Chapter 10: Entangled Threads
October 28th. Some minutes before 8 AM.
(Yokohama Base. Barracks. Meiya's Room.)
[Meiya]
This week has been the craziest week of the year, without a shred of doubt. Since Shirogane arrived to our squad all has been turned upside down.
From our meeting on the night of the 22nd I knew he was different. He addressed me so casually, going as far as to call me by my name, he showed a particular way of speaking, but most importantly he demonstrated a phenomenal physical aptitude.
Then, during all the following days, he surpassed all the expectations I set on him. He bested me time and again, displayed far superior agility and endurance than all of us, and showed to possess an enviable knowledge of tactics and warfare, never answering a single question wrong.
He truly is special, and despite that he is not arrogant in the least and always displays such friendliness towards all of us. An impeccable example of what a soldier should be, I can see why the Vice Commander scouted you personally, Shirogane. I am glad to have met you, to have the privilege to train alongside you. And yet, your words have driven a sting into my heart.
My gaze wanders to the Minaru Kamui that lies atop a small table. Recalling his words I cannot help but to bite my lips, feel an oppression tantamount to a cold drill on my chest. Will I ever be able to fulfill the role you gave me, Your Highness?
I never pondered such things. I always thought of myself as a Kagemusha, a double of the Shogun. Someone whose only meaning of existence is to serve the Empire and its people, nothing more than a blade to strike down our enemies and a shield to protect our rulers. I always felt grateful for this, for being the one who is tasked to eventually protect the Shogun from harm. That is my purpose, what drives me forward. I always cherished her as the most important thing in my life.
Changing into my jacket, a tinge of pain on my arm. A bruise he inflicted on me as I tried to corner him reminds me of my failures. His usually shining face turned darkest when he realized that he had hurt me, he apologized much despite me having been the one at fault due to my lack of skill. Closing my eyes, I slowly do my ponytail. Yet, even within the darkness I can hear it, the reverberating sounds of his strikes, his piercing gaze square on me. My lips tense up a bit, recalling his feats on our practices and lectures, his remarks and pieces of advice.
Looking in the mirror I see my usual reflection, yet my eyes are not the same after being blinded by the sun that he is. Unconsciously, I was clawing at my palms. Will this reflection ever be so shining as his?
Since I've been secluded all my life, I lack many abilities. However, I thought that I was a good enough fighter, but he destroyed me as a relentless avalanche would to a wooden cabin. I am not yet fit to stand by her side. A blade that cannot kill is useless. I rather die than to become a disappointment to her, to make her regret spending time on my person.
All I've ever wanted to was to make you proud and be able to aid our people. Which is why I accepted your order to join the UN without qualms, for it was the chance, the new winds I always awaited.
"But… nothing has changed." I look away from the mirror as my throat shuts itself.
Everybody here treats me just like I was being treated before. It is most odd that we are also allowed to have personal rooms instead of being placed on a single shared room. You even sent Tsukuyomi to look after me, when she should be by your side.
I thought you needed me, but you just sent me to another cage. Am I so unreliable? What am I to you? Family? A useful tool? Perhaps… Am I already a disappointment? Maybe I do not want to know. Sometimes, the answers that you seek are not the answers that you would like to hear.
I sigh and shake my head. This is not what I should be thinking about. After all, there is someone who treats me differently now.
Shirogane is a such a mystery, but not only because of his exquisite skills. Surely he has realized who I am by now. But then, why is he still acting with such open friendliness towards me? Why does he not have that fear and respect in his eyes, like everyone else that approaches me has? Not that I mind though…
He did call everyone by their first names, even Yashiro. Does he just not care? Perhaps, since he lived abroad, he does not know? Surely, he must have grown suspicious after Tsukuyomi confronted him the other day. He must have noticed that I look just like the Shogun, and yet he's still all smiles whenever he speaks to me. You're such a mystery, Takeru Shirogane.
I sigh as I again look in the mirror, yet this time I manage to hold my reflection's gaze.
I'm not making enough effort, I need to improve myself even further. However, if I continue like this I'll be caged forever. The sudden change in our training since the beginning of October is not something that happened on a whim, I fear that the next CCSE might be stacked against us once again. The Instructor, while severe, wouldn't have changed our curriculum without good reason.
…I cannot deny that I'm envious, jealous of him. We're the same age and yet he's so much more skilled than me. I can't seem to find a weak point in him, either in his knowledge or in our bouts. It is not as if I haven't realized he's holding back, however…
I take one long breath from my nose, relaxing my shoulders. I need to improve much. That's why I'll swallow my pride and ask for your help. Shirogane, you're the key that will free me from this cage. You're the only one who seems to be honest towards me, the only one who can practice with me to improve my technique with a blade, the only one I can rely on.
Even if I have to get on my knees and beg I need you to train with me, both in body and mind. If I could gain just a drop of your fighting technique and knowledge about war, as well as the temperance you have when you fight, I'm sure I would be able to surpass whatever stands in my way, both in the CCSE and in the future after we get commissioned.
Otherwise, I'll never be able to fulfill the role I have to play, I'll never be able to help Her Highness. But if I don't prove myself worthy… I already am a burden on her shoulders, the least I can do is to meet the expectations she placed on me, to be her protector. Otherwise, as a cursed child, I'll spend the rest of my life in isolation.
I get out of my room and make my way to Shirogane's. He said he was in the second room to the right after the split in the hallways, if I remember right. But will he be awake? It is just a bit over 8 AM, surely he should be up by now. What if I wake him up rudely and put him on a bad mood? I should knock softly, and I'll try to not raise my voice too much.
As I approached his room and turned around the corner, I saw an unexpected figure standing guard by the door.
"Yashiro?"
She seemed to flinch slightly, apparently I startled her. Her surprised expression lasted but a second, it quickly dissolves as she returns to her usual emotion-lacking face when she greets me with a bow.
"Good morning."
"Good morning. Yashiro, what are you doing outside of Shirogane's room?"
"Waiting for him."
"Does he have another mission from the Professor?" If he does then there's not much I can do.
"No."
"Is that so? Then, why would you be waiting for him?" She squints her eyes as the long, black things on her head move a bit.
"That's none of your business." She retorts, her brows curving as if I had upset her but without changing her calm tone. Again with this?
"Yashiro, I have an important favor to ask of Shirogane. So I would like to know if-"
"Takeru-san is unavailable today."
"…Why? He does not have a special mission, surely he couldn't be busy all day long."
"I call dibs."
"Dibs?" That sounds like one of those odd words he sometimes uses. Why does Yashiro…
"I asked him first, so he comes with me."
She asked him? She arrived even earlier?! Could she have asked him yesterday? Mmmgh, I shouldn't have grown angry at the lecture. I could have asked him during dinner to help me. No, regrets will beget no beginning. I fold my arms, returning her stare.
"I can still ask him what I came for. You cannot decide for him what he'll do all day." Why am I so upset at her? I can't lose my temper so easily.
"You're being a bother. Please leave."
"What?! That is very rude, why are you being so hostile today?"
"Because you're being noisy and stubborn. Please leave."
"You're one to speak! And I am not leaving until I have spoken with him."
"He's busy today, so he'll say no. Leave him alone, please." Not changing her tone or expression, she then held my gaze in silence.
What is wrong with her?! I didn't knew Yashiro was such a rude person. Such lacking form of speech, to send me away in this manner. I know she is young, however…
"Kasumi, what is all the noise about?!" The door slowly opens, and then Shirogane gets out in the uniform he had when I first met him, only to then raise a brow as we made eye contact. "Meiya? What are you doing here?"
"Good morning, Shirogane. I came to ask a favor out of you."
"A favor?"
"Takeru-san, let's go." Yashiro starts pulling on his sleeve. I can't help but glare at her.
"Kasumi, wait a sec please. So, what did you need?"
"Ahem… Well, I was wanting to ask if you could do me the favor of training with me. I would like you to practice swordplay with me, and to teach me about your style." It's too similar to the Mugen Kidou, but I'm sure it must be a coincidence. "And if you were so kind, I also wanted you to help me with my studies."
I lower my gaze, embarrassment suddenly getting hold of me. I cough again, clearing my throat and folding my arms.
"I know I'm imposing much, asking this of you, but I am having quite some trouble since the Instructor hastened the pace of the lectures. Of course, I don't ask you to do this without a fair reward. If there is anything you ever need from me, I'll gladly repay this favor tenfold. You can ask anything you desire from me. So…" I deeply bow towards him. "Please, Shirogane. Would you be so kind as to lend me your aid?"
"I see. So that's what you wanted. Sorry, but I'm going to be busy for the following days, so I can't help you with your training."
…
"…Eh? But Yashiro said you didn't have a mission!"
"Kinda. It's a personal project. It's like independent training, in a way. And I promised to spend some time with Kasumi today. Sorry, I just don't have the time." He gives me a short bow. Of course, he's focused on improving himself even further. Despite how skilled he is, he still desires to better himself. Compared to him, I'm…
Yashiro clings to his arm, with a hint of a smile on her face. He said he 'promised' to be with her. To spend his little free time, with her?
"But… will you be busy all day? Do you not have even a short while during the late afternoon?" I can't believe I'm pleading like this, staring at him in this way, I should be ashamed of myself. But still, please… even just some minutes…
"Sorry, I'll probably be busy until the late evening."
"…I see. Forgive me for holding you, then." I coil my hands into fists, denied of the handshake of acceptance they were looking forward to. I resist the urge to bite my lips, I cannot… I must be firm, I must not shame myself further.
"Don't apologize, Meiya. I just had plans already, I'm sure you'll be able to get out of the slump you're in. Just keep on training! Well, see you later."
Don't smile at me like that. Don't give me those kind words when I've been doing my hardest since the start of the month to see no decent results whatsoever. Why do you think I asked such of you? In such a humbling way, to boot.
"…Yes, see you later." Yashiro starts pulling and he starts complaining again, he waves at me as they go into the hallways.
And as always, I'm left alone. I hug my sides as my eyes cannot release themselves from their shapes.
What kind of relationship do they have? Why does she call him by his name? Why is she going with him when he has to do this personal project? Why is he spending his free time with her?
"Sigh… This isn't like me." I shake my head, looking away from their silhouettes.
He's just another squadmate, nothing more. He's friendly to everyone, not just me. And Yashiro did seem to know of this endeavor of his, which is why she tried to make me leave. I suppose they must be on good terms… Well, it doesn't concern me. I do not wish to be a bother to anyone anymore.
"I suppose I'll keep training on my own." Alone, like always.
A few minutes later.
(A hallway on B4F.)
[Takeru]
"You didn't have to be so rude, you know?"
"She was being annoying." Don't you give me the puppy eyes!
"Why are you so mean towards her anyways?"
"She wanted to get in your way. Finishing the consoles is more important than her own training."
I mean, I get it. But I could hear you two arguing from inside my room. Just what the hell did you tell her to make her so mad? It's weird to see Meiya being that openly angry.
"So you got defensive because of that?" She nods.
"I could tell she wasn't going to back down, so I said what I thought would make her less likely to pressure you."
"You know what? You're smarter than I give you credit for." She smiles as she moves her bunny ears. I will have to apologize to Meiya later, I don't want her to think badly of Kasumi.
"She wasn't going to accept a no for an answer. She's very stubborn."
"That she is. So, are all ten prototypes ready for testing?"
"Yes, I finished the instructions you gave me yesterday regarding the plastic case and the buttons. They should feel fine now, the team already made the unified D-Pad piece you told me about and finished fixing the analog sticks with how they should move according to what you said. Both types should work like the originals now."
"Cool. Can't wait to see the fruits of our work."
Sensei left me in charge of the assembling and testing of the consoles. Apparently the plastic that is underneath the buttons doesn't exist in this world, so they had to make it from scratch. Since they designed the things burrowing concepts from the controls of the TSFs, the joysticks and buttons were super stiff and hard to move compared to the ones I brought back. They even used four separated pieces for the D-Pad instead of a single one.
These few days, I've spent the nights talking with the designers with Kasumi's help to get them an accurate idea of how things should be. Thank God I was studying an engineering career back in my world, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to help at all with this. The speed at how these guys work is truly something else, they're the best of the best. To think they're following my orders makes me feel so bad for them, but since Sensei kept her word and gave me power to do stuff it's up to me to prove her that I can help.
Frankly, I learned a lot on these nights. More than what I learned on those two years in college, I dare say. Both in electronics, assembly of machinery, design patterns and how to pinpoint flaws just by looking at the device's configuration. I think I'll keep coming here to ask questions every once in a while, especially regarding TSFs. I would like to know if it's possible to mod them even further, and to learn some tips and tricks for maintenance.
"Takeru-san, how have your nightmares been?" Kasumi's question took me out of dreamland, surprising me a bit.
"No changes for now."
"I see. Are you sure you don't want my help?" She stares at me intently. You're such a good girl, Kasumi.
"It's fine. Even if it hurts like hell, this is my cross to bear. I don't want to forget it." Sensei did say that, if I wanted, Kasumi could repress the most painful memories to let me rest well.
However… How to say it? Ever since I came back, even if I wake up crying like a bitch, squeezing the pillow like a scared kid, after I get my shit together and I remember they're right here, by my side, I can stand up again. I don't want to forget, because the pain is what reminds me that I can't screw this up.
We take the elevator, talking about the reports the team left us about their work, and eventually we arrive at the room on B17F Sensei prepared for us. It looks just like a normal meeting room, it's walls painted in that diluted brown. It has six 29" CRT TVs aligned in a row, each with a Stallion connected to it. There's also six sofas and a small table to the side. On the left side there was a lot of equipment, probably what Sensei will use to collect data during the 'training' sessions.
"Alright. What do we start with?"
"The Professor said to use the MMTS first." She says and we go to the equipment corner, getting the briefcase with the prototypes.
Mobile Multipurpose Training Simulator, the official name Sensei gave to the Game Guy. The Stallion was named the WMTS, Wired Multipurpose Training Simulator.
Getting two of them, we sit down on the sofas and take out the cartridges we were going to be testing.
"Ok, let's see if the two player connection works." We start up F-Mega on our Game Guys. The game starts flawlessly this time, no scanlines, no sound problems.
Now it's practically a perfect copy, both the consoles and the cartridge. Just in a few days they got completely done, the Alt. IV team is truly awesome. Now, let's check if the Join Cable works as it should.
…And it does!
"Hell! Yeah!"
"So Takeru-san, what do we do now that this is done?"
"We play against each other, obviously." She twitches with a shocked expression.
"We can do that?!"
"Didn't I explain to Sensei how it worked?"
"The Professor told me you said the wired connection was important, but she didn't tell me why."
"Well, let's try it out and see if we can complete a race. You ready?" She nods and we start up the two-player game.
It's been so long since I played F-Mega, I forgot how fast it was. I'm having trouble taking the curves with my Red Lightning TUE. However, compared to Kasumi…
Kasumi crashed for the third time in a row, her brows curving downwards and making a cute groan. I told her she can press B to immediately use the brakes, but she apparently forgot about it.
I recharge my fuel on the lane and speed up once more. Only one lap left for me and I'll win. We managed to keep the game running for a whole race, so that's a huge improvement over last time.
Meanwhile, Kasumi's Desert Thunder LPT drifted off course and exploded, one of her cheeks ever so slightly puffed.
I ended up winning while Kasumi could just barely finish two laps.
"Well, the connection works fine. That's good to know."
"This is too hard. I don't like it." She's pouting as bitterly as me when I lost to Mikoto. Well, F-Mega is a hardcore game.
"Ahaha, everybody has a hard time on their first try." She groans a bit. "Alright. Let's try out PoyoPoyo then."
We spent the next hours trying all the games on all five Game Guys, all worked flawlessly. Sadly, Kasumi could only enjoy our round of PoyoPoyo as I had more experience with the rest and they were too hard for her.
"Well, I guess it's time for the Stallions now. We still need to connect the new ethernet adapter, right?" She gives me nod as she goes towards the equipment that was here.
I go to the equipment corner again to check whether the wired internet connection is working. I don't know how this differs from the internet we have back in my world, but since we got our own servers and stuff we practically have no lag or anything, it's like having all the bandwidth of a provider all for yourself.
As we were setting up things, Sensei entered the room carrying a bag.
"Hey Shirogane, Yashiro. How's the testing going?"
"The MMTS are now running perfectly, we were about to test the WMTS prototypes." Kasumi reports as I finished setting up the last Stallion.
"Good work, you two. Here's some snacks for when you get hungry." She leaves the bag she brought on the table. "Shirogane, when do you want to start using these things for training your squad?"
"There's a day after Mikoto comes back in which an argument over how they failed the CCSE will happen. I'll suggest them to do some 'special' training after that."
"Alright, I'll leave that to you. Tonight we'll be doing some more testing of the OS, after you spend some time with Yashiro to see if you can trigger a change in Kagami come in your suit to the usual spot. I think it's almost ready for being actually used without bugs or drops in performance."
"Awesome. By the way Sensei, there's some questions I wanted to ask."
"Hm? What is it?"
"You see, I was thinking that maybe this isn't the world that I went to during my usual loops." Her playful expression vanishes as fast as yakisoba in front of Kei.
"How do you mean? Didn't you say that you went from your world to this one many times already? What makes you think this is a different world?"
"First, is it normal that Nikkeis are seen badly by the Japanese population?"
"Yes, there were a lot of people that ran away when the news that China, and later Korea, had fallen reached here. They and their children are seen as traitors to the Empire, because they sold their honor to the foreigners for their own selfish wishes."
"Ok, second question. Is the UN hated by the Empire?"
"I wouldn't say hate, but they definitely don't like it. The UN employs many protocols and strategies from the American Army. I mean, they're the most effective ones so it's obvious why they use them, but the Japanese don't like to use only guns, to do 'tactical retreats' and to prioritize the result of a battle over the lives of their people."
"Could you explain that in detail?" She sighs as she closes her eyes.
"This is going to take some time, still wanna hear it?"
"Yes, I think I should have at least a basic knowledge of the politics of this world, just in case I ever need it. It would be bad if I didn't knew stuff that's common sense here and someone noticed it." Just like how Tsukuyomi-san did when we talked by the hill last loop. Sensei nods, runs a hand over her hair, and looks upwards at nowhere.
"The invasion of the BETA onto Japanese soil could have been halted if the Empire had agreed to let the UN and America use their nukes on the lands that were going to be ravaged by the BETA. The people would still have died, but the bombs would have taken out a very large chunk of the BETA invaders, since the Laser Class were not yet in position to take the missiles down. However, thanks to some political tension in the American bases on Okinawa and the refusal to retreat of our armies, the Empire refused the proposal and you know how it turned out in the end. They also rejected most of the help from the UN army, when the laws of the Vancouver Pact allowed them to, after the accord with the US fell down on the pretense that they were here to take control and enslave us to their wishes. The UN forces had a tough time moving and helping us thanks to the blooming chaos that ensued after Kyoto fell, we had our hands full defending the mountains that stood between the few cities that were still safe and near our bases. The Empire kept that tough act until the Yokohama Hive was confirmed to be built, then they had no choice but to lower their heads and allow the UN to mobilize all around the nation without much bureaucratic barriers."
She takes a bottle of water from the bag and drinks a bit from it. She starts talking again slowly, something is the way she squinted her eyes made me shiver. To make this Sensei openly show her displeasure… And when talking with me, of all people.
"Actually, it was the current Shogun that requested the help of the international community when I proposed to assault the 22nd Hive with the intention to capture it. She did so against the wishes of the other Regent Houses, who wanted to perform the mission solely with the forces stationed in the Empire."
She rests the bottle on the table, folding her arms and leaning onto the wood, eyes still squinted and sparks still flying out in her words.
"America demanded many things for their help, one of them was that the Hive would fall under the UN's total control. Japan lost its chance to obtain G-Elements, lost around half of its territory to the establishing of the defense lines requested by the UN, and lost a great deal of independency in regards to how the country dealt with its problems, since it now was the frontline against the BETA on top of being the place where Alt. IV was taking place." She then frowns, and I can tell what's coming up next.
"And then, there's the mess made by the G-Bombs, right?" She nods, letting the air go as she ruffles her hair.
"Yes, and the G-Bombs. Many Imperial soldiers who were in the vanguard were caught on the explosion, and to make matters worse the American army blocked the Japanese pilots from entering the Hive. Only the UN teams were authorized to do so, as per the agreement, but the prideful Royal Guards made quite the scandal that day. Of course, the UN was also trying to stop the Americans from taking some G-Elements without authorization but that job went by without any thanks or recognition." Her frown intensifies, Kasumi hid behind my back. Sensei noticed that and sighed, chilling a bit. "To this day, while they acknowledge that without America's help Japan would be nothing more than a memory by now, there are many Japanese that feel like the Empire is being corrupted by the 'American Way'. From how much power the Prime Minister has, to how little influence the Shogun has on actual matters, to how feeble our self-defense power is, and to how America pressures the Empire to adopt its protocols and fighting methods."
"So, they know they can't survive alone but still reject the help they're given? I know that the traditions and core beliefs of the Empire are really important, but to go as far as to put themselves in danger… This is just madness." It has nothing to do with having a resolve or honor, this is just a power struggle of the nobility that doesn't want to lose its grip on the steering wheel of Japan.
"I already told you last time, but the new project to renovate our armies was cancelled. America was helping Japan, to mend our relationships, with the development of the Shiranui Second TSF, but after how many people started spewing venom towards them after the last operation they cancelled the project. Now, Japan can only produce some spare parts for the older models and can only build the Fubuki, Shiranui and Takemikazuchi. The first two are already on the low end of their generation and the Type-00 is too expensive to mass produce, and it's kept as the special toy of the Royal Guard to make matters worse. If everything was tense before, now it's taken a turn for the worse. Japan most certainly has a hateful boner for both the UN and America, even though it owes its life to them."
"Holy moly, I didn't expect things to be… Last time there was resentment towards America, but this is on a completely different scale."
"It is what it is. Japan is too prideful to ask for help earnestly and accept its past mistakes. If the Empire collaborated with the UN and put all it's CQC knowledge on the table, adding the expertise of America's gun savants, we could make the most perfect TSF humanity has ever seen. Or at least a fighting protocol that used the world's most effective tactics in both close and long range. Sadly, all that went up in smoke after these last incidents."
"By the way, how are the Empire's relations with the rest of the world?"
"The TUF, the Philippines, and the Asian troops absorbed into the UN hate us, because Japan not only didn't send much help during the Invasion of Korea, other than a few reinforcements for the Continental Force, but it also refused to collaborate with them until the Yokohama Hive incident. There's also, you know… the grudges of the Second World War. COSEAN could be considered our only ally, thanks to the good relation we have with the remaining Southern Asian nations due to the efforts of our Task Force in aiding them with the defense of their land, as well as for providing them with some Shiranuis before the Invasion demolished our own forces. Europe and Africa don't really care, officially they follow America in regards to their international relationships since American soldiers are the ones helping with the delivery of their TSFs and supplies. Oceania and Canada are on our side only because we're the only thing preventing the BETA from moving towards them. The Soviets are a mystery, and South America is… neutral, I think? You don't want to deal with them, trust me."
"Huh? Why? Are they not helping with the war?"
"Yes, the BrArg alliance is the biggest food producer in the world, and they're the third on taking refugees after Australia and America. But the way they fight is… brutal. America is a baby compared to them." What the hell? The trigger happy America is a baby? What the hell do the South Americans even do?
"Sensei, what do they do? I mean, I never heard of them fighting at all."
"That's because nobody wants to see a Fighting Hawk or a Super Tucano being deployed. They act on their own, they don't follow rules or regulations. They're humanity's suicide squad, the ones with the highest kill rate against the BETA. The only problem is that they destroy everything along the aliens, be it allies or civilians. Not even Americans are so cruel in their methods. To them all that matters is the result, victory at any cost."
"What?! Why? What do they even-"
"You have seen the XG being deployed, right?"
"Yeah, I have. What has that to do with this?"
"They have two smaller machines similar to it that run on a nuclear engine. Those two were made as a test, with the collaboration of America in the early eighties, to test the viability of using nuclear energy as a weapon of mass destruction against the BETA for when we couldn't drop nuclear missiles on them. And while they indeed work, the collateral damage is just too big. However, the BrArg army doesn't care about that. If they get deployed, they'll use their own special TSFs to clear the Lasers and after that they'll just wipe the BETA away with a nuclear cannon blast, along with anyone who is also in the beam's way. Their interventions are one of the reasons Africa didn't get overrun when America had its hands full trying to help the Empire, Europe and the Soviets against the BETA in recent years."
"I never… We had nuclear cannons?!"
"Yes, and they're deadly. For the BETA and for us. That's why we don't use bigger shells on our guns and the usage of tactical nuclear bombs has to go through UN approval first, to try to limit the amount of nuclear radiation we generate. Anyways, I guess that's the gist of it. We basically shot ourselves in the foot this time and the world got fed up with our way of doing things."
"Yep, this definitely didn't happen last time. Our relations with the UN weren't that bad, I had to rescue some people once and they didn't show any hostility towards me for being a UN soldier. I didn't really know much about our international relations, but I'm sure that our connections with America weren't so bad."
"I see. Well, is that all you wanted to ask?"
"No, I still have one more question. Sensei, why did you assume I was a spy?" She grimaces as she breaks eye contact.
"Because I found some weird intel on your records, that's all." You're not deceiving me with that dry tone, nor scaring me with those sharp violet flares.
"I want the details, if it's possible." After a moment of silence, she sighs and strokes her hair.
"I told you I had found something odd in your records, right? You had very little information on your profile from the public database. Very few people can have so little data, but I found one bit that made me suspicious."
"What was it?"
"It said you left your school but didn't move away from the Hiiragi district, but you also weren't transferred to another school. Obviously that is a lie, it's illegal to not send your child to get formal education in the Empire since the eighties. I found that to be a very stupid way to cover info, but I decided to dig deeper. Then, I found a profile with your name and picture in the databases of the Royal Guards."
"Wait, the Royal Guards? Was I being targeted by them?"
"No, you were one of them. A 1st Lieutenant, in fact."
…
Wait, what?!
"I was a Royal Guard in this world? And a 1st Lt.? How old was I?!"
"Fourteen, maybe?"
"How the hell did I became a 1st Lt. at such a young age?!" This doesn't make any sense! That means I wasn't a civilian here. But then, how did I met Sumika in this world? How does she remember me? Was she also a Royal Guard?
"Don't ask me. There was very little info on that profile too, and it was very well hidden. It took me two hours of hacking to open it. That made me really suspicious. But, wanna hear something crazy? Apparently, this world's you died twice."
"What? How do you mean? Was he also a quantum anomaly?"
"It's probably not that. His civilian report said that he died when the BETA took control of this area. But the report of the Royal Guards states that he was killed during the Invasion of Hiiragi, one of the phases of Operation Lucifer."
"Wait a sec, Lucifer was the attack on the Yokohama hive, right? That means he got commissioned under the Royal Guards two years ago?" So, he wasn't captured by the BETA like in the other world?
"Yes. He was fighting on the vanguard along the other Imperial troops as far as the report goes." He was a pilot? At such a young age? Man, what a badass I was here.
"So the fact that 'I' was a member of the Guard, had next to no personal data, and had two different death dates despite being alive and kicking is what made you think I was a spy?" I mean, it's totally understandable. That was suspicious as hell.
"Exactly. I still don't know much about this world's you. All I know is he lived in a lot of different places until he was seven, then he apparently lived in the Hiiragi district until he was ten. There's no more data from then on. In the Guard's report it said you were recruited since an early age, but at what age and why you were recruited was not written anywhere. Any data about your family, education, medical records, military training, or anything at all is gone."
"It's like I was erased or something."
"If you had been erased there would be no records at all. I think someone was trying to hide you, that's why I assumed you were part of a special task force working in the Intelligence Division of the Royal Guard. And then… you know the rest."
"Yeah, this pretty much seals it for me, this IS a different world. You would have warned me about this last time, or at least reacted to this in some form of way, like you did here."
"I see. Do you see any other differences?"
"Kasumi talks a lot more now, Marimo-chan is angrier, our training is way more harsh, and the Royal Guards approached me earlier and seem to know me, though I already know why now."
"They… approached you?" I tell her of what happened with Maya-san, which… I had forgotten to do. "To think something like that went unnoticed. Shirogane, if you're ever threatened I authorize you to defend yourself by any means necessary."
"Roger. By the way, there's no records about Sumika in this world, right?"
"No, not a single one. Any trace of her existence has been wiped off the face of the planet as a collateral effect of the G-Bombs' explosion when the conduit between the worlds was created, I think. No one remembers her ever existing and there is no data left of her, save for a bare bones report in the public databases detailing her academic grades and who her close relatives are, all of them are dead though. So we won't know how she and this world's you met until Yashiro can properly talk with her or we turn her into the 00 Unit."
"I see. Well, I'll be extra careful when dealing with the Guard from now on."
"You do that. I'll be waiting for the report on these consoles, and be ready for the OS' tests at 8 PM. That's all. Oh, and be nice with Yashiro! She's not very good at these games." Sensei laughs while smiling, which makes Kasumi move her ears as she shots an annoyed glare at her.
"Takeru-san, CryRing Saga is ready for the test."
"Ok, let's give it a spin."
At the same time.
(A hallway near the track field.)
[Mana]
My position illuminated by the sunshine, I stood just besides the window in case she turned her head towards me.
Meiya-sama was training alone in the track field. Her swings were as good as always, her pose firm and resolute. Her hair sways through the air as if it were waves hitting the shore, her movements keep following the patterns I taught her as if it were but a dance, swiftly and without wasted movements like a bird soaring through the clouds. However, despite the immutable posture, her eyes were laid upon somewhere else.
Going by how she's squinting them, by the lack of a delay in her swings, it is clear that her heart is resembling the surface of a lake after being assaulted by a pebble. Considering how intense her training has become in the last month it wouldn't be odd for her to be troubled, and yet something tells me that is not the reason that is causing her gaze to waver so.
Meiya-sama, what is the source of your worry? I wish I could just go and ask you, yet I must remain still, limiting myself to watch.
Our current situation is in a stark contrast with my cousin and her pupil. Maya confirmed that the man who joined Squad 207 was no spy. His informal and dismissive tone, his contrarian way of speaking, his annoyed face, the answers he gave her, all were proof enough.
And if that wasn't enough we had the privilege to spy on his mission that night. Ebisu reported to me that he had gone to a changing room and had come out of it in a suit, and me and Maya went to her ride to observe what was happening through the cameras of the carrier ship.
Maya had always thought that she wasn't a good enough teacher for you, since she couldn't fix those eccentric moves you were always doing in and out of a TSF. However, if they evolved into your current style, it was for the best that she didn't. You always had talent, but that night's performance was simply marvelous. Your speed and dexterity resembling a diving hawk, and your accuracy was also spectacular. To think that you took ten pilots on your own and almost managed to win, you've grown quite splendidly in these years you were away. Had it been a fair fight without the turrets you would have been the clear winner, I'm sure.
If only I could have guided Meiya-sama to that level of skill. A sigh escapes my lips as I continue to watch. A stagnant air finds its way to my lungs as Meiya-sama's footing becomes irregular, her swings less graceful as she needlessly puts too much force behind them.
You told Maya you had someone to protect. If I were to guess, I think Her Highness sent you to have someone watching over Meiya-sama in case she gets commissioned, as I won't be able to stay by her side once she does. I only hope Meiya-sama accepts your aid openly when she finds out, maybe you will be able to mold her into a proper samurai. She seems to have taken an interest in you, hopefully you can continue to keep her safe when I'm called back to the Shogun's side.
My communicator beeps, another call from HQ-01. Must be my orders regarding how should I approach you.
"This is Tsukuyomi."
"Good afternoon, 1st. Lieutenant. I am hoping to have called at an appropriate time." This calm, gentle voice…
"Forgive the rude greeting, Your Highness! 1st. Lt. Tsukuyomi, at your service." I stand upright instinctively, holding my breath as I leave the window.
For Her Highness to call me herself, I can only hope I did not incur her wrath.
"At ease, Mana. Maya informed me that you were wishing for new instructions regarding… the shadow that lies in Yokohama Base. I already have been made aware of the changes that had occurred there, you are to continue your duty as you were. Keep your distance and do not intervene, unless a serious situation presents itself."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"That is all. I am greatly thankful for your efforts, Mana. You have my sincerest gratitude."
"Your words are more than what I deserve, Your Highness."
At the same time.
(Tokyo. Imperial Palace. Audience Room.)
[Yuuhi]
Finishing the call, I leave the communicator in Maya's hands. She then bows and leaves my personal chamber. I slowly rearrange the golden crown atop my head, resting my hands on my lap afterwards.
I sigh, looking towards the balcony, towards the clear skies we are enjoying today. The sun's company enticing the golden ornaments to shimmer, the room was pleasant as it hasn't been in a long time. The pillars sending small shadows onto the magenta carpet, I simply enjoy the silence of solitude for as long as it'll last.
I am hoping to have been able to offer some measure of comfort to her. I have heard of the increasingly arduous training Meiya has been enduring. It must be hard on you Mana, to only be allowed to watch from the shadows.
I must praise Maya for going to survey the situation herself, to keep it all a secret. When she notified me you were troubled by the shadow in Yokohama I assumed the worse. However when she told me there was no danger to the mission and that Mana simply was wishing for new directions on how to approach the situation, I had to keep a sigh from escaping these lips of mine. I don't know what I would do if I lost you too, Meiya. I pray that your resolve stays strong, and I hope Mana can continue to support you regardless of the results of your training.
The door to my chamber opens, and the Chamberlain leads a tall man in a pale gray business suit into the room. He gets on his knees and puts a hand to his chest, tipping his hat with the other.
"I am honored to have been called to serve you once again, Your Highness."
"Yoroi, raise. Be at ease, no unwanted eyes nor ears are upon us here. Would you have the reports I asked of you?" He remains kneeling, and, as he raises his head from the floor, he takes out some envelopes from his coat and hands them to the Chamberlain, who then hands them to me.
"Your Highness, I'm afraid to inform you that the deal for the Shiranui Second has fallen completely. The Americans have lost all interest in the machine after the comments of the members of the Guard reached the ears of the president of the company responsible for the engine, and no amount of negotiating was enough to get them to resume the project."
"That truly is a shame." I was expecting this, but I still held onto the hope that our relations could somehow be repaired. "What else?"
"The EU's council rejected the proposal to start the joint development of the food plant you had sent them, for the same reasons as the Americans."
Even that project was rejected? I curse my powerlessness, if only I could dissuade more members of the Regent Houses to give America and the UN another chance. Sigh… This will only make Raiko-san even more adusted. How distressing.
"I see. What of the report on the internal skirmishes?"
"There's many that are unhappy with the current situation of the UN, especially regarding the Diet. There's some that are still suggesting to take control of it, while many others in the lower echelons are very much opposed to any kind of further collaboration with them if they keep on infringing on what they believe are your rightful entitlements."
"So it's the worst case scenario." I remain with my eyes closed for but a moment, to vanquish this freezing hold that was wishing to make nest in my heart. "Has Kurechika-dono revised the plan to renovate our military?"
"I'm afraid to tell you that he's at an impasse. There's no feasible way in which we can produce the amounts of Type-00 and Type-94 that we would require to modernize all of our forces, and that is only looking at the time it would take to build the units, not the funds it would require. However, he cannot request the UN for spare parts or new units without gaining the animosity of many VIPs, especially within the nobility going by my intel." And we also have missed our chance to push for the Shiranui to other countries. "Obviously, America and Europe won't do business with us, and the Soviets have their hands full with the defense of Kamchatka." And the COSEAN army is in an even worse state than ours, as far as I know.
Our tomorrow looks grim indeed. I fear a war between those who support the Diet and those who oppose it could break out at any moment now. I can only dare to pray the next delivery of those Shiranui arrives in time before our MDF suffers further casualties.
"This is most troubling indeed. I certainly appreciate your dedication, Yoroi. I hope next time we meet we can discuss a better outlook for our nation."
"Your Highness, I still have one last report to give you." One last report? Am I so restless that I forgot something?
"What would it be about?"
"I received a call from the Vice Commander of Yokohama Base, former Imperial Researcher Yuuko Kouzuki-san."
The name made me drop my smile, for if she is troubled… If this are yet more setbacks to the project…
"What did she require of you?"
If there is something I do know about her is that Kouzuki dislikes Yoroi much. So for her to be the one to call him, it must be a dire setback that she's encountered. And for him to come to me instead of Kurechika-dono or the UN's High Council… Whatever could this be about?
"She requested my services for a certain matter she did not divulge much about. However, she mentioned that if I agreed to aid her, she'll show me the blueprints of a few projects she had been working on alongside the Alternative Project. One of those is a stealth system made from the ground up with Japanese technology."
"What?! A stealth system? You speak of something similar to the one the American Army employs?"
"Yes, she said she was quite proud of her invention. She also mentioned something about refurbishing older TFSs with some new tech her engineering team designed to improve their performance until newer models become widely available."
"…Is this true? Has she truly developed such inventions?"
"This is what she herself said to me. She was very careful not to slip what she wanted in return, and asked me to keep this as an absolute secret. I fear she might be losing her faith in me, ahaha." He smiles, I couldn't help but to chuckle along for a moment.
"If she has indeed developed such technology, then… However, why would you be informing me of this, Yoroi? Is this not a personal request she asked of you?" I know he is loyal to me and that this intel is truly precious, but to inform me of it when he still hasn't confirmed it? It is not like him.
"Yes, it is a personal request." His tone then lowered, almost becoming inaudible from my position, as he also lowered his head as if to hide his lips. "However, she did reveal that she wanted me to modify the public databases. She didn't give me a name, but she wishes to alter the profile of someone in her service."
Is she trying to cover someone? It must be a very important individual for her to ask this much. However, with my current standing, if it were know that I accepted such a thing… If anyone notices this, I'll lose most of the little power I have. In no way the other leaders of the Regent Houses would let this go unpunished, for it is borderline treason.
However, I believe that there is a way for me to make ample use of this opportunity. It shall not be treason if the Empire gains a great benefit from this deal. As much as I may abhor the idea of employing a stealth system, I can use it to gain the favor of quite many people. And, if she also has a means to enhance our forces, that will only enhance our defensive capabilities against the BETA. Furthermore, these news would equal that her research is, hopefully, proceeding well. In which case, my morals aside, there is little choice left but to support her.
"I'll give you permission to alter the databases, on the condition that the unit of the Royal Guard stationed at Yokohama Base going by the callsign Blood is allowed to test this stealth system. I want them to be my eyes regarding all these developments she spoke of, and if the results are satisfactory I want the Empire to have exclusivity or priority when it comes to acquiring the licensing and producing rights to them over any other bidders. If she agrees to these terms, I shall give you the code to fulfill your part. You also do not need to tell me what this favor entails, but I would like a very detailed report on all the inventions as soon as possible. Of course, all of this is to be kept secret from any other party."
"Yes, Your Highness. I shall relay the message with utmost secrecy."
"Was there anything else regarding her that merits my attention?"
"No, that was all. Worry not Your Highness, I shall make sure Yokohama remains safe. Even if it seems like I'm losing my fans over there." He smiled again as he rose from the ground.
"I see. Thank you kindly for your support, Yoroi. Please do take care."
He bows to me and, after saying his parting words, he takes his leave escorted by the Chamberlain. And so, I am alone again in the room.
Such good timing, perhaps this is fate sending me one last ray of hope. If Kouzuki has a way to enhance our current weaponry that will do wonders for the relations between the UN and our people. It would also be a much needed breath of air until we can arrange another deal or restart the Second's development. I do not think the prototype I'm working on will be ready before the end of the year, so devising a way to empower our military is a top priority right now.
But I cannot help but to smile at this turn of events. The help had to come from Yokohama. I slowly stand up, going towards the balcony. Looking at the Capital from this colossal height, looking at all that we have managed to protect so far, I finally sigh and relax my shoulders. The incoming sunshine warms my entire being, and yet what spurs such glee in me, what unties the chains in my shoulders, what banishes the worried wringing in my hands comes from within. I look back, he is not there. Yet, I cannot help but to feel as if he were here after being given these news.
"…Could this be your hand aiding me from the afterlife, Takeru?"
A sudden gust of wind reaches the balcony, briefly caressing my face, making my fringe flutter faintly. My smile widens as I look back at our azure skies, a few fingers of mine come to thread my cheeks, others go to the crown I've been always made to wear briefly.
I can only hope the peace you gave your life to obtain can last some more. Nobody can tell what will happen if this tension keeps escalating. Hopefully the waters will calm down before either side decides to make a horrible decision and bring a storm about.
The door to my chamber is yet again opened, shattering my daydreams and reminiscence. Subduing my smile, I return inside to the many meetings that still await me for the day.