[A/N]: Here's the next chapter y'all! Let's hear what ships y'all want to see for the mentioned other schools!

As always, Goodalwayswins98 is writing the Canadian's perspective, and I'm writing that of the Americans.

With that said, let's get reading!


Danielle Schumer,

October 3rd, 0830

Location: Yokosuka Naval Hospital

Status: Recently discharged. Awaiting Jack Schumer's arrival.

I'm sitting on a bench out front of the hospital when I hear Jack's voice getting closer, along with Instructor Gleaves.

"Yes ma'am, I promise it won't happen again while we're in port."

"Good. I don't give a damn if you do it out on the open ocean, but your stunt a few days ago has the program directors all practically climbing over each other yelling for me to shitcan your ass. The only thing that's saved you so far was your rescue that you did last year. If not for that then you'd already be on a plane back to the states."

"Understood. I'll behave myself until we head out again."

"And then?" I hear our instructor chuckle. It sounds like they're right around the corner.

"All bets are off, ma'am."

The instructor laughs heartily as the both of them round the corner, and when Jack lays eyes on me he raises an eyebrow. "And what do you think you're doing out of bed missy?"

"Getting discharged. That's what." I snip back before raising my arm and saluting instructor Gleaves. "Good to see you instructor."

She salutes me back as they stop in front of my bench. "Good to see you too Captain Schumer. Are you well enough to leave the hospital?"

"Yes ma'am. I've got my discharge papers with me." I respond with a nod.

"Excellent. Shall we go?"

"I think we shall."


Huynh, Kinh-Luyên,

October 3rd, 0900

Location: Yokosuka Docks

Status: Assisting other crews

"Where the hell's Justin!?" Kinh shouted. He was standing on the deck of the Portland while his crew was moving around the heavy cruiser. The joys of being a small crew on a small sub was that things could get done quickly.

Unfortunately, getting things done quicker meant free time that the higher ups could have a crew use elsewhere. In the case of the Rainbow, with the recent skirmishes and damaged ships coming in, that meant they were helping out other crews. In this case, it was the Portland. After having replaced their devastated #2 8-inch turret, the ammunition was found to be scorched, resulting in said ammunition being removed. As such, the hundreds of 300 pound projectiles were hard to move with the limited crew, so the captain of the Portland sent out a plea for help, and among many, the Rainbow's crew happily answered the call.

The Canadian captain suddenly heard a familiar, formal voice answering him.

"Well sir, he and his team are in the engine room helping with inspections and maintenance." reported Oliver. "Remi and the torpedo room crew are helping with the shell loading."

"Considering just how beefy those guys are, it'll be good help."

The two heard footsteps approaching behind them. Turning back, they recognized the dark skinned captain of the Portland, Mike Andersen. A rather tall boy, he had an easy going expression and eyes that shone with intelligence.

"Captain Andersen," greeted Oliver before being met by a salute.

"Captain Huynh, First Mate Archer," he replied before shaking hands with his counterpart, "I wanted to thank you guys for the help here."

Kinh shrugged.

"Eh, it's the least we can do," he replied with a smile, "You did hold off the Kumano while we were picking up the Independence's crew. If you guys weren't there... well I don't want to think about it."

Andersen nodded in approval.

"Aye, I can understand that. With everyone's help, we'll be seaworthy by the end of the day," he said with praise in his voice.

"We'll need every ship we can," Oliver chimed in, "If during the last RATt incident, they had so much trouble with a force of destroyers and three battleships, imagine the nightmare if we had to deal with a dozen ships gone rogue with a pair of carriers amongst them."

The two captains' faces frowned seriously. The situation didn't look good on paper. The sea was vast thus easily hiding the missing ships.

"I took the initiative of radioing our ships training with the Aussies and Kiwis to come and help us." Andersen reported , "They're a couple of days out though."

"It'll even out the odds," Kinh replied thoughtfully, "I heard that a few destroyers have left Vancouver but it'll be almost 20 days for them to get here if the weather's good."

"Yeah. I'm sure you saw the Santa Fe coming into port. She's almost done getting her deck fixed up, and a couple more ships have anchored out by the Monterey as a QRF."

"Good news to hear," Oliver added, "The British Pacific Fleet just detached some of their ships this morning. The Ark Royal alongside the Repulse, Renown, King George V, some escorts and some of their support ships," He paused to calculate,"They'll be here by next week."

Kinh blew a sigh of relief.

"Good news. With that many ships heading out, we should be able to contain this mess quickly." Andersen remarked while his comrades nodded in approval.

A shout from out of the crewmembers suddenly got their attention. Looking at the person, it was someone from the former Meredith.

"It's Danielle!" she shouted happily, waving enthusiastically towards the dock where she had seen the Meredith's captain accompanied by her brother. Before anyone could say anything, they saw Kinh bolt off the Portland towards the two siblings.


Danielle Schumer,

October 7th, 0904,

Yokosuka docks, Pier 5,

Status: Walking to the Harekaze with Jack Schumer.

"-and then as he's on final approach the dumbass fuckin' stalls his plane a hundred feet off the water. What an idiot!" My brother rants about one of the pilots aboard the Monterey as we walk. It's just usual banter, but it's a welcome change to him constantly worrying about me.

We're just passing pier five when a voice calls out from aboard the USS Portland.

"It's Danielle!"

I recognize the voice of a girl from Gunnery, who would man the AA guns remotely, and when I look over I see her waving at me. I slowly raise my arm to flash a peace symbol as a familiar figure bounds down the gangway onto the dock and runs over.

"MON OSTIE DE TABARNAK! CRISSE M'A T'EN CALISSER UNE MON CHIEN SALE!" Kinh shouts with his a finger outstretched and rather redfaced, "FUCK YOU TU REFAIS PUS JAMAIS ÇA CALISSE!"

"Calm the fuck down Frenchie, I don't speak frog!" Jack laughs, putting his right hand in his jacket pocket.

"Go fuck yourself asshole," Kinh retorts angrily, "That was not cool."

"Did you even look around you? All of the other crewmembers were cheering!" My brother chuckles in amusement. I look between the both of them, confused as can be.

"Urgh, whatevs asshole."

"Is there something I'm missing here?"

Kinh turns his attention to me and begins to talk.

"It just happens so that your brother decided to buzz us while we visiting the Harekaze! Gave us a good scare."

"...Ooookay…? So he did a low pass, big deal, he used to do that shit all the time back home."

The Canadian shoots me a dirty look.

"I may have been under the cranes." Jack chuckles. "And don't blame me just because you got scared. I only know of one thing other than you and your crew that has truly gotten scared by a flyby, and can you guess what?"

"What?"

Jack leans in with a cocky grin so he's only a foot or so away from Kinh's face before responding.

"Sheep."

"Fuck you!"

"Hey if you insist, name the time and place!"

"I give up," groans Kinh before smiling, "Happy to see you back on your feet though Danielle."

"Yeah… it's uh… good to be out of the hospital. How's everything been 'round here? Have my crew been helping around?"

Kinh looks back at the Portland and points to one of the turrets.

"They helped rebuild the number two 8-inch turret as well as reloading the shells for that thing. The ammo got scorched during the last battle off Iwo Jima. Been making themselves real useful actually."

"Good. Care to accompany me to the Harekaze?" I ask him as my brother excuses himself and walks around the Canadian, heading towards the gangplank onto the Portland.

"Let's go then." Kinh replies.

I continue walking down towards the Harekaze, and Kinh takes position beside me. I hear yelling on the Portland, and look over my shoulder to see Jack exchange a high-five with one of the Portland's officers. Confident he's not going to get into a fight I continue, and as we reach the Harekaze, Allison yells enthusiastically from aboard the ship.

"Dani's back!"

I smile and walk up the gangplank in front of Kinh, taking my hat off and saluting the ensign before addressing my enthusiastic First Mate.

"Hey Allison. It's good to see you."

I can tell tears are gathering in her eyes, and she dashes forward, hugging me. In doing so, my left side aches, and I pat her on the head while she babbles on and on about how worried she was, how no one was telling her anything about my condition, blah blah blah. Eventually the discomfort in my side turns to actual pain, and I shut her up by kissing her forcefully on the lips, my heart fluttering excitedly while doing so.

"Are you done now?" I ask after disengaging, my voice little more than a whisper.

"Y-y-yeah."

"Good, now let go. Because this really hurts."

She quickly pulls out of the hug, apologizing repeatedly before I get tired of her talking and grab her chin, pulling her into yet another kiss to shut her up.

After pulling away I put one hand on her shoulder. "Go gather the rest of the Meredith's crew. Instructor Gleaves wants us up at the school by 1030. I don't know what for, but it's important."

"Y-y-yes ma'am." She stammers, her mind probably still reeling from the two kisses.

"Good. Go." I order before spinning her around and giving her a friendly but highly encouraging slap on the backside. She yelps and jumps, but quickly jogs across the deck to an open bulkhead, where she promptly disappears.

With a giggle I turn around to find Kinh with his mouth slightly open, looking incredibly surprised at what he just saw.

"You'll catch flies like that you know. Anyway, I'm done here, so let's get going."

"You yanks are crazy." he groans before attempting to recompose himself, "Wonder what's going on with Gleaves though? Also, you heard the news?"

"What news? I haven't been told anything other than my orders and the stunt Jack played."

Kinh straightens out his shoulders before talking.

"Well, current news is that we're getting reinforcements," he states, "Lots of it, the Aussies, Brits, Kiwis, along with more American and Canadian ships. They're slowly trickling in by the end of the week."

"Oh, cool. I wonder what ships the Commonwealth are sending?"

"Well, the Brits have detached a couple of battleships and a carrier along with some escorts. NDHQ is detailing additional destroyers to the area. Same for the Aussies and Kiwis though I heard they might send the HMAS Australia and a couple of light cruisers." he listed, "I heard that some bigger American ships are coming in soon too."

As we walk back up the dock towards the Portland I see Savannah walking with one of the submariners.

"That lucky motherfucker," Kinh mutters looking at me, "Don't recognize him?"

I squint for a second before realizing who it is.

"No… I… actually… is that Al?"

"Yup… must be a hockey player thing." The Canadian remarks dryly.

"I'm honestly not surprised. She seemed kinda… dreamy, after all the excitement from the air attack was over."

"Funny… Al didn't show any sign of having a crush," Kinh chuckles, "Guess he likes his privacy."

He waves quickly at his friend along with a quick eyeblink.

Feeling bad for having to end their fun I walk up to Savannah, who lets go of Al's hand before gently hugging me. "Glad to see you up and about."

"Thanks. I'm sorry to bother you two lovebirds, but the entire crew of the Meredith needs to be up at the school by ten-thirty."

She pulls apart from me and gives me a salute. "I'll start to get everyone together!"

I can't help but smile, and I slowly return the salute, wary of my aching ribs. "Thanks."

With a renewed enthusiasm she grabs Al's hand and drags him off towards the Portland.

"Have fun guys!" Kinh calls out with a smile. "It's fun to see happy things going on despite everything eh?"

"Yeah. I hope Al can keep up with her enthusiasm though. She's always hyperactive."

Kinh merely laughs at this.

"He'll keep up. Guy has a lot of fire in him. Anyhow, gotta head back to my boys and instructor. Olson wants a private word with me."

"Alright. Take care, see you later."


Huynh, Kinh-Luyên,

October 7th, 1000,

HMCS Rainbow, Captain's quarters

Status: Meeting with Instructor Olson

Aboard the almost empty Rainbow, there was barely a sound.

Save for the sound of pacing boots.

'What's going on?' Kinh wondered. Usually, Olson wasn't the type to keep info to himself. Maybe the young captain had messed up somehow?

His pacing quickened at this thought.

"Calm down Kinh!" Olson boomed, "You're not in trouble."

Kinh almost jumped out of his boots.

"Wha-? How did-?"

The older instructor merely shook his head and began talking reassuringly.

"I've been training officers for a long time now and you're doing good Kinh. You're not in trouble kid. No, it's about what's going to happen next."

"What's gonna happen?" the young captain asked with a raised eyebrow.

Olson sighed wearily.

"The RATt resurgence has made the Japanese Bloomers rather nervous. They're setting up a special, temporary command to deal with the crisis."

"Ok…"

"The brass back home just assigned the Rainbow and the other subs to that command until the end of the year… or if the crisis ends before."

Kinh paused for a moment before he realized something.

"Wait… does that mean we're not transferring back for Christmas!?" he exclaimed.

Olson pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed wearily.

"Exactly."

"Urgh, fucking shit!" the captain swore on for a few instants while Olson merely looked on.

"Welcome to the service son." he said, "These things happen all the time."

Kinh merely looked at him sadly.

"I guess we can't avoid it eh?"

'Guess my luck ran out this time.'

Olson merely shook his head but Kinh brightened up lightly.

"It's gonna look good on my resume though!"

He was met with a smile.

"That's how you're supposed to see things. Now keep this quiet for the time being alright?" The Instructor demanded, "Brass and the PM back home want to do a big show of it."

"Oh good lord…"

He heard snickering from Olson.

"On a happier note, Captain Schumer's getting decorated later today at the Parade Grounds. I just got the invitation for you and the rest of the boys," the older man said warmly.

"I'll send out a message for everyone and I'll head over to assist," Kinh replied as he grabbed his phone.

'Knowing Al… he's probably already heading there with his girl.'


Danielle Schumer,

1030 hours, Oct 7th,

Yokosuka Girls High School parade grounds,

Status: At parade rest

As we stand in ranks by duty assignment, I stand in front of everyone, watching Instructor Gleaves as she sums up the events leading up to the sinking of our ship. She stands up on a podium, addressing the scores of people assembled to watch this ceremony… whatever its purpose.

"Despite all of these events, Captain Danielle Schumer remained as the last person aboard, and only accepted medical treatment once her entire crew was aboard the Harekaze." With that, she waves me up onto the podium. I maintain the smooth movements expected of us during parade. Once I get up to her, one of the Japanese instructors presents a case to Gleaves, and almost instantly I know what's happening. She opens the case and removes a small medal from inside.

"For dedication and selfless action in the face of peril, I present you with a Blue Mermaids service star." She announces, moving to pin it on my uniform. My borrowed uniform. In a moment she takes note that it's borrowed, and grabs my left hand, placing the medal in my palm before curling my fingers around it.

After she steps away, I let my left hand drop to my side and raise my right hand into a salute, allowing a slight wince when the pain in my side flares up from the sudden movement. In return, Gleaves takes a large envelope from the podium and hands it to me before turning to the microphones on the podium.

"From this point on, class fourteen of Seattle Naval Academy, formerly the Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Meredith, is in control of the Fletcher-class destroyer USS Black. This assignment is active immediately in preparation for a rescue operation from the RATt menace. All students from any ships in harbor are invited to a pre-operations feast."

At the operation notice I hear some murmuring in the crowd, and Gleaves gives me the salute that dismisses me to return to my shipmates.

Turning, I smoothly walk down the stairs to my spot in front of the ranks of my classmates and revert back to parade rest, waiting through the rest of her speech. Once the ceremony is over we march out, off the parade grounds to an outbuilding for the Japanese school. There, we all change out of our borrowed uniforms and back into our casual clothes, bundling up the uniforms to return them to whoever we borrowed them from.

"Alright everyone! First orders of business! Return any borrowed uniforms and we'll report to the student supply ship! With any luck they'll have uniforms for us."

A cheer is all the confirmation I need as I zip up my gray hoodie, stuffing the medal in my jeans pocket before grabbing the bag containing the uniform and setting out.

Outside a small group of people waits. Mostly friends, or some people we borrowed uniforms from. I spot Jack standing towards the back of the group, talking with some sailors from the Santa Fe while Alice stands practically plastered to his side, making it very clear that they're together. I give the uniform back to its original owner, the navigation officer for the Santa Fe, and walk over to them, catching the last part of him talking.

"The USS Velocity picked us up about an hour later, but my damn plane was almost submerged from all the people that were hanging off of it."

"And then?"

"Man, the fuck you mean "and then"? That was it, I got taken back to the Monterey with my plane and continued with the exercise once they got it drained out."

"How'd they sucker you into telling that story?" I ask, walking up to him and getting wrapped up in a firm but cautious hug.

"There she is! Congrats on the decoration and the new ship!" Jack chuckles, ruffling my hair.

I grumble and try to push his hands away. "Hi! Now answer my question please!"

In return, he chuckles more, releasing me with a big grin on his face.

"One of 'em recognized me from the paper."


Huynh, Kinh-Luyên,

1106 hours, Oct 7th,

Yokosuka Girls High School parade grounds,

Status: Spectating the ceremony

Ever since the beginning of the ceremony, the Canadian captain was spacing in and out. He was not surprised at his American counterpart's reward. Her hard work and skill along with her actions had made her more than worthy of her medal. He was quite happy to see the Meredith's crew become the crew of the Black. Next to him stood Al, Remi, and Oliver. The three boys had various expressions. Al and Oliver had serious looks on their face though the watch officer was keeping an eye out for his girl. Remi had his usual indifferent look on his face. Listening intently to Gleaves' speech, he knew why she was talking of difficult times ahead.

The RATt infection was no joke. Last time was already bad enough with all those sunken or damaged ships. With what Olson told him… he could forget relaxing for awhile. He already expected a worried message from his mother not to mention sleepless nights of planning.

The pre-ops feast was a welcome surprise though he wondered what he and his crew could contribute.

"Well this'll be fun," Remi remarked sarcastically, "Woohoo. So cool. Fuck this shit."

Al shook his head in annoyance.

"This sucks but we both knew what we were getting into," he said, "It's how this shit is so stop complaining."

Remi merely grunted at this. Oliver cleared his throat.

"There's a bright side to this," he stated seriously, "We'll get plenty of real experience on our boat and it'll look good on our papers."

Kinh merely rolled his eyes at this.

'The things we do sometimes urgh.'

He cleared his throat and looked around to see if anyone in the crowd around was paying attention to them before motioning for his officers to come closer. As they did, Al had a questioning look on his face.

"What's going on bro?"

Kinh looked around another time before whispering in a serious tone.

"Listen, Olson called me back to the Rainbow earlier. When Gleaves was talking about tough times… well I got more info from Olson. Turns out the situation's bad and the Blue Mermaids are setting up a special command to stop the RATt."

"So what?" Remi grunts with a raised eyebrow.

"We're stuck here until the mission's or the year's over. No going home for Christmas." Kinh explains flatly. Al's jaw drops while Oliver is shocked silent.

"What? Are you serious?" he asked with disbelief. "Can they do that?"

Kinh nodded as he kept an eye on his surroundings.

"Frankly… I've got no idea but Olson told me that after a meeting he had."

Various discreetly whispered swears were heard. The four had long faces at the news, and their grim mood only worsened when they heard a frustratingly familiar voice whisper behind them.

"Say, that's quite the secret there captain. You really ought to seal those loose lips."

"Aww tabarnak man… where the fuck did you come from?" Kinh groaned as he saw Jack appear behind his officers and wrapping his arms around them..

"For a captain you really oughta pay better attention to your surroundings. I've been standing right behind you this whole damn time."

Kinh merely looked defeated and tired.

"Urgh… how did you… eh fuck it, I don't even want to know."

In response Jack merely chuckled.

"Just do me a favor and keep it dead."

"Of course. Next time make sure you're not in a crowd though. Loose lips sink ships and all that."

Kinh merely answered with a thumbs up.

"Thanks man. Highly appreciate it," he said seriously before changing his tone, "You must proud of your sister though!"

"She did good work. I'm just glad she didn't do anything too foolish like I did." Jack replied with a shrug and a chuckle. "Anywho, I'm gonna go meet them after they get changed. Catch you fellas later."

"Foolish eh?" asked Kinh, "Anyhow see you later man."

His friends waved Jack with weary looks except for Oliver who looked puzzled.

"Who was that guy?"

Kinh merely slumped and let out a sigh.

"That was Jack Schumer. He's the brother of Danielle Schumer over there," He then paused and looked even more annoyed and dejected, "He's also the fucking idiot who buzzed us twice. Remember just outside of Vancouver and while we were docked here?"

Oliver nodded.

"Him both times." Kinh finished tiredly, "Still, I wonder if there's not more to the man."

"What do you think he meant by 'anything foolish'?" Al wondered aloud. Remi looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Meh, who cares," grunted Remi. "As long as he doesn't bomb us or anything, why should we care?."

"Eh. It's just odd. I'll ask Savannah about it later." Al replied before looking at a despondent Kinh, "Just cheer up man. Don't let him get to you."

"Aight bro," was Kinh's unenthusiastic answer.

Looking at his captain's mood, Oliver couldn't help but feel bad.

"Uh guys… would you like to go have lunch?" he asked hesitantly. Three pair of eyes turned towards. "It's okay if you guys don't want eh?"

His colleagues looked at each other before Kinh answered.

"Eh… you know what? Let's go man," Kinh said plainly, "We need it."

The boys were starting to head off until Remi remarked something.

"Uhh anyone knows a good place to eat around here? I don't like sushi and seafood makes me puke."

Kinh and Al looked at him sheepishly while Oliver was reaching for his phone while muttering "Give me a second".

"You fellers look lost." A feminine voice sounded from outside of their small circle, sporting a Texan twang.

"Uh yeah. Well not really," replied Al.

As they all turned around they laid their eyes on a tall beauty of a woman, sporting a green shirt under a leather jacket. Her long hazel hair was braided and pulled over her right shoulder, and as she stopped she stuck one hip out.

"Huh… are you from Texas?" Kinh asked. He had heard that accent before.

"As a matter of fact I am. Y'all seen Jack Schumer 'round here?"

Groans could be heard from Al, Kinh and Remi.

"Yeah, I've been to Texas twice so I'd recognize the accent anywhere," Kinh finally replied, "As for Jack, well yeah a few moments ago. But why do you ask?"

"Gotta make sure he doesn't get into trouble with some Submariners. Y'all need directions or not?"

"Yeah we do," Al said. "We're-"

"We're the submariners in question!" Kinh interrupted, "Dude's been buzzing us for no reason twice."

"There's a place two platforms over thataway that'll make whatever you ask, so long as it ain't too exotic." She said, pointing past the moorings.

"Right, thank you very much," Al replied.

"Unless if burgers are exotic, we should be fine," Remi added gruffly.

"Aighty. Y'all have a good'n." She said as she started walking away before pausing and looking over her shoulder with a teasing grin. "By the way, one a y'all has a good hustle goin' on. I saw you get down that conning tower."

The Canadians merely looked at her in confusion. Kinh's mind was racing to decipher the Texan lingo.

"Eh? I'm afraid I don't understand what you meant there miss." Oliver said politely.

"I'm Jack's wingman. Name's Alice. Nice to meet you." She replied with a giggle as she continued walking away. The Canadians began walking away as well. Once she was out of earshot, Kinh whispered to his friends as he led the way.

"Well I can understand why they like each other…"

Remi and Al both snorted and nodded. Oliver merely remained silent. Making their way through the crowds, they could see various uniformed students. They recognized the familiar ones of the American, Canadian and Yokosuka crews but it was their first time seeing the German crews' pink one.

Al decided to get Remi's attention towards those uniforms by poking him in the ribs.

"Yo… I'd think you'd look good in that. Really brings out your face and body man."

Remi snorted "Uh unh" before talking in a falsetto voice.

"You think so? I'd think it'd make my butt look fat. I also think I don't have the hair for it."

As the exchange of banter continued, Oliver merely looked confused.

"Uh Kinh?" he asked uncertainly, "Are they…?"

"No, they aren't gay with each other," his captain interrupted with a short laugh, "They've been acting like that since they met at the beginning of the Academy."

Oliver's brow furrowed.

"Oh?"

Kinh's face took a nostalgic expression as he remembered the happy memories as the group kept walking through the crowds, smelling the smell of food.

"Me and Al lived on the same street since we were nine. Went to the same schools and program since ever." he said, "As for Remi, met him on my first day of my second year in the Cadet program. Essentially, I was talking about an RTS I was playing with the other cadets and he barged in to talk about his strategies for winning that game."

His story finished as they arrived at the restaurant. Large posters in the windows showed familiar foods such as burgers and fries while the familiar greasy smell of fast food filled the nostrils of the hungry boys. The sounds of growling stomachs could be heard as they lined up to order.

Kinh and Al both ordered cheeseburgers with fries and drink while Oliver ordered a couple of hot dogs along with the same sides. When it was Remi's turn however…

"So what would you like in your hamburger?" asked the employee.

"Ketchup." he grunted.

"Anything else sir?" she said with a professional smile.

"Onions."

"Alright. What else?"

"Onions." he replied in his usual deadpan voice.

"Something else?"

"Onions."

This would continue on a couple of times before Remi was satisfied with the amount of onions in his burger. His two friends had already sat down by then with Oliver having followed them.

"So whrt dr yer dr in your frer trme whrle you werr back in Canada?" Kinh asked with half-chewed food in his mouth.

"Kinh," Al groaned and looked at Kinh in annoyance, "People don't understand what you say when you talk with your mouth full."

Remi merely chuckled as he took another bite of his onion burger. After swallowing his bite, Kinh tried again.

"All right, sorry about that. So what do you do to kill time back in Canada?"

Oliver was a bit surprised but took on a nostalgic face.

"Well si-, I mean Kinh, I used to play the piano." he answered wistfully.

"Oh nice."

Al cut in.

"Remi here used to play piano."

Oliver looked at the torpedo officer with surprise. He was the last person that he could see playing a piano.

"Really?"

"Yeah," Remi said flatly as he looked at his fingers, "Used to play it until my 3rd year of academy. Ran out of time cause of schoolwork and had to choose between the piano and the drums."

"I miss playing though," the first officer said, "Haven't had a chance since we left."

Kinh looked at him and noticed the nostalgia in his eyes.

"Yeah kind of sucks eh?" the captain finally said, "If we're lucky, there might be a piano at the feast."

"Yeah."

"What about you guys?" Oliver tentatively.

"Well, video gaming's my big thing…" Kinh started.


Danielle Schumer

1628 hours, Oct 7th,

Location: Yokosuka Girls High School mooring facility, pier 14

Status: exploring the USS Black, DD-666

"Hey Cap! They've even got us fitting uniforms in the crew quarters! Name tags and everything!" Charles yells from the deck, throwing a friendly wave my way. The engine mechanic has a bad tendency to walk around on deck with his shirt off, showing off his bulging muscles while he relaxes in the sun, but I'm not complaining, it helps the time pass faster.

"Yeah I saw! You guys got everything ready to rock and roll down below?!"

"You bet we do! How long 'till the feast?!"

I look down at my watch briefly. "Three hours!"

"Thanks Cap! See you in a bit!"

With that he heads back belowdecks, leaving me to head up to the bridge.

"Everything okay in here?" I ask, walking through the bulkhead.

"Yep! All good!" Allison chimes back, handing Savannah her tablet.

"Full ammunition stores, they've pulled out most of the practice ammunition and have replaced it with live ammo. We've got full fuel stores too." Savannah reports dutifully.

"Thank you. Is there any issue with the extra gun turret?"

"Nope. The fore assistant gunner, Archie, he volunteered to take the spot."

Smiling I walk further into the bridge, finding Serena and Justin relaxing by their stations.

"Hey Cap'. We're all settled in. What's next on the agenda?" Justin asks, standing up straight.

"Relax for a bit, but be ready for the feast. We leave by 1800."

"I'll spread the word to navigation." Serena responds, starting towards the door.

"And I'll spread the word to gunnery." Justin follows behind her.

"Hey, tell Archie I said thanks for stepping up and taking the empty role."

"He didn't want to. I had to bribe him so we didn't have to bring in someone new." Justin chuckles, disappearing down the stairwell.

"Oh God damn it. Here comes the three stooges and Savannah's boyfriend." Allison groans, looking out the front windows of the bridge at the pier. Savannah almost instantly stuffs her tablet in her satchel and takes off, clearing the entire flight of stairs with one jump.

"Gee, I wonder if she's excited to see Al?" I joke, straightening my new captain's cap and starting down the stairwell.

Out on the deck I walk to the rail just in time to see Savannah hit Al in a flying hug, barely phasing the bulky Canadian.

"More and more people are starting to like the Canadians. The radio's buzzing about them."

Looking over my shoulder I find Emma, one of the radio operators.

"Really? How so?"

"They're proving to be more helpful than people thought they'd be. The HMCS Grilse is out by the Monterey, ready for QRF. They helped fish a pilot out of the water a couple days ago, and have been helping with inspecting and directing inbound cargo vessels."

"Huh…"

"Anyway, that's not why I came out here. Message from the board of instructors, addressed to you specifically." She says, offering me a folded piece of paper. I take it and unfold it, skimming over it before folding it four times and putting it in my uniform's breast pocket.

I thank Emma and she walks back over to the radio room, disappearing with a wave. I turn around and watch the Canadians approach, mulling over the message in my mind, which basically said "hey, by the way, we're going to be doing a thing, and you're going to pay a big role in it, so be ready!".

Grumbling I make my way over to the gangplank and wait as the Canadians mosey over, Savannah having somehow managed to sucker Al into giving her a piggyback ride while Kinh merely rolls his eyes at their antics, a small hint of jealousy in his eyes.

"Permission to come aboard?" Kinh asks, tucking his cap under his arm.

"Sure, why not." I respond, stepping aside and allowing them up onto the deck. "You boys ready for the feast later?"

"Oh yeah," the Canadian captain answers with a grin, "We got a little surprise for you guys."

"So do we. I think you Canucks will like it. Anyways, what do I owe your visit to?"

"Wanted to see the new ship you got," Kinh replies as he looks around the ship, "Though you're a lot braver than I am… DD-666," he adds with a small shudder.

"Well nothing bad has happened yet, so maybe it's not a jinxed ship?" I say hopefully, stooping over and knocking on the wooden deck before cracking a joke. "What about you guys and the Rainbow? Anybody suddenly turned gay?"

Al decides to speak up.

"Well Kinh's gay, but we always knew that."

"It's not my fault if I have trouble with the girls!" he splutters as he throws Al a glare that could cut through cemented steel.

"So that's why you were playing with my hands the other day," Remi adds with an evil smile while putting a hand on Kinh's heart, "Well sir, you know that fraternization isn't allowed so our love can never be."

A rather red faced Kinh finally finds his words and starts yelling at them in French while swatting away his friend's hand, giving them what sounds like a pretty thorough verbal lashing before sighing in annoyance.

"Urgh… with friends like these," he groans before muttering, "Not paid enough for this shit."

"We get paid?" Al asks.

"You know what I mean." he answers before turning back to me, "So mind giving us a tour?"

"Sure. Not much looks too different aside from the layout. We haven't had time to decorate."

"No worries there," Kinh replies before Remi clears his throat.

"Yo, you guys still got some of that coffee you gave us?"

I shake my head, leading the way aft towards the radio shack. "Sadly, no. It all went down with the ship."

Remi's shoulders slump a bit.

"Bah… couldn't you guys order some from the US and we pay you back for it?" Kinh suggests from beside me as we walk.

"There might be some on the resupply ship, but I'm gonna need to trade some organs to get it."

Kinh's eyes widen for a second before he answers.

"Yeah never mind then."

"Or I might be able to have Jack use his notoriety to get it…" I hum thoughtfully with a smile. "He could call in a favor."

The Canadians' moods darken for a split second with various looks of annoyance on their faces as I look over my shoulder at them.

"I know, you guys don't like him, but that's the only way I see you getting any coffee. So how bad do you want it?" I raise my voice in irritation, stopping and turning around to look at them all. "And aside from him buzzing you, what's your fucking deal against my brother?!"

At my outburst Savannah shrinks behind Al, even though she knows my anger isn't directed at her.

"Alright geez calm down," Kinh replies, "We'll be nice Canadians and ask him politely to give us some coffee. Just don't expect us to beg on all fours."

"That doesn't answer my question, Captain."

He groans for a second.

"Okay okay, we've been on edge and it's been getting on our nerves alright," he answers with a rather embarrassed look.

"Get your attitudes towards him fixed boys. He's here for the duration." I snip, turning around and walking through the radio room.

"Will do," Kinh replies with his boys straightening themselves out before following him.

"Radio room. Keep following me, mind your heads." I mutter, ducking through a small bulkhead. I clamber down the small staircase and make a turn into the crew quarters, which is much less private than on the Meredith. Simple bunks hold the gunnery crew's stuff, and several of them relax on their bunks

"Still less cramped than the Rainbow," Kinh mutters as he follows close behind me with his boys.

"I know how cramped your sardine tin is, and let me say you ain't seen nothing yet." I respond, grabbing the top of an open bulkhead and swinging through.

"That bad?"

"We've got eight stokers. They've got three large bunks further down below. You tell me."

"Urgh… at least we got enough bunks for everyone and I get a nice bed to myself", Kinh replies with a hint of gratefulness in his voice, "How does the new girl handle though?"

Still bearing a bit of my attitude I turn towards him. "We've had her for all of maybe four hours. You really think we've had time to take her out?"

"Eh true that. Didn't think about that."

I could see his friends roll their eyes behind him.
Ducking through a side bulkhead I stand aside and let them enter, giving them a good look around the high-tech room. "This is the fire control center. Everything topside that goes 'boom' is controlled here."

Remi nods in satisfaction as he looks around at the various controls.

"This ship looks like it can kill well." he grunts with a disturbing smile.

Everyone from the Rainbow glares at him and groans and I can hear Al mutter a couple of French swears about him.

"We had a room like this on the Meredith too, but it was the opposite direction from the mess hall, so you guys never saw it." Savannah pipes up, standing beside Al.

"No hedgehogs on the Black sadly. I was kinda looking forward to using them." I hum, motioning for everyone to move so I can get out.

"Let's just say we've had enough run in with ASW equipment lately." Kinh comments.

We duck back into the corridor and I point at the bulkhead further down the way. "My quarters are down that way. Same with the other officer's quarters."

"Looks pretty good though," Al comments before turning to Savannah, "Any idea on how you're gonna decorate your room?"

"I've got a couple ideas. I share a room with Allie though, and she's already got it pretty well decorated."

Kinh chuckles.

"Think you'd like to have some of Al's hockey pictures for your wall?"

"Hmmm… Maybe one."

Al merely smiles at this.

"I'll give you an autographed one." he says with a wink.

Savannah giggles back in return, latching onto his arm as I start leading the way further belowdecks.

{Captain please report to the Bridge. Captain to the Bridge.}

Kinh comments upon hearing this.

"Well looks like our time's up eh?"

"I guess so. See you at the feast. Savannah show them out please." I respond, straightening my cap and starting towards the bridge.

"Right! Catch you later Danielle!" Kinh says as he and his crew salute me.

"Later boys."


Huynh, Kinh-Luyên,

October 7th, 1715,

HMCS Rainbow, Deck

Status: R&R

The soft sound of the wind and waves could be heard at the dock where the Canadian boat was docked. Most of her crew was enjoying shore leave though a small group had remained behind.

"This is the life guys," sighed Kinh as he and three of his colleagues sat around a small table that they had set up. They had prepared some food as well. Seagulls could be heard cawing as well.

"Wish this could last though," the captain continued as he looked at the setting sun. He was met with affirmative answers.

"You know what would be fucked up though," Remi chuckled, "The ending of Das Boot happening to us."

A set of exasperated groans were heard while three pair of eyes glared at the torpedo officer.

"Man, way to ruin the mood," Al replied dryly between bites, "This is worst then that time with Kinh on the bike trail."

Kinh had a look of confusion for a brief moment before realizing what Al was talking about.

"Oh shit… the time with the elephant on a bike?" he asked with a smile.

"Yeah bro."

Oliver looked at them with a questioning look with 'Elephant?' in his eyes.

The two proceed to tell their story. Both were enjoying a rest on a bench before a sunset after a long bike ride when they heard the sound of metal squeaking. Looking to the source, they saw a rather well fed woman on a bike that far too small for her girth. Said bike was struggling under her weight.

"...And after she left, we just couldn't take the moment seriously anymore. We just burst out laughing and everytime we went there, we couldn't get that image out of our heads." Kinh explained.

Remi had a smile while Oliver was laughing lightly.

"Hey guys!" A familiar voice pealed from the dock.

"Savannah!" Al exclaimed with a wide grin before bouncing off his chair. The athletic boy ran down from the Rainbow's deck while his friends followed slowly. The redhaired technical officer was in her dress uniform, a stark contrast to the more casual submariners. The American gave her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek.

"Ahh Miss Parker!" Kinh greeted, "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing great! I got that info you guys wanted, and even I'll say, I've got a whole new respect for Jack."

Both Kinh and Remi yelled in surpris. It somewhat startled Savannah to see the caveman-like boy being surprised.

"What are you talking about?" asked Oliver calmly.

"Permission to come aboard?" the strawberry-haired girl asked in return, tucking her hat underneath her arm.

"Sure, welcome aboard the HMCS Rainbow," Kinh greeted with a salute before pointing her to the deck.

Savannah quickly boarded and retrieved her tablet from its bag on her back, pulling up a tab as the Canadians gathered around. "Last year while on exercises with the Argentinians a cruiser fell victim to a torpedo malfunction, and the practice torpedo exploded, blowing the bottom out of it. He was above with his flight of Hellcats, and upon seeing the survivors in the water with less than six life rafts he crash-landed his plane in the water, allowing them to use it as a flotation device until help arrived."

"TA-BAR-NAK!" Kinh exclaimed followed by other colorful words from Al and Remi.

Oliver's mind ran to understand how Jack had pulled it off.

"Right, the Hellcat had an emergency flotation system on it… what a genius," he said with amazement.

Kinh let out a whistle.

"Guy can be an ass but… holy crap he's a fucking hero too," the captain remarked before realizing something, "Damn, he never said anything about this."

'Maybe he's a better guy then I thought…'

"At the time the seas were sporting ten foot swells with eight foot troughs, and he declined a transfer to the USS Midway flying Corsair II's because he "wanted to progress like everyone else"." Savannah continued, looking equally as surprised.

"Shit man," Al said looking at Kinh, "This guy."

"Yup"

Remi looked incredulous and couldn't say anything. He was slightly slumped with his eyes wide as he looked at the tablet.

"Guys… that was the same guy at the ceremony?" Oliver asked with surprise in his voice. It made no sense to him for someone to decline such a promotion.

"Yup." answered Kinh and Al.

"And get this, the dude's also received offers from the Oriskany flying F4U's and from the USS Coral Sea flying F9F's." Savannah finished.

"You know, it's not nice to talk about someone behind their back." Jack grumbled, walking up the gangplank.

"Oh merde…"