After playtime, it was time to work. She switched back to her uniform, Yuriko took, and began the rest of her day. Though, there wasn't much work as before since Princess Pina's coronation to Crown Princess. Yuki, along with Yuriko and Kyosuke, walked around the JSDF base as part of her inspection duties, but this was nothing more than a formality on a day where there wasn't anything to do.
"Oh look, CQC training."
During her inspection, she came across a regiment of SDF soldiers engaged in CQC training with the local militia. Yuki decided to include herself.
"Good to see everyone working diligently."
"Commander, we're trying our best to adapt to this world's combat styles. As you can see, we're improving our CQC skills with our bayonets with their swords, or in this case, bats."
"Why don't you try something more compatible?"
"Compatible?"
Yuki snapped her fingers and two Shinobi suddenly showed up next to her. Everyone was stunned.
"I'm sure you're familiar with the Shinobi. They exist in both our histories as warriors of the night, invisible to the untrained eye, and capable of infiltrating enemy compounds without leaving any trace that they were there at all. My Shinobi live up to their name, and should be more than adequate for your training."
"I don't think we'll need this much-"
Suddenly, one of the Shinobi held his blade to the officer's throat, seemingly to have moved in a flash.
"Stand down."
The Shinobi released the officer and sheathed his blade before moving back to position.
"Just because your enemies are inferior in every aspect, that does not excuse you to be easygoing. I remember that one soldier was injured during the counterattack on the Jade Palace from an arrow."
"That was just-"
"It's that sort of thinking why…"
Yuki cleared her throat.
"Anyway, I recommend you spar with these two. They'll let you know where you're lacking and help you improve."
The man had no choice in the matter. He'd hear it from his superiors one way or another, so he took her up on the offer. After a few mock battles, the Shinobis won every time. But they were helpful in letting their opponent know how to improve their skills. With that, Yuki moved on. Up next, she saw paratroopers getting ready for drills.
"I don't remember the last time we had to use paratroopers."
"That's because we never did."
Kyosuke added.
"Seems like a slow way to deploy soldiers behind enemy lines, isn't it?"
"Their technology is not advanced like ours, so this is one of the best ways to do it."
"Would you think they'd get one over us if they used paratroopers on us?"
"Highly unlikely, but the possibility is out there."
"Hmm… Maybe we should improve diligence training."
And thus, they moved on. Up next, they witnessed a combined firing exercise with tanks and helicopters.
"Type 74s and AH-1S Cobras, a nice combination of a combined assault."
"Kyosuke, you're quite knowledgeable about various equipment. How would our Tsunami Tanks fare against theirs?"
"Well, they got us beat in firepower. The Tsunami Tank is a light tank, after all. But we have the advantage in numbers due to advanced assembly lines. For every Type 74 they deploy, we'll have 5. In mobility, they are just a little faster than ours, but we can travel on both land and sea. Furthermore, our targeting systems are 85% more accurate. They have the longer range, but we make up for it in accuracy. Finally, we have our trump card, Nano Deflectors. Using rush tactics, we can overwhelm their armored force before they have a chance to form a counterattack."
"I see. And what about against an airborne assault?"
"Thanks to Tenzai Robotics, we are more than capable of taking down an incoming aerial assault then switching to ground defense. For those Cobras, our Striker VXs should have no problem dealing with those. But that's if we're focusing solely on vehicles."
Yuki pounced on him.
"You sure are smart."
He caught her, now carrying her bridal style.
"I just have an interest in machines."
She traced her finger along her uniform top, as if trying to remove it.
"Does that mean you're more interested in machines than me?"
"Don't turn my words against me."
He kissed her. Yuki blushed as she remained in his arms. After that, Yuki walked around until she reached the entrance.
"You know, I just had another thought."
"Another prediction?"
"Let's say it'll be beneficial to us, and to our allies."
For Yuki, this was more than beneficial. This was the first step in gaining an advantage over the Special Region. Yuki authorized a new base to be constructed and had an MCV created along with several base nanocores. Of course, this spurred activity at Alnus.
"One must seize the opportunity at a moment's notice to gain the upper hand in warfare."
"And who's that quote from?"
"Me."
Yuki discussed her plan to construct a new base in general Hazama's office.
"Our scouts have found an ideal location for a new base that would expand our capabilities."
"And where would that be?"
Yuki showed on a hologram a satellite photo of a large sea that was near the imperial capital.
"The locals call it the Blue Sea. You see, we look to relocate our seabase closer so we can organize ourselves more efficiently."
"Sea Base?"
"Oh, that's right. I haven't told you about that."
She then showed a hologram of the floating fortress, The Black Tortoise, along with a size comparison to JMSDF ships.
"This…"
"Just one of our many important assets. Moving this base closer to the frontlines is a necessity if we want to keep the advantage. You understand, don't you?"
"So you want to include your navy as well?"
"But of course. This should increase our force and firepower exponentially. Controlling the waterways should also be your objective as well if you want to expand in the Special Region."
"We have decided that far yet."
"Well I have, and I'm going to make it happen."
"Wait."
"Was there something else you wanted to know?"
"We have a mutual agreement that we let you study the Gate if you helped us out with the situation between Japan and the Empire."
"Yes, I haven't forgotten."
"With the princess now the Crown Princess, you shouldn't be inclined to help us anymore."
Yuki sighed.
"I hate technicalities as much as I hate politicians. In this case, the latter would use the former to their advantage."
"Hmm? How so?"
"The war between the Empire and Japan? Help you out? The situation is far from over. Until the reparations are complete, there's technically still a war between the two countries."
"Well, you are right. But why bring up that technicality?"
"If I didn't bring it to your attention, I'm sure your prime minister would. The politicians will stir up trouble, the JSDF will have to carry out their wishes, and there goes our research into the Gate. And without that, getting back home will be even more difficult. That's why I brought it to your attention. Honestly, things would be much simpler if Japan had stayed imperial."
Only a few truly knew how much Yuki abhorred the self defense natured Japanese.
"If that's your decision, I won't stop you."
No one can. Well, maybe one person...
"But since you brought the idea of the sea routes up, we'd like to take this opportunity to scout the seas as well. In the future, we'd like to introduce the JMSDF to the Special Region. I'll have a mechanized detachment tag along to your destination.
Great… Babysitting…
"Of course."
"I expect great things in the future from working together."
"I do, as well."
Yuki excellently hid her true emotions from him. As soon as she left the HQ, Yuriko met up with her.
"Just because we're mutually allied doesn't mean we need to get friendly."
"You still don't like them?"
"Never did, never will. Let's just go already."
Yuriko was more than happy to escort Yuki wherever she went.
A few days passed and the MCV was ready to move out, along with their SDF detachment. The MCV was escorted with 30 Mecha Tengus, 30 Striker VXs, 50 Tsunami Tanks, 10 Sudden Transports loaded with several Imperial Warriors, Tankbusters, and Archer Maidens, 3 King Onis, 5 Steel Ronins, 3 Wave Force Artillery, and 20 Rocket Angels.
"Isn't this a bit much?"
"When the base is set up, these units will be stationed there until we get more."
"I've only seen those giants during the Imperial capital rescue, but they sure are impressive."
Yuki was in the command room in the MCV, acting as overseer of the operation. Kyosuke rode with the detachment, looking to learn from their tactics if they were needed, and Yuriko was among the escorts, located at the front of the MCV. The JSDF detachment consisted of a Type 87 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle, a Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier, A Type 73 Light Truck, and a Komatsu LAV. As they moved from Alnus to southwestern coast of the Blue Sea, they were spotted by several people in the countryside. Words could not describe the monstrosities that were travelling in a single pack to the east. Before passing through a mountain range, the group stopped. The King Onis carefully scanned the towering cliffs.
"So that's how it is."
The Wave Force Artillery aimed their barrels high up towards the skies and fired a super heated lob shot. Their shots then landed on the cliff tops. Bodies of what looked like bandits came flying off, all of them either dismembered or charred to a crisp.
"Commander, what the hell is going on?"
"Just taking care of a group of unknowns. Looks like bandits that would've ambushed us had we not acted first."
"Did you confirm they were hostile?"
"Yes. They were indeed hostile. Let's move on, shall we?"
The SDF detachment felt uneasy at how ruthless the Empire handled the situation. Half a day later, they arrived at their destination. Upon arriving, the MCV was set up and produced nanocores and a wall around the perimeter. The one Yuki had been planning to use was the Docks. After setting up the Docks, she had a certain uber unit produced. It floated in the sea along with several Naginata Cruisers and Shogun Battleships, all parked near the shore and awaiting orders. The SDF detachment surveyed the surrounding area, noting their findings in their report.
"Would you like a cookie? I made these this morning."
Yuki offered the SDF CO, a sergeant, her bag of cookies. At that moment, every soldier nearby looked in his direction, along with several of the mechs turning towards him. He felt unnerved.
"Is this a trick?"
"What do you mean?"
She looked behind, but everyone looked away, back into their original positions.
"There's nothing in these cookies for you to be allergic to, don't worry."
She took a bite to show him.
"See?"
Something in his gut told him that this was a very bad idea.
"This is so random, to have cookies on your person for a mission."
"I have room for these in our MCV and more."
"Err… I'll pass. That trip was rough with me, what with all the offroading and all."
"Oh, I see. That's unfortunate, but I guess it can't be helped."
She ate her cookies and walked away. The sergeant breathed a sigh of relief. Yuriko walked up and had a cookie herself.
"What could be so bad about cookies?"
He thought to himself as he continued surveillance.
Not far from the base, Yuki, Yuriko, and Kyosuke were relaxing on the beach. Yuriko wore a floral one piece swimsuit and Yuki wore a plain white bikini.
"Is this really appropriate military wear?"
Kyosuke was still in his uniform.
"Are you saying you don't want to see two beauties in swimsuits?"
"I'm just saying, that's all."
Though they were there for a mission, it looked as if these three were there for a vacation. Yuki raced Yuriko to the water and splashed about while Kyosuke set up their beach gear. After a little fun under the sun, the two beach babes returned to shore where beach mats were set under a beach umbrella. Kyosuke holds a bottle of suntan lotion. The two take the hint and lay down on their fronts. Yuki undid her bikini top and Yuriko pulled down her swimsuit. He got down in between the two, lathered up his hands with the lotion and started rubbing them down.
"What's the point of this again?"
Kyosuke asked as he rubbed their backs.
"Just a little fanservice for the perverts watching us from down the coast thinking they're sly and sneaky when they're actually not. After they get their kicks, we'll saturate the area with billions of heavy matter particles from a supercharged artillery cannon."
Yuki casually answered as she relaxed.
"Are you going to give the signal?"
She flipped onto her back.
"After you get my front."
Down the coast
Three Imperial soldiers that deserted from the capital ran south. During their journey, they stopped at a nearby village to recuperate. That's when they decided to go relax at the beach and noticed Yuki and her party.
"Damn, look at the body on those two."
"What I wouldn't give to have a go at that ass."
"Damn, just look at those things. They're massive."
They sounded like a bunch of premature teens that never experienced any form of sexual relation and were trying to sound cool and experienced.
Back to Yuki.
"Hand me that radio."
Yuki held the radio up and gave the signal. From the base, a Wave Force Artillery turret aimed at the location of the three and fired. After the blast, nothing was left except half a crater of charred soil and glass.
"By the way, have you noticed that there's been a lot of troubling activity in the region?"
"You mean the guerilla warfare enacted by the prince's army?"
"Yeah. Those SDF guys got it rough."
"Are you going to help them?"
Yuki sat up and put her top back on.
"Help them, no. But we'll be fighting the same enemy for our own benefit."
"And what would that be?"
She smiled. It was an expression with malicious intent behind it.
"You know the reason."
"Ah, sorry. You're right, we all know the reason."
After their fun in the sun, it was time for business again. With the new base operational, Yuki's project was complete. Her project to establish a rail line was finished. It wasn't your standard railway, for it was a maglev line spanning four lines across from the first base the Black Tortoise set up at the southwestern coast, to Alnus, and finally to the Blue Sea coastal base. Now materials can be transported across in large quantities in a short amount of time. Yuki used the line for the first time to get back to their Alnus base.
"The wonders you can do with nanotechnology."
She was already back in less than 5 minutes. After arriving, she took out her PDA and looked over some stuff.
"Well, isn't this convenient? We finally have our reinforcements."