「March 20, 1944」
—Naval Docks, Yokosuka Naval District—
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The gates to the Yokosuka Naval Port opened as dawn soon set upon the Fuso's land, where frequent military personnel continued throughout their day. As more and more approved personnel entered the harbor, one female remained beside the entrance. She wore a top uniform, featuring a naval officer for Fuso Imperial Navy. Pedestrians noticed her bizarre presentation, bearing no slacks below her, but they recognized her character regarding its identification. She's a Strike Witch, a valuable resource to the entire military's war against one fierce adversary, Neuroi. She stood there with her katana jutting out from her grip as if awaiting someone.
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'…'
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She grinned as shortly as she caught that person, rushing across the busy street of Yokosuka Naval District towards the entrance.
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"So, you have come!" As she speaks towards the breathless person and continues.
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"I knew you would make up your mind. I see you have decided to put your power to work…"
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"Umm…"
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"It's okay! Don't worry about a thing. Leave the enlistment and school matters to me!" Thinking that person would soon join the war against Neuroi.
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"N-No, um…" The person recovered with breath and continued.
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"I didn't come here to enlist." The person said and a moment of silence ensued.
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She laughed over her remark, assuming she was joking but not knowing that she has important information to tell her. While the person stood there, dumbfounded at her abrupt gesture, she asked the person to accompany in exchange to tell her about the late letter that the person received at night. They headed together towards the docks, where the IJN Akagi of the Fuso Imperial Navy was resupplying and refueling its capacity.
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"A letter from Dr. Miyafuji?"
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"So, Sakamoto… You knew my dad…"
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"Yeah… I owe him my life because of his research that I am here now." Sakamoto claimed.
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"Is my dad alive?" The person asked.
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"That. I don't know about it." Sakamoto said and continued.
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"But I will look into –"
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"Take me with you! To Britannia!" The person said with no hesitation, which surprised Sakamoto with her words and continued.
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"I want to go there, and find out about my dad!"
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She dazzled Sakamoto with her final remarks, while Sakamoto continued to rack up her thoughts for her reply. Eventually, Sakamoto smiled and gave a small shove over her shoulders, and replied.
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"I like the look in your eyes," Sakamoto commented on her resolve and continued.
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"Alright… We leave the day after tomorrow."
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"Thank you!"
ㅤ
"Ah, so about the enlistment," Sakamoto asked but…
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"Forget it! I will never participate in war!" She turns around with a pout shown on her face to which Sakamoto chuckles at her remarks.
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"Alright, Alright, Yoshika-chan."
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Another day has passed as Yoshika and Sakamoto prepare for a long and risky journey towards Britannia. All Imperial destroyers under the 24th Carrier Division will soon depart from the Yokosuka Naval Port before the rest of the ships begin to depart from their respective pier. People from the district arrive at the pier to send their beloved sons and daughter off to fight against Neuroi. As the Akagi begins to depart from the piers, people wave their hands towards the sailors and witches onboard the carrier.
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"Yoshika-chan! Good luck"
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"Micchan! Take care!"
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"Take care of yourself."
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Yoshika saw her family with a sad face as their daughter was off to fight a dangerous conflict.
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"Mom… Grandma… I'll be back." She shouted and cried at her family, assuring them that she would come back alive from the ordeal as the 24th Carrier Division sailed out of the harbor and made their roughest journey towards Britannia.
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As dusk began to fall upon the fleet, Yoshika still lingered for the presence of her family and stayed over the observation deck.
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"So, does the ship provide a smooth ride?" Sakamoto asked.
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"Ah, yes. It's very comfortable."
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"I see… But comfort is limited only to the ship."
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"…"
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"I'm sure you have heard about what Britannia is like now. It's the front line in the fight against the Neuroi, who have conquered the continent."
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"…"
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"Is your reason for going there, really only to find out about your father?" Sakamoto asked her with determination.
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"There are many troubled people in Britannia aren't they?"
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"Indeed... Many."
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"I… I want to protect them. The wounded, the sick. I want to use my power to help many people!"
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"I promised my dad!" Sakamoto showed a gesture of smile at her words and Yoshika continued.
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"Sakamoto-san, is there anything I can do? Cleaning, laundry, I'll do anything!"
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"Alright!" Sakamoto shoved her with a little force and continued.
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"That's the spirit." While releasing a blunt laugh, Sakamoto was approached by an Ensign.
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"Are you Lt. Commander Sakamoto Mio?"
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"Yes, Sir. And what would it be?"
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"The captain needs to talk to you in private. It's necessary."
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"I see… Alright, I'll leave you here Yoshika… See me afterward at the lower deck."
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"Yes, Sakamoto-san."
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Sakamoto left with the officer from the observation deck and headed towards the conning tower of the Akagi to greet the captain. They come to the command bridge with the Captain reading a telegraph message retrieved from his communication officer.
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"Captain Sugita. Sakamoto is here."
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"Umu… Thanks for your help, Ensign Keiki. I'll take it from here."
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"I understand, Captain." Keiki left shortly back to his station as Sakamoto and Sugita moved to a quiet space.
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"Captain, what's all about?"
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"Follow me, Major…"
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Two of them head out from the commanding bridge into the observation deck, overlooking the entire flight deck of the Akagi.
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"Captain… Is there something wrong?"
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"Haa… Allied Command in Britannia advises all incoming fleets from the Fuso Empire to head straight through the Suez Canal route."
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"Suez Canal… Are we not going around the continent of Africa? Going through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean Sea is very risky, considering that we're near Neuroi's territory and patrols."
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"Communication from Britannia has been sketchy, but it appears that a Neuroi Hive has indeed emerged in the Atlantic Ocean."
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"What!? A Neuroi Hive?"
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"Yes, Major… It seems they slipped out from our grasp and managed to establish a hive near the Republic of Lusitania."
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"Where's it located?"
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"It's roughly about 870 nautical miles, west from the coast of the Republic of Lusitania."
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"Sh*t, it's near enough to endanger not only the surrounding allied countries but also makes our vital supply lines and sea route vulnerable… The question is… Where the hell did they come from?"
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"T-that… We're still trying to find out their origin…"
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"When did they exactly appear?"
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"Radar stations in the Republic of Lusitania pass over a report about an unusual activity developing in that vicinity about two weeks ago… It was only revealed that a Neuroi Hive appeared and was later confirmed by a reconnaissance fleet from Britannia… Just one week prior from the report made from those stations."
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"Damn… We've let them amass their forces within one week. I'm afraid that they've already built up enough units to patrol around their core…"
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As the sunset over the horizon and dusk soon fell upon the fleet, Sakamoto continued to discuss with the Captain.
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"What was the Britannia response to this threat… Surely they won't ignore this threat."
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"The Liberian Navy and the Royal Britannia Navy will be preparing for Plan Citadel."
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"Plan Citadel!? What kind of plan is that?"
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"It's a Naval blockade around the Neuroi Hive and followed by a combined naval assault. A Fleet would be formed, comprising Battleship Division Six; Cruiser Division Two and Ten; and Carrier Division Three from the Liberian Navy together with Task Force B, H, and K from the Britannia Royal Navy… As we speak right now, they have been mobilized and currently en-route on the Neuroi Hive."
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"So… when will they start their attack!?"
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"Well… I hate to say this but… After the liberation of Gallia."
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"Wait, what!? Are they f*cking crazy?"
ㅤ
"Not quite… They will be conducting naval operations around the restricted zone, and trim down all sighted Neuroi in an attempt to wear down their strength… That way, after the destruction of Neuroi Core, all battle-weary Strike Witches will be redeployed and maybe breeze through their way…"
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"Fools… They overestimate us and underestimate their adversary very well to a point that they didn't know the reality on the frontline.."
ㅤ
She was dissatisfied with their plan of holding on to the Neuroi at bay as the Campaign on the Republic of Gallia continues…
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"Any other orders for this fleet? Also, will the Allied Command sortie the 501st Joint Fighter Wing for this immediate threat?" Sakamoto asked.
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"Stay at the course as usual, although we've been authorized to exert extreme caution when passing the restricted zone right after the Strait of Gibraltar. As for the Strike Witches, I'm afraid they can't go."
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"Don't tell me… They're going to do this with no Strike Witches units during the execution of their plan?" Sakamoto asked
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"…"
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"Yes, they will." Sugita replied.
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"Darn it…" Sakamoto smacked the metal wall with her hands.
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"…"
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"Are they mad!? With no Strike Witch's support, their joint operation is worthless and just merely sending thousands of sailors and officers to their demise. ㅤWhat do they take us for!?"
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"…"
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"What is the ongoing order for any Strike Witches stationed in Britannia?"
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"They're instructed to focus on the Gallia campaign and neglect the imminent threat in the Atlantic Ocean."
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"What about the witches in Romanga? They should assemble with the fleet as a support group?"
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"I'm afraid the command doesn't have any slight intention of mobilizing them for this operation. It will be done by the fleet alone… Witches will be mobilized after Gallia is freed from Neuroi's hands."
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Captain then placed his palms on her shoulders.
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"There's nothing we could do against their order, for now, Major. You should at least respect their decision."
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After a moment of silence, Sakamoto sighed and continued.
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"I hope the higher-ups know what they're doing."
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「?ㅤ?ㅤ?ㅤ?ㅤ?」
—Fort of São Brás, Vila do Porto—
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THUMP
ㅤ
THUMP
ㅤ
THUMP
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"Rise and shine, guys. We're almost there."
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Vlora glanced behind from the driver's seat, where Sabina and Eckhart soundly napped at the rear of an FV 510 Warrior.
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"Halt einfach die Klappe ok (Just shut up ok.). I could use some shut-eye after we had been through."
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"Just get up, Eckhart. All of us here didn't get some decent sleep after what just took place. Besides, our Captain didn't exhibit any hint of weariness after you went through all the difficulties just to reach here."
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"Fine… I guess."
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Eckhart slowly rises from the seats as he carefully scratches his eyes, removing dust accumulated during his doze. He then shifts his gazes towards the restless Sabina for her to be disturbed from her slumber.
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"Hey, Sabina. Wake up." He wriggles Sabina's shoulder for her to wake up, but he receives this.
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"William… Hehe… Stop that…" Exhibiting an amused smirk on her face, he then intentionally rolled her down from the bench seat.
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"Ah… f*ck…" Sabina growled.
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"C'mon Sabina, you gotta wake up now. We're already here."
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"Ah… mhmm… I get up now, Captain." Sabina continued to sleep talking, which irritated Eckhart the most.
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BONK
ㅤ
"Ouch! What the f*ck was that Eckhart!?" Sabina holding her head with her hands after being smacked on top of her head.
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"Nothing… It's just pissed me the f*ck off."
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"Oh, why you –!?"
ㅤ
"Hey, hey, hey! Cut that sh*t… Also, can you at least tolerate yourself, Eckhart..? Sabina is already recovering from her wounds and you shouldn't agitate her that much." Flora said
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"That much..? Heh, you gotta be kidding me." Eckhart replied
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"Why don't you listen to her for once, Ecky..? This is why you always have to be on leash." Sabina sneered.
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"I'm not a dog goddammit. I'm-."
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『Vlora. This is William… Do you copy?』
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"Shut the hell up you two idiots!" Vlora then picks out the radio receiver.
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"This is Vlora, Captain… What's up at the rear"
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『Well… I was bothered from what I'm seeing right now.』
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"Which is..?"
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『I saw that there are more of them within the streets of Ponta Delgada, patrolling the area… Are you sure that they are with us? 』
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Vlora took the radio and said, "Don't fret about it, they weren't under the control of the rogue AI, the ones we encountered over the Town of Lagoa… Instead, the ones we should be facing are the Rätsel or the new evolutionary type of AI, just similar to the ones we've created within our project.."
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『A new evolutionary type of AI? What the hell is that supposed to be』
ㅤ
"I don't know what the hell happened back there, but it seems to me that you managed to destroy the prototype core, severing the control over our tech…. However, for some dumbf*ckery reason just after the explosion, the threat of Rätsel or rather a new evolution of Rätsel still lurking around the island."
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『And they were the ones that we've previously fought before...』
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"Yes…"
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『Have you tried establishing contact with the other remnant NATO ground forces.』
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"…"
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『Vlora? Are you there..?』
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"I-I-."
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『Vlora… Are you okay?』
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"I haven't… We're on our own."
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『I see… I'm sorry… It's all my fault.』
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"Don't be William… Don't be."
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A moment of silence occurs after William asks Vlora with regards to the status of our remaining forces. But it seems that William already knew behind Vlora's response.
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『Anyways… What made our techs and vehicles under the control of a single prototype core.』
ㅤ
"The prototype core is merely a medium for their control. Our AI was responsible for hijacking if not all of the vehicles with an installed chipset."
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『Chipset?.』
ㅤ
"Do you remember the Automated Operating Mechanism for Remote Control Chipset we installed on every vehicle, right?"
ㅤ
『The AOM-RCC? I remember that… You worked it simultaneously with Kate and Eckhart before. 』
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"Right, these chipsets are responsible for controlling the entire vehicle and are supposed to be used in conjunction with Project R.A.I.N.E.D. However, the AI ㅤmanaged to hijack this chipset and use them against us."
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『Then, how the hell did you managed to control those vehicles?』
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"Right, Youta managed to procure a small device that was enabled to tag and control their behavior. It's like pointing them into a map then they will try to maneuver and engage identified targets."
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『So it's like a chess board where you move them according to the board?』
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"Yes, something like that..."
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『Hah… But it makes little sense to me, Vlora, especially the evolved Rätsel units.』
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"T-that… I don't know the details behind it. All I know is that the prototype core turned our vehicles against us and that is just about it… Maybe it has something to do with AI in this case."
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『Right… I may have for Youta to investigate the current programming of the AI and the prototype core, but there's something that we must prioritize on…』
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"Prioritize?"
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『We'll talk the rest back at the fort...』
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"Roger… Vlora, out"
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Vlora put aside the radio on the stand and continued to drive down the road, while Eckhart and Sabina overheard their conversation.
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"Hey, comrade…"
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"Sabina… You're done with your bickering at Eckhart?"
ㅤ
"No, we're not... She-." Sabina interrupted Eckhart's statement with a fist at his face, appearing to have a small bruise on his right cheek.
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"WHAT THE F*CK THAT FOR!?" Eckhart yelled at her.
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"Can you please stop interrupting me for every f*cking minute will you, comrade…" She then continued to converse with Vlora as Eckhart iced his wounds with his hands.
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"Anyways... How the hell did you link up with Kate? I thought you were supposed to head for the airport." Sabina asked.
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"We did but we went straight through the port since all hell breaks loose as we arrive…"
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"Did they manage to reach the airport?" Eckhart asked after recovering from Sabina's small jab to his face.
ㅤ
"Worst… The Rätsel (Non-evolved) reinforcement from the seized 19th NATO Task Force Fleet completely firebombed the entire airport and its outer perimeter after we arrived at the airport. The situation became desperate as more Rätsel units were reaching the airport. Brigadier General David ordered whatever units available within the airport to push through the outer perimeter of the airport, enough for others to be safely airlifted off the airstrip. The 2nd Tank Battalion and remnants of the allied forces desperately advanced through the outer perimeter of the airport, while the evacuation was undergoing. I thought we're going to die here but a bright flash of light shined in the sky, temporarily blinding my vision.
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She grasps the wheel hard before she continues.
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"After that… Everyone was gone…"
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"Like they're already being airlifted?" Eckhart asked
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"No… They just simply vanished into thin air, while what remained of Rätsel units left at the airport simply…"
ㅤ
"Simply what?"
ㅤ
"They just halted and stood there like nothing… I tried to destroy one of them but they didn't react or whatsoever."
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"Woah… It's very weird." Sabina said.
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"Yeah… Well at least, I know that the chipsets were responsible for being under their control and being fought against us… But still the threat of Rätsel or rather the evolved ones suddenly appeared over the town of Santa Barbara." Vlora said and continued.
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"I couldn't believe what was happening and soon I returned to reality, just in time for Rätsel fighters attacking the airstrip… We managed to move out of the airport and continue our way towards the airport… And that's how I meant Kate at the fort."
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"And this is where we will meet Kate at the fort?" Eckhart asked.
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"Yep…"
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"Right…"
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They soon arrived at the courtyard of the fort with its interior still illuminated among the blackout city of Ponta Delgada. William parked the Jackal beside the street while the trio disembarked from the IFV, leaving the convoy in the middle of the street. They entered the 16th Century fort with a military museum that houses the collection of antique items and history that occurred at this island, but only to be remembered by the six people entering inside the fort.
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【Former Barracks, Inside the Fort】
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"We're here, Kate" They went into the cramped office as Vlora announced their return to Sabina, resting at a narrow table.
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"Thank god, you're still alive…" Kate rose and gave a light pat at their back for surviving such a chaotic ordeal over the island.
ㅤ
"Where's Youta?" Sabina asked.
ㅤ
"He's still resting. His injuries weren't serious before."
ㅤ
"Thank God. At least he's still conscious." William responded.
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"You're still alive, Eckhart. You made me extremely worried after our short transmission during your flight." Kate pout.
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"Well, geez… You made me blush… Just joking! They won't let me go down that simply." Eckhart laughs to which Kate responds with a light punch into his chest.
ㅤ
"Ouch, Kate. What was that for?"
ㅤ
"Nothing… Stupid…" Kate mumbled.
ㅤ
"What–?"
ㅤ
"Anyway, Captain. Shall we have a talk about your actions and the situation over the island?" Kate suddenly turns at him and grins.
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"W–well, I'll explain every detail–." Kate suddenly yanked his uniforms onto hers firmly.
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"You better…" Kate releases him while William attempts to rise upright.
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'That's a princess for ya. Warm on the surface but cold-blooded on the inside.' Sabina thought.
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"What a harsh day for you, Captain." Eckhart snickered.
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"Just shut up, Eckhart."
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"Woo~ I'm terrified."
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"Ugh… Let's just get into a seat and settle the scores. I will explain every detail that took place over the island."
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The five of them take their seat around a cramped table with a lone light bulb illuminating the office. William then revealed the true motive behind the explosion over the mountain.
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"And that's about it…"
ㅤ
"Haaa… Let's just go on to the next agenda." Kate sighed and went on.
ㅤ
Eckhart pulled a folded tactical map from his flight suit and handed over it to Kate. She then uncovers and spreads the map precisely on the horizontal surface of the table. She grabs a permanent marker and begins to markdown.
ㅤ
"There were several Rätsel activities over the island, and this one varies from the one we confront."
ㅤ
Kate wrote several X-marks all over the map, indicating Rätsel's movements within the vicinity.
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"Although… It's bizarre to see more of them differently, in contrast our ground forces have fought with all over the island."
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"So, the real question is… Where the hell did they come from?" Vlora asked.
ㅤ
"I have no clue, Vlora… We've seen them as we're exiting out of the facility" William said.
ㅤ
"Hmm… So, they appear right after you two destroy the core…"
ㅤ
Kate thought deeply about his statement and desperately racked her brains to form some sort of conclusion.
ㅤ
"B-but that doesn't make sense… If they did appear over the island, then the number of forces shouldn't exceed at this point."
ㅤ
"What the hell are you saying, Eckhart?" Vlora asked.
ㅤ
"I'm saying that this size of force can't remain undetected as they approached over the island after all… Look, during our flight towards the NATO Fleet. We haven't found additional bandits approaching the island besides the rogue fleet until the destruction of the facility… It's hard to believe that our most sophisticated and complex array of radar systems haven't grasped a single trace of their track."
ㅤ
"Perhaps it might be something to do with their unique appearances… Maybe it keeps them undetected on their approach."
ㅤ
"Their appearances? Pfft… No one in the world has that kind of stealth technology… Even if they do… It has to at least undergo testing on behalf of our group." Sabina snickered.
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"Enough… We still have more pressing concerns…" William interrupted their discussion on their whereabouts and continued.
ㅤ
"As you know that, Brigadier General David has enunciated Protocol Broken Arrow through all available NATO channels…"
ㅤ
All of them knew that the evacuation was the first step in executing the protocol and feared for its second step.
ㅤ
"Meaning in the next 8 hours… A blockade will begin to be imposed around the archipelago to prevent anything from leaving the restricted zone. After 14 hours have passed, we're cut off entirely from our command." He then continued.
ㅤ
"Why not leave the island?" Sabina asked.
ㅤ
"Even if we did…They will consider us a target. During this protocol in effect, anything that's leaving the island will be engaged and eliminated… Friendly or not, they were ordered to shoot and kill."
ㅤ
"Bloody hell… What else does this protocol have innit for us?" Kate asked
ㅤ
"Well, worse has yet to come..." William said.
ㅤ
"And that is?"
ㅤ
"NATO fighters will be scrambled from France and carry out a long-range of intense bombing all over the island."
ㅤ
"Cyka blyat (F*cking sh*t), is NATO High Command drunk as sh*t!?"
ㅤ
"I doubt it since this is all part of their fail-safe plan to prevent leaking sensitive technologies…"
ㅤ
"Fail-safe plan my ass. They're too scared of losing those valuable technologies and data to someone else's hands." Eckhart commented.
ㅤ
"Let's just say that this protocol is a deterrent for other nations…" William clarified.
ㅤ
"So… what the hell are we supposed to do now?" Vlora asked.
ㅤ
"Well, we can abort the protocol by means of direct communication with the headquarters unless..." William clarified.
ㅤ
"…We send the right countersigns and its confirmation. Right?"
ㅤ
"Yes, Kate. That's my point."
ㅤ
"But the only problem for that, William. Is that it has to be transmitted at either the Zulu Forward Operating Base or our Facility…" Kate responded and Vlora joined.
ㅤ
"Unfortunately, Rätsel just firebombed the hell out of the airport only leaving chaos and destruction in its wake… So, I doubt that there's still some functioning communication equipment left on the FOB."
ㅤ
"So, this leaves us to our Facility again… God, it was a mistake to leave the facility early on…" William uttered profanity over this.
ㅤ
"What's done is done… There's no turning back on this… We need to reach the facility." Sabina said.
ㅤ
"Well, I hate to disrupt, but the Rätsel already captured the eastern part of the island and there's no sign of stopping their push toward the west," Vlora said.
ㅤ
William again drew a sip from his mug of coffee and cleared his throats.
ㅤ
"Hand over the map of this island."
ㅤ
Kate rotates the orientation of the map for William to assess and evaluate the current situation.
ㅤ
"Let's deal with the fiasco over our rogue AI that ultimately brought us into where we are. We need to deal with the fact that we had a limited window to halt ㅤtheir carpet bombing of the island."
ㅤ
"So far the last time we saw Rätsel forces were at Sao Roque, Livramento, and the Ilha de São Miguel. The eye of the storm is at Santa Barbara, where it's the central command for all Rätsel forces over the island… Eckhart, since you flew over the island, can you confirm Vlora's report referring to the eastern and western part of the island?"
ㅤ
"A-firm, Cap'. The eastern sector had already fallen to their hands, although I have seen no Rätsel making their advance west of the island."
ㅤ
"Vlora, can you tell me about the new version of Rätsel? Their strengths and shortcomings?"
ㅤ
"Depleted uranium M829 rounds or any relative rounds used by the M1A1 tank will certainly incapacitate them, but not adequate to destroy them. I don't know about their armor, but in my observation, it's approximately the same as a Chobham armor found with some modern tanks."
ㅤ
"So that's why they could handle that considerable damage… I didn't consider that they would be comparable to tanks." Eckhart murmured.
ㅤ
"Do you have any further information that I may have to consider, Eckhart?"
ㅤ
"Well, Vlora. The ones I met in the air could withstand both AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-7 Sparrow Missiles, albeit 20 mm guns did the trick. Chaffs did a trick into messing up their targeting systems…"
ㅤ
"Really..? I thought they had the same armor thickness."
ㅤ
"Well, maybe they differ from the ground forces albeit having the same armor type."
ㅤ
"Then, how much ammunition did you spend?"
ㅤ
"About 170 of M53 rounds."
ㅤ
"Hmm… any AAM's are ineffective against enemy fighters, huh? I suppose we can only incapacitate them would be either the use of HEAT missiles or solid kinetic projectiles relative to their armor, while Blast Fragmentation Missiles are useless against them due to lacking penetration capabilities... In short, we need heavy armor penetration capabilities for one of them to be either incapacitated or destroyed... I must say, they are just like tanks indeed."
ㅤ
Her remark filled the office with a moment of silence, and Vlora continued.
ㅤ
"So what units do you have at your disposal, Vlora?"
ㅤ
"Well… Captain. I managed to salvage around a couple of mix tank platoons, consisting of M1A1D, M1A2C, and Challenger 2 Tanks, albeit most of them were undersupplied…"
ㅤ
"Undersupplied… Care to elaborate?"
ㅤ
"In short, 40% are capable of carrying out an offensive while the rest of them need some minor repairs and more fuel. But they're capable of defensive deployment."
ㅤ
"Additionally, the sky is saturated with Rätsel fighters all over the island, therefore we can't launch any aircraft to commence an attack into the eye of the storm..." Eckhart added.
ㅤ
"Not enough to advance through the mountain and engage with their forces as we approach our facility… Anyone have an idea on where we could start?"
ㅤ
"I have one, Cap'."
ㅤ
"What is it, Kate?"
ㅤ
"Cap', I must advise that we must storm Santa Barbara, having the opportunity to the heart of their forces. It's our only best shot to reach our facility."
ㅤ
"Are you proposing that we should destroy the storm lingering above the island?"
ㅤ
"It might sound crazy, but I managed to scan through the cloud formations using the ship's radar system before they could pinpoint my location. Surprisingly, a core similar to our project was located in the eye of the storm. I don't know why it's there, but that doesn't matter since it pretty much controls most of the Rätsel forces around the island."
ㅤ
"We just destroy one core, then the next time it happens to appear above the skies… What kind of sh*tf*ckery will be the next!?"
ㅤ
"Shut it, Eckhart… Cursing won't alleviate the current situation we're in right now."
ㅤ
"As you wish, Sabina…" He raised one of his legs on top of the table, pissing Sabina off.
ㅤ
"A-anyways… Kate, you want all of us to assault the town of Santa Barbara just to destroy the core hidden within the storm?"
ㅤ
"Yes, Sabina. That's what I'm suggesting, since–."
ㅤ
"Don't f*ck with me, Kate." Vlora banged the table with his palms and went on, "We hardly even have the appropriate equipment to ward off their assault. Besides, they would just keep sending more and more Rätsel forces off our asses if we assault their positions."
ㅤ
"I know the risk, Vlora… Besides this is the best shot we've to communicate safely with NATO Command in Spain. You deeply know that Rätsel is highly attracted to radar and communication systems."
ㅤ
"B-but, it doesn't mean that we're desperate to attack the main bulk of their forces, amassing around the core… There should be at least something that–"
ㅤ
"Well, if we can't confront them directly then why not divert most of its forces away from the core?" Eckhart suggested.
ㅤ
"…"
ㅤ
"Geez, you guys... You said that they're highly attracted to radar and communication systems, so we can use them as sort of bait."
ㅤ
"Yeah, Eckhart… But again, they would just simply be returned to the core if there's no threat… My point is that the bait must have a hook and a line then be reel out of their pond. We must somehow convince them that there's still an immediate threat in that area of the vicinity."
ㅤ
"If we do that, Sabina, then we'll have no remaining forces left to stage an all-out assault on Santa Barbara…" Vlora stated.
ㅤ
"Well… Maybe we should certainly divert some of our current forces for an assault on Santa Barbara, while the rest would be part of diversionary operations." After Eckhart explains, Vlora then snorted over her remarks.
ㅤ
"Listen… We need those tanks since they're the only option to deal with Rätsel ground forces. 40% of those are ready to move out while the 60% are stuck on ㅤPonta Delgada, waiting for refueling and repairs but capable of defensive deployment within their vicinity…"
ㅤ
"That's true, Vlora, although–."
ㅤ
"Yet, you want to propose that 40% of those tanks should be used during the Santa Barbara assault and stage defensive operation in Ponta Delgada with the ㅤremaining 60% of those incapacitated tanks… It's simply preposterous to do the assault and a defensive position at the same time! It's a death sentence for those conducting diversionary operations in Ponta Delgada, as they will keep rolling out column after column of Rätsel ground forces with no more units to reinforce those lines…"
ㅤ
"B-but…"
ㅤ
"I concur with Vlora, Eckhart. We're still lacking more units to invade Santa Barbara and then strike the core. It's just–."
ㅤ
"Instead of the Santa Barbara Assault, why not conduct a long-range surgical strike on the core?" William replied.
ㅤ
"?"
ㅤ
"A surgical strike instead of an assault?" Kate asked.
ㅤ
"I mean the remaining units should be allocated for defensive holdout as Eckhart proposed, but instead for a swift assault why not a surgical strike on the core? And besides, it's better for this case since fewer enemy forces will intercept those incoming ordinances while the rest were distracted by our defensive holdouts."
ㅤ
"That's a good suggestion, Cap'n, but… Do we have anything that we could work on?"
ㅤ
"For starters, Vlora, are there long-range artillery units that we could utilize?"
ㅤ
"The NATO Expeditionary Force hasn't employed any artillery company for their ground troops. While we received a plentiful amount of those vehicles as part of the project, they were mostly stored over the eastern part of the island."
ㅤ
"Right in the middle of the enemy territory… This is just too great to bear."
ㅤ
William took another sipped from his mug and continued.
ㅤ
"So… Ground Artillery is not going to be useful… Kate, what warships do we have leftover the port."
ㅤ
"We currently have two floating anti-submarine destroyers at our disposal. RFS Admiral Chabanenko is out of operation after receiving a heavy missile attack from the east, but it could be operated again by overhaul repairs. On the other hand, RFS Severomorsk has issues with its propulsion system and as for the weapons systems…"
ㅤ
"What about them, Kate?"
ㅤ
"The MR-145 Lev-218-100 Fire Control Radar for those AK-100 naval guns were severely damaged, although all anti-air and anti-surface ship missiles systems were online."
ㅤ
"If that's the case, then why not launch them immediately. Surely, there shouldn't be any problems" Eckhart said.
ㅤ
"There IS an issue, Eckhart. Those missiles have to be perfectly guided by 3R95 Podkat Fire Control Radar and Rätsel is highly sensitive to our radar frequency."
ㅤ
"But, we can still use those missiles if we manage to distract most of them away from the storm, right?"
ㅤ
"Well yes but no, Cap'n… If Vlora's remark about Rätsel's armor is true then we could assume that SA-N-9 Gauntlet missiles won't do jacksh*t on the core against that kind of armor, losing our only SAM Capabilities."
ㅤ
"Wait, Kate… you said that ship has anti-surface warship capabilities?"
ㅤ
"Yes, Vlora. What about it?"
ㅤ
"Then can we use those missiles against the core?"
ㅤ
"Haa… The SS-14-N 'Rastrub' rocket system has two stages of delivery… First, it would be propelled at the given height before the UMGT-1M Torpedo would be separated from the main delivery stage of the missile. That torpedo is responsible for delivering the ship's capability of an anti-surface warship… So, if you're asking me if the rocket system could fly beyond its height limitations then good luck."
ㅤ
"I believe I could produce us a SAM with a warhead capable of punching through their armor."
ㅤ
As the situation and planning became hopeless, Sabina forwards something that could turn their disadvantage into an advantage.
ㅤ
"Can you add more details into that?" William asked.
ㅤ
"Well, it's easy to detach the torpedoes from the Rastrub rocket system and strapped them beside a Gauntlet Missile... Adding extra weight to the SAM system would surely affect their flight trajectory, but since these torpedoes were designed to be lightweight during the flight. I speculate that it will work as intended."
ㅤ
"You do know that these torpedoes have to be activated after the main payload has launched from its silo... Especially if you're going to detach them separately from the Rastrub system." Vlora told her.
ㅤ
"It would be the case… But I can arm those torpedoes manually without being activated from its usual sequence..."
ㅤ
"Alright, I get it… How many missiles could we procure with your methods, having such a limited time frame, Sabina?" William asked.
ㅤ
"Considering the weight from those UMGT-1M, and the maximum propulsion force of a single Gauntlet missile, we're talking about a 1 for 1 ratio here… As for the time frame, I'm afraid that it would take me around 45 minutes to complete these modifications per missile with what basic tools we could muster."
ㅤ
"Roughly, around 3 Hours… That would take too much time that we currently have." William mumbled.
ㅤ
"Is one missile enough to inflict critical damage onto the core itself?" Kate asked.
ㅤ
"If Vlora's assumption is true, then it is enough, considering the type of warhead it carries… But I really doubt that it would be enough to penetrate its armor… ㅤJust as Eckhart saw, their armor thickness differs from the type of units that we could encounter."
ㅤ
"We're in a pot to be sh*t on, huh..?" Eckhart commented.
ㅤ
"It would be, Eckhart… But I guess we're out of possible options..."
ㅤ
"Haa… Well, I guess so." Eckhart muttered.
ㅤ
"What else do you need?" William asked.
ㅤ
"I will need one manpower to speed up those modifications."
ㅤ
"Alright, we'll assign a team later on… So far, we have the means to destroy the core."
ㅤ
"But still, Cap'n… We need to address the concern on where and when we will plan our defensive holdout as the team prepares to launch a surgical missile strike from RFS Severomorsk."
ㅤ
"Kate has a point, William." Eckhart then pointed his fingers on the map, noticing the written marks.
ㅤ
"Rätsel forces continue to advance through the west and Ponta Delgada holds a strategic value as it serves as chokepoint access between the Port and the island… So, defending at Ponta Delgada is not advisable. We need to find a suitable place for us to defend and survive their onslaught." Eckhart said.
ㅤ
「There is one place we can lure them out, Senpai.」
ㅤ
"?"
ㅤ
As they planned out their defensive holdout, they were startled to find Youta in the corridor, bearing both improvised crutches.
ㅤ
"Youta!? When did you wake up?" William asked.
ㅤ
He walked through the room and picked up his communication tablet.
ㅤ
「I'm already here ever since you talk about your plan against their central command…」
ㅤ
"Ah, so you learned everything we discussed..."
ㅤ
「Regarding the place that should defend, there's one that we could hold out.」
ㅤ
"Alright, then do you know where it is?"
ㅤ
「It's located… Right here...」
ㅤ
He pointed out the location over the tactical map from the table.
ㅤ
"Sete Cidades?"
ㅤ
「Yes, and this is where the Northwest Air Defense Artillery Command, one of the three air defense citadels over the island, was at… Radio chatters revealed that NATO Ground Forces have already abandoned the structure as soon as the 2nd Tank Battalion were redeployed around Ponta Delgada.」
ㅤ
"Yes, Youta. The 2nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force and 1st Battalion of 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment from the United States Army already abandoned that fortification… What makes Sete Cidades advisable to hold out?"
ㅤ
「The NADAC has powerful arrays of air search radar systems and considering that they already abandoned that area before. There's a high possibility that Rätsel forces haven't decimated most of the radar infrastructure. 」
ㅤ
"Hmm… You're suggesting that we could use those radar facilities as sort of a distraction for Rätsel forces."
ㅤ
「Yes. We use them to create a false reading for them to track and locate, omitting high frequencies which eventually will lure almost all of Rätsel forces out of the storm… Besides, there could still be some cache of heavy weapons and vehicles abandoned by the ground forces that we could use. 」
ㅤ
After a moment of thought from Youta's recommendation, he hesitantly concurred with his plan.
ㅤ
"Sete Cidades will be chosen as our location for holding out an incoming wave of Rätsel forces … Anyone still disagree?"
ㅤ
"…"
ㅤ
"Good… Let's break down this operation into two teams. Team Delta will be responsible for preparing a defensive stance on Sete Cidades and defending that fortification until Team Oscar was able to successfully destroy the core… In addition, Team Oscar will play an important role in modifying that surface to air missiles and carrying out a surgical missile strike against the core located in Santa Barbara."
ㅤ
"…"
ㅤ
"Youta…" William asked.
ㅤ
「Yes, senpai..?」
ㅤ
"How're your injuries..? Sabina will be needing you to work together."
ㅤ
「 It's improving but I can't do much labor in terms of moving around.」
ㅤ
"Don't you worry little guy… I just need your expertise in this one." Sabina elucidated.
ㅤ
「Don't call me little guy!」Youta pout.
ㅤ
"Haha! Anyways, you will be responsible for arming those torpedoes… Do it with your own discretion as long as it has to be manually armed."
ㅤ
「Alright… I'll do that..」
ㅤ
"Okay… So is there anything you want to add, Sabina?" William implored.
ㅤ
"Nyet (No), I'm good with the given circumstances."
ㅤ
"Alright then… Kate, Sabina, and Youta will be under Team Oscar with Kate as their team leader. While I, Eckhart, and Vlora will be under Team Delta with yours truly as your team leader." William said.
ㅤ
"Yes!"
ㅤ
"Team Delta has a minimum of three hours and a maximum of six hours of preparation and setting up defensive positions over the mountain… Vlora, order whatever tanks we can muster to that area while the rest of the tanks in Ponta Delgada will serve us the first layer of defense."
ㅤ
"Wilco, Captain." All replied.
ㅤ
"After all the preparations have been made by Team Delta, a signal will be sent to Team Oscar in the form of an illumination round. Indicating that we will begin our defensive hold out against incoming Rätsel forces, and Team Oscar must be ready to launch those missiles as soon as another signal will be sent in the same method… When that happens… Launch at your discretion…"
ㅤ
"Got it, Cap'n." Kate complies.
ㅤ
"…"
ㅤ
"And remember that we got one shot at this… The stakes are high and everything must be done without any further complications. If we failed… We might as well perish with others by our own forces…"
ㅤ
"…"
ㅤ
"Do you have any objections to this plan?"
ㅤ
"None, Captain!" All replied.
ㅤ
"Good… As the Head Director of Division 612, I authorized Operation Cloak and Dagger in motion… It's time for some payback…"
ㅤ
"Hell yeah! It's time to kick some Rätsel's ass."
ㅤ
"More like… They've kicked your ass once, Eckhart." Kate chuckles.
ㅤ
"Oh, shut up, Kate! They've just caught off guard at that time, so they've kicked my ass."
ㅤ
"Haha… So, denial, Eckhart. You won't back that one for once." Vlora said.
ㅤ
"…"
ㅤ
The four of them laugh except for Youta, who can't speak, and Eckhart, who was embarrassed by the minor mistake before William continued.
ㅤ
"Alright, enough of this… Grab your gear and sort out yourselves… As of now, we got only six hours left before NATO fighters can roll into this island. We'll rendezvous at the helicopter deck of Severomorsk… You're all dismissed."
ㅤ
"And Kate… Stay here. I need to talk to you… The rest of you may leave the room"
ㅤ
Everyone stood up from the table and exited the office, leaving William with his mug of caffeine over the table and Kate behind.
ㅤ
"Kate, hold on to this…"
ㅤ
William passed her a Midland GXT1050VP4 Long Range Two-Way Radio.
ㅤ
"Why are you handing me over that?"
ㅤ
"It's our communication after you successfully destroy the core, so that our coordination to the facility again will be ensured."
ㅤ
"Got it…"
ㅤ
"Unless it's absolutely necessary, do not use the radio… We know that they're attracted to this stuff but only use them when the time is necessary… Do you understand?"
ㅤ
Kate nodded as he took a small sip from the mug.
ㅤ
"Do you have something in your mind, Kate?"
ㅤ
"W-well, William… I was wondering if we could pull this off despite it being stacked against us."
ㅤ
"Honestly… I'm not certain that we could pull this reckless plan."
ㅤ
"But–."
ㅤ
"Unless there's a glimpse of chance that we could accomplish this reckless plan, then I would do whatever I could muster and push all of that stake into that slim chance… Even if it's against us… So, I prioritize the survival of this group above all else, even if I had to become a demon…"
ㅤ
"Right… I understand…"
ㅤ
Kate rises from her seat and heads towards the door as William stops her with his words.
ㅤ
"I don't care if we fought against an enemy greater than us, but if there's a chance for this group to be alive. Then, I will bear that risk, just so you know about it."
ㅤ
Kate nodded for one last time before she left the office. William rises from the table and walks through the windows, looking at the Waxing gibbous Moon over the sky.
ㅤ
'Strange… Last night it was a New Moon … Maybe, I was restless from work so my eyes may be seeing it wrong.'
ㅤ
He took the last sip from his mug before putting the mug on the counter and shortly left the office. As a Waxing Gibbous Moon illuminated the pitch-dark skies of Sao Miguel Island, Operation Cloak and Dagger began.ㅤ
ㅤ
ㅤ
