Is it fate for war to always ravage the Earth Sphere? Join the story of men and women living in the mist of an ideological and spiritual war being raged against the Federation. Mankind may be on the path to a great Evolution, but will it be able to purge its savage instincts even as it seeks greater Integration with the machines of war...

Mobile Suit Gundam: Evolution and Integration
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Foreword and Thanks
First let me say thanks for taking a chance to read this story. Though it is a bit lengthier than I intended I hope that doesn't scare you off. I worked on this for a while and have put honest effort into this story, as I try to do with all my "projects". So with any luck it has some quality at least, and is not a waste of your time. I appreciate any effort to review or remark on my work.

This fantasy congealed out of many a night watching Gundam and out of my love for the franchise. There are a lot places from which I drew inspiration and ideas. A lot of themes I hope to cover, and some homage that I would like to pay also. I finally decided to move forward with my first Gundam Fanfiction… well lets hope this works as good as it does in my head ()

Also thanks to the many Gundam fanfiction writers out there. I have read some great stuff here and there over the years and I would like to thank you guys for lighting that bug in me.

I hope you enjoy.

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Disclaimer
I do not own Mobile Suit Gundam or its various spin-offs and sequels, which are property of Bandai and Sunrise. This story and characters within though are fully original and my intellectual property. Of course with the exceptions of material trademarked by their rightful copyright holders. Please, just ask permission if you want to play around with this setting or my characters, if it's not too much to ask. (Like that would ever happen… , it would be good to be aware of it though.) Ok that was fun…

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Update December 6, 2005
It's a shame I haven't been ale to work on this anywhere near what I wanted to. But life is quite more dynamic and hectic than I expected. So much has happened to me in the time I posted this. (Like switching to a new, and luckily less stressful job) Finally I am able to work on it again. I am thankful for that. It is fun writing this thing again. I'm shooting for adding three chapters to this fic before the end of the year. Rewriting new stuff ahead, but for now enjoy.

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Update March 31, 2005
Well I did not get to finish as many chapters I hoped. Things are in flux in Tsavong Lah's life right now. And creating new material is taking long than I thought. But I haven't given up yet just taking a longer view of things. I have a good grasp on Chapters 2 and 3 now. I already have some strong framework ideas for Chapters 4 and 5. Just need the time ();

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Update May 22, 2005
Wow months have flown by so fast as to be scary. Ok finally after much rewriting Chapter 2 is ready to see the light of day. Three is still forming up, though nicely. Also I will be reposting all of my previous chapters again. Even though I spent time reviewing my work and rereading multiple times I still find little errors and grammatical mistakes in it. Some are quite embarrassing. So I will be fixing those.

Also this story is still morphing a lot so I would like to take the time to rewrite some bits of it as I go along. Nothing major just a little change here and there if I deem necessary. I put a section at the end explaining how I came up with the story as well. Usually it is at the front end of my new stories by tradition, but it was too long so I put it at the end of this prologue instead.

And as always I can use some helpful feedback too you know (). Anyway enjoy.

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Prologue A: Before the Approaching Storm.

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"…After finishing your primary objectives, yes, you will be free to engage any targets of opportunity." The dark-haired officer said, much to the delight of the soldiers present in the briefing room. He looked over them, just as a proud parent would look at their favored children. The soldiers' resolve and eagerness met him through their eyes and he nodded proudly. "Well then, that is it. Suit up and prepare for engagement. Operation Channelside begins…" He paused looking at his chrono. "Officially…. as of 15 minutes ago."

With the mission briefing adjourned the officers and soldiers present began to disperse from the auditorium styled briefing room. Some breaking into idle chatter others shambling to leave in order to get prepared for the days ahead of them. As they did so, the dark-haired officer's voice greeted them.

"Hunt well my Vassals. My loyal forces of Zexen!" the officer's proud voice boomed, drawing everyone's attention to him. All nodding. "May we all find enlightenment on the field of battle. An awakening to our true potential."

"This, in turn, will lead us to Victory!" a few other soldiers chimed in, responding to the common Zexen creed.

The assembled Mobile Suit pilots let out a roar of approval at their officer's oddly encouraging words. In some militaries such philosophical rhetoric would be seen as corny or foolish, a little odd at best. But this was the Zexen Loyal Militaire, and it was exactly on point. And it was well known that Lord Captain Darius definitely believed in those words.

The Lord Captain was interesting to say the least, thought a young Aden Anon. Aden was the newest Officer assigned to Darius' legendary Mobile Suit force, and rather green at that. Aden, a young man freshly turned nineteen, possessed a face of bright eyed openness. This was enhanced by piercing black eyes and dark black hair. Hair that had been getting longer than federation regulations allowed. Not that it mattered, considering where he was presently.

Aden couldn't help feeling largely inadequate in the presence of men such as Darius. That and a large dose of anxiety. Aden was afraid to think about it sometimes but he had seen much because of the war. Still, even thought that was true, compared to the warriors in his present company he was still an infant. Aden was able to admit to himself that part of his anxiety came from the special circumstances leading up to becoming a Zexen soldier also.

Aden was still getting used to the strange way of life that was the Zexen armed forces. There was so much to learn and such odd etiquette to respond to. This would be his first mission with them, his first engagement with the "enemy". He would soon be fighting against the forces with which he used to owe allegiance. The Earth Federation.

Aden still couldn't fully process how he came to be here, on this ship, with these forces, in barely a month. It was as if a whirlwind dream.

He still thought about the battle versus the Zexen and their powerful Mobile Suits with a quickening of his heart. That was itself his first battle for the Federation. He remembered the panicked frenzied battle, which turned to a rout, which turned to a massacre for Federation forces. He still remembered the strange intense feelings he received during the battle. Then somehow he survived…one of the few that day. Aden remembered being approached by the strange man in a Zexen Mobile Suit, remembered feeling no ill will from the pilot. Their conversation was more feeling than words and in the end he decided to follow the man and join the Zexen. He didn't know it at the time but he had just been recruited. It was still very hard to comprehend it all.

And now, after a very short induction into their forces he was here aboard the Arbelisk, a Zexen Grand Attack Carrier. Ready to deploy in a Zexen Mobile Suit…against his old allies. That would have been the realm of fantasy only weeks earlier.

Actually, what Aden now realized, was that the Federation was never really his ally either. Despite a mountain of nervousness, he felt more at home here than he ever did in their forces. He had no love for the Federation; they were just a means to an end. An opportunity for a young man with no means like him to get by and possibly exceed in life. It was the same opportunity offered to him by the Zexen. But these Zexen offered much more, and with much more… respect. As if emphasizing his thoughts, a few of the pilots saluted him as they passed, smiling, encouraging him; some even bowed! These were all hardened veterans, why to a screaming rookie like him? He shook his head, bewildered by the attention. He was still getting used to it. Still getting used to the Zexen armed forces.

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Aden walked into the restless mass of hyperactivity that was the Arbelisk's Mobile Suit bay. The sounds of approaching battle filled the air. Of mechanics, engineers, and soldiers readying their mobile weapons to make war. There before him among the 32 Mobile Suits crammed into the Arbelisk was his designated Mobile Suit. It hung huddled in-between the battered and battle tested Ramza Mobile Suits of the other pilots. It was a pristine, factory fresh Rahja. And a command unit at that. Aden was beginning to wonder if these Zexen really knew what they were doing, what rank he was, and especially that he was not exactly an "experienced" pilot when it came to Mobile Suit engagements.

"Yes, that would be yours Sir Lieutenant." said a wily female mechanic, with a particularly sultry drawl. "Factory fresh and ready to go. Sorry about it being bald though…"

"Pardon ma'am?" Aden said a bit distracted. Still staring up at the awe inspiring instrument of modern war.

"Oh I just received the confirmation that you were going into battle today. So I didn't get a chance to get your color scheme requisition." she looked to Aden and noted his confusion with a nod. "Most pilots of your… status… are afforded special paint jobs on their Suits. We haven't had the time for it, since it was a rush job. Had my hands full just getting the beaut. checked out and prepped." She smiled hesitantly as if waiting for some reaction from Aden. "I hope it isn't too much of a problem for you sir."

"Umm…..oh. No problem miss…ah thank you." Aden said partially puzzled. As he had been for most of his time on the Arbelisk since his arrival three days ago. "Oh and just Aden is ok."

"Ok sir….. uh Aden. Let me know if you come up with anything you might need," she said, nodded, and then moved on to her next duties leaving Aden alone with his Mobile Suit and a stomach full of uncertainty.

In this he actually was not alone. Just from random conversations and whatever else he could pick up it seemed that the whole taskforce was nervous about this operation. It seemed that this Operation Channelside was quite a large risk overall for the Zexen military. The people here seemed ready and able to go into battle but there were doubts that things could go wrong, especially given the size of the operation. This surprised Aden. From the rumors and having witnessed the Zexen's tenacity and stubbornness in battle, he like many, believed the Zexen intensely determined to fight to ruin. They seemed never afraid to die and sometimes suicidal. A lot of fog was cut away upon joining their side, but that didn't mean there weren't any mysteries left, there were many. It was just something else to worry about along with the anxiety of this huge looming battle.

All Aden could do was pace back and forth through the bay. Finally he stood overlooking the activity of the Mobile Suit bay from an upper deck. Watching the mechanics and techs swarming over the Mobile Suits prepping them. He was there for a long while quite lost in thought.

"Lieutenant. …Anon is it?" a strong voice addressed, knocking Aden out of his reverie. Aden turned to answer and fought not to jump. It was the Lord Captain, Darius Alexander himself.

Darius was the epitome of what a noble soldier of Zexen was portrayed to be. He was dashing and handsome yet still bared the hardness of a seasoned soldier. His tanned skin, rich black hair, and Mediterranean features enhanced this impression. And he projected a knight's noble posture and possessed an educated eloquence, which many in the Zexen League Militaire tried to pull of to varying degrees of success. "So you are the newly awakened pilot I was sent are you not?" he asked, smiling lightly. "I've been meaning to have a sit down with you."

Aden jumped to attention saluting him. "Sir?"

"Be calm my young friend," Darius said jokingly, waving Aden's arms down. "I wonder…" he nodded sagely. "How long have you been with us exactly? The Zexen?"

"Uhh…A few weeks Sir? Is something wrong?" Aden managed to get out. Aden felt an odd reaction from Darius Alexander's presence. He ruled it as awe or intimidation but was not exactly sure if that was what he was feeling. Something about him…

"I see, so they commissioned you rather quickly did they? I sometimes have reason to wonder… about the sanity of my fellow Templar. They must have high hopes for you." Darius said, seriously considering the matter, his hand supporting his chin. "That means you'll need a lot of work. Things are going to get very complicated very soon as well. And you are probably still unsure about your tenure in the Zexen Loyal Militaire, correct?"

Aden looked down at the floor for a second. "That would be accurate Sir."

"Understandable... I guess it can be a bit confusing at first, especially for one that has not grown up in our… society," Darius said.

"More than a bit sir," Aden added tentatively yet spreading his arms out to take in the suit and the large bay. "I feel undeserving of all this. How can all of you even trust a person like me? I used to be Federation."

Darius nodded putting a reassuring and yet strong grip on the young boy's shoulder. "Don't worry Aden, as you can guess, we Zexen do things a bit differently. Where you come from doesn't matter my friend. For you see Aden…we are special, you and I. As such we are afforded privileges in Zexen society, many responsibilities as well. I know it is hard to understand now but you will see after awhile."

Darius had that right at least, Aden was even more bewildered now than before.

"Look Aden, I can tell you are on the edge here. Though I may seem a bit aloof sometimes, I assure you I do not take your placement here any less seriously. I just have a lot on my mind right now. Things that must be focused on. But trust me, you are a priority of equal import." Darius said, voice filled with concern, almost apologetic.

"I am not sure why you would be worrying about one soldier out of hundred." Aden responded to Darius' odd statements.

Darius sighed, pressing a hand to his face. "I keep forgetting how raw you are. There is much to explain but not really a lot of time to do it." He paused and checked his chrono again. "We have some time. About three hours before we are in position. I want you to go take a break. Re-review the Mission details and your assignments. Then maybe catch some Zs."

"Hope I don't get in trouble for this, but I am not sure if I will be able to follow that order Sir," added Aden, trying to use humor to cover his dread. His small smile looked like it could crumble at any second.

"Well it is good to see you have some ability to laugh yet. I was a wreck my first time as well." Darius smiled back at him. "But I am serious, the ability to steal sleep whenever you can is a critical one in our profession. Look, try to keep busy to take your mind off things; I will meet you back here before launch." Darius threw up a hasty salute then walked not more than a few steps before being hailed by some other subordinate on an issue of importance. Aden found that he agreed with Darius, perhaps he needed to get away from the activity for a moment. Calm his nerves. Who am I fooling, he thought.

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The young soldier wandered the ship for a while trying to follow the Lord Captain's advice. He chatted idly with a few soldiers who saluted him when he left. Behavior that still unsettled him. He then ended up in one of the ships observation lounges after a while.

Aden tried to study the mission again using his datapad, a small portable computer, but found himself staring out of the observation window. He sat watching the stars twinkle, Mobile Suits on fly by, and Zexen capital ships form up outside the large window….

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Aden awoke with a start. Worriedly checking his watch, he confirmed that only 90 minutes had passed. He quickly realized that he was ok, and the bile in his stomach dissipated just as quickly. He breathed out a big sigh of relief, but it was at this moment he noticed he was not the only one in the lounge.

"You must have nerves of steel, I can never sleep before a mission," said a woman's strong voice.

Aden looked up, trying to keep embarrassment from his face. He then noticed the trim woman with red orange hair sitting a few seats down from him. Much closer to the viewport. The woman's normal suit helmet hung back behind her, red hair clipped in a twist behind her head. She stared out of the viewport window with a sort of casual pensive expression on her face. He could tell she was very physically fit, even through her blue, black, and white normal suit. She was a Mobile Suit pilot, but also a warrior.

"Not really intentional," Aden blushed. He threw her a salute, "Lt. Aden Anon, Sir."

She looked back from her reverie; an eyebrow arced on her face. She nodded then casually slid an arm off the seat and down Aden's way, nonchalantly shaking his hand. " That should be the other way around Sir Lieutenant." She shrugged. "Master Chief Jean Sanders." She slowly looked him up and down then turned back to her window watching. There was quiet for a while, only an intercom announcement breaking the silence.

"I see you invaded my little paradise." She said finally, still staring out of the viewport. "Usually there's not a soul to be found in here before missions. My own little sanctuary."

"I am sorry I bothered you." Aden apologized.

"You where no bother," she said with a calm yet strong voice. A bit monotone. "You sleep rather peacefully," she told him. "Sort of reminded me of my young son..." At that she turned from the window, finally diverting her full attention to him.

"You're the new one," she said, in a matter of fact manner. "Darius' next young squire."

"How did you know that Master Chief?" Aden mused.

"Just call me Jean." She interrupted Aden. Staring impassively into his eyes. " And I can tell by your eyes... Though don't worry you hide it better than you know."

Aden nodded his thanks to her.

"Besides Darius told me about you," Jean said, with what might be some sort of smile. Aden noticed that she was one of the only people he ever heard call the Lord Captain by his first name. She must know him well. Or maybe she is just the informal type. Still, pretty bold from what I have seen of the Zexen. "Yeah this must be quite the load for you," she said rather blandly. As her speech had been during the whole of the conversation. For some reason Aden felt as if she had no emotion to project into her own words.

"I came here trying to sort a lot of it out." He admitted, shrugging, "I guess I worried myself to sleep."

"And you run into me, huh." She shrugged too. "Knowing Darius, he would consider this more than a coincidence," she said shaking her head. "Thrust into the fires of war. A young plebe fresh from brainwashing at Boot." she stated, as if trying to mock Darius sometimes poetic speech, her flat voice didn't help with the impression. She stopped for a minute, reconsidering. "Or in your case that would be Anointment, I guess." She shrugged again.

"Pardon?" Aden asked, catching on to the stressing of anointment.

"You are like Darius. An elite. Or so they like to believe." Jean said. But Aden couldn't detect any vehemence or sarcasm in her emotionless words.

"Who are 'they' exactly?" he pondered.

"The Templars," she answered, eyebrow arched.

"Oh, The Lord Captain mentioned as much, at least I think he did," Aden remarked, his face crumpled in puzzlement for a second. "I am still not that sure what it is all is about. Or what it has to do with me for that matter.. uh… Jean." Anointment? The Templars?

"Well don't worry about that stuff for now. I didn't think you were that green or I would not have brought it up."

"Focus on the present, not those worries. The coming battle only." She looked to space again for a moment then back to Aden. "I wouldn't worry about Darius either," she said. "He may be a firebrand, and sometimes too zealous for his own good, but he is one of the best commanders we have. I have "watched" him for a while."

He realized in her odd indifferent way she was trying to ease his fears. She seemed somewhat intriguing. A bit too irregular to be your standard soldier. "And what about you. How long have you been with the Zexen?"

"This girl." She said indicating her self. 'This girl is just an old dog soldier. Nothing to see here young pup." She said with a small almost impossibly slight smile. It didn't seem too usual a thing for her to do.

She motioned to get up but Aden was still interested. "You said you had a son, how old is he."

At the instant she heard Aden's question she perceivably locked up. Jean sat rigidly still for a long moment, almost as if she had frozen solid. Aden feared that he might have overstepped himself.

"He would have been 12 years old." Jean whispered. The impact of that admission opening wide Aden's young eyes. The import of what it meant slamming home.

There was a long awkward pause before she said anything again but Aden gave her his attention and patience. "It was a federation offensive. An attack on the Zexen's home Side. Preemptive…" She answered, though the question had not been asked. Her muscles tensed for a short moment, and then thankfully relaxed again…a little. This provided Aden with some relief. She then motioned to stand up again.

And though outwardly she did not change, Aden could tell something was different in her. He…felt...a change in her presence. Just from what he heard in Jean's words. The first hints of emotion pouring from her. What escaped from that calm and cool exterior though was actually tortured and pained. He realized then that there was a maelstrom hiding behind the quiet front of Jean Sanders.

Aden didn't try to be trite with her. He only asked, "Is that why you fight?" His gaze as supportive and intense as her admission. She only nodded, then looked out of the viewport again for sometime before moving for the exit. As she left she turned once more to face Aden. "That face just then… you really do remind me of my son." Aden saluted her as she left him alone again. Alone to ponder on his own nebulous reasons for fighting.

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All around him the frantic noise of the Mobile Suit bay seemed to have doubled. Increasing again and again as the time got closer to launch. Aden stood there for the longest time staring at his Rahja, deciding whether to go mount up.

"You look how I feel," said a young voice. Aden turned to see a wide smile greet him. A young female soldier also in her combat normalsuit. Her face was all smile, not necessarily beautiful but still attractive with its strong piercing features. Aden couldn't place her ethnicity though, but her tan skin and features seemed to hint at South American origins.

"Yeah. I don't know... For a second I considered running out of here. I am more afraid of letting everyone down though," he blushed when he realized he had spoken that aloud. Shrugged then extended his hand "Lt. Anon."

Now it was her turn to blush a bit. "Ensign Cruz, Chelsea. Sir Lieutenant," she said jumping to attention. "I didn't know who I was talking too. I'm sorry."

Aden sighed heavily and waved her hands down, looking over his shoulders to see if anyone was looking in their direction. "Not you too? And why are your eyes like that," he said noticing her open eyes, full of surprise.

"I just didn't expect one of your kind to say something like that."

Aden sighed again, getting tired of this reaction. Though he did offer a smile lest he sadden her "... What my doubts? Look I'm no officer; I'm just a nervous soldier like you. Heck you probably have more experience than me."

The young ensign was a little shocked to hear such an admission, admittedly that thought had never occurred to her. "This would be my third sortie Sir Lieutenant."

"See there you have it." Aden said cheering her on. "I have only been in one engagement. And this is my first mission for the Zexen too."

"But... I have never been involved in something this big..." she said shrugging nervously. Aden nodded, he didn't envy her. Aden's first mission had been a large battle. He still had the nightmares to keep him up at night; he felt it unwise to tell her that in this situation.

"You survived three, that's an incredible feat in this type of war." Aden said with admiration, and realized that it was a true. "I'd say that is pretty damn impressive," Aden said genuinely. "I could only hope to make it past three without making a fool of myself."

"I doubt you'd make more of a fool of yourself than I could," she said, finally smiling a little bit.

Aden shook his head smiling as well. "Hey lets not try to out do each other in states of nervousness here. You'll do fine."

"That she will," came the familiar voice.

Darius was there suddenly walking past him. Both Aden and Ensign Cruz saluted instantly.

"I have faith in both of you. Lt. Anon. Thank you for encouraging the Ensign." He said, turning and placing a hand on the Lieutenant's shoulder. "I have seen her in battle myself." the Lord Captain said turning to Ensign Cruz. "I am also sure she will do well. Ensign it is time to suit up so you'd best hurry. I need a moment to speak to the young Lieutenant here."

She saluted him and quickly headed off to her dark blue Ramza that stood by Aden's Mobile Suit.

"Hey Ensign! I bet you will be great out there! Good Luck!" Aden thought to yell after her. She stopped mid stride and nodded though she did not turn around. She jumped off the deck to board her suit.

"Good job Anon. Already you take to the role of Officer." Darius praised him.

"Well it is easier to help with another's problems than deal with your own. I guess. I've been that way before."

"Are you ready?" Darius asked him.

"Not going to get any more than I am now sir. In fact I was going to mount up on my suit ... I guess I forgot you wanted to meet me again. I figured you may be too busy anyway."

"I try to keep my word my young charge." The man looked up at the new Rahja and smiled. "A fine Mobile Suit. Good."

Aden payed full attention to Darius then. This time the Lord Captain was dressed in his normal suit, of dark blue, black, and white trim. To Aden he looked ready to ride into battle like some old historical warrior. But instead of the ornate command swords carried by the other commanders Aden saw, Darius Alexander sported an ancient Japanese styled sword. Sheathed at his hip.

"This old model Rahja should serve you well…"

"Old sir?" Aden was definitely a little shocked; Darius Alexander must be more connected than he knew if the man considered the Rahja an "old" model. They had just been phased into service several months earlier and were still relatively rare. Federation pilots had learned to fear them rather quickly. Aden definitely had.

" I remember my first Rahja, well… It was the first time I received… " Darius paused looking at Aden's neck for a long few seconds before nodding. " I see, you have not even undergone the integration process yet, I feared as much" he said rubbing absently behind his own, neck smiling. "You won't be able to fully utilize our MS until you do. I hoped that they would at least have done that before shipping you to me." He sighed. "Can't be helped now though," he said, holding his chin in thought.

"Truthfully Sir, I am a bit wary of the process." Aden answered the man honestly.

"Once you see what we can do, you'll change your outlook. Besides its rather…mandatory." Darius said firmly, though not in a threatening manner. "Sooner or latter you will have to get one if you want to excel here."

Aden remained quiet, taking that under consideration, nodding. "I understand…"

"Don't worry it isn't as invasive as you would think, much better than earlier processes. It will effect your life greatly though." Darius said rubbing the back of his neck again. "You will be fine for now though. Our engineers were very wise in keeping an old style control system installed in case the hot interface equipment was damaged in battle. You will still be able to pilot it the old way no problem," he mused. "This Rahja will serve you well."

Aden nodded nervously. The "integration" process was big on the rumor mill when he was with the Federation. It was the so-called "hot interface" that gave the Zexen Mobile Suits and their pilots their strange capabilities. It was very hard to explain how they did what they did. Part of Aden was actually curious to find out, which warred with his fear of the unknown procedure.

"I will do my best sir. I don't understand all of this yet but I hope to do my best." Aden said, hoping he sounded surer of himself than actually was. He was just too distracted, everything was moving ahead too fast…and he felt…he didn't know what he felt. Something in the background on the tip of his brain.

"Sir everything is ready, we await your orders," said a familiar and emotionless voice. Aden turned to see Master Chief Jean saluting them. Aden hoped he kept the surprise from his face.

"Aden this is my right-hand woman, and most ferocious soldier Master Chief Jean Sanders." Darius introduced with a proud smile. Knowing what he did just from his short conversation with her Aden didn't doubt that statement.

"We've meet sir." Aden said, eliciting a nod from Jean. He looked down a bit, fearing the color rising in his cheeks.

The Lord Captain only smiled broadly, like he already knew, or even expected it to happen. He then accepted a small datapad from the Master Chief. Studying it intently and whispering a few words to Jean. "Tell the Captain, we are ready. I'll be suiting up shortly," the Lord Captain said. Jean nodded, saluted sharply, saluted Aden as well, and then moved off to her duties.

"Don't worry young Aden, you will fare well." Darius said as if sensing his mood. Alarms flashed in the Mobile Suit bay and alerts sounded over the intercom almost drowning out Darius' words. The last of the Mobile Suit pilots were running to get in their Mobile Suits. The Ship was ready for battle.

Aden's heart pounded louder in his chest. "Trust in me, I will show you the way," Darius asked of him suddenly. His tone solemn, reassuring. This sent a strange shock through Aden, and that odd sensation he got from Darius seemed to increase again, an electric buzz… "I'll show you of our ways Aden, of your potential, of the Templar, of enlightenment."

They both stood their staring at each other, for a short time that seemed to stretch out to infinite. A moment between them. A Knight and his new Squire.

"Better suit up, I would hate to leave you behind." Darius finally said, giving the younger man a little bow. He then started to make his way towards his own Mobile Suit but he stopped and looked at Aden strangely, as if looking far away and at him simultaneously. "You can feel it already can you not? You can feel many things…" he asked. "Though you don't understand it yet."

"The gathering of focus, of wills... congealing together…" Darius said, his voice almost a whisper.

Oddly, and though Darius' words made no logical sense, Aden understood him…felt it really. " I can…." he spoke aloud mostly to himself.

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The dark-blue and red Rahja rose up from the elevator and Aden was blessed with the gorgeous view of deep space. The Arbelisk taskforce's ships floated nearby. A ship of the Ahm class, a Miranda class, and a Berdan class Mobile Suit Carrier, little brother to the Arbelisk. Aden could see other mobile suits ready to launch on the decks of the other ships. Off further in the distance were other taskforce fleets. Aden was amazed. He had read the reports and realized it was a big operation. But until now, when he finally saw the reality of the forces assembled he realized he hadn't truly grasped it.

He looked over and spotted Lord Captain Darius's Mobile Suit, the Arjun. It was magnificent Aden thought as he admired the lines of the Mobile Suit. It sported a larger frame than Zexen norm. But bristled with weaponry, vernier, and pylon. It looked fairly totemic, an ancient war god. So that is Lord Captain Darius' Mobile Suit, he whistled. A custom command version for Templar. A newtype-use Mobile Suit. It was utterly ferocious to Aden's eye. Darius's Mobile Suit turned and nodded at him, a distinctly human expression, then Aden's comm. unit crackled to life.

"Remember Aden, in battle do not worry, just trust in me." Lord Captain Darius' voice greeted him, slightly distorted, more mechanical than he expected. Though no less full of import. He noticed the Lord Captain's presence again for a moment. "I will show you the way." Then silence, as a bright light drew his attention to the starscape as if punctuating the Lord Captain's words.

The light reflected brilliantly off of a nearby colony, already enlarging in Aden's field of view. A few other colonies could be seen nearby. And little sparks of light reflected the location of…..enemies. Even the Earth was somewhat visible, a bright sun in the sky. If not for the approaching battle it would be a truly breathtaking sight.

This moment elicited memories that Aden hadn't thought of for some time. Namely his fond his times with his old love. She was always talking of such things, of exploring the solar system. She would have loved it had she been here. Under different circumstances of course... It made his heart flutter to remember her. He prayed she was well. He hoped that she did not despise him for what he did to her back then. Aden also hoped she wouldn't hate him because of what he had decided to do with the Zexen. Perhaps even…he could return and sweep her off her feet once he made something of himself. Perhaps….

"Sir Lieutenant Anon," his comm. spoke again thought he hadn't heard it the first time. "Status sir? Are you ready?"

"Oh right sorry," he said aloud, ending his reverie. "This is Lieutenant Anon, I am ready for launch," Aden said embarrassed.

"No problem sir!" said the melodic voice of the comm. officer.

Lord Captain Darius's voice then boomed over the operation channel seconds later. "All Mobile Suits deploy! Form on me!"

The four MS on the deck of the massive ship launched. Two from the port launch catapults and two from the starboard side catapults.

Aden smiled as the Rahja obeyed his commands; he directed it and it smoothly moved to followed behind the Lord Captain's Arjun. His Mobile Suit's movements were a bit more "stiff" than the others though. Space around him was illuminated in a brilliant display as all the Mobile Suits from the Arbelisk taskforce, and the other fleet groups, began to enter into space and form battle squadrons. Aden saw Ramzas, Masads, and a few more Rahjas gather around him. The 60 or so suits making up this taskforce. He noted Master Chief Sander's black and blood-red trim Masad form up beside him.

The Arjun moved ahead of the group. It turned fluidly to gaze at the assembled Mobile Suits floating in formation before it.

Lord Captain Darius' voice greeted his forces. "I do not need to remind you my soldiers, but follow the battle plan and do not get too…overanxious. It is as simple as that."

"Though the fleets of the Federation are no match for our valiant forces, they are wounded. And we all know that a wounded animal is a dangerous one." Darius's voice warned. "Especially one backed into a corner."

"They are now where we once were.…" His voice trailed, as the Arjun boosted a bit to correct its drift. The light it cast on the Suit and the colony that silhouetted it added somewhat to Darius's warning. It gave the Mobile Suit an eerie glow for a second.

"Also I would add, please try your best to supplant damage to civilian targets and the Colonies themselves. Especially you Hershal."

Laughter filled the comm. drowning out Lt. Hershal's rebuttal. "But seriously men, it is only the Federation that is our enemy," Darius continued, " The colonies must be left to see that our way is right and that we are here to help them ascend with us."

That said his Mobile Suit held its beamrifle up high in a salute, igniting its "beam lance." The gorgeous beam energy jetted out from his rifle in the shape of a long lance like blade. The other Zexen suits mirrored his Mobile Suit igniting their lances as well.

"My honored soldiers and vassals let us find enlightenment in battle always! Victory is ours if this is true!" He bellowed, and Aden felt the thunder in his emotion.

"Prepare Federation!" He said, almost raving it seemed. " For we shall bring forth the very Fury of our souls upon you!"

"Hai!" his soldiers responded. Aden was taken aback at the display. It was as if the energy of these soldiers was a tangible thing. It revitalized him and alleviated some of his fears. Though it worried him as well. The Lord Captain's ability to go from joking reassurance to zealous fire, what did that say about the man? Aden couldn't doubt the man's sincerity, not by what he felt of the man and his words. And the Zexen in general…

At that moment a brilliant flare shot into the sky somewhere from the main fleet. The High-Admiral had signaled the beginning of active operation. At that a large "beam flag" sprouted from the back of Lord Captain Darius' Mobile Suit, displaying the Zexen standard. Aden remembered reading that years back Cosmo Babylonia pilots followed a similar practice. And though it made the command personnel prime targets, such was the pageantry of the Zexen Loyal Militaire.

The Arjun's spectacular boosters flared brightly as it accelerated to attack speed. Darius led the charge to battle and his soldiers followed him, happily. With young Aden along for the ride. Beautiful strings of light spreading outwards, as if a flower in bloom. A thunderous storm of determination and desperation, of Man and Machine being loosed upon an enemy.

Operation Channelside had begun in earnest.

So how did I come up with this?
It is tradition for me to start off with an introductory ramble on my stories but I decided to put it at the end instead. I just like to discuss a few things. What the story is about, my goals, hopes, dreams, influences, and motivations for this story. Just to give you a feel of what I am trying to accomplish.

Well I am Tsavong Lah, long time Gundam Fan. I have been one since I first saw 0083 Stardust Memory so long ago. So far I have watched a lot of Gundam including Victory, some Turn-A, even the new stuff SEED, and Destiny. I thoroughly love it! I have not had a chance to watch Zeta yet though (Accursed $200 box sets!). I enjoy UC Gundam a lot, and it is my favorite era, but I don't discriminate. Gundam as a whole is too good for that. In fact G-Gundam is one of my favorite animes.

I have wanted to do some Gundam fanfiction for quite sometime. Some form of Gundam. I think what really turned me onto fanfiction can be attributed to the fictions posted back on Gundamwatch way back when I was first getting into the fan community. I have a few fics and shorts I have worked on, and one other fiction posted here. I believe the first stirring of this story came about when I saw Char's Counterattack for the first time. What an experience that was! It was a beautiful movie. First and foremost I am a Space Opera fan, and that movie definitely catered to my sensibilities. Large fleet versus fleet battles, heroic actions, strategic operations, political intrigue, machinations of superpowers. I have found only a few shows in anime that can please me on that level. Shows like Legend of Galactic Heroes, Gundam, and Crest/Banner of the Stars, the Honor Harrington books. I knew I had to dabble a in this. It took me longer than a year to finally get started on this idea and I have been working on it off and on for a while now. I sometimes wondered if my crazy ideas would even make it to the page, but then the pieces fell into place, and I realized I might have a shot at it. What did I have to loose?

First and foremost I knew I had to do a UC story. Because of the themes involved and the setting that I love. But with what I wanted to do, I knew that I would not be able to do a side story from established shows. Another thing I would have to do is find a time period to put this story in, thus relegating it to the more "future" UC eras. There are many reasons for this.

One of my main reasons is that in fanfiction I never liked using characters from the actual animes. I feel I could never do them credit. Thus if I do fiction set in a particular anime it is always with my own characters and events in the background or away from animated events. This also gives me creative freedom in a lot of ways. I knew I wanted to do something on a large scale, much like a true Gundam series, with all the fixings. That is what MSG:E&I is basically, a totally new Gundam "series." I wanted to try some new things for Gundam, while keeping true to the source material. I definitely wanted to try and explore the more "mystical" aspects of Gundam as well. Also as an added benefit I wouldn't be stepping on the toes of the other series. I am a strong fan but not too knowledgeable about all the little details in Gundam that can trip a writer up. I'm not a UC scholar, but I will at least do research as to not come off as a total fool…I hope. The military aspects were a bit daunting to me as well, since I am not too familiar with things like fleet divisions, mobile suit battalion compliments, military etiquette. Liking that type of stuff and actually knowing how to implement it is tough! I had to work on that. Hopefully it won't hinder me too much.

This story is really a homage to Mobile Suit Gundam. A tribute to MSG and its predecessors. So expect to see many themes from those shows. Ones we always know and expect from Gundam. I drew inspiration for ideas from everywhere. My biggest inspiration was, of course, Char's Counterattack (in fact I watched it frequently during my brainstorming and writing of this story). Another big influence is F91 Gundam (The great series that never was to be. This was watched constantly as well). Cosmo Babylonia really influenced the shape of my main oppositional forces. Victory Gundam did as well. I definitely drew ideas from Gundam SEED. (Hey, I found that many of the themes in the show were pretty good, such as the Athrun /Kira rivalry and friendship). Inspiration was also taken from World War II, The Crusades, and Jovian Chronicles.

This is definitely not a black and white, good versus evil story. I do want to explore the gray areas of a war in due time. The politics of the nations in the Solar System. From the perspectives of the people fighting at the front and far from it. From multiple sides. All while focusing on a destination for the plot. This is all big talk, I know. I just hope I can pull off some of these ideas. I don't consider myself anywhere near a big time writer, sheesh I can't say I am a skilled fanfic vet yet. I just have big ideas. It should be fun, at the least, to see if I could get them to work.

These first prologues, I wrote a while back. I think my skills have improved a bit after all this time. I have rewritten these multiple times to get them where they are now. I think I am satisfied. Took me a while just figuring out how to intro into the story, whew. (Always the hardest part of starting new fiction for me). Now I will be rewriting the first 3 chapters and then onto the new stuff I have plotted. I work a lot, but I am dedicated to working on this. Though updates might be a little far in coming (I find the construction industry is rather volatile and sapping at times). But here you go..

OK? Decent? Over the top? Let me know what you think..