Full Metal Panic Novel : Burning One Man Force chapter 4

For the details - please refer to this link, am too lazy to repeat myself.

Full Metal Panic: Burning One Man Force Chapter 4

Here's another finished chapter of Burning One Man Force.  Again, editing is still needed to correct some grammatical inconsistencies and spelling.

***

Chapter 4: Collateral Damage

White smoke coming from the right flank, the M9 lies powerless above the rubbles.  Looking down at that unit, Sousuke speaks through the exterior speakers.

"Come out"

After a little while, there was a detonation in the head attached to the M9, blowing off the head part.

In the event where the chest hatch cannot move, there is an escape device for emergencies. Exposing a narrow escape opening in the head part; from there crawled out the pilot.

Although the power system in the abdomen was destroyed, and even though the cockpit in the chest was badly damaged, there was no major injury to the pilot.

"Dammit"

Standing atop the rubbles, the pilot said removing his head gear.

His age looked to be around his 30's, a man with a tanned side moustache. The pilot suit, is a similar type to what Sousuke wore in <Mythril>.

Sousuke's <Savage> had already used up all of its weapons, but even then living flesh cannot run away from an AS.  The man knows this as well, and did not show any signs of struggle.

"I thought you travelled here in desperation but...I was wrong.  So everything was calculated.  Being so familiar even with this M9's characteristics...exactly who are you?"

"I will be the one asking the questions"

After saying the Sousuke knelt his unit beside the man.  That alone is enough to intimidate him.

"I will have you talk about that M9 and your identity.  You can't acquire that kind of unit simply with money.

"You think I will honestly talk to you"

"Did you think I would honestly give up?"

The <Savage> suddenly extending its left hand, grabbed hold of the man.

"Uo"

"Fighting with you has considerably wore my joints out.  The grip control function is also questionable.  Although I don't want to crush you, you’d better give up before your ribs are crushed.”

The rough five fingers tightly grasping the body.  The man struggles with his limbs.

"Hot isn't it?  One of the characteristics of the old model RK-91 is it does not carry a cooling system. With continued fierce battles, the heat of the engine and hydraulic system is transmitted into the fingertips.  If you weren't wearing that pilot suit, you would be burned.  But, even then how many more seconds...."

"Alright, alright!  I give in!  I'll talk just let go!"

Feeling the swooping pressure and heat bit by bit, the man waves both his hands shouting.  After Sousuke lets go, the man fell down the rubbles on his backside,  breathing over his shoulder and gasping.

"Dammit...geez, you're a cruel guy"

"You're someone who should have been killed, be thankful that you're alive"

While saying that, Sousuke operates the switch in his unit’s sensor. He is bothered that the chief has not said a single word or communication after his victory.  If he planned to have him disappear here, it would not be strange to have new AS attack here, however that kind of movement, is not present currently.

"Are there other AS drawing near?"

"No, it's only me"

"How careless"

"It was unthinkable that the M9 would lose to the <Savage>.  I also thought that"

"Are you a soldier of <Amalgam>?"

Hearing that question from Sousuke, the man went silent for a while, then raised a sarcastic smile.

"So that's it huh.  Well, in this kind of way, I'll be fired immediately.  No---this time it would be an execution.”

"Are you a soldier of <Mythril>?"

"That's right"

After the name <Mythril> came up, the man had an appearance of surprise.

"Until the other day that is.  Wait, Could it be that you're---"

"I was in the Western Pacific Ocean Fleet.  The SRT"

"It's no wonder you're so knowledgeable of the M9---. Tuaha de Danaan huh?  I heard that a tough lady leads it.  Also that bastard chief---knowing that we were former comrades, he didn't let me know."

The man with a hard voice narrowed his eyes, and made a small sigh.

"Where were you"

"I'm with the Mediterranean Sea Fleet.  Sergeant George Laplock.  From the SRT.”

Loplock. It's not that he hasn't interacted with the other fleet members, but he doesn't remember the man’s name.  However, this is not unnatural.  Having 4 fleets and a tactical headquarters, <Mythril> would have a number of members in the SRT.  For an unknown face, there would be many. The man asked ----Laplock asked.

"Do you know Ben Clouseau? Last year, he was assigned as a first lieutenant there.  Before, he was assigned in my squad..."

"I know him well.  More ever, what happened to the Mediterranean fleet. Why are you piloting the M9 under <Amalgam>?  Tell me"

"...... Probably, my whole fleet was completely wiped out.  The base in the Aegean Sea was attacked, my comrades were most likely killed.  I don't even know how many survived.”

"Why were you saved?"

Laplock casting down, made a painful expression.  It's like having an unspoken statement for Sousuke, saying "Why are you living in shame".

"I was absent from the base.  There was a simple operation in Basque. An Observation Mission using only one M9.  After it was over, I returned to Hercules."

Basque was one of the locations in Spain, an area where isolated independent movement and terrorism is not constant. Hercules is a C-130 transport.  It is not an unusual point. Even for Sousuke's Pacific Ocean fleet, there were many missions like that.

"By the time we noticed the disaster when we returned, the base was already taken over.  There was only a small amount of fuel remaining in the transport, we couldn't run away.  The only landing runway, was controlled by the enemy.  And then we discussed---"

"Surrender, then"

"That's right.  I approached them with a deal.  This unit"

Glancing at the damaged M9.

"Making use of the M9 and its tactics---and then there is this and that.  <Amalgam> also had information on the M9, in the end it was only the specs.  With only opinions of the people who used it in the field, they themselves have not heard of it.”

"With only that the enemy gave their consent?"

Sousuke asked with doubt, Laplock kept silent, looking up at the <Savage's> Optic Sensor.

"Yeah"

Dimly---a dim flame, voice rising, trembling.

"---They gave their consent.  They also practiced.  They also needed an Aggressor.  Having being offered that kind of information and situation <Amalgam> employed me."

"What about the others. The transport surrendered didn't it"

"...I don't know.  We were separated immediately after surrender, we didn't see each other."

"Are there others from <Mythril> that surrendered?"

"I don't know.  But it won't be strange if there is"

"What's <Amalgam's> plan?"

"I also don't know that.  Speaking of the surprise attack <Mythril> is being chased into complete annihilation, there is no doubt that the scheme is above the multitude of the fleets.”

"What is their positioning activity? What is their organizational chart?"

"All I know is that, Bucharest, Tripoli, Corsica, The Crimea, Sri Lanka and Yemen. I don't know the details of the location, but I've seen the camp in the outskirts of Tripoli, somewhere in Ceylon.  The others were not splendid establishments.  Rather---they are bases which can always withdraw and be constructed anytime.  Someone preparing the equipment, the budget must have come from somewhere.  Probably most of the members of <Amalgam>, don't know the whole picture.  They are always fluid, dispersed - the command centre of the organization."

"Like the internet"

Originally, the internet, with the United States on the verge of a nuclear attack from the Soviets, built a network for the survival of a decentralized chain of command.  <Amalgam> made use of this concept and applied it to a Terrorist Organization, ensuring one's survival.

"That's right.  If you take down one, another would take its place, having an accurate picture of the whole organization, it is virtually impossible to destroy them. Nobody understands the truth.  That's where they're strong."

"However, you can't make a decision.  If a pyramid doesn't have a summit...."

"It can't.  That’s not it.  It's just, slow. It's not that I don't grasp what I saw....I think that <Amalgam> is a 'Democratic' organization.  Ironically it is mighty.  To reach to a conclusion, it takes time.”

"I see"

That is why, Sousuke while in Tokyo, had a leisurly time to "guard" Kaname.
If it was a fast decision making facility, there would be a fierce attack following the SUNAN incident, it's not strange.

Also for the A21 incident, that's also true for the Pacific Chrysalis issue.  And to determine exactly what would be the next hit, there were strange points in both incidents.  There were many inefficient aspects.

But, what about looking at it from the risks? As a result, their operations was stopped by <Mythril>.  And the personnel involved in the operations, and extremely rare equipment fell into the hands of <Mythril>. With careful analysis and examination, it is not strange that fatal information was obtained by the enemy organization---even after a considerable amount of time, <Mythril> was not able to grasp the information of <Amalgam>.

That's right. Even after many failures of bold operations, it was not a huge blow to them.

"I only came to Namsak the other day.  I was at the Libyan camp until that time.  A man called Kurama came, making me---"

"did you say Kurama?"

Sousuke blurted out, Laplock knitted his brows.

"You know him?"

"A little. He's here?"

"Yeah.  He's watching the battle right now.  There is a mountain in the north-north east.  That's the [Grandstand], where the VIP guests are--"

At that time, there was a reaction in the infrared sensor.

"Wait"

Direction 348.  Distance 3000.  Altitude 85 meters. Most likely the units sent by the Chief.  A small attack copter heading this way.  The <Savages's> sensor aimed at the target.

Putting it into maximum magnification, That helicopter is loaded with a Stub Wing, Rocket launcher and cannon.

There is no mistake that they have the intention of killing Sousuke.  They know very well that he has no means of retaliating with these weapons.

"Looks like time is up"

Sousuke smacking his lips, raised the engine output of the worn out unit.

"What are you planning?"

"I told you.  Time is up"

Sousuke controled the unit, in the right arm of the exhausted M9, he extended his manipulator.  Grabbing the wrist of the M9 with both hands, gripping it with full power. Mustering the small amount of power in Sousuke's <Savage>, the M9's wrist, he forcibly tore off the interior and exterior armour.  Together with the distorting sound of metal, interior mechanism was exposed.  Sousuke briskly controlling the <Savage's> manipulators, taking out the wire of the wire gun in the lower part of the M9.

"Hey, wait.  That <Savage> doesn't have any more weapons right?  how do you plan on fighting against them?"

The enemy helicopter was drawing near. At full speed in its forward bent posture.  Sousuke made the unit step left, reeling the wire from the M9 swinging it overhead.  Like a cowboy in a western film.

"Hide"

At the same time that Sousuke said this the Helicopter which was in range fired it's rocket.

A large amount of rockets spread from the lotus like launcher.  The <Savage> moved to the right evading the attack.  Rockets exploded in the surrounding of the unit.
Finishing the attack, with the wire in hand, he threw an aim towards the helicopter in the sky.

The M9's wire gun, it is a special equipment that allows the unit that weights 10 tons to manoeuvre mountains and urban areas.  If it were shot at a vertical cliff as an anchor, the unit would be capable of running up.  Even though it only has a diameter of a mere 10 millimetre, it is made of tough metal and carbon fibre, and can bear up to 10 times the weight of the unit in an instant--- in other words its toughness can bear a load more than 100 tons.

With the wire, traversing straight above into the enemy Helicopter's rotor, it coils around it like an animal.

What comes next is simple.

Gripping the base of the wire, and pulling with full force, the enemy helicopter lost altitude at once, crashing on the ground it explodes.

"Are you alive"

Abandoning the wire, with that call of Sousuke, Laplock crawls out from the wreckage of the M9.  He seemed to be in shock after the point-blank explosion, his step was uncertain.

"Yeah"

"Although I have a mountain of questions to ask, there is no time.  You are---"

Sousuke smacking his lips.

Rather than the M9, this damaged old model <Savage> has no more room to take this man.  To begin with, this overheating unit, would not be able to carry Laplock.

"---Enough, do what you like.  Run away to anywhere"

The man was very surprised.

"Run away?  Me? You don't understand.  Why would---"

"I don't have time to mind you, like I said"

"Wait.  Could it be that you’re alone?  You don't have any friends coming?"

Suspicious of the words, Sousuke answers briefly.

"I don't have comrades.  I'm alone"

"What did you say? Then, why are you fighting in a place like this?"

"I have owe <Amalgam> something, I was also in the same circumstance as you.  While being away from the base, my comrades were massacred.”

"....."

He checks the condition of the unit.

Oil pressure is going down.  A decent cooling system, it just came to a standstill.  Nevertheless, it was better than being naked.  After catching up to the enemy's tail, he can't just let go.

"An important thing was stolen from me.  I'm definitely going to take it back from them."

"Hey, hey.  You're fighting them just because of that only reason!? Are you serious!?"

"...Only that reason?"

The unit’s generator output is rising.  Cutting off the oil pressure in the left arm, it saves some time in operation. Sousuke replied.

"For me that is enough reason.  No matter what, I will recover it by any means.  That’s what I vowed."

That's right. Vowed. In that classroom. Turning around toward the direction of where the chief is, from the back of the departing <Savage> standing on top of a mountain of rubble, Laplock shouts.

"I don't understand! You’re just a mercenary aren't you? When the wind blows you also change sides.  Wasn't our style to follow the best terms!?"

Somehow, the words of Laplock was bitter.  Not to Sousuke, but to someone far away--- no, rather to say it to himself, that's how his voice was.

"That's right. In the life of migratory birds, that is essential.”

"Then---"

"I'm no longer a mercenary.  I'm just a man."

After uttering that, Sousuke moved his unit. Laplock falling on his knees calling out for something, that a bad state external microphone was not able to pick up.

Michel Lemon who saved Ash and the maintenance crew, was cleaning up the corpse of the killed corrupt policemen, immediately his "men" started to move.

"What exactly are you people?"

Inside the van traveling on the unfinished road, Ash inquired.  The other maintenance crew, together with several men of Lemon, were sent back from the outskirts of Munamera Village.

"I think it would be better if you don't know."

Lemon replied, offended.

Not being able to keep silent he opened up, Ash had the continued patience to wait but---He noticed that Lemon does not and raise his voice.

"I don't understand.  Explain it to me.  How did you escape the detention cell? Are you some kind of spy? Were you keeping quiet from us all that time?"

"It's true that I deceived you but that's beside the point."

"With that manner of speaking, there's no way that I can understand!?"

Then Lemon wrinkles his eyebrows, with some difficulty pursing his lips.

"When I met you guys, it was really a coincidence.  No matter how strong any team would be, as long as there was a connection to the Arena in Namsak.  That’s why when Nami gathered the funds, I thought of finding another connection that is suitable to handle.  At any rate---excuse me but, you guys were too weak.  Until then, you’re just on the category of a general plans.  It's just---"

"It's just?"

"On that day, when Sousuke came I changed my mind.  His knowledge of the AS and others, there are others but---it's his demeanor drew me.  He's young but he's accustomed to fighting. I understood immediately. I knew."

After muttering that, Lemon's facial expression became gloomy, he was sombre.  The kind that is similar to when he ordered his men to kill the corrupt policemen.

"That's why I let you flow along with the current.  That’s what I think.  In any case, you can’t get close to that organization if you are half hearted.  But it's impossible; i didn't think that his goal was similar to ours."

In the enigmatic words of Lemon, Ash could only tilt his head.

"I don't understand at all.  Where are you guys from?"

Lemon gave a bitter smile.

"An information department from a certain country.  My country was being pulled by the line by <Amalgam> and <Mythril>"

"I really don't understand, Musshu"

Ash grumbles, then Lemon finally smiled.

Using every trick to continue, the weariness of the unit is almost at its limits. A number of warning lights was flickering inside the cockpit.  It's just like the decorative lights on a Christmas Tree.

Before reaching the "Grandstand" over the mountains that Laplock told him about, his unit’s hydraulics, and temperature needle has gone over the limit. Repairing the damaged parts, losing oil---to a human it is like loosing blood---by resupplying, the machine can still continue working, but this is not the time.

Sousuke stopped the unit, opened the cockpit hatch and got out.

"....."

From the lock in the cockpit side, he took out his favourite pistol and magazine before getting down onto the ground.  An Australian made Glock 19.  Using a separate route to enter a country just two days ago, he was finally able to be reunited with it. The feeling of insufficient heat is undeniable.  If necessary, he would have to deal with one man then two.  Then after, it would be a good to take the weapon of the enemy.

The mountain where the "Grandstand" is, was a stereotypical forest shrouded with broadleaf trees. Sousuke races within the darkness into the thick trees, turning from the east bank.  At first he was in a difficult situation with a pitch black field of vision, but his eyes grew accustomed to the darkness.

How many sentries will he run into, Sousuke heads close to the highway in the east side mountain.

The map of the area has been inputted into his head.  The vegetation and the shrubs, since he had the experience of fighting in South East Asia a few years ago, he was familiar.

Advancing in the darkness, he saw a concrete gate installed in the slope of the mountain.  The gate was enclosed in four corners with a barbed wire, illuminated by a strong light.  There were also a suitable number of guards.  Not far from this gate, getting closer to Sousuke's <Savage>, pilots were loitering around the area, but, that was not unusual. If he leaves it alone, hiding in the thicket by himself, he might be discovered by the lookout.

(Well, what now)

Sousuke lost interest in attacking the enemy camp, there was a new movement in front of the gate.

With an appearance of being busy, in front of the gate stepping out from the patrol car from Namsak city, 2 policemen and 1 girl got off.

It's Nami.

Then from the inside of the gate, the targeted man appeared.  A private army surrounding the two men.  One is the chief---the other one was him!

That's right, it's Kurama.

A tall solid figure.  Even with the sweltering climate of Southeast Asia, he wears a black coat.

Kurama glanced at Nami, firmly grasping the girl, thrusting an automatic pistol in her jaw.

"Sagara!  Are you watching? If you are then you understand!"

The loud voice resounded.  He had guessed that he was lurking nearby.

"Come out and throw away your weapon!  If you don't I'll kill her!  I'll give you 10 seconds!"

Nami's small form---her shoulders were shaking uneasily, in the thicket around the gate, there was an extensive nervousness.

The atmosphere of the tropics’ late night, was humid and heavy, no wind was blowing in the many trees. Countless insects and reptiles, nocturnal birds and small animals concealed their breaths, looking down on Sousuke crouching in the dim light.  Many unemotional eyes;  it is no different from the sensor of the AS, the functioning eye that gathers exterior information, silently staring at the back of Sousuke.  Like some cold fate reaching into him.

"....10!"

There is the private army of the chief surrounding Nami.  It's not a number you can take out in an instant.

However----

"...9!"

If it's Kurama, he's definitely serious.  It’s not just some bluff.  Besides---why.  What a bad premonition.

"...8!"

What now. It’s the first time that he felt this way.  Actually---actually---he feels like something bad will happen. Something he cannot recover from.

"...7!"

7 more seconds.  Only 7 more seconds.

If he moves out of this thicket now, what will happen? Will he forcibly shoot to kill? Kurama is not a forgiving man.

"...6!"

One second, delaying the acceleration of one second.  One second feels like one minute, next it feels like one day, before long a week, becoming a month.

If he goes out, Nami might not be saved.  She was originally a person who had nothing to do with this.  But, there is no mistake that she will be killed.  The details up to here, he already has the reason to do so.

He has been passing through a suitable amount of bloodshed.  Nevertheless he survived somehow.  Suddenly being stuck in this place.

"...5!"

There is no reason for Nami to die here.  Nothing to blame, a girl who has nothing to do with the battle of <Mythril> and <Amalgam> is going to die in a place like this.  But, he can't think about dying here.  What would happen if he dies?  Who will save Kaname.  That Leonard, and  <Amalgam>, who would make them pay for their sins?

"....4!"

Dying here, that is not a permitted conclusion.  Do what you can, use all that you have---technical skill, experience, physical strength, knowledge, everything---use that to strike the world, take back Chidori Kaname from those people.  After that, die in a blaze.

That's why, you cannot die here.

That's the same for Nami.  Her hometown was destroyed---to be able to go back to the peaceful school, Nami who was fighting hard with the scrap like <Savage>. If he tried a little harder, Nami would have made her dream come so much closer to reality.  For her, she cannot accept that everything ends here.

To him and the girl which Kurama is coercing.  In either case the battle cannot be changed, either case the countdown cannot be reversed. On the contrary the hesitation, Sousuke, was groping for that third choice for some time.  To end up with him and Nami not being dead.  A bright way of doing it.  Looking up at every possibility, scrutinizing at high speed.

"....3!"

Can't.  Can't go out.

Is there no other way?  At the very least, he has three more seconds to think.  Kurama's countdown, there was a possibility of it being just a bluff.  If he were hiding his breath until the last minute, that guy might think "he's not here after all, it was a misunderstanding", and might pass the chance to kill Nami. 

No, that's not it.  Talking about that guy’s limits, if he declared he will shoot, then he will surely shoot.  He won't think of changing his mind in front of the people surrounding him.

What would be the best course. Is there no way?  There must be some other---

"....2!"

He can't.  He has to go out.

If he does he would have extended the 2 second delay.  There is no way to escape from the dilemma of waiting, buying time.  That's right, he must go out----

"no, I've changed my mood"

Kurama didn't call for "1".  In exchange he thrust Nami casually, aimed at her back and mercilessly fired.

Most probably a .45 calibre.  Knowing with the sound of the gunshot. Three more shots continued. It all hit, Nami's small body was trembling bit by bit at the shots.  Inside the searchlights, red liquid splashed.  From what can be seen, it is obvious Kurama didn't miss the vitals.

Nami's facial expression mostly can't be seen.

Not even staggering.  Being blown off not even exaggerated.  The girl is just, like a puppet controlled by a string falling in place.

(.....!)

Breathing in no sound escaped, having lived a long time as a soldier, training and being accustomed to situations like this, only because of that.  It was an automatic reaction.  Like being unable to make a disadvantageous tactical move should anything happening, it was created but the function of his body and mind.

Why.

Why did he shoot?

Why didn't you even say "1"?

I planned on showing up.  Like you wished, I planned to come out from here.  Even then, this shouldn't be happening.  Don’t your rules even have a minimum standard?

His body burned with overwhelming fury, but it was tied to his self-control and his determination.  Those two conflicting, Souske's body is like a small explosion right now.

"I can feel it!  Your anger!"

The "chief" and the private who was dumbfounded by the sudden events--- standing in the midst of the corrupt police men armed with carbine gun, hands raised slowly, Kurama called.

"Good killing instinct! You are close by after all.  The killing intent intended for me is brimming in every corner of this dense thicket.  You understand right? That’s right, isn't this the life?  Like the atmosphere trembling, Sagara Sousuke!"

How dare you.

An automatic pistol at hand--- with the muzzle of the Glock 19, from the shadow of the shrubs he headed without a sound towards Kurama.  The distance is roughly around 100 metres.  There are barbed wire in that range. Shall he kill that guy now? It's useless. It would be better if this was a rifle, this is a short pistol.  It will not hit in 100 meters.  A pistol is such a weapon.  Even if he aimed, he still won't know if the wounds from a 9 millimetre would be fatal at this distance.  Moreover, Kurama purposely wore a black coat in the middle of such a sweltering climate, it’s like the same bulletproof vest from the previous confrontation.

There is no significance in shooting.  He won't be killed. And then the enemy would react from the gunshot, sending a number of soldiers in his direction.  Knowing his position and direction, even for Sousuke he could not run from that number of people.  It would probably be over with him taking around 10 people down with him. That is why Sousuke did not move during the countdown.

"Do you want to kill me!?"

Kurama raising his voice again spoke.

"Why don't you come here right away?  No need to hesitate.  Do want you want.  If you are going to demonstrate your splendid self-control, that would be fine.  Why don't you get affection from the no good bystanders in this good for nothing country your whole life.  Just...let me tell you this.  If you leave me alone, I will give the same treatment to that important woman of yours!"

There’s no doubt, it's about Chidori Kaname.  Kurama knows that.

"That's right, I know her whereabouts!  Coming out from here and there, I'm getting irritated from your interruptions.  I'm going back to that place, I feel like I want to FUCK that woman. Leonard---that affectionate boy, in place of that worthless Gauron!  I'm going to force in it like this pathetic girl over here!  How about it, Sagara Sousuke!?"

All of it was mere provocation.  He knows that.

Kurama is not a normal hoodlum.  He is a refined cold hearted professional.  All of this, is his tactics to make him lose his cool, nothing more than that.  This is to expand the search perimeter to search the surrounding.

However----

Shooting Nami, making reference to Kaname, inside of Sousuke, his heart was shaking.

Kurama released a sigh through his nose.

"....Well, he's not coming out huh.  Then just watch.  I'm a harsh man, remember that."

He stretched down on the damp ground, aiming at the motionless Nami, Kurama drove a bullet into the body.

"....!"

This is unendurable.

At the time that Sousuke who has lost his discretion stood up, there was shooting in the other direction from where he was at, attacking at Kurama.  And there are a number of them.

Gunshot from Assault Rifles and Sub Machine guns.  There are 8 men in the thicket, no, there’s more than that.

A number of policemen surrounding Kurama fell down from the bullets of the raid, also a few searchlights were sniped.  The circumference of the gate was wrapped in darkness, the enemy was in chaos there were shouts, screaming, and people firing in a haphazard way.  A grenade flew from somewhere, aimed at the parked patrol car, causing a flashing explosion.

Where are they from?

No, this is not the time to think that.  Anyhow, he should take advantage of this opportunity.  Take down Kurama immediately.

Sousuke flew out from the thicket, running past the slowly emerging broadleaf trees.

Before the fence, the private army of the Chief with Carbine guns in hand were present.  Trembling from the sudden raid, looking in the wrong direction.  Just under the distance of 5 meters, the enemy noticed him.

"Wha..."

There was no chance to retaliate.  Sousuke steadily aims. Without stopping, he did not hesitate to shoot. Just one shot. An accurate headshot.  There is no excuse at this distance.  The falling enemy continues to step up, inserting the Glock into the back of his belt, he takes up the Carbine gun and magazine.  Confirming that the first bullet was in the chamber, he changed the selector from Full auto to Semi auto.
The gate's surrounding area is now a melting pot of confusion.  Gunfire and bellows were mixed, with cloud of dust from the impact, the black smoke from the burning patrol car and with the dim light, visibility got worse.

Following the shot skilfully with 2 rapid shots. One who was desperate not knowing where the attack was coming from, and the other who saw Sousuke in an instant died.  Passing by the 2 dead bodies rolling on the ground, Sousuke noticed.  The first one that was killed, was the man who hit him in the police station's interrogation room.  His name unknown.  And won't know from now on. A handy shelter---The shade of the obliquely slant Patrol Car full of bullets, Sousuke investigates again the surrounding situation.

It seems that the attackers have complete dominance.  Not only because it was a surprise attack.  The attackers compared to the corrupt policemen, they win in terms of training and tactics.  In front of the opened space at the gate where Kurama and the others were standing, they were steadily prepared and established a "Killing Zone".  Form the unit in a semi-circle formation, then concentrate their attack in that area, in a short amount of time, obliterating the enemy forces into smithereens.  A standard raid and ambush. You can't be careless.  Still not knowing whether the attacking forces are allies or enemies, if Sousuke were to enter the plaza where Kurama went to earlier, there is no mistake that he will become a target without mercy.

How sarcastic. In the flurry of gunfire in the middle of the danger zone, he stayed composed.  He took the remaining bullets in the gun he took from the enemy and finished him in the head, watching the surrounding 360 degrees, the power and movement of each forces, reading accurately the positional relationship and tactics.  The violent emotions from earlier were no longer present.

And then---Sousuke himself was surprised.  Coming out from the thicket; until coming here he was not thinking of Nami.  Bearing a fatal wound, she was left behind in the middle of war with a flurry of bullets. He cannot see Kurama from here.
On top of him not being an amateur, he guessed that they would be completely overwhelmed in the first attack.  Turning the place where he was into a place of massacre.  As long as he is alive, he could be inside the gate, escaping through a rough tunnel drilled into the mountain, it was possible---

He can hear the roar of a engine and tire screeching.  Getting away in the rough tunnel, possibly---In front of his eyes, over the thick black smoke one patrol car started to run.  Distinctively, he saw the back of the head of a large built man in the driver seat.  In the passenger seat is the Chief.

Sousuke smacks his lips.  Kurama was aiming for the tunnel, running away in the opposite direction.  Finding an operational car, and escaping this dangerous area with full force.

Shifting his body, quickly putting the bonnet on top of his carbine gun and changing the selector, he aimed at kurama's patrol car fiercely firing in full auto.  Pushing on to the jumping gun barrel, pulling the trigger without mercy.

Turning the nozzle flashes, the enemy car was splashed with sparks, with the glass of the rear window breaking.  Even then the patrol car did not stop, but continued to accelerate.

The bullets were consumed just like that.  The figure of the patrol car’s rear getting smaller.

The shrubs in the highway were obstacles.  Making it difficult to aim.  The car looking like the size of a fist, now looks more like the size of a thumb.  Removing the magazine from the pocket of his buttocks he reloads.  And then he shot all the bullets.  Rifle bullets that was spit out of the nozzle, relentlessly sending it to the patrol car.  But even then the target is too far. He reloads the last magazine.  The car continues to drive, become like the size of a grain, heading for the hill---

"Dammit...!"

It's already useless.  Sousuke moans softly, finger still on the trigger, he finally orders it to "stop".

The patrol car that Kurama and the chief rode off in, they can no longer be reached.

Standing by helplessly. Feeling resentment at himself for letting the enemy escape, hiding in the shadow of the car, Sousuke thinks of his next move.  Should he escape, or should he remain? In the field of vision of the hesitant Sousuke, there came a shadow.  It is not one of the chief's men.  He even has a different uniform.  Aiming the gun suddenly, the opponent faces with his hands up.

"Stop Sousuke!"

He said. That person, it was Michel Lemon who was supposed to be in the dirty jail in Namsak.

The battle ended shortly thereafter. The number of patrol cars that continued to burn, there are still black smoke spewing in the area.  The private army of the chief were either dead or had ran away.  There was no one still moving in the slaughter area.

The attackers can be seen confirming their spoils of war in the forest.  Searching with precaution, carefully covering the area.In the black uniform, there was a tactical vest full of pockets.  If necessary a bullet proof plate can also be inserted.  Balaclava cap, a passive infra-red vision goggles hangs.  No, rather than goggles, it is a large sunglass.

Having abundant equipment, their movements as well, they have the characteristics of a well-trained military organization. The guns were dangling loosely off their shoulders, their posture was straight, and they had a unique characteristic in walking.  Smallest unit is a two man team.  Guarding each direction, without carelessness, proceeding with systematic cooperation.  Watching over the ally's back, striking their companion’s shoulder.  Even when confirming the dead bodies of the enemy on the ground, they do not approach casually.  Especially when both hands of the corpse can not be seen.

"What’s the meaning of this?"

Sousuke inquired, Lemon replied with a melancholic voice.

"Leave that  for later"

That's right.

Walking to the completely controlled plaza in front of the gate, they immediately saw Nami.

Black blood spreading over the unfinished pavement.

In there she sinks.

They have seen this scene a number of times, but Sousuke feels like the invisible reaper was gripping on to his heart. Running t the cold feelings through his muscles, he felt goose bumps all over his body. The girl was not moving. No longer emitting an anguished voice.

Without tears, even without blinking, if only the grudge and blame could he shown in a glance.  No remaining words could be said. Of course.
The bullet shot by Kurama,  hit her vitals---heart and lung, also the big injury in the large arteries.  If the supply of blood to the brain is cut off, consciousness would be lost in a matter of seconds, then functions of the body would be lost forever.  The head was a hollow point isn't it.  With the impact of a large diameter bullet, she would have lost her consciousness instantly.  At least, that was what he wished for.

He can't think of any compensation. Everything was decided at that instant. In that one second. The one second that Sousuke hesitated.

"How could this be?"

Lemon murmuring with a trembled voice.

"How could this be?"

Lemon repeated, kneeling beside her, let out a weep.  Putting the gun on top of the mud, embracing the girl who lost her strength, shaking the shoulders.  Not before long the trembling spread to his arms, head and foot, his whole body shivering. Sousuke could not let out a sound. Simply standing there exhausted, turning around with simple words in his brain staring vacantly.

Dead. Nami. Got involved. One more second. Why didn't I come out? Why didn't I hurry? She got involved. Even though she did nothing wrong. I let her die. Nami. School. If he did not move. Nami. School. If he did not move. One more second. What would others have done? I got her involved. Choices. Brought upon yourself. Unforgivable. Nami. I got her involved. I let her die.

Just like Lemon, it would be good if his whole body could tremble and cry.  At most, if only he could let the 3.5 kilogram weight of the gun in his hand fall to the ground.
What would be an appropriate reaction for a time like this---no, what would be the natural reaction to come out.  He knows the symbolism, but he didn't know the true feelings.

Ash of the maintenance crew appeared from somewhere, crying, swearing at him.
You’re not human.  Why didn't you help her?  Did you only use her?  This good girl.  You are the scum of the humans.  Say something.  Don't you feel anything?
Even then Sousuke was completely expressionless, standing exhausted in that place.

An operational car filled with bullet holes, Kurama heads to the south with a bending and warped road. South---towards the town areas of Namsak. Both headlights broken, the road at night was not illuminated, but he didn't mind and let the car fly. Because the cracked windshield is distorting his field of vision, he carelessly used his fist to break it. The fragments flying into the passenger seat, the Chief let out a groan.

"Exactly what happened?"

Unable to hide his bewilderment, the chief raises his voice.  Wind blowing in the car, with the muffler lost, his voice did not reach.

"My private army---My private army was annihilated!  It was the associates of that Sagara right!?"

"You're a little mistaken"

On the right shoulder, taking out the metal plate from his bullet proof coat, Kurama said.

"If he has more colleagues, then he would have been trying to buy time cleverly.  The response was also slow, there was no cooperation."

"Then who are they"

"I still don't know.  They didn’t seem like the remains of <Mythril>”

"I can't believe it.  Wasn't it a trap from the start?  I was manipulated by your mistaken information, something like that---"

Irritated, Kurama violently grabbed the collar of the chief who was accusing him.

"...uh?"

"You don't even have a guarantee"

Telling him with a deathly voice.

"Well, we didn't talk elaborately on that.  Whether what those people are, or how they are connected to Sagara, we will find that out soon.  It's not a problem.  The problem of what happened there, is just simple.  It’s really simple.  After all---"

Increasingly tightening the grip on the throat and neck, the chief let out a muffled scream.

"Uh...h..hard to breath"

"---after all.  the policemen that were following you, are an amateur group inferior to a watch dog.  Allowing the enemy to get that close.”

"I'm, I'm sorry, Musshu.  But...."

"Listen carefully.  I'm pissed.  I can't stomach that brat in front of my eyes, even the destruction of the M9 was not fun.  Even about shooting the woman.  If it were like the perverted bastard as you are, getting aroused from something like that, a civilized person like me is different.  I'm annoyed."

"But then---- I don't know.  Why did you have to shoot that gir?.  That, wasteful method---"

"That was enough.  If that would piss him off.  I'm different from a idiot villain from a cheap looking police drama.  If I say "kill" I will firmly kill.  And I have no sense of duty to seriously adhere to the count of ten.  That’s right, life is short.  That’s what I wanted that guy to know.

"...but"

"That guy will definitely chase after me.  He will be looking for me and he will kill me.   And he purposely worked hard to look for me."

"......"

"Are you going to run, they already made preparations when you return to the city.  If you stay with me, they will come. Then we’ll smash them when they come.  I will need your cooperation.  Do you understand?"

The chief who was not able to let a sound out, can only nod.
Somewhat slacking his fingers, Kurama let the chief go.  The chief coughed a little, glaring at him.  No longer able to hide his hatred.

"Musshu.  this treatment is getting too far---! I contributed for the organization, managing Namsak.  and then, like this---"

"Sorry.  Your high pitched voice was getting on my nerves. And then---"

After saying that Kurama searched his coat pocket, opening the cigarette case he took out.  In the case was a clean carrot stick cut into quadrilateral shape.

One stick being preserved, he held it in his mouth like a cigarette.

"---speaking to a man who stopped smoking, it would be better to be careful.  Because as you can imagine he is very irritated."

How do you chase him from here, you surely don't know. Kurama would get far away from Namsak, he might run into a place where you can't reach.  But if you were late in the pursuit for even one second, the possibility would be enlarged exponentially.
In order for Sousuke to chase Kurama with the car, the remaining car in the area is not enough.  Since this is the outskirts of Munamera, the road towards Namsak, would continue like a winding snake having a stomach ache.  It wouldn't be far for a straight line but, if you take the actual road, the distance would be three times more.

There was another effective method, he will need to make use of an emergency repair of the badly damaged <Savage>.  If it would be the AS he won't need to take the road.  Disregarding the bending and warped road, immediately crossing the steep terrain, even considering the amount of time for the repair it would still be effective.

Without time to explain their identities to each other, Sousuke brought the plan to Lemon. Lemon approved. Sousuke returned with the <Savage> that he left from the forest, quickly bringing that unit to the front gate.  Lemon and the others have already made the preparations, proceeding with the emergency repair of the unit.  Ash of the maintenance crew who was there, did not help.

Speaking of the repairs, the forcefully taped the damaged hydraulic system and poured in some unknown oil from inside the tunnel, they poured in the similar diesel to the fuel tank.  If this were another AS, this would not work.

They also found only one weapon.  It was brought in from the tunnel.  Showing an appearance of a new kind of HEAT Hammer.  That only would be very good.
But for the <Savage> which was damaged by the battle with the M9, it is not possible to get it back to the best condition.  More than changing the parts, it should purchase a new fuselage the soonest possible. But then, Lemon and the others said in a surprising loud voice.

"Can it move with just only that?"

"If for a little"

Sousuke replied with a dark voice.  If it were in a different circumstance, the <Savage> by all means is tough, having a few minutes of lecture.  No, It’s not himself.  Even the girl who is the owner of this unit, she would explain with pride this unit’s strength.

But she's not here anymore.  She's not.

The emergency repairs were finished. Sousuke with little words, ascending the military unit, gets in the cockpit. Starting up the electronic system.  Using the remaining standby energy to restart the engine.  Checking the hydraulics and drive system.  Testing the optical sensor.  Firearms control is.... like I know.

"Sousuke"

The noise from the doubtful communication system, Lemon’s voice came out.

"What"

"Let me tell you this.  I'm definitely a guy from the intelligence agency.  But by meeting you and Nami by chance, it was unexpectedly fun.”

"Right"

Kneeling on the side of the girl, Lemon whose whole body was shivering.  Sousuke knows at least that was not an act. Then, what about him that stood there silently?

"After that...you are a soldier of <Mythril>"

"Former <Mythril>.  Right now I'm not"

He continued to operate the unit.  Closing the cockpit block.  Lock.  Glaring at the hydraulics as it connects to the drive system.

"All of you, are the agents of DGSE.  You colleagues are similar to the 29 SA.  Isn't that right."

DGSE.  French Foreign Security Directorate. 29 SA is the 29th Mobile Bureau.  The DGSE is known for their special forces.  They were also on the streets of Namsak finding anything related to <Amalgam>, and attempting to infiltrate them.

"I'm surprised.  You knew that much"

"It's a guess.  And then, whatever."

Sousuke feels desperation inside. Having heard, Ash and the others were ordered by the chief to be killed, Lemon and the others saved them.  This is unexpected from Sousuke, it was a mistake.  The chief and Kurama targeting Sousuke was natural and he can stop it but, he did not think that it would make it to a point that Ash and the others were being threatened.

He was not able to see the big picture of the enemy.  It is true that you can't understand the elaborate operation and plans but, to Sousuke that was a naive perspective, resulting in pain.  If Lemon did not to intervene, Not only Nami but Ash would also be dead.

If he was alone, he thought he could deal with it, working for the safety of his co-workers.  In other words, he didn't get attached to catching up with <Amalgam> and got impatient.

Then blaming the unbearable regret in his heart, Sousuke couldn't stop. It's like some supreme motive, not a strong will that pushes him.  Right now he is not even thinking about the name of the girl he is searching for.  He can't even remember that smile.

But, he does not know what else to do. If he stops here, he feels that he would disappear without knowing anything at all. He has to go after Kurama. Capturing him, torturing, to extract information. What does he expect to hear? Would it be useful now? Sousuke right now wasn’t thinking of anything.

Connection complete.

Carefully raising the output of the engine, slowly  the unit stands up.  Probably, This white <Savage> that Nami loved as the [Crossbow], standing up like this, would be its last time/

"I'm going"

Sousuke murmurs with a dim fire of sadness and gloom embracing his heart.