Gate: And Thus the Federation Fought There Too!
Disclaimer: Mobile Suit Gundam belongs to both Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate; while
Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri is owned by Takumi Yanai
Chapter 2: Sojourn
Jaburo, Earth Federation Forces Headquarters, one of the Federation's last bastions against the occupation and tyranny of the Principality of Zeon on Earth. Located somewhere beneath the Amazon basin in South America, it is here that the majority of their forces are holed up, training and preparing, unceasingly, for the day they take back everything that Zeon had taken, or ruined.
Although jokingly considered as an open secret, the exact location of the underground military facility has eluded many, especially for those whose intentions are for its ultimate demise, like Zeon. And thus the infamous Operation British was executed by the Principality. They jury rigged a depopulated space colony during the early weeks of the fighting of the One Year War, and set it on a course to crash on Jaburo. Zeon hoped that even if it did not make a direct hit, that the Federation forces would be considerably crippled to be of any threat to their invasion plans. But the EFF got wind of the plan and dispatched their space forces to engage them.
Somehow the Federation managed to foil Zeon's dastardly plan but at a great cost. Most of the EF space force is annihilated but were able to alter the colony's trajectory, totally missing Jaburo. Its fragments however crashed to several places on Earth, with the largest hitting smack Sydney, Australia, with a force of a 60,000 megaton bomb. The massive blast that it resulted destroys sixteen-percent of that continent, while triggering earthquakes and causing tsunamis within the neighboring regions. The fallout that followed drastically alters the world's climate patterns, creating mega storms–almost unheard of before–which wreak untold death and destruction in their wake. Crops fail from extreme change in temperature or weather conditions, crippling the world's food supply and causing starvation to many. Worldwide communication is disrupted for months due to the aftereffects of the fallout, cutting off contact with many cities and countries, resulting in mass hysteria and civil unrest. Overall, a third of the Earth's population perished as a result. For many it seemed the end times is upon them, and had wished they had died along with the lucky ones in ground zero on that fateful day.
In spite of all that has happened the Federation remains stalwart on its resolved in facing all adversities before it. And even if their ultimate goal is defeating Zeon, they still make it a point to handle other issues besetting the planet and their organization. Such is the case when news of the 'Ginza Incident' reaches Federation Command in Jaburo.
August 7, 0079 U.C.
- Three days after the Ginza Incident a.k.a. Battle of Ginza
Inside one of the many buildings of the underground megacity-like complex, a group of men were viewing a video footage painted in rust color quality while seated in large darkened room. The video shows the accounts of the Ginza Incident from the perspectives of Federation personnel present on that day which was made possible with hidden cameras they carried in their persons. The primary focus of the video is the men in Roman-esque armor wielding archaic weapons like swords, spears, and bows, who were indiscriminately killing civilians wherever they went. It also shows how the Federation Civil Defense Unit dealt with the situation, leading and assisting people to safety while protecting them from the vicious attacks of the invaders. The scene changes, showing the surrounding area of the Imperial Palace in Ginza which was surrounded by hordes of these Romans and their monstrous allies; a particular footage concentrated on a civilian in wacky clothes climbing up the RX-75 Mass Produced Type Guntank–one that was assigned there–and appear to be directing its operators. The video progresses up to the point where the said Guntack began engaging the besieging enemy army, making quick work out them with its primary weapon. The whole thing soon comes to a conclusion when the entire invading force was neutralized with the arrival to the scene of more RX-75s, Type-61 main battle tanks as well as troop reinforcements. Shortly after the video ends, it shows statistical data of the forces involved, both from the unknown enemy and the Federation, including casualties. Of the invading army that numbered a hundred thousand, sixty-thousand were killed that day. The Federation lost a handful of personnel while a few hundred civilians were killed or went missing. The video finally ends, showing its file ID, and then winks out to be replaced with the image of a middle-aged man with short brown hair and moustache, and thick eyebrows.
"And this, Gentlemen is where they originated." The man's image spoke as it shrinks out into a small window and shows a live feed in the background of the big screen, of a large antiquated arch siting in the middle of an intersection in some part of Ginza, Tokyo. Upon initial inspection, one would think the arch resembling the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but that likeness ends there, for it appears bigger and wider, about fifty-feet high and more than twice that in width. Also, what makes if very unusual was a darkened opening within the archway–a tunnel of sorts that leads into infinite blackness. Even if it is just a video, the men present could not shake the unearthly feeling while watching it, as if their souls were being drawn into the dark confines of the Gate.
"Have there been any further sightings of them, General Hazama?" asked a man in uniform, his rank indicating him to be a General.
"No, sir. Not since their survivors and stragglers retreated back into the gate. I had the liberty of sending in small recon teams through, to follow them. What they found there, on the other side, is astounding to say the least." General Hazama paused before he continued. "New lands that are not found in any maps we have, with signs of life that could only be described as mythical or legendary."
"How can you be so certain, General Hazama?" another man, ranked General, prodded the man on screen.
"Think about it," General Hazama replied. "This gate is unlike anything we've seen, or know of, before. You've read the reports, and have seen the videos. Of those creatures which are not men, but more like beasts, accompanying those Romans. Not to mention those flying dragon things they had for mounts. Even the weapons and tools they used, they just don't exist anymore in our present day world. We could only come to one possible conclusion, Gentlemen, and that is these men and creatures are from another world."
The men in the room began murmuring among themselves, considering the words General Hazama has imparted to them. Some were curious while others have their doubts.
"You said, one possible conclusion, General," another General spoke up. "I say that this gate could be a new weapon developed by the Zeons in order to attack us anywhere, anytime, and that this Ginza Incident was a test of theirs."
General Hazama shook his head at this. "I respect your opinion, General but I find it farfetched." At this, the said General's face turned beat red, "since there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that Zeon is involved here. "
"Not as farfetched as your theory of another world!"
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please! Let's be civil here," interjected another high-ranking official, arresting the argument from further erupting. "Regardless, I believe this gate merits great scrutiny from us. I propose that we send an expeditionary force through it, to ascertain its true nature and of the so-call new lands beyond it. What say you, General Revil?"
He was referring to no other than the Earth Federation Forces Supreme Commander, General-Admiral Johann Ibrahim Revil, who was present with them. A man made famous for his unfortunate capture in the hands of Zeon forces in the aftermath of the Battle of Loum, and was subsequently saved in a daring rescue operation conducted by the Federation. His famed "Zeon is Exhausted" speech after his liberation prevented the total surrender of the Federation to the Principality of Zeon, and has since taken upon himself the role of Commander-in-Chief of the Earth Federation Forces. The distinguished old General, with short grey hair and beard, has been sitting in silence–contemplating– over the entire proceedings up to this point, but has now been prompted to speak his mind.
"At the moment, we are locked in a terrible war with Zeon, and they remain the greatest threat to the peace and liberty of the entire Earth Sphere. And while I'm inclined to have this gate looked into, we just cannot spare the amount of manpower and resources that would require such an undertaking. But since this unknown enemy, these Romans and their goblins and dragons, were dealt with relative ease by the brave men and women of our beleaguered yet resolute Federation Forces, I believe a small taskforce would be adequate for the job. Therefore I am authorizing the sending of a punitive force of 2,000 troops, not including heavy equipment and vehicles that would ensure an outstanding success, through the gate."
The Generals gathered looked at each other with concern. Some were impressed by General Revil's insight over the situation, nothing less coming from the one who made a turnaround during the Federation's darkest hour. Finally one of them spoke up to ask the obvious question.
"Who will be leading this force?"
General Revil turns to face the monitor. "Lieutenant General Hazama, I'll leave everything into your hands."
The dark-skinned Asian General bowed on screen. "I thank you, General Revil. Rest assured I shall bring word of our success from the other side whenever I can."
"You do that, Lieutanant General. I expect great things from you. And before anything else I would like to ask, who was that young man in the footage? The one who directed one of our Guntanks in a counteroffensive against those Romans in the defense of Imperial Palace in Ginza?"
General Hazama was taken aback but quickly recovered; knowing who the Commander-in-Chief was referring to.
"That would be one of our servicemen, Second Lieutenant Youji Itami, General. He was supposed to be on leave that day but was present at the location of the incident.
"Hmm, you don't say? Are you sure is just a regular?"
"Well… He was with the Special Forces Division for a time until they noticed his lack of drive and had him placed back to a regular outfit."
"Was with the Special Forces Division?" General Revil's brows rose, getting more curious.
"Yes. He passed with rather mediocre scores, but passed nonetheless."
"In other words, he is a slacker!" admonished a General, showing his obvious dislike for such people.
"Actually, he kind of reminded me of myself when I was his age." At this, laughter broke out within the room, shaming the rebuking General.
"But seriously, we need more people like him. People," which General Revil quickly clarifies with emphasis to the relief of everyone present, "who selflessly take charge of a situation and see it through! The actions of the Second Lieutenant Itami should be the epitome of which every Federation soldier must strive for!"
"Why not use him for one of our propaganda drives then?" someone suggested.
August 10, 0079 U.C.
- Japan
Federation News Network
Newsreel Announcer: WAR! Is a grim reality we all face in these dark times! If it isn't the Principality of Zeon, a new enemy appears, to threaten the already fragile peace and stability of our beloved Earth Federation!
File footage of Zeon Landing Forces pursue and push back the Federation armies near the Caspian Sea region, with their new Mobile Suits, the MS-06 Zaku II.
Newsreel Announcer: Who is this new enemy you ask? I shall kid you not! For they are, ROMANS! YES! Men that wear armor and use weapons that Ancient Romans do suddenly appeared in the Ginza District in Tokyo, Japan, and indiscriminately slaughtered countless civilians! Would like to know more?
Scene switches to the Empire army mowing down innocent civilians, in downtown Ginza, with their spears and lances. A dragon, and its rider, is seen flying overhead. A metered counter appears on screen running rapidly, breeching the thousandth mark.
Newsreel Announcer: A growing sentiment of outrage is seething among the populace of the island nation in the Far East Sector. The likes not seen since Zeon's: Operation British, wherein a space colony was dropped by the Zeeks which destroyed a large part of the Australian continent, and brought about environmental misery upon the Earth!
Angry Old Man: The Zeeks are bad. But these freaks are no better. I don't know who they are, but the Federation should make them pay for what they did here.
Fervent Young Man: I say: KILL 'EM ALL!
Crying Little Girl: I lost my Mommy and Daddy… I want to see them again so badly…
Newsreel Announcer: Have no fear! For the Earth Federation is on the move! Already they are formulating a plan in sending an expeditionary force to the Roman's place of origin: Through the Gate -a mysterious arch that appeared in Ginza and is believe to be a doorway to another world! The Romans' home world! So that the Federation may deliver to them hammer of justice that they duly deserve for their atrocities!
Lieutenant General Kouichirou Hazama, EFF East Asia: In honor of those who suffered and died on that faithful day, Earth Federation Forces Command has authorized me to lead a punitive force in pursuit of the masterminds of this awful massacre and to bring them to justice in accordance with law against war crimes committed in times of war. And must remind everybody that we are presently at war!
Nanami Kuribayashi, Reporter: General Hazama, how large is the force the EFF is sending through the gate?
Lieutenant General Kouichirou Hazama, EFF East Asia: The exact size and composition of the expeditionary force is highly classified at the moment, I'm afraid. Rest assured though, the Federation has prevailed against insurmountable odds before. We have survived against Zeon; we've triumphed against the Empire; we'll continue to fight to end this war!
Nanami Kuribayashi, Reporter: …Empire?
Newsreel Announcer: Apparently that is what these Romans call themselves. And thanks to efforts of our dedicated scientists and experts within the Federation, they have been able ascertain some valuable information regarding this Empire, from prisoners taken in the aftermath of the "Battle of Ginza"!
Political Scientist: Basically their language is very similar to Latin, but the alphabet they've soon shown us is a combination of Greek, Slavic, and Germanic scripts. It would take time to learn but we an abundance of willing teachers.
An Empire officer, with bandages, sits in an interrogation room, being offered pork-cutlet rice bowl in exchange of writing some native words on a piece of paper presented to him.
Newsreel Announcer: But not all of them are so cooperative. And so the most troublesome are dealt with harshness of the Rules of War.
Several unruly goblins, orcs, ogres–all tied or chained are forced to stand against a blood splattered wall.
Federation Firing Squad Commander: Ready! Aim! FIRE!"
The nonhumans are gunned down by a squad of soldiers armed with assault rifles and light machineguns.
Newsreel Announcer: Empire, goblins, dragons…What are they? Do you want to know more?
But it is not all doom and gloom, for there are heroes who rise up to the occasion. Forsaking all for in the name of service! Heroes like Second Lieutenant Youji Itami!
Itami in uniform fires his assault at some unseen enemy.
Itami: If I were to choose between my hobby and the call of duty, I would choose duty with a drop of a hat!
Newsreel Announcer: And Sergent First Class Shino Kuribayashi!
Kuribayashi joins him with fierce face while firing her weapon.
Kuribayashi: Right you are, Lieutenant! We are not just doing this for our friends and love ones, but for the good of all! But Itami and I can't do it alone!
Itami: We need the likes of you! Yeah, you there, facing the monitor!
Kuribayashi: Do you share!
Itami & Kuribayashi: Join the Earth Federation Forces! Let us fight together, and end this war!
Newsreel Announcer: You heard them folks! We have the tanks!
A Guntank Mass Produced model and a twin-barreled Type-61 tank fire their cannons.
Newsreel Announcer: We have the weapons!
A Federation trooper shoots a missile from his rocket launcher at a hill, causing a massive explosion.
Newsreel Announcer: What we need are new recruits!
A panning scene of massive companies of soldiers standing at attention bearing weapons as far as the viewer can see.
Newsreel Announcer: Surrender is not an option! Victory is around the corner! WE WILL PREVAIL!
The final scene is that of a charging horde of Federation troop, uttering battle cries while one waves up high the Brazilian-like Flag of the Earth Federation.
LONG LIVE THE EARTH FEDERATION!
This lengthily segment is paid for by the following sponsors…
Itami shuts off the big screen TV and sighs. A lot of cheering and jeering was being heard from the dozens of uniformed personnel present in the huge rec-area within the base.
"I can't believe I said those lines," Especially making a choice between my hobby and work, "totally out of character of me."
"I know what you mean," joined in Kuribayashi, sighing herself. The both looked at each other awkwardly then turned away. "I'm only agreeing with you because those cheesy lines left a bad taste in my mouth!"
"By the way, Kuribayashi," he suddenly changes the subject, "what's your relation with that reporter with the same last name as yours?"
"She's my kid, sister," Kuribayashi stated, feeling rather proud for her sibling. "She works with media. Why do you ask?" She became suspicious all the sudden. Then her eyes went wide. "Don't tell me you're planning to make a move on her, are you? Because if you do, I swear-"
"Hey, lighten up will ya! I wouldn't even dream of it. Besides, I prefer my future waifu to be 2D."
"Such a turnoff!" retorted Kuribayashi.
A hand clasps Itami's shoulder. "Man, I can't believe I get to meet the Hero of Ginza himself," beamed a dark-haired man obviously very much younger than him. "Takeo Kurata! What was it like then? Facing those fantasy guys?"
"Fantasy guys?" Itami gave Kurata a weird look, although he already has his suspicions about the guy.
"Huh, did I say fantasy guys? I meant Romans!" Kurata nervously laughed knowing he just gave a slip. "Anyways, you're really something, helping all those people, getting them to the Imperial Palace. Nice call."
"It was really nothing. I just did what anybody would have done in such a situation. And I didn't do it alone."
"You've got that right," mumbled Kuribayashi, although both men seemed to have not heard her remark. Kurata continued to pester the uneasily embarrassed Second Lieutenant.
"But the way you directed that Guntank against those Romans when they were about besieged the Imperial Palace, that was… really something. I wish I was there that time."
"Again, it was nothing. Really!"
"Still always the humble one, I see. Or is it just you don't want to get noticed? Is that it, aye, Itami?" A middle-aged man, with a dark crew cut joint the three in discussion with a cup of coffee in hand. His name tag reads: Souichirou Kuwahara, and his rank is that of Sergeant Major.
"Oh, hi there pops," nonchalantly replied Itami as if the older man was family.
"Pops? Show some respect, Lieutenant! You're being addressed by a superior officer!" Kuribayashi was shocked by the way Itami spoke with the older officer, who obviously outranked him.
"It's alright, Sergeant. As his former CO I have come to know the man that is Youji Itmai." Kuwahara sat beside the Second Lieutenant. "And you're still at it I believe? Your hobbies?"
"Hey, you know me old man. My hobbies always come first before anything."
"Otaku freak…" vehemently mumbled Kuribayashi. The old Sergeant Major took noticed of this and smiled.
"You might not know this but Second Lieutenant Itami is a certified Mobile Suit Pilot," he proudly stated.
"WHAT?!" said both Kuribayashi and Kurata.
"Oh c'mon, pops! Did you really have to bring that up? I'm trying to keep a low profile here."
"Sir, tell me that's a joke." Kuribayashi was at loss of words over what was said about Itami.
"'Fraid not, Sergeant. Since as his former CO it was I who recommended him to take Mobile Suit training. That was after he got booted out of Special Forces."
"He's from Special Forces too?" Kurata looked surprised at this. Kurahawa continued.
"And just like in Special Forces, he graduated in Mobile Suit training at rank bottom, but graduated nonetheless. "
"Hey, its basic training is all, nothing more. Everything was done on a simulator. Anyone with half the effort could do it too." Itami was being mildly indignant with all the attention he was getting which he considers to be uncalled for.
"I can't believe it! This slacker and an otaku of a Lieutenant was with Special Forces and now I find out he has mobile suit training!" Kuribayahsi was practically scrubbing her hair in frustration over a guy with no sense of drive or ambition, who passed in a couple of highly skilled training programs within the military which others dream of making the cut. Her lively spectacle was interrupted with the arrival of a personnel from the Administrative Division.
"Excuse me. But is there a Second Lieutenant Youji Itami here?" he asked in a no nonsense kind of tone.
"That would be me." Itami raised his hand.
"You're to report to the R&D Department, ASAP, Lieutenant."
Itami sighed yet again. "I wonder what this all about? Anyways, thanks for the heads up. I'll be there right away."
"Good. If you'll excuse me…" As he came, after giving the message, the guy left the same way.
Itami stretched his arms and stood up. "No rest of the weary it seems. Got get this over with then." He left the group, waving a hand saying see you later.
"Why would R&D want to see him?" Kurata wondered. Still vexed Kuribayashi pondered the same.
"Knowing him, it's probably something very surprising."
At the office of the R&D Director, Itami was indeed surprised for the reason he was called there.
"You want me to do what?"
"You'll spearhead ours forces that will be going through the gate with the RTX-440 Ground Assault Type Guntank," started the Division Head. The two eventually dropped by one the hangers housing the said mobile weapon that they plan to have Itami piloting.
While in many respects similar to the Guntank, the RTX-440 lacked a 'torso' portion, lowering the main body to the caterpillar-tracked unit by a couple of meters, giving it a squatting profile. A couple of other differences is it had only one 'shoulder' cannon on the right side but is of the 220mm caliber instead of the usual 120mm giving it a greater punch in terms of firepower; a second set of caterpillar tracks is located below and before it, upraised and seemingly outplace.
"The RTX-440 comes with a transformation mode, going into crouching positon. Thus the second set of caterpillar tracks, allowing it move faster than any tank we or the Zeeks have. Also a number of weapon add-ons can be installed: MLRSs, anti-air missiles, heavy mines, the works."
"That is all good and dandy. But what I really want to know is, why me?" Itami asked, wanting to know the answer to the million-dollar question.
The Director thought for a moment before replying. "I don't know the exact details, Lieutenant. The higher-ups weren't forthcoming in their reasons in choosing you for this operation. But if you ask me, it is highly probable it has something to do with your perceived heroics during the Ginza Incident, or other such nonsense to that effect. Morale boosting is the name of game here it seems, Lieutenant, and the Federation need all the uplifting it can get for the war effort, even if it comes from dubious sources.
"Gee, thanks for your vote of confidence." Itami wanted to smack the guy, but was wise enough, or just plain lazy, to do something that he would regret.
"Don't get me wrong, Lieutenant. Even with your poor performance record, I believe, to some degree, that you will be able to pilot and handle the RTX-440 quite easily. After all, we're just up against some primitive savages from a bygone era. No match in our advancement of technology and warfare. Compared to Zeon, they are nothing more than annoying ants at a giant's feet."
"You do know that, ants still hurt if there are lots of them." Itami refuted. The Division head seems not to take mind of his opinion.
"If you still have doubts, I highly suggest you brush up again with you mobile suit training until the day we move out through the gate."
"Great! There goes all my weekends." Itami groaned.
September 19, 0079
- Ginza District, The Gate
The Federation Expeditionary Force was scheduled to move through the gate on the 11th of September but was delayed primarily due to a megastorm by the name of "Ryuu" that threatened Japan that time. Even though it barely brushed the island nation, the operation to move into the gate on that day was cancelled all together.
But now all seems clear. The Federation Weather Bureau reports no unusual weather systems that would affect Japan for the entire week; a perfect opportunity for the Expeditionary Force to get itself into gear.
Columns of soldiers lined before the Gate which in the past weeks has been successfully cordoned off by erecting a strong reinforced dome-shaped metal barrier around and over it, preventing entry from either side. The dome's large metal doors were presently closed. A representative of General-Admiral Revil was present to give a farewell speech to the gathered troops. They were of many nationalities but regardless of the race and creed, they were reminded of their duties to the Earth Federation and are ready to uphold them as long as they live. Afterwards, it was Lieutenant General Hazama's turn to give some encouraging words but at the same time told them to be ready for anything once they get to the other side.
Itami stood in front, listening to General Hazama's speech, when his attention turned to the nearby mourners assembled before the makeshift memorials dedicated to those who died in the tragic Ginza Incident. Normally a selfish and cool person, Itami, at that moment, could not help but empathize to their pain and loss. He thought if he had the power that day, like those heroic fantasy character he plays in those MMO Games, he could have tried harder in saving those poor people. But it doesn't work that way. There will always be people dying, people losing someone precious for whatever reasons. All he could silently promise to both the survivors and to those who've passed on, is that through this undertaking of going through the gate, their deaths and loss would have meaning, that they did not die or suffer in vain. So Itami personally swears to himself.
"We will be entering the gate shortly." General Hazama's speech ends.
The Expeditionary Force was ready, with Itami's Ground Assault Guntank at the head of the column. Behind him were couple of dozen Type-61 Main Battle Tanks, and further behind were the utility vehicles holding hundreds of troops, all expectant but prepared for any eventuality. Itami sat within the cockpit of the Guntank, double checking all systems but it showed that everything is all green and within normal parameters. All they had to do now was to wait for the signal to move out.
"Move out!" The order has finally been given.
"Youji Itami. Ground Assault Guntank! Rolling out!" he declared as he prompted his Mobile Suit to start moving towards the gaping doors and into the Gate itself.
And so it begins. Even with the Federation at war with a relentless enemy like Zeon, they now open path to a new battlefront, where they hope to finds answers that would either help or hinder them in their war efforts. Answers they hope to find beyond the Gate.