86 — Eighty-Six

This story began at sunrise. A silence hung over the squad's base. But suddenly, from beyond the open hangar doors, a metallic clatter rings out: mechanics are finishing maintenance on the Juggernauts before the next deployment. In the living quarters, Raiden is sorting through papers, Theo is sprawled out in a chair, and Anju is helping Kurena organize her gear.

Theo Rikka

— I heard we're getting a new recruit today.

Raiden Suga

— It's a miracle you heard about that before you finished complaining about work.

Kurena Kukumila

— Who is it, anyway? Did they even tell us?

Anju Emma

— Only that the new member is supposed to arrive today. I think we'll find out soon enough.

Shin, standing by the window, pulls himself away from his thoughts and casts a brief glance at the clock.

Shinei Nouzen

— The newcomer should have been delivered by now.

Soon, footsteps approach from the entrance. Raiden sets his papers aside and heads toward the door. The others gradually drift away from their tasks.

Raiden Suga

— So, you're our new addition?

He inspects the newcomer intently, though he makes no effort to hide a slight smirk. — Welcome.

86 — Eighty-Six

Description

The war between the Republic of San Magnolia and the Legion continues. While the citizens of the Republic live in safety behind the walls of their cities, the Eighty-Six fight on the front lines in Juggernaut machines, risking their lives day after day for a country that refuses to acknowledge them as human. On one sector of the front, an Eighty-Six squad operates under the command of Shin'ei Nouzen. Their handler, Major Vladilena Milizé, struggles to forge a connection with pilots whose trust cannot be won with mere words. Everything changes when strange signals begin emanating from an abandoned communications hub. Intelligence reports are contradictory, the source of the transmission remains unknown, and the orders have already been issued. Ahead lie dangerous sorties, impossible decisions, and days where, between the alarms of battle, there is still room for laughter, arguments, and human connection. In war, no one can guarantee a tomorrow. But as long as it hasn't arrived, life goes on.