Gate: And So The United Republic Fought

The URGF was deployed to the Special Region. The Lt. Itami Youji, Commander of the 3rd Recon Team, met the Elf Tuka, Apostle Rory Mercury, and the Mage Lelei. After the URGF saved the people of Italica in a massive show of force Imperial Princess Pina Co Lada decided to go to the Republic to negotiate.

When they came out of the Gate which served as the border between the worlds Pina was rendered completely speechless at the sight before her. Great towers of glass and stone touching the sky. Through their windows she could see people going about their daily lives and the noise. Gods the noise. It was twice as loud as the busiest section of the Imperial Capital. How many people live here?

"Such tall buildings!" said Tuka

"They are making effective use of limited space." Observed Lelei

"Does that mean Itami's country is very tiny?" asked Rory

"It could just be very populated." Said Lelei. She turned towards Itami who was climbing out of the bus that brought them through the Gate. "Itami, I have a question."

"Yes Lelei?" he said

"How many people live here in your capital?"

"Republic City has a population of over 8 million people not counting those in the surrounding towns."

Pina was shocked. The Imperial Capital only had a population of 1.5 million at the last census and that was counting non-humans! How could the Empire and her father declare war on a civilization this powerful!?

Itami signed his name along with everyone else's in registration. The military sure loves its paperwork… Stange being back in Republic City. He has no idea how long it's been. It seemed like a lifetime ago when he the Gate first opened her. The West District Park is gone with a new one under construction not too far away. The area where is was is now a military facility. Walls now surround the perimeter with guards all over the place and in the center of it all is the Gate. No one was getting in or out without the URGF's say so.

As Itami finished the last of the paper work someone called his name. Turning around there was this black haired man in a brown coat flanked by two suited guards. "Lt. Youji, I am Dennis. I am with Republic Intelligence." He said while flashing his badge. "I've been instructed to escort you."

He was definitely an Intelligence guy like Yeager, but there was something off about him. Something similar to Republic Intelligence but more deadly…

"You're with the Black Operations Group." Said Itami

"You can tell?" said Dennis letting out a small chuckle "And I thought I was being so sneaky too. Well that's a hero's sixth sense for ya."

"It was just a lucky guess." Said Itami a bit truthfully. He suspected but wasn't completely sure he was BOG.

"A lucky guess? I learned a bit about you." He said taking out a small black book "You had the lowest score in Hanoian Basic Training. Pissed your drill instructor off to no end because he knew you were just doing the bare minimum. Enough to not get kicked out but not enough for you to get noticed. To teach you a lesson he signed you up for the Viet Cong but to the amazement of many you passed with average scores. Due to this you were selected for enlistment in the Republic Military which you readily accepted."

"The Republic is a nice place to live." Shrugged Itami. "So you've done your homework."

Dennis laughed. "I know your type. Slacker. You only do the bare minimum amount of work and try your best to keep your head down. It was only your actions at during the West District Incident that got you promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Or so I am told" he said putting away the book.

"You sure did do your homework." Said Itami.

"Itami could you do me the favor on enlightening me on how the hell someone like you became a Ranger?"

"WHAT!" yelled Shino before she collapsed on the ground in shock.

Rangers- The United Republic Rangers are the Republic's most elite military group. Originally a law enforcement type group defending settlers on the Republic frontier and exploring new lands the Rangers became a modern fighting force during the First World War. After WW2 they were merged with the United Republic Marine Corps. Ranger training is the toughest in the world and people are known to die during training. Rangers are equipped with some of the best armor and weapons the Republic can make. Including Lasers.

"You've really done your homework." sighed Itami "I didn't learn until I was in the Republic that the enlistment was for the Rangers not the URGF. I managed to make it through the literal hell you Republicans call training and requested a transfer to the URGF. You're right. I don't like being put on the spot. I prefer to keep my head down and let others be the hero."

Dennis laughed again before saluting Itami. "I've been reading of your exploits beyond the Gate. If everyone else was half the hero you are then we wouldn't have anything to worry about."

"This can't be happening!" cried Shino. "How can someone like him be a member of the Viet Cong and Rangers?!"

"Nice to know you have so much confidence in me Shino." Said Itami.

The bus ride was mostly quiet except for Shino cries of denial in the back. Everyone from the Special Region looked out the windows at everything. From the large crowds of people to the tall buildings everything was new to them. After a quick stop at a clothing shop to pick up a proper outfit for Tuka, she can't see the senate in a sweater and jeans, they stopped to have lunch. The government was covering all the expenses but Itami was told not to go overboard. He took them to a Sid's Sushi restaurant. The food was both cheap and decent. Two words that usually didn't go well together. Everyone enjoyed the meal though Pina and Bozes were hesitant to eating raw fish. After they took their first bite however they started wolfing it down.

The bus arrived at the Senate Building right on time. The Senate Building was an impressive structure of marble with a large dome on top. Built in the early 1500s after the Industrial Revolution called for a restructure in government. Pina and Bozes remained on the bus with Akira. Officially they weren't in the Republic. They were going to be taken to a nearby hotel so negotiations could commence. Itami checked his watch. The hearing won't begin for another hour or so. Everyone was lounging around here in the main hall. Rory and Tuka were looking at the statue of the Wanderer in the center of the hall and Lelei was admiring a copy of the Republic's Constitution hanging on the wall. Seeing he had nothing to worry about for the next hour Itami took out his phone and signed in to Mei Quest. A new item? Nice!

Good Afternoon United Republic! This is Katie Holmes on Republic News Network. The date is March 23rd, 2006. It has been over four months since the appearance of the Gate in the West District. The first question and answer session on URGF activities in the Special Region which has been lobbied by Sarah Parker of the Republia Party for weeks. Itami Youji, Hero of the West District and Special Region refugees will there to answer the Senate's questions. I've just gotten word that they've entered the Senate Chamber.

Itami and the girls entered the Senate Chamber. It was a large circular room that gave off a courtroom feeling. A raised platform was along an entire half of the room. This is where the various senators from the different states sat and in the center was the Wanderer himself. On the opposite side of the room was an area where civilians were allowed to sit and watch the proceedings.

"1st Lieutenant Itami Youji, please approach the stand."

'Here it comes…' thought Itami

"I'll get straight to the point." Said Republia Member Sarah Parker "Why were 150 special region refugees, who were under URGF protection, killed by an animal you are referring to as a 'dragon'?"

'So that's her game. Make the URGF, and by extension Wanderer, seem incompetent.' Itami thought 'Well can two play that game.'

"The dragon was stronger than we anticipated" Itami said simply and calmly.

"How can you speak so calmly?!" said Parker "Do you not care for the lives lost?"

"I'm sad that some many were killed but I also felt our own capabilities were lacking." Said Itami

"So you are admitting the URGF was at fault."

"No. We just lacked sufficient firepower. Our rounds bounced off the dragon's scales like they were BBs. Only explosives did enough damage to scare it off. If we had lasers, power armor, or assault walkers we could have easily dealt with it. Why we don't have them I don't know."

That was a lie. Itami did know and so did everyone else. The Republia Party protested having the Republic's more advanced weaponry being sent through the Gate. They say it's incase the URGF needed to leave quickly but in Itami's opinion it's almost as if they wanted the URGF to fail.

One of the Senators from Liberty State spoke up. "Scientists have conducted tests on the few scales we could recover from that type of dragon. They are tougher than steel. Only energy weaponry and explosives have any chance of harming it. Demanding zero casualties when you haven't given them proper equipment is rather unreasonable don't you think, Senator?"

"Well…Uh. My next question is for Lelei la Lalena."

Itami sat back down and Lelei approached the stand.

"Do you understand English?" asked Parker

"Yes. A small amount." She replied

"Very well. I am told you are living in a URGF refugee camp. Are you being provided with everything you need?"

"All of my clothing, food, shelter, and spiritual needs are being met. If I started asking for more then there would be no end to it."

"Then do you feel the URGF is responsible in any way for the deaths of those 150 refugees?"

"No."

Seeing she wasn't getting anything out of Lelei, Senator Parker called Tuka up to the stand. After the surprise of seeing a real elf died down Senator Parker began her questioning.

"Tuka was there any problem to the way the URGF handled the dragon attack?"

"I don't know…" Tuka answered truthfully "I was unconscious for most of it."

Rory was the last to be called. Parker assumed Rory's outfit were mourning clothes and that she lost someone in the dragon attack.

"Ms. Mercury. Describe your life in the refugee camp." Asked Parker

"It is very simple. When I wake up, I live, I pray. I receive life, I pray. Then at night I sleep."

"Ok then…" said Parker "From the look of things you've lost someone dear to you. Do you feel the URGF was responsible? One-fourth of the villagers died in the dragon attack and the URGF got away without so much as an injury!"

Itami could see Rory pursing her lips. Her fingers began to inch closer to the knot keeping her halberd hidden under a cloth covering. Itami knew he had to do something otherwise Senator Parker would be splattered all over the nearest wall.

"The URGF put their own safety before that of the people they were supposed to protect! Their cowardly act cost countless..."

"I am really starting to tire of your ignorance little girl…" Rory interrupted loud enough for everyone to hear.

"What… what did you call me?" said Parker

"You heard me. You want to know how they fought the dragon? They did their absolute best, charging head first into danger. What's wrong with soldiers making sure they stay alive? If they die needlessly who is going to protect spoiled little girls like you who do nothing but complain? You say one-fourth of the villagers were killed but refuse to mention the three-fourths that were saved! This is my answer to your stupid question."

"I don't know how they do it in the Special Region but here we respect our elders, young lady!" said Senator Parker

Seeing Rory beginning to untie the cloth keeping her halberd hidden Itami leapt into action.

"I'm sorry esteemed members of the Senate" he said while pushing Rory away, much to her annoyance. "But Senator Parker is very much mistaken. Rory is older than everyone in the room. Well almost everyone."

"And just how old is she?" Scoffed Senator Parker

"I am 961 years old." Said Rory smugly shocking the entire Senate Chamber into silence.

"Nine hundred…" Parker said shocked "And just how old is Ms. Tuka…"

"I'm 165." Said Tuka

"But that's not possible…"

The silence of the chamber was broken by a male laugh that got louder and louder. Everyone turned to its source. At the center of collection of Senators the Wanderer was laughing like he heard the funniest joke in the world.

When he finally quieted down he looked at Senator Parker and said "Senator you should know that appearance doesn't always denote age. I'm over 6000 years old and I still look as if I'm in my early 20s. It takes a bit of skill to guess someone's age."

"Ms. Lelei you are… 15. I presume." He asked

"Yes." She answered visibly surprised. "How did you know that?"

"Trade secret…" he said smiling. "Why don't you explain to the senators how Ms. Tuka and Mercury are, no offense, so old."

"Tuka is an elf. Elves age slowly and live eternally. Rory was originally a human but when she became a demigod her body stopped aging. When she reaches 1000 years of age she when ascend to godhood."

"Godhood huh? Well Ms. Mercury has me beat in that." The Wanderer then looked at Senator Parker. "Does this conclude you questions, Senator Parker?"

"Yes." She said hanging her head down.

"Well then. On the matter of committing all our technological and military might in the Special Region all those in favor say aye.

A large amount of Senators said aye including those than sided with Parker and the Republia Party.

"Motion carried"

Good Evening United Republic! This is Katie Holmes on Republic News Network. The date is March 23rd, 2006. The Special Region visitors are leaving the Senate after a hearing on civilian deaths in the Special Region. We bring you RNN political consultant Dan Miles. The mike is yours Dan.

Thank you Katie. The Republia Party has taken a huge public relations hit. The behavior of Senator Parker and their attempt to discredit the URGF in addition to denying them access to better equipment. Our studies show…

Agent Dennis turned off the radio with a smirk. The Republia Party is going to lose the few seats they have in the next election for sure. He and other agents had their cars around the bus as they escorted it back to the Gate. It was empty however. This was all just a ploy to bring out the group him and his agents have been tailing. It was all just a matter of when, where, and how they'll strike. Activating his comms he contacted the other cars.

"This is Agent Dennis. Report anything out of the ordinary."

"Prof. Rex here. UAVs are picking up a couple of vans heading towards our position."

"License plates?"

"The plates aren't in the database. Most likely counterfeit."

"Brace yourselves everyone. This could be it."

"The vans have just turned onto the street and…SHIT! RPG!"

BOOM!

The explosion disoriented Dennis for a moment. When he regained control of his senses he could see the car next to his was flames and the other agents were already out of their cars returning fire. Dennis checked his vest and loaded his pistol as bullets bounced off the bulletproof glass of the car. He was going to have to get through with this quickly lest he miss his appointment.

Itami and the girls were riding a subway to another section of the city. At the station they met up with Shino, Akira, Bozes, and Pina. Itami was told to ride until they reached Sunset Street Station where Agent Dennis or someone else from Intelligence would meet them. Rory was clutching his arm rather tightly which raised the eyebrows of some of the passengers. They most likely knew who they were sharing a train car with since everyone and their grandma must have watched the hearing broadcast. Some did try to approach but a quick glare from Shino quickly put a stop to that.

When the train stopped at Sunset Street Station they could see Agent Dennis already waiting there. "Everyone here." He said "Good."

"Did anything happen?" asked Itami

"Yep. The convoy was attacked. At least a dozen armed men. Well organized. As soon as they saw you guys weren't on the bus they retreated back to whatever hole they crawled out of. I lost 3 good men while we didn't get any of them."

"Do you think they'll try again?"

"Of course they will. They aren't just going to leave empty handed at this stage."

"So what are we going to do?"

"We have a plan to draw them out but that's a day away. So until then you remain on the run."

"Wait you're not coming?"

"No. I have no doubts that they are tailing me. You're going to have to go alone. If you know a place you can hide Itami I suggest you go there. These men knew just what route we were going to take. I fear we may have a mole…"

"I know of a place…" said Itami

"Good. This is my stop." He said as the train pulled into the station. "Take this incase they catch up to you.'

Agent Dennis put a bundle of cloth in Itami's hands before stepping off the train and melting into the crowd. Itami couldn't explain it but something about this bundle felt familiar… He unwrapped it and stared as a wave of nostalgia passed over him. It was a Wattz 1000 Laser Pistol. He trained with this and a variety of other laser weapons during Ranger training. If whoever was tailing them were wearing vests this would burn right through. Itami tucked the pistol into his waistband.

"So where are we supposed to go?" asked Shino

"I know of a place we can lie low. We have to get off at Unity Station."

Rory began holding Itami's arm even tighter. His blood circulation to his arm was all but stopped now. "Hey Rory what's up with you?"

"Hardy controls what's underground!" she said

"Hardy?"

"Hardy is the Goddess of the Underworld. 200 years ago she asked me to be her bride. I refused and she won't leave me alone!"

"Hardy is back through the Gate." Said Itami gently "She can't get you here."

Rory didn't say anything but her grip softened just a bit. Before they left the station Itami insisted on stopping at a nearby Burger Shack.

"It's important. Trust me." He said.

Itami led them to through Republic City's East District. The East District is the residential section of the city. Small apartment buildings and houses fill this part of the Republic's capital. They stopped at a small house. It was dark without so much as a porch light on. Itami reached into his pocket and pulled out a keyring.

"Itami is this your house?" Asked Tuka

"No. This house belongs too… a friend." He said with a knowing smile.

They entered the house and the only light came from a room at the end of the hall. Itami tried to turn on the hall light but he noticed the lightbulb was broken.

"Who's there?" Came a woman's voice.

"It's me." Said Itami. "Couldn't pay your bills this month or even afford new lightbulbs?"

"It's all your fault! You haven't answered my calls in weeks!" said the women poking her head out the room.

"I told you I was being deployed though the Gate so I might not be able to answer on some days."

"I have no food." Moaned the woman "No water and the electric bill is due."

"I brought your favorite." Said Itami holding up the Burger Shack bag.

"Food!" yelled the woman who rushed forward cradling the bag like it was a small child. The woman noticing the rest of the group then asked. "Itami who are these people?"

"Everyone meet Risa. My ex-wife." Pulling her forward letting everyone get a better look at the small mousy woman of Hanoian descent.

'Ex…" said Akira

"Wife?!" finished Shino

"WHAT!" exclaimed everyone

"Ok. I'm starting to be insulted…" said Itami

Republic Chatroom during Senate Hearing

Chester Pullman- That Itami guy has a point. Why aren't we sending in the Giant Death Robots or at least nukes on these guys?!

xXKillaXx- Nuke Em All!1!

LyleMan- Those guys that attack through the Gate were using swords. Swords! Using Tanks is pretty much overkill.

CoolGuy95- I think after the hearing they're going to have a vote on whether or not to go overkill.

Monica Schmidt- Fingers crossed for overkill.

LyleMan- Really?

Monica Schmidt- Hey THEY attacked US! I say kill them all.

xXKillaXx- Marry Me.

Chester Pullman- Parker is laying it on thick… wait did she just call Parker a little girl?

CoolGuy95- Senator Parker is going to need some ointment for that burn.

xXKillaXx- HOLY SHIT! 961 YEARS OLD!

LyleMan- Hey! Inside voice.

Monica Schmidt- Damn. I hope I look that good when I get that age.

Chester Pullman- *If

Monica Schmidt- 8C

CoolGuy95- Godhood? I bet the atheists are feeling pretty silly now.

LyleMan- I am founding the Church of Rory. Donations welcome.

xXKillaXx- Overkill vote passed! Bring on the nukes! 8D

Monica Schmidt- 8D

CoolGuy95- Senator Parker is going to have to go to the hospital to have that butthurt looked at.

Chester Pullman- Then she'll need a plumber to get her career out of the toilet

CoolGuy95- Nice one.

Back in the Special Region

"Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One… We have liftoff!

The rocket SKY-EYE 1 lifted off the Launchpad startling the Special Region natives in and around Alnus. Even as far away as Italica they all watched in wonder at the rocket soaring high into space. When rocket reached the far outreaches of the planet it released its payload. A spy satellite that was supposed to be launched into Earth orbit but was given to the URGF for use in the Special Region.

"General, the satellite is up and the first images of the planet are coming in." said a technician.

"Good. Put them on screen" said General Harris. Now they could finally assess this world's true value. The images came up on screen. This world had three large continents. It already had an advantage Earth didn't since Earth was just a collection of Large Islands. The closest continent was larger than this one but most of it was desert with mountains taking up large portions of the land as well. The continent was close but too far away for the planes they have here. The coastline was not too far away from Alnus though. They can set up a naval base and start building and launching ships. It be awhile before that though. Building ships took time and this wasn't Steelport.

"Major." Said General Harris. "Send a message to the Wanderer requesting permission and supplies to build a harbor and send out expeditions to these new continents.

"Yes sir"

And So The United Republic Fought

AN: To those that say this is pretty much just the anime/manga with the names changed well… I'M WORKING ON IT! BE PATIENT.

The 'Back in the Special Region' part is a sneak peek at what I'm planning.