Chapter 6
Sorry for the delay, folks! I was kinda busy. XD
Anyway, this chapter is somewhat short since it is just a filler chapter for the next one, which is special. :D
Enjoy!
February 12, 2029...
Conference Room, Hong Kong Shatterdome, 11:37pm
"Marshall, are you sure this is the only way?" A British man asked with skeptism, his voice crisp on the speaker.
"I'm afraid there's no other way." Herc shook his head. "The Kaijus we are facing now are far more deadlier and smarter than those we had encountered before. And we only fought two of them. If we are to keep our cities safe, we will need a Jaeger soon."
Herc was currently standing in front of a wall projecting a live view of the different representatives from the UN Council. To his left stood Tendo, looking serious. To Herc's right were Vanessa and Jason, now wearing casual clothes, with their faces masked in an unreadable expression.
"But a Jaeger costs as much as four Sentinels!" A Japanese representive protested. "And it takes at least 14 months to build one. The time and money would be better spent in building additional Sentinel units."
"Quality over quantity, Mr. Kagura." Herc countered. "We saw how a 35-feet tall Kaiju made mincemeat of one. And I will not risk any more of my Rangers on fighting the Kaijus with a weapon that is unreliable."
"But Dr. Schoenfield had stated himself that the Sentinels are capable of-" Mr. Kagura tried to argue, but was cut short when Herc raised a hand to interrupt the representative.
"As far as I can remember," Herc said, "Dr. Schoenfield himself had stated that the Sentinel Program was only to act as a preemptive defense since they are not really supposed to replace the Jaegers as our primary weapon against the Kaijus. In fact, the production is only to last for a year before we switch back to funding another Jaeger Program. I should know, because I was there personally when he had proposed the idea." Then he added. "And I have just finished talking to him thirty minutes ago. He already said that the Jaegers have to be constructed as soon as we are able to."
Silence engulfed the room. Herc knew that the Council could no longer argue with what he just said. If they do not restart the Jaeger Program soon, they will lose more money if the Kaijus destroy another Sentinel.
"You do realize that we can no longer take back our current orders for more units?" A Canadian representative asked slowly. "We have already spent our funds to it. It would be a waste if we do not finish them."
Herc nodded. "I understand. And I'm not saying we stop the production. I only request that we restart the Jaeger Program earlier than we had planned to."
With a sigh of defeat, the US representative finally spoke.
"Very well, then. You have our approval, Marshall. Expect additional budget for the Jaegers sometime next week." With that, his screen goes off, the rest of the council following soon after.
"Bloody idiots." Herc muttered as he turned to face the others. "And I thought the bastards have already learned their lesson when that stupid wall was breached."
Jason snorted. "What else do you expect from politicians? They can't do anything right, at all. All they care about is money."
"And looking good in the eyes of the public." Tendo added.
"That too." Jason agreed.
"They won't be able to use those things against a giant monster." Herc growled, remembering how the council had cut the funds for the Jaeger Program five years ago, depriving the PPDC of more units.
"At least, they approved." Vanessa shrugged. "So, what's the plan now?" She asked.
Herc crossed his arms and paced slowly across the room. "Mako still has the designs and schematics for some Jaegers that were supposed to begin production after Striker Eureka was completed, but was never started due to the budget cut. I'll tell her tomorrow to submit them as soon as possible to the Engineering Department."
Jason nodded. "How many are they?"
"12." Herc answered. "State of the art weapons and systems. Equipped with prototype tech. Eight countries have already staked their claim on them. Russia, Japan, Taiwan, USA, Canada, Chile, New Zealand and Australia."
"Australia again?" Jason asked in disbelief. "Jesus, and you said the Jaegers were to be constructed after Striker?"
"That's right." Herc replied.
"How the hell can you Aussies manage to fund two units in two year?" The Ranger shook his head in wonder.
"Never underestimate us Aussies." Herc said with a serious tone. "Anyway, I think I'll go to sleep now." He said as he started to walk towards the door. Just as his hand touches the knob, Vanessa spoke.
"Wait! Herc, can we make a request?"
The veteran Ranger turned around. "Of course. What is it?" He asked.
Vanessa glanced at Jason, who nodded encouragingly. With a smirk on her face, Vanessa answered.
"Reserve the first Mark-6 for me and Jason."
...
February 13, 2029...
Common Room, East Wing Dormitory, Los Angeles Ranger Academy, 1:56pm
Cassey groaned at the stack of assignments sitting at the table. She and her sister have just finished their class and was given another assignment about Kaiju behaviour. Aside from that, they still have essasys regarding Jaeger technologies and weapons as well as different combat styles used by the Rangers.
In other words, their hands were full. Not to mention, they have two more classes this afternoon. And they were very certain they'll be given another load of assignments.
"This is crazy." The blonde groaned again. "And we thought college was bad." She turned her head in Cass' direction.
Her sister shrugged as she typed on a laptop. Fortunately, each cadet were given an Academy-issued laptop to help them in their studies.
"At least, we only need to do this for two months." Cass said. "After that-"
"-Pons Training-" Cassey continued.
"-Drift Sync Testing-" Her sister spoke again.
"-Drivesuit Testing-"
"-Jaeger Training-"
"-and finally-"
"Ranger Ready." They chorused with a sigh. That's one trait they both have as twin sisters. They can finish each other's sentences without having to know what the other one will going to say. Of course, this was quite normal for twins like them. But the way they do it, as if they can hear each other's thoughts without actually hearing it, was quite uncommon. This makes them possible to achieve a high Drift score, which in turn, can make them pass the training easily and become full-fledge Rangers.
That is, if their brains do not explode at all the assignments they still have to finish.
"We could ask Gary and Joe to help us." Cass suggested, though based on her expression, she was very doubtful about it.
"Hell no!" Cassey scowled. "I'd rather have a Kaiju skin mite to help me." She crossed her arms in annoyance.
Cass sighed. "A skin mite can't talk, sis. Besides, Gary seems nice enough."
"Gary, yes." Cassey snorted. "As for his obnoxious older brother? No way!" She scoffed. As if on cue, a voice suddenly spoke.
"Did I just heard my name being called?" It said in a cocky tone.
Cassey rolled her eyes. "Speak of the devil." She muttered. Then in a louder voice, she answered. "No. Do you heard me saying your name?"
Joe Mason came up beside the sofa Cassey and Cass were both sitting on, grinning like an idiot. "No. But your sister did." He pointed a finger in Cass' direction.
Cassey huffed at his response, but said nothing. She was silently fuming, evident by the glare she was giving the stack of assignments. But she couldn't show it. No doubt, Joe would just give it another meaning.
"What do you want?" Cassey snapped instead.
"Ah, don't be like that, baby!" Joe said as he sat down beside her. The nerve of him, she thought. They were not even close. And definitely not even friends.
"Look, I just want to help you and your sister." He said genuinely. "I mean, these assignments you got seems too much for the two of you." He indicated the stack of books at the table.
"We don't your help." Cassey huffed. To her left, Cass raised both of her eyebrows.
"Are you sure?" Joe asked. "If that's the case, then when is your deadline?"
Cassey didn't answer him for a minute. She glanced at Cass for help, but her sister simply shrugged and continued to type on the keyboard.
"Next Monday." Cassey finally answered with a hint of hesitancy in her voice. She knew it herself that they won't be able to meet the deadline with just her and Cass. Their assignments all require long essays. And based on past experiences, it won't be easy.
In other words, they do need help.
"That's only three days from now." Joe said. "You won't make it."
"We could simply ask the others to help us." Cassey scoffed. It was true. All over the room, several groups of cadets were clumped together on a spot. No doubt, they too were having a hard time with the assignments and had decided that working together was a great idea.
"But can you?" Joe questioned. "Look around, Cassey. The others are also busy with their own assignments. It's highly unlikely they can help." He shook his head. "No, sweetie. Your best bet would be me and my brother." He leaned back at the sofa with a smug expression.
Cassey's scowl deepened. She hated being thrust in a situation like this one, where she has no options to choose from. It was frustrating. Even more so if she knows there's no other way.
Or at least, none that she could see.
"What's the catch?" She asked warily. She's not stupid. She knows there is one. There always is.
"Well..." Joe shifted in his seat. "It's February 14 tomorrow, so..." He wagged his eyebrows suggestively.
"You want us to date you?" Cassey gave him an are-you-serious expression.
"Well, not both of you." Joe chuckled. "What I mean is, you will date me tomorrow after I help you and your sister out." He grinned cockily.
Cassey glared at him. She knew it. Of course, how could she have forgotten about Valentine's Day? She should have seen this coming already.
"And how can we be sure that you can help us?" She demanded. "Have you finish your assignments already?" She asked with a challenging smirk.
"Of course!" He replied instantly. "We are not stupid, you know."
Cassey raised an eyebrow at this. Meanwhile, her sister muttered something under her breath.
"It clearly doesn't show." She said without taking her eyes off the screen.
"Anyway," Joe cleared his throat, "what do you say?"
Cassey pondered over his offer. She and Cass definitely needs help. But they definitely do not need a date. Heck, this was the reason they ditched school and enlisted in the Academy. Because most boys only saw them as eye candies. Girls they thought they could woo, and leave in the end when they get tired of.
Her eyes flicked over to her sister's and for a moment, they locked gaze. Suddenly, she had an idea. And she couldn't help but smirk inwardly to herself.
"Fine." Cassey sighed. "But on one condition." She stared at Joe with a devious look.
Whether Joe noticed it or not, he nodded nonetheless. "Yes. Anything you wish!" He bobbed his head up and down.
Stupid, she thought. Then she smiled very sweetly. "I get to choose where we'll go."
"No problem!" Joe grinned. "So, it's settled then? You'll go on a date with me?" He asked, excitement evident in his voice.
"Well, if you'll be kind as to really help us..." Cassey said. Immediately, Joe grabbed the stack of books and stood up hastily with a huge smile on his face.
"You can count on us!" He said. "See you tomorrow, Cassey!" With that, he walked away.
"I have a feeling you will give him a hard time." Cass sighed as she closed her laptop.
"Of course not." Cassey looked at her innocently. Then she grinned.
"Anyway, do you want some ice cream?"
That's right! I will be doing a special Valentine's Day chapter that will be posted on the same date! And I have a feeling you guys will love it. *grins evilly"
Just some bits of announcement. I'll be taking down the Kaiju and Pilot sections of my "Man, Machines and Monsters". One of the reasons is because I think I already spoiled some epic Kaijus by revealing them too early when they still haven't appeared yet on the story. Plus, my biggest mistake was I created a bio for my main OCs when I should haven't since it hinders me from developing them properly. Don't worry though, because I'll repost them once the story is finish. :)
And I'll keep the Jaeger section. Just saying.
By the way, I'll soon add a Sentinel section. I just don't know when. XD
Now, time to answer your reviews.
kseitshiro from SA: 1) You obviously didn't checked my profile if you are surprised about my age. XD Expect your OCs to appear in later chapters. :) 2) Too much OC is not a bad thing since I am planning on doing two more sequels. However, don't expect them to appear all in one story. XD And yes, I can see that your Jaeger i indeed powerful. 3) Sure. A Kaiju attack in SA will definitely happen. 4) Another super Kaiju. XD Don't worry, I think I have an idea how to introduce Apocalypto. :) 5) No problem about the mix-up. And about MMA, read my author's notes above. XD
SigmaBlack: 1) My laptop is still broken. T_T 2) Supposedly, the first pair was to be mentioned in this one. XD But I thought the scene wouldn't fit, so I decided against it. Sorry! 3) That's the only thing I don't like about FF. You can't put other symbols. 4) Don't worry. I can guarantee that this one will be even better than the first. Although that's why I didn't removed it from my story list. Because it holds some sort of sentimental value to me. I mean, it's my first PR story, after all. XD
Matrexmaster: I'll be waiting for that story of yours. :)
My Wunderwaffle iz missin: I am feeling better now, thanks. And, um, why not try pancakes for a change? XD
On a completely unrelated topic. Who watched "The Walking Dead" mid-season episde yesterday/today? I swear they are taking advice from George R.R. Martin! XD
Anyway, that's it! Please Read & Review!
Until next time!