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 57: Greater Treacheries
Julian and Jens stood at attention when they saw Edward enter the room with Susanne and Celso. Jens asked, "Did the integrating go as you thought general?"
Edward confirmed, "I have a long way to go before I can truly earn anyone's trust. The question of if I will need it however now that is a question that I Will have to discover."
Julian agreed, "I would think so. If we're going to get anywhere, we could have this chance to bolster our numbers by gathering the guys who retreated east and making them recognize our cause. That one Gundam could still be out there and a useful tool."
Edward sat down in his arm chair when he answered, "Those men will be difficult to bring back to this corner of the world. Moreover, their spirits may be too broken to even be worth the trouble. They cannot stand against the Gundams and the Testudo has been lost. There will not be enough of them to rally to our cause. The Gundam however is worth considering should it ever be attainable."
Susanne warned, "We are facing a dilemma however. If we do not act in preparation for the worst case, we may not even be able to enjoy our position here. I'm worried that any wrong step we take could make us another target for their soldiers."
Edward sympathized, "In an environment where death is the only reward for failure, I could never flirt with the idea that any risk is one that we can rush into. You must all recognize how in spite of our victory that there is still a value placed on that of the political leadership. The men and women who pilot the Gundams still have that one vital weakness that can be exploited. Once their foundation has been destroyed, they will not even tempt the thought of fighting us any more. They will truly have nothing to stand for."
Julian agreed, "They're associated with this new OZ now and it manages to put them in a position where they have immunity, but just added another target to themselves. If we were able to maybe say kill them off behind their backs or even kill their leaders at the right time, then maybe this would be something we can call a nice advantage for ourselves."
Edward told him, "We may be waiting a while unfortunately. The recent escapade of their president is not going to offer us an opportunity to see every Earth Sphere leader die at an appropriate time. If he does in fact do everything that the recent parliamentary court has feared it will do, we will only have the choice of performing a long wait before we have another opportunity to take control."
Jens offered, "However long it takes, I'm more than ready to make that long wait general. And every man who ever aligned himself with you should be just as ready."
Edward agreed, "I would anticipate no less from such a dedication. Every man who has ever come to agree to what direction the world should take has come to realize that I am indeed the best choice for what should come to pass. I have always considered myself as a man of the common people. A figure whose purpose was to ensure the strongest are prepared to make the proper choices. Every man who has sacrificed himself has lived precisely the sort of life a soldier could live for. And every who survives past then will be honored with a truly glorious one where people can see their greatest hopes can be achieved."
Celso agreed, "I'm not sure what Rayen had in mind, but at least he should have the noor of being among the fallen."
Edward agreed, "I will miss his cooperation. His and the multitude who fell in hopes of making this day a reality. Among the Earth Sphere forces however, that feeling of loss is just as great. They can be pushed even just a little gently and they will come closer to crumbling."
Julian asked, "That's the nature of the beast isn't it? How war only determines who is left? In the end the people who are left are the only ones who will have anything to say."
Edward confirmed, "It is something that I have known since the day I first entered the field. Nothing has changed from those days other than the ones who have sent themselves to the frontlines."
Susanne added, "None of the men who are out there now are likely to even have the fortitude necessary to stand against another challenge. As you have evaluated though sir, it is not worth taking a risk that will prevent us from seeing your rise become a reality."
Edward solidified his plan, "What is important is that we now recognize what our position is. That there may yet be a period where the Earth Sphere's forces give themselves a weakness. That we know who will be capable of standing with us and who we must assist in bringing about their end."
Dana stood at the front of the carrier waiting for the trip to begin when she saw the mobile suits being loaded. She turned to Gawel asking, "Are the others ready for the mission?"
"Should be. Ermes just found Lindemann in one of the cargo areas."
It reminded Dana why Donna wasn't seen at the morning exercises. "Probably explains her absence this morning. Keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't lose her focus."
Zachariah was in the pilot seat when he asked, "Things go that far south I think she'll be able to handle it. She can't be that troubled from last night can she?"
Dana shook her head when she answered, "You'd be surprised how much it can effect someone."
As Keijo strapped himself into his seat when he reminded Mercurio, "We drop down there and we're going to be classified as enemies by the British defenses."
Dana reminded, "As long as the Gundams aren't deployed we should be able to maintain our cover."
Suchart shook his head when he asked, "This is just the consequence of working under a hidden government sponsorship isn't it?"
Keijo pointed out, "We just have to make sure we don't do anything to warrant military action against us. I think the Captain will be able to keep us from having to take out any more of our allies."
Roy pointed out, "You think it's still right that we are acting semi-autonomously though? We'll be lucky if Lord Lindemann isn't planning to use OZ for his own personal gains."
Dana reminded, "We won't repeat the history of the past unless the Earth Sphere President ends up using it for the same purpose as it was decades ago."
Ermes agreed, "True stuff. We'll have to see if our British allies are going to give us an easy time for now."
Mercurio pointed out, "I think Dafina will be able to keep us under a low profile. She did manage to slip into Lord Lindemann's estate effectively."
Roy hoped to maintain the optimism when he entered the conversation, "That's a good thing to assure ourselves. So how about hearing how Patrick is going to find the people who dealt him his injury?"
Dana contacted into her intercom, "It's time for us to head out. All personnel prepare for liftoff."
A nearby computer screen lit up with Ludwika announcing, "This is secondary team reporting. We're right behind you Captain."
"We break up at Amsterdam airspace. Report on any enemy activity while we're out. Don't pursue the enemy unless it's something you can handle."
"Easy enough. Just try and get out of there with a clean mission sir."
As the carries began to make their two-hour trip across the North Sea another conversation began among the pilots. Pascal was one to point out, "So you think the enemy isn't going to be powerful enough to overwhelm basic defenses? It should just be enough to drop Dafina in there and wait while she does her magic."
Keijo reminded Pascal of the current situation, "The northern German area has taken a serious beating these past few weeks. Just about anything could get through. It would only take the proper strategy to take out a patrol team after all."
Pascal didn't bother "Even then, why the Gundams?"
Mercurio added to Keijo's observation, "We don't know what could be out there. We're not going to take the chance of risking the capital being taken under siege again. At least assuming it's their location, we don't even have an idea of what enemy we're dealing with."
Dana recognized the speculation and wasn't afraid to be frank with the worst scenario adding, "Well we just found out that our former president was willing to perform some underhanded decisions. We'll just have to hope the state of the Earth Sphere hasn't reached its own level of internal fighting."
From what Kieran was able to salvage there were the double barrel beam Gatling from a Sol Thero, improved sensors and a more powerful fusion reactor. It seems like something Oleg would want to upgrade with if he will fight the same enemy again. "Tsubarov, we've got some junk for yer' Mobile Suit." He announced. "It'll be the best to take them anyway with how an entire battalion was annihilated with them.
Tano sortied with the survivors to follow the Sol Thero units. "I have seen those units on Luna before." He said to the squad. "They were able to combat two fleets with small numbers and fared much better than the Ursas."
The danger of the Sol Theros waiting to find their next target was the only condition that Oleg or any of the remaining Coalition pilots had hoped to endure, but the sight and reports that had been going through were leaving the forces with a heavy state of worry about what direction the broken siege was taking. "Just why the hell would mobile dolls find themselves on the field at this point? And why are they going around as crazy as this?" Oleg asked himself.
He heard Tano contact him, "Are you picking up a reading of the enemy?"
Oleg answered, "Nothing this way yet. We might be coming onto a few blow up sites pretty soon if Kazanstev's report is anything to go by. Are we even going to have a way to communicate with anyone else if we find a working base though?"
Tano recognized the concern, "We have to be able to find out what the status of the Coalition leaders is right now. I honestly can't imagine that you and some of the others will be a welcome addition to the survivors however."
"That's right. Because I was standing with Edward the whole time, wasn't I?"
"If you weren't a pilot who could hold his own, I would have you cut down for your act of defiance."
"Yeah I'm surprised you've been easy on me this whole time as well. But I guess you do need somebody who can keep us supported. What else can I say? I seriously took the Coalitions hold of the capital for granted didn't I?"
"Enough that you would consider one of the rebelling generals to upend the president. I've seen soldiers stand for a man who had ambitions that he described as purely altruistic. All for the intentions of achieving what he denied to be the right way for the human race to progress. If he died in Brussels, how do you expect that you will handle yourself going forward?"
"To give you a brutally honest answer, I don't think I'm going to be having much of a future. The only reason is because my whole reason for fighting is about to be completely lost."
"And what sort of cause are you supposed to be losing if the Coalition has been lost? You chose not to stand with the president and instead saw to bring about his demise. Is it because you hear the loss of your leader or because you may never be forgiven for your crime?"
"I'll give you the real honest truth. I do not give a shit who's leading the united Earth. I only joined the Coalition because it seemed like our victory was on the way. I expected that I could support my folks at home. When Edward came along and said he wanted to have a unified Earth where the fighting men and women would be properly compensated for their efforts, I hoped that he would be more concerned with working to my bottom lines. For all I cared it seemed as though Nathaniel Falson was just another political showoff who didn't have any real guts himself. Him and the other wigs who handled the colonies."
Tano paused as he recognized the new information about who Oleg had brought up before asking, "So General Edward Blare was another traitor. Him and Rayen Vasquez it would seem. And now we don't even have a way to confirm what their current situation is."
Oleg realized the observation, "So that's why you planned to make this escape is it? For someone who talked so high and mighty about the Coalition leadership, I wouldn't think you would even consider that kind of reveal."
Tano paused before confirming, "The reality is that I wasn't strong enough. My squad, my superiors. I had a Gundam and I wasn't able to stand against any of them. As much as I tried before these pilots have become far more than anything I ever believed."
"You mean you had a chance to compare then. And I thought I might have some advantage. I had the virus program to disperse and it didn't do shit."
"If it was supposed to accomplish them falling at their knees, that is an unfortunate disadvantage. We don't even have it to use as a defense against these mobile dolls. And here we are losing a reason to continue fighting by the day."
"We're both runaways and targets. Best outcome is that we both get sent to prison as prisoners of war. I don't know if I can even ask my folks to take me in. Let alone face them at this point."
"Go to them. If we ever get to a point where it wis to be for us to avoid any more fighting and investigation, remain at their side for as long as you can. Most of all be grateful that you have someone to return to."
Oleg heard a sincere command behind Tano's voice before he asked, "You think it might be a good idea? To live out there for as long as I can? For all I know I might get them dragged into some serious shit."
Tano remained consistent when he told him, "It's important that you remain at their side. I admit I wish I could confirm for myself if it was right. But it is what I would do. I only have a lifetime of being on the run to look forward to."
Oleg realized how honest Tano was on his command before agreeing, "If there's no more Coalition to look forward to, I won't have a choice by then. I only hope I can be forgiven. I've never thought I'd ask myself if everything I ever did was all just a pointless contribution to an ongoing war."
Tano confirmed the concern, "We've gone this far and we are asking ourselves an important point. At this point, being able to live past one day of conviction will be the only victory we can claim."
The remainder of the Kaliningrad forces made their way through Poland while Kieran managed to use what resources he found from the early wreckages. Oleg heard McNeil's report and knew he would at least have one advantage in battle. He answered back, "Perfect work, that's the sort of news we need at the moment." He looked at the function of the arm and decided to instruct, "Do a full replacement with the gun arm and sensors if you have the time. Leave that reactor until later; we have to work on that thing when we have the proper conditions for installing it." It was right after he heard Tano's report on the power of the Sol Theros he felt his confidence shake even more than he thought possible.
One of the Leo III pilots was shaken when she asked, "Wait a minute. Two fleets?"
Oleg hoped to see realism in the scenario when he asked, "You have to tell me they had their causalities."
He heard one of the pilots report back, "From what Mc Neil and his guys found even that is debatable. They got done searching and there's no pilot."
Oleg was about to wonder aloud what this could mean but recognized in a moment where this could be headed. Sorry about this granduncle. Your legacy is being used in enemy hands now. He thought to himself while letting out an audible groan.
He heard one of the earlier pilots ask, "So with all of this, how do we stand a chance against those things?"
Oleg gave the only real answer when he said, "Unless the Lieutenant is invincible, we don't. We can only rely on our forces in Szczecin to hold them off." He was quick to adjust the communication frequency to the endangered base while announcing, "Attention Szczecin base. We have a first-class priority with the enemy. They are going to try and break through. Objective unknown. Repeat objective unknown."
One of the pilots asked after the communication was finished, "Good that we can warn them. What do we do now?"
Oleg knew that trying another shot like the one at the base would be too costly and gave the only order he could see plausible at the time. "We'll have to follow those things and keep making an effort to take them out. At least assuming Lieutenant Kiprotich will order something like that."
Two hours had passed before the mobile suit carrier made its way towards the coastal town. They passed the nearby Griffon Carrier making its patrol knowing the crew recognized their fellow Earth Sphere aircraft. Zachariah confirmed their location when he pointed, "There we are. That's Dover."
Dana entered the cockpit room to ask both pilots, "We got the coordinates for Goslin's estate?"
Gawel entered a few commands into his screen to place emphasis on the mission coordinates, "We have it right there. Looks like a place for former Presidents to go."
Among the chatter a voiced became prominent to the three. "This is Admiral Rhys Begum. Requesting your clearance entry."
Dana moved to the area of the radio and began her talk with the Admiral, "This is Captain Houston with Wing 1. We have clearance from the new administration for landing to pick up our recruits. Transmitting the code now."
Gawel made a few clicks before he sent the passcode to the nearby carrier. It was only a few seconds before the Admiral agreed to the entry, "We have acknowledged your authenticity Wing 1. You are clear for entry."
Dana made her way to the holding area for the crew and saw Dafina was preparing her jacket and looking over some makeup items. Dana asked her back, "It might be about time for us to head down Dafina. Can we get your confirmation?" Dafina nodded when she moved to the cockpit area to overlook Gawel's map of the area.
Gawel pointed to the moving dot of the area before moving his finger to a nearby road. "Here's our location. This where you need to be dropped off?"
Dafina confirmed their progress, "This is the spot. Make a pass over the nearest intersection and it should be far enough." She moved back to the holding area while preparing her parachute for the drop.
Dana ordered to the crew in the back, "Open the hatch. We've got a drop ready."
The rear hatch opened to give Dafina the chance to drop. She promised the crew, "I'll return with the objective." She gave her jacket and parachute pack final adjustments before she made a quick dash towards the opened hatch and into the sky below. Keijo looked down and after a few seconds saw the parachute open while Dafina descended to the ground.
He turned to Dana while he closed the hatch, "Looks like she'll make it down. We just wait for now sir?"
Dana nodded, "We'll make a landing further from the estate. Find our nearest clearing and we'll wait to receive her."
Pascal pointed out the possible problem when he asked, "The local populace gonna be okay with that sort of thing?"
She turned to the two pilots at the front of the carrier when she reminded them, "Just don't land on any of the roads and we should be alright."
Keijo sat back down when he asked, "So now we just have to wait for the fresh meat to get shipped in and we'll have our numbers back up to a decent amount right?"
Mercurio confirmed this part of the order, "That's the idea. Just be sure to go easy on them and lower your expectations. Just pretend they're the green version of yourselves before this started."
Pascal rubbed his face when he sighed, "That'll be some hard memories to bring back up."
As Dafina made the descent to the ground fairly close to Goslin Estate she found an open area of land where there weren't any observing eyes able to recognize her. For many she would just be pursuing a hobby while another carrier was passing by. She made the drop to the ground while detaching the parachute from her back and began to make her way towards the location of her target.
While making a brisk walk Dafina took out a picture with Devine's most recent choice for a disguise. She took another brief look over the photo within before pocketing it and began to work with the makeup items she packed earlier. "Just as convenient as I need."
Neil Goslin's retired life was uneventful as he lay in his armchair listening to various radio stations. Few people bothered to visit considering his current status although he clearly had expectations of guests for some time. It was noticeable with the guards positioned inside and outside his estate but would be the only obstacle for anyone who wanted to meet with him. Despite this, he was content to enjoy listening to the radio while watching his wife Yasmin maintain some of her indoor plants. This peace was interrupted when he heard the doorbell from the entry hall request his presence. He stood up telling Yasmin, "I shall answer that."
When Neil opened the door, he found Dafina waiting for him. She greeted while extending her hand and maintaining a softer voice, "I bid you good morning Mr. Goslin. I am reporter Ilonca Dieperink. I would like to know if you have time for an interview?"
Neil lightly took her hand in greeting, "Why of course young lady. What audience shall I have the pleasure to enlighten I might ask?"
"A new generation of men and women who hope to hear insight from a politician with great experience." Dafina answered.
"I certainly have much that I could discuss. Please do come in." The two entered while the guards outside moved back to their position. He began his way to the living room when he requested, "Yasmin, please do prepare the living room for our guest if you please."
She answered back. "Of course. Just a moment." Once the two entered Dafina saw her arranging two chairs for a nearby table before turning off the radio. She acknowledged their entry when she offered, "I shall permit you both to have the room for now then?"
"Yes of course my dear." Neil agreed before Yasmin showed herself out. "She and I both know I can't expect anything further then a chance to sit next to you as you might imagine Ms. Dieperink." He chuckled lightly before sitting down. "Now then, down to business I take it?"
"Yes Mr. Goslin." Dafina said as she returned to her normal voice. In the next moment she drew out her pistol and demanded his confession. "I should like to know about your involvement in starting this war."
If Neil was surprised, he managed to contain himself for the moment. "You would threaten me would you? Even with my dear Yasmin present?" Was all he had to offer.
"She won't see any of this." Dafina warned.
Neil laid back in his chair when he commented, "So you have been able to determine where this war began then. I knew there would be someone who would connect the right dots eventually. It seems that Klaus wasn't able to let go of the past after all."
"And how much will you be willing to disclose? If your statements in that video are true then you are subject for arrest by Earth Sphere law. Even if it is the only part of that past that you'll allow others to see." She deduced.
Neil placed his hands up when he agreed, "As much as you would like to know dear." He maintained an air of calm when he commented to himself, "By now Kecker has begun his voyage away from here and prepared to use the Sol Invictus. Regardless of how much you will soon know we will have accomplished our mission."
"Who permitted this? Who would be able to organize such events?" Was the first question Dafina brought.
Neil stood up when he began to pace around the room answering, "No organization dear. That is the first thing me and my colleagues made sure to address. We will not allow the human race to pin one organization to the wrongdoings it must face itself. History has shown this is how conflict ends so swiftly. Now we only present the actions of a handful of individuals who will perform the greatest atrocity in human history. And even now we will be able to reduce it down to one."
Dafina was quick to figure out what sort of madness he was preaching when she asked, "To prove what?"
Neil still managed to maintain a frank tone when he answered, "This effort will undo everything the preceding generations did to bring about peace. It is the final necessary motion that will destroy the Peacecraft Doctrine once and for all."
Dafina was slightly shaking with her pistol in hand as much as her voice did when she demanded, "Relena Peacecraft sacrificed so much for humanity to be brought in the direction it was headed and your intention is to purely show that it can be undone?"
Neil turned around to face the window of the garden outside when he answered, "True peace cannot be achieved through the means of pacifism. You can kill me now with your pistol and then destroy it. But you will not forget how to use it and you will not be restrained from the means of obtaining a new one. Nor does the act remove any of the wrongdoings you have done. As this applies to you, this applies to all scales of humanity as well." He turned around when he continued, "No. The only path to peace is when humanity is united against an abstract concept itself. Regardless of the scale of the disaster if it is applied to something as simple as the Romefellers or nature itself then humanity will understand a narrow portion of what will end general conflict in the short term. When it is at the hand of a human however, one who resigns himself from being associated with anything, then it will force the human race to truly look within itself and wonder about the way forward to peace." Dafina continued to listen when he moved forward towards her finishing, "As we move forward to colonize within our own system, we will require a much larger catastrophe for such devastation to occur. What this act lacks however is the individuals who have nothing to lose in permitting this destruction to be performed."
Hoping to use the knowledge against him Dafina denied his speech, "I won't it happen now. Franz will not be permitted to perform such devastation in the name of his and your vision of peace." The workings of the conspiracy had come around full circle when she saw what both Neil and Franz were working on from years ago. In this moment she was certain it would be the only necessary information to stop whatever atrocity Neil was planning.
"You will not stop Kecker now. He was permitted success the moment he began his launch towards the Sol Invictus. It saves me the trouble of the trip as well." Neil answered this back to her offering a very stark reality. Despite what they both now knew about Franz's achievement, Dafina was able to show a recording device in her breast pocket.
"For what you confess now I can have you executed and present this recording as all the justification I need." She warned the former President.
Neil stepped back when several gunshots began to make their way through the living room. He made his way towards the nearest doorway when he parted, "It will not change anything. And I'm afraid I cannot permit any attempts to stop the inevitable. Not just yet." Some of the inner guards made their way towards the room when he ordered, "Stop this woman!"
Dafina saw where she was now. She was surrounded by two sides of guards who only now saw an assassin. She didn't waste any time to throw one of her gas pellets to the ground and made a run for the assembly of guards behind her. While they were caught off-guard she managed to hit their vital areas and render some unconscious while shooting other unfortunate ones. It was a challenge to maintain her own composure in the gas, but she had a chance to make it out at the moment. Unfortunate things end this way at times…
Neil made his way into a nearby guestroom where he found Yasmin startled and struggling to maintain her compsure despite her age. He approached her while assuring, "Don't worry about this. We know how to handle intruders like these."
The woman managed to shake herself to composure when she agreed, "Of course. I hadn't imagined that one of the Earth Sphere would attempt this."
The two made their way to a nearby desk with a touch computer screen while Neil offered, "I suppose that makes for the both of us."
Admiral Rhys Begum continued to wait for Coalition attacks along the English coasts but found very quickly his duty was needed nearby. The voice of Neil Goslin managed to make its way through the secure airwaves. "Admiral. I have a warning. The carrier that has descended within the area is the main vehicle of operations for my assassin. She is attempting to kill me right now. Do not let her have a means of escape."
The Admiral knew his duty and offered his assurance, "We read you Mr. Goslin. Please remain in a safe area while we arrive." He turned to the intercom when he ordered, "Primary Griffon squadron man your battle stations. We have an enemy aircraft in the area."
One of the operators managed to focus on the Wing 1 carrier when he asked, "So where is the enemy located sir?"
The operator next to him agreed and reported, "Down there. That's the carrier that entered just a short while ago."
"Damn thing received clearance. They must be taking advantage of the chaos Brussels is going through."
The Admiral didn't let any further doubt cross the minds of his crew when he ordered, "Traitors are going to try anything to make sure we don't survive this war any further. Let's show them we're not letting any of them in our borders." He stated as he remained focused on the upcoming battlefield. The Griffons began to make their descent to the ground in preparation for attack while he hoped to see the quick resolution.
Dana took a look outside to notice Donna was right about one of the carriers approaching their position. "Didn't think they'd arrive this way." She noted on their attention to a spearhead formation with Griffon units at the front. "Let's head out and make sure they're up to… Activate the anti-artillery turrets!" She ordered this to the pilots when she saw missiles making their way towards the grounded carrier.
Gawel wondered about the order when he asked, "The hell is she – Aw damn!" The alarm systems activated within the carrier at the imminent danger. Gawel and Zachariah switched the automated turrets on and watched as they made quick work of the first wave of missiles.
Gawel asked down the hallway, "What the hell is this? Are the aerial forces trying to fool us or something?"
Zachariah was in agreement, "It looks like they managed to get a wrong idea about our presence."
Dana pushed them both aside when she reached for the radio hailing the nearest signal, "Attention! Attention Admiral! This is Captain Houston reporting!"
She heard Rhys introduce himself with his question, "Explain your actions Captain. For what reason has an assassin been found on Sir Goslin's estate upon your entry?"
Dana didn't bother hiding the truth at this point, "We have to take him in for questioning. Based on what our sources found he may have been a cause for this war."
One of the operators heard the response when he offered, "It's a pretty plausible response sir. It's not like the enemy requires an old man to give critical information they can use."
Another one added to the argument, "Even so they're not denying the chance to kill him. Although this whole thing is supposed to be an Earth Sphere coordinated mission anyway."
The Admiral contemplated his next action quickly when he decided, "If they are willing to admit this much we should hear out their case at least."
Yasmin and Neil made their way to the upstairs master bedroom while Dafina was distracted from the guards below. Neil's wife managed to have a look outside when she noticed the carrier for the first time while the Griffon units yet to put a dent on it. "They're not responding as expected."
Neil made his way towards his own computer when he agreed, "Indeed. They were fortunate to be this prepared. At least I can present this much to them however."
The Admiral saw another signal trying to hail for his ship in the middle of his thoughts and requested to Dana, "One moment Captain."
He switched the signal and heard Neil Goslin's voice. "Admiral. What has stopped the initial attack on the carrier?"
The Admiral answered back, "They were authorized to enter this area on a mission. I don't know if this is a misunderstanding but it would seem they were here on official business."
The voice on the other line answered to the claim, "I have only now understood what has transpired. I believe these are the Coalition forces making their way through the German areas. They only wished to infiltrate from stealth first. What would fellow Earth Sphere soldiers have to gain from attempting to capture me after all? Regardless of their affiliation I can assume they aren't even allied with the Earth Sphere."
The Admiral was further shaken in his judgment when he tried to figure out the situation. "Were you unable to confirm the identity of the assassin before Mr. Goslin?" He asked hoping for clarity.
Neil answered back, "I couldn't Admiral. But I find it quite likely that these men used a forged entry code to gain entry within our borders." There were some gunshots distant in the background of Neil's radio before he begged, "I beg you to consider this Admiral. My life hangs on this decision." The signal switched off and the Admiral was forced to decide his next action.
One of the operators noted the status of the hangar bays announcing, "Our Griffons are on standby sir. They require an order on the next move."
The Admiral took action when he announced on his intercom, "Attention Primary Squadron. Issue suppressing fire on the carrier. Prepare to escort a drop ship while we secure the President."
He heard the voice of a leading Griffon squad member confirm, "Roger that Admiral. We'll have that thing taken out in a jiff."
Gawel saw the Griffon units descend towards their location while preparing their rifles for combat. It wasn't long before the crew felt the ricochet from the damage being done. "Aw what the hell is this shit? Now they're firing on us?"
Zachariah looked at the ship's status when he warned, "Our shields and engines aren't going to take much if we stay here."
Dana turned to her fellow pilots when she ordered, "Everybody who has a shield, get out there and push off whatever attacks you can reach."
Mercurio and Keijo stood up rushing to her side, "Moving out." It was a short amount of time before the carrier opened on both sides and permitted the Uriel and Artemis to step out while Keijo's Ursa stood behind for cover. The Uriel prepared its sword into shield mode and Mercurio knew there was only one effective way to prevent any further damage. He activated the Zero System and saw every possibility of the formations before him. It was only a moment before he simply knew what action to take next.
The Uriel raised its shield while Mercurio contacted, "Make sure not to fire on those Griffons. We can't afford any casualties for our side."
Kejo responded to the order, "Got it. Just tell me what to do next."
Mercurio had the plan laid out in his mind while he prepared for a throw, "Adjust your shield to the left."
Keijo did so and the Uriel threw its shield into the air destroying the first wave of missiles. Some of them managed to fly over the shield's path but Keijo's shield caught them and only left an indentation.
Mercurio heard Dana request, "How are things looking on your side?"
The Uriel prepared to catch the shield while Mercurio answered, "We've got it covered. Hopefully it won't be long."
Dana warned of their situation, "Once they return to the carrier we have to get out of here. Any longer and we'll have to go all out at some point."
Mercurio was quick to remind her, "We can't leave Dafina behind. She's still in the estate."
Dana agreed to the concern when she responded, "Yeah. Let's hope she's already got what we came here for."
Dana's voice came on the pilot seat radio asking, "How are our systems looking?"
Zachariah looked over the damages done to the carrier when he answered, "We've got both the left and right sides covered. We might be able to put up with them for just a while."
She gave her order, "Contact Dafina and make sure she gets out of the location now."
Gawel began to adjust the communication signal when he agreed, "On it captain. Aborting now."
Rhys was given video feed of the ground below when he was reported by one of the operators, "Admiral, we have mobile suits coming out of the carrier. Requesting your order sir."
The Admiral recognized the mobile suits in a moment when he reached for his radio, "Those mobile suits from Tahat." He commanded into the frequency, "Captain Houston. Answer immediately."
Dana's voice answered back, "Now you're going to hear us out? Better late than never."
The Admiral got right to the point when he asked, "What is this business with the Gundams? Have you not been tried before the Earth Sphere court?"
Dana gave her answer, "We've had our case heard. Looks like the news doesn't spread as fast as we thought." She seemed to recognize what the Admiral was basing her survival on when she answered, "Things at Tahat didn't go as you might think they did. We did everything possible to prevent it but it was either Carmine and de Lombard or us."
The Admiral meditated on the subject before he wondered, "And this happened over the course of moments ago?" He issued an order to the Griffon units outside, "Primary squadron pull back. Do not attack the carrier."
"Roger sir. Returning to home base." The voice of the leading Griffon pilot answered.
Dafina entered Neil's bedroom with her pistol armed and stepping over the body of one of the guards. "Your efforts are wasted Mr. Goslin. Attempting to pit forces against one another is not as easy as you might wish it to be."
Yasmin was in shock at Dafina's entry while Neil simply chose to observe, "Eleven years of war has certainly brought out the best fighting abilities in the human race." He met his gaze with her when he asked, "I suppose you have your own sentence to carry out then?"
"It will bring more satisfaction to humanity when they hear your confession." Dafina answered.
Neil took a pistol out of his drawer when he offered, "Allow me to save us both the trouble." In the next moment Dafina saw him take his gun towards his wife and shoot her in the head. Just as quickly he placed the barrel to his own and fired. Neil Goslin had his own suicide mission it seemed and it had just been carried out to leave Dafina in surprise.
She heard Gawel contact her, "Hey Dafina. You ready to blow this place? We have to get out of here now. We're running risk staying here much longer."
Dafina maintained her composure when she opened the estate window preparing to jump out, "Roger. Returning now."
Mercurio and the others were able to return from their mobile suits unscratched thanks to the relatively calm day. "Well this day could have gone worse. Hope Begum isn't much of a sore ass over a misunderstanding." Keijo observed.
Mercurio agreed, "Destroying more Earth Sphere mobile suits would have been bad enough."
Pascal voiced his question on the matter when he asked, "And just why the hell did he not figure that the Captain was one of the Gundam pilots in the first place?"
Dana entered from the other side of the carrier when she answered, "What reasons did he have to know? He wasn't directly picked for Rising Himalayas and the operation was a need to know basis only."
Rhys saw the carrier on the ground prepared to move out when one of the operators announced, "We shall begin an escort of the Wing 1 now sir. We have clearance from High Command to see them reach the mainland."
"What shall we do about the ground forces sir?"
Rhys thought for a moment before instructing, "For now take a sweep of the estate and find out what happened."
One of the operators agreed, "Yes sir. Issuing orders."
The Admiral offered a final attempt at righting his mistake, "Contact our recruits and let them know their trip will be safe from this point on. I shall take responsibility for anything that happened."
Donna was glad that the problem was solved without having to kill another battalion. Ermes saw her give a sigh of relief and Dafina returning from her mission from a window and the recruits that scattered briefly when the Griffons appeared returned from their hiding places to board the airship.
Suchart found himself meeting one of the new recruits, a young man who looked like who got fresh out of an academy. Who just stopped in front of him. "Who are you?" He asked, not bothering to hide his jaded perspective.
The boy replied. "Private Nick Walker sir." He responded with a salute.
Suchart didn't care about the boy's name anyway as he doesn't know any famous name in Europe. He may have a chance in knowing Thai names as he is from there but the Gundam pilots would have a better chance knowing any history. "I'm not the leader here." He told the recruit. "Report to Captain Houston." He gave an obvious sign that he wants to be left alone.
Nick found Captain Dana with Mercurio and Keijo but he was able to tell his new commanding officer with the obvious mark of a veteran. "Captain Houston, Private Nick Walker with recruits reporting for duty." He gave a salute to his superiors.
Suchart was in thought with how "green" they all used to be when he became jaded after numerous battles. He knew others that would be jaded as him like Donna who was visibly troubled since she returned from the parliament building. He could only hope that the new recruits can be as good.
Donna saw they new recruits making their way to the carrier. They clearly looked like they are yet to see proper battle. When she saw a number of carriers heading to them she sensed something is not right. She found Captain Dana to consult on the new company. "Captain, it looks like we have a reception waiting." She reported. "Orders?"
Dana turned to Nick along with the other recruits when she returned the salute, "Welcome aboard Private. Let me be the first to promise that our conflicts with one another aren't going to be quite as confusing as what you just saw." She saw Dafina make her leap to the carrier's hangar with the recording device in hand. Two of the pilots secured the hatch while Dana noticed Dafina had come up shorthanded. "I take it the mission with the old man didn't go as hoped?"
Dafina shook her head while brushing off what remained of her makeup, "It didn't. I do have the evidence we need however."
"Did you figure out Neil's connection to Kecker at least?"
"It would seem they were both working together from the beginning. It's possible that if Kecker had been executed that Goslin would have taken his place." She considered Neil's comment on how Franz's trip saved him the trouble when she added, "It explains much. These men clearly didn't care about who would win this war, only if the war could be dragged on long enough for the Solaris to reach its destination."
"These two must have really had this planned through. Is there a reason they would be the ones to reach the Solaris?" Mercurio was the first to ask.
Dafina remembered there was only one that could coincide with the Solaris and Neil's intentions. "He mentioned the Sol Invictus. I believe this is the creation we have discovered under Kecker's orders in regards to the Solaris and its activation. Recalling the dimensions of the Solaris and the mirror structure it appears their intention to use it as a weapon is not implausible."
Keijo brought his confusion to the discovery when he asked, "Seriously? So who's working for who? What sort of group of folks want this to happen?"
Dafina was reluctant to answer but knew that it had to be made clear right away. "Neil made certain to avoid mentioning an organization. He said himself he wanted this act to be unite humanity against an abstract concept."
The issue had bended in a way few of the pilots thought was possible. Mercurio pointed out, "Sounds like we've only found out a few new things about what Kecker is trying to do. We'll have to warn the Parliament about this."
Dana agreed, "That's about right. Majewski, maintain a course with Admiral Begum and get us back to the capital ASAP."
"No need to tell me twice sir." His voice rang from the cockpit area.
Dana made her way to the main radio between the pilots and adjusted the frequency for the carrier in Amsterdam. "Wing 2 come in. Do you copy?"
Nasir was on the other line when he answered, "We read you Wing 1. The mission progress okay?"
"Not too much of a hitch. How are things going on down there?"
"Haven't heard anything encouraging sir. We still have reports from Germany about the enemy breaching our borders. There's even talk that some Coalition ranks are running amok from these guys. You don't think they're trying to confuse us with some kind of tactic do you?"
"If only we could know for sure. Stay on guard there, we need to issue a warning to the Parliament. It's pretty urgent we get it through now."
"Roger Captain. We'll maintain our position until you return home."
"Negative. Remain in your area and report back on any activity. We'll need our forces to be as spread out as possible and have a possible space launch route."
Nasir took a moment to answer the order but cooperated, "Your orders sir. We'll follow."
Dana ended the call when she thanked, "Good work Epstein. It won't be long."
Donna saw airship moving as fast as possible to return to Brussels from one of the windows of the hangar. She took notice of the new recruits that were recruited in Dover and they were wide-eyed, obvious that they haven't see any battle yet. Ermes was also there, checking for any faults in the Aquarius' operating system now that the virus is removed. She went to him in favor of his company in contrast to the new cadets. "Is the Aquarius okay?" She asked him.
Ermes turned to find Donna. "It should be okay." He replied. "It's the only thing I can seem to do now." From what he can see Donna is still hit hard. "So are you feeling better at all?" He returned with a question.
Donna hesitated before answering. "I had a nightmare in the morning." She whispered. "Seeing dead people." She hugged Ermes strongly after speaking.
Suchart witnessed the interaction between the two. He would've got the recruit to join the betting pool but he didn't feel like it. "Like if I give a damn anymore..." He thought.
As Oleg and Tano's group managed to make their way across what was becoming a wasteland of Poland's self, their hopes continued to wane as they saw the results of the Sol Thero units. Oleg shook his head when he pointed out, "Szczecin forces have been completely wiped out."
One of the pilots asked, "So what's the closest installment from our current location?"
Another pilot managed to overlook the progress when he searched the radar, "We're just a few steps away from Pasewalk now."
Oleg realized their situation when he saw the location of the nearby town, "Then the only way we have to go now is into enemy territory. We only barely managed to get the Testudo through there and they'll be on high alert after this whole mess."
One of the pilots managed to speak for a portion of the concern when he asked, "Any point to following them then? They were probably doing some last-minute round ups to make sure our forces are still down." Oleg kept an eye on his radar while he tried to figure out their next move but found his thoughts interrupted when more Earth Sphere signals began to make their appearance on radar.
Oleg realized they didn't have any further time for discussion when he ordered, "Enemy rendezvous incoming! Cease progression and stay low!" The mobile suits stopped moving when Oleg warned what was happening. They saw the black mobile dolls begin to make progress towards their allies while Oleg asked, "We got a signal on those guys?"
One of the pilots agreed to the objective reporting, "I should be able to overhear them if there's any dialogue. We should be able to figure out their mission at least."
Oleg was surprised as anyone else at the sight. The Sol Thero units were every bit as effective against the Earth Sphere as they were against Coalition for some reason. "Hey what the hell is going on over there? Those are supposed to be Earth Sphere mobile dolls right?"
One of the pilots agreed on the chaos, "And they're firing on their own people? I thought the progress in technology kept AIs from reaching this far backwards."
The eavesdropping pilot pointed out the problem with the situation as well, "It doesn't make sense about their communication either. There was just that one guy on the line and there wasn't anything explaining the objective."
Tano was also caught off-guard by the Sol Thero mobile dolls' attacks on the Earth Sphere patrol. "There were no friendly fires when I was fighting them." He commented on the actions that brought more complications. "It looks like they malfunctioned or something if both sides are attacked. It will be dangerous fighting them at our current strength." He discretely looked for any listening posts he can leak the information of the Sol Theros to. "Earth Sphere or Coalition won't matter against those monsters now."
Oleg managed to return to some level of calm when he observed the true achievement at this moment. "Well it looks like someone didn't just open Pandora's Box at this point. They took out the disasters inside and threw them right in our faces."
One of the pilots heard Tano's evaluation of the mobile dolls when he asked, "Tell me about it. Is there even a reason to keep following these things? I didn't plan on following them just so I can get squashed."
Another pilot brought up, "Maybe if we warn the Earth Sphere about them we won't have to pick an early death."
Someone else agreed with the idea, "Yeah what's the point? We're not taking back the capital anytime in this decade. We don't even know who we lost in the siege."
Oleg cut into their conversation when he reminded, "You should both know that treason against the Coalition is not an option."
One of the pilots took an accusatory stand to Oleg when he answered, "Tsubarov I don't know if you noticed but it doesn't really look like there will be much of anything if those things roam free while we have nothing but burned forests and scrap heaps to defend ourselves with."
Tano made his decision with how some of the pilots made a point. "There is a point that further pursuit of the Mobile Dolls will have us killed by either Earth Sphere forces or the Mobile Dolls." He decided. "We will make our retreat to Moscow. I already tipped the Earth Sphere on their problem now and it's better to leave before they find us." He led the retreating Mobile Suits and as he did he thought that the three Earth Sphere Gundams may be the closest thing to stopping them.
"For once that actually sounds like a plan." One of the pilots thanked Tano's order.
"Yeah let's get out of here already." Another one encouraged.
Oleg decided it would be better than trying to accomplish an impossible task of facing the Sol Thero units head on when they could return to battle another day. "Hopefully Moscow is somewhat safe." He said adjusting his radio. Once the radio had its signal set to Moscow he contacted, "Attention. Emergency broadcast. This is the remaining Kaliningrad forces. We're preparing for rendezvous." For a while there was only static before he tried to contact again, "Moscow Base do you read?"
There was still static before someone answered the call, "Kaliningrad forces? Good to know there's survivors out there."
"Is this the commanding officer?"
"Negative. This is Captain Kazantsev."
"Where is the General?"
"Dead. Along with a majority of our forces. We've just made contact with some sort of enemy mobile suits. We're fortunate to still be alive but the majority of our facilities have been destroyed."
Oleg braced himself for the worst when he asked, "Are these mobile suits jet black primarily using missiles and double barrel gatling guns?"
Kazantsev was quick to confirm the observation, "That fits the description alright. Did you encounter them as well?"
Oleg sighed before he answered, "Roger that sir. We found them making their way across the German countryside. Hopefully we'll have a chance to gather our bearings before they attack again."
"We will have to restore some sense of stability for the city indeed. For all our sakes this had best be the last in a while." Kazantsev agreed.
The news of Moscow's decimation was also a shock to Tano. He had to remain his composure to his subordinates. "We will continue our move to Moscow." He declared. "Kaliningrad is nothing for anyone now but McNeil should be ready with repairs and modifications for those with blasted parts that are no longer worth keeping."
The squad returned to Kaliningrad to find Kieran ready to go with repairing the Leo IIIs and give an upgrade for Oleg. The chief engineer noticed the returning Mobile Suits and signaled his men to get ready. "Lieutenant, was the search for the Mobile Dolls fruitful?"
Tano gave a blunt answer. "They went into Earth Sphere territory and much to our surprise they killed a squadron of border guards." He was also still shocked with what he saw.
Kieran remained professional. "I will begin refueling now." He switched to speak with Oleg. "Private, we will install the Gatling guns to your Leo now. We just need you out for a wee bit so the lads can get to work."
Malcolm saw the recently assigned General Marcel Neustadt enter before he introduced, "General. Are the German territories still under attack from the enemy?"
The General confirmed the question, "Yes sir. We have reports coming in that the enemy is progressing its way here. The Coalition is very persistent to see the capital is taken back."
Malcolm pointed out, "It isn't likely General. We have recently begun talks with the new Coalition President to permit a ceasefire. Their own forces have been stretched thin as it is, and they currently have ranks in Eastern Europe being decimated by forces we cannot confirm."
Marcel brought his concern to the matter asking, "As true as that may be Mr. President, I cannot imagine there would be any other force attempting to usurp our efforts in maintaining the Earth Sphere's position. With all due respect I should like to know if you don't suspect our recent Coalition prisoner is not in line with this?"
Malcolm pointed out the issue, "As legitimate as your concern is General, we cannot confirm our current enemy unless we have something to base it on. As of now the most we have are reports of possible mobile dolls."
Marcel realized the comment with the mobile doll report when he asked, "Is this from the discovery of former President Kecker's authorization of the Sol Thero units?"
Malcolm nodded at the possibility, "We feel that this discovery may hold some steady foundation. If we're correct in assuming so it will mean another conflict from the inside of the Earth Sphere."
Marcel accepted the answer when he offered, "I shall hope to see this doesn't lead to civil war then."
Two hours passed before the Wing 1 carrier was returning to the capital. As soon as they were in airspace Dana saw the signal hailing her squad from the radio. "Patch us through."
Gawel agreed when he contacted, "This is Wing 1. We read you home base."
The voice on the other line ordered, "This is General Neustadt. Please land for entry, we'll require a report for the recent mission."
Dana confirmed the order, "We read you General. We have a report ready."
"We look forward to the report Captain. Neustadt out."
As soon as the Wing 1 carrier landed in its headquarter location Dafina and Dana made their way to the main computer for communications with the President. A screen with Malcolm's face greeted, "Captain. It is most fortunate to see you have returned. What is the status of Mr. Goslin?"
Dafina stepped forward to announce, "I am here to report sir." She took out the recording from her pocket when she explained, "Neil Goslin shot himself and his wife under the extreme circumstances brought upon them. I was able to acquire some necessary data in connection to the hidden video however. His last words may be enough to show his intentions."
Malcolm had a look of regret about him when he instructed, "Send the recording to us. We'll get started on placing it as evidence."
Dafina began to plug the recording device to the computer mainframe when she agreed, "Right away sir."
