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 51: The Struggle for a United Earth
The trip from Fréjus had been building up to this moment and the Rogue Wings were soon to make their mark on history with the intention of bringing their hopes into victory. Mercurio searched the front of the city and found the Testudo marching towards the city of Brussels. He announced their status when announced, "Captain. The city is within our sights." Dana was probably going to be the one to order the advance but had to see his fellow pilots ready. "It's time for us to take back the capital. Is everyone prepared?"
Zachariah was the first to announce, "Rearing to go."
Roy added his commitment, "I'm ready to kick this Coalition where its founder split it."
Ludwika agreed, "Let's not bother trying to come up with anything clever. This is a real battle to look forward to."
Keijo had his mobile suit observing the Testudo's movement when he reported, "Finally about to break the siege.
Cinzia had her scopes focused when she gave a report, "All Ursas better be excited for this. Nothing like this is repeating in our lifetime."
Pascal didn't show any waver when he promised, "Our leaders will be spared of any further persecution."
With every announcement of the ones who made it this far the hopes of the Earth Sphere had been reignited greatly among Mercurio and the other pilots. He reminded them of the agreed plan, "Prepare your position. Wait until Dana makes the shot. Once the main cannon is taken out we should have the opening we need to begin the attack."
Roy answered with his enthusiasm, "I've got a trigger finger itching for a piece of that hunk of junk."
Cinzia had a shrug in her voice when she boasted, "If it's basically a bulked version of the average Scutum we won't have much to worry about."
The sight of Brussels was reported to Instructor W driving the truck carrying their secret weapon for the battle. He immediately turned his communication to Donna. "Donna, we'll go as we planned." He told her. "The Aquarius will have to be lured away from the rest of the Coalition forces. I'll stop this truck far from the battlefield and you will have to bring the Gundam close to where I'll stop. You'll know when to use the Magnaspear." The name was thought of by the Instructor and Gawel for the spear rotated with electro-magnetic acceleration.
Donna replied. "Yes Instructor, I'll do as we planned."
The Instructor nodded at her response. "Remember. We need to pull this off successfully to prevent another catastrophe."
Keijo was the next to remind them of their advantage adding, "There's a reason we have the Gundams for this operation. We send Yuy and Lindemann in and the thing goes down without a response."
Mercurio reminded them of their plan, "This is going to be a team effort. Stand by for the order to engage." He had the Uriel's buster sword prepared at its heat setting and knowing the Testudo would only be the first obstacle between him and the hopes of the United Earth rising again.
Donna answered to Mercurio, "I'm ready to do my part." She unsheathed her shotels for the battle that will write history.
Ermes was the next to reply, "Got your back cuz." His Ursa had its missile launcher ready. They were all ready to attack when ordered.
Nasir gave his report solemnly, "No time like the present. Jasenka and Maurycy won't lose their lives in vain."
Trenton reminded, "Dirk and Belle might have been new to our team but we have to spare some thought for what they managed to bring us as well. Too many people have sacrificed their lives for us to make our way here. Let's not waste it!"
Gawel added his enthusiasm for the battle, "The Magnaspear is out and ready to be field tested. First chance anyone gets to have their name added to the history books of technicians everywhere."
Dana heard all of the announcements from her fellow pilots and did her best to keep from letting a tear come to her eyes. "These guys should be glad I'm not me from those years ago. Tears and puppy dog eyes aren't going to have their place out here now." She maintained her composure when it was time to give the final rally speech for the confrontation. "Couldn't have asked for better boasting before a battle like this. Now get ready to prove some real results when we're out there. If we're going to make the United Earth possible we can't accept anything short of a one sided ass-kicking. Short and sweet of it this battle is going to decide if our cause is bogus or it has some fight left in it. Even if it's going to take everyone who's left to pull this off, just remember that's what we made a promise for. We're here today because of what we promised ourselves. We're here today to change this outcome for the better. We're here to make our enemies pay for what they've done. Now I just want this out of everyone. Prepare for a battle unlike any you've prepared for. Give everything you have for this moment. It's like Trenton said, good people have laid their lives on the line to see us get here today. Anyone who doesn't want to waste their sacrifice is going to get out there and make this one of our best hours!"
Dana felt this energy fly through her being when she gave this speech. Whether anyone was bolstered in their determination she didn't care at this point. Her time had come to serve as a leader. The time for judging the Earth Sphere's right to exist had come.
Tano stopped chasing after the Griffon squadron and retreated to a set of partially destroyed buildings for cover when he received the order to retreat. From what he saw, the Earth Sphere reinforcements were already nearly destroyed so his help won't be needed further. Added to the fact that the Aquairus was still brewing as they tried to find ground between one another. Fortunately for him, the battle had become an even one but he was not going to achieve a definitive vicotry any time soon.
As the conflict between the Anaconda and the Aquarius remained at a standstill, Tano was able to recognize the immediate danger that his men had at the capital. Klaus Ulbricht was moving in with his men towards the internal battle the Coalition was having, and he was about to fail his duty regardless of his actions. He backed away from the Aquarius when he told Oleg, "We have to stop now! We can't afford this!"
Oleg contacted, "What? Too afraid of losing?"
Tano corrected, "The last men of the Earth sphere military are headed this way and we won't be able to uphold our position here!"
Oleg recognized the danger when he turned his Gundam to face the direction of the Anaconda's position where he saw the Leo III mobile suit that had been hijacked making their way forward while blasting their enemy units. It was the only confirmation leg needed to confirm the warning when he told Tano, "Looks like this is something we settle after we have a chance."
Tano turned the Anaconda to watch the incoming forces when he agreed, "Indeed we must. Do not hold back on them."
Mercurio didn't offer any protest when he heard Dana's rally to begin this attempt to take back the capital. It was only a short period before the Testudo's main cannon was destroyed and the other mobile suit pilots prepared to make their charge. "Keep an eye on the turret fire! Focus your fire on its weak areas!" The Uriel prepared its buster sword in shield mode before the Testudo began to fire on the advancing Rogue Wings.
When Mercurio made its way towards the nearest leg that could be targeted he commanded the Uriel to take the buster sword into its blade mode with a powerful strike. The Uriel's first strike managed to slice its way into the leg offering significant damage to its stability. The Testudo was firing but wasn't able to cause any real harm towards the Gundams. The Ursa units were more pinned down when they tried to move further in to assist. Mercurio heard Cinzia contact, "We've got these small fries handled. You guys stay focused on the critical areas."
He considered following this command before he asked, "Are you certain? Not enough of the outer armor is exposed yet."
Keijo answered back on the concern, "That's your cue to give us something to shoot at Yuy. Just move in and give it the best damage you can."
Mercurio finally agreed, "Stay in position. This won't be long." He announced this when he launched the Uriel forward to begin its attacks. The damage inflicted on the Testudo could only accumulate now before its destruction could pass.
The brigade of Rogue Wing mobile suits continued their journey before the sight of Brussels ablaze was within their sight. Instructor W looked across the field when he saw the Testudo marching around the city when he confirmed, "That seems to be why we didn't just see anything at Namur. There is something happening that brought it here."
Till looked behind him when he told him, "The Coalition was unable to maintain its unity in the end. Now they are paying for their fragile alliance."
Instructor W agreed, "Looks like we'll have to alter our strategy a bit. If anything, it seems like the brothers were right. We haven't been flanked by their cannon so those range combats should be okay for meeting that thing face to face."
Till reached for the radio of the panel when he contacted Dana, "The way is clear. We can now execute the plan captain."
Dana heard the confirmation when she agreed, "Sit tight. We're about to come out on top of this mess."
She changed her signal to contact the other mobile suits, "The report has been confirmed. WE have the right plan all set." She told Zachariah, "Take the others and escort the Lindemann brothers to the Testudo. We're going to lead the charge and disable the Aquarius and whoever else is standing in our way."
Zachariah agreed, "And you'll be sure to let us join you when we're done?"
Dana agreed, "We'll be sure to leave some for you." She contacted Trenton, "You be sure to get our ground guys into the city. We need to have confirmation of the parliament still being secure."
Trenton agreed, "I'm just waiting for the chance right now captain."
She returned her attention to everyone on her channel when she told them, "We're all on the same page and we all have our targets. Charge boys!"
The three Gundams shot forward side by side while Trenton's Leo III followed behind carrying the pilots who did not have a mobile suit but were ready to come to the aid of their leaders. While the three main Gundams made their advance to the city, the Nornir Gundams charged in single file towards the Testudo while Christoph ordered, "Let's make this quick. We'll clear a path for everyone."
Christian agreed, "Been waiting for this. Combine now."
The back of the Clotho opened as the Urth came from behind and combined its arms with the smaller ones before the Lachesis came in last and did the same with the legs. The Nornir Triumvirate was once again on the field while it took a maneuver around the Testudo's position. Christoph saw the mechanism for the Helfire Cannon appear on his panel when he told his brothers, "Take aim at the front center of that thing. This should be a quick one."
As the Nornir prepare to fire its mighty weapon, the Testudo fired its turrets towards the area of the Nornir. Only one managed to be a direct hit while the others landed at the feet and sent it flying backwards. Even with the damage done, the Nornir fired its Helfire Cannon towards the Testudo only to blast off the top and remove the main cannon. Christoph struggled in the meantime to deactivate the cannon as the Nornir fell on its back. To his relief he saw the canon stopped firing itself when the main computer offered a warning about being unable to eject the three combined Gundams.
Kieran looked outside the command room to see what damage had been done to his greatest creation and he was left in shock at what he was being asked to endure. He turned to the men of the command center when he told them, "Now listen here. We are not accomplishing anything by staying here at this point. We now have a duty to get the hell out of here. That's my order as commanding officer."
One of the operators told him, "We can't abandon our duties here. The Gundams are passing us by and we don't even have a chance to chase them. We have to take out their supporters as soon as we can."
Kieran looked at the man in disbelief when he told him, "We are not achieving anything if we die up here. This is the made to take this much punishment and we're all better off if we have a chance to destroy the Earth Sphere from within."
The operator declined, "We still have our turrets. We'll buy you and the others time to escape if that's what you need."
One of the men confirmed, "We'll get out of here while this thing is down. Happy to hear that?"
Kieran held back his dissatisfaction when he gave a salute and ordered, "Give my creation the final hour it deserves."
The operators who remained behind took command of the Testudo's controls and fired at the incoming Gundams that lead the Ursa units towards the location. The Testudo remained immobile, but its defense systems offered a barrage of fire to offer a final defense to destroy the Earth Sphere's attack.
Richard forced the legs of the Nornir to thrust themselves up as the combined Gundam backed away from the incoming assault that was building. As the Gundam made its way back, it endured another shot from the front turret of the Testudo while Richard commented, "This cannot be good for the main computers."
Christian told him, "We've only got one more chance before we can destroy that thing ourselves. Let's take it and end this shit already."
Christoph agreed, "Let's hope this thing will accept firing again." He reached for the mechanism that managed the Helfire Cannon before firing it in the center of the Nornirs chest. Its collision with the armor appeared only as effective as the rifle shot from the Artemis but after a few seconds began to pierce it. Before it had a chance to destroy the Testudo, the heat levels of the combined Gundam were shown to be beyond the tolerance of the computer and forced the weapon to stop firing. Immediately after the locks on the three Gundams disengaged and the Nornir was no longer a single unit.
Richard registered what had become of their situation when Zachariah asked, "Are you guys all right? That didn't seem to work."
Christian answered, "No need to rub it in. We can at least destroy that thing right?"
Ludwika agreed, "We need to unleash everything we have left. Who knows how long the city will stand?"
The squads of Ursa units unleased every round of fire they had onto the Testudo as they sought to bring about its destruction. Ermes kept watch of the crossfire between the two forces while firing towards the city and looking for a chance to slip into the fray he was concerned about. He had the word of his cousin that Dafina would not be killed but he was still unsure about how things could still proceed. "Mercurio has become a different person than what I imagined he would be. How can I be sure that you'll keep to his word?" He saw several explosions occur within the city and was wrought with the idea that each one could have been from the Tallgeese's destruction.
Roy contacted him when he ordered, "You keep an eye out there! We still have mobile suits trying to reach us!"
Ermes turned to see Leo III units making their way towards him before firing into the crowd to commit to his defense of the Rogue Wings. He saw one explode before he told himself, "Right now I can only hope that sis is still strong enough.
When the Testudo's cannon was destroyed some of the soldiers at the parliamentary Building were confused. "I thought the Coalition was too concerned about settling things between their leaders to continue this battle." One of the soldiers noted among the confusion.
"The Gundams are probably trying to be the decision makers now." Another one tried to rationalize.
Another one of the soldiers made his way towards Heero when he tried to figure out the situation. "Major, did the Coalition President just get some sort of hidden explosive?"
Heero took a short while to answer when he decided, "It doesn't seem like it. It may either be the Coalition Gundams… Or our own."
"Our own? You mean our Gundams made it back here?"
"If they did return, they have true dedication to the Earth Sphere beliefs."
One of the nearby soldiers wasn't happy with the idea when he pointed out, "If they did they'll have some answering to do for what they did to General DeLombard and General Carmine. No one can make up for treachery of that level."
"Assuming we'll have a chance to hold such a trial." Heero added on a final note.
Franz looked towards the explosion and knew there was only one possibility with the sabotage. "So, the Gundams have returned. I must prepare to make a way to Amsterdam." Unfortunately, he wasn't able make the order just yet. Lieutenant Hyrum was probably more concerned about finding a way to get out of their position and how safe the chance to move out would be. Either way he knew he had a chance at finding a way to get out of the city.
The Tallgeese Throne had begun to make its way towards the Earth Sphere capital while Dafina did everything to mentally prepare herself for the upcoming battle. Her final mission could finally be completed. But for her it would be a difficult final decision. Both her brother and cousin were in support of the Earth Sphere and she risked seeing them die at her hands. Her thoughts were broken when Devine contacted her. "Are you prepared to make the hard decisions Agent?"
Dafina kept a cool demeanor when she answered, "Perhaps I must. My only concern is to see President Kecker breath his last."
Barra emphasized the need to accomplish this mission when he reminded, "You must be prepared to make the hard decisions. Otherwise you will not achieve your father's mission."
"I understand. This mission will not end in failure." Dafina switched off her communication system when she prepared to make her way towards the battlefield. The Tallgeese Throne was about to make its mark on the siege for Brussels.
When the explosion occurred next to the city, Nathaniel had been greatly surprised by what happened. "What happened out there?" He asked only to Hui.
Hui answered, "We haven't determined the source of the explosion Mr. President. What we have been able to determine however is that the Testudo has been significantly damaged and the cannon has been disabled."
Nathaniel didn't know the status of the Gundams but knew there was a significant problem with this development. "On one hand we have saved ourselves from our own weapon. Unfortunately it would seem that we have lost a significant weapon against our enemy."
Hui nodded when he could only offer, "It was perhaps the only way to protect ourselves."
Nathaniel issued his order for the situation, "Even if it was our only choice, we cannot permit the Earth Sphere to see this as a chance to reclaim the city. Send out the Aquarius and the Anaconda to defend our position. Their immediate orders are to destroy the Gundams. Even if they must sacrifice themselves, it must be for the sake of preventing Franz from taking back a position of power."
"Understood Mr. President." Hui used his radio station to relay this order, "Attention all remaining Coalition mobile suit units. We believe the presence of Earth Sphere Gundams have arrived within the city perimeter. Regardless of who the enemy is, your order is to destroy these enemies once and for all by whatever resources available."
Oleg had rushed to the Aquarius after returning from his patrol. He found several pilots rushing towards their mobile suits when he warned, "We've got our orders. It's about time to prove ourselves as pilots."
One of the pilots began to lead them when he answered, "We received the order. You and the Lieutenant head out at the front and make sure you can follow up on that promise."
Oleg was only a few steps towards the Aquarius before he could promise to his superior, "Easy enough. These pilots won't stand much longer."
Edward saw the explosion reported on his report and was visibly frustrated with the results when he slammed his hand on the papers. "What is this?!"
Rayen elaborated, "We have received word from the Testudo. The main cannon has been destroyed and we are receiving word on the attackers. The Earth Sphere Gundams have arrived."
"The Earth Sphere Gundams?" Edward began to pace when he heard this news and pondered, "Damn. This could not have come at a worse time. We are currently not in the position to address this sort of problem. Our mobile suit forces have all but been decimated and we only have the ground forces sieging the President's forces for the remainder of our numbers."
Rayen shook his head when he was forced to the same conclusion. "I agree. For now we can only hope we have President Kecker's luck in not being found."
Donna brought the Zero System online once she approached the Tetsudo with everyone else. She took down the escorting Mobile Suits with her shotels while everyone else focused fire on the Tetsudo. By the time she slashed down the last escort, the Tetsudo was immobilized. "Nice work Mercurio!" She said. "Now we have the Gundams next."
Tano received his order from one of his subordinates. "We meet again Gundams." He thought. "This battle will become the time of judgment for me to end the terror brought upon by you monsters." He finished his personal vow to defeat them as a loyal soldier to the cause unlike the traitors on Mars and Brussels. He entered the Anaconda's cockpit and activated it to fulfill his mission. "We will be facing the Gundams. My team will focus attack on the long-range type." He announced to Oleg.
Oleg confirmed Tano's report when he began to move out. "Understood. Time to see how long they can last." As the Aquarius sent out the virus to the mobile suits he prepared his heat rods to engage with the Sandesgeist in his best attempts to prevent it from moving forward. "I hope you aren't too hampered by the Aquarius' abilities."
While the Rogue Wings attacked the Tetsudo, Instructor W drove his truck close to the Sonian forest within the city. Once he stopped driving, he got off and ran to a building close by for cover, holding his communicator to contact the Rogue Wings. "The Magnaspear is in place near the Sonian." He announced. "Tear the truck apart to find it." While he was speaking Lord Lindemann got a missile launcher with ammunition out of their vehicle to provide support.
"There we go, that's a start." Dana observed when she activated Zero system. She had to prepare for the best shots to take out the threat of Brussels. She prepared her buster rifle for another shot when the advancing mobile suits found their way towards the Testudo. It was almost as easy as taking out a Scutum but proved to be more troublesome. Not even her buster rifle at its fullest could pierce far beyond the armor.
The initial damage had been done but it was only the beginning as far as taking it down. Se fired again and managed to open a clearing for the advance with the mobile weapon's turrets taken out on its rear end. "Keep pounding it, it shouldn't be long now."
Gawel was quick to remind her, "Just be sure to keep an eye out for that Aquarius. We need that put that weapon to work if we don't want to do the Testudo's job."
Dana nodded when she heard this promising, "He bothers showing up it'll be over in a strike." Right after this she saw Coalition mobile suits making their way across the war torn ruins of the capital. One of them was amazingly enough the Anaconda from Luna. She didn't bother trying to worry about the appearance when she only focused on trying to find its next movement through the Zero system. After having a good idea she fired her buster rifle again, "Sorry, not in this battle."
Kieran felt the situation grow more dire when the armor was penetrated. "Sir! We can't take much more damage! Those mobile suits have managed to take out our bridge deflector shield and another penetration of that power will render us all but destroyed."
Kieran ordered, "Rotate the Testudo to all functioning turrets! Don't let any of them through!"
Tano speeded to the battlefield to spearhead the Coalition attack. His target was the Artemis, where it will be forced to fight in a field which is less specialized in. He extended the claw to give it's first trike at the Gundam. He was able to avoid the shot from the buster rifle and attempted to strike at the Gundam. "I know your games long enough Gundam! I will defeat you!" He declared.
Donna was warned by the Zero system of the approaching attack from the Aquarius and was able to avoid in time at the cost of moderate damage on the leg-joints. When the virus was dispersed, the attempt to enter Sandesgeist's systems failed thanks to the anti-virus software deleting it from the system every time it entered. "Instructor, I am now engaging the Aquarius!" She announced to her squad in Instructor W.
Instructor W heard the message. "Lure it away!" He ordered. "Remember, a wrong attack can raze the city!"
Donna started to move backward while parrying the heat rods with her shotels to make the Aquarius fall into aggressively following her. "Come on, get over here..." She whispered under her breath.
The Uriel began to make a dash away from the leg when he made his strike. Mercurio thanked, "Thanks Donna. Make sure to avoid the oncoming fire." As soon as he saw the Testudo begin to move towards their location, Mercurio noticed the damage had begun to take effect. "If we keep this up, we should be able to take it down."
Pascal warned on the comm system, "Captain! The Testudo is turning!"
Whatever Dana ordered Zachariah could be heard among the chatter, "We have to move in! Don't let it complete the rotation!"
Mercurio decided he had to finish what he started. "Take out one of the legs! We should have it taken down there!"
The Uriel and other mobile suits began to make their way through the Testudo's fire while preparing for another strike. One of the new concerns however came when Mercurio heard Kejo warn, "Hey there's another reading making its way towards our location!"
Roy heard the warning and asked, "Is it one of the Coalition Gundams?"
One of the Ursa units looked behind trying to find the new target before Pascal could warn, "Can't tell. I think... It's the Tallgeese!" It was his last word when the Tallgeese Throne made its next swipe and destroyed the mobile suit. Right after it was making an interception with the Uriel with its ineffective virus.
Dafina realized just in that moment what had been done. "I should have known." She backed away from the Uriel and prepared the Tallgeese's heat rod for the attack. Before her strike she asked, "How far does your commitment to the Earth Sphere go Mercurio?"
Mercurio stood to this test when he answered, "It goes far enough to prevent its fall. Even if you still stand in my way, I won't let it impede my resolve."
"And you still believe Franz is innocent in spite of everything I have shown?"
"I only believe in what I can see for myself. If he won't cooperate, I will consider your words."
"The longer we wait the more chance he has to escape. You must trust what I have found."
The Artemis' systems weren't out of whack when Dana tried to fire on the Anaconda, but the skills of the pilot were something to be recognized. He was able to dodge Dana's shot, but she wasn't able to wonder about the sudden development for long. The claw began to make its way towards her Gundam and the Artemis prepared for close quarters combat. The trench shield was enough to block the shot, but it wasn't enough to push the weapon away.
When Dana was trying to break free of the lock, she heard Gawel announce his problems, "Captain! I'm losing it!"
She quickly ordered, "Bail out! You won't be able to make it!"
She then heard Trenton on another line announcing his status, "Shit! This isn't good!"
Nasir then added, "Trenton!"
She knew the explosion on the other line and was further angered into an attack when she drew her beam saber. "... Get away!"
When the Aquarius made its way towards the Sandesgeist the result was not as expected. His heat rods were deflected by the enemy's heat shotels and didn't falter in its speed when his Gundam made a charge towards its opponent. "The hell? How is the virus not working?" Oleg didn't try to wonder any further about the issue when he began to make further strikes in hopes of moving past the Sandesgeist defenses. "Ah forget it. I've got more important things to worry about!"
Oleg knew the effort would be dangerous but had apparently overestimated the enemy's capabilities. He was open in more than one area but the Sandesgeist was staying on the defensive most of the time. "Learning your limits now? I dare you to try and make a move!" He began to move further back when he had the opportunity. "You pick your death. Run away and I slice you in the back, charge forward and I'll find your opening."
The anti-virus eliminated a major problem, but the pilot of the Aquarius was faced with a new obstacle. With Donna forced on the defensive, the Aquarius was free to lash out attack while Donna can only parry and reposition to counter. The Zero system calculated possible attacks but most would end in a nuclear disaster. "The pilot's playing with me..." She muttered under her breath. She won't get assistance from Dana or Mercurio since they were occupied with their own enemies. She discarded one of her shotels to grab a machinegun from a slain Leo III to give her counter-offensive, aiming at the main-camera. The inaccurate shots would do no damage to the Gundanium armor but it served as a means to cover her supposed retreat, boosting backward but still careful to be visible for the Aquarius to go after her.
Kieran continued to brace himself against what seemed to be an inevitable end. "Have the Ursa mobile suits been eradicated?"
"We are stopping their advance for now sir. The Gundams are being pushed back just barely from our own."
"Continue the attack. Do not permit them to make the advance." Just a short while after the weakness of the Testudo was taken. The crew leaned towards a corner of the control room. Kieran tried to assess the situation, "What happened? Have we been stopped?"
The worst happened when he was told, "Sir. We've lost the left rear leg! We're a sitting duck!"
As soon as the evaluation was given, Kieran found a communication signal activate when he asked, "How much longer is it before those Gundams have been decimated?"
Kieran made his way over to the computer screen when he answered, "The Testudo is being heavily damaged. It's currently an unrealistic demand to see them destroyed."
"I must have results. Not excuses. Destroy everything in our path if we must."
Kieran grit his teeth from the order when he offered, "We will not require such demands Edward. For now, we will be able to consent ourselves with the future execution of President Falson."
"Perhaps then at least I will have the Coalition at my side. Just see something destroyed!"
Nathaniel demanded a report of the destruction, "What is the status of our soldiers?"
Hui began to give his assessment, "They appear to have backed down for now Mr. President. We may not be able to handle many more losses however."
"It seems that we are incapable of holding this city for much longer. I must begin an escape plan. I will hold the Coalition together for at least a period of time before we can attempt taking back this city."
"Perhaps this city is lost. Even if we take down General Blare's forces we won't be able to hold the city against the Earth Sphere Gundams. Even if the situation were reversed we wouldn't be any better off."
"It is true. Unfortunately the escape may be difficult to accomplish."
"It won't be if I stayed behind Mr. President. I will use my forces to ensure that your escape route is secured while holding off against both forces. It will be to the last man if it need be."
Nathaniel began to leave when he thanked, "Among the traitors who have reared their head today I am at least grateful to know you have been loyal General Kung. I will not let your sacrifice be in vain and it will bring us back to the path of setting the Earth right."
Hui saluted to Nathaniel one last time, "Thank you Mr. President. Please see that you live up to this promise." He issued a statement to the remaining soldiers on the field, "All remaining forces. The Stalemate is Declared. I repeat, The Stalemate is Declared."
Mercurio swiped the heat rods away when the Tallgeese tried to attack him. He declined the offer when he answered, "I have no reason. I won't accept the words of anyone who believes in the Coalition as a worthwhile duty."
The two mobile suits continued their duel when they dashed away from each other and began to fire on one another. The Tallgeese fired its rifle but the Uriel was able to counter the attacks when Zero system showed the areas it would be hit. Dafina offered him another question, "This is not a question of allegiance anymore. I only do what is right for the good of all humanity."
The Uriel changed the buster sword into shield mode preparing for a throw. Once it flew out of the Gundam's arm. Mercurio took what advantage he had to rush to the right side firing its buster rifle. "Our forefathers wished to see a United Earth become a reality. I won't accept seeing their efforts wasted." The duel continued when the heat rods and shield collided. She managed to avoid the shots after flying away from them and prepared for another rush.
The Tallgeese made its way towards the Uriel while its opponent made a swift dive below. The Uriel was able to reclaim its main weapon in that moment. The Uriel took the shield after the dive and prepared to continue its personal battle. The fate of the two cousins was left undecided, neither side wishing death but knew it was a heavy possibility by now.
Heero tried to get a feel of the situation outside. He found one of the nearby soldiers searching through the growing fog and asked, "What is our status? Can we move out of the area?"
"The Coalition is still maintaining its position sir. If we try to move now, we'll risk seeing everyone get crushed out there."
Heero nodded at the issue, "Then it seems we have to hope our own Gundams can accomplish this defense. We have to prepare a company to find President Kecker however. We have to ensure he is secured."
"Yes sir. We have a patrol out there trying to find a trace of him. If we're quick he won't suffer as a casualty."
Franz looked out at the growing conflict and knew things were only about to get more intense. He had to find a way out if he could survive another day. He looked to Hyrum with an authoritative glance, "Lieutenant. I shall require your communications device."
Hyrum heard his President's request and decided it was probably the best choice at this point. "I guess we might have a chance after all." He handed Franz the main radio offering, "Yes sir. Please feel free to make contact with our allies."
Franz took the radio and began to issue his order. "General Ulbricht. If this transmission is working I must have my way out of here. The King Stands on His Own." The code was necessary for the next phase of his plan. It would require abandoning the Parliament and soon he would have his way out of the city. The fate of everyone who chose to remain was now entirely in their hands.
General Ulbricht's forces were forced to regroup to the outskirt after taking heavy losses, but the news of the order passed through him was enough to prepare him for his new purpose on the field. He was firm to answer, "Very well Mr. President." He noted and turned to his co-pilot. "The President needs extraction. Send Grendel team for the task. Concentration of the enemy in the area decreased so now is the time." Grendel team left their hiding spot to find the President, Klaus provided them the co-ordinate of where the president's transmission came from.
Franz handed Hyrum the radio back and ordered, "Perfect. Lieutenant, prepare to move out. We'll meet with Grendel Team and prepare for our way out of here. That is my direct order."
"Understood sir. Let's form up and prepare to find our way out of here." "We're moving out with the President. Prepare to move out."
Tano's attack found success when his target was forced to go on the offensive. His squad found their successes as well when they entrenched themselves to snipe down the Rogue Wings. "Now to end you." He thought when it looked like his victory would finally come but the surprise resistance forced him back. He extended his right arm again but aimed to grapple at the arm holding the beam saber to prevent its use.
Dana avoided the oncoming arm when she pulled the trench shield in front. It was pierced again but managed to prevent any further damage. She was concerned about the status of the others when she asked, "What's our status on the others?"
She heard Nasir on the other line report, "We've lost Manning and Majewski's mobile suit signals. Status of the pilots unknown."
Gawel in the meantime was crawling out of the remains of his mobile suit while clutching his left arm from the pain. "Shit, shit, shit... Come on Captain! You can't let one guy push us down!" He cheered when he saw the Artemis and Anaconda locked in combat.
Dana threw the trench shield in front of her opponent when she began to engage with her beam saber and tried to find out about the advancement. "Where's the others?"
Nasir gave another report, "That sniper team has got us pinned down! Doesn't look like we can assist the advance any further!"
She heard another pilot warn her, "Captain! We need that sniper team to be taken out if we want to move any further into the city!"
"I hear you. These things won't be a problem for much longer." She broke away from the Anaconda before preparing for another strike. "If only some people weren't this stubborn."
Oleg cursed his luck, "Damn it!" He dodged the gunfire from the Sandesgeist warning with his next attack, "This won't take long now!" Oleg warned when he prepared to give his strike on the Sandesgeist.
The crew of the Testudo did everything it could to find an opening that could be taken for their escape. Before Kieran could request his men to him he heard one of the operators report, "It's no good sir. We're a sitting duck out here."
In this moment he realized his stand to defy the Earth Sphere was for naught. "We have to evacuate. Inform General Blare we do not have the resources required to continue our defense of the city with the Testudo's condition."
His assistant saluted before grabbing the nearest radio and announcing to Edward, "Attention General. The Testudo is not going to last against this enemy. We are making a retreat to the city to regroup."
Regardless of their leader's response the explosions continued to occur while the crew made their way out. The command joined them when he ordered, "All hands report to the evacuation hatches! The enemy is still outside of our range!"
Rayen regretfully reported their critical loss, "The Gundams have taken down the Testudo. It would seem we no longer have the advantage."
Edward sat down when he tried to find his next move. "Nathaniel's hopes for uniting against the Gundams was too unrealistic after all. Even the great achievement of the Coalition's weaponry cannot stand long against their combined strength."
Rayen offered the only alternative to total defeat both he and Edward could endure. "If we wish to avoid any further losses we should at least attempt to escape with our lives."
In response Edward gave his own plan. "Not without one final compensation. The Parliament must be taken. Prepare your men to infiltrate the Parliamentary Building and once the coast is clear, prepare to take them hostage. We shall escort them to one of our space colonies on L2 and negotiate some ransom."
Rayen nodded at the command, "Perhaps it will be something our remaining men can accomplish at least. What about you Edward?"
Edward took hold of the trial evidence he had taken from the earlier trial and answered, "I must remain here. I will begin a trip to Canada and see what allies I can find to reignite the Coalition."
Rayen nodded when he decided it was the only way to escape. "I shall meet you there."
Dafina pushed away from contact with Mercurio's Uriel when she prepared for another attack. "You are so determined to hold together the United Earth you do not ask what happens beyond saving the President. I truly regret you have been forced into this mindset." She began to find her way towards the Parliamentary Building and knew there was probably only one thing she could do to stop her cousin's actions. "Is it worth it that you will sacrifice your allies for this cause?" She prepared her buster rifle to fire at the remaining Ursa units from afar.
Roy saw the opening on the Testudo among the crossfire from the snipers and the debris he was forced to wade through. He prepared his mobile suit's rifle when he prepared to take his shot and said, "Looks like we'll only have one more shot before it's over. Let's try and make this count."
Zachariah managed to find his way to a clearing when he said, "Couldn't agree more. Let's make this our best one."
Cinzia reminded them, "Don't bother acting like this is a funeral, we've got a mission besides just this."
Roy shouted among his shot, "Goodnight bitches!" With the combined effort of the three rifles the mobile fortress the Coalition had touted was no more. A mighty explosion erupted and pushed many away from its area.
The explosion could be seen from Dana's location and she knew this part of the operation had been successful at least. "Looks like it's just another three targets to go. And I'm looking at mine." The Artemis moved forward when Dana found the snake arm had attached itself to the Artemis's own. Her initial instinct to struggle took hold until she made a dash forward and towards the prepared for ground combat with her opponent. It was a short while before the Artemis managed to pry the snake head off its arm and had a chance to prepare its beam saber. "Now just stay down!" Dana commanded when she began her strike at the ground.
Gawel turned his eyes away from the explosion as soon as it occurred and found the sight to be very refreshing. "Oh man. Never thought I'd actually be happy to see a giant chunk of metal get creamed like that."
Just after he commented that he saw one of the Ursa units moving towards his location and heard Nasir's voice on an intercom. "Majewski. Hop on and I'll get you to the others."
Gawel used his good arm to hold onto the leg as best as he could when he made a brief sweep over the battlefield. One key thing he noted was the heavy casualties the Rogue Wings had already taken. "Damn, have those enemy mobile suits got us that badly?"
Nasir sounded reluctant when he answered, "Sad to say yes. We're not all down though so let's keep doing what we do best."
Donna threw the machinegun at the Aquarius as a brief distraction before feinting her escape. "I think he's taking it." She reported to Instructor W.
The Instructor observed the battle with his binoculars from above a building. "I see the progress." He replied. He saw the Aquarius in pursuit of the Sandesgeist. "Careful! He's gaining on you!"
With the warning the shotel was prepared in time to defend against the Aquarius' wrath. Donna came to realization why the Coalition would want to steal the Gundam.
The snake-arm was subdued and destroyed for good with Dana's beam saber. Tano recalled what remained of the arm, having lost his advantage. He just had time to prepare his beam saber when the Artemis began it's counterattack. "This will be a fight with only one winner." Tano concluded.
Ermes's attention from taking Tano's snipers was swayed to Dafina. "Sis!" He desperately contacted. "Cuz, she's serious with her mission!" A brief distraction nearly costed him when a sniper round barely missed, reminding him to return to cover. He really hated how he had to fight his sister now and hoped his cousin can stop her somehow.
At Dafina's warning Mercurio prepared to charge towards his opponent. "Leave them out of this!" Once the Uriel's blade changed into shield mode he crashed towards his opponent. It was enough to offset the buster rifle's initial aim and gave room for the Uriel to push the Tallgeese to the ground. The two mobile suits flew forward down to the city grabbing hold of one another. The Uriel and Tallgeese crashed through one of the few remaining buildings in the city before they fell down on their backs onto the pavement.
The Uriel stood up when Mercurio asked, "You believe your brother is worth risking over this as well? Do you seriously think anyone is worth that little?"
The Tallgeese began to stand from the rubble as well when Dafina answered, "I trusted you and your others to see reason behind the Earth Sphere's actions. You may claim yourselves rebels, but you have acted as nothing but loyal soldiers to the end."
Nasir saw Gawel hang onto the leg. He knew Gawel was demanding an update when he saw him banging on his Ursa's leg. He opened the cockpit to listen to Gawel's question, "So now that the Testudo is down how many snipers do we have to take out?"
Nasir reported, "Looks like their numbers aren't really large right now. Our only choice is to stand out here and hope we can make a move."
Gawel had another for him, "Well this is just perfect. Is the Captain not making any progress against that thing giving us trouble?"
Nasir reminded them of the big problem, "Assuming she does. She better hurry up with that business."
Dana began her attack and connected instantly with the Anaconda's opposing blade. With the arm gone she had a significant advantage now but the only problem at this point was the pilot inside. When she continued to make contact with the Anaconda she searched for any opportunity to dodge from a distance and pick up her buster rifle. The Zero System managed to be enough when it kept calculating the strikes it would make and she found an opening right after the fifth strike. The Artemis dodged from another one of the Anaconda's blows right after its Zero System warned about the potential attack
Mercurio answered to Dafina's claims, "You gave your cause the Coalition and you won't stop until the President is dead. I believe the United Earth is worth preserving. That is why we're here today."
Dafina could hear the dedication in Mercurio but regretted she did not have as strong ties as she was told. "We continue to battle because you do not believe I wish for your own safety. Perhaps a battle until one of us falls is the only answer." She prepared her buster rifle to fire when the Tallgeese stood up, but the Uriel began to make its way forward. The duel began again.
Rayen looked towards the Parliamentary Building and prepared for his only success to be taken from this loss for the Coalition. "We have them within range. This won't be total loss for us." He turned to one of the leaders with his order, "First Company, move out and lure the defenses out of this area."
The leader of the company turned to his men in agreement, "Yes sir. Moving out."
He turned to the rest of the soldiers who remained ordering, "All men form up on me and prepare to take the Parliament hostage."
His second in command agreed, "We follow your orders sir."
One company of soldiers made their way around the front of the Parliamentary Building where General Ulbricht originally made his stand. The Coalition soldiers had begun a new volley of fire against Heero's makeshift trench against the invading soldiers. The crossfire had begun as soon as the two sides saw each other. The military leader knew that it was an opportunity for them to make their way in. "Forward squads stay down and continue fire. We're about to prepare our movement in and block off their entry."
The search around the building took some time but Rayen managed to see his men prepare for entry. It was fortunate the defense could only be made from the front, although when he saw the Uriel and Tallgeese wrestling one another to the ground it was probably a fortunate development. His men managed to stay down and avoid eyesight from the others for the moment, but he knew the Parliamentary Building would be his only refuge.
The two Gundams continued to duel while Rayen motioned for his men to move into the building and knew he was close to achieving what Edward suggested. One of the leading men managed to make their way through the building and found the meeting hall for the representatives. He gave an order to the politicians defending themselves, "Stand down! All remaining Earth Sphere Parliament members will follow us to an extraction point."
The further the two Gundams made their way into the city, Oleg managed to find the right point to attack the Sandesgeist. "I'm here on my sloppiest and this pilot doesn't even try to take me down." He drew one of the heat rods and found the right point to wrap around one of the shotels and pulled it away from his opponent.
It was right after a few strikes the Sandesgeist stayed on the defensive Oleg managed to find the best place to offer a powerful strike. "Want some real pain?" He asked no one in particular. He managed to slide into the nearest area with the Sandesgeist and made the Aquarius give a powerful push from the shoulder. They were nearing the Sonian Forest by now but Oleg saw his opponent down on the ground. With a prepared final blow he raised both of the heat rods proclaiming, "Atta boy, you just sit still! Promise this will be quick!"
Donna holding back the Sandesgeist's power was giving her a more visible disadvantage. She lost her shotel now and only had her shield. She screamed as she was pushed to the ground, leaving her in a vulnerable position. She fired her vulcan rounds desperately and looked to the Zero system to find a way out.
Instructor W saw how Donna's about to signal Till to fire the rocket launcher prepared. The rocket propelled to the Aquarius, hitting the back of its head. The brief vulnerability gave Donna a chance to escape by allowing her to push the Aquarius away from her and ran to the Sonian forest. She found the truck carrying the Magnaspear and tore the container open to grab it. She will now fight the Aquarius without holding back now.
The Tallgeese flew into the air preparing its buster rifle before the Uriel made several dodges from the shots. Mercurio searched through the various patterns the Zero System was preparing and found the one that could end this duel. "I will end this now." The Uriel sped past the next few shots and made an upper cut with the buster sword. The weapon flew out of the Tallgeese before it exploded in midair and forced its pilot into a defensive. The Uriel continued to strike at the Tallgeese from behind while it kept blocking with heat rods. The blows became elongated enough that eventually the two mobile suits were back in front of the Parliamentary Building before the Uriel offered another blow that gave an opening.
The Uriel made a final downward blow when it made a scratch along the front of the Tallgeese's main body and tackled it to the ground. When the dust had cleared the Uriel had its right foot on the main body of the Tallgeese Throne but had its buster sword raised near its reactor. Mercurio knew the system said this would be an opportunity to destroy it but wasn't willing to go that final step. The final explosion would be too close to the Parliamentary Building. On the baser level Mercurio knew who was in his opponent's mobile suit.
Oleg felt the rocket hit the back of the Aquarius but for him didn't seem to be very damaging. He turned his camera around briefly trying to figure out where it came from. "Where the hell did that come from?" The blank moment was all the Sandesgeist needed to begin its escape towards the forest and acquire the weapon meant for him. "Hey get back here!" As soon as the Sandesgeist had the spear at the ready the Aquarius began to charge for another attack, "No difference. I'll just make sure this is ended anyway!"
The Zero system allowed Donna to defend herself from the attacks by providing her information on how to dodge them with minimum damage. Doing so caused further strain to the damage caused by the Aquarius earlier. The Sandesgeist tackled the Aquarius to the ground with another opening, ironically in a similar position moments ago. The tip of the spear started to spin with electro-magnetic energy and Donna was ready to use it defeat the Aquarius. "I can end this now..." She thought in the brief pause given for the spear to spin.
Instructor W continued to watch the fight. "Lord Lindemann, it looks like you daughter's from the lineage-" He found the Lord missing with the rocket launcher unattended, leaving him to shrug in what's happening. "Stubborness is in the bloodline as well I guess." He remarked.
Mercurio exited the cockpit and shouted down to Dafina, "If you have any wish to exist for my wellbeing, then show it now!"
Dafina was prepared for the worst but found her cousin was capable of mercy despite all she had done. She opened her eyes at the shouting and decided now was the time to follow with her defeat. I'm sorry father. She thought to herself. Dafina stepped out of the cockpit with her hands up and answered back to Mercurio, "I believe the Parliament will require your assistance. They are trying to make a final push inside."
Mercurio acknowledged what Dafina warned when he answered, "I saw the advance." He added his condition, "If you want me to trust you, stay here and wait for my return."
Dafina agreed, "If that is what it takes, I won't hold anything against you."
Mercurio quickly reported from the cockpit, "Captain, the Parliamentary Building is being attacked. Mobile suit forces won't do any good around here, require ground support." He didn't bother to wait for what his Captain had to add when he rushed his way to the building.
Dafina watched him go while she brushed one of her hair strands away from her face. "Please return alive."
"Yuy?" Dana heard Mercurio offer his warning on his situation while trying to fend off against the Anaconda's attacks. She wasn't able to offer any answer before he went dark. "Damnit. Time I cut this down." It was in that moment Dana used the Artemis to its fullest extent and moved far back from the Anaconda to offer as many crippling shots with the buster rifle as remained.
She didn't bother to check for further damage when she knew it was time to help her fellow squadmates. "Hold on people, I've got this."
Nasir and Gawel saw the destruction when he pointed out, "It looks like the Captain just managed to take out those snipers."
Gawel commented, "About time. It just took how long to take down that Gundam giving her a problem?"
They both heard Dana contact on her radio, "All units prepare to move into the city. We have the enemy forces cleared of mobile suits. We have to move in and assist the Parliament."
Nasir prepared his mobile suit warning, "Sounds like another call for action."
Gawel shrugged, "Not like we have a choice by now."
Almost as soon as Oleg made his final blow he thought he would see the Sandesgeist stand its last. The Aquarius slammed its heat rods down to the ground only to hit the dirt with the Sandesgeist completely absent. "Where are you now?" Oleg tried to find the next spot the Sandesgeist would show up, but he found it right next to him and managed to knock him back down to the ground when the magnaspear lunged forward. He found his left heat rod forearm cut off before he found a sudden surge of power he didn't expect from the pilot. "Where the hell is this coming from?!" He could only curse at this unfortunate turn. Right after those words he found the Aquarius slammed down to the forest floor right beneath the Sandesgeist as it prepared for a final attack. "Damn it! I can't die here now!" Oleg found the spear ready to plunge into him but was fortunate to let action take course.
Oleg's most base human instinct took over when he opened the cockpit and made a jump out of the Aquarius. He landed on the ground with a thud with some damage done to his body but was still able to make a run for his fate. The attempt might have been futile but it would offer more of a chance of surviving than waiting in the Aquarius to be destroyed. He could only curse his defeat when he attempted to make a run for his life. "D...Damn... How was I... defeated this easily?"
The sight of the Aquarius falling over and no longer offering a fight was one of the most assuring sights Donna could have hoped to see all day. The power of the magnaspear alone was enough to let her stand as a force unreckoned on the field and she now had the chance to view what was soon to occur after. Looking out to the dying fires that blazed across the city of Brussels she asked, "Have we done it now? Have we achieved the victory we were so determined to grasp for after all this time?"
