The two officers exchanged a glance. Ivy sheepishly shuffled her papers.
"That is... good to hear! I'm sure President Thompson will be quite pleased with the speedy resolution of this dilemma."
At last Admiral Taylor cracked a smile. As the battleship approached, she rose to her feet and graciously accepted her gift.
Here was a fine young lass. From afar she looked like any other battleship class - tall, toned, baring wide hips and thick thighs - yet when she spoke, she imbued a sense of majesty and respect seldom seen in any North American vessel.
One thing was certain: She'd be a tough nut to crack in the upcoming war games.
"You have my thanks, Miss Yamato. I shall treasure it forever."
Ivy paid it a good look before handing it off to her Second.
"Well then Miss Konohana, I believe negotiations are concluded. If you'll permit, we'll collect the Abyssal immediately and take her to our anchorage in O'ahu."
The closing pleasantries were swift. When one of the servants gave word that the Abyssal was waiting outside, the two officers collected their papers and took their leave.
They found her admiring one of the sakura blossoms in the royal courtyard. But as soon as she noticed the two officers, the Abyssal galloped headlong towards them, right into Nakamura's open arms. It was rather cute.
"Miss Nakamura, Miss Taylor! Oh my gosh, thank goodness you're here!"
Nakamura chuckled, running a hand through its hair.
"There there darling, you're safe now. I hope these Lucians treated you well..."
"It was terrible! First they said all these mean things to me I didn't understand, and then they locked me in a tiny room without any toys! A- And for dessert, all they got me was the crappy store-brand Pocky that breaks as soon as you touch it!"
Ivy laughed heartily. Joining Nakamura, she took a knee and peered gently into the Abyssal's glistening eyes.
"Your sisters missed you a lot, y'know. Us too; Pearl just wouldn't be the same without ya. Now c'mon, let's go home."
