July 14, 2004
Hawaii/Molokai Leasehold
Wavecrest
The salty breeze from the Pacific Ocean swept across the outdoor briefing area at the Wavecrest Base on Molokai, Hawaii, carrying with it the scent of the ocean. The sun, now casting an orange glow over the horizon, painted the gathered UN Surface Pilots in hues of gold and shadow, as they sat on monoblock chairs arranged in rows. The people in the assembly were the veterans of the UN Combined Forces, men and women who had faced the BETA countless times and lived to tell the tale. Their uniforms were a patchwork of styles — some clad in the standard UN dress, others in flight jackets thrown over BDU fatigues.
Major Vickers stood at the front of the gathering, a tall, imposing figure whose weathered features spoke of years spent in command. His steely eyes swept over the assembled surface pilots, taking in their weary expressions and the subtle signs of fatigue that even the toughest soldiers couldn't fully hide. He raised a microphone to his lips, his voice cutting through the murmurs with sharp authority.
"Attention," he began, the word slicing through the air like a knife. Instantly, the murmurs ceased, and all eyes turned to him. "We've just come through the skirmish in Hilo without losing a single pilot. That's a testament to your skills and experience. But make no mistake, this war is far from over. The BETA are relentless, and we must be prepared for any future incursions. We must be prepared."
Takeru sat among his squad, his eyes heavy with exhaustion yet still vigilant. He glanced around at his comrades. Kei Ayamine, slouched slightly in her chair, her eyes half-closed as if on the verge of sleep. Chizuru Sakaki, sitting rigidly upright, her posture a model of discipline, though Takeru could sense the tension simmering beneath her composed exterior, and Haruko Kashiwagi, her usual cheer somewhat subdued, though a spark of mischief still flickered in her eyes.
Takeru nudged Kei gently with his elbow, leaning in close to whisper. "Ayamine, you should really stop dozing off," he said, his voice soft but firm.
Kei barely opened her eyes, her voice a lazy drawl. "Too many written reports. Need sleep," she murmured, her head lolling slightly as she leaned more heavily against Takeru's shoulder.
Chizuru, overhearing their exchange, turned to them with a frown, her brow furrowing in disapproval. "Geez, I told you not to slack off," she scolded, though her voice carried more concern than anger. The sight of Kei so unguarded, so vulnerable, clearly troubled her.
Kei shrugged, her eyelids drooping further as she made herself more comfortable against Takeru. "Can't fight too hard. Hmm…" She murmured, nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder, the warmth of her proximity making Takeru acutely aware of her presence.
Chizuru's frown deepened, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes. "Hey, stop that," she muttered, her voice softer now, almost pleading.
Kei, seemingly unfazed, murmured, "Hmm, sleepy, stay still, Shirogane."
Her voice was laced with a teasing edge, a small smile curling on her lips.
Kashiwagi chuckled at the sight, her amusement evident as she leaned back in her chair.
"Haha, Shirogane, aren't you lucky?" she teased, her tone light but with a trace of envy.
Takeru rolled his eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the situation. "I don't know," he replied, keeping his voice low to avoid drawing the Major's attention. "I think you'd prefer Kashiwagi's lap, right?"
Kei's eyes fluttered open briefly, and she cast a glance at Kashiwagi, her expression unreadable. "I'll consider it," she said, her tone deadpan, though the corners of her mouth twitched with the hint of a smirk.
Chizuru's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "This is really inappropriate!" she hissed, her attempts to maintain her composure faltering as she glared at Kei. "We're in front of the Major, Ayamine!"
Kei's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Jealous?" she asked, her voice lilting with mischief.
"No!" Chizuru shot back, her voice a little too loud, drawing a few curious glances from nearby pilots. "I'm saying we're in front of the Major! Please don't embarrass us!"
Kei's response was a lazy yawn, clearly unbothered by Chizuru's concerns. "It's fine, Sakaki," she said, her tone dismissive.
"It's really not!" Chizuru insisted, her voice rising with exasperation.
Takeru sighed softly, shaking his head. Despite their banter, he knew the weight each of them carried. The fact that they were still standing, still joking, without a scratch was a miracle in itself.
The UN Combined Forces had seen their ranks decimated over time. Every surviving Surface Pilot here was a veteran, battle-hardened and scarred by countless engagements with the BETA. The fact that they had all survived the recent skirmish in Hilo without any casualties was nothing short of miraculous. No one could criticize them for it, even if there were some tall tales about how they could have helped faster. But everyone knew that the UN Forces were the first into the fray while the others lagged behind them.
The Major's voice cut through his thoughts, drawing his attention back to the briefing. He couldn't blame Ayamine for dozing off. The Major wasn't exactly making a grand speech, with the open-air briefing mostly a show to any eyes and ears watching them.
"Our remaining forces will remain on standby," Major Vickers continued, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "It's our priority to remain as a reserve force and focus solely on our mission to fight against the BETA. We may be spread thin across Hawaii and Seattle, but we still hold the line."
Takeru leaned slightly towards Chizuru, his voice low. "Guess we're sitting on the fence, huh," he remarked, his tone laced with a touch of irony.
Chizuru gave a slight nod, her eyes leaving the Major to meet Takeru's. "What did you expect? The UN Forces might as well be independent and remain that way until the end with how things are. We still have enough forces to hold a fourth position. The others can't ignore us, and the citizens know that we're the ones who acted first, not the Americans, not the IJMDF, and the Royal Guard."
"I guess we're on the side of the people," Takeru mused, his thoughts drifting to the larger implications of their situation. The UN Forces, under the command of the global organization once, had become a faction of their own. With the world in chaos, their allegiance was to humanity itself rather than any single nation.
Chizuru's expression softened, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "Obviously, it's the best play we can have. How long though? That's the real question."
Takeru agreed silently, his gaze sweeping over the faces of his comrades. Behind their stoic expressions and forced smiles, he could see the despair lurking in their eyes. The nations they had once fought for, the ideals they had once believed in, had sunk into the depths of history. Now, they were stranded on foreign soil, fighting a war they weren't sure they could win. The only certainty was that they would continue to fight, to survive, until there was nothing left.
All they had left was being Surface Pilots, and all they wanted to remain as of the moment were to be Surface Pilots.
The briefing concluded, and the pilots began to disperse, some heading towards the hotel's converted mess hall, others towards their rooms to grab what little sleep they could before any next mission. Takeru lingered for a moment, his thoughts heavy. As they made their way back to their quarters, he noticed Chizuru lagging behind. He slowed his pace to match hers, sensing the turmoil in her silence.
"You okay, Class Rep?" he asked quietly, his concern evident in his voice.
Chizuru nodded, though her expression remained troubled. "It's just… everything feels so uncertain," she admitted, her voice laced with a vulnerability she rarely showed. "I know we have to keep fighting, but… I can't help but wonder if it's all worth it. What happens when the BETA are finally gone? What will be left of us?"
Takeru didn't have an answer. It was a question that had plagued him as well. The world they had once known was gone, and with it, the future they had envisioned. Even if they managed to defeat the BETA, what kind of world would they return to? One scarred by war, divided by politics, and haunted by the ghosts of those who had fallen.
"I don't know," he replied honestly. "But as long as we're still here, we have to keep going. For those who didn't make it, and for those who still believe in something better. I don't want to anger our friends if we give up and die now."
Chizuru looked at him, her eyes searching his face for some sign of reassurance. After a moment, she nodded again, this time with more conviction. "You're right," she said softly. "We can't give up. They'd beat us in hell if we gave up too easily."
Kei, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up, her voice surprisingly steady despite her earlier exhaustion. "We keep fighting because it's all we know how to do. And maybe, just maybe, we'll find something worth fighting for along the way. I-"
She gave Takeru a long look, her eyes holding a depth of emotion that took him by surprise. Chizuru, noticing Kei's gaze, had that same look that Takeru recognized. Expectant. Hoping. He wasn't dense, and his memories from the past loops told him what their looks meant. Their feelings were held only by restraint, and understanding.
Takeru didn't look away, causing the two to look away instead, their cheeks flushed.
The three of them fell into a companionable silence as they continued their walk back to their quarters. The base was quiet, the sounds of the ocean the only accompaniment to their thoughts. Despite the uncertainty that hung over them, there was a sense of solidarity, a bond forged in the fires of battle that kept them moving forward, even when the path ahead was shrouded in darkness.
As they reached their rooms, Kashiwagi joined them, her usual cheerful demeanor subdued but still present. "So, what's the plan for tomorrow?" she asked, trying to lighten the mood after reading the room.
Takeru shrugged. "Same as always. We prepare, we wait, and we fight when we have to."
Haruko nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sounds like a plan. Just another day in this paradise, right?"
Kei chuckled softly. "If you call this paradise."
Chizuru rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "Let's just get some rest. We'll need it. Who knows when the BETA will try again?"
Takeru clapped his hands together, trying to lift their spirits. "Okay, let's get some rest, then we can grab a meal later. Sounds good?"
"Roger!" the girls replied in unison, their spirits lifted, even if only slightly, as they entered their rooms.
July 15, 2004
Hawaii/Molokai Leasehold
Kaunakakai
The sun cast long shadows as Takeru drove the jeep down the narrow, winding roads of Molokai. The engine's hum was a steady companion, almost soothing against the backdrop of rustling trees and the occasional call of a distant bird. Kashiwagi sat beside him, riding shotgun, her usual cheerful demeanor slightly tempered by the serene beauty of their surroundings. In the back, Kei and Chizuru were dozing off, their heads lolling with each bump and curve in the road.
Kashiwagi glanced over her shoulder at the two women, a soft smile playing on her lips as she watched them sleep.
"They're really out of it, huh?" she said with a quiet laugh.
Takeru nodded, his eyes on the road but a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it's been a long day. I think Class Rep helped her write her report."
Kashiwagi turned back to face the front, her expression thoughtful. After a few moments of comfortable silence, she spoke again, her tone more serious. "You know, Takeru… I can't help but notice how close you are with Ayamine and Sakaki."
Takeru's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, but he kept his eyes on the road. "Yeah… I guess we've all been through a lot together."
Kashiwagi chuckled softly, the sound light and teasing. "That's an understatement. But what I mean is… do you know how they feel about you? Or am I prying too much?"
Takeru's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't let it show. He knew what she was getting at — it wasn't exactly a secret, especially not to someone as observant as Kashiwagi.
"I have an idea," he admitted, his voice low and cautious.
Kashiwagi raised an eyebrow, her smile turning sly. "And? What are you going to do about it?"
Takeru exhaled slowly, the weight of her question settling in his chest. He was silent for a few moments, collecting his thoughts. Finally, he spoke, his voice tinged with a quiet sadness. "During Operation 21st… I lost my wingman. She was more than just a wingman, though… she was my partner."
Kashiwagi's expression softened immediately, her eyes widening with a mix of understanding and sympathy. "Oh… Shirogane, I'm so sorry. I'm getting too nosy, aren't I?"
He shook his head, his gaze steady on the road ahead. "It's fine. It's just… I don't want to go through that right now. I don't want to lose someone like that again."
For a moment, the only sound was the steady hum of the jeep's engine and the occasional rustle of the wind through the trees. Kashiwagi looked at him, her gaze searching his face for any sign of the turmoil he must have been feeling.
She sighed softly, leaning back in her seat. "I can see why they'd feel that way about you, though. You're strong, Shirogane. You've been a pillar of support for all of us." Her tone was light, but there was a seriousness behind her words. "And if you keep this up, Kei and Chizuru won't be the only ones who'll be interested."
Takeru let out a short laugh, though it was more out of discomfort than amusement. "Come on, Kashiwagi, you're exaggerating."
But there was a glint in Haruko's eyes that told him she wasn't entirely joking.
"Maybe. Maybe not," she replied, her smile widening slightly.
He shook his head, focusing on the road as they continued their drive. The jeep bounced lightly over the uneven pavement, the tires crunching on gravel as they turned onto HI-450, the state route that would take them to their destination. The road was narrow, flanked by lush grass and the occasional stand of trees. The landscape was, as always, dotted with fish ponds and sea farms, their still waters reflecting the sky like mirrors. It was a peaceful drive, the kind that almost made Takeru forget about the sunken world beyond the horizon.
They spent about 25 minutes on the road, the scenery passing by in a blur of green and blue. The sun was lower now, casting a warm, golden light over everything. Takeru felt a sense of calm settling over him, a welcome reprieve from the constant tension that seemed to cling to him like a second skin.
Finally, they arrived in Kaunakakai, the town feeling almost quaint after the long drive. Takeru turned right onto Kamoi Street, then made a slight right onto Puali Place, staying on the road as they navigated through the quiet streets. The houses here were modest, with well-tended gardens and a few children playing outside, their laughter carried on the breeze.
He turned left onto Kukui Place, then took another left onto Ing Place, where they found their destination — a gun range nestled discreetly at the end of the street. It was a reward, a rare bit of downtime granted by Major Vickers after the intense operations they had been through.
The gun range was larger than Takeru had expected, with a rustic charm that made it feel more like a place for serious training rather than just recreation. Was it also a place where they trained soldiers? The building was simple, made of weathered wood with a few well-placed signs indicating the different areas for shooting. The entrance led to a small shop where a few islanders were gathered, chatting amicably as they examined various firearms on display.
As Takeru and his squad entered, the noise inside the shop quieted briefly as the locals noticed them. The islanders quickly resumed their conversations, but their glances lingered on Takeru and his group, recognizing them as Surface Pilots.
An instructor approached them, a middle-aged man with a friendly but authoritative demeanor. He took one look at them, his eyes flicking over their uniforms and the fatigue on their faces, and seemed to understand immediately who they were. "Welcome," he said, his voice carrying a slight accent. "Are you here to blow off some steam?"
Takeru nodded, offering a polite smile. "Yeah, something like that."
The instructor grinned, nodding his approval. "You've come to the right place. We've got a good selection of guns ready for you. Follow me, and we'll get you set up."
Takeru glanced back at Kei and Chizuru, who were finally waking up, blinking sleep from their eyes as they stretched and yawned. Kashiwagi gave them a knowing look, her earlier conversation with Takeru still fresh in her mind, but she didn't say anything as they followed the instructor into the range.
The gun range was well-maintained, with several lanes available for different types of shooting. The walls were lined with targets of varying sizes and distances, and the sound of gunfire echoed faintly in the background, muffled by the thick walls.
The instructor led them to their spots, where a selection of firearms was already laid out, ready for use. He gave them a quick overview of the guns, but he didn't waste much time — he could tell these were people who knew what they were doing.
Takeru picked up a rifle, feeling the familiar weight in his hands. It was a simple, straightforward weapon, nothing like the complex systems of a TSF, but there was something comforting about its simplicity. Kei and Chizuru followed suit, each choosing their weapons with practiced ease.
Kashiwagi, always the one to lighten the mood, picked up a handgun and gave it a playful twirl.
"Let's see if I'm as good a shot as I think I am," she said with a grin.
Takeru couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Just don't shoot yourself in the foot," he teased.
Kashiwagi shot him a mock glare, but there was a twinkle in her eye. "As if I'd let that happen," she retorted, raising the gun and taking aim at a target downrange.
As they began firing, the tension that had been building up inside Takeru slowly started to ease. The repetitive motion of aiming and shooting was almost meditative, each shot a release of the stress and worry that had been weighing on him. He glanced over at Kei and Chizuru, both of whom seemed to be similarly focused, their earlier exhaustion fading as they immersed themselves in the task at hand.
Kashiwagi, ever the social one, struck up a conversation with the instructor between rounds, asking him about the range and the locals who frequented it. Takeru half-listened to their chatter, content to let the rhythm of the gunfire occupy his mind.
It wasn't long before they were all engrossed in the activity, the sound of gunfire blending with the instructor's occasional words of advice or encouragement. The range was a place of focus, a temporary escape from the chaos of their lives.
"I should haven't lost my handheld game," Takeru sighed, wondering where he had lost it in this timeline.
Takeru adjusted his stance, settling the rifle snugly against his shoulder as he aimed down the sights. The weight of the weapon felt natural in his hands, a familiar extension of himself that had become second nature over countless loops and battles. His breathing steadied, his finger gently resting on the trigger as he focused on the target downrange.
In his mind, the veteran voice stirred, offering quiet, steady instructions. "Hold it firm, but don't grip it too tight. Let the recoil flow through you, use it to reset for the next shot. Aim for the center mass, then make the adjustment for the bullseye."
Takeru followed the advice instinctively, his body moving in perfect harmony with the rifle. He squeezed the trigger with practiced precision, the shot ringing out as the bullet flew straight and true, striking the bullseye with a satisfying thud. Without hesitation, he lined up the next shot, and the next, each one hitting its mark with deadly accuracy.
The other voices in his head, usually a cacophony of thoughts and opinions, were quiet now, watching in silence as he operated the rifle with a level of skill that only came from endless repetition. "You've done this a thousand times over, in so many loops," the veteran's voice remarked. "Muscle memory is engraved in you, even if you don't remember every loop, your body does."
Chizuru, who had been watching from the side, couldn't help but comment as she noticed Takeru's flawless performance. "You're as good as Tamase was," she said, her tone laced with a hint of nostalgia. "I remember watching her shoot with this kind of precision. You've come a long way, Shirogane."
Kei, standing next to her, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're really on point today. It's like you've been practicing forever."
Takeru didn't respond immediately, his focus still on the task at hand. He continued to fire, each shot a testament to his mastery of the weapon. The rifle felt like an old friend, one he could rely on in the heat of battle. It wasn't that he was a genius, it was the countless experiences that had shaped him into being able to shoot like this. If he couldn't shoot like this even after all the loops he had experienced... then he truly had wasted his time.
Beside him, Kashiwagi Haruko grinned, her competitive spirit ignited. "Alright, Shirogane, let's see if I can keep up!" She grabbed her own rifle, setting up beside him with a determined look in her eyes.
Takeru smiled faintly, not taking his eyes off the target. "Go ahead, Kashiwagi. Give it your best shot."
They both fired in quick succession, their bullets cutting through the air with precision. Kashiwagi was good — she hit the target with commendable accuracy, her shots landing near the center. But Takeru was in a league of his own. Each of his shots was a bullseye, his skill with the rifle honed to near-perfection through countless battles and training sessions.
Kashiwagi's competitive grin faded into a rueful smile as she lowered her rifle, acknowledging Takeru's superior marksmanship. "Alright, alright, I admit it. You've got me beat, Shirogane. You make it look too easy."
Takeru finally lowered his rifle, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Just muscle memory," he said modestly, though he knew there was much more to it than that. The voices inside his head murmured their agreement, reminding him that his skill had been earned through endless loops of struggle and survival. It was a skill not easily learned.
After they finished shooting the allotted rounds, the four of them decided to take a break. They grabbed some drinks from a small vending machine near the benches and settled down to rest. The gun range was still bustling with activity, other people taking their turns at the lanes, the sound of gunfire a constant backdrop.
Takeru sat on one of the benches, taking a long sip from his drink. Kei and Chizuru flanked him on either side, their shoulders brushing against his as they leaned back to relax. Kei's presence was warm and familiar, and Chizuru's posture, though more reserved, was still close enough to convey her intentions.
Kashiwagi, who had been standing nearby, watched the three of them with a helpless shrug, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "You guys are hopeless, you know that?" she teased, her tone light and affectionate.
Kei glanced at her with a smirk. "Jealous, Kashiwagi?"
Kashiwagi laughed softly, shaking her head. "Maybe a little. But hey, I'm not the one getting all cozy with Shirogane here."
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she took another sip of her drink.
Takeru rolled his eyes, a small chuckle escaping him. "You're always looking for trouble, aren't you, Kashiwagi?"
She shrugged again, grinning. "It's what I do best. I have to find something to laugh at, Lieutenant."
Chizuru sighed, though there was no real annoyance in her voice. "Just don't take it too far, okay? We're supposed to be relaxing, not stirring up drama."
"Relaxing is exactly what we're doing," Kashiwagi replied, her grin widening. "Besides, it's nice to see everyone loosen up for a change. I don't like seeing us tired."
Takeru nodded in agreement, taking another sip from his drink. Despite the teasing and banter, he couldn't deny that there was a sense of peace in this moment, a brief respite from the constant tension that had become a part of their lives.
Takeru leaned back on the bench, letting the warm breeze of the Pacific wash over him as he enjoyed the brief respite. The girls had wandered off to check out the other parts of the range, leaving him alone with his thoughts for a moment. His moment of peace was interrupted when he noticed a figure approaching from the corner of his eye. Takeru turned his head slightly and saw Colonel Fujita making his way toward him. The colonel's stride was purposeful, hands inside his jacket, his expression unreadable but with a hint of something Takeru couldn't quite place.
"Lieutenant Shirogane," Colonel Fujita greeted him, his voice smooth and measured as he came to a stop in front of Takeru. "Fancy seeing you here, I hope I'm not interrupting your well-deserved rest."
Takeru stood up, straightening his posture as he faced the colonel. "Not at all, sir," he replied, his tone polite but cautious. He could tell this wasn't just a casual conversation. A busy man like the Colonel wouldn't be here without some intentions.
Fujita offered a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I wanted to commend you on your recent performance. The way you and your squad handled the situation in Hilo was exemplary. It's no wonder people are talking about the 'Hero of Sadogashima' once again."
Takeru inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, but he kept his expression neutral. "Thank you, sir. Just doing my duty."
The colonel's smile widened just a fraction, but there was an edge to it now. "Of course, and you do it well. However, I'm sure you're aware that the situation between the IJMDF, the American Forces, and the Imperial Royal Guard is… delicate, to say the least. Each faction has its own interests, and in times like these, those interests can sometimes clash."
Takeru remained silent, letting Fujita continue. He knew where this was going, and the voices in his head began to stir, offering their insights.
"He's feeling you out," the professional voice warned. "He's trying to see where your loyalties lie again. Be careful."
"This guy's a politician through and through," the veteran voice added. "He'll say whatever he thinks you want to hear to get what he wants. You gotta admit he's persistent on what he does."
Colonel Fujita's tone grew more serious as he leaned in slightly. "There are forces within the Imperial Royal Guard who aren't too pleased with your current… possession of the Takemikazuchi. They see it as a symbol of the Shogun's favor, and some believe it should be returned to its rightful place. But you see, Lieutenant, you've become something of a symbol yourself — a hero to the people, a beacon of hope in these dark times. It would be a shame if that light were to be extinguished."
Takeru's eyes narrowed slightly, understanding the implication behind Colonel Fujita's words. The colonel was subtly suggesting that his position was precarious, that there were those who might try to undermine him if he didn't align himself with the right people.
Before Takeru could respond, Fujita continued, his tone softening as if he were offering a lifeline. "Of course, we might be able to protect you, ensure that your position remains secure — if you were to join us. The IJMDF would welcome a pilot of your caliber, and with your skills, you'd have nothing to fear."
Takeru let the offer hang in the air for a moment, considering his response. The voices in his head buzzed with activity, offering their advice in rapid succession.
"He thinks he can buy you with flattery and promises," the professional voice sneered. "Don't let him think you're that easy to sway."
"Remind him of the power you hold right now," the veteran voice advised. "The people are praising the UN, not the Americans, not the IJMDF, and certainly not the IRG. Use that."
Takeru met Colonel Fujita's gaze steadily, his voice calm but firm. "With all due respect, Colonel, it doesn't matter who I'm aligned with or what machine I pilot. My skills as a Surface Pilot will remain the same. And as for the Takemikazuchi, if the IRG or anyone else wants it back, all they'll have to do is just ask. Do you think I can't fight the way I do without it? Or do I have to remind you how I took care of a Hive in a Gekishin?"
Fujita's expression faltered for a brief moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he quickly regained his composure. Takeru pressed on, his words measured but with an underlying edge.
"You see, Colonel," Takeru continued, "I think you know already that the people aren't praising the American Forces, the IJMDF, or the IRG right now. They're praising the UN and the actions we've taken. The Takemikazuchi might be a symbol, it represents the Shogun's favor toward someone who's proven himself in battle, someone who's been entrusted with this machine for a reason. Sure, some of them might know it, but those who do understand know that the Shogun still holds the UN Forces in good favor."
Fujita's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened, clearly not expecting such a direct response. Takeru could tell he had struck a nerve, but he wasn't finished.
"And even if I were to join a side," Takeru added, his tone taking on a more pointed edge, "you already know which side that would be, considering that the Shogun bestowed the Takemikazuchi to me in the first place."
The colonel's gaze sharpened, and Takeru could see the wheels turning in his mind. Colonel Fujita let out a soft chuckle, his demeanor shifting as he shrugged off the entire conversation.
"Well played, Lieutenant," Colonel Fujita said, his tone lighter now. "It seems you're not so easily convinced. And you're right — people do see you as a sun in the sky, melting away the darkness. Heroes are always in demand, especially one as skilled as you."
With that, Colonel Fujita gave Takeru a respectful nod. "I suppose we'll see how things play out. Until then, Lieutenant, I wish you the best of luck. I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other again and again."
Takeru watched as Colonel Fujita turned and walked away, his mind still processing the exchange.
"He's a politician to the core," the professional voice remarked. "Always angling for an advantage."
"But you handled it well," the veteran voice said, a note of approval in his tone. "You didn't let him push you around. Good job. You should assume that more of this conversation is coming. These people tend to repeat it until you yourself starts wondering about it. He's sowing the seeds. Don't let him."
Takeru sighed softly, feeling the tension ease as Colonel Fujita disappeared from view. He knew this wouldn't be the last time he'd have to fend off offers and threats from different factions, but for now, he had managed to hold his ground.
Just as he was about to let out a breath of relief, he heard footsteps approaching. The girls were coming back, their chatter filling the air as they neared.
Kei was the first to notice the colonel's retreating figure. She glanced at Takeru with a raised eyebrow. "I know that person. What was that about, Shirogane?"
Takeru forced a smile, trying to downplay the encounter. "Nothing important. Just a little chat."
Chizuru wasn't convinced, her eyes narrowing slightly. "With Colonel Fujita? Are you sure?"
Kei simply blinked at him.
Takeru shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "He just wanted to congratulate us on our performance. Nothing more."
Kashiwagi chuckled, giving him a playful nudge. "Well, whatever it was, I'm sure you handled it just fine. Let's get going."
Takeru nodded, leading the group back to the jeep. As he climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine, he retraced their route back to Wavecrest, the girls chatting and laughing in the backseat. But as Takeru drove, his thoughts remained on Colonel Fujita's words, the undercurrents of political maneuvering, and the ever-present question of where his true loyalties lay.
It was tiresome.
Even as the world ends, it seems they want nothing than to secure their power and fight among themselves.
It was something that he had seen and felt too much.
How many victories could they have if they weren't like this?
It was hopeless.
This was how humans were and Takeru hated it.
July 15, 2004
Hawaii/Molokai Leasehold
Wavecrest
Night had fallen over Wavecrest, the base's lights casting a soft glow over the complex as Takeru made his way toward Major Vickers' office. The day had been long and eventful, and now, with the darkness settling in, the weight of his thoughts seemed even heavier. The conversation with Colonel Fujita lingered in his mind, a reminder of the delicate balance of power that surrounded them here in Hawaii.
He reached the door to Vickers' office and knocked lightly before entering. The major was seated behind his desk, the dim light casting shadows across his stern features. He looked up as Takeru entered, gesturing for him to sit.
"Lieutenant Shirogane," Major Vickers greeted him, his tone measured. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon. What can I do for you?"
Takeru took a seat across from the major, his expression serious. "Sir, I wanted to report on an encounter I had today with Colonel Fujita."
Vickers raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Colonel Fujita? From the IJMDF, right? Go on."
Takeru recounted the conversation, detailing how Fujita had tried to persuade him to join the IJMDF and the implications of such an offer. He spoke of the colonel's warnings about the Takemikazuchi and the factions that might want to take it back, as well as Fujita's suggestion that his position was precarious.
When Takeru finished, Vickers leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "I see," he said slowly. "Thank you for your transparency, Lieutenant. It's not surprising that Fujita would approach you, given the current state of affairs. You're a valuable asset, Shirogane — both as a pilot and as a symbol."
Takeru nodded, understanding the gravity of his position. "I made it clear to the colonel that my skills as a Surface Pilot remain regardless of the machine I'm piloting. But I assured him that I'm staying with the UN as long as I can. The Takemikazuchi may be a symbol, but it doesn't define where my loyalties lie and whose sides I'm staying at the moment."
Vickers studied Takeru for a moment before nodding. "I'm glad to hear that. Having you on our side has done wonders for morale, and I don't just mean your squad. The entire base feels more secure knowing you're here. Your prowess in using a TSF is, frankly, a deterrent in itself."
Takeru shifted slightly in his seat, the praise making him uncomfortable. "I'm just doing my job, sir."
The major leaned forward, his gaze intense. "You're doing more than that, Shirogane. You're a hero, whether you want to be or not. But I need you to understand something — being a hero makes you a target. It's easy to make a martyr out of a hero, and there are those who wouldn't hesitate to try."
Takeru's eyes narrowed slightly as he absorbed the warning. "You think someone might try to take me out?"
Vickers sighed, his expression grim. "It's a possibility we can't ignore. You've become a symbol of hope, but that also means you're a threat to those who see the UN's presence as a challenge to their authority. If they can't convince you to join them, they might decide you're better off dead. And if they can't beat you in a TSF, then they'd try with you not in one."
Takeru felt a chill run down his spine, the reality of the situation sinking in. The voices in his head murmured their concerns, each one offering its perspective on the danger he was in.
"He's right," the veteran voice agreed. "You're a target now, and not just for the BETA. Better carry that sidearm of yours. Never forget it."
"Stay sharp," the professional voice advised. "Trust no one outside of your squad."
Takeru looked at Vickers, his expression resolute. "Is that why you sent us to the gun range today? To keep us sharp, just in case?"
The major gave a slight nod. "Partly, yes. I wanted to make sure you and your squad are prepared for anything, not just on the battlefield but here as well. We can't afford to be caught off guard. Not when we're stepping on eggshells. Like I said, Lieutenant, Surface Pilots have a political role to play, no matter whether we like it or not."
Takeru clenched his fists, a sense of unease settling over him. The thought of being hunted not just by the BETA but by other humans was unsettling. The war with the BETA was supposed to be the only fight, but now it was clear that the battle for survival extended to the political arena as well.
Vickers watched Takeru closely, his voice softer but still firm. "Remember this, Shirogane. As much as you're a hero, you're also a symbol of something bigger. The UN forces represent more than just military power, we represent the hope that humanity can stand together against a common enemy. But that makes us a threat to those who would rather see us divided. If they can't have us, they'd rather see us gone."
Takeru nodded, understanding the weight of the responsibility that had been placed on his shoulders. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep that in mind, sir."
The major offered a small, approving smile. "I believe you will. Just stay vigilant, Lieutenant. We're in a delicate situation, and one wrong move could tip the balance. Honestly, the fact we're not pissing people off is a miracle."
With that, Vickers dismissed him, and Takeru left the office, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. The night air was cool as he stepped outside, but the tension in his chest made it hard to breathe. He found himself holding his head, the pressure of it all weighing heavily on him.
"This is too much," the bratty voice muttered. "How are we supposed to fight the BETA and deal with all this political crap?"
"We don't have a choice," the veteran voice replied, more composed. "This is the reality of war. It's not just about who has the biggest guns, it's about who can outmaneuver the other, politically and strategically."
"We have to stay focused nonetheless," the professional voice urged. "We can't let them get to us. Just don't forget that the BETA is still the real enemy."
Takeru took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The voices were right, as they often were. He trusted them. The BETA were still the primary threat, but he couldn't ignore the dangers posed by the political landscape around him.
He had to remain vigilant, not just on the battlefield but in every aspect of his daily life.
Takeru found it utterly tiresome.
No matter how many times he encountered it, it remained deeply unsettling. Humanity, it seemed, was often its own worst enemy. He couldn't shake the suspicion that Lord Ikaruga was right — people could be intellectual peasants, hopelessly digging their own graves without even realizing it. Even in the aftermath of the world's end, they would rather argue and bicker than concentrate on what truly mattered.
No wonder they couldn't see the cherry blossoms even after a thousand lifetimes.
