Chapter 3: BETA Don't Surf
November 8, 2001
Takeru tapped his foot nervously; 6 days came and went. Takeru thanked Yuuko for keeping him busy working on the OS, now dubbed the XM3 Operating System. So, imagine when he got word from Yuuko that his friends would return today. Takeru crossed his arms as he saw the chinook cargo helicopter approach Yokohoma Base. Did they pass? I mean, they had to have passed, right? I only slowed them down last time, so they should have passed this time with no problem…right?
Takeru shook his head and clicked his tongue. The damn helicopter was taking so damn long! Takeru closed his eyes, instead letting sound judge the distance. After a few minutes, the roar of the chinook engine and blades made Takeru snap his eyes open. The cargo door opened, and the engine whined to a stop. Takeru clenched his hands into fists, his heart hammering against his chest.
From the chopper, Marimo stepped out first. She caught his eyes and smirked; she turned and said something inaudible into the cargo hold. A second later, the girls sprinted out of the chopper B-lining for Takeru.
"Takeru-san!" Tama yelled.
"Takeru!" Mikoto's voice cracked slightly, and Takeru felt his stomach drop. Oh no, is she crying? Did they fail?
"Takeru!" Meiya shouted next, her face unreadable.
"Takeru!" Mikoto yelled again, and she smiled, and she didn't slow down.
Oi, is she? "Whoa!" Takeru yelped as Mikoto launched herself at him wrapping her arms around his neck. Takeru stepped back to keep upright.
"Takeru-san!" Tama jumped him next, and the force made him spin once before he landed on his back with his friends on top.
"Hey, you trying to kill me?" Takeru grimaced, propping himself up on his elbows.
"Sorry, Takeru, it's just," Mikoto wiped at her eyes furiously, "we did it, Takeru, we passed!"
"Ah!" Takeru gasped and then grinned like an idiot. I should have known; I'm an idiot for doubting any of them!
"Hey, you didn't have to run at him, you know," Chizuru sighed.
"You ran too," Ayamine pointed out.
"Geh," Chizuru turned, blushing, "s-so were you!"
"Lies and slander," Ayamine turned, a light pink dusting her cheeks.
"I think everyone is excited because we owe it to you, Takeru." Meiya crossed her arms, smiling.
"Ah, I doubt I had much to do with it." Takeru felt his own cheeks tinge pink in embarrassment. Look at me, blushing like I was still wet behind the ears. Damn teenage body.
"You should give yourself more credit, Shirogane," Marimo finally walked up to them.
"Ah, thanks, Instructor Jinguuji," Takeru managed to disentangle himself from the girls and stood back up, dusting himself off.
"You, huh?" Mairomo started before her eyes narrowed in confusion. Then her eyes widened in realization, and she snapped to attention and saluted. "Apologies, 2nd Lieutenant Shirogane, I was unaware of your promotion."
"What?" Chizuru spotted the blue-striped shield on Takeru's flight jacket. "Squad, salute!"
To their credit, the girls quickly overcame their shock and responded in kind. "Sorry for not noticing earlier 2nd Lieutenant Shirogane." Chizuru sounded off.
Takeru sighed and saluted as expected. "At ease, everyone; honestly, it's not necessary." Takeru raised his hands up.
"2nd Lieutenant Shirogane, we have to follow protocol; I'm sure you understand." Marimo closed her eyes, and Takeru could feel her annoyance at having to say that to someone who was now her superior officer.
"Ah, well, I think we can dispense with formalities when the brass ain't looking okay?" Takeru groaned and scratched his head. This was precisely what Takeru had been hoping to avoid. "Come on, let's go eat so I can explain everything. Uh, unless you don't want to, instructor."
"Thank you, 2nd Lieutenant, but I have pressing business with Professor Kouzuki." Marimo's tone told Takeru all he needed. She was gonna have words about his impromptu promotion behind her back.
"R-right," Takeru smiled weakly, "good luck Mam," Takeru saluted.
"It's Sargeant Jinguuji now, 2nd Lieutenant Shirogane," she sighed exasperatedly.
"Right, sorry, Sargeant Jinguuji Mam!" Takeru inwardly cringed; sometimes, he swore he was hopeless.
PX
Takeru crossed his arms and looked at the girls, "so, any questions?"
Chizuru raised her hand like they were at a briefing. "Yes, can you explain to me when you came up with this new OS?"
"Alright, and dude, this isn't a briefing; you don't have to raise your hand, you know," Takeru cracked a grin.
"S-sorry, I guess I just don't know how to handle this yet," Chizuru smiled apologetically.
"As for the OS, I started it two days before the CCE, and Yuuko Sensei finished the concept on the day of." Takeru shrugged, "so this past week, I was temporarily assigned to a unit, and we've been testing the OS."
"Forgive us, Takeru; this is still a shock; we certainly weren't expecting you to have your commission so suddenly." Meiya smiled apologetically.
"Right, right, I get you guys," Takeru waved their apprehension away.
"Maybe you were a cool guy after all," Ayamine quipped.
"Dude,' Takeru deadpanned, looking at her. "Well, since everyone's so busy taking digs at me, I guess you don't want me to show you my surprise for you."
"Surprise?" Mikoto's eyes shone at the prospect, and she clasped her hands excitedly.
"Yep," Takeru smirked, "something pretty cool if I say so myself."
"it got to his head," Ayamine crossed her arms.
"Evidently," Chizuru shrugged,
"Oi, I can hear you two, you know," Takeru grumbled.
Tama giggled, "we really missed you, Takeru-san."
"Well, come on then!" Takeru stood up and grabbed his empty food tray. "Let's go see about that surprise!"
Takeru guided the girls toward the TSF hangars. "By the way, I wanted to ask earlier, but why do you all say you passed the CCE because of me?"
The girls blinked, surprised, and looked at each other; Meiya was the first to speak. "well, I took your words to heart about finding something 'close to home,' as you put it, to focus my efforts."
"M-me too," Tama spoke up, growing serious. "When you taught me how to help overcome my stage fright, I was able to take a crucial shot during the CCE."
"Yes, and I took your advice about being a leader." Chizuru placed her hand over her heart.
"Ayamine and I pretty much fell for your words about finding something to fight about," Mikoto blushed and laughed.
"I recall no such thing," Ayamine huffed and crossed her arms.
"Fell for it? That makes it sound like I was tricking you; also, that's cold, Ayamine." Takeru sighed and shrugged.
Meiya watched Takeru and smiled to herself. She made eye contact with the girls and remembered their last day before finishing the CCE.
"You're kidding me, don't tell me you all," Chizuru sighed exasperatedly.
"Y-yeah," Mikoto blushed to herself, but the smile on her face was unmistakable.
"Even you, Ayamine?" Chizuru crossed her arms and glanced at Ayamine.
"hmm, I wonder," Ayamine looked away, but a soft hue of pink on her cheeks was there.
"Mitsurugi-san?" Chizuru glanced at the blue-haired young woman.
Meiya crossed her arms in her usual Samurai way. "To see he has wormed his way into all of us like this. What does this say about our own taste?" She sighed, grinning. "Well then, I suppose this is where we all make our intentions clear."
"Y-yeah," Tama huffed, her face growing serious.
"We are friends and comrades in arms," Meiya began, "but when it comes to that man, I'm afraid I cannot compromise."
"Me neither," Chizuru said with steely resolve.
"Me too," Mikoto smirked.
"Me three!" Tama exclaimed.
"…" Ayamine looked at the girls before nodding and giving a subtle smirk.
"Then we agree, may the best woman win." Meiya proclaimed, and all the girls put their hands forward in a solemn pledge. One between comrades in arms and rivals of the heart.
The group arrived at the hangar, and Takeru led them to the 5 Shiranui being worked on. He leaned on the railing and threw his arm out dramatically at the machines. "So, what do you think?"
"Huh?" Chizuru crossed her arms, confused, "we've seen a Shiranui before Shirogane."
"No," Takeru frowned at them, "that's not-"
"Oh, maybe Takeru is only used to American TSFs?" Tama quipped next.
"That's not it!" Takeru exclaimed, "I'm trying to tell you these are your training units!"
"What?" Meiya's brows knitted together suspiciously. "You must be trying to play a prank on us, Takeru; UN assigns trainees Fubukis."
"I'm not that mean, guys," Takeru grumbled and turned, leaning against the railing.
"But, why are we being treated specially?" Chizuru glowered at the machines.
Not the reaction I was hoping for, Takeru sighed internally. "It's me; I requested Yuuko Sensei to get us these Shiranui instead of Fubukis."
"Eh? But why Takeru-san?" Tama looked up at Takeru with big round eyes.
"Well, a Surface Pilot trusts his instincts, and I think you all would benefit from learning the Shiranui much earlier," Takeru explained his reasoning.
"Surface Pilot?" Mikoto's brows shot up, slightly confused.
"Oh, I know this one," Tama bounced, raising her hand. "It's what westerners call Eishis, right?"
"Eeeh, Takeru, you really became practically half-American, huh?" Mikoto laughed to herself.
"Oi, I can't tell if you're insulting me right now," Takeru narrowed his eyes at his green-haired friend.
"Haha, Takeru, does that mean you have a hankering for hamburgers now?" Mikoto laughed at her own joke, oblivious to everyone else.
Totally ignored, typical Mikoto. Takeru sighed, giving up on her, and turned to Meiya. "Hey, Meiya, how about a little backup here?" Takeru looked at his friend, but her eyes were fixated on something below them. "Hm?" Takeru raised a brow and followed her line of sight. Takeru's eyes widened as a purple Takemikazuchi was rolled into the hangar on a flatbed.
"Takeru, I want you to use my Takemikazuchi." Meiya's resolute words filled Takeru with strength.
"Takeru," Meiya broke the vivid memory.
Takeru shifted his eyes at her, "huh? Sorry just surprised to see a quality machine like that."
Meiya pressed her lips into a thin line and looked away. "Then, you know about me." At Meiya's words, Takeru's eyes glazed over as another memory came to life.
"M-Meiya!" Takeru let Kamui slip from his fingers, and the katana clattered against the wooden floor.
"Insolence, how dare you!" A Royal Guard stalked towards Takeru.
"Meiya, what are you doing here!?" Takeru walked forward, and when the Guard grabbed Takeru's shirt, Takeru flipped the man over his shoulder in one swift motion. The rest of the Guard sprang up, getting between Takeru and his intended target.
"Enough," the voice was softer, but the unrelenting steel of it was Meiya. Takeru was sure of it, and while his heart was a swirl of emotions, guilt was the biggest one. The guilt of the happiness overcame him. His friends, they were all dead, but Meiya was still there!
"But," A Guard protested.
"Let him through," the voice insisted, and the Guard stepped aside to let Takeru come face-to-face with the woman.
"Meiya, Meiya," Takeru repeated her name like it was water and saying it quenched an unending thirst. "Why are you here, Meiya? Why didn't you leave?" Takeru felt tears prick in his eyes.
"…" The girl simply stared and let him keep going.
"M-Meiya, they're gone, Class Rep, Mikoto, Tama, Ayamine." Takeru listed their names, and he felt the tears well up. He put his hands on her shoulders, and the sheer action almost sent the Guard into a frenzy. But all it took was one glacial stare from the girl to keep everyone in check. "Meiya, I lost everything; Yuuko Sensei is gone, Yokohoma is gone, and all I could do was fight." Takeru, let the tears fall freely now. They streamed down his face, "I know I shouldn't be, but I'm happy I can see you right now." Takeru smiled through the tears.
"Hm," the girl gasped and looked into his eyes and could see the immense sorrow that filled the man before her.
"I should be mad; you shouldn't be here, not in this damn hellhole we made for ourselves!" Takeru wrapped his arms around the girl and crushed her to his chest, with one hand holding her head.
"Geh," A Royal Guard gasped, doubly so when the girl wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed back.
"!" Takeru's eyes widened as he felt Meiya embrace him. Finally, his legs shook, and he slipped to his knees with the girl following him, never letting him go. "Meiya," Takeru sighed and breathed in Meiya's scent of cherry blossoms on her hair. "Meiya," Takeru pulled back and cupped her cheek with one hand. He leaned in and captured her lips.
"Insolence," A Guard muttered and had to be physically restrained by his comrades. The girl let him kiss her and, for her part, even worked her lips back for the few seconds it lasted.
Takeru's eyes snapped open; something wasn't right. The kiss was wrong; there was no warmth, no love; it was mechanical and impersonal. "Meiya?" Takeru pulled back, his heart gripped by sorrow and unfathomable despair.
"Takeru," the girl said his name softly, and though the voice was similar, it wasn't her. It wasn't Meiya. Takeru gasped; it wasn't her. It wasn't his Meiya.
"Damn," Takeru muttered softly. He went to get up, but the girl grabbed him and shoved his face into her chest.
"Shh, let it out, Takeru," she said his name softly, and Takeru let go. He let go of his sorrow and pain and cried as the girl held him. It was minutes, but when he finally tired himself out, and no more tears could be shed, Takeru sat up.
Though he had ruined her dress, the girl merely smiled encouragingly. "Does it feel better to have let all that out, Takeru?"
Takeru sighed and nodded, wiping his face. "I'm sorry; I'm so sorry for what I did." Takeru bowed, apologizing.
"It's alright, it was not as I expected, but I'm glad to have met the man my sister swallowed her pride for and asked to be spared our fate." The girl laughed ever so nobly.
"Sister," Takeru gasped, realizing what he had done. He just cried and damn sexually assaulted the Shogun of Japan.
"I am Koubuin Yuuhi, and Mitsurugi Meiya was my twin sister." She smiled, and Takeru met the woman he would become fast friends with for the 20 years of hell he lived through.
Takeru blinked the memory away with some stray tears.
"Takeru?" Meiya looked at him in concern; he had spaced out for a solid minute.
"Huh? Sorry lost in thought, but what do you mean if I know about you?" Takeru blinked innocently.
"Takeru…" Meiya looked at the TSF below them.
"Meiya," Takeru put a hand on her shoulder, "you're my Meiya, no matter what, yeah?" Takeru grinned.
"Y-yours!?" Meiya's cheeks burned bright red, and she rushed up to Takeru, pinning him against the rail. "Do you mean it?" she scowled.
"Y-yeah," Takeru leaned back and briefly glanced down. That was a long fall!
"You're not just teasing me, right?" Meiya leaned closer, and Takeru bent back, holding the railing for dear life.
"Y-yes, but this is kind of dangerous, you know?" Takeru grinned fearfully.
"Huh, that's not fair, Takeru," Mikoto grabbed his arm and pulled him back, making Meiya pull back and let Takeru off the railing.
"Y-yeah, you can't give Mitsurugi-san special treatment!" Tama protested, clinging to his other arm.
"Hey, you two don't cling to him like that; you're in public." Chizuru admonished them.
"Hmm," Ayamine snuck up behind Takeru and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing against him. She stared at Chizuru for good measure with cheeky eyes.
"H-hey, Ayamine!" Chizuru grabbed onto Takeru's jacket pulling him closer.
"H-hey guys, can't move here!" Takeru complained to deaf ears.
"There's nowhere for me to hold on," Meiya crossed her arms and muttered to herself.
"Hey, I get it, alright? You're all my girls, okay!" Takeru proclaimed, glaring at them. Tama and Mikoto beamed and let go, happy with Takeru's response.
"I-I never agreed to that," Chizuru let him go and turned around to hide her red face and smile.
"Shirogane, you stud," Ayamine battered her eyelashes at him coyly.
"Tch, yeah, yeah," Takeru sighed and rubbed the back of his head.
"Meiya-sama!"
Everyone turned to see a woman and three younger girls following her. They approached the group, and everyone saluted, Takeru included. The woman looked uncomfortable when she saw Meiya salute her. "Meiya-sama, we may hold a higher rank, but a relative of the-"
"Tsukuyomi!" Meiya admonished her with a single utterance of her name. "You forget yourself; I am but a mere cadet in the UN Army."
"Meiya-sama," Tsukuyomi Mana shrunk in her mistress displeasure.
"Furthermore, why have you brought that TSF here," Meiya stood in a manner that made her look like a female Daimyo. Arms crossed, stance wide and rooted glaring down at someone with a tilt of her chin.
Ah, you always look so cool when you do that, Meiya; Takeru blushed slightly, staring at her.
Tsukuyomi bowed respectfully, "Meiya-sama, this Takemikazuchi was specifically made just for you."
"Even a humble Fubuki would have been fine for the likes of me," Meiya put her fist to her hip and turned to glare at the offending TSF.
"Meiya-sama, please, were under strict orders," Tsukuyomi tried.
"Please, Meiya-sama!" The three girls, Kamiyo, Tomoe, and Ebisu, begged in unison.
"I said remove it this instance," Meiya refused to budge.
"Oi, it's okay, isn't it?" Takeru waltzed up to Meiya with his hands in his pockets.
"Takeru," Meiya scrunched her face in confusion.
"What's an extra high-performance TSF in case something drastic happens?" Takeru threw an arm around Meiya's shoulders.
"Tch, how dare you!" Tsukuyomi stepped up threateningly to Takeru, jabbing a finger at him.
"Meiya-sama, this man isn't who he says he is," Tsukuyomi insisted, taking another step and raising a fist.
"Ah, I see," Takeru took a step forward and clasped Tsukuyomi's fist between his hands.
"Huh?" Tsukuyomi gaped in sheer confusion and the audacity of Takeru.
"Aaah!" The three girls in white shouted, stunned.
"I should have known; you must have thought I was putting the moves on Meiya," Takeru hummed, "but that is not the truth, Tsukuyomi-san!"
"F-fool, who said you could use my name and unhand me!" Tsukuyomi began pulling back her hand, but Takeru grasped it tighter and took the opportunity of Tsukuyomi's shock to worm his hand inside her fist. "W-what?" Tsukuyomi blushed, embarrassed.
"Takeru!" Meiya gasped, taking a step back, dumbfounded.
"Now, let me make things clear," Takeru started with the seriousness of a soldier, "I am Shirogane Takeru, 2nd Lieutenant in the UN Yokohoma Base forces. I also like curvy mature women!" Takeru proclaimed
"Eeehhh!" Tsukuyomi's underlings paled, their eyes ready to bulge from their skulls.
"I hope you come to see me as a worthy man, so I can ask you out, Tsukuyomi-san!" Takeru exclaimed.
"EEEEEEEHHHHH!" Everyone in the hangar shouted
Tsukuyomi finally snatched her hand from Takeru like she got burned. She clutched her hand to her chest, her cheeks still tinged pink, "e-enough, I won't hear any more of this farce. Know that we shall be watching you, Shirogane Takeru!" With that, Tsukuyomi and her subordinates bowed to Meiya and quickly beat foot away from them.
"Ha, looks like I made a poor first impression on the 1st Lieutenant," Takeru grinned cheekily at Mieya. She and the other girls sighed, exasperated by Takeru and his need to flirt with older women.
With that, Takeru and the girls returned to the PX and just hung out, seeing as they had the rest of the day off. Takeru, of course, was the butt of their jokes as they teased him about his performance earlier. Then, as Chizuru told another joke at his expense, Mikoto's brows shot up as she stared past Tama in front of her. "Look, there's some Eishi over there."
Takeru followed her gaze, and he found the familiar somehow. Still, more importantly, they looked around the PX and looked like they were asking for trouble. Man, I just keep putting out fires today, huh? "I'm going to grab a drink and be right back." Takeru stood up and walked to intercept the Surface Pilots.
"Hey, you a recruit here?" The man approached Takeru.
Takeru raised a brow and turned his shoulder to show him his flight jacket.
"Shit, you stationed here? Say, what do you know about that Takemikazuchi in the hangar?"
Takeru's eyes widened, and he wrapped his arms around both pilots' necks and brought them in. "Shhh, don't bring that TSF up out loud." Takeru hissed, then, for good measure, looked up from their huddle and checked to see if nobody had heard them. "Look, you didn't hear this from me, but we got a special VIP undercover on base."
"What?" the female Surface Pilot whispered, falling for Takeru's theatrics.
"Yeah, now I'm not supposed to say anything, but I'm here on the XO's orders. But see that girl with those recruits over there?" Takeru shifted his eyes behind him. True enough, the Pilots looked at Meiya, and she turned and raised a confused brow at seeing Takeru huddled up with them.
"S-she looked this way," the male Pilot quickly pretended he didn't see her.
"Well, that's her highness Koubuin Yuuhi!" Takeru whispered with deadly seriousness. Or overdramatic seriousness, it was hard to tell, even for him at this point.
"W-what?" The female Pilot was about to turn, but Takeru pulled her in closer.
"Don't freaking stare; the Royal Guard is right THERE." Takeru nudged his head between the two pilots.
"Holy shit, he's right; that green-haired Guard has been staring at us." The male Pilot started sweating buckets.
"Right, so it's best you guys just go on your way; I don't want to get in trouble with the Royal Guard." Takeru released them and crossed his arms, nodding sagely.
"R-right, let's get out of here," the Pilot turned on his heel and bolted away, with the female Pilot following close behind. I think I'm starting to get way too good at bullshitting people. I blame Meiya for falling for that super-elite soldier thing from before.
"2nd Lieutenant Shirogane," Tsukuyomi approached him, snapping him from his thoughts.
"Ah, Tsukuyomi-san, you startled me." Takeru jumped, putting his hand to his heart.
"Again, I don't recall giving you permission to use my name," Tsukuyomi glared at him, annoyed.
"S-sorry," Takeru laughed and scratched the back of his head.
"Honestly, I see now what your game is," Tsukuyomi said and glanced at Meiya. The blue-haired girl was now watching them with a side glance intently. "You act outlandish to get past a person's defenses." She narrowed her eyes at him, "but you have done it twice for Meiya-sama's benefit. So tell me, 2nd Lieutenant Shirogane, just what is your game?"
Takeru lifted his hand and waved it before her dismissively, "oi, you're reading too much into it; I just wanted to keep those guys from causing trouble."
"Yet both of these times involved Meiya-sama; as a Royal Guard assigned to protect Meiya-sama, I simply can't let this pass." She clenched her fists at her side.
"As a Royal Guard, you say?" Takeru crossed his arms, his golden-brown eyes staring at Tsukuyomi. "Could it be you're still not convinced," Takeru narrowed his eyes at the elite soldier?
"Guh, this again?" Tsukuyomi stepped back, and Takeru noticed her pull her hands slightly behind her.
"No, I see I must be intervening in something beyond me," Takeru nodded.
"I somehow feel we aren't talking about the same thing, 2nd Lieutenant Shirogane." She raised a dubious brow at him.
"Of course!" Takeru bumped his fist atop his palm. "Even though you are sworn to Meiya, you also now see her as a rival for my affections."
Tsukuyomi sighed, crossing her arms and shaking her head. "you're incorrigible; that tactic won't work again."
"So you say, but even through those gloves, I could feel the warmth of your hand Tsukuyomi-san," Takeru lifted his hand and looked down at his palm.
"Geh," finally, Tsukuyomi blushed and took a step back. "Fool, I don't have time for your oafish behavior. But, remember, we shall be watching you!" Tsukuyomi swiftly turned and double-timed out of there. I wonder, has Tsukuyomi-san ever had a boyfriend in either world? Takeru's reflection made him feel a little guilty for pushing her buttons. But until he could find a way to get her to trust him more, this was his best defense against her inquisition against him.
"Takeru," Meiya's voice made him turn in her direction. "I wanted to apologize," she sighed, putting a fist up to her chest. "My problems are my own, and they have caused you twice to defuse a situation because of them."
"Meiya, you're my friend and my comrade in arms if anybody or anyone tried to hurt you," Takeru's hands balled into fists at his side. "I couldn't forgive myself if I couldn't protect you."
Meiya crossed her arms, her brows knitted together in worry, "Takeru," she said his name, and Takeru smiled at her. Meiya closed her eyes before a smile spread across her face, "you really are amazing, Shirogane Takeru," with that, Meiya silently apologized to her friends and stepped up to Takeru. She reached over and pecked him once on the cheek.
"H-hey, what was that for?" Takeru's cheek tinged pink, and he smiled sheepishly.
"A thank you for always supporting us," Meiya crossed her arms again and returned to the table. The girls all watched her with open mouths
Takeru put a hand to his cheek before smiling like a dope. He sighed and returned to his friends, where the other girls grilled him for his behavior and Meiya's kiss.
Later that night, Yuuko's office
Kasumi walked into Yuuko's office, and Takeru followed behind. Yuuko turned from her computer and smiled. "Thank you, Yashiro; you may leave us now."
"You wanted to see me, Yuuko Sensei?" Takeru took a seat in his usual chair by her desk.
"Yes, in 3 days, your prediction of the BETA attack will come to fruition." Yuuko began while typing away at her computer.
"Yeah," Takeru scowled; the thought of the alien bastards always made his blood boil.
"Good; while squad 207B begins their TSF training, you will return to A-01." Yuuko's eyes shifted over her screen, never leaving her work.
"Alright, any particular reason?" Takeru shrugged.
"Yes, when the BETA attack, I want A-01 to collect live BETA samples from the battlefield." Yuuko tapped on her keyboard one more time before turning to face Takeru. "Any questions?"
"Yes, what's the purpose of this BETA capture?" Takeru crossed his legs and leaned back on his chair.
"Research."
"For Alternative IV?" Takeru narrowed his eyes.
"Yes," Yuuko answered, smirking at him.
"That's good enough for me; I'll get back to doing maneuvers with A-01." Takeru stood up, "anything else, Sensei?"
"Hoo?" Yuuko cooed, "you're sure you don't want me to answer more about this research?"
"Er, I mean, I'd love to, but I get the feeling it might go over my head," Takeru shrugged. "Why demand answers on something I can't even help with?" Takeru shrugged.
Yuuko's brows raised, surprised, "my, you really must be a man beneath that boyish exterior."
"What can I say? I learned that last tidbit from you." Takeru laughed, then he remembered something. "Wait, there is something else, Sensei; it's about my memories."
"What about them?" She gestured for him to retake his seat.
Takeru sat back down and closed his eyes in thought. "Some strange memories I don't recall living through have been popping up in my head. A memory of me being in a romantic relationship with the Shogun, for one."
"My, we certainly dream big, don't we?" Yuuko grinned mischievously at Takeru.
"It's not like that; Yuuhi and I were close friends before I returned in time." Takeru scowled, "but we weren't romantically involved," Takeru shrugged, wracking his brain.
"Have you had similar memories of anyone else?" Yuuko rested her chin on her threaded fingers.
"Uhm," Takeru blushed, feeling very awkward suddenly. "Y-you, Sensei."
At that, Yuuko blinked, truly surprised at Takeru's words and herself. "How did you manage to seduce me exactly?" Yuuko's eyes narrowed on Takeru dangerously, and she leaned forward.
"N-no, it wasn't like that," Takeru waved his hands desperately. "More, we both were miserable when the Alternative IV shutdown happened. You were dressed as a sexy Santa and were hammered out of your mind." Takeru groaned and rubbed his head, "at least that's what I remember, even though I know I spent Christmas Eve with Meiya."
"Interesting," Yuuko stroked her chin, thinking. "Shirogane, did I mention anything about a Causality Conductor previously?"
Takeru gasped, memories flooding back, "y-yes, you did!"
"What did I say to you exactly?" Yuuko urged him onward.
"I slipped through this world because something made me a causality conductor. Also, my transfer left a gateway connecting me to this world where things like memories can leak through." Takeru closed his eyes, thinking further. "Also, my will had a lot to do with my existence. Willing myself to exist granted me staying power or something like that."
"A bit simplistic, but yes, that's more or less what I have theorized." Yuuko looked down and seemed to be deep in thought. "Shirogane, let me ask you something. Would you like to go back to your world?"
Takeru frowned, "if this is a test Sensei," Takeru grunted.
"No test; this is an actual question, Shirogane." Yuuko's expression was neutral, betraying nothing.
Takeru thought about it, genuinely thought about it. He was quiet for a good five minutes before he responded. "No, I no longer belong to that world," Takeru shook his head. "I've seen too much done too much; returning to that world would probably drive me insane." Takeru mirthlessly replied.
"Then, if you want to remain here, at least 2 of these 3 things must happen." Yuuko held two fingers up with one hand. "First, you must supplant this version of Shirogane Takeru, which given this world's Shirogane is dead, should be pretty easy to do." Yuuko lowered her middle finger. "The second is you must become intrinsic to this world's reality. Your will alone can only anchor you here for so long. That means you'll have to make sure multiple people firmly believe in Shirogane Takeru. Preferably, creating something that puts the name Shirogane firmly in everyone's minds will ensure Shirogane Takeru exists in this world."
Takeru hummed, "Sensei, what about that third thing?"
"Something from this world turned you into a causality conductor. Therefore, if you wish to remain here, its continued existence is imperative, failing the first two objectives." Yuuko turned away from Takeru and back to her computer.
"But that just means if I die," Takeru began.
"You'll end up back at your house all over again."
"No, I'll meet the first and second conditions. I can't let this world be stuck in this living nightmare. We will destroy whatever is responsible." Takeru resolved himself.
"Good, I'll be working on that on the side; in the meantime, continue as you were, and make sure to make a name for yourself, Shirogane."
Takeru nodded and left Yuuko's office; it looked like to remain there, Takeru would have to make his name known to the world. Takeru laughed; what he once thought childish would now be the key to his existence in this world. Shirogane Takeru would become a hero to mankind.
November 11, 2001
Captain Isumi walked into the briefing room, it was a crisp morning at 0700 hours, and Special Task Force A-01 Valkyries were assembled and accounted for. Isumi gave one cursory glance and nodded. Then, she walked over to the computer in the briefing room and started it. Minutes later, Yuuko walked in and waited for the screen to load to show the Niigata Japanse defense line. "Good morning, everyone. Today we will launch an operation against a BETA incursion on the Niigata Defense Line. Our primary mission will be to capture live BETA specimens for Alternative IV's research."
The screen changed to show the BETA incursion making landfall on Niigata Beach. "The Japanese Mainland Defense force is already on high alert and has reinforced the first Defensive Line. However, thanks to our contacts with the Japanese government. I have arranged for a gap in the Niigata Defense line to allow a small company-size herd to penetrate inland." The map updated to show the red BETA arrow pass due southwest inland through old Nagano. "Given recent intelligence, I believe the BETA herd will turn south to the Gunma Prefect and make for Yokohoma Base."
Mitsuki raised a hand, and Yuuko nodded in her direction. "Mam, how can you be so sure the herd won't disperse?"
"Simple, the BETA incursion's target is the Hive reactor beneath Yokohoma base."
Everyone gasped, and Takeru was surprised for an entirely different reason. He was under the impression A-01 was better briefed about Alternative IV than him. Still, the reactor would explain the reason the herd targeted Yokohoma Base. "Then what's our interception route?" Takeru asked next.
"Here," Yuuko pointed at the screen behind her, and the image changed. A blue arrow labeled A-01 met the BETA line at the Gunma Prefect border. "For capture, you will be equipped with a reaction compound that shuts down all motor functions on BETA." Yuuko turned to the screen, and images of special munitions showed up. "The expected BETA that will be let through are likely Destroyer, Tank, and Grappler class. Capture as many specimens as you have capture munitions. Once you've exhausted all munitions." Yuuko gestured to the screen again. A separate blue arrow deployed from Yokohoma and intercepted both BETA and A-01. "the retrieval team will handle the rest; any further questions?"
"Do we need to provide an escort to the retrieval team after recovery?" Michiru jabbed her thumb at the screen.
"No, the 7th tactical armored battalion will handle that. You will return to base post haste. Battle against BETA for the XM3 is another part of this mission. As such, I want all surviving units to return with that data intact."
Takeru swallowed a lump in his throat. Any engagement with BETA was dangerous, as despite being predictable in nature, they still are an enigma to mankind. BETA hardly ever fits neatly in a human battle plan. At the end of the day, it is up to commanders to make the right call on the field. Yuuko gave them all a once over and nodded, "very well, I'll let Captain Isumi take over from here; I will expect nothing but success from this mission." Yuuko gave a curt nod and left the room.
"Okay, Shirogane, you will be assigned callsign Valkyries 10, and you will lead Flight B in 1st Lieutenant Hayase's stead." Michiru put a hand on her hip as she addressed him.
"Mam?" Takeru grimaced.
"You've shown great low-level command potential in our training; a single flight should show us what you can do." Michiru smirked slightly, "besides, you come with no better recommendation than 1st Lieutenant Hayase."
"C-Captain!" Mitsuki stood up indignantly, slamming her hands on the desk. "You didn't have to tell him!" Mitsuki made brief eye contact with Takeru and blushed. Then, she huffed and sat back down, avoiding Takeru's confused stare.
"Alright, I won't let you down, Captain!" Takeru brought his fist up in determination.
"Good, Tsukiji, Takahara and Asakura, and Shirogane now make up Flight B." Michiru nodded to the girls
"Mam!" The girls replied in unison.
"Good; now for the battle plan; once we enter the designated combat zone, Flight A will take the left flank and Flight B the right. We will corral the BETA and neutralize them using special munitions. Once we expend all munitions, we will eradicate the herd." Michiru crossed her arms and looked at them all, "now, seeing as this is Shirogane's first sortie under Valkyrie squadron, Akane, lead us in our motto!"
"Yes, Mam!" Akane stood straight at attention, walked up to the center, and faced the unit. Everyone stood up at attention, and Akane began the creed of the Valkyries. "Achieve your mission with all your might!" Akane's voice carried the pride of a Valkyrie, and Takeru responded in kind as he followed along. "Despair not til your last breath, make your death count, and never die in vain!" Akane faced left, where the UN flag and the Valkyries unit flag hung side by side. "Right face!" Akane barked, and all complied. "Salute!" all hands flew up in unison.
"Good, Valkyries to your TSF, we dust off in 40, dismissed!" Michiru threw her hand out.
"Mam!" Everyone put their hands down and left to prepare.
Gunma Prefect border 0750 hours
The UN Shiranui squadron tore through Japan's skies; Michiru, at the head of the arrow formation, addressed her Squadron. "We are now entering effective laser range until we can confirm there is no Laser class drop down to NOE flight level."
"Yes, Mam!" everyone sounded off smartly, and the Squadron dropped altitude at an angle, gaining speed.
CODE 991
The warning flashed across Takeru's display, and the vengeful anger of mankind ignited in his heart. They cleared a single ridge line, and Takeru's eyes widened, they had only arrived, and everything was going to shit. "Captain!" Takeru shouted.
"I know, Valkyrie 01 to Valkyrie mum, BETA herd is bigger than planned, be advised were facing a Battalion size herd." Michiru calmly relayed the information, and Takeru cursed himself for acting like a greenhorn shouting at the Captain. He took a deep breath and cooled his emotions, refining his inner fire into a blade rather than a raging inferno.
"Valkyrie mum to Valkyries 01, your orders remain unchanged; command can't risk artillery support and destroying BETA samples. The 7th tactical armored battalion will deploy in 140 seconds and fly at combat speed to assist; in the meantime, proceed with your mission." Lieutenant Suzumiya's voice was a calming salve to Takeru, and he figured it probably was to everyone else.
"Roger that, Valkyries, to your combat positions, godspeed!" Michiru's Flight broke off, and Takeru led him to his position. Takeru brought his specially loaded autocannons to bear and slid to a stop. "Asakura, you're on corral duty; whatever Destroyers get past us are yours."
"Roger," Asakura booster jumped back, keeping low as expected of an expert.
"Once the herd is at effective combat range, let them have it!" Takeru ordered.
"Yes, Sir!" they responded and aimed their autocannons.
LOCK ON
"Fire!" Takeru squeezed the triggers on his controls, and his Flight's guns thundered across the field. The one bit of luck in the current developing shitshow was the BETA heard had traveled down a narrow valley, funneling the BETA into smaller groups. Still, cracking through Destroyer's carapaces was more an art than science. Shells could still ricochet off their carapace and not pierce through. "ascend to low-level combat flight altitude!" Takeru ordered as the Destroyers entered their 100-meter range. The BETA stomped closer and closer, and at the forty-meter line, the last of the Destroyers fell.
Next came the tank class, and thanks to their lack of armor, they were able to indiscriminately spray their advancing lines. "Asakura, back us up," Takeru ordered, then switched channels. "Valkyrie 10, to Valkyrie 01. Destroyer class suppressed for capture engaging Tank vanguard!"
"Roger, there's still no sign of the Laser class, but keep your eyes peeled."
"Understood, Valkyrie 10 out," Takeru gritted his teeth; they'd be entering CQC very soon if things didn't change. They blasted the BETA, and though Takeru thanked god the agent was practically instantaneous, the Tank class simply climbed over their dead.
"All Valkyries begin falling back, then establish the defensive line at three hundred meters; the valley should close up further." Michiru came alive through the radio.
"Roger!" Takeru switched channels, and his Flight started giving ground. The Grappler Class entered effective range as soon as their fallback began. "Keep focusing on the Tank class; I'll focus on the Grapplers." Takeru switched targets and fired against the taller Grapplers, who trudged ever forward. The battle continued, with them giving ground but the Tank class still advanced with murderous intent. They hit their new assigned points 5 minutes after their retreat and touched down again.
"Valkyrie 10, I've spent my special munitions; I need to reload!" Tsukiji lifted both guns and ejected the magazines.
"Cover her!" Takeru ordered and prioritized the side Tsukiji was in charge of. Then the proximity warning blared inside Takeru's cockpit, and he clicked his tongue. "Valkyrie 11, how long?"
"Just finished, sorry!" The usually timid Tsukiji replied in one breath.
"Valkyries 10!" Asakura made Takeru return to the battle as a Tank class lept at Tsukiji. Takeru's back-mounted autocannons swung up to intercept.
"G-get away!" Tsukiji booster jumped! A thin line of light tagged the jumping Shiranui. Takeru's heart dropped to his stomach. "W-" whatever Tsukiji was gonna say was cut off as a laser manifested and burned straight through her cockpit, and her TSF ignited.
Damn it, DAMN IT! "Valkyrie 11 is down, I say again, Valkyrie 11 is down, laser-class is present on the field!" Takeru took a small bit of satisfaction as the Tank class that initially jumped her was shredded by 36mm fire.
"Copy; all Valkyriess regroup at the center and fall back another 200 meters," Michiru ordered.
"Asakura, let's go," Takeru pushed off the ground.
"Tsukiji!" Asakura's voice cracked, but she followed his orders and lifted off.
"Valkyrie 10 to Valkyrie 01 were moving to the rendezvous point at NOE flight!" Takeru reported and fired his back-mounted autocannons, killing any Tank class that got close enough.
Takeru and Asakura regrouped with Flight A and instantly reformed the battle line. Michiru's picture showed up in Takeru's display, and the hard look in her eyes told Takeru all he needed to know. Up shit creek without a paddle and brother, it's fucking raining too.
"First things first, special munitions, who got 'em?" Michiru began.
"Me," Takeru responded; he had a few hundred shots left.
At this, Michiru grimaced, "I wish you had lied, Shirogane," Michiru muttered.
"Mam?" Takeru questioned.
"Nothing; update from CP, we will now commence laserjagd; our objective is to capture as many Laser classes as possible." Michiru clicked her tongue, letting the order sink in. when no protest erupted, she continued, "the 7th Tactical Armored Battalion is 40 seconds from the combat zone; at 10 seconds, we will commence the laserjagd."
"Roger!" Everyone confirmed orders, and Takeru gritted his teeth.
"Valkyrie 10, you're our ace in the hole; everyone from up, arrowhead 2 formation. Valkyrie 10, you're behind us; let's go!" Michiru barked her orders, and the Squadron of Valkyries flew at the incoming BETA. They made contact instantly, autocannons cracking in the valley as they cut a bloody swatch through the BETA herd. The Tank classes were ripped to shreds as the depleted uranium rounds burst open their fleshy carapaces.
"Shit!" Haruka swore, jerking her TSF, barely missing a jumping Tank.
"Keep the firing screen tight; anything in our immediate path!" Michiru said through gritted teeth.
Takeru ground his own teeth, frustrated being put in the back. He knew his purpose, but his fingers were itching on his trigger. Takeru, at the very least, kept his eyes open for targets. "Asakura!" Takeru warned, and fear gripped his heart when she missed her shots and a Tank class grappled her TSF.
"It's got me!" Asakura yelled, panic creeping into her voice.
"Hold still!" Mitsuki aimed one of her back-mounted autocannons. She fired, tearing the Tank class apart but not before it tore a piece of Asakura's jump unit.
"Aaahhh!" Asakura yelled as her jet sputtered before igniting and sending her careening into the BETA.
"Asakura!" Takeru moved to the freshly made gap in their formation
"Valkyrie 10, stay in formation!" Michiru ordered.
"Captain, please get Asakura. I can finish the mission myself!" Takeru ignited his afterburners and shot past the formation.
"Shirogane!" Michiru shouted, but Takeru pulled well ahead of them. He ejected one of his swords and placed the special munitions autocannon in its place. Then he drew his other sword and flew straight through the Grappler class.
"He's insane," Mitsuki said with a wry grin.
"I'll chew him out after this; everyone circle 1 formation; Akane retrieve Asakura's cockpit block!" Michiru ordered as the Squadron flew back to Asakura. Two Tank Classes climbed up on her fallen TSF but were quickly dispatched by Akane. She landed with a thud and checked Asakura's status through the data link. "I have her vitals; Asakura is unconscious, attempting to retrieve the cockpit block!" Akane turned the TSF over while the rest of the girls flew above her, turning the swarming Tank Classes into red paste. "ejecting cockpit module!" Akane said and activated the emergency release. The cockpit block lurched forward, and Akane caught it with her manipulator.
"Akane"! Haruko warned, but Akane was way ahead of her. Her back-mounted Autocannons folded up and fired, smearing the Tank class that got past their defense.
"Attention, Valkyries! This is Circus 01, approaching your position!"
Akane sighed in relief and flew back up with Asakura safely in her grasp. "Cockpit secured, Mam!" Akane reported and began firing at the BETA. As she did, Circus squadron showed up, guns blazing. Michiru immediately hailed them, "Valkyrie 01 to Circus 01, requesting escort for one of my people. She's carrying a wounded Eishi."
"Understood, Circus 04 and Circus 05, escort Vlakryie 05 out of the hot zone!" Circus 01 ordered.
"Roger!" They replied, and Akane followed them while they blasted a path through the encroaching BETA.
"Alright, Circus squadron, the rest of us will eradicate these alien crab motherfuckers!" Circus 01 barked out.
"Yes, Sir!" all Circus units proclaimed and eagerly set into the slaughter.
Circus 01 smirked briefly before he opened a secure channel to Michiru. "Valkyrie 01, I got news; CP didn't want to send them over the horn. The Kanto Defense Line has dispatched the 7th Division; ETA is 3 hours. XO Kouzuki wants us out of here in 2. The recovery team is 5 klicks out."
Michiru clicked her tongue and narrowed her eyes, "understood; I'm only waiting for confirmation on the laser-class pacification."
Ahead, Takeru left a river of strewing Grappler and Tank Class BETA in his wake. His Shiranui was stained red in alien blood, and finally, he made it to the Laser class. Takeru dove straight into the little bastards. His sensors counted 10, and Takeru began firing controlled bursts. One by one, the Laser Class fell immobile.
LASER ALERT!
Takeru pursed his lips, letting his TSF automatically turn to the offending bastard. With all its friends down and its line of sight clear, it started tagging Takeru. He snarled, and his back autocannon swung beneath the TSF arms and fired a 120mm shell exploding the little bastard to smithereens. You'll have to be happy with 9 Yuuko Sensei, Takeru thought and opened a line to Michiru. "Valkyrie 10 to Valkyrie 01, all Laser Class are down!" Takeru instantly flew up above the jumping range of Tank and Grappler class. "Returning to squadron!" Takeru took to the skies as he saw several new TSF had joined his Squadron. After a few minutes, Takeru rejoined his formation. He ejected the special ammunition magazine and swapped fresh 36mm ammo as he made it to his Squadron.
"Shirogane, good work, but don't think I'm not gonna chew you out when we get home!" Michiru smirked as her portrait flashed on his display.
Takeru grinned warily, "yes, Mam, looking forward to it!" Takeru noticed Asakura's TSF was missing its cockpit block, and Akane was nowhere in sight. Thank god they got to her in time.
"Good, Valkyries, the Japanese Mainland Defense Force has dispatched its 7th Armored Division to intercept this herd. Make sure they only find the shallow graves of these crab bastards!"
"Yes, Mam!" They all replied with renewed vigor, establishing a new battle line. The new line was joined by Rapier, and Grizzly squadrons, while Dragon, Joker, and Flame hunted down the strays. Bringing up the rear with the recovery team, Liger and Hawk Squadrons provided an escort as the recovery team packed up the samples.
With their combined efforts, the last BETA was cleaned up in 1 hour. They hurriedly spent the final hour helping the recovery team pack the samples into containers hauled with Chinook helicopters. They also took the time to remove evidence of UN involvement. They retrieved Asakura'sblack box and Tsujiki's. Then, they utterly destroyed the TSFs with 120mm explosive rounds ensuring they were just burnt husks. By the 2-hour mark, all Flights were flying escort and heading home. Takeru set his TSF to autopilot and leaned against his seat, sighing.
"So, how does it feel to be back on the field, Shirogane?" Mitsuki's smug portrait showed up on his display.
"Good," Takeru answered, but he sobered up. "Sorry about Tsukiji; I'm a failure as a Flight commander."
"Shirogane," Mitsuki sighed and shook her head. "You're only human; what happened to Tsukiji was bad luck. No one blames you for that."
"Still, feel like shit about it," Takeru sighed.
"Good."
"Oi, you're bad at pep talks, 1st Lieutenant," Takeru chuckled finally.
"Who said I was doing any of that? I just wanted to make sure you weren't crying with your snot hanging out." Mitsuki smirked.
"I got it; jeez, how do you expect to get a guy with a mouth like that, 1st Lieutenant." Takeru joked back.
"Geh," Mitsuki grimaced, "Well, why don't you ask me out then?" Mitsuki said in almost a whisper.
"Huh? Repeat your last 1st Lieutenant. I missed that," Takeru tapped his headset for good measure.
"N-nothing!" Mitsuki blushed suddenly and glared at him, "also, you owe 1,000 push-ups for your little comment!"
"Eeeeh, come on, 1st Lieutenant, a little mercy for my first flight?" Takeru smiled with a grimace.
"Hm, invite me to dinner, and I'll reconsider it," Mitsuki blushed and looked away.
"You got it, my treat at the PX," Takeru sighed in relief.
"G-good, you better not forget," Mitsuki finished up and cut the transmission. Takeru sighed, and despite the pang in his chest from losing a comrade, he felt things would be okay.
United States Colorado Denver
A tall blonde man stood before two graves. The larger gravestone read 'Maria Walken,' and the more diminutive next to it read 'Brian Walken', both with the epitaph 'taken before their time.' Major Alfred Walken of the US Army 66th Tactical Armored 'Hunter' Battalion was yet again before the grave of his wife and son. His last remaining family had been taken from him by what he hated the most. Conflict with other humans. On a visit to Washington, the two were caught in a violent refugee protest that resulted in their deaths. Before Walken had seen them off, his son had asked him if he could have his keychain before he was deployed again. On a soldier's old superstition, Alfred had said he would give it to his son when they saw each other again after his deployment.
Alfred squeezed his keys in his hands, his thumb over the keychain. It depicted the unit patch of his battalion. Every time he was on leave, he came here but couldn't bring himself to relinquish the keychain. He honestly wasn't sure what kept him from doing it, but like so many times, Alfred knelt before the graves, kissed his two fingers, and put them against them. "I'm sorry, I still can't bring myself to give this to you yet, Brian. Keep watch over your mother; I'll see you again someday." Alfred stood up and left the cemetery to the car waiting outside.
"Major, sorry to bother you," a man in a black 3-piece suit saluted him.
Alfred saluted in return. "John, what brings you here? Also, I'm not your CO anymore; you don't have to salute me, you know?" Alfred smiled at his old friend.
"Work. You're being called back to base, and maybe not, but I remember where I came from. Also, sorry about this; I know you're still on leave."
"Don't worry about it; brief me in the car." Alfred walked to their waiting transport and got in. John followed next.
"You got redeploy orders; you'll be embedded with the 7th fleet anchored at San Diego; once Hunter is packed, you'll be making a trip to Kamchatka."
"Were reinforcing the Soviets?" Alfred raised a brow.
"Negative, Langley's playing with fire in East Asia; I don't know the details, only that Japan is the final destination." John reached into a suitcase by his feet and pulled out a file, "one more thing, you're stopping personally at Alaska for a pickup."
Alfred frowned; he hated when the CIA was involved. Black Ops bullshit is what special forces were for. He was a soldier; he signed up to kill BETA and protect his country. "What's the pickup?"
"Whom," John's lips pulled up slightly.
Alfred opened the file; it was the service record of a Surface Pilot. He gave it a once over, and his frown deepened. "What does Langley want this kid for?"
"He made some waves in Kamchatka, and his background is apparently important, not to mention he also rubbed shoulders with one of the Japanese elites." John shrugged, then chuckled. "Besides, they got him spinning his wheels, part of some joint project with the Empire, but now it's dead in the water."
John sighed. "Langley wants him close and personal; once he's dismissed from his temporary UN commission, he'll join you as your 1st Lieutenant," John explained.
"I have a 1st Lieutenant, a damn good one at that." Alfred glowered at John, though he knew he was just the messenger in this fiasco.
"1st Lieutenant Gregor Abazi will be assigned to another Battalion, not my call, sorry," John sighed.
"Damn it," Alfred cursed, "alright, what's the mission," Alfred tossed the file on the seat, and some of the papers slid partway.
"No clue; they're keeping me in the dark almost as much as you; all I know is the 7th fleet will dock at Sagami Bay in Japan and wait for a call of assistance from the UN's 11th Force."
"I'm not cut out for this black ops malarky John," Alfred glared at his old friend.
"Shit, you're telling me? I told them they were signing my death warrant when they told me to brief you." John smirked, and they both shared a laugh.
"Alright, I won't bite your head off for shit above your paygrade," Alfred smiled, "Wanna grab a steak before we hit Peterson?"
"Sure, I'm paying since I had to deliver the bullshit to you," John laughed. With that, the two men settled into a comfortable conversation about football and old times before John went CIA. As the two men talked, the car hit a small bump that made the file spill out further. It revealed the picture of a young man with brown hair and steel-grey eyes. Below the photo, read '2nd Lieutenant Yuuya Bridges, US Army Test Pilot.'
Another one down! Also, I bet yall weren't expecting our leading man Yuuya to show up in this story, huh? By the way, for my own selfish purposes, Yuuya and a certain someone shares ZERO blood. I think it's obvious who I'm talking about, but anyways, enjoy the chapter. Things are starting to pick up as outside forces make their move.