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 50: Prelude to Vindication
The eastern side of the path towards Brussels was equally intimidating for the two Gundams as they prepared to hold themselves. Donna prepared one of her shotels as she activated Zero System and saw the series of positions the Coalition brigade made to prepare for their offensive. She heard Richard contact her, "So are you ready to see us start with a bang?"
Donna accepted, "I'll gladly accept whatever you guys can do."
The Nornir Triumvirate made a dash to its left and prepared for its mighty attack. The preparations made by the brigade lead by Emidio were complete as they fired one volley of rifle fire towards the two Gundams after another. Christoph checked the area around him as he asked, "Do we have a clear shot to prepare the Helfire Cannon?"
Richard checked the screen when he answered, "We've got a chunk of them lined up it looks like. Time to blow them out of here."
Christoph saw the desire as his computer offered the chances to prepare the cannon when he reached into the small hole to take hold of the grip inside and told Richard, "Keep it on the move, we need to be ready for whatever their change is."
Richard saw the Leo IIIs firing towards his location when he agreed, "Get to work and fire now!"
The Nornir Triumvirate opened its chest cannon before taking aim and unleashing a mighty beam of destruction towards the Coalition brigade in the distance. Donna kept the Sandesgeist back as she watched the mighty Gundam deploy a power unlike few things she had seen before. She kept her eyes shielded as she looked for any need to defend herself but saw the need was not what she hoped for. As the cannon fire continued to send its devastation across the ground, there was a distinct lack of explosions from the Leo IIIs that made an evasive maneuver away from the attack. She watched the Nornir desperately turn to its right in an attempt to make contact with the mobile suit targets but found they continued their dodge away from the cannon fire.
Donna contacted, "They're trying to move in. This is not looking effective."
Christian agreed, "They were ready for this. We need to get ready for some close quarter combat when this is done."
The beam cannon dissipated as Donna watched the three Gundams shift from their union and prepare for each one to begin an advance. Donna saw the scorched field the Leo IIIs had broken away from before noticing the gathered ranks form together for a concentrated attack. The assault had left some of the numbers devastated, but the three pilots were still able to recognize the struggle they had in front of them. Donna activated her Zero System before taking lead with a charge and told her brothers, "Remain in formation."
The Sandesgeist made a dash forward with both shotels in hand and sliced through a line of Leo III units while avoiding every shot that came close to hitting her. She made one swipe and then another before a series of explosions followed behind her. She prepared herself to advance further but recognized how far into enemy lines she had gone as the enemy mobile suits gathered around her and prepared to fire. Donna trusted her computers course of action when she made a circular swipe with her shotels and jumped away from the gunfire that landed at her position.
The number of variables eventually became a strain for her as she was forced to chose from many paths to avoid taking any damage from the attackers. She thrashed and spun away from every shot that came close to her. One shot past her legs while another tried to blast off the head of her undam as she continued to fall further into the defensive by avoiding the attacks that came from every angle. She became so lost in the moment of defending herself that she was thrown off when she saw some of the nearby Leo IIIs erupt from another attack.
She saw the Gundam that her father dubbed the Urth punch through the cockpit of the Leo III behind her before tearing it in half and pushing the remains aside. The Lachesis appeared next to it as it fired its machine gun pistols into the crowd of nearby enemy units while Donna regained her footing to view the area around her. She found Zero System warn her about several incoming shots arriving in her direction before she made a dash towards the nearest Leo IIIs and cut them down. Her progress was cut short as a shell shot coming her direction as he sent her Sandesgeist backwards and made a slice across the air to destroy the shot in mid air while another explosion flashed in front of her camera. She contacted her brothers, "Is anyone having trouble moving forward?"
Richard answered, "It's a bit of a problem. We've got Phalanx units out there shooting us down."
The rain of shellfire continued to rain down on the location of the three gathered Gundams while they struggled to maintain their position. The desperation continued until a series of shots came from behind the Leo IIIs and opened a path through the encirclement to reveal the Clotho pushing forward with its assault rifle firing on every area where the Leo IIIs stood. Donna saw the path where Zero System offered her a clear escape away from being trapped. She told her brothers, "We have to get to Christoph. He's cleared a way for us."
The three Gundams avoided every shot that came their direction while striking blows to every Leo III that came close to their position. Donna led the charge as she searched across the field and defended herself while she saw her brothers attempt to offer the same amount of effort. She watched the Urth Gundam raise its arms and crash its fists through several mobile suits while raising its arms to block the incoming shots that came close to hitting the more vulnerable targets. The four made their way to a clearing where the Coalition mobile suits were present but began to see the rain of shellfire from the Phalanx in the distance. Donna prepared herself to continue a way towards the target in the distance as she targeted the Phalanx and cut down every shell that came her direction. She heard Christian encourage, "The only thing it has as an advantage is size. We destroy that thing, we are going to have an easier time out here."
Donna accepted, "That's our target then. Everyone stay close and destroy that thing." She cut down two Leo III mobile suits that came close to her before they could fire and added, "Don't let anything slow us down."
The Uriel and Artemis had fewer enemies to handle in their area but the desperation was not only less evident. The Uriel threw itself into one gathering of enemy mobile suits after another as it cut down gathering of Leo III units with one sweep of its buster sword after another and dashed through the rifle fire. Instead of looking for a safe position, the Uriel was thrust into another group of Leo IIIs while leaping over the gun fire and crashing in front of them before making another sweep with its sword. The strike caused a series of explosions to erupt before the Uriel dashed through the flames and towards the targets still burning in his direction. The shrapnel form the explosions and the few rounds of gun fire that came his direction before making contact did nothing to slow down the Gundam in its charge to destroy every opponent that acme close. Even as one that made contact with its armor near the cockpit area, the Gundam was thrust into one confrontation after another and wasn't stopped as the Artemis came close by to offer some defense to support.
Dana contacted Mercurio, "Are you following Zero System at all? We're getting dangerously close to the enemy's concentrated areas."
Mercurio scanned through the battlefield as he broke away from Dana's position and struck down another Leo III when he answered, "I'm here to destroy the enemy. I'm here so that no one else has to be. If I have to be the last one standing, that's all that I can accept!"
He dashed forward as he saw through the many courses that Zero System offered him another path towards maximizing his kills but offered little chance for him to come out unharmed. Dashing forward he flew past another shell shot from the Scutum while cutting down a few Leo III units next to him before finding his next area where he could cut down a squadron in one sweep. Before he could do anything else, he saw a shell come from the sky before it threatened to make contact with him. Instead of taking the blow, a shot of beam came from over his head as he destroyed the shot in midair.
Mercurio registered the Artemis coming from behind when he brought himself back on the defensive to avoid damage from the distant Leo IIIs. Mercurio heard Dana contact him as the Artemis dashed forward to carry the new offense, "I get how you're handling this Yuy… This is something I should have tired to embrace as well."
The Artemis drew up its beam sword while holding its buster rifle in the other hand and offered another wave of destruction across the field. Merucrio watched as Dana pushed the Artemis towards the location of the Scutum s she continued, "This is what we've been searching for eve since Tahat." The Artemis swiped at the location of several Leo IIIs with its beam saber before coming closer within range of the Scutum unit. Dana concluded, "A chance to find redemption." She raised her buster rifle before firing directly into the front of the Scutum unit and brought about a mighty explosion very close to her position before dashing away from the devastation. The mighty explosion that came after caused many of the enemy units on the field to be brought to a standstill when Dana told Mercurio, "That's a scenario where you have to be alive to achieve that redemption. And I have to fulfill my duty as a leader to make sure it happens."
Mercurio dashed around and saw the Coalition mobile suits checking the area and attempting to decide their next course of action. Mercurio drew the buster sword to himself as it changed into shield mode and took several scattered shots that came his direction. As the fire died down, Mercurio drew the shield back and threw it towards the few Leo IIIs he could find in the distance while firing his arm cannon towards the others.
He gave his response to Dana as soon as several more explosions erupted in front of him, "That's something I can honor captain. But only with one condition." The Uriel's arm caught the shield before turning around completely and dashing towards a Leo III that was seeking a chance to escape. Mercurio sliced across the mobile suits center as another explosion erupted and he pressed onwards. "No one is left to challenge us."
Emidio saw several explosions in the distance that did not come from his brigade. He ordered one of his operators, "Contact General Celler! We have to obtain confirmation of our hold!"
The operator to his left told him, "We can't general! The Scutum has been destroyed!"
Emidio slammed his fists when he asked, "This can't be happening. We were sure to have exhausted them at this point!"
The operator to his lower right warned, "Two of the Gundams are moving their way to our location! They show no sign of stopping!"
Emidio saw the Sandesgist and Urth searching their way through the ranks of Leo IIIs and was left with a fearful sight of his men being powerless to stop the impending rage. Emidio ordered, "Blast them with all cannons! Neglect all friendly fire and destroy them!"
The operator on his left told him, "That's against protocol sir! We can't destroy our own!"
Emidio shot back, "It is better than allowing the Gundams to destroy us! Execute or I will self destruct right away!"
The operator desperately reached for his controls as he adjusted the cannons of the Phalanx and prepared to fire on the incoming attackers. Emidio tried to calm the fear the operators had over the plan to fire when he told them, "They are no more than mobile suits. They are monsters. And a monster can only be destroyed by monstrous acts."
As Donna used the shotels of her Gundam to cut down one mobile suit that came in front of her after another, she was surprised to see Zero System warn her about the cannons pointing their way down to her. "They are truly desperate now." She made a leap from the shots the Leo IIIs made before slicing at one of the shells that came flying towards her and saw the other land within the area of Leo III units before a mighty explosion erupted beneath her. She saw the Urth beneath her rush towards the knees of the Phalanx while the machine gun fire made contact with its arms. The Clotho rushed up next to it while firing its assault rifle at the turrets. The Lachesis was close behind as it fired its machine gun pistols in two directions to ward off against the incoming remaining mobile suits before the Sandesgeist rushed to its side and sliced away at four nearby Leo IIIs to offer Richard the room he had been attempting to gain. Richard fired into the ranks of advancing mobile suits when he asked, "How long before you take down that Phalanx?"
Donna dashed towards the next gathering of Leo III mobile suits and answered, "I can't lose any of you! We have to push without hesitation!"
Christian heard this when he told her, "Even if you need us, we are not here to slow you down!"
He resumed to see the Urth rushing towards the Phalanx as it dashed through a barrage of shellfire and defended itself against a growing barrage of machine gun fire. Donna saw the mounting attack and rushed towards his position while the Clotho and Lachesis remained behind to defend themselves against the concentrated gathering of Leo III attacks. Donna saw the Urth closing in on its target and made a leap towards the legs of the Phalanx before penetrating the armor with its punches.
The Sandesgeist made its way towards the Phalanx as it made a mighty sweep with one of its shotels and cut away at the other leg to see the mighty bipedal mobile armor fall face forward to the ground. Not allowing for any chances of survivors, Donna thrust the Sandesgeist backwards and sliced upwards to the cockpit area as the Phalanx fell. The shotel sliced through the front chest before Donna warned, "Back away! It's about to blow!"
The four Gundams backed away from the fallen Phalanx while the Coalition forces looked on and watched the vessel of their leader explode in an area that took up much of the field. Donna turned to see the mobile suits hesitate from the sight of their leader destroyed as they slowly backed away and prepared for a retreat. Donna observed, "They aren't willing to fight like this. They won't find anything worth dying for now." Before she could see the Leo III units complete their retreat, she saw a circular object flying through the air as it sliced two Leo IIIs across the chest and a beam cannon shot down another. She recognized the object fling ahead as she realized, "Mercurio?"
She turned back to see the Uriel making a dash towards her location as it caught the shield and continued to fire on the escaping Leo III units. As their units continued to scramble for their survival Donna contacted the Uriel, "Mercurio, they're trying to retreat. We don't need to pursue."
Mercurio told her, "They're headed towards the convoy. We can't allow them to make contact."
The Uriel changed its shield back to buster sword mode as it made a mighty sweep to destroy six Leo IIIs in one attack while firing its arm cannon towards the units in the distance. The Urth and the Lachesis formed next to the Uriel as they dashed forward to pursue the escaping Coalition units. The Artemis made its way to the side of the Sandesgesist when Dan asked, "Is Yuy on his way to destroy the rest of them?"
Donna confirmed, "Richard and Christian too. Are the enemies all taken care of in your area?"
Dana confirmed, "That and Yuy went on a complete murdering spree. And it looks as though he's just getting started."
Christoph's Clotho was next to them when he asked Donna, "I think we've done our job at least. We managed to take this all on and we and not have any casualties."
Donna asked, "We might have pulled that off. But now I'm worried about what this is going to do to us. We destroyed one gathering of soldiers after another and we may be unable to overcome the weight of the actions. Wow is it we don't allow ourselves to be controlled by this continuing period of destruction?"
Several explosions erupted in the distance as Christoph told her, "I don't think any of us are coming out of this without being a different person. Whatever Mercurio was before is going to continue this way from this day forward."
Donna looked on in the distance as the Urth sliced away at the Leo III units and their effort to make an escape from the devastation. The images she had of everything that happened at Tahat had come around again as she remembered the multitude of soldiers who had to be sacrificed for their survival. Donna came to the realization, "No one who died at Tahat was someone we can forgive ourselves for killing. And now we are the image the Coalition hoped to see us become."
The six Gundams made their way back to the convoy where the Rogue Wings were waiting. Many of them had scruffs and blows from what seemed to be an unimaginable number of mobile suits that had to be taken down. Each one set itself down on the carrying truck they arrived on while the pilots were given a last chance to relieve their nerves for a battle come that was soon to have even higher stakes. Donna made her way down to the back of the drivers compartment of her truck as she watched the Sandesgeist. She heard Instructor W ask, "So it would seem that everything has gone even better than we could have hoped. It seems as though your brothers were able to be a big help."
Donna asked, "They'll all be ready for their attack to take back Brussels right?"
The instructor shrugged, "I'd have to admit I don't know. It makes me wonder how many projects like this your father had. At least it was to our advantage."
Till answered, "These were the few that I was able to achieve with the exception of the Aquarius. I must commend you however Donna. Being able to destroy two brigades with so little damage. It is almost as if you had become a truly formidable pilot in a time frame that few were able to achieve."
Donna agreed, "A few things did change ever since I was sent to Mars. I don't know if it should even be possible for all of us combined to make a battle such as this one be so easy for us."
Till told her, "If by that you mean that it is an improbable scenario, I can see what you mean. You are all made of sterner stuff than many common soldiers had ever been able to amount to. The fact that you and the others were capable of days such as these demonstrates how much we were able to achieve in this era."
Donna asked, "Is it because even now we are determined? Have we actually become something more than just pilots if that's what we managed to become?"
Till confirmed, "The three of you are forces that cannot be matched by any other creation. The only fault that has ever been made was by what Franz did to hold back exacting true victory over these irredeemable cretins. And I fully expect you and the others to demonstrate this dedication as we destroy the last of Nathaniel Falsons followers."
Donna nodded when she accepted, "I will do so at least. It will be up to everyone else to do the same and follow that example."
Till congratulated, "You have been far more of a soldier than I had ever imagined. I can only imagine what you will become when this is over."
Instructor W left the conversation to make his way to Gawel at the driver side when he asked, "How is the drafts?"
Gawel answered, "We haven't sprung any plans yet so we managed to achieve some success in maneuvering around here. It's kind of up to that after watching so many junk fields that he's got made that we actually get used to the sight. I mean it is all just metal right?"
The instructor commented, "I guess a lot of people to get desensitized at some point that they don't see the blood that they created. I've hoped there would be a day where one would have to be told the it takes way something to be proud of. I even still have trouble being able to live with myself knowing that I picked Donna to be the pilot of the Sandesgeist."
Gawel shook his head at the realization when he asked, "Wait you picked the pilot? Out of five choices you picked probably the meekest example of a soldier I've ever seen. I would think that Christian out there looked like he would have been a nice pick."
"In fact Lord Lindemann pressed that very idea. You are right to assume him as a choice, he was always the fiercest one and the most passionate about his family. He may have been great. But I had to consider what sort of soldier Donna would become."
"She's been wanting to join since she was a girl huh? That's believable but will alone can't be enough to get someone in a seat of a Gundam. Hell, Major Capon did everything he could to tell us that we were shit pilots for not being picked."
"You're right. Really it was for a selfish choice if anything. I chose her because she could potentially be more than the sort of person she is now. She needed to be given an opportunity to be devoted beyond where she was because she could easily become an easily swayed person. She could have become taken in by the Coalition for how she felt about herself for how she tried to find her place in her own family."
"Damn. A load of family drama in a rich person's family. That's a pretty common story if I ever heard one. She came from OZ though so I guess that she must have had her share of problems."
"She did. She barely ever knew her mother before the assassination and never seemed to know her father as other than a stern man who wanted his children to be the absolute best soldiers they could become. Her brothers took to the idea, but she's always been the one worried about living up to her fathers approval. That's why she needed to be the pilot. She needed to be given an opportunity to shine and become something more than a timid girl hoping to live up to her fathers approval."
"I think there was someone who actually commented about war brining out the better in humans. Sounds like this is one justification that gives that observation merit."
"It probably does. After seeing what happened today though, "I'm worried if it is about to bring out some of the worst."
Nathaniel tired to as he heard the roaring noise of the conflict roar across the city of Brussels again. Days had past and he was still the entrenched leader with only half of his men still loyal to him. He looked outside to see the city in a bleaker state than he could have imagined as buildings had fallen over to make way for the devastation the opposing mobile suits had themselves on. The Aquarius stood at the top as the only significant difference as it kept at a distance to slice at every nearby unit with its heat rods and fired its dober gun at its targets. While the mobile suits remained engaged in a dance of conflict, the meeting of ground soldiers on both sides revealed the harshest reality of the siege as brother turned against brother in an attempt to kill each other from their cover. Even after the day of Edward and Rayens betrayal there seemed to be no end in side for the two opposing sides trying to claim the Earth capital. He was torn from his observation while he heard Hui enter his room in a dash, "Have you been able to maintain your security Mr. President?"
Nathaniel turned to him as he rubbed his eyes and answered, "I have sent every last capable soldier to the front line in an effort to defeat Edward's men. As of right now I cannot afford to keep myself secure unless your returning forces are able to reach us in time."
"I'm afraid that is the unfortunate new that must present to you Mr. President. They are not coming. General Celler and General Milano have been reported to have fallen in battle at Valanece. Their entire numbers have been dedicated under a report from our sources."
The news hit Nathaniel hard as he leaned next to a nearby window to process what he had just heard. Emidio Milano and Darren Cheller were both dead and he was able to comprehend one way that so many would be able to fall in such a short time. "The Gundams. They are coming."
Hui confirmed, "That is the concern. We are no longer a united front and your greater enemies are soon to descend on us. This is soon to be a great undoing if we are unable to change our current engagement."
Nathaniel continued to look out his window when he lamented his situation, "I have given way to a terrible era that is ahead of us. This Coalition was to be built on the trust that Franz Kecker's administration would never become a reality. And yet the divisions we have allowed to unfold are about to justify everything that the accusations of the colonies being weak as truth. Very few could have agreed to a plan such as this one being made, but it is now a disaster that can very well destroy everything the colonies have desired."
Hui noted the indifferent tone to Nathaniel's observation when he warned, "Mr. President, is this truly something that does not overly concern you? This day will cause you to lose more than the support of the colonies. You will be taken and claimed as a war criminal if you are allowed your life after this point."
Nathaniel turned to Hui when he told him, "My entire purpose was to see that the Earth Sphere was given the justice it needed. The leaders of the colonies clearly believed that it could be only achieved by subjugating an Earth that had already been so directly defeated years ago. I have done more than enough to secure my place as a cruel leader. Now I am simply about to be looked at as an incompetent one. I must implore you general, we must do all we can to prepare for an escape. Even if I must grovel at the feet of the gathering of the representatives, I cannot allow everything that Ewan Falson advocated for to be for nothing."
Hui paused when he recognized the intention and agreed, "Indeed we cannot permit the colonies to believe that our efforts are soon to be for nothing. An escape cannot be made for these men however. We cannot allow men like Edward and Rayen to exercise their will to obtain their power. This day can end in the slaughter of our men, but we will still have some force capable of following us to see that their sacrifices are made for something to fight for. That is the very essence of partnership between the colonies and your Coalition. That we will be able to remind the forces of Earth that we will never be subjugated to another tyrannical hold. You may have the forces to see that we can continue this fight, but now you must be as willing to see that the two who have betrayed you cannot be allowed to have a legitimized cause for breaking down our true values."
Nathaniel nodded when he accepted, "We have placed ourselves within a dangerous pit of hell. If I must accept this day to be my legacy, then I will only have to hold trust that we are strong enough to stand firm against the adversity we now face."
A soldier entered the room when he reported, "Sirs, we have news of another Gundam approaching our area."
Both men turned when Hui asked, "is it an unidentifiable one? Is it form the Earth Sphere?"
The soldier shook his head when he answered, "It's a new one entirely. We have word that its' a weapon sent down by Admiral Miles herself."
Nathaniel turned back to the window when he recalled an earlier report from Hui, "It is the Anaconda. We may have someone on our side to turn the tides yet."
Time had passed and the Rogue Wings were at least able to make their way across the Mediterranean without any further attacks. The mounting pressure of their mission was clear after making port in Frejus however. The anticipation of stopping the Coalition from claiming the victory they thought they had would be enough to prepare morale. Mercurio saw among the pilots though that the events near Sardina were probably enough to cancel it out. He had to make a tough decision by the time his group reached the besieged capital. "I just hope everyone holds on for a while longer." He said hoping for preparations to be made.
He searched around to find Ermes waiting for the time to move out as well and asked him, "Is everyone else ready to move out?"
Ermes noticed Mercurio speaking to him."Everyone should be ready to move out by now." He replied. "We'll move out when Lord Lindemann sends his signal to Corsica. I had to wake up early in the morning to help set up explosives to destroy the cruiser."
Instructor W walked into the conversation. "Good morning." He said to both of them. "I got the weapon inside a truck I'll drive. I also spent all night installing the anti-virus on all of our Mobile Suits." He took a sip from a cup of coffee.
Suchart entered the room. He looked paler than yesterday with obvious signs that he wasn't able to sleep.
Donna also arrived and found people gathering. She noticed Mercurio and Ermes there with the Instructor drinking his morning coffee. "I'm ready to go." She answered. "My father is sending the signal to Corsica just about now. He wrote on the message to be passed on other pockets of resistance." The pilot was still embarrased with how she found herself unable to socialise last night.
Dana overlooked everyone who was getting ready for the march to the capital. The nonfighting combatants were the only ones being given a chance to sit it out. "We're going to need every man and woman ready to move out. It's not going to be long now." She announced to the crew putting in last minute refueling and repairs. She found the truck carrying the spear Instructor W and Gawel had worked on through the night to see if he was still acting in habit. She took one look into the truck to find him sprawled on the truck's floor below the spear fast asleep. "You still caught up in there Majewski?"
Gawel quickly woke himself up when he tried to figure out who was greeting him. "Wha... Who now?" He cleared his vision to see Dana in front of him while quickly saluting, "Uh... At attention Captain."
Dana looked up to the weapon as a result of Gawel and the Instructor's work. "I take it this this is our best chance of destroying the Aquarius clean then?"
Gawel got up stretching, "Sure is Captain. We just throw this at it at the right spot and no nukes go off."
Before he could go on to his technical explanations Dana ordered, "Good work. Make sure you get set in your mobile suit."
Gawel didn't show any excitement when he forced himself up and got ready for his mobile suit. "Oh right. Back to the brawns."
Once it was time to prepare for what would be the final trip for the Rogue Wings, Dana stood in front of the pilots prepared to give her prep speech. "Here's our plan people. We're going to move out and it's going to be a nonstop travel until we get to Brussels. This is what we've been planning to form together and achieve since we got back here. If you have any further business to take care of make sure you're finished before we head out."
It might have been a desperate attempt to life their spirits, but it was what Dana had to get her troops ready for this final mission. She continued with her plan by reminding them, "I know some of us didn't manage to make it on our way here, but we're headed into the biggest battle yet. We don't have any time for second thoughts or switching our loyalty. Freeing the Parliament is going to be a the most demanding mission any regiment can take. I'll need your support and your best skills for this. The Earth Sphere is going to need them to. And with everything we've been through, I we have what it will take." The impact was probably varied after the speech was given in spite of the successes the Rogue Wings had. The dedication on the faces of most of the pilots showed the most of what Dana hoped to see. "Let's move out." She ordered.
Mercurio and the others stood in salute when Dana gave her speech. He found the others preparing to reach their mobile suits when he "We'll need a leader at this point. Let's make sure Captain Houston has the full support of our unit." He turned the two he had most made a connection with when he promised, "Ermes. Donna. We've come this far. We'll have hard decisions to make once we arrive. Let's just make sure this mission is our most successful to date. We'll make sure the Coalition knows that it can't send any forces to deter what we believe in."
Donna replied with her answer. "It's up to us to save the Earth Sphere now." She added. "I'll fight to the end." She returned to her Gundam, activating it's OS with the anti-virus now installed. She was ready to move out on order.
Ermes nodded to what Mercurio said. "Got your back cuz." He answered, back to his casual self. He got on his Ursa, making final preparations. He held the demolition charge to destroy the ship once everyone leaves.
Instructor W found a half-awoke Gawel when he was about to get on the truck carrying the weapon. "Thanks Majewski." He said. "You made a difference between a intact Brussels and a disintegrated city. Couldn't have done it without your help." He got into the driver's seat while Lord Lindemann sat on the opposite seat.
Gawel began to slip on his gear when he thanked, "Ah, glad to help Instructor. Now it's time to test this thing the only way weapons are meant to be tested. Field testing." It wasn't long before Gawel was brought back into the front lines as a soldier leaving one comment on the matter. "Time to get ready on the one way stop to hell. Small accommodations and all." He announced before closing his mobile suit cockpit.
Nasir made his way to his mobile suit when he said to himself, "Like we aren't stuck in there right now."
Trenton replied when he heard this comment asking, "So maybe we should do something about getting out?"
Nasir nodded reluctantly before he consented, "Yeah. That's one way to get motivated."
As soon as Dana saw everyone had their mobile suits prepared she gave the order to the company, "We're heading out. Let the charges blow." The cruiser made its explosion as soon as the Rogue Wings began their journey to Brussels. For them one of the most critical battles in their lives was about to pass.
Mercurio nodded with a sense of accomplishment when his fellow pilots were ready to move out. "Good to know everyone is prepared." He returned to the Uriel where the others had it prepared and loaded for its departure.
Hyrum had gradually gotten used to the constant gunfire and destruction around the capital but at this point was starting to notice things weren't as explosive as they had been. "What happened to the fire out there?"
The man next to him tried to understand the situation when he answered, "It seemed to go shorter than usual. These gun volleys usually last throughout a good portion of the day."
One of the soldiers had stepped down from the upper levels warning, "Sir, there are enemy Leo III suits making a retreat from the city. Looks like the attacking half of the Coalition forces are planning to make a run for it."
"They've given up on the city?" Hyrum knew that if this was the case then one side of the Coalition civil war had probably won. They weren't going to find a way out if they passed on their enemy's current division. President Falson would have the chance to secure his target. He shook his head when he tried ot encourage everyone, "We have to get to the Parliamentary Building now." Hyrum prepared to leave with his troops when he turned to the President with his warning. "Mr. President. I'm afraid we have to take the chance to get out of here soon. The Coalition is going to regroup and recapture the Parliament at this rate."
"Sir, Brussels is now on our sight!"
Klaus looked through his main camera. The city was reduced to the remnant of the capital of Earth. He had to remain determined if his men were to be the ones who would save the day. "Any readings on the enemy?" He asked the pilot.
"We have detected enemy units. But they are in a strange position. One large portion is retreating from the inner-city."
"What sort of plan is this supposed to be..." The General commented. He realized he couldn't allow for a moment of pause when he gave his order, "We will be breaking in to secure the Parliament! Minimize civilian casualties!"
Tano's squad arrived to join the battle while he saw the destruction taking place. He ordered, "Alright men, we will eradicate all dissenters from our ranks!" He prepared his Gundam for close-combat until one of his subordinates alerted him.
"Sir, we have approaching enemies. Earth Sphere units!"
Tano saw the approaching Earth Sphere suits from Germany. "Taking advantage of the chaos... Despicable." He muttered. He returned to his squad. "We will wipe out both the traitors and the Earth Sphere. We'll start with breaking through to join friendly units." He ordered. His snipers placed themselves in cover with the view of most of the battlefield and aimed their rifles. "Fire!" He ordered.
The snipers simultaneously shot down three traitor Leo IIIs. Tano's Anaconda moved at max-speed towards his enemies to begin tearing through.
Rayen was able to report the standing of the mobile suit forces when he received the report on the movement. He adjusted the map to show Edward what had been developed with the unit movements. "Everything is moving as intended Edward."
"It is only a matter of time now."
The reporting Captain for the service returned to update another critical issue with the arrival of the Anaconda and other mobile suits. "We have received reports on Coalition entry. It appears we have reinforcements approaching our position."
Edward had the most interest when he asked, "Have they signaled for our contact?"
"Negative sir."
"They are clearly with the President. If they continue moving in they may discover our position."
Rayen reminded him to stay with the strategy, "Not if the Earth Sphere is able to prevent them from making contact."
"Even if they do it will be a matter of time before we must move back in. I believe that with the enemy having another Gundam they will likely reduce our numbers much more quickly."
Rayen agreed with the statement, "This will be an issue. Regardless of what we have to work around our enemies will still have two powerful adversaries to deal with."
Edward began to shuffle through the possibilities when he managed to find the most brutal way to be his only option. "If we move the Testudo closer in, we should be able to have a clearer shot and see the President's men pinned down. Once it has moved in, we will be able to wipe out the enemy. We will have the Parliament within our grasp."
"I certainly hope your strategies are enough Edward. The Testudo has been penetrable before and the fact that it will be within range of our forces will be an issue." Rayen could only pray Edward would listen to this reasoning.
As soon as the second Gundam had arrived for President Falson's forces, Hui began to show a level of hope for their situation. "Mr. President, the Anaconda and our reinforcements have arrived."
Nathaniel stepped down from the bunker when he asked, "At last. Is there any word on the status of the combatants?"
"They appear to have moved out from the city sir. However our reports have discovered we have another issue. The Earth Sphere has arrived with a company of mobile suits most likely with the intention of rescuing the Parliament."
Nathaniel tried to see the situation behind his opponent's strategy. Edward was probably trying to lure the Earth Sphere mobile suits towards a less contested area of the Parliamentary Building and then find a chance to take down the Coalition forces in a much more weakened state. "They certainly caught us at the appropriate time. It's a strategy we can't even avert seeing it was entirely reliant on timing. We can't bother with Blare's men for now. If the Earth Sphere is permitted to escape with the leaders this will be a true humiliation."
"Your next order sir?" Hui asked out of final confirmation.
Nathaniel's next choice became a difficult one when he placed everything he risked into the decision. "Make the Earth Sphere mobile suits our target."
"It shall be done." Hui began to contact the Coalition mobile suits as well as the reinforcements hoping for a chance at victory. "All units prepare to engage the Earth Sphere mobile suits. We cannot let the Parliamentary Building be lost to the Earth Sphere."
Even Franz was able to notice the situation had changed when the Coalition mobile suits had made their way out of the city. "Have the reinforcements arrived?"
One of the soldiers saw the damage building from the outside and agreed, "It appears they have sir. The Coalition mobile suits are moving towards the outer edge of the city."
Franz turned to Hyrum with the intent of ensuring the mission would pass. "Their arrival will be a matter of time. We must find a way back."
Once the Coalition mobile suits began to move out towards the enemy mobile suits, Heero and the others knew it was time to begin the defense. He ordered to his men, "Make sure those barricades are ready. Don't let the enemy make their way in."
One of his men saluted, "We've escorted the Parliament to the meeting hall sir. They should be safe."
Heero reminded them of their mission, "We won't let the enemy set foot in here. Make sure to wait for General Ulbricht's arrival, that's when we must leave."
The order to focus on Earth Sphere forces reached Tano. "All units change priority to eliminating Earth Sphere forces!" He ordered. He too swiched his enemy. He approached a group of Ursas and yanked the closest one to him with the snake fang on his right arm and crushed the cockpit. His snipers finished off the rest of the squad. "Now to find the commander." He thought.
Klaus found his forces were already under attack by the Coalition. Given the current odds, his forces would be able to endure the ongoing slaughter until the politicians could be evacuated. Klaus started to search for any sign of Franz or other survivors. He reached for his radio when he called out to the signal of the Earth Sphere capital, "This is General Ulbricht, Commander of the Berlin forces. We came for the aid of Earth Sphere politicians. Respond."
Hyrum knew that everyone was probably anxious to find their way out of the city at this point but had to remind Franz, "We can't head out there until the coast is clear Mr. President."
One of the soldiers found a transmission on his radio and quickly reported, "I think we've got something sir." Over the next few seconds they could hear General Ulbricht's report on his arrival. If they made it through, Franz still had a chance at surviving this encounter after all.
Hyrum knew the situation was probably going to get better when he noted, "That sounds like the General. If we move out he should be able to escort our way to the Building." He handed the comm device to his President when he suggested, "Mr. President, it's probably best if you send out the order. They need to know you need the assistance."
Franz took the device when he agreed, "It would indeed encourage them I suppose." He began his signal to General Ulbricht with the proper amount of emphasis on the situation, "This is the President speaking. We require immediate assistance to arrive at the Parliamentary Building. We are located in one of the complexes of the Chaussee de Wavre. Please send immediate assistance. I must see the Parliament is delivered from destruction." Right after sending the signal some gun fire managed to make its way towards the windows. The two sides of the Coalition had clashed it seemed. "I'm afraid that we must make a move to a more secure location. Please keep track of movement within the city limits whether it's Coalition or our own forces."
"I read you, Mr. President. I will send a squad for the task." General Ulbricht responded and switched his channel to his Company's. "Team Aquila, locate the President!" He ordered next. A team of Griffons moved towards their President while the rest of the forces were held against the Coalition's resistance.
"What the, it's a new Gundam-"
The Anaconda continued it's rampage on Earth Sphere reinforcements. His Gundam proved to be more than formidable against the Earth Sphere's mass-produced Mobile Weapons. "I will be the hammer of the Falsons." He paraphrased the motto of the Coalition's military. "Enemies of the Falson family will be crushed with every fragment destroyed." He continued to search for the commanding unit to destroy but the task is proving to be daunting.
Edward saw the battle from afar building again when the Testudo made its shots and towards the battlefield. He demanded a status report from one of his strategists, "How have things on the battleground progressed?"
"Quite quickly. The new Gundam unit is breaking through the Earth Sphere mobile suits with optimal efficiency."
"Have our units managed to avoid being sighted?"
Another one of the strategists pointed out, "As far as we can tell they are not being pursued by either side. Our only concern now should be our own ground forces."
Rayen knew the final "Send in an advance team and engage anyone who goes within range of the Parliamentary Building. Avoid all contact with the mobile suits, we only need to arrive before the Earth Sphere soldiers do."
Edward expressed his thoughts on the idea when he agreed, "It will be a gamble, but we should have the forces to spare for this operation."
Another one of the strategists managed to show the clear advantage when he pointed out, "We will have the Earth Sphere soldiers caught off guard when they find our forces attacking their ranks as well. They cannot see their struggle as any more probable when they are suffering like this."
The battle had become more desperate when Nathaniel saw he had another faction to deal against. It was after hearing Hui update him, "The Earth Sphere forces are attempting to reach the Parliamentary Building."
Nathaniel ordered without a second thought, "Stop them from advancing. No actions can be permitted." The order was given and the Coalition soldiers were forced to stand their ground against the advancing Earth Sphere forces. If all went as planned they would hold off against another invader but Nathaniel remained curious how General Blare's forces would exploit this situation.
When the reinforcements of the Earth Sphere made their way through the streets one of the soldiers was able to report to Heero, "Major, it appears General Ulbricht's forces have arrived."
He looked outside to notice there were two sides of the Coalition forces flanking their escort on both sides. Regardless of who was victorious, the Earth Sphere soldiers would be lost. "They're caught in the crossfire. It doesn't look like they'll be able to make it in alive at this rate."
Heero reacted to this situation when he ordered, "We have to begin an advance. We'll have to do everything to give them a chance to make it here."
"We're ready to follow your lead Major."
He gave them one final order, "Remember, only fire with the intention of killing."
"Yes sir!"
One of the soldiers tried to search through the smoke of the city while the mobile suits began to move closer towards the building that contained the Earth Sphere Parliament. "Can we move now?" He heard Hyrum ask.
He gave his report, "We might be able to reach the main building sir. The Coalition looks like it's having a hard time trying to get towards their target location." It was right after that an explosion had occurred on the upper levels of their current building.
One of the soldiers noticed the Coalition soldiers were beginning to close in around the target area of the capital. "It doesn't look like we'll be able to stay situated here for much longer though. The enemy is closing in as it is."
Hyrum gave a quick warning to his leader before he would give his mission to the troops. "Mr. President, be prepared to move. We're going to have a hard time getting through the crossfire and we'll have to be ready to defend ourselves against enemy fire."
"Sir! We have been lured into a trap!"
General Ulbricht saw his radar to find it true with his forces attacked from all directions. He was losing numbers quick after being caught off-guard. "All forces initiate formation Agide!" He ordered. With the order all units began entrenching close to each other, forming a circle to cover all sides from attack. Agide was a formation for full defense with mobility sacrificed and being pinned by enemy fire prevented them from continuing to rescue the parliament.
Tano found a squadron of Griffons separating from the main fighting force. "You think you can escape?" He asked rhetorically. He extended his claw to tear open a flying Griffon's cockpit and threw it over to another unit. He ran after the remaining units to prevent them from reaching the Parliament.
Franz agreed to Hyrum's evaluation when he stood, "Very well. I believed it was time we did." The desire became unrealistic when the men stood outside to find the men led by General Ulbricht found themselves being attacked on all sides. Regardless of it being General Blare or President Falson's men the situation seemed to be one sided. They could see the minor assistance that the holed up parliamentary guard was giving but it would probably not be enough to avert casualties. "Do we not have a way through?" Franz asked as he looked on from around a building corner.
"It doesn't appear we have the option sir. The enemy has us pinned down as it is." He knew this was the correct assumption after hearing more of General Blare's men issue its gunfire.
Heero looked over the destruction hoping to see some sort of good news on the General's advance. He received an immediate evaluation when he asked, "How do the General's forces stand?"
"They won't be able to take much more sir. It doesn't even look like they'll be able to move at this rate."
Heero prepared a grenade to throw out into the ranks of the guarding Coalition soldiers when he ordered, "Make a clearing towards our location. We have to give them some assistance."
As soon as the grenade exploded it stirred up some further confusion among the Coalition ranks. It wasn't long before the destruction managed to open a clearing towards the building. Hopefully the opportunity would be taken before the ranks managed to find the hole in their defenses. Heero prepared his rifle and began firing when he ordered, "Focus fire on the nearest area towards the entrance!"
One of the soldiers ordered out of recognition, "Throw a flare! Let's get them to safety!"
Hui reported the battle situation when he made his way to President Falson. "The Earth Sphere mobile suits have been mostly destroyed Mr. President."
"And what of the mobile suit forces from General Blare's forces?"
Hui considered what had been reported, "We haven't found them sir. We might not be able to find a way to engage until the Earth Sphere units have been destroyed."
Edward knew the time was near for him to use his trump card. He ordered, "We must prepare to flank them. We will be able to cut the enemy mobile suits off guard and the Testudo should be in range to warrant a legitimate threat to the President."
Rayen made sure of the idea, "We have only now managed to move the Testudo within range to fire on the enemy?"
"Without the main cannon we had to turn to the inaccuracy of the side weapons." Edward explained. "We must now rely on the enemy backing down as soon as we have made our shots."
Rayen decided this was their best chance when he agreed, "It will be difficult. The Testudo won't be able to march through the buildings too easily and the battery fire will vastly vary in accuracy."
"Order our units to return. Their ranks are as softened as they might be, we must seize the opportunity."
Oleg issued another swipe of his heat rods when he saw the Griffon go down and made his way through the Ursa units that remained on the ground. The power of two Gundams on the battlefield showed when the smoke rose from its place. "Looks like that's all of them. I suppose this was the most we could offer." He regretted as the mountain of debris was surveyed.
Oleg couldn't take another moment to consider the dead when he saw Leo III units making their way towards his location. Oleg quickly learned they weren't reinforcements for his side when they began to fire on him and the Anaconda. He didn't know the pilot of the other Gundam but was quick to warn, "Behind us! The rebelling Coalition mobile suits are headed this way!"
There was a battle raging for the two sides but an intercom aired on the available channels the city of Brussels still had. "This is General Edward Blare claiming new leadership of the Coalition. All forces have been seized, surrender and all participants shall be spared execution."
The announcement had Hyrum and his men stop in one of the nearby buildings when they hoped none of the Coalition managed to find their position. For everything that had been accomplished in this battle today none of the sides managed to make great advancements.
He warned, "Mr. President. We have to remain out of sight. If the battle continues any longer we might end up being another casualty."
"At least we should be safe for a little while. Or is there someone we should look for?"
Realistically Hyrum decided, "If the Coalition President is going to surrender then it's possible those new leaders are going to find us some time soon."
Oleg heard the transmission and was confused by how the insurgents could have managed to claim some sort of victory. "How could this happen?" He wasn't willing to take this news however when he began to move the Aquarius towards the area the Testudo stood. It wasn't able to go very far when the gunfire from afar managed to create a very unsafe area of damage.
Finding one of the few buildings that remained standing the Aquarius managed to find safety to allow Oleg to hear a warning from Edward, " Tsubarov. Please stand down. We cannot risk any further attacks or it will kill the remainder of our forces."
Oleg accepted the warning when he agreed, "Yes sir. I apologize if I caused any."
"It is fine soldier. Simply warn your fellow pilot of the danger please. We cannot let this progress further."
"Yes sir." Oleg confirmed when he began to switch channels. He managed to find the channel Tano was on and warned, "The Testudo is threatening to destroy our forces if we continue to move forward."
Rayen reported to his fellow General, "They have been secured Edward. The Testudo will be able to keep this area calmed for a time."
"At least against the mobile suits. Now I must see the President himself and his moment of power will finally come to an end."
"It doesn't appear they will surrender the Parliamentary Building at any point however. We may be in for another lengthy battle before we can secure our victory."
"Press every available soldier we have into this final assault. The President shall be defeated."
"We have nearly endured this battle for well over a day. At least now they shall have a resting period after a significant siege."
Edward nodded in confirmation of his victory, "Yes. They shall have a stronger leader as well. I will see the Coalition live up to its potential as humanity's next step towards leadership."
Regardless of what was happening to Nathaniel, he continued to remain vigilant against these odds. It was clear when he ordered Hui, "Gather what men we have left to our location. I will not falter here."
"Mr. President. This final stand is not likely to be a realistic ambition. Even worse we will further lose sight of the Parliament."
"I would sooner choose to die at the hands of a usurper than serve one as a prisoner. We will not let General Blare have his way without it being a difficult feat."
Hui was encouraged by the commitment when he agreed to the order, "I will see that we do not have to pay such a price Mr. President. We will continue our defense." With that order he relayed to the soldiers on his side, "All men form up towards the main control building. We must defend the President. General Blare will not surrender to this traitor so easily. Step away from the Parliamentary Building but do not allow the Earth Sphere military to find its way towards our location."
The battle had brought movement in the city to a standstill when Nathaniel's forces gave a desperate final defense to face Edward's ambition. "It would appear we are not able to move after all." One of the soldiers managed to observe from the nearby windows.
"We can't hope to move out at this rate. The Coalition is back to fighting against itself and the President is somewhere out there." Another one of the soldiers managed to evaluate.
Heero shook his head when he admitted their improbable odds, "Their battle is likely to go on. We may have to endure this longer."
Obviously unable to handle anticipation for much longer Malcolm had made his way towards the nearby frontline defense asking, "Has the President at least been secured?"
Heero offered what assurance he could, "We might have heard from Hyrum about his status. We have to keep buying them the time they need."
Oleg swept at the ground as he found more of the Coalition soldiers loyal to Nathaniel trying to make an advance before taking a step back as he swept the heat rods of his Aquarius at the Leo III units that tried to use surprise on him. He dashed the Aquarius back as he avoided a barrage of fire that came his way and heard one of his squad mates ask, "Captain, how long do we have to wait back here before we can advance?"
Oleg fired the dober gun towards the buildings when he answered, "You have your orders. You advance when I say so." Before there was any further argument, Oleg checked ahead to see a squad of Leo III units progressing through the city but was accompanied by something that he could not recognize. "What the hell is that coming this way?"
The Anaconda Gundam stood in front of the Aquarius as it paused its progression to make contact with him. Oleg saw Tano's face appear on his screen ask him, "Gundam pilot. I need confirmation. Are you a dissenter or loyal to the president?"
The direct question was a blunt one that Oleg found refreshing when he answered, "I'm fighting to have the president take down. You have other plans?"
Tano confirmed, "You're an enemy of the Coalition and the colonies. Your existence is none that cannot be permitted." The signal on Oleg's computer was cut off as he saw the Anaconda prepare its arm for attack.
Oleg prepared himself for contact when he told himself, "You're lucky I don't have to make this a fair fight. Time to see what two Gundams fighting each other can look like." He rolled his Aquarius forward as he made a sweep with one of his heat rods only to see it making contact with a building that was behind the Anaconda. Oleg saw his opposing Gundam on top of the building as it prepared its quarterstaff and prepared to make a mighty plunge to the ground where the Aquarius stood. The Aquarius brought itself on the defensive as it swept its heat rod up to the quarterstaff and trapped it in a grip to pull the Anaconda closer before raising its dober gun to the chest of the opposing Gundam.
The Anaconda was quick however as it made a mighty kick to send the shot overhead and forced a gap between the two to have their distance. A new conflict had begun in the field and the struggle for the will of the Coalition had only continued to proceed.
The next day was going to judge them all as far as their loyalty to the Earth Sphere would go. With this conviction in mind he made a solemn promise to himself on everything that hung on his arrival. His mother and father, the Parliament, the President, the existence of the Earth Sphere United Nations itself. "I'll be there soon. Hang on as long as you all can."
