Binding: Rain - Chronicles 改 (Defunct)

Chapter Three Part Five | Arrival

Chapter 3 Part 5 | Arrival

　It will be a shock using it's systems for the first time

　If they have trouble doing the simplest of tasks

　Walking and balancing

　I doubt they will keep up

　Their uneasy footsteps crack against asphalt and soil alike. 5 GF-Twains travelling single file, MAK-72s held idle pointed at the ground. Leading the group is GFM-1st Lieutenant Yato, trying desperately to remain upright and to set a good example for her comrades. Shigure, seated comfortably in a boxy APC, trails alongside them. Hiraodai Gleipnir Proving Grounds is their destination commanded by the Captain. Walking and controlling the Gleipnirs is getting progressively more familiar, though they are still babied by D.O.S.'s operator assistance protocols.

　Clear skies paired with dry solid ground allow for an easier learning environment for new operators. Only a handful of years ago, when Shigure first enlisted and was assigned to the GMR (Gleipnir Mechanized Regiment), he lacked the luxury of even just a training frame. Times were significantly more dire then. Being before the Absolute Defence Sector was erected and fully entrenched. The Nephilim Defence Coalition Japan Division (NDECK-J) desperately required operators for their only weapons that put up worthwhile resistance; Gleipnirs.

　Maybe he'd be spared of everything if things were less rushed; if he had more of a chance to adapt gradually. Adapt he did, tearing away so much in the process. Sometimes, although fleetingly, he wishes to again be an innocent child, afraid of the blood and death. Though training and sudden exposure, or more honestly, his nature, simply forbids Shigure his desire. Normality. He finds himself often caught up in the 'what if' and other possibilities. He knows it's fruitless so he attempts to forget. Unfortunately for him, that very military that shaped him to this, took away what he found in those years. He had purpose. Not anymore. Barred from the operation of Gleipnir Frames, he can only watch on in self pity while his squad learns their first steps virtually in touching distance.

　FWSDI-Tsuiki beyond eyesight, the squad evidently has covered a substantial distance already. Time getting away from Shigure again. Ichijo on the other hand, is completely aware of every single second that ticks past. As is everyone else operating their GFs. A dark metal coffin masked as a cockpit with display screens strung about in what appears to be a jab at functionality. Their sky blue lights the only notable illumination, take for dim LED lights pinned into steel.

　"Crap.. This multitasking stuff is impossible.. Shit!"

　Losing the delicate focus needed to mix walking, balancing, monitoring of systems, seemingly other uncountable tasks, Ichijo's fingers and wrists loosen. Without grip that could be registered by the joystick, Ichijo's MAK-72 drops clean out his GF's geometric hands, crashing to it's feet. Others of the squad swivel their heads, low blues of their Gleipnir's eyes staring straight at Ichijo.

　Scrambling around amidst his cockpit, trying to get his GF bent down to retrieve his lost primary. Laughter pours over their headsets, Ichijo not being spared from his squad-mate's scrutiny. Shigure's APC slows down somewhat, clearly waiting for everyone.

　«Come on Ichijo, you can't go around dropping your weapon.»

　Still attempting to get a grasp on the Kikan autocannon without toppling over, Ichijo shouts back. «Shut UP Takeuchi! You couldn't even keep yours standing dumbass!»

　«Ah- Erm...»

　Adjusting his holster, remaining seated in the cupola, Shigure talks over their laughter. Impatient.

　«Pick it up Ichijo.»

　His past amusement at their misfortunes fades, replaced by realization that waiting for them to learn, is going to consume a large portion of his time. Shigure doesn't want to spend his entire day staring at poorly operated Gleipnirs.

　Rested on one knee, Ichijo grabs the MAK-72, the frame's hand matching contours of the handle perfectly. He shoots a look between his fellow operator's GFs, then rises to his feet. Flywheels fitted amongst joints, attached pneumatically and hydraulically with other systems, squeal like overused electronics. Back upon it's feet almost steady, his Gleipnir resumes it's position ready to walk. Piercing discharge of compressed air shoot from notable vents strung across the GF-Twain.

　«Ready to move, Sir.» He bashfully reports.

　Gesturing acknowledgement to the cameras of Ichijo's Frame, Shigure commands for his driver to begin moving once again. Armoured car leading, and Gleipnirs following adjacent to the road. As the Captain promised, their excursion to HGPG (Hiraodai Gleipnir Proving Grounds) takes hours. Closer to three than two. Inexperience leads to more delays; Colliding with each other, arguments, tripping over their own legs, accidentally shutting down. Needless to say, Shigure is less than impressed.

　Despite these hindrances, the squad arrives to HGPG, halting in a field. Ryuuji immediately turns to survey the surroundings, Zhaojun doing so to a lesser degree. Ichijo and Takeuchi, those who experienced the most trouble comprehending controlling their Frames, kneel, hoping balancing will be less laborious. Yato simply takes a respite in her cockpit, relying heavily on D.O.S.

　Nearby a concrete building stands, attached a pavilion of sorts. It some what resembles a structure you'd expect commentators to be housed during a football game. Diagonal windows and walls, clearly military in architecture, embedded deeply into concrete foundations. Ryuuji took note immediately, assuming it is an operations centre for the proving grounds. Or observation platform. Here however seems vastly free of military intervention and interference, instead left to the will of nature and warm days. A proving ground would typically be reminiscent of a battlefield; scared, overturned soil. Alas, there is no such sight here.

　Shigure exits the APC parked beside this very building, dismounting by jumping from it's roof. Landing elegantly with practiced form despite the height, he brushes down creases in his grey officer garb, turning noticeably to gaze towards the blue spotted sky. Briefly checking his phone for urgent summons or messages, he adjusts his headset.

　«We came here for training. You'll be getting drilled on the ins and outs of your Frames until our deployment. I don't know when, but desperate times call for operators.» Their Gleipnir's heads turn to look at their Directive Officer - Captain Shigure. Blue luminescent eyes casting their mechanical gaze directly at him. «Herby you are operators of Gleipnir Training Squadron Kodo. Rejoice.» His last word, despite flat in tone, is projected with sarcasm.

　Another complaint Shigure realised while being an administrative officer - assigned to training - is he has to talk and give commands far more than he appreciates. Ideally he'd be allowed to remain mostly silent, only speaking for necessity, but his assignment demands detailed instructions and explanations. Things he never had to do before, considering his past placement in an elite squad, where each element could act independently without a directive officer persistently communicating.

　Takeuchi's Frame re-rises to it's metallic feet, torso turning to face Shigure just off. «Sir. Wouldn't it be better to train at Tsuiki's firing range?» He broadcasts through his headset, observing the Captain through a zoomed camera display.

　Upon this question being posed, Shigure makes his way to the nearby building. Of which is in fact the command centre for HGPG. Answering through radio, «You don't have terrain there. Nor can I use dummy rounds.» Momentarily glancing over his shoulder, directed at the head of Takeuchi's Gleipnir. He passes a door, entering this concrete structure. A flight of stairs later, he arrives to the observation deck, six metres from the ground, 180 view of fields and insignificant cliffs.

　Comparable to Tsuiki's Gleipnir Operation Deck with it's various instruments and computers moulded into steel. Hiraodai Field Centre sits near the outskirts of HGPG, having complete visibility of the proving grounds. Be it through direct visual, radar, or geostationary satellite feed. Shigure, joined by less than a dozen other officers permanently stationed, have the ability to stage realistic scenarios with HGPG's simulation and training assets.

　«Dummy rounds...?» Speaking through to fellow members of Kodo squad.

　Sharing metallic looks amongst each other. «You know what they are, inert munitions used for training.»

　«Yeah I know that Takeuchi! Damn. I'm not that dumb. What does he mean by 'dummy rounds'? He always says stuff without elaborating...»

　«Well I'm guessing it involves a whole lot of us getting shot by stuff...» He gives a nervous laugh, watching Ichijo's transmission waves on one of the many displays.

　Shigure being occupied with preparations in the Field Centre, Kodo squad is rewarded with spare time to discuss without the Captain's interjections. Ryuuji, shifting comfortably in his padded cockpit seat, had finished his survey. He'd discovered countless sensory features installed in the GF-Twain, allowing the Trainee a rather comprehensive knowledge of the surrounds.

　«We find ourselves approximately fifteen square kilometers of terrain to maneuverer. It's abundantly clear the topography is crafted for engaging in wargames. Anticipate it, for it is inevitable given such favorable conditions.»

　«Thanks for th-»

　«Silence, Yato.» Despite being many ranks lower, not even an officer, Ryuuji shuts his superior down. Clearly more interested in projecting the data he'd gathered. Yato's voice drains out complaining to herself.

　«According to D.O.S.'s radar report, three Kelda Training Frames are here, situated two kilometers at a bearing of 27 degrees north from our current coordinates. We may soon have some... 'company' to contend with..»

　Ryuuji stows his MAK-72 via the magnetic locks embedded into the back armour of GF-Twain. Dropping it's bulky arms by it's side, it's pilot watching from cockpit screens. GFM-1st Lieutenant is not happy about Ryuuji's insubordination, however it isn't within in her to reprimand him. Yato only sighs, also holstering her autocannon.

　«As I was saying, Ryuuji. We appreciate the information.»

　She turns her Gleipnir to properly face others of Kodo squad. «As the Lieutenant of Kodo, I'll be the team leader. I hope we all get along during the potential wargames.» Her voice betrays her confidence, some concern slips through.

　They return her statement with a nod of their Frame's heads. Bodies cloaked in thick composite armour, recognisable colour schemes - Uniform green panelling and dark grey joints. There is a distinguishable level of uncertainty between the 5, they haven't the experience or knowledge to effectively use their Gleipnirs. Walking was hard enough, combat will be harder.

　Now's the moment to mark their time; where their fight starts.