Gate episode 8 PART 1

Making our way through the portal I finally felt that crisp Japanese air I had missed yet it didn't have the same crispness that the other world had, which was a shame but still.

Looking at Pina and the others I gave a small chuckle as it seemed they weren't used to skyscrapers with Bozes even remarking at them saying, "these towers their so tall!"

Pina even seemed nervous looking at one of the towers and saying, "look at that there's people inside!"

Lelei then said, "because of the limited land people build upwards."

Rory tried to reason and said, "I guess that means Japan is relatively small."

Lelei and I both thought the same thing, but she beat me to it saying, "or they simply have a larger population."

Pina seemed nervous saying, "one things for sure we've discovered a country where they make miracles like this every day and our empire has started a war against them"

Tuka started to shiver saying, "oh my its cold out here!" with Kuribayashi chuckling saying, "yeah I told you it was going to be."

Itami seemed worried saying, "are you okay? I can get you a coat."

Tuka shook it off saying, "nuh uh I'm fine."

Kuribayashi smiled at tuka and said, "well let us know when you realize you need one."

A voice then chuckled and said, "well there they are" making me and Itami turn around to see a man in a light brown trench coat.

The man walked up and said, "I am Kamakado from the defense intelligence headquarters, I'm here to make sure you get to your destinations in one piece."

Itami looked a little confused and said, "so your public security?"

The man gave a chuckle and said, "you're so perceptive! No wonder you two are such big heroes!"

Itami shrugged and said, "it wasn't really anything."

The guy chuckled and said, "well not everyone agrees now do they? I did a little reading on you two Let's start with you high inquisitor, or should I call you by your original title, master chief petite officer jango Wulfric Marquis Itami, once a upon a time you immigrated to America to join their marine corps and even got into west point officers' school on a scholarship"

I remembered those years fondly.

The man continued and said, "your commanding officers called you an exemplary marine and recommended you for Raider's academy where you graduated top of your class and becoming a marine Raider by the age of 22 not a bad start however after an incident where you witnessed your crew doing some less than decent things you retired and were scouted out by Dark Legion private enforcement LLC. Where your skills were put to the rigger with missions that aided both Japan and the U.S foreign interest in Somalia, Iran, the Dominican Republic and even Paraguay"

I chuckled and said, "yeah those were some hectic early years."

The man smiled and said, "some of your old commanding officers from your days as a raider called you quiet, very to yourself and they didn't know you were there half the time but you knew what needed to be done and even though you didn't do it their way you still have a nearly 100% success rate even giving your drill instructors a near heart attack when you made it through the crucible with ease, the makings of a recon expert, to the point where it angered your commanding officers when you left to join the private sector, but you were so intent on joining something new and yet even with all that training you had you stayed at the rank of paladin in dark legion never bothering to make it too high or even Ebony inquisitor like certain dark legion veterans claimed you could do with ease"

Grinning I said, "well, well, well looks like someone has been hitting those books, what's the matter brown noser got nothing better to do?"

The guy gave a little scowl and turned to my brother and said, "your older brother on the other hand is the complete opposite, second to last in the course for basic officer lucky for you one of your colleagues was injured and dropped out, it also says here they wanted to keep you as a sub lieutenant for a while but your commanding officer got so frustrated he sent you to ranger school but somehow you managed to pass, and here we go transferred to Narashino where your superior intended to leave you at second lieutenant but then the famous Ginza incident where both of you received merits promotions in spite of yourselves"

Itami sighed and said, "give the man a gold star."

The man chuckled and said, "underachiever, juvenile and those are just the highlights my goodness! A ranger and a raider I can understand but why the special forces and the green berets!"

This put Tomita and Kuribayashi into a panic as Kuribayashi couldn't believe my brother was in the special forces and Tomita couldn't believe I had a green beret.

Itami sighed and said, "'kay you get two gold stars check it out, you kick one lazy ant out of an army another one sluffs off to take its place it's just one of those things in nature."

Kamakoda raised his eyebrow and said, "are you saying an army needs lazy soldiers?"

Itami defended himself and said, "all I know is that I tried telling the colonel that story when he was chewing my ass."

Kamakoda chuckled and said, "and you ended up with even more responsibilities."

Itami sighed and said, "I guess his logic got all twisted around."

Kamakoda was about to say something, but he was cut off by a voice saying, "ahh high inquisitor, good to see you made it."

Looking behind Kamakoda I saw a woman dressed in a skintight navy-blue jumpsuit with a white overcoat that went down to her knees, black boots with neon blue highlights, long black gloves with navy blue lighting on it, a black visor, and holding a data pad.

The woman ran her fingers through her silver hair which was tied into a long ponytail and said, "Kamakoda from defense I assume, your help with high inquisitor will no longer be necessary nor will it be for this day, please vacate the area and follow the itinerary the High inquisitor made."

Kamakoda sighed and said, "fine whatever…I'll see you all tomorrow for phase two of the plan."

Kuribayashi started to cry again saying, "no! no please don't tell me this idiot is a ranger and in special forces, yet his brother holds the rank of master chief petite officer, is a marine raider and a green beret!"

Tomita looked at me and said, "you have quite the list of accomplishments High Inquisitor it's a shock your related to Itami!"

Smiling I said, "Doctor Miandi, it's good to see you" before walking up to give the doctor a handshake.

Doctor Miandi smiled back shaking my hand and said, "I must concede that when the decision was made to deploy you to the special region, our initial projections regarding the efficacy of the armor were decidedly conservative. However, it is with a profound sense of astonishment that we find ourselves confronted with the remarkable reality of its exceptional performance."

I chuckled and said, "yeah no, the new armor worked wonders! And adding the wings just made it even better."

Doctor Miandi then looked behind me and said, "Ah, so these are the diplomats hailing from the special region before us. I am Doctor Athena Miandi, acting Director of Dark Legion Private Enforcement LLC. It is with great pleasure that I extend my sincere greetings to you" before walking up and shaking the hands of Pina, Bozes and Rory.

My brother looked at me and said, "I guess this is where we part ways for now."

I nodded my head and said, "I guess so see you tomorrow bro" before shaking his hand.

Doctor Miandi then led us to a waiting car that was all black with no wheels and accents in cyan.

Whistling I said, "is this the future doctor?"

Doctor Miandi nodded as she pressed a button on her control pad and the entire top portion disappeared like a hologram revealing the plush interior couch and table on the inside before saying, "Indeed, this represents our latest iteration, a pinnacle of technological advancement. Recognizing the esteemed presence of the diplomats amongst us, I deemed it judicious to offer them a journey to Point Veranda in a manner befitting their stature."

Raising my eyebrow I said, "wait we're not going to Dark legion Tokyo? We're heading to point veranda!"

Doctor Miandi nodded and said, "Informed by insights from our colleagues at Dark Legion Tokyo, we became privy to the potential threat posed by Desperado and Titan Cooperation, who could seek to abduct the diplomats. To mitigate this risk, a strategic decision was reached to enhance the complexity of their endeavor. As a result, the diplomatic summit has been meticulously arranged aboard our state-of-the-art space station, showcasing our dedication to safeguarding the integrity of this crucial meeting."

Pina looked a little lost but then said, "so are- are we getting inside this vehicle?"

I nodded my head and said, "yes" before helping Pina and Bozes in.

Doctor Miandi then got in and removed her visor before pressing some buttons to get the car's hood back on and the whole thing started to move forward zooming through Tokyo.

Pina was in awe of the sights staring out the window like a child seeing the neon lights of New York for the first time.

"Doctor, you said Desperado and Titan Corporation were planning on hitting dark legion Tokyo what makes you think they wouldn't hit us enroute to the space elevator" I asked leaning forward.

Doctor Miandi looked up at me with a smirk and said, "Addressing your query, High Inquisitor, the response is straightforward. Both Desperado and Titan Cooperation are unlikely to engage in overt actions within a densely populated setting such as the present one. To fortify our stance, we have strategically deployed our most proficient fireteams and War Priests, strategically positioned to monitor the environs, including rooftops, ensuring the preservation of our security even during the transit to the space elevator."

Breathing a sigh of relief, we soon made it to the space elevator complex, dark legions only tether to point Veranda.

Pina looked in awe of the structure and said, "a stairway to the heavens!"

I nodded my head as the car made its way through customs and then onto an actual elevator platform.

As we rode the space elevator up Princess Pina was in awe of the earth saying, "so this is what your world looks like from the heavens it looks so peaceful so small, is this what it's like in our world?"

Doctor Miandi then said, "In actuality, the dimensions of your realm are notably more constrained when compared to the expansiveness of our own."

Pina looked at me and I said, "oh she said your world is smaller than ours."

Princess Pina was shocked saying, "you're telling me our world is smaller than yours! By the gods! This is beautiful"

Chuckling I pointed up and said, "if you think that's beautiful look up."

And with that her draw dropped as she viewed the dark legion home base, Point Veranda. A majestic space station that was built around the original Dark Legion castle which was once located in the Scottish isles. The main castle was in its own little artificial atmospheric dome and designed after La sagrada familia, barely touched by dark legion technology. Around it were four walkways all leading to the same ring-shaped structure acting as the wall around this mighty castle. As we got closer the walls became more detailed and the fact the wall was a huge town with troops and machinery moving around dumbfounded Pina. Underneath the sphere was a huge rod going down with hundreds of docking ports and even more buildings. Dark legion may have been an earth based private military but in the grand scheme of the cosmos we had connections to other worlds as well but refused to do trade on point Veranda as to keep the fact that aliens exist our secret.

Pina looked like she was about to faint as she said, "a castle hidden in the heavens! Y-you really are an angel High Inquisitor."

I gave a heartly laugh and said, "nah I just work for a really popular PMC."

The space elevator dropped us off in the main courtyard of the ring and Doctor Miandi said, "High Inquisitor. It is, in fact, the combined endeavors of not only my own contributions but also those of the fellow fireteams that has facilitated the acquisition of the substantial funding requisite for the realization of this remarkable space station. Without further ado, let us proceed forthwith, as the commencement of the meeting is imminent, and timeliness is of the essence."

"Wait we're starting right away with the meeting?" I said a little bit shocked.

Doctor Miandi said, "Indeed, the board of directors arrived a full three days prior too meticulously orchestrate the proceedings of this meeting. It is imperative to acknowledge their inclination for punctuality, as they harbor a strong aversion to any form of delay." Before waving down a dark legion shuttle car.

With a nod I hopped onto the shuttle bus and told Pina and Bozes to hope on to and we left.

Pina looked at the many troops and families and said, "is everyone here a soldier?"

I shook my head no and said, "most are but the rest are families and friends who are trusted, normally dark legion soldiers are targeted by Privates militaries like Titan Cooperation and Desperado and killed so we decided to shoot the dark legion castle into space and fortify it as our base, speaking of I assume that the meeting is being held in the great hall?"

Doctor Miandi said, "Precisely, High Inquisitor. Given the paramount significance of this meeting, I concurred that the optimal venue would be the esteemed Great Hall."

And we were off to the great hall. Passing by a bunch of security check points we made into the artificial dome where the castle stood and departed the shuttle. The air was crips and cold and the path was filled with the song of birds and nature.

Pina was in awe saying, "by the gods, a castle in the sky! This- this could rival even the empire's castle!"

Smiling I followed Doctor Miandi into the main castle and past the many soldiers who were praying to god or praying for a good fight and said, "most members of the dark legion are devoutly Christian in nature with people of other religions following us for the money, only those who truly believe in what dark legion stands for are ever welcomed into the Terra Cathedral, the original castle once used by the first dark legion during the crusades"

Doctor Miandi then opened the doors and said, "now then let's get this board meeting started."

I looked at the other board members…the other four heads if you will for dark legion private enforcement LLC. Normally only one or two would show up but the fact we had all four here meant business.

The first to address me was director Octavia, a woman who worked her way up the ladder from a simple shareholder to a member of the board of directors. Dressed in a meticulously tailored suit in deep ebony, reminiscent of clerical robes but subtly modernized with intricate metallic threadwork that glimmers in the ambient light along with a silver cross with a raven on it. I never got along with Director Octavia; out of all the members of the board she was the one whose Amber eyes were the coldest.

Director Octavia leaned forward and said, "High Inquisitor I have a feeling you already know why we have convened this meeting?"

I nodded my head and said, "yes, it is to discuss the Special region am I correct."

The man adjacent to her was… well it was the legend himself Director Ozwald Maximus, he used to be a Green Beret just like me but left and funded dark legion with ample supplies of oil for the war effort. Dressed in a three-piece suit in deep shades of navy and charcoal, with subtly incorporate intricate cross motifs embroidered in gold thread on the lapels and cuffs the man embodied the Texan golden standard for outfits yet he still was silent waiting and watching to see who talked first.

Director Octavia was the first to speak and said, "High Inquisitor Itami, we have convened to discuss the matter of the Special Region. It's imperative that we analyze the potential ramifications of our involvement and alliance with this mysterious realm."

Nodding my head at Doctor Miandi I said, "Directors, I understand the gravity of this discussion. I'm here to provide insight into my observations and considerations regarding the Special Region."

Director Maximus leaned forward and, in a calm, yet silent voice said, "High Inquisitor, there is concern that our technological superiority could be compromised by an alliance with a realm that lacks our advancements. How do you address this challenge?"

I was a little bit calmer at this point and said, "Director Maximus, it's true that our technology is a core strength. However, the Special Region offers resources, knowledge, and unique perspectives that can complement our capabilities. We can strategically engage without diminishing our dominance."

Doctor Miandi raised her eyebrow as she took a seat at the head of the board table and said, "High Inquisitor, the potential for cultural clashes and misunderstandings cannot be ignored. How do you envision navigating these complexities?"

I took into account what the doctor was saying and said, "Doctor Miandi, cultural differences exist, but they can be bridged through diplomacy and understanding. Our approach should be calculated and mindful of their customs to build rapport and collaborative relationships.

Director Seraphina, the ever-skeptical member of the board, dressed in a fitted pantsuits in deep burgundy and forest green, accented by subtly patterned silk blouses. A delicate gold crucifix pendant hangs from a delicate chain around her neck looked at me from behind her long black hair which covered one side of her face, "High Inquisitor, given the limited knowledge we have of the Special Region, is it wise to invest our resources in such an uncertain endeavor?"

I nodded my head and said, "Director Seraphina, uncertainty presents opportunity. By carefully assessing the risks and opportunities, we can position ourselves to benefit from the Special Region's unique attributes."

The last one to speak was the youngest member of the board who built his way up on a mountain of bodies that reached the heavens, Director Lucius. A man of brash actions and bold statements Lucius oversaw marketing dark legion and the poster boy for PMC relations. His Chiseled smile and bright white teeth along with his salt and pepper hair and well-groomed beard hid a warmonger, a monster dressed in an impeccably tailored suits in deep gray and navy. He would be the one to make or break this deal.

In a deep British accent, the man said, "High Inquisitor, as we delve deeper into this discussion, it's apparent that we walk a fine line. How do you propose we strike a balance between our ambitions and the potential pitfalls?"

I responded by saying, "Director Lucius, balance is achieved through strategic planning and vigilance. We maintain our technological advantage while harnessing the Special Region's strengths to bolster our overall position."

Director Octavia leaned back and said, "High Inquisitor, I find it hard to ignore the inherent risks. We're venturing into unfamiliar territory, and I'm concerned that our involvement could compromise our supremacy.

I took into account Director Octavia's concern and said, "Director Octavia, your skepticism is noted. While the risks are real, so are the potential rewards. It's my belief that we can shape this alliance to preserve our dominance while capitalizing on the benefits."

Director Octavia then leaned forward and said, "High Inquisitor, I propose a different approach. Given the uncertainties and potential setbacks, I advocate for an Exterminatus of the entire Special Region. It will make resource mining more straightforward and eliminate potential risks."

The room fell into a silence, tension thickening as Director Octavia's proposal hangs in the air. Exterminatus…total planetary genocide. Dark legion only had to do this once in Ashurbizanastan and now that country doesn't exist anymore.

I tried to sound real calm, but I was furious at the idea of using Exterminatus in this situation, "Director Octavia, that should be out of the question Exterminatus should be reserved for only the most desperate of times, not when mining and resources are a nuisance to obtain!"

Director Maximus tried to make light of the situation saying, "High Inquisitor, your perspective is compelling. This decision carries immense weight, and we must tread carefully as this could mean the genocide of an entire region should we deem it necessary."

Director Seraphina looked concerned as she said, "Indeed, this is not a choice to be made lightly. Our dominance and legacy are at stake."

Doctor Miandi tapped her chin and thought about what she was going to say before saying, "We must carefully weigh our options, considering the long-term implications."

Princess Pina stood up a bit nervous at first but luckily, she regained her confidence and said, "Pardon my intrusion, but I believe my testimony regarding the Battle of Italica may contribute to this discussion."

The board members exchange glances, intrigued by the princess's presence. Grinning I said, "Proceed, Princess Pina. Your insights are welcomed."

Princess Pina took a deep breath in and said, "Esteemed Directors, during the Battle of Italica, it was High Inquisitor Itami and the alliance formed with the fireteam Exodia and the JSDF that prevented the brigands from overtaking our city. Without their intervention, Italica would have fallen, and our people would have suffered greatly. Their actions ensured our safety however we do need supplies and aid so I think a motion to keep dark legion private enforcement LLC in the special realm is required nay dare I say desperately needed!"

The board members take in the princess's words, their expressions shifting from skepticism to contemplation. This was the first time anyone had them this torn!

Director Octavia was the first to break the silence saying, "Princess Pina, we appreciate your testimony. It's evident that the situation was dire and required unconventional measures. However, the concern remains that aligning with a less technologically advanced empire might not be in our best interests."

Princess Pina addressed this and said, "Director Octavia, while we may not match your technological advancements, our empire offers strategic resources, cultural knowledge, and a position of influence within the Special Region. An alliance could be mutually beneficial."

I added my two cents in saying, "Directors, Princess Pina's words hold merit. The Special Region presents opportunities beyond just technology."

Director Maximus leaned back a bit before saying, "High Inquisitor Itami, the potential benefits of an alliance are clearer now. However, the matter of maintaining our reputation and dominance in this arrangement is paramount. How do we know we won't be giving weaponry and dark legion aid to an empire who won't turn them against us"

I knew this would come up so I said, "Director Maximus, we will exercise control and ensure that our interests are safeguarded. Our technological superiority can serve as a foundation for cooperation while securing our position and by making sure we give the tech to people we can trust we negate the possibility of it being turned against us."

Director Seraphina sighed and said, "It seems we must recalibrate our understanding of dominance in this context. High Inquisitor, you've made a compelling case. Now we must take it to a vote…all those in favor of Director Octavia's plan for exterminatus"

The only one to raise her hand was Octavia.

"All those in favor of maintaining Dark Legion funding and involvement in the special region and starting talks with the empire? Director Seraphina asked.

Everyone else raised their hands and Director Seraphina smiled saying, "then it is settled, let it be known that as of this day Dark Legion Private Enforcement LLC. Shall allocate more resources to the colonization of the special region and start negotiating trade between the empire and our world."

Breathing a calm sigh of relief I bowed and said, "I'll let the JSDF know to expect a more apparent dark legion presence!"

Director Seraphina smiled and said, "good we'll negotiated with the Prime Minister regarding a new contractor, however based on your fight in Italica, Ginza and against the flame dragon would you say that our Mons Custodes should be sent in?"

This angered Director Octavia who said, "absolutely not! We are not sending in our Mons Custodes, the amount of time and money that went into making just one of them! We were lucky to have made 35 of them!"

I let out a sigh and said, "for once I agree with Director Octavia, Mons Custodes will not be necessary for this…however templars would be good to have on site just in case."

Director Seraphina looked at Director Octavia and said, "can we spare a detachment of Templars?"

Director Octavia sighed and said, "very well High Inquisitor it shall be done."

Smiling Doctor Minadi stood up and said, "With the culmination of these negotiations, it is reasonable to infer that a resumption of our core operations is imminent. It is worth noting that the High Inquisitor is scheduled to engage in a meeting with the Japanese government on the morrow, necessitating our prompt attention. Concurrently, there exists a pressing requirement to ready a substantial contingent of Templars for forthcoming combat endeavors."

Director Maximus nodded and said, "yes, Meetings adjourned oh High Inquisitor can I give you a little advice?"

Raising my eyebrow I said, "what's up director?"

Director Maximus said, "those girls have never been to space, show them around Point Veranda let them see the military might of dark legion and give them a tour of our residential ring as well, you do own quite the magnificent condo up here after all."

I nodded and said, "I assume my requests I had argus make about my normal apartment getting cleaned up were directed here instead?"

Director Maximus nodded and with that Pina, Bozes and I left, and I said, "how about I show you around Point Veranda I am sure you must be curious how a multitrillion-dollar PMC operates in space right?"

Princess Pina nodded and as we walked Pina said, "high inquisitor I have some questions for you, do you mind answering them?"

I nodded and said, "I assume one of those questions is about Exterminatus am I right?"

Pina nodded and I said, "exterminatus…or Purge as a lot of other people call it is the command that can only be given by Inquisitors upwards, but to suggest it has to be brought to a vote by the board of directors, when a country is selected for Exterminatus we send a satellite that fires a custom made tungsten rod with a core made from a singularity, a mini black hole if you will, depending on the size of the country we want to destroy the pressure the singularity exerts is either increased or decreased making it more dangerous or less dangerous, any life caught in the singularity is almost immediately destroyed by the explosion, in laymen's terms its instant genocide at the push of a button"

This scared Pina who said, "and your world governments are okay with this!"

I shook my head and said, "not really but there isn't a single government alive that doesn't fear dark legion, so they let us do as we please, but threaten the one thing we crave…. funding, we declare exterminatus they cut funding and Point Veranda and other operations start to be a struggle, so really, it's a deterrent for us"

Pina raised her eyebrow and said, "you guys really like- "

But before she could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by a loud horn from a huge robot walking by.

This surprised Pina as she said, "Y-you have giants!"

Looking up at the armored behemoth I said, "ahh no that's just a war mech on its way to a drydock for repairs" before making our way to the residential wing where families were laughing and running around happily.

Pina looked around and said, "so many people, and that smell! It smells like- like meat!"

I sniffed the air and said, "mmmh must be a barbeque" before catching a football midair.

A young boy rushed up to me and said, "High Inquisitor Itami! Your back!" before hugging me.

Laughing I said, "Adam! By the god's lad you have grown! I remember when you were just a child, is your father around?"

The boy shook his head and said, "papa was called to Borneo for a mission from the prime minister."

Patting the boy on the shoulder I said, "god goes with him young Adam remember that, now you have fun" before handing him back his football.

Pina walked up to me and said, "you know him?"

I nodded and said, "that's my godson, Adam Lovel, his father used to serve with me when I was still a paladin, a noble soldier and a deadly master of the Warhammer, he's a good man and his son is an even better soul."

Pina and Bozes followed me till we came across my marble apartment. Walking in Pina was blasted with the scent of Lilac and Lavender and said, "such a calming scent!"

I chuckled and said, "seems my maid has been working overtime, head over to the kitchen ill get you guys something to eat and then we'll see about sleeping arrangements."

Heading up stairs to change into something more comfortable I saw a photo on my bedside of when me and Itami were both on a joint mission into Bulgaria.

"we were so young and innocent back then…to think it would be only 5 years later we would be doing diplomatic work for a new world" I chuckled picking it up.

"you two are more alike than that Kamakoda pegs you for" Pina said calmly.

Looking behind me I chuckled and said, "since when could you understand Japanese? You had me shocked during the meeting."

Pina chuckled and said, "that doctor handed me and Bozes special earpieces as she called them to translate your language into ours and vice versa as she put it" before walking up to me and seeing the photo.

"How old were you back then?" Pina asked looking at the photo.

"I was only 22, and my brother was 28, this was during a joint mission between dark legion and the JSDF, those were simpler times" I chuckled.

Pina chuckled hugging me and said, "thank you…High Inquisitor your efforts seemed to have helped made sure our two nations could work together, once we get back, I'll be sure to see about hiring Dark Legion for service."

I chuckled and said, "I look forward to it eagerly my lady, now then let's get something to eat, and then get some sleep, we're running on Tokyo standard time as I call it, so night is in 3 hours."

That night in introduced the girls to my fusion Japanese Cajun cooking which ended up burning their mouths, but they still couldn't stop eating it.

Once the girls were in bed, I laid down in my own bed looking out at the planet wondering how my brother was doing.