July 10, 2004
Hawaii
Molokai to Hilo
The roar of the Takemikazuchi's engines filled the cockpit as Takeru Shirogane tightened his grip on the throttle, his mind completely in sync with the machine surrounding him. The Heads-Up Display flickered with data, numbers and symbols flashing by as his brain processes the information faster than any human should be able to. He adjusted the communication settings, toggling between different channels while simultaneously analyzing the combat zone ahead. The Retinal Projection System made it feel as though the Takemikazuchi's eyes were his own, giving him an almost superhuman awareness of the battlefield.
The OS of the Takemikazuchi wasn't as advanced as the XM3 that the Professor had developed in another timeline - the parallel processing unit that had allowed for near-instantaneous special maneuvers. Yet Takeru's skill and experience made up for the lack of advanced software. His movements were seamless, bypassing the usual lag between input and response, compensating for the time delay, inertia and recoil that would have hindered most other pilots.
"Honestly, I feel sorry for the Imperial maintenance team," Kei Ayamine's voice crackled over the comms, a mixture of awe and amusement in her tone.
"Yeah… It's crazy that you're not damaging the TSF's joints with those movements, Shirogane" Chizuru Sakaki added, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"No kidding, Lieutenant," Haruko Kashiwagi chimed in, her usual casual tone replaced with a hint of respect. "I thought the carbonic actuators would've worn out by now. It almost like you're gliding."
Takeru didn't reply immediately, focusing on the task at hand as he brought the Takemikazuchi down for a landing.
"It's mostly just using the recoil and gravity to do this. Also had a lot of practice and the Takemikazuchi can take the maneuvers. I do worry about the joints though," Takeru confessed.
They were 150 miles away from their designated target area, but the detour to Hana for a resupply of propellant was necessary. The flight required them to conserve as much fuel as possible, and this was their last stop before the real fight began. From here, they would continue their flight to Hawi, perform a quick fly-by over the district of Honokaa, and then head south towards the Hamakua district. After that, they would turn east, aiming to reach Wainaku, where a supply container with propellant fuel awaited them.
"Lots of propellant fuel use today," Kei noted as they touched down, her tone slightly more serious than before.
"They told us to hurry and use the supply points to refuel," Chizuru replied, her voice tinged with the weight of their mission. "We have Uncle Sam to thank us for this."
"Refueling done, flight leader!" Kashiwagi reported, her efficiency evident as always.
Takeru quickly analyzed the data from the area. On their way, they had spotted Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and M2001 Crusaders heading towards their location, a clear indication that the enemy was near. The BETA were on the move, and the situation was rapidly escalating from what he heard over the data links.
"Oberon Flight to Command Post," Takeru called out, his voice steady as he initiated the data-link transfer. "Uploading information through data-link transfer, over."
The data collected by his TSF was sent directly to the Command Post, a process that took only seconds but felt like an eternity as he remained on his flight path.
"Command Post to Oberon One," came the reply, the operator's voice crisp and professional. "Data-link acquired. What is the situation?"
"We're looking at a battalion-sized force or possibly more," Takeru responded, his eyes scanning the BETA ahead. "Data-link estimates around five hundred to a thousand BETA. Destroyer, Grappler, Soldier, Warrior and Tank strains are spotted. No Laser-class identified. They've landed at coordinates 5QKB8110982746."
"Copy that," the operator acknowledged, a hint of tension in their voice.
"The BETA are spreading in all directions," Takeru continued, his tone focused as he relayed the critical information. "Some are heading inland using the Wailuku River."
"Please be advised, the 65th Battalion is entering the area of operations," the operator informed, the weight of the news adding to the already tense atmosphere.
"Roger," Takeru replied before switching channels to the callsign provided. "This is Oberon One of the UN Combined Forces to Infinity One. We're moving to secure area 5QKB8091082535."
"Infinity One to Oberon One," came the reply, the voice on the other end filled with the same sense of urgency. "Copy that. Updating IFF. Currently moving to secure 5QKB8172682248."
"Copy that," Takeru acknowledged, his mind already racing with the next steps.
Takeru led his flight, positioning themselves on the bridge, creating a horizontal defensive line. They deployed their assault cannons, unleashing a barrage of 36mm and 120mm rounds into the advancing BETA. The recoil reverberated through Takeru's TSF, but he compensated effortlessly, his Takemikazuchi holding its ground as if firmly rooted..
Kei, in her Storm Vanguard configuration, was guarding Chizuru, who was set up in a Gun Sweeper configuration. Kashiwagi, as always, remained vigilant, using her Type-87 Support Assault Cannon to pick off any BETA that attempted to break through their defensive line.
"Destroyer-class incoming!" Kashiwagi's voice crackled over the comms, alerting the squad to the imminent threat.
"Cover me!" Takeru commanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
"Roger!" Kei responded, her voice sharp and focused.
"Copy that!" Chizuru echoed, the tension clear in her voice.
Takeru's Takemikazuchi leapt into action, moving with a speed and agility that belied its massive size. The twin Type-74 PB Blades in his hands were a blur of motion as he slashed through the backs of the Destroyer-class BETA, crippling them and leaving them vulnerable to the combined firepower of Kei, Chizuru, and Kashiwagi.
"Shirogane! Civilians!" Chizuru's voice broke through the comms, her tone laced with concern.
Takeru's heart skipped a beat as he quickly scanned the area using the TSF's sensors. Just as Chizuru had reported, civilians were still trying to flee the area. They were trapped on Waianuenue Avenue, the road clogged with vehicles as people desperately tried to escape. But the BETA were already tearing through the rear of the convoy, leaving a trail of blood and destruction in their wake.
It was a horrifying sight, one that made Takeru's stomach churn with anger and disgust. But leaving their current position would mean abandoning their tactical advantage — a decision that could cost them everything.
"This is Oberon Leader to all TSF units. Civilians in Waianuenue Avenue!" Takeru's voice was firm as he made the call.
Infinity One responded almost immediately, their voice strained. "This is Infinity One to Oberon One. It's the same here on the Belt Road and Kamehameha Avenue."
Another voice cut in, the panic clear despite their best efforts to remain calm. "UN Surface Pilot here! We can't either! We're stuck in St. Joseph Elementary School and are defending civilians! I repeat, we cannot move from our position!"
Kei's voice was more subdued as she spoke, the weight of the situation pressing down on them all. "Shirogane, what do we do?"
Takeru's mind raced, weighing their options in a split second. "Oberon Two and Three, can you hold this line for now?"
Chizuru's voice was unsteady but determined. "W-we can!"
"Kashiwagi! Cover Class Rep's back. If it gets too much, then retreat to our position. Ayamine, you're with me," Takeru ordered, his voice calm despite the chaos around them.
Kashiwagi couldn't resist a teasing jab, even in the middle of a battlefield. "Haha, playing favorites again, Shirogane?"
Takeru didn't rise to the bait, though he couldn't help but smile. He had chosen Kei because, in all the loops he had experienced, she was the one who could keep up with him alongside Meiya. Tama had been a sharpshooter, but Kei was an all-rounder — a versatile pilot who excelled in close quarters and could match Class Rep's skill with the assault cannons when she's free to unleash her rounds at them.
Kei's voice was filled with a sly grin as she added, "Don't fume, Sakaki."
Chizuru bristled, her tone indignant. "I am not fuming!"
Ignoring their banter, Takeru and Kei maneuvered their TSFs with practiced ease, flying horizontally and using the recoil of their jump units to cover ground quickly. They landed on the road, their TSFs skidding to a halt, leaving deep grooves in the asphalt.
"Switch to melee! We can't risk hitting the civilians!" Takeru ordered as they closed in on the BETA.
"Roger!" Kei confirmed, her voice firm. as she drew a blade from her Shiranui's blade mount.
Takeru moved with lethal precision, his twin blades cutting through the BETA like a hot knife through butter. The joints of his Takemikazuchi whirred as it tore through the enemy ranks, leaving a trail of mangled bodies in its wake.
"Please retreat! Abandon your vehicles if you have to!" Takeru called out over the loudspeakers, urging the civilians to get out of harm's way.
But the congestion was too severe; the road was a tangled mess of cars, trucks, and desperate people.
How were they supposed to protect them all?
Just then, a blip appeared on Takeru's radar. A quick scan revealed the source —an Apache Longbow helicopter, its IFF marking it as friendly.
"Rooster to TSF Element. Providing support. Stay clear," came the voice of the Apache's pilot over the comms.
Takeru quickly adjusted his comms to reply. "This is Oberon One of Oberon Flight, UN Combined Forces. There are civilians in the way, pick your targets carefully."
"Copy that, Oberon One," Rooster replied, the helicopter moving into position.
Takeru continued to engage the BETA, cutting through the Tank and Grappler strains that were attacking the convoy. Some of the civilians, desperate and determined, had taken up arms, firing their assault rifles at the smaller-class BETAs to buy themselves time.
The Apache Longbow opened fire with its 30mm autocannon, carefully targeting the BETA while avoiding the civilians. The combined firepower of the TSFs and the Apache began to turn the tide, allowing more of the civilians to escape.
"Shirogane, more is coming," Kei warned, her voice tight with urgency.
Takeru quickly checked his radar, seeing more friendly units moving into the area — tanks, mechanized infantry in armored exoskeletons, and more vehicles forming a defensive line at Gilbert Carvalho Park, according to the data link.
"Shirogane! We're retreating 400 meters back from our location," Chizuru's voice crackled over the comms. "We can't maintain this position!"
"Class Rep, are you okay?" Takeru asked, concern lacing his voice.
"Sakaki, on your right!" Kashiwagi interjected, her voice sharp.
"Thanks, Kashiwagi! We're fine," Chizuru replied, though the strain in her voice was evident. "There's too many Destroyer-class. The bridge's columns aren't going to hold up!"
"Retreat. Stay in your element. We'll flank them on your right. Ayamine, let's move!" Takeru ordered, his voice filled with determination. "This is Oberon One to all friendly units. We'll be supporting our flight units. Can you handle it for now?"
"No Laser-class detected. The armored units will take care of them for now, Lieutenant Shirogane," Rooster replied over the comms.
"Roger! Ayamine, continuous Horizon Boost, then Boost Vector," Takeru commanded, his tone filled with confidence.
"Easy," Kei replied with a grin, her usual stoic demeanor giving way to a slight thrill.
Their TSFs zipped through the air, using the boost from their jump units to cover ground quickly, skimming the rooftops of buildings as they advanced. It didn't take long for them to spot Chizuru and Kashiwagi's TSF, who were in the process of reverse-boost jumping while maintaining suppressive fire on the advancing BETA.
With the BETA's flank exposed, Takeru and Kei launched a coordinated attack, their TSFs cutting through the enemy ranks with ruthless efficiency. Chizuru and Kashiwagi continued their suppressive fire, breaking the BETA's momentum and allowing their squad to regroup.
"Arrowhead formation. We'll retreat 911 meters back and keep them pinned. How's ammo?" Takeru asked, his voice calm as he assessed the situation.
"I'm running out!" Chizuru replied, the anxiety in her voice barely concealed.
"Same here," Kashiwagi added, her tone more composed.
Takeru made a quick decision, stabbing his blade into the ground and using his main manipulator arm to retrieve two spare 120mm magazines from the storage rack on the waist armor of his TSF.
"Will you be alright?" Chizuru asked, concern evident in her voice as her TSF reloaded with her auxiliary arms.
"I've still got my 36mm magazines, so it should be fine. We'll keep them occupied and then retreat to resupply! Let's move!" Takeru ordered, his voice filled with resolve.
"Roger!" The rest of Oberon Flight responded in unison, their voices filled with the same determination.
As they moved into position, Takeru's mind was focused on the task at hand. They had to hold the line, protect the civilians, and ensure that the BETA didn't break through. But the relentless waves of BETA showed no sign of slowing, and the steady stream of ammunition from Takeru's assault cannons was dwindling rapidly. Each round fired felt like a heartbeat — steady, necessary, and numbered. The battlefield around them was a chaotic blur of movement, fire, and the gruesome bodies of BETA as they were torn apart by the combined firepower of his squad.
"Damn it, I'm almost out!" Chizuru's voice crackled through the comms, strained but focused.
"Same here," Kashiwagi echoed, her tone more level, though the concern was evident.
"Keep firing as long as you can," Takeru ordered, his voice tense but controlled. He could feel the mounting pressure as the BETA continued their relentless advance. The Destroyer-class and Grappler-class strains were taking the brunt of their fire, but for every one they felled, it seemed like two more emerged from the smoke and debris.
Takeru's Takemikazuchi moved with fluid precision, the twin Type-74 PB Blades carving through the BETA ranks with surgical efficiency. To his left, Ayamine's Shiranui provided suppressive fire, her TSF weaving between the ruins and debris, targeting the BETA that threatened to overwhelm their position and slicing everything that didn't get finished off by her assault cannon with her blade.
"Shirogane, we can't keep this up much longer," Kei warned, her voice tight with urgency. The strain of the battle was starting to show—fatigue, dwindling ammo, and the sheer numbers they were up against were beginning to wear them down. They couldn't expect artillery support while in town.
"Fall back 500 meters," Takeru commanded, making a quick decision as he brought up the map and marked a location. "We'll resupply at the armored column line. Keep them off us until we can regroup."
"Roger that," Kei responded, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.
"Copy, falling back!" Chizuru called out, her TSF moving in sync with Takeru's command.
"Kashiwagi, stay close to Chizuru and cover her. We can't afford to lose anyone here," Takeru added, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Maintain Element and don't fight the BETA alone!"
"Understood, flight leader," Kashiwagi replied, her voice filled with determination.
As they began to retreat, Takeru and Kei took up positions on either side of Chizuru and Kashiwagi, their TSFs acting as a shield against the oncoming BETA. The two of them unleashed what remained of their ammunition, focusing on thinning the ranks of the BETA that pursued them. Every shot counted, and Takeru's HUD flashed warnings as his ammo reserves neared critical levels.
Despite the dwindling resources, they fought with a ferocity as expected from those that survived Operation 21st and the Defense of Sadogashima. Takeru's blades sliced through the thick hides of the BETA with brutal efficiency, each strike calculated to maximize damage and minimize effort. Beside him, Kei's Shiranui moved with lethal grace, her TSF dancing through the battlefield as she laid down covering fire, allowing Takeru to leave his flank and back with her..
The terrain became increasingly difficult as they pulled back—ruined buildings, abandoned vehicles, and the twisted remnants of what had once been a bustling town now served as obstacles in their path. The BETA were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless as they pressed forward, forcing Takeru and his squad to constantly adjust their tactics on the fly, avoiding tall buildings to prevent collision.
Finally, the armored column line came into view. Rows of tanks, armored vehicles, and mechanized infantry in exoskeletons were positioned strategically, their barrels trained on the advancing BETA. The line of defense had been hastily erected, but it was their best hope of holding the enemy at bay long enough to regroup and resupply.
"Get to the line! We'll cover you!" Takeru shouted, his voice urgent as they neared the safety of the armored column. "Get resupplied and get back in the fight."
Kei and Takeru positioned themselves on either side of the line, continuing to fire on the BETA as Chizuru and Kashiwagi's TSFs fell back to the resupply point. The armored units opened fire, unleashing a devastating barrage of shells, machine gun fire, and rockets into the BETA horde. The combined firepower was enough to slow the enemy's advance, buying precious time for Takeru's squad to resupply.
Chizuru and Kashiwagi moved quickly, their TSFs' storage racks being replenished with fresh ammo and propellant by their TSFs auxiliary arms. Takeru's mind raced as he scanned the battlefield, trying to gauge how much time they had before the BETA closed in again.
"Shirogane, we're resupplied!" Chizuru's voice crackled through the comms, filled with relief and renewed determination.
"Good, get back out here!" Takeru ordered, his own TSF already moving to intercept a group of Tank-class BETA that had broken through the line.
Chizuru and Kashiwagi rejoined the fight, their TSFs now fully loaded and ready to resume their continuous fire. The four of them fell back into formation, the brief moment of respite giving them the energy they needed to push forward once more.
Just as they were getting back into the rhythm of the battle, Takeru's Retina lit up with new contacts — more TSFs were entering the battlefield.
Reinforcements had arrived.
A mix of UN, IJF/MDF, and American forces swooped in from the west, their TSFs and support units converging on the area like a wave of steel and firepower. The sight of the reinforcements brought a surge of hope to Takeru's chest. They weren't alone in this fight, and with the combined strength of their allies, they could finally turn the tide.
"Reinforcements from the UN and IJF/MDF incoming!" Takeru announced over the comms, the relief in his voice evident. "Let's give them some room to join the fight!"
The battlefield was a cacophony of explosions, gunfire, and the guttural roars of the BETA as they clashed with the newly arrived forces. The reinforcements wasted no time, their TSFs charging into the fray with the full might of their arsenals. The UN forces coordinated their attacks with Takeru's squad, while the IJF/MDF and American units provided heavy fire support, targeting the larger BETA strains with precision.
The battle raged on, the ground shaking beneath the weight of the conflict. But despite their best efforts, the sheer number of BETA continued to push the combined forces back. The line of defense wavered under the relentless assault, and it became clear that they would not be able to hold their position for much longer.
"We're being pushed back!" Kei's voice was filled with frustration as she fought to hold her ground.
Takeru could see it too—their position was becoming untenable. They needed to fall back to a more defensible location before they were overrun.
"We need to regroup at the Hilo Benioff Medical Center!" Takeru commanded, his voice filled with urgency. "Form a defense line there and hold out as long as we can!"
"Roger that!" Chizuru responded, her TSF already beginning to move.
"Copy, falling back!" Kashiwagi echoed, her voice steady despite the chaos.
Takeru and his squad began their retreat, their TSFs moving in a tight formation as they fought their way through the BETA. The medical center was a short distance away, but with the BETA closing in from all sides, every boost jump felt like a battle in itself.
As they neared the medical center, the scale of the destruction around them became painfully clear. The once-pristine facility was now a warzone, its buildings scarred and crumbling from the relentless onslaught. Medical personnel and civilians who had sought refuge there were scrambling to evacuate, their faces etched with fear as they fled from the advancing BETA.
"Form up! We need to protect the civilians!" Takeru shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos as they reached the medical center.
The TSFs of Takeru's squad and the reinforcements formed a defensive line around the facility, their weapons trained on the BETA that were closing in. The armored units that had held the line earlier were now providing support, their firepower focused on keeping the smaller BETA strains from breaching the perimeter.
Takeru's Takemikazuchi took point, its twin blades slashing through the BETA with deadly precision. To his left, Kei's Shiranui provided covering fire, while Chizuru and Kashiwagi held the right flank, their TSFs laying down a withering barrage of fire to keep the enemy at bay.
"Shirogane, they're not stopping!" Chizuru warned, her voice filled with concern as she struggled to keep the BETA from overwhelming their position.
"I know! Just keep holding them off!" Takeru replied, his voice filled with grim determination.
The BETA were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless as they threw themselves at the defensive line. The ground shook with the impact of their bodies, the air thick with the acrid smell of burning metal and the coppery tang of blood. The combined forces fought with everything they had, but the strain of the battle was beginning to take its toll.
"Shirogane, we're running low on ammo again!" Kei reported, her voice tight with frustration.
"Same here," Kashiwagi added, her tone grim.
Takeru's mind raced as he tried to think of a solution. They couldn't afford to retreat any further—the medical center was their line of defense to keep the BETA from moving further inland. If they fell here, there would be nothing left to stop the BETA from overrunning the entire area.
But just as things seemed at their bleakest, Takeru's HUD lit up with new contacts — more reinforcements were on the way.
A second wave of UN, IJF/MDF, and American forces was closing in, their TSFs and support units rushing to reinforce the beleaguered defenders.
"We've got more reinforcements incoming!" Takeru announced, his voice filled with renewed hope. "Hold the line until they get here!"
The sight of the reinforcements gave the defenders a second wind, their resolve strengthened by the knowledge that they were not alone in this fight. The BETA continued to press the attack, but the combined firepower of the UN, IJF/MDF, and American forces was beginning to take its toll on the enemy.
Takeru's blades flashed in the light, cutting down BETA with ruthless efficiency. Beside him, Kei's Shiranui moved with the grace and precision of a dancer, her weapons spitting fire as she tore through the enemy ranks. Chizuru and Kashiwagi held the line with equal determination, their TSFs providing the heavy firepower needed to keep the BETA at bay.
Finally, the third wave of reinforcements arrived, their TSFs joining the fight with the full force of their arsenals. The combined might of the defenders and the reinforcements was enough to turn the tide, pushing the BETA back from the perimeter of the medical center.
But the battle was far from over. The BETA were still coming, their numbers seemingly endless as they threw themselves at the defenders with reckless abandon. The ground was littered with the bodies of the fallen, both human and BETA, the air thick with the stench of death and destruction.
But Takeru and his squad held the line, their resolve unshakable as they fought to protect the civilians and the medical center.
They knew that they couldn't afford to fail — if they did, the consequences would be catastrophic.
As the night became thick and heavy, the oppressive darkness only pierced by the brilliant flashes of gunfire and the intermittent flares that popped above the skies of Hilo. The town, once a peaceful and quiet place, had been transformed into a brutal war zone. Takeru Shirogane's Takemikazuchi moved like a specter in the night, its body covered in the blackened blood of the BETA, its joints groaning under the strain of continuous combat. He could feel the fatigue in the machine, and more pointedly, he could feel it in himself. But there was no time to dwell on it.
The BETA just kept coming.
"They must've crossed the Salt Plains to make a landing," Takeru muttered to himself, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the enemy's movements. His eyes darted across the HUD, analyzing the data being fed into the system. The BETA seemed to be emerging from the sea in an unending tide, their grotesque forms illuminated by the flares popping above.
"Shirogane, these things just don't stop, do they?" Kei Ayamine's voice crackled over the comms, her tone betraying only a hint of the exhaustion she must have been feeling.
"No," Takeru replied, his voice steady despite the chaos around him. "They won't stop until we make them."
Kei's Shiranui was fighting at close quarters beside him, her TSF as bloodstained as his own. They had been in the thick of the fight since the BETA first made landfall, their TSFs now barely recognizable beneath the layers of BETA blood and gore. Every movement they made was met with the sickening sound of squelching flesh as the remains of the BETA clung to their machines.
Chizuru Sakaki and Haruko Kashiwagi maintained their distance, their Shiranuis positioned further back, where they could provide suppressive fire without getting bogged down in the melee. Their TSFs weren't as dirty as Takeru's or Kei's, but the strain of the battle was beginning to show. The continuous recoil from their heavy assault cannons was starting to take its toll, the durability of their main manipulators decreasing with each shot fired. The once-precise movements of their TSFs were becoming sluggish, a sure sign that their machines were nearing their limits.
"Flight leader, my main manipulators are getting worn out," Chizuru reported, her voice tinged with worry. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up."
"Same here," Kashiwagi added, her tone surprisingly calm given the situation.
Takeru gritted his teeth. "We just need to hold on a little longer. The BETA herd is thinning. Once they're pushed back, we'll move the defense line forward."
"Roger that," Chizuru replied, the tension in her voice easing slightly.
"We can do this, Sakaki" Kei said, her voice firm with determination. "We just need to keep it together."
The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity. The BETA continued to pour out of the sea, their grotesque forms charging at the defense line with mindless fury. Takeru's TSF moved with efficiency, his twin blades carving through the BETA. Each swing of his blades sent chunks of flesh and bone flying, the air thick with the stench of burning metal and the coppery tang of blood.
Kei fought alongside him, her Shiranui matching Shirogane's pace, her weapons spitting fire as she tore through the enemy ranks. The two of them had fought together so many times that their movements were almost instinctual, their TSFs moving in perfect sync as they cut a path through the BETA horde.
"Shirogane, more coming from the east!" Kei warned, her voice sharp as her sensors picked up another wave of BETA emerging from the shadows.
"I see them," Takeru replied, his voice calm despite the new threat. "Stay on them. Don't let them flank us."
Chizuru and Kashiwagi shifted their focus to the east, their TSFs unleashing a barrage of fire that lit up the night. The BETA roared as they were torn apart by the hail of bullets, their bodies crumpling under the relentless assault.
The battle continued, the night growing darker and colder as the hours passed. By 2200 hours, the BETA herd finally began to thin, their numbers dwindling as the relentless fire from the defense line began to take its toll. The armored vehicles working in tandem with the TSFs moved to neutralize the remaining BETA, their heavy guns pounding the enemy into submission.
"Looks like they're finally letting up," Kei remarked, her voice tinged with relief.
"About time," Takeru replied, his own exhaustion creeping into his voice. "Let's move the line forward. We'll push them back to Kapiolani Street."
The order was relayed, and the defense line began to advance. Takeru and Kei took point, their TSFs leading the charge as they moved to secure the new position. The street was littered with the bodies of the fallen, both human and BETA. The destruction was almost unimaginable—buildings reduced to rubble, vehicles overturned and burning, the ground soaked with blood and oil.
As they moved forward, the remaining BETA put up a fierce resistance, but their numbers were too few to stop the advancing forces. Takeru's blades flashed in the dim light, cutting down the stragglers with brutal efficiency. Behind him, Kei's Shiranui provided covering fire, ensuring that none of the BETA could break through their moving line.
The column of armored vehicles moved in behind them, their heavy guns trained on the BETA as they advanced. The combined firepower of the TSFs and the armored units was overwhelming, and the BETA were quickly driven back.
By the time they reached Kapiolani Street, the BETA were scattering, their once-mindless aggression giving way to desperation as they were systematically hunted down and destroyed.
"Hold the line here," Takeru ordered, his voice firm as they secured the new position. "We'll set up a perimeter and make sure none of them get through."
"Roger that," Kei replied, her voice steady as she took up a defensive position.
Chizuru and Kashiwagi moved in to support them, their TSFs taking up positions on either side of the street, their weapons trained on the horizon in case the BETA tried to make another push.
The night air was thick with tension as they waited, the silence broken only by the distant sound of gunfire and the crackle of the comms. Takeru's eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of movement. The BETA had been relentless, but he knew they couldn't afford to let their guard down.
The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. The exhaustion was beginning to take its toll, the adrenaline that had fueled them through the battle now giving way to fatigue.
But Takeru couldn't afford to rest when his squad was still up.
"Shirogane, what do you think?" Kei's voice broke through the silence, her tone curious.
"About what?" Takeru replied, his eyes still scanning the horizon.
"About this whole mess," Kei said, her voice softening. "The BETA, the war… everything."
Takeru paused for a moment, considering his response. The war with the BETA had been going on for as long as he could remember. They had taken so much from him — from all of them. Friends, family, their homes, their future. And yet, they kept fighting, kept pushing forward despite the odds. Even in death, he had to keep on fighting, but so far he had only seen a doomed world and even when he could reach a certain point, there was simply so little he could do.
"I think… we don't have a choice," Takeru finally said, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "We have to keep fighting, no matter what. Because if we don't… then everything we've lost, everything we've sacrificed, will have been for nothing. Our friends wouldn't forgive us if we died easily here."
Kei was silent for a moment, her gaze focused on the distant horizon. "Yeah," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're right. Tamase would scold me if I think of giving up again."
"Yoroi too," Chizuru chimed in, their voices somewhat strained when thinking of their old friends.
The comms crackled to life, interrupting their conversation. "Command to Oberon Flight. All units are to hold positions until further orders. Reinforcements are en route to secure the area. Good work out there."
"Roger that, Command," Takeru replied, his voice steady as he acknowledged the order. "We'll hold the line."
The exhaustion in his body was beginning to catch up with him, the weight of the battle pressing down on him like a physical force. But he couldn't afford to let it show — not in front of his squad, not when they were still in the middle of a combat zone.
Kei seemed to sense his thoughts, her voice softening as she spoke. "Don't worry, Shirogane. We've got your back."
Takeru managed a small smile, though he knew she couldn't see it. "Thanks, Ayamine. That means a lot."
As they held their position on Kapiolani Street, Takeru's thoughts drifted to the others who were still fighting — those who were holding the line in other parts of the world that didn't sink, those who had given everything to protect humanity from the BETA threat.
"Shirogane, you okay?" Chizuru's voice broke through his thoughts, her tone filled with concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Takeru replied, his voice firm as he pushed his fatigue aside. "Just thinking about what comes next. Would you mind if I close my eyes for a while, Class Rep?"
"Of course," Chizuru replied. "You've been moving around with your TSF for hours in melee and performing those maneuvers. Kashiwagi and I will be up for a while. Ayamine, you rest as well."
Kei stirred on the screen. "Blackmail?"
"No!" Chizuru protested. "Just shut up and take a rest okay?"
"Haha, I'm glad you're still feisty, Sakaki," Kashiwagi, laughing despite the clear exhaustion on her face.
"Will it be alright for you two?" Takeru said. "I can still handle it."
Kashiwagi shook her head. "We need you in full strength, flight leader. Haha, it makes it easy when we have you going on a rampage!"
Takeru could only sigh and let himself take a rest for a while.
July 11, 2004
Hawaii/Hilo
The early morning sun cast long shadows over the battered town of Hilo. The fires from the previous night's battle still smoldered, sending wisps of smoke curling into the sky. The air was thick with the acrid scent of burnt metal, charred flesh, and the lingering odor of gunpowder.
"Shirogane, new orders are up," Chizuru woke him up.
He powered up his Takemikazuchi and stood in formation. Kei was up too, her half-opened eyes squinting at the information displayed by the RPS.
Takeru Shirogane's Takemikazuchi stood tall amidst the wreckage, with the sunlight out, he could see that its once-pristine frame was now covered in layers of dried BETA blood. The grotesque stains gave the TSF an almost demonic appearance, as if it had clawed its way out of hell itself.
The town had been secured, but there was no time to rest. Accompanied by armored vehicles and mechanized infantry clad in exoskeletons, Takeru and his squad were tasked with scouring the town for survivors. The TSF units, including Takeru's squad, acted as sentinels, their acoustic sensors scanning for any signs of BETA stragglers that might still be lurking in the shadows.
Kei's Shiranui moved alongside Takeru's Takemikazuchi, her TSF still stained with the remnants of the previous night's battle. Chizuru Sakaki and Haruko Kashiwagi kept their distance, their TSFs providing overwatch as they moved through the shattered streets of Hilo.
"Hard to believe this is all that's left," Kei remarked, her voice crackling through the comms. Her tone was subdued, the weight of the battle still pressing heavily on her.
"Yeah," Chizuru agreed, her voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and sadness. "But we did what we could. We saved as many as possible."
Kashiwagi's voice cut in, more analytical than emotional. "It's strange though. How did we not detect the BETA herd until they were practically on top of us? The sensors should have picked them up sooner."
Takeru's mind had been turning over that very question since the battle began. The BETA had seemed to come out of nowhere, appearing so suddenly and so close that the town barely had time to mount a defense.
"They walked across the ocean floor," Takeru said, his voice low and thoughtful as he pieced together the puzzle that naturally came up to him. "That's why we didn't detect them until they were 500 meters out. They must've been moving under the water, completely undetectable until they were practically on top of us."
The comms went silent for a moment as his squad absorbed this information. It was a chilling thought—the idea that the BETA moved undetected beneath the ocean, bypassing all their defenses until it was too late.
Chizuru was the first to break the silence, her voice tinged with unease. "If that's true, it means they could appear anywhere… anytime."
Takeru nodded, though he knew they couldn't see it. "Yeah. If they slipped up again, then it's possible that there'd be more problems like this. And the fact that we were fighting a regiment-sized herd and managed to limit the damage to just this town… that's a testament to how fast we were able to respond."
"It could've been a lot worse," Kashiwagi added, her voice steady despite the grim nature of the discussion. "If they had hit a larger city or caught us off guard in the leasehold…"
"We can't afford to let that happen," Takeru said, his voice firm with resolve. "We need to stay vigilant, make sure that this wouldn't happen again, keep our sensors calibrated, and be ready for anything. I don't think that they'd stay careless again after this."
There was a pause, then Kei's voice came through, lighter, almost playful. "With you around, Shirogane, it's manageable. You've got a knack for getting us through these situations."
"Haha, that's right Mr. Hero," Kashiwagi laughed. "With your skills as an Eishi, we can take it easy."
Takeru chuckled, trying to play humble. "I just do what I can you know?"
Before he could say more, Chizuru's voice cut in with a mischievous tone. "Oh really? Because our allies have been commenting on how your TSF looks right now. They're saying it looks like a demon that just crawled out of hell."
Takeru sighed, shaking his head even though he knew they couldn't see it. "Let's keep focused on the perimeter. We're not out of this yet."
Kei and Chizuru both laughed softly, the tension between them easing slightly.
It was a small moment of levity in the midst of an otherwise grim task, but it was enough to keep them grounded.
The armored vehicles and mechanized infantry moved slowly through the streets, their sensors sweeping the area for any signs of life. Occasionally, they would come across a small group of survivors, huddled together in makeshift shelters or hiding in the basements of ruined buildings that the BETA somehow missed. The infantry would move in to extract them, guiding the survivors to safety as the TSFs stood watch.
Takeru's eyes scanned the town, his TSF's sensors on high alert. The night had been brutal, but the daylight brought a new set of challenges. The BETA could still be hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.
"Flight leader, we've found some survivors in a church near the eastern edge of town," Chizuru reported, her voice tinged with relief. "They're in rough shape, but they're alive."
"Good work, Class Rep," Takeru replied, his voice filled with quiet satisfaction. "Get them to the evac point and make sure they're safe."
"Understood. Moving to the evac point now," Chizuru confirmed, her TSF turning to guide the survivors to safety.
As the day wore on, the town of Hilo slowly began to empty. The survivors were evacuated, one by one, each group escorted by the infantry and armored vehicles to the safety of the evacuation zone. The TSFs continued their patrols, their massive frames a reassuring presence as they watched over the remaining civilians.
Kei's voice broke through the comms, her tone thoughtful. "You know, Shirogane, it's strange to think that this town was once peaceful. Now it's just… ruins."
Takeru nodded, his eyes scanning the devastated landscape. "Yeah. War does that. But we're here to make sure it doesn't get any worse."
"Do you ever wonder…" Kei's voice trailed off, hesitant. "Do you ever wonder what it would be like if the BETA had never come?"
Takeru paused, considering her question. It was something he had thought about often, especially in the quiet moments when the battles were over, and he was left alone with his thoughts. What would his life have been like if the BETA hadn't invaded? Would he have lived a normal life, free from the constant threat of death and destruction?
Unlike them, he had experienced a world that was ignorant of how good they had it. He recalled the memories, overlapping with what he knew. He could remember the tutoring, the lessons, from Mana-san as she groomed him as the head of the Mitsurugi Group, Meiya being around to support him. The days where Chizuru and him would visit the shrine every new year, spending quiet nights in their shared apartment, and then those feisty yet happy days trying to coax Ayamine from getting too madly jealous from women who approached him, gods, she was even jealous of the heroines in the manga he used to read.
They were painful memories for him. Memories that gave him hope and at the same time despair. How many times would he have to endure this cycle? How many times would he have to watch the people he loved suffer and die, only to be forced to relive the same heartbreak over and over again?
In another life… he would have done his best to make them happy.
But this was where he was right now.
A doomed world covered in salt.
"One day, it'll end," the idealistic voice commented, surprising Takeru. It had been a while since he heard the voices, his focus solely on keeping his squad alive that he couldn't listen to the voices inside his head at all. "Until then we'll keep on fighting…"
"You should answer her," the professional voice reminded him.
"I think about it sometimes," Takeru finally answered Kei, his voice soft. "But this is the reality we're in. We can't change the past, but we can fight to protect the future… at least whatever's left in it."
Kei was silent for a moment, then she sighed softly. "Yeah. You're right. We just have to keep moving forward."
Takeru's thoughts drifted back to the battle, to the way the BETA had appeared so suddenly, almost out of nowhere. It was a reminder that no place was truly safe, that the enemy could strike at any time, from any direction.
"We need to be ready for anything," Takeru said, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "The BETA aren't going to give us any breaks. We have to stay on our toes if they appear like this."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Kei replied, her voice tinged with determination.
Takeru knew that BETAs sights would target Seattle after this, but the whims of casualty were too unpredictable to predict causality.
The hours passed slowly as Takeru and his squad continued to secure the town. The sun was high in the sky, casting harsh shadows across the ruined buildings. The smoke from the fires had begun to dissipate, but the stench of death still lingered in the air.
No matter how much he repeats, the sight of the dead was not easy to swallow.
As they neared the edge of town, Takeru's sensors picked up movement. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the area, his TSF's weapons at the ready.
"Contact, twelve o'clock," Takeru reported, his voice calm but alert.
Kei's TSF moved into position beside his, her weapons trained on the area. "I see it. What is it?"
Takeru's eyes scanned the area, his sensors analyzing the data. "Looks like… stragglers. BETA, probably Tank-class."
"Let's take them out," Kei said, her voice filled with determination.
Takeru nodded, his TSF boosting forward. The stragglers didn't stand a chance against the combined firepower of his squad. Within moments, the BETA were reduced to nothing more than smoking wreckage.
"Nice work, Ayamine," Takeru said, his voice filled with quiet satisfaction.
"Thanks, Shirogane," Kei replied, her tone lighter now that the immediate threat had been dealt with. "Let's keep moving. We've got more ground to cover."
The town of Hilo was slowly being secured, block by block. The combined efforts of Takeru's squad, the armored vehicles, and the mechanized infantry were paying off. The leftover BETA had been driven back, their numbers dwindling as the day wore on.
"Let's finish this up," Takeru said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "We've still got a lot of work to do."
"Roger that, Shirogane," Kei replied, her voice steady and strong.
The devastation from the previous night's battle was evident everywhere with the sun at the sky — buildings reduced to rubble, streets littered with debris, and the lingering stench of smoke and blood hanging in the cool morning air. The battle had been hard-fought, but Takeru and his squad and the other units had managed to push back the BETA and secure the town.
It was now 0800 hours, and they had been ordered to perform a recon mission along the coast to ensure that no stray BETA were lingering in the area. Their objective was to move north from Hilo, checking each town along the way until they reached Hawi, where they would refuel their TSFs and prepare for any further orders.
Takeru's Takemikazuchi moved with a weary grace, the massive machine showing signs of the intense combat it had endured. The once-gleaming armor was painted with the bloodstains from countless BETA kills that clung to its surface. Despite the wear and tear, the TSF remained a powerful and imposing presence, its every movement radiating a terrible presence.
Kei's Shiranui followed close behind, her TSF similarly battle-worn but still fully operational. Chizuru and Kashiwagi brought up the rear, their own machines maintaining a vigilant watch over the flanks as they moved through the devastated streets.
"0800 hours," Kei remarked over the comms, her voice low and tired. "Feels like we've been at this forever."
"Could've been worse," Chizuru replied, her voice equally exhausted. "We could still be fighting."
"We're not out of it yet," Takeru reminded them, his voice steady despite his own fatigue. "There might still be BETA lingering around the coastal area. We need to make sure they're not waiting to ambush us."
"Right," Kashiwagi chimed in, her tone serious. "Let's get this done and head to Hawi for refueling. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can rest. Gosh, I already miss my room!"
With their objective clear, the squad began their recon mission. Moving north from Hilo, they kept their TSFs low and their sensors on high alert, scanning the area for any signs of BETA activity. The coastal towns they passed through were eerily silent, the only sounds being the distant crash of the waves and the soft hum of their TSFs' engines.
As they approached the town of Paukaa, Takeru's sensors picked up something—a faint blip on the edge of his radar. He immediately brought his TSF to a halt, sending a signal to the rest of the squad.
"Hold up," Takeru said, his voice tense. "I'm picking up something on the radar. Could be a stray BETA."
Kei and the others came to a stop, their TSFs adopting defensive stances as they waited for Takeru to analyze the data from his acoustic sensors.
"Can you get a clearer reading?" Kei asked, her tone calm but alert.
"Trying," Takeru replied, adjusting the settings on his HUD to focus on the blip. The sensor data cleared, revealing a small group of BETA moving slowly through the town, their erratic movements indicating that they were likely disoriented or damaged from the previous night's battle. Did the people not spot them?
"Looks like we've got a few stragglers," Takeru confirmed. "Nothing we can't handle, but let's take them out before they can approach the town."
"Roger that," Chizuru said, her TSF moving into position. "Let's finish this."
The squad advanced cautiously, their TSFs moving with practiced precision as they closed in on the BETA. The creatures were small in number, but they were still dangerous, and Takeru knew better than to underestimate them.
As they entered the town of Paukaa, the BETA finally came into view—a mix of Tank-class and Soldier-class, their grotesque forms moving aimlessly through the streets. They appeared to be searching for something, their movements erratic and disjointed.
"Kei, take the left flank," Takeru ordered, his voice cool and commanding. "Chizuru, Haruko, you're with me. Let's make this quick."
Kei's Shiranui broke off to the left, moving silently through the shadows as she positioned herself to flank the BETA. Chizuru and Haruko followed Takeru, their TSFs forming a tight formation as they advanced.
The first shots rang out, the muffled sounds of 36mm rounds cutting through the early silence. The BETA reacted instantly, their heads snapping in the direction of the attack as they scrambled to defend themselves. But Takeru's squad was too fast, too precise — their combined firepower quickly overwhelmed the small group of BETA.
Kei's Shiranui darted in from the left, her weapons gleaming as she cut through the Soldier-class BETA with ruthless efficiency. Chizuru and Haruko provided covering fire, their assault cannons pounding the Tank-class BETA into submission. Takeru's Takemikazuchi moved with deadly grace, his blades flashing as he took down the remaining enemies with a few well-placed strikes.
Within minutes, the skirmish was over. The BETA lay dead in the streets, their bodies smoking and broken. Takeru scanned the area, his sensors on high alert for any additional threats, but the radar remained clear.
"Area secure," Takeru reported, his voice calm. "Let's move on to the next town."
"Copy that," Kei replied, her voice tinged with satisfaction. "Oberon Two to Command Post. Town's clear."
"Copy that, Oberon Flight. Maintain your course," the operation behind the comms said professionally.
The squad continued their recon mission, moving from town to town along the coast. Paukaa, Papaikou, Honomu, and Hakalau — all were cleared of any remaining BETA that somehow made their way there. The morning light began to intensify, casting long shadows over the Hawaiian landscape.
As they approached the town of Paauilo, Takeru's sensors once again picked up movement. This time, however, the radar signature was different—larger, more concentrated. He frowned, adjusting the settings on his HUD to get a better look.
"Got something?" Kei asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
"Yeah," Takeru replied, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the data. "This isn't just a few stragglers. It's a larger group. We might have more BETA coming in from the sea."
The comms went silent for a moment as his squad processed the information. The idea that more BETA could be making landfall was concerning, especially given how exhausted they all were from the night's battle.
"We should check it out," Chizuru finally said, her voice firm. "If there are more BETA out there, we need to know."
"We should, Lieutenant" Kashiwagi replied, her voice steady as her TSF moved to the front of the formation.
Takeru nodded, though he knew they couldn't see it. "Agreed. We'll approach with caution. Kashiwagi, you take points. Oberon One to Command Post, possible large group of BETA. Engaging!"
The squad advanced toward the radar signature, their TSFs moving slowly and carefully through the streets of Paauilo. The town was eerily quiet, the buildings dark and silent as they passed by. The only sounds were the soft hum of their engines and the distant crash of waves against the shore.
As they drew closer, Takeru's sensors picked up more details—a group of BETA, possibly Tank-class and Warrior-class, moving through the town. They appeared to be heading inland, away from the coast.
"Looks like we've got a small of BETA moving inland," Takeru reported, his voice calm. "We'll engage them before they can reach the next town."
"Understood," Kei replied, her tone focused. "Let's take them out."
The squad moved in, their TSFs fanning out to surround the BETA. The creatures were unaware of the approaching threat, their movements slow and disoriented as they wandered through the streets. Takeru's Takemikazuchi moved like a shadow, its massive bloody frame silent as it closed in on the enemy.
The first shots rang out, the 36mm rounds cutting through the BETA with precision. The creatures reacted instantly, their heads snapping in the direction of the attack as they scrambled to defend themselves. Kei's Shiranui darted in from the right, her assault cannons blazing as she cut through the Warrior-class BETA with ruthless efficiency. Chizuru and Haruko provided covering fire, their assault cannons pounding the Tank-class BETA into submission. Takeru's Takemikazuchi easily sliced through them, leaving them cut down on the road.
Within minutes, the skirmish was over. The BETA lay dead in the streets, their bodies smoking and broken. Takeru scanned the area, his sensors on high alert for any additional threats, but the radar remained clear.
"Area secure," Takeru reported, his voice calm. "Let's move on."
As they continued their recon mission, the squad finally reached Hawi, their final destination for the morning. The town was bustling, full of people that seemed to have evacuated in this area upon learning what happened in Hilo.
Squad's TSFs moved through the town, their sensors sweeping the area for any signs of BETA activity.
"Looks clear," Kei said, her voice filled with relief. "Finally, some good news."
"Agreed," Takeru replied, his voice equally relieved. "Let's get refueled and head back."
The squad moved to the designated refueling point, where a small team of mechanics and technicians were waiting. The refueling process was quick and efficient, the team working with practiced precision to get the TSFs ready for the next mission.
"We did good today," Takeru said, his voice filled with quiet pride. "We held the line and protected some people. That's what matters."
"Yeah," Kei replied, her voice soft. "We did our job."
Chizuru and Haruko nodded in agreement, their faces showing the exhaustion they all felt.
As the refueling was completed, the squad prepared to head back to base. The sun was fully risen now, the warm light casting a golden hue over the town.
"Let's head back to the Leasehold," Takeru said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I'd like to sleep."
"I could say the same," Chizuru said, yawning while covering her mouth.
"I'm beat," Kashiwagi complained. "Shirogane, treat us."
Takeru couldn't even speak when Kei interrupted.
"That's nice of you, Shirogane," Kei replied, her voice somewhat teasing despite its exhaustion.
And with that, they began the journey back.
July 11, 2004
Hawaii/Molokai Leasehold
Wavecrest
The journey back to the Molokai Leasehold was quiet, the adrenaline of battle slowly ebbing away as Takeru Shirogane and his squad approached their base of operations. The coastal breeze swept over the island, carrying with it the salty scent of the sea. As they neared the Wavecrest area, the new hangars came into view, their steel doors gleaming in the early morning light. The massive structures were a stark contrast to the tropical surroundings, a reminder of the military might that now occupied these lands.
Takeru's Takemikazuchi led the way, its once-immaculate frame now marred by the blood and viscera of countless BETA. The thick, dark stains gave the TSF an almost monstrous appearance, as if it had been forged in the depths of some hellish battlefield. Behind him, Kei Ayamine, Chizuru Sakaki, and Haruko Kashiwagi followed, their TSFs similarly worn but operational.
As they approached the hangars, a team of Imperial Technicians rushed out to meet their TSFs, their eyes widening in surprise and horror at the sight of the blood-soaked Takemikazuchi. One of the technicians, a young man with a look of awe and dread, quickly ran a scan status check on the TSF, his eyes darting between the machine and the data on his tablet.
"Lieutenant Shirogane," the technician called out, his voice shaky. "The status check shows all systems green… but the external appearance—"
"It's just BETA blood," Takeru interrupted, his voice calm and matter-of-fact. "The TSF is fine. The blood makes it look worse than it is."
The technician swallowed hard, his eyes still fixed on the grotesque stains that covered the TSF. "Understood, sir. We'll take care of it."
The team of technicians moved with practiced efficiency, their movements precise as they began the process of guiding the Takemikazuchi into the hangar. Despite their professionalism, Takeru could see the unease in their expressions as they worked, their eyes constantly drifting back to the TSF's horrifying appearance.
"Let's get it inside," Takeru said, his tone authoritative as he maneuvered the Takemikazuchi toward the hangar's gantry. The TSF's massive frame moved with surprising grace, the powerful limbs responding seamlessly to Takeru's commands. He guided the machine forward, the hangar doors closing behind it as it entered the cavernous space.
The Takemikazuchi's back faced the gantry as it moved into position, the locking mechanisms engaging with a series of metallic clicks. The gantry moved forward, securing the TSF in place as the technicians began the process of disarming and preparing it for maintenance. The jump unit was carefully removed, the technicians handling the equipment with reverence as they laid the TSF down for a thorough inspection.
Takeru remained in the cockpit for a moment, watching the technicians work. The voices in his head murmured in the background, offering their usual commentary.
"The Imperial maintenance crew is well-trained," the Professional voice voice noted. "The Shogun's influence, even after the mainland's devastation, has ensured they have access to the necessary parts to keep the Takemikazuchi in peak condition."
"They know what they're doing," the Veteran's voice added. "This isn't just any machine — it's a symbol, a relic of the Shogun's power. They'll treat it with the respect it deserves."
"Yeah, but still… that thing looks like it just crawled out of hell," the bratty voice chuckled. "Just goes to show how much we fought."
Takeru couldn't help but agree with that last thought. The Takemikazuchi really was a beast of a machine, a monster of steel and power that was a testament to the engineering prowess of the Imperial forces. No wonder it could last long in the original hive.
Satisfied that the technicians had everything under control, Takeru finally exited the cockpit. The hatch opened with a hiss, and he climbed down the gantry ladder, his hard boots hitting the steel floor with a thud. Beside him, Kei, Chizuru, and Haruko were also dismounting from their TSFs, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and relief as they greeted the mechanics thanking and cursing them at the state of their TSF's appearance..
As they touched down on the hangar floor, the technicians immediately set to work, checking the status of the TSFs and preparing them for the necessary repairs. The jump units were carefully removed and laid out on the floor, the technicians inspecting each component with meticulous care.
Takeru watched them for a moment, appreciating their professionalism. The Imperial maintenance crew had come with the Takemikazuchi, handpicked for their expertise and dedication. Even now, with the world in chaos and the mainland lost, they remained focused on their duty, ensuring that this symbol of the Shogun's power remained in fighting condition.
"They understand the significance of this TSF," the Professional voice said. " It's not just a machine—it's a statement. As long as the Takemikazuchi remains operational, it sends a message that the Shogun's influence endures, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Although it bothers them to be in the UN forces, they don't question… and that they think of you as a hero."
Takeru nodded to himself, agreeing with the assessment. The Takemikazuchi truly was a beast, a machine that could stand against the worst the BETA had to offer. But it was only as powerful as the people who maintained it, and Takeru knew he was lucky to have such a dedicated team working on it.
Satisfied with the state of his TSF, Takeru turned to his squad. "Let's hit the locker room and get out of these fortified suits. We've earned a break."
Kei, Chizuru, and Haruko nodded in agreement, their faces showing the weariness of the long battle. Together, they made their way to the locker room, the tension of the battle slowly easing from their shoulders.
Inside the locker room, the air was cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the noise and chaos of the hangar. Takeru began the process of removing his fortified suit, as he shed it piece by piece. Kei, Chizuru, and Haruko did the same, the relief evident on their faces as they finally stepped out of the constricting suits and into their BDUs.
As they changed, Takeru's mind wandered back to the battle, the sight of the BETA and the devastation they had caused. It was a familiar routine for him, these post-battle reflections, but that didn't make it any easier.
The weight of his responsibilities, the lives lost, and the battles yet to come pressed heavily on his mind.
When had he become used to this?
Once they were all dressed, Takeru led his squad out of the locker room and into the corridor, where they were met by Major Vickers. The Major's stern face softened slightly as he saw them.
"Lieutenant Shirogane," Major Vickers began, his voice carrying a tone of respect. "You and your squad performed admirably during the defense of Hilo. The way you handled the situation was nothing short of impressive."
Takeru straightened, his posture military-perfect as he responded. "Thank you, sir. We were just doing our duty."
The Major nodded, his gaze briefly flicking to the rest of the squad. "Your performance, especially in that Takemikazuchi, has not gone unnoticed. Many here are in awe of what you were able to accomplish. You've set a standard that others will now aspire to."
Takeru's eyes narrowed slightly, the professional voice in his head providing a cold, calculated analysis of the situation. "The display of the Takemikazuchi wasn't just about the battle— one could say that it was a political statement. The fact that you're piloting such a machine, and doing so under the UN's banner, signifies that there's still a strong relationship between the UN and the Imperial forces."
"Yes, sir," Takeru replied, keeping his tone even. "The Takemikazuchi is a symbol, and I'm aware of what it represents. But our goal remains the same—to protect humanity and push back the BETA, no matter where our loyalties lie."
Major Vickers studied Takeru for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slight nod, he said, "You've done well, Lieutenant. I'm giving your squad time to rest. You've earned it. Dismissed."
Takeru saluted crisply, the rest of his squad following suit before they all turned to leave. As they walked down the corridor, Takeru turned to his team, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Take some time to rest," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "You all did a great job out there. Get some sleep, eat something good, and we'll regroup later. The debriefing can wait later."
"Sakaki, write my report, please?" Kei said.
Chizuru gave her a glance, and made a closed-eyed smile. "No."
Kei, Chizuru, and Haruko nodded, their expressions reflecting the fatigue they felt, but also the pride in what they had accomplished. and that they survived another battle.
"Thanks, Shirogane," Kei said, a tired but genuine smile on her face. "We'll take you up on that."
Chizuru and Haruko both murmured their agreement, their steps a bit lighter now as they made their way toward their quarters.
July 12, 2004
Hawaii
Shogun's Residence
The residence of the Shogun in Hawaii was elegant, if austere. It was a place where tradition met the stark necessities of a world at war, a sanctuary for the Shogun and her closest advisors amidst the chaos that had overtaken the planet. The corridors were lined with shoji screens, the floors made of polished wood, and the soft rustle of paper and the distant murmur of voices were the only sounds that disturbed the otherwise serene atmosphere.
Tsukuyomi Maya walked through these corridors with a purpose, her footsteps soft but sure. She was a picture of composure, her red uniform crisp and immaculate, her expression carefully neutral. But beneath that calm exterior, her mind was a whirl of thoughts and concerns, particularly regarding the one she was about to meet.
As she approached the inner chambers, Maya noticed several familiar faces along the way. Tomoe Yukino, Ebisu Minagi exchanging a few words with Kamiyo Tatsumi. Maya gave them each a nod as she passed, and they returned the gesture in kind. There was a sense of unspoken camaraderie among them, a shared understanding of the weight of their responsibilities.
Finally, she reached the door to the Shogun's private study. She took a moment to compose herself before gently knocking. A soft voice from within bid her enter, and Maya slid the door open, stepping inside.
The study was a modest room, filled with shelves of neatly organized books and folders. A low table sat in the center, covered in paperwork and reports. The Shogun herself, Koubuin Yuuhi, was seated at the table, her delicate hands moving with quiet efficiency as she reviewed documents, her brow furrowed in concentration, heir blue hair tied in a ponytail swaying.
Maya couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy as she observed the Shogun. Despite her youth, her highness carried the weight of an entire nation on her shoulders, and it was clear that the burden was taking its toll. Her usually serene expression was marred by signs of fatigue, and there was a tension in her posture that spoke of the countless decisions and sacrifices she had to make daily.
"Shogun-sama," Maya said softly as she stepped forward, bowing deeply. "I have come to report."
Yuuhi looked up from her work, her expression softening slightly as she saw Maya. "Tsukuyomi," she greeted, her voice gentle. "Please, sit."
Maya obeyed, taking a seat across from Yuuhi at the low table. She waited patiently as the Shogun set aside the papers she had been reviewing, giving her full attention to Maya.
"How is the situation in Hilo?" her highness Yuuhi asked, her tone calm but with an undercurrent of concern.
"It has been taken care of," Maya replied, her voice steady. "The BETA were repelled, and the town is secure. There were, of course, some losses, but the defense was largely successful."
Yuuhi nodded, relief washing over her features. "I'm glad to hear that. And what of them?"
Maya hesitated for a moment before continuing. "There has been some criticism regarding the 'Shogun's gift' to the UN Combined Forces, particularly from those within the Guard faction. However, they cannot argue with the results again. The Hero who pilots has proven its worth beyond doubt. They've survived, your highness."
At the mention of the pilot and his squad, a subtle shift occurred in her highness's Yuuhi's expression. A mixture of emotions flickered in her eyes—admiration, pride, and something else, something deeper and more personal.
"I expected as much," Yuuhi said softly, almost to herself. "He is a remarkable individual. I knew he would make good use of the Takemikazuchi." She paused, a faint smile touching her lips, but it didn't reach her eyes. "It is fortunate that his status and prowess make him useful to us. We need allies, now more than ever."
Maya observed the Shogun closely, noting the weariness in her voice. "Shogun-sama, you have done what you must. Your decisions have been for the good of Japan and its people."
Yuuhi's smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet resignation. "I wonder about that sometimes," she murmured, her gaze distant. "My influence within the Guard faction has waned. We are forced to look elsewhere for support, and while his status makes him an asset, it is difficult for me… difficult to control myself when faced with the man I adore."
Maya's heart ached at the vulnerability in Yuuhi's voice. She had always known that the Shogun's feelings for this man ran deep, far deeper than mere admiration. But Yuuhi's position as the Shogun required her to place duty above all else, even above her own desires.
"I understand, Shogun-sama," Maya said gently. "But your focus now is on the well-being of our people. You have made that clear time and time again."
Yuuhi nodded, her expression hardening slightly as she steeled herself. "Yes. My primary focus as Shogun is the improvement of living conditions for the people of Japan and the world over. We cannot afford to be complacent. That is why I have invested so heavily in the project in Seattle — the creation of a modernized Food Plant that will be entirely self-sufficient. If successful, it will produce enough food to sustain both the American and Japanese populations in the city."
Maya was impressed by the scope of the project. It was ambitious, especially these days, but Yuuhi had always been a forward thinker, always looking for ways to secure the future for her people. "That is a noble goal, Shogun-sama. It will undoubtedly be a great boon to both nations."
Yuuhi nodded, though the weight of her responsibilities was evident in her eyes. "It is what must be done. But enlisting his help directly would complicate matters. His presence in the UN Forces allows them to assert influence, and I am not blind to how much political leverage I could gain by having him under my command." She sighed, her voice softening. "But I do not wish to rely on him. I… I would find myself unable to look him in the eye."
Maya frowned slightly, puzzled by Yuuhi's reluctance. "Shogun-sama, surely he would understand. He has been loyal to you."
Yuuhi shook her head, a pained expression crossing her face. "It is not a matter of loyalty, Tsukuyomi. It is… I broke his heart. I told him I would be with him forever, and yet I… I failed him. I cannot ask for his help now, not after everything that has happened. It would be too much."
Maya felt a deep sadness settle over her as she listened to Yuuhi's words. The Shogun was a strong and capable leader, but in matters of the heart, she was just as vulnerable as anyone else. Maya wished she could offer some comfort, some reassurance, but she knew that this was a burden Yuuhi would have to carry on her own.
"Shogun-sama," Maya said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "He would not hold it against you. He cares for you deeply, and he would understand."
Yuuhi looked down at her hands, her expression one of quiet sorrow. "Perhaps. But I cannot bear to face him, not as I am now. It is easier to listen to the stories of his bravery from afar, to hear of his victories and know that he is still out there, fighting for all of us. That is enough for me."
Maya's heart ached for the Shogun, for the pain she was clearly feeling but could not express. She wanted to reach out, to offer some comfort, but she knew that Yuuhi would not want that. The Shogun was a symbol of strength for her people, and she could not afford to show weakness, even to those closest to her.
"I understand, Shogun-sama," Maya said quietly, bowing her head. "If there is anything more I can do to assist you, please let me know."
Yuuhi looked up at Maya, her eyes filled with a gratitude that she could not put into words. "Thank you, Tsukuyomi. Your loyalty means more to me than you know."
Maya nodded, rising to her feet. "I will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed. Please, Your Highness, take care of yourself."
Yuuhi gave a small, sad smile. "I will try."
With that, Maya bowed deeply and left the room, sliding the door shut behind her.