PACIFIC RIM : RAJAH

CHAPTER 25

The world erupted in celebration. News outlets broadcasted non-stop coverage of the victory against the Kaiju, declaring it the dawn of a new era. Headlines read, "Humanity Takes Back Its Future!" and "The Breach is No More!" Cities that had been devastated by previous attacks now blazed with lights, fireworks illuminating the sky in honor of those who fought and sacrificed everything for humanity's survival. Memorials were erected, and people flooded the streets in joyous relief. It was a moment unlike any other, a turning point in history.

In the aftermath, the Pan Pacific Defense Corps (PPDC) held a grand ceremony to commemorate the fallen and honor the surviving Jaeger pilots. The grandest tribute was at the very site of the Breach, where four towering statues were erected in a circle, all looking down at the spot where the abyss had once existed. Behind them stood statues of the legendary Jaegers that played a pivotal role in the final battle. Inscribed beneath the statues were the names of every fallen pilot, engineer, scientist, and civilian who had given their lives in the war against the Kaiju.

Amidst the celebrations, Shane Buron remained distant. While the world rejoiced, he couldn't shake the feeling that their battle might not be entirely over. Something still didn't sit right with him. The destruction of the Breach was a decisive victory, but there was an element of uncertainty gnawing at the back of his mind. He knew he had unfinished business.

Seeking answers, Shane requested a private meeting with Marshal Stacker Pentecost. The Marshal, still recovering from the aftermath of the operation, agreed to see him in his office. As Shane entered, Pentecost studied him carefully. He had learned to trust Shane's instincts, and the pilot's serious expression told him this was no trivial matter.

"What's on your mind, Buron?" Pentecost asked, his voice steady yet intrigued.

Shane took a deep breath before responding. "We need to run tests on Newt and the others who drifted with the Kaiju's neural system."

Pentecost raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the request. "Tests? What for?"

Shane leaned forward, his expression grave. "Because the neural link between the scientists and the Kaiju may not be as simple as we thought. I had the Philippines branch conduct extensive research while I was transferring the data Newt found. During the process, we discovered something unsettling."

Pentecost's eyes narrowed. "Go on."

Shane continued. "The connection they established wasn't just one-way. It was a two-way link. Just like how we pilots connect with our Jaegers through the neural bridge, they connected with the Kaiju. If that link still exists, it could pose a significant threat."

Pentecost leaned back, his fingers steepled together. He understood the implications immediately. "You're saying that if the Precursors—who created the Kaiju—are still out there, they might be able to use that link to re-establish another Breach."

Shane nodded. "Exactly. If the Kaiju hive-mind left an imprint on them, even subconsciously, then that link could be exploited. We have no idea what lingering effects could still be in their minds."

The Marshal sighed, his mind racing through the possibilities. "That is a dangerous thought, but a necessary one. What do you propose we do?"

Shane's expression hardened. "First, we need to put an end to these neural dives into Kaiju brains. We can't afford to let anyone else link their minds with them again. It's too dangerous. Second, we need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. If the Precursors find a way back, we have to be ready."

Pentecost tapped his fingers against his desk before nodding. "Agreed. I'll make the necessary arrangements to cease all further neural drift experiments with Kaiju remains. But you said 'worst-case scenario'—what else do you have in mind?"

Shane took a moment before delivering his next point. "I also need your permission to shut down the entire market of Kaiju remains."

Pentecost raised a brow. "The black market? We've been trying to regulate it for years, but it's deeply entrenched. People are profiting from it, and some nations even turn a blind eye. What makes you think we can shut it down?"

Shane smirked slightly, though his eyes remained serious. "My family will handle it."

At the mention of the Buron family, Pentecost understood what Shane meant. The Burons had extensive influence across military, scientific, and economic sectors. Unlike in another timeline where the PPDC had to rely on illicit dealings to stay afloat, the Burons had been instrumental in maintaining direct support from governments worldwide. If they declared war on the Kaiju black market, it would collapse overnight.

Pentecost exhaled deeply before finally nodding. "Alright, Buron. You have my authorization. But this won't be easy."

Shane grinned slightly. "Nothing worth doing ever is."

Chapter end.