A Veteran's Affair

Chapter 2 - Kuromorimine Pt. 1

The helicopter blades whistled as the Fa 223 Drache landed on the helipad. I was wearing somewhat professional attire with my sunglasses from 2003. I had my briefcase in my right hand and my suitcase in my left hand. I entered it and I took a seat. "Good hunting," Joe said before I closed the door of the Drache. There were 2 people on board with me, a pilot which was a blonde (or white-haired) girl wearing a very German style uniform and another girl in the seat in front of me. She was wearing the same black and red clothing, but she had a field cap on. She had short brown hair whereas the other girl had long hair. She had a very serious expression that looked like it was branded on.

"Hello Mr House, I am Maho Nishizumi, the commander of Kuromorimine Tankery force," Maho said. She then extended her hand for a handshake which I shook. "The pilot is Erika, she is my vice commander,"

"Just call me Y/N or House," I replied. "When's ETA?"

"In about 20 minutes," Maho said. "So, have you been inside a tank before because when I read your file, it just stated that you were a researcher," she asked.

"I've been inside a couple of times for my research papers," I lied. I did publish research papers, but I've been inside for a lot longer for obvious reasons.

"Interesting," Maho replied. "Once we touchdown, I will call everyone into the assembly room and could you please present yourself," she asked.

"Of course, it's only natural," I replied.

"What happened with your leg?" Maho asked.

"Well," I chuckled. "Long story that I don't want to talk about," I said

"Sorry to hear about that," Maho said. I looked outside and saw that we were flying above the open ocean now and I could see the carrier by the horizon. "If you have any questions, ask Erika or me,"

The Drache landed on the carrier. I stepped out and looked around. It was just like any other city. I limped towards a bin where I threw my tissue. "Follow me," Maho said. Maho and Erika then walked towards this grand campus and I followed suit, but I had to limp there instead. After a dozen minutes of walking, I arrived at the assembly section of the school. I was backstage as Maho and Erika were presenting the weekly news.

"That wraps up the weekly news, but we have an announcement to make," Erika said.

"The ITA has sent us an inspector," Maho said. "He," Maho said but was immediately cut off by the loud gasp and following murmurs. "As I said, He will be staying here for a week so treat him with respect," the students went silent after Maho finished her statement. Meanwhile, I shook my head in reaction. "Please welcome Y/N House!" Maho finished off with. The audience started clapping as I limped towards the stage from the side. I grabbed the microphone that Erika handed to me and began to speak.

"Hello, my name is Y/N House, you can call me Y/N or just House. I am the chief inspector of the ITA and I'm here to review your readiness and fighting condition. I am a bored," I took a brief pause and looked at Maho which her facial expression was that she was staring daggers at me for saying bored. "Certified specialist in the logistics and tactics of armoured warfare of the 20th and 21st century. So, if you have any questions, I'll be here for the next week." The applause ensued but one student raised her hand.

"Hello, I have a question Y/N," "What happened to your leg?" She asked. I chuckled again but I answered with the same thing I told Maho.

"Long story," I responded. I saw another raised hand and I pointed to the student.

"Will you be with us during practice?" She asked.

"Yes, he will, he will be with joining us like if he were a student," Maho answered. "Dismissed, I expect to see you all in the dining room!" Then the sudden roar of the students leaving the assembly room filled the room. Maho and Erika then exited the room to go to the dining room. I simply followed them, but I made sure to keep my distance. I limped through the enormous school and found myself at the dining hall. It was just an upscaled version of the one I had at high school. I lined up to get food and a couple of minutes later I received a tray of the food. Of course, I got strange glances from everyone. I used my left hand to carry the tray of food and used my right hand for my cane. Eventually, I found an empty table which I sat down. The food consisted of veal, with radishes, broccoli and sauce. I took a bit of it and it tasted decent. It was far better of what they served me in Camp Matilda, but it was decent for school food. I was minding my business until I eavesdropped on a conversation nearby.