Chapter Text
May 27th, 2027, 9:30 AM, Base, Airfield
Despite the fact that they were KAN-SEN, the girls for the Olympic Talks had decided to travel via plane in order to get there the fastest. Having to prepare for a month off base, the girls had packed quite a lot, ranging from clothing, toiletries, to various knick-knacks, and even cosplay items. Clearly, just the essentials of a diplomatic mission.
Numerous manjuus and airfield workers were loading the cargo onto the plane, fueling up the plane, making last minute checks, or preparing for the take-off sequence.
Standing on the tarmac, the Commander and Howe were having one last debrief with the team. Well… half of the team.
Vanguard, Reno, and Casablanca had rushed to the plane after arriving at the airfield, wanting to get to California as soon as possible. They were currently having a chat with their pilot, Captain Megan Méndez, about their plans once they arrived.
For Casablanca, it was to get to Burbank and get a tour around the Warner Bros. Studio. She had even purchased tickets online for a Classic tour on June 16th.
For Vanguard and Reno, it was to head to some big conventions, which had decided to start earlier than previous years, starting on June 20th and ending on the 23rd. They planned to cosplay as some of their favorite characters, and go around the convention to meet the actors and buy tons of merchandise.
“As a reminder, you will be landing at Los Angeles International Airport!” Howe shouted at Brooklyn, Baltimore, Eagle, and Eugen so they could hear her over the plane’s engines. “There, you will meet up with Lieutenant Colonel Russell Monque, and he will help take you and your stuff to the Biltmore! I assume that you have already planned out the living arrangement amongst the seven of you?!”
“Yes, we have already discussed amongst ourselves, and have chosen our arrangements!” Eagle confirmed for the team.
“While this is all the information that we could give at the time, we will keep you all updated if there are any changes to the plan!”
The Commander then tapped on Howe’s shoulder, to get her attention. Once she turned towards him, he handed her his tablet.
“He would also like to remind you that your actions not only reflect you, but all of Azur Lane, so please be on your best behaviour when interacting with everyone along this trip! Whether they be Lieutenant Colonel Monque, the representatives, or any civilians you decide to interact with!”
“Yes, Sir!” the team responded, with Eugen having a grin while saying so.
“The Commander trusts your team to accomplish this mission for Azur Lane!”
“We will get the job done, Sir!” Brooklyn shouted back.
While not completely getting everything she had just said, he still got the important pieces. It was good enough for him to give a salute, before waving them off as they headed towards the plane. Walking away from the plane, the two watched the team take-off, heading to Los Angeles.
“And there they go…” Howe said, finally able to hear herself without the presence of the plane. Turning to John, she asked, “So, when is your sister supposed to arrive?”
“She said the estimated time of arrival should be 10:30, so about an hour. ” he responded.
“Hmm… What to do for the next hour?” she pondered. “We can’t really get much work done in that time… And there isn’t anything special happening before 10:30…”
“Wanna just head to Rosy Bakery until then? ” John suggested.
“I see no reason not to, the cookies I baked today should still be—” Howe was saying before she was interrupted.
“SHIKIKAN-SAMA!!!”
Jumping up from the sudden shout, John and Howe turned around to see Jintsuu and Thüringen running towards them from the gates.
“What seems to be the problem? ” he asked them once they were within reading distance.
“No time to explain! Let’s go!” Thüringen exclaimed, before grabbing his wrist and essentially carrying him back out of the field, Jintsuu following quickly behind.
Not wanting to be left behind, and not wanting John to be injured, Howe quickly chased after them to see what the sudden need of him was about.