[FIC] Variable Geometry: Once again on hold

[Tsushima Masaki]

Variable Geometry: Part 8


Aquila Mithril Air Force Headquarters
Aquileia, Aquila Islands Chain


The soft creaking of an opening door alerted the captain to the guest. "Ah, Lieutenant Cadbury. The R&D Team has reached a conclusion?"

"Yes Captain Messinger. They've concluded that the XVF-05's scramjets are faulty, and they will be replaced immediately," responded the subordinate with a stiff salute.

Captain Winter Messinger, the leading officer of the XVF Project at Aquila, waved away the salute. "At ease Cadbury. What's the status on this project?" She was seated at her desk, but her eyes focussed on the lieutenant standing at the door.

"The Finance Division is grumbling about it, but we have no choice but to halt all active testing of the fourth and fifth model."

Messinger sighed resignedly and glanced at the mountain of documents on her tidy desktop. "Do you have any good news Lieutenant?"

Cadbury straightened and responded quickly, "Yes Captain! Although active testing has been halted, both models have completed the criteria for moving onto the second development stage. Actually, before the XVF-05 experienced engine failure, Pilot Kayashi was performing maximum speed testing--It's all in the report you were given earlier today Captain."

"That is good news Cadbury. What of the possible promotion of 2nd Lieutenant Kayashi?"

"That's a good question Captain. I was notified he may jump to 1st Lieutenant, not only for his admirable accomplishments in this program, but also for Project Nightstriker, where he was the final test pilot for the ZF-02 Somnius."

"He certainly earned it, but I'm afraid the Finance Division will only make it superficial with recommending a brevet promotion."

"Well Captain, his pay is relatively high for his rank already. Under Special Operations Command, he's receiving hazard pay, plus a ten percent raise, not to mention his accommodation and supplies are being paid for by Mithril, and it doesn't come out of his salary."

Captain Messinger's frosty eyes gleamed, "Yes, it's almost as if he's commissioned. What about Lieutenant Alundres?"

"She's expected to rise as well; however, she's returned to her fighter squadron for the moment."

"Very well. Thank you Lieutenant, you may return to your duties, dismissed."

Cadbury saluted smartly again, before exiting his superior's office. This left Captain Messinger alone to ponder things. Everyone on the base called her "Captain Winter" when she was not present. This was either due to her grey eyes, or her ever-professional demeanor that most mistook as her lacking a sense of humour. She re-read the bold letters printed neatly on the document on top of the pile "AEF-01 to AEF-06 ferry mission will be aborted. Mithril airpower will be provided from the Atlantic."


Runway 2, Aquila Mithril Main Airfield


One lone navy blue fighter with its wings spread forward had already taxied onto the runway and was awaiting clearance to launch. "Aircraft Control, this is Hydra 8. Alert 2," the pilot uttered through the radio. The conditions were not favourable, but this was no space shuttle launch center. The ZF-02 Somnius would take off in rain or shine, and it was currently pouring. Tons of water sprayed onto the runway and the skies growled like an angry lion in the distance. The cockpit and aircraft controls of the Somnius Multi-Role Fighter took some getting used to, since Lorraine was so used to the ZF-01 Nebula. Both used a variable sweep system, but there were distinct differences in their roles and uses.

The liquid crystal displays relayed to her that all systems were go. "This is Control, you are cleared to takeoff on Runway 1 Hydra 8. Good luck on your patrol," came the response several moments afterwards.

"Copy that." She placed the throttle controls into idle and punched the ignition button situated near the throttle. Both engines entered startup simultaneously, and they purred affectionately. A short while later, they started to roar much like the hidden feline in the clouds as Alundres coaxed more power out of them. Within no time the wheels were sliding rapidly on the slick pavement and she was reaching speeds of 200 kilometers per hour and greater. Finally the wheels parted with the wet concrete, and the landing gear folded into the undercarriage of the navy blue fighter. Another ZF-02 joined with Alundres' and they vectored off into the horizon.

"Hydra 8, this is Ambrosia 3. Let's wrap this up before mealtime."

Alundres cracked a grin, and then locked her oxygen mask over her mouth.


3:30 pm
Class 3-4, Jindai Upper High School
Ota-ku, Tokyo-to


Another day of school finished with, and another day of not being able to fly for Kenji Kayashi, currently Kazuya Nakajima. He could now hear the pitter-patter of the rain striking the windows. The light morning drizzle had progressively turned more aggressive The dark-haired student checked his wristwatch on his left arm, and remembered what he had just done during lunch hour. The students who had skipped out on cleaning yesterday were now cleaning the floor with toothpicks, or would have if Kaname had been in a bad mood. 'She said she wanted to talk to me... but I have to get to Mikihara-san before she leaves...'

Nakajima awaited the confrontation with Class Rep. Chidori, and it had come not a moment too soon. "Nakajima-san?"

Kazuya looked up from his desk to see her towering over him with a steely gaze. "Hai?" he responded with a level tone, showing she couldn't intimidate him.

"I'd like to speak with you in the Student Council Office. Right now."

Without a word Kazuya left his wooden seat and retrieved his briefcase from the floor. The walk towards the Student Council Office was quiet and uneventful; however, students and teachers alike regarded the pair's march as if Nakajima was about to be lynched. Once they were inside, Kaname motioned for him to take a seat at the black rectangular table positioned in the middle while she stood. What was coming next would be anyone's guess. "Is Nakajima Kazuya even your real name?" she began sharply, attempting to pierce his mind with her brown orbs.

"Where did that come from all of a sudden Chidori-san?" he asked instead. He knew what she as trying to get at, but he had to see how sure she was before he'd just spill everything.

Kaname ignored the question. "You know what I am don't you?" she inquired, a little softer this time.

Kazuya avoided eye contact. He would have to have to make confirmation the correct way. "Who's my employer?" he countered tensely. It would be better this way.

Kaname Chidori knew precisely from that moment who he really was. "Mith-ril," she responded, stressing each syllable.

"Hm, you're brighter than I took you for Chidori-san," he replied, relaxing into the chair.

She had two pressing questions that needed to be answered immediately. "Where's Sousuke? When is he coming back?" she demanded anxiously, still standing over him.

'A little attached to a soldier?' he thought rhetorically. Kazuya lowered his voice several decibels, "I think you already know where he is. When he's coming back is a mystery to me."

"Can't you request that information?"

"Unnecessary requests on a mission like this is bad for me, and that request is unnecessary. I'm afraid you'll just have to wait and--"

"Wait and see? Wait until I get a notice saying he was killed in action?" she vented loudly, losing her grip on her emotions.

"Actually, I don't think you would get any such notification, you're not related--"

"What?" she screamed, she was in his face now.

"It's true Chidori-san. Regulations require only surviving immediate family members or the next of kin to be notified. Gomen nasai, demo, that's how Mithril operates," he informed in a sympathetic tone. Whether he was sincere was indeterminable. "Look, get a hold of yourself, Chidori-san. From what I hear this Sagara guy can survive in the worst of conditions, and the situation in the Middle East is in no way out of control right now," he explained, attempting to calm her mind. 'They don't have a relationship do they?' Kazuya wisely decided against asking THAT question.

"Is that some kind of hollow optimism you're offering me Nakajima-san? If that is your real name of course," she spat bitterly.

Kazuya never expected this kind of hostility. All he wanted to do was reach hypersonic speeds in a damned aircraft and observe the clouds, yet he was stuck on Earth with a moody teenager. 'Perhaps it's that time of the--'

Kaname severed his thoughts. "Gomen... gomen Nakajima-san... I shouldn't be like this," she admitted tiredly, dropping into a chair beside him. She had lost all of the energy she was emitting just moments ago, and her head faced the white tiled floor. "It's kind of stupid... but I really care about him..." she confessed rather candidly.

Nakajima allowed himself a thin smile, and he placed one hand on her shoulder "It sounds like you really do. But for now, I'm your protector Chidori-san," he asserted firmly, then continued in a more friendly voice. "I'll try making some requests... demo... I don't know if it'll do any good. I'm just a lowly lieutenant, so I'm denied all sorts of information."

The blue-haired class representative raise her head and managed a weak smile. 'Maybe this guy won't be so bad,' she thought, but she hadn't harboured any feelings of real hostility towards him in the first place. But she had yelled at him unjustly... "Nakajima-san... how about I treat you to dinner for not blowing up the school's shoe-boxes, and as an apology for me snapping?" she offered.

Nakajima had read somewhere in Urzu's report that Sergeant Sagara had used explosives in the school to eliminate a perceived threat. But then he remembered Ren. "It's alright Chidori-san, there's no need... besides... I... I promised Mikihara-san to a meal."

"OK... demo, shouldn't you be doing other things? Such as ensuring my safety?"

Kazuya hesitated. She was right, and yesterday he had not done a good job; he was very fortunate that no one had tried anything. "You're right..." Then it came to him, like a missile warning lighting up his HUD. "Why don't you join us. Originally I was thinking of a restaurant, but I..." he blushed slightly because of embarrassment. "I didn't take the time to study Tokyo's finest restaurants on my trip here."

Kaname beamed at the suggestion. Her genuine smile lit up all of her other features. "Hai. Arigato." Now Nakajima was left with the task of locating and informing Ren Mikihara of his plans.


General area around Aquila Islands Chain and Nansei-Shoto (Ryukyu Islands)
Pacific Ocean


They had picked up a blip on their radars, and the two ZF-02 Somniuses closed in rapidly on the bogey, rising to an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. Before the pair had taken off, they had been briefed on international commercial air routes. The craft on radar was no airliner, it's radar cross section was too small, and the radar returns were sour. "Unidentified aircraft, this is Okinawa Aerial Patrol. You are in Japanese airspace, identify yourself," came Ambrosia 3 on a broadcast channel.

They were 50 kilometers from bogey now, and they weren't getting any response. Hopefully target identification would occur soon. "Jesus Lorraine, that looks like a Tu-160 Blackjack from my readings!"

"What the hell is a Russian bomber doing out here?" she replied in equal surprise.

"Unidentified aircraft, this is Okinawa Aerial Patrol, respond! Identify yourself and your purpose. You are in Japanese airspace!" Richard Oaks, who was Ambrosia 3, demanded once again.

"Aquila Control, this is Hydra 8. We have what looks like a Tu-160 Blackjack in Japanese airspace, and is not responding to our radio calls. Advise action," she requested, feeling a tad nervous about having the largest modern bomber in the world in Japanese airspace.

"Identify yourself or return to international airspace!" They were closing in on the bomber.

"This is Control, no shots are to be fired! Chase it out of Japanese waters!"

"We read that Control, over and out."

The two ZF-02s were within the optimum targetting envelope by now, and the Blackjack was not changing it's course, it would pass over Okinawa if it continued west. "Dammit, I'll spike him. Maybe that'll wake him up!" Ambrosia 3 exclaimed, locking onto the bomber with a MAIM-120 AMRAAM. The tense situation was causing Alundres to hold her breath, waiting for any hostility. She found it odd that a Russian bomber would be this far out with now escorts. "Tu-160 Blackjack this is Okinawa Aerial Patrol, remove yourself from Japanese airspace or we will do so in a separate fashion."

The bomber immediately began to change it's heading to the northeast. "Hold, your fire! We will return to international airspace immediately!" came the fearful reply just moments later. Another close call had come to an end. Just what kind of warheads was that bomber carrying anyway?

--------------------

I just had to get another part out before all the ideas of massive dogfighting swamped me... But then again, there were no dogfights, but instead a classic Cold War confrontation, except it's with Mithril, not the US.

I hope you enjoyed it. I was actually hoping to finish Tuesday in this part, but oh well, Tuesday gets 2 parts... yay... or is it 3? Oh well.

Anyways, it's nice to know that another person has taken an interest in the fic.

I felt that the Kaname/Kazuya scene was a bit awkward, but I can't think of any other way to do it.

Anyways, I think I gotta wash the damn dishes, then I'm gonna hit the sack. I got a History test soon...

[HELLFIRE]

...either way you put it, I enjoyed it. Would like to see more concentration
on the Jindai stuff, but that's just me... I tried doing only one chapter of
GunBunny stuff and got dragged over the coals BIG TIME!

Loved the suspense about the Tu-160. Ergh! Something you don't want
on your front door anytime soon, 'less it's for flight instruction purposes only




Regards

[Teletha Testarosa]

VERY NICE!!!
STILL LOVIN IT!!!
Keep up the Good Work




Have a Nice Day

[Tsushima Masaki]

I've recognized some small errors in rank and such, so I'll fix them shortly.

EDIT: Well, done that now. I'll start Part 9 some time.

This is actually how I write my segments.

1. Write one part all in mostly one sitting, then post.
2. Wait an average of two weeks (to "recoup").
3. Repeat.

Haha, not very efficient, but in that two week period I'm usually daydreaming, thinking up ideas of what should come next.

[Tsushima Masaki]

I just started Part 9 today, and I'm hoping I'll have it up by tomorrow.

There's probably not much action, I think this will be a more... "reflective" chapter. And hopefully Tuesday will be done...

[Tsushima Masaki]

Variable Geometry: Part 9


"…It is confirmed that Lieutenant Kenji Kayashi sustained more than 11 Gs over 20 seconds while performing a single maneuver. According to sensors mounted in the helmet, the pilot went into G-LOC (G-Induced Loss of Consciousness) before a cormbination of an unexplained engine failure and stalling occured. An estimated -7 Gs was exerted on the pilot, causing a severe redout. It is hard for me to believe that his vision has suffered no damage, or that he is even still alive. My colleagues feel that the pilot's G-Free unit (G-Regulator suit) was the most important factor in his survival. Prominent aftereffects will be migraines and mild cases of vertigo. It is strongly advised that Lieutenant Kayashi is restricted from any active duty at least for 30 days, and until the aftereffects, which are hoped to be only temporary, cease." ~ Medical Report (Supplemental) 10.09.02: Kenji Kayashi by Dr. Elizabeth van Edinburg (Captain, AEF V Flight Surgeon)

The report had been trasmitted to Captain Testarossa's office in the Tuatha De Danaan via Mithril's Intranet. It was a simple fact that an Air Force pilot was not the best candidate for a bodyguard, unless the pilot had extensive training in other areas. Lieutenant Kayashi had received the necessary training some time throughout his six years with Mithril; whether or not he could apply it effectively was the deciding factor in his success. His training however never taught him how to deal with migraines and vertigo while on the job. Whoever had placed him on this assignment was gambling the safety of both the protected and the protectors.

Mellow blue overhead lights dimmed down as the sorrowful lyrics of an opera singer propagated throughout the office. The words were sand against the strumming of melancholic strings and the whistles of the woodwinds. Had she ensured Kaname Chidori's abduction and possible death by signing her mere name on the solid lines? In reality, the captain never had much of a choice, she did not have the authority to question Special Operatons Command. The intercom on the right section of the desk emulated the ringing of a telephone, and all cogitation was halted.

"Captain Testarossa, it has been reported that Urzu Team is returning from action. They are expected back within a week." It was Lieutenant Commander Andrey Kalinin.

'Sousuke's coming back!?' she thought excitedly; her heart was racing wildly. She was already anticipating his homecoming. Perhaps they'd have dinner together? "Thank you Commander, is that all?" she responded professionally, not allowing any questionable emotion infect her tone.

"That is all Captain."


4:33 pm
Tuesday, September 10th, 2002
Lyra, Aquila Islands Chain


One specific island of Aquila were contained densely packed vegetation. The flora and fauna found here were very unique to this part of the Pacific. Even with military facilities seemingly everywhere on the former British chain, most of the local habitat was coping excellently. Sounds of crunching underbrush and pine needles meant that something, or perhaps someone was nearby. Spotted squirrels and wild cats scurried about the forest, searching frantically for their next meal. Scarlet trails of hair contrasted sharply on the germane green and brown, as did the midnight blue G-Free suit, which was essentially a high-tech dry suit. Colleagues jokingly referred to as the Red Baroness, and she somewhat morbidly hoped that her death would not be subject to great controversy. She preferred Duchesse D'Écarlate, French for Scarlet Duchess or even simply Écarlate; however, this was a very private preference, and only her dear friend dared to call her that. The deeper she trekked into the woods, the more the sounds of nature increased. This was her secret garden, or rather forest, where she loved to unwind.

The dark blue duffel bag she carried on her left shoulder contained a GPS unit, compass, and transponder, along with several ready-to-eat burritos and fajitas stashed within an insolated container. Despite the rain that had been pouring since morning, the forest floor was very dry. The woman found herself a large tree trunk to rest against and settled down. Lyra had been blessed, or cursed, with a great abundance of wildlife, and the adolescent would consider it a blessing. Her thoughts wandered back into the past, back went she was in the Mithril Navy executing dangerous overseas operations. She was one of the Navy's crack pilots and their pride and joy, and they were sad to see her handed over to the "substandard" Air Force. A smile formed slowly on those supple pink lips as she recalled her first encounter with Lieutenant Kayashi. In short, everyone thought he was a recluse; however, Lorraine Alundres discovered that was only an exaggeration, since he never went to any great lengths to avoid anyone. He was just reticent, but not exactly taciturn. She remembered the look of shock he had upon discovering that he was to "babysit" her, the chick in the Air Force. But then there had been the Chinese Millenium Conflict in 2000 which found them both performing carrier operations in an Su-77z Fatal Flanker between Taiwan and mainland China. This was likely the point where their friendship had finally developed, after he had to babysit her again after suffering the injuries she had sustained punching out over Taiwan.

Before her stomach had a chance to complain, Alundres commenced her private meal, and awaited the arrival of the amiable wildlife that sometimes kept her company. Alundres enjoyed almost every moment she spent on Lyra, and upon her arrival to the Aquila Islands, she had forced Kenji to give her a tour of Aquileia, the main largest island, Lyra, Vela, Aquarius, Colummine, and Allura; she liked Lyra and Allura the most. The Aquilan Islands would have been an ideal resort and tourist attraction; however, the only tourists they got were government VIPs.

Kayashi had told her that she spent too much of her time with her head in the dirt; she replied by saying he had his head in the sky. Both statements were true. Lorraine enjoyed her childhood, hiking, biking, and otherwise touring various Canadian locales. One would find it odd that she spent more time up in the air above. From the three years they had known each other, it seemed as though all Lieutenant Kayashi thought of was the sky, and beyond. That notion wasn't completely correct, for he had many earthly interests as well. After sating her stomach with all of the gastronomic wonders Mithril's Air Force could provide, and that she could handle, she let herself lie completely on her back in the soft, lush undergrowth. While mentally reliving all of the highlights of her life, Alundres stayed semi-alert to the fauna that roamed around. One blue-toned feline approached stealthily from Alundres' right, intrigued by the pool of red that splayed from the human's head. The friendly creature meowed softly, and Alundres turned in the direction of the sound and then froze. It looked like a relative of the elusive Maltese tiger. This had been the first time, out of all of the hours she had spent her, that she had seen anything like it. But then a critical question came to mind, 'Are these friendly or hostile towards humans?' The infantile cat stepped a bit closer, and the two were nose to nose, staring at each other intently. The redhead kept her neck craned to the right while still on her back. She feared that any sudden movements that she would make would scare away this engima. Alundres lost the staring contest when she blinked to wet her eyes. Invisible tension built up as they restarted the staring conetest. The cat blinked first this time, and wiped its face with its left paw. The blue kitten meowed again and moved to Alundres' neck and nuzzled her. "So cute," she whispered.


5:11 pm
Meji Memorial Plaza
Tokyo-to


"Mission complete, bugging out," he murmured to himself in content. Nakajima had successfully navigated through a hectic shopping center, spoken amiably with another teenager, bought all he needed and he had felt none of the ill aftereffects of red out and G-LOC while accomplishing all of them. The supplies would last him at least a month. And then it dawned on him, like a not-so-stealthy fighter approaching his six: how the hell was he supposed to carry all of his groceries to his apartment? Well the very obvious answer was that he simply couldn't... but then he wondered just how he had made as far as the mall entrance. Another problem he had discovered kept slamming on top of his head: it was raining, hard. "Do you need any help with those?" The chances of meeting a classmate anywhere else in Tokyo were very, very slim, and somhow, it had happened. The voice belonged to Kyouko Tokiwa, who was still in her school uniform. She had been shopping to buy some batteries for her camera, and "to get 'other things,'" she had told him as they walked down the crowded streets of Tokyo. The rain that dampened everything it hit did not seem to bother Kyouko at all. She walked down the streets as if it were the middle os summer. "Maybe we should just take a taxi Kazuya-kun," suggested Kyouko. The load she was carrying was getting much too difficult to carry.

Kazuya stopped and looked behind him to face Kyouko. "I guess you're right." The "wait for a taxi to notice you" game was obsolete here in Tokyo. Kyouko and Kazuya went for the nearest taxicab, travelling at a snail's pace because of the many bags of groceries they had to transport with them.

At his apartment, the first thing Nakajima did after he got in the door was put all of the food items into their proper places, in the cupboards, fridge, freezer, and pantry. The next step was to spruce the place up, but in the end, he spent more time trying to figure out what needed to be cleaned instead of actually cleaning. That was because he had just moved in on Sunday, and he was not sloppy enough to make a mess in that short interval. The preparation of the food came next, and before commencing, he placed a DVD-R into the disc player connected to the sound system in the living room and set it to random. Soon, he was humming along to Ayumi Hamasaki and Megumi Hayashibara over the noise of frying noodles and boiling pots. The doorbell rang, and Kazuya allowed himself a final glimpse of the kitchen before heading for the door. Kaname Chidori. She wore a small sun yellow t-shirt and navy blue flared jeans with slits near the bottoms. Brown lace was cross-stitched at the slits of the flares. In short, Kaname was dressed casually, but stylishly. The red ribbon usually at the end of her sea blue hair was not present, and her hair flowed freely, almost to her knees. She held a box of sweets as a gift for Kazuya, and he accepted it gratefully and let her into his humble abode, then he gave her some guest slippers he had just bought. Kazuya had managed to change into a pair of black cords, blue t-shirt, and white dress shirt for the occasion. Ren would be here within the hour. "You listen to Ayumi Hamasaki Kazuya-kun?" she asked interestedly after she seated herself on the couch. She was unaware of the more intimate honorific she now used with him.

Kazuya's cheeks reddened slightly. "Hai, she's got a lot of great songs. I like the remixes as well," he told her while "Ayumi Hamasaki - Prologue (Hybrid Remix)" sounded.

Kaname was seated on one of the living room's sofas. Her feet were warming up, and she took notice. "Kazuya-kun, you have a kotatsu coffee table?"

Kazuya turned his head from his task, which was chopping meat. "Oh, so that's what they're called," he responded, "I haven't been in Japan several years, so a lot of things are leaving my mind," he explained for his lack of recognition.

"I didn't know people from Mithril act normally so well," Kaname commented offhandedly, lying back on the sofa.

"What do you mean? We're all humans."

"Well... I know, demo, Tessa, Melissa, Kurz, and especially Sousuke..." she glanced at the inactive telivision, "they're all a bit strange."

"Well I don't know about strange. But I'm afraid I don't know any of those names, except maybe Tessa. You mean Captain Testarossa right?"

"Hai. She must have an IQ of two hundred or something!"

"Well... that might explain why she's in Mithril at such a young age..." Kazuya broke off when Kaname gave him a questioning look.

"Aren't you in a military organization at a young age as well?"

"Paramilitary," he corrected her, "and yes I suppose that's true, but I'm turning twenty this year."

"Tw-twenty?" she gasped?

"Hard to believe? I guess I could still pass for a high school student, probably one of the reasons I was chosen," he realized. "I joined Mithril at fourteen, so I was pretty young. UN regulations and other factors restrict combat duty until sixteen. All I did for two years was sit in flight simulators and learn the basics. Those regulations aren't heavily enforced. I suspect Sergeant Sagara was doing combat before fourteen."
Kaname couldn't believe it, 'Fourteen? What kind of parents-' "What kind of parents would let their child enlist in a military organization at fourteen?" she whispered. Mikuni Shimokawa, a piano, and a guitar was all the next song was comprised of. It was called Karenai Hana.

"Paramilitary," he corrected again, "and Mithril isn't all about shooting terrorists or firing submarine-launched ballistic missiles. My father encouraged me to join something that would give me a good education and a chance to fly aircraft," responded, taking no offense to Kaname's question.

"Mithril's not connected to the United Nations is it?"

"Well, not exactly. We're not the UN's police like everyone thinks NATO will become. We correspond with the UN on many matters, but we are independent."

"I see..." she responded softly. "You don't need any help do you?"

"Iie, I'm ok. Just make yourself comfortable. You can turn on the tv and shut off the music if you want."

"That's alright. I like your taste in music. Most guys are more interested in American rock these days." Kazuya laughed and commented that he wasn't "most guys" even if he acted like it. The conversation was quite pleasent and open, quite different from those with Sousuke. She was completely at ease, and almost completely forgot that this man was nineteen, and was a fighter pilot.

When Ren Mikihara arrived, the evening's mood only improved. She had walked for parts of her trip, so her pink and purple umbrella was left near the door. Having dinner with two beautiful girls was not what he had in mind went he joined Mithril... but he didn't mind it either. "Arigato... Kazuya-san for inviting us here--Oh, how are your migraines?" she asked when they had settled down for tenpura, beef nabe, sweet and sour pork along with fried rice and chow mein.

"I'm fine Ren-san, you really don't have to worry too much about me." Each person talked about their younger years. Even though Kaname was with Ren constantly in the Student Council Office, they didn't speak very much with each other. Kaname was usually busy striking Sousuke with her white fan and trying, but failing to keep him out of trouble. Kazuya found that he had to leave out the last six years of his life, since he refused to fabricate any tales to mislead Ren.

"Oh, I just remembered that our class going on a field trip tomorrow," Kaname told the two of them while helping herself to more nabe. They ate their dinner around the kotatsu, and the type of music playing had changed. An assortment of jazz, traditional Japanese music and ambient soundscapes resonated in the backdrop. "We're going to Narita International Airport to see some acrobatics or... aerobatics squadron fly."

Kazuya's interest was piqued, but the news was also a painful reminder of what he could doing right at this moment, and who he could be with. She was probably out on one of her "nature walks" as Kazuya had spitefully dubbed them back then. If she wasn't daydreaming with her wild animals on Lyra or Allura, she was patrolling the skies in a ZF-01 Nebula or a ZF-02 Somnius. "Kazuya-san?"

"Hai?" He had spaced out once again.

"Oh... your mind must have been somewhere else again. Hayashimizu-senpai wanted to know if you had given any thought to his offer," Ren told him.

"Gomen nasai. I haven't really been thinking about that lately," he apologized. He had completely forgotten the president's offer. He would likely have to reject it if it meant much less time would be devoted ensuring Kaname's safety.

"That's alright Kazuya-san. I know it's only temporary, demo, I would appreciate it," Mikihara told him sincerely. A wave had hit him. He was only temporary. He was only a temporary solution for Kaname's safety, he would only be a temporary solution for the student council's safety. The only permanence he would find would be in a squadron, where he'd be expendable. He was already expendable.

Kazuya Nakajima had no idea where all of these thoughts were coming from. Just last Saturday he had told Lorraine that bullets fly and people die so casually, and then at lunch he had to repress feelings of guilt when he remembered all of the things he had done while in combat. Kenji Kayashi, he was different from Kazuya Nakajima.... he was different from Zen Kanamura. Zen Kanamura would have been married, or at least courting a beautiful maiden by now, if he were still alive. 'Of course he's still alive. He's just... phased out.'

"We go through many different phases in life... this is the beginning of a new one," his father had told him six years ago. This was the beginning of yet another; however, Kazuya Nakajima felt as if this new one was a step back in a direction he never thought he'd return to.

--------------------

And I suppose that's the conclusion of Phase I of this fic. If you need to know, the sectioning goes like this - Phase : Part
I'm tempted to change it to Phase : Stage however.
So... I don't know how you guys liked it, this took me a bit longer to type, even though it's length doesn't indicate it.
I think that every time i finish one phase, I'll make a new topic with just that phase, all of the parts together uninterrupted by other posts, or something like that. One of my friends is proofing Phase I, so hopefully the clarity will improve.

Well, maybe now I can think clearly about Zyrex's fic contest thing (I'm probably the only one who's actually thinking of doing it, heh).
It would make a good project for Christmas Break...

Well, time to hit that uncomfortable bed that I've slept in for over ten years, cya.

[HELLFIRE]

...interesting read as always Tsushima. Still waiting for the point
of it all... or I just forgotten that between readings An aerobatics
show... will Kaname be anymore interested in THAT than the little
fiasco that was the Narishimo? Burning thing... *hehehe*





Regards

[Teletha Testarosa]

I must agree with HELLFIRE. It's still interesting to read ^_^ However, you made me envy Souske when you said Tessa should go to dinner with him

[Tsushima Masaki]

Yeah, I haven't updated in a long time... and I think I'll have to wait a bit longer before I even THINK about what part 10 is gonna be all about... My school semester is almost over, and that means........

GOVERNMENT EXAMS

Ahem... yeah so, for the few who are actually interested in this fic, you'll have to be patient...

[HELLFIRE]

Ahem... yeah so, for the few who are actually interested in this fic, you'll have to be patient...

Your punishment just gets worse by the day, Tsushima

Suggestion for #10: Some of the more familiar FMP! stuff is in order,
just so some ppl aren't left scratching their heads why it's all about a
flight test program.

Just my 0.02





Regards

[Tsushima Masaki]

It's been quite a while since I've even touched this fic. Maybe it's become another victim of my terminal "Unfinished Syndrome."

I'd love to write more, but I'm basically at a dead end creatively, and I have Provincial Exams in two weeks... Oh yay.

Well, maybe in the summer I'll be able to get this back on track, if anyone enjoys it.

I've been tempted to created massive crossovers fics... but I've fought the urge. Eh... maybe I'll get my act together someday.

[HELLFIRE]

It's been quite a while since I've even touched this fic. Maybe it's become another victim of my terminal "Unfinished Syndrome."

Nice to know you still think of it now and then Tsush Do it at your own pace!










Regards

[Tsushima Masaki]

I think it's safe to say tha Variable Geometry has been victimized by the Unfinished Syndrome... Well, it was fun while it lasted. I enjoyed writing this one... too bad I'm unable to finish.

Be on the look out for another one of my works soon though. My friend's been pushing me to write again... I think it's gonna be some multi-anime harem... (I think HELLFIRE knows who I have in mind).

Perhaps not harem... but I'm looking at having a bunch of anime girls in one fic... mainly 2004 anime girls.

[HELLFIRE]

Perhaps not harem... but I'm looking at having a bunch of anime girls in one fic... mainly 2004 anime girls.

Stock in the FMP! Board BOP Blookbank starts at $15/share... REAL cash only, please

....if the writing bug ever hits ya again Tsush











Regards

[Tsushima Masaki]

Variable Geometry: Part 10

Unknown Date and Time


Captain Winter Messinger slid a manila envelope across her office desk over to her guest. Messinger’s office was devoid of light save for a low powered lamp hanging from the ceiling. “Since the project has been halted indefinitely, you’re essentially out of work. The project staff hadn’t anticipated anything like this to happen; so for the time being, while the inquiry is still underway, you’re on the inactive roster.”

The guest narrowed her eyes and glanced from her commanding officer to the folder before her. “I hear Tokyo is a nice vacation spot at this time of year…”

“Only for those who enjoy rain Captain,” came the slightly sarcastic reply.

“Well, you should feel at home then. Think of this as a vacation without pay. Of course, if you’d like full pay, the offer is sitting in front of you, Lieutenant Takato.”


Wednesday, September 11, 2002
Chrysanthemum Apartments
Ota-ku, Tokyo-to


Normally a holiday would make any weary soldier happy; however for 2nd Lieutenant Nanase Takato, more commonly known as Ozone 7, that was not the case. She wasn’t truly on vacation; she had let herself be assigned to Vesperz for the time being. ‘Vesperz… if I all I have to do is baby sit a girl to get full pay, why not?’ she figured. She was confident it would be a cakewalk. Clearing her mind of all her cluttered thoughts, she rang the buzzer on the door before her. There was no response. After waiting for some time, she pushed the button again. The result was the same. ‘Mattaku… he’s not even-’ Nanase snapped out of her internal monologue as she heard footsteps and some friendly chatter resonating from the staircase.

“Ah, I don’t really remember when the field trip is… you looking forward to it aren’t you Kazuya-kun?” the voice belonging to the girl trailed off. The pair stopped their approach when they caught sight of the ocean blue-haired woman dressed in a white blouse and a red plaid skirt standing in front of the apartment door.
Takato spied on them out of the corner of her eye, but kept the impression that she wasn’t aware of them. ‘Kazuya-kun?’

“Ano… can I help you?” Kazuya offered hesitantly.

Takato turned to face them and formed a friendly smile with her mouth, “Ara, Kazuya. It’s been a while.” Kazuya eyed her strangely, not immediately recognizing the woman who stood between them and his apartment. “Don’t tell me you don’t remember me…” was her slightly hurt reply to his silence.

“Kazuya-kun, is this your girlfriend?” a confused Kaname inquired.

Kazuya Nakajima was frozen in his spot. In his mind he was attempting to match the face and voice to a name. Finally, it dawned on him. ‘Masaka…’ “Takato Nanase?” ‘What the hell is she doing here?’

Nanase smiled again and shook her head “It’s rare for you to forget about people so quickly.”

It was indeed rare, how could he have forgotten Ozone 7? She was one of the best high speed and high altitude markswomen in the Aquila’s AEF division. She was also another pilot of the XVF Project, and was brought in to maximize the strike capabilities of the XVF-03 Widow. He shouldn’t have had any trouble remembering. ‘It can’t be my condition is affecting my memory…’ He quickly shrugged off his slowness as just part of his off day. Kazuya now wanted to know what she was doing here. ‘Is she here on a mission too?’


Aquila Airspace, Aquila Islands Chain


“Watch it Hydrate, you’ve got a Viper on you!”

“Viper 2, Fox 3!”

“Atoll! Atoll!

“Dammit Hydrate, Abort!”

The ZF-01 Nebula designated as Hydra 8 increased its velocity significantly while banking and veering left. “Missile shot trashed.”

The F-15z Hyper ACTIVE designated as Viper 2 continued to pursue its prey through a series of evasive maneuvers. “This one’s tough.”

Today was a friendly competition between the flight squadrons Viper and Hydra. Viper’s main fighter of choice was the revamped F-15 Eagle known as the Hyper ACTIVE. Hydra’s main choice was the ZF-01 Nebula. Alundres performed a system check when she could afford one and accelerated towards sea level. Her main objective was to increase the separation between her and the attacker in order for a team mate to safely pick him off. “Alundres, power to left. I’ve got bullseye. Looks like this’ll be a daisy chain!” exclaimed a squadron member.

Hydra 8 continued to jink to ensure no target solution could be acquired by her nemesis and attempted to breakaway.

Lieutenant Sei Oogami glanced at his radar display and spared a quick glance to his 8 o’clock below. “Viper 2, give me some bogey dope,”

Target information came up on one of the data panels. “Viper 7 committing to target.” The F-15z Hyper Active ceased hawking and dove into the fray that took place one vertical kilometer below.

“Alundres, looks like you’re a celebrity, we’ve got another incoming.” This wasn’t what she wanted to hear. She had made herself a target ever since she downed Sapphire 9 several scrimmages ago. She checked her contacts and continued to fly closer to sea level.

The Hyper ACTIVE rocketed down and managed to release some high deflection shots before hooking to the right to continue pursuit. The current situation was Alundres in front with 2 hostiles behind her and a wingman behind them. Oogami completed his hook and boosted the engines for more closure on Alundres. Alundres retaliated with employing her basic fighter maneuver training to prevent herself from falling into his kill zone. Alundres dipper her control stick down for a nose dive and rolled to the left once again. “Oogami, breaking off to hook pursuer.” Viper 2 broke off his pursuit to evade the simulated gunfire of Hydra 12 from his 5 o’clock.

Oogami was quickly falling out of gun range so he switched over to MAIM-1 Wesps and begun tracking, but Alundres performed a hard Chandelle turn to the right for more separation. “Viper 7, Fox 2!”

“Shit!” Alundres simulated the release of flare countermeasures and attempted to increase her energy during the Chandelle. Oogami lagged in his pursuit attack and fired off some rounds as Alundres throttled down drastically turned defensively to keep Oogami out of her blind cone.

“Nani?” Oogami had overshot and was now in the lead. Instead of attacking, Alundres sought for more separation and used the Immelman turn. “Hydra 8 has been shot down. RTB.”

It had been a mistake to use the Immelman.


6:02 pm
Chrysanthemum Apartments
Ota-ku, Tokyo-to


“Nani!?”

“Calm down Kayashi, there are two bedrooms in this suite. Surely you didn’t think you were going to be alone on this assignment.”

“I was given no indication that backup was needed. Besides, why do you have to stay here?”

“It’s only logical, how are we supposed to communicate efficiently if we’re not in the same place? This also cuts down the cost of living. You can’t honestly tell me you need that other room,” Nanase retorted, crossing her arms expectantly. Knowing he had been defeated, Kenji grumbled to himself and headed towards the kitchen. “You’re acting immature Kayashi, just think of me as a roommate. You’ve been in this situation before.” She was right, of course, but Kenji didn’t have to like it.

“Fine, fine, do whatever you want,” he muttered from the kitchen after shoving something in the microwave to eat.

Nanase peeked into the kitchen to observe, “You shouldn’t rely too much on instant food Kayashi, when you get back to piloting you’ll need to be in top condition.” And it had started. It was always like this when she was around. Nanase had the annoying tendency to point out what he was doing wrong, like an overbearing mother. This is was a main reason why he didn’t want her here. The seemingly blissful paradise which Kenji had been enjoying was now shattered.

----------------------------------

Yeah, I've finally gotten off my lazy ass to write something. If it sucks, that's because I'm rusty and I'm not sure where to go with this right now. I'll try to get back up to par and write some thrilling stuff...

So, comments, rants, flames? If you're wondering about those two new characters, well, watch some Autumn 2004 anime and you might know where they're from