Even as victors are selected, there are many who chose not to submit to their greatest falls. Just as there are those who attempt to avoid being subject to the consequences of their actions, there are those who are more than eager to reap what they have sown. Where many see an ending, the strongest see their defeat as a reason to struggle for the cause that is most important to them. Such has been the nature of humans since the dawn of war. It is for those who live to witness history that such defiance is judged. The year is After Colony 225. This principle remains unshaken.
Episode 47: Fires of the Mediterranean
The chaos that built through the devastation that the Gundams brought could still be seen from a distance away while fire blazed and Coalition soldiers made their run for cover. Among the bringers of destruction was the Uriel as it shot its arm cannon at the ground and made its way through the devastation. Mercurio could not bring himself to care about everything that occurred around him as he saw every survivor try to make the escape from the devastation as he continued to see one soldier die after another, he heard someone ask, "Are you doing everything to take every one of them down boy?"
Mercurio heard the voice of Till Lindemann on his communications system while briefly wondering how he managed to get a hold of his channel. He instead answered, "It appears they're trying to make themselves scarce. They shouldn't interfere much longer."
Till told him, "You must ensure that they have all fallen. One survivor is enough to risk our very existence." Mercurio had a reminder of what allowing a Coalition soldier to survive would bring him. He continued to fire his Vulcan cannons towards the ground as he took one man down after another.
As he continued to fire, he heard Till inform him, "The building to your left. They are all gathering there. Take it down!' Mercurio saw Coalition soldiers on the ground rushing towards the glass windowed building Till was referring to as he brought the Uriel towards it.
He was tense and shaken by the intention to purge the city of its Coalition presence but told himself, "I will not allow the same mistake to be made."
Normand LeMay found his situation to be a less than ideal one as he had to prepare his forces to endure the coming destruction the three Gundams had come to bring. He found one of his men nearby when he asked, "Have we truly lost all communications? How much of an issue are we facing?"
One of the soldiers answered, "Too much for us to handle sir! The communications have been taken out and our mobile suit reserves have been completely destroyed!"
Normand was shaken by the answer when he asked, "Did Agent Zelma truly not have what it took to handle these things?"
He turned to another one of his men when he ordered, "I must make contact with the naval forces." The soldier handed his walkie talkie to his superior before Normand changed the signal to order, "Attention all forces who receive this, prepare for an immediate evacuation. I repeat prepare to evacuate. Don't let the Gundams be able to have a passage across-"
Before Normand could say anything else, a mighty force came crashing down on the building he occupied and saw a massive metal blade cleave his room in half. The blade came down further before it caused the building to collapse in on itself while he and the men around him were brought under a collapse of building material and the blade making its way down. The survivors tried to scramble for a way out of the destruction but their chance at survival was cut short as several beam shots erupted through the debris and gave way to a small explosion in the city.
As the destruction established itself within the city, Donna contacted the Uriel, "Mercurio, what are you doing?"
Mercurio heard the question when he simply answered, "Ridding this world of another who wants to continue this destruction. The Coalition has nowhere to run to now."
Till was among the conversation when he confirmed, "I warned him of where the others were headed. We have nothing to hold us back now."
Unwilling to argue with her father, Donna accepted, "As long as we are only seeing the Coalition fall then I will accept this."
Dirk entered the conversation when he asked, "Hey are we getting any closer to taking a cruiser? Things are getting hectic out here?"
Mercurio answered, "Ermes and the instructor seem to be headed to the docks right now. It shouldn't take much longer."
It took 20 minutes for all of the Coalition personnel to place themselves on lifeboats as they were ordered. Instructor W made sure they were all separated from the cruiser and when the task was done, he returned to the bridge to fire a flare to signal the work as done.
Dana saw the flare from afar knowing that Ermes and his assistant had taken the cruiser. "There's our cue people let's get out of here!" She ordered in a moment.
Gawel was grateful to hear this when he announced, "Finally! Let's get out of here!"
Dana ordered to the Gundam pilots, "Lindemann! Yuy! We've got our ticket to the other side! Lead the others to the cruiser and leave this place behind!"
Mercurio agreed to the order when it came time to make way to the cruiser Ermes had taken. "Yes sir!" He observed the streets finding there probably wouldn't be any trouble getting across. "The streets should be clear now."
Despite the situation for the Coalition in the city Ludwika hoped for reassurance, "You think the Coalition is just going to let us get away free like this?"
Roy was there to answer, "Kind of doubt it by now. Not much they can do now you think?"
Dana landed the Artemis in the cruiser's hangar bay while the other Gundams and Ursa units prepared for the journey as well. She jumped down to take a look outside at everyone preparing for the journey while the city tried to recover itself from the flames that had been ignited. "Everyone on board? We're going to have a journey on our hands."
Trenton looked around to see everyone was ready for the voyage when he answered, "Looks like everyone is here Captain. So how is our travel looking?"
Gawel answered with his evaluation, "We've got a bit more than 1300 miles to cover so if we go at a realistic pace it might take about 2 days before we get within Brussels' range."
"Will the Parliament be able to survive that long?" Trenton asked.
Dana wasn't sure if the executions were still going, in fact she had trouble remembering what day it was in the first place things had been so quick to move forward. She rubbed her temples trying to answer, "I can't say. We've got to get there soon and save anyone who's left regardless."
Maurycy had an edge of hope in his voice but there was a clear amount of concern when he asked, "What will happen then? Will we be automatically forgiven for killing our own people?"
Dana turned from them to take a heavy sigh when she tried to answer this problem. "Doubt it. At least some of us can make peace with the survivors." She had to be realistic but at the same time give the soldiers some amount of hope. If anything they might one day be able to say their actions preserved the Earth Sphere in its time of crisis, but being a rogue force was another thing entirely.
Gundam Sandesgeist got on board once everyone else got on. "I'm on!" Donna reported to the instructor.
"Got it! Hold on tight!" Instructor W warned as he pulled the anchor up and commandeered the ship away from the port. The ship accelerated away to its next destination at its fastest possible speed. Lord Lindemann arrived in the bridge and watched as they moved away from land.
Donna made sure the systems of the Sandesgeist was working fine for the incident with the Tallgeese Authority left her paranoid of computer viruses. She shut down her Mobile Suit and before she exited the cockpit, claimed the goggles given by Rashid. She walked to the Bridge to find Instructor W still attending to the steering of the ship. "Instructor sir?" She asked to grab his attention "I was at L4 and Rashid wanted to give this to you."
Instructor W received the goggles from his student. They were intact as he last used them. He also sensed what the Maganac Corps went through since he left for Earth to complete the Gundam project. "Thank you." He thanked her. He replaced his sunglasses with the goggles to cover his eyes. "So they were going fine?" He asked back.
"They were happy to see us." Sandesgeist's pilot replied. "But they took so many casualties for us."
Instructor W knew how Donna felt. "It's okay." He comforted her. "They did their job."
Donna was reminded of the Tallgeese Authority with the virus. "Did you know the Coalition had a virus that can damage the Mobile Suit's OS?" She asked curiously.
The question got Till's attention. It was meant to be used against the Coalition and now it was used against the Gundams as a form of cruel joke. "You mean they used the Aquarius virus?" He questioned with mild surprise.
Donna turned to her father. "You know of it?"
He confirmed his daughter's question. "They stole it from me with a Gundam I was developing." He explained. "I never expect it to be used by other Mobile Suits." He was also confounded by the use.
Instructor W realized that the Aquarius is something that should be warned and contact Ermes. "Can you bring everyone to the bridge?" He requested. "It's important."
Ermes was in the hangar when he got the Instructor's message. He found Suchart writing something on a notepad and tapped his shoulder. "The Instructor wants to talk about something. Help me tell everyone else." The Ursa pilot nodded and walked to the other pilots. Ermes in the meantime found Mercurio and Captain Dana. "Instructor W wants everyone in the bridge." He informed them. "It sounds like something important."
It was a few moments before Mercurio managed to land on the cruiser and began to make his landing preparations. "Everyone's here. We're ready to move." Right in that moment when the Instructor began to take the Rogue Wings across the Mediterranean there was now hope for them in reaching the bays of southern France and to soon begin a long march to Brussels. "We're about to receive our hardest test so far. I only hope we're not too late..." Mercurio wondered to himself.
Not long after he heard Ermes contact the others warning about Instructor W about an important meeting. "I'll be there quick."
Pascal groaned from the demand of a gathering when he asked, "Something important? It better be."
Roy agreed, "If I can't even get a decent night's sleep out here on sea, I think I'm going to go nuts."
Ludwika pointed out, "Hey you trained for this sort of thing right?"
Roy crossed his arms when he brushed off, "Sure sure..."
Gawel saw the radar was clear of Coalition forces at the moment and knew that the Rogue Wings would have a moment at least to prepare for their next inevitable sortie. "Finally. It's good to be out of there for just a while."
Dana looked out next to him, "We're not far now. We were caught off course for a while but it won't be long before we reach the capital."
Jasenka was among the concerned when she tried to understand, "Probably. Think any of us are going to survive this trip?"
"We've been lucky before. Let's just have some optimism for a change." When Ermes came to get them to obtain the Instructor's attention she motioned to the soldiers with her, "Let's see if he's got a war story to tell or something."
The dreams the three Lindemann brothers had of becoming a resistance that would challenge the grip of the Earth Sphere had been all but crushed as their last remaining means of standing against the Coalition made its escape through the regional part of Reims. There was no sign of Coalition forces occupied but the lone Gundam was forced to continue its advance as through there was something waiting for the pilots. Its beaten and charred appearance was matched by smoke and steam that exhausted form its armor while the joints motioned with a small creek every time they had to be adjusted even a little.
Christian wiped the seat from his brow when he tried to clear his vision and commented, "Damn. We are one sorry bunch of losers."
Richard told him, "What makes us sorry is if we had to come out of this with our best shot completely destroyed. At the very least we've been able to pilot this thing."
Frederic agreed, "Yeah what happened to making sure that all of us could come out of this as survivors? I thought that was worth something."
Christian told him, "It would be if you guys were somehow able to prove yourselves as soldiers instead of being a bunch of backseat drivers."
Christoph turned to him when he told him, "Stow that talk. We are not out here to judge how much one life is worth over the other. And we aren't going to treat anyone else that away."
Richard agreed, "I'm sorry we can't live up to dads standard like you, but some of us can actually see something beyond just being beaten and tossed around like your plan is."
Christian slammed his fists when he told his brothers, "I'm out here to win a war and save our way of life! Who said that we're going to come out of this alive?"
Christoph told Richard, "Hey Richard, man the leg controls for a while won't you?"
Richard agreed, "I've got a handle on these."
Christoph turned in his seat when he told Christian, "There is a difference between giving a life for what we believe in and just outright committing suicide for no reason. Do you seriously think dad wants to return here and see his hidden project reduced down to a pile of scrap? Even if he did he would want to see that after the Coalition was defeated, not by getting slaughtered by the Coalition's big gun."
Christian leaned forward in his seat when he told his brothers, "I can't stand the fact that this has been so hard for us. We built our own force as we made our way out here and we had all of that shit blow up in our faces. What was our whole purpose for even being out here?"
Christoph told him, "We're here because we wanted to prove that the Earth was ours. But now we have something valuable for the others once we meet with them. We'll guide them to the Testudo and then we'll have a stronger push than before."
Chrstian was not won over when he reminded, "If things go like they're supposed to, we will have to answer for the loss of President Kecker. Is anyone going to take us seriously once we return?"
There was a paused in the air when Daisuke agreed, "We are going to have a hard time explaining all of this to a government that is going to have all of the fight knocked out of it. And that's assuming we can crush their entire occupying force."
Elna added, "A lot of this does give me a different impression than what I had about you Christian. You're all about fighting until the last of your fighting spirit is gone and now you're concerned about the well being of a man who can still be replaced?"
Christian told her, "Franz cannot be replaced. The man led us through all these years of conflict and now we have to just consider him as someone who we don't even have to save? I did not sign up just to hear those kinds of words."
Richard told him, "That's ignoring the fact that he talked about going down fighting just a few times before. He's one of the strongest politicians of our time and a more than capable leader. But he also doesn't want men who serve under him to stop just because he falls."
Frederic added, "We might be treading something dangerous, but making him and the others martyrs will save at least a handful of our people to decide that the Coalition isn't the last choice to keep this planet under control."
Christian was forced to accept his position as he continued to wait through the journey south and told everyone, "We have something that will keep us going and we have something to fight with. All we need now is to hear dads approval that we're still in this thing."
Christoph told him, "Right now we're all the best chance that we have to make these things have a chance to stand in front of the Coalition. The worst that can happen is he decides that we have to make a final charge without the chance for repairs. But let's see what happens when we find the nearest old outpost that isn't occupied why don't we?"
Elna added, "You guys are descendants from an OZ family, you know these places off hand don't you?"
Richard agreed, "We got at least one location out here. If I was any of the guys out in the Sahara, I'd recommend we head to that sort of placed as well. Best bet I think would be in Fréjus."
Christoph decided, "That's our decision. We move out there and see if any of them reach nearby. Maybe the stars will properly align, and we'll make contact with them."
Frederic accepted the plan when he told everyone, "I think right now we should be more concerned with the fact that we at least have a little less of a big problem chasing us. Once we make the charge, we'll at least have the chance to crush them and the Testudo after that."
Christoph agreed, "This will be part of one giant and ongoing challenge, but we have a reason to be optimistic by now. We're about to find out if our efforts are for something or if we were ever meant to get this far. Let's see how much of a chance we have."
The Tallgeese Authority had made its way towards the port of Cagliari while flying down with the assistance of several other Leo III mobile suits. "Agent Zelma, we have arrived."
Zelma answered her fellow pilot as she began to make her way into the nearest hangar, "Thank you. I shall begin preparations to move out soon."
She heard Devine report the prepared exoskeleton when the Tallgeese Authority made its way to the hangar. "Agent. The exoskeleton has been prepared for you arrival."
"Thank you Devine." She responded. "The Throne Exoskeleton will provide useful. I only wish it hadn't come to this." As she waited for the panels to open, Zelma was prepared to see her mobile suit given the armaments for the future of her mission.
Every mobile suit made its way on board as Ermes and Instructor W looked over the situation of the city while Ermes asked, "Does it look like we'll be able to support all of this?"
The instructor confirmed, "We're all within the acceptable weight range. We even have the clearance to move at maximum speed."
Ermes asked, "If it's not too much trouble, do you think you can keep a look over the controls? I need to find out something from Mercurio."
Instructor W asked, "Is it for something that involves the trip out here?"
Ermes answered, "It's about what he did. He did so much I can't believe he would consider."
Ermes left the main control room when Instructor W was left to ask, "That destruction. Was it him?"
Ermes made his way onto the deck where he saw the mobile suit pilots making their way towards the ship quarters. Ermes found Mercurio with Donna when he asked them, "Mercurio, was that really you out there a while ago?"
Donna allowed Mercurio to answer her immediate question, "I did what I had to so that we could get out of this alive. It's not like I did anything to endanger anyone."
Ermes corrected, "That building out there though, what reason did you have to destroy it? We don't know how many people were killed by that destruction."
Donna was surprised by the point when she asked, "Were there any innocent people in there?"
Mercurio had a light look of agitation when he answered, "I don't know who was in there other than the soldiers who were making their way in for safety. Just be glad that we got some Coalition lackeys off our tails."
Ermes pointed out, "It's dangerous to have those kinds of thought cus. You're making it sound like you plan to kill everyone no matter who stands in your way."
Mercurio told him, "That's what we're here to do. These people should not be in the field if they planned to survive this war and we can't afford to have any Coalition survivors. Every survivor opens us up for another opportunity to be attacked."
Ermes asked, "And what do you have planned if you're going to face someone you consider important to you? What if they tell you that you have to stop kill indiscriminately?"
Mercuiro became more displeased about his cousin's questioning when he told him, "I would tell that person to stay out of my way or I would have to treat them like an enemy combatant. I didn't go through all of this just so I could be told that fighting for what I believe in is not worth the effort. I'm here because I want this planet to remain the way it was made when our fathers struggled to make it possible. I will not accept anyone questioning my motives otherwise."
Mercurio walked away as he left Ermes and Donna in a state of shock to see their fellow pilot so changed. Ermes commented, "It doesn't feel like it's been that long since I could have mistaken him for Aunt Relena. And now here he is going off as someone who wants to kill everyone who questions his way."
Donna agreed, "This place has changed us greatly. Sadly, it would seem Mercurio is not the man I had come to respect."
It was a long period into the fighting when Edward saw the situation his men were facing. The odds were probably still even on both sides with equal casualties for the moment. He had to find a way to change this or his cause would be lost. He was cut off in thinking when he heard one of the soldiers rush up to him, "General, the enemy mobile suits are making their way towards the frontlines."
Nathaniel looked through a pair of binoculars to see the Leo III mobile suits advancing into the city towards their position. "Well it would seem Nathaniel is willing to go on the offensive after all."
Rayen reminded him of their military power, "It is likely our best interest to send out the mobile suits to engage them. We may have to rely on numbers against the Aquarius however."
Edward didn't show any visible fear with the Aquarius still on the battlefield but it didn't have him blinded by the importance of its destruction. "Make it the primary target. The one to destroy it will be promoted as many practical ranks possible."
Rayen turned to one of the leading military officials ordering, "Prepare the men to move out. We can attempt another advance if we cut off the enemy from other positions."
"Yes sir."
Edward slammed his fist towards the nearest surface when he kept the determination flowing through his veins. "This will not be our final stand. I went through too much to come so far. The Coalition will not descend into anarchy!"
Rayen was right behind him to offer, "I am certain you will maintain this alliance we have built over these past decades Edward."
Edward continued to face the battlefield before him when he answered, "It must be built upon this amassed mountain of corpses however. Perhaps it is not something many wish to be remembered for, but for the greater good of our fellow fighting men I will not permit Nathaniel's lax attitude towards a new peace to undo our achievement!"
It had taken longer than the forces from Nathaniel's side to arrive but the two mobile suit forces were soon engaging one another in combat. The city around them collapsing from all sorts of weaponry and the Aquarius expectedly leading in the devastation.
One of Edward's colonels rushed up to him warning, "General! We must head further into the city before we get caught in between the crossfire!"
He turned to Rayen and the two leading men made their way towards one of the still standing buildings when he assured, "I'll watch from afar, but I will not shy away from it either!"
Within the safety of one of the nearby buildings close to the Parliament, Nathaniel was able to observe the battle hoping to see his forces eventually push through and take down his former Generals. He heard Hui enter his room reporting, "Mr. President. We can confirm that our mobile suits are on their way further into the city."
Nathaniel gave an order, "Have the Aquarius lead the attack. We might be able to catch them off guard if they see the one who beat General de Lombard into submission."
Hui activated one of the nearby radios ordering, "Aquarius take point. We will have the enemy warned of our commitment to their destruction."
Oleg's voice on the other line gave a dismissive confirmation of, "I will see it done General."
It all came too late when Nathaniel looked out to see Leo IIIs on General Blare's side preparing to make their way into the city. A mobile suit battle had begun when the two sides collided. "Edward was quick to see his own forces were prepared for this day it seems."
Hui did his best to control his fear when he saw the outcome at hand and tried to warn his leader, "Mr. President, if we don't get out of here we may not be able to even maintain the city for much longer."
Nathaniel dismissed the claim as soon as it came up. "Our goal is to see the Parliament is controlled and sees the justice it is given. We will not permit them to be subject to destruction from our own careless hand. This is my mistake General. Now I must be the one to undo it. General Blare and his men will not be victorious in usurping this Coalition. We must see that a path to peace is one day achieved."
Hui was lightly encouraged by his President's words when he answered, "We may have to find some assistance from reinforcements sir. I shall attempt to make contact with one of our leaders to assist in pushing back General Blare's ambition."
Nathaniel handed him a sheet of paper instructing, "These are the codes for the nearest contacts to the city. If you can even bring a handful of soldiers to our position it will be enough to assist us."
Hui assured him with a salute, "I will not fail you Mr. President."
"The coast should be clear soon sir..." Hyrum thought this until he saw the Coalition mobile suits making their way into the city. "Damn it! The Coalition sent in their mobile suits!"
Hyrum ordered the private, "Get back in!" When everyone was accounted for, Hyrum turned to the President and warned, "Still trapped it looks like. If we step out there we'll probably get singed by the crossfire from the enemy."
As Franz did everything to endure the crossfire along with Lieutenant Bernett he knew there was only one final chance at getting out of the city to any degree of cleanness. "If we find the nearest means of long distance communication we might be able to contact General Ulbricht and bring him back here to provide assistance for our dilemma."
Hyrum managed to overhear the President's order and knew he had to take this opportunity. "Understood sir. We'll only have to hope that he can arrive in time at this point."
One of the soldiers knew their fate was sealed when he had to agree with the plan. "Anything is better than nothing. Even just a small number of assistance can get us out of here."
"The enemy will still hold this city though." Another soldier pointed out.
Hyrum reminded them of their duty, "Our goal is to get the President and the Parliament out of here. When we pull that off we'll have a chance to regroup for a new effort."
The same soldier who expressed his doubts was back to his senses when he agreed, "Decent plan sir. I'm just hoping they can get to us in time or even have a chance to reach us."
Without even bothering to hear approval from his fellow troops Hyrum began to move out of the building when he ordered, "Stay put here. The more of us who stay here the less likely the Coalition will be able to find this position."
Hyrum saw his men were prepared to wait out his return when he announced, "I'm headed out. I'll get back when I manage to make that communication possible."
"Yes sir." The men answered as he made his way out. It would be a distance away but the real obstacle would be getting to the building without being killed.
Zelma saw the Earth Sphere mobile suits prepare for combat outside the city she had arrived in. The Tallgeese Throne was prepared for liftoff while Zelma continued to optimize the strategy she had for the arrival of the Rogue Wings. She contacted the leader of the forces requesting, "General Milano. Can we estimate the arrival of the enemy units?"
Emidio on the other side had clear concern in his voice when he tried to answer. "It is estimated they will be arriving within a few hours Agent. Are you prepared to take whatever means necessary to stop them now?"
"I will. I suggest you do the same thing General."
"We may be forced into a cooperation for now Agent. But we will both have alternative methods to pursuing our enemies."
Zelma offered a final comment on his disdain for the situation, "You may curse your luck all you wish General. But our cause is to destroy the Gundams. The pilots are without consequence but the weapons they wield cannot be permitted to exist anymore."
Ermes arriving last meant everyone was present for the meeting. Instructor W did a headcount even though he doesn't know the exact numbers they are travelling in. "Alright, I assume everyone's here?" He asked rhetorically before starting.
"I thought this is something that I should warn about before we touch Europe. The Falson Coalition has a Gundam called Aquarius Wasserman. It was a prototype Mobile Suit Lord Lindemann was developing for our use but it got stolen. It's now used by the Coalition forces and you'll be likely to meet it on the way to Brussels if not the actual city.
The Gundam is made of Gundanium alloy like other Gundams. It's armed with a heat rod and is compatible with most weaponry from ours and the Coalition's. The biggest danger is the virus it can spread to other Mobile Suits. Originally, it was developed against Mobile Dolls but it can now infect manned Mobile Suits. Another feature is an AI system that makes the pilot think like the AI, something like a limited Zero-System with a personality.
I have ideas on how to deal with the Mobile Suit. It uses an overpowered fusion reactor so destroying it conventionally would be dangerous for it's like a walking nuclear bomb. Developing a weapon with the resources we have to avert the nuclear catastrophe will be something I'd like to work on while we're at sea. It'll be great if some engineers help me out with it. If anyone has a copy of the Aquarius Virus, I can also try to develop an anti-virus software to install in all of our Mobile Suits."
Gawel cursed their luck when the requirement came to mind. "Well damn. That's a missed opportunity if there ever was one. Full system reformat means it has to be wiped clean so I can't say if we've even got a line of code for that thing."
Mercurio agreed there was a problem when it came to finding any bit of the virus Instructor W was talking about. "Our previous encounter with the Tallgeese at Ghat put us at a severe disadvantage. The virus was so powerful it almost rendered all of our systems ineffective and required a full system reformat."
Keijo tried to weigh their options when he suggested, "If we encounter the Tallgeese again it probably will use the virus. Of course, then there's the issue of trying to make it out of such an outcome when we're basically asking to get skewered. And that Agent probably isn't dumb enough to make the same mistake twice."
"Yeah we might not have those kind of resources at the moment. If we are going to try anything, we might at least have the resources to offset a nuclear explosion." Gawel shuttered at the idea when he heard about the Aquarius having a nuclear reactor of all things. He tried to keep his voice to a whisper when he commented on Lord Lindemann's decision, "Seriously... Why didn't you just call it the Walking Fat Man while you're at it..." He tried to maintain his composure on the subject when he suggested, "If we just have the resources to cause some kind of electromagnetic force to limit the explosion when the Aquarius' destruction takes effect we could at least limit the effects to a limited area rather than have it spreading fallout effects. Of course, since we're talking about a full mobile suit with that kind of potential, we'll need to create a whole new type of weapon suited for that purpose."
Dana stopped him from elaborating further when she asked, "Does this mean you can at least help the Instructor find a way to stop the Aquarius' effects Majewski?"
Gawel answered, "Yes sir, I can help with that at least."
Instructor W nodded at Gawel's thoughts. "Looks like I have an assistant." he smiled. "We'll talk about developing it later. I think the cruiser has some spare Coalition weaponry we can try to build from so we have resources, but still limited in a way." He gave his idea on the Aquarius virus. "Next time we meet the Tallgeese, we'll try to contain the virus in a Mobile Suit to be a vial for our anti-virus software."
The revelation of the new Gundam surprised Ermes in a way. Having the resource to create two Gundams meant the Lord was potentially a very dangerous man. "Excuse me, was President Kecker aware of the Gundam?" He asked.
"He was aware of the construction of the Gundam." Lord Lindemann answered. "I was going to present it to him, but it got stolen before I even could."
Donna wanted to ask question, more like a criticism to her father. "Why did you build a dangerously powerful reactor to it?" She questioned.
Till turned to his daughter as he replied, "It's to be able to use the features efficiently and not to compromise it's combat capabilities. A normal reactor wouldn't be powerful enough."
Donna asked more. "Did you even think of the risk if it gets damaged?"
Her father was stern with defending the Aquarius. "It's made to be powerful. It's unlikely to be destroyed."
Donna couldn't believe her father's stubbornness to rebuild his glory is worse. The display that he continued was enough for her to back away and give up speaking her concerns.
Gawel didn't really have much to add when he saw the tension build between Donna and her father, mostly stepping away slowly when the first sign of disapproval crept in. "Damn it how long does nobility have to give us these kinds of issues?" He answered trying to maintain the same whisper he had on the revelation of the Aquarius.
Thankfully Dana was able end what tension that built when she ordered Gawel, "Just make sure that you find something to help the Instructor."
Mercurio tried to offer his argument, "I only mean to provide some clarification Lord Lindemann, but I believe Donna was meaning to point out that one mobile suit is as destructible as another. If the Coalition has their hands on it, then it is every bit likely they will have found ways to improve it and make it that much more difficult to stop. If it is the case, destroying the Aquarius may be our only option."
Till eyed at Mercurio, the son of Heero Yuy and opposition leader Relena. Despite his hopes of him being a dutiful soldier, he was quick to find him as vocal as his mother. The attitude of the one who opposed most of his plans for the war and passed only thanks to Franz was enough to motivate him to offer a retort, "I am familiar with your mother Private Yuy." He spoke, with a hint of sarcasm.
Till's comment on Mercurio's heritage was something that caught Mercurio off guard. The talk was meant to be about the state of the Aquarius but Lord Lindemann might have been using the statement to discredit his input to the strategy.
Dana reminded Mercurio of the problem they were facing when she told him, "Try not to let this sort of thing sour anything Yuy. We've got more to worry about than just how we could have fixed things in hindsight."
Mercurio didn't show any sign of anger but rather very visible restraint when he decided that ignoring such a comment might be for the best. "... Yes Captain."
Instructor W concluded the meeting. "So the meeting is over. Majewski, I'll meet you at the hangar later. I'll speak with the captain and Lord Lindemann first before heading there."
"Could definitely find worse things to do." Gawel answered when he had a chance to assist the Instructor with his work. "Probably going to be the most ambitious work we'll have but it can't be anything too serious."
Dana knew Instructor W's plan to get another mobile suit infected with the Aquarius virus was the only possible choice when she elaborated, "Once we end up in that situation, we'll have to make sure we have a plan to get out of that quandary. We'll elaborate on that plan when I'm finished here. Dismissed people."
Maurycy agreed, "Yeah we'll make sure our mobile suits are ready to take in the virus when we get a chance."
Jasenka tried to give a slightly encouraging answer reminding, "We've got a mission to get back to Brussels and liberate our leaders you know. If this is supposed to help us with the enemy it's going to take more risk then we might want to invest."
Dana reminded them of the previous order, "Your choice if you want to sit through some serious technobabble or get those Ursa units ready for battle guys."
"Yeah just leave it with me.
Dana turned to Instructor W agreeing, "Whatever you've got on your mind Instructor I'm ready to hear it."
Gawel thanked the Instructor, "Yeah thanks, I'll be pretty decent I imagine. Just hope we have those materials."
Nasir commented, "If you have to go down the creative route then make sure you have the insurance to take the risk."
Gawel chose to brush off the comment when he answered, "Yeah sure. Ya got to remember what I'm working with you know."
The meeting was turning into a miniature parliament as Instructor W and Donna saw with a militant supporter and a pacifist collide. The Instructor leaned to his student. "Why don't you take a rest?" He whispered the suggestion.
Donna looked at her mentor. "I will." She answered. "The trek across the Sahara's going to take toll soon." She walked out of the bridge to find the quarters in the cruiser.
Ermes also announced his leave. "I need some rest." He said. "The condition of Mars is different to Earth's." Once he made his intention clear, he made his exit.
Mercurio turned away with the others to let the leaders have their talks as requested. He had to at least rest his eyes, or he might not be able to provide a decent fight for the next encounter with the Coalition forces.
Zachariah was not thrilled when he commented, "It is realistic to expect the worst right now huh?"
"Yeah and with a plan like that we'll have even more to worry about." Roy added. It was clear at this point that trying to catch the virus from the Tallgeese or the Aquarius might actually be an easy action but it would still be a significant issue to even attempt taking on.
Instructor W turned to Captain Dana. "I would like to discuss our plan to Brussels." He started the discussion. "We will be heading Northward to Fréjus in Southern France and from there we will trek to Brussels in our current route."
Till gave his voice to the conversation. "We will be crossing Corsica." He informed. "I will send a rallying code to loyalists to join our attack."
The Instructor returned to Dana. "We would like your voice in this." He said. "You and your men will be spearheading the operation."
"Sum of everything we got is that everything is going according to the usual pattern." Dana confirmed when she heard about the plan to move in. She took a brief period to think out a strategy when she decided, "For what we've got planned? Well if we're going to continue our way to Brussels then we'll have to be ready to hit two big bullseyes. We'll have to take down the Aquarius and make sure we don't need to cause some big radiation leak. Assuming we're able to take it down safely." She said pointing out to Gawel and Instructor W's project. "The other one being the Testudo. Best case scenario we encounter the Aquarius first and then we'll be able to pick off against the Testudo with everything we've got."
"At least I take it we'll get some help when we keep going further up there? I don't know if we'll have the supplies or numbers to storm an entire city." Gawel tried to confirm the plan. "Even if we take down both of those things we won't be able to take out the occupation with just our numbers and leveling the city with our mobile suits isn't going to improve our image either."
Dana nodded when she turned back to Lindemann and W. "Especially considering the Coalition will probably have further numbers built up by then when we get up there." Taking into account of what Lindemann said earlier on the reinforcements in Corsica though she still managed to have an amount of conviction for the cause after confirming, "When we do make it through, it'll be a tough period, but we'll be able to get our leaders back to showing the Coalition who's boss."
"Nonetheless it will be best to take them all down, but hopefully not all at the same time." The Instructor nodded at what Captain Dana said. "Aquarius can be possibly remedied with me and Gawel but for the Tetsudo, we will have to count on the Gundams."
Gawel accepted this idea when he answered, "If we do manage to pull that off then maybe President Kecker will have the support necessary to continue against the Coalition."
And we'll have to hope that Agent Zelma's report is just weak Coalition propaganda... Dana kept to herself when she confirmed the plan.
"OZ support will be vital." Lord Lindemann expanded to the cavalry. "We'll get support from allies in Europe. Corsica as I mentioned is OZ stronghold as it was in 195. Scotland is another supporter we will need. Baron Andrew Stuart is an old friend governing the region's defense. We will have a rag-tag force but it will be enough to hold Brussels."
Instructor saw the time right to wrap things up. "So I believe we're all planned out." He concluded looking at everyone present. "Gawel, you'll find me in the hangar." He walked out of the bridge to prepare the countermeasure they're planning.
When the other pilots were making their way to the sleeping quarters Mercurio offered Donna, "I apologize, I didn't intend to cause any argument earlier."
Donna heard Mercurio apologies. "It's fine." She answered back. "He can change words to fists in a matter of minutes. You can tell he doesn't like you for your mother but he respects your father to a degree."
Mercurio agreed, "There haven't been many who chose to offer her such respect these days. I just hope there won't be any more instances where mentioning her along with me will be an issue."
When Mercurio entered one of the sleeping quarters, Donna continued with her drink. She wasn't sure what she felt of everything now.
Ermes found the living quarters of the cruiser, which was above the hangar. Donna was in the mess-hall with a glass of water, something to have before fulling going to sleep. He found the Gundam pilot there and took the chance to know more about her. "So you don't get along well with your father I presume?" The Ambassador asked.
Donna replied after taking a sip. "My father and I have some things we both agree in." She responded. "But he's obsessed with OZ and bringing back his old fame. I wonder if he forgets about his children."
Ermes asked the next question. "Anything on your mother?" He inquired.
Donna's reply was quick. "She died in an assassination. I think the assassin was aiming at my father since he's more important."
The Martian realized what could be driving Donna's father. "I'm sorry to hear that." He remarked on what he heard. He walked away and left the quarters.
Later on that night, Mercurio sat himself into one of the bunks the sleeping quarters had prepared. He rubbed is eyes when he tried to get some sleep and pondered some of the previous events that had happened the past few days. These thoughts continued to pound on his mind until he managed to roll over for some sleep over the next few hours.
At night, Donna had difficulty sleeping with everything in her mind. Bringing Brussels back to Earth Sphere, defeating a time-bomb Gundam and her unreasonable father. She also started thinking about Mercurio and Ermes for attempting to stand against her father and saving her on Mars respectively and the thought kept her awake for an hour.
4 hours passed as Hyrum tried to search through the battlefield when the crossfire finally died down. Even the enemy had to take a rest among the chaos if only to regroup and strategize for further attacks. He was starting to feel the strain of being set out in the battlefield when he was feeling hunger creep up on him.
After avoiding the enemy fire for so long he finally managed to find a clear way into the Parliamentary Building. Some of the Coalition guards were passing by and the sloppiness was understandable at this point. The Coalition had split in two at this point and the soldiers were becoming very concerned about their fate.
Hyrum avoided the guard line of vision when he found one of the nearby side doors open. Even though the Coalition was able to patrol it they probably didn't have the manpower just now to take the Parliament prisoner. Hyrum managed to find his way into the meeting hall after a time. Heero and the others were waiting for him to arrive when he announced, "Major. It's me. I need your help."
Time had passed but the Colony Representatives had made their way down to Earth at the site of Orleans. The forces were unloaded while the Representatives waited at the landing port to begin their relatively short trip to Brussels. Things had seemed rather questionable when John Windham searched for the escort from the President's main forces. It wasn't until the Colonel sent to report the status of Brussels they had an idea of what was happening. "Colonel Erickson sirs." He reported in salute before reporting, "It's with heavy regret that I must report something unfortunate has come to pass. The President is currently undergoing a defense against an insubordinate General."
Ian Estes was taken aback by the report when he tried to understand, "Insubordination? But we were told he had brought some of his key supporters with him to occupy the capital."
"I'm afraid that it is no longer the case Representative Estes. If we don't do anything to support the President the summit will not be able to take place." The Colonel answered regretfully. It was after this report the Representatives begun to talk among themselves to determine what was to be done.
Felix Bryant observed the situation, "It would seem that this Coalition requires one final purge before we are able to see this promised unity President Falson has promised."
Ian was in agreement when he hoped, "If that is the case then we shall have to claim victory over one final battle before we attain peace."
John was quick to remind them of another roadblock, "Only when the Gundams have been destroyed will see this war end. As long as they are still rampant on this planet we risk destruction regardless of our standing in this war."
Ian turned to the Colonel ordering, "Prepare the Anaconda. Send it with our forces and what ones have been stationed here to Brussels. President Falson will have no further issues when we arrive to his support."
"Understood Mr. Representative." The Colonel obediently followed. It was after the Colonel made his way to the communications tower order he ordered, "All units prepare to move out. Be ready for combat if necessary." It was going to be another long road but the fate of the Coalition itself was on the line.
The order to move out was passed on to Tano. From what he heard, there is trouble in Brussels caused by a traitor and he will be sent as reinforcement. He turned on the Anaconda's systems and check the condition of his new squad. "Are we ready to move?" The lieutenant asked.
"Ready on your order."
"Ready."
"Ready as always, sir."
Nathaniel was still waiting for another report when the battle had subsided for today. He knew it would only be a matter of hours before General Blare and his uprising were ready to engage in battle once again. He was prepared to hear the status when he saw General Kung enter. Nathaniel was quick to ask, "What is our current status with General Blare's forces?"
Hui read from a clipboard answering, "Mr. President, from what we have been able to estimate currently 20% of our forces as well as theirs have been killed."
Nathaniel maintained his composure when he answered, "If we are able to endure this battlefield, we will see General Blare's ambitions foiled. We must continue to pull through."
"No one on the battlefield will question their dedication to your cause Mr. President."
"Dedication is unfortunately not the resource that will turn the tide of this battle General. We cannot afford any further casualties, but we must see General Blare fall."
"We shall not fail Mr. President." The General left with a final salute.
Heero saw several soldiers prepare their guns when Hyrum dashed into the meeting hall but was quick to order, "Stand down. It's the Lieutenant." He was the first to greet the loyal soldier hoping his mission was successful. "Welcome back soldier. Is the President safe?"
Hyrum saluted to his superior and announced the status of his mission, "I managed to make it back, but yes the President is safe from enemy capture. We need to begin finding a way out of here though. I've got the com signal to contact General Ulbricht and he might be able to offer enough support to get us out of here."
Heero understood what Hyrum was hoping to achieve and thanked, "Good work. We'll help you get there Lieutenant." He turned to the others with an order, "Everyone stay here. We have to get the message to our allies. This stand will end soon."
Almost a day had passed as the cruiser containing the Rogue Wing mobile suits continued across the sea, they were a distance away from Cagliari. Mercurio followed Dana's wakeup call when on her announcement and knew that even in these times, their training regimen wouldn't be neglected. The group at least had a somewhat peaceful period when they had a decent night's sleep and a chance to see things progress in their favor. One of the last things they might expect by now was an attack from the Coalition, but they had to remain ready for an attack when the time came.
Within the Earth Sphere base on the nearby island city, Zelma found the cruiser she had anticipated from yesterday. "So, they have taken the projected course after all. She signaled to her subordinate, "The cruiser has arrived General. Be prepared to engage."
General Emidio Milano signed off at the signal when he turned to signal his own men, "All units prepare to launch. The unauthorized cruiser is our target." Within moments the Earth Sphere mobile suits had been activated and were waiting on the shoreline. The main target was in sight while they waited for it to arrive within range. The Tallgeese Throne however clearly couldn't wait for such a time. It launched towards the sea with a few airborne Ursa units behind it on the projected course.
Zelma had a fix on the target and signaled to her fellow pilots, "The target is within range. Destroy the other Gundams. Leave the Uriel to me."
"Understood sir." The other units fell behind as the attack began. With that motion the Tallgeese made its attack with the buster rifle but only at enough power to damage the vessel. She had to see the Gundams destroyed herself. At least that was what she would say in her report.
It was early in the afternoon the next day the Rogue Wings managed to find themselves nearing the coast of the Mediterranean. Before they were allowed too much rest the Captain was sure to send the troops on the exercises necessary for the trip to come. "Let's keep it fresh people we're about to get ready for another long one when we get to our destination." She instructed while they continued to maintain their pushups.
"I seriously have to do this too? I swear Instructor W isn't going to solve those algorithms without my input!" Gawel shouted among his protests.
"One more word like that and I'll make sure you have a real hard session after hours."
He gulped any further words he had when he affirmed, "Yes sir..."
As soon as the Tallgeese had fired on the other side of the cruiser though Dana knew what they were in for. "Ah shit!" She maintained her command when she ordered, "Everyone to your battle stations! We've got some enemy fire ready!"
The pilots began to rush to the main hangar bay while Dana prepared to make her way to the Artemis. "Looks like now is the time to get Majewski and the Instructor their virus. Is this thing still the Tallgeese though?"
She didn't bother wondering about it when she ordered her fellow pilots, "Lindemann! Yuy! You two engage the Tallgeese and I'll do my best to help you from behind. Once you get the virus be sure to turn off everything except the primary systems. After that, pray." She elaborated the unfortunate reality, "I know you won't be able to do much, but you'll both have to be real hard close range units today. It's the only way you might even stand a chance."
Mercurio saluted when he prepared to rush to the Gundam hangar, "Understood sir. We'll keep the enemy from getting any closer." Within moments the Uriel and other Gundams had ascended from the cruiser's docking system with the three of them prepared to engage the Tallgeese. "Uriel preparing for battle." Mercurio announced before the Gundam began its flight into the air. Its buster sword was prepared while charging for the main target above it.
The order launch reached Donna. "Roger!" She responded. She was about to go her Gundam but Instructor W stopped her.
"Donna, wait!" He shouted, getting her attention. "We're fighting above sea! The Sandesgeist will sink to the bottom of the ocean!"
That was a disadvantage that was forgotten. It is too heavy to float even with a flyer unit. The news left Donna frustrated for she's unable to help. Instructor W saw her frustration and had an idea. "In that case Donna, activate the Leo III left in the hangar." He instructed. "We will be able to capture the virus in the mobile suit."
With new instruction, she made her way to the Leo III. She found the cockpit of the mobile suit clearly different to a Gundam's for it's made for cost-effective mass-production. She activated the system of the Leo III and made her quick exit. "It's done." The Gundam pilot informed.
"Great!" The Instructor nodded. "Not sure what else you can help with now." He took a look at what he and Gawel went through the night. They got the concept that a nuclear jammer is beyond their reach and they need an alternative. The idea they came up with was to look at how Mobile Suits stay intact after it's defeated and design a weapon to prevent the nuclear meltdown after correcting him about how mobile suits were powered.
"The enemy is making its way around!" Dana warned when she saw the enemy Leo III units making their way across the sea. She saw two of her units had gone down and it wasn't a sure sign they were going to have it easy. She warned the Uriel, "Yuy! We might not be able to offer a whole lot of support, we've been pinned down by some old friends of ours!"
"Well shit we're back to the drawing board." Gawel noted when he saw the concept couldn't be achieved with what both he and the Instructor had. "It'd be rudimentary but if we had something to separate the reactor in an instant it would probably be our best bet."
Zelma saw the Gundams moving out and the mission was about to progress as was hoped. "There they are." She tuned into the channel of her fellow Ursa pilots warning, "All units sweep out of range. The transmission is beginning." The Ursa units began to move out and the Tallgeese began to transmit the virus from the Aquarius. Only a matter of time had passed before the virus made its way across the mobile suits.
"It's taking effect! Prepare to go silent!" Mercurio realized when his Gundams' systems became scrambled like the previous encounter. He was quick to shut down his assisting systems leaving only a rather scrambled vision of the Tallgeese outside. It was time for a blind fight where the Gundams had only their reflexes to rely on.
Zelma ordered the Ursa units away from her position, "Form up and prepare to blitz the cruiser!" At that order the Earth Sphere mobile suits made their way towards the cruiser and began to attack the defending mobile suits. Placing away the buster rifle the Tallgeese had its heat rods prepared for the last option the Gundams had for combat.
Keijo realized the sudden movement soon enough to warn, "Oh shit! They're coming in fast!" It was quick before he realized two of the Ursa units had lost their signal leaving only the worst to be imagined. "Lizote! Richer! Come in! Contact now!" He tried to make contact but couldn't even hear static. "Damn, looks like we're going to have our first casualties out here..."
