ICF Super-Soldier Research Base, Trans-Himalayan SR, ICF
The ICF Super-Soldier Research Base was under red alert, with the possible intrusion by an intruder. This was confirmed with the presence of a Feimeng located outside the Base. Kim was in the command centre of security, with Rakshata and other operatives.
"Dr. Kim, we have dispatched men to guard the Feimeng outside," an operative said, "We believe it is the transport of the intruder and that he may try to escape via it."
"Do not let him escape at all. I want him alive and brought to me," Kim ordered, "this fella is too snoopy and I will give him the final fate of those who tread along others' businesses."
Meanwhile, just outside of the Research Base, a number of ICF agents were surrounding the unknown Feimeng. They were armed with their smaller assault rifles. Mao could only stare at them behind, not knowing what to do next.
"There's only one way now…" Mao thought, "But that will be the dumbest…but what other choice is there…"
Mao then dashed out into the cold and rammed into an operative. He quickly grabbed his assault rifle and fired at the other operatives. They then returned fire in a fierce shootout, shooting Moa in his waistline thus. He quickly got on his Feimeng, and started it up. It then flew off, but not before ramming down an operative along the way.
"Dr. Kim, the Feimeng has flown away from the perimeter of the Base," a technician reported.
"Damn it, dispatch Tierens Ground-Types to pursue the Feimeng," Kim ordered.
Free Japan Weapons Base, Okinawa Island, Free Japan
While the Imperium controlled the 4 Home Islands, Free Japan ruled from Penglai and controlled over the Ryukyu Islands. Among then, the Okinawa Island was the site for Free Japan's special selection of weapons for emergency cases.
Currently, Tohdoh, Chiba and an aged Japanese scientist were marching up towards a locked-down cart, saying "Danger: Keep Out". Tohdoh signalled to the scientist, and he pressed a button. The cart then slid open slowly.
"Colonel, this cart contains the Raikou," the scientist warned, "this is not supposed to be used…"
"Dr. Kama, I had heard of its power…and that your branch has been updating on it despite its disuse," Tohdoh said, "perhaps you guys can take down notes on its operation and ability."
"And Colonel, have you heard of this new soldier that the ICF is about to unveil today?" Dr. Kama asked, "I heard they will also be revealing a new type of Tieren."
"Just another old-fashioned piece of trash that runs on VR again," Chiba commented.
"From what I've heard of, it runs on a holographic surround monitor system," Dr. Kama answered, "if I had the chance to see it, I would have hurried first-thing there."
"And one more thing," Tohdoh asked, "would the Raikou be compatible with my Zangetsu?"
"The earlier Raikous are built with Burai Kais in mind, but we have done extensive modifications of the Raikou since then," Dr. Kama said, "now I can say it is ready even for Gekka and your Zangetsu."
Icy Mountain Cavern, Trans-Himalayan SR, ICF
Since Mao's discovery in the Super-Soldier Base, security in the region soon became high with Tierens marching around as guards and in search of the intruder. However, Mao was safe inside a cave along the mountains, but was still heavily-injured as he lied down.
"Hmm…I won't be having so much more time left…" Mao said, "But the truth must be revealed. I won't be letting you ICF win, for I will have the last laugh… Allelujah, receive this dying friend's last gift for you…"
With that, his struggling hand suddenly came to a halt and dropped. It turned out that he held on to an incom, and it was connected to his chest by a wire. The incom then began beeping.
Vladiskovlev Town, Far Eastern Region, United Republics of Russia
In the Far Eastern Region of Russia, the Vladiskovlev Town was a small town founded in the 2020s that soon grew famous due to its rare metals found within the area mapped by the town. To that end, miners from all over Russia, East Europe and Northeast Asia would come there to excavate the minerals there.
However, problems started to arise over miner rights and other issues like the corrupted administration there. Some of these miners were excellent mechanics, and they would assemble some form of Mobile Suits from the materials they possessed.
Currently, another riot took place in Vladiskovlev. Some of the workers there were displeased at the low wages presented to them. To that end, they began to fight back. Workloaders armed with machine guns and missile launchers were put into use, along with some Jiachong Construction-Types which were tripped out with machine guns. They began to lead on a terrifying offense against the town's richer class citizens.
However, the Gundam Celestica quickly made its appearance and smashed one of the Jiachongs with its landing. The other makeshift Mobile Suits quickly fired at the Gundam, however the difference in technology made a wide gap to its victor. Celestica fired its cannons and most of the rebel workers grew frightened and fled the scene immediately.
Inside the cockpit, Zero took off his helmet-mask. He then looked at the fleeing workers. C2's image also appeared with Lelouch.
"People who possess a strong will, they will not run in danger when their view is questioned," Zero said, "Clearly, their will is not strong enough. But mine and that of our comrades, we have carried the torch for decades and now's the fruiting of our blood."
"So philosophical," C2 said, "but I would say that in terms of willpower, the 3 superpowers are growing stronger with the desire to capture the Gundams. But why, I wonder, why would you volunteer yourself for this simple task when you can dispatch someone else for this?"
"I'm about to see Nunnally in Cape Williams soon," Lelouch said.
Command Centre, Orbital Ship St. Cuthbert, Atmosphere of Earth
In the Command Centre of the St. Cuthbert, Jeremiah and the other operators looked at the screen displaying the status in Vladiskovlev. Allelujah then came into the room; he held a small device with him.
"Jeremiah, mind I borrow your time," Allelujah asked.
"If it is important Celestial Being business, I am all-ears," Jeremiah replied.
"Then listen to this," Allelujah said.
He then played the message on his incom, and Mao's voice was on it.
"Allelujah, if you are hearing this message, it would mean that I have died for this message can only be streamed if so. I have found that base where we were drafted as Super-Soldiers by the ICF. Kim is still in charge, and it was in Trans-Himalayan SR, but they are undergoing relocation of it to the Internationale's upper sectors that are restricted by the government. Since I am now dead, fulfil this wish of mine and that of many others like us – destroy this hated base who ruined all our futures. For we have no future than that of warfare and bloodshed, life bears no meaning to us. And beware of her… Marie Parfacy is…Soma Peries…"
"Disturbing…" Feldt remarked.
"My past, I used to be a runner for the ICF Super-Soldier program," Allelujah explained, "It is a program designed to create the ultimate fighting operator."
"I heard of the program," Jeremiah said, "but I believe it was shut down due to sanctions mounted by the EU and UN."
"And yet it still continues," Allelujah said, "the ICF won't give in to pressure that easily. I am the living proof, as a Super-Soldier myself."
"And there are others like you," Jeremiah said.
"Mao, who had just died," Allelujah said, "and I think there are still some more out there, most likely in ICF captivity."
"And who's that Soma Peries?" Christina asked.
"Marie Parfacy, by the time I knew her. But now, she's a human weapon of the ICF," Allelujah said, "in fact, we met her…in Mongol SR, inside the pink Tieren."
"The ICF's foolishness in creating a Super-Soldier will trigger an arms race in all three superpowers," Jeremiah said, "Allelujah, I grant you full permission on a mission to neutralise this Super-Soldier project. I will have our agents to identify the location of the sector."
"No need, this is something I should do…alone," Allelujah said, "this is my burden. But I thank Lord Charles, who had found me and saved me from death so long ago."
"Though Lord Charles has passed, he would be grateful to see you here among our ranks today," Jeremiah said.
Airspace of South Pacific Ocean (around East Asia)
After the Vladiskovlev riots, Gundam Celestica flew over towards Cape Williams of the Australian continent. As such, he flew over the Pacific Rim or referred to as the East China Sea. Zero was relatively calm and anxious over his future meeting, which started to become more frequent recently.
"Lelouch," C2 warned, "I have detected something heading your way at high speed."
"What could you mean…?" Zero cried.
But by then, the Gekka piloted by Chiba had already taken the first move and attacked the Celestica. The other two Gekkas piloted by Senba and Urabe were positioned behind the Celestica's position.
"Gundam, this is payback for that time back then," Chiba said, "Four Holy Swords, attack the Gundam!"
Suddenly, the three Gekkas quickly assaulted on the Celestica. However, the six cannons repositioned themselves so that two of each would be facing the Gekka. All of them then fired a blast, but the Gekkas avoided the blasts.
"Nice try, but we learnt our lessons," Senba said, "and we hope to not only defeat you, and also acquire the Gundams' technology."
"We only need to bring you inside Okinawa, and then you'll see our true secret weapon against you," Senba thought.
"They would be well-aware of what they are dealing with," Zero thought, "and if so, what made them so confident on defeating me? Unless…they possess a powerful weapon able to… I must destroy it before they can do real damage. It's on, Free Japan."
Alexander's Column, Equatoria Province, World Imperium
In one of the Linear Trains heading upward to the space portions of the Alexander's Column in former Ecuador, Suzaku and Lyle Dylandy were being escorted up by Lloyd. Lloyd had his face covered up his reading newspaper, the Imperial Times.
"Lloyd, what is this all about?" Suzaku asked.
"This is called improvement, self-modification. It's important to keep track or become outdated," Lloyd said, "we need to heighten your performance above all things now. This is especially important with this news."
He then flipped open his newspaper and flipped into an article. It was about the destruction of the African La Eden base, entitled "Celestial Being – Weapons Capacity?"
"This article talked about the destruction of the La Eden base in Mali that served as a HQ for the terrorist wing," Lloyd said, "according to a survivor and several other witnesses in the towns and tribes around, there was a beam from the sky before the whole base was destroyed by the blast."
"And you believe that Celestial Being is up to this," Lyle said.
"This proves of their ability to fight in space too," Lloyd said, "although we do not know of their prowess in space, but their prowess within Earth boundaries is already beyond all three superpowers. Thus, I have a specialist to train you two on space warfare."
"And this specialist being?" asked Suzaku.
"Now that would be for me to know, and for you to find out," Lloyd said, "and you two can thank me later."
Okinawa Island, Free Japan Territory
Celestica began to pursue the Gekkas into the Okinawa Island region. The Island was once a forested region, but the toil of war took its effect and reduced it into a near-desert area there. The Gekkas had just landed on the Island proper, and then Celestica quickly fired on them.
"GN Bazooka! All particles releasing!" cried Zero.
And the powerful cannon laid fire at the ground, but the Gekkas were agile enough to flee the attack. They then regrouped and grabbed at the Celestica from two opposite fronts.
"What sort of tactics is this?" Zero wondered.
"Chiba, now!" cried both Urabe and Senba.
The third one, operated by Chiba, then kicked the captured Celestica from the head sector from above to drive it to the ground. All of the three Gekkas then flew of towards the sides of the area.
"Those three only seem to be stopping me so far, thus they must have their secret weapon to finish me off," Zero thought.
Over the distance towards the eastern side, a new Mobile Suit also came into the scene. At first sight, it was the Zangetsu, a Suit customised and piloted only by Kyoshiro Tohdoh. However, it was equipped with something else.
It was covered by some type of chest armour given a red paintjob with lightning yellow accents. Two large angular shoulder plates were placed there, seemingly connected with the chest armour. And the shoulder plates were connected to a giant backpack on its back via several wires. There were also extra rockets boosters strapped to the backpack, aimed to support the armour's tremendous mass.
"The Mobile Armour Raikou Type-G, one of our Free Japan Imperial Armed Forces' most powerful assets," Tohdoh introduced, "where in G refers to the Gekka, and my Zangetsu happens to be a modified Gekka."
"So this is the powerful weapon of Free Japan," Zero said, "but to what decree of power."
"Now I shall demonstrate its powers," Tohdoh said, pressing several switches, "Electron particles charging."
And the Raikou Type-G began to shift itself. Primarily, the two shoulder plates shifted towards the centre and they became the basis of a large cannon-bazooka. The two pieces then began to connect with each other, joining as a single unit. Suddenly, electricity seemingly surged into the machine and the cannon.
"Raikou Hyper-Electron Cannon, firing away!" Tohdoh shouted across.
Suddenly, the cannon fired away a metal shell at high speed. While in mid-air, the shell released into multiple ball bearings and they hit around the area of the Gundam Celestica. 1 of those attacks had hit Celestica, and it actually scratched into that tough armour.
"What?!" exclaimed Zero, "a weapon that can even pierce through the E-Carbon of the Celestica! C2, bring forth your judgment?"
"Mobile Armour Raikou is a liability to our goals, it must be destroyed," C2 said, "I shall bring reinforcements over to aid this last-minute mission plan."
"No need for that, I can handle them…all on my own…" Lelouch said.
Imperium Military Sector (Restricted), Alexander's Column, Equatoria Province, World Imperium
Suzaku and the others had made it to the restricted military sectors of Alexander's Column, walking along its corridors. Being out in space and at Lloyd's request, all of them wore astronaut suits. At its end, there was a door. Lloyd tapped his card on a pad, and it opened.
Behind the door, there was a large team of Imperium soldiers and researchers. Amongst them, one of them went out to greet the coming party. He was a young adult Caucasian male, with blonde hair. He wore an astronaut's suit, bearing the blue paintjob standard of the Imperium.
"Ah, Captain Graham Aker of the Imperial Space Exploration Agency or the ISEA," Lloyd greeted.
"And greetings too, Count Lloyd Asplund," Graham replied, "I had received your call, so what brings you here."
"Hmm… Graham Aker… I believe I had heard of that name some time ago," Lyle contemplated, "you are the Imperium's foremost frontiersman in space, managing to establish the Colony of Ares on Mars."
"My reputation is apparently bigger than what I had expected," Graham said, "but I have heard much of you, Kururugi Suzaku. And most of them are from Lloyd."
"How did you two meet at first?" Suzaku asked.
"I used to be asking for suitable pilots like you lads, searching the entire Imperium for such," Lloyd said, "and during 1 of my campaigns in the Imperial Fatherland, I had found Mr. Aker. He's very talented in Mobile Suit piloting, being able to pilot a Sepoy like a pro and even changing its Mode midair no less. A pity you must take on this path, for you may receive international fame under me."
"I still keep my sense of honour, and there's something in my childhood that still bugs me," Graham said, "but space has always thrilled me enough."
"Before we drift off too much, I will now explain why we are here today," Lloyd said, "I wish to take the both of you under Graham's wing. Despite lack of experience in actual warfare, he is a well-established space Mobile Suit pilot in his years here."
"We look forward to your training," Suzaku said.
"Then come with me," Graham said.
All 4 of them then went into another room. It was a docking bay, full of other Imperium people in their spacesuits. There were several unique Mobile Suit docked there. They were more like semi-bulky humanoids with a sky blue paintjob. Two claws apparently served as its main handlers, and also fronts for weapons too.
"Aren't those the Portman, amphibious Mobile Suits of the Imperium?" Lyle asked.
"No, they are called the Armstrong, named after the first man on the Moon," Graham said, "the design may be similar, but they are two completely different units. For one thing, these machines are exclusively used for space travel."
"And the basis for our space-adaptable Mobile Suits too," Lloyd added.
"Get yourselves inside one of those Armstrongs and don't forget the shields there and we will be going out for a short ride," Graham said, "Gladys, I need Airlock Delta to open now!"
"Warning, Airlock Delta is to be opened. All operatives are to be in Safe Zones immediately. All necessary pilots are to be inside the suitable Mobile Suit or Mobile Armour."
Lloyd and the other ISEA operatives quickly fled to a Safe Zone, which was behind a zero-gravity doorway which elevated them up to higher ground. Suzaku, and Lyle all sortie into an Armstrongs each, while Graham went over to a particular Armstrong and sortie in that one.
"And now, follow my lead," Graham said, "Armstrongs, taking off!"
And then, all three of the Mobile Suits quickly took off and flew into space. At this stage, Suzaku looked closely at Graham's Armstrong. It was unique that it held a shield in its right hand, while its main sword was strapped to its back in a way where in it would be held by its left hand instead.
"Graham, you're left-handed," Suzaku said.
"A sharp eye in details, I must say. This Suit is my private customisation, the Armstrong Graham Special" Graham said, "what made you think so?"
"Your main weapon is the sabre, which is strapped to the back and can only be held by the left hand instead," Suzaku said.
"Enough of that, I wish to teach you about space warfare the only way I know how," Graham said.
He moved around his controls, and the Armstrong's left hand went out. The claw reached out for the back, where in it connected with a sword there. It then held it out, and its shield to defend itself. It flew in on Suzaku's Armstrong and attempted to slash at it. However, Suzaku quickly raised his own shield to block off the attack.
"Brilliant defence and what of you, Lyle Dylandy?" said Graham, "Show me what you've got."
Lyle then pressed a switch and the right claw retracted into the Suit. It was then replaced with a small machinegun, and it fired on the Graham Special. However, it quickly covered itself well. At that moment, Suzaku's Armstrong gave the Graham Special a kick with its leg thrusters.
"Arg…I never saw that coming," Graham said, "You two make good Mobile Suit pilots. I can see why Lloyd has singled the two of you out for this training."
Just then, they saw a trail of green dust-like particles trailing in deep space over the distance. It was led by a Fighter jet, flying in at high speed.
"That Fighter?!" exclaimed Graham, "You two, follow me. I've located a suspicious flying object."
"Is that a…Gundam perhaps?" thought Suzaku.
Celestial Pillar – Internationale, Greater Bruneian SR, ICF
Also in deep space just above the atmosphere, Gundam Kyrios was well heading towards the Celestial Pillar – Internationale. In it, Allelujah looked grimly at the ICF Orbital Spire, that he would be heading towards.
"And it comes down to this," Hallelujah said, "let's make this a good one and revenge for our suffering."
"For our suffering?" wondered Allelujah, "I do not want to kill them; they did not want this, just forced into this…like I had."
"And you think they want to live like you, like war machines!" Hallelujah cried, "you selfish bastard, think about those poor kids who has an actual future at least."
"Or is this just your excuse for bloodshed?" Allelujah questioned.
"You really do know me," Hallelujah commented, "guess I don't need to act all compassionate and all that crap…"
"But nonetheless, I too believe this is the only way left," Allelujah said, "Indian-Chinese Federation, you've brought this upon yourselves."
Meanwhile, inside the command centre of Celestial Pillar – Internationale, the technicians there were supervising all activities in nearby space…and coming across something. Also, General Sergei, Lt. Ming and Dr. Kim were there as well.
"Captain, we have detected 4 foreign objects incoming to territory of the Internationale," a technician reported.
"Dispatch the Tierens Space-Type into space and set the Tierens Zhizhu on high guard," the Captain commanded.
"And any identity as to what is threatening us?" asked Sergei.
"One of them emits particles similar to the Gundams and there's also three Imperium Armstrongs pursuing it," the technician reported.
"Captain, I believe I had told you of my purpose here," Sergei said, "and we must step up the defence here ASAP."
"The Gundam must have gotten word of our plans on the Super-Soldier Project," Kim cried, "I'm already too far ahead to quit now. I'm gonna stop the Gundams no matter what."
"Dr. Kim, relax please. That's why we are assigned here for," Ming reassured.
"Ming, we will sortie in the Tierens Space-Type as well," Sergei said, "if it is the Chairman's will that we are to maintain the project, then maintain it we must with our lives."
Penglai Island, Free Japan Territory
Meanwhile, in Penglai Island, Empress Lee Noreiga and Princess Kaguya were searching around the artificial island for something or someone. Along the way, she bumped into Tamaki.
"Hey you, watch where you're going…" Tamaki cried abruptly, but saw who he bumped into, "Tenno Heikai! I apologise, I am stupid for bumping into the Tenno Heika."
"Be at ease," Lee Noreiga said, "and you are?"
"Shinichiro Tamaki, of the Free Japan Interior Affairs Management and given the military rank of Warrant Officer," he introduced, "it is only my honour to be graced by the Tenno Heika."
"Enough of this flattery," Lee Noreiga said, "I wish to know of Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords' location. Do you know anything about their whereabouts?"
"Well…this morning, I saw the Colonel alright," Tamaki recounted, "I think they were heading to Okinawa."
"Okinawa Island, but there's where our weapons storage is kept," Lee Noreiga said, "regardless, I thank you Warrant Officer Tamaki."
"And before you leave Tenno Heika, perhaps I may be so rude as to ask of a favour," Tamaki said.
"Speak up, I will only agree or disagree to it if I knew of it," she said.
"Perhaps you could convince the Prime Minister to let me be in the Finance Ministry instead of the Interior Affairs one," he requested, "I mean, I was to be an accountant. I even wasted my university years in Business and POA for this chance!"
"When I meet Ohgi, perhaps I may speak to him of this. The Prime Minister is the manager for the government and as the Head of State, I cannot do much about government affairs," Lee Noreiga said.
"And Warrant Officer Tamaki," Kaguya asked, "do you know anything about piloting a chopper?"
"Why yes of course, I was the driver during the rescue of the Colonel himself," Tamaki boasted, "I believe you were there of course."
Celestial Pillar – Internationale, Greater Bruneian SR, ICF
Meanwhile, Gundam Kyrios continued to fly towards the Internationale. Not known to it, the three Armstrongs were in pursuit of it. Graham seemed to be really interested of the Gundams… or rather the GN Particles they emitted.
"There can be no mistaking of it," Graham thought, "It was what I had seen back then!"
But just then, a group of Tierens Space-Types were approaching Kyrios. The Space-Types were a specialised Tieren variant optimised for space mobility, with the aid of equipped rotatable thrusters. Thye were easily identified with blue paintjob of it. They were then led into the battle by a Tieren Space Commander-Type, different in its head sector, purple paintjob and its shield pads on the shoulders. Also, there were a few Tieren Zhizhu crawling up and down at the Orbital Spire itself.
Inside the Space Commander-Type's cockpit, it was Sergei Smirnov piloting it.
"Comrades, our mission is to prevent the Gundam from entering Internationale and possibly capture it," he proclaimed, "but it's imperative that no other Mobile Suits, be it Celestial Being or Imperium to reach into the Internationale."
With that said, the Tierens embarked on a defence cum capture operation of Gundam Kyrios. The Tierens all fired their machineguns at the Kyrios first, but the Kyrios quickly evaded most of the attacks.
"Ok, at this point, we should not intervene lest we strike a raw nerve with the ICF by violating the Treaty of Astana," Graham said, "but instead we take ourselves to the sidelines and learn from the scene and the enemy's styles."
"That Gundam is a Transformable," Lyle said, "so it has mobility on its side against the slow moving Tierens."
"True, but the Space-Type is optimised with rotatable thrusters that allow them to move more easily than regular Tierens we've dealt within Earth," Suzaku said.
"And their heavy mass have its advantage in melee combat as well," Graham added.
And then, the Space Commander-Type charged in and kicked the Kyrios with its legs. The Kyrios flew off track, and it was forced to change Modes immediately.
"Now I see, they can really pack a punch or kick," Lyle said, "It's only a blessing that they can't have such power on Earth."
"Due to the limitations of gravity, the Tieren's potential is mostly limited," Graham said, "but when removed from gravity's influence, they are more deadly than usual."
"GN Submachine Guns, fire away!" Allelujah cried.
The reformed Kyrios then took out its GN Submachine Guns and fired at the Tierens. Some of those Tierens had come under the fire of the Kyrios, and thus destroyed. However, the Space Commander-Type fended off the barrage with its two shoulder pads.
"Haven't been in a Space Commander-Type for quite some time," Sergei said, "but my skills have not yet rusted since then!"
The Space Commander-Type quickly charged at the Kyrios at full force again, but it learnt its lesson earlier on. The Kyrios quickly avoided the rough direct assault of the Tieren.
"The Space Commander-Type is supposed to be the leader's unit right?" Lyle wondered, "But this one seemed to be not so bright. One would think that one would not fall for the same trick twice."
"Just see closely here. There's a reason for everything," Suzaku said.
"Ming and Ahmad, now!" ordered Sergei.
And it was revealed. With the Kyrios being directly above the Space Commander-Type, it quickly turned over to face the Gundam and fired from its machine guns at it. Two more Space-Types appeared at the sides, firing out their barrages also. After a while, the two Space-Types unleashed a Carbon Net over the Kyrios and caught it like a trapped fly.
"No, now the ICF got the edge in world affairs," Lyle cried.
"How nice of the Imperium to send representatives to take witness of our victory, which will lead on to a World Revolution," Sergei said, "Lt. Ming and Ahmad, reel in the Gundam."
"Yes, General," Ming said, who was in one of the two Space-Types that had captured Kyrios.
"A General of the ICF…" Graham thought.
"Allelujah, you cannot give up just yet," Hallelujah called out.
"Ok ok, like they say in tag-team wrestling, this is the time I tap out and you in," Allelujah said.
And suddenly, the Kyrios began to struggle through the Carbon Net restraints. Its hand let of the Submachine Gun, and tried to get another weapon – a Beam Sabre. Once it was grabbed hold of, the Beam Sabre extended on full and broke through the netting altogether.
"A Beam Sabre?!" exclaimed Graham, "something I didn't expect truly of."
Kyrios then flew in on one of the Space-Types that captured it, and slashed it in half, right at the torso area.
"Warrant Officer Ahmad?!" cried Ming, "you'll pay for this, Gundam!"
Then Ming's Space-Type then grabbed a dagger-like device stashed on its waist. It then extended to a double-edged katar-like blade; it was the Carbon Blade, a cheap melee weapon used mainly (or actually only) by the Tieren series. Quickly, it flew straight at Kyrios and tried to stab the Gundam. However, it was blocked out by the Beam Sabre. And then, the Submachine Gun aimed for the cockpit at blank-point.
"First rule of battle: do not expose yourself without a well supply of weapons," Hallelujah said, this would be a great learning point, if you can live through it."
"Hands off the Lieutenant!" cried Sergei.
His Space Commander-Type charged in from behind and grappled the Kyrios' hands at once. Thus, it had freed Ming's Space-Type and it flew off the scene. A few more other Space-Types exploited this chance, and fired openly at the Kyrios.
"Hey Commander, your men don't seem to be treating you as their boss," Hallelujah mocked to Sergei.
"I will not fall for your counter-revolutionary mind tricks," Sergei said, "for the sake of our mission; anything is all fair to the eyes of the system, as long it is for the good of the Federation."
"The use of unconventional yet effective tactics…a duty-bound attitude…and a somewhat blind sense of loyalty to the ICF itself," Graham thought, "…there can be no doubt about it! We're seeing the infamous Wild Bear of Manchuria, General Sergei Smirnov."
But then, the Kyrios suddenly kicked at the Space Commander-Type's torso region and was released from its grip. It then flew off towards a particular sector of the Internationale. Despite fire from the Tieren Zhizhu, Kyrios quickly subdued them. It went over to the closed hatch and quickly blasted the doorway down, entering inside.
Inside, it was Allelujah there instead.
"No! He's going to reach my base and ruin everything!" Kim yelled madly and he dashed out of the command centre at once.
"Set off the alarms. Contain the available supply of oxygen. Send the Engineering Corps to repair damage," the Captain said, "our airlocks has been compromised."
Also, the Tierens followed the Kyrios inside the base. Sensing something odd, even the three Armstrongs had flew in to see what was going on.
"I smell a conspiracy going on," Suzaku said.
As the Armstrongs had gone inside the hatch and into the Internationale, some of the Space-Types there went on to attack them instead. The Space Commander-Type and Ming's Space-Type then flew upwards, where Kyrios had headed.
"My apologies, you of the Imperium," Sergei said, "we wish to have only us to resolve our own matters. Men, do not harm the Armstrongs, but hold them off from the Pillar."
And the Graham Special quickly moved in to attack, slicing off a Space-Type's right leg and its left arm as well. Soon, it came under fire from the other Space-Types. Fortunately, Lyle fired from his equipped linear gun at those Space-Types and Suzaku brandished the sword from his own unit and attacked the remaining Space-Types.
"Come on, I have a weird feeling about this thing the ICF is trying to hide," Suzaku said.
"Same here…" Graham said.
Gundam Kyrios had made quite the progress so far, even reaching just outside a large gateway with locks securing it. Via his Quantum Brainwaves, Allelujah was certain – the Super-Soldier Program was behind those doors. He withdrew his Beam Sabre and armed with both GN Submachine Guns. However, he was attacked by something in the shadows.
The attackers came out and revealed to be a group of Jiachongs AI-Controlled Types in action; they were led by a regular Jiachong piloted by Dr. Kim. Also, the Tierens and Armstrong had also arrived on the scene.
"Dr. Kim?!" exclaimed Allelujah.
"Gundam, I know what you are," he said, "You're one of them, one of the Super-Soldiers."
"Super-Soldiers?!" exclaimed Graham, "I've heard of that somewhere before… I thought it was shut down…"
"It does not matter," Allelujah cried, "all that matters is that what behind this door are war machines to be."
"And so will your Gundams when we capture them," Kim said, "Jiachongs, capture the Gundam!"
Kim's Jiachong, along with several other AI-Controlled Types quickly fired on the Kyrios. While it was distracted by the gunfire, 2 Jiachongs fired grappling hooks on the Gundam as they encircled it for the capture.
"Got you now Gundam!" cheered Kim, "those fine children shall pilot your Gundams and spearhead the World Revolution…"
"Not today …not today, you bastard!!!" Hallelujah cried, taking over Allelujah again.
But Hallelujah still had other tricks for the Kyrios left. Suddenly, GN Missiles were launched from the Gundam and they destroyed most of the Jiachongs and also managed to break through the gate. Behind it, there were a large group of young children aged from about 3 to 16 or more. All of them were stored in tanks full of fluids, and seemingly in suspended state of animation.
"Those people, they are the Super-Soldiers Program," Suzaku cried.
"Damn it, it seems it is all exposed," Sergei said, "The Chairman says that we must destroy all evidence should it be exposed. But how did the Gundam knew of its position I wonder?"
Kyrios then faced towards the chamber where in the kids were kept. Hallelujah was ready to give the final move, but something in him hesitated.
"But must we…do this…" Allelujah protested.
"We had reached so far and now you tell us to give up!" Hallelujah cried, "That's it! It's either this or we surrender to those ICF blokes! You don't wanna compromise Celestial Being, do you?"
And he pushed the triggers and the GN Submachine Guns laid fire at the containers. GN Missiles also accompanied the attack, and the entire lab was blown up almost instantly.
When the smoke cleared, the Tierens and Armstrongs went inside to see the extent of the damage. There was no more life within the room, and the ICF would be in hot water soon. There was a giant hole on the other side of the room, leading up to null space – where the Kyrios had escaped from.
Okinawa Island, Free Japan Territory
Meanwhile, in Okinawa Island, Celestica was still in the middle of a fight between Free Japan's finest – the Four Holy Swords. With the showing of the Mobile Armour Raikou equipped to Tohdoh's Zangetsu, this grew even more important as the Raikou could damage the Gundam's hull.
Zero now had the problem of fighting thorough three fast-moving Gekkas, and then suffer the wrath of Raikou when the Gekkas retreated. The Gekkas quickly flew off, and the Raikou launched fire. However, Zero quickly fled when the Gekkas turned tail and the Celestica retreated to the side of a cliff.
"Arg…there's almost no way to escape…unless…" Zero said, and the back walls of his cockpit opened
"The Gundam have almost nowhere else to go," Tohdoh said, "Raikou, fire away!"
And then, the Raikou fired another shell of two dozens ball bearings at the Celestica. However, its GN Barrier was raised in the nick of time, protecting it from the attack.
"Let's go! Attack the Barrier while Tohdoh's recovering form the attack," Chiba cried.
During the charging time for the Raikou, the 3 Gekkas made quick work and attacked Gundam Celestica at once. With each pounding attack, the GN Barrier weakened. During all this, the Raikou began charging up for another attack.
"It will be all over soon…" Tohdoh said.
"I couldn't agree with you more, but it will be you who shall be defeated," Zero cried, "Seraphim Gundam, Trail Cross – Field of Judgment!"
And then, the three Gekkas stopped all their movements and froze there. Even the Raikou-equipped Zangetsu began to crash onto the ground. Hovering in the sky, it was the Seraphim Gundam with its form spread out like the Cross.
"Such power…" Urabe gaped, "unlike any thing I've seen before…"
"My Gekka, it's jammed completely!" Chiba yelled.
"That is the power of Trail System," Zero said, "it hacks into Mobile Suits and jam them with a simple controls of it. Now you shall face judgment."
The Seraphim Gundam stoped glowing and it drew out its Beam Sabre. It flew it out with both arms, and began to dive in on the Zangetsu.
"Stop!!!" someone cried.
While the Seraphim laid the final finishing blow, it was stopped by that shout and missiles attacking it. The source came from a chopper, piloted by Tamaki and both the Empress and Kaguya were there.
"Tenno Heika! This is dangerous!" Tohdoh yelled, "Do not approach this fight."
"The effort for a free Japan will be pointless without you Tohdoh, even if I must perish and the Imperial Line along, you have to do something," Lee Noreiga said, "Japan needs a fighter in her struggles, not just a ruler."
"And you, Mr. Gundam," Kaguya said, "I remember you from that time in Alexander's Column; I was grateful for your rescue of me. But the other time in Yokohama, you attacked our ship. I assume you knew it was the Mothership, even the Imperium knew that. But what is you're really about?"
"Little girls need not to place so much care on war," Zero said.
"Shut up! I can see through your purpose; you guys just want to stop the fighting!" Kaguya shouted.
"Sumeragi Kaguya of Japan, had you seen the destruction wrought by the Imperium invasion of your homeland?" Zero asked, "It is pure destruction on scale unknown. But that was no one's fault; it is due to the nature of war. Therefore, it must be eradicated…and all things that caused it to be gone!"
Seraphim plunged its Beam Sabre at the fallen Zangetsu, and managed to slice off the wires of the Raikou. This had caused the Zangetsu to be detached from the Mobile Armour.
"The Mobile Armour is a deadly asset that is able to damage through even the Gundam, and this knowledge could trigger an international arms race," Zero said, "Thus it must be destroyed. If needed, we shall return in the future if conflict erupts in your Motherland. You have been warned."
And then, the Seraphim flew away and so did the hollowed-out Celestica.
ICF Super-Soldier Research Base, Trans-Himalayan SR, ICF
A few days had passed since Gundam Kyrios' attack on the Celestial Pillar – Internationale and the secret assault of Gundam Celestica in Okinawa, and matters had blown in regards to the former. Now the news of the continuing Super-Soldier Project was revealed to the world and via three Imperium officers. Despite the ICF's official claim that those 3 Imperium officers were spying there, the news spread faster and that was more believable with the UN-led investigations proven.
Deep within the original Super-Soldier Base within the Himalayas, Dr. Kim was in his darkened office. He was in a rush, hurriedly trying to pack up his possessions inside a brief case. He then ran towards the door, but it opened and behind it there was Colonel Li Xingke and a group of ICF soldiers with him.
"Dr. Kim, where would you be going?" Xingke inquired, "I believe the Chairman had ordered you to stay put until further notice."
"Xingke, get out of my way! I know what you're going to do, and I have security for this," Kim said.
He then retreated a few feet and pushed a buton concealed in glass. A hatch opened up in the room, and an AI-Controlled Workloader modified with arms came out and attacked the ICF party. Colonel Li was indifferent to this, and simply drew out his sword – a Chinese dao. He dashed across the area, fleeing the gunfire, and quickly cut off the Workloader's arm. The Workloader then turned around due to its sensors, but Xingke took the chance and kicked at the AI unit behind the glass, thus deactivating the machine as a whole.
"Dr. Kim, you are a very talented person, that we cannot deny," Xingke said, "but you are also a bad influence to the Indian-Chinese Federation, the light of socialism. Your Super-Soldier Project has been exposed and we are now accused of violating human rights regulations and rebuked by the UN. As such, we need a scapegoat and it is you. Hong Gu, arrest Dr. Kim now."
With that, an elderly Chinese male aged in his 50s came up to the doctor and handcuffed him immediately.
"Quick now, we have to head to The Hague and turn him in to the International Criminal Court," Xingke resolved, "This is the choice of the Chairman, and fulfilled it must be."
Prime Minister's Office, Penglai Island, Free Japan Territory
Meanwhile, in Penglai Island's office for its Prime Minister, Empress Lee Noreiga and Tohdoh met up with Prime Minister Ohgi for several issues in need of discussion.
"Tohdoh, firstly I want the combat data chip in the Raikou you had piloted," Lee Noreiga said.
"But Tenno Heika, do you wish for us to battle against Celestial Being again?" Ohgi wondered.
"No, this is called a political bargain," Lee Noregia said, "Get our men to inform Alexaninople of our call for truce."
"A truce?!" exclaimed Tohdoh, "but our efforts will be all for naught!"
"I know, but the Gundam pilot is correct. As Japan's leader, I am watching my people dying everyday… either for the sake of freeing Japan or by the hands of the Imperium's colonial government," Lee Noreiga said, "and I need the combat data before we make contact with them."
"For the good of Japan and its people, I believe this will be a small sacrifice," Tohdoh said, "I will have Dr. Kama to get the chip."
"But Tenno Heika, is this a wise choice to speak with the Imperium?" Ohgi said, "They are never known to play fair with nations they had conquered previously."
"That is why I request for you to send a diplomat to the UN as a broker for us," Lee Noreiga said, "and before I forget, I had met a Shinichiro Tamaki, who demanded a promotion to handle finance."
"Pardon my rudeness Tenno Heika, but Tamaki is the last man we would want for dealing with money," Ohgi said, "he was indeed the Financial Regulator at first, but I forced him without an official post not long ago when I found out he had been organising lavish parties in Hong Kong using our funds."
"Good grief and I thought he was a good man," Lee Noreiga said, "looks can be so deceiving…"
Meanwhile, outside in another bunker room, Tamaki was gulping down his bottle of sake while talking with his friends and fellow Free Japan Fighters, Yoshida, Inoue, Kento and Yoshitaka.
"And you guys will guess what happen a few days back," Tamaki boasted, "I met the Tenno Heika and managed to catch the Four Holy Swords disobeying orders!"
"Oh really?" said Inoue, "or maybe you've been drinking too much of late?"
"I share this room with this fella and he's been drinking not of late," Kento said, stringing away his guitar, "he's always drinking hard, but he did read some negatives of late though."
"Ha, you laugh at me now…" Tamaki said, "But I tell you, I've told the Tenno Heika of my wish to be reinstated. Thanks to her influence, I'm climbing back up the social ladder and we'll be partying in Hong Kong once more!"
"Yup, he's so drunk that he had already lost his mind in alcohol," Yoshitaka said.
"Then let us knock him out before he keeps saying stupid stuff again," Yoshida suggested.