Chapter 17: Muddy Water/Moody Hearts
November 18th. 3:11 PM.
(Yokohama Base. Runway 1.)
[Yuuko]
"Raise rifles! Fire!" One of the officers gave the order and several gunshots were heard.
All the staff present were saluting the three flags that represented the losses of our members during the Niigata Incident. Of course, we couldn't say they died during that so officially they died during a test run.
Eiko Higurashi, Ayu Daikuuji, Mayu Tamano. We lost three valuable members of the A-01 squad, I cannot imagine what would have happened if I hadn't sent Shirogane along with them. Thankfully he's out there making sure we get Squad 207B ready to join Squad A-01, but still...
I only hope you don't let your guard down. I couldn't stop the order to send them, High Command was suffering a lot of pressure this time. Considering your warning of Alt. V and the elections next year I'm not surprised they're trying to keep the pigeons inside the cage. Don't do anything reckless, Shirogane.
The ceremony is finished, and all personnel returns to their duties. The Valkyries slowly come towards me.
"Vice Commander, should we go to the briefing room immediately?" Isumi addresses me with no longer a hint of sadness in her tone.
"Yes, I know your squad is not on top form but we still need to start this project. I'll be waiting." I quickly make my way to our briefing room.
It's time we start the testing of the XM3, I'll use the Valkyries as additional samples to gather data. Since I'll be focused on these theories for the foreseeable future I need to take care of this now, specially now that I have to rely on her for the second one.
Once I reach the room, Piatiff comes up to me.
"Vice Commander, I received word from Y about the matters you discussed." Finally, it took your sweet time to answer my call.
"Alright, let's go inside. You can tell me in detail there." We enter the room and I sit down. It's rare for Sakon to take so long to answer, let's see what I got. "Tell me, what did he answer to my petitions?"
"He said he found no intel about Cadet Shirogane and refused to divulge anything about Captain Takamura."
"So he refused. Not unexpected, but more straightforward than I thought he'll be. Any word on their reactions to the testing the Blood squad has been doing?"
"He said that the Shogun was most pleased with the results she heard from them, and Her Highness would like to make a formal agreement for the licensing and producing rights." Fast as always, damn royalty. Shirogane was right, they only want our technology. For all I know, Takamura might even take the railgun with her by force once we finish it.
"Remind me, the Blood squad was testing the F-4J variations of our new tech right?"
"Yes, ma'am. Engine 0460-NE-TH3, Jump Units 311-ZEU-I0, and radars and sensors V-C834-URI." Ugh, she had to use the codenames. I gave them nicknames for a reason, we made so many prototypes and diagrams that I no longer remember which is which.
"Then we'll make a deal for those models only. The improved variations that were used on Shirogane's F-15J will be released as a different batch, and will be out of our deal. Of course, the new armor and antenna designs are also out of the deal." I won't show them all my cards, if he refused to give me any intel whatsoever under the pretense that she's a noble it probably means she isn't coming here to help.
"Yes, ma'am. Allow me to inform you that the revised OS has already been installed on all the TSFs of Squad A-01. According to the checks it should be working flawlessly."
"Perfect. Has Shirogane's F-15J been repaired already?"
"Yes, it's back to full functionality."
"We'll use the data on it's computer along the spare parts I got to make a whole new TSF. I already gave the orders to the engineering team, but make sure that they stay in Hangar 90 during the process. I obtained all the data I could get on the ACTIVE Eagle, so I'll leave the Chief Engineer on charge of this. I want a daily report at 7 PM about the progress of this project."
"Yes, ma'am!" Since she's a foreigner I know she won't betray me to the Empire or America. At least I have some people I can rely on here.
We already have the tech tested to make a trial for mass production, with this all the F-4J and F-15J on the base will get a great boost in performance and will gain some stealth. Once we roll out the XM3 our firepower will be at it's higher level. This will make some people happy, but now with this Takamura's arrival in a few days and Sakon's answers I'm convinced the Shogun is only using us. The days where the UN and the Empire cooperated with each other seem to be at an end.
So, if I can develop our own brand of the F-15 using Shirogane's data, I'm sure the UN will give me much more support than before. Specially since most of the units that are fighting on Africa and on the Far East Frontline are F-15 variations, aside from the soviet machines of course.
Hopefully that will be enough to placate Her Purpleness, since all this new toys will be recorded as Japanese inventions. Doubt she will start a frontal assault on us, but with the Royal Guard behind her... If they come at us with all their Type-00 we won't be able to hold the line. Thanks to their policies, we can't have any TSF that isn't made in Japan. How would I like to get some Typhoons or even some Super Hornets, but I'm stuck with Shiranuis for my best squad. The only 3rd Gen TSF that is incompatible with any and all other pieces of hardware.
I belive that Shirogane's F-15 will end up being better than the Shiranuis we have, even with the XM3 he had there's no argument that his mech was still more nimble thanks to the upgraded parts. If the Empire would have given me some Type-00C I wouldn't be complaining, but thanks to their backwards way of thinking they refuse to give even one to anyone.
Isumi and the rest of the squad arrive. All of them salute me, how many times do I have to tell them to drop the formalities with me?
"Valkyries, let's get right to the point. From now on, during the evening, you will be testing a new OS for TSFs that has been in the works for some time now. It's prototype was used on the F-15J that joined you on the Niigata Invasion. I want you all to do your best during this tests. Isumi, you'll be in charge of the drills. 1st Lt. Suzumiya, I want a daily report at 7 PM. The rest, break it down as much as you want. The more bugs and issues you find, the better. Of course, this is a secret mission. Not a single word gets out to anyone other than me, not even the CO or High Command. Any questions?" 2nd Lt. Suzumiya quickly raises her hand.
"Vice Commander, will the pilot of the F-15 join us for the testings?" Oho, looks like you got yourself a fan Shirogane.
"No, currently he's undergoing a different mission. As I said before, he's my personal bodyguard so he may not be able to join this unit until a later date. Anything else?" Isumi raise her hand this time.
"Vice Commander, I have two questions. First, what kind of trainings do you wish us to perform?"
"All kinds. From urban fights, to infiltrations, to hive missions. I want a complete testing of this OS. Of course, in due time we will do some live tests with it."
"Understood. Then, due to the losses during the Niigata Invasion we no longer have enough Vanguards. How should we modify our formation?" I sense her worry in her voice, even if she is hiding it. The members of Squad 207 that joined the Valkyries just completed their first mission, they're not ready to take the position of Storm Vanguard.
"I know that sending someone on their second mission as a Vanguard is madness, but it's the cards we have been dealt. All members of Squad 207A did a good job, I'll let you decide who the partner of 1st Lt. Hayase will be. Any other questions?" And now Hayase raises her hand. What is today? Why do they have so many questions?
"Vice Commander, I wanted to ask... How did you predict the movements of the BETA? Do we have that technology with us?" Oh, so that's it. I forgot about that with the theories and the negotiations with the Shogunate.
"That's classified intel. And it's not like we predicted all of their movements, we didn't expect the Forts to be so full of the lower strains. Also, it was the first time they had Laser-Class in them. Now, next question. Anyone?"
Now, it seems that nobody has any more questions. I dismiss them, and go to my office where Yashiro was waiting for me.
"Good afternoon, Professor. The scanning has been done. The list is ready."
"Well done, Yashiro. So did you identify all the spies in the base?"
"I think so. Many people were glancing towards the ceremony, and there were many whispering to try and learn what actually happened. But the ones that wanted that intel not out of curiosity or sadness, but with desire to profit from it... I have them all marked here. They're just ten."
"That's still a lot of people. Well, I'll give the order for them to be... sent on a very cruel mission to the frontlines." Yashiro shuddered at my words as a fearful expression flooded her face.
"What will you do with them?"
"Well, we do need more 'volunteers' for the live testing of the Yellow Dust, right?" She jumped with a horrified look on her eyes.
"Professor, human experimentation is illegal." I know that already.
"They were going to be executed anyways, what's the harm in making them be useful one last time?"
"That is torture. You shouldn't do it. There's plenty of live BETA to test the chemical on." She was shooting an angry glare at me as she kept moving her ears up and down.
"We still need data on how it affects humans."
"I do know that. However..."
The door to my office opens and... Ugh, her.
"Hi, Yuu-chan. I got the results of the analysis of those Shiranui."
"Motoko-nee, how many times do I have to tell you to not call me that? Also, knock the damn door before entering. And don't bring your smoke in here." I swear she does it on purpose every damn time. She knows I hate the smell of tobacco, and yet she always comes here with a recently lit cigarette.
"Yeah, whatever. Here's the report, it's now 2% less deadly."
"2%? All our work for months just for a 2%?"
"What did you expect? They were in contact with the gas for around two minutes, it's actually amazing their jump units didn't melt too." I know we are on uncharted territory here, using G-Elements to make chemical weapons, but to see so little progress is disheartening.
"No, you're right. How was the data from the BETA?"
"No changes, they still only get stunned for around five minutes. We would need to concentrate the liquid more to make the effects either last more or be more severe, but if we do that forget about anyone close from surviving."
"We don't even have enough G-Elements to make proper testing in the first place. I'll be handing you some more live samples to test on, remember to be careful with them. Also, tonight I want to have a talk with you, there's some papers I want you to read." I'm sure that the other world's Motoko had a hand in that second theory Shirogane gave me, only her could have helped the other me with all those psychological matters. She is truly an eminence when it comes to the human body, specially the brain.
"I know that, I'll be careful with the dolls. And what are the papers about? Are you going to finally introduce me to that Shirogane?"
"No, how many times do I have to tell you? Shirogane is my bodyguard. I'm not lending him to anyone. You just want to examine his brain, don't you?"
"And his blood, cells, natural immunities. If he is keeping up with you he's someone worth studying." You make it sound as if I were some kind of monster.
"Maybe when he gets back, I might introduce you two if you help me with my problem. I'll go gather the dolls, you go on ahead and ready the chamber."
"Fine, fine. Don't worry, Yuu-chan. We are making progress, so don't stress yourself over this."
"Chief Researcher Kouzuki, please stop calling me that." I try to glare at her, but she only smiles at me. I'll never be able to deal with any of you two.
"Ooh, so scary. Well, Vice Commander Yuu-chan I'll be on my way. Bye!" And with a half-hearted salute she leaves the room.
Seriously, why do they always tease me like that? Sigh... No matter what I do, they always have that attitude towards me. It's good that they haven't changed, but it's still annoying. Specially when I know Motoko-nee is only here to support me, stop teasing me if you know I don't like it.
"Professor... Are you really going to send the spies to the chamber?" Yashiro asked with a trembling voice.
"Technically, they broke their oath to the UN by taking part in multiple political actions. So we are just deciding their punishment. And if you have any mercy for them in your heart, remember that they won't hesitate to kill you or me if they were ordered to do so."
"I know... It's just that..." She hangs her head, clearly conflicted with our current situation.
"It's on my hands, Yashiro. I am the one doing this, because it's the most profitable thing to do with their lives. I'll do anything to get the results I want, defeating the BETA takes priority over any moral code we may have, so if by experimenting with them brings me one step closer to completing the Yellow Dust I'll do it. You do not have to tag along if you don't want to." I turn around and leave, towards the Command Room. Yashiro soon follows with her eyes glued to the ground.
November 19th. 2:25 PM. Third Day of the CCSE.
(Somewhere on the island.)
[Meiya]
Spotting another trap I stop in my tracks yet again. I cut another wire and I breath a sigh. I'm not making much progress here, with how many times I have to stop. This island is full of traps, more than what I thought it would be.
I walk slowly through the vegetation, glancing carefully, almost like a madman, in all directions to spot anything out of place. Everything so far is going according to plan. Once I meet up with the rest, we can finally go to the evac point. The sooner we get away from the hill the better.
I heard a sound. Not a natural one, but a voice. Again, it's coming from my right. I slowly approach the sound as it repeats itself in odd intervals. I spot a figure some meters from me, that's...
"Ayamine, you arrived already?" I call out to her as I reach the clearing she was in.
"Yo, took your time."
"Well, I am alone dealing with all the traps that are... Whatever happened to Yoroi?" Yoroi was collapsed on the ground, unmoving.
"I had to rough her up. She wanted to go warn Shirogane."
"Sigh... I can't belive she would side with him after I told her he has a katana in his possession. Did you get her map and radio?"
"Yeah, last night. She made quite the noise when she found out." She sighs as she rubs her eyes.
"So, do you think Yoroi will be on board?" It pains me to think she will still choose Shirogane over us.
"If she isn't we just leave her behind. We didn't find any clues about the evac point. Did you guys?"
"No, not explicitly at least. We found this paper though." I show her the paper Shirogane found.
"Hmm... W, huh? We also found a note on our target." She hands me the paper. 'Run from the wasps' it read.
"Wasps? What do think this means?"
"No idea. Probably some bad thing." I agree, if it says to run from them. I wonder if they're seriously going to send wasps after us? No, couldn't be. Then...
"I brought a tarp with me, did you find anything else?"
"A rappelling rope, nothing else."
"Did you have to use your tools?"
"Yeah, door was locked shut so I had to use the screwdriver to dismantle the handle. The other way was full of traps." She shows me her left hand that had a wide cut under a bandage.
"I didn't have to use the bandages or the toolkit. Shirogane took care of everything himself, like always he didn't need any help." It makes me feel so useless to admit it.
"Special-kun did everything?"
We made some small talk about how many traps there were and how we dealt with our targets. Shirogane, you were right. They did reach their targets quite quickly this time. All our training wasn't in vain.
"Oh, they are here! What are you doing guys?" Tamase greeted us as she approached us. Sakaki gave us a nod as she slowly circled behind her.
"Hello Tamase. Did you guys find any clue about the evac point?"
"Yeah! We found it's location with a code we got from a radio. We have to go northwest from here to... Huh? Yoroi-san! What happened?!" Tamase's eyes grew wide in panic.
"Don't worry, we'll wake her up in a second." Her face slowly grows uneasy as she looks at us.
"Mitsurugi-san, where is Shirogane-san?"
"About that... Tamase, we have a question for you." Sakaki stands directly behind her as me and Ayamine get closer. She has nowhere to run now.
"Huh? Guys... What are you doing? W-What do you..." She starts quivering as we surround her.
"Tamase, I did tell you about how Shirogane has a katana in his possession, did I not?"
"Y-Yes, you did. What about it?" I can't belive you, seriously.
"What about it? Do you think it's right for him to have that? Do you not think it's weird for a foreigner to possess such a valuable item?"
"U-Um... If the owner gave it to him, then-"
"Do you really think a samurai would give his sword to a foreigner?!" Sakaki snapped before me, making Tamase jump in fear.
"Eek! I mean... I mean he is Japanese, and he's truly great in everything so..."
"Tamase, I was told to not involve myself with him. You might be wondering, what is this talk about? Well, I'm just following my orders. I consulted with both Sakaki and Ayamine on what to do regarding Shirogane, and we came to the conclusion that we will abandon him during the CCSE. That time is now."
"W-What?! No, you can't do that! He's... He's our squadmate, he's on our side." Tamase was trembling all over, as she turned around looking to reason with us. But she did not find empathy in our eyes.
"Don't be stupid. Special-kun is too suspicious, if he stole that katana he is a traitor."
"Sakaki-san, you said you wanted all of us to pass the CCSE together, that you would rely on him. Why are you doing this?!" Tamase was holding back tears. It pains me to do this to my fellow, but it's for our own good. Please understand that.
"Tamase, you didn't know? People can lie. I figured that if we kept antagonizing him so strongly after his discussion with Mitsurugi he may have tried to take a target by himself. If he wanted to ruin our exam all he needed to do was use the radio to surrender, then all of us would immediately lose too."
"That's just a conjecture! You're all making a mistake here! He is suspicious... but I'm sure he has a reason for that. I don't think... he is a bad person." She drove her gaze to the ground as she held both hands near her chest.
"So you're willing to work with him? Is that it? You're on his side?!" I raise my voice to test her. You should know how dangerous mingling with foreigners is.
"... I think this is wrong. We shouldn't abandon our partners like this. What are we going to do when we get commissioned? Are you going to be paranoid about all our foreigner comrades too?"
"I didn't even want to join the UN, so that's my plan." Sakaki answers with clear disgust on her voice.
"Same." Ayamine nods.
"Mitsurugi-san, you too?" Tamase looked at me pleadingly, as if to ask me to stop this discussion.
"I did join voluntarily. But I do not wish to be here, I would rather serve my nation than a puppet of America." She starts shaking again.
"All of us were forced to join this empty shell of an army. Once we have enough time in service all of us will transfer to the IJA. Don't you want that too, Tamase?" Sakaki lowers her tone into a small whisper.
"I... I joined the UN willingly, and want to remain as a UN soldier after being commissioned." I simply cannot belive my ears. You disappoint me Tamase, I guess our houses were more different than I had thought.
"So, what are you gonna do? You with or against us?" Ayamine gets a bit closer as she asks the question. This makes Tamase flinch.
"With you? What are you even planning to do?"
"Did I not told you? We are leaving for the evac point without Shirogane, to avoid being betrayed by him."
"How did you even come up with this? Why..."
"We had discussed it previously, to meet some distance away from the actual meeting point. Or to simply abandon Shirogane one night if it's partner couldn't find the right time." Sakaki answered for me, with a proud smile.
"Tamase, are you coming with us? Or do we have to treat you like Yoroi?" Her face gets even more horrified after hearing my words.
"You... harmed Yoroi-san? Because she didn't agree with you?"
"As the squad leader, my orders are absolute after all. Isn't that right squad?" Me and Ayamine smirk in response, making Tamase quiver again.
"Tamase, to defend Shirogane is to defend a thief who stole a national treasure from the Empire. Is that the side you want to be on?" She can't meet my eye. I know she doesn't like to be treated like this, especially with this kind of discussion.
"I'm... I'm not a traitor. I wouldn't do something... that goes against the Empire. I'm not a traitor." She closes her eyes as she hugs her shoulders.
"Then, you're coming with us?" I stare at her, until she opens her eyes and gives a faint nod.
"...Y-Yes, I'll go... Just please, stop this."
"Good choice. Ayamine, can you wake up Yoroi? We need to have a talk with her too." Sakaki and me stay watching over Tamase, in case she decided to run. But her knees buckled and she fell to the ground. She's still shaking.
"Yoroi, up you go." She started slapping her lightly on the shoulder.
"U-Ugghh... W-What happened?"
"Good morning, Yoroi. We need to talk."
"Huh? Meiya-san? Wait... Where is Takeru?"
And after we explained the situation to her she gave similar responses to the ones Tamase said.
"T-This is nuts, you guys... he isn't a thief. I mean, why would the Guards not attack him then?!"
"Because he is dangerous. I got a long lecture from the 1st Lt. at the base, in which she told me to not get close to him, to not anger him, to mind what I say about him and to keep my temper in check. I'm just following her advice, the best way for us to not involve ourselves with Shirogane is making him go away. He needs to fail this test, while we pass it. That way he won't have any reason to approach us."
"But that's..."
"Yoroi, with his skills I'm sure he'll get another chance. We just can't fail this time, and we can't keep someone who may be a traitor on the team." Sakaki was trying to reason with her, she is the best one at dealing with traps so we can't lose her.
"You said... You all said... That we'll work together." She's shaking all over. She did like him quite a bit and always argued with us about why we were so cold towards him.
"Yoroi, we wasted enough time. Are you with us? Or do you want to go to Shirogane?" My gaze makes her flinch. She must know that refusing us means getting choked by Ayamine again.
"...Fine. I'll go with you. But I will report this to the Instructor once we're back."
"Do whatever you want when we come back, we will already have passed the test. There's no rule that states that you can't abandon a member during the CCSE." Sakaki told her off quite bluntly as she adjusted her glasses.
"Have you used your items?" I asked them and they shake their heads.
Yoroi and Tamase had brought bandages and a little bottle of synthetic alcohol for treating wounds. So if they didn't need to use them yet that's a relief.
"I still have the notebook and the pencil to take note of anything suspicious, in our target we found a sketchbook filled with images of bugs. Also the radio from which we received the code to the location of the evac point seemed to be sending another signal. But we couldn't decode that one." Sakaki told us of what they went through to get inside the small building that was their target, they also had to deal with a machinegun of rubber bullets.
"If that's all we should move, before Shirogane notices." Everybody picks themselves up and with two of us hanging their heads, we started our march towards the evac point.
This time I'll defeat you Shirogane. You even had the gall to throw yourself on me, you damn degenerate. I can't belive myself either, why did I have that weird dream today? About us two being together, as if we ever could be lovers. Ugh, even when he saved me from that machinegun... He looked so different than how I usually see him. No, keep the naive thoughts at bay. He's a thief, a traitor. Wipe his smile from your mind, Meiya. In no way he and I could ever be anything but adversaries.
To have Tsukuyomi give me such a scolding, you must definitely be an exile. The way you confronted me was more than enough for me, you truly hate us. All that friendliness was a lie, you harbor nothing but hatred for all of us. That's why before you betray us, we will betray you. Your foolishness will be your doom. I am worthy of her trust, I am not useless. I'm not going back to that cage, I won't allow myself to fall into house arrest ever again. You have no idea how much pain I've been through these days. I am worthy! I'm not dead weight, I can be useful to her, to the Empire.
...
We're making decent progress despite all the traps, now that he's all alone there he won't be able to find us. As we keep walking we reach a river.
"It's... pretty deep. Ayamine, take the rope you found, tie it to that tree and cross to the other side." Sakaki gives the order to which Ayamine complies without retort, to my surprise.
"Roger." And there she goes. It's always amazing to see her climb so fast. Huh? What was-
I felt a cold drop on my head, and as I looked up the sky had clouded and rain was starting to fall, quite strongly.
"What bad timing. Squad we'll cross from lighter to heaviest. Tamase, Yoroi. Each of you take one part of the rifle with you as you cross." Sakaki gave the order and we retreated under the trees to avoid the downpour. Tamase started to dismantle the rifle with Yoroi's help.
This really came with bad timing, it'll be harder to cross with such strong rain. There's no telling whether this will be just a squall or a storm. Sigh...
"Do you think Shirogane could catch up to us?" Sakaki asks me as Ayamine ties the rope to a tree on the other side.
"No, he has no idea where we are. Even if he somehow decided to run in the right direction we have a long lead on him, he will have to deal with all the traps that are on the island."
"Yes, but he could find the trail of busted traps, right?" Oh, I hadn't thought of that. If he does notice it then he could catch up to us with his speed.
"We should hurry. If we cross quickly then he will have to take a detour. Then he won't be able to catch up."
Ayamine gives the signal and Tamase starts crossing with one part of the rifle on her back. Sakaki was looking towards the forest.
"Is something the matter?"
"No, I thought I heard something. I must have mistaked the sound of the rain with something else." She takes off her glasses and cleans the water they have with her shirt.
Tamase made it to the other side and gave us the okay. Yoroi then takes the other part of the rifle with her and starts to cross.
I had hoped this would be a squall but it's not letting up, and those clouds look really dark. I don't think this rain will stop any-
click
"Sakaki! Down!" A bullet passed just above me as I shoved her away. What is happening now?!
"Oh man! You f***ed up! Heh, point for me! You owe me a beer!"
"Oh shut it. Damn girl, how did she notice?!"
Four soldiers in gray uniforms appeared from the forest, they were carrying an automatic machinegun. A real one.
"What is the meaning of this?! This island is under the jurisdiction of-" Sakaki's bark was drowned by one of their shouts.
"Shut the f*** up! Can't you tell who we are? We are playing the role of your chasers here, we are here to take you all down Cadets." Says one to my left.
"And to score some points with Jinguuji!" Said the other one to my left. Ugh, more depraved men. The UN truly is nothing more than a dumpster.
"We were not notified of this change!" The briefing said nothing about being actually chased by someone.
"Sorry babe, orders are... Hey, weren't they supposed to be six?" They all look at us with surprised looks. Right, they weren't expecting us to leave Shirogane behind.
"Man, you're right. Did he die already?"
"Yoroi, hurry up and cross already!" Sakaki screamed towards the girl, that was trying her hardest to make haste.
"Oh, c'mon now! No need to rush, why don't you stay with us to chat for awhile?"
The four of them slowly closed in on us, pointing their guns straight at our faces. This is bad, at this rate all of us will fail again. Why are you not running?! Ayamine and Tamase were looking nervously towards us from behind a tree. Wait, the rifle!
"Tamase! Mount the rifle and take down the tree!" She looked shocked on the other side, but gave a weak nod.
"Look at her! She wants to resist, that's how I liked 'em. Feisty girls are the best." I glare at the man, who simply snickers at us.
"No hard feelings right? This is just how it goes. Now, stay put and nothing bad will-"
"SEI!" I quickly throw a kick towards one of them, Sakaki follows my lead and kicks the machinegun of one of them away.
I sidestep and elbow one of them in the stomach, then grab his shoulder and throw him to the ground.
"Agh!" Sakaki! Damn them, the fired at her! I rush one of them with a punch and kick the lower parts of the vulgar man that tried to shoot but couldn't.
"Sakaki! Are you alright?!"
"Y-Yeah, they're rubber bullets... But they hurt a lot..." She had a giant purple circle on the side of her waist.
The two I had thrown to the ground were now pointing their guns towards us.
"No more struggling! We have enough bullets to pacify you both, so stop resisting!" He wasn't lying, they will not hesitate to harm us. Who ordered this? Why does this happen to us?!
"Mitsurugi... This seems to be the end of the line for us."
"... Seems like it."
A loud noise could be heard, Tamase shot down the tree tumbling the rope down. The soldiers were startled, they didn't expect us to actually shoot down the tree.
"You have to escape! Run!" Yoroi shouted before all three of them continued their march.
"Sakaki, now!" I grab her hand and start running to my left into the forest.
We need to lose them, so that we can cross and regroup with the rest. We can't... We won't fail this time!
"Stop right there!" They start shooting at us, we barely manage to avoid their shots thanks to the trees and the fact that while we are desperately running, they seem to be moving carefully to not slip with the mud.
"Mitsurugi, where are we going?!"
"No idea! We need to get some distance between us, or find a way to cross the river!"
We continue to run, as bullets hit the trees we leave behind.
[Wasps]
"This is Wasp 3 to Wasp 1, we are currently pursuing two of them. Three got away, the boy is nowhere to be found."
"Wasp 1 here, I found the boy but..."
"What is it, Captain?"
"He also got away. He injured Wasp 2 quite gravely, he broke her arm. I'm taking her to the command post via boat. Wasp 7, do you copy?"
"Wasp 7, loud and clear."
"The boy ran to the southwest, get him at all cost. Use the drug on him if you must. That bastard is really strong, don't think we could subdue him in a fight."
"Wasp 7, Wasp 3 here. The two girls also ran towards the southwest. Well, just the south from our position."
"Roger that. Who are the ones who are approaching 7?"
"Targets 1 and 2. Should we chase the rest, Captain?"
"No, our objectives have come together. Let's capture our three targets in one fell swoop, Wasp 7 I leave it to you."
"Yes, Captain!"
November 17th. 9:16 PM.
(Tokyo. Imperial Palace.)
[Yuuhi]
"So the rumors were true then?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Someone did exert some pressure on both the Minister of Defense and some members of the Parliament for some reason." Maya was making a pained expression. This is a grave violation to our political accord. I am the only one the Minister of Defense should obey, and the members of the Parliament should not be influenced by members of the other branches of our power.
"I suppose this is connected to what Yoroi reported? The restart of the railgun project in Yokohama?"
"That's what he concluded, Lt. Colonel Iwaja also had the same thoughts." I'm glad to see some people on the Ministry of Defense are still on my side.
"I see. How much money was taken from the Kyoto Project by the Diet?"
"Around 20%, however some workers were fired as well." Sigh... These men will never understand. They all wish to remain at the top, but to what end? What are they even trying to accomplish? What can be gained from making our civilian's lives worse and ruining the restoration of the Capital?
"Give word to the MDF that I order more patrols in the civilian districts. I want more security for them, do not let anyone interfere with the repairs and maintenance of the buildings or the distribution of food and medicine, even if they are from the Guard." I know that the army is not obligated to follow all my orders now, but I hope they can perform this duty for me. It's frustrating, I feel like a puppet with it's strings cut.
"Y-Your Highness! The Royal Guard would never go against your wishes!"
"Maya, you know that some of them bear quite the strong grudge towards me, for asking help from America during the '99 after I was chosen as the next Shogun. For the first order of the Shogun to be that, it must have been a shock to them. And that's without taking into account all the grudges they still hold towards Operation Lucifer." I'm truly surprised they still obey me, to be honest. With how prideful they are, I thought they would have asked to become an independent force.
"You only had the well being of the people in mind, no one would dare to question your authority!"
"I appreciate your loyalty, but it is no longer like that. By the way, how are the tests on Yokohama? Did Mana send her report already?"
"Yes, she is most impressed with the machines. Just with a few modifications and upgrades, the F-4J gained much more mobility and speed. If those parts are mass produced our fleet of F-4J would become much more useful. It could even be reliably used on the frontlines, according to her report." Impressing. For Mana to give such praise they must be truly amazing.
"Did Kouzuki say anything about doing the same for the F-15J or other models?"
"No, so far we have not gotten word of any more developments from her. However, she did ask about Takamura to Chief Yoroi. She seems suspicious of her."
"I see. She is a member of the fudai, with how the nobility has treated her I'm not surprised she is doubting Takamura. Did she accept the duty I placed on her?"
"Yes, Your Highness. She gladly accepted your orders." I think I know how I can prove to Kouzuki that I'm different from the rest of the nobles, so long as she is willing to listen.
"Then... Once Kouzuki sees for herself that Takamura is someone that can be trusted I want her to notify me, I have a message I myself want to give to the Vice Commander." Maya looks slightly troubled by my words, but still nods at me.
"Understood."
"Maya, how many spare Type-00C do we have here?"
"How many? I think around... ten, perhaps? We still have not filled all the vacant positions with recruits. I apologize for the delay, it's very hard to find people worth our trust."
"Do not apologize. But do not worry about recruiting more people, tell our mechanics to get those Type-00C in prime condition as soon as they can."
"What is the matter, Your Highness? Have you found recruits by yourself?"
"No, I wish to give some Type-00C to Yokohama Base as a sign of friendship." Maya seems to be appalled by my words.
"Your Highness, please reconsider! If you do so, the other Regent Houses will not remain quiet. The Type-00 is the Royal Guard's personal TSF, to lend it to foreigners is-"
"I will not simply lend it. Officially, I'll be a test for export purposes. We do need more funds, and we have a very capable TSF at our disposal. With our current resources we cannot produce many of them, but if we can get the world interested on them the Empire could get a huge benefit. It is a nice business opportunity, if I say so myself."
"B-But... to give our most prized weapon to foreigners... Our secrets would get exposed! This won't be seen as a good action by the population."
"By those standards, shouldn't we get rid of all of our F-4J and F-15J since they're originally foreign tech? Also, we should discard the Zuikaku as well since it's no more than a clone of a foreign TSF. We also should destroy our A-6 and all of our ships that were made outside of the Empire. Same goes to the tanks, helicopters, building materials, food, and so on. Maya, do you truly think a nation can be self-sufficient in this day and age?" She lowers her head to the ground, perhaps I let my irritation make it seems as if I were scolding her when I had no such intention.
"My apologies! I did not meant to criticize your judgment, I will accept any punishment you give me." Why do always have to be so serious? There's no need to be like that with me when we're alone, Maya you're like an older sister for me. Takeru would be making fun of you for being so extreme right now. Sigh... How much do I miss his optimism and smile.
"It is alright, raise Maya. I have taken no offense, so if you understood my view, please relay the message to our mechanic crew. I'll have a talk with the other leaders, I'm sure we can reach an agreement."
"How can you be so sure of this, Your Highness?"
"Because they need my approval for the import deal of the F-18E. We still haven't decided on a name for it too. I'm sure that I can make them agree to my terms after some cups of tea."
"Understood. I'll go right away to deliver this message." She stands up and after a deep bow she leaves.
Meiya must be about to begin her test right now. I wonder how it's going? Hopefully you can brave through it, sister. Mana did report that she managed to endure her harsher training regime, and even said there was a new recruit on the team. Thinking back on it she didn't report much about her, not even her name. What kind of girl could this sixth member be? A foreigner perhaps? I only hope she's getting along with Meiya. I should ask Mana for more details next time.
"Your Highness, the president of the council of maintenance workers has arrived. Should I tell him to come in?" The Grand Chamberlain notifies me of my next meeting.
"Yes, that's alright."
I can't even have a minute for myself. Am I not even allowed to daydream for a bit? I wish I could just call Meiya from time to time, but even that is seen as 'taboo'. Takeru you were right, the Empire's traditions and customs are not upholded by anyone, and are just twisted to the convenience of the powerful. I wanted to belive that there were more honorable people within our ranks, but most of the nobles only work for their own house's interests and our politicians only wish to retain their seats. God forbid they actually have to work instead of just being seated all day only to raise their hand when something is convenient. They rejected all the laws and projects I sent without much explanation, and suddenly they approve such a big increase in the budget of the production for the Type-94? Corrupts, all of them.
You must be laughing at me in Heaven. I never thought I would be chosen as the Shogun, but it's my duty and I will fulfill my role. I won't let your death be in vain when you took my place in Operation Lucifer, I'll fix this nation even if I have to go against all the other Regent Houses. I already know only the Kujo house is on my side, so I need to be careful around them.
The door opens and the man in question enters the room. This will be another endless night.
[?]
"Are you absolutely sure of this?"
"Yes. I had a talk with him, he was serious. I must be careful about this, any odd movement they notice would get me in prison. Just... If it's possible, I'd like you all to consider my offer."
"I assure you, we are more than willing to buy some of your Type-00 and I might be able to convince the Admiral. But this eventually falls on you, we cannot involve ourselves unless there's definitive proof."
"I know that. I'll try to gather any intel I can on my end, and for the record I'm not asking you to rush in here and kill them all. I just wish that if the situation escalates, and your end is secured, you can lend me a hand. I assure you your help will be rewarded quite gracefully." I hear him laugh on the other end.
"There is no better reward than to help a comrade, I've been in your shoes already. I've tasted that bitterness, the thoughts of losing everything you worked for. So go get that intel, I'll start the talks on my side to get things done. But I promise nothing, you know we are also on a very complicated position." Of course I know, I was there too. That's why I can't let this chance pass me by. It is my obligation to do this!
"Thanks, I'll end the call here. I don't want anyone to notice. Godspeed." I hang up. I can only hope this went well and the call didn't get spied upon.
Luckily there's no one at this hour moving through the hallways. With this, the worst case scenario has been avoided. If they agree to help, I'll be able to stop all resistance before things escalate out of control. If I can bring the Royal Guard down, the rest should be over quickly.
And if I do die, that will be proof enough. I won't let the Empire continue on it's current way, even if I'm seen as a heretic. I'm honor-bound to follow this path, no matter what awaits me at the end of the road.
Is there anything else I can do? If I want to stay unnoticed I better leave it for today. Tomorrow, however...
There are a couple of people I'd like to call. The Captain of the 1st Regimen, Naoya Sagiri, and the Captain of the 2nd Regimen, Takako Saito. Of course I'll have to lie a bit, or a lot to be more accurate, but I need to confirm on whose side they are.
Maybe this is too risky, but I can't move my bishops before moving my pawns. Is there anyone else I should try to contact? Hmm... I should get one of those jamming devices to cover my voice before though. Last thing I want is they reporting me to the authorities. I'll try to be more careful from now on. There seems to be quite a commotion on the palace as of late.
Hahaha, what a fool I am. Of course there's a commotion. Well, let's take one step a time. With some luck, the BETA will attack again and give me a window to act to my leisure here. I need to learn to wait. Seriousness above everything, failure is not an option. I do need to get some more intel to get them to act, so let's be discreet about this. Only I can perform this duty, it's my responsibility to put a stop to this.
