Chapter 9

RoyalTwinFangs- Yeah, I know.

R reyes- Never on the Seed story. You're welcome to do that if you wish, but don't expect it from me.

Albion

Space

"All systems check, captain." Said Simone as she checked the Albion for any issues after they finished exiting Earth's atmosphere. "No damage to ship so far. The ship is clear." Synapse nodded at that, grateful to hear that. Much as he was confident that the Albion would handle reentry to space, exiting the atmosphere of Earth was still a complicated matter and could potentially lead to the destruction of the ship if even a single error was made. And Synapse would rather avoid dying because of a simple mistake. A very insulting end to him and his crew.

"Good." Said Synapse. "Proceed to assigned coordinates at full speed. Hopefully, there still is something we can use to find the stolen Gundam when we arrive." With that, the Albion sped quickly towards their coordinates, gifted to them by the rangers after the capture of the Zeon base in Africa. According to the intel found in the base, the stolen Gundam was taken there and had used an old HLV to travel from Earth to space in order to rendezvous with a transport ship that will take the stolen mobile suit to wherever the Delaz fleet called home. And that they used it two days before they arrived. Cursing their luck, Synapse, nonetheless, took those coordinates and went straight for them after informing high command of these developments. Though they were understandably displeased with these findings, they still ordered Synapse to go to the coordinates in hopes they'll find anything there. Seeing it was the only thing they had at the moment, the Albion crew went to those coordinates, hoping they'll find something there that will help them in finding the Delaz fleet and the stolen GPO2 Gundam. To help them out with this assignment, a small detachment of regular space forces were assigned to help locate the missing Gundam. When asked why neither Londo Bell or ECOAS is assisting in this endeavor, high command told Synapse that both task forces were busy handling with other Zeon remnant forces or were being forced to participate in the naval review that was scheduled fifteen days from now. So regular troops will have to suffice. They also told him that, if they couldn't find any information from that location, then they ordered the Albion to head to the luna city of Von Braun for resupply and to upgrade the GPO1 Gundam to be able to fight in space as it wasn't designed for it when it was delivered to the Albion before heading to the naval review.

As his crew was working, Synapse was thinking long and hard about what the Zeons were planning on doing with the stolen Gundam. Thinking about it long and hard, Synapse found that there was little to no reason the Zeon had in stealing the GPO2 Gundam and that the risks far outweighed any gains that he thought of.

By stealing the GPO2 Gundam, the Delaz fleet had revealed themselves to the Federation. They would have found them later on, yes, but they just revealed them to the Federation sooner by stealing the GPO2 Gundam. And by doing so, they identified themselves as an immediate threat to the Federation and so must be swiftly eliminated with extreme prejudice as soon as their location is discerned. Even if they had a chance to use it to attack the Federation, there's little, in terms of military gain, they can use it for. It was a powerful suit, no doubt on that, but wasn't truly groundbreaking against the Federation. The only logical way they'll be able to use it effectively was attacking barely defended Federation bases or using it to attack military or civilian convoys. But that seemed like a waste of resources and the Federation will only assign more powerful forces to protect their convoys as well as the civilian ones. Not to mention they'll be assigning Londo Bell and ECOAS to deal with this. Perhaps even the Headhunters as well. He guessed they'll attack two maybe three convoys before being found and wiped out by special forces.

A statement? Well, if anything, it'll be embarrassing to the Federation that they allowed a Zeon remnant group, with minimal resources in nearly all aspects, to steal a Gundam, the most famous mobile suit series in the Federation, from a fully garrisoned military base. But it'll eventually fade away, especially if the Federation high council spins the idea that they allowed the Gundam to be stolen so they can find the Delaz fleet and eliminate them before they could disrupt the peace in the Earth sphere. With all that in mind, Synapse was wondering what he was missing in order to figure out a good reason the Delaz fleet had for stealing the GPO2.

"What was it?" Thought Synapse as he tried to figure out the missing pieces, he needed in figuring out what the Delaz fleet's ultimate goal was. "What are we missing? What are they planning on doing?" He was so busy trying to figure out what the Delaz fleet's motives were and their end goal was, that he almost didn't hear Simone addressing him.

"Captain, we're being contacted by a Salamis cruiser group." Said Simone as she looked down at her captain. "Shall I hail them back?" Synapse nodded at that.

"Put the commander of the cruiser group on screen." Said Synapse as he snapped back into attention. With that, Synapse had to put off thinking about the Delaz fleet in order to coordinate with his allies. As he did so, he wondered what the Delaz fleet was up to now.

A day later

Delaz fleet

Gato

"This is a great day for Zeon." Proclaimed Delaz as he saw his engineers work on the GPO2 Gundam, readying itself for their attack on the Federation, removing all its present weapons in order to retrofit it for its true function. Cima, much to Delaz's satisfaction, had managed to deliver the nuclear package and delivery system on time and they were now installing it onto the GPO2 Gundam mobile suit. "Once the delivery system is installed, we'll broadcast the Federation's hypocrisy to the entire Earth sphere. And then we'll move onto the final stages of our plans." Gato, who was standing next to Delaz, smiled at that.

"It will be a grand day for humanity, indeed, when our plans bring forth the revival of Zeon, admiral." Said Gato, also pleased with what their engineers are doing. "Even more so when we prove that, despite their technological advancements and numbers, the Federation is still weak and unable to stop a numerically inferior force to beat them." Delaz nodded at that in agreement. He was about to say something to Gato when they heard some laughter.

"Yes, let's continue that narrative and forget the fact that they ultimately won against us in the One Year War because of those numbers and technological advancements." Said Cima as the woman walked up to the two Zeon remnant officers, her fan in hand, with a smile on her face. "Let's also ignore the fact that it was only through my contacts that we were able to do any of this." Delaz frowned upon hearing Cima's voice. Much as she was right, he didn't appreciate the condescending tone she used. And to a superior officer no less! Gato was also annoyed at Cima, but more for personal reasons.

While he respected Cima as a pilot and for giving them the opportunity to hurt the Federation in a truly significant manner, he still couldn't trust her. Her or her fleet. Their record of piracy had left him with a poor view of the Cima fleet and distrustful of their intentions on helping them. And he wasn't alone in this sentiment. Many within the Delaz fleet held similar views of disgust and suspicion against the Cima fleet. To them, the Cima fleet had become one of the things that the Principality of Zeon was against, even if it was for the sake of survival according to the members of the Cima fleet. That disgust increased when they all learned they generally go after defenseless merchant ships from Side 3, killing the crews and taking whatever, they want from the ships. Though they claimed that the people from Side 3 aren't their countrymen anymore on account of them accepting Federation rule again, many in the Delaz fleet were still disgusted and enraged at them for attacking people from Side 3, even more so for attacking the merchant ships that are responsible for delivering goods to the other sides and regions in the Earth sphere. The ones that'll accept them anyway.

Aside from that, however, Gato also has a bad feeling around Cima. She acted like a loyal patriot to the Zeon cause, yet Gato felt that she truly wasn't. That she was merely doing all this for her own gains, something Delaz also suspected. Unfortunately, they lack any evidence to support their suspicions, and Cima has been nothing but helpful to their mutual cause. So, these suspicions were kept to themselves, even if their instincts told them to listen to them. That being said, Gato was still going to keep an eye on her just in case. He wouldn't be surprised if she'll betray them if it meant that she'll get something worthwhile out of it. That was the way of pirates, even those that used to be soldiers.

"As much as your statement is accurate, Cima, those advantages will not save them this time." Said Delaz as he looked at the woman, hiding his disdain for her as usual. "Through precise planning and tactics, we'll be victorious and Zeon will arise again." Cima just smirked at that.

"Whatever you say, admiral." Said Cima as she opened her fan. "But onto business. My contacts and associates have informed me that the Federation has sent a task force to recover the Gundam you've stolen as well tasked with finding your fleet. Should we deal with them?" Frowning at that, Delaz pondered on what this meant and if he should divert resources in dealing with this task force. Ultimately, however, he decided to leave them alone. Not only did they not have information on their whereabouts, but they have no idea what their real objectives were. And when they do, it'll be too late.

"Ignore them." Said Delaz. "By the time they figure what we intend to do with their Gundam, it'll be too late to stop us." Cima just scoffed at that.

"You'll come to regret those words when that task force stops us from conducting our attack on Konpei Island." Said Cima, causing Gato and Delaz to glare at her, likely because she referred to Solomon using the name the Federation gave it. "If I recall correctly, it was a single ship with untrained civilians and inexperienced Federation lackeys that started Zeon's spiral down into defeat in the One Year War. And because the Red Comet, in his infinite wisdom, decided to underestimate them and allow them to be a threat and thorn in Zeon's side more than they should have been. And this task force is larger and better trained than them. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to take my chances. Not when we're so close in avenging Zeon's defeat in the One Year War. I'm taking my best men and I'm going to deal with them." Delaz looked ready to protest at that, but Cima raised her hand. "Don't worry, my men and associates don't need me to hold their hands in order for them to do their part in the Operation, Delaz. They'll be ready when you need them. I promise you that." Delaz still frowned at her insistence in dealing with a minor annoyance but relented.

"Just make sure that you don't do anything or leave anything that the Federation can…" Cima then interrupted him.

"That'll lead them to discover your location or Operation Stardust." Said Cima nonchalantly, infuriating Delaz with her tone. "Don't worry about that. I'm not a rookie, Delaz. I know what I'm doing." With that, Cima left the two officers alone. Once she was out of sight, Gato spoke.

"I don't trust her, Delaz." Said Gato, looking at his friend, who simply nodded.

"As much as I respect her for giving us this chance, I agree." Said Delaz. "There's something about that woman. Something that I can't put my finger on." Gato nodded in agreement at that before speaking up.

"Should we place the Cima fleet in a nonessential support role in the final stages of Stardust?" Suggested Gato. Delaz nodded at that.

"I very much doubt that Cima will object to that." Said Delaz. "It means less of a chance for her men getting killed while also giving her more chances to get something profitable out of all this beyond the restoration of Zeon." Gato nodded at that. That should keep the Cima fleet from potentially doing any damage to the operation and prevent any fatal betrayal from them in case their suspicions about Cima were ultimately well-founded.

As she was leaving, however, Cima was smirking, her plans already being modified and altered to better deal with this new set of information she had been told about.

Six days later

Von Braun

"Proceed to docking bay twelve." Said an AI as the Albion was flying towards the luna city of Von Braun. "An Anaheim electronics team will meet you there in order to install the upgrade package for your Gundam mobile suit."

"Thank you." Said Synapse as he addressed the AI that was responsible for directing them towards a Von Braun docking bay. With that the talks ended, allowing Synapse to silently ponder on the unsuccessful attempts he and his crew had in attempting to find both the Delaz fleet and the GPO2 Gundam.

For the past seven days, they couldn't find anything relating to the GPO2 and the Delaz fleet. For seven days, they've searched the last known location of where the GPO2 Gundam was, hoping to find anything that can help them in finding the stolen Gundam and those responsible for stealing it, but to no avail. Because of this, and with the Naval Review so close at hand, high command ordered them to head to Von Braun for resupply and to upgrade the GPO1 for space combat. Synapse and his crew didn't like that they were abandoning their mission, even if temporarily, but they weren't making any progress and that won't change if they stay around in the same area that provided nothing for their mission. So, with reluctance, Synapse ordered his ship to Von Braun. So, they can both resupply and ready the GPO1 Gundam for the naval review at Konpei Island. With luck, the naval review wouldn't take much time and they'll be free to conduct their mission again. This time with far more additional support and resources at their side.

A few minutes later, the Albion entered the docking bay and soon docking clamps landed on the Albion and locked it in place. Soon, the docking bay was pressurized and the crew of the Albion was now able to exit the ship safely. Once the pressurization was done and oxygen was flowing through the docking bay, a team of Anaheim engineers began walking towards the Albion as the ship opened it's hanger bays to allow them access to the GPO1 Gundam mobile suit. As the engineers entered the hanger where the GPO1 was located in, Kou Uraki and Keith were silently watching them.

"Man, I can't believe we were pulled back from finding where the stolen Gundam is and taking the fight to those that stole it in the first place." Said Kou, disappointed at this turn of events and also a bit angry at it. They were going to be part of a naval review, which was essentially a military parade or show of force, then trying to find a valuable piece of equipment and stopping the people that stole said equipment from using it to harm people of the Earth Federation. They should be doing that, not standing in clean uniforms and shiny mobile suits for the press to look at. Every moment they waste is another moment, gives the Zeon remnants time to prepare that Gundam to do whatever they want with it. And given the track records of Zeon remnant forces and Zeon's military during the One Year War, they'll likely use it to attack a defenseless colony or ship the military will be too late to properly defend. The thought of another colony and all its populace being destroyed, by a Federation mobile suit no less, was haunting to Kou. Worse, the Federation mobile suit in question was a Gundam, seen as an icon and idol to the children of the Earth Sphere. Having a Gundam kill people of the Federation, clad in Zeon colors, was even more haunting and scary. Kou wanted to prevent it so badly, but Burning said they had to follow orders given to them. He then tried to assure Kou that everything will be alright and that they'll still be able to stop the Zeons before they do anything bad against the people of the Earth Federation, but still couldn't help but worry. Keith and Rook understood his worry and tried their best to console him, but they didn't make it a secret that they also held similar worries. Kou, with all this worry in his heart, prayed that Burning was right and that they'll be able to stop the Zeon remnants from using the Gundam to harm innocent people.

Meanwhile

Synapse

"I understand, general." Said Synapse as he addressed general Revil concerning the naval review and what to do after it. "I'll make sure my men are informed of this immediately. Thank you." With that, Synapse ended the call. Once he did, Synapse sighed. He wished that the Naval review wasn't impairing the Federation's ability to respond to the GPO2 Gundam's theft and the Delaz fleet. Unfortunately, the naval review was also important to the Federation right now and Synapse and his crew had to attend. It's unfortunate, but then again, perhaps that was why the Delaz fleet decided to attack now. So they won't have much to deal with in terms of Federation interference. Clever, but still. Synapse couldn't help but wonder how they figured out about the GPO2 Gundam.

It was relatively top secret and, according to new information from the interrogations of Nick Orville, their spy didn't have the ability to contact the Delaz fleet about this Gundam in time for them to conduct such a large scale operations with other Zeon remnant forces. With that information, Synapse wondered who else was involved in this theft. A high-ranking Anaheim Electronics executive? A Federation officer? Or even a Side councilor? These thoughts permeated in Synapse's mind as he wondered who else had helped the Delaz fleet in this operation of theirs.

As these thoughts were permeating in his head, a knock was heard in his quarters in the Albion. Raising an eyebrow, Synapse asked who is it. The answer he got surprised him.

"No one special." Said a woman's voice, muffled from his door. "Just someone that has the information you want about the Delaz fleet and what they intend to do with the stolen Federation Gundam. And free of charge no less. Now, will you let me in?" Still in shock at what he just heard, Synapse, nonetheless, walked towards the door and opened it, revealing a black-haired woman in a Federation officer uniform, smiling at him. Despite the uniform, Synapse knew, deep down, that this woman wasn't in the Federation military. In her hands, was a briefcase. Turning her smile into a smirk, the woman spoke again. "Now are you going to stand there gawking or allow me to show you the information you want?" Shaking his head, Synapse allowed the woman to enter his quarters.

Being the captain of the ship, Synapse was given a more spacious room than the rest of the crew. The room wasn't a five-star room, but it was still had basic furniture like a coffee table and chairs for him and guests to sit in along with a few other basic commodities the others of his crew didn't have access to or in limited quantities. Sitting in one of those chairs, the woman then spoke up.

"So, ready to receive the information?" Asked the woman as she waited for Synapse to sit down, who did as soon as she finished her sentence. Narrowing his eyes at her lack of respect for military discipline and decorum, Synapse spoke.

"First off, can you tell me your name miss…" The woman chuckled at that.

"I suppose you deserve that." Said the woman. "Cima Garahau, former Principality of Zeon soldier and now a collaborator of the Delaz fleet in their fight to revive the Principality." Upon hearing that, Synapse widened his eyes in shock, stunned at what he just heard. Cima, however, just stayed calm, knowing that this captain will listen to what she has to say, regardless of her affiliations. Her associates said so.