Muv-Luv Alternative: Black Sun
By: StrikeFreedom462/Serenade462
A/N: This is my third story, that I will be writing to hopefully make sure my writers block is permanently gone. Ever since my friend recommended Muv-Luv to me for a VN, I immediately became consumed in it's universe. After watching Total Eclipse I felt rather inspired to write this. As a side note as with most of my Fan Fictions (most of them aren't posted here) I have recurring characters that tend to appear in all my writings. Here it would be Mark and Cynthia Hummel.
Synopsis: It is the year 2001 and for 34 long years humanity has combated the Beings of Extraterrestrial Origin which is Adversary of The Human Race or BETA. And for 34 years humanity has been fighting a one sided war with the end in clear sight. If something isn't done to turn the tide of battle in humanity's favor, then mankind will surely fade into extinction.
Takumi Bles is a Former Officer in the Empire of Japan's Imperial Royal Guard, but due to an act of insubordination. He was given a dishonorable discharge and exiled from the home he strived to protect. Though his actions have caught the attention of Hummel Industries - a Private Military Contractor that has recently started their own TSF development program. The company graciously offer him an invitation to participate in Project PROMINENCE. Takumi reluctantly accepts the offer and so begins his trials and tribulations in the Seraphim Test Flight.
Chapter One: Enter Hummel Industries
Yukon Base, Alaska, March 15, 2001...
The air was colder than Takumi expected, the frigid wind blasted across his face as he looked at his watch - 7:30 AM it read. The representative of Hummel Industries was suppose to meet him about an hour and a half ago; yet he stood there in the blistering cold waiting for his pick up. Suddenly a sound caught his attention, it was a convoy of several vehicles. At the lead was a T-90 Soviet Main Battle Tank accompanied by two BTR-60s and in the middle was a limousine.
As the armored convoy stopped and the BTRs released their troops as they quickly scanned the area for any threats. The soldiers looked like a bunch of mercenaries but Takumi could tell from their movement alone, they were all Ex-Special Forces. One of the mercs gave what appeared to be an all clear sign and one of the doors to the limousine opened. An elegant woman around her mid twenties stepped out of the car. She approached Takumi and smiled.
"You must be Takumi?" she asked waving to some of the soldiers to help with his luggage. "I'm Cynthia Hummel the Chief Developer for Hummel Industries' TSF Development Program."
"Takumi Bles, former 2nd Lieutenant of the Japanese Imperial Royal Guard," Takumi said looking at the woman. "So you're the president as well?"
"Not exactly, my husband Mark is the one in charge of corporation, well..." she paused. "What's left of it."
"By the way, what's with all the security?" Taku asked as Cynthia seated him comfortably in the limo.
"The object of Project PROMINENCE is to produce the next gen TSF for each country right?" Cynthia stated as she signaled the convoy to start moving. "But we're not a country, we're a PMC (Private Military Contractor) and our development program includes a lot of classified designs."
"So, in essence you don't want your designs to fall into other's hands?" he replied.
"That's correct," she replied as her phone rang. "I'm sorry but I need to take this call."
Takumi silently nodded as Cynthia began to take what seemed to be an important business call. It was now 8:15 AM and in the distance Taku was able to see Yukon base, he turned away from the window and looked at how peaceful things were in Alaska compared to that hell on earth - the frontlines.
Installation 00/Hanger 00, Yukon Base, Alaska, 9:00 AM...
Takumi found himself in utter awe, it was surprising to see that an unheard of corporation had an amazing set up. They had apparently bought out the hanger on Yukon Base and refurnished it into a small installation, consisting of a perimeter fence with guards, a barracks, motor pool, mess hall, research section and TSF Hanger. Cynthia led the stunned royal guard into the TSF hanger where he saw several unimaginable machines. In the distance there was a man around the same age as Cynthia, he noticed the pair and quickly came over and held out his hand.
"You must be Takumi?" the man asked. "My name is Mark, Mark Hummel, you've already met my wife Cynthia."
Taku took the man's hand and shook it. It was apparent that Mark was extremely glad to see Taku.
"It's a pleasure Mr. Hummel, but what need do you have of me?" Taku asked.
"I read your report, you killed 538 BETA in close-combat and held the area around Miho Bay for more than three hours on your own, not to mention you're one hell of a shot." Mark said smiling. "I'll answer that later let's take a quick tour of the Hanger I'd like you to see your flight's TSFs."
Taku nodded his head as they walked down the long strip, Taku could see at least 32 F-15E Strike Eagles and four unique machines. There was a full blown TSF Battalion here, upon further examination each F-15E was painted in a glorious cobalt black, with the insignia 9th Mechanized Infantry embroidered on the units' right shoulder. They stopped at a rather bulky TSF that looked more like a walking fortress than a fighter.
"Well you've already seen the F-15Es, but this is one of the side products we're working on, the HI-03X Odin." Mark said bring up the papers. "It's essentially well a walking fortress with the firepower to match."
"Like the huge minigun, two Mk. 57s, two AMWS-21s and shoulder cannon thingies, don't send off that message." Taku chided, but was apparently ignored by Mark.
"Oh those are TSF Grade Gauss Auto Cannons, designed to take out Destroyer and Fort Class BETA." Mark said oblivious to Takumi's previous comment. "Alright now on to the next one."
The next TSF to be shown looked like the YF-23 Black Widow II, yet its load out was completely different than what he had expected. Unlike the Odin which had four mount pylons this machine held three; two spaces were held by XAMWS-24s, while the final slot held the massive BWS-3 "Fort Slayer." It was amazing how this unheard of corporation was able to obtain such technology and weapons.
"This is well... HI-03X Widow Maker, It is essentially using technology from YF-23, in addition to a few Hummel Industries modifications." Mark said noticing Takumi's glare at him. "Hey, it wasn't suppose to look like the YF-23 but the test pilot preferred it look like it after, the news of its cancelation devastated her."
"So essentially IT IS a YF-23..." Taku sighed as Cynthia laughed.
"Fine... the full model number is YF-23HI2X." Mark said sighing as they walked towards the next machine.
The royal guard took a look at the TSF in front of him, it looked strangely like an F-18E Super Hornet but like the other two it had an onyx color scheme.
"This is the machine you'll be test piloting, I'm hoping you'll be able to perform well in it." Mark said smiling at the machine.
"This is an F-18E... I did those incredible feats with a Type-00A, this machine has nowhere near the capabilities of a Takemikazuchi." Taku replied, although the machine gave him a different feeling.
"Don't let looks deceive you Lieutenant, this machine may look like a 2nd Gen TSF but it's actually a 4th Generation TSF." Cynthia replied pulling up the unit's name.
"HI-01XA Chaos Reaper," Takumi read.
"Still not convinced huh?" Mark grinned. "This will be the world's first TSF ever to incorporate a full stealth system."
"You mean like the American F-22A Raptor?" Taku asked recalling the official deployment of the "world's best" stealth TSF.
"HELL NO! The Raptor is a piece of junk compared to the Chaos Reaper," Mark shot back. "Sure it can't be read on radar, jam enemy sensors, cruise at ridiculous speeds, and excels in Anti-TSF combat, but it's still visible."
"So you're inferring that this prototype has a sort of active camouflage?" Takumi asked just as Mark's eyes glittered with excitement.
"Here we go again..." Cynthia sighed.
"That's correct, this is the first TSF ever to incorporate an active camouflage system, rendering it virtually invisible to infrared, radar, sound interference, and the visible spectrum." Mark said proudly. "It can do everything the Raptor can, plus the addition to having superior fighting capabilities against TSFs and the BETA."
"Well... if you say it like that then I'm sure I'll be able to perform well in this machine." the Japanese pilot knew when to back off.
Just as they passed by the last TSF in the Hanger Taku stared at the menacing machine. On its right shoulder was the distinct Red Star of the Soviet Union and unlike the other TSFs in the hanger this one sent shivers down Takumi's spine. Even Mark who was very enthusiastic about the tour quickly turned a blind eye to the machine.
"What's this? It's obviously Soviet?" Takumi asked.
Mark smiled as he turned to Takumi. "This machine is the main reason for this whole battalion." Mark serious tone shortly faded after that statement. "It will become the world's first Uber Unit, that will curb stomp the BETA and save humanity, I call it a Gundam."
Shortly after that Cynthia delivered a firm smack to the head as Mark fainted.
"Please forgive my husband's obvious delusions, although it is suppose to be an Uber TSF." she paused. "It's the Soviet Union's latest 3rd Gen TSF the SU-47 Berkut, Mark and I plan on making it become a 6th Generation TSF."
"6th Generation? Doesn't that sound ridiculous?" Taku asked looking at the machine.
"Once we finish the tests on the other three TSFs, their technology will be added to this machine making it a 5th gen," she smiled looking at the Berkut. "Then once we collect the data on another TSF's maneuverability and combat data, we'll maximize this machine's capabilities making it the world's first 6th gen TSF."
Seraphim Test Flight Barracks, Hanger 00, 6:45 PM...
After the tour Cynthia gladly escorted Takumi to the Test Flight's barrack and showed him his room. Much to his surprise the Seraphim Test Flight slept in a different barracks than the right of the 9th Mechanized. His belongings had already been transferred to his room, just as Taku reached his room there was a loud clash and arguing that followed.
Quickly Taku ran to the source of the noise only to find a rather muscular man with brown hair yelling at an noble looking woman with long blonde hair. On the floor there was a spilled platter full of food that Taku assumed was for the muscular man.
"Damn it Ingrid! That's real beef and chicken!" he yelled as his veins popped out of his neck. "That costed me half my paycheck!"
"You should really learn to slim down on the meat, then maybe you'll learn some proper manners you gorilla!" Ingrid shot back as the man bursted into a fit of rage.
"Don't you dictate how I live my life little miss pampered princess." the man laughed.
"At least I don't have a brain the size of a pea, Gauss." chided Ingrid.
Takumi shook his head in disbelief that this entire argument was based on a little bit of spilled food. He quickly intervened before noticing a pair of wings on their jackets - they were TSF pilots.
A few minutes and drinks later, the two pilots calmed down as they laughed with each other. The muscular man was named Gauss Waldstein a former Orbital Diver for the United Nations, while the noble woman was Ingrid Engel a former noblewoman who served on the frontlines in Britain. Interestingly enough Ingrid was one of the Test Pilots for the YF-23.
"So you're that new pilot Mark has been so excited about?" Gauss said talking another sip of his beer. "That was quite a feat you pulled off at Miho Bay what was it like 500+ confirm kills 75 being Fort-class, you instantly shattered Ingrid's record 32 Forts."
"That wasn't me... most of it was thanks to the Takemikazuhi I found." Taku confessed as Ingrid interrupted him.
"You made a TSF change in the middle of a BETA swarm, it wasn't just the machine, you needed to get to that machine and were exposed to Soldier, Warrior, and Tank-class BETA." Ingrid shook her head. "That alone warrants praise."
"I guess you're right." Takumi said just as Gauss wrapped him into a choke hold laughing.
"So I assume you're the new pilot for the Berkut that's just been collecting dust in the hanger?" Gauss asked, as Ingrid showed some interest as well. "I mean there is no better candidate for it right?"
"No... I am to pilot the Chaos Reaper, I thought I was the last one?" the former imperial officer asked.
Gauss sighed taking another sip of his beverage. "Damn, so we're stuck with just a three TSF Squadron for this month's operation."
"It would seem that way." Ingrid sighed as well.
"Wait what operation, aren't we suppose to just be testing the TSFs here?" Takumi inquired.
The two TSF pilots broke into a fit of laughter before Ingrid turned to the confused imperial guard.
"You do know we're a mercenary group right?" she asked looked at a stunned Takumi. "How do you think Hummel Industries funds everything?"
"I thought they were a prosperous company?" Takumi said concerned.
"Nope, they nearly went bankrupt setting up the 9th Mechanized, this facility and purchasing the SU-47 and YF-23." Gauss said shooting his bottle as a basketball sinking his shot in the recycling bin. "Of course this is how we get our ridiculous salaries as well."
"20-30k a month isn't bad at all," Ingrid smiled.
Takumi smiled knowing he wasn't out of the fight just yet, it would be very possible for him to participate in fighting mankind's mortal enemy. But it still concerned him that there would only three of them in the squadron.
"So what happened to the Berkut pilot?" he asked looking at Gauss and Ingrid.
There was an eerie silence between them all before Ingrid turned to the newbie in the group.
"Rumor has it that the machine is cursed to kill everyone who pilots it, the first pilot died during her first test flight due to an unexpected circumstance." Ingrid's comment was quickly followed by Gauss.
"Ever since her death there have been numerous reports of the pilot's spirit wandering the halls of Yukon Base at night - known as the Silver Phantom." He nodded as Ingrid continued the story.
"But mostly her spirit is seen mostly seen at this hanger, but as a general rule everyone avoids the TSF hanger around 12:00 to 3:00 AM." Ingrid said.
"Why's that?" Takumi's interest piqued.
"In front of the Berkut, her spirit just stands there for hours, staring at the machine that took her life." Gauss replied feeling a chill down his spine. "There was a mechanic who approached her and the next day there was nothing but a pile of blood and guts where she would stand."
"Our medic confirmed it was the remains of the poor mechanic." Ingrid said as she tossed her beer into the recycle bin. "And that's about it, now get some rest we're shipping out tomorrow."
"Wait I thought I'd get some time adjusting to the new machine." Takumi replied as Gauss and Ingrid yawned heading towards their rooms. "Were exactly are we going?"
"The same place you just came from, Japan." Gauss said closing his door leaving Ingrid to finish his sentence.
"To be exact Miho Bay, a large amount of BETA from the main continent are crossing the Sea of Japan and headed towards Miho Bay," She smiled at him. "We're to reinforce the Battalion there since they have inadequate troops to hold the front."
Ingrid gave her last yawn as she walked to her room and shouted good night to him before closing her door. Takumi just sat there, it had been little under a year since he held off the BETA at Miho Bay. The events of that day remained ever so clear to him, it was a miracle he was able to survive that long. Many would consider his actions as heroic and worthy of praise, but instead it resulted in him being charged with the death of Commander Takatsukasa Kyoko, insubordination and desertion. If he hadn't saved those fleeing civilians he would have surely been given the death penalty. After pondering for a few hours, he noticed the time on his watch and immediately got up and headed to bed.
Just as Takumi stood up and headed to his room the lights briefly went out causing him to pause. The only thing that illuminated the room was the bright beautiful moon, but before he could turn around, the air around him suddenly got cold, to the point he could see his breath in front of him. As the young lieutenant turned he saw in the moon light a young maiden with beautiful silver hair. He took a step towards her but then remembered the story that Ingrid and Gauss had told him - he instead took a step back. Almost immediately the maiden turned to him, her cold Azure eyes burned into his soul, the moonlight almost made it seem like she was glowing.
"Be wary of your old comrades..." she said as the moon became blocked out by some passing clouds, making it pitch black. "They remember..."
"What do you mean?" he asked as the moon again showed brightly, relighting the room but the maiden nowhere to be found.
Spooked Takumi quickly headed to his room and locked the door. He listened carefully for a few minutes to try and hear footsteps - there were none. After a while he decided it was best to get some rest. As he dozed off images of his horrid past seemed come back and haunt him, yet at the same time they didn't feel like they were his.
To Be Continued...
Ending A/N: Most of the information to create this was gathered from teh Muv-Luv Wiki. I will try my best to maintain somewhat a close tie to the Alternative Timeline and the Events of Total Eclipse. So Thanks for reading and if you'd like vote on my new poll. It'd help a lot if you'd kindly drop in a review and let me know how I'm doing. Until Next Time Thanks ^^.
