Chapter 6: For Shogun and Country part 1
December 5, 2001
Takeru put his fist up to his mouth to hide his grin. He remembered this happening before too, however, unlike that time. Takeru was a 2nd Lieutenant, so he could hardly participate in their clever little rouse. Still, Takeru would not call himself so far above others to not instigate the situation. So, when Mikoto, of all people, suggested having Tama act as the squad leader for 207B. Takeru jumped at the chance. In fact, he coerced Marimo into allowing it even. This led to Tama's current situation and her father, the Undersecretary of the UN, talking about his friends. Suffice it to say, the man struck at the heart of the matter. Blunt, might have been putting it mildly, but the absolute death glares everyone was tossing Tama helped drive the point home. Well, almost everyone. Mikoto ran off after Tama's dad called her as flat as a cliffside.
Yet, as he was very much having fun. Takeru couldn't help sneaking glances at Meiya. He'd been busy since his return, and he had yet to be able to have a real moment alone with her. His old world's Yuuko Sensei's words rang in his head. Takeru crossed his arms, and a small smile grew on his lips. Meiya's eyes shifted to him and caught him staring. Meiya blinked, confused, "Takeru, is something the matter?"
"N-no," Takeru turned, embarrassed to be caught staring.
"Hm?" Undersecretary Tamase looked to Takeru.
"Sir?" Takeru looked at the mustache man.
Tama instantly froze in place, and Takeru swore she was sweating profusely. Undersecretary Tamase then stepped towards Takeru and put his hand on his shoulder. "I see," he uttered briefly.
"See what, Sir?" Takeru looked at the girls, who shrugged.
"2nd Lieutenant Shirogane Takeru, I'm so glad to finally meet you." The older man nodded and laughed. Takeru leaned slightly to the right to give Tama a questioning look. Tama merely turned beet red and covered her face.
"Uhm, I'm glad to meet you as well, Sir." Takeru extended his hand.
"Bahaha!" the old man laughed and grabbed Takeru's hand. "Please, no need to be so formal my boy!" He patted Takeru's shoulder. "I'm glad to meet the young man who helped my little Tama become a woman!"
WHAT!?
The single word seemed to resound through everyone's mind. "Sir?" Takeru smiled somewhat tightly.
"Please, call me papa!" Undersecretary Tamase laughed again. "Look at you, strong and growing! Your boyfriend is truly worthy of you, Tama!"
BOYFRIEND!?
Takeru froze, the word echoing in his head. Then he suddenly felt 3 murderous stares on the back of his neck. God damn it, how is this going to end with me being punished again!? "Y-you joke too much, Sir!" Takeru tried waving his arms vigorously before him.
"Hahaha please call me Papa, son!" The Undersecretary insisted. "Do be careful with her though you hear? I'm afraid Tama is just like her mother. They are both rather slim."
Takeru swore he felt death's chill pass him for a brief second. "R-really, Sir, you might have the wrong idea about Tama and me." Takeru raised his hands.
"Awawawawa," Tama was practically vibrating in place, and Takeru swore he saw her eyes turn to swirls.
"Takeru," Meiya's voice sent a chill up his spine.
"Shirogane," Chizuru crossed her arms.
"Shirogane," Ayamine gave him a frigid glare.
Damn it, time for, A RETREAT! Takeru turned on a dime and, without explanation, sprinted away. "Leaving the combat zone at NOE flight level!" Takeru proclaimed.
"Takeru!" Meiya shouted and ran after him.
"…" Ayamine promptly followed Meiya.
"H-hey!" Chizuru sprant into action.
"Tama," her father, in a rare moment of seriousness, turned to his daughter.
Tama sighed, just glad all attention was drawn from her. "Papa?"
"If you don't hurry up, one of them will get too far ahead." The older Tamase patted his daughter's head.
Tama gasped, realizing her father knew all along about her exaggerated letters. "Papa," Tama raised her fists and nodded firmly. "Takeru-san, wait for me!" Tama sprinted after her friends. Her father watched his daughter run off after the boy she liked. Our daughter has grown Sakura-san. Please keep watching over her, and help her get that boy of hers. Hah, I guess I'm just like any father in the end. I too want to see my daughter married off to a good man.
"Huh, where did everyone go?" Mikoto finally returned from her self-imposed exile. Tamase blinked once and pointed in the direction the girls left.
"Ah, wait you guys, don't leave me with this mean old man!" She ran off to catch everyone else.
"Old man?" Tamase stroked his mustache. "Honestly, kids these days have no filter." Tamase shivered. Somehow, he felt like his departed wife was suddenly waiting for him for less than romantic reasons.
Prime Minister's Residence
Sakaki pulled back his office chair and sat down. The door to his office opened, and a young woman walked in with a steaming mug of coffee. She placed it down next to him, and he smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Akari-san," Sakaki grabbed the cup taking a whiff of it.
"It is no trouble, Sakaki-sama," she bowed respectfully. "Please let me know if you require anything else."
"No, that would be all, Akari-san," Sakaki waved her away and started on his paperwork.
"Of course," she turned and made for the door opening it. "Ah, Captain Sagiri!" Akari bowed politely to the Captain.
"Akari-san," Sagiri bowed in return. "Please, go home and don't daddle."
"Excuse me?" Akari's brows shot up confused. Sagiri gently pushed her to the side as he stepped in, and she gasped as several armed men came in after him.
"Prime Minister Sakaki Korechika, on behalf of the Shogun and the Japanese people, I am here to arrest you for high treason."
Sakaki balled his hands into fists on his desk. "So, you finally make your move Captain Sagiri."
"For the sake of her Highness and the Japanese people, you will answer for your crimes. Working with foreign intelligence agencies and bringing an American fleet into our waters behind her Highnesses back! I will not allow you to surrender our sovereignty to the American dogs who betrayed us!" Sagiri threw an accusing hand at Sakaki. "Seize him!" two men rushed to apprehend him while two more leveled their rifles at him.
"Sakaki-sama!" Akari took a step forward.
"Don't!" Sakaki barked at her. "Go home to your family Akari-san. You cannot change my fate more than a pabble being washed away in the river." He smiled gently at her, "go be with your family. They will need you to be strong."
"Corporal Yamato," Sagiri turned to one of his men.
"Sir!" Yamato saluted.
"Escort Miss Akari safely out of the building." Sagari gestured to her. "The rest of you escort the Prime Minister to the cabinet."
"Sir!" His men replied, dragged Sakaki off his chair, and shoved him out of his office. The armed group and their two prisoners were forced down the same hall. They turned right when they reached the end, heading for the cabinet where the Diet convened. Akari looked up, and her eyes widened slightly. She glanced at the men around her and Captain Sagiri leading them at the head. She bit her lip and stilled her frightened heart.
"Ah!" Akari fell forward in Sakaki's path.
"Akari-san!" Sakaki caguth her mid fall. "Are you okay?"
"Miss, here, let me help you," Yamato moved his rifle to his other hand and approached them both.
Akari reached over her chest and grabbed her ID badge. "Oh, I'm fine, thank you." She leaned forward, pressing her hand over a panel next to a security door.
Beep
The security door slid open, catching everyone by surprise. "Sakaki-san!" Akari planted her feet forward and pushed Sakaki in.
"Akari-san!"
Gunfire echoed in the hallway briefly, and the security door slid closed. Sakaki blinked, eyes wide as he stared at the ceiling. He pushed himself on his shoulders and looked down at Akari slumped over his chest. "Akari-san, huh?" Sakaki put his hand on her shoulder when he noticed his shirt was damp. He quickly pushed her off and propped her against the wall next to the security door. "Akari-san!" Sakaki felt the blood drain from his face, she was shot, and blood was spewing from her midsection.
"S-Sakaki-sama, are you hurt?" Akari grimaced and looked at him.
"Akari-san, I'm fine, but you've been shot!" Sakaki grabbed her shoulders, gritting his teeth. "Why? Why did you do this, Akari-san?"
"Sakaki!" Sagiri banged on the security door. "Get her security pass, and open the door so we can get her proper medical attention!" Sagiri had a genuinely pained look on his face.
"Right!" Sakaki turned to Akari-san.
Snap
Sakaki and Sagari both watched with horrified eyes. Akari snapped her ID in 2, rendering it useless. "Sakaki-sama," she grimaced dropping the remains of her ID card. "Please, get away from here." She reached into her blouse and dropped her bloody car keys near his feet.
"Why?" Sagiri banged on the door, "why would you sacrifice yourself for a traitor like him, Akari-san!" Sagiri shut his eyes tightly.
"S-Sakaki-sama, I'm sorry. I really wanted to live up to those words you admired." Akari smiled, tears brimming at the edges of her eyes. Sakaki gasped, the memory returning to him.
"Haha!" Sakaki laughed and leaned back on his office chair. "So, this is the Shirogane Takeru my daughter wrote about in her final letter to me."
"He certainly seems interesting. I can see why our daughters are infatuated with him." Sakon smiled coyly.
"I'm glad Chizuru found a man she thinks worthy enough to blatantly ignore my order for her to resign from the UN." Sakaki smiled lightly. "Shirogane Takeru, huh?" Sakaki swiveled his chair to stare at Tokyo through his window. "With young men like that around, I feel our country's future is in good hands."
"I suppose this is where we declare our rivalry Sakaki-san." Sakon adjusted his trench coat. "I'll be wanting the boy as my son-in-law. Hohoho!" Sakon laughed with a mischievous smirk.
"Hah," Sakaki laughed. "A leader should preserve himself for the sake of his people. Dying for one's ideals does not solve the problem; it only leaves it to others." Sakaki's face broke into a smile that reminded him of his young idealistic days. When he first got into politics. "Ideals like that are why I became Prime Minister."
"Sakaki-sama, those words filled you with such pride." Akari smiled as two tears streaked down her cheeks. "I too wanted to live by those words." Akari coughed blood. "S-so, please forgive this humble secretary's last wish. Please, bear the burden of the Japanese people. Help them see the same wonderful future you showed me, Sakaki-sama."
"Akari-san," Sakaki closed his eyes and held her hand.
"Sakaki, stay there and put pressure on the wound. I have a medical team already inbound!" Sagiri barked and brought Sakaki out of his stupor.
Akari-san, I almost betrayed those words. My weakness nearly undid your sacrifice. Sakaki smiled and squeezed Akari's hand. "Akari-san, thank you for reminding an old fool he still has much to learn." Sakaki looked into Akari's rapidly fading eyes. "Akari-san, you can entrust the dream of Japan to me. You are dismissed; get some rest, Prime Minister's orders."
"T-thank you, Sakaki-sama. I feel exhausted. I think I'm going to take a nap." Akari smiled as her eyes shut, and her hand went limp in Sakaki's hands. Sakaki shut his eyes, pursed his lips, and gently placed her hands on her lap. He removed his blazer and put it over Akari. "Thank you for everything, Akari-san, ah, and the coffee was perfect as always."
Sakaki stood up and looked at Sagiri. Both men stared each other down, knowing that by the end of today. The Japanese people would spill their blood for the sake of their opposing ideals. One way or the other, one of them would be dead by the end of this confrontation. Sakaki closed his eyes and turned, and ran for it.
"Yamato," Sagiri turned to the young man who had fired his gun.
Yamato looked into his Commander's eyes, shame filling his very soul. "Captain, I have no excuses."
Sagiri reached into his blazer and unholstered his service pistol. Then, he pulled back on the slide checking for a chambered round. Sagiri released the magazine and stuffed it in his blazer. "Die with honor, Corporal Yamato Yuri." Sagiri handed him the gun, and he and his men walked away. Sagiri turned the corner, and a shot rang through the halls, followed by a collapsing body. Sagiri closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The day had only just begun. "Get me an update on the mobilization of our forces."
"Sir!" One of his men immediately brought out a radio.
"The rest of you, have our forces comb this place from ceiling to basement. Find Prime Minister Sakaki." Sagari stopped at the cabinet's double doors. "Also, make sure to block all the exits. He must not escape!"
As Sagiri entered the Diet cabinet, the entire Prime Minister Manor was being scoured by squads of armed men. As they desperately searched, they were all none the wiser that Sakaki would not be found in the open. The Prime Minister's Manor was built shortly after Japan's conditional surrender in World War 2. In its construction, no less than 5 insurrections by ultranationalists had taken the life of the first Prime Minister and wounded two others. To be prepared for another such occasion, the Manor was built with secret passages only known to the current Prime Minister. So, after Sakaki rounded the corner of a hallway where he left Akari. Sakaki immediately found an old grandfather clock in the hall.
Sakaki checked the halls to make sure there were no cameras. Then he lifted his hand to a small lens that would be missed by everyone who didn't know it was there. Sakaki paused and turned his hand to see Aakir's blood covering his hand. Sakaki gritted his teeth and wiped the blood from his thumb as best he could. "How much more blood will be spilled today, Sagiri." Sakaki spat the name out like a curse. Ayamine, is this our fate? To forever spill our compatriots' blood? No, I refuse it. I promised you that day. I promised I would protect Japan in your stead!
Sakaki pressed his thumb against the lens, and a mechanical thud followed. The Clock slid to the left, and Sakaki entered the secret passage. The secret door closed behind him, and a terminal lit up inside. He accessed it and searched for a path to the parking garage. Lights on the floor illuminated, and Sakaki promptly followed them.
Sagiri watched the strew bodies before him, all the members of Sakaki's cabinet, and all names provided by the Americans. The thought alone made his blood boil; these greedy fools had whored out Japan to foreign interest groups for what? Guarantee evacuation in case Japan fell, and 'foreign aid' in large sums of money. Still, he supposed the Americans were bigger fools than these excuses for men. All Sagiri had to do was publicly condemned Sakaki and proclaim to want to avenge Lieutenant General Ayamine, and he was approached by an American contact. The Americans did not even consider that Sagiri used them to conceal his movements to gather his comrades and liberate his homeland.
"Captain, we've confirmed the 12th Division has pulled back from the Secondary Defense Line. They are en route to the Capital."
Sagiri blinked, surprised, "The whole 12th Division?" He was expecting less than half of them to abandon their post. This… was good and bad, for entirely different purposes. On the one hand, this would allow him to further secure the Capital and plug up the holes in his forces. On the other, that left the Secondary Defense Line stripped bare. TSFs were essential to defend against BETA attacks, after all. No turning back now, Sagiri. If we act quickly, these men can return to their posts. "Very well, add them to our command structure. Have the 104th, 132nd, and 189th Squadrons join our gathering forces at Saitama."
"Yes, Captain"! His subordinate saluted and left to relay his orders. Then he turned to another of his men coordinating the forces occupying the Manor. "What's the status of Prime Minister Sakaki?"
"He vanished, Sir. No one can find him." The soldier gritted his teeth, frustrated. "Damn coward," he muttered.
"Prime Minister Sakaki is many things, but I would not call him a coward. Do well to not underestimate him." Sagiri patted the soldier's shoulder and left him.
"Sir!" The soldier saluted and returned to man the search.
"Ragdoll 01 here, we have the Minister!"
The soldier's eyes widened, and he smirked, "good, bring him here!"
"Understood, huh?" rapid footsteps echoed into the receiver.
"Watch out!" Gunfire filled the radio.
"Who the fuck are these guys!?" Ragdoll 01 barked, pained.
"Agh!"
"Michiro! Shit, don't falter, we have to get Sakaki, shit GRENADE!" The line fell into static after a brief thunderous explosion.
The radio operator was quiet for a second before he stood up, dropping his headset. "Captain!"
"Get in; let's go!" The masked soldier pushed Sakaki into the back of an armored van. "Smoke go!" Three other masked soldiers threw canisters that quickly released a cloud of smoke. The soldiers piled into the car and slid the door shut. "Go, drive!" Sakaki instantly fell back as the van tore through the parking garage. The van exited the main road blitzing past Sagiri's men, who fired to no effect at the armored van. Sakaki groaned and sat up, rubbing his head.
"Who are you?" Saki finally caught his breath and looked at his masked saviors.
One of the soldiers removed his balaclava.
Sakaki gasped, "You're!"
Sometime earlier
A car pulled up on a cabin in the woods northeast of Tokyo. Four men exited the car, all four in Imperial Army uniforms. On those uniforms was a flag of the old Imperial Japan. They walked up to the Cabin and knocked on the door. A muffled voice responded, "there's no firewood!"
"We got firewood," one of the men responded. Seconds later, the door opened, and the four men entered. The Cabin was poorly lit, with only a lamp on a coffee table casting an orange tinge to the room.
"Well?" The Cabin's owner asked.
"They're moving. It's now or never, Colonel." One of the men said.
"Alright then." The Colonel sighed and moved to the far end of the room, where he flicked a switch on. The room was flooded by bright lights, showing the Cabin was filled with equipment and weapons.
"What's the current situation?" The Colonel asked as he grabbed two duffle bags from beneath the kitchen counter table.
The men, first things first, removed the Imperial Flag pins and tossed them carelessly on the kitchen table. Then they began undressing, "we got Ohgi on recon," one of them replied.
"Sagiri is already moving in on the Prime Minister's residence." Another of them continued.
"So, it's a coup d'état," the Colonel grunted unzipping a duffle bag. He grabbed its contents and started handing out black clothes and balaclavas. "Tamaki, plate carriers are on the second bag."
"Roger," Tamaki said, undressed to his skivvies. He opened the second duffle bag and handed out the plate carriers.
"Kazuki, grab the guns," the Colonel said as he finished putting on his plate carrier.
"On it," Kazuki grabbed several old American M16s from the wall. "Shit, where'd you get these dinosaurs Colonel?" Kazuki laughed, placing the guns on the table.
"American ex-girlfriend," the Colonel said, as a matter of factly causing a round of laughter.
"Heads up, Shinzo," Kazuki tossed the last M16.
Shinzo caught the rifle and gave it a once over, "Makabe, you got any smokes?"
"Fresh out, my lady wants me to quit, so I smoked my last pack while I had it." Makabe shrugged, smiling sheepishly.
"Pussy whipped," Shinzo laughed as he grabbed two cases of 5.56mm ammo and started loading magazines.
"Least I got pussy Shinzo," Makabe smirked, rolling his balaclava on his head like a beanie.
"What about you, Colonel, couldn't go back to Japanse after tasting American beef?" Tamaki grinned as he grabbed two boxes containing M67 Grenades.
"Loved and lost boys," the Colonel sighed with a wry smile. As he got another case with M18 smoke grenades.
"Shit, ain't that the truth," Makabe finished supplying himself. "I'll start the van, don't take long ladies." Makabe grabbed his M16 and took the back exit.
"Alright," the Colonel grabbed his M16 and looked at his comrades. "You ladies got your makeup on?"
"Sir!" The three men saluted.
"Alright, let's go!" The Colonel led the men out, and they all piled into the van. The van groaned to life, and they started their trek to Tokyo. As the van rumbled along the road, the Colonel grabbed the built-in radio receiver and dialed Ohgi. "Black, Black, Black," the Colonel repeated.
"Black 06 here; Sagiri is moving his men into the building. What's your ETA?"
"Thirty minutes out, be ready for pickup," the Colonel responded.
"Roger, Black 06 out."
"So, shit's really hitting the fan," Shinzo piped up from behind.
"Fucking hell," Makabe said at the wheel, "I ain't happy about the government, but I ain't a fucking traitor."
"oorah," they all responded in kind.
"So, what's the plan?" Shinzo looked at the Colonel's reflection in the rearview mirror. "We killing Sagiri?"
"Negative; we need to secure the Prime Minister. We exfill him and get him to the Shogun's Residence," The Colonel hummed. The men all nodded quietly and rode along in silence. Minutes later, that silence was broken by the roaring of jump jets. The Colonel looked out the window seeing TSF squadrons flying above Tokyo in arrowhead formations. "Step on it Makabe," the Colonel ordered.
"Sir," Makabe pressed on the gas roaring down the road. The van stopped a block briefly from the target, where Ohgi, in a black trench coat entered the back of the van.
"Ohgi, sitrep," the Colonel looked at him through the rearview.
"Somethings got em spooked," Ohgi took off his trench coat, revealing he was already kitted out. "They got personnel station at the main entrance and emergency exit. They also stopped noncombatants from leaving." Ohgi caught the M16 tossed at him by Shinzo.
"Alright, roll us in nice and easy, and let me do the talking." The Colonel sighed and donned a pair of aviators from the glove compartment. They rolled onto the Prime Minister's Residence, where a guard stopped them at the parking lot entrance. The Colonel rolled down his window showing his face.
"Colonel!" The guard saluted promptly.
"At ease soldier," the Colonel saluted back. "I need to see Captain Sagiri ASP."
"I can contact him; what should I tell him, Colonel?" the guard grabbed the receiver strapped to his collar.
The Colonel sighed and pushed his aviators down his nose. "What's your name, soldier?"
"Private Ghoda Jouji, Sir!"
"You a patriot Private Ghoda?" The Colonel stared the boy down.
"Y-yes, Sir!" Ghoda puffed up his chest.
"Good, so I'll let you in on something." The Colonel waved Ghoda closer. "There might be an attempt on Captain Sagiri's life, so my visit here needs to stay between us. We clear Private Ghoda?"
"Y-yes, Sir!" Ghoda saluted. "Let the Colonel through!"
"You're doing your country proud today Private Ghoda," the Colonel smiled at the private before they drove into the parking lot.
"Shit, why don't you run for Prime Minister next, Colonel?" Makabe laughed.
"Not a chance in hell," the Colonel smiled before growing serious. Makabe parked the van at the far back. "Masks," The Colonel removed his aviators and rolled down his balaclava. He looked back, and his men with masks down gave him a thumbs up. "Move out, Black unit!"
They piled out of the van, rifles shouldered. "Black 02, you're on point," ordered the Colonel.
"Roger," Tamaki moved forward, and everyone fell behind in a semi-line. They moved through the parking lot. They were moving to the emergency stairs when the door to them burst open. They all trained their guns to see an older man running in their direction.
"Holy shit, it's him, Prime Minister, this way!" the Colonel waved at Sakaki.
Sakaki turned to them and hesitated before apparently deciding to take his chances with the Colonel and ran towards them. Then, some of Sagiri's men ran out the emergency door. "We have the Prime Minister!"
Tamaki leveled his gun and squeezed the trigger.
"Huh?" The radio man's eyes widen, staring at the barrel of Tamaki's M16.
"Watch out!" one of the man's comrades dove, knocking him down as Tamaki fired. The rest scattered into cover, returning fire.
"Who fuck are these guys?" Ragdoll 01 groaned and looked at his comrade atop him. He rolled him over to see he'd been shot in the arm. "Michiro!" He roared and got up, and returned fire. He immediately hit the Colonel as he pulled Sakaki into cover. "Don't falter; we have to get Sakaki!"
"Black 01 is hit!" Shinzo shouted!
"Fuck, I'm alright it caught the plate!" The Colonel growled and grabbed a grenade. "Back at you assholes!" The Colonel stood from his cover and tossed the grenade.
"GRENADE!" A warning followed by a loud bang and screams.
"Cover us!" The Colonel grabbed Sakaki's shoulder and forced him to bend down at the waist. He led Sakaki to the van while the others fired, keeping Sagiri's men at bay. "Get in; let's go!" The Colonel pushed Sakaki into the back of the van. Then turned to fire at the encroaching soldiers. Shinzo, Tamaki, and Makabe fell back one by one until they formed a perimeter around the van. Ohgi, the last to fall back, ran around to grab the wheel. "Smoke, let's go!" The Colonel and everyone else grabbed smoke grenades and tossed them. A thick grey smoke screen soon enveloped the garage making Sagiri's men fall back coughing.
The Colonel and the rest packed themselves into the van and slammed the door shut. "Go drive!" The van reared back before lurching forward.
Present time
"You're!" Sakaki balked at the face of his savior.
"Colonel Iwaya Eiji, now are you hurt?" Eiji skipped all pleasantries and ripped open Sakakis bloodied shirt.
"N-no," Sakaki sighed, "it's not my blood." Sakaki closed his eyes somberly. I made it out Akari-san. I won't let this chance go to waste. "Now, where are we going, Colonel Iwaya."
"First, let's get you out of those clothes." Eiji grabbed a duffle bag and handed Sakaki a black shirt and military pants.
"Right," Sakaki began undressing.
"Shit, turn it up!" Tamaki spoke up behind Eiji.
Shinzo, in the front seat, turned up the radio.
"Attention citizens of Tokyo, we of the 1st Captial Guard Regiment have begun occupying Tokyo. As a precaution, all primary road access to the Shogun's Residence has been shut down. Military personnel will be moving to secure the Shogun's Residence."
"Well, the original plan's FUBAR; what's the word Colonel?" Ohgi said from the driver's seat.
"We could hide out at the cabin?" Makabe suggested.
"Negative; we must ensure the people know the Prime Minister's alive." Eiji sighed and passed a hand through his hair.
"Yokohoma Base," Sakaki finally spoke up as he donned his glasses.
"Sir?" Ohgi looked at the Colonel in the rearview.
Eiji pursed his lips and looked at Sakaki. The Prime Minister did not budge, and Eiji sighed. "Well, not like we got anywhere else to go. Let's go before they cut off access out of the city."
"Roger," Ohgi took a turn and made for Yokohoma. "Lot of TSF out there," Ohgi commented. True enough, more and more squadrons were flying the night skies.
"No kidding, but look at that." Tamaki pointed to two wings of TSF flying east.
"No way, are those the fucking 104th Squadron?" Ohgi narrowed his eyes.
"What!?" Eiji moved between Ohgi and Tamaki and craned his neck up.
"I was afraid of this," sighed Sakaki. "Thank god the Shogun and I prepared a contingency."
"Sir?" Eiji turned to the Prime Minister.
"We suspected Sagiri was gathering power but could not openly act against him. Not without turning him into a martyr. So we decided to hedge our bets." Sakaki glared at the ground. "So long as Japan remains a front line to the BETA. We cannot hope to survive on our own. So we sent a Royal Guard with an executive order drafted by myself and signed by cabinet members. These orders will allow the UN 11th Forces to respond to Sagiri's Coup." Sakaki looked Eiji directly in the eyes. "We also suspect the CIA has been providing Sagiri intelligence. The fools, Sagiri played them, and he was able to gather this insurgency. Their backup plan is to have the US 11th fleet intervene and put the US back in control of Japan." Sakaki smirked. "However, they made another crucial mistake. They assigned Major Alfred Walken, who suffered the loss of his wife and child in a refugee protest. He hates conflicts of this nature more than any man I know. But, more importantly, sympathetic forces in the US government were able to put an important person in Major Walken's unit."
"Who might that be?" Eiji raised a brow.
"A young American Eishi named Yuuya Bridges. He is half Japanese and made a name for himself at Kamchatka and the Yukon Base incident."
Bridges? No has to be a coeincidence. Eiji shook his head, "if what you say is true, we're relying a lot on the human element." Eiji crossed his arms and sat back against the van wall. Is he the same boy Yui has a crush on? His last name always bothered me; after all, is he her son?
"Perhaps, but with this, we're hoping to force the Americans to the terms of the Japan-US Security treaty."
"Right. By inviting the US in and using the UN, they'll be subject to the UN's command." Eiji smiled slightly. "Alright, let's get you to Yokohoma Base Prime Minister Sakaki."
Yokohoma Base
Takeru turned to Meiya and waved her over. "Come on, just up here." Takeru grinned and stepped up to the baren tree atop the hill. This place held memories of him and Sumika as freshmen at school. Takeru put his hands in his pockets, looking at the dead tree.
"Takeru, have you been to this place before?" Meiya came up behind him and crossed her arms.
"Yeah, it isn't the same view with Yokohoma laid to waste." Takeru looked on at the desolate ruins stretching to the horizon.
"Takeru, was this your home before the BETA invasion?" Meiya gasped lighlty.
Well, technically, she isn't wrong. Takeru looked at her and pointed past the hill to his old neighborhood. "I used to live over there."
"My home, my family, my best friend." Takeru closed his eyes, thinking of Smika smiling at him across the window. "These alien bastards took it all from me."
"Takeru…" Meiya walked up to Takeru, standing beside him. "I see this hill holds a lot of meaning to you."
"Yeah, I guess it does." Takeru looked at Meiya. "I'm glad I was able to get you here alone." Takeru felt his heart start beating faster. Come on, Takeru, you said it once to Meiya in your old world. This time it's for keeps!
"Yes," Meiya smiled at him putting her hand to her heart. "It makes me happy you shared this place with me."
"Yeah," Takeru rubbed the back of his head. "I want this place to have better memories. So I brought you here to hopefully make a new one."
"Oh?" Meiya crossed her arms again. "What did you have in mind?"
Come on, Takeru, it's now or never!
"Meiya," Takeru took a deep breath. "I!"
Before he could get the words out, the Base Alarms started to blare. "What the?" Takeru stepped back. No way. Could the SSDT have made it through?
"Attention all personnel, the Base has raised alert status to DEFCON 2. I say again alert status to DEFCON 2. All combat personnel report to your assigned units and prepare for deployment."
"Takeru, let us go!" Meiya turned before Takeru reached out and grabbed her hand. "Takeru?" Meiya looked at him, confused.
"Meiya, before you go." Takeru closed his eyes. "Nah, never mind, come on, let's go!" Takeru let her go, and Meiya nodded before they ran towards the Base. Meiya regrouped with the girls and Marimo. Takeru himself made a B line to the command center. He needed to check with Yuuko if this was what he thought it was! Takeru made it to the command center and found Yuuko with Lieutenant General Radhabinod and Undersecretary Tamase. Takeru walked up to Yuuko and saluted the General and Tamase. General Radhabinod saluted in return. Yuuko had made it clear Takeru held a similar role as Lieutenant Pyatkh. So having him in high-profile briefings was hardly unusual these days.
"Undersecretary Tamase, we cannot allow the 7th fleet to dock at Yokohoma without proper authorization from the Japanese Government." The General stated firmly.
"While we wait for word from the as-of-yet unconfirmed location of Prime Minister Sakaki. The insurgents gather their strength. The time to act is now. Then, we can face the consequences of a grateful Japanese government afterward." Tamase stroked his mustache in thought.
"That is a presumptuous statement, Undersecretary, as when has the UN had the authority to undermine its member states sovereignty?" Yuuko raised a brow, crossing her arms.
"Given the current situation, that is irrelevant. The Diet is under the control of the insurgents. There has been no word on Prime Minister Sakaki's whereabouts. Worse, you all know what the insurgents have done." Tamase crossed his arms behind his back. "No, our priority must be to secure our assets. Should these radicals actively denounce our legal station of forces here, we would be forced into conflict regardless." Tamase scowled and looked at the General. "No, this Base houses the Alternative IV project. Allowing the insurgent's leniency would cost us dearly."
"The fact remains we cannot act without a formal request from the Japanese Government. As we speak, a provisional government is being set up in Sendo." General Radhabinod sighed.
"All well and good, but remember, the rebels have stripped the secondary Defense Line bare. A BETA attack right now would be costly beyond imagination." Tamase shifted his eyes at Yuuko, "our immediate priorities would be to secure the Alternative IV project. That means deploying our forces to the secondary Defense Line."
Yuuko frowned slightly, "then how convenient the 7th fleet is moored at Sagami Bay."
"Does it matter if we're all dead?" Takeru spoke up suddenly. "Regardless of the actions taken, the US forces are right there. We can worry about who's playing who when we're alive on the other side to think about it."
"Shirogane," Yuuko stared at him warningly.
"The 2nd Lieutenant speaks the truth; no need to admonish him for it." Tamase's lips quirked up slightly. "Whatever we may think of agendas, the BETA won't wait for the dust to settle and see whose left."
"We still cannot deploy our forces or invite the Americans to this base." General Radhabinod firmly replied.
The door to the command center slid open, and in walked two Royal Guards. One was Tsukuyomi, and the other, Takeru, did not recognize. She wore a gold robe, had long brown hair, and had lilac eyes. They saluted before the gold Royal spoke up. "I am 1st Lieutenant Takamura Yui. I come here on behalf of her Highness Shogun Koubuin Yuuhi and Prime Minister Sakaki Korechika." Yui produced a letter from her pocket and handed it to General Radhabinod. "I will also deliver on to you, her Highnesses words. Please, with all due haste, neglect not the defense of our people. Please send help to the Niigata Defense Line!"
General Radhabinod looked down at the letter, bearing the Imperial Diet's official seal. He opened the letter and read through its contents swiftly. "Very well, contact the Admiral of the 7th fleet and inform him the Empire of Japan formally requests their aid per the Japan-US Security Agreement. They will be integrated into our command structure as a UN member force."
"They won't be happy about that," Yuuko smirked.
"That is hardly our concern," Tamase shrugged.
"Sir," An operator piped up. "We have multiple Japanese TSF flying towards us. At present, they are flying at cruising speed. The first squadron should arrive in 300 seconds."
"Is it the insurgents?" The General turned to the operator.
"Unknown at this time."
"Very well, deploy the 7th and 6th Armored Battalions. Tell them to no engage until fired upon." The General ordered.
"Understood, relaying deployment orders." The operator immediately set about her task.
"Brigadier General Rahabinod, please allow my Flight to enter standby and deploy at your side." Tsukuyomi bowed her head respectfully.
"Very well. However, you know what that means for you as well, correct?" The General nodded.
"Yes, I understand my flight will be subject to UN command." Tsukuyomi nodded.
"Then, by all means, prepare for deployment." General Radhabinod nodded.
"Sir!" Tsukuyomi and Yui saluted before they left the command center.
"2nd Lieutenant Shirogane, I would have you take command of squad 207B." General Radhabinod nodded to Takeru.
"Sir!" Takeru saluted, pressing his lips together. So, this is it then. I no longer hold the advantage of knowing the future. Takeru paused slightly, "Sir, if I may?"
"Go on."
"would deploying a trainee squad be the best course of action?" Takeru pursed his lips.
"We will deploy much of our forces to the Niigata Defense Line and the Capital. Assuming our current guests don't become a problem, of course. I'm afraid I cannot afford to have trained Eishi on standby."
"Understood; I'll report to trainee squad 207B immediately!" Takeru looked at Yuuko once, and she nodded. Then, Takeru briskly walked out of the command center.
"Ah, 2nd Lieuetenant Shirogane!"
Takeru paused and turned to the voice of Takamura Yui. "1st Lieutenant Takamura," Takeru saluted her.
Yui returned the salute, "may I have a moment of your time?"
"Of course," Takeru crossed his arms.
"1st Lieutenant Tsukuyomi informs me you are well acquainted with trainee squad 207B. I have a letter for Sakaki Chizuru." Yui produced a much simpler envelope. "Could I trouble you to take me to her?"
"Yeah, no problem," Takeru smiled. This sounded like a personal request rather than part of her original mission. You must be a nice person, 1st Lieutenant Takamura.
Takeru led her to the briefing room, where Marimo and the girls were already gathered. "Salute!" Marimo noticed them right away, and the girls turned to salute them. Takeru and Yui followed suit before Yui, without needing confirmation, went to Chizuru. "You must be Prime Minister Sakakis's daughter," Yui smiled gently.
"Uh, yes, Mam!" Chizuru straightened to attention.
"Then, I deliver this to you from your father's direct hands." Yui presented Chizuru with the letter. "I apologize I could not deliver this earlier. I was still getting acquainted with the Base and my newfound duties."
"Ah, thank you, 1st Lieutenant, uhm." Chizuru took the letter with both hands and bowed politely.
"Yes?" Yui cocked her hip and rested her fist on it.
"Do you know if my father is okay?" Chizuru asked, her expression growing grim.
Class Rep, you must be going through it. Unsure if your dad is alive, huh?
"Forgive me, but my last contact was before our current predicament. I am in the blind as much as anybody." Yui bowed, "forgive me for not being more helpful."
"N-no, please, thank you for delivering this letter to me." Chizuru bowed to Yui.
"Well, I shall take my leave then." Yui nodded, "good luck in the battles to come." Yui looked at them before she walked out.
TSF Carrier Theodore Roosevelt
Yuuya closed his locker fully kitted in his fortified suit. He looked at his Flight and saw all three of them were prepared after weeks of flying maneuvers with him. Yuuya felt truly part of Hunter Battalion. That said, his first mission was to sortie and possibly fight other humans? Yuuya was less than thrilled at the prospect. Images of the Yukon Base incident flashed before him, and he gripped his Katana tightly. Yui, be safe out there. Again,Yuuya looked at his Flight. "Alright, let's get to the briefing!"
After a few minutes, Yuuya and his Flight arrived at the briefing room. They took their seats and waited for Major Alfred, who walked in minutes later. "Salute!" Yuuya stood up and saluted. Everyone followed suit saluting the officers.
"At ease Hunter Battalion," Alfred stood with his hands behind his back.
"As of 0600 hours, an insurrection led by a group within the Japanese Imperial Army has seized control of the Government. Additionally, these insurgents are also laying siege to the palace of her Imperial Highness, Shogun Yuuhi Koubuin. Therefore, the UN has requested our assistance, and as per regulations set by the UN Security Council, we are to be put under the UN 11th Forces command."
The room erupted into grumbles. Even Arthur next to Yuuya clicked his tongue. Alfred raised his hand, asking for silence. "I know this isn't ideal. However, this is now a UN operation. Therefore, we must adhere to their command structure for the duration of the operation."
"I flew with an all-UN crew during Kamchatka; trust me, they'll pull their weight out there," Yuuya assured everyone with a grin.
Alfred smiled slightly at Yuuya and nodded. "We are all comrades, don't forget that. Now, there is a basic operation has already been laid out. But, an unknown force has currently encircled the Yokohoma Base. While they have not engaged, you can understand why this is troublesome." The room went dark, and a projector turned on, projecting an image on the wall behind Alfred. The image was of several blue arrows marked 6th and 7th Armored Battalions. While several yellow arrows were identified as 'IJA Unkown force.' All the arrows were aligned on an overhead map of Yokohoma Base. "More forces are currently deploying to Yokohoma. With that in mind, the UN has requested we scramble immediately. So, we will scramble first, followed by the 132nd Armored Battalion. Once we arrive, we are to help UN forces maintain the perimeter." Alfred rested his fist against his hip, "any questions?"
"What are the rules of engagement?" Irma raised her hand.
"Do not fire unless fired upon." Alfred closed his eyes, "anyone else?" when none responded, Alfred, straightened to attention. "Very well, Hunter Battalion!"
Everyone stood up and saluted, "sir!"
"Remember, you are the pride of the United States! Fight bravely, protect your wingman, and above all, complete your mission!"
"Yes, Sir!"
"Remember, the US Army is immortal; that means so long as the US Army lives, so do you!"
"OORAH!" The Battalion sounded off smartly.
"To your TSFs dismissed!" Alfred swept his hand out. Everyone saluted smartly and doubled timed to their machines. Minutes later, Yuuya was inside the hangar. He walked up to the chief mechanic George Washington, an African American from Mississippi. "How's she looking Sargeant?"
George looked at Yuuya and narrowed his eyes. "You're damn lucky I'm the best fucking mechanic in the fleet. I got him calibrated, and don't even get me started on the luck that we had a goddamn Type-74 blade in storage to begin with." George clapped Yuuya on the back.
"Wait, I thought mine was a she?" Yuuya raised a brow.
"Lieutenant Irma's is a she!" George shook his head. "Yours tried to give me shit like my son when he wanted to drop out of college!" George crossed his arms. "Had to smack the shit out of him and this one to get their shit straight!" George barked a laugh. "Lieutenant Irma's was nice and easy and did as she was told, like my baby girl. She's graduating soon and going to work for Boening."
"Your son wanted to join the Army?" Yuuya asked.
"Marines," George grunted, "I tell you, I wish his mother was still around. She'd have straightened him out better than me."
"She died in Europe, right?" Yuuya said somberly.
"Yep, goddamn Laser Class motherfucker." George spat on the ground, his dark brown eyes burning with hatred. "Anyway, you take care out there Bridges." George saluted Yuuya, and Yuuya returned the gesture. Yuuya looked at his Raptor, which had been calibrated to use Type-74 BP blades. Suffice it to say, John and Arthur gave him shit about being a samurai again. What can I say? I found blades are pretty damn helpful when BETA get close and personal.
"Attention Theodore Roosevelt Personnel, the Insurgents have finally released a statement. We will now be playing it for everyone to hear."
Everyone stopped their work and preparations. Yuuya scowled and gripped his Katana tightly. So, their enemy was finally about to declare their intentions. Yuuya thought about Kamchatka and the political BS that got so many killed. I really fucking hate this, Yuuya thought bitterly.
"Attention, my fellow countrymen, I am Captain Sagiri Naoya of the 1st Captial Guard Regiment. As all of you are keenly aware, our country is on the front lines of a war against the adversaries of humanity. Every day, my comrades and I stand guard on the front lines. As we bear witness to the monument of Hive 21, our thoughts are always the same."
The girls all watched the monitor intently. Marimo spared each of her students a glance, as they were keenly affected by these events. But when Marimo looked at Takeru, he was somber. He was scowling, fingers drumming against his bicep. The way he stared intently at Sagiri, one would think he had been personally wounded by him.
"Will they come today? How many will come today? Will I die today? Will we fail today? Will anyone remember me if I die today? All these thoughts and more run through our heads daily. But, even so, we perceive for the sake of our comrades, for the sake of our families, and the honor of the Imperial Japanese Mainland Defense Force!"
On the road to Yokohoma, a lone van sped through the highway. Sakaki leaned in between Ohgi and Tamaki. Eiji as well with arms crossed listened intently. Things only get worse from here. But you knew that when you started this Sagiri. Eiji sighed, looking at his comrades. Their pensive stares said it all; the bloodshed had only just begun.
"My fellow soldiers and officers have taken up arms with this in mind! We believe the Government of Japan has failed those men and women who risk their lives. Worse, they have spit on the name of her Highness the Shogun and the people! Our Government has for too long catered to foreign interests and intelligence agencies. They threatened our very sovereignty as a country with these backroom dealings. They even dare invoke her Highness's name in these dealings, further dividing her will from the peoples! As such, I have taken matters into my own hands to ensure the future of our country. Several members of the Imperial Diet have been found guilty of collusion with foreign powers. These deals involve significant sums of money and political favors. They have been executed for treason. However, their ring leader Prime Minister Sakaki Korechika, has eluded this justice. Henceforth, he is an enemy of the state and is to be apprehended for trial."
"That's enough of that," Marimo turned the monitor off.
Like a spell had been broken, everyone jumped slightly before looking at Marimo. "I know we are all Japanese, and for some of us, the stakes may be personal. But we are also soldiers of the UN 11th Forces. Now, cadets, recite your oath!"
Takeru looked at Marimo, then sighed with a smile. Even now, you're still teaching all of us, Marimo-chan. No, Sargeant Jinguuji. I can't let Sagiri distract me from my main objective. Takeru watched the girls stiffen at attention and recite the oath. Yes, I know why you're doing this, Sagiri. I understand all too well. After all, that man is still lurking behind Yuuhi's shadow. But, while he proves his interest in humankind, you only seek the good of your country. A noble goal, but one that kept interfering with our survival in Seattle. So, for the sake of this planet, Japan, and all the people of this world. I'm going to kill you, Sagiri Naoya. But, don't worry, after you, I'll kill that man too. For Yuuhi, and Meiya!
The girls finished their oath, and brief silence passed over them. Takeru cleared his throat and addressed the girls. "Listen up. I know you are all still trainees, but we have deployment orders." Takeru crossed his arms and looked into each of the girl's eyes. "Command is still organizing the operation, and our deployment area has not been confirmed. But I want you all on standby in your fortified suits. Sargeant Jinguuji, I want you with us out there as well as my second."
Marimo narrowed her eyes and nodded. "Of course, 2nd Lieutenant."
"Good, then everyone get kitted and meet back here. Dismissed!" Takeru straightened at attention and saluted back when the girls saluted first.
The girls and Marimo quickly double-timed to their lockers. Takeru had one more stop before he got ready himself. He walked to the Valkyries briefing room. As expected, he found them there already in their suits.
"Hey, Shirogane, what brings you here?" Mitsuki smirked, crossing her arms.
"Ah, you know me. I can't stay away from Lieutenants Munakata and Kazama."
Misae grinned, and Touko laughed behind her hand. "We missed you as well, Shirogane-kun." Touko bowed her head politely.
"Oi, what about me, Shirogane?" Mitsuki narrowed her eyes at him.
"Ah, you're always with me, 1st Lieutenant." Takeru tapped his thumb over his heart.
"Geh!" Mitsuki blushed and looked away, "you better, ya jerk." She muttered to no one but herself.
"Shirogane, are you joining us again?" Captain Isumi finally cut in.
"Nope, I'm leading the trainees today. They're being deployed, and I'm the rooster watching the chicks. I'm also bringing Sargeant Jinguuji along."
"Ah, so come for a last kiss, Shirogane?" Misae smirked.
"What!?" Akane and Mitsuki jumped up indignantly.
"What?" Takeru raised a brow, "don't you know? The Americans call that the widows kiss. You don't kiss your woman until you come back. I ain't letting you get me killed, Lieutenant Munakata."
"Then be sure to come back to collect on those kisses, Shirogane," Michiro smirked and gave Mitsuki a side glance. Mitsuki caught it and immediately looked away, huffing.
"Yes, Mam!" Takeru smirked and saluted. "Then make sure you all come back. I'm a greedy man, and I want a kiss from all of Odin's Valkyries!"
"Understood!" Michiru slauted back.
"H-hey, I never agreed to this!" Akane shouted indignantly.
"You Casanova Shirogane, hahaha!" Haruko laughed, patting Akane's shoulder. "You'll have to get your kiss from Asakura when she's cleared for duty, though."
"Roger," Takeru laughed and waved the girls goodbye before he left to get ready.
Road to Yokohoma
Ohgi clicked his tongue and looked out his window. "We got company, TSF at 9 o'clock."
"Attention, civilian vehicle, you are entering an active military operation. Turn back immediately." The Shiranui flew down at NOE flight level alongside the highway.
"I got it, Tamaki switch with me." Eiji tapped Tamaki's shoulder, and they fumbled for a bit, getting Eiji on the passenger seat. Then Eiji climbed partway out of the passenger window and waved the TSF down.
"Colonel Iwaya? Please stop the vehicle; I'll land ahead of you." The Shiranui flew ahead before turning and landing on the highway. The van slowed down to stop, and Eiji handed a small device to Ohgi.
"What's that?" Sakaki raised a brow.
"All-spectrum jammer, in case the Eishi proves hostile. Keeps him from activating the slave system on his TSF. Eiji donned his aviators and walked out of the van. He raised his arms above his head crossing them. The Japanese signaled to ask an Eishi to disembark their TSF. The pilot immediately complied and exited his machine, climbing down via the boarding cable.
The pilot walked to Eiji and saluted him. "2nd Lieutenant Tatsumaki Shiro, 100th Armored Battalion of Atsugi Base."
"Lieutenant, may I ask what you and your men are doing here?" Eiji saluted back, then stood at parade rest.
"Sir, we deployed under Captain Iwane's orders to keep the UN forces from intervening until we could establish contact with the government or the Shogun," Shiro responded, standing at parade rest.
"I assume you heard Captain Sagiri's statement?" Eiji narrowed his eyes behind his aviators.
"Sir," Shiro nodded but scowled. "Traitor stripped the Niigata Defense Line bare. The entire 12th Division followed him into this madness."
"Good," Eiji smiled. He closed his hand into a fist before spreading it open behind his back.
Ohgi sighed relieved, "thank fucking god." He turned to Sakaki and gave him a thumbs up. "He's on our side, time to make your appearance Sir."
Sakaki nodded and exited the van through the back. He walked up to Eiji and Shiro, and the Japanse Eishi looked confused for a second before he saluted. "Prime Minister Sakaki!"
"At ease, soldier; I am here requesting an escort to Yokohoma Base." Sakaki crossed his arms behind his back.
"Sir!" Shiro saluted before putting his hand on his headset. "This is Sword 03; I stopped the civilian vehicle and confirmed the passengers' identities. Colonel Iawaya Eiji, and Prime Minister Sakaki. The Prime Minister is requesting an escort to the UN base." Shiro was silent for a moment. "Understood transmitting visual confirmation." Shiro looked at the face of both men. "Copy, I'll provide escort to Yokohoma base. Please alert the Base of our presence."
"Thank you, 2nd Lieutenant; I am in your debt." Sakaki bowed politely to the young Eishi.
"Just doing my job, Sir," Shiro nodded and returned to his TSF. Eiji and Sakaki returned to the van and began their final trek to Yokohoma.
December 3, 2001
HMS Yangtze Ballistic Submarine COSEAN 11th fleet
"Report," Yi-Sun demanded, standing behind the tactical display.
"Captain, both BETA Corps have kept a steady pace. We can keep up, but if we don't speed up the Empire won't have enough warning to prepare." Sun said from her station on the Sonar.
"Yes, but we'll lose track of them, and they could change course at any time." XO Shang added.
Yi-Sun pursed his lips and nodded. He had to make the call now. Speed up, and give the Japanese the warning? Or, keep pace and have accurate movements. "What's the projected time before they make a beach landing?"
"3 days, Captain."
"Follow along for one more day, then we haul ass to warn the Empire," Yi-Sun ordered finally.
"Aye aye Captain!" The crew sounded off smartly.
Yi-Sun patted the side of the tactical display. My dear Yangtze, hold fast, for I will demand more of you soon.
The first part of the Coup is here! Next chapter some characters will collide, and the confrontations will start in earnest. The Yangtze crew as well continue their race against the BETA. Stay tuned for part 2! Once again, I thank all of you for reading and thank you for the reviews. It does me heart good to know my work is enjoyed!