GATE: The Janus Campaign

[Kiyone4ever]

This chapter has undergone significant changes since first release:

Chapter 32: Tokyo PD Blues

Camp Augustus


It had been a good few days, Taylor reflected. In spite of his mother bringing out the photo albums. He had to admit that his baby pictures, at least, were beyond adorable. Of course, half an album's worth of new pictures was taken. Ruth reluctantly fighting the impulse to keep her eyes closed as she normally did. She made a note to get the photos copied and get the albums themselves duplicated on disc, both so she could keep a copy secured in a fireproof box if needed and send copies to her older children. It was their heritage as well. Also, she said that expected her daughter would inevitably share the pictures with her father. Ruth could only imagine the reaction on his face at them. As someone once said: 'Living well is the best revenge!'.


But that was incidental as she Antonius and Marcus called her 'Aunt Ruth' and as she hugged her new grandson. Even if Galador was technically older than she was, it was as if it had always been intended to be. As she would be staying in Yokosuka as Lady Octavia's guest, Taylor would arrange for her apartment to be packed and shipped and her lease resolved.


With his impending return to Janus in mind, Taylor went to Colonel Mihara with a request.


"Since we'll be leaving the day after tomorrow, I'd like permission to take my fiancees into Tokyo tomorrow for the day. It may be the last opportunity we get for some time."


"Are you sure that's a good idea? You may have pulled off bringing Panache and Aurelia to the airport in Haneda but audacity won't work every time. There are a lot of angry people in this country."


"I know that, ma'am. Everybody has a reason. Hell! It's been over seventy years and there are some Americans who still hate Japan and some Japanese who hate America. I won't say they should start going to love-ins. Some wounds are just too deep. But for the rest of us… We can't stay there. We admit what happened and hopefully we move on. And now Germany and Japan are two of our best allies." Taylor shrugged. "That didn't happen without effort. Somebody has to take the first steps."


"Alright, Lieutenant. Let me make some calls. Let's see if we can minimize some of the risks in those first steps."



Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department


Commissioner Takao Arizuka hung up his phone suppressing a sigh. It wasn't that Colonel Mihara's request was anything excessive. In point of fact, it was rather a small request: That the Tokyo Police Department spare a few trustworthy officers for a guide and escort detail. While such a matter would normally be handled by the Public Security Intelligence Agency, Colonel Mihara was concerned that in the wake of events involving visitors from the other side of the Gate, there was a leak somewhere in the system and that she felt more secure requesting help from the uniformed police instead.


Of course, Arizuka could not even begin to entertain Mihara's request without considering politics. As much as he preferred to be a simple cop, politics were unavoidable at his level and that damned Gate had dropped a ton of it onto his desk.


For if the JSDF were the 'Heroes of Ginza' and the idols of the public's imagination, it had been his officers dying in the streets and his people who had blocked the bridges and kept the invaders from crossing the Sumida. Unrecognized for their service but having served well.

And then there had been the Emoto case…


In a city on edge over the Ginza invasion, the assault on Bokutou station, the attempted theft of the 'B Number One' Disc and the attempted disruption of Tokyo by foreign agents had left his department under scrutiny by Councilor Takashi Hino's committee. Well, if politicians were going to go trying to make political gains at the expense of his department, then it only made sense to have a few politicians on his side. And doing a little favor for the Americans was a small price to pay. Besides, it would put a twist into that arrogant Councilor's tail. That, in itself, would be worthwhile. It would be worth a few extra man-hours. The only question remained who he would assign this little task. And for that, he really only had one choice. He buzzed his secretary. "Get me Captain Kachou at Bokutou station."



Bokutou Station


"I don't quite understand, sir. Why us?" Officer Miyuki Kobayakawa asked after the Captain had outlined details of the assignment."


"Commissioner Arizuka said that help from the Metropolitan Police was requested because there might be a security leak over at the office of Public Security Intelligence. And the Commissioner told me that when it came to handling unusual situations, he naturally thought of us." Kachou replied wryly. "He also said that he trusts that you will behave with full professionalism and courtesy. As do I," Kachou noted.


"So now we get to go play babysitter," Officer Natsumi Tsujimoto remarked. While she might have some reservations about this assignment, it would depend on how they behaved. Either way, she would do her job But if these people wanted to prove they could be trusted, the burden was on them and they were already in the hole on that one for obvious reasons. On the other hand, knowing that and still wanting to come took some brass, Natsumi figured, so that counted for something in her book.


"Hopefully, that's all that comes of it," their Captain replied. "But I'm sure you remember the young ladies who testified in front of the Diet the other month?" There wasn't much chance of anyone forgetting that anytime soon, he was quite certain.


"I thought Representative Kohara was going to have a stroke!" Tsujimoto recalled with some amusement.


"Yes," Kachou replied drily. "Well, afterward, they and a few other visitors were the targets of an attack by unknown agents. They hit a decoy bus and got the worst of it but it stands there is still the possibility of trouble. Don't take anything for granted."



"Yessir," Kobayakawa replied. "Do you think there could be a connection with the men who tried to steal the Bee Number One mod?" It didn't seem likely, given that the Incident in question had taken place only a scant couple of weeks after the appearance of the Gate but perhaps the chaos surrounding the Gate made for a convenient opportunity.


"It's possible, I suppose." Detective Emoto's program for an economic terror attack would have brought Japan to its knees had the disc escaped them. Emoto's plan for attacking Bokutou station and his hacking of regional traffic control systems had been bad enough. "Disrupting Tokyo or threatening the economic destabilization of Japan might be tempting options for a country that wanted access to the Gate. But we'll save that speculation for some other time. For now, let's just concentrate on the task at hand." He looked over his people and then turned to Inspector Kinoshita, who at a nod, then began to outline the assignments.


"This will be a plainclothes operation. Kobayakawa and Tsujimoto, you two will be the guides. Futaba and Nikaidou, you two will stick close by…


Camp Augustus


The following morning, Taylor discussed his plan to spend the day in Tokyo.


"Do you want to come, mom?" He asked.


Ruth shook her head. "No thanks. You know how I feel about being in a big city. I think I'll stay here with my grandson." She looked over at Galador. "Unless he wants to go too. In that case, I guess I'll tag along. What do you think? Should we spend the day shopping or should we see what we can get into around here? I guess that would be you keeping me out of trouble."

Her grandson giggled a bit at that and gave her a big hug.


Nayu's mother, on the other hand, was quite eager to see Tokyo. "It's an adventure," Indras told her daughter. "Your father would have been thrilled to see a city like this."


"I've taken the opportunity to arrange for you to have guides and an escort, Lieutenant," Colonel Mihara said. "They should be here shortly."


Indeed, it was only a few minutes later that a Toyota HiAce was waved through the main gate ahead of a Suzuki Wagon R and a pair of motorcycles. Shortly after that, a tall, lean woman dressed in the uniform of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Force approached Colonel Mihara.


"Inspector Kaoruko Kinoshita, here with guides and escorts from Bokutou Station, compliments of Commissioner Arizuka."


"Thank you, Inspector, and please extend my thanks to Commissioner Arizuka when you see him," Mihara replied.


"Of course."


"I realize this request is a little unusual and we appreciate your being here," Mihara said, looking around at the assembled officers. "As you all may be aware, any visitors from across the Gate are potentially at risk for any number of reasons." She turned to Taylor. "Lieutenant Taylor, here, is one of our specialists in contact situations." She smirked. "In fact, he just might be too good at it. Allow me to introduce Lady Panache Fure Kalgi, Aurelia Co Germanicus, Aenaire La Monnier, and Nayu Ro Nin. These ladies are Lieutenant Taylor's fiancees."


"Um… It's complicated," Taylor sighed, feeling all eyes on him.


"Hardly, My Lord," Panache smiled. "We proposed. You merely accepted our terms."


"And joining them will be Miss Indras Ro Nin, Miss Nayu's mother," Mihara added. "They're looking forward to experiencing Tokyo for themselves."


The officers assembled stared at them dumbstruck as they regarded the human woman, the Bunny girl, and the three elves. Officer Yoriko Nikaidou began to smirk as there were few things she liked more than whispers of gossip and romances. At the same time, she did feel just a touch of envy as well.


Tsujimoto considered it for a moment and then looked slyly at her partner and then over at officer Nakajima. The two had been pursuing love's bloom at a snail's pace for ages it seemed. "Well, good to see somebody knows not to let a good thing get away from him." This caused both Kobayakawa and Nakajima to blush and Nakajima to squirm just a little, while most of the other officers smirked. Inspector Kinoshita merely held the tiniest of smiles.


"Yes, well, in any case," Kinoshita said, looking at the group. "While plenty of foreign tourists come to Tokyo, this group will still stand out. I'm going to modify our original plan. Futaba, you and Nikaidou will join Tsujimoto and Kobayakawa in direct escort rather than trailing. Officers Nakajima and Neganebashi will tail on motorbike. I'll alert officers Kaneko and Hayashi of the modification in the plan." She turned to address Taylor and the others directly.


"For your own safety, please follow any instructions these officers give you. I cannot stress this enough."


"Of course, Inspector Kinoshita," Taylor replied.


"It will be as you say," Panache agreed. Aurelia very reluctantly nodding her compliance.


"Good," In that case, have a pleasant trip in Tokyo and I will be here when you return.."


"So, where first?" Kobayakawa asked as they loaded into the HiAce.


"We should probably find a place where we can get some clothes more appropriate to our surroundings," Panache suggested. While nothing could be done to hide Bunny or Elven ears, it was also quite clear that what was considered 'normal' attire in Japan was vastly different from fashion in Falmart. They were already likely to attract an uncomfortable amount of attention. Some of it would be benign curiosity and some would be suspicion, though no one expected anything openly hostile. Anything that reduced the conspicuousness of the group was probably a good idea.


"That makes sense," Miyuki agreed. "I know a good place." She thumbed her radio. "Futaba, we'll head for Bingo, Shinagawa first."


"Roger that. We'll be right behind you."


After the women were fitted in more casual outfits, they moved on to book shopping. This was mainly at Taylor's suggestion as he wanted to bring back books on agriculture, engineering, and mechanics, as well as any other inventions that he thought could be of use, especially to the Lands of his House. Of course, there were some limits. As Chief Richardson had said, he was neither crazy or a traitor, so no weapons technology. Certainly no gunpowder. Also, no steam power. The ancients understood the basic principles of steam and Taylor was in no great rush to see smokestacks billowing black smoke across Falmart. Only things that local craftsmen could build themselves. At Sergeant Kobayakawa's suggestion, they headed for Kinokuniya Books in South Shinjuku. It had a very large English language section. Of course, other books on everything from animal husbandry to fashion quickly piled up as well. Naturally, it wasn't all that odd that the accompanying officers indulged in sharing their own reading tastes and Panache was intrigued by Kobayakawa's interest in street racing and custom engines but then again, they and Sergeant Tsujimoto all shared a passion for speed. That at least gave them a common interest to discuss.


There was just a little problem as Aenaire looked through the bridal fashions. Heads popped up as a loud cry pierced the air and Taylor turned the corner to see Aenaire standing puzzled while officer Futaba gently patted Nikaidou on the shoulder as the diminutive policewoman sobbed while clutching a copy of 'Brides' magazine.


"Um…. Is something wrong?"


"Christmas cake!" Yoriko bawled. "I'm nothing but leftover Christmas cake!"


Aenaire blinked and looked to Futaba. "William." She gestured to Taylor. "Has explained 'Christmas' to me. But I don't understand why she would call herself 'Christmas Cake'?"


Futaba explained softly as she consoled her partner. "Christmas Cake… A Christmas cake that isn't sold and eaten by the end of Christmas is too old and should be thrown out."


Aenaire looked stunned. "You mean she thinks that she's..."


"An old maid!"Nikaidou cried.


No wonder why the girl was so upset! "Oh! You are such a young girl to worry about that. You know… I did marry young."


Yoriko looked up at her. "What happened?"


"I was only in my two-hundred and thirties. I was naive and met a very handsome man. He was charming! Made me feel like I was living in a dream! So we married and I bore him a son… But he didn't want the responsibility of being a father so he simply went on a trip one day and decided not to come back. Don't misunderstand me. I have a handsome and loving son. But he's only in his seventies and he deserves a good father. William is mature enough to be that and I am mature enough to know THAT is the man I want to marry."


"You don't understand!" Yoriko replied. "I don't want to end up alone."


"For a young lady like you? I'm sure that won't happen." Indras spoke up.


"Are you sure?"


"Trust me!"


Nikaidou paused for a moment and allowed a fleeting fantasy to enter her mind, filling her with a sense of possibility. Perhaps it was the confidence that Indras seemed to exude but whatever it was, Yoriko seemed noticeably more at ease.


Without further incident, the rest of the book shopping wrapped up. Actually carting the large numbers of books into the van proved no problem as Aurelia and Tsujimoto had a friendly competition of strength which Aurelia did not quite concede but admitted that 'For a human', Natsumi was impressively strong and it might be interesting to see her wrestle an ogre, adding she would be inclined to wager on Tsujimoto in such a contest.


Stopping for lunch, even the trailing officers were invited. Having traded in some gold the previous day, Taylor volunteered to take up the tab, which was completely fine for Tsujimoto as they pulled up to the Hayashiya Steak House. It seemed more than fair, Taylor considered.


With the opportunity at hand, Panache was curious to ask the officers about themselves, their work and experiences.


"Well," Kobayakawa began. "I'm originally from Okayama. My mother was a nurse and my father was a Shinto priest and a widower. They dated for years and then, mother says his daughter, Achika became very ill. After that, my father seemed to draw back into himself and told my mother that he couldn't take a chance of fathering another child who would face the type of sickness that my sister suffered from. He would not risk my mother's safety or that of a child. He left, not knowing my mother was pregnant. I've never met him."


"What about you?" Tsujimoto asked.


"My father," Panache replied. "Is a Baron. He's stubborn and giving something up for someone else's sake?… Well, I nearly disowned him after he pulled strings to get my little brother into the army." Panache faced Kobayakawa and Tsujimoto squarely. "I've trained to be a knight for years. I pray my sword is always in the service of right but right or wrong, I am trained. My brother never had a desire to go to war, although he would do anything to please our father. I'm only fortunate that I didn't lose him. I only hope something good comes from the terrible mistake my people made."


Tsujimoto frowned. It was true that Panache seemed like a decent person but the day that the Gate opened was one that would always be burned into all of their memories. And wasn't she the enemy? As polite as she was, she had just admitted to belonging to the people who had brutally attacked their homeland and killed hundreds of helpless people and now Natsumi and her colleagues were supposed to play 'tour guide'.


"Mistake?" Tsujimoto asked. "Invading our homes and killing defenseless people was a mistake?"

Panache stared down at the table, shame faced. Of those present, while Aurelia too was a citizen of the Empire, she did not represent the Empire the way Panache did. And Tsujimoto was right to be angry.


"Yes. A horrible mistake made because our people thought we could do as we wished. And because of our arrogance, hundreds of your people and hundreds of thousands of mine died. Not long ago, I was prepared to hate the people of your world for that. For the blood of the brother I thought I had lost and yes. I wanted blood for blood! And then," she looked to Taylor. "Someone showed me compassion I did not think I truly deserved. Wasn't I the enemy? But yes, Sergeant a mistake. Because if the men who ordered my brother and a hundred thousand other young men to march into your country are criminals in your eyes, that is fair. But the men who believed when our leaders told them to march are not criminals. At least not for that.


"My Princess wants peace. She risks being marked as a traitor by the Senate because she has seen that fighting you will destroy us. I believe in her goals. You may think I am trying to excuse my people. Perhaps I am. But what we did, it was the way things were. We accepted it without question. I'm not saying my people haven't earned their punishment. But please don't hate all of us for the decisions of a few."


Tsujimoto frowned. "It's not that simple. We were there! We saw our fellow officers dead in the streets, dying to try and protect scared people who never threatened anybody!"


Panache had to know. She had to see it through their eyes. "I wasn't there. I need to know what it was like."


"You really want to know?" Kobayakawa asked.


"I need to know. Sergeant. Please? I need to know."


Tsujimoto saw the sincerity in Panache's request. "Alright..."


Flashback: Tokyo, August 11, 2017, Day of the Invasion of Ginza


It had been a typical morning for Tsujimoto. Natsumi was still missing Lieutenant Tokairin, who had gone off on a trip to the Himalayas to gain further training in mountain rescue climbing but at least soon both she and Miyuki would be back at good old Bokutou Station. Having completed the Ranger course, Natsumi was back at Metropolitan Police Headquarters, testing out new equipment. Some of it was half as inventive as the things Miyuki created even. The first confused reports started coming into Headquarters shortly after mid-morning. Reports from confused and terrified street officers about 'monsters' and 'invaders wielding swords' and frantic cell phone calls from civilians. Calls for ambulances and sighting reports from patrolling helicopters. Initially labeled a 'riot', it was soon clear that the situation was far worse. Especially as two police helicopters were lost.


In Bokutou, Captain Kachou and other station commanders soon received instructions to divert all civilian traffic away from the bridges across the Sumida and to block those bridges from the Invaders, especially the southernmost bridges as these were the ones most immediately in the invaders' path. Initially, Higher authority was willing to concede the bridges between Chuo City and Harumi as HQ was effectively cut off and it was deemed that the invaders would storm the bridges before anyone could arrive. To Captain Kachou and the other station Captains east of the Sumida, this was not an acceptable answer. Of course, if Kachou had his two best officers back, he would have no doubt that they would reach the bridges in time but they would not be back for a couple more weeks. But they had to succeed anyway. Ceding Harumi was not acceptable. So Kachou sent Nakajima and his other motorcycle officers ahead to start commandeering tractor-trailer trucks and used those to barricade the Kachidoki and other bridges. It would only be later that Kachou and the other station Captains would be reminded that the Kachidoki, at least, was still functional as a drawbridge. But for now, his officers succeeded in blocking the bridges. It was horrible and heartbreaking to see and hear civilians trapped on the wrong side screaming in terror. The officers delayed as long as they could before completely blocking the bridges but as the invaders got closer, there was no alternative. Fortunately, the situation at the southern end of the Sumida was aided by the disinclination of the Commander of the Sixth Legion to push beyond the banks of the river and settling for securing the flank of the invasion.


Inside Tokyo itself, it was much worse. Hastily assembled riot police gathered and advanced with riot shields and teargas. While teargas was a new wrinkle, the close, body to body advance of the riot police was the bread and butter of the Saderan Imperial Army. Worse, auxiliaries utilized wind magic to break up the teargas clouds. In any case, the teargas only tended to irritate and anger Imperial troops.


As defense units were called in, a desperate siege revolved around Police Headquarters. Commissioner Arizuka personally assembled SWAT teams and snipers and organized them in the defense of Headquarters. During this time word was received that hostiles were closing on the Eitai Bridge with no opposition.


"I know of exactly TWO officers who might be able to get there in time and secure us that bridge," Inspector Kinoshita commented on hearing the news. "I don't care what it takes! Get me officers Tsujimoto and Kobayakawa NOW!"


Scant minutes later, Kobayakawa and Tsujimoto were in the main parking garage, donning armor vests.


"Get to Eitai Bridge and block it any way you can!" Kinoshita told them. "Once you secure the bridge, keep your heads down and try to stay safe. Got it?"


"Yes, ma'am," Kobayakawa answered, then turned to Natsumi. "Ready to go, partner?"


"You bet! Miyuki!"


"Good! Let's strap in!"


Kinoshita watched as the entrance to the street beyond was opened just long enough for Miyuki's car to storm out, scattering the nearest centuria in surprise, although at least two troopers failed to get out of the way in time.


"Stand by on Nitro!" Miyuki said as they tore through the street. Nearing the bridge, they found a single unmarked police car, tires punctured with arrows. Its surviving occupant, a plainclothes junior detective, his partner killed by an arrow. The troops trying to get passed him were caught off guard as Miyuki told Natsumi to take the wheel while Kobayakawa opened up a murderous reign of fire on the Saderans who fled as the patrol car blew past.


Pulling to a stop next to the unmarked car, Tsujimoto got out to check on the plainclothesman.


"Sergeants Tsujimoto and Kobayakawa. Are you alright?"


"I'm alright,"He nodded, catching his breath. "Detective Togusa. Nice to meet you." He jerked a thumb over in the direction of a fuel truck abandoned nearby. "My partner and I were going to use that tanker truck to block the bridge. He got caught trying to make a run for it."


"Come on! Get in!" The detective dove into the back seat as Miyuki swung the patrol car around, pulling up behind the tanker on the east side. Togusa and Kobayakawa firing on a freshly gathering group of invaders as Tsujimoto slipped into the cab.


"Gonna have to hotwire it. It'll just take a minute"


"Make it quick! Looks like they're serious, this time," Miyuki answered.


"Got it!"Natsumi exclaimed as the diesel engine growled to life. "Get clear, while I block the bridge." Tsujimoto turned the wheel about and cut the road, before jumping out on the safe side and running to where her partner and Togusa were waiting.


"That will only slow them down unless we can ignite the truck," Togusa observed. "Either of you ever make a molotov cocktail?" He asked, spying the gas can in the back.


"Now you're talking our language detective!" Kobayakawa answered. "I can puncture the tank. Of course, we don't want to be too close when it lights."


"Leave that to me, Miyuki," Natsumi assured. Once Togusa finished crafting the incendiary device, Natsumi waited while Miyuki took careful aim and punctured the tanker, causing gasoline to pour out. Breaking Togusa's radio open to provide a spark, Natsumi lit the wick, making sure it got a good start before giving their makeshift bomb a powerful toss, igniting the truck. With the way blocked by fire, the trio waited as around them, the world went insane.

***
​

"We waited on that bridge for three hours before relief came," Tsujimoto recalled.


"In the meantime, we lost scores of officers and hundreds of innocent civilians in the streets," Kobayakawa added. "And they never had a chance to understand why."


Panache looked at them, her eyes lowered. "Because of greed and arrogant pride. Officers… I have worked for years to protect the helpless, not attack them. Please… I ask you to accept my sincerest regrets and apologies and those of my Liege Lady, Princess Pina, and the Rose Order."


"Nations make war," Kobayakawa said. "People make peace.


Tsujimoto nodded and glanced around the table and made a circle gesture with her fork to include everyone sitting there. "We forgive you," she said. "And on your word, I think those of us at this table would be inclined to give your Princess and the rest of your Order the benefit of the doubt. But I don't think everyone is going to be that forgiving and the next person from your side I meet? Beyond what I've said? I'm not exactly going to trust them on sight."


"That's more than fair, Officer Tsujimoto," Panache replied. "To be honest, I would sooner trust you and your companions than some Imperials I've known."


"One thing is it's harder to make war on a friend than a stranger!" Nikaidou agreed.


"Thank you," Panache replied with true heartfelt thanks.


"So…" Futaba asked after taking a sip of tea. "Where else did we plan to go after this?"


"Well, Panache admitted. "We were interested in…"


"'Fashion' is the term?" Nayu suggested.


"Yes! And perhaps then of a more personal sort?" Panache agreed.


"I know just the place!" Nikaidou declared. "It's called the Silky Doll! Nene Romanova over at Central control told me about it. She knows the owner, Miss Sylvia, or at least she says she does. It's supposed to be a real classy place!" To Indras' amusement and satisfaction, Yoriko cast a sly look towards the head of the table. "I've actually been meaning to do some shopping there myself!" She declared.


Tsujimoto grinned. "Hey, Nakajima…"


"Sorry!" Nakajima hurriedly replied. "Better get back to shadowing. Right?" He asked his nodding comrade.


"Nonsense!" Hayase replied. "A close escort is best in these situations. You know that Inspector Kinoshita always expects us to use good judgment over a plan that doesn't fit the situation."


"She's right," Tsujimoto agreed. "Don't you think so, Miyuki?"


"Oh, definitely!" Miyuki agreed, having not quite forgiven the boys of Bokutou for their handling of the 'Flasher Mugger' case the previous month.


"What do you think, Lieutenant?" Nakajima asked Taylor.


"Every moment spent with a lovely lady is a privilege. Today I am very privileged."


Nakajima sighed. The afternoon was going to be a long one.


In the meantime, Panache pulled her groom-to-be aside and whispered a request into his ear. He nodded and placed a call to take care of it.


By the time the group returned to Camp Augustus, a very substantial amount of commerce had been concluded. With the escort mission completed, the officers from Bokutou were now off duty.

"If any of you would care to stay for dinner, you would be welcomed guests,"


"I'm afraid I'll have to decline," Inspector Kinoshita answered. Although lunch had been excellent and the conversation, pleasant, she was still Inspector Kinoshita. She could not allow herself the luxury of 'unwinding' around officers she was responsible for.


"Of course, Inspector. Perhaps we will have the pleasure of your company another day," Lady Octavia told her.


"Perhaps."


Most of the others did stay, however. Panache enjoyed sharing tales of battling goblins and developing a sense of kindredness with the women of Bokutou as they shared stories about their most interesting or exciting police cases. Honor and respect are qualities that know no one single flag.


The next day, it was time for Taylor's party to return to Janus. There were a great number of things to be done. As they passed through the checkpoint to enter the Gate, a florists van delivered six-hundred roses, two-hundred Red, two-hundred Yellow, and two-hundred White roses, placed in memory of the fallen of Ginza.​

 

[Kiyone4ever]

Back! Here is a piece co-authored with Major Major over at Space Battles. More to come. Enjoy!

From Here To There: A Kiwi Story


Redhorn Pass, Southern Dumas Mountains, Village of the Fair Hills, Night of the Great Quake.


As the initial shaking had stopped, Chief Gelnash looked to the heavens with irritation and then down to the ground with annoyance. In Falmart it was impossible to not believe in the gods. Their apostles traversed the land carrying out their duties as they saw fit. No... Gelnash believed in the gods. He just didn't LIKE them very much. He suspected the feeling was mutual but he didn't care. He was merely thankful that their guests had gotten a warning and there had been time to take cover. He turned to the human, this Colonel Stroudley. "I see Hardy is cranky today," he smirked.


Colonel Duncan Stroudley, the commanding officer of what had become known as the 3rd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, worked his jaw from side to side for a moment as he cleared his throat from the dust, which also made his rather bushy, grey-streaked moustache move around on his upper lip.


"It's been a bit of a while since I've felt it that rough, yes," he said with a half-grin and a chuckle, before frowning a little. "Things might get a bit dicey though if the aftershocks are worse than that though," he said, partly to himself.


"The Empire has been trying to push us out of our land for hundreds of years. A little shaking from a petulant goddess isn't going to break us now! So? You say we should be safe outdoors for now?"


Stroudley nodded. "Earthquakes back home can be fickle like that; the first quake or two might be quite mild, just knocking over a cup at most; but then, the next shock might be strong enough to collapse your house."


"I see," The chief nodded and beckoned over his wife, who was holding their youngest child. The baby seemed completely unfazed by the tremors. "Then if we cannot offer you and your men the hospitality of our huts, we can at least offer you good company while we wait to see if Hardy's temper has abated. The night will be a long enough one So we might as well be comfortable."


Stroudley could hardly refuse, so he and the group of mounted troopers he had come out to inspect (there were some days he really wondered if anyone at Gibraltar ..... he quickly cut that train of thought off) gathered round, with several of them also taking some time to tend to the horses.


Galnesh spoke to several of his men in the Utumno dialect. They nodded and went to fetch food and drink to share. Then he turned back to his guests. "You speak the High Tongue with an interesting flair, Colonel! My father made certain I learned to speak it as the highest of the Imperials do. It surprises them to no end to find I can speak at all, let alone know the speech of their nobles."


Colonel Stroudley chuckled. "Well.... we were the sons and daughters of Mother England for a long time, but we long ago struck out on our own; though when push comes to shove, we've usually come to her aid, and to the aid of those in need; we shine a light in the blackness of night, to paraphrase an old song I'm fond of." he nodded.


The Chief's wife laughed. "It's hard to believe that you and the Imperials are the same species. Tell us of your lands, Colonel?"


The soldiers under Stroudley shared a few glances, as the Colonel settled down. "Well then... where would you like me to start? Perhaps with the legends of Maui, the trickster? Or perhaps, something a little more dry, with the voyage of James Cook?"


"Why not start with the legends?"Trexa asked. A people's legends speak much to their character. Much more than mere fact," She noted lightly. "And you are the first humans we have actually wanted to know."



Stroudley nodded, as he waved for one of the troopers, a big Maori man. "I hope you'll forgive my rather weak narration; I'm somewhat unaccustomed to speaking to a large audience." the older man remarked with a slight chuckle of self-deprecation.


As he was talking, the trooper pulled out a small player and speaker, which then played the sound of a pūtātara, a Maori trumpet of sorts made from a conch shell, and used for important ceremonies.


"Gather around me now, one and all, and listen as I tell you the stories of old." Stroudley then declared, beckoning them close.


Galnesh grinned as his people, especially the young ones gathered to listen attentively. It was much like when he would recite the tales of the first Orc King, who wrestled a Mountain Troll for days before building the first home on their mountain.


Stroudley nodded once he was certain he had their attention. "In the beginning, the world was small and dark; that was because of Ranginui, the Sky Father, and Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, who lay locked together in a tight and loving embrace. Between them, they had many sons, tall and strong, who are nonetheless forced to hunker down in that cramped darkness," he stated grandly.


"Over time, the brothers grow into men, and begin to talk with each other; they wonder what it is like to walk and live in the sunlight. The first to speak was Tūmatauenga, Tu of the Angry Face, who was the fiercest of the brothers, and would in time become the God of War; like his brothers, he is tired of their predicament, and proposes that the brothers band together, and slay their parents."


Many of the younger Orcs looked clearly horrified, for ties of family were the most revered of all. Galnesh's second youngest, a boy of five put his arms around his mother protectively.


Stroudley nodded solemnly. "I know, and perhaps it will relieve and gladden you to know that Tu's proposal was not accepted by his brothers," he informed them. "Instead, it is his brother Tane-Mahuta, soon to be the God of the Forests and the Birds, who proposes the plan that his brothers accept; that the brothers use their great strength to pry apart their mother and father's embrace, and then separate them far from one another."


The older children and the adults in the audience nodded, agreeing this was the most sensible solution, as hard a decision as it must have been.


"And so, the brothers squared their shoulders, and with all their strength, attempted to pry apart their mother and father; but at first, it seems entirely without success, as even with all the strength in their backs, and working together, the embrace of Rangi and Papa remained as strong as it had ever been.


"It seems for a moment as if all their efforts will be for naught; but then, Tane has an idea. He laid himself down on his back, bracing himself against his mother, and then he used his thick, strong legs. It takes every last bit of his strength, but soon there is a great hue and cry, as he forces his parents apart."


The Orcs pictured this struggle. It must have been a terrible cry at that moment. It must have been both a triumphant and yet sad moment, much like the day any son must change the course of life.


He nodded. "Tane then spent much time searching the heavens for lights to adorn his father with, so that he might be appropriately dressed; once he collected them, he threw him high into the air, where they formed the stars, the sun, and the moon.


"Yet even to this day, Rangi and Papa grieve for each other; Rangi's tears fall from the heavens as the rain, to show how much he loves her still; and when the mist rises in the forests, it is Papa's sighing, as the warmth of her body still yearns for Rangi, and yet also continues to nurture mankind."


Galnesh leaned forward with appreciation. "Your gods are much like the gods of our own legend. Not like the gods of Falmart. I take it your gods do not obsess over impressing mortals with their might?"


"Not that I can recall off the top of my head," Stroudley said, after several moments of thinking.


"That is good," Trexa said. "Now tell us! What do you think of this world?"


Stroudley chuckled and shook his head. "Every day since I and my men came here, I have had new surprises, both good and bad. This world reminds me so much of the works of a great writer back home, a man by the name of Tolkein. Not long ago, I would never have thought or dreamed that I might one day be sat here, breaking bread and sharing stories with a tribe of Orcs, in a world where magic exists."


"To be fair, we never imagined humans who would be willing to sit and share stories. I hope the humans here will be willing to learn from your people. But time will tell," Galnesh noted. In the meantime, it looks like a lovely triple moon tonight. Tomorrow I am sure there will be plenty of work for all. But tonight, Let everyone eat their fill and rest in the company of friends." He watched as his brother's eldest daughter and her sister brought out a large cave boar that had been cooking in a pit all day. "Good news, uncle! the boar wasn't ruined by the earth shakes."


As those gathered began to feast, Stroudley idling thought about his first days in this new world...

***​

It had been a few weeks since what had become known as the Battle of Italica had occurred, and for once, the 407th was having a comparatively quiet day. In the Command Tent, Sergeant Walter O'Reilly, known to most as 'Radar', was sorting out a pile of files that had been dropped on his desk by Major Burns.


He had just closed the filing cabinet when the field telephone on his desk began to ring. He picked up the phone, "407th Combat Support Hospital, Sergeant O'Reilly speaking."


The voice that spoke on the other end was rather odd to Radar's ears; it sounded vaguely British, but at the same time, it had a slightly languid and casual tone to it. "Yes, hello; this is Lt. Colonel Stroudley, with the New Zealand Detachment; is it possible to speak with your CO?"


"Yes sir, Colonel Potter is in his office. Wait one moment, please sir." A minute later, an older man's voice came on the line, his Missouri twang evident in his tones. "Colonel Potter speaking."


"Good Morning sir; I'm Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Stroudley, New Zealand Army." the officer introduced himself. "I just thought I'd give you a heads up that my men will be arriving in-theatre in the next 24 to 48 hours, and I'd like to see that all necessary arrangements are made ahead of time to make sure things go smoothly."


"Ah! General Hazama told us the Kiwis were coming. Don't worry, colonel. We've been doing this since day one of this fracas. We'll get you all processed through with no trouble at all. I assume you'll want to get your exam and vaccinations done first, I take it?"


"That's right; a good officer needs to know what he and his troops will be likely to face," he commented, almost as if he was reciting something he'd learned at OCS. "Also, come to that I'll probably also want to arrange some meetings between my company commanders and your medical staff whenever might be convenient for you so that they're up to speed with what we might face out here."


"Can do, Colonel. Can your officers be available in the next hour?"


"I'll rustle as many of them up as I can; though I feel I should let you know, our boys are not exactly doing the same jobs as your chaps, the Aussies or the Japanese," he commented.


"Neither are we, son. But that may be for the best. If you come here looking at this place like any other place you've ever been, you'll never make sense of it."



"Isn't that true," Stroudley remarked with a chuckle. "Eat your heart out, Peter Jackson...." he murmured to himself, before coughing. "Right then. I'll round up my officers, and we should be there in about an hour."


"We'll have the welcome wagon out for you, then." Potter hung up the phone. "Radar!" He said, waiting for his clerk to come in.


"Yes, Colonel?"


"Gather the senior staff. We're having company in an hour. A bunch of New Zealanders coming in. We'll need full workups and then a briefing. You know the drill. Get Parna and Koirre in on this. I want to underline just how different this place is."


"Right away sir!"


As it turned out, the New Zealanders were a bit quicker off the ball than they were expecting; it was only 45 minutes or so after Stroudley made his phone call that a couple of mud-splattered Land Rovers and Unimogs were approaching the entrance of the 407th CSH.


Colonel Potter was waiting, his hand on the reins of his chestnut mare, leading her around for her daily walk. Her recovery from where the bullet had grazed her flank was healing nicely.


The slightly time-worn convoy rolled into the compound, and the man who was clearly Lt. Colonel Stroudley disembarked the lead Land Rover. He was a man with an unremarkable build, slightly balding, but with a well-groomed and frankly magnificent General Kitchener-style moustache, which was slightly shaded by the 'Lemon-squeezer' hat which he was wearing; apparently he'd wanted to make a good impression, as he was wearing dress uniform.


Colonel Potter returned Stroudley's salute. His plain worn green fatigues matching his worn features well. "Colonel, welcome to the 407th." He looked appraisingly at the immaculate dress uniform. "A friendly word of advice, son. Save the fancy for the victory parade. Keep the hat though. It has character."


"Of course sir; just thought I should have it on hand, in case I needed it for the Brass Hatters." he nodded with a slight chuckle, before turning his attention to the horse. "A fine beast indeed," he commented.


Potter smiled at that. "They do raise some fine horses over here so they can't be all bad. We've got hundreds corralled from when we took this place. I take it you know horses pretty well?"


"Well, not myself personally; but a fair few of the lads are from the Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles." he nodded. "They're mostly mechanized troops these days, but I do understand a lot of them are farm boys, so they'll be champing at the bit to get to know the horses, I bet."


"Fair enough. That may become important out here. Well, let's get the exams started on you and your men and then we can give you a rundown on how things set over here. Koirre?" He called to a girl with bluish-green feathers and wearing the working uniform of a US Army specialist.


"Yes, Colonel?"


"Would you mind finishing Sophie's walk and getting her squared away for me?'


"Of course, sir!" She smiled gently taking the reins.


Stroudley's eyebrow rose up at this. "Spreading Democracy already, are we?" he commented in a joking tone. "With your Levi's and your Rock and Roll?"His tone made it clear it was meant in jest though, rather than as a pointed comment.


Potter chuckled. "Well, we kinda owed her seeing how she came in here full of shrapnel. Her fellow patients didn't seem to appreciate her survival though so we mustered her in. It helps that she knows these people and speaks the common vernacular. Luckily they also speak a form of English. Well, the upper class do and she picked it up from them. If you can, I'd heartily recommend you trying to recruit one of the locals yourself if you can."


"I'll make sure the chaps know." he nodded, as they turned and saw that a gaggle of New Zealand Army officers had disembarked from the trucks, and were waiting for them.


They were a bit of a mixed bunch; a mixture of signallers and engineers according to their insignia, and Potter could tell in a trice that most of them were reservists.


"Good, Now make four lines. Doctors Pierce, McIntyre, Hunnicutt and myself will be conducting your examinations. We should be able to get through this in short order. Remember, this is no place for shyness. Alright, gentlemen. Let's begin."


The officers split up into the lines as instructed, with Stroudley at the front, leading by example. One of his subordinates then remembered something, which he passed to Stroudley, who in turn handed it to Potter. "Just in case you need it; it's the first batch of medical histories for the Detachment."


"Thank you, Colonel," He turned to a tall bunny girl with black fur, missing one ear, she still seemed to be filled with enthusiasm. "Parna, take these over to Radar for filing."


"Yes, Colonel Potter!" She seemed to bound off much like her earth equivalent.


This initial consultation went quite smoothly, for the most part; though one of the engineering officers, a woman by the name of Thompson, began sneezing badly when Parna passed by her. It turned out that it was mentioned in her medical history that Thompson suffered from an allergy to animal hair.


"That can be a problem," Captain Hunnicutt noted. "What's the worst reaction you've ever had?"


"According to my GP, I'd fall in the moderate range; mostly nausea, coughs and sneezing, along with an itchy rash," she said. "Normally my allergy medication would have covered it, but I'm running low."


"We'll get you a fresh prescription but make sure you get it refilled a week in advance. Between Bunny Warrior, Catgirls, Wolfmen, Vulpines, and what all else, you're going to need it."


"Thank you, sir," she said, giving him a slight smile, before pulling out a handkerchief and blowing her nose.


Hunnicutt nodded with a smile of his own. "Now, let's get a blood sample." Hee turned to the Japanese/Hawaiian nurse beside him. "Alright, Kelleye, let's get Lieutenant Thompson here worked up. You know the drill." He turned back to Thompson."Don't worry. I'm a terrific plumber! My patients never spring a leak."


She chuckled. "That's good to hear. I'd hate to have to explain that to my wife," she remarked.



In the meantime, Hawkeye took the chart of a young man who looked greener than his uniform. "Welcome to 'You Bet Your Life!'," Pierce said as he took his file and stared at it, seemingly confused. "Hmmm... So... First question: Have you ever had 'athlete's scalp' before?" He asked, holding the file upside down.


The young man was a half-Polynesian officer named Marsh, who couldn't help but chuckle at that, as he ran his hand through his short shaved hair.


"Oh wait... I see." He flipped the chart upright. "Oh! You're here for an ingrown eyebrow!"


Marsh couldn't help but outright laugh now. "Sorry..... I know I shouldn't laugh and all... But seriously though, thanks Doc, I needed a good laugh."


"We all do. So, don't worry. Major Houlihan is not only beautiful but she's an actual grown-up so you're perfectly safe. So? How did you end up in the paradise of the ancient world?"


Marsh shook his head and sighed ruefully. "I'm sure you've heard this before; a kid who grew up in a poor town; joined the army young to try to avoid the gang life, and found a place for himself serving his Country, eh?"


"It's always the things they don't tell you that catch up with you. I know nobody ever told me I'd be dealing with friends, Romans AND countrymen."


"Yeah, true enough," Marsh said. "Though good thing I brought my camera; I'd love to show my cuzzies and rellies all the things this world has."


"I know, pretty amazing. But just be careful looking for souvenirs. There's a guy from the 101st who got turned into a dragon after he bought an antique ring. Photos are a lot safer."


Marsh's jaw dropped at that, and he looked at Hawkeye. "Wait, for reals?" he asked in surprise that bordered on shock.


"No kidding. He's actually developing a bit of a following but on the downside, none of his old jackets fit anymore."


Marsh swallowed at that and rubbed his chin. "I'll make sure the fullas know that then," he said.


"Good. The last thing we need is someone to get turned into the reincarnation of the Great spider god."



"Depends on if they're wetas or not," Marsh commented. "There's nothing like some good bushtucker to put some meat on your bones, eh?"


That's easy for you to say... No really. I've got no idea what you just said." Hawkeye shook his head. "But then again wasn't it Churchill that said we were countries separated by a common language?"


Marsh laughed at that, a big, deep-voiced laugh of genuine mirth. "You're okay in my book, Doctor Pierce," he said once he'd calmed down.


"Glad to hear that! And I think we're done with the jabbing and prodding and you can join your mates and go get something from the mess. Keep the knife. I wouldn't go near our food unarmed."


"Sure thing, bro. If you ever swing by our way, I'm sure you'll be welcome," he nodded, as he left.


Hawkeye smiled, wondering what Marsh would think of Crabapple Cove. In the meantime, Trapper John McIntyre spoke up.


"Table for one! No waiting folks!" McIntyre's 'client' this time was a large and beefy looking man with thick glasses and very short clipped hair; the whole look said 'communications guy' to him. "Alright, So I'm Doctor McIntyre. Welcome to the part of soldiering the recruiters never talked about. Say hello to Nurse Cutler, she'll be assisting me today. "


"A pleasure to meet you, Doctor." the man said; in contrast to his large build, he had a high-pitched, almost reedy sounding voice that seemed out of place.


"So? How did you end up out here?"


"I'm Lieutenant Lambie, sir; I'm in charge of the blokes in the detachment who are being assigned to the communications unit at Gibraltar," he said, shifting from one side of his seat to the other. "I'm also probably one of the only blokes in the force's officer cadre who is actually regular army, rather than Territorials."


"Our CO is regular army. I'll bet you never pictured a place like this when you signed up, eh, Lieutenant?"


Lambie shook his head. "It's pretty surreal, to be honest, sir," he said, taking off his thick glasses and rubbing his face for a moment.


"Married?"


He shook his head. "Barely even knew what a girl was until after I left secondary school," he admitted, rather sheepishly. "I went to mostly single-sex Catholic schools."


"I'd be careful going into the civilian settlement next door if I were you. You're a valuable commodity on the local market Lambie."


"...I'll try and keep that in mind, sir. Thank you for the warning." he nodded.


McIntyre chuckled. "No problem. Of course, what that boils down to is a society that just lost a big chunk of eligible husband material and frankly, by comparison, you're healthier, wealthier, all-around a better catch for these local girls. A lot of them like the brainy types."


He nodded again, as he then pulled out a small notebook and a pencil, jotting down something in it, before tucking it back into his jacket.


"So, Any allergies? Problems with the heat? Anything like that?" Trapper asked.


"Only a prescription for my glasses," he said. "I was due for a check-up when the deployment order arrived."


"We've got an optometrist on staff. I'll make a note to send for him once we've determined you'll be staying in god's hidden little acre with the rest of us."


"Thank you, sir. Is there anything else?" Lambie asked, seemingly eager to be away.


"Just a few basic vaccinations and inoculations. After that, you can wait for the results. I guess you're not overly fond of hospitals, lieutenant?"


"Not especially; Doctors have always made me nervous..."


"A lot of people are nervous around doctors. Bad experience?"


"My mum was in hospital for a long time when I was young, so... yeah, hospitals have bad memories for me."


"I guess they would. Well, No offense but I only want to see you here today and the day we check you out to go home. On the other hand, if you run into a nice girl out there, make sure to stop in and get a check-up. Just to be on the safe side."


"I'll keep that in mind too; but, God willing, this will be one of only two times that you'll have to see me." Lambie agreed, as he rose, and then saluted. "Have a... well.... if not good, then at least, a tolerable day then, Doctor."


"Easy on the saluting, it makes me feel like I'm in the army. But yeah. Take care, Lieutenant."


The Kiwi officer nodded, and then strode out, letting Trapper get to his next patient


Trapper waved in his next patient as meantime, Colonel Potter nodded to the next person in line.


"All right boys and girls," Potter spoke. "Who's next? Let's keep it moving, folks."


The next up was a female officer, wearing camo fatigues and her hair pulled back in a ponytail. "Sir," she said.


"And who do we have here?" The young woman looked to be as old as Potter's oldest granddaughter.


"Second Lieutenant Karen Laurie, sir; with the Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles." she said, as she stood 'at ease' before him.


"First combat deployment, Lieutenant?"


"Not precisely; I've done a tour in Afghanistan, but I didn't see any combat, and to be honest, if I'd had any say in it, I'd hope that I don't see any combat here, either."


"Good answer. I saw my first combat in Grenada back in '83, then Panama in 89'. Transferred to Tanks in time for Gulf War One and became a Doctor in time for the sequel. Hoping this will be the last. So... what's your experience with horses?"


She chuckled. "Grew up on a farm in the King Country, sir- that's a lot of hill country that you'd never get a quad bike up; I've been brushing up a lot on my riding in the last few weeks; along with most of the troops from the regiment who were being assigned here."


"You'll get along with the local knights that liaison with us. Technically they may be the other side but that has more than a few conditionals. We're technically allied in regards to protecting one of the local cities."


"Understood, sir." she nodded with a slight smile. "I'll make sure that the lads don't get too chummy with them."


"Good. Their own people think they're just a ceremonial guard but those ladies are the real deal. "


"Like the Swiss Guard at the Vatican," she nodded, her head bobbing slightly for a few moments.


"Pretty much. They trade respect for respect. The local horses are of good quality, also."


She smiled. "I'll take your word for it for the moment, but I hope you don't mind if I have a look for myself later."


"That's what I'd expect of anyone who knows horses."


She nodded again with a chuckle. "Anyway, here's my most up to date files," she said, passing them over.


"Good. It seems in order Now we'll get a blood draw..."


She rolled up her sleeve and bared her arm for him. He noticed a long but shallow scar along the inside of her arm,


"That's quite the scar, lieutenant."


"I've had it since I was a teen; I was out hunting wild pigs with my dad during the school holidays when I stumbled on some loose rocks on a hillside," she said. "That scar came from the bolt of grandad's old war trophy digging into my arm as I fell down the hill. Kind of a silly mistake on my part."


"Wild boar, huh? I've had some run-ins with those myself! Mean critters."


She nodded. "That's why we were using grandpa's war trophy; it's a Mauser rifle he got while fighting in Italy during WWII; it's old, but still packs a wallop."



"I remember using an old Springfield 1903. Damn fine weapon."


Laurie nodded. "Good rifle, yes; though personal preference would be either my granddad's old Mauser or, and this is probably the Brit in us showing, the good old Lee-Enfield." She chuckled a little at that.


"No argument here. The trick is a good headshot. No sense wasting the meat."


"Amen; I've seen some of the pictures of wild hogs in Texas and such- I wouldn't want to hunt those with anything less than an anti-aircraft gun..."


"At the very least, don't go without backup." Potter nodded and noted her CO coming over. "Colonel..."


Stroudley nodded to Potter. "How are the lads and lasses faring, sir?" he asked with a slight smile


"They seem to be quite the spirited lot. Good bunch, I'd say. They'll do to ride the river."


"Most of them are Reservists, who volunteered for the gig." he nodded. "But I have faith that Wellington knew what they were doing when they rustled them up," he commented, before lapsing into thought for a moment. "Well, either way, I hope you and your staff won't be too busy, Colonel; it'd be nice if you could come see the powhiri when the troops arrive."


"That would be right dandy! It'll do the local morale a good boost too. The folk that settle around here will definitely be interested."


Stroudley grinned at that. "Good to hear; I'll let Marsh know so that he can get his head around it."


"We look forward to it!" Potter smiled at Lieutenant Laurie. "I think we're set here. We'll have the results ready in a couple of hours and then you'll be all set!"


"Thank you, sir." Laurie nodded, as she clambered out of her seat, and with a salute, departed to join her comrades.


Potter turned back to Stroudley. "When the results come in, I'll show you folk out back to the Corral. I'm not sure how well the local saddles will suit but they've got plenty of them piled up."


"Good to hear sir." Stroudley smiled. "Now then, are there any last things? I feel as if I should go and ride herd on the men, in case they gripe about army grub; I'm sure you know the jokes about 'Meals Refused by the Enemy' and all that."


Pierce strolled over. "We've one-upped that Colonel. we're ankle-deep in meals returned by the enemy!" Potter chuckled. "I think that covers it, colonel."


Stroudley couldn't help but burst out in laughter for a moment, a short staccato sound that almost sounded like a dog barking for a moment. "By your leave then, Colonel."



Potter nodded. "Of course. "


Stroudley then followed where Laurie had gone, towards the mess tent and it would be here that Stroudley and his men got their first looks at a real Orc. Up at the head of the tent, they noticed a greasy sergeant making gestures to the cook as a large being with greenish grey tinted skin stood calmly watching. The cook threw up his hands and nodded in apparent relentment. The large being stepped over to the foodservice trays and wrinkled his nose.


Stroudley stayed back for a moment to watch what might happen next.


The creature reached into a leather pouch and throws a handful of herbs into the bin and stirred it around., then stepped back. The cook cautiously had his assistant sample a spoon's worth. as the assistant nodded in the affirmative, his eyes widening at flavor, the cook chuckled and handed the Orc an apron.


The New Zealanders in the tent slowly relaxed at this, having been unsure if things might escalate.


Sergeant Rizzo patted the Orc on the arm. "I'll go see how the rest of your boys are doing."


Now that that had de-escalated, Stroudley walked among the tables, idly returning any salutes that came his way, as he searched out the other Kiwi's, to fill them in on the goings-on.


"Well, that certainly was odd," his XO noted. "I wonder if these fellows have been in country too long, sir?"


"Probably. Quite the place for it!"


Thompson had been a civil engineer for a road company back on 'Civvy Street', so she was eager to see how the Sanderian's built their roads, and if they were anything like the Roman Roads in Europe.


A short young man in new sergeant stripes walked over with a native Bunny girl with half an ear missing but wearing the uniform of a Specialist 4th class. "Excuse us sirs and ma'ams but do you mind if we sit here? The only other table with any real space is by Major Burns," the sergeant asked.


Several of the New Zealanders moved apart to offer the pair what space they could; it was a little bit of a squeeze, but it would be enough for the pair.


"Thank you," Parna smiled. "Sergeant O'Reilly says you are from New Zealand. I wonder what happened to the old one?"


There were a few chuckles at that before Major Fowler moved to set her straight."The story of how New Zealand got its name is a bit of a funny story; and it starts, not with the British, but with a Dutchman by the name of Abel Tasman." she began


"Your world has so many tribes!" Parna said in awe. "It's amazing."


Helen nodded with a smile. "History is something of a hobby of mine; either way, long ago, Abel Tasman sailed from Zeeland, one of the seven Dutch provinces, to explore the unknown part of the world where modern New Zealand is. His expedition found evidence of it, but they did not land there."


"Oh! that makes sense! Like how the Empire gave new names to our plains of the Great Grass! My former master showed me once." She looked to Major Fowler. "since he is dead, I would be happy to give you his maps and his History of the Empire. He said it reminded him of the tradition of the Empire."


Fowler looked delighted to hear that, as did Stroudley. "Pursuit of knowledge is a laudable thing, and should be encouraged."


"The books are in High Tongue but the maps are in common. My master used to keep my clothes locked in his personal box. Since he is gone now, I think it is fair that it is my box. The books are there. We keep it in the office under Sergeant O'Reilly's cot where I sleep."


At this Radar's eyes went wide. "I sleep in a hammock now! Honest!"


That got them a few chuckles, but they didn't say anything more than that, to spare the young lad's blushes. Stroudley then began to look thoughtful for a moment. "So.... Parna, yes? I've been wondering about something since the Colonel mentioned it in passing during our medical inspections....."


"Yes, sir?" Parna asked, curious.


"He said something about your people being.... what was the term they used..... oh, right.... 'Warrior Bunnies', I believe?" Stroudley questioned.


"Oh yes! We were Great warriors! That is why the Empire sent large armies against us! Most of our kind were worth three Imperials in any battle."


Down the table, Marsh perked up. "So..... you'd be considered, like..... a 'martial race', then?" he asked, as he leaned forward to look towards her.



"Oh! Yes. Our own tribal wars could be very fierce! Of course, we solved many conflicts with ritualized combats. No matter what tribe, we are all 'The People' after all."


Marsh grinned at that, showing very white teeth. "Back in the day, the British Empire referred to my people, the Maori, as one of the 'martial races' too." he commented."After New Zealand became a colony of the British Empire, and then later a Dominion, we were considered to be some of the best natives to recruit into the army."


"I think you would have loved to witness the dance of the thousand blades. I witnessed it once when I was twelve. I wasn't old enough or trained enough to take part but imagine ten rows of a hundred warriors carrying the sharpest blades in the lands dancing for seven hours in perfect synchronicity, the skills becoming more advanced as the hours drew on."


Marsh chuckled. "Well then.... you might want to drop by if you get the chance when the rest of the force arrives. We've got a bit of a show planned...."


"We would be honored," Parna smiled.


Marsh grinned and nodded as he settled back in his seat to continue eating.


Parna looked at Marsh consideringly. "Your people were once a nation of their own but your tribe became part of the British... Do you think this was a good thing for your tribe?"


Marsh shrugged after some thought. "It was a different time; a much rougher period; and to be fair, for the last few decades, the New Zealand government has been trying to make right all the injustices that happened back then, and to make the Treaty of Waitangi actually mean what it said, rather than just be pretty-sounding words on paper. As far as I'm concerned, the past is the past, and getting stuck in it doesn't do anyone good."


And the Tribes of the Great Grass are now also in the past." Parna replied. "But it will be alright! The Tribe of the Iowa will be strong and good."


Sergeant O'Reilly blushed again at that. He figured his mom and his Uncle Ed wouldn't have a problem, he did worry a little about the rest of the town. He just didn't want any of them giving Parna a hard time. Parna smiled. "But I think even with the blessing of the Great Trickster God, it may be best if my new tribe doesn't quite do things the same way as the old tribe."


This got them all looking at her. "How so?" Marsh asked.


"Well, Radar has told me that it is not lawful to carry off one's husband without permission. Our daughters will have to ask for permission. In days past, our tribe mothers simply found the human that seemed most fit and took him with them! Most of the time they didn't complain for long. Also, he says that we must not simply club anyone who tries to take our land. Not that the old ways worked so well when the Empire came for our lands."


There was a brief silence at that, as the New Zealanders all considered her words, and Thompson unconsciously began to lean away from her, partly due to her allergies.


Parna looks self-conscious. "Of course, sometimes men didn't want to stay. So we sent them home... Still... I believe Radar when he says it is better to follow laws as long as others must follow the same laws."


"Here here to that." the others agreed before Fowler changed the subject a little. "So..... what do you do most the day here anyway, Parna?" she asked.


"Oh! I help translate the common language for everyone. Doctors treat many Saderans. Some also think they will cause trouble but I let them know I hear and understand them! I am also learning to answer the tellingphone and handle messages."


"Telephone," Radar gently corrected.


There were a few chuckles. "Tellingphone..... that's actually quite a good name for them." Stroudley remarked.


"See?"Parna said to Radar proudly. "Sometimes my Radar not quite so right after all! But he is still my Radar. I am happy that he and the doctors say they can fix me." She touched her severed ear.


The others all winced at that. "Barbaric, that," Lambie muttered darkly. "Slavery is one of those things that simply shouldn't be allowed at all."


"I think that I can change," Parna replied. "And if Bunnies can change, then the Empire can change too. Radar has taught me to believe that. But they will need good people to show them a better way just like I have learned."


They nodded. "True enough," Stroudley said. "We've seen the mess that happens when you try to enforce that change from without," he said, sighing and shaking his head.


"I have heard that in County Formar, no slavery is allowed. The former Count made it illegal. I think others will learn from this."


"Let's hope so." Stroudley nodded, before shaking his head. "Sorry, I'm getting a bit maudlin, aren't I?"


"It is alright!" Parna said with a smile. "I am much enjoying new thoughts and ideas. It is good that your armies have people of good conscience. But perhaps I can talk of things not so dark." She looks to Marsh. "I WILL still teach my daughters the skills of the hunt. Not so they will hunt but so the skills and a good tradition are preserved. It is a test of a new Warrior's skill to both seek and evade." Her ear twitched slightly. "For instance, I can tell that Major Winchester will be going on a hunt of his own soon! He really does not like it when Hawkeye samples his 'Cognac'?"


"He does seem the type to favour that." Lambie nodded. "Back on our side of the Gate, cognac is a very expensive and sought after form of alcohol; it has an air of sophistication and elegance to it."


I see!" Parna nodded, then frowned. "speaking of elegant and dangerous... I hear a unicorn out by the corral and it is not in a friendly mood."


This once more gave them pause. "A unicorn?" Marsh asked, before grinning widely. "Hey, Lambie; maybe you should go and see if it likes you, eh?" he grinned, making a joke at the other man's expense.


"You're probably more his type," Thompson put in. "You know Earthy, natural smelling." There were a few laughs at that, and any tension in the air from what Parna had been saying before vanished.


"And I thought Unicorns went after pure-hearted maidens!" someone said.



That got another round of laughter at that, and Lambie blushed to the roots of his hair.


"Still, this unicorn sounds like one of us! minds its own business until you poke at it and all."


"Don't tickle a sleeping dragon, or awaken a sleeping giant." they all agreed.


"On the other hand, maybe better that someone take him under proper care before he gets hurt?"


They all nodded a little after some thought, and a couple of the Kiwi's got up, having finished their meals while they'd all been talking.


"Well then! From Here to There! and Back Again! Sir!"


Break a leg there, lads." Stroudley nodded and gave them a thumbs up.


"Right Sir!" All told, three of Stroudley's junior lieutenants set off.


"If they succeed," Thompson suggested. "We ought to commission a new patch for the outfit."


Stroudley chuckled. "It's certainly going to be quite a story to tell the children. Though I'm hardly Viggo Mortensen, am I?"


"Maybe he'll play you when they make a movie about all this!"


"If he can do the accent, then I don't see why not." he shrugged with a half-smile


"What about Lambie? Who could carry off that face! That.... sly wit?"


"....Say what you might about the Prequels..... but what about Hayden Christiansen? Or, maybe Robert Pattison?"


"Oh! Anni!" Marsh teased. "Anni! I was so worried!" That caused even more laughter.


At this point, Colonel Potter strode in. "Ah! Colonel. I see you've survived our daily bread!"


"Well, it's probably better grub than a lot of the locals would have ever seen," Stroudley said. "Care to join us for a bit, sir?"


"Don't mind if I do!" The New Zealanders all shuffled around to let Potter join them. "I'm happy to tell you all of your people are coming up A-Okay for duty. But I've had to send back one of the German Pioneer boys. Tested positive for hepatitis. Lucky for them he's their EOD man."


"Those mad lads; live for today, for tomorrow you die," Thompson commented.


Potter nodded. "I was that age once. you wouldn't believe how many brawls I used to get into. I miss those days!"


Stroudley chuckled. "Oh, the stories I could tell you of my own misbegotten youth...." he said with a sigh of reminiscence.


I don't know which stories I've told are more outrageous. The true ones or the lies!"


"Statistics! The worst of them all!" one of them called out in a Shatner-esque fashion.


Potter laughed "True enough! It occurs to me, Colonel, while you've got most of your officers with you, now would be a good time to go over some of the lay of things as it were."


"....That's actually a decent idea; the Grems at Gibraltar gave us a bit of a primer, but actual in-field knowledge would trump that."


"Well then, let's start with the obvious stuff. Better to make sure."


"Very good, sir." they all said, as they pulled pens and notebooks from various pockets to take notes.


"First thing is that every Joe wants a souvenir. Don't go bartering for random trinkets. You may have heard that one guy got turned into a dragon. That's true. So far, except for being a thirty-foot long dragon, he seems none the worse for wear but the next curse could be a lot worse. So next time you want to send the home folks something, go to the PX and get'em a postcard." The New Zealanders began to take careful notes of this, with one or two of them murmuring names which Potter correctly deduced were soldiers under their command who would be likely to fit in that category, and making sure to get it through to them.


"Next thing on the list, This pertains more towards you officers than the enlisted personnel as it is a command judgment. But we have discovered there are identifiable units in the Saderan order of battle that will not attack without direct provocation. Specifically, there is an entire order of Knights that fight under the banner of a Rose. I'm told it's actually derived from the Lancaster Rose but we have an agreement to not try to kill each other and also to protect the local homesteads and such. Now... Keep aware of your surroundings and situation but avoiding a fight with the reasonable people over here is preferable on all levels."


"Do you have any pictures of this Rose?" Stroudley asked. "Best make sure that we all know what to look out for."


"We'll make sure you all have copies for ID." Potter agreed. "According to the observer they left behind, they have three mounted companies. Red, White, and Yellow. And the Infantry is a Black Rose. Most of the members are young women from noble families or old veterans who don't want to retire and don't have the pull to get good political appointments. Their level of training is higher than the average. Fortunately, so is their discipline.


"In the meantime, a lot of the local communities are still being raided by folks who up until recently were members of one or another of the local armies." That caused a few dark expressions to pass over their faces for a moment."That's right. " Potter noted. "After hitting a brick wall here, the survivors either went home or took up pillaging the locals. A bunch of them tried to ransack Italica. The ones that aren't dead are doing hard labor rebuilding the walls.


"Next item:..." They took more notes of this, as Potter went into details."The existence of an extremely large reptilian predator... Has been confirmed. It's about two-hundred and seventy feet or roughly eighty meters if my math is anywhere near correct. Highly aggressive and immune to anything lighter than anti-tank missiles. For now, my advice is if you see it... Take cover and leave the dragon hunting to folks your loved ones haven't met."


They noted that and made a face. "By the sound of it, I wouldn't want to face one, even if we had a couple of battleships for fire support...."


"Yeah. The locals say this thing has a taste for blood now and one of our patrols got in a lucky shot and blew off an arm. So it might get even more aggressive since us little green things are the only viable threat."


"Great; so we're on Smaug's 'to kill' list then." someone muttered.


"Don't worry Jerry!" Someone else observed. "I'm sure he's a bloody charmer on his good days."


"Well.... at least he's probably not a Hungarian Horntail or anything like that."


"Of course not! This guy ATE the last one!"


Potter waited a moment. "That said, most folk just want to go about their business. Including the Faeries. "


"...Blimey, the Fae Folk are here too?"One of them, whose name had slipped Potter's memory for a moment, asked that.


"About eight inches tall. They seem to like the Marines best and they've been swapping vocabulary."


That got a few looks. "That sounds...... colourful," Thompson remarked.


"It is. At the same time, we've been good neighbors since they weren't too fond of the Imperials cutting down their woods to build barriers against us. That isn't to say they don't have relatives who aren't aware of us yet. Their standard weapons are swords or arrows. They may be small but they're usually coated in poison or a sedative." They nodded and took down more notes, with one of them mumbling something about NBC gear if patrolling that area.


"Remember, these folks have their own religious practices and for them, their gods are not only real but have their own agents walking around. No one is asking you to convert but be aware and respectful. Especially if you start hearing words like 'apostle' or 'oracle'..."

***​

Looking up into the night sky, Stroudley reflected that he and his people had been fortunate and not run afoul of the ancient dragon. Nor had any of them managed to get themselves cursed. But they had encountered people and sights unimaginable back home. In the morning, Stroudley's people would help Chief Gelnash and his tribe start to rebuild. After that…?


From Here To There And Then On...

 

[Kiyone4ever]

And have another chapter!

Chapter 38: The World Turned Upside Down

Alnus Town

Delilah could remember few mornings as pleasant as this one. The air was light with a warm breeze blowing. Yesterday's shift at work had been relatively free of hassles. Delilah thanked the gods that Kaine had selected her for this assignment. Officially, Countess Formar was merely returning the goodwill that the Pacific Allies had shown in protecting Italica by sending some of her skilled staff to assist them in running Alnus Town. In that alone, Delilah was delighted to see all the wonders the off-worlders had brought. As nice as Italica was for her and Grine to have found sanctuary in after their flight from the long plains of their home, Alnus was a town of light and wonder! The streets were wide and clean, well lit. The food was better by far than anything she had before and the people were generally upbeat and hopeful, intent on building new lives in a place of opportunity.


Unofficially, Kaine still had concerns and questions about the 'Men in Green' There had been a time when the Empire had promised to be 'Good neighbors' to her home city of Rosa. That had ended thirty years ago when the Empire simply decided to lay siege and take over. Kaine generally believed that the Pacific allies were different but there was still so much about them that remained to be understood! So, Kaine had embedded agents among the workers sent to Alnus. These agents would quietly observe and report what they could because, for better or for worse, it was clear that the newcomers would decide the future of Italica and Formar County, and the family to which Kaine had sworn loyal service to so many years ago.


Fortunately, Delilah was able to stress in her reports that the Pacific allies seemed to have no need, desire, or intention to move on Italica or the rest of the Formar lands. That, indeed, Princess Pina's move to refer to County Formar as a Protectorate State in her discussions with the Allies had positioned Italica well in the future development of Falmart. Situated ideally on two of the most vital roads in the Empire, Delilah envisioned Italica eventually eclipsing Sadera in its importance.


Absolutely none of that prepared her for the letter she found left on her bed. Delilah had heard that a Warrior Bunny slave had been liberated along with a Japanese girl during Lieutenant Itami's mission to Sadera. The confirmation that this was, indeed, Tyuule gave Delilah pause. She had sworn vengeance upon the 'Traitor Queen', The Oath Breaker', for betraying them all to Zorzal. But acting for personal vengeance when Tyuule was now in the custody of the Pacific Allies was not to be permitted. Delilah would not break the oaths that she had sworn. The oaths that said that her duty to House Formar came before her own desires. So Tyuule was safely out of reach of Delilah's vengeance. Somehow, it wasn't herself that she thought of when she thought about Tyuule, it was Parna and how the flight after their Queen's betrayal had broken her battle sister and companion. How desperation and hopelessness brought by Tyuule's betrayal had led to an act of madness, where Parna, broken inside, severed her ear and numbly walked into Akusho. Delilah still kept Parna's severed ear as a reminder of the debt that Tyuule owed. She wondered what had become of the serious-minded but shy Parna and prayed to the old gods that they kept her in their embrace. She had no clue how her prayers were to be soon answered.


Delilah read the letter a second time and then a third time to be sure she was reading it correctly. As she once again checked the seal of Countess Formar, Delilah felt a thousand different emotions at once. She would have her vengeance, after all, it seemed. The chances she would escape were very small, she reasoned and even if she did, her life at Alnus was over But it was not Tyuule that gave her pause. Delilah was also instructed to kill the Japanese girl that had been freed with her. Delilah could not imagine what Noriko Mochizuki could possibly have done to warrant an order for termination. Why Countess Myui or Kaine would deem it either necessary or prudent to kill the girl right under the nose of her own people was not explained. But Delilah had not sworn to obey orders only if she understood the reason for them. Her loyalty was not conditional. She had her instructions. Today she prepared to die. Today she prepared to kill.


And after today, the world would never be the same...

***​

Gibraltar

At the same start of this same day, First Lieutenant Yanagida greeted the day with worry and anxiety. He also was beginning to notice his hair thinning and a few gray hairs lurking among the remainder. If he was being honest, Itami and Taylor were responsible for only forty percent of his problems. The normal job of being a General's aide was stressful enough. Add in the fact that General Hazama was now the highest-profile Japanese flag officer in over seventy years and the multinational nature of the force he led and the fact that the civilian press was being allowed into the Janus Region for the first time, it was the stuff of ulcers. And that didn't account for a cult of Dragon worshippers, made worse by the fact the dragon being worshipped was an American soldier, The worshippers of the local gods wanting to build new temples, including the worshippers of the resident 'fertility goddess', A small sect of local 'Christians', and weren't the representatives of the missionary groups and the Catholic Church going to want to look into that! A psychotic Unicorn that nobody wanted to shoot but they couldn't drive it away and nor could they contain it. Right now the New Zealanders were trying their hand with that and good luck to them! A bunch of foul-mouthed faeries with crude manners hanging around the American Marines, And no one could tell which were worse. They seemed to be rubbing off on each other. Kami! There is something wrong with that statement! The German Pioneers! The Orcish Delicatessen! The special requests of the Science Team! Seriously! The largest refrigerated trucks in Japan to haul organ and tissue samples from the giant dragon! And THEN Itami and Taylor. What in the name of the Kami did Yanagida ever do to have to deal with them and the chaos they created? How did those two continually luck into success? How did they get women who were obviously better than them? The universe was definitely a cruel place, Yanagida thought. He should have also remembered that the universe is always listening and has a perverted sense of humor. For today, he would get his moment. But first, he had a briefing with the press pool.


Fortunately, Kobayashi had proven willing to talk to her reporter sister. The younger Kobayashi taking advantage of the opportunity to have sole access to Lieutenant Itami's party, due to leave Alnus that morning.


As for the rest of the press pool, they would all receive a standard press packet, guides, and a thorough safety briefing. A slight mix-up yesterday occurred when the credentials for Fox News were accidentally issued to a local Vulpine journalist. Vixa and her team of scribes were responsible for a popular Alnus daily called 'The Fox Report'. It seemed rather unfair to strip the only represented local reporters of their credentials over a simple 'misunderstanding'. The American Fox News' reporters would finally get their own credentials but several competing news agencies had already latched onto the story, seeking interviews with both Vixa and her embarrassed American competitors over the mix-up. Yanagida hoped today's headaches would resolve themselves so easily...

***​

At Third Recon's assembly area, Nanami Kuribayashi was waved over by her sister, who looked at her approvingly. Nanami was dressed in a spare set of her sister's fatigues, also wearing certified 'stab' armor at her sister's insistence. Shino had noted that a number of supposedly 'experienced' reporters had arrived in theater with impressive enough bullet resistant body armor but failing to understand that bullet proof was not necessarily stab proof. Nanami had brought a set as well but had listened quite carefully when Shino emphasized the difference and the need. So Nanami immediately requested the equipment her sister had advised her to carry.


"Someone's the early bird!" Shino said proudly. "All set?"


"There's a term for reporters who aren't ready to go, it's 'unemployed'," Nanami replied. "So are we all set to leave or do you have time to introduce me to everyone?"


"Lieutenant Itami and Mari Kurokawa, our medic should be here soon with King Duran. Then we return the King home so he can tell his people they're on our side now."


Nanami considered this. The first interview with a national leader from this side of the Gate would be a feather in her cap if she could get it. But she needed to feel the situation out first. Getting a good interview was like stalking big game: You didn't get the Lion by rushing headlong at it. Of course, with Rory, the Apostle who electrified the Diet and lit up the internet, Tuka, the Elven girl who had captured the hearts of millions with her shy charm and sincerity. And Lelei, the mage whose very existence had sent ripples through the scientific community, there looked to be plenty of opportunities on this trip. Heck! She suspected she'd have enough material for her own book when all was said and done. All things considered, while Nanami had worked hard for her career, perhaps there was something to be said for nepotism? Actually, not so much 'nepotism' but taking advantage of one's opportunities. Surely a trait demanded of every good reporter.


Shino proceeded to introduce her sister to the rest of the squad and their other fellow travelers. She paused a moment and nudged Nanami when they came to Furata, who was busily trying to get three very clingy girls to calm down.


"Felicity… Yeo…Sune… I'll be back for you! I promise!" These three and the Thraken girl Satha had been some of the most shaken after the Quake. In the end, ten of the girls from the Venus had to be sent to Alnus in the aftermath. In this event, however, the salient point was that these three girls were very reluctant to let their 'savior' go.


Shino nudged her sister and gestured to her camera.


Kurata's eyes went wide as he heard a distinctive *click*. Turning he saw Shino and someone who looked disturbingly like her, holding a camera.


"Kurata! Do you have a cheating heart? Shall we send this picture to Persia and Katrine?"


"No! I mean! I'm not cheating! I swear!" His voice dropped very quiet. "I just… I've told Felicity, Yeo, and Sune about Persia and Katrine but I haven't had a chance to tell Persia and Katrine about…" He gestured. "Them…" He looked at Shino pleadingly. "At first… Yeah. It was pretty good to my ego. I mean, if the lieutenants can manage it, why not a guy like me? But Now… Persia and Katrine? My back is full of scratches but they mean the world to me And Yeo and Felicity and Sune? I can't walk away from them. So… when we get back, I'll tell Persia and Katrine and I hope they'll understand. Because when we get back, I want to propose to them. I swear. No more looking around."


"Are you sure? What if we find a sorceress who wants to show you her magic?" Shino asked.


"Then I'll have to say no. I finally realize I'm a pretty lucky guy. And I don't want to lose all I've got."


"We'll hold you to your word, Kurata-Kun," Rory spoke up with a wicked grin. Shino nodded agreement.


"As long as you tell them as soon as you can," Shino agreed. "Otherwise…" Shino looked at her sister's camera.


"Now you know why I don't brag about this sort of thing," Lieutenant Itami commented as he walked up with Kurokawa, who was pushing King Duran's wheelchair. He glanced uncomfortably as Yao, Tuka, Lelei, and Rory smiled back at him.


"What about Taylor? Last I checked, he seemed happy?" Kurata pointed out.


"He's a masochist," Itami replied dryly. He then looked around at his people. "Alright then! We've got a long drive ahead! Let's mount up and everyone look sharp! Let's not have any surprises this time!"


"Hai!"

***​

Italica


"I wish you were coming with me," Taylor admitted as he embraced Panache one last time before mounting his horse. It would be weeks of riding. First, returning Lady Agrippina to her manor as she had finally decided that she had enough information and the appropriate opportunity to strike upon the feckless slime whom she had once called 'husband'. And then Taylor would be making an inspection of a number of estates as requested by Lady Octavia and her Ladies in waiting. This would not only include the estate of Legate Germanicus, but the estate that he, himself, was expected to inherit as heir to House Octavus. This included the port of Antica. While not considered of significant military value to Janus Command, the US Navy was at least interested in learning about the city and Falmart's waterways. This was natural for a service which, although was responsible for supporting the Marine contingent, had been largely shut out of the picture. The navy recognized that any operations it might have the chance to partake in would likely be 'brown water' operations. To that end, reports on local shipbuilding capability and the extent of navigable rivers was sought. As the supply pipeline into the Janus theater was tight enough already, there was no way to ship in modern boats and equipment shipped in needed to be kept to a minimum.


"So do I," Panache replied. "Heavens know that Aurelia needs all the help she can get keeping you out of trouble, my dearest. But I've used enough of Her Highness's indulgence as it is. The protection of italica she entrusted to me."


"I know. We are our word."


"Exactly. However, as I said, I know Aurelia needs all the help she can get to keep an eye on you. So I am detailing Zivana and Kahlua to escort you on your journey"


"One of these days, we need to talk about the names your people use."


"I look forward to it, oh weaver of shirts." Panache smirked.


"Point," Taylor acknowledged in good humor.


"At any rate, they and Nayu and Aurelia will hopefully be able to keep you out of trouble."


"I never go looking for trouble."


"And yet, it finds you all the same," Panache answered.


"No disputing that. Well, I'll be back in a few weeks. Hopefully, we'll be closer to getting a peace deal."


"Hopefully. Ride well, dearest."

***​

Alnus


"Are they sure?" Noriko asked.


"Yes." Tyuule said quietly. "The doctors say I'm about seven weeks pregnant."


"I see. Then, It's because of me. Because you were protecting me from him. What will you do?"


"What would you do if it were you? Knowing you were carrying the child of a monster inside you?" Tyuule shook her head.


"Children are born innocent," Noriko said. "Why punish a child for the evil in his or her parents? I hope I would carry and raise that child in love and teach them to make better and kinder choices in life. I would not want to become the thing I hate by taking my anger and fury out on an innocent life that can't possibly protect itself. And I hope that I would remember that child is partly me as well."


"And that child would be blessed," Tyuule said. "But this child may be twice cursed with a bastard for a father and a whore for a mother." She looked at herself in scorn.


"Why do you say that? You are a strong, courageous person! You saved me!"


"I… I don't regret that. That was the one worthwhile thing I managed But I was supposed to save my people! Instead Zorzal used my foolishness and my cowardice to destroy it all! I was the one they trusted to lead them and I led them to ruin… "


"You told me about how the Empire made war on your people. How they destroyed your villages until you agreed to meet with him. Were you supposed to let your people suffer if there was any chance to prevent it?"


"I should have met him army to army! But I was afraid," Tyuule admitted.


"I doubt that. You've never been afraid."


"I was afraid I'd lose."


"If you had, they would have destroyed everything with no one to stop them."


"They did anyway."


"So you tried to save your people. Doesn't being a good leader mean putting your pride aside if it helps your people? You did that."


"I failed. That's all that matters Except that for my efforts, my own people despise me."


"My great grandfather probably would have agreed with you. But he died. It wasn't his fault. But he was forced to fight a war he and his brothers couldn't win. But the leaders who told him to go into battle never stopped thinking about their own pride. If our nation burned to the ground, it was fine if they could keep their pride! Maybe if our people had more leaders willing to try to stop the fighting, our people would not have suffered so much."


"But my people suffered so much anyway because I failed. That's all that matters."

***​

Learning how to stalk and kill from the shadows was part of the usual training for a Warrior Bunny. To move stealthily and surprise a target with TOTAL silence was an essential skill and Delilah might as well have hung up her blade if she couldn't handle that. But what worked out on the veldt did not always work as well in a more settled area, Delilah had learned. Sometimes the most effective approach was to act as if one belonged in the place they were attempting to infiltrate. To move casually with confidence and in many cases, others would assume one was supposed to be there. This technique was certainly much more applicable to the current situation than trying to sneak around a building full of people.This would also be true of Tyuule as well as her senses would be keyed to something incongruent with her environment. Of course, that didn't consider that she was armed. Having concealed her weapon under her dress, Delilah took advantage of the fact that the 'Green Men' were focused on open threats. In the aftermath of what was to come, much criticism was given to the existing security arrangements but this real was a matter of 'wise after the fact'.


Indeed, much of Delilah's success that day could be directly attributed to the sheer audacity in which she conducted her mission, going and directly asking for what room Tyuule was in.


"Room One-Oh-seven. I can call the ward nurse and let them know you're here."


"Oh! I was hoping to surprise her. It's been so long since we've seen each other."


"Well, alright then, Go straight down this hall and take the second left. About three quarters of the way and it will be on the left."


"Thank you." Delilah smiled most sincerely and headed down the hall. Rounding the corner and noticing no one in the corridor, she moved her hand to the hilt of her blade.She slowed her heartbeat and carefully listened, hearing voices from the room up ahead. Hearing the voice of her former queen again…


"You told me about how the Empire made war on your people. How they destroyed your villages until you agreed to meet with him. Were you supposed to let your people suffer if there was any chance to prevent it?"


"I should have met him army to army! But I was afraid," Tyuule admitted.


Delilah eased out her weapon. Soon she would have the traitor's blood.


"I doubt that. You've never been afraid."


"I was afraid I'd lose."


For a moment, Delilah remembered her own fears on the eve of her first battle. But Tyuule was different! She was Queen! Her mind insisted it was different.


"If you had, they would have destroyed everything with no one to stop them."


"They did anyway."


"So you tried to save your people. Doesn't being a good leader mean putting your pride aside if it helps your people? You did that."


Carefully, Delilah eased open the door. As she did so, she pondered the words she was hearing.


"I failed. That's all that matters Except that for my efforts, my own people despise me."


"My great grandfather probably would have agreed with you. But he died. It wasn't his fault. But he was forced to fight a war he and his brothers couldn't win. But the leaders who told him to go into battle never stopped thinking about their own pride. If our nation burned to the ground, it was fine if they could keep their pride! Maybe if our people had more leaders willing to try to stop the fighting, our people would not have suffered so much."


"But my people suffered so much anyway because I failed. That's all that matters."


Delilah paused for just a moment. She had a mission to carry out. She couldn't allow doubt to stay her hand. Besides, she had sworn vengeance! Revenge for all their dead! Didn't Tyuule deserve to die for her treason? At any rate, she was committed. No more hesitation. Only action! She stepped inside, weapon in hand, prepared to kill.


"You said that convincingly enough I could almost believe you." Delilah spoke, catching Tyuule by surprise.


"Delilah!"


"My queen," Delilah sneered, blade drawn. "You betrayed us all! We ran like RATS! While you WHORED for Zorzal!"


"You want to kill me," Tyuule nodded. "Alright.I won't fight you." She looked to Noriko. "Let her leave."


"I'm afraid I can't do that. My instructions are to kill both of you," Delilah answered.


"Damned to Hardy with your instructions!" Tyuule shot back. "She hasn't ever done anything to our people! You want your revenge? Kill me! But don't put innocent blood on your hands. Don't become what Zorzal is. Don't become what you think I am." Tyuule stepped forward, ready to defend Noriko.


Delilah hesitated. This was not the Tyuule she expected. She was prepared to kill the coward who fled in the night. As she stood there, she wondered to herself if she had been clinging to the image the Empire had created of Tyuule because she so badly needed someone to hate, because she needed revenge? And what of this human? Noriko? Tyuule was right. Noriko was no threat to her kind and she couldn't see why Countess Formar would order her death. At the time, it seemed inconsequential why Noriko was to be killed. It put Delilah in place to kill Tyuule.


Now it made no sense. Her Loyalty was without question but Kaine trusted her because her integrity was without question. And this did not feel right…


She heard the sound of footsteps. And sighed, her choice made.


"DROP THE KNIFE!"


Delilah's blade fell from her grasp.


For the briefest of moments, she contemplated escape but dismissed the attempt as pointless.


Yanagida breathed a sigh of relief. He really did not want to shoot anyone today. Well, except for Itami but that was normal. He gestured for her to move away from the weapon, eyeing her carefully as she backed away. As he started to bend at the knees to pick up the knife, he couldn't understand why there was a sudden, sharp pain in his back…

***​

From the beginning, Kucy had not been overly enthusiastic about this deal and it kept getting progressively worse. Dars were a race of shapeshifters and their talents made them highly sought after as spies and assassins who were afforded top coin for their services. Their loyalty was well assured given the cost for their services. And yet, for all that, Kucy was wishing they had found someone else to take this job.


The first problem was the target. Kucy had no compunction about who she killed but Warrior Bunnies were notoriously difficult to surprise or fool. No one knew exactly how Warior Bunnies were able to detect them. No Dar had survived having learned the secret and the Bunnies, naturally, were not telling. And now she was expected to stalk a Warrior Bunny 'at a discreet distance' of course, and make certain Delilah did, infact, kill her target and then kill Delilah afterwards.


That was the plan in the simplest of terms. Of course, it wasn't even that simple. She, of course, knew ahead of time, even before Delilah, who her target was meant to be and had arranged for Delilah's contact to have a fatal 'accident' shortly after he left Alnus town. Naturally, she would now have to follow Delilah onto the 'Green Men's base. They were all human, so that did not seem to be a problem. But their ways were strange and she had heard rumors about the Green men having 'eyes' that could see in the darkest nights. There was no telling what to expect. So, she spent days disguised as various peasants, studying how to get in and out of the 'hospital' where Tyuule and Noriko were. She then waited for Delilah to make her move.


Now it was time to make sure the job was done. True that Delilah's death would provoke suspicion but everything would point back to the letter in her room bearing the seal of the Countess of Formar. A convenient pawn. So, observing one of the humans who seemed to have some authority, she adjusted her appearance to his form and casually donned his clothes after the man went in for a shower and with that, strode confidently following Delilah's trail, her scent still in the air.


It was then she saw the man in Green standing with his weapon drawn and his back to her. From his tone, she suspected Delilah had failed. More work to take care of. More pay she'd insist on when it was done. Kucy slipped out her knife and stabbed the Green Man in one quiet yet swift motion. She had no time to make sure he was dead. Just as long as he was out of the way, she could make sure he was dead after she killed Delilah and the other two. No one ever said an assassin's job was easy...

***​

Delilah silently cursed herself as Yanagida fell forward. She hadn't considered that anyone would follow her. Why would she? She had the full confidence and trust of House Formar and this was not how House Formar did things. Of course, if it was a set-up all along? Well, she could BEAT the answers out of somebody!


Except her blade was on the floor. Still, she was a Warrior Bunny…


"Haaa!" Delilah leapt to the attack, lashing out with a powerful kick that caught Kucy in the shoulder, a glancing blow that still slammed the Dar into the far wall. Rotating her injured shoulder, she grimaced. "Guess I'll need to bulk up a bit." She grinned as her body began to transform.


"This is not good," Delilah muttered as the now massive brute rushed her, bodily slamming her into a wall as she rammed her knife into Delilah's stomach. But before Kucy could finish the job, Tyuule seized up Delilah's blade and thrust deep into Kucy's back, causing the Dar to howl in pain as she angrily swiped at Tyuule.


"Come on beast! Is that the best you can do?" Tyuule demanded. "Noriko! Run!" She urged as she slashed again at her massive opponent. Kucy was hurt but she was still a veritable mountain as she backhanded Tyuule to the floor. Stepping on the former Queen's hand, she raised a killing blow…


A loud noise and a sudden pain stung Kucy from behind. As she turned to meet the new threat, she was hit twice more. Each shot like a hammer and Kucy was now aware of just how hurt she was. There was a time to cut one's losses and this was it as she ran out of the room and away from the MPs who, alerted by gunfire, were rushing to the scene. Tyuule shook her head, stunned from having her skull smacked into the floor. Before she collapsed, the last thing she saw was Noriko still shakily holding Yanagida's smoking pistol in her hands.

 

[Kiyone4ever]

Well! For everyone still here, let's start out the New Year with a new chapter.

Here goes!


The Janus Campaign

Chapter 39: Operations, Deceptions, and Maneuvers

"Alright! What do we got?" Hawkeye Pierce asked as corpsmen began unloading the ambulance. What was slightly unnerving were the heavily armed MPs that piled out of the accompanying truck.

"Stab wounds and heavy blood loss, Doc." One of the Corpsmen replied, indicating Delilah and Yanagida. "And one apparently with a concussion," he nodded toward Tyuule. "And this is Noriko Mochizuki. She won't let anyone take her from her side."

"Tyuule is with… is expecting a baby," Noriko told Pierce as she clutched Tyuule's hand.

"Alright. We'll check on the baby. Don't worry." He then started checking first Yanagida, then Delilah. He turned to Nurse Baker. "Get Trapper over here. He'll take this one… " Hawkeye indicated Yanagida. Get Winchester to check the concussion and warn him she's pregnant. Also, get Parna and any other Bunny Girls standing by for blood donation."

"Yes, Doctor."

Pierce then turned back to the corpsman. "Just what the hell happened? And what's with all the MPs?"

"Infiltrator got into the main hospital and tried to murder these folks. They nearly succeeded."

"The main hospital? And you wasted time and blood bringing them here?"

"Sir, the whole place is on lockdown. The infiltrator may still be in the building. General Hazama's not taking any chances. Besides, the 407th is the only outfit that has any real experience in treating Leoprids."

"Alright. Fair enough." He looked at the MPs. "Just try not to go pointing guns around while we're operating. Guns make my fingers nervous."

Lieutenant Thompson, in charge of the MPs, frowned and nodded. "Doc, I can post most of my guys outside but General Hazama will have my ass if I don't have at least two people watching them. Somebody already got in where they shouldn't have."

"Okay. Just make sure the guys you send in with us? They'll follow our rules. They'll scrub up, wear masks…. Keep out of the way while we're trying to operate. Got it?"

"Yes, sir, Captain. Bishop and Montoya know how to keep a low profile."

Pierce nodded, recognizing the position the Lieutenant was in. "I appreciate it."

"No problem, Doc"

Radar and Parna came running up. "You sent for me, Hawkeye?" Parna asked. She looked and recognized the brown-furred Bunny on the litter being carried into the OR. "Delilah!"

"You know her?" Pierce asked with sympathy.

"She was my battle sister." Until I abandoned her, Parna thought in self-recrimination

Hawkeye could see something in Parna's eyes. "Well, whatever happened before, she's really going to need your help now."

Parna looked at him with full attention.

"She's lost a lot of blood. And she's going to need transfusions to make it through surgery."

"But Koirre said you used a 'blood substitute to save her life?"

"It did okay but the real thing would be better."

"If my blood will help Delilah, then please take it, Hawkeye. Leave a little bit if you can but I won't run from my sister again."

"Alright then let's get started." Hawkeye turned to Radar. "Go find any more Bunnies and try to convince them to donate blood. Be quick about it." Hawkeye knew he had already told Baker to start rounding up blood donors but Radar knew more of the local Bunnies socially. It would be easier for him to find and convince any potential donors than for Baker.

"Right Hawkeye!" He paused only long enough to give Parna a quick peck. "I'll be back soon!" He practically leaped into the first available jeep and drove off.

In the meantime, Trapper and Winchester had arrived,

"Trap!" Hawkeye greeted with a gesturing nod at Yanagida. "Stab wound with a lot of blood loss."

"Right."

"Charles, this lady has a probable concussion. She's also got a little one on board so if you wouldn't mind?"

Charles simply nodded and began examining Tyuule. He was quickly satisfied that Tyuule had merely sustained a grade one concussion and would be fine with rest. "I will, however, order an ultrasound to make certain the child is unharmed."

"Thank you, Healer," Tyuule replied.

"Of course."

Tyuule looked over at Delilah. "Will she survive?"

Winchester nodded. "Captain Pierce is actually a much more competent surgeon than he appears. I have no doubt as to your compatriot's recovery."

"Well, with such high praise, I'd better not mess this up!" Hawkeye remarked. "Let's get moving people!" He called and motioned for the orderlies to take Delilah into surgery.

***​

Even as Delilah and Yanagida were being taken into surgery and as security teams continued to search for the assassin in their midst, investigators were busily reviewing the main hospital video feeds and questioning Delilah's associates in Alnus, as well as searching Delilah's quarters for any clues as to who and what was behind the attack. Quickly, evidence pointing to the direct involvement of House Formar was recovered.

"Are they sure?" Henry Blake asked, disbelief in his voice.

"I'm afraid so, Henry," Colonel Potter replied. "They've found a written order with the Formar House seal. I've also got a Colonel Flagg coming to question Major Burns."

"Aw! Come on! Frank? I may not like the guy but that's ridiculous!"

"I know but an enemy that can impersonate anyone? No one's taking any chances and whoever it was, apparently stole Frank's uniform to get past the desk."

"May I take it that they'll be sending investigators up here?"

"Probably already on their way. Watch yourself, Henry."

"Will do, Colonel." Henry Blake hung up the phone, a pensive look on his face. While it was true that a military investigations unit was already on the way, Henry wanted answers for himself. This whole thing made no sense!

"Klinger!" He called out, waiting as his clerk hurried in. Blake knew Klinger had undoubtedly been listening in but that wasn't important just now.

"You sent for me, oh, exalted one?"

"Yes, Klinger. Go find Kaine. I want to talk to her right now!"

***​

"I swear, Colonel Blake!" Kaine avowed very shortly thereafter, "We have done no such thing!"

Henry sighed. Kaine's tone seemed genuine enough and the shocked expression of Lady Panache and the utterly horrified look on Countess Myui's face appeared genuine enough but he didn't know just how well any of them could lie and there was hard proof! Still, Henry trusted his feelings on this.

"Just how many people have access to the Formar House seal?" He asked.

"Only a handful," Kaine admitted. "Myself included. But all of them have been in loyal service to this House for years!"

Henry had a suspicion that one of those individuals was maybe a bit less loyal than Kaine wanted to believe and he had an idea who it was: The same person who seemed to avoid Henry, Klinger, or any uniformed soldier like the plague but frequently seemed to be hovering around the members of the Science mission.

"The investigators back at Alnus say they have evidence which may tie in the guilty party but the sooner we catch this person, the better."

"So, you believe that Countess Myui is not responsible for this?" Kaine asked.

"Personally? Yes. But we need proof." He paused a moment in thought. "And I think I know how to get it! Klinger!"

"Here, Colonel!"

"Come with me to my office! I need your help with rooting out a fink!"

"Right away, sir!" Klinger answered.

Blake nodded. While he was certain that the investigators would have fingerprints, fingerprints alone were not incontrovertible proof. They needed a confession and Henry suspected that any explanation of fingerprint evidence would be lost on Bartholomew. But if a poorly understood truth wouldn't shake a confession from the Formar House Butler, just perhaps a well-sold lie would do better. First, he and Klinger needed to set the stage…

An hour later, Bartholomew was urgently summoned by a frantic sounding Mamina to Countess Formar's day room where the Countess and Kaine were waiting, Myui's face was nigh unreadable but Kaine was clearly in a state of near panic.

"Bartholomew!" She exclaimed. "Something dreadful has happened!"

That's when Bartholomew noticed the other person in the room. Bartholomew always felt nervous around any of the 'Men in Green' but Blake made him more uneasy than the others. Perhaps it was the way that Kaine and Countess Myui seemed to trust him. Trusted the man as the late Count had trusted Bartholomew. And he, Bartholomew, knew well how that trust had been misplaced.

Bartholomew and Count Formar both had a taste for the finer things in life but whereas Formar's position as ruler of Italica left him well able to afford such luxuries, Bartholomew's tastes ran a bit more costly than his pockets could manage and had for many years.It had been surprisingly easy for him to sell his loyalty. Perhaps because on some level, he felt justified in selling out Formar's secrets. The Gods never explained why the Count should live a life of wealth while Bartholomew was made to stand and serve. The most beautiful of human women threw themselves at Formar's feet even as he indulged in admiring beast women. The Gods seemed to reward the Formar family's blatant disregard for the way of things as Formar actually hired the beasts into his service and stood by the previous Count's ban of the slave trade in his lands, an act which had not endeared Clan Formar to Bartholomew's patrons.

In fact, none but his paymasters knew that it was Bartholomew who had nudged the Count into personally leading his men into the Campaign across the Gate. The Count had a perfectly legitimate reason not to go, with only an underaged and unmarried daughter as his heir. As long as Formar provided the levies of troops that the Emperor wanted, it would have been a sufficient show of his loyalty. And initially, that is what the Count had intended. It was not that he opposed the coming Campaign or feared its outcome but he was needed more in Italica than in some distant land. But there were those who very much wanted the Count separated from his lands and they used Bartholomew to convince the Count that the prestige and security of County Formar did, indeed, compel him to head out on a Campaign from which he would never return. Bartholomew had not known the details of his employers' plans nor had he wanted to know.

What he did know was that loyalty was cheap and trust, a fool's game. And a man who had the trust of the Countess of Formar was very dangerous.

Right now that man seemed almost frantic as he gesticulated and talked to Kaine.

"I think I might be able to get General Hazama to call off the occupation! If I can convince him that no one in House Formar set that letter! But I need your help!"

"How?" Kaine asked in a mix of desperation and disbelief.

"When we lie, the body… sends signals. Our heartbeat changes. Our pulse changes. Our body chemistry changes. Even if we try, we can't stop or even notice all these changes but we have a machine that can detect the slightest trace of a lie!" He turned to Myui beseechingly. "If I can show Hazama that I asked you all about this attack and the verifier shows everyone told the truth then Hazama will HAVE to see you're innocent and call off the occupation!"

"I assume that includes myself as ranking representative of Princess Pina?" Panache asked calmly.

"Well, yes. I have to prove that everyone is clean," Blake said half apologetically.

Batholomew saw as Countess Myui closed her eyes and nodded. "We will do this. These people loyally served my father. None have anything to hide."

"Good!" Blake replied. "Klinger! Hurry up and get the Fact-Scanner setup! I'm going to put in a call to General Hazama! Maybe I can buy us some time to get this sorted out!"

"Right away! Colonel!" Klinger replied, eyeing Bartholomew. Time for a little Toledo hustle! "Mister Bartholomew! 'Scuse me, sir. Do ya mind giving me a hand? I'd sure appreciate it."

Bartholomew was very surprised to hear the 'Man in green' address him. It made him uneasy but he had no outward reason to refuse the man's request. Perhaps he could gain some insight into this device of theirs?

"Uh... Of course! Officer…?" He began to follow behind Klinger

Klinger chuckled as they walked. "I ain't an officer. I'm Corporal Klinger. An' if I got anything to say about it? I'll be civilian Klinger REAL soon! I've had enough of this army life! I'm gonna go back to being Max Klinger! And I won't have to be worryin' about sticking my neck into other people's business! Know what I mean?"

Bartholomew did not really understand what this 'Klinger' was talking about but he smiled politely as if he did. The man continued to talk.

"All I need is for you to do is help me guide the machine down from the Colonel's office back to the Countess's meetin' room. Then I gotta bring in the portable generator and get it hooked up so Colonel Blake can do his schtick," Klinger continued. "It's not like you gotta lift anything. I coulda asked one of the lady folks for all that matters." Klinger would never say anything like this in the 'real world' but he had a suspicion it would play well with Bartholomew. If Colonel Blake was right, the man resented being ordered around by women and beholding his fealty to a child. Klinger could play on that.

"But then I'd have to worry about the broad poking her finger in the wrong place and gettin' fried and then everybody blames me!" He watched, hiding a smirk, as Bartholomew paled at the term 'fried'. "Don't worry about it! Sure! That kind of thing may have happened a lot in the old days, especially when we actually had to wire a guy into the thing! But these new machines are a lot better! So that almost never happens. But like I say! 'Why take chances?".

This sort of talk did not reassure Bartholomew very much as he followed Klinger to Colonel Blake's office The large guest suite had been subdivided into both quarters and workspaces for Blake, Klinger, and Captain Newsome. Bartholomew did not relish the idea that he was, in effect, being so politely asked to help tie the noose for his own hanging. For certainly, if this off-worlder device was able to prove his treachery, then it would be his death and a death unworthy of being put to the sword. He would be buried facing down towards Hardy's realm where it was said the souls of all traitors and oathbreakers dwelled. Well… It was a bit late to be worrying about the afterlife. His concern was putting the unfortunate date of his demise off as long as possible.

Unfortunately, there did not seem to be an option for escape for Bartholomew. Actually attempting to run would be futile. He was well past his physical prime and hardly a horseman. No, his only possible hope was to stay calm and just maybe the off-worlder device was not as infallible as they claimed.

Corporal Klinger suppressed a smile as he set the portable generator atop the copier. It wouldn't do to let his mask slip in front of the mark. Max also had to remember to take it slow to give Colonel Blake time to set up the next part of the act. Still, he could not tarry too long. So after twenty minutes or so, he and Bartholomew wheeled the machine into the meeting room.

"Alright, Klinger. Set it up!"

"Right away sir!"

"Now we'll get to the bottom of this!" Blake declared. "Lady Panache has volunteered to go first."

"Naturally, Colonel Blake," Panache replied. "A knight of the Order has nothing to fear from the truth."

"Good. Klinger? Are we ready?"

"Yes, Colonel. We're all set to go!"

"Then let's get started." He set a chair beside the Hewlett Packard. "Please take a seat, Lady Panache."

As Panache sat down, Klinger stepped over to the control panel as Blake explained how the machine worked.

"All right," he said, lifting the cover of the scanner bed. "Place your hand here, if you would?"

Panache complied, setting her right hand on the glass.

"Thank you. Now…" He said addressing Panache and the rest of his audience, drawing everyone's attention. "I'm going to ask some questions to establish the machine's effectiveness. When I ask a question, You'll answer and Klinger will cue the scanner." Blake pointed to the output tray. The machine will print its assessment of whether you are telling the truth or a lie, and that answer will come out here." He looked at Panache directly.

"Please state your name."

"I am Panache Fure Kalgi, Daughter of Baron Kalgi."

"Klinger?" Blake turned to the Corporal. Klinger pressed a button and Blake extracted a piece of paper with Panache's handprint and the word 'TRUE' on it. Blake held it up and showed everyone.

"Why is there an image of Her Lady's hand?" Kaine asked.

"The machine is picking up her life aura," Henry told them. "Next question: What is your age?"

"Twenty." Panache replied without hesitation.

"And our second answer…" Had anyone been bothering to pay the enlisted man any attention, they would have seen that, at the word 'second', Klinger pressed the button for the number two paper tray before hitting print.

Blake picked up the printed sheet and showed it to everyone with the look of a father who had just been fibbed to by a child. On the paper, the word 'LIE' was plain to see.

Panache shrank. "I'm nineteen."

Henry nodded and Klinger ran the machine again, this time the word 'TRUE' was printed on it.

"See? This baby even picks up the small lies. So let's not waste time, shall we? Lady Panache? Do you know of any plan to harm or kill Allied personnel, military OR civilian or that could result in harm to Allied personnel or persons under our care or protection?"

"No!"

Blake nodded and waited for the printout and showed it to everyone. Again, it read 'TRUE'.

"Thank you, Lady Panache. I think that's all we need." Henry turned to Countess Myui. "Are you ready?" He asked gently. Myui nodded in reply

"I am." She said, sounding every bit the noble ruler and much calmer than she felt. She trusted Henry Blake but then she trusted the people in her House and if Henry was right, one of them had betrayed her in the worst way, threatening not only the name but the safety of House Formar. With this in mind, she sat in the chair and nodded for Colonel Blake to begin.

Henry smiled gently. "Now, Countess, tell me. A letter was found with your seal, instructing Delilah to kill Noriko Mochizuki and Queen Tyuule. Did you fix your seal to such a letter?"

"No," Myui said calmly.

At a nod, Klinger pushed the button. A bar of light rolled across the glass. Henry took the printout and showed it to everyone to show the word 'TRUE'.

"Did you tell or allow anyone else to fix your seal to such a letter?"

"No."

"So, if someone did put your seal to such a letter, it was against your permission?"

"Yes."

Each time, the machine issued its verdict: 'TRUE'.

"Thank you, Countess," Henry said. He turned to Kaine. "I think we'll only need to question two or three more people and we'll have this all wrapped up."

"Then I shall give testimony now."

"Alright then." Henry watched as Kaine took the seat. The play was almost at its last act. Blake almost hoped that he was wrong about all this but he knew in his gut that he was right. There was nothing left but to see this through.

Kaine placed her hand on the scanner. "I am ready. Ask your questions."

"Very well, Miss Kaine, Did you order or have orders sent to Delilah to assassinate Noriko Mochizuki and Queen Tyuule?"

"Absolutely not!"

Bartholomew watched with growing concern as again, the machine- accurately as Bartholomew well knew- reported the truthfulness of Kaine's statement.

"Do you know who did?" Blake continued.

"No," Kaine answered.

"Do you know how many people normally have access to the Formar Seal?"

"Yes."

Again, both statements were read as 'TRUE'. Bartholomew waited for the next question.

"Thank you," Blake said, to Bartholomew's surprise. The Formar butler knew that if Blake continued on this line of questioning that the next logical question would be to ask how many people had access to the Formar seal and then to ask who those people were. Once he did that, then there would only be one suspect left. Yet Blake stopped questioning.

"Mister Bartholomew, the chair is all yours."

Bartholomew suppressed a swallow. He walked unwillingly to the seat. He felt the sweat on his palms and on his brow.

"Place your hand on the scanner, please."

Bartholomew started to comply when his hand stopped.

"Why do you pause, Bartholomew?" Kaine asked.

"This is ridiculous! We only have the word of these outsiders that this thing even works! I will not submit to be judged by them!"

Countess Myui looked at him. Shock and surprise at his outburst quickly gave way to something else as her young eyes hardened.

"You are sworn to my House," Myui told him quietly but firmly. "You will answer Colonel Blake's questions because I command it."

She's naught but a child! Bartholomew cried in his mind. But her word was law in Italica and her eyes were unyielding. Slowly he put his hand on the scanner.

"I'll get right to the point," Blake said much harsher and sternly than before. "Were you the one who supplied Countess Myui's seal that was used on the orders instructing Delilah to kill Noriko Mochizuki and Queen Tyuule?"

"No!"

"Didn't hesitate a second, I see." Blake nodded to Klinger, who worked his controls, now switching back to the second paper tray. Klinger pressed the button and Blake took the sheet printed. He turned it to Bartholomew. "It says you 'Lie'." Henry noted, holding the paper up for everyone to see.

LIE

The single word filled the page. Blake dropped it and turned the machine off. "Why?"

Bartholomew stared at the man in disbelief. His emotions warring within him. Anger mixed with fear. Hatred for Blake and the other off worlders covering over shame. "Why?" He laughed, not meeting Countess Myui's eyes, which were filled with disgust and loathing where once there had been warmth and admiration. "For the money!"

"Money?" Kaine spat in contempt. "You soiled the name of this House!"

"Bartholomew probably has some expensive hobbies," Blake noted. "He's been spending a lot of his spare time in taverns," he turned back to Bartholomew. "But what gets me is that you had people who trusted you, believed in you! I think if you had given them that same trust, they would have helped with your debts. They might not have been happy about it but it would have been better than this!"

Bartholomew looked at Blake like he had a second head. In the meantime, Countess Myui closed her eyes. "Lady Panache, I want this man removed from my sight."

Panache nodded, placing a hand on the hilt of her sword. "As you will." At her own nod, one of her knights stepped forward to lead the stunned Bartholomew away.

"Command will probably want to take him into custody," Henry noted wearily.

"We understand," Kaine said softly "But if anyone dies due to his actions, his life is forfeit."

Henry nodded. He was a man who believed in the sanctity of life but Bartholomew had chosen his lot.

"Countess Myui looked up at him. "Henry? Thank you."

"You're welcome." He turned to Klinger. "Come on, Klinger. Let's get this stuff put away."

"Right sir."

***​

Back at the 407th, Major Burns was facing an interrogation of his own.

"Colonel Potter, I'm Colonel Flagg, Central Intelligence Agency. Step outside while I interrogate Major Burns." He turned toward Burns with a smug look of suspicion. "If that IS who you are, mister!"

"Negative!" Potter replied. "Major Burns is hard to work with and even harder to like but until proven otherwise, he is still one of my people and that means I'm staying right here."

Flagg grunted in disappointment. He preferred to work in private as some of his favorite techniques were not exactly 'approved by higher authority'. Some of those superiors would be willing to turn a blind eye if it got results but there were always some like Potter who was morally opposed to such tactics, Flagg felt morals were all well and good, especially if he could use them to outmaneuver his opponents but in this case, those morals were going to be troublesome. No matter, even with such restrictions, Flagg was quite sure he could break his suspect in short order.

"If that's the way you want to play I won't tell you to get comfortable. When I work, nobody is comfortable." He turned to Major Burns. "Now, 'Major' Why don't you save yourself a world of trouble and confess while you can."

"What?" Burns's face turned red with indignation. "I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Don't play dumb with me. You're not as good at it as I am!"

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," BJ Hunnicutt commented, walking in. He turned to Potter. "Colonel, Trapper is about finished with the JSDF Lieutenant. Prognosis looks good."

"And Hawkeye's patient?"

"Still too soon to tell. She lost a whole lot of blood. Radar's got donors lined up and Parna's already given two units."

"Keep me posted."

BJ nodded. "Right," he replied and headed back out.

Flagg looked at Burns with a smile. "If she dies, I'll have carte blanche to drag you out into the middle of nowhere and even the buzzards won't find you."

"Are you accusing ME of being a spy?" Frank Burns glared at Flagg indignantly. "How dare you slander one of the greatest Americans since my father!"

"Ease off Burns," Potter warned. "This is serious trouble!"

"You want to try me… 'Major'? I could break you like a twig!"

Frank shrank back in his seat. He then turned to Colonel Potter. "But Colonel! I don't know what's going on here except that somebody stole my clothes!"

"Is that your story?" Flagg demanded.

"Colonel Potter?" A quiet voice spoke entering the room.

"Parna! You should be resting!" Colonel Potter admonished. "You're low on blood!"

"Yes, Colonel. But I heard that Major Burns was being questioned That he may be the assassin?"

"Yes. And we'll get it all sorted out. I promise."

"That's not necessary Colonel. I can tell that Major Burns isn't the assassin"

Flagg looked at her with suspicion. "How do you know that?"

"I can hear his heartbeat."

"So?"

"So a Dar has two hearts."

"You can hear his heartbeat?" Potter asked.

Parna smiled just a tiny bit. "It is very small and faint but yes."

Flagg let out a frustrated sigh. "We'll just have to see about that."

"We'll do an ultrasound," Potter promised. "In the meantime…"

"In the meantime, I'm not done yet." He leaned in close to Burns. "Even if you AREN'T the infiltrator, how can we be sure you're really on our side?"

"Flagg! That's enough! Burns isn't your infiltrator and unless you have proof of anything else then you can just settle your spurs while we run that ultrasound to confirm what Parna already told us. I'm not putting up with a witch hunt in my command." Potter declared firmly. "If you don't like it, you can call General Hazama if you like or I'LL call him."

"My authority goes higher than Janus Theater Command."

"Fine! You take this as far as you want and I'll meet you every step of the way."

Flagg mulled this over. It had not been a total waste. He now knew important information about the infiltrator and its kind. That they could be distinguished from other beings and that Warrior Bunnies had the ability to do so passively and at a distance. It was clear that this girl, Parna, was unsuited for it but Flagg speculated there were others of her kind that could be recruited to work for him. Compared to that, Burns was small potatoes. "Alright then. Have it your way. Burns is off the hook." He eyed the major coldly. "But so help me… If you step one toe over the line, I'll be there to catch it and then I'll pull your brain through your nostrils." He turned on his heel and left.

Frank visibly cringed.

Potter shook his head. "Good riddance." He looked at Parna. "As for you, young lady… Though I appreciate you speeding up the departure of Colonel Loon, you need to be resting."

"Yes, sir. I promise I will. I just need to take care of a few things.

***​

Several hours later, Parna was gently woken by Radar. Her eyes came to focus on her dearest and then noticing Hawkeye standing behind him.

"Hey!" Hawkeye grinned. "Come on. You're needed over in Post-Op!"

"Yes sir," she replied and followed the two men across the compound and into Post-Op, where Hawkeye gestured to where two Warrior Bunnies and a human female were resting. Major Houlihan looked up from conversing with them and smiled approvingly at Parna.

"Ah! Just the Specialist I was looking for!" Houlihan sounded like a proud mother. "I believe you are familiar with two of our patients."

Delilah looked over, her mind not believing what her eyes were telling her. That in all the places in the world, her sister was here. Somehow, changed from the broken person she had been three years ago.

"Parna?" Delilah noted as Parna looked her head down, the smaller human touching her back and whispering words of encouragement and support. Parna's head rose with a shy smile as the taller man spoke to Delilah.

"You lost a lot of blood. Luckily we knew a few people who could help with that. Of course, without Parna here, you would have bled out before the rest could matter so I guess you could say that she's a real lifesaver. Parna, why don't you have a seat?"

"Thank you, Hawkeye. Radar? Can you sit with us for a while?"

The smaller human nodded. "I just got off shift so yeah." He pulled up a chair next to Parna's.

Major Houlihan stood up. "I need to get back to my rounds," she said, turning to leave.

"Come along Captain."

"Yes, mother!" Hawkeye smirked as they left Post-Op.

"Parna… I've finally found you." Delilah said. "Of course, I find you on the day I nearly kill an innocent person and shame myself before the gods…"

"Um… About that," Radar spoke up. "Turns out that the letter you got from Italica was a phony. Colonel Blake got a confession out of Mister Bartholomew. So seeing as you didn't hurt anyone, no charges are being filed."

Delilah blinked. Bartholomew? I… If fate allows I should meet him again, I must remember to pull his beating heart out! She looked at a pleased Parna, then quirked her head as she stared at her battle sister. "Parna? Your ear…"

Parna touched the tip lightly. "It was Radar's idea!" She beamed, looking at her dearest. "Hawkeye… I mean, Doctor Pierce says that my ear will be completely regrown in another month."

Tyuule leaned forward as she took note of the ear. "And can they do this for any of our kind?"
"
"Yes!" Parna replied, taking Delilah's hand. "You were right, Delilah. Our gods still watch out for us!"

Delilah smiled and turned to Tyuule. "Maybe the gods have granted mercy to us all?"