Disclaimer: I dont own Gundam
Sorry the update took so long, I've been distracted by my new job, which gives me less hours for writing, plus I'm playing the new Mass Effect 3 game. Anyway here's the next chapter, with appearences from other author's OC's and some mobile suit nostalgia as we introduce the Thanos factions amphibious mobile suits.
Editing credit goes to 00virtuezero, whose also responsible for Darcel Archer and Branden Kamal's stories. Enjoy
Gundam Seed Destiny or Liberty
Chapter 24: Struggle in the Indian ocean
Orb was burning and the Gundams were flying across the sky. Vincent felt reminded of that day years ago as he marched the First Gundam across the beach. He blocked gunfire from ORB Astrays and fired back with his beam rifle. The Astrays backed away as the beam fire hit their shields. Vincent then fired his Vulcan's, striking the Astrays between the eyes. He aimed his rifle and fired shots that blew away their heads. His breathing grew heavy as he watched the flames spread around the forest. Sweat ran down his face and his hands trembled.
"Is there anyone out there?" He asked over the radio.
Silence was his only reply. He looked up and widened his eyes as the Devine Gundam flew out of the sky. The machine drew out its heat rods, swinging them towards the First. Vincent flew the Gundam backwards, landing on the rocks between the beach and the forest. Drawing his beam sabre, Vincent faced down the Devine Gundam. He could hear Saint Yuri laughing inside the machine. Squeezing the controls in anger, Vincent yelled as he flew forward. He swung his sabre downwards, just as Saint swung his heat rods around. Both machines slid past one another, their weapons outstretched. The First's arm fell off, slamming into the ground. Vincent turned and watched as the Devine Gundam exploded. He breathed a sigh of relief, believing his battle was over.
"Why did you get involved?"
His eyes swung open as he turned to the sky. Flying above the First was a Gundam. Vincent couldn't make out its design; alls he saw was the light of its pink energy wings. He widened his eyes as he saw the Gundam pull an antiship sword off its back. It held the sword in front of its face as the glow of its wings intensified. An inhuman scream echoed across the radio channels as the Gundam dived towards the First. Vincent tried to move the First Gundam, but it refused to budge. He looked at his view screen; widening his eyes as the enemy Gundam got closer and closer towards him.
"Come on move," Vincent growled.
The glow in the First Gundam's eyes faded as the Antiship sword tore through its chest.
Vincent woke up in a cold sweat, clutching his forehead. He looked around the room, sighing for he was safely inside the Minerva. Falling back onto his pillow, Vincent reached for the notebook at his bedside table. He flipped to the pages of Gekido's advice.
When plagued by visions get your head out of your little dream world and do something useful!
He chuckled as he slammed the book shut. Picking up his jacket, Vincent walked out of his room.
"Hey, don't just ignore me!"
Joe poked his head out of the Efreet as he watched Lunamaria follow Athrun. The blue haired pilot was taken aback by Luna's forward attitude as she jumped onto the elevator with him. Branden and Kojiro were both using similar elevators to put themselves at different levels of their mobile suits. Kojiro was polishing the cameras behind the Kenshin's eyepieces, while Branden climbed into the Murasama's cockpit. He ran a standard power test by putting the machine through its activation process.
"All the readings are good on this side Branden, how are things on your end?" Sheryl asked.
"My control sticks are a little loose, get one of your guys to readjust them," Branden said.
"My guys are swamped right now, I can get one of Vino's guys to make the adjustments!"
"I don't want any Zafties working on my machine," Branden growled.
"So long as they're qualified it doesn't really matter who works on your machine Branden," Kojiro said, pressing a finger to his headset.
"As a matter of principal I'm not letting any coordinators work on my machine!"
Athrun climbed out of the Saviour, watching as Vincent walked into the hanger. He immediately pushed a button on the console, sending his elevator downwards. When the platform was close enough to the ground, Athrun jumped to the floor and walked over to Vincent.
"Commander Rach, I'm sure you have an explanation for that machine being here," Athrun said, pointing at the Purpose.
"Didn't Captain Gladys already explain to you that the machine gained sentience?" Vincent asked.
"She didn't say it gained sentience, and that fact has yet to be proven scientifically," Athrun explained.
"Do you know what it takes to be sentient?"
The question took Athrun aback; he lowered his head slightly as Vincent chuckled.
"That machine helped us, give it a chance to prove itself, just like the Archangel crew gave you and Dearka a chance," Vincent said.
"All right, you make a good point, but try listening to my point as well Vincent. That machine could have any number of programs built into it, don't put too much trust in something that might switch allegiance at the push of a button," Athrun explained.
Vincent nodded his head, sighing, as he understood Athrun's point.
"I understand Athrun, but keep in mind that in the grand scheme of things I outrank you, so trust my judgement!"
Athrun raised his hand into a salute as Vincent walked away. While the pilots worked on their machines, Talia Gladys carried out a phone call in her office. She was speaking with Noah Bagal, one of many commanders that had recently been transferred to Earth. The topic of their briefing was not just their transfers, but also the addition to the Minerva.
"One of the Purpose Mark 2's? Doesn't Commander Rach see the possibility of a deception?" Noah asked.
"No, he seems to have faith that the AI truly has gained sentience, I wanted to discuss this matter with the chairman but once he heard that Commander Rach thought of the machine as a sentient being he simply stated, "let the machine prove itself in the environment it was born to thrive in"," Talia explained.
Noah raised his eyebrows slightly, he knew that Durandal could be a poetic person, but having faith in a machine was strange.
"I do have concerns which I've put forward to the R&D board, understandably they have concerns that this could turn into another Satellite Fiasco," Talia said.
"You've gone behind Commander Rach's back about this I presume?" Noah asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Even you must understand the concern we have."
"You mean irrational fear bought on by one case, kind of reminds me of what happened back in World War 2, a lot of American citizens of Japanese Descent were regarded with suspicion and hostility after the Pearl Harbour attack, you don't seriously believe that every AI will come to the same conclusion do you? The original Purpose apparently came to regard the Archangel crew as its friends and even gave its "life" to protect Gekido Jaeger and Lacus Clyne," Noah explained.
Talia nodded her head, though she wasn't thoroughly convinced. She had heard of the rumours surrounding the original Purpose mobile suit. Even after its cockpit was destroyed, the Purpose fought on to protect Gekido and Lacus. Lacus herself requested that the incident be isolated, but rumours still circulated regarding the Purpose and its revolutionary AI. Numerous scientists, including the head of the mobile suit development division of ZAFT's R&D had explored the possibility of AI's in mobile suits. Though Sensou had shut down the Mobile Doll development project of the military organisation OZ, people within ZAFT still explored the theory of mobile suits controlled by an AI. Talia herself saw the benefit of AI's, but also the potential risk.
"There's no telling how the original Purpose would have developed if it had "survived" the first war," Talia said.
Noah shook his head and leant back into his seat.
"Now that we've gotten that issue out of the way I was wondering, how is Linda?" Talia asked.
The young man raised his eyebrows in mild confusion.
"I thought you two were estranged, as in you didn't care," Noah said.
"Linda and I rarely talk now, that doesn't mean we don't care, she still keeps in touch with my son as well," Talia stated, her voice taking on a dismissive tone.
"Well she's okay, she and the brothers transferred with me to the forces at Mahamul base, we're making numerous attempts to break into Gibraltar, but the Earth Alliance forces have recently added the forces of Bhishma Alhazard from Russia. That guy has an iron clad defence, he's had his forces form an "absolute" defensive line, which he specifically requested Gundam pilots to assist, our Intel suggests that he's added those Purpose Mark 2 units to his formation, making his defence supposedly unbreakable," Noah explained.
For the past few days, ZAFT forces had been trying to launch assaults against Earth Alliance forces in Gibraltar. At the head of the EA naval defence was Bhishma Alhazard. He sat inside his mobile suit, the Gepanzert Riese, also known as the Giant Duel. Hundreds of other Naval ships had formed up alongside Bhishma. Approaching the defensive line was a ZAFT fleet, escorted by submarine units. The Giant Duel activated its positron shield as the ZAFT ships launched vertical missiles. Bhishma remained calm as hundreds of missiles slammed into his suit. Under the water, Ash and Wasp type Ginn's were clashing with Deep Forbiddens. A GINN tried to swing its sword into a Deep Forbidden, only to get stabbed in the chest with the EA mobile suits trident. Two torpedoes zoomed across the water; one hit a GOOHN, before the second slammed into one of the ZAFT subs.
"Return fire!" Bhishma ordered.
The Buster Daggers stood on top of the Earth Alliance naval ships then lowered their weapons. Beams and missiles flew from the EA's side, lighting up the ZAFT front in a show of explosions. The Sword Purpose Mark 2 deactivated its Arc shield as it drew its anti-ship sword. It then dived towards the ZAFT naval ships, leading a squadron of Jet Dagger L's. Zakus and GINN's standing on top of the ZAFT ships fired their rifles at the aerial targets. The Sword Purpose landed on one of the ships, taking multiple rifle blasts to its head as it dragged its sword through the ship. One of the Zaku's drew its beam axe, only for the Purpose to cut it straight down the middle. Lifting the sword on its shoulder, the Purpose then swung around and crashed it through the bridge.
"Idiots, wasting men on an experiment, you should realise by now that you need more forces to break through my defence!" Bhishma growled as he flew over the ruined ZAFT boats.
He disarmed his mobile suit's missile launchers. The ZAFT forces were beaten; alls they were doing now was collecting survivors. Bhishma narrowed his eyes at the Sword Purpose as it stared at several ZAFT lifeboats. Suddenly, the Purpose began firing its Vulcan's, crushing the ZAFT survivors.
"PURPOSE UNIT 3 STAND DOWN!" Bhishma yelled.
Bhishma grit his teeth together, though the Purpose had followed his order, he shouldn't have had to give it an order in the first place. The machine was programmed to use necessary force in defence of key Earth Alliance forces. Bhishma wondered whether the machine was developing its own cold and perhaps bloodthirsty translation of "necessary force". He sighed; this was all a means to an end, and one path he could take to reach the infamous Phantom Pain group.
"She has to be there…she has to be," The giant muttered.
He focused his gaze on a family photo, specifically the small girl that had sat on his father's shoulders.
"For now, I will fight as I always have, fight until I have found the truth I seek!"
Jeremiah watched the scene unfold, shaking his head slightly at the brutality of his allies and the stupidity of his enemies. ZAFT had sent a small force to test Alhazard's defence in an attempt to find a weakness in the formation. Taking a drag of his cigar he turned to his assistant.
"Djibril is tightening the noose on his neck, and Hunter, the new head of Anaheim electronics, he's up to something as well. One of his machines has already gone rogue, how long is he going to delay in revealing his true intentions?" Jeremiah wasn't really asking a question, he was simply reflecting on how the war was escalating.
"Sir, may I speak freely?" Jessica asked.
"For gods sake Jess, you never need to ask, just talk to me," Jeremiah sighed.
"I think your decision to provide mobile suits for the EA also helps to escalate the conflict further. While true your machines are going to keep pilots safe and increase their strength, you will also unknowingly play a hand in the deaths of other ZAFT soldiers. Then there is ZAFT response to your machines, they'll step up their production line, leading to more powerful mobile suits and much more death," Jessica explained.
"Your welcome to go back to the Plants if you'd like, its your home after all," Jeremiah said.
"No sir, home is where you feel best, serving you is what puts me at my best…it is my Purpose I suppose," Jessica smiled.
Jeremiah returned the smile, widening his eyes slightly as Jessica grabbed his cigar. He dropped his jaw in horror as she threw the stick over the edge of the boat.
"But I wont be serving you for long if you insist of taking those cancer givers," She growled.
His shocked expression faded as he began to laugh.
"Jessica I'm glad I found you before ZAFT did, you've been a great help to me, I don't know what I'd do without you," He said.
Jessica nodded her head and looked back at the carnage of the battlefield. Alhazard wasn't the only person in the Earth Alliance that was providing a challenge for ZAFT. Likewise the Earth Alliance was facing obstacles from the side of the Thanos faction. Dagger Thanos had made his intentions regarding the Earth Alliance clear; he was to carry out full-scale war in retaliation of the attack on his orbital colony. Recently he had released a threat to the United Kingdom branch of the Alliance stating that he would attack all military districts of Portsmouth, and then move his forces to attack London and York. He had given the government a 24-hour window to clear out the major population centres of England and Scotland. In response the government launched the contingent from Portsmouth to attack the small fleet that Thanos had stationed on England's border.
"This is Squadron leader banes, we are nearing the target," The Dagger L commander said.
The jet type Dagger's flew towards the Thanos fleet. Zaku Kai's and Black Guaiz's lined up on the boots, raising whatever defensive weapons they had. The Dagger's raised their rifles, ready to fire. Suddenly, several beams shot out of the water, striking the aerial units.
"What the devil was that?" One of the EA soldiers asked.
The Zaku Kai's then fired their machine guns, hitting the scattered aerial forces with a storm of gunfire. Dagger sighed as he heard of the UK government's response.
"Ireland and Scotland will quickly rally their own forces, Parliament's made it clear that they're not going to give in to what they quote as "the demands of a terrorist"," Marcus explained.
Dagger let out a chuckle.
"A terrorist would quote scripture and blow up public transport or hit a politician, terrorists don't have Naval destroyers or the gall to launch a full scale invasion, commence the attack on Portsmouth harbour, use the new machines!" Dagger ordered.
Earth Alliance forces at Portsmouth waited for the arrival of Dagger's forces. Naval destroyers and mobile suits had formed their positions. Pilots and sailors alike were nervously awaiting their enemy's first wave. One of the Royal navy frigates suddenly split apart. A mobile suit suddenly flew out of the water. It had thick armour painted in shades of brown and beige. The mobile suit had long clawed arms and a particle beam on its belly.
"ALL UNITS BRACE FOR IMPACT!" The Captain of another frigate yelled.
The Gogg extended its claw, crushing the bridge of the frigate. Torpedoes floated across the water, then rose out of the water and crashed into the mobile suit forces at the harbour. Torpedoes and beams hit the Naval fleet before they could even launch their jets. A Strike Dagger walked through the smoke and its pilot widened his eyes. More amphibious mobile suits walked or hovered out of the water and onto the beaches. One of the smaller mobile suits had a blue and green armoured body and three spiked claws on each arm. The Z'Gok's opened their claws, revealing built in beam rifles. At the front of the amphibious mobile suits however was massive green mobile suit with huge clawed arms and beam cannons on its shoulders. The Zock fired its beam cannons, cutting through ten mobile suits with just four beams.
"Commencing drop," A Zaku Kai pilot said.
Vertical landing and take off aircraft opened their hatches and the familiar Zaku Kai's began parachuting towards the secured beach. Portsmouth had become a war zone, with Z'gok's and Gogg's dominating the Earth Alliance forces. A Z'Gok stabbed a Dagger in the chest with its claws, and then flew out of the way of a Duel Dagger's rail gun blast. The Duel Dagger drew its beam sabre, only for a particle beam to fly into its chest. An Acguy then extended its arms, punching the Duel Dagger and knocking it to the floor. A Dagger L bravely stood against a Zock, drawing its beam sabre. The Dagger rushed forward, raising its shield. But the Zock's beam easily cut through the Dagger's shield. Then the Zock crushed the Dagger's head with its claws, slamming the mobile suit into the side of a building.
"Idiots, every last one of you, never face off against a machine you know nothing about," The Zock pilot growled, more angry than pleased over the advantage he had.
Elsewhere, in the Indian Ocean, an Earth Alliance base was still under construction. Despite this however it still had a sizable, if inexperienced force of pilots. The Commander of the forces argued across the phone with none another than Neo Roanoke.
"We've barely managed to stay on schedule, even with the size of our labour force. Djibril expects me to have this place up and running by the end of the month, cant you do something to keep ZAFT away?" The man asked.
"That ship from ZAFT is approaching your area along with submariner units from ZAFT and Sensou respectively, our aim is to catch them off guard, trap them as they make their way through and for this we need a force that only your base can provide, this isn't a request Commander but an official order, rest assured though I'll be leaving two machines to protect you."
The commander shook his head as Neo cut the line. Outside of the command bunker, numerous pilots were climbing into their machines. One of them looked out to the camp that had been formed. It consisted of civilian workers that had been forced to work.
"Labour camps, that's just the start of it all," He whispered.
The man climbed into his machine, running through its activation system. His gaze turned to a picture near his controls.
"One more day Elizabeth and I get transferred away from this hellhole, I'll be closer to you my love," He said out loud.
"Careful Peterson, the guy who talks about his love life is usually certain to die!"
"Oh shut up Raph, you really know what to say in the right situation don't you?"
The one that had spoken, Raph leant his head back into his chair with a grin on his face. His brown hair had a grey streak in it, one that was apparently natural. He was the last Windam to launch, his eyes drifting back to the labour camp.
"Hopefully Sensou won't find out about that, doesn't really matter anyway, we're just soldiers after all, it'll be the pencil pusher who ordered us out that gets what's coming to him," Raph grinned.
30 Windams flew out of the hidden base. Its natural defences included formations of rocks and a shallow tide. The crew of the John Paul Jones ran across the deck as their own Windam's launched. Inside the crew also prepared for the launch of the Extended. Lucifer and Stark had already climbed into their machines, whilst the younger Extended and Jone spoke with Neo.
"Don't look so down Stellar, Lyna, we'll be sure to get plenty of kills in for you," Auel grinned.
"Both of our machines are incapable of aerial or amphibious movement, it is logical for us to stay behind and protect our frontline base," Lyna explained.
"We'll be ready to support you if you two need it," Jone said.
"That will not be necessary," Stellar and Lyna said together.
A sweat drop ran down the back of Jone's head while Auel and Sting both held their chests, doing their best not to laugh. Neo smiled at the two girls, a smile that quickly dropped as one of the scientists walked towards him.
"Captain, it concerns Archer," The lab tech said.
Neo walked to the labs and widened his eyes at what he saw. Several Lab techs were trying to Darcel down. He yelled like a wild animal, foam dripping from his mouth as Newtype energy surged from his body.
"How long has this been going on?" Neo asked.
"Five minutes sir, we've tried administering more drugs but it just fuels his insanity now, he kept on saying "it is close, the lost child is close" and then there's his rants about that Gundam with the blades, the one that was stolen from Phantom Pain years ago by our renegade operative Kamal," The scientist explained.
"Branden Kamal, I've heard of his actions during the black ops operation in Jupiter as well as his subsequent departure from the EA, you believe that he is the pilot of the machine?"
"Yes, Kamal showed physical signs for the potential to survive Biological CPU enhancements but Azrael felt that psychologically it would make more sense for him to be part of the Blue Cosmos training program. Yet he's working with ZAFT, it doesn't make any sense, Kamal was proven to be one of the few subjects that showed a hundred percent loyalty to Blue Cosmos and a guaranteed hatred for coordinators."
"Times change," Neo said.
"Excuse me sir," The lab tech looked at Neo in confusion.
"One can never know the effects individuals have on one another, perhaps he met someone that changed his view. Anyway, keep Darcel off the flight roster for now, if we need him I'll come by to get him but until his mood improves he'll be more of a liability than an asset," Neo explained.
"I wish that Dr. Griffin was here to see this."
Roanoke turned his head to the scientist. "Griffin... isn't he the one who made Darcel like this."
"Yes sir, the Doctor said specifically to report and records all behaviour that Archer shows. He personally wanted to know what the 2.5 'Extended' would react to battle, and etc." The man the explained.
"Why?"
"Dr. Griffin takes a very personal interest into his experiments; especially his 2.5 Generation. Darcel is one his more favoured creations of his project and he wants make sure he can improve in what ever flaws that are in his program from what I can undertsand."
Neo narrowed his eyes behind his mask then said "Are you telling me that there are more like Darcel?"
"Only a handful of them and they are all back at Lodnia. Believe it or not some them are actually more stable than Archer and just as skilled. Honestly at times I wonder why he let Darcel out of all them out to join the Phantom Pain."
"Well its doesn't matter know. Just make sure you keep him under control understand?" Roanoke stated.
The Scientist nodded his head to Neo as he walked out. Suddenly, the shatterproof glass shook as Darcel pressed his cheek against it.
"SOON! WE'LL CLASH SOON! BRANDEN KAMAL!" He yelled.
The Minerva was already floating over the Indian Ocean and getting dangerously close to the EA ambush site. Silver Mask had remained in his machine, his eye letting out a red glow as he ran through the Aero Gundam's activation process. The Minerva's radar operator, Bart had already picked up the signals for the massive force.
"All hands go to condition red," Talia said.
The crewmembers and Sensou soldiers reported to their battle stations. Sheryl ran onto the bridge just as it was sinking down into its dark battle station. She took a seat at the gunnery station and nodded to Talia.
"Shinn and Branden will launch along with Silver Mask, Nia, Luna, Rey and Joe will remain on standby with Kojiro," Talia explained.
"Kojiro, follow Captain Gladys's orders and remain on standby, Cape Town begin launching the Aqua GM's in case the EA have launched amphibious units," Vincent ordered over the radio.
He climbed into the RX as the Aero Gundam stepped towards the first catapult. Shinn slid his faceplate down as the Core splendor was put on the catapult.
"Shinn Asuka, core splendor launching!" Shinn said.
"Dusk Aero Gundam ready to launch," Silver Mask declared.
The two machines flew out of the Minerva. Silver Mask transformed the Aero Gundam out of jet mode and drew his rail rifle. The Impulse's legs and body connected to the Core splendour and the Force pack slammed into its back. Shinn's phase shift armour took on a blue tone as he opened his shield.
"There's so many of them," Shinn gasped.
"Well it wouldn't be any fun if there were just five of those machines would there?" Silver Mask grinned.
"Are you crazy?"
"My 'sanity' varies from time to time."
"Captain Gladys, I'm launching too," Athrun said.
"Understood, Shinn, Silver Mask follow Athrun's order for this battle, Commander Vincent please do the same," Talia explained.
"Athrun Zala, Saviour launching!"
Vincent watched the Saviour take off, unsure of how to react to Talia's decision. Branden however was always quick to make his feelings clear.
"Who needs a commander for this kind of operation, just smash straight through the enemy forces," He said.
The Murasama Rogue stepped onto the catapult.
"Good luck Mr Kamal," Meyrin said.
"Whatever," Branden shrugged.
Branden pushed down on his flight sticks, flying the Murasama forward. He grinned as he looked at the sheer numbers of Windam's approaching the Minerva.
"All right, time for a good old fashioned SMASH UP!" Branden roared.
He drew his assault claws and moved the Murasama forward. Green beams flew across the sky as the ZAFT machines clashed with the Windam's. Stellar and Lyna watched the battle in the distance, their machines standing side by side at the frontline base. Sting flew the Chaos straight towards the Saviour, aiming his rifle at the unfamiliar machine.
"Let's see what the newbies got," Sting said.
"Hey! Wait Sting!" Neo called out.
"He's a real go getter that one." Jone shook his head at Sting's lack of impulse control.
Athrun easily dodged the beams fired by the Chaos's rifle. He switched out of wave rider mode and fired back with his own rifle. Sting barely managed to dodge the blasts and was taken aback by Athrun's skill. Shinn shot down one Windam after another, blocking counter attacks with his shield. Silver Mask fired his rail rifle, swinging it like a sword to cut apart five Windams.
"Should have known superior numbers wouldn't be any good," Raph sighed.
Raph's squadron flew at the Impulse, intending to take it out. But the Murasama suddenly flew into the squad, slashing two Windams with his blades. He turned around, dodging the beams fired by Raph. The Middle Eastern pilot unequipped his assault claws and drew his swords. Raph quickly raised his shield, blocking the two blades. He grit his teeth together as he pushed against the bigger machine.
"This guys good for a grunt," Branden said. "BUT HE'S STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH!"
He yelled as he pulled his left sword back. Thrusting the blade forward, Branden widened his eyes as the Windam flew to the side of the machine. Raph deliberately disengaged the Windam's jet engines and let his machine fall. Branden didn't have time to go after the Windam as several more mobile suits flew after him. He deflected the beams with his sword and cursed as the Impulse shot the two Windams down.
"Hey no stealing my targets Asuka," Branden growled.
"I don't see your names on them," Shinn said.
The Minerva fired its missiles, hitting two Windams approaching it. Another four Windam's were cut apart by the Minerva's CIWS. Vincent moved the RX to the launch catapult, his eyes on the Purpose Mark 2.
"Captain Gladys, authorise the launch of the Purpose, have it go after the two extended machines, the Fallen and the Bombard while I take on the Mercy," Vincent explained.
"Negative Commander Rach, we still don't know what to expect from the Purpose when it goes up against Earth Forces," Talia said.
Sheryl cast a look of disapproval towards Talia, whilst Vincent merely sighed.
"Fine, Branden ignore the Windams and intercept the Bombard and Fallen," Vincent said.
"I was bored with the grunts anyway," Branden said.
The Murasama sliced open one more Windam before flying off in the direction of the Bombard and Fallen. Branden drifted his hand towards a new feature the Murasama possessed. But he quickly stopped when he remembered the risks of the new system. Instead he drew the Murasama's assault claws and flew straight at the two Ultimate Gundams. Lucifer quickly turned around, kicking the Murasama across the head. Branden quickly raised his arms, using the shields on the claws to block the shots Stark fired. Stark then slid out his missile launchers, firing a stream of rockets at the Murasama. Branden barely dodged the missiles, but quickly widened his eyes as the missiles flew back towards him. They slammed into the back of the Muramasa, knocking Branden forward out of his chair.
"Branden Kamal has been hit ma'am," Meyrin said.
Talia noted the concern in Meyrin's voice but chose to ignore it for now. She instead turned her focus to the Lucifer as it moved away from the Bombard and Murasama.
"Shit," Branden growled, turning back to the Bombard.
Stark laughed as he began firing his pistols explosive rounds. The Murasama dodged the explosions, but its pilot felt the machine shake as the explosions brushed against his armour. The Minerva opened its catapult and Vincent moved his suit to launch.
"Talia, keep Lunamaria and Nia on the Minerva's deck, their vizard packs make them good gunners," Vincent said.
The RX was equipped with a long red shield and a beam rifle with a sight attachment. A jet pack was attached to the RX's back as Vincent connected the RX to the catapult.
"Vincent Rach launching in the RX!"
The RX folded out the wings on its pack and slid across the catapult. Vincent braced himself as the G-forces hit him. He immediately fired his beam rifle, missing the Fallen's head. Lucifer showed only mild concern while Vincent cursed.
"Haven't made up for the RX's balance problem when in midair, switching to the beam sabre," Vincent said.
He drew a yellow bladed beam sabre and flew at the Fallen. Lucifer drew his own beam sabre and swung it towards Vincent. The Sensou commander blocked the red blade with his shield and countered with a slash from his sabre. Lucifer pulled his head back, flapping the Fallen's wings. He released several explosive mines, using them to obscure the RX's vision. Lucifer then rolled to the left as an Impulse beam flew towards him. He recovered and looked at the Minerva's deck. Luna and Nia both stood ready with their weapons equipped. Nia rolled the Gatling guns on her back while Luna fired her cannon.
"We've detected an object in the water," One of the Aqua GM pilots said.
"Protect the Nyiragongo," The GM commander said.
Auel merely grinned as the GM's fired their torpedoes. He easily dodged the missiles, transforming to mobile suit mode as he approached the commanders unit. The Abyss sliced the GM in half, and then stabbed another in the chest.
"Ah shit," The last Gm pilot gasped.
He pulled his GM back, only for the Abyss to stab his shoulder. In desperation, he fired his torpedo launcher, hitting the Abyss at point blank range. The resulting explosion threw the Abyss and GM away from one another. Auel immediately changed to mobile armour mode and darted off towards the ZAFT submarine.
"Its not worth the trouble," Auel sighed, leaving the damaged GM to drift.
Vincent slammed his sabre into Lucifer's sword. He then looked to his monitor as the signals for the Aqua GM's faded. Neo flew towards Shinn, his purple Windam distinguishing himself from the others. Athrun fired his hip mounted cannons, driving Sting back. He then fired a beam into one of the Chaos's weapons pods, blowing it up.
"Shinn stop, you're going too far out," Athrun said.
"They're surrounding me damn it," Shinn growled.
Shinn fired his beam rifle at Neo's Windam. He dodged the counter attacks and drew his beam sabre. Neo drew his own sabre and clashed with the Impulse. Silver Mask fired one shot after another, shooting down the Windams that approached him.
"They must have a base somewhere," Silver Mask said.
He drew a beam sabre as a Windam dived towards him. The masked man easily cut the Windam apart, sending the two pieces falling to the ocean. Shinn flew away from Neo, slashing a Windam in half and redrawing his beam rifle. He fired a few shots, forcing Neo to go on the defensive.
"Looks like this ones improved slightly," Neo grinned.
Shinn swung around and fired another shot. The beam flew into a Windam's chest, causing sparks to spread across the machine. Inside the machine the pilot screamed, his eyes focused on the picture by his screen.
"ELIZABETH!" He screamed.
The Windam blew up and Shinn moved back to business as usual. Silver Mask swung his sword at Neo, forcing him back. Athrun fired his impulse cannons in jet mode, brushing the Chaos's armour. Sting widened his eyes as the Saviour then turned to mobile suit mode. Athrun lifted his rifle and fired two shots at the Chaos. One shot hit the machine's leg, while the second blew up its beam rifle.
"Damn it, this guy isn't a newbie," Sting gasped.
Raph drew his beam sabre as he approached the Impulse. He flew around the side of the Gundam, letting his allies tire Shinn out. Then he moved in and swung his sabre at the Impulse. Shinn turned around just in time, watching the Windam fly towards him. He moved out of the way, but Raph altered the course of his sabre and cut the Impulse's rifle. Shinn threw the damaged rifle aside and drew his beam sabre. He raised his eyebrows in confusion as Raph's Windam flew out of his view.
"ASUKA WATCH OUT!" Silver Mask yelled.
Shinn turned his Gundam to the right, seeing a light coming from the trees on one of the nearby islands. He quickly dived the Impulse downwards as a beam flew out of the trees. The Buster Archer fired its sniper rifle, hitting the Impulse's shoulder. Stella suddenly jumped out of the bushes in the Gaia's wolf mode. She slammed into the Impulse and both machines plummeted into the shallow waters. Water dripped off of the Gundams as they faced one another.
"You again," Stellar growled.
She drew her beam sabre and slammed it into Shinn's shield. Shinn swung his own sword around, striking Stellar's shield. They both remained locked while the Buster Archer began preparing its rifle. Lyna looked down the site, locking onto the Impulse. Her lock was suddenly broken as Shinn and Stellar jumped away from one another. Stellar changed to wolf mode and fired her shoulder cannons, hitting the Impulse's shield and chest. The Impulse stood strong as the rounds kept hitting it. Luna and Nia continued to shoot at the Fallen, but stopped as the catapult opened behind them
"Wait, whose authorising the launch?" Talia asked.
"I am, the Purpose Mark 2 wants to help so I'm letting it, boys equip it with the beam rifle and shield!" Sheryl said.
The Purpose flew out of the Minerva, switching to jet mode as it heading in the direction of the Impulse. Rey and Joe both walked out in their own machines, carrying bazookas. They dived into the water and watched as the Abyss gunned down one of the amphibious units. Rey aimed his bazooka, firing a missile towards the Abyss. Auel flew out of the way, turning his head to the two ZAFT machines. He flew towards the Efreet Nacht, firing his rail guns. Joe threw his rifle aside and drew his sword, deflected each blast. Then he swung his sword, just as Auel transformed. Auel blocked Joe's strike, gritting his teeth together as the machine pushed him back. Rey then fired his bazooka again, hitting the Abyss and throwing it back.
"This is for the people you killed at Armoury One," Branden said as he swung his sword at Stark.
Two missiles suddenly slammed into Branden's back, blowing up one of the Murasama's rockets. Branden cursed as his Gundam began falling towards one of the islands.
"Branden," Meyrin nearly jumped out of her seat as she lost contact with the Murasama.
The Purpose switched to mobile suit mode, firing a shot that took out Neo's rifle. Neo backed away from the machine as it flew towards Stellar's position.
"Sir, we have a big problem," The head scientist suddenly appeared on Neo's side screen.
"What is it?" Neo asked.
"Darcel Archer sir, he's…well you see he's…"
"Stop right there, everyone we're going back to the John Paul," Neo said over the radio.
"I can take him; I can take him, I CAN TAKE HIM!" Stellar yelled as she flew at Shinn.
"Gaia pilot, do not interfere with my shot," Lyna warned.
A beam suddenly flew into Lyna's rifle, blowing it up and throwing her back. Stellar swung her sabre at Shinn, only for the young pilot to deflect her strike with his shield.
"Stellar, Neo himself has given the order to retreat, we must go now," Lyna said, firing her pistols at the Impulse and Purpose.
Stellar growled as she jumped upwards, grabbing the hand of Neo's Windam. Likewise Lyna did the same with Sting, still firing a few shots at the Impulse and Purpose. Shinn looked to the Purpose, nodding the Impulse's head. Both Gundams continued the pursuit, shooting down retreating Windams as they chased after Neo's group. Even Stark and Lucifer were increasing their speed, escaping from the two Gundams.
"Shinn, don't go too far out, if they're retreating then let them," Athrun said.
"I don't think so," Shinn growled.
Shinn and the Purpose came to a halt as they spotted the EA base. The Purpose's eyes took on a red glow as it saw the workers. EA soldiers were already getting to work on clearing the place out. They fired at the unarmed prisoners without hesitation. Shinn widened his eyes, images of his family flashing before his eyes.
"Those are slaves down there, we cant let this carry on," Shinn said.
The Purpose nodded its head and flew towards the base. Shinn quickly followed and both the Purpose and the Impulse landed in the middle of the base, between the workers and the soldiers. The Impulse and Purpose then turned to the soldiers, firing their Vulcan's.
"Shinn what are you doing? Stop, the Earth Alliance cant fight back!" Athrun said.
"Neither could the workers," Silver Mask said.
"They're slaughtering them!"
"Good!" Silver Mask whispered.
Shinn slashed the turrets while the Purpose squashed the tanks beneath its feet. The Impulse then fired its chest Vulcan's, hitting lines of the soldiers. Deactivating his sabre, Shinn moved with the Purpose towards the fencing separating the workers from their family. Together, the two Gundams pulled the fencing off of the floor, allowing the people to join. Shinn smiled as he watched familiar reunite. The Purpose knelt down and offered one of the children a ride on its hand. Sheryl smiled at the scene while Talia kept her emotions in check.
"It's hard to figure out what's right in war, civilians should always be the priority," Vincent said.
Nia nodded her head before walking with Luna back onto the ship.
"Fools, running away like that," Auel grinned. "I'll at least get one big kill!"
The Abyss flew towards the Nyiragongo.
"WE'VE GOT INCOMING! MINERVA PLEASE SEND ASSISTANCE!" The captain yelled.
"TIME TO GO!" Auel laughed.
"I DON'T THINK SO!"
Auel widened his eyes in shock as something crashed into his Abyss. It was an Aqua GM with half of its underwater components hanging off. Auel quickly realised that it was the GM he damaged earlier. The GM raised its fist, slamming it into the Abyss's back.
"I'm not even gonna bother telling you my name, Grunts can still kick ass!" The pilot said as he began overloading the GM's reactor.
The GM exploded just as it punched the Abyss. Auel cursed as sparks ran across his suit. He quickly altered the Abyss's course, retreating with the others. Vincent looked into the water, slamming his fist into his side screen.
"A brave man, Sheryl get me the name of that pilot so that I can remember it," Vincent said.
The Purpose and the Impulse flew back to the Minerva. But the atmosphere was far from celebratory. The sound of a slap echoed through the hanger. Vincent climbed out of his machine, looking to Athrun and Shinn in confusion. Athrun had just slapped Shinn across the face. Shinn looked at Athrun with a defiant expression on his face.
"You can hit me all you want but I don't give a damn, what I did saved those people," Shinn said.
Athrun quickly slapped Shinn again.
"War isn't about being a hero, if you have power then use it responsibly," Athrun said.
"That's enough both of you, what hells the problem here anyway?" Vincent asked.
"With all due respect Commander, we don't have time for this, there's another problem we need to sort out," Kojiro said.
Vincent and Athrun turned to Kojiro.
"The younger Hawkye told me, Branden's signal has been lost," Kojiro said.
Vincent and Shinn both gasped, fearing the worst.
"I saw him, he got him by a missile but he didn't go down," Athrun said.
"No body, no confirmation, everyone get ready to go back out, we're going to find Branden!" Vincent tightened his gloves as he walked to the RX.
Shinn ran after Vincent, looking back at Athrun to shoot him a glare.
Branden groaned as he woke up. The Murasama had hit the ground just hard enough to daze him. He assessed the damage to his machine. Flight thrusters were down, so the Murasama could only fly in short bursts.
"Your still alive…good, I was worried I had damaged your machine too much!"
Branden immediately narrowed his eyes and turned to the Slaughter Gundam. They were both stood on the perfect battleground for them; an island consisted of mountains and hills. Darcel sat inside the Slaughter, wearing only his civilian clothes. He raised the Slaughter's gatling guns, aiming them at the Murasama.
"I needed to damage your machine just enough to take out the transponder, I don't want your friends interrupting this," Darcel smiled.
Branden huffed as he drew his swords.
"Weird, I'd say the same thing about your friends, doesn't matter anyway. My "friends" are the only thing keeping me from cutting loose and showing you…just how powerful the Murasama Rogue truly is!"
Next Chapter 25: Blazing Rogue
Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, next time its the Murasama Rogue against the Slaughter Gundam, with the Minerva crew and Phantom Pain searching for their comrades.