As the domed roof opened up, the helicopter made its descent. "Into the mouth of the Beast we go", thought the pilot. And he wasn't wrong. The building was enormous. He had no idea what they were going to house there, but whatever it was, it was going to be big.
The curious structure in Karwar had been constructed on the direct orders of the Council, with the full backing of the Indian government. This top secret naval base was to be the birthplace of humanity's response to the Kaiju threat. "Now, if they'd only bothered to tell us what exactly that response was".
"Oye! We're here", he announced.
The passengers could see that. "You mind telling us where "here" is, exactly?", asked a voice over his headset. It'd be a few more seconds before the rotors died down and they could speak normally. "I'm not allowed to say, but here comes the Marshall. Maybe he can clear things up for you."
By the time he reached the aircraft, the doors had opened and out came two young men, both in their twenties. One slightly taller than the other, but both possessing the dark hair, darker eyes and rounded cheekbones that announced their relation to all who looked. "Gentlemen", called the officer, "Welcome to the Shatterdome."
On the elevator ride up toward the barracks, introductions ensued.
"I am Marshall Stacker Pentecost, and this is Dr. Alan Weir, head of Research", continued the well-dressed military man with a smile, whereas all the doctor could manage was a cough and a weak wave.
"A genuine honor the meet you sir, my name is Ajay Sardesai and this is my brother Amit", said the slightly taller of the two, "Though I'm fairly sure you've already read our files."
"Indeed I have, and I must say I'm impressed Mr. Sardesai. Or do you prefer Lt. Sardesai? And your brother, the Petty Officer. The two of you have shown exactly the kind of skills we need here, and boys, you are going to make your country proud."
"Forgive my rudeness sir, but what are we doing here exactly?", interjected the younger brother," Between tensions with Pakistan and the Kaiju using our cities as chew toys, I don't feel we have the time to goof around. Sir."
The Marshall gritted his teeth for a second before reverting to the cool and calm persona he was known for. "Quite right, but tell me, how much do you know about the Kaiju?" Might as well find out how well informed they are.
"Only what we've been told sir", said Ajay" Four attacks in total. Each one in a different coastal city. Total devastation of infrastructure and incalculable loss of life. And that was before we nuked them to Kingdome Come."
"Chittagong, Port Blair, Mogadishu and The Maldives have all been reduced to radioactive glass", continued Amit " But what does this have to do with anything?"
"You'll soon find out", smiled the Marshall just as the elevator went "Ding", announcing its arrival at the top floor.
Out they stepped, and made their way to a balcony overlooking a gigantic construction bay. There they saw it.
It was massive. When finished it would stand a hundred meters tall and weigh almost 2500 tons. It's arms alone were enough to put the surrounding buildings to shame and the legs could potentially be used to cross small rivers. The cranes were putting the final plates of armor on the colossal chest and the navy blue paint had just finished drying on the gargantuan head, which would be bolted on later.
Ajay was dumbstruck, while his brother satisfied himself with an impressed whistle.
"Gentlemen, I present to you the Equaliser humanity has been waiting for", said Pentecost " As well as why you are here. The two of you have been chosen to pilot this masterpiece of engineering against the Kaiju. Rest up boys, tomorrow's going to be a busy day."
As soon as they had been taken to their barracks, the doctor launched into another tirade. "You already found pilots? When? How long have you been keeping me in the dark? What else aren't you telling me Marshall?"
Pentecost wasn't even paying attention to the cough riddled exclamations of his associate; other matters had secured his attention for the time being. The Council was waiting.
"Hello Commander", began the figure on the screen.
The Marshall had spoken to him several times before, but it unnerved him even still. Bald, male, late forties? That's all he could discern about his caller. The spokesman for the Council kept his face in shadow throughout all of their "meetings". And that voice. A voice that was, at once, condescending as well as oddly soothing. "Like talking to my favorite chain-smoking uncle", thought Pentecost.
"In response to the Kaiju threat, this Council of Nations is prepared to seriously consider your "Jaeger" Project", he continued "However, it is imperative that some proof is presented of its effectiveness before any more funding can be sanctioned for what some member nations are calling "A child's toy-box fantasy". How soon can it be ready, Commander?"
"My rank is Marshall", came the reply, "And tell the member nations that taking the fight to the Kaiju is better than cowering behind a bloody wall. The Kaiju will get through eventually, and God help them when they do."
"The first Jaeger will be combat-ready within the week, just as promised. After that, it's merely a matter of time till we get the pilots up to speed and then I assure you, the next Kaiju to appear will be dealt with, without irradiating another city."
The man in the shadows was silent for a moment, before simply responding, "Good luck, Commander."
The screen turned off. As the lights turned back on, the Marshall smiled. Soon the opportunity would arise. And then humanity would have a fighting chance. Till then he would be waiting…