A-a-a-and here I am again, everyone! This is a new chapter. This one is not action-packed, but we really have to pass through the jungle of social interactions before we'll begin the 'World Purge' arc, or the story will lose all the sense.

For the reviewers:

Autistic Dumpster Baby, Temporal Knight, Draaxe12, Imperial-samaB, Ichigo Oga, Ayasaki125, ThunderReborn, Darkkon27, Azrael467, Guahanboy98, Dasneaky, Just a Crazy-Man, , codywhite162: Honestly, thanks a whole lot people – I'm really surprised to see how many of you are still there, still reading my story and waiting for an update. I'm really sorry about those three years, but I really wanted to see what Izuru-sensei has to offer… too bad he didn't offer anything at all.

Now, let's proceed with the chapter.


Chapter XXVIII – Theater of Absurd

November 8th, Wednesday, 7:43 A.M.

Teachers' room. Orimura Chifuyu was examining the new educational plans. Hastily composed materials, Chifuyu was very unsatisfied with them, but right now, she has no choice but to work with what she has. Honestly, it's been a loooooong while since she was in such a foul mood as she was in right now. There were several reasons for that:

Just as expected, Kutsuwagi Jūzō, the I.S. Academy's director (the real leader of the academy), his wife, the Academy's principal (the academy's leader for general public), Orimura Chifuyu, I.S.-piloting training affairs' head teacher, and all other staff members, even general school subjects' teachers (like chemistry teacher and history teacher), were thoroughly castigated last Monday, at enhanced Board of Trustees meeting.

Chifuyu knew that nothing good will come out of that meeting. Especially after she met her brother last Sunday – Ichika was in excellent mood, and that was a very bad sign – as it was said – all of his victories are academy's defeats. And of course, that bad premonition came to be in full measure. All Board of Trustees members have arrived personally, the meeting began at 11 A.M. and lasted almost to 9 P.M.

First item on the agenda was the question of Academy task force's very poor performance during last Friday's turmoil in Kyoto. Task force's group had a huge numerical advantage – fifteen against one, yet it suffered a devastating defeat – all academy's units were disabled, and entire battle lasted only eight minutes. That was a shame of a planetary scale. Such a defeat cannot be written off to the technical advantage of enemy's I.S. That was a factor, yes, but the main reason of such a crushing defeat was bad pilots' training, especially the group interaction part – task force group was unable to make use of their tactical and numerical advantage. Virtually, the 15vs1 battle turned into fifteen 1vs1 battles. In their explanatory notes, all Academy Task Force's (ATF) pilots were pointing at that they were trying to protect the train, but that was a very weak excuse. By the way, as a penalty for such a bad performance, all fifteen pilots were deprived of 50% salary for three months.

On the other hand, all of ATF pilots were academy's graduates of previous years, and the ones who got the best scores at final exams. After graduation, the best scorers usually are approached by recruiters of different countries and enterprises, and in that regard the I.S. Academy should be considered the one of those enterprises – becoming a member of Academy's task force is considered very prestigious. So, if the best graduates, who continued to train within I.S. academy's walls, performed so poorly, then what's the worth of academy's education in general?

Second item on the agenda was the question of organization and planning. The decision to organize the trip was made to reduce students' stress, as they've accumulated quite a lot, due to a series of incidents that happened starting this spring. Decision was made in haste. The destination of the school trip was chosen by a simple voting among students. No special preparations were made – students have simply left the academy, boarded the train, and went to Kyoto. Minimum number of attendants – only two teachers.

During the 'Cannonball Fast incident', both military and civilian intelligence and peace-keeping forces were alerted beforehand. Thanks to this, intelligence managed to learn about the impending sabotage – a lot of police and military forces were deployed in the city, so evacuation went fast and more or less organized. On the other hand, almost no one knew about that trip to Kyoto. When the nuke exploded – the sudden evacuation turned to chaos. Considering that about 30% of Kyoto's city center were in ruins after the battle, that was a true miracle that no one died in warfare on the streets. Though, several dozens of people were wounded due to evacuation-induced chaos, two people died due to health issues.

And third item on the agenda was the question of information control. To prepare several traps in Kyoto – that definitely took several days. Which means that the date, destination and list of participants – all of those has been leaked to terrorists almost immediately after decision was made. Was that a mole in the academy? A teacher? Or a student? Or there were no moles, but information was acquired through the hotel? Rooms were booked not with a special contract or something, but via general reservation form on hotel's website – getting access to it was a child's play. Allowing the terrorist to thoroughly plan their attack – that's a major failure.

The world doesn't need an international educational institution that cannot protect valuable national resources (i.e academy students, who are the elite of every nation) and can make them only into mediocre pilots at best. That was the main agenda of Monday's meeting. Those people's fury was understandable. I.S. Academy's Board of Trustees mostly consists of different nations' civilian administrations' representatives. And after that what happened last week, some of them are going to lose their job, and members of military and/or intelligence departments will be taking their places. Actually, that was already happening…

After all, the Board of Trustees made several, quite radical, decisions despite all Kutsuwagi Jūzō's attempts to convince them to rethink their orders. But his options were quite limited, after all. I.S. Academy consumes tremendous amount of money each year. Japan is hosting the academy, but international Board of Trustees is paying for academy's existence. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Jūzou diplomatic efforts, and to Orimura Chifuyu's reputation, some decisions were recalled, but two already got an approval of the entire Board.

First – increase the number of I.S.-related lessons for all students of every grade for at least 20%. And not 'instead of' but 'in addition to' already existing academic load. That means that all classes will get one additional lesson per day for every school day of the week, except for Saturday, hopefully. 'Those girls are the best of the best, they can handle it!' – this is what Board of Trustees members said when they've been told that those young girls will have difficulties handling an additional academic load, especially the first-years.

Second decision – I.S. Academy was ordered to re-investigate backgrounds of all academy's staff members, including janitors and plumbers, and students – in cooperation with national counter-intelligence agencies of staff members' and students' respective countries. Chifuyu was infuriated about this decision, but no one listened to her.

And last, the most radical decision – it hasn't been made yet, but, most likely, the Board of Trustees is going to approve it today – to increase the number of academy's grades by one. I.e. the education in I.S. academy should became four-years long, instead of the current three-years system. And that decision is going to be 'effective immediately', i.e. even the current third-years, who should have graduated within the next few months, actually are going to spend one more year in the academy. Exception can be made only for current third-years (to let them graduate in the next March), by the national government's request, regarding their own student, and such students will be getting an 'old style' diploma. 'New style' diploma will be given only to those, who have completed the new, four-years-long academic program.

No doubts – at least 90% of current third-year students will be forced to stay and continue studying – they can say 'goodbye' to all of their plans for the next year. But seriously – since when politicians began to care about children's wishes? For the current third-year students that additional year will be completely devoted to I.S. piloting and maintenance subjects. For the rest – the academic program will be completely reworked. General school subjects will be 'smeared' over all four years almost without changes of content, whilst studying of I.S.-related topics will be significantly intensified.

Certainly, academy's facilities will be expanded as well – one additional dormitory and one additional learning facility are needed. And at least two (most likely three, due to overall increase of practical lessons' number) additional arenas should be built. And since the island, on which the academy is located, is not made of rubber – the academical park's size gonna be reduced. Currently, the park is occupying about half of the island, and its size will be reduced to about one third of island's surface. In other words – number of students will increase for about 25%, their academic load will increase for about 20%, and recreational area size will be reduced for about 30%. Nice plan, isn't it? What can go wrong, eh? Young girls definitely don't need the place to rest after lessons, right?

So yeah, summarizing all the aforementioned, Chifuyu had quite the number of reasons to be in bad mood, buuuuut… believe or not – that wasn't all. Worst thing actually happened later that day, about 10 P.M., already after the Board of Trustees meeting came to an end (or rather, was put on halt until Wednesday). When Chifuyu has finally made it to her home, and was ready to fall asleep right on the floor in a hallway room, she found her younger brother in the living room, where he was sitting on the sofa, sewing down new stars on his shoulderstraps. And on her question 'why he's not in the dormitory', he replied that he no longer has a room in dormitory, as he no longer has a right to have a room in the dorm.

And before Chifuyu could fully comprehend what Ichika just told her, he threw her a certificate of sort. And when Chifuyu took a look at it – she saw an I.S. Academy's diploma of graduation. Apparently, using the current weak position of academy's directorship, the Japanese government's I.S. branch managed to push through such a decision. They said that Ichika's studies in the academy is a pure profanation, and with the skills he demonstrated during the "Kyoto's incident", he's just wasting his time within academy's walls. As such, he was given a diploma, with the highest possible exams score, and kicked out from the I.S. Academy, because he has officially graduated. Apparently, even though Ichika has disposed of Aoba Mia, the (former) director of a Japanese government I.S. branch, there were still quite a lot of people, who weren't his fans, to put it mildly.

For Chifuyu, that was quite an unfortunate turn of events. Initially, when it appeared that Ichika can pilot an I.S., Chifuyu actually was among those who insisted that he must study in the I.S. Academy – obviously she wanted to keep him closer to herself so she could protect him. During the following months, it became quite apparent that Ichika has no need for his sister's protection, yes, but during the same months it also became apparent that Chifuyu herself needs her brother's help to protect the I.S. Academy itself. Let's say it honestly – if not for him – the situation with Cannonball Fast, unmanned I.S.-es attack and Kyoto incident could have had much worse consequences. And even though Ichika said that "they'll regret that decision as things only going to became worse for them", Chifuyu didn't understand what he meant and what he can do about all of that. She was too tired back then, at Monday, to ask more questions. And yesterday she didn't see her brother at all, because she spent the entire day preparing new educational plans, and spent the last night in the academy, whilst Ichika was at home, probably…


November 8th, Wednesday, 8:31 A.M.

"Haah…" Chifuyu sighed. Well, no reason to just sit here, remembering bad thing from the past. The Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled to resume today at 10 A.M., and since she has already done everything she could to prepare, she decided to go to her class, class 1-1, and hold a Home-Room Session personally. At Monday all classes were canceled (because all teachers were called for the 'punishment session'), but yesterday the educational process has been resumed, and since Chifuyu was busy, the Home-Room Session and two I.S.-theory lessons were held by Yamada Maya. However, green-haired sensei's shoulders were dropped so low (due to low morale) that it seemed as if she had a crocodile, clenching to each of her arms with their teeth.

When Chifuyu entered the classroom of her class, it was already 8:39 A.M., all students were at their places, excluding Cecilia and Charlotte (they still were in medbay, recovering after Kyoto's warfare – Madoka hit them really hard). "Good morning," Home-Room teacher greeted her class.

"Good morning, Orimura-sensei!" Class 1-1 students replied as one.

"…Good morning…" Yamada Maya also greeted the Home-Room teacher, and that sounded like a greeting from the afterlife. Chifuyu just sighed, but didn't say anything to her assistant-teacher and began the Home-Room Session.

On a side note – students weren't aware about the forthcoming drastic changes in the Academy for now. No, of course they were realizing that something big is going to happen, because not all teachers could hide their emotions as good as Chifuyu. Actually, the most of them were like Maya – after this Monday's thorough castigation and announcement of the upcoming changes, they were walking around the academy with the dead fish's eyes. So students realized that something big (and most likely bad) is going to happen.

Today, during the Home-Room Session, Chifuyu also didn't tell anything concrete. She just threw a few generic phrases about that 'the modern world is everchanging' and 'I.S. pilots should be prepared for everything'. She also announced that at the next Monday the academy will hold an all-school meeting, and the Student Council President will make an announcement about the forthcoming changes.

With that, Chifuyu ended the HRS, and headed to the classroom's door. Before passing through it, she snuck a quick glance at an empty seat right in front of the teacher's desk – it was Ichika's seat just until last Monday. The unpleasant feeling in her chest got a bit worse – this uncertainty really was unnerving.


November 8th, Wednesday, 8:29 P.M. (Japan Standard Time)

But of course, Orimura Chifuyu and I.S. Academy staff members weren't the only ones who have been thoroughly trashed by their superiors after the "Kyoto's incident".

Jamaica. Town of Port Antonio. 6:29 A.M. (Local time). Here, two women were renting a pretty spacious hotel suite with three rooms – two separate bedrooms and a living room. One of those women was Squall Meusel – the leader of Phantom Task's Monochrome Avatar direct action cell. And second woman (or more like a girl) was Squall's only remaining squadmate – Orimura Madoka.

And despite Squall had her own bedroom and a living room at her disposal, right now she was in her squadmate's room, walking back and forth, beside the window. Madoka was sitting on her bed, legs-crossed, trying to concentrate, but unable to, because of Squall's endless grumbling. Madoca's eyebrow was already twitching due to irritation.

From Phantom Task's point of view, the Kyoto's operation ended up in catastrophic failure. Operation goals were:

1. Eliminate two S-rang threats (Orimura Chifuyu and Orimura Ichika)

2. Steal personal I.S. units, owned by academy's students

3. Reduce civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure to the possible minimum.

None of the aforementioned goals were achieved. Priority targets are alive and well. Personal I.S.-es still belong to their owners. Collateral damage was enormous – amount of damage exceeded 19 billions of dollars. USD, not Yen! And all of that was blamed on Phantom Task of course – due to lack of civilian/military CCTV records it was impossible to determine how much damage was done by JSDF and/or I.S. Academy personnel. All damage done has been written off on terrorist's actions. Let alone the use of a nuclear bomb – that act was completely useless, but extremely flashy.

As an aftermath of that small war on Kyoto's streets, now all intelligence and counterintelligence services around the globe were on high alert, looking for signs of a Phantom Task activities, finances and hidden cells. Organization's activity around the whole world will be thwarted significantly, also, Phantom Task is going to have financial problems in the nearest future.

Squall was made into the main scapegoat – she was in command of that operation, and she was the main lobbyist of such a radical course of action to begin with. Actually, most of the Phantom Task seniors were against a full-scale operation in the city to begin with – after the Cannonball Fast commotion Phantom Task already got more than enough of troubles. Initially, that operation had to be just a subtle assassination attempt – Orimura Chifuyu and/or Orimura Ichika should've been eliminated, using snipers or suicide terrorists. But Squall, due to her personal feelings (in Phantom Task seniors' opinion), turned this, supposedly small, operation into a huge fire show, which failed to achieve any objective but 'advertised' the Phantom Task as one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations in the world, which seeks to plunge the entire world into chaos.

Besides, the third member of the Monochrome Avatar direct action cell still didn't contact anyone from Phantom Task. Autumn went MIA, currently no one knew about her whereabouts. If she has been captured by the police or JSDF, Phantom Task would've learned about that by now – they have a pretty vast network of informants. But Autumn has simply disappeared without a trace, both she and her I.S. – Arachne. Not that Phantom Task higher ups were really caring about Autumn, but even though Arachne was only a 2nd generation I.S., which never made it past the experimental phase, its loss is a major setback nonetheless.

Still, despite all of the aforementioned troubles she caused – Squall managed to keep her position of a Monochrome Avatar direct action cell's leader, at least for now. That happened because she's still a relatively good I.S. pilot, because she has a 'sleeping' agent inside of the I.S. Academy, who is loyal personally to her, and because her squad now has 4th generation I.S., which is already in the Second Shift phase. Using this circumstance, Squall made Phantom Task seniors to think that she actually has an indirect support of Shinonono Tabane. And that is a strong hook, which allowed Squall to keep her job.

But anyway, since the last Saturday, squall was mercilessly scolded and criticized by her superiors, also she and Madoka were ordered to lay as low as possible, until further notice, this is why the two of them were hiding in Port Antonio, Jamaica. So, despite that now the two of them were in the 'tropical paradise', Squall was all the nerves. Not only her position in Phantom Task has weakened significantly, she also had no idea about what happened to her lover. It is hard to say – how strong (and how real) are Squall's feelings towards Autumn, but still that was a loss for her. And, unlike Phantom Task higher ups, Squall didn't believe that Autumn was captured or that she's deserted or whatever – she knew her pretty well. Autumn wouldn't betray her lover, nor she would've been hiding for more than 96 hours – she's too impatient for that. And if Autumn would've been arrested or captured by authorities – Phantom Task would've known about that by now. Also it would've been known if Autumn would've been in coma in some hospital (or in the morgue, in the worst case) – she was an I.S. pilot, after all, with an active I.S. core.

No, in fact, Squall was afraid that Autumn actually did fall in hands of Orimura Ichika, and she was shuddering just thinking about what that out-and-out sadist and psychopath could have done to her lover. In that case – death should be considered a blessing…

"Where are you going?" Squall asked sharply as she saw that Madoka put on a t-shirt, got off from the bed and headed to the exit from the hotel suit.

"To the mountains," Madoka replied coldly. "I have to train, but I can't focus with you around," She added and left the room.

Squall clenched her teeth but didn't try to stop Madoka, seriously what did she expect from that cold-blooded doll? A consolation? A moral Support? "A sister worthy of her elder brother…" Squall growled in frustration.

Outside, Madoka was heading towards Blue Mountain Peak. 'Hey, let's hire her some prostitutes!' She heard a 'suggestion' in her mind, made with Leptirica's hi-pitch voice, 'I mean – it's a tropical resort, there should be a lot of girls who serve the likes of her!'

"No…" Madoka snorted, trying to no think about how her I.S. actually has learned about it.


November 9th, Thursday, 3:17 P.M.

Just as expected, after consultations with their national governments, the Board of Trustees members have approved the decision to elongate the academic course and make it four-years long. Only four students (from the current third-year) will be allowed to graduate in the next march and get back home, getting the old-style diploma as their countries needs them for some reason, all other will continue to study for one more year. For current juniors and freshmen will be no exceptions at all.

"Well, maybe it's even better this way…" Chifuyu shook her head, "At least those kids are gonna get an additional year of childhood." There's nothing she can do about it, so no reason to stress over it any longer. Though, remaking all the academic plans for a new, four-years long course, will be a huge pain in the ass, for all teachers in the academy, but especially for those who teach I.S.-related subject. Still, there's definitely a one silver lining in this situation as the Board of Trustees decided to allocate an additional funding to expand Academy's campus (as it was said – several additional facilities will be needed). Also, the additional funding seems to be quite significant, so there should be enough money to also refurbish some of already existing facilities. The academy is more than nine years old, and considering the I.S. development's pace – that's quite a long time – some renovation here and there will come in handy.

Who could have thought that a would-be simple school trip could cause such a massive upheaval? Chifuyu still has a lot of work to be done before next Monday, so she probably will have to work even during the weekend, besides, as a first-years dormitory's supervisor, she shouldn't leave the school at a time like this. And all these circumstances mean that she won't be able to personally see her brother, who now lives in the city. 'I bet he didn't feel so anxious even when I had to stay in Germany for a year…' She thought, 'Since when I've become such a worrywart?' Elder sister wanted to talk to Ichika about what he's intending to do now, after he's graduated, though that's really not some grand mystery – he's going to be a full-time JSDF officer, who'll continue to work for Ministry of Defense. 'Well, that probably can wait until Monday,' Chifuyu decided – she was unwilling to discuss such a theme via phone (or I.S.-link), as it is important, but not that urgent.

She stood up, intending to leave the teachers' room – she decided to go to gym and do some stress-relief exercises. She opened the door… and met face-to-face(s) with six first-year students. Shinonono Houki, Cecilia Alcott, Charlotte Dunois and Laura Bodewig from class 1-1, Lingyin Huang from class 1-2 and Sarashiki Kanzashi from class 1-4 – in other words – all the members of an infamous 'I want to be Ichika's girlfriend' personal I.S. owners club. Chifuyu rolled her eyes – no need to be a farseer to know why the six of them are here. "What do you want?" She asked tiredly, as she brought her right hand to her temple and girls were taken aback slightly as they noticed small, but already visible blue circles beneath teacher's eyes. "Hey, I don't look that bad, to make you to show such faces," She snorted, "Why are you all here?"

"Sensei, we…" Houki started to talk, stuttering slightly, "Can you please tell us… why Orimura Ichika isn't attending lessons… since the beginning of the week? Is he alright?"

As Houki said that, one could start thinking that she's afraid of Chifuyu, but that would've been a wrong thought – actually the girls were afraid to hurt elder sister's personal feelings, and that was especially irritating. Chifuyu really dislikes when kids starting to act, trying to look more adult, than adults themselves. Still, she suppressed her irritation – those six had to muster a lot of courage to came and ask her like that – but, apparently, they sincerely care about him – he was nuked recently, after all.

Actually, academy's staff members were prohibited to talk with students about upcoming changes, until the all-school meeting planned for the next Monday – apparently, students' curators from different countries wanted to prepare themselves to the upcoming flurry of questions (mostly about an additional year in the school). However, Ichika's situation has nothing to do with the changes in school, in contrary – now he has nothing to do with the school at all. So, after looking at the girls with an evaluating sight for a few moments, Chifuyu decided to reward their courage and their feelings. "Orimura Ichika is no longer a student of this school," She said with neutral voice, "After that display of skills, which Orimura Ichika made during the 'Kyoto incident', academy's administration came to an agreement that he has nothing more to learn in this school. As such, he was given a diploma and expulsed from I.S. Academy due to graduation," Chifuyu quoted the academy's administration decision (which was forced by the Japanese government I.S. branch). And before the six girls could break free from their shock-induced paralysis, to avoid further question that she can't answer, the elder sister went away like the wind.


November 10th, Friday, 12:09 A.M.

Within a few hours, news about Orimura Ichika's premature graduation did spread through the school like a wildfire. Students were endlessly discussing it everywhere (in canteen, in their rooms, etc.), but now the most of them were sleeping.

However, unlike all other students in the academy, the Student Council president, Sarashiki Tatenashi was aware of the decision regarding Ichika the same day it was approved. And, unexpectedly even for Tatenashi herself, that news hit her quite hard. When she realized the true meaning of this, realized that it is quite likely that she won't see Ichika ever again (he's no longer authorized to enter the I.S. Academy, except for some unimaginable emergency, and he's always busy with numerous strange things, so finding him outside the academy is very difficult), the girl suddenly felt as if a hole appeared in her soul. And she couldn't understand – why she's feeling so down. Can it be that she really is…

Right now, despite the very late hour, she was standing alone, in first-years dorm, melancholically looking at the door to the room № 1025 – that was Ichika's room until Monday. "And what's with this face?" A quiet and unexpectedly soft, female's voice asked from behind, "It's just a door, not a coffin, why are you looking at it with such a mournful expression?"

"Yaaah!" Tatenashi jumped from unexpectedness as she urgently closed her mouth with both palms, abruptly turning around. Behind herself, she saw Ichika's elder sister, who was dressed into a nightgown, and stood calmly, leaning on the windowsill. "Orimura-sensei?!" Tatenashi whispered (it's already after midnight, so she had to be quiet). 'So, she also has this disgusting habit to hide her presence without any reason?!' A girl thought, looking at Chifuyu. It was one of Ichika well-known traits – to appear out of nowhere, silently.

"I wasn't hiding anyone's presence," Chifuyu rolled her eyes, as if she actually heard Tatenashi's thoughts. "It's because of your gloomy thoughts, because of which even the lighting in the corridor became dimmer. A tank could drove by you, yet you wouldn't notice," She shook her head.

'And she can read minds as well?!' Tatenashi gulped.

"No one in this world can read minds," Chifuyu facepalmed, "You have it all written over your face."

After she heard that, Tatenashi got a strong desire to throw herself out through the window. To be honest, never before Tatenashi has interacted with Chifuyu, outside of latter's professional line of business. But now she was seeing Chifuyu in her 'civilian' self… and that self seemed so alike with her brother's, that Tatenashi actually got scared a bit. If someone would've said to her that it's not Chifuyu, but Ichika, who's using an optical (and acoustic) illusion of sort – Tatenashi would've believed.

"Have to admit, I was expecting to see here anyone but you," Chifuyu pronounced, ignoring Tatenashi's internal struggle. Apparently, Chifuyu went on a 'night patrol' of sort, particularly to chase Ichika's fangirls away from this mourning place, but Tatenashi Sarashiki was not among those Chifuyu expected to find here. "It's already past midnight, go back to your dorm," The first-years dormitory supervisor ordered.

"Y… yes…" Tatenashi obeyed and obediently walked away. As a Student Council president, she has a lot of additional rights, but wandering around the dorms in the middle of the night isn't one of them. Still, it seems that Chifuyu isn't going to press the issue about punishment. Did she take pity of that girl?

Watching Tatenashi's leave, Chifuyu helplessly shook her head. 'What are these girls did find in him?' She was wondering, ignoring the fact that she's definitely not the one to ask such a question.


November 12th, Sunday, 3:31 P.M.

Still, the issue about Ichika's graduation wasn't the most pressing of Tatenashi's concerns. As an I.S. Academy's Student Council president, she has a lot of power, but also a lot of responsibility. And tomorrow, at the all-school meeting, she has to inform the entire student body about the forthcoming drastic changes in the academy, including the elongation of an academic course for one year. Tatenashi was a talented and very charismatic girl, but she was lacking a life experience – she's just a high schoolgirl, after all. As such, now she was visiting her family's house – she wanted an advice about what to say tomorrow, about how she can sweeten the pill somehow.

And while she was discussing that matter with her father, Tatenashi's mother was busy with something else – she was reading a news compilation (or more like a necrologies' compilation). "My God…" Lady Sarashiki mumbled, she definitely was getting a headache.


[A/N: This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental]


Case № 1:

Republic of Indonesia, Sukarno Sunardi, 39 years old, married, investor.

Organized a drinking/sex party with a dozen of boys below the legal age of consent (18 years in Indonesia). Got arrested at the next day. Committed a suicide while was in custody, to avoid a humiliating trial (and divorce) for pedophilia, group homosexual activity, alcoholization of underage people, and several other crimes.

Case № 2:

Republic of Belarus, Андрей Василенко (Andrey Vasilenko), 43 years old, divorced, businessman.

Organized a cocaine orgy with four prostitutes. At some point, the game of 'Russian roulette' has begun. After several round, the gun has shot and one of the women died. However, it only further stirred up the 'participants', as all of them were on high (due to cocaine intoxication), and after the few more rounds, the gun shot once more, killing the businessman himself. The fate of the rest of the women is not disclosed.

Case № 3:

Kingdom of Great Britain (Scotland), Jacqueline McLachlan, 37 years old, divorced, a shareholder of several large food-producing enterprises.

Celebrating her favorite stallion's birthday, decided to 'please' him (and herself) with MDMA. After that, a woman decided to take a horse ride. The drugged and a barely controllable stallion has jumped down from the rock into the river, and both the horse and its owner have drowned (horse's body still hasn't been found).

Case № 4:

Federative Republic of Brazil, Mauricio de Lourdes, 71 years old, married, a former (retired) head of the criminal syndicate (supposedly).

Wanted to have an 'unforgettable night'. Drugged his newlywed wife, who was more than 45 years younger than seignior de Lourdes, with a powerful aphrodisiac. A young woman with fully unleashed sexual energy has literally fucked the old man to the death, as seignior de Lourdes' heart couldn't take it and he died from the cordial arrest.

Summary:

All four aforementioned persons have died within the last 72 hours. So what, one is going to ask? People die, all around the globe – it is sad but that's a natural order of things. Those four lived in different countries, never met and never communicated with each other. They probably never even knew about each other's existence and, aside from an idiotic cause of death in each case, they have absolutely nothing to do with one another. Though, no… there actually was one similarity between them – all four were suspected in being secret sponsors of the Phantom Task. There were no proofs of course – only some vague suspicions, but Sarashiki family, being the sworn enemy of Phantom Task, was keeping tabs on those people, just in case, and this is why Tatenashi's mother was reading those reports.


"What the nonsense is this?!" Lady Sarashiki exclaimed. Since here were only two of her most close people, she had no need to behave like a 'dignified lady from a traditional family', "What's with this parade of the most idiotic deaths in the world?!" These people had nothing in common, aside from the fact that all of them, apparently, were degenerates. Causes of deaths were obvious, so of course there won't be any investigation. Those were definitely just a coincident… but no way that could've been a coincident! Four sponsors of Phantom Task have died within 72 hours, with the most idiotic ways possible… 'Oh, my dear brother, I really miss you at times like this…' A Lady thought, she couldn't say so aloud in presence of her daughter.

The previous (Tatenashi mother's) generation of Sarashiki family actually got a problem – it has no «Tatenashi». Tatenashi is the name, taken and used by the head of Sarashiki family of every given generation. A name 'Tatenashi' means 'Shieldless', which, in turn, means that the head of Sarashiki family must protect Japan even if he or she has no shiel – protect with his own body, with his own life. In the previous generation, current Tatenashi mother's elder brother was the head of the family, who took and used the name 'Tatenashi', being the clan's head. However, he tragically died, helping to save civilians during the infamous terrorist attack in Tokyo, 20th March 1995. He fulfilled his duty as 'Tatenashi', but the Sarashiki clan was left headless. He also didn't have time to have children. Current Tatenashi's mother was forced to take over her late brother's duties, but she didn't take the formal post of the family head. And due to this, her eldest daughter, Katana Sarashiki, was named the clan head at such a young age (she was 12 years old back then), just before she entered the middle school. Usually, the eldest scion of the Sarashiki clan is able to graduate from university before he or she will have to change their forename.

Due to the aforementioned circumstances, lady Sarashiki and her husband still have to help their daughter to perform the family head's duties, whilst she's studying in I.S. Academy. "Ah, to hell with that absurd!" A woman decided, as she put the tablet with the reports away. "If they died – they died. Shortage of money for Phantom Task means that they're going to be the less of a pain in the ass for us," She commented on Phantom Task sponsors' deaths. "Better say, Katana-chan," A loving mother came closer, embracing her daughter from behind, "I've heard about the situation regarding the boy you like… how do you feel?"

"Uh… I… well…" A young girls stuttered a bit, perfectly demonstrating how does she really feel.


November 13th, Monday, 9:45 A.M.

All of today's morning classes were cancelled, as school was holding an all-school meeting, starting 9 A.M. Using her natural charisma and talent, as well as a few advices from her parents, the Student Council president Sarashiki Tatenashi managed to explain about the upcoming changes in the school's paradigm, properly highlighting its pros and diverting attention from its cons.

Still, right now, the school's concert hall seemed (and sounded) like a disturbed hornet's nest. Third-year students were especially loud. Some of them (actually, the majority of them) were screaming excitedly, hugging each other (and even crying happily). That's understandable – almost all of them are foreigners, so, as soon as they'll graduate – they'll have to say goodbye to their friends and go back to their respective countries. And, quite likely, they won't see each other ever again. Being able to spend one more year with their close friends – that's truly a blessing. On the other hand – there were some students who have had important plans for the next year, plans that have to be postponed in best case, or that won't come to be in all other cases. So angry voices could also be heard loud and clear.

Second-years weren't so emotional, as they had neither the impending plans, nor the impending need to say goodbye to their classmates. And first-years seemed mostly confused – they probably were too young to fully realize the real meaning of the upcoming changes right away.

Though, the most important thing was the one Tatenashi didn't voice aloud – students' opinion is of no interest to anyone among adults outside the academy.

As for minor changes – the upcoming increase of I.S.-related lessons actually didn't cause much of a stir – students of this school, in their absolute majority, love I.S.-related stuff, especially the practical lessons. And the decision to re-investigate students' background – about that Tatenashi wasn't allowed to tell to anyone, let alone the entire school.


November 13th, Monday, 10:05 A.M.

The Student Council president patiently waited for about twenty minutes for emotions to calm down at least a little. Then she told a few 'encouraging' words, and was about to tell everyone that they are free to go and this meeting is concluded, as, suddenly, the Student Council secretary, Nohotoke Utsuho, began to make an announcement, "A few minutes… of your attention… please…"

Tatenashi looked at her secretary (and personal maid) in surprise – she didn't give her any orders – she just noticed that that Utsuho is holding some piece of paper with her trembling arm, while continuing to speak with the trembling voice, reading words from that paper. "And now… about the upcoming school renovation's details… to you will speak… an I.S. Academy Board of Trustees' technical affairs representative… colonel Orimura Ichika…" The girl finished reading as entranced. In comparison with the previous moments, when the entire hall was humming like a hornets' nest, now it became as silent as graveyard.

In the meantime, as usual, Ichika appeared as if out of nowhere, right beside Tatenashi. He gently made her to take a step away from the microphone, as he took her place on the tribune. "Ladies, I'm inexpressibly glad to see all of you again!" He did lie to the entire academy without blinking, as he welcomingly waved with his right arm.

"WWWHHHAAAAAAAATTT!?" The entire hall exploded with an exclamation. Now the entire hall again was filled with screams and exclamations, end it was twice as loud as before. It was impossible to discern anything, though Ichika managed to lip-read a bit of this and that, as most of the girls wanted to know what happened to him, what was that about his graduation, and what's about his new job (?) in the academy.

In the meantime, one of academy's head teachers (aka Ichika's sister Orimura Chifuyu), was frowning, standing in the corner of the hall, together with several other teachers. "Yamada-sensei," Chifuyu addressed her assistant-teacher, "Can you please bring me one of those I.S.-issued swords?"

"Why?" Maya asked with empty eyes, she was too shocked with Ichika's sudden appearance.

"I'm going to perform a public hara-kiri, right here," Chifuyu replied.

"Orimura-sensei, please," The academy's principal addressed Chifuyu tiredly, "At least one of you should behave normally, or we all are doomed here…"

"I'm sorry," Chifuyu bowed slightly, apologizing for her untimely joke.

In the meantime, Ichika again raised his right arm, holding hand as if he was preparing to snap his fingers. However, in contrary to Chifuyu's expectations, a thundering rumble didn't sound, instead, a bright flash of light illuminated the entire hall, terminating the chaotic screaming. And as the light faded, a quite impressive, holographic image of the academy appeared right above students' head, covering almost the entire hall. The hologram was slowly rotating, to let the girls to take a closer look at different parts of it.

"Whoa!" "So pretty!" "Wonderful!" Students were exclaiming, apparently Ichika managed to impress them.

"Dear ladies, I understand your enthusiasm, but I still have a lot of work to do after this meeting, so let us proceed with the technical review," Ichika began his speech, ignoring Tatenashi, who stood right beside him, and seemed to be steaming with rage. "And, by the way, this advanced holographic technology, which I'm using now, a product of development of an Italian-Spanish-Austrian enterprise, is one of those novelties coming to this school. It will be used for advanced visualization during the theoretical I.S. lessons," He explained. "Later we'll probably be able to adapt it for some general school subjects, like chemistry and astronomy," He added.

Several teachers, including Chifuyu, looked at the principal. "This is the first time I'm hearing about this," Elderly lady (she's 58 years old) shook her head. "Technical affairs aren't really my forte anyway, so let's just listen to what he has to say," She suggested.

"Next, the question that is worrying a lot of you," Ichika continued to speak. "As we all understand, the island, on which the academy is standing, is only this big," He waved his arm towards the hologram. "On the other hand, to accommodate an additional year of education, the academy's campus, obviously, has to be expanded, and there's no choice but to do so at the cost of the recreational area."

The humming among the students became louder – obviously, only now, when Ichika mentioned it directly, some students realized the cost of expansion.

"However, everything isn't so bad," Ichika assured the student body. "The additional funding, provided by the Board of Trustees, is pretty vast, so we can incorporate some exotic decisions. And, I don't want to brag about it…"

"…but you're still going to brag, are you?" Chifuyu said acidly.

"…but yours truly have personally participated in development of new facilities, to make sure we'll get the best possible results. In the campus, we'll be getting three additional arenas – they're pretty generic – nothing we can actually do about them. However, to minimize the use of a land space, we've developed a combined 'dormitory-theory classes' building, for fourth-year students, with a small park on its roof," Ichika again snapped his fingers and a new building appeared on the holographic island. "By the way, the same mini-parks will be added on the roofs of all other dormitories. Still, it's definitely not enough," He admitted as he again waved his arm and three additional arenas appeared on the hologram, thus significantly reducing the academy park's area size.

"Taking new buildings into account, and considering the additional service facilities, the park's size will be reduced by about 25%. At the same time, the number of students will increase for 25%. That doesn't seem acceptable, as remaining park zone is definitely going to be overcrowded after lessons. Knowing this, we've developed a bit exotic solution," Ichika informed, snapping his fingers again. "I'm not claiming to outmatch the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but we've done a pretty good job, if I can say so myself," He added.

"Wow!" "Whoa!" "So cool!" "Amazing!" And other exclamations like that sounded through the hall as they were looking at two-, three-, and even four-storey gardens, which were built using some light and subtle constructions, which allow the maximum amount of sunlight to pass to lower floors. Definitely some advanced, light, but very durable materials were used to develop this design.

"I must admit – that's really impressive…" One of teachers noted.

"Well, one won't be called an ultimate genius if his only talent would've been swinging his gun left and right," The principal commented, meaning that Ichika obviously has a lot of talents.

Chifuyu didn't say anything, just frowned again – is it possible that she once again has underestimated her brother?

"With this design, despite the park's land surface will be reduced, the effective size will increase for about 50%, comparing to what we have now," Ichika announced. "That's about the main changes in the academy. Of course, some of already existing facilities will be refurbished to match the new standards. Those changes aren't big enough for detailed review, but I'd like to ask you to take my word for it – both life and educational process in this academy should became more interesting. All the innovations I've mentioned will be implemented before the beginning of the next academic year," He concluded, as he snapped his fingers and the hologram has disappeared.

*Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap* A burst of loud applause resounded through the hall.

Ichika waited for about one minute (enjoying the praise), before raising his hand again, asking for attention once more. As the applause (and an overall commotion) calmed down, he began to speak again, "That was about the academy's campus, but of course, I've spared the best part for the last." A lot of students have looked at him in surprise – he actually still has something in his sleeve?

"New classes and park zone is good and all, but since it is the I.S. Academy – the most important thing here is the Infinite Stratos. And by this, I mean the I.S. frames the academy is using to train its students. I've got the confirmation literally an hour ago – some major members of the Board of Trustees have approved the decision to completely renovate the academy's I.S. frame depot. All the Uchiganes and Revives currently in use are to be replaced with new frames. I can't go into the details right now, but I can say that those are brand-new, advanced 3rd generation models – you girls are going to like them, I'm sure…"

"HHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!?" Expectedly, Ichika's last words caused this reaction. The atmosphere in the hall actually became brighter as girls' eyes now were sparkling. For the last three (almost four, actually) years, and even now, academy uses Uchigane and Rafale Revive frames to train students. Highly-rated and reliable, those two frames are still the 2nd generation models, which look quite outdated, comparing to new, 3rd generation models, owned by some first-year students, and especially outdated in comparison with Houki's 4th generation Crimson Camelia. Now almost all the girls seemed enthusiastic… all but first-year personal units' owners. Their faces were dark since the moment Ichika appeared on the tribune (they were foolish enough to expect some personal greetings from him?), but now their expressions became even darker.

"By the way," Ichika added, not even waiting until the commotion would calm down, "The renovation of I.S. frame depot was set as a top priority task, to be completed until the end of this calendar year. And with that, I'd like to conclude this review, thank you for your attention," Ichika finished his speech, slightly bowing to the auditory.

*Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap**Clap* Another burst of applause resounded through the hall.

"And with this, the all-school meeting is concluded, thank you," The Student Council secretary, Nohotoke Utsuho announced (she managed to rid of that trembling of her voice). And whilst she was speaking, Ichika managed to disappear, as if he was never there.


November 13th, Monday, 10:40 A.M.

Even though Ichika again just vanished after he finished his speech, Chifuyu perfectly knew where to he went. "Colonel, don't you think you're going way overboard, barging into the woman's private room just like that?" She asked crossly as she entered to dorm supervisor's room (i.e. her own room) and, expectedly, found her younger brother, lying on her bed. Well, at least he took off his boots… "Oh, sorry, probably I should call you a 'boss' now?" She asked acidly.

"Stop it," Ichika snorted in reply as he raised his back and took a sitting position. "I'm not anyone's boss here, aside from some technical personnel. My immediate job is to supervise the academy's modernization and make sure that not a yen will be stolen by a corrupted government I.S.-branch. After modernization will be completed, I'll be helping to supervise academy facilities and training units' technical condition. Oh, yeah, I'm also will be helping with academy's security and defense in case of emergency. That is all – I have nothing to do with an educational process or teachers and students afterclasses' activities."

"I see," Chifuyu pronounced.

"As if you didn't know this already," Ichika rolled his eyes.

"Get to hell off my bed," Elder sister demanded.

"Couldn't you just congratulate me with a promotion and a new job?" Ichika asked accusingly, as he hopped off the bed and began to put on his boots, "What a sister you are…"

"So what?" She asked as she suddenly approached him, leaving only about three inches between their bodies. "You want to punish me for being a bed sister?" She asked in whisper.

"Pervert," Ichika slightly shook his head. Changes of Chifuyu's mood seemed somewhat scary. "I'll gladly bring down on you all the punishment you've deserved, but when – it mostly depends on your schedule. Officially I have irregular working hours, but Sunday is a day-off, aside from times of emergency, of course" He informed.

Chifuyu dropped her shoulders, she wasn't afraid to show her emotions in front of her brother (who was no longer her student). "I guess I'll be staying in the academy this weekend as well…" She really, really was longing for carnal pleasures, but she can't ignore her duties in sake of her libido. And now the academy needs Chifuyu more than ever.

"I understand," Ichika nodded. Well, when they've begun their intimate relationships, both he and his sister were well aware that if they'll be abele to have sex at least two times per month – that should be considered a big luck. Usually – once per month is their norm, as sad as it sounds…

"By the way, what about those new I.S.-es?" Chifuyu asked, once again displaying a disturbing pace of her mood's changes.

"Details are still the matter of discussion, they probably still need a few hours," Ichika replied. "But they should come to an agreement about 5 PM today. Make me a favor – gather all I.S.-related teachers and come to my office about 6 PM, I'll be having the details at that time," He informed.

But Chifuyu just looked at her brother with dull sight for a few moments. "YOUR WHAT!?" She suddenly screamed with bursting indignation.

"Onee-san?!" Ichika even made a step back due to his sister's inadequate behavior.

"I'm a head teacher here, and I don't have a personal office here, but you do?!" Chifuyu grabbed her brother by his uniform's sleeves.

"Haaaahh…" Ichika sighed deeply, making a facepalm with both hands.


Coming back in time for about a week, it needs to be explained about changes of Ichika's status. The next day, following the 'Kyoto's incident', despite some (pretty weak) resistance, Ichika's merits were recognized by the whole Ministry of Defense. 'Despite his injury and odds being against him, Orimura Ichika displaying impressive ingenuity and skills, managed to prevent an otherwise inevitable tragedy' – that was an official wording. For his impressive performance, Ichika was rewarded with an another out-of-turn promotion. That was pretty generous, but more or less expected. Also, he was transferred to JMSDF counter-intelligence division, so he was given a rank of Ittō Rikusa (colonel), instead of an Ittō Kaisa (navy captain), even though he still was a naval officer.

What wasn't expected is that the government I.S.-branch will use that situation to kick Ichika out of I.S. Academy. However, being tired of hearing rumors about corruption within Japanese government I.S.-branch, the Board of Trustees forced the Prime Minister to assign a few 'observers', and as they began discussing the possible candidates, Ichika's name somehow came to agenda. Several major members of a Board of Trustees approved him, due to some reasons…

Regardless of all the mysteries surrounding that decision, one thing was obvious – for the Japanese government I.S.-branch it was a catastrophe. Now, instead of an annoying student, they've got a Cerberus sitting in the academy and waiting for the opportunity to bite off everything he can reach for…


November 13th, Monday, 4:04 P.M.

Today's afternoon classes have ended. Right now, most of the students were bombarding their curators and/or families with questions – there are lot of things to discuss. For now, students actually weren't aware about that Ichika actually has an office in the academy… except for one student, of course. And since she knew about the upcoming changes beforehand – she had nothing to discuss with her curators, but she definitely wanted to discuss a few things with Ichika.

Right now, Sarashiki Tatenashi was standing in front of his new office's door, looking at the brand-new plate with the inscription with mixed feelings. It was saying:

Colonel Orimura Ichika (JSDF)

I.S. Academy Board of Trustees' technical affairs permanent representative

Reception of students on personal matters: Monday, Thursday 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Reception of staff members on personal matters: Wednesday 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

"Ojō-sama?" Nohotoke Utsuho addressed her mistress, "Are you sure about this?"

"Yep," Tatenashi smiled cunningly. "Look, its saying 'Monday, Thursday 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM'. Today is Monday and now is already 4:06 PM. Let's go!" She reached for the doorhandle and turned it. The door wasn't locked, so Tatenashi opened it and entered the office. That was a specious office (about 550 square feet) with panoramic window instead of the wall across from the door. Obviously, it was a new office as it was almost completely empty, here were no furniture yet, aside from the 10-feet premium-class table in walnut veneer. Also, here was a guy, who was busy trying his new chair (elite-class, made of red wood and leather) – that was Ichika himself, of course.

"Oh, it's the two of you," A calm voice pronounced, as Ichika's heterochromic eyes flashed in the rays of setting sun, "Three minutes later than I was expecting." Obviously, he knew that Tatanashi is going to come.

"I'm sorry to trouble you," Tatenashi gave a refined bow, worthy of an eldest scion of an ancient family.

"Nothing to worry about, please, come in," Ichika waved his arm, making a welcoming gesture. "Please forgive me that I am unable to offer you a seat – as you can see, the furniture's delivery is getting late…" He apologized, standing up, as it would've been unpolite to be seating while the guests are standing.

"Please, don't bother about it," Tatenashi assured him as she came closer. Utsuho followed her mistress quietly.

Ichika closed his eyes for a moment. "Alright, what do you want?" He asked with his usual 'I'm busy, don't bother me' expression. "Officially I'm starting to work since 16th November, today's a no-reception day, as you are well-aware. Leave me alone," He waved her off as that falsely polite atmosphere in the office has crumbled to pieces.

"What the hell was that, at the morning meeting?!" Tatenashi ignored Ichika's demand as she came even closer. "I've told to all the students a bunch of controversary news, and then, out of blue, you've appeared, telling everyone how cool our school is going to become and how lucky our students are, because they'll be able to spent here four years instead of just three. Do you realize how much of a loser I've looked like back then!?" Tatenashi exclaimed resentfully.

"To look like a loser is your normal condition," Ichika replied, casually blocking Tatenashi's attempt to hit him. "That was a good opportunity to earn some reputation, so I've made the maximum use of it," He explained.

"And what about my reputation?!" Tatenashi asked indignantly.

"Hah? Tatenashi, darling, care to explain – why I should care?" Ichika asked in reply, intentionally using a tautology. "Who are we to each other? What for should I sacrifice my own opportunities for your sake?"

"Haaah…" Tatenashi sighed. "I wonder who are those chosen people, with whom the resplendent Orimura Ichika is willing to share his grand achievements?" She rolled her eyes.

"The people close to me," Ichika replied as if it was obvious. "With my sister, with my close friends… though, I'm currently have no one I can call as such… but anyway – people close to me, in other words – that's pretty obvious," He added.

"Haaa?! So, virtually, you're telling me that to get into your white list I should marry you?!" Tatenashi almost jumped due to indignance.

"Hah? Good example, by the way," Ichika noted casually. "If the one asking for help would be my spouse, of course I'll help her to avoid being seen as a sore loser. Besides, if my memory serves me right, we already have had a similar conversation, and I've told you that the two of us marrying each other does seem like a good idea to me. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to dig out a Sarashiki clan's princess from beneath that pile of trashy habits you've buried yourself beneath."

Tatenashi narrowed her eyes as she put her arms to her sides. "Alright, let's do it!" She announced.

"It?" Ichika looked at her questioningly.

"Why you seem so puzzled?" She asked with bold smile, "You've proposed and I've agreed – let's get married!"

"Ah, okay," He nodded calmly as if agreeing to simply lent her a BD movie or something like that. "Though, in that case, you must excuse me, but your ring isn't ready yet – since you're going to be my..." He made an accent on that word "...wife – we can't just have a ring from the jewelry shop, right?"

"Alright, I'll wait," The girl replied with a complacent smile. "However, Ichika-sama," She moved closer, leaving only about five inches between their faces, "I'm an eldest daughter of Sarashiki family, and I won't tolerate an entire crowd of fangirls hanging around my husband!"

"Don't worry about that," Ichika assured her, "That matter will be handled before our wedding, Kanzashi-chan included. Don't worry – I won't be cruel or something," He noted. There's also a matter of Chifiyu, of course, but… one problem at a time. "By the way, about wedding… I believe that at least one of us should be of a legal marriageable age at a time of the ceremony. You're going to hit 18 next August, so we probably should consider next September or October as an approximate date for the wedding. As for my age – don't worry, I'll handle it," He added. In fact, Ichika is more than a year younger than Tatenashi – he only hit 16 less than two months ago.

"Sounds like a plan," Tatenashi agreed as she sat on Ichika's desk – as an official bride she now has a full right to do so. "But I need to introduce you to my parents soon," She noted, smiling charmingly.

"Of course," Ichika agreed, "How about the first weekend of December?"

"Should be fine," Tatenashi nodded, "I'll arrange the meeting."

"Now," Ichika gently lifted his fiancée(?) by her armpits, taking her off from his table. "As much as I'd like to take you right here, on this table, to celebrate our engagement, I can't do so, because several teachers are coming here soon to discuss some technical matters," He joked(?), putting the girl on her feet. "Besides, you probably should take care of this one," He pointed at Utsuho, "Because Utsuho-san seems like she's about to fall unconscious any moment now."

True to his words, the maid/secretary was in a very deep shock – her mouth was wide open, and eyes were saucer-wide. "Oh, Utsuho-sempai!" Tatenashi exclaimed as she remembered (pretended to?) about that there's actually one more person in this room. "Sorry that I forgot about you!" The Student Council president apologized, bowing and holding her palms together. "Come on, let's go to the student council room, I'll make a tea for you!" Tatenashi said as she grabbed Utsuho's palm and led her out of Ichika's office. Before closing the door, she smiled to him charmingly.

As the girls have left, Ichika thoughtfully looked at his right arm, at the same time inhaling the gentle fragrance that was still lingering in the air. "Hmm, I've never paid attention to it before, but she's actually using a hi-class perfume," He noted to himself. "I have to wash my hands and ventilate the room," He decided – the fragrance is nice but it's too early to explain this situation to his sister, and women's sense of smell should never be underestimated.


November 13th, Monday, 4:37 P.M.

Just as the two girls have entered the Student Council room, Utsuho managed to get a hold on herself (to some extent, at least). "Ojo-sama, what just happened!?" She asked, looking at her mistress as if she's a madwoman.

"Mn, don't call me that," Tatenashi noted in reply, as she put a tea set on the table. "That's a game!" She informed with a carefree smile as she began preparing the tea. "I'd like to see how long he can play that spectacle before going back on his words," She explained.

Utsuho blinked. Her mistress really went insane? "Ojo… Kaichō, maybe… can we… just pretend that that conversation never happened?" The Student Council secretary suggested cautiously, trying to reach the rational part of Tatenashi's consciousness.

"Huh?" The Student Council president looked at her secretary as if she's an idiot, "Sempai, our entire conversation has been recorded, haven't you noticed that large black scorpion crawling over the office's ceiling? As a current head of Sarashiki clan, I can't go back on my promise – it would've been an indelible shame on clan's name. No, we have to wait until he'll chicken out and run away!" She announced.

It took about 20 seconds for Utsuho to comprehend her clan head's words. "Kaichō," The maid called, even more cautiously, "And what's gonna happen if he won't chicken out?..."

Tatenashi shrugged, "Well, in that case, I still have about ten months, right? Should be enough for me to complete all my earthly business and then hang myself," She smiled carefreely.


November 13th, Monday, 6:01 P.M.

As expected, about 6 PM, Orimura Chifuyu, Yamada Maya, and a dozen of 'rarely mentioned' teachers arrived to Ichika's office. "My apologizes for such a spartan conditions," Ichika apologized for the lack of furniture, "Please, come in."

"Spartan conditions?" One of teacher mumbled, "These table and chair worth more than my car…"

Ichika heard that but politely ignored that remark. "I'm aware that your working day is already over, so let us be brief," He began to explain, ignoring his sister's sour face. "The details were agreed on just about an hour ago, but they are more or less final. So, the major members of the Board of Trustees decided to allocate an additional funding to replace academy's obsolescent I.S. frames – it's not a charity as they'll be paying to themselves, indirectly funding their own enterprises – academy won't be getting money but already manufactured product, but that's good news for us nonetheless."

He continued, "To replace Uchiganes, the academy will get 18 Ginshoku/Silver Ranger (Japanese name/American name) frames. That's an American-Japanese, 3.5th generation, all-rounder I.S. frame." A holographic image of a silvery I.S. appeared in the middle of the office. "Please, take a look. Sadly, but unlike Uchigane, this unit won't be as easy-to-use frame as the one it replaces, but there are no easy-to-use 3rd generation frames at all. The detailed specifications will be sent to all of you tomorrow at 8 AM."

The holographic image changed, now showing a golden/fiery-orange frame. "This is Léiniǎo/Птица Грома (Chinse name/Russian name) [Both names mean 'Thunderbird'], a Chinse-Russian, 3.5th generation, assault I.S. frame. The academy will get 14 of them to replace our Revives. You'll get the detailed info at 8 AM tomorrow, as well."

"First units are expected to arrive in the middle of December, and until then it's a commercial secret, so you are not allowed to disclose any details to the students and unauthorized personnel until December, 15th. The details are provided to all of you so you could start compose new educational plans," Ichika reminded. "Any questions?"

One of teachers raised her hand, as far as Ichika could remember – her name was Natália Nogueira (she was from Portugal). "Yes?" Ichika prompted her to speak.

"Um, Colonel, why… only these two models? Shouldn't we be getting a more… diverse nomenclature of frames to better prepare I.S. pilots?" She inquired.

Ichika nodded, "I understand what are you saying, but again, it's not a centralized procurement when academy gets a bunch of money and then buys any frames it wants – in fact, it's a give-away from those Board of Trustees' members. And I guess only countries with vast financial and/or natural resources can just give away more than a dozen of I.S. frames. Besides, other countries' enterprises still haven't finalized their projects' specifications. For example, EU still didn't choose the winner of the 'Ignition plan' competition."

"I see…" The Portuguese teacher nodded, probably, as an EU citizen, she felt a bit sad about this situation.

"Competition is good, but it seems that in EU it became too chaotic. For example, England already has three different variants of their Blue Tears, but none of them has entered the pre-production testing phase yet," Ichika commented. "Anyone else?" He asked.

And since there were no more questions, all teachers have left the office… all but Ichika's sister. "Nice chair," She commented as she sat on her brother's chair, "Tell me the truth – are you a religious cult leader or something? Why are they just throwing money at you?"

"No one's throwing anything at me," Ichika snorted. "Both the desk and a chair I've bought with my own money. Those two I.S.-es I've just demonstrated – I've participated in their development and I was paid for it, so yeah, now I can spend I bit of coins on my own comfort."

"Oh, so now you're bragging about that you've participated in creation of a corruption scheme?" Elder sister asked acidly.

"It's their money, I don't care how are they going to spend them," Ichica cut her speech off, "I've done my job according to a contract. By the way, just so you'd know, the Ministry of Defense assigned a personal driver for me. Since I'm too young to drive a car myself, and by using an I.S. to go to work and back home I'll be setting a bad example, I bought a car, and a personal driver will be driving it for me. And yes, that was bragging," Ichika smiled sarcastically, showing a booklet with the new Audi S8 car model.

Chifuyu looked at the large window. "I see… can I throw myself out of through this window?" She inquired casually.

"No, that window is very expensive," Ichika snorted in reply, thinking about since when the jokes about suicide stopped being idiotic and became trendy.


November 13th, Monday, 10:43 P.M.

Sarashiki Tatenashi's dormitory room. "Buuuee…" She vomited into the toilet bowl with the loud sound. "What have I done?!" She screamed as she somehow managed to stand on her feet. *Bang!* She hit her head against the wall… which caused her to feel nausea and she vomited again. "What is… wrong… with me?!" She asked her own, very pale reflection, as she was standing in front of a mirror on knees. It's a good thing that she's living alone and no one's seeing this extremely shameful situation.

Several hours after she left Ichika's office, she finally realized what she has done. She was covered with cold sweat and nausea wouldn't stop. She accepted Ichika's challenge… no, there's no reason to lie to herself – she herself turned Ichika's sarcastic joke into a challenge and accepted it. And as a head of Sarashiki clan she can't quit now! On the other hand – Ichika actually seemed pretty serious… Does it mean that they really are engaged now!?

Tatenashi again looked at her (very) pale reflection. "No, of course I do love him, but a wedding… wait…" She grabbed her head, "What did I just say?! I lo… lo… love… AAAAAAAAAAA!" She screamed and started to roll on the floor, holding to her head – it really seemed as if she's going insane as contradictive feelings were tearing her mind apart.

She was screaming and rolling on the floor until, suddenly, some powerful force grabbed her by her school jacket's collar and forced her to stand up. As she opened her eyes, the girl saw Ichika, holding her with his left arm, but before she could get even more scared because now she's seeing hallucinations, Ichika's right hand touched her head and Tatenashi's mind went blank, as her sight became unfocused and she was staring into the nowhere. Apparently, that was a real Ichika, and Tatenashi just got a real discharge from his realizer.

"What a troublesome girl…" Ichika sighed heavily. Somehow, he foresaw this situation, and (illegally) got back to the academy to handle it. In fact, since he's no longer a student, but an outside organization's representative, he cannot stay in the all-women school after 8 PM, just like any other male staff member, with the exception of academy's director, Kutsuwagi Jūzō (though, not many people actually know about his existence…) Anyway, since when such foolish things as 'rules' could stop Orimura Ichika from doing whatever he likes?

"Though, I'm not really the one to talk, since I'm, apparently, being attracted by such people," He laughed at himself, "First Chifuyu, and now this one…" Ichika picked the girl up with his arms and carried her to the bed. By the way – here's only one bed in this room – is this a privilege of a Student Council president? Ichika made Tatenashi to sit on her bed and began to undress her – he took off her jacket, shirt, then pulled off her skirt and stockings. Then he carefully removed her bra, and gently pulled off her panties, leaving the girl completely naked. As she was completely undressed, Ichika slightly pushed Tatenashi back, making her to lay down on her bed. But of course Ichika had no evil intentions – his moral code seems twisted, but doing lewd things with a girl against her volition was a strict taboo in Ichika's moral coordinates.

Ichika examined her body – her neat little toes, her quite a lush chest and her very soft skin. Then his sight fell on her hips, "I must say, you probably have the best butt in this academy…" He admitted. Ichika's fingers gently slid over her labia, and Tatenashi moaned slightly. No, she didn't wake up, she was still under realizer's effect. "What an amazing sensitiveness," Ichika said with admiration, before he stood up, took the blanket, and covered the girl's body with it. As he was doing so, Tatenashi weakly grabbed his arm. No, again – she didn't wake up – that was a pure instinct. She currently was feeling herself very vulnerable, and she was instinctively carving for protection.

"Poor girl," Ichika smiled. She was very talented, definitely being worthy of a clan head's position, but her real character was unfitting that role – her true, 'deredere' self was very gentle. This is why she invented and was upholding this 'mysterious lady' façade.

Ichika looked at his right arm, at his realizer, to be more precise. He was using that device on Tatenashi virtually regularly – she received more of realizer's discharges than all other people in the academy, combined. "I wonder if I was brainwashing her too often?" Ichika asked himself. That 'engagement' a few hours ago was way too weird, even for Tatenashi. Was that an effect of realizer's overuse? No, of course realizer cannot make someone to love somebody – Tatenashi's feelings towards Ichika was very real, but due to regular brainwashing, she has expressed them too boldly, too abruptly and too inadequately. "Oh well, why not? Let's get married," Ichika shrugged, looking at Tatenashi and talking to himself, "In the end, among all of my 'fangirls', you are the only one who likes the real me…" He gently touched the girl's hair.

"Now, listen to me," Ichika addressed the girl, he couldn't let the chance to slightly brainwash her again to slip by. "Walk only forth, eldest daughter of Sarashiki, there's no other way for you. Also, this gorgeous body of yours soon will be mine, so you must take a good care of it, understand? Now, you must sleep for eight hours… and yeah, do see some porn dreams," He ordered and snapped his fingers. Tatenashi immediately closed her eyes as she fell into a deep sleep. "Good night," Ichika whispered as she kissed Tatenashi's forehead (the place she hit against the wall), and disappeared like the wraith.


Omake – I.S. Collection continuation

Issue №18

Origin: N/A

Designation: Léiniǎo/Птица Грома (雷鳥, Chinse reading, Thunderbird [both languages])

Core №: 073 (Test unit)

Registered Pilot: Unknown test pilot

Generation: 3.5th Gen

Combat specialization: close combat to medium range fast-assault type

Manufacturer: CRRC I.S. Manufacturing Ltd. (China) & Russian Technologies Corporation, RTC (Russia)

Current status: First Shift, Operational – undergoing flight tests.

Armaments:

Léifǔ Língluò (雷斧零落, Thunder Axe of Downfall). A weird hybrid of a two-bladed, six feet long scythe/poleaxe and a boomerang. Can be used in close combat or launched towards the enemy, it will fly forth, shooting lightnings around itself. The weapon uses Fold-Out Armor as high-capacity capacitors.

Léilóng Pào (雷龍砲, Thunder Dragon Cannon) A pair of shoulder-mounted, improved impact cannons, utilizing advanced third generation technology. A spherical device floating above each shoulder that compresses surrounding air and charges it with lightning energy, before shooting it out as a powerful projectile.

Громовые Стрелы Перуна (Perun's thunder arrows) A pair of hand-mounted lightning canons (virtually, Tesla's coils), capable of shooting powerful electrical discharges at quite a long range (though, damage output decreases beyond the medium-range). Has an ECM effect on enemy I.S. units, uses Fold-Out armor as emitters' cores. Developed with some help from Orimura Ichika.

Other Equipment:

Advanced 3rd grade reactor (Tokamak-type MCF reactor)

Advanced 3rd grade hyper-sensor

3 x advanced 3rd grade ion thrusters

3 x 3rd grade PICs

Minimum use of Fold-Out Armor (electron flux field type).

Max speed: 1700 knots

Max turn rate: 5.25 radian/sec

I.S. Shield characteristics:

Maximum capacity – 675 points.

Physical DAR – 0.81, Heat DAR – 0.815, Energy DAR – 0.81

One-Off Ability: Тридевятое Царство (No direct translation, best explanation would sound like 'far-away magical kingdom' or 'far-away wonderland') Thunderbird's One-Off Ability, a wide-area stasis field. Its power to grasp and hold is far beyond of that of an AIC field. An almost perfect barrier that is almost inescapable and unavoidable, swallowing everything around it.

Description: Léiniǎo/Птица Грома is a joint Chinse-Russian project, an advanced prototype that uses best technologies both countries have to offer. To accelerate the weapons' development, the joint enterprise did hire Orimura Ichika

Due to minimum use of Fold-Out Armor (only for weaponry), this unit cannot be considered as a 4th generation machine, even though the One-Off Ability is available after the First Shift.

Despite being an assault unit, the Thunderbird does look light and agile. Its golden/fiery-red frame's shape strongly resembles that of a Moskov's Thick Fog, with Shēnlóng-like shoulderpads, to mount the new impact cannons. Frame's transparent elements are not water veils but Fold-Out Armor.

By now, no serious flaws were discovered in Léiniǎo/Птица Грома's design and tests are going smoothly, so CRRC I.S. Manufacturing Ltd. and Russian Technologies Corporation already began preparations to start the small-scale serial production starting next month. They definitely want to make use of a great chance that the other countries are giving to them, delaying the testing phases of their own 3rd generation frames.


And that's it for now, see you soon, people! Don't forget about the reviews! Next update will take a bit longer than this one as I have to update my Fairy Tail story.