ASAHI NO NISHISEI - Rising Sun Goes West (1)

Downfall 1

March 20, 10:00

Flagship Akagi, off the capital Custefai

The Japan-US Joint Fleet departed from McTayle and approached as far as the coast of Custefai. Despite waiting for nine days after the occupation of McTayle, no official contact from the Altian Empire had been confirmed, and on the contrary, the infiltrated Marines had confirmed that the forces deployed in other areas were being moved to the capital.

'The time lag between the landing at the seaside of the capital and the assault on the Imperial Palace and Senate is the most worrisome element of this operation... Although the capital and Senate are monitored by the infiltrated Marines, they cannot see everything from their position. The best way to secure the heads of government is to have the locals who have access to the Imperial Palace and Senate do it without causing any casualties. But they are enemies, after all... will they succeed that well?'

Rear Admiral Hasegawa, the fleet commander, was anxious to work with the coup forces led by the Third Princess Savia Iliam. However, the operation was already proceeding on the premise of cooperation with them, and there was no turning back now.

"It is almost time to launch the operation!"

Ship officer Commander Iijima informed a thoughtful Hasegawa that the time has come.

"All vessels, begin to advance toward the capital!"

The screws of each ship begin to turn in response to Hasegawa's order. Inside the well docks of the JMSDF's amphibious assault ships Oga and Kojima, the rejoined Shimabara, and the US Navy's dock landing ship USS Green Bay, landing craft and AAV7, landing parties consisting of JGSDF personnel and US Marines are assembled with various weapons and they are standing by with their equipment. At this moment, the final operation to capture the capital, Operation Downfall, was finally underway.

. . .

Senate Grand Hall, Custefai, Altian Empire

At that time, 214 members of the Senate were gathered in the Senate Grand Hall located in the center of Custefai, the capital of the Altian Empire. On the same day, the Senate Assembly was in session to discuss how to deal with the Japanese. The senators included members of the nobility as well as cabinet ministers and members of the imperial family, and the emperor was seated on the throne. They had no idea what was about to happen. Except for one person, Savia Iliam, who was in contact with the SDF...

'The day has finally come... failure is not an option!'

Sitting in her seat, Savia waited for the moment to arrive in a cold sweat. Her subordinates, including Sitos and former soldiers, were standing by at another point, waiting for the right moment.

"The today's Senate will now come into session."

Vizier Irta Orbit, acting as the facilitator, announces the opening of the Senate session. At this moment, the longest day in the history of the Altian Empire had finally begun.

. . .

Flagship Akagi, off the coast of Custefai

The Japan-US Joint Fleet, positioned almost in the center of Hemray Bay, began its advance toward the capital, already approaching 35 kilometers off the coast of the capital, Custefai.

"We will reach the capital soon. All landing forces, be ready!"

The commander's announcement is transmitted to each ship in the fleet. The faces of all the participating personnel, regardless of rank, were filled with tension as they looked ahead to the final operation that had finally arrived.