Shirogane Specter 1
Sumika Archer 1
Ayamine Archer 2
Mikoto Archer 3
Tamase Archer 4
Kasumi Stinger 1
Marimo Stinger 2
Meiya Stinger 3
Sakaki Stinger 4
—
Shirogane Takeru
4:44 AM
Oyama, Tomei Highway ruins
"Shirogane, have you discovered the reason for their hostile actions?" Yuuhi was resting on a rock at the right height for sitting. I took my spot beside her on my two feet.
"Yeah, would you like to know what is currently happening?"
"Yes, if those men had any motive for their attack, I would need to know what their objective is." It would be a problem if Yuuhi wasn't interested, so since that she was; I needed a good way to start this disclosure.
"Alright, I think it's time to reveal some information. Do you remember about what I said earlier, the Alternative plans?"
"Is that what you said about your new Operating System?" Yuuhi still had recollection of our first conversation.
"Yes, the objective of the Alternative Plans… is to search for a way of establishing communication with the BETA." It should be normal for Yuuhi to know at least a glimpse of the Alternative plans.
"I do remember. It was purposed by the around 1966, was it not?"
"That's right, what else do you know about them, Yuuhi-sama?" Yuuhi was trying her best to recall old memoires. I knew she wasn't too involved in this project, still, some news must had slipped to the Shogun.
"The UN came to us with a request of building a military base over the Yokohama hive after its destruction. They said it was the latest step in the Alternative plan." No one could construct a base on Japan without the government's agreement, after all.
"We are currently on Alternative IV, the goal is to converse with the BETA using a non-carbon based pseudo-life form."
"Non-carbon… so would that be like a robot of sorts?" Even the Grand Shogun agreed that Sumika was a robot.
"Yeah, we named it the 00 unit. It's already completed and is currently an active member of the army. But that isn't the main point, Yuuhi-sama. The main purpo—"
Out of absolutely nowhere, a sudden explosion shook the earth and sent my mind into overdrive in an instant. A scalding fire raised to the night sky, a flame that just happened to originated from my Shiranui.
"Wha— Shot fired! Yuuhi-sama, we need to get out of here right away!" My Suit's connection with my frame got severed the moment my TSF was blown to bits.
"Are we under attack?!" Yuuhi was trying to keep her composure even during our dangerous situation.
"Damn it! They just had to go for my frame first!" It appeared that our combat proficiency was just reduced to zero. However, it was this desperate moment that another bright idea popped up.
"The Raptor! Please follow me, Yuuhi-sama!"
"What—?" I took Yuuhi by her hand and sprinted for the Raptor that was only a dozen meters apart from us. Good news too, the cockpit was still open for us two to enter.
"Yuuhi-sama, I will help you equip your seatbelts after we exit the hot zone. Please just hold on to me tightly for now."
"Then I shall rely on you once again, Shirogane." Yuuhi reached her arm around and hugged me by my neck. If we weren't about to be blown away at that time, I would have cracked a joke.
"What is this thing? The exterior resembled an F-22A, but this system is way different… this is a modified to behave like an YF-23… no, wait… 'YF-23 Arondight. Custom Prototype'…?" It took me a minute to process all this interesting discoveries.
"These stats… is this even more advanced than the Black Widow II?! Is this how much of a threat did those CIA guys see in me? Hehehe, fucking idiots." I cursed my breath so Yuuhi wouldn't perceive it.
Nevertheless, it was good news to me that I secured a TSF, even better was that this model was never seen before on the battlefield. I overrode the OS to accept my UN fortified suit.
Thankfully, most of the system was already taken by me, or else I'd have to hack through all those layers of firewalls like earlier. Normally the OS was programed to only allow the designated Eishi to pilot it, but I had a few tricks to bypass that protocol.
"Alright, I got full control. Who's trying to take us down now?" I projected the American combat data to my retina. Immediately, I saw eight markings of 'friendlies'. Four F-15E Strike Eagle and four Raptors didn't feel it was necessary to conceal their hostile intention in their attempt to bring me down.
"Got eight incoming, please hold on tight, Yuuhi-sama. This will get very bumpy very fast."
"Shirogane, will we have to fight against them?" No matter the reason, Yuuhi didn't enjoy seeing soldiers fighting each other. She also was uncertain about my chances at a one verse eight.
"Sorry, Yuuhi-sama. I'll see if I can spare some lives here and there. Please don't worry, this won't be difficult for me." My smug smile brought some reassurance to Yuuhi's doubts.
Unlike infantry combat where my techniques for non-lethal takedowns were limited, fighting in TSFs allowed me more control over my opponents. There were times when killing someone outright could prove to be more disadvantageous than simply disabling them.
"Come on then. Let's see what're we rolling with here…?" The weapon and equipment inventory showed itself for my viewing pleasure.
"FE133-PW-100 Jump Units? Wasn't this leftover from the XFJ? Whatever, what else have we got here? …A XCIWS-2B… melee Halberd… so it's a sword then. The… XAMWS-24 assault cannon, this thing looks pretty powerful with the extra ammo capacity. Also comes with a bayonet just like I saw earlier."
I mumbled the catalogue of attachments and gears to myself, what this TSF got loaded with were just too overwhelming. The CIA surely didn't think this through when they issued for this prototype to be deployed.
"Two multi-purpose sheaths with Close Combat Daggers, as I thought. And finally, the American advanced sensor package, with the radar and electronic stealth tech. wait… what is this? Active stealth functional system, wasn't this kept on American soil only? This is awesome~"
The hyped teenager that enjoyed all his robot and mecha action was resurfacing within my heart. Just when I was prepared to tear apart the incoming hostiles, they made themselves known to my new machine by rounding the hills ahead with eight units.
"Let's go, I'll judge how this machine can burn the world."
—
Whoever modified this YF-23 had great taste, I'll admit that much.
The manoeuvrability was almost two times better than the standard F-22A. With the raw engine power of whatever P&W Jump Unit that was added here, I easily dashed around two Raptors that were locking onto me.
Drawing the big American blade that was attached to the Mount Pylon to my back, those two frames were cut in halves without given any time for retaliation.
The name of the sword was a mouthful, but its straighter design and balanced center allowed a perfect combination of power and control. Three more F-15s turned up to my four o'clock and opened fire. Pulling the assault cannon over my shoulders, I disabled two with precise shots to their guns, head and legs.
The last target challenged me too much so a spray of metal to the cockpit of that poor bastard was in order. This rifle had about thirty percent more rounds than their standard ones, plus a bayonet on the end of my rifle to boot. I sliced the main arms clean off another Strike Eagle with the said knife and followed up with a side kick using the ankle blades that emerged from the knees.
"Hahaha! This baby is amazing! I should remember to thank the CIA and their infinite budget the next chance I get. Yuuhi-sama, how are you doing?" I almost neglected her wellbeing during my spree.
"I am fine, Shirogane. Please concentrate on your task at hand."
"Will do."
The enemy units realized they weren't dealing with just a run-of-the-mill Eishi when another Raptor caught by my blade was severed from its waist down and neck up to seven different parts.
The Americans might have thought that the open terrain would be favourable to them with their greater number when we started our firefight. Unfortunately for them, the truth was made apparent that an open field only meant more room for my navigation skills to be put to their fullest as the agents were picked off with no cover to cower behind.
"Ahahahaha! Let's dance!" With flawless manipulation of my Jump Units, the raining metal only served to waste of military funds of the CIA personnel.
I cleaved, lanced, pommeled and shot down all those that dared to stand in my way. Some lucky frames were spared from a fate of doom while others that were more difficult to disable were terminated without second thoughts.
The final F-15E fired off his weapon in anguish, hoping for only one solid hit on my newfound beauty. However, I denied his wish without leniency as the combat dagger fired out from my arm sheath.
Like an unambiguous arrow with only the bulls' eye in mind. The large knife struck the very center of the final surface fighter's head, knocking it down to the ground for me to finish it off.
After not even three minutes, two Flights of hostiles were ravaged in record time. The modified YF-23's pure capabilities far overtook that of a normal F-22A. I daresay even that of a regular YF-23, but only by a slight margin. If the Americans didn't drop that machine's production when they did. I couldn't even imagine how much stronger their army would become.
"All enemies have been neutralized. We should relocate before any reinforcements catch up, Yuuhi-sama."
—
Flying us away from the battleground was my first objective, the second objective was to begin setting up my plan for execution.
"Is there really no for way me to end this conflict?" Breaking the silence by mumbling these lines to herself, her gaze drifted in the direction of those TSFs I left behind.
"Yuuhi-sama, although I don't thi—" My speech was cut off when the radio let out a noise, indicating an incoming message. The times I got interrupted by calls were way too much for that day.
"—Moses to all operatives. We are moving to stage seven of operation Roswell. The 66th Battalion that is surrounded by the insurgents has been granted a sixty minute ceasefire using an imposter Shogun. They most likely will attempt to negotiate with the rebels. Our technicians within Sendai will be leaking the update to the Insurgents in fifteen. All operatives in the area, make sure no conclusion could be reached."
That was the instant when the CIA just shot their own foot with my assistance. Hacking into their secure channel was worth the effort, energy and time I put in.
"…Shirogane, did that man just say… Sendai?" Yuuhi aspect was filled with trauma, a portion of it slowly turned into fear and misery, while I retrieved the tablet that fell off to the side during the fighting.
"Yuuhi-sama… please, take a look at this." My PDA had the data for all Agents currently infiltrating the government. Normal operatives like those guys would never have access to such classified data. But this frame was a data gateway, and there was no data I couldn't hack.
"What am I examining, Shirogane?"
"I think, it's better to see for yourself." Her hands trembled a little as she received the device from me.
The expression she tried to hide was painfully obvious. Her pupils widened in her first moment of shock, followed by an instinctive scream which was stopped when Yuuhi covered her own mouth. The Shogun of our nation should never be in dismay, then again, many rules were broken already as is.
"What is this… how can this be! So many… so many of my… Shirogane, answer me truthfully, is this information accurate with no intention to deceive me?" Yuuhi's stare was powerful, it filled me with sadness just thinking of a reply for her.
"…Yes, this intel is recovered from their databank. I am sure you are aware of this as well. One of the reasons for our government's incompetence is due to the high number of foreign spies."
"Is… is this the degree of my failure…? Shirogane… please… open the cockpit for me." Wishing to conceal herself in her moment of weakness, Yuuhi asked for some privacy that I had no problem with granting.
"If you so wish, just please stay close, alright?" Her head silently dipped with grief as I assisted her unto the rope for descending.
I left Yuuhi alone for her to grieve over the state of this country outside. The PDA had names of all the agents planted within the government by the CIA, I would say about thirty percent of the provisional government was compromised at that time.
Nevertheless, there were still jobs left to do. Since this YF-23 was furnished with an anti-jamming system. I called Yokohama Base for my expected update.
"—this is Specter 1 to HQ. Confirmation code: Bravo, six, six, Victor, Mike, two. Requesting top priority connection to Professor Kouzuki."
"—this is HQ, confirmed. Connecting now." Yuuko-sensei's pretty face made itself known on my screen a few seconds later.
"Hallo, haven't seen you in a while now. How're you doing?" The innocent smirk by sensei was the main cause to my instant mood swing.
"Sensei, I got to give it to you. Your help really saved my plan. I still got a few more questions, if you don't mind." I returned her smile with a sniff of mockery.
"Of course not. Can't have you take all the glory now, can we? Before that though, is Her Highness safe?"
"Yeah, she's with me right now. But she can't hear what we're saying." I lowered my voice as a precaution.
"So what you want to know?" Driving our talk back to its root, I had a few questions that required answering.
"What are the exact lines you have me listed under in our databank?"
"Let me pull it up here… ah, got it. Here's your new resume. 'Subject: Shirogane Takeru. Role: final product of Alternative IV.' That's it." It was amazing how much just some little words could do.
"That's about right, CIA and their crazy brainstorming got me on their hit list in milliseconds after seeing that. Those idiots, taking our bait so easily."
"If something is hidden behind four layers of firewall, a coded network and a self-destruct failsafe system, it must be valuable. Logically speaking, that is." That sure was where the CIA put their money, and logic was definitely not to their aid.
"Mixing in a single lie in a field of classified information does the job." Yuuko-sensei proudly nodded back.
By intentionally leaking all of our top secret intel to the CIA during their own hacking attempt, we got them to trust that one lie, buried deep in what was supposed to be their goldmine.
It was a dangerous bet. If they saw through our trap, their counterplan that could easily cripple us was almost unavoidable. We played this absurd game of espionage with the Alternative V supporters for weeks now, stabbing each other under the table while keeping a friendly front in the name of saving earth.
"But it was a risky gamble, the most precarious one yet. Their hackers still had gotten a lot of data out of us. Since we couldn't stop it, altering the information was all I could do. We cannot afford to fail now. You know what to do, right?" Sensei's warning was taken close to heart by me.
"Yeah, my old plan was too unsteady to be put to action. So your assistance is greatly appreciated." While it was annoying that sensei didn't notify me about her own agenda, the end trumps the means any day of the week.
"You're welcome, Shirogane. But there's nothing else I can help you with. Bringing down the government won't be a walk in the park, you know?" I sighed wordlessly at the reminder of my future steps.
"Don't make me out to be some terrorist, sensei. I'm simply reforming this country."
"Yeah, right. Forgot about that." Yuuko-sensei's added sarcasm proved to irk me more so than I would have favoured.
"I'm doing this for us, remember? As things are now, the Americans, and thus Alternative V still have too much control. I prefer if they have absolutely zero say in anything from here on out."
"I know that, of course I know. But you're just setting up the Shogun like this. They don't need her alive, it would actually be more helpful if she died somewhere in this war. And now that they know your name, they most likely would want your head as well."
The fact was laid out neatly on the table. If Yuuhi died, the CIA would win. And even if she didn't, the CIA would still win.
"That's why I'll be removing them. If we want to crush Alternative V, that agency has to go."
"Then you would be really screwed without my help." Yuuko-sensei was very pleased with herself for covering my back.
"I can't deny my mistake, I was too optimistic about their reaction. My original plan probably won't be enough to sway Yuuhi anyhow, but having the agency attack us really manifested their aggression."
Just showing Yuuhi was I had in store wouldn't be enough. I wanted to paint her a clear picture of the good guys and the bad guys. Sure, it'll be from my sole perspective, but no one else's opinion counted anyway.
"So you're really doing it then? You're planning on reshaping this nation?"
"Yes. I will grant the people of Japan their wish." With no sign of hesitation whatsoever, I indicated my goal. A good willed intent on the surface, but the purpose behind it was far from benefiting the public.
"If that's how you want to see it." Sensei held her face with her left hand and smiled wickedly into the camera.
"We're fighting a war against an enemy that wiped out more than eighty percent of our population. If we're to come out on top, I need this country to be strong enough as to never bow down to another's demands."
"But controlled by you instead, right?" Yuuko-sensei kept adding to my sentence, still, she was correct on her point.
"If I must take this country, then so be it." This time, her evil grin evolved to full out laughter. Instinctively, I smiled with the same mischief.
"Hahaha…! I'm working with a World-Conqueror-To-Be be here. And I thought you're only a soldier."
"I am, I won't be the one ruling Japan. I'll only be preparing the stage for her. She'll be free to act however she wishes." While speaking ambiguously wouldn't mask the subject, I still enjoyed hiding some facts.
"As long as you deem it acceptable, right…? You really are something else, Shirogane Takeru. Many men wish for vast amounts of power, but very rarely does one actually seeks to claim it." Sensei slanted back in her chair. Her expression was that of anticipation, no doubt looking forward to my result.
"I know very well of one who also does. But I won't give this country to anyone else." If YAMATO DAMASHII over there wants to challenge my position, he can come over and personally bite me.
"What a power hungry time traveller you are. But talking about your dreams won't grant them. What's next on the lineup?"
"The Prime Minster arrived, right? How is he?" I changed our topic as sensei suggested.
"He is still the same old hardass stubborn geezer as always. Nothing new here." Sensei turned back after carefully observing her surrounding before firing that insult.
"But he is safe here, only the General, me, some of our guys and his bodyguards knows about his secret escape. It's not like the insurgents are starting a witch hunt for this one man in the capital, anyway."
"True, as long as we have the Shogun. Their interest won't be on him. So did he bring me my list?" That record of names was the major reason I assisted Prime Minster Sakaki in keeping his life.
"That he did. I'm transmitting the package now, your TSF is secure to receive?"
"Yeah, we good here." A few seconds was how long it took before the document was acquired by my YF-23.
"You checked, right? What is in here?"
"The list of all of the crimes committed by high government officials. Fraud, many cases of political scandals, embezzlements of nation properties, etc. Also, unsurprisingly, a lot of people are taking bribes from offshore accounts that all traced back to the US." It seemed my delivery arrived in good condition.
"Whoever sees this list will know that Japan is done for if nothing changes." That was the final card needed in my grand scheme, the rest depended on the performance of all my actors.
"The Prime Minister isn't a bad person. How did he react to the new Alternative plans?"
"He liked it…? That's not the right word, he definitely accepted Alternative IV over V. Normally the Prime Minister of a country doesn't like the idea of it getting blown up."
"That's true, Prime Minister Sakaki knew Alternative IV since the beginning. But our progress should leave no doubt in his mind." People wouldn't want to support something if it has a real possibility of failing, after all.
"Yeah, he said if our plan takes shape. He'll cooperate with us no problem."
"Good, now for our side. I'm sure you know already. But the CIA sent some agents in an attempt to capture me. They're all mostly dead now, the survivors won't exit the jamming zone in time."
"More merciful than my assumption, Shirogane. Thought for sure some wives will be receiving flags in their next mail." That was a borderline offensive joke, but a funny one nonetheless.
"Many will be, but some just got lucky."
"Anything else out of your expectation?"
"They rebel's movements caught me off guard, but only because my brain was deactivated at that time. The CIA probably leaked our info they found just to further the chaos. Nothing special there. However, the bad thing is their high command doubtlessly knows about the situation by now. That's actually quite distressing, do we have the cannon ready?"
"Yeah, Isumi and her team secured it about an hour ago. If they really hit us like you said, we'll be ready." Preparation was the sure way to victory before any battle.
"That's good. The enemy sent their last transmission was about twenty minutes ago. After that, all communication with my unit got cut." Knowing our exposure was inevitable. I recorded the final order this unit received before its occupation by me. I played said audio a few minutes earlier to prompt Yuuhi's reaction.
"Now that you brought it up, what are you using to contact me with? The signal origin is different." I surveyed around my new cockpit, thinking of a good answer.
"Let's just say, I got this nice parting gift from those agents." Another chuckle took form on sensei's ever smug, but beautiful face.
"Whatever, don't lose this fight if you want to keep that, got it?" I signalled sensei to move our conversation along with a wave of my hands.
"Yeah, yeah. Everything is going according to keikaku." Sensei shot me a very strange look before sighing into her palm.
"I'm not going to work with you here." And then she just spoiled my perfect setup.
"Welp, nothing left to report."
"Then I wish for your success, Shirogane. This will be the final push to place Alternative IV into humanity's future. Even if you have to manipulate the Shogun for it, you must see it through to the end. " The call was disconnected after no more chitchat was in order.
—
"Are you okay now, Yuuhi-sama?" I descended my fighter to pick her up. Yuuhi's expression showed no sign of joy, the solemnity that clouded her mood was thicker than ever.
"I am fine, Shirogane. The tears I cry for this country will not help heal it. The only aid I can provide this nation is to end this war as soon as possible." I checked up on Yuuhi a few minutes following my call with Yuuko-sensei. The tear marks left above her cheeks were dim, but still evident on closer inspection.
"Then let's go. We should hurry to Yokohama." I assisted Yuuhi with entering the prototype.
"I have yet to receive anymore news regarding our attackers. Have you discovered anything else?" Yuuhi broke the quietness once she was comfortable in my lap.
"I have, as you know, they're mediums from a certain American agency. Their mission was in all likelihood to intercept us and accuse the insurgents for any accidents that could take place."
"But why would they attack us like that without considering the repercussion?"
"That's… mostly my fault, I would say." It must be confusing for Yuuhi, apparent by her expression of astonishment.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Let's finish our earlier topic, about the Alternative project. Alternative IV, it is a plan directed by the vice-commander of Yokohama Base. I am a core member of the Special Task Force for Alternative IV. Like I said before, our goal is to find a way to understand or communicate with the BETA while setting up an anti-BETA intelligence network."
"We'll gather data on the layout of each and everything Hive, their structure, the number of BETA distribution within. Vital intelligence that will no doubt help us win this war." My faith in Alternative IV was strong, and Yuuhi should also see my point.
"Then why is that there are others that wish to hinder your project?"
"Because if we are ever to fail, what comes after is the total devastation of our planet. Have you heard about Alternative V, Yuuhi-sama?"
"Yes, but in its name only."
"…One hundred thousand people, they'll be the only ones that are selected to flee Earth using immigrant spaceships. The rest of humanity will stay back on earth and fight against BETA down to every last man, woman and child. We would nuke this planet with as much G-Bombs as it will take to destroy the BETA." The Humourless conversation only took a darker heading.
"Only a hundred thousand…! Do they plan to give up our planet?!" Yuuhi's face carried on a deep frown when considering the fallouts of such action coming to being.
"Yeah, I can't tell you what could happen, but I will never allow this disaster come to past. I will do everything in my power to complete Alternative IV."
"But why would others wish for such a catastrophic end?"
"There are those who see the total annihilation of the BETA as the only way. They wish to shield their own nation at the cost of others, while also laying down the foundation for their rule over the post BETA world." Anyone could notice the obvious fingers all training on America.
"Shirogane, what is the current progress of Alternative IV?" I assumed that Yuuhi arrived at the same conclusion on Alternative V as I did.
"Our success is great, but our adversary still stands tall before us."
"Who are those that oppose you?" Hook, line and sinker was a speciality of mine.
"There are people in America who wishes to stop us in favour of Alternative V. they're the same people who organized this coup, also the ones who opened fire on us. It's all to slow down our progress and take control of Yokohama Base through the Imperial Government." Yuuhi was again absorbed within her mind.
"Are you saying those that are in charge of my country are attempting to bring such a tragedy to reality?"
"We believe so." A simply answer was also an honest one. Yuuhi slid around very uncomfortably within the small quarter.
"We are very pressured by the Alternative V supporters as of now. If they succeed in this coup and take parts of the government, I don't know what they will do to us."
"That future… must not come to being."
"There is actually another important fact I left out. About an hour ago, the Prime Minister safely arrived at Yokohama Base. And he brought along some information on our current government with him."
"So Sakaki Kurechika-dono is safe, that certainly calms my heart. What is the news then?" I didn't want to manipulate Yuuhi to this extent, but this was all for the good of our future.
"Please take a look at this, Yuuhi-sama." I connected my newfound data to the PDA that she held until a few minutes ago.
"This… is…" Yuuhi was silent as she read through the names of those who did were driven by their own greed instead of for the sake of this country. Once she finalized her thoughts, Yuuhi stared into my eyes with determination, but also a heavy cloud of regret.
"Shirogane, do you swear that all these information is the truth?"
"I swear by the name of the United Nations, that nothing I presented to Your Highness contains any lie." She was even more depressed by my promise, but her conviction stabled even more.
"Then tell me your goal, Shirogane. Even if Japan is currently in turmoil. I cannot allow myself to be exploited without understanding your objective." Anger wasn't one of the emotions that our Shogun demonstrated, but nevertheless, I had anticipated that she would figure out my intentions.
"Your Highness, would you believe me when I say that it's to save this world and my friends?"
"…You are not a man to betray those who he holds dear and your valour toward humanity's future is strong. I trust you, Shirogane. I just want to know what is that you seek." Yuuhi's features softened, she was still trusting me even when I had an ulterior motive.
"Your Highness, I have no request to ask you for. However, I only wish that you can choose the best option available, not only for the nation of Japan, but also for our world." Even for a child, the connotation of my lies could be grasped.
"Must I… must I pick a side no matter what?" Yuuhi didn't wish for any more casualties, but she could recognize the supposed justice behind each cause. The coup will end, but she can decide how its finale will play out.
"There are times when a path that satisfies each and every one's wishes doesn't exist… yet, as individuals who exist in this time, we must follow our own beliefs, so that we won't leave regrets on the trail behind us."
So many lessons were taught to me by Yuuhi. So many times, she had helped me when my friends perished. I wanted her to decide for herself the outcome of our battle.
"But those who lead carry responsibilities with them. I cannot choose a path merely for my own benefit."
"But you're not only the Shogun, Yuuhi-sama. Can you deny that you are not also a young girl?" Yuuhi was startled by my statement.
"I… I am the Shogun of this country before my own being." She held the same, brave and yet foolish ideals, just like Meiya.
"The Shogun of Japan is only a title, the Shogun themselves change often. No one is capable of becoming the perfect ruler as long as that person is still human. The leaders are given great duty, but also great power along with their obligation. Everyone deserves the right to choose for themselves. How can the Shogun guide the people when she is not like the people that she is leading?"
"Shirogane… are you telling me to abandon my duties?"
"No, I'm telling you to accept yourself as part of the Shogun. You should do what you feel is right for this nation, you as a girl, and as the Shogun." My wish for Yuuhi to recognize herself hopefully won't be a wasted effort.
"I… I have abandoned my past self long ago. As the Shogun of this country, I live for this country."
"Then tell me, what does the Shogun wish to protect?" There was no necessity for me to ask a question which I knew the answer to.
"The people, the people of this country… the country that lives in the heart of the people."
"Then the people will accept you and your decision, Yuuhi-sama. The Shogun represents this nation, and this nation lives in the heart of the people, does it not?"
"But how can I be sure that what I choose for the people will benefit the people? I cannot see all the possibilities ahead. My verdict could even bring about even more suffering than what my people have to currently endure." It was only natural to waver when one's conclusion will affect the lives of thousands.
"Because no one knows for sure what could take place tomorrow, that is why hope is the only thing people can rely on. Our fight against the invaders has reduced Japan to this state, but the Japanese people have yet to despair. Why do you think that is?" Even without answering me, Yuuhi understood the truth in her heart.
"That is because of you, Yuuhi-sama. You are the Shogun, the people can find new hope knowing your existence. Even if there is no real justice in this world. Your justice, will be the justice of Japan." It was Yuuhi that helped me with finding my way in the past, now was the time to return that favour.
She only sat there, for one minute… for two minutes… until a long, unexciting four minutes later. Her head was brought up to stare me back, eyes filled with her newly founded resolve.
"…I have make my decision, I can only hope that my people can understand, and for this choice to bring us a better future."
My own emotions were spilt in two at that moment. One side of me was joyful that Yuuhi recognized my opinion and decided to act upon it. However, at the same time, I felt guilty for essentially moulding her to serve my purpose. Even if that basis was for the good of humanity.
"Where shall we head for then, Yuuhi-sama?" But my plan cannot be stopped, I will not allow any deviation.
"Let us go back, back so I can end this." The curtains of this coup will be drawn, and when it does. I'll be the one standing victorious above it all.
Kagami Sumika
Izu Skyline, Near Sukumoyama
"I'm Irma. Irma Thesleff… and you are?"
"Tamase Miki —ah, I mean… Miki Tamase." Sumika and Kasumi were wandering around when they encountered Miki-san and an American Eishi.
"Miki… hmm. Maybe it's a bit rude to say this, but in Finland that'd be a boy's name."
"Eh? A… boy? That's kinda… a weird feeling… eheheh." Sumika was told by Takeru-chan to find a Finnish Eishi within the ranks of the 66th Battalion. And here before her should be the one that she seeks.
"Is it this person, Kasumi-chan?" The duo was told to find and eliminate some sort of hypnotic software installed on 2nd Lt. Irma's fortified suit.
"Yes, please start." Sumika did as instructed and examined the Eishi's pilot system.
"Hey, Miki, if humanity beats the BETA someday, and my country gets rebuilt… come to Finland with your father. I'll show you around."
"—really? I'll definitely go! Ah! …but isn't Finland really far away?"
"It is, but Russia's the only country you have to cross. It's the closest part of Europe to Japan." The two Eishis were sharing a friendly conversation about their home countries.
"Really? And you know about Japan too… you're amazing, 2nd Lt. Irma!"
"You're the only country who ever defeat our archenemy, Russia, so a lot of people in Finland are interested in and feel close to Japan. That and we both lost in the Second World War… uhuhu."
Sumika searched through the structure of 2nd Lt. Irma's suit. She tried her best to concentrate on the inconsistency caused by outside communication interference. The task ordered by Takeru was more tough than she first assumed. But when it comes to command from her precious Takeru-chan, failure was not an option.
"Haaaa, Miki's embarrassed now since she doesn't know much about Finland~"
"That's why I'd like you to come visit. Okay? You promise?"
"Yes, I promise!" A thought flickered through Sumika's mind. She wondered if Takeru-chan would take her on a vacation one day as well.
"How long, Sumika-san? Someone is coming." The presence of another person was sensed by the 00 unit as well.
"Just a little bit more…" Sumika was done with her task besides deleting the hypnosis signal that was stored in 2nd Lt. Irma's earpiece.
"Then… let's finish things quickly. This fighting between humans… and the war against the BETA."
"…Okay."
"And until then, neither of us will die… okay?"
"Yes!" Sumika was happy for Miki who found a friend in this ominous situation.
"Good… I should go then. It's almost time for my shift."
"Sumika-san, she is leaving."
"Just need to put that there… and… we're done!" A failsafe was added by her just in case the hypnosis program gets reactivated by a manual override.
"Ah, okay… Second Lieutenant, umm… it was fun talking to you. Thank you very much."
"I had fun too. Don't forget your promise now."
"Okay!" The two separated from their meeting. Sumika and Kasumi also took their exit once their work was finished.
—
"Is this the Major's TSF?"
"Yes." The bunny duo arrived at their next objective.
"Did Takeru-chan say to hack this machine?"
"Yes."
Sumika focused on the structure of the machine. At first glance, she didn't discover anything out of place. However as she dug deeper within the OS, weapon system and software, mistakes started to appear.
She only noticed a few things like broken 'doors' and 'windows' originally. But as she went even further, a big 'mistake' made itself apparent. Something was planted deep down in the system. Sumika removed it by using her 'Drill Milky Punch!' on a computer program, which wouldn't be logical in any form. Still, that never stopped Sumika from achieving anything before.
"I think I got the problem fixed. Whatever it was, it's gone now!"
"Good job, Sumika-san."
"Yaaay!" Kasumi inserted as much liveliness as she could into a high-five with Sumika.
"Agaa…" Kasumi rubbed her palm while following behind her much more cheerful friend.
Shirogane Takeru
Izu
"Come on! Get out the way, idiots!" I was shouting nonsensically as squads of insurgent units fell under my feet.
Even without the XM3, this improved Black Widow was serving me just as marvelous as my old Shiranui. America tech wasn't viewed as the best of our world without any good reason.
The frame boost jumped over a small hill and caught three Gekishins belonging to the rebels by surprise. I took aim in midair for the unit furthest away from my position and fired. Its arms and sub-arms all got blown to bits within seconds of our engagement.
The two unharmed fighters elevated their own rifles in an attempt to intercept me. Their hot lead was dodged without a hitch by my new TSF, two surface jumps, some fancy footwork and an accurate calculation of trajectory was all it took for me to bring down both flights of TSFs.
"How long, Shirogane?"
"That depends on… everything, Yuuhi-sama. But the estimate is around another twenty minutes."
Mitsurugi Meiya
Izu Skyline, Near Sukumoyama
"1st Lt. Tsukuyomi, I do not believe that breaking through with sheer force would bring positive result." Maj. Walken rejected Tsukuyomi's suggestion of engaging the rebels.
"Then what can we do? The chance of reinforcements arriving in time is low, we only have ten more minutes until the hour is up." Three of the Platoon Leaders were standing around, considering any possible method of breaking free from their encirclement.
"Major, if I may." Meiya interrupted the discussion between superiors.
"You're… Cadet Mitsurugi. You may speak." The cadets were allowed to unwind since both the 66th Battalion and the 173th Battalion took guard duty.
"If our current objective is to escape from this siege, then I believe it's best for me to speak with the insurgents as the Shogun. To ask them to surrender." Meiya's proposal was taken much more positively by Maj. Walken compared to Tsukuyomi.
"Cadet Mitsurugi, do you know what could happen if the negotiation breaks down?" The first and only question from Maj. Walken.
"I do, and I am prepared for that as well."
"Cadet Mitsurugi! I cannot permit you to do such a thing!" Tsukuyomi took this offer with great dismay.
"First Lieutenant, would you like to explain your reasoning?" The Major had already mentally agreed to Meiya's idea. He also thought that it would be the best method, he just couldn't be the first to ask Meiya since she was only a UN cadet.
"If the negotiation were to fail, the rebels would attack the cadet's unit first and foremost. That could also mean that they could realize that the real Shogun has already escaped to safety, which could only decrease our chance at evacuating if they were to give chase."
What Tsukuyomi pointed out sounded like solid arguments on the surface, sadly the base for her disagreement was extremely weak.
"I am going to be blunt here. If she failed to persuade the rebels, we still have a good chance at escaping when the cadet distracts them. If they were to capture her, they wouldn't realize that she is a fake until after we escaped."
"While this is unsightly, for us to use a cadet as bait. I think this is the best solution available. The ceasefire offer; while by an imposter, was still offered by the Shogun. If we were to break that, the backlash from the Japanese citizen could be very unfavourable."
Maj. Walken's opinions held much stronger points. Tsukuyomi could only stand silent over her inability to protect the one that she was ordered to watch over.
"I…" Meditating as hard as she could didn't bring along any passable ideas to The Royal Guard.
"1st Lt. Tsukuyomi. If I may speak."
"Go ahead, Cadet Mitsurugi." Tsukuyomi knew that the plan Meiya offered was the best course of action. However, that could mean the duty she was assigned to might end in failure in the near future.
"As the Major had said, convincing the rebels to lower their weapons would be the most propitious result. And even if I cannot persuade them, I can still buy us valuable time. Also, this is my responsibility, as the one who offered this ceasefire."
"…I have no counterarguments to your point, Cadet Mitsurugi. However, do you seriously understand the meaning of your action?"
"I believe that as someone with my destiny, this is the only task that I can accomplish. If I cannot complete my duty that I carried with me for this life, if I am not able to be of any use here… that would only be a fate worse than death." To avoid the others from taking too much notes. Meiya deliberately changed the topic to a personal one with her abstruse speech.
"That is nonsense, cadet Mitsurugi! Your destiny does not exist here! There is no duty here that you must achieve. Your role ended when the setting sun remained high above the sky over the capital." Correspondingly, Tsukuyomi spoke in enigma about the mission that was assigned to her by the Shogun herself.
"That is not true… when I trusted him with my own life, I believed that he will protect me no matter the time… my mission for being here, is to protect those that are important to us. I already promised that man. I believe that is the implication of my blade." Meiya-san lowered her hands and gripped her short sword unconsciously. The blade that Takeru bestowed her.
"Meiy— Cadet Mitsurugi… did that man gift you with this wakizashi?" Tsukuyomi noticed Meiya's new gear when the met yesterday at Yokohama Base. She never bothered to ask her about her new blade until this time.
"I was tasked with the obligation to be a shadow, a hidden life without any beginning or end. But what he saw in me was different, that man asked for me to offer my life to him."
"He swore to guide and protect my life with more significance than his own. And before his departure, he tasked me with the duty of a shield, to defend those who matter to us in his place. Even if he cannot be present right now, I still carry our promise with me."
"This sword will only be drawn to cut down those who stand in my way. My shield will not allow any harm to befall those around us." Meiya trusted Takeru when there was nothing for her to trust him on.
"Cadet Mitsurugi… is he really that important to you?"
"My life… I now carry two destinies along. Some could view that as treacherous to my cause. But I too, now hold the wish to live for myself." Meiya was the Shogun's shadow, yet at the same time, she decided to be a woman who breathed for Takeru.
"…Then I see no reasons to object. I shall pray that your expectation will not be of waste." There was nothing Tsukuyomi would be unsatisfied by after hearing such a confession.
"But still… such an unclear, cryptic personal discussion." As pointed out by Maj. Walken. Meiya declaration of love was heard by all those that were in attendance.
"Ahha… Sir, my apologies for that." Meiya lowered her head to hide the embarrassment. 2nd Lt. Irma giggled quietly, but not quite enough to conceal herself.
"I'm not sure whether that was simply Japanese poeticism… or intentionally obfuscated… however, I will not obstruct emotions between young ones." A few more chuckles emerged from the Eishis behind Maj. Walken.
"…Thank you, Major." Meiya could only be grateful that her sister and the target of her affection weren't there to witness her bashfulness.
"Now to outline the details. The objective of this operation is the extraction of all friendly Platoons. No man will be left behind. First, we will split into two groups: the main unit and the bait unit. The bait unit will consist of Cadet Mitsurugi's TSF, plus a few escort to increase believability. Now, those escorts will be—"
"—Major-dono… Cadet Ayamine volunteers to be the bait unit escort." Ayamine was brave enough to cut off a Major.
"…What did you say?" Maj. Walken was the first to react. Everyone's shock and surprise soon followed after.
"—W-wait a minute, what are you thinking?" Sakaki just had shared a rare experience breaking regulation together with Ayamine.
"…Everyone has things they have to do… and we should end this battle as soon as possible."
"Which is why I— that's not the point!" Sakaki must also wished to join the escort team as well, but Ayamine took the first call.
"Stop it, Kei-san, Chizuru-san. We have our own roles to play. I understand your feelings, but that won't be what Takeru-chan would wish for. Don't forget, he told us to find our reasons for being here. Do the two of you want that reason to be this?" Sumika rejected Ayamine and Sakaki's offer with rationality. The two backed down and apologized for their interruption.
"As I was saying, the escort units should be 2nd Lt. Kagami and 2nd Lt. Yashiro. Sergeant Jinguuji will be in charge of the cadets. Since our American forces would never be allowed to guard the Shogun, it would only make sense for the high ranking Japanese soldiers to take that task." Maj. Walken's balanced role designation made the most sense compared to any other plan.
"Then our Honour Guard unit would be most necessary, Major."
"That is the most valid place for you, First Lieutenant." It was to no one's disbelief that Tsukuyomi opted to accompany Meiya.
"The bait unit will consist of four TSFs: Cadet Mitsurugi's Takemikazuchi. With the escorts being 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi's Takemikazuchi, 2nd Lt. Kagami's Shiranui and 2nd Lt. Yashiro's Shiranui."
"Understood!" The nominated Eishis called in unison.
"Get your TSFs ready to move out and standby for further orders— dismissed!"
—
Shirogane Specter 1
Sumika Archer 1
Ayamine Archer 2
Mikoto Archer 3
Tamase Archer 4
Kasumi Stinger 1
Marimo Stinger 2
Meiya Stinger 3
Sakaki Stinger 4
—
Author's note
So when I said the coup arc will take another 3 or 4 chapters, I lied. Probably 2 or 3 from here on forth. But I'm probably lying about that as well. Also this should be the reveal of most things, you see a problem, tell me, thanks.
What else… I finished watching the "Kimi no Nozomu Eien" Anime, if you don't know about it I won't blame you. That animation though, put Fate or Kara no Kyoukai to shame. Anyway, it's like the backstory to Hayase and Suzumiya. If you're interested, check it out and stuff.
Other than that, any questions, comments or whatever, leave a review for me if you're free. Favourite and all that stuff.
Not much to write here today, I see you all later, thank you very much for reading this story.
Editing and proofreading done by chad001. You expect a joke here every time? Not happening.
I still don't own anything Age owns.
P.S. Can't believe I forgot, if you're reading the update today, on October 22, 2015. Well, you're know what that means anyway. So I will say no more.