Ch 6 – Setsuna of Azadistan
Azadistani Royal Shura, Tehran, Kingdom of Azadistan
After the fall of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Supreme Leader system, a new monarchy began to exert its rule over the ruins of Iran and renamed it as the Kingdom of Azadistan. This meant "land of liberty", implying its liberation from the corrupted control under the veil of religion and into a transition as a growing democratic power. To satisfy both the secular and religious elements of the Azadistani society, the ruling monarch ruled alongside with the Grand Secular Visor and the Imam of Tehran Mosque.
However, this balanced form of government was abolished by a group called the Committee for National Salvation, a group of fascist militants who devised a coup over the monarchy. They aim to reinstate the Greater Persian Realm, and controlled many aspects of the state at hand. Within the Middle Eastern region, they were known to have driven an ideal to expand their nation at the expense of its neighbours.
The Royal Shura was once the court for the former monarch and the court officials. However after the coup, it became the meeting place between the higher-ups of the Committee and led by the Councilman-in-Chief, Mahmud Allihadjah. They were engrossed in yet another discussion on their incredible plans.
"Gentlemen, we have successfully purchased 500 Hellion Mk. X from a Euro Universe merchant," reported a minister.
"These Europeans have no idea on what we plan to do with these Hellions," said another minister, "they are surely infidels to the core, and so are the Indians."
"But we have quite limited locations left to invade," said a third minister, "We still have a treaty in effect to both EU and the ICF."
"Among all surrounding territories, we can take on Saudi Empire, Confederation of the Gulf, Iraq-Syria," a fourth minister said.
"Ney, Saudi Empire and Gulf Confederation are too strong and they may be a dangerous foe to tread on," Allihadjah said, "but Iraq-Syria has taken quite a blow in its economy since its failed attacks against Judea and the World Imperium."
"Iraq-Syria once supported that Kurdish Republic that we had conquered, and now they shall fall in our hands," the first minister cried.
"Indeed my comrades," Allihadjah proclaimed, "once we defeated all regional rivals, then we can call ourselves the next Greater Persian Realm!"
Governor's Palace, Tokyo Concession, United Japonic Provinces
The Governor's Palace in Tokyo was said to be modelled after the Miami Imperial Villa controlled by the Imperial House in Miami Direct Imperial Zone. Equally majestic, it was the standard quality of Clovis la Plata, a renowned artist and architect within Imperium circles.
Within the Colonial Council Board Room, Clovis, Euphemia, Cornelia among other local officials gathered there on eager discussions in relations to the heavy recent crackdowns.
"Thanks to the most brilliant efforts of the Glaston Knights and Camelot during the past three days, we have successfully defeated rebel elements that blocked our efforts to colonise United Japonica," Clovis announced.
"Governor Clovis, I appreciate your joy in this, but we are concerned with the former branches of the Japanese government as our biggest threats," Cornelia said, "one of them is the Japanese Liberation Front, or Free Japan. They are a group which hopes to restore the defunct Japanese monarchy into power."
"They are indeed something big, but I shall appeal to the Imperial Senate for more backup," Clovis said, "but until then, all work in United Japonica can only goat a slower pace."
"And the other major threat is the Japanese Red Army, the military branch of the Communist Party of Japan," Cornelia said, "based on my sources; they were exiled from Japan by the Diet when suspected in association with the ICF to overthrow the government. Currently, they live somewhere within China."
"But I don't see they can put up any threat to us," said an official.
"The Japanese monarchy has a strong impact on the Japanese people and serves as a symbol of their unity and cultural identity, not to mention the heavy support given by several EU nations," Euphemia said, "and the CPJ is being protected and supported by our rival in the ICF."
"So…this means that we have to either go to war with ICF or the EU," commented Taizo Kirihara, local observer and CEO of Kirihara Industries, a major IT firm.
"Mr. Kirihara, do be aware that you are an observer in the Colonial Council Board Room and this is only privilege extended for your help in our government," an Imperium official preached, "we have the ultimate power to keep you here or execute you under treason. So, please do not speak for it may influence our thinking process."
"Actually, I believe that Mr. Kirihara has brought up a good point," Euphemia said, "if we go to war with the other two powers directly, this will be devastating for all. Thus, we need to focus more on reducing the deaths in pacifying United Japonica.
"Ms. Euphemia, I am aware of your position in the Imperial Capitol, but this situation is no small matter!" that official cried, "these rebellion fronts are dangerous and barbaric. They won't step down until a total defeat where in all rebellious elements are utterly destroyed."
"Wait, I approve of Euphie's decisions for this issue," Cornelia said, "That way, we can avoid the excessive wastage of manpower and equipment while the Imperium can concentrate more on the effort on other restive areas."
"I applaud Ms. Euphemia to do a proposal to the Imperial Capitol at once. However, I shall send all information to the Imperial Capitol," Clovis proclaimed, "and meeting is dismissed!"
Al-Quadza, Dual Arab Republic of Iraq-Syria
The Dual Arab Republic of Iraq-Syria was a conjoined state from the former Iraq and Syria. The democratic Iraqi government after the US occupation in early 21st century had stayed on with continuing support from the former US and EU as allies. That government had existed for a long period of peace called the Pax Iraqus, and even absorbed the broken Syria into a singular united state as Iraq-Syria a la Austria-Hungary.
Under this new nation and Iraq-Syria Compromise Agreement of 2089, the new state would share a single President elected by the people based in Baghdad. However, 2 national parliaments for both Iraq and Syria would exist to govern their own affairs and pass their own laws in Baghdad and Damascus respectively, led by the 2 respective Prime Ministers. However, special coalition Ministries were designated over diplomacy, and military.
Bordering to the west of Azadistan, the small town of Al-Quadza was settled there. Founded during the later says of the singular Iraqi state, it received various settlers from Azadistan and Iraq-Syria and the people were living in relative peace.
It was early daytime there, and several traders from Iraq came passing by the town. However when they looked over towards Azadistan, they saw several Anfs charging by and Hellion Mk. X in the skies.
"No! Invasion!!" cried one of the traders.
But it was already too late as they ran in fear towards the town. One of the Anfs noticed their presence and quickly gunned them down. The Hellions flew over the town and bombed it fiercely. The end-result was of Al-Quadza in utter ruins.
Bhamo Plantation, Kachin Autonomous Socialist State, Burmese Federal Socialist Republic, ICF
Within the Indian-Chinese Federation, there was a special region dubbed as the Golden Triangle. These territories were notorious for its vast opium exports to other parties and so-called as they formed a triangular shape within their domain.
These four areas were the Thai SR, Indochinese FSR and Burmese FSR, with Burma as its biggest supplier of opium and other drugs. The root of the mass production was set within Burma's north-eastern regions and distributed to Thai SR or Indochinese FSR. Despite the three governments' promise for a tough crackdown on the issue, most of them were easily bribed for money instead.
The Bhamo Plantation was one of the largest opium plantations in Burma, and its revenues caused many cases of workers' riots over living conditions and underpayment issues. Co-currently with the invasion of Iraq-Syria, Celestial Being was beginning on another intervention on a workers' riot there.
This battle was relatively small, and only footsoldiers of the ICF were used on one side, while the workers were armed with various outdated guns. The Kyrios flew over the sky and launched its GN Missiles over the area to disperse the crowd, which was very much met with success.
"This may even be too easy for me," Allelujah said.
"See, we should be going out for the big ones," Hallelujah complained from the screen reflection.
"Hallelujah, please shut down and let me wrap this up," Allelujah said, "Zero, I will be bombarding the opium fields at once."
"Fire at will, all members from both parties are dispersed from crowd," he reported.
Immediately, the Kyrios launched away another set of GN Missiles at the opium fields. Within an instance, the whole opium field was burning with flames.
Above the Plantation, St. Cuthbert was temporary based there for this operation. Lelouch with the rest of Celestial Being watched from the Control Room as the fields burnt, as Lelouch played on a fiddle.
"To a Rome that only burns, Nero plays his fiddles," he said, "to a world that only fiddles, I burn it all."
"Wonderful piece Sir Lelouch," Jeremiah said, "and how was Lady Nunnally?"
To it, Lelouch looked at his other comrades. They were not the least bit curious at it.
"You told them all about it…" Lelouch said.
Suddenly, C2 's apparition appeared right in front of Lelouch.
"I told the lot of them, no problems with that I believe," she proclaimed, "they are quite curious and I believe we should tell them sooner or later."
"Just the people here and not one more soul in knowing," Lelouch said.
"I see that you guys must be pretty lax if you're blowing up opium fields, so here's a new assignment for you guys," C2 said, "anyone of you ever heard of Azadistan?"
"The Kingdom of Azadistan, it overtook the former rule of the Supreme Leader in the Iranian Plateau," Setsuna said, "…and also absorbed Kurdish Republic into it during a war."
"Yes, although it is a monarchy by theory, it is under the control of the Committee for National Salvation which is run along fascist lines," Lelouch added, "and the last successful expansionist war they waged was against Kurdish Republic about a decade ago."
"Now they are at it again, and going with the big fish now," C2 said, "a new catch called Iraq-Syria, a conjoined state or also known as the Dual Arab Republic or the Free Sovereign Domain Represented in the Iraqi Parliament and Syrian Lands of the Levant."
A screen popped up with the image of a news report from Azadistan National Broadcast. The same screen was also seen onboard the Kyrios' cockpit, courtesy of C2. The news showed the Councilman-in-Chief Allihadjah standing on a podium. A large flag with the three pan-Iranian colours of green, white and red stood behind him; it was marked with the double eagle, symbolising the dualistic rule over secular and religious affairs.
"People of Azadistan, we are a nation in peril always now and forever more. We have suffered while others gain. And we are prosecuted for our ways and faith. This is absolute injustice to our people! With the aid of those who disgusted at the notion of a conjoined nation, we shall march on towards Iraq-Syria in order to eradicate the source of troubles to our people for they had plotted long for those results upon our nation! May Allah and the People support our struggle within this world that knows no kindness. Long live the Eternal Persian Nation!"
"As you can see now, Azadistan has mounted a full-scale invasion on Iraq-Syria with the aid of nationalist elements within Iraq-Syria such as the Patriotic Coalitional Powers," C2 said, "and many leaders have denounced this action. They include the various leaders of the Gulf Confederation, Great Sultan of Saudi Empire, Turkish President, Lebanese Prime Minister and Parliament Speaker, Imam of Fereshte Autonomous Community, Lord Protector of the Reformed British State, Prime Minister of Spain…"
Desert Regions of Eastern Iraq-Syria
Meanwhile on the battlegrounds of the Iraqi deserts, the Iraqi-Syrian United Army quickly mounted a counterattack in response to the Azadistan danger. Iraq-Syria usually employed the use of Hellion Mk. V, Hellion Ground-Type Delta and several Hellions Panzer-Type.
The Hellion Ground-Type was among the earliest models of the Hellions series, being entirely based on the ground and lacking air propulsion. The Hellion Panzer-Type were a reused remnants of the old Hellion Ground-Type, being reconverted into a hover tank with a linear cannon mounted on the back, guns replacing its arms and hover gear replacing its legs. This model was a specialised model produced by Germany and distributed to her allies.
Over the desert horizon, the Azadistan Hellions Mk. X flew over and one of them fired a laser at a Hellion Panzer-Type that sent it into explosion. The Commander of the division, while in his Hellion Mk. V, looked at the destruction wrought.
"Hellion Mk. X?" exclaimed the Commander, "all hands to hold off the invading Azadistanis…or until there's back-up!"
Several Anfs also joined in for a second back-up attack wave for the attack. These Anfs were heavily modified for the sake of better use in battle, with two missile launch pads mounted on its back. They quickly fired at the Hellion Panzer-Type and Hellions, decimating their forces.
"Bastard…I'll have to do everything by myself…" the Commander cried.
A hatch on his Hellion opened up and it grabbed a Sonic Blade from it. It slid through the ground and slashed one of the Anfs into half. While he was busy with the first one, the other one next to it suddenly exploded and also destroyed the Hellion.
"Suicide attacks…damn…" cried the Commander in his last breath.
Flanking behind the mainline, the Mobile Battle Base trekked through the deserts as their forces marched further on. Inside its Board Room, the various leaders of the Committee for National Salvation were gathered in while they saw a screen of Prime Minister Schneizal during one of his speeches.
"I personally deplore this act of war upon our ally Iraq-Syria. To Azadistan, I implore all of you to rally against this awfully poor choice and lead yourselves and guide your own destinies. The war is not a move agreed by the People of Azadistan, merely the selfish desires of the military junta who betrays the monarchy, its People and even themselves in a blind delusion for hegemony…"
"That man…I think he may be the one who sold us the Hellions…" thought one of the officials.
"I call for our European neighbours to aid our ally Iraq-Syria to preserve the peace!"
Skies of Mediterranean Sea
Flying over Italy and the Mediterranean, many EU Carrier Ships with large deployments and Mobile Suits flew over the region. Onboard the leading flagship Das Schwarz Drache, Colonel Bismarck and First Lt. Klaus stood in the main port as they journeyed towards their destination.
"Colonel, are we seriously going over to Iraq-Syria to help them?" Klaus inquired, "For all I know of, Schneizal is not our boss and we need not be his dogs of war."
"Ah, but this also helps us too," Bismarck said, "I believe that Celestial Being will definitely come for this event…and I may have a challenge with the lad again."
Tehran Forbidden City, Tehran, Kingdom of Azadistan
Within Tehran's districts, the Forbidden City stood there. Taking up similarities with the former Chinese Forbidden City of Beijing, it had been established the residence of the Azadistani monarchs. However, under the rule of the Committee, it was reduced to a house arrest of the Royal Family and higher-ranked government people of the previous administration.
Guarded on top of the High Tower, Princess Marina Ismail dwelled there. She was accompanied by Imam Rasa Massoud Rachmadi and Grand Secular Visor Shirin Bakhitiar, as all of them watched a clip about the wars in Iraq-Syria.
"May God bless us and bid all the faithful to stand strong," Rasa prayed.
"Princess, this could be bad or good…" Shirin commented, "Celestial Being will most definitely come for this…"
"And there will be more bloodshed…" Marina said, "When Father passed away, we were still under house arrest. I promised him an Azadistan no more touched by war…but now…"
"Stay strong, my Princess," Rasa said, "if anything happens; we must be ready and take action if we want our nation to stay alive."
Outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq-Syria
The invading army of Azadistan had taken the world and Iraq-Syria by such surprise that evacuations were done in a hurry. Given its progress, it was nearing towards Baghdad already. Standing around the outskirts of Baghdad, hundreds of Mobile Suits from Iraq-Syria, EU, Gulf Confederation, and Saudi Empire among others had gathered there to resist the invasion.
Up from Das Schwarz Drache, Bismarck looked over to the desert horizon as several Hellions Mk. X were spotted over the radar system.
"Colonel, we have detected several Mobile Suits coming in towards our position at high speeds and others at a lower rate," a technician reported.
"Colonel, the lower rating ones are Anfs while the higher-rated ones are Hellions Mk. X," another technician reported, "but they seem not to be linked with the system."
"These are the stolen Hellions!" Bismarck cried, "Inform all forces on standby to prepare!"
"And as soon we pick up Celestial Being on our radars," Bismarck said, "tell our men and get them to attack them also."
At once, all the Mobile Suits aimed their weapons towards the skies at the invading Hellions. These Hellions quickly avoided most of the first wave of attack, and dived in for a bombardment attack.
"All forces, prepare for a frontline attack!" Klaus cried, while in his Hellion Mk. X.
That Hellion in its Mobile Suit Mode unveiled his Sonic Blade from a compartment, and quickly flew up to lung at one of the more advanced Hellions. The attack was a success, and the more advanced version blew up.
"It takes more than good machinery to beat one with actual practice and skills," Klaus remarked.
The Mobile Battle Base ran through the deserts with a battalion of Anfs onboard. The Anfs made quick effort to charge into battle despite their outdated status, and managed to take out several opponents. Suddenly, an Anfs were blown up by a laser blast.
"Colonel, we've detected Celestial Being Gundams on radar!" the technicians reported back.
"Great, Klaus will take care of them for now," Bismarck said, "I will sortie and join them shortly."
"Until then, I shall take charge of the ship in your stead," said a voice.
As Bismarck turned around, he saw Prime Minister Schneizal standing behind the door. He was accompanied by a man in black suit and brown hair.
"Mr. Prime Minister, we all do respect your determination…but you don't really know about a real-life battle at hand…" Bismarck protested.
"If so, my aide Kamon will relieve in your stead. He was previously a tactician in the Royal Spanish Navy," Schneizal said, "that's all I could do for you, and may you succeed in retrieving the Gundams."
As Bismarck hurriedly left the control room, Schneizal shared a sinister grin with Kamon. His aide apparently understood and watched on the battle ahead. Meanwhile, Schneizal took out an incom and whispered through it.
"Saachez, Celestial Being have arrived," he whispered, "Secure the targets."
While under the battle heat, one of the Hellions Mk. V quickly sped off away from the battle. It was apparently heading towards the east, where Azadistan was based in. On the aerial battle, the Gundam Dynames was ready to fire another blast at the Coalitional Army.
"Target approaching. Target approaching. Target approaching" Haro cried.
In the nick of time, Lockon dodged the narrow Sonic Blade strike from Klaus' Hellion. Several shield plates were launched around the Dynames, and it pulled out a Beam Sabre from its rear thrusters as it withdrew the sniper gun.
"So it seems that you do have something about melee combat," Klaus said, "let's go!"
Without a moment to spare, Klaus made off the first blow at Lockon. But the Gundam Meister blocked out the attack and made his strike as well. Meanwhile, the Kyrios fired GN Missiles right on both sides of the battle.
"Allelujah, you should be careful with those Anfs. They are loaded with explosives that detonate when the control core melts down or at the pilot's preference," Feldt reported.
"Therefore, do not engage with the Anfs directly," Christina added, "at most, just attack from a distance."
"Roger," he responded.
With that, the Kyrios flew over the Anfs and dropped its GN Missiles over them. The Celestica flew off to a distance and prepared its most powerful arsenal, and that of the Gundams of Celestial Being.
"GN Sextuple Bazooka, hyper mode. Fire away!" Zero cried.
With an instance, the powerful blast shot out of the Celestica and headed towards the Battle Base.
"Raise the shields to 1000%!" Allihadjah commanded.
Hurriedly, his technicians worked away on the switches. As the GN blast was heading towards the Battle Base, it bounced off upon contact and instead blasted into an EU carrier.
"Mr. Kamon, Carrier Vladimir Putin is down!" the technician cried.
"Electro-magnetic linear shields?!" exclaimed Zero, "mere brute force can't just blast through this. I need those two to do their job faster."
Suddenly, the Celestica came under a gun blast by another foe. Zero turned around, and saw the familiar Schwarz Ritter there with a rifle compartment.
"Gundam, we meet again as I had believed," Bismarck said, "let us take a bout yet again."
The Spiegel blade was produced out from the Schwarz Ritter's back and it swung it towards the Celestica. The GN Absolute Barrier appeared again to defend itself, but several Azadistani Hellions attacked the Schwarz Ritter from behind and the German-made Suit pursued them instead.
"Guess I no longer need my GN Absolute Barrier on now," Zero remarked.
Tehran Forbidden City, Tehran, Kingdom of Azadistan
While the battle grew in a three-way tier near Baghdad, it was relatively peaceful in Tehran. As most military forces were deployed out into Iraq-Syria, only the Civil Guards were on standby there. The actual Mobile Suits were out in the frontline, so the Civil Guards there only had a modified Mobile Suit Workloader, the Azadistan Palace Guard-Type.
The Workloader series were unlike the average Mobile Weapons, in the sense that they were not true weapons at all. Being tripedal and run on wheels, they were at first used by manual labour in construction projects. However, they were easily obtained by poorer militia, who rigged them with weapons to those ends. For these models, they were repainted to the national colours of Azadistan and armed with machine guns and missile launch pad.
These inferior Suits would be dispatched to secure the prisoners of the Palace grounds in and all interlopers out. Two of the Workloaders were patrolling around the Western Wall of the Forbidden City, when they spotted the Exia and Michael out there and heading towards them.
"Hey, what's that?" cried a Civil Guard.
"You nimrod, that's a Gundam!" another Guard yelled back, "If we could capture it, then we may get a promotion out of guarding this hell of a palace."
The 2 Workloaders aimed all their weapons at the Gundam. Without a doubt, Exia easily avoided all their attacks. The Exia quickly unfolded its blade-arm to reveal a GN Rifle and aimed at the Workloaders.
"Oh no, forget our promotion!" the Guards cried, "Our life's more important here!"
The two of them quickly forced open their doors and dashed out into the Palace. Both the Gundams landed on the site with particular ease.
"These Workloaders can never really match up against a real Mobile Suit," Queen-1 commented, "at least they know what to do…but we should be getting onto our job here."
The hatch in the Michael's chest opened up and Queen-1 walked out of her Gundam and landed on the ground. She then opened up the door and moved into the Palace grounds. The Exia stood by the empty Michael, but a blast hit inches away from the Exia.
"An attack?! It makes no sense," Setsuna exclaimed.
He looked up and saw a Hellion Mk. V flying towards him. While landing, it did a mid-air transformation to Mobile Suit Mode and unsheathed its Sonic Blade. Exia quickly countered it with his GN Sword.
"Pretty tough are you…Mr. Gundam?" the Hellion's pilot mocked.
The Hellion flew out of the way at last minute and unveiled a rifle to shoot at him. The Exia flew up and tried to slash at the Hellion, but the Hellion dodged the attack and even gave Exia a kick to its back.
"That move…I've seen it before…" Setsuna said, "…back in Kurdistan…there's nod doubt about it, Ali Al-Saachez."
Inside the Palace, Queen-1 walked around there, with her helmet still on and holding onto a pistol gun. Several Civil Guards spotted her moving there, and quickly fired on her. She had to flee the assault quickly, while fighting back with a few shots. Eventually, she was far from those Guards.
"This place is getting crazy," she muttered, "I must locate the targets right away."
Suddenly, another Civil Guard came into Queen-1's view and she readied her pistol at them. But, that Guard signalled her to shush.
"I saw you coming out of that Gundam…I believe you must be Celestial Being," the Guard said, "the name's Mouvasi and I am a major of the Guards. I was sent here to meet up with you."
"Under darkness of night and blights of battle…" Queen-1 spoke.
"…look up and see the Angels bestow their judgment and smite thy foe," Mouvasi continued, "they told me to say this line after you said yours. Follow me to the High Tower now."
Outside the Palace, Exia was still fighting against a suspicious Hellion with a pilot Setsuna hoped not to meet again.
"These movements, there can be no doubts about it," Setsuna said, "but just a confirmation…"
Setsuna then turned on a switch, and a sign popped on the screen. It said, "Voice projection activated."
"Are you involved in the Kurdish Uprising?" Setsuna demanded.
"Yah, I was quite a powerful figure there," Saachez replied, "and how would you guess that out?"
"Are you Ali Al-Saachez?" Setsuna demanded.
"Jackpot again, and I say that one of you Gundam Meisters must be among those Kurds whom I raised…" Saachez replied, "…into perfect zealous warmonger machines."
"Enough Saachez, this is for all your lies you dared say on us!" Setsuna cried.
Suddenly, the Exia charged forward, but Saachez's Hellion blocked the attack and pulled of its rifle at Exia's head.
"They say that being blind is an absolute tragedy, let's see if there's any truth in that old theory," Saachez joked.
"Not…today!" Setsuna cried.
Exia's other arm grabbed onto the opposite shoulder and pulled out a miniature staff. It produced a long Beam Sabre and slashed it at the Hellion. Sadly, Saachez fled the attack and relented to fire from a distance.
"A Beam Sabre, now I feel more impressed," Saachez said, "maybe I may take that Gundam for my use after I killed you."
Saachez flew in on the Exia with his Sonic Blade thrust out to stab him, but a barrage of missiles hit the attacking Hellion instead and threw it off-track. Saachez looked around, and saw the source to be from some Workloaders Azadistan Palace Guard-Type on the ground.
"What's this? A mutiny?" cried Saachez, "well I ought to blast them off the map."
His Hellion flew away and aimed his rifle at the Workloaders, but Exia took this chance and charged forward for another strike. Saachez noticed this and deflected it with his Sonic Blade. Schneizal's face appeared in Saachez's cockpit.
"Saachez, abandon your post now," he said, "This is a lost cause in itself."
"Arg…yah…" he agreed, "…abnd about that new Suit you mentioned…"
"Worry not, I will it granted to you soon enough," Schneizal reassured him.
He then pushed Exia away and flew out of the Palace grounds in its Flight Mode. The pilot opened up from the leading Workloader, showing him to be Mouvasi. Coming out were Marina, Rasa and Shirin with Queen-1 standing away.
"At least, the mission's accomplished," Setsuna relented, "but what about the frontline…and Saachez being here and all?"
Outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq-Syria
Continuing on with the desert battle near Baghdad, things were getting wearier over time. The Azadistan forces had not yet breached Baghdad proper due to the continuing resistance from two fronts. For Celestial Being, they couldn't defeat the large Battle Base of the Azadistan forces.
Zero fired a blast at some of the Anfs as they neared towards Baghdad. Suddenly, his operators in St. Cuthbert appeared on screen.
"Zero, we have checked up on the combat data you had sent us on the linear shield plating," Feldt said, "it is apparently powered by a electrical generator kept inside the Battle Base itself."
"And the materials used for this linear shield plating is titanium alloy," Christina included, "therefore, solid rounds aren't gonna to penetrate that wall."
"And finally, the electrical generator can have its electricity output adjusted to any level to nullify the appropriate attacks," Feldt said, but there's a flaw."
"You see, from what we gathered, the Battle Base will open up its front hatch at intervals to recover damaged Hellions and send out repaired ones," Christina said, "and that hatch at 48 degrees downwards leads down to the electrical generator below."
"So we need someone able to hit a straight target, and got to be accurate at first and only go," Zero said, "only the Dynames is able to do this… Contact Lockon immediately."
Meanwhile, Lockon was engaged in a one-on-one battle with Klaus' Hellion in a close sword fight. The Hellion flew in from a front behind, but shield plates blocked the way. He raised his the rifle and fired from it, yet the shields blocked it out.
"Again?!" he cried, "These shield plates are being remotely controlled by an AI…or a second pilot in this thing."
"This guy just can't just give up now," Lockon cried.
"New message from St. Cuthbert. New message from St. Cuthbert. New message from St. Cuthbert" Haro rang out.
Suddenly, a screen in his cockpit displayed a set of instructions. Lockon looked on to them, and was relieved.
"Finally, no longer having to fight with this bloke," Lockon said.
Suddenly, the Celestica pounded its fist onto the hull of the Hellion. Klaus turned around, and thrust his Sonic Blade at it. However, it couldn't break through the bulky armour.
"Go now!" Zero yelled out.
Dynames kept away his Beam Sabre at once and flew off from the site. Klaus also kept away his Sonic Blade and flew backwards.
"German Luftwaffe Legion 66, assuming Formation Delta!" Klaus cried.
While flying in apparent retreat, it quickly shifted to its Fighter Mode and sped straight at Celestica. Four other Hellions of the same series all flew behind the first one, in a triangular formation, and launched heavy fire on the Celestica.
"No fancy formation can break through my GN Absolute Barrier!" Zero proclaimed.
Suddenly, green dust-like particles were produced to form up a shielding surrounding the perimeter of the Celestica. That shield apparently deflected all of the Hellions' gunfire and they flew away from the Gundam for another return attack.
Suddenly, a radio message was being broadcasted to all frequencies. As Zero heard this, he boded a grin of triumph.
"To the People of Azadistan and beyond, this is Princess Marina Ismail speaking. I am now liberated from my capture within the Palace with my other civil government ministers. As of now, I shall be referred officially as Sovereign Princess Marina, Monarch of Azadistan and its People, Heiress to Great Persia, Protector of Kurds, Azeris and Afghans, Defender of the Faith and Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Persian Liberation Army. As such, the Committee for National Salvation no longer represents the government or the will of the Azadistani people and thus will be regarded as terrorists to the nation…"
"Lies, all of them!" cried Allihadjad, "they are mere trickery from our enemies to deceive us! Charge on!"
Meanwhile, Lockon was flew away from the main battle and pulled out its sniper gun. A small viewer patch opened up on the Suit's forehead. Through Lockon's cockpit, he was aiming for a section of the Battle Base as it began to open up.
"Lockon, listen up to us. This procedure is highly-sensitive and we only have one shot at this," Jeremiah said, "If the enemy knows we knew their weakness, all further chances will be lost. I believe you understand the magnitude of this situation."
"Yup, I need to make one good shot and Lockon Stratos can aim 100% even to the very atmosphere itself," he boasted.
"Very well," Jeremiah replied, "Feldt and Christina, begin keying the coordinates for the perfect shot. And Lockon, we will inform you that precise moment in 10 seconds advance."
"Roger," Lockon said, "Haro, charge up the system and watch my back."
The hatch was all opened up and several of Azadistan's Hellions flew back in retreat and a few others flew out. The hatch then began to lower again.
"Hatch lowering at rate 0.6 m/s," Christina said, "wind speed at mild and temperature at 37.6 degrees."
"Degree of Gundam Dynames GN Sniper – 48," Lockon said.
"Lockon, the time is now," Feldt said, "you only have a total of 60 seconds and counting down to snipe the target."
"Energy Filler capacity 100%, fire when ready," Haro cried.
"And good timing too Haro," Lockon praised.
Suddenly, Klaus' Hellion flew in from behind for a surprise attack. Zero looked over there and grew shocked. However, the shield plates under Haro's control quickly surrounded the Gundam to fend off the attacks.
"And great backing me there too," Lockon said, "Lockon Stratos, sniping the target!"
The large sniper gun from the Dynames fired away and it shot through into the midpoint of the closing hatch seconds before it managed to close up. That blast then broke through the floor of plated metals, and pierced its way into the electrical generator. When it hits the generator, the whole room it was in exploded into flames.
On the outside, Allelujah was holding off a group of Anfs heading towards the city. Suddenly, he saw Lockon's blast bursting form the other side of the Battle Base and other parts of it also exploded.
"Mission accomplished," he smiled.
"Phew, that was a close one we get," Jeremiah relieved.
"Good job, Lockon," Feldt said to herself.
"Ah…now I see their plan," Bismarck realised, "because they realised that the linear shield plating would deflect all attacks, the best option is to do so from within. And that Gundam's weapon is the only one that can be so."
"Call all forces to attack on the Battle Base itself!" Kamon declared.
With that, all the Coalition forces aimed their attacks on the collapsing Battle Base. Onboard the falling Base, Allihadjah and a few of his officials quickly fled to an escape carrier and flew away from the ruins.
"Oh no, you won't be getting away so easily!" Klaus cried, "German Luftwaffe Squadron 66, conduct Formation Blitzkrieg on Escape Carrier."
Suddenly, the escape carrier went under intensive fire by the Hellion squadron. The driver of the carrier tried to dodge away all the shots, but one of those blasts did hit the rear engines in the end. Thus, the entire aircraft crashed down on the ground and the Committee members all crawled out of the craft along with their driver. Looking around, they saw two of their Anfs and two of Iraq-Syria's Hellions Ground-Type aiming their weapons at them. With no way out, all of them just raised up their arms in defeat.
"Persian, here I stand…" Allihadjad cried.
Due to Marina's message, the other Azadistani soldiers all abandoned their Suits and raised their hands high. The Coalitional forces rushed out of their Suits and cheered in victory.
"And mission is accomplished now," Zero said, "let us take our leave."
However, Klaus was still within his Hellion Mk. X and was ready to aim his rifle at the Dynames. However, the Schwarz Ritter blocked his subordinate's actions out.
"Do not; for due to this event, Celestial Being become the heroes of the hour," Bismarck said, "if we were to attack them now, we could risk a war with Iraq-Syria or Gulf Confederation."
"Yes sir…stand down I will," he said.
Tehran Forbidden City, Tehran, Kingdom of Azadistan
Within the Throne Room, it was where Sovereign Princess Marina declared her right to rule and crushed the fascist regime. Rasa, Shirin and Mouvasi all looked up to Marina and smiled. Mouvasi, in particular, looked over towards Setsuna and Queen-1, still having their faces hidden by their helmets.
"Princess, I shall guide these two on their way out," Mouvasi volunteered.
As such, all three of them left the Throne Room and walked out into the corridors. Setsuna looked around the scenery and then at Mouvasi.
"Everything was very different since years ago," Mouvasi said, "at that time, Azadistan fell under tyrants' grip and fought against the former Kurdistan, Azerbaijan and Afghanistan."
"But I doubt anything much will change quickly," Setsuna said, "that was why I joined Celestial Being."
"Soran Ibrahim…" Mouvasi said.
"It's Setsuna F. Seiei to you," he fiercely replied, "this new ruler is a soft one, and further threats may start up a new war in the region."
"And so I will be here to protect the Princess," Mouvasi said, "and you do your thing too. We've seen war first-hand…"
"…And that man's manipulation of that to force children as soldiers," Setsuna followed up, "I will never forgive that man, Ali Al-Saachez…"
"But then again, it was that bombing that brought us together…and soon into Celestial Being," Mouvasi said, "we should be proud of what we could do, Setsuna."
"But Mouvasi, you should know this…I met Al-Saachez just now…" Setsuna replied, "…fighting me just now outside the Palace."
Karakum Desert Region, Turkmen Socialist Republic
While Russia became part of the EU, Central Asia did not as it fell into the hands of socialism under China's grip. As SR, the five new-borne nations were utterly weakened and mostly rural due to the impact of the Solar Wars.
Within the Karakum Desert, a hover jeep ran through the sands. It was piloted by a chauffeur, and it carried three important figures. One of them was well-known in Turkmenistan as its autocratic leader, Premier Mikhail Oztstadlev. The other two were Prime Minister Schneizal and Kamon.
While in the middle of a desert, they were nearing a ruin, predating to some ancient culture. The driver tapped a button, and the gate of the ruins opened up. The jeep quickly went inside and it quickly closed.
Desert Region, Syrian Territory, Iraq-Syria
It had been night time since the end of the Baghdad Crisis with the restoration of the Azadistani monarchy, and a lone prison truck carried the members of the Committee of National Salvation back to Azadistan for their imprisonment.
As the driver noted, he saw something coming at them from the back. He looked out towards the window screen and spied upon a flying object heading towards them. Then, a laser blast shot out and the truck narrowly dodged the attack. A few blasts struck at the truck, and I eventually got shot and skidded off the road. Inside the truck, the defunct Committee people peeped out to see what was going on. They were quite amazed as to what they saw.
That mysterious object landed right next to the crashed truck, being a Mobile Suit in silver-like colours. Its head section was a digital platform, and it held a rifle attachment on its right arm. Wedged in between its 2 wing-like protrusions, there was a GN Driver similar to the Gundams. However, it was eluding crimson red particles, rather than the Gundams' green particles.
"What in Allah's name is that…" one of them exclaimed.
The strange Mobile Suit raised its rifle and launched out a red blast at the truck. And instantly, the whole truck blew up into pieces and it burnt in flames. Inside that Suit, Ali Al-Saachez was smiling and laughing at it.
"This Suit…it is absolutely amazing!" Al-Saachez laughed, "What was it called again?"
At that, Schneizal's face appeared on a screen in the cockpit.
"Indeed, we very pleased with this Suit's performance," he said, "the Gundam Throne Varanus in excellent and packed with a GN Tau Drive. They may not be as good as Celestial Being's, but they get the job done."
Within a hidden underground base underneath the Karakum Desert, the three officials watched on. A fading image appeared behind them, being a young man with long blonde hair. He boded a broad smile to them.
"After so long, it is more or less completed to what Aeolia had envisioned," the image said.
"Yes Lord V2, this is our first step after so many years," Kamon said, "and what should be our next move?"
"Set the Tau Drives into further production. I want as many of them as possible," V2 said, "and I want to test out Celestial Being's capabilities myself. And my target would be…something big…like India perhaps…"
