Update: More errors fixed.


Chapter 26: Falling Masks

November 23rd. 5:09 PM.
(Floor 17. Planning Room.)
[Takeru]

"Cadet Shirogane, could you bring me report 09-11-TE?"

"Let's see... Oh, here it is." I hand Takamura the report. She starts rushing through the pages until she reaches the one she's looking for.

"Sir, what could we use as a coolant for the system?" She's talking with the engineers that got put in charge of planning and assembling the railgun.

So far so good. She's strict and very noisy, but honestly she doesn't seem to be a bad person inside. I'm sure that if I weren't being chased by Yuuhi we could have been friends.

All I've been doing is hand her reports and carry documents, this is easier than I thought it would be. It's also nice to see that the engineers here still treat me normally. The one that was in charge of building the consoles gave me a giant grin when he saw me around. Well, they do have some foreigners on the team so I guess they're more open minded than the rest of the Empire. Not that one needs much to be more open minded than them, honestly.

"Shirogane, put the report on the shelve please." I grab it and stash it away.

"This will be tricky, 1st Lt. Takamura. I don't think we could make the rails exactly like the report specifies."

"Then, what materials could we use?"

I go near the table, they have been coming and going about a lot of things since we started working. This thing does seem terribly impractical, though. I know how awesome it is, I remember how many BETAs it killed in a single shot. But if we can't even... Hmm...

"Then, there is the problem of the ammunition. The backpack would be too expensive to build, and since we have to make special ammo for it, it's cost would only grow more. There is the problem of overheating too." The Chief Engineer point to the schematics that were both in the reports and the ones they had made.

Takamura brings one finger to her lips as she scans all the papers on the table. It seems like we will have to make some compromises to get this thing running. I mean, since we have to make it again from scratch, can't we just use smaller ammo? Like, 90mm or 75mm? Pretty sure all the energy from the induction would still be enough to make mincemeat out of the BETA. That way we could also have the same amount of ammo, even at a smaller size. I mean, with how this thing sends the bullets flying, I don't think lowering the caliber of our ammo would have much impact on it's performance, going by my memories of it when I infiltrated the JFK Hive. That would also lower it's weight a bit, right? Hey, shouldn't I... like, speak up or something?

"Um, 1st Lt.? Can I ask you something?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"You've been talking about making the backpack smaller and shortening the rails a bit, but why don't we change the ammo the railgun would fire? According to the data, the bullets are fired with a lot of energy from it, so if we have to lower it's specs, shouldn't we lower the caliber of the ammo?"

"But that would make it weaker. If we lower the amount of ammo it can carry as well as it's caliber, it's performance would drop significantly. It will already be less powerful since we will lower the amount of bullets per barrage it can fire, we can't make the barrages even weaker." She raises a finger as she talked. She's like a fusion between Chizuru and Meiya.

"But wouldn't that allow us to not lower the final amount of ammo? I mean, if we have to rebuild it from scratch and we already have data on how destructive it can be, can't we instead redesign it to carry 800 payloads of 90mm or 75mm ammunition? That not only would make the backpack smaller and lighter, but the rails as well since we would build them to shoot smaller payloads. Wouldn't that save us time and resources down the line?" She starts stroking her hair as she looks at the diagrams again.

"Hmm... Instead of lowering the amount of 120mm we can carry, we lower our caliber while... And we lower it's weight a bit... It's worth considering, I guess. Chief, what do you think?"

"It's a neat idea, that's for sure. There is no need to recreate it exactly as it was if we don't have the resources." The Chief scratches his head as he starts doing some operations on his computer. I can't understand half of the math behind this, but it seems using common sense worked out.

"Sigh..." Takamura looked down as she crossed her arms.

"What is it, 1st Lt.?"

"Nothing. Just... I can't belive I didn't think of lowering the caliber of the ammo before. I was so focused on bringing the railgun back that I focused too much on making it like it was. You are right, it's power is already great and right now we need to focus on making it practical to build. Thanks for speaking up, Cadet."

"Don't mention it, just doing my job."

"Hehehe, well I'll be damned Shirogane. Seems like we hit a gold mine." The Chief says as he grins happily. He shows us the final numbers of his calculations.

So... For one, we could actually carry eight hundred payloads in the backpack using 76.2mm ammo. That number drops to seven hundred if we want to use 90mm. The lesser weight would play in our favor too I suppose. Then, thanks to the smaller ammo, the rails can also be made a little bit smaller and more compact. According to the numbers, we could somehow manage to make them with their original length. Sure, in the end the railgun might end up being a bit weaker than how I remember it, but it's gonna be a godsend once we get to Sadogashima. Since this could take care of a Brigade-sized herd of Destroyers, it should do wonders with the Tanks and Grapplers, and even if it can't kill them all I'm sure the Destroyers won't be happy to eat the railgun's muffins.

"It does seem like we found the most convenient point to sacrifice. Chief, let's redo our schematics with this in mind. Shirogane, can you bring me the last three reports again?"

"Sure, let's see... Here you go."

Two hours later...

I stretch my arms to the ceiling as I walk towards the Storage Center. My suggestion ended up being useful and the team started making all these drawings and calculations about the railgun that it was honestly scary. They work fast and efficiently. That meant that I was running around delivering reports and folders for a long while. Well, glad I was useful. Takamura does seem like a good person, she's nothing like Meiya and Chizuru when it comes to interacting with foreigners. Shame we are on opposite teams. Oh well.

I enter the place and go to the desk where the attendant was.

"Excuse me, I'm here for my rations." I hand him my ID and he passes it through a reader. Without saying a word, he goes into the door that was behind him, connecting this little office to the actual storage room.

Well, I'm used to it by now. I'm starving, and to make matters worse Takamura wants to eat with me again. Something about having questions for me and whatnot.

The clerk comes back and hands me a small bag. It's... a bit more heavy than I thought it would. It's definitely heavier than this morning.

"That's your rations, Cadet. Here's you ID Card." He hands me back my card, without any frown or harsh words.

What the hell? I mean... Whatever. I leave the room, making my way towards Takamura's office. This morning she kept asking me questions about how I spent my time here, my training regimes and what I expected to do after being commissioned. I suppose that's her job though.

Once I finish my dinner, I'll go have a talk with Sensei. Not only I need some answers about this matter with Takamura, but I also have to tell her of the memories I got from this world's Takeru. Also, thanks to my interactions with Takamura today, I discovered something interesting about his feelings. He hated the Royal Guard, but not it's members. It's like he hated the way they did things and those who just followed them without thinking. When I thought about it, I realized I didn't start hating Tsukuyomi-san or Maya-san despite them being Guards here. I also don't hate Takamura or Meiya, despite them being pawns of Yuuhi. And surprisingly, I don't hate Yuuhi either, I just want her to stop trying to kill me. I mean, I'm here to help and fix this whole causal mess, and I think he also felt somewhat the same. So he didn't hate the people, he hated the way they did things.

When I saw Takamura not being an ass with the foreigners of the team, taking advice from them and not looking at me like I was some sort of psychotic murderer it dawned on me. That deep hatred I felt when I was facing the Wasp Squad, when I was fighting against Mion, I hated them because they ignited the memories of something unfair happening to me, like when the CO told us of Alt. IV being scrapped during Christmas. I think the Guard screwed Takeru badly, they must have done something horrible to him, but instead of hating the people he started to resent their ways. That's why he felt alone and misunderstood. No one shared his views on how things should be done, and so he grew more and more hateful towards the Royal Guards as a whole.

I mean, that's why he still wished to save the Empire. He hadn't given up on it and I don't feel like he wanted to fight against them either. It's like he was bitter about his situation, feeling helpless about it. Well, I might be in quite a dangerous situation too, but that doesn't mean I'll just give up. Everyone kept making hard decisions and dying because of my inability to make hard choices and act on them, so what if I'm alone? They covered my back who knows how many times, pretty sure I can do it once to change the pace. I mean, I already lost everyone once. Like hell I'll let it happen again. I give no shit about who wants me dead, because they have nothing on me. I won't stop, not until I find a way to somehow restore a shred of peace to this world. After all, I do have some cards to play yet. I'm not completely powerless here.

Now, if I remember correctly I have to take a turn here and then to the left after two hallways I gotta take another turn to the right. I can only hope she doesn't try to harm me this time, I can't wait to go have that talk with Sensei.

"Special-kun?" Hmm? Oh, what have we here?

"Hey, Ayamine. So you guys are already back?"

"Where were you?" And here we go again.

I don't like her gaze. She might be making her usual poker face but I can tell by those tense brows that she's suspicious of me.

"I was working."

"On what?"

"Can't say. Special mission again. It's part of my punishment." She opens her eyes, then narrows them at me. She must hate me now, huh?

"What did they make you do?"

"Nothing much, just deliver some reports and folders around."

"I see."

"When did you guys got here?"

"Today at morning. We got a lecture from the Instructor this afternoon." She looks down, her hands are tightening into fists. Let's not bother her anymore, I also have no permission to stand around.

"Well, congrats on passing the test. I suppose I'll see you during the lectures. Later." I knew it was gonna be like this. But man, doesn't it hurt to be treated like-

TUG

Hm? Why can't I move all of sudden? As I look behind me, Kei was holding my sleeve. Or more like, gripping it. She stared at me without looking away. She's gonna punch me? Throw me with an STA? Sigh... I can't catch a break, can I?

"The PX is this way. Let's go." She starts pulling me in the opposite direction of where I was going. I put some force into my feet and manage to stop her.

"A-Ayamine, stop it. I can't go to the PX."

"Why?"

"It's part of my punishment. For twenty days I can't go there, that's why I have to eat the rations we were given during the CCSE." I show her the bag I was carrying. I can tell by how her eyes are slightly twitching, she's angry.

"That's... unfair."

"Huh?" Did I hear that wrong?

"You saved Mitsurugi, right? Why are you getting punished? Hey, are you still part of the squad?" She gets closer and she stares into me with that poker face of hers.

"I mean, I'm still part of the squad. And well, I'm sure the others must have told you right? I killed two soldiers and hurt another two. There's no way that wouldn't have gone unpunished."

"I see. Is that all the punishments you have?"

"No, I also can't go to the barracks. So don't wait for me in the PX or there, I'll just go to the lectures from my current location."

"...Okay." Kei lets go, eyes still locked onto mine. She was tightening her fists again. What is wrong with her now? Is she holding back a punch?

"Well, I still have to go do some work so I'll be on my way. Later."

"Yeah."

I turn around and go my way, this time she doesn't try to stop me. I made my way to Takamura's office and knock on the door.

"It's open." I hear her voice from inside and enter the office.

"Excuse me. Good evening, 1st Lieutenant."

"Good evening, sit down. Well, what did you think of your first day as my assistant?" She was eating some sort of mix of meat and potatoes. Ugh, this is torture... That thing smells really nice too. I'm stuck with this...

"It wasn't as bad as I thought it would. It's a very light work, honestly."

"Light? With all the things you had to carry around, you thought it was light?"

"I mean, compared to fighting BETA this is nothing. I wasn't even doing any math on my head or trying to figure out sizes or costs. I just ran around delivering papers, you were the one doing the hard stuff." It's honestly surprising, she really is a capable woman.

"Well, I can see what you mean. But most soldiers would think it's a bother to do this kind of work. Also, the report I asked you to write was very well redacted. Did you have any training for that?"

"No, I'm just used to it after stu- ...I mean, after working under the Vice Commander." I almost blurted out that I went to college. I'm a walking danger when I'm hungry and tired. I open my rations and... Hm? What is this? D Rank? It's also the right amount of it. The hell?

"Of course, after working under her for a month you must have improved many of your abilities. Well, regardless, I thank you for your efforts today. Your advice on changing the ammo was truly helpful, I was too focused on making it like it was before that I didn't think of that." She gives me a small bow. Is this her plan to eventually make me lower my guard?

"Don't mention it, I'm just doing my part."

"If you say so. So, can I ask you what do you think of the railgun? Now that you've seen it's data, how do you see it?"

"Hmm... It may be really expensive to build, but I belive it will be a great asset once completed. And since it will be lighter now, with the right TSF it might also be possible to move with it." I know that blue Takemikazuchi could move in and out of a hive with it, and if we make it lighter that would get even easier. If we had it during Kashgar, the mission would have went so much more smoothly. We could have had some backpacks on the XG to recharge the thing, Tama would have made short work of all those hallways infested with BETA.

"Move with it? You think that's possible?!" She dropped her fork as her eyes widened.

"I mean... It's not impossible, right?"

"Well, theoretically... But it would be very risky. Not many TSFs could do something like that."

"Couldn't the Takemikazuchi do that?"

"Hmm... It may be able to, since it is made to be more robust than all of our other TSFs and it has sub-arms... Sigh, if only we hadn't lost both prototypes..."

"1st Lt.? What is it?" Her shoulders dropped and she lowered her eyes as she finished speaking.

"Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself. But you do have a point, if we make it lighter than it used to be, it might be possible for a high performance TSF to move with it. Anyways, you did a great job today. I hope you keep it up from now on." She smiles at me again. Really, it's a shame I have to be on my guard around you.

"I'll do my best to not disappoint." We continue to eat with only the tickling of a clock sounding through the room.

"I heard that tomorrow you'll have your piloting test, right?"

"Yeah, will you be monitoring my performance?"

"Yes, that's the idea. I know that it is hard to adapt to it, but don't be scared of how much it shakes. I belive that in the UN's testing they also have you pilot for awhile."

"Wait, really?" Another difference to the list. So we will have to actually pilot for a while. Huh, neat.

"Yes. I think they make you go through all the different speeds and then you'll have to actually pilot in the simulator. I recall hearing it's done in this way to measure the ability of the Eishi to adapt to any situation, quick thinking is crucial for survival after all. Also it works to see how good one is when you just begin, so that when you start learning all the theory you see how much of a difference it makes." That sounds reasonable, I guess.

"Well, I hope I don't crash into a building or something."

"Ahahaha, do not worry about that. From what I've heard, not many pilots here have lasted much during their first ever simulation."

I might need to fake it here, or is it too late for that? I mean, I will eventually stop messing around so is there any point in holding back? No, if I learned anything from this loop is that I shouldn't show all my cards right away. And we will be using the old OS, so I might end up feeling uncomfortable. That might work in my favor. I'm gonna barrel roll myself into a tree or something.

"That is a relief. 1st Lt., if you don't mind me asking, how was your training regime?"

"Mine? I was one of the first women to be trained on a special school of the Empire back in Kyoto. I graduated at a very young age, that's why I already have experience despite being younger than you." That also makes sense, since this world's me was a 1st Lt. despite being only sixteen. I wonder where did he train?

"That must have been hard." I better shut up now that I think about it. She must have been in Kyoto during the fall, last thing I want is to make her remember any bad memories she might have.

"Yes, it was... But... It also gave me many teachings that forged me into who I am now. Even if I'm on the UN, my heart does not forget where it belongs." Oh shit, here we go again. The Empire this, the Empire that.

"I see."

"Cadet Shirogane, if I might... Can I ask you about the incidents in the CCSE?" Of course she would ask. Let's roll the dice.

...

"Go ahead."

"Ahem, then... Why did you took the blame for the incidents?"

"Why? Because I was the one who did them, of course. I killed those men, I harmed another two. Regardless of why I did it, the blood is already on my hands."

"Hmm... That's a peculiar way of thinking. You still feel remorseful about killing those traitors?"

"I mean, of cour- ...Wait, what? Traitors?"

"Hm? Yes, I'm talking about the men you attacked. I understand that all of us are comrades in service of the Shogun, but you shouldn't feel bad about your actions."

"...I think we're talking about different things here."

"Huh? Were we not talking about the incidents of the CCSE?" She brings one hand to her chin as a question mark appears above her head.

"Yes, so why are you... Well, calling them traitors? I killed them, I have no justification for that." She closes her eyes and moves her hair our of her face. Then as she opens her eyes with a weird glow in them, she addresses me again.

"I do not think it's bad to feel guilty about that. No one likes to have to point their weapons towards a fellow, however, their actions were most shameful. You should not regret your actions." Okay, stop. Pause. Someone tell the world to stop spinning for a sec, I need to figure out what the hell is going on here.

"1st Lt. Takamura, my punishment was given to me because I had nothing to prove that I killed them with a convincing enough reason."

"What are you talking about? I've heard from some people on the floor that you did it to save your comrades. It seems those soldiers were abusing their power when you found them." What? How does she...

"H-How... But... When I was given my punishment, my explanations did not convince the people that were questioning me. They said I had no proof to prove that. Who was the one saying that?"

"Who? I don't know, I still don't know most faces here. When I went to the PX to get my food I overheard some people talking about you, about how they went overboard with your punishment."

How is this... No, why is this happening? Did the Instructor talk with someone? Or did Meiya? Maybe Sensei spread a rumor to help me? Or is Takamura lying just to get on my good side?

"Are you sure? Everybody is still treating me like they usually did, I don't think anyone thinks too highly of me. I doubt people would actually say that." Her gaze turns stern as she looks at me again.

"Cadet Shirogane, I am telling the truth. Are you not misunderstanding your punishment?"

"No, I mean, I can't go to the PX, I can't go to my room, I lost my free time." And the consoles.

"Hmm... It is weird. Well, maybe they're trying to tell you to not be so extreme from now on? In any case, do not worry too much about it, if you need advice on your piloting training I'm more than willing to lend you a hand." Why is she beaming at me like that? No, why is she so interested in my piloting skills?

"I guess... Maybe I'll ask the XO when I go report to her tonight." Sensei, you better have some answers for me. "And, when you say helping me out, what do you mean exactly?"

"I mean, I could spar with you on the simulator and teach you some footing techniques I've learned."

"And why would you do that? Aren't you super busy with the railgun?"

"Well, yes. But I'd like to thank you for your help, and... Ahem, considering your scores and numbers, I belive you have much potential. I merely wish to give you a hand." But why? She did ask me about becoming a test pilot this morning. Is she trying to find out about my piloting skills?

"Please don't trouble yourself with me. I'll manage somehow." She drops her shoulders and eyes dejectedly.

"I see. Well, I'll be monitoring your training so don't worry too much about it. In the same way you're supporting me in my project I'll support you in your training, so if you need help do not hesitate to ask." Help, huh?

"1st Lt., if I may... Could you consider helping my squad instead of just me?"

"Your squad?" As she finishes her plate, she brings a finger to her chin as a question mark appeared over her head again.

"Yes, it would be unfair if only I got to learn under you. So, if you have the time, would you spar with my squadmates as well? Of course, if it's too much of a bo-"

"Alright."

"Just like that?!"

"Well, you asked me so sincerely that I'll feel bad if I refused. And I do like to help people reach their potential. Back in Yukon, one member of my squad had... some trouble with his machine. When I sparred with him, he could find a hint that drove him forward, and eventually he managed to dominate a new style fitting for his TSF. That feeling was truly... How to say it? It wasn't just rewarding, like... I was really proud about that. So, if I can do the same for you and your squad, I'll be an honor to help. After all, lending my strength to my fellows will only make us stronger. I do expect you all to take this seriously though, since I won't hold back." She crosses her arms as she stares at me again with violet flares in her eyes.

"Oh, don't worry about that. We are used to being drilled to the ground by our Instructor." Regardless of my situation, if she's willing to help the girls that will only make them better. Even if you end up going against me, thanks for this Takamura.

We talked for a little while about my squad, who they were and how I saw them. After some small talk about today's work, I excused myself and went towards Sensei's office.

I have a mountain of questions for her so she better be ready to answer them. I don't need to know everything that happens behind the curtain but I'd like her to at least share something with me. I tried my best today to not get paranoid, but considering everything that happened no one could blame me if I'm nervous right now. I might have some plays to make, but that's all.

I reach the elevator on B5F and ride it down to Floor 19. Deep breaths, Takeru. Once the door opens, I walk into the hallway. And at the end of it, I knock the door as I usually do.

"Come in."

"Good evening, Sensei."

"Good evening, Shirogane. Did you need anything? I'm terribly busy right now." She still refuses to look at me.

"As per my instructions, I came here to see if there are any other things you want me to do. And because I have a lot of things to tell you."

"I have no more orders for you today. Return to your cell, that's all." That's all? What the hell is wrong with her?

"Sensei, I have something to tell you. It's about-"

"Cadet Shirogane, return to your cell. That's an order." She drilled knives through her eyes into mine. What is wrong with...

"Sensei, I'm not leaving. I have something important to tell you."

"Should I call the MP and get you some bullets you can trip onto?"

"Sensei, you can't do that!" Why does she not want to listen?!

"I'm the XO of this base. So yes, I can!" She gives me devilish smile as she spins in her chair. Ugh, is she being serious or is she mocking me?

"I know I must have caused a lot of problems, but can you listen to what I have to say?" She stops spinning and looks at me again with a frown on her face.

"Oh no, you don't. You have no idea all the problems you've caused me."

"Err... Well, yeah. I don't know, but-"

"Shirogane, I did told you someone wanted you out of here. Yet, you went and did all you could to stay. It seems you didn't get my message."

"Your message?" Does she not want me here anymore? I mean, if Yuuhi pressured her...

"You caused me a lot of trouble, you got a lot of eyes onto you now. You're being a real pain right now." I can't belive her.

"You say that after all I did for you?"

"Yes. Now, go back to your cell. I have nothing to say to you right now."

"But I do. And it's important." And you're going to listen. I mean, you're the only one that I can talk to about this.

"Let me guess, this is about how those soldiers harmed Mitsurugi and-"

"I inherited some memories from this world's me, Sensei." She twitches. Her eyes freeze as she looks at me.

"You... got some of his memories?"

"Bits and pieces. Feelings, more than anything."

"...I see. And is any of that information relevant to Alt. IV or any of the tech we're developing here?"

"Well, no. But-"

"Then I don't care. That's your problem." She waves towards the door, signaling me to leave.

"So you won't hear me out?"

"Sigh... I'm busy right now. And the memories you got from this world's Shirogane have nothing to do with you, so just forget about it. Right now, you're useless. Stay put and don't give me more problems."

"...Useless, huh? Man, what a shame. It would suck if we had some major incidents coming at us right about now." I turn around, heading towards the door.

"Huh? Major incidents? Shirogane what are-" I send her a side glance as I stop by the door.

"It's such a shame we don't have a dashing, brave, chestnut haired, bratty soldier that can warn us of those. We're stuck with bothersome, useless me. Shucks. Well, I'm sure I'm just getting in your way right now, so I'm going to cry myself to sleep on my cell. Goodnight, Sensei." Giving her a small smile and a salute I leave her office. Her shouts come after me shortly after.

"Shirogane! Shirogane! Stop right there!" I stop, glance back at her as she was coming out of her office for a second, and continue walking towards the elevator. Fufufufu! "Shirogane! I order you to stop!"

"Oh, what is it, Sensei? Want to keep reminding me of how useless I am right now?"

"Stop messing around, what was that about some major incidents?!" She moves one hand up and down, pointing at me. Her face is completely distorted into a scowl.

"Incidents? I've no idea what you're talking about." I shrug her off. Want some intel? You're gonna have to earn it now.

You pissed me off. You're the only one I can trust here, if you don't speak to me I have no security I'll be alive tomorrow morning. Yet you stay quiet, ignore my plea of help, and push me away. I'm not useless, nor powerless. I have something else to use, I know of three incidents that will happen. One of them might happen because of us this time. But I won't be an idiot, I won't reveal my cards so easily. You want this intel? I better get something good in return, because I want to help you in fixing this mess, and I won't reach my peaceful world if I can't work with you. So I need you to drop that cold mask and listen to what I have to say.

"Then why did you say that? I have a mountain of problems to deal with, I don't have the time to deal with your tantrums. God, I expected more of you." She turns back and heads back towards her office.

"Hey, don't worry so much Sensei! When the base gets blown up, you won't have that many problems anymore." She freezes in her tracks, but I turn around and continue towards the elevator before she turned around.

"...Stop right there."

"Hmm? What is it? Weren't you super busy?" I grin at her and I'm met with a frown.

"Shirogane, let's go back to the office. Looks like we have a lot to talk about."

"Do we?"

"Yes, we do. Now, come on. Stop wast-"

"And what do I get from it?" She freezes again, staring at me for some seconds. She brings one hand to her chin as she gets closer.

"I've been doing a lot of things to keep you safe, you know. Just because I don't talk to you doesn't mean I'm not your ally."

"And for how much longer will you be on my side? For all I know, and going by your attitude, as soon as I speak you'll no longer have any use for me. You always discard anyone who brings you down, to cut your losses. If I'm more trouble than I'm worth, you'll discard me too. You wouldn't let my presence here get in the way of Alt. IV."

"And why do you think I've been covering you?! Why do you think I called you before you boarded the copter? You were supposed to stay quiet and let me deal with everything, yet you went and alerted HC of your involvement in the consoles' development... They're onto you now, many people want you gone. You made Mitsurugi and Sakaki pass the CCSE, you've made many enemies here."

"That's old news, the Empire wants my head since the start. I don't doubt Yuuhi will send an assassin after me sooner than we think." She flinched. That's weird, why is she furrowing her brows like that?

"Yuuhi? Are you talking about the Shogun? Why are you calling her by her name?"

"W-What's that look for? You know manners are not my thing, and yes, I'm talking about the Shogun. I'm sure she wants my head."

"The upper or the lower one?"

"SENSEI!"

"And? Why do you think... Wait, you said you got some memories back, didn't you? That's why you think she wants you dead?"

"Yeah. I also met with those two damn pickles during the CCSE, and if he was related to them, he must have been close to the Shogun. I'm sure she already has a plan to kill me."

"Pickles? Related? Alright, enough with this. I honestly have no idea what you're talking about, Sakon did mention something about the Shogun having plans about you, I also got informed this world's you served the Shogun but I think we both need to have a long talk about what happened. I honestly didn't think they would come after you, why do you think that?"

"I told you already. I met two members of the Tsukuyomi Family during the CCSE, yesterday the 1st Lt. that's here came to question me at night and-"

"Wait, what?! When? At what hour? Why have I not heard of this?!" She got close and grabbed me by the collar, shaking me for a little while.

"So you had no idea a member of the Royal Guard went down to the detention barracks yesterday night?" She lets me go as she crosses her arms.

"No! Why did... Did the guard let her through because he thought she would... Ugh, more nationalistic pricks!" She ruffles her hair as a deep sighs escapes her lips. "Enough, let's go back to the office. We have a lot to talk about. Shirogane?"

"You do know that I could have been murdered yesterday, and you would have been none the wiser, right?"

"...I don't like your tone. What are you trying to say?"

"First, that now I'm scared shitless of going to sleep. Second, that we can't trust the rest of the staff here to not suddenly do something against me. Third, that you can't grant me protection. And fourth, you still haven't told me what do I get from speaking."

"Well, for one, I'll send some trustworthy person as the watchman of the detention barracks from now on. It's not the first time the Royal Guard moves around the base without me knowing about it, remember the first time you met them?" Oh right, when Maya-san interrogated me. Sensei didn't knew about it until I told her. "That should take care of points one and three. As far as point two, don't worry. Nobody would dare to lay a hand on you while you're here."

"There is one tiny, little problem. You see, I'm going to be doing mock battles in a TSF in a few days. Couldn't one mechanic do something to my Jump Units? Or to any other part of my TSF?"

"That's solved easily. I take Yashiro to the hangar, and anyone who tries to do anything funny gets kicked out. That should serve as an example. Good enough for you?" Will that truly be enough? Well, I can trust in Kasumi.

"I guess. And what about point four?"

"Let's discuss it in my office. Let's go already."

She turns around and briskly returns to her office. Well, I got her to talk. So she had a talk with Yoroi-san, huh? She knew this world's me was related to the Shogun and kept quiet. And you want me to belive you, of all people, didn't knew that Tsukuyomi-san came to my cell last night? Yeah, right. Nothing escapes your sight, not on this base. I mean, I sent Tsukuyomi-san after my sword and this morning when I went to get my clothes it was no longer there. You're telling me she didn't notice that?!

Whatever, let's hear her out. Then I'll decide what to do.

After going back and sitting again, she tells me of what Yoroi-san told her. This world's me fought on the Battle of Kyoto, he was recruited into the Guard officially after that, he served the Koubuin House and Yuuhi after she was appointed as the Shogun, and did some dirty work for the Shogunate. That last part was the important part. He felt conflicted regarding his views, so I bet those missions did a number on his mental health.

"Then when the report about you reached HC, I negotiated with them for quite some time. Some old shits wanted to make your squad execute you, to show that the Japanese are superior and whatnot. Honestly, I know the UN needs to gather personnel from the country where it's set up, but did they have to scout those idiots for the Council?!"

"I mean, if they hadn't done that, wouldn't that have given them more trouble with the Shogunate?" She strokes her bangs as she makes coffee.

"Yes, I know that already. It's just frustrating to deal with them. I used my connections and some suspicions I got to threaten that Captain. The UN couldn't allow that intel to reach the Empire, so they needed to silence you. But with my intervention, all I could do was to stop the order to execute you. I was planning to delay your punishment until I could show the UN the XM3, saying that you gave me the idea for it. But you had to go and let them know of the simulators. Now they're all terribly curious about you. I mean, it's not a bad thing but once you start piloting officially they will get very suspicious of you."

"Wouldn't that work in our favor? They wouldn't harm a talented Eishi, would they?"

"Some of them might have a decent head above their shoulders, but those idiots from the Shogunate will only see a foreigner that killed Japanese people being better than our other Japanese pilots. They'll start kicking up a fuss about it, be sure of that. And if the Shogun wants you dead as you said, things will only get harder from now on."

"Alright. There is one thing you didn't explain, though."

"What is it?"

"Takamura. Why did you make me her assistant?"

"Oh, her. Don't worry, Yashiro read her mind while I was speaking with her. I made a point to ask her about you, she doesn't have any intentions to harm you. If we can keep the Shogun from attacking you, she shouldn't be a problem. I also spread a rumor around the base, that you had to kill the soldiers because they harmed your squad. I don't need the whole base to get against you, and I honestly have enough dirt on the Council that if they try anything, I'll leak some sensible intel to Sakon." So that's what Takamura was talking about. Even so, will just a rumor be enough? "Now, what happened during the CCSE that caused you to get memories from the other you?"

I tell her of how I felt during the chase, what I heard during my clash with Mion, what she told me after that, my conclusions after calming down and reflecting on those feelings and about how I saw them at the end of the CCSE.

"...This is... interesting." She's staring again at nowhere. She must be lost in thought again.

"Sensei, I think it's safe to assume that-"

"Shirogane, you said you couldn't really remember things clearly despite feeling like you absorbed the memories of this world's you, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Then, we'll make you remember them."

"Huh? How are-"

"If you have those feelings in you, that means that the memories of this world's you lie repressed in you subconscious, just like your memories from your past loops were repressed in you when you came back after your last loop. Normally, you would have to adapt to them first before being able to recall them clearly, but since we have Yashiro here we can use her to bring them out faster."

"Wait... Wouldn't that... like, change my personality? Wouldn't I become this world's Takeru?"

"No. I mean, you didn't revert to your version of when you left that other world, you absorbed it's knowledge and experiences into the you that had lived two years in your world. Of course, you might begin to share some feelings and ideas, but that's only because you already were similar to him in that sense."

"So, we'll use that knowledge for what exactly?" She smiles like a devil as she raises a finger to the ceiling.

"To deceive the Shogun of course!"

"...You mean making her believe I'm actually Takeru Shirogane?"

"Aren't you?" She puts one finger to her cheek and chuckles. Sigh...

"Well, yes. But I'm not her Takeru, even if I inherited some memories I am different than him. This is different then when I got my own memories back, even if I share some traits with him I don't think I could replicate his mannerism perfectly."

"Oh, don't worry about it. If you can't convince them, confuse them! They just need to see some similarities, all the other different things about you can be explained through your memory loss and experiences in Yukon."

"I think this will come back to bite us hard in the ass down the line..."

"It's that or getting the Shogun on our bad side. We can't allow that to happen. And you seem already quite fond of her, calling her Yuuhi like that." She furrows her brows again at me. Drop that teasing tone, Sensei.

"Oh, shut up. You know I don't care about status that much. And your plan relies on that this world's me was on good terms with the Shogun, what are we gonna do if-"

"I'm sure he was. If not, they would have killed you as soon as they noticed you. The fact that they took their time, that they didn't kill you yesterday despite you killing two Japanese soldiers is proof of that." I guess... I mean, Tsukuyomi-san was acting weird yesterday.

"Guess we just gotta bite the bullet and see what happens, huh."

"Exactly. So, what was that about some major incidents happening?"

"What do I get from this again? So far, you've given me no reassurance that things will get better. We're just making assumptions in the air."

"Is there anything you want?" I bring my hand to my chin, remembering the things I thought about before coming to talk to her. Originally I was going to propose her this ideas, but I think it's better if I take care of this myself.

"A few things, actually. This is the last bit of useful intel I have, since I'm sure the missions in the future will be very different. I don't know how the ripple will change history after we start Alt. IV officially. So, in exchange for everything I've done until now, I want power."

"Power? What do you mean?"

"I want an S5 Clearance pass for Hangar 90."

"What for?" She narrows her eyes at me as she entwines her fingers and leans forward.

"In case I have to escape from some pursuers. I also want that midnight blue Kagerou to be there, ready to deploy at any time for me." With that TSF I'm sure I could fight off anyone Yuuhi might send after me, even the Royal Guard.

"That one is already there, being used on another project. I suppose I could make you a part of it, under the guise of your punishment." Another project? Just how many things is she doing here? "Anything else?"

"I also want you to order me to do some 'paperwork' for you during my punishment. I want that as a cover, there's some things I want to research in the meantime. I'll need an office and a PC."

"Research? Exactly what do you want to research?" She looks at me intensely. Of course she'll be curious about it.

"Weaponry. There are a few ideas I have, but I don't know how practical they would be, so the first step is reading up on the intel we have here. My discussions with Takamura and the Chief Engineer today made me realize you people lack flexibility, I honestly can't belive they were fixed on using 120mm ammunition despite all the resources that would take."

"Wait, you were the one that suggested to use smaller ammo?"

"You didn't know that? Way to go Sensei." She frowns again. She takes a sip from her coffee and let's a sigh escape her lips again.

"Can you tell me what do you want to research? I might be able to lend you a hand."

"Offense wise, we have our bases covered. But there are a few little things I'd like to change and make. Like for example, we put sensors in every single part of our TSFs, right? Why can't we put them on the weapons too?"

"On the weapons? What for?"

"To help in not hitting your allies in close combat. And to improve communication. During a certain fight, my comms got screwed up so badly I lost contact with my whole squad. I don't remember if I told you, but on the walls of the BETA hives there's this material that blocks electric signals or something like that. Well, even if we would have been screwed anyways, having more sensors to help in the cramped, filled with BETA, and narrow hallways of a hive would come in handy." Sensei was again looking at the ceiling, ruffling her hair.

"...Sensors on the weapons, huh? Anything else?"

"Yes, but I'll let those be a surprise for you. I have three or four ideas, but again, I don't know if they're worth your time yet. I wanna do something, I want to prove to the UN that I have power. And that they shouldn't kill me off."

"If that's what you want, I'll allow it. Not that I'm complaining, you're the only one that's actually giving me results right now, despite all the trouble. If you say you've got more things coming, I'll do my part. Is there anything else you wanted to do?"

"The last one is more of a weird... How to say it? Fetish of mine. Is it possible to..."

"...Yes. But... No, with that other... Hmm..."

"So it isn't out of our reach?"

"No, it isn't. And you're sure you can do it?"

"Yeah. With two of those I'm sure we could turn this thing around. And also, it would be useful for the future."

"Hmm... We don't have enough intel to work with that right now. That will have to wait, but I do have some preparations that would go well with your idea."

"Then, you have your deal. I'll tell you a bit of what will happen, and all of it one week before it happens."

"...Say, Shirogane. Are you happy with that Kagerou you modified?" Sensei asks me without looking at me as she begins to spin in her chair.

"Yeah? Why? Think you can get me a Shiranui?"

"What if I told you I could get you a Takemikazuchi?"

...

"By Takemikazuchi, you mean the Type-00 that belongs to the Royal Guard?"

"Yes, what else could I mean? Then, you could modify it to make it like the Takemikazuchi of that game, with those weird machineguns built into it's waist or whatever."

"No kidding?" I mean, that would be a dream come true, to pilot Valgern-On's version of the Takemikazuchi. But is she for real?

"No? I got a deal from the Shogun, to hand her the sensors, antennas, radars, and the new parts of the F-15 in exchange for ten Type-00 for my personal use. Currently, the Valkyries have nine members. Isumi, Hayase, Munakata, Kazama, Suzumiya, Kashiwagi, Tsukiji, Takahara, Asakura. If I count you, the Viking, we have exactly ten members in the A-01 Squad. So, it makes perfect sense to give you that last Takemikazuchi, since you also want to do tests with it."

She wasn't kidding, her eyes had that glow she gets when she finds a new toy to play around with. She then hands me a folder, with the details of the deal. A Type-00C, huh? Hmm... I did not expect this, that's for sure. Imagine how good it'll be with the new XM3, radars, sensors and Jump Units. Maybe we could give it a little horn with the new antenna design too.

"Sensei, if you planned this for me, why were you keeping quiet when I came to speak with you?"

"Oh, I was just getting back at you for being an idiot and killing those soldiers. Really, we could have been riding the tailwind if not for that stupid mistake of yours." Hey, it's not like I wanted this to happen. Ugh, she can be so unfair sometimes. "But whatever, I'm not dense like you so I can see that you're troubled by all of this. Shirogane, just to be clear, I am on your side. So long as you still help me, you won't leave this base and no one will harm you. So, let's keep those nationalistic idiots at bay. We have a world to save, right?"

"...And this time you won't discard me or go around doing things behind my back?"

"No, I won't. You're my most important ally, so stop being so negative already, it doesn't suit you. You're the one that makes lame jokes and is always happy, what am I gonna do if you get all depressed? Do you want to make Yashiro sad too?"

"Hey, that's not...It's just..."

"I know how hard it is to feel all alone in your quest. So, you can trust in me and stop making trouble. Keep your temper in check and stop fighting with your squad. And don't be suspicious of Takamura, she's on our side too. I'll make sure the Royal Guard can't lay a finger on you, so be at ease. Now, tell me what you think is safe about those incidents."

"Sigh... Got it. But you better follow through with your promise. Well, first things first, one incident doesn't have a fixed date. It happens when a certain thing is sent here. Do we have an OTH Cannon here?"

"Yes, we do. To think we would need it... I can't wait to see what happens." Seriously, why are you smiling about that? You should be shaking in fear, not shivering in excitement. Sigh...

"Well, I somehow found something that will help us with that, so hopefully we can avoid getting more eyes onto us."

"What do you mean by that? What happens with this accident?"

"We can either deal with it ourselves or use your influence to stop it. If we keep drawing attention to ourselves we will only get into more trouble, so we have to deal with it ourselves this time. I casually stumbled upon something that will help us with that. And we have the XM3 now on our side, I'm sure things will turn out okay." Or we go all KAPUT! and I have to restart the loop.

"You found something? Whatever, I'll let you deal with that. What about the other two incidents?"

"We can actually use those two to our advantage, I think. One involves a natural disaster, we can use it to appeal to the Shogunate."

"Appeal? So, you say we help them out? Despite how much they hate us?"

"Ohohoho, yes I do. They hate us, but we have a certain person here that they won't be able to say no to." Sensei grins as the answer came to her.

"Mitsurugi, huh? So we use her to make sure we get the credit for solving this incident peacefully?"

"Basically. If Takamura is willing to help, then we have two people that can help with that. It might not be much, but saving Japanese lives should be worth something for them. We could emphasize how many resources we spent on them, instead of giving our backs to them."

"Hmm... Not a bad idea, if I say so myself. Then, what about the last one?" I need to choose my words carefully for this one.

"That's the tricky one. Last time, when I tried to prevent the second accident, things got out of control pretty fast. I didn't know of the political situation of the Empire, and the ripple caused a horrible thing to pass. That is the third incident."

"So... I suppose it's some sort of political struggle?"

"Sensei, how do you think I knew of the Shogun before absorbing this world's Takeru's data?" She closes her eyes as she drinks some more coffee, then returns a firm gaze towards me.

"...So that's the one we have to avoid at all costs. What you're saying is, we have to prevent any more damage to our relations with the Empire?"

"Basically, we need to create a scenario where violence can't be used to further someone's political agenda." I don't want to mention Kei's letters, because that would get her out of the squad. I need every single pilot I can get for the eventual Kashgar raid. As much as she might hate me, I can't lose her skills.

"Hmm... Sakon said something similar. Then, with all the more reason, we need to fix our relationship with the Shogun. I'll prepare the office you asked me and give you a nice computer, so that you can work as much as you want. I'll contact the Empire to accept this accord the Shogun asked of me, I'll get us those Type-00C as soon as I can. Oh, by the by, your Fubukis are on the way already, they should arrive in two days."

"Really? Awesome. Oh, that reminds me... Are we training the squad with the XM3?" She waves one finger left and right as she smiles. W-What is she plotting now?

"No, first I want them to get a feel of the old OS. You did mention before that we trained them with the prototype last time around, right? This time, let's show them how important it is to cooperate with foreigners using the XM3. I'll give it to you, and only you, and they'll have to ask for it." I don't think that's a good idea. At all.

"Are you sure that won't make them more suspicious about me? Or more resentful towards the UN?" I can't help but to raise a brow at her, but she just shrugs.

"In the end, our goal is to make the Shogun give you her blessing, so it doesn't matter." I can see what you mean, but I don't think this will be fine for the time being. We don't even know how that business with his memories will turn out.

"Alright. I suppose that's that? Oh right! How are the theories? And the 00 Unit?" She then slumps into the chair as she ruffles her hair. Is she still having trouble?

"We figured out how to fix the flaw of the data leak. But we are having problems adjusting the hardware to perform what we want it to do. Software wise, we still have to iron out parts of that whole emotional linkage thing of the second theory. Once we finish that I belive there will be no leaks when the 00 Unit connects to a hive to recharge. But it's taking quite some time. More than what I thought."

"I see. I can't really help you with that. Oh, what I can tell you is that I did notice something about that theory." Her eyes spark back to life as she straightens her posture.

"What is it? What did you notice?"

"The data that flows through me can be somehow controlled. I'm convinced my squadmates were receiving negative causal data through me, due to how paranoid they got. And when I got depressed and started doubting them, I also started getting more and more negative. As of late, it's been hard to control. So one's attitude does affect the leaks, especially when I'm around."

"Hmm... Then, with all the more reason, stop being so depressed. You're only making things worse here."

"I know... It's... Well, I'll do my best to not be so paranoid anymore. And if I could affect my squadmates, the 00 Unit will definitely be affected by it, and we can use that to draw the best solutions once she's up and running again." That's my hope here, the second theory is what will allow me to reach my slightly-more-peaceful world.

No matter how dark the future is, if Sumika can start pinpointing causal data from across all parallel worlds then we will be able to turn the tide of this war. Nobody can argue against results. That's our key to get out from this cage, not even the Empire would be able to keep antagonizing us after we recapture Sadogashima and neutralize the Cheorwon Hive.

"Well, that's good to know. I still have to start looking at the notes from the Causality Nucleus, so keep yourself in check. And rest easy, no one is harming you while you stay down there. That's all, go and rest for today."

"Roger. Goodnight, Sensei." She gives me a small smile as she finishes her coffee, I turn around and leave.

...

Sigh... We could have avoided that discussion if she had talked to me from the start.

Honestly, what did she want me to do then? It's not like I wanted to cause all this trouble...

Well, whatever. I'll keep doing stuff from now on, since I can't rely on my knowledge from the other world anymore thanks to all the changes that are in this world. I do hope my weird ideas can actually work, they would be a godsend during Sadogashima if we managed to get a proof of concept done.

But man... A Takemikazuchi... Just with that, Sadogashima got less scarier. It's still gonna be a hard mission, that's for sure. And that's without counting that other idea... Man, we just might be able to capture the Reactor this time around. I wonder if I can convince Sensei to not blow it up. I mean, we do need more G-Elements...

In any case, it seems my paranoia was pointless. Except for Yuuhi. I never thought I would be happy about an eruption happening in my life, but if the UN can aid the Empire in the rescue efforts then things might go a bit better between both sides. We don't need Sagiri doing another coup.

Time to start pulling my weight here, I can't start dragging my feet. This is a prime chance to get more and more power and support for me, and for Sensei too. With all the eyes that are on me right now, if I show them my piloting skills, more crazy inventions, and help during the rescue efforts, I might be able to clean a bit the image I have right now.

So, my dear and purple Yuuhi, don't send anyone to kill me for a few days. Stay put in the palace, or wherever you are, and let me do my thing. Though, if her relation with this world's me was bad I'm screwed. There will be no blessing whatsoever.

Oh well, let's leave the pessimism behind. Just a few more days and Sumika will be free from that tank, and the 00 Unit will be complete. I wonder if Kasumi will manage to talk to her before we have to kill her, I know the 00 Unit will have the same voice, but still... Even if she isn't my Sumika, I'd like to send her off. To let her hear Takeru's voice one last time before she dies.

That's all I can do for her. She's the one I'll never be able to save here.

All the more reason to get my shit together and start delivering results. The railgun, my squad's training, these new weapons I wanna make, the incidents that will come.

I didn't get this far just to lay over and die. I went through worse things, I was the sole survivor last time. Can't belive I'm getting so worn down by some suspicions. I will find a way to rid this world, and maybe the moon too, from the BETA, and I'll have my peace back. So first step, I gotta calm down. Let's belive in Sensei. I can't break down, I won't break down. They gave up on their lives countless times for me, what are some months of being doubted, compared to all they had to go through for me?

Tomorrow it starts. From now on, no more bullshit. This is were the real fight starts for me. And I'll be damned if I let my feelings get in my way again. So, let's hit the sack and rest well. I'll get my answer tomorrow, let's see if I can fix my relation with the girls.

...I sure hope I can. Let me enjoy some peaceful days with all of you, please. I'm really tired to be always on edge. Please, I'm not asking you to love me again... Just... for a few days, let me see you as my friends. Before the war starts again.