“Come on. We’ve gotten through worse, haven’t we? Especially when we were alone. We have each other now, and soon, four little ankle-biters running around. Adam, Boss, get us the food, okay? Low blood sugar and pregnancy are not a good mix.”
“Sorry. This married with baby is all new to me. I’ll call the All Ranks Club, have them make up a large plate or two of goodies for us. Okay?”
Both women smiled, nodded in agreement.
After making arrangements to have the food delivered, he had the two ladies join him in his office. The three sat on the oversized sofa, Adam in the middle, an arm around each wife. Mary and Kat each kissed him on opposite cheeks at the same time.
“Are you having any problem with the concept of two wives and four kids, all at once?” Mary asked.
“As long as I can find a way to keep us all safe, I’ll work it out. You know I’m playing a balancing act. Since I have this room swept and secured of all electronic bugs, I’ll give you some details on something I am working on.” As the two beautiful ladies snuggled up on opposite sides, clasping hands on his lap, he began to tell them some plans.
A half hour later, he finished. “Well, what do you think? As a bug out plan, will it work?”
Kat went first. “How would hiding in Cuba be any safer? Aren’t there still Squids there?”
“Other than some Tschaaa breeding along the reefs, after a severe harvesting the Lord in charge of the Cuban area and South America ignored it. The Chief found most of the surviving Cubans and has set them up providing us with high quality sugar cane, which seems to becoming almost as habit forming to the Squids as cigarettes with nicotine is to us. His Lordship Neptune convinced the younger Lord to cede the Cuban area to his control in exchange for additional high quality dark meat. Now, he has all the cane he wants, trades it with other Minor Lords for favors. So, he left some humans alone there, happy as long as he gets his sugar cane.”
Adam began to gently caress the bare necks of his wives.
“No one will notice a few more humans, apparently there to harvest a cane crop. I doubt if anyone from the eye in the sky has looked at Cuba in months. The Chief constructed hurricane and bomb proof shelters in some caves in the mountains with power and water, using Tschaaa sun power technology along with human equipment. Short of the equivalent of complete worldwide nuclear war, we can live there for years, unnoticed.”
“Even Andrew and his comrades wouldn’t find us?” Kat interjected.
“That’s assuming they would be looking for us. I think that if things get so bad that we bug out, that means that His Lordship is probably dead, which means we all just become general pieces of meat. No one will be looking for us specifically. If we keep our heads down, away from the water, we could go unnoticed for years. Unless, of course, the Lords in charge then so completely overharvest us that they start looking for individuals for slaughter. However, I think, thanks to His Lordship’s examples, the Tschaaa Lords are learning resource conservation. Especially when it comes to dark meat. So, if we keep our heads down, we and our kids can have nice, long lives.”
The three sat there quietly for a few minutes. Then, Kat kissed Adam. Followed by Mary. “How did I get so lucky? Most men have trouble finding one good woman. I have two.”
Mary sighed. “Karma, I guess. You saved me and thousands of others from death and fates worse than death. Yes, others have died, probably for us. But you try to help. Which is more than most humans are doing today.”
“Not expecting anyone are you?” Kat asked.
“No, why?”
Kat gave an impish grin at Mary, who grinned back. Both women’s hands moved toward Adam’s lap.
“Now, ladies, this is a place of work. What if someone comes in?”
“Then I guess they’ll get a free show,” Mary answered.
“Shut up and stop worrying, Boss. You deserve something special.”
CHAPTER 10
The decision by Madam President Paul to re-institute certain holidays as a means to insure bonding between all the disparate populations residing in or near the Unoccupied States was a correct one. How could she know that the acts of human bonding between former strangers would uncover an evil in their midst few could imagine?
-Excerpts from the Works of Princess Akiko, Free Japan Royal Family
OKTOBERFEST
MALMSTROM ARMED FORCES BASE
GREAT FALLS, MONTANA
The Oktoberfest celebration had the makings of a huge success. Madam President had mandated that all military installations sponsor a weekend Oktoberfest celebration, inviting the surrounding populace to attend. All of the foreign delegations and units were asked to put together cultural booths and displays, in an attempt to reconnect people from different cultures after some six years of isolation. Everyone must think themselves as humans first, whatever race and people as secondary. Humankind was in one big boat, and they would sink or swim together.
Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were to follow, as official holidays of the Unoccupied States of America. The New Senate and New House were finally organized at the former State House in Bismarck, North Dakota, a city that had suffered only very minor damage. Located far from any Squid installations, a circle of air and ground defense positions were emplaced to insure its protection from anything short of a major rock strike. It had a stately government rotunda and legislative center that was easily modified to handle the entire new crop of Senators and Representatives for a new Federal Government. Streamlined laws and regulations had been passed and implemented since the nuke strike on Key West. Still based on the original Constitution of the United States from 1789 (The original document was saved from Washington D.C. due to great sacrifice by a few—a story for another day.), people began to realize they had a civilian government in existence and control, once again.
The celebration had turned the parade and sports field into one large fairground. Every major military, cultural, and local group had been given an area to set up cultural displays, activities, food and souvenir stands, games and competition. Everyone had put their best foot forward.
When Aleks, Torbin, Abigail, and Fuzz had first arrived (early, to get a good table) Aleks had grabbed Abigail and went directly to the Japanese exposition. Ichiro had been placed in charge of the cultural display area, which had a good-sized tent and a large section of a sprinters track directly in front. The women soon learned why Ichiro had chosen this site.
Ichiro and Abigail were exceedingly glad to see each other, which was precisely why Aleks had chosen to go there first. She had seen the spark that had passed between them the week before, when Ichiro had created the origami figures for Abigail. They now resided in a small glass case Abigail had purchased, residing in a place of honor on Abigail’s bedroom dresser. The Avenging Angel had a nice warm feeling every time she looked at the small, exquisite representations of Fuzz and herself. Having grown up the last six years with very little personal property, presents of such a personal nature meant the world to her.
As Abigail and Aleks approached the Japanese area, Fuzz following closely behind, they saw how Ichiro had selected and organized the site. Lined up at one end of the one hundred yard dash track were two Japanese rickshaws. By the tent was a roped off area where Japanese soldiers in Kendo gear were practicing their craft. Visitors would be welcomed to try their hand as well. There was another area where a demonstration of katana swordsmanship was being held by Japanese in traditional Samurai clothing and armor. This last area was where Ichiro was, in full splendor. Aleks led Abigail and Fuzz to where Ichiro was standing, sans his traditional warriors battlefield mask. Ichiro gave a large grin when he saw the ladies approach, keying primarily on Abigail.
“Abigail, you came. With Aleks and Sir Fuzz, I see.” The canine, upon hearing his name, deigned to give Ichiro a tail wag. But when he saw several other Japanese in full traditional battle regalia --- fear producing masks and all—he began to growl, his fur standing up on his back.
&
nbsp; “Fuzz. It’s okay,” Abigail reassured him, putting her hand on his collar. With the feel of his mistress’ hand, and her command, the war dog relaxed a little. Just a little. He kept a watchful eye all those around him. The sight of the large dog aroused the interests of the Japanese personnel, including three women dressed in traditional Geisha-style dress. They were soldiers also, but had been politely asked by Ichiro to wear some traditional garb. He asked rather than ordered these young soldiers because he did not want them to lose face in front of their comrades. Japanese women soldiers fought and died alongside their male counterparts since just after the first Squid appeared.
Abigail saw the three young ladies and smiled broadly. “Why, their clothes are beautiful. They look so…feminine. Pretty. They are soldiers also, yes?”
“Yes, Abigail-San. All trained fighters. Sumie Sato here, the one in the middle, is one of our best jiu jitsu practitioners. I have seen her best men almost twice her size. Almost as dangerous as you are, according to Torbin-san.”
At this comment, Abigail blushed. “Torbin exaggerates greatly. I am just a simple Warrior of God, doing what I must.”
“You will start training with me, soon, Abigail-san? I would like to see your skill for myself. Of course, Sumie and others will be there to chaperone as well as assist, so that no one accuses me of anything…untoward.”
“Ichiro, no one would ever accuse you of anything other than being a true gentleman. Is that not true, Aleks?”
Aleks had to try and keep a straight face, flashing back to a certain evening when the three Russian “sisters” had made an unannounced visit to Torbin’s quarters just after they first met. What had started out as an attempt to use sex as an intelligence gathering tool had led to one of the great love stories that came out of this war—the love between Aleks and Torbin. But a certain young Japanese Officer had been well entertained also that night.
“He is an officer and a gentleman,” Aleks quickly answered. “He will continue to be one if for no other reason that your big sisters will see to it, little sister.” Now it was Ichiro’s turn to blush.
“So, Abigail, next week. Contact me and we will begin. We can also practice your Japanese. Now, please come with me, and I will give you a tour of our cultural site.”
With Fuzz providing a furry escort, causing many to step back upon his approach, Ichiro explained the various activities they were providing for all visitors. Ichiro explained the rickshaws. “I know how Americans love contests, games at their state fairs. So, each rickshaw will be pulled by two men, with a woman in the back to add a little bit of weight. They race to the end of the track, turn around, and race back. We have checked and rechecked the rickshaws to be certain they are safe and will hold up to the task. Of course, that means several soldiers have practiced and become quite good at this type of racing. So who ever beats them must be of superior ability.”
Aleks sniffled. “Well, this is one activity I will not do. My two trolls add too much extra girth and weight. Any people pulling me would be at a disadvantage.” She looked around. “And these same trolls are making me very hungry again. I see some rice cakes, sushi, and sashimi in that tent. I have some funds here…”
Ichiro looked taken aback. “You, pay? Never. You are my guest, the wife of my brother in blood. You will never pay for anything in my presence again.” He looked so serious. Until Abigail began to laugh.
Ichiro gazed at her with a confused expression on his face.
“I am sorry, Ichiro. It is just, as much as my big sister has been eating, it may just break your food budget for this activity. Not to mention that you may run out of food.”
Aleks bumped her hard with her very rounded hip. “You just wait. When I am back in my fighting trim, I will show you what big sisters do to smartass little sisters.” Even Fuzz laughed.
After Ichiro had the sushi chef fix Aleks up with two stuffed bento boxes, including some tempura, Abigail had Fuzz escort her back to their picnic table, where Torbin had been patiently waiting, beer in hand. Abigail stayed, supposedly to get the full tour and demonstration of Japanese culture. However, Aleks saw the real reason. Abigail acted like a little school girl around Ichiro, and he seemed equally attracted to her as well. With a sly smile, Aleks allowed herself to be ushered off, realizing there was just so much chaperoning a big sister could do.
Abigail watched the kendo demonstration, then a full tea ceremony, both which fascinated her. Especially since a man in full Samurai garb performed it first, followed by one of the three ‘geisha’. Ichiro explained in Japanese the significance of the ceremony. “The Japanese tea ceremony allows one to become centered, to block out all other pressures, problems. Thus, both men and women, especially warriors, are taught to perform it. It is said it can greatly reduce ones blood pressure if you are prone to that problem.”
“You do this also, Ichiro?”
“Why yes, Abigail. I would be happy to walk you through it someday, explain the significance of each part of the ceremony, the serving of the tea. But if you want to learn how to do it, a woman should teach a woman. Women and men move differently, so it easier to follow another lady as she does it than some large handed man.”
Abigail smiled. “Yes, Ichiro. I would enjoy both scenarios. Let me check my schedule, and see about a good time for both of us.”
Ichiro smiled and bowed. Then he took her to where two geishas were showing first arrivals how to perform a traditional dance. Quickly, he forced Abigail to join in, despite protests that she was not dressed for it and was too clumsy. Within minutes, Abigail’s natural flowing, graceful rhythm was brought to the fore. Soon, the two female-soldiers-as-geishas were concentrating on her, weaving more intricate moves and steps into the dance as others looked on.
Ichiro watched, a growing warm feeling in his stomach. How she, a hardened warrior, still had this youthful grace and exuberance. He shook himself from his reverie. He knew she “did something” to him when he was in her presence. He began acting like a young schoolboy around her, something he must control with all his responsibilities to all the new, young officers and enlisted men.
The music finally stopped, the two geishas bowing and applauding at Abigail. One giggled and said in Japanese, “We must ask the Major to bring her back. I would love to see her in traditional geisha garb.”
Abigail bowed back, answered in Japanese, “I would like that, ladies.”
“Oh, she speaks Japanese. Even better.”
“I am just learning. Please bear with me.”
“There is no problem. Come back anytime and we will help you with your studies.”
Ichiro then approached. “I will have her return when her duties and yours permit, Lieutenants.”
The two young women soldiers, instead of snapping to, suddenly produced fans, hiding their grinning faces behind them, acted demurely female and coquettish. Ichiro sighed. Let them take an inch with their feminine ways, they are soon into it for a mile. “There are some other guests approaching. A demonstration for them would also be nice.” The two ladies were soon welcoming other local residents, and the demonstrations began again.
Abigail smiled at Ichiro. “I’m always shy, afraid to do new things at first. At least things not involving…soldiering. Hopefully, I did not make a fool of myself.”
Ichiro smiled warmly at her. “You moved with a grace and a surety of someone who had done those dances for years. You are what Americans call a natural.” He gently took her hand. She gently squeezed in return as their eyes met.
There was a loud human bellow. Both Abigail and Ichiro looked up to see its source, the moment broken. The Sons of the North, formally Sons of Norway, had arrived, led by the ever loud and effervescent Rolf Knudsen.
“Come, little brothers! We have brought you mead, ale, and meat,” Rolf bellowed. “We have come to sample your culture, and bring you ours. Today is a day for celebration!”
There was a dozen large Nordic men and half a dozen of striking, tall blonde females, mos
t in traditional attire. Tobin said later that Rolf and company must have watched every Viking movie and tape of a television show to get an idea of what a Norseman really was. Then they picked out the most energetic parts, doubled them, and decided that was how a “Viking” acted. The Sons of the North had a pavilion set up toward the other end of the parade ground and sports field. There they had received permission to serve mead and home brewed ale along with traditional dishes and pastries. Now, apparently easily bored, they felt a need to bring a party to everyone.
Two of the large Sons of the North were quickly admiring a katana of one of the costumed Samurai. One of them proceeded to slice his hand open on the sharp blade, leading to gales of laughter from his fellows. A geisha/soldier quickly responded with a first aid kit, insisting with her batting sensual eyes that yes, he needed to be bandaged. Quickly, several of the Norskies were admiring her handy work, as well as the geisha. Two of the large blonde females responded and reminded their male counterparts that they were being watched by their women.
Others went to the food section of the erected tent, quickly stuffing their mouths with whatever they could find. Actual gold and silver coins appeared as the Sons of the North tried to buy all the food present. It was later ascertained by the Federal Authorities that the large population of Norwegian, Danish, Swedes, a few Dutch and Germans, who had resided previously in or moved to the Unoccupied States had been producing their own coinage, not trusting the use of left over and plentiful greenbacks. Going back to the old ways was being taken seriously.
Ichiro and Abigail responded to the food area, afraid nothing would be left for other visitors. Abigail quickly lapsed into Norwegian, to the joy of the Viking wannabees. Rolf had been too busy orchestrating his group’s arrival to have noticed Abigail. When he heard her voice, he bellowed.
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