13. Rescue Behind Enemy Lines

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The plan was clear, the participants were ready, the stage was set. For the first time since the beginning of the conflict, US military forces were to land troops on enemy soil for a mission like no other, a rescue mission for a KAN-SEN. United States along with compatriots of Tan Yang, An Shan, Tai Yuan, and the retired merchant KAN-SEN Carmania had retired to Sydney as to get back to the Attack Transport that had been repaired, refueled and rearmed at Fleet Base East. It also meant they had to pick up Queen Elizabeth's "contact" in Sydney itself. The old British First Siren War battleship KAN-SEN's words made it hard to figure out who it was as not even a pennant number was mentioned. To the old Carmania, it was clear from that it was a merchant KAN-SEN. The group of five were to be found in Sydney's Hyde Park not far from the naval base to await the arrival of this contact.

US: I swear that old timer's just sending us on a wild goose chase. Who the fuck can help us from this city?

Carmania: Watch your language, Miss United States. You are out in public and that means there's children here.

US: So what?

Tan Yang: You want angry parents approaching you? I once had a mother confront me over what she thought was a very "sexist" costume. In reality, it was a misunderstanding as I always wear modest costumes.

An Shan: It's more for the public's sake. We're aware of cursing is common among naval KAN-SEN, even we swear but in Mandarin.

Tai Yuan: But when out in public, we do our best to not swear. It's seen as disrespectful.

US: What would you four know? One's from Japan originally, one's British and you two are Chinese.

An Shan: We're originally Russian. Well, I'm technically Ukrainian as a KAN-SEN, I was created in Ukraine.

Tan Yang: So... that explains your accent. I thought it was a variant of Chinese.

As they talked, none of them noticed what resembled a girl in early teens wearing a green and white outfit. While she had your regular features, including having orange-coloured eyes, the most unusual thing about her was she had cat features; she had a pair of ears atop her head and a tail coming out from her short green skirt. Now, these features were more commonly associated with the Japanese KAN-SEN, given the Fuso girls resemble their Sakura Empire ancestors, but this girl was neither. Tai Yuan was fortunately the first to notice her, as everyone else was distracted, but she didn't notice the cat ears and tail.

Tai Yuan: Hello there. You lost?

SuperCat 4: Nope. Since when is a ferrygirl lost in her home city?

Tai Yuan: Oh... you're one of those merchant KAN-SEN that Sydney keeps making for its ferries?

SuperCat 4: Correct. I am indeed, and a pretty young one too. I was only created in the early 2000s. So, who are yous waiting for?

An Shan: Sister, who are you talking... (Notices the cat features) A neko?

Tai Yuan: (Notices it too) Are you from Japan?

SuperCat 4: No, no. I was created right here in Sydney. Name's SuperCat 4, fourth vessel of the Sydney SuperCat-class ferries, which my class name makes it obvious.

An Shan: A ferrygirl? Why aren't you out on the water then, helping the locals?

SuperCat 4: Ah... I was retired in April 2024, over two years ago, replaced by those younger River-class girls from Indonesia. Unworthy successors, in my opinion. (Sighs) Punishment I guess for my involvement in saving Lady Herron.

Tai Yuan: What did you do?

SuperCat 4: Punched the Transport Minister in the face.

An Shan: You did WHAT?!

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