Anime Discussion Thread - Page 2343

in the time loop aspect

September 18th, 1993.
On this day, central command HQ of the 2nd Mediterranean Army group at Candia base, on the Island of Crete, is faced with an overwhelming emergency. Recently having been focused entirely on dealing with the various small to medium sized BETA incursions into Greece, the sudden arrival of an large scale BETA horde emerging from the region of Turkey and Anatolia has caught the massively spread out Human defenders in the region off guard. And now, the alien menace has arrived at Rhodes Island.

Having received the Code 991 warning, and they requested for reinforcements from the Turkish 66th TSF battalion. Command HQ issued an order to the 66th to hold the island at all costs and directed several QRF (Quick Reaction Force) elements in Greece to aid the Rhodes island defense.

“Turquoise 7 to Turquoise 1, we can’t hold, there are too many!”
“Fuck! Where are the Reinforcements?”

37 minutes since contact with the BETA, the 66th TSF “Turquoise” battalion had been engaging the endless numbers of the horde on the beaches of Rhode Island. The majority of the naval fire support they were promised had been delayed at Greece, and thus had not yet arrived. As a result, the battalion had been engaging the BETA almost completely without support. And no matter how one looked at it, a battalion sized TSF unit of F-4 Phantoms, without effective artillery support, successfully defending against a divisional sized BETA horde that was attempting to charge the beachhead, seemed to be a physical impossibility.

The 66th fell back from the overrunned beachhead, retreating to the island's center. Having been pummeled by human firepower and the relentless BETA advance, the beautiful and historical streets and remnant buildings of ancient Greece are no more. The bodies of the dead are trampled and crushed, the air smelled of cordite and blood, the very city itself is now an ocean of blood and gore.

Within the cockpit of the CO of the 66th , the tactical overlay map was covered in red, the amount of friendly blue blips are difficult pick out in the sea of red, and their numbers were dwindling by the minute. Faced with a hopeless situation, and accepting that they are to die today, the survivors of the 66th prepared their last stand.

Suddenly, a mass of blue friendly blips appeared on the edge of his tactical display.

“Turquoise 1, this Cobra 1! ETA 180 seconds. Do what you can to hold till then!”
“Turquoise 1 here. That took you long enough! Were you guys fucking napping!? And are there more of you guys?”

Despite his words the tone of relief was evident in his voice.

“Don’t worry, the other battalion will be here soon. We got here in a hurry, after all.”

Cobra 1 of the Turkish 94th TSF battalion was not lying. For the defense of Rhodes island, HQ scrambled an entire TSF Wing worth of TSFs, with several other units here and there being called in to support as well. The reason the 94th got here faster was because they were equipped with newer 2nd generation TSF.

Flying at an altitude of merely 10 meters, the shock wave left behind by the members of the 94th cut giant waves of displaced ocean water behind them. At their speed, any mistake of piloting could cause a catastrophic crash into the Aegean sea. All of this was to minimize the chance of being engaged by the BETA laser classes at long range. Maintaining perfect formation, the entire battalion stayed their altitude but increased their speed even more, a move considered dangerous according to doctrine and not allowed by SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), but in life or death situations, much of the 'rulebook' generally gets tossed out the window.

“Formation Arrow-head 3. We will assault through the BETA's flank, and push directly towards the 66th. 1st squadron will take the center, 2nd and 3rd will provide cover fire from the sides.”
“Understood!!”

Arriving over the island itself, adjusting their jump units to accommodate the urban terrain, the battalion flew in NOE mode over the city streets. Soon the besieged 66th was within sights of 1st Squadron, 2nd Flight leader, Cobra 5.

“2nd Flight! Direct fire support for the friendlies to our front!”

Switching to full reverse on their jump units, 1st Squadron landed besides the besieged 66th and deployed their WS-16C assault cannons on full auto, turning the surrounding BETA into chucks of mincemeat in short order.

The TSFs of Cobra Battalion were the F-16a Fighting Falcon. To solve the issue of the mounting costs of the F-14 and the F-15, and to still maintain production quotas, the US had adopted the concept of a “High Low Mix” way of approaching unit composition. They Believed that the key to having a balanced and effective combat force was to have one that was composed of a large number of medium and low tier units, mixed in with smaller numbers of high tier units. Thus in 1986, the US developed a TSF to fill the niche of a cheap but effective multipurpose 2nd generation unit to serve as the ideal replacement for the F-4 Phantoms and F-5 Tiger TSFs, and augment the F-15 series on the frontline. The F-16 itself was met with much favor around the world as well, having been adopted for use in large quantities by Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Turkish Army itself adopted the F-16 in early 1991. As one of the more prestigious frontline units, the 94th Cobra battalion was among the first battalions in Turkey to transition completely to the F-16A.

Cobra 5, while providing continuous support fire with his 36mm, approached a fallen F-4 Phantom that was knocked down by an Grappler class and assessed the damage.

“Good, you are still alive; we will hold this area, you guys get out of here.”

Another F-4 of the 66th arrived to pick up his wounded buddy, and departed after offering a quick word of thanks and gratitude to Cobra 5.

Squeezing his trigger down and holding it there; Cobra 5 returned to dispatching the encroching Grappler classes.

After a hard, long fight, the Cobra battalion cleared the immediate area of any BETA presence. Just as the battalion was ready to take a collective breather, the voice of HQ came online.

“New BETA group detected, coming from the western beach head. Link up with the rest of the reinforcement and clear them out. Naval fire support should be in range soon.”
“Well, well well. Look at who finally decided to show up. And looks like we won’t get to go home just yet. Its going to be a long day….”

Cobra 5, First squadron, 2nd Flight leader, Ibrahim Dogulu, could only smile as he shook his head slowly while staring at the growing numbers of red dots on his tactical map display.

The endless symphony of artillery cannon fire could be heard far from the coastline. The sky darkened under the cover of the saturated heavy metal cloud, and the damage caused by so much man made tools of destruction.

“Stinger 2 to Stinger 1. Bravo flight is in position.”
“Stinger 3 to Stinger 1. Charlie flight in position.”
“Stinger 1, acknowledged loud and clear. Hold your position and keep your eyes peeled.”

Stinger 1, Lt. Clare Agneta, took a deep breath and willed her racing heart to slow down from the combat adrenaline high that her body was still experiencing from having just successfully stormed a BETA beach head. When she remembered what is required of her and her squadron next, which could very likely be much harder than what they just been through, her body began to get the 'shakes' once more.

April, 2000.
The large imposing forms of theses metal 'Guardians' stood on guard at the docks, over looking the town of Wilhelmshaven. The rich, historical little coastal town had long since been reduced to rubble, yet even now its serves as a very critical bridging point for Europe’s current offensive push to cull BETA numbers in the region. The task to storm, secure, and hold the town fell naturally to the TSAs of this task force. And now, standing with all 8 of its 36mm and 2 120mm pointed down range. The 12 navy blue colored A-6 intruder of the United States Marine Corp Tactical Armored Assault Squadron VMA-218 Landing Stingers, and dozens of other Squadrons like them from this task force, stood ready to act as the beachhead's first line of defense against any BETA counter attack.

Even with such a force, humanity still cannot make any serious attempt to take back the lands we have lost….

It had been 7 years since Europe’s mainland was declared lost. 15 years since the fall of West Germany. With 2 BETA Hives established in Europe alone, thinning operations to prevent another BETA Hive from being constructed was all the human defenders in the region could realistically do. Even with all the help the US was lending to the EU, it was clearly a battle of attrition that Humanity had no hope of winning.

Still, even knowing the truth about humanity’s predicament, the thoughts of such somber knowledge could do little to shake the will of a proud US Marine and their desire to fight on and overcome all obstacles.

During the last phase of this operation, when the assault units are to pull back due to damage, refueling, rearming, or as a general retreat, it would be up to the beachhead units of the A-6 Intruders to secure a path of retreat and a safe rally point, plus a combat resupply point for their allies.

Indeed, the task to storm, secure, and hold a beachhead is the sole purpose of the US Marine Corp’s A-6 squadrons, and that part of the motto and creed of any Marine A-6 pilot included the line “First-in, Last out.” To act as a bridge for their allies to cross into the frontline and to escape from danger, and be perfectly willing to make the sacrifice play for the team, is the core of how any Marine Corp beach assault unit operated.

“Jester 1 to Stinger 1, any word on when our F-18Es get here?”

Responding to another US Marine squadron leader’s inquiry.

“Probably still too busy fixing their make up. Even the Brits would probably get here first, before those fucking pampered, F-18 pussy ass pilots are even ready.

As the 2 commanders jokingly made fun of their fellow pilots in a typical military style of rivalry, a squadron of Marine Corps F-18E could be seen off in the distance, leading the charge of the main assault force to breach past the beachhead. If the A-6 are said to be the stout shield and righteous fists of the Marine Corp, then the F-18E are surely their shining sword. Both type of machines are an integral part of the 26th US Marine TSF Wing assigned to the European theater.

“Ohh…. Looks like its VMF-536 Bloody Knightmares [TL Note: Lilia(from The Day After)’s former squadron] leading the charge. With those Princes and Princesses leading the charge, things should get going real fast.”
“Yeah, those guys and gals have been on a roll recently. Lady luck must be smiling at them these days. You know what, Jester 1, if they come back again with zero casualties and damage again, I am seriously never playing poker with them again. “
“Hahaha, all Jester units listen up. Stinger 1 just gave me a great idea. Get ready to make some money tonight boys and girls!”
“Yes, sir!” Came the various cheerful replies.

With the Knightmare squadron flying by, the rest of the Task Force followed suite shortly after. The noble, knightly forms of the EF-2000 Typhoons were the most notable, and even among those, it’s the Typhoons painted in the colors of light green that caught Lt. Agneta's attention.

“Hmmph…. Back of the pack, the Brits are late again it seems.”

While her words were sharp with criticism, her heart and mind have only but the utmost respect for the RAF, and indeed the majority of the European Union front line pilots. Initially, like most Americans, Clare had doubt about the unit coherency and efficiency of the Europeans, considering they are a mixed group of defeated nations that had lost their countries. But the various operations carried out defending England, and assaulting the Europe mainland had changed her views pretty quick. Furthermore, these particular Typhoons of the Royal Air force carried a large number of the BWS-3 sword, a sign that her majesty’s finest warrior knights are among the assault force, a good indication as any of England’s commitment to this particular mission.

I will complete my mission, and survive.

Focusing her thoughts once more, Lt. Clare Agneta tightened her grip around her trigger.

Until the day that humanity is truly free from the BETA and their Hives, the USMC will never stop fighting on!

April, 2004.
The BETA thinning operation carried out on West Germany was completed. Even though the way leading to a fully liberated Europe looks far and grim, Humanity’s warriors will never truly give up, and marches on.

RED, RED, RED, an endless ocean tidal wave of red, as far as the eye could see.

Burning hot barrels spat out death at an unbelievable rates of fire. Within the cockpits, retinal HUD displays showed nothing but an endless stream of red warnings before them, as BETA Tank classes died in the thousands. Red and black blood splattered so high into the air that it seemed the very sky was raining blood on this desperate battlefield.

Having faced against the very image of hell, the pilots of this defense line were exhausted, and are kept going only by combat stimulants and adrenaline. They have seen so much blood been shed today that even when they breathed, they felt as if they are breathing in the smell of blood, despite being sealed inside their machines. And still the BETA onslaught did not seem to end.

“Holy Jesus! We in the shit now Boys!!”

Under the circumstance it was hard to tell whether the voice belonged to someone who was genuinely happy, excited, or someone who is really good at hiding his sarcasm.

At that moment, US Army 2nd Lt. James Clarke was holding down his trigger on full auto. His lips were filled with all manners of curses, and his eyes bore his intense hatred for the BETA. His ammo count remaining was far from being unlimited, resupplying had been of the bare minimal to say the least, operating on no sleep and having been engaged in combat for almost 12 hours now, and running purely on combat stimulants and adrenaline, the young man had every right to curse at the world.

“Master 9, this is Master 5, you are over lapping your arcs of fire, and we don’t got ammo to waste, boy!”

The voice was the same as the one from earlier, James only lost focus for a few seconds and fired into his wingman’s arcs. The entire squadron was spread thin across the line, and ammo was scarce, so he can understand why his boss is pissed off right now.

“Roger that sir, won’t happen again!”

Shaking out his tight and tired arms, and slapping his cheeks, James refocused his tired eyes and began refocusing his concentration before once again firing in cadence with his teammates.

“Master 5 to all Bravo flight, by the numbers boys and girls, crush'em, burn'em and kill'em all!”
“YES SIR!!”

Despite the incredible volume of fire the A-10s were pouring out, the fact that only 4 of them could be tasked to hold such an large area spoke volumes of how desperate the situation there was, and how effective the A-10 were at their jobs.

Finally, off in the horizon, a different kind of 'red' showed itself. The type of 'red' meant to give hope, as the sun rise could be seen now.

Fuck me, it’s the sun, yes, I can do it….. I must do it, it was a promise after all……. Yes, with this thing’s help I can do it, no, WE CAN do it!

Cheering himself on with his own private thoughts, the will to fight on reignited within his tired eyes.
His confidence comes from many things, the mighty guns on his own indomitable iron giant, the faith and love for the Stars and Stripes of his national flag, and finally and most importantly, his own very small, but special in its own way, promise he made that day. With these thoughts in mind, his guns roared in righteous fury.

The A-10s are the pride and joy of the US Army's heavy armor TSAs. Named the A-10 Thunderbolt II, they are the premier 'Tank busters' of the US Army. The A-10s on this battlefield belonged to the US Army 54th Attack Squadron Pit Masters. The squadron jokingly and lovingly referred to as the Masters of making a fine dish of ”BETA BBQ and Roasted Tanks”, on call.

September, 1983.

In the vicinity of Hamburg, West Germany, in the region referred to by the locals as Alte Salzstraße, the West German army and their US allies began construction of a hasty assembled defense line, and prepped the local civilian population, and those of Hamburg, for immediate evacuation.

As part of the US Army working with the West Germans, the 54th choose deliberately to not park their A-10s inside the local army base hangars during the weeks before the BETA's estimated arrival. Instead, they choose to stay out in the open at the Hamburg port dockyards, in plain view of the city’s refugee camps, as the civilians waited to be shipped out to safety.

The reason for such actions was simple. The people in the city needed reassurance and peace of mind. Nothing quite like the presence of some big guns to help the city keep its peace and order, not descending into total chaos as some other cities in the country already had.

Earlier this year, with the collapse of the East Germany’s defense at the Oder-Neisse Line, and the fall of Berlin shortly after, West Germany had opened its doors to the fleeing refugees of East Germany, and began to dedicate its own military force to a full evacuation of the entire West German populace. However, due to the chaotic nature of the whole situation, and the lack of readily available ships to move millions of people and everything else the German government decided that had to be preserved at all cost, the entire evacuation was a slow but necessary process.

Now with the US contributing to the evacuation efforts, and fighting on the German frontlines to delay the BETA advance, the A-10s have made quite a name for themselves among not just the German soldiers, but also the civilian populace as well.

Days before the BETA’s imminent arrival, the pilots of the Pit Masters were approached by large numbers of refuge children that spoke some forms of English.

“Hey mister, do you drive an A-10?”
“Sure I do.”
“Wow, your cool! 'Kanonenvogel' are so awesome! I hear they are so much stronger than a TSF, is that true? Everyone says things will be alright since you guys are protecting us!”

Just like that, since the kids found out they were A-10 pilots, James and his squad mates had been surrounded by children, happy and eager to hear their stories of America, and the war with the BETA. Although it seemed that the locals had taken on a liking to calling the A-10 as the 'Kanonenvogel', a nickname meaning 'cannon bird', which was used to be used describing the JU-87, a WWII era dive bomber.

“My dad says not to trust foreigners, he says that they will all abandon Germany when the time comes….”

History had not been kind to Germany in the last 40 or so years, so James could not bring himself to blame the kid's parents for thinking that way, and despite being raised in a poor family in the countryside of Oklahoma, James and the other American pilots could only begin to grasp at the mental mindset of the German refugees. Still, the situation was getting grimmer; the living conditions of the refugees, and the city in general, had been deteriorating rapidly, and the shortage of power, food, water, and combined with the animosity that still existed between the citizens of West Germany and Wast Germany, things only seem to be rolling down hill.

As Americans soldiers, they had seen Hamburg in its darkest times in history from the sidelines, they had witnessed the people of city committing unspeakable horrors and atrocities to secure an earlier 'ticket' to secure passage for themselves and their families. Cases where women would sell their own bodies just to get by and secure a pass to safety were quite common.

Even witnessing all this, James himself still wished nothing more than to see the children be saved from this hellish existence, and thus he promised and swore on his pride as an A-10 pilot to see to it that the children would be safe.

“Yes, I promise you…..”
“Promise?”

Not as an American, not as a soldier, but as a pilot of an A-10 of the Pit masters. And he does this not for the EU-US Alliance, not for the refugees, but for the kids standing before him right now. With this in mind 2nd Lt. James Clarke made his promise.

“Yes, I swear to you on the honor of a US Army A-10 pilot, that we will never abandon you!”

Saying those words, James wondered if he was simply a coward for making a promise he would very likely not be able to keep, and was doing it simply to boost his own confidence, and to act tough in front of his admires. He quickly dismissed that train of thought. As A-10 pilots, they have far more firepower than an conventional TSF, but their maneuverability and speed is absolutely terrible, and if surrounded by BETA, they would not survive. Thus, protecting others from such a fate was in essence the very meaning of being an A-10 pilot. Defending others to save yourself was how most A-10 units operated, even if in this case, James was using his promise to the children to protect them and support himself spiritually and mentally.

The loud booms of explosions from artillery fire brought him back to the present. Once again he focused on the enemy. Into the sea of red he poured the might of his dual shoulder mounted 36mm GAU-8 Avenger Gatling Cannons. His hand held assault cannons also spat out metallic death, and the BETA died in droves. Still, they closed in on him. If any BETA made it in close to melee with him, James planned to take quite a few of them with him, by using his A-10's Javelin CIDS spikes.

As the entire 54th poured their collective fire into the BETA horde, the sun had finally risen above the horizon, and the sky once again took on its azure blue form.

“We are not done yet!!! HOLD THE LINE!!!”

With the sun up, it became easier to see off into the distance. Behind them, they could see the refugee ships leaving the port, one by one. Every ship safely sailing away was one step closer to completing their objective for the Pit Masters.

Every hour and every minute gained by the Pit Masters delaying the BETA advance was more time and hope for the future for the refugee children. Until they are all safe, only then will 2nd Lt. James Clarke's promise be fulfilled…..

Late 1983. The defense and evacuation of the city of Hamburg and its surrounding districts was completed. By the end of the operation, 50% of all the A-10s committed by the US Army were confirmed KIA. It was said in the after action report that many A-10 units that held the spread out defense lines fought and died to the last man, while still holding their ground, guns blazing to the end. The actions of the US Expeditionary Forces that day forever solidified their positions in the hearts of many German citizens.

Oh no.... not another Nagi manga arc... T.T

We finally get a glimpse of Aika's fiance. I.... I am so jealous right now. RARRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH~!