Prologue:

In the summer of 2014 the world stood still. All over the globe telecommunication devices, radios, and computer systems had been hijacked by an unknown source. It broadcast one simple message:

This is being broadcasted on all radio frequencies in five languages. We do not wish to be involved in politics or cultural exchange. We wish to only trade. For every 1,000 kilograms of limestone, we shall provide you with one of our technological productions. We shall not distinguish between nationality, ethnicity, ideology, or any other discriminator. We offer these terms of exchange impartially and equally to all of humanity.

As promised the alien entities made no further contact. When offered what they want automated drones came from the sky making the exchange. Each one leaving behind a robotic entity.

The world was astounded by these "machines". Scientist from all over began to study it finding it to be both mechanical and organic in nature. Ones consciousness can operate it as if their own body through just the saddle or hand rail. Operation of such machine required no external controls, only ones thoughts making it easy to master. This marvel of robotic engineering was soon named the "Enhanced Xenobiological Organic FRAME", or more commonly "EXOFRAME".

However no one expected the economical impact this exchange would bring. 3rd world countries began to extensively utilize them for agricultural and industrial uses rendering the sales of earth based machines useless. Because of this Caterpillar, New Holland, and others began to flounder. Automotive soon followed as the machines use in transportation was simpler.

Fearing of further damage The United States, European Union, Russian, and China created the Sankt Gallen Arrangement. This agreement between the industrial nations of the world would heavily regulated the use and distribution of Exoframs. This did not stop other smaller nations.

In Africa the emerging nation The Republic of Azania spearheaded a new technological independents movement. With the use of Exoframes as the bases for new industrialization the new African Union saw unimaginable growth. Both economically, and military.

After an incident in 2015 insurgency groups began using Exoframs in military operations. Pakistan soon began using them in an official military capacity by up armoring them. In turn India formally dropped from the Sankt Gallen Arrangement in order to combat their neighbors in the same fashion. The impact from this action alone set off far greater chain of events.

On the surface each member nation of the Sankt Gallen Arrangement held up their end. Behind the scenes however each one began their own weaponization program. Though the Republic of Azania had a head start in the creation of full on Exoframe divisions the U.S had started development of advanced armor and weapon systems.

By early 2024, ten years after the alien "Peddlers" first arrived, the world was on the brink of full scale global war. Economic instability threaten both the U.S and China. South America was already embroiled in full scale war. The Middle East close to full scale warfare as well. Boarder conflicts erupting in Asia. North Korea had already amassed full scale divisions of Exoframes threatening South Korea and Japan.

It would take a single spark to set the world ablaze. No one could have imagine that spark would come from another world that invaded Japan. Not by aliens, but by "Romans".

Chapter 1

Youji Itami sighed as he plopped down on the train seat. It had been a rough two months for him. Since the threat of North Korea skyrocketed the JSDF had been retraining and preforming maneuvers with the 31st MEU. That was month one.

The second month he had a surprised visit with General Hazama. Someone higher up had put his name forward for an experimental project. The U.S had secretly supplied them with weaponized EXOFRAMEs fresh off the factory floors. It had been a childhood dream for the self proclaimed otaku to pilot a mech. The need only amplified ten years ago with the Peddlers arrival.

But as the years went by and Japan signing the arrangement it all but shattered. Still he kept on being part of the JSDF. Now it felt like it paid off. Only there had still been a price to pay.

Three grueling weeks of an accelerated crash course courteously provided by the U.S of A's own Devil Dogs. It was a miracle that he even survived, let alone pass. The Marines that where teaching had been harsher on him then the rest of his peers. Yet when all was said and done they did congratulate him on passing, even if it was just above the bar.

Now he can finally relax and enjoy his annual con. Time off awarded to him instead of the usual string pulling he had to do. Just the thought put a little smile on his face.

Phone was soon in hand to prepare his battle plan. Scrolling through the conventions site to check times, places, and mentally imprinting the floor map. This however was interrupted with a text message.

It was from Risa:

Sorry Youji going to be late to the event. Have to finish up manuscript :^(

Itami only chuckled at this before replying:

Don't worry will make sure to get all your favorites before they sell out ;^)

Placing the phone back and resting his head on the glass he gave another sigh. It was good to be off base and out of uniform. Today was going to be a good day.

The island of Okinawa was having another hot August Saturday. Skies where clear with the sun beating down on the city of Ginowan. The sub tropic conditions would have made it unbearable for anyone without air-conditioning. This wasn't the case for the occupants of the open topped Humvee roaring down the road.

Corporal Eric Miles Hicks never minded the blazing sun. Three years in The Sandbox plus three months on the island made him use to it. The same was said for Sergeant Isaac Mendoza seated next to him. Both had been through much worse heat before.

Eric tapped at the wheel in time with the beats blasting out of the Bluetooth stereo their friend jury-rigged into the military vehicle. His NCO/Crime Partner nodded to it as he reclined in his seat, boots propped on the dash. As the song faded out another began to play. A smile both creep up on both Marines. Both bobbing their heads as Eric started to sing.

"Early in the morning, risin' to the street. Light me up that cigarette and I strap shoes on my feet."

Isaac soon followed. "Got to find a reason, a reason things went wrong. Got to find a reason why my money's all gone."

The driver laughed glancing at his friend. "I got a dalmatian,"

The NCO made an exaggerated smoking gesture. "And I can still get high,"

"I can play the guitar like a mother fucking riot !" They soon started making guitar noises as those they pass by look on them with confusion. Others just dirty looks.

"Well, life is too short, so love the one you got. 'Cause you might get run over or you might get shot," Isaac belted out, "Never start no static I just get it off my chest. Never had to battle with no bulletproof vest."

Eric thumbs pointed at himself."Take a small example, take a tip from me. Take all of your money, give it all to charity! Love is what I got! It's within my reach!"

"And the Sublime style's still straight from Long Beach. It all comes back to you, you'll finally get what you deserve. Try and test that you're bound to get served. Love's what I got. Don't start a riot. You'll feel it when the dance gets hot!" Both of them started to groove from side to side as they each sang.

Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got, now remember that
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got

Eric then noticed that they had just about reached their intended destination. Giving a light tap on Isaac's shoulder. "Hey, hey. We're back already."

The Humvee rolled up to the gatehouse and fence of the airbase. The Guardsman could just as well hear them coming from the music that blasted from the vehicle. Already the Lance Corporal knew who they where. Sure enough as the vehicle stop he could get a good look at the "Dynamic Duo" of 2nd Platoon.

Cpl Hicks was close to average as any marine with a young face. Raven hair styled in a crew cut that boarder on not regulation standard with how long the top was. Round rim sunglasses shielded emerald eyes. Somehow his skin was pale even when he was deployed for long periods in Afghanistan. Isaac swears to people that he was a vampire if it weren't for the fact that he didn't combust on patrol.

Sgt Mendoza was the opposite with a rugged face and build like a tank. The Latin American sported the same hair and eyes as his partner though with an added pencil stache on his lips. Erin always gave him shit about it but Isaac brushed it off by saying "The wife loves it." To his credit his lover does in fact love the shitty mustache.

"Coming back from another boondoggle sirs?" The guard asked.

Hicks tipped his sun glasses letting his eyes pierce him before thumbing at the back seat. Plastic bags filled with Styrofoam doggy bags where all over and on the floor. The guard looked at all of it before turning back to Hicks and Mendoza.

"Decided to buy everyone in 2nd Platoon a good lunch after that three week shit show." Mendoza laughed.

The guard grimaced. "Yeah scuttlebutt says you had a few bad ones among the JSDF boots."

"Worse," Hicks growled, "One was an honest to god 2nd Lieutenant."

"An actual 'S' to boot." Mendoza chimed in.

The guard whistled. "Shit Special Forces?"

Hicks shook his head. "Lazy ass motherfucker."

Mendoza agreed. "Yeah. Anyways got to get this taco rice to the crew before it gets 'cold'."

The guard shook his head while smiling. "This weather?" Both marines also laughed. "Also if you don't mind me asking did you get this at the new place a few blocks back?"

"Got it at Fukusaburu's across town." Hicks answered.

There was a click of the tongue. "That shithole?"

"Hey!" Mendoza interjected, "It's a mighty fine shithole thank you very much."

The guard shook his head again and waved them through. The gate opened up as the two sped on to their hanger.

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on the island of Okinawa normally housed the air wings of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. For the past four months new expansions where made to house the new residences. With the need for new quick reaction forces (QRF) The Secretary of Defense felt that having their new toys be stationed with its air transports at the ready. This also had the added bonus of getting all their air lifted gear and supplies right away.

Experimental EXOFRAME Warfare 1st Company made their homes in the beginning of summer, but never had time to be comfortable. Constant drills, preparations, and cross training with the JSDF had already taken a toll after two months. It was rare for anyone in 2nd Platoon to have a break. In the rare moments it did was usually in the "FRAME House".

Outside FRAME House #2 Erin could see two figures leaning beside the open hanger door. One was a tall lengthy man with a very faded chestnut hair. Eyes sunken with dark bags from lack of rest. Mouth sucked on two different e-cigarettes while pointed nose fumed a white cloud of vapor. Sergeant Blake B. Cooper of Squad 2 is a volatile mix of insomniac, nicotine addict, and caffeine junky.

Besides him a short bookish woman leaned on him. Blond hair tucked up in her field cap had few strands loose. Green tired eyes reflected on the large round glasses that sat on a button nose. One hand lazily held a large can of Monster, few others litter by her combat boots. Corporal Tanya Schnee was Blake's right hand woman and confidant.

The Humvee pulled up to them before shutting off. Both leaders of second squad sniffed the air as food wafted from it. Drowsiness gave way to hunger as Tanya's mouth water and Blake became more focused.

"Is that the smell of tacos and rice in the air or am I delusional?" Blake hummed.

Isaac slammed the door. "No, this is all just a dream."

Erin started grabbing a few bags. "Yeah your still back in Gonsalves training boots."

Tanya gave a visible shutter. "Itami." She hissed.

Blake shook his head as he pocketed his vapes. "How the hell does one have both enthusiasm and laziness mixed in?"

Isaac hefted a few bags. "Well dude did say he was a 'wage thief'."

"All for what? Paying for manga and anime?" Blake grabbed the rest. "I mean I understand getting a job for your hobbies, but that's a mindset for teenagers. Fuck I did that in high school to pay for my tiny plastic men."

There was a snicker from Tanya. "Blake you still do that."

"Yet never have the time to put them together," Blake lamented. "Been neglecting my Marines."

"Come on guys," Erin interrupted, "I'm starving and would like to eat sometime soon."

Blake was looking in one of the bags. "Where did you guys go this time?"

"Fukusaburu's." Isaac replied.

Tanya and Blake clicked their tongue. "That shithole?"

They where met with fingers by both first squads leaders.

As they strode into the hanger with food in hand they could see the small commotion going on. On the right side near them most of the squad was gathered around one of the Exos. The usual 9' something giant was kneeling down resting on its "knee wheels". A few flood lights put it in a spotlight but Erin couldn't really see with everyone gathered around. Especially when Henry and Jacob are around.

Across from the other side a few card tables where set up for them. One was occupied by three men with books and other assorted papers in front of them. 1st Lieutenant Kyle Watson was slumped in his chair, both legs spread and stiff while his head pointed up. A set of crutches was cradled in one arm while the other drummed on the table.

Across from him was Gunnery Sergeant Owen Holden. A 25 year vet and "lifer" of the Marine Corps. and the oldest of 2nd Platoon at 43. Years of accumulated expertise in weapons and explosives earned him the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Had he not went on to be a drill instructor for a time he would have made Master Gunnery by now. He was face deep in a manual that had DARPA written all over it.

Lastly sitting at the center of the card table was 1st Sergeant Tyson J. Morgan. The second oldest of the platoon the Bronx native was another lifer much like Gunny. Unlike the other two he was a much jovial man who treated everyone like his own five kids. His last platoon before had affectionately named him 'Pops' on account of his fatherly attitude. He insisted everyone else on calling him that.

The African American man was watching the commotion with a wide smile, all the while the old Gunny scratched at his graying head. He grunted at the schematics on the page. "Pump action shotguns for Exos?" He looks up at Watson. "This really what the boys in R&D making?"

Kyle shrugged. "Not my call on what they make Gunny."

Owen scoffed at that. "We're better off just making a new mount for our AGL's then waste money on new guns."

Tyson gave a chuckle. "Come on Gunny, did you think they would do that? These are the same guys that made those big fuck off 20mm rifles for us. Of course they would make more 'Exo guns'."

He slammed shut the manual and placed it down on the table. "But 40mm canister shot with 0.25 guage steel shot?" He started to become very animated. "Tyson we already have that with armor piercing flechette's. That can be fired out of an Automatic Grenade Launcher. Why a pump action oversized shotty?"

Erin placed down the bags in front of them. "We're getting shotties sir?"

"Technically Frag Cannon." Tyson stated.

"Shotgun, shotty, frag cannon, or whatever the fuck." Owen scoffed. "Another wast of my tax money."

Isaac raised a brow at this. "Thought you like new toys Gunny?"

Tyson gave a shit eating grin. "Oh he does Mendoza..."

"But not if it's fucking redundant." Owen glared at Tyson. "And an AGL could out perform a simple semi-auto."

Kyle lifted his head to turn to Gunny, then turned to face Erin and Isaac. "Fifty says he'd like it in a day."

"Fifty for within the hour." Erin looked at Isaac who shook his head.

"Fuck that. Raise a hundred and a pack of beer for within the minute." Both Corporal and Lieutenant agreed while Gunny simply grimaced and went back to his book.

The 1st Lieutenant started rifling through the bags taking out containers. "Where did you two go anyways?"

Both Erin and Isaac answered "Fukusaburu's."

Smiles on all three CO and SNCO's faces spread. "Good man Mendoza." Tyson laughed.

Owen popped the lid off the container and gave it a deep whiff. "Fukusaburu's taco rice. Best in Oki since I joined."

Tanya and Blake rolled their eyes at this. But being good Marines when it came to free food they took their share and sat down at the next table. Isaac also started on his while Erin placed out the rest. "Going to go over and tell everyone that food's here."

"Roy should be finishing up his 'Master Piece' there." Kyle rolled his eyes when he said those words. "Can't believe Company Commander gave the green light on it."

With that in mind the Corporal started to worm his way in the crowed to see the "Master Piece". Each of the enlisted serviceman and women watch as one of their own put the finishing touches on his mech. Roy Mercer was an artist at heart, it showed in both his movements and the paint splatters on his face. Two days worth of free time had accumulated in his little project. With the finishing touches finally done his blue eyes beamed and with a smile he cries "Done!"

With care he pealed off the stencils of his own design. The group gawked at the image grafted on the side of the "Backpack". Erin had to hold back a snicker while others cracked here and there. 'Of course he'd put that on the side' he thought.

Lance Corporal Veronica Rodriguez moved next to him and in a somewhat hushed tone said "That has got to be a war crime to put that on a war time machine."

The aforementioned "war crime" was a the main heroine from "Konoka Angel" riding her own EXOFRAME. Both Erin and Roy watched the series, out of the two Roy was the bigger fan. He had to admit that Roy had more courage to flaunt his love of all things anime. This had earned him the name "Weeb" out of the whole Company.

Another soon stood at Erin's other side. A mountain of a man in both height and width, Henry "Bubba" Johnson Jr also asked "How the hell did anyone approved of this?"

Roy looked up at the dark Mississippi native with a shit eating grin. "Told them it'd boost moral."

"Bull shit!" Corporal Damian "D.J" Jones yelled. "If anything it breaks moral knowing we got weeb's like you in the Corps."

One of the newer recruits next to him, Private First Class Shannon Hudson, gave a nervous laugh. Erin gave a hard pat on D.J's back. "Careful now there's more of us in the Corps. then you think."

"At least you have the decency to not flaunt it 'round." He teased.

"True, true," Erin chuckled, "Anyways food's here."

Roy picked up all his things and forced the crowed around to part. "Well got to get this shit back to my bunk and clean up. Don't want any paint in my food." Everyone else nodded as the smell of takeout hit them.

The whole of Second Platoon had gathered around a different corner of the hanger. Food was passed with bottles of Coke being cracked. Few of the PFC's lamented about not having alcohol on hand. Gunny ranted about more of the "Bullshit" DARPA's been developing. Tyson and Isaac swapping pictures of their kids.

The overall mood in the hanger was at an all time high. Even with the shadow of an impending war with North Korea or any other powers that be hanging over their heads. For now Erin could only feel that today was a good day.

Ginza was having its usual busy day. The upscale shopping district always was on a summer saturday. Many both native and abroad come here for the sites, shops, and food. It would have continued to be a normal day if not for the sudden appearance of a marble gate.

The air shimmered and sparked in the middle of the road causing traffic to grind to a halt. Out of thin air marble bricks and pillars formed. Intricate statues of unknown gods etched in places. It was massive and imposing to the people that looked on. In the center of it all where a door should be was only a void of pitch black. Those that peered into it was met with nothing but a sense of dread.

Like any spectacle crowed started to form. Curious onlookers started to take photos. Others started to film live on social media. There was murmurers in the air as well.

"Where did it come from?"

"This a movie set?"

"I saw it come out of thin air!"

"Does anyone else hear that?"

In the dark off into the distance light appeared. The sounds of a thousand foot falls marched in lockstep. A few in the crowed had the sense of danger and took off. Others however where less fortunate as they continued to watch and film.

Out of the void a man on a pale horse came.

Tiberius Sepunius Victricius, Centurion of the Great Empire's Expeditionary Army, was in awe. He wanted the honor to be first through the gate that appeared on sacred Alnus. He wanted to see for himself what sort of world was on the other side, what lands to conquer, what barbarians to be enslaved. But never in his wildest dreams could he have imagine what was before him.

Towers of glass and stone higher then even the Imperial Palace in Sadera. Odd carts of metal with no horses in sight. So many people in odd attire holding up strange objects. He had wished he could take in more of the sights but he had a job to do for his Emperor.

Producing a roll of parchment from his saddle bag. On it in ink was the very words from his liege officiated by wax stamp of his seal. In his loudest voice he proclaimed:

"All you savages listen up well! We, The Empire, in the name of his Imperial Majesty Molt Sol Augustus Declare the conquest and dominion of all these lands!"

Looking away from the parchment he saw that everyone had a look of confusion. All talking in strange languages that Tiberius could never understand. 'Of course,' he thought, 'Savages would never understand our enlightened tongue'.

Feeling annoyed that his voice and the voice of his liege fell of deaf ears took out his war horn. In one long breath did the sounds of war rang in Ginza. Everyone was taken aback for a moment before the sounds of rumbling drowned out the horn.

Both men, horse, and fantasy creature spilled forth from the gate. Orc and Pigmen auxiliaries where the first to spill blood in savage glee. Riders on Wyverns flew above raining fire down below. Calvary with lance in hand skewed those that tried to run. Ogres as tall as three men smashed apart a bus full of tourists.

Chaos had came to Ginza. No man, woman, nor child could escape the hell that was brought to earth. In all this Tiberius smiled.

Screams fill the air as it raised with the flames. The otherworldly army advanced like a tide sweeping away all. Itami was ragged breath already as he ducked into another ally way. Stopping briefly to catch his breath.

"Why... why is this happening?"

Not 20 minuets before had the train made an emergency stop at the station. All that was on the stations speakers was that there was an emergency and that everyone had to evacuate the area. That was when "It" smashed through the station.

He had seen it thousands of times in manga. A beast of scale and wings. A wyvern right out of the pages of a fantasy novel. On it rode a man clad in bronze armor. He too looked like something out of the pages of a history textbook.

Next thing he knew flames engulfed the entire station. Itami still had no idea how he even got out of there. However he traded one hell for another. Outside had been far worse.

Romans and fantasy creatures ran wild as the streets turned red. Panicked mobs cut down in their attempts to flee. He had a few close calls himself as orcs tried to run him down. All the while training started to kick in.

Just as he was about to run again shots rang out near by followed by screams. Rushing over to the next ally he could see a family cowering behind a police woman. Three of these "Roman" soldiers had their swords drawn while another laid on the the road in a pool of blood. The rest started to yell in a language he had never heard. The officer too was yelling.

"STAYBACK! STAYBACK OR I'LL SHOOT AGAIN!" The revolver in hand was swing wildly.

The attackers where having none of it. One raised their sword to charge at the group. His charge was interrupted as he was body checked from behind. Itami wasn't going to let anyone be harmed by these invaders.

Both warriors where taken aback as their leader skidded face first into the other group. The Officer screamed as the Roman stopped just at her feet. Before he could even get back up his body jerked from the salvo of shots. Both head and helm shattered in a pulp of gore and metal.

While the rest was still shocked at what had happen Itami had to quickly take care of the rest. Gabbing a hold of the sword arm of the other, he body flipped the warrior to the ground. Shock from the sudden fall released his sword which clattered on the pavement.

The final one had come out of his stupor. With a war cry he engaged the JSDF trooper. Itami was only a hairs breath from the swing. The Imperial was wide open for a few punches in the gut. Even with metal armor the impacts where felt leaving him off kilter. As Itami wind up for another strike the one he flipped over before tried to reach for his blade.

The child of the group saw this, she cried "Look out!"

Swiftly he raised his right leg and slammed down. It impacted the mans face with a bony crunch. He screamed as blood splattered from the now destroyed nose. His cohort regained his balance and went for another strike. Itami was caught in the left arm by this.

"Fuck!" he hissed. Jumping back he could see the glee in his opponents face. Youji Itami in all his life and career had never been in a life or death situation. Not once had he thought any of his training would be put to use. Yet here he was in a back ally fighting Roman soldiers.

A clatter rang as his foot hit something. Quickly glancing down he was now besides another sword. The Roman too saw this. Thinking that the strange man in front would go for his fallen comrades blade he gave another cry and charged.

It was do or die for Itami.

Managing to lift the sword with his foot it was tossed in the air. He ducked down as the warrior made a horizontal slash at where Itami's head was. The blade fumbled a bit as Itami grabbed at it. Everything for him had started to slow down once his grasp was tight on the hilt.

One thrust was all it took. Luck guided the point of the blade between the segments of armor. It plunged deep withing bypassing ribs to get to where it would most be effective. The heart of the man was pierced.

Blood was spat out all over Itami's face. The horror in the mans eyes looked into his own. Itami could see the very soul of this man leave the body as the life dimmed from their eyes. His weight forced him to list to the left before sliding off the crimson blade.

With all the training he had gone through to be a soldier in the Japaneses Self Defense Force, it never quite prepared Itami for this moment. His first kill, and not even in the line of duty. Many thoughts started to race in his head only for it to be interrupted.

Reality snapped back as the man laying besides him cried out in a strange language. Cursing and thrashing in anger by both the pain of a broken nose and his fallen comrades. Blood shot eyes soon turned to the huddled group. Forcing himself to get back up to kill the barbarians of this world.

It was in vain however when the blade soon fell upon him. The arteries in his neck sprang open. Blood sprayed and pulsed out in rapid pace. Now he rested with the rest of his friends in this new frightening world.

Itami dropped the blade and walked over to the group. "Are all you alright?"

Both Parents nodded as their child buried her head in their mothers chest. The Officer just sat there with a thousand yard stare from the shock of what had happened. Itami knelt down and shook her out of it.

"Hey," he calmly spoke, "Are you alright?"

Something broke within her as tears ran down her face. "I-I..." she sobbed. "T-thank youuuuu."

He offered his hand to her. "Come on we got to get out of here."

The father spoke up. "Where? Where exactly are we to go to?"

That was a tough question. He looked at all four of them before an idea struck in his head. "We need to get to the Imperial Palace!" he exclaimed.

"The Palace?" The father questioned.

"Oh course!" The mother was shocked that the idea didn't came to her sooner. "The Imperial Palace was built in the Edo Period. It was practically built to defend against this sort of attack!"

Itami smiled at this "My thoughts exactly!"

He looked back at the Officer. "Can you stand?" With a sniff she nodded. "Alright come on."

Lifting her back up and brushing off dirt he asked "Does your radio still work?"

"Yes," Her looks became even more sadder, "But I lost command. It's like they stopped responding."

This troubled Itami. "Stopped responding?"

"Yes," She wiped at her face. "Only comms chatter is from other Officers or Inspectors. We're in total disarray."

He grabbed bother her shoulders and looked her in the eyes. "Listen, I need you to get on it and tell anyone that can still listen to get people moving to the Palace."

Again she nodded. "Okay."

"Good." He patted her shoulder. Just as he was about to lead the group she stopped him.

"Wait," she looked up to him, "I need to know who you are."

"Second Lieutenant Itami Youji, JSDF."

"Here then," She held out her revolver, "It's better if you used it."

Taking it from her shaking hands he immediately checked ammo. Before he could asked she gave what little she had left. With one final check he called out to the small group.

"Stick with me. I'll get you all to safety."

After the little early lunch gathering all of 2nd Platoon went back to the grind. The FRAME House was lively as everyone worked at their stations. Each one assigned to their own personal "cages" that housed their mechs.

Normally it would have fallen on the support staff that had trained in this sort of thing. They had been diverted to the JSDF's new EXO Division to supervise. In turn it fell on all of them to do both maintenance and normal duties. This of course lead to some grumbling within 1st Company.

Erin had just finished cleaning up the tables and started to walk down the line. Each Exo was surrounded by a 5 foot high platform with steps on each side. A crane system built in high above it to easily pick up and move armor plating. Hydraulic wheels built into the frame allowed each cage to be moved with ease. In between each cage weapon racks, ammunition stores, diagnostics, and other equipment was strewn about.

Passing by Weapons Team One's designated area he can see Henry helping out Veronica. The Bushmaster 25mm Auto-cannon assigned to them had been specially modified for mobile field use. Placed in a special wheeled rack sat the imposing weapon. Motored chain feed housed in a steel housing, electric batteries just under it to power the cannon. Behind it a special built trigger and grip made for the larger hands of the Exo. The long barrel had metal pipping around it forming a sort of "roll cage". One area on top had been formed into a handle grip allowing it to be easily carried and hip fired.

Henry hefted the barrel of it back into the frame. Though the man was large in both height and girth it was deceptive of the fact that it was all muscle. Out of all of 1st Company he could easily out bench press them all. Veronica was the smallest of the the two man team. With ease she reached in to lock the barrel into place. The Latina American was already an expert in the Bushmaster having been a LAV-25 gunner. It was for that reason she was picked to be a part of EEW.

When he finally got to his Erin looked up and down the machine.

It never ceases to amaze him at the fact humanity took a piece of alien technology and slapped military hardware on it. The AREX-03's angled tan armor was juxtaposed by the more organic curved metal of the FRAME itself. Robotic fingers had been sheathed in heavy duty gloves. The saddle of it housed in an armored cabin that everyone called it's "Backpack". The torso armor reminded him of the back side of a shovel. Only if it had lost its curves, missing the tip and slapped on two rows of smoke launchers on each side. It also housed a TADS (Target Acquisition and Designation System) that could have easily been ripped from an Apache Helicopter. Siting on top of it all was the "head". A rectangle with a rounded glass face. Four cylinder sensors mounted two to each side. Much like anything it was utilitarian.

Sitting on the steps of the cage next to it Isaac was face deep in one of the manuals that Owen passed out to them. "Man think Gunny's right," he said, "Frag Cannons does sound dumb."

"Take it you rather convert an AGL like we did with the .50's?"

"Well it is cost effective." He looked up from the book. "Gun Jesus even said so."

Henry spoke up. "Never thought Ian would cover that givin' the fact that higher ups wanted to keep this secret."

Veronica got back up and leaned against the cannon. "Well those Cerberus guy's been gallivanting around in Exo's for how many years? Hell scuttlebutt says that they where the ones who came up with it so there's that."

Erin looked over at the weapons racks. A few held the venerable M2 Browning each in a simple housing with large pistol grips in the back. This effectively turned the heavy barreled HMG into an "assault rifle". "Yeah and we refined the hell out of it."

"But noooo our arms contractors had to make a big stink about that." Isaac scoffed.

"Do have to admit that 20 mil rifle is nice. Reminds me of that XM-8 they tried ta push." Henry said. "Reminds me of playing Battlefield Bad Company."

Erin nodded "Yeah those AP rounds really fucked up that Humvee out on the practice range."

"Can't imagine what it would do to a Nork EXO." Veronica laughed. "I mean have you seen them on the news? That armor has to be thin."

Isaac sighed "What they lack in quality they make up for in numbers and stupidity."

Veronica shrugged at that. "So we got the weapons to mow them down."

"They still have numbers plus the same sort of machine guns." The Sergeant shook his head. "All supplied by daddy China."

"Worse thing I heard they also supplied their special forces with their latest advanced models." Erin looked at his phone scrolling through a few news articles. Some blurry photos came up taken in China of what looked like EXOFRAMES. "Rumor mill and a few investigated journalists claim that they have several variants already while we just have the Toad."

"And the Toad will have to do." Veronica beamed.

The Corporal gave a slight laugh before looking back at his phone. Then that smile withered as the feed refreshed. All of 1st squad was confused as Erin's face went dark.

Breaking news showed Ginza in flames with the headlines "Japan Invaded!"

Before he could even say anything alarms soon rang all over the base. A voice on the intercom spoke out. "This is not a drill! All personnel to stations! Assigned QRF report to hangers for deployment!"

"Aw hell did the Norks actually started to attack!?" Isaac yelled.

"Don't know, don't care, Ginza's under attack!" Erin yelled back.

Everyone was running to the lockers. Their Lieutenant was shouting orders. "Everyone get your shit in gear! Command wants us in the air yesterday!"

Erin practically ripped open his assigned locker to get to his jumpsuit. Though a sort of hand-me-down from their aviator brethren that had been modified for them. Stitched in padding with built in rubber knee pads in case one needed to bug out into the field. Quickly zipping it up and shoving feet into combat boots. Isaac helped Henry strap on webbing that held a few battery packs and sensors.

It only took a little under 15 seconds for everyone to be squared away before rushing to their EXOs. Erin scooped up his helmet as he charged up the steps. Much like the standard Kevlar he wore for the past six years of his career, only this time instead it had been modified like the suit he wore.

A new Head Mounted Display (HMD) system had been built in. Much like what their aviator brethren uses it allowed them to see through the eyes of their EXOFRAMEs. More advanced with eye tracking and virtual retinal display made it simple to switch between visual modes. However much of the other systems utilized in the AREX-03 still used physical impute.

Plugging it into the battery packs and flicking the switch the display powered up. All the while he ducked into the armored seat. In a matter of seconds did every system come online, head tracking movement for the head booted up. Then with a simple command did Erin powered up the EXO.

In parts of the EXO blue light shinned and pulsed through internal honeycomb of grating. Hands twitched as Erin's consciousness overlapped with the living machine. It felt like electricity itself ran through his spine from the saddle. The first time he ever did this was frightening at first, but in time he came to enjoy this feeling.

Man and Machine as one.

Words flashed across his HUD:

Systems Operation: Green

External Visual Feed: On

The world flashed before him. He could see D.J's Exo power up across him.

T.A.D.S: On

The visual feed shuddered as it synced up with his head movements. Much like an Apache attack helicopters 30mm gun it was slaved to his head. Where he looked it looked. Rolling his head it all checked out.

Looking down at his right the arms moved to his will. Gripping and un-gripping his hand before giving it a full 360 spin at the wrist. He preformed the same thing with his left before giving D.J a thumbs up.

Switching visuals to internal so he can see the control consoles before him he gave final systems check. There where two control grips on either side of him with switches and triggers. Gripping both he thumbed the comms button.

"Corporal Erin Hicks, all systems green." The rest too gave the all clear just as his CO radioed in.

"Alright grab gear and weapons then get to your birds. Move out!"

Breathing out he commanded the machine to walk. Swinging right he could see Sgt Mendoza grabbing extra ammo for the 20mm rifle. Looking up at him he tossed a few mags his way. With fast reflexes he caught the flying metal bricks.

"Load up with standard package. Bubba you got that TOW loaded for anti-tank?"

Inter-squad channel crackled "Loaded Sarge!"

"Tequila load up with AP for the big gun."

"Done Sarge!" Veronica yelled.

Erin reached for the EXO Rifle on the rack. Swiftly the large rifle went from rack to the one bolted on the side of the "backpack". And audible clank and click right next to Erin's head. "Loaded with standard package Sarge!"

The head of Isaac's Exo "nodded" (or more specifically moved its camera up and down). He then keyed into the platoons channel. "Sergeant Mendoza reporting green for all of 1st."

"Alright everyone get to your birds! Move, move, move!" Kyle commanded.

All sixteen mechs rushed out of the hanger and onto the tarmac as their transports rolled onto it. Uncertainty hung above Erin and all of 1st Company. Most had been into combat before. Hell some even fought against EXOs before. But it was different with everyone having been put through the rigors for using the alien machines.

It would be a new baptism by fire for them. A new way of warfare. One that would meet an ancient way of fighting. They just didn't know it yet.