If it isn't described, it's from Supreme Commander

Data File 0260: Midway Atoll and the Pacific Fleet Groups

Midway Atoll has a lot of historic value, as well as a lot of strategic value. The Atoll was bought from the US and now resides as the main base for the Pacific Fleets of the Hammond Republic. Outcry against the US's actions 'forced' the Hammond Republic to clean up Midway Atoll before building its man made islands and the harbors. The Atoll itself has been untouched, and the sailors of the Hammond Republic have always made sure it stays that way. The Pacific Fleet Groups (PFGs) of Hammond have their command stationed here. With Hammond having the largest military budget, they are able to support four fleet groups in the Pacific. North PFG, South PFG, East PFG, and West PFG all have 4 fleets each. With this, they are able to deter both the US and Chinese Fleets in the Pacific with overwhelming numbers and superior technology. The US has stated it will start increasing it's ship count in the area, while the Chinese have developed special ships to carry IS units with fleets. Unfortunately for both sides, Hammond has already had Hybrids in the area, and has started building more ships to double the fleet count in the Pacific.

Some 300 miles off Midway Island, Pacific Ocean

The hazy mist from the ocean shrouded the usually beautiful view of the Pacific, making visibility limited to only a couple hundred meters. But if one looked long enough, they could make out a silhouette of a ship, or perhaps a whole fleet of ships.

The squall did well to hide the ensign flags, but one could make out the Hammond Republic flag anywhere. The fleet consisted of 16 screen ships and 6 capital ships. The screen ships were ten Valiant class destroyers and six Governor class cruisers. The capital ships consisted of two usually modern capital ships and four odd capital ships.

The two mainstays of the Hammond fleet were the Harkon class carriers. They were 1,200 feet long, 256 feet wide on flight deck and 140 feet wide at waterline, 250 feet tall, and were similar to the Gerald R. Ford class carriers (much to the dismay of the US). They came with a wide assortment of weaponry: Nashorn anti-ship missiles, anti-missile/air laser turrets, 5-in secondary cannons, and Sidewinder micro missile turrets in many positions of the ship in quad-launcher variants. It's primary defensive mechanism was it's shield generator. The ship was powered by a nuclear reactor, and came with a contingent of 70 Wasp multi-role variant fighters, which were armed with repeating gauss cannons and Sidewinder micro missile launchers.

But the other four capital ships were something else entirely. The Seraphim class battleship was the brainchild of four years of research after being a byproduct of the Harkon project. Seraphim battleships were 1,131 feet long, 220 feet wide on deck and 160 feet at waterline, 240 feet tall, and similar to the proposed H44 class battleships. Their weapon arsenal consisted of twenty-eight 37mm gatling cannons, forty laser turrets to support the gatling cannons, sixteen 105mm secondaries, anti-ship missiles, and the main armament of four turrets, two on the front and two on the back. The turrets closest to the bow and stern were quad-barreled 460mm cannons, while the two closest to the main structure were double barreled and fired quantum shells measuring 508mm. The ship was powered by two nuclear reactors, and had a shield generator as well.

It also came with a secret arsenal, but very few in the world knew what it was.

The fleet was based out of Midway Atoll, which was sold to the Hammond Republic when the US fell on some hard economic times. The island housed several fleets. These new fleets made up Pacific Fleet Command. Not only was it a new challenger in the Pacific, it was the leading challenger due to the ships having shield generators and more accurate anti-anything weaponry.

But where was this fleet going?

Bridge of Odin, Carrier One of the 15th Fleet

Fleet Admiral Jonhuen stared out at the mist, wondering why his fleet was suddenly diverted from its usual patrol route to immediately go to Japan. Ship captains hadn't received any reasons for the change, leaving the 15th Fleet largely in the dark. It wasn't too much of a nuisance, since the 17th Fleet had come to take over their patrol route.

"Sir? Call from Fleet Command." A lieutenant reported. "Patching through now."

Jonhuen turned to look at the screen in front of his command chair as it turned on. It showed the face of a commissar with the naval insignia on his hat. "Admiral, this is Commissar Hartzen."

"Commissar, what is the meaning of this call? Rerouting us again?" The Admiral snarled. He wasn't a big fan of commissars, he thought them unnecessary for a country's military.

"No, I've come to inform you of why you were rerouted."

"Oh?" The Admiral arched an eyebrow. "Do tell, I'm in suspense."

"Our representative contender has engaged in combat with the current Tatenashi." Commissar Hartzen reported. "We need you to head to the ISA to deliver his new equipment."

Admiral Jonhuen raised both eyebrows now. "He fought the Tatenashi? I'm impressed. But what equipment is he getting?"

"The IS Corps noticed that the RC was sent without any Nashorn missiles, but he is equipped with the launchers."

"I see, we have a surplus of those."

The Commissar shook his head. "No, a dropship is already on route to your position from Midway to drop off the package."

"Couldn't the dropship deliver the package to the ISA?" The Admiral asked.

"No, dropships aren't allowed over ISA airspace. Part of the deal for allowing our RC to go to the school."

"Why would the government allow that to fly?" Both the Admiral and the Commissar winced at the pun. "Pun not intended."

"The government made all decisions through Head Commissar Fauzer. I guess he allowed it because he really wanted Inferno in the ISA for some reason. I'm not sure why, but it bothers me as well." The commissar rubbed his chin.

"No matter. I'll deliver the goods to him. Hopefully he isn't too injured from the fight."

Commissar Hartzen nodded, and the line went dead. Admiral Jonhuen turned to his bridge crew. "We're setting course for the ISA. Alert the other ships, and prepare a landing zone on battleships Split and Bucharest for dropships."

"What's their cargo?" A radioman asked.

"Nashorn missiles, IS variant. Priority One, they're going to the RC." The crew stiffened at that.

"Captain...Inferno, sir?" A young ensign asked nervously. "What has happened?"

"He fought the current Tatenashi. The one that was trained to hunt people like us down." Admiral Jonhuen bit his lip. "Stryker have mercy on him."

ISA Infirmary (A week later)

Around the same time, a bandaged Tatenashi was sitting up in her bed, staring out her window. She had many cuts along her arm, her torso was a mess of stitches and scars from the fight with the Hammond pilot. God, he could pull some saving moves when he wanted to. She sighed, upset her crusade against Hammond had finally caught up to her. She didn't know it then, but her aide had told her some frightening information.

The Hammond pilot was equipped with Nashorn Missile Launchers, but had no missiles on him. She shivered, she had seen what those missiles could do to an IS mech and pilot.

"President?" A voice asked.

Tatenashi turned around to face a student who was obviously from the newspaper club. "Yes?"

"Is it true? Were you bested by the Hammond Pilot?" The student asked.

Tatenashi was silent as she looked away. She was unaware of the Hammond Pilot's current status. She called it a tie, at first. The pilot was deadly clever, sneaking Sabot rounds into a school for training and hiding the fact he had Nashorns on him. He took lances to multiple parts

"President?"

Tatenashi turned back to the student. "I believe it was-"

There was a commotion outside her room, causing Tatenashi to lose focus. The newspaper student turned around "What's happening?"

A random girl stopped next to her. "A lot! Dunois's a girl and bathed with Orimura! The Hammond Pilot is awake! 15th Fleet! Oh crap, it's the 15th Fleet! Do you know what this means?!" The student started shaking the newspaper girl.

"What..huh?" Newspaper girl asked.

Tatenashi got off her bed, and walked towards the duo. She put her hand on the student. "Slow down, deep breaths."

The student dropped the newspaper girl, and complied with Tatenashi. When she calmed down, she spoke again. "Dunois is actually a girl. She bathed with Orimura last night in the new Men's bath."

"Okay, not that riveting." Tatenashi mumbled as the newspaper girl adjusted her glasses and started writing stuff down.

"The Hammond Pilot is awake, and walking around at the moment."

"Oh? That's something, what's got him riled up?" Tatenashi questioned, putting her hand to her chin.

"And the 15th Fleet is arriving in port right now."

"I thought the 7th Fleet had control over the Pacific, what changed?" Tatenashi asked.

"That's the US 7th Fleet. The 15th Fleet is part of the Pacific Fleet Command of the Hammond Republic." She gulped, her fear coming back. "And they're here." She mumbled, and promptly passed out.

"Oh." Was all Tatenashi said.

Outside, ISA Harbor

Fourth year students, security, and teachers all were in the air staring down at the armed-to-the-teeth naval fleet staring back at them. Cannons, lasers, guns, and swords were up against Battleship cannons, anti-air lasers and gatling cannons, Nashorn missiles, and military-trained Hybrid Pilots.

Tatenashi walked out, throwing clothes on really quickly to meet the 'envoy' from Hammond. "Hello! Hammond Death Squads!"

All weapons immediately pointed at her, including sailors with P2016 pistols and a janitor with no true weapons.

Granted, he did look pretty terrifying with a broom and the balls of steel to stare down an IS pilot with only said broom.

"That may have been the wrong words…" Tatenashi mumbled.

"YOU!" Someone shouted. Tatenashi looked towards the sea, and saw something jump off a carrier. It landed right in front of her, and she found herself face to face with a Kaiser Titan. "CRUSADER!"

"Yes...that's me." Tatenashi said, not quite shocked with the overbearing display of bravado. "What can I do for you and...your friends?"

"Oh...right. Apologies." The Kaiser Titan straightened up, and the hatched opened to reveal a man in naval admiral's clothing. "I forgot my job isn't to hunt you...for now."

"Oh, is it someone else's?"

"Yes…" A voice said. Tatenashi turned to find who said that, and found the crowd parting like the Red Sea for a figure.

The figure was Gio, still in his IS. "That would be me."

"Captain Inferno here was our prime Ghost pilot. He was made to hunt you after we found out he was involved with the attack on Storyuski." The Admiral said.

"Jonhuen!" Gio shouted. "Give me my damn missiles!"

Jonhuen sighed, and pointed to the battleships. "Missiles are on Split and Bucharest."

"What the hell is going on he-oh." Chifuyu said, walking out to see the scene. "Shinonono wasn't lying."

"Thank you for sharing, Jonhuen." Gio said. He flew off to the battleships.

"Stupid entitled little Inheritor." Jonhuen mumbled. His eyes went wide when he turned around to be face to face with Tatenashi.

"Excuse me, can you repeat that for me?"

"That is none of your business, Crusader." Admiral Jonhuen snapped. "You know enough about us to know what an Inheritor is."

"And he's one of them?"

"Like I said-"

"Tell her nothing." The two turned to see Gio walking back to them. "I have my missiles, can you stop holding the ISA hostage now? Our government's not gonna like this." Gio looked worried. "You've seen the head-honchos angry."

Admiral Jonhuen shivered. "Good point. I'll get going." And with that, the Kaiser Titan lifted off and landed on the carrier. The ships started to pull out ISA waters, leaving Gio to dismiss his IS suit and walk towards Chifuyu and Tatenashi.

"I apologize for the scene I caused." Gio said, bowing down.

The entire present audience was silent, Gio never bowed. Ever.

"Apology accepted, on the premise you tell me why you needed those Nashorn missiles." Chifuyu said.

"Defense against unknown targets. Nashorn beats everything." Gio shrugged his shoulders.

"You are going to have to be more specific than that." Chifuyu said, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Tatenashi." Gio deadpanned.

"I figured."

Tatenashi deflated slightly at this. "What did I do?"

Gio turned and stared at her, a deadpanned look on his face.

"Point taken?"

Gio turned back to Chifuyu, who was still staring at him with a scowl. "What?"

"The arena you destroyed will be compensated, right?" Chifuyu asked.

"I thought-" Ms. Yamada started, but was interrupted by Tatenashi.

"Since the Hammond Republic didn't sign the Alaska Treaty, they are required to compensate the ISA for all damages their pilots incur." Tatenashi explained. "Which is why Hammond isn't too keen on sending people here."

Gio rolled his eyes. "Sure, that's why we don't send people here. Is this gonna throw off the schedule to go to the beach?"

"We'll leave a little later, since we need to have you recover before we leave. I'm hesitant to leave you alone with the ISA. I'll come back and Hammond will have occupied the surrounding area." Chifuyu explained.

"I'll be up in a week, I think." Gio waved his hand. "I need to go shopping though." Gio looked around the present audience. "Where's Ichika?"

Chifuyu tilted her head. "Good question. You think this commotion would get him out here."

Gio scratched his head. "Wait…" Gio's eyes widened. "Charlotte!" He shouted.

Ichika's Dorm, the night before

Ichika sat on his bed, while Charle-Charlotte-sat on the other side. "I'm still having trouble processing this."

"I understand."

"You're 'father' asked you to come here and spy on me and my IS? And thought it would be better if you were disguised as a boy to do that?"

"Yes."

"Does anyone else know you're a girl?"

Charlotte shifted uncomfortably. "I think pilot Inferno might know."

"Why is that?" Ichika asked.

"He fought me as an exhibition fight in Europa's Shield, and again during the operation itself." Charlotte said. "He beat me both times, but the second fight was unfair."

"Unfair?"

"Oh...right. Laura might know as well. They fought together."

Flashback: Operation Europa's Shield, a couple months before the Series

Charlotte backpedalled as she was faced with the onslaught of two ISs. Laura boosted towards Charlotte and swung with her plasma dagger. Charlotte blocked with her shield peirce, and boosted backwards as Gio struck the ground where she just was with his broadsword.

"Hold still, dammit!" Gio shouted, as he fired his 40mm at Charlotte. "You've lost!"

"Not yet!" Charlotte shouted, as she pulled out SMGs in Akimbo. "I'm still fighting!"

"Perish!" Laura shouted, as a railgun shot impacted the back of Charlotte's IS. "You can't win against two professionals!"

"I must!" Charlotte shouted back, turning around and firing at Laura. "Viva la-"

"Quiet!" Gio shouted, ramming into Charlotte with the full force of Firestorm. "Pro victoria!" He aimed his Trebuchet at Charlotte.

Charlotte tried to steady herself, until she felt Laura's tendrils wrap around her, and throw her into the air. Gio aimed his Trebuchet at the flying target.

Charlotte could do nothing at the round ripped through her armor.

Present day, ISA

"That is unfair." Ichika sighed. "But the fighting style sounds like Gio."

"Barbaric and unethical?"

"It works, doesn't?" Ichika shrugged his shoulders. "We could learn a thing or two from him."

The door to the room burst open. "Step away from the virgin boy!" Gio shouted.

Charlotte partially summoned her IS, while Ichika fell off the bed. "Oh Grand Dieu, Inferno! You're up quick."

"My Ichika senses were tingling." Gio said. "But you just missed the 15th Fleet."

"The US Navy was here?" Ichika asked, getting up.

"Why does everyone assume that? No, the Hammond Republic 15th Fleet was here. There is no US 15th Fleet...at least not to my knowledge." Gio mumbled the last part.

"The...the...Hammond Republic Navy was here?" Charlotte stuttered out. "Like...the battleships and all?"

"Yes...you just missed the Seraphim class battleships. I thought you would like to see them, since your country is very fond of them." Gio smirked. "Since they tried stealing one."

Charlotte stiffened up. Ichika sighed. "Gio, do you really need to be bringing up everyone's country's past like this?"

"You make a good point, Ichika." Gio put his finger on his chin. "But, good sir, I am an asshole in many ways."

"Gio…"

"Fine. I'll limit it to any grievances against the Hammond Republic." Gio waved his hands.

"Your point still stands!" Ichika exclaimed.

"Fine, I'll stop." Gio sighed. "But now that we have that settled…" Gio pointed his finger at Charlotte. "I need to speak with you!"

"Me?" Charlotte asked. "Why me?"

"Considering you arrived here as a 'boy', I assume you need swim clothes for the beach trip?" Gio surmised. "I need some as well. Ichika, want in?"

Ichika was silent, staring deadpan at Gio. "Really?"

"Fine. I'll take that as a no then. Now, I have to go apologize to Kanzashi for beating up her sister." Gio said, and walked out of the room. He stopped in the doorway. "Ichika, you know what to do. Or Charlotte. I don't care, someone just take the hint." Then, he left.

Ichika stared at the now empty doorframe. "Well, that was a thing."

"Indeed. It's amazing the Mexicans stood him." Charlotte sighed.

"I'm sorry, what?" Ichika turned around to Charlotte. "What does that mean?"

"You never heard of Operation Recon?" Charlotte asked. "The secret Hammond Op in Mexico during its coup over NAJSA."

"NAJSA?" Ichika asked, confused.

"North American Joint Security Agreement, like USMCA but for the militaries" Charlotte said. "There was a good portion of the Mexican military who was opposed to the signing."

"And?"

"Well...you may have to ask Gio about what happened while he was down there. He and some special operations team went down there and put the coup down." Charlotte shivered. "It went into a full blown civil war in Mexico and Latin America. The conventional Hammond Military was sent in to deal with the problem when Mexico and the US asked them to."

"Wait...are you talking about the Battle of Ciudad Juarez? And the El Paso Skirmishes? That was the Hammond Military?" Ichika asked. "My friend Dan was in the US when that happened!"

"Was he in Texas?" Charlotte asked.

"No…"

"Well...he probably was still affected by it. The whole country went into lockdown." Charlotte explained. "But we shouldn't dwell on the past, should we go shopping tomorrow?"

"Yeah...we should." Ichika answered.

Outside Kanzashi's dorm room

"I didn't mean to injure her!" Gio shouted.

"Then what did you mean to do?!" Kanzashi shouted back.

"I meant to kill her!"

"HOW IS THAT BETTER!?"

"Did we miss the part where she has attacked my country? Or better yet: has tried to KILL ME TOO?!"

"Perhaps we should let cooler heads prevail here?" Tatenashi interjected. "After all, I'm still alive and somewhat unscathed."

"He tried to kill you!" Kanzashi shouted.

"Yeah? Many people have. Not one besides him has done it in your name."

Kanzashi froze, but Gio turned to Tatenashi. "Yeah...cause that's what happened. Did I hit you too hard or are you that blind?"

"I could ask you the same thing. I could see it in your eyes."

"You're making shit up, Sarashiki."

"Inferno." Kanzashi said.

Gio turned to the younger of the blunettes.

"You attacked my sister. But was even a smidgeon of reason behind doing so in my name?" Kanzashi asked. "Is my sister telling the truth?"

"...Perhaps." Gio mumbled, looking away. "It's complicated."

"Then uncomplicate it." Tatenashi ordered.

"When I first met Kanzashi, I felt something."

"You mean when you weren't berserking in the arena or is that the first time we met?" Kanzashi asked.

"That's the first time we met."

"Well, great first impression." Tatenashi mumbled.

"But there was a...spark? I felt drawn to you. I could feel you were hurt by something...you wish to outpace your sister. You want out of her shadow." Gio said, turning back to the duo. "You seek strength. I wanted to help."

"How was almost killing my sister helping me?"

"I don't know. In a rage-fuelled fight that I didn't win or lose, I lost sight of what I was really looking to do." Gio said, and turned to Kanzashi. "You were what I was fighting for."

"How...what..None of this makes sense!" Kanzashi exclaimed.

"It doesn't, but I have been looking to explain. I thought my apology wasn't enough, so I went for the next best thing. I wanted you to trust me, so I tried showing you I was the strongest."

"By defeating my sister…" Kanzashi finished. "Oh…"

"Well...this is awkward." Tatenashi mumbled.

"Kanzashi...I understand your position. I know what it means to be powerless in the face of what seems to be stronger people. I was in that position, but look where I am now." Gio said. "Only tied one match here."

There was silence after that.

"Will you help me?" Kanzashi finally asked.

"Yes." Gio answered. "I've already started. Remember your IS?"

"The modifications...it's all coming together…" Kanzashi drifted off.

"What modifications?" Tatenashi asked. "What did you do?"

"So...believe me?" Gio asked, ignoring Tatenashi.

"...Yes. I believe you." Kanzashi answered.

Tatenashi couldn't believe she had just been ignored by her own sister. She was choosing someone who narrowly beat her, sort of, instead of her. "Kanzashi,what about me?"

Kanzashi turned to her sister. "What about you?"

"What can I do?"

Gio suppressed a snarl. "Stay out of the way, for starters."

"I wasn't talking to-"

"He's right." Kanzashi said. "This is for the best."

"But I-"

"Sister, I fear sometime in the future we will meet as enemies." Kanzashi began. "This is for the best. Inferno has offered me more than you ever have. He's offering to help me become my own person, to escape the family name! You know I wanted that more than anything in my life, even my IS!"

"But selling yourself to Hammond isn't reasonable!" Tatenashi countered. "They tried destroying our family! Don't you remember Storyuski?"

"I remember it clearly. I also know Inferno was forced to commit that atrocity to save himself. He's apologized, he's trying to make things right!"

"He lives in the past, he let's it define himself! He isn't looking to make things right, he's trying to make himself feel better about what he's done!" Tatenashi was actually getting angry. "He's doing it for himself!"

"Like you did on your 'crusade'?" Gio asked, bringing Tatenashi to a standstill. "I killed less than fifty people. Your response was killing well over a thousand soldiers, maybe even two thousand. It was do or die for me, it was a choice for you."

"But-"

"Not to mention the 'collateral damage' you caused as well. There was a large amount of civilian deaths on your crusade, but I imagine it was no stain on your conscience." Gio continued. "What do you say in response?"

Tatenashi said nothing. Kanzashi looked at her sister. "Is it true?"

"What?" Gio turned to her. "You didn't know?"

"No-I...she was always saying she was doing missions for our family when none were assigned. Are you telling me she was out killing people?" Kanzashi asked in a tone that made it clear she was fearing the answer.

"I have proof." Gio answered. "She was out on a revenge crusade."

"She-she couldn't have done that! Could she?" Kanzashi was sounding less and less sure of herself.

"I...did it." Tatenashi said, resentment in her voice. "I did go on a revenge crusade against Hammond."

"What!?" Kanzashi shouted.

"She kicked the most well armed hornet's nest in existence, and got away with it for a long time." Gio continued. "But you're no longer being hunted, Tatenashi."

"...What?" Both girls asked.

"Tatenashi has been temporarily excused for her crimes in light of more pressing matters." Gio explained. "One of them being a threat your family has fought for a long time."

"Phantom Task." Tatenashi said, glumly.

"That, and the new mission of the Hammond SPECOPCOM to find 'Inventor'. Both are equally pressing matters."

"Wait, 'Inventor'? What's that?" Kanzashi asked.

"I can't-wait a second...I need to make a call." Gio turned around and walked to a corner.

"I think I know who he's talking about." Tatenashi whispered to her sister. "He just can't tell us yet."

"You think the phone call is back to his command?"

"He mentioned SPECOPCOM, Special Operations Command. They command the Special Operations of Hammond, and they're the most dangerous military force in the world. Rainbow, the next elite group, has nothing on them. SOH might as well be a separate military arm for Hammond, considering their number is equal to the PLA and technologically superior to every military, save maybe the Hammond Military Forces." Tatenashi explained. "SPECOPCOM is the command structure, similar to the HMF's COMBATCOM."

"So Inferno is a pilot for the Special Operations of Hammond?" Kanzashi asked. "He's a specialist?"

"Wet Work." Gio answered, walking back to the sisters. "And you two will be the same, actually."

"What?" Tatenashi asked. "What do you mean?"

"The Hammond Republic is willing to drop charges if the Sarashiki Family is willing to help Hammond in the fight against Phantom Task. Namely, they want you two to work with me in a 'partnership' to protect the ISA." Gio explained.

"That can't be it." Tatenashi said, crossing her arms across her chest.

"You are correct. Kanzashi will be my partner when the time comes for a bigger assignment. Hunting Tabane Shinonono, the Inventor." Gio finished. "Which means I need to train her."

"So, my sister and I won't meet on the battlefield as enemies?" Tatenashi asked.

"It is still a possibility. But I highly doubt it." Gio answered. "Nothing is truly ever zero or a hundred percent. Except math...fuck that subject."

"So...when do we start?" Kanzashi asked.

"Well, tomorrow morning. You two will attend a briefing with me with other Wet Work Specialists." Gio said. "Welcome to the Ghosts, girls."

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