Infinite Stratos: Digital Prototype (I don't own Infinite Stratos)

Thin Red Line pt. 2

I paced around the room worried, agitated, angry, and sad. The list could go on for awhile. I sat on the couch, which I had made back into the couch and ran my fingers through my abnormally long hair. "Okay, you need to take a minute and get yourself under control, now! You're going to start freaking people out, especially Char." I told myself, taking a deep breath and leaning back on the couch. I heard steps coming this way and started to mentally panic, I'm not ready to face anybody right, especially her! I looked out of the small window behind the couch and saw Orimura walking towards Char and I's room. I sat down and looked at the wall opposite to me, trying to get my head straight before having to explain things. Like why I knew that IS and freaked out. My subconscious brought up. I mentally glared and dragged myself back on track, organizing and cleaning my mental slate. I got up and opened the door when Orimura knocked, letting her in and shutting the door as soon as she was in. "Is there anything you want to tell me about what happened on the beach, Altec." She asked, but it was more like a statement. I sighed, motioning to the table in invitation as I walked to the small kitchenette, "Do you want anything? This might take a while." I said, grabbing two cups and setting them on the table. "Whatever you've got is fine," She said. I reached into a hidden pocket on my suitcase and pulled out a small cooler, handing her a small drink from my alcohol stash. "I don't care if you don't drink it, but I'm going to for deniability if this conversation gets out." I said, opening the can and downing half quickly. She gave me a look that said, "We'll talk about this later" before opening the offered can and joining me in drinking. "Where should I start, it goes back pretty far." I informed her. She looked at me, "The beginning, so I can get the full picture." She said, taking another sip. I nodded and did the same, "Okay, it all started after my parents agreed to let the government have custody of me." I began…

(Flashback)

"I was ten at the time, walking around the base I would come to call home for the next five years. I was supposed to meet with my instructors so that they could begin training me before moving onto IS based tactics. Since I was still new around the base, not to mention young, I was hopelessly lost and somehow made my way into a restricted area, where they were testing people for IS compatibility. Men and women from every branch of the military were there, undergoing the preset battery of tests designed to tell if you were compatible for IS. As expected, the men weren't testing positive and most of the women were, except for a select few that were led out with the rest of the men. I had watched as one of the girls results ended up being off the charts and there was a lot of excited chatter, something about a person meeting the set requirements. I wanted to hear more before I was found by my instructor and dragged out of the room, being reprimanded and told never to go there again. I never went back there again, fearing what would happen. It wasn't until about… two weeks later that the girl that had tested extremely high was found unconscious after hooking herself up to an experimental IS, not understanding what that IS was. The IS she was hooked up to is now known as Silver Gospel. Five years ago, it was known around the base by everyone that could pilot as the 'Pilot Killer.' It was compatible with basically anyone that could pilot, but it was in a set attack style. Whenever someone was placed into Gospel, it never changed to match a pilot's style. The pilot had to match the Gospel's fighting style or the pilot was removed from the IS and given a normal Uchigane like back at the Academy. So, as expected. Most pilots tried to either make Gospel conform to them, or conform to Gospel during their time as its pilot. Those that tried to make Gospel conform were usually found either brain dead or completely dead. Normally completely dead, which doctors would say was caused by high voltage and heavy nerve damage from Gospel herself. Yes she, Gospel had a… personality. I was selected to try Gospel once. I connected with her and brought her online. She was immediately in my mind, sifting through everything in my head. I brought up mental walls, which Prototype reinforced with his own resolve. Gospel was displeased with another IS in the system and attacked Prototype. I connected with Prototype and together we fought her off, barely. After we fought her off, I was pulled out of the system by one of the scientists. Gospel went into standby and I fell to my knees, shaking from aftershocks of the attack. When I was swarmed by scientists, spouting questions at me rapidly, all I could say was "That IS should be destroyed, it'll never take a pilot. And you'll just get more people killed trying." After that I passed out and was taken to the medical ward where I spent the next three days unconscious. During that time, Prototype and I talked and got to know each other and formed a bond. Prototype didn't understand why I had connected with him instead of Gospel, since she was the more advanced and desired option. I could only answer him with, "We chose each other. I'm not turning my back on someone that would die for me."

After the three days, and a small amount of recovery time, I was ordered back into Gospel, since apparently I had had the best connection with Gospel. My instructors were livid, but orders are orders. So, under orders, my instructors brought me to Gospel and connected me to her yet again. I sighed and looked at the scientists, "If I die this time, it's on your hands. Hope your data collection is worth my life." None of them looked me in the eye after that. I connected to Gospel and she immediately pounced on me, trying to repeat what happened last time, so I threw up my walls. I had talked with Prototype beforehand, asking him to wait and watch before jumping in this time. He had, of course, protested this since it was dangerous to my health. I was adamant and he reluctantly agreed. I held her off from my mind for a while, all the while trying to talk her down and initiate conversation. All she said was, "Looking for connection… no connection found... Looking for connection…" And she repeated it over and over in a chant almost. I pulled myself back from my walls, letting them weaken a little and watched as she pushed all the harder, trying to force her way in. Meanwhile outside, the scientists were chattering and conversing excitedly, amazed that I was connecting so well with Gospel that they didn't notice Prototype had manifested and was standing guard next to me, a hand over me protectively. My instructors had immediately freaked out, but when he did nothing else, they took a more vested interest in what was going on. Back inside my head, I was just a little ways from dropping my walls completely to Gospel, having weakened Gospel's attack to tolerable levels when I was pulled out of the connection and the last thing I heard was, "No, don't leave me! Please!" before I was completely removed from the connection and fell into Prototype's waiting hand. I gasped, pulling air into my lungs greedily as the scientists turned to bombard me with questions and noticed Prototype in the hangar. They were quiet for about a minute in which I quietly thanked Prototype as he laid me on the ground and he then returned to standby. I stood and looked at them, "How many pilots have you connected to this IS?" They looked at each other before one of them spoke up, "About 20 or so, but none of them have had the results you are getting." I looked at the one who spoke, "That IS is scared of losing another pilot for whatever reason, probably because you remove them from the program before they could fully connect. Is there a way to talk to the IS without connection?" I asked, breathing hard. Another pointed at a console in the corner, dusty from non-use. "Could you connect it to this IS? I have something to say to her." I said, not caring about the use of 'her' as a description. A couple technicians were summoned to connect the station and I thanked them as they left, walking over to the keyboard and typing up a simple message: "I was pulled out of the system, I'll be back soon." I sent the message and heard Gospel groan, and I looked over to see Gospel's helm had turned to look at me. I waved at her and she groaned again, sounding pleased somehow. This time, Gospel didn't return to standby, but stood proudly in the hangar as I was taken to the medical ward for a full physical after my prolonged connection with the 'Pilot Killer' IS. As I was helped out of the hangar I heard one of the scientists mutter, "Amazing, I've never seen this IS respond so, eagerly. I dare say." I stopped the entourage helping me out and turned to look at the scientist, "She'd prefer if you'd call her Gospel, helps if you know the name of the person you're working with or so I've heard." I called. The scientist looked at me, "Yeah, right kid. Machines that have personalities and names. And aliens are real, too." At that, Gospel turned her helm to look at the scientist and growled, literally growled at him. "Oh, by the way. She's got quite a temper too. Try not to make her too unhappy with you."

At this, Orimura stopped me, giving me an incredulous look. "You really think I'll believe that. An IS that had personality, not to mention sentience. That's crazy!" She said, looking me in the eye. My eyes didn't lie, just like I wasn't. "That IS, after being connected to a good, 20-30 people, began to develop a sentience based off of other people's emotions and thoughts, not to mention a hate for us. I was one of the first to fight back and look at her as more than just another machine. So, she gave me a chance. Now, where was I?" I asked, having lost my place mentally. "You just told off a scientist after connection for a second time with Gospel." She supplied, and I nodded. "Well, as promised, I came back as soon as I could. Which was two days later, after I was cleared for IS use again since I was mentally exhausted from my stand against Gospel.

(Return to Flashback)

"I'm ready." I said, finishing strapping in for my connection to Gospel. The scientist in charge nodded to my statement and motioned for the person responsible for the connection to begin. I closed my eyes and let the connection wash over me, ready for another assault, but was greeted by a scene in front of me instead of the usual blackness. Green rolling hills and a lone tree standing on the crest of a hill next to me was what I took in at first, then I noticed a figure standing under the tree waving their arms to get my attention. I instinctually raised my arm in acknowledgement before making my way up the small hill. As I crested the hill, I noticed that it was night and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I looked at the figure and somehow knew that it was Gospel. She smiled at me, perfect teeth shining in the moonlight and silver hair flowing in the warm breeze. I sat next to her, looking around and remarked, "Well, this is better than being assaulted as soon as I connect." I immediately looked at her, noticing that she was… blushing?! I smiled at her, "How are you, Gospel? Sorry I couldn't come sooner. There was a lot of questions and things to answer after last time we joined." I said, drawing her attention away from the last two times we had connected. "It's alright, I'm feeling great now that you're here, Zeke." She said, looking at me as I looked at her, confused. "How'd you know my name? I never told you that." "I picked it up when we first connected before you pushed me out. Hey! On the topic of the first time we met, where's your partner? I'd like to meet him now that I'm sane again." She asked, smiling and looking around. I connected to Prototype, trying to draw him out with us, but he refused and cut the connection. "Huh, I don't think he wants to come out right now. Not sure why, though." I said, shrugging. She frowned, "Ahh, I just wanted to apologize for the last time we met, I wasn't exactly nice to him when I first felt your connection to him. Could you tell him that for me, if you get the chance?" She asked, looking over at me. "Yeah, I can do that for you." I said, bringing a smile to her face. She hugged me, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She released me from the hug, "Sorry, I just haven't met another IS, ever." She said, the smile falling from her face. I waved it off, "It's alright. He's just protective, the reason he jumped in during our first connection." I said. She smiled at me, I smiled back. "Hey, by any chance could you tell me the time?" I asked, wondering how much more time I had before I had to disconnect. She got a thoughtful look on her face before saying, "It's currently 10:03 a.m. Why'd you ask?" "I was told to disconnect at 10:20 since people are still wary of you." I replied, bringing a confused look to her face, "Why are they wary of me? Did I do something wrong?" She asked, not knowing that she had killed or injured more than 20 people. I took a breath, letting out and saying, "In the real world, you've hurt a lot of people, the reason a lot of the people haven't returned to see you again. Some of the people assigned to work with you are scared of what could happen to me if something goes wrong while I'm connected to you. I'm not, but they still are." I said, not looking at her. Her face distorted into a horrified look, realizing what I was saying. "I hurt those people that came before you? And you still connected to me?" She said, looking at me. I shrugged, "At first, I didn't want to. But I was assigned to try and work with you, so I was connected to you anyway. When I came back out after the first connection, I apparently had done better with you than any of the other pilots, so when I recovered, they hooked me back up and we connected the second time." I said, explaining things to her. "Pilots? What do you mean, Pilots?" She said. I connected to Prototype again, asking him to at least connect with me, which he did. "The reason people are trying to connect with you, is because in the real world you were built to be operated by us humans. You're sentience is making people uncomfortable since it's never happened before on this scale." I said, watching her. "So, I'm an IS too?" She asked, looking down. I nodded, "Yes, and you're one of the most powerful I've ever seen." I said, bringing up a mental picture of her real form and showing it to her. "This is you in my world." I said, pointing at the picture now in her hands.

I enlarged a part of it, mentally focusing on where the pilot would sit, "I'm right here now, connected to you which is allowing me to join you in this," I said, gesturing around us. "Why are you in there?" She asked, pointing at the cockpit, I gestured and another photo appeared, this time of a Uchigane. "We, as humans, are quite fragile without things to protect us. We are always trying to find things to protect ourselves from harm and from other humans. To better protect ourselves, we create other items that can and use them." I said, explaining how the first IS was created and the uproar that caused in the real world. She seemed to be listening to me, nodding and asking questions. "So, why was I created? From what I can tell, you humans need protection, but you can't protect yourself from other humans?" I nodded at her facts, letting her know that she had her facts correct before answering. "You, Silver Gospel, were made to combat other IS, and larger groups of enemies, whatever they might be." I said, exposing her to her purpose. "That's the reason you were created so powerful compared to this," I said, gesturing to the Uchigane. She nodded, "So, I'm a threat deterrent, then." She summed up, looking at me. I thought about it, "From what I've been told, yes. You are to be a deterrent from other countries attacking us, even if we've agreed to not attack each other with IS." I replied. "People, mainly males like me, are afraid of what an IS can do since basically no male can pilot one. I'm an exception since I can somehow. Females are the only humans that can pilot IS based on compatibility." I said, gesturing to myself, then to her to show the differences in gender. "We are afraid of what IS like you can do, because we don't truly understand you." I said, looking at her. She nodded, understanding. "It's 10:30, you should go." She said, standing. I stood as well, handing her a paper with some numbers written on it. "That's my personal phone number. Message me when you want to do this again, or if you have any questions. Alright?" I asked, stretching. She nodded, smiling at me. "Thanks Zeke, I will. See you later!" She said as I began to disconnect. "We should try doing something in the real world sometime, if you're up to it." I said, halting the process for a bit. She grinned, "I'd like that, give me a chance to flex my wings. I think you'd say." She said, I laughed, "Yeah that sounds about right. Message me to make sure that we can talk when I disconnect, alright?" I asked, starting the process again, looking at her. "Alright, I will." She called after me as I was pulled out of the connection. I opened my eyes to see everyone looking at me as I unstrapped and climbed down from Gospel's cockpit. "Do you know how long you were in there?" One of the scientists asked, looking at me wide eyed. I scratched my head, "A half hour, as ordered. Right?" I asked, looking around. The scientist looked at me and shook his head, "You were connected for 3 and a half hours. It's 1:30 in the afternoon." He said, looking at me. I looked at Gospel, who seemed to give off an embarrassed aura. "Then I was misinformed of the time, I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused." I apologized to the staff that were currently checking my data from the past three hours." "It didn't, since we were planning to see how good your endurance was while connected to her, but you seem like you could have gone even longer than this by the looks of you." My instructor said, gesturing to me as I stood, breathing normally and standing strong. I just smiled, "Well, I did get to sit under the stars with a pretty woman for three and a half hours instead of fight her off." I said as I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I motioned for everyone to wait and pulled my phone out, seeing a message from an unregistered number. The message read: "I hope this worked, Zeke. It's Gospel just in case you don't know." I held up my phone for all to see the message. "If you didn't believe me about her before, this is more than enough to convince you of her sentience." I said, gesturing to Gospel's form. I watched as people connected the dots and their jaws dropped in shock. I grinned, "Now if you excuse me, I have a doctor to see." I said as I walked out of the hangar on my way to the medical ward for my post connection physical. I messaged Gospel back, saying: "Yeah, Gospel. It worked perfectly, good job." I put my phone back into my pocket and stepping into the medical ward. I remembered my promise and mentally connected to Prototype, "Just so you know, she wanted to apologize for earlier. And actually meet you on good terms for once." I told him, letting it set in as I followed the doctor's instructions.

"I had formed a connection to Gospel as a friend instead as a pilot. I had to form the bond with Prototype since we had a quiet, rushed first meeting." I said with a grin on my face. Orimura looked at me, her face revealed nothing, but her eyes gave away her hidden shocked expression. I finished my drink and crushed the can, setting it in the cooler for disposal later. Orimura finished off hers and it too was crushed and in my cooler before I closed it and placed it back in my suitcase. "You're welcome to this, all you have to do is ask." I said, meaning the alcohol. "I only use it when I have to talk about things like this, gives me plausible deniability of choosing to do it." I said, zipping up the hidden pocket and sitting back down. "I didn't connect with her for a while after that three hour ride. The docs wanted to keep me under observation to be sure I was alright before letting me back in with Gospel. During that time of watch, I conversed with Gospel on a number of different topics ranging from the differences between her and other IS to trivial topics like how my day was and what it was like in the real world since she couldn't experience it like I could. I also got Prototype and Gospel to talk to each other and they were able to become friends, thankfully. I was cleared after another three days of doctors. I was excited to connect with Gospel again, so was Prototype. Which was a first." I said.

(Return to Flashback)

I had just turned 11 and the base was throwing a party for me. Well, they made me an actual meal and told me 'Happy Birthday!' before moving on. I enjoyed it and that brought up the topic of birthdays and the difference between IS and human birthdays with Gospel. I did my best to explain with my limited knowledge on both subjects. She was intrigued and I helped her learn more by letting a couple of other people who were more knowledgeable in those subjects explain things for me and answer more questions that she had. I was just glad to see that other people were taking to Gospel like I had, but I was still the only one she would connect with. I was talking with Gospel when we got the news that we had been cleared to operate outside of the hangar. In other words, I'd been deemed worthy by the higher-ups to operate their weaponized IS at full functionality. I was ecstatic and shared the news with Gospel, who shared my enthusiasm. I explained to her that I had to be in the real world for this to work properly, since I'd have to see what was going on. She agreed with me and was alright with connecting fully like usual before, then allowing me back into the real world with a connection to her since it was required. I explained the plan to the rest of the crew, who agreed fully, saying that; "That would probably be best for her, since it'll be a new experience for her." I was fitted with Gospel's standby form, a white bracelet with an angel charm hanging from it along with a sword and shield charm. It was new, having three voices in my head, now that I was linked to Gospel by her standby form like Prototype was linked to me. She was at first unsure of what was going on, but I reassured her that it was alright. "This form makes it easier for us to move around without having to move your IS form around." I explained, mentally showing her what she looked like now instead of her IS form. She approved of it, chuckling at the charms of her standby. I walked to our map room, which was full of different maps showing a multitude of different things, like topography and geography. She was intrigued and connected with the nearby holographic table and pulling up the same maps as were spread out around the room. This of course, caught the attention of passing people who stopped in and watched as I explained things she had questions on, like what states, nations and continents were. I explained to her what these were and the differences between them, pulling the specific pieces and parts up from the map data in the table and used the U.S as an example for the states, then pulling up a world map and showing her the different nations, like the U.S, Europe, Britain, Russia and China along with Japan. For continents, I used the same map and divided the continents up and split them to show for references. She soaked the information up and was able to make sense of it easily. I would smile at her as she was able to use this information to answer more questions without having to ask. People that would come in would ask questions of different topics about landforms and the differences between two different landforms, even if they knew it themselves. She would pull up what data she would need and explain it to them neatly, efficiently and quickly. She was also able to use the table to project herself onto it, allowing others to see what I had before. They would greet her as they would enter and give her a goodbye when they left. I gave her applause as she finished with the last person to enter before we were to rest for the following day, the day we were going to take flight. "I'm so excited about tomorrow," I told the IS as I was walking towards the dorms. I could feel their excitement too, though, not as much from Prototype as Gospel. I fell asleep listening to Prototype and Gospel discussed flight strategies and the differences of their frames and how this would affect their flight characteristics compared to each other. I let them feel my amusement at their conversation as I fell asleep to both of them chatting about different IS related topics. The last thing I remember from that night was thinking, "Those two would be cute together," to which I was greeted by embarrassment from Gospel and confusion from Prototype before awkwardness and...anger?

I awoke to a quiet mind, nervousness and excitement from Gospel while Prototype was flashing different things in my mind of what to do and 'how to's to which I chuckled, "We've flown before Prototype, why do I need to see these?" He flared annoyance and explained that, since her frame was extremely different from his, there would be differences that might come up that hadn't during our flight. I nodded my acceptance and we discussed differences all the way to the hangar. I knew there would be a crowd, but there was some faces I didn't recognize in said crowd. Before I introduced myself to everyone, I ducked into the crowd to try and figure out who our mystery guests were. I was able to learn that they were from Israel, the co-creator of Gospel. "Hey Gospel. Can you form a holo of yourself here when I introduce us?" I asked, feeling both the IS's confusion. "So that they have someone to talk to instead of me being a go between for you and them." I answered their confusion. Gospel checked and affirmed that she could before I stepped out of the crowd and walked to the tech crew along with the medical crew and scientists who would be monitoring everything. "Are we ready to go?" I asked, leaning against the tent support they had set up outside for best observation and response if something went wrong. "Yeah, Zeke. We're ready, are you guys ready?" They asked. Gospel popped out on my shoulder, "Yeah, we are." She answered. I nodded and we walked to the center of the hangar. I cleared my throat, gathering everyone's attention. "Hello. I welcome you all here. I'm Private Altec, your IS pilot for today's viewing and test flight. They nodded and said their greetings before I gathered everyone's attention as Gospel made her holo grow to be as tall as I was and stood next to me. Everyone immediately focused on her, and I made the introduction for everyone. "Gentlemen, this is Silver Gospel. Gospel, this is the leaders of the countries that created you." I said as Gospel looked at each of them, "Nice to meet you all in person, or as close as this can get anyway." Gospel greeted, slightly embarrassed. They made their introductions and I looked back at them, "Before her and I take flight, is there any questions you may have for either of us?" I asked. One man raised his hand, an Israeli. "Yes Sir," I said, acknowledging him. "Yes, hello again. This is for Silver Gospel." He turned to her, "What made you choose Private Altec over the rest of the pilots that were selected as compatible for you?" He asked. I looked over at her, also curious. "At first, I was the standard IS A.I, ready to carry out what commanded, but I had a small part of me that was slightly… emotional, I guess. When I would pair with the previous pilots, I would greet them like always, giving my designation and asking for their command. My first test pilot was quite, picky. She had a set way of doing things, but my programming was set in a completely different pattern, so we were unable to sync properly. She tried to override the programming and I would tell them that I couldn't do that. The first and the next five pilots were the same, unable or unwilling to sync with my programming and they were dismissed. The seventh pilot, she was one of the first who tried to sync with my programming, and was probably the first that was able to, but her preferences weren't useable with my presets and since I can't change my presets to match, she was dismissed as well. The first fatality was my eighth test pilot, who was obnoxious and rude. This triggered my emotional programming, if it was programming, to come into play and I reacted, not knowing what I was doing would affect the pilot themselves. I hadn't realized what had been happening and when pilots like the eighth would show up, they would end up with varying degrees of damage, whether physical, mental, or complete failure resulting in their demise. Others tried to change my core programming, but it backfired, killing my forty-ninth pilot when she tried to change my programming mentally instead of through a computer like normal. Private Altec, however, was connected and I reacted as usual, filtering through his mind to figure out what he would do, but he did something the others didn't, he threw blocks between him and myself. He had help from his IS, Digital Prototype. Detecting this new IS and deducing it was a new attempt to change my programming, I lashed out at his IS, figuring that removing the IS would remove Private Altec from me since it would ruin his plan. Instead of letting me remove his IS, Altec joined with his IS and fought me off. I hate to say it, not without heavy damage themselves. Altec fell unconscious after the crew pulled him from the system and he was in this state for three days, during which I used what data was pulled from him and his IS while they were connected and learned what I could of them. What didn't escape my notice was that they had acted defensively instead of offensively like I had thought they were. I was unsure as to why, and unaware of what had happened to Private Altec. So I was surprised when I feel the Private reconnecting to my systems. I react as usual, moving into his mind and searching for whatever plan was concocted this time, but all the time searching for a point to connect to as well. I was giving him a chance when I couldn't find anything when he raised his walls again. I didn't detect the IS this time and deduced that I must have damaged it well enough to put it out of action. I attacked his walls, trying to break through. This of course, caused strain on Private Altec himself and he was forced to slowly lower his walls. He, and I gathered this after we were connected and talked things over that he wasn't weakening, but allowing me more freedom into his consciousness. I felt the usual sequence start to pull him out and he felt, reluctant to leave himself. I called out for him to not leave, but he was pulled out. I thought that was it before I received a message, which was obviously from Altec, telling me that he was unwillingly pulled and would recover before returning to me. He recovered, not unconscious this time, and returned three days later and we started this partnership during the third connection. I had felt in the second connection that he wasn't looking at me as just another machine, but he was giving me freedom, if I'd give him some. We compromised and I later met his IS. We've been working together with Altec and developing this three-way partnership and are ready to demonstrate it here to all of you today." She finished her long explanation, shedding light on her reasons and the fact that she hadn't understood what she had done. I looked back to the crowd to see a lot of thoughtful faces, and one farther in the back, but he radiated anger. "Is there something wrong, sir? Or do you need clarification of something from Gospel's explanation." I asked, drawing the rest of the hangar's attention as I put this person in the spotlight. He stepped forward, "I too, have tested positive in the ability to use IS. May I?" He asked, revealing to me that another male was positive in the ability of IS usage. He gestured to Gospel's bracelet, obviously asking me for it. I looked up at him and answered, "That's not up to me, sir. You'll have to ask her about that." I said, gesturing to Gospel's holo. He gave me a look before turning to Gospel and repeating his question. I looked at Gospel, mentally saying, "If you don't want to, tell him. It's alright if you do or don't, I am glad to have met you and been able to help you through this." She gave it a good thinking, then asked, "How do you fight? When you've used an IS, which I can tell you have done, how did you fight with them?" He listed off an attack type, mainly CQC. "That doesn't fit my attack style type, I'm afraid. I'm sorry, but I must decline." She said, shaking her head. The man seemed angry that she had refused him and made a grab for the bracelet on my left arm. I had caught the motion out of the corner of my eye, but was too slow to react, but Proto wasn't. He materialized his IS arm over her bracelet, blocking the man from reaching her. He looked at me, "REMOVE YOUR IS, NOW!" He demanded. I was still shocked it had happened. "I can't, sir." I replied, wide eyed. He gave me a look of pure hatred before looking for Prototype's standby form. "What is your IS's standby form? And where is it located?" He demanded, twisting me left and right, looking for a necklace or other piece of jewelry. "Prototype's standby form is a tattoo located on my left shoulder blade on my back." I informed him, pulling the shirt down to show him said tattoo. At this, he let loose what was most definitely curses in Israeli. One of my CO's looked at me, silently questioning me on the truth of my statement. I looked back at him, nothing but the truth behind my eyes. He nodded and said something to the man standing next to him. The man locked eyes with me and seeing my conviction, said something to my CO before saying something to the man who was still yelling in front of me. The man turned and shouted something at him, who was apparently his CO. The man's CO's eyes narrowed before he said something that cowed the man immediately. Then the Israeli's CO turned to me and said, "Young man, can you ask your IS to remove his arm so that we can discuss this, all of us." He said, meaning the IS's as well. I asked Proto to return and deploy his holo and reassured Gospel that we'd protect her. She mentally agreed and returned to everyone's sight, saying; "Just like pilot forty-nine." At that, the man's eyes widened and he turned white and shivered, even though it was a decent 75 degrees in the hangar. I asked everyone to follow me, leading them to the Map Room, which was now devoid of any paper maps thanks to Gospel. I directed everyone into the room, taking my place as the center of the room by the table as the rest took seats in the university classroom style room, just more comfortable. I asked the IS to display on the table verbally so that everyone would know what I was asking. Gospel appeared on the table, hands behind her back. Prototype took a little longer, but appeared next to Gospel in a similar stance. I was about to say something when I heard one of the general's whisper; "Reminds me of the Academy, sitting here." Without thinking, I said; "Well sir, pay attention. Class is about to start." I grinned and the room erupted in laughter. I looked at Gospel's avatar, "Gospel, could you give us a description of what your attack style is? Visuals would be helpful." I added, taking full advantage of the holographic capabilities of the room. "Certainly, allow me to enlighten you all to myself." She said, drawing a small laugh out of the room. She started by describing her frame and how it was built with speed, maneuverability, and toughness. "My frame is very hard to come by as those three characteristics aren't usually all together in one frame. So yes, while I do have the speed and maneuverability for a CQC IS, I'm also a tank, built to take hits while dealing massive amounts of damage in return." She clarified, bringing up schematics and data along with a model of her frame, pointing out each piece that allowed her to have all three of these characteristics. She pointed to her 'angel wings' as the rest of the base had dubbed them, "These, enable me to reach my high maneuverability and speeds, and my highest firepower concentration is located here as well." She highlighted the material her frame was made of. It had a complicated and long name I won't try to pronounce, but she continued on; "This material is similar to the Dragon Skin from the early 2000's, used on troops when the U.S was overseas in Iraq. But it was made from a tougher material while not sacrificing weight. It's still lightweight, but can take a harder hit as well. This is the biggest part of what makes me able to have all three characteristics listed earlier." She said. "And since I have reached my first shift. I'm basically locked in this frame, since a second shift has never been reported or unlocked." She added, gazing at each person in the room. "This is what makes Gospel so hard to use, since she has already reached first shift and a second is unlikely to happen." I included, cluing everyone in to the impossibility of usage. "While most people would scrap an IS like this and start over, due to the hardship of finding a pilot willing and/or able to match Gospel's style. I suggest not, one because of her sentience, and two, because she is useful." I said. Everyone nodded their agreement, except for the guy from earlier.

I gestured to Prototype, "Your turn, buddy." I said. He nodded at me and accessed his data and schematics. "Due to my similar attack style, Altec can pilot both of us. And while Gospel's weaponry is designed for widespread destruction, I'm a more fluid attack style. While I'd prefer ranged attacks over CQC battles, I can engage in both fluidly. I'm a customizable frame that is fluid in my styles due to my similarity to the French second generation frame, the Raphael Revive. The Revive is designed to be able to exchange attack types, it also can fit different styles, user's personal preference, if I may say so." He said, then Prototype continued; "While I am similar to the Revive in frame, that's where I stop in similarities. I was built with a core that is almost twice as powerful as the Revive's standard core, allowing me to have more powerful bus slot fillers without sacrificing more bus slots to use heavier fillers like the Revive has to." He informed. I nodded my thanks to him and stepped back to the table, leaning on it. "The reason I'm having them do this is to show the reason I'm able to pilot both. I too, prefer long range combat to CQC. And like Prototype said, Gospel is widespread, while Prototype is a more precise destruction. But Gospel can focus most of her firepower in a smaller direction, shrinking the destruction amount or focus fire on a group of anything really. Gospel is what I like to call, 'Anti-everything' while Prototype is a more 'Anti-IS, Anti-Personnel unit. If it ever came to those, that is." I added. "Now, if there aren't any more questions, I have a flight to make." I said, waiting for someone to ask before walking out of the room. I was followed by the crowd and we were joined by more people as word spread that I was going to fly. I walked into the hangar and was met by most of the base personnel waiting for me. I waved and smiled as the hangar erupted into sound. Cheers and whistling filled the air as I walked towards the doors leading out of the hangar and the freedom that was the sky. I could feel Gospel's wings aching to feel the wind and her excitement and nervousness. I reassured her and we came to a stop outside the hangar doors.

I called Gospel and she formed around my body, adjusting to my size as her frame materialized from wherever it goes. I felt the connection begin and strengthen as we synced with each other and I let a smile onto my face as I felt her power fill my mind, her capabilities coming into focus and becoming my own as we synced. As soon as we were connected and ready to fly, a challenger approached us. I looked at the Uchigane as it flew towards us and focused on the pilot, "It's the Israeli from before," I said as everyone else took notice of the IS in front of me now. "What are you doing?" I asked, publicly so everyone could hear me. The Israeli pulled the IS's sword and took a swing at me, I ducked underneath it and closed the distance between us. I grabbed his wrist and latched on and tossed him away from the hangar, protecting the VIP's inside. "I'll ask again, what are you doing?" I said, looking at the IS in front of me. I mentally discusses options with Gospel while watching the IS get back on its feet. "Try these, they're the least powerful weaponry I have," Gospel said, highlighting said weaponry. I agreed and powered up the weapons, hearing the hum of the energy building up as I tried one last time, "Last time I'll ask, what is your plan here?" I asked. He just charged again, so I fired. The bolts of energy hit the Uchigane and pushed it back to where it had landed after my toss and then some. The Uchigane went into its standby phase and kneeled. The Israeli tried in vain to force the IS to move, but it sat unresponsive. He screamed his frustration, being trapped in the IS till someone unlocked it from its safety measures. I walked the distance between us and picked up the locked IS, and jetted us back to base, landing right where this started, in front of the hangar. I set the IS down and landed Gospel between it and the hangar as the VIP's swarmed out under my protective stance. Gospel's wings were raised high, making it look larger and more intimidating. "How hard did you hit him?" One of the tech's asked. I answered, my eyes never leaving the IS. "It was the weakest weaponry available outside of using my fists." I answered, crossing my arms. "Well, he's out cold. Probably from the double impact." Another replied. I shrugged, "As long as he's alive, I'm okay with it."

(Return to Present)

"I never piloted Silver Gospel again. She understood my reasons behind it and we said our goodbyes as they brought her to the techs and I never saw her again. I figured they had locked her away until we had need of her. But seeing her again shook me up, something about seeing her form again bothered me. And I don't know why that is." I said, looking down as I finished my story/explanation. "But this Silver Gospel is named Silvario Gospel, and it is also unmanned." Orimura said, trying to make sense of this. Then Orimura had a thought, "How fast could she fly?" She asked out of the blue. I thought back, trying to remember, then I did, "She could fly about as fast as any of ours, except for Houki's Akatsubaki. Akatsubaki is faster than Gospel. Why?" I asked, intrigued as to where she was going with this. "Well, then this isn't your Gospel then." She answered with a smile, "This Gospel is flying nearly supersonic, and Akatsubaki is the only one that can catch up." I breathed a sigh of relief, glad that this had been cleared up. "It is American and Israeli built though, just like Gospel. From what I know, it's basically a supercharged version of her." Orimura said, and my smile disappeared. "So they upgraded her with a newer version, after they sealed her away. Heartless bastards," I muttered the last part. Orimura stood, signaling me to do the same and follow her as we walked out of my room, after I grabbed a small bag from my suitcase. I followed Orimura to a decent sized hut, holding the door like a gentleman and ushered Orimura inside and followed her in, pausing to open the bag and slip its contents out of the bag and into my pocket. I walked in to find the rest of the group sitting there already. Char looked at me, worried before I flashed her a smile and thumbs up and following Orimura's instructions to join her in front of a holographic table. I smiled at the memory and slipped my hand into my pocket. "Altec has had firsthand experience with the IS that this one is based off of. So he will be filling you in on all the details and answering any questions about this IS." Orimura informed the group, nodding to me to begin. I nodded and took a step forward into the holographic table. "Could you pull up any and all data that we have on the mystery IS and display it here?" I asked the tech sitting at a computer station. She looked at Orimura, who nodded and the tech displayed my requested data. "Alright, here's what I can tell you about the IS from what I know of the original Gospel. Their speed and maneuverability is above par, even for most third-gen IS. I'm not completely sure on whether or not Akatsubaki can match it in speed or maneuverability, since I'm not familiar with its stats like the Gospel's…" as I said this, a window popped up, displaying Akatsubaki's data. I nodded my thanks and compared the two. "Alright, update on the speed and maneuverability comparison. Akatsubaki can match the speed, but not the maneuverability of this IS as of yet." I said, looking at Houki as I said this. "What about firepower? Can either of us match or beat it?" Laura asked. I shook my head, "No, no one could have matched the original's firepower today, but this IS can and may have gained a little more." I said, catching everyone off guard with that statement. "Well, I shouldn't say that. You, Ichika, can match it when you use your one-off ability, but that only lasts as long as your shielding does." Everyone gasped at the news, and Ichika became the center of attention before I cleared my throat and continued, "This IS was created as a deterrent from IS attack during the beginning of the second-gen IS revolution from the first-gen IS's. I had the pleasure of working with the original Gospel, and its armor, speed, maneuverability and damage output far outweigh anything we could throw at it. This new Gospel, however, is even faster, more maneuverable, higher firepower and probably tougher armor than the original. As far I knew at the time when I was working with the first Gospel, the only weakness was its lack of CQC weapons besides its own two fists. Looking at this data, its CQC capabilities are unknown so that may have changed. The Gospel I knew was a manned version, with a slightly unstable A.I due to its somewhat bloody history with pilots. I was the first, and last of the pilots that could sync and use the Gospel at its full potential, even if I only got a taste of its power." I informed everyone, holding my free hand up and holding my pointer and thumb a little ways apart from each other as a visual. "So you actually piloted the original version of that thing?" Rin asked, pointing at the displayed model of the Gospel. I grinned, "Oh no, it was worse than that. I didn't just pilot the original, I was its only friend." I replied. Of course, no one took me seriously on that part and laughed at what they thought was a joke, except for Orimura and I. I looked at her and patted my pocket, then winked and pulled out a silver bracelet with two charms on it, an angel and a sword and shield. Orimura's jaw dropped when she laid eyes on what I had in my hand, then looked at me confused. "It's my best kept secret yet," I said, slipping on the bracelet as everyone continued to laugh. I walked over to Orimura and whispered loud enough to hear over the laughter, "Mind bringing everyone outside after they finish? I'd like to catch up with an old friend." I asked, smiling at her. She waved me out the door, giving me permission. I bowed respectfully to her and walked out as the sound of laughter grew quieter till the door shut, but I was already gone.

"Welcome back, Gospel. It's good to see you again," I said as I stepped out the door and took off, Gospel's familiar form appeared around me as we took the flight we never got the chance to four years ago. I felt her probe my mind till she was sure it was me that was talking with her, then her joy flooded my senses and I cried tears of joy as we met again after four years of silence. Much of it because I couldn't exactly wear her bracelet around at the base. She took notice that we were flying and we enjoyed the sensations of flying in the warm breeze under the stars. I felt her unspoken joy and amazement of her first flight and remembered back when I felt that same feeling as my own with Prototype. "How… Why… When…?" She tried to ask me, but the questions were just all trying to be said at once so I answered her. "How? I had a false copy made that would pass the IS scanners. When? Right after I found out that you were to be stored till you were needed. Why? Because you were my first and best friend, and I don't leave them behind." I answered her questions as I thought of them. "Thank you, Zeke. Thank you, so much!" She said in my head. I mentally hugged her, glad to be able to talk to her after so long. "You don't know how many times I almost connected with you just to hear your voice again, G. I missed you too." I said, choking up. I received an alert from Orimura saying that they were headed outside now, I replied that I would be right there and we almost matched the speed of her twin before slowing down as the kids came out one at a time and looked around, confused as to why they had to leave the hut. They were then joined by Orimura, who looked up at us as we drifted down to land in front of the gang, whose jaws dropped simultaneously when they caught sight of Gospel and me. I took the helmet off and looked at each and every one of them as they took in Gospel's winged form. Many compliments were thrown around and Gospel was preening under the attention she was receiving. I snorted, not realizing my mistake before I heard Rin ask, "What's so funny?" The rest of the gang looked at me, waiting for my answer before I had Gospel go into standby and wait before I called to show herself. "What's so funny? I'll tell you what's so funny. This whole situation is hilarious to me, why is that? Because none of you realized something. I held up my wrist, the bracelet catching everyone's eye before I called, "Gospel, do you mind helping me explain to my friends why this is funny to me?" Everyone looked at me like I was nuts, then we heard a voice say, "Sure, Zeke. I don't mind helping a friend out every now and then." They looked around before focusing on me as Gospel materialized next to me in her holo, silver hair swinging a non-existent breeze. Her blue eyes filled with mirth and a small smile on her face. "Everybody, meet the original, Silver Gospel. Gospel, these are my friends. There's Cecilia, Charlotte, Houki, Ichika, Laura and Rin. All of them believed I was joking when I said I was your friend, isn't that right guys?" I asked after gesturing to all of them as I introduced them. They looked down, embarrassed at their earlier actions when Gospel remembered something I had said earlier, "What do you mean, 'the original'?" She asked, hurt that something had taken her place. I comforted her, mentally saying, "The U.S and Israel think you're locked up somewhere. And instead of bringing you out, they used your frame and made an unmanned, supercharged version of you. That's why I grabbed you, since you're the only other expert here on yourself. And we need you, badly." I said with a mental smirk. She shot me a look before disappearing back into the bracelet. "Alright, now that that's out of the way. Let's go back inside and talk battle plans." Everyone quickly moved back inside, I stayed a second longer. "Are you going to be okay? I know it's a lot to take in, but I'm here to help like I always was, and always will be." "Yeah, I'm alright, and I'll be fine after we waste this fake version of me off this planet!" She said, getting angry at the thought of being replaced. "You can never be replaced to me, G. You're stuck with me whether you like it or not." "Good to know. Alright, let's not keep them waiting any longer." I agreed and we talked strategy for a while before coming up with a plan. "Since Ichika and I are the only ones that can truly stand toe to toe with Silvario, we're definitely going, but I'd prefer another IS with us." I said, after a half hour of deliberation and planning. "Teaching staff will be in the training units locking down the air and sea routes to keep civilians out of the area of operation, since this is live fire, no restrictions. This IS packs a hard punch. Gospel and I took on an Uchigane and, using the weakest weapons it had, put the Uchigane to zero shield in one hit. That's 300+ damage in the weakest weapon. Now, this Gospel may be able to do more than that with these unknown upgrades." I informed the group, the table updating itself as I spoke. "G, what's our timeframe for this operation?" "You'll have about 50 minutes from now before the target is in operation range, after that, it's however long it takes for either Ichika to run out of shields or take down the new me." She said, appearing on the table as the table played through the scenario. If Ichika can't, then it'll be up to Altec and me to take it down, which could take a while depending on the skill of this A.I. That's my only unknown in this besides the lack of hand-to-hand data." "Gospel and I can get there in time, but for Ichika to get there in time, he'd have to use Ignition Boost to do that. That reduced the amount of time he has to use his one-off against the Silvario." I said, thinking about the different variables coming into play against us. I heard something shift above me and looked up to see two pink and white bunny ears. I groaned, my hand rubbing my face as I said; "Tabane, get out of the vents. I know you're there." Orimura looked up and saw what I saw, then sighed and basically mimicked my posture. Tabane did as I asked and came out of the vent, barreling towards Orimura. "I have something to add to your plan, if you want to hear it." She said, rubbing up against Orimura and I as we both said, "Get Out!" simultaneously. "Listen, by a long shot. I think it's the Akatsubaki's turn." At that, Orimura looked at Tabane like she was insane, the rest of the class was confused and Houki was stunned. I just sighed and mentally asked, "Would it work, G? If it does, we might have our way to transport Ichika out there instead of dragging him out there between Cecilia and me." She used the data on Akatsubaki and ran a scenario in my head. I watched it play out, "It'd get him out there, then would be good Close Range support and Recovery if Ichika can't land a solid hit before his shields are gone." I sighed, "It could work, Orimura. I verified it." I said, being vague about how I verified the change. Orimura caught on as did the rest of the group, except Tabane. "How'd you verify that so quickly? Not even I can do it that quickly." She pestered me, but I kept a tight lip about how, slipping my hand into my pocket to hide Gospel's bracelet from view. "Well, if it'd work. I'd use it. It's the best option we've got, since Cecilia's packet might not be able to handle what we're about to get into." Char said, speaking up from over with the rest of the group. Orimura spoke up, "Then that's what we'll do. Houki, Ichika and Altec will fly out and engage Silvario. The rest of you are on standby until I say so." She said, finalizing it with a clap of her hands. "But Prototype can't match any of the Silvario's stats, so why's he going?" Tabane questioned, pointing a finger at me. I looked at her, "You should know, since you were there when the government took the reason I'm going away," I said, restraining my anger as I remembered Tabane's delighted face as she was handed Gospel's bracelet. "How is she by the way? I meant to ask, but haven't had the chance to ask." I said, glaring at her. Tabane, for once, had nothing to say. "That's what I thought, good day Ms. Shinonono." I said, walking out the door with a long stride. I was able to get out the door before I started laughing. "Oh my God! She actually thought that she had you!" I started laughing again, Gospel laughing in my head, "Did you see her face? She wasn't disappointed that you lost me, she was disappointed that I was apparently broken when she received me." Gospel gasped out between simulated breaths. I laughed all the harder at that, just being able to get myself under control as the rest of the group came out, smirks on their faces. "She tried to play the whole thing off, till Orimura looked at her and went, 'I know about them,' Tabane shut up so fast. It was all I could do not to laugh!" Char squeezed out before she and the rest of the group burst out laughing. I heard other comments about how, "I've never seen someone shut their mouth so fast!" and "Oh my God, I haven't seen my sister look like that in years!" among a couple others. I cracked up again and we all had a good laugh. We made our way to the hotel and grabbed something to eat before Orimura and Tabane made their way into the hotel and we were amassed down at the beach again so that Tabane could make necessary adjustments to Akatsubaki while the rest of us talked about different things and I answered some questions about Gospel, making it look like it was hard to bring it up while I was actually trying not to laugh. After the adjustments were finished, Houki, Ichika and I were on our way to meet Silvario. Tabane had been escorted off the island personally by Orimura, who made sure she was gone before actually cracking a smile at our antics the whole day.

"Look out Silvario, here we come!"

"Look out Silvario, here we come!" Gospel and I said as we flew onwards to meet this fake.