at the helmsman.
"Steady on course. Keep speed at 20 knots."
"Yes Ma'am. Steady on course! Speed 20 knots."
She then turned her head towards the radio operator. "Check for any drones flying close to us. But don't attempt to hack it. Just check for any encrypted radio communications."
"Yes Madam. Tuning in to known military frequencies."
Li Mei then turned her eyes towards Saito. However, before Li could say anything, Saito asked. "What's your plan with that ship?"
Just as soon as Saito asked that question, a person from behind the radio controls said: "I believe a drone is flying behind us. No information so far about the drone, only that it seems to be linked with American satellites."
Li Mei, as if saying 'I see', she made a nod. After that, she gave Saito a smile. "So this will be our plan."
Part 4:
Command and Control Unit,
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters,
Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda ward
Tokyo,
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
1730 PM GMT +9
"Look Senior Commissioner. Even the Americans are running away like rats jumping off from a sinking ship."
The man tiredly made a comment as he watch on map of Tokyo Bay with real time location of the ships. It was Major General Kenji Tensho, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Defense.
"Or are they chasing him." He said in a muffled tone in a volume low enough that only he can hear his voice.
"Either way, both scenarios are ideal for the future of this country."
"You said something Chief?" the person standing close to him ask. It was an intelligence officer working for him.
"Ah no, nothing." He said dismissingly. "Just talking to myself."
"Sir, I really think we should chase Saito Hiraga. And also Black Lotus."
Another man in the room presented his protest to the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Defense. It was Toshiro Kashigawa, the Senior Commissioner of the Public Safety Bureau.
"Senior Commissioner, the situation has gone bad. Although, catching Saito Hiraga might be important, there is no more important to us than to have the centers of government in Japan intact."
Kenji kept his eyes locked on the display monitors as the people inside the facility buzz around doing their job.
"I know that Sir But."
"Of course you do." The General immediately spoke out, not allowing the Senior Commissioner to say another thing. "Remember Senior Commissioner, the Diet has given me authority to oversee the defense of Tokyo. Although you received authorization from the Prime Minister, the Diet has convinced the Prime Minister to change his mind. The priority is to defend Tokyo."
"But getting Saito Hiraga also means not just defending Tokyo but the national interest of the State of Japan!"
"Good point. However, it seems that the Americans and the Chinese are going to do it for us." The General turned his head towards the Senior Commissioner. "And besides…"
The Senior Commissioner gulped as he met the gaze of Major General Kenji Tensho, the Deputy Minister of Defense and also a former member of the Imperial family as the 2nd son of the Crown Prince.
However, the General just gaze him a smirked smile and turned his head back to the monitors.
"Also, if I were you, I would stop accusing the Chinese for this. It works with the media and the public, but not with people like us. Just look at this situation instead at a different perspective and you'll see what I mean."
Toshiro then turned his head towards the monitor. And there, he saw what looks like a US Destroyer pursuing a yacht just outside Tokyo Bay.
Part 5:
DDG-52 USS Barry
Tokyo Bay Approaches
7km South by South by West of Nishikawana
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
1755 PM GMT +9
The sun is slowly setting on the Western horizon. However, still, ships numbering on the hundreds swarmed the waters near the approaches of the bay. Yet, almost a full hour has passed ever since the USS Barry has been shadowing a yacht registered to the Philippines, flying a Filipino flag, as it sails on the southerly course.
Capt. George Arlington, the commanding officer of the DDG-52 USS Barry, looked at a yacht sailing away from his vessel directly straight ahead. At a distance of 2.5 nautical miles, the yacht stands defiant in front of him.
Looking at the ship sailing away in front of him, he was thinking of how he can approach the yacht in the way the order told him to:
'To approach the yacht, and try to diplomatically speak with a person named Saito Hiraga and invite him if possible to the United States. And if he says no, then he shall be eliminated.'
Then his train of thoughts have been abruptly derailed when a officer approached him, handing him a piece of paper.
"Captain! We have received new orders from the Blue Ridge."
"Let me see."
The Captain then took the paper away from officer. Without delay, he immediately opened the letter and began reading it silently.
The letter says:
"Captain, your suggestion to ask for assistance from the Japanese authorities has been denied by headquarters. The Admiral orders the USS Barry to complete this operation without outside interference. The Admiral has also tasked this vessel to engaged the target in a safe distance so as to avoid notifying the Japanese authorities. Also, the Admiral advises to engage with the yacht the moment it sails outside Japan's 12 nautical mile territorial waters."
After reading the letter, the Admiral immediately folded the paper and placed it in one of his pockets. He immediately left the spot he was standing and went to the nearby telephone. He then dialed a number on the telephone and raised it up to his head.
"Gentlemen, this is the Captain speaking. I need the 1st Marine Squad to meet me in the briefing room ASAP."
Part 6:
Tokyo Bay Approaches
10km South of Nishikawana
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
1800 PM GMT +9
For more than an hour, the yacht sailed at a decent speed of 20 knots. There destination was a rendezvous point around 68 nautical miles away East-southeast of Miyake Island or 56 nautical miles away from Japanese territorial waters.
They are approximately 3 hours away from their destination. Also, in less than 8 minutes, they will be outside Japan's 12 nautical mile territorial waters.
If the USS Barry which seems to be tailing them for an hour now is willing to attack them, then by the moment they will be outside Japan's territorial water, theoretically, since they are in international waters, the US Navy can exercise fewer restraints than being inside Japan's territorial waters.
Saito doesn't know much about this certain maritime norms and laws, nevertheless, he is certain that an attack is coming. Where is Delfinger when he wants to hear its opinion? He thought.
Ever since the sword Delfinger has been broken into pieces, he can only contact Delfinger whenever he is holding anything that is a weapon.
Looking at the USS Barry for almost an hour now, he can't help but admire the ship that is steaming full speed ahead towards him and his friends. If this happened before he was transported to Halkeginia, he might have been filled with excitement and awe to this warship. But now, this ship meant him and his friends harm.
'No, I cannot allow my friends to be harmed by this. I also want to see Louise as soon as possible. I want to be alive.'
Slowly, Saito is starting to recover from what have happened earlier.
After all, he saw it firsthand how Louise got swallowed by the world-gate. Along with Tiffania and Julio and a few more cars.
However, thanks to Tabitha (who has been standing next to him while silently watching the USS Barry) and her efforts on trying to ease his worries, along with the mark of Gandalfr still present in his hand, he knows Louise is still alive.
Thus he must go home. And he must go home alive and his friends too.
But first, he needs to find a way to escape the Americans.
And with that, Saito raised his right hand until it is close to the right of his face. Noticing Saito raising his hand, Tabitha turned her head towards Saito and looked at him. Li Mei, the Chinese envoy, is also watching Saito from behind.
With his right hand close to his face, he moved his hand slightly away from the face, like a spring being pressed down. And like a pressured spring releasing the tension, he send his hand barreling towards his face at full speed with all his strength.
Saito slapped himself.
And with that, a smile emerged out of both Li Mei and Tabitha. Also, Kirche and Colbert, who are both discussing at what they can do looked at the source of the sound.
Not long after, Saito turned his head towards the Chinese envoy. "Tell me about the current plan?"
Li Mei gave Saito a stern look. "Your Excellency, this yacht has a built-in midget submarine attached on to this boat. The plan is to reach the rendezvous point we're we will all abandon this yacht. The submarine is waiting for us at a depth of 100 meters."
"And?"
"Your Excellency, I want you to be honest with me. I know that you and your companions are capable of superhuman feats. So, can you tell me in detail what each and everyone of you can do? I would like to make a strategy out of this. Also, I think we will have an encounter with the Americans very soon."
Li Mei walked one step closer to Saito.
"Please trust us, your Excellency." She added.
Seeing this, Colbert and Kirche approached them and stood behind Saito. Meanwhile, Saito was silent for a moment, as if thinking what he should do.
However, Tabitha who was listening to Saito and Li Mei's conversation, which was done in French, understood a bit of what she was saying.
"I will not tell you everything of what I can do for now." Tabitha said. "But let's just say my magic has something to do with exploding things"
Kirche and Colbert looked at Tabitha immediately the moment she gave that reply.
"I will also tell you that I am not good with magic either." Tabitha added.
Tabitha turned her head towards Kirche and Colbert. She then gave them a look of stern determination with the 'I got this' expression.
Kirche was about to say something, but then she feel silent the moment she saw Tabitha's look. Same for Colbert.
Li Mei, who barely understood what Tabitha said looked at Saito.
"My friend said she is will not say everything about her magic, but she said that it's something about explosions and also that she is not good with magic…"
The moment Saito finished saying the translated version of what Tabitha said, he then looked at her.
'Wait, I thought Tabitha is good with magic? And that her magic was wind magic.' Saito thought as he looked at her. 'Also, explosion magic? Not good with magic? Wasn't that…'
Saito shook his head in dismissal. He then turned his head back to Li Mei and asked. "Do you have any weapon systems with a speaker and a monitor on it?"
Li Mei looked at Saito for a moment before she replied. "Well… no. Actually, this yacht has an integrated navigation however, the guns are not connected but we can try. After all, this yacht was built for the navy."
Li Mei then pointed to a keyboard and monitor sitting near the captain's chair. Saito then walked towards it and touched it. The moment he touched it however, the runes of gandalfr remajned dim.
Everyone was waiting for him to show them something, but there was nothing.
"Why is it not working?" Saito asked. He then turned his face towards Li Mei. "Are the weapon systems of this ship connected to the ship's computer?"
"Unfortunately, no. The rocket launchers, the machine guns have their own computers and are not connected to the ship. The submarine has no weapons of its own."
Saito sighed. This is not a warship at all.
"Anyway, I'll tell you about my powers." Saito then began discussing with Li Mei the extent of his powers. He also helped Colbert and Kirche on explaining their magic to Li Mei. Li Mei, in return began discussing the plan to the others. The discussion was a back and forth scussion due to disagreements on a few things – like the usage of magic and how much of it should they use.
The discussion lasted for 50 minutes. However, their discussion didn't ended with them formulating a final plan.
It ended because…
Part 7:
27 Nautical Miles South of Nishikawana
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
1852 PM GMT +9
While Saito and Li Mei are discussing what they can do, how they can integrate their skills to the plan and what exactly they should do, the USS Barry under Captain George Arlington has organized a three way interception of the yacht. He commissioned two small boats armed with machine guns meant for search and rescue operations as well as anti-terrorism activities along with one Sikorsky SH-60 Helicopter. Each boats were crewed by 7 US Marines each while the helicopter has 5 US Marines on board. With the sun already have set in the Western horizon, visibility has dropped.
Under Captain Arlington's orders, the boats were hoisted down into the ocean along with its men and equipment. Soon after, the boats left their mothership and rushed into the yacht at a speed of 35 knots. After that, the helicopter took off.
The three war machines soon formed their planned formation. The two boats will intercept the yacht in the most silent way possible. Meanwhile, the helicopter maintained altitude.
When the helicopter and the boats are just a mere one nautical mile or 1.852 km away from the yacht, that was the moment the personnel of the yacht has detected the presence of the incoming American forces. However, the moment they were alerted of the presence of the Americans approaching their vessel, a beam of light flashed straight into the bridge of the yacht.
At first, it was just a constant beam of light being swayed back and forth into the bridge.
It was a search light beam from the USS Barry.
Soon the searchlight has simply focused into the yacht. The beam of light turned on and off at an interval, sometimes it was a short interval, and sometimes its in a long interval and on sometimes, the light doesn't come on again after a prolonged interval.
.- . | -.-. - - . | .. -. | .-. . .- -.-. . .-.-.-
"We come in peace." Li Mei said loudly as she reads what the USS Barry was trying to say to them.
Also, it was morse code.
"They come in peace?" Saito who was a bit upset for sometime now asks loudly as they see two boats and a helicopter coming closer to them fast. "That doesn't look peaceful to me."
And then, one of the look-outs of the yacht noticed a red blinker on the USS Barry. The blinker is flashing a '-. – ' signal repeatedly. It was the international code signal for the word 'kilo'. And according to the international code of signals, the code 'kilo' can also mean…
"Madame Li, the Americans want to communicate with us, though they haven't stated which frequency should we communicate with them."
"I see." Li Mei said. "It seems that they want to talk with us personally with maximum pressure applied. Saito, I think it might not be strange at all to think that the entire US 7th fleet is on our heels. An aircraft carrier should also be not that far away from here."
Li Mei asked as she looks at Saito.
"What did she said Saito?" Tabitha asked.
"She said that an entire fleet of ships are going after us and that she thinks our plan will not work." Saito said before looking to Li Mei."And I dont think we can outrun them either."
Tabitha for the moment looked at the strange flying beast that flies without any visible wings. For a moment, she tried to think how that thing managed to fly but then,everytime she does that, she dugs her nails into her palm, thinking it isnt the time for that.
Colbert is also having the same thoughts running on his head.
"Saito, has she said anything about their intention?"
The red haired woman asked as she looks at the three machines of war mirroring them.
"I believe that they want something from us." Kirche said. Although Li Mei said it earlier, she failed to understand what she said.
"By the way Saito, what do you think they want?"
Kirche asked.
"Ms. Li, do they know about Halkeginia? How about me having been there? Or..."
"As far as I a aware of, they are aware of the other world. Last year, an encounter took place somewhere in East China Sea. An American fighter plane was lost for a moment. However, according to our intelligence, the plane has been transported to a different world. We don't know much about the details but we do know that one of the planes suffered from some sort of damage and that a dogfight took place."
Saito fell silent the moment Li Mei explained to him what she knows. But she's not done yet.
"The Americans and the Russians, according to our intel, has successfully managed to gain a foothold in the other world. The Russians had done the most successful landing so far."
"And how about China?"
"Three years from now, when an eclipse passes over Chinese airspace."
"Saito, what did she said?"
Tabitha asked, wondering what caused Saito to react that way."
"She said that nations from my world has already discovered Halkeginia and that the nations of my world will are going to Halkeginia." Saito said.
Guessing what Saito said, Li Mei added. "And we, the Chinese nation has no intentions of colonizing your world. Although, we are interested of what new things can we find in your world that would prove valuable to the development and progress of our country. Also, I assure you that this progress and development is not one sided and neither will it be on the detriment of its natives."
"Why should I believe you?"
Saito asked back.
"Because we know what it feels like to be colonized by foreign powers, and even by someone who are like a brother to us."
Li Mei answered in a stern tone.
Saito was about to say something when they heard a voice from someone.
"We are from the US Navy. However, we are not here to engage on violence. We are here to talk."
The voice said, which made Li Mei flinch a bit.
"Ok." Saito replied. "I don't know how you all managed to link me with the other world but…"
"Actually we managed to find a link between you, the disappearance of the F-2, the eclipse and the incident near Okinawa. It wouldn't be strange if they did as well."
"Ok…" Saito replied. "So, I wish to talk with them."
"I see, so you wish to talk with them. Well then, its your choice." Li Mei said, with a trace of disappointment in her tone. However, she start moving her fingers around. The crew on the bridge watched as she moves her fingers.
One of the crew in the bridge looked at the signs she was making and then looked away, pretending not to see it. The other crew inside the bridge also did the same.
However, Saito and his group failed to notice those series of hand gestures. In the end, the group proceeded to go to the aft of the yacht and activated something there.
Also, the USS Barry was flashing the yacht a series of morse codes to conduct radio communications with them, but the Chinese crew inside the yacht ignored the order and maintained the 20 knot speed.
Not long after, Saito and his group was in the open space, the helicopter started to hover above yacht.
"Are you sure about this Saito?" Tabitha asked.
"If they see you as what I think they are, I don't think they are going to let you go." Colbert said.
However, Saito remained silent as the helicopters search light beamed down into him.
The helicopter descended even further down to the point that its just 5 meters away from the yachts deck. The person on the helicopter then dropped a piece of wire attached to the rotorcraft with some metal structure attached at its end on the yachts deck. Soon, a person emerged out from the side of the helicopter, complete with harness attached to a wire. Not long after, he was then slowly hoisted down into the yacht and a few moments later, he touched the deck.
The guy then unhooked himself from the wire and looked at Saito.
"Are you Saito Hiraga?" The man asked in Japanese. "I am Colonel John McKellen, from the United States."
The US Marine intorduced himself to Saito.
"Yes, I am Saito Hiraga. What can we do for you Sir?" Saito asked albeit in a lower voice.
"Good. I am here to tell you that my superiors wants to talk to you." The US Marine soldier then took a tablet from one of his forward pockets and turned it on before giving it to Saito.
The moment Saito got in hold of the tablet, a face emerged in the tablet. It was Captain George Arlington of the USS Barry.
"So, you are Saito Hiraga. Nice to meet you young lad. I am Captain George Arlington of the USS Barry, the ship is the one close to you right now. I am also here as a representative to Vice Admiral Johnson McKinley."
The man looked at Saito from the tablet in a business-type manner.
"How did you know my name?" Saito asked.
"How do I know your name? Well…" The Captain paused for a moment. "Anyway, you're quite a famous person young man. After all, you are a wanted man and has a pending case in Japan. I believe they will give you something like a death penalty."
Saito, upon hearing that from the Captain, looked at the man on the tablet with a somewhat terrified look.
"However…" The Captain gave Saito a slight smile. "Let's be frank here. I have an offer to you."
"Whatever that preposition might be, I'm confident my hosts can do a lot more than that." A woman's voice interrupted the Captain, prompting the Marines to raise their guns and aim it towards the source of the voice.
The woman was Li Mei.
And the moment they raise the Americans raised their guns at Li Mei, the Chinese crewmen who are actually Chinese commandos onboard that yacht also raised their guns, aiming it at the Americans.
"Well, my preposition is that we can convince the Japanese to drop the case. We in the United States will also forget that such a thing back then did not happen. And I bet we can also convince the British government to do the same. Also, our government is willing to provide you financial and technical assistance."
The American captain of USS Barry said.
"And for what?" Saito asked back.
Meanwhile Tabitha, Kirche and Colbert remained silent as Saito and the Captain are talking in English, with Saito replying to the man in broken English.
"The United States government wants you to come to us. Of course, all the papers and documents are ready and you can become an American citizen as soon as you come to us."
While the two of them are talking, Li Mei tried to read the situation as best as she can. And by observing the two of them, Li Mei noticed something.
"Mr. Hiraga, my hosts are confident that we can bring you back to where you want to go. Also, we can also provide your friends the means to transport you back to where you belong. In addition to that, my hosts are also more than willing to provide you and your friends with the technical and financial assistance. Also, my hosts are also more than willing to engage with you in diplomacy between nations."
Li Mei talked to Saito in Chinese.
On which Saito still understands, thanks to the spell Louise has casted on him a few years ago.
"What are you all talking about?"
After several exchanges between Saito, the Captain of the USS Barry and the Chinese Envoy Li Mei, Tabitha finally spoke out.
Guessing what Tabitha wants, Li Mei looked at Saito and said. "Mr. Hiraga, please tell Ms. Tabitha that we are in a middle of negotiations. However, I would also like to add that my hosts can give to you and your companions anything that you would like to ask, and more."
Tabitha looked at Li Mei as she said those words to Saito. The moment Li Mei stopped talking, Tabitha looked up to Saito, anticipating that he would translate it to her.
"Ms. Li told me to tell you that we are on the middle of a negotiation. Also she said that they can provide us everything we need, and even a way to go back to Halkeginia."
Saito said. On which Tabitha gave him a noddjng reply.
"Mr. Hiraga, I believe the United States is more than capable of granting you and your friends anything that you want. Even more than let say, China."
Not wanting to be outdone by the Chinese envoy, Captain George said to Saito in a gentle manner.
"So tell me Mr. Hiraga. What is it that you want?"
'What is it that I want?'
And soon, on his mind, a picture of a young lady with pink hair and short stature appeared on his mind. It was his wife, Louise.
"I want to go back home. Back to my wife."
Saito replied with a strong voice and full of vigor. And an answer that caused Tabitha to look away from Saito for a moment.
"Your wife? Aren't you from Japan?" The Captain asked a question, only to make a dismissive expression. "Anyway, where is this home that you are talking about?"
"Mr. Saito, the next possible event will happen within 3 years. If Mrs. Hiraga cannot make a way for you to come back, then we can organize a way for you to return back to your home..."
Li Mei then looked at Tabitha for a moment before she looked back again to Saito. "We can also help you in what you are actually trying to do when you went back to Tokyo."
Tabitha did not understand much what Li Mei said. However, when Li Mei said to Saito the words '3 years', Tabitha looked up to Li Mei. She understood it. Li Mei obviously has noticed Tabitha's reactions.
"And also, I believe 3 years is enough for you Mr. Hiraga to see new things and new perspectives and also move forward." Li Mei added as she looked towards Tabitha, her eyes looking at hers.
"Ah Saito, what did she say?" Tabitha asked.
"She said that 3 years might be a time long enough to see new things and perspectives. And also moving forward."
3 years?
A myriad of emotions coupled with a storm of thoughts ravaged her mind. She was thinking what the implications of what Li Mei has just said to Saito might be for her.
At first she looked confused and puzzled. Then he looked at Saito for a moment.
'He did say he want to see Louise. However, what if...' Tabitha thought to herself.
Then a realization hit her. And then she saw Li Mei standing opposite to hers.
Away from the prying eyes of the Americans trying to talk to Saito, Li Mei looked intensely at Tabitha. Then Li Mei relaxed her gaze on Tabitha and with a smile, she gave her a wink.
Well, she did made a decision earlier. Now, she has enough reason to push it more.
"Saito." Tabitha said with a hint of noble authority in her voice. "I propose that we stay with Li Mei's nation."
Saito, hearing the statements of Tabitha, or better known as Queen Charlotte of the Kingdom of Gallia, immediately looked at her with inquisitive looks.
"But why?" Saito asked. "I think…" Before Saito could finish what he is about to say, a voice interrupted him.
"You can trust us." Li Mei said.
"But, how can…" When Saito was about to say his protest, another voice interrupted him.
"Tabit… I mean Queen Charlotte, can you please tell me why you have decided to accept that woman's preposition. And besides…"
Tabitha looked menacingly at the men clad in military gear. "I don't know about the weapons of this world. But unlike Li Mei, they approach us while bringing in weapons to force us to agree to them. If they want to approach us with peace in mind, they will not bring in weapons. As a Queen of Gallia, I have an obligation to the Kingdom of Tristain, being a vassal to a second master is unacceptable."
"Also Saito, I told you earlier, I have no plans aligning on someone who dares point their sword on you and threaten you."
An atmosphere of royalty surrounded Tabitha. However, her eyes keeps looking at Saito with a gaze full of tender and love on the surface.
Hiding deep inside her a malicious thought.
"On which, Saito, you are the husband of the Crown Princess and the future King of Tristain. As your future subject, I advise not to engage with them."
Tabitha keep Saito looking at her face, with her small fist clinching hard.
However, only Kirche and Li Mei noticed it.
"I think something is…"
Kirche was about to say something when Tabitha immediately interrupted her.
"Kirche. I have made my decision, and thus the decision of the Kingdom of Gallia."
Kirche was about to open her lips. However she did not say anything.
However it was not because she has an idea on something or she is in conflict with her thoughts. No.
It was because of the ruckus that suddenly is happening on the person from the tablet along with the sudden change of expression in the face of the American soldiers.
It was…
Part 8
Command and Control Unit,
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters,
Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda ward
Tokyo,
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
19:17 PM GMT +9
"Sir, we have an incoming call from China. It says its from the East China Sea Fleet Headquarters. Your orders Sir?"
One of the Intelligence officers inside the room asked the man sitting in the middle of the room. The man sitting there was Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Defense, Major General Kenji Tensho.
"Let them through."
As soon as the Major General said that, the Intelligence Officer immediately pressed a button on the keyboard, relaying the call to the telephone near the Deputy Minister.
"Good Evening. As you see, my country is currently under threat from terrorist. So, what is it that China wants?"
The Major General asked in a rather unpleasant tone.
"Is that so." A voice on the side responded. "Well, first I would like to reintroduce myself again. I am Rear Admiral Zhe Jiang. And second I would like to ask about the progress of capturing Saito Hiraga and what is the Japanese government planning right now?"
"As you see Admiral, Tokyo is falling apart. Although the previous order was to capture Saito Hiraga, the plans have changed. Right now, our priority is the safety of the Japanese government and its people. So…"
"I see. " The Admiral replied. "Well then, I would like to inform your good office that we have diverted 2 PLA-N ships. Two Type 052s who are currently patrolling in the nearby vicinity are going to engage Saito Hiraga and his allies. However, I don't think he will remain alive."
Admiral Zhe Jiang said in the telephone.
"No problem. Kill him if you want. His the reason why we are having some problems here anyway."
"Well then, that's all. Good bye then."
Major General Tensho did not even replied to Admiral Zhe Jiang and without hesitation, he pressed the button 'end call' immediately terminating the call.
"Go and kill yourselves, both of you Americans and Chinese."
Kenji placed the speaker back to its container.
And then, a voice bellowed behind him. "I told you Sir, this is a well planned act by the Chinese. Although I don't know what the Chinese wants, it is clear that they have caused this."
It was Senior Commissioner Toshiro Kashigawa.
"Even if they do…" The Deputy Minister turned his gaze into the old man. "It might be…"
Kenji was about to say something whe. He paused midway. He then returned his gaze into the monitors.
"Now, whatever the outcome maybe, it doesn't matter. That Saito guy will die before midnight comes anyway. Either by the hands of the Americans or the Chinese. And we will rip the benefits."
- End of Chapter 8 -
Next Chapter: Skirmish on the High Seas
Hello everyone. Its been a long time now since I made the last update. More than a year I believe. This time no excuse.
And still, even after all this time, my grammar remains as crappy as ever.
Now, the calendar format reminder:
Ianuarius – January – 31 days
Februarius – February – 28 days (29 on leap years)
Martius – March – 31 days
Aprilis – April – 30 days
Mauis – May – 31 days
Iunius – June – 30 days
Quintilis – July – 31 days
Sextilis – August – 31 days
Septilis – September – 30 days
Octilis – October – 31 days
Nonatilis – November – 30 days
Decatilis – December – 31 days
AD or Anno Domini will represent Earth reference time while AB or After Brimir will represent Halkeginian reference time. The Halkeginian calendar will also be 195 days behind Earth's timeline. So if the date in Halkeginia is Ianuarius 1, 6077 AB, then Earth date will be July 16, 2010 AD. And if the Earth date is January 1, 2010 AD, Halkeginian time will be Iunius 17, 6076 AB.
Review Response Section:
OechsnerC: I have some other plans for the US. I wonder if it would be interesting though. Thank you for reading.
Deathpony: Well, like 'Tabitha' said, everyone has their own interests. What matters though is if it aligns with yours.
Lord of Moons: Yes, everyone are going to OOCs here. It's been a long time now since I last read the translated LN or watched the anime. I would say Saito is more occupied at this point to worry about that. And I have no plans on having her sister work for China, but she will be working for someone.
Fyr RedNight: Thank you for the compliment. To be honest, I have been writing and rewriting this chapter and the two other chapters, Skirmish on the High Seas and Encounters. I am now approaching the turning point where the story will totally deviate from the source material.
With that all said, thank you very much for reading 'When Two Worlds Collide' . See you all in the next chapter.