The cannons of the thunder every second as they release their payload on the distant Fenrimorphs. Some of the monsters die from a direct hit, but most are merely injured and slowed. In the current situation, Hekima is fine with either result.

  “[Captain], ammunition is getting low,” his [Artillery Chief] warns. “We can continue this barrage for a minute more.”

  “Good. Continue.” Hekima looks out of the window of the command center of his ship. Glancing down, he observes hundreds of civilians rushing to board his vessel. A number completely outside of his expectations. Granted, his expectations of finding survivors were zero to maybe in the double digits at best. But hundreds? Honestly, he’s thankful the number isn’t in the thousands. He’d hate to be in a position where the doesn’t have enough space.”

  Once the last of the survivors enter his ship, Hekima orders the ropes cut and planks raised.

  “Ready to sail, captain.” His [Helmsman] exclaims.

  “Get us out of here.”

  The sails are hoisted and the ship lurches forward. As the vessel drifts from the island, Fenrimorph arrive en-masse, howling and snarling from the island's edge. At first it's a dozen, but the number quickly rises to hundreds.

  “The inquisition is going to be very busy.” He murmurs under his breath.

  “[Captain]!”

  Hekima turns around.

  “Botan, is everything set?”

  The [Security Officer] nods. “For the most part. I’ve been able to quarantine the new arrivals as best I can, but the numbers are extensive.”

  “I Imagine so. It seems I’ve underestimated Yuto.”

  “As have I.” Botan says.

  “[Captain], the is approaching. White flag is raised.” The [Helmsman] interupts.

  “Allow them to board.” Hekima orders. He tilts his head to Botan. “Where is the Timbergroves [Captain]? I should thank him personally for what he did today.”

  Botan grimaces at the question. “That may not be the best course of action. I recommend bringing them to you.”

  “Why? Has something happened?”

  “Not exactly. Many of the survivors consist of clan heads. They’re currently situated in the same room as the crew.”

  Hekima hides his annoyance well.

  “I’ll go meet them. Requesting them to come to the bridge after surviving would be a great insult.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Hekima sighs. “I am. Lead the way.”

  Hekima follows Botan through his ship until they arrive in the empty ammunition hold. The moment he enters inside, he can already see familiar faces.

  “Hekima! What took you so long to send a rescue? I had to survive on rice and wine for several days while having to listen to,” the wolven in fine garments raises a finger at the town [Major],” this miserable wretch.”

  Hekima suppresses the growing annoyance as he looks at Mei Kobayashi. No doubt the reason so many are actually alive is precisely because of her leadership and willingness to ignore the orders of those who technically outrank her.

  Hekima bows. “Mei, I thank you for keeping so many of Kyoshi's citizens safe and alive during this ordeal. I would also like to apologize for any difficulty you experienced in dealing with the leadership.”

  Chen’s fur bristles and puffs. “Difficulty? I wasn’t the one being difficult, it was her. She disobeyed the direct orders of Kyoshi’s leadership.”

  “Chen is right. A mere [Major] doesn’t have the authority to refuse the clan heads.” Another wolven in similar standing as chen. Followed by a third, fourth, and several more. All are former leaders of Kyoshi, and all have far more arrogance than brains.

  When Botan warned him that there were clan heads present, he failed to disclose that all of the most annoying and selfish of Kioshis leadership is somehow still alive. It’s a positive boon for the long-term restoration of the island, but a big negative on account of having to deal with such wealthy incompetence.

  “Fellow heads,” a voice makes itself heard with authority and disguised anger. When Hekima looks at the man, he immediately understands how Mei was able to keep the heads in line. “During an infection, it’s expected that the heads of martial clans are to be delegated with maximum authority over all others. As the clan head of Yamamoto and the only martial house present, I designated Mei Kobayashi as the highest authority figure during such an emergency. If you find my choice mistaken, then voice your complaints to the Inquisition when they arrive.” Jiro grins at the heads, knowing full well that the Inquisition is probably going to promote Mei for keeping the idiots alive.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “We will,” Chen growls. He raises a hand towards a corner where the crew rests. “And I’ll be sure to mention the foreign mercenaries your brother dishonorably put in harm's way.”

  Jiro laughs, practically spitting in the face of Chena a reaction that’s both surprising to Hekima, but also one he very much approves of. Last he remembers, Jiro tended to avoid verbal confrontation.

  “Please do, Chen.” Jiro looks at the other heads. “I encourage all of you to inform the Inquisition how the honorable [Druid] [Captain] Quasi Eludo risked his life to save hundreds of lives. And do not fail to mention how Quasi Eludo single-handedly slaughtered a fourteen horned Fenrimorph alpha- an enemy I remind you, requires someone of Elder Ning’s level to overcome.”

  Hekima chokes at Jiro’s words. He shifts his focus to the corner, specifically on the [Druids] preferred form. He’d been curious how the [Druid] can take such a feline form for long periods of time, but if he's secretly a powerful expert, then long transformations are far from out of the ordinary. It’s Hekima’s fault for believing that the level of a person's job nears that of one's class.

  Jiro continues grinning, pushing further and further. “I can say wholeheartedly that if Quasi was absent, none of us today would be alive. For that, I will be informing the head of house Yamamoto to publicly reward him generously for his honorable actions today as is the only proper action. I recommend the present clan heads do the same.”

  The [Captain] of the tries his hardest to keep from grinning. Jiro is putting the other heads in a position where they have to reward the [Druid] or risk losing face. If house Yamamoto rewards Quasi and the Inquisition makes a public statement of honorable conduct over Quasi’s actions, then the clan heads will be severely punished by the true heads of the house they belong to.

  Unfortunately, the heads will most likely offer a token prize. One adequate to save face, but nothing worthy enough for saving their miserable lives. Far better to pool expectations as a group.

  “Jiro,” He shifts his head to the silent kitten with the smuggest grin he’d ever seen. “If what you say is true, then Quasi Eludo is indeed quite the hero.” Hekima allows himself to genuinely smile. “Is there some reward you desire?” He asks.

  The cat yawns. “A bigger, better ship. I’d settle for a carrier, but I hear those are difficult to come by.”

  Hekima chuckles at the joke while many of the heads grimace. “Indeed, a carrier is difficult, but I imagine a light-cruiser would be a marked improvement over your current vessel.”

  Hekimas tail swishes quickly as the fur of the heads all bristle.

  “Hekima, a light-cruiser is costly- let alone difficult to obtain. Maybe something easier to procure?” Chen argues.

  “Nonsense,” Hekima waves his arm. “The empire mass produces light-cruisers for the Inquisition and military. I’m sure they’d be willing to donate one of their older vessels to Quasi if the heads are willing to cover costs.”

  “The Yamamoto clan finds such a reward lacking,” Jiro replies before the other heads can complain. “I’ll not only request a vessel to be rewarded, but I will have my brother Yuto join the honorable [Captain] as a crewmember for half a decade.”

  Not only the heads, but even Hekima himself is taken aback by such a promise. A glance at Yuto reveals similar surprise, though the young [Samurai] doesn’t look against it. It is only as he glances about that he notices a missing third brother.

  Realization hits Hekima as he glances at his niece. Mei stands professionally, but the crinkle of her brow shows that something is bothering her. Initially, he’d thought it was the heads. Now, it’s clear the girl needs time to mourn.

  Chen grimaces, not even bothering to hide his disdain. “If the head of the Yamamoto clan believes the [Druid] deserves a vessel, then I will request the house to support such a decision.”

  The other heads promise support one after another- though none seem delighted with the decision.

  Once the last head promises support, Jiro turns to the cat. “Quasi, I request you wait a day before departing so that we can prepare proper documentation for your reward.”

  The cat nods. “That’s fine. I’ll be on my ship once it arrives. You can deliver it to me there when it’s ready.”

  “The has just arrived,” Hekima says. “You should be able to return to your vessel anytime.”

  “Perfect,” Quasi yawns. “Me and my crew will head to my ship. I really, really need a nap.”

  Hekima chuckles. “I imagine so.” He turns to Botan. “Please escort Quasi and his crew to the Timbergrove.”

  Botan bows. “Yes, [Captain].”

  Once the Timbergroves crew leaves the room, Hekima returns his focus to the heads. “My office has all the supplies necessary for proper documentation. Please feel free to utilize it as you please.”

  Jiro bows respectfully. “Thank you.”

  _____________________________________________________________

  Returning to my ship, the first thing that greets me is the smell of food wafting throughout the insides. When I arrive at the mess-hall, I’m greeted with a massive feast. The table is packed with meats, vegetables, fruits, breads, soups, and a massive central stew. At the table is Myer’s, Irmgard, Emma, and Cillian. The old man is waving while Cillian wiggles a bottle. Next to the table is Julia and Clay in aprons.

  “Welcome back,” Clay squeals. “We made food!”

  “Food!” Micheal and Boriss exclaim excitedly. The two rush to the table, immediately taking a seat and filling their plates, followed by the rest of my crew.

  “Gino! Are you alright?” Julia yells in surprise when she sees her brother. Gino’s arm is heavily bandaged and limb at his side.

  “The human will survive.” Nepenthes explains. “His muscles were crushed and will require days to heal.”

  Julia frowns as she stares at the limb.

  Gino waves his good arm with a smile to shift her focus. “I’ll be fine. It's just a flesh wound.”

  “I’ve seen flesh wounds. A flesh wound doesn’t stop an arm from moving.” Julia says.

  “I have temporarily severed the nerves connecting to his arm because the human’s pain tolerance is far below expectations. They will be reconnected once adequate healing has taken place.”

  Julia quickly calms at the explanation. She nods. “I see. Then there is nothing to worry about.” She turns around and opens up a bottle. She then starts filling cups.

  While that happens, I rush into Clay’s arms. “So you’ve been cooking?”

  Clay pets my fur. “Yup. I helped Julia cook and prepare the table. She is really nice. She even made grandpa let me use a knife.”

  “She convinced the old fart? How’d she do that?”

  “She said she’d give him di-dia-diarrhea!”

  I snort and chuckle. I glance at the old man who gives me a defeated, annoyed look.

  For the next hour, the entire crew sits and eats. By the time the last of the food is finished, nobody has the strength to continue conversing- including yours truly.

  We all make our way back to our rooms for proper rest. I climb my bed, the nightstand, and then jump to the top of my bookcase. I patter down the pillow with my paws. I twirl around and lay my head down on the soft cloth. With one final yawn, I close my eyes and allow sleep to finally take me.