Chapter 38: Kriegspiel
November 27th. 08:37 PM.
(Near Yuuko's Office.)
[Takeru]
I wonder what Sensei wants now, to call me at this hour. I wanted to go talk with Kasumi about seeing who my parents were in this world, but I guess it'll have to wait for a lil' while.
On one hand, I can tell her of the designs I sketched today. The HM ammo, the revamped M61 for the Type-00C I was supposed to get, the Blade Armor of the F-15, and the chainsaw sword. I'm still not sure if they are actually practical or if we have the resources for them, but I think at least it's worth considering these ideas. Especially the HM ammo, since we are going to get blindsided by the Laser-Class a lot in our future missions. I also haven't finished theory-crafting the clone of the Flash from Valgern-On, using some data about a prototype Chaff missile that was abandoned by America.
Honestly, mixing jamming and the chaff's cloud to give even more protection is a genius move. Whoever came up with the JAFF concept should have gotten a raise, since it's also really cheap to use. Sadly, since fighting the BETA became a priority, they pretty much abandoned the patent and sold it to the UN, who did nothing with it. Then, America developed the Raptor and had no more use for this type of chaff, so they literally forgot it existed. Better for me, now I found another tool to improve our stealth capabilities. I just need Sensei to help me with the calculations of the jammer that reflects a signal off the chaff.
On the other, however… She might have noticed my movements and now wants an explanation. After all, she'll protect me 'so long as I help her'.
I reach the end of the hallway, and before I can knock on it, the door opens automatically. Weird, I always had to knock before Sensei unlocked it in this world.
"Good evening, Sen… Huh?"
"Oh, good evening Shirogane. Take a seat." Sensei gestures towards a sofa.
I sit, facing the other person in the room, a woman that looks just like Sensei but with long hair and a wide smile.
"Good evening. So you're the famous Shirogane…"
"Famous? Um, excuse me, who would you be?" She gives off the same aura as Sensei despite being smiling all the while. She was wearing a loosened UN formal uniform with a yellow bracelet on her left hand.
"Oh, where are my manners? I'm Mitsuko Kouzuki, Yuu-chan's older sister."
Yuu-chan? Older sister? Great, now there's two of them. Though, she seems awfully relaxed, like my world's Sensei.
"Mitsuko-nee, I told you to not refer to me in that way."
"Oh, don't be so cold with me! Anyways, I was expecting something more…" She looks back at me, a small smile on her face. "…mature, I guess? You're telling me this pipsqueak is that important guy for your project?" She waves at me, making a comical smile now. Did she just insult me?
"Yes, he is. Shirogane, this is one of my older sisters." Plural, so there's more of them somewhere. May God have mercy on my soul. "She's a member of the UN's High Command Council and the responsible for you not getting executed. Be sure to thank her." For Sensei to be so stiff and serious, her sister must be even worse than her.
"Ahem, thank very much for your support, Mitsuko-san. I suppose you wanted to have a talk with me, right?"
"Yes, indeed. Though, it's surprising you have the guts to call me by my name. Well, Yuu-chan must have influenced you in that regard." She grabs a cup that was on a table nearby, smiling at Sensei.
"Just so you know, he was like that from the beginning. I had nothing to do with his attitude. Anyways, let's start the talk." Sensei sits on her usual seat near the board, one of her brows lowering as she glanced at her sister. "Shirogane, let's start by telling you that HC no longer has anything against you. Mitsuko-nee coerced all members to drop the claims and suspicions off you. I also pulled some strings to make sure they didn't want you off the base."
"What did you do this time? Blackmail?" She gives me a devilish smile as she starts drinking coffee.
"Shirogane-kun, Yuu-chan has many people indebted to her. She used some of that support to convince some of the most hardheaded members to stop trying to get you out of the Empire." She entwines her fingers and leans back on her sofa.
I doubt people in the Shogunate would want to help her with this kind of thing. Especially considering that I killed people and had a Minaru Kamui.
"I know what you're thinking, but the Shogunate didn't raise any complains." Gazing at me, with a subdued smile, she rested a coiled hand on her chin. "I have a few allies in America, many people still support Alt. IV there. I merely asked them to make the UN's American Branch ask about your situation, since you were trained there. Given the fact that you are being very useful to Takamura and that I am asking you to do some 'important paperwork' for me, HC went into panic when they asked for your standing in the base."
"Why? I mean, if America asked to get me back, I think they would immediately get me in a plane with a ribbon on my head." Mitsuko-san starts coughing, it seems she was in the middle of drinking and I caused her to laugh.
"My, what a peculiar description. Shirogane-kun, do you have a thing for cross-dressing?"
"What?! No!" Are they trying to make me lower my guard?
"Then, why do you think you'll be sent with a ribbon on your head?" Ugh, she's worse than Sensei. Her smile seems kinder, but in her eyes lurks a snake with a venom stronger than anything I've seen before.
"It's just how presents are given, right? You know, you cover them with that bright paper and then tie them with a ribbon?"
"Mitsuko-nee, stop teasing him. Shirogane, they didn't want you to go away once they realized you're making yourself a valuable asset to me. You invented the training terminals, and are making yourself useful to at least two important research projects in this base as far as they're concerned. Do you really think they would want to lose such a promising source of income?" Well, she's right. If the UN's Japanese Branch can get the profits of my inventions, then they wouldn't want me gone. So, our plan is going good?
"What Yuu-chan said is the summarized version of it." Twirling some of hair on a finger, she smiled my way."HC has received some interesting reports about your performance in these days. Not only you've been forced to endure a severe punishment, but were put in two important projects. Yet, not only your performance in your trainings hasn't dropped, but you're actually delivering decent results in your work. Who would want to get rid of such a hardworking pawn?"
So the plan is working, glad to hear that. The UN saw how useful I can be and now they don't want me gone. One thing less to worry about.
"I see. That is a relief to hear. But I guess that's not all there is to this. I doubt a member of the Council would come meet me for such a simple matter. I assume you want a report on my 'important paperwork', right?" Both of them smile at the same time.
"See Mitsuko-nee? Told you he can be sharp when he wants to." What do you mean 'when I want to'? I'm always doing my best!
"Well, he's not wrong. Shirogane-kun, as you must have realized, I know of your involvement in the many developments that have been going on in this base since your arrival. And I also know you're on the Shogunate's sights." Sobering up, leaning forward, she sent a look my way along a devilish smile of her own brand. "I've been looking for something that might help to mend the relations with the Empire and having you developing tech that gets recognized as Imperial by the UN can be called nothing short of a godsend. However, that doesn't change the fact that I know nothing about you, and Yuu-chan refuses to speak of anything regarding who you are." Sensei tensed up as she heard that, as Mitsuko-san gave her a serious glance. Briefly looking at me, Sensei brought one hand to her chin as she fixed her eyes on her sister. "So, while I also have other things to talk about with both of you, I'll cut to the chase." Crossing her arms, she shot a direct look at Sensei. Dropping her smile and lowering her brows, Mitsuko-san then pointed a finger at me. "Yuuko… Is this boy the 00 Unit?"
…
Wait, what?
"Sensei, she for real?" I look at Sensei, rising one brow. She places one hand on her head and sighs audibly. So she's not sending me to the sharks.
"Of all the things I thought you would ask…"
"What is it with this reaction? Yuuko, I want an answer. The timing of his appearance and of you stopping to give reports coincides perfectly. It only stands to reason that a quantum computer is the one that is coming up with all of these inventions, including that OS you mentioned."
"Oh, so that's why you think that. Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm a normal person." Her eyes widen as a brow twitches, then looks at Sensei, who just shrugs, and then Mitsuko-san sharpens her gaze upon me.
"So you're a normal person? Not a cyborg? And you're also not with the CIA?" She drills her eyes onto mine as if they were spears, but since I'm already used to Sensei it's not being very effective. I mean, I'm not a spy and I have nothing to hide regarding America.
"Nope. I'm a Japanese dude with no ties to America whatsoever."
"…Then, who are you? Yuuko, while I am more than glad about all these developments you've given us in the last month, I want to know the truth."
"Mitsuko-nee, that's what you're misunderstanding. He is Takeru Shirogane, there is nothing false about that." She smiles at Mitsuko-san, making her relax into her seat again. It seems she's playing on my team, for now.
"So, you're telling me a mere boy like him is being useful to you?" I don't like how you're pointing that finger at me, nor the tone of your voice. Well… All they'll see in me is a mere boy, I guess.
"Yes, that's right. And if you don't believe me, we can show you some interesting things. Shirogane, did you finish any of the schematics you were doing?" So she's gonna use the weapons I was coming up with as bait?
"Yeah. I am having trouble with one in particular, and I was hoping you could help me with the math." That seems to have picked her curiosity, her smile relaxing into the honest one I know her for.
"Oh, don't worry. I'll have a look at it later, is everything in the same directory as where you saved the docs?" She goes to her desk and starts typing something in her computer.
"Yeah, on a different folder. It's named weapons, so it shouldn't be hard to find." Let's see what she does, if she won't sell me away.
"Alright, let's see… Mitsuko-nee, come and see for yourself. The result of Shirogane's paperwork." I don't think this is a good idea, but if Sensei thinks it is I'll have to trust in her, and deal with the worst if it comes down to that.
Mitsuko-san goes to the computer and I suppose she starts reading the reports and schemes I made today and yesterday. Her playfulness vanished from her complexion, that turned focused and alerted as a cat in front of a dog while she kept reading through the docs. Her eyes look like those of a hawk right now, making not a single noise or moving at all as she reads.
"Shirogane, by the by, what did you come up with? You haven't told me a thing about your research yet." Sensei plays with her bangs as she comes to my side. She's relaxed, but since she may be hiding something let's play it safe.
"A new ammo, another sword, a revamped machinegun for the Type-00C, some Blade Armor for the F-15 and I also found an interesting tool that will increase our stealth capabilities."
"Really? Well, color me surprised. So, what do think Mitsuko-nee?"
"Yuuko… What on earth is this?" Mitsuko-san looked at us with sharpened eyes and blades in her tone.
"Hmm? What is it? I thought you would be happy to have these nice new toys." Sensei smiles at her, but she returns a scowl with those hawkish eyes.
"That's not the issue here. Why was I not notified he had this kind of knowledge?! There's no way a mere recruit could come up with these diagrams! According to these schematics, he possess knowledge like that of an engineer. You're telling me this boy is both a soldier and a researcher?"
Oh, just that. I do have experience in college, and my interactions with the engineers have only made me grow more in that regard. But even if I thought the reports were kinda rough, she seems truly impressed by them.
"He does have a lot of knowledge and doesn't really let 'common sense' to bind his ideas. As for why I said nothing, nobody asked me about his aptitudes outside of the battlefield so I didn't mention it. Right, Shirogane?" Sigh… She's just being her usual self in the end.
"Yeah. I mean, I'm just coming up with random ideas and drawing them, using the experience I got from the training terminals' development here." Me and Sensei nod at each other's words. Seems like she didn't notice a thing yet.
"Sigh… I can see why you two get along so well. Even so, this is very surprising. It stands to reason we can't let you off this base, despite your dubious origins. Yuuko, I expect you to start reporting these developments to HC in the short term. Now, let's start addressing the important matter here." She goes back to her sofa. "Shirogane-kun, am I right to assume you do not wish to go against the Empire?"
"Yes, I want no trouble with them." Not lying here. I want no more setbacks.
"Then, what would you do if you were confronted by the Royal Guard?"
"I'll try to run away. I don't want to die, but I also don't want to put the UN in a rough spot because of whatever reason the Guard has to come after me." She smiles faintly as she grabs her cup again. After finishing her drink, she again speaks up.
"I suppose you're alright with all of your inventions becoming a patent of the UN, right?"
"Yes, of course."
"Hmm… Well, I'll do my part to highlight your involvement in these things. That should be enough to placate the most nationalistic people within the UN. It should also please quite a few in the IJA and the Guard, to have Japanese citizens working for the 'glory and honor of the Empire' in the UN. Now, let's touch the most important part. Yuu-chan told me the Guards that were sent here have been trying to approach you. If General Guren has come personally after you, it means the Shogun wants you gone." So they tried to 'approach me'? I look at Sensei, who sighs and faces me.
"They tried to go to your cell today after dinner hours was over. I don't know what they're planning to do, however you should remain composed if they approach you. I don't think the Shogun would be so foolish to act against us now that we have accepted the railgun and are preparing all of these new toys for them, but you never know."
"Roger. I'll stay on my guard, just in case."
"I also wouldn't like to lose such a promising pilot, so I'll pull some strings to keep the Guard off your back. I hope you keep supporting Yuu-chan from now on, Shirogane-kun." Mitsuko-san smiles at me as her eyes finally relax and show true kindness in them.
"Of course. But are you both sure this will be enough?"
"Shirogane, they don't want to get into a fight with us now of all times. I did some moves and signed some papers that must have pleased the Shogun a lot, so I'm sure the Guard will have to fold its hand or be open about their motives to approach you." Sensei can't speak comfortably while Mitsuko-san is here, so let's try to end this talk.
"Alright. Thank you both for your help, I'll keep doing my best to get you the results you expect of me." I bow to them. Sensei seems surprised while Mitsuko-san smiles warmly at me as she moves her hair out of her face.
"That is much appreciated. Though, now I have even more questions for both of you. Yuu-chan, who came up with the idea to add machineguns to the Takemikazuchi?"
"That was me, actually." she edges closer on her sofa, licking her lips.
"Oh? Why did you want to do that?"
"Well…"
Me and Sensei spent almost two hours informing Mitsuko-san about our developments in the base. About how 'an interesting idea' lead into the XM3, how my help in the consoles' development made Sensei think I had a knack for coming up with unorthodox but useful ideas, how she let me do some research to see if I could come up with more interesting concepts for our weapons, how I'm helping with the railgun and how the project is coming along. She also asked me about my training and my relations with my squad. After that Sensei dismissed me, and told me that since it was already late I should go to sleep.
But I wanted to have a recovery session today… Dammit… I returned to my cell, since the door to Sumika's room was locked.
Well, I'm glad I don't have to worry about the UN anymore. Seems like my efforts these days are starting to bear fruit. That being said, I should be a bit more careful, just in case. I wonder if he'll finally contact me tomorrow?
[Yuuko]
"Seems like you found yourself a nice pawn, Yuu-chan." She speaks as I went to refill my mug, just as Shirogane left the office.
"Mitsuko-nee, he's too important to be just a pawn. You also know of his piloting skills, do you not? Why didn't you ask him about that?"
"Oh, he seemed really tired. And I already got the data, that's the most important thing. So you weren't kidding when you said you'll give him the last Type-00C." She crosses her arms as she looks at me.
"Of course I wasn't. I told you he's very skilled, in and out of the battlefield. That's why I asked you to hold them back. The UN can make a lot of money if these inventions of his become a reality." I was expecting something crazy, but you again surpassed my expectations.
A portable HM bomb, in case the Laser-Class ambush us, to allow a small squad to perform a Laser Hunt. Several add-ons to make Blade Armor for the F-15, which will come in handy for the new F-15 we're developing. A redesigned M61 to fit in the Type-00C's hip block. A barbed sword that looks similar to the Blade Motor's designs. And these chaff missiles, which will improve our already great stealth capabilities. If all of this gets patented and mass produced, we'll get a nice amount of money and support from the UN and America. And that's without even starting to touch his Type-00C, who knows what kind of things he will do to his machine.
"Frankly, I'm a bit jealous you have such a dependable man in your team. So, how's the Yellow Dust coming along?"
"Sigh… No news. We still can't find the balance we want."
"Despite all the new test subjects you got after Niigata?"
"Yes. If we wanted to use it on people it would be a great success. But we still can't get it to harm the BETA, at all." I slump into my seat, sighing.
Not even with Motoko-nee's help we can figure out a way to harm them. And it's not like we can rely on them being hurt for it to work. If the BETA are harmed, as soon as the Dust makes contact with their blood, they'll start to melt too. But without harming them first, it's pointless to use it.
"Then let's leave it at that. I suppose you still don't know who was the one behind the pulling of the execution order." I shake my head, grabbing my cup to drink some more coffee. "Sigh… I also haven't found anything. Do you know why the Royal Guard is so interested in the boy?"
"That's what we want to know. You do know his records were erased. I did try to ask them about it, but they dodge the issue every time. It is a bother, to be honest." She nods as she strokes her chin.
"Then, can you tell me why are you making him pass as a dead person?" She twirls her hair as she looks to the ceiling. I have to make her believe he is the real one, until he gets enough memories to fool everyone.
"I'm not. He is Takeru Shirogane."
"Are you being serious, Yuuko?" She crosses her arms, staring at me, her chin lowering inwards.
"Yes. While I know you helped me with his cover, I can guarantee you that he is truly Takeru Shirogane."
"Sigh… Yet, you refuse to tell me where he came from. I suppose that bit of him slowly recovering his memories isn't a lie?"
"No, that is true. However, since we don't know why his data was erased we must keep him safe from the Guard. At least, until they're willing to talk this out with us."
"So, do you think they might believe he isn't who he claims to be?" I nod at her words as I take a sip of my coffee, leaning back on my chair. "Then, why not send him to the Capital to fix the misunderstandings?"
"…Because I doubt the Guard would accept a mistake. You know how our security forces do things, they'll never release someone who they brand. It would only bring them shame to their eyes."
"So you think they'll try to blame him, to hide the fact that the databases suffered an error? Well, I can see our stubborn Royal Guard acting in such a way, sadly." She leans back, smiling as she shakes her head.
"That's if they don't make it seem as if we are the bad ones. Don't worry, I have all the intentions of actually taking the XFJ Project under my care, so deliver those papers as soon as you can."
"You think you can actually restart the Second's development?" I smile at her, showing her some graphics I had prepared in advance.
"Oh please. We will get the money from this parts, and once the Empire stops being so paranoid towards the UN and I reveal the XM3, I can ask America for some help. We also have a nice test pilot in our ranks now, so that base is also covered. And if we also adopt the Type-00C as our High Performance TSF and get it to be exported, the Royal Guard will also be in our debt. I think Sweden would like to have the Type-00C to work along its JAS-39. I believe we do have nice relations with them, and they would welcome the Takemikazuchi to be the High to the Gripen's Low."
"Then, should I start speaking with the Chilean and Argentinian branches to prepare a test run?"
"Please do. I know our relations with the EU are also strained, but if we manage to get them to cooperate the Type-00C will definitely get the seal of approval faster." While we could do some testings along the Guard in Hokkaido, now that the Soviets isolated themselves we can't sell them anything and can't rely on them to do any testing. And there's also little space to work with in the Empire as is. "While it isn't Siberia, see if you can get approval to do some testings in either Ushuaia or Punta Arenas Base."
"I'll see what I can do." She nods, straightening up her posture. "So, in exchange for this, keep me updated on Shirogane-kun's control logs. You did say that you'll have him fight Takamura in that F-15, right? Be sure to make him pilot his Type-00C if you get the chance." She stands up, buttoning up her suit.
"I don't need you to tell me that. Do look forward to it." Smiling at her, she chuckles back.
"I promise I'll try to get you some more support. I really would hate to lose such a useful pawn. Oh right, I almost forgot!" She began to groan a bit as she started rummaging through her purse.
"What is it? I swear, if this is another of your jokes-"
"Here. The UN's Undersecretary will be coming to visit the base on the 30th, it was decided on a rush so I couldn't tell you in advance." She hands me a folder with some papers. Is this one of the 'accidents' he mentioned? I'll have to ready the OTH Cannon just in case.
"I see. Nothing we can do now. Well, I'll call Pyatkh to escort you. Take care, Mitsuko-nee."
"Oh, how sweet of you to worry, Yuu-chan!" She jumps and hugs me tightly. Ugh, she knows I hate this kind of thing!
"I told you to not call me like that!"
Next Day. 11:03 AM.
(Classroom.)
[Takeru]
"And that's all. After getting into your suits, go towards the hangar. I have to prepare something beforehand. Dismissed!"
"Salute!"
The Instructor goes her way and we then start going towards the changing rooms.
"Honestly, I can't believe she just dropped this on us." Chizuru sighed heavily as we walked.
"We're taking our first, actual, serious piloting test. I-I'm not ready for this! Hauuu…"
"Chill, Tama. No point in overworrying. Let's just do our best like we have been doing in the simulator so far, right Meiya?"
"…Oh, yes. We just have to face this hurdle."
…She's been weird today. She hasn't looked at me in the eye and avoided making conversation after our runs in the sims. Is she not feeling well? Perhaps some bad memories leaked into her?
"Gotta step up. We're not failing this." Kei frowned as we reached the changing rooms. She looked ready to hop in her cockpit and tear anything in her way.
A small time it took us to get prepped up, and then we marched on towards the hangar.
"We're flying! Takeru, what do you think we'll do?" Mikoto was all smiles as usual, ignoring the tension in the other girls' complexion.
"I dunno, target practice?" That's what we did all the time for our first piloting session.
"I agree with Shirogane-kun, they must want to see if we can actually handle the shaking of a real TSF while attacking and moving at the same time. Squad, no matter what they throw at us, let's clear this test!"
Mikoto and Tama give a 'Yay', Kei just nods, I smile at them. But Meiya seemed out of it. Still walking along, but way too solemn and silent. Chizuru notices this too and approaches her.
"Mitsurugi? What is it?"
"Hm? Nothing, I am merely bracing for what is to come."
"Is that so?" Tapping her glasses, she also doesn't seem to buy into the excuse.
Making our way into the hangar, the Fubukis came into view. Tama began to take breaths, Mikoto got up to the rails to stare at them, while us remained a bit behind as we waited.
"Hey, you guys…" Mikoto looks back at us, tapping her cheek with a finger. "Why are there only five Fubukis lined up here?" Now that she mentions it… I didn't ask Sensei why there are only five of 'em here.
"Oh, I hadn't noticed." Chizuru looked over the hangar that was filled with TSFs. "Maybe there was no more space?"
"Shirogane, what do you think?" Meiya's eyes still seem normal and she sounds kinda worried. But still, something is wrong with her today.
"They either couldn't fit the last Fubuki here, or someone won't do the test in a Fubuki."
"Someone? You…" Meiya's eyes became sharp. She gazed at the purple Takemikazuchi and bit her lips. I got closer to her and spoke in a low tone.
"…Think they'll force you to use it?"
"I hope that's not the case." She is more bothered by it, but there's not much I can do.
"Squad! Line up!"
"Instructor, there seems to be one less Fubuki for us." Chizuru spoke as we formed the line.
"One less? What are you talking about? All five of them are here."
"Instructor… Then, who will ride a different machine?" Meiya asked, clearly tense as her hands were coiled into fists.
"Isn't it obvious? Shirogane won't get to do his training in a Fubuki, due to his punishment."
Huh, so that's how it is. Can't say I didn't expect it.
"Huh? Shirogane-san will? B-But isn't that unfair?" Tama stepped forward. I didn't think she'll defend me like this over something so small.
"It is what it is. Shirogane, you'll pilot that Gekishin that's on the far right side of the hangar. Now, all of you, get inside your units. You'll do your test all together as a squad. Move along!" Barking her order, NotMarimo-chan then went her way to the mobile command center, probably.
Well… Time to rumble, I guess.
"Takeru, will you be fine?"
"Don't worry, Mikoto. I'll pull through somehow."
"Squad, let's hurry. Shirogane-kun, you don't worry. We will do our part to aid you during the test in case something goes wrong."
"Thanks Sakaki. Well, let's go." We all nod at each other and go towards our TSFs.
As I get to the far right I see that this Gekishin is the one I used during the trial against that AI back in October, but it looks more spiky than before. It also has an antenna on its head and its Jump Units are the same as the ones that the Kagerou I used before had, with the pair of Variable Wings. I get into the cockpit and, after bolting myself, I start the Data Link. Let's see this… doesn't have the XM3 installed. Sigh…
After checking all is in working order and that the training weapons are all set, I send the signal.
"06, all green."
"Roger that. 01, all green as well. Everyone, how are you?" The rest replies, seems like there are no problems whatsoever. "Alright. Squad 207 is ready to go. Command Post, what are we to do?"
"Command Post to Squad 207. Get ready to deploy and wait for our signal."
The Instructor so ordered, and thus, I felt as my unit was being turned around. The small shaking as the system started to brace once the cables loosened off, my sight changing towards the opening gates of the hangar.
"Everyone, align on the rails and get ready to boost as soon as we give you the signal." NotMarimo-chan said. The five Fubukis and my Gekishin line up near the gate, that was open already.
A brief moment of wait extended itself, until the connection with the Instructor appeared again.
"Squad 207, take off! I repeat, take off!"
First Chizuru and Meiya, then Mikoto and Kei, and Tama along me last. All six of us are now flying towards the ruins, following the path that appears on our radar.
"Squad 207. Some marks will appear on your radar, get ready to perform the movements necessary to pass through the designated altitudes. Now, exercise start!"
This is like what we did in the sim, but without circles in the air and just a certain height to be at a certain point. We boost upwards at first, moving forward for some meters. Then we slowly move downwards, and continue to descend until we eventually reach the training grounds. Nothing wrong with this, for being their first take off.
"Well done. Now, spread in a line. Many targets will appear along the city, aim at them and shoot. However you'll have to do it as you boost through the city, so you cannot stop. There should be some mark to indicate the available placements, report back once you're all in position." After her orders were clear, we all got in position at the ready.
We all got one street assigned to cover. Once the signal was given, we boosted into the ruins, guns at the ready. This next part went by easily again. I had no trouble hitting my targets, even with the stiffness of the old OS.
"Squad 207, we've all finished this course." Chizuru notifies our progress, her face then appears in my view. Looks fine and dandy, no stiffness nor fear.
"Roger that. Now, for the last part of this training. You'll have to return to your original position without boosting. You have to remain grounded for this part. Many turrets are being activated all over the city, they will shoot at you once they spot you. Return with as little damage as you can. That is all."
"01, copy that. Alright squad, let's go!"
"Roger!"
We dash into the city. I disable my comms and everything except the infrared. I check the radars and sensors, the Noisemaker is not activated. That's good. Now, let's do this in the same way I did it last time. By dashing like mad.
Again blazing through the city as the turrets shoot at where I was instead of where I currently am, the ruins come and go in my vision. Thanks to the sidesteps I learned from his memories this is a piece of cake. There are less turrets compared to when I did the test run against that AI so many nights ago, so I have plenty of time to spot and dodge their fire, or to change my direction to avoid them.
I reach the end of the ruins with some paint, but I'm not soaked in it. It took three minutes for Mikoto to reach the end, another two for Meiya, then Tama arrived shortly after that and behind her Kei and Chizuru were the last ones to arrive. All of them were covered badly in paint.
"Squad 207, you've completed your first run. Return to the hangar. Over and Out." NotMarimo-chan delivered the orders and we returned to the hangar. No words were said in the trip back.
As I descended from my TSF and went towards the group, the Instructor approached us alongside Takamura from a hallway.
"Salute!"
"At ease. Squad, you did very well for your first run, to clear it without anyone being knocked out. In the future we will start doing mock battles in your TSFs and the sims, so get ready for that. You can have the early afternoon free, we will return to train at 1800 hours in the simulators. I have to compile the data from this run, and prepare some new training drills on the sims based on it. So look forward to that. Dismissed!" We salute her again, and both of them leave. Takamura didn't call for me, does that mean I also get my afternoon free?
"Takeru, those moves you did were awesome!"
"Huh?"
"You know, those zigzags you were doing. You dodged almost all of the paintballs!" Mikoto beams at me with sparks in her eyes.
"Well, it's what I usually do."
"Really? I've never seen you do those moves in the simulator. You're usually fast but…" Meiya commented with a slow, tense tone. She looks dejected, like when I started cruising through the daily runs.
"Yeah, I knew you were good but those moves were quite fast." Tama commented, but on a soft friendly tone. "Your dot in the radar kept blinking as you moved farther and farther away, it was something else for sure."
"You will have to tell me where you learned to do that." Chizuru readjusted her glasses as she looked at me as if I were some weird thing in a test tube.
"C'mon Sakaki, I told you all already, that's how it feels natural to me."
"Hmmmmmm…" Why must you look at me like that, Kei? Sigh…
"In any case, it's good that all of us made it out in one piece. From now on, we'll have to redouble our efforts in the mock battles. This is where the real training starts!" Chizuru says to motivate us, raising a fist to the ceiling.
The others give a 'Yes' and we start making our way towards the changing rooms. The other three started to talk about how it felt to pilot, how they aimed at the targets and other stuff.
However, Meiya and Kei didn't join in. And remained staring at me as we walked.
"Is there anything else you wanna ask?" I approach them, they don't change their aura at all.
"Special-kun, how good are you?"
"How good? I mean, I dunno. I still haven't finished my training."
"Please, Shirogane. That maneuvering… Why haven't you done that in our trainings so far?" Meiya again was looking at me clearly bothered. Like… the day she punched me.
"It's not like I can test everything I wanna do in our exercises, I am under a punishment. Oh, I have an idea. What if we ask the Instructor to let us spar against each other in today's session? That way you could learn to move like I do." And I could prevent you from getting all negative.
"Eh?! You want to… Wait, are you serious?!"
"You don't want to?" I thought Meiya would immediately agree to it.
"I'm in, so long as you're serious." Thanks Kei.
"I will, don't worry." So please drop the side glance. It hurts.
"Well, since you offered your help. So, you won't hold back?" What got into her today? Why are her eyes full of clouds again?
"Hey, you've been weird today. Did I upset you?"
"No, I am not upset."
"But you've been really cold with me today, during the training and before the test too." She caresses her hair as she looks away.
"I've been my normal self today. I'm just surprised at how good you are, is all."
"…Are you doubting me again?" She flinches back. Her eyes open wide, her irises are flooded by conflicting waves.
"Shirogane… I am not doubting you. I shan't deny that I became… a bit envious at your result. But I am not holding a grudge or anything. You have been helping us in our trainings, and I know you're always doing your best effort."
"Then, why can't you look at me in the eye?"
"I… I mean, I'm just minding my words. I do not wish to say anything unnecessary." She looks away, digging her gaze on the floor.
Kei remains staring, unblinking.
"Do you wanna say something too, Ayamine?" She nods.
"Special-kun, you're too good. You sure you weren't conscripted before?" Oh shit, here we go again.
I feel as if I had swallowed that first pizza I made so long ago, rough, dry and hard as shit. Why… Why do you look at me like that again? What did I do this time? Is this how it is in this world, then?
…No, get it together. I have to do whatever I can to stop them from becoming paranoid again.
"Well, I just did what I usually do. I could teach you how to do those moves if you want."
"Really now?"
"Yeah, it might take a while for me to properly explain them, but I'm sure I can tell you how to do it."
"You speak as if we could match you." Meiya said, this time with spears in every word.
I honestly can't believe it. I mean, Kei was never on good terms with me, but for Meiya to turn around overnight. Little by little, step by step, I thought I was beginning to fit in the team. Alas, my fragile dream of camaraderie was crushed again by some unseen threat.
Did the General speak with Meiya? Or are they just jealous of my piloting skills? Regardless, I can't allow them to get all negative on me. If talking to them won't work, I'll just keep my distance. The last thing I want is to go back to how things were before. I'll help them out if they want, that's all I can do.
I look away and continue to walk in silence, while the other three still debate over something.
Sigh… In the end, seems like that's all I can do. Force a draw, reach a compromise. There's no… way for us to be on good terms here?
"Um… Shirogane, forgive me. I am just baffled at your performance. I didn't mean to imply-"
"It's alright, for real. I can tell you're bothered, I don't know what I did to make you angry at me again, but I'm not so dense to not notice it." Without looking back at them, I rub my eyes. "I'll be serious against you during this afternoon's session, so don't worry about me looking down on you. I'll do what I can to not make you feel uncomfortable guys, so I'll be on my way. Later Ayamine, Mitsurugi." I wave at them as I pick up the pace.
"Shirogane, wait up!"
"Hey, what's going on?" Chizuru and the rest were glancing at us, we had reached the changing rooms.
"Nothing, we were just talking about the course." I wave her off, I don't need Chizuru to get involved in this too.
"Oh, I see. Let's get changed then, we can all talk at large after that."
The other three go into their changing room. Kei and Meiya didn't, they remained staring at me.
"Special-kun, you angry?" Kei looks at me with her usual poker face, but her eyes were wavering a bit.
"A tad bit. I thought we had left the doubts behind, that I was beginning to fit in, but it looks like I was mistaken. Don't worry, I won't hold back anymore. Let's keep the peace in the squad until we get commissioned, just ignore me from now on." Kei's lips shook for the briefest moment. "Well, I've gotta hurry up, I need to go to the XO for my orders since I can't have free time due to my punishment. Later."
"Wait, Shirogane." I glance at Meiya as I was ready to go into my changing room.
She looks to the ground, unable to meet my gaze. Her hands are tightened into fists. It's clear she's regretting what she said but, what got into her?
Did Tsukuyomi-san told her something? Or did the General order her to keep tabs on me? That's the most plausible reason for her change. And I don't want to be harsh to her, so I better mind my words.
"Forgive me. I didn't mean to… well, make you uncomfortable. I let my jealousy get the better of me again. I'll be looking forward to today's training, I hope you can show me how to do those zigzags you usually do." She recovers a faint smile and stares at me with her usual confident eyes.
But… if they approached her… it means you're on their side now. I know you'd take Yuuhi's side over me. So, if she ordered it, you would become my enemy. I can't let you get negative… But I can't trust in you either. I am a stranger here after all, I know full well that anyone who takes Yuuhi's side won't show me any sympathy.
"I'll try to meet your expectations of me. Later, Mitsurugi."
She twitched at my words. Her eyes froze and a layer of shadow appeared over them. I went inside before she could reply.
(Same Day. 07:09 PM.)
(Hallway.)
"Finally done." Moving my neck in circles, I walk towards Sensei's office. How did Sensei sort out the JAFF calcs so quickly is beyond me, but almost all the prep is done.
Luckily, I ended up delivering folders for Takamura until I had to go training, so I'm not that tired either.
Today's training was fruitful too, I guess. I kinda went serious against them from time to time, and I managed to not let them off easily. I pushed Kei and Meiya to a standstill, and defeated the rest. I gave them some pointers about their jump timings just like I always did. That's all I can do for now. I can only hope Tama is ready for what's to come. According to Takamura, they should have finished another training session right about now, so hopefully that went well.
"If only I could think of how to approach Meiya…"
When we fought her moves were unfocused, her swings were less precise than usual. Against me it was obvious, but all of her matches were odd. She was kinda out of it and looked depressed to no end, kept staring at me when we both were out of the pods, but didn't try to talk and I didn't feel like forcing a conversation, last thing I want is to make her uncomfortable or more paranoid.
I want no more problems, and I don't drive a Mercedes Dense anymore so I know better than to poke my nose where I shouldn't. If she was approached by the Guard she'll end up getting all negative all over again, I better keep my distance and do my best to not upset her. I do not want to fight her, she and all the squad is too precious to me.
I'd still like to find a way to get along with her, but if she was told something it's gonna be hard. And if Yuuhi ever asks for my head… If that General brands me as a traitor… It'll be over.
Sensei did say that the UN will give me cover so long as I can keep making useful stuff, so I'll have to believe her. At least I'll be safe here for the moment, until we see how this memory business plays out.
Since she again called me to her office, maybe she's got an update or something. That, or she noticed my moved.
Reaching the office, I knock on her door and enter after she beckons me in.
"Good evening, Sensei."
"Hey Shirogane. Let's go." She gets up from her desk and comes towards the door.
"…Where are we going?"
"You just follow me." She smiles at me, chuckling a bit.
We go back to the elevator and ride it, and while at first I was a bit nervous, we ended up down on Hangar 90. Getting out, no one else was in the place at the time. Only our footsteps echoed about in the gigantic empty space.
"So, what are you going to show me today?" I follow her, looking around. Without the XG this place feels so hollow.
"We've been making a Kagerou variant that is similar to the one you used. Our best team has been making some adjustments to the frame of the F-15J to further enhance it. Here, take a look at it." She made a grand gesture with her hand towards our left.
In front of me was a Kagerou that looked very different than the usual. Now its shoulder pads were triangles, its chest also was definitely more sharp than the one I used in Niigata, and the antenna on its head was a bit bigger. The inverted triangle shape of its waist was the same though. Its hands were not mounted in yet, and the leg armor and knee tanks were also not present.
"So, what's new with this one?"
"You can consider this one a fusion of the Strike Eagle and the Active Eagle. Unlike the one you used, this one has the final and fool-proofed versions of the Jump Units, engine, radars, antenna and sensors we made. Like the Strike Eagle, it will be able to get rid of its knee blocks once they're depleted, we also changed its internal components to make it lighter and completely functional with OBL. Its hands and legs are being worked on now, to put in them the Blade Edge armor you came up with once its built. Its forearms will also have sensor pods similar to the ones on the Active in them, we'll mount the blades on them to allow you to use them as a striking close range weapon. That will free the knees since you won't need to hold daggers in them, giving you double the ammo from last time."
"That's awesome. So, does this thing have a name yet?" I'm honestly surprised we can do this kind of things so fast.
"No, I haven't come up with anything conclusive yet. Since we want it to be known as a Japanese design I was going to codename it F-15JS, the S stands for 'Shin'. Calling it Shin Kagerou would give a nice ring to it, don't you think? This will have the lightness of the Strike, the mobility of the Active, and our best stealth tech on it. With your data as the base for its configuration, it'll turn out to be a great machine." She declares proudly, puffing her chest as she makes varied gestures with her hand towards the yet incomplete TSF.
"Heh, glad to see we're making progress here. This is a surprise for sure, didn't expect we could make new models here."
"Good to see you're pleased." A hand on her chin, she smiled. "By the by, the Gekishin you piloted is something similar to this. While we finished the new parts, the unit you're training with is the proof-of-concept that we used to test the full power of the new parts. You can consider it the one and only Shin Gekishin, since we won't bother to try to make a new model at this point. While I disabled them for today's test, it also has stealth capabilities. If you want we can paint it in ARP, in case you ever need it." I give her a nod. So that's why it was so fast. It wasn't the same I used, it was its ultimate form. No wonder I could still dash like that despite lacking the XM3.
"If we can paint it, go for it. We don't know when we might need it. It did move very fast for a Gekishin." She smiles again as she turns around.
"Glad you're happy with it. With that said, let's go over there." She moves to the open space to our right, where… No, you gotta be kidding me.
"Sensei, are those the chaff missiles?"
"Yeah. We had some of them lying around, I honestly didn't knew they were here. Tomorrow we'll start to develop these babies. I checked the reports you made, and let me tell you that you came up with some nice ideas. The HM ammo is the easiest one to make, we are currently working on it on the upper floors, but we will need some time to double check the sword design you came up with before making a prototype. Honestly, I have no idea how you came up with the barbed sword concept, but it is interesting."
"What about the M61?"
"Well, for that we will have to go to the other side of the hangar." She picks up her pace humming a tone to herself. Someone sure is happy today, Sensei very rarely hums to herself like that.
On a corner of the hangar, a Type-00C was standing proud in its new UN colors with some cable connected to its head.
"So I suppose this is my unit, right?" So she did reserve it for me. Glad she followed through on this.
"Yes. I already opened it up and checked its specs and functions, and while I don't think we can match its internal engine or Jump Units, I believe I can improve its radar and sensors to give it stealth. Since its head is a simplified one, I can make an antenna for it to give it a horn like the other Type-00 have. I was thinking on mounting the M61 on that triangle on its waist, by the sensor's side and in front of the Jump Units. You could lock them with the barrel looking downwards when inactive and it would lock forward when activated, or you could try to manually control it when you're on the air. Since the M61 itself is rather small its weight shouldn't offset your agility too much and since it uses 20mm ammo we can fit a great number of it in a small space."
"Great. Since it also has its daggers in the hands, that would be like having four weapons on board, along the rest of its weaponized armor. I suppose you already installed the XM3 on it?"
"Yes, of course. It's ready for you to take a ride in it if you want." She smiles devilishly at me.
"Heh, I might go for it in due time. So, that's all?"
"No, I wanted to let you know I'm putting you in charge of the hangar."
…
"Sensei, when you say in charge, what do you mean?"
"That you'll be the one overseeing the development of both the F-15JS and of your Type-00C. You're in charge of these two, they're your babies after all." She chuckles at me as she plays with her bangs.
"So, I'll be the one who'll be monitoring these two? Does that mean you're getting closer to finishing the 00 Unit?" She smiles widely at me. I mean, this does play nicely with my plans, but… I'm kinda tired, not gonna lie.
"Exactly. I finally met the equations I wanted to fix. So, now that we tested that the hardware and the software do what we want it to do we will go and re-spec the 00 Unit."
"What about the leaks? Did you manage to get anything out of the tests?"
"…No, not for now. However, thanks to the second theory, I found a way to halt the sharing of data. While nothing happened between the reactor and the parts we're testing, Yashiro failed to scan the parts despite the lack of hyper ceramic. So that's a success in my eyes."
"…What is hyper ceramic?"
"Oh, a material that makes it impossible for the ESPers to scan someone's mind in any way or form. So, if the Reactors also establish a psychic link with the unconscious 00 Unit during the times the ODL must be purified, all I had to do was find a way to block anyone from accessing her mind at a time like that. I believe you're familiar with the ribbon I was preparing?"
"Oh, yeah. So, you did something like what those… particles on the ribbon did to her conscious mind?"
"Precisely. It was really hard, though, and frankly, it may be a pain to deal with."
"…Why?"
"Because it'll cause her ODL to deplete even faster, since I'm putting even more burdens onto her brain. Think of it as a subconscious shield, how our brains block certain memories from surfacing at times, or even forge fake ones to avoid a certain trauma. I aimed to replicate that, and while it went well enough during the tests, I assume it'll make her performance drop until you can stabilize her into proper human behavior."
"Roger. Don't worry, I'll handle it well."
"As I expect. So, I assume the 00 Unit will be running in three to five days." Wow, that's earlier than I thought.
"So I'll take care of all these projects to free your schedule until you're back?"
"Yeah, as an overseer. Thanks to your data from Niigata we finished the new parts for the Kagerou, so they're ready to be mass produced. So we will focus now on making the Shin Kagerou a reality along the revamping of this Type-00C. Also, you're in charge of the weapons too. I'll be expecting good results, Chief Shirogane." She laughs devilishly again.
Sometimes I don't know how you can pull these reckless things. Is she onto me? Or she's merely trying to regain my trust? Regardless, this is quite the shock. To be the chief of this hangar…
"…You've gotta be fucking kidding me."
"No, I'm neither kidding nor fucking you." Then, she smiles as her tone descends into a whisper. "Though, if you're in the mood for the latter, you can swing by my room later."
"Sensei!" I can feel my face blaze up and my heart begin to lag and glitch. Why does she have to be like this?!
"Ahaha! Sorry, couldn't resist. You're too much fun to tease. In any case, you're the Chief of the hangar until further notice. Show the UN that you can lead this projects to fruition." Locking her eyes onto mine, the sobered up gaze told me everything I needed to know. For now, our deal is on the rails.
"Understood. I will deliver, Sensei."
"Good. Now, let's get you changed."
"For what?"
"Hm? Didn't I tell you? You're going to have a battle with Takamura in your modified Kagerou." Don't stroke your head like that, you know you didn't tell me a thing about this.
"I heard nothing of this. I mean, do I have to play as the Viking again?"
"Yeah. I want to see how our inventions measure up. Don't worry, we repaired your TSF and replaced the parts with the final ones. It should be even better than last time. This will just be a mock battle, so don't be so tense." Easy for you to laugh like that, I'm up against a Type-00F with a Kagerou. After such a long day, too.
"I'll do what I can. Also, I can meet with Kasumi today right?"
"Yeah, of course. What? Are you in a hurry to get some memories of Her Purpleness?" Folding her arms, she gives me a side glance. What's up with her?
"No, it's not just that. You see, today I had a rather weird dream. I saw this world's Sumika with him in it." Sensei's brows arch up, looking intently at me.
"What did you see?"
"Just some kids fooling around. There was me, Sumika, one guy named Jouji, another named Masahiko and another girl named Chie. We were all just playing in a park with a ball or running around in the slums. It was like… I dunno, dreaming about people you haven't seen in a long while." Like the few times I used to dream about my grandparents outta nowhere, or about some old friends that moved away when I was little.
"…Is that so? These memories might help to stabilize Kagami, so you should show them to her as soon as possible. Alright, let's take care of Takamura swiftly so that we can get on that." She waves her hand at me and starts walking towards the elevator.
"You say it as if it were an easy task…"
"Oh, come on! You can take on thousands of BETA but you're scared of a single woman? You didn't fall for her, didn't you?"
"Of course not! It's just that this is too much of a gap, facing a Takemikazuchi with a Kagerou. I feel like I'm going to be destroyed." The technological gap is too big. I'm not sure if I'll be able to win. And… She might be sending me to my death, now that I think about it.
"That might be true if we only look at the specs, but don't forget that you have the stealth protocol on your side, and you have much more experience than her. Your sheer agility will definitely play in your favor too, even if it can't match up with the Type-00F, your patters will definitely throw her off." She doesn't seem to be hiding anything, but I don't think I can read her that well. The door opens and we ride the elevator.
"About that… What if she realizes I'm the one who fought with her down the line?" That is a serious concern. I do have habits and tells that I can't hide, someone is bound to notice them and make the connection.
"Don't worry, I don't think she'll notice anything. As you proved to me, most pilots rely on their radar, sonar, and automated systems to get a feel of their opponent during Anti-TSF combat. They don't pat as much attention to their immediate surroundings. You, on the other hand, tend to rely more on your vision to move. They will be constantly looking at their radar, altimeter, and data logs to read your position until they're close enough, while you'll be looking straight at them alongside the data in the projection. With the stealth the radar will display nothing, so they won't be able to recognize all of your patters precisely because they will have to rely on their sight for that, and at the speed you move even seeing you for more than a second will be hard in the cramped space of the training grounds. If they can't see you in their projections, their data longs come up empty, and they can't even track you, all you need to do is strike from behind and any opponent will fall."
"I know what you mean. But it still makes me nervous. Since she's a samurai she might be more used to not relying on the radars and focus more on her sights and hearing during close combat. But I guess we'll just have to see what happens."
Facing against a Takemikazuchi is crazy, but even if this is dangerous it will be a good test to see how I hold up. I may have to fight them in the future, so I'll take this chance to spar with a Royal Guard in preparation for any upcoming battles.
"That's better. Now let's go, I suspect Takamura is waiting already." The door opens and we step into the hallway. "Oh right. On the 30th, the UN's Undersecretary will come to visit the base. Is that one of the incidents we have to be careful about?"
"Yeah. An HSST filled with explosives will fall on the base, and we will have to use the OTH to strike it down. I did what I could to make Tama as good as I could, now it's all on her." Sensei smiles at me.
"You trust a lot in them. I certainly did not expect you to send Takamura to train them. Who would have said you could make her do your bidding like that?"
"I just asked her if she could do it." Really, can you stop with the teasing? It's not like I can boss Takamura around, she's just being considerate.
"Well, I already tuned the OTH today, so we did all we could to prepare. Don't worry, everything is under control."
"If you say so."
We reach the changing room and I go inside. I suppose it's time for another fight.