Chapter 2: The first ripple
November 1st 2001
"Takeru," Meiya reached out for him with both arms open. "Take me here; make me your woman Takeru."
"Meiya," Takeru blushed and reached out for her, but the world grew blurry and bright before his hand could grasp hers. "huh?" Takeru opened his eyes to see Kasumi shaking him awake. "Kasumi," Takeru yawned and sat up in his bed. "Thanks. Is Yuuko Sensei asking for me?"
"…" Kasumi shook her head.
"Oh," Takeru swung his legs over and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Just wanted to wake me?"
"…" Kasumi nodded, then looked down at the floor.
"Ah," Takeru smiled and patted her head.
"Takeru-chan~" a voice dear and near to his heart stirred Takeru, and he squinted his eyes open to see a red-haired girl with a yellow bow shaking him awake. "Takeru-chan, wake up; we're gonna be late!"
Takeru gasped, tears welling in his eyes. "Sumika," Takeru muttered, the name he hadn't said in decades.
Kasumi looked up at him, the black bunny ear-looking things on her head twitching. "…"
"Sorry, just an old memory showed up out of nowhere." Takeru wiped the tears that pricked at his eyes and smiled warmly at Kasumi.
"Sumika," Kasumi's shy voice reached his ears.
"Yeah, she was," Takeru stopped, "is my childhood friend, but she doesn't seem to exist in this world." Takeru rubbed the back of his head and chuckled, "honestly, I've always been kind of glad about that. That idiot, she might have gotten herself killed if she existed here."
"…" Kasumi looked away for a second, and Takeru could have sworn worry crossed her usually blank features.
"Hey Kasumi, how about I visit you tonight after I'm off duty." Takeru stood up and stretched. "I can show you how to play Cats Cradle, and maybe I can tell you about Sumika." Takeru felt his face crack into a grin. "It's been so long; I wouldn't mind being able to talk to someone about her."
"…" Kasumi looked at him and then down at the floor.
I'll take silence as consent! Takeru grinned and nodded vigorously. "Yes, alright, I'll bring the string, and we can play and talk about Sumika!"
"Bye-bye," Kasumi muttered and turned around, leaving promptly.
"Yeah, see you," Takeru waved at Kasumi and began getting ready for the morning call.
PX morning
Takeru sat down in his usual between his friends, plopping his food down. "Morning, everybody."
"Good morning, Takeru-san!" Tama greeted excitedly as usual.
"Ah, Takeru, you've made it early today." Meiya complimented him with her usual demeanor.
"Are you sick or something, Shirogane?" Chizuru feigned concern.
"Death's door, maybe?" Ayamine pinched her chin in contemplation.
"Oi," Takeru glared at Ayamine.
"Hah, we're just used to seeing you at the last minute Takeru; then you gotta shovel your food down," Mikoto laughed.
"Jeez, is this how you guys talk about me when I'm not here?" Takeru grumbled and poked at his food.
"No," Ayamine looked coyly at him.
"Really?"
"We do it when you're here too," Ayamine smirked in her subtle way.
"Geh," Takeru flinched as the girls laughed. Despite the jokes at his expense, Takeru never felt better than being with the friends and comrades at arms he'd made in this world. The rest of their breakfast went without much incident, and they went to the morning lecture followed by morning training. Instead of leaving everyone in the dust, Takeru kept with his squad mates. He motivated them and pushed them beyond their limits. By the time they were done, the girls were exhausted.
"Everyone improved in their completion times today," Instructor Jinguuji complimented. "You all did so good; you're being rewarded with a vacation to a tropical island." The Instructor smiled knowingly.
That time again, huh? Takeru wiped his brow and went through his memories for a moment. This meant after they got back, it would only be a few days before the BETA attack. "Instructor Jinguuji, do we have anything else to do today?" Takeru raised his hand.
"No, all afternoon lectures have been canceled, so you are all off duty after I dismiss you today." The Instructor brought her whistle to her lips and blew it. "You are all dismissed; prepare for tomorrow."
Takeru excused himself from everyone for a moment and went down to see Yuuko. He entered her lab to see her working on something diligently. Yuuko glanced up from her computer and frowned, "I'm very busy; come back later."
"Sorry, this can't wait; we have to talk before I leave tomorrow." Takeru shook his head, walking up to her desk.
Yuuko sighed and leaned back on her chair. "Fine, make it quick."
"On November 11, the BETA from Sadogashima will launch an attack on Niigata." Takeru crossed his arms.
Yuuko frowned in response, "where exactly?"
Takeru closed his eyes and remembered the briefing from long ago. It was one of the few memories he remembered with vivid detail. It was the day he had passed out in fear of meeting the BETA for the first time. "Yes, at 0620 hours, a Brigade size BETA heard will be detected. The herd will advance south to the Niigata Prefecture, destroying the 34th, 55th, and 56th Imperial navy squadrons. Then, at 0648, the horde will emerge on the Niigata in three separate waves." Takeru hummed, remembering the dread that had crept up on him. "The 12th Division of the IJMDF will fail to contain the BETA, and they will advance towards the second Defensive Line. Unfortunately, between the failure of the 12th Division and their attack on the second Defensive Line, we lose track of the herd before it regroups and strikes the secondary Defensive Line. As a result, the BETA will break through the second Defensive Line and skirt southward along the Kanto Defense Line. Finally, at 1123 hours, the BETA herd will be annihilated with elements from the IJMDF and UN forces." Takeru sighed; he had passed out sometime after they lost track of the herd. "Losses total in the hundreds in both military and civilian assets."
"I see," Yuuko crossed her arms and shrugged, "what do you expect me to do with this information?"
"Sensei," Takeru narrowed his eyes. "Please, use whatever contacts you can, and help prevent this tragedy!" Takeru bowed low in pleading.
"Oi," Yuuko sighed, watching him prostrate himself before her.
"I thought you said I wasn't alone in this," Yuuko frowned, looking away from him.
"Huh?" Takeru raised himself up. "What do you mean by that?"
"If we are partners, we shouldn't subjugate ourselves to these displays, don't you think?" Yuuko smirked candidly.
"If it saves humanity, it doesn't matter to me, Sensei," Takeru shook his head, "I'll suffer whatever needs be for our goal."
Yuuko sighed, "okay, I'll make some calls." Yuuko waved him away, "now, is there anything else you want? I'm a very busy woman, as you know." Yuuko didn't even wait for his response as she returned to work.
"No, thanks for listening, Yuuko Sensei!" Takeru nodded and left her to her work.
PX later that night
Takeru was feeling pretty good; after meeting with Yuuko, he ate lunch alone as everyone else had already eaten. The Px's cook Mrs. Kyouzuka had given him an extra helping of food as thanks for helping the girls. According to her, they looked closer than ever before since he arrived. Takeru felt his chest swell at the thought; he only wished he could have had lunch with everybody. Unfortunately, everyone had gone their separate ways to do their own things. So Takeru decided to hunt down the girls to see what they were up to. He left Meiya for last as he'd head to Kasumi's after, as he promised in the morning. First, Takeru found Chizuru studying by herself outside.
"Yo," Takeru plopped down next to her, making Chizuru jump.
"Ah, Shirogane, what's wrong?" Chizuru closed her book, and Takeru caught a glimpse of the cover. 'battlefield tactics and command structure.'
"Studying to be an officer, Class Rep?" Takeru grinned.
"That's," Chizuru placed the book opposite of Takeru. "Why do you care?" She huffed and crossed her arms.
"Well, I think you have the makings for a great leader, Class Rep," Takeru shrugged and looked up at the night sky.
"…" Chizuru looked at him but didn't seem convinced, "I don't know about that."
"Why do you say so?" Takeru lifted a brow.
"I couldn't control the squad during the last time we took the CCE." Chizuru gripped her right bicep. Something she always did whenever she felt insecure.
"Ah," Takeru rubbed his chin. "Want me to tell you something about my time as a flight leader?" Takeru offered.
"Y-you were a flight leader?" Chizuru looked taken aback.
"Hey, don't sound so surprised," Takeru muttered in a fake hurt tone.
"Sorry, but I find it hard to believe some as lazy as you made flight leader Shirogane." Chizuru wagged a finger at him.
"Well, I'll have you know I did make it, so want to hear an old hands advice?"
"Please," Chizuru crossed her arms, her expression hard.
"You don't have to control anybody," Takeru said matter-of-factly.
"Huh?" Chizuru blinked in confusion, "but it's my job-"
"To lead them, not control them," Takeru raised his finger, interrupting her.
"I know the others follow orders pretty well, and if I'm being honest, you probably have the biggest trouble with Ayamine."
"Hm," Chizuru hummed and crossed her arms again.
"Remember this, Class Rep, we aren't drones. People are complicated and have their own opinions and perspectives. As a leader, it's up to you to consider people's differences and get them to follow your lead. No one wants to be told what to do without feeling like they are being heard. That's why even in the military, command structures offer support roles to commanders." Takeru explained, "perspectives can be a valuable asset to any leader, as they might see something you can't. Alternatively, as someone who generally will have more information than your squad, explaining your own orders can go a long way to forming trust in the orders you give."
Chizuru pursed her lips, "but this isn't a game; if soldiers start questioning orders, the command chain goes down the toilet!"
"Yes, that's why it's up to you as a leader to explain your position. In this case, a soldier may still not be happy with their orders or the commander's reasoning, but the extra effort from the commander goes a long way to ensure the soldier follows their orders to the letter."
"I think I get what you mean," Chizuru sighed, "I'll try to be more open in the future."
"That's good to hear," Takeru stood up and stretched, "anyway, I wanna catch up with the other girls; I'll catch you later, Class Rep."
"Ah, Shirogane," Chizuru stood and brought her fist to her chest. "I, uh, well."
"Class Rep," Takeru muttered; he closed his eyes, turned to her, and put both hands on her shoulders.
"Huh," Chizuru blushed and felt her heart beating against her chest. "S-Shirogane?" she stuttered, her name out.
"Class Rep," Takeru said again before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, "I'm sorry, but I can't accept your confession."
"W-what?" Chizuru blushed red before she pushed Takeru away, "I-idiot, that's not what I was gonna say!" She crossed her arms and turned away from Takeru to hide her blush. "I just wanted to say thank you for the advice, d-don't read more into it!" Chizuru huffed, "honestly, what do I see in you?" she whispered the last part.
"Huh?" Takeru scratched his head.
"I said I'm going back to my room, don't stay up too late. We have a big day tomorrow." Chizuru grabbed her book and left Takeru to his own devices. He watched Chizuru go, and Takeru went to find Tama. He found her at the range doing some shooting.
"Tama!" Takeru hollered, making himself know.
"Awa!" Tama jumped and fired, missing her shot.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." Takeru sat on the ground where Tama was prone.
"N-no, it's okay. I was just really into my shooting." Tama sat up and rubbed her head.
"Go on, keep shooting; I'll just watch." Takeru lay prone next to Tama and grabbed a set of ear muffs.
"Y-yeah," Tama laid back down and loaded a new magazine into her rifle. She took aim and fired her next shot.
Takeru grabbed a set of binoculars and brought them up to his face. "Miss," he said matter of factly.
Tama swallowed and pulled back on the slide, ejecting the spent casing. "O-okay," Tama took a steadying breath and took aim. Takeru could practically see her straining herself in his presence. She squeezed the trigger and fired.
"Miss," Takeru said again, then put down the binoculars. "Tama," Takeru rolled over and propped his head up with his hands.
"Y-yes," She let the rifle's butt rest on the ground and sat up. "I-I'm sorry," she apologized.
"You don't have to apologize, but how about I help you?" Takeru grinned at the sky.
"It's just, whenever I have people watch me shoot," Tama sighed, putting a hand to her chest, "I get so nervous."
"Normally, people try to clear their mind to get rid of stage fright like yours, but I'm gonna ask you to do something else." Takeru reached out and made a gun with his fingers. "Instead of trying to empty your mind, think about a person. First, think about the person you admire or hold close to your heart. Then try to imagine their presence next to you. Just think about that person encouraging you and how proud of you they are."
"Hmm," Tama closed her eyes and thought about Takeru's words. Then, she laid back down and grabbed the rifle. She pulled back the slide and ejected the spent casing. Tama took aim and felt a hand over her hand holding the grip. Another hand went over her shoulder, and she felt the tension slowly drain. "Takeru," she whispered and let out a breath squeezing the trigger.
Takeru rolled over and picked up the binoculars. "Hit, dead center 300 meters, nice shot, Tama!"
"Y-yeah!" Tama smiled, ejected the spent casing, and took aim. She fired and repeated the process.
"Hit," Takeru felt a grin tug at his lips. Another shot echoes across the night. "Hit!"
Tama put the rifle down after one more shot emptying the magazine. "W-wow, that worked so well!" Tama sat up and slid her ear muffs down to her neck.
"Yeah, good job Tama," Takeru sat up and did the same. "So what did you think about, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Awa!" Tama blushed and held her burning cheeks, shaking her head furiously. "T-Takeru-san, you can't ask me that!"
"I can't?" Takeru blinked, confused.
"N-no!" Tama insisted, turning away from him. "M-maybe I'll tell you someday."
"Alright," Takeru stood up, placing the binoculars and ear muffs away. "I guess I'll look forward to that day."
"You promise?" Tama muttered between her fingers.
"Sure," Takeru shrugged, grinning.
"Okay, but you can't take it back!" Tama stood up, dusting herself off.
"Yeah, I got it," Takeru laughed and pocketed his hands. "Anyway, I'm going to go see what Mikoto is doing; catch you tomorrow, Tama."
After a brief search, Takeru heard from Mrs. Kyouzuka that Mikoto had already retired to her room early, and Ayamine had up and disappeared. So Takeru went to the first place he could think of to find Meiya. He went to the track and sat on a bench, waiting patiently. After a few minutes, Meiya approached, surprised to see him there. "Takeru?"
"Hey, there you are," Takeru stood up and removed his flight jacket.
"Forgive me; were you looking for me, Takeru?" Meiya took off her jacket, placing it next to Takeru's.
"Yeah, mind if I join you again today?" Takeru started stretching.
"I certainly don't mind," Meiya smiled, she blinked, and her eyes narrowed slightly. "Takeru, are you okay?"
"Ha, ha," Takeru laughed derisively, "I'm here without being punished, thank you very much."
"No," Meiya laughed to herself, "I mean, there's a bruise on your neck."
"Geh!" Takeru slapped his hand over it; damn it, Yuuko Sensei! "Oh, y-yeah, don't worry, just a bump."
"If you are sure," Meiya walked to the track, and Takeru followed her. The two started their jog, keeping pace with one another.
"Meiya," Takeru spoke up after their first lap. "Do you mind if I join you like this from now on?"
"Oh?" Meiya gave him a side glance, "you are certainly welcome, Takeru, but what brought this on?"
"I," Takeru started, I want to spend as much time without you as possible. "Well, I guess it's because I admire you, Meiya." Takeru nodded.
"Takeru," Meiya breathed out his name. She was glad the night covered the light blush that dusted her cheeks. "I don't think I'm so inspiring; you certainly feel leagues above me, Takeru."
"Ah, trust me, I got very little to be proud of. Honestly, I admire you, Meiya, because of your strength." Takeru thought of how Meiya was always prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for mankind. "You are someone I wish to emulate, Meiya, and hopefully, one day, I can stand beside you."
"You sell yourself short, Takeru, I can't describe it, but whenever I look into your eyes, I see the soul of an old warrior in you." Meiya narrowed her eyes, looking straight ahead. "I feel like there's unfathomable pain behind your eyes, Takeru. You must be carrying an incredible burden on your shoulders, but even so, I see how you try to prop all of us up." Meiya smirked, glancing at Takeru.
I'm always so transparent when it comes to you, Meiya. Takeru pursed his lips as the longing of twenty years returned. He wanted to hold Meiya, confess his feelings and have her return them. "I don't think I'm so great a guy; everything I do is for my selfish desire to hold on to the people I care about."
Takeru thrashed against the controls of his Shiranui. But his controls had been disabled, and he was forcefully being retreated. "Stop it damn it, I have to get them. I have to save my friends!" Takeru screamed, tears flowing freely from his eyes. He glared daggers at the words on his display
SLAVE SYSTEM: ON
"It's over, Lieutenant Shirogane; there's no time! You go back; you'll just die with them!"
"Damn it, call it off, stop it, Chizuru, Tama, Mikoto, Ayamine, come in!" Takeru shouted but received nothing but static.
"All forces retreat to minimal safety distance. G-Bomb will drop in 120 seconds."
CODE 666
"Stop it!" Takeru cried as he watched a shining sphere descend from the sky. "Stooop iiiiitttt!"
Takeru shook his head and gritted his teeth, "I couldn't save the people I cared about before." Takeru felt the sadness seep through the cracks of his defenses.
"Takeru, did you do everything you could for them?" Meiya asked as they rounded the bend of the track for the third time.
"It wasn't enough," Takeru muttered.
"It matters not, Takeru; I believe your friends know you did everything you could for them." Meiya shook her head, "you stand here today because of their sacrifices, and I believe it would be a dishonor to their memories if you let your sorrow consume you."
"Meiya," Takeru sighed, her words having a soothing effect on him.
"I can't remember who told me this, but regret is only a luxury the living can afford. So it is best to live one's life remembering that if you can regret your choices, you are alive and can make better choices later." Meiya slowed down as they finished their jog.
Takeru stopped a few steps behind her as Meiya put her hands on her hip and controlled her breathing. Takeru smiled; Meiya's wisdom brought him the comfort he dearly missed. "You're right. Besides, I have a rare opportunity I think others would kill for."
"I'm not sure I understand," Meiya tilted her head curiously.
"I have you."
"Huh," Meiya stumbled once, blushing.
"All of you," Takeru quickly corrected himself, turning away to hide his blush. "Class Rep, Ayamine, Tama, Mikoto, and you too Meiya. I can fight for the people I care about most." Takeru's hands balled into fists as he jogged. "I refuse to lose that again."
"Takeru," Meiya smiled and caught back up with him. "Let's agree to fight for the people in our lives."
"Yeah, I promise to fight with all my heart," Takeru smirked as the two slowed down to a stop.
"Good, well, I think I shall retire for the night; I need to rest for tomorrow." Meiya waved Takeru goodbye.
"Actually, mind if I borrow some string from you?" Takeru scratched his head sheepishly.
"Certainly, but whatever for Takeru?" Meiya retrieved her jacket and tossed Takeru his.
The two then walked towards the base. "I promised Kasumi I'd teach her how to play Cats Cradle tonight."
"Oh, you know Yashiro?" Meiya smiled, wrapping her arms around her.
"Yeah, you guys know her too, huh?" Takeru knew from his memories, but he couldn't tell Meiya that.
"She shows up sometimes; I always wonder about her." Meiya shrugged, and the two entered the elevator. The two reached the barracks and walked to Meiya's room. "Please come in," Meiya said as she opened her door and let Takeru in.
Meiya's room was as spartan as he expected. There were few things to differentiate it from his, minus some personal stuff indicative of Meiya's personality. Her sword hung from a wall, and there were several books on Japanese history and Japanese historical figures. Takeru grinned when he noticed a few books dedicated to the great unifier Oda Nobunaga. Lastly, he saw a Shogi Board on her desk.
Meiya appeared with a red string, snapping him from his sightseeing, "here you go, Takeru."
"Thanks, Meiya," Takeru took the string, "I'll bring it back tomorrow."
"It's fine; give it to Kasumi so she can practice independently," Meiya suggested.
"Yeah, I think Kasumi would like that," Takeru put the string in his pocket and took a step back. "Hey, Meiya, let's play Shogi together sometime." Takeru nodded to the board.
"Oh," Meiya perked up and smiled broadly. "you play Takeru?"
Takeru took a sip of his tea, and across from him, Yuuhi patiently waited for him to make his move. He picked up a piece and placed it down, "ah, I'm in dire straights here."
Yuuhi giggled softly behind her fist, "you've improved by quite a bit Takeru-sama."
"Still no match for the master tactician," Takeru grinned before grimacing as Yuuhi's next move left him in a tight spot.
"I had a friend who beat me all the time, but I've picked up a few things from her," Takeru smirked confidently.
"Ho? Is that so, Shirogane," Meiya grinned. "Then, after we pass the CCE, I expect a match to celebrate."
"Glady!" Takeru waved at Meiya and left to go find Kasumi. As expected, she was in the brain room. Takeru looked at the brain in the jar, his lips pulling down in a frown.
"AAAAHHHHH, GOD DAMN IT!" Illia screamed as she blasted the remains of the crew of the JFK with her F-18.
"Hey Kasumi," Takeru sighed and walked up to her taking a seat by the brain jar.
"…" Kasumi turned to Takeru and, after a few seconds, took a seat next to him.
"Here," Takeru brought out the red string and started to show Kasumi how to make shapes. "Let me show you how to make a hammock." Takeru threaded his fingers through the string and showed Kasumi his work. "Hah, there's a hammock!"
"…" Kasumi fixed her eyes on the string, and Takeru grinned; she must have liked it.
"Okay, how about you try it? I'll show you how." Taker dangled the string on his finger for Kasumi to take.
"…" Kasumi's bunny ear things twitched, and she tentatively reached for the string.
"Okay, now just put your finger through here and index finger here." Takeru guided her, smiling as she did as told. "Now, pull!"
Kasumi did as told, and she made her first hammock, "!" her eyes widened, and her bunny ear ornaments twitched.
"Very good, Kasumi, you're good at this!" Takeru gave her a small clap. Kasumi's cheek tinted a light pink, and Takeru grinned. "Okay, want to make another shape?"
"…yes," Kasumi nodded and lifted her creation to Takeru.
"Alright, just pull your finger out here, and that should untangle it." Takeru showed her how to make more shapes. While Kasumi worked on the figures, Takeru looked at the brain floating in the mystery liquid. "You know, I can only imagine what it must feel for whoever that is." Takeru sighed, "I guess a more accurate description would be what it wouldn't feel." It was just a brain disconnected from its body. So there was no sound, no feelings, nothing, just….darkness.
Kasumi lifted her new creation, and Takeru felt his lips quirk up slightly, "Kasumi can you show the brain pictures of my thoughts?"
"…" Kasumi looked down and then nodded.
"Alright, I don't know who this brain is, and I don't know if we'll ever get to have a proper conversation. So, I want you to show the brain my memories of Sumika."
"!" Kasumi looked up at Takeru and then at the brain. Kasumi looked back down before she spoke up. "She would like that."
"She, huh?" Takeru said and smiled at the brain.
"Okay, until we meet, I entrust Sumika to your brain." Takeru then spent the next two hours talking with Kasumi, showing her how to make more shapes and having her show the brain his memories of Sumika he had long since repressed. As he shared these memories, Takeru would lie if he said he didn't cry a little. He had forced himself to forget Sumika, but now here he was, pouring his soul out to a brain and a quiet girl.
November 2, 2001
Takeru blinked, surprised to see Yuuko standing next to instructor Jinguuji next to the cargo helicopter, waiting to take them to the CCE test site. When they both noticed his presence instructor, Jinguuji sighed and shook her head. "Shirogane over here," the Instructor waved him over, and he followed suit.
"Yes, Mam!" Takeru saluted, which Marimo returned. Yuuko just waved his formalities away as usual.
"You won't be participating in the CCE evaluation today," Marimo stated.
"W-what?" Takeru took a step back.
"I have a special assignment for you," Yuuko said matter of factly. "So," Yuuko scrunched her nose at him, "go wash that god-awful tobacco smell off you."
"Instructor, is this true?"
The three of them turned to see Meiya walk up to them. Marimo simply nodded and motioned to Yuuko. "the XO will be needing Shirogane for special tasking."
"Yes, now times a wasting lets go, Shirogane," Yuuko stepped past Takeru and started for the base.
"Good luck, Takeru," Meiya sighed and smiled encouragingly at him.
"Yeah, remember what we said we'd do last night." Takeru nodded at Meiya.
"Yes, I believe I promised to show you humility in Shogi."
Takeru laughed and waved her away, "right, right." They parted ways, and Takeru caught up to Yuuko inside the base.
"So, what are we doing, Sensei?" Takeru matched her strides, keeping pace with Yuuko.
"I told you two days, didn't I?" Yuuko raised a brow at him.
"Oh, that's right!" Takeru said excitedly, "I guess you want me to test it then."
"Correct, so get your fortified suit at the quartermaster and meet me in the simulators." Yuuko went to the elevator, and Takeru eagerly left to do as told.
Ten minutes later, Takeru joined Yuuko in the simulator room in the standard UN black fortified suit, tobacco smell free. He got into the first unit and waited for further instructions.
"Given your notes, I assume you already know how to pilot a TSF." Yuuko came alive over the radio.
"Yes, Mam!"
"Good, then we'll start with training scenario D." Yuuko typed away in the control room and loaded the training program.
The destroyed city outside the base materialized into existence, and Takeru rotated his shoulders. "Beginning OS testing now!" Takeru, in a simulated Fubuki, immediately dashed forward, surfacing over the broken road. Target contacts appeared on the radar, and Takeru rushed ahead, firing his 36mm gun at the first target. The enemy TSF blew up, and Takeru performed a boosted jump firing at the next target, downing it in a hail of depleted uranium.
ALERT
The cockpit alarm sounded, and Takeru immediately boosted sideways, avoiding a trail of 36mm fire. Then, Takeru fired his 120mm, exploding the side of the building the TSF was taking cover behind. The building started toppling over, and the TSf rushed out. Takeru immediately canceled the bracing maneuver and went straight into surfacing and firing at the exposed TSF for another kill. He grinned savagely, switching to surface jumping between buildings causing the remaining TSFs to miss every shot.
Takeru pushed forward, dashing between two buildings coming around the first TSF and shooting it dead. Keeping the momentum, Takeru surfaced-flew over the wreckage and appeared flanking the remaining unit. He fired off a 120mm round, destroying the TSF in a shower of fire and shrapnel. In 3 minutes, Shirogane Takeru took out a flight TSFs. In the control room, Yuuko was grinning ear to ear as she continued to compile data from Takeru's crazy maneuvers. "You really are something else, Shirogane," Yuuko crossed one leg over and picked up a phone in the control room to make a call.
An hour later, Takeru leaned back in his seat with a smirk plastered on his face. When it came to piloting a TSF, Takeru had long decided that was his calling. After all, his skills got him noticed to join the Royal Guard in his previous life. Thinking about it, he wondered what the people of his previous lives were doing now? Was Lieutenant Tatsunami still in training? Had Lieutenant Aice joined the Orbital Divers? They were part of the Imperial Japanese Mainland Defense Force; even Marimo had joined them after the UN ceased to exist in all but paper.
"Shirogane, we've got a lot of good data. Do you wish to stop now?" Yuuko came over the radio.
"Nah, even though it's only been a few weeks, it feels like I haven't stepped in a TSF for ages. I wanna keep going."
"Good, I'll be loading training course B."
"Roger that!" Takeru smirked savagely, and as soon as the simulation loaded, he dove for the nearest TSF flight with savage unrelenting fury.
PX later in the afternoon
Takeru stretched in his seat; after a grueling five-hour session, Yuuko called it a day and gave him the rest of the afternoon off. So Takeru grabbed some food and now sat alone in the PX. Without his friends there, Takeru felt lonely, and frankly, it reminded him too much of the time between the start of Operation Babylon and the Great Ocean Collapse. The loneliness almost consumed him once. Takeru shook his head and slapped his cheeks for good measure. They're fine; they'll be back, and…hopefully, they'll pass without me this time around. Takeru scowled and finished the rest of his food in silence before he decided to hang out with Kasumi for the rest of the day.
November 4, 2001
After two full more days of testing and tweaking, Yuuko said he had one more assignment for him before they began the next phase of testing. He was asked to report to briefing room A-1 after breakfast. So, when Takeru made it, he was surprised to find Yuuko and a group of women in UN uniforms waiting for him. "Oh," Takeru immediately saluted them, noticing their ranks.
"Good you're here; allow me to introduce you to my Special Task Force A-01 Valkyries." Yuuko gestured to the leading woman with short burnet hair. "Captain Isumi, please introduce the unit to Cadet Shirogane."
"Yes, Mam," Isumi walked up to Takeru and offered her hand.
"Cadet Shirogane, the XO told me a lot about you; let me introduce you to the squadron." She gestured first to the kindly girl next to the short girl who looked at him suspiciously. "This is Lieutenant Suzumiya Haruka and her sister, 2nd Lieutenant Suzumiya Akane."
"Nice to meet you, Cadet Shirogane," Haruka bowed her head politely.
"You sure this guy is as good as the XO says?" Akane narrowed her eyes further at him.
"Akane!" Haruka sighed exasperatedly.
"Right, sorry; hello, Cadet Shirogane." Akane crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.
"These are 2nd Lieutenat Munakata Misae, and 2nd Lieutenant Kazama Touko." Michiru moved to the following members.
"Lovely to meet you, Cadet Shirogane," Touku's smile felt like Takeru had just been blessed by an angel.
"I see you're already falling for Kazama, bold on your first meeting, Cadet Shirogane," Misae hummed and stroked her chin.
"Heh," Takeru smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head.
"These are 2nd Lieutenant Kashiwagi Haruko and 2nd Lieutenant Tsukiji Tae." Michiru
"Yo," Haruka greeted with an easy-going aura around her.
"H-hello, n-nice meeting you, Cadet S-Shirogane," Tae shyly greeted.
"Finally, we also have 2nd Lieutenant Takahara Moeka and 2nd Lieutenant Asakura Kobeni."
"Nice to meet ya," Moeka grinned broadly.
"Likewise," Kobeni bowed politely.
"last but not least, 1st Lieutenant Hayase Mitsuki, my second in command." Michiru nodded to her subordinate.
"Yo, Shirogane can't wait to see these moves the XO was talking about." She grinned mischievously.
"Right, I'm Shirogane Takeru, Cadet training Squad 207B; I also like older curvy women!" Takeru straightened and offered another salute.
"pfft, hahaha!" Haruko laughed along with Mitsuki, who slapped her thigh.
"So my intuition was right about you wanting Kazama," Misae smirked.
"Yes, Mam, but you are also my type, mam!" Takeru replied, still with a straight face.
Misae blinked, surprised, before her smirk returned tenfold, "I'm going to like you, Shirogane."
"Well, with introductions out of the way," Yuuko interrupted any further hijinks, "Shirogane will now give you all a brief overview of the new prototype OS we've been developing."
"Huh?" Takeru pointed at himself, "I will?"
"Well, who better to explain than its creator?" Yuuko waved dismissively at him with a Cheshire grin.
"Feels more like you didn't want to bothered," Takeru muttered. Then, with a sigh, Takeru walked up to the whiteboard and cleared his throat. "Alright, I'll begin with a basic overview of the system. The OS is meant to get rid of the refractory period of a TSF." Takeru spread his arms open, "that means being able to cancel the TSF bracing protocol and automatic Laser dodge systems." Takeru crossed his arms and waited for a reaction.
"I hate to mention the obvious, but wouldn't this cause strain on the electronics and frame?" Akane raised a brow.
"A small price to pay for getting a pilot back home," Takeru shrugged.
"The XO mentioned a second part to the OS," Michiru spoke up next.
"Yes, the second part is the combo system," Takeru turned around and wrote the words combo and cancel next to each other. Then he drew an arrow, pointing from one word to the other and vice versa. "These two concepts work in concert to increase pilot survivability. Combo or combining means inputting commands to execute immediately after an action is committed. Of course, while the TSF accumulates your data, it will start saving combos and tailor them to your brain synapses." Takeru drew an arrow down from the word combo and wrote 'command' at the end. "Let's say you input a combo, and you are locked on in the middle of that combo." Takeru drew a line left below cancel and wrote 'evade.' "You immediately take evasive action stopping the TSF's previous action."
"Whoa," Mitsuki looked on in bewilderment.
"I believe a demonstration would help," Yuuko spoke up as she moved to the desk an instructor would sit and type on the computer. A screen lowered behind Takeru, and footage of him running through the training courses began playing. Takeru stepped aside with hands in his pockets, watching with growing embarrassment. The girls all watched with intense focus, with a few gasps and comments whenever he pulled a particularly crazy maneuver.
"Oh Shirogane, you're more than just a pretty face, I see," Misae hummed with a contemplative look.
"Thank you, Mam; I hope 2nd Lieutenant Kazama acknowledges me as a man as well!"
"Oi, what about me, Shirogane?" smirked Mitsuki.
"1st Lieutenant Hayase is a bit of a deviant. Are you sure you want her Shirogane?" Misae threw a sidelong glance at Mitsuki.
"What?" Mitsuki stood up, slapping her hands on the table. "Oi, Munakata, you trying to start something?"
"Enough, you two; anything else we should know, Cadet Shirogane?" Captain Isumi, ever the professional.
"Honestly, a hands-on experience would be more of a help at this point." Takeru pinched his chin, thinking it over.
"I couldn't agree more, so everyone suits up and meet me in the simulators," Yuuko stood up, grinning.
PX later that night
Takeru ate his synthetic rice and could not help feeling pride swelling inside him. Finally, after several hours on the simulators, they were dismissed for the night. Now, seated next to 1st Lieutenant Hayase and Captain Isumi, Takeru was the center of attention as everyone discussed the OS and their performance. Among the pilots, Mitsuki had picked it up the fastest. She also kept challenging Takeru, and their score was currently 0-3 in Takeru's favor. "Oi, Shirogane, next time your mine!" Mitsuki pointed her chopsticks at him.
"It seems we have competition for Shirogane's attention Kazama," Misae smirked at us.
"Oh my, it would appear so." Touko laughed, and Takeru swore only an angel could produce such a lovely sound.
If Meiya weren't the love of my life, you'd have claimed my heart Touko-san! Takeru sighed into his rice.
"Eh?" Mitsuki slammed her fist on the table, dragging Takeru from his thoughts. "Shirogane, what's with that reaction to Kazama!"
"Er," Takeru laughed awkwardly, "sorry 1st Lieutenant Hayase, I guess I have a soft spot for 2nd Lieutenant Kazama's soft voice."
"Shirogane," Mitsuki leaned in, glaring at him, "I'm your superior, you know; I can order you to fall for me."
"Don't worry; I can overrule her order Shirogane," Michiru grinned evilly at Mitsuki.
"I guess if the Captain ordered me to date her, It would be my duty as a proud soldier of the UN." Takeru made a pensive face, "thank you for trusting me with your heart, Mam!" Takeru saluted Michiru.
"You certainly don't lack confidence Shirogane," Michiru laughed.
Takeru smiled sheepishly, and before he knew it, the women around him had found a place in his heart.
"Akane, you keep staring at Shirognae. Could it be… unrequited love?" Misae looked at Akane with a twinkle in her eye.
"W-what?" Akane blushed, "n-no way, Shirogane, you idiot!" Akane shoved food in her mouth and glared at the space behind Takeru.
"Oi, I didn't say anything," Takeru raised his hands defensively. Then Takeru made a mock show of revelation. "I see, 2nd Lieutenant Suzumiya Akane; worry not; my rule of older women isn't absolute. Please do your best!" Takeru gave her a thumbs up for good measure.
"W-what, who wants to date a shameless womanizer anyway!" Akane huffed, crossing her arms.
"Y-you're kinda shameless, Shirogane," Tae muttered before blushing madly, "a-ah, I'm sorry!"
"Ah, you girls play nice now; I think I'll take my leave, Shirogane; get plenty of rest because, as of tomorrow, you'll be assigned to this unit on a provisional basis." Michiru pushed back her chair and grabbed her tray.
"B-but I haven't even received my commission," Takeru's eyes widened.
"Starting tomorrow, you'll receive your commission on XO's Kouzuki's orders." Michiru smiled and gave him a bow of her head, "so an early congratulations, 2nd Lieutenant Shirogane Takeru."
"Thank you, Mam!" Takeru stood up and saluted Michiru.
"It's nothing to thank anybody bout, I read your file, and as far as I'm concerned, you proved your fit for duty today." Michiru returned the salute balancing her tray in one hand. "Now, get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow." With the Captains parting, the group slowly started to break as everyone took their leave. Takeru left when Lieutenant Suzumiya Haruka did and left everyone else to their devices.
Takeru went down to find Yuuko in her office burning the midnight oil as usual. "Yuuko Sensei, I have a few questions for you."
"Hm?" Yuuko barely acknowledged his presence as she was engrossed in her work. "Make it quick, Shirogane; I'm swamped."
"Alright, how about giving me my commission before the rest of my squad?" Takeru sat on the chair before her desk.
"Makes working on the OS easier without having to call you from Marimo and having you get her permission." Yuuko as always the totalitarian. "It's also even easier if you're assigned to A-01, as they answer directly to me as head of Alternative IV."
"Then, if my friends pass the CCE, do you mind if I continue being with them. I want to help them become better pilots so as not to repeat their fate from the last time I did this."
"So long as it doesn't interfere with work, and you're prepared whenever I need you." Yuuko acquiesced.
"Finally, when TSF training starts for squad 207B, can I ask you to bring us Shiranui's instead of Fubuki's? Also, if we can install the new OS in their machines."
Yuuko stopped typing briefly and raised a brow at him. "That's a big demand," Yuuko threaded her fingers together and leaned forward behind her desk.
"I know, but I feel we're making good progress here, and if we can go straight to Shiranui's squad, 207B will be combat-ready in case anything happens."
"Hmm," Yuuko mulled it over before her lips tugged upward, "I think you're right; no need to be bogged down in formalities. I'll have the Shiranui units brought for training."
"Thank you, Sensei; we won't let you down!" Takeru bowed slightly to Yuuko.
"Now, is there anything else?" Yuuko trailed off, turning back to her work.
"One last thing; I just wanted to say thanks again for trusting me," Takeru smiled, waved at Yuuko, and left to hang out with Kasumi for the rest of the night. As the doors closed behind him, Yuuko glanced at his retreating back before sighing.
I'm letting that boy get to me way too much.
November 6, 2001
Takeru rolled his shoulders and walked out to the hangar. The members of A-01 were already all present and accounted for. Michiru noticed his presence first and waved him over. Finally, I can get behind a TSF. Simulators just don't cut it, man! Better yet, I get to start out on Shirunui rather than my old Fubuki. Nothing against my old training TSF, but a Shiranui is just plain better. Alright, better report to Captain Isumi.
"2nd Lieutenant Shirogane Takeru reporting for manuvers Mam!" Takeru saluted his Captain.
Michiru smiled and returned the salute, "don't have to worry about being so formal, Shirogane, XO's orders when it comes to formalities." Michiru shrugged, "at least when the brass isn't looking."
"Fair enough, Mam," Takeru chuckled.
"Alright, everyone's been briefed, Shirogane; you'll be the odd man out of Flight C With 2nd Lieutenant Munakata." Michiru crossed her arms, nodding in their direction.
"Roger that," Takeru nodded and jogged to his assigned flight.
"Yo, Shirogane, ready for some real flying today?" Haruko winked at him.
"You bet; I didn't realize how much I missed being a cockpit till I saw my machine arrive yesterday!" Takeru made a fist pump in excitement. "Simulators just don't cut it, you know?"
"Yeah, yeah, I feel you," Haruko laughed.
"Shirogane, since you're the odd man out, I'll have you triple up with Suzumiya and Kashiwagi," Misae grinned. "I figured you'd be too distracted if I had you with Kazama and me."
"Thank you, Mam. I don't think my adolescent mind could handle being between two mature beauties!" Takeru saluted Misae.
"Hey, that's cold, dude," Haruka laughed. "You're gonna hurt Akane's feelings after she's been pining for you."
"K-Kashiwagi-senpai, that's not funny!" Akane blushed, huffing a glare at Takeru.
Well, since she's already blaming me, Takeru thought and crossed his arms. "I'm still rooting for you, Suzumiya; maybe young love might bloom between us still." Takeru nodded sagely.
"W-What, whatever, let's go already!" Akane beet red ran off to her TSF.
Ruined City Training Site A
"Alright, let's go over our objectives one more time," Misae's animated portrait popped up in Takeru's display. "Flight A will be guarding Captain Isumi as the VIP. Our victory conditions are as follows, total annihilation of the opposition or the kill or capture of the VIP. Any questions? This is your last chance to ask them."
"Just one, I request permission to act independently once we make contact. I want to run interference." Takeru proposed.
"Ho?" Misae raised a brow, "I don't need to tell you TSF's work in elements, do I, Shirogane?"
"I know, but I don't want to mess with Suzumiya and Kashiwagi's coordination. So when the bullets start flying, they don't have to worry about me and lose their rhythm." Takeru shrugged, "besides, I think I can keep 1st Lieutenant Hayase off our backs."
"Alright, Shirogane, let's do it your way, do as you see fit, but if you let Akane and Haruka go down, that's a hundred push-ups for each." Hook, line, and sinker, Takeru knew Misae wouldn't miss an opportunity to mess with Mitsuki.
"Roger that," Takeru smirked.
"Alright, Kazuma and I will take the left flank; you all take the right flank; let's go!" Misae ordered, and all TSF scrambled into action. Skidding along the broken road, Takeru was the last man in the formation.
"Keep your eyes peeled, and don't rely on your radar; urban combat zones reduce its effectiveness." Takeru narrowed his eyes, ever-shifting across the battered cityscape. Then, his radar pinged, and Takeru saw two TSF boost jump atop two buildings at the end of an intersection. "Break, break!"
The three machines broke left and right, barely missing a trail of pink paint. Takeru and the girls immediately returned fire.
"Valkyrie 02, we made contact!" Takeru reported to Misae and then pushed right into a boost jump, firing at the two TSFs. They scattered, and Takeru only managed to wing one of them on their supplemental armor.
"You're wide open, Shirogane!"
Takeru fired his thrusters; jerking left back down to street level. Hot on his heels, Mitsuki pushed forward, firing her 36mm autocannon. Takeru flew backward, returning fire and zigzagging her shots before taking cover behind a building. "1st Lieutenant Hayase, that you?" Takeru smirked, knowing all too well.
"Tsukiji, Takahara, Asakura, keep those two busy; I'll be putting Shirogane to bed!" Mitsuki rushed forward into surfacing her autocannon thundering.
"Roger!" The girls replied as a third TSF piloted by Asakura flanked Akane and Haruka from behind.
"Akane, rush Asakura. I'll cover you go!" Haruka boosted and jumped, bringing her four autocannons, forcing Tsukiji and Takahara back into cover. "Shirogane, we leave 1st Lieutenant Hayase and finding the VIP for you!" Haruka cursed, twisting midair before landing back in cover on Tsukiji and Tkahara's flank.
"Roger that!" Takeru said, but it was easier said than done. Mitsuki wasn't 1st Lieutenant just for show. Takeru maneuvered between streets, staying a step ahead of Mitsuki, turning to fire off a few shots every so often. Finally, Takeru swung into an intersection and turned to level his autocannon. "What, shit!"
ALERT!
Takeru pushed forward, then left into the intersection, barely avoiding Mitsuki's flanking attack. Mituksi, for her part, was having a blast as she blasted ahead to the road parallel to Takeru. "Come on, Shirogane, it's no fun if I do all the chasing!"
"I don't think I've ever had a more persistent admirer than you, 1st Lieutenant!" Takeru slid to a stop, turned left, and blasted off, firing his autocannon. Mitsuki booster-jumped, firing down as Takeru blasted into the road, then zigzagged, firing up at her. Mitsuki strafed left, and Takeru smirked, trailing the shot and forcing her to abruptly boost down into cover. Trying to stay to my left means Captain Isumi is in that direction. Takeru smirked, pushed onto the main road, and flew at NOE, making sure to keep a profile as low as possible. "Valkyrie 02, I'm heading west 270 to a possible target location!"
"What about Valkyrie 05 and 06?"
"Valkyrie 06 here; we took out Asakura, Tsukiji, and Takahara are pressing on Valkrye 05; we'll make for South and try to round back to link up with Shirogane!" Haruka reported over the roar of autocannon fire.
"Understood, Shirogane; if you spot the VIP, transmit her location ASAP."
"Yes, Mam!" Takeru scowled, jerked his control left, then turned around, firing his autocannon. Mitsuki zigzagged and jumped, keeping Takeru from pinning her down. Takeru's eye shifted left to the immediate map, and he smirked. Takeru turned booster-jumped and fired his back-mounted autocannons keeping Mitsuki at bay. Finally, Takeru locked on and fired his autocannon.
The building he fired exploded outwards as Michiru flew back and took cover in the nearby buildings. "Valkryie 02, VIP, located!"
"Got it, we're on our way Shirogane!"
Takeru landed back down and brought his autocannon up before it was splattered with pink paint. Takeru was forced to drop the weapon and retreated back into cover. "Valkyrie 02, I lost my autocannon; I'm gonna leave the VIP to you." Takeru reached up and drew his Type-74 blade.
"Understood; we're 70 seconds from your position; keep 1st Lieutenant Hayase busy."
"Not a problem," Takeru dashed out, jumped left, booster-jumped, and performed a surface jump of the building. Mitsuki smirked as Takeru surfaced and jumped against another building coming in for CQC. Takeru pushed off; Mitusuki trailed his trajectory and fired!
36mm 000
"Tch!" Mituski booster-jumped back, barely escaping Takeru's swing for her cockpit. While midair Takeru aimed his back autocannons, forcing her to the ground in a hail of green paintballs. Her TSF barely made contact when Takeru flew at her blade reared up. Mitsuki drew her own Type-74 at the last second, locking blades with her junior. As their swords crossed, Mituski felt her heart hammer against her chest. Shirognae, if you keep this up, you're gonna make a girl fall for you! She fired her afterburners, forcing Takeru back.
Takeru fired off his right thruster and turned his blade to let the flat end slide, letting Mituski pass. The 1st Lieutenant instantly shut off her boosters and twisted midair, letting her TSF feet scrape across the ground to a halt. She raised her sword, and Takeru followed suit, taking the traditional stance of Japanese kendo. The two TSFs stared each other down for a second before they rushed and exchanged swords in a flurry of motion!
Takeru swung down; Mitsuki caught the blade, then let it slide down the flat of her sword and countered. Takeru ducked beneath the swing, stepped back, and stabbed. Mitsuki sidestepped and swung down. Takeru smirked, twisted his blade up, and caught Mitsuki's sword. "I got you, 1st Lieutenant!"
Takeru booster-jumped breaking Mitsuki's guard before she could react. Boosting down, Takeru swung for the killing blow. Mitsuki gasped and braced for the impact of the blunted blade.
"Match over!" Lieutenant Suzumiya Haruka exclaimed, "The VIP suffered a critical hit to the cockpit." The sheer act snapped Takeru from his battle trance, and he stopped his swing inches from Mitsuki's Shiranui.
"Shirogane," Mitsuki gasped as his animated portrait came alive in her display. Takeru's breathing was heavier, and his smile, for once, didn't make Mitsuki want to tease him.
"You're terrific, 1st Lieutenant Hayase; let's go one on one again sometime." Takeru sighed and threw a thumbs up, and winked at her. Mitsuki felt like an arrow pierced her heart and instantly shut off her video feed as she felt her cheeks heat up. What the hell, do I have a crush on Shirogane?! No, no, no way! But then why did his stupid smile make me feel like this? Oh god, Munatake can never find this out!
"Alright, all Valkyries, back to base; after we debrief will have a small lecture about the battle and our strategies. See you back at base." Michiru snapped Mitsuki out of her thoughts.
"R-roger that Valkryie 01," Mitsuki closed her link and blasted back to base away from Takeru way faster than was necessary.
Takeru blinked, watching Mitsuki's unit fly off at practically combat speed. "Aw, man, I think I pissed off 1st Lieutenant Hayase." Takeru sighed and slacked in his seat. "Well, hopefully, she won't hold a grudge," Takeru took a brief moment to relocate his autocannon and flew back to base. Today had been an exhausting day.
Undisclosed location
Sagiri sighed and finished his letter, his final letter. She never responded, and if he were to guess, she probably never read any of his letters. He sealed it and handed it to his subordinate. He saluted, and Sagiri returned the gesture. It would be a while before she got his final letter, but the time was dawning near. Sagiri stood from his desk and exited outside to find 1st Lieutenant Komaki Sayako.
"Captain," Sayako slauted him.
"1st Lieutenant, how are the preparations coming along?" Sagari saluted her and then began a walk down a long corridor.
"Our comrades, 1st Captial Guards, are a given, at least among the officers; we've yet to receive word from the 2nd Guard Regiment; however, support is not at 100% at Atsugi Base."
"Understood, I'll work on my contacts there, and in the meantime, I'll continue to speak to the Fuji Training Corps; they will be invaluable in the coming time."
"Very well, Captain Sagiri, then I shall take my leave; excuse me." Sayoko saluted, and Sagiri did so, too, bidding his compatriot farewell. As she left, Sagiri sighed. He knew what he had to do; Sagiri only prayed when the time was right; he'd have the strength to do it.
Things are ramping up, and here's where we start diverging from OG Alternative. I cannot stress this enough, by the way. This isn't a "fix it" fic where Takeru has previous knowledge of living through alternative events. Anyway, see you guys next chapter. Takeru's meeting with the Valkyries and his flirty antics just got him a new admirer.
Edit 11/27/2022: Went back and did some corrections, next chapter will be delayed for an extra read. I left too many mistakes on this one.