Ch 20 – Thirty Pieces
Area 51, Disraeli Province, World Imperium
The Gundam Thrones flew over the deserts of Disraeli Province, where they awaited for their target. In due time, it came right in front of them…Gundam Plutone…
"So you have arrived as expected of," Johann said, "you're Robert Stad Jr. Am I correct?"
"The name's Fon Spaak, and I'm a Gundam Meister," he declared.
"We have been called upon to decommission you as a Gundam Meister," Johann said, "Trinity, attack him now!"
Suddenly, the Throne Drei began with a barrage of GN Missiles on Plutone. However, Plutone raised its shield on time and the vents inside opened up at once. The GN Particle emitted then surrounded the Gundam and covered fire.
"The GN Field still works perfectly," Chall remarked, "Fon, please be safe."
However, the battle was long from over. As soon as the missile barrage was over, Throne Zwei charged in with its GN Buster Sword. It barely touched the surface of the GN Field, and it began to crack down.
"So this blade does have similar properties as the GN Sword that Exia and Astraea uses," Fon remarked, "well, I won't let you pierce this shield…"
Before long, the GN Field finally broke apart and the Throne Zwei was to attack Plutone. However, Plutone already had a Beam Saber out and clashed with the Gundam Throne. Over the distance, Throne Eins aimed its GN Rifle on Plutone.
"Warning: beam attack approaching" Hanayo cried, "Warning: beam attack approaching"
"Got that," Fon replied.
When the attack was shot out, Plutone quickly flew out of harm's way. The Throne Eins continued on with its attacks, but Plutone blocked them out with its shield. To even things up, even the Throne Drei joined in with its GN Handgun.
"What do you imposters want?" Fon demanded.
"Robert Stad Jr., you are formerly a terrorist charged with crimes against the World Imperium and Euro Universe," Johann said, "therefore, you are found to be doubtful of trust and the right to use a GN Drive is revoked. Return it to us now."
"What makes you bastards all the more worthy of using it?" Fon wondered, "Those GN Drives aren't even the real ones!"
"Regardless of that, we will fulfil the mission and bring in that GN Drive," Johann said.
"Fangs!" cried Michael.
Suddenly, the various bit weapons fired out and rapidly approached the Gundam Plutone. As one was near it, it swiped its Beam Sabre and cut it down. It then swapped in for its Beam Rifle and fired on the remaining GN Fangs left.
"These things, they won't be defeating me you hear," Fon cried.
Secretly, Throne Zwei launched out 2 more extra Fangs and sent them straight towards the Plutone from its back. Before they hit, another beam blast shot them out of their supposed path. The Throne Zwei turned around and saw the Gundam Exia heading their way.
"Gundam Exia… priority to Setsuna F. Seiei," Setsuna declared, "The Trinity has been founded to be an instigation of conflict. Therefore, they shall be eliminated."
Exia readied its GN Sword, and clashed against the GN Buster Sword.
"Setsuna… one of the newer pilots…" Chall said.
"You bastard!" yelled Michael, "you ruined our mission! Now get lost!"
Throne Zwei pushed Exia to one side, and fired its beams at it. Plutone tried to aid Exia, but Throne Eins shot out its beam attacks on the old Gundam. During all this, the Throne Drei was in the background and drew out a Beam Sabre.
"For my brothers…" Nena declared, "I will rip that GN Drive off your back!"
It then charged towards Plutone for its fatal strike. However, a sudden beam ray completely eclipsed the melee blow. From the distance, Gundam Celestica was seen there.
"There you are, Celestica's pilot," Nena called out, "your guy here is making a scene here. Perhaps you can come here and…"
However, Gundam Celestica only fired out sphere-like shots at the Throne Drei in return.
"No, you the Trinity have violated the principles of Celestial Being itself," Zero declared, "therefore; we shall purge you and judge your rights."
Nena grunted and fired off the GN Handgun on the Celestica at once. Even the Throne Zwei and Eins turned fire towards the Celestica.
"Expected that," Zero said, "activate GN Absolute Barrier."
Various vents opened up and the GN Field was formed with the growing particles forming a spherical barrier. While the Thrones fired on the Celestica, it was perfectly guarded by its own defences.
"A strong defence indeed," Johann said, "but you also cannot fire through it. And we will deplete all GN Particles left available to you."
"Setsuna, Fon, now's your time!" he declared.
Suddenly, both Gundams Exia and Plutone flew in from their front and attacked Thrones Zwei and Eins with their melee blades. But both were blocked out on time.
"Think I'm worthless without my Fangs…you better think again!" Michael yelled, while fighting against Exia's GN Sword.
Also, Throne Drei had a little swordfight of its own against the Plutone. Suddenly, it simply retreated away… and Throne Eins was nearby.
"I know that formation… just what they used on Grand Harbour…" Zero said, "A powerful beam attack performed with multiple units."
"Docking with you, brother…" Nena said.
"No, that I cannot allow," Zero declared.
His Celestica quickly moved in and drew out a Beam Sabre. It slashed up the air between Throne Eins and Throne Drei, and halted the docking process in its tracks. Throne Eins then fired on Gundam Celestica, where it was returned with Celestica's intense firepower.
Fon in his Gundam Plutone then turned to his only remaining foe, the Gundam Throne Drei, and fired on it with its Beam Rifle quickly.
"Give us back that GN Drive; it has no place with a terrorist!" Johann demanded, "Zero, as a leader of Celestial Being, you should also realise the dangers of letting him run amok."
"To this world, all of us are terrorists under the umbrella term of Celestial Being," Zero retorted, "but this is where I cross the line. Throughout the week, we saw your group's exploits and we realised this…"
"You are just murderers in Gundams!" yelled Setsuna, "I believe some days ago, you attacked Phoenix City and destroyed an Iris Corp. factory. That was not even a military base, just a factory of civilians. What more different are you than terrorists!"
Suddenly, his Gundam Exia stepped back and charged in with its GN Sword towards Throne Zwei. However, it blocked out the attack and swiped against the GN Sword. Exia fended off with its GN Shield on its other arm, but was forced to sacrifice it.
"Let me explain this; the Iris Corp. factory mass-produces weapons for the Imperium's Armed Forces and thus a cause of war itself," Johann justified, "and we are supposed to end war."
"By intervention on conflict points!" shouted Zero, "all you did was to bombard random locations and massacre the masses!"
"C'mon Stad Junior," Nena said, "gimme your GN Drive… and Michael may be merciful with you… maybe…"
"I was a terrorist before for God's sake," Fon said, "you think I would be shaken by a mere girl's little threats."
Plutone used its Beam Sabre and clashed it with Drei's Beam Sabre at once. However, the Drei quickly took out… another Beam Sabre and slashed with one of its legs and the Beam Rifle stored there. Luckily, the Plutone fled in time before more damage could be done.
"Fine, maybe you're not such a little girl after all…" Fon said.
Suddenly, Fon received a private transmission in his helmet.
"Fon, this is Zero here. You have done me well, now I want you to leave things to me here."
"But I can still…" Fon rebutted.
"There's nothing more you can do here. Just get Chall out and safe. Since my parents' death, Nunnally and Celestial Being have been my only family. To the will of Aeolia and my parents, I will succeed their wishes. I shall grant Nunnally her wish for the kind and gentle world she prayed so much for."
"Roger…" Fon relented, and fled the scene.
"And now… the Trinity shall face judgment…" Zero said, "Trial System On."
He pressed several switches on his console, and the screen displayed "Trial System". Suddenly, the backpack of the Celestica ejected and became the Seraphim Gundam. Its eyes glowed and an invisible wave emitted from its form as it assumed a Cross formation.
Inside the Throne Eins, the system around the cockpit began to shut down for no reason. The same went on inside the Throne Drei and the purple Haro began to deactivate as well. Both Suits crashed into the desert grounds.
"Haro, no!" Nena cried.
"What is this?" Johann wondered.
"This is your judgment for misuse of Gundam and misuse of our name of Celestial Being to instigate of conflict," Zero said, "you are not fit to be Gundam Meisters at all and your lives are forfeit for it."
"Son of a bi…" Michael cried.
But before he could even get near them, Gundam Exia struck hard against the Throne Zwei with both the GN Sword and a Beam Sabre.
"Mind your language, and your opponent is me," Setsuna said.
From the Seraphim's hands, it pulled out a Beam Sabre and solid-state blades shot out.
"And now, you heretics of the dogma to perish!" he cried.
Suddenly, the Seraphim swooped down at the Throne Eins for its final fatal blow…
Underground Base, Turkmen SR, ICF
Inside the underground base in the Turkmen deserts, the still-wanted Dr Kim was forced to toil in a small lab granted to him. His project was within a body stored within the container centre of the lab. Two guards were overseeing his work and ensuring him staying there.
One of the two guards casually looked out into the next room… and saw V2's image falashign in the next room. He was smiling…
Area 51, Disraeli Province, World Imperium
The Seraphim flew down on the Throne Eins to attack it; the battle was almost one-sided. However, the Trial System itself just deactivated and it went to square one.
"What?!" exclaimed Zero, "the Trial System, it just stopped!"
The lights in both Thrones Eins and Drei were turned on again and everything returned to operation.
"All systems in operation" the Haro cried, "All systems in operation"
"Your Trial has failed, so it appears that we are validated Gundam Meisters after all," Johann commented, "instead… we shall now judge your man…"
Suddenly, Nena's eyes glowed in a strange golden spectrum of light with the black pupil inside invisible completely.
"Fon Spaak is declared untrustworthy by Veda and permission to detonate neck explosive to be requested," she said, "request approved. Detonation in 5 minutes and counting…"
"They can't do that…" Zero exclaimed, "Only Veda itself can do that… so it really has been compromised…"
Throne Zwei and Gundam Exia were still at loggerheads with each other. However, Throne Eins fired out light blasts at them to break them up.
"Michael, there is no need for us to combat the true Gundams of Celestial Being," Johann said, "We shall take our leave right now. This has been pointless to the Plan."
Heeding to his brother's words, the Throne Zwei withdrew its GN Buster Sword and retreated. It followed up the other two Gundam Thrones away.
"The thing about the Plan again… what is it really about?" Zero wondered, "no, Fon is now in danger here. We can't pursue the Thrones for now."
Inside a part of Area 51, the neck explosive on Fon's neck was blinking and the numbers went down to [4:34:21] and going down still.
"The explosive, but who detonated it?" Chall cried.
At once, Zero's face appeared on screen.
"The Trinity apparently has hacked into Veda and triggered the explosive," he hypothesised.
"They can really do a lot with Veda; it is no longer safe…" Chall claimed, "But what about Fon."
"I tried to enter Veda myself, but it cut me off at Level 7," Zero admitted, "I am still trying to find an alternative."
"Gundam Meisters usually have limited access to Veda, but its leader, the Supreme Commander, is granted more access rights," Chall said, "Level 7 is where the top secrets of Celestial Being; Veda, the black box, the Plan, neck explosive commands, are stored. These foes must be formidable ones if they could enter it."
"So in the end, you still have nothing to save me," Fon said, "well, I know just what to do…"
He then picked up Hanayo and walked off, with Chall following him. He came into the Mobile Suit hangar, and went inside the Gundam Plutone.
"Fon Spaak, what do you think you're doing?" Chall called out.
"I think about it and realise something," Fon said, "I'm just a terrorist to the world. So what if I were to live, I will only be a fugitive and if I was caught, it would raise questions since you registered me as dead to throw off the IBI's tracks. I'm gonna do what I had started…"
"But the Plutone can barely do anything…" Chall said, "Unless you plan to…"
"Yah, I will weaken the enemy while I still draw breath," Fon said, "after all, this death is more graceful than this thing blowing me up."
Fon then docked in Hanayo into a space by his side, and looked at it.
"Hanayo, I will need you a lot here," he said, "and Chall, can you do me a last favour…"
"What favour…" she asked.
"Get me some loaded GN Condensers and explosives piled up here and dock them in my Gundam," Fon said, "it's time they get some fresh air."
"Still the same as ever…" she commended, "I understand…"
Settlement Area, Disraeli Province, World Imperium
Hundreds of miles away from Area 51, there was a small settlement of Imperium citizens there. They were sent there from other parts of the Empire to develop the province. Over the settlement, the Gundam Thrones were in temporary retreat in light of their recent plan's failure.
"I don't get it bro," Michael complained, "we could have taken care of them."
"Our task there was to fight Robert Stad and him alone," Johann said, "that confrontation has turned into an internal fight in the ranks already. And furthermore, Nena has done the final steps to it…"
Over the distance, the CQC Mobile Suit, Tokugawa, approached the Gundam Thrones on the other side. It zoomed quickly towards them and pulled out two vibroblades. The Throne Eins then pulled out its own Beam Sabre on its left arm to counterattack, along with the solid-state GN Shield.
"Heathen ones, you shall pay for your crimes!" Suzaku cried, "While His Majesty the King-Emperor speaks to the world from Grand Harbour, I shall send the hammer of Judgment into you!"
After a short while, the Throne Eins brushed off the Tokugawa's first assault.
"And in the same vein, we shall declare judgment upon you," Johann said.
The Throne Eins then fired out from its Beam Rifle, while fast approaching the Tokugawa with its Beam Sabre. From behind, the other two Gundam Thrones flew there during the confusion and were ready to attack.
"Such a dunce," Michael said, "not even aware this is a three-against-one scenario."
As the Throne Zwei drew out its GN Buster Sword and readied its attack, a Beam Sabre was thrown in its direction. Fortunately, Michael noticed it on time and slashed the Sabre in time.
"Hey, who threw that thing?" Nena cried.
"Was it…Exia?" Michael wondered.
Flying towards them, it was not the Exia. It was actually the Plutone, given away by its detached leg. However, it was heavily-equipped with multiple add-ins, sans its shield. Now mounted on its only leg and waist, there were the GN Condensers. The end of its leg had a powerful GN Booster attached for greater distance in travel. Throughout the Gundam, there were many small bombs strapped onto it.
"Gundam Plutone…" Fon said, "Fon Spaak is ready for the last mission!"
"Yah, now we can have actual results for our mission," Nena said.
As such, the other two Gundam Thrones laid fire on Plutone with their Beam attacks.
"Expected that to come…" Fon said, "GN Field activate!"
Suddenly, the GN Field was erected and shielded Gundam Plutone from the beam attacks. In response, the Throne Zwei charged in with its GN Buster Sword.
"Yup… just come to me…" Fon said, "And I'll finish you."
Once the tip of the Buster Sword touched the GN Field, it began to break apart. At this point, The Plutone's left hand grabbed hold of the Throne Zwei's right arm holding the GN Sword. The same went on for its other side, and the Throne Zwei was restricted in its movement.
"What are you doing, you bastard?" Michael yelled.
"I'm about to do what that was made famous long ago," Fon said, "If I die today, it shall not be in vain. Hanayo, I leave things here for you. Take the GN Drive and Core Fighter and run."
The cockpit opened up, and Fon climbed up to the Plutone's shoulders. Fon was not wearing the usual spacesuit, but added with a thick semi-metallic coat over it. The cockpit then closed in automatically, and the centre portion in the chest split off from the rest of the unit, flying off immediately.
"The cockpit… what's going on?" Michael yelled.
"And there's more…" Fon said.
He pulled a cord on his metallic coat, and the GN Condenser vents opened up. The GN Particles then flooded out and covered the area around them, forming a GN Field around them.
"We are trapped in here now, so what's next…" Michael said, "My GN Sword could get me out, but you're holding it back."
Fon smiled at the Throne Zwei, and lifted up a second cord.
"I will not be living in about… less than a minute," he said, "so I was thinking… I ought to make my own death really go out with a bang. Once I pull it, it will trigger all the explosives wired into the Plutone's frame."
"But I will be protected you fool," Michael said, "I am inside the frame of my Gundam."
"But it can still do you some damage and I can die the way I like it," Fon said, "Celestial Being, I never truly believe in your ideals… However, Gundams will be the revolution of the world for certain! May you succeed in this revolution and my name be remembered as a martyr."
Fon just pulled out the other cord, and the explosives all exploded simultaneously. At that point, his neck explosive was at [0:00:27], but he was caught right in the blast range and perished. Michael himself suffered no damage, but his Suit was forced to crash. The GN Field quickly shattered with the unit's destruction and its debris fell onto the settlement region.
People were fleeing from the destruction wrought by the blast, and they were crushed under the weight of the debris. To make matters worse, a group of Anfs were making their assault on the settlement and gunned down various settlers.
"Sheep led away from Truth, this is the call of our Lord and His messengers to join hands against oppression," declared one of the Anf pilots, "through His Will, the vile Empire which exploits the Holy Word shall be dealt its judgment from our might. Long live the Holy Faith Nation of Deseret!"
Meanwhile, the Throne Drei was chasing around Plutone's Core Fighter. From the Throne Drei, it shot out several beam blasts at the Fighter; most of which had been evaded at the expense of the settlement itself.
"Arg…go down you little bastar…" she cursed.
Suddenly, the Celestica came in and shielded the Core Fighter with its GN Barrier. After lifting the Barrier, it quickly fired on the Gundam Throne in retaliation.
"Hey, get out of the way!" Nena cried, "You may be handsome, but I won't be leaning way to you!"
"Just who said I wanted to," Zero retorted, "GN Cannons, fire!"
Suddenly, the shoulder-mounted cannons fired out a powerful ray at the Throne Drei. However, it fled the attack and almost hit the Throne Eins and Tokugawa if not for their dodging in time. After that short distraction, the Throne Eins fired on the Tokugawa with its Beam Rifle.
"You think those attacks can hurt me…" Suzaku said, "I won't be daunted by this petty trick."
In response, the Tokugawa simply tossed out both its vibroblades at the beam barrage. The metal sheath of the swords cancelled out the beams' attack and pierced onto the ground below. It continued the same with its other blades, and held off the attack well. During all this, it kept two blades to its person and charged in at the Throne Eins. In a flash, both blades tugged at the Gundam's Beam Sabre from beneath.
"What are you planning?" Johann exclaimed.
"This…" Suzaku replied.
He forcefully tossed his two vibroblades and hurled them up and also the Throne Eins' Beam Sabre. The Tokugawa reached up and grabbed the sword at once.
"Now I got your weapon," Suzaku declared, "and I shall defeat you with it."
His Tokugawa flew down and tried to attack the Throne EIns, but it blocked it out with its GN Shield. The Gundam Throne then used its Beam Rifle and shot the Tokugawa at its body and head.
"Arg… I won't be disgraced by you Gundams!" Suzaku said, "Andreas had perished to inspire the future of people like him, me and his sons."
"In a world devoid of war and suffering, a soldier has no need to exist," Johann said.
"I am not just a mere soldier," Suzaku replied, "I am a peace fighter and will defeat you who incited wars."
"In what way have we incited wars?" Johann wondered, "I believe we had made it clear that Celestial Being wishes to end conflicts."
"It's because of you that everyone is so unsettled," Suzaku cried, "you come here and showed off your advanced technologies. Of course the three superpowers would be interested in you!"
He swung the Beam Sabre one time, and clashed against the GN Shield of the Throne Eins.
"You claim to fight for peace and yet hide over a shroud of mystery and resort to force on all occasions," he yelled, "it's by logic that they would resist."
At this point, the Core Fighter managed to escape the Throne Drei's onslaught. With that, Gundam Celestica flew towards where the Throne Eins and Tokugawa were. It fired a beam blast at the Tokugawa before it made another hit on the Throne Eins.
"Kururugi, have you ever seen war as it is?" Zero implored, "As a Japanese, you have seen the conquest of your nation by the Imperium. Surely you can understand the magnitude of war…"
"But even more impressive is that you chose to work in the Imperium who subjugated your people into bondage," Johann said, "do you see yourself as Moses? But even he made tough decisions."
"I intended to work my way up in the ranks… and attain governorship over Japan," Suzaku admitted.
"Childish thoughts, Kururugi," Zero berated, "to prevent uprisings by disgruntled governors, the Imperium always assigns governorships to a region foreign to the Governor himself."
"But he sure has his justifications," Johann said, with his eyes glowing in a dull golden hue, "Kururugi Suzaku, yes? You are quite prominently mentioned in our archives."
"Where are you getting at" Suzaku questioned, though he felt slightly shaken deep inside.
I see, it is said that your father, Kururugi Genbu, had committed suicide via disembowelment of the stomach," Johann continued, "However, in actuality, Genbu was murdered."
"Murdered?!" thought Zero.
"A fatal gunshot during an argument that got out of hand… and by his own son, Kururugi Suzaku," Johann revealed, "but your father's associates, the Emperor, Sumeragi, Kirihara and the others, had covered up the truth and listed it as suicide."
"But how is he even aware of this?" Zero thought, "these files should be accessed from Veda… unless…"
"You're curious on how we knew all these," Johann said, "on the 16th of June 2163; you were on your way to a military interview in Saint Francis. There, you met a male in full black regalia and long black hair."
"How did you know?" Suzaku demanded.
"Man in full black regalia…" Zero thought, "Is her referring to our agent, Grave Violento?"
"Then, he asked you if you wanted to change the world and its state. This man reiterated how you had felt the state of existence in a world locked in battle and the grand zero-sum game," Johann said, "he told you of a way to get a world of peace and free of war, but you replied…"
"I know that this world is full of pain and war, that's why I come here," Suzaku said, "I wanted to change the world from within."
"So Veda had Suzaku planned as Exia's pilot… ever since that zealot Eco Calore's death…" Zero realised, "and then, he moved on to the next one… Soran Ibrahim, Setsuna F. Seiei…"
"True that those events had transpired once, but I will still defeat you," Suzaku said.
But just then, the Celestica had its handheld cannon affixed to the Tokugawa's chest area.
"You're childish if you think you can change the world like this," Zero said, "however…"
The Celestica stepped down from attacking Suzaku and aimed at the Throne Eins instead.
"You are heretics still and I shall judge you as per any other criminal," Zero said, "GN Can…"
However, they were all under attack by another force. Over the distance, hundreds of Centurions were marching into the settlement on land or by air. One of the unique units there was the Spitfire, piloted by Lyle Dylandy.
Inside the Throne Eins, Johann looked at his screen, which displayed a percentage of 21%. Just then, the other Gundam Thrones were airborne beside it.
"Okay, we will now retreat from here," Johann said, "This has caused too much irrelevance as it is."
A hatch opened up from the Throne Drei's backpack and a vast smokescreen was formed from it. The unusual red hue of the smoke made it clear as being infused with the GN Tau Particles. Also, Gundam Celestica took the chance to flee on its own.
The heavy smoke and Tau Particles formed had covered up all, the Mormons, Imperium forces and settlers. As it slowly cleared away, Suzaku realised that the Gundams were already gone.
"Damn it! I can't fulfil Andreas' wish…" he yelled.
However, Lyle was looking at Suzaku and the weapon he held…the Beam Sabre he had stolen from the Throne Eins.
"But we do have a piece of the enemy's technology," Lyle said, "and that Celestial Being is not as united as one initially assumed. Divisions in certain matters are often even in the same political party, leading to widespread distrust."
Floating Battleship Victoria, Imperium Airspace over California
The Victoria was named after the Imperial Queen-Empress Consort of Alexander the Greater, dubbed as Victoria. This ship had been the personal transport of the head of the Imperium state, and after much renovation to its current version.
After the processing in the Grand Harbour Memorial, the King-Emperor Bryon II had retreated to his personal ship for his ride back to Alexaninople with his son and several assistants. He sat on one end of a wide table, with Euphemia, Cornelia, the rest of the Glaston Knights seated on his side.
On the other end, the Japanese Empress Lee Noreiga and Tohdoh sat down and stared intently at the Imperium's leader.
"Tohdoh, how is everything about Nagisa Chiba's whereabouts?" asked the Empress softly.
"I am afraid we have nothing of her whereabouts yet," Tohdoh replied, "I have told those useless fools in the Naicho to hasten the pace."
"I assume you are thinking why we wanted to invite you here today," Bryon II said, "As you know, the Imperium had suffered greatly due to the Gundams' recently violent interventions."
"I am aware of it," the Empress said, "You prefer us to write a cheque to support the damages caused."
"I am also aware of one incident where in those three Gundams had attacked Japanese territory, the Penglai Island," Bryon II said, "the whole island was in fact sunk into the Pacific. Good thing you had taken back your Motherland before that."
"So what you have proposed?" Lee Noreiga asked, "I am not looking for someone to beat around the bush."
Suddenly, Euphemia's phone rang.
"Excuse me…" she said, taking her leave to a corner of the room.
"Now where was I? Ah yes, I am not sure of what the ICF and EU had planned, but I propose most sincerely of an alliance between us two nations," Bryon II said, "together, we shall hunt down these Gundams and trial them for their crimes."
"You just wanted to reclaim back a territory lost to you," Tohdoh said cynically, "this is your alternative to combining both Imperial Houses of our two countries as one Crown and ultimately a way-out to save face after you lose a territory."
"Even after the former United States have seceded from Great Britain, both nations still maintained good relations all the way," Bryon II said, "and both of us can benefit much from this. Please do consider…"
After a short while, Euphemia returned to the negotiations table. She then signalled everyone to her, as if she got some good news.
"Everyone, I have news from an unknown source," she said, "it has informed me that this person wishes to help us against the Gundams…"
EU Parliament Building, Brussels, Euro Universe
Inside the EU Parliament in Brussels, the hundreds of politicians were making their daily debates on the EU's actions in light of the Gundams' recent violent destructive attacks.
"Within the duration of just one week, hundreds of locations throughout the Union have been attacked," a secretary said, "they include Saarland iron factories, El Alamein Frontier Base, Spanish Gibraltar garrison, Volga Cossack HQ, PEMT HQ in Monaco and many more. All damages surmount to damage fees of over 1,000,000,000 euros."
"Our citizens are being slaughtered by hogs while we foolishly advocate our space colonisation programme!" yelled President Bosphiv, "I believe we should put the people's welfare first!"
"It will not do us good and prestige if we were to surrender like that," said Prime Minister Verde, "I am aware of your concerns, but the space programme is our only hope to catch with the Imperium and the ICF. We cannot merely falter at this point."
"True, my nation's space program and that of Germany's are already the first step to our future," said President Le Blanc, "if we step back now, we would be an embarrassment to all of Europe."
"If you would recall, those three Gundams were sighted over Aragon," Austrian Chancellor Sudeten spoke, "there, they had destroyed a holy church and ruined a wedding reception and killed nearly everyone there. Surely it proves that Celestial Being is radical on its beliefs."
"But we should be more concerned with the present," insisted Swiss Federal President von Charlesbourg, "our nation is in dire need of vast amounts of money, and so will other nations in the Middle East and Africa. We ought to shut out the Bank of Europe for now."
"Enough with the talk on money, we are debating on the Union's future," cried the Finnish President, "Europe has seen all types of hell in its years, even the authoritarianism system called fascism."
Suddenly, the argument-rife Parliament sunk into silence with the mention of the very word 'fascism'.
"You've heard me, and you're not mistaken. I am linking Celestial Being to that dreaded system," she continued, "people have been murdered and we cannot take this lying down. If we surrender, it may give way to a bigger plot underneath."
"But our concerns are with the people of the Union," the Belarusian President Dmitry said, "I believe we should sue for peace with Celestial Being first."
"And give up all we had done since the founding of the first European Union!" shouted the Belgian Prime Minister Verde, "I would rather die!"
"We can use this chance and force them to concede their technologies to us," the Belarusian President explained.
"Celestial Being aren't dumb as to reveal their secrets to us!" the Norwegian Prime Minister rebuked, "Dmitry, I wonder why your people voted for you."
"Settle down everyone," Schneizal cried, "my nation's intelligence has come into contact with a certain mercenary who would like to help us."
"Schneizal, that may the single most relevant suggestion anyone here has made!" Verde said, "May you continue please?"
"But is that contact even reliable the least bit?" asked Dmitry.
"Yes, for you see… he is apparently a traitor of Celestial Being," Schneizal said, "and he is willing to give us a generous offering to the EU… for 300,000 euros."
He then turned to his assistant, Kanon.
"Do inform Colonel Bismarck to retrieve the offering to Brussels on the double," he said.
Saint Francis International Airport, Saint Francis, World Imperium
In the Saint Francis International Airport, General Sergei was reading the magazine for military men, General Info. He was guarded by his entourage, a group of ICF soldiers seated around him. Due to this, most of the other people in the Airport felt unsettled by the foreign soldiers' presence.
While he was still reading, Sergei's phone suddenly rang. He picked it up at once.
"Yes?" he asked, "Comrade Chairman, I have finished witnessing the proceeds in Grand Harbour and gave the King-Emperor our nation's condolences."
"Yes, I have expected much from one of our top Generals," the Chairman said, "okay, I call you here for a special mission. We have received a contact from a cooperative official of the Party, the leader of the Turkmen SR."
"I see, but how is this important in anyway?" Sergei asked.
"This is our key to defeat the Gundams, or so he proclaimed," the Chairman said, "inform the pilot to head for Antarctica now."
"I am still in the Airport right now," Sergei said, "when my transport comes by, I will be sure to inform him as such."
By then, a soldier had tugged on Sergei's shoulders. He then ended his call.
"General Smirnov Sir, our flight has arrived," he reported.
"We have a change in course," Sergei said firmly, "our destination will be to Antarctica instead."
Weapons Base, Antarctica Free Zone
While most of the world was catalogued into the three superpowers, Antarctica was one of the world's only few independent territories. Perhaps to its desolated environment and the Treaty of Falklands, it was spared occupation by even the Imperium.
Under the thick snowstorm plaguing the South Pole as the penguins waddled their way into the snow, the Rot Freiherr had descended towards the Base. The Base then automatically opened up a shutter for it to enter.
Once inside, Colonel Bismarck and Lt. Klaus walked out. In this cold frontier, they wore a special-issue winter jacket version of their grey uniform. They then moved out into the corridor, and crossed paths with other figures. General Sergei and his entourage came in from Saint Francis, and similarly Cornelia and her elite Glaston Knights.
"This is unexpected," Bismarck said, "those Brussels guys must be thinking that the EU has the advantage now."
"Similar sentiments with Lord David, the Imperial Senate's Speaker," Cornelia remarked.
"But what is this offer our unknown ally has yet to offer," Sergei said, "I won't be returning to Beijing without the goods."
Suddenly, the platform they stood upon slid downwards. As they went to beneath ground floor, the 3 representatives of the 3 superpowers noticed about thirty humanoid machines; were grouped into 3 lines of ten each. All of them had one familiar device on their backs, which everyone noticed.
"Is that… the same device that the Gundams possess?" Bismarck wondered.