Chapter 4:Prelude To Beginning
"The first natural male IS pilot will fight for the first time?"
"If you don't count the entrance exam then yes, it will be his first fight."
It is the day after Mcgillis received the message from Mikazuki. He called Akira to his office and showed her the message. The gears in her mind started moving the moment she saw the message. It is a good opportunity to obtain data. There is the question of how can Mikazuki naturally pilot an IS? That is of course the most important data they need to further perfect the Alaya-Vijnana system.
So far, Mcgillis is the only one to succeed and can use the system safely. It puts a great deal of mental and bodily strain on the pilot. Mcgillis has plenty of strength in both but not everyone does. Plus there is the AI that sleeps in the IS core that rejects male pilots that connects using the Alaya-Vijnana system. Akira had silenced the AI in their Core permanently but from there came another problem.
Such deviousness. The AI is what prevents males from piloting the unit. But it is not just that. The AI is the overall IS operating system. Without it, the unit will perform below standard because no computer could process the amount of data an IS need to process in a second to function perfectly. The AI was the one that process so much data and allow the IS to regulate all its system just with some input from the pilots and engineers.
It is also what allows the IS to gather data and evolve. Without it, the IS cannot evolve. Currently, even if they have subdued the Core in their possession, it is just a glorified battery. Alaya-Vijnana system can be used to pilot an IS but without the AI, the burden on the pilot to control the unit became heavy. Using the system in a safe parameter will only bring out half the performance of a normal IS. Mcgillis can bring out up to 80% and that is already more than exceptional and a testament of his capability but it is still not enough.
They can replace the AI with a simple OS that pilots can utilize and with Alaya-Vijnana system it will be enough to bring out the full performance of the unit. But it will be just that, bringing out the performance. The IS won't evolve and it can't enter First Shift, let alone Second Shift. That is why a simple OS will not be their option. This is the dead end they're hitting now.
Which is why Akira will need to create a new AI. For that to happen, they will need data. They have to rebuild the AI from the ground up. This data can be acquired from two sources. One, capturing an IS and analyzing the core. This is a dangerous undertaking but will allow them to obtain another IS core for research and comparison as well as future use.
The other option is to have Mikazuki come to them. This one is the safer method and frankly, one they should choose. Attacking another company or military facility to get an IS core is too risky. Still, they will need to expand their operation one day when they really start so that plan should be put into consideration.
"So, are you interested, Akira?"
"No. Besides, just watching it won't give me any good data. I need to get a direct read."
"I see. We can always call him in later."
"Yes. That aside, I have finished what you wanted."
"Hoo? So you've made the list?"
Pressing a single button on her phone, Akira sent a file directly to Mcgillis' PC. He opens the folder and clicked on the first file shown. When he saw it, Mcgillis can't help but smile. Meeting Akira is truly the greatest blessing he could get and Mcgillis can't thank enough to whatever higher power that allows their meeting.
It is a list of every black-ops team and secret organizations all around the world. In preparation for the conflict that is sure to come, Mcgillis need to know his enemies. Akira even highlighted those that will be the biggest threat to them. Out of at least four dozens organizations that could harm them, two are highlighted in red while six are highlighted in green showing their threat level. Mcgillis focus on the two organizations highlighted in red.
"Shinonono Tabane is an obvious threat. We know what she can possibly do and how dangerous she is but what about this Phantom Task?"
Phantom Task, the name alone sounds rather ominous.
"Open the file on Phantom Task."
Mcgillis did so. He return back to the folder and search for the specific file that carries detail of Phantom Task. It is the thirtieth file from the first. He clicked on the file and it shows what Akira got.
"A terrorist organization that aims to sow the seeds of chaos?"
"It's a general description of that group. I would've ignored them if they are just a bunch of incompetent fools. But unfortunately they are not. They have some skilled people working with them and I risked detection if I go in too deep."
"So they are able to trace you back?"
"If I go too deep then yes. It is precisely why I highlighted them in red."
"I see. Hmm, you cannot identify their leaders and important members?"
"The identity of prominent members is a closely guarded secret. But I do know that they have bases all around the world and a number of IS."
Now Mcgillis is intrigued. It appears that this organization will be their greatest opponent apart from Tabane. Unfortunately he cannot risk confrontation with either of them yet. It's why Akira pulled back without gathering more data than what she has now. Their secrecy is their greatest weapon.
This is enough for now. They're nowhere ready for any kind of confrontation anyway with just one single unit that's not even ready for deployment. For now they need to focus on the projects at hand. Mcgillis closed the folder and turn back to Akira.
"And what about that other project?"
He asked, referring to their third most important project after the Alaya-Vijnana and the Gundam resurrection project.
"It's seventy percent complete."
"Excellent."
School for Mikazuki is relatively normal. Then again, his standard of 'normal' is different from most people.
For Mikazuki, the normal life he expects is a life when people are not trying to kill him or those he care about. At least that's the standard he had set. So based on his standard, his school-life in a place where everyone else are girls and is basically a glorified, or 'girlified', military academy is still within the boundary of 'normal' life he is expecting although it is not quite what he had planned.
His idea was to graduate highschool and study agriculture in college and then becoming a farmer just like what he dreamed. It's still his dream in this lifetime too but his other option would be to help Kudelia with whatever it is she will do in this lifetime. Anything is 'normal' as long as he doesn't have to kill anymore although if he had to or he has no other option then he'll continue his old line of work as a mercenary. Having options is a good thing, especially since he is doing rather badly in class.
At least thanks to Kudelia's advice he is being helped by the teachers in his education. Mikazuki's basic education is incomplete so entering a school like IS academy is a problem for him. Kudelia did give him a crash course but there's only so far Kudelia can teach him with the limited time they have.
That actually became a problem on his first day. So he bluntly admitted that he hadn't planned to enter IS academy and he also admitted that he missed basic education to the teacher and is only recently catching up. Thanks to that the teachers are being more understanding of his slower progress. Thankfully the teacher in charge of his class is a nice and understanding one named Yamada Maya.
Also, why is the black haired teacher is the homeroom teacher and not Maya? Mikazuki wondered since Maya was the one who basically do everything while the other teacher just sat there and watch them. To his understanding a homeroom teacher is in charge of a class and Maya who is more active is the one in charge. So why is Maya not the homeroom teacher?
Maya is nice enough to review the basic IS knowledge in a way that is easy to understand for him. Mikazuki like that teacher. While the other teacher, the one whose name is Chifuyu, seems useless to him because she just sat, shout, and doesn't speak much. At least that's his first impression of her. Plus Chifuyu kept looking at him oddly which just adds to the list why he doesn't like her. But as long as she's not trying to kill him then he won't do anything.
So far only Maya had made a good impression on him. Chifuyu is… so far useless in his opinion but that is perhaps because she teaches practical. Chifuyu does look like someone who takes a more hands-on approach so Mikazuki suspect that she teaches practical and will get more involved then. His classmates though made no other impression to him than some annoying and loud rabbles. Except for possibly one person.
Mikazuki himself doesn't know how it happens but there is this one girl who came to his desk during lunch break. She started saying something loudly and quickly, something about representative candidate. Not interested with what she had to say, Mikazuki ignore her in preference to catching up with his study. So he basically did not listen to a single word she said after mentioning the representative candidate part.
And then there's that matter about picking the class representative. Again he tuned out everything in favor of catching up with his study. Somehow he ended up being recommended to become class representative and that same girl objected to that decision. When he realized what had happened, Chifuyu had decided that they will settle this with an IS battle.
"So that's basically what happened."
Mikazuki recounted his experience on his first day to Kudelia. The two of them are communicating through video call and Mikazuki can clearly see the exasperated look Kudelia is having. At least she is thankful that Mikazuki had not strangled anybody yet.
"I see. Well, we can't hope everything will run smoothly. But Mika, next time you should listen when people talk, especially the teachers."
"Unn."
Mikazuki nodded. Kudelia had begun calling him Mika after he asked her to. Mikazuki felt strange when Kudelia refer to her as Ichika even if that's his official name this time.
"So when will the match be?"
"In one week."
"One week. Should I worry?"
Mikazuki shook his head.
"No, there's no need to worry. I can take care of it myself. I'm used to fighting. It's just…"
"What is it?"
"…I'm still having problem with understanding what the teacher is saying. Yamada-sensei can't keep adjusting to my pace everytime so can we have another lesson?"
Kudelia smiled. Mikazuki had always been enthusiastic when it comes to studying even when he's having a hard time. His persistence and desire to learn is one of the qualities that Kudelia like about him.
"That's fine. What about each weekend?"
"Yes, that sounds good."
"Okay. Don't be afraid to ask if you have any question. I will help you as much as I can. Speaking of which, how are you adjusting to life in the academy?"
Mikazuki is about to answer when he heard a click from the door. His roommate had returned. A girl with black hair tied in ponytail entered the room. She is Mikazuki's classmate who sat beside him during class and one of the more bearable classmates since she doesn't speak much and thus annoy him less.
"Ichika, I'm back."
The girl said. Mikazuki only nodded.
"Mika, who is that?"
Kudelia asked though she already has her suspicion. She had forgotten that students are put together as pairs in dorms when they last talked but she had thought that since Mikazuki is male then he will get his own room. Apparently she's wrong.
"Ichika who are you talking to?"
"Ahh Houki. I'm just talking to Kudelia."
"Kudelia?"
"Kudelia, meet Shinonono Houki, my roommate."
Mikazuki introduced his roommate to Kudelia when she entered the camera's field of vision. Kudelia nervously waved at the girl while she is internally asking what the school is doing putting a boy and a girl together. At least she knew she can trust Mikazuki or else there will be much more problem than there already is.
"And Houki, this is Kudelia, my girlfriend."
""What?!""
The two girls shouted in unison at Mikazuki's introduction of Kudelia.
"Hmm? Are we not?"
Mikazuki tilted his head in confusion, wondering if he did something wrong. He is in a relationship with Kudelia and if he's not mistaken, the term used to call Kudelia with their current relationship is a 'girlfriend'. Kudelia blushed but didn't try to deny him. He's not wrong after all.
It looks like she will need to teach Mikazuki more things than just school subjects.
Took a while but finally got this chapter done. More sneak peak about Mcgillis' plans and Mikazuki's situation. I would love to put the battle between Mikazuki and Cecillia here but I need some explanation before jumping to the fight. Basically Mikazuki did something worse to Cecillia than arguing with her. He totally ignore her rambling because she's too loud. Imagine Cecillia's reaction to that.
These are Mikazuki's impression of IS academy and the people there based on his POV. I hope I did it right because getting the character right in accordance to the series is helluva hard.
Anyway I have a question. Should I make Charlotte into Charles here? I mean really make Charles a male since Mikazuki is totally not interested in the IS girls. He has Kudelia and Atra. Plus he is NOT childhood friends with Houki or Rin in this story.
Now for the revs.
raigalcc: Confirmed that Akihiro will be in as well.
fazrulz21: He expected worse, like murder. Remember that Mcgillis was there when Mika choked Gaelio. He expected something like that to happen.
edboy4926: Mikazuki definitely won't get along with Core-01's AI.
GBF93: I was just reminiscing about Valvrave and find Akira interesting enough to be put into the story. Though I do wonder if I should make this an OC Akira or Valvrave Akira. And Kudelia did meet Tatenashi if only briefly.
GuestGundam: I'm still working on her background story. She's a tricky one because I have two versions.
AGundamFan: Never like Tabane anyway. Plus I have the tendency to love ruining evil geniuses' evil reign. I did that to Tabane in my other IS story.
HalyconDays14: Yes, Mcgillis is an interesting hero/villain. And with the tone of IBO compared to other Gundam series it makes Mcgillis even more interesting. IBO is the most realistic Gundam series in my opinion. Mikazuki is also a good departure from previous Gundam pilots. He doesn't care about your crap and justification and whatever you believe. The battlefield is about kill or be killed. And yeah, I specifically include Mikazuki, Atra, and Kudelia because I want a better ending for them.
Icanexplain: I failed grammar class so I'm sorry about those grammar mistakes.
Fortresshunter: Mika's pairing is definitely Atra and Kudelia, period. As for Mcgillis, his default pairing is Almiria who will appear in this story but adding more girls, a maximum of two more, is acceptable. I'm inclined to give Akira to him and the other possibility is Natasha Fairs.
98kazer: Still thinking about their later confrontation. That will be a fun one.
AnimeFan0216: Just wait for it because I'm still thinking about which version will be easiest to convert to an IS.
Alex Le: True enough that Orga is Mika's motivation and Mcgillis cannot replace him. But this time Mika has other motivation and he is more independent than before. Although yeah, Mcgillis alone is enough but I feel that it won't be complete without the Devil of Tekkadan.