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Chapter 23: Neviim Emerges
*Hiryu Kai arrives at the L5 Sector*
Sean: Captain Lefina, we’ve arrived at the White Star, where we lost contact with the spy plane.
Lefina: White Star?
Sean: It’s the codename of that large object. It was just decided on by the joint chiefs of staff.
*Camera pans over to Neviim/White Star*
Lefina: I see…a fitting codename.
Lefina: Eun…please search for the missing spy craft.
Eun: Yes, Captain.
*Or not*
Lefina: What is it!?
Eun: Multiple objects from the White Star is rapidly approaching our location! There’s a match for it in the data banks!
Lefina: What…!?
*AGX-002 appear*
Lefina: That’s…!?
Sean: AGX-02, Spiders.
Lefina: Then, are they operating from the White Star…?
Sean: Most likely. And, they took down the spy craft.
Lefina: …!
Sean: Well, Captain…what should we do?
Lefina: All hands, Battlestation 1! Octo squad, prepare for battle!
Lefina: However, wait for my order to attack!
Sean: That’s wise judgment, Captain.
*Katina, Russel, Tasuku and Radha deploy*
Tasuku: Maaaan…just my luck to end up in enemy territory.
Katina: What, scared? Then get out of the Gigan. I’ll pilot it.
Tasuku: I never said I was scared. This is a chance to test my luck…
Tasuku: I’m at my best when I’m using the Gigan.
Tasuku: Besides, your mech has a custom paint job. That color’s meant for ace pilots.
Tasuku: Maaaan, am I jealous!
Katina: …Then I’ll paint the Gigan with your blood.
Russel: Now, now, enough bickering…
Katina: This is Octo 1! I’ll open up a path!
Katina: The enemy is all yours!
Russel: Wait, Lieutenant! You heard the Captain’s orders!
Katina: Shut up! If you don’t obey me, I’ll use your blood for the Gigan too, Russel!
Tasuku: Y-You were serious about that…?
Russel: B-But, Lieutenant Katina!
Katina: We need to strike first! If we do that, we can get the upper hand!
Radha: Katina, we’re only supposed to collect enemy data.
Radha: And, we don’t have Viletta, Kyosuke or Excellen here…
Katina: That’s my point. We have less manpower, so we have to compensate!
Radha: We don’t know what we’re getting ourselves into. What if the enemy is more dangerous than it seems?
Radha: So, we should gather the data first…
Russel: I agree with Radha…
Tasuku: I admire your bravery, but this is a bit much…
Katina: These aren’t ordinary enemies! Aren’t they the Aerogaters!?
Tasuku: Yeah, so we won’t have a fighting chance!
Radha: That’s right, Katina… Let me show you how to relax.
Tasuku: O-Oh no…not y-yoga…?
Radha: Of course. Try the Suigyo Pose…it’s good for your mind.
Katina: Are you trying to sabotage us!? Now, let’s go!
*Katina’s Gespenst charges*
Radha: Katina, wait!
Tasuku: It’s useless, Radha.
Radha: I guess so. Now the question is…should we go too?
Tasuku: Definitely!
Lefina: Y-You think they’ll be alright…?
Sean: …Can’t say. Well, it is always like this…the rest is up to them.
*Conditions shown, Battle Starts*
*Defeat all enemies, reinforcements appear*
Eun: Enemy backup units are here!
Lefina: We’ll end up like the spy plane if we stay here. XO, we should prepare to withdraw.
Sean: But, we won’t be able to recover our mechs from here.
Sean: And, we also risk leading them to other sectors.
Lefina: Wh-What should we do…
Sean: The Captain must make that decision.
Lefina: …..
Lefina: …Then, we’ll continue the battle, and try to flee when there’s a break in the attacks.
Sean: A wise decision, Captain.
Sean: As usual.
Lefina: Eun, have Katina retreat to our position.
Eun: Roger. Hiryu Custom to Octo 1! Retreat back to the ship!
Katina: Retreat!? But there are still enemies remaining!
Eun: It’s the Captain’s orders!
Katina: Then I’ll just defeat every single enemy! Then the Hiryu won’t have anything to worry about! I’m out!!
Eun: W-Wait, Lieutenant! What should we do, Captain!?
Lefina: …..
Sean: We have no choice. We’ll have to chase after her now.
Lefina: *sigh* I suppose so.
*Battle resumes*
*Defeat second wave, third wave appears*
Tasuku: More of ‘em!
Radha: We are close to the enemy base…
Tasuku: I don’t understand how you can be so calm. At this rate we’ll be goners!
Russel: Lt. Katina, we won’t last long! We have to retreat!
Katina: Not yet! We can still fight!
Tasuku: You don’t get it, do you…?
Katina: If we retreat, we fail. So go ahead, run if you want!
Tasuku: Sheesh, if only Kyosuke or Viletta were here…
*TK Sense*
Tasuku: Ugh…!?
Radha: What…? Did you feel that, Tasuku?
Tasuku: Y-Yeah. I have a bad feeling about this…!
Eun: Captain! Our sensors indicate gravity tremors!!
Lefina: Because of the reinforcements!?
Eun: N-No! It’s…!
*Granzon appears*
Lefina: ! Oh my…!!
Lefina: That’s the mech from the Hagane’s report, the DC’s Granzon…!
Eun: What’s it doing here!?
Sean: Hmm…
Tasuku: Oh man. I hate to say it, but I was right…
Katina: Tch, if it’s from the DC, then it’s an enemy! Attack!!
Shu: I’m afraid you are mistaken.
Katina: Mistaken? Are you saying you’ve broken ties with the DC!?
Shu: Yes.
Katina: …I ain’t stupid. Can’t you invent a better lie?
Katina: Now if you said you were here to avenge Bian and Maier…that I would understand.
Shu: Hmph…is this what I can expect from the inhabitants of Earth?
Shu: How about this? I was asked by those two to aid you in the upcoming battle.
Katina: Aid us? What do you expect…blind gratitude!?
Sean: I think he’s telling the truth.
Katina: !?
Sean: But, his true goal is to observe the White Star…am I correct?
Shu: I’m glad to see Captain Daitetsu Minase’s right-hand man is so smart…quick thinking will be key to your survival.
Sean: I see. Well, don’t mind us, please go about your business.
Katina: Hey, XO! You’re making me look bad!
Sean: Now, now. This war is not about status.
Sean: But, Professor Shu Shirakawa…
Sean: If you intend to join us in battle, you better be prepared.
Shu: …Very well.
Shu: (Now, I shall learn…)
Shu: (Where the aliens on the White Star…)
Shu: (…Have truly come from…)
*Battle resumes*
*Player Phase after the Granzon arrives*
Eun: Captain, there’s an object approaching this area! It’s speed is incredible!!
Lefina: !
Shu: Heh…so he’s finally arrived.
*Cybuster appears*
Lefina: Th-That mech is…!
Masaki: I finally found you Shu! Today we’ll finally settle things!!
Shu: Masaki…you need to grow up.
Masaki: Shut up! I’m coming for you!!
Shu: Take a look around you. Are you sure you want to do that?
Masaki: From my point of view, you’re more dangerous than aliens!!
Shu: Well well…you haven’t changed a bit.
Shu: So focused on what’s in front of you, you never look at the big picture…
Shu: You’re lucky to be piloting that Elemental Lord.
Masaki: I don’t need to take this from you!!
Shu: It seems you won’t change your mind. I wasn’t planning to fight you, but…
Lefina: Wait! Masaki, listen to me!
Masaki: !? Who the heck are you!?
Lefina: Lefina Enfield, Captain of the Hiryu Custom.
Lefina: Masaki, I don’t know what happened between you and Professor Shu Shirakawa…
Masaki: Then there’s no reason to butt in!!
Lefina: S-Sorry…!
Lefina: B-But…you shouldn’t be fighting each other right now…!
Masaki: …!
Lefina: As you can see, the Aerogaters are about to invade Earth.
Lefina: We have to protect it…even if it means joining forces with him.
Masaki: Great idea, except that you can’t trust Shu!
Masaki: Surely, you heard about the South Pole incident!
Lefina: …Yes, but…!
Shiro: Masaki, I think that…the Captain is right.
Kuro: Yeah. If Earth falls, La Gias could be next…
Masaki: Tch..!
Shu: What are you going to do, Masaki…?
Masaki: I…still don’t trust you…!
Masaki: But, Captain Lefina has a point…
Shu: …
Masaki: Still! If you do anything suspicious…
Masaki: I won’t hesitate to take you down!!
Shu: …We shall see.
*Battle resumes*
*Defeat the remaining enemies*
Eun: The enemy has retreated!
Sean: Now’s OUR chance to retreat.
Lefina: Yes…all PTs return to the ship. We leave at once!
Shu: I’m done here. The chosen ones can take care of the rest.
Masaki: What do you mean, Shu!?
Shu: Masaki, it’s useless to chase me.
Masaki: What!?
Shu: At the very least…I don’t plan on making a move anytime soon.
Shu: Of course, you must decide whether or not to believe me. *chuckle*
Masaki: Why, you…!
Shu: Well then, best of luck…
*Granzon vanishes*
Masaki: Wait!!
Shiro: Forget it, Masaki! You can’t catch him, meow!
Masaki: Ugh…!
Masaki: That monster…what is he up to…!?
Hiryu Kai – Bridge
Eun: The ship has left the White Star’s vicinity.
Lefina: And the enemy?
Eun: There’s no sign of them.
Lefina: Then we’re safe…for the time being.
Sean: We can’t ease up yet. UCC troops are still in the area.
Lefina: Yes…all hands, stay at battle station 3.
Sean: Yes ma’am.
Lefina: By the way…has Masaki responded to our call?
Eun: Yes. The Cybuster is on course to land.
Lefina: Good…after he lands, show him to the bridge.
Eun: Understood.
Hiryu Kai – Hangar
Katina: Russel, why didn’t you follow my orders?
Russel: W-Well…
Katina: Your job is to watch my back! So…
Russel: B-But…
Tasuku: Oh c’mon. You disobeyed the Captain’s order too.
Katina: …That’ll be 100…no, 1000 lashings.
Tasuku: Urk! Th-that many!?
Radha: Now, Katina. It’d be different if Kyosuke or Viletta were here…
Radha: There’s only so much we can do.
Katina: But that’s why WE need to handle it!
Tasuku: OK, OK…man, what happened to her after Lt. Kyosuke and his team left?
Russel: (Lieutenant…)
Hiryu Kai – Bridge
Lefina: …I read about you in the Hagane’s report.
Lefina: And..I believe we’ve met before?
Masaki: So what? Can we cut the chit-chat and get to the point?
Lefina: Captain Daitetsu wrote highly of you in his report…
Lefina: He called you and the Cybuster ‘valuable allies’…
Masaki: (Tch…I really didn’t do anything special.)
Lefina: It must be fate that our paths crossed. Masaki…will you help us?
Masaki: Sure, why not.
Lefina: Huh…?
Masaki: What’s wrong? You look surprised.
Lefina: I-I…didn’t think I’d get you to agree so easily…
Masaki: Well, if we really are being attacked by aliens…
Masaki: Then we can’t protect the Earth if we fight amongst ourselves.
Masaki: Besides…I doubt Shu will be making a move anytime soon.
Sean: From what he said, it seems like he plans to wait and see what happens.
Masaki: Yeah. I wonder what he’s really after, but we have a duty to protect the Earth.
Masaki: So, I’ll help you guys.
Lefina: Thank you, Masaki…
Eun: Captain, we’ve received a message from General Norman Sley.
Lefina: What does it say?
Eun: The Hiryu Custom must retreat to the 4th defensive line…we are to meet up with the Hagane.
Lefina: Understood.
Masaki: (The Hagane…it’s been six months.)
Izu Base
Daitetsu: Cursed Aerogaters…they’ve finally made a move.
Laker: 38 minutes ago, the Hiryu Custom encountered enemy units from the White Star.
Daitetsu: Are they OK?
Laker: They’re fine. Captain Lefina lacks experience, but she’s a natural leader.
Laker: Also, your former adjunct Sean Webley is with her.
Daitetsu: …He refused to become the captain because he wanted someone from this generation in that position. A wise man indeed. And, our mission?
Laker: Monitor the White Star via satellite.
Laker: Have the Hagane meet up with the Hiryu Custom ASAP.
Daitetsu: Yes sir. When shall I inform my crew of our objective?
Laker: I want to avoid unnecessary panic. Do so after the ship has launched.
Daitetsu: Understood…
Izu Base – Project SRX Lab
Kirk: R-GUN assembly complete…
Rob: But, why did Radha and Viletta adjust it so that you can shoot the Metal Destroyer without the T-LINK System?
Kirk: It was Major Ingram’s orders. He wanted to collect data from multiple pilots.
Kirk: But, the power output has been reduced…and it’s unable to connect to the SRX.
Rob: I guess it beats not having enough auxiliary parts for the R-GUN…
Rob: Besides, we’re a long way from that.
Irm: By the way…have you told Ryusei about the SRX yet?
Rob: Aya knows, but Ryusei and Rai do not.
Irm: What? But why…?
Rob: That was also an order from Major Ingram…
Irm: So how come I know about it, but they don’t?
Rob: I don’t know…sometimes I don’t know what the Major is thinking.
Irm: Well, I’ve known him for a long time…
Ryoto: Dr. Ohmiya…
Rob: What is it, Ryoto?
Ryoto: Would you please take a look at this plan?
Rob: Let’s see…this is a plan for an armored Lion?
Ryoto: That’s right.
Irm: Interesting. The standard Guarlion can’t do much fighting, and the armor is thin to boot.
Ryoto: Right…so my full armor plan is intended to solve those problems.
Rob: Indeed…the extra armor and wrist blades make it more like a Personal Trooper. And it makes it viable for melee combat.
Ryoto: But to compensate, I’ve added extra boosters to the armored areas, so…it should still be maneuverable.
Kirk: The weight does increase significantly…but the extra thrust force does seem to cover it.
Ryoto: Y-Yeah…though it is a little top-heavy.
Kirk: It’s like Dr. Radom’s ideas…strange, but not bad.
Rob: True…I’ll submit it for official approval.
Ryoto: You mean it?
Rob: Of course. I’m busy working on the R-Series, so I won’t be able to help with the construction much…but if I get the OK from the higher ups, I’ll personally select the development team.
Ryoto: Thank you so much.
Irm: This kid’s surprisingly persistent.
Izu Base – Mess Hall
Kusuha: Huh? A message from your mom?
Ryusei: Yeah, an email. She says she might be able to leave the hospital soon.
Kusuha: I’m glad to hear that…
Ryusei: Until now, I’ve been prohibited from contacting anyone back home..so to finally receive an email…
Ryusei: Seriously, it’s just a relief.
Kusuha: Well…if we’re granted leave, we should go visit her.
Ryusei: No, I’ll go alone.
Kusuha: Huh?
Ryusei: It’s just…well…
Bullet: E-Excuse me!
Kusuha: Wh-What is it?
Bullet: N-N-Next time we get shore leave, ah, ahhh, I…
Kusuha: You…?
Bullet: Would you like to visit the Omegamoto Samurai Museum!?
Kusuha: S-Samurai…Museum!?
Bullet: Y-Yes! It’s a museum that showcases the entire history of Japanese samurai!
Bullet: A-And, it has a special exhibition on how the samurai lifestyle honored health and well-being!
Kusuha: Health and well-being…
Ryusei: Wait, what? I mean, why did you word it like that?
Bullet: I-I got nervous…
Kusuha: …..
Bullet: H-How about it?
Kusuha: Yeah, OK. I’m…interested in learning about the samurai lifestyle.
Bullet: G-Great! Thank you!!
Excellen: *giggle* Bullet, you’ve taken your first big step.
Kyosuke: We still don’t know how it will turn out.
Excellen: Okay, you wanna follow the kids on their date? Then we’ll see what happens.
Kyosuke: Leave them alone.
Excellen: Aw, you’re no fun.
Kyosuke: That aside, the command center has been busier than normal…I have a feeling we may be assigned a new mission soon.
Excellen: Uh oh…when Kyosuke gets a feeling about something, it usually turns out to be right…
Neviim Emerges End
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