New Phase 36
Around the table, every person glared angrily at the screen before them. They saw the remains of Porta Panama. The entire complex was in ruins, with every building demolished and the mass driver collapsed in a twisted and broken heap. The wreckage of many of the new Strike Daggers was visible as well.
"This is an utter embarrassment." One said, shaking his head, "Our victory at JOSH-A is meaningless now that we've lost Panama."
"At this rate, our lunar base will exhaust its stores now that the supply route has been cut off." Another said, "If that happens, how are we supposed to launch a counter offensive against the PLANTs themselves?"
A third official leaned forward. "What about Heaven's Base?"
"They're accelerating their schedule for the operation to recapture Victoria." Another explained, "And the GAT-01BD models can be deployed when everything is ready."
"The problem will be securing the mass driver undamaged."
"That's why we have the GAT-01BD models. I can assure that our special ops will do their job."
"And what about Orb? What's the latest on them?"
"We've made several pleas for their assistance, but Uzumi Nara Attha won't budge."
A young blond man impatiently tapped his fingers on the table. "Is that so? Is it because they're…neutral?"
Everyone turned to the young man seated among them. While younger than everyone else, he by far had the most influence. He was Muruta Azrael, the leader of Blue Cosmos. From a young age, he had a deep hatred of all Coordinators and openly advocated any and all violence against. He had even praised the destruction of Junius Seven and was the one who gave the final authorization for the use of the Cyclops System at JOSH-A.
"His way of thinking is unacceptable." Azrael continued, "Not with our people risking their lives in the fight against humanity's greatest enemies, the Coordinators."
"Mind how you phrase things here, Azrael." One of the officials warned, "Remember that this isn't anything related to your organization." That much was true and even most of the people seated resented Azrael for the authority he could wield.
Azrael shrugged dismissively. "I meant no offense, but I cannot understand why it is you continue to tolerate a nation like Orb which hides behind its own ideological rhetoric. Their policies are just flimsy excuses and I believe the time has come when claims of neutrality aren't an option."
"But sir, the Orb Union is an independent sovereign nation." An official reminded him, "We have to acknowledge that."
"But it is a nation of Earth," Azrael countered, "so shouldn't it be obligated to at least cooperate with the Alliance? It only seems fair."
The officials muttered nervous and looked to one another. They knew that Azrael often got his way mainly through dubious tactics.
"If you prefer," the Blue Cosmos leader said, "I'll personally lead the negotiations with Orb."
"What are you getting at, Azrael?"
"Our top priority is acquiring a mass driver and as quickly as possible, right? So why should we settle for one when we can have two?" Azrael said, "You'll be busy with the Victoria operation, so it'd only be logical to divide these…responsibilities. And besides, this could be the perfect chance to test out the new toys."
"You mean four newest X units of the GAT series?"
Azrael smiled wickedly. "It'll all just depend on how our esteemed counterpart reacts. If the rumors of Mr. Attha's stubbornness are true, we may find ourselves in for a bit of excitement."
Meanwhile, a lone object flew over the area where JOSH-A once was. Athrun chose to head to the location first since he thought he could find clues as to where the Freedom could've gone from there. The Justice swooped down and Athrun saw the massive crater that had been left behind following the use of the Cyclops. He shuddered to think of the number of people who had been killed in only in a matter of minutes. Seeing he wouldn't find anything here, he decided to move on. The next area he thought would be the likely one would be Orb or somewhere near there. Firing his thrusters, he left JOSH-A behind him.
Two days later, the Atlantic Federation gave Orb its ultimatum. Orb's Security Council, each province's lords, and other close associates each had a copy of the document. Uzumi looked to his younger brother Homura as it was read. In what was called Orb's final warning, the ultimatum stated that Orb had neglected its responsibilities as a nation of Earth in favor of its own domestic peace. The list of demands was very extreme. First, it called for the immediate resignation of all of Orb's current government. Second, it called for the disarmament and dissolution of Orb's entire military. The document went on saying that if Orb didn't comply in a forty-eight time limit, the Earth Federation would Orb an ally of ZAFT and act accordingly.
Homura tossed the document aside. "This is intolerable."
"What a complete farce!" Uzumi exclaimed, his anger obvious. "Damn the Atlantic Federation! Have they decided it isn't worth any effort to hide their true colors now that they've lost Panama?"
"It appears as so." Another province's lord said, "An Alliance fleet is already heading towards. It seems they're from the Atlantic Federation's California Base."
"Morgenroete and the mass driver are what they really want." Homura said.
Unato Seiran stood. "However unjust these demands may be, what other country would dare challenge the Atlantic Federation at this point in time?" he asked.
From there, other members of the cabinet voiced their opinions and concerns.
"Eurasia has been shattered and even the Equatorial Union and the Kingdom of Scandinavia are now member states of the Alliance, despite their efforts to stay neutral."
"It's beginning to look like we must indeed choose one side or the other."
"ZAFT's Carpentaria Base has heard of our situation and is requesting a meeting as well. Perhaps we should consider siding with the PLANTs."
Uzumi slapped his hand on the table. "If we side with the Alliance, we'll be destroyed as Porta Panama was. And if we side with ZAFT, we'll suffer the same fate as JOSH-A." he said, "Why should we cast aside our own principles in order to fight whatever enemy we're told to? If we give into these demands, we'll give up any chance of avoiding a war, no matter who it'd be against."
"With that being the case," Homura said, "we should begin the evacuation orders and prepare to mobilize our military forces for the worst case scenario." He looked to his colleagues. "It is my utmost wish that our citizens not suffer during this turbulent time."
It wasn't long before news of the Atlantic Federation's demands was broadcasted. As it was being done, Murrue called together the Archangel's crew to inform them of the situation. She explained the details of what Atlantic Federation was planning, and that Orb was pressing for a diplomatic solution, even though it wasn't likely. She then told her crew that all civilians were advised to be evacuated and that they too could leave if they chose to, as they were no longer obligated to remain on the ship. She reminded them the deadline would be forty-eight hours and they had to make their decisions as quickly as possible. After that we thanked them for all their efforts and wished them the very best.
Inside a military hanger, Cagalli and Kisaka made their way through. Cagalli looked up to the rows of M1 Astrays with dread. Her worst fear of Orb becoming a battlefield was starting to be a reality. She only hoped that her father could somehow figure something out.
Cagalli then noticed someone she didn't recognize standing next to the Panzer. He was a wearing a navy blue long-sleeved shirt, brown vest, and dark pants. When she looked closer and saw his profile, she recognized him as one of the ZAFT pilots that had been a prisoner on the Archangel. She wondered why he was even allowed to get so close to the Panzer unsupervised. She rushed off to confront him.
"Cagalli, wait!" Kisaka said, following her. "There's something you need to know!"
She ignored him and hurried to where the Panzer was parked. "Hey, what are you up to?" She climbed up, surprised to find Asagi, Mayura, Juri gazing inside the Panzer's cockpit. She was even more surprised to see that Michael was in the pilot's seat, examining the controls.
"Was it difficult for you to initially pilot this?" he asked Cade.
"Somewhat, but the real task was rewriting the OS in order to properly compensate for the gatling's weight and the mortar launcher's recoil."
"What about other functions?" Juri asked.
Cade shrugged. "Oh, I didn't have much trouble with the Panzer's systems after I acquired it."
"Don't you mean stole it?" Cagalli countered. It was then the group noticed her presence.
"Oh hi, Cagalli." Juri said, "What's up?"
Cagalli pointed to Cade. "Why is he here? Why is he allowed to even be near the X619?"
"Well, for you information, I was planning to use it to defend this country should the Earth Forces decide to attack." He said.
Cagalli was stunned and her expression showed it.
"That's what I wanted to tell you." Kisaka said, coming up behind her. "Both Michael and Cade have volunteered their services as part of the defensive forces."
This was a surprise to Cagalli. "I understand Michael's reasoning, but why would a former ZAFT soldier just join another nation's army?"
"Look Cags, even though you think you're the only one with the guts to fight, it doesn't mean we don't." Michael teased.
Cagalli hated that nickname he had given her, even more than being called 'Princess.'
"That doesn't answer my question." she retorted.
"The truth is that it's because of my guardian, Mara." Cade explained, "She originally came from Orb and she has told me wonderful stories of this country. Everything she told me made me want to visit it someday. After seeing it for myself, I knew I couldn't sit back and do nothing when I have the ability and the desire to defend it. I'd like to hopefully call this place my home someday, because I like this place and the ideals it stands for. That's why I chose this."
Cagalli smiled and really could say only one thing. "Thank you." With that, she and Kisaka headed off to resume their duties.
"Well, thanks for allowing me to look at the Panzer." Michael said, climbing out of the cockpit.
"No problem, now what's this M1S you need some help with?" Cade asked.
Michael led him and the girls over to where his own M1 Astray was. Cade immeadatily took notice of the silver paint job.
"Basically what I need is some help with the cockpit's monitor." Michael explained, "It's an experimental prototype and I just need to get the last few glitches taken care of."
Cade nodded as Michael gave the details of needed to be done and they and the girls went to work. The work on the M1S' cockpit progressed smoothly. With Cade and girls' help, Michael soon had his invention working even better than he had originally hoped. Juri sat in the pilot's seat when the monitor was tested, and she was impressive with the field of view. She then inputted some data she had gathered during her very brief time piloting the Astray Red Frame. With the few minor adjustments to the OS, and nearly an hour of work, everything was complete.
Afterwards, Michael went off to discuss something with Erica, and Juri rested in the factory lounge, when Cade came in with two drinks and joined her.
He handed her a cup. "Here." He took the seat next to her. For a short while, neither said anything and merely sipped their drinks.
"What do you think will happen?" Juri suddenly asked. There was no mistaking her nervousness, what with the present situation. The Earth Forces had made their intentions known and Orb was now backed into a corner.
"I'm not sure." He told her, "All we really can do now is do what we are able to and hope that our actions can affect the ultimate outcome." Even though those words were supposed to be reassuring, he had trouble believing them.
"That almost sounds like something Cagalli says."
"Really?" He craned his sore neck. "Hey, you mind if I lean…"
"Sure." Juri answered, not letting him finish. Much to her surprise, he leaned his head right on her shoulder!
"Hey, you're pretty comfy." He commented.
Juri blushed at the compliment, not knowing what to say or even if she should reply. Instead she took a long sip of her drink. Right outside the lounge, Asagi and Mayura watched from a safe distance.
"I really envy Juri." Asagi sighed, "She seems to have the most luck with guys."
Mayura nodded, "I know, first that cutie Lowe and now this guy."
The Justice soared over a group of islands, when Athrun thought he spotted something. He slowed and landed his mobile suit. He stepped out and stared at the debris field. He immeadatily recognized the pieces as the remains of his former mobile suit, the Aegis. The torso was nothing but a twisted hulk and an arm lay nearby. The only other intact piece was the head. He took two steps, when a pair of eyes peeked out from behind the discarded arm. Then there was a second and a third.
"Children, what's the matter?"
"Reverend Malchio!" The children ran over to their caregiver.
Athrun was surprised to actually see Malchio. He had heard Lacus talk about him on numerous occasions, but he never expected to actually meet him.
"Excuse me, sir." He bowed politely.
The fleet of Earth Alliance navy ships coasted towards their target at top speed. On Azrael's ship, the four latest mobile suits were housed inside the hanger bay. According to their designers, these new Gundams were far superior to the ones that had been developed and constructed at Heliopolis. The quartet of pilots sat below deck, each absorbed in their respective pastimes. Clotho Buer, who was selected to operate the GAT-X370 Raider, sat back, his eyes focused on the portable video game consol in his hands. Orga Sabnak, who had been selected to operate the GAT-X131 Calamity, sat as he read. Shani Andras, who had was selected to operate the GAT-X252 Forbidden, sat as the music in his headphones blasted, cutting off the noise of the rest of the world. Gren Pishacha, who had been selected to operate the GAT-X626 Scorpio, sat still as he watched a variety of mixed martial arts competition on the handheld video player he always had with him. Each of them expressed no emotion, which frightened many of the other Earth Alliance soldiers. And if the rumors about those pilots were true, the soldiers knew not to trifle with them.
Other ships in the fleet carried additional experimental mobile suits as well. On one ship stood Simon Parallax, and carried a custom GAT-01A1 105. Following the destruction of Porta Panama, he had been ordered to immeadatily head to the California Base to receive the mobile suit. It was no secret that the mobile suit had capabilities that only a select group of pilots could master. And Parallax was very eager for the upcoming invasion.
Back at Orb, Sai and Miriallia watched as Kuzzey and several others of the Archangel's crew walked down to board the ship that would take them with other evacuees. Kuzzey turned back one last time and waved good-bye to his friends. Initially he had been ashamed to be leaving, but Sai and Miriallia assured him that it was his own decision and not to worry about what others would do. They continued watching until the ship's hatch was sealed and the vessel departed.
"So you two are staying?" a voice from behind them said.
They turned to find Dearka standing there. He leaned against the wall, arms folded, and a bewildered look on his face. Whereas they were going to stay on with the Archangel, he planned to leave soon.
"That's right." Sai said, "At the moment Orb's in trouble and I feel that I can do something about it."
"But that's crazy." Dearka said, "You two are really going to fight?"
Miriallia turned to him. "Yes, I'd better since I'm in charge of the CIC now." She had volunteered to take over the duties that Kuzzey had been responsible for.
Dearka rolled his eyes. "Man, there are some things about Naturals I'll never understand."
"Who cares what you think?" Miriallia sharply retorted. At moment later she calmed and sighed. "Everyone has their reasons. We're doing this because Orb's our homeland. And from what I've heard, your friend Cade is fighting as well."
Dearka said nothing as he turned to walk away. He had his mind up and he planned to see it through. Or at least he thought he knew what he wanted to do.
At the same time, Murrue and Mu watched the vessel with those who chose to leave depart.
"In all only eleven decided to leave." Mu informed the Captain.
"I see." Murrue meekly said. She had expected a higher number, but was glad to see nearly all her crew remain by her. However she feared for their welfare once the fighting started.
Mu saw her expression and took a step closer over to her. "You know, this situation sort of reminds me of a story I heard back when I was at the academy." He leaned up against the wall. "There was an officer named General Anthony McAuliffe. Now, during a battle, he and his forces were in a town called Bastogne and they were outgunned, outmanned, and surrounded by the enemy. When they were given the chance to surrender, do you know what his answer was?"
Murrue shook her head.
"McAuliffe's answer was only one word, 'nuts'." Mu smiled.
"Well, why did he say that?"
"In a certain context, he was telling the enemy forces to go to hell."
"I see." Murrue had to admire an officer who remained strong willed even when facing incredible odd. Even after all that had happened when she first assumed command, she didn't have full confidence in her abilities. At least she had Mu's support. "Commander, I have a question. Back at JOSH-A, why'd you decide to come back?"
"That's easy." Mu smiled. Suddenly he reached over and softly planted his lips to Murrue's.
She was caught off guard by the brazen display of affection. And yet, she enjoyed it. Truthfully, she had slowly developed feelings for him, but she denied them as she thought they were inappropriate, but not anymore. When they pulled away from one another, she blushed. "You know, I've never been fond of mobile armor pilots."
Mu smirked. "Good thing I'm a mobile suit pilot now."
Murrue laughed and before she knew it their lips were planted together again. In light of the serious situation, this was a moment of peace for the both of them.
In the early morning hours of the next day, the Earth Alliance fleet paused just outside of Orb's territory. Everything had come down to what Orb's response to the demands was. Azrael waited impatiently until an officer came forward with a message in hand. He passed it over and Azrael looked at what it said.
"'Your demands are unjust, and therefore we cannot accept them.'" He read aloud, "'The Orb Union has no intention of changing its position as a neutral nation." He crumpled the paper and smiled. It was exactly the answer he was hoping to hear. Now he would have his chance for a military takeover of Orb.
Meanwhile, at Malchio's orphanage, Athrun and the reverend listened to a news bulletin of the impending invasion of Orb.
"It appears it can no longer be helped." Malchio said sadly. "It doesn't take much for people to become enemies."
Athrun didn't know what to think. "I just don't understand it, a battle between two nations of Earth."
"Wars are easy to spread, but very difficult to end." Malchio said.
Athrun thought over what he just heard. He knew that the war had gone on longer than he ever expected. It was like no matter what, it didn't bring the end any closer. And after his last talk with Lacus, everything he ever thought had become clouded. He looked back to the TV screen and at the number of Earth Alliance ships. Something told him that he needed to reach Orb and as quickly as possible.
"I'd hate to seem rude, sir." He said, "But I must be going." He then ran out of the house and returned to where he left the Justice. It didn't take long for him to be on his way. He had to reach Orb as fast as possible.
At Orb, the Earth Alliance fleet was in position. In response, the Orb forces gathered near their border and prepared for battle.
Azrael checked the time, smiling when he saw everything was on schedule. He turned to the officers. "It's time."
With that, the orders were issued to begin the bombardments. Swarms of missiles launched and sailed through the sky. The Battle of Orb had begun.