Highschool of the Dead: Fanfiction Darkpenn

Chapter 17: carrier

Carrier

There are tools for the future that are needed.

"I didn't expect it to be so ... well, so fucking huge," said Saya.

Rei laughed. "Yeah, the Americans certainly liked to do things on a large scale," she said, as she steered the little motor-boat up to the side of the carrier, to where a rope ladder descended from an open deck on the rust-streaked side of the ship. She moored the boat to the transport barges tied to the ship hull and they climbed up the ladder. They were greeted by various members of the salvage crews at work.

"Lot of useful stuff here," said Rei, as she guided her friend through the ship. "There was a lot of fuel and an armoury, and there are miles and miles of cable of every type. We've got a couple of saya-mills rigged up on the deck to give us lights and power for the equipment. Of course, you have to get used to living at an angle of 11 degrees."

The floor was, indeed, tilted, reflecting the fact that the USN Forrestal was stuck fast on the shallow ocean floor, only a few hundred metres from the eastern shoreline of Japan, not far from Tokonusu. Some of the steel plates on the underside had already started to buckle, and several of the lowest-level compartments had flooded. But much of the ship was in surprisingly good condition, despite the battles that had taken place and its months of drifting.

"You said that you wanted me to look at one of the planes that Ben is trying to get working," said Saya. "Do you mean one of the jet fighters? He flew one before the Outbreak, as I recall."

"No, their electrical systems are too corroded for replacement or repair," said Rei. "But there is a propeller transport plane that looks promising, a C2 Grumman Greyhound. We've been charging up the batteries and replacing parts but we could really use your help on the wiring. Our little trainer isn't going to last much longer, I'm afraid. We've repaired it so many times that I think it's held together with duct tape and paperclips."

"If we can get one working, can Ben get it off the deck at this angle?"

"He says he can, if the wind is right. He's a very good pilot."

"Well, I'll do what I can, but no promises," said Saya. "Not like I have any experience with planes. And I'll have a look in the captain's office, see if I can find a ship's manifest of supplies. That would help us with the salvage. If my high-school English is up to it."

Rei laughed. Then she led the way to the captain's office.

It was two weeks later. Saya, Rei, and the members of the salvage crew were on the carrier's flight deck, watching as Benaro tested the engines of the twin-engine Greyhound transport plane.

As planned, he took the engines to full stationary power, until the roar filled the air. Through the cabin window, he gave them a salute and a wave, and the plane began to move.

Saya saw Rei wave back, but she could tell that her jaw was clenched and her fingers crossed so tightly they were turning white. Benaro had insisted on making the take-off alone, a sign that the exercise was not without considerable danger. There was not only the problem of the tilt of the deck but the question of whether their repair work had been effective. There was no way to really know, except by trying it.

The plane began to pick up speed as it roared along the deck. "Come on come on come on," Rei was muttering.

The wheels left the deck at the end of the ship, and then there was a sickening moment when the plane dipped down, as if it was going to crash into the sea. But it pulled up, clawing at the air. And then it was flying, soaring into a circle around the carrier. Everyone on the deck cheered.

Rei heaved a sigh of relief. She pulled on a radio headset, and handed one to Saya.

"Nice going, sweetie," Rei said to Benaro. "You had me worried there for a second."

"Glad I don't have to try landing there," said Benaro.

"Where are you going?" said Saya.

"The airstrip at Kaga is big enough to take this plane, and we've informed the people there about it," said Benaro. "It's designed for short take-offs and landings, so it can set down at Maresato or Nagoya or even a stretch of straight highway. Thanks for the assist with the re-wiring and batteries, Saya."

"You can take me up for a ride in it sometime," said Saya.

Benaro laughed, and then turned the plane towards Kaga.

Rei turned to Saya, and pointed at the trainer, at the other end of the deck.

"I told Benaro I would fly back to Maresato and meet him there later," she said. "Want a lift?"

Saya looked a bit dubious, remembering what Rei had said about the little plane.

"It's as safe as anything can be, these days," said Rei.

"Well, okay," said Saya. "Just let me collect some things." She vanished, and returned a few minutes later carrying a case of documents and folders.

The two of them got into the little plane and before long were heading towards Maresato.

"So what's the story with all that paper?" said Rei.

"Something I hope we're never going to need," said Saya.

END