Chapter 16: War on two fronts
December 06, 2001, 01.45AM (Takeru POV)
He didn't expect to get into a dogfight on the way back at all. Racking his brain for several seconds, the only thing Takeru could think of is the station of the Valkyries. Last time, Yuuko sensei placed them here to protect squad 207's rear. That was probably the reason why he didn't encounter those idiots of the Imperial Army in a dogfight.
Damn. He should have been more careful. He was lucky that he only encounter two TSF. Even a tiniest action could change the future a great deal. Takeru cursed himself for being careless.
"Takeru, you are safe." A familiar voice rang through his intercom as several ally units register on his radar.
"Mikoto!?"
"This is 01, 06 spotted" Chiruzu's voice emerged from his intercom this time.
"Shirogane, you are all right?" Marimo's face appeared on the HUD of the boy's Shiranui.
"Yes, I only got into a minor fight. But it doesn't matter. I got the Shogun in my Shiranui. We should start retreating through New Atami Ruin using our back up plan" Takeru said while landing his Shiranui next to Marimo's Gekishin.
"…The Shogun, you said?" Marimo seemed shocked after listen to that.
"Yes, I had people informed of her coming back to the Yokohama Base. Let's use Yuuko sensei back up plan and rendezvous with the Yokohama 11th Fleet in Shirahama coast."
"Roger, what's about Her Highness?" Marimo asked
"She is safe. I had her outfitted in a spare UN Exo suit in my TSF. Unless under High G maneuvering, nothing may harm her"
"Copied. Command post to all units, change of plan. Shirogane has secured Her Highness in his TSF. This is an emergency measure. We will use Professor Kouzuki's backup plan and retreating to Shirahama coast. The safety of Her Highness takes priority."
"Roger"
"According to our Intel, ten minutes ago, we lost contact with the Imperial in Atsugi Base. Our HQ at Odawara Interchange ruins has reallocated to Sagami Bay. Imperial units have engaged enemy at Mt. Myoujingatake. The enemy main force has split into two forces, one advancing along the Tokyo-Naogoya Expressway ruins and the other along Odawara-Atsugi Highway ruins. The former will be referred as E1, and the latter as E2. Now, our escape route. We will move south through New Atami Road ruins and then the Izu Skyline. E1 will try to block us from the west through Old Mishima City using Ashinoko Skyline. The American 108th TSF Armored Battalion which we plan to meet up will stop them for us while creating a diversion."
Last time, that Battalion was too late to intercept with E1 due to their size and the distance from their post. They however managed to create a good diversion for squad 207's retreat. This time, Yuuko sensei secretly leaked to the CIA network some hints regard Yuuhi whereabouts 25 minutes before Yoroi Sakon able to leak it according to the schedule. Thus, the 108th Battalion must have marched a good distance toward Kantou region to search for the Shogun since they were the nearest American Battalion in the area.
"It's most likely that E2 will continue south down National Highway 135 in order to secure the Coast Line. We expected a third unit to break off from E2 in order to prevent our retreat along Izu Skyline. We will call this E3. An UN support unit will hold them back at the Old Atami city ruin before they could split their force."
A support unit my head! I can't help but swear inwardly immediately. If that unit was only a communication and artillery support unit, then human has long won against the BETA long time ago. I seriously have no doubt about that. Since all of their operations are classified secret, I doubt Yuuko sensei tell everyone the true. If that unit is a real communication and artillery unit and they somehow manage to stop two Battalions of TSFs, I swear that I would resign being an Eishi immediately. Without anyone telling me, that unit could only be Yuuko sensei's personal unit, A01 which also known as the Valkyries.
Last time, the Valkyries secretly followed squad 207's rear from a good distance and slow down E1, E2 and E3 from catching up with us. Talking about crazy, a small squadron did that against a combination force of Battalions and came out with only 2 casualties…This time, their mission were to stop E2 and E3 from its pursuit in Old Atami. The mission's objective is obviously harsher but the enemy's number units they have to confront with are one Battalion lesser. It doesn't make much different though, the different in number is still approximately fifteen to one. With that sheer different in firepower, their mission isn't anything easier if not harsher since they have to stop such a force from advancing. It is completely unthinkable that a squadron of TSFs could hold back such a number. There was no easy mission ever given to A01 which know as UN's Valkyries. Because they are the best of elites and they were under direct command of Yuuko sensei, they always got the harshest missions without fail to ensure the success of ALTERNATIVE IV. Takeru could only hope the Valkyries will somehow make through this ordeal with their preparation few days ago.
"In the worst situation where E1, E2 and E3 were able to bypass our defense, E1 should head through Old Nakaizu City and attempt to surround us with E2 in the choke point at Hiyakawa Toll Booth. Looks on your maps, the mountains are narrowest there. Thus, the enemy has the best chance if they want to obstruct us. But if we can get through first, the operation is a sure success. We'll then enter the mountains near and come out in Old Shimoda City. It doesn't matter whether they enter the mountains and slow down or follow us some other way. By this time, the 209th TSF Armored Battalion from UN Yokosuka Base will be already inside Old Shimoda City and stop the enemy. We'll rendezvous with the 11th Fleet from Yokohama Base at Shirahama coast, then return home via sea."
Since Yuuko sensei only leaked the information of the Shogun whereabouts to the US's CIA without informing the UN Army. The UN Army is as expected one step slower in the race. Since there were currently 5 different factions try to claim the Shogun for themselves in this moment, including Yuuko sensei; allies or not, they will only cooperate unless necessary. Whoever got their hand on the Shogun, the woman who has full authority over the affairs in the Japan Empire, not only most likely to win the coup by holding the Shogun hostage but also hold an iron reign on Japan government. As a result, the US's ALTERNATIVE V and the UN opportunists will be on a tight race against time to see who would able to secure the Shogun for themselves.
Marimo continued her briefing with a visibly stern expression on her face. "However, we cannot expect any naval bombardment or aircraft support during the operation. There are numerous small scale battles still in progress throughout the area."
"Such a difficult situation and yet, I am powerless to aid you" the girl who is sharing the Shiranui's cockpit with Takeru sadly blame herself.
Takeru shook his head and answered. "What are you talking about? You have already done exceptionally well to stop the fighting in the capital. We can't ask for anything better…" Then, he mumbled silently "And besides, this is my crime… you are definitely not to blame… One day, I will receive my punishment for this, along with my atonement."
Unaware of the duo conversation, Marimo continued her briefing "We will move forward in an Arrowhead-3 formation with 06 at the center, guarding his sides and the rear. The Honor Guard 19th Independent Unit will further reinforce our rear with a Hammerhead-1 formation."
"The 19th Independent Unit…?" Yuuhi muttered intriguingly.
"The provisional government has accepted UN Army help under the condition that Her Highness's safety takes full priority. In other words, our primary objective is to bring Her Highness Koubuin safety to Yokohama Base. Therefore, 06's safety is our top priority." Then, the map display on Takeru's HUD closed and displayed Marimo's stern face.
"Shirogane" Marimo called the boy in a commanding and resolute tone.
"Ma'am"
"…no matter what sacrifice must be made; you are to bring Her Highness to Yokohama Base at all costs. Understood?"
"…affirmative" Takeru answered
"As UN Army soldiers and Japanese citizens, taking part in this mission is an unparalleled honor for all of us. I expect nothing but the best from all of you… 00 out"
"I am sorry for causing you all such trouble…" Yuuhi muttered
"I will bring you to the Yokohama Base for sure. Please be at eased." Takeru answered with utmost confident to console the girl.
"207th TSF Armored Platoon, all units move out" Marimo ordered and immediately afterward, all Yokohama Base's units in New Hakone moved as ordered.
02.32 (135th National Highway, 6km from Old Atami city ruin)
"This is Shark 01 to all units; our friendly force is currently engaging the US 108th Battalion at Mishima city. We can't expect to meet up with them at our agreeing position as this rate. We will now divide our force into two after capturing the Atami city and secure the road. All Shark, Manta and Piranha units will remain under my command, continue along the 135th National Highway and move straight to Hiyakawa Toll Booth. The rest of the Tengu, Saru, Inu will be under Saru 01 command, chasing after the UN Platoon through Izu Skyline."
"Copied"
"Manta 01, send out recon and scout the city"
"Manta 01, roger that"
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"They are here. 21 Shiranuis, no other units sighted." Hayase reported the situation softly into her intercom. Her Shiranui is currently running with its secondary engine at the moment to avoid being detected by the enemy while hiding in an intersection of the highway leading to the city hall. "They are separating. 12 Shiranuis is heading toward the Izu Skyline direction. The rest is moving toward the my direction along the highway"
"Copied. This Valkyrie 01 to all units, remain on standby waiting for my order." Isumi ordered her subordinate and then tuned into an encrypted channel to her second and third in command. "Hayase, are you sure you still want to do this?"
"Eh? Did you think that I was joking?" haughtily came Hayase's answer
"…Then you better do well and come back in one piece" Hayase could easily imagine Isumi's grinning face when her captain is saying that
"Ara. It's weird. You should worry about those lumps of metal instead. I was so nervous that I may cause all of them a trauma and as the result, the rebel main force will all run with a tail in their legs when they hear our name. Ahaha." Hayase spoke playfully to friend.
"Then you should go easy on them. Or else, none of us will able to have a boyfriend as this rate if anyone caught a wind of this battle." Isumi joked.
"Captain, you are asking the impossible. Hayase's dictionary has no such words as go easy" Munakata snickered. "Besides, she is rather having Hayase's lone happy time on the battlefield than doing it with a guy"
"MU-NA-KA-TA…" Hayase gritted her teeth while furrowing her brows at her friend's malicious remark.
"Ara, someone is angry" Hayase could swear that without activating her main engine and look at her HUD, Munakata is putting a finger on her chin while turning her gaze around innocently.
"After this I am going to kill you" Hayase minced her sentence word by word into her intercom.
"Okay, that's enough chitchatting around. Hayase, good luck and come back alive" Isumi ordered in a strong demeanor.
"Aye aye captain", Hayase answered.
Then, Hayase's cockpit became eerily quiet once again, the only sound remained is the boosting engine of her enemy's TSFs. Slowly but steadily, they are getting closer and closer to her as the engine noise getting louder with every second pass. 9 Shiranuis are flying low through the highway while checking their surroundings carefully. The highway is rather narrow. Two TSFs could barely fit in the width of the main road at most. That's why; the enemy platoon is sticking in a single column formation. Number won't help them much with such a narrow fighting space. Her chance is not zero!
Hayase looked at the enemy formation displayed on her HUD which is currently connecting to a mobile camera. The enemy platoon unit is approaching. Another 35 meters and she will meet them face to face and nine to one. It's a tough fight even for someone as good as her. But she has no choice but to do it, her friends are watching and praying. Unless she succeeds in this drama, her platoon might not survive this ordeal.
The objective of this mission is almost suicidal if anyone would ask her opinion. 10 TSFs were to stop the advancing of two Battalions of the rebel army for approximately an hour and 20 minutes. That's asking too much even if the enemies were only newbies and have only first generation TSF on their side. Let alone, these two Battalion's TSFs made up of Eagles and Shiranuis only. And the enemy pilots are mixed from the elite of Imperial Capital Eishis and other units. Sum up, they have advantage of number, of anti-TSF fighting experience and their TSF's spec. Even Isumi, Munakata and Hayase herself are extremely unease regard the outcome of this battle, they were forced to act cheerful and unworried in front of everyone else.
Currently, among the Valkyries, captain Isumi, Hayase herself, Munakata, and Kazama are the most experience. But even so, the most experienced of the bunch is Captain Isumi, has only 4 years of real combat experience after getting commissioned. While the enemies were elites who defended the capital for god know how long. While the rest of the Valkyries make up of recently commissioned Eishi six months ago. Not even their talents could make up for their combat experience and survive the battle at this rate. Besides, Hayase, Isumi and Munakata could clearly see the hesitation and nervousness in the newbie's eyes at the eve of the battle. All of them were trained to kill BETA in their mind, not another human being and definitely not their countrymen. No one would expect their first kill might be another human being at all. They will undoubtedly hesitate to squeeze the trigger at some point, and such action could kill themselves and the whole platoon.
However, being a member of A01 meant one have to success the given mission at all cost. Hayase knew it and so does everyone else in the unit. Death is only natural if you are a part of A01. Thus, everyone in the unit have a strong determination to die for their unit and for their mission if they must. But, it doesn't mean they have the determination to kill another human being like them.
If anyone comparing the determination between the two forces, it's only obvious to see which side would win this battle. One has experience and determination to kill while the other is lacking both.
But, it doesn't mean the Valkyries totally have no hope either. The whole city of Atami has been transformed into their fortress 5 days ago. Traps they have laid, defense systems they have installed. The Valkyries have the advantage of geography on their side. They will not lose this battle easily. Last but not least, they have a Joker, a Joker named XM3.
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1…" Hayase began the countdown as her enemies are getting nearer and nearer. Then, the ace of the Valkyries spoke to her steed while turning on the Shiranui's main engine "0. Let's dance, partner. The nearest first…"
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A small seismic reaction and an enemy unit's IFF suddenly appeared from an intersection made the whole Manta recon unit reflexively turn their TSF and their gun muzzle at that position. It was abnormal. Exceedingly abnormal, that was an intersection that they have just check a moment ago. Nothing was there.
"This is Manta 02 to all units, spread out and …"
The man with the call sign Manta 02 never able to finish that sentence as a chilling sound of metal being cut interrupted his speech or rather put a conclusion to his life. That eerie noise forced the rest of the Manta unit came to check the city hall turned back toward what was once the TSF of their leader. The black Shiranui with the Manta 02's marker was lying on the ground with its upper body divorced to its lower. The dissected Shiranui then exploded deafeningly only to strike fear into the heart of the whole recon unit. The flash of the explosion was blinding. The highway was momentarily torn apart by an infernal wall of flame.
Suddenly, the wall of fire was sliced in half as a grey Shiranui plunged through the inferno like a giant arrow. The second Shiranui in the formation reflexively released a hail of bullets toward the grey arrow. None of the bullets came close to meet their target as the Shiranui with the UN marker hugged the ground into an extremely low crouch dash. Another chilling sound echoed the Atami city and the second Shiranui suffered the same fate as its leader's TSF.
The third Shiranui in the formation immediately drew out its blade and charged at the UN grey Shiranui with its sword held high. But, before it could even build up its momentum, the grey Shiranui has already closed in. The sudden crashing impact almost made the Imperial Eishi of third Shiranui lost his consciousness as the grey Shiranui tackled its counterpart viciously like a bull on a full charge.
"Spread out, spread out…" the third Imperial Eishi heard his friend screamed through the intercom.
Rammed the black Shiranui toward its allies brutally, the UN Shiranui was safe from being shoot down by its enemies due to the IFF lock of its enemy's rifles. At this range, none of them will have a clear shot as their allies easily got mixed up in friendly fire. An enormous clamor echoed the highway as the third Shiranui crashed into another of its ally and tangled with each other clumsily. Without further delay, the rest of the Manta unit in the highway drew out their Type 74 TB blade to prepare meeting with the UN grey Shiranui at close range.
BANG
A chilling sound stopped all of the black Shiranui at the scene from their track. The two stumbling black Shiranuis suddenly crumbled on the floor with a hole in their cockpit area and created an earth shaking impact. A piercing 120mm shell then dropped down from the Assault Rifle on the left hand of the grey Shiranui and made a cling-clang sound when it met the body of a fallen black Shiranui.
Two Shiranui roared in rage and furiously dashed toward the grey death god. Lazily, the death god lifted her rifle and aimed at the nearest black Shiranui. She pulled the trigger with little hesitation. The black giant forcefully stopped its charge and twisted its way out of the bullet's path in the nick of time. Seized the chance created by his friend, the other Imperial Eishi plunged his black Shiranui through the air in a max boost toward the death god. The black Shiranui then released all of its rage in a single slash at the motionless death god.
As if she was bored, the death god stood still and lazily squeezed the trigger to release an explosive 120mm bullet.
Bang
An explosion at point blank stopped the charging Shiranui completely. The blade should have claimed the death god's life wasn't in the hand of the black Shiranui anymore. It spun into the sky in an arc and stabbed into the ground with a thudding sound. The sixth Shiranui stood with its body rooted to the ground unable to comprehend what just happened. A muzzle appeared right in front of the HUD of the sixth rebelled pilot and he immediately realized his life was already in the hand of the grey reaper.
Bang
The sixth Shiranui caved in and lifelessly crumbled to the ground, suffered the same fate as the two before it.
Without further ado, the grey reaper charged head first at the fifth Shiranui which previously dodged her bullets. Instinctively, the Imperial Eishi of the fifth Shiranui leaped backward to dodge the charge and brought down the blade to the right shoulder of the charging grey grim reaper. To his horror, before his blade was able to meet its target, a metallic hand firmly grabbed his Shiranui's sword arm and prevented it from swinging down the blade. The grim reaper who should still barely inside of his sword range has already stood next to his TSF and grabbed his Shiranui arm from god know when. Immediately, a chilling sound echoed the highway and the fifth Shiranui suffered the same fate as the first two of the Manta unit on the highway as its lower body buckled down while its upper body remained in the hand of the grey death god.
Every single combatant at the scene was frozen from their action. One second passed, nothing happened. Two seconds passed, no changed. Four seconds passed, the grim reaper threw down what was once a body of a TSF away disinterestedly. Instantly, a simultaneous series of deafening explosion lit up a portion of the city like a small sun. Amidst the blinding inferno, a grey death god floated motionlessly, looking down at her frozen counterparts. The inferno behind her back eerily casted a giant trail of shadow and neatly enveloped the rest of the rebel Shiranuis inside it.
Under the gigantic shadow of the grim reaper, the remaining black Shiranuis looked so pitifully feeble and tiny. Even the appearance is the same, of course with the exception of paint color and the marker, the grey reaper was nothing like her counterparts.
In the next minutes, the rebel Eishis who have their headset connect with the Manta unit that scouting the city hall were almost got their eardrum rupture. Their intercom signals were flooded with high pitch despaired screaming as if their allied Eishis were eaten alive by Tank class BETAs. All the commanding officers who then tried to connect their head set with the city hall scouting unit and desperately asked of their situation, only received mindless shriek and despaired scream as their answer through the intercom.
Immediately, the Izu Skyline recon unit was ordered to check out the situation of the Manta unit that came to scout the city hall, together with a newly dispatched platoon. The moment the combined platoon arrived at the scene, a grey death god could be seen lifting a deformed headless and limbless black TSF high while standing on top of a mountain of scorching TSF's remains.
While the newly arrive platoon should have shot the death god immediately the moment they saw her, they didn't do so or rather they didn't dare to do so. The hellish sight in front of the platoon froze every Eishi from taking any sensible action as their instinct prevent them from taking such action. The Imperial Army Eishi in the deformed TSF continued to shriek in despair through the intercom only to make thing worse.
'Was this done by a single unit?' That question flooded in the head of the newcomers.
"Attention, unidentified UN craft. Drop your weapon and release our ally immediately. If you do not comply we will commence firing." Someone from the new platoon managed to get back to his sense after several seconds as he spoke to the death god through an open channel.
The grim reaper turned its head toward the newcomers with little interest. Immediately, the members of the new platoon instinctively got into their firing position and pointed their rifle's muzzle at the grey Shiranui. Reacting to their reaction, the reaper lifted the deformed remain of an Imperial TSF like a shield to prevent the newcomers from pulling their trigger. Then, the death god spoke "I do not care who you are, which unit you belong to… nobody will passed this line." The reaper then used her sword and calmly carved a line on the asphalt road.
"Who…who are you to deny us passage?" the Imperial Eishi asked with a noticeably shaken voice
The reaper paid him no heed. She continued to speak icily while pointing her sword at the mountain of TSF's remains under her foot. "…I have warned you. Anyone who pass this line, be prepared to suffer the same fate at these ones." The words of the reaper contained no remorse, no hesitation, no mercy, only killing intent. The killing intent emanated in the air was so dense and suffocated that nobody was able to move a muscle. The rebelled Eishis were frozen in their cockpit with chill ran down their spine. The new platoon of Shiranuis looked like a herd of sheep that under the stare of a wolf.
A clanking sound flinch the whole platoon of black Shiranui; they immediately focused on an object that rolling on the ground. A chaff grenade exploded in front of the grey death god and within a second, the death god slowly vaporized into the thick smoke. A huge thudding sound was heard in the next seconds and the death god completely disappeared from the scene while the deformed TSF rolling on the ground with its Eishi continued his mindless high pitch shrieking.
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Hayase sighed inwardly of her prior crazy stunt. Hopefully, that little drama will buy the Valkyries sometimes while hammering down the morale of the rebel Eishis. And even if she didn't strike fear into the heart of the enemies, she would accomplish something else. At least, she taught those Eishis a lesson before they dare to think of pressing forward to the city.
"Don't you think that was a little bit overkill? They were squealing like pigs that about to be killed. Not even BETA could make a full pledge male soldier screaming that much. What kind of horrible things you did to them?" A familiar voice rang through Hayase's earpiece as captain Isumi's face appeared on Hayase's HUD.
"Captain, ojection! I would never do barbaric things like that. I am only but a girl, you know?" Hayase coolly snickered.
"That's 1st Lt. Hayase for you, she is the best"
"1st Lt. Hayase, that was so cool"
"1st Lt. Hayase, you are so awesome"
"I love you the most 1st Lt. Hayase"
Before Hayase knew it, she was under a shower of praise by her kouhai. The anxious and conflicted on their face hours ago has disappeared without a trace as if that was a lie. Even if that dangerous stunt she pulled didn't affect the rebel's morale, it certainly fired up her platoon.
"I'm pity for whoever becomes your lover in the future, Hayase. I wonder if he would make that kind of squeal on the bed as well." Munakata sighed outward exaggeratedly.
"Mu-na-ka-ta , you are so dead" Hayase growled while a vein popping on her temple.
"Mitsuki, are you okay?"
"Haruka…? Don't worry. That was only a warm-up. They didn't put a scratch on my suit. The enemy's TSFs were so slowed that I think they weren't of a same model."
"The XM3 worked out better than I have thought." Kashiwagi Haruko said
"Kashiwagi, it's not the XM3 who is scary, it's Hayase. I bet that if a BETA can speak and can feel, it would undoubtedly squeal like those men just now meeting Hayase on the battlefield" Munakata said with a grin on her lips
"How's true. I would…" Kashiwagi cooed
"Shut up Kashiwagi" Hayase butted in annoyingly.
02.46 AM (Izu Skyline) Takeru POV
The future has changed. Last time the rebelled forces were closed to our back at this moment. But none were to be spotted now. However, we weren't at a safe distance yet. Because we were using mountain paths, we are completely at a disadvantage in speed compare to the rebel Army since they were able to using roads and highway.
The American 108th Battalion should be fine since they did tons of anti-TSF training and their firepower is a close match to E1. But, the Valkyries, I wonder if they are safe. Their mission objective is a lot harsher than last time due to the change in situation. The plan of Yuuko sensei to counter the disadvantage of our side is a reckless gambit. The first move was to secretly give the US side the advantage in time and information, let them exploit it and preempt the force of the rebel for her. With that much of an advantage, and the 66th Battalion lying somewhere in front of us, if a situation arrived when the rebels army passed the blockage of the Valkyries and the 108th Battalion, I will definitely be pushed to the worst situation. That is to escape with the US force and Tsukuyomi, leaving my squad behind. I will definitely be forced to leave Marimo and my squad to their death while making my escape with the Tsukuyomi and the idiot-trio to ensure Yuuhi's safety if such situation arise. If we were talking about cruise speed, my Shiranui and the Takemikazuchis were clearly on another level compare to the Gekishin and the Fubuki.
That wasn't the worst part yet, the US 66th Battalion leaded by Major Walken was already somewhere in the Izu Skyline by now and waiting. They are not to be trusted… Though, I have no doubt that Major Walken is a man as he appeared. He has a great sense of justice and an understanding heart. Though, his loyalty is with his homeland the America, he did not take advantage of the situation the last time. But, I can't tell anything about the rest of his comrades. The last time when we almost succeeded to stop the fighting with the rebel by having Meiya played Yuuhi's double and persuaded them. But, in the last minutes, an US Eishi shot down Naoya's aide and lit up the fighting once again. That mistake proved we couldn't trust the US force that come and help us. Among their forces, we can't tell which men belong to which factions. And thus, it is better to be safe than sorry. Yuuko sensei ordered, trust no one.
Therefore, the Valkyries mission this time wasn't just to slow down the enemy but to completely stop them from their pursuit for an amount of time. We can't afford to let the rebel pass through and let the US force using such an excuse and took us with them. I don't know what they plan to do with us afterward once we entered the vicinity of the US Fleet. But even if worse come to worst, I still have my two trump cards. Even if the whole 66th Battalion was to point their gun at me or if I made the whole US 11th Fleet my enemy, I do not doubt I would remain unscathed without a scratch on my Shiranui. But, there were time and place for their use, they weren't meant to be used for such outcome originally…
02.55 AM (Old Atami City Ruin)
Scratch that. Hayase swore. To think that reckless of a performance she did only manage to buy the Valkyries some tiny 10 minutes. It meant they still have to defend this place for another an hour and 10 minutes. She wasn't sure if the enemy commander is a natural hot head or he just getting desperate due to the distance in the platoon that secure the Shogun is getting further and further. Perhaps, if she did another reckless stunt against that new platoon of Shiranui that come to the rescue of the scouting unit, they might pause for some more minutes and think before advancing to the city. But scratch that, what done is done. And she wasn't sure if she could take about that combine force of 25 Shiranui to begin with. Currently, both the E2 and E3 have detached to their specific destination. E2 is heading toward Hayase and Kazama way while E3 is heading toward where Isumi and Munakata laying ambushed. With their force divided into two, Hayase has full command of the Valkyries responsible for protecting the city while Isumi directing an ambush against E3 when they head toward Izu Skyline.
"Aaaah, what should we do, I don't think they will retreat at this rate." Hayase joked with a subtly perturbed voice.
"Ara, what should we do? I can't handle masochists that well. Hayase, are you sure they are not your type?" Munakata snickered.
"Mu-na-ka-ta, what do you mean?" Hayase gritted her teeth while looking the red head displayed on her HUD.
"Eh? So you don't into S&M? I am surprised. I thought you are definitely into it for sure with your personality." Munakata said with an innocent look on her face.
"What did you say? Get out of you Shiranui, we need to talk" Hayase growled
"Uwa, sorry Hayase, I can't handle pain really well and I am not an M either"
"Mu-na-ka-ta, you are so dead" Hayase slammed her fist into the screen after seeing her friend exaggeratedly headshaking.
"Okay, stop. Stop bullying Hayase. Concentrate on your post, 03." Isumi said
"03 roger that"
"Valkyries. Recite your creed" Isumi ordered in a commanding tone.
"Achieve your mission with all your might. Despair not till your last breath. Make your death count" Hayase recited in harmony with her squad.
"Good. Do not hesitate for a second. We fight to ensure the survival of the entire humanity as a whole, not just a community. Trust in yourself and your friend."
"Roger" once again, the Valkyries replied in unison.
"Suzumiya, begin the countdown. Valkyries, prepare for battle."
"Roger that"
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Suzumiya Haruka has long begun her countdown since the rebelled main force entered the city "…10, 9, 8, 7, 6…"
The enemies came in waves. They were using the Arrowhead 01 formation while flying high to avoid being ambushed like the scouting unit. But, that was just what the Valkyries want.
"…5, 4, 3…"
"They are flying a tad too high; can you make them fly lower Kazama?" Hayase asked in a joking tone
"Roger that" Kazama calmly answered and pushed several button on her external command board.
"…2, 1, 0. Commence firing" Haruka commanded
A volley of guided missiles immediately released toward the stunned troops. They did expect an ambush but they have never expected to see the city installed with an AA (Anti Air) system at all. Even for the rebelled force who plan the coup d'état carefully, they didn't expect the Shogun would evacuate from the capital alone to avoid the fighting in capital. That was supposed to be the same for everyone else. But, for some reason, the defenders of Atami city seemed to saw through that entire event as if they expect to have a fight against the rebel here. The whole city were heavily fortified with dense layers of AA system from god know when.
The haunted city abruptly transformed into a giant display of fireworks. Atami city was immediately engulfed in a hellish inferno and completely drown in the noise of gunfire and explosions. Many missiles were shot down airborne before they could even claim their targets, but about 65% of the missiles weren't. The rebel force's formation was immediately destroyed to iota within seconds. TSFs that were too slow in reaction, incinerated in mid air like giant balls of fire as the missiles struck home. The rest of the surviving TSFs immediately scattered and swooped down to the ground like a swarm of locusts and started shooting down the rain of missiles with every bullet they have.
"Kazama, release chaffs and give them another volley of missiles" Hayase mercilessly ordered
"Roger"
Immediately, the whole city was covered a coat of smoke. That coat of smoke only become increasingly denser and thicker with every second passed. Countless of simultaneous deafening explosions were heard together with gun firing noise as the second volley of missiles entered the layer of thick smoke. TSF in the midst of thick smoke struggled shooting down the incoming missiles due to zero visual display. TSF escaped the layers of smoke through the sky only to have themselves fresh target for the second volley of missiles. The rebel Army were forced into a situation where they either continued to recklessly charged through the city or retreat and regroup or stayed and take a shower of missiles.
"Girls, let no one escape that wall of smoke alive" Hayase ordered while clenching her control stick tightly. She doubted that the rebel will retreat. Simply put, they have no choice but to break through if they want to claim the Shogun in this race against time.
"Roger"
"Kazama, continue the bombardment and manually control the turrets at from point C2 toward J2. The rest, set on automaton mode. Asakura, stay here and cover her"
"Roger"
"Takahara, Kashiwagi follow me"
"Roger"
Afterward, the war cry of the Valkyries flooded their transmitting intercom as a platoon of black Shiranuis and Eagles recklessly broke through the smoke and boosted toward the city hall.
03.02 AM (Izu Skyline) Takeru POV
The battle in the Atami city has started a moment ago. Takeru is using the rear most camera of his Shiranui to observe the fighting. At this distance, he can't see anything though. Only fire, smoke, explosion and explosion could be seen in that direction. The gun fighting and explosive noise has become subtly audible due to the distance but, he could still hear it. The Valkyries are making their stance against a force of three Battalion worth of TSFs in that direction. 'Please be safe, please be safe.' He muttered those words inwardly for a long period of time while matching his Shiranui movement with the rest of his squad mates.
"This is 00 to all units, a detach unit from E1 has broke through the barricade defense of the US 108th Battalion and heading toward Hiyakawa Toll booth ruin through Old Nakaizu City. It is unlikely that they will catch up with us with this speed, but remain on alert. 00 out."
Damn, the rebel force broke through? It is madness that those rebel Eishis could break through the 108th Battalion. That Battalion was made of Strike Eagles and Raptors, it is rather unthinkable that anyone could pass through their blockage at all with the insane cruising speed of those two types of TSF. It was either that those rebel Eishis were extremely skilled or that was intentional… Never mind, this is not the time to think about this. It doesn't matter; they won't able to perform a pincer on us at this rate without E2 and E3 support.
"Shirogane…are you all right? You appear unwell." The girl sharing the same cockpit with me asked
"Eh? Ah…I'm sorry. I'm fine." Apparently, Yuuhi seemed to notice my uneasiness... She is as sharp as I remember.
"I see. Worry not for me and raise the speed" came Yuuhi's order
"Ma'am." Did I subconsciously slow down? Maybe, it is true. "Your Highness, are you sure you all right? Chief Yoroi told me that you haven't sleep a wink since the coup began."
"…He noticed it…? You need not worry. I am perfectly fine and I am quite familiar with piloting. Even if it's in name only, I am the supreme commander of the military" Yuuhi calmly answered
This girl's mannerism is just similar to Meiya. They are way too identical in personality and appearance. They both exuded a strong aura of being responsible, kind and noble. The way Yuuhi endured her discomfort put other's welfare above her own is exactly like how Meiya behave normally. But, if someone knew the both of them long enough, they may notice there is a small different. Even though both of them have a noble aura, Meiya gave me an image of a samurai of the old with her bravado, gallantry and her sense of responsibility. Just thinking about the image of Mitsurugi Meiya, I could somewhat link her beauty to a traditional Japanese Katana. On the other hand, Yuuhi is subtly softer in her mannerism, which makes her befitting to the role a sovereign queen or princess in medieval era.
"So…was that purple Takemikazuchi your personal TSF?" I asked knowing full well the answer.
"Yes…So you know of it. Then I take it, Mitsurugi Meiya is in your squad?"
"Yes"
"There was something I wanted to ask of you Shirogane. That Takemikazuchi ought to have been procured for your squad…why can I not see it here?"
"Well…when Meiya saw that TSF, she said she didn't want special treatment, and wouldn't use it…"
"…is that so…?" Yuuhi whispered.
Then she smiled in a lonely voice "Uhuhu…That's indeed like her. I do not believe that she has ever once accepted a gift of mine… If I may ask, what sort of person is she day-to-day?"
It's sad. Now I think about it, I once had such a conversation with her. I can't imagine how much both Yuuhi and Meiya have to go through to be separate from birth. Even though, they aware of each other and long to meet each other, they remained unable to.
"That girl can be really strict on herself and stubborn at times, but she's strong and always thinking of other people before herself. I and everyone in the squad respect her a lot. She is very dedicated to her duty and very responsible. She thinks more than anyone of us about the squad's overall well being...Though, she kept too many problems to herself, she could have share it with us. But other than myself, I don't think she has ever let anyone else notice that… And I really respect her for that strength she has." I narrowed my eyes and spoke as truthfully as possible. "She is really amazing…But, I hope that she could afford to be nicer with herself one day…"
"Shirogane, she must depend on you a great deal if that is how she seems to you. From what I heard, she would never allow others to discern such weaknesses of hers."
"No…It's just that people around often told me that I am too rude and ignorant. Maybe that was why she doesn't have to put her guard up around me."
"Just as Yoroi said, you are indeed a strange one…uhuhu" Yuuhi weakly chuckled as she said that.
"No…please. Do not listen to that strange man. I am not always behaving strangely… No, I mean… I am not a stranger at all… Wait, if I phrase it like that, you may misinterpret it … Excuse me Your Highness, could you pretend to forget what you just heard?"
"Uhuhu…You are indeed a mysterious man just as Yoroi described"
Urg. As I thought…it backfired…She must have an impression that I am another weirdo like that old spy now…
Talking about strange, I have just noticed something strange myself. We have made it to Kameishi Peak…but we haven't met up with the US 66th Battalion yet. We supposed to meet up 10 minutes ago just like it was in the last loop. But for some reason, I haven't seen anything within the vicinity of my radar yet. Though it was completely useless due to the EMC system of the Raptor and Strike Eagle, unless they are really near, otherwise, we can't see anything with our radar. I hope nothing bad is going to happen…
03.19 AM ( Old Atami city)
Hayase screamed into her headset as she chopped down a stray Shiranui passed by. "Kazama, activate system FIT (Fake ID trackers)"
"System FIT, activated" Kazama keyed in several command with her external command board while shooting down an Eagle escaping the wall of smoke. "1st LT. Hayase, the enemy has destroyed the turrets at C2, D3 and E3. We cannot hold the flank at this rate."
"Set all the turrets on automaton mode and join us with Asakura at C5"
"Roger"
"Haruka, account the enemy casualty for me"
"This is Valkyries Mum; E2 confirmedly lost 37 TSFs. E3 confirmedly lost 41 TSF."
"Girls, heard that? We are losing to Captain Isumi. What are we waiting for? Let's the hunt begin." Hayase encouraged the squad with her usual competition.
"Roger that"
With the FIT system activated, the rebel force is now extremely confused with all the sudden appearance of enemy IFF's tracker appear on their HUD, including with fake seismic reaction appear on their radar sensor. It was as if Battalions worth of number TSFs suddenly materialized out of nowhere and have them surrounded. The Valkyries immediately resume the hunt using their planned guerilla tactics while seizing full advantage of the enemy confusion.
"12 Shiranuis and 18 Eagles spotted at C7, everyone get into their position." Hayase ordered the moment a group of rebel TSFs appear in front of her Shiranui. "Takahara and Kashiwagi, you two secure this position and laying ambushed for me."
"Roger that"
Then Hayase abruptly compelled her grey Shiranui to charge toward the platoon of mixed TSFs head on.
Quickly react to Hayase reckless charge, the platoon immediately released a hail of bullets toward the grey Shiranui. Nimbly like a sparrow, Hayase twisted her Shiranui out of the barrage and swooped down across a skyscraper building to avoid the incoming barrage. In her HUD, the enemy TSFs divided into elements and chased after her Shiranui while raining their suppressive fire across the main street.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Piranha 01 to Shark 01, bogey 01 sighted. I repeat Bogey 01 sighted…" the Piranha Wing commanding officer reported to his leader. He has just spotted the matching IFF UN Shiranui who trashed the entire Manta unit that came to scouting Atami's city hall.
"I repeat, we have spotted Bogey 01, requesting backup..." He tried to contact with both of his HQ and his superior, but it seemed that both of those options didn't work out as he expected. Only static and buzzing noise answered him through his earpiece. "Bugger it." He cursed. This hell hole is under a heavy Jamming, none of his transmission to his HQ and superiors seemed to work so far. The furthest distance of a communication line is 40m at best. That was why he and his platoon glued closed to each other like magnets to maintain the communication line. Worse, his radar showed at least 50 of the enemy IFF in vicinity. His surviving platoon just disabled 20 of those fake ID tracker transmitters, but there are still many more. He can't really tell how many of those are real and how many are fakes at all. If he made a single mistake now, without a single doubt, this whole platoon will be wiped out in a matter of seconds, not minutes. The enemy has completely outsmarted and has his troops trapped.
"06, 11, 15, 17. You four head back to the city entrance and report the situation to HQ. Request to break through the city at point C5. That's our best bet to get out of this situation. The rest, stay with me. We will now respond to the enemy bait. Work in elements and watch out for ambush, we will buy time for our troops before we can get the communication through."
"Roger"
"Everyone, maintain a safe distance from Bogey 01. That one is a bad news. Our objective is to buy time for our friends and focus the enemy's attention toward us. Understood?"
"Roger"
The double wing formation of 26 TSFs immediately gave chase while raining bullets at the grey Shiranui. As long as they maintained a safe distance and held up the formation, not even the death god could do them any harm.