Chapter 27: Invited to a Masquerade
November 23rd. Near 8 PM.
(Elevator.)
[Takeru]
Down and down, down it goes. A chime beeps out, the door opens. Sighing as I placed my hands on my pockets, I stomped my way to the office.
Would be faking it if I said I'm not scared of her answer, but I gotta face her frontally. Otherwise, she might doubt my resolve or intentions. That is, unless she'd rather dispose of me. I do have a mountain of questions for you Yuuko, so you better be ready to answer them. I don't need to know everything that happens behind the curtain but I'd like confirmation on whether or not we're on the same team.
I tried my best today to not get paranoid, but considering everything that happened no one could blame me for being nervous right now. I might have some plays to make, but that's all. Without her cover, anyone could kill me in my sleep. And Tsukuyomi-san did already take my sword, so Yuuhi should already be informed of that, too. Sigh… First this talk with Sensei, then I see what choices I have on the table.
Reaching the end of the hallway, licking the inner side of my teeth, feeling a quiver below my ears, I knock the door as I usually do.
"Come in." The beep sounds, the door is unlocked, and in I go.
"Good evening, Sensei." Sitting as usual, the mountains of papers in the desk, she was focused on her laptop.
"Good evening, Shirogane. Did you need anything? I'm terribly busy right now." So you still refuse to look my way, huh.
"As per my instructions, I came here to see if there are any other things you want me to do. And because I have a lot of things to ask you."
"I have no more orders for you today. Return to your cell, that's all." That's all? Does she really think I'll leave like this?
"Sensei, I have something to ask you. It's about-"
"Cadet Shirogane, return to your cell. That's an order." She drilled knives through her eyes into mine. Returning the glare, folding my arms, my feet moved not a single bit.
"I'm not leaving. We need to talk."
"Should I call the MP and get you some bullets you can trip onto?"
"Come on, you can't do that!"
"I'm the XO of this base. So yes, I can!" She gives me devilish smile as she spins in her chair. Ugh, is she being serious or is she mocking me?
"I know I must have caused you a lot of problems, but can you listen to me?" She stops spinning and looks at me again, with a frown on her face and fire in her eyes.
"Oh no, you don't. You have no idea about all the problems you've caused me."
"Err… Well, yeah. I don't know, but-"
"Shirogane, I did tell you someone wanted you out of here. Yet, you went and did all you could to stay. It seems you didn't quite get my message."
"Your message?" That does… sound pretty definitive to me.
"You caused me a lot of trouble, you got a lot of eyes onto you. You're being a real pain right now."
"…You say that after all I did for you?"
"Yes. Now, go back to your cell. I have nothing to say to you right now." She again waves towards the door, returning her attention to her PC.
"But I do. And it's important." And you're going to listen.
"Let me guess, this is about the chasers that went after you?"
"Yes. Why didn't you notify me of it?"
"I couldn't do that. That's all."
…That's all? That's all, you say?! They could have died!
"And why couldn't you? I believe we had an agreement." Taking a step forward, can't help but frown. She fixes her posture and again sends her flares on me.
"You're just a Cadet here. You couldn't know of that. If anyone noticed you had that kind of knowledge, things would have gotten more ugly than what they are now. I trusted you could manage somehow, but you went and murdered people. Our people, Shirogane. And that is giving me a lot of unwanted problems when I should be focusing on the theories. You know, those things that will allow me to complete the 00 Unit and save mankind?"
"Well, maybe I could have avoided killing them if I knew they were coming at us." I return the glare, she frowns as she entwines her fingers.
"You couldn't possess that intel and I couldn't get myself more involved in those political ploys. That is all. Do not forget why we're working together. Return to your cell, now."
So you're willing to hide things from me if they're problematic for you? Of course she would. She's looking out for herself. I forgot I was talking with the woman who put a gun to my head despite all that I gave her, the one that sent me to my world knowing what would happen to it.
Actually… I will never know whether that Sensei already knew of what happened to me when I came back. She didn't care to screw that version of my world she sent me back to after Marimo-chan's death if it meant making me 'ready' to tune the 00 Unit. And even if she did offer me a gun twice… That might have been a lie, those guns could have had no bullets in them. And she might have known of what would happen to me when I returned to my world, but chose to not try to make me stay. I'm sure I would have given her a lot of problems, considering that we did deceive the Americans during Ouka. She had lost a lot of power back then, my presence would only have made her position worse, me being an outsider.
And this Sensei might be the same. Once I'm not useful to her, she'll throw me away. And if it is to achieve her desired result, she'll do anything. I know that well already. But as much as I want to punch her right now… I need her. But this does confirm it. I need allies. For the day you no longer have a use for me.
"I know that I gave us a lot of problems, and I'm sorry about it. I'm not… proud of what I did. But there's still something I have to talk with you about." She sighs and rolls her eyes.
"If this is about how they were harming Mitsurugi when you-"
"I inherited some memories from this world's me, Sensei."
She twitches. Her eyes freeze as she looks at me. For a moment, she didn't say a thing. Gazing at me, as if scanning me for a reaction, couldn't help but to rise a brow at her sudden radio silence.
"You… got some of his memories?"
"Bits and pieces. Feelings, more than anything."
"…Is that so. And is any of that information relevant to Alt. IV or any of the tech we're developing here?"
"Well, no. But-"
"Then I don't care. And you also shouldn't." She waves towards the door, signaling me to leave.
"So you won't even hear me out?"
"Sigh… I'm busy right now. And the memories you got from this world's Shirogane have nothing to do with you, so just forget about them. Right now, you're useless. Stay put and don't give me more problems."
And without pause she returns her attention to her computer. Heh, what did I expect from her? Just because she was being nice I forgot how she truly is.
"…Useless, huh?" I turn around, heading towards the door. "Man, what a shame. It would suck if we had some major incidents coming at us right about now."
"Huh? Major incidents? Shirogane, what are-" I send her a side glance as I stop by the door.
"It's such a shame we don't have a dashing, brave, chestnut haired soldier that can warn us of those. We're stuck with bothersome, bratty, useless me. Shucks. Well, I'm sure I'm just getting in your way right now, so I'm going to cry myself to sleep on my cell. Goodnight, Sensei." Giving her a small smile and a salute, I leave her office. Her shouts come after me shortly after.
"Shirogane! Shirogane, stop right there." I stop, glance back at her as she was coming out of her office for a second, and continue walking towards the elevator. Fuhuhu! "Shirogane, I order you to stop."
"Oh, what is it, Sensei? Want to keep reminding me of how useless I am right now?" She comes to me, with the face of a hungry lion.
"Stop messing around, what was that about some major incidents?!" She moves one hand up and down, pointing at me. Her face is completely distorted into a scowl.
I shrug her off. Want some intel? You're gonna have to earn it now.
You pissed me off. You're the only one who can protect me here, if you don't speak to me I have no security I'll be alive tomorrow morning. Yet you stay quiet, ignore my plea of help, and push me away.
I'm not useless, nor powerless. I have something else to use, I know of three incidents that will happen. One of them might happen because of us this time. But I won't be an idiot, I won't reveal my cards so easily. You want this intel? I better get something good in return, because I want to help you in fixing this mess, and I won't reach my peaceful world if I you don't help me. So I need you to drop that cold mask and listen to what I have to say.
"Don't worry Sensei, I'm sure you have better things to do than wasting your time with this useless Cadet." I turn around and continue towards the elevator.
"…Stop right there."
"Hmm? What is it? Weren't you super busy?" I grin at her and I'm met with a frown.
"Shirogane, let's go back to the office. Looks like we have a lot to talk about."
"Do we?"
"Yes, we do. Now, come on. Stop wast-"
"And what do I get from it?" She freezes again, staring at me for some seconds. She brings one hand to her chin as she gets closer.
"I've been doing a lot of things to keep you safe, you know. Just because I don't talk to you doesn't mean I'm not your ally."
"And for how much longer will you be on my side? For all I know, and going by your attitude, as soon as I speak you'll no longer have any use for me. You always discard anyone who brings you down, to cut your losses. If I'm more trouble than I'm worth, you'll discard me too. You wouldn't let my presence here get in the way of Alt. IV."
One of her eyes twitched, for less than a second the hand on her chin did too. Slowly, as a snail, she began to get even closer, never losing the poker face.
"And why do you think I've been covering you? Why do you think I called you before you boarded the copter? You were supposed to stay quiet and let me deal with everything, yet you went and alerted HC of your involvement in the consoles' development… Thanks to that, I'm facing many inquiries about you. And yes, I'm covering your back from all the vultures that are trying to find dirt to throw at you."
"I did all I could with the limited knowledge I had. You didn't vouch for me, and they told me they were planning to execute me. So, I used them as a shield to make the UN less willing to off me."
"…So you truly thought I had left you to fend for yourself?"
"Or at least didn't or couldn't do anything from your position. Someone wanted me out, someone with much power, enough to make you be riled up about it, and I rather not have to restart another loop, thank you very much."
"And you think I don't know that?" Frowning much, she places a finger on her chin. "Do you truly think I wasn't going to protect you?"
"Then, why didn't you vouch for me?"
"Because I had my hands full negotiating with those who wanted to execute you, to ease the punishment on you so that you could stay, and to find some dirt on who was the one who ordered the chasers to do what they did."
"…And? Did that work?" For a sec, she bit her lower lip. Folding her arms, her eyes gain a sudden interest in the nearby walls for some reason.
"No, but regardless, this whole affair would have turned out better for us if you had let met take care of everything."
"You should have told me that before I left the island, or you know, have the Instructor warn me about not pressing about how no one would believe me about how Meiya was harmed."
"…I believe that was an obvious outcome." Folding her arms, inhaling through her nose, she looks to the wall. "In any case, I was planning to keep everything under wraps, by force if necessary, but you had to let them know of the consoles."
"I mean, wasn't what I did for the best? If you couldn't dissuade them on your end without making much noise, better to solve this quickly, right?" Again, one of her brows twitched as the edge of her lips returned in for a second.
"If everything had been solved, then yes, you would be right. However, I cannot guarantee that the storm has passed as of now."
"…What do you mean?"
"I don't know how or why, but the order to execute you was pulled back without warning, and not because of me, I'll have you know." Placing a hand on her chin again, she looks right into my eyes, hers still filled to the brim with fire. "They're onto you now, many people are looking into your situation here, Shirogane. And many with ill intentions. You made Mitsurugi and Sakaki pass the CCSE, you've made many enemies here."
"That's no surprise, we already knew the Shogunate was coming for me. I suppose they were the ones placing the pressure on you." She nods, allowing herself to sharply sigh, fuming wordlessly at the situation. "So… Bothersome people to you are coming at me, then?"
"…As I said, many are inquiring about your situation in this base, and your prior location as well. And I'm taking the necessary steps to silence them, yet the fact that people now know of the little sims you 'made' will keep the eyes of many onto you. Some are only curious about your background, others want to inquire about why I allowed you to develop thes e machines without giving reports about it, and others are… still wishing you to leave, since you got the pigeons out of the cage."
"…And despite that, you wanted to still keep me in the dark?" Biting my lips, I return her glare as she again stares at me in radio silence.
Why would you be bothered about me fixing this as swiftly as I did? They already were planning to deport me, or very probably kill me going by how dead serious she's being. So, what is it with you now, Sensei?
"Could you illuminate me on what has you being this… doubtful towards me?" Frowning a bit, her verbal gun aims at me and fires off glacial shells.
"Well, after all you just told me, and considering you didn't warn me of the chasers and put me under Takamura, maybe we're no longer playing for the same team." She then takes a step closer to me, her face filling my view.
"…Surely you're not saying what I think you're saying, Shirogane?"
"I dunno. I told you before that if I saw you were not taking me into account I'll consider our partnership as finished."
"Don't be ridiculous! You're a crucial part in Alt. IV, you're my bodyguard and-"
"And you left me in the dark, and were planning to keep doing so. You didn't vouch for me when I got interrogated despite what you knew, you left me in the detention barracks where I may end up murdered in my sleep, and now you don't even want to hear me out. Don't forget that I've seen many times this side of you, and every goddamn time I saw it bad things happened to either me or the ones I care about. So Sensei, is our pact still in effect?"
"Of course it is. Stop being stupid, I don't know why you're so scared. No one is laying a finger on you while you're on my base. I'd like to remind you that I am not those other versions of myself you met before, I am not going to backstab you in such a way." She's offended, obviously. But she's also lying.
"Are you sure about that? Because yesterday 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi came to question me at night. I got lucky she didn't murder me, but if I have to stay there for twenty days… Sensei?" Her eyes are widening, and now she frowns. Did she not know of this?
"When? At what hour? Why have I not heard of this?!" She got close and grabbed me by the collar, shaking me for a little while.
"So you had no idea a member of the Royal Guard went down to the detention barracks yesterday night?" She lets me go and then she crosses her arms. Fuming like a bull seeing a Tank-Class, one could practically hear the rumbling sparks coming out of her eyes.
"No! Why did… Did the guard let her through because he thought she would… Ugh, more nationalistic pricks!" She ruffles her hair as a deep sighs escapes her lips. "Enough, let's go back to the office. We have a lot to talk about." She starts walking towards the door, but I remain still. "…Shirogane?"
"You do know that I could have been murdered yesterday, and you would have been none the wiser, right?"
"…I don't like your tone. What are you trying to say?"
"First, that since it seems I'm being targeted now I'm scared shitless of going to sleep. Second, that we can't trust the rest of the staff here to not suddenly do something against me. Third, that I can't trust in you to protect me in case that something goes wrong." One of her brows twitched again. "And fourth, you still haven't told me what do I get from speaking, nor reassured me about whether or not we're still on the same team." She sighs as she rubs her forehead slowly. After taking a sec to inhale deeply, looking my way again, she folds her arms real tight.
"Well, for one, I'll send someone trustworthy as the watchman of the detention barracks from now on. This isn't the first time the Royal Guard moves around the base without me knowing about it, remember the first time you met them?" Oh right, when Maya-san interrogated me. Sensei didn't knew about it until I told her. "That should take care of points one and three. As far as point two, don't worry. Nobody would dare to lay a hand on you while you're here. Don't forget who I am, nor that this base is under my command."
"There is one tiny, little problem. You see, I'm going to be doing mock battles in a TSF in a few days. Couldn't one mechanic do something to my Jump Units? Or to any other part of my TSF?"
"That's solved easily. I take Yashiro to the hangar, and anyone who tries to do anything funny gets kicked out. That should serve as an example. Good enough for you?" Will that truly be enough? Well, I can trust in Kasumi.
"I guess. And what about point four?"
"Let's discuss it in my office. Let's go already."
"…And you wouldn't be working with the Shogunate, would you?" She stops again and looks back, this time clearly pissed off.
"Shirogane, you are a key element for Alt. IV to succeed. Without you, I don't think we could stabilize the 00 Unit. You think I'll let anyone kill you?"
"The chasers could have, Tsukuyomi-san could have, Takamura may. I don't doubt Yuuhi will send an assassin after me sooner than we think." She flinched. That's weird, why is she furrowing her brows like that?
"Yuuhi? Are you talking about the Shogun? Why are you calling her by her name?"
"What's that look for? You know manners are not my thing, and yes, I'm talking about the Shogun. What other Yuuhi could I be talking about?"
"But why are you calling her by her first name? Even for you that's too much."
"Look, I don't care about poise and all that stuff. I'm sure she wants my head."
"…The upper or the lower one?" She then gives me a smirk.
"SENSEI!"
"And? Why do you think… You said you got some memories from this world's you, didn't you? Is that what got you so paranoid?"
"Maybe. I also met those two damn pickles during the CCSE, and if he was related to them, the Shogun must have known of him. I'm sure she already has a plan to kill me."
"Pickles? Related?" She blinks fast for a while before ruffling her hair, again letting a sigh out. "Alright, enough with this. I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. Yoroi did mention something about the Shogun having plans about you, I also got informed this world's you served the Shogun. That's why I've been so busy, trying to get us some clear support to protect you in case anything happened. I honestly didn't think they would come after you, why do you think that?"
"I told you already. I met two members of the Tsukuyomi family during the CCSE, and they must have reported what happened there to Yuuhi. If he was related to the Tsukuyomis, I'm sure they will want me dead as soon as possible." And now they have the sword, so double that up.
"And since I kept you in the dark, you thought I chose to hand you over before the Shogun became a hazard for Alt. IV?"
"Yeah, if it was a choice between me and getting in more trouble with the Empire, you'd get rid of me after all." She sighs rubbing her head.
"You truly are an idiot. Let's stop wasting time, we have a lot to talk about. Come already."
She turns around and briskly returns to her office. Well, I got her to talk. So she had a talk with Yoroi-san, huh? She knew this world's me was related to the Shogun and kept quiet. And you want me to believe you, of all people, didn't knew that Tsukuyomi-san came to my cell last night? Yeah, right. Nothing escapes your sight, not on this base.
Whatever, let's hear her out. Then I'll decide what to do.
After going back and sitting again, she tells me a summarized version of what Yoroi-san told her. This world's me fought on the Battle of Kyoto, he was recruited into the Guard officially after that, he served the Koubuin House and Yuuhi before she was appointed as the Shogun, and Sensei says she thinks he did some dirty work for the Shogunate. That last part was the important part. He felt conflicted regarding his views, so I bet those missions did a number on his mental health.
Then, almost taking no pause in her words, almost as if she had forgotten that oxygen was a thing, she tells me of all the pressure she received to send the Wasp Squad, and showed me her mail inbox. Ninety six daily mails, with pleas, threats, offers and bribes. What the actual fuck? She continues explaining me about NotMarimo-chan's report and what came after our encounter with the soldiers.
"Then when the report about you reached HC, I negotiated with them for quite some time. Some old shits wanted to make your squad execute you, to set an example for the other foreigners apparently. Honestly, I know the UN needs to gather personnel from the country where it's set up, but did they have to scout those idiots for the Council?!"
"I mean, if they hadn't done that, wouldn't that have given them more trouble with the Shogunate?" She strokes her bangs as she makes coffee.
"Yes, I know that already. It's just frustrating to deal with them. I used my connections and some suspicions I got to threaten that Captain. The UN couldn't allow that intel to reach the Empire, so they needed to silence you. But with my intervention, all I could do was try to stop the order to execute you without arising suspicions. I can't have anyone knowing you're vital to Alt. IV, or those damn Alt. V supporters may end up sending a kamikaze to get rid of you." I gulp at the notion. Imagine someone full of explosives rushing at you, ready to blow him or herself up just to off you. "Which is why this was taking its time, since as you said I couldn't make much noise about it." She then sends a narrowed side glance my way, her tone slowing down now. "I was planning to delay your punishment until I could show the UN the XM3, saying that you gave me the idea for it. But you had to go and let them know of the simulators."
"But in the end, that was what made many agree to do what you wanted them to, right?"
"Well, yes." Her brows arch down a bit. She hands me my cup, then slowly sits down by the blackboard. "But it made them aware of your involvement in the sims, and that was not necessary. There's also the fact that the execution order was retracted this morning without notice or explanation."
"And you weren't behind that in any way?"
"No, I was moving some strings, but in no way things would have settled down so quickly." She then drinks some coffee, brows still arched. I do too, looking up.
Wait… A sudden change in the decision to kill me… Something that changed overnight…
"…I think I know why that happened."
"Huh?" Clearing the second of surprise away, she leans her arms on the table, looking straight at me. "You do, hmm? Something in the memories of this world's you, perhaps?"
"No, not that. See, I sent 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi after my sword yesterday and-"
"Excuse me, why did you do that?" Fuming much, screw the fire, she has an entire flamethrower in her eyes now. "No, what did she want from you?"
Sigh… Telling her of what Meiya had told me of the sword, of what Tsukuyomi-san asked about when she visited me yesterday, and why I chose to hand over the blade, she began to spin in her chair, eyes closed but lips made into a small, tight line.
"…You do realize you just made yourself into a target for the Shogunate, do you?"
"It was better than having them grow suspicious of me, or putting you in trouble while trying to cover me."
"Sigh… I do acknowledge that, and I agree that hiding the sword wouldn't have done us any favors. Still…" Her spinning suddenly stops, then she rolls back to face me. "Why did they remove the execution order then? What else did you talk about with that woman?"
"I ended up telling her of the Pickles, and it's why she started asking me all those weird questions."
"…What are these 'Pickles' you keep mentioning, Shirogane?"
"Oh, I think it's how this world's me referred to the young Tsukuyomis that were part of the CCSE."
"Hmm… So, it is possible they were confused after the exchange. However, I can see why you grew so fearful. If the Shogun now knows of you possessing one of such blades, it is entirely possible that she is wishing to have you dead as you said. Sigh… Don't worry, I'll try to keep her at bay somehow."
"You think you can do that?"
Her brows arch down, as slowly as a progress bar fills up she squints her eyes while leaning her cheek onto a coiling fist. Then, she takes a sip of coffee, looking away.
"You already explained your situation with the blade, it was nothing but an error on your part because you lost your memory. No harm was done, so I'll pressure them to drop any intents they might have to harm you. And I was already preparing some countermeasures to allow you to stay here, considering how insistent Yoroi was when he came last time."
"Sigh… Good to know that. There is one thing you didn't explain, though."
"What is it?"
"Takamura. Why did you make me her assistant?"
"Oh, her. Don't worry, Yashiro read her mind while we had a meeting. I made a point to ask her about you, she doesn't have any bad intentions. If we can keep the Shogun from attacking you, she shouldn't be a problem. I also spread a rumor around the base, that you had to kill the soldiers because they harmed your squad. I don't need the whole base to get against you, and I honestly have enough dirt on the Council that if they try anything, I'll leak some sensible intel to Yoroi." So that's what Takamura was talking about. Even so, will just a rumor be enough? "Now, can you explain to me what happened during the CCSE?"
I tell her of my encounters with the soldiers, how I felt during the chase, what I heard during my clash with Mion, what she told me after that, my conclusions after calming down and reflecting on those feelings and about how I saw them at the end of the CCSE. Not interrupting me even once, which is kinda odd, she tapped her lips with two fingers as I spoke.
"…This is interesting." She's staring again at nowhere. She must be lost in thought again.
"That's not how I would describe this mess. Sensei, I think it's safe to assume that-"
"Shirogane, you said you couldn't really remember things clearly despite feeling like you absorbed the memories of this world's you, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Then, we'll make you remember them."
"Huh? How are-"
"If you have those feelings in you, that means that the memories of this world's you lie repressed in your subconscious, just like your memories from your past loops were repressed in you when you came back after your last loop. Normally, you would have to adapt to them first before being able to recall them clearly, but since we have Yashiro here we can use her to bring them out faster."
"Wait… Wouldn't that… like, change my personality? Wouldn't I become this world's Takeru?"
"Not if we do this carefully." Smiling again, she then points at me. "I mean, you didn't revert to your version of when you left that other world, you absorbed its knowledge and experiences into the you that had lived two years in your world. Of course, you might begin to share some feelings and ideas, but that's only because you already were similar to him in that sense."
"And you're sure this is safe?"
"Do you know of any other ways in which you can safely do this other than under my watch, and with Yashiro's help?" Placing a hand on her chin, her eyes sharpening, taking a hawkish tint, she leaned forward while resting an elbow on the table.
"Well, no, not really… So, we'll use that knowledge for what exactly?" She smiles like a devil as she raises a finger to the ceiling.
"To deceive the Shogun, of course!"
"…You mean making her believe I'm actually Takeru Shirogane?"
"Aren't you?" She puts one finger to her cheek and chuckles. Sigh…
"Well, yes. But I'm not their Takeru, even if I inherited some memories I am different than him. This isn't like when I got my own memories back, even if I share some traits with him I don't think I could replicate his mannerisms perfectly."
"Oh, don't worry about it. If you can't convince them, confuse them! They just need to see some similarities, all the other different things about you can be explained through your memory loss and experiences in Yukon."
"I think this will come back to bite us hard in the ass down the line…" And I don't think it's safe for me. If they ever find out I was deceiving them…
"It's that or getting the Shogun to come after your life. She now knows of that blade, and yet I assume she was the one who ordered to call off the execution order, for it to have happened so suddenly. I can deal with the members of the HC and the other politicians, but Her Purpleness is another matter entirely. There's little I can do if she convinces people to come at you again."
"So, since she seems to be doubting, you want to safely make me regain some memories of this world's me to calm her down and 'prove' to them I actually am who I say I am?"
"Yes, that would also immensely help me in dealing with your cover. Also, by seeing how you, as a Nucleus, absorb memories, I might be able to find a way to stabilize your self in this world far easier than I was expecting."
"Huh… So, you're really sure this will work?"
"Yes, I do." Saying it a bit louder, she narrows her eyes at me. I shrug and drink some more coffee. "If the Shogun called off the order, and the Tsukuyomi were close to him, they will surely lay off the pressure once they see you are, indeed, Takeru Shirogane."
"But what if they want me to assume his role then?"
"You lost your memories and want to keep living as you are now. No act, no lies, it's your life after all. Or, what?" Then, she again narrows her eyes, furrows her brows, and glances at me with more fire coming out. "You wouldn't be thinking on leaving to the Guard, would you?"
"What?! Of course I'm not. The hell did this come from?" Then, she gives me a side glance, the hold on her mug tightening a bit.
"Well, you seem already quite fond of Her Purpleness, calling her Yuuhi like that."
"Oh, shut up. You know I don't care about status that your plan relies on that this world's me was on good terms with the Shogun, what are we gonna do if-"
"I'm sure he was. If not, they wouldn't have called off the execution orders. The fact that they're taking their time, despite the reports the three Tsukuyomis must have delivered, is proof of that." I guess… I mean, Tsukuyomi-san got weird yesterday after I said that bit about the pickles.
"Guess we just gotta bite the bullet and see what happens, huh."
"Exactly. This is our best bet to guarantee your safety, if the Shogun gives you her blessing all the nationalistic pricks will start seeing you as a fellow instead of a traitor. And then, all the issues we're facing now will be gone."
"Well… I guess we can give this a spin and see how it goes, at least."
"Good. So, what was that about some major incidents happening?"
"What do I get from this again? So far, you've given me no reassurance that things will get better. We're just making assumptions in the air." And again, her brows twitch.
"Is there anything you want?"
I bring my hand to my chin, remembering the things I thought about before coming to talk to her. Originally I was going to propose her these ideas, but I think it'll be for the better if I take care of this myself. As much as I welcome her support, I won't be as foolish as to believe it to be unconditional.
"A few things, actually. This is the last bit of useful intel I have, since I'm sure the missions in the future will be very different. I don't know how the ripple will change history after we start Alt. IV officially. So, in exchange for everything I've done until now, I want you to give me real power."
"What do you mean?"
"I want an S5 Clearance pass for Hangar 90."
"What for?" She narrows her eyes, entwines her fingers, and leans forward.
"In case I have to escape from some pursuers. I also want that midnight blue Kagerou to be there, ready to deploy at any time for me." With that TSF I'm sure I could fight off anyone Yuuhi might send after me, even the Royal Guard.
"That one is already there, being used on another project. I suppose I could make you a part of it, under the guise of your punishment." Another project? Just how many things is she doing here? "Anything else?"
"I also want you to order me to do some 'paperwork' for you during my punishment. I want that as a cover, there's some things I want to research in the meantime. I'll need an office and a PC."
"Research? Exactly what do you want to research?" The fire gives way to embers, shining bright as she leans forward even more. Of course she'll be curious about it.
"Weaponry. There are a few ideas I have, but I don't know how practical they would be, so the first step is reading up on the intel we have here. My discussions with Takamura and the Chief Engineer today made me realize you people lack flexibility, I honestly can't believe they were fixed on using 120mm ammunition despite all the resources that would take."
"Wait, you were the one that suggested to use smaller ammo?"
"You didn't know that? Way to go, Sensei." Frowning again, no retort comes out this time. She takes a sip from her coffee and let's a sigh escape her lips.
"Can you tell me what do you want to research? I might be able to lend you a hand."
"Don't worry, I can take care of it on my own." Her eyes veer down, breaking contact with me, as she goes for her mug again. "Offense wise, we have our bases covered. But there are a few little things I'd like to change and make. Like for example, we put sensors in every single part of our TSFs, right? Why can't we put them on the weapons too?"
"On the weapons? What for?"
"To help in not hitting your allies in close combat. And to improve communication. During a the fight in the Original Hive, my comms got screwed up so badly I lost contact with my whole squad. I don't remember if I told you, but on the walls of the BETA hives there's this material that blocks electric signals or something like that. Well, even if we would have been screwed anyways, having more sensors to help in the cramped, filled with BETA, and narrow hallways of a hive would come in handy." Sensei was again looking at the ceiling, ruffling her hair.
"…Sensors on the weapons, huh? Anything else?"
"Yes, but I'll let those be a surprise for you. I have three or four ideas, but again, I don't know if they're worth your time yet. I wanna do something, I want to prove to the UN that I am useful and that they shouldn't kill me off."
"If that's what you want, I'll allow it. If you say you've got more things coming, I'll do my part. Is there anything else you wanted to do?"
"The last one is more of a weird… How to say it? Fetish of mine. Is it possible to…" She brings a hand to her mouth, looking up at nowhere. "…What do you think?"
"…Yes, it is possible. But… No, with that other… Hmm…"
"So it isn't out of our reach?"
"No, it isn't. And you're sure you can do it?"
"Yeah. With two of them I'm sure we could turn this thing around. And also, it would be useful for the future." And for myself too.
"Hmm… We don't have enough intel to work with that right now. That will have to wait, but I do have some preparations that would go well with your idea."
"Then you have your deal. I'll tell you a bit of what will happen, and all of it one week before it happens."
"…Say, Shirogane. Are you happy with that Kagerou you modified?" Without looking at me, she begins to spin in her chair.
"Yeah? Why? Think you can get me a Shiranui?"
"What if I told you I could get you a Takemikazuchi?"
"…By Takemikazuchi, you mean the Type-00 that belongs to the Royal Guard?"
"Yes, what else could I mean? Then, you could modify it to make it like the Takemikazuchi of that game, with those weird machineguns built into its waist or whatever. I'm sure you'll feel more safe with that than with a Kagerou."
"For real?" She nods. "No kidding?" I mean, that would be a dream come true, to pilot Valgern-On's version of the Takemikazuchi.
"No? I got a deal from the Shogun, to hand her the sensors, antennas, radars, and the new parts of the F-15 in exchange for ten Type-00 for my personal use. Currently, the Valkyries have nine members. Isumi, Hayase, Munakata, Kazama, Suzumiya, Kashiwagi, Tsukiji, Takahara, Asakura. If I count you, the Viking, we have exactly ten members in the A-01 Squad. So, it makes perfect sense to give you that last Takemikazuchi, since you also want to do tests with it."
She wasn't kidding, her eyes had that glow she gets when she finds a new toy to play around with. She then hands me a folder, with the details of the deal. A Type-00C, huh? Hmm… I did not expect this, that's for sure. Imagine how good it'll be with the new XM3, radars, sensors and Jump Units. Maybe we could give it a little horn with the new antenna design too. In any case, if I can get one of those I won't say no, but why did she not want to talk with me about all this?
"Sensei, if you planned this for me, why were you keeping quiet when I came to speak with you?"
"Because, as I said before, there are things I cannot let you in. Possessing such knowledge would place you in danger, or make you even more worried. To be honest, I was thinking that someone was planning to send an assassin to kill you since the execution was called off, but I didn't expect the Shogunate to be coming for you so suddenly."
"And since I'm a causal magnet, you can't risk me getting negative, huh."
"Exactly. I admit I should have trusted in you more, and it is in part thanks to how you handled the situation with the sword that we have a shot at pacifying Her Purpleness now. Shirogane, just to be clear, I am on your side. So long as you help me, you won't leave this base and no one will harm you. So, let's keep those nationalistic idiots at bay. We have a world to save, right?"
…
'So long as you help me', huh?
"…And this time you won't discard me or go around doing things behind my back?"
"I never planned to do that. I am not the other versions you met." Fuming much, she stops spinning to give me a scolding gaze. "You're my most important ally, so stop being so negative already, it doesn't suit you. You're the one that's always happy, what am I gonna do if you get all depressed? Do you want to make Yashiro sad too?"
"Hey, that's not… It's just…"
"No one will lay a finger on you, so you can rest easy. Keep your temper in check and don't fight with your squad anymore. And don't be suspicious of Takamura, she's on our side too. It'll take some time until we can prove your identity, so simply stay on your guard until this is taken care of. Are we clear?" Sighing, I give her a nod. "Good. Now, tell me what you think is safe about those incidents." I guess this is as good as it gets. I won't get anything else out of her.
"Sigh… Got it. But you better follow through with your promises." Rolling her eyes, she folds her arms and nods, awaiting my words. "Well, first things first, one incident doesn't have a fixed date. It happens when a certain thing is sent here. Do we have an OTH Cannon here?"
"Yes, we do. To think we would need it… I can't wait to see what happens." Seriously, why are you smiling about that? You should be shaking in fear, not shivering in excitement. Sigh…
"Well, I somehow found something that will help us with that, so hopefully we can avoid getting more eyes onto us."
"What do you mean by that? What happens with this accident?"
"We can either deal with it or use your influence to stop it. If we keep drawing attention to us we will only get into more trouble, so we have to deal with it ourselves this time. I casually stumbled upon something that will help us with that." Assuming Takamura's trainings help Tama gain some more confidence. "And we have the XM3 now on our side, I'm sure things will turn out okay." Or we go all KAPUT! and I have to restart the loop.
"You found something? Whatever, I'll let you deal with that. What about the other two incidents?"
"We can actually use those two to our advantage, I think. And one is part of the reason why I told Tsukuyomi-san about my sword." Eyes squinted for a sec, lips became a rigid line. "One involves a natural disaster, we can use it to appeal to the Shogunate."
"Appeal? So, you say we help them out? Despite how much they hate us?"
"Ohoho, yes I do. They hate us, but we have a certain person here that they won't be able to say no to." Sensei grins as the answer came to her.
"Mitsurugi, huh? So we use her to make sure this incident is solved peacefully?"
"Basically. If Takamura is willing to help, then we have two people that can help with that. It might not be much, but saving Japanese lives should be worth something for the Shogunate. We could emphasize how many resources we spent saving those people instead of giving our backs to them. And it lets the squad get some hands on experience, too."
"Hmm… Not a bad idea, if I say so myself. Then, what about the last one?" I need to choose my words carefully for this one.
"That's the tricky one. Last time, when I tried to prevent the second accident, things got out of control pretty fast. I didn't know of the political situation of the Empire, and the ripple caused a horrible thing to pass. That is the third incident."
"So… I suppose this entails some sort of political struggle?"
"Sensei, how do you think I knew of the Shogun before absorbing this world's me's data?" She closes her eyes as she drinks some more coffee, then returns a firm gaze towards me.
"…So that's the one we have to avoid at all costs. What you're saying is, we have to prevent any more damage to our relations with the Empire?"
"Basically, we need to create a scenario where violence can't be used to further someone's political agenda. That's why I handed over the blade yesterday, to avoid anyone using that to spark that up." I don't want to mention Kei's letters, because that would get her out of the squad. I need every single pilot I can get for the eventual Kashgar raid. As much as she might hate me, I can't lose her skills.
"So, if someone had to be blamed, you would shoulder it on your own?"
"Well, I did bring the blade here myself… Wouldn't sit right with me to not do something about it."
"Sigh… Well, what's done is done. Then, with all the more reason, we need to fix our relationship with the Shogun. I'll prepare the office you asked me and give you a nice computer, so that you can work as much as you want. I'll contact the Empire to accept this accord the Shogun asked of me, I'll get us those Type-00C as soon as I can. Oh, by the by, your Fubukis are on the way already, they should arrive in two days."
"For real? Awesome. Oh, that reminds me… Are we training the squad with the XM3?" She waves one finger left and right as she smiles. W-What is she plotting now?
"No, first I want them to get a feel of the old OS. You did mention before that we trained them with the prototype last time around, right? This time, let's show them how important it is to cooperate with foreigners using the XM3. I'll give it to you, and only you, and they'll have to ask for it." I don't think that's a good idea. At all.
"Are you sure that won't make them more suspicious about me? Or more resentful towards the UN?" I can't help but to raise a brow at her, but she just shrugs.
"In the end, our goal is to make the Shogun give you her blessing, so it doesn't matter." I can see what you mean, but I don't think this will be fine for the time being. We don't even know how that business with his memories will turn out.
"Alright. I suppose that's that. Oh right! How are the theories? And the 00 Unit?" She then slumps into the chair as she ruffles her hair.
"The tests are not going well."
"…As in, we failed them or-"
"We couldn't generate a reaction from the Reactor with what I have now. If the communication happened, I have no way to confirm it for now. As I said before, I'll send the Valkyries to Sadogashima in a few days, and that also will work as a test for the XM3 too."
"Well, that sucks. What about the 00 Unit?"
"Sigh… Thankfully, we figured out how to fix the flaw of the data leak. But we are having problems adjusting the hardware to perform what we want it to do."
"Is it… not going to work?"
"Oh, not saying that. I can make it work." She rose a finger, fire again coming out of her eyes as she narrowed them a bit. "But we're in the middle of the optimization for that, between the tests on the Reactor and me reading the theories throughly. Since it's directly related to that whole emotional linkage of the second theory, and we are using prototype versions of the programs, the progress has been rather slow so far. Once we finish that ESP protocol, I believe there will be no leaks when the 00 Unit connects to a hive to recharge. But it is taking quite some time. More than what I thought."
"I see. I can't really help you with that. Oh, what I can tell you is that I did notice something about that theory." Her eyes spark back to life as she straightens her posture. This does work in my favor, so let's try to be nice to her.
"What did you notice?"
"The data that flows through me can be somehow controlled. I'm convinced my squadmates were receiving negative causal data through me, due to how paranoid they got. And when I got depressed and started doubting them, I also started getting more and more negative. As of late, it's been hard to control. So one's attitude does affect the leaks, especially when I'm around."
"Hmm… Then, with all the more reason, stop being so depressed. You're only making things worse here."
"I know… It's… Well, I'll do my best to not be so paranoid anymore. And if I could affect my squadmates, the 00 Unit will definitely be affected by it, and we can use that to draw the best solutions once she's up and running again." That's my hope here, the second theory is what will allow me to reach my slightly-more-peaceful world.
No matter how dark the future is, if Sumika can start pinpointing causal data from across all parallel worlds then we will be able to turn the tide of this war. Nobody can argue against results. That's my key to get out from this cage, not even the Empire would be able to keep antagonizing us after we recapture Sadogashima and neutralize the Cheorwon Hive.
"Well, that's good to know. I will have you monitored during these memory recovery sessions, to gather more data on the Nucleus and see if I can get a hint on how to proceed. That's all, go and rest for today."
"So… You're sure this will work, right?"
"…What is it? Are you still doubting me?" Leaning forward and squinting her eyes, a battalion of barrels aimed my way within her tone.
"Just… I don't think he was on good terms with Yuuhi. Do you have a plan in case the memory recovery goes wrong?"
"…Perhaps. For now, you shouldn't get negative about it. You are in need of some good rest, so simply go to sleep for today. We'll deal with the issues once they come up. Are we clear, Shirogane?"
"…Yeah. Goodnight, Sensei." She gives me a small smile as she finishes her coffee, I sigh as I stand up, going to the door.
"…Also, I'll make sure you remain safe in the detention barracks. Since people have to ask for permission to enter them, you're safer there than in your room for now. So-"
"I'll stay cool, I know. Thanks, Yuuko." Looking back, I give her a smile. She looks away as she ruffles her hair, bored as always.
"…Good. Now, off you go."
I nod, turn around as I wave her way, and leave the office. She locks the door as soon as I got out.
Walking down the hallway, passing on the idea of greeting Kasumi considering the mood I'm in, dragging my feet and feeling as if a mountain was on my shoulders, I reached the elevator and pushed the buttons to call it back down here.
Sigh… We could have avoided that discussion if she had talked to me from the start. Honestly, what did she expected me to do? It's not like I wanted to murder those guys.
Well, whatever. I'll start doing stuff from now on, since I can't rely on my knowledge from the other world anymore thanks to all the changes that are in this world. I do hope my weird ideas can actually work, they would be a godsend during Sadogashima if we managed to get a proof-of-concept done. And I would benefit from having useful stuff with my name on them, just in case Sensei decides to once more hide stuff from me.
But man… A Takemikazuchi… Just with that, Sadogashima got less scarier. It's still gonna be a hard mission, that's for sure. And that's without counting that other idea… Man, we just might be able to capture the Reactor this time around. I wonder if I can convince Sensei to not blow it up. I mean, we do need more G-Elements…
The elevator reaches the floor, the door opens, I get in and push them buttons, and then I lay onto a wall as the things begins to go up.
I never thought I would be happy about an eruption happening in my life, but if the UN can aid the Empire in the rescue efforts then things might go a bit better between both sides. We don't need Sagiri doing another coup.
So, it's time to start pulling my weight here, I can't start dragging my feet. This is a prime chance to get more and more power and support for me, and for Sensei too. With all the eyes that are on me right now, if I show them my piloting skills, more crazy inventions, and help during the rescue efforts, I might be able to clean a bit the image I have right now.
So, my dear and purple Yuuhi, don't send anyone to kill me for a few days. Stay put in the palace, or wherever you are, and let me do my thing. Though, if her relation with this world's me was bad I'm screwed. There will be no blessing whatsoever. If Sensei's plan works though, I might be able to remain in this place even after I stabilize myself here, if I choose to go that route.
Though, that's not the only thing on my plate now. Just a few more days and Sumika will be free from that tank, and the 00 Unit will be complete. I wonder if Kasumi will manage to talk to her before we have to kill her, I know the 00 Unit will have the same voice and face, but still… Even if she isn't my Sumika, I'd like to send her off. To let her hear 'Takeru's' voice one last time before she dies.
That's all I can do for her. She's the one I'll never be able to save here.
All the more reason to get my shit together and start delivering results. The railgun, my squad's training, these new weapons I wanna make, the incidents that will come. So first step, I gotta calm down. Let's believe in Sensei for now, even if I do have to somehow find me some support that doesn't rely on her.
Tomorrow it starts. From now on, no more bullshit. And I'll be damned if I let my feelings get in my way again. So, let's hit the sack and rest well. Let's see if I can fix my relation with the girls.
…I sure hope I can. Let me enjoy some peaceful days with all of you, please. I'm really tired to be always on edge. Please, I'm not asking you to love me again… Just… for a few days, let me see you as my friends. Before the war starts again.
"Yawn…Though, for now, let's just chill down and go to sleep." The door opens, and I step out from the elevator.
For a sec, I forgot where I had to go and was walking to the stairs to the barracks. Shaking my head and yawning again as a hippo, I turned around and began to make my way to my new resting place for the coming days.