Greetings, fanfiction readers. MarshalZhukov presents another arc in the evolving story of the State's Original Characters. All your favorites from both previous arcs make their way into a new and vastly different world as they try to carve out their lives in dead world. The State wishes to thank the ever present and compliant...er, we mean, enthusiastic jm1681, Draco38 and newest member of the Collective, Rassilon001. Without further ado, we present "New DEADs Order"

Mutiny on the Bounty

Royal Marine Captain de Souza assembled the entire compliment of Marines stationed aboard the Ark Royal, including the Embassy detachment. He paced in front of the expectant faces several minutes before he assumed a parade rest and faced the men.

"Lads, it has come to my attention that discipline is falling off."

Murmurs from the group. This was tantamount to a personal affront to the lot of them.

"We have become somewhat relaxed and complacent here on our tropical paradise," de Souza continued. "I want that to stop yesterday. Beginning this afternoon, I am sending patrols to the neighboring islets in this little archipelago to recce our current situation and search for additional survivors."

Another murmur. The men were getting excited; their first legit patrol in months. Since having secured Ikeijima, the Marines based there had little to do but train, or lay about in the shade. Their first indication of trouble came when a floater washed up on the beach near a rice paddy. Fortunately, the body in question was well and truly dead, but the wake-up call had been sounded. With all contact to the outside world effectively cut off, the only reliable communications were with US forces stationed on the main island of Okinawa proper.

Navy Captain McElroy issued a command to move off of tiny Ikeijima and spread out to the neighboring islands. The first logical choice being Miyagijima, connected as it was via a secured bridge.

"Embassy detachment on your feet," de Souza barked. To a man, the remaining company were at attention instantly. "Since your senior non-coms have returned from escorting the Takagi family and others to Okinawa, I am returning you to the capable hands of Sergeant Major Blake."

Blake stiffened at the mention of his name.

"Blake, I want you to form up teams of five from among your compliment," de Souza ordered. "Brief them and get them kitted out."

"Sah!" Blake saluted crisply. He then turned to Corporal Davis.

"You feel up to a bit of recce since getting back from Osaka, Davis?"

Davis smiled broadly. "Yes, Sar Major."

"Good lad," Blake smiled. "Pick your men and prep to move out in one hour."

"Yes Sar Major!" Davis responded once again.

"The rest of you, form up under your non-coms and get ready to move out on my orders. Dismissed."

The ward room exploded in a bustle of activity as the men formed up with their respective teams. Davis once again chose Sharpe and Edwards along with Lance Corporal Williamson and a once fresh-faced Marine named Private Nelson. The new team assembled at the gangway with instructions to stop by the liaison's shed for ammo, supplies and a map of Miagijima.

-000-

At the appointed time, Davis' team assembled on the bridge connecting Ikeijima to its larger neighbor. By chance, Shaun Phillips and his new bride, Asuka, were on their way to their favorite fishing spot to try their luck in landing that evening's supper. Shading their eyes from the blazing summer sun, the couple called out to the Marines.

"Ah," Davis called out in a friendly manner. "Where are your young charges?"

"The girls are at home sleeping," Asuka replied happily. "Alex says her leg is doing fine, but I know it bothers her from time to time. I catch her limping once in a while."

"But her leg is healing properly?" Davis asked, a bit concerned. "Nothing gone wrong has it?"

"Oh, no," Asuka quickly pointed out. "We visit the ship's surgeon once a week and he has given her a clean bill of health."

Davis smiled warmly. "Good news, indeed. At least she is up and about."

Asuka nodded her head. "She is helping with her chores and looking after Misa-chan."

"And Miss Kinoshita?"

"She has been much happier since coming back from Osaka," Asuka replied.

Davis, Edmonds and Sharpe all shared a knowing glance. Noticing this, Asuka cocked an eyebrow. "What exactly happened while you were in Osaka? The girls seem reluctant to share."

Davis sighed, unsure how much he would be at liberty to discuss regarding Misa's past. Realizing that Asuka had become her defacto guardian, he opted to fill in a few blanks. "We met up with what had been her step-father. Miss Kinoshita did what needed to be done and took care of her business."

"I had no idea," Asuka remarked. "Thank you, Corporal. By the way, what are you boys up to?"

"We've been ordered to send out a raiding party," Davis replied, a sly smirk on his face. "We are to establish a foothold on Miyagijima to try and rescue civilization."

Asuka rolled her eyes and groaned in exasperation. "You've been suckered by my girls again," she sighed.

"I can safely assure you, ma'am," Davis smiled broadly, "this was purely the Captain's idea."

"Which Captain?" Asuka pried none too gently.

Davis cast his eyes in a random direction and tried to duck the question. Shaun and the other Marines all chuckled softly. Asuka bored into Davis with an unrelenting stare. Unable to resist the power of the new Mrs. Phillips, Davis returned a sheepish glance in her direction.

"Capt McElroy, ma'am," he whispered.

"Those two," Asuka huffed softly as she rolled her eyes. "We shall have words this evening. Did they sneak on board again?"

"No ma'am," Davis responded. "The first, last and only time they have been to see the Captain was when we embarked on our little adventure a few months ago."

At that moment, Davis' handie-talkie squawked to life.

"Report your position, Delta 1."

Davis fingered his throat mike. "Delta 1 at the departure point. We are preparing to move out."

Asuka took the hint as Shaun took her hand in his and led the way to the jetty. Davis and his men formed into a line and set off onto the bridge.