GATE: Task Force Guillotine

Chapter 3: Coda Village (Rewritten)

Camp Alnus, 5th Division Command Tent

March 24, 2028, 08:21 (23rd day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The air inside the command tent was crisp, with the sharp scent of canvas and paper mixing with the lingering chill of the morning. Itami adjusted his cap nervously, standing just inside the entrance. He had been summoned to meet with Major Osamu Higaki, his commanding officer, though he had no idea what for.

Higaki sat at a folding table cluttered with maps and documents, glancing up the moment Itami entered. Without wasting time, he gestured for Itami to come closer.

"We've determined that investigating the local culture is going to be crucial," Higaki began.

Itami raised an eyebrow, half-listening as he tucked his hands into his pockets. "Well, best of luck to whoever gets stuck with that assignment," he muttered dryly.

Higaki's expression didn't change. "This isn't a joke. It's you, Itami."

Itami's hands dropped from his pockets. "What?" he blurted. "You're not sending me out there alone, are you?"

A voice from behind answered him.

"No, you're not."

Itami turned and found himself face-to-face with an American officer as he stepped into the tent. The man carried an air of quiet confidence, his expression friendly but composed.

"Second Lieutenant Itami," Higaki said, nodding toward the newcomer, "meet Captain Josiah Caldwell of the U.S. Army."

The name made something click in Itami's mind, and his eyes widened slightly.

"U.S. Army... wait a second," Itami muttered, suspicion creeping into his voice. "Don't tell me—"

Caldwell grinned knowingly. "Yup. I'm Adam's boss."

Itami exhaled in disbelief. "Figures," he mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "What are the odds?"

Caldwell chuckled, sensing Itami's discomfort. "Relax, Lieutenant. My team speaks pretty highly of you."

"Really?" Itami asked, skeptical. "Didn't pick up on that."

"Haha, don't worry. That's just their way of showing appreciation."

Despite himself, Itami smiled faintly. "Right... but that still only makes five of us."

"That's why," Higaki cut in, leaning back in his chair, "you'll be leading one of the six deep reconnaissance teams we're deploying. Congratulations, Lieutenant. You're now in charge of the 3rd Recon Team."

Itami froze, the weight of the words sinking in. His mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. Only recently promoted to First Lieutenant, and now this? His head throbbed with the sudden responsibility that had just landed squarely on his shoulders.

Stepping out into the bright morning light, Itami shielded his eyes from the sun. The camp was alive with movement—soldiers moving gear, vehicles rumbling in the distance. He barely had time to collect his thoughts before he heard familiar voices.

"Hey there, Mr. Otaku!"

Itami groaned at the sound of Perez's voice. The American was leaning casually against a crate, grinning from ear to ear. Hill and Andrew stood nearby, all three of them looking far too pleased with themselves.

"Not in the mood to talk, guys," Itami muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"What's wrong?" Adam teased as he appeared beside them. "Getting command sour your mood already?"