Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legacy – Gundam Invasion
A Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Crossover
Chapter 6 – The White Zodiac
October 22, 2016 – NERV HQ
Misato was in the Command Center staring at the blank display screen in front of her. Her normal bridge crew were sitting at the stations in front of her while Ritsuko was going over loads of sensor data looking for any new wormholes, or the ones they knew already existed. Kaji was sitting down near Maya, looking at surveillance of the school courtesy of Section 2. Gendo and Fuyutsuki were absent, as they were dealing with SEELE's reaction to things. The bridge bunnies themselves were simply trying to stay occupied, as when things were quiet, they also happened to be dreadfully boring.
"So, anything yet?" Misato asked.
"Why are you so worried about it?" Ritsuko asked. "Wouldn't a lack of new wormholes be a good thing?"
"Well, no." Misato said. "But if you can get more data, you can figure out how to send those kids home where they belong."
"At the risk of all of our lives?" Ritsuko asked.
"Working at NERV involves taking your life into your hands every time you come to work." Misato said. "This is no different. Hell, we're probably more at risk while those wormholes are allowed to… wander or whatever, right?"
"I'm still not entirely sure if they move or not, or if each wormhole is for one use only." Ritsuko said. "There are too many variables, and two occurrences isn't enough data to give me any answers."
"But you are looking, aren't you?" Kaji asked.
"Of course I'm, looking." Ritsuko said. "Why would suggest that?"
"Oh, maybe all that fancy tech those Gundams have." Kaji said. "I mean, sure, all the improvements would make the Evangelions even more formidable, but do we really need that? The Evangelions are deadly enough as it is."
"Better weapons and defenses aren't a bad thing, Kaji." Ritsuko said scathingly.
"No, but keeping five kids here so you can research their tech is." Kaji countered.
"Look, given how the wormholes were created in the first place, it's impossible to know how to stop them right now." Ritsuko explained. "The MAGI are analyzing what little we have, but keep returning insufficient data errors."
"So, the catch is, we need more of these things to open up, but we don't want to risk more stuff coming through… especially if they're not the Gundam pilots' allies." Misato quipped. "Great, I love irony."
"Well, how come there isn't enough data?" Maya asked. "Our sensors got loads of it when the two wormholes opened up."
"The instances of those wormholes were too short to get more detailed readings." Ritsuko explained. "We need a wormhole that's open for at least 60 seconds to get in depth data we don't already have."
"Why do you need the in depth data?" Maya asked. "Shouldn't the stuff we have be enough?"
"It's just not enough about how the wormholes work." Ritsuko said. "Data dealing with how they stay stable is missing, as both of the ones we've seen were only open a few seconds."
"Fine… if you don't have enough data, if you get what you need, will you ever be able to figure out how to get them home?" Kaji asked.
"Most likely." Ritsuko said. "Once it's compared to the data of Unit–01 shooting that energy into the sky, I should be able to replicate and reverse the process."
"So, what happens if one of those wormholes opens up outside Tokyo–3?" Hyuga asked.
"We've modified the sensors our bases have around the world, and sent the program updates to the satellites and other monitoring stations that the U.N. maintains." Ritsuko explained. "Even if a wormhole opens in what's left of Antarctica, we'll know about it."
"I hope one doesn't open up there." Misato said. "How would we defend against that?"
"Not sure." Ritsuko said. "The Gundams could deploy however. They aren't limited by internal batteries like the Evangelions, and I'm sure their pilots are more than capable of intercepting anything."
"But how will we transport the Gundams?" Maya asked. "We don't have the infrastructure."
"The same transports we'd use for the Evangelions." Ritsuko said. "We just need some way to attach a cargo pod or something to carry one or two of them."
"Speaking of the pilots…" Misato asked. "How are they doing, Kaji? I haven't seen them since last week."
"Well, it seems like they're adjusting to life at school." Kaji said. "From the surveillance, it looks like they're as inattentive as our own pilots in that classroom."
"So, they're asleep?" Misato asked.
"Basically." Kaji said.
"Why are they asleep, they're at school?!" Ritsuko exclaimed. "They should be learning, not napping!"
"Well, have you ever listened to their teacher?" Kaji asked. "I have, out of curiosity… he drones on about life before Second Impact… every single damn day."
"That… sounds dreadful…" Ritsuko muttered.
"How is that man still teaching?" Aoba asked.
"How do some of them stay conscious?" Hyuga asked.
"Well… in a city like this, not many are keen on a job like that." Kaji said. "So, we let him teach how he teaches."
"So, he's all we could get." Misato said. "What about the other teachers?"
"Mostly retirees." Kaji said. "Some of them are quite good, but Shinji's class got the boring one. Not like they're missing anything, school was always boring."
"Kaji, what kind of example is that?" Misato asked.
"An honest one." Kaji said. "I don't blame them for not wanting to go, but it keeps them busy, and they can't sit around at home all day."
"You almost sound like a dad, Mr. Kaji." Maya said.
Kaji smiled. "Not quite."
"Well, dad or not, just don't let them hear you say that, or they'll never want to go to school again." Misato said.
"Yeah, don't worry." Kaji joked. "I'm a responsible adult."
"Sure you are." Misato joked.
"Colonel, I don't mean to interrupt, but I'm getting a message from the Cage." Maya said. "They've finished the power up test on Unit–02, the new power socket is installed, we're now back to two active Evangelions."
"Good, so at least if an Angel attacks our new power couple can go deal with it." Misato said with relief. "We'll have Asuka test it out to make sure it still works properly."
"Are you doubting the repairs?" Ritsuko asked.
"No, I just want to be ready in case anything happens." Misato paused. "Hmmm, usually when I say that, an alarm goes off or some other shit happens."
"Well, for once, I guess you didn't jinx it." Kaji joked.
Just then an alarm klaxon went off, signaling another alert, causing Misato to slap her forehead. "Son of a bitch!" Misato shouted. "What is it now?"
"Pattern Violet!" Hyuga reported. "Wormhole detected, 42 km southeast of the city… multiple targets detected… wormhole is still open."
"Can we get a visual?" Misato asked.
"Not yet, ma'am." Aoba said. "We have a survey drone in the area, I'm redirecting it."
"Good job, Aoba." Misato said.
"I'll go prep the Evangelions for launch." Ritsuko said.
"No, wait until we know what it is." Misato said. "Go to Level–3 battle stations. Set the AIS to hot standby."
"Is the wormhole still open?" Ritsuko asked.
"No, it closed… but we got a good 45 seconds of data." Maya reported.
"And the drone?" Misato asked.
"Drone is coming into range now…" Aoba said. "Visual on screen."
The main display lit up to show several large aircraft and several dozen flying Mobile Suits. Their legs were folded up into a flying configuration, and they were armed with missile pods and chain guns. The aircraft and Mobile Suits were all flying in formation, and all heading in the same direction. One of the Mobile Suits saw the drone and aimed one of its guns at it, cutting the feed off.
"Well… looks like they don't want to be watched." Misato said.
"Shame, I was interested in what was going to happen next." Kaji said.
"So, how many were there?" Misato asked.
"Well, I counted 24 of those flying things, and at least four of those transport planes." Kaji said. "At least I think I'm right."
"Spot on, sir." Hyuga said. "Sensors confirmed 24 flying Mobile Suits, and six transport planes. Looks like they all came through the wormhole."
"Where are they headed?" Misato asked.
"Not that we can't already guess." Kaji quipped.
"MAGI predict their heading for Tokyo–3 ma'am, 98% probability." Maya reported.
"Here's hoping for that 2% to finally come true." Kaji joked.
"I'm going to prep the Evangelions now." Ritsuko said.
"No, it's an air attack, there aren't any Angels, so we don't need the Evangelions for once." Misato said. "So… this is different."
"It looks like we'll finally have a fair fight without needing the Evangelions." Kaji said.
"Well, it's been a long time since we've an air battle over Japan too." Misato said.
"You mean the one where the nuke dropped a third time?" Hyuga asked.
"Yeah, that one." Misato replied.
"We just have to hope this battle goes better than that one." Kaji said.
"Well, if it helps, I don't think they have nukes." Aoba said. "No radiological alarms have gone off."
'Yeah, without a Shinji Ikari dying in the process…' Misato thought.
"Are you sure we don't need any of the pilots?" Ritsuko asked. "Not even the Gundam pilots? Is that wise?"
"No, for once, simple military strategy will win this battle." Misato said. "So… Level–1 battle stations, prepare for an air attack. Issue an order for everyone to find a shelter, and then have interceptors and VTOLs launch at once… hopefully we can keep the battle out of the city this time. Just in case, activate the AIS and set it to Active Radar/IFF mode. We don't want to shoot down our own fighters."
"Yes, ma'am!" The bridge bunnies replied in unison.
"I still think it's a bad idea." Ritsuko muttered.
"Perhaps then, Doctor, you could be of more use elsewhere." Gendo said as he arrived with Fuyutsuki. "The Colonel has the right idea, proceed Colonel Katsuragi."
"Understood, Commander." Misato replied.
"What about the pilots?" Maya asked.
"Don't worry, they'll head here when the alarms go off." Kaji said.
"How long till the enemies are in range?" Misato asked.
"Five minutes." Maya replied.
"Alright, weapons free." Misato ordered. "All units have permission to fire as soon as the enemy is in range."
–––
It had been a week since the Gundam pilots had started school, and for them it had been quite an interesting experience. They did not entirely enjoy the school, but it was better than fighting, so they went. They were finally starting to get used to things,
Ding dong ding ding… ding dong ding ding
"Oh… I guess the bell means it's time for lunch… we'll pick where we left off when we return…" Nebukawa no Sensei said in his monotone voice. "Class dismissed."
"Rise… Bow… Sit." Hikari commanded.
Duo stood up and stretched, yawning loudly as the teacher left. "Jesus Christ, how do you guys not kill yourselves listening to him drone on?" Duo asked.
"With a great deal of effort." Mari said. "Though sometimes I just want to jump through the window and run away from his boring talk."
"If you survive the fall, you moron." Asuka said.
"Hey, you know this guy?" Duo said, pointing to Heero. "He jumped of a fucking sheer cliff and rolled to the bottom, got up without a scratch."
"Seriously?" Asuka asked. "Who does that?"
"We were escaping the enemy." Heero said. "It seemed like the only thing to do."
"You could've gotten killed or something!" Mari said.
"It seemed like the best idea at the time." Heero said. "Although, faced with the same issue again, I'd most likely do the same thing."
"That's stupid." Asuka said.
"No, that's just Heero." Trowa said.
"So, can we like go eat on the roof or whatever?" Duo asked. "It's a nice day out, and it'd be nice to look at the city."
"That does sound nice." Quatre said.
"Yeah, they don't exactly lock it." Mari said. "Come on, I'll ask freckles."
Mari walked over to Hikari and gave her a big hug. "Heya freckles, wanna come eat on the roof with us?"
"You know it's against school rules to go on the roof." Hikari said.
"We know, that's what makes it fun." Mari replied. "So, you staying down here?"
"No, if you just wait a minute, Kensuke and Toji should be back from the cafeteria." Hikari said. "If I leave, he'll probably choke or something."
"Don't you make his lunch?" Shinji asked.
"He ate it this morning cause he was hungry." Hikari grumbled. "At least he enjoyed it."
"I always love your food, babe!" Toji exclaimed as he walked into the classroom with an armful of food.
"Yeah, I just wish you'd eat a normal breakfast." Hikari said.
"Nah, your food is better than any breakfast I can try and make." Toji said. "I should just have you cook all my food."
"As nice as that sounds, Toji, it really shouldn't be that hard." Hikari said. "Maybe I can bring you leftovers for our walks to school."
"Wow, freckles, why are you being so accommodating?" Mari asked.
"It seems like you're going out of your way for him." Trowa said.
"That's what love is." Hikari said. "Right, Shinji?"
Shinji blushed. "She's not wrong." Shinji sighed. "But we should head to the roof before there's no time left to eat."
"Yeah, the puppy's right." Mari said. "We can talk more on the roof."
So the dozen of them traipsed up to the roof, and settled in. Most of them sat facing the city, while Wufei sat facing the hills on the other side. Duo and Toji scarfed down their food, while everyone else ate at a more manageable pace. When Duo finished, he looked over at Wufei with a snarky look.
"Wufei, why are you over there?" Duo asked. "The city's this way!"
"I know that, but I prefer nature's serenity." Wufei said as an alarm klaxon went off.
"Shit…" Shinji muttered.
"What is it?" Wufei asked.
"Nature's serenity just got interrupted." Trowa said.
"I think it's that." Kensuke said as he pointed to a force of aircraft flying towards Tokyo–3 as the city sank into its all too familiar battle configuration.
"Kensuke, can I see your camera?" Heero asked.
"Sure." Kensuke replied. "Is something wrong?"
"Does this zoom well?" Heero asked.
"Yeah, it's got a pretty good zoom…" Kensuke said.
"Thank you." Heero said as he glanced looked at the dots as they moved ever closer to the city. "Hmmm…"
"Are those…?" Duo muttered.
"Mobile Suit carriers…" Quatre said worriedly.
"Four of them to be exact. They're approaching the city at high speed, and are being escorted by Aries Mobile Suits." Heero said. "Heavily armed Aries Mobile Suits."
"How heavily armed?" Trowa asked.
"Each mounted with four missile pods and carrying two chain guns." Heero said. "Thankfully their maneuverability will be limited with that much extra weight."
"No… the White Zodiac…" Wufei mumbled.
"What are you muttering about?" Asuka asked.
"It's the threat I was talking about." Wufei said. "We need to mobilize right now."
A barrage of missiles fired from a nearby weapons encampment, and many others from around the heavily defended city, all aiming for the Mobile Suit transports, the Aries began firing on the missiles, but several made it through, hitting one of the transport aircraft, ripping it to pieces and causing its Mobile Suit cargo to explode.
"Nice shot." Duo said. "Heero, can you see what it was carrying?"
"Looks like it was carrying Leos." Heero said as debris littered the city.
"Didn't you hear me, we need to get to our Gundams!"
"I think it can wait." Shinji said as several dozen VTOLs, Su–37s, MiG–35s, and F–15s flew overhead. "Looks like they might be able to do this without us."
"I think Shinji's right." Trowa said. "The firepower this city has is far above what they will be expecting."
"Wufei, there are two dozen Aries, which are being besieged with weapons fire, and three transports left, carrying at most 18 Mobile Suits." Heero said. "For once, we can watch the battle from here."
"Shouldn't get to a shelter?" Hikari asked as more missiles fired over their heads. "It doesn't seem very safe out here…"
"Actually, it's about to become a lot safer." Heero said. "Two more of the transports are down. They were barely able to maneuver."
"This city has far more weapons than is necessary." Wufei said.
"Well, if we have an Angel attack us while you're here, you might rethink that idea." Asuka said.
"Can't you guys just show them one of the fights?" Kensuke asked.
"Probably." Mari said as more missiles fired, aiming for several of the Aries now within the city limits.
"Looks like that last transport is speeding up." Heero said. "It's going to go over the school, or come fairly close."
"Then we should move." Toji said.
"Yeah, let's get to the shelter." Hikari suggested. "We'd be far safer."
"I'm staying." Heero said. "I want to see how this plays out."
"As do I." Trowa said.
"Yeah, we never get to relax and watch the fighting." Asuka said.
"We're generally the ones doing the fighting." Mari quipped. "It is a nice change of pace."
"I'm staying then too." Kensuke said.
"Do you remember what happened the last time we did this?" Toji asked.
"Yeah, but that was an Angel, this is just a bunch of Mobile Suits." Kensuke replied.
"Not seeing the difference buddy." Toji said.
"Hey, guys, that plane is getting really close…" Hikari said.
Quatre looked up. "It's loading ramp is opening."
"Alright, let's get out of here." Heero said. "It's deploying its Mobile Suits."
As if on cue, another barrage of missiles fired from the weapons encampment near them and hit the transport and its four Aries escorts as the first Leo got free, deployed its parachute, and dropped to the ground. The plane exploded in a brilliant fireball, which even from 40,000 feet was still felt on the ground. The Leo was hit with several missiles as well during its decent, taking off its legs, left arm, and parachute.
"Never mind." Duo said as what was left of the Leo slammed into the ground just outside the school gates. "That ended quickly."
"We should look at that Leo's cockpit." Heero said. "It may contain useful information."
"Why?" Asuka asked.
"Any data on why they came here from wherever their wormhole opened would be useful." Heero said. "Trowa, I could use your help."
"Right." Trowa said as the two of them headed for the door.
"Wait, you're leaving now?" Toji asked.
"The battle is over." Heero said, pointing to the sky over Tokyo–3, where three Aries could be seen still dodging the heavy fire, but nothing else could be seen. "They've lost, it's safe to go inspect the Leo."
"That was fast…" Kensuke muttered.
"Well, imagine this, these things are nothing compared to an Angel." Asuka said proudly. "It's only metal against missiles and guns."
"Their armor is certainly not anything compared to the Gundams." Quatre said. "Mass produced models always have moderately good titanium armor."
"So, they're easy to wipe out." Mari said. "Good, we may not have to actually fight them."
"Don't speak too soon." Wufei said darkly. "Just imagine several thousand of these things converging on this city. It wouldn't be so easy then. With their sheer numbers, they can overwhelm any position."
"Then we'd have to fight." Asuka said. "But what are the odds more of these things come through the wormhole?"
"I'd say pretty good, Asuka." Shinji said. "This would make three wormholes in like two weeks. The only thing that can happen is for more of these damn things to open up."
"Very astute, Shinji." Wufei said. "Once Heero and Trowa investigate that Leo wreckage, we need to get back to NERV… if this is the White Zodiac, I need to tell everyone what I know about them."
"Hikari, take Toji and Kensuke to the shelter." Shinji said. "I'm sure they'll let you guys out of there soon enough."
"Well, it would be better than being in the middle of another war zone." Toji said. "Come on, babe, Sakura's probably wondering where the hell we are."
"Sure." Hikari said. "Be careful you guys."
"We always are, freckles." Mari said.
"Here, don't forget this." Heero said, handing Kensuke back his camera.
"Thanks, Heero." Kensuke said as he followed Toji and Hikari.
"You guys should come with us." Trowa said. "It is not wise to separate in a war zone."
"I wouldn't call this a war zone." Asuka said.
"There was an aerial incursion into the city." Wufei said. "And you fight these… Angels. The city is armed to the teeth. This is a war zone."
"Plus, you know, you guys have the Evangelions in your glorified basement." Duo quipped.
"Ok, fair point." Asuka said. "Well… then let's go look at that… thingy."
"It's called a Leo." Shinji said.
"Thanks, baka." Asuka said.
"Alright, lead the way, soldier boy!" Mari said as the group headed downstairs.
–––
Back in the Command Center, everyone was celebrating the successful defense of the city, without the aid of the Evangelions.
"All hostiles confirmed destroyed." Hyuga reported.
"What about our casualties?" Misato asked.
"Several planes damaged. We lost three MiG–37s, an F–15, and half of the VTOLs." Aoba reported. "No crews have been recovered from the VTOLs, but the fighter pilots were able to eject safely."
"What about the AIS?" Misato asked.
"Minimal damage." Hyuga reported. "Several sites near the main battle zone were damaged, but nothing was destroyed. Teams are moving to re–arm the system."
"Alright, stand down from Level–1 battle stations." Misato ordered. "Go to Level–2, but keep the city in battle configuration, and set the AIS to standby to allow for rearmament, and have the fighters stand down too. No use wasting jet fuel."
"Yes, ma'am." Maya said.
"Deploy clean up teams to deal with any wreckage." Gendo ordered. "Bring anything of use back for inspection."
"Understood, Commander." Aoba said.
"And keep the shelter order in place for the time being." Fuyutsuki said. "We don't need unexploded ordinance killing anyone."
"How long will the cleanup take?" Kaji inquired.
"With standard shifts, probably 20 hours within the city limits." Hyuga said. "Three times that for everything outside."
"Can we hurry that along?" Misato asked. "It's not like we're in the middle of a battle, people can't stay in the shelters forever."
"Set double shifts for the recovery teams until further notice, and deploy all of them." Gendo ordered. "The Colonel is correct, we need the city back to normal as soon as possible. There is no need for a state of emergency if there aren't any Angels."
–––
Heero and Trowa were working on opening the Leo's cockpit. The torso, upon closer inspection had been badly damaged in the fall, meaning that the hatch was jammed shut. With a great deal of effort, Heero and Trowa were able to blow the hatch off to reveal the pilot of the machine in a military uniform, lying dead, with lacerations from shrapnel and completely covered in blood.
"Holy shit… someone was in that thing…" Asuka muttered.
"He looks really dead." Mari said.
"The horrors of war." Duo said as Heero and Trowa moved the man's body to access the cockpit. "So many people die fighting for what they believe in."
"Do you think he died horribly?" Shinji asked.
"Most likely." Wufei said. "It would have been a painful death… but it should have been fairly quick as well."
"What a shame." Quatre said. "But why were they even here?"
"No idea." Duo said. "They sent such a small force too… like they weren't expecting a fight."
"Or it was a recon mission." Wufei suggested.
"A one way recon mission?" Shinji asked. "Isn't that kind of dumb?"
"Not if they were to have a report ready for a main invasion force." Duo said.
"So, this could just be the beginning?" Mari asked.
"Looks like it." Duo replied.
"I think I know what they were looking for." Heero shouted as he came out of the cockpit. "They were looking for us."
"How can you possibly know that?" Asuka asked.
"The cockpit computer was tracking a unique signal." Trowa said as he approached carrying several hard drives.
"What signal?" Quatre asked.
"Trackers on our Gundams." Heero replied.
"So that's why they attacked the city." Quatre said. "They were looking for us."
"How did they get the trackers on our Gundams?" Wufei asked.
"Yeah, we never leave them unattended anywhere unsafe!" Duo said.
"Duo, that's not always true." Trowa said. "We've all hidden our Gundams away before where we have no idea who could find them."
"The bottom of the ocean doesn't count." Duo said.
"The how is not important at the moment, and neither is the why." Heero said. "We have to report this to NERV, they need to know that our Gundams are being tracked."
"And I need to inform them about the White Zodiac as well." Wufei added.
"How much do you know about them?" Duo asked.
"Just what Lady Une informed me of before I left." Wufei replied. "That's why I had to find you, they are an imminent threat."
"And now they're trying to come here." Trowa said.
"We can talk about this later." Heero said. "I suggest we get back to NERV HQ."
"I agree with Heero." Shinji said as his cell phone started ringing. "Hold on…" Shinji pulled the phone from his pocket and answered it. "Hello?"
"Shinji, why are you all standing next to one of those Mobile Suits?" Kaji asked.
"We'll tell you when we get there." Shinji said.
"Then you'll also explain why you stood on the roof and watched the battle?" Kaji asked.
"It was nice to see the other side of it for once." Shinji joked.
"Just get soon, please, before something else happens." Kaji said.
"Sure, but why are you calling?" Shinji asked. "Don't you trust us?"
"Yeah, I do, but a certain someone doesn't." Kaji said. "Just get here before she throws a fit, ok?"
"We're on our way. Bye, Kaji." Shinji said as he hung up the phone. "Alright, let's go, Misato's pissed we watched the fight or something."
"Typical…" Mari muttered.
"Really, she's worried about us?" Asuka asked. "We weren't even the ones fighting."
"It doesn't matter now, let's just go." Shinji said.
–––
After arriving back at NERV HQ, Gendo cleared the Command Center of everyone that wasn't needed there. Maya, Hyuga, and Aoba were allowed to stay and continue coordinating the cleanup efforts. Ritsuko arrived back from the field to also overhear Wufei's briefing on the White Zodiac.
"So, Mr. Chang, please explain what you know about these enemy forces." Gendo said.
"Before my trip to find the other Gundam pilots, I was contacted by Lady Une, the head of the defense force for the Earth Sphere Unified Nation, known as the Preventers." Wufei explained. "A new threat has risen out of what is left of both OZ and the White Fang. DO you know what those are?"
"Yes, your comrades informed us of those organizations and their demise during the Eve Wars." Fuyutsuki said. "You may continue."
"After the deaths of Treize, the Chief Commander of OZ, and Quinze, the Leader of the White Fang, those forces were left in utter disarray with no one to lead them." Wufei continued. "There was a massive surplus of mass produced Mobile Suits and Mobile Dolls. With this vacuum of power from the two gutted factions and a new peace between the Earth and the colonies, someone took advantage of that and has formed a new organization from the ashes, the White Zodiac."
"Who took command?" Heero asked.
"Treize's older and less honorable brother." Wufei said. "Trente Khushrenada."
"That ass had a brother?!" Duo asked. "Why didn't we kill him too?"
"We didn't really know much about him." Wufei said. "He was a part of Romefeller, he oversaw OZ. He was the one who convinced Duke Dermail to exile Treize. He took over Romefeller after Dermail's death and publically dissolved both it and OZ, but started to secretly consolidate power."
"So, how did he get two opposing forces to unite?" Quatre asked. "White Fang wanted the colonies free from Earth's rule, while OZ wanted to rule the colonies with an iron fist."
"He promised to destroy the governments of both Earth and the colonies without reservation." Wufei explained. "He would set up a new government for Earth under his leadership, and promising to never harm the colonies once the war was over."
"So, is he lying?" Duo asked. "Cause I don't see that happening."
"No one's entirely sure, but he's reactivated the base on the Moon to continue to produce Mobile Suits or Mobile Dolls, most likely Virgos."
"Do you think they'll try to invade us here?" Misato asked.
"If he thinks it would be beneficial, most likely." Wufei replied. "While Treize was an honorable warrior who valued human life, his brother does not. The information Lady Une knew about him was quite disturbing."
"What kind of information?" Quatre asked.
"He thinks anyone who isn't Aryan isn't human." Wufei replied. "He wants to purify the human race, with him as its leader, and his kids by his side."
"Son of a botch… that's fucked up…" Duo muttered.
"So, he's insane." Mari said.
"Most likely." Wufei replied. "He at least believes his own propaganda. He believes himself unstoppable."
"Then we'll have to prove him wrong." Heero said. "Arrogance always leads to one's downfall. That has been proven throughout history time and time again."
"So, we are under another imminent threat." Gendo said.
"Yeah, but instead of the Angels, we're dealing with a megalomaniacal madman." Kaji said.
"Yes, I believe so." Wufei said.
"And Mr. Yuy, what did you find in that downed Mobile Suit?" Gendo asked.
"At some point in the last few months someone has planted trackers inside our Gundams." Heero explained. "That force that was sent was only a scouting force meant to try and capture the Gundams without incident, or at least determine our location for the main invasion force."
"We need to remove and destroy any trackers inside the Gundams to render them useless." Trowa said. "Otherwise when they arrive, they'll be able to find us."
"Agreed." Misato said. "Can you guys handle that on your own?"
"I believe so." Heero said. "We'll work on each Gundam one at a time. Once we find them on one of the Gundams, they most likely hid the others in the same place on the others."
"Then get to it." Gendo ordered.
"I think it's too late for that!" Hyuga shouted. "Pattern Violet detected!"
"What?!" Misato exclaimed. "Where is it?!" Misato asked.
"It's… over Russia." Aoba replied. "On the far eastern edge."
"Russia?" Misato asked. "What the hell is coming through?"
"The White Zodiac." Wufei said. "It appears they've waited long enough."
"It's only been a few hours." Kaji said. "Why come through this soon after the initial incursion?"
"While our forces are busy with their initial force, they can set up a beachhead." Heero said. "Once that happens, they'll have a base to launch an invasion."
"But why invade at all?" Maya asked.
"Indeed, what point is there?" Fuyutsuki asked.
"This is only my own speculation, but if they were to find a way to control the wormholes, they could use your planet for resources in our world, and subjugate your population for use as slaves."
"That's dark." Asuka muttered.
"Sounds like a sci–fi movie." Mari said. "A shitty one at that."
"Then we must put up the best defense possible."
"Get me a visual!" Misato ordered. "We need to see what we're up against."
"Bringing the OBSAT into position now, ma'am." Maya replied. "On screen."
When the main screen came online, a terrifying scene unfolded on the before them. A large, glowing blue wormholes was open with what appeared to be hundreds of ships coming through it and landing not far from what looked like a small village. Each ship was massive. As the ships kept streaming through, everyone looked on in awe at the force that was assembling on the ground. As each craft landed on the barren terrain, clouds of dirt rose into the air. Guiding each ship was what seemed to be many hundreds of Aries.
"Oh my god…" Duo muttered. "There must be thousands of Mobile Suits."
"More like Mobile Dolls." Heero said. "I don't see many troop carriers… but those things are far larger than anything they used the last time."
"Based on the size increase from the original it must carry over 100 Mobile Dolls." Trowa said.
"What does that mean exactly?" Shinji asked.
"It means they've just landed over 10,000 Mobiles Dolls not that far from here."
"But where exactly?" Kaji asked.
"Kozyrevsk, Kamchatka Krai, between a small airfield and the village itself." Maya said. "According to this, approximately 2,700 km from here."
"How long would it take for an attack force to get here?" Gendo asked.
"At least three hours." Heero said.
"I agree." Trowa said. "Factoring in the speed limiting factor atmospheric drag and a non–aerodynamic design, any Mobile Doll or Mobile Suit would be limited to a cruising speed of around 900 to 1,000 km/h. Three hours is a good estimate."
"So, if they start moving towards us, we have three hours to deploy a defense." Misato said. "This is just great."
"At least we have Unit–02 back online." Kaji said.
"My Unit–02 is back online?" Asuka asked.
"Oh, yeah, kinda forgot with everything that happened today." Misato said. "Yeah, all fixed, try not to break it again."
"I didn't break it." Asuka muttered.
"I said I was sorry." Duo replied. "I promise it won't happen again."
"If it does, I'll cut something off you're gonna miss…" Asuka muttered darkly.
"I said I wouldn't, just relax."
"Enough." Quatre said. "We shouldn't be joking around right now. The enemy is out there, and they can track our Gundams. We should be working on that instead of bickering."
"Quatre has a point." Heero said. "We should go remove the transmitters."
"Well, they're already through, so they would have a lock on our location anyway." Duo said. "I say we go there and wipe them all out.."
"We're vastly outnumbered." Wufei said. "They have over 10,000…"
"Actually, we're counting over 1,200 carriers now." Maya said. "So, a more accurate figure would be more like 120,000 plus."
"120,000 or more?!" Duo shouted. "How do these guys hide all this fucking shit?"
"He has the entire Lunar Base." Heero said. "A few hundred thousand Mobile Dolls would be easy to hide there."
"How would they control them?" Shinji asked.
"Mobile Dolls are controlled by their onboard computers and a control station. 3,000 km isn't very far for the control system to operate." Trowa explained. "They can attack us without putting anymore humans at risk."
"So, what should we do?" Shinji asked.
"Colonel, alert the air base and have all the fighters prepped to launch within one hour until further notice." Gendo ordered. "And keep the AIS on standby."
"Yes, Commander." Misato said. "What about the Evangelions?"
"Have them ready to deploy at any time, along with the Gundams." Gendo said. "If we are attacked we will deploy everything at our disposal."
"Sounds good to me." Duo said. "Killing a computer isn't anything… it isn't even killing."
"Well, with three hours to react to an attack force, we can muster up a good battle plan." Heero said.
"So, how would we fight?" Asuka asked. "I mean, the Evangelions are pretty large, but we can't just swat at them and hope to destroy them."
"Mobile artillery." Misato said. "Gatling guns with exploding rounds, maybe two of them for each of you. Or really any weapons we can give you to shoot. You can probably react faster than the weapons encampments."
"So we have a plan." Kaji said. "Now we have to wait."
"In the meantime, what can you tell us about the enemy Mobile Suits?" Gendo asked.
"I have a question." Duo asked. "For Dr. Akagi. Do you have enough data to send us home? I mean, that wormhole was open for a while."
"Technically, it's still open." Ritsuko said. "But the data will be very helpful in determining how to get you all home."
"Good." Duo said. "Now that's out of the way, what do you want to know about the other Mobile Suits?"
"We know an awful lot about them from all the fights we had." Quatre added.
"Start at the beginning." Gendo said.
–––
A tall, older man was walking down a long runway. He had just exited an aircraft from its rear ramp, which had a single Mobile Suit inside of it, covered in a heavy tan tarp. He was wearing a dark blue uniform with white frilly epaulettes. He had dark blue eyes and golden brown hair. All around him were massive aircraft that made the tall man seem almost insignificant. He was walking up to a group of men who were standing at attention.
"Supreme Commander Khushrenada, I'm so glad you could be with us." One of the men said. "We are glad you made this journey with us."
"I am more than pleased to be here." Trente said smugly. "I wanted to see the world I was going to enslave to help us with our goal."
"All 2,000 ships have landed, sir." Another officer informed him. "And all of our Aries and Leos are set to secure the area."
"What is there to secure, the small village?" Trente asked. "Just kill everyone you see. Leave no survivors."
"Understood, Supreme Commander." The officer replied.
"What of the scouts we sent ahead?" Trente asked.
"No response." One of the officers replied. "It appears they were entirely wiped out."
"Hmph, I can see why little Treize had such trouble with those pesky Gundams." Trente replied. "What about the trackers on the Gundams?"
"All five are active and showing them about a three hours' flight from here." Another officer replied.
"So… within easy striking distance." Trente said. "And our Mobile Doll forces? How are they? Are they ready to deploy?"
"Not quite, Supreme Commander." The officer replied. "The control system is still being set up. And we need someone to control it."
"We have someone." Trente said. "I will command the forces using my ZERO Doll System."
"What about your Mobile Suit, Supreme Commander?" The officer asked.
"Only if need be." Trente said. "For now, I will stay here. Have our defense systems been deployed yet?"
"Yes, sir." The officer replied. "Hurry up with the Mobile Doll control system, I want to launch an attack tomorrow."
"Of course, sir." The officer replied. "How many units should be prepped for the assault."
"50,000 units." Trente replied "A third of our force should be sufficient, released in three waves… 20–20–10. A nearly unstoppable assault."
"When would you like to launch, sir?" The officer asked.
"As soon as the control system is ready." Trente replied. "Then we'll either force the Gundams into submission, or utterly destroy them."
October 23, 2016 – NERV HQ
Misato and Kaji were standing in the Command Center, deep in Central Dogma. The main screen still displayed the satellite feed of their landing area, with a great deal of movement happening. Neither of them had slept as they were too worried about what might happen when they did. It was early in the morning, and the shift of technicians had just changed, bringing Maya, Hyuga, and Aoba back to their stations.
"You're here early." Aoba quipped.
"Never left." Misato said.
"Never slept either." Kaji added.
"Colonel, you need sleep, you can't stay awake forever." Hyuga said.
"I'm aware of that, but I have this bad feeling that the second I leave, they're going to attack." Misato said.
"There's been a lot of movement at that base of theirs." Kaji said. "But we're not too sure if they were organizing or inspecting their Mobile Dolls. So we wait."
"Do you think they're going to attack?" Maya asked.
"Probably in the next few hours." Kaji said.
"At least that's our guess." Misato said.
"Were you able to identify the weapons they brought?" Hyuga asked.
"Heero and Duo gave us the run down last night." Kaji explained. "They've got about 5,000 Aries and 20,000 Leos setting up a defensive perimeter around their area, along with moveable weapons systems for added firepower."
"They also were able to identify those Mobile Dolls. All different variations of the Virgo, equipped to fly independently of their carriers."
"How many are there?" Hyuga asked as he sat down.
"Final tally is 150,000 Mobile Dolls, with three varieties of Virgos." Kaji said. "Which is an awful lot of bad guys to deal with."
"Well… looking at the feed, there's an awful lot of movement." Maya said. "Thermal imaging shows that they're getting ready for something. The Virgos are lining up in some sort of formation."
"Oh shit." Kaji said.
"Well, what does that look like to you?" Misato asked.
"The first wave of an attack force." Kaji said.
"Alright, it's time to get everyone to shelters." Misato said. "Set a timer for three hours when the first group of those things launches…"
"Understood ma'am." Hyuga said. "Timer is set and on standby."
"Where are the pilots?" Maya asked.
"It's Sunday, they're probably sleeping." Misato said.
"I'll go pick them up." Kaji said. "I have a feeling we're going to need them in a few hours."
"Actually, we'll need them in about three hours." Aoba said. "Several thousands of those things are launching."
"Timer counting down." Hyuga reported.
"Yeah, I'll be back within the hour." Kaji said. "With the Evangelions be ready?"
"Yeah, everything will be ready." Misato ordered. "Activate the alarm system and set Level–1 battle stations. Have the city evacuate or hold up in shelters, and set the city to battle configuration. Bring the AIS online and alert the airbase to get ready to launch all their fighters."
"Understood, Colonel." Hyuga said.
"Call the Commander as well, tell him the enemy is coming." Misato ordered.
"I'm calling him now, ma'am." Maya replied.
–––
Shinji was sitting patiently in his Entry Plug. All around him, there was a flurry of activity. Unit–02 was on the launch elevator next to them, power cable attached and ready. In front of him, the five Gundams were getting ready to move to a third elevator on Shinji's other side. The launch shaft was open and the lights were yellow, showing they were ready for immediate deployment. As he was looking around, a video chat notification popped onto his screen from Asuka.
"Hey, baka, you ready?" Asuka asked.
"Mostly." Shinji said. "But we've never done something like this before."
"We'll be fine baka." Asuka said. "You're a great shot, you'll rack up loads of kills."
"Thanks Asuka." Shinji said as he blushed. "You're pretty great at this too."
"Don't you know it." Asuka said.
"Are we sure there aren't any people on these things?" Shinji asked. "I don't want to kill anyone."
"Shinji, they are Mobile Dolls, controlled by a computer." Heero assured him. "No one will get hurt, I can promise you that."
"Yeah, kid, don't worry too much." Duo said. "You'll be fine."
"Puppy, princess, just be careful for me." Mari said. "I'm not there to take a beating for the two of you this time."
"Mari, it isn't as simple as that." Kaji said. "This is a large force of enemies. Some 20,000 Virgos are heading straight for us, with another 30,000 following behind them."
"Look, this will be one of the hardest battles we'll face."
"Not really." Shinji said. "These machines don't scare me like an Angel does. They're not alive, it's a computer."
"Yeah, we've faced far worse than this in the past." Quatre said. "These kinds of odds are always overwhelming, but we can handle it."
"We've come close to death so many times." Trowa added. "This is no different."
"How long until the Virgos are in range?" Heero asked.
"14 minutes." Maya replied.
"That's not very long…" Wufei said. "We should deploy so we can set up our defensive perimeter."
"I agree." Trowa said. "We should be waiting for them."
"Does everyone know the plan?" Misato asked.
"Defend the city at all costs and wipe out every enemy we see." Heero said.
"Well, you won't be the only ones out there." Misato said. "Be sure not to hit any of our fighters, and try not to let any of those things into the city."
"We understand, Misato." Shinji said.
"So, can I take it that's everyone's ready?" Misato asked.
"Mission accepted." Heero said.
"Heero certainly is." Duo quipped. "And so is the God of Death."
"Sandrock and I are ready." Quatre said.
"Heavyarms, set to launch." Trowa said.
Shinji gripped his controls tightly. "I'm ready, Misato."
"Altron ready." Wufei said sternly.
"Yeah, let's go kick some robot ass." Asuka said.
"Evangelions… Gundams… LAUNCH!" Misato ordered.
–––
Mari was standing next to Kaji with her arms crossed, she looked quite annoyed as she watched the Evangelions and Gundams head to the surface.
"Well, this is fun." Mari said angrily. "I wish I could help them."
"You know you can't." Kaji said. "Your Evangelion is still too damaged."
"I know, but I'm tired of fucking sitting here watching them get hurt." Mari grumbled. "I want to be out there with them."
"Sorry, kid, you're stuck herewith us, watching everything unfold." Kaji said. "You know they know you want to be out there."
"Yeah, but that doesn't help." Mari said as the view on the main screen switched to the surface showing everyone deploying into position.
"Well, how do you think we feel?" Kaji asked. "We sit here and can't do anything but hope for the best. Try to understand it for our perspective."
"I'll do my best scruffy." Mari said.
"Colonel, everyone's on the surface." Hyuga reported.
"Deploy the weapons crates." Misato said. "Send Shinji and Asuka everything in the inventory we have."
"VTOLs deploying the weapons now." Hyuga said.
"10 minutes until the Virgos are in range." Aoba said. "All shelters and district captains are reporting that the civilians are safe and sound."
"Good, and the AIS?"
"Ready to fire on the incoming targets." Maya reported. "When do you want the system to open fire, ma'am?"
"As soon at the enemies breach the outer perimeter." Misato said.
"Alright, setting it now…" Maya said as her console beeped. "Wait, I'm picking up another Pattern Violet!" Maya shouted. "It's 47 km away, due south!"
"How many contacts?" Kaji asked.
"Yeah, cause more is gonna make a difference." Mari quipped.
"Not now, Mari!" Misato grumbled.
"Wormhole was only open for a few seconds… sensors indicate two targets, maybe more, moving at high speed… MAGI predict their destination will be Tokyo–3 with a 99.7% probability factor."
"Just wonderful." Misato muttered.
"I'll take care of it." Heero said.
"Don't go alone, Heero." Shinji said. "Take someone with you, even out the odds."
"Heero, I'll follow you." Duo said.
"It won't matter." Heero said. "They'll be in range I a few minutes, just before the Virgos arrive. But we can go meet them."
–––
Wing Zero and Deathscythe were moving quickly to intercept the other force before it could reach Tokyo–3.
"Duo, be ready." Heero said. "We're up against more than just a few Mobile Suits. There are two dozen Taurus Mobile Suits inbound, with a pair of shuttles… and…" Heero paused. "We need to get within visual range."
"This mountain is good." Duo said. "Nice and high, we'll have a clear view of whoever is coming at us."
"Right." Heero replied.
As Wing Zero and Deathscythe set down on the mountain Unit–01 used to shoot Ramiel, they saw the approaching force of Mobile Suits. Heero had been correct, 24 Taurus Mobile Suits, painted in a bright white regalia, all in their flight configuration, there were also two atmospheric shuttles following closely behind them. Leading the charge were two additional Mobile Suits which caused Heero and Duo to do a double take. One of the remaining Mobile Suits was maroon and had a huge whip attached to its left wrist, and a massive beam sabre stored on its right hip. The second Mobile Suit was mostly white and had a very ornate helmet, similar to a Roman Centurion's, and carried a huge Mega Beam Cannon attached to its right shoulder, and a shield with two sheathed beam sabres on the other shoulder.
"Is that?" Duo asked.
"Epyon and Tallgeese…" Heero muttered. "But how?"
To Be Continued
A/N: I do not own Evangelion or any of the characters, GAINAX and the other distributors of NGE related material do. I am simply using them as a backdrop for my fanfic. I also do not own Gundam Wing, Sunrise does, as do their licensed distributors.
Sync Score Rankings!
Shinji – 93.7% (No Change)
Rei – 75.0% (No Change)
Asuka – 44.4% (No Change)
Mari – 42.0% (No Change)
The chapter name comes from the new threat that has emerged from the wormholes from the After Colony timeline. The name "White Zodiac" itself comes from a combination of the two antagonists at the end of Gundam Wing, OZ, also known as the Organization of the Zodiac, and the White Fang.
So, this chapter obviously leaves off on a cliffhanger, after a large amount of enemy forces, the title's White Zodiac, have decided to come and try to conquer and enslave NGE's Earth. Treize's older brother, Trente, is behind this after having taken up a great deal of power in the massive vacuum left after the end of the series.
Yes, there are Nazi overtones to the White Zodiac, however, given the series Romefeller Foundation, OZ, and even the White Fang, they were all rather white, not a person of color anywhere in those organizations. Treize's nationality is even listed as "Aryan" on the Gundam wiki… so those connotations were already there.
As I said before, and will always say at the end of chapter, please leave comments, as I would like to try to improve the story going forward any way I can. And, hell, constructive criticism is a good thing.
つづく