-Chapter 3: Ignition-
-Japanese Ministry Of Defence-
The leader of the Japanese Ministry Of Defence, Tatsuya Masashi has called for a meeting on the recent resurfacing of the BETA and the recent attacks in Guinea. Stop the BETA from spreading any further. This became the number one priority of the Japanese Ministry Of Defence and International Military Organizations. Though many doubt that accomplishing such an objective would be an easy task, some remained optimistic. This included Tatsuya Masashi.
" , The BETA have managed to reach China. If China is destroyed, then we might as well scrap any hope of survival!" said a board member.
"The Japanese Imperial army are assisting China during this difficult time. But we still need Akihiro Flynn. He could be our only hope for this planet's survival." said Masashi.
-Kyoto Station Ruins-
"You're doing some rather menial work compared to the old days? You been demoted to the outskirts?" said Akihiro in a sarcastic tone.
"Watch your words. You have come back under the command of Lt. Takamura." said Abbott in a snarky tone.
"Come back?! You gotta be kidding!" said Akihiro.
"You must understand that this is not for my sake. But it is for this planet's. If you are unwilling to co-operate, you have just abandoned all hope for this planet. How will you live with yourself, Akihiro?" said Abbott.
Akihiro didn't like the sound of that. But even if he was unwilling to co-operate, he also knew that the world was at stake. He just simply swallowed his pride and accepted the offer. He looked at Yui and gave her his decision.
"Kh...Fine. I'll help you." He said.
Yui felt a smile creep onto her face as she breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe things would go smoother than last time with Yuuya. Well, she hoped so anyway. She reverted back to her usual, serious expression and began to speak once more.
"We will fly out to America next monday. Please don't let me down, Ensign Flynn. From this day forth, you are part of the CX4 Development Project." said Yui in a cold tone.
Akihiro couldn't believe that he just agreed to join a project he knew no details about, just out of spite for Ridley. But none of that mattered at the moment. What mattered now was to fly out to America on Monday morning. Yui had arranged a private jet for the two of them to fly out on Monday. This would prove to be the beginning of a long, tiring process of security checks, an exhausting flight, jetlag and cold coffee.
-Yukon Base. November 18, 2003-
The private jet was nearing the Yukon Base in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, the site of a large scale terrorist attack that occurred two years ago. A feeling of nostalgia was present within Akihiro. He could barely believe that he was going to be in a military TSF for the first time in six years. Surely, this will be a difficult transition as the last TSF he piloted was back in 1997.
"So..." Akihiro said as he tried to start a conversation before the plane landed.
Yui looked at him curiously.
"How long have you served in the military?" he asked her.
"Oh, well..."
Before Yui could answer, the plane's tyres hit the runway. Akihiro heard them screech as the plane landed. He grabbed his bag from the compartment above him. Yui also grabbed her things from the compartment above her.
After that was done, they walked down the stairs that was connected to the Jet's entrance. They walked onto soviet soil. This actually proved to be pretty nerve-racking for Akihiro. However, he shrugged off his nervousness and started to walk with Yui towards the base.
Along the way, he could see a woman with silver hair and blue eyes. She had this cold, hostile look. Who was she? And why did she stare at him like that? Did they meet before or was this just some coldness she had towards those who are unknown to her? All Akihiro could do was shrug it off and move along.
Soon after, Yui and Akihiro travelled in an Army Jeep towards the Yukon Base site.
"Once we arrive, you will be introduced to your team members." said Yui.
"Team members?" asked Akihiro.
"It's not just you who is on this development team. There are others as well." said Yui.
Akihiro sat back and looked around as the Jeep he and Yui were travelling towards the site of the Yukon Base. This was quite a technologically advanced-looking base.
"...My old base didn't look anywhere near as good as this." Akihiro thought to himself.
After a short daydream, The Jeep stopped in front of the entrance to the hangar that contained the TSF, Shiranui Type Second. Akihiro looked up at it in awe. Could this be the machine he was asked to pilot?
"The briefing room is this way." said Yui.
Akihiro nodded to her and walked towards the briefing room. As he approached the door, all he could hope for is that everything will go smoothly. But somehow...That feels unlikely.
-To Be Continued-
