Chapter 14: The Start of the Storm
November 11th. 23:43 PM.
(Takeru's room.)
[Takeru]
Zzz…
Ugh… Who's shaking me so much? It's so cold. Someone took my blanket off, they have some nerve.
"Wake up, Takeru-san." A kind, sweet voice drives me away from slumber.
"Ugh… Kasumi?"
"Good morning." Her usual smile greets me as I open my eyes.
Oh, right. Niigata. I stretch my arms as I raise from the bed. It's the first time Kasumi comes to wake me up in this world. I had almost forgotten she used to do that.
She jumps in surprise, did she read my mind just now?
"Um, did I use to wake you up in the other world?"
"Yeah, everyday just before my alarm went off. You don't have to do it if it's a bother, though."
"…No, I think I'll start waking you up. Sumika-san will be happy when I tell her about it."
"Alright, you do you. I'll get ready. You can wait outside." And there she goes, not hitting herself against the door this time.
After a quick shower and changing into my uniform I open my closet and grab the Minaru Kamui and hold it close to me for a while. I won't screw up, I'm definitely coming back alive. After taking one last look at it, I stash it again inside the closet. Going up to my desk and taking out the metal box, I remember that last peaceful week we had. This is my first step to regaining that, like hell I'll fail. I will protect the Valkyries, I will make this mission go better than last time. There has to be something I can do to help, there has to be a way for me to at least watch their backs so that we can all come back from this mission.
Leaving the box on top of my desk, I turn out the lights and get out, and along Kasumi I go to the changing room to get my suit on.
"Are you nervous?" She asks me as we walk.
"No, I'm actually quite relaxed." For some reason I didn't have a nightmare today, so I'm as fresh as I haven't been since I came here.
"Why? You'll be fighting the BETA, you might die today."
"Because I won't die, Kasumi. Have some faith in me, will you? You saw all the simulations we did, right?"
"But to go into battle with an untested OS is very risky. What if a bug appears while you're fighting?" She sounds really worried. She does have a point though.
"I won't be alone out there, and I won't be doing any risky stunts this time. I promise you I'll come back home safely."
"If you say so." You don't sound convinced.
I go into the changing room and get into my suit. Finally, I'm marching into the battlefield again. If I remember correctly, three members of the Valkyries that I never met were put out of commission today, two died and one was hospitalized, so this is a prime chance to change history for the better. If I can save them, or at least one of them, our survival chances will go up. We will need all the hands we can get for the eventual battle of Kashgar.
With Kasumi leading the way, we made it back to the elevator and we dropped all the way down to Hangar 90, where Yuuko-sensei was already waiting for us.
"Good night, you two. Good to see you're here on time."
"Hey there, Sensei. How are the preparations?"
"Perfect. I already gave the briefing to the Valkyries, so you're all that's left. That Kagerou over there is your unit." She points towards a midnight blue TSF, I remember seeing Eagles during my missions and in the hangar but this one looks different.
Just like the Gekishin I piloted the other time, this one's shoulders and chest are more spiky. Its head is less round too and now has a small antenna and additional sensors to its sides. However the biggest difference is in its waist, I remember the Eagle to have a more square shape to its waist, but this one's was not only a bit smaller and had a certain inverted triangle shape to it, but it has some sensors in it as well. It also has two thrusters on its back where the pylons are supposed to be, they look more curved than our usual Jump Units and instead of having one set of Variable Wings it has two smaller ones. Sensei, you did this on purpose, didn't you? If I can only fight with guns and daggers there's no way I could go and do some of my reckless movements. I wanna sword.
"So Shirogane, what do you think of it? I based its improvements on a prototype that was tested in Project Prominence. Since you're supposed to be one of the few survivors you should get used to hearing about the different projects that were there."
"I was just a Cadet according to the report, so why should I know anything about all the different stuff they were testing there?"
"Because there was a competition there, the Blue Flag, where all the nations showed off some of their TSFs in live combat."
For real?! We have TSF tournaments here?! Why did nobody told me that last time? I would have loved to see any footage that was recorded!
"So this model is based on one prototype? I suppose that it's made this way for quick maneuvering at mid-range, right?"
"Exactly. You'll be fighting as a Gun Sweeper today, even if you'll only have two rifles with you. The extra speed from the new engines and the two additional thrusters along with the XM3 will make up for not having another two guns in your overall performance. Since you'll be using 36mm ammo you'll be carrying two extra magazines along with your daggers, one on each knee. Also it's painted with ARP and all its sensors and the new radar and antenna should give you some stealth capabilities, even if you're not using the complete stealth protocol we discussed the other day. I couldn't make it in time to change it to OBL but it should still be fast enough for you to be comfortable in it. I'd say it's almost like a 3rd Generation TSF now."
"Yeah, there's no reason to use only infrared today. So I guess this will be a more accurate test of all the tech you made using the notes I brought, right?"
"Yes, especially the new Jump Units. I added the Variable Wings to give you more control on all those aerial movements you were doing last time. I updated the XM3 with our most recent avionics and adjusted them as much as I could to fit your piloting style, the new radars and sensors will give you more accuracy and will also help in sending jamming signals to cover your position. Remember that this is a secret mission, you're not supposed to be spotted by any other force. But with all the new toys you'll have I guess I shouldn't worry."
"Don't worry, Sensei. I know how important the mission is, I'm not screwing this up."
"So long as you understand. Remember to leave Isumi and the rest to deal with the capture of the live specimens, and since you're not a Vanguard do not try to go after the Laser-Class unless something unexpected happens or either me or Isumi order you to do so."
"Even if I could save someone?" She stops when she was about to respond, and after a second of pause she answers.
"Only if you won't put yourself at risk of getting killed. If you do something stupid I won't let you take the CCSE. Are we clear?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Alright, you'll move out in one of the carriers in a private room until you reach Yokota Base. I've assigned Pyatkh as your escort, to keep you unnoticed until you get there and can ride your TSF. She'll deal with any troublesome people that might try to snoop around, but she won't know who you are. So, utter no words during the travel."
"Got it. So… We do have confirmation that the route we'll take is safe, right?"
"Yeah, don't worry. The intelligence crew in Camp Zama is doing their job well. The location I chose for the mission should also be rather far from the IJA bases near the shore, so there's also nothing to worry about. Yokota Base does tend to do air surveillance missions to ensure the area around this base is safe from time to time, so we'll use that to keep this little trip from being noticed, though I did tell everyone to be on their guard for this mission."
"…So the rest of the UN is also helping out. Good to know. Anything else I should know before leaving?"
"Yes, as soon as you reach Yokota Isumi will contact you once 'the Viking' has entered your TSF. Do not, I repeat, do not talk at all until board your TSF. I'm sure many will be very curious about who 'the Viking' is, and whether you're just a smokescreen or the real deal. Your carrier's position should be in the second railway, Pyatkh should be waiting at the exit of the elevator back at B5F. That's all."
"OK, I'll be extra careful out there. Well, time to go." I turn around, ready to leave towards the carrier.
"Shirogane?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"How many members of the squad were lost last time in this battle?" How weird. I thought you would be the last to be concerned about that kind of thing, so long as we brought back results.
"Three. Two died, one got hospitalized."
"I see. Don't try to do the impossible if you see them about to die. I know you said before you were prepared to not being able to save everyone, but don't push yourself too hard."
"Thanks, Sensei. And don't worry, I won't do something stupid." I smile at her, as I did the Kagerou was released from its hold, the platform it was on taking it away from the hangar.
"Well, looks like the ground carriers are almost done. Get to your ride, and put on your helmet." Back to her usual bossy tone, she waved a hand to send me away.
"I know, I know."
"Good luck, Takeru-san. Bye Bye." Kasumi waved at me as I left the hangar, I waved back before putting the helmet on.
Hurrying back to the hallway, I rode the elevator back up and meet 2nd Lt. Pyatkh once I got out of it. We exchanged a salute and she guided me to my ride, without asking any questions. The way there wasn't through the usual road to the railway, but around all the boxes and trailers that were stocking the carrier ships. A few people were waiting for us, I recognized some of them from the underground control room. Sharing a salute, they formed a human wall around the loading ramp that I would use to enter my ride. Following Pyatkh to my room, a few soldiers seemed to stare at us, until she glared at them and they scattered.
Two MP were guarding the entrance of a single door with nothing too special about it, Pyatkh dismissed them and said she would guard the room herself, to which they agreed after she mentioned it was an order from Sensei. She bowed to me, reassuring me she would keep me, and any details she might infer about my identity, as an absolute secret. I bowed to her in return, entered the room, that looked like a more compact version of an officer's quarters, sat down on the small chair and awaited the vehicle to start moving.
Sigh… Today is when the true change starts. I'm taking the Valkyries to victory no matter what. Different world or not, I gotta do what I gotta do.
A few minutes pass before the ride begins to move. There's no windows in my room, so all I can do is sit tight and wait.
Around an hour and a half later.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
I stand up and open the door, Pyatkh salutes me as I did.
"Viking, sir, we have arrived at our destination. Please follow me, your TSF should be at the ready." I nodded, almost answering to her. Getting out of the room, I follow her lead out of the carrier.
The few people that were still in the ride were all from our bases, they didn't really look my way but gave me faint nods as I passed them, that I returned in kind. Since we could move faster due to the space in the hallways, we quickly made it back to the loading ramp we used to ride the carrier.
The ride had touched down in the open field, we were surrounded by people in UN uniforms, some supply trailers, and all the Support Vehicles and their crew that were readying up the TSFs and Infantry Armors.
Stars having exclusive use of the sky for now, the paved road in the middle of the countryside was obstructed by all the vehicles we came with. In the distance, I could see what I think should be Yokota Base. The Support Vehicles were already putting our TSFs in formation, some of the people that came with us were going to what I believe are the carriers that will accompany us in the mission while the personnel from the nearby base was refueling our machines, that would return to Yokohama.
Hurried murmurs booming in the night, only a few lights stroke through the night to aid the crew's sight as they worked on our machines. However, there was a large area where there was no one working at the moment, behind all the trailers and whatnot, and through it me and Pyatkh walked without no one noticing our presence.
"Allow me to inform you that you shall be traveling at low speeds, to not waste fuel and make as little heat as you can." She said, leading the way to the Kagerou that I could see at the distance. I nodded her way, she did the same. "I know that sending someone who hasn't practiced with the STF to such a mission is nothing but madness, however the Professor has chosen you for a reason. I hope this mission can be a fruitful one for us. Best wishes, Viking." She smiles, offering me her hand.
I take it and shake it firmly. I was about to answer but had to shut up as I remembered I can't talk. I bit my tongue, can't do much more than groan a bit. It hurt a lot, dammit. She seems to be holding a chuckle. Now that I think about it… I never talked much with her. Nodding my way, she ends the handshake, softly sending a hand to her fringe, before gesturing towards the kneeling midnight blue machine.
"Well, I believe that Kagerou is yours to pilot. I think you should board your unit as soon as possible. And don't worry, no one will inquire about your identity. I made sure no one was foolish enough to try. I shall do a short patrol around it, just to make sure the coast is clear." I nod, she salutes me with another smile, I return the gesture.
She goes up to the Kagerou, I lose sight of her. Looking around me, I sense no one staring. I sigh, looking up, enjoying the calmness of the night with the background noise of the workers as they hustled about. Pyatkh came back in sight, gesturing with a hand for me to approach her. Jogging towards her, she gave me a nod, I gave her one last salute, and then finally move towards my TSF while she hurries to the carriers that would accompany us.
Looking to my left, I could see the Shiranuis, where the shapes of the Valkyries could be seen by their feet in the distance. They had lined up far away from my Kagerou, all to keep me hidden I guess.
Sigh… Alright, time to bring forth a good change in this world. And you Kagerou will come with me in my first hope-filled step into this bloody road of carnage. Getting close to the TSF, that was kneeling on the ground, I trigger the rope with my headset after linking it to the machine by using the control pad on the lower part of its legs, and grabbing onto it I reach the cockpit.
Closing the cockpit, I bolt myself to the seat as the images and confirmations appear on my view. Completing the data link, I do a once over the system. Everything is okay… the prototype OS is running well… no lag or errors coming up… All systems functioning well, the suit is linked, the weapons are ready, the voice distortion is working…
"Sigh… All set, I guess." I lean back on the seat, feeling a small rumbling in my hands as I finish linking up. I take a slow breath, filling my stomach with air until I have to release it.
"Viking, Valkyrie Mum here. Report your status." Haruka's voice reaches my ears. I had steeled myself during this week, but man, my feels have received a crit right now.
"…Viking here, all systems green."
"Roger that. Please proceed to the formation and be ready to launch at my signal." Grabbing the controls and moving them, my TSF stands up. The head visor coming alive, I walk to the side of the other TSFs.
On the view, the carriers had already taken off. Through the data link, Cpt. Isumi's orders and flight plan came to my unit. I quickly do the set up, beginning to warm up my Jump Units, starting to set the coordinates and path we'll take. Making sure I was lined up with the ramp correctly, I lean back and await the signal.
I inhale slowly through my nose, grabbing the joysticks a bit more strongly. Remembering our last talk by the memento, remembering what happened in the Reactor's room, I lick my lips and then exhale loudly. This time you won't die Haruka-san, nor anyone else from the Valkyries. I'll make sure to do my share so that this loop goes right, starting now!
"Valkyries, Viking, take off! I repeat, take off!" I step on the pedals and move the controls forward. Let's go, Kagerou!
I'm met with more speed than I had thought I would have, blasting off the ground with a loud burst. This is almost like the Shiranui I had last time. Did my notes brought such a huge improvement? Perhaps them and the data of that Prominence project mixed well together.
I'm on the sky flying towards my designated point in the formation, the rest of the mechs are all Shiranuis. With me, we are a total of thirteen TSFs in the squad and there are two large carriers coming along us. There's three TSFs on the front in an arrowhead, I suppose Hayase is there with the other two Vanguards. Then on each side there's two Gun Sweepers, one Gun Interceptor, and one Impact and Blast Guard. If nothing has changed about them, then the Interceptors are Munakata and the Captain. Akane should be a Sweeper, Kashiwagi should be an Impact Guard, and Kazama should be a Blast Guard. I'm also a 'Gun Sweeper' today, so that leaves two unknown Sweepers, one unknown of each Guard and the other two Vanguards I also don't know about.
I heard from Kashiwagi that Tsukiji was also in the squad, I wonder if the rest of Akane's team in the lacrosse match is here as well. I'll find out soon enough.
A beep sounded in my ears, a permission for a connection appeared in my view. Accepting it, my eyes meet a pair of crimson eyes that I haven't seen in many, many years.
My heart delayed a beat for a sec, I had to gulp hard and stop my breathing to not blurt out anything stupid.
"Greetings, Viking. I am Cpt. Michiru Isumi from the Valkyries."
"…Greetings, Captain." It's good to see you again, Ma'am. It's… truly a blessing.
She gives me a salute through the projection, then remains staring as her brows curve just a tiny bit. She must not like having to send her image but receive nothing on her end. I wonder what my voice sounds like through the distortion.
"I was told to not ask any questions, but for your feedback to also be obscured… I suppose the XO must value you much to go to such lengths." Yeah, I guess… So, she's just curious? She keeps staring, but then she seems to catch herself, as if suddenly getting the answer to a hard math problem in a test. "Oh, forgive me. You're not supposed to speak about yourself. Well, I know this is a rather precarious arrangement, however I shall be counting on you to cover our backs, Viking!"
I close my eyes, briefly remembering that talk we had on the ship, that last talk we had as she had to remain behind in the XG. Don't worry, Captain. Me and the rest will soon be ready to join you in the front. Sadly, all I can do for now is watch your backs.
"Yes, Ma'am. It's an honor to be here."
"…That is good to hear." She smiles, nodding. "Now… If I may, might I ask if have you received any special orders from the XO?"
"No, I was told to follow your orders on the field."
"Roger. If and when you receive any orders from her, please notify me of it immediately."
"Understood, Ma'am."
"Also… I know this might be prying, however, may I ask if there are plans to have you join us in our missions in the future?"
"Well… I suppose I will in due time. For the time being, I am appointed under the XO's direct command. Being her bodyguard, I do not doubt we shall work together in the future, yet, I do not know when will that be." I spent a lot of time rehearsing that answer to say it in one go confidently in case anyone asked. Pretty proud of it, to be honest.
"I see… That is unfortunate. Well, in any case, it is a pleasure to have you here today. Let's hope we can have more than one mission together." She seems to be chuckling, but I could only feel my stomach churning.
"We will bring Alt. IV to fruition together, Ma'am. Be sure of that."
"…Yes, well said. "I am waiting for the day when you can finally join our ranks officially. Well, if you have any questions, please do contact me. Valkyrie 1, out."
Sigh… Please don't joke about that, Captain. Though, I wonder what orders Yuuko-sensei has in store for me. It can't be something dangerous since she told me to not die today. Guess the stealth mech is the best recipient for any sudden orders, so they might not be for me but regarding the mission as a whole. And, as always, she didn't tell me about it. Dammit, Sensei.
Sigh… At least the Captain seems like herself, nothing like Meiya and the others. I hope she really isn't much different than before, except for that weird juice. I won't complain if she forgot about that accursed little juice.
That being said, it is a surprise for real. We're flying out in the open, and no one is detecting us. Our route being updated every now and then, green circles denoting where is 'safe' for us to be, the crew from Yokota seems to be doing their job with great efficiency. I know we're one of the most secret squads in the world but it's still surprising to see the scope of our operations.
And, despite all these resources, we're still getting our butts spanked by the BETA. Sigh… Leaning back, I slowly inhale as I let the rumble of the flight ease my worries, sending those visions away.
"Hey, Viking." A voice I recognize speaks through the common channel, startling me a fair bit.
The hell are you doing, Hayase? Yuuko-sensei told me that we were supposed to be quiet while we were flying towards Niigata. And to use the common channel instead of a personal connection… Well, I do have her authorization to talk while I'm in the cockpit, thanks to the voice distortion.
"Viking here. What is it, Valkyrie 2?"
"Say, in a scale from one to ten, how good are you? Because it feels reeeeaaaalllyyy bad to have a random join us in such an important mission." Ah yes, classic Hayase here. I wonder if she'll end up hating me too? You know what? Whatever, they can't hear my real voice anyways.
"I'd say an eight."
"Oho, someone's confident! Well, try to not get in the way and actually get some kills, though in that TSF I'm amazed you can even fly alongside us."
"You say that but I bet you're actually interested in the mysterious pilot. Fast as always when it comes to seduction, Hayase." Munakata didn't waste time to tease her. Glad to see that some people haven't changed. "Viking, be careful or she'll gobble you up whole."
"M-U-N-A-K-A-T-A! That's not what this is about!"
"Valkyries 2 and 5, if you're done chatting remain silent!" The Captain scolded them before Munakata's teasing got stronger. You did this to yourself, Hayase. "Viking, Valkyrie 1 here." The Captain opens a private line with my unit. I'm getting scolded too, right?
"Viking, hearing you loud and clear."
"Forgive my subordinates. The first one is too competitive for her own good, and the other one simply cannot contain herself when she sees an opening. Do not take it as a personal offense." Always so dedicated to the team.
"I have taken no offense, Captain. A little bit of teasing is good for a team's morale on the field. It's alright, really." It's also really refreshing hearing their voices again. I can only hope I can get along with the Valkyries of this world, it would be horrible if all my squadmates ended up hating me.
"Thanks for your understanding. Valkyrie 1, out."
She cuts the connection, and I'm again left alone as we fly.
The rest of the flight went by peacefully. It almost doesn't feel like I'm going to battle, with the beautiful sunrise on my sight.
We finally reach the shore and take our position on the field. 5:47, we arrived with just enough time to get ready.
The whole land on my vision is also a wasteland, I read up on the invasion of the '98 and apparently it was because the BETA split in two groups that Japan didn't fall. A big part of the Kanto region got turned into a wasteland by the time Operation Lucifer recovered Yokohama.
All the Japanese forces had withdrew to the east and left the BETA from both Sadogashima and Yokohama to ravage the lands. Some places on the southern and central parts seem to still have some vegetation here and there, like the place where we found the Shogun last time and the area near Mt. Tengen, mostly thanks to the efforts of the Royal Guard and the fact that the BETA simply didn't have much time to gather all the resources near the mountains.
Unlike the lands beyond the Second Defense Line that are now declared inhabitable by the Shogunate and there's nothing there more than some lone military bases in case the BETA attack from the west again, and some people living in defiance to the law in their old towns.
"Valkyrie 1 to all units, listen up! Recheck your loadout and assume formation. According to our intel the BETA will be advancing towards us in some minutes, so be ready at any moment." The Captain ordered just as we finished landing.
The carriers went to another location, for when we have to make our retreat, after dropping the equipment to capture the BETA. Some big containers with an orange liquid, some Super Carbon wires and a claw-like add-on for our arms, as well as some more fuel to resupply what we spent on our way here.
All my equipment is fine, the thrusters are also in perfect condition. I refilled my first tank of fuel and have the secondary at full load. No problem with the joints or anything.
"Valkyrie Mum to all units, report your status." Everybody then answered the same, everyone had no problems with their machines.
Our mission is to engage the BETA near the shore after the initial bombardment from the MDF happens and before the rest of them arrive, to avoid being detected. Given the current relations of the UN with the Empire I wouldn't put it past them to attack us at first sight. I'm actually surprised we made it here without being detected, Japan's defenses are really bad.
Even with the support of the crew from Yokota to give us updated intel in our flight, even if this squad is using Shiranuis and all of them are registered as allied units, and even if my Kagerou has stealth protection this is just ridiculous. We made it from one end to the other without being detected, at all. No wonder the coup went so smoothly last time, Sagiri must have known the precarious state of our internal defenses. Or is Sensei abusing a crack in their system to make this happen?
The minutes slowly click by, when at 6:21 Haruka-san's voice could be heard again.
"Mum to all units, we have confirmed that there's a Brigade-sized herd of BETA moving towards your position. Approximately 50% of it is made out of Tank-Class, there's a 10% of Grappler-Class and a 5% of Destroyer-Class. Less than 5% of it are made out of both Laser-Classes and Fort-Class. The rest are infantry types. The MDF Naval Platoon will be engaging them shortly. Be at the ready for their eventual arrival. Valkyrie Mum, out."
So the bastards are coming already. In less than five minutes they should be arriving at the shore. Now all we can do is just pray that things go well out in the sea for our troops.
The minutes sway by, like the waves on the shore. The seconds draw out, like the light that begins to pour from the sun. My heartbeat suddenly becoming a clock, I watch the clouds move. Nothing keeps happening, the waves sway back and forth, the gust picks up some dust, swirling it back and forth, the clouds are tugged along, my heart remains present as I become aware of my breathing, watching the shore from my visor.
And nothing keeps happening.
And the waves keep swaying.
And the clouds move and dissolve, move and vanish from my view.
And the light becomes ever present in the landscape, the sun is ready to draw its usual arc up there.
And yet, nothing keeps happening.
6:25 AM. No updates yet. It should be coming right about-
"Mum to all units! The Ocean Defense Line has been breached! Prepare to engage at any second. The MDF Naval Platoon will be sending missiles towards the shore as the BETA surface, remain in your current position until the bombardment has ceased."
Sigh… Finally.
"Valkyrie 1, roger that. One to all units! Assume your formation, remember that we are here only to thin their numbers and capture some live specimens. Don't go doing anything crazy!"
"Understood!" All of us answered in unison.
Now, it's showtime. Come already BETA, I'll use every single bullet I have on you today. And as if answering to my challenge the first figures of the Fort-Class appeared on the distance over the water.
"Took you long enough, you bastards."
The radar beeps, the missiles are just about to hit. And as the Destroyers rushed out of the sea a whirlwind of fire ravaged the shoreline. Multiple tornadoes made of blazes scorched the BETA, only to be followed by giant explosions.
The mixed bombing approach, huh? First drop the heavy incendiary bombs, then the explosive ones hit the rest. With the first one you can deal easily with the Destroyers thanks to how squishy and fragile their bodies are, then when the Tanks and the rest arrive you drop the heavy missiles to deal with their overwhelming numbers with the great AoE of the explosions.
If I hadn't seen the drop of the Orbital Corps and the explosion of the XG I would be shocked right now. But I can't really be surprised when at least a hundred Destroyers are charging at me.
"Valkyrie 1 to all units! Commence operation, march forward!"
"Roger!"
The arrows appear on the radar and everybody charges at the BETA, flying NOE.
I boost jump and enter formation with my flight. The Vanguards are rushing towards the Destroyers, they jump to their side and shoot as they keep marching onwards. This makes some Destroyers stop, causing the ones behind to ram into them.
"Flights B and C, attack the Destroyers. Remember to leave some of them crippled so that Flight D can later capture them!" With the orders clear, the six members of both flights, me included, form a triangle as we advance.
With the Gunsweepers at the tip of the spear, the Interceptors on their eight and five respectively, and the rear flight moving side by side in a square, we advance into the BETA. I hope the aliens are ready for some tight service, because today's beach episode is filled with hot stuff!
As soon as they entered our range, we send our heat waves at them. Sometimes a spurt of blood gushed out, sometimes we hit their shells. Veering to a side along the small dunes, we prepare for the imminent contact with the charging Destroyers.
"Viking, come along! We'll flank them from their sides. Take my eleven!" Akane told me as she moved forward, she's currently Valkyrie 8 and is my pair in the right side of the formation.
"Roger!" Our side of the offense moved forward through the sand, we need to halt the Destroyer's advance before the gap made by the bombardment vanishes.
I do a double boost jump to gain altitude and using the thrusters in my back I adjust my position to have a clear look of the Destroyers. I lock both Assault Rifles onto the herd and shoot at them. Akane seemed to be a bit behind me, she couldn't keep up with my speed.
"Valkyrie 8, I'll spearhead the assault on our side, you stay nearby and finish all the ones that I cannot kill. If I get too far away, send a message."
"Roger!" Wow, didn't expect her to comply so easily. So when she doesn't have a bone to pick she's obedient? Who knows what Yuuko-sensei told them about me for this mission.
As I landed I flicked my joysticks hard, boost dashing out of the way of a charging Destroyer as I lock my gun on it, then with one gun pointing forward and one pointing backwards I open fire. The bullets break through the herd as the splashes of BETA blood paint the wasteland of sand, my quick turns create small splashes of dust as I keep moving in short hops.
Akane finished the Destroyers that I injured but didn't kill, covering my rear. I take a dash backwards as I sick my guns on the Tanks that appeared to my left.
"Viking, Eight, Nine and Ten. Move forward and finish this herd, We're wasting too much time with them. Five, help me cover their six!" The Captain ordered, showing us the positions she wanted us to take on our radars.
Without delay, me and the other three rush forward forming a line and attack the BETA.
The Captain and Munakata then covers us as we advance into the herd shooting left and right. I jump and use the thrusters to spin, making uranium rain upon the BETA. Using the extra thrusters I boost dash in midair, switching my gun for a dagger before I land, and once I hit the sand I dash forward while using only the left thrusters to make me spin again, slashing the Destroyers backs. By my side, the other three had penetrated the herd with their firepower making more of them crash into the others' backs.
A bleep in my radar catches my attention. The Vanguard sent us new data, the rest of the herd is closing in on us. Not a second later, the red spiders and boiled crabs appear on my view, dripping a bit of water from the ocean.
As I spin around and slash at a charging Grappler's head-like appendage, I keep shooting behind me with my other gun at all the Tanks that were closing in on us, taking the high ground of the small sand dunes.
The other Gun Sweepers were also nearby firing with their four guns at the BETA, then we get a warning to pull back. Shortly after canister shells sent from the rear rain on the monsters that charged at us, killing and crippling.
I start doing consecutive boost jumps to rejoin the line as the rear snipes the Grapplers that approached us, while the Captain and Munakata keep the Tanks at bay. I use this chance to change the magazine of the gun I was using and sheathe my dagger.
"One to Midfield and Rear! We're moving forward, break through the Tanks and secure a vantage point to support the Storm Vanguards!"
"Roger!"
I do a full boost jump to my right as I avoid most BETA in the way, but it seemed Akane was having some trouble keeping up with me and the Captain. Right, they not only lack the XM3 but they don't think to do anything more than a simple boost jump. The other side of the formation also seemed to be falling behind.
Doing a barrel roll and using the additional thrusters to drive myself towards the ground I put my left gun on the pylon by the side of my leg and I take out one dagger. I stab one Destroyer from above as I landed, did a sidestep and dashed forward into another one shooting it at point blank. Boost backflipped outta the way and sicked my gun on the herd from above, making blood and sand spurt high as I did.
"Valkyries, try to synchronize your jump timings with mine. You'll get surrounded if you don't put some speed in your stride." I can only hope they took it in good faith.
"Thanks for the suggestion. One to Midfield, synchronize your jumps with Viking's. We need to finish this quickly. Rear, cover our advance but do not fall behind."
We resume our double boost jumps as the Tanks and Grapplers rush at us as if they were sandsharks, the other three are having some trouble with the timing but they're definitely moving faster now. We shoot at the ones that get close as the four of us drive past the first wave. The Captain and the rest follow right behind us.
"Mum to all units, we have confirmed that the Laser-Class have reached the shore. Exert extreme caution from now on!"
"One, roger that. Valkyrie 1 to all units! Be ready for incoming lasers at any time from our twelve. Vanguards report your status!"
"Two here." Hayase sounded shaken. Don't tell me… "Half of my ammo remaining on my guns, no serious damage to my unit. We're currently retreating from the shore towards your position. We couldn't get past all the Fort-Class, there's too many of them to do it without support." Thank God no one died.
"Roger that. Attention all units, we move to Phase 2. Frontliners, cripple the BETA as much as you can. Flight D, switch one rifle to the paralyzing shells and be ready to zone out and capture the ones that are hit by them. Carrier crew, are you ready to deploy?"
"Mum, we're ready here to move out at your signal." I wonder how they're going to transport the Destroyers and Grapplers, though. Tanks could be dragged by our Humvees, so a TSF squad has to be with them too, as well as some mechanized infantry.
"Copy that. All units be ready to move out as soon as I give the order." The Captain said as our radars got the updated arrows and positions of our allies, now including the carrier's crew, as well as the area we could safely move in due to the approaching MDF units.
"Roger!"
"One to Three and Four, go to B Flight and coordinate as their vanguard. Two come to C Flight."
"Roger!"
"Viking, do you hear me?"
"Loud and clear, Captain."
"When Two regroups with us you are to join her as our frontliners. Leave me and Five to cover your backs."
"Roger." Of course, we have to operate in elements to avoid being flanked, and we do need to make haste before eyes fall upon our area of operation. Seems like I will have to go melee, Sensei.
"Two here. Captain, your orders!" Hayase's Shiranui dropped out of the sky, making tidal waves of sand fly away from its glistening frame under the sun. Half of it was painted in BETA entrails by now.
"You are to charge alongside Viking. Work together to cripple those bastards as much as you can!"
"Roger!"
A private channel is opened with my unit. I could imagine Hayase's smirking face despite having the feedback blocked thanks to how she was chuckling.
"Looks like I'll have to tag along with you, Eight." Is she gonna call me that now?
"I'll be right behind you, Two." Just like last time, eh? Seems like I'm bound to team up with you.
"You better! If you're as good as you said, go and crush those bastards as hard as you can! Now, on me!"
Now forming a spearhead with me and the three Vanguards, we charge towards the BETA. I do a double boost jump and use the backthrusters' Variable Wings to line myself horizontally above the BETA, blocking the sunlight to avoid it from screwing up my shots. I open fire towards the Tanks and Grapplers, ripping the Tanks' legs and damaging the Grapplers' backs. Hayase charges in after my attack gave her a path forward and slashed the legs of the Grapplers from their sides, tumbling them down.
As she back dashed shooting at the Tanks, I landed and boost dashed forward dagger at the ready. More Tanks and Grapplers were falling apart into the sands to our coordinated attacks as we moved forward. The others seemed to be having no trouble keeping up.
As we retreated before we were surrounded, the Captain's missiles hit our pursuers as Akane and the others kept shooting at the BETA that were nearby to give us room to retreat safely. We also kept shooting towards the unending stream of Tanks that jumped at us and the occasional Grappler. I had to switch another magazine. I'm already at less than half ammo, and around 12% fuel on my main tank. And the red dots on the radar seemed to not even be affected.
"Mum to all units, the Laser-Class seems to be stationed at the shoreline, unmoving. The XO orders the capture of at least ten Laser-Class. The Fort-Class will soon reach your position, be ready to intercept. Valkyrie Mum, out."
We regrouped as we retreated, we dealt with the vanguard quite nicely. Now's time for the real show.
"One, roger that. All units, we'll capture some Laser-Class and finish this mission before we're detected by the MDF. Engage Arrowhead 2 and advance! Storm Vanguards and Viking work as Flight A from now on, the rest of the Gunsweepers assume a line behind them and cover them as they advance along me and Five. Rear, be ready at any time to send the paralyzing at the Lasers. Valkyries, forward!"
"Roger!"
The whole squad starts dashing forward, towards the towering figure of the Fort-Class. Hayase and the other two cannot keep up with my speed as we slash at the BETA that come closer.
Now wielding the two daggers on each hand I slash at the Tanks legs. I keep my pace and stance as I dash and slash about. I take a step back and boost dash forward veering slightly right to avoid a Grappler and slash at its back legs, I do a jump backwards and do some quick slashes towards the Tanks.
I gotta say, my accuracy is busted now. Between how calm I am thanks to Maya-sensei's training, my new pace of attacks and the improved radars, I think I haven't missed a single attack today, not even against the small Tanks with my daggers. I do a triple boost jump to get back to my position behind Hayase, and do a downward slash at the head of a Grappler that was on my way.
We're now just some meters away from the Forts, there's ten of them here on the right side blocking our way to the Laser-Class. Another ten to the left finish the circle that's blocking our way to the Laser-Class.
"A Flight! We'll go and kill some Forts to clear a path for the Captain and the rest to shoot the paralyzing ammo before the Lasers start attacking! Two and Three, take the left. Eight, you come with me to the right!" Hayase shouted over the speakers.
"Roger!" We both charge forward, ignoring the Tanks. I try to adjust my speed with hers as we close in on the Forts. The other two Vanguards take the Forts to our left.
A stinger flies our way, I sidestep to the right and resume my boost dash. Hayase just a bit behind me, we time our jumps and slash at the Fort from below together, tearing its sting apart before it retracted. We then switch to our guns and open fire from below it towards the head, uranium tears into the monster as a stream of blood is splashed onto our TSFs. One Fort down. We dash away from the tumbling corpse, slashing the nearby Tanks that tried to jump us.
I do a double boost jump to avoid a stinger and then use the extra thrusters to do a boost dash in midair, landing myself nearby the next prey. I dash under it from its side avoiding the legs and start jumping and slashing at it, it doesn't even flinch or stop in reaction to the injuries. Hayase arrives besides me and starts doing more damage with her sword.
"Hey, Viking! Take my rifle and go blow the nearby one's head off with your acrobatics! I'll cut this one's head myself!" I catch the rifle in midair as she threw it at me, it immediately gets linked to my unit.
"Do you not mind me getting all those kills?"
"You're killing them with my rifle, so they're my kills!" Hehehe, never change Hayase! You always manage to make me smile even in the direst of battles.
I double boost dash from below the Fort towards the other ones while clearing the red sea that's in the way, I got five shots of 120mm in this thing. I do a full boost jump, using the extra thrusters to balance myself in the air. Now, just like with the TR! Eat this! I fire two consecutive shots towards the head aiming at its neck, it exploded in answer to my treat.
I do a barrel roll to avoid another stinger, and I was ready to charge at the Fort with my dagger but Hayase dashed out of nowhere and cut the stinger before it goes back into the Fort.
"I'll cover you from the Tanks, you blow their heads off! With this the path forward will be done!"
"Roger!" I dash towards my left, shooting my remaining 36mm on the Tanks that appear before me and some Grapplers that got close. I do a triple boost jump and shot the three remaining shells onto the Fort's head from its side, making it explode. I do a boost dash to land near a Grappler that was getting too close to Hayase and slash its claws off with one dagger, using the other to tear through its flesh.
Now with some free room, Hayase boost jumped towards a Fort while shooting at it's stinger. Her Shiranui spun around with a sword on each hand, turning itself into a blade cyclone, slashing at the Fort's body and tearing its head apart in a flash. I dealt with the nearby Tanks to give her a safe landing. More fire opened from behind as the Midfield advanced and cleared the bulk of Tanks that were in the area. The other Vanguards were slashing at a Fort from below, getting showered in blood and flesh as they kept slicing at the gargantuan BETA until it fell.
We made a path between the Forts, the ones that were to the sides were bombarded with who knows how many ballistic shells in perfect synchrony to the same spot. There were still some of them, but we'll have to hold them until the Captain and the others manage to capture some of the Laser-Class.
"One to Storm Vanguards! Go after the Laser-Class, we will send the paralyzing shells as soon as you get close! Use the BETA as cover to advance!"
"Roger!" Hayase and the other two rushed forward.
"Viking regroup with the Midfield, we'll hold the line and give cover to the Vanguards until the Lasers have been captured! Rear guard, ready the paralyzing shells!"
"Roger!"
This is it, just one more push and the mission will be over. This is the most risky part for all of us, since the Vanguards have to rush into the Lasers and the rest of us have to hold this place to prevent the Vanguards from being surrounded.
I shoot what little is left of my ammo along the rest. Two Gunsweepers were facing towards the shore, sniping with their 120mm at the BETA that tried to jump the Vanguards. The Rear arrived behind us, and as we covered them they readied the paralyzing ammo.
But then…
From the corpse of a Fort many Tanks started coming out. We were surrounded by the corpses of the Forts as wave after wave of Tanks poured from them.
"Impact Guards, send the canister shells. All units with missiles use them freely, assume a Trail and watch each other's backs!"
This won't do. There's too many of them, we can't waste this much time here or the Vanguards will… I open a channel with the Captain.
"Viking to One, requesting permission to charge into the herd as a diversion. That way you can shoot them down easily as they chase me around. My higher mobility will allow to perform this without risk to my unit." I can't see her face but I can sense she's considering the idea, going by those small groans.
"Viking, permission granted. But stay close by, otherwise we won't be able to give you covering fire. Eight, lock onto Viking's IFF and cover him from the Tanks." Akane acknowledges the orders and boost dashes to my side, guns at the ready.
"Ten requesting permission to provide support to Viking, Ma'am!" A voice I don't recognize speaks on the common channel.
"Nine requesting the same!" This one is… Tsukiji? I can't really remember well but I think it's her.
"Permission granted. Five, regroup with me and aid me in clearing the other flank along the Rear."
"Roger that!"
"One to Viking, start the diversion!"
"Understood!" C'mon Kagerou, give me all of your accel! Let's flow into our enemies, like an unending waterfall!
I do a full boost dash, piercing through the Tanks. I spin around, do a forward dash, sidestep, jump, cancel and slash again. I take a step back and do a wide slash, killing three Tanks that were too close for comfort. The Tanks to my left are decimated by the other's fire.
Akane was shooting three rifles at the same time, timing each shot quite nicely with my jumps to hit most of the Tanks that were surrounding me. I start retreating, dealing with the Tanks that get close as the Captain gives the order to raid the Tanks to both sides.
The three Valkyries that were behind me bombarded the corpses to the left with a flurry of shells, dealing with most of the Tanks that were still coming towards us.
A loud explosion could be heard as the rear blasted the canister shells upon the Fort's corpses that were in the other side, killing most of the Tanks that were coming out of them.
Full boost dashing ahead, I use the extra thrusters to align myself to make my Mugen stance as an inferno comes out of my lower Jump Units. I end up gliding for a while, ripping through the Tanks and some Grapplers, surfing onto the sand dunes. I cancel the dash and do a boost backflip to get back near my flight. As I retreat more uranium rains on the Tanks.
We can do this. There's not so many on my side, and the others seems to have dealt with their targets too. We somehow survived the Tank ambush, there's still a lot of them around but we dealt with more than half of them already. We just need to wait for the Vanguards to-
A warning appeared on my screen as a familiar beep sounded on my ears, and by instinct I moved backwards. Light flashed before my eyes, there were Laser-Class inside a corpse of a Fort we killed.
"Scatter!" Just as the Captain shouted, we all moved away as the beeping of the Laser alarm roared alive.
A shower of light poured from behind us, as we barely manage to escape the Laser's assault. Those bastards! A feint ambush to make us lower our guard, all to use the Lasers in a corpse that was left on our rear! This is the work of the Superior no doubt, only through him can the BETA do this kind of tricks.
We scatter about as we dodge the beams of light that follow us closely, using the BETA as cover. How many Lasers are in that corpse? If there's some Heavy Laser inside there…
"One to Vanguards! Give me a report!"
"T-Two here, Captain both Three and Four were hit by Lasers from our six. What's the situation back there?!"
What?! The ambush… costed us the lives of the two Vanguards? Damn it! I couldn't… Nobody could have done anything. You sons of an eldritch bitch!
"Two, get away from there. Capture of the Laser Class will be impossible in this situation. One to all units! We're retreating, Rear guards, aid the carrier's crew and ready the containers with the captured BETA." The Captain sounded nervous, it's rare to hear her like this. Only when things went wrong in Sadogashima she sounded so conflicted, so preoccupied.
"Shirogane, can you hear me?" A private channel opened up.
"Sensei? What is it?" I got startled by her sudden appearance.
"Suzumiya is getting me updated on the situation from one of the carriers, there's apparently a nice amount of Lasers near you. Tell Isumi to capture some of them and then issue the retreat order."
"You think we can avoid their attacks while capturing some of them? We're at our limits here." That seems crazy, going by the fact that we're barely dodging them while we retreat now.
"Give Isumi the message that I order her to use 'that' ammo. Get someone to cover you as you move around, leave the capture to the experienced members. That's all."
"And I suppose you won't tell me what 'that' is?"
"Shirogane, there's no time for this. Or do you have an idea, perhaps?"
"We could send canisters at them, forcing the Lasers to look up. Then, a small group can rush into the group, paralyze some of them to allow the capture, and kill the rest. Me and some others could remain behind to give them cover from afar. We won't be able to escape safely anyways without killing the Lasers."
"Not bad. That's similar to what I had in mind. Take a rifle from someone and send canisters from the back, do not go near the lasers. Tell Isumi to send 'that' after the canisters." And she cut the connection.
No time to waste then! I open a private channel with the Captain.
"Valkyrie 1! Orders from the XO have arrived!" I explain to her the orders Sensei gave.
"Roger! Blast Guards, ready the Yellow Dust shells!" The what now? Yellow Dust?
We retreat to a small clearing behind some BETA corpses, safe from the Lasers for now. One of the Valkyries hands me a rifle and I assume my position crouching along the Rear forming a line, aiming at the corpse from which the Lasers appeared. The Captain got her Shiranui in position, right in front of those of us who would provide the bait.
"Now, on my mark… Three, two… FIRE!"
Not a second later from the Captain's order, the canisters were flying towards the Lasers. They got taken out of course, but that's what allowed our two Blast Guards to rush out of cover, shooting the Yellow Dust straight at them while they were looking up.
BOOOOOM!
An explosion louder than anything I've heard roared through the battlefield. That shape… A cloud of literal yellow dust covered the battlefield. What the hell is that thing even?
"One to Five, Eight, Nine, and Ten. Come along with me, I'll use the paralyzing shells I have on me to stun the Lasers and you'll help me carry them. Viking, Six and Seven, cover our backs. The rest, prepare our escape route!"
"Roger!"
I stay behind slashing at the Tanks and Grapplers, while the other two Valkyries cover me with their guns. There's too many Tanks and there's also more Forts getting closer. The Laser on the shore have not attacked yet, but if they do…
We need to clear this last horde or… again someone will be gravely injured, or worse. Inhaling sharply, I refocus onto the battle. A beep reaches my ears shortly after.
I'm all out of ammo.
Well, fuck. I guess I'll just mind my pace with the daggers and-
"Aaaauugh!" What? What happened?!
A Destroyer charged out of nowhere onto one of the Valkyries that were covering me, she couldn't dodge it entirely and half of its TSF was broken, falling to the floor as pieces of its armor teared from its frame. She was still alive, but…
The other one shot the Destroyer from behind, and continued to shoot at all the nearby Tanks that were trying to climb onto the remains of the TSF.
I rush back to protect the broken Shiranui from the Tanks. Damn it, if things keep going on like this, this will end like last time. It's like I didn't change anything!
Wait… What if this time this invasion is also different?
"One to all units, we've captured some Lasers. We're retreating! All units start falling back. Two, report your status!"
"I'm retreating to the carriers away from the battle since one of my legs got hit by a laser, I'll be there in three minutes tops."
"Roger, everyone else let's get out of here! We've already lingered enough!"
"Eiko! Can you hear me?!" Kazama shouted over the common channel. They must be really close for her to lose her composure, since she was always so calm during our missions together.
"Touko, I… I can't feel my legs… I'm done for, get out of here." She sounded very weak. At this rate she'll die.
But we're ordered to retreat, we have to get out of here. If we linger here any longer… They're gonna die.
Feeling my heartbeat wanting to imitate a rocket, again an empty pit in my stomach as acid rose up from my throat, I looked at the radar, at my surroundings, at my remaining fuel.
I can do it. I'm not gonna be doubting here, every second counts!
Biting my lips as I pulled my controls too hard, I dashed to stand between them and the BETA.
"Viking to Six and Seven. I can buy you some time, get the injured one out of the cockpit ASAP!" Waiting not another second, I rush against the Tanks.
I'm getting low on fuel, but no way in hell I'll abandon a comrade that I can save. Even if I can't do more than simple boosts, that's more than enough! I won't give up so easily, I already went through a truly hopeless situation… and this isn't like back then! Biting back the pain in my head below my ears at my sudden sharp movements, I suddenly slow down as I approached the red current coming my way.
A dash to the left, I slash at the Tanks with the sword. I take a step back, get one dagger out again, and dodge some of the ones that were trying to jump on me.
I keep jumping and canceling to distract them, slicing their hands when I find an opening, kicking them if I can't do that. I won't last much longer, if I can't rip through them it's very hard to land a killing blow with how small they are, and there's too many around.
Damn it, some of them jumped onto my back! I do a boost backflip into the ground, crushing the Tanks that were on me. I do a crouch dash as I slash the ones that tried to jump on me, but I can't shake all of them off. Some are now firmly grabbing onto my legs, not letting me dodge as well as I could.
"Dammit! Let me go, you damn monsters!" I was never surrounded by so many Tanks without ammo!
Shit, this is not going well… I can't line up a good slice to tear them up, I can't get rid of the ones clinging to my Kagerou's legs. Dammit… Dammit! What can I-
SWISH! CLANK!
Another Shiranui dashed forward, slashing the Tanks that were on me with its dagger.
"Viking, are you okay?!"
"…Y-Yes, I'm alright. Thanks, Eight."
But… something was wrong. Not only Akane's, but the Shiranuis of the ones that charged towards the Laser-Class looks like they're melting, like some mannequin made out of wax that got close to a source of heat.
"Seven to Viking, I've recovered Six. Let's retreat!"
"Roger!" Outta here! Forward dash!
"One to Rear, use another Yellow Dust to deny the advance of the BETA. They'll attract the eyes of the IJA if they follow us."
"Roger!"
I do some consecutive jumps and joined the rest of the squad. The Captain and the others were just a bit behind me. We move away from the path the BETA were marching on, flying NOE to avoid the lasers. The rear shot another of those yellow dust clouds at the BETA that were following us, forcing them to halt.
Some minutes after that there's no more red dots on the vicinity. The IJA is currently engaging the BETA, no one is coming to our position. It's over, we made it out.
"One to all units! Report your status!" Everybody reported themselves, Hayase had catched up to us in the way.
All the crew from the carrier were fine, those who survived at least. No one is coming here, so it seems we really weren't detected. By a hair's width, we got lucky the BETA separated into three different groups and no one detected our signals or came to out area. Sensei, as always, made the right call by choosing this battlefield.
I let out a sigh, moving my neck in circles. Gritting my teeth, I restrain my hand from hitting something. I exhale through my nose like an angry bull, leaning back into my seat.
In the end I couldn't change the outcome of this fight, was I not enough? Or is it because this world is different? The BETA didn't seem different from what I remember, so what happened? Had I not being here, would the result had been worse than last time?
A private channel opens with my unit, and an unexpected voice speaks to me.
"Viking, can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear. What is it, Valkyrie 8?" For Akane to do this, what does she want to say to me?
"Yes, I was wishing lto ask your opinion on my performance today as your partner in the right element, if you would be so kind." She's speaking formally to me, Sensei just what did you tell them?! Well… let's use this chance to help her out.
"You did well today. While your maneuvering is still rather rough, your accuracy is very good. You have a good sense for being on the offensive, as well as a good eye for providing cover. You saved my back in more than one occasion today, without counting how you dealt with the Tanks that had me at the last moment. I'd recommend you to work on your dexterity, if you can maintain your accuracy while moving faster you'll be a fine frontliner in the future. Just remember to take two seconds before acting, haste makes waste after all."
I remember that she was always rushing stuff last time, so if I can somehow convince her to take a more analytical approach to her offense she will end up being a great pilot. She was better than Chizuru as a Gun Sweeper, since she is more suited for offense. Last time, Chizuru was more adept for an Interceptor role but who knows how she'll turn out this time around.
"Thank you very much for your words! I'll keep them in mind during my practice. Valkyrie 8, out." Wow, didn't think she would be so elated to receive some praise.
Well, this might have been her first mission… Right, I don't know if they needed hypnotherapy or not. Maybe that's why she was so quick to follow my lead, maybe the Captain didn't want any accidents and preemptively gave them a does, just in case. And now that the high of the battle is running out, she looked for an opinion on her performance.
"…You all did so much better than my first times, so you should be proud, Akane." You all must have been made a wreck of nerves, yet still managed to keep yourselves in check even during the last assault.
I hope she can stop chasing so madly after the Storm Vanguard position this time, if she can make the most out of her current role she'll learn a lot of valuable lessons. Which then will make her a better beacon for her squadmates from her cadet squad.
Being able to attack on all angles is something only the Gun Sweeper can do, it's not like the Vanguards are the best units of a flight. But I guess that with the sword fetish they have in the Empire, relying on guns might be seen as a 'disgrace'. But, if Akane manages to improve in this role, she'll fare better in the missions to come… And maybe she won't suffer the same fate she had to go through last loop.
I resupply my fuel near a carrier, and after the captured BETA are put into the tanks with the orange liquid, the Captain gives the order to retreat and we take off flying low. It's just 6:58, but it feels as if I was fighting for hours on end.
Same Day. 02:21 PM
(Yokohama Base. Yuuko's Office.)
"…And that's all." I finished telling Sensei of all that transpired, she pushed a button and stopped the recording she had set up.
"I see. So they used not one, but two ambushes. Did this happen last time too?"
"I don't know. Last time you didn't let me join the operation, and you told me nothing about it." When I came to talk with you about it I was super happy that things were resolved faster, but you were real cold now that I think about it. I'm sure it was because of the Valkyries we lost during the fight.
"Well then, I think I might know why this turned out the way it did." She starts spinning slowly in her seat.
"You do? What caused this?"
"You said that in the other version of this world the UN and the Empire were on rather good terms. It may not have been a perfect relation, but they were not at each other's throats like they're here, right?" I nod. "Then, since things are different here, it's possible that the MDF didn't take my warning seriously. I told them to be prepared for a possible BETA incursion, and yet it seems they weren't ready when the BETA surfaced from Sadogashima." Her lips plucking a bit, her spinning picked up speed. "We lost two ships today to the Forts, that is a lot of missiles that didn't hit the BETA when they reached the shore. It's also possible that in the other world we attacked the BETA as soon as they surfaced on Sadogashima, making the battle on the sea easier and thinning their numbers even further."
"Sigh… So it's the grudges again. Luckily we didn't run into anyone on our trip back, who knows what they would have done if they encountered us."
"Well, it's thanks to this that we had a big enough area to move on and just enough time to complete the mission. It's tough to know we can't rely on our most closest ally, even more after this matter with this Takamura. Here's the report on her I promised you. She's quite important, you know." She hands me an envelope with some papers.
Let's see… Her father created the Zuikaku, she graduated at a rather young age from a Surface Pilot Training Program of the Empire, fought on the Defense of Kyoto, served on the Royal Guard until she was given on a loan to the Ministry of Defense. She's been working on the EML-Railgun and the Shiranui 1C since they were put in charge of Chofu Base, and she was eventually loaned to the UN when the XFJ Project was created as the leader of it.
She supervised the testing of both the railgun and the Shiranui Second test models in Yukon and Kamchatka along her squad. After her heroic actions on the Yukon Incident she was given the rank of Captain in the UN Army, despite the fact that she couldn't prevent the bombs from exploding and she couldn't save her squad from being caught in the explosion. Apparently that's one major problem the XFJ project has, since both prototypes of the Shiranui Second got destroyed they can't continue the testing without making another, which would require money and parts. From America. That's not happening any time soon.
She has also been trained in the use of a sword, like Meiya I guess. She has her own personal yellow Takemikazuchi and has ties with some important people in the Imperial Army. She's a big fish alright, I don't think I'll be able to harm her without getting all of us in trouble. Maybe I could make her have an 'accident' while on the field? I honestly have no idea what I could do to deal with her.
According to the report she's a very cold person. Strict with everyone, bound by her honor to serve to deliver the best possible results. A noble through and through, talking things out with her is out of the question. Maybe the reason Tsukuyomi-san warmed up to me a bit last time was because of a causal leak, but this time I won't be able to hax my way out of this.
Whatever, I'm sure she isn't stupid enough to try to harm me in public, so when she decides to strike at me I'll use the 'self-defense' card as my reason for dealing with her. Let's hope it never comes to that.
"So Shirogane, still think this is a good idea?" Sensei was still showing doubt in her voice.
"Yeah, the railgun is worth it. We probably will have to argue with the Empire to keep it after we finish it, but it's a weapon worth the trouble. If we had it today, the invasion would have been over in a flash."
"Alright, if you say so. Now then, there's a few questions I have regarding the theories that I was hoping you could answer."
"Sure, what's up?"
"First, what's the flaw of the 00 Unit?"
"…When Sumika is connected to the Reactor to purify her ODL, part of her knowledge is shared to it." She frowns, hiding her mouth with one hand. "The same can happen when she has to scan a hive for their data. By the way, we can get intel on all hives with a single scan."
"…Is that so? That's a small consolation, I suppose."
"Well… There's one thing I never got to know for sure. When the base was attacked in that memory I showed you, the BETA were already using our tactics against us but you couldn't figure out if that was because of any data shared through our Reactor or if they had chosen to take us seriously."
"Take us seriously? Didn't you say they would never see us as an intelligent race before?"
"Yeah, and the you of that world compared the situation to a typhoon or other natural disasters. We may not be alive in their eyes, but they might want to understand and neutralize us, if and when we become a problem."
"Sigh… I see. I suppose we should test whether intel can be shared through our Reactor first then."
"You mean… in case you can't fix the issue?" She nods, squinting her eyes as hard as I haven't seen her ever do.
"I… may not be able to find a solution without overhauling the structure of what I already built, and we don't have time to make an entire new vessel for the 00 Unit with so little time left for Christmas. So we'll start doing small tests, I'll try to force a connection with what I have built as of now."
"Wait, you can do that?"
"Of course, I have literally hundreds of failed prototype units to do tests with. What do you think I used to change your TSF's main unit to make the adaptation to the XM3 work as well as it did in such a short time?" She shrugs, again sounding dry.
"I see… So you used one of those CPUs… I never thought about it much, but it makes sense."
"Sigh… I do have to show some results to the UN, besides the main goal for Alt. IV. My architecture was just well suited to do what you asked me to with the OS, and it was a nice test to check some things could be emulated through the software." She smiles faintly, leaning back into her seat and spinning again. "Thanks to the theories, I suppose I could try to see if we can trigger a connection without the 00 Unit to see whether our Reactor shares intel with the BETA or not. I'll devise some tactics we haven't used yet, wait nineteen days, and then send the Valkyries to an expedition to Sadogashima for a short culling operation as an excuse. Of course, I'll try to see whether we can actually get any intel from the Reactor without the 00 Unit."
"Okay… Well, I can't help with that, so best of luck. Just make sure to wipe any data from whatever you'll use to test this."
"I know, I don't want to give them any advantage here. So, there's something else that's been bugging me…" She entwines her fingers, stops spinning, leans forward into the desk, and places her hands atop the wood slowly. Her brows curving, her eyes seemed to pierce into me as she held my gaze. "I suppose the last mission you showed me was… an assault on the Original Hive, wasn't it?"
…
"Considering what you've told and shown me, and that we have plans being prepared to quickly deal with it after attacking the 20th or 19th Hive, it was the most logical option. What happened during the mission?"
"…I already showed you what's most important."
"Speak, now."
"…You really think it's a good idea to know?"
"Are you saying you aren't willing to tell me?"
…
"Sigh… We took down the Reactor, as I showed you before, after having a short talk with it. Only me and Kasumi survived." I claw at my pants, looking down.
"Why did you keep quiet about it?"
"Because… we need more firepower before we attack the Original Hive."
"We might not have the time or resources, as I suppose happened in the last world you were in. This is a direct threat to humanity's survival. Shirogane, you should know that-"
"That's why I made a plan for that. There's no need… to repeat that suicide." I take a sharp breath as I return her gaze, she sends a hand to her chin without showing any emotion in her face.
"Mind telling me what this plan is all about then?"
"The BETA take nineteen days to process new intel. Assuming the worse case, in which you can't prevent the data leak from the 00 Unit, we would have to give up on the scans to keep our intel safe." She nods, leaning back into her seat. "Then, we can use the XG-70B for another mission after Sadogashima. And we get another to use Model D."
"And then what?"
"That's only if we follow the same pattern as before. Since I know of what happens on Operation 21st, we can use the XG to blow up Sadogashima without giving the BETA any chance to pass its intel to a Reactor. The key here is that, since a BETA has to pass the knowledge manually if the 00 Unit doesn't make a link to the Reactor, so long as we wipe them out in a single swoop we can prevent them from gaining intel on us."
"…I see. Murder everyone in the place, to avoid having a straggler pass down the intel. Just like a medieval raid of sorts. Still, they might adapt as they did to our air raids at the very start of the war. So, what happens if the plan fails?"
"…That's why we have the better XM3, to be able to last longer in the field and destroy the Reactor without forcing the XG to deploy. And you'll have intel on the first mission, we have the upper hand now." However, her stare doesn't change.
"And what if that also fails?"
"…We cannot rush Kashgar as we did last time. I'm not repeating that suicide."
"…Even if that is our only choice left?"
"It won't be."
"And in the scenario that it becomes our only-"
"I won't let it happen!" Unable to hold back, I hit my leg. Unable to stop, I keep shouting. "That shit won't happen again. I'm gonna take down all the lasers in Sadogashima myself if I have to, but we're not repeating that mistake again."
"You say mistake, but I assume the operation was completed successfully?"
"At the cost of tens of thousands of lives, the 00 Unit, the XG, and…"
…
"And what?"
Now that I think about it… What the hell happened to Sensei in that world? We deceived the Americans to prevent them from getting more stuff to make G-Bombs.
I'm sure she would have… had to face some pretty heavy consequences for that. What if she convinced me that my fight was over… so that I didn't-
"Shirogane, what else?"
"…We lost all our influence at the end." She frowns, empty of an answer for a sec.
"How so?"
"You had to share the intel of all the hives to the UN because they didn't want to cooperate and wanted to switch to Alt. V at once. In the end… We barely were able to complete the mission, it was a miracle it happened at all."
"…So you're saying that, in this world where I have less support, we might not be able to successfully complete that operation with its best outcome as before?"
"…Yeah, I guess. I also don't want to have to rush it like that. Just… The rest of the UN was fine with switching to Alt. V, didn't care about the consequences, didn't even plan on using whatever of the fleet was ready. We had no choice left, that's why we took that drastic measure. So…" Even if that world's Sensei screwed me over… "…The future needs you standing with power after we take down the Original Hive. It's true I don't know what happened after that… But I don't want to leave behind that same situation here if I have to return to my world. We can manage this situation better to make sure that, at the least, it doesn't come down to that ultimatum." I take a deep breath, looking at her. "So, can we take some time to check whether we truly don't have a choice here?"
"…I suppose. However, if it turns out we do not… Don't make a fuss about it."
"…Deal. But if that is the case… Keep your end of the deal after this ends."
"I will. And don't worry, I also would like to avoid such a disaster." She stands up, going towards her coffee machine. "I'd like to start reading the theories now to begin the prep work, so you go on and rest for the day. If anything comes up just leave it for tomorrow, I want no distractions now."
"Roger. Later, Sensei." I stand up and leave the office.
And from now on the real fight starts. Once Sensei gets to work with both theories she'll have to tune the 00 Unit to prevent the leak. I'll have to wait until I can see the data from today's performance of the XM3, but I'm more than happy with it. The Kagerou felt like the Shiranui I used to pilot, it was truly awesome. No wonder, she used some of the tech she's been working on for the 00 Unit on it.
Well, at least she seems willing to give my ideas a shot. Even if we avoid the coup and make our TSFs better, there is little we can do against the bigger events. The defense of the base and the sharing of intel through the 00 Unit… Those are the main problems we have to tackle to have a shot at a different road post-Sadogashima. Everything is just a preparation for that.
Sigh… I can't do anything for now, I already tried to make the most out of Niigata and barely made a draw with this world. I'll just eat and rest for today. All I can do is believe Eiko-san might live, that Sensei will find a solution to our roadblocks, and that I can step up if there is something I can do to help.
Reaching the end of the hallway, I swipe my ID and the elevator opens. Tapping the buttons, it rumbles to life again and begins to make its way to B5F. I lean on a wall, closing my eyes and simply resting until I have to get out.