Muv Luv: Grim Alternative
Disclaimer: I do not own Muv Luv Alternative or the characters, only the OC. So let's get the show on the road!
'Thoughts.' Thoughts or Neon mentally talking.
"Hey!" Takeru talking.
"HEY!" Samara talking.
Chapter 3: Answers, Team chemistry and Kasumi
I need information and I really need more than what Takeru has told me so far. Professor Yuuko Kouzuki is one other person that should have all those answers. Thanks to the clearance she gave me (& indirectly Takeru), I made my way through corridors towards the restricted area and then into her office. When I arrived I saw the professor sitting at her desk and it seemed that she was on the phone talking to someone. I managed hear a little bit of what she was saying due to my advanced hearing but decided to not listen any further as it was irrelevant to me. I waited for her to finish her phone call before I made my presence known.
"…Is this a bad time? I could come back later."
Yuuko saw me and stood up from her chair. "No, it's okay. What is it Neon?"
I walked up to her desk and slammed my hands on them while looking at her seriously. "Ma'am…I need more information about the situation I'm in!"
Yuuko ignored my rude tone and calling her ma'am and replied, "I thought Takeru told you everything you needed to know."
"He provided me with some information but not enough. Like the BETA for example. I do not want to engage the enemy in question without knowing anything about them apart from them being extraterrestrials. Lack of the info tends to be fatal."
Yuuko frowned at me not liking my impatience. "I know that you need that information soldier but that's on need to know basis for now until you become an Eishi."
I gritted my teeth in frustration. So unless I finish this pathetic training I can't know necessary information. I know about need to know basis but…fine…
"Alright ma'am."
"Just Yuuko would be fine!"
"Alright Yuuko. So if I become an Eishi then you'll tell me everything?"
"About the BETA, yes. But no other classified things unless necessary."
"Alright, I'll endure this then."
"I know that you do not like going through the training which you most likely have done back in your world but you'll have to bear with it. But the Eishi training is a whole different story."
"I know that and I'll treat this training like an assignment and get through it as quickly as possible."
Yuuko grinned at me. "I know that you will Neon. Also work together with your squad mates. I know that you're normally a lone wolf but here you're in a squad so interact and get along with them."
I nodded in reply and saluted. "Yes ma'am!"
A tick came on Yuuko's forehead as she glared at me. "How many times do I have to remind you to stop calling me that? I'm not one for formalities."
"Sorry Yuuko." I apologized.
"I agree. You need to do something about that Neon." Takeru added.
"He's a soldier! It's been drilled into his head." Samara deadpanned.
'Nice of you to point that out to him.' I mentally told Samara.
Yuuko sighed and then got serious. "Anyways. Can I talk to Shirogene now? I need to ask him something."
"What is it sensei?" Takeru asked as he took control.
"The most important part of all this…How much do you know about Alternative IV?" Yuuko asked.
"Eh?"
"You've mentioned a lot about Alternative V but not one thing about Alternative IV."
"Good question ya nimrod. You never said a damned thing about Alternative IV!" I yelled.
"No need to shout your head off partner. We'll get that info anyways." Samara chastised.
"Tch…Fine."
"Uh…" Takeru trailed off.
"Never mind that. No need to get too worked up about it. Alternative V will be scrapped once I finish Alternative IV right?" Yuuko said.
"Well…I only know vague details about Alternative IV…" Takeru stated.
"Like what?" Yuuko asked.
"The fact that you're in charge of the project and that it's the real reason for building this base."
"And?"
"You have to somehow get fifteen billion semiconducting parallel computing circuits to fit in the palm of your hand."
"I wonder how the hell she's supposed to do that. It seems…" I stated.
"Impossible. Yes I've been thinking the same thing. Still considering who she is she must have something planned for that." Samara stated.
"And?" Yuuko asked once more. What else does she want?!
"Eishi Cadet Squad 207 is part of that plan." Takeru answered.
"So your squad is an essential part of this Alternative IV project? How interesting." Samara muttered.
"And?" Yuuko asked again.
"And you completed the theory by December 24th but everyone said it couldn't possibly work." Takeru answered, "In fact come to think of it, you said something like…'I couldn't be the holy mother.' "
Holy mother?
"What's that mean?" Yuuko asked in confusion.
"I don't know. But you said Christmas was "a day when one child gave humanity hopes and dreams". Something to do with that I think." Takeru said.
The birth of Jesus Christ? What's the deal here?
"I see…anything else?"
"It's fucking official. This woman is this world's equivalent of Mako Yashiro!" Samara deadpanned.
"On that we can both agree." I added.
"Hmm…Right, there was a UN Army insignia on Kasumi's shoulder which said 'Alternative IV,' so that brain probably has something to do with it I guess." Takeru replied.
"And?"
"I don't know what they were after, but there were people trying to delay Alternative IV and that's it, really."
"Which caused Alternative IV to not finish on time and paved way for Alternative V." Samara summed up.
"Looks like my expertise will be needed here after all." I stated. Looks like the detractors and opposition to Alternative IV are the main cause of this crap.
"I see…that explains why your demands are so uselessly vague." Yuuko said.
Tell me about it! But it shouldn't be surprising either since Takeru's saying that these occurred in another time loop. And now he's starting from the beginning of this same one but with me and Samara for the ride.
"But if someone who knew more heard that, you'd be in trouble. They'd probably make you disappear." Yuuko continued.
"That would be difficult in Neon's case as he's the one that's really here, not me. And Neon is more than capable of holding his own." Takeru argued.
"You have a point. Still it shouldn't affect the two of you anyways."
"Damn right it wouldn't. I want to see someone try and take me on and get a one way trip to the Grim Reaper himself." I said.
"Exactly. I'm not letting that future happen again." Takeru said.
"And neither are we." Samara added. "With me and Neon around we'll make sure that things go smoothly and we take the fight to those alien bastards."
"Amen to that!" I added.
"Well I won't get in your way Sensei…but if you need help, please call me. You used to do that a lot too." Takeru said.
"Got it. And come here if you have something to tell me. The same goes for Neon too." Yuuko replied.
"Well he did come here to meet you to begin with today."
"True. Anyways I'd like to talk to him now."
"About what?" I asked after I regained control. This was getting annoying to be honest.
"You mentioned that you're a black ops operative right?" Yuuko asked.
"Yes I did. And from what I've heard you're going to need me to deal with some problematic people right?"
"Yes I will. When I get Intel for you then I'll secretly have you deal with the problem as long as you don't get caught."
"That's not a problem. I wouldn't have it any other way."
With that settled I walked out of the office and back to my room.
…
Wednesday, October 24th 2011, Classroom
Squad 207 was now in the classroom for lectures. I sat by the window as Instructor Jinguuji gave us all a lecture about explosives. Really? Explosives?! Just when I thought I couldn't be more insulted it gets even worse. TNT? C4? I've already been taught about these back at the UNWOP base. Takeru agreed with me as he too had already learnt this anyways back in the last loop. He also added that those small explosives wouldn't be useful against the BETA anyways.
I started staring out the window while still listening to the lecture. Well that was rude of me but I didn't seem to give a fuck! I already know all these stuff anyways. And this feels like a waste of time not just for me but for Takeru too. Not to mention Samara too is already bored and sleeping.
Speaking of time, with me around how much faster can I help this class graduate? With my skills, knowledge and experience, I'm already ahead of my classmates and can already be considered a lieutenant or captain even though I never had a rank in UNWOP the boss said that I was equivalent to that anyways with all those factors considered. I just never cared for it back then.
"Cross! Repeat what I just said!" Jinguuji called out to me.
I stood up and looked at her with disinterest as I knew that she'd do that since she thought I wasn't paying attention.
"Since you know this well enough to stop listening and find what's outside more interesting, then it should be no problem, right?" Jinguuji added.
I looked around and saw everyone was staring at me in disbelief. Instructor Jinguuji continued, "We went out of our way to alter the curriculum just for you…..you'd better be really good at this."
I felt a smirk come on my face as I accepted the challenge.
"You're talking about a fictional scenario in which a support unit disabled the enemy's rear guard facilities just before the actual operation began. So it'll be ideal to blow up the high voltage cable leading out of their facility."
"Oh? And why is that?" Jinguuji asked.
"Because in this scenario "destruction" actually means "disabling of their radar"." I answered while using my fingers to signify the quotation marks. "So leaving the facility intact is the best option since we can use it later on. That'll also be less risky than attacking the base itself, and you wouldn't need to bring too many explosives for that as it'll increase the chances of completing the mission and survival. Riiiight?"
Everyone looked at me in disbelief after my explanation. The instructor had to pick up her jaw from the floor as she didn't expect me to get that right. Combat scenarios like that are no problem as I was already drilled on this back home so this was easy to say from the top of my head. Even Takeru was surprised at my answer as he was about to bail me out but saw no point in doing so. Samara was still dozing off.
"You may be seated. You're awfully good for someone who stares into space but pay more attention. Understand?" Jinguuji said.
"Yes, yes…I'll be more attentive." I replied.
I took my seat and the lecture resumed from there.
'Hmmph. Nice try but I already know this stuff so no need to bail me out Takeru.'
"Maybe so but I never thought they'd teach you that." Takeru said.
'Well they trained me into the ground and wanted me to be able to handle any combat or mission scenario that I end up in.'
…
After the lecture, Miki and the others surrounded me as they all began to praise me about actually thinking about reusing the facility. I just received their praise without a care in the world as it was not a big deal for me anyways. Chizuru also stated that she was glad to have me in her squad. Well any military squad or counter-terrorism unit back in my world would have been more than joyous to have me join them especially the SAS, Delta Force, GSG 9, Spetnaz, GIGN, Korps Commandotroepen and even UNWOP and UNTSO squads. I hated the CIA though. Secretive and manipulative fucks. Unfortunately I was mostly a lone wolf operative as I worked better on my own but I was still assigned to work with a few of those squads from time to time. Especially UNWOP Squad 2.
Meiya then stated that we would have field stripping next and that we should all get going. I had to resist the urge to laugh my head off at that. Just how much more insulting could this get for me?
…
"I'm done."
Wow! That was too easy for me. All I had to do was reassemble an assault rifle piece by piece as quickly as I could. I've already know all about this as I'd done this before I came to Japan for my assignment. Still it didn't hurt to show off a bit for my squad mates.
"Hm? You're done?" Instructor Jinguuji asked in disbelief as she looked at her stopwatch in her hand.
"Yes."
"Two minutes, fifty two seconds!?" The instructor said in total disbelief.
Really? And here I was holding back a lot.
"You were holding back a lot?! What's your normal time then?" Takeru asked.
"Fifty two seconds." I replied.
THUD!
Okay…I think I broke him.
"No way…" Chizuru said in shock. She wasn't the only one. Everyone else was stumped at my time.
"Okay, I'll check it." Instructor Jinguuji said as she went to check the rifle. She began to slowly check the gun for any mistakes. She placed it back down shortly after. "I see nothing wrong."
She then looked at me and asked, "Have you done this before?"
"Yes. One of my relatives was an operator in GSG 9 before he retired. He taught me how to do this just in case I ended up in a situation where I needed to defend myself. Since then I've been practicing that whenever I could." I lied. Like I'd tell them that I'm a member of a UN black ops unit so I had all this beaten into me years ago.
"German counter-terrorism…I see…very well. Keep training so you don't lose those skills."
"Yes ma'am!"
The instructor turned to the rest of the squad. "Up till now, Ayamine held the record with six minutes and seventeen seconds. And yet, this greenhorn here obliterated that time. All of you, practice until you're just as good."
"Ma'am!"
…
PX…
We all sat down around a table in the PX.
"You really are incredible Neon-san!" Miki cheered.
"Sheesh…I'm not incredible, Miki." I sighed.
"Do not be modest." Meiya said.
"What's wrong with being modest?" I asked.
"She's right. I may not like it, but you're far better than the rest of us." Chizuru admitted.
"You are…special." Kei added.
"I'm…Bah! Do whatever you want!" I sighed. No point arguing with them. Anyone can reassemble a gun if they are shown how. Even an 11 year old girl did it and in 53 seconds. I've only beaten her record by one. And I had to hold back here or I would have given everyone a heart attack.
Miki laughed at my frustration.
"But this won't last forever, you know. We'll beat you someday." Chizuru said.
"Is that so? I'll be awaiting that day then." I said.
"Looks like you're getting along quite well with Meiya and the others. So far so good." Takeru said.
'Were you expecting worse?'
"Considering that you are a lone wolf…yes."
'Well you thought wrong.'
"Anyways keep this up and we'll be able to ace the Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation."
'Yeah…Whatever you said.'
"Neon-san? Are you alright?" Miki asked me.
"Huh? Nothing's wrong. I just spaced out for a second. No big deal." I replied.
"Your arrival has affected the squad greatly…..do not fall apart on us." Meiya warned.
"No need to worry about me. It'll take more than that to make me fall apart."
"Mitsurugi's right though. If the both of you can raise the bar of our squad, we'll be more likely to pass the Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation." Chizuru stated.
"More than likely. We WILL ace that exam." I declared.
"Those are bold words Neon-san." Meiya said.
"So what? I'm just confident. Isn't that good for the team?"
"Yes. You have a point."
"Besides we're going to be trusting each other with our lives after all so let's at least get closer to each other."
"Heh. Point taken." Chizuru stated.
…
Evening time, My Room…
It seems that everything went well today. Now I'd like to get ready for tomorrow.
"Hey hold on Neon-san!" Takeru interrupted.
'Grrr…What now Takeru?!' I asked in annoyance.
"There's someone else I'd like you to meet."
"Is it that Kasumi girl?" Samara asked.
'So you're now awake Samara?' I asked.
"Yes I am. Didn't want to stay up for that boring ass lecture." Samara replied, "Well let's see this Kasumi then."
…
I made my way back to the restricted zone. I was still getting used to coming to this area. I normally don't go into restricted zones except if I'm with someone who has clearance and wanted me to tag along and that didn't happen a lot. Anyways with Takeru's directions I made my way towards the other door across from Yuuko's office and walked through it. The corridor was dark, barely lit by the lights on the floor. Based on Takeru's memories that room had a cylinder in the middle with a brain inside it and that Kasumi girl was also there just staring at it. Odd. My footsteps echoed as I walked down this corridor. This told me that this was a place to bunker down in if a nuke was dropped on this base.
I arrived at the room at the end and entered. What I saw actually surprised me once more. There was actually a freaking brain with the stem and all that in a cylinder at the center of the room. And standing in front of it was a girl with white hair and something that looked like rabbit ears on top of her head, wearing a grey uniform similar to what Yuuko and Jinguuji wear and with the Alternative IV insignia on the side and a rabbit tail?! Just like Takeru mentioned. The girl had noticed when I entered the room and turned around to look at me.
"Hello." I greeted as I walked up to her. I noticed her stepping away from me. Not surprising as she's obviously nervous at seeing me. I get that same reaction when I'm around civilians. "Hey! No need to run. I won't bite."
The girl known as Kasumi stopped and this time let me move closer to her.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Cross Neon but I'd prefer it if you call me by my first name Neon." I introduced myself, "What's your name?"
She didn't answer me at first making me think that she was still nervous of me.
"Kasumi…Yashiro Kasumi." Kasumi introduced herself. "And I'm not nervous of you."
'Liar!'
"I'm not lying."
"I didn't say you were lying Kasumi."
"I know you thought I was lying."
"And what makes you think so?"
"Because she read your mind partner." Samara answered.
'What?!' "What?!" I and Takeru yelled.
"The girl has ESP and can read your minds." Samara explained, "Which is why she knew what you were thinking. And right now she knows about me and Takeru."
I looked at Kasumi and saw her staring at me with wide eyes. I sighed. Great…Just great…
"I take it that you know about my other two tenants in my mind." I said.
She nodded her head. I face palmed and groaned in annoyance. This just made things complicated.
"So you know…"
"That you're not from this world and you're a super soldier. Yes, I know that."
"And I don't appreciate you reading my mind. You more or less invaded my privacy."
"Sorry."
Once again I face palmed and groaned. Indeed this had just gotten much more complicated.
"Fine…just keep it a secret okay. Yuuko already knows about Takeru but not about Samara and I'd like it if it stayed that way." I said.
"Okay…I promise…" Kasumi replied.
"Anyways nice to meet you Kasumi. I'll see you later. Bye."
"Bye-bye."
With that awkwardness dealt with I left the room before I became any more freaked out. Looks like I need to tell Yuuko about this development. I'm not going to like this.
…
Yuuko's Office…
I went to meet the professor and told her about my encounter with Kasumi all thanks to Takeru and also about the fact that she knows about Takeru being inside me. And surprisingly enough Kasumi was there too to confirm it and Yuuko herself wasn't surprised about that.
"Well no need to worry. I and Kasumi here are the only ones who know your secret. Also the fact remains that you already know a lot of things you shouldn't." Yuuko said.
I sighed. "That's…good to know. The last thing I need is for that info to reach the wrong people and then things go to hell."
"Though the fact that you're a super soldier just makes it all interesting."
"Just don't think of dissecting me anytime soon. It won't end well for anyone."
"I know better than to try my luck with that."
"Good thing we're on the same page. I'll see you tomorrow and call me if you need me or Takeru."
I turned around and went towards the exit.
"Right one last thing Neon and Shirogene." Yuuko said.
"What is it?" I asked. Takeru too was also paying attention to her.
"Laplace's demon doesn't exist anymore."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"The future is unpredictable. It could change for the better or worse."
"I know that much already. I also know that what I do here could also affect the world I'm originally from."
"Heh. You're pretty smart for a soldier."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"Take it however you want to. Just make sure you think about your actions before you go through with them. You're an unstable existence in this world."
"Yeah, Yeah. I'll be careful." I said as I got to the door. "Anyways good night."
With that I left the office and made my way back to my room to sleep. Unstable existence…ha! Whatever!
Chapter 3 End.
Finally updated. Hope you all like it and leave a review.