GATE: The Janus Campaign

[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?"