-M29.671 - JSDF Base-
As the 5th team infiltrated the inner sanctum of the base, their eyes fell upon an imposing Thunderbringer-class airship, an Aquila Tempestus vessel nearly twice the size of their Land Raider. Unlike the utilitarian metal exterior of their own vehicle, this airborne behemoth was a masterpiece, adorned with nano-scale details and the resplendent Golden Aquila symbol etched into its Auramite structure.
Despite its aesthetic appeal, this airship was brimming with esoteric weaponry and cutting-edge defensive systems, a testament to Mars' finest engineering.
Mal couldn't help but express his awe, stroking his chin in contemplation. "Lord General beat us to the punch, it seems. Since when?"
Maiya, her eyes gleaming as she surveyed the majestic craft, replied, "That vehicle not only boasts top-notch weaponry and armor but also houses one of our most advanced stealth technologies."
"He's the Lord General, after all—specifically, a Lord General Sol. Responsible for securing the Sol system and its surroundings. No small feat," Nathaniel added.
"Still, a Thunderbringer airship... Adrathic Annihilator and Twin-linked Neutron Laser Destructor... those weapons alone... It's a good thing the JSDF is unaware of their destructive potential," remarked Mal, an Apothecary more familiar with medical tools than the Imperium's arsenal.
"I hope they remain in the dark," Raias interjected, prompting nods from his team.
The team proceeded into the base, their Land Raider parked at the entrance due to its size, obstructing further passage.
Raias, using his vox channel, spoke to the Princess, "I'll open the door for you, Princess. Here's to a smooth journey."
"Let's rendezvous with the Lord General then." With that, the 5th Recon Team disembarked from their Land Raider.
Pina observed the JSDF base, noting, "It's much larger than our military barracks."
Shortly after, Itami's team arrived in their own horseless carriages.
"Apologies for the wait, Captain," Itami greeted the Solar Guardian.
"No worries. We just got here," Raias waved off the apology.
"I must say, that tank moves surprisingly fast," Itami remarked with a wry smile.
"It's a grav-vehicle. Without gravity and friction, it can move like the wind," explained Nathaniel with a smirk.
"I can't help but feel a bit jealous," Kurata admitted, a wry taste in his mouth.
"Wait for 27,000 years, and you might get one," Kuribayashi retorted.
"Damn, I wonder how advanced we'll be by then... M29, right?" the young JSDF asked, earning a wink from the red-haired Solar Guardian.
"Consider yourself invited!" Mal chimed in, leaving the JSDF man deadpanned.
"I wonder, are they truly the same soldiers we've seen before? I mean, they slaughtered those bandits cold-heartedly," Kuwahara pondered.
"Maybe they're more complex than we think, or maybe they're just like us—ordinary people," Itami mused.
"Because we're designed to be direct defenders of Imperial Citizens," Mal interjected. "Even though we're transhuman, our augmentations keep us close to our original species. Though it doesn't apply to the two highest ranks of transhuman society." He whispered the last sentence.
"I see. Your Imperium must be something, Lieutenant Mal," Itami said with a soft smile.
"You'll see," Mal smirked at the JSDF. "You'll see."
The team proceeded to the command base, where the grandeur of the Aquila Tempestus loomed above. Itami couldn't help but question, "What is that?"
"That's our Lord General—the golden armored man you saw in Italica," Raias clarified.
"I can't wrap my head around it... Do you people love these gigantic vehicles?" Itami questioned, perplexed by the Falmartian and JSDF perspectives.
Raias explained with a clear voice, "It likely stems from a historical evolution. Our doctrine has changed significantly over countless generations. While your generation may find it impractical, consider this: when just four of us can unleash such destructive power, imagine the capabilities of our tanks and airships. To endure, we've developed robust defenses and stealth capabilities to hide our assets while wielding such firepower." Raias paused, his words sending shivers down the spines of those who witnessed their might at the Battle of Italica.
The team moved towards the command base, leaving behind a lingering sense of awe and respect for the Aquila Tempestus, a fusion of artistic brilliance and technological marvel.
-/-
"This is precisely my concern, General Hazama," Agral declared within the confines of a sprawling tent exclusively designed for his use. Seated across from him was General Hazama, whose gaze remained fixed on the table, now covered in an array of paper documents.
"I cannot definitively assure you, Lord General. This demand is extraordinary, to say the least. It requires time for thorough consideration before reporting back to Parliament," the seasoned General replied cautiously to the towering figure in golden armor.
"I understand, General. However, this directive stems directly from the Emperor himself. His Majesty desires the swift establishment of diplomatic ties between us," the Lord General stated with diplomatic finesse.
"I comprehend, but... the magnitude of this information is staggering. You propose sending your men to meet with Parliament and even constructing an embassy in Japan. I question if the rest of the world is ready for such a revelation," Hazama spoke with a measured rationale.
Hazama could scarcely fathom the uproar that would ensue if the existence of the Imperium was disclosed without meticulous preparation. Yet, the Lord General responded with a reassuring smile.
"I acknowledge your concerns, General Hazama. Therefore, I present this plan for your consideration." Another document emerged from a compartment in the Lord General's armor, carefully placed on the table.
Hazama scrutinized the intricate plan, his eyes darting over every detail with a calculating gaze.
"You... Have crafted this plan?" The complexity of the document, brimming with contingency measures and specific recipients for each demand, was so flawless that it seemed inhuman, beyond the capability of an ordinary person.
"I... I will forward it to my superiors," Hazama eventually conceded, striving to maintain his composed demeanor.
"I know you will, General. The Emperor informed me that if these negotiations proceed smoothly, he will bestow upon your people and nation a gift surpassing the wildest dreams of your world." The statement not only shocked Hazama but also left all JSDF personnel around him wide-eyed. Though they had heard tales of the mighty feats of the Imperium of Man's Solar Guardians, the promise of a gift beyond imagination seemed absurd.
"Humanity must unite to endure the harshness of the universe. In that spirit, the Imperium of Man will willingly assist our younger brother," the Lord General continued. Despite his stoic countenance, genuine emotion emanated from his presence.
"I will present this to Parliament with my utmost effort, Lord General. Your words will reach them," Hazama had no choice but to accept the offer.
"I hope your leaders make the right decision." Agral smiled, nodding before announcing his departure, leaving the tent accompanied by his honored guards.
"Lord General," someone greeted him.
"Captain Raias. Good to see you've arrived punctually," Lord General Sol acknowledged the Captain, receiving a nod from the Solar Guardian.
"This marks our formal first contact with our M2 counterparts. We must execute this diplomatic endeavor flawlessly," Raias asserted with unwavering determination.
"Indeed. As per the Emperor's will, perfection is imperative. Moreover, we have ancestors to guide us." Both transhumans shifted their gaze towards the JSDF crowd—a group that, despite enduring a war claiming tens of millions, remained largely oblivious. They had witnessed the horrors of carnage but were still blind to the true arch-enemies, unaware of the ugly truth behind countless atrocities.
"We will save them," Raias declared with resolute determination.
"We will, Captain. Imperium shelters all." The General responded, placing his fist over his chest.
"Imperium shelters all," Raias proclaimed proudly.
"I have something to inform you, Captain." The General redirected the conversation.
"What is it, my lord?" The Solar Guardian braced himself for whatever revelation awaited.
It wasn't a flood of information but rather a solitary document. As Raias opened it, his eyes widened in sheer astonishment.
-/-
-The Following Day-
With the sun ascending, preparations commenced for the journey beyond the Gate—a moment on the brink of unfolding.
The Solar Guardians, opting not to instill undue fear and intimidation, forwent their imposing armor in favor of combat skin suits. Unlike the formidable Nano suits, these suits were crafted from enchanted fabric, acting as a second muscle and adapting constantly to their bodies.
Adorned in gray long-sleeve vests embellished with their names, ranks, and the Imperial Aquila, the 5th Recon Team stood ready. Raias reported their readiness to Itami.
"Whoa. You all look impressive," Itami praised the Solar Guardians.
"Just secondary clothing for us, military," chuckled Nathaniel, dismissing the compliment.
"That tightness... Isn't it suffocating?" queried Kuribayashi.
"Not at all. This suit acts as our second skin, maintaining our bodies in prime condition no matter how harsh the climate," explained the red-haired Solar Guardian.
"Future... Banzai," mumbled a JSDF member.
"Banzai?" Raias inquired of Maiya.
"It has two meanings. Either a war cry or a cheer," Maiya answered, gesturing with two fingers.
"Then, it was a cheer," Raias murmured to himself. "What a culture."
The sound of a car reached Raias's ears, and he spotted it through the enhanced vision. "That man again," he remarked to himself.
"Itami, you'll bring them with you," Yanagida instructed the Japanese Lieutenant.
"What?!" Itami exclaimed in disbelief.
As JSDF personnel debated Princess Pina's insistence on joining, Raias pondered the weight of the duty he had assumed the day before. "It will be complicated, huh," he sighed, feeling even his transhuman mental strength tested.
"Very well, then. I will keep her safe," Itami conceded, sighing in exhaustion.
"Good, I'm sure I can count on you." Yanagida departed in his car, leaving a small smile lingering on his face.
"That smile... It gives me a bad feeling," surprisingly remarked Mal.
"If there's nothing else, let's open the Gate."
A shivering metal sound resonated through the base as the colossal structure around the Gate began its gradual opening, revealing the true construct of the magical portal.
"Let's go!" Itami shouted warmly.
-/-
"Whoa!" Maiya gasped in awe.
Tall buildings surrounded them, constructed with metal frames and glass on every side. Through the finely crafted glass, they could peer into the inner workings of these marvels.
"These buildings... Impossible," Pina exclaimed, her logical mind baffled by the grandeur of the architecture.
"I wish I could visit the library," Maiya's transhuman brain and WAR-CASTER began analyzing the calculations that birthed the skyscrapers, recording the intricate data.
"So... Even at M2, humanity was able to build a prototype of an arcology," Raias stated, prompting the rest of the team to engage in their own calculations.
"Well... Maybe three centuries," Mal added.
"If they have our assistance, they can accelerate it significantly. I'd wager around five decades," Raias projected, eliciting frowns from the group.
"What is an arcology?" Lelei queried, approaching the Solar Guardians.
"How can I put this into terms you might understand?" Raias rubbed his chin, contemplating the best explanation. It took mere moments for his transhuman mind to decide.
"Imagine an entire country compressed into a single gigantic building. That building is designed to house tens of millions," Raias explained. Lelei, however, seemed even more bewildered.
"But what about food? A population that large confined to one building—won't there be famine? And with a population of that size, how do you manage ventilation? Humans need space to flourish... How?" Lelei's questions showcased her profound intelligence, surpassing the understanding of her world.
"Arcologies are entirely self-sufficient. They house everything a country could provide—industrial complexes, living environments, recreation sections, food processors, military infrastructure." Raias enumerated the basic facilities within an arcology, though he referred to the most basic one within the Imperium of Man. Despite this, Lelei's eyes widened in astonishment, her mouth agape in amazement.
"In some cases, the arcology even contains a beach and an entire landscape," shocking the blue-haired mage to her core. The engineering marvel left the curious young girl utterly stunned.
Not only her, but everyone who heard it was also shocked beyond belief.
"I'll probably regret asking this, but curiosity must be satisfied." Lelei gulped. "Are... Are the Imperium's dwellings entirely made from these arcologies?"
"Mostly, yes," the Captain replied, concealing a smirk under his helmet.
"I... I want to go to the Imperium. I want to learn," she muttered, much to Raias' amusement.
"Well... I think I know who I will recommend for that Prospero's scholarship," Raias said to himself, smirking with enthusiasm.
Without further ado, Itami completed the required document to pass the guard. Meanwhile, the Solar Guardians scanned the entire section of the city using their WAR-CASTER. With help from UR-982, they acquired comprehensive data.
"82, since you've hacked their data. Can you keep us safe from... Unwanted espionage?" Raias requested as his voice was muffled by his mask.
"Of course, Captain," The Man of Iron replied in nanoseconds. "Well, we have America, China, and Russia plotting some 'silent' extraction on us."
"Those three nations... This will be a good report for Lord General," the Solar Guardian mused, nodding in confirmation. "Keep your eyes open, 82."
"Always."
Then, a scream emanated from Kuribayashi.
"HE IS SPECIAL FORCES AND A RANGER?! IMPOSSIBLE!" She screamed, holding her head as she shook it to ensure she was not hallucinating.
But the focus shifted to a man standing between her and Itami, a man Raias recognized from various data he possessed.
"Public Security. Well, all cards are on the table now." It was a predicted move; with the three great nations making their move, Japanese intelligence had to get involved.
Raias chose to approach them slowly, adopting his diplomatic persona. "What's going on?"
"Ah, this is the one you mentioned in your report, Itami. Name Kamado." The man extended his hand.
"Captain Raias Seloce. Nice to meet you, Mr. Kamado," the Solar Guardian accepted the mortal's introduction. Raias speaking fluent Japanese surprised the old Japanese man.
"I didn't know you could speak Japanese, Captain Raias," Kamado exclaimed, widening his eyes.
"We can learn more if you want, Mr. Kamado," Raias joked.
"Despite your size and menacing presence, Captain, you have a very good sense of humor," the mortal laughed.
"I hope I can blend perfectly with your culture, Mr. Kamado. Since we have been separated by tens of thousands of years of progress. I hope we can find our similarities," Raias spoke with a tone that carried deep sentiment, different from his interactions in Falmart. Here, he added a considerable amount of emotion to elicit a more personal response.
"I see... The future is indeed a miracle. If your country, the Imperium of Man, has cultivated a man like you—perfect in both warfare and diplomacy—it must be a marvelous country," Kamado remarked, smiling weakly with closed eyes in admiration.
"That future is indeed a miracle, Mr. Kamado. And my presence here is to ensure that particular future will come to pass on your world," Raias declared with optimistic pride, tantalizing like a glorious treasure awaiting discovery.
"Even if that future comes to us, I'm not sure I'll live long enough to see it unfold," an ironic burst of laughter escaping his mouth.
"Even if you won't witness that dawn era, the Imperium of Man will ensure that the future unfolds for your future generations," Raias replied with pride.
"Good words, Captain. Good words," Kamado remarked, smiling broadly. "You must hurry, then. The Parliament will be in an uproar if you leave them too long, Itami."
"I know, I know. Everyone, let's head into the bus... But..." Itami eyed the Solar Guardians. Their size prohibited them from entering any vehicles they could provide.
"And we can't make them walk as it will ruin either our or their image," Tomita added as his brain started to recollect every vehicle that would fit them.
"I guess it's the best moment to use our contingency plan," Nathaniel addressed his Captain.
"You're right. Hang on for a second." Raias contacted the Ferrous Mind. "82, I need a hand here."
"Just a second," The Ferrous Mind replied.
"We just have to wait now," the Captain told the group. Not long after, a bus-sized metallic vehicle emerged from the Gate. It floated, serving its purpose as a grav-vehicle.
"What..." Komakado said, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"It's very... A common thing when I accompany them," Itami dryly noted.
Not wanting to waste any more time, the 5th Recon Team entered their vehicle. Before anyone could ask, Raias said to them softly.
"Do not worry. It does not possess any weapons." This statement did little to calm the Public Security officer.
"If everything is on the line, let's immediately head to the Diet building," Itami's voice resounded.
