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 48: Hollow Devotions
Oleg saw the enemy mobile suits still advancing through the city while he tore through the nearby buildings and ranks of Leo IIIs. "I can't stand this. I thought my target was supposed to be the Earth Sphere, not suppressing our own ranks!" He stopped cursing his luck when he remembered there was no one to hear his complaint and only swiped away with his heat rods. The survivors of the city both citizen and soldier scrambled to the next possible location of safety. "Sorry to say that I'm not willing to let my death be brought about this easily."
He realized the key thing he was fighting for when he committed his loyalty to the battle as he struck down another Leo III. "Anyone who wishes to end this path to peace will find me in their way. This Coalition will rise to the power it is meant to be!"
He made his attack further into the ranks of the opposing side announcing, "My family will have its peace!" What place of importance himself on was knocked down when mobile suits were making their way towards his location. Even with the virus at his disposal, sheer numbers alone were enough to put him in danger. His Aquarius Gundam made the escape as it used its thrusters to regroup with General Hui Kung's mobile suit forces.
He had no concern for chain of command when he announced, "Form up on me! This day shall soon be among our finest!" With their morale at least encouraged the mobile suits loyal to President Falson were prepared to endure the battle for however much longer was necessary.
Edward saw the results of the battle still not going in his favor but not entirely in support of the President either. "The only thing that appears to be shifting the scales of this battle now is the Aquarius. Tsubarov still runs the risk of being easily overwhelmed if all of this should proceed. Even the most powerful Gundams can be caught off guard with proper strategy."
"We may not have enough time and only the ground forces as a possible victory." Rayen reminded him.
"Now that the mobile suits are being pushed back, we have a new battleground from the recent destruction. If we utilize it to our advantage, we can overtake President Falson's forces." If he couldn't take the mobile suit ground, he would have to stay in the area he had a chance claiming victory. Most of all it was where he could end the Coalition at its heart, where the President and his supporters to be easily decimated. Edward was determined to be the victorious one when Nathaniel eventually fell.
"This optimism may not work in our favor if we do not have the manpower to fulfill this ambition. Our men must see that this cause is not hopeless." Rayen reminded him. Edward gave a solemn nod when he heard these words and only wondered about his next move.
In this moment Edward began to issue a small speech to his men. Everyone with a radio frequency would overhear this message. "Push forward and with every ounce of dedication you have for this cause! If we are to see the Coalition stand strong among its enemies it will see Nathaniel Falson dead by the time this battle has passed! Together we are the future of the human race! United we will rally the masses under our might!"
The building wasn't being guarded from the inside by Coalition guards, so it was one thing Hyrum was pleased to see maintained from the battle. The fact that Heero was prepared to save the Parliament with the help of contacting the forces in Berlin was an encouraging thought. He found they were both on the third floor when he commented, "Nice, we're just a few clicks away from sending this communication to our forces in Germany. Hopefully they'll be able to provide the right support to get us out of here." Hyrum came to a sudden realization when he remembered the Testudo waiting outside for anyone trying to interfere with the capital. "Major do you think the Coalition is going to destroy us when they find out our forces are on their way here?"
Heero knew that Hyrum's concern was legitimate but he did have to consider something very critical with the logic. "The Testudo won't fire with the President in the city. Otherwise it's up to Ulbricht's men to find a way around." Heero answered. He continued to move forward while checking the Coalition's view from below. Right after finding the security room he guided Hyrum, "Right this way. We can make our contact here."
Hyrum saluted to the confirmation from Heero, "Yes sir. I'm right behind you."
The two began to make their way up the stairs of the Parliamentary Building when Heero was sure to remind him, "We'll have to make sure that the Coalition forces don't find us or this will all be for nothing."
Hyrum felt like his answer was warranted when he considered the placement logic of the forces. Either way their desperation was enough to make his people take this sort of risk. It was a short while before he was in the security room and had a chance to fulfill his President's mission. "Finally. Let's see if he's able to deliver anything." He took out the signal on the paper he held and began to adjust the frequency to match with the base frequency in Berlin. "Attention Berlin base. Attention Berlin base. This is an emergency broadcast from the capital. Requesting contact with lead forces."
It was a few moments before the contact could be made but Hyrum's hopes were answered with Klaus Ulbricht's response. He maintained his professionalism containing his optimism when he reported to Heero, "Major, it's working. General Ulbricht has our signal." Hyrum made sure to begin the message when he answered back, "Berlin Command this is the Home Base. We're broadcasting an immediate request for an evacuation. The President and remainder of Parliament must be extracted from our location. The occupation is in major disarray and we can take advantage of the chaos. Our leaders need an escape to Amsterdam. Request to be fulfilled sir?"
The situation in Berlin remained unchanged since the occupation began. Once a proud city was reduced to ruins similar to Warsaw with the similarity extending to the occupation as well. General Ulbricht was left to tend to managed what remained of the German forces, counting the survivors and forced to report them to the Coalition. In recent hour however, the movement of the Coalition occupiers have been dubious with chaos somewhere within the ranks. A soldier ran with important news.
Marcel made his way over to him when he reproted, "Sir, we have a message from Brussels. It seems to be urgent."
"Very well, I will speak to them." Klaus replied. He expected orders to disarm his forces as part of the surrender. He picked up the phone he had on his desk to speak to whoever was trying to contact him. "This is General Klaus Ulbricht, Commander of the Prussian garrisons." He responded to the message.
Probably the best bit of good news for Hyrum Bernett that day was finding out Klaus had the troops and resources to spare in serving his nation. Even if the Earth Sphere was forced to retreat for now, their victory could be assured if they agreed to regroup at some point. He remembered his mission when he answered back, "We read you clear Berlin Command. Make sure your priority is to avoid contact with the Testudo. It's still operational and a huge risk to anyone who comes in contact with it. Home Base is waiting your arrival." Hyrum gave the final warning and was able to promise his superior, "Just a matter of time now sir. We'll be able to escort the Parliament out of here."
The General thought of the situation he is in. Indeed there was the problem extending to Berlin with occupational forces in disarray on who to side. He will do anything to save the Earth Sphere's parliament. "Very well. I can spare a company of Ursa ground units. I'll give them the order to move out." What he heard sounded like the chaos stemmed from Brussels. He contacted his communications officer next. "Tell the Third Company to move Brussels."
Upon receiving the order, the Third Company begun its journey towards Brussels. Klaus knew he would be forced to respond to Coalition inquiries as an exercise to get their noses from the rescue. The Company being sent was also among the Companies that took heavy losses and only at the third of their strength. They marched on to Brussels but with the feeling of defeat but if the mission can be pulled off, the war will not be lost.
Heero knew there was a chance to find a way out of the city occupation but he couldn't let optimism cloud his judgment. He turned to make sure the coast was clear while ordering, "Good work Lieutenant. We can only celebrate when we have the results to show for our effort. General Ulbricht just has to get back here." He guided Hyrum back down to the floor level of the building when he instructed, "Meet up with the President. Tell him reinforcements will be arriving. It's probably best if he stays where he is until they get here."
Hyrum followed Heero down to the ground level when he agreed to follow the mindset for using results to speak for their success. "I'll do it sir. The President won't be found while we're keeping him safe." He found his way towards the exit and saluted before leaving with, "It will only be a matter of time now sir. Just wait here."
Heero saw Hyrum make his way back into the streets of Brussels hoping to find a way to avoid enemy crossfire. For the most part the Coalition crossfire had died down with the exception of a few stray bullets. The fighting was bound to intensify very soon and no one would have their safety considered.
Heero turned to meet with the soldiers in the room when he told them, "General Klaus Ulbricht will be making his way here to provide reinforcements to take us out of the city. It won't be long before we fulfill our duty but we must stay prepared for our defense." The enthusiasm was held for the moment when he saw everyone overlooking the meeting hall. Heero turned to one of the nearby soldiers asking, "Has everyone been given a sidearm?"
"Yes sir. We've managed to distribute as many weapons as possible to the Representatives and we will have enough to support our forces as well. Only enough for a defense but not much else."
Heero agreed to the circumstances when he thanked, "It's what we'll have to work with." He turned to one of the particular Representatives asking, "You remember how these work right?"
Relena nodded when she prepared her own pistol, "Of course Heero."
Zelma saw the Ursa units making their strikes on the cruiser. Several of the Rogue Wings had gone down by now but the effects weren't going to be enough to discourage the Gundam targets.
If Zelma was able to hear the Uriel's charge she would have heard Mercurio shouting, "Stop it!" As it prepared its buster sword for contact.
Zelma knew this was the only opportunity she would have to stop the Gundams from furthering the war. "Mercurio! You must stop this advance!" She tried to contact him but found out signal wasn't met when the Uriel continued to make its strikes against her and refused to give any answer. She knew the strategy they were using now. "I see. It is the only way he would be able to fight without distraction." When it was decided Zelma formed the heat rods into a straight line and prepared to clash with the Uriel. The opposing Gundam at the same time had its buster sword prepared to the same heat level as the Tallgeese's weapons. When the two met in contact neither side was able to push the other back.
Dana saw the Tallgeese and the Uriel in a fierce duel between one another when she tried to pick off the Ursa units in the air. "Come on Yuy! You got to be able to handle that thing better than that!" She felt another explosion from nearby when she noticed they were taking more loses. She used her radio to contact Gawel asking, "Status report?"
Gawel was weary when he answered "Captain... It looks like we've lost five of our own mobile suits. If we don't get the Tallgeese out of this area soon we're going to be a sinking ship really quick."
"Get to the survivors. And if you can do anything at least try and make a first effort at making that viral block."
"Can't promise a whole lot Captain. Then again I don't know if I ever could."
The virus started uploading to the Leo III. Instructor W had a look at the monitors of the Leo III to confirm it. "We've got it!" He announced to Gawel.
Donna saw how the battle is turning against them quick. She had a run at the weapons available on the cruiser and there was a beam Gatling gun that caught her eye. "Instructor! I'll give the forces above cover-fire!" She shouted.
"Got it!" The Instructor replied. "Make sure you turn off all non-essential systems in your mobile suit first!"
Donna started up her mobile suit quickly and quickly got it to offline mode. The radar and the communications array were shutdown to prevent the virus to spread to her. The Leo III grabbed the cannon and began setting it up while enduring some shots fired.
The Instructor contacted the bridge of the ship after clearing possible weapon plans from the communications panel. One thought was to enhance the cutting ability of the buster-sword or shotel or make a spear that will act as part of the circuits to the reactor. "Status of our ship Ermes?" He asked.
"The starboard is damaged." He reported. "I'm doing my best to steer our way out of the fire, but the mobile suits are too fast!"
The report wasn't really good news. All they can do now is to pray for their cruiser to endure the damage.
Donna managed to set up the large Gatling gun in front of the hangar and fortunately for her, the Sandesgeist had no problem carrying heavy objects. "I'll have to rely on instincts." She muttered. She pulled the trigger of the cannon and barrage of beam shots were fired from the skies. The shots manage to take down two enemy Mobile Suits from surprise and forced others to maneuver away from it. Her allies will also have a hard time to avoid fire for communications are cut. When the cartridge ran out, she quickly replaced it to continue firing.
The clash between the two mobile suits continued to build when the weapons met with one another. Zelma saw the damage being done to the cruiser was building but her duel with the Uriel was not about to subside at any point.
Mercurio saw the heat rods build pressure against his weapon while he made a quick pull away from the fray. He used the buster sword to swipe into an upward cut while the heat rods continued to make contact but the Tallgeese was not swayed back. Zelma looked over her options and saw that the cruiser wasn't too far away from the city of Cagliari and might be enough to catch the Uriel off guard. "I know your Gundam can survive this much damage." Zelma reminded herself when she began to speed away from the Uriel's position. The attack was being subsided quickly from the Rogue Wings but Zelma would be able to destroy the cruiser without having to harm the Uriel.
When Mercurio saw the Tallgeese beginning to make its way away from their dueling area he made his own announcement, "I won't let you destroy them!" He sped quickly to meet with the Tallgeese before it was able to draw its buster rifle only to continue the clash between weapons from before. The biggest hazard came when Mercurio saw the Earth Sphere mobile suits beginning to fire on his position. He was still wanted by the Coalition, they still wanted him and his fellow squad mates destroyed.
The Uriel changed its buster sword into shield mode only to defend against the shots while avoiding what strikes came from the Tallgeese. It turned out to be a false fear when Mercurio saw the Tallgeese preparing its buster rifle and knew there was only one target it could be prepared for. He didn't bother to worry about the Earth Sphere mobile suits from the city but instead focused his effort to make contact with the Tallgeese's weapon.
Zelma knew the action wasn't impossible and made a swipe away from the Uriel's shield before it could be damaged. The shot only fired away from the cruiser before it perform any damage. Zelma saw the Uriel was prepared to use the Earth Sphere fire to its advantage and knew it would be the only likely way to protect the Rogue Wings from being destroyed. "You have been able to accomplish much Mercurio. This effort cannot be permitted however." She answered when the Tallgeese prepared its heat rods again while sending its claw sidearms to assist in the damage.
The two mobile suits continued their duel when the Uriel changed its shield back to a sword. The fate of the cruiser was still in the hands of these two pilots.
Dana noticed the Ursa units attacking the cruiser had begun to dwindle even though they had lost a number of pilots. The biggest concern for her now was the Tallgeese and Mercurio's effort to protect his fellow pilots from destruction. "Somebody finally got our act together out there. Let's make sure Mercurio doesn't have to be out there alone." She encouraged herself.
Gawel received the virus from the transmission and could now begin his work. "Perfect! Alright let's get started on this thing." After a quick overview of the virus's programming he began to understand how the thing worked. "Ah so there's the trick. This thing can only be sent one way and after that prevents any further transmission. Virus is really effective in this area." He began to search through the inner algorithms and noted, "Just a matter of getting these damn attack programs out of the way. After that this virus isn't going to be too effective." He wonrdered briefly, "Well damn... That might be able to kill two birds with one stone... At least I hope."
Dana on the other line asked, "Majewski do you have anything on that virus yet?"
Gawel answered back, "I might Captain. If we get this counter program to work then we'll have some chance against the Tallgeese."
"Very good Majewski!" Instructor W commended at Gawel. "We'll upload an anti-virus broadcast to our Mobile Suits as a measure for this battle using Donna's Sandesgeist. We'll develop an anti-virus patch to distribute to our Mobile Suits after this." He thought of working further with Gawel after the war as well.
Donna's Gatling gun fire managed to make a difference. Although her usual shooting skills are worse, the inaccurate barrage managed to defeat a number of enemies that surrounded the cruiser. She avoided attacking the Tallgeese for Mercurio can be hit by the shots. The cartridges were being consumed at a terrifying rate, but she knew the effort would be worth the trouble. Donna persisted with her attack as she placed a new cartridge inside her gun after ejecting an empty one to the ground.
Zelma found herself losing an edge of patience when she tried to take down the Uriel. "Don't make me destroy you Mercurio!" She told herself when she pressed the assault.
Mercurio prepared to strike down against the Tallgeese again when the Uriel's blade swung with his command, "Go down!"
Keijo saw the Earth Sphere mobile suits making their way away from the cruiser while the efforts to push back the enemy continued. He looked down when he saw Gawel rushing outside with a hard drive in hand signaling something. He knew what happened and had to make way towards his Captain to inform the success. Moving next to the Artemis he announced from his cockpit, "We've got the anti-virus signal Captain! We should be on an even playing field now!"
"Good work! We're about to render this virus dated now!" Dana congratulated when she heard Keijo announce their success. She saw they weren't out of the woods yet when Mercurio was still dueling with the Tallgeese for dominance. "Damn. Yuy is still having trouble with that one mobile suit. Not that it's much of a pushover." She opened her cockpit and shouted down to Gawel, "Majewski, you need to get that program to the Uriel!"
"What? Seriously?!" Believing he didn't hear his captain correctly he tried to confirm if this was what she wanted. Unfortunately, he was about to be sent on another task that he didn't have in mind for his service.
"Our best bet is to give Yuy the chance to use Zero System. We pull that off and this battle is over. I'll distract her while he gets over here." Before Gawel could offer any further protest, Dana closed the Artemis cockpit and prepared to make another volley of fire towards the Tallgeese.
"Go figure..." Gawel cursed his luck while he waited for the Uriel to descend. He tucked the hard drive into his pocket when he hoped to see the Uriel notice his presence and finally make its way towards landing.
As the Uriel continued to make its blocks against the Tallgeese the two mobile suits were spun into another twirl when the strikes pushed them each other away. Mercurio found his mobile suit close to the edge of the cruiser and likely risking the safety of his squad mates. He tried to make sure his footing was solid when he saw one of the pilots waving his location. "Gawel?" Mercurio recognized the signal as needing immediate contact. He didn't think it was possible, but Dana was offering a volley of fire from her buster rifle when the Tallgeese was stopped in midair to defend itself. "Hope what he's got is good." The Uriel made its way down towards Gawel's location while avoiding other personnel. He opened the cockpit warning, "Majewski! This will have to be quick!"
Zelma had the Tallgeese's shields prepared for such a situation as Dana's volley. "Not bad. She should know that this won't be enough however." The Tallgeese made its dive towards the water and prepared its heat rods to meet with the cruiser.
Mercurio saw this dive beginning and tried to rush Gawel with his goal. "Make it quick! The enemy is moving in!"
Gawel handed Mercurio the hard drive when the cockpit opened. "Use that and curb stomp that bitch already!" He was able to order before he was kicked out.
As soon as he received the hard drive, he didn't have any further words when he gave Gawel the kick to make a quick drop down. Mercurio made sure to remain within a safe dropping distance of the cruiser for Gawel to make a safe way down while staying on guard against the Tallgeese. Mercurio couldn't wait any longer when he saw the Tallgeese prepared to make a swipe down and made a quick dive down to the enemy mobile suit's position.
"Shit! Shit! Shit! You're making me take that drop?!" He was hanging on by the edge of the Uriel's leg when he made his way down. "Damn it come on!" He saw his drop below would be something scary even if it was the alternative to being caught in the damage the Tallgeese Throne brought. Thankfully he only had a few scrapes and a heavy dash of adrenaline at the worst when he made contact. He looked up to the Artemis and announced in his status, "… Captain. It's been delivered…"
Trenton supported Gawel to his feet. "Good work Majewski. We'll have to hope that Yuy can pull this off now."
Gawel began to feel somewhat better but only now noticed that Trenton was the one helping him to his feet. He was quick to ask, "He better. I'm not gonna risk my ass for something like that again. I take it the Earth Sphere isn't poking us anymore?"
Trenton nodded when he carried him to the nearest door, "We've got to see if we have any injured. The debris has some signs of life out there."
Mercurio inserted the hard drive into nearest console port and made the quick programming necessary to be activated. It was moments before the hard drive came into effect. "This thing will probably work if I use the other interfaces are activated." As soon as Mercurio activated the other systems he saw the hard drive programming start to clear up everything as well as the camera. "Looks like I can go in without worry now." He prepared his buster sword to move in with his hand on the Zero System activation button. "This is the Uriel! I'm moving in! Continue current course!" He announced when he finally used the com system again. Within moments the Uriel used its Zero System and prepared to strike against the Tallgeese.
Zelma was taking every opportunity to avoid being hit by the strikes the Uriel was able to take but knew why she was having such trouble now. Somehow their programmer managed to decode a way to solve the virus and access its full potential. She made another attempt to contact Mercurio when she used her radio again. "Mercurio! You must not continue your mission to save President Kecker!"
Mercurio was caught off guard when backed away from the last strike recognizing the pilot of the Tallgeese knew his name. "What?" The notion was probably too great of a coincidence but the situation seemed to call for it in this case. He had to receive confirmation when he asked, "Who is this?"
Zelma on the other line hesitated before answering, "… This is an insider with the Coalition. You and your Captain have shown dedication to helping the cause of this war."
Dana was probably right when she said it was nothing but Coalition propaganda on her part. He maintained his cause when he answered, "I'm here to defend the Earth Sphere cause of a united Earth. This war was caused by those who wished to end that dream."
"It is regrettable your belief does not call into question those who lead the causes. Nathaniel Falson has the intention of preventing another war of this sort, but President Kecker is unwilling to hear out this possibility. Why else do you think he allowed Brussels to be invaded?"
The question was legitimate but Mercurio was still unsure about hearing the Coalition Agent's warning. "What do you expect me to permit?"
"Please permit me the chance to speak with your Captain about what you are advocating with this cause." Zelma answered with an honest tone.
Mercurio was reluctant about the idea of letting her touchdown but he had to see if there was a bigger picture he and the others weren't seeing. "… If you have the intention of sabotage, I will make sure my decision is taken back." He warned her.
The two mobile suits began to touchdown on the cruiser when Zelma answered, "You will not be denied an honest audience."
Only a short amount of time had passed when the Tallgeese and Uriel dueled but all of a sudden stopped. More perplexing the fact they were both touching down in front of the Artemis. "The hell? What's the Tallgeese doing on this ship?"
Dana was confused by the sight as well but recognized there was something Zelma had said when she was able to convince Mercurio to stop his attack. As soon as the two pilots made their way down Dana was the next to touch the ground and inquire just what she was up to. "Nice to see you again Agent. Decided to cut your losses before losing?"
After such a display of destruction had been given, many who had taken cover on the cruiser were shocked to see the Uriel and Tallgeese making their way down to the landing area. Ermes saw Donna make her way up to him when she observed was an odd sight to say the least. Ermes agreed, "This is not something I'd expect even from the pilot either. I hope that it's not what I'm afraid of."
Suchart was less than pleased to see the result when he forced himself nearby and cursed, "How stupid can our situation get? We got that thing in our hands and… We're supposed to just let it on board as though it were just a guest?"
Ludwika made her way to his side and took his right arm and supported him when she said, "Whatever the cause we don't exactly have a lot of consequence right now. Let the big wins in charge have a chance to make sense of this for us."
Suchart struggled to stay on his feet as he allowed Ludwika to carry them to the sickbay while Roy commented, "Is this really something we're going to go with? Are Suchart's words really not speaking for all of us? That thing has been trying to hunt us down for the longest time and we're supposed to just let that thing off the hook with that? Donna please tell me you plan on taking that thing out for good once we have the pilot captured."
Donna heard Roy's complain before telling him, "There has to be a reason for the pilots actions. It's difficult for me to accept that we just lost some of our own, but if even Mercurio sees something in her intention to talk, it must be because of something important."
Ermes agreed, "As much as that should be true, I only hope it's not because someone important to me is not in there."
Donna confirmed the observation, "The Tallgeese was once the choice weapon of Milliardo Peacecraft himself. I don't imagine most people have even heard of its survival since the Mariemaia days. Where it finally rested is a question that we have never tried to answer. Ermes, didn't your father keep it safe and prevent it from falling into enemy hands?"
Ermes confirmed, "It was supposed to be kept in dads hands for all this time but that's something I have to understand now. I have to know if the Tallgeese really is in enemy hands… or worse."
Donna didn't expect the fight to end without a victor as the two Mobile Suits stopped their duel to land on the cruiser. She didn't fire the Gatling in confusion and Instructor W ran to the sight of one of the side-cameras, giving a hand-sign of a ceasefire. Confused even more she got out of the cockpit of the Gundam to speak with the Instructor. "What's going on?" She asked.
The Instructor's guess was just as good as hers. "Looks like a cease-fire." He remarked, obvious that he's oblivious as well. He gave a quick call to the bridge. "Ceasefire. The Tallgeese's pilot wants to speak to us."
When the Instructor finished his call, they both walked to agent Zelma. Donna didn't get the chance to see the agent in their first encounter but this time she will. She stayed quiet for now to hear what she has to say and there will be more questions with Ermes and her father arrive also.
As soon as the two mobile suits made their touchdown to the landing strip of the cruiser Mercurio saw the same agent step down from the Tallgeese as the one encountered in Ghat. When Dana welcomed them aboard Mercurio was quick to discover Zelma's purpose. "I expect you have something to warn us about Agent?"
Zelma took out the same folder she shown the Captain and began to answer the question. "I understand what has brought your group to this point and I am no less at fault for assisting the Coalition in their chase. I am afraid I must repeat the previous warning I gave Captain Houston. The death of President Kecker is the only way to ensure this conflict will end peacefully. If he is permitted to leave Earth within the permitted time slot he will bring devastation to all."
Things didn't seem to make sense when Mercurio wondered about Zelma's intention to use the Coalition's old call to war. He though he had her trapped when he asked, "Isn't this the sort of thing the previous administration of the Coalition was warning us about? If President Kecker's death is so important, why didn't you kill him yourself then? He's held up in the capital and if we don't hurry he might be executed soon."
Zelma was able to answer these questions with her response, "If he died without confessing his crimes it would only press the violence further. Humanity needs to see the crimes he committed confessed at the front of the world stage. That is the only time anyone will hear out what he did to begin this war."
For Mercurio it seemed to be a convenient reason for siding with the Coalition but it didn't convince him either. "It probably makes sense in order to make the Earth Sphere's fall more convincing." He directed his next question trying to understand President Kecker's ambition came into play. "What has he done then? He couldn't be the only one to propel this war."
Zelma offered her reasoning when she corrected, "Thirty years ago. He was the one who ordered the assassination of Ewan Falson. Everything thereafter was the effort of Hermine Falson and likely discovering the existence of the Solaris. In that time there is a likely window where she discovered the true purpose of the shuttle as well."
"The true purpose? What did we just escort and how would killing the President affect its functionality?"
Zelma placed her final hope on convincing Mercurio's group when she handed the folder to Mercurio with a new page at the front. "The President is the only one who has the codes according to the report."
Mercurio decided that if this form wasn't an altered form then her claim could possibly have some merit. "If this is official then obtaining the codes wouldn't have been a problem. Why kill us then?"
"You refuse to let the Earth Sphere or Coalition destroy the Gundams. I am only hoping that revealing this truth will shed new light on what freeing President Kecker will do." It was a long series of answers that made at least some of the crew wonder how their hope of saving the Earth Sphere was going to progress. He had taken the time to ask the questions and knew it was time for his superior to decide if Zelma's case was somehow legitimate. He had to discover if Dana's actions were honest or if she wanted to keep something from the crew. "I believe we have the information we were promised Captain… I hope that you had a good reason to hold off on this information from before."
When Dana was brought into the conversation she knew she had to explain herself on her initial dismissal of Zelma's warning. "I thought it was just Coalition propaganda being given at the last minute. For all we know she probably just wants to make an easier job of claiming the price on our heads. And being eager to engage battle twice didn't exactly convince me she had friendly intentions."
Dana decided to look over the papers Mercurio had and recognized how they were in fact official documents. Until she remembered the woman was an enemy spy Dana had a feeling Zelma's warning might be legitimate. For all that she heard in these explanations she still didn't feel much of a reason to trust the words of someone they didn't know. Seeing a gray area such as Zelma in the war at this point would be an oddity among the Coalition ranks. "There might be one way to find out if she's worth trusting." Dana commented to herself.
She brought her own question to the conversation when she asked Zelma, "You've made sure to make a convincing argument missy. I assume we're getting a better case why to believe this whole theory right?"
Till and Ermes arrived at the hangar to find Zelma. It was the former that recognized her for giving him the shot in the leg that he recovered from. "Captain, why do have the enemy on board?" He asked.
Donna interrupted her father. "We gave the pilot a ceasefire and we're listening to what she's saying." She answered.
Ermes was confused by the situation also. "So, what have we missed?"
Instructor W covered it. "This agent claims that President Kecker started the whole conflict to take more power, and that he holds some sort of weapon of mass destruction."
Till was confused with what he heard. "Is there any evidence for this? It makes this war sound like an excuse to gain more power if it's true."
Donna started to wonder if even her father is manipulated by Franz to support him. She stayed behind the conversation as she hoped to hear more about the situation.
The results were only the same when Mercurio gave his observation of the files. Zelma had no choice now but to cooperate further with the questions to come next. "I didn't hope to rely on this answer. I had hoped showing the documents would be enough." Zelma began when she answered. She remembered why it might have a chance of not working when she recalled to herself, The final document is probably missing. If only it could be found. Zelma gave her answer when she revealed to Mercurio's group, "I never intended to harm you Mercurio. I must admit I never considered how dedicated you would be to the cause of your fellow squad mates. If you require a reason to trust me, I hope you understand I was doing all of this for your own safety."
Mercurio found himself close to finding the answer he was growing more curious about. Zelma had no choice but to give a direct answer now. "Who are you agent?"
"I am Dafina Peacecraft. I was sent here to discover the intentions of both sides of this war and President Kecker is the one responsible for all of this." When Dafina revealed herself there was a moment of dead silence on both sides. Now Mercurio understood her reluctance and why she avoided the chance to kill him. She legitimately didn't want to harm him. Unfortunately, she didn't consider Mercurio's allies and his reaction to the Earth Sphere betrayal into the equation.
This revelation was enough to make Mercurio forget his surprise only to be replaced with controlled anger. He clenched his fists when he asked, "Tell me. Why did you not consider that my squad mates wouldn't be an issue?"
"I was told you were loyal to your cause Mercurio. I believe I only now understand how far your dedication to the Earth Sphere goes." Dafina answered with calculating observation.
Well this isn't how I would have expected a family reunion to go. Dana thought to herself at the reveal of Zelma's identity. She wasn't just another Coalition head but an enemy who happened to be a member of Mercurio's family involved in the war. Understandably there were some who kept quiet when they heard Dafina announce herself while Mercurio was risking any further answers after finding his new grudge.
Things were about to get ugly real fast if tension like this continued to fill the air. It was both for the sake of the conversation as well as the safety of everyone around them she stepped in between Mercurio and his cousin. "Private, we all know casualties are part of war." Dana said as she indirectly ordered Mercurio to stand down from whatever he had in mind. She had her own comments on the situation when she commented, "So you didn't want to use ammunition that could only work on two of our guys. Doesn't fix any questions we have after that sort of reveal. What was with the secrecy? And why take this act so far to help the Coalition win the war?"
The revelation also had Ermes stunned. He thought he was the only one sent to Earth and thought Dafina was on Mars but it turned out that she was fighting for the opposite side on Earth. Did their father even know of this? "Wait sis." He interrupted. "You mean dad sent you ahead to Earth and I wasn't told?"
Donna was confused even further and Instructor W's reaction was the same after finding out Zelma's identity. Till finding out who he was defeated made his the most intrigued by the reveal. "Zechs sent his children to fight on both sides. Well played." He thought.
So this is what the Captain was referring to. Dafina thought when she wondered about Dana's comment. It was only now she noticed her brother Ermes was among the soldiers who had gathered to hear out her side. If her attack had been successful she would have killed him completely unaware.
Dafina turned her head to appear in thought when she answered, "I suppose he did. I wouldn't have expected surprise from you brother. Father only wished to see the Tallgeese used by those seeking to end war. He wouldn't have surrendered it easily." It was the most Dafina could offer when it came to this explanation. "You have already heard why I am here. The Earth Sphere is endangering the lives of many people."
Her addition to the answer managed to tie into Dana's questions, "Reliance on my name would have drawn too much attention from both sides and I would be expected to be an Earth Sphere pilot by default. I did not have any favor towards the Coalition from the start. However if we are to keep further destruction from erupting then President Kecker must be killed and the Solaris shuttle destroyed." She could only hope her case might be considered better now. "If I had anything else to prove other than my word I would have shown you by now."
Mercurio was quick to ask her further on a repeated subject, "And we should expect your word to be the right one? You've been on the battlefield. I take it you've killed more Earth Sphere pilots than just the ones out here today. How is this supposed to be information we can believe is real?"
"I see you chose to serve the President rather than question his motives?"
"I know what President Kecker's ambition is. He wants to hold this United Earth together in the face of the colonies ending that promise."
Dafina saw her cousin's determination and saw it wasn't the President himself he wanted to protect. Mercurio could have gone on about what a great politician he was if his goal was to sell a politician. But the idea of his policies was clearly his first thoughts. "It is deeper than loyalty. You truly believe in what Aunt Relena wanted to achieve. It is very respectable Mercurio. But you must be willing to question the motives towards that accomplishment however. One day you may regret choosing absolute devotion under unfortunate means." She warned him on his ambition.
"And we're supposed to believe this scenario just because it's one that you won't stop brining up?" He asked reminding her of the conversation originally at hand.
Dafina had determined that this case could not be won and there was only one way for them to see their suspicion end. "Perhaps it is something only firsthand experience will clarify. The President's execution is scheduled to occur today, but from reports on the city of Brussels it may buy your group some time. If you refuse to believe my own words, then at least press this scenario onto him. I only hope that you will see reason behind this action."
She turned around to head back to the Tallgeese when she left saying, "I will see if he can be spared until your arrival. Consider everything I have offered today and see it as an honest warning."
Dafina finally turned to Ermes before leaving with, "You have your mission Ermes. I will fail my own if that is what it takes for all of us to remain alive." She left the folder in the hands of Dana and made her way towards her mobile suit. Before long the Tallgeese Throne was ascending to the air again but making a quick dash away from the cruiser.
Ermes replied to his sister. "I know that I'll have to fail mine if things go worse also." He responded. He saw the Tallgeese fly away from the cruiser and was still surprised to find his sister ahead of him on Earth.
Mercurio felt frustration rush through him when he stomped his foot on the ground at the revelation of Dafina's mission. It was crazy enough seeing one man rise against his faction's ideas… But this… Mercurio remained in that spot when he was forced to deal with this situation.
Fortunately for General Emidio Milano he wouldn't have to hear a report on his mobile suit squad being destroyed. The Tallgeese Throne flew by the Island of Sardina ignoring any hails from Earth Sphere or Coalition signals for communications. She only now had to deal with the disappointment on how Mercurio and the others weren't planning to listen to her reasoning. This war brought us together in the most unfortunate ways…
Donna spoke after Dafina left. "Should we trust her?" She asked.
Till replied to his daughter. "I doubt that President Kecker is behind everything." He added under his breath, "If he did, he would tell me."
"It's possible that it's kept in the dark because he would suspect objection." Ermes theorized.
What Till heard made him adamant for answers. "We will have to speak to President Kecker on this." He spoke.
Ermes thought of what his sister revealed. "I'm sure my sister can be trusted even though she tried to attack us. Lord Lindemann, I suggest to be careful for those that are likely to object are eliminated." He advised.
Donna wasn't sure on trusting someone that tried to kill them previously. She found Mercurio frustrated with Dafina's appearance to him and Ermes's sure to back his sister. She turned to her Captain on what they should do now. "Captain, should we trust Dafina information and continue to Brussels?" She asked.
When Dana tried to figure out how to answer Donna's question she stuck with her own judgment when she answered, "We're going to keep going forward. We get the President out of that situation and he'll be open to answer anything then." She found Trenton nearby when she asked, "So what's our casualty list?"
Trenton was regretful when he began to explain who was lost today. "We've lost four pilots out there but the Earth Sphere squad was taken down. Dirk Lemann, Belle Lizotte, Maurycy Piotrowski and Jasenka Kos are the casualties. Patrick Papst was found among the wreckage of his mobile suit but he's heavily injured."
Nasir was among the others when he gave his own inquiry, "Did something happen with that chick Captain?"
Dana shook her head after coming up with the first answer, "It's become a more complicated situation then we thought. Some of us are going to have a time trying to figure out how to handle it."
Gawel was confused enough to forget the status of the hard drive when he asked, "How's it supposed to be harder? She's the enemy unless another four casualties doesn't account for anything."
"We're supposed to take her word for this since she was related to two of our pilots. A Peacecraft of all things by the way." Dana answered in a deadpan tone.
Gawel looked down when he scratched his head, "I guess… That's a problem."
When Dana was sure everyone had gathered around to hear the status of their mission, she answered their curiosity, "We're going to find out how much weight Dafina's claim has. If we have to take back the capital by ourselves then it will just be another challenge for us." She was every bit as quick to remind them of their main mission. "We formed this group with the promise to stop the Coalition from breaking up the United Earth. We aren't going to step down now. If anything Dafina has told us is true then we won't let it change what we initially signed up for." She turned away to make her way towards her own personal quarters when she ordered, "We're going to be arriving in another 12 and-a-half hours or so. Get some rest."
"Yes sir." Mercurio saluted.
Roy managed to ask him as he left, "So which was the bigger part of a bad day Yuy?" He felt Cinzia nudge him roughly when he added, "Hey how else are we supposed to find out what he'd rather fight for?"
"You could probably try giving him the benefit of trust. You expect Ermes to ditch our mission as well?" Zachariah asked in support of both pilots. The pilots were still showing tired features from the preparation and recent battle.
Cinzia verbally added her thoughts when she tried to clear the air, "We're not going to solve anything with the nobles in this war. We need to hope the Gundam pilots are still going to be committed to what we're fighting for. Now let's get some sleep. The Captain is going to work us hard by morning." Roy and Zachariah seemed to agree on something for a change when they stopped bringing up the issues and moved on to the sleeping quarters.
Keijo heard how some in the ranks were viewing the recent events when he warned Mercurio, "Nobody is going to give you a hard time. Things aren't any different than they were in the Earth Sphere military."
Mercurio didn't show any initial reaction until he answered, "We're going to have to make a choice when we find our way to Brussels. It doesn't mean Dafina will be avoidable."
Mercurio had his next moment to apologize to Ermes, "Believe me. If I had known Dafina was piloting the Tallgeese I would have attempted speaking with her first." It sounded like weak words to Mercurio when he said them, but it was the result of offering the unaltered truth. With everything that had passed the pilots were prepared to uneasily settle in for the night until their inevitable arrival.
"It's understandable." Ermes replied to his cousin. "Even I didn't expect her to be on Earth. Isolation from the Resistance really is becoming a pain now." If he knew about his sister being on Earth before him, it would've saved several lives. He saw his cousin, Captain Dana and the surviving pilots leave the hangar.
"Donna's already gone back to the cabins." Instructor W informed him. He got out plans for the weapon to work on for the night. He decided that a spear would be the best option with the tip spun by the power coming from the wielding Mobile Suit. He prepared to leave the halls when he told them, "I'll have to see that Gawel is ready to burn some midnight oil if he's up for it."
The ship was not at its most calm as Mercurio and the others had to process the recent duel that had taken place. Ermes saw that he was visibly shaken just as he was by the revelation that Dafina Peacecraft was indeed on the fighting side of the Coalition and making claims that Franz Kecker was in fact guilty of the sort of crimes that the Coalition could only dream of being true. He allowed him to make made his way to his quarters before he heard multiple footsteps headed his way. Ermes turned around to see Roy making his way down towards him when he asked, "Where are you guys headed?"
Roy answered, "Oh just to meet one of our good pilots here. I have a feeling that this kid might be a little more soft than he is letting us to believe."
Ermes asked, "We just found out who the Tallgeese pilot is and it was someone we never expected. What's more is that she wanted to warn us about something. You have to understand how important this is."
Pascal told him, "We just lost four people out there and we've had to endure a little bit of pain from it all. I think we got how important this situation is. You should be glad that we aren't sending Suchart here in a drunken rage to have his ass pounded."
Nasir agreed, "If he isn't planning to live up to his promise, I suggest that it might be time to find someone who is a little thicker."
Mercurio appeared from behind them when he told the three pilots, "If you have something to tell me why don't you just get it out of your systems already?"
Roy and the other two turned to face him while Mercurio told Ermes, "Thanks for being considerate Ermes. But this will only take a little bit of talk to really calm this all down."
Ermes was uneasy about the answer but respected his cousin's wish when he accepted, "Okay. If any of them do hurt you, don't expect me to go easy on them."
Nasir watched with a grudging view when he watched Ermes turn around and leave the four to their conversation. Roy told Mercurio, "There's no captain here to save you ass now. Just tell us, do you really think you're the best pilot for the Uriel?"
Mercuiro asked, "Do you think you're a better candidate? I'm sorry I couldn't save everyone out there. We were fortunate enough to get out of that encounter with as little as we had to endure."
Roy told him, "I've see enough of our guys die to be used to this whole thing. You know what I haven't seen enough of? Enough Coalition ass kissers being planted in the dirt."
Mercurio realized the problem that Roy was referring to when he told them, "That woman surrendered and cared more about us hearing her side of the story than trying to have us destroyed. She learned that she can't handle us and won't hold us back any further. There's no reason for us to keep this whole feud going."
Belle asked, "Losing four isn't enough? We're worth cutting down several hundred Earth Sphere soldiers for but another one of your cousins is worth more than all of them combined?"
Nasir added, "I got folks who practically disowned me because I wouldn't join the Coalition. You don't see me thinking about who deserves to die and who doesn't when it comes to my enemies."
Mercurio stomped as he leaned forward and told his fellow pilots, "I get it. I royally screwed over our guys because I didn't think that revenge was the first thing I had to be out for. You know what would have happened? The others would still be dead and we would literally only be one enemy shorter of getting to the capital. I hate to remind you, but we have more than just a few mobile suits to worry about at this point. At this rate we aren't even going to know who the leader of the Earth will be when this is all done. I want everyone who doesn't see the danger of the Coalitoin to be crushed just as much as you guys."
Nasir asked, "Is that right? So you never had a soft spot for that one pilot who managed to track us down to Ghat?"
Mercurio explained, "If you mean Coralie, I was against the idea of letting her go. It was Ludwika's idea just to shoot her in the knee. I can't believe anyone would accept that idea. Especially for a soldier who was as cowardly as she was. If it wasn't for her, Latoria would probably still be alive."
Pascal turned to Roy when he told him, "It looks like this kid is not exactly shriveling up at the idea of some extra slaughter like you thought he might be thinking."
Roy agreed, "Your balls are still attached between your legs Yuy. That's one good sign. How does this sound, you even let one more Coalition soldier off the hook from death, Tallgeese or not, potential lover or not, you are not going to sit your ass down in that Gundam again."
Mercurio didn't even hesitate to think about the offer before telling Roy, "I was hoping that would be the plan going forward for anything. But what the hell. I think this makes perfect sense at this point. Let's add superiors' orders or not while we're at it."
Nasir smiled when he told Roy, "We might be headed into a more cozy seating for ourselves than we though. This kid seems really anxious to prove our doubts as unfounded."
Roy accepted, "So this kid is as ready as he says he is. I hope you can get that this isn't something we're about to forget Yuy. We're going to make sure your as bloodthirsty you say you are."
Mercurio told him, "I'm not a fresh recruit out of base Roy. I've known you long enough these past few months alone to get that you're as much of an asshole as the others let on to say you are. What separates us is that I'm not so easily intimidated. I'm going to use my previous screw ups to remember what sort of correct actions I should take. The next time I see the Tallgeese, it is not going to have a chance at making another attack against us."
As Mercurio offered this promise to Roy and the others, there was one witness that none of them believed was still present. Ermes had kept himself hidden around the nearest corner as he listened to the sort of promise that his cousin was making to his fellow pilots. He could now recognize that his family was very much in danger from the real act of war. Family was rarely spared of any casualties, but his sister was not someone he had been hoping to put at risk from his aunts side of the family. He walked away from the corner as he made his way to one of the nearby quarters as he lamented, "This is too different from what you're supposed to be Mercurio. Is this really who you want to be as a soldier?"
Donna was at the main living quarters having a drink. Fortunately for her a Coalition soldier left a bottle of beer in the fridge while scrambling to get out of the cruiser with Ermes's threat. She was joined by Suchart who lost his Mobile Suit but survived with a bruise on his arm. The Gundam pilot was drinking away her stress while the Ursa pilot had a hard time with counting the people they lost.
Ermes found them without a problem and grabbed a clean glass to join them. "Where was the beer from?" He asked.
"It was in the fridge." She answered and poured a pint for him.
"Thanks." Ermes thanked. He observed how Suchart stood still and drinking in intervals. "Is he okay?" The Ambassador asked.
Donna answered instead of Suchart. "His friend Maurycy died from the attack. He hasn't spoken to anyone."
Ermes understood what the pilot was going through. "And what's making you drink?" He asked.
"Just to make myself comfortable." She gave her reply. "You're in the wagon for dysfunctional family?" She questioned back.
"No, not really." Ermes replied.
Suchart walked to the deck of the ship with his drink with no notice. He saw the cruiser still accelerating the waters and now they're far from the battlefield. He tossed remaining beer from the glass into the waters silently for the dead to drink as well.
Donna, while Suchart was gone took the chance to ask a question. Even if he's there he won't be in his usual mood to overhear it. "So how do you find your mission?" She asked him with a change of tone.
"I don't find any problems." Ermes replied. "But I wish I knew sis was here earlier."
Donna agreed, "If we were able to plan every outcome for a war, there would only be casualties on one side of every war. I can only imagine how the others are handling this revelation."
Ermes nodded, "And two others."
Donna sipped from her glass when she told him, "He has been getting to be more of a maniac than the typical type ever since we got here. I honestly can't blame him for trying to process it this way. After all we had to accomplish and everything."
Ermes asked, "Is it really because you're used to this idea? Because it's really unfortunate that you had to become so jaded after such a short time."
Donna shook her head when she explained, "I never was someone who could be classified as normal. At least if I were asked to assess myself. I'm back on my home planet and I still feel as though I'm out of place with all of this happening."
Ermes tried to remind her, "You remember how I said Mercurio might need some kind of support from you right? You had to be able to recognize that he is not acting the same as he used to. I've seen him ever since he left Mars and I know he's trying to be someone that he isn't right now."
Donna wasn't fazed by the warning when she told Ermes, "He has a way of processing this whole situation. Him and I are too different to be able to address the same problem. I know you bother care about Dafina, but Mercuiro has been changed ever since Tahat. He recognizes the value of his men and doesn't want to see that day pass again. He's allowed it to be so serious that now he will cut down his own family if it means that he will see the Coalition fall."
Ermes sighed when he fell back on his own bed and lamented, "It seems we're all just given some hardships to face. Maybe all I can do is try to tell him that Dafina should be given a chance to be spared. You know if I wasn't on the dysfunctional family wagon before, I have a feeling that I might be set on there pretty soon. I never though that a conflict like this one could be so difficult to try and resolve."
Donna fell back on her own bed when she agreed, "This is part of the reason that I have had so much trouble being able to accept any of the burdens of living on this Earth. I actually hope that we find ourselves facing a brigade of the Coalition again once we land."
Donna saw how he had a look of slight regret. It didn't look like she was helping. She was going to ask something else but decided not to. "I'll go to sleep now." She told him. She finished off what was in her glass and went off. Once she returned to her quarters, she tried to sleep away her frustration. "Nice way to socialize." She thought about her social ineptitude.
