The muse was finally cooperative enough that I was able to scrape this together overnight, but it feels pretty haphazard to me. Also pretty sure it's riddled with all kinds of grammatical glitches and weird spelling errors. While the proofread is appreciated, I really need a solid critique on this one.
The next day, we, the so-called Shadow Cabal, all sat together in the meeting lounge in my C-Space, watching the live feed from the UN General Assembly Hall in Geneva.
The meeting had been called to order, and Lord Maistroff made his presentation
Utter pandemonium ensued.
That was the only way to describe it. There were even a few fist fights that broke out, and among the Southeast Asian contingent there had even been a couple of shoes thrown. In case you don’t get how bad that is, to Muslims it’s the equivalent of throwing a paper bag packed to the gills with dogshit because they feel that the bottoms of your feet are among the filthiest things. Pleasant, huh?
Slowly, and with much pounding of the gavel, the General Assembly was brought back into order and things started happening VERY fast.
First and foremost was the declaration of a world-wide state of emergency, a motion that passed without any dissension whatsoever. With that, a freeze on all prices was instated with an eye towards future nationalization of all useful equipment and goods that would be needed to build emergency shelters.
The next item was something that came as a bit of a shock for us. The entirety of the UN Spacey’s High Command was immediately placed on suspension pending a full review of their activities as well as investigations into each individual under suspicion of corruption. In the meantime, an interim staff was hurriedly assembled by way of rapid-fire nominations and votes.
Finally, there came what to do about us in particular.
“The Chair recognizes the right honorable Lord Maistroff in regards to the disposition of the Citizens currently on board the SDF-1 Macross.”
“Thank you, Chairman. Ladies, Gentlemen: it has come to our attention that the survivors of the South Ataria Island Incident are all aboard the SDF-1. Due to the promptness of the civilian evacuation to the emergency shelters on the island and said shelters’ air-tightness, the vast majority of those civilians survived and have rebuilt their city within the confines of the Super-Dimensional Fortress.”
That caused a wave of murmuring to break out and ripple through the General Assembly. The gavel was pounded once again, and Lord Maistroff went on.
“Now, I understand that the first instinct some may have in regards to this matter is to bring our people back home to terra firma. However, we are very much in the cross hairs here on Earth. That being the case, I would like to put forward a motion that we not only keep the civilians aboard the SDF-1, but that we also send any family these people have to be with them.”
“Hmmm,” said Captain Gloval thoughtfully as we watched this all unfold. “What is it you Americans say? ‘Guess who’s coming to dinner’ is it? We are certainly going to have our hands full in the near future.”
Of course, that wasn’t the end of the thing. We watched long enough for them to hammer out a few more details, like having the SDF-1 be fully repaired in as short of a time as possible, and then also have the ship made into a sort of cultural arc - every major museum on Earth was to have their exhibits packed up and we were to go and pick them up in a whirlwind tour of the world. That, as well as the families of the civilians on board, plus a number of scientists, engineers, technicians, and even singers, actors, and artists...
I had a bad feeling about that. It was almost like as if they were preparing for us to go and find another world to colonize. But at that point, we turned off the monitor and went into discussing what we had just seen. We had a long road ahead of us.
##
Later, I sat tiredly at my desk in the barracks. Everything with Minmei had simply sucked all the energy out of me. But even so, there were letters to be read.
It was time to face the music.
---
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##
Captain Gloval went on the air along with the Mayor to personally deliver the bad news: No one was going home. But instead, families would have the opportunity to be reunited as the residence of Macross City had been given the right to call for their next of kin. That bad news did cause a great deal of dissent, but the rank and file knew what was up once the Mayor explained the situation. But the thought that people could invite their families over brightened many moods.
Two days later, the SDF-1 was a swarming hive of activity. Overtech-enhanced C-130’s, An-22’s, BAe 146’s, and Shaanxi Y-8’s made continuous take-offs and landings on the deck of the Prometheus. The massive flight deck of the carrier ensured there was enough room for all three operations to take place at once. Tanker aircraft also made regular rotations on the flight deck to refuel the airlift planes while they were unloaded at a frenetic pace. Sometimes this took a bit longer because some airlift planes were designated to be reloaded with the relatively useless crap that had sat in the cargo holds from even before the ship had crashed on Earth.
Along with the supplies and repair parts, there were also scientists, engineers, and technicians. All of them the foremost experts of Overtechnology on Earth - they even brought with them a good deal of pre- and postgraduate students. Not only was it seen as for the best that the next generation of Overtechnology experts be on board, but this was also the best opportunity for them to gain practical experience as they all immediately became drones working to repair the ship.
And once again, all hell broke loose.
Kamjin was not going to settle for anything less than our complete destruction, even if it meant flagrantly disobeying orders. Which meant he was now on his way down in his own assault landing ship with enough Regults and Gnerls to take us out in one go.
Cargo aircraft inbound were waved off, and the ones on-deck had to drop everything they were doing and get the hell out of dodge so we could sortie.
After everything that had been going on, it felt good to be back in the cockpit again. Minmei was still angry with me, but the sudden action gave me the impetus I needed to put her in the back of my mind. I was not about to let myself get shot down because I was moping over girl trouble.
##
Meanwhile, Azonia was not about to let Kamjin’s disobedience go unpunished. Though as a reward, she was allowing Millia Fallina certain liberties.
“Attention all Aviatrices,” said Millia coolly over the tectical net. “Engage Kamjin’s units. Ignore the Micronians unless they engage you first. I have my own objectives.”
##
So far, things had been pretty standard for one of Kamjin’s assaults, save for his assault ship hanging back and taking potshots at the SDF-1. I had been working through the field with Hayao while keeping an eye out for Kamjin when I suddenly saw the distant shapes coming in out of the blue.
“Gunsight, Red-2 Skull! Alert! Quedlunn Rau inbound! DO NOT ENGAGE! I REPEAT DO NOT ENGAGE! They’re here to round up Kamjin’s forces!”
“Red-2 Skull, Gunsight copies. All units, Gunsight, do not engage the battle suits that have just entered the combat zone. Regard them as friendly units. IFF data update in progress.”
“Christ on a crutch!” cried out Max as the Rau units swept through and began to engage Kamjin’s forces.
Right away, a sea of red blips turned blue.
“Gunsight to all units: disengage when possible and fall back to defensive line two. Hold position in GERWALK mode unless engaged by the enemy.”
We all started to act on those orders when suddenly the radar lock alarm screamed in my ears. Without really thinking about it, I went evasive, snapping into GERWALK and popping flares and chaff as I did so.
And then her voice came on over the radio.
“Well done, Garrick Grimm,” said Milia Fallyna. “You at least know the basics of evasion.”
“Dammit, Millia!” I snarled as I dodged her canon fire. I went into Batroid and decided to show her why the GU-16 was never to be underestimated. “You’re not supposed to be fighting us!”
“This is different, Micronian,” she replied, the grin audible in her voice, as she twisted her craft gracefully, making it difficult for me to lead her with my gun. “I have special permission from Commander Azonia. Just this once~. Now where is that friend of yours, hmmm? The one that has the blue unit markings?~ Oh, here he comes now~. Do not interfere, Micronian, or else I’ll skewer you like an eel. Tell me, blue-haired Micronian, what is your name.”
“Maximilian Jenius. It’s a pleasure to make you’re acquaintance, Miss Fallyna.”
“Just shut up and fight, Micronian.”
“...As you wish~.”
If we weren’t in the middle of a pitched battle, just about everyone on the tac-net, myself included, would have just about died laughing right then and there.
As it was, Max had just earned himself a double-dose of razzing once this was all over.
“Robber, do we assist?” asked Fuzzy.
“No, she’s way too good, even for me. Mother, think you can keep the rest of the kiddies off their backs?”
“They will if they know what’s good for them. Even if Max is in danger here, I don’t want to lose any more men.”
However, that didn’t mean I had any time to relax as an all-too-familiar Glaug managed to break free of the scrum and made a beeline straight for me.
“SHIT!” I cried out as I went evasive once more. “Fuckin’ A! Gunsight, Red-2 Skull! Been engaged by enemy command unit! Extreme danger! Keep the rookies away!”
And then at long last I got to hear his voice. It was every bit as arrogant and sneering as it sounded in the anime.
“So we meet again, Micronian Hero.”
“Hello Kamjin,” I said as I went into Battroid to try and outmaneuver him and get a bead on him with my gun. “I don’t suppose you can tell your men to pull back so you and I can have a proper duel?”
“Now how could I be so selfish? My men need the exercise, and what better way than by destroying you and your pathetic little ship?”
“Sounds to me like someone is overcompensating for something.”
“... I have no idea what that is supposed to mean, Micronian, but I will make you pay regardless!”
“Hey asshole,” came Roy’s voice all the sudden. “Over here!”
“ROY NO!” I cried out in horror as he suddenly engaged Kamjin at point-blank range. And then the worst thing happened.
In retrospect, it was a beautiful bit of piloting. Kamjin is truly a skilled pilot. In one fluid motion, he evaded Roy’s charge, dropping just under his Valkyrie, and then fired directly into his midships.
Roy Fokker’s Valkyrie exploded into a million smoldering fragments, though the cockpit and nose section were somewhat intact. That went flipping end-over-end down to the ocean below.
“GUNSIGHT, RED-ONE SKULL!” came Hikaru’s voice on the priority channel, “BLACK-ONE IS DOWN! REPEAT, BLACK-ONE IS DOWN! RED-ONE IS ASSUMING COMMAND!”
“Red-one Skull, Gunsight... ac... Acknowledged. All units, Gunsight, Black-One Skull is down, command transferred to Red-One Skull.”
Kamjin laughed over the public net. “There now, Micronian Hero. With the riffraff out of the way, we can have a proper du-GYAH!!!”
“COME AND GET SOME, ASSHOLE!!!” I screamed as I shoved my GU-16 into the Glaug’s underbelly and gave Kamjin the same treatment he gave Roy.
Kamjin had better reflexes and avoided the worst of it, but the HE round still exploded in the side of his unit, making it into a ruin.
He bailed out of his dying craft immediately, plunging into the ocean...
...and then making his way to the SDF-1 where he began to climb up the hull.
This was.... interesting because they hadn’t had the chance to transform the ship. Not with all the repair crews busily working at the inner workings where most of the transformation would take effect. If his assault ship charged, then performing the Daedalus Maneuver may be problematic.
“All units, Cradle Robber... Kamjin is mine. Nobody fucking touches him.”
A wave of sober acknowledgments followed as I descended to the SDF-1’s hull where Kamjin was just getting to his feet.
“NO GUNS,” I called out, tossing my GU-16 aside. “NO MISSILES.” The few I carried were jettisoned, dropping to the deck. “JUST A GOOD OLD FASHIONED MUTHERFUCKING BEATDOWN!”
I opened with a left cross, but Kamjin caught it and slugged my Valkyrie in the cockpit, jarring me horribly, making my video feed judder, and making a spiderweb of cracks appear in the canopy glass.
I returned the favor by grabbing the hand that held my fist, twisting around and throwing Kamjin over my Valkyrie’s shoulder, slamming the Zentran down hard on the armored deck plates. I the went to stomp on his face, but he rolled out of the way. The horrified look on his face was satisfying, though not for long as he grabbed that leg and pulled it out from under me.
Suddenly he was over me trying to do an elbow drop, but like him I rolled away. However, I upped the ante by grabbing his head and slamming it down into the deck plates several times before he punched my Valkyrie in the side, knocking me over.
Kamjin was stunned, though. He stumbled around as he tried to get his eyes to focus while his nose bled freely. I wasn’t gonna let him off easy as I clutched my Valkyrie’s fists together and delivered a vicious Polish Hammer to his crown, dropping him to the deck.
And then it was all over for Kamjin. I flipped him over, straddled him, and began wailing on his face until the blood began to spatter.
“GARRICK THAT’S ENOUGH!” came a voice in my headset, shocking me out of my trance.
I stood my Valkyrie up and to my surprise, Max and Millia were there in their respective units, ready to stop me if I did anything untoward. Around them, a large number of Quedlun Rau, Regults, and Valkyries all hovered in place while the Gnerls circled overhead.
No one said a word.
“It’s over, Robber,” said Max. “They’re going back.”
I stared in surprise at this weird tableau before me.
“Weren’t you two fighting before?” I asked in puzzlement.
Max and Millia both looked at each other and I could almost see the two shrugging at each other in their cockpits.
“Once you two started duking it out, you pretty much stole the show.”
“Indeed,” confirmed Millia. “I have never seen a warrior close with their enemy and fight in such a manner. It was... both frightening and fascinating.” There was a beat that passed after that as we all considered her words. Millia then went on, “We will withdraw now, provided you let us take Kamjin with us. He has much to answer for, though I suspect that the humiliation he just suffered at your hands will make for a significant portion of his punishment.”
“Take him,” I said, turning away, not wanting to watch them go. “Just make sure he doesn’t mess around with me or my friends ever again.”
“Understood,” said Millia. “However, know that I am not yet satisfied with my standing between myself and Maximillian Jenius. He and I will meet again on the field of battle... However, unlike Kamjin I will not involve anyone else.”
“... As long as Max is fine with it.”
“...I had fun,” said Max somewhat plaintively.
“YOU HAD FUN!?” cried out Millia in shock. “I have been fighting you with every bit of my skill and experience, and you ‘HAD FUN’!?”
“Uhm... yes?” said Max lamely.
Millia could not say anything for several seconds and I knew without a doubt that she was seething in outrage. However, she eventually managed to form coherent words again.
“The only reason I do not strike you down right now, Micronian,” seethed Millia over the radio, “is because we havle already agreed to withdraw. But rest assured, the next time we meet, your life will be mine!”
“Only if I get to have yours as well,” he fired back with a grin evident in his voice. Millia started at that so badly that it showed through her Rau’s movements. Without another word, she picked up Kamjin like a sack of potatoes and took off.
With that, the rest of the Zentradi units dispersed - the Gnerls and Regults retreating to the assault ship before it took off itself, and the Quedlun Rau boosting up into orbit.
“Gunsight, All units: Return to base.”
##
We all waited in the hospital an hour later.
Roy had been recovered fairly quickly, but word was that he was pretty badly messed up. And while I was sure that Claudia had yet to prepare her ‘famous’ pineapple salad, I was still worried if this was where Roy would leave us.
Suddenly, a nurse came out, still wearing her mask, but pulling it down since she was already devoid of her gloves.
“He’s not out of the woods just yet, but we’re sure he’s going to make it,” she said, causing us all to celebrate in our own quite ways, though Claudia sobbed in relief on Misa’s shoulder.
The nurse, though, held up a hand to forestall anything else.
“There is a problem, though.”
“What’s that?” I asked as we all blinked at her in worried anticipation.
“A piece of shrapnel severed his left sciatic nerve. While we can repair the damage, it’s not likely he will ever gain full use of his left leg again.
“I am sorry to say this, but Roy Fokker’s piloting days are over.”
##
When I got back to my room at the barracks, I could only slump in my chair and leaned all the way back with my eyes closed.
Already the consequences of the day’s actions were spreading like radioactive fallout.
Hikaru had been given a metoric field promotion to Lieutenant-Commander pending time in grade and placed in charge of Skull Squadron. He was now Black-one and getting indocced for the job by Captain Duke.
I did not envy him much for how suddenly this new job had been thrust upon him.
Max and I had been given field promotions as well to Lieutenants and each placed in command of a wing - Max to Blue Wing and myself Gold Wing.
Additionally, the squadrons had been consolidated into one, and we’d been reinforced with three new squadrons: The Wolves, The Ravens, and The Reapers. Each one was a veteran squadrons from the last gasps of the Anti-UN War, and thoroughly trained and drilled. No more green pilots dropping like flies for us. With Skull Squadron now comprising mostly of people who, through natural selection, had proven to be the best pilots, our fighting forces would be formidable.
And it wasn’t only the Valkyrie squadrons.
Destroid Platoons began arriving. Again, veteran units only. No room for tenderfoots here. And on top of that we received a massive surplus of Valkyries, Destroids, and parts for all of them that began to fill our cargo holds until they started having to stack Destroids and Valkyries on top of each other.
Supplies began to pour in as well. More holds were converted to deep freezers to hold all the perishables. We were taking on way more supplies than we’d need for even a population double of what we had for a year. So much that it honestly began to make people wonder.
And then came the biggest surprise of all: A brand new fold drive straight from the shipyards on Luna.
And the day that arrived, Captain Gloval called a meeting of the Shadow Cabal.
He had news for us.
##
We were all pensive as we nursed cups of coffee, waiting for the Commodore to show up. People would, from time to time, look to the spot where Roy would stretch out in the plush leather sofa, enjoying the depth of the seat and relaxing as he took in all the discussions in a lackadaisical air.
We had been assured that Roy was recovering quite well from his surgery, but was in a medically induced coma so he could properly heal from the various shrapnel wounds he’d suffered.
Eventually, Captain Gloval did show up, and he did not seem happy in the least.
“Gentlemen. Ladies. Please be seated.” Right away, he began to fill his pipe with tobacco and light it, talking as he did so. “As some of you may know, we have received the fold drive that had been originally slated for the SDF-2. It has been modified to fit perfectly into the original fold drive’s place. We will no longer need to reconfigure the ship in order to fire the main gun. But most importantly, if this new drive works, it will mean that we can leave the solar system should we so choose.”
“You don’t mean...” said Misa slowly.
But the captain nodded. “It is final contingency. We are taking on all of Earth’s cultural treasures. All the music, art, films, and theater. All the important scientists and engineers. And as many civilians and their next of kin that we can pack in.
“People, this is the Mayflower Contingency,” said the Captain as he at last dropped a sheath of papers with red stamps reading ‘EYES ONLY’ and the heading on the cover reading ‘MAYFLOWER CONTINGENCY’.
“We have just been made into a colony ship.”
##
As the SDF-1 picked up and moved, massive construction efforts on the interior took place. Cargo holds got converted into civilian housing and emergency shelters. The shopping and entertainment districts began to grow and expand. And people began showing up.
In the meantime, though, filming began for the first episode of the film serial, The Adventures of Anjin Miura.
It wasn’t going to only tell the story of how Anjin-san came to be a hatamoto in service to the Tokugawa Shogunate, but also of the adventures that came after. Minmei was to play the role of Fujiko, the Geisha-turned-courtesan.
It was honestly a lot more fun than I thought it would be. ONce I got used to the idea of forgetting my lines, I’d just milk it for all it was worth turning serious scenes into hilarious gags that had the entire set crew cracking up.
Even Minmei, with her ire towards me, wasn’t immune and soon cracked and even began making gags herself every time she flubbed.
After filming was done for the day, she and I sat together in companionable silence.
“I’m sorry about all this,” I said quietly.
“Are you?” asked Minmei - I could practically hear how she raised her eyebrow from her tone of voice.
“I am. I’ll promise you this much: I won’t cause you any grief over your cousin.”
“No more badmouthing him?”
I sighed. “No. I won’t.”
“Good. Now just so you know, this doesn’t mean things between you and I are automatically better. I’m going to need time to trust you again.”
“As you wish,” I said. “By the way, my family sent more letters for you.”
“Really?” said Minmei, her tone now worried.
“It’s alright. They’re disappointed, but they understand. It’s a pretty scary thing. But even so, they want to share things with you. Tell you more about what they are, where they live, and what they’ve seen.”
“For real?”
“For real.”
“Alright. But I’ll read them by myself. You’ll have to make an actual copy of them.”
“As you wish.”
##
The next day had an unwelcome surprise as I went to visit the Nyan-nyan for dinner. Animated chatter in mandarin drifted out through the doors as they parted way for me. At first, I had no idea what was going on, but then as I entered it became clear as day.
Minmei’s parents.
And Lynn Kaifun. They all glared at me, and right away I had no stomach for this.
“I’ll return later,” I said diplomatically.
“No,” said Minmei father. “You will come in here and sit. There are things we need to discuss.”
I said nothing, only giving Minmei a long-suffering look, but she only held the barest amount of pity for me in her eyes.
“This is how things will be from now on, Mr. Grimm. From this point forward, Minmei will not be permitted to spend time with you unless you are being chaperoned by either myself or Kaifun. And before you ask, my wife has no stomach for this, and my brother and sister-in-law are opposed to the idea. However, Minmei is my daughter, and therefore still my responsibility. Not yours. Do I make myself clear, Mr. Grimm.”
“Abundantly Mr. Lynn,” I stated flatly.
“Good. Now are you staying in or what?”
I looked to Minmei in askance and her eyes said it all - No, things are strained badly enough as is.
“I’ll take my leave,” I stated. But before I left, I gave Minmei a hug that she returned and reluctantly let me go.
I left the Nyan-nyan without another word, uncertain how long it would be hostile territory for me.
Yep. Still dragging the thing with Minmei and Garrick out~.
The next day, we, the so-called Shadow Cabal, all sat together in the meeting lounge in my C-Space, watching the live feed from the UN General Assembly Hall in Geneva.
The meeting had been called to order, and Lord Maistroff made his presentation
Utter pandemonium ensued.
That was the only way to describe it. There were even a few fist fights that broke out, and among the Southeast Asian contingent there had even been a couple of shoes thrown. In case you don’t get how bad that is, to Muslims it’s the equivalent of throwing a paper bag packed to the gills with dogshit because they feel that the bottoms of your feet are among the filthiest things. Pleasant, huh?
Slowly, and with much pounding of the gavel, the General Assembly was brought back into order and things started happening VERY fast.
First and foremost was the declaration of a world-wide state of emergency, a motion that passed without any dissension whatsoever. With that, a freeze on all prices was instated with an eye towards future nationalization of all useful equipment and goods that would be needed to build emergency shelters.
The next item was something that came as a bit of a shock for us. The entirety of the UN Spacey’s High Command was immediately placed on suspension pending a full review of their activities as well as investigations into each individual under suspicion of corruption. In the meantime, an interim staff was hurriedly assembled by way of rapid-fire nominations and votes.
Finally, there came what to do about us in particular.
“The Chair recognizes the right honorable Lord Maistroff in regards to the disposition of the Citizens currently on board the SDF-1 Macross.”
“Thank you, Chairman. Ladies, Gentlemen: it has come to our attention that the survivors of the South Ataria Island Incident are all aboard the SDF-1. Due to the promptness of the civilian evacuation to the emergency shelters on the island and said shelters’ air-tightness, the vast majority of those civilians survived and have rebuilt their city within the confines of the Super-Dimensional Fortress.”
That caused a wave of murmuring to break out and ripple through the General Assembly. The gavel was pounded once again, and Lord Maistroff went on.
“Now, I understand that the first instinct some may have in regards to this matter is to bring our people back home to terra firma. However, we are very much in the cross hairs here on Earth. That being the case, I would like to put forward a motion that we not only keep the civilians aboard the SDF-1, but that we also send any family these people have to be with them.”
“Hmmm,” said Captain Gloval thoughtfully as we watched this all unfold. “What is it you Americans say? ‘Guess who’s coming to dinner’ is it? We are certainly going to have our hands full in the near future.”
Of course, that wasn’t the end of the thing. We watched long enough for them to hammer out a few more details, like having the SDF-1 be fully repaired in as short of a time as possible, and then also have the ship made into a sort of cultural arc - every major museum on Earth was to have their exhibits packed up and we were to go and pick them up in a whirlwind tour of the world. That, as well as the families of the civilians on board, plus a number of scientists, engineers, technicians, and even singers, actors, and artists...
I had a bad feeling about that. It was almost like as if they were preparing for us to go and find another world to colonize. But at that point, we turned off the monitor and went into discussing what we had just seen. We had a long road ahead of us.
##
Later, I sat tiredly at my desk in the barracks. Everything with Minmei had simply sucked all the energy out of me. But even so, there were letters to be read.
It was time to face the music.
---
Quote:My Dearest Garrick,
I am so sorry that Minmei is undecided. I had hoped that she would have welcomed this potential future with open arms... but I can understand her reticence. If you think it will help, then we’ll keep writing her letters - not to try and convince her to come to our side, but just to give her a window into our world.
I wish I could be there with you, Garrick. This must be tearing you up so much. I can only imagine all too easily because of how we feel about you not being here with us.
As for me... I’m getting better now. Airi and the others have been very good and kind to me. I couldn’t have done this without their help. And it helps that whenever I want, I can go down into Mother’s lab, down to the special place where our children sleep. There, I look at her. And her sisters.
They are so tiny, Garrick. But every time I see her... I still have such a wondrous feeling about it. That we made her, you and I, with our love for each other.
And I know that she is going to be so beautiful. Not just physically, but in spirit as well.
Our beautiful shining light.
Our Hikari.
In other news, Hillside Manor is ready. I wish you could see it in person; not only do the photos not do it true justice, but this is supposed to be our home. With you. And without you it doesn’t feel right.
At any rate, now that it's finished, I have to admit that you were right about how the Art Deco style contrasts nicely to the natural setting. Yes, it does stand out. But like you said before, that’s the entire point; that amid all the natural beauty and wild nature, there is a small island of stark order and civilization.
And the idea with using the solar panels to shade the house is a great one. Just being inside the place when it was unfinished at high noon was almost insufferable.
I’m also glad that you persuaded Mom to make them. I’m sorry to say this of your people, My Love, but the solar cell technology here leaves something to be desired. But with Mom’s panels we’ll have plenty of energy - both to use during the daytime, and to recharge the battery bank.
Of course, that brings me to the wind turbines.
Their installation has gone smoothly, and they should form an effective windbreak, but the trees that will form the rest of that windbreak are going to take at least ten years before they’re really effective. At the very least no one can complain much since we’re using native species.
As for our neighbors, they’ve been keeping more or less to themselves. They’re nice enough, sure, but kinda insular. I guess they’re the sort that place a high emphasis on privacy. Fortunately, that works to our advantage. Even though our place for all intents and purposes a mansion out here, it at least has the land tract to go with it.
I can hardly wait for you to come home, and for us to fill it with our children.
Love forever,
Minagi
--
Quote:To My Own:
Your sorrow is my own, for you are my heart.
I never thought that in my latter days as a tenured professor at the Galaxy Academy of Science that I could ever feel love so much that I would feel pain like this.
But now, here I am, and I find myself remembering childhood dreams. And even though I have been acting on these reawakening memories, I have been reluctant to admit it in the open.
My Heart. My Own.
Words that I only dreamed of saying in a time so long past that my forebears have turned to dust.
Words that I thought I would never say once my heart had been well and truly broken.
Words that I find myself saying now, and each time I do, despite your absence I feel such an upwelling of joy within me.
My heart. My own.
My beloved mate.
It saddens me to know that Minmei is undecided. But I still hold out hope. Her passion will hopefully guide her true in the end. Give her time, My Own, but always make certain that she knows the door is open, and that you are waiting. Patiently. Lovingly. Adoringly.
Go, My Own. Guide her heart to yours and bring our wayward sister home.
In the meantime... I am going to return to my home, and I am not coming back until I can convince a prayer singer to come with me. It is high time I took matters into my own hands so the Gods may hear not only my pleas, but that of our clan as well.
You are always in my thoughts, my husband.
-Yume
--
Quote:Dear Garrick,
I guess I should have known. A girl her age? She was bound to have a hang up over something. I certainly did back then, and it took a near-death experience to wake me up.
But even so, her cousin is her hangup? Garrick, there is something going on there. I mean, beyond this Kaifun-person acting like some smarmy little cunt.
And yes, my sisters have told me what your grandfather thought of that word. And he’s right it. It’s a horrible insult to a woman. But this man? He’s definitely a cunt. Yes, this is in the British sensibility, but Tsunami break it all, it applies dammit.
Anyhow, like I said, there’s something not right here. You were right to send us the transcripts that Katherine had recorded. There should be no reason for her to see her cousin in such a light. Not with the way he’s behaving. Yes, you have been coming on too strong. And that’s part of why I love you. But I don’t think that adequately explains this.
No, really. I talked to Washu about this. She says that you weren’t on your best behavior. This is a given. But to Kaifun you gave him ample opportunities to save face and turn things into a more civil and philosophical debate. And it wasn’t until he disrespected you for being both a soldier and an educated man that you threw him under the bus.
Garrick, he’s been doing something to Minmei.
I don’t know what. But it’s very subtle. We’re pretty sure it’s nothing like hypnotic suggestion, but we aren’t ruling that out yet. But he’s been working on her somehow, trying to get her to be a certain way.
And if what you say about him wanting to marry his cousin is true, then those implications make me sick to my stomach.
Tsunami’s sake, Garrick, you’ve got to save Minmei because she is bound for a fate that will be almost worse than death. I don’t care if she hates you forever, just as long as she sees Kaifun for what he is, then I’ll be able to rest easy.
Well, now that that is out of my system...
It’s been good to have Mother here.
Yes, she can be a trying personality. But I at least have comfort in knowing that she likes you as a son-in-law. Like with Grandmother Seto, you bring a smile to Mother’s lips whenever she hears about your adventures and misadventures alike.
It’s so strange, you know? I never before thought that things would ever turn out this way. Back when mother lived on Earth with father, raising me to be a good and dutiful daughter, of course I imagined bringing a boy home and introducing him to my family. But those were simpler dreams back then.
To think, I would have been content with simply being a housewife to a normal salaryman. Diligently maintaining the home and raising the children while he earned the money to support us.
How mediocre of a life I was going to settle for.
And yet, now I’m trading that mediocrity for another sort. One where instead of merely managing a salaryman’s house, I am managing one of a lord and Clan Head. I am sitting in on council meetings at Grandmother’s side while she teaches me about the politics in depth.
I’d always heard that the Amake Clan Head was a real piece of work, but I never knew how bad until now. I honestly sympathize with Anya now.
And it all seems so tiring. Even if Grandmother Funaho and the Emperor try to keep things focused, Tatsuke Amake always finds a way to make it all about him. And even when he isn’t, it just seems so tedious. Trade agreements, passage rights, dealing with the Airaians.
I can’t wait until you get back here and take your rightful place. I have a strong suspicion that running the household will be much less tedious. With that, I know that I can trust my sisters to handle things until they absolutely demand my attention. And those, I believe, will be far more interesting problems than the Airaians petitioning us once again to allow their people to come and worship Tsunami.
Though I can’t say that I’ll envy you much.
With love,
Achika
--
Quote:My Dear Gar-kun,
Oh Garrick! I wish so much that I can be there to give you a hug right now! I mean, even more than usual. Now I just hope that Minmei comes around. And her cousin... He really creeps me out for some reason. I don’t blame you for coming at him the way you did. I’m actually kinda surprised that you held back as long as you did.
I never thanked you for sending that book and telling me to go and explore... well, myself. It’s... still kinda embarrassing to even write to you about it. But the book has helped me a lot. And Sasami-chan and I... well... I’ll just say that it’s good that we don’t have to face this alone.
Sasami-chan, though... As much as I love her, she’s still no replacement for you, Gar-kun. And to be honest, I can’t wait until I can put some of the things I’ve been learning into practice~.
Things over here have been getting better. Now that the worst is past, Minagi, Yume, and Achika smile a lot more. It also helps that we’re now moving into Hillside Manor.
There is one thing, though, that I’m kinda sad about.
Because I have my own room at the Hillside Manor, I’ve moved everything that I own from my room back in my parent’s house to my new room.
Mother and Father have not noticed. They haven’t even noticed that I don’t live there anymore. I have completely disappeared from their lives and they don’t care!
This makes me so sad, but it also makes me angry, too! In fact, I was so angry about it that I went to my grandfather and told him about everything. The funny thing is, though, that he knew about the Masaki family being from space. This is because his wife was from the Masaki family. I never knew about it because it never came up - she had passed away from old age before I was born. Grandmother was one of the ones that decided to live a normal human life.
And I am glad that she did. If she hadn’t, then I would never have been born. But even more importantly to me...
...I would never have been there for you.
I have something I want to tell you Garrick. When we first me, even though you did see me as a child, I was still someone that mattered in your eyes. Someone that mattered enough that you allowed yourself to be hurt for my sake. And aside from my grandfather, you are the only person that has ever seen me as anything more than an object. You saw me as someone with aspirations and feelings. Someone who had dreams about the future.
But what you didn’t know was that because of all that, you were everything I had ever dreamed of.
I know that I have confessed my love to you before, Garrick. But now, I feel it even more strongly than ever.
Garrick, I will swear to give myself completely to you - my mind, my body, and my soul. My body for your pleasure and to bear your children. My mind to teach and raise your children and to serve your house. And my soul to keep you company through all eternity.
Love forever,
Yuki
--
Quote:To my Faithful Student:
I’m sorry that things went the way they did, Garrick, but in a ways you did bring it on yourself. You were being far too confrontational, at least on the subject of Kaifun. And with her parents, too, even if she felt the same way about them.
It’s not that I disagree with you, Garrick. In fact, Achika and I talked about it. While it’s not outright brainwashing, it almost feels like he was grooming her to accept everything he tells her at face value. While I’m sure that Achika has warned you in her letter, let me reiterate: Kaifun definitely has designs for Minmei. And having watched the anime, I’m pretty sure of what those designs are.
However, because he’s gotten his foot in the door already, that is all the more reason for you to be careful in this matter. You’ve already stuck your foot in your mouth. Please try not to do any worse.
I know it will be galling for you, Garrick, but you must ameliorate your feelings towards Kaifun. Otherwise it’s going to continue to become a point of contention between you two. And, even worse, you may be driving her further into his grasp by doing so. You might have her heart, but he has her mind.
As you may have read already, Hillside Manor is ready at long last. All there is left is the furnishing, and a good deal of that is simply your fiancees moving their belongings in. Including Yuki. I must admit I was a bit surprised to see her do that so soon, but she assured me that it was a non-issue; her parents have stopped checking up on her.
I’ve talked to Yosho about the matter and he’s talked to Yuki’s Grandfather. Fortunately, the two know each other very well - her Grandfather is apparently the widower of a Masaki woman that opted for an Earthly life.
Let me assure you, that caused several kinds of ruckus over here because that would mean Yuki looks like a young Funaho for a reason: she’s one of Funahao’s direct descendants on Earth!
At any rate, Mr. Mihara has decided to let the matter rest for the time being. He wants to see how long it’s going to be until his son and daughter-in-law notice Yuki is actually gone. Depending on how long this takes will determine how harshly he’s going to deal with them. While Yuki testing out of school early and continuing to study under me is a known thing to them, it is still no excuse.
He’ll wait until Yuki is the right age to attend college - once that time passes he’s going to come down on the two like an anvil from your favorite cartoons.
And life continues as it has. Airi is going to be leaving soon - her job back at the Galaxy Academy won’t be held off for long. Minaho and Noike have settled in. And everyone keeps wandering over to Hillside Manor through the permanent portal and vice-versa. Really, it’s more like that place has simply become an extension of the Masaki Estate even though its all the way over in Texas.
But all in all, it’s a pleasant routine.
... Actually, I take that back. Mihoshi just emailed her brother. You know what that means.
I’ll fill you in later.
You mentor with love,
Washu-chan <3
--
Quote:Garrick:
Noboyuki here with an update. I’ve been able to locate your Alternate here on Earth and we’re approaching this cautiously. In fact, Seto herself has caught wind of what we’re up to and sent her Hyena Corps to assist.
That name is a joke, by the way. Never call them that to their faces.
The three are doing the direct talking with your Alternate. And they are playing this very cool by approaching him through proper channels.
So far, he seems interested. He’s never really thought of a political career, but he’s thinking about it now. The educational stipend is, as he puts it, ‘one hulluva carrot’. Though he wonders “if a stick is involved somewhere’.
The girls have been assuring him, if there is a stick, it’s going to be for him to use on whoever makes themselves an enemy of his.
On the financial front, your earnings have continued to accumulate - particularly your stocks in Amazon - you were right about that taking off! Your share in the company is already worth millions of US Dollars. Though I question the value of you paying an ‘honest’ tax of your capital gains. Fiscally, I would prefer if we kept your taxation to a minimum, but I can see your reasoning behind it.
It is your money, anyways.
Otherwise, your wealth continues to grow - such that if you would like, you should have no issues starting your own business on Earth when you return home.
What sort of business venture would you pursue?
Sincerely,
Noboyuki
##
Captain Gloval went on the air along with the Mayor to personally deliver the bad news: No one was going home. But instead, families would have the opportunity to be reunited as the residence of Macross City had been given the right to call for their next of kin. That bad news did cause a great deal of dissent, but the rank and file knew what was up once the Mayor explained the situation. But the thought that people could invite their families over brightened many moods.
Two days later, the SDF-1 was a swarming hive of activity. Overtech-enhanced C-130’s, An-22’s, BAe 146’s, and Shaanxi Y-8’s made continuous take-offs and landings on the deck of the Prometheus. The massive flight deck of the carrier ensured there was enough room for all three operations to take place at once. Tanker aircraft also made regular rotations on the flight deck to refuel the airlift planes while they were unloaded at a frenetic pace. Sometimes this took a bit longer because some airlift planes were designated to be reloaded with the relatively useless crap that had sat in the cargo holds from even before the ship had crashed on Earth.
Along with the supplies and repair parts, there were also scientists, engineers, and technicians. All of them the foremost experts of Overtechnology on Earth - they even brought with them a good deal of pre- and postgraduate students. Not only was it seen as for the best that the next generation of Overtechnology experts be on board, but this was also the best opportunity for them to gain practical experience as they all immediately became drones working to repair the ship.
And once again, all hell broke loose.
Kamjin was not going to settle for anything less than our complete destruction, even if it meant flagrantly disobeying orders. Which meant he was now on his way down in his own assault landing ship with enough Regults and Gnerls to take us out in one go.
Cargo aircraft inbound were waved off, and the ones on-deck had to drop everything they were doing and get the hell out of dodge so we could sortie.
After everything that had been going on, it felt good to be back in the cockpit again. Minmei was still angry with me, but the sudden action gave me the impetus I needed to put her in the back of my mind. I was not about to let myself get shot down because I was moping over girl trouble.
##
Meanwhile, Azonia was not about to let Kamjin’s disobedience go unpunished. Though as a reward, she was allowing Millia Fallina certain liberties.
“Attention all Aviatrices,” said Millia coolly over the tectical net. “Engage Kamjin’s units. Ignore the Micronians unless they engage you first. I have my own objectives.”
##
So far, things had been pretty standard for one of Kamjin’s assaults, save for his assault ship hanging back and taking potshots at the SDF-1. I had been working through the field with Hayao while keeping an eye out for Kamjin when I suddenly saw the distant shapes coming in out of the blue.
“Gunsight, Red-2 Skull! Alert! Quedlunn Rau inbound! DO NOT ENGAGE! I REPEAT DO NOT ENGAGE! They’re here to round up Kamjin’s forces!”
“Red-2 Skull, Gunsight copies. All units, Gunsight, do not engage the battle suits that have just entered the combat zone. Regard them as friendly units. IFF data update in progress.”
“Christ on a crutch!” cried out Max as the Rau units swept through and began to engage Kamjin’s forces.
Right away, a sea of red blips turned blue.
“Gunsight to all units: disengage when possible and fall back to defensive line two. Hold position in GERWALK mode unless engaged by the enemy.”
We all started to act on those orders when suddenly the radar lock alarm screamed in my ears. Without really thinking about it, I went evasive, snapping into GERWALK and popping flares and chaff as I did so.
And then her voice came on over the radio.
“Well done, Garrick Grimm,” said Milia Fallyna. “You at least know the basics of evasion.”
“Dammit, Millia!” I snarled as I dodged her canon fire. I went into Batroid and decided to show her why the GU-16 was never to be underestimated. “You’re not supposed to be fighting us!”
“This is different, Micronian,” she replied, the grin audible in her voice, as she twisted her craft gracefully, making it difficult for me to lead her with my gun. “I have special permission from Commander Azonia. Just this once~. Now where is that friend of yours, hmmm? The one that has the blue unit markings?~ Oh, here he comes now~. Do not interfere, Micronian, or else I’ll skewer you like an eel. Tell me, blue-haired Micronian, what is your name.”
“Maximilian Jenius. It’s a pleasure to make you’re acquaintance, Miss Fallyna.”
“Just shut up and fight, Micronian.”
“...As you wish~.”
If we weren’t in the middle of a pitched battle, just about everyone on the tac-net, myself included, would have just about died laughing right then and there.
As it was, Max had just earned himself a double-dose of razzing once this was all over.
“Robber, do we assist?” asked Fuzzy.
“No, she’s way too good, even for me. Mother, think you can keep the rest of the kiddies off their backs?”
“They will if they know what’s good for them. Even if Max is in danger here, I don’t want to lose any more men.”
However, that didn’t mean I had any time to relax as an all-too-familiar Glaug managed to break free of the scrum and made a beeline straight for me.
“SHIT!” I cried out as I went evasive once more. “Fuckin’ A! Gunsight, Red-2 Skull! Been engaged by enemy command unit! Extreme danger! Keep the rookies away!”
And then at long last I got to hear his voice. It was every bit as arrogant and sneering as it sounded in the anime.
“So we meet again, Micronian Hero.”
“Hello Kamjin,” I said as I went into Battroid to try and outmaneuver him and get a bead on him with my gun. “I don’t suppose you can tell your men to pull back so you and I can have a proper duel?”
“Now how could I be so selfish? My men need the exercise, and what better way than by destroying you and your pathetic little ship?”
“Sounds to me like someone is overcompensating for something.”
“... I have no idea what that is supposed to mean, Micronian, but I will make you pay regardless!”
“Hey asshole,” came Roy’s voice all the sudden. “Over here!”
“ROY NO!” I cried out in horror as he suddenly engaged Kamjin at point-blank range. And then the worst thing happened.
In retrospect, it was a beautiful bit of piloting. Kamjin is truly a skilled pilot. In one fluid motion, he evaded Roy’s charge, dropping just under his Valkyrie, and then fired directly into his midships.
Roy Fokker’s Valkyrie exploded into a million smoldering fragments, though the cockpit and nose section were somewhat intact. That went flipping end-over-end down to the ocean below.
“GUNSIGHT, RED-ONE SKULL!” came Hikaru’s voice on the priority channel, “BLACK-ONE IS DOWN! REPEAT, BLACK-ONE IS DOWN! RED-ONE IS ASSUMING COMMAND!”
“Red-one Skull, Gunsight... ac... Acknowledged. All units, Gunsight, Black-One Skull is down, command transferred to Red-One Skull.”
Kamjin laughed over the public net. “There now, Micronian Hero. With the riffraff out of the way, we can have a proper du-GYAH!!!”
“COME AND GET SOME, ASSHOLE!!!” I screamed as I shoved my GU-16 into the Glaug’s underbelly and gave Kamjin the same treatment he gave Roy.
Kamjin had better reflexes and avoided the worst of it, but the HE round still exploded in the side of his unit, making it into a ruin.
He bailed out of his dying craft immediately, plunging into the ocean...
...and then making his way to the SDF-1 where he began to climb up the hull.
This was.... interesting because they hadn’t had the chance to transform the ship. Not with all the repair crews busily working at the inner workings where most of the transformation would take effect. If his assault ship charged, then performing the Daedalus Maneuver may be problematic.
“All units, Cradle Robber... Kamjin is mine. Nobody fucking touches him.”
A wave of sober acknowledgments followed as I descended to the SDF-1’s hull where Kamjin was just getting to his feet.
“NO GUNS,” I called out, tossing my GU-16 aside. “NO MISSILES.” The few I carried were jettisoned, dropping to the deck. “JUST A GOOD OLD FASHIONED MUTHERFUCKING BEATDOWN!”
I opened with a left cross, but Kamjin caught it and slugged my Valkyrie in the cockpit, jarring me horribly, making my video feed judder, and making a spiderweb of cracks appear in the canopy glass.
I returned the favor by grabbing the hand that held my fist, twisting around and throwing Kamjin over my Valkyrie’s shoulder, slamming the Zentran down hard on the armored deck plates. I the went to stomp on his face, but he rolled out of the way. The horrified look on his face was satisfying, though not for long as he grabbed that leg and pulled it out from under me.
Suddenly he was over me trying to do an elbow drop, but like him I rolled away. However, I upped the ante by grabbing his head and slamming it down into the deck plates several times before he punched my Valkyrie in the side, knocking me over.
Kamjin was stunned, though. He stumbled around as he tried to get his eyes to focus while his nose bled freely. I wasn’t gonna let him off easy as I clutched my Valkyrie’s fists together and delivered a vicious Polish Hammer to his crown, dropping him to the deck.
And then it was all over for Kamjin. I flipped him over, straddled him, and began wailing on his face until the blood began to spatter.
“GARRICK THAT’S ENOUGH!” came a voice in my headset, shocking me out of my trance.
I stood my Valkyrie up and to my surprise, Max and Millia were there in their respective units, ready to stop me if I did anything untoward. Around them, a large number of Quedlun Rau, Regults, and Valkyries all hovered in place while the Gnerls circled overhead.
No one said a word.
“It’s over, Robber,” said Max. “They’re going back.”
I stared in surprise at this weird tableau before me.
“Weren’t you two fighting before?” I asked in puzzlement.
Max and Millia both looked at each other and I could almost see the two shrugging at each other in their cockpits.
“Once you two started duking it out, you pretty much stole the show.”
“Indeed,” confirmed Millia. “I have never seen a warrior close with their enemy and fight in such a manner. It was... both frightening and fascinating.” There was a beat that passed after that as we all considered her words. Millia then went on, “We will withdraw now, provided you let us take Kamjin with us. He has much to answer for, though I suspect that the humiliation he just suffered at your hands will make for a significant portion of his punishment.”
“Take him,” I said, turning away, not wanting to watch them go. “Just make sure he doesn’t mess around with me or my friends ever again.”
“Understood,” said Millia. “However, know that I am not yet satisfied with my standing between myself and Maximillian Jenius. He and I will meet again on the field of battle... However, unlike Kamjin I will not involve anyone else.”
“... As long as Max is fine with it.”
“...I had fun,” said Max somewhat plaintively.
“YOU HAD FUN!?” cried out Millia in shock. “I have been fighting you with every bit of my skill and experience, and you ‘HAD FUN’!?”
“Uhm... yes?” said Max lamely.
Millia could not say anything for several seconds and I knew without a doubt that she was seething in outrage. However, she eventually managed to form coherent words again.
“The only reason I do not strike you down right now, Micronian,” seethed Millia over the radio, “is because we havle already agreed to withdraw. But rest assured, the next time we meet, your life will be mine!”
“Only if I get to have yours as well,” he fired back with a grin evident in his voice. Millia started at that so badly that it showed through her Rau’s movements. Without another word, she picked up Kamjin like a sack of potatoes and took off.
With that, the rest of the Zentradi units dispersed - the Gnerls and Regults retreating to the assault ship before it took off itself, and the Quedlun Rau boosting up into orbit.
“Gunsight, All units: Return to base.”
##
We all waited in the hospital an hour later.
Roy had been recovered fairly quickly, but word was that he was pretty badly messed up. And while I was sure that Claudia had yet to prepare her ‘famous’ pineapple salad, I was still worried if this was where Roy would leave us.
Suddenly, a nurse came out, still wearing her mask, but pulling it down since she was already devoid of her gloves.
“He’s not out of the woods just yet, but we’re sure he’s going to make it,” she said, causing us all to celebrate in our own quite ways, though Claudia sobbed in relief on Misa’s shoulder.
The nurse, though, held up a hand to forestall anything else.
“There is a problem, though.”
“What’s that?” I asked as we all blinked at her in worried anticipation.
“A piece of shrapnel severed his left sciatic nerve. While we can repair the damage, it’s not likely he will ever gain full use of his left leg again.
“I am sorry to say this, but Roy Fokker’s piloting days are over.”
##
When I got back to my room at the barracks, I could only slump in my chair and leaned all the way back with my eyes closed.
Already the consequences of the day’s actions were spreading like radioactive fallout.
Hikaru had been given a metoric field promotion to Lieutenant-Commander pending time in grade and placed in charge of Skull Squadron. He was now Black-one and getting indocced for the job by Captain Duke.
I did not envy him much for how suddenly this new job had been thrust upon him.
Max and I had been given field promotions as well to Lieutenants and each placed in command of a wing - Max to Blue Wing and myself Gold Wing.
Additionally, the squadrons had been consolidated into one, and we’d been reinforced with three new squadrons: The Wolves, The Ravens, and The Reapers. Each one was a veteran squadrons from the last gasps of the Anti-UN War, and thoroughly trained and drilled. No more green pilots dropping like flies for us. With Skull Squadron now comprising mostly of people who, through natural selection, had proven to be the best pilots, our fighting forces would be formidable.
And it wasn’t only the Valkyrie squadrons.
Destroid Platoons began arriving. Again, veteran units only. No room for tenderfoots here. And on top of that we received a massive surplus of Valkyries, Destroids, and parts for all of them that began to fill our cargo holds until they started having to stack Destroids and Valkyries on top of each other.
Supplies began to pour in as well. More holds were converted to deep freezers to hold all the perishables. We were taking on way more supplies than we’d need for even a population double of what we had for a year. So much that it honestly began to make people wonder.
And then came the biggest surprise of all: A brand new fold drive straight from the shipyards on Luna.
And the day that arrived, Captain Gloval called a meeting of the Shadow Cabal.
He had news for us.
##
We were all pensive as we nursed cups of coffee, waiting for the Commodore to show up. People would, from time to time, look to the spot where Roy would stretch out in the plush leather sofa, enjoying the depth of the seat and relaxing as he took in all the discussions in a lackadaisical air.
We had been assured that Roy was recovering quite well from his surgery, but was in a medically induced coma so he could properly heal from the various shrapnel wounds he’d suffered.
Eventually, Captain Gloval did show up, and he did not seem happy in the least.
“Gentlemen. Ladies. Please be seated.” Right away, he began to fill his pipe with tobacco and light it, talking as he did so. “As some of you may know, we have received the fold drive that had been originally slated for the SDF-2. It has been modified to fit perfectly into the original fold drive’s place. We will no longer need to reconfigure the ship in order to fire the main gun. But most importantly, if this new drive works, it will mean that we can leave the solar system should we so choose.”
“You don’t mean...” said Misa slowly.
But the captain nodded. “It is final contingency. We are taking on all of Earth’s cultural treasures. All the music, art, films, and theater. All the important scientists and engineers. And as many civilians and their next of kin that we can pack in.
“People, this is the Mayflower Contingency,” said the Captain as he at last dropped a sheath of papers with red stamps reading ‘EYES ONLY’ and the heading on the cover reading ‘MAYFLOWER CONTINGENCY’.
“We have just been made into a colony ship.”
##
As the SDF-1 picked up and moved, massive construction efforts on the interior took place. Cargo holds got converted into civilian housing and emergency shelters. The shopping and entertainment districts began to grow and expand. And people began showing up.
In the meantime, though, filming began for the first episode of the film serial, The Adventures of Anjin Miura.
It wasn’t going to only tell the story of how Anjin-san came to be a hatamoto in service to the Tokugawa Shogunate, but also of the adventures that came after. Minmei was to play the role of Fujiko, the Geisha-turned-courtesan.
It was honestly a lot more fun than I thought it would be. ONce I got used to the idea of forgetting my lines, I’d just milk it for all it was worth turning serious scenes into hilarious gags that had the entire set crew cracking up.
Even Minmei, with her ire towards me, wasn’t immune and soon cracked and even began making gags herself every time she flubbed.
After filming was done for the day, she and I sat together in companionable silence.
“I’m sorry about all this,” I said quietly.
“Are you?” asked Minmei - I could practically hear how she raised her eyebrow from her tone of voice.
“I am. I’ll promise you this much: I won’t cause you any grief over your cousin.”
“No more badmouthing him?”
I sighed. “No. I won’t.”
“Good. Now just so you know, this doesn’t mean things between you and I are automatically better. I’m going to need time to trust you again.”
“As you wish,” I said. “By the way, my family sent more letters for you.”
“Really?” said Minmei, her tone now worried.
“It’s alright. They’re disappointed, but they understand. It’s a pretty scary thing. But even so, they want to share things with you. Tell you more about what they are, where they live, and what they’ve seen.”
“For real?”
“For real.”
“Alright. But I’ll read them by myself. You’ll have to make an actual copy of them.”
“As you wish.”
##
The next day had an unwelcome surprise as I went to visit the Nyan-nyan for dinner. Animated chatter in mandarin drifted out through the doors as they parted way for me. At first, I had no idea what was going on, but then as I entered it became clear as day.
Minmei’s parents.
And Lynn Kaifun. They all glared at me, and right away I had no stomach for this.
“I’ll return later,” I said diplomatically.
“No,” said Minmei father. “You will come in here and sit. There are things we need to discuss.”
I said nothing, only giving Minmei a long-suffering look, but she only held the barest amount of pity for me in her eyes.
“This is how things will be from now on, Mr. Grimm. From this point forward, Minmei will not be permitted to spend time with you unless you are being chaperoned by either myself or Kaifun. And before you ask, my wife has no stomach for this, and my brother and sister-in-law are opposed to the idea. However, Minmei is my daughter, and therefore still my responsibility. Not yours. Do I make myself clear, Mr. Grimm.”
“Abundantly Mr. Lynn,” I stated flatly.
“Good. Now are you staying in or what?”
I looked to Minmei in askance and her eyes said it all - No, things are strained badly enough as is.
“I’ll take my leave,” I stated. But before I left, I gave Minmei a hug that she returned and reluctantly let me go.
I left the Nyan-nyan without another word, uncertain how long it would be hostile territory for me.
Yep. Still dragging the thing with Minmei and Garrick out~.