Chapter 5.1 - “A Voice Across the Pacific”

I. The Distance Between Two Islands

Kade Bher was beginning to suspect that every piece of good news in the Pacific came with an invoice.

Sometimes the invoice was literal.

More often, it arrived in the form of additional paperwork, an equipment inspection, a logistics complication, or somebody from the engineering department appearing in his doorway with an expression suggesting that the situation was about to become considerably more expensive.

He had developed an instinct for such expressions.

It was not an instinct he particularly appreciated.

On this particular afternoon, however, the news was genuinely encouraging.

Horizon Atoll had a provisional supply aircraft assigned to its next available perishable-food distribution movement.

The request was not yet a completed delivery, and the aircraft had not departed, but the distribution office had accepted the base's need for fresh provisions and medical supplies. Provided the remaining scheduling and receiving requirements could be satisfied, Horizon would finally receive another shipment of food that hadn't spent the better part of its existence inside a sealed metal container.

Eliza Ward was delighted.

Corwin Hale was cautiously satisfied.

Dr. Irena Holt had begun preparing the medical department's receiving requirements.

Dain Okoro was overseeing repairs to the refrigerated storage equipment, which fortunately required components that Horizon already possessed.

Mara Fenwick had spent the morning ensuring that every department understood its responsibilities.

And Kade had spent an unreasonable amount of time explaining to various people that the aircraft did not, in fact, represent an opportunity to have everything they wanted flown to the island.

He was still recovering from that conversation.

A folder lay open before him.

Across the top of the first page, in Corwin's neat handwriting, someone had written:

PERISHABLE SUPPLY AIRLIFT — HORIZON ATOLL.

Kade regarded it.

Then looked toward Mara.

"Chief."

She continued reviewing a personnel assignment sheet.

"Commander?"

"I've decided something."

"How unfortunate."

"One day, this island will receive a delivery without requiring me to read fourteen separate documents about it."

Mara looked up.

"An ambitious dream."

"I like to think big."

"Clearly."

He tapped the folder.

"Fresh vegetables. Medical supplies. Maybe some eggs. Possibly even fruit, if the distribution people are feeling generous."

"An impressive military achievement."

"Thank you."

"Have you considered requesting a medal?"

Kade narrowed his eyes.

Mara's expression remained perfectly composed.

He sighed.

"You're getting worse."

"I learned from an exceptionally talented example."

"Who?"

She looked at him.

He stared.

Then slowly leaned back in his chair.

"...I hate this office."

"You were quite enthusiastic about it when we repaired the air-conditioning."

"That was before the paperwork discovered where I lived."

Mara smiled and returned to her report.

Outside the office windows, Horizon Atoll continued working.

The administrative headquarters stood on ground overlooking part of the inner harbor, and Kade could see several maintenance teams moving between damaged installations. A crane was lifting a replacement structural section toward one of the battered pier platforms. Beyond it, the lagoon glittered beneath the afternoon sun.

Farther east, the training area was active.

Small wakes moved between the marker buoys as Keelborn practiced controlled maneuvers beneath the supervision of their instructors.

Aster was somewhere over there.

Probably making Riko miserable.

Possibly being made miserable by Riko in return.

Kade considered checking on them again.

Then looked toward the stack of reports on his desk.

Unfortunately, the reports were still there.

He found this deeply unreasonable.

A knock sounded at the door.

Mara looked up.

"Come in."

A young communications officer entered, carrying a message folder.

"Commander."

Kade straightened.

"Go ahead."

"We've received confirmation from Signals. Summit Key has reserved a long-range voice circuit for Operation Lantern Road."

For a moment, Kade didn't move.

Then his expression sharpened.

"Sakura?"

"Yes, sir. The convoy's formal operational report is scheduled to come through shortly. Summit Key's station is arranging the relay now."

Mara set down her pen.

Kade glanced at the clock.

He had already received the arrival notification.

He had read Harper's preliminary status report.

And he had managed a brief personal exchange with Sakura after learning that the convoy had reached Summit Key.

But there was a difference between receiving a few encouraging lines from a distant installation and hearing the transport girl deliver her own complete operational report.

He wanted to know exactly what had happened.

Where the girls were staying.

How their equipment had survived the passage.

What the next stage of their journey would require.

And, perhaps most importantly, whether Sakura still sounded like Sakura.

"Where's the circuit being patched?"

"Main communications room, sir."

"Good."

Kade rose from his chair.

Then paused.

He looked toward Mara.

"Chief."

"Yes?"

"You're coming."

"I assumed."

"Bring the Lantern Road file."

She had already picked it up.

Kade stared at her.

"...Of course you did."

The communications officer looked between them.

Mara smiled.

"Lead the way, please."

 

II. Horizon Command, Receiving

The communications room was considerably cooler than the corridor outside.

A row of ventilation fans hummed above the equipment cabinets, circulating air through a room filled with radio sets, signal monitors, recording equipment, and the quiet concentration of people who understood that sometimes the difference between a routine afternoon and a catastrophe was a voice arriving through a loudspeaker.

Several operators sat at their stations.

Headsets rested over their ears.

Status lamps glowed across the communications panels.

The room smelled faintly of warm electronics, paper, and coffee that had probably been sitting too close to somebody's equipment for far too long.

Kade entered with Mara.

A few heads turned.

The duty officer stood.

"Commander."

"At ease."

The officer nodded toward the primary station.

"Summit Key is establishing the circuit. Their communications office will relay Lantern Road's transmission through the military network."

Kade looked at the equipment.

"Any issues?"

"Some atmospheric interference reported earlier, but nothing that should prevent a scheduled voice exchange. The relay path is stable at present."

"Good."

Mara opened the operational folder.

"Do we have their last authenticated position report?"

"Yes, Chief."

The operator brought up the record.

OPERATION LANTERN ROAD

LOCATION: SUMMIT KEY NAVAL FORTRESS

STATUS: IN HARBOR

ESCORT STRENGTH: SIX KEELBORN TOTAL, INCLUDING PRIMARY TRANSPORT

CARGO PONTOONS: THREE, ATTACHED AND ACCOUNTED FOR

CASUALTIES: NONE REPORTED

EQUIPMENT STATUS: INSPECTIONS IN PROGRESS

Kade read the lines.

Once.

Then again.

Six girls.

Three pontoons.

No casualties.

He knew the words.

He had already seen them in the earlier reports.

They still looked good.

The operator adjusted a control.

"Summit Key Communications, Horizon Command. We are standing by for Lantern Road."

A faint wash of static came through the speaker.

Then a distant voice answered.

"Horizon Command, Summit Key Communications. Relay circuit established. Please confirm reception."

The operator leaned toward the microphone.

"Summit Key, Horizon. Receiving clearly."

"Acknowledged. Lantern Road is being connected now."

Kade moved closer.

The duty officer offered him the microphone.

"Sir."

He accepted it.

Mara stood beside him, holding the report folder open.

A soft click sounded through the speaker.

Then silence.

Not complete silence.

The circuit carried a faint hiss, along with the distant texture of another communications station working somewhere across the Pacific.

Kade waited.

He didn't particularly like waiting.

Especially not when somebody he cared about was on the other end of an ocean.

Then a familiar voice came through.

"Horizon Command, this is Senko Maru, Operation Lantern Road. Requesting permission to deliver our arrival and readiness report."

Kade smiled.

He couldn't help it.

The girl sounded alert.

A little formal.

And unmistakably pleased to be speaking with him.

He lifted the microphone.

"Senko Maru, this is Horizon Command. Commander Bher speaking. Permission granted."

A brief pause followed.

Then Sakura answered.

"Commander! Good afternoon!"

Kade raised an eyebrow.

Mara's mouth twitched.

"Good afternoon, Sakura."

"Oh! Sorry. I mean—Operation Lantern Road reporting from Summit Key Naval Fortress!"

He glanced toward Mara.

She was already writing.

Kade returned his attention to the microphone.

"Relax. You're allowed to sound happy about reaching port."

"I am happy!"

"Clearly."

"Very happy, actually."

He chuckled.

"Good. Now tell me how everyone's doing."

The response came immediately.

"We're all safe, Commander. All six of us arrived at Summit Key, and nobody was lost during the passage."

Kade nodded.

"That's the part I like."

"Me too."

The gentle warmth in her voice made him smile again.

He leaned slightly against the communications table.

"All right, Sakura. Start from the beginning. Give me the full report."

"Understood!"

There was a brief rustling sound on the other end.

Then Sakura cleared her throat.

"Operation Lantern Road departed Horizon Atoll with six Keelborn and three attached cargo pontoons. We maintained the planned transport formation during the crossing, with adjustments for weather and the enemy contacts we encountered."

Mara looked down at the file.

Kade listened.

"We arrived at Summit Key and were authenticated by the harbor defense network before entering the protected approaches. The harbor authorities assigned us a temporary berth, and we're currently conducting inspections, replenishment, and preparation for the next leg of the mission."

"Any trouble getting into harbor?"

"No serious problems. The entrance procedures were thorough, but the personnel were helpful."

Kade narrowed his eyes.

"Define thorough."

Sakura hesitated.

"Well..."

Mara looked toward him.

Kade smiled faintly.

"Sakura."

"They wanted to classify my pontoons as separate vessels."

For several seconds, Kade said nothing.

Then he slowly looked toward Mara.

She closed her eyes.

Kade returned to the microphone.

"Three separate vessels?"

"Yes, Commander."

"Your pontoons."

"Yes."

"The ones attached to your transport equipment."

"Those ones."

He considered that.

Then nodded gravely.

"Well, congratulations."

There was a pause.

"Commander?"

"You've apparently become a fleet."

Mara covered her mouth.

The duty officer looked down.

One of the nearby operators developed a sudden and intense interest in his communications panel.

Sakura's offended voice came through the speaker.

"Kade!"

He grinned.

"What? Three additional vessels. That's impressive."

"They're not separate ships!"

"Take it up with Summit Key."

"Harper already did!"

"Oh?"

"She made them correct the paperwork."

Kade looked toward Mara.

"Efficient woman."

The Chief of Staff nodded.

"Very."

He lifted the microphone again.

"Tell Harper she's earned my gratitude."

"I will!"

A pause.

Then Sakura added, sounding considerably more amused:

"Although I think the harbor officer is a little frightened of her now."

Kade smiled.

"Excellent. She's adapting well to command."

 

III. Six Girls, One Convoy

"All right," Kade continued. "Let's go through your people."

"Yes, Commander."

He glanced at the roster.

"Start with Harper."

Sakura's answer came promptly.

"Harper is still serving as our escort commander. Her South Dakota-class rigging passed the preliminary post-engagement checks, and she's coordinating our supplies and onward route with the Summit Key authorities."

"How's she holding up?"

"Very well. She's been taking care of everyone."

Kade nodded.

"Sounds like Harper."

"She's also very good at paperwork."

"That's a terrifying qualification."

Sakura laughed.

"She made the harbor administration change our pontoon records without raising her voice."

Kade glanced toward Mara.

"Chief, I believe we've found your spiritual successor."

Mara raised an eyebrow.

"I'm flattered."

He returned to the microphone.

"Continue."

"Noelle is with us, of course. She's handling antiaircraft readiness and helping Harper organize the escort's replenishment requirements."

"Any problems with her equipment?"

"Nothing that made her unfit to continue, but she used ammunition during the Blackwake encounter. She wants the proper magazine replenishment before the next passage."

"Good."

"She's been very careful about the inventory."

"Even better."

Mara made a note.

Kade spoke again.

"Tell her not to let anyone convince her she can make do without the ammunition she's authorized to carry."

This story originates from NovelPhoenix. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"I will, Commander."

"And Alice?"

Sakura's voice brightened slightly.

"Alice is doing well! She had her antisubmarine equipment inspected because of the contact we detected during the voyage. One connection needed servicing, but the technicians haven't found anything suggesting a major system failure."

Kade's expression became more serious.

"The submerged contact."

"Yes."

"Did she get a confirmed identification?"

"No, Commander. We had a probable submerged threat, but we couldn't establish exactly what it was. Alice is preparing a detailed report using the records we were able to preserve."

"Good. I want the observations, not guesses."

"She said you'd probably say that."

Kade blinked.

"...Did she?"

"Yes."

Mara smiled.

Kade regarded the speaker.

"Apparently, I'm becoming predictable."

"Only about important things."

He considered that.

Then nodded.

"I'll take it."

Mara added a note concerning the acoustic report.

Kade continued.

"Emi?"

There was a pause.

A rather suspicious pause.

He narrowed his eyes.

"Sakura."

"Yes?"

"What's Emi done?"

"Nothing bad!"

"That's not reassuring."

Sakura giggled.

"She's been doing her job! Her Benson-class rigging is operational, and she's been helping with the close escort and the watch rotations."

"Good."

"She's also been helping around the pontoons."

Kade waited.

Sakura continued.

"Mostly."

He sighed.

"What happened?"

"She wanted to find a bakery."

Silence.

Kade stared at the microphone.

Mara lowered her pen.

Then Sakura explained.

"Summit Key has a civilian supply district, and Kagerō found a bakery there. She bought pastries for everyone."

Kade closed his eyes.

"Of course she did."

"The pastries were very good!"

"I'm sure they were."

"Alice liked them too."

"Naturally."

"And Emi was really happy."

"That's the most important part of this operation, then."

Sakura laughed.

"Commander!"

Kade shook his head, smiling.

"Tell Emi that eating is a permitted activity as long as it doesn't interfere with her duties."

"Understood!"

"And tell her the pastries are not to be classified as ammunition."

There was a sudden burst of laughter from the speaker.

Not Sakura's.

A different voice, farther from the microphone.

Then Sakura returned.

"She heard that!"

Kade raised an eyebrow.

"Good."

From the other end, a distant protest followed.

"THAT'S NOT FAIR!"

Kade smiled.

Mara looked toward the ceiling.

The duty officer appeared to be fighting an increasingly difficult battle against laughter.

Kade waited for Sakura to regain control of the conversation.

It took a moment.

Then he asked, "And Kagerō?"

The atmosphere shifted slightly.

Not unpleasantly.

Just enough that Sakura's next answer came more thoughtfully.

"She's doing well, Commander."

"Good."

"She maintained her assigned destroyer-screen position throughout the voyage. She helped during the enemy encounter and hasn't caused any problems with the escort."

"Didn't expect her to."

"I know."

A short pause followed.

Then Sakura continued.

"She's also been helping with things around the pontoons. Cooking, cleaning, watch arrangements. She's been very considerate."

Kade nodded slowly.

"How is she doing personally?"

Sakura took a moment before answering.

"Better, I think."

He waited.

"She still worries about how people see her because of the PCA. Some of the personnel here looked at her records and... well, I think she noticed."

Kade's expression hardened.

"Anyone giving her trouble?"

"Nobody's threatened her or anything like that. It's just..."

Sakura hesitated.

"Sometimes people look at her differently."

Kade looked toward Mara.

Her expression had become serious.

He turned back to the microphone.

"Does Harper know?"

"Yes, Commander."

"Good. If there's a problem with her clearance or treatment, I want it documented and reported. Nobody gets to invent disciplinary measures because they don't like where she used to serve."

"Understood."

He paused.

Then asked more quietly, "And outside of that?"

Sakura's voice softened.

"We watched the sunset together."

Kade blinked.

"...You what?"

"At Summit Key. Yesterday evening."

He leaned back slightly.

Mara watched him with interest.

Sakura continued.

"We were standing on the pontoon, drinking tea. The harbor was beautiful, and she told me she was beginning to understand why I love the ocean so much."

Kade's expression changed.

The sarcasm disappeared.

For a moment, he simply listened.

"She's been smiling more," Sakura added. "I think she's starting to feel comfortable with us."

He looked toward the window.

Beyond the glass, the sea glittered.

Kagerō had come to Horizon wearing the colors and carrying the history of a fleet that had attacked them.

There were people on the island who would not forgive that easily.

Some might never forgive it.

Kade understood.

But she had chosen to help when the Blackwake arrived.

She had recovered the Pendant of someone who had died.

And now she was helping escort a transport carrying the first real chance Horizon had found to rebuild its restoration equipment.

That counted for something.

A great deal, actually.

"Good," he said quietly.

Sakura didn't answer immediately.

Then her voice came through.

"I'm glad you let her come with us."

Kade smiled faintly.

"She earned the chance."

"Yes."

"And Sakura?"

"Commander?"

"Thanks for looking out for her."

A small silence followed.

Then the transport girl answered.

"Of course."

 

IV. The Ocean Between Them

Mara turned the next page of the operational folder.

Kade glanced toward her.

She pointed to the section concerning the convoy's encounter with hostile forces.

He nodded.

Then lifted the microphone.

"All right. Let's talk about what happened on the way there."

Sakura's voice became more formal.

"Understood."

"You encountered Blackwake surface units."

"Yes, Commander."

"Give me your account."

There was a faint rustle of paper on the other end.

Then Sakura began.

"We encountered a possible submerged contact during the passage. We couldn't confirm its identity or establish whether it was tracking us continuously. Alice maintained an acoustic watch while Harper kept the convoy on its assigned course."

Kade listened carefully.

"Later, three Blackwake destroyers approached our formation, with indications that another submerged unit might also have been involved."

"Any certainty on the underwater contact?"

"No, Commander. Alice had enough information to consider it a threat, but not enough to identify it conclusively."

"Good distinction. Continue."

"Harper ordered the escorts to maintain the defensive screen. Noelle provided supporting fire, and Alice, Emi, and Kagerō helped protect the pontoons while Harper managed the surface engagement."

"And you?"

"I maintained the transport course and controlled the pontoons during the evasive maneuvers."

Kade looked down at the attached report.

"How much maneuvering?"

"Enough to avoid the immediate threat, but not enough to overload the couplings. I couldn't turn as sharply as the destroyers, so Harper adjusted the escort's movement around my limitations."

He nodded.

"Good."

"There was some fragment damage to an aft protective fitting."

"I read that."

"We made a temporary repair during the passage. The fitting has since received attention at Summit Key, and it's awaiting final acceptance. The coupling assemblies were inspected, and the technicians haven't identified any major structural damage."

"Any abnormal loads?"

"Not beyond the approved limits indicated by the equipment records."

"Any water intrusion?"

"None reported in the cargo spaces."

"Propulsion?"

"Operating normally."

Kade made a note.

"And the pontoons?"

"All three accounted for. Connections intact. No cargo loss."

He nodded again.

"Enemy losses?"

"Unconfirmed. The escorts damaged several attackers, but the Blackwake units withdrew. We didn't establish any definite sinkings."

"Good."

A pause followed.

Then Sakura sounded uncertain.

"Good?"

"That you're not claiming kills you didn't confirm."

"Oh."

He leaned against the communications table.

"Sakura, I don't care how impressive the report sounds. If something escaped, it escaped. If you don't know whether it sank, you don't know. I want what happened, not what we'd prefer happened."

"Yes, Commander."

"And before you start apologizing, that wasn't a criticism."

A brief silence.

Then Sakura laughed softly.

"You knew I was going to apologize?"

"You're Sakura."

"That's not an answer!"

"It's an extremely accurate answer."

She giggled.

Mara made a note in the margin of the report.

Kade looked at it.

Then looked back toward the microphone.

"Most important question."

"Yes?"

"Did anybody get hurt?"

The answer came quickly.

"No, Commander. No injuries from the encounter requiring medical treatment. Everyone completed the passage safely."

He closed his eyes.

Just for a moment.

Then opened them.

"Good."

One word.

Nothing more.

But Mara, standing beside him, noticed the way his shoulders eased.

He had seen enough casualty reports.

Enough names written beside words like missing, critical, and presumed lost.

He didn't need another.

Not from a mission that was supposed to bring people home.

The radio hissed softly.

Then Sakura spoke again.

"Commander?"

"Go ahead."

"I was scared."

Kade went still.

Mara looked up.

Sakura continued before he could answer.

"When the Blackwake came toward us. I knew Harper and the others were there. I knew we had a good escort. I knew my equipment was working properly."

Her voice became quieter.

"But I was still scared."

Kade regarded the microphone.

For several seconds, he didn't speak.

Then he said, "Good."

A pause.

"Good?"

"Means you understood what was happening."

Sakura fell silent.

He continued.

"Being scared isn't a failure. Doing something stupid because you're scared can be. But you kept your equipment under control. You listened to your escort commander. You brought everyone into port."

There was another pause.

Then her answer came, smaller than before.

"I did."

"Then you did your job."

Sakura made a faint sound.

Almost a laugh.

Almost something else.

"Thank you."

Kade smiled.

"You're welcome."

He looked toward Mara.

Her expression was gentle.

Then he returned his attention to the report.

"And Sakura?"

"Yes?"

"Next time the Blackwake shows up, you're allowed to be scared again."

A brief silence.

Then the girl laughed.

"I'll remember that."

"Excellent. Saves me from having to issue a formal fear authorization."

Mara closed her eyes.

Sakura burst out laughing.

"COMMANDER!"

Kade grinned.

"See? Paperwork is everywhere."

 

V. The Plan Beyond Summit Key

Mara indicated the next page.

Kade nodded.

"All right, Sakura. What's the plan from here?"

The transport girl's voice became immediately attentive.

"We're going to complete the remaining inspections and replenishment at Summit Key, then request clearance for the onward passage to Resolute Shoals."

"Have you received a departure window?"

"Not yet, Commander. Harper is coordinating that with the local naval authorities. They'll need to confirm the route, our readiness, and the available escort support before approving our departure."

"Good. Don't rush them."

"We won't."

Kade glanced toward the chart spread across the communications table.

Summit Key lay far to the east of Horizon.

Farther east and south, depending upon the designated military routes, were the approaches toward Resolute Shoals.

The chart showed distances, navigational boundaries, marked hazards, and known patrol areas.

But the lines on a chart could only convey so much.

They couldn't fully describe the size of the ocean.

The weather between two islands.

The silence of a nighttime watch.

Or the way a single submarine contact could make every mile feel considerably longer.

He looked back toward the microphone.

"What's Harper's assessment of your current readiness?"

"She considers the convoy suitable for continued preparation, but she isn't recommending immediate departure. Noelle's ammunition replenishment and the final equipment acceptance still need to be completed."

Kade nodded.

"Good answer."

"Alice also wants the relevant sonar records preserved for analysis."

"Also good."

"And we need to confirm the weather and routing information before casting off."

"Very good."

Sakura hesitated.

"Commander?"

"Hm?"

"Am I forgetting something?"

Kade looked toward Mara.

She smiled.

He lifted the microphone again.

"Only the part where you tell me what you're planning to do when you reach Resolute Shoals."

"Oh!"

Kade chuckled.

Sakura cleared her throat.

"Right. Once we arrive, we'll report to the naval authorities and coordinate with the engineering depot. Mei Takahara is expecting the request for the restoration components."

"Reserved, not released."

"Yes, Commander. The equipment is reserved pending the required verification and transfer authorization."

"Good."

"The primary items are the Pendant interface, coupling manifold, control modules, and associated equipment that Mei believes could help Hana with the Respite Bath reconstruction."

Kade looked toward the folder.

Those names had been sitting in reports for days.

Every time he read them, he found himself imagining what they might eventually accomplish.

And every time, he forced himself to remember what remained uncertain.

The machinery hadn't been tested in Horizon's damaged facility.

Hana hadn't examined it in person.

Irena hadn't approved any restoration procedures.

Nobody knew whether the system would be compatible with the Pendants currently under protection.

No one had any right to promise the impossible.

He drew a slow breath.

"Do you have the cargo-handling information?"

"Preliminary information. Not the final packed dimensions or mass measurements."

"Then don't commit to a loading arrangement yet."

"I won't."

Sakura sounded almost offended by the suggestion.

Kade smiled.

"I know. I'm being annoying."

"A little."

Mara covered her mouth.

Kade glanced at her.

He returned to the microphone.

"Good. Means you're listening."

Sakura laughed.

"I've started planning several possible configurations for the pontoons. The heavier components should go where the load distribution is most suitable, but I want the final packaging information before I settle anything."

"Excellent."

"We'll also need appropriate securing materials and protective cradles. Some components might be sensitive to movement or contamination."

"Have you spoken with Mei directly?"

"Not yet. We've sent questions through the depot and received the preliminary allocation information. I hope to speak with her once we're closer to the final transfer arrangements."

Kade nodded.

"Good. Keep Hana involved."

"Of course."

"She's the one who'll have to make the equipment work when it arrives."

"Yes."

"And if Mei tells you something needs special handling, I want it written down."

"Understood."

"Not just remembered."

"Yes, Commander."

"Written down."

Sakura laughed.

"Kade!"

He grinned.

"Just checking."

Then he became serious.

"One more thing. Resolute isn't obligated to empty its warehouses for us. Whatever other supplies you're requesting, make sure they're properly authorized."

"I know. I have the requisition list."

"Fuel?"

"Included."

"Repair stock?"

"Included."

"Medical supplies?"

"Requested, subject to allocation."

"Food?"

"Also requested."

Kade smiled faintly.

"About that."

There was a pause.

"Commander?"

"We've arranged something here."

"Really?"

"Provisionally. A cargo aircraft assigned to the food-and-medical distribution service."

The response came immediately.

"A plane?"

"Apparently, they exist."

"Kade!"

He chuckled.

"Yes. A plane. Fresh food, chilled supplies, medical provisions. They're coordinating the delivery window now."

Sakura sounded delighted.

"That's wonderful!"

"Assuming everything gets approved."

"Still!"

He nodded.

"Still."

A pause followed.

Then Sakura asked carefully:

"Does that mean we don't need to bring back food?"

"Not necessarily. Depends on what they allocate and what Resolute can spare. But it should take some pressure off the list."

"That's good."

"Very."

Kade glanced at Mara.

She nodded.

Then he continued.

"I also asked whether the aircraft could carry the restoration components."

Sakura went quiet.

He waited.

Then she asked:

"And?"

"No."

A short silence.

"Oh."

Kade looked toward the ceiling.

"Believe me, that was my reaction too."

Sakura laughed softly.

"Why not?"

"Different service. Their aircraft are authorized for food, medical supplies, and related distribution cargo. They don't handle general engineering equipment."

"Even if there's room?"

"Even if there's room."

She considered that.

"I suppose they have other bases to supply."

"Exactly."

"And they can't delay food deliveries to carry our machinery."

"Also exactly."

There was a brief silence.

Then Sakura said something that made Kade smile.

"Well, that's all right."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Is it?"

"Yes."

Her voice brightened.

"That's why you sent me."

Kade looked at the microphone.

For a moment, he didn't answer.

Then he smiled.

"That's right."

"The plane can bring food. I'll bring the equipment."

He nodded slowly.

"Sounds like a plan."

"And we'll bring the escorts back too."

His smile softened.

"That's the most important part."

 

VI. A Transport Girl's Pride

The conversation might have ended there.

The essential information had been delivered.

The convoy was safe.

The girls were accounted for.

The equipment was being inspected.

The next destination remained Resolute Shoals.

The restoration components were still reserved.

And the mission could proceed once the required authorizations and readiness conditions were satisfied.

But Kade wasn't quite ready to end the transmission.

He regarded the microphone.

Then glanced toward Mara.

She noticed.

And, without saying anything, stepped back toward the operator's station to give him a little more room.

Kade lowered his voice slightly.

"Sakura."

"Yes, Commander?"

"How are you doing?"

A short pause.

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"I'm doing well!"

He raised an eyebrow.

"That's the official answer."

Sakura laughed.

"It is?"

"Very professional. Very reassuring. Almost suspiciously so."

"Commander..."

"I'm asking the girl operating three cargo pontoons across the Pacific how she's doing. Not the transport designation."

The radio hissed softly.

For several seconds, Sakura didn't answer.

Then her voice returned.

Softer.

Warmer.

"I'm happy."

Kade blinked.

He hadn't expected that.

"Happy?"

"Yes."

He leaned against the communications table.

"Despite everything?"

"Despite everything."

There was a faint rustle on the other end.

Perhaps she was adjusting her notes.

Perhaps looking out through a window.

Kade couldn't know.

But he could hear the smile in her voice.

"Summit Key is amazing, Commander."

He smiled faintly.

"Oh?"

"It's enormous! There are so many docks, and cranes, and warehouses. The airfield is huge, and they have trains moving cargo between some of the facilities!"

"Trains."

"Yes!"

"How extravagant."

"I know!"

He chuckled.

Sakura continued.

"And the harbor is beautiful. Yesterday, Kagerō and I watched the sunset over the water. Everything turned gold, and there were ships coming back into port, and all the lights started coming on along the piers..."

She stopped briefly.

Then added:

"I wish you could have seen it."

Kade's expression softened.

For a moment, he looked toward Horizon's own harbor.

The damaged western piers.

The smaller cranes.

The repairs still underway.

The patrol craft moving through the lagoon.

Horizon wasn't Summit Key.

It didn't possess an enormous industrial district or an airfield bustling with long-range operations.

It had fewer people.

Fewer resources.

Far more work waiting than anyone particularly wanted to think about.

But it was home.

And Sakura was describing another place with the same wonder she'd shown toward Horizon when she first began working there.

"Sounds nice," he said.

"It is."

"Get any photographs?"

"A few."

"Good. Show me when you get back."

"I will!"

He smiled.

Then asked, "How's your equipment feeling?"

"Very good."

"Really?"

"Yes. The towing system handled the voyage much better than I was afraid it might. The connections distribute the loads properly, and the pontoons follow very smoothly when I'm maintaining the planned course and speed."

Kade nodded.

"Good."

"I can feel the differences between them, though."

He became interested.

"Explain."

"The first pontoon affects the towing load most directly. The second and third follow through their connections, so changes take time to travel through the whole arrangement. During the squall, I could feel the differences as each one moved over the swell."

"Any trouble?"

"Nothing outside the operating limits, but I had to be careful not to overcorrect."

"Smart."

"And once we're carrying the technical cargo, the loading arrangement will matter much more."

"Exactly."

Sakura sounded thoughtful.

"It's strange."

"What is?"

"Back when I chose Senko Maru, I thought about carrying supplies and helping people. I knew the equipment would be different from a destroyer's or battleship's."

Kade listened.

"But actually operating it like this..."

Her voice softened.

"It's wonderful."

He smiled.

"I can tell."

"Really?"

"Sakura, you've been telling me about tow connections with the enthusiasm most people reserve for winning the lottery."

She burst out laughing.

"I have not!"

"You absolutely have."

"They're interesting!"

"That's what worries me."

Her laughter grew louder.

Kade grinned.

Then he added, "For what it's worth, I'm glad you chose it."

The laughter stopped.

A brief silence followed.

Then Sakura spoke.

"You are?"

"Yes."

"Even though I'm not a battleship?"

He frowned slightly.

"Why would that matter?"

Another pause.

"Some people used to think it was strange."

"Choosing a transport?"

"Yes."

Kade looked toward Mara.

She was quietly reviewing the communications log, giving no indication that she was listening to their exchange.

He returned his attention to the microphone.

"Well, some people are idiots."

Sakura made a surprised little sound.

Then laughed.

"Commander!"

"What?"

"You can't just say that!"

"Watch me."

She giggled.

Kade continued.

"A battleship can't do everything. Neither can a carrier. Neither can a destroyer. If everyone wants the impressive guns and nobody wants to carry the food, eventually you end up with a fleet of very hungry idiots."

Sakura laughed again.

He smiled.

"Besides, you got six girls and three pontoons across the Pacific. That's not nothing."

"I had five escorts."

"Yes."

"Harper made the decisions during combat."

"Correct."

"And everyone helped."

"Also correct."

He paused.

"Still your transport."

Sakura fell quiet.

"Still your equipment. Still your responsibility. Still your work."

The radio hissed softly.

Then Kade added:

"And you did it well."

For several seconds, there was no answer.

Kade waited.

Finally, Sakura's voice returned.

A little unsteady.

But smiling.

"Thank you, Kade."

He leaned back.

"You're welcome."

 

VII. The Question He Didn't Want to Ask

The duty officer quietly indicated that the reserved circuit had sufficient time remaining for a few final exchanges.

Mara approached again.

Kade nodded.

He returned the microphone to its proper position.

"Sakura, one final operational question."

"Yes, Commander?"

"How's everyone handling the distance from Horizon?"

There was a pause.

Sakura didn't answer immediately.

Then she spoke thoughtfully.

"I think we're all missing home a little."

Kade glanced toward the window.

"Harper doesn't really talk about it, but she checks the messages from Horizon whenever she gets a chance."

"Sounds like her."

"Noelle keeps asking whether the repair crews have made progress on the damaged antiaircraft installations."

He nodded.

"Alice wanted to know whether the harbor-watch equipment had been inspected."

"Of course she did."

"Emi misses the mess hall."

Kade stared.

"...Really?"

"Yes."

He looked toward Mara.

The Chief of Staff appeared equally surprised.

Kade turned back toward the microphone.

"Emi?"

"Mhm."

"Our mess hall?"

"Yes!"

He considered that.

Then sighed.

"Eliza will be delighted."

Sakura giggled.

"And Kagerō..."

Her voice softened.

Kade waited.

"I think she misses having somewhere she knows she's welcome."

He didn't answer for a moment.

Then nodded slowly.

"She'll have that when she gets back."

Sakura sounded relieved.

"I know."

"And you?"

"Me?"

"Yes, Sakura. You."

A brief silence followed.

Then she laughed softly.

"I miss everyone."

Kade smiled.

"I miss the harbor. The kitchens. The repair workshops. Even the sound of Riko complaining about training."

"That's a dangerous thing to miss."

"I know."

"And Aster?"

Sakura giggled.

"Especially Aster teasing you."

Kade narrowed his eyes.

"Now you're just being cruel."

"She'll be very happy when you tell her I said that."

"I won't tell her."

"You will."

"Absolutely not."

"Commander..."

He sighed.

"Fine. Probably."

Sakura laughed.

Then her voice became quieter.

"I think I just miss knowing everyone is nearby."

Kade understood.

More than he could tell her.

There was a difference between knowing someone was safe and being able to walk across a harbor to see them.

A difference between reading a status report and hearing someone laugh.

A difference between trusting a radio message and knowing that the person on the other end might be a thousand miles away, surrounded by water, with no guarantee that tomorrow would be kind.

He looked at the chart.

Summit Key.

Resolute Shoals.

Horizon Atoll.

Three places separated by distances that seemed manageable when printed on paper.

Far less manageable when people he cared about were sailing between them.

Kade drew a slow breath.

"Sakura."

"Yes?"

"I need you to do something for me."

Her answer came immediately.

"Anything, Commander!"

He almost smiled.

"First, stop saying anything. I might ask you to organize my office."

There was a horrified pause.

"Your office?"

"Terrible place. Paperwork everywhere. Possibly haunted."

Sakura burst out laughing.

He let her.

Then continued.

"Seriously, though. I need you to trust Harper."

"Of course."

"And Noelle."

"Yes."

"And Alice, Emi, and Kagerō."

"I do."

"Good."

He looked toward the roster.

"You're carrying the cargo. They're protecting you. That's how this works."

Sakura listened.

"Don't decide you need to do their jobs for them. Don't put yourself in danger trying to prove that your transport can do something it wasn't designed to do."

"Understood."

"And if the route becomes unsafe, you turn around."

There was a longer pause.

Sakura answered carefully.

"Even if we're close to Resolute Shoals?"

"Especially then."

She fell silent.

Kade continued.

"Being close doesn't mean anything if the conditions aren't safe. Nobody at Horizon benefits from getting a shipment halfway home and losing the girls carrying it."

His voice remained steady.

But Mara, standing beside him, knew him well enough to hear the weight beneath the words.

Kade looked down at the casualty report resting near the bottom of the folder.

Fifteen Keelborn sunk.

Eleven Pendants recovered.

Four missing.

He wasn't going to add six more names to that list because someone had mistaken determination for invulnerability.

"Sakura."

"Yes, Commander?"

"I want the equipment."

A pause.

"I want Hana to have a chance to rebuild the Respite Bath. I want us to find out whether those Pendants can help bring our girls back."

He swallowed.

Then continued.

"But I want the six of you home more."

The radio remained quiet.

Not disconnected.

Just silent.

Somewhere in the room, an operator adjusted a control.

A small lamp changed color.

Kade waited.

Then Sakura's voice returned.

Softly.

"I understand."

He nodded.

"Good."

"We'll be careful."

"I know."

"And we'll listen to Harper."

"Excellent."

"And we'll finish the inspections."

"Perfect."

"And we won't leave until everything is ready."

"Beautiful."

A brief pause.

Then Sakura added:

"And when we do leave, we'll do our best to bring everything home."

Kade smiled.

"That's all I'm asking."

 

VIII. The Other Side of the Radio

The duty officer signaled that the circuit would soon return to routine network use.

Kade acknowledged him.

"All right, Sakura. I'll let you get back to work."

"Understood, Commander."

"Send Harper my thanks for the report."

"I will."

"And tell the others I'm proud of how they handled the passage."

Sakura's voice brightened.

"Really?"

"Really."

"They'll be happy to hear that."

"Good."

He considered something.

Then smiled faintly.

"Especially Alice."

A pause.

"Alice?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because she didn't try to solve an unidentified submarine contact by throwing the frying pan at it."

Silence.

Then Sakura made a startled noise.

"KADE!"

Mara turned away.

The duty officer lowered his head.

Kade grinned.

"What?"

"How do you even know about the frying pan?"

He blinked.

"...There's a frying pan story?"

A terrible silence followed.

Then Sakura whispered through the speaker:

"Oh, no."

Kade slowly turned toward Mara.

Her eyebrows rose.

He returned to the microphone.

"Sakura."

"Yes?"

"What happened with the frying pan?"

"Nothing!"

"That sounds like something."

"It was breakfast!"

"Breakfast has become a dangerous operation?"

"No!"

"Do I need to send an inspection team?"

"KADE!"

He laughed.

Properly laughed.

The sound filled the communications room.

For several seconds, the tension that had accompanied the earlier reports disappeared.

There were no casualty figures.

No damaged ships.

No uncertain enemy contacts.

Just a young Commander teasing a transport girl about something ridiculous that had happened during breakfast.

Then Sakura laughed too.

And from somewhere in the background of the distant transmission, another voice called something that Kade couldn't quite make out.

Sakura answered away from the microphone.

A brief commotion followed.

Then she returned.

"Commander, Emi says you're not allowed to confiscate the galley."

Kade stared.

Then sighed.

"Tell Emi I wasn't planning to."

"She says that's good."

"Tell her I'm considering it now."

A distant protest erupted.

Mara began laughing openly.

Kade smiled.

Then his expression softened.

"All right, Sakura."

"Yes?"

"Good work."

A pause.

"Thank you."

"Stay safe."

"We will."

"And remember what I said."

"Bring everyone home."

He nodded.

"Exactly."

Sakura's answer came quietly.

"I promise I'll do everything I can."

Kade looked down at the microphone.

Then spoke with unusual gentleness.

"That's enough."

A short silence followed.

Then the girl answered:

"Horizon Command, Senko Maru. Formal arrival and readiness report complete. We will forward the remaining inspection results and departure authorization when available."

Kade straightened slightly.

"Senko Maru, Horizon Command. Report received. Maintain the established plan and coordinate onward movement through Summit Key. No departure before the appropriate clearances."

"Understood, Commander."

"Good sailing, Sakura."

Her final response carried a smile he could hear.

"Thank you, Kade. We'll see you when we get home."

The circuit clicked.

A faint hiss remained for a moment.

Then the operator returned the equipment to its monitoring configuration.

OPERATION LANTERN ROAD — VOICE REPORT COMPLETE.

Kade stood quietly.

For several seconds, he regarded the speaker.

Then slowly set the microphone down.

Mara closed the operational folder.

"Well?"

He looked at her.

"Well what?"

"How do you feel?"

Kade considered the question.

Then glanced toward the chart.

Six girls.

Three pontoons.

One completed leg.

One major destination still ahead.

A return voyage after that.

And a long list of things that could still go wrong.

He sighed.

"Better."

Mara smiled.

"Good."

He looked toward the speaker again.

Then added:

"Still hate the ocean."

The Chief of Staff raised an eyebrow.

"That's an unfortunate opinion for a naval Commander."

Kade nodded gravely.

"Deeply."

Mara chuckled.

He reached for the folder.

"Come on."

"Where?"

"Back to the office."

She blinked.

"Already?"

"Unfortunately, the vegetables aren't going to requisition themselves."

Mara laughed.

The two left the communications room.

Behind them, the operators resumed their ordinary work.

Signals continued crossing the Pacific.

Ships reported their positions.

Patrols exchanged updates.

Supply officers coordinated deliveries.

And somewhere beyond the horizon, Sakura Nagase and her five companions prepared for the next part of their journey.

 

IX. The People Who Wait

By the time Kade returned to headquarters, the afternoon sun had moved lower in the sky.

Its light stretched across the administrative district, turning the concrete paths a pale gold.

He paused outside the building.

Not because anything was wrong.

Not because an alarm had sounded.

Simply because he wanted a moment.

The island was alive around him.

A maintenance vehicle rumbled past.

Two sailors hurried toward the logistics offices carrying a clipboard between them.

From the direction of the training lagoon came a distant shout.

Kade listened.

He recognized the voice immediately.

Riko.

Of course.

A second voice followed.

Aster.

Then another.

Yuna, probably saying something devastatingly calm while Riko became increasingly offended.

Kade smiled.

Mara stopped beside him.

"Something amusing?"

"Apparently, the training detachment remains operational."

She followed his gaze.

"That's encouraging."

"Depends who you ask."

A faint gust of wind moved across the path.

Kade looked toward the sea.

Somewhere far away, Summit Key's cranes were still working.

Harper would be reviewing the escort's readiness.

Noelle would be checking ammunition.

Alice would be examining her acoustic records.

Emi would probably be trying to convince someone that additional pastries were essential to crew morale.

Kagerō would be helping where she could.

And Sakura...

Sakura would be making plans.

Checking cargo figures.

Preparing the pontoons.

Making sure her companions had somewhere comfortable to sleep.

Looking out over a beautiful ocean that had every reason to frighten her.

Kade sighed softly.

Mara glanced at him.

"Commander?"

He looked at her.

"Think they'll be all right?"

She considered the question carefully.

Then answered.

"I think they have a capable escort commander, a properly prepared transport, and a crew that understands what the mission requires."

Kade nodded.

"That wasn't quite the question."

"I know."

She looked toward the harbor.

"But it's the answer I can give you."

He smiled faintly.

"Fair."

A pause followed.

Then Mara added:

"And I think Sakura has given us every reason to trust her."

Kade looked toward the eastern horizon.

The Pacific stretched beyond the island, glittering beneath the late-afternoon sun.

He thought about the girl who had chosen to become a transport.

The girl who saw beauty in open water.

The girl who had crossed hundreds of miles because she believed carrying the right equipment might someday help bring eleven others back.

He nodded slowly.

"Yeah."

Then he turned toward headquarters.

"Come on, Chief."

Mara followed.

"More paperwork?"

"Naturally."

"Of course."

He glanced toward her.

"Though I'm considering adding something to Sakura's next assignment."

Mara raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"A formal requirement that she stop making me worry."

The Chief of Staff considered that.

Then shook her head.

"I don't believe the regulations support it."

Kade sighed.

"Useless regulations."

"Tragic."

He opened the door.

Then paused.

"Actually..."

Mara looked at him.

"Yes?"

"Get Corwin to send me the revised food manifest."

"Of course."

"And have Airfield Operations confirm their runway inspection schedule."

"Already arranged."

"And ask Hana whether Mei's latest technical notes have come through."

"I'll check."

"And make sure we don't accidentally promise Eliza twice as many vegetables as the aircraft can carry."

Mara smiled.

"That would be unwise."

"Potentially fatal."

They entered the building.

Kade walked toward his office.

Beyond the windows, Horizon Atoll continued its work.

The training lagoon remained active.

The repair crews kept rebuilding.

The medical staff continued caring for the injured.

The kitchens prepared another evening meal.

Eleven Pendants remained protected.

Four were still missing.

Nothing had become easy.

Nothing had been magically resolved.

But a cargo aircraft was being arranged to bring food.

The girls at Horizon were training to become stronger.

And six others had safely reached Summit Key.

Kade sat behind his desk.

He opened the next folder.

Then stopped.

For a moment, he remembered Sakura's voice.

"We'll see you when we get home."

He smiled.

Not much.

Just enough.

Then picked up his pen.

"All right."

The next page contained another supply request.

He sighed.

"...Back to war."

Outside, the sun continued its slow descent over the Pacific.

And somewhere far beyond the horizon, a transport girl named Sakura Nagase was preparing to sail again.