To Anctartica [Part 1]

– Arakawa Kouki's POV –

(Miki) Kou-chan, your dad and the others made it to the main ice shelf. The real battle starts now, so please get ready.

(Kouki) Got it

While answering mom, I put "What to do if Mom creates a zombie virus Part 1" back in my pocket after repeatedly reading it.

I wrote it a long time ago, but I gave copies of it to every Chernobog member just in case. Of course, it would be better if we never have to use this, but we can't be too careful against Professor Sandra. She's as intelligent as mom.

(Joseph) Do you really think we need this?

(Kouki) Yes. Whether it will be used or not, we don't know. The zombies could even escape after our opponent's defeat. What's more, I believe our enemies have discovered the connection between our Hakone base and our G-88 base. We must be as cautious as possible.

After hearing my slightly exaggerated response, Joseph-san (who was in charge of the Heavy Weapons Team) grabbed his big shotgun and made sure it was charged.

I thought I should prepare my guns too, but I'll be using the Type-0 suit. Should I be in a situation where I have to use my own guns, I would be better off giving up and waiting for rescue.

(Joseph) The captain is… Oh, she's here.

I was worried that the captain was taking too long checking on Anton-san, but she now entered the room equipped with a reinforced exoskeleton.

(Captain) Sorry to keep you waiting.

(Kouki) Don't sweat it. Mom just reported that Dad's team landed on the ice shelf. Now is when it gets real. We'll wait for the other gate to be deployed.

(Captain) Roger. We will follow the plan.

(Kouki) Please do.

While the captain guided everyone from Chernobog to put on their suits, I headed towards the airplane carrying the Type-0 suit in the maintenance room. When I pulled up my terminal to talk to Claire-san she responded with an annoyed expression.

(Claire) Fine.

(Kouki) Anything wrong?

(Claire) Can you think of anything that could be wrong? You're leaving me behind once again. When we met in Russia you promised me to never again do something reckless by yourself.

(Kouki) No! No! You're misunderstanding this! I told you before about our plans to capture the enemy base. You'll be using the X-55 to stand by in the air, so I assigned Captain Martin here.

(Claire) I get it, but still…

Claire-san fell silent. I'm aware she has more than a few reasons not to trust me, but I'm seriously telling her everything about the plan. Wait, could it be…

I know Claire-san had issues with Captain Martin and the Air Squad, but this is not the time for grudges. You'll have to get along for now, otherwise we're all going to die. No, actually, the people from Chernobog might survive but I'll die.

(Kouki) Claire-san, I'll say it again, I've told you everything already. I won't forget our promise.

(Claire) Understood. I'll believe in you. Please be careful.

(Kouki) Of course. Well then- Oh, I almost forgot. Take off whenever everything is ready.

I cut off communication with Claire-san to quickly make sure all the X-55 permissions are in check while walking to the waiting area. The Type-0 suit waiting for me is twice as big as a normal one. It's capable of carrying 2 people. 3 if we count Kon. Although fuel and power supply would usually be an issue with that much weight, Kon will work as a replacement so that our mobility won't be reduced.

I thought it would be more efficient to have Kon help us rather than having to carry a nuclear reactor in order to power the suit.

(Alice) Zzz…

(Kon) Kyu…

While I'm getting into the suit and muttering my thoughts, Alice and Kon suddenly wake up. Alice has a full-face helmet so I can't see her expression, but it's probably similar to her face whenever she takes a nap. Kon is yawning and rubbing her eyes with her tail. For how much she insists on being a girl she could really be a bit more embarrassed about this.

(Kouki) Alice, are you awake?

(Alice) Uh, yes. Yes.

(Kouki) And Kon?

(Kon) Kon!

(Kouki) Ok. Alice, turn on the suit. We'll be on standby at the gate.

Alice nods and starts moving her fingers as if she was using a keyboard to control a computer. She used to do this at the training facility in Noah Island, but I still can't get over it. Apparently she does this to better handle the information her brain receives and thus increasing her thought process limit.

As per her words: "It makes my heart feel all tingly". I wonder if she realizes how chuunibyou she's gotten.

(Alice) System boot up initialized… Boot up completed. Checking updates for the current system version… Updating the main program for physical movement… Update completed. Scanning brain waves for "Kouki-kun". I'll take care of the fire control system and communication system. Requesting data link connection to the satellite… Error. Requesting data link connection to the spare line… Error.

Hacking line 25… Connected.

(Kouki) Hey, wait! What's up with that last part!?

(Alice) Retrieving permission for weaponry. Permission granted. Remove energy output limiter. Type-0 suit activated.

When the Type-0 suit stood up it felt just as if I was standing up myself. That's how comfortable the suit is. It even feels like my size has adapted to fit it. I think the entire system just switched to brainwave controls. Alice keeps giving me the details while holding her orange juice box.

(Alice) So basically, you're in charge of flying and moving. I'll handle the fire control system and communication system. What do we do with the attitude control assistant and the shooting controls?

(Kouki) I'll take care of shooting. It would be a problem if you shot right when I moved.

(Alice) Ok, so… There. I gave you access to them.

(Kouki) Thanks.

Time to head to the gate. Macho and the others must be doing their best to set it up. The Ursna soldiers are helping them so I don't think it will take too long. Alice and I head to the gate while I listen to her slurping on the orange juice box.