Gundam SEED C.E. 79
The Canberra Assault
As the plane approached the Canberra Earth Federation base, Cagalli began to feel uneasy. Ashley noticed the look of uneasiness on Cagalli and asked, "Cagalli, are you alright?"
"...Just suddenly... I've started to feel sick in my stomach," Cagalli answered drearily as she turned to look out the plane window. When she did, her eyes opened wide with anxiety. A large black smoke could be seen in the distance... that black smoke could only mean one thing – the base at Canberra was under attack. After coming to such a conclusion, Cagalli stood up and marched down the aisle way towards the cockpit. Ashley, startled by Cagalli's sudden take of action, jumped up and followed her.
"W-wait a minute, Cagalli, you can't just go up to the pilots cockpit like this – this IS a commercial airliner you know?"
"...Canberra is under attack, if I don't notify the pilot personally, there is no way to prevent a panic on board. If I can at least let him know privately... then at least we can land outside of Canberra... where it's safer."
Just as Cagalli turned to put her hand on the cockpit door, Ashley grabbed her arm, "Wait a minute," he said, "What are you talking about? How do you know Canberra is under attack?"
"I saw smoke in the distance..."
"Yeah, so what – that could mean anything – it doesn't necessarily mean that Canberra is under attack."
"It's not just the black smoke, Ash... the uneasiness in my stomach – it must stem from what's going on in Canberra... now please, let me go-I have to warn the pilot," Cagalli retorted with an intensity Ashley hadn't seen before. In response, he let loose his grip on Cagalli's arm and nodded.
Once opening the cockpit door, the air Marshall immediately confronted Cagalli, "What seems to be the problem?"
"You have to land this plane right now! If you keep heading towards Canberra, we're going to land right in the middle of a war zone!"
"What is this-some kind of trick?" The air Marshall replied.
"You think I'd make this up?" Cagalli vigorously exclaimed.
"Air Marshall, sir... I've checked with Control... it seems she's right. The Canberra military base is under siege by an unknown enemy... it's believed to be the Zodiac Empire!" The co-pilot interjected.
"...Very well... Well, Miss...?"
"Cagalli. Cagalli Yula Athha."
"Y-you're the President of the ORB Union?"
"That's right... but that's irrelevant right now. What matters is that we safeguard the passengers of this aircraft, but it's also imperative that we land within traveling distance to the base."
The pilot, who was keeping his silence, interjected his opinion, "Are you outta your friggin' mind, lady? You just had us confirm that base was bein' attacked by those extremist Zodiac Imperialists... and YOU want me to land this plane-which is full of civilians, mind you-in the outskirts of a battle zone! There ain't no way in hell, sister... no way in hell-Hey! Just what are you—"
Having noticed at the last moment, the pilot noticed that Cagalli had removed a jacket from an unlocked locker that was near the cockpit door entrance. The vest jacket that Cagalli had removed was none other than the pilots parachute which he had in case he had to make a jump at an extreme high altitude... Cagalli started to put on the parachute vest jacket.
"...If you're not going to land near Canberra, then you leave me no choice but to jump—"
"Are you outta yer friggin' mind? We're way too high for you to be opening up the air hatch—"
"Either land the plan, near Canberra-safely out of the war zone... or I take my chances with my life and everyone else's – because I absolutely refuse to sit idly by while the Empire decimates one of the Earth Federations key military installations AND as a direct result places a severe endangerment on each and everyone of Australia's civilians... because if you haven't heard – Naturals are considered a weak existence that must be 'phased out' of humanity... at least, according to the Zodiac Empire..." Cagalli replied firmly. Her voice didn't falter and the intensity of her eyes was almost intoxicating towards the pilot.
After weighing what Cagalli had said, the Pilot responded, "...Alright, little lady. You win, I'll take 'er down a mile outside of Canberra. I sure hope you can run a good mile – 'cause that's the closest I'm getting."
"That's good enough. I can't thank you enough."
"Honestly... keep yer thanks fer someone who wants it..." grumbled the pilot before he took hold of the radio, "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is yer captain speakin'... I'm goin' to be makin' an emergency landin' on the outskirts o' Canberra. Please remain calm and I'll personally assure you that you'll get back safe and sound..."
After the pilot landed the plane, Cagalli was descending the stairs to the surface below. Ashley was following in tow, "Wait a minute, Cagalli!" He rushed up behind Cagalli, however, failed to notice she stopped walking and bumped into her back.
"...Stay here, Ash."
"What? Why? I came this far with you – I can't just let you go alone. What if you needed help and I wasn't there?"
"...And what would you do?" Cagalli looked back, her gaze pierced into Ashley's, "Have you even piloted a mobile suit, let alone fought in a life or death situation?"
"...Now that's not fair, Cagalli..." Ashley replied, his voice crackled and was filled with dejection.
"...You're right...Ash. It's not. Now I'm going to go now – DON'T follow me. ...If I don't come back in an hour – tell the pilot to take off and return to Perth. Is that clear?"
"..." Ashley didn't respond, instead he pulled out the band that held his hair back – letting his long black hair down. His bangs covered his eyes as he spoke – not as a brashly or with impulse... but solemnly. And even though he was young and completely green... his words would impress Cagalli...
"...You heard about my father, right? Of course you did – I know Cam told you."
"...Yes, I heard he died during the war 5 years ago..."
"...He did. The last time I saw him, before he deployed... he told me, "In this life, there comes a time when a man must fight. There doesn't have to be a defining reason for why he fights, but what matters most is that he fights for what he feels is right. Ideals are just empty reasons to wage war... but when you believe that you're doing the right thing for the greater benefit of the whole of mankind – then by God, son, you know that you have no choice but to fight." And that's why... you have to take me with you, Cagalli. Not just because I want to... but because I feel I must. I came with you this far... please, let me come with you, Cagalli..."
As Ashley spoke with solemn resolve, Cagalli seemingly understood his words and placed her hands on his shoulders, "I must apologize, Ash... I was being selfish. You can come along, but you must promise me that you'll stay by me at all times... If something were to happen to you... I could never face your Mother and Sister. .."
"I promise, Cagalli. I won't take any unnecessary risks... I just want to do the right thing."
A half smile spread across Cagalli's face, "Well, I'm glad to hear that... come on, let's go."
"Right!" Ashley exclaimed.
Being a mile away from the battle that was currently being fought in the Canberra base, Cagalli and Ashley proceeded to run towards the war zone...
...Once Cagalli and Ashley had arrived at Canberra, the southwest guard tower exploded after a large bazooka shell made a direct hit. Cagalli grabbed Ashley and hit the ground immediately to avoid being hit by stray fragments of debris.
"You have to keep your eyes open at all times... from this point on, Ash, it's going to get even more dangerous. Stay close and follow me."
Remaining silent, Ashley merely nodded in acknowledgment.
The Canberra Earth Federation forces clearly didn't seem prepared in the least for an assault. With only a handful of operating Windams, the Earth Federation was at a clear disadvantage. The Zodiac Empire not only had them outnumbered with a force doubling Canberra's, their advance force was comprised of new mobile suit models – Gelgoogs. As Cagalli and Ashley emerged inside the war torn remnants of the Canberra base, they saw the devastation that had occurred. Only five Windams remained as part of the Canberra Earth Federation Defense Force (E.F.D.F.). The Zodiac Gelgoog squadron was nine mobile suits strong and with it was an unknown mobile suit.
This unknown mobile suit was one of the Zodiac Empire's Gear Frames. A Gear Frame, unlike a conventional Mobile Suit, is powered by highly experimental power. Power forged and harnessed from mysterious relics found far beyond the asteroid belt, in the depths of our solar system...
Cagalli had never seen a mobile suit of it's likeness before and was baffled upon seeing something of it's nature with her own eyes. The mysterious gear frame had a predominately black color scheme trimmed with crimson near it's vernier boosters and an indigo trim near it's arms, legs, and feet. With the Gelgoogs spear heading the assault, the black gear frame remained in the rear as if it was merely observing the battle.
"You two! Identify yourselves!" A stern man's voice could be heard from behind. Cagalli and Ashley both raised their hands and turned around slowly, "We're not with the Zodiac Empire," Cagalli replied, "We're here to help – I am Cagalli Yula Athha, President of the Orb Union."
"Cagalli Yula Athha...and...Ashley Rosi – is that you?"
"Lieutenant Bartlett?"
"Ash, it IS you! Jesus boy, how the hell did you get yourself into this war zone? ...Well, I suppose that's none of my business," Lieutenant Bartlett said, turning to Cagalli, "You said you're Orb's Commander in Chief... it's a shame what happened to that great country... there's still one mobile suit left in our underground hangar... but none of our pilots are skilled enough to pilot it."
Meanwhile, one of the Gelgoog units attacked a damaged Windam unit. Slashing it's left arm and leg off, the Windam was rendered ineffective. Following up on it's attack, the Gelgoog pierced the Windam cockpit with it's beam sword – destroying the mobile suit and killing the pilot.
Another Windam was being triple teamed by three Gelgoog units. As it's legs were sliced clean off due to a pincer attack executed by two Gelgoog units, the third Gelgoog unit blasted the Windam in the head unit with it's blaster. The blaster shots were dead on, obliterating the head unit of the Windam. With it's main camera's out, the Windam was merely a sitting duck. All three Gelgoog units converged and each pierced the Windam's cockpit with their beam swords-annihilating the pilot, followed by the explosion of the Windam unit.
"Bastards!" Lieutenant Bartlett screamed with rage, "Come on, Cagalli! We don't have any time to lose – follow me and I'll lead you to our single, last remaining mobile suit!"
"Right! Come on, Ash, let's go!" Cagalli added, as she followed Lieutenant Bartlett towards a partially destroyed hangar near the northwest end of the base. Once inside, Lieutenant Bartlett quickly input an 8-digit code which opened up an air raid shelter entrance. After descending into the underground section of the base... Cagalli's eyes locked onto the mobile suit that stood before her. It was different than any mobile suit she had seen before... it's structure was sleeker and effeminate.
"I've never seen a model like this before... it doesn't look anything like any mobile suit I've ever seen before..."
"This is the C-1XP Gundam Vierge... before the fall of Martius-4, we managed to receive the plans for this model from our allied sympathizers who remained in the Plants even under Emperor Kayneth's totalitarian rule. Only just after the catastrophe of ORB, did we finally complete it. And now we're under attack... I'd imagine this is the reason why," Lieutenant Bartlett replied seriously, "Cagalli, I've heard a lot about ORB's Lioness who successfully lead her nation to prosperity after the 2nd Bloody Valentine conflict. The national symbol of ORB, the Akatsuki, which also marked ORB's legacy of gold during the that time period as well... I'm certain you'll be more than capable of piloting the Vierge, Cagalli Yula Athha!" Lieutenant finished, saluting Cagalli.
Cagalli placed her hand on the lieutenant's shoulder, "Please... I do not deserve your praise... I failed to protect my people in the end...the ORB Union is no more..."
"No, Cagalli!" Ashley exclaimed, finally interjecting himself. "That's not true!"
"...And how do you figure, Ash?"
"Because... As long as Cagalli Yula Athha exists...ORB will continue to exist! ORB's ideals live through you!"
Ashley's bold statement had taken Cagalli by complete surprise. Before she knew it, she had grabbed him and embraced him, "Oh Ashley... you have no idea how much that means to me... to hear those words...", Cagalli said with glossy eyes.
"C-cagalli..." Ashley stammered.
After breaking her embrace, Cagalli wipes her arm across her eyes. Composed, she turned towards the Vierge with a serious confidence that was unlike her attitude only a few moments ago. She ran up towards the Vierge and rode the pulley rope ladder up towards the cockpit. As she sat inside, the G.U.N.D.A.M. OS activated. Raising her head, Cagalli, visually in SEED mode, activated the Phase Shift armor, revealing the Vierge's primary colors of White and Rose.
"Cagalli Yula Athha. Gundam Vierge – launching!"
The Gundam Vierge launched up through a shaft, up to the surface. The moment it reached the surface, Cagalli activated the Vierge's AERODs. The AERODs, which were based off of the Gundam Providence's DRAGOON system, are small energy gun nozzles that can separate from the Vierge.
"Huh? Where did that mobile suit come from—AHHHHHHH!!"
The first shot from one of the Vierge's AERODs blasted a hole through the chest cavity of one of the enemy Gelgoog units. This had gotten the rest of the Gelgoog unit's attention, as they halted their assault against the three remaining Windams to focus solely on the Vierge. The black Gear Frame continued to stay vigilant, not moving an inch from where it had stood since the beginning of the assault on Canberra.
As Vierge's AERODs all began to fire at the enemy Gelgoogs, the Vierge boosted forward with incredible speed, shattering the sound barrier, extending it's wings-which projected beam blades. The Vierge cleaved the head units off of two of the Gelgoog units and halted immediately it's progression. Pulling out two beam sabers from it's hip, the Vierge pierced both Gelgoog units from behind through the chest cavities-destroying both units at once.
"W-what the hell is this thing? I've never seen a model like this before!!"
"It's like the Commander's Gear Frame! It's gotta be powered by a "Relic"! That's gotta be our mission objective right there! To retrieve it!"
"Are you out of your frickin' mind? How do we retrieve it when it's already been activated!"
"Enough talk!" Cagalli shouted, "If you value your lives... then I suggest you leave-NOW!"
"S-she's right! If we retreat, we'll still be alive! Let's go men! We've proved the Zodiac's might to these pathetic Earthen Naturals!"
Following the lead of the first of the remaining six Gelgoog mobile suits all started their retreat. As Cagalli watched the Gelgoog six retreat...she saw a massive energy-ether blast simply obliterate all six of the Gelgoogs in one single shot. Her eyes trailed to the source of the blast... the black Gear Frame, with smoke raising from it's huge buster rifle... At that moment, Cagalli felt a sensation coming from the black mobile suit. It was... a strong pressure unlike she had ever felt before.
"H-how could you do that to your own people?"
"...Still naïve, aren't you Cagalli... You could never understand war before... and you continue to misunderstand war now."
"What are you saying? Who are you?"
"..."
"Answer me!"
"I've no obligation to answer you, Cagalli... I strongly suggest you take a swift exit from the stage... because next time – I will not let you off with just a warning..."
Immediately following the man's cryptic warning, the black Gear Frame omitted a blinding light which forced Cagalli to cover her eyes... when the blinding pulse of the light died down... the black Gear Frame was no where to be found. Cagalli starred off into the distant sky as the sun was starting to set...as she passed into a deep unconscious state...
Chapter 4 Preview
What significance does the mysterious man who pilots the Black Gear Frame, Iblis, have to Cagalli? As Cagalli falls into a deep unconscious she is once again troubled by the terrors of her subconscious domain. The Gundam Vierge has proven to be a powerful Gundam indeed and over night becomes a beacon of hope for the scattered Earth Federation forces in Australia as they are continued to be held at the mercy of the brutal Zodiac Imperial attacking forces. Next time on Gundam SEED C.E. 79, "Tragedy at Perth". Nothing can compare to the pain of untimely loss.
Gundam Vierge Specs
Model Number: C-1XP
Code Name: Vierge
Unit Type: Prototype Attack Mobile suit
Manufacturer: Privateer Faction – Earth Federation
First Deployment: February C.E. 79
Accommodation: Pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Height: 15.229 meters
Weight: 11.016 tons (Dry) 15.876 (Loaded)
Power Source: Unknown; rumored to be mysterious Relic found in the depths of space
Equipment and Design Features: sensors, range unknown; Phase Shift armor; Neutron Jammer Canceler
Weapon Systems:
Vulcan Cannon (2) mounted in head
Animum Ether Response Offensive Drones (AERODs); based off the DRAGOONs, AERODs are stored under Vierge's vernier wings and rear stabilizer. These weapons can only be activated by those who have "The SEED". A Single AEROD shot usually incurs minor damage, however a pin-pointed shot can destroy a mobile suit. AEROD volleys are extremely deadly and can effectively eliminate multiple enemy units at once.
Beam Saber x2; located on each hip of Vierge, these beam sabers can be used in each hand or connected together to be used as a Double Bladed Beam Saber "Lacerta".
Pilot: Cagalli Yula Athha
Additional Info: Vierge is an elite Gear Frame Gundam, conceptualized by the Zodiac Empire in January C.E. 79. It's blueprint was stolen by the ZAFT Rebel Alliance and transferred to the Earth Federation forces just moments before being crushed at Martius-4. The Rebel Alliance was able to delete the data after transferring it to the Earth Federation, thus preventing the Zodiac Empire from being able to complete the Gundam. A Privateer Faction affiliated with the Earth Federation on Earth was responsible for constructing the Vierge Gundam following the data provided to them. While mainly rose in color, Vierge sports a white trim. Vierge's size and frame have been drastically reduced to minimize weight, however, despite it's fragile appearance, it is very powerful, and quite durable to punishment.
