Preparation for apocalypse

[srwu_npc3]

[1]

"Brave men and women of Unity Group - from now on, the Pan Pacific Defense Corps are in your debt."

Marshall Pentacost has something to say, as he shows the end result of the Hong Kong defense operation. Wrecked Jaegers, destroyed buildings, chaos everywhere.

"Crimson Typhoon won't be moving for a long time. Herc's arm needs months of healing. Almost the whole bay is covered in kaiju blue."

"But!"

"It could have been much worse. Thanks to your quick reaction, the Hong Kong shatterdome suffered no casualties. If you were not there, I know many good people wouldn't live to see the light of next day. You have my deepest thanks."

"As we enter final stages of the plan to deal with Kaiju once and for all, I have no delusions that only a single Jaeger would be able to defend Hong Kong by itself. Until we're ready, I offer the services of Cherno Alpha and its pilots. They will be able to do more good in Unity Group than sitting around an empty Shatterdome."

[2]
Contacting the Shatterdome research crew results in one excited Hermann.


"I knew it! I was positive my calculations were correct, and I was right."

The mathematician walks around quickly with his cane. Then, he's suddenly deadly serious.

"The Kaiju won't stop with just one double event. We can expect more coming - no, not just double! Triple events, maybe more... there will be no end to it, unless something is done fast."

"Also, Geiszler would like to say something."


"So... yeah. I'm sorry."

After a gentle persuasion (read: being forcefully pushed), Newt steps forward and looks apologetic. He is dirty and a bit bruised up after all that happened and for some reason his nose is bleeding.

"I am sorry for Drifting with a Kaiju brain."


"You did WHAT?"


"Drifted with a Kaiju". He says quickly.
"A Kaiju brain. The principle is the same as normal Drifting, only... no, that's not important right now! The important thing is that Kaiju have a hive mind! I was so close to learning what are they up to, if only I had a fresher brain... oh yeah. This is also why Otachi went after me. Thanks for saving my life, I appreciate it."

Comments

1

[reactorhead_russians]

After that speech, Sasha and Alexis show up and nod to Pentecost, saluting briefly but politely.

"How are they?" Sasha asks. Her stony expression provides few context clues, but she's probably asking about all the Jaeger pilots.

[srwu_npc3]

"The Tang Wei brothers were shaken but they are fine. Their condition is much better than their Jaeger's."

"Herc Hansen however..." Pentacost seems to be mulling over a difficult thought.
"Has broken an arm when Leatherback shoved into Striker Eureka. It will mend, but not on time."

[reactorhead_russians]

Alexis grunts as if punched. "And Mako?"

[srwu_npc3]

"Mako and Beckett?"

"Despite their little stunt, they are in an even better condition than you are." The Marshall's face breaks into a smile. Very briefly.

[reactorhead_russians]

Sasha nods. "Strong Drift. Good teamwork." She says. Then she frowns. "Who's riding with Chuck?"

[srwu_npc3]

"... We will see when the time comes, mrs Kaidanovsky."

[reactorhead_russians]

Alexis and Sasha nod. "After the Breach is sealed," Alexis muses, "The PPDC will be mothballed. Is that why you're attaching us to the UG?"

2

[abugslife]

So you did it after all. That was an incredibly risky experiment, professor.

How are you feeling? Any unpleasant side effects?

[srwu_npc3]

"Except for my nervous system trying to escape through my nose and eyeballs and the sensation of having several phantom limbs? I'm fine, really!" Newt acts like he just had a beautiful morning of a new day, full of energy, and nothing was bad at all.

"I'd be more worried about the Kaiju knowing we're out there and tried to make contact." But then he adds, sheepishly.

[abugslife]

I am familiar with that sensation. You will be fine.

What you mention is a cause for concern indeed. It appears that, even if they are rampaging monsters individually, our enemies are much smarter as a whole. How many of previously unknown to them Earthling secrets have the Kaiju learned from this Drift? And the opposite?

[srwu_npc3]

"Mostly advanced biology and a few rather... personal tidbits. Not a lot they can make use of, hopefully."

"On the other hand, I know why they change over time. It is surveillance, scouting missions. Kaiju are guided by a higher mind, you see. They are not only a hivemind or rampaging monsters."

"They are tools."

[abugslife]

Then what we considered to be rampaging monsters turned out to be the vanguard of another invasion. Earth had another enemy all along.

What did you learn of this higher mind?

2

[keep_your_dignity]

[When the whole drifting with a Kaiju thing is mentioned, the tiny face on the other side of the screen looks at Newt with an impassive "I-have-trouble-believing-a-person-could-even-be-that-dumb" face]

[srwu_npc3]

"Who's the Santa's little helper right here and why is she giving me a stinkeye?"


"Whisper whisper..."


"A... ha ha ha..." Newt grows a little bit more pale.
"This is when I mention that the Drift brought us a lot of news, right? Good news! Yes, good."

[keep_your_dignity]

[The disbelieving stare continues unabated]

[srwu_npc3]

"Kaiju are up to something."

"No, I don't mean what they were doing until now. That's just... reconaissance, you know? Survey the world and its inhabitants, that's why they were constantly evolving and adapting. They were trying to judge what we're capable of, how strong we are!" Newt's arms move around as he gestures spastically.

"But now they're up to something big. And if I could only Drift again and confirm what it is! We're on the doorstep of a huge breakthrough!"

[keep_your_dignity]

[Kagura continues to look completely unamused. She moves outside of the camera for a second, and a slow "toc, toc toc" is ehard as she slowly works the keyboard. The message appears a moment later]

and you know this from connecting to their hivemind?

[srwu_npc3]

"Well, yeah!"

[keep_your_dignity]

[Toc toc toc toc]

you realize hive minds work in both directions. and you know a lot about the jaeger program.

[srwu_npc3]

"Well, yeah... this also means Kaiju know more about my private life than I'm comfortable with, but that too. For once, I agree with Hermann over there."


"Inconceivable."


"We need to act fast. Good thing Marshall already has a plan underway. I don't know the details, and that means the Kaiju don't, either."

[keep_your_dignity]

[Tic tic tic toc]

what do you think this plan could be about?

[srwu_npc3]

"Closing the Rift, of course! What else could it be, go to the other side and punch out every Kaiju?"

[keep_your_dignity]

[Toc toc toc tic]

closing the rift has been tried. how would MArshall Pentecost go about it?

[srwu_npc3]

"I don't really know, but... if Pentacost wasn't sure we can pull it off, he wouldn't act like it. Why not ask him?"

[keep_your_dignity]

[The little fairy sighs. Patience, Kagura. Patience.]

because i want to know what you think would do it. because if you had any idea we have to discard anything similar as compromised.

[srwu_npc3]

"Right. Right. So, if I had to wager..."

Newt takes a few idle steps, but suddenly his whole body tenses.

"You know what? I think I have a few things Pentacost should know. As in, right now."

And there he goes running.

[keep_your_dignity]

[Kagura closes her eyes and pinches her little nose with her fingers in exasperation. Well, that can't be good.]