Towards the Sea of Stars
"It's the scrapped wreckage of a battleship, sunken ages ago.", said Kodai, eyes fixed on the two wrecks. "But I never heard about another wreckage being here."
"Could they be what the enemy was reconning?", asked Shima.
"Maybe."
—
WARNING.
Incoming enemy units.
Altitude: 3000 ft
Identified as: DWG-229 "Malenka"
No. Of units: 6
Alert: Incoming friendly units
Identified as: Type-99 "Cosmo Falcons"
ETA: approx. 2 minutes
Bonomisaki Cape
"What would the enemy want with these ancient battleships?"
Back at the two wreckages of titanic proportions, Kodai and Shima remain on top of the rock wall, both stumped and confused.
Suddenly, the sound of engines whizzing is heard from above. Both men look up top and spot a squadron of green flying-wing aircraft approaching from above.
"It's them!", Kodai exclaimed. Both he and Shima take cover behind some rubble.
Three of the aircraft break formation and begin their attack run, each launching six missiles towards the two battleships.
"Why would they attack something like this?", wondered Kodai over the sounds of explosions.
—
Up above, a large star-shaped craft descends from the Earth's atmosphere. As it does, one of its "arms" opens up to reveal six more of the flying wings, all armed with missiles and descending rapidly to their targets.
The two battleships.
—
"The enemy is presently bombing the Bonomisaki Cape area. All personnel, remain on standby in the shelter."
In an underground tunnel, alarms blare out and warning lights flash as people try to stay still amid the shaking and sounds of explosions above them.
"Are we going to be alright?", one man asked.
"We're boarding that ship. We can't die here in this tunnel!", another replied.
—
Above ground, it's chaos as more aircraft are on their attack runs and raining down missiles after missiles on the two battleships, explosions going off everywhere.
"Where are they coming from?", Shima asked as Kodai took out a pair of binoculars and scanned the skies.
Seeing a glint from above, Kodai moved his binoculars up and focused on a star-shaped ship.
"A carrier?"
Zooming in on the image, he sees the star-shaped carrier's centre lighting up with blue energy.
"Shit, it's about to fire!"
The carrier finished charging up its weapon and unleashed a large blue laser, sweeping across both ships with an explosion detonating from the stern on the ship with one smoke stack.
The carrier then prepares to charge up its laser once again.
—
WARNING!
Altitude: 5000 ft
Identified as: Polmeria Class carrier
Armaments: 3 twin missile launchers, 1 laser cannon
Alert: Enemy is charging up laser cannon.
Initiate Protocol 2: Protect the vessel...
Activate AA armaments...
Negative, attracts "Too much attention"
Alternative solution...
Activate Deck Turret 2, load HE shells...
HE shells Loading...
HE shells loaded.
Aiming Deck Turret 2...
—
Suddenly, the ground begins to shake about as a turret of the other battleship with two smoke stacks raises with a loud whirring sound, dislodging debris from its triple barrels. Turning to starboard, the guns elevate upwards and aim at the carrier from above.
Just as the carrier is about to fire its laser again, the triple barrels of the battleship's guns fire, smoke and flames leaving the ends of the barrels with a distinct gunpowder smell.
Three shells travel up and they all strike at the carrier, piercing it. After a brief second, the shells detonate and send the carrier into a scrap heap.
Kodai and Shima look on in awe and surprise as they see the falling flaming wreckage of where the carrier once was.
The two men then heard another explosion, turning around to see one of the many enemy aircraft shot down. The other aircraft scattered as approaching from above are six fighters, three with purple and three with orange highlights. All are labelled with the UN logo on their fuselage.
The Cosmo Falcons have arrived.
The two groups of UN fighters split off to scan for their targets. Three pairs of air-to-air missiles are fired from the purple fighters, weaving swiftly through the air and blowing up as they make contact with the enemy.
The lead orange Falcon, piloted by a certain irate man with a buzz cut, tails behind an enemy craft. Pulling the trigger, he peppers his target with lethal cannon fire and sends the enemy craft down in flames.
The other Falcons with orange highlights get up close and personal, shooting down Garmillian aircraft after aircraft with ruthless efficiency with their cannon fire.
"It's the Air Defence Force!", exclaimed Shima in joy, seeing all the invading forces being defeated by the Earth defenders.
As the last of the intruding aircraft is shot down, Kato in his lead orange Falcon reports in with his radio.
"This is Alpha Leader. We've finished the welcoming party for our "guests"."
"OK, Alpha Leader. We've confirmed it here as well. Return to base."
"Roger that."
Kato and his two wingmen make a sharp left turn towards their base. As they fly past the two battleship wreckages, Kato spots two people on the ground, one waving to attract attention.
Kato immediately knew who those two people were, however, and proceeded to continue on his flight back.
"Tch, those idiots."
"Hey, what's your problem!? You're just going to leave us here?!", Shima yelled out punching the air as he and Kodai watched on to see the Cosmo Falcons get further and further away into the horizon.
While Shima continues to yell out obscenities at their lack of rescue, Kodai turns around to face the battleship that fired its gun, seemingly under its power.
"It's alive...that rusted old ship..."
Pluto
On the terraformed surface of Pluto, a Garmillian outbase is stationed to monitor the status of planet Earth. Inside, a large display shows transmitted footage of two sunken Earth vessels being bombarded by their fighter crafts recorded from the Polmeria carrier.
"Shouldn't we report this to Commander Goer, on planet Balan?", one officer asked his superior and base commander in Garmillian. Both men's upper faces were shadowed.
"We lost a carrier.", replied the commander. "And what do you think will happen if that opportunist reports this to Headquarters."
"We'll deal with this ourselves.", the commander decided, as the footage now shows one of the battleships aiming its gun at the camera. Explosions emit from the barrels, then the feed goes static.
"We'll destroy it from long range. Ready the IPB. Set it for a slow cruise to conserve fuel, then once it reaches Terran orbit bring it to maximum thrust to ensure its destruction."
"Yes, sir!"
"...we cannot fail."
That ship will regret the day it made a fool out of me.
Hospital
Inside Dr, Sado's office, Kodai and Shima are sitting down on a stool each being checked out, both sporting bruise marks on their left cheeks. Looking behind his left shoulder, Shima spots Kato being tended to by assistant nurse Harada and bandaging his right hand.
"Okay, please be careful with that hand.", Harada said.
Giving a good few flexes with his fingers, Kato immediately turns his head left to face Shima with a growl and a glare. It seems he's still mad at the stunt done by the two men.
"Hey, he's glaring at us..", Shima whispered to Kodai.
Dr. Sado laughs, recounting the story of the two men before him.
"Hehehehe, it's nice to be young. Well, I'm sure it should be fine. I'd say the radiation exposure isn't too severe."
Picking up a striped tabby cat that just leapt onto his desk, the bald doctor gives it a couple of rubs on its head. "I won't be seeing you for a while, Mew."
The cat, Mew, only gives a meow in response.
"Come to think of it, didn't you boys get the order to go, too?", Dr. Sado asked, turning his chair to face Kodai, Shima, and the now approaching Kato.
"Y-yes, sir.", said Kodai.
Operations Room
"All over the world, energy resources are drying up."
In a global teleconference meeting, Todo, Seizawa, the Okita grandfather and son, and Sanada stood before a large screen showing the live portraits of the remaining world leaders.
"To make matters worse, famine, riots, and poisonous spores from those strange plants are slowly but surely destroying the planet.", said the US representative, David Shaw.
"We still have time left, but how much is unknown.", Todo said.
"Hmm. Now that the enemy's discovered our plan, when are we executing it?", asked UN Secretary-General, Donald Campbell.
Okita replied. "We shall continue as planned. We set sail within three weeks."
"I'm told that most of the proposed crew was killed in the bombing earlier.", informed David.
"There were indeed some casualties, but even with the setback I'm confident that the plan will succeed."
"You are the hero of the Second Battle of Mars.", said the Middle East representative, Mohammad Madbouly. "I'll put my faith in your words."
Seizawa closes his eyes and sighs quietly through his nose, to which Todo gives him a cautionary side-eye.
To think that you've been plotting such a nefarious scheme behind my back, Seizawa. I had my suspicions, but Abraham's evidence proves it. Though you have slowly changed for the better.
"This plan is being executed under the United Nations authority, but all sectors are isolated from each other.", said Campbell, his expression solemn. "Unfortunately, we cannot help you directly."
"The situation is the same from our end, but we'll do our best to provide whatever assistance is needed.", said David.
The European representative, Mary Eldred, spoke up. "Please, the entire world's hope rests with the success of your program, Abraham."
"Don't worry, Madam. The Montana program will succeed.", reassured Abraham to the representatives. "I'll make sure of it."
Pluto
Within the Garmillian outbase, the hatches of a large underground silo open and reveal a large black missile the size of an asteroid rising via an elevator.
Klaxons ring out and within the base's control centre, a countdown is called out through loudspeakers.
"Ten.
Nine.
Eight.
Seven.
Six.
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two.
One.
Launch IPB."
Countdown complete, the missile's thrusters ignite, slowly rising into the air and picking up speed as it leaves Pluto's atmosphere.
Its destination?
Earth.
Its mission?
To eradicate the planet into nothing.
—
11 February 2199
UN Headquarters, Courtyard
"Is it finally time?"
"The Izumo Plan entails leaving Earth, right?"
"But we can't just abandon Earth, it's our home."
Two men in blue uniforms voice out their concerns amidst a large crowd of UN personnel. Sanada and Niimi stand near the front, the former's face stoic and the latter giving them a side glance.
In another area of the crowd, Shima and Kodai stood straight with Kato behind them, clenching his bandaged right hand. Shima nervously glances over his shoulder.
Upfront on a raised platform and dressed in his Navy uniform, Okita walked forward to address the crowd. Tapping and hearing the loud feedback from the microphone, he cleared his throat and spoke out.
"Men. Women. Every one of you has been specifically trained and selected for the Izumo Plan.", began Okita, his voice echoing out to the crowd.
"Today, I'll formally announce your mission. But it isn't the Izumo Plan, which was to escape Earth and inhabit another suitable planet."
The crowd murmured at this revelation, but Okita continued.
"I'll explain. But first, I'd like you to look at this."
He gestures to the large billboard display behind him, changing from a default UN logo screensaver to a video.
"This is a video message our software engineers managed to recover from Operation M yesterday."
The video plays as the sound of a regal female voice speaks.
"I am Starsha, of the planet Iscandar. Your planet has almost been completely destroyed by the Garmillians."
"The Garmillians...", whispered Kodai, finally knowing what their enemies were.
"I learned of this one year ago and sent my sister Yurisha to Earth with the plans for a Dimensional Wave Motion Engine."
The video shows a 3D model of a golden spaceship with blueprints of said Engine in the background.
"It's just what we saw on Mars.", Kodei pointed out, recognising the golden ship.
"If you can understand and build the Engine, come to our planet. Iscandar holds a device which can cleanse the pollution and rebuild your planet."
The video shows the planet Iscandar, a blue planet similar to Earth with a green landmass surrounded by a blue ocean.
"What? Something like that is possible?", Shima said. Others murmured at the possibility of such a device.
"Unfortunately, I can no longer take the plans to Earth myself."
The video fades to an image of Starsha herself, sitting on a throne of purple crystals. With long blonde hair and amber eyes, she exudes the perfect image of royal beauty.
"So, she's an Isacandarian.", one man said out loud.
"She's pretty...", another muttered.
"I have now sent you the Wave Motion Core, the activation unit for the Dimensional Wave Motion Engine, with my other sister Sasha. I believe that you'll overcome unknown dangers and reach Iscandar."
"I am Starsha, of the planet Iscandar."
The video concludes with Starsha's face fading in over the planet of Iscandar, before cutting off and displaying the UN logo screensaver.
"Over one year ago, Earth received technological assistance from Iscandar.", Okita continued to the crowd. "And we now have a spaceship capable of interstellar travel."
"Interstellar travel? I had no idea that's possible.", said Shima.
"That ship's name? The Montana!"
The crowd let out voices of shock and surprise. A new spaceship? One that can save Earth?
"Montana?", wondered Kodai.
"Before I continue further, I would like to have the head of the Project Montana program speak up about the new ship."
Okita then stepped back to make space as another figure walked forward to the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen. My name is Captain Abrahan Okita, head of the Project Montana program."
Some of the crowd gasped in shock.
"Okita has an another relative?"
"One high up in the Cosmos Navy ranks as well?"
"Could this be nepotism at play?"
"I doubt that. This is the great Okita we're talking about."
"Why haven't we heard about this program until now?"
"I'm sure many of you have questions, but the short answer is: One, I am Okita's grandson. Two, I wasn't given special treatment or any favouritism because of my relationship. Three, I don't like to be in the spotlight so I asked for my name to be not mentioned in any materials. That will be all about me, but I'm sure you're not here for my life."
"Instead I'm here to give you a brief talk about the ship you will be crewing tomorrow. Why am I revealing this information now? Well, this project was considered so classified that only a select few, including myself, could know. Until now."
The large display changed to a 3D model of a spaceship many were unfamiliar with. Two people in the crowd, however, quickly recognised what ship it was.
"Wait, Shima. That was the ship you saw back on Mars, right?", Kodai said, gently elbowing his best friend beside him.
"The one who prevented the First Fleet sinking? Yeah, that's definitely it.", Shima confirmed.
"This is the Cosmo Navy's latest and possibly the most powerful warship ever developed. The Montana.", Abraham explained.
"7 years ago, when Earth was beginning to be bombed by the Garmillians, the United States attempted to build a Super Dreadnought/Battleship class spaceship, in an effort to defend Earth against the planet bombs. However, as the situation continued to worsen and raw materials became more scarce, the project was eventually shelved, with only the hull being completed."
"But during a UN meeting last year, the existence of the battleship was revealed. With the assistance of Iscandarian technology and the declaration of Project Montana-Yamato between both Japan and the United States, we have managed to fully complete the Montana."
"Originally, a different ship built for Project Izumo, the Yamato which is now fully built, was planned for the star voyage. But instead, we decided to use a ship that was purpose-built for combat and survival rather than a refuge ship. In doing so, we also decided to transfer some of Yamato's systems to Montana so most of your existing training would still be effective."
The billboard display reverts back to its default screensaver.
"That's all I needed to say. You can take it from here, Admiral Okita.", Abraham stepped aside for Okita to step up back to the microphone.
"Thank you, Captain. According to the capsule, Iscandar is roughly 168,000 light years away from Earth in the Large Magellanic Cloud. This journey, a return trip of 336,000 light years, will be a voyage like nothing humanity has ever experienced. We're not forcing anyone to come. Any who wish to stay behind may do so."
Behind him, Hijikata stood behind Okita as he heard his speech. His gaze then draws towards Abraham, curiosity in his eyes.
So that's Okita's grandson, huh? The saviour from the future. He almost looks like younger Okita back in our Academy days.
"All of you will set sail and depart at 0600 hours Japan Standard Time. Anyone who does not report on time will be assumed to have decided to stay behind. That is all.", Okita finishes with a salute. The entire crowd salutes back in unison.
—
"It's a shame. If Yamamoto were still alive, he would've loved this.", a man with brown shoulder-length hair commented to Kato in the crowd.
"Shut up! Don't say it out loud, Shinohara. You-know-who is just behind us.", Kato berates back.
The man, Shinohara, winces and apologizes, "Damn, sorry."
Behind the two men, a young woman with white hair looks forward, a hint of emptiness in her red eyes.
"I'll now announce the personnel in charge of each section.", Mori announced to the crowd, holding a data pad in her hands. Sat beside her right are Todo and Seizawa.
"Engine room: Hizonaemon Tokugawa."
In the crowd, Tokugawa's group of engineers all smile at their senior leader. Tokugawa himself only smiled and rubbed his balding head.
"Engineering: Shiro Sanada. Major Sanada will also serve as deputy commander."
Sanada made no obvious reaction, only looking forward with a calm and level gaze.
"Next, Tactics: Susumu Kodai."
Huh? Me?, Kodai thought, shocked that he was given such an important role.
"Lucky.", Shima said, giving Kodai a smile.
One person, however, is not happy with that decision.
"Seriously?", Nanbu uttered with wide eyes. I have to serve under him?! He's even younger than me!
"Navigation: Daisuke Shima."
This time, Shima is the one shocked.
"Heh, lucky.", Kodai cheekily says with a similar smile.
—
Okita's Quarters
"Are you sure you want to cover this journey for me? The medicine for my condition should clear me fit for duty."
Inside Okita's room, Abraham is packing up his personal items in a suitcase. After making sure everything was secured, he closed it with a click.
"It's OK, grandpa. I wanted to take this since I made the choice to come back.", Abraham replied to his grandfather behind him, picking up his suitcase. "While the cure for the Planet Bomb Syndrome has a 100% success rate, I don't want to take any unnecessary risks and put more stress on you in case your condition acts up in a way that the cure couldn't counteract it."
Abraham turned around to face his grandfather, giving him a smile. "Besides, I remember you telling me you always wanted to be a man of science; an astrophysicist even. I will make sure of that."
Okita only smiled back and chuckled. "Only very few people know about that. Just be sure you come back again safe and sound."
"Will do, Grandpa."
Abraham gave his grandfather a hug, to which Okita returned with a pat on the back.
"Oh, I almost forgot.", Okita broke the hug, then searched around his room for something. He returned with a picture frame in his hands.
"I'm sure you don't need it, but please take this."
Abraham took the picture, seeing it's a family portrait of Okita standing proud behind his late son and daughter-in-law. Both father and son are wearing Cosmo Navy uniforms with the daughter-in-law wearing a simple pink sweater.
Abraham smiled sadly.
Dad, I'm sorry you have to die and so soon after taking me in. Mom, I'm sure you're still grieving but Grandpa is grieving even harder. I don't think you ever forgiven him, even after he died.
"Thanks, Grandpa. But can you promise me something in return?"
"Oh? What is it?"
"Please try to reach out to Mom. Even if she hates you for leading Dad and many men to their deaths, she at least deserves to know that she's not alone with missing Dad."
Okita widens his eyes and then looks down, shame in his eyes. He then looks back to his grandson, shame replaced with determination.
"Okay, I will. An Okita never backs down on their promise."
Suddenly, the door to Okita's room gave a buzz, indicating that someone was coming in.
"This is Ryu. I'm coming in."
The door opens with a hiss and in walks in Hijikata.
"So this is Okita's grandson. I'll admit, the family resemblance is there if Okita were to be younger.", Hijikata comments.
"I know what you're here for, Grunkle Ryu.", Abraham said.
"Grunkle?", Hijikata asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You and Grandpa were best friends, brothers even. I shortened Grand and Uncle together to simplify things."
"I see. I appreciate that you see me as family, but regarding why I'm here I'm sure I don't need to explain."
Abraham only nodded his head.
"Are you sure you're going no matter what? You're still young, and I can go in your steed. Even Juzo can go instead. There's no shame in letting either one of us take your place."
Abraham's grip on his suitcase tightens. "This return journey of 336,000 light years is not like anything anybody here has taken before. I don't want to see Grandpa's health deteriorating and dying again on this trek, he deserves to live out his life and retire peacefully. I want to give everybody a happy ending if possible."
Eyes narrowing, Abraham declared, "I'm going on this journey and seeing it through, no matter what."
A moment passed before Hijikata broke the silence.
"I see. If you're just as stubborn as your grandfather, then I have nothing else to say."
"I'll be heading out. Please, take care of planet Earth. Give 'em hell."
"We will.", answered Hijikata.
"Good luck.", added Okita.
Abraham bowed to his seniors, before exiting his grandfather's quarters, suitcase in hand. When the door closed behind him, Okita sat down on his bed with Hijikata beside him.
"...He truly is a good kid."
"Yeah, a great head on his shoulders too. I must say this, even if he's adopted, he definitely is your grandson in every sense."
"I suppose I'm lucky to have him in my life. Hmm?"
Okita gave a hum of confusion, his hands feeling an unfamiliar object beneath his thighs. Picking it up, he silently gasped at what it was.
—
Laboratory
Sanada watches on as two technicians push two halves of a large metal container into a white capsule.
With Montana's already established star maps, I suppose we don't need to probe her memories for the location of Iscandar. , thought Sanada as the two halves clicked together with a hiss. The container is then pushed out of the lab.
Still, it feels wrong for us to just leave her on Earth stuck in a coma. We'll return her back home, and hopefully, they'll be able to wake her back up., continued Sanada as the container was pushed further and further away from his sight.
—
Jupiter
IPB ID No.: 002
Launched from: Plat Frontline Base, Plat
Destination: Teron
ETA: 12 Sol Hours
Current location: Zupist
—
Yamamoto Residence
"So, I'm told you'll also be serving on board the Montana."
Kato, after paying his respects to his fallen brother-in-arms, asks the silver-haired Akira whom he saw as his sister.
"I requested for the pilot squad, like my brother.", Akira responded, but Kato declined this request.
"I'm sorry, but you'll be assigned to the Quartermasters Division.", Kato replied with a shake of his head.
This only dampened Akira's mood, her head down and looking at a ruby red pendant on her neck. Kato notices this and tries to explain.
"Hey, what I'm trying to say is I want the best for you. I don't want to lose you like how we lost Akio. I only chose this for you because that's my responsibility as your brother."
He then gets up and puts a hand on Akira's shoulder, before exiting out the door and leaving the silver-haired woman to be.
Once the door closes, Akira stands up and walks towards her bathroom. Walking to a mirror and picking up a pair of scissors, she then cuts her long silver hair down.
—
Tokugawa Residence
"You don't have to go, Dad."
"Your retirement is coming up in two months!"
Hikozaemon Tokugawa is dressed up in his blue Navy uniform and is now done with fitting his shoes as he prepares for the upcoming mission. Behind him, his son and daughter-in-law, Hikoshichi and Kikuko, are trying to convince their father to stay behind.
"He asked me to go on this mission. That's all I needed to hear.", Tokugawa replied.
Just behind him, a door opens and Tokugawa's second son, Tasuke, walks in with a little girl in his arms.
"Aiko, time to say goodbye to your grandfather.", Tasuke said to the little girl, Aiko, who reached out for her grandfather.
"Granpapa!"
"Oh, little Aiko!", the elder Tokugawa gently took his granddaughter into his arms, hugging her. "Don't worry, I'll be back."
"When will you be back, Grampapa?"
"Hopefully, I'll be home soon. But while I'm gone, be a good girl and listen to your Mom and Dad, alright?"
"Okay!"
—
Far East Transport Hub, Stop 23
Standing within the large crowd before a bus stop, Shima in his blue uniform is waiting for the bus to transport him to the launch site where he and his crew-mates would take them to the stars.
"Daisuke nii-chan!"
Hearing the familiar voice of a young boy behind him, Shima looked past his shoulders and, to his surprise, saw his brother running towards him in a hurry.
"Jiro! What's wrong? Why are you here?", Shima asked and got to his knees to be level with his little brother.
"Mom asked me to give you this."
Jiro then took a small lucky charm from his hoodie pocket and gave it to his brother.
"She said she forgot to give this to Dad, so she's giving it to you for good luck."
Shima, touched by this gesture, gave a small smile.
"I see. Mom always worries about us boys too much."
Putting the charm into his uniform pocket, Shima looks towards his little brother and rubs his head.
"Don't worry. Your brother will be back. So in the meantime, take care of Mom and don't give her trouble."
"Yes, sir!", Jiro said, performing a playful salute.
Just then, the sounds of engines and rumbling tyres are heard as transport vans arrive at the stop. After opening the doors, people begin to funnel into the van a take their seats.
"Oh shoot. I have to go. I'll see you and Mom soon."
"Bye, Daisuke!"
Entering the van and taking his seat, he watches out of the window and sees his brother waving goodbye as the van pulls away from the stop.
—
Kodai Residence
Inside his room, Susumu Kodai is packing up his bag as he listens to a live news broadcast on the television. The headline reads, "Bombing at Zone 7 Management Center Building".
"Riots in response to the new Project Montana Program's announcement have been significantly worse compared to the previous Yamato Plan, and rioters have destroyed the Zone 7 Management Centre Building with an improvised bomb.", a news reporter said. "At least ten casualties were reported, with many more injured. Authorities are asking rioters to remain calm, but-"
Having heard enough and finished packing up his bag, Kodai picked up the remote and turned off the television.
"So, I heard you'll be on the Montana, huh?"
Behind him, Mamoru leans against their shared bunk bed as Susumu turns to face his brother.
"Yeah, and I'm ready to face whatever comes our way. Especially with you by our side."
"Sorry, little brother. But I'm staying behind for this mission.", Mamoru answered with a shake of his head, surprising Kodai.
"Huh? Why?"
"Well, I was originally picked for this mission, but I declined. Saying that I want to give you a chance of setting your foot into the unknown. Besides, the battle at Pluto gave me a reality check on how much I would lose."
Mamoru stood up straight and walked up to his brother, hands in his pockets.
"And I have a strong feeling that you with your crew will complete this journey and make it back home. And here."
He took out an object from his pocket and handed it to Kodai. In his hands, Kodai gasped at what it was.
"Dad's harmonica? But that's yours, isn't it?"
"Mhm, and I'm giving this to you. As a way to remember that I'm always there for you."
Susumu only looked at the harmonica in silence for a brief moment, then hugged his brother. Mamoru simply returned the hug.
—
Montana/Yamato Launch Site, a few kilometres away
A convoy of vans carrying the crew of Montana is speeding down in an underground tunnel to the launch site of the spaceship in question. Inside one of the vans, a certain ship's doctor is feeling upset about something.
"Oh, I'm so worried I'm feeling nauseous...", Dr. Sado murmured, clutching his bottle of sake.
"Don't worry Doctor. The ship's OMCS can produce whatever alcohol you'd want, whenever you want.", Harada spoke beside him.
"No, not that! About Mew! I have to leave Mew behind!"
"Oh, I see. Don't worry, I'm sure he can take care of himself."
Sitting across the pair, Kodai looked out at the window at the speeding tunnel walls, his mind wondering about.
I wonder how what Montana looks like in person. Captain Abraham said that he's the project leader, right? Would he be our captain on this mission? Not gonna lie, I'm kinda looking forward to this.
His thoughts are broken as the van exits the tunnel and onto a roadway going uphill. As the van reaches the summit, Kodai and many others silently gasp at the sight of a large red structure lodged in the rocky ceiling.
The van soon reaches the summit before a security checkpoint. Upon being cleared, the van slowly accelerates toward a large pair of air stairs leading up to a bridge before coming to a complete stop.
"All preflight inspections are complete, all green. Guide the crew vehicles to Bridge 4 to begin boarding. All maintenance and repair personnel are to begin loading the aircraft into the hanger."
An announcement is made over the loudspeakers as Kodai steps off the van and turns around in amazement at the new ship he's standing underneath.
"Is this the Montana?", he wondered out loud as he looked up to see a massive triple-barrelled gun above him.
"Wow, they really all out on firepower for this ship."
—
"So, I suppose this will go to the autopilot room then?"
Senior Chief Petty Officer Isamu Enomoto, his uniform embroidered with a logo of a navy blue anchor and the letterings "SBB-67 Montana", and a ground staff colleague looked onto a white metallic crate being unloaded onto a small mobile platform before them.
"Nah, been told to leave it in the medical ward. They already got something else for that room.", Enomoto answered the ground staff as the metal crate was being moved away. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kodai looking at the massive spaceship in absolute wonder.
Heh. We're all amazed at our first sight, kiddo., Enomoto thought with a smirk at seeing the awestruck Kodai.
—
As Kodai approached the air stairs he joined a queue of people who were being cleared one at a time by a pair of guards, one wielding a rifle and the other a data pad. When it was his turn, the guard with the data pad stopped him with a raised hand.
"Name, rank, and identification, please.", the guard asks.
"Oh, uh, Lieutenant Susumu Kodai. Chief Tactical Officer.", Kodai responds, reaching into his uniform to pick out his ID card and giving it to the guard. "Here's my ID."
The guard took a moment to check the given ID card, lifting the card up at Kodai's face to check for discrepancies while glancing to check his datapad. The armed guard then did a brief frisk search on Kodai to check for any suspicious items on his body.
Having felt nothing suspicious, the armed guard gave a thumbs up to his colleague. Giving an approving hum, the other guard hands back the ID card to Kodai and steps aside.
"Alright, everything checks out. You may head up to Bridge 1, the signs and elevators should help."
"Thank you."
—
EDFS Montana, Bridge 1
"All crew have boarded, sir. However, one has been given a close supervision status due to...possible mutiny?"
Mori reported to Abraham in his private quarters, holding a data pad that's marked with all tickboxes checked out.
"That's alright, thank you Mori. All that's needed is the Engine to get the all clear."
"Captain, all systems report green."
Another voice said as Sasha arrived at the quarters, holding and looking at a data pad. Looking up and seeing Mori, both women looked at each other in a momentary silence.
"...I'm sorry, but do I recognise you?", Mori asked.
"No, this is our first meeting, right? I'm Lieutenant Sasha Okita, 1st Operations Manager.", Sasha introduced herself with an extended hand. "Pleased to meet you. Hope we get along."
Mori simply returned the handshake, and then her mind quickly caught up on what Sasha said.
"Wait, Sasha Okita? Are you perhaps...?"
"Well, see for yourself."
Sasha raised her left hand, revealing a gold ring on her ring finger. Mori gasped and gave a smile to Abraham and Sasha, giving them a quick congratulations before leaving the quarters.
—
EDFS Montana, Engine Room
Deep inside Montana's Engine room, Sanada, wearing a protective suit, is holding a metal capsule containing the Wave Motion Core. He shows it to the Engine staff crew.
"This is the Wave Motion Core. The device needed to start and keep the Wave Motion Engine running.", Sanada explained.
"So this capsule is the last thing we needed to start this engine?", Tokugawa asked, looking curiously at the device.
"To put it simply, yes."
Sanada turns to the Wave Motion Engine and opens a heavy door. Shutting the door behind him and walking inside the Engine's chamber, he turns to see a plug-in which he inserted the Core's capsule. Turning a handle, the Engine's systems are initiated and an automated female voice speaks out.
"Wave Motion Core accepted. Origin: Iscandar."
"Wave Motion Core has been installed.", Sanada reports as he exits the Engine's chamber. "Engine output has been confirmed."
"Has the Engine started?", Tokugawa asked, standing before a control panel along with Yabu, Yamazaki, and other crew members.
"No, not yet. We still need significantly more energy to actually start the Engine."
"Well, that's pretty mean of our goddess, don't you think?", Yabu dejectedly comments.
"Good news is, if we start up the auxiliary reactors we should be able to produce enough energy to get the Engine started.", Sanada says, bringing Yabu's spirits back up.
—
EDFS Montana, Hanger Bay
"All crew are to change into their uniform after boarding. Follow your assigned instructions and remain on standby at your station."
Taking a small detour, Kodai, now donning his proper uniform, enters the Hanger and sees a Cosmo Zero, folded up for storage on a rotating platform.
"Tactical Officer."
A voice calls out, revealing to be Kato who's approaching Kodai. Standing before his superior officer, he performs a salute to whom Kodai salutes back.
"I'll obey your orders since you're my commanding officer. But if I get any of my men killed for nothing,"
Kato gave a hard glare, one that promised pain.
"...there will be absolute hell to pay."
Kodai, remaining calm, replied, "Don't worry about that. We're all counting on each other. And by the way."
He bows down, surprising Kato.
"I'm sorry for the stunt I pulled back at the hangers."
Kato took a moment to process Kodai's apology. Shaking his head and cracking a little smirk, he gave his reply.
"Heh, don't worry. What's done is done."
Unbeknownst to the two men, a certain white-haired woman, earlier looking at the Zero, is listening in to their conversation before silently moving away.
—
Bridge 1
After saying his farewell to Kato and leaving the hangers, Kodai continued further up to the main bridge of the ship. Entering through a door, he's met with the sight of Mori and Sasha giving small talk.
"Oh, you are on this ship as well?"
"Yes. You're the Tactical Officer, Kodai, right?", Mori asked, standing up and offering a handshake. "I'm the 2nd Operations Officer, Yuki Mori. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise.", Kodai returned the handshake, turning to look at Sasha. "And you are...?"
"I believe we met before at the Hospital Ward, but never introduced myself. I'm the 1st Operations Officer. Call me Lieutenant Sasha."
"Are you by any chance related? I'm sorry but you two do look incredibly alike.", asked Kodai.
Both blonde women look at each other, before turning to Kodai.
"You could say that.", Sasha answers. "Are you perhaps looking for someone?"
"Yes, actually. Do you know where's the Captain?"
"He should be in his quarters. If you enter that door behind the captain's chair, you should be able to head upstairs to his room.", Mori replied.
"I see. Thanks."
—
Inside his quarters, Abraham hears the doors being knocked.
"Who is it?", he asked, despite knowing full well who it was.
"Susumu Kodai. May I come in?", Kodai's voice answered.
"Come in."
The door opens and in walks in Kodai. Seeing who is the captain of the Montana, he's momentarily surprised at seeing Abraham.
"Ah, Captain Abraham! So you're our captain for this mission?"
"That's right. Is there anything you need to ask me?"
"Yes, sir. It's...it's about my position as Tactical Officer. I don't feel like I should accept this!"
"...Most of our candidates for section leaders died during the bombings three weeks ago. Believe it or not, your brother was the one who was supposed to take your position before you."
Abraham turns to face Kodai.
"But I'm sure he told you he's staying behind."
Kodai only looked on in silence as he took in what he heard.
"I examined each and everyone's records. And I've personally decided that you, much like your brother initially, are more than capable of executing your mission."
"The rest? You decide for yourself."
"...I see. I won't let you down, sir."
Kodai only gave a salute as he turned and exited Abraham's quarters.
And I'm sure that you won't., Abraham thought as Kodai closed the door behind him.
—
"Perhaps I misjudged him."
"Why? Did you meet him before?"
"Well.."
Before Mori could explain any further, another voice came in, revealing to be Shima who just entered the the bridge.
"So this is the first bridge?", Shima commented, looking around the bridge. "It's really something. I'm Daisuke Shima, Chief Navigation Officer. If you want to go somewhere, I'll take you there. We've met before, haven't we?"
"Are you perhaps trying a bit too hard there, Shima?", Sasha asked with a half amused smile.
"Hehe, maybe. Dad did say girls like a little bit of confidence.", Shima replied while rubbing his hair.
"And before you ask, the captain's upstairs behind that door.", Mori added, pointing at the door to the captain's quarters. "Your friend Kodai just went to speak with him."
If you speak of the devil, he shall arrive as just then Kodai returns to the bridge and spots his best friend.
"Oh, Shima. You just came?"
"Yeah. Heard you're speaking with our captain. Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine. Everything's all good."
Just then, the bridge doors open as more members step in. Sanada and Tokugawa from one door while Nambu, Aihara, and Ota stepped in from the other.
"So this everyone for the first bridge.", Sanada spoke up. "I am Executive Officer Shiro Sanada. Is everyone ready?"
"Yes, sir!", all call out and salute in unison.
Suddenly, alarms blare out from speakers above, red warning lights flashing. Sanada is the first to issue an order to the crew.
"All crew, to your battle stations!"
"Yes, sir!"
Everyone scrambles to their assigned stations as the bridge powers up, displays and consoles turning on. Nambu, Aihara, Tokugawa, and Kodai sat at the port side while Shima, Ota, Mori, and Sasha sat at the starboard side. Only Sanada remained standing, acting as temporary commanding officer.
"Confirm the situation with Command, Aihara."
Chief Communications Yoshikazu Aihara, donning a headset, responded as he read out the message from his terminal.
"Response from Command: An interplanetary ballistic missile has been sighted heading for Earth. Attempts at shooting it down with our fleet have failed."
His eyes widen as he reads out the last sentence.
"Its target is...this ship!"
"...we can't set sail yet?", Shima lowly spoke up.
"Negative, we need significantly more energy to start the Wave Motion Engine to launch the ship.", a dark green android spoke up beside Kodai and Shima. Both men looked at the android in surprise.
"The problem is where we get that energy.", Sanada said, taking his seat. "However, we have a solution. Chief Engineer!"
"Starting up the secondary reactors in preparation for starting the Wave Motion Engines.", Tokugawa called out, flipping a couple of switches and dials.
"But we'll make it in time right?", asked Chief Weather Kenjiro Ota.
"Everyone, calm down!"
A loud commanding voice rang out on the bridge as Abraham exited his quarters, taking his seat in the Captain's chair. Everyone went silent as they turned to face their captain.
"Everyone, my name's Captain Abraham Okita, your commanding officer for this journey. Each and every one of you has been personally handpicked to come aboard on this extraordinary expedition. And as your captain, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of my crew and this vessel. Now, this journey may be long and arduous, but I'm confident that if we keep our spirits high and never falter, I'm sure we'll save planet Earth
"Aihara, get Command on the line and on the big screen."
On the large screen on the bridge's ceiling, Administrator Todo's face can be seen as the screen lights up.
"Oh, Captain Okita."
"What's the current status of the missile, Todo?"
"Our efforts to blow it in orbit have failed. You're currently our last hope of saving this planet."
Abraham only gave a hum as the line to command cut out.
—
UN Headquarters, Far East Sector
"Message from Kirishima. All attempts at destroying the missile have failed."
"The Yukikaze and Isokaze reported that have confirmed hits but the target remains on course."
Back at Headquarters, Todo and Seizawa watched on as officers continued to report on the status of the incoming planetary missile. All signs show that their efforts are fruitless.
"If that missile strikes, we are all done for.", Seizawa worriedly said.
"Don't worry, General. Have some faith.", Todo calmly replied.
"Commander look at this!"
An officer called out and Todo and Seizawa rushed over to his terminal.
"What is it?", asked Todo.
—
"Yamazaki, we got confirmed output of the secondary reactors!", one of the engine crew called out.
"This is good news!", Yamazaki says with a smile.
—
"Our power reserves are now skyrocketing and excess energy is being sent to other sectors!", the officer reported to Todo. "It's coming from the Montana, sir!"
"It seems like even though we put all our hopes on Montana, it decided to leave behind a farewell gift for humanity to keep going a little bit longer.", Todo said in amazement.
—
"How's the situation?", Tokugawa asked to the Engine room.
"All reactors are online. We can fire up the Engine!", Yamazaki replied over the radio. Tokugawa turned to look at Abraham and gave him a nod.
Abraham gave a nod back.
"Alright. Activate the Wave Motion Engines!"
"Activating primary Engine. Connecting flywheel.", Tokugawa said, slowly pushing forward a lever. "Chamber pressure rising...90%...97%...100%... Energy is fully charged at 120%! Secondary Engine also charged at 100%!"
"Wave Motion Engine RPMs looking good. We're ready to take off!", Shima reports, his hands and feet ready on the controls.
—
Outside, the sun has just risen above the horizon, casting a dark shadow from the Montana. And high above in the sky, a small black dot grows bigger and bigger as it slowly reveals to be the interplanetary bomb.
—
"Interplanetary missile spotted above!", Mori reports as the bridge display shows the missile getting closer and closer to their current location.
"Estimated to altitude is 30,000 feet, and descending.", Sasha adds.
His hands on his console, Abraham barked out his orders.
"Raise the bow! Open all thrusters and remove the camouflage!"
—
The ground shudders and cracks form about the Montana as the ship slowly but surely moves to its upright position. The seemingly dirty, grimy, and rusty surface of the vessel falls apart to reveal a shiny, navy blue undersurface as the upper guns slowly reset to their default positions throwing out dust as it does.
—
Inside, the bridge shakes about as the front windows get cleared of its debris and let in the early sunlight.
"What is this?!", Kodai exclaimed in surprise.
"This ship was camouflaged in an effort to deceive the enemy.", the android spoke up beside him.
Quickly realizing the implication, Kodai turned with a smile towards Abraham as he spoke.
"Then that sunken battleship we saw back then..."
"If you're thinking what I'm thinking, then yes Kodai.", Abraham answered with a smirk.
"That was the Montana."
"SBB-67, the Space Battleship Montana!"
—
Debris fully cleared, and the ship fully revealed itself as the guns fully reset to their neutral position.
Large imposing triple barrel turrets, high superstructure, and an arsenal of antiaircraft batteries. It's as if the ship has woken up from its slumbers and ready to kick ass and chew bubblegum.
—
"If we have any chance of shooting down that missile, we have to take it now! Prepare to fire the main guns!", ordered Abraham.
"Prepare to fire the main guns!", Kodai yelled to the gun crews via radio.
"Let's set sail! Montana, take off!"
"Set sail! Montana, taking off!", Shima yelled back as he pushed forward the throttle and slowly pulled on the control stick.
—
Slowly but surely, the bow of the Montana rises from the surface, throwing dirt and dust everywhere. Blue jets of flames emit from thrusters lining along the whole length of the keel along with two rear thrusters vectored downwards as the whole ship levitates from the ground, leaving behind a large crater where it once lodged.
The last bit of debris falls off as the whole length of Montana gleams from the morning sun. The two rocket anchors are the only points that still connect the ship to the ground before they too are raised and stowed into the ship.
—
"All shock cannons have finished receiving energy from the Engines.", Chief Artillery Yasuo Nambu reports, looking at several digital reticles labelled Guns 1 to 7. "Clear sight of the target."
"Begin automatic tracking of the main guns.", Kodai ordered as the missile took more of the bridge display's area.
"Automatic tracking ready."
"Raising the Wave Motion Shield in preparation for any explosive debris.", Sanada said.
—
Montana then manoeuvres itself for a full starboard broadside, thrusters turning the ship and listing it slightly to port. A slight transparent blue hue then envelopes the ship.
The deck main turrets turn starboard, starting from the bow to the stern as all barrels raise upwards. The lower keel turrets follow suit.
All in all, seven guns in twenty-one barrels are all aimed at the incoming missile, all ready to open fire at their target.
—
"Lock on target. Correct for errors -1.3 degrees!", Kodai reported, his screens displaying the missile to be aimed at the center of the gun reticles.
"Target locked!"
"Uchikata HAJIME! (Open fire!)", yelled Abraham.
"Ute! (Fire!)"
—
Suddenly, all seven guns opened fire, sending up twenty-one streaks of blue energy up towards the missile as they slowly converged into one bright blue beam.
Approaching the falling missile and piercing with little resistance, the warhead detonates in a spectacular mushroom cloud that can be seen from Earth's orbit and the explosion is so large it engulfs the Montana in thick black smoke.
—
UN Headquarters
"We lost camera feed to the Montana!", an officer yelled as he typed away on his terminal. "Switching to alternative cameras."
The large screen in front, previously displaying static due to the massive nuke-worthy explosion, now shows a massive plume of smoke and dust in the sky. As the camera scrolls about, however, the Montana is nowhere to be seen.
"The Montana...", Todo says with a hint of worry.
"Did...did it get caught up in the explosion?", Seizawa said, sweat dripping from his head.
The camera continued to seek out the Montana from the smoke, with all staff members hoping for the Montana to survive.
"There it is!"
Suddenly, some of the smoke disperses as the Montana emerges, surrounded by a blue shield with wings emerging from its hull. All the staff cheer and clap loudly as the sight of humanity's last hope comes out unscathed.
"The Montana is A-OK!"
"Alright! That's what we're talking about!"
"Montana just blasted that thing like it's nothing!"
"Go forth, Montana!"
"SAVE OUR PLANET EARTH!"
—
EDFS Montana, Bridge 1
"Releasing the Wave Motion Shields. No damage to the Montana.", said Sanada with a smile as beside him Ota released a sigh of relief.
Hehe, you still got it Monty., Abraham thought in his head before calling out.
"Hey, Kodai!"
"Yes, sir?", Kodai replied, standing up straight and facing his captain.
"Good work out there.", Abraham complemented with a smile.
Momentarily surprised, Kodai gave a firm salute and a smile back.
"Thank you, sir!"
"Hey, nice shooting."
Beside him, Shima spoke and stood up with an extended hand. Taking off his gloves, Kodai reciprocated this gesture with a handshake to his best friend.
All bridge crew looked on at this camaraderie with bright hopeful expressions, all looking forward to this grand journey where no man has ever been gone before.