Full Metal Panic - Come Make My Day
Full Metal Panic - Come Make My Day
Full Metal Panic - Come Make My Day
" #$ #$ "
Prologue:
From the small window in the ceiling, the morning sun shines.
An old car in the corner of the repair shop, the girl is facing 3 notebook PC.
With various extensive numerical values appearing in the bulky screen. Reading them at the same time,
busily scrolling would require three screens. getting irritated by switching the screens. If she would make an
easy going manner, she would not know how many more days it would take to start the work.
Inside the repair shop, a miserable unit--- the body frame of an Arm Slave, is being tuned hanging isolated.
No arms or legs. Not even an armor. With the miniscule excuse of a head, if there were no sensors the
machine gun would not be loaded, being drilled in the dark hole. Originally it was installed with a low
temperature nuclear battery called Palladium Reactor, now it is hollow.
The screen continues to spit out information.
the girl greedily absorbs the information, tapping on the keyboard at the same time. Using a progamming
language called BAda, pounding in the necessary instructions.
Nimbly, precisely.
If you would understand the user, compared to the traditional language this is a highly efficient high level
language. In this case, 100 lines of commands only needs several lines.
Pounding on the keys, She was talking to some guy.
Good Afternoon. You seem to be dead already.
You've already felt complete defeat. Everything ends, the lights off, thinking that you have been released
from the battle. No, not thinking. Right now you are the same as the dirt. As dirt you don't think of anything.
As dirt you don't feel sadness.
However, that moment of darkness will end.
Everyone thinks that you are in ruins. But I don't think so.
The interface that you were called was destroyed, but right now, I am reconstructing that.
You heart still remains.
As you run on the infinite circuit of the quantum beat, with those reassuring vestige, I can feel it
somewhere---
The angle of the sunlight in the ceiling windows have changed.
There is not enough oxygen going to the brain. She takes a deep breath, unfastening her curdled shoulder.
the brain does not have enough sugar. She bites the chocolate on the desk, drinking up the cold milk coffee.
And then pounds on the keys.
One line, and another line getting close to "Him"
the morning sun changes to the setting sun, she understands that her work is nearing completion. An woman
pending on a reading material in the corner of the repair shop, shortly informs her.
"Electricity please"
the woman closes the book, a unit installed in the side of the incomplete Arm slave---is connected to an
electronic machine the size of a refrigerator, hangs a large lever hanging in the corner of the wall. the lights
in the factory flickers, supplying electricity to that unit.
"Are you finished already?"
The slim woman with black hair said.
"Right now it's in the middle of testing. It will take a little more time"
"Is that so. If there is something you want just say it"
"Sure"
the test would take half a day.
the girl adjusts the program, measuring the units response, and then makes more adjustments. Getting tired,
her silent companions bite into a club sandwich, after taking a nap resumes work.
the morning sun in the ceiling windows changes again into the setting sun, she said.
"It's done"
the last push--- hitting the enter key.
there was a flickering in the screen when the unit connects, alphabets started to appear in the window.
(e....e....)
The girl did not touch the keyboard. It was the output from the unit from this Notebook PC.
<e...es..escape...immediately.repeat...recommend to abandon unit and escape immediately.>
----escape. Immediately. Repeat...recommend to abandon unit and escape immediately.
<thanks,sergeant.good luck.>
(Thanks sergeant. Good luck.
Only the engine and cooling system reveberates in this repair shop, enumerating the unrelated danger. Most
probably just before this unit lost its functions, it tried to display this information.
<............>
The girl waited a moment. "He" already recognizes accidents, it starts to sort itself in its current status.
<...Where do we come from?...what are we?...where are we going?>
What a strange question.
----where do we come from, what are we...where are we going. Is this intricate information depending on
something? Or was he dreaming?
the Connection of the Notebook PC starts to transmit the protocol. the connection is already complete,
before he was awake all test were performed.
there was a display in another window, a pseudo "Mental state" was displayed in a colorful 3 dimensional
graph.
the red region in the graph turned yellow, the violent undulation of mountains and valley, becoming the flat
shape of a basin. coming from the mental state of a battle, it moved to a warning state of looking for the
enemy. Even more, a tough warning.
It was not because that he thinks he is in the hands of the enemy.
She joined the fingers of both her hands, lightly, typed a salutation.
<hello, AL. I've been looking for you.>
---Hello Al. I've been looking for you.
this guaranteed the silence of the Artificial Intelligence. There were no more signals transmitted.
Clever guy. He won't talk so easily like that.
We are allies, this is a safe place, it was difficult to work on this. but an hour of patience continued, and then
the artificial intelligence showed some reaction.
2 words of blunt reply.
<report situations.>
----report situations.
Behind the girl, the black haired woman watching over the shoulders let out a conservative smile.
"What's the matter?"
"It's the splitting image of its master"
Chapter 01 – Fallen Witch:
The preliminary memo from the Sergeant of the City Police is still completely blank.
the Psychiatrist Martha Witt wearing glasses, directed her eyes on the documents again.
The Patients name. The outward characterestics. Approximate age.
Health condition. the circumstances during the care of the police.
This is a hospital in the south of San Francisco. The patient facing opposite of Dr. Martha who is sitting on
the desk, looks on with blank eyes.
The person is a girl about her mid teens. Upon looking, you wouldn't know if she was in her 30's or 40's.
The loose T-shirt she was wearing must have come from someone in the police. With disordered Ash blonde
hair not yet reaching the waist, her jaw and cheeks were still dirty with mud.
First the doctor would ask the girl she was examining, telling her to answer clearly all the questions. Martha
first informed the girl of her name and position, in the most gentle voice as possible.
"What is your name?"
Teletha....Testarossa"
The girl answered.
"What a wonderful name. Nice to meet you, Teletha. How old are you?"
"....17"
"What school do you go to?"
"...I don't attend school"
"Is that so. But to be precise about your manner, I'm sure boys find you sexy right?"
the girl did not show any reaction. being ashamed of her own appearance, she did not even see the sexual
suggestion in the word "boys"
"And then....about the situation of your care. You were walking barefoot in the free way near Redwood right.
At 3 am in the morning, alone"
"....yes"
"Is there something you don't remember?"
".....no"
The response was relatively clear.
But the problem is that her explanation was enitirely different.
"Why were you there?"
"....because I was abandoned"
"By who?"
"....I think my subordinate"
"Subordinates?"
Martha carefully examines the appearance of Teletha Testarosa. Obviously she is telling some kind of joke.
"Umm.... you're not attending school right? Those 'subordinates', who are you referring?"
"....Mercenaries"
"Mercenaries?"
"....Mercenaries of <Mythril>"
"Mythril?"
"An informal military organization who aims to keep terrorism and conflict in check. I was the commander
of the <Tuaha De Daanan> squad of the West Pacific Fleet.
Teletha stares at the top of the desk. Not in the appearance of saying something important.
"....My rank is Captain. I have succeedded in various difficult operation making use of an assault landing
submarine, a 3rd Generation Arm Slave and the latest equipments."
"hahaa. I'm not really familiar with those, but it seems like an amazing unit."
After saying that, Martha scribbled on the memo on her hand.
<Extremely rare kind of delusion. Using accurate expertise of terminology. Battle Group, Amphibians.
requires examination>
She's not familiar with military terminology. She changed her questions.
"You just said [Tuaha De Daanan] right? Is it from celt mythology?"
"...yes. From the divine being Daana"
"Being the commander, could you be the mother goddess?"
"....Daana is the name of the submarine's AI. It is a complicated system that is extraordinarily large scale
adopting quantum computing."
"Is that so."
Martha writes in her Memo [From which sci-fi novel?] and then asks.
"And then....you being the commander of that military organization, why were you walking in a place like
that? You mentioned you were abandoned by your subordinates"
"....yes"
Teletha on a short moment kept silent.
The examination room was gloomy. The flourescent lamp in the ceiling flickering, the damp atmosphere of
the night became heavy.
"....my base recieved heavy offensive from the enemy"
"Enemy?"
"....an organization called [Amalgam]. recieving their overwhelming attack, <Mythril> was annihilated.
Together with my subordinates, I escaped from the base with the submarine, somehow able to survive..."
There was an unavoidable strong suffering in the girls eyes. She must have thought of a painful event.
supporting the shoulders, trembling and shaking bit by bit.
"Are you alright? You don't have to say what's painful"
"...no"
Teletha made a gulp, and let out a small sigh.
"....the submarine was made from the finest materials. Although it runs on the bottom of the ocean for a
number of weeks, my ship would not be in a condition cruise. Of course we don't have the funds. And the
salary to pay my subordinates"
"........."
"...for a submarine in a sea, the crew can place you in a lot of stress. Half of my crew were starting to get
discontented, and finally sold me and my ship to the enemy.
"Those subordinates?"
"....the one who planned the mutiny was executed."
The next day, the transfer vehicle arrived 5 minutes late at the hospital.
It's a black wagon. Rolling on a wheelchair, the driver and helper greeted Martha simply. they are an
unknown face. There is nothing strange in their ID or transfer documents.
Teletha was completely exhausted, rode the wheelchair.
"She complained of headache this morning, the doctor on duty instrcuted to give these medicine to her."
the nurse explained to Martha.
"Did this girl get violent?"
Asked the driver.
"No. she's quite obedient."
Martha answer in place of the Nurse. the driver slightly nodded.
"But, she was temporarily restrained. It was dangerous for her to walk"
"Yes. but..."
"Don't worry. It's not like she will get violent. ...eh, and then? Did this girl say anything strange to you?
"Strange? strange you mean...that's my line of work. It would be rare to have a patient that doesn't say
anything strange.
Feeling uncomfortable with the curious question, the girl answered with an insincere smile.
"Haha. that's right."
the driver said looking around.
In the side entrance of the hospital near the roadway, beside it was Martha and the Nurse, and then it is only
the driver and the helper.
"Doctor"
"What is it?"
"Perhaps there is some possibility....that the girl said something about <Amalgam> or <Mythril> did she?"
"What was that?"
Martha asked in return. Her shoulders and back could not stop shaking uneasily.
"Looks like you know"
the Driver smiled complacently.
At a glance he is an ordinary caucasian in his 30's. A Navy blue Chino's and Navy Blue Blouson. Height
around 180 cm, short framed hair, and a small scar.
Right now the man's features have completely changed. From the eyes of Martha, it's like having a sullen
look of coercion.
"Oops. Don't say strange things"
Marthas hand being held tightly at her back, the driver seized firmly. With only that, the bones became two
equal parts with the incredible grip.
The man with his open right hand, takes out a hidden automatic pistol hidden from under his blouson.
that's right, it's a pistol. Martha has not touched this type of pistol before, even then the man show his gun
said something to her. it is easy to comprehend.
"Do you understand, Doctor?"
"....yes"
"Don't cause trouble, slowly get on the car. The nurse too."
The Nurse who is still in shock, recognizing the man's pistol gulped her breath.
"We can't just leave this lady over here now can we. Come on, get on."
"Wait, she has nothing to do with this. I don't know who you people are but---"
"Just get on"
The man pressing hard, Martha and the nurse rode on the back seat of the delivery wagon. The helper who
holds the gun got on the luggage at the back, getting into position to control Teletaha and Martha.
The door closed, and the car started to run. After three roadlines, they can see a patrol car stopped in front of
the coffee shop. But if she think of getting violent and calls for help, Martha's head would be blown off.
"Don't be frightened. there are still things we want to ask you. Right, Bill?"
the helper said with a very relaxed voice, the driver replied shortly.
"Yeah. We won't put you in danger."
Your lying. You intend to kill us. because, Why didn't you put any Mask? Why do you calmly expose your
face? Why did you calmly call your partners name? the pale face of the nurse sunk into silence. Wanting to
give encourangement, but Martha does not have that composure.
the car briefely reached San Bruno, heading 280 lines from the city to the harbor. Early on the way home
there are a number of private cars and trucks, flowing one by one on the opposite lane.
they must be heading to an old warehouse nearby. There are only a small containers and a two blackened
sedan. Nothing on the cargo, deserted.
Projecting from the small window in the setting sun, the atmosphere full of dust reflects a number of lines.
"Get down"
From the car that stopped inside the warehouse, Martha and the Nurse timidly got off.
In front of the car are 5 men waiting. The leader must be the one wearing the brown suit. The other 4 are
dressed up in rough work clothes, with automatic guns hanging in their shoulder.
"You're 5 minutes late"
The man in the suit said, Looking at the watch in his left hand with refinement.
He's still young. Around his thirties. Slim, with a cleanly combed black hair. Like a being drawn from a
brush, an impressive beautiful youth with graceful eyes and brows.
the drivers said with a restraint voice.
"Were sorry, Mister. We didn't want to get caught speeding---"
"Stop saying nonsense. And then? Did you bring her?"
"....yes"
"Did she bring up any definite name or place?"
"....no"
"You're not lying right?"
"O..of course"
"Aside from your navy friend, did you mention to anyone what this girl had said?"
How did you know that I consulted with a friend? Did you intercept it? Are you a real pro, a real classified
organization spy?
Martha was surprised, the remaining doubt smashed and disappeared and she feels it clearly. Is this not
some sort of elaborate joke brought about by someone----that is what her heart was wishing for. the man
suddenly calling "Happy Birthday, Martha!", with laughing friends teasing with armful of tables and food
and alchohol and cake with footsteps appearing, weren't they throwing a party in a place like this. There was
this expecting feeling somewhere.
But that is not so. At any rate, her birthday has ended last month.
The nurse was still young. Around mid twenties. An oriental. A very short hair, with eyes and brows like
that of a fishing cat.
That nurse, let out a sigh, murmuring a passing voice.
"Oh well. what an extreme drama this played out."
The voice mixed in with a snort.
"Just when we thought that we caught the tail. ....again, another conceited bastard showed up."
"Ah, you---stop---"
isn't this strange? Martha's thin pacifying voice, was ignored by the girl and said.
"Isn't that right? Tessa!?"
the eyes of Teletha Testarossa which is like a disabled sitting in the chair, suddenly focused---returning with
the light of consciousness. Even the face that looks worn out, revived with vitality and intelligence, Like a
doll coming to life.
"I'm sorry Melissa. The one who was playing a drama was me"
After muttering that, Teletha labrously stood up from the wheelchair.
The armed men in the area, was disturbed by the sudden change of the girl. Carelessly extending her hands
out. A simple personal grooming at a glance, the girl heads toward Fowler to greet him.
"Good afternoon, Fowler-san. I really intended to introduce myself but, dealing with the doctor here, this
has happened.
"I see. You were after me."
As expected of a commander, He was frankly not surprised.
But Fowler's facial expression is by no means relaxed. the extent of Teletha's trap here, this place would
become a fighting scene, is there a winning chance for them, he calculates many elements inside his head.
"then please tell your men to drop their weapons. Or else they will be given a severe lesson."
Then the subordinate who returned back, the driver grabbed martha, giving a short curse straddles past
Teletha.
"Lesson? Enough with the jokes, little girl!"
"Don't"
immediately after saying the short word, Fowler narrowed his eyes----
The driver who had his hand extended to the nape of Teletha, fell down on the floor with a bullet shot in the
back. Bacha, with a loud thud, fresh blood scattered in the floor.
"Ga..."
Mostly at the same time, you can hear the gunshot of the rifle from far away. A snipe from an extreme
distance. And it came through a small opening of the warehouse door---
"Great job, right in the middle"
The nurse called Melissa, said in an extreme compact wireless radio in her ear.
"If they make a strange move, take a shot immediately!"
"...Yeah yeah. Urzu 6, Roger!"
From the reciever of the wireless radio, Martha also heard the reply of a man mixed with the noise. Nearby,
Teletha warned again.
"Do you understand? Please disarm"
"Ha....wonderful"
Even though his subordinates can be shot to death, Fowler maintains a smile from his heart.
"Really wonderful. I also planned to have that precaution. A large intelligence analysis. Shadow and
interception, checking the guards. You slipped through everything, and made it up to here. You even made a
wonderful acting in front of me. Morever is was a daring move, capturing me alive? You are his sister after
all. The legend still continues....!"
"That is a terrible misunderstanding. Not even once, do I remember raising the white flag to you."
Distortion of metal frames. Broken concrete. Smashed pieces of glass from the skylight.
the materials from the warehouse was dancing around the surrounding of the black unit. Belfegan Clousot's
AS <Falke> cancelled its electronic camouflage, tackling the enemy unit with full force.
First there was a need for Tessa and the others to clear the area.
the engagement of the two units broke through the walls of the warehouse, plunging into the countless
containers in the pier. Even then the enemy unit did not fall.
Clousot with the monomolecular cutter under his hand, swinged it towards the chest of the enemy.
With an accurate surprise attack, it was a good strike that passed the mark. But the enemy unit expected that.
Those paint bullets rained down on the <Codarl's> head. The spraying red paint clinged to the enemy units
sensor.
It is a simple tactic to break the vision, in previous AS High Frequency wiper and cleaning nozzle was
equipped. A counter-measure for mud and dirt. Even if it was an acrylic paint, it will take a few seconds to
recover the field of vision.
but, they were banking of that few seconds.
At this period, the enemy unit could not search for its opponent using its Milli-wave radar.
<TLAM01, impact in 10 seconds.>
The units AI informed Clouzot. The surrounding atmosphere shakes.
From above the sounds of jet engine roars. From the west skies, from the shining light of the twilight sun,
something cylindrical was coming towards here.
<Five.....four....three....>
From the head of the <Falke> a terminal guidance laser illuminated, in the chest of the <Codarl> shines a
small red dot.
<Impact>
The fierce explosion from the skies attacks the enemy unit.
The cruise missle flew over with the speed of sound, in the position of the laser---there was an explosion in
the shaped charge. Gas that is more dense than steel, in an instant the point in the enemy's armor flared in
flames.
the shockwave of the explosion shakes the <Falke>.
"!"
Clouzot rises with skill bracing himself, spurring into the enemy unit in no time. In the smoke of the
explosion, the <Codarl> still lives. expanding the protective wall of the Lambda Driver in no time.
(But...!)
Following immediately after taking the violent attack the enemy unit staggers. the expanding the condition
of the Lambda Driver, <Falke's> [fairy eye] have accurately caught sight of it. Just narrowly, being warned
of the final blow the barrier expands.
However, it was only in the front.
Clouzot slipped throught the right of the enemy, in an agile movement with the monomolecular cutter, cuts
at the right abdomen. There was the report of the technical officer, the module of the Lambda Driver is in
one position.
A tough one.
The <Codarl> turned around indicating a gravitational field, flickering a few times then disappearing. The
Lambda Driver of the enemy is powerless.
The unexpected damaged disturbed the enemy unit and stands in shock. The ironclad regulation regarding
third generation AS battle is to move agilely and mercilessly---
In the state of the exchange, Clouzot threw his last anti tank dagger towards the enemy unit. The dagger hits
the chest of the <Codarl> turning around and explodes, this time around the upper half of the enemy unit
was in pieces.
The torn off arm rotating, drew a strange arch in the dusk of the harbour.
Turning from the scattered fragments of the enemy unit, Clouzot immediately activated the enemy search
mode. Preparing for a new enemy appearing by chance with the anti ECS sensor.
No response.
"fu-...."
This is the first time gaining that kind of certainty, he sigh a breath of relief. it seems that they only prepared
one unit.
In order to support the operation to lure Tessa, his unit was on standby. in addition, standing by in the bay of
San Francisco from the submarine <Tuaha de Danaan>, there was a program of support fire of cruise
missles. Also the machine gun in its head part. In the worst case, the enemy would also prepare an AS, also
having the possibility that it will be equipped with a Lambda Driver was not discarded.
It was better to be prepared afterall. Thinking like that, Clouzot called over his wireless radio.
"Urzu 1 to all units. The <Codarl> type enemy AS is destroyed"
After the confrontation of the two units <Falke> and <Codarl>, there is a trend of battle in the area of the
warehouse.
The warehouse half destroyed, the parked car trampled, and a number of enemy corpse was rolled in. On top
of the mountain of rubbles, the fire was already contained, only the dense white smoke hangs over.
"Tessa. Ben defeated the enemy unit"
The Nurse Melissa Mao who has the enemy's machine gun in hand, exchanges from the wireless radio, said
to Tessa.
"Doesn't seem to be any enemy units around. It's a one on one with the M9, it's the first time that we
defeated a <Codarl>. It's impressive."
"Yes"
Covering the psychiatrist Martha Witt, Tessa Testarossa replied shortly.
Without pardon, they made a thorough search of the destroyed warehouse. The PRT without letting their
guard off continues to observe the controlled area, and then ascertaining that there were no injuries.
cutting the button at the back of the worn patients suit, it fell from the naked shoulders. In a posture of
natural nakedness not even underwear, there were minor injuries. No problem.
"The target got away right"
Tessa glancing sideways, she was looking for Lee Fowler knowing that it would be useless.
"We lost sight of him when the ceiling collapse. We're sorry"
Mao said, Tessa shaking her hands lightly.
"it's alright. It's a greetings operation anyway. In the point of involving civilians, we half failed"
"The female doctor over there, I've thought of getting her far away.... I didn't think this through enough
afterall. Oh well"
Mao opening her shoulders, returning silently on the secured area of the warehouse, there was an out of
place electronic sound.
it was a high pitched monotonous alarm.
Towards that sound, Tessa walked over barefooted. from the scattered concrete on the ground, there was a
black mobile phone dropped.
She picked up the phone, and pressed the answer button.
"Fowler-san right?"
Tessa said, with a laugh from the phone.
[yes, I would have wanted to talk to you a little more. But I have no obligation to be obediently captured.
that is why I left this phone."
Then Fowler immediately escaped from the area, most probably from the vehicle that was prepared
beforehand, heading somewhere to the town areas. Since he already knows about the counter-measures for
phone trace, there is no possibility of pursuit.
[Fist please let me tell you that it was excellent. eliminating more than 10 of my subordinates, even
destroying an AS. that was your minimum fire power right. It was my complete defeat.]
"I wonder about that. Right now you are still free."
Mao glanced at Doctor Martha Witt who was beside the iron pole of the warehouse as usual gazed
dumbfounded at the exchange.
"Yes...."
Tessa with a sad face compromised with a frightened Martha, said with a gentle voice.
"I'm sorry for having involved you in such a dangerous situation, Doctor Witt."
"W..what do you intend to do with me?"
"Of course we have no intention of harming you. Anyway let's get away from here."
Tessa and the others immediately withdraw from the place of battle, moving a few kilometers to the city
park with a car.
Clouzot's AS activated the Invisibility mode of its ECS, avoiding any obstacle he followed their car.
Leaping from building to building and road to road.
On that route, Tessa explained to Martha.
"When Fowler treathened to kill you, in actuallity, rather he was treathening me."
Until they were cleverly lured out this time, the enemy was also wary. Fowler happening to probe Martha,
making a speech like that in front of Tessa, with Tessa's own acting, there were still doubt inside her heart.
In fact, <Amalgam> and <Mythril>, with simple words and information attached to that, is no longer a
subject that would be bothered of leakage. A Level of military officials who show interest in these
organizations, Government officials has already got hold of it.
The degree of knowledge in Jindai High School in Tokyo is also the same.
After the incident where the Melidia base was attacked, at the time when Tessa's escaped ship were having
resupply problems, the possible limits of information were already gathered. Within that information, the
transport helicopter and <Arbalest> dispatched to Tokyo, and also what happened to Sagara Sousuke and
Chidori Kaname, the real objective was included.
What they understand was----
The transport helicopter [Gebo 9] was attacked on the verge of landing, the pilot Lt. Santos including the
crew were all killed.
The <Arbalest> in Sengawa, Chofu--- in that school unfolds a fierce battle with <Amalgam's> detachment,
at its end there was serious damaged in the [hostilities with a number of new AS]. The recovery of the ruins
by the Japanese police, that immediate unit was taken away by someone.
Chidori kaname was missing after the battle, her whereabouts unknown. Most probably, was kidnapped by
<Amalgam>.
before rising to the tallest tree in the park, activates its ECS again, the shape vanishing. The unit melting
into the velvet night, eyes can no longer percieve them.
The dining room captured the Neo Gothic design, bringing about the simple modernistic illumination on the
skillful design. The window facing southeast takes in the fresh sunlight, with the furnitures using various
colors, it is the perfect place to relax from the one who arrive there.
Getting a phone call from Lee Fowler, Leonard Testarossa entered the dining. Finishing the miscellaneous
matters and negotiations from Easter Europe, he only returned from a long trip.
[We got busted by your sister]
Fowler speaking from the phone.
It was already evening in San Francisco, this place of short latitude, it still shines with the burning golden
eastern sun illuminating the room.
"Was it her true character?"
Leonard said.
[Yes. their goal was to capture me. They even managed to destroy a <Codarl M>]
"Really...."
Putting the phone reciever in his ear, he sighs.
[My apologies, Lord Leonard]
"No, I don't blame you. That girl just don't know when to give up"
That was his clever sister. But for how long? She spent too much time with <Mythril>, and only chose the
foolish choices.
This is like, she was scorning those men---the death of her father and friends---drunk with self pity in a
humorous anachronism, different from the vulgar and inferior [men of the seas].
[There is another way. I have prepared several options---]
"No, you should stop. there are a mountain of things that I need your help with, Lee"
[Thank you very much]
"First get back here. The matter with my sister, you should leave it as it is for the mean time."
[Will that be alright?]
"We'll deal with them at anyrate. In order to preach nonsense to me, how many lives of tens or hundreds of
men was paid.
[yes. I will put my resolve into it]
"That's right"
Listening to Fowler, he smiled.
[There was a message from your sister]
"Hee. what did she say?"
Anyway it made her hotline easier, so he thought, Leonard ask.
[it's a somewhat a bit vulgar speech]
"it's alright, say it"
[Okay]
Fowlers voice was a little tensed. it was not because he was frightened of telling Leonard the subject, it was
some sort of humiliation that was cramping on his throat---that's the voice.
[Lady Teletha told me "I hate FUCKING SHIT people like you to death who pretend to be nice." And told
me to tell you the same thing.]
Goodness Gracious, here it comes.
Wasn't that like a sibling rivalry of an inferior blue-collar family. It was like she had a wrong association
with her friends.
"Quite the authority"
[My sincerest apologies]
"No, it's a good thing that she is energetic. Then, I leave the rest to you."
Leonard cut off the phone, looking around the dining. In the long table about 5 meters, there were
candlesticks and tableware prepared. Dinner has not yet been prepared.
In the service entrance---from the partly open door, there was the presence of someone. there was someone
working in the kitchen.
There is no mistake that is was company---
Concerning that point, he might not be different from his sister. Shrugging his shoulder lightly, he head to
the door and went to the kitchen, the informing the girl inside.
"I'm back"
the girl turns the frying pan in the giant stove---Chidori Kaname, stop with the cooking, and took a glance at
him.
"Welcome back"
Answering feebly, returns to cooking.
"The cook will be worried, he won't like you making dinner on your own."
"However---"
She suddenly muttered.
"The real Omelette rice that I make is really delicious. It is unfortunate that you were not able to eat it."
"Yeah"
Lightly turning aside, Leonard heads back from the kitchen.
From there on, there was an unspeakable discomfort---noticing the discomfort that was remembered in the
courtyard of that school, slightly irritated.
Out of the corridor facing the courtyard of the house through the dining room, a woman in a suit was
waiting for him. One of his subordinates, it's Sabine Refunio. With Laptop in hand. right now, it seems like
she just finished with a communication.
"He is alive"
Sabina said.
There is no need for him to ask [who?]. Leonard Testarossa had roughly guessed.
"It's about him right"
"Yes, Sagara Sousuke"
Chapter 02 - Briefing
From far away, he can hear the sound of the waves. A brick made wall and a rough bed. Sunlight coming
from a small window.
It's one of the rooms in an old building.
Sousuke Sagara in the middle of his hazy consciousness, proceeds one by one the "Inspection Data"
repeating it by a thousand times.
Name, time, place.
Other than the name he knows nothing.
Being fataly wounded after killing Kurama, how long has it been since he has forcefully collapsed from the
[Arena].
Why is he alive.
Where is this place.
Asking himself this question, he notice that he did not ask this once or twice.
Really. No matter how many times he woke up muddily, he knows that his body could not move, when the
Nurse injected something into him, he fell into a deep sleep.
However, This time it is a little lesser.
He can feel a terrible pain. His chest, back and femur, there was a slow and heavy pain. The waves of
tightening agony throughout his whole body, pushing his heart to palpitate. Also having a headache like
sandbags being hit. He was not sluggish.
There were dripping in the side of the bed. There is also a medical monitor. The cord of the Electro-
cardiogram is extended into his own body. There were also oxygen tank and inhalers.
A thin sheet covering his body. Bandage here and there.
Right toe. Move.
Left toe. Move.
Right hand also, and the left hand.
It seems that his nerves are still connected. But they may be [phantom limbs]. For people who lost their
arms and legs, there is a phenomenon where they hallucinate about their own arms and legs.
"............"
He thought of looking at his limbs firsthand, turning his head with difficulty. In addition to the furniture and
medical equipments, on one side of the bed, there was a big picture hanging.
"I should be saying that your lucky. If we didn't administer emergency treatment, it would only be a matter
of time before you die. In actuality, your heart stopped a number of times. There was no doubt that I used a
defibrillator. We falsified your identity in the hospital at Namsak, until you can be in a situation to be
operated on. But in that hospital there is no surgeon that can save you. With pursuing the enemy being
dangerous, we moved you in critical condition, transporting you to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I held my
breath until the hospital. By chance there was a good french surgeon who was an NGO on active duty,
revealing your identity the surgery commenced. it took 20 hours. It was difficult to keep away those nozy
locals, since there were after incidents we have to deal with---"
After hearing that, Sousuke interrupts Lemon.
"I understand. There has to be a reason you saved me."
"Well. At least to attain a conversation like this."
Lemon's voice has a somewhat tedious voice, at the same time have a sound that seems like something is
wrong.
Anyhow, the operation to save Sousuke is an immensely difficult task. He tries to think following the reason
why he was saved.
The instant evening arrives, Lemon left behind Sagara Sousuke's room.
Coming out from a corridor of a temple.
This is an old church which was erected in the 19th century. Although well known among tourists, there is
no one here worshiping. In the surrounding area the Special forces colleagues of Lemon guarding the area,
preventing people who knows nothing from coming near.
Havi Oa island which is situated near the equator, it was incredibly hot today. The dry sun shines in the warf
and sea outside the window, coming out from the dark room, Lemon's eyes absconds. Only the cool winds
blowing in the stone path gives relief.
The superior waiting in the temple, approached him.
His name was Delecour. Age over 40, with black hair with a reserved mouth. He and Lemon are both agents
of the Direction Generale de la Securite Exterieure, and have been together in a number of operations.
"How was it. Did the kid say anything."
Delecour said.
"I wonder--"
with Lemon shrugging his shoulders.
"---slippery as an eel. Keeps repeating [I don't know] [I don't remember]. Since he doesn't have the strength,
he won't be able to go through with torture. With the information of his annihilated organization, although
he spoke there is no feeling of hesitation"
"..........."
"He was discrete with the information of the submarine and his unit. Rather, he gives out feelers about what
we already know.
when news about the Landing ocean ship that the American Navy calls "Toy Box", their organization were
not able to get any information.
There was information that it was sunk. There was also information that it is currently hidden in the Pacific
Ocean. The truth is, Lemon and the other still does not know.
Even Sousuke who as affiliated with that unit, he really does not have any news of his colleagues.
"How about the others? It doesn't matter about the mysterious submarine. What we want is the information
about <Amalgam>"
Hiding his irritation, Delecour cross-examined Lemon.
Originally, the investigation was a blatant interference in the market for weapons, taking place from this
year, it is still clearly taking place. They control the international conflict, forcibly preserving the rotteness
of the cold war structure, and what is more important---they leave us outside of the mosquito net. Either
conciliation of confrontation, not being able to grasp their truth---"
"I know"
Lemon shakes his hand being fed up.
He didn't like this Delecour much. progressing in elite course since childhood, Lemon desired to be a high
class bureaucrat, he has this scorn on Delecour who worked his way up. A son of a graduate school.
"Sagara Sousuke said something about a condition in his cooperation"
"Condition?"
"Yeah"
"What kind of condition"
"Weapons and ammunition, and then funds. obtaining one unit of a simple Arm Slave, and a Transport ship.
and then the preparation of a safe house in a designated place"
After relaying Sousuke's words, Delecour's brow wrinkled.
After saying that Delecour must be serious. waiting for his strength to recover, the scroupulous medicine
dosage was already prepared for Sousuke's severe torture.
Lemon has no authority to stop it. Thinking of what has been happening, he felt gloominess.
"do you disapprove"
"no...."
"We will be needing restraints soon. Put on some handcuffs."
"It's still not necessary. He can only nod. There is nothing unusual at the time being."
The American Navy were no fools. And the <De Daanan> has been commissioned for more than one and a
half year. With them developing means to detect the ship, they are in the process of finishing the results.
Their detection system steadily progressing, Tessa and the others are more restricted in making moves.
Three days of secretly cruising, after reaching 120 miles the coast of Mexico, Tessa withdraws the alert
level of the ship. The order was repeated by the vice captain Mardukas, the ship's AI silently announcing
this, from the crew that recieved this order, finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Captain, 2 hours from now Lt. Clouseau will be waiting."
Mardukas informed her.
"That's right. Let's go."
She stood up from the Captian's seat. Usually her ashblond hair are carefully braided, casually bundled in
the back of her head. It's been around two days since she took a shower. There was no time for her to groom
herself, the situation in these 3 days have no time to conjecture. If this were to be a male captain, the
unshaved face would be left as is.
Leaving the manuever and observation to the officer on duty, they headed into the briefing room with
Mardukas from the bridge. The sailor and officers that they met on route, having the situation lowered like
this saluted to her. At the same time that the military organization <Mythril> was annihilated, there is no
longer a need for such salute, no matter how many times it was said, the crew would not abide.
"Everyone is tired."
Tessa mutterd who was completely exhausted herself, but she has to put on air for her subordinate.
Straightening up with her will, she energetically walked with a quick pace.
"Yes Captain. although our morale has not yet been influenced, we are worried about a Miss or an accident."
Mardukas following behind said with a small voice.
"If possible half a day. They would at least want 8 hours or rest"
"impossible. We rest six hours then head south."
Because Mardukas purposely said this, he was not able to speak lightly of this, Tessa also knows it well. But
there was 6 hours of sleep for a military compromise. To remain more than that in this sea, will give way to
the seatch of the US Navy.
In addition, the Navy's information can also be stolen by <Amalgam>.
"it is not for the subordinates. It is for you"
As expected, Mardukas was hanging on.
"After the decoy in San Francisco, you have not yet rested. You have secluded yourself into ordering the
crew. Right about now in the bridge, Lt. Godard are telling the crew [The captain is tired]"
"If there was consent, would it be alright to proceed?"
Tessa said While trying to kill the desperate irritation gushing from her inside. And she immediately
regreted what she said.
"I'm sorry, it is as you said. I will be careful"
"No..."
"But, the limit of taking a rest is 6 hours. There will be plenty of time to rest later. Let's try our best a little
more."
Reasserting her perfect smile, it seems that there is no effect on Mardukas. He halted, briefly affirming that
there was no one eavesdropping, he formally said.
"Captain, would it be alright for a little while?"
"What is?"
"My loyalty has not changed. The crew also. after escaping from Melidia island, the details are certainly
clear."
"yes"
Agreeing, Tessa remembers recieving the aggressiveness of the enemy while escaping Melidia island.
Narrowly escaping the attacks of the 3 giant behemoths, the <De Daanan> which received large damage
managed to escape, Tessa and the others with their experience and knowledge mobilize, one way or another
getting away from the enemy pursuit. This attack would get the attention of the American army, it would be
difficult to escape their stolen glances. If it were an ordinary submarine and commander, they would no
longer be able to escape the siege.
Shaking off the enemy in the mean time, they arrive in the coast of Indonesia, Tessa announced inside the
ship informing her subordinates.
The other squads recieved the same attack.
In essence, it is plain that <Mythril> was judged as destroyed.
Without the orginazation that have been supporting them, they chase after the enemy in isolation.
The enemy <Amalgam> having people setting up conflicts, the enemy will be able to [efficiently] produce
civil war and regional conflict, moving the state of the world. Enjoying the profits from the same.
And with the circumstance, after the explanation of the basis and source of information, she said.
(---of course the construction of [Absolute peace, Permanent peace] would not be possible. Basing it on that,
<Mythril> would be using violence to aim at having [Peace as much as possible]. Following the right or
wrong of military power, there is no intention of saying this or that. Although it is called the waste of
humans from the advocates of ideal peace, you cannot shake the fragments of it. Even if you call it that it is
still violence. There is no honor or merit. On top of that, with this ship---I will not let go of history's greatest
device of violence. Completely interfering with them, I plan to completely corner them. let's stop with the
whitewashing. This is just revenge. the debt to the many people who died on Melidia Island, I plan on
repaying that. Although it is difficult, there is also no reason why we cannot win.)
Tessa fully remembers while having the sensation of gripping the mic.
(Satisfactory wages can longer be paid. From now on everyone will be exposed to danger. As mercenaries,
you are not obligated to comply. There is a helicopter in the storage deck for personnel to get on. The
Helicopter will fly to Jakarta, from there on everyone is free to live their life. There is no need for
Commissioned and non-commissioned officers to hesitate. For those who hesitates, come to the storage
deck after one hour. That is all.)
At the end with an unconcerned expression, Tessa finished her long speech and switched off the mic.
she also thought that the essential member of the bridge needs time to think.
Getting off the seat of the bridge, she secluded herself in the captains quarters and waited for one hour.
Mardukas having something to say, she clearly rejected it. On the time of waiting, the close friend Melissa
Mao knocked on the door of the captains quarters, she turned her away across the door with [return to the
waiting room, I am thinking]
At the most it would be good if thirty percent of the crew remained, she thought.
No, it would not be strange if only twenty percent left. At least she is conscious of that kind of reasonable
state. The helicopter that can carry a hundred personnel might require a return trip a number of time.
thinking of that arrangement, while considering the problem in insufficient supplies, an hour passed.
Tessa headed to the storage deck from the captains quarters. Opening the heavy door on her own and
entering.
There were at least 100 crew members stationed in the storage deck. Kruz, Mao and even Clouseau is there.
There is no state of tension in their appearance, chattering individually.
(Only this?)
Thinking of the unexpected Tessa asked them. And then Mao knitted her brows, and said.
(What?)
(What you mean... the people who would leave the ship)
(Aah. Then that would be over there)
Mao pointed her chin on the other direction.
beside the transport helicopter, there were a group of 20 people. There were 10 people who needed medical
treatment. There were 3 attending nurse. overall 33 people.
Only 33 people.
(The ones leaving have wife and kids. Well, it is not unreasonable.)
Kruz said.
(How about you people?)
They glanced at Tessa and cramped their shoulders.
(Take a look Tessa. The ones stationed here, landing unit, Base personnel, and Maintenance crew. Right
now, there's nothing to do so they are here. Incidentally the other base personnel was helping in the ships
work, studying the duty's of here and there.)
(b..but....how about the others? There has got to be someone who has doubts?)
Sachs said turning his head. From the crowd there was a plump middle aged man---the owner of the tavern
[Darza] in Melidia island base waves his hand, and shout out with [idiot] in a loud voice.
(If you think were useless, then that's a big mistake, are you stupid. For me we are mercenaries with a severe
military fame in Africa. It would be better if we appoint a successor to the Russian)
(that's right. In place of Lt. Commander Kalinin the old man can take charge of the operation. From now on
you are Pass One!)
(Well everyone really can't drink while working)
(Fool, we didn't even have the time to move a single drop of alcohol. Bringing in worthless things, there are
already a mountain of idiotic luggage. Really, those idiots.)
Everyone hit his hand.
Tessa only found out later, the owner of Darza indeed doesn't even have a single drop of alcohol. However
the decoration in the taver with Lt. McAllen----the pictures of those who were killed in action were
crammed together in the sack being sheltered in the ship.
(If we run away then Man will become obsolete, right?)
(That's right)
(Oh my? Please don't forget that there are also women here.)
The Technical Officer Reming raised her voice from the crowd. Immediately beside her Viran, the secretary
of Tessa, In charge of communication Shinohara who had a bottle of cola, said [same here] in unison.
(Still, but....a number of people were already lost right? We don't know what will happen, I want to explain
clearly. Even then, why, this is....)
Losing her words there, Tessa standing stock still, Madukas who was coming near unoticed from behind her
said.
(Really...there is no other way with this unsatisfactory mob)
(Madukas-san?)
(Well, I'm also one of them)
At those words everyone laughed. Only this time Mardukas did not let out the rough scolding of [Silence!].
In the noisiness he informed Tessa.
(Captain. To be able to work for you, everyone is happy. Among the soldiers it is like a dream. That is you.
Of course we didn't think of you as an ignorant and conceited girl the first time. But this time it's different.)
(...........)
(For something a veteran with long military service was not able to do, you brought us this far. And it is
because that you said to fight, we are happy to follow you. In addition you said those words with the real
motive of your heart. If ever that you said "For the sake of peace" in that speech of yours, I too would leave
the ship.)
Only for revenge.
Tessa herself didn't think that it was that simple. However, moving themselves strongly, the fact is that it
was a primitive move.
Not because of morality. Not because of Honor.
The soldiers follow her for their own revenge. Most of it has been in response to her expectations, but it was
completely unexpected. Leaving behind the abusive curses, in the end they could not complain.
(that's....)
If it was her previous self, she would have crumble and cried right there. But that was not so. no
subordinates would demand of such a thing.
Instead she put both her hands on her hips, informing them at the same time with a clear voice.
(I understand. But, as I said earlier there will be no salary okay? We can at least somehow manage food.
And that is all. Would that be alright?)
(U-i)
(Well, it can't be helped)
(Yeah yeah)
broken responses were made. She drew a big breath, then shouted at once.
(Wrong. What would be your response!?)
Everyone in confusion, they put their voice together.
(Yes Ma'am!)
(Good)
Nodding with a composed face, a queer silence controlled the place. And then unable to bear it, Tessa burst
out in laughter, followed by a loud laughter by everyone. An inappropriate laughter flowed in the hanger,
echoing.
She herself, did not know what was strange. It might be the tensions following tensions that there is no
longer strangeness in the nerve. Rolling around in laughter, finally the tears she beared started to flow.
Everyone did not put on airs, she only told them "dismiss", and everyone departed the place.
When the goodbyes being said to those who would disembark calmed down, it took about 30 minutes.
"Captain?"
Mardukas said to Tessa who has an unsettled reflection.
"Eh? Ah, I'm sorry"
Returning to her face----her face that was tired of the long operation, Mardukas carfully observed.
"....... right now as I said before, what I am worried about is your fatigue. With the subordinates having
these conditions, do you still feel responsible?"
"What do you mean?"
"I do not know if I am thinking too much. Originally, I can feel that you go to a tourist spot somewhere to
relax for about a month."
"I can't right?"
Although he said it with a sort of snorting, Mardukas did not laugh.
"that's it"
"?"
"the former you would have answered with a lot more wit. [Then everyone should go occupy that island,
and enjoy themselves], or something like that..... No, I have no talent for such jokes, I can't say it very well--
at the very least, you would not reply with [I can't]"
"........."
"Right now you do not have enough humor. thinking of many things, your mind being tired is proof
enough."
At the words of Mardukas, Tessa calmly scrutinized. Certainly what he said really hit the spot, but it does
not mean that she needs rest on their current condition.
Nevertheles----
She finally noticed.
Mardukas---for a stubborn and straight faced man like him to say with sarcasm "You do not have enough
humor" is something strange, why did she not notice earlier? Is that not proof that she is tired herself?
"that's right...."
Tessa answered without strength.
"I will remember. But, anyway right now we have to discuss this"
"Yes"
Mardukas replying voice was mixed with shame.
They walked again. Reaching the briefing room, inside was Ben Clouseau and Melissa Mao, and then Kruz
Weber was also waiting.
Since the commander of the landing team Kalinin was no longer there, his successor became Clouseau.
They also lost the commissioned officer Castello, his responsibilities goes to Mao.
And most recently, Kruz carried various assignments. Previously Mao was the subleader of the SRT, and
also arranges the work of the non-commissioned soldiers. After the destruction of <Mythril>, it would be
natural that their ranks would be on a skeletal force, in order make clear their chain of command, Tessa
bequeathed the general idea of their ranking. Clouseau was designated to Lt. commander, Mao became the
First Lieutenant.
Kruz was designated as Master Sergeant. His promotion was the recommendation of Tessa, she thought that
Kruz and Clouseau had a dog and monkey relationship.
At that time Tessa asked Clouseau "Do you think he can do it?", and he said "if it's him then he can do it.
His experience and skill is top class, you will know if you see it. Even Lt. Commander McAllen recognizes
this. Although there are some reluctance" with discomfort.
Kruz himself liked the idea of "Master Sergeant Weber", the soldiers even say "The Master Sergeant is
calling". At most, plenty of soldiers are milling in their ears, "Master Sergeant Weber. The 10 dollar you
borrowed the other day, hurry in paying it up idiot" or "Master Sergeant Weber, if you have so much time
help out in peeling the potatos stupid", they say it as much as they want.
Although he has a different method from a typical senior non-commissioned officer, this must be because of
his personal sociability and friendliness. In actual, Kruz has no problems regarding troubles arrising from
the soldiers. Although he is talkative as ever, he no longer makes disruptions as he pleases. And it seems
that he has become of an advisor to inexperienced soldiers.
Clouseau and Mao had noticed it earlier, Kruz has the character of a leader. Mostly, similar to Tessa, there
was a variation in the responsibilities of a commissioned officer. If you look at it, it is close to a captain of a
baseball or basketball team.
Incidentally Yang Jungyu and Sandaraputa who were injured during the battle on Melidia Island who were
the remains of the SRT, remained in the ship for medical treatment, right now they are stimulated into
rehabilitation and basic training.
the current situation of the <De Daanan> has roughly become like this.
The greatest pending question in the problem of resupply has been settled in a free thought.
Nobody knows but in the coast of Indonesia---in a solitary island that nobody knows, there was information
regarding reserved supplies, which was inputted by someone into [Daanan]. One day after the escape from
Melidia Island, Daanan recieved that information.
Of course this might be a trap from someone. However, there is no other choice. With vigilance the <De
Daanan> heads to the accurate coordinates of the information and what awaits them, left in the solitary
island are tens of cointainers full of ammunitions and fuel, Food and spare parts.
Until now there was clearly no one who prepared the supplies, but Tessa and Mardukas had a vague feeling.
There is someone who can possibly do this. Taking <Mythril> in a different and opposite route, with heavy
prudence, making <De daanan> pinpoint the neccessary supplies.
Aside from Andrei Kalinin they can think of no one else.
At that point in time, they thought that in 8 or 9 cases out of ten that he's dead. Even then how could he have
prepared such a detailed---up to a point where Tessa and the others did not notice, is still a mystery.
"Tessa"
"Yes?"
"Are you alright?"
Mao's look was serious.
"Yes. Why?"
"Why... Well, I think there was something but"
"Mardukas-san was also worried some time ago. But I'm alright."
Tessa smiled. Mao did not smile.
"Then it's alright. At most its 5 more hours. Eat something, and take some rest okay?"
"Yes, I plan to do so."
"The Ships doctor Goldbery also said it right? If you have an appetite.."
"yes yes! if you have an appetite, having some rest would be alright, right? That is true, so don't worry."
Tessa forcefully showed a yawn, and left the breifing room.
and immediately returned to the captains quarters, there was a club sandwich and vegetable juice left on top
of the desk. Private Kasuya from the kitchen must have left this.
It's already been half a day and she hasn't had anything to eat.
"........."
She took a bite on the club sandwich, and forced it down her throat. But she can't take the second bite. She
drank at least half of the vegetable juice. then she threw the club sandwich in the bedpan of the bathroom,
feeling like a criminal destroying the evidence.
She though of getting a shower, but she didn't feel like it. the illumination disappearing, she took off all her
clothes, turning the blanket on the side of the bed.
10 minutes passed. 30 minutes passed----
An hour passed, and she gave up.
She can't sleep.
Rising in half arch, sluggishly taking off the blanket, keeping her back to the wall, staring in the darkness.
Both her eyes open.
Swirling in her head, is the face and name of her dead subordinates. The men and women who had died.
Keeping silent, she stares at the dot in the opposite wall.
Chapter 03 – Front Toward Enemy:
The muscles of the whole body is screaming.
Painful. Difficult.
The foot is heavy. Wanting to vomit.
Chins rising. The ribs painful with the violent breathing. Throat thirsty. Extremely thirsty.
The wet atmosphere of the jungle clings surrounding the body. Large amount of sweat gushing out,
advancing step by step the jungle boots makes an unpleasant sound. The belt of the knapsack eating into the
shoulders, even being painful it can't be helped. Halting, hands thrust into both knees, it's merely been 30
seconds since he last rested, so he thought. At any rate there was no one watching. There was no one to
complain about slacking off.
"..........."
Sousuke enduring the pain, shakes his head bit by bit. How pathetic. With the steep mountain path, he
only walked no more than 6 kilometers, and then dealing with this.
One foot forward. One foot forward.
He stumbles on the root of a thick tree staggering. Although he fell down in the previous cave, narrowly
taking his balance stamping his feet. Standing still like that, he firmly endures it and continues to
move. Don't think. Run.
The fierce ringing of the vague heartbeat, it's palpitation echoes in his ears from the nape of his neck. Field
of vision narrowing, consciousness becoming hazy.
One foot forward. One foot forward.
What's the foundation of fighting? What's the foundation of a soldier? That's right, it's running.
And then Courtney reached into his breast pocket, taking out a Cigar, continuing with the match glued to
the sleeve of his field uniform, with a magnificent way of doing it lighted the match. Lighting the tip of the
cigar in front of Lemon who was waiting for an answer, chewing his mouth a number of times, and
smoothly blowing out a smoke.
"Um, are you listening?"
With the pet expression of smoke blowing, the old soldier finally looked at him and said.
"Of course I'm listening. Physiological movements huh?"
"Yeah"
"Fine. I will advise him."
After saying that he took one step forward. In the crudely made field, the rising and falling log thrust into
the ground which was dripped with sweat he raise his voice towards Sousuke.
"Sarge!"
"Sir!"
With a wild breathing, Sousuke answered.
"Your pace is falling! Really, coming to a health resort searching for boys, you're showing a shameful ass
like an unsatisfied young lady! Could it be that you're seducing me with that Ass!?"
"No sir!"
"Actually you really don't have the will to do it right!? You're only showing appearance of doing your
best!"
"No sir!"
"Then put out more fighting spirit! If your thinking of having your rotten dick penetrate the pussy of the
girl you've fallen for----Move! Move! Move!"
"Yes Sir!"
Raising his voice like most groans, Sousuke raises the log that has been whipping his whole body.
Retired Commander Courtney hurling jeers like "that's right, Suffer! Writhe!", Lemon protested with a fed
up face.
"You're hitting him!? what about the physiological movement theory---"
"It's a Fucking theory!"
The old soldier peeling his eyes, he growled with his voice like his hips leaving. Unintentionally scowling
at Lemon, he inhale his cigar once again, and blowing out a smoke that obscures his face, from there he
"Kah-, Peh" and vomited a large chunk of phlegm on the ground.
"Discussion of guts is old? Method of training Physiology? Those things, are for shitty young ones. Those
are said by people who underestimated a man's life force."
"tha..."
"Being isolated in the middle of combat!"
Courtney interrupted.
"There are only enemies in the surrounding! If you get caught you lose your life! Your stamina is already
at its limit! No water, food or ammunition! What do you do!?"
".............."
"Well, what? You guys abide by the theory of your doctors, in medical terms you can't fight anymore, do
you give up and blow your head off?"
"that's..."
"Before that. There is something amazing happening, it's always before that. Our almighty God, has
properly prepared for that. God as we call it gave man a Super Fucking Charger"
Courtney firmly made a fist from his grip, hitting Lemon in the chest looking around.
"Moving this, the coward become courageous, changing from useless to an elite troops. Not to mention, a
common soldier who is on the verge of dying in a short time finishing this----he would be able to do this"
It's reckless, Lemon with his face knitting his brows.
Moderate exercise and moderate rest. And having a balanced diet. To be able to create an ideal body,
these cannot be missed were scientifically made clear.
"You don't trust me?"
"yeah, well"
"Then I'll give you proof. Hey, you! You shitty young guy! Come here!"
Courtney called at the soldier doing maintenance with smalls arms in the corner of the camp---the voice
reaching the special forces member of Lemon's subordinate. The soldier with a dubious face "me?" pointed
to himself, and ran towards Lemon. Courtney hit his back and pointed towards Sousuke, and said.
"Get him some fighting spirit. Hit him 2 or 3 times, and pound him to the ground. What, you don't have to
be forgiving. Go!"
The large built and robust soldier inquired at Lemon's expression. Lemon thought a little, and gave a short
nod indicating "do as he says".
"then, I'll do as you say...."
The soldier shrugged his shoulders, and headed toward the center of the field where Sousuke is
running. With fist tucked in he informed him with "don't think of this badly" which can be heard from here.
"Well, take a look. Take a look at the counterattack that will open your eyes."
Courtney with the cigar on mouth, folded his arms in confidence.
The soldier casually hit Sousuke.
Two hits. Three hits.
The extremely fatigue Sousuke was not able to give any kind of resistance, taking a shoulder throw and
hitting the mud with his back. The appearance of Sousuke unable to move facing upwards towards the
inquiring soldier, he shouted at the apologetic Lemon.
"He fainted"
"............"
The soldier nursed the confused Sousuke. Lemon let out a sigh and looked at Courtney, who appeared as
nothing had happened and blew out a smoke from his cigar.
"Well, this could also happen."
The old soldier said shortly.
"Anyway, you can't pamper a man. That is vital."
"Stained with mud, with the sweat flowing freely current combat is not taken that lightly."
"Of course"
Courtney threw his cigar on the ground and extinguished the fire with the heel of this jungle boots.
"But young guy. A man who isn't smeared with mud and Sweat, blood and tears, what would he be capable
of then?"
Sitting on the shadow of the deck chair in the terrace, the day ascending always give the scenery of the sea,
this is the daily routine of Chidori Kaname.
Even in days of rain, this is the same.
Going out into the sea, it was only a few times in a year of her life, this is the first time that she experience
of continuing to look at the same sea for a number of months.
After being separated from Tokyo, she was taken from different places, the last place she was taken into,
was this mansion in the beach. She was in a situation where she can wander the premises unrestricted. As
what was told to her by Leonard, the person who brought her here, she can ask the people working in the
mansion of whatever she wants.
(You think I would be happy being treated as a princess?)
Kaname said, Leonard only shrugged his shoulders.
When he arrived in the mansion that day, he left her and went away with a Helicopter. Being the manager
of <Amalgam>, there would be a lot of work to be done. Only returning at least once a week, aside from
that he is out to somewhere.
Once stealing her lips, and clearly saying "I love you", Leonard didn't treat her as his own. Not even
embracing nor touching.
Not even using that "resonance".
He only makes her important by secluding her. Like an important gem in a strong box.
Kaname did not expect that.
A young man who has an eccentric feelings of love, it was different from some feeling that you adhere
to. With just a "do that there" attitude. She was not even thrown into a strange research
laboratory. Excluding the house arrest, Kaname is surely free. And being treated like a VIP in an
extravagant hotel.
After a few weeks of living in the mansion, Leonard gave her a notebook PC that is fairly new and said.
(If you are bored, try to thinker with this.)
The PC with its network functions disabled, the application of the design data and combat data of the super
weapon is stored. An exaggeratingly super important classified information.
There were a number of varieties of <Codarl> type and <Behemoth> type AS with a Lambda Driver
equipped. Unfortunately there were no <Berial> which Leonard mounts.
Among the combat data, it includes the battles with Sousuke's <Arbalest>. There were many pilots for the
<Codarl> type, but the one who could draw out the full power of the unit, is the terrorist who fought with
Sousuke----Gauron. Even without the function of the Lambda Driver, freely controlling the unit with
perception and experience, the enemy unit----in other words thoroughly harassing the <Arbalest>. The
fierceness of the real power of Sousuke that is comparable to Gauron, Kaname thought about it again.
There is also combat data of Mao and Kruz's unit the M9, but these are ordinary the M9 would be
completely crushed with the passengers dying. An ordinary AS fighting with an AS equipped with LD
(Lambda Driver), it would be odd to receive that amount of damage. Looking at the combat data, at
Sousuke and the others stubbornness, its telling her of their shrewdness.
If you look at it oppositely---in other words looking at the perspective of <Amalgam>---isn't this situation
somewhat an irritation.
With the hardware guaranteed to be far superior, these enemies would not yield. Mobilizing with
experience and skill, elasticity and unpolished intuition, in the end they continue to resist, finally having the
opportunity to work on it, that unit was left with a fatal counterattack. This might probably be the
"Difference in skill". Mao, Kruz and the others, ordinary youth being flawed with human weakness, at the
same time they are like polished fighting machines. This fact, appeared in numerical values on the screen.
The meaning in what Leonard once said "<Mythril> was trying too hard", Kaname looking at that data
vaguely guessed.
<Amalgam> was felt as a threat to Sousuke and the others.
Scanning roughly at the design data of the <Codarl> and <Behemoth>. Kaname's intelligence right now,
discovered easily the point of that problem. The appearance of the original portion was derived from
Leonard, many of the portions were seem to be handled by engineers.
The Lambda Driver equipped AS of <Amalgam>, prescribes medicine to the passenger to start up the
equipment. Creating a variety of "Static stimulation", producing a peculiar electrical pattern in the brain. It
is a shell of an interface which is called TAROS, the unit amplifying that "power". It cannot be asserted
with the design data alone, as the medicine that the pilots of <Amalgam> use were improved. Close to one
year ago where he met the young boy---like the unstable pilot of the <Behemoth> Takuma, combat data was
not seen. The pilot of the <Codarl> right now, might not receive the emotional obstacle like Takuma.
The fundamental principle of the <Codarl's> Lambda Driver, it's most probably the same as the <Arbalest>,
but Sousuke did not assimilate any medication. In time Sousuke and the <Arbalest> exhibited a dramatic
battle, a mental state which could not be reproduced by medicine prescription---it is probably brought forth
by the forged living as a soldier with concentration and strong will, a variation of enhanced feeling is a plus.
Although the <Arbalest> is unstable, it has an overwhelming strength in a complete situation. The
<Codarl> type exhibits a stable function, the specifications are also available with limited mass
production. But it can not exhibit the instant strength of the <Arbalest>. To say the least, the <Codarl> is a
unit for exterminating ordinary AS, the <Arbalest> was designed to fight with an AS equipped with an
LD. The difference was also clearly shown in the combat data.
In a bizarre way of saying, the <Codarl> and <Behemoth> are units that have common exhibition. But this
common design is the shackles of this group of unit. They did not put into calculation that the enemy would
be using Lambda Drivers, for that function there are many portion sacrificed. In addition the expansion of
the protective wall is difficult, an enemy who is familiar with a Lambda Driver equipment---in other words
Tessa and the others---being defeated by a common AS would not be impossible.
Even with a supernatural energy field generating device it is not invincible.
At Kaname's diagnosis, the "Battle ratio" of a Lambda Driver equipped AS and an ordinary 3rd generation
AS, with the same skill in pilots would be assumed around 8 to 1. If 8 of the M9 were drilled with the
proper countermeasures, they could defeat a single unit of <Codarl>. Of course the side of the M9 would
pay a suitable sacrifice, actual tactics are much more complex and organic, if simplified that would be it.
The tank and anti tank helicopter that is left in the current warfare, an extreme example would be 16 to
1. Comparing this to the existence of the Lambda Driver boarded AS, this would not have a dramatic
change in the concern of the people. Although this might not be a big thing if looking at the history of
science, on top of the military history the artillery and communication system, ICBM would have a greater
incidence.
The people who have notice it that much, was it expected in this world? Most probably a handful of
people---him, herself and Tessa, and a few more people who are the same as them. People like Mao and the
others who have experience it in actual combat, they might have already noticed this.
Looking at the collected data in the Notebook PC, Kaname understood this much.
Leonard made her understand this truth. And then, on top of that asked her.
"Then how do you use this worthless equipment called Lambda Driver? How would you repair this unit?"
---he said.
In any case, Kaname increases the radiation cord from the head part to two, making 3 knots of ribbon to
create a data transfer.
(You friend would be alright)
It's about Tokiwa Kyouko. Leonard after saying that he said "why don't you try redoing it", smiled and
returned the data to her.
After that, Kaname once in a while thought of a design plan and hands it to Leonard's subordinate. With
the design plan merely a sketch. There is really no practical use, ironically just contents for
Leonard. Purposely mixing in the wrong numerical values, a mechanism with contradicting specs
resulted. It would be an ingenious trap that would be difficult for an ordinary engineer to notice. With the
discomfort of testing her skills, she also tried to test the observer. Of course Leonard would have notice that
intention, showing a mistaken passage, he shrugged his shoulders and left.
How long will she be staying in this mansion.
What do they want with Kaname.
Leonard talks about a lot of things. Not only the management of the organization, but she feels an
impression that he is preparing for something very big. Most probably, until that day comes she will have to
be placed in this place.
Losing the livelihood of Tokyo, Kaname who felt she has thrown away something, she has no more spirit
to inquire about that.
Whatever. That was what she thought.
Anger and laughter, she can no longer recall. Only knowing of living in this mansion, becoming a middle
aged woman, becoming an elderly woman, and dying someday. She thought that it would be good.
This place is in the subtropics.
It's already been warm since February, with only the broadleaf tree remaining in sight. There are no roads
or houses seen in the premises, not even a ship going back and forth in the coast. Nor an Aircraft. The
helicopter for people to visit this mansion, is the only thing that ever flies here.
It was a quiet place.
Like the silence of her heart right now, it is a hollow place.
The sun sets like how it always leaves the terrace, walking in the west side of the wide garden, this has
become a daily routine for Kaname.
A garden that was well maintained. At this season the deep red Jacaranda flowers were blooming, shining
under the velvet sunset sky of dusk, leaving with an absentminded and gloomy color. The gentle sea breeze
coming from the sea, shaking the leaves of the garden, a number of whispers had reached her ears.
Hearing that conversation, in that evening, backing into the corner of the garden, in a time for dozing off.
One was a man, the other was a woman.
"...and then? The escape from LA was really uncertain right?"
With that conversation, Kaname calmly listened. She did not stir, not even any sense of tension, just like
the sound of the wind. If it were the energisch girl of long ago, throwing her breath from a strength
somewhere, Fowler might have noticed her existence.
Havi Oa Island.
Assassination Team.
ARX System.
Project.
Those words did not much move her heart much. The problem is "That man"----about Sousuke.
Since Fowler were no longer here, how long then were she here. Kaname in the darkness under the shade
of the tree, without speaking to anyone, muttered a soft whisper.
"That idiot...."
He was alive. And also, she does not know what definite thing he was doing, but he seems to be
continuing to do something that <Amalgam> doesn't like.
Probably, searching for her.
To the quadrangle of that school, to bring her back there.
Going that far to destroy her current lifestyle, unyielding, not even raising the white flag. What do you
think you're doing?
That idiot.
For me. In a situation like that, me who had betrayed you. In front of you who were on the verge of death,
me who threw you away and went with another man.
That idiot---
There was no tears. She was utterly amazed from the bottom of her heart.
Not at him. But at herself.
What exactly is she doing?
At this rate, inside this boring mansion, she will become an old lady, and thinking that it would be good to
die like this. Without anything. Without hurting anyone. What would be her atonement for that. Kicking
him with a meager sarcasm---that's all.
That idiot----
Leave me alone. Forget about me. Slowly, find another way of life. Why do you have to trouble yourself
for me?
That idiot---
Hurry up and come here. Do it and come here. Say to me the usual words. With a blunt sullen face, say
"No problem".
No.
You can't. There are full of problems.
In the darkness of the tree shade, it was best to space out.
That idiot----
She couldn't stand herself. Cowardly. Really cowardly. Clinging on to the miserable feelings, she
cowered there for a number of minutes.
When she felt the chill of the night atmosphere, she finally stood up. Walking out of the garden with her
weak feet, heading to her own room in the mansion. In the big bed, she thought that it would be
comfortable to just sleep there.
But before entering the mansion, beside the pool, in front of the south side, there was a 25 meter clean
pool. She has not even swam once.
"........."
She stopped her foot, gazing at the pool for a while. With the illumination leaking from the window of the
mansion, the surface of the water shimmers, staring with her indifferent eyes.
Shall we take a swim---
She vaguely thought. Rather to sink into the middle of the water, and she thought of disappearing like
that. No, if she were to jump into the pool, she won't be committing suicide. Even then, without knowing
the reason herself, she walked to the pool side.
She took off her sandals with her heels, and entered the pool barefooted.
Cold.
A flavor not found these past few months, she felt the strange freshness of it.
No one was looking in the surrounding area.
Kaname sat on the pool with her clothes one, playing on the cold water with both of her foot for a while,
then dipped her whole body.
Cold.
The one piece she was wearing was gently spread in the water, and then every time she moves her heavy
body coils. With gloominess, casting it off in the middle of the pool. The body has somewhat become
lighter.
With only her underwear, she looked upwards and floated above the water, splashing in the
silence. Looking at the night sky. Countless stars are twinkling in front of her eyes. And then, she tried to
truly swim.
She slowly kicked her foot, raising her face and swimming forward. She was progressing in the water. No
more bad mood, the cold temperature of the water was frivolous in her breath.
Without any profound reason, she continued to swim. Like an embroidery in the water, it was not a
beautiful swimming style. But more like swimming with ones might. beating on the water, a violent kick in
the air, swimming like a body violently twisting. A rough breath came out all at once, she did not mind and
continued to swim.
And then forward. And then forward.
She made a number of round trips in the pool. Why was she doing this, she herself does not know.
At any rate she wants to swim. Moving all her body, moving forward.
Forward. Forward. Forward.
Due to a number of months without exercise, she got tired immediately. Hard. Difficult to breath. The
muscles here and there are screaming.
Even then she swam.
Forward! Forward! Forward!
Beating the water in the dim light, raising a small roar, she continued to swim. Really not pretty, a
movement like an octopus trying to drown something, raising her face from the surface water, and continued
forward.
Swim! Swim! Swim!
The waters coldness must have gone somewhere. Now it is hot. If she strikes, the water drops would
dance in the air. She was somehow in a mood to smile. The hardship of her whole body turned into a
sensation. Even though it was hard, her heart was released somewhere.
Aah, that's right.
Together with her nostalgic sensation, she thought about it.
She thinks too much.
Hesitation, and difficulty would not start anything. No, there is no longer any need for that, but there is
something much more important.
Namely.
Swimming, walking, moving forward. She might be tired in half a day.
Even then, Swimming like this is not bad.
Forward more! Forward more!
Continuing to swim like that---she did not even know how many rounds she made--- If she keeps this up
she might drown in her own feelings, and Kaname finally stopped. At the time that she crawled up the pool
side, there was a feeling that steam was rising from all over her body.
Staggering while standing, there was someone at her back who called out a voice.
"This is rare"
It was Sabina. It was because of the loud swim, that it was bound to be noticed.
"Is that so?"
Tearing off her shoulders with a breath, Kaname exchanged words with her. It was good to feel her
heartbeat beating in a vague noise. The wetness of the shorts reaching up to her buttocks, she casually lift
herself. Without any behavior or enticing the opposite sex, Kaname did not mind.
"It feels good. How about you?"
Like challenging her, Kaname spoke with her eyes glaring, Sabina shrugged her shoulder a little.
"No. But seeing you energetic would be good."
"I wonder. This is still the worst."
"indeed."
Sabina carefully looked at Kaname with a deep eye, and said.
"It seems that you've heard right?"
with only that, she understood what was being talked about in the garden. She didn't know where she
knew, but Sabina noticed it.
Kaname quickly responded.
"Yeah, I heard. sorry."
"Then you knew? I tried to kill your boy friend."
"Not particularly. Isn't that alright?"
Kaname rang with her nose.
"Or what I mean, he's not my boy friend in the first place. But that guy, he won't be killed by the likes of
you. Isn't that just overly self consciousness? We took your most important thing, sorry, AND I'm cool,
right?"
Sabine just stood there with her expressionless face.
"....It's about time for dinner. Shall I accompany you to the dinning hall?"
When The former <Mythril> Information Department Hong Kong Branch head Gavin Hunter and the
others were attacked, they were passing through the streets of Cantwell 60 kilometers moving on the
road. Working on the frame works of the "Unit" frantically they ran away from Anchorage, heading straight
for the workshop which they have prepared beforehand and were attacked along the way.
It was dawn with rain. With Conifer around the area.
Although it's already June, the mornings of Alaska were still unpleasantly cold. There are two trailers
holding the unit. Hunter was on the passenger side of the leading car. Unlike any other convoy on the night,
it is a place where no cars are going back and forth.
It was an ambush there.
In the path of their way there was a bluish phospherence floating in the air, at once a giant appeared. It's an
Arm Slave. In addition it was not that one unit alone. There was also another behind Hunter and the
others. And then 300 meters from the left at a small hill is another unit. As far as they can see, there were
three units. In the silhouette they can see the distinction of the diamond faced head. Being astonished, the
three units are all made up of <Codarl> type. Since they only have one armored troop guarding resistance is
futile.
The <Codarl> in front opened his hands. and said "Stop"
"Do as he says. Stop."
Hunter said towards the driver who looked blankly when the AS suddenly appeared. The driver was
employed locally and was an outsider, of course he would have no knowledge of what the contents are.
The two trailers stopped in the middle of the road, the external speakers of the <Codarl> said.
"Cut your engine and come out with both your hands up. If you resist we will shoot."
they obeyed.
From the thicket on the left side of the road appear 5 to 6 men, grasping immediately on the neck of Hunter
and the others, lining them up in a row beside the trailer. Although wearing civilian clothes, there were
suppressor in their submachine guns, their movement and cooperation were controlled. If there had been
any kind of resistance, the members are in a good firing position. There is no mistake that they are
professionals.
The drivers were frightened. Hunter pitied them for involving them. But he anticipated this situation and
employed outsiders. He didn't want to expose his subordinates with high skills and experience in
unnecessary dangers--- in other words, they stepped on a case where the employed drivers being killed
would not make a large damage.
Then, why is he going along with them?
There are a number of logical reasons. He made calculations not to get himself killed, and to shift to
escape if somehow captured, for arguments sake if he died there are no people who would be
concerned. His relationship with his loving wife in the Hong Kong period, became a catastrophe when
<Mythril> collapse.
Oh well. Being a woman who had pride being a former model, up hers. To be with a small fat person like
him, she only wanted a Grand Cinq ring...that's what he thought.
But what was the largest, and most dangerous risk he took was not to be in agreement with the enemy.
"Gavin Hunter right?"
One of the attackers said without negligence of his gun. it was meaningless if he were to deny this, Hunter
gave his affirmation. But even then the enemy had made deep preparations.
"Say your mothers name and you birthday"
So they were watching out for his substitute. He had difficulty with his memory---and his mother had died
20 years earlier----then answered the question.
"Debbie. June 4"
"Alright. Show me the load. Open it with the key you have."
Whether this was a protest of something else, Hunter hesitated. Wouldn't it be alright to irritate them for a
bit? No, that attitude would rather give suspicion to his enemies. He rethinks, and calmly replied "I
understand", raising both his hands and walked towards the rear of the trailer. There were two armed men,
following him from behind.
No matter how he struggled, he could not resist here. They are much more trained, men armed with
automatic rifles, and 3 units of Lambda Driver equipped AS. As long as Hunter knows, those who are much
more stubbornly superior---the guys from the West Pacific Fleet, would not lose to these guys.
Removing the lock on the rear doors, the boorish metal fittings were unfastened. Opening the double
doors, inside are a large quantity of cardboard boxes.
"It's smoked salmon."
Hunter said.
"We got it cheap from a trader. We plan on traveling along like this crossing Canada towards Utah---"
Not listening to his words, the man violently pulled down the cardboard box. The cardboard box falls to
the ground, on the smashed box the smoke salmon were revealed in the vacuum pack. Hunter who was
looking on, is in a mood to drink some beer.
"Keep quiet and just watch."
There are several cardboard boxes, inside them were a curved armor, a part of a large machine appeared.
For people on the military field would understand immediately. This is the head of a 3rd generation AS.
"Are these smoked salmon?"
The man snorted, and called on the digital communicator he had.
"This is Blue One. We have discovered Tango One. Blue One will proceed with Alpha protocol. There is
a control on Tango Four. Request instructions----Blue One Roger"
The man concluded with the communication and order the attackers to withdraw.
At once, two Large helicopters equipped with ECS appeared, hovering in the skies about 10 meters,
dropping a sturdy wire and hook. The men on the ground quickly acted on both hands connecting wire to
the trailer.
And then another small helicopter flew over. It's an old model Gazelle. The small helicopter landed with
rhythmical movement, around 30 meters away from the trailer.
A large built man in civilian clothes got off from the small helicopter.
Taking off the headset and leaving the seat, with energetic soldier like walking heads to this way. Because
of the shadow created by the trees, the face of the man was not clearly seen. The gray coat fluttering in the
wind. His hair and beard were also gray.
One of the attackers raced to this "Grey Man", bowing his head, reporting to him not losing to the roaring
sound of the helicopter. Most probably this man is the commander.
Briefly instructing the subordinate, the gray man slowly walked near Hunter. His height is about 190
centimeters. His age can also be seen as roughly around his 50's.
"...........?"
The man came walking a few steps forward.
It was a face he knows. And also, a man who should not be here.
"impossible. you're..."
"In this industry that is possible"
Taking for granted the speechless gaze of Hunter, that man----Andrei Kalinin said.
"but---"
Hunter was usually a man who would not be surprised, but this is different. This is something that he did
not see mistakenly, how many times he thinks it.
But this is certain.
Standing over there, the one who is leading the troops of <Amalgam>, was the Russian who was
responsible as the Operations Commander of the Western Pacific Fleet of <Mythril>, Andrei Kalinin.
He passed beside Hunter, confirming the contents of the trailer.
"This is the aforementioned unit"
"........"
"Building something like this, it changes nothing. it was a useless labor."
Hunter's fist suddenly gained strength.
"....Mister Kalinin. I didn't think that such words would come out of your mouth. Although we were not
close, we were in numerous operations together. But, I didn't think you were the kind of person who would
say that. Those young fellows trusted you. Is that not reason enough?"
"That's an overvalue."
"A lot of your allies were killed! On top of that, what sort of infamy---don't you at least feel a little pain in
your heart!?"
Even with the sharp words of Hunter, Kalinin did not even move his eyebrows.
And then only said one word.
"Withdraw"
He ordered his subordinates.
"Wait, Mister Kalinin. Are you really---"
Hunter approaching defiantly, Kalinin fired his automatic gun casually. He felt a dull pain in his abdomen,
and then a burning pain felt through his whole body.
"........!"
Pushing with both his hands, blood dyeing. During his poor childhood times in the streets of Glasgow, a
memory of a quarrel came to his mind. Hunter fell on both his knees, and looked forward. On the corner of
his narrowing field of vision, he only saw the wet road with the boots of Kalinin.
"If a human loses roughly around 30 percent of blood he will die"
Kalinin said.
"With that bleeding, you need to get emergency treatment within 30 minutes. The nearest medical facility is
63 kilometers from here. We will be withdrawing from here. With luck you have could get picked up in the
car, even if you do your best to fly, it would be difficult to make it in time. And then my Helicopter has the
necessary medical kit."
"............"
"Then here is the question, Mister Hunter. This unit ---- the ARX-8, who were the people who constructed
this? And where are they?"
Hunter spitted at the boots of Kalinin with blood mixed in. It did not fly very well, and fell to the ground.
"Eat shit"
"Is that so"
Kalinin did not show even any signs of disappointment.
"Then enjoy the last 30 minutes"
The fallen Hunter stayed still, Kalinin left the place. His subordinates also started to withdraw, leaving the
drivers kneeling.
The Helicopter in the skies left a fierce roar of the turbo shaft engine. The two trailers hanging on the
helicopters started to ascend, climbing the skies accelerating towards the eastern sky. The helicopter
Kalinin rode started to takeoff, and disappeared immediately.
After the 3 units of <Codarl> remained watching, lowered their weapons and activated the ECS and leaped
from that location towards a distance. With the bluish white light remaining, the 3 units disappeared from
the morning atmosphere.
"....how can this be."
In the returning silence, Hunter muttered. The drivers racing, they showered him with their worried jeers,
those words no longer reached his ears.
Gentlemen of the Western Pacific Fleet.
With those kinds of toys----AS equipped with Lambda Drivers, you will be clashing with a tough enemy
with problems.
After the exercise, Sousuke and the other members returned to camp, Lemon and Courtney in front of the
electric fan were caught in the middle of a game of chess.
"That's why! I did not cheat!"
"No! It's definitely a FUCKING Cheat! My Pawn was not there a while ago! You must have moved it
while I was shitting! You cheating bastard!"
"Let me tell you, I have an IQ of 150 and graduated at Sorbonne. I'm a little intelligent and also
young. There's no reason why I should lose to an eccentric old man like you! Please stop saying strange
things!"
"How dare you say such things! My Uncle died in Omaha Beach. We save you weak French Bastards from
FUCKING Hitler!"
"Haa! Then my ancestors gave weapons as presents to the poor people in the new continent 200 years ago!"
"That's a lie! Definitely a lie!"
"You were also lying aren't you?"
"What was that? If you want proof then I have one! The picture of the house in Arizona at that time---
damn, wait from there tomorrow! I'm going to go back and get it!"
Is he seriously going 2500 kilometers to Arizona, raising the seat of the Courtney Name. Then from there,
the two of them noticed Sousuke and the others.
"Hn. What's the matter with you?"
"The exercise had ended. All 8 mean defeated"
The Team Leader's Warrant Office spoke, Courtney circled his eyes.
"Hohou?"
"That's astounding. So we were training for that. You're really been wiped out by Sagara"
"No. If it were a real combat I would have been killed when I took down 3 men. I'm not yet in the normal
condition"
Sousuke denies, Taking out the belt kit and the magazine and communicators and started their maintenance.
"What an extreme confidence"
Gazing at the back of Sousuke who is efficiently lining up the equipments, Lemon muttered.
"If you were in normal condition, you are saying that you would have annihilated all 8 of them in real
battle"
"Affirmative. If I can't do that at least, I can't fight with <Amalgam>"
Sousuke answered without any fighting mood.
"That may be true. But, it seems that you are recovering leisurely.
"?"
"It's Nickelo. One of the places that you mentioned. Because of that we've narrowed it down. Isn't this."
On top of the crude desk there was a Notebook PC opened, Lemon displayed a number of diagrams.
It's a satellite image. There is a small town in Pochutla, South of Mexico, projected a coast near
Nickelo. There was no institution standing out at first sight, it was a lonely place. Facing the sea was a
large mansion.
"It's a satellite photo 20 hours ago. Surveillance satellite of NATO---although it is a low resolution type, we
managed to get a photo penetrated."
"Hm. How handy."
Courtney peeping on the display at the side, groaning.
"That's why I said I was intelligent. I don't cheat, I can win against you."
"Shut up. This and that are different!"
Interrupting Lemon's head poking at Courtney, Sousuke inquired.
After taking down the AS the helicopter landed, Seals walked immediately forward. He completely
ignored Sousuke and Lemon, glancing here and there in the camp, and then shouted at Courtney.
"The documents were all taken care off! Well, where is Tessa?"
"Well about that, She's not here"
At Courtneys response, Seals fiercely turn his head looking around and stopped.
"What was that? Didn't you tell me that she was waiting here. I bought the M6A3 here, with her
nightingale wind and a traditional nurse outfit, nursing me---"
"Sorry. I lied"
The main agenda of the online conference, is the [correction] of the military balance and supply balance in
the Middle East, Central Asia and the Far East.
The Middle East accounted for a lot of interest in maintaining the status quo, in relation to the underground
resources of Central Asia there was a need for a terrorist incident, while the Far East maintains the tension
giving each nation to enlarge their war funds.
The estimated number of deaths and damages are expected, in the long run it will turn out that reports are
positive. Considering their reports, from that expectations it revealed a proactive and passive endorsement.
The "World Conquest" is already over----
The people of the world no longer notices this fact. Of course, there is no need to notice it. This
organization efficiently utilizes funds, technology and violence, to have a power to greatly get consent from
the majority of the people.
The "World Conquest" is already over----
There is no need for all the fortune to fall under one hand. The carnivores in the Savanna don't have to eat
the grass, while the herbivores increase in numbers they cannot decrease. What is most important is balance.
The "World Conquest" is already over----
This flow can no longer be changed. They themselves can no longer change. For the whole picture, not
one of them understands this. The most important is that you do not infuriate your superiors. And then
continue with the flow.
No, how stupid.
The world---
"Mister Ag (Silver), are you listening"
At the end stage of the conference, one of the managers called out to Leonard in an irritated voice. Of
course he was listening, but he was out of it for a moment, showing a face like he noticed it first.
"Yes, what about?"
"About the project. The scale of this problem, we would need the cooperation of each of you."
The man who gave him a harsh voice was Mister Au (Gold). Although it is an ironclad rule to address
each other like this, Leonard already knows his nationality and real name.
"As you say. As long as I can provide the information, I will share it with everyone."
"Then, how long will you be neglecting that girl. Do you also intend to finish the [Investigation]"
"My apologies. But, this approach could not detect the element."
"Still the [Organic Vegetable] theory"
A number of people laughed at Au's (gold) cynicism. Leonard calmly carried a smile.
"There is a demand for new [Black Technology]. Like the abstract case of the [Omni Sphere]. We want
results."
"Is that so. Then I will give you enough results."
"I see. Then that might be the case."
On the man who is only on voice, snorted through the circuit line. In the tone of changing the topic, Au
(Gold) said.
"Then there is the information. There are no specifics, but the organization has to make sure about the
whereabouts of your girlfriend. It's about time that the place would no longer be safe."
"It's something I've heard for the first time. We have increased the security."
Of course he was not saying the truth. The observation satellite of NATO, from its inside----from someone
who knows the system very well---intrudes, there was already someone who took a photograph of the
greatest magnification of the mansion near Nickelo. Even the whitewashing relating to the funds. Although
he doesn't know who, it seems like a capable hacker. Although they knew that it was someone related to the
French DGSE, but the location was not yet captured.
Not only that. There was a continuous monitor from the net with these kind of intrusions, there is an
existence of a person who secretly snatched the same information from the shelf. This is not a human. It is
the work of a large scale Artificial intelligence.
To be able to accomplish this feat, there is no mistake that it is from that submarine's computer---the act of
<Daana>. Even for <Daana> the first hacker's identity and location has not been found, in any case what is
needed is to hold still.
Just like that. This mansion can no longer be said as safe.
Mister Au (gold) said.
"If it is the increase in security, we have already given you support. 3 units of [1502] and 3 units of [1059]
are already headed there"
"That would help. They also had a great activity in Melidia."
There was a number of people who laughed at Leonard's Cynicism. But inside he though [it's finally here,
what trouble], and clicked his tongue without anyone hearing.
Then after discussing the agenda of several security, the online conference ended.
Leaving the meeting room built on the basement of the Mansion---the Polish Sabina Refunio waited.
"The unit has arrived"
"The ARX-8"
"Yes. Mister K (Kalium) is also waiting."
"He's Kalinin right. Let's go."
Leonard went out of the mansion through a corridor, heading for the helicopter landing field. Close to the
landing field, components of an AS is stored in a pallet, in front stands Andrei Kalinin.
The shirt he took off was gray, a coat of gray over his right arm. From Alaska, he would have traveled
straight here like that.
"What's your impression of your first mission?"
Leonard asked Kalinin.
"Particular. What about the unit?"
"that's right. Just a moment."
On top of the large pallet is the AS, covered on top of it is a tarpaulin sheet. That sheet took several people
to uncover, inside the AS came into view. No matter how different the part or armor, it looks extremely
similar to <Mythril's> 3rd generation AS, the M9 <Gurnsbeck>.
It was a boring unit.
"This is their trump card?"
"Yes"
Kalinin answered with an expressionless face.
"the outward appearance is different from the <Arbalest>, and used the test type parts of the XM9. This unit
is an ordinary M9----I heard that they used the parts of the E series. ....Can I see the core of the Lambda
Driver?"
"then, please have a look."
Kalinin bowed, and signaled one of his men. Opening the armor at the back, it took a number of men to
remove the hip armor, exposing the interior of the AS. Perpendicular to the cockpit---this originally should
be the power source of the electrical equipments, this looks like an M9 type of a large refrigerator.
Leonard by chance looked up at the frame of the AS, raising the unit's hatch again. there was a cylinder of
strong glass fixed in the buffer device, in the construction of the cylinder---let loose a metallic brilliance
filled with fluids.
This cylinder is the circuit of the Lambda Driver nucleus. if a power source is given, it will operate with
this [fluid logic element] emitting rainbow like lights like that of a DVD. This equipment is also installed
on the <Codarl> and <Behemoth>, the fluid processor in front is several times the capacity of the one made
by <Amalgam>.
"Is there no mistake"
Kalinin said.
Leonard touched the surface of the cylinder, and contemplated.
The real form of the circuit, the buffer system and the cooling system, the fiber optic cable on both ends of
the cylinder, there is nothing strange.
But---
No, nobody knows. Thinking carefully in itself, this unit and that man's strong will. At a glance at that
young man--- the thought of Bunny Morauta's face, he laughed with a sort of snorting.
"Aah. dispose of it."
"Understood."
Kalinin answered, and gave orders to his men.
After a few minutes, the power source of the captured unit was removed, burning off the joints of the limbs,
and left in the site like that. with the car the chassis was detached, and the engine taken off.
The said cylinder was dismantled, being destroyed in the public. The fluid inside was scattered in the
surrounding, the [heart] of the unit's wreckage washed away with buckets and mop.
During the work, Kalinin looked up in the window at the third floor of the mansion.
And he thought that she's here.
That girl, Chidori Kaname, with a pale face in the window, in the presence of the arm slave being
dismantled, and looking at Kalinin being the supervisor, before being seen, she hid back to the inside of the
mansion.
Clouds fill the southwestern skies.
Thundering, the short sound of thunder echoes. (A storm is coming---)
He can feel the gloominess, and thinks that a battle is being pushed about.
Seriously growing timid, the Notebook PC's network function was completely disabled. Not only the
software, but also the communications hardware itself was uninstalled. Purposely opening the case at last,
this is what Kaname had concluded.
Well, of course.
If it were not so, right now----she who has not given in to the collaboration with Amalgam, there is no
reason to give her an electronic machine that would give out important information. They have considered
that she might give someone from the outside her whereabouts. Even if she tries to escape, there are those
<Alastors> walking about in the surrounding areas of the mansion, she would not even get the chance to run
away.
Looking at the stars in the night sky from the terrace, she managed to grasped the latitude from the
trigonometry. North Latitude 15 degrees 40 minutes. There is also the premises in the rough world map,
the coast concurs with that latitude. Is it Indonesia, Arabian Peninsula or South Mexico, most probably it's
South Mexico.
She knows where she is, but there is no means for her to get away, even so she has this feeling of
achievement. With that attitude, she started to investigate. Why was she simply housed in here?
Kaname walks about from the premises, and tries to carefully and deeply observe. There has to be a hint
for getting away. There might be something that she can use. That's what she thought.
What then after escaping? Then where would she plan to go?
Those are the feeling that keeps getting in to her head. That's right. After escaping, there is no place she
can go.
But when those thoughts steadily swells up inside, Kaname shakes her head and heads to the
pool. Changing into a swimsuit and plunges in, taking 10 round trips, and somehow enjoying herself.
The people at the mansion notice the change in Kaname, she did not hide this fact. No matter in what kind
of situation she is in, the iron bars in this island spreads out across.
Then one day, that man arrived in the mansion. Andrei Kalinin.
He apparently brought the 3rd generation AS from Mythril>, Leonard confirming what's inside and started
to dismantle it, that was what Kaname saw from the window.
Why was he here? Did he betray them? Or will he be double crossing them?
This situation is shaking inside of Kaname's heart, there were several days to have a direct conversation
with the Russian, but not even once did they do so. Thinking what should be said if they were to meet,
Kalinin was most of the time outside giving directions to his subordinates.
He reviews the defense and security of the premises. Observing a fragmentation in the subordinates work,
this is what kaname had reasoned out.
There is some disaster drawing near. She has this vague feeling.
Those premonition becoming reality, would be the night storm, a few days after Kalinin appeared.
The winds blows in the outside, large grain of rain hitting of the windows. The sound of waves closing on
the coast roars, with a thundering and omnius sounds echoing in the bedroom.
Kaname lying in the bed settled into reading, Leonard Testarossa visited her room.
"What do you want?"
Kaname said bluntly. If it were the usual, such attitude from her would draw a smile from him and
casually shrugs his shoulders, this night it was different. Leonard was not smiling, and only stands in the
doorway without stirring.
"I want you to get dressed. Today or tomorrow.... we will be leaving this place."
"Why?"
"A lot of things. The situation has changed."
"If you feel like it, can you explain that situation to me?"
Leonard was silent. He never did not reveal any of his real motives. This time is also the same. But only
stood there, without excluding anyone from inside his chest, he was slowly in examining something.
"Is that so."
Kaname said with her legs crossed on top of the bed.
"If you're not in the mood to speak then it's fine. Just like you, treating me like a doll in a small
island. Well, if that's the case then I guess that kind of attitude can be expected.
"That's not it. To say unnecessary things to you, I think that it will bring about much trouble here and there.
"Then that's a doll treatment."
Lightly stretching. There is a irritating like feeling growing, her voice became natural and sharp.
"I'm not an insensible as Tessa okay? No matter how much superior or handsome or rich you are, with only
that you devote yourself to something and become shrewd."
"My sister is the same."
"Right. What I was saying was that girl of the past. Right now that girl would go against you up
front. That is why for me to say something like this, you do understand right?"
He did not deny nor confirm.
"You can't answer huh. I've only recently thought of this this, but could it be that you are a terrible
coward?"
After leaving some time, he muttered to himself.
"That's right. Like what you said."
Not yet. It's the face that has decided to raise the white flag.
But she did not have any mercy.
"Do you think by saying "I understand" that you would look cool? If the opponent would be that person
over there, well that's also good. I also have that mood. Well, Are you alright with that?"
"...if I say anything, you're attitude won't change right."
"You don't seem to understand."
She said with a sneer. It was unpleasant as possible, hateful.
"Are you going to make me suffer? Shutting up, taking away something, and look on smiling? And just
surrender someday? Well, I'm not really a super human, either way it might be possible. In this case----if
that were to happen----will you be satisfied?"
"............"
"You know in the next class, there was a disgusting guy. He weights about 100 kilogram, always swearing,
and constantly smirking at me and other girls. You might say that he looks like a stalker, and have those
indecent books about confinement and lolicon and talks about them. I don't know up to what point is true
though. In any case, that type. It's a guy which you completely don't know what he's thinking. ........then
the question. With that disgusting guy and you. Which one do you think I would prefer to go out with, who
do you think I would choose?"
He could not answer afterall. Just expressionless, he just stood there upright.
"Are you listening. Which do you think?"
"Don't ask questions in bad taste."
"Answer me."
"Stop with the indecency, won't you continue another topic."
"You can't."
She clearly said.
"Listen and be surprised. I am serious and thought about this question everyday---- You really don't
understand. In short, the difference between you and that disgusting guy, either good looking or clumsy, it's
just only that. well? Saying the unvarnished truth, what you are doing, it's bad countenance. .....When
Sousuke appeared in front of me, he was a fairly disgusting guy. But different from you. He didn't laugh
much. No matter what happens, he fights with it up front. You right now, with an attitude that can see
through everything, can't look straight at me. That's right----he was always serious."
"Can we have enough of this."
Slowly walking he approached.
In a refined manner as usual, but his voice was short and cold.
"I'm always serious."
"You don't look like it. You said that you love me right? Is that really true?"
"Yeah."
"Why? What do you love about me? Can you answer that is easy to understand?"
"I told you before already."
"On the rooftop of the love hotel? Not that kind of explanation. In the end, you really don't understand how
a person would love right? It's because of that manner as to why Tessa looked the other way."
Leonards fist which was hidden in the pocket confines its strength. but without noticing the change,
Kaname continued.
"With only your sarcasm and manner, you don't open your heart to anyone. You only look at a girl as an
object. Does that thing still even exists? Didn't you get enough love from your parents?"
Suddenly Leonard gripped her shoulders. The slender and delicate body being well matched with a
surprising grip. With resistance was not possible, he pushed Kaname to the bed.
"Then let me tell you. Look into my eyes."
"What are you----"
"Look."
His face was pushed into her field of vision. The graceful features was crushed into a violent
emotion. Kaname's instinct told her to "don't look".
But, she looked.
Inside the gray pupils, where no light can be perceived, it flowed into her heart.
The torrents of thought. It's that "Resonance".
".............!"
Like the strike of lightning, Kaname arched her back. This is unlike the vast experiences that she had,
much more violent, wild, and a gloomy image.
It must been a few seconds, no a few minutes. When Kaname regained consciousness, Leonard had
already let her go, sitting on a chair in the corner of the room.
"............"
Facing up from the side of the king size bed she rises. Her breath is still rough. Kaname noticed that her
back is wet full of sweat.
The sound of the rain knocking on the windows, remains desperately in her ears.
"It's something not even my sister knows."
Leonard muttered absentmindedly.
"....then, what?"
A sad past, a difficult experience. Something that you would need someones back to lean on. Even for
Sousuke. Even for me. That is surely a pity, but right now, playing with the fate of this person, there is no
reason for you to flaunt a smile.
When Kaname fully understood this thought, Leonard let out a sigh.
"If this were to be told to ordinary humans with words, it is mostly that reaction. But you are
different. That's why this is how you were told. You understand right. This is not an affair of others."
That is correct. This has become something that is not the affair of others. That direct pain and sadness. It
was natural to her for having the same experience.
A terrible nausea.
Coughing many times, no matter where she stood, the sheets had become dirty.
Why is it. When she was still young, she remembers the scene of the stone being turned in the
riverbed. The earthworm and centipede under the rock, those ugly insects were crowded together,
wriggling. The awful show, deceit was trailing here and there. Trust, love, friendship and righteousness, all
those flowery words become fruitless feelings.
Humans are dirty.
Everyone even him only lies. Only hiding things.
With only that disposition can be felt.
"It's not that I want you to give me your symphaties."
Leonard silently said.
"And I don't want to use the drama as justification. I was thinking, and acting. With my own will. It has
nothing to do with cursing my own mother."
"Then, why...."
"I opened my heart just like you said. And that is all."
"............"
He stood up, heading straight for her.
"To kill, being killed is the worst. There are also varying worseness in the world. Being betrayed by your
partner or family, being refused, it is much more difficult than dying. With that point, my father felt at ease
without knowing anything. An exemplary soldier, an exemplary officer, an exemplary husband, for his
loving family----believing in the purity of his family and died protecting them. More than his character, it is
heroic."
"That's...."
"Oh well, if you say that I was "smiling frivolously", it might be because of that feeling. The inhabitants of
the romantic world is carefree. Maybe that's just it."
"But, I don't understand."
Kaname said. The usual harsh contact with him, has already been erased.
"With you like that, why me?"
"Well, I wonder why."
Standing alone and saying this, he went out of the room. At that point, he added.
"Anyway I hope you would get dress fast. There is something that I want to show you...."
At that moment, the window's glass and furnitures shakes strongly and bit by bit.
It was not the storm. It was the sound of explosion from far away.
"Aah, but...."
Lemon was right, having the outlook of suspending the operation on the verge of trouble, even then
Sousuke hesitated.
"No buts right? Which this much disturbance going on, the <Codarl> type of the enemy would be
operational. You can expect to get shot when you get close to the target."
With the new image from the satellite just before the operation, it was clear that the <codarl> type is in that
mansion. It was not because there were signs, the coast and unpaved roads of the premises after the rain
shows the footprints with the characteristics of a 3rd generation AS.
(Chidori----)
Still don't know if she is there. But, he has to grab it no matter what the hand is. Why is that. He feels
that she is there. He feels that she is near and is waiting for him. It has nothing to do with her being a
whispered, it's instinct, it is like a sense of smell that you can't explain logically.
The indications of the digital map the mansion is only 2 kilometers away.
In this position there are elevated hills that is an obstruction to his eyesight, just a little more. He plans to
penetrate clockwise and gallop into the premises. Calling her name on the exterior speakers----he might be
able see her. Might be calling out from somewhere. If he can managed to snatch her, he would escape at
full speed----
The sound of alarm.
8 o'clock direction. distance 300.
"!"
With the reaction speed of the M6, he won't be able to evade. He swings the unit with it's shoulders, and
put himself in a defense position with all his might.
Klunk, a strong impact.
The unit shakes. The cockpit trembles. From left to back there were a number of shells flying off, hitting
the shoulder armor and violent sparks scatters.
The pattern captured in the Thermal Sensors, there was something that wiggled quickly on the slope at
high speed on two legs.
In other words an AS.
(Expectedly easy)
Sousuke smacks his lips and investigated the data. if this were an M9 he would be able to tell which type
of unit immediately, this unit does not have a strong AI like that.
The enemy is a 3rd generation AS. Most probably a <Codarl> type.
Suddenly coming out like that. Continuing on with the operation is impossible. Gathering all his
equipment and technical skills, he has to run away with all his might.
The recovery of Kaname is out of the question.
He Grits his teeth. Regret. But he does not give up.
Suddenly the sound of alarm.
The enemy <Codarl> fires and is headed this way. Although it is only one unit, it is an opponent that is
excessive. Morever that unit is attacking this way.
In the waterfall like rain, he makes use of the terrain, barely evading the shots of the enemy. The driving
impact of the shells are splashing about around the M6.
(Just a margin.)
Desperately firing the scatter shot gun in his possession, the <Codarl> lightly step up and "Catches" the
shells. The atmosphere in front is distorted, the unit managed to stop the shells in front. A piercing rupture
reverberates, the shells that were supposedly hit gets smashed and burns up.
Lambda Driver.
That cheating unsystematic device. Only knowing its destructive power, he stands there feeling like an
idiot with an ordinary AS facing it.
"But...."
If it was to run away, he can do something.
Sousuke smoothly manipulated the stick, discharging the smoke bomb and radar interference bomb
equipped in its back. He lets out the rocket fly from inside the cylinder, exploding overhead. Together with
the glaring light the smoke spreads, covering the area.
Right now, the sight of the enemy has been lost. Sousuke changed to silent mode and headed
north. Taking into consideration the range between them, he managed to gain a suitable
distance. Increasing the speed in his direction, using the terrain to skillfully hide and get away, the hard part
is----
"!"
Too naive.
The enemy unit is in front. Distance 300.
The enemy has read his movement. Anticipating.
The gray armored <Codarl>, with its glaring red eye press on the M6. With the muzzle of its carbine in his
direction.
Discharge.
The 35 mm smashes into the armor, attacking Sousuke with a fierce impact. But he can still move,
swinging the unit and makes an evasive action. He knows that it is useless, but he has to try and return
fire. It's useless afterall. The said Gravitational field repels all attacks. The <Codarl> extracting a
monomolecular cutter. Only a few steps away. It plans to skewer his cockpit. No matter how much he
attacks, the gravitational field of the Lambda Driver that expanded in its front has no fear.
But, its back is different.
Immediately in front of Sousuke's eyes, there was an explosion in the <Codarls> back. Suddenly from
behind it, it takes the high caliber shell.
Smoke blowing out, the enemy unit staggers. It was not a fatal damage. It tried evasive action by flying
sidewards, trying to pinpoint the attack from behind.
Immediately on the enemy units side, a single AS appeared. It was a gray M9.
A complete surprise attack from nearby.
With a large Monomolecular Cutter----<Crimson Edge> at stance, the gray M9 crashes the abdomen of
the <Codarl>. The ear piercing sound echoing, large sparks were dancing about.
"It can't be...."
That M9 is not from the American military. He knows it well, it was the familiar [E series] of unit. There
was no mistake in his vision. It was the E series M9 with a Blade Antenna equipped.
Destroying the central block, the <Codarl> collapses. Carelessly flying about from the ruins, the M9
headed towards him, announcing from its exterior speakers.
"...Geez...."
It was the voice of a woman.
"....what a terrible fight. did you see it very well?"
The voice of the woman also, Sousuke knows it very well.
It was Melissa Mao. She was alive.
"Mao"
"Sousuke. It's you afterall."
The sound of the woman bounces.
"A calm interaction with the <Codarl> as the opponent, and then those movements, that shot cannon. I
thought that it would be----"
"Right, I told you didn't I? It's absolute!"
There was another voice. He was on an elevated ground 80 meters away, another unit of AS can be
seen. Brandishing a large gun barrelled sniper cannon.
"Kruz"
"Your alive afterall. You moody guy!"
It was an unforgiving jeer. There was no mistake. It's Kruz Weber. He was also alive.
"But, why are you here----"
"That's what we want to hear from you, and we have piles of things to talk about. But it seems there are
new comers here."
Mao muttered, suddenly lowering her own units back.
"2 units of <Codarl>. 7 O'clock. Suprise attack will no longer work. Right now there is only me and Kruz,
can you do it, Sousuke?"
"Affirmative."
Sousuke replies quickly using the damage control of the unit.
It was a mixed squad with 2 M9 units and 1 M6 unit. Going against 2 units of Lambda Driver equipped
units. This is a bad difference in combat percentage.
However----
"No problem. I will join you."
"Hehe. We'll let you see the flavor of the experts."
Kruz said.
"Fine! It's sudden, but it's the trio comeback!"
Mao said.
There are a mountain of questions he wants to ask them, but this is not the time for carefree talk. First they
have to take care of the enemy in front of them.
Finally the sensor of the M6 managed to capture the traces of the enemy.
Direction 8 o'clock. Distance 1500.
Before hand the details of the instructions given down, Mao said.
"Well, let's get even on those bastards! Guy! Are you ready!?"
"Whenever!"
"Wherever!"
Kruz and Sousuke answered. Taking that, Mao shouted.
"OK. Break!"
The 3 unit of AS in posture, leaps out into different directions.
The symbols on the screen were jumbled together, in night of the mountaneous region the wagon tracks of
the artillery were fiercely fluttering about.
A small squad AS combat, no matter how you look at it is similar to a basketball or soccer match.
All the unit have no time for breather and moves organically, being intertwined on top of the field. Each
and every one running about, leaping, enclosing the opposite side of the enemy. There was a time when it
was flexible, and sometimes overbearing. Speaking of the ball, it was an initiative giving in to
combat. Alternatively weaving a feint, drawing out a pass or a dribble from both person. The one unit
becoming a decoy, after a few seconds attack with a fatal strike.
"Urz 6, pull Alpha towards west."
Mao shouted, immediately replied.
"Roger!"
"Urz 7 take Bravo and head southwards like that. How many seconds would you need?"
"15 seconds."
Sousuke replied.
"I'm counting on you."
"Roger."
With a short exchange a maximum understanding were planned.
One year before, Sousuke and the others had to be pressured into a hard fight with a single <Codarl> and
were almost completely annihilated.
But for them, without anything they no longer fear the shadow of the Lambda Driver boarded unit.
From there they started to structure by trial and error the theory of an opponent with a Lambda Driver, they
managed to get a thorough training in tactics during the Hong Kong incident when they took down a
<Codarl> type. And also having the Gravitational field detection device call "Fairy Eye", and the
enhancement with their know-how, at the same time with a number of heavy simulation.
And the results of the accumulation of their experiences, right now the <Codarl> is no longer an
"Absolutely undefeatable enemy."
Of course having 2 units as an opponent is dangerous, but that is no longer a "desperate" battle.
Morever with the 3 of them.
Mao and Kruz, and also Sousuke as a throughly devoted team has the squad tactics and rhythm in AS
combat, and in this world----and most probably are the most abundant pilots in battling with a Lambda
Driver type AS.
(It seems that their skill has not fallen----)
Side glancing at the movements of Mao and Kruz, Sousuke thought. Mostly, piloting an M6 would make
him the dullest in movement. There is nothing that can be done about this.
The successive movements of the other two, Sousuke understood.
If he were to draw the enemy AS pressing on, little by little----it caution would be averted little by
little. Thinking that he is running away, when turning around the other two units would attack severely.
Mao's unit and Kruz's unit's "Fairy eye" can send the real time data, detecting the initiated timing of the
Lambda Driver.
Between the 2 units one unit would aim and plunge into position.
Sousuke's M6 that became the lure would draw in the <Codarl>. Shooting the shot cannon, the enemy
snaps it gravitational field. Kruz's unit fires, this was also snapped. The enemy was looking out for an
attack in another direction. It was not that easy to make a surprise attack.
The enemy unit fires at Sousuke. Impact. The shot cannon used as a shield became two equal parts.
Losing any means of attacking, Sousuke made a short shout.
The muffled sounds of the gunshot and the surging flames of the discharge. Countless number of 40mm
and multiple shots of 76mm shells attacks the back of the <Codarl>. The armor breaks, the reactor and
cockpit smashed, the enemy unit was split in half.
Sousuke giving the crushing blow with the rifle, returns it to his two comrades.
"Haha! Now you got even!"
Kruz's unit turning and taking the sniper cannon.
"There is still one more unit! You can laugh after that!"
Mao casually takes the rifle, without a moments delay started firing a feint shots towards the
<Codarl>. The three units did not stop and deployed, continuing with combat maneuvers to confuse the
enemy.
The remaining enemy seems to be in disturbance. Firstly he did not think that they would be defeated, a
wonderful cooperation and trick his partner was destroyed. This 3 enemy units are tough. They are not any
ordinary opponents----this is what he concluded.
"Can you two handle this?"
Sousuke said in his unit.
"I think we can, but what do you mean?"
Mao said.
The <Codarl> presses on to the three units. Attacking with the shockwave of the Lambda Driver, the three
units scattered.
"---then, this is no time to have laid back conversation!"
"That's right. If you're going then get going!"
The two M9 moved to ambush.
"I leave it to you."
Sousuke changes his posture, and headed straight to the direction of the mansion.
Hearing Mao saying "they met Sousuke" during battle, Tessa who had listened on the announcement on
the <De Danan> was having a feeling contrary to being happy, this is what she felt. "So he is."
Of course she is happy that Sagara Sousuke is alive. But thinking the reason why he is here, it hurts her
heart a little.
Anywhere for the sake of that girl.
There is some strangeness in that simple honesty, also sadness. The person is that important, to be amazed
in loneliness.
No.
Having those lingering feelings right now is absurd. Right now she has to concentrate on the mission.
Until now Tessa had been making use of the full application of <De Daanan>'s AI "Dana", chasing after
the trail of Leonard. Secretly observing all the intelligence agency of various countries and surveillance
system, they managed to find little traces and thoroughly followed up on it.
Throwing into that net, it was the suspicious movement of the NATO military satellite. Someone----a
small scaled organization elaborately investigated that area a few days ago.
How that "Small scale organization" managed the trick, supplying it with an American Military M6A3,
transported it to Florida. The person who can have that M6 as "it's easy"---- looking at him who was named
Colonel Seals, Tessa thought that "It might be him". In other words Sagara Sousuke. If there was someone
in <Mythril> who had any connection with Seals or Courtney, it was herself and the Border Admiral,
Mardukas, and also Sousuke.
That mansion is involved with <Amalgam>, also there is no mistake that Leonard is in there.
Sousuke managed to get the lending hand. Tessa immediately turned the ship 180 degrees, and headed to
the coast of South Mexico.
At that time, the American Army also sensed the movement. Recieving the intent of the CIA (American
Central Intelligence Agency), the prepared M9 squad was deployed, and dispatched to the said
mansion. How the CIA managed to get its hand on the information about the mansion, was still uncertain---
-
As yet, Mao still in the middle of combat said over the wireless radio.
"Currently in the middle of battle with a <Codarl> type. Where's the Cruise Missile support?"
"It was already launched. Transmitting data."
"Confirmed. I think this will do it. Where's Urz 1?"
"Finishing up the observation of the American Special forces, and heading towards there. But be careful."
The storm is getting additionally fierce. With a reserved handgun, Sousuke's M6A3 <Dark Bushnell>
leaps in full speed toward the loose hill.
With the collected data previously, there is no longer any <Codarl> type deployed in the target
mansion. He, Mao and Kruz already dealt with 2 units, and currently one unit is in the middle to
combat. That should be all.
(It's that...!)
the first things he sees in the darkness was the stormy night of the sea.
And then on the clearing on the coast, there was a huge site spreading across. Both wings might even be
one kilometer. In the middle is a white mansion. It's size is about the a Japanese school building, in the
surrounding is a tennis court, pool and a garden.
He slapped into his head everything related to the position in the satellite photo. The M6A3 at least have
an anti-tank sensor, and can detect anti AS mines. Passing through the net of alarm s, Sousuke heads
straight to the center of the mansion.
"Lemon, can you hear me----"
Sousuke now called out in the Wireless Radio to his Lemon Mitchel who is in standby. Immediately after
responding, he told Lemon about his short encounter with his buddies in <Mythril>.
"I don't fully understand, but do you think that is good news?"
"Affirmative. They can be trusted."
"I see. Then we have news over here too. The guys we were contacting before, together over there----"
There was a terrible noise in the wireless radio. The storm makes the reception bad, the electromagnetic
disturbance restricts it in the neighborhood area.
"Over here, what?"
"----do you hear me Sousuke? I also concluded this, but somehow----"
"I can't hear you. Repeat, Lemon."
"---if it gets bad, standby on the next coordinates----"
"What are you talking about"
"----teen----prepared----"
"I can't hear you. What are you talking about."
"---that's why, no matter what kind of unit-----I also----additional----"
"Lemon?"
"----red-----3rd----strange----"
The sound of alarm.
Established into the perime ter is a 20mm class Sentry Gun aiming at him. It was an unmanned attack
system that automatically reacts to enemies. Detected by the Radar wave. Sousuke gave up on the
operation of the wireless radio, and immediately attacks with the hand gun. The Sentry Gun was destroyed
taking the 25mm shells.
There are no enemy infantry. No armored cars either.
No----
There were a number of those life-sized AS <Alastor>, their form seen. Leaping out from the shrubs, fires
the 50 caliber rifle from their arms. The extend of those bullets would not dent the armor of the M6. One
unit was made into pieces by the hand gun, and another one was kicked. The <Alastor> would be tough in
the flesh, but taking one down with an AS is simple.
Switching on the exterior speakers, he called out.
"Chidori"
Where are you----
"Chidori"
Show yourself----
From the courtyard he sees a black sedan running out. Breaking through the center of the garden to the
stone paved road, and headed straight north.
(That car....?)
Did they seen escaping via helicopter difficult?
Sousuke chases after the car, and fired an intimidating shot towards the car.
"Stop!"
But the car did not stop. the 12.7mm machine gun in its left arm was set into semi-auto. Aiming carefully,
he fired several shots at the hood. The engine shot was shot, at once water vapor spewed out from the black
car. to the left and right, and finally stopped at the curb in the road.
"Slowly come out with both of your hands!"
He ordered from his exterior speakers, the door opened and the driver got out. Raising both hands, and
looking at him.
"Is there a girl riding"
"I don't know...."
Only saying that, the driver dashed away. Sousuke ignored the running driver and operated his sensor,
with infra-red mode he scanned the car. There was no heat signature from humans in the backseat.
The sinking manner of the car, also shows signs that several people had ridden it----
"..........!"
Instinct made him move. Suddenly using both arms to cover the cockpit block, the unit flew back.
Immediately following the car exploded.
In the rear are a few hundred kilograms of High efficiency explosives exploding. With the blast of the
violent shockwave, and the fragments swooping in supersonic speed, the 10 plus tons unit was brushed
away. If it were on a human scale, it would be like an explosion of a hand grenade from only a few meters
away.
The fierce impact shakes Sousuke inside the cockpit. The unit falling into a somersault, and falling on its
left taking down a few trees in the garden.
"...........!"
It's a trap.
The screen is completely black. The head sensor was destroyed. Warning lights flickering wildly.
Electricity decreasing. Oil pressure decreasing.
Fire breaks in the various parts. The motor of the two arms that covered the cockpit is down. Cooling
apparatus is shut down. Posture control gyro is in serious break down. The main and backup control
systems cease to operate.
If he were to notice it a little later, he might have sustained a much heavier damage. Sousuke's head is
getting dizzy, briskly manipulating the stick and switch, he operates the damage control.
The reserved optical sensor starts up, the backup sensor installed in the crotch region functions like a type
of home video camera. While recieving the damage, it is equipped for escape with a guaranteed minimum
field of vision. Of course it is not equipped with night vision function.
Foot and arm, and even the hips were bombarded with shot.
Even the front armor of the cockpit.
The front armor of the M6A3 has a means to withstand plastic explosives, preventing the burning gas from
the rocket from jumping into the cockpit, even then the control system and electrical systems were torn.
He can no longer take even one step, Sousuke's M6A3 tumbled right then and there.
"Lemon, can you hear me?"
Wanting to tell him that his unit has stopped functioning, Sousuke called out in his wireless radio to
Lemon who was standing by in a distant place.
"Lemon, this is----"
No good. The wireless radio is dead.
He has to abandon the unit and escape.
Sousuke pulled the emergency escape lever, the detonation bold functioned, and the destroyed head part
and the cockpits ceiling section blew off.
Beside the hatch stowed a German made compact sub-machine gun which he took out and loaded with
ammo, pulling the pin on the smoke grenade he threw it outside the unit. White smoke surrounds the
heavily damaged unit. Although he shouldn't be at east from the enemy who has infrared scope equipped on,
but that doesn't seem to be the case.
He applied last mechanism to the unit.
Crawling out from the hatch, he got down from the burning heat of the unit.
At that time, a voice came out.
"You're surrounded. Throw away your weapon."
It came from 8 o'clock direction, distance roughly about 30 meters.
Most probably the commander of the mansions defenses. A voice of a clam man.
(No....)
This voice?
Hiding in the shadows of the M6's right arm armor, Sousuke questioned the direction of the wary voice.
In the direction of the swirling smoke----
Continuing to encircle the mansion, on top of the corridor of the two story building, overlooking at
Sousuke from the roof, stands a man in a field uniform. A large built Caucasian. Gray hair with his hair
reserved. A finely chiseled face, with a look intent on shooting.
There is no mistake.
This man is----
"Lieutenant Commander"
Opening both his eyes, Sousuke muttered. His attention to the surrounding enemies, at this instant he has
forgotten them.
".....Remember the time during Afganistan, Sagara Sousuke"
Andrei Kalinin said.
"Wha...."
"I win again. If only your heart was not stolen by that girl, you won't be caught in a trap of this degree."
"Lieutenant Commander? What is this----"
Sousuke said half believing half doubting.
"Its as you see. I've become a man of <Amalgam>. The person who goes against Leonard Testarossa and
the organization, I will remove him with efficiency."
"Impossible. That's...."
This can't be. More than this, the lieutenant commander has cooperated with them. Is there another
operation being conducted? Showing a double cross, he goes neared to the center of <Amalgam>----
"Unfortunately, this is not a decoy operation as you think it is. I came here by my own will, your enemy. If
you resist, I will not hesitate to order you shot down. Not killing you right here, is because I want
information from you."
"Then, why?"
"There is no need for you to know."
Kalinin said in the usual calm attitude.
After saying that, he no longer intends to explain anything. Sousuke knows very well the pain in this truth,
but----
"Where is Chidori? Is she here?"
"She is here, what do you intend to do?"
"Let me see her."
"I cannot permit you. She and Mister Testarossa is in the middle of preparing for their escape. The US
Military, Mao and the others, and then you.....all the enemy must be repelled, even then this place has
already been exposed."
"Mao and the others....?"
"Drop your weapons, Sergeant."
Kalinin brings up one hand. His subordinates then aimed their weapons at Sousuke.
Belfagan Clouseau piloting the black M9 [Falke], making use of the black stormy night and the terrain
rushed to join Mao in battle, the enemy AS----towards that <Codarl> he called as he drew near unnoticed in
a perfect position.
"Fire!"
Mao's unit and Kruz's unit summed up a complex attack with a feint mix. The Cruise missile launched
from <De daanan> which was on standby in midair attacks. Turning the tides with their attacks from the
flank of the enemy, Clouseau made doubly sure on their attack.
Aiming his Monomolecular cutter in its abdomen, grabbing its arm and made a throw. The <Codarl> with
its posture pulled down and blowing off, Mao and Kruz shoots. Without any means, the enemy unit was
being bombarded with shots in mid air.
"That's one"
Kruz said.
"What about the US Military?"
Mao asked Clouseau. He separated from Mao just a while ago, spying on the battle of the American
special forces.
"Looks like they've withdrawn. They have this tune of not knowing clearly the operation objective and
enemy's military force. Like, how do you say this----"
"Like being controlled by someone?"
"That's it. The characteristics of the Special Forces, [I know what I am doing], I don't seem to have felt that
mood. There are subtle hesitations in their cooperation and battle formation."
"Aah. I see----"
Kruz said.
"They don't have enough endurance huh----do they have those grudging feelings towards the unreasonable
orders from the higher ups?"
"We won't know this unless were in the same profession. Ordinarily it would have been more sticky. In the
mean while they have withdrawn. Being exhausted in an operation that you don't understand, anybody
would dismiss this."
"Even then, I wonder what's happening....?"
Apparently ignorant of the circumstances here, isn't there any signs of the enemy side----that is what the
odor in the air smells like. Because there are few decisions, the possibility of this are mountain high.
"Nothing has been said yet. It seems that this is what Lieutenant Commander had expected. ....morever,
What about Sagara?"
Hearing that he is alive, Clouseau has not uttered one word about Sousuke.
"Yeah, about that---"
At that moment, the sound of alarm in each three of them sounded.
"!!"
Three o'clock, seven o'clock, 10 o'clock, simultaneous attacks from three directions. Additionally those are
anti tank missiles with mid caliber and high caliber shells.
Mao's unit started her ECM (Electronic Counter Measures), Kruz's unit increased his feint shots from his
position that took a snipe, Clouseau's unit took out am infrared jamming device from his weapons rack and
threw it in.
"Another enemy!?"
Mao shouted evading the missile, and entered combat maneuvers.
"Yeah. And there's three of them."
Kruz said jumping into the shelter and quickly aimed at the enemy unit at high speed.
"Be careful, they were different from the ones before."
Clouseau said taking a stance with the Carbine Gun equipped from his back.
There was no mistake that these were Lambda Driver equipped units. They were firing from an
unreasonable direction. They should had been able to evade those, having an impression of daring to come
and take it.
The three units coming from three different directions.
The "Fairy Eye" detected a gravitational field. Evading with full force. The new enemy and the M9, were
entagled in lightning speed, with sparks scattering in the distance.
Strong impact. Warning lights flashing, from Clouseau's unit's left elbow downwards was blown
off. unable to evade the gravitational field attack, drive system torn off.
"..........!"
They understood the real time data link. Mao's unit and Kruz's unit recieved big and small damages. Mao
unit's head was half destroyed, Kruz units sniper cannon was destroyed.
In a juncture, Clouseau and the others are now confronting the three enemy units. No matter what the
composure, the enemy did not start. Being parallel in a slightly elevated hill, glaring at them.
Basically the three units look like the <Codarl> type AS, but the details are different.
The higher volume of the upper half of the body. There are no Ponytail like radiation wire, Extending
from the back are blade like radiation plank. The power is much more different from the previous
<Codarl>. Hiding inside its Nimbleness and ferociousness, a massive silhouette. You can say that their
difference is like a Panther and a Lion----
The colors of the three units are also varied.
Black, White, Red.
And then an Extra Large Monomolecular cutter, large gattling cannon, a Large caliber sniper cannon.
"Welcome, Remnants of <Mythril>. Thank you for taking care of me in San Francisco."
The center black AS said from it's exterior speakers. A voice that they know.
"Fowler huh"
"That guy...."
"Looks like he wants to go head on"
Mao and Kruz voices were soaked in tension.
"I can only admire your struggle---but it's already the feeling of being over. We won't be negligent and
make light of you. With the maximum amount of respect, we thought to [challenge] you without any
shrewdness."
"Aah? Didn't you get scarred?"
Intercepting Fowlers words, Kruz's Head Submachine gun was set to full auto and fired. 12.7mm shells
pouring down on the black AS, all of it scattered in the bluish white light, repelling them like small rain.
"Oh dear me. I was thinking of being gentlemanly and stop with the hostilities."
Fowler smiled coldly.
"Rather such inelegance. Well then, are you prepared...."
Coming----
Clouseau purposely did not say. Aiming at their M9 on guard, Fowler and the other AS jumped at them
simultanious.
The transport helicopter flying in a low altitude over the mountains, there were expressed concerns over
the noise and vibration.
No matter how long Lemon blasted the one in charge of communications, he only keeps repeating "Cause
unknown! Anyway we can't connect to the channel!"
"Is it alright flying like this!?"
Lemon yelled, scowling at the face of old man Courtney, replying "Like I know!". From the side Colonel
Seals interrupted.
"Don't worry, don't worry! Even if we get hit by the anti-aircraft cannons at this altitude we can make
emergency landing with the Auto Rotation! Do you know about the [Deadman's Curve]!? It's on top of that
last moment----"
"The blast back then have no significance right!?"
"Young one, don't worry about the details!"
"But, if I knew we would be flying recklessly like this, I would have objected----"
A number of guards and <Alastors> surrounding the area, Kaname was taken into the corridor of the
mansion.
She understood that this mansion is in the maelstorm of the battle. The sound of gunfire immediately
coming near, and finally the sound of the engine of a 2nd generation AS and the sound of guns firing, and
the fierce explosion echoing in the premises. Impact and vibration topples the furniture, and the broken
glass window is scattered in the floor.
And yet----
"5 more seconds"
She can't shoot.
If it were to be strike with a kick, it would be fine. She thought that she has already regained her
vitality. Wasn't she proud of it, Sousuke and those impolite boys in the class, she always strike them with a
kick.
But, She can't shoot.
It was natural, the violence level is different. The essential meaning, intentionally hurting people, she
cannot erase their existence. She can't commit murder. She doesn't have the experience. Kaname always
[had it easy] from Sousuke.
It's because she is a woman. An ordinary one.
She doesn't have the resolve to kill a person. She doesn't posses it.
That is why, she can't shoot.
Sousuke is over there.
She can see through this man, although regretful there is nothing that can be done.
No, can she really see through it? Why is it that right now immediately, she could not see the scarred
smile in his face, with this old hand gun she could not see with her eyes----
"Zero. Time is up"
Leonard said with his quick true character.
"I would have shoot"
"........."
"He fights in order to see you, going about killing people. Even then, you can't even shoot a [conceited
bastard] like me. In the end, your resolve is only up to that degree."
"Your mistaken."
Taking hold of the gun without any strength, Kaname drew back. Leonard extended his hands towards her.
"Let's go. I told you I wanted to show you something right?"
"that's...."
"You lose. ----come on"
"Stop it...."
She did not think of anything. Her body only becoming stiff, only shaking off he grabed hand. Making a
fragile sound.
----that's why
----That was not her intention
the muzzle pointed up, putting the finger on the trigger pulling with full power. Quickly by little. Causing
the firing hammer to cause the single action pistol to fire, even with that amount of strength would be
enough.
A dry gunshot.
the flame of the discharge twinkled before her eyes, the vision becoming completely white, the dull recoil
in the right hand trembles. The rapid splattering of blood flies around, soaking wet her cheek red.
"Dammit....!"
The prepared weapon----a small mechanical cannon slips its way into the hand, Kruz hurls abusive
language in the cockpit.
Kruz, Mao and Clouseau- those three are being pressure into a hard fight.
Fowler's three AS unit equipped with Lambda Driver, are pressing hard their attacks toward the 3 units of
M9 with overwhelming power
Mobility, Power and also cooperation and combat tactics----these are completely different from the enemy
<Codarl> type from before. They could not get hold of a chance to have a good attacking condition, on the
contrary they are being restrained from getting killed, putting them in a situation to run from place to place.
The Black AS----Fowler's unit is equipped with monomolecular cutters on both hands, persistently
challenging in close combat. Clouseau who was unparalleled in melee, was being overwhelmed
by Fowler. On top of losing one hand, his opponent is equipped with a Lambda Driver, although having
numerical inferiority he did not consider Fowlers ability to be that big.
The White AS is equipped with two giant gattling cannon, from mid distance the shells shed like the
rain. In spite of it being clumsily armed, the movements of that White AS are somewhat graceful,
suggesting that is was female. Mao's unit bears the full brunt of its attack, and is being nailed down into the
shadows of the shelter. Mao often draws the short straw, her comprehensive piloting techniques would not
lose to Sousuke. She could not make any move. She doesn't know who the pilot of the White AS, but it has
suitable skills.
And then the Red AS----
Equipped with a sniper cannon. He was a sniper, in other words similar type like him.
In the first contact, the sniper cannon of Kruz' M9 was shot into two equal parts. Not intending it to be a
shield to protect its body. The enemy was aiming for his weapon to destroy it.
If the cockpit was aimed at one shot would have taken him down, even then the weapon was purposely
shot. Could it be that Fowler ordered them to "send their greetings and avoid killing them"?
No, he doesn't need to worry about their intentions.
That guy----the Red enemy AS was harassing him. Looking at the sniper cannon, being also a sniper he
fully understands this. Firing that weapon precisely, ridiculing him.
"Aren't you very good...."
After muttering that, at the same time Kruz secretly shudders at the ability of the Red AS' pilot.
What skill.
He's no idiot. When he took the first shot, he was vigilant on the snipe and sufficiently maneuvered. On
combat maneuvers of a 3rd generation AS, aiming only with the weapon, and sniping from that distance, in
common sense it was not possible. A pilot capable of that feat, there are only a few in the world----
No.
"Impossible....?"
The doubt that floated in that instant, was erased by the enemy snipe. A precise shooting from the aim
barely hidden in the crevice of many trees, rock and slopes. The Femur armor of Kruz's unit, has taken a hit
from a shell.
"kuh!"
The AI reports about the damage. The drive system of the left femur was seriously damaged. Mobility
greatly declining. Continuing in combat maneuvers would be difficult.
He will be killed like this.
Not being able to use the sniper cannon, sneering, he can't do anything but to die here.
"..........."
He resigned himself in a posture to take the next shot. But the shot never came. .....3 seconds, 4 seconds,
after 10 seconds there was not snipe.
Still harrassing?
That's what he thought, but it was different. The enemy withdrew. Not only the red enemy AS that drove
Kruz into a corner, but the remaining two as well.
"...........?"
Not making any abandoning speech, Fowler and the others departed from them in high speed, disappearing
into the mountains of the raging winds of the night.
Sousuke running was being chased inside the mansion, the men are persistently attacking him. Continually
splashing bullets in the surrounding area, chasing him away to a single direction.
There was no pardon in the enemy's gunfire.
The attack rhythm of the drawing enemy. With training, the scent of the cooperation in the enemy's
movement, Sousuke knows this well.
(Lieutenant Commander----)
There is no mistake that is this Kalinin's command.
That man who was schooled by adversity in many battles, was not a type of commander that would rely on
clever schemes. In the operations of <Mythril>, the stand of the surprise attack operation dealing with
equipment variation and information variation was not set, but he originally chooses a solid tactics.
He would not recklessly use diversionary tactics and ambush. His unit was giving pressure from the right,
there is no mistake that the right wing was the real threat. Outdoing the makeshift interaction, it was not a
sort that is trying to gain time. Making proportion the necessary figures for the necessary fire power,
definitely tearing up this place apart.
This is ordinary to such a tactician----but the commanding officer that does not see the practicality of this
is Kalinin. If you look at baseball, without anticipating a homerun you reliably earn points through hits and
steals, a type that limits points via well pitcher.
Kalinin's tactics, Bit by bit Sousuke was being cornered into the southern tip of the mansion. Having
complete knowledge of Kalinin's habits, he can't be done here fully disadvantageous. Even if he tries to
head into another direction, he can't.
Even with this kind of enemies movement, Sousuke recognizes this.
(Lieutenant commander was serious)
At any rate it is solid. From before the battle started, the match was already decided, he can't move like
that.
Of course the psychological shaking is effective. The temptation to easy victory and observation of
wishful thinking, he has no use for these.
Until the battle is finished and he returns home to take a sip of tea, he has to be careful and stay
sharp. When it is time to win he will definitely win. When it is time to lose he will definitely skillfully
lose. He is that kind of a man.
Kalinin at that time, certainly said it himeself. "Try and stop me". Then, he felt no even a single presence
of mercy.
(Why is it)
He really don't know. He body automatically counterattacks, making repeated precise firing, but in his
head the betrayal of Kalinin keeps swirling inside.
(Why)
He's not that kind of man. Cool-headedness, clam, sometimes he is definitely heartless, but he couldn't
think of this. More than this, he must be double crossing them.
I am disturb----
That self-consciouness is a godsend. Think later. Now he has to fight.
Surpressing his feelings, walking like sliding, he adds a restraining shot at the right hand enemy. Moving
to the nearby room, a few seconds before a number of hand grenades where thrown inside.
Explosion.
Together with the impact white smoke hangs around, even under normal circumstances the bad field of
vision has become zero. riding on this opportunity, he stopped about going out the nearby window. If it
were the Lieutenant Commander there would definitely be a number of persons waiting outside.
He walked to the opposite direction.
There are also enemies in there. Being aimed with infra red scope, he fires the sub machinegun.
He was not able to twist his body in time. The enemy gunfire hit Sousuke. There was a dull pain in the
upper left part of his body. He took a high caliber bullet. The AS pilot suits stops all the bullets. If it were
a larger rifle bullet then he might have died.
He immediately fired back.
Although it hit the body, they immediately retreated in the hidden passage. They also have body armor. A
small abusive language can be heard.
(Where's Chidori.....?)
He concealed himself in the wooden bookshelf that fell, changing his magazine, Sousuke nimbly patrolled
the surrounding.
If she was around then she must have headed to the heliport. But, how does he break through the siege,
and then go to her which was rigorously protected....?
There was a short time of hesitation. Magazine changed, he immediately moved, then he was attacked
with the biggest shock. A few meters beyond----enemy soldiers hidden in the wall was blown off, separated
Sousuke also felt the blast, together with the scattered debris, he hits the floor.
"............"
Buzzing in the ears. Raising his body, the detailed rubble and large dust piled up his back, scattered
down. Beside him was a big hole, with the sea breeze of the night entering the room.
(The attack just now....)
It was not an attack aimed at him. The destructive power is too great.
It was not an explosion used by infantry, and more than that of an AS and Helcopter. He sees throught the
large hole in the wall, a number of helicopters circling the skies. The 3 units of maritime <Behemoth> that
he saw, was closing in towards him, with a rocket launcher equipped in its shoulders sporadically firing.
It was attacking this mansion. Both having the influence of <Amalgam>, the two sides are fighting? He
really doesn't know the reason. The American Military that is fighting in the north mountain district, this
raid, exactly what is happening?
"!"
The maritime <Behemoth> fires it cannons. Tearing off the corner of the mansion 30 meters away like a
piece of paper. The debris and flame rain incessantly in Sousuke's position.
No matter what the situation is. Riding on this confusion, he has to chase after kaname. He somehow
broke through the siege of the enemy, if he can quickly go to the heliport----
Lenard Testarossa fell down at the feet of Kaname.
Right half of the body under, lying down powerless. From the head the blood flows into the puddle of
water twinkling, the wavy silver hair dyed.
"that...."
Knees falling, kaname who was absentmindedly listening to the gunshots from far away, peeps sluggishly
at Leonard who lay there motionless like sleeping. The bullet of the pistol that was unexpectedly discharged,
bore deeply in the forehead of Leonard.
Is he dead....?
In an instant, a hand that is colder than ice, gripped at her heart. But placing her trembling fingertips in his
nape, she felt a faint pulsation.
He's not dead yet.
Certainly he was hit but the bullet, but the angle was shallow. Kaname shakes Leonards elbow, knowing
that there would be no response, looking around for something that might help.
What now? Shall she stop the bleeding? Shall she sterilize it? Shall she do Artificial respiration and heart
massage? She can not guess. With AS and other weapons, communication system and artificial intelligence
she know this well, but she can't think of anything about emergency medical treatment. With her state of
her unusual knowledge, she could not realize.
No----
Kaname returned.
In the first place, why would treatment be necessary? Originally, she was suppose to shoot him and move
forward.
The guards who sensed an accident, got out of the helicopter and headed to her direction.
(I have to run away....now)
This was what she was thinking. There was a distance from the heliport to here. if she is to run away now,
the guard would not be able to make chase....!
"Wait!"
One of the guard cried.
Kaname changed her mind, to jump inside the mansion. Then run straight. And then shout with a loud
voice [Sousuke!]. if she did that, he----
But, her foot won't move.
Like from the opposite side of her foot----the sandals are glued strongly clinging to the ground, and can't
move.
"............."
She took a glance at Leonard who was still collapsed. Blood flowing, Leonard was lying down in the
middle of the rain. His eyes faintly opened, in that place looking up at Kaname who was standing still in
shock. Why was there calmness in those eyes, at the same time an awful pity.
Was it because of the pain in the injury, or could it be something else.
----shoot
----I violated a rule
That fact, she could not tear off from her location. Carrying isolation, the struggle of giving him the final
blow, spitting at the guilt of running away.
How long was there hesitation. The moment she noticed the guards are already a few steps away. With
gun in hand, aiming at her.
Hesitation is the fatal shackles.
"Drop the pistol. Hurry."
A man said, Kaname only now realized that he is still gripping the pistol of Leonard.
"Eh...."
Kaname who unintentionally pivoted her shoulders, thudding her large breast. Looking over the shoulders,
Andrei Kalinin's large frame was beside the door.
"Where do you plan to go"
"I----"
The pistol kaname is holding, looking at the profile of Leonard who was lying down, there was a sadness
to the indifferent eyes of the Russian. But that was only in an instant, kalinin immediately returned to his
usual expressionless, casually taking the silver pistol.
"We're escaping. Take her."
The guard pushed kaname, kneeling beside Leonard. With a state of being injured, there was
whisper. What he said was not heard.
"Ah...."
There was a downpour of incessant rain, the exploding sound of the helicopter, the fierce gunshots, and
flames of explosion here and there. Kaname was being taken into the vortex.
3 AS appeared from nowhere, guarding the heliport and transport helicopter from 3 directions. There was
black, white and red coating. The black one was probably Fowler, the White one Sabine was piloting. The
one piloting the red one was unknown.
Kaname is familiar with those units. There was data about those units in the PC Notebook, the type called
<Erigol> is equipped with a Lambda Driver. The basic frame is the <Codarl> type, but the generator and
engine was reinforced, it was an unsatisfactory electronic device performance that was pulled from the level
of an M9.
Kaname was being carried by the male guards, and was thrown into the guest seat of the helicopter. The
injured Leonard was also carried by Kalinin.
The engine of the helicopter roared, slowly taking off. The 3 AS was repeatedly making return fire,
exchanging hostilities with the [enemy military] from somewhere. Before long the 3 AS also departed from
the heliport, accompanied by the leaping from the ground, started to move in high speed towards the
northwestern direction.
Kaname was looking down from the window of the rising helicopter.
Thereupon she saw one person running off in the heliport. the violent wind blowing on the surrounding
flames, because of the thick black smoke and the darkness of night, she could not see the face clearly.
Black hair. Entering into a red line, black AS pilot suit.
She can't do anything anymore. This is the same as before, being obedient like a doll----
No. That is not it.
It is certain that she was not able to meet him, but there is still something that she can do. In preparation
for that, she has already done that recently.
(That's right, just a little more----)
Kalinin was having a discussion with the cabin crew. The other men also were did not see Kaname.
She'll try.
She took a glance at the pistol holster at the hips of the soldier who was seating nearby.
Sousuke kept chasing the helicopter that flew away with his eyes. Over the lines of the mountain it's form
disappears, still continuing to glare at the Northwestern sky.
It's already useless.
Although he only said it to himself, he permitted himself to let out an abusive language.
"Dammit...."
Kaname was in that Helicopter. He saw her once in the window. He didn't know who that short person
with Long blue hair, but she was looking over here.
Chidori.
If I meet you there are a mountain of things I want to say to you. If he I rejected, then that would be
fine. But, I want to talk to you. That is why I, going this far----
Sousuke standing still in shock at the center of the Heliport that lost its power, was surrounded by
soldiers. They were not the subordinates of Kalinin. They are the company which invaded the mansion
together with the <Behemoth>.
As far as he can see there are at least 10 men.
Having a good outlook of this place, there is absolutely no way of resisting. In the surrounding there was a
large scale of troops deployed, and 3 units of <Behemoth> in the sea. Even if Kruz and Mao were alright,
they can't possibly get near dangerous place like this. Thinking of a way to escape was stupid.
Won't they be able to meet anymore, Chidori.
Feeling of fruitless effort and despair weight heavily on his shoulders.
"Are you Sagara Sousuke?"
The man said who was apparently the commander.
".........."
"Drop your weapons. We have mountains of questioning for you. But if you want to die then now would
be a good time. because we are very particular in the treatment of Prisoner of war."
the surrounding soldiers made a short laugh.
Sousuke slowly looks around at the vulgar smile, and said something to cast aside.
"Do as you wish"
At that time.
A few hundred meters away from the heliport, a single large helicopter suddenly appeared, the exploding
sound of the engine and rotar roaring.
"!?"
MH-53. It's the one that Old Man Seals carried the M6, that helicopter. The large helicopter quickly gets
close, turning its portside deeply.
"Sousuke, duck!"
From the exterior speakers Lemon's voice shouted.
Exposed from the port side of the helicopter, a Mini gun----Vulcan machine gun showered the soldiers
with violent shots. The surrounding water splashes wildly, the soldiers dropped, falling down, and ran
puzzled.
Lemon and the others came running in. But this is reckless. Hovering in this point blank range, the enemy
<Behemoth> would attack at once. Of course, being an ordinary helicopter, it has no capability of attacking
the <Behemoth> or an AS.
Running past the chaos in the confusing raid at the heliport, Sousuke called out at the wireless radio.
"That's enough, Lemon. Get away immediately! The operation is a failure!"
And then with the voice of old Man Courtney, disciplined him with the wireless radio.
"What are you talking about! Don't you understand, can't you wind up your ass before giving up!"
"What are you talking about----"
Then another voice----a sound of a girl which he remembered interrupted.
"Sagara! We're dropping the <Laevatein> now! Use it as you like!"
"Laeva....what?"
That person, was an agent belonging to <Mythril's> intelligence group, Wraith.
"Laevatein! That's what he calls himself though!"
"At this height----I don't care!"
"Just drop it!"
"Yeah, geez!"
The cargo hatch of the helicopter in the sky opened. Inside that hatch is a large black lump slipping
down. With the darkness of night and smoke it can't be seen, most probably an AS.
The helicopter turning, was hit by the multiple shots made by the enemy, fire suddenly blowing
out. Showing its rear, the smoke scattered like a spiral, the helicopter started to stall at once.
Over the wireless radio, he can hear the fierce noises and Courtney and the other's screams and jeers.
"..........!"
Lemon and the other's transport helicopter pass over Sousuke's head, sinking left and right, making an
emergency landing in the garden. A loud thundering sound. The rotor that broke off turns in the sky,
blowing up a cloud of dust. His friends inside being in that state might no be alright. And he didn't know
about the two elderly.
And then----
The other object that dropped----an unidentified AS that Lemon and the others delivered, being very light
while in mid-air, before Sousuke's eyes, landed approximately 10 meters away. A smooth and secure
landing.
"..........."
The whirled up splashes of water are very clear, Illuminating in the burning flames in its surrounding, he
can now clearly see the whole detail of the kneeling AS that just landed.
(This unit is....?)
Armor wet from the rain.
A smart and tightened silhouette. It is a third generation AS similar to the M9.
The closest unit would be----<Arbalest>. His favorite unit that was destroyed in Tokyo, <Mythril's> only
Lambda Driver equipped AS, it has a sharp resemblance on the ARX-7 <Arbalest>. But this unit has more
volume than the <Arbalest>. Its arms and feet reassuring and audacious, that power and sudden exploding
ferociousness are legendary. Above the shoulder armor there are large cannons equipped. Its a size that
ordinary AS would not be able to carry----that's right, like a tank which is equipped with heavy equipment.
The armors color is white. No, it's basic coating is white, but there are some points that are coated red. A
little dark, but it is a bursting like blood red.
Compared to the white and blue coating of the <Arbalest> which suggest wind and ice, this unit's red color
in various places, is like the burning flames.
Flame of anger.
Flame of battle.
A color that governs with the strength of energy and attack.
Sousuke instantly forgot that he was in a battlefield, dumbfounded looking at that unit.
"it's been a long time, Sergeant"
A very nostalgic voice informed him from the exterior speakers. Lacking intonation, a short male
voice. A synthetic sound created by the units AI.
"....is that you Al?"
"Affirmative. However this unit is called ARX-8 <Laevatein>. Sergeant Sagara, requesting permission to
return to your war."
That's right. The fighting hasn't started yet. He can still make chase. If he were to be paired up with this
guy----
"Fine"
<Roger>
The two knee armor of the <Laevatein> that looks largely unbalanced, stowed the folded monomolecular
cutter. Both knee armor opens, sparks scattering from the two monomolecular cutter. The <Laevatein>
gripping the handle, reassuringly pulling it out, with its left and right stance like a giant eagle spreading its
wings. With only that movement there was a squall in the ground surface, the whirling mud painting a
sensation of whirlwind. The monomolecular cutter [GRAW-4] instantly opened from the storage, the sword
blade making a short howl.
<M3 approaching. 10 o'clock, distance 1>
That <Codarl>----classified as M3 has a large monomolecular cutter on both hands, coming close with a
skillfull battle maneuver. The other unit M2 draws near from the blind spot at the right hand. Coming at
the same time----
<I will take on M2>
"?"
<Continue with the battle>
There is no more room for conversation after that.
Approximately in front is a unit with two sword. Sousuke manipulates the unit, striking the enemy
<Codarl> right in the front. The gravitational field generated by the Lambda Driver clashes, the Plasma
form of the atmosphere let out a shine.
"...........!"
The other <Codarl>----M2 draws close from behind. Both of <Laevetain's> arms are already plugged up,
but from under both sides, the point where the weapons rack of the M9 series quickly expanded, from inside
small manipulators appeared.
(Hidden arms....!?)
Moving the entended limbs of the pilot in the current AS, in theory it cannot be done. But this arm, it was
like another pilot was controlling it showing a clever movement. The pair of [hidden arms] grabs the hand
grenade from the hips hard point, throwing them in succession to the <Codarl> drawing close from behind.
Explosion. The posture of the enemy from behind that was suddenly struck was pulled down, delaying the
attack timing. At that moment Sousuke's skillfully manipulated his original arms, handling the slash from
the enemy up front, dropping its posture and made a light foot sweep.
No, it was not only a foot sweep.
With the superfluous power of the <Laevatein>, it was a vigorous explosion that broke off the leg of the
enemy unit.
That <Codarl> made a half revolution with its abdomen as a center, its head rubbing on the ground sparks
scattering, stopping nearby beating on a number of cars.
He turns around with a light leap. Towards the other unit which was ran incessantly with explosions from
the hand grenade, pressing on a straight line. In desperation the enemy unit fires. Sousuke glares at the
muzzle. With just only that, the shells snap before his eyes.
A flash on the right. And continued to the left.
Cutting the <Codarl> with an X mark. The torn to pieces arm spinning and rotating, falling down to the
ground.
2 units destroyed.
The remaining unit who was foot swept, was unsteady and raising its body in the corner of his field of
vision. Does he still intend to fight. No, he intends to run----
<Please allow me>
At the same time of Al's voice, the [hidden arm] on the left side pulled out an anti tank dagger from the
elbow, letting it loose towards the front of his chest. Having full knowledge of Sousuke's movement habits,
it has a superb timing.
"Hm"
Sousuke moved his unit snorting his nose, grasping the anti tank dagger in midair by the side, with a sharp
motion throws it at the last <Codarl>. The enemy unit's Lambda Driver's gravitational field stopped the
single attack----but lost to the push of the opposing gravitational field.
The anti tank dagger made a direct hit in the torso. After the echoes of the crushing noise of metal,
together with a flash the <Codarl> was smashed.
3 units destroyed.
Turning in its landing, it stood up. Following the movement of the <Laevatein>, the radiation cord at the
back of its head proceeded to make an arc, scattering the spray of light.
"What was that, these arms"
<Support arms. Attack support, magazine change, please make use of these detailed functions. I will be the
one controlling them.>
"Four arms huh. How disgusting...."
<I like it. In this circumstance, please neglect as much as you like>
"............."
The remaining main forces of the enemy are the 3 units of <Behemoth>. The incredibly giant AS. One of
the unit, the <Behemoth> closer near the coast, was gazing at the <Laevatein>.
By karma, the transport helicopter that Lemon and the others were one was unusually tough. For more
than 30 years, because its design was repeatedly forged and modified with actual combat, it's not easily
damaged and destroyed.
"I told you didn't I!? We won't die that easily!"
Hiding in the shadows of the damaged unit, Old man Courtney called out in a loud voice.
"Eeh, Geez!"
Without losing to the surrounding gunfire and explosive sounds, Lemon returned the shouting.
"We're surrounded by the enemy like this, I don't see the significance as to why we're being killed bit by
bit!"
Lemon's lamentation were extreme. After the emergency landing there were no casualties, even those who
rode in their helicopter there were no fatalities. Turning sideways in the garden, the crushed helicopter
exposing the body were surrounded by enemy soldiers. From the shadows of the unit, there were the gallant
return fire from Lemon and the others, not finding the chance to escape, their ammunitions are slowly being
reduced.
"No- Remember Kesan Base! Shoot, shoot! Wa----hahahaha!"
An eccentricly high Courtney shooting a submachine gun.
"Kesan huh. That was a terrible battle"
Offended with carbine gun in stance, Old man Seals muttered,
"Hey, I've been accompanying you because you said something about [transporting safely] but---- why are
we in a large rural area in Mexico, and being opened into a desperate shoot out?"
The Oriental woman whose identity is unknown is firing a sub machine gun with one hand. Although she
is called "Wraith", nobody really knows who she is, and to whose side she is affiliated with.
The contact with Wraith, was immediately followed after Sousuke witnessed the attack of the US
military. Standing by in the extremeties of the deserted village, she was riding on a large trailer in a remote
wasteland. In front of Lemon and the others with vigilant guns, that woman----Wraith got out unarmed, and
called out with the headlight behind her. "Is Sagara Sousuke there!? I have something to give him!".
It would be a strange request for a trap, and it seems that she knows a great deal about Sousuke. Lemon
and the others peeping in the container without completely understanding, the AS in the cargo----was a third
generation AS which they have never seen before.
Believe or not believe it's up to your own accord.
If you are going then take this unit.
Wraith informed Lemon and the others. They asked her why she knows of this standby point, she
answered "I didn't know. [Al] said it was here."
Without any much more consent, there is no reason to refuse. Lemon and the others loaded the new AS in
the Helicopter, accompanying Wraith, and then flew towards the mansion----
"I didn't know that there were that many dreadful enemy. We'll die. We will definitely die."
Hiding in the shadows of the duralumin Lemon yelped on the night sky.
"You don't know that, young one!"
Courtney said.
"Just watch. That Sagara, he already defeated three units."
The unit howls and sound of alarm. The generator's output is being pushed to the [MAX]. The cooling
system is also functioning in its highest level. The electricity running through the electromagnetic muscles
are sparking, the whole body is surging like lightning. Both stamped feet slowly sinking in the ground, all
of the frame is screaming.
<The current estimated load, is roughly 1500 tons>
Al informed with his usual voice.
<Although it is not yet referenced, this is approximately 30 times the standard load of a main tank. In other
words the load limit on top of the design has already been exceeded. Sergeant, you have to escape at once>
"Shut, up....!"
Sousuke groans enduring the pain. With the influence of the Lambda Driver, the feirce weight is giving
feedback to his nervous system.
"If that's possible, I would have done so a long time ago...."
Bearing the pressure with desperation, Sousuke draws a short breath, putting all his strength into his lower
abdomen.
"..........."
The gravitational field that the <Laevatein> has tucked in shine red hot. In an instant, creating an
explosive strength, pushing the trampling foot of the <Behemoth> with all his strenght. Impact. The giants
right ankle were crumpled and crushed. The <Behemoth's> balance pulled down, overturned upwards.
"Let's finish it!"
<Roger>
Pulling out the monomolecular cutter housed on both knees, the <Laevatein> leaps. Aiming at the
<Behemoth's> head, he draws a short parabola in the air, thrusting violently the monomolecular cutter
gripped in both hands into the nape of the neck.
Tearing the armor that broke through the gravitational field, encroaching the interiors with the sword
blade.
Then 2 strikes, 3 strikes.
Sparks and oil scattering like waterfall. The head cockpit torn and detached, the <Behemoth> lost power.
The fourth unit destroyed.
Al informed. The remaining 2 units of <Behemoth> can be seen from the coast. One unit is several
hundred meters away. the other unit is a few kilometers.
The nearer <Behemoth> fires. The <Laevatein's> body flutters, hiding in the shadows of the armor of the
enemy unit it just defeated. 30mm shells and Plastic explosives hit his surroundings, violent flame and
detonation appears.
"I don't want what just happened....! Are there any other weapons"
"!"
Concentrate. The gravitational field of the <Laevatein> stops the enemy's gravitational field, eluding like
the wind. The Demolition Gun in one hand, the muzzle breaks through the back of the enemy's head,
pulling the trigger with full spirit.
Flash and impact explodes before their eyes. The high explosive broke through the armor of the enemy
and penetrated deep, and explodes in the center. The 165mm cannon created an absurd recoil, the unit floats
away a few meters.
"....uh!"
Balance destroyed, the <Laevatein> tumbles down on the back of the <Behemoth>.
<Success>
Only the information of Al can be heard. The limbs of the unit shakes quickly, lands on the sandy beach in
a standing position.
"How was it....!?"
<Like I said, success>
Rising from the <Behemoth> are large quantity of black smoke spewing out from the upper part of the
body, slowly falling forward. Losing the automatic operation capability of the Lambda Driver's
gravitational field, the enemy unit falls to pieces. The collapsing unit swirls in an infinite number on the
sandy beach, with a roar of a death agony tearing up the heavens.
5 units destroyed.
"What a recoil"
Sousuke muttered while reloading the Demolition Gun.
<It is beyond expectations. That kind of attack method was not expected.>
"You should already know that I am rough. How many years have we been partners?"
<Around 1 year 2 months. Not really that long.>
"Now that you mention it, your right."
Letting out a snort, Sousuke glances at the last remaining <Behemoth>.
Right now, the <Laevatein> is kneeling at the coast in front of the mansion. the last enemy unit is roughly
3 kilometers beyond the sea, and seems like it lost interesting in entering into hostilities. Attempting an
intimidating shot, and retreating at high speed.
<M6 is retreating. It seems he is withdrawing from the battlefield. Shall we make pursuit?>
"Let's try if we can, it's no good at this distance right"
This Demolition Gun is similar to the [boxer] that has a short gun barrel. Effective in battle if it is only a
few meters, with that kind of distance there is no accuracy when aiming at the enemy.
<No, it is possible>
"What do you mean"
<Operating spare arm D>
The control panel blinks. The last equipment mounted on the back----an attachment like gun barrel was
taken in front of the unit, and connected into the Demolition Gun. Gear sound and Lock sound. The
Demolition Gun being large it is rather short in size, equipping the gun barrel changes it into a long artillery
reminiscent of a tank cannon.
<Switching to [Gunhowzer mode] complete. If it is a high angle ballistic then the maximum range is 20
kilometers.
A Long barreled Howitzer in an Arm Slave? It is utterly an amazement on common sense, this is what
Sousuke thought.
To begin with this unit defies all common sense. As long as he has the functionality of the Lambda Driver,
he can neglect the recoil and penetrating power. This level of battle, the armor piercing power of the
weapon is no big deal. Then, even this ridiculously giant artillery, wouldn't it be an ideal weapon for the
<Laevatein>?
"Fine. Let's try it."
Sousuke muttered half hearted.
<I thought you would say that>
"Shut up"
Leaning the unit on its knees, it switched the master mode to precise firing. Sensor magnification to the
maximum. Changing on its heel, the rear form of the <Behemoth> withdrawing at full speed, jolts in the
image of the night vision mode.
<Although being stubborn, with that much opponent 3 minutes is expectedly unreasonable>
"Shut up. The 4 minute 12 seconds you said was also impossible"
<For a human you certainly remember clearly. Are you a type who holds grudges?>
"Exactly, where did you learn to use those kind of language!?"
<Unfortunately I was abandoned by my pilot for a number of months. I had the abundant opportunity to
inspect broadcast and internet.
"........."
<If you wish, I can talk with a non-dignified way of speaking. What do you think of the likes of those low
incomed Southern Americans?>
"Stop it"
Really, rationalizing. The gloominess in his chatter is like always. After Sousuke let out a sigh, he said
like complaining.
"But, well....it's good that you're alright"
That was Sousuke's true feelings.
Although it is a bit strange, for him this combat support AI, he holds a sensation like it is a comrade in
arms. Something different and strange about Al from the standard equipped AI of the M9 was already felt
after the battle in Hong Kong, right now after the reunion that feeling was intensified.
Althought Sousuke's intention did not fully understand it that much, Al answered.
<Yes, Sergeant. I too. I am saying that as my true feelings.>
"Hmm"
Being a machine, it has "true feelings"
But, Why is it. There was no ill mood.
Sousuke standing up in the unit, watched out for the surrounding enemy, changing the sensor to active
mode. How are Kruz and the others doing? And also he has to rescue Lemon and the others. With the
remaining infantry, controling them with this <Laevatein> is simple.
About pursuing after Kaname, it must already be impossible...
In the cabin of the Helicopter that continues to fly away, Kaname was prudently inquiring that opportunity.
Leonard's private army, the men in combat uniform, was already completely loosen up. The people seeing
the situation of Leonard who lost to a heavy injury, and those who are looking out with caution in the
window. The dirt from the spurt of blood, the haggard-like Kaname was sitting in one corner, nobody was
minding her.
The man beside her leaning forward from the seat, was talking about something inside the cabin. Although
she doesn't really understand Spanish much, she seems to have heard the condition of Leonard.
It has to be now.
At the moment of that thought, a variety of conflicts was running through her.
Will that recklessness be sufficient? Will everything move as she expected? Even though that Kalinin was
in this unit? And then about him----the poor Leonard right now, who was suffering like that because of
her....?
(Foolishness....!)
She shook her neck bit by bit.
Didn't she already feel like that before? The trivial sympathy becoming fatal, she would understand it
herself right now....!
Closing her tensed eyes, she let out a deep breath.
Fastening up her lips, and then opened her eyes.
From the hips of the soldier that stood up from the seat, there was an automatic pistol placed in the holster.
Alright, let's do it----
Kaname extended her hand towards the pistol, quickly extracting it, rushing from behind the soldier. In an
instant, the man reacted slowly to her extended hand, but Kaname barely got away at a fingertip, and
pointed the muzzle to the opponent.
"Don't move! I'll shoot!?"
It's been a long time since she let out that loud voice. Pointing at the gather men in position, she finally
shouted.
"Get the pilot immediately! Get this helicopter back!"
"I understand. Wait"
One of the soldier, and muttered something towards the head rest.
Not before long, the one who came was not the pilot but Andrei Kalinin. The pistol taken from one of his
subordinate, even though he is looking at Kaname with the muzzle pointed at his chest, there was no sign of
surprise.
"It seems that you're fine. I thought you'd still be in shock after shooting him"
Kalinin said.
"Miss Chidori. Take your finger off the trigger, and give that gun back slowly. And then let this be over."
"don't order me. I'll shoot."
"Don't do something unreasonable."
Kalinin said calmly.
"For people who has no intention to pull the trigger, they can't hold a gun. It's a waste of time, and
unexpected trouble may occur. I thought you knew about that well enough already."
"Intention to pull the trigger, huh"
She firmly endured and made a deep breath. Without tears. Without losing. Without anything, exceeding
everything making light of this old veteran. putting the tight strength inside, and immediately gazed at the
opponents.
"Then are you going to shoot him? To Sousuke"
With the relationship of Sousuke and Kalinin, there is a lot that she does not know. Even with the
conversation of the two, there is nothing much to look at.
However, kaname knew.
When Sousuke says something about "Lt. Commander", with that calm tone of voice, with that resolute
trust. "Mao", "Kruz", "Captain". And then "Your Excellency Class President". Similar to saying those----
no, there was a stronger sense of security that fully reverberates.
That Kalinin turning to be the enemy of Sousuke, will he be able to remain calm? Will he be able to affirm
to shoot? In this manner, can he preach to me with a face like that?
"I will Shoot"
Kalinin said without any reason. That unconcerned reply, or rather a sense of subtle emphasis.
"Actually I already ordered that before. For only that reason, I have one. You who have a resigned
resolution would not understand...."
"Your lying"
"If you want to think that, then think that. But if you continue in that foolish manner, I will let you feel the
extremeties of that."
"..........."
"The compensation, is the life of the man who is in front of your gun. If you plan to shoot then shoot."
Kalinin's words tightens into the heart of Kaname one by one.
Really an amateur girl who had no training, managed to snatch the gun by a fluke, and thrust it in front of
one of the passenger of the helicopter. And then with an excited voice, demands to "get this helicopter
back". In front of this truth, how would the mercenaries in the cabin react, Kaname thought.
There was no fear in their facial expression. With no vulgar, sneering face visible. Not even anger, and
irritation can't even be seen. Only expressionless looking at her. If it was before then it would be like a
dispatched place from her imagination, right now she can vaguely guess what they were thinking.
Probably, they were already thinking like this. Is this gun loaded. To leave it this way, what is the bullet
point. They were not worried about their comrade having his gun stupidly snatched away. If ever that
Kaname fired, the bullet would pierce through his body. The pierced bullet point would be a stray bullet,
and might have the possibility of damaging the important equipment of the helicopter.
That is why, there is no meaning in taking a hostage. Their interest is not in their life.
"that's right. Then how about this."
Kaname took the muzzle out of the man's way, and immediately aimed it in the cabin's ceiling.
Immediately the mercenaries became stiff. Right above this cabin is the engine's reserved system and
hydraulics system, and also the main rotors drive system is situated. Being a military helicopter, the cabin's
interior is mostly not bullet proof. Even if it were a pistol's bullet, if it were shot a number of times serious
failure and fire would occur.
"How about this? It would be fine to shoot like this"
"I see. Thrust towards something painful."
Kalinin with a serious face, made a small groan. for a teacher with abundant experience, he has a face like
hearing a unique answer from a student.
"But the altitude right now is 300 feet. Speed is 120 miles per hour. If there were serious damage recieved,
the Auto Rotation will have difficulty in making an emergency landing. First there is no mistake, that we
would all crash to our death. If we were fortunate that the emergency landing were to be a success, and then
be fortunate that you would be the only one uninjured, by chance that we managed to get seriously injured,
on top of that the possibility of you getting away is zero."
It is as what he said. Right now Kaname fully understands that. In this altitude and speed, there is no
position energy and motion energy in the revolving wings. Not having a seat belt herself, she would be
thrown out of the unit in the moment of impact.
"if this is fine with you, then shoot."
".............."
Those are not abusive words being hurled toward her. Nor words that bore on her heart. Nevertheless it
was an indescribable feeling of defeat knocking her down. Andre Kalinin, is not a skillful person who could
manipulate someone using words. He only speaks the truth. A solemn truth. And right now the truth that
he is speaking of----even if a single pistol has been snatched, Kaname is really powerless.
For all the cleverness and bluff that managed to get her out of a pinch, was her modest idea and
daringness. And with such----the conduct of a 17 year old girls mischief, was not an opponent you can
easily pass by. For this hero with a long military service.
Why is this man right here in the side of the enemy? Why didn't he say "Sorry for making you worry. I
will take you to Sagara"? At least even if only she knows, a small wink would be alright. Why is it with
those severely sad eyes, only looks at her?
"You are serious right?"
Kaname said. Why is it extremely sad, that her eyes become bloodshot.
"Then tell me. Won't I ever meet him again?"
"That's right. You won't meet again."
Kalinin said. She had heard such hopeless prediction. How much longer will she struggle by herself,
crying out with a strong desire, no longer able to meet him.
At least, nobody will be hurt. It is in accordance to what Leonard has gambled upon. She wish herself for
Sousuke, for freedom, how someone to surely die. This is the circumstance in this helicopter, strongly
fronting the dilema that can't be helped.
"It's enough already. Return the gun."
"No....."
Kaname finally, aimed the muzzle at her own temple. The touch of the rough and dull metal. Having the
impulse to pull the trigger.
That's right, she want's to pull it. That would be better. Just about everything, its too much. Giving force
to pull the index finger, and everything will disappear. Insecurity and agony, and the ill feeling of sin of
shooting Leonard, this defeated feeling and desperation.
The bottom of her heart is screaming out "Absolutely not. It's still too early", she uses her superhuman
concentration to ignore this. You can't have hope. You cannot believe in hope right now. You cannot see
it. Being devoted to despair, and not a performance, wishing for death from the bottom of your heart.
She has to think like that.
Pulling the trigger would be that simple, without thinking of anything, prostrating----
"Wait"
Kalinin restrained.
This was the first time that he raised an impatient tone by a portion, with a serious anxiety in his facial
expression. A gloomy smell of death rises from Kaname, he can sensitively smell it. It is because he has
seen countless people die, he is capable of feeling this.
The incessant rain that falls in the vicinity finally stopped, and silence control the mansion after the
battle. It was like power of the <Laevatein> wiped away the rain clouds.
After exterminating all enemy AS, Sousuke cleaned up the remaining enemy forces.
First he has to rescue Lemon and the others who were in a siege, and chase away the surrounding
enemy. There was really no enemy who would resist the <Laevatein> which defeated the <Behemoth>.
Lemon and the elders, for the mean time are safe. With the fruits of victory headed for the <Laevatein>,
shaking their hands optimistically. Among them is the woman from the information department----Wraith
is also associated with them.
Soon after Kruz, Mao and Clouseau's 3 units of M9 came around, cleaning up the remaining enemy and
controlling the surrendered enemy. One look from Kruz and the others on the <Laevatein>, they understood
that this was derived from the <Arbalest>. They were surprised by the wonderful battle of Sousuke and the
<Laevatein>, and postponing the "detail after the withdrawal".
However, at that chance Kruz complained.
"At that time, if that guy were in Melidia...."
"? What about it?"
"Kruz. Stop it"
Mao interrupted across the wireless radio.
"There's a lot of things happened, sergeant. Well, we'll talk about it later."
Clouseau informed them.
"Anyway that unit----is that the <Laevatein>? As much as possible don't let the prisoner of war see
it. Disappear with the ECS."
Clouseau's indication is right. That combat power has been seen with the hearts content, that is why at this
short distance there is no sense in letting them see it. The disposition of the small unit, they have to avoid
that analogy of its performance.
"Roger. ....Al, activate ECS. Invisible mode."
<Impossible>
Al said.
"What?"
<It is impossible. At any rate this unit is not equipped with an ECS.>
"Me?"
<Affirmative. Shall I connect it to circuit 8?>
"Aah. connect it."
<Roger. Complete.>
Feeling something stiring in his chest, Sousuke leaned his ears towards the voice in the digital wireless
radio.
It was a woman's voice.
He knew it well, a really nostalgic voice was calling his name.
The wireless radio was cut, kaname taking off the headset, removing her index finger from pistol in her
hand.
"It's done"
Returning the pistol to one of the mercenary. Kalinin who was the only one who understood Japanese, after
listening to her communication, made a rigid close of his brow.
"That was a surprise, as may be said."
kalinin said.
"I thought that you were really in despair. Seriously thinking about pulling the trigger in your temple."
"I was serious"
Kaname said with a haggard face.
If she allowed herself to be chased after, it would be seen through in kalinin's observation. It was not an
act or being serious, it was a psychological warfare inside her.
"Right now, I don't plan of letting you do what as you please. Getting away from this place. And then, I
really did want to say goodbye to him. But----"
"....Geez"
The M9 landing on the storage deck of the <Tuaha de Daanan>, Kruz made a sour comment in front of
Sousuke.
"[Sousuke I like you very much.]. [Me to, I love you]....as it came. You really did it, practically. Why don't
you die already, die with all your strenght"
"Captain...."
"It's been a long time"
She gave a gentle smile. She was originally slim, but now she looks skinny. Although the he hasn't heard
the details yet, it must have been difficult for her after Melidia island suffered a general attack, exactly what
happened then.
"....yes. Captain also, it's good that you're safe"
"Eeh. A lot of things happened....but, we are alright now. It is also good that Sagara-san is safe."
Quite a calm attitude. It was not because she was indifferent, even thinking of a flood of emotions at the
same time, there was no clinginess in her voice. Only the pleasure of one of her many subordinates
returning. That's it, that's the only attitude. Is she restraining her emotions in front of everyone, or is that
how she really feels. Sousuke was not clear with this.
"Well.... do you want to reinstate yourself?"
"About that....eeh, that is my intention but, there is still a lot to sort. Please let me think for a while."
"I understand. Let us discuss that again."
Tessa did not show any appearance of disappointment.
"And then, there are these people who cooperated with me. Mitchel Lemon from the French Intelligence
department, and the Border Admiral who were you friend----"
"Tessa-san!!"
A shout echoed from the storage deck, the two old men rushed towards Tessa. Being a little agile, the
guards of Tessa was a little delayed in restraining them.
"C..Courtney-san and Seals-san?"
Tessa who has become stiff from their appearance like a grizzly in the forest, inquired Sousuke with her
eyes.
"Why, why are these people here?"
the two person standing there with the "We wanted to see you" and "why are you here" or "were you going
after me", the soldiers were desperately pinning them down.
"No, well....they managed to have good connections...."
"I already know that. But why did you bring them along?"
"It would be heartless to leave them right"
"You're right but...."
Completely rethinking, Sousuke continued to introduce Lemon.
"Anyway, this is Lemon. An agent of DGSE and has useful information. He also is smart, and the
benefactor of my life, he can be trusted. ....Lemon. This is my----"
He returned to look at Lemon. He stood there like an idiot, with his mouth half open, looking at Tessa
with his temperature rising.
".....Lemon?"
"..........."
"Lemon. She is my superior----"
"Eh? What?"
"I told you I would introduce you didn't I"
"Eh, but. But. Really? this girl, you're introducing me to her?"
"Hey...."
Kruz, Mao and Clouseau who saw the appearance from behind, whispered "He's fallen for her" and "how
easy to understand" and "another has joined the fan club".
Then, the ship's phone called for Tessa. It was an announcement from Mardukas. After a few response,
Tessa informed all who are present.
"Well then. Althought I can't give you greetings, the ship will be in silent cruise and retreat to safe
seas. For the time being, please be quiet. <Tuaha de Daanan> welcomes everyone"
Then the AS being carried out of the storage of the Paib Mare----the <Laevatein> spoke on its external
speakers.
<Speaking of welcoming, does it include me? Miss Testarossa>
"Of course, Al. It's also good that you are safe"
<Thank you, captain.>
Epilogue:
Gavin Hunter who has regained consciousness on the medical room inside the hospital, immediately noticed
a girl sitting beside him.
With a short hair wearing a baseball cap low on her eyes, a rough character with jeans and trainer. Age is
around 16~17 years old.
"Miller huh...."
Her smile was unfriendly, at most her lips were not stiff.
"Don't push yourself"
She gently said.
"Just a while ago, there was a communication from Wraith. That kid was safely delivered into his
hands. And displayed power which are beyond expectations."
"Is that so...."
Nothing but a coarse voice came out. Lightly getting up, he looks around the medical room. Immediately
near is the electro-cardiogram monitor, playing a systematic electronic sound.
"....that's good. I didn't think that we would actually complete it. We made it. Thank you. it was because
of you."
"No. It's a debt to that person----Sagara-san for helping me. if he didn't arrive, I still might be somewhere
in Siberia in a state of trance."
"Well, that's true"
"But, I only helped. In the end it was because that kid----Al himself. he designed his own body, an ordinary
AI would not be capable of that. That person called Bunny sure is incredible."
"I see. The [strongest AS] huh"
Hunter muttered, looking absent minded at the ceiling.
Even if it is false, to raise a personality and instinct for an artificial intelligence, it won't fail in its own
bodily function. By only connecting into a network, its creativity, and its compatibility will not be given
birth. Standing on the ground, feeling the heat and wind, exposing itself to the utmost limits in combat is
important. That is why that AS----is the most advance artificial human body, would it not be necessary to
put in something.
Hearing of it this far, the [experimental] ARX-5 is not only an AS. The ARX series thus far, was
manufactured in the research room, assembled with special materials. And then they have not heard of a
[super natural phenomenon] occurring while measuring with a high precision measurement device.
Dramatic variation was shown starting from the ARX-6. The first pseudo [human body]---- loaded into a
remodeled M6, that system functioned squarely.
Then towards 7. Next towards 8. With fierce vigor the completion advances.
That strange gravitational field generation ability, that itself is already important for the military, thinking
of the geneology of this ARX series, is there a connecting element here?
That's right. The late Whispered Bunny Morauta, did he notice anything?
"I don't know about that"
Having asked this question at another whispered in front of his eye, Miller's dark face nodded.
"Being able to help build the ARX-8, I gradually understood. Could it be that, what Bunny was aiming for
was...."
She cut her words. Hunter waited patiently for a reply, but she did not say anything after that.
Having arranged for the rehabilitation, he took notice of the burden on her mind, he changed the topic.
"It seems that you were attending on me"
"Eeh. It's because I was worried."
"I'm alright, Miller. Why don't you go to a safer place."
Note: The following pages are part of the original concept designs and some snapshots of the defining
moments in the book.
Volume Extras:
Text 1: Normal mode. Having similar design to ARX-7, it has a sharp and massive evolution with it's
[fiery] image in it's entire body. The folded state of the monomolecular cutter is stored in it's knee block,
prepared device for it's use.