Few comprehend the scale of the devastation brought by the Falson Coalition's desire for the retribution of Ewan Falson. Born from a desire to see a fair economy be achieved was this one man moved to speak his voice for the many who were oppressed. By the hand of one however was this man's mighty protest silenced. The years that came to follow created an animosity from the colonies before it came to form the broken promise the Earth had feared. Eleven years have passed since the formation of this Coalition and its desire for vengeance. Even today it has not been sated.

Episode 20: A Fire of Sacrifices

Aboard the Testudo the target of Schwerin was now in sight. The first operator announced, "We are reaching within range General."

Another was able to confirm, "We are confirming the presence of two patrolling enemy squads sir."

Edward had the very thing that he was hoping to test on. "This may be overkill but it will provide a perfect demonstration of how far the Coalition had come…" He told himself. The sheer thrill of preparing this cannon had yet to become tiresome as he gave the first order, "Aim the main cannon at the target." Edward took some time to view the target and ordered, "Fire." With that the main cannon of the Testudo was primed and fired a long range of energy towards the city. The crew within the Testudo was rocked by the force of the shot but Edward remained still as he and Bertram watched their attack commence. Within just a moment the city was decimated and the target squadrons with it.

The explosion lingered for some time and it would likely be seen by anyone within range of the city. Edward requested, "Does the air feed give a demonstration of the cannon?"

The voice of the Captain of the aerial Leo IIIs responded, "Yes sir. We are sending you the footage now."

"With all due respect General, Private Tsubarov is requesting to know if he will be needed. The cannon probably renders him unnecessary."

"An understandable concern. Tell him that he shall be given a chance to flex the muscles of Aquarius at least once. If we are lucky we might come in contact with the British reinforcements of the enemy. We shall require his help then."

"Will report sir."

Edward continued to look forward when he told himself, "We are so close now. My purpose to fulfill in this war will soon be achieved and no force will deter me away from this great moment of triumph." Turning away from the command screen he emphasized to his crewmen on the goal at hand, "All hands continue forward. Prepare to aim at the next target upon command."

Instructor W read over the news updates from Brussels while he waited in the Aberdeen hospital waiting hall. He heard one of the nurses greet, "Sir, Lord Lindemann has now completed his recovery."

The Instructor smiled when he saw Till make his way towards him in his wheel-chair with a disgruntled look. He offered, "Thank you for the assistance. We'll return if there are any further complications."

Till passed him by when he answered, "That will not be necessary."

The Instructor offered his own apology when he told the nurse, "I'm sure he's only anxious to be leaving."

The Nurse accepted the observation when she told him, "He was rather determined to see that his exit from our establishment was a reality. The fortunate news is that he will most likely be able to recover soon enough."

Both the Instructor and Till were allowed to leave the hospital while both were silent on their way down to the ground level. It was only a short walk before they were outside the lobby where both men found the limousine waiting for them. Instructor W followed the Lord to his vehicle before asking, "Do you need any help my lord?"

Till simply answered, "I am still capable on my own. Let me ask for help when I feel it necessary." He opened his passenger door before lifting himself into the seat while his legs had a visible wobble to them as he forced himself in. Instructor W simply folded the wheelchair into the trunk of the limousine before setting himself down on the opposite side of his superior.

As soon as he sat next to Till, he offered, "From what I understand the doctors were able to successfully remove the bullets from your knees and it won't be long before you are walking again. You are very fortunate Lord Lindemann."

The limousine made its exit from the front entry while Till simply gave a disapproving grunt at the Instructor's observation. "I would trade almost any fortune I had in being given a swift recovery than endure this humiliation. Better yet one of my key creations is now being utilized by the enemy. This is not the ideal time for us to accentuate the better portions of our situation."

"But you are not the sort of man who would allow the severity of situations such as these to completely defeat you."

Till crossed his arms when he answered, "Bah. Of course I am not. I shall require only a return to my estate where I can further assist the Earth Sphere in its defense."

"I'm afraid that won't be possible for a while Lord Lindemann." Instructor W reminded.

He was given a stern look from Till when he was asked, "What for I might ask?"

The Instructor changed a tab on his tablet when he revealed his schedule telling him, "You do not recall that you are not permitted to leave Aberdeen until he you have been properly interviewed by ESUN officials on the stolen Gundam."

Till gave a heavy sigh when he remembered the first thing he would have to endure when he left the hospital. "Naturally such protocol cannot be forgotten even in war time."

Instructor W in the meantime was silent on his reason for staying behind. Someone will have to ensure that he stays in line. He thought as he observed Till's behavior. He continued to read more news on Berlin where he only saw casualties being accumulated by the second. He was only left with a feeling of inadequacy when he tried to imagine himself if he were 30 years younger. In reality there are no changes or advancements when new conflicts are born.

Till turned when he asked, "Do we at least have any updates on the new weaponry for our fighting forces?"

The Instructor changed the tab on his tablet when he answered, "Based on your daughter's fighting the Scutum units, I have a new print for a shotel if the Sandesgeist should ever encounter another heavy armor unit. As per your request I have another weapon designed to stop reactor explosions on Mobile Suits when used."

"Most importantly should our units face the Aquarius."

"Yes my lord. With the safety of the factories in France we will be able to complete both weapons once the Sandesgeist and the others have arrived safely."

Till agreed, "That is the sincerest hope we should all have. I don't know what it is that Kecker is planning. But he has claimed ever since the foundation of the Earth Sphere to be for the betterment of a united planet." He looked outside to the sky above when he told himself, "What importance the Solaris has, it best be capable of turning the tide of this conflict in one swift action."

The conflict for Berlin had begun once again as Coalition Leo units and Earth Sphere Ursa units left their defenses for the intention of attacking one another. The ashes of the city of Schwerin only became sand beneath the feet of the Testudo as it continued its advance through the war lines. "Quite a considerable amount of restraint we've had only to fire the cannon for the first time on Earth soil." Edward said to himself.

Bertram was able to recognize the point when he asked, "The Coalition development teams felt it necessary to use an untested weapon in such a crucial time?"

Edward continued to gaze forward out his window when he answered, "Not entirely. This fortress we now reside in was built with the intention of maintaining the security of 3 Juno. The most fortunate of our circumstances during the peaceful times was that there was an undefined border of what qualified as a weapon and which was a tool."

"A convenience from being tasked with the last-minute effort of discovering an offense. Had this not landed at Penza we would have been able to end this conflict much sooner."

"We endure a test for every aspiration we possess. All we are tasked with now is the mission to engrave our ambitions on the slates of history."

One of the operators announced, "General, we are about to be met with enemy resistance. Their reinforcements are forming on our position."

Edward remained vigilant in the face of the approaching challenge when he ordered, "Continue forward. Crush all opposition before it is given a moments rest to reach us. I want the next target city within range immediately."

Bertram confirmed Edward's plan when he asked, "Do you believe that our current forces will be enough to hold them back General?"

Edward nodded, "More than enough. General Vasquez and his men must utilize every resource we have to see that the Earth Sphere is pinned down in Berlin."

Bertram watched the destruction continue when he noted, "Our men wish to see that their sacrifices shall be for the advancement of a greater tomorrow. Most importantly, this day shall truly be the day that marks everything their beliefs shall amount to."

Along the southern border of Berlin, the forces of both militaries met in a mighty clash to leave Edward to place his faith in the highest faith the Coalition soldiers had for their cause. His fellow General, Rayen Vasquez, was able to advance with the confused order of Earth Sphere Ursa units. He remained seated within the central seat of his Scutum unit while the operators nearby delivered their destruction to the Earth Sphere forces in front of them. Rayen in the meantime was left to listen to the explosions and eruptions that sounded against the metal and clash between mobile suits that took place outside.

"Sir, the enemy is still trenched within the city, but they appear to be making an attempt to breach through some of our openings in our current position."

Rayen opened his eyes when he confirmed, "As is the intention. They are too focused on maintaining their defense, but the deception of the Testudo's progress will only last for so long. Wait for the enemy to make its first motion and we will progress on their action."

Another one of the operators warned, "Those airships are proving to be an issue sir. Our aerial disadvantage won't allow for a significant progression."

Rayen remained unshaken when he answered, "Indeed we do now permit the enemy an air of optimism. This deception however shall prevent the enemy from preparing a concerted effort in creating a unified attack on the Testudo's location. Our mobile dolls will be sufficient in stalling the progress of the airships while our men can continue to wear down on the enemy. For right now, we are the wall that will not permit our enemies to prevent our final victory."

The operator nearest to Rayen accepted, "We've made our progress this far. If these final sacrifices are all that we need, then we should just sit tight for right now."

For all of the progress the Coalition had made in solidifying its position on the Berlin lines, the Earth Sphere pilots could see their morale wane as much as the minimal color on their Ursa units. Hyrum mostly saw the dirt of the trenches as he kept his Ursa unit ducked beneath the enemy fire and explosions. There were very few instances where he managed to feel an instance of where he could prepare for an attack of the same level as the Maganac squadron that offered his men support.

Hyrum tried to make sense of the situation when he made contact with his captain, "Sir! We're not receiving any orders from command!"

Campbell managed to overhear the report against the static when he asked, "Well shit! How do we know where the Testudo is now?"

Denis's Ursa fired a few shots from the cover of the trenches when he answered, "We don't! We need to get an update from our pals in the sky about where we can hit next!"

Hyrum watched the growing field of debris near the city when he recognized the greatest danger to the defense." We stay put here and we won't be able to warn Brussels. The guys in the Testudo probably know that too. And we're just a bunch of sitting ducks."

Denis tried to offer an remedy the concerns of his fellow men when he told them, "The Colonel will know about our situation soon enough. Stay put and maintain the defense."

The crew of the Excalibur continued to observe the battleground that Berlin had continued to become while firing on every Coalition mobile suit from the panels that operated the ship turrets. The ship's captain observed how persistent the advances in the Berlin battlegrounds were being made but wasn't able to feel a sense of security. "General Ulbricht should have been prepared to find the Testudo. Just what is keeping him from reporting?"

Instead of an answer he was reported by one of the operators, "We are receiving a transmission from the ground on the front-line sir. They have something important to report."

"Patch them through right away." A blaze of static sounded through the room before the voice of the Earth Sphere Colonel announced, "Can anyone hear me? We have an urgent update on our defensive position!"

The airship captain answered, "This is the Excalibur. Report."

"The enemy has fired a disruption signal on the headquarters and we seem to be just outside of its range. But we need assistance."

"That is certainly the case. We cannot however allow the enemy Testudo to continue on untouched. They are outside our range right now."

"Just what we need to hear. For all we know they might be running rampant out there and heading to the capital. Can you send support to located the Testudo?"

"Hang tight. We will have confirmation of its location soon enough."

The Colonel accepted the answer when he told the ship captain, "Try not to take too long. We have a capital to defend."

The transmission was cut and the captain of the Excalibur ordered, "Establish a link with the Illustrious." A brief second passed before he saw the face of his Admiral Hayden Chadwick. The captain saluted when he reported, "Admiral. Our ground forces are having concerns about the location of the Testudo. They have already cut off the headquarters. If they cannot stop the Testudo from reaching in range, our assistance will be for naught."

Hayden understood the weight of the situation when he told him, "We shall send the Albion to make its way to progress across the northern front. In the meantime we had best warn the parliament before it is too late."

The ground colonel was still on the line when he accepted the plan, "We'll be a little tied up down here unfortunately. Good luck on the catch Admiral."

Hayden accepted, "Hold the line. We will have a report soon enough."

The airships in the sky continued to make their movements as they gave aerial support and prepared for the Albion to make its way to track the Testudo. Richard Lindemann in the meantime was given the opportunity to watch the movements from below as his Maganac unit rushed to the headquarters of Berlin while seeing his safety was assured. Destruction continued to surround his sense as he used every quick glance he could to muster to find an enemy mobile suit.

He raised his beam rifle as soon as he saw a mobile suit make his way into his vision but was relieved to see it was another Ursa unit helping the headquarters defense. He was however surprised when he saw the same Ursa fire its beam rifle over his shoulder. He moved his camera to see that it was a modified Leo III unit that made its way into the city. "Damn. Things are getting serious in here."

He returned his view to the headquarters where on the ground he saw General Klaus Ulbricht watching his city. Richard knelt his Maganac as he opened his cockpit before he was able to view the battered city of Berlin around him. He made a quick series of motions as he leapt down before rushing over to the general to find him undisturbed.

He gave a salute to report, "General. I've been sent here to confirm your safety and to give a report on the enemy."

Klaus returned the salute, "You've done one so far. What is the status of the enemy?"

"We're concerned that we might not be able to overturn the situation General. The Testudo is out of our range."

Klaus kept a determined face when he ordered, "More than anything else we must see to saving the Parliament. Once we have regained communications we must find the location of the Testudo and send all of our forces upon it. Ensure that everyone on the front line defense understands that this is our current plan."

"We'll pull away from the defense of the city then, is that correct sir?"

"Winning this war is going to be more important than the fate of one city. It is our duty to make such calls. Make this order known to all on the front line right away!"

Richard was reluctant before he agreed, "I'll see to the order's execution sir. Be safe out there."

Klaus accepted the request when he returned, "Act on your promise soldier."

Brussels

Within the Parliamentary Building of the Earth Sphere capital, Franz continued his work on managing the bills supplied to him. Barra entered the presidential office when he greeted, "Mr. President. Lord Lindemann has given his confirmation that all properties under the Lindemann Estate, not pertaining to the current status of the Aquarius, are now under secure control and properly protected from potentially being appropriated by the enemy."

He handed Franz the report while the president gave a brief read before asking, "And I am correct to believe that we will be capable of preventing the Testudo from coming within striking distance of the capital?"

"Of course Mr. President. Our forces will not permit the enemy a moment to find its way to victory and the Coalition will not be permitted victory."

"Precisely the words I wish to hear from my fellow countrymen. I am intent t see that with such dedication shall come results. Even should the direst of situations call for our utmost methodologies."

Barra accepted Franz's words when he agreed, "The protocols have been established Mr. President. Nothing less is to become of our situation other than how our forces are made to react to the enemy."

Barra left the office as he heard the voice of Zelma observe, "He will require the knowledge of the Coalition's advance in order to use any of the weapons he has planned for."

Barra stepped away from the front door of the office when he answered, "Preventing word from reaching him however will require a less than immediate action. Sending the Tallgeese will only result in the public of the capital being alarmed by the presence of the enemy."

"Certainly. I shall require the authorization codes necessary however."

"I am about to leave you something that will assist you on that issue. Understand that without an infiltration here we will not be able to communicate for a period."

"Stay out of trouble. I won't be able to offer any assistance if your cover is revealed."

"Thank you for the concern. But your mission is the most critical thing that must be achieved. I am still in the faith of the President and I will remain aligned to the Earth Sphere forces for as long as it takes."

"Live up to your word then Devine." Zelma told him as she cut the feed from her earpiece. She checked the empty room around her before adjusting her cap. Next to her, the body of an unconscious Earth Sphere operator for the communications array stripped of her uniform. Zelma gave a brief look over the operator's facial features as she checked her own in a small mirror while applying light touches of makeup to prevent herself from appearing too different from who she was replacing.

Zelma was confident with her appearance as she locked the door behind her and made her way down the halls with the appearance as another member of the Earth Sphere. A few soldiers passed her by without any concern for her passing but one that came by offered, "Hey, you guys hear anything about the progress in Berlin? This thing seems to be stretching out for way too long."

Another soldier nearby agreed, "To think the Coalition is actually being so conservative with their big weapon. I'm starting to think there's a picture we're not getting."

Zelma simply answered, "We haven't heard any report from our forces in Berlin. Even if we did I believe you should know that you wouldn't be the first to hear of our situation."

The first soldier simply shrugged when he said, "Eh. Protocol. Sit your ass down in there and give us some good news so we can answer our call to a defense."

Zelma simply accepted the request when she passed them and answered, "Of course." She passed them and found her way into the main communications room she had been searching for. She checked her personal tablet where she found a personal message appear. She gave a brief glance of her received message before shutting it off.

Checking the room around her, Zelma saw one of the few empty seats before she sat down to make sure no one would be able to look over her progress. Before she could continue, she heard one of the nearby operators ask, "Do we have confidential information to circulate?"

Zelma nodded when she confirmed, "I have a first priority embedded file that has to be exclusively reviewed by the leading Executive Branch."

The operator near her confirmed the beginning of the procedure when he agreed, "Ensure that it fully processes." Zelma simply nodded as she kept her gaze on the screen as she went through the process to find the information database where the next set of military updates were stored. Going through the preparations to send the files she found the inner file containing the send time command. It was only a brief few seconds before she input one of the codes she was sent from earlier.

Now to prevent this station from receiving key information. Zelma found the main functions of the computer before she went through a fast series of keystrokes to find the mainframe of the array base. With the second code she memorized she was able to alter a portion of the code.

Zelma pressed the confirm command as she did everything to blend in with the environment around her once her work was complete. No one around her suspected her presence, leaving her with the advantage to hide in plain sight among her current enemies. By the time the President receives this information, it will be too late for anyone... Now to pray for the best...

Aglaii entered the hangar bay of the Testudo adorned in her suit as she hoped to have a last-minute check on her Leo III unit. Before she could make her own checks she saw the squadron pilot she had come to expect to remain on his own. With the fortress mechanic hard at work checking the performance of their moving weapon, Aglaii was left to break the silence among in the air that would weigh on her trusted pilot's abilities.

Oleg watched the windows display the German countryside that continued to pass him by along with the multiple explosions that could be seen in the distance. He was only left with a lingering sense of tension as he waited for the Earth Sphere to stage their next move to stop their progression. Even with the power of a Gundam claimed he couldn't help but feel there was going to be some form of resistance that would keep him from seeing a victorious Coalition.

"Remaining on the defensive isn't a terrible idea. Don't let the tension get to you or you won't be at your most effective." Oleg turned to see Aglaii next to him while McNeil was behind her checking over every computer monitor he could rush to.

Oleg pointed out, "Kieran doesn't seem to agree."

Kieran pointed out, "We have this giant walking fortress to protect, but I'm the main engineer. It's my job to keep this hunk of bolts together. I think I have a right to make it stay in top condition."

Aglaii asked, "So you think the hydraulics aren't going to give way any time soon?"

Kieran crossed his arms when he answered, "Had them all polished and worked on before we started moving. Most we have to worry about is a sabotage that isn't going to happen."

Oleg brought himself into the conversation when he reminded, "We'll be able to say we won once we get within range of Brussels. Even then we'll have the Gundams to worry about."

Aglaii corrected, "We won't have that kind of thing to prepare for. The pilots are probably another bunch of kids like you who know they only have to follow orders. Alright maybe that isn't the best example but we can't expect that they have any hope to beat us once their reason for fighting is gone."

Oleg accepted the attitude on the oncoming victory, "I guess optimism isn't such a bad thing when there's an argument for it."

"And our argument now is that we are going to see the long overdue justice for Ewan Falson be achieved." Aglaii told him with a firm reminder.

Oleg looked back to her when he told her, "You never even met Ewan Falson. How can you be certain that this is what he would even want to achieve?"

Aglaii answered, "Situations like these are not about what the dead want. It's about seeing that a united Earth isn't kept united for the sake of nothing else. This conflict of ours blew up like it did because we've allowed ourselves to be subjugated for little more than the sake of keeping Earth in a union. Our goal is to keep going for the Earth where all of humanity has a voice of dissent so that we never face the effects of a silenced people again."

Oleg nodded when he heard Aglaii's vindication when he commented, "Sounds just like what the General would want to hear."

Kieran pointed to Aglaii, "I don't think he even cares. Some people just can't give a shit about why they are in the middle of a war in the first place."

Aglaii turned to remind him, "Some might not need a reason. But some of them need a reminder regardless of how enthusiastic they are."

Before there was any further discussion an alarm sounded through the halls. Oleg looked up to comment, "Looks like my reason to keep fighting is calling to me."

He adjusted his sleeves before hearing Aglaii remind, "And you're still under orders. Don't forget that."

The two pilots rushed to the lower hangar while Kieran reminded, "The point is both of you are going to make sure that I don't have any repairs to make so we aren't grounded out here!"

The support squad of pilots in the Testudo had gathered to their units when the voice of Bertram announced, "All units are to prepare for an aerial attack. The enemy will be sending its forces to attack us from above. All units must give cover to the Aquarius as it makes its assault on the enemy carrier."

Aglaii patted Oleg's arm when she reminded, "You are the one with a Gundam. We have pretty considerable expectations for you."

Oleg accepted the mission when he rushed to the cockpit answering, "Just give me the opportunity to show why I was selected Captain."

The Leo units were loaded under the launch hatch of the hangar before Kieran announced, "All units are prepared for launch!"

Oleg watched the doors above him open before he felt the suit launchers prepare to send him and his fellow pilots into the air. "Go! Aquarius!" At that proclamation the Aquarius and the squad of Leo units launched into the air with the target airship growing in size as they came closer. Preparing his Gundam's arm cannon, Oleg took the first shots on his target.

Aboard the Albion, the airship's captain heard several shots make contact with the hull before hearing the alarm signal their imminent danger. "What is the report?"

One of the operators answered, "The enemy has launched mobile suits on us! The Aquarius is confirmed to be among them!"

The Captain ordered, "Prepare the software defense programs! Recall all nearby squadrons to our defense and have that thing taken down!"

When the order was given, Griffon units from below stopped their attack on the Testudo before making the ascent of the airship above them. One of the Leo pilots warned, "We've got five squadrons of fliers incoming!"

Aglaii prepared her assault rifle when she told them, "Focus on getting attached to that hull! Defend the Aquarius!" There was a brief pause before the Leo units fired the first shots while the Griffon units gave their retaliation in firing back. Still flying at the launch speed they were given, the Leo units continued heir defense as they came closer to approaching the hull of the Albion.

Oleg fired into the distant sky with his arm cannon to see one go down but only a few missiles being cut short from their contact. Oleg checked his interface when he warned, "Aquarius is reaching contact point! Prepare for the viral disperse!"

Aglaii confirmed this when she agreed, "Spread away!"

Oleg activated the virus as he watched it interfere with one of the Griffon units that came close to him when it flew off course beneath him. He came closer to the lower haul of the airship before he used his heat rods to attach himself to the lower hull of the Albion. He saw a turret turn around to face him, but another Leo unit got in the line of fire before he was forced to take the damage.

Oleg checked his interface to see the virus was still transmitting but the ship was not making any movements that would signal any problems. "Captain! I don't think this is going as planned!"

Aglaii landed on top of a nearby turret when she told him, "They were ready for us. We've got no choice but to get through those defenses. She aimed her rifle at more nearby turrets to find a path that could be more easily scaled. She saw more Leo units struggle to find their way to safety on the underbelly of the airship before ordering, "Let's get on top from the side! Be ready for any additional defenses!"

The Leo units huddled together as they scaled the hull of the airship while staying weary of what would attack them next.

Oleg moved the Aquarius as fast as he could while keeping his small shield raised to take every shot that found its way towards him. He fired his arm cannon at the nearest turret before warning, "The Griffon units are getting closer! If we don't catch up with the Captain they won't be worried about friendly fire much longer!"

"One of the Leo units fired towards the area the Griffon How can we get the Testudo to help us with these defending units?"

Another pilot answered, "They're right above us! We can expect the turrets to be able to hit up here!"

Aglaii reached the edge that led to the portside of the airship when she spoke, "Least we can do is try to move this thing try to move this thing in front so that the turrets can hit. We're going to need to give them the right push first."

Oleg was next to speak when he asked, "You mean we'll have to fool around with those engines?"

Aglaii confirmed the order when she said, "That's the plan. Units 3 and 5. Form up on him and keep him covered."

The pilot next to Aglaii questioned, "What are we supposed to do sir? They'll find us soon enough."

Aglaii answered, "We have to get on top. We'll have to help with what damage we can deal this thing. Form up on me and get ready to attack with all guns ready."

The remaining three Leo suits made their way away from Oleg as one pilots asked, "Sir, this is suicide! How the hell do we pull this off?"

Aglaii recognized the concern when she answered, "Our only choice is to accomplish this. This war depends on us getting the Testudo within striking range of the enemy capital. We we've come this close we don't have a choice of undoing all the progress so many have died to be made possible. Tell me now, are you going to let this long stretch be for nothing? Are all those who believe in the voice of a free humanity just dreamers who will never see another day without conflict? Regardless of what you all think, I know what I believe. I believe that we are about to demonstrate that the will of a united humanity is stronger than the forced union of nations is stronger than what the Earth Sphere believes." Aglaii turned her Leo unit around to prepare for an ascent when she asked, "Now who else is prepared for a final attack? Let's take this thing down!"

The Leo pilots offered a hardened collective confirmation, "We're behind you sir!"

Oleg turned with the other remaining Leo units when he agreed, "We'll make sure this is a plan that works. Get ready to fire on the enemy people!"

One of the Leos scaled the hull when its pilot warned, "Tsubarov! We've got an enemy squadron headed right for us!"

Oleg kept both of the heat rods attached to the hull when he said, "Stick close to me and operate on minimal settings!" He prepared to disperse the virus program as he watched the incoming Griffon units fly towards him. As soon as they came near the airship he activated the virus to see the Griffons veer off course.

One of the Leo units fired toward the squadron when he exclaimed, "Damn this just got too easy!"

Three missiles erupted on contact as Oleg warned, "We're not at the thrusters yet! Stay on the defensive!"

As the Aquarius and remaining Leo units made their way across the hull of the ship, Aglaii lifted her unit to the top side of her mission's target. The other two units found their way up as she saw more turrets prepared to fire. "Take cover!" She ordered. The Leo units ducked alongside the portside of the ship while one of the pilots asked, "Just what the hell is supposed to be our plan?"

Aglaii lifted her Leo above the ledge before firing on the nearest turret when she answered, "We have to keep them occupied while the Aquarius works on the thrusters!"

Her Leo unit ducked down when Griffon fire came from the front as the squadron of units made a sweep over them. She ordered, "Get up! They're coming around!"

The three Leo units lifted themselves over the edge of the portside before rushing towards the coming turret fire. With her shield raised, Aglaii ordered, "Let's get the bridge! It's not that far!"

Aglaii led the charge forward but one of the Leo pilots saw the Griffon squadron making another sweep before warning, "They're headed back captain! Incoming fire!" The lone Leo raised its assault rifle as it fired but erupted in an explosion as soon as a missile made contact with him. Aglaii recognized she only had her other Leo as a support unit when she ordered, "We have to keep heading for the bridge! We can't let them find the Aquarius!"

On the hull below, Oleg kept maneuvering the Aquarius with his support behind him as they defended themselves against the incoming Griffon units. Oleg checked his interface when he told his support, "We're getting closer to those thrusters!"

One of the defending Leo pilots fired into the incoming squadron of Griffons when he warned, "We need that taken down now! The captain will need our support!"

Oleg lifted the Aquarius to the hull as he continued his way to the thrusters. "They won't be able to do much! Just keep the enemy off of us!"

The Aquarius moved on its fours before it came within distance of the far-left thruster of the airship. It then prepared the heat rod on its right hand before making a mighty slash upwards before removing itself from the hull to make a downward strike. He made a series of strikes as he asked, "Is the ship going off course?"

One of the pilots reported, "Can't say! This thing will probably take more than just a few penetrations!"

Oleg withdrew the heat rod from the hull before preparing his arm cannon as he thrust it forward proclaiming, "Not a problem!" He fired the arm cannon of the Aquarius into the exposed hull without restraint before he was able to see a mighty explosion take him by surprise. The destructive force propelled him and the Leo III units off the hull at a swift pace before Oleg used his Gundam's thrusters to break his fall.

"Safe to say that thing will be headed off course Tsubarov!"

Oleg wasn't put at ease when he heard that and told them, "Somebody has to head up there! The captain needs our help!"

The other Leo pilot informed, "We barely have the thrusters to manage a soft landing! I think you'll be on your own!"

Oleg pushed his thrusters to the highest speed when he agreed, "Stay back! This thing will be making a hard landing!"

Aglaii and her fellow Leo pilot were thrust away from the bridge of the airship when Oleg destroyed the thruster. She recovered her footing before ordering, "We've got our mission complete! Let's get out of here!"

She heard her fellow pilot answer, "We can't sir! We can't let the crew make an escape!"

Aglaii realized what he was pointing to before telling him, "This thing is going down! Our goal is to keep advancing the Testudo!"

She was given a response, "I understand sir. But I won't let them have a chance to warn about our advance! I'll follow your words captain! With the victory of a unified humanity so close, I can't surrender anything!" With that the Leo III unit charged towards the bridge blasting its assault rifle at the target. Aglaii couldn't do anything to stop her fellow pilot as she watched her encouraging words take form. Regardless of how great the sacrifice was, she would see the Coalition become victorious.

"I'll make sure that you live up to that ambition!" Aglaii promised as she allowed her fellow pilot to charge forward. The bridge was assaulted with a barrage of gun fire before it erupted in a blazing explosion. Before Aglaii could congratulate her fellow pilot she saw the remaining Leo III meet the same fiery end as a squadron of Griffon units swept down with machine gun fire and missiles that forced her back to the hull center of the ship where several turrets were still prepared to automatically fire on enemy signatures.

The Aquarius made its way to the top of the ship when Oleg contacted Aglaii, "Captain! We have to get off!"

Aglaii heard his warning but answered, "Good of you to be so considerate. We aren't going to be safe staying on here just so you now."

Oleg raised his arm cannon as he fired every Griffon unit that came close to Aglaii's Leo unit. "We've lost too many already! I won't lose you too captain!"

Aglaii remained next to Oleg as she offered her support. Even against the successful defense, the Griffon units continued to make their way to the falling airship. Oleg checked the area before he told his captain, "Follow me captain!" The Aquarius and the remaining Leo unit made their way to the edge of the airship before the Griffon units above gave another blast near their location. Oleg brought both of his heat rods to the hull of the falling ship to keep himself from falling off but saw too late that Aglaii wasn't as prepared.

He saw her Leo unit fall off the front end of the ship before being attacked by a nearby squadron of Griffon units. "Captain get out of there!" Oleg shouted as he released the Aquarius from its holding of the hull.

He heard her response against a very damaged radio with static, "Oleg... Your mission is down there. Don't let the enemy have a moments peace."

Oleg moved the Aquarius down the hull as he answered, "I don't intend to. I won't leave anyone behind either!"

He found more Griffon units trying to block his progress as he kept himself on the defensive but managed to continue forward. Against his determination, Aglaii only had parting words for Oleg's ambition to save her, "You're here for more than just the sake of it. I know in this final push to ending this war you'll find it. Push on, remind everyone that a united humanity will always triumph."

With those words, Aglaii's Leo unit erupted in an explosion as the Griffon units flew towards him. Oleg had little time to recognize what had just happened to his superior as he prepared his heat rods as he proclaimed, "Captain!" He slashed his heat rods to both sides as he rushed to the air only to find the falling pieces of Aglaii's Leo unit falling to the ground below. He kept the virus of the Aquarius activated as he slammed one of his fists on the arm of his seat. "How? How is a sacrifice supposed to be good for anything?" He brought his heat rods to both sides again as he attacked the stagnate Griffons when he asked, "How many need to be sacrificed before you're happy?"

The Griffon units exploded from contact with the heat rods while Oleg continued his attack. Before he could continue, he heard a voice on his intercom, "Tsubarov! We need to get out of here! Enemy reinforcements are about to catch up to us!"

Another one of the Leo pilots warned, "The Testudo is going to be in firing range!"

Before he could offer a word of protest, Oleg registered the warning of what was coming his way. The Testudo was about to level another enemy city. Regardless of how persistent he could be to see Aglaii avenged, she would only be another casualty. "All I can do is not become a sacrifice like you expect me to. Isn't that right?" He activated the thrusters of the Aquarius as he watched the Griffons attempt to follow him to the ground. He turned away from the falling airship when he answered, "I'm heading back." At those words the Aquarius made its swift escape from the blast zone.

Against the defense that the Earth Sphere forces were able to muster, the advancement of the Testudo remained uninterrupted. They continued to see devastation at every corner with their forces, but the highest officials on the front were able to watch with observation as the war's conclusion came ever closer to being seen. "A period such as this one reminds how mighty struggles can become in their final hour." Edward observed as he watched the Albion make contact with the ground outside the enemy city.

Bertram remained at his side when he agreed, "Fortunate for us we have been capable of seeing that we desire an end of this conflict far more than the enemy. As it is well evidenced by our ability to almost literally slip through their grasp."

Edward nodded when he agreed, "As desperation is to bring out the most ambitious in us, we see that those who cannot fully grasp their final desire with a calculated mind shall fall beneath those who anticipate their enemy."

One of the Testudo operators announced, "General. We are now reaching within range of Hannover. We can confirm an enemy base with possible reinforcements mobilized by our recent action."

Edward gave a small grin when he observed, "We are reaching ever closer now. Time is the only thing that resists my ambition now." He said to himself. He raised his voice to command, "Aim the main cannon at the target." Edward watched as the cannon of the Testudo aligned itself to aim at the nearby city before checking the radar on the holographic map behind him. Small points revealed the presence of enemy signatures on the field of the city and beginning to advance. He then heard the soft confirming beep of the Testudo cannon coming to make aim on the city of Hannover. "Fire." Edward simply ordered.

The second he gave the order, the main canon of the Testudo fired its familiar long range of energy towards the city. Once again the crew was rocked by the shot's force but Edward was able to remain still as he watched the explosion claim his enemies in a fiery demise.

After the explosion subsided, Edward asked, "Has the air feed been recorded?"

One of the operators answered, "Yes sir. Unit 3 has given us a direct feed of the city's destruction."

"And how many were able to return from the assault?"

"Three sir. The Aquarius being among them."

Edward nodded when he ordered, "Have General Vasquez find another squadron to spare and reinforce our position."

Bertram added to the order, "He must be ready to continue at our current course. We cannot give the enemy a moment's rest to prepare another offensive."

The operator agreed, "Right away sir."

Bertram turned to see Edward watching the still progressing landscape of Germany when he asked, "You are aware of course that the remaining enemy units will have our position revealed once we continue?"

Edward confirmed the observation, "Of course. Our concern however is to continue forward without fear. The enemy will see what we are capable of and they will not dare to allow their leaders be given the same fate."

"You may wish to confer such wisdom on Private Tsubarov when he returns to us. He is certainly not one who can fully grasp what Captain Belyakova is able to appreciate."

Edward recognized Bertram's words when he explained, "My will is to be that of my men. Their loyalty is only as great as their vision of what lies before them.

Within the hangar bay of the Testudo, the Aquarius and the two remaining Leo III units were situated in their respective loading areas. Oleg felt the latches attach to the Aquarius before he leapt out of his cockpit with a despondent spirit before he saw Kieran run up to him, "Nice job Tsubarov. For all the capabilities the Aquarius had, it's really impressive to see an entire vessel go down like that."

Oleg removed his helmet when he answered, "It's unfortunate that it wasn't one of the bigger priority Gundams. It might have be able to do more to protect the squad."

Kieran looked over the remaining Leo III units that made their way to the exit of the hangar when he realized, "The captain didn't make it back. Damn, that's a serious loss."

Oleg agreed with the observation when he pointed out, "And probably just another number as well. That's just how it is, the General is probably ecstatic enough that we managed to take down so much of the enemy's numbers."

"You might not want to offer him that suggestion Oleg. I'm sure he wouldn't want to hear that right now."

"Of course. We're still on the offensive even right now."

"No, I mean literally right now." Oleg checked the direction Kieran was pointing to when he saw his superior, Edward, walking towards the stationed mobile suits. The two stood at attention as they waited for him to approach the Aquarius while Edward made his way casually towards the two with the remaining Leo III pilots behind him.

Oleg and Kieran saluted when Oleg greeted, "Sir. I apologize for the casualties. My focus was on seeing the enemy airship be taken down."

"As well as it should have been Private. There will be a time to see that our fighting men and women are given their proper respects, we cannot allow that coming time to hold back our progress." Edward paused to look at the Aquarius when he asked, "Captain Belyakova was the one to give you the assistance you needed to remain alive was she?"

Oleg confirmed the observation when he stiffly answered, "I arrived to her aid when she needed it sir. I was rather unfortunate that she continued to place herself in such danger and would place the Aquarius before herself."

"As a soldier is meant to." Edward nodded. He returned his gaze to Oleg when he reminded him, "Soldiers are here to fight for something greater than themselves. The highest who take the ranks can all acknowledge that victory must be obtained in that a greater number can be saved from the maws of conflict. That my boy is precisely what Captain Belyakova could recognize." Oleg felt curiosity burn in him when he heard Edward give the reminder.

"It might have been the case but how does anyone think they can judge someone that fast?" One of the remaining Leo pilots asked. Oleg turned his gaze to the pilot in question hoping to see he wasn't given disciplinary action for speaking out on the matter.

Edward remained calm however when he answered, "She was one of my great supporters when the Testudo made its escape from Penza. Even before then in the First Descent War she remained at my side to see that the Coalition remained united. Losing her is hardly of a trivial matter to me, but one that I will not allow to throw down my weapons in defeat. Not when we all can recognize that we are so close to letting Brussels fall."

Oleg entered the conversation when he told them, "I can recognize the value of your words General. When we have arrived at the enemy capital, we will then be allowed to voice our grievances. I do hope you can remember that we are still men with the ambition to see victory, not nameless pawns."

"I became General because I recognize that men are the ambitious ones that they are. I recognize how many there are who give themselves to a cause without hesitation where others see this conflict as one to profit from. Whichever category anyone here qualifies under, we can only allow for our victory to be the closing passage of this historic chapter. So I do give everyone here an order that she herself would give. Do not allow for her selflessness to be an action in vain. Do not permit the enemy to be given the privilege of seeing her demise as being the hope that undoes our march towards an end to this era of conflict."

Oleg accepted the speech but didn't give his superior an idea that he was in any way inspired by his words. He only offered a firm salute when he accepted, "I am certain that no one on board is hoping for these wars to continue any longer. I will head out there as many times as it takes General. And I will see that Captain Belyakova's sacrifice was for a greater cause as she believed."

Edward gave a salute to Oleg when he parted ordering, "Remain on standby. Prepare to defend the Testudo until our final march."

Oleg returned the salute when he agreed, "I intend to do so General."

Edward turned as he made his way to the exit where he would return to the bridge while Oleg was given a breather to wait for the next skirmish. Oleg wasn't given complete peace however when one of the Leo pilots asked, "You've probably only been here for a year or two Tsubarov. Even in that time you're able to decide what kind of soldier you are right?"

Oleg leaned on a rail behind him when he simply answered, "I've known ever since I signed up. I've never been here for a reason to fight and I don't even have a right to be recognized as a man seeking a greater cause. It seems to be the only thing that has ever pushed the General forward. Even if he can read me that well, I don't plan on doing anything that will change my loyalty to anyone but myself."

Kieran chimed into the conversation, "The General has always brought up the sort of observation and he seems to deduce everyone just off of taking a good look at them. Even if you're right about who you're staying loyal to, it doesn't change the fact that you still have something of value for what the captain believed in. It's all a matter of what actions we chose to take after all."

Oleg confirmed the observation, "Yeah. I haven't even been with her that long and I'm hoping to find a way to see justice is given to her. I want this to be over for her, more so for the family I have left who never has to endure the early days of the Earth Sphere again."

One of the Leo pilots promised, "And we'll be sure to help you with any struggle."

The other pilot agreed, "It's just a little longer and we'll set the human race right. After this the other Gundams won't even be a threat."

Kieran crossed his arms with approval when he agreed, "It's quite satisfying to see that we can have moments of self-discovery in times such as these. Either way, just don't try to forget that you have two important pieces of machinery to take care of Oleg."

Oleg nodded as he turned his gaze to the Aquarius as he offered a promise to it, "Just a few more hours at the worst and you won't even have to worry about getting scrapped."

As Edward left the hangar bay he was interested to see Bertram was waiting for his return. "It would seem that you still have the capability to muster morale in your men even in dire circumstances."

Edward smiled when he agreed, "I may. But I would certainly not call the situation we have dire. At least not from my standing."

"Then I am to understand that you see men as pawns even with your recognition of their humanity."

"Humanity is a species that demands the survival of the most capable. Even if it must be against fellow man, the highest leader of humanity is owed his place as the one who trumps all who stand in his way." The two men made their way onto the elevator to the bridge command room when Edward told himself, "All who cannot have the ambition to recognize this simple truth are bound to be littler more than pawns. As they march on, their fate at the end of any conflict shall be of no consequence."

The assault on the German capital of Berlin continued to remain at a standstill when the Coalition and Earth Sphere forces sent their forces to battle one another. The long and ongoing war did not have an ending with the city of Berlin in mind, but far from their view was the only end of conflict that had any chance of being realized. The Coalition General, Rayen Vasquez, knew that this time would be the only way that the whole of humanity would be able to lay claim to the dominion of Earth.

"What is the progress of the Testudo?" He asked one of his operators in the Scutum unit he operated.

A brief second passed when he was given an answer, "We have confirmed that the Testudo is now on its way through half of the countryside sir. We've just got an update. General Blare is requesting reinforcements from the recent battle with the airship."

Rayen smiled when he commented, "Always pushing himself forward when he has the slightest grip of power." He gave the order, "Send a message to one of our standing squadrons on the northern front. They are to report to the Testudo's location and avoid any enemy contact."

Another one of the operators confirmed, "Sending the order now sir."

Rayen sat back when he continued to listen to the roar of explosions and rifle fire from the battle outside. He kept himself occupied when he told himself, "Edward is soon to set a trail across this planet. One that will truly be a monumental period in history. As we had both long desired to see achieved."