-Chapter 4: White Glint-

Akihiro Flynn enters the main base of the White Ark forces with White Ark Co-founder, Chifuyu Hisawaka. It was a hangar that housed six TSFs, which now go by the term "NEXTs" due to the advancement in their technology since the end of the war ten years ago and the subsequent technological and economic growth, which in turn, led to the founding of White Ark and the harsher rule of the United Nations.

"It's been over ten years and we're still trying to pick up the pieces left by war." said Chifuyu as she walks with Akihiro.

"I've been fighting in this conflict for a long time. I know how things go. The United Nations claim that they want to bring peace and co-operation to the world. But because of Ridley, It became a shell of what it was supposed to be." said Akihiro.

"And since then, Cynical old assholes with an agenda took the opportunity to enforce their rule upon the United States and the world. It's been happening for years and I doubt it'll go away any time soon." said Chifuyu.

"You got that right. That's all the UN was full of. People trying to get their piece of the pie." said Akihiro.

After this exchange, they reach the main hangar where an unusual white NEXT is being held. This machine is a crowning jewel in the development of warfare technology with it's wing-shaped thrusters and strong armor.

"What is this thing?.." asked Akihiro in awe.

"White Glint. The one hope that humanity has for it's survival." said Chifuyu.

During the exchange, A man in his 60s walked into the room. This man was Abel White, The co-founder of White Ark and the architect of White Glint.

"...Abel White, correct?" asked Akihiro.

"I see that you're familiar with my work, Akihiro Flynn. White Ark has been watching you on the battlefield. For a long, long time." said Abel.

"Right. Do you mind explaining what that TSF is?" asked Akihiro.

"TSF? That term is not used anymore. This is a NEXT. This is White Glint, the pinnacle of the military technology of our time. ..And I have personally selected you to use it." said Abel.

"..Why? Just to further the problems that are already going on in the world? Hasn't the population already been reduced to a low enough number?! Not even counting the casualties that have occurred in the name of "Progress" for the past 10 years?!" asked Akihiro.

"Flynn..." Chifuyu thought to herself with a sympathetic expression on her face.

"I understand your disenchantment, but we don't have much of a choice. We need all the help we can get to defend our home. ..Please." said Abel.

"...Fine." said Akihiro, clearly sounding frustrated.

After that exchange, The three of them went to the briefing room, where Abel filled in Akihiro on the next mission.

"Your mission is to take down the UN Fortress, Spirit Of Motherwill." said Abel.

"Why do I need to do that?" asked Akihiro.

"Despite being an oversized, Out-of-date machine, It is still considered one of the UN's main stronghold's in South America. If you can take it out, That will put a huge dent in Charlotte Nichols' forces." said Abel as the instructions of the missions appear on a monitor.

"...I see. So I'll be able to cut down their numbers if I take down this fortress." said Akihiro.

"Correct. If we don't, we can guarantee that it will later cause huge amounts of trouble on our end. We need you to be out Trump card, Akihiro. Help the people free themselves from the shackles created by the UN. Help in this fight to be truly free." said Chifuyu.

"..Fine. I'll do it." said Akihiro.

"Alright. Your teammates that you met earlier will be joining you on this operation. You will set out first thing in the early hours of the morning." said Abel.

"Yes, sir.." said Akihiro as he rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Meanwhile, At the UN's main headquarters, Charlotte Nichols is being warned about White Ark beginning to make their move. However, she remained confident and believed that her troops would crush them in battle.

"General Secretary Nichols. White Ark are preparing to make their next move. What do you propose that we do?" asked a General.

"So they believe that they can take down Motherwill? ..We'll have to be WELL prepared for any attack that they decide to throw at us. ..Not that it will be a problem. ..Send the troops to deal with them first thing in the early hours of the morning. ..That way, We can hit them hard." said Charlotte.

The last shot focused on Charlotte's spine-chilling grin as the board members walked out after the meeting had concluded.

-To Be Continued-