Song of the Storm Wolf: Howl of Destiny

by Storm Wolf77415

The year is C.E. 73. Two years have passed since the end of the Bloody Valentine War. The second verse of the Storm Wolf saga begins as Lieutenant General Sebastian Connor joins with old friends and new alike as he faces down the renewed threat of the Earth Alliance and the mysterious Captain Neo Roanoke.

10. First Blood Pt 2

Disclaimer: Jean-Pierre La Flaga, Thomas Markinson, the Blue Knights and the Duel Stilettos belong to Dragoon Swordsman.

Song of the Storm Wolf: Howl of Destiny

By Storm Wolf77415, Wing Commander White Wolf, and Centurious the Azure

First Blood Part Two

(November 19th, C.E. 73, United Emirates of Orb, Yalafath Island, Connor Residence)

It had been five days since the failed nuclear assault on the PLANTS, and it was all too evident where the Earth Alliance's attention would now be focused. Many citizens of Orb were feeling the same sense of dread they felt in the days before June 15th, C.E. 71, and a sense of vengeance when it was reported the Atlantic Federation Fourth Naval Fleet had departed from Pearl Harbor on a direct course for Orb.

Lieutenant General Sebastian Connor stood on the deck of his home, looking out across the horizon, watching as the sun set in the west, it had been a clear, pristine day without a cloud in sight, and the as the sky turned purple and orange, it was one of those moments fit to be captured on film. The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due reasoned it would be more fitting to see dark clouds on the horizon. "I'd say a storm is coming, but that would be too much." He sighed.

It was then his sharp senses caught the faint scent of lilac scented perfume as a pair of pale, dainty arms wrapped around him from behind. Sebastian turned to face Lacus, her delicate blue eyes filled with concern for her husband. "Is something wrong, dear? If so, then please tell me." The White Queen's voice was a soothing balm. He reached up to gently touch her face, taking comfort in watching her pale cheeks flare up.

"Just coming to terms, dear. I see the storm on the horizon and it's bearing straight down on us." He sat down on one of the lounge chairs, holding her in his lap. "I can't help but be concerned. I'm confident we can fend them off with ZAFT's assistance, but at the same time. I feel this is an uphill battle. It's not enough we got enemies at the gate, but we've got to keep one eye on our own people, now that Yukimasa's father has returned. Days like this make wonder if I should have just crawled into a hole and stayed there."

Delicate fingers came up to brush against Sebastian's face. Lacus's nails were well cared for, smooth and rounded, capped off by a coat of clear nail polish. "I hope there's room in that hole for me. Because, you know I would never let you go there by yourself." She cooed, leaning in to kiss her husband. Sebastian still felt the tremendous weight of defending Orb on his shoulders, but it was simple gestures like this that made it feel a little less heavier.

Delicate pink lips curled upwards into that telltale adorable smile that never failed to warm Sebastian's heart. Lacus looked more like an angel than ever against the back drop of the evening sky. "I came out here to tell you, that Yukimasa is here. He wanted to speak to you about using the workshop for the night."

Sebastian was curious. "Okay, tell him I'll be out there waiting for him." He said. Lacus gave him a gentle kiss, before going back inside the house. The Storm Wolf in turn, walked across the yard to the workshop, settling down on the couch. It wasn't long before Yukimasa walked in, his red knee length coat waving behind him.

"Evening, Masa. I understand you wanted to use the forge?"

"Yeah, if it's not too much trouble." Yukimasa said. He looked over to the central work table. "You working on something?" Yukimasa asked, getting a closer look at the blade Sebastian had been sharpening. Red eyes widened, "Wow! Is that a black bladed katana?" He whistled in appreciation, running his finger along the edge of the blade. "Those are really rare, hard to make, too. I heard they use obsidian in the forging process; it's what gives the blade it's color and makes the tips and edge so fine they can cut the molecule of a hair. The procedure to make these things was all but lost to time."

Sebastian puffed up his chest a little, holding up his journal. "You can thank Un No-sensei for that. He managed to rediscover it, and recorded it for posterity. It was his last great accomplishment before he died." He gazed down at the hand written notebook with reverence. "I'm still working out the finer aspects of the process, but I'm getting better with each turn. I think a few more attempts and I'll have gotten it down. I've become a fairly capable swordsmith, but still not anywhere near the level of Un No-sensei or Ralph Eifman, I heard he's the one who forged Reaver's sword by studying the Gerbera they captured from me."

Yukimasa's expression darkened. "My old man would probably be able to forge weapons like this too, loathe as I am to admit it. I've told you he's a very capable engineer and scientist, this wouldn't be beyond his level of skill. We were descended from an offshoot of an old samurai family who left Japan and settled in Orb, and they were known for creating very high quality swords."

"Cutting right to the chase. I want to forge my own blade. It's for my new mobile suit. I could take a Type-74 like what the M74s use, but I wanted something unique to myself." Yukimasa leaned in close to Sebastian, speaking in a mock whisper. "I…might have gone through my old man's personal collection when he wasn't looking. I found information on forging mobile suit scale weapons. I want to see if what he developed was any different from your own teacher's forging process. Care to help me out?"

"I wouldn't be above something like that." Sebastian said, becoming curious himself, leading Yukimasa to another part of the warehouse. "Come with me. You'll need to pick out a strong grade of steel, that's going to be vital." The two of them set out to work.

(November 23rd, C.E. 73, ONS Archangel, Bridge, Orb Union)

The fated day had come, there was no way to delay the coming battle any longer. Sebastian stood on the bridge of the Archangel, the entire crew in their rightful place, Tolle and Arnold Neumann at the helm, Sai at electronic warfare, Flay at communications, Miriallia Haw, Jackie Tonomura, Dalida Lolaha Chandra II, Romero Pal, and Lacus Clyne-Connor were down in the Combat Information Center, which Natarle had taken charge of, since the Amatarasu would be of little use Earth side. Murrue herself was in the captain's chair, the master of her domain.

"And so it begins." Mu said, the Hawk of Endymion was resplendent in his trademark purple flight suit, the twin white feathers emblazoned on his black helmet, tucked under his arm. He put a hand on Murrue's shoulder. A gesture that she returned, resting her hand on his. "The Archangel returns to the battlefield after two long years. I just hope we haven't lost our edge in all this time."

"Indeed, Captain La Flaga. And I don't think we have to worry. We're all going to make sure the outcome of this fight is different from the last go around." Sebastian said, also in full flight gear, his own wolf shaped helmet clenched tightly in hand. "Orb will not fall again. Not on my watch."

"We're being hailed, Admiral Ramius." Flay said, resplendent in her Orb officer's uniform, the rank of First Lieutenant proudly standing out on her left breast. The redhead gave a slightly disgusted look to her commanding officer. "It's the commander of the enemy fleet, a Major General Jack Hansen. He wants to speak with you regarding conditions for our surrender."

"Hansen…" Murrue bit her lip in disgust, her expression mirrored by Natarle and Mu. "Admiral Halberton told me about him. He was in command of the Atlantic Federation forces assigned to protect the PLANTs. He saw the very worse of humanity during that time. It warped him, and he sees Coordinators as being the root of the problem."

"So he's another Blue Cosmos fanatic, then?" Anthony asked, decked out in his white flight suit, already adding Ripper to his list of people to kill very quickly.

"No, he doesn't hang out with them." Mu hissed. "He's just a psychopath."

"Put him through, Lieutenant Allster." Murrue sighed, picking up the handset built into the armrest of her chair. "I have a pretty good idea of what he's going to say. I just want to have the pleasure of saying no to his face." The screen blinked to life to show Hansen sitting in the command chair on the bridge of the Spengler-class aircraft carrier AFS Richard Pearson, wearing a dark green Earth Alliance style flight suit. The mad look in his eyes still present.

Much to Mu's surprise, standing at Hansen's right side was his cousin, Captain Jean-Pierre La Flaga, wearing his own flight suit colored royal blue and dark gray, the colors of the 127th Anti-Mobile Suit Squadron, the Blue Knights. It was like looking into a mirror, the two La Flagas were virtually the same, although Mu's hair was slightly longer, a stark contrast to the freshly close-shaved look Jean-Pierre sported. It made his blue eyes all the more striking.

"Well, if it isn't the ship of turncoats!" Hansen sneered contemptuously. "I'll make this quick and easy. The Orb Defense Forces and your ZAFT fuckbuddies will stand down right now. The Five Noble Houses will announce their surrender and Orb will become a territory of the Atlantic Federation under my personal control."

"Over our dead bodies!" Cagalli snapped.

Mu took the handset from Murrue. "Well, JP. It's been a while since the last time we spoke to each other. Congratulations on your command. You certainly deserve it above anyone else. I'm sure you've made the entire family proud. That being said, I hope you have more common sense than the lunatic you're currently standing next to!" The Hawk smirked inwardly at how Hansen's lip curled in silent rage.

Jean-Pierre's expression remained neutral, but it was evident there was hostility in his eyes. "I'm flattered you would acknowledge me in such a way, Mu, especially given how you turned your back on your own country. Unlike you, I know where my loyalties lie. Either way, I have nothing against the people of Orb. However, I dare say you've made a rather poor choice, as such, I have a job to do, and I will carry it out."

"I think we've done enough bantering for now. So what is it going to be, boys and girls?" Hansen demanded, leaning forward in an intimidating manner. "Do we do this the easy way, or the hard way?"

Sebastian stepped forward, carrying himself with as much authority as he possible could muster. He looked to Anthony, who just gave a silent nod of acknowledgement. "Major General Hansen, this is Lieutenant General Connor. I know you're many things, stupid is not one of them. We both know what our answer is going to be. We're not going to just turn Orb over to you. You want it so badly? You're going to have to work for it."

Hansen let out a mocking laugh. "So be it! It makes my job that much easier anyway! I'll be looking forward to seeing just how toothless you really are, Storm Corgi! Enjoy watching your precious little rock burn to ashes!" The screen went dark after that.

"Flay, put me through to the Minerva." Sebastian said. "Storm Wolf Actual to Minerva Actual, did you get all that Talia?"

"Every word of it." There was no hiding the disgust in the captain of the ZAFT warship's voice. "Lady Cagalli, you will rest assured that this ship and all of ZAFT will stand by Orb's side for this. We will not let that horrid man or any of those Earth Alliance bastards set one foot on your homeland. That is my word as captain of this ship."

"I believe you, Captain Gladys. Thank you." Cagalli said.

"Send word to the entire fleet." Sebastian ordered. "Tell them all hands to battle stations, and launch all mobile suits now." The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due looked to his fellow pilots. "People, we are now officially on the clock. Let's go to it!" He looked to Anthony. "Man the Augnir, I wouldn't put it past the Earth Alliance to pull a page from our playbook and go for a orbital drop. I think that might dissuade any reinforcements from coming in."

"Will do." Anthony's expression was set, with that, all the pilots headed for the hangar. Kira, Athrun, Yukimasa, and Kuro were all waiting. No words were needed, everyone had fought together for so long, it was a given what was at stake here. Everyone headed for their respective mobile suits.

Kuro mounted his machine, an R-type Takemikazuchi, colored a deep, minimalistic black. He began a thorough systems check to make sure his mobile suit was in perfect working order. It was armed with the same Type-72 Kai Ikazuchi Beam Rifle as the Murasame, but the Type-74 Melee Halberd was the mobile suit's signature weapon, and just happened to be securely clamped to one of the mount pylons on the back.

Yukimasa's mobile suit was truly unique; it resembled the Strike in some places, the head covered by an ornate looking samurai style Kabuto. He identified the machine as the MBF-Y401TW Bushido, a custom mobile suit of his own design, done up in his usual colors, It was mostly black, the torso was red, and the shoulders, and parts of the helmet were done up in gold. Despite the cosmetic additions it appeared to be a very formidable machine.

Like Maelstrom and Freedom, Bushido carried the Gerbera Straight style blade Yukimasa had forged with Sebastian's help, kept on the left hip in a black sheath trimmed in red and gold. He sat in the cockpit, waiting in anticipation. "Hey Bro, you ready for this?" He said to Kuro, whose visage came up on the monitor, clad in an all-black Orb-cut flight suit.

"You know it." The younger Sahaku said. "Where is Dad in all this?"

"With Kumiko, and Mina, directing things from central command. Despite what he thinks, we'll need his expertise to make it through alive." Yukimasa frowned. "It all seems too convenient if you ask me. Him showing up just as we're forging closer ties to the PLANTs. You can't tell me he's not up to something."

"Oh trust me, bro. We're all on the same page in that regard. But we can't think about it right now." Kuro said, both the Bushido and his night black Takemikazuchi were first to the catapults. "Kuroto Takeshi Sahaku, Takemikazuchi Kaitou, heading out!" The all too familiar rush of the catapult hurtling him out into Orb airspace. "All right, Earth Alliance, this is payback for two years ago!"

Bushido was next on the catapult. Yukimasa was stoic as he gave only bare acknowledgement to Miriallia. His mind was elsewhere, thinking about the return of his father to Orb. He was definitely going to have to keep a close eye on Yukimura after this was over. "Yukimasa Ikari Sahaku, Bushido launching!" With that, the samurai themed mobile suit entered the battle.

The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due and Arctic White Wolf were the last to launch. "It's not going to happen again, Anthony," Was Sebastian's simple statement.

"Damn right it's not, pup. This time I'm here and we've got ZAFT at our side. Orb stands." Sebastian said nothing more, before acknowledging Miriallia's order to launch, as the MBF-X05A Maelstrom Gundam lurched off the catapult into the skies over Orb, the MBF-P06 Gundam Astray Blizzard Frame followed just a few seconds behind, before making for the mountain where the Augnir was set up.

(EAS Richard Pearson, Flight Deck)

For the Earth Forces, They were all just as eager for what was to come. Blue Cosmos or not, Many within OMNI Enforcer's ranks had not taken Orb siding with the PLANTs well. For them, this was a chance to remind the small island nation of their place in the world as a sovereign nation of the Earth, and that there would be a price to pay for abandoning that place.

But for Yifei Cui, she could really care less. The only thing that she lived for was her next big fight, and this one was going to be the biggest one yet. A part of her shivered in anticipation, for the incredible battle just minutes away. Her four woman squad was primed and ready to leap into action. Their mobile suits stood out amongst the cluster of Windams and Dagger models on the aircraft carrier's deck, a sign of their East Asian origins.

The GAT-BFJ10 Bao-Feng was a simple, utilitarian design, armed merely with a beam rifle, beam sabers, and a shield. But what it lacked in sophistication it made up for it with sheer speed and agility. It was one of the nimblest machines the Earth Alliance had, second only to the Atlantic Federation's new GAT-01DX Duel Stiletto, which was fielded by the Blue Knights.

Yifei had gotten bored hanging around the Middle East, taking part in ever more mind-numbing training drills. So when the invasion of Orb had been announced. She wasn't about to miss out on the fun, grabbing her three closest friends and making straight for Pearl Harbor. Now she was poised to take on some of the greatest pilots the Cosmic Era had ever known, and Yifei Cui would cement her place in history.

"Yifei Cui, Bao-Feng, taking off!" With that, the nimble dark-green mobile suit launched off the carrier's deck, heading straight into the fray. The other three members of her squadron soon joined her, falling into a standard diamond formation. "Okay Bao-Feng Flight. It's time for to have a party!" She had decided to use the name of her mobile suit as a temporary identifier for this battle, since the rest of the Kurokami weren't present. The Taiwanese beauty's fingers curled in anticipation around the control grips, as she hurtled toward the Orb coastline.

(PSV Minerva, Orb Territorial Waters)

Shinn's entire body was tense as he settled uneasily in the cockpit of the Core Splendor. He thought that Orb would never be willing to stand up for what it believed in, but here was the proof in front of him. "Shinn Asuka, Core Splendor, taking off!" He said, the small aircraft lurched off the deck into the sky, followed by the other pieces of the Impulse, including the Force pack.

Both Meyrin and Mayu were on duty at the CIC, their images coming up on his screen. "Good luck, bro." Mayu smiled, a melancholy gleam in her eyes. "Did you ever think we'd actually come back here, brother? I know we may serve ZAFT, but I still feel attached to Orb. I guess we're fighting for both our homes now."

"I guess so." The red-eyed pilot said, watching as his machine came together. He couldn't help but feel a rush of exhilaration, knowing he had been selected to pilot the ZGMF-X56S Impulse Gundam. And now he was going to get his chance to put it to use. "Don't worry, sis. I'm going to make sure nothing happens to you or the ship. Sit back and watch me work!" Mayu smiled and blew a kiss to him.

He watched as Rey, Lunamaria, and Juliana launched off the Minerva in their ZAKUS, riding on Guuls, a gift that had come from the first round of ZAFT troops sent by Ren Za Burrel to reinforce the country. A gesture that Talia and Trine had both greatly welcomed, since it meant the rest of the ship's mobile suit complement wouldn't be relegated to being walking gun turrets for the future. "You guys ready for this?" Shinn asked, reflexively clenching his fist as he eyed the enemy troops.

"Do you even have to ask? I was getting bored just lying around on the beach and watching the waves." Juliana said. Indeed, the purple haired beauty had been a stunning sight to behold, sunbathing on the beach in a revealing black bikini. She had enjoyed the little rest, but she was a soldier of ZAFT, and it was time for her to do her job.

"Then let's quit chatting and get to it!" Rey said. "I'm reading a platoon of Earth Alliance mobile suits heading for the southern coast, let's go and help them out." It didn't take long for the four pilots to reach the southern battlefront, where ZAKUS stood with Astrays and Murasames flew overhead. Lunamaria set her Guul down, joining with several more Gunner pack equipped ZAKU Warriors.

"Shinn, Juliana, Rey go out and engage the Earth Alliance troops, I'll stay here with the others and provide cover support." Luna said, readying her Orthros long-range beam cannon. She opened fire, taking a hit at one of the destroyers of the Fourth Fleet providing fire support for incoming Alliance mobile suits.

"Roger that, Luna." Rey said. Shinn and his two teammates were joined by more Guul riding ZAKUs, Murasames, and Astrays equipped with the EF-24R Shrike rotor flight pack, allowing it to hover in the air. While several more ZAKUs and Astrays, bolstered by artillery stood on the ground, ready to meet the enemy forces.

"Maybe Mayu is right." Shinn mused to himself, igniting one of his Vajra beam sabers as he watched as the enemy troops loomed ever closer. "Perhaps there is a part of me that is still connected to Orb." He shook his head. "She was always able to see those things that I never could. Okay then…I'll fight for both the PLANTs and Orb, if only just because I know Mom and Dad would have wanted me to."

The first wave of Earth Alliance mobile suits reached the beachhead, and the ZGMF-X56S Impulse Gundam was there to meet them. "All right, you bastards." Shinn hissed, "This is for what you did to my parents two years ago!" He raised his beam rifle, opening fire, and claimed his first kill, plugging a Jet Striker equipped Windam right in the cockpit, the machine exploded, its charred remains falling into the ocean below.

He soon found himself hemmed in by the fallen pilot's squadmates, narrowly avoiding a missile barrage from the naval ships off shore. Shinn took his beam saber in a wide arc, managing to catch one Windam across the torso, only to be hit in the right foot by a Sword Striker equipped Dagger L, having thrown its beam boomerang. Shinn fired his beam rifle, downing his foe.

Now with some breathing room, Shinn made a quick check of his comrades, watching as Juliana squeezed off a few rounds, followed up by a barrage of missiles from her Guul, she managed to take down a Dagger and clipped a Windam's port wing, before brandishing her beam tomahawk to finish the stricken machine off. He couldn't deny Juliana moved with a fluid grace and precision. It was cliché, but the violet ZAKU almost moved like a dancer. Shinn couldn't help but admire Juliana at times like that.

Rey was also doing well, opening up with a barrage of Firebees, scattering the incoming Earth Alliance troops, before opening fire with his beam rifle, he managed to plug a pair of Windams. Another Windam came in with beam saber ignited. Rey went for one of his beam tomahawk; the two weapons collided in a shower of sparks.

A Dagger L came in from behind; Rey didn't have time to react, only for a green lance to pierce it from the side. He pushed the Windam back, lopping off the mobile suit's head. Rey looked to see the Impulse, beam rifle raised. "What were you telling me about keeping aware at all times?" Shinn quipped in a mock teasing voice.

Rey just shook his head. "Thank you." was his simple reply, to which Shinn just saluted and gave a thumbs up. The brief warm moment was soon over. The two machines looked to the beach, where plenty of mobile suits were still exchanging fire. They caught sight of Luna's ZAKU, firing off one burst after another, taking down any Windam or Dagger that came into her crosshairs. "It looks like we're just getting started here. Still plenty of targets to deal with."

"Then let's get them off our beach!" Shinn said, the Impulse and Rey's ZAKU diving back into the fireworks, as there were plenty of targets to choose from.

(Over Yalafath)

The Freedom and Justice had been quick to meet the incoming

Earth Alliance and Atlantic Federation troops in the sky, Kira and Athrun using their trademark teamwork, The White Knight alternating between using the vast array of Freedom's weapons to scatter any enemy mobile suit formations, while the all too familiar Damascene katana came out to fend off anyone who got too close. Still, the Earth Alliance regulars were showing the same competency they did during the attack on the PLANTs.

Two full squads of eight mobile suits apiece advanced on the Freedom. The first wave of six Windams ignited their beam sabers, moving to engage the White Knight in close quarters combat, while their comrades hung back to provide fire support. Kira was quick to respond, forgoing the Gerbera for a beam saber, locking blades with the first Earth Alliance machine to come near him, while firing a quick barrage from the Xiphas to fend off the next two attackers.

The other Windams who had been providing cover with their beam rifles, then let loose several barrages of missiles, timed to go off on proximity charges. Even with his highly enhanced reflexes and Freedom's sheer speed and maneuverability, Kira struggled to avoid getting caught in the blasts, or get speared by a lucky beam round. It was enough for the melee fighters to try and get behind the white mobile suit in an attempt to take out its engines.

Luckily, Kira needn't worry, as his best friend and brother all but in blood had his back, Justice squeezed off a couple of rounds from the rear mounted Fortis beam cannons, clipping a pair of Windams in the wings. This gave Kira enough time to bring up the Lupus, managing to shoot off the head of one of the Windams, and getting another in the leg. He brought up Freedom's entire arsenal to bear, letting loose his trademark beam spam, catching many mobile suits unlucky enough to be in the firing arc. However, the enemy mobile suits were still pouring out from the carriers and approaching Orb.

The Red Knight was making his presence felt, the Lacerta beam sabers joined together, making use of the twin blades of frozen fire to fend off Earth Alliance mobile suits left and right. A pair of Windams, backed up by three Dagger Ls locked blades with the Justice. Athrun went for a wide slash, looking to hack the Dagger L in half, only for its comrade to get in between it, Justice's beam bouncing off the shield. Athrun's eyes widened when a trio of Windams approached, armed with a pair of giant cannons on their shoulders.

Athrun didn't hesitate to hit the accelerator, jumping into the sky to avoid getting blasted by the Dopplehorn Windams. Freedom and Justice regrouped, watching the Earth Alliance machines arrayed before them. "Wow, Yzak wasn't kidding, these guys really have stepped up their game!" Athrun rasped. "I don't think the regular OMNI Enforcer troops have ever given us this trouble before."

"I guess it's not the Atlantic Federation's elite units we need to look out for." Kira said, eyes narrowing slightly, watching as the Windams began to surround Freedom and Justice. "I think it's time for us to take this fight to the next level, Athrun, what do you think?"

"I think you might be right, Kira." It was then two seeds, one purple, one green, blossomed in minds of the two young pilots. They had been going easy on their traditional enemy before, but now it was time to remind everyone why Kira Yamato and Athrun Zala were so feared during the last war. The ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam stood ominously in the skies over Orb, the sun reflecting off of them.

"Let's go, Athrun!" Kira announced, diving headlong into the mass of Earth Alliance troops. Freedom's Baealenas flipping over to take down several Windams and varying models of Daggers all at once, the Gerbera flashed out, hacking off arms and legs, letting the machines fall to the ground. Athrun fended off a pair of Windams, blasting one with the Fortis cannons at point blank range, before impaling the other with his double bladed Lacerta.

Even with Kira and Athrun's new rush of energy, the enemy's resolve didn't waver for a minute, a barrage of beams, missiles, and railgun rounds were exchanged as blades of fire met cold steel. The two Gundams had managed to down quite a few enemy units, however, they were still coming. "Kira, I think we're going to need some back up here!" Athrun said.

"Did someone ask for help?" A voice drawled, as a new mobile suit swooped down from the sky. "How about from the man who can make the impossible possible?" Both Kira and Athrun felt the tension lighten a little as the Hawk of Endymion joined the fight with his brand new mobile suit. The GAT-X105N Strike Alpha Gundam streaked through the sky, very much resembling the bird of prey its pilot was named for. A slightly tweaked version of the original Strike's design, it had been made for Mu, as well as equipped with a nuclear reactor to let him stand on equal terms with his fellow pilots. Its torso was a deep purple while the head and limbs were white. Everyone would come to know what it stood for.

"Hope you don't mind me cutting in?" Mu cracked as he fired his beam rifle, downing a Jet Striker pack equipped Windam, before dispatching a pair of Dagger L's. The Strike Alpha had a Lupus beam rifle, a pair of Type-72 beam sabers mounted on the hips, a Type-74 mounted between its six wing HiMAT system based on the Freedom. The Strike Alpha was ready to show its talons, a pair of 110mm railguns extended from the purple wing binders, firing a pair of yellow streaks.

"By all means, Mu." Kira said, driving off a Windam himself, taking it out of the fight with a barrage from Freedom's rail cannons.

"Don't count me out." Yukimasa piped up, the Bushido landing next to the Strike Alpha. He took note of the swarm of Earth Alliance and Atlantic Federation machines. "Wow, I have to say I'm surprised, usually most of these guys would be on the ground in pieces by now. Don't tell me the Double Knights are losing their touch?" Both Kira and Athrun just rolled their eyes, not paying any attention to Yukimasa's humor.

"Be careful, you two. They may just be regulars, but they're quite skilled." Athrun said.

"But of course they are, Commander Zala." A regal sounding voice cut in. Mu became much more tense since he knew exactly who was speaking. "Considering how much time I spent on improving the training for our pilots. I would be greatly disappointed if they didn't perform to my expectation." Exactly a dozen new enemy contacts showed up on the screens of all four Orb mobile suits, and it wasn't long before they got a visual.

Twelve mobile suits flew in, eleven of them were mass production units based on the GAT-X102 Duel Gundam, outfitted with extra engines for speed and mobility, armament was light, only a beam rifle, sabers, CIWS, a shield, and much to the four Orb pilots' surprise, a physical blade much like the Type-74 mounted on the right hip, only more angular. They were the new GAT-01DX Duel Stiletto, and made solely to engage other mobile suits.

But it was the Gundam-class machine that caught everyone's attention, like its mass produced brethren, it was based on the Duel, but also equipped with what was clearly the Fatum-00 sub flight lifter, just like the one mounted on Justice. All twelve mobile suits were painted dark blue trimmed in slate gray, the colors of the 127th Anti-Mobile Suit Squadron, the Blue Knights.

"So you came out in person, huh JP?" Mu asked, quickly taking in the arsenal his cousin's machine had to offer. A beam rifle, a pair of hip mounted beam sabers, of course the beam cannons mounted on the backpack. He imagined there were a couple of other hidden surprises still hidden away within the blue and gray Gundam, and that Jean-Pierre would show them in due time. "I figured if anyone deserved a Gundam, it would be you."

"I'm so flattered you see it that way, Mu." There was no hiding the cold fury in the Blue Knight's voice. Jean-Pierre had been waiting for this moment for a long time. He ignited a beam saber, holding it up in challenge. "Say hi to the GAT-X509 Rapier Gundam. It will be the instrument of your undoing. Blue Knights, deal with the others. I'll handle my cousin."

"Then let's get this party started!" Yukimasa had drawn his new sword, revealing it in all its glory. "Hey Kira, it looks like our blades are siblings!" He quipped. Indeed, Bushido's Gerbera Straight was a Damascene style weapon, but instead of the inlaid parts being a light blue like on Freedom and Reaver's weapons, it was an angry, fiery red. Both Kira and Athrun felt it was very fitting.

Jean-Pierre smirked. "Don't be so confident. We've got some new toys of our own. Gentlemen, show them why we're known as the Blue Knights." To Kira, Athrun, and Yukimasa's disbelief, the eleven blue and gray machines all produced their new ES-05B Melee Halberds, while Rapier drew its own weapon, crafted to resembled the mobile suit's namesake. "As you can see, we've decided to pull a page from your playbook. This isn't going to be like last time. We've learned our lessons well."

All three Orb pilots tensed as they brought their weapons up. They remembered the briefing covering the Atlantic Federation's new elite units, including the Blue Knights, and they were all veterans of the first war. "Don't worry about it guys." Mu smirked, producing his Type-74, offering a salute. "Guess what, JP? I learned a few new tricks of my own. So don't think we'll make it easy for you."

Jean-Pierre smirked. He may have not liked what Mu had done, but if he was offering a fight. He wouldn't say now. "In that case, cousin. We don't need to waste time speaking!" He saluted with his blade. "En garde!" the Strike Alpha and Rapier were soon clashing blades. The younger La Flaga's technique was almost flawless, going for a barrage of quick thrusts made easy by the design of his weapon.

The Hawk of Endymion made a silent note to talk to Sebastian about getting some extra lessons if he was going to have to face his cousin in melee combat once again. He went for a quick backhanded strike, only for the Rapier's left arm to come up, Mu's eyes widened when a thin blade popped up to catch his weapon, and JP went for a fast thrust, scoring a direct hit, the blade going deep into the Strike Alpha's midsection.

"Damn, his weapon is equipped with Phase-Shift!" Mu grunted, checking to see how much damage had been caused, relieved to seeing it was minimal. "It looks like he hasn't let any of his skill with a blade dull. Well, I'm not out of it yet by a long shot!" The Strike Alpha's twin railcannons flipped over, firing rapidly.

Jean-Pierre was clearly amused that he managed to get one over on his cousin, managing to evade the shells, just barely avoiding getting clipped on the wing. The Strike Alpha came in for a backhanded strike, only for the Rapier's right arm to come up, a three meter long blade popped out of the wrist, deflecting Mu's sword. "Parrying blades, one of my machine's many features. I knew I might have to face the Storm Wolf in person, given his preference for melee combat, but it seems it works just as well on you!"

Mu gritted his teeth, bringing up his weapon again, once again crossing swords with his cousin, the two mobile suits inches from each other. While the La Flaga cousins settled their own family issues, the rest of the Blue Knights began squaring off with the Freedom, Justice, and Bushido. Kira brought his Gerbera up to block against the ES-05B belonging to Markinson, backed up by two more of the blue and gray Duel Stilettos.

"I was at both Mendel and Jachin, Major Yamato. I recall all too well what you can do with that machine of yours." Markinson slashed upwards with his new blade, only to be met by Kira's weapon. The blue and black katana swept around to meet another of the Blue Knights while blocking Markinson's next strike with his shield. "And while I have nothing but the greatest respect for you. Don't think we're going to let you just do as you did last time!"

Kira then found himself hemmed in by no more than three of the Knights, a wide swing of his sword forced them back, managing to get off a barrage from his Baelanas, he managed to graze a couple of the Duel Stilettos, getting Markinson in the shoulder, and two more in the leg and arm apiece, in turn getting hit on the right wing by another member of the squadron.

The Blue Knights quickly regrouped, now being joined by some of the regular Earth Alliance troops. The White Knight quickly went skyward, spreading Freedom's wings. Every Atlantic Federation soldier quickly scattered, as the mighty Gundam let loose a barrage of plasma beams, 110mm shells, and green lances from his beam rifle.

Several Windams and Daggers went down, but none of the Blue Knights were hit. He looked over to where Athrun was fighting off a couple more, the Duel Stilettos using their superior speed and agility to keep the Justice off balance, the whole time, the red mobile suit was parrying and dodging the strikes from its blue and gray counterparts. The Red Knight let loose with a stream of fire from his own beam rifle and the Fortis beam cannons, downing a few more Windams and Daggers, but the members of the 127th were proving to be very persistent, firing back with their rifles, hitting the Justice on the port shoulder and leaving several marks on the Fatum.

Yukimasa wasn't being subtle as Bushido fought off more of the Blue Knights, showing off one of his new machine's special features, firing a barrage from the shoulder mounted beam cannons. The Duel Stilettos of the Blue Knights were quick enough to get out of the way, but a squad of Dagger Ls down the beach wasn't so lucky, getting reduced to piles of blackened slag. He didn't have time to relish his victory, as several of the Earth Alliance mobile suits fired in concert, managing to score several hits on the Bushido.

"Shit, I just got this detailed!" Yukimasa snapped, opening fire again, this time including a large cannon mounted in the chest. He watched with relish as several Earth Alliance mobile suits fell, but he couldn't feel a pang of annoyance at seeing those twelve blue and gray mobile suits, continuing to stand defiantly before him and the rest of his comrades. "I wonder if the others are having any better luck than we are!"

(ONS Archangel, Bridge, 8 miles off Orb)

Murrue led the Orb Navy Second Escort Fleet against the Atlantic Federation Fourth Naval Fleet. She was determined to keep them from launching any more mobile suits. "Load missile tubes with Helldarts, Wombats, Korinthos, and Sledgehammers, prep the Gottfrieds and Valiants on my command." She looked to Natarle. "You ready, Captain Badgiruel?" The black haired woman just nodded. Despite their rocky start back at Heliopolis, the two women had become a lethal tag team. Murrue and Natarle trusted each other to get the job done.

A single Des Moines-class cruiser, flanked by a pair of Fraser-class destroyers moved to intercept the assault ship. They launched a barrage of missiles at the Archangel, but the CIWS was up and running, spitting out numerous 75mm shells, causing most of the projectiles to explode. The entire ship rocked, while a quartet of Arkansas-class cruisers had moved to flank the former Earth Alliance ship, hitting it with their main 155mm cannons, but the white laminated armor held.

"Ready missile barrage, fire!" Natarle barked, watching with satisfaction as a barrage of Sledgehammers and Korinthos found their targets, the lead cruiser and one of the enemy destroyers erupted in balls of flames before sinking to the bottom, while smoke erupted from the other ships from near direct hits.

"Weapons primed, Admiral Ramius. Pick your next target." Natarle said. Murrue zeroed on the second Spengler-class carrier the Fourth Fleet had brought. The Pearson would have made the most likely target, and destroying it would be a crippling blow. However Hansen had gone out of his way to give his flagship a large screen of ships, however, the other carrier wasn't as well defended, she squinted slightly, noting the several mobile suits still on the deck.

"Lock onto the second carrier, we can't let the Earth Alliance deploy any more forces, target Gottfrieds and Valiants, wait for my mark." Murrue ordered, her crew working like a well-oiled machine. "All weapons, fire!" and so the Archangel's weapons sang in battle for the first time since Jachin II. Massive green and yellow streaks lanced out, striking the carrier amidships.

"That's so going to hurt them in the morning." Tolle quipped, causing snickers from Neumann.

"We're only getting warmed up, Lieutenant Koenig. We still have to clear out the rest of this fleet." Murrue said. Her eyes narrowed. "We failed to stop it before, this time will be different." She recalled the final moments of Uzumi Nara Attha, and his unwillingness to give in to the end, even as his nation fell under the enemy's control. She had made a private oath to herself, an oath of two words. 'Never Again'.

"Track our next target, we need to thin out their fleet. It should make Hansen think twice about continuing this."

(Yalafath, West Coast)

The nine Takemikazuchis of Dawn Squadron stood at the beach, watching the Earth Alliance mobile suits come closer with each breath, each heartbeat. For Kyoko and the Astray Trio it was a flashback to the Atlantic Federation's original invasion two years ago, for the younger girls, it was a nightmare coming true right before their very eyes. Yui had thought she was ready, but all the training and preparation in the world meant nothing when the cold reality of war was staring you right in the face.

"Heads up, Dawn Squadron, a whole lot of ugly is coming our way!" Kyoko said, watching the first enemy machines make landfall on Orb's shore. She let out a silent growl as her homeland was desecrated a second time by hostile forces. "It's time to pay back the Earth Alliance and Atlantic Federation for what they did to us two years ago!"

"Understood!" the other girls said.

Yui's expression became serious. She was a daughter of Orb. The nation had already fallen once to the Atlantic Federation, and she wasn't about to let it happen again on her watch. "Dawn Actual Two, this is Dawn One. I've got radar contacts." She adjusted her camera to catch sight of the incoming enemy forces, led by the Bao-Fengs. "It looks like a few squads of Windams and Daggers, and they're being led by a flight of mobile suits I don't recognize."

"They're East Asian, I believe." Asagi remarked, checking the catalog for a second. "J10X Bao-Fengs, a fairly basic design, built for speed and agility than anything else. Although it doesn't make a lot of sense, this was primarily an Atlantic Federation operation, why would the East Asians be taking part in this?"

"We'll find out here before too long." Kyoko said, drawing her sword. "In the end it doesn't matter. I'll be damned before I let any of these bastards ever try to take over my homeland ever again!"

"You got that right." Shimako said. A sentiment shared by the rest of their friends. They had only been young girls, barely fifteen when Orb had been attacked two years ago. They had been forced to retreat to Ame-No-Mihashara, where they remained for the rest of the war, unsure if they would ever be able to set foot on their homeland ever again. Once Orb had been freed, they had all agreed to never let such a thing happen again.

"We won't let them get any further than here!" Izumi quipped.

In the meantime, Bao-Feng flight was getting its first view of the island nation. "So that's Orb. I have to admit it's a rather beautiful country." Yifei remarked, giving the coastline a thorough sweep. "Perhaps we can catch some rays when this whole this is over, preferably after all this wreckage gets cleared off the sand."

"Hey boss, it looks like the locals rolled out the red carpet for us!" Second Lieutenant Lee Linmei, call sign Bao-Feng Two said to Yifei upon catching sight of Dawn Squadron standing on the beach, clearly meant to keep them from advancing any further. "They even saw fit to have a welcoming committee on hand to greet us!"

"Orb has been developing some new toys. Because I can tell those certainly aren't Astrays they're piloting!" Second Lieutenant Wang Shaofeng, Bao-Feng Three observed. She whistled, taking note of the Type-74s the Takemikaziuchis all carried. "And it looks like they're carrying some very sharp blades as well. I guess the Storm Wolf's influence at work here."

"The new machines are very colorful, that's for sure. I especially like the shade of blue on what looks like the lead machine." Second Lieutenant Lou Yahuam, Bao-Feng Four, added, taking note of the multitude of color schemes the new mobile suits came in. "Perhaps we should introduce ourselves, Bao-Feng One?"

"I suppose it would be rude for us to enter another person's home without introducing ourselves to the hosts. Let's go, ladies!" Yifei led her team toward Dawn Squadron, hovering in the sky. She turned her radio to an open channel. "Hey there, hope you guys don't mind us just turning up here without any further notice? I know how you Orb types feel about unwanted guests."

"Would it be too much to ask if you just upped and left?" Kyoko said in turn, raising her weapon in challenge. "It would be a shame to have to wreck those lovely mobile suits of yours." This resulted in all four of the Bao-Feng girls laughing. Kyoko's eyes narrowed slightly. "I wasn't aware what I said was so funny."

"Oh trust me, I honestly have nothing against you or your country. I'm just here looking for a fight." Yui immediately didn't like the dismissive tone in Yifei's voice, treating the whole thing like a game. "However, my superiors think you guys need to be punished for siding with the PLANTs. I could really care less, just as long as I'm satisfied at the end."

Kyoko was about to reply when Yui stepped forward. "Then we'll be happy to oblige!" She snapped, Type-74 at the ready. "You're the ones invading our homeland and for what, Just because you're bored? That's the weakest excuse I've ever heard in my life! I was only 15 when the Earth Alliance invaded Orb, and wasn't able to take part. This time is different, so if you want a fight, then come get it!"

The sound of light clapping could be heard over the speakers. "Ooh, this girl has got some fire. So you want to play, dear?" Yifei ignited a beam saber, descending to the beach, the two mobile suits squaring up to each other. "Then let's get started! I'll leave the rest of them to you, girls." An evil grin crossed the Taiwanese beauty's face. "This one is mine!"

Yui hadn't expected Yifei to move so quickly, the flaming tip of her beam saber arcing through the air, leaving a glowing trail in its wake. It was all she could do to raise her weapon up to block. The glowing weapon held back by the laminated armor surface of the Type-74, the gray metal beginning to darken from the heat of the blade.

"It appears Orb's engineering really is top notch if your weapon hasn't been sliced to ribbons by my beam saber." Yifei drawled. "Although given how big and heavy it is, how fast can you get it moving?" She began a series of rapid thrusts, punctuated by wide slashes. Yui had to admit to herself that Yifei's statement held a grain of truth. Being a physical weapon, the Type-74 had weight to it, and took time to move about, unlike the J-10's beam saber.

The yellow armor of her Takemikazuchi was quickly inundated with burn marks from where the beam saber had hit. Although Yui noted that none of them were in a place where it would be lethal. She looked over to where Kyoko was busy taking on the other three members of Bao-Feng all on her own. The rest of the squad was dealing with the Earth Alliance regulars that were rapidly advancing.

"We can't lose here, there are way too many lives counting on us!" Yui said, purple eyes narrowing as she focused on Yifei, watching as the J10 glided just a few feet off the ground. Despite her attitude, it was evident this Earth Alliance pilot could back up what she said. She was going to show just exactly what Dawn Squadron could do.

(Onogoro Island)

Cagalli, Kazuma, and Kuro stood with a battalion of ZAKUs, Astrays, and Murasames, defending their main headquarters from assault, seeing the Atlantic Federation's new found competence first hand. The Akatsuki, currently equipped the Oowashi Striker Pack, soared head long into the enemy formation. A pair of Launcher Pack equipped Dagger Ls opened fire with their Agni. If it had been any other mobile suit, nothing would have remained.

The Lioness of Orb was nonplussed as the Akatsuki glowed for a quick second as the Mirror Beam Coating did its job, reflecting the attack back at is source, the Daggers quickly got out the way, only for the Oowashi's twin beam cannons to unleash its fury in slagging the two mobile suits. "You think they would have figured that out by now." She remarked.

A pair of Windams came in, beam sabers drawn. Cagalli took a page from Athrun's playbook, going for the Akatsuki's Type 73J2 Twin Beam saber, igniting the twin flaming blades. She locked up with her opponents, ignoring the sparks dancing from where the three sabers met. One of them managed to get the Akatsuki across the shoulder, proving that the golden Gundam wasn't entirely invulnerable.

Cagalli growled, parrying her enemy's blade and burying her own weapon right through the torso, causing the white and blue mass production unit to fall to the ground. So focused was she, the other Windam came in from the side to try and blindside the Lioness of Orb. She barely had time to react, raising her weapon to block it. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a squad of Windams raising their beam rifles. It was then the Namikaze and Kuro's Takemikazuchi Kaitou came in, Anti-Ship Swords and Type-74 drawn.

"No one hurts our Lioness!" Kuro snarled, hacking off the arms of one Windam before finishing it off with a precise head chop. Two more Earth Alliance machines moved in to attack the black mobile suit. Kuro made full use of the Takemikazuchi's superior speed and agility, turning in a single, smooth movement to get behind the Windam, bringing the Type-74 down to hack the enemy machine in half, before raising his beam rifle to down the other without even looking.

Kazuma wasn't as precise and graceful in his fighting, then again it wasn't his way. He simply took the joined anti-ship swords, cutting one Windam across the midsection in half before turning to reduce a whole squad of Windams and Daggers to blackened metallic splinters with the ADMMs and beam gatling cannon. "You all right, Cagalli?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Cagalli removed her helmet for a minute to wipe the sweat out of her hair with a towel she kept in the cockpit. "Thanks for having my back, you two." Both Kuro and Kazuma just gave nods of acknowledgment.

It was then Mina came up on the Lioness of Orb's cockpit monitor. "Cagalli, we received word from the northern front. Freedom and Justice have engaged one of the Atlantic Federation's new elite units. Kira and Athrun are holding their ground, but the Blue Knights are proving to be very resilient and they're giving them a lot of problems."

Cagalli weighed her options. "I know the boys can hold their own, but I wouldn't feel right about them taking on a group like the Blue Knights."

"What about Dawn Squadron?" Kuro asked, wondering about Orb's new elites. In addition to maintaining the Takemikazuchis, he had also helped train the other pilots, and was all just a little protective of Yui and the girls, seeing them as younger sisters. "I know Kyoko and the Astray girls will be okay, but the rest of them are still relatively green."

Mina's expression was grim. "They're over on the western side of the island. It seems they're in combat with another group of really tough pilots. The last I heard, Kyoko was engaging three of them at once…and Lieutenant Takamura got into a fight with their leader. Apparently she said some things that got her really angry."

"I can go and help Kyoko and the girls out." Kuro offered. "Cagalli, you and Kazuma go and help your brother. I know how important it is to you."

Cagalli hesitated. It was then a yellow Murasame swooped down. "Go and help Kira, Cagalli. I can take charge of the defense here." Arashi smirked, resplendent in his bright yellow flight suit. "The Earth Alliance will find it's not so easy to get by the Yellow Flash."

"Thanks Arashi." Cagalli felt relieved, knowing her fellow noble would keep HQ safe. She looked up to skies over her homeland, determined to keep it safe. "Come on, Kazuma. Let's go and help Kira. Kuro, go and back up Kyoko. We can get through this!" Everyone sent their acknowledgment before heading for their respective battlefronts.

(Skies over Yalafath, East Coast)

The MBF-X05A Maelstrom Gundam cruised low and slow over the eastern coast of Yalafath. Inside the cockpit, the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due looked across the landscape of his adopted homeland, noting the explosions of fire and plumes of smoke rising up from the landscape. Sebastian hated the fact that Orb was once again under siege. Although he felt they were far stronger than the last time it happened.

He had already downed several enemy mobile suits, but had been surprised at their resilience. He was currently dual wielding both the Gerbera Straight, named Raikiri, and the Tiger Pierce, also known as Kaze Kiba against a squad of Windams. The white and forest green mobile suit had turned into a veritable force of nature while wielding the two massive blades. Still, the Earth Alliance soldiers were standing their ground, a few getting in through his defense, scoring blows with beam rifles and sabers, if the gouges and burn marks were any indication.

Sebastian's eyes narrowed as he crossed both of his swords in front of him, catching a Windam's beam saber between them. "The Atlantic Federation regulars really have improved. They're actually making me work for this!" He smirked. "However…" Maelstrom's right leg snapped up, kneeing the Windam in the stomach, causing the machine to fall back where Sebastian let loose a spray of 25mm shells from the CIWS. "I'm not about to lose here!"

He sheathed the Kaze Kiba and drew the Lobo, beginning to strike with both ranged and melee strikes. One Windam tried to get into a blade lock with Maelstrom, but was quickly felled by beam rifle round that took of an arm and the head, before finished off by the Raikiri. "I guess it's a good thing Kira and I have been practicing. That was tougher than I thought!" Sebastian remarked.

"This is White Wolf Actual to Storm Wolf Actual. Pup, we've got a major problem!" The sound of his brother all but in blood cut his musing short. A desperate urgency colored Anthony's voice. "It's the Augnir. It's not functioning at all!" The Blizzard Frame had arrived at the place where the giant beam cannon had been set up in advance. "It looks like someone got into the control circuits and ripped them all out. I don't know how long it will take to fix!"

Sebastian silently cursed, wincing as a pair of Windams managed to graze Maelstrom's shoulder. The Augnir was supposed to be Orb's defense against a possible orbital drop. He whipped around with the Kaze Kiba, managing to hit the battery of a Windam, sending it plummeting lifelessly to the ground. "Then don't bother with it, White Wolf Actual. I doubt the Earth Forces are going to give us time to repair it. We're just going to have to make due without the weapon. Rejoin me, I think it's time for the Twin Wolves to make their presence felt."

"Roger that." Sebastian didn't need any special powers to hear the distress in Anthony's voice. He quickly turned his attention back to his enemy, watching as a squad of Windams headed for him. They began opening fire with their beam rifles, while the Storm Wolf made use of Maelstrom's superior speed and maneuverability to evade most of them, while firing back with his own rifle.

A spray of emerald lances suddenly erupted from the blue, striking down several of the Earth Alliance mobile suits. Sebastian smirked, knowing exactly who that was. He turned to see the all-white Astray Frame closing in. "Hey Anthony, great timing." Sebastian said, watching as the White Wolf's visage appeared on his monitor. "So how bad is it?"

"Bad enough, the damage is severe, but it's repairable. I estimate it could be on line in under a week or so." Anthony's frustration was all too evident. The weapon system was his pride and joy, the ultimate testament to his skill as a sniper and to see it in such a condition was like one of Sebastian's Gerbera's getting snapped.

"We can worry about it later, bro. We have a lot greater concerns at the moment." Sebastian said, eyeing nearly twenty Jet Striker pack equipped Windams coming at them. "If you want to vent your frustration, perhaps you can help me deal with these guys?" Anthony's only response was to raise his Type 73-45 "Yuki Ookami" beam sniper rifle, blowing off the head of the nearest enemy machines.

"Well, I'll admit that helped my mood a little." Anthony quipped. He took note of the damage Maelstrom had accumulated. "Wow, Pup. It looks like you've been having fun."

"Yeah, the Earth Alliance's mainline troops have become very competent. I've been hearing it from everybody that they're fighting really smart." Sebastian said, when his master alarm starting blaring. "Anthony, we've got inbound." Sebastian said. Approaching them was a squad of Windams, led by one in basic army green, causing blue eyes to narrow. "That has to be Hansen. I guess he wants to take us on personally."

"Then it would be rude of us not to give him a proper Orb welcome!" The Arctic White Wolf raised the Blizzard Frame's main weapon. Sebastian likewise raised the Raikiri. The shining blade, having been polished to a mirror shine, gleamed in the morning sun.

Hansen laughed maniacally. "Well now, if it isn't the Twin Wolves in the butt ugly flesh! Thank you for making my job so easy! I'll finally get those wolf skin rugs I've been wanting for my office!"

"You want our skins, you'll have to work for it, General." Sebastian said, bringing his katana up. "A lesson that you'll learn very quick, wolves hunt in packs."

Hansen just gave a mocking laugh. "Like I care how you beasts hunt! I've done my homework on both of you. In my eyes all I see are just a couple of mangy dogs that need to be put down!"

The Twin Wolves both let out low, menacing growls. "Then there's no more need to talk!" Sebastian snarled. A slight nod of acknowledgment from Anthony was the sole signal the two soldiers needed, both Gundams ignited their engines, lunging forward at the dark green colored Windam. Anthony squeezing off a couple of rounds, Hansen blocked with his shield, before firing back with his own beam rifle.

Maelstrom brought back the Raikiri while the Astray Blizzard Frame pulled out its newest weapon, the Arctic Claw anti-beam deflection naginata. The two swung their weapons, looking to cleave Hansen's Windam into so many little chunks, as such neither Sebastian Connor or Anthony Russo was ready for their opponent to suddenly whip out both of his beam sabers, the flaming red blades holding their weapons back.

"I told you two punks already…" Hansen breathed. "I've done my homework on both of you!" He whipped around, looking to catch Maelstrom in the belly with his beam saber. Sebastian's whipped the control yokes back, opening fire with his Lobo beam rifle. Anthony once again had the Yuki Ookami out, firing at such speeds Sebastian wondered if the barrel would melt from overheating.

"I guess Hansen isn't just belching smoke after all, is he pup?" Anthony rasped, squeezing off a couple more rounds, Hansen raised his shield, letting them bounce off. "He's really quite good."

"A true soldier always leads from the front, gentlemen." Hansen sounded like he had won the lottery. "I know exactly what people think of me. News flash, I could fucking care less. I saw what happened up in the PLANTs, and it was all because you damn patchworks had to make trouble. The only course of action is to make you dead!"

"Better men have tried to kill us, Hansen." Sebastian said, noting as the Blizzard Frame readied itself to provide cover fire. "Prepare to be very disappointed!"

(Yalafath, Southern Front)

The fight for Shinn and his friends were not going very well. They had managed to hold back the Earth Alliance onslaught coming in up to his point, but the enemy machines were starting to overwhelm the combined ZAFT and Orb forces. Both sides had trained their forces well, and it was now the first real indication of just what each side had been up to.

Rey Za Burrel watched as a mixed force of ZAKUs and Astrays went up against the numerous Windams and Daggers making landfall. One ZAKU Warrior opened up with its beam rifle on a Windam, defending with its shield. Beam saber and beam tomahawk came out, the two locking up before the ZAFT mobile suit hacked its Earth Alliance counterpart from shoulder to hip, causing it to explode. But his victory was short lived, as a pair of other Windams plugged him in the side.

An Orb Astray quickly rushed to aide of its ZAFT ally, beam saber in hand while firing its rifle madly to drive back the Windams, while a trio of Murasames in mobile armor mode swooped in to provide some much needed close air support, firing the Type-72 beam cannons. A squad of Dopplehorn equipped machines managed to shoot one of the Orb mobile suits out of the sky, clipping it in the wing, but not before the stricken machine launched one last barrage, taking out the artillery mobile suits.

The Impulse was weaving in and out of the skies, engaging all aerial Earth Alliance troops. Shinn squeezed off a few rounds, managing to clip a Jet Striker equipped Dagger L before getting hit himself, losing the right foot and entire left leg of his mobile suit.

It was then the situation went from bad to worse; a few ships had broken off from the main fleet, beginning a relentless barrage to back up the invading mobile suits. "You all right, Shinn?" Juliana asked, having seen the small explosion caused by the impact.

"I'm just fine!" He shot back, downing a Windam with a quick beam saber slash before hitting a Dagger with a spray of shells from his CIWS, finishing him off with a round from his beam rifle. Shinn flashed a quick glance at his battery supply. "I'll probably need a recharge from the Minerva soon, not mention a fresh Leg Flyer!"

"Ask and you shall receive, Lieutenant Asuka. Minerva is on station." The weathered ZAFT and Orb pilots all felt a surge of relief as the PSV Minerva triumphantly sailed over the battlefront. The ZAFT ship's hull was scorched and battered, evidence that the Atlantic Federation had gotten some hits on it. For Talia and Arthur, they were badges of honor, proof that they weren't just a flavor of the month, and that they could play in the big leagues.

On the bridge, Talia sat proud. "Private Asuka, launch a fresh Leg Flyer and prime the Deuterion Beam Transfer System, get your brother back into fighting form." Mayu didn't need to reply, activating the necessary controls on her board.

He noted the spare leg parts launching off the catapult, quickly detaching the spent part of his machine and docking with the new Leg Flyer.

Immediately following, a beam of energy lanced out from just in front of the bridge, striking the Impulse right on the forehead. Shinn watched with satisfaction as his energy meter went up to full, the VPS coming back to life. "Thanks for the refresher, Captain. I was starting to get a little thirsty out here."

Rey, Lunamaria, and Juliana joined him on their Guuls. "How about we kick some ass?" the red haired sniper raised her beam cannon for emphasis.

"I'm good with that." Shinn smirked, watching as the tide began to turn now that the Minerva was backing them up with fire from its CIWS and missile batteries. It was time for Round 2 to begin.

(Yalafath, Western Front)

First Lieutenant Yui Takamura was not having a great day. The Bao-Fengs were proving to be hardier opponents than she expected. Yifei's mobile suit was dancing all about, using its lighter weight to its advantage. She was lucky the Type-74 had been made with laminated armor, otherwise the J-10X's beam sabers would have chopped through it in very short order. What had really angered her was how Yifei had shouldered her blade, beckoning her to attack.

She went in for a upward slash, but the Bao-Feng's superior speed and agility saw it simply twist out of the way of the Takemikazuchi's heavier blade, Yifei took the opening, slashing across the lower left side of Yui's machine. "Why that no good!" Yui came close to cursing, turning to try and get at the Bao-Feng, who simply whipped around, kicking Yui's machine in the head.

"Yui, you need to calm yourself." Kyoko's voice came in, who was gracefully dancing in and out amongst the rest of Yifei's squadmates, effortless holding them off all at once. Yui always thought Kyoko made it look so easy, watching as the blue Takemikazuchi swung her Type-74, just barely getting the arm of Lee's machine. "She's baiting you, hoping you'll get angry and make a mistake. Remember what I've taught you."

Yui took a deep breath, thinking of how she and Kyoko would always go to a tall gorge that overlooked the ocean near their home. It was a quiet place where they'd often meditate together. She raised her blade to prepare for her opponent's next attack, and it didn't take long. Yifei once again came in for a flurry of attacks, but this time Yui managed to block most of them and got her first clean blow, cleaving off some of the J-10's shoulder armor.

Yifei winced, watching as her screen indicated damage. However, this only produced a feral smirk on her face. "Oh, this girl has some fire in her! This little trip has been so worth it! Although…" She raised her beam saber. "I think it's time to wrap this up!" The two mobile suits went for one final charge…and Yifei won, her flaming blade hacking through the yellow Takemikazuchi's right leg, causing Yui's machine to crash face down in the dirt.

"Yui!" Kyoko cried, firing her beam rifle at Yifei, who quickly jetted away to rejoin the other Bao-Feng girls. "Are you okay, Yui? Say something?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Yui struggled to speak, feeling a sharp pain in her side. "Just some bumps and bruises, but I'll live." She glared at her victorious opponent. It was then the ladies of Dawn Squadron got a much needed pick me up as Kuro's voice came in over the airwaves, his IFF code appearing on everyone's monitors.

"Dawn Squadron, this is Kaitou Actual, I'm thirty seconds out. Do you require assistance, Colonel Takatsukasa?" Kuro's voice was a welcome sound to the young pilot, catching sight of the black colored Takemikazuchi fast approaching them. Bao-Feng Flight had also taken note of the new arrival.

"It looks like we've worn out our welcome, ladies. This party is over." Yifei picked up the Type-74 from where it fell, giving it a once over. "Although it wasn't a total loss. Nice blade, honey. Mind if I keep it?" She said, tapping her new prize on her shoulder. "I hope you keep it up. I wouldn't mind dancing with you once again!" The Bao-Feng took off, leaving Yui Takamura humiliated and embarrassed.

She crawled out of her stricken mobile suit, watching as the four East Asian machines returned to their fleet. Yui would not forget this by any stretch, and the next time she and Yifei Cui crossed paths, the battle would have a very different outcome!

(Yalatfath, Northern Front)

Mu La Flaga and his cousin Jean-Pierre were finding newfound respect for each other's skills. The duel between the GAT-X105N Strike Alpha Gundam and GAT-X509 Rapier Gundam was proving to be more equal than anyone initially thought. They had both managed to strike several glancing blows each other, burns from beam rifle and beam saber strikes. Not to mention nicks and gouges from where their blades had struck.

"I must say, Jean-Pierre. You've definitely proven why you're one of the elites. Vice Admiral Lamperouge trained you very well." There was genuine admiration in Mu's voice, as he raised his Type-74. He looked to where Kira, Athrun, and Yukimasa were fighting the rest of the Blue Knights. The eleven blue and gray Duel Stilettos were all battered, but still standing against the titans that were the Freedom and Justice. "I'll give props to the rest of your squadron as well. I doubt many could keep with those two after all."

"I appreciate your compliment, but it still doesn't change how I feel about you." Jean-Pierre snapped, his rapier type blade coming up as well, the two blades once again locked, grinding against each other. Rapier's beam cannons fired, scoring across the Strike Alpha's right shoulder and head. "We are sons of the Atlantic Federation, Mu. Our duty is to serve and protect our homeland, a duty you abandoned!"

"So that means you support those racist bastards in Blue Cosmos who have been manipulating things behind the scenes?" Mu shot back, quickly drawing a beam saber, leaving a long scorch mark across Rapier's torso, before firing a double railgun blast at point blank range. "You must know what they're like!"

"An old saying that you know quite well, Mu. 'My country, right or wrong, if right, to be kept right, and if wrong, to be set right!' Something a lot of people tend to forget when that quote is brought up! It's a code I live by!" Jean-Pierre was having a lot of difficulty holding in his anger, as shown by the ever growing fury of his thrusts, now throwing in a couple of strikes from the arm mounted parrying blades. "If you didn't like how things were being run, you should have said something. If you had come to me, we could have done it together!"

"Maybe we could have, JP. But, it just didn't turn out that way. I made my choice and there was no going back." There was a note of sadness in the Hawk of Endymion's voice. A part of him had regretted turning his back on his homeland, but his fury at finding how far LOGOS had wormed their way into the Atlantic Federation government was proof that he couldn't continue serving such people who put such low value on human life. The two Gundams continued exchanging sword blows and cannon fire.

Even without the La Flaga family's trademark enhanced spatial awareness, the Blue Knight kept right on the Hawk of Endymion. The two had swapped out their physical blades for beam sabers, each desperately trying to hack away at the other, but Mu and Jean-Pierre were just too evenly matched. JP silently gnashed his teeth when he heard of the sinking of their second carrier, and a significant part of their mobile suit forces.

It had proven to be a turning point, the Orb and ZAFT defenders gaining their second wind. Kira and Athrun were slowly turning the tide against the other Blue Knights and their accompanying back up forces. It was taking the collective skill of all of the 127th's pilots to keep from being either blasted by Freedom's guns or chopped up by Justice's beam saber.

Yukimasa had left the elites to the White and Red Knights, and was dispatching the remaining mainline EA troops. He dodged a missile barrage from a Jet Striker equipped Windam, firing back with the chest and shoulder mounted beam cannons, the first Windam dodged to the side, only for Bushido's attack to plow into a couple of Daggers. The Windam ignited a beam saber, coming in to melee range, which the black, red, and gold mobile suit met with its equally black and red blade.

Yukimasa went for an upward slash, only for the Windam's shield to block it, sending the arm holding the Gerbera away. The nameless Windam pilot then made his own move, looking to skewer Bushido right through the torso, but thanks to some quick maneuvering on Yukimasa's part, he managed to evade it. The Windam quickly ejected the Striker pack, knowing it would only hamper the machine's movement, before opening fire with its beam rifle.

He didn't pay any mind as the emerald beams chewed holes into the right hip and left shoulder, knocking one of his beam cannons out of commission. He opened fire with his own beam rifle, one that looked near identical to the one the Windams carried, the rounds causing large burn marks on his shield, before moving in to melee range once more. "This guy actually knows what's he doing. I think it's time to try out some of Bushido's other features! Say hi to the Murasama!" Yukimasa stated, rather than drawing the Gerbera, he went for the cylinders mounted on the waist. The blade extended out, becoming an energy version of the Gerbera, colored a brilliant blood red.

The two mobile suits locked blades once again, although the energy output on the beam katana was much stronger than its more conventional counterpart. Yukimasa managed to break through his opponent's defense, sending the saber flying into the dirt. The Windam went for its second weapon, but Yukimasa didn't get to where he was by being merciful, without hesitation, he plunged the glowing blade through the back.

The Windam's blue eye visor went dark, before slumping to the ground, dead. "The Earth Alliance had better take a hint." Yukimasa said, looking across the once pristine beach where mobile suits and remains of mobile suits were strewn about. "Even they can't keep this up forever."

Indeed, it was becoming apparent that Orb wasn't going to fall like last time. A conclusion a certain Blue Knight was coming to accept as well as he listened in on all Earth Alliance and Atlantic Federation communication frequencies. "We're starting to get bogged down on all fronts. The Archangel managed to sink one of our carriers and some other ships. Orb is too well defended, and we don't know if ZAFT will send any further reinforcements."

Jean-Pierre closed his eyes. As commander of all mobile suit forces for the invasion of Orb, he had operational authority, up to and including giving the order to withdraw. It left a bad taste in his mouth, knowing that both assaults on the PLANTs and Orb had failed, thus meaning the war would continue on, but enough people had died, and he didn't want any further casualties.

He was about to open his mouth when he heard Hansen's voice ring out on all frequencies. "This is Major General Hansen! This fight is far from over! Release the Kraken!" Jean-Pierre didn't know what to make of the command, but then he looked to where the remains of the Fourth Naval Fleet was still fighting the Archangel and Orb naval forces, watching as a dark, menacing shape emerge from the rear most ship.

(Yalafath, Eastern Front)

The Twin Wolves were still engaged with their amazingly skilled opponent. Jack Hansen clearly hadn't let any of his prowess in the cockpit diminish. Sebastian was in melee range with Hansen, physical blade exchanged for a beam saber in order to keep up with the dark green Windam's speed, making the Storm Wolf wonder if Hansen hadn't tuned his mobile suit to get better specs. Maelstrom was sporting a number of gouges and dents, courtesy of several high speed passes from Hansen, the right shoulder armor had even been destroyed by a shot from his beam rifle.

Although Hansen wasn't unscathed either, his Windam had plenty of damage itself, including its right skirt armor being burned off by a shot from Anthony. It only seemed to make him angrier. "Die, you beasts!" Ripper raged, slashing downwards across Maelstrom's torso, leaving a molten trail across the dark green armor. He let loose with his CIWS, 12.5mm shells plinking off the Storm Wolf's machine, before raising the A52 Type E offensive shield, also in the same army green color as his mobile suit, firing a pair of missiles from the underside.

In the meantime, Anthony continued offering support fire for his brother. He was starting to lose feeling in his hand from how much he had to fire. He was lucky Blizzard Frame had been outfitted with Phase Shift Armor; otherwise the missile barrages from Hansen could have easily taken him down. The pristine white armor covered in soot and burn marks.

The Arctic White Wolf squeezed off a pair of rounds to destroy the missiles. He winced as Maelstrom once again locked blades with Ripper's Windam. Hansen sneered, trying to impale Maelstrom right through the cockpit, but Sebastian wasn't about to let his life end in this manner, the pulsing green blade blocked its red counterpart, before slashing downwards, taking a large chunk out of the Windam's green shield.

Hansen drew one of his Stiletto anti-armor knives, hurling it at the Blizzard Frame, but Maelstrom got in front of it, hurling its shield at projectile, which promptly shattered it into pieces. "Damn, he's certainly persistent, isn't he?" the Storm Wolf remarked.

"Yeah, we've underestimated this guy." Anthony rasped. "Pup, it's time to put this piece of shit in the ground! You know how we wolves do it." He raised the sniper rifle for emphasis. Sebastian knew exactly what his longtime partner and friend was talking about. The beam saber went back to its place on the hip, and the Raikiri came out.

"One Twin Wolf Special made to order, and I think it will be our best one yet!" Maelstrom's engines ignited, the massive blade grasped with both hands, the leading edge catching the sun. The Blizzard Frame raised its rifle, zeroing in on its target. Anthony and Sebastian's signature move had felled many opponents in the past, a single shot from the rifle, followed up by one slash from the blade. It could also work in reverse, but in the end it always ended the same.

It seemed like another textbook Twin Wolf Special, and Major General Jack "Ripper" Hansen would become the latest notch on both the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due and Arctic White Wolf's killsheets. As such neither Sebastian nor Anthony expected for Hansen to grab onto Maelstrom's arm, pulling it in between his Windam and Blizzard Frame minutes before firing.

It was only due to training, not to mention genetic enhanced reflexes, further pushed up by the SEED that allowed Sebastian to snap up the Raikiri, using it to split the beam his partner had fired. Neither of the Twin Wolves wanted to believe that someone had managed to break up their signature attack. But judging from the mad cackling coming from Hansen, he was delighted he had managed to do what no one else had. "I did it! I actually did it! The Twin Wolf Special, try Twin Wolf Garbage!"

The two fabled warriors were still stunned at how Hansen got one over on them by breaking up their signature move. A squad of Windams was coming in and it seemed unthinkable, but a barrage of emerald lances came from the ground, plugging several of them. Hansen raised his beam rifle, only for a trio of blood red rods to appear, one piercing the shield, the second getting his rifle, and the last destroying his Windam's right leg.

Sebastian and Anthony turned to see who had come to their aid. The two men grinned as two full platoons of Murasames approached, being led by a black and gold mobile suit that bore a passing resemblance to the Blizzard Frame, with some influences from the Blitz as well. "Are you two going to just stand there while this idiot tears you apart?" Rondo Mina Sahaku said from the cockpit of the MBF-PO1-Re2AMATU Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina Custom. "I guess even the greatest of us need some extra help."

"Thanks for the assist, Mina." Sebastian said, his initial shock wearing off. "We underestimated him. Not often something like that happens."

"Both of you are still human, it's not like we haven't made mistakes in the past." Mina said, taking note of Hansen's stricken machine. "It doesn't look he's laughing much now, and I'm getting word the Earth Alliance is getting bogged down. I think we've got this one. I suggest you take your forces and retreat, General Hansen. Perhaps know you know the folly of messing with your betters!"

"You little Coordinator bitch!" Hansen snarled. "This isn't over yet! I still have my last card to play." He opened a special communications frequency, one he had been anticipating using with great relish. "This is Hansen…Release the Kraken!" Hansen laughed. "Enjoy playing with my little pet, it should really wreck the place up!" Hansen's Windam turned to leave, taking off for the Pearson.

"Oh no you don't!" Anthony snarled, raising his rifle to finally kill the annoying bastard, but a flight of Windams blocked the way, defending their commander by raising their shields at once, keeping the White Wolf from getting a solid hit, firing with their beam rifles en masse. "Shit!" The White Wolf jinked to the right, evading it "That bastard! What is he planning?"

"Archangel Actual to Storm Wolf Actual please respond." Murrue said, her voice a mixture of confusion and fear. "Sebastian, something has just launched from the Fourth Fleet, we've never see anything like it!"

"Both of you go. We can take care of things here." Mina said.

"On our way, Archangel Actual. We're coming as fast as we possibly can!" Maelstrom and the Blizzard Frame made their way to the northern coast of the island, the tension mounting in both of them. Their pride had been severely wounded by Hansen, but they had no choice but to bite back and focus on whatever weapon he had unleashed as his final act against Orb.

The Twin Wolves arrived at the northern front, the Archangel, Minerva, and the Second Escort Fleet had taken a beating, but they were still standing tall. The Fourth Naval Fleet was still smarting, but the Earth Alliance wasn't about to go without a fight, and the Twin Wolves had gotten front row seats to the battlefield debut of the YMAF-X6BD Zamza-Zah. "Why does it look like a giant crab?" Was Anthony's first question.

Sebastian didn't get a chance to answer when the giant mobile armor opened fire with the M534 Gamzatov Multi-Phase energy cannons mounted on the front legs, the Archangel barely had time to get out of the way, the two Orb frigates positioned behind it weren't so lucky, getting giant holes blown in them, and sank quickly.

The Zamza-Zah opened fire with the smaller beam cannons mounted on each claw like leg, managing to get a couple of Vosgulovs that had surfaced to launch their mobile suits. The CIWS opened fire, continuing to lay waste to ZAFT and Orb ship alike.

"Damn, that thing is a monster. If it makes landfall then it could ravage the entire city if it gets too far inland!" Anthony said.

Murrue hadn't hesitated ordering the Archangel to open fire on the mechanical demon looming up before them. "Natarle, arm Gottfrieds and Valiants, fire!" She barked, fully intending to slag this thing before it destroyed anything more than it already had.

"Tristans and Isolde, fire!" Talia's command was a second behind. The two mighty assault vessels unleashed their destructive firepower. Neither crew expected what the mobile armor did next, panels on the top of the Zamza-Zah opened up, causing a glowing web of energy to form in front of it, shielding it from the barrage that would have reduced it to molten slag.

"Impossible…" Flay breathed.

"Was that…a Lightwave Barrier?" Talia asked.

"I don't think so. It didn't look like it." Murrue recalled the Umbrella of Artemis with its honeycomb styled structure, this didn't look anything to do it. "It looks the Atlantic Federation really has been innovating. They created their own energy shield design."

"So what do we do next? Do we use the Tannhauser and Lohegrins?" Trine suggested.

"Absolutely not! Even if was to stop that thing, I wouldn't dare pollute the environment." Murrue said. She saw Sebastian and Anthony come onto the bridge. "General Connor, Admiral Russo. How do we deal with this?"

"Easy, we get in close so it can't use that shield." Sebastian said. "Flay put me through to Kira and Athrun. I think the Twin Knights should be able to deal with that thing." The redhead smiled. "This is Storm Wolf Actual to White Knight and Red Knight, we've got a major problem out here and we need you to deal with. Get here on the double!"

"Roger that!" Kira and Athrun's voices came in clear.

"Minerva Actual to Archangel Actual, Perhaps it would be wise to send the Impulse as well?" Talia asked. "I know Major Yamato and Commander Zala are both veterans and very accomplished pilots. But having an extra machine out there could make all the difference. I have faith that Lieutenant Asuka can keep up with them."

"By all means, Captain Gladys, we're going to need whatever we can get. Notify Lieutenant Asuka and tell him to move his ass yesterday!" Anthony snapped. He swept around the bridge. "Come on, people. Let's work this problem! Lives are at stake here!" The entire bridge group swung into action, hoping they could find a way to contain this threat.

(Yalafath, Northern Battlefront)

The fight between the Blue Knights and the defending Gundams had reached a stalemate. Kira panted, he hadn't thought anyone would have been able to last as long as he had. His respect for Jean-Pierre had gone up, due to him putting together such a skilled team of elite pilots. It was then his sensors when off. "Athrun, we've got incoming."

"Don't tell me it's more Earth Alliance troops?" The Red Knight didn't relish having to keep this dance up much longer. Even a Coordinator like him had his limits and he was fast approaching them. The Blue Knights were definitely going to be a serious threat down the line.

"No…it's Cagalli and Kazuma." Kira was quite relieved to see the Akatsuki and Namikaze touch down. He wasted no time opening a channel to his sister. "Hey Cagalli, glad to see you, Kazuma as well. Although we've been having a rather difficult time dealing with these guys."

"Just as long as you're all right." Cagalli said. She took in the sight of the twelve blue and gray mobile suits, recalling how JP had taken the pressure off of her and the others during Jachin. There was a small part of her who hoped that the Blue Knight would be smart and decide to just know when to pack it in.

For Jean-Pierre, this was an unfortunate turn of events. Even with Rapier, and the full might of the 127th behind him, he had been leery at the prospect of taking on Freedom and Justice. However he was full of pride at his squadron for holding their own against the two legendary powerhouses, making use of very efficient teamwork to try and outlast them. However, with the arrival of the Lioness of Orb and the Black Crusader, even he didn't want to push those odds. It was then Hansen gave the order to deploy the Zamza-Zah, when he decided it was time to throw in the towel.

"Hansen, you idiot!" Jean-Pierre hissed at his superior's stupidity. "That's it, I'm calling it right now. This is Blue Knight Actual to all Atlantic Federation forces, prepare for immediate withdrawal! We have failed to take any of our objectives. This operation is over!" He took one last look at the Strike Alpha. "You win this round, Mu. But rest assured, this is only the beginning! Blue Knights, move out!" The twelve blue and gray mobile suits leapt into the sky, falling into perfect formation around the Rapier, followed by the remaining Windams and Daggers.

"I guess they're finally taking the hint." Kazuma said.

"Your cousin is really good, Captain La Flaga, and so are his men." Kira said.

"JP wouldn't have picked just anyone to join his personal squadron." Mu said, watching as they receded in the distance. "We're all going to need to bring our A-game for the next time we meet up. It may be way sooner than we like."

"Storm Wolf Actual to Freedom and Justice. Kira, Athrun, do you read?" Sebastian's voice blared in their speakers. "Get yourselves over to the north coast, the Earth Forces released this giant mobile armor, and it's threatening to level the entire fleet. Move it now!" Without so much of another word, the two Gundams were in the sky and blazing toward the Archangel and Minerva.

They were joined along the way by the Impulse. "Hey, I got a message from Captain Gladys. She said something about dealing with a mobile armor shaped like a giant crab?" Shinn wasn't sure if he had heard it right, but then again he wouldn't think his commanding officer would lie to him. The three mobile suits soon found their target…amongst the burning hulks of several Orb and ZAFT ships.

The Zamza-Zah had indeed lived up to Hansen's claim as being a monster, but something he had forgotten…monsters exist to be slain by champions, and now three of the Cosmic Era's best would face this beast in battle. "Let's get in there!" Athrun said, opening up by firing the Fortis beam cannons, only to be deflected by the positron reflector.

"Yeah, we probably should have mentioned that the thing has some kind of energy shield. You might have to engage it up close." Sebastian said.

Shinn called for the Sword Pack, the Variable Phase Shift making uses of the twin MMI-710 Excalibur anti-ship swords, joining them together much as Athrun did for his beam sabers, which he had done, as Kira drew the Gerbera. "Watch for the claws, it carries some giant cannons in them." Murrue said.

"Kira, Shinn, let's surround it." Athrun said, watching out for the claws, as they fired off another massive blast, one that hit a hapless Orb frigate. Kira tried attacking from behind only to be met by a barrage of 75mm shells, coming from the CIWS mounted on each leg. Kira had no choice but to withdraw. He pulled out his beam rifle to provide covering fire.

The Impulse's engines kicked to life, going in for a slash at one of beam cannons with the anti-ship swords. Then the claws flipped out, grabbing the edge of the blade in hand. It began glowing red hot, snapping the weapon in half. Shinn couldn't believe his eyes. He tried going for a beam saber, only for the claw to grab on to the Gundam's right leg.

"I need to get free!" He yelled. Freedom and Justice opened fire with their respective weapons, trying to get their distressed ally out of danger. Shinn could hear the sound of the metal buckling, even with the Phase Shift; the intense heat was melting the leg. Shinn struggled to get free, but the integrity of the right leg failed, exploding.

Shinn got tossed about, barely able to regain control when he caught sight of the Zamza-Zah pointing its cannons at the Minerva, aiming straight for the bridge. "MAYU!" Shinn yelled, in that moment, a red seed fell in his mind, exploding outward. Everything suddenly became clear to Shinn; all of his senses had become sharpened. He snapped out the beam rifle, aiming at the Zamza-Zah's Positron Reflector emitters. He fired twice, and the emitters were destroyed "The shield is down! Blow that thing apart!" Shinn's voice was cold as ice.

Kira and Athrun needed no further prompting. It was time to fry them some crab. Justice swooped in, firing its red trimmed rifle, destroying two of the large cannons on the upper part of the claws, it spun the double bladed Lacertas, giving it the impression of a whirling cyclone of reddish-pink hued destruction, obliterating one of the claws entirely.

Freedom's entire weapons array sprung to life, plasma beams, 110mm tungsten shells, and the emerald rays from the Lupus, commenced raining down on the hapless mobile armor, destroying the other two beam canons, punching holes in the machine's armor. "Shinn…finish it off!" Sebastian ordered.

Shinn screamed at the top of his lungs as the Impulse delivered the coup de grace, beam saber at the ready, plunging clean through the cockpit. "Later!" was all Shinn said, as the YMAF-X6BD Zamza-Zah sparked a few times, a chain of explosions ran over its entire frame, before it finally exploded, the remains sinking into the depths of the ocean.

"It looks the Earth Forces took the hint…Hansen has ordered a retreat." There was no hiding the satisfaction and triumph in Cagalli's voice. "We did it, we actually did it!" Cheers rang up, the Atlantic Federation had been sent packing, and Orb's defeat at their hands two years ago had been avenged. The message had been sent to the Earth Alliance, Orb and ZAFT weren't about to take things lying down.

(November 25th, C.E. 73. Connor Residence.)

The victory over the Atlantic Federation had been a huge morale boost for the newly formed ZAFT/Orb alliance. But that was the furthest thing from Sebastian's mind as he sat in his office, looking through a stack of the latest after action reports. While the entire battle had been a victory for his side, the cost had been high. "Twenty percent of our mobile suits wiped out, a fifth of the Second Escort Fleet gone. And that's just our own forces." He said to himself.

"Yeah, ZAFT got hit hard as well." Anthony said, looking over another report. "A third of their deployed mobile suits were taken out by the Blue Knights before they ran head long into Kira and Athrun. It appears they were able to hold their own against even Freedom and Justice." He shook his head. "I hate to think what would happen if La Flaga's cousin joined with Willet and Roanoke, all three of them in one place equals serious trouble for us."

"What did Yukimasa's dad have to say about this?" Sebastian asked.

"He said he was grateful to ZAFT's aid in repelling the Earth Forces, but he laments that it had to come to this at all." The White Wolf snorted in disgust. "Pup, I just have to say, whatever that man says, whatever 'order' he gives me, I won't pay a single lick of attention to. He's not my boss, but I think you already know that."

Sebastian just laughed. "Oh, I don't have to worry about that at all, Admiral. I know exactly where your loyalties lie." His expression became somber. "What I'm worried about…is Cagalli. You noticed how shaken she was when Yukimura mentioned her father the other day? That's a weakness that can be exploited and he knows it!"

"You think he'll try and subvert her against us?" Anthony asked.

"Possibly, we may need to keep an eye on her." Sebastian got up from his desk, looking out the window. "We're going to have play our cards very carefully from here on out, Anthony." His blue eyes took on a very hard edge. "We got a 'V' against the Atlantic Federation this time, gave the people of Orb a little payback for two years ago. However, this was just round one. I seriously doubt the Earth Alliance is going to let one loss affect them."

(Sahaku Residence)

Yukimura Koto Sahaku sat in his own study, the only light coming from the screen of his personal laptop, watching footage of Freedom, Justice, and Impulse taking down the Zamza-zah. "Impressive to say the least." He mused, "I don't know what Hansen was thinking by bringing that monstrosity of his to Orb. The only reason we keep him around is because he's actually so good at his damn job, and some of the higher ups thought his idea was actually worth pursuing. Well, let him have his fun in Eurasia."

Hansen had been reassigned to Eurasia, and put in charge of the Seventh Army, where he had been ordered to start assembling a large force of his new mobile armors to bolster the Earth Alliance's overall strength. Ripper was ecstatic, not even caring if he had failed to take his objective. Yukimura steepled his fingers in front of his face, as he was wont to do when pondering something.

"I must say, Lieutenant Asuka performed well, who would have thought he had the SEED?" He smirked as the image changed to portraits of Shinn and Mayu in their ZAFT uniforms. "Then again…he and his sister are family, greatness is in the blood after all."

Oh yes, Yukimura knew exactly who Shinn and Mayu's mother was, and he already had a plan in mind. "At this point, I suppose it's only right to welcome them back into the family. Shinn is a hero to Orb for destroying the Zamza-Zah. His role in ending the threat means that this little business partnership is still fairly strong. He may prove useful; then again, he admires the Storm Wolf greatly. I suppose it would be a horrible tragedy if something happened to General Connor. He'd need someone to rely on." He opened his cell phone. "This is Sanada, get me Captain Roanoke at Edwards. I need one of his people to perform a little chore for me."

Author's Notes: BOOM! Two chapters for the price of one, two huge battles for the price of one. I would like to thank both Dragoon Swordsman and Solid Shark for the use of their characters. And as you can see, Yukimura has got something going on. What is it? You'll just have to read on and find out!