ASAHI NO NISHISEI - Rising Sun Goes West (2)

Elmerand vs Japan: First Round

February 1

Prime Minister's Office, Tokyo, Japan

The destruction of Lithianburg, the capital of the Crossnellyard Empire, and Miket Tirith, Japan's largest base on the Juperia Continent, was widely reported in Japan, and the "City Saucer" that continued its eastward advance while burning the major cities of Terralus to the ground was a source of fear for the Japanese people. Every day on TV, simulations of a hypothetical battle between the saucer and the Self-Defense Forces are shown, and the Japanese people are glued to the screen. People were spending sleepless nights in fear of the coming day of the showdown.

The cabinet had already held its first of several emergency ministerial meetings in response to the heavy damage inflicted on the friendly Crossnellyard Empire. In addition to Prime Minister Kotoku Inaha and Chief Cabinet Secretary Miyajima, Defense Minister Kuraba, Foreign Minister Kurusu, and Chief of Joint Staff Vice Admiral Hasegawa gathered to discuss the City Saucer that is slowly approaching the Japanese archipelago.

"Following Lithianburg and Miket Tirith, Ringual, the capital of the Ephoroi Republic, has been destroyed. The City Saucer continues to move northward, and its next target seems to be the Rotom Subcontinent," Kuraba explained the movement of the City Saucer.

A screen hanging from the ceiling showed a map of Terralus, depicting the trajectory of the saucer.

"The evacuees, including the Crossnellyard's Imperial Family, are scheduled to arrive on the Japanese mainland in two days. In addition, Empress Savia I of the Altian Empire and Queen Helenas II of the Seiren Kingdom have requested cooperation in the evacuation effort."

Foreign Minister Kurusu informed that friendly countries that have not yet suffered damage from the saucer have requested to receive evacuees.

"What is the status of the 3rd Escort Group that you recently sent to the Central Ocean?"

PM Inaha inquired about the movement of the fleet deployed to intercept the City Saucer.

"The 3rd Escort Group and the City Saucer Interception Fleet led by the aircraft carrier Akagi were heading for the Central Ocean, passing through the northern part of the Wirenia Continent. However, when it was discovered that the destination of the City Saucer was the Lebameno Federation, the fleet changed course and headed there. In addition, the Western World Assault Fleet, which was deployed to the Sagroa Base to attack Slephen's capital, Rhodim, is heading to the Central Ocean to join the interception, but it is still sailing north of the Juperia Continent and is unlikely to make it in time."

The Ministry of Defense had sent a fleet led by the 3rd Escort Group to the west to intercept the City Saucer. Likewise, another fleet, consisting mainly of the 1st and 4th Escort Groups, which had originally been sent to the Western World to attack Rhodim, was hurriedly turned back to the east.

"...Is there any statement from those who operate the City Saucer?"

"No... so far we have had no contact with them. Who they are and what their motives are for wreaking havoc in Terralus remain a mystery."

At this point, the only thing the Japanese government knows about the colossal City Saucer Laskant is that it is a non-standard weapon of destruction that has emerged from beneath Rhodim. They are still unaware that the ones operating it are the descendant of an evil alien race.

"The saucer wants to destroy Terralus itself. This is no longer a national crisis... but a planetary one! Destroy that saucer at all costs before it reaches Japan!"

"Yes, sir!"

PM Inaha was aware that they were the last resort. Thus, the clash between the SDF and Laskant became decisive.