2-20: DÉJÀ VU

December 1, U.C. 0099

For only the second time in history, a leader of Zeon (as the Earth Federation Government has provisionally recognized General Alexander Miguel of Phobos Zeon) will be addressing the Earth Federation Government's Supreme Council. The only Zeon leader to have addressed the Federation Supreme Council was Premier Zeon Daikun himself some thirty-five years earlier…the very year, incidentally, that Alexander Miguel was born.

General Miguel landed at Shanghai, China, on Earth the previous day, and the formal signing of the Shanghai Accords two days hence will the culmination of a three day tour of the Federation capital that is as much media event and public relations campaign as it is a historic act of international diplomacy.

The public, certainly, is buying into it. To the surprise of most, the citizens of the Earth Federation have embraced General Miguel as a peacemaker…General Miguel, who has been rumored to behind not a few atrocities against citizens of the Earth Federation in the Cislunar colonies during the late U.C. 0080s and early U.C. 0090s. Perhaps after twenty years of ruinous, if not continuous warfare against the Archduchy of Zeon, the people of the Earth Federation have become so desperate for peace that they have rushed to embrace a Zeon leader who apparently extends an olive branch instead of a beam cannon to them. Perhaps General Miguel represents the Second Century's answer to "only Nixon could go to China." Perhaps the people of the Earth Federation find General Miguel too charismatic and compelling to resist. Perhaps hope outweighs history.

Whatever the reason might ultimately be, Alexander Miguel, the most notorious Zeon warrior since Char Aznable, has found himself ironically hailed as a hero of peace by the citizens of the Earth Federation.

Few ironies have ever been this treacherous.

The Centurion Special Operations Team is now assigned as the official Federal Forces security liaison for General Miguel. Moreover, Major Athena Ibaz has been appointed as tactical liaison between the Earth Federation Forces and the Phobos Zeon Forces. Hence, the Centurion Team has accompanied General Miguel to Earth.

For most of the Centurions, it is not their first visit to Earth. Half of them had come to Earth almost exactly a year earlier, also to Shanghai, to provide security to Generals Noah and Blackhead during the strategic conference that ultimately resulted in their being sent to the Outer System for the bulk of the current year. A few of the Centurions were actually privileged enough to have been raised on Earth (Doc Wooster and Cpl. Nick Van Dyck among them). Athena had spent her teenage years in Switzerland, growing to womanhood among the majesty of the Alps (the real Alps, not their artificial approximations in a dozen space colonies).

2Lt. Jonah Michaels is one of the Centurion Team's few first-time visitors to Earth. A year…a lifetime ago…he had plans to come to Earth to matriculate at one of its illustrious art academies. He has arrived on the mother planet a year later than he had expected, and through a tortuous route that had, defying all expectations, seen him transform from an art student to a soldier of the Earth Federation Forces. During the past year, Jonah has taken more lives at the controls of his Centurion Gundam than he has completed paintings, much to his regret.

The past year has also seen Jonah encounter…and lose…the love of his life. From the moment he first set eyes on her, Jonah knew that Jolie Minh would be his soulmate – the one person in all the universe with whom he shared a connection that only the two of them could ever understand. Never naturally gregarious or energetic, Jonah took great delight in Jolie's boundless energy, her fearless outspokenness, and sheer zest for life. They had grown very close during the months they spent fighting and living side-by-side aboard the Amuro Ray, protecting each others' and untold millions' lives battling the Zeon Confederation Forces in the Outer System, and just a little over a month ago, pledged to each other to spend the rest of their lives together…loving each other, bearing children together, pursuing peaceful lives together.

All of it shattered three weeks ago, when Jolie discovered that Jonah's brother is Alexander Miguel…the same General Alexander Miguel of Phobos Zeon who, some eight years ago, had slaughtered Jolie's parents and older brother, along with hundreds of thousands of other citizens of the Quebec Colony of Side 5.

Jonah had known about this horrible truth since the first day that he and Jolie met, but he had never been able to tell her whom he really was. He was afraid…afraid of losing her…afraid of the truth causing her to hate him.

And that fear has led him exactly to what he feared most. Jolie is gone…gone from his life…gone from the Centurion Team…gone to a place and life unknown.

Jonah frankly does not know if things would have been different had he shared the truth with Jolie from the beginning. Perhaps it would have been better for her to know before they had become so deeply involved with one another, but their attraction to each other had been irresistible from the first instant, and had the truth come out then…perhaps they could never have gotten together in the first place.

Such ruminations have brought constant turmoil to Jonah during the past three weeks. When awake, Jonah is assailed by unrelenting thoughts of Jolie. When trying to attain fitful sleep, Jonah has found that what few moments of slumber he can steal come unfailingly with dreams of Jolie. Jonah has struggled to set thoughts and dreams of Jolie aside…to be the effective officer that his commanding officer, Major Athena Ibaz, expects him to be. Jonah's efforts to accomplish this have been valiant and dutiful, but hollow. Jolie continues to haunt him…and probably always will.

I'll find you again, Jolie, Jonah vowed the night after she disappeared from his life, I'll find you and we'll be together again…forever.

At present, however, Jonah cannot even find the new junior executive officer that Col. Cairlay has assigned to replace Jolie on the Centurion Team…whom Athena had instructed him to meet and welcome into the Centurion Team. Jonah curses himself for allowing the distraction of Jolie to befuddle him and cause him to bungle even this simple responsibility that Athena has given him.

Jonah knows that replacing Jolie in the Centurion Team will be no less daunting than replacing the void she has left in his heart. Jolie was…is a warrior unparalleled…widely regarded as the greatest mobile suit ace in the Earth Federation Forces (or any military force) today. Many believe that she has surpassed, or will one day surpass, the accomplishments of Captain Amuro Ray, the famous Federal Forces ace who piloted the original RX-78 Gundam during the One Year War and who valiantly died thwarting Col. Char Aznable's attempt to drop Axis Fortress onto the Earth in U.C. 0093. Athena once characterized Jolie as the only soldier who likely could single-handedly shift the outcome of a war. The anticipation of going into renewed combat against the Zeon Confederation Forces without their ace has the leaders of the Federal Forces concerned. Of particular worry to General Blackhead and Col. Cairlay is the possibility that Jolie might defect and sell her services to the Zeon Confederation Forces. Jonah and the Centurions understand that Jolie would never betray them in such a manner, but the leaders of the Earth Federation Forces have issued orders that Jolie is to be terminated with extreme prejudice on sight.

Terminated with extreme prejudice. The pronouncement sends a shocking chill through Jonah's circulatory and nervous systems. Despite Jolie's superlative warrior skills, how long can she elude the might of the entire Earth Federation Forces?

This line of thinking has troubled Jonah since Jolie's abrupt departure, leading to many a sleepless night for the handsome young artist-turned-soldier.

He would likely dwell on that dark point all day, but for the sight of a young woman dressed in the Special Forces cut and trim of the Earth Federation Forces' duty uniform…a slight, long-haired young woman of about seventeen years of age…

"Jolie…?" Jonah whispers in disbelief.

No, not Jolie…although the physique and hairstyle are similar. This young woman's hair and eyes are brown, however, to Jolie's jet black, and although attractive in a wholesome, modest manner, distinct from Jolie's striking, near angelic beauty. And there is a familiarity to the young woman just out of reach of Jonah's consciousness.

Jonah says, "Identify yourself, officer."

The girl salutes, "Lieutenant, I'm Chief Warrant Officer Chieming Noah."

Chieming…Noah?

Jonah returns the salute, "At ease, Chief. So you're General Noah's…?"

The girl smile pleasantly, "Yes, sir. General Bright Noah is my father."

Jonah returns the smile, saying, "I'm 2Lt. Jonah Michaels, senior executive officer of the Centurion Team."

Chieming replies warmly, "I know that already, sir. Major Ibaz and 1Lt. Minh have told me all about you."

Jolie again, Jonah sighs internally, but quickly replies, "You already know Major Ibaz and 1Lt. Minh?"

Chieming nods, "Athena and Jolie are both good friends of mine. Jolie has already told me a lot about you…Jonah."

Jonah replies, "Jolie's not with the team anymore. She…resigned a few weeks ago."

Chieming says, "That's what I heard from Athena. I was pretty surprised to hear about it too. Athena wouldn't say why beyond Jolie having 'personal reasons,' though."

Jonah knows all too well about those "personal reasons."

Jonah says, "You've been assigned to us by Col. Cairlay…as Jolie's replacement…or maybe I should say as my replacement, since I was promoted to fill Jolie's old spot as senior executive officer."

Chieming offers that warm, friendly smile again, "I couldn't begin to replace Jolie…as a pilot or as the heart of this team, but I'll do my duty and do my best within the definition of my role on team."

Jonah extends a friendly hand to Chieming, "Welcome to the Centurion Team, Chief Warrant Officer Noah."

Chieming replies demurely, "Thank you, Lieutenant Michaels."

"Call me Jonah," the new senior executive officer of the Centurion Team replies, as the two begin walking together towards the Centurion Team's residence hall, "I'm not surprised, with your pedigree, that you joined the military. Both of your parents are Federation war heroes from the One Year War, after all. But how did you get into mobile suit piloting and the Special Forces?"

Chieming replies, "That was probably the influence of Amuro Ray, who was a good friend of my parents, and Jolie. I already knew since I was a little girl that I'd probably join the military when I grew up, but it was Jolie who inspired me to go into MS combat training."

Jonah nods, "I studied your files. Your scores were pretty good. Pretty solid performance overall."

Chieming grins again, "But not nearly as good as Jolie, of course."

"Nobody can compare to Jolie," Jonah says, meaning it on several levels, "There's nobody else like her."

"I'm not surprised to hear you say that," Chieming says in a gently chiding manner, "Hope I'm not being presumptuous here, but as I understand it, you and Jolie were…pretty close."

Jonah's eyes roll sidewise to glance at Chieming, "How much has Jolie told you?"

Chieming turns to Jonah, "Sorry, Jonah…that's something girls don't share with boys."

Jonah feigns disgust, "Girls' secrets: they're even tighter than military secrets aren't they?"

Chieming replies to that with an easy laugh. The two Centurion Team executive officers continue to find common ground as they head towards the team's temporary dormitories.

"We can commit three-hundred capital warships and two-thousand mobile suits to the effort," General Alexander Miguel says to Earth Federation Forces officers General Manron Blackhead, Colonel Peter Cairlay, and Major Athena Ibaz, "but the Zeon Confederation boasts five times the number of units that I have. Nevertheless, despite our numerical deficiencies, I believe that my forces hold the upper hand due to technological superiority and better-quality training. We will hold the line against the enemy; you needn't worry about that."

General Blackhead replies, "General Miguel, our intention is not to leave you and your forces to fight the Zeon Confederation Forces for us. We will honor our commitments to our allies, the Phobos Zeon Forces, and provide the full support of the Earth Federation Forces towards the effort to eliminate the Zeon Confederation's threat to peace. The Zeon Civil War must end: it is time for enlightened, civilized leadership to take root for Zeon, so that it might coexist in peace with the people of our Earth Federation at last."

General Miguel offers a humble nod and smile in response, "I am flattered, General Blackhead…by your trust in me. I am also deeply moved by the concern the Federation's leaders have shown for the welfare and future of the Zeon people. We of Zeon will not forget the Federation's benevolence and good faith, and will repay it in kind."

"They say 'blessed are the peacemakers,' General Miguel," Blackhead rejoins, "what we're doing is nothing less than securing our blessings for our people, those of Earth and Zeon, for the future."

Alexander turns to Athena, who has made no remarks throughout the discussion and appears to be inattentive and supremely bored by the exchange, staring absently out the window of the conference room on the penthouse level of the Earth Federation Government Deliberative Assembly's headquarters towers along the famous Bund of Shanghai China. Athena's attention seems focused on the white wintry wilderness beyond the city limits.

Alexander knows better than to believe that Athena's indifference is authentic. He sees too much of himself in her to be that naïve. Although Athena's attention seems to be far away, Alexander knows that her mind has been absorbing every detail of the conversation like a sponge absorbs liquid.

"Major Ibaz," Alexander prompts with a provocative smile, "You've said nothing throughout this conversation. Among the younger generation of Earth Federation Forces officers, you undoubtedly possess the finest tactical mind. We would benefit greatly from your input, Major."

Athena replies, "I'm content to leave policymaking decisions to those in a position to do so, General Miguel. My job is to execute the Federation's orders, not decide what those orders are. Until the discussion turns in the concrete direction of battle strategies, my input is of no value."

"You're too modest, Major," Miguel responds, "Your talents were clearly manifest in your leadership of the Special Forces against my forces and those of my former comrades in the Outer System. I trust that within a few years' time, you will indeed be among the most important policymakers in the Federation."

Miguel's remark, which he makes with a knowing smirk, directs reproachful glances towards Athena from General Blackhead and Col. Cairlay; Miguel's words land too closely to Blackhead and Cairlay's unspoken fears for the two Federation senior officers' comfort.

Athena narrows her eyes at Miguel and barely suppresses a smirk, unable to help feeling a slight admiration along with her discomfort at Miguel's placing her in such an awkward position with a few strategically chosen words.

Athena counters carefully, without appearing to do so, replying, "My job isn't to make policy, General Miguel, only to enforce it. I do have some thoughts towards that latter objective, sir, if you care to hear them."

"With great eagerness," General Miguel smiles.

Athena turns to her superior officers, "General Blackhead, Colonel Cairlay…if I may?"

Blackhead, his face still darkened by his displeasure at General Miguel's remark concerning Athena, reluctantly replies, "You are at liberty to share thoughts, Major."

"Thank you, sir," Athena says, then, turning back to Alexander, "General Miguel, is it your intention, after defeating the Zeon Confederation, to reestablish the base of Zeon sovereignty at Side 3."

"Indeed it is, Major," Miguel replies, "and that is the reason that I am insistent upon the return of Side 3 to Zeon control. The people of Side 3 deserve to have their nation back."

Setting aside the irony of Miguel's remark, Athena presses on, "Then Phobos Fortress, your current base of operations, will be of less importance to you after your base of power is reestablished at Side 3, correct?"

"What are you driving at, Major Ibaz?" Miguel says, sensing that he might not much like what Athena has in mind.

"I need to know, General," Athena responds, "if you're prepared to sacrifice Phobos, if necessary, to win the war against the Confederation."

Miguel leans back in his seat, steepling his fingers, contemplating quietly for a moment. He exhales with an air of uncertainty seldom seen from him.

"You're not in a position to ask General Miguel for sacrifices, Major," General Blackhead says ominously, "Don't forget that…"

"General Blackhead," Miguel interrupts, "Forgive me, but Major Ibaz asks a legitimate question that must be resolved if our allied forces are to have any success against the Zeon Confederation. Major…no war has ever been won without great sacrifices. Those who endeavor to alter history must be prepared to part with all that is dear to them…including their lives. Phobos Fortress is expendable, if such a sacrifice is necessary to winning the war."

"If that development manifests itself at all," Athena says, "it won't be until the final stages of the operation. It might never come to that, General Miguel, but I wanted you to be prepared if that does come to be the case."

General Miguel nods, "It's of great comfort to me to know that you are a leader willing to make great sacrifices for victory, Major Ibaz. But forgive me for being so presumptuous as to ask…are you willing to make as great a sacrifice?"

Athena's reply is matter-of-fact, "I don't have a Phobos Fortress to sacrifice, General Miguel. I offer you my life, and those of my comrades-at-arms, in this struggle. Will that be sufficient?"

Miguel replies, "I could not, in good conscience, ask you for any more, Major."

Miguel rises, and shakes the hands of each of the Federal Forces' officers, "I believe that we have discussed as much of our plans as would be productive for the moment, my friends. If it is agreeable to you, I would like to adjourn our meeting for the day."

"Very well, General Miguel," General Blackhead says, wearing a transparently forced smile, "we will continue our discussion at 07:00 tomorrow morning."

As the quartet of military officers begin filing out of the conference room, General Miguel takes Athena gently by the arm, "Major Ibaz…?"

"Yes, General Miguel?" Athena responds dutifully.

"I would like to speak with you…privately," Miguel says, "about one member of your Centurion Team…2Lt. Jonah Michaels?"

Athena knew this had been coming for some time now, and is prepared for it, "I'm aware that Lieutenant Michaels is your younger brother, is that correct, General Miguel?"

"Correct," Alexander confirms, "I would like to thank you personally for having protected, cared for, and trained my brother during the past year."

Athena replies, "Jonah is a good soldier and an excellent friend. During the past year, I've come to regard him somewhat as my younger brother as well. General…is it your intent that I repatriate him to Phobos Zeon?"

Alexander shakes his head, and answers, "Jonah chose to stand his position as a man, and as his brother, I will respect that. As his brother, however, I would also…like to see him again. Major…as my brother's commanding officer and good friend…could you arrange it?"

Athena flashes the hint of a grin at Alexander, "Shouldn't be a reason that I can't. I'm getting accustomed to the role of liaison."

2Lt. Jonah Michaels and Chief Warrant Officer Chieming Noah of the Centurion Team are seated at a table in one of the officers' cafeterias at the Whampoa Military Base outside of Shanghai. Two cups of coffee grow cold as the two young Centurion Team officers seek out common round, and the relatively senior 2Lt. Michaels seeks to make the rookie Chief Noah feel welcome on the team.

To that purpose, Jonah has a startling revelation for Chieming…one that Jonah has learned is better made sooner rather than later.

"No way," Chief Warrant Officer Chieming Noah gapes, "You're kidding me!"

Jonah remarks bitterly, "Jolie's reaction was somewhat stronger."

Chieming, still incredulous, presses further, "Are you seriously telling me that you're the younger brother of Alexander Miguel, the notorious leader of the Phobos Zeon?"

"That's the truth," Jonah says solemnly, "and since you're joining the Centurion Team as of today, it'd be best that you aren't the only member of the team that isn't aware of it. I made the mistake of not being upfront about it with Jolie and the rest of the team; I'm not making that mistake again."

Accepting that Jonah is serious (because nobody would joke about such a thing), Chieming asks, "What I don't understand is…why? Why did you join the Earth Federation Forces if your brother is one of the leader of Zeon, Jonah?"

"I never wanted to be a soldier…for any army," Jonah confesses, "I'm an artist. I was planning to come to Earth to study art…I'd just gotten accepted at L'École des Beaux-Arts down in old Paris. But Alex wanted me to join the Phobos Zeon Forces to 'honor our family tradition' of military service, and I was dead set against it. I was a pacifist."

"Something must have changed since then," Chieming comments, noting Jonah's Earth Federation Forces uniform with a slight toss of her head.

"On the way to Earth, I saw my brother lead a slaughter against a space colony," Jonah said, "I survived, but hundreds of thousands died. I felt that I had a responsibility to stop him…even if it meant I had to fight."

"But you never could have guessed that your brother would end up being an ally of the Federation, eh?" Chieming ventures.

"No," Jonah admits, "That totally threw me. Threw all of us. Athena doesn't trust Alex's motives, and you know something? Neither do I. I know my brother all too well. I think it's a mistake for the leaders of the Federation to trust him."

Chieming nods, becoming glum, "That's why Daddy decided to retire from the Federal Forces so abruptly a few weeks back. He was pleading with the High Council not to trust Alexander Miguel, but they basically ignored him. I guess the Federal Forces could only have one Noah enlisted at a time, hmm?"

That remark makes Jonah smile, and he says, "So did you join the Federal Forces to do what I wouldn't? Honor your family's history of military service? Or was it just to hang out with your friends, Athena and Jolie?"

Chieming replies, "All of the above, really. I'd been planning on joining the military since I was, oh, maybe about ten or eleven. Both of my parents served during the One Year War, of course, and so did Uncle Amuro. Then, of course, I met Jolie and Athena on Earth last year, and if I had any remaining doubts, meeting them swept those doubts away. I really want to be like them…heroes, helping people and fighting the good fight. I know I'm not as talented as they are, but I can serve…"

"Don't sell yourself short," Jonah says, "Your performance results on training tests were pretty good. You wouldn't have been able to make the Special Forces if they weren't."

"Yeah," Chieming says, "but Jolie and Athena…and you…you guys are different You're Newtypes. For all I know, I could be one too, but if I am, I sure haven't discovered it yet."

"Of course," Jonah says, turning the conversation in another direction, "You weren't expecting to get here and find Jolie…not on the team anymore."

"No," Chieming answers, "and that threw me. She…probably didn't take the news that you were Alexander Miguel's brother well, did she?"

"Not at all," Jonah laments, "It was stupid of me…"

"I don't know if I should concur with that," Chieming says with a slight air of mischief, "I'd hate to be disciplined for insubordination on my first day in the Special Forces…but it's understandable why you weren't prepared to share your secret with Jolie…and it's also understandable why she felt hurt by that."

Jonah sighs, "Maybe Jolie and I weren't meant to be…"

"From what Jolie has told me about how you two feel about each other, I don't think that's likely," Chieming says plainly, "You two have something…special. Odds are, you two are going to find each other again."

Jonah smiles, trying to accept that, "Then…"

He never gets to complete his thought, as he spots Major Athena Ibaz approaching. White flakes of fresh snow cover Athena's black command overcoat and she carries an umbrella, indicating quite a snowfall outside.

Chieming turns to see the familiar, pleasant visage of her good friend, who greets her with that pretty smile that is seen far too little…

"Athena!" Chieming enthuses, rising from her seat.

Athena wraps Chieming in a warm embrace, "I'm glad to finally see you here. Welcome to the team…at last."

Remembering protocol, Chieming steps back from Athena's embrace and offers a crisp salute, "Major Ibaz: Chief Warrant Officer Chieming Noah reporting for duty, ma'am."

"At ease, Chief," Athena replies, returning the salute, "you're not officially on duty until 04:00 tomorrow morning…so enjoy your last few hours of relative freedom."

"You must be even busier than usual," Chieming remarks, "as I understand it, they've put you in charge of coordinating the joint combat operations that the Federation and the Phobos Zeon are going to be undertaking against the Zeon Confederation."

"You don't know the half of it," Athena says, removing her overcoat, folding it on her lap, and taking a seat before continuing, "I'm guessing you've already gotten acquainted with 2Lt. Michaels, here."

"Yes," Chieming beams, "Jonah has already spilled his guts…about everything."

Having learned that, Athena decides that she can be direct and frank, "Jonah…General Miguel, your brother…he wants to see you."

A grim silence ensues for a long moment.

Athena then continues, "It's your personal choice. If you don't want to see him, you're not obliged to. General Miguel asked me to let you know that."

"It's all right," Jonah finally responds, "I think it is time that I talked to my brother."

Athena says, "You can find him at his private suite in the penthouse of the Peace Hotel at Number 20 the Bund in Shanghai. Snow's just begun to fall, so you can take my land rover after it's refueled."

Jonah nods with resolve. He will do what he should have done from the beginning. He will confront his brother.

An hour later, Colonel Ross Davenport salutes General Alexander Miguel in the latter's private suite at Shanghai's most historic and prestigious hospitality establishment, "My lord: Lord Jonah has arrived."

"Send him in, Ross," Miguel says placidly.

Ross turns, "Lord Jonah: Lord Alexander will see you now."

The brothers are face to face at last: Alexander, calmly seated on a grandly decorated sofa, in his Phobos Zeon Leader's regal raiment – Jonah, standing opposite to his brother, clad in his Earth Federation Forces uniform.

"Alex…," Jonah begins awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

Alexander rises, and to Jonah's surprise, flashes him a pleasant smile, "Jonah…I've missed you, brother."

As if to prove his point, Alexander clasps Jonah's hand in his own, and then pulls his younger brother into a warm embrace.

Jonah says, "Alex…I…"

"Look at you," Alexander says with fraternal warmth, "an officer in the Earth Federation Forces. I could not have imagined…"

"Alex," Jonah repeats, resolving to speak his mind this time, "I want to know: just what are you planning? Why are you joining forces with the Federation?"

Alexander grins, remarking, "Your Major Ibaz has been teaching you well. You've finally started to lose that hopeless naivety of yours."

"After I left you…when I was on my way to Earth, I stayed at the Crosshaven Colony at Frontier 8 for a time. You attacked that colony, Alex, and you killed many people…including the family that I was staying with at the time. I joined the Federation after that because…because I had to stop you."

"Stop me?" Alexander says with a smirk, "Jonah…I regret that those people died, but if your hope is to prevent more such deaths, then your best chance is by working with me."

"I'm not joining the Phobos Zeon Forces, Alex," Jonah says firmly, "Don't even think about it."

Alexander laughs, "Jonah, I'm not going to ask you to join the Phobos Zeon Forces. You'd be of much greater help to me where you are…in the Earth Federation Forces."

Jonah can scarcely believe his ears, "What are you saying?"

"Jonah," Alexander says, "Like you, the leaders of the Earth Federation don't trust me. General Bright Noah has already resigned from the Federation in protest after the Federation High Council agreed to hear out my alliance proposal. I doubt that your Major Ibaz truly trusts me either, although she has been dutifully cooperative. I need your help to smooth over this lingering distrust so that the Federation and our Phobos Zeon Forces can work together towards a more peaceful future for all of us."

Jonah shrugs, "I'm just a junior officer…a mobile suit pilot. I don't have any influence on the policymakers in the Federation."

""For now, no," Alexander concedes, "but Major Ibaz has spoken to me of your accomplishments in the Federation, and I believe that it's only a matter of time before you are recognized by the leaders of the Federation as someone of import and substance."

Jonah shakes his head, "Even assuming any of that is true, Alex, the question remains: what is your goal?"

Alexander says, "I don't know if you'll accept this as the truth, Jonah, but it's the only reason I can give you: peace."

"Peace?" Jonah says incredulously, "I don't buy it, Alex. You raised me on the so-called 'virtues' of war, remember? You'll forgive me if I'm skeptical about your overtures to 'peace.'"

"And you can't be blamed," Alex says in a tone that sounds almost confessional, "but I'll be frank with you: I'm pursuing peace out of necessity. When your Special Forces launched its attack against the ore mines of Mars, you dealt more damage to my effort to combat the other Zeon warlords than you realize. The Phobos Zeon Forces were essentially crippled. I would not be able to hold out against the other warlords for more than four or five years, at most."

"The same would apply to them," Jonah says, "that was Major Ibaz's plan: to destroy the Zeon forces' capacity to wage war by crippling their industrial base."

Alexander nods, "They'll survive for a while by pooling their resources, but in the long run, their struggles are futile. Without resources from Earth, the Outer System space colonies cannot be sustained for long. That's why…I've decided that for the good of Contolism, Zeon as we knew it must come to an end."

Jonah glares suspiciously at Alexander, "That's hard to believe coming from you, Alex. You've always been the diehard Zeon ultranationalist. I can't believe that you'd give up on Zeon."

Alexander pats his younger brother on the shoulder, "It's not the ideal of Zeon that I've given up…it's the Zabi Family's vision of perpetual warfare with Earth. Jonah, while I don't fault you for having reservations, let me ask you this: are you prepared to let a chance for peace slip away because of your doubts?"

Jonah bites his lip silently, not knowing how to respond to that. If Alexander is sincere, then maybe…

Alexander's grim demeanor reshapes into a smile, and he says, "Enough of this heavy political talk. So how's life in the military been treating you? Still have plans to pursue that art career?"

"I met a girl in the Federation Forces," Jonah says, "her name is Jolie Minh. We fell in love."

"Jolie…Minh?" Alexander says in recognition, "as in the Federation MS ace 'White Phoenix?'"

"Yes," Jonah replies, "that's her. She and I became really close. We were talking about getting married. But…" Jonah chokes up, "…she's gone now."

"I'm sorry," Alexander says, "but I didn't receive any intelligence indicating that the White Phoenix perished in battle…"

"No," Jonah says, "she didn't die. She left…left the Centurion Team…left me…because she found out that I'm your brother!"

Alexander waits for Jonah to explain.

Jonah takes a moment to regain his composure, then continues, "Alex…do you remember…an attack you launched on Side 5's Quebec Colony back in U.C. 0092?"

Alexander's memory rolls back through the hundreds of battles in which he has engaged during his twenty-year long military career…he does remember that battle…which would have been unremarkable except that he had barely escaped with his life after a brief skirmish against Captain Amuro Ray, the Earth Federation Forces' greatest MS ace of the One Year War. Other than that encounter with a formidable foeman, however, there is little to distinguish that battle in Alexander's mind from so many other battles in which he has engaged during his long career as a mobile suit combat pilot.

Nonetheless, Alexander humors his brother with the reply, "I do remember it. I fought Amuro Ray that day, and I lived to tell about it. To tell you the truth, Jonah, that was the one and only time I ever feared for my life in battle. Amuro Ray was the one pilot in the Federation Forces who could best me. His skills were far superior to mine."

From Alexander Miguel, whose pride in his piloting prowess is second only to his ambition, that is a startling admission, but Jonah does not pursue this subject to discuss his brother's skill as a mobile suit pilot, "Alex…you killed Jolie's family that day…her parents and her older brother."

Alexander vaguely recalls a pretty Asian girl, around aged ten, who glared at him with fierce eyes…

"A ten year girl, Alex!" Jonah says through bared teeth, "Jolie was just ten, and on her birthday, you orphaned her!"

Alexander rejoins bluntly, "You resent that she turned against you because of me, Jonah?"

After a moment's hesitation, Jonah says, "Alex…whether I resent you or not, how can Jolie and I be together if you murdered her family? She hates you, Alex! She's vowed to kill you!"

"I understand," Alexander says, "would you let her?"

Jonah is silent, not knowing how he should respond to that.

"Jonah," Alexander says softly, "Don't forget: we are brothers. However much this Jolie Minh meant to you, remember: we are family."

Jonah begins, "That…"

Alexander quiets his younger brother by saying, "If you can help me to establish lasting peace between the Earth Federation and the Archduchy of Zeon, perhaps Jolie would be more willing to overlook our…past personal conflicts. Jonah: we're talking about a world in which tragedies like the one that happened to Jolie's family…and to that family you met at Crosshaven…don't need to happen anymore. You saw me kill that Crosshaven family. You heard of how I killed Jolie's family. But you know in your heart, Jonah, that your brother isn't the only one who has killed during this long war. How many people has the Earth Federation killed? How about you and your comrades in the Federal Forces? You recall from your history, what occurred in the U.C. 0080s with the Federation's Titans Corps?"

"Stop trying to justify what you've done by comparing it to what others have done," Jonah says bitterly, "but I do concede that you're right about stopping the war. If you're sincere…"

"I'll let you decide the verity of that," Alexander says, "Return to your squad, Jonah. I look forward to fighting alongside you…something I've dreamt about for years, though never with you in an Earth Federation Forces uniform."

Thus, the Miguel brothers part company again, leaving much yet to resolve between them.

After Jonah has left, Alexander calls for his aide, "Ross?"

Colonel Davenport reports in immediately, "My lord."

"Call Lieutenant Yamaguchi here immediately," Alexander says.

"At once, my lord," Davenport replies, and leaves to comply with the order.

Minutes later, the youthful, dark-haired beauty of 1Lt. Kyoko Yamaguchi enters General Miguel's private chambers.

The teenager salutes her liege reverently, "General Miguel, my lord. 1Lt. Kyoko Yamaguchi reporting, sir."

"At ease, Kyoko," General Miguel says with a smile that betrays true affection. He touches the silky smoothness of her cheek, "You are…beautiful."

"I'm flattered, my lord," replies Kyoko earnestly.

"Kyoko," Miguel says, "have you heard…of Jolie Minh?"

Kyoko nods, "Yes, my lord. Jolie Minh is the Earth Federation Forces' greatest ace pilot. She's called the 'White Phoenix,' and she has killed many of Zeon's best warriors."

"But you are superior to her," Alexander says, stroking Kyoko's cheek gently, "This 'White Phoenix' is a threat to Zeon, and a threat to me personally, Kyoko. When the opportunity avails itself, you must destroy her for me…and for Zeon, as I know you can."

"I won't let the White Phoenix harm you, my lord," Kyoko says, "not as long as I live."

General Miguel opens his arms to Kyoko in a welcoming manner. The girl leans upon the General's shoulder as he caresses her hair gently, planting a gentle kiss on the temple of her head.

"I've never doubted your skill or loyalty to me," General Miguel says softly, "and it brings me a great sense of security and comfort. You are special, Kyoko."

Kyoko says nothing, but continues leans her head on General Miguel's shoulder, taking comfort in the general's powerful presence. He had discovered her, and revealed to her the magnitude of her talents, treating her as a true treasure since she was eleven or twelve. In the five years since, she has grown more attached to and devoted to him by the day.

And any who threatened the general or his directives would be eliminated.

A few hours later, Jonah is back at the Centurion Team's temporary quarters at Whampoa Base in the rural zone just outside the Shanghai metropolitan area. He sits in the office of his commanding officer, Major Athena Ibaz, and the two Centurion Team officers discuss battle tactics and training exercises.

At length, the discussion turns towards Jonah's conversation with Alexander.

"You'll hate me for saying this, Jonah," Athena says gravely, "but you need to be careful about trusting your brother. He's very adept at manipulating emotions."

"I know that, ma'am," Jonah says, "I definitely have my reservations about Alex, but this could be the chance for peace that we're looking for."

"Perhaps," Athena says, "but personally, I'm not sanguine about it. Whatever we believe or don't believe about your brother, however, this much is true: we do need his assistance to meet the Zeon Confederation Forces' threat. As loathe as I am to make that concession, it's an incontrovertible fact. The Special Forces aside, the Federation's military strength has been in a state of constant decline since One Year War. During the past two years, I've run a complete internal assessment of the battle-readiness of the Earth Federation Forces, and it's completely unprepared to meet the threat of a Zeon invasion…and that was before the Federation lost Ceres Base in the Ouster System. Allying themselves with General Miguel's Phobos Zeon Forces would level the playing field, but nobody in the High Council seems willing to acknowledge the price the Federation will pay for Miguel's cooperation."

"It's quite a dilemma, isn't it, ma'am?" Jonah offers.

Athena nods, "The same that you face in your personal relationship with your brother, Jonah, except magnified to a universal scale."

The two officers sigh, and Jonah decides to turn the conversation in a more positive direction, "I think Chieming will work out fine in the Centurion Team. She's a very good team player, and she has good judgment."

Athena nods, "I don't foresee any problems integrating Chieming into the Centurion Team. She's a good, if unspectacular MS pilot, and a reliable, level-headed soldier. But you must admit…it isn't easy replacing the White Phoenix."

Jonah also nods in response, resignedly, "I know…"

"Right now, the Zeon Confederation Forces don't know that Jolie is no longer with us," Athena says, "as long as they believe that we still have Jolie, they have reason to fear us. We won't be able to maintain that illusion indefinitely, however."

Jonah says, "I've stepped up my training, ma'am,"

Athena replies, "And you're improving, Jonah. That's commendable, but let's be realistic: you aren't going to be as good as Jolie."

"I'm sorry, ma'am," Jonah says contritely

Athena smiles, "You needn't be. Not everyone can be a White Phoenix."

The following day is a flurry of tactical conferences that Athena attends with the elite military staff of the Earth Federation Forces and General Miguel and his top-echelon officers. A plan for meeting the Zeon Confederation Forces in battle is drawn up, evaluated, discussed, and adjusted. By the end of the day, a basic framework of a workable battle plan has been agreed upon.

The plan calls for General Miguel's Phobos Zeon Forces to take the point in an offensive against the Zeon Confederation Forces, drawing the bulk of the Confederation's power while the Earth Federation Forces penetrate the Confederation's key strongholds and destroy the foundations of its military strength. Further details are known only to General Miguel and Major Ibaz…even General Blackhead and Colonel Cairlay are not privy to them. This is an agreement made between General Miguel and Major Ibaz privately, as they wish to implement their plan without interference from the Earth Federation High Council. Athena knows that she is dangerously close to insubordination, but General Miguel has agreed to keep the plan a secret…to be revealed as a "new" tactic only at the time of implementation. Despite her innate distrust of Miguel, Athena allows for this; she understands that Miguel has nothing to gain by exposing her ruse.

Athena boards her land rover and prepares for the drive back out to Whampoa Base. She is bone tired, and would like nothing better after getting back to base than a long, hot soak in a lathery tub…

Athena sees a road block ahead and sighs…perhaps not.

"Ma'am," the Shanghai public works officer says respectfully, "are you planning to drive out to Whampoa Base?

"Yes," Athena replies, "Road closed due to weather conditions?"

The officer nods, "'Fraid so, ma'am. Snowstorm is quickly approaching, and it's too dangerous to risk. If it's an emergency, I can authorize you to pass through, but I strongly recommend against it."

Athena says, "No need. I'll stay in town until the storm passes."

"Thank you for understanding, ma'am," the officer replies.

Athena turns her land rover around. She drives the city streets aimlessly for a few minutes before turning her vehicle onto a quiet suburban side street.

Athena parks the land rover in front of an apartment complex, and gets out from her vehicle.

It's been a year… Athena realizes.

Not knowing what she expects, Athena rings the bell on the apartment's door.

The apartment occupied by Hathaway Noah.

The windows are dark. Athena concludes that there is likely no one home.

"Can I help you, Miss?" a voice asks.

Athena turns to find an elderly gentleman standing on the street.

The gentleman says, "I'm Mr. Zhou, and I'm the landlord here. Are you looking for the tenant of Apartment 106?"

"Yes," Athena says, "Mr. Hathaway Noah?"

Zhou shakes his head and smiles, "As far as I know, he still lives here because I still get rent from him every month, but I haven't seen him in a long time…at least four or five months. Nice young man, but he tends to disappear for months at a time. Makes me wonder why he bothers keeping this place."

"I've got a key," Athena flat out lies, "I've…made arrangements to meet him here. Would it be all right if I went inside? A storm is coming."

Zhou eyes Athena probingly for a moment, then nods his assent, feeling that he could trust the pretty young woman, a senior officer of the Earth Federation Forces, no less, "Just makes sure you turn off all the electrical, water, and gas facilities before you leave."

Athena thanks Zhou, and pulls out from her uniform belt a tool for picking locks. Athena inserts the tool into the doorknob and with a deft motion, opens the door.

A rush of stale air comes forth from inside the apartment. Evidently, no one has been here for months.

Athena turns on the lights. A light layer of dust has gathered on the furniture, further confirming her suspicions, and bringing her ambivalent feelings of both relief and disappointment.

A year has passed, Athena realizes, but it feels that no time has passed at all.

Athena looks to the wall. The paintings that had hung there, works by Paul Cezanne, are gone, but have been replaced by a Goya and a Renoir. Hathaway has continued his art piracy sideline, doubtless to help funding the ISRLA…

Athena steps into the bedroom. She stares at the white sheets of the neatly made bed for a moment…the bed where one snowy night a year ago, a night like this night, she and Hathaway made love. She remembers the thrill of his warm, gentle hands stroking every centimeter of her body, his warm embrace, their mingling breath. She remembers numerous long, passionate kisses, and their mutual surrender to one another, body and soul.

Athena steps out of her uniform boots and lies on the bed, closing her eyes as weariness overcomes her. She closes her eyes as a single teardrop rolls down her cheek from memories she cannot bury.

In another, ritzier suburb of Shanghai, General Bright Noah (retired) stretches and yawns in his living room as he settles into an easy chair in front of the television. Clad in a cardigan sweater and slacks, his stocking feet covered in comfortable leather slippers, the recently retired former Commander in Chief of the Earth Federation Forces enjoys the good the life for the first time in his adulthood.

His wife, Mirai Yashima Noah, arrives home. Clad in a business suit, Mirai has returned from a long day of political campaigning. She has been running for the office of Earth Federation Senator of Eastern China…a seat from which she would have a vote in policymaking for the Earth Federation Government.

"Hi, honey," Bright says, rising to his feet and taking his wife into his embrace, "How did it go?"

"There was a larger than expected turnout," Mirai replies with a smile, "I didn't know that the Yashima family name still held such sway with the citizens of the Federation."

"Your father was well respected both on Earth and in the space colonies," Bright remarks, "they remember him as a selfless servant of the public whose record of honesty and humanity was impeccable. It's not surprising that the people see so much of him in you."

Mirai smiles, "Undoubtedly, some of it also comes from you. You are, after all, the Earth Federation Forces' great war hero."

"'Great war hero,'" Bright says bitterly, rolling his eyes, "Yeah…I'm so 'great' that Blackhead and that High Council refused to take my warnings about Alexander Miguel seriously. I'd sincerely like to be wrong, Mirai, but I have this feeling that trusting Miguel is a mistake and that many, many people will pay horribly for the Federation's misjudgment."

Mirai nods, "The Federation needs change…which is why I've decided to throw my gauntlet into the political ring."

Bright smiles at his wife, "Are you sure it's not just 'Empty Nest Syndrome' now that Chieming has left home and joined the military?"

Mirai hits Bright playfully, "You should have the nerve to talk, influencing our daughter to become a career soldier like you!"

"As if you weren't a dedicated officer back in the day," Bright says, remembering their perilous times together on the White Base all those years ago.

Mirai sighs, "If only you'd stop being so stubborn and let Hathaw…"

"I don't want to talk about that," Bright says darkly, releasing his embrace.

"Bright, whatever he's done, he's still your son," Mirai says.

Bright says sadly, "I had a son once. I lost him in the Second Neo Zeon War."

Bright leaves the room, and Mirai watches him go sadly. If there were anything the Mirai wanted in this lifetime, it would be a reconciliation between her husband and her son.

A few days later, at Whampoa Base, the mobile suit pilots of the Centurion Team and assorted other units watch as a space transport unloads its cargo: a pair of brand new jet black KMZ-X1 Karasu mobile suits, the latest product of the Kuromizu Corporation, and an equally ebony colored AMX-88 Elmeth Gamma unit.

All of these new mecha are unfamiliar to the MS pilots and technicians of the Earth Federation Forces, although a few of the engineers have suspected their existence for some time. The Federal troops stare at the new Phobos Zeon mobile suit with some awe and envy; with the possible exception of elite units such as the Cour de Leon and the Centurion Gundam, the Phobos Zeon's mobile suits are much better-engineered, designed, and built than theirs.

But the Special Forces are also receiving new mobile suits. The Centurion Team and other Special Forces units will be retiring their GM-IVs in favor of the new RXJ-99 Jet Jegan…the fourth iteration of the Jegan series mobile suits with improved thruster output, superior armor, and a more diversified payload of weapons. The Jet Jegan is still in experimental stage…to be used by the Special Forces before the High Commands decides whether or not the mecha is cost-effective for further mass production and assignment to the regular forces.

Major Athena Ibaz's Cour de Leon unit and 2Lt. Jonah Michaels' remaining active Centurion Gundam unit (Jolie's Unit-1 now mothballed until a suitable new pilot for it can be found and trained) remain in active service, but have also received upgrades in anticipation of heavy combat against the Zeon Confederation Forces.

The Earth Federation Special Forces and the Phobos Zeon Forces have never fought alongside one another before. Hence, both General Miguel and General Blackhead agreed that it would be useful for pilots from both camps to conduct joint training exercises in preparation for the operations ahead.

Chief Warrant Officer Chieming Noah, having just completed inspections on her new Jet Jegan, looks up in awe at the Elmeth Gamma, "That's one mean looking machine, isn't it?"

2Lt. Jonah Michaels agrees, "It's designed to kill, and looks like it. The pilot of this thing must be a fearsome, ruthless character."

Major Athena Ibaz, having completed inspections on her Cour de Leon, approaches, and adds, "Along with being one of Zeon's best military commanders and mobile suit pilots General Miguel is also an excellent mobile suit designer. I understand that he worked side-by-side with Kuromizu's top engineers on the Elmeth Gamma, going back to the original Elmeth design by the Flannagan Agency and the Zeonic Company from the One Year War and eliminating the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the original design. The Gamma unit also has a mobile suit configuration, as you see here. Lalah Sun's original unit was limited by its mobile armor configuration, which made it vulnerable to close-in attacks by mobile suits such as the RX-78 Gundam. As for the fearsome look of it…well, let's just say that General Miguel is a master of psychological warfare. He understands the power of fear, and he's a master of using it."

Chieming turns her head as she sees three figures approach, each dressed in signature black Phobos Zeon Forces normalsuits, helmets on, dark visors down. Very intimidating.

The leader of the squad, smaller than the other two, promptly waves the two subordinate pilots to their mecha, while remaining behind to address the Special Forces pilots.

The Phobos Zeon squad leader removes her helmet. Long, raven-black hair flows downward.

Jonah is agape, his voice lost for a moment, "It…can't be!"

"J-Jolie?!" Chieming, equally agape, says in disbelief.

The dark-haired, wide-eyed girl salutes, "1Lt. Kyoko Yamaguchi, commanding officer, Black Raven Squadron, Phobos Zeon Forces reporting."

Athena, also somewhat surprised, but not betraying any hint of it, returns the salute and extends her hand, "I'm Major Athena Ibaz, Deputy Director of the Earth Federation Special Forces and commanding officer of the Centurion Team. These are my executive officers, 2Lt. Jonah Michaels and Chief Warrant Officer Chieming Noah."

Kyoko briefly regards Chieming with dismissive disdain, but says to Jonah, "2Lt. Michaels…or should I say, Lord Jonah?"

Jonah, still in shock at Kyoko's uncanny resemblance to Jolie, can only stammer, "Y-you know…?"

"General Miguel has told me," Kyoko says, "Among other things, I'm ordered to protect you in battle, Lord Jonah."

Athena says, "Your Black Raven Squadron will be working in close conjunction with my Centurion Team. It's important that we grow familiar with one another's combat idiosyncrasies and methods of operation."

"That's what we're here for, ma'am," Kyoko says with an air of razor-sharp coldness that cuts through the three Centurion Team officers, "if you'll man your mobile suits, we can begin our joint training exercise."

So saying, Kyoko re-dons her helmet and lets the boarding crane lift her to the cockpit of the Elmeth Gamma.

"She's just like Jolie…" Jonah says numbly.

"Except for that creepy cold aura," Chieming says, "She looks like she could be Jolie's twin, but…brrr…she's about as comfortable to be around as an asp."

Athena remarks, "It's uncanny that there could be another like Jolie…another White Phoenix."

"More like a Black Raven, if you ask me," Chieming says.

Twenty minutes later, the three Centurion Team mobile suits – Athena's Cour de Leon, Jonah's Centurion Gundam, and Chieming's Jet Jegan, sortie across the wintry Chinese wilderness, accompanied by 1Lt. Kyoko Yamaguchi's Elmeth Gamma and her two wingmates in their Karasu mobile suits.

"This is Major Ibaz to all units," Athena says, "they'll be testing us with live units. The incoming fire and obstacles will be real, ladies and gentlemen, so…"

"Targets acquired," Kyoko cuts in, "weapons to combat mode."

"Roger, ma'am," the two Karasu pilots reply.

"1Lt. Yamaguchi, you aren't…" Athena begins.

Kyoko ignores her, "Targets identified as GM-III units. Eighteen in number. Range fifteen kilometers and closing. Fire at will, gentlemen."

"Roger, ma'am," the Karasu pilots reply in unison.

Racks of missiles unfurl from the shoulder-mounted launchers of the Karasus, corkscrewing towards the approaching targets. Of the eighteen GM-IIIs, six go down immediately.

Kyoko thrusts the Elmeth Gamma directly into the midst of the remaining, A.I. operated GM-III units, putting her transformable mobile armor right in the middle of their crossfire.

The GM-IIIs open fire with their beam rifles and missile racks, their fire concentrated on the Elmeth Gamma.

Kyoko swiftly transforms the mobile armor into mobile suit configuration, pulling out its beam saber and plunging it directly into the cockpit section of the GM-III directly behind her while ripping the beam rifle free from the hand of the GM-III in front of her, opening fire to destroy the second attacker even while drawing the Gamma's beam saber back from the wreckage of the first attacker.

The Elmeth Gamma then goes down on one knee and swings the beam saber in a wide arc that eliminates two more approaching GM-IIIs. Before those units even collapse, the Gamma is in the air again, beam rifle drawn, opening fire while in a spinning motion, quickly disabling three more enemy units.

That leaves five more.

One GM-III has drawn its beam saber and is descending from above the Elmeth Gamma, attempting to cleave the Phobos Zeon transformable mobile armor in half.

At the final possible instant, the Elmeth Gamma steps aside, bringing its armored knee up to split the GM-III in half with a titanic kick.

Another GM-III unit attempts to get the Elmeth Gamma into a full-nelson, but the Gamma, having tenfold the GM-III's strength, almost casually flips the attacking drone mobile suit forward, sending it careening into another approaching GM-III, disabling both.

Then, unexpectedly, Kyoko brings the Elmeth Gamma to a complete halt…the ebony mobile suit's arms resting almost casually at its sides as two more GM-IIIs close in for the kill.

An instant later, both GM-IIIs are simultaneously reduced to smoking, flaming wreckage as two Psychom units that Kyoko had discreetly deployed come to a neat rest back in the Elmeth Gamma's backpack unit.

"God in Heaven…" Chieming says, horrified by the carnage, despite the fact that the drone GM-IIIs were not manned by living pilots.

"Just like Jolie…" Jonah repeats listlessly.

Athena says nothing, opening the visor of her helmet. This is all too familiar, and not in a welcome manner.

Thirty minutes later, the mobile suits are docked once again at the hangar at Whampoa Base.

Major Athena Ibaz confronts 1Lt. Kyoko Yamaguchi. As Yamaguchi is not a soldier of the Earth Federation Forces, Athena can't discipline her, but nevertheless, Athena gives the Phobos Zeon ace a piece of her mind.

"That was reckless and irresponsible, Lt. Yamaguchi," Athena says, "We're not going to be able to work together successfully unless you integrate your combat tactics with ours."

Kyoko smirks at Athena disdainfully, "I take orders only from Lord Alexander. If anybody will be making adjustments, it'll be you and your team, Major…not me and my people."

"That sort of insolence will get us killed, Lieutenant," Athena says grimly.

"Call it what you will," Kyoko says, "I'm frankly disappointed in your much vaunted 'Special Forces,' Major Ibaz. I thought we would be working as equals. As it is, you and your comrades-at-arms will likely hinder us."

With that, Kyoko turns and leaves.

Athena cannot help but smile…arrogant bitch, this Kyoko Yamaguchi. Jolie was never so insufferably high-handed.

At least that's one difference between them, Athena concedes.

December 31, U.C. 0099

Armistice Day has come.

Before an audience of the world, President Gloria Brenner of the Earth Federation Government and General Alexander Miguel, the Prince of Phobos, sign documents entailing a pact of peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation between the Earth Federation and the Archduchy of Zeon. It is a momentous, historical occasion…likely to be remembered throughout the lives of those who witnessed it, and would be studied by schoolchildren for generations hence.

The documents signed, General Miguel is prepared to address the citizens of the Earth Federation.

"My brothers and sisters of Earth," Miguel begins, "it is beyond imagination that I find myself speaking freely before you as I do here tonight. Just a few short months ago, the historical exchange of peace and cooperation vows between the Earth Federation and the Archduchy of Zeon were unthinkable. But here we are now…"

After a dramatic moment's pause, the Zeon leader continues, "From today, the people of Earth and the people of Zeon have the opportunity to leave behind the mistakes of the past and build towards a different kind of future. Zeon Daikun envisioned a peaceful future for humanity among the cosmos, but his dream was darkened by the shadow of the Zabi Family. We awaken now from the nightmare of the Zabis, of Haman Karn and Char Aznable, to dream Zeon Daikun's dream anew. For both Earth and Zeon, and for all our posterity, we will not repeat yesterday's mistakes or dwell on yesterday's failures. My friends: the future is ours."

General Miguel's speech is met with applause that echoes wherever human ears can hear, where human eyes can see, where human hearts can be stirred, and where human hands can clap.

Major Athena Ibaz, watching the speech from her seat in the front row of the military VIP section of the Earth Federation Government's Deliberative Assembly Hall, can only bite her tongue and shake her head.

Déjà vu.