Interlude: Halo –Zodiac-
2021, Somewhere in Japan

"…It's for the project, Leo." A harsh woman's voice came over the communicator. "We've got to eliminate them."

"Hunting down the remnants of the squadron that saved our world. It's not my idea of fun. I'm not the Chief, Angie." A man in an AC-0 said. "I'll carry out my mission, but don't act like this is glorious or anything- it's anything but."

"A-01's transport Helicopters will be within firing range of our weapons soon enough. Remember your target is their TSFs, avoid contact with their AC pilot- she must live through this battle. Do not kill her."

"Task Force A-01 has an AC?"

"Yes- her survival is important to the project as well. Her name is confirmed as 'Yashiro Kasumi', although that's an alias. Her real name is 'Trista Sestina', or Number Three Hundred Sixth."

"Alternative III?"

"Yes- and extremely perceptive. She was also incompatible with the Total Eclipse Plan— unable to pilot a TSF, and as a result she's unable to enter Prafka. She was acquired from the Russian military for use by Alternative IV in 2000. Her age is 34 as of now. She is confirmed as a surviving member of Operation Ouka, a pilot of the XG-70d Susanoo IV."

"So, are you going to tell the Chief that when we go through with the next phase of the plan?"

"No. He wouldn't work with us if he knew before hand." Angie said, "Her AC is the prototype mass-produced AC for use by the Japanese Military, the Type-24 Shiranui EX. Her confirmed armament is a heavy Gatling gun- it's a GAO-8 Avenger; two 120mm Strekoza Battle Rifles, and a laser-amplified blade. It does blend in with A-01's Type-04 Shiranui Seconds, but as an AC, it is much more powerful. Just remember that, as an AC, the Shiranui EX does not have jump units. Ignore this unit- do not destroy it- bringing harm to Yashiro will jeopardize our insider's position. Just eliminate a good number of their TSF units- particular target is their forward commander, Akane Suzumiya- and any of the Type-04s armed with the EML-99X Railgun. If necessary, ditch your equipment and use that weapon yourself- do note that it will force your AC into critical mode. Entering combat zone. Deploying AC. Good Luck, Number Eight."

"This is Zodiac Eight, Leo, to Corporation forces… this isn't the most glorious job we've undertaken. I know many of you would rather be finishing off the BETA, but we've got to accomplish this."

"Understood, Leo. Those Angie's words?"

"Yes."

"Targets in sight. Shoot down those F21C-Storks. but be wary of the one carrying Kasumi's AC. That woman is not our target."

Leo shook his head, looking at the approaching helicopters. The UN Special Task Force, A-01, a unit shrouded in mystery, and assigned to Yokohama base under direct authority of Professor Yuuko Kouzuki of Alternative IV. It was this very unit that had secured the destruction of Objective 1, the Kashgar Hive in 2002. A heroic, but obsolete relic, whose time had come. The plan was simple: Shoot down and kill as many of their TSF-operating pilots as possible and then disappear. Insider agents had already confirmed they only had one AC-0, despite the nigh-unlimited funding they received, which made the job of avoiding killing the Esper a relatively easy task- its obvious lack of jump units makes it an easy enough object to avoid. Zodiac was ready- the ambush was perfect.

Shots rang out in the night sky, sending the task force's TSFs to the ground. Leo activated his AC's Moonlight energy blade- its sheer power could cut down a Type-04 in a single slash, and it couldn't be parried by the obsolete Type-74 PB Melee Halberd. He knew he had the advantage here- him and the other Zodiac Units could crush the Special Task Force: he had faced Royal Guards in Takemikazuchis, Russian Espers in their new PAK-FAs, elite Americans in F-22 Raptors, and F-35 Lightning IIs— including the dreaded solid state laser equipped variant, all with their own challenges, but he had defeated them all- the AC-0 proved supreme. Even the horrors of the BETA couldn't faze the corporation pilot- having fought in hive conditions and lived. It wasn't a sense of fear, but regret that had Leo on edge as the operation began. "Zodiac… move out."

"Acknowledged Number Eight."

"To the Special Task Force, I'm sorry for what I must do. Forgive me."

Author's Note: Yes, this is an ACV-based mini-segment. Yes, it's relevant for later, despite being an interlude.