SODOKO

The summer sun beat down on the Ooarai School Ship with a friendly glow but a merciless heat. The ocean breeze flowed through the thin summer uniforms and gently embraced the girls as it cooled them. However the sweet ocean couldn't save them from the unending waves of sweat that drenched and soaked their clothes. Having raven black hair didn't help either. The scorching feeling atop her head did not dampen her spirit. With her chest out and head held high, Sodoko marched across the campus scolding and reprimanding any and every violator in her way.

"Tuck that shirt in! Change those shoes! Accessories are not permitted!" yelled Sodoko to the beat of her steps.

As she passed groans and whispers followed. Her steel eyes and piercing glare was enough to silence them.

End of the year or not, you still have to follow the rules.

The students were busy packing suitcases and hurriedly making their way to the ferries. The entire school was abuzz with gossip and idle plans. Tears fell down cheeks as students embraced each other for the long, almost certain final, good-bye.

Sodoko peeked at her watch. She gasped at the time and began to sprint toward the offices.

"Where's the fire, Sodoko?"

"It's Midoriko Sono! And don't think about taking those supplies!"

"No running in the halls, Sodoko!"

"Public Morals Committee business, I'm exempt! And it's Midoriko Sono!"

Neither rain, nor hail, nor sleet, nor shine will keep me from my duties!

The small package of papers and tickets switched from hand to hand as her arms got tired. Rather than slow down, Sodoko picked up the pace. She crashed through the main office doors, scurried and scampered around the orderly desks with haphazardly placed papers and books. She danced around the boxes of files and ground to a halt just before a grand mahogany door. Sodoko quickly fixed her black straight hair into the unforgettably plain bowl style. She patted down her skirt and brushed off dust and dirt; she looked immaculate, not even a bead of sweat had managed to make a stain. After clearing her throat she walked straight into the room.

The summer sun beamed through the grandiose window that nearly spanned the entire wall. Crimson velvet curtains, tied with yellow braided ropes, concealed the edges of the windows. The blinding white sun summoned a demonic shadow that swallowed the presidential leather seat and blended with the ebony desk.

"Everything is ready to go, President" said Yuzu.

The vice president is a sweet girl of average height. Her dark brown eyes matched her thick ponytail of dark brown hair. She smiled as she packed away a few small items and papers into her purse. The standard school uniform had disappeared long ago and was replaced with a pair of blue capris and a red t-shirt. With a v-neck. A very deep v-neck. A very deep v-neck that VIOLATED THE SCHOOL DRESS CODE!

No, no, no Sodoko. You can't scold the student council. You just can't.

"Great! So where are we going Momo-chan?" asked Anzu.

It was hard to imagine that someone with such a short stature and the outward work ethic of a sloth. Of course she is clever as a fox and has the devil's undeniable charms. The president twirled her long reddish brown hair as she nibbled on a potato snack. A pair of flip flops dangled from her toes as she leaned back into her large presidential chair. Like Yuzu, she abandoned her school uniform for something much more in tune with the season: a radiant red short skirt and white sleeved crop top.

"Don't you start calling me Momo-chan too" complained Momo.

Momo Kawashima was almost as rigid as Sodoko. Her bushy black hair created chaotically ordered bangs that touched the bridge of her nose and the top of her single eyeglass. She tied the arms of a brown spring jacket around the neck of her blue shirt. A pair of long black pants didn't exactly seem like a good idea in the heat but it worked for her.

"No promises," said Anzu, "So, what did you pick? Paris or Rome?"

Momo smirked and pulled out a set of tickets, "Paris."

"Ahem!" coughed Sodoko as she plopped the stack of papers on the president's desk, "Here are all the infractions the students caused this week and the recommendations for changes to our disciplinary policy, furthermore…"

"Sodoko, you're working too hard" said Anzu, "Besides, it's the summer session. Everything is much more relaxed, so you should relax."

"With the student council graduating only the Public Morals Committee can keep order" said Sodoko seriously, "Now, I'd like your approval to consolidate powers under the PMC until the new council is elected at the start of the next school year."

"I take it you're staying for the summer session then?" inferred Momo, "I trust you can handle things without executive powers."

"Please understand Sodoko, the separation of powers exists to keep abuses from happening. I mean we did see what you did when Anzu gave you carte blanche that one time" explained Yuzu, "But you're still doing a great job."

"Well if that's everything, I'll go back to my patrol" Sodoko marched to the door.

A hand grabbed her on the shoulder. Gently she turned around. An airline ticket was shoved into her face along with several pamphlets. 'Australia. We can't wait to say g'day' one read. Another displayed the vibrant beaches and coral reefs of the aquamarine sea. A third had listing of shows at the Sydney Opera house. Anzu and her fellow councillors beamed with smiles as Sodoko pushed Yuzu's hand of pamphlets down.

"You need a vacation" said Anzu, "So we're sending you to sunny Australia!"

"President! I can't possibly leave when there's so much work! The Public Morals Committee needs –"

"Gomoyo and Pazomi can handle it, I'm sure" said Anzu, "You're going to Australia, no buts."

"But –"

"If it makes you feel better, you'll be going for inter-school business" explained Yuzu.

Sodoko raised her eyebrows in wonder and surprise.

An ambassador? Will be become the schools ambassador?

"It seems she's at a loss for words" said Anzu, "Kawashima."

"You're going to Sydney to meet with Koala Forest Academy. You'll be dealing with a rather important person there…"

I am! I am an ambassador! I swear I will uphold the honor and dignity of our school.

"The captain of their Tankery Team. As part of the Summer Tankery Exchange Program."

The words hit Sodoko like a wet tuna fish.

"The Tankery team?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yes, you will be our liaison officer" said Momo, "While you are there, you'll be tasked with teaching and learning from the Australian Team."

"But I'm a hall monitor. What can I possible teach them about tankery? Wouldn't Ms. Nishizumi or Ms. Akiyama be better suited for this?"

"I'm sure you picked up something from our matches" said Anzu, "Besides the requirements of the program didn't necessarily say you had to teach them about tactics. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

"Also, Miho and Yukari have already left for summer vacation" said Yuzu, "And many of our team have graduated. A few of the freshmen and sophomores are staying for the summer session, as are a few of the mechanical club, and a few others of our team and its new members, but they're not suited for this task. We're counting on you."

"I won't let you down" said Sodoko because she had no other way out.

"At a girl" said Anzu, "But don't forget, this doubles as a vacation too. Have fun!"