Soldier's Forge Chapter 7, a sakura wars fanfic

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Soldier's Forge, Chapter 7:

"The military? Why would they be involved?" Tsubaki puzzled over Kohran's most recent findings.

"I have absolutely no idea," replied Kohran. Over the past several hours, Kohran and Tsubaki were following a winding trail that often led to nowhere. Looking at items such as journals, reports, and logs, they referenced the names mentioned, which in turn led to more names or cited reports. What started as innocuously as looking up a detective's superior revealed what seemed to be a large network involved. Eventually filtering up to relatively high positions in the Ministries of Justice and Ministries of Defense, Kohran and Tsubaki soon became engrossed in trying to sort through the data and making sense of it.

"No mistake about it," concluded Kohran. "Somehow they're involved. We're going to have to connect to their network if we want to continue. Only thing is, their systems are fairly locked down. It'll take the computer a while to get through. If I do this, it won't be available for anything much, including simulations. I'll have to wait for Oogami's word before we can start."

"We should let him know about what we have as soon as he gets back. I'm sure he'll want us to move forwards," said Tsubaki.

* * *

"The rain seems to be letting up," announced Kayama. "I don't have that much more to add, really."

"Thanks again, Kayama. Please let us know if anything new develops," replied Kaede.

"Oogami, I wouldn't worry the others about this. It'd be an unnecessary burden on them," added Kayama. Oogami nodded in agreement.

"Oogami, would you wait for me upstairs? I need to have a word with Kayama," asked Kaede. Oogami was starting up the stairs when Kayama called out to him, "Oh, Oogami. Please let Kasumi know that her information net works for me. I'm sure she'll be delighted to know that." Oogami hid his grin as he opened the door and left the room.

"I heard about an attack against you. Are you all right? If it gets too dangerous, I'll pull you out," Kaede said quietly.

"No, I'm fine. What bothers me, though, is that not many know about our existence. The attacker was Army Intelligence—that means that someone high up has us targeted, since only a handful of people even know about the Hanagumi. We all need to be extra careful from now on. You need to make sure they stay alive, and see that Yoneda is alright too."

"I understand. You be careful too, Kayama. I couldn't imagine what would we do without you," cautioned Kaede.

"You'd do just fine. I'll see you later then," said Kayama.

"Yeah, you too," replied Kaede.

The ride back from the bar was a quiet one, since at this hour there were few riders. After returning to the theater, Oogami took up his flashlight from his room and began his night watch duties. While he was patrolling a hallway, Kohran and Tsubaki met up with him.

"We heard you got back, Oogami. We have some things to talk to you about, concerning today's incident," said Kohran as she brought up some printouts.

"Hold on, we'll do it over some tea." Oogami led them to the cafeteria where he fixed some tea for himself and the others. Kohran and Tsubaki then proceeded to tell Oogami about their findings, while Oogami listened and mentally confirmed her findings with Kayama's account.

"That's basically it, Oogami. We know something's up, but we'll need to use the computer to find out. It'll bring the system to minimal functionality for at least a day," said Kohran.

"I wasn't planning on running anything until Sumire recovers, and I'm fairly interested in your findings. Good job, you two," complimented Oogami.

"Thanks, Oogami. Let's get cracking, Tsubaki." Kohran and Tsubaki thanked Oogami for the tea, and then left to do some more work.

Oogami was surprised when he found Sakura sitting on the stage during his night watch.
"Sakura, what are you doing up so late?" asked Oogami.

"You're not going to make me go to bed, are you? Besides, Maria isn't with you," smirked Sakura. Chuckling softly, Oogami sat down next to her.

"Is there anything you want to talk about, Sakura?" he asked.

"Well, I couldn't sleep. First it was the thunder, and then I just kept thinking about today." She sighed while staring at the floor. "You know, we're the only ones that know Sumire works very hard at what she does." Oogami nodded. Sumire's nightly practice sessions were something she liked to keep to herself, until Sakura and Oogami had stumbled upon it. "I remember the first time I came here; she treated me pretty badly. Actually, she treated everyone pretty badly, but I think as I got to know her, it didn't seem as bad as I thought it was. Underneath, I think she really cares for us all."

"Yeah, I remember when I first came aboard. She expected me to pick up something or the other for her. It didn't really bother me, though. It's just how she is," reminisced Oogami. Sakura laughed softly.

"She's so talented, and beautiful too. I don't think I can ever match her on the stage, but that's not going to stop me from trying. She really means a lot to this team, doesn't she?"

"Yeah. I'm sure she'll pull through. No doubts."

"No doubts?"

"None."

Sakura rested her head on Oogami's shoulder. For a while, they stayed that way, until Sakura got up.

"Thanks, Oogami," she said as she headed off to her room.

"Good night, Sakura," he replied.

* * *

Oogami called off practice the next day, and when he entered the command center he found Tsubaki and Kohran asleep on the floor. Gathering blankets, he covered them up and then went upstairs to see what the others were up to. Sakura was training in the courtyard, Iris was doing schoolwork, Orihime and Reni were in the music room, and Kanna was in the gym. Oogami left them to themselves, and headed back down. Hearing the faint shots of gunfire, he entered a new addition to the theater, a small range that Maria had requested. There he found her shooting targets with her revolver.

"Mind if I join you?" asked Oogami.

"Go right ahead, squad leader," she replied. Oogami donned ear protection and safety glasses, and then took a handgun from storage.

"How's everyone holding up?" he asked as he sighted a target.

"Everyone seems to be dealing with this their own way. The only thing they can do really is to wait." Maria lined up her target and took several shot. "I'm sure you heard about what Kohran was up to?"

"Yeah, it's fine by me." Oogami took several shots, and then reset his target.

"Good. I just don't like it when we can't do anything. It gets on my nerves." Maria reset her target, and then fired several rounds again. Emptying her revolver, she proceeded to reload.

"I know how you feel. Sometimes it's all we can do, though." Glancing at his paper target, Oogami frowned at the results.

"I hope we're doing all we can. We are, aren't we, squad leader?" she asked as she spun the barrel and closed her gun.

"Yes, Maria, we are." Oogami and Maria continued shooting at targets for several minutes. Maria was somewhat suspicious of Oogami's reluctance to elaborate further, but she trusted the fact that perhaps it was better that she didn't know about it.

"I couldn't possibly match your skill, Maria. You're really incredible," he complimented. His target sheets had chest shots spread sporadically, while Maria's was dead on target—head, chest, all within the diameter of a quarter. "It looks like I'm done here for now. Let me know about any new developments."

"No problem, squad leader." She started firing again when Oogami left.

Oogami had been busy on paperwork when Kohran met up with him. Kaede had decided that it was time to put the desk in his room to use, so she passed along several mundane items that needed to be filled out. Requisitions for parts, maintenance requests, billing expenses—all of which needed much of the same information filled out repetitively. There was even a whole stack of papers that needed stamping, which Oogami was consigned to doing. He welcomed the break in monotony when Kohran knocked at his door.

"Enter," answered Oogami.

"Hi, Oogami. Finally putting that desk to use, I see," observed Kohran.

"Yes, Kaede decided it was about time I did so. What can I do for you?" asked the busy squad leader.

"Two things. First, the computer analysis is coming along. It will be online soon. Second, I was rereading some of the police reports, and I don't think they did as thorough investigation as I liked. I was wondering if I could head out to the site so I can get samples and do some detective work of my own."

"Alright, but I'll come with you. Precautionary measure. I'll be finished here shortly," replied Oogami.

"Thanks, Oogami. I'll gather up my equipment and wait at the lobby." Kohran briskly turned on her heels and shut the door after her. Oogami finalized the stack of papers on his desk and took them next door to Kaede's room.

"Come in," she replied after he knocked. "Oh, you're done. Thanks Oogami. Sorry to bother you again, but I just got word from Yoneda. Kanzaki Industries reports the modifications to the Tenbu are complete, and are awaiting delivery. We need to send someone down there with Kasumi to make sure they get here alright."

"I'm about to go investigate something with Kohran. Is it imperative that I go?" asked Oogami.

"Not really. Send one of the others, if you want. It's not a problem," answered Kaede. "Actually, I think it's better that you're delegating more responsibility among the Hanagumi, Oogami. Take care of this as you see fit. Here are the papers for that." Kaede handed him several sheets of official looking documents.

"Understood." Oogami saluted, and then left her room.

"Maria? Oh, there you are," said Oogami as he peeked his head into the library.

"Squad leader," saluted Maria, book in hand.

"Sorry to bother you, but I'm going to head out and investigate some things with Kohran. I'll need you to take care of some things. Is that alright with you?"

"No problem, squad leader. What did you have in mind?" inquired Maria.

"Kanzaki Industries reports that the modifications to the Tenbu are complete. We need someone down there to pick them up, and to make sure they get here."

"Understood," replied Maria.

"I'll leave the details up to you then, vice squad leader. Here's the paperwork—" Oogami handed her the documents, "—and that should suffice. If you need others, don't hesitate in getting their help. Actually, I passed by Iris here, and she seemed pretty depressed. It might be a good idea to take her with you, take her mind off things."

"I see your perceptiveness is getting better, squad leader. Recommendation noted."

Oogami gave her a salute before heading out the door to get Kohran. Meeting her at her room, he once again marveled at the contraptions lying around. Underlying that, however, was a small anxiety borne of the tendency the area had for explosions. Kohran was dressed in a brown jumpsuit and carried a bag, presumably full of field equipment.

"Ready?" asked Oogami.

"Yup," she replied. The pair took the trolley system to the same district as the café, and they were dropped off several blocks from the blast site. Kohran was taking a leisurely stroll through the city, while Oogami stayed alert for danger.

Arriving at the site, Kohran couldn't help but gasp at the sheer destructiveness left behind. The scene was relatively undisturbed, except the outside had been under rain. Kohran stood there for a substantial amount of time, eyes closed.

"Kohran?" whispered Oogami.

"I'm sorry, Oogami. I just get…worked up when things like this happen. Things like this were a standard tactic back in my childhood days, and I was witness to more than one of these. They…never change, though." Kohran opened her eyes, set once again with determination. "People shouldn't have to live in terror. They deserve a future of peace, and I'll do all I can to give it to them. Sorry about that, Oogami. Let's get started, ok?" Kohran placed her bag on the floor and began her investigation.

* * *

Maria, Kasumi, and Iris exited a small car in front of the lobby of Kanzaki Industries. Maria had little trouble convincing Iris to accompany her, since Iris had just finished homework and wanted a change of routine. Approaching the desk, the team was directed to the factory where the head technician greeted them.

"You're the guys from the division here for the armor?" he asked.

"Yes," answered Maria. Iris looked around in fascination at the many projects, mechanics, and activities occurring while clutching Jean-Paul.

"Alright, we've got some paperwork in the office we'll to take care of. This way," he gestured.

"Iris wants to look around, is that okay, Maria?" she asked.

"Sure, just don't touch anything and stay out of their way," replied Maria. Kasumi and Maria headed off to the office while Iris ran off into the large garage. At the small office, the tech pulled out several documents and handed them to Maria, while Maria reciprocated with her set of documents. The pair started filling them out when the tech received a call.

"This is the floor, can I help you? What's that? Ok, will let them know." The tech hung up and turned to Kasumi and Maria. "It seems that the head CEO Kanzaki wants to talk with you."

"Let me handle the paperwork, Maria. I've done it before," the Kaze-gumi member said.

"Understood. Lead the way," said Maria. Exiting the office, they headed towards a small lounge where she was to wait for him to arrive. She caught a glimpse of Iris, who was wandering around the various projects and looking at the activity with rapt attention. Taking a seat, she was pleasantly surprised when a secretary handed her a cup of coffee. It was only a few minutes before CEO Kanzaki entered, father of Sumire Kanzaki.

"Maria, it's good to see you," he greeted.

"CEO Kanzaki, a pleasure as always," she replied. He took a seat across from her.

"I know you're busy, so I won't waste too much time. First order of business, I've heard about my daughter. Is she going to be alright?" he asked, concern showing on his face.

"She is recovering in the hospital. We all expect her to recover fully," said Maria.

"I pray that she does. Although she may not be that close to us, she is still my daughter and I am concerned for her safety, but that wasn't the real reason I wanted to talk to you. I need to relay a message to her, if that wouldn't be too much of a burden."

"No burden. Please, continue."

"I try to keep my daughter shielded from the affairs of Kanzaki Industries, as I know her wishes are on the stage and regrettably not with us, however several recent events have moved beyond even my power. The Kanzaki consortium has always been the dominant industrial power in Japan, reaching across consumer products, military applications, and research and development. The Kanzaki consortium supports your division because we recognize the need for a peaceful Teito—it's good for business. Recently, however, there have been moves against us by several forces. Some politicians are trying to split the consortium, to weaken our influence. Some in the military seek to renege on their contracts. Events such as these are becoming more and more commonplace, and it disturbs me greatly."

"Why would they do such a thing? Kanzaki Industries has always been beneficial to them, and it has worked both ways," questioned Maria.

"Yes, we wondered about that also. We do not know why, be we suspect that there is a rival consortium that seeks to displace our position. We cannot fathom what they have offered to sway the minds of those in power, but our company is doing all in our power to obtain information regarding this matter. I can tell you this, however. So far from the way they have handled themselves, I believe they will not be a friendly agent to your division. That is why I am greatly concerned, not only for the company, but for the safety of my daughter. The possibility that the attack might have been targeted at her hasn't escaped my mind."

"Understood. I'll let Sumire know of this. We'll protect her, CEO Kanzaki," affirmed Maria.

"Thank you. I want to let you know that I am, as always, immensely proud of her achievements and wish her luck in her endeavors. I am also, as always, impressed by the resilience of the Imperial Assault Troops, and wish it to remain a strong force for the defense of Teito. All of you have our gratitude once again for saving the city," thanked the powerful man.

"Thank you, CEO Kanzaki. We are grateful for what Kanzaki Industries has done for us." Shaking Maria's hand vigorously, Sumire's father left the room accompanied by his assistants. Making her way back to the floor, Maria met Kasumi who had just finished the paperwork and reported that the convoy carrying the Tenbu would leave in about thirty minutes. Fetching Iris, the team headed to oversee the final preparations.

* * *

Oogami was standing idly by, leaning on one of the few remaining walls while Kohran was scanning the area with instrumentation. Pulling out sample dishes and bags, she began to gather dust and debris from what was left of the inside.

Noticing Oogami from the corner of her eye, she smiled as she continued working.

"Sorry for dragging you into this, Oogami. I know it must be boring," she apologized.

"No problem at all, Kohran. It's important to me too that we find out what happened exactly. I only wish I could help," he replied. Kohran gestured over to Oogami, who knelt down next to her.

"Sure thing. I have some vials here. Just fill them up with some of the charred debris." Handing him a brush, he began filling the vials with blackened powder.

"Oogami, I forgot to thank you this morning," she said as she began to slowly pick up rocks and move them out of the way.

"Hmm?" replied Oogami while he continued his work.

"See, if it's something you don't remember then it means you have a kind heart, and thinks nothing about it. I was referring to the blankets. I figured you'd be the first one in the command center anyways."

"Oh, no problem Kohran. Actually, it's you I should thank for your hard work into this," complimented Oogami.

"I only want to see whoever did this to be brought to justice. I remember when…when this used to happen to my friends, family, and I couldn't do anything. That's why I need to do what I can; hopefully I can make a difference," sighed Kohran as she continued moving rocks.

"You have a strong sense of justice Kohran. I really admire that." Oogami chuckled. "Maybe that's why Shonen Red's your favorite show, you know." Kohran admitted a small laugh.

"You might be right. Oh, what's this?" Kohran uncovered what appeared to be small pieces of microcircuitry. Grabbing a small plastic bag, she pulled a pair of tweezers and began carefully removing pieces and placing them in the bag. "This might come in useful, Oogami."

* * *

Maria and Iris sat at the back of a car, while Kasumi was at the wheel. They were moving down a long, country road. Ahead of them was another vehicle, an escort from Kanzaki Industries. Three large flatbed trucks behind them held the covered shapes of the recently modified Tenbu. Following the rear was one more escort vehicle. Maria marveled at how fast Kanzaki Industries had modified the Tenbu—it was only yesterday that they had finished the field tests of a final build of the shield module. As soon as it was successful, they shipped the Tenbu over to Kanzaki Industries. Of course, Kohran had a lot to do with the project—Maria was glad that they had someone with such insight into the equipment they used.

Iris sat looking out the window with Jean-Paul. It was a serene late afternoon, and the rolling hills lent peace to the soul in conjunction with the clear skies and sunny weather. Maria rested her head on the window, gazing at the beauty, when Kasumi began slowing down the vehicle. Leaning into the front seat, Maria looked ahead.

"There's a large truck in the way," reported Kasumi. Blocking the path was a large unmarked eighteen-wheeler. Frowning, Maria was about to get out when suddenly the cargo door blew outwards. Men in non-descript black jumpsuits came pouring out, automatic weapons in hand, and they began firing on the vehicle ahead.

"Back up Kasumi! Back up!" screamed Maria as Kasumi shifted the vehicle in reverse and began backing frantically. Iris screamed out in panic at the sound of gunfire. The escort vehicle ahead suddenly exploded, it's flaming wreckage blown upwards and tossed to the side. Maria caught a glimpse of a rocket-propelled grenade.

"Everyone, get out now!" Snatching Iris, Maria and Kasumi jumped out of the vehicle and ran for cover when an explosion behind them knocked them to their feet. Scrambling for cover, the three made their way behind the flatbed carrying the armor. Drawing her revolver, Maria saw the mercenaries ahead unloading a large wheeled cannon from the truck. Cursing, she realized they were outnumbered and outgunned when from behind the last escort vehicle sped past them and skidded to a stop, blocking her and the rest of the convoy. Men in suits, loyal to Kanzaki Industries, poured out of the car, armed with automatic weapons. They began to return fire while the driver of the flatbed carrying the Tenbu jumped out.

"Get into the armor! We'll hold them off!" he screamed as he drew a sidearm and began firing into the fray. Realizing they didn't have much time, Maria jumped onto the flatbed, snatched Iris up, and screamed for Kasumi to take cover.

"Iris, get in your Tenbu! We don't have much time!" she yelled even as she was pulling off the tarp and keying in her entry sequence. Iris ran to her Tenbu and did so likewise. Jumping into the armor, Maria powered it up from cold quickly, and then jumped off the flatbed, glad that they were transported upright. Swiveling towards the blockade, she could see that the escorts would not hold out any longer. Running ahead, she leapt over the last escort vehicle and provided cover for the retreating men just as another rocket was moving towards them. The rocket exploded off her armor, shielding the brunt of the explosion from the remaining survivors. The attackers, realizing that they had a new problem on their hands, diverted all their fire towards Maria's Tenbu.

"Iris, are you there?" radioed Maria.

"Iris is here, right behind you," she replied.

"Take care of the truck." Iris complied, and energized her Tenbu. She held the hands of her Tenbu outwards, and the large truck suddenly toppled over, overturning on its side. Expecting the battle to be over, Maria held out her cannons towards the remaining guerillas.

"Put your weapons down, now!" she ordered. Suddenly rocked to the side from a hit, Maria looked at the men, more out of surprise than anything. They apparently had managed to unload two high-powered mobile steam cannons, and were beginning a salvo on her and Iris. Turning towards the cannons, she began pounding on one of them with her hand cannons when she detected two other signals from the field.

"Iris, we've got two more pieces of artillery out of range in the hills. They'll start shelling us unless you get to them."

"But, they're people Maria! Iris doesn't want to hurt people!" she wailed.

"No time to think about that, Iris! If you don't, people are going to get killed!" she replied as one cannon exploded and Maria turned her firepower on the other one. Iris looked on indecisively as the small force in front of her began firing rockets at her Tenbu. She saw the blood on the ground, the bodies of men on both sides, dead or dying. Jostled by impacting rockets, Iris continued to stare at the carnage.

"Iris! Think about Kasumi!" screamed Maria. Iris saw Kasumi, huddled behind the wheel of the flatbed, frightened and determined.

"Kasumi…No one hurts Iris' friends! No one!" she yelled as she phased out of space. Iris reappeared farther out in the fields, and then disappeared again towards one of the large mortars. Meanwhile, Maria had finished demolishing the second steam cannon. Large ammo casing fell away from her arm as she continued to strafe targets with a continuous barrage of fire. Rocket launchers, machine guns, and cannons exploded when she suddenly noticed a jeep driving up the road. She gasped when she realized it was a large missile battery; no doubt its intention was to blanket the area with explosions, which would kill all personnel in the area, including the guerillas themselves.

"I guess we'll get to see how well the shield system works," she commented as she pulled backwards and acted as an umbrella to the surviving defenders, including Kasumi.

"Everyone stay near me!" she screamed as she flicked on a switch. The blue field shimmered in front of her as the missile battery began firing unloading its ammunition. A swarm of missiles, targeting the area, blurred with the smoke trails they left behind as they moved closer. Extending her shields as far as they would go, Maria prayed that they would hold out. Iris had finished tossing the second artillery piece off the hill when she saw the huge missile swarm impact the area.

"Maria! Kasumi!" she screamed. Maria put her arm over her face to cover herself from the blinding explosions while Kasumi hugged the large wheel of the flatbed. From inside the shield, fire and smoke were blown past her, held outside by the barrier of energy. Dirt and debris coming in contact with the shield flashed brightly as they bounced off safely; shards of the escort vehicle that would have struck her flew backwards, reflected from harm's way. They huddled for several minutes until the dust settled. Iris had moved to the now empty missile battery and tossed it into the side of the road. Disengaging the shield, Kasumi and three surviving defenders stepped out around the Tenbu's leg. There was nothing but the remains of several cars, weapons, and disturbingly, people. Kasumi turned her head away to retch, while Maria stared silently, wondering by whom they were attacked by and why.