Shirogane Takeru
05:40 PM
Classroom
"Alright, squad! Assemble in the hanger. They need your help with adjusting the OS to fix the problem of the auto corrections not getting rid of the firearm control errors. Good thing we have the new OS early, or it's just be even more pain in the ass."
After half an hour of configuring settings and whatnot for my squad's TSFs. I returned to grab their asses for the final adjustment. When I entered, I thought I accidently walked in on a funeral thanks to the atmosphere. But it was just the squad being depressed, can't be having this now, can we?
"Takeru, couldn't you have called us for this sooner?" The first to respond to my existence was Class rep. Followed by everyone else in my team.
"I could, Cadet Sakaki. But I was sleeping in my room." Some extra sass was in demand by Class rep from her attitude.
"Are you not too relaxed as our squad leader?"
"That's right! Takeru is always so chilled all the time!" A new vocabulary from Mikoto.
"That's crazy, Meiya! As your punishment for suggesting such an idea, you'll bring me a cup of coffee from the PX! …Two sugar and three milk, please." Meiya did the classic disappointed face-palm-while-laughing technique to put me to shame.
"Takeru-chan is such a slave driver… two sugar and three milk, right? I go get you a cup so don't order others around!" Sumika brought up a pleasant proposal.
"It is fine! I will go fetch Takeru's beverage, you can just head to the hanger, Sumika."
"Eh? But don't you also have to adjust your OS? Mine is already finished so you can go ahead!" My interest was lost the moment another catfight began.
"Here, Takeru-san. Two sugar and three milk." Sneaking up on me was Kasumi, holding a paper cup with a nice lid. I had no clue as to when she found the time to reach the PX, get my drink and come back. But coffee is coffee no matter who delivers it.
"Good girl, thanks Kasumi."
"You're welcome." I patted her head stylishly with the bottom of my cup.
"Agaaa… it's hot."
"Yeah, I noticed too." After that, we just talked in riddles for another few minutes, making no progress on anything.
"Alright enough. You girls still got your OS to fix and we still have time so get going now, I'll grab Ayamine." I rushed the squad out of the class and went to meet Ayamine on the balcony.
"Hey, Ayamine. They need you in the hanger, fixing your OS and stuff." Her reply was the silence that remained under the cold winter sky.
"Come on, let's go."
"What?" Ayamine played dumb and ignored my order.
"You deaf or something? We need to rewrite the OS."
"Something…" And once again, we were going nowhere.
"…I don't want to deal with this. It's about your letters, right?"
"…" Ayamine refused to give me a clear answer no matter what I said.
"…People should do what they can for their country. And the country should do what it can for its people." The quote from her father finally got a reaction out of the inexpressive girl.
"…How do you?"
"Lieutenant-General Ayamine Shuukaku. He disobeyed direct order to defend retreating forces during the evacuation of Gwangju in favour of protecting civilians. As the result, the retreat turned to a one-sided massacre where the UN lost a lot of soldiers and equipment."
"The Far East Defence Line and the UN wanted his head which the Imperials had to placate him as a traitor and a coward. That marked the last days of your father before he was executed for desertion." I debriefed Ayamine about the past of her old man.
"…Then you know."
"There is also Sagiri Naoya, a close friend and subordinate of your father. Who is currently leading the rebellion group." There was no use hiding any information that Ayamine already knew. I just needed to get her together.
"You understood the letter…" Ayamine faced me for the first time during our discussion.
"Of course I did. Do I look like an imbecile who can't even decrypt a letter? He sent you all those because he regretted not being able to help your father."
"If you know all this… then why are you still asking me?" Ayamine only stared at me, unsure of my intentions.
"Because I don't give a shit about what happened in your past. You take those letters and shove them up your ass or whatever, I don't care. But I can't have a member of my team be moping over there about how she should have done something else."
"You can't change history, Ayamine. Who gives a crap about letters that don't even mean anything?"
"…You make it sound like you understand me so well, Takeru. But only if I opened then sooner…" Our other melee expert was still grieving over the past that she would have never been able to change.
"Ayamine… you said you trust me, right? I still remember, that time on the rooftop."
"…I did." Ayamine too, didn't forget about the faith she had in me.
"I couldn't give you an answer that time, now I can. I also trust you, Ayamine. You're a member of my squad, you're my irreplaceable teammate. That means I need you to watch my back out there, you can't be lamenting over what you could've done. There is no point. Do you have a reason to fight?"
I presumed that she regretted not seeing the schemes of her ex-fiancé sooner. But even if she did, her words as a cadet and the need to verify the letters will not let her case be taken seriously.
"Takeru… I do. I also have a reason to fight." Her stare was directly aimed at me. The feeling and affection behind her gaze would be difficult even for a dumbass to miss.
"Then the past won't matter anymore. No matter what happens. I believe that you will doubt yourself no longer."
"Can you say it… say it one more time?" I didn't need her to clarify the meaning of her words this time.
"Ayamine, I trust you with my life. I understand that now is a challenging time, but I also know that you'll pull through and you won't turn your back on me and the rest of the squad."
"…Thanks… I also trust you, Takeru. You'll lead us no matter what happens, right?"
"Of course, I am the most certain person you'll ever meet."
"Then I'll be loyal to you as well, my captain." We shared an embrace in silence as words were not necessary any longer.
06:30 PM
Briefing room
The squad came back from adjusting their TSFs and assembled in the briefing room. I took the spot on the stand to explain the situation for the team.
"So here's the story, the provisional government in Sendai has officially accepted UN military aid. The Undersecretary was able to convince the provisional government, ten minutes ago was when the news was officially announced."
I wouldn't say the squad was shocked by the revelation, they should have expected that eventually, the government will give up resisting the UN and the Americans whether we wanted it or not.
"Now that we took over this mess, Her Highness's safety will be the top priority in the next operation. Of course, the coup guys didn't like that fact and are calling the government traitors and stuff. But we don't really care about that political nonsense. Unless someone here wants to support the rebels."
The squad all pasted this humourless look over their faces as to disprove my accusation.
"Moving on, The American 7th Fleet is en route to Tokyo Bay from the Sagami Bay. The 132 TSF Armoured Battalion, are going to be sent out to the capital when they are ready."
"The 1st TSF Armoured Battalion and 5th Airborne Support Battalion are already deployed. The 4th and 5th TSF Armoured Battalions and the 2nd Airborne Support Battalion are preparing to deploy as well… Marimo-chan, take over. I'm thirsty."
With a wordless sigh, Marimo-chan got pulled onto the stage by me while I caught a bottle from Sumika.
"Continuing on, the 3rd TSF Armoured Battalion is preparing to be deployed to the Secondary Defensive Line, since the Imperial Army's troop withdrawals have left it under-defended."
"All other units are to remain on standby while being on the lookout for enemy flanking maneuver. In addition, the 3rd TSF Armoured Battalion is scheduled to deploy at 19:40 hours. Our squad will be deployed at the same and tasked with a special mission."
This time was when the squad was unprepared for the bombshell. But they improved their feedback thanks to my warning earlier. I again took over the speaking role to explain our mission.
"After a bunch of random bullshit that none of you will comprehend. We are getting deployed to Tougashima Fortress. The area of operation will be the south eastern shore of Ashinoko. So we get to take a paid vacation to the Shogun's summer home, in giant robots."
"1st Lt. Shirogane! Please take the briefing seriously!" Marimo-chan called me out for making one joke too many.
"Hehe, moving on. The Imperial Honour Guard's 19th Independent Guard Unit stationed here will be coming with us. Let's see… what else… oh, right. The Imperial Army over there are from Atsugi Base, if they give you girls shit for anything, just ignore them. With the situation around Her Highness still unclear, many Imperial Army soldiers are mostly pissed off."
I felt that my update was very unprofessional. But as the highest ranking officer here, no one can point it out to me.
"I have a question… if they challenge us with real weapons or outright attack us, would we be allowed to defend ourselves? This plan was agreed upon by the UN and the provisional government, it's unsanctioned by Her Highness. The Imperial Army may consider us to be the aggressors."
Class rep was worried over our treatment and the possibility of combat against the Imperials stationed there.
"That mostly likely won't happen. I don't think anyone in the Imperial Army is stupid enough to open fire on UN Eishis that intervened with proper procedure. They would have to fight us and fight themselves if something outrageous like that takes place." Class rep was satisfied was my retort and she settled back down.
"Alright, here is the most essential part. Our mission is to recover a highly classified package that will be sent from the capital. In fact, it's so classified that even I don't know the content."
"We also don't have a detailed method of recognizing said package. The Professor said that we'll know it when we see it. And the final icing on this damn cake will be that we don't even know when the drop will be made. We are ordered to gather at the fortress until further notice."
This part of the operation was added on thanks to Yuuko-sensei, I couldn't confess the real purpose of this mission. Then again, I technically didn't lie in the assignment description.
"Marimo-chan, please continue the outline of the planned course." I got lazy again so I just dragged Marimo-chan to finish the explanation.
"Yes, sir. At 1940 hours, we'll travel North along the…" My attention span counted down to zero when the illustrations of the mission details were given. In summary, we will be travelling to Tougashima Fortress by piloting our TSFs.
"—finally, since we may end up in real combat during this mission, I will join you with my TSF. And due to our recent change of squad leader and commanding officers, we're also changing our callsigns for this operation."
"We will be dividing into two fireteams. The first fireteam will be callsign Archer, with 2nd Lt. Kagami as the leader, callsign Archer 1. The rest of its member will be Ayamine, Archer 2, Yoroi, 3 and Tamase, 4."
"The second fireteam will be callsign Stinger, led by 2nd Lt. Yashiro, callsign Stinger 1. Together with me, Stinger 2, Mitsurugi, 3 and Sakaki, 4."
"1st Lt. Shirogane will command both teams directly along with the support vehicles. His callsign will be Specter 1"
I took over for Marimo-chan one last time to finish the session. Those names were requested by me, because reading a vocable with a number was less work than five numbers.
"Thank you, Marimo-chan. I'm a naturally lazy person, so all reports will be directed to your fireteam leader. You're permitted to open an encrypted with me in case of emergency."
"That's it for the Mission overview. Go back and make any final adjustments you need to your units then form up in the hanger. I hope all of you have already realized your purpose for fighting. You're dismissed." I released the squad and waved off their salute yet again.
Hanger
"Takeru-san! Are you done with your configurations?" Tama popped out of thin air behind me, her tail and bell were no longer equipped, unfortunately.
"Yep, there really isn't anything for me to change." Being the first out of my TSF after I only checked the basic controls and organization of commands.
"How's yours, Tama?"
"Mine's good as well, nothing really changed since we have being using the new OS for so long now." Tama's claim was without false.
"The XM3 should really increase our capabilities even if we're a training squad."
"When did you first join the military, Takeru-san?" I considered Tama's question for a while before coming to the deduction that there was no good way to answer.
"That's classified, sorry Tama. Can't tell you everything." The lazy excuse was utilized once more.
"1st Lt. Shirogane, is it?" One of the mechanics approved me with a PDA in hand.
"You got your guy right here, what is it?"
"I have a validation here that I need you to confirm." He passed me the tablet and the screen flashed to unveiled Kasumi's request for additional arms to her Mount Pylon system.
"This is going to take a lot of time to implement, will it be ready for the mission?"
"Yes, sir. It wasn't removed after the last deployment. We just need to reaffirm with you, it only take minutes to dismantle." For a second, I was worried that the attachments wouldn't make it in time.
"Yeah, she got my permission for this modification. Anything else?" I clicked around the tablet until it made my approvement official.
"No, sir. Thank you for your time." The mechanic ran back to his task.
"Why does Kasumi-san want extra arms?" Tama was curious as to why Kasumi ordered more Mount Pylon.
"If we end up engaging other units, you'll see. Her fighting style is very unique."
"Really? Does the Type-94 operate differently than our Fubukis?"
"That's… not the case. It's more like Kasumi's personality. Having eight guns are better than four, somehow. You should ask her later about that if we don't see action." Gazing toward my Type-94 Shiranui outfitted with basic gear for combatants with no assigned roles. A sword, a gun and two daggers were all I was provided.
"But still, I wish I one day can also pilot a Shiranui."
"That's just a matter of time, all three of us started with Fubukis before reaching the rank of Lieutenants. It's nothing special." That was another lie. Sumika's first frame was a giant fortress, her second frame was an even larger, giant fortress.
"Okay… Takeru-san really is a true Eishi, just like your guards."
"Tama… Why does everyone keep calling my gua— nevermind. Yeah, we are all real Eishis. Sorry that we had to hide it until now." Her mention of my rank caused me to feel guilty for deceiving them.
"It's okay, Takeru-san. I'm sure no one else is upset about this. We trust you to tell us your stories one day, right?"
"Yeah, of course. I promise to disclose everything when the time is right. So the all of you must be there when the time comes."
"Yeah! We'll all be there that day, Takeru-san." I ambiguously promised the future with Tama.
—
"You're going to pilot this, Meiya?"
"Are you not the one who persuaded me into riding it, Takeru?" We stood in front of the purple Type-00, Meiya's personal unit.
"I am, that why I wanted to make sure that you will pilot it to the end."
"Of course I will. I need this to protect what I believe in. The option to regret my decision is no longer available." With a mind set on her goal, Meiya will hesitate no longer.
"In our upcoming battle, your unit should prove to be a very vital piece. I apologize for increasing your risk with my demand." I felt responsible for endangering Meiya with forcing her to pilot a purple Takemikazuchi.
"Do not worry, Takeru. I decided for myself that I am willing to take this change. You will be there to protect us, will you not?"
"All the time, Meiya." I guaranteed Meiya's safety as long as I breathe this air.
—
"Owie!" Mikoto's head bumped my pocket at the wrong angle when I descended some stairs across from her.
"Sorry, you okay?"
"I'm fine, but what're you carrying that is this hard?"
"Oh, this? Just a souvenir." Without putting my brain to its supposed task, I pulled out the strange doll from Yoroi by instinct.
"Emm… this doll looks familiar. Ah! I saw this before! My dad got me the same doll when he visited last time!"
"Really? I got this from your father too when I ran into him by the professor's office. He doesn't have a lot of imagination, does he?" My half insult brought Mikoto a good laugh.
"Haha, he really doesn't! He never changes, always so whimsical and incomprehensible."
"Is that just like how you are?"
"And because he works for a government subcontractor, he kept running all over the world. He never thinks twice about anything, opting to ran headfirst into dangerous places…" Exhibit A can be seen right here, ladies and gentlemen.
"That might be true, but even from my short meeting with him. I know that he is a responsible man who, while odd at times, will never be a man that abandons what is most important to him."
Yoroi won't abandon anything without my permission, and my permission will never be given.
"I believe that as well, he's a strange kind of romanticist, so sometimes he loses sight of everything else. But my dad has always be a reliable person, no matter what happens."
"And he will always be like that."
"Yeah, you're right!"
—
"Alright squad, we will be moving out after I finish making this grand speech, so listen up." The team gathered around me in the hanger.
"I know that this will be your first deployment, all of you are probably tense from it. That's fine, being nervous shows that you understand the severity of this operation."
"So there is no need for your blood pressure to give you a heart attack here. Calm down, take things easy and don't be discouraged to communicate with others. Being serious doesn't mean you have to be stiff, got it? Let's go!"
"Yes, sir!" I gave what could be seen as a motivational speech before we departed.
09:40 PM
New Hakone road ruins
"—Specter 1 to Archer 1 and Stinger 1. The Reconnaissance teams have reported that there is no sign of enemies in the operation area. We'll proceed as planned, through Mt. Byoubu to the old checking station ruins."
"Once we secured Tougashima peninsula, Archer and Stinger flights will move to their assigned positions. Stinger 2 will manage the command post at the old checking station ruins with the support vehicles since I prefer field work instead. Last thing, make sure that you check your data links are receiving the latest reconnaissance information, Specter 1 out."
"—Archer 1, copy."
"—Stinger 1, copy." The faces of the two team leaders popped up suddenly and then disappeared just as fast.
"Everyone! Do you think we can go one of the hot springs here? Maybe after the operation is over." Sumika was trying to disperse this dark mood with her energetic personality. I remembered that I also said something similar during the first loop as well.
"That was a thing, huh? My experiences with hot springs were terrible. I kept getting beat up by some very violent girls that went with me… it's all your fault, Archer 1."
"What! Taker— everyone was all just trying to be nice to you, Specter 1!" The way we held our ridiculous conversation over the public channel, using the callsigns and everything, it was just plain dumb.
"You serious? What about the time when you sent that puck to my face? Was that a nice time? Also, when everyone got drunk of their asses and couldn't commute normally, those times… I still dream about them."
"—Stinger 4 to Specter 1. Please, 1st Lt. Takeru. Can you please not discuss your personal experiences on a mission?" Class rep had enough of our chitchat and spoke up.
"Hehe, Stinger 4, just relax and enjoy the—" An update of the situation from the capital interrupted my sentence.
"Specter 1 to all units, update. Fighting has broken out in the capital." The message that was sent from Headquarters turned out to be the unwelcoming news just as I predicted.
"It's unverified, but it seems some foot soldier fired at the Honour Guard in the Imperial Palace. The Honour Guard 2nd Regiment responded with full force against the rebels. Capt. Sagiri ordered a ceasefire, but couldn't get a hold of the situation."
"Eh? They started shooting? Over one person firing?" Sumika hindered my report with her obvious comment.
"Shut up, Archer 1! Let me finish. Anyway, the 1st TSF Armoured Battalion along with the American 117th TSF Armoured Battalion are landing an assault force at Shinagawa Pier. They're fighting the hostile forces as of now. The Imperial Army's assault forces started invading the capital from Saitama Prefecture."
"Nevertheless, our mission is still the same. Everyone, keep all channels open. We'll operate as separate teams and continue the mission as planned— Specter 1 out."
"Archer 1, copy."
"Stinger 1, copy." My overview of the situation didn't brighten up anyone's day.
The rest of the journey was paced with some insignificant chitchats in between until we reached our destination.
10:20 PM
Tougashima Fortress
"It has finally started snowing…"
"Yeah, yeah it did." Meiya's comms connected with mine when she decided to form a conversation with me.
"Land under BETA control is said to be thoroughly cleansed of nature… and yet it seems they did not even touch this part of the mountains." We talked further until the topic reached the tale of the Honour Guard 24th Regiment and how they defended this fortress for months before the mainland was retaken.
"However… no matter how much the Honour Guard wishes to protect the Shogun, choosing to stay for the sole purpose of protecting this building… is hard to believe. Besides… I cannot imagine Her Highness would wish them to do such a thing."
Meiya wasn't informed of the secret passage way that led from the Imperial palace to here. Hence, her wandering as to why the Honour Guard stayed here for months.
"Alright, Archer 1. I'm gonna open an encrypted channel here. Take over for me."
"Huh? Alright, but don't talk about any secrets, okay?" I didn't have the time to criticize Sumika's lack of logical thinking before the encrypted channel opened.
"Takeru, I'm starting to think you are abusing your power as the commander of this squad…" My call was closed off to everyone except for Meiya.
"Nonsense, Meiya. What else can I do with power other than use it? But this is not the point. I want to ask you something" She already knew my reason for being here, I was just hoped to confirm hers.
"Meiya, what do you think about the current government?" The belief between her and Sagiri was not on the opposite ends. But as the sister of the Shogun, I wished for her opinion before I proceed with my own agenda.
"It's… a difficult topic. After Japan lost in the war, we signed treaties that made us dependent on America. Our land was occupied and trampled by their armies… after that, the cold war. And the BETA… when we lost all those lives, with over half of our land taken, something prevented Japan from becoming forever fearful… I believe you understand why, Takeru."
"The country is within the people's hearts, and their country is formed by the Shogun's family." I understood the pride of this nation, Japan's patriotism was strong. Too strong for them to see the alternatives.
"Yes… but the Beta defeated us, and we had no choice but to turn the UN Army for help. Our government changed because of that. Ever since we retook the mainland, strengthened relations with the UN, and that became basic national policy. It has become normal to use excessive and unjustified methods, and the government and the military are becoming less and less what they are meant to be…"
"Our government does not care about the population and only sees the Shogun as a nuisance. The people that view their own benefit as more important than the country's, are leading this country." Meiya agreed with me on my added points.
"The rebel forces probably hope… to save their country and their Shogun. People who think so caused this coup. The Imperial government as it is now… I do not think it is good for this country." I finally exposed Meiya's true ideas. My guess about her wish was perfectly accurate. And I shall try to grant it, for the both of us.
"Meiya, my goal is to save this world. When I first started, I didn't care about how the Japanese people felt. Saving this world was much more important. However sometime down the line, I realized something."
"If a country couldn't get itself together and fight against the BETA, than how could that country be able to defeat the invaders? I still don't care about all the political stuff, but I know that the current government does not understand how to care for its people and fight the aliens."
"If I am allowed to say so, I also believe your view to be correct." An agreement was reached without a hitch.
"Say, Meiya. If you have the option to, would you change this country's government?"
"…Yes, I would." That was enough to clear me of any doubt.
"May I ask as to why you asked me this?" A question was shot my way from our resident samurai.
"I held my own ideal through all this time. I just couldn't find the right method to act upon it. But if it is for you, then that is more than enough motive for me." Having Meiya as rationale made my task so much easier to swallow.
"What are you planning, Takeru?"
"Would you stop asking if I say it's classified?" Worth a try, if nothing else.
"I will, but my curiosity will not diminish." It was only logical for Meiya to be intrigued.
"Then let's go with that, sorry I can't tell you more."
"That is fine. Is another question equitable?" Meiya still had other unsolved uncertainties.
"Sure."
"I understand that you place a great importance upon my life. May I ask what the reason behind that is?" The opinion that swayed me from Meiya must have charmed her.
"Let me think, how should I say this… you don't know this. But I have met you a long time ago. It's strange, really. My feelings for you are beyond that of a mere friend, you're just so much more than that."
"…Takeru, is it fine for me to decipher the meaning behind those words as I see fit?" If she saw that as a confession, then she would be correct.
"Yes, feel free." The next moment, a clean, genuine smile blushed across her face with a tainted backdrop from her cheeks flourishing.
"…Then know that… I also view you as more than simply an associate of mine."
"…Thank you, Meiya. And as you know. I promised that I'll never betray any of you. I just realized a new way of moulding this situation." Having just exchanged our confessions. It was awkward to continue the old topic.
"…Ah, I understand. I also promised to always be here to support you. Please, if you really have the power to save this country, I only ask that you use it wisely."
"—Takeru-chan! Anything going on over by you?" Sumika's dumb face ruined our moment of association. I switched back to the public channel to report to her.
"Nada, nothing going on over here. I'm gonna get back to Meiya now."
"Alright, Takeru-chan. Take good care of her for me, since I'm not smart enough to understand all this complicated things. You will make sure that nothing will go wrong, right?" Sumika was honestly concerned for the wellbeing of her friends. She might not understand every detail, but her emotions weren't wasted on caring about others.
"That's the plan, got to go now."
"Do your best, Takeru-chan!" I went back to the encrypted channel and was only greeted by a signal less screen with the noise of the wind.
I climbed out of my cockpit as well to spot her across the distance, standing proudly above her Takemikazuchi. Placing one hand on her katana and the other upon the wakizashi that was gifted. Meiya's windswept hair only served to add to her majestic look.
With eyes that focused on her land, pondering her own view on the Japan, the world and maybe even herself, Meiya wad deep in thought on many matter of things.
"Meiya, I know you can hear me. I just want to tell you that your passion for this country and your own blood isn't a weakness, it's the opposite. When we have something to protect, we become stronger. Especially when that thing is the most precious to ourselves."
"Takeru… you really do know everything… such strength, from time to time I envy you greatly." There not a single good point about me worth being jealous over, but maybe others could still see the light I had long lost.
"That's not the case. We are here now, so that means we can choose. Meiya, I chose to protect you and everyone else in our squad, which includes the dreams they see and the wishes they hold." I was about to turned off the encrypted channel and go back inside to the warmth that is my cockpit.
"Oh, right. One last time, this is actually the subject I wanted to discuss from the beginning…"
01:50 AM
"Take… Tim… Takeru-san… please wake up." Tama brought my thoughts away from the comfy dream world back to the cruel reality.
"Tama… what is it? Shouldn't happy-go-lucky over there be covering for me?" I determined to punish Sumika later for not taking care of whatever was happening.
"It's not that, your shift's in fifteen minutes." The cat girl reminded me of my duty. She was lacking her usual energy as the mascot of our unit.
"Tama, I want you to know that your dad did nothing wrong in this."
"Ah… yes…" Startled by my sudden moment, Tama forced a smile onto her face.
"This conflict isn't something that can be avoided. I believe that your father followed his ideals and worked for the benefit of Japan. You too, are currently here because you want to help this country. Be proud of that." My lecture cheered up Tama considerably and she regained her usual energy.
"Eheheh… Thanks, Takeru-san."
"And now that I missed my chance to force the work onto Marimo-chan for this shift…" Everything was planned out so far, I had Marimo-chan substitute for me so I can meet up with that person.
"Takeru-san, you really shouldn't address the Sergeant by her name."
"It's fine, Tama. As the superior here, I can do whatever I want." Tama only sighed at my remark.
"Takeru-san… that's abusing your authority."
"Hahaha! We're fine… anyway, let's swap." I distracted her from the subject of the questionable use of my rank.
"Okay… Archer 4, Tamase, entering standby at 02:02 hours."
"Roger."
—
"This is Specter 1 to Archer 1. I'm gonna head out and get some fresh air, copy?" My limbs were stretched with limited freedom before Sumika was informed about my outing.
"Copy that, Specter 1. Just don't take too long, okay, Takeru-chan? And watch yourself, don't catch a cold either!" The callsign was completely pointless if she just addresses my name anyway.
"Thanks, Archer 1. Departing now." Setting my Shiranui in a kneeing posture, I jumped out of the cockpit with and 10/10 in style points.
I stood below the cold show as it drifted wildly under the blue sky, the frosty days only made me wish for a quick smoke. However I disregarded the idea just as swiftly, my promise with Sumika wasn't something that I could take lightly.
After I ran around the place and rechecked the safety of my pistol. The footsteps of Yuuhi and her grandma like person finally was close enough for me to perceive as well.
"Freeze. Put your hands behind your head… and turn slowly toward me…" I played by the script only to pretend like I had no clue to their true identity.
"Wha! —how dare you point a gun at us!" The Grand Chamberlain's reaction was just too priceless. She demanded me to lower my weapon when herself was unarmed. It gave me this strange urge to shoot somebody here just to observe her response.
"Please identify yourselves. I'm part of the UN Army and our mission is to retrieve a certain package from this location. So please show me some form of identification"
"The UN Army? That means you are not in the Imperial Army!" Yeah, no shit.
"—Archer 1 to Specter 1! We have an emergency situation here! I don't understand what the people are talking about!" The idiot Sumika couldn't handle any alterations to the status quo, not like I expected her to.
"—Switch with Stinger 2, let her report to me. Archer 4, Hold your position by me. Archer 2, Stinger 3 fall back to the command post." I elected not to inform them of my current situation just yet.
"—Copy that!" The engines of their TSFs were just faint enough for me to hear over the radio.
"Identify yourself this ins—! That is…" The Takemikazuchi was spotted by the Grand Chamberlain, which also served to pause her sentence.
"—please step aside. This man is most likely here to pick us up." Yuuhi finally stepped into the light. I was granted her elegant features from head to toe, the twin sister of Meiya really appeared to be identical. Yuuhi still donned her white winter jacket with a thick scarf of the same colour.
"You're… Your Highness. I apologize for that encounter." I withdrew my sidearm and slightly bowed to Yuuhi, creating a bad first impression here would be amateurish for a time traveller.
"So you do recognize Her Highness! How could you think of pointing a weapon in this direction!" The Grand Chamberlain was getting on my nerves, but I had to deal with the other man first.
"I only just saw Her Highness a second ago. And Section Chief Yoroi, please don't attempt to sneak up on me. I get very trigger happy if taken by surprise." Yoroi Sakon showed himself as well once I called out his name to the wild.
"Very impressive, Shirogane Takeru. I thought my stealth was perfect too."
"That doesn't really apply to me, Yoroi Sakon-san." Some very unusual greetings were exchanged, as always.
"Still, for you of all people to be waiting here… well, I suppose I should thank Professor Kouzuki."
"Thank her indeed, I'm a busy man you know? However, if it's for the Shogun, then that changes everything." No credit should go to Yuuko-sensei, I recommended for my squad to take over this case from the beginning.
"Yoroi… are you acquainted with this one?"
"Yes. He's called Shirogane… he is very much a gentleman if I do say so myself. Although he's also somewhat strange."
Some assistance was passed to me from Yoroi, I knew treating him with respect will reap me benefit in the long run. But the strange remarked ruined everything, just like what Yoroi enjoyed doing.
"A man that you approve of is rare, Yoroi. Shirogane, are you and your unit here to guard us?" Yuuhi addressed me, asking for my purpose.
"I believe so, Your Highness. We were instructed to retrieve a specific package from the Tougashima Fortress. Although I wasn't imagining it would be the Your Highness herself."
"That's right… Shirogane Takeru, where's your HQ?"
"It's in the Odawara West Interchange ruins. And unfortunately, the command post is by the old checking station." The news was disadvantageous to Yuuhi's goal, but they needed to be made known nonetheless.
"…Hmmm… my apologies, Your Highness, but please go with this man. He may not be the best escort, but his skills are very unique."
"I understand… I shall impose upon this 'Shirogane'" Yuuhi accepted Yoroi's suggestion easily. Some disagreement was shown by the Grand Chamberlain, but she couldn't do anything to halt it.
"Is it possible to have Her Highness join you in your TSF cockpit?"
"Yeah, probably… but are you sure this is wise, Section Chief Yoroi?" I questioned his request even when I knew it was the only option.
"In this situation, I think a TSF cockpit is about the safest place imaginable, particularly yours. Wouldn't you agree, Shirogane Takeru?" I had no clue if this man knew of my piloting skills. But I was not a person to turn down a compliment.
"That's true. Within my TSF is perhaps the safest location available right now." Some early boast was put in play by me.
"Your Highness, is that alright?"
"Yes, I trust your decision." Again, Yuuhi presented no divergence.
"It would be best to take her with you to Yokohama Base… Grand Chamberlain, you should go to the command vehicle."
"I understand. Shirogane… protect Her Highness, understand?" The Grand Chamberlain ordered for me to take good care of Yuuhi.
"Of course."
"Yoroi, what will you do?"
"Your Highness, I have one other job left to perform… so I will be taking my leave for a while. Shirogane Takeru, take care of Her Highness." The duty of the Shogun's protection befell upon me.
"Of course, Section Chief. Look after yourself too." I gave him a nod that her responded in kind.
"Yoroi, I am greatly indebted to you… may fortune favour your mission."
"Thank you very much."
"I do not wish… for any more of my retainers to perish. Please, take care." The death of many of Yuuhi's followers already caused her a great deal of grief.
"…Those who fell and those who cut them down are all loyal servants of yours, so Your Highness must no doubt be in great pain… this affair is nothing more than young men and women who lamented the nation's troubles but were unable to remain still and rose up to fix them."
"Their passion for justice to be served within this country isn't a will that is difficult to comprehend. However, the method of which can be used to help the country is challenging to understand." My own factor was added to Yoroi's statement. Yuuhi said nothing, but her eyes clearly understood the points.
"Even if they chose the wrong path, as long as young people like them exist… Japan has not yet been abandoned. Their effort to eradicate the parasites will allow Japan to reawaken. That's what I believe."
"Will that truly… come to pass?" The bright future for Japan was a common wish among its people.
"Rest easy, Your Highness. The Empire will surely be reawakened in the hearts of the people. However, further conflict would not be desirable."
"Yes." The current situation must be stopped was the view that everyone agreed on.
"I will return to capital at once, and do what little I can to bring the situation under control."
"I would be grateful." My comms abruptly received signal from Marimo-chan as she briefed me about the updates from the capital. I half-hearted listened as I already knew what she spoke to report.
"Your Highness, I just received latest new that your escape was leaked. The coup d'état, Imperial Honour Guard and UN forces are all moving to various abandoned bases and fortification in the area—" I informed the group about the revised information.
"…Just as we planned. Though it would've been perfect if the rebels hadn't started fighting at the Imperial Palace." The plan was going smoothly as far as Yoroi was concerned.
"So then… I see. For Her Highness to escape to this location with only two escorts. But then you could have told the Household… no, nevermind. They would never allow that…" I almost got caught in the moment that I knew was coming and made myself look unintelligent.
"Very clever, Shirogane Takeru. You already understood Her Highness's intentions."
"Did her Highness order for them to stop fighting?" Knowledge was important to me, even if I was already informed of the future.
"Of course she did."
"So that means this coup was orchestrated before it even took place… the schemes are heavy behind here." It was somewhat awkward to pretend that I learned the facts as they showed themselves.
"Perceptive, aren't you, Shirogane Takeru. Ever since the Prime Minister's disappearance, numerous voices calling for the suppression of the insurgents came from the provision government and the Household Department… Her Highness repeatedly ordered them to avoid open conflict, up until the very end… but the provisional government and the army still planned a counterattack, and brought in the UN Army to help."
"So Her Highness decided to use herself as bait the get everyone out of the capital before the fighting can get any worse… such a convoluted evolution of events. " I finished Yoroi's description for him and looked over at Yuuhi, her expression of distress proved that the news we distributed to be correct.
"Section Chief Yoroi. Currently, the American Army is occupying Yokohama Base… are you sure it's safe?"
"That's why I'll be going. The chamberlain and I will go to the command post in the old checkpoint station… tell them we're coming." The future occasions also doesn't looked to be changing.
"Understood. My team will care for Her Highness without fail." I established Yuuhi's protection with Yoroi one last time.
"Your team? You're leading them, Shirogane Takeru?" He somehow picked up the most insignificant facts.
"Yeah, I'm a First Lieutenant, you know?"
"Hahaha, congratulations, Shirogane Takeru. Although you probably didn't get promoted from cadet recently. Don't let Her Highness be exposed to any danger, you understand?" The encouragement from Yoroi somehow still felt insulting.
"I will secure the Shogun without fail." I saluted Yoroi as a good soldier should.
"Not then, Your Highness…"
"Take care of yourself."
"You take care as well, both of you." Yuuhi bid farewell to her escorts as Yoroi disappeared without any trace. I returned to the public channel to update the team.
"—Specter 1 to all units. Some news here, we're no longer on standby, all units prepare for battle. About ten minutes ago, the UN 11th field HQ received information directly from the Imperial Household Department. The Shogun had evacuated from the capital after it all got shot up."
"—1st Lt. Shirogane! Please be serious about this!" Marimo-chan criticized me for making a joke out of the briefings.
"Sorry, I'll stop. Her Highness escaped via a top-secret underground railroad built underneath the Imperial Palace approximately ninety minutes ago. Several other groups were also evacuated at the same time to act as decoys."
"The information was leaked about thirty minutes ago so the coup forces are sending units to every nearby fortification. As a result, fighting within the capital has virtually ceased. The Imperials, Honour Guard and UN Army are all chasing them."
"Our mission objective was also achieved. I have just secured the Shogun and we should be returning to base shortly." It should come as a shock that our objective was related to the Shogun.
"—EH?! Takeru, does that mean the Shogun is our package?!"
"What did I just say, Class rep? Now let me finish the orders." At the same time of my update, I was guiding Yuuhi to my TSF.
"—But… that's like… crazy!" Tama's comment was straight up ignored.
"Section Chief and the Grand Chamberlain that was accompanying the Shogun are currently heading for the Command Post. I'll be taking Her Highness with me in my TSF. Stop asking questions, okay? I can't answer them either. All units form a Circle 1 around me and await further orders."
"—Roger!" The sound of my squad's surface fighters filled the air as multiple units converged on me. I reached my Shiranui just a little while after Ayamine arrived.
—
Shirogane Specter 1
Sumika Archer 1
Ayamine Archer 2
Mikoto Archer 3
Tamase Archer 4
Kasumi Stinger 1
Marimo Stinger 2
Meiya Stinger 3
Sakaki Stinger 4
—
Author's note
And now the coup is in full action. The threat of a two day timeskip is still in effect so just watch for that. (Although I have no idea how you are supposed to do that. This chapter is a little shorter compared to my previous two, and the next few could be even shorter for better storytelling and suspense factors. So I apologize, if a chapter is really short, then I'll roll out another one within the week, no promises though.
I changed the callsigns because typing numbers is legit hard for me on this keyboard. Also, I knew callsign have a space in it, but this just looks so much cooler. Some would say it's the greatest cooool!
Some more copy and paste from the game will be coming up, sorry about that but I try my best to make everything interesting. But in general, I think people will like what I will do with the coup arc. This is one of my prouder moments in literature, after all.
In other news, I just added some more things to the first chapter. (If you saw something about a rewrite, well, I got lazy… so…) It should be smoother to read now, so go back and take a look, not going to cost you anything, if you don't count the electric bills that is, which you shouldn't count.
I've been rambling on for a while now because I'm trying to make up for less words. Guess I'll end it here. If you enjoyed this story, please favourite, follow and review. Or don't, I can't tell you what to do. Thank you to everyone that read my story and please continue supporting me to become a better writer. Byyyyyye!
As always, proofreading done by chad001.