August 15, 2004

Hawaii/Molokai Leasehold

Kaunakakai

The office in Kaunakakai was a modest building, surrounded by two-story structures that seemed to huddle together against the salt-laden breeze. The air inside was thick with the scent of imitation coffee, the kind that had become a staple in these difficult times. Takeru sat across from a subcontractor, the man's eyes betraying a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"I have to say, Shirogane-dono," the subcontractor began, his tone respectful yet cautious. "Your information was correct. With the containers we recovered, we can confidently improve our resources. The information you provided will be invaluable."

Takeru maintained a professional demeanor, his gaze steady. "And what of the TSF carriers stranded in the northwest of the Japanese Sea?"

"We also recovered them," the subcontractor confirmed, nodding. "They are heading to the Molokai Leasehold as we speak."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Takeru's mouth as he nodded in approval. "Then you must understand how important the information we hold at the moment is. Of course, we only offer this because we believe you can reciprocate."

The subcontractor's expression tightened. "What about the leaks, Shirogane-dono? We are on American soil, after all."

Takeru leaned back slightly, considering his response. "It can't be helped. But even if they get to the information first, it will still benefit mankind. We need everyone we can get to fight this battle."

"Indeed," the subcontractor agreed with a sigh. "I assure you, Shirogane-dono, they will know who is responsible for their rescue. Many of us are... interested in the reports you've produced. As you know, among the ALT IV staff, you're the only one who still remains on this planet. It vexes me that such a genius of your caliber's forewarnings and words were ignored. Now, we suffer the consequences of our inability to listen."

Takeru's gaze grew distant, his expression hardening. "Humanity is run by self-interest. It is through that self-interest that men and women fight battles and create wonders. They've abandoned this planet, and now the ocean and its salty plains surround us. But we must continue, adapt. Mankind, despite its inclination toward self-destruction, remains too stubborn not to live on. The BETA's appearance in Hilo is a stark reminder that our greatest enemy still lives."

The subcontractor nodded solemnly. "What are your thoughts about the war?"

Takeru leaned back, letting out a deep breath. "The hungry tend to lose control of their emotions. An empty stomach makes us irrational. I understand the need, but the consequences will be devastating when the BETA come for us again."

"Indeed," the subcontractor agreed, his tone grave. "My contacts in the Philippines assure me that even though most of Luzon and Visayas have sunk, some of our factories are still operating."

"Interesting," Takeru replied, leaning forward with renewed interest. "So, there are still assembly plants there?"

"The southern part's raised, Lieutenant" the subcontractor explained. "The mountains surrounding the coastal areas spared most of the seaports, and the factories were moved to elevated grounds. It's a mess, with COSEAN, the U.S, and various refugees taking pieces of the land."

"And what about the other COSEAN affiliated nations?" Takeru inquired.

"They're faring well, but it's mostly the same," the subcontractor said. "The area is under Japanese and American influence. The Philippines... it's a complicated place right now, even more so now that the end of the world has happened."

Takeru nodded thoughtfully. "But you'll come to us first?"

"We made a deal," the subcontractor affirmed. "And as long as you continue to provide the information, we'll be more than happy to keep it."

Takeru raised his cup of imitation coffee to his lips and then stood, extending his hand. "Then that's all we have for today. May your trip back be fortunate, Mr. Olano."

As Takeru exited the office, he spotted Chizuru standing sharply, her posture reflecting the disciplined training of a Surface Pilot. Her presence was commanding, the years of war and loss having forged her into a stronger person. The sight of her brought a small smile to Takeru's face, a reminder of how much they had all grown since their days in Yokohama.

"Done, Shirogane?" Chizuru asked as she fell into step beside him.

"Yup," Takeru replied, matching her pace. "Man, that guy's talkative."

Chizuru pushed her glasses up with a slight frown. "You know, Shirogane, these past weeks... I wonder if you've been holding back on us."

Takeru raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"

"Well, back in training, you kind of held us back a lot," Chizuru said, her tone thoughtful. "But after Operation 21st, you've shown some surprising talents. I mean, Shirogane Takeru, talking about business and logistics?"

Takeru chuckled. "I was under Sensei, you know? She taught me a thing or two. Not that it's helpful when facing the BETA. If they were willing to talk about business, we wouldn't be here in Hawaii."

Chizuru shook her head with a wry smile. "Ah, the world's gone mad, Shirogane doing these kinds of talks."

As they made their way down the stairs to the lobby, Takeru started the engine of the jeep waiting for them. Ayamine and Kashiwagi were back at the base, holding the fort, much to Kei's annoyance at being left behind. The engine roared to life, and Takeru backed up, driving out of the narrow alley as Chizuru held her long braided hair against the wind.

"Shirogane," Chizuru began, her tone almost hesitant, "do you still have that?"

"That?" Takeru echoed, glancing at her.

"The thing I sewed for you back in Christmas," Chizuru clarified. "During the exchange gifts."

"The voodoo doll?" Takeru asked with a smirk.

"Do you have it?" she pressed.

"In the cockpit," Takeru replied with a nod. "I still have the boots Mikoto gave me too. I... wish we could have brought the flowers Tama gave me, but they're hard to take care of."

Chizuru's expression softened with nostalgia. "Those were the days, huh?"

"Yeah, Yokohama seems like heaven compared to where we are now," Takeru admitted, his voice tinged with longing.

Chizuru sighed, her gaze distant. "We're still alive..."

"And you and Ayamine are getting along," Takeru added with a grin. "Weird times."

"We just decided on something incredibly stupid," Chizuru murmured. "Anyway, it's the end of the world, and I don't want anyone to tell me what to do when my time comes."

Takeru remained silent, the weight of her words pressing down on him. He knew where this was going. He wasn't blind to the look on her face, the same look he had seen in countless other loops, in countless other moments of despair.

"Does that bother you?" Chizuru asked quietly.

"Bother what?" Takeru replied, his voice steady.

"We... me and Ayamine being selfish like this," Chizuru continued, her tone uncertain. "I know it's selfish, but the thought just came naturally. Maybe we could... that's what went through our heads. Are we being selfish?"

Takeru stared ahead, the wind whipping through his hair as the jeep sped down the road.

"I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely audible.

It was the only answer he could give.

As Takeru drove the jeep along the coastal road back to Wavecrest, the afternoon sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the rugged landscape. The rhythmic hum of the engine filled the silence between him and Chizuru, who sat quietly beside him, her expression thoughtful. The conversation they had shared earlier weighed heavily on both their minds, but Chizuru's curiosity had been piqued by the earlier meeting with the subcontractor.

Takeru's eyes remained focused on the road ahead, but he could sense Chizuru's gaze lingering on him, waiting for an explanation. He took a deep breath, the salty air filling his lungs before he finally spoke.

"That subcontractor," Takeru began, breaking the silence, "he's part of a network I've been working with. Major Vickers introduced me after he heard my information. They've been recovering resources and equipment from abandoned and sunken locations, places that were lost or forgotten after the Great Ocean's collapse."

Chizuru's brow furrowed slightly as she listened, her curiosity deepening. "And you knew where to find these resources?"

Takeru nodded, keeping his eyes on the winding road. "Yeah. I've got a pretty good idea of where things are, or at least where they should be. It's all based on information I... gathered during my time as part of ALT IV." He paused for a moment, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.

"It's not like I'm lying," he thought. "I've seen these places in other loops. I just knew where to look."

"Convincing the remnants of the UN Forces to work with me was surprisingly easy," Takeru continued, glancing over at Chizuru. "They're desperate for resources, and when you present them with a plan that promises to help them rebuild, to have a place in this drown world, they're more than willing to cooperate. God, we need anything we can get."

Chizuru leaned back in her seat, processing what Takeru had said. "I'm not really surprised," she admitted. "You hold quite a bit of influence among the UN Forces, Shirogane. You've proven yourself as a pilot and as a leader, and people at the top trust you even more after confirming that you were part of ALT IV, although informally. What surprises me more is that you haven't been promoted to some higher rank. You'd think with your skills and reputation, they'd want to move you up the chain of command."

Takeru chuckled softly, though there was a hint of bitterness in his voice. "I think they still want me on the field, Class Rep. They know I'm more useful in a TSF than I would be sitting behind a desk. Plus, I'm pretty sure they don't want to lose the morale boost that comes with having a 'hero' out there, fighting alongside everyone else."

Chizuru nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered his words. "I guess that's what made you 'special' enough to be part of something like ALT IV," she remarked. "You were always different from the rest of us, even back then."

"You all called me, Chop-kun for lagging behind," Takeru remarked. "I still remember you know?"

Chizuru shrugged. "Well, you prove us wrong… ALT IV should have happened… it should be much better than whatever Babylon is."

Takeru's expression darkened, and he let out a long, somber sigh. "ALT IV... it failed because we ran out of time," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of memories. "We tried everything we could, but in the end, there just wasn't enough time to see it through."

Chizuru's gaze softened as she looked at him, sensing the pain in his words. "If Professor Kouzuki had more time, do you think the world wouldn't be like this?" she asked quietly.

Takeru's hands tightened on the steering wheel as he nodded. "Yeah. If she'd had more time, if we'd had more resources, maybe things would have turned out differently. But... it didn't, and now we're left to pick up the pieces."

The jeep bounced slightly as they drove over a rough patch of road, and Chizuru reached up to steady herself, her expression thoughtful as she absorbed what Takeru had said. She had known that ALT IV was a last-ditch effort to save humanity, but hearing Takeru's account of it brought a new level of understanding to the desperation and urgency that had driven the project.

"It's hard to imagine," Chizuru said softly, almost to herself. "What it must have been like, working on something like that, knowing that failure meant the end of everything."

"It was... intense," Takeru admitted, his voice tinged with melancholy. "Yuuko-sensei knew what was at stake, and she pushed herself to the limit. But in the end, it just wasn't enough. They got their Babylon but failed to realize that the BETA was more relentless than they could have ever anticipated."

Chizuru was silent for a moment, her thoughts racing as she tried to comprehend the magnitude of what Takeru had said.

"I think the difference is that you're still here," Chizuru said quietly, her voice filled with admiration. "You're still fighting, still trying to make a difference."

Takeru glanced over at her, his expression softening. "I don't have a choice, Class Rep. I've seen too much, lost too much, to give up now. As long as I'm still breathing, I'll keep fighting. Besides, how can I give in when you and Ayamine's still kicking up a fuss? When we saw off the last batch headed out to space… we made a promise, right? That we wouldn't die easily. Then we got into the same flight and promised that we'd all die together."

Chizuru smiled faintly at the memories. "We did… let's keep that promise this time."

Takeru smiled back, though there was a sadness in his eyes that he couldn't quite hide. "Look at us, talking about how we die all the time."

"Can't help it," she said.

The rest of the drive back to Wavecrest was filled with a comfortable silence, the kind that only comes from a deep understanding between two people who have been through hell together. As they approached the base, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. The sight was almost peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos that had become their everyday reality.

As Takeru pulled the jeep into the parking area, he glanced over at Chizuru one last time. "Let's… just not talk about that when we can. Chin up, class rep."

Chizuru nodded, her eyes reflecting the same determination that burned within him. "I know. I just want that out of my mind. Ayamine and Kashiwagi got out that mindset already. I just wanted to say it for the last time."

"Okay," Takeru pulled over.

After parking the jeep in the designated spot at Wavecrest, Takeru and Chizuru stepped out, the sound of gravel crunching under their boots. The late afternoon sun was casting long shadows across the base, and the air carried the salty tang of the ocean. The familiar buzz of activity surrounded them as personnel moved about, going about their duties with a sense of practiced urgency.

Takeru stretched his arms over his head, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from the drive.

"Not a bad ride," he commented, glancing at Chizuru, who was busy tying her long braids back into place after they had been tousled by the wind.

"Not bad at all," Chizuru agreed, offering him a small smile. "Though I'm glad to be back. I could use a break from all the driving and, well, the discussions. Ugh, how many offices did we visit in that town in the past few days?"

"Could always switch with Ayamine," Takeru teased.

"Yeah, no, she'll just stare at them and not listen a word," she argued.

With that, the two of them headed toward the entrance of their office, the small building that served as their base of operations at Wavecrest. As they stepped inside, the cool air provided instant relief from the warmth outside.

Inside the office, Ayamine and Kashiwagi were already hard at work, sitting at their respective desks, papers and digital reports spread out before them. The room had a distinctly utilitarian feel—functional and slightly cluttered, but comfortable enough for the work they needed to do.

Kashiwagi looked up from her stack of papers and offered them a welcoming smile.

"Welcome back, you two," she said, her tone warm and friendly. "How was the trip?"

"Productive," Takeru replied as he and Chizuru moved further into the room.

Ayamine, who had been quietly focused on a report, glanced up at Chizuru with a sly look in her eyes. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms casually. "Finish your date?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of teasing mischief.

Chizuru's eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head, her cheeks flushing slightly. "What? No! We didn't go on a date, Ayamine!" she protested, her voice rising in pitch with a mix of embarrassment and exasperation.

Ayamine arched an eyebrow, clearly enjoying Chizuru's reaction. She then turned her gaze toward Takeru, as if seeking confirmation. "Really?" she asked, her tone light but playful.

Takeru chuckled and nodded. "Really," he replied, amused by the exchange. "It was strictly business."

Ayamine seemed unconvinced, but before she could press further, she shifted her attention to Kashiwagi.

"What do you think, Kashiwagi? Were they on a date?" she asked, trying to rope her into the teasing.

Kashiwagi, who had been observing the banter with a grin, shook her head in mock seriousness. "Honestly, Ayamine, I really didn't think they went on a date. They're just too serious for that," she quipped, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere.

Ayamine widened her eyes in a fake shock. "Shirogane? Serious? No way?"

Chizuru rolled her eyes, though a small smile played on her lips. "Ayamine, you're just trying to stir things up because you're scared we'll leave you out," she shot back, her tone both teasing and pointed.

Ayamine's expression faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered, adopting her usual laid-back demeanor. "Scared? Not at all," she said, waving off the accusation with a dismissive hand. "But if you want to include me next time, I wouldn't complain."

"Sure, sure," Chizuru replied with a playful scoff before turning her attention to the stack of papers on her desk.

Ayamine reached over to grab a report from her own pile and handed it to Chizuru, the moment of levity giving way to their usual businesslike focus. "Here's the latest on the 36mm rounds," Ayamine said, her tone now professional. "There's a discrepancy in the numbers from the last shipment, and we need to cross-check it with the inventory."

Chizuru took the report from Ayamine, her expression serious as she scanned the document.

"Understood. I'll take a closer look and see what's going on," she replied, already slipping into work mode.

Takeru moved to his own desk, glancing at the various reports that awaited his attention. The banter between them had been a brief respite from the constant pressure they were under, but now it was time to get back to the tasks at hand. He noticed a few technical reports about the recent sortie and the TSF performance that needed his review. It was mostly a job for the mechanics, but they wanted the input of a TSF pilot too.

As they settled into their work, the room filled with the soft sounds of rustling papers, the clicking of keyboards, and the occasional exchange of information. Despite the world outside the island they were in, there was a comforting familiarity in the routine — each of them contributing to the effort, relying on one another's strengths.

As Chizuru delved into the report Ayamine had handed her, she glanced up at Takeru, who was reviewing a set of technical diagrams. "Shirogane," she called out, her voice cutting through the quiet.

Takeru looked up, meeting her gaze. "Yeah?"

"Thanks for bringing me along today," Chizuru said, her tone sincere. "It was... nice to get out of the office for a bit even if it was for business."

Takeru offered her a small smile, understanding the unspoken sentiment behind her words. "

Anytime, Class Rep," he replied. "We all need a break now and then. God, you're a surface pilot, not an office worker."

"I know right?" Kashiwagi, who had been watching the exchange with a knowing smile, chimed in. "Maybe next time, we'll all go together. A change of scenery does wonders for morale."

Ayamine nodded in agreement, her usual stoicism softened by the shared moment.

"Sounds like a plan," she said, her voice carrying a rare note of warmth.

August 15, 2004

Hawaii/Molokai Leasehold

Wavecrest

The office was a mess of paperwork, half-empty coffee cups that smelled like imitation coffee, and the sound of fingers tapping on keyboards. Takeru, Chizuru, Ayamine, and Kashiwagi were deeply engrossed in their tasks, the weight of their responsibilities evident in their focused expressions.

The banter from earlier had faded, replaced by the somber reality of the paperwork that lay before them.

Surface Pilots not in their TSF were either on standby, training using the sims or 'vets' like them who were buried in paper.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Major Vickers stepped inside. His presence was commanding, as always, and immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. The tension in his posture was enough to signal that this was no ordinary interruption.

"First Lieutenant Shirogane, I need a word," Vickers said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Takeru looked up from the stack of reports he was reviewing. He glanced at Chizuru and the others, who returned his look with curious but understanding eyes. Without a word, Takeru stood and followed the Major out of the room, his mind already racing with possibilities of what this could be about.

Vickers led Takeru through the winding corridors of the Wavecrest complex, moving with purpose and urgency. They didn't speak until they reached the Major's private office on the far side of the building. Vickers opened the door and gestured for Takeru to enter.

Once inside, the Major closed the door behind them and faced Takeru, his expression grave. "I'm not going to waste time with pleasantries, Lieutenant. We've got a situation."

Takeru nodded, his own demeanor professional and composed. "What's going on, sir?"

"We got intel disclosed, we knew it was based on how beat up that ship was, but they officially got the word out now," Vickers took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing slightly as he prepared to deliver the news. "The USS John F. Kennedy, along with the Sydney and the Gopher State, were attacked by a wandering BETA herd months ago when a recon satellite spotted them. We thought the BETA were gone, but that and the recent skirmish proved they aren't. I'm afraid all aboard the JFK perished… except for one sole survivor."

Takeru's breath hitched, though his face remained a mask of calm. The loss of an entire carrier was devastating, but that single survivor… he could guess who it was by memories. That marine did have the devil's luck. Still…

"Who?" Takeru asked.

"The survivor was found in her TSF by an IJMDF Major. She's been rescued and is currently being debriefed," Vickers explained. "And before you ask, yes, I'm assuming this has to do with the secret data you mentioned from the Yokohama base."

Takeru's mind raced, connecting the dots. The JFK had been a key player, a vessel carrying something valuable enough to warrant secrecy and risk. The fact that the BETA attacked it directly only added to the gravity of the situation.

Vickers continued, his voice steady but grim. "On top of that, we've just received word that the 'King', a Zumwalt-class destroyer, has arrived in Pearl Harbor. It left the JFK carrier three to four months ago, and it looks like it's seen some rough waters."

Takeru frowned slightly, his thoughts shifting to the implications of that arrival. "What do the Americans want from us, Major?"

Vickers sighed, his face hardening. "They're requesting some of the cargo we recovered from the EU-class container vessel, the Antoine de Saint."

Takeru's eyes narrowed as he adopted a more professional demeanor. "Some?" He repeated the word, his tone pointed. "How much exactly?"

Vickers grimaced. "They want half of it to restore the King."

Takeru didn't lose his composure, though his mind was already working through the complexities of the request. "And what do they have to offer in return?" Takeru asked, keeping his voice leveled. The professional voice whispered in his ear. "We can't let them take us for granted. Different timeline, world, but deep inside the lessons of being the Mitsurugi Head is still in. We need benefits."

"We use UN resources. Surely, they don't expect us to just hand it over for free."

Vickers nodded, his face a mix of frustration and resignation. "No one here would agree to just giving it away, and even if they did, no one wants to start trouble with the French-Canadians already causing us grief. We've rescued a lot of comrades from the UN, and we need to keep them on our side."

Takeru followed the Major back to his office, his thoughts racing. The situation was delicate, and one wrong move could tip the balance of power in a way that would be disastrous for the UN's position in Hawaii. But at the same time they also know their own resources that make them a useful center for strays who want to have a place in the world, who didn't want to be part of the Empire nor the US.

As they entered the office, Takeru was surprised to see Irina Piatiff, the former communications officer at Yokohama Base and an associate of Professor Kouzuki, standing by the window in her UN uniform, her hair grown into a shoulder-length. She turned as they entered, her sea-battered expression softening as she recognized him.

"Lieutenant Shirogane," she greeted warmly. "It's good to see you again."

Takeru nodded in acknowledgment, a small smile touching his lips. "Officer Piatif, it's been a while. I'm glad to see you're safe."

Irina nodded, her eyes holding a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thanks to the information you provided, we were able to rescue our ship. I owe you one, Lieutenant."

Takeru brushed off the gratitude with a wave of his hand. "Just doing what I can. It's gladdening that a comrade from Yokohama's here. Did the Valkyries survive too?"

Officer Piatiff smiled. "Well, they are a tough crowd. General Radhabinod is pleased to have Captain Isumi and her Valkyries still live."

"I see… that's great to hear."

Vickers cleared his throat, bringing the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Lieutenant, we need to decide how to handle the Americans' request. They're not going to back down, but we can't just give them what they want without securing something in return."

Takeru considered this for a moment, his mind weighing the options. "We'll agree to their request," he said finally, his voice firm. "But only after they provide us with resources that will help the UN Fleet recover more ships that carried parts out of their home countries. We're not just handing over half of our cargo without an equal or greater benefit in return."

Vickers studied Takeru for a moment before a slow grin spread across his face. "I knew you had a head for strategy, Lieutenant. You're right. We have leverage here, and we need to use it."

Irina watched the exchange, her expression thoughtful. "The Americans are in a tough spot, but not enough to beg for it. They'll be willing to negotiate if it means getting what they need to restore their destroyer. Your terms are reasonable."

Takeru nodded, his eyes meeting Vickers'. "We have something they want, and they know we're not going to give it up easily. But we also have to be careful. We're not just playing a game of politics here — we're trying to ensure the survival of everyone in this region, sure, but it doesn't mean we just throw these resources away to play 'nice'."

Vickers' grin widened, a look of approval in his eyes. "I like the way you think, Shirogane. We'll make sure the Americans understand that we're not a charity, but we're also not looking to make enemies. If they can meet our terms, we'll work with them. If not… Well, they'll have to find another way. They still have their country."

Takeru felt a weight on his shoulders, though he knew this was just one of many challenges they would face in the coming days. BETA's a threat, but humanity's desire for benefits even in an ended world remains the same.

The stakes were high, whether against Men or BETA. And the choices they made now would have far-reaching consequences.

As they finalized their plans, Takeru couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed since Yokohama. He was no longer just a pilot following orders — he was making decisions that could shape the future of their entire operation here in Hawaii. The responsibility was daunting, but he knew he had to rise to the occasion. This was a role he had decided to play to live as long as he could.

With the meeting concluded, Vickers clapped Takeru on the shoulder. "Good work, Lieutenant. I have no doubt we'll handle this just fine."

Takeru gave a small nod of acknowledgement. "Please do your best, Major. Those resources were hard-earned by our Intruders. They'd beat us up if they learned that diving 600 meters below the water to lift those things went for naught!"

"Of course, Lieutenant, we'll get something from them," Major Vickers gave an assuring nod.

As Takeru turned to leave the office, Irina caught his eye. "Stay safe, Lieutenant. There are still a lot of people counting on you."

He offered her a reassuring smile. "I will, Officer Piatif. You too."

With that, Takeru exited the office, his mind asking questions.

The bratty voice asked. "Did Yuuko-sensei leave earth this time?"

"She would," the professional voice stated confidently. "She always leaves. Post-Babylon will not be good to her and even if she does stay. The world would call her the Holy Mother who had warned the world of its doom, but did not listen."

"Do you know what's the worst part?" the veteran's voice asked.

"She'll answer them," the Eishi's voice said confidently. "Under that smug genius was a woman who cares about humanity. Here or up above the stars… it won't matter. Maybe the next life would be kinder if we could remember. If we could help her save the world."

But this was the truth from the loops he had seen.

Surely, the Holy Mother has left for the heavens again, and forgot her begotten son.