Chapter 12: At the Turn of the Tide
December 8, 2001
Kyoto Prefecture 05:00 Hours
"That's the last of them; we're all refueled and ready to go." Captain Morris gave a thumbs-up to Isumi.
"Roger," Isumi nodded and switched to all channels. "We're beginning the operation. Once we reach the 500-meter mark from the target, Jaeger 1 will split off to launch their diversionary attack. The 5th Orbital Fleet will commence bombardment as soon as we split. After the bombardment, we will await Jaeger 1's signal to begin laserjagd."
"Roger!" All Surface Pilots replied with eagerness.
"Alright, arrowhead 1 formation Jaeger 2, maintain NOE flight level and move out!"
"Yes, Mam!" The gathered TSFs ignited their jump jets and blasted off in due order. Jaeger 2 flew into formation. The TSF flew at maximum speed toward the BETA.
The Jaeger Battalions were making good time, and the pilots took a moment to reflect on the battle to come. Takeru could feel the growing tension as the girls, despite having finally seen live combat against the BETA, were about to engage Fort Class in CQB. I can't have them doubting themselves now, not when we're about to enter our most brutal battle yet. "Hey, don't worry too much about the Fort Class."
"Takeru-san," Tamase was the first to respond.
"They're big and slow, if you can avoid the tentacle, they're just stationary targets," Takeru smirked as the girls all opened their comms to talk to him.
"You make it sound so easy," Chizuru sighed, exasperated.
"Hey, I trained you myself. I know what you can do, and it's much more than the BETA can hope to handle." Takeru winked at the girls and smirked. "So just remember to stick with your wingman, and we'll all go back home to celebrate."
"Takeru," Meiya looked into his eyes, and he returned the look. Without words, they both asked the other the same thing. Come back alive for me.
"If Takeru can smile through it, I guess I don't have a choice," Mikoto laughed to herself.
"Shirogane, being cool again, huh?" Ayamine hummed.
"Hey, I've always been cool," Takeru shrugged, "I just don't like to show it off much."
"I," Meiya began with a blush across her cheeks. "I believe you are very cool, Takeru."
Takeru blinked, surprised, and he couldn't help the pink that dusted his cheeks. Jeez, why did that make me really happy?
"I thought Takeru-san was always cool!" Tamase promptly interjected, puffing her cheek out.
"Thanks, Tama," Takeru grinned but felt even more self-conscious now.
"You guys are out to inflate his head, aren't you?" Chizuru rolled her eyes and then smiled. "But, I guess he has his moments."
"You're all heart, Chizuru," Takeru laughed.
"Chizuru!" The girls suddenly yelled, surprised.
"W-what?" Chizuru jumped in her seat.
"Since when has Takeru called you by your first name, Sakaki." Meiya narrowed her eyes at Takeru.
"It's only happened recently; a-anyways, we should focus on the mission!" Chizuru cut off comms immediately after.
"You don't call me by my first name, Shirogane," Ayamine gave him her best 'hurt' look.
"You don't either," Takeru raised a brow at her.
"Fair enough," Ayamine shrugged and cut her own comms.
"Awa, Takeru-san, you have a special name just for me!" Tama perked up, and Takeru swore he saw cat ears on her momentarily.
"That I do, Tama," Takeru grinned and almost wished he could reach out and pat her head.
"Takeru calls me by my first name, too," Mikoto smiled, pleased with herself.
"Course, just felt natural, you know?" Takeru shrugged one shoulder.
"Aha, Takeru, you're so forward. It must be an American thing you picked up." Mikoto laughed before signing off.
"Ah, ignored again," Takeru smiled at Meiya.
"Takeru, do you want to call me anything special?" Meiya blushed and tried her best not to look embarrassed.
"Something special?" Takeru thought about it. "Well, when we get the chance, I'll call you my girlfriend," Takeru smirked, but he would be lying if the prospect didn't make his heart beat faster.
"G-girlfriend!" Meiya turned extra red, "girlfriend…girlfriend." She repeated the word to herself, reminding Takeru of the Meiya from his…well, from that world. This is my home now.
"Meiya?" Takeru raised a brow with an amused smile across his lips.
"Ah, apologies," Meiya coughed into her fist. "Well, I should prepare my mind for the battle; let us celebrate together when we defeat the BETA." Meiya regained her composure and signed out.
A few minutes after the call, Yuuya's face appeared on Takeru's comms. "1st Lieutenant Bridges," Takeru nodded to the half-American Surface Pilot.
"Hey, it's just us. Mind if I call you Takeru?" Yuuya nodded to Takeru.
"Nah, so what's up?" Takeru chuckled; there was no question. That forwardness made Yuuya more American than Japanese in Takeru's eyes.
"So, you and 2nd Lieutenant Mitsurugi," Yuuya started.
"Yep," Takeru said with a pop. "You and 1st Lieutenant Takemura?"
"Ayep," Yuuya chuckled, "she told you too, huh?"
"Seemed fair. We both knew," Takeru smirked. "So, a Samurai girl, huh?"
"I could say the same about you," Yuuya laughed.
"What can I say? I have a thing for Samurai girls," Takeru grinned sheepishly.
"Orbital bombardment has begun; watch the data link for trajectory, but don't get comfortable." Isumi's portrait popped on everyone's display. "Make sure you're ready to react for any stray shots." On cue, everyone's TSF's heads looked up as bright spots lit the night sky like falling stars.
"Falling stars, make a wish, everyone," Takeru's lips pulled up in a sardonic smile. As he said this, bright beams of light raked the skies to intercept the drop pods.
"Does the wish still count if the stars are blown mid-fall?" Mitsuki's grinning face popped up on his display.
"Don't all falling stars disintegrate anyway?" Akane hummed in thought.
"Ah, I wonder if dear Akane's wish will be to have Shirogane give her that kiss she was promised?" Misae joined with her usual cheeky grin.
"W-what!? I said I never agreed to that! Shirogane, you womanizer!" Akane barked and left the channel.
"Oi, I didn't even say anything," Takeru chuckled.
"Head in the game, everybody; heavy metal cloud cover is descending." Isumi quieted them all again.
"This is Jaeger 1; we are engaging the BETA vanguard, godspeed Jaeger 2." Jaeger 1's Captain Morri's voice came through fuzzy with static.
"As soon as the last of the shells impact, move out!" Isumi ignited her jump jets.
"Yes, Mam!" All of Jaeger 2 ignited their jump jets.
"Shell impact in 10 seconds," Isumi updated the data link, and a counter rapidly approached zero.
Takeru gripped his controls tightly, knowing it was time to ensure his comrades made it through those Fort Class guards. Just as he thought this, the world was filled with loud thunderous cracks as the shells impacted the dense BETA attack group, and even from where they stood, they could see limbs and viscera fly high into the air. "Go!" Isumi blasted off, and the rest of Jaeger 1 followed suit in their respective squadrons. "Ridgeline ends in a hundred meters. Don't let those Heavy Laser class get a line of sight."
"Roger!" everyone responded smartly as the TSF Battalion crested the ridge. Immediately, thousands of Tank and Grappler veered off their forward assault to intercept them. One look at the incoming horde made Takeru click his tongue. "Heavy Laser are still 200 meters out."
"Storm Vanguards, push through; don't slow down and get to those Lasers no matter the cost!" Isumi fired her autocannon, tearing into the first line of BETA. They were torn by the 36mm fire into bloody pulp and guts.
"Roger! I'm counting on you, Meiya!" Takeru pushed ahead of his Squadron with Meiya at his flank. They fired at the incoming BETA, carving a path through, weaving through the Grapplers that pounced on them.
"Irma, make sure you all make it back alive!" Yuuya ordered and pushed on ahead.
"Oi, aren't you gonna follow him? You're his number 2." Arthur asked Irma.
"Heh, I was hoping I was." Irma smiled ruefully.
"I shall guard your rear, Yuuya!" Yui's golden TSF fell in on Yuuya's flank.
"Asagi, make sure Matsukaze doesn't get himself killed!" Hibikiflew on with Yuzua on his side ever his shadow since they left basic training.
"Shit, how come I get the shit assignment?" Asagi groaned.
"You want to dive headfirst against those Fort Class, be my guest," Matsukaze smirked through nervous gritted teeth. As all Flight's Storm Vanguards cut their way through the BETA, their comrades covered their rears, forcing the BETA to split their attention. Jaeger 2 made steady progress, their objective looming in the distance behind several Fort Class. Like the killing machine he had become, Takeru sliced any leaping tank or Grappler that tried him. Meiya pulled up a few meters behind him, shooting anyone who tried to attack his rear. Chuzuru, equipped with a gun sweeper suite, unloaded depleted uranium hell on the BETA hordes that tried amassing around them.
"We're 100 meters from contact. Keep it up!" Isumi dodged right, cutting a Tank in 2 while she ripped a grappler to pieces with her autocannon.
December 8, 2001
Yokohama Base 05:30 Hours
"Heavy Metal Cloud around BETA Attack Group C has achieved maximal dispersal. We won't be able to contact Jaeger 1 and Jaeger 2 until it clears."
"Understood. What's the situation on the other fronts?" Paul nodded to his operators.
"The Kyoto Defense Line maintains their current position but is at a 30% casualty rate. Lake Miwa Defense Line is at a 35% casualty rate. There also appears to be a line of command issue with the Japanese regulars and the American forces."
"Inform Colonel Iwaya and have him press the dire straights Japan will find itself if their lack of cohesion collapses the front line," Paul ordered evenly.
"Yes, Sir!" The operator quickly moved to follow his orders.
"Sir, the Fukui and Shiga bisecting Defense Line is at a 20% casualty rate. They have also asked permission to push the Defense Line forward."
"Tell the commanders of the North Defense Line until such a time as no BETA are advancing on their position; they are to hold their ground." Paul's words were measured and firm.
"Understood, Sir!" The operator relayed his orders.
The doors to the Operations Center opened, and in walked Yuuko with bags under her eyes, but with a noticeable smirk, she addressed the gathered UN personnel. "Alternative IV is now ready for deployment; final checks should be done in a few hours. Then, we can begin our counterattack." The room fell silent for a moment before it erupted into cheers.
"Do not forget, the battle still rages on, so until our enemy is crushed, continue your duties!" Paul exclaimed, ensuring everyone returned to their duties.
"Yes, Sir!" the control room operators replied with newfound vigor.
"Sir, the 12th UN Forces Expeditionary fleet has sent word; they have departed and are on their way. Expected time of arrival is 12 hours." The operator grinned as morale soared even higher now.
"Understood; how about the COSEAN forces?" Paul nodded.
"The 11th COSEAN fleet Carrier, the Zhen-He, has arrived ahead of the fleet. They request permission to dispatch their 1st Bao-Feng Tactical Armored Battalion to aid Jaeger Battalions.
"Permission granted. Ensure the Bao-Feng Battalion is fully briefed on our Battalion situation."
"Understood, Sir!" The operator gladly relayed the orders to the Carrier.
"Let us hope this is a sign of our fortunes turning," Paul closed his eyes, sighing internally.
December 8, 2001
Kyoto Prefecture 05:56 Hours
"On your six, Takeru!" Meiya sliced the offending forearm of a Grappler before firing a 120mm shell onto its hide, exploding open its innards and spraying her TSF. Takeru didn't even bother to acknowledge Meiya. Instead, he focused as just 10 meters ahead, the hulking Heavy Laser stomped along their Fort Class escorts. "I have the targets in my sights; I'm moving to-wait!" Takeru's TSF picked up additional, more minor Laser irradiation signatures. His eyes widened, and he gritted his teeth. From the Fort Class, dozens of Laser Class unloaded onto the battlefield. "Captain, be advised the Fort Class were hiding Laser Class in their wombs. Scans indicate 100 Laser Class."
"Damn, we can't allow that many Laser to wreak havoc at the Defense Line. Take them out, but prioritize the Heavy Laser First." Isumi ordered promptly, cutting the Line after.
Damn it, I knew this was starting to feel too easy; Takeru gripped his controls tightly, his mind working on a plan. There were a dozen Heavy Laser Classes. Their smaller prey could scatter before they could take them out while together. "Alright, I got a plan; Meiya and I will engage the Heavy Laser, the rest of the Vanguard focus on the small Fry, and for the love of god, watch out for those Fort Class." Takeru flicked his sword free of alien blood and brought Meiya up in his display. "You ready, partner?"
"I would follow you anywhere, Takeru," Meiya narrowed her eyes confidently.
"Alright, let's cut those bastards down to size!" Takeru blasted forward, avoiding the BETA he could and slaughtering those who dared to try him. As he drew closer to the Heavy Laser, the Fort Class broke off from them and lumbered towards him. The first one shot its tail at Takeru. He, in turn, boosted aside at the last second, bringing down his sword on the tentacle and severing the barb. He aimed his autocannon and fired two well-placed 120mm shells into the Fort's shoulder joints. The shells buried themselves into its hide before exploding in blood and gore. The Fort Class sides tore, unable to support their weight, and collapsed onto themselves. "In hindsight, I forgot how good it felt to watch you big bastards pop!" Takeru smirked savagely and flew forward; three more Fort Class fired their tentacles at Takeru.
"Takeru!" Meiya gasped, surging forward, cutting through Tank and Grapplers to get to Takeru. She watched Takeru's TSF boost jump, then boost back, firing as a tentacle barb swung up, missing him before his autocannon cut through the tentacle. He dodged another tentacle strike, slicing through the offending tentacle with his blade. Takeru, you fight like a demon…no, your courage and skill deserve far better recognition. You fight like a Dragon!
Takeru dove down, sword held high, before bringing it down on the first Fort Class, cutting through its head and bringing it down. He rushed beneath the falling behemoth. Shit! Takeru cursed, bracing as the Fort behind his fallen foe launched its tentacle. I can't move in time! Takeru braced for the inevitable.
"You shall not have him!" Meiya came over the radio as her TSF dove down, severing the tentacle, and she fired two 120mm shells into the Fort Class head, bringing it down in a shower of gore. "Takeru, though you are a fierce warrior, do not forget. I am at your side, always." Meiya's portrait popped on his display.
Takeru righted his TSF and dashed against the next Fort Class. "You're right, sorry, Meiya. I have to remember, I have comrades I can always rely on!" Takeru cut down a third Fort class, raking his sword along the Fort's right shoulder, severing its support to its legs. The monstrosity fell on itself, and Takeru flicked the blood off his blade. "I got you now, bastards. Meiya, let's go!" Takeru flew past the Fort corpses with Meiya in tow at the Heavy Laser platoon.
"Roger!" Meiya flew behind Takeru as they targeted the Heavy Laser.
Further in the rear, Yuuya would lie if he wasn't sweating a little. "Fighting BETA without support, it's Kamchatka all over again, huh, Princess?"
"Except I can properly fight them this time," Yui swung her sword in a practiced arc, followed by a spray of 36mm fire from her autocannon to the trailing targets, killing a cluster of Tank Class. "There, I spotted a group of Lasers!"
"Roger!" Yuuya boosted and slashed a pouncing Tank class in two before rushing towards the Laser group. His and Yui's TSF weaved through the Grappler and Tanks in a deadly dance of fire and fury. They finally cut a path to their intended target that tried to disperse. "Too late fuckers!" Yuuya's Raptor slid along the ground, cutting off their escape. His back-mounted autocannon opened fire, keeping a group of Tanks off his back as he fired on the Laser Class in front. The BETA burst into chunks from the 36mm rounds. They turned to escape Yuuya, only to be met by Yui's blade slashing them apart.
"I counted 13!" Yuuya began before his cockpit alarms blared.
LASER WARNING
Yuuya's TSF turned automatically to face the offending target. But before he could raise his autocannon, the Laser Class was blown to bits with a 36mm burst. "14, come, let us find more!" Yui flew past him, engaging more BETA along the way.
"Yes, Mam!" Yuuya breathed out through pursed lips as he flew off with Yui to find more Laser Class.
Isumi and Hayase held the center as the rest of Jaeger formed a wedge, driving deeper into the BETA horde. "Isumi, Laser group 30 meters due northeast!"
"Akane, back up Hayase, and take that group out!" Isumi loaded a fresh magazine in her main hand autocannon before closing the formation as Mitsuki and Akane flew off to intercept their Laser group. "We're burning through ammo here," Isumi mumbled to herself. "Status report everyone!"
"4 Heavy Laser down, but Fort Class are keeping us on our toes, Meiya on your six!" Takeru grunted, followed by a sharp hiss. "Son of a bitch, lost an autocannon."
"We have confirmed 34 Laser Class kills, Captain," Yui checked in. "We have another group in our sights. But at this rate, they have separated quite far apart."
"Tatsunami here; we killed 4 Laser Class but had to fall back. The Laser Class retreated behind several Fort Class." Tatsunami's face scrunched up in shame. "Sorry, I don't think we can take that many on by ourselves.
"Lieutenant, you did your best," Yuzuka protested!
"She's right, don't bite more than you can chew. Retreat to our position on the double." Isumi ordered.
"Mam!" Both Hibikiand Yuzuka sounded off.
"The rest keep protecting one another and drawing away those BETA from the Heavy Lasers. Shirogane, do you require backup?"
"Negative, we'll wrap it up now!" Takeru shouted before cutting off the transmission. "Meiya, ignore the Fort Class and follow my lead. We're gonna kill the remainder one after the other." Takeru's TSF gripped its sword with both manipulators.
"How do you propose such a feat?" Meiya dodged to the side, deflecting a Fort stinger with her sword before severing it with her autocannon fire.
Takeru slashed apart another Fort Class before touching down behind Meiya. He flicked the blood off his sword and smirked. "I'll create an opening for you, then use your 120mm to finish them. You won't need to be Tama at this range to hit them with a bullseye."
"Understood, Takeru!" Meiya loaded a fresh magazine of 120mm shells.
"Go!" Takeru ignited his jump jets and flew at the first Heavy Laser Class. Detecting Takeru's presence, it closed the membrane over its laser-emitting organ. "Won't be enough fucker!" Takeru flew up, slashing upward, cutting open a gash on the side of the BETA.
"Fall!" Meiya proclaimed, firing a 120mm explosive shell into the opening. The shell lodged into the BETA before the fuse detonated, blowing the Heavy Laser's front into blood and pulp. Just ahead, Takeru dodged an offending tentacle and cut its stinger off before, in the same motion, slashing the underside of the next Heavy Laser Class. Meiya quickly adjusted her boosters and flew beneath the Heavy Laser to fire her 120mm shell. Each of his moves flows into the next; I cannot falter. Meiya narrowed her eyes as Takeru cut his next target. Takeru flew up, and Meiya quickly noticed the shallow cut. She fired a burst of 36mm rounds before firing her 120mm shell and destroying the Heavy Laser. "Takeru!" Meiya tossed her sword at Takeru. He, in turn, stabbed his now dull sword into the next Heavy Laser before reaching back, catching the blade by the pommel in an impressive display of skill. He fired his boosters at maximum, forcefully dragging the stabbed blade down, tearing the BETA's hide apart before moving to the next target. Meiya made quick work of it, and they moved to the next, and then the next like a gale of blades and bullets.
"Captain, all Heavy Laser are down. I say again, all Heavy Laser Class are done for!" Takeru smirked, grabbing his remaining autocannon from his pylon.
"Understood; the last group of Laser Class retreated near your position with the Fort Class. Take them down ASAP and prepare to fly out of here!" Isumi ordered.
"Meiya, let's go!" Takeru turned around and boosted back as the data link updated them to the Laser Class's last known position! While always good, Takeru and Meiya's coordination was now even smoother. A pair of Fort Class stood in their immediate way. The Fort launched their barbed tentacles, and Takeru and Meiya's TSf split left and right. The tentacles whipped out to catch them. They flew up and fired just as the tentacle's barb missed them, cutting the barb off. They then flew, striking down the Fort Class with blades and 120mm explosive shells. The Fort Classes collapsed in blood and viscera while Takeru and Meiya reunited behind them and spotted the last Laser Class cowering beneath the Fort Class. "On me!"
Takeru flew ahead, dodging the tentacle strike. Meiya pulled up behind him, firing at the extended tentacle point blank, severing it. Takeru slid along the ground, avoiding the Fort Class legs, and cut down two Laser Class. "2 more down!" Takeru dogged left, pushed behind the Fort Class, and fired his back autocannon twice with 120mm shells, severing the left shoulder section joined to the leg section. The Fort fell to its side as Meiya flew over it, firing her autocannons. The Laser Classes stopped to fire at her. Takeru instantly backed her up, and they killed 6 more before Meiya took cover behind the felled Fort. Takeru rushed ahead. The remaining Laser Class turned to run. Takeru fired but swerved at the last minute as a Tentacle barely missed him. He was forced to dodge left, right, and up before Meiya finally severed the tentacle with a well-placed 36mm burst. Takeru caught the last of the Laser Class scurry beneath a Fort Class. Takeru fired and killed 1. He rushed in, dodging the barbed tentacle and Fort's legs, killing 2 more. He flew up with the tentacle trailing behind him. He avoided right and sliced the stinger off before he fired two more 120mm shells into the leg joins, bringing the beast down. "Captain, that was the last of the Lasers!"
As if on cue, the heavy metal cloud dispersed enough that Jaeger 1's radio signal lit up. "Jaeger 2, tell me you're done; we're being pressed hard here!" Captain Morris's strained voice came alive in the comms.
"We just finished the last of the Lasers. We're moving to regroup on your position!" Isumi confirmed.
"Finally!" Asagi instantly flew above the reach of the BETA. "Let's-huh?" A beam pierced the sky. In an instant, Asagi's Shiranui exploded before she could react.
"Asagi!" Hibiki shouted, his eyes glued to the sky where his friend once was.
"Lieutenant!" Yuzuka flew in, pushing his TSF out of the way as a grappler swiped at him. "Aahh!" Yuzuka's Shiranui's right jump jet was severed, and she spiraled out of control to the ground. "Yuzuka!" Hibiki turned and fired at the Grappler, riddling it with 36mm rounds until it dropped dead. Tank Class started to crawl over her immediately. "Get the hell away from her!" Hibiki shouted, firing at the Tank Class and brandishing his sword.
"I got you, brother!" Matsukaze flew in, killing a leaping Tank Class in midair.
"Yuzuka!" Hibiki turned before a Tank Class leaped at him. "Shit!"
The Tank Class was sliced in two as Takeru landed by him. "Calm down, and check her vitals!"
"I," Hibiki clamped his mouth shut and collected himself. "Right," Hibiki brought Yuzuka's suit vitals and breathed a sigh of relief. "She's unconscious, no other injuries." Hibiki typed a command in his cockpit's right control console. "Administring adrenaline!"
Yuzuka gasped awake; her veins felt like fire was pulsing through them, and she could hear her heart hammering against her ears. "I," Yuzuka took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I'm awake!" She righted her TSF, and warnings blared in her cockpit.
"Lieutenant Sendo, report!" Isumi's face showed up in her display.
"I've lost a jump jet and right pylon, but I can still move and fight, Mam!" Yuzuka panted, struggling against the adrenaline coursing through her body.
"Not at full capacity; now listen up!" Isumi updated the data link showing the map of the area. "That Laser came from the northwest. We will work under the assumption that another BETA attack group is heading this way. Lieutenant Minori's altitude was at 1000 meters before she was shot down." The map was updated to show a red arrow labeled unknown northwest of their position. "We will move due north, link up with Jaeger 1, and leave the combat zone at NOE flight level. There is still too much heavy metal cover to disrupt long-range communications. Once we are clear, I will ask for an update from Command. Now, everyone, get into formation!" Isumi was first placing her TSF in front of Yuzuka's. The rest of the Battalion formed and flew three hundred meters up before flying in relative safety to Jaeger 1.
"Yuzuka, you're dropping altitude; pull up," Hibiki's face popped up in Yuzuka's display.
"Power is fluctuating; my remaining jump jet is being overtaxed. Running diagnostics, please hold." Yuzuka ran a full scan of her systems. A graph of her TSF showed up, and it lit up yellow and orange around her remaining jump unit. "Got it, somethings making my TSF overfeed power to my jump jet. Systems are compensating by forcing me to a new height level to lessen energy requirements. If I try to maintain altitude, my jump jet could explode." Yuzuka looked at the BETA below and felt dread at the bottom of her stomach.
"Understood, what's the suggested height?" Isumi popped in next.
"Just above NOE, Mam." Yuzuka gripped her control.
"Understood, listen up. We'll be lowering the altitude to just above NOE flight level. Conserve your ammo and only fire on the BETA in your immediate path." Isumi ordered as they began a slow descent.
"Yes, Mam!" Everyone sounded off as they followed Yuzuka's TSF lower to the BETA tide below. As soon as they were within range, Tank Class began leaping from the front.
"Light them up!" Hayase shouted and fired her autocannon in a controlled burst, downing the leaping Tank Class. They continued their bloody track, killing leaping Tank Class and dodging when possible. Before long, the sound of TSF fire in the distance indicated they had regrouped with Jaeger 1. They flew past the rushing BETA, and the Destroyer corpses the BETA were climbing over to reach Jaeger 1. Jaeger 2 immediately landed to back up Jaeger 1.
"God damn, it's good to see you! Me and the lads noticed a Laser in the distance." Captain Morris began with a wry smirk on his lips.
"Have you been able to contact command?" Isumi asked instead of answering his question.
"Negative, heavy metal is still too thick." Morris loaded a fresh magazine into his autocannon before firing on the BETA again.
"I see," Isumi narrowed her eyes. "We lost a Pilot to an unknown Heavy Laser from the northwest. We should retreat immediately and get an update from Command."
"All well and good, but we got damaged TSFs. We can manage short jumps, but…" Morris trailed off.
"These bastards quickly catch up," Isumi sighed before humming in thought. "I have a plan if you would allow me, Captain." Isumi nodded to Morris.
"Shit, that's more than I got. Hit me with it." Morris shrugged, smirking.
"Have all damaged TSF retreat; the rest of us hold the line and give ground slowly until the TSFs reach a safe distance," Isumi explained her plan while killing a leaping Tank.
"Alright then," Morris nodded. "Listen up; if your machine is damaged, begin retreating a minimum of 2 kilometers from the area."
"I don't think the BETA are gonna let that slide, Sir," an American Surface Pilot quipped.
"Don't worry about the crab fucks, now move it!" Morris barked back, and all his damaged TSF boost jumped away from the combat zone. Yuzuka hung back briefly before Hibiki's TSF threw a thumbs-up her way.
"Alright, hold them here!" Isumi ordered.
"Yes, Mam!"
December 8, 2001
Absolute Defense Line 06:25 Hours
"Lieutenant Komaki, the BETA!"
Komaki stabbed a Grappler, and the BETA struggled momentarily before succumbing to its fate. She flicked her sword free of alien blood before her TSF looked at the ruins of Kyoto. The BETA had unilaterally started a full retreat from the line. "Captain Sagiri, are you seeing this?"
Sagiri's face popped up on Komaki's display. "Yes, it seems the BETA are retreating. But do not let your guard down. The BETA do not simply retreat."
"Yes, Captain, Jaeger Squadron, harry their retreat and bleed them dry."
"Yes, Mam!" Jaeger 3 squadron sounded off in unison and began pursuing the retreating BETA.
Alfred glared ahead, his TSF covered in alien blood and missing an arm. This doesn't feel like a victory, and we have yet to hear from the Jaeger squadrons dispatched to deal with the Heavy Laser Class. Alfred sighed before shaking his head. "This isn't over! Chase them down and kill every last one!"
"Yes, Sir!" This time, Alfred received no gaff from the Japanese as they gladly chased down the retreating BETA. Alfred reloaded his autocannon and joined his men in the pursuit. No, this isn't over, not by a long shot.
December 8, 2001
Kyoto Prefecture 06:50 Hours
Yuuya jumped back, slashing a Grappler's forearm off before filling it with depleted uranium rounds until it stopped moving. They had fallen back from their original position almost 1000 meters. "Last magazine!" Yuuya shouted as he reloaded the last of his 36mm magazines.
"I'm running low as well," Chizuru ejected her two back autocannons down to her primary ones.
"boost jump back, 100 meters now!" Morris ordered. Everyone's jump jets ignited and pushed off the ground, jumping backward.
"Unknown contacts to our rear!" Irma threw one of her autocannons away and grabbed another from her pylons.
"Attention UN Forces, this is Captain Wu of the 1st Bao-Feng Tactical Armored Battalion. We're coming up on your six!" Just as Captain Wu finished, several J-10X TSFs landed, adding much-needed firepower and pushing the encroaching BETA back.
"Man, aren't you all a sight for sore eyes," Yuuya grinned, relieved at the support.
"Naturally, Yuuya Bridges, I would not allow you to die here away from your future wife." Cui Yifei's familiar portrait popped up on Yuuya's display.
"Yifei!" Yuuya and Yui exclaimed in unison.
"Ah, I see one of my rivals is here as well," Yifei smirked at Yui.
"This is hardly the time for this!" Yui blushed, annoyed at having someone try to claim her man.
"Of course, let us have a proper reunion after this Yuuya, my dear." Yifei winked at Yuuya before cutting the transmission off.
"I see you weren't quick to correct her," Yui glared at Yuuya.
"W-what?" Yuuya balked at Yui. "My mind is kind of busy with other things, Yui!" Yuuya defended his inaction.
"Hmph," Yui huffed before sighing. "I suppose that is true," Yui cut the transmission, but somehow, Yuuya felt this would turn into a whole thing later.
"Captain Wu, we thank you for your timely arrival. Do you have any update for us?" Isumi addressed Bao-Feng's Commander.
"Yes, it seems, huh?" Captain Wu stared bewildered as the BETA did a 180 and began a hasty retreat.
"Not to stare at a gift horse in the mouth, but where the hell are they going?" Morris dared not fire another shot less the BETA turned back around.
"It doesn't matter; let's leave now while we can." Isumi cut off further chatter, and all TSFs double-timed out of the combat zone at NOE Flight level. The radio cleared up after passing another 800 meters, and a familiar voice filled the waves.
"Valkery Mum to Jaeger Battalions, please respond."
"Jaeger 2 01 to Valkery Mum, it's good to hear your voice." Isumi smiled as Suzumiya's portrait showed up on her display.
"Likewise," Suzumiya sighed relieved. "Please return to the Akatsuki for a full debriefing. For now, know that the BETA have begun a general retreat from the Absolute Defense Line. I have no further details at this moment."
"Bastards," Hibiki growled, "they couldn't have retreated before Asagi…damn it!" Hibiki gritted his teeth.
"Easy, bro, it wasn't your fault. No one had any way of knowing." Matsukaze tried comforting his closest friend.
"I should have stopped her. What kind of Flight Leader am I? Then I got Yuzuka injured because I froze up!" Hibiki gripped his controls tighter.
"Hibiki," Takeru spoke up. "This is your fault," he stated, plain and simple.
"Takeru!" Meiya gasped.
"I," Hibiki began before his throat closed up, and he felt tears of frustration build up.
"As Flight Leader, you are responsible for your men, so take this and learn from it. Become a better leader and remember this feeling." Takeru closed his eyes and smiled slightly. "This feeling means you care for the lives of your comrades and would do anything to protect them. So do better. Always strive to better yourself and save as many lives as possible."
"1st Lieutenant," Hibiki closed his eyes and shook his head. "You're right; Asagi would probably laugh at me right now if she saw me breaking down like this." Hibiki smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
They flew out until they reunited with their retreating comrades again. "Lieutenant, are you alright!?" Yuzuka's voice reached Hibiki.
"Yeah, I'm alright, Yuzuka. Don't worry about me," Hibiki straightened his back and regained his composure.
"Ah, thank goodness." Yuzuka sighed in relief, smiling at Hibiki.
"Guess I'm not even here," Matsukaze sighed, and everyone laughed, bringing some much-needed levity to the Jaeger Battalions. After regrouping with their forces, they began their flight back to the carriers, pairing them to help damaged TSFs fly back. Once they reached the shore, Yuuya was contacted by Yifei again.
"We'll have to postpone our reunion until later, ciao!" Yifei winked at Yuuya before cutting the transmission.
"Wait!" Yuuya tried, but it was too late. "We'll tell her later, alright?" Yuuya smiled sheepishly at Yui.
"I suppose it cannot be helped," Yui sighed, even more annoyed. Why was she having competition when she had already claimed Yuuya as her man! After the Bao-Feng Battalion returned to their Carrier, the Jaeger Battalions returned to theirs.
December 8, 2001
Imperial Navy 3rd Fleet Akatsuki TSF Carrier 08:34 Hours
Takeru stepped out onto the gantry and saluted the engineers waiting for him. They began their work instantly while Takeru took the lift to ground level. I could kill for a hot bath right about now. Takeru rotated his shoulders, trying to loosen up. As he stepped off the lift, the girls all approached him.
"Takeru, we're going to the mess to get some food. Wanna join us?" Mikoto smiled with less enthusiasm than Takeru was used to.
"I," Takeru began before Isumi approached, and they all saluted her.
"At ease," Isumi saluted them back. "All of you go on and eat, Shirogane; you are wanted for this debrief."
"Yes, Mam!" Takeru nodded and smiled apologetically to the girls.
"Duty beckons, excuse us, Captain, Takeru," Meiya nodded at both of them, and the girls waved as they left.
Takeru waved goodbye, and he and Meiya's gaze lingered on one another before they parted ways.
Isumi led him down a bulkhead and walked silently to the briefing room. "So Shirogane, you and Mitsurugi?" Isumi broke the silence finally.
Takeru misstepped for a second before catching himself. "Gah, how did you know?" Takeru blushed, eyes wide.
"The way you looked at one another," Isumi laughed before humming in thought. Her expression grew serious, and she walked ahead of Takeru and stood before him. "Shirogane, perhaps this is my chance to gain insight on the matter." Isumi placed her hands on his shoulders. "How did you and Mitsurugi become romantically involved?"
"O-oh," Takeru rubbed the back of his head. "Why, is there someone you like, Captain?"
Isumi sighed and crossed her arms, "Yes, and he's as dense as you!" Isumi exclaimed, narrowing her eyes in annoyance.
"Hey!" Takeru raised his arms in self-defense, "It's not like I mean to be!"
"I can only imagine Mitsurugi had to be the one to confess her feelings for you." Isumi glared at Takeru accusingly.
"N-no!" Takeru shook his head, "I confessed to her!" Takeru defended his honor and crossed his arms.
"Then my situation is hopeless," Isumi sighed, rubbing her temples.
"Well, maybe you need to be more aggressive in your approach!" Takeru smacked his fist into his palm.
"Aggressive?" Isumi looked at him.
"Yeah, you could always crawl into bed with him!" Takeru thought of his old world's Meiya.
"W-what?" Isumi backed up, "Was Mitsurugi really that bold?" Isumi cupped her armored chin in thought. "I couldn't possibly…" Isumi blinked and looked at Takeru. She coughed and straightened, "Well, perhaps I shall keep that in mind. Thank you for the advice, Shirogane."
"Sure thing, Captain," Takeru chuckled, and they resumed their walk to the briefing room.
Inside were Captain Morris, Tsukuyomi, and Haruka. "Ah, you have arrived, please, everyone have a seat." Suzumiya moved to the computer on the room's right and began typing away. After a few minutes, the screen behind her turned on, and General Paul Radhabinod's face popped up.
"Sir!" Everyone in the room stood at attention for the General.
"At ease," Paul saluted them back, and everyone returned to their seat. "Now let us begin by informing you the following information is on a need-to-know basis. You in this room are the only ones being told for the time being." Paul paused to let his words sink in before continuing. "As of a day ago, The BETA constructed a Hive in old Maniwa in the Okayama Prefecture."
"What? Is the Shogun aware of this?" Tsukuyomi bolted to her feet.
Paul looked towards her and calmly nodded, "The Shogun was informed immediately after we identified the BETA's movements." Paul looked at everyone else in the room. "The reason all of you here are being informed is because Alternative IV has been finished. XO Kouzuki will have it running 6 hours from now. Additionally, XO Kouzuki believes the BETA have retreated because they have reached their operational limit."
"What do you mean, Sir?" Takeru asked, eyes narrowed.
"XO Kouzuki has a working theory that the BETA can only operate for a certain amount of time before they need to recover within a Hive." Paul hummed, closing his eyes, "It is a working theory for the moment, but the fact the BETA have ceased their advance are retreating to the Hive gives this credence. This behavior also coincides with the 1998 invasion where they retreated to the Yokohama Hive rather than press their assault."
"We are still unsure how long this recharge period lasts. As such, we are preparing an operation to use Alternative IV to take the Maniwa Hive." Paul's words were resolute, and everyone in the room, rather than despair at the news, found comfort in the General's determined demeanor. "Any questions?" Paul nodded.
"Sir," Takeru stood, "may I ask, was there another BETA group from where Attack Group C emerged?"
"yes, a third BETA attack group had shown itself before they retreated back where they came," Paul confirmed Isumi's previous deduction, and he found himself agreeing with Hibiki's earlier sentiment.
"Any further questions?"
"No sir," Isumi shook her head.
"Then get some rest, the battle may have been won, but the war is yet to come." Everyone said their goodbyes for the moment and left their own ways. Takeru walked with Isumi for a moment before she went down a separate hall. He walked to the mess to join the girls sitting down, still eating in their fortified suits.
"Hey, you guys didn't change?" Takeru sat by the girls and felt the mood wasn't exactly jovial.
"You too," Ayamine said quietly, looking at him.
"Fair enough," Takeru tried lightening the mood with a smile, but it didn't take.
He looked around, and nobody in the mess hall was particularly jovial about the BETA retreating. "You guys don't look happy about the retreat." He stated matter-of-factly.
"This doesn't feel like a victory," Chizuru said, poking at her food.
"Takeru," Meiya spoke up. "When the BETA first invaded, they retreated as well. True it was to their Hive, but it was not a victory, nor does it feel like one now."
"Yeah," Takeru pursed his lips, wishing he could tell them.
"Even back then, despite all our sacrifices, they simply stopped. We did not deliver some crippling blow. We didn't do anything that we hadn't already done." Chizuru continued. Tama and Mikoto looked down at their plate, their uneasiness plain for all to see.
"Things were like this too back then," Ayamine said, looking at Takeru.
"Like how?" Takeru raised a brow.
"With the Americans and the same fleet that dropped the G-Bombs on Yokohama." Meiya clarified.
"Right," Takeru said and thought about when he first told them about the orbital support. They hadn't looked particularly relieved. At the time, he wondered if it was just pre-mission jitters. After all, they would get one bombardment and be alone against the BETA. The scars of the 1st invasion run deep. But we have Alternative IV now. Things will be different…they have to be.
"I fear we are at the eye of the storm. The end of this battle is still to come, Takeru." Meiya looked deeply into his eyes.
"Yeah," Takeru nodded. "Let's keep fighting until we drive those crab bastards permanently from Japan!"
"Yeah!" Mikoto perked up slightly.
"Takeru-san is right!" Tama's eyes were once again filled with determination. The brevity had returned for the moment, and the girls asked Takeru about their performance, hoping for his praise.
1 Day and 8 Hours into the 2nd BETA invasion of Japan
Woohoo! This one was fun to write. I think I'm just a sucker for writing battles against the BETA. Anyway, please enjoy and know the next chapter is already being worked on. Yuuko managed to work some sorcery and got Alternative IV done in practically a day! However, what were the costs of this? Stay tuned as the answers to that will come. Even if the news of the Hive hasn't been shared, the feelings are too similar to when the BETA first invaded Japan. Some remember the day Japan almost fell and the 'betrayal' of their allies. Would history repeat itself? That is the question that hangs heavily on the Japanese people.
