Valkyrie-624
Chapter 4:
From East to West
Written by
A/N: Hi! Sorry for the long wait. Busy with exams and work. Hope you like it. This is a long chapter.
21 December 1998, 0300hrs
Hertford Heath Outpost
Nazeing, London.
The four ladies spent their few minutes, drinking a lot of water and stretching their tired limbs, waiting for the next sortie. The outpost was recently underwent a major upgrade to the defensive wall. Surrounding the outpost were the mass thick reinforced concrete wall. Standing 35 meters tall. The wall could withstand the burnt force of the destroyer-class Beta for at least 30mins. That time was enough to evacuate the outpost, provide that the base was not surrounded.
"Aaaahhh!... That really hit the spot." Anett sighed happily after gulped down a full bottle of cold water.
"I agree. At last, we can take a breath." Kaita nodding her head while breathing heavily.
"Hmm… Are you girls really alright?" Pham gave a concern look.
Seeing two of her best pilots, on the floor tired, was not a great sight to behold.
"Sigh… Please ignore them, Pham. They are just old." Lise was finishing with her discussion with the maintenance team who were working on their MiG-21 Balalaika.
"WHAT?!" Both girls turned their heads towards the person who made the comment.
"Girls! Now really, is it the time for this?" A frustrated Pham smiled at the trio.
Pham turned to Lise in a swift movement.
"Lise! Come here please?" Pham begged Lise to be beside her.
"What is the matter?" Her blonde hair bounced around as she walked up to Pham.
"What do you see? Are you thinking the same thing as me?" Pham handed Lise a map with detail information on the Beta location and path of attack.
On the map, the Beta held the eastern side of the motorway 11 or M11. From Saffron Walden to the northern side of London, the enemy held with an iron grip of the land used to belong to the Britain. Now in reaching distance, the people of Luton feared with their lives, hoping that the armed forces could hold the defense line to the end. Manning the line were the remnants of the German Democratic Republic or GDR. The 666th was part of that forces. Stationed at the Leavesden Aerodome, the 666th task was to provide ground support to the 25th Infantry and the 910th Armored Brigade and the suicide mission of wiping out the Beta feared class, Laser-class.
Lise studied the map in intense glare. Seeing that the 25th retreated to the Broxbourne Line and the 910th trying to hold out at Waltham Abbey, the situation in Nazeing was getting worse. Noticing that there was a new update of the movement of Beta, Lise traced the line to try to predict the next move. The new information showed that at Sawbridgeworth, the U.N and the France forces were able to withstand the attack, however in the south at Loughton, the Italian force were receiving a hell of a beating. Wave after wave, the Beta unleashed a hell-bent attack on the Italian. The 184th Divisione Paracadutisti Nembo or 184th Airborne Division Nembo was the main force holding the line from M25 to Woodford. Providing support for the Italian, the American force, consist of the 12th Armored Brigade and 3rd Infantry Division, went to their ally aid and currently assisting with the evacuation of non-essential personnel.
"Are they evacuating Enfield?" Lise asked worriedly.
"For now, they are but not fast enough." Pham gave a cold look.
Lise wondered at the comment, then she realized the reason. Not enough manpower. The Harlow Defensive Line was weakened after a series of small but brutal attacks by the Beta. They were small in number but efficient in causing massive losses on the human side.
"If they managed to break through at Loughton, the American will have a difficult time to withstand that attack." Lise began her analysis of the situation.
"We could use the river between Enfield and Buckhurst Hill as a barrier. Maybe we can get help from our 32nd TSF Squadron at Stratford to launch a flanking attack at Woodford. The artillery at East Barnet need to step up their support if we want to hold at Waltham Way."
Pham smiled at Lise's analysis. She could tell that that person had not just rehabilitated Lise to normal but managed to input some of his personality into her.
"Huh? What are you smiling about?" Lise noticed that her superior officer smiling happily at her.
"Oh nothing. You just reminded me of him." Pham looked away to the distance.
Lise bought the map closer to her chest. Her face burned away the cold snowflakes. Her reaction to the mention of that person made her heart skip a beat. After the long period of rehabilitation and spending more time together, Lise realized that she had that someone, who her heart was longing for, beside her for those three years without noticing it.
"Yeah, I know, Pham. I really missed him a lot." Lise grew redder with her comment.
"OOOHHH! Someone turning into a cherry." Both Anett and Kaita shouted their comment loudly for the whole base to hear.
Yamade Base, Sendai
Japan. 23 December 1998
0930hrs
The PX was bursting with noise and excitement. News came down that the Beta was launching an attack in Britain. The framed 666th Squadron was featured in the report. Four TSFs managed to stop a company-sized Beta at Lee Valley Park after the 25th Infantry retreated from their three days straight battle with the enemy.
"Look! The demon managed to wipe out those Beta like hot knife cutting butter."
Comment like that was common throughout the PX. Many praised the 666th. Others idolized them. Only one ignored the hype and continued eating his breakfast.
"Sir? Eh… The vice-commander is asking you." A timid lady NCO spoke softly.
Udy looked up to her and nodded in response. She smiled proudly at the reply and cheerfully walked away.
Finished with the breakfast, Udy walked towards the northern part of the base. The base was huge and consist of 6 main buildings, 12 hangars with 2 runaways, a fuel depot, and a 40km land for training use. The base was mostly used as a training ground for the imperial army.
Reaching at the basement level 8, Udy slowly walked up to the wooden door with her name on it.
Opening the door without knocking first, Udy prepared to plunge into hell.
"Hmm? You don't seems to be the one without manners. Why didn't you knock?" Yuuko asked from behind her desk.
The room was a bit messy with papers skew all around the floor. Stacks of files piled up on her desk. For someone who was known as the genius of the world, one might expect to see a neat room. Not a janitor room.
That comment Udy made a mental note to not speak of, instead burying it in layers of bad memories.
"At least you noticed that I was here. Motoko-chan normally don't even feel the presence of a soul until when I'm up in her face." Udy sighed at the recollection of the old days back in the U.N R&D department.
"Hmm… Sound like her." Yuuko smirked mischievously.
"So… Ms Kouzuki, what can I do for you?" Udy smirked darkly while bowing down towards Yuuko.
Yuuko was taken back by his words. She learned from different sources that Udy was the head chief in the U.N TSF Research and Development and he was one of the engineers to use old models to refits and reused for the armies against the Beta. Seen as a top brain in mechatronic engineering and field strategic, almost all the top brass highly recommended him. However, all his works earned him many promotions which Udy declined without any haste. Udy spent most of his time working on improving the TSF both software and hardware. Rarely taking a break, many of his personnel nicknamed Udy; "The sleepless".
"I understand that you had spent sometimes with the British forces in London. Have you heard the news?"
Yuuko looked on Udy with a strong examination on his expression.
"I would be in a big trouble if I denied that I did hear the news. Read the report. I'm grateful for their survival."
Yuuko caught a small smile forming on his face.
"They are a group of great troopers to be with. I kind of miss their antics." Udy laughed at his memories.
"Oh? So I can take it that you prefer to be with them then?" Yuuko crossed her legs suggestively.
"If I had a choice, then yes." Udy paused for a while before continuing with his words.
"However, if Motoko requested, then I had to follow. Normally she would not ask me unless she has been forced to a corner."
Yuuko noticed that Udy seems to be carrying a heavy weight on his shoulder. Choosing her next words, Yuuko was debating whether or not, should she ask why her sister had such control on him. All statements in his file reported that Udy is not one to be controlled. There were many court trials against him for many reasons. Disobeying orders, misconduct with an officer, violent against commanders and recently, was nearly charged guilty for a violent assault against an unarmed NCO and a civilian.
"Hmm… I would not ask the reason, but did my sister tell you the objection of this transfer?"
"To assist with the development of TSF. I understand that you had been gathering the top minds in the field of mechatronics." His answer was quick and to the point.
Both did not said a word. Their stares could kill anyone else who was in the room.
"Anything else?" Her comment was a statement, not a question.
"Not at all, Mdm." There was a hint of defiance from his answer.
The room went heavy in the air. Yuuko realized that they were not making any progress so she decided to change the topic.
"I understand that you spend some times with the 666th for a long period. How did you managed to get involved with their TSF research?"
Udy looked into Yuuko's violet eyes and saw the determination in her. He knew that she was the same as Motoko. A strong-willed individual.
"My dad served alongside with them. So it would be expect for the son to be with his dad and help out with the TSF research."
Udy threw an "It's hopeless period" look at Yuuko.
"Ah! I see. I heard of your father. Must be hard to be working under him?" Yuuko knew more of his father's record and understood that it must be difficult for Udy to be compare with his father.
"Difficult would be an understatement." Udy laughed at the thought of the hardship he experienced.
"Understand this, I normally would choose my staff. However, my sister has seen it fit that you can be a use to my project."
Yuuko turned serious and stiffed her shoulder.
"As you know, the situation in London is beginning to get… chaotic. The British Government had recently ask for support from the U.N Headquarter as they were hit by insider attacks by the terrorist group, Refugee Liberation Front or RLF."
Udy's blood boiled from the mention of RLF.
"With that said, my unit will not be taking part of the relief effort. I have a need for their skills. However, I just received a formal request from a squadron of mine to join with the relief effort. Not the whole squadron. Mainly just two idiots."
Yuuko rubbed her forehead like she was having a headache.
Udy stared at the sight of a tired and frustrated Yuuko. She must be under a ton of pressure, Udy thought.
Wait! Is she trying to say that she wants me to go? Udy wondered confusedly.
"With all my engineers and technicians putting their focus on my project, I can't send a team to support those two pilots. Then you came along…" Yuuko eyed mischievously at Udy.
Udy almost wanted to take a step back and run to the hills.
"Ah! I'm so glad that my older sister worried about me too much."
Her smile was not one expect from someone who was supposed to look grateful.
A cold shiver ran down on Udy's back as Yuuko stood up and walked slowly towards him.
Yuuko walked up to Udy and with an outstretched hand on his left cheek, she grew him closer to her until her right cheek was parallel to his left side of the face.
Yuuko whispered into his ear; "This is a good time to see how good you really are."
Yuuko watched with a smile as the blood drained from his face.
A dreaded look appeared before her.
"Please don't take this in a hard way. My only primary mission is getting started with the Plan VI. I may had gathered the best minds in this base but not all are in the same page."
Yuuko walked away from Udy and stood in front of the blacked window.
Yuuko sighed loudly and turned around towards a scared Udy.
"You know, having too many cooks can spoil the pot." Yuuko smiled softly at the person in front of her. He almost reminded her of her younger self. Filled with dreams and hope.
"Why didn't you rejected the transfer?" The tone was filled with confusion and angry.
"Because someone like you knows how to save this world from its fate."
The air was turning darker with every second passed and the weather seems to agree with the situation.
"How far did you get?" It was Udy's turn to sigh and relaxed with his posture.
Giving Udy a smirk, Yuuko answered back with a phase; "Far enough."
Hangar 08, Yamade Base.
1205hrs.
The crews were scrambling around in panic. A recent shipment of equipment had arrived and the supply officer just went AWOL, causing everyone to search for the missing documents.
"If this happened in my old base, Hell will be the next stop." Udy commented as he looked on with pity as the crowd fumbling and knocking one another down.
"You have to forgive them. My men are seasoned personnel but not the…" Yuuko left that part out as they both witnessed a stacks of cartons fall to the ground.
People started to yell to one another. Fits rise and thrown about. Reason flew out of their head as frustrated technicians, who were under heavy pressure, exploded one by one.
"God! Where is the commanding officer?" Udy took a few steps forward before been stopped by Yuuko.
"Let them be."
"But Madam!"
"I always believe that humanity can be saved if we work together."
Yuuko paused as she watched one of the female staff pulled a falcon punch to a well-build man.
"And that includes working out our differents."
Udy was shocked at the sight. Normally this would be enough for a death by firing squad. However, Yuuko, since her takeover of the base, has given free rein to her commanders. All had the freedom but must pay a high cost. Absolute loyalty to her and the plan. Nothing else.
They walked past the scene and continue towards the western end of the hangar. On this side of the hangar, the crew were busying with their work. The commotion on the other side didn't little to disturb their concentration.
"I can understand that providing the men with the freedom of movement would allow such efficient progress and motivate them to do their upmost. However, would it also allow a backlash against you?"
Yuuko understood Udy's concerns. She knew too well of the outcome of such freedom. But she really needs them to focus on the project and nothing else. Humanity had suffered great losses during the war and if she could save millions at the cost of her and her men, she would gladly do it. Sometimes, Yuuko was seen as a witch. Willing to sacrifice lives for her goals. Unbreakable Witch of the East.
"Let's just say, I knew it from the start that I would be a monster to many."
Udy noticed that a sad look appeared briefly on Yuuko's face.
They continued towards the end of the hangar. At the location was a group of five personnel, talking to one another. Udy saw that there were three men and two women. The men were officers and the women looked like maintenance technicians. With the great number of male population fell deeply in the past few years, every military institutions started to daft female combatant into their army. This caused the ratio of man to woman to be a huge different. For every three male in service, there were at least nine female in the service with them. And the number of experienced male soldiers fading fast, many leaders would promote and transferred the male into administration and support roles.
"Vice-commander!" The older male officer gave a salute to Yuuko.
"Jack! How many times to just forget with the formality?" Yuuko shook her head in frustration.
"I'm sorry about that, but in front of my men, I need to make an example for them." The officer spoke in a husky voice.
"Alright. Oh! This is Major Udy. He will be taking over the 88th Technical Corp."
"It is Major Sergeant. You could say that my rank is similar to a major." Udy reached out his right hand towards the older officer.
"Ah! I was wondering about it. I'm Captain Jackson Vine of the 88th TC. Well, that makes me your second in command." Jack smiled sheepishly while shaking Udy's hand.
"I'm 2nd Lieutenant Narumi Takayuki. 7th Defling Squadron." The second officer with a short black hair saluted.
"Also 2nd Lieutenant, my name is Taira Shinji. Same unit." The brown spiky hair officer gave a bright smile.
Udy turned his attention to the two female staff.
"Ah! These are my new staff. Hey! Come on, introduce yourself to the commander." Jackson frowned at their poor manners.
"I..i… My name is Sakura Ayase. Specialist-… Sergeant." She gave a shy look and turned away to hide her red face.
"I'm Lina Kimonto. Also specialist sergeant." She gave a shaky salute.
Udy gave a worried look to Jackson.
"They just recently joined the unit. Fresh out of the academy. This is their first day." Jackson answered while looking at his charges with a grin.
"Ah I remember now. You, girls, are from the U.N. Technical Course, am I right?" Yuuko looked surprised.
Jackson looked at Yuuko with a confused look.
"Yes, madam! We are from the same class. Spend two years together." Lina answered the question with confident.
"Madam?" Jackson almost looked like a lost child which made any of the female staffs nearby to be awe with his reaction.
"It is a highly recommended and one of the best school to be sent for training in the TSF development. The requirement to enter is almost impossible to pass, even with those elite have problems trying to enter." Yuuko gave him a small brief of the school.
"It was not that difficult." Lina boasted proudly.
"Lina! You should not have said that." Sakura told Lina in a meekly tone.
"Sakura! You should really speak up loudly. The captain can't even hear you." Lina turned to her childhood friend and tapped on her forehead.
"Hhhnggg…" Sakura covered her head in a meek protest.
"Oh my! What a unique group of personnel you have, Jack?" Yuuko smirked happily.
"Jeezz. I wondered what they did in the academy. I feel like an old man sometimes." Jackson sighed hopelessly.
The three other men just stood there in awe of Sakura's cuteness.
Yuuko saw this and could not help it but wait for her chance to have fun with them for the moment.
Crooked Mile Road, North of Waltham Abbey.
Nazeing. 23 December 1998.
1510hrs.
From their position, they can clearly see the Beta at Galley Hill. Swarming the area with their number, the Soldier-class Beta turned towards the human position and rumbling down the hillside.
"Here they come!" The American force, who came into this area to provide aid to their ally, the 910th, were bracing themselves for the attack.
The 1st TSF squadron from the 12th Armored was the only TSF squadron out of 4 squadrons that was tasked to protect the right flank of the 910th Armored. With the 25th being retreating back to the 3rd line of defense, the task of holding the position fell to them. The American force were stretched thinly across the line and almost every time, there were be holes that required to be plug.
"Knight 4! How's our ammo count?"
"Knight 1. We got barely enough for another 2 to 3 hours max." Knight 4 pilot answered with haste.
"Alright. That could not be help. Knight 3 and 5. Hold our right flank. Those bastard will try a left flank this time. Our friend from the 910th will handle anything on our left. You guys just make sure nothing gets past you."
"Roger that, Knight 1."
"Knight 4. Just do the same thing. Provide artillery support for us and scout out those destroyer class. If they are here, we will need to deal with them ASAP."
"Copy that"
"Knight 6, 7, 8. Hold the front. You will be our roadblock."
"Sure thing, Knight 1."
"2, you're with me. We will be the headhunter this time."
"Wilco, Knight 1."
Knight 1 could feel the sweats slowly making its way towards his lower back. He know that, without any support or resupply in the next hour, his squadron will have to fight in melee weapon. And that is something that he wants to avoid.
Even with their fast movement with the mecha, no way could they survive in a melee fight with the Beta. Very few pilots could hold out for a long time. The American pilots were trained primarily in usage of long-ranged and melee combat but not them. Many of them barely knew how to use the small knife in the TSF's hip compartment.
"Knight 8 to 1! We got shitload of Beta over here. We need to give ground soon." Knight 8 did nothing to hide his fear.
"4, snipe those at the back for me, will ya?"
"It's not that easy, you know! Can ya tag them?"
"Mary! Watch out!" Knight 6 called to her friend who was getting swarmed by the soldier-class.
"SARAH! HELP!"
The American F-15E Strike Eagle fought hard to wipe out its enemies from overwhelming it. However, with every kill, there was another to replace. The number began to take effect in this battle.
"No! NO! NO! NOOOOOO!" The pilot could only scream for her life as the armor was slowly eaten away and the bulkhead, that was protecting the cockpit, began to melt away to reveal to the Beta the helpless prey.
"SARAH!" Her bloodcurdling scream rang out from the squadron intercom. A cold dread filled the team minds as they knew that they could not do anything for the lady.
"MARRYYYY!" The pilot tried to reach out and save her friend. After losing so many in the past few days, Mary and Sarah were the last survivor of their group. From the same school and village, both of the ladies were inseparable. Sarah watched in horror as the soldier-class broke open the hatch that was protecting Mary. She want to save Mary. She did not want to lose another loved one. She could not live with the pain anymore.
Three shots rang out and explosions surrounded Mary's TSF.
"WHAT THE?"
The hand that was gripping Mary dropped to the ground. A pool of blood gathered around her.
"Mary is alive!" Sarah saw movement from Mary on the video camera.
Bringing her TSF next to Mary's ruined TSF, Sarah opened her hatch and dropped down to save Mary.
Pleading for Mary to be alright, Sarah ran into the gore and blood towards Mary's almost lifeless body.
"MARY!" Sarah called her friend.
Mary was a mess. Both of her legs were broke in two places. Her white smooth hair was mixed with mud and blood. Her body had cut marks all over her. Her breathing was heavy.
"MARY!" Sarah called out once more.
"Sa-… Sarah… Ah… I can't mov~" Her words was filled with fear and coldness.
"It's ok. I'm here. I will bring you back." Sarah tried to lift Mary up, but as she did that, Sarah noticed that they were in a big trouble.
Leaving the protection of the TSF and the squadron, Sarah risked both of their lives to the Beta. There were a few soldier-class slowly making its way towards them. Reaching for her sidearm, Sarah realized that a 9mm bullet would do little against the thick skin of the soldier-class. Hugging Mary closer to her, Sarah looked at her injured friend with tears in her eyes.
"Sorry, Mary. I always cause trouble for you…" Sarah started to cry at her hopeless situation.
"It's no-thing… You… alwa~… make my ti~… worthwhile…" Mary smiled through the blood-soaked face.
Embracing one other, the two girls prepared for the end.
Again, explosions surrounded them once more.
Dusts and dirt covered them as the ground shook with the explosion. The soldier-class screamed in anguish as the bullets split apart their bodies into pieces.
"Hey, you two! Start running, will ya?" An angry voice called out to them.
"We will be providing cover. Please help your comrades." Another calm voice command the knight leader.
"Thank you! You came in the nick of time. Sarah! Bring Mary to me. We will get her to field aid." Knight 1 opened his hatch to help with Sarah.
"Who are they?" asked Knight 2 in surprise.
"Knight Lead. This is Mother. The 666th is providing cover for you. Head back to Cornmill Stream. There will be a squadron there to provide aid and resupply. Please head there now." A female operator spoke through the intercom.
"The 666th?" Knight 4 gave a shocked look.
"Understood. All Knights, we are leaving this place. Let the 666th handle our withdrawn. Knights, move!"
As the Knights squadron began their retreat from the battle, the four MiG-21 TSFs stood before them, blasting their guns towards the incoming horde. The sights of the Russia-made MiG operating in the battlefield was something of a beautiful painting. Nothing could compare it to the awesome firepower and performance of the MiG-21.
"Anett! Cover the 10 o'clock. There are some of them over there."
"Yeah! Got it!"
"Lise! Cover me. I'm going to the right side, about 300 meters. There is a small hill I could use for spotting."
"Alright! I'm going with you. Pham?"
"Ok! I can handle here. You, girls, take care, will you?"
Their teamwork showed how close they really were. Even with their dark history overshadowed in every report of them, nothing could change their unbreakable bond.
1 hour later.
The Knights squadron were resting while waiting for their TSF to be resupply. Their teammate, Mary, was still undergoing surgery to save both of her legs. Doctors did said that if had they did not bring her in earlier, she might have lost her legs and maybe, her life. A lone figure kept pacing around outside the operating tent.
"Sarah! You need to rest. Let them take care of Mary, alright?" Knight 1 or Captain Tim Berson, leader of 1st TSF Squadron, stopped in front of the worried and tired Sarah.
His number 6 in the team, 1st Lieutenant Sarah Brown was a young pilot recently reassigned to the unit four months ago. Previously from the US 10th Mountain Division, Sarah and 1st Lieutenant Mary Withmore were best friends. Came from the academy in the states, they were so close, to the point of rumors flying around that they were lovers. After today's event, Captain Tim had a better understanding of his two female pilots' relationship.
"But sir…" Sarah's voice was dried and rough.
The two officers stood still in the cold wind. Winter was upon them. Even with their suit keeping them warm, the exposed skins took a beating against the wind. Around them, the place was crawling with activities. TSFs getting refuel and resupply with ammunitions. The wounded were slowly being sent back farther down the line. The constant sound of shovels digging the earth as new bodies kept pilling nearby.
"Trust in them. And Mary too. She is not going to leave you alone, will she?"
Just as Tim gave his assurance to Sarah, the doctor peeled back the tent flap and took a deep breath of air.
"Ahhh… AH! Captain. Just when I need you… You can rest easy. She going to make it."
Both officers took a sigh of relief. Tim wiped away the sweats on his forehead.
"Can I see her?" Sarah was literally begging the doctor with her puppy eyes.
"The matter of fact, you can. She was asking you the whole time."
The two men watched as Sarah jumped into the tent like a child would.
"So… how is she really?" Tim turned dark at his question.
"Won't sugarcoat it. Mary is really a lucky girl. 10 more minutes and we had to cut her legs. She can walk again… but not in long while."
Tim knew what the doctor was getting to. Mary might not be able to fly again.
"Any chance of recovering?" Tim asked the good doctor. If there was any chance to keep her in the unit, the better it was for him to chase it. He need Mary to stay in the team as Sarah would go berserk without her. Mary was Sarah's lifeline.
"There is… but it is hard to get the treatment now…" Doctor took out a lighter and lit up the roll of tobacco between his fingers.
"Why is that?" Tim gave a puzzled look.
"Because the man who can help Mary is working with the U.N… and if I am not mistaken, currently working alongside with Jason Dark."
Tim shivered coldly at the name.
Jason Dark. The Dark Reaper.
Brigade General Jason B Dark, Commanding Officer of the U.N Space Command. Leaded the Space Lunar Task Force 624 into battle during the First Lunar War. One of a few high ranking officers to survive the first encounter, Jason was well-known for his exploits. However, Jason was a hardliner. He refused to give ground to the enemy. Even when ordered to. He believed that humanity had a chance to win if had the world leaders allow him to keep fighting at the moon. His tactics may had saved thousands of lives… but at the cost of his own men and women. Most of the times, they were politician's family members. To the world, Jason was a hero. However, in the government's eyes, he was a thorn in the rose. Unforgiveable for his treatment to the riches, Jason had once sacrificed the Chinese Premier's son unit to the enemy, in order to save a city. The premier had offered bribes and wealth to Jason for his son's survival. But that did little for his son. The premier watched helplessly as the live feed of his son's helmet cam showcased the last few minutes of his son, before a jagged rows of teeth appeared before the camera and turning the screen into a dark red images. Only the sound of a human agonizing scream and the crushing of meat and bones, echoes throughout the room.
"Who would risk their career for that man?" Tim wondered out loudly.
"Many would want to work under him, given his kindness to fellow his fellow soldiers. I do agree that Jason had some… 'ideas' that clashes with ours. But he had proven himself, did he not?" Doctor gave his two cents on the matter.
"Besides, had he stay, he might be able to hold the line a bit longer."
Tim looked away from the doctor and focused towards the tent. Deep down, he did not want to risk his team any more danger, but he knew if he did little, Tim will never get to keep his team together. His 1st TSF squadron was the only family he have left.
"Can you make the arrangement?"
"I will try…" The doctor paused for a moment before continuing.
"Maybe I can contact an old friend, hmm?"
As the two men discussed with each other, inside the tent, Sarah carefully caressed Mary's left cheek. Like lovers longing for one another, the atmosphere in the tent was lovely-dovely. Many felt unease with the amount of love pouring out from these two ladies.
"Sarah… Why are you still crying?" Mary's words nearly choke the already sobbing Sarah.
"Sorry… 'hic' It's just… 'hic' you got hurt because of me…" Sarah trembled in fear as Mary ran her uninjured hand through her raven hair.
"Come on. You did saved me after all. Look, as long as we are together, we will be alright, right?" Mary knew that under Sarah's tough shell, was a fragile little girl. To many from the outside, Sarah was the older sister and Mary was the little sister. However, when they were alone together, Mary would take up the role of a mother and Sarah would ask to be pampered.
"Sorry for not be able to be strong for you…" Sarah wipe away the tears from her green eyes.
"That's alright… Say, did the doctor said anything about my condition?"
Sarah gave a confused look.
"They said that you're going to recover well soon. Why do you ask?'
Mary turned pale and realized that they were trying to bury the truth.
"I… I might… not be able to fly with you anymore…"
Sarah's mind went blank as it tried hard to process every word and meaning of the sentence Mary spoke.
"What?!" The tent went from a place in Heaven to a place of Hell.
Yamade Base, Sendai
Japan. 23 December 1998
1900hrs
A constant ringing echoes down the corridor. Luckily, the corridor was in the administration building and most of the staffs were in their own apartment. Hardly a soul would be able to answer the phone.
However…
"Hello?" A lone figure picked up the call.
"How bad is it?" The figure listened diligently to the caller.
Minutes passed as the caller slowly took its time. The figure sat on a leather chair and quietly listened to the details, being given to the listener.
"I see. I will make the arrangement… You have to handle the paperwork on your own. There will be… some "issues" that requires your immediate attention once the request is made."
The call went on for a few minutes before the listener hang up the phone.
The figure sat still in the chair. Its head tilted back in defeat.
"Should have stopped owning people..."
Hangar 09, Yamade Base.
24 December 1998
0915hrs
"I told ya! The setting is supposed to be 580 MPa exactly. You shitbirds better get that in your head!"
The crew chief was chewing up his tech crew early in the day. With the recent replacements, fresh from the school, making a lot of problems, the senior staffs were having their hands full with the daily requests and maintenance.
"God… And here I thought that my day couldn't get any better. You, girls, done with the check-up?" Jackson asked without looking directly at his charges.
His two fresh crewmates were busy typing away on the console.
"Five more minutes!" Lina answered back.
Sakura was focusing on her analyzing on the TSF's programing and bugs. She didn't realized that her partner in crime was doing the same thing.
"BEEP!" A warning alarm sound off.
"AH? SAKURA! I was about to change the setting on the radar…" Lina exclaimed loudly towards her best friend.
"Lina, I told you that I was doing that." Sakura protested meekly.
"AND I TOLD YOU TWO TO FINISH THIS 10 MINUTES AGO!"
The two girls jumped at the sight of the raging officer. Barely their first day reaching toward the lunchtime and, already, they made their first big mistake of the day.
"Sigh… Sometimes, I wonder if I made the correct choice." Udy looked on at the scene of the chaos.
"Huh? Oh I see… Come on, it can't be that bad?" Narumi Takayuki joked heartily at Udy's depression.
"I had been used to strict order and discipline for a long time… Seeing this just made me shivers coldly." Udy sighed loudly while tapping away on the console that he was working on.
"I see. You are a military man after all. Make sense that you feel this way. Anyway, how's my leg doing?" Narumi changed the topic as he noticed a different in the settings of his Type-94 Shiranui.
A third generation all-purpose fighter. It was a joint-effort with the three main companies. The Mitsuhishi Heavy Industries, Fugaku Heavy Industries and 'The Kawazaki'. The design was taken from an older design, the Type-89 or F-15J Kagerou. A second generation fighter used for research in advanced development technology. The Shiranui has a Type-91 Jump Units which allows one to exceed 700km/h during flight. Has the highest points in terms of maneuverability, it was rumored that if given to a skilled pilot, the Shiranui has the potential to overwhelm a third generation model. However, this has yet to be proven.
"The pistons are not in place yet. However, you have been abusing this girl too much. All the gears needs replacing. And not to mention the wirings… Good God! Did you land on the ground without any jump jets or suspension? The whole hip is about to break off."
Narumi laughed off the comment while rubbing the back of his head. He has been doing some self-training with his Shiranui, but he didn't know how close he was to destroying his TSF.
"I take it that that laugh of yours is indicating that I am right… Seriously, the way you treat this lady seems to me, a reflection of your treatment to woman…" Udy threw out a shot at Narumi.
"HEY! That's totally uncalled for!" Narumi grew red.
"So am I right?" Udy gave a smirk look.
"Look here! I treat the girls just fine, you know. Matter of fact, they would flung their arms around me, wherever I go." Narumi boldly proclaimed.
"OH REALLY? ~…" A female voice called out.
Narumi turned white when he saw the person calling him out.
"Ah… I got to go. Sorry about this." Narumi gave a meekly smile and ran off towards two women at the entrance way.
"HEY! Where do you THINK you are going?" Udy shouted in angry.
Udy look on with a disappoint look as the figure of Narumi disappeared, along with two women, behind the hangar doors.
Alone at the cockpit, Udy quietly went back to his job. Checking again at the system diagnosis, Udy felt back home in his work. Yet he could not help but feel threatened by unknown force.
"Well… How are you holding up?" Yuuko looked down from the side of the cockpit.
Startled, Udy got back his bearing and faced Yuuko with a surprised look.
"Aren't you a bit early for teasing anyone?"
Yuuko giggled at the remark. She gave out a small sigh before reaching out towards Udy.
Weird out at the action, Udy naturally threw himself away to avoid the hand before realizing that it was not him that she was after for.
The sound of plastic ripping apart sent Captain Jaskson screaming Bloody Mary throughout the hangar…
Vice-Commander Yuuko Kouzuki's Office
1020hrs
"Sorry about the mess… Was planning to ask someone to clean up…" Yuuko left that remark for Udy as she noticed that he was looking around amazed.
"Now, what is your opinion of the TSF?' Yuuko gave a hard look at Udy.
"Wait a minute… Didn't you told me that you didn't need me?" Udy threw a doubtful look.
"I know what I had said the other day but… I just want to hear your honest truth."
Udy noticed a tiredness in her voice.
"What's happened?" Those two words were enough for Yuuko to decide to tell Udy the true reason…
"I hit a roadblock. My thesis on a certain subject is causing me to slump in my work…" Yuuko leaned back into the leather chair and slowly slide down.
"And how does it affect me?" Udy asked curiosity.
"Well, normally I would seek assistant with the egghead upstairs but…" Yuuko paused for a moment.
Udy didn't like where this talk was going…
"A certain gentleman is causing some "delay" with my process…" Yuuko took her cup of coffee and took a slip.
"…and with that, I can't go any further… That's when you come in mind." Yuuko gave a smile which is not a happy moment.
"I need your recommendation and feedback on the TSF by 0100 hours on the 25th December. After which, report to building 8, room 03-76 for new orders for your next assessment."
"New orders?" Udy asked worriedly.
That made Yuuko smile wriggly.
"Do you trust me?" The question made Udy uncomfortable.
A quiet but eerie pause filled the room.
Yuuko smiled even more at Udy which made him sweat even more.
"What do you know of Jason Dark?" Yuuko asked coldly.
Udy just turned cold to her question
Seeing Udy's expressionless face made Yuuko a bit startled. She expected him to response in a manner of surprised or scared as the name brought terror to my hearts and minds… including the top brass…
"How did you know?" Udy asked in cold, heartless tone.
"I am not that stupid to not see the links and clues." Yuuko toyed with his feelings.
"Besides, my sister would not let any-one become her personnel assistant. I had my suspicion on you when I got the transfer request. I never expected that I would agree with it…"
The room got tenser with the revelation.
"I prefer not to talk about him…" Udy demanded fiercely.
"Is there any reason?" Yuuko kept staring into Udy's cold eyes.
"No." With that single word, Yuuko became aware how deep and dangerous the hole she just dug into.
1120hrs
After further discussing and debating, Yuuko dismissed Udy from her office. Her curiosity was getting the better of her… Of course, one might find the famed war hero had no feeling or love to anyone would adopt a child is a bit surprising…
However, that was not her main interest.
There were very few people remember Jason B Dark virtually. In fact, Yuuko remembered that from a report in the U.N, Jason ordered every single photo of him to be destroyed. Anyone caught with a photo was executed immediately. This caused a storm of debate when a few high-profile individuals who had photograph of him were trialed and sentenced to death. Many questioned Jason's motive for such a reaction. It was rumored that Jason was dying from his injuries and he was planning to clone himself… If only that was true.
Yuuko realized that his whereabouts is unknown even to her.
"Madam! We have a situation." A female voice called out to Yuuko from the intercom.
Startled, Yuuko picked up the phone and listen to her next problem.
Corridor towards the link-way between building 7 and 8
Confused and frustrated.
Both may be different but today, they were one in the same.
Udy walked out from the room, knowing too well that he had failed to cover his track. If Yuuko can found out in a few days, how about the rest of the world?
His past and family history was something Udy buried deep in his mind and in the archives… If Yuuko managed to get more information from it, he had to take action sooner than he expected.
In this world, whatever history you have that can be used against you should avoid been exposed to the whole world…
Unbeknown to Udy, walking down the corridor with rage in his mind was not a good idea.
"KYA!" "WHA-!"
Two heads rammed into each other and a pile of paperwork flew up into the air.
"AH! Damn it, that's going to hurt for a while…" Udy rubbed his bruised forehead.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Aaaahhh…. My head…" A female voice spoke out.
Udy looked up to the person he just crashed into.
The first thing caught his eyes were a pair of lovely legs. Unable to look away in shame, Udy slowly pulled his eyes upwards.
The legs were covered a white skirt which was connected to a dress. Surprised, Udy kept scanning his victim.
Mid-length height. Slim-build. Shoulder-length blue hair. Had beautiful fair skin.
However, it was her teary green irises caught his heart and made it skip a beat.
They spoke of tiredness and sadness… yet with a pride and determination to strive on in life…
They reminded Udy of his past…
The woman slowly looked up to her attacker and scorned at Udy's eyes.
"Ah! Where do you think are you looking at?!" The lady reacted by covering her chest.
It was a normal situation. For a lady, to see a man looking at her body with eager, to cover herself in protection.
"Wait! I didn't mean to look at you like that…" Udy looked away in a shame. "Just… I had… not seen a… woman for some time now…"
Udy told himself that he was an idiot.
"Huh?... Pffffttttt…. Bawahhahahahahaa." The woman started to laugh at Udy's weak attempt of an excuse.
Embarrassed by the turn of events, Udy quickly defused his mistake by putting it on the girl.
"Hey! I say, you really need to be alert more… and be mindful of your surroundings."
They both stared at each other for a while before bursting out in laughter.
"Sorry for bumping into you… I got distracted by something." Udy smirked sleepily to her.
"It's ok. It's also my fault for trying to carry this pile of papers…" The woman pointed out at the mess surrounding her.
"Here, let me help you." Udy started to gather the papers. At that point, he realized that she was out of place with her uniform.
"So… may I know the reason for a royal guard to be here?"
"What?! You know who am I?!" The woman was startled.
"That uniform of yours is not a common one, for your information…"
"Ah! I see… I should had known that you would recon-" She paused at her sentence as her eyes fixed at Udy's collar.
"A CO-LONEL?" The woman stumbled at her words as she stood up in a panic.
The stack of paper she had gathered flew again into the air.
"Woah! Relax… Calm down." Udy bend down again to gather the scattered papers.
"AH! I'm really sorry about my reaction… I… I just… This is my first time here in this base… I didn't expect to bump into an officer…" she sighed loudly
"Don't do well with officer?" Udy asked out of concern.
"No, It's not like I hate them or something…" Her eyes darted away from him.
"It's just that I don't like their…" Udy could see that she was searching a proper word to use.
"lifestyle?" The woman made a "not sure" face.
"I think I know what you mean…" Udy hold out the stack of paper and proceeded to stand beside her.
"Well… where are you heading?"
Realizing that Udy was offering his assistant, the women quickly refused his offer.
"No! Sir, let me carry them. It's just wrong for an officer to help out a cadet."
Her plea was understanding. Udy knew that her unit would punish her if word get out to them.
She is part of the Japanese Imperial Royal Guard.
The best of the best.
Made up of the Imperial Household Families. The Retainers.
Not surprising to see such young women entering the unit as most of the Imperial Household, whom support the Emperor, had sent all of their male to war… only very few came back… since the Battle of Kyoto.
"In the royal guard, it is not honorable… But here, in the U.N, you have to accept it"
Seeing that Udy was not going to back down his offer, the woman relented.
The both of them started to walk, side-by-side, towards the direction written on a piece of paper.
"I never knew this base was huge. I could get lose here forever"
Her reaction made Udy smile a bit. As if a nostalgic feeling appears in his mind.
"I agree with you. However, this is a research base, so they tend to build big."
After a few long corridor and turns, they reached their destination. The U.N. Administrative Office (Japan Branch)
"So this is the place?" Udy was amazed by the quantity of the wooden door. Made by the finest craftsman in Japan.
"Hmm… Yeah! This is it…" Her voice trembled in fear.
"What's wrong?" Udy show concern to her.
The woman turned her face towards him, not noticing how close they were standing together.
The tip of their nose touched each other. That contact was enough to send both to leap away from each other.
"Kya!"
"Shits! Would you stop being jumpy?"
Both of them blushed at their reaction. They were uncomfortable with the situation.
"Ah… I'm sorry about this…" The woman gave a gloom look.
Udy saw that and decided to press on with his curiosity.
"Why are you so unnerve?"
The woman kept looking down at the floor for some time before taking in a deep breath.
"Ok. Here I go…." She paused for a moment before continuing. "Actually, I'm here to make a formal request for a transfer."
Udy widened his eyes. He only just stared at her resolve. Her eyes spoke of her fierce determination. Unrelenting and unbreakable.
"You do know that the royal guard will have your head once this is made official."
Anyone can request a transfer to any unit, provided that they meet the requirement of that unit… but not the Imperial Royal Guard. No one can leave the guard… no one.
"Yes, I know… but-." Her face showed desperation and fear. Her body trembled slightly as she tried to finish her sentence.
"I want to do more than just being someone's glorified bodyguard." Her voice was filled with rage. As if her time with the royal guard had left her bitter and cold.
"I can't deal with those kind of people… any more…" The woman closed both of her fits tightly.
She realized that she had said too much and started to regret it.
"With regardless of their actions, you are still you." Udy asked calmly.
"We may be fighting the same enemy… however, the real problem is within us. Can we stand united in the face of such madness?" Udy just looked into her eyes to seek her response.
Unsure of what to reply, she rubbed her head in a moment of silent. The aura around her shifted to a calm feeling. Not one of fear and nervous.
The young lady stood unmoved as her breathing slowed down to a few breaths at a time.
"Maybe because I didn't want to die for something I don't believe…" Her face turned pale as she kept her eyes down to the floor.
"Then for whom, are you fighting for?" The woman felt his gaze grew tense with every seconds.
"Ah… m… my little… br-brothers?" Her face grew red in color.
A quiet pause surrounds them before Udy burst out in laughter.
"And for that reason, you wish to leave a unit that will have your head for breakfast for quitting?"
"Yeah…" Her answer sounded like a child telling a lie.
"Hmm… Alright! I need to go and you need to enter that room."
"Huh? Wh-"
With that, Udy opened the door and pushed her into the room in a hurry. After which, he closed the door hard.
Alone in the room with a another officer, the young lady could only blink her eyes at the action undertook by the man she had just been talking to for the past few minutes.
"I wonder if I was too harsh?" Udy asked himself as he walked away from the administrative office.
Stopping outside near the obstacle course, Udy looked around, only to see no one nearby.
Alone, under the clear night sky, Udy stood unfazed in the cold wind.
"Yeah… I know… I was harsh on you…" A tear rolling down beneath a hidden face.
"Wh-What? Huh?" The lady was standing in front of the door in shocked.
"Young lady. If you have something for me, please get it done asap. If not, leave the room." A cold, low male voice echo behind her.
"KYA! AH! I'm sorry to disturb you." She bowed down in respect.
"So, what is a royal guard doing in my office?"
Hearing it for the second time was getting on her nerves.
"With regardless of their actions, you are still you."
Remembering the guy she just met, she could not help but smile at his behavior.
"Stupid colonel." Her mind spoke.
Taking a deep breath, she walked towards the transfer officer and showed him the document.
"Cadet Kashiwagi Haruko of the 2nd Guard Regiment of the Imperial Royal Guard. I formally request a transfer."
A/N: Ok, this is a long one. Didn't expect to be this long. Hehe. Hope you enjoy reading this. I will try to write and finish the next chapter asap. *Finger crossed* Till next time, see ya soon!