War is a conflict that has been the constant companion of humanity since the beginning of its existence. For every attempt to suppress this facet, it returns to claim many more for how long it has been held back. Conflict however is never a simple summary. Underneath every act of brutality is an act of deception and underneath every deception is a mask of the true intentions of justifying the slaughter of others. What those who bear witness to such deception and how they will accept it will inevitably escalate violently. Such is the scenario proposed in After Colony 225.

Episode 60: Defy the Angels of Death

Oleg had a lot of information to process in the moment but the reveal of the Sol Invictus was enough to make him consider the situation at hand. If I let this thing pass, I might not have a family to return home to. He thought to himself.

"I made too many mistakes before." Tano added. "But I will make this success bring vindication." Left the briefing to return to the hangar. He looked at the Anaconda, the Gundam he will pilot until the end. He reflected on the things that happened since being sent after the Earth Sphere Gundams, the ambush he planned at the ruins of the Long Colony, the chase and temporary truce on Mars, fighting them once again at L4, Luna and eventually Brussels. He travelled an incredibly long journey for his goals but it seemed that his true mission was hidden in the mist until now: to end the war with the final assault.

Oleg was behind Tano when he accepted the mission as well, "If only to permit the human race a period of peace. I'll head in there headfirst and take down any number of Sol Thero units to give some last minute destruction."

Lucas nodded at Tano's loyalty when he accepted, "You do not only a great service but also possibly the most important mission of our time. Even if we must ally with the Earth Sphere for this mission we can no longer afford to put our vendetta ahead of our mission. We cannot permit this weapon to be used." His hands gestured to show the Earth rotating while facing the sun. He pointed to a point near the Earth when he explained, "Within the next hour and a half, Admiral Miles and the remainder of the Coalition fleet will be ready to escort you to the target coordinates. After that it will be your duty to see this deception undone." He finished his order when he concluded, "I only pray to whatever god watches our actions that it is deemed possible for all of you to return safely. Good luck pilots. This is my final hope to all who have the strength for this mission."

Kazantsev watched the hologram of the new president fade and turned to confirm the dedication from the two volunteers. "We shall offer what assistance we can to the launch. Ask my men for anything you feel may assist in the mission and we will see it is done if possible within the timeframe."

Oleg considered what the leading Captain had in mind when he asked, "I take it you have a different plan sir?"

Kazantsev looked outside when he confirmed, "We may have a mission out there, but we also have people down here who need our support. Even if it means turning to the Earth Sphere then we'll do what we can to assist the remaining survivors in this city."

Oleg looked down briefly before he agreed to the sentiment, "If that's the case sir, then we'll make certain to put in as much effort as you have."

Kazantsev saluted to Oleg's commitment, "Talk is cheap enough soldier. Let's see some actual results out there."

The engineers looked over Oleg's altered Leo unit while the leading one found Kieran, "This is something else. Engineer do you think you can show us right methods to making this fix possible?" He showed a plan of an altered Sol Thero unit when he explained, "If we have the right components and synch techniques to make this possible, we might have the resources to scrap up a last minute Gundam of some sorts."

Kieran closely examined the plans presented. He had to find a crate to place it over to have a full view of the map. "Twin gatling cannon as the main weapon, missile launchers as support weapon, beam saber within shield the close-combat weapon..." He mumbled. "Then there's the shield that will house planet defensors powered by the replaceable E-Caps..." He hummed more specifications before returning the plans back. "Aye, we can get this fix." He replied. "We need to get to work now if we want to build this thing lads." He signaled one of his subordinates to bring Oleg's Leo over to begin the build.


Edward overlooked the organization of his men when he heard Susanne ask, "Sir, you requested an update on the status of our forces?"

Edward confirmed, "I was hoping to hear of the current state of our numbers. More importantly that we have a means to execute our true intentions."

Susanne handed him a report of the numbers when she told him, "Based on our numbers we should be able to match ourselves to the strength of the Earth Sphere numbers if we attempt to take down three pilots for every one that we may lose."

Edward nodded when he told her, "Lindemann was able to foresee what the Earth Sphere potentially see. As of right now we are stuck in a situation where I must continue to bring every expertise I have forward."

Susanne complemented, "That is something I do admire about your resolve General. The willingness to bring every ounce of the dedication to see your ambitions achieved."

Edward smiled, "The flattery is appreciated, but what I require are results above everything else. Being against the current hold we face now is not going to offer us the opportunity to usurp the Earth government. We will have to do everything possible to ensure that the Earth military is dwindled before ours has to be brought to the frontlines."

Susanne saw one of the mobile suits being guarded by his men when she observed, "We are fortunate that so many were capable of allying themselves to you and being ready to restrain any suspicion that would have endangered our numbers. There is so little opportunity for us to accomplish this though. If the Sol Theros arrive now, we will be asked to assist somehow."

Edward agreed, "That is what we will have to work on. Fortunately, there are a scant few chances where it may be possible to use this to our advantage."

Before Susanne could question her superior's plan, she followed him to a computer panel and established contact with a mobile suit far away.


The mobile suit captain sent to the norther border of France received a signal that he was prepared to answer. He heard his superior, "Status report."

The captain answered Edward, "General, we are stationed outside of Sedan and it looks like the enemy is just looking for something to challenge them."

"You believe that they might have a little trouble locating Brussels then?"

"I don't know the ins and outs of these things General. They might actually be hoping to find some kind of contact to confirm their destination."

"If we have any intention of securing our own forces, we must find a way to make them a threat."

"So you want us out there for a distraction sir? I think we can manage that. If we're ready for that anyway."

"We currently have an extra three Gundams that will need to be sent. The other two areas will be sufficiently protected once we act. Draw them to our location and be prepared to report."

"We're heading back with the targets General." The connection was cut as the captain made a new one as he commanded his squad, "Alright guys, we have some targets to lure. Let's make sure that we keep our distance and we'll have a short journey back to safety."

One of the men asked, "Are we supposed to come out of this alive somehow sir?"

The captain answered, "By hitting and running. As soon as these things see us, make a break for the northwest." One of the Sol Theros came within distance as he ordered, "Over there! Fire!"

The squad of Leo IIIs fired in the direction of the target Sol Thero only to see its defensors appear and take the attacks as though they were nothing. The Sol Thero turned its eye to the offending mobile suits as its programming determined, 'Mobile suits detected. Detriment to overall objective. Combat engaged.'

The Sol Theros formed on one another as they prepared their gatling guns to fire on the squadron when the captain ordered, "Now! Move!" The squadron of Leo IIIs turned away from the Sol Theros and dashed away from the firing range of the Sol Theos. The leading Sol Thero determined through its programing, 'Targets heading towards primary objective. Begin pursuit.'

The Sol Theros began their pursuit. Through a period of calculating and observation, the programming of the Sol Theros fired a volley of missiles towards the escaping squadron. The captain pressured, "Maintain speed! Don't concern y0ourselves with overheating! Just don't get shot down!" The Leo IIIs all increased their speed as they saw the distance between them and the Sol Theros grow. They weren't safe however as the leading black mobile dolls lowered their defensors and fired their gatling guns towards them.

One of the Leo IIIs was shot down and exploded from contact with the gunfire while the surviving ones continued their escape from their impending demise. The captain heard one of his men comment, "I don't see us getting out of here sir! How much longer is it before we get to safety?"

The captain answered, "Our mission is to get out of here alive! Decide your outcome by how much you want to live!"


Edward had the results he needed as he saw his squadron outrun the Sol Thero units in their desperate attempt to reach the capital. He turned to Susanne when he told her, "Luckily now, before the final decisions are made. The leaders must learn of this."

Susanne took out a printed image of the two squadrons making their way to Brussels as she gave a salute and agreed, "Right away General."

Susanne left the hangar bay before rushing towards the Parliamentary Building and dashing past the guards who would have inquired her reasons. It was only a short time before Susanne found the planning room where the debated their options. Susanne held out the printed image when she told them, "Sirs, we may have something more to worry about. We just received word of Sol Theros heading in our direction from the south passing through Sedan."

Marcel watched Susanne place the image on the center desk as he looked over it to update the holographic map. With the full attack plan he was able to determine, "They hope to cut us off from any direction of an easy escape it would seem. I'm afraid that we are going to need more than what we have at this point."

Malcolm asked, "Are the defense for the capital still going to hold?"

Marcel answered, "We may have only the choice to send a team to meet with these ones as soon as we can. The two cities are about to be laid under siege as it is."

Malcolm was reluctant as he looked over the number of units he had to send out. With both cities as important to defend, he knew that Brussels would be an immediate if the three attacks didn't all happen at once. He turned to Susanne when he told her, "Now is going to be the time for your General to prove his dedication to our cause. He is to send out however many men Lord Lindemann demands to be sent. Understand that our safety is at its most foremost concern and must be made now."

Susanne gave a salute when she agreed, "I'll be sure to let the General know."

Susanne rushed out the way she came in as she passed Heero's entry and down the stairs. Heero kept his attention with the leaders and asked, "You were hoping to see me sirs?"

Malcolm confirmed, "I understand you are not the most obvious choice Major, but yes."

Marcel told him, "The fact is that many of the men are going to be looking to you as a leading force on the ground. We need you to be out there as soon as possible and ensure they continue to fight at their best."

Heero raised his right arm as he forced himself to bear the pain of his recovering arm when he told them, "If you want me to lead one of the charges, I am prepared."

Malcolm told him, "When the time comes, we will need your assistance in that matter. For this day we must ensure our division here is prepared to defend with your encouragement and leadership. I want you as a strategic support for right now."

Heero lowered his arm as he dutifully accepted, "I'll support my superiors as best I can."

Marcel confirmed, "That is your mission for now. Proceed to the grounds and report back to us when they are set to leave. Most important is that any and all doubts they have to impede on the defense must be present. Understand that failure to follow this order will result in you being considered a deserter."

Heero gave a salute when he agreed, "Right away sir." Heero turned as he left and made his way to ground level before heading outside to see much of the Earth military scrambling to prepare for the defense.

Malcolm accepted the decision to have Heero encourage the men before asking, "So long as we send OZ to face the forces in the south, we'll be able to send anyone to support them?"

Marcel answered, "We have one force that should be able to handle them should the force hold. Rest assured that we will be able to maintain our defense here."

Marcel made his way to a computer when he ordered, "Attention Nornir Triumvirate pilots. We have a target destination for you to engage the incoming enemy Sol Theros. You are to lead every OZ force that Lord Lindemann deems necessary."

The face of Christoph appeared on the screen when he responded, "We'll let Lord Lindemann know about the plan. We're moving out now."

Malcolm overheard the options he had as the forces of the Earth Sphere were spread to the three points. He told Marcel, "I do hope that their unified effort can be as effective as we need it to be now."

Marcel added, "For all our sakes they will be able to come out as strong as we were once they do accomplish the defense."


Christoph found Christian overlooking the Urth Gundam when he told him, "It's time we move out. We've got some enemy units to meet head on."

Christian turned as he agreed, "I was wondering if I was going to see some serious action today. We move out right away?"

Christoph nodded, "As soon as Richard gets here. Where is he anyway?"

Both brothers turned to see Richard entering the hangar bay as he zipped up his pants. Richard saw his brothers looking at him and asked, "Uh, we got something serious happening?"

The three brothers heard their father enter as he told them, "Indeed. A very serious one." He held out a photo of the squadron of Sol Theros leaving Sedan when he told them, "From our reports, these mobile dolls managed to tear their way through every remaining Coalition installment that remained standing and are virtually unharmed. You three alone will not be enough to see them destroyed if this should be true. That is why the three of you must lead this charge to see each one of them is destroyed and does not remain standing."

Christian agreed, "We'll be on that. We've just got the viral dispersal systems ready so these things should be good and easy to take down."

Till turned to Edward when he asked, "How many squadrons do you have to send out there?"

Edward answered, "Recent accounting adds 16 squadrons of mobile suits to utilize at your command."

Till told him, "Send out 12. Instruct them to have every intention to assist the Nornir Triumvirate regardless of the cost."

Edward simply agreed, "Right away."

When Edward left, Till told Andrew, "I want my final project to be sent to us now. Regardless of its completion I must see that it is safely in our hands."

Andrew agreed, "At this point we are the safer place to have it protected aren't we?"

Till turned to his sons when he told them, "The enemy is headed here from the southeast. Come back alive and be prepared to engage more of these things."

The three brothers saluted when they all agreed, "Yes sir!"

As the three left, Till watched Edward make his way to his personal quarters to give the order and saw Instructor W ask, "We're preparing to engage them? I'm concerned that the results not offer us the returns that we are hoping for."

Till saw Edward out of his view when he made his way up to the Instructor and told him, "That is precisely what I am hoping for. If Edwards men serve the purpose of being cannon fodder for the Nornirs to accomplish the attack, then the man himself should ideally be weakened to where he will have no strength afterwards."

Instructor W was slightly offpout by the answer when he told Till, "They are still technically your men. Wouldn't this potentially weaken you and make it harder for OZ to fulfill its duty?"

Till told him, "If what I have heard is right, I should ideally be ridding myself of the ambitions of a man who hopes to utilize this chaos to his advantage."

Barra appeard from behind one of the crates when he confirmed, "We may not rid ourselves of the man himself, but his means to usurp the Parliament will be at the very least limited."

Instructor W sighed when he observed, "Even in a time where we should be standing together we have issue with seeing the threat that is most dangerous to us."

Andrew agreed, "I don't care for the approach either Instructor, but from personal observation, I believe that we have already suffered enough in the way of betrayals. The less capable the man can send a unified force to disrupt us, the better our chances of stnainding unified until the end will be."

The men saw the Gundams and mobile suits of the hangar bay move out one by one as they prepared for battle and gathered to the rallying point. Instructor W turned his attention nback to the others when he asked, "You are sure that Edward is planning to use this situation for his personal gain? What was it that brought you to this conclusion?"

Barra answered, "I recognize every maneuver with words that Edward has ever utilized. If this is a man who can only attain power through violence as he thought himself capable of, he will ensure that we are crippled enough to be his ideal prey."

Andrew added, "We already have a lot to account for with trying to discover the true loyalty of our men. The last thing we need right now is to find out if the controversy around him being apprehended by his strategist Bertram Stephens was in fact to our benefit or not."

Instructor W was reluctant when he agreed, "We have already endured a great number of betrayals. I can only hope that there are still those we can trust when this has all ended." Instructor W turned around to leave the hangar bay when he told the men, "Ill ensure that our men have all taken off to meet for the attack."

As soon as the Instructor made his way out of the hangar, he saw a familiar face of one man hthat he knew he could call a loyal man. "Heero. What brings you out here?"

Heero saw Instructor W and greeted, "Unfortunately I don't have the authorization to head out there myself. I'm going to have to watch everyone get ready and move out and then report back to the Presient."

"You're still every bit like the man you were years ago. The only real surprise is that you weren't out there from the beginning."

"I should have. But I just don't have the right anymore. It's hard to come to terms with a lot of things that changed over the years. If I hadn't become so dedicated to Relena, things might have been different."

"A family can change any man. You were fortunate to be one of the people who went on to live a good life even after the peace we won was lost. In your own way it seems that you were able to stand by Relena as your strength. Most me n would have fallen under the pressure of such times as these."

"And we aren't most men aren't we? Although even now it seems like you have trouble coming to terms with what we had to face."

Instructor W was hesitant when he told Heero, "My girl is all I have left and I didn't have the resources to begin an act of vengeance on my own. All I was ever able to do was find someone who would try to ensure that everything I failed to achieve would one day be made possible again. I had little right to allow myself to be the man I was decades ago."

"In the end, you saw something in others that was worth fighting for. From what I've been able to tell it seems like some of us were able to keep going until our dying breath. But you're stronger than you believe yourself to be. You were able to stay at my sons' side and help him find his way here. For me, that's more than enough to prove yourself out here."

"I'm happy to hear that you are even now able to consider me as someone to respect. Although it sounds like having someone to fight for has virtually changed the sort of man you were before. I can still believe that you would have something else to encourage you otherwise."

"I was young and I didn't have much to lose. Finding out who I really am is something that I haven't been able to concern myself with either. Being able to have something now though, it's something I would go against all of humanity to keep alive."

The two men watched the Earth Sphere mobile suits in the distance prepare for their advance when Instructor W agreed, "Even when everything that we built to see achieved has shattered into a million pieces, being able to grab hold and protect what can be salvaged is what we have to live for."

Heero agreed with the sentiment when he told him, "One day we won't be able to do much, but everything we hold dear is what one day grows beyond us."


The small town of Petit Waret was slightly scorched with the flames of the gun fire that made contact with the ground and the mobile suits that soared their way through the countryside. As soon as the advance team that drew the Sol Theros to its location made a way past the town, the captain ordered, "We've got our destination folks. Time to split up and execute the plan."

The seven mobile suits split away from one another in varying directions to the south. The Sol Theros continued their pursuit while the leading unit determined through its programming, 'Mobile suit retreat in full dispersal. Begin individual pursuit.'

The eight mobile dolls separated from one another as they took aim at the fleeing mobile suits but maintained their direction north. A distance away, the Nornir Triumvirate lead the charge with the 12 squadrons of Leo III units ready to begin the attack. Christoph checked his radar when he told his brothers, "There's finally signals out there. Is that the advance team?"

Christian pointed out, "They're too thin spread to be the advance team. Unless these are a bunch of gutless wimps."

Richard opened his communication signal when he contacted one of the Leo IIIs, "Advance team, are you following as planned or ordered? Come in advance team."

The captain of the squadron responded with a panicked voice, "Are you kidding? We need to get out of here! These things are clobbering us!"

Christoph told the captain, "At least regroup! You're spreading the enemy too thing! We won't be able to take them all out like this!"

The captain denied the order, "To hell with that! Every man is for himself!"

Christian cursed the answer he was given, "Shit! What a time to get a bunch of pussies out here!"

Richard pointed to the map screen, "We might have a bit more advantage than we think. Those things are lining up in a pretty nice line."

Christoph recognized the advantage he had when he told his brothers, "Looks like we're going to have a fairly swift mission." He changed the radio frequency to warn the Leo IIIs behind him, "Everyone fall back! We're about to release the virus!"

Richard pressed forward with the speed control of the Lachesis legs when he agreed, "We're going in! Take them out in one shot guys!"

The Nornir Triumvirate charged ahead of the forces as it released the virus to the Sol Theros it came to next to. The programming of the leading unit determined, 'Primary threat detected. Access to Zero System denied.'

The Nornir charged to the south as Richard weaved the legs away from every shot that threatened to make contact. Even without Zero System as a threat the danger of the gunfire making contact along with the missiles landing nearby was a threat to the Gundam's safety. Richard told his brothers, "This better work! We're headed into a serious hitch here!"

Christoph looked at his central panel as he saw the lever open for him to grab hold of. He encouraged, "We've got one and the Nornir knows it! Get us aligned now!"

The Nornir sped away from every threat of fire contact as the radar map showed its location quickly aligning with the line of Sol Thero units. After a few seconds, Christoph grabbed hold of the handle as he pulled it up before sliding it down into the hold. The Nornir opened its chest for the cannon to appear and the powerful surge of energy gathered before firing a mighty blast towards the squadron of mobile dolls.

The first Sol Thero was slow to activate its planet defensors before it exploded on contact from the beam. The blast of the Helfire Cannon continued to soar as it made contact with another Sol Thero that activated its defensors in a desperate attempt to defend itself. After a brief period the mobile doll was decimated before the next one was forced to endure the blast. Richard checked the area ahead of him when he told his brothers, "This thing's taking way too long to get them all crashed!"

Christian told him, "Just be glad they're only standing there!"

The third Sol Thero was destroyed as the beam continued its soar across the field and towards the first fourth unit. Even as it made contact, the force of the cannon began to wane as it powered down from the Gundam that used it. Christian cursed, "Shit! Not now! This thing can't be done now!"

Against his hopes for seeing the remainder of the squadron destroyed, the Nornir Gundam's Helfire Cannon powered down as it began to overheat and threatened to begin the separation process. The Urth, Clotho, and Lachesis all separated from one another now with five Sol Thero mobile dolls in front of them. Richard told them, "Hey guys, we did have a plan for this right?"

Christoph told him, "They aren't going to be as efficient now. Everybody just try and take down two with your bare hands."

Christian charged with the Urth when he raised both hands and fired a volley of missiles towards the nearest Sol Thero while Richrad's Lachesis backed away and fired both machine gun pistols towards the distance. Christoph remained standing in his location as he fired his assault rifle at the same one only to see a massive eruption of smoke appear in front of a set of planet defensors. Christian charged ahead with both hands in front as his Urth grabbed two of the defensors and crushed them in the grip. Jumping forward, the Urth tackled the Sol Thero to the ground and pounded at its head before pounding another first into its chest and firing a missile. The explosion forced the Urth backwards before several volleys of gatling gunfire came his direction and made contact with his arms.

Keeping himself protected, Christian saw the Clotho make its way towards his side and fired at the cornering defensors that formed shields. He contacted Christoph, "What more invitation does Blare's guys need?"

Christoph continued to fire towards the Sol Theros when he answered, "They must need something!" He contacted the leading Leo III unit when he asked, "What's keeping you guys? We've got the numbers advantage alone to wipe them out!"

The leading pilot answered, "We're moving in now. Stay clear of our range of fire." The three Nornir Gundams backed away while the Leo IIIs in the distance fired their weapons on the remaining Sol Theros. One of the mobile doll units observed, 'Threat of supporting forces minimal. Gundams are priority target.'

The four mobile dolls raised their planet defensors to defend against the barrage of weapon fire before uniting in a full offensive against the three Gundams. Christian cursed, "Looks like we had a whole army of wimps backing us."

Christoph contacted him, "We've got an opening to take advantage of. Let's just fulfill our mission and keep them away from the capital."

The three charged towards the mobile dolls with their guns blazing and weaving away from the enemy fire. As the weapons of the Clotho and Lachesis made contact with the armor, the shots only left dents in the armor while firing volleys of gatling gunfire and missiles in response. Christian's Urth charged ahead when he told his brothers, "Keep them busy!" He kept his arms raised as he blocked against the shots and shot down the incoming missiles that flew his way. The multiple lines of gunfire merged to his location before Christian made a leap and raised both hands above him to smash the nearest head of the Sol Thero.

In its attempt to attack him, the mobile doll backed away and fired its gatling guns while Christian launched a volley of missiles towards the nearest mobile dolls before seeing it crush in an explosion while the remaining three rushed towards his location. The mobile dolls all fired a volley of missiles in unison towards the firing Gundam while the Clotho charged ahead as it took several hits to its chest as it was forced back and saw pieces of armor fly off from its chest. This didn't stop Christoph however as he fired into the chest area of the Sol Thero.

Both opponents took damage from losing their armor before the Clotho fired another volley at the lower leg area where several missiles were prepared to be fired along with a volley of gatling fire. The leg left of the Sol Thero exploded on contact before it fell forward while the Clotho rushed forward to thrust the barrel of its assault rife into the chest of the falling mobile doll. On contact with the thrust, the Clotho fired its assault rifle to give way to an explosion that forced it to the ground and slid across the field in a mighty scrape of the dirt.

Christoph saw his computer screen warn him about the damage he had taken as he struggled to regain his footing. Even with only two targets remaining he felt as though he was facing an army marching towards him. He heard Christian ask, "How are you holding up there?"

Christoph fired on another one of the Sol Theros when he answered, "I didn't think it was possible, but these things are being a pain in the ass like we estimated." He continued to fire at both Sol Theros as one weaved ahead of the other and offered an altering barrage of gunfire and missiles. He saw the Lachesis distance itself from the fray as it fired both of its pistols at the incoming mobile dolls before he asked, "Richard are you trying to avoid getting into decent range of those things?"

Richard answered, "You try and work with what I got! I'm blowing every load I have over here!" He fired both pistols towards the two Sol Theros as he saw the head fly off one of them before it opened every missile panel and open fired with its gun. The Lachesis made a rush around the barrage of fire as he found his way to the side of the Sol Thero where the planet defensors held against Edward's army. Even as the attacks stopped, Richard made his way into the ranks while he heard Christoph tell him, "Those defensors haven't even worn down! Get into attacking position!"

A series of explosions continued to form in the area when Richard told him, "Are you kidding? There's only an endless supply of powder kegs on the other end!"

Christian in the meantime pounded his way towards the Sol Thero that remained standing. Before he could deal a fatal blow, he saw the planet defensors shield themselves from the blow as they concentrated on his attack. He was fortunate to see the barrage of gun fire the army pressed only stopped for a second before concentrating onto its position. The gunfire gradually tore away at the mobile dolls armor before Christian used the Urth to kick the Sol Thero backwards and saw it subjugated to another series of shots before it exploded right in front of him.

Encouraged by the results, Richard's Lachesis charged ahead and shot at the cornering planet defensors to find its shield breaking point. With two hits, one from his pistols and one form his supporting forces, the planet defensors were shot down and gave the opening the forces were hoping to find. Richard raised his right arm outward and fired at the vulnerable target as the Sol Thero turned around from the detected damage and unleashed a volley of gatling fire towards the army.

Richard remained standing as he saw several Leo IIIs next to him disperse while a few next to him cripple into an explosion on contact. The persistence paid off however as the Sol Thero fell to the ground and gave way to the last explosion that was seen on the field. Richard caught his breath as he panted and asked, "So how's it look out there?"

Christoph answered, "Looks like the enemy has been taken care of. We might not have been so screwed over after all."

One of the Colonels contacted Christoph, "I offer my apology that could not do more. Our intention was to minimize casualties."

Christoph told him, "Weren't we all? We'll just have to hope these guys can give us a breather."

Christian told his brother, "We should head back to the capital now. Everyone is going to need us for the big defense if we can make it in time."

Christoph agreed, "Let's move it then. Let's head back the way we came."


Edward, Till, Andrew, and Barra overlooked the progress of their mobile suit signals when they heard the colonel report, "We were successful General. The Sol Theros have been wiped out."

Edward congratulated, "Excellent work. Return to the capital and prepare to offer assistance. We are not safe just yet."

He stepped aside to allow Till contacted his sons as he shifted the signal, "Are the Nornir still functional?"

The voice of Christoph answered, "We took some damage but we're ready for another battle."

Till ordered, "You are to prepare the Gundams for immediate repairs. You're no good to us not at your best." He shifted the signal before he told Edward, "It's rather fortunate that this one could be won so easily. Do you believe that your men did everything to ensure this battle could be easily won?"

Edward answered, "The unusual behavior of my advance squadron is questionable, but I am confident that they brought nothing less than their dedication to see a victory."

Andrew pointed out, "Even with only seven men lost? I have to point out that we've been out there for a long duration to have given everything they could have."

Edward told him, "It is very possible that these mobile dolls are in fact as ruthless as we fear them to be. The Nornir Gundams reported taking damage, that alone should be a sign that it was a struggle for them to accomplish."

Barra told them, "Indeed we don't have all the details of what caused this area to be a struggle. I believe that once they have arrived at our location that the General will have a responsibility to determine who among his men is the most capable to be fit for duty."

Till agreed, "Very well. You are to remain here and ensure the General does not leave this room."

Edward asked Till, "You intend to determine where we stand once the enemy finds its way here?"

Till confirmed, "Facts that we will be able to trust you with once you have fully convinced me that you and your men are loyal only to the cause of our united Earth. Until then for lack of a better comparison, you shall be our frontline cannon fodder. You had best be able to demonstrate that your tactics are as effective as you make them out to be if you wish to see every man under your command return alive and willing to serve."

Edward agreed, "That is quite possible the best scenario I can ask for. I imagined that you would have seen a greater value to men who now make up a third of your forces. We still do not have a current number of how many of those things are out there."

Andrew confirmed, "We do not. But it would be silly to believe that even instigating our chance to revolt against the Coalition is enough to make your worth considering among our ranks when you were the one to hold our lives in the first place. It is unfortunate that Bertram is not alive for us to hear his side of the story, we would be more willing to buy your answer otherwise."

Edward nodded, "Were he alive it would make things simpler indeed. I only ask that you allow me to prove myself whenever I am permitted from this point on."

Andrew confirmed, "I am sure you will my good man. Well we best not keep our new President waiting."

Till and Andrew left the room while Barra remained to observe him from over his shoulder. Edward remained seated as he waited for the next opportunity to give orders to his men. He received a call from one of the signals when he heard, "We are still clear from the enemy General. Have things progressed as anticipated?"

Edward answered, "We will discuss the nature of you actions once you have returned Captain. There is much that I will have to discuss with you upon your arrival."

The connection cut off as Edward was left to watch the screen in front of him slowly progress the Leo III mobile suits came closer to his location. Barra told him, "It would seem that you are capable of drawing out the act longer than I gave you credit in being able to achieve."

Edward scoffed lightly when he told Barra, "You believe that I am prepared to betray a side that I worked hard to finally earn my place within? If you are so confident Barra then I imagine you would have done away with me when you first had the chance. Unless you are truly of the mind that I am not. If it is not so, I have no wish to decry you as being stupid but I would think that you care too much about obtaining your elusive victory to allow for any danger to fall upon it."

"I recognize the sort of devastation that your death right now will bring. Your men have been willing to slaughter members of the Earth Sphere for years and turned on the Coalition when it was most convenient. These men under your command clearly have a loyalty deeper than what is required of them."

"So the choices for you are either kill me now and see the chaos that ensues or let me live and potentially witness the betrayal you are so afraid of being realized. How fortunate that you are able to recognize this situation."

"The only thing that I can hope to see is you will not give me a reason to hold such suspicions Edward. Even if you have changed since long ago, I can only anticipate that you would still harbor inner ambitions to see your goal be achieved from our childhoods."

"How nice that you would remember such memories Barra. Time does indeed change a man and I have only had the desire to be a soldier these days. To ensure that the men under my command are treated as I were them."

"You never had the opportunity to rise within the old OZ after your service and immediately jumped on the chance to join another war where you became General years ago. All this makes you is an opportunist. And one who will take any advantage possible to obtain your true desires."

"Indeed the opportunist does find himself in the situation necessary to achieve his own survival. For the longest time I have indeed sought the thrill of battle to make me feel truly alive and now I only seek to find an end to this point in my life. I am only now able to have myself be content with my ability to leave a grandiose mark on history. Do you feel yourself satisfied with yours Barra?"

"You always thought yourself to be a snake who could outsmart anyone. Now you expect me to believe that you are intending to end that desire? Men of OZ were ones who had the opportunity to one day be at the side of Treize Kushrenada. If you truly have no ambitions for waging a never-ending string of wars, that ambition would have died with his demise just as it did for many of his old followers."

"Indeed there are few men alive who can hope to be what he was. The years that came after were some of the most taxing that I had to endure. It is simply how things go for those who desire to live the life of a soldier. Few things will be able to substitute."

"I know at least two good men who thought they would suffer the same fate as you. Call it weakness as much as you want, but being truly human requires the ability to live through what our lives offer us. If you were truly unable to find that way of life after 19 years, it only comes to demonstrate how much of a dedicated creature you truly are."

"Perhaps you are right in determining that I thrive in my own environment of my own machinations. But that does bring us back to the question of what you intend to do with me now doesn't it?"

"As of now the only thing that I can ask myself is what the most opportune moment will be to see your end is made a reality in a time where your end will not weave a catastrophe for the good people you are taking advantage of."

"Here you are still dedicated to others in your effort to find some purpose to having participation in the conflict. Do you know what separates you from men such as myself? The fact that I take advantage of the first opportunity I have to decimate my enemies when it presents itself to me. Perhaps we would not be bearing witness to this ear of confusion if you were able to prove that Franz was the evildoer that you suspected him of being."

"What separates me is that I do not have any will to sow seeds of chaos in the wake of every time of devastation that I find myself within. The fact that you were able to find so many who believed your cause to be worth upholding is something that truly frightens me initially, but the presences of men who desire more than that is greater than the destruction you leave in your wake."

"I understand there is nothing I can do to have your looming gaze be turned away from me, but I can still work from the shadows and not be forced to concern myself with your intention to take initiative. It will all fall on your shoulders should you determine that you are too late to prevent any apparent ambitions that I may have."


Gawel, Zachariah, Robbie, and Fredric made their way to the Wing Carrier as they watched the others get themselves ready for what would be a frightening moment of defense. The four heard Roy ask, "You guys planning your funeral this fast? It's almost like you guys are desperate to get yourself into trouble out there."

Gawel told him, "Sorry that you won't be able to rush up to Ludwika and try to win back any of her trust. But here's the fact dude, you been a prick since day one messing with our heads and almost got our best pilots slaughtered at their own hands. The others are going to be happy knowing that you won't be whining about our situation like you have been for way too long."

Zachariah stepped next to him when he told Gawel, "That's not the sort of attitude we need right now. At least try and act like your taking upcoming mission seriously."

Fredric added, "I get the pent-up frustration man, but trying to accuse others is not going to get us anywhere."

Gawel gave an audible groan when he accepted, "Even Zach is going to forgive this asshole. I guess we don't have much of a choice."

He made his way to the Wing Carrier when Robbie and Fredric turned to follow Zachariah. He told Roy, "This whole thing has been hard on us since day one. We're just fortunate that we didn't allow ourselves to be crushed underneath the pressure. Hell, even you still have some strength in you left even if you don't know it."

Roy shrugged, "Some of us had to draw that lucky ticket where we would survive this long. Hell, I never even thought I would be persuasive enough to have some kind of trump card over any of the Gundam pilots. What's even worse is how long I've survived and I think about how people are on to something when they call me a glorified asshole."

"Yeah well, you're our asshole Roy. We made it this far because you lived this long for a reason. It was so you could see just how wrong you were about what you accused us of being. Or better yet so you could actually see what the value of being part of a group is like."

Roy sighed when he told Zachariah, "I guess I'm supposed to be overly emotional right now. Doesn't really change me got to say, I just haven't had the chance to be invested in anybody it seems. You ask me I think you should get a move on and get our guys out of the crossfire and leave me to my fate. Maybe you'll actually be something against these monsters."

Zachariah turned around before returning his gaze back to Roy and offered, "Maybe when we get back you can let all of us share a drink with you and Suchart. Does that sound okay to you?"

Roy crossed his arms before smiling and agreed, "Maybe we could use more than just the two of us. I'll be sure to buy you a bottle for each mobile doll you take down."

Zachariah waved when he agreed, "I'll be sure to hold you to it."

The two men parted as they went to their mobile suits and fought against the internal doubts they had about surviving beyond today. He then heard someone tell him, "I guess we needed more than one guy to try helping us slog along this long ass journey of ours."

Zachariah turned to greet, "Hey Suchart. Nice to see you're sober for a change."

"I wish I wasn't. I would probably be unable to participate."

"If you keep getting yourself drunk you might get your wish. Maybe try being more of a host at this point?"

Suchart raised his hands in feigned guilt when he told Zachariah, "Oh no, I get caught not being an example of chivalry. What's the worst that happens anyway? I get thrown out and forced to live a shitty civilian life? Please man, I've been in a shithole before all this and it's actually starting to look like paradise compared to what we're in now."

Zachariah turned his head to look at his Ursa unit when he asked, "That's a better life for you huh? It's pretty sad to think that not everybody was able to come out of this hardened and stronger like we thought we would be. I guess not everyone can handle what we just went through."

"That's the understatement that needs to be made obvious. Hell, a lot of us didn't even get to live long enough to endure the worst of all this. Honestly I am kind of happy to think that Dirk didn't have to go through the shit that I'm seeing now."

"You think more of us would be on Roy's level if they did?"

"I think we all had the opportunity. Somebody just managed to have a little more spine than the rest of us. Notice how practically nobody cares about all the bull shitting we started out wit when this thing started? How it seems like nobody cares about how head over heels Donna is for Ermes and nobody really wants to collect from the pot? All we're interested in now is finding out who's coming out alive and isn't one of the Gundam pilots."

"It's crazy to think that we don't have very high chances to survive yet we were the ones tasked with keeping the Gundam pilots under control. At this rate there doesn't seem to be a lot of people who will give a shit about us once all of this is done and frankly I can't even bitch about it now."

"Let's assume that we do survive and we don't have a mission to weigh us down. Do you think you'll be able to look back on what we did as something that was worth fighting for? Because I think that not allowing ourselves to be overpowered by the worst outcomes is worth the bitching. I think that actually trying to change what we did wrong is a better thing any day."

Suchart opened the cockpit of his Ursa when he told Zachairah, "You're a hell of a lot stronger than me. Honestly I think you might go down as one of the great underappreciated figures of this ragtag band of ours."

A voice sounded from the Wing 1 Carrier, "All units, we are preparing for launch. Prepare for takeoff in 15 minutes."

Zachariah told Suchart, "Let's see how much we really got left in us. Remember that we're holding you to that deal."

Suchart prepared his Ursa unit as it moved out of the hangar bay and told Zachariah over the loud comms system, "Come back alive first and we'll discuss who gets what."


As the preparations for the defenses were made in Brussels, the devastation that began in Amsertdam had escalated to a dangerous height. Multitudes of buildings burned and crumbled by the advance of the Sol Theros. Nasir looked around him when he observed, "I don't know about us being rready, but I don'ot think I'm feeling too confident about holding this area."

He heard Daisuke ask, "In what way? We're all supposed to be making our way to space aren't we?"

Ludwika moved her mobile suit around a corner of a building when she answered, "I think the worst that's happening is we won't have a chance to pull this off. Those things are headed towards the spaceport."

One of the mobile suits charged ahead when its pilot said, "We can't let them in this area! Not after everything we lost!"

Ludwika shouted, "Get back here! We aren't going to stop them!" Ignoring the command, the lone Ursa unit charged with its assault rifle and fired at the rear advancing Sol Thero. Its planet defensors absorbed the fire when its head turned before its programming determined, 'Minimal detriment to final objective.' It raised its gatling gun arm before firing a merciless volley of gunfire towards the charging Ursa unit before its legs were shot to pieces and its best was hit to give way to an explosion.

Daisuke and Nasir shielded their eyes as they looked in the distance to the bright light when Nasir asked, "We've got guys who want to hold them back don't we? If only we had more against these things."

Daisuke added, "They move in fast and maybe took just one casualty. Not sure how you guys kjnew you would need more."

Nasir reminded, "These things were our buddies before. Now they're on some indiscriminate rampage. I'm not sure that everyone thought they would be turning on us."

Ludwika's mobile suit made its way to the location of the mobile suits before opening her cockpit and asked, "How's Epsteins condition look?"

Daisuke answered, "Nothing broken but it doesn't look like we're going anywhere."

Ludwika agreed, "We're stuck here waiting for the others. There's probably people wondering why we aren't trying to do anything."

Nasir sighed when he lamented, "And it was a few days ago when the Testudo seemed like the final hurdle we had to stump. Any of you guys envious of Trenton being able to die in battle?"

Ludwika told him, "There's only one reason that I ever respected Trenton. He actually stuck to his guns until the end. He died so that we would have a chance to continue this fight and save our leaders. He was a decent guy but I hope he kicks your ass for wanting an easy way out."

Daisuke told them, "As great of a time this is to miss our old pals, I really don't think we're going to pull off much just by staying hankered down here."

Several explosions erupted near their location as they heard at least one human scream form the devastation. A hole was blasted in the center of the nearest building while the three turned to observe the new view they had. In the distance, the spaceport could be seen while the squadron of Sol Theros made their advance. The leading unit observed the port when it determined, 'Primary target identified. Begin destruction.' The Sol Theros opened their missile panels as they sent a storm down on the structures that made the site have a purpose. More explosions roared form the distance as the site was devastated and the shuttles were engulfed in a blaze.

Ludwika sat back into her cockpit seat as she stared at the destruction from a distance and heard Cinzia contact her, "How does it look? Did we take any damage?"

Ludwika reached for her communications system when she answered, "We didn't, but our way off world sure did."

Daisuke and Nasir watched in the same amount of defeat as Ludwika had before Daisuke asked, "Your mobile suit can still walk right?"

Nasir confirmed, "That's about all we can do right now."

Daisuke told him, "It's high time we do that. Come on, let's move."

Nasir and Daisuke both reached to their cockpits as they prepared to make their escape. In the distance the Sol Theros saw the movement of mobile suits before the leading units programming determined, 'Primary target destroyed. Continue with subjugation of secondary targets.' Aiming their missile panels again, a storm of missiles shot forth and made their way to the buildings that the Ursa pilots used for cover.

Without any chance to advance towards the location, the reign of destruction that continued to fall on Amsterdam went uninterrupted while Ludiwka watched the devastation from behind her and asked, "Mercurio. Guys. Can you say that you'll be strong enough to stand against even more of this?" She followed the other Ursa units as they took cover behind another set of buildings to endure the incoming fire that continued to build in their direction.


Two hours passed before the Wing 1 arrived in the airspace of Amsterdam. Zachariah looked over the destruction from below when he warned, "Here we are Captain. Targets are in sight."

Gawel looked over the targets and saw the reports were correct. "It's those Sol Thero units alright. Nasir and the others have been doing their best."

Dana waited in the cockpit of the Artemis when she answered, "We have to move in quick. Prepare for the drop to –" Before she could finish she saw felt the ship rock from a nearby explosion. She knew they were still in the air but was quick to demand from the pilots, "Report!"

"One of them doesn't seem to approve our presence sir! I don't think we can get in much closer!" Gawel reported.

Dana didn't let herself be shaken when she ordered, "Open the hatch and let us out. We'll have to make the rest of the way ourselves."

Gawel began to open the hatch when offered, "Your funeral sir."

The hatch opened to reveal the source of the explosions. The side turrets were aiming at the nearby missiles coming from below but still managed to lift the ship up from below. The Artemis began to move when Dana prepared her buster rifle. "Stymphalian Artemis Zero prepared for launch!" The Artemis was the first to execute the launch and made the drop.

The Uriel was quick to follow next when Mercurio announced, "Blazing Uriel Zero moving in!" The Uriel came down next following the Artemis behind.

"Aquarius Wasserman, moving out!" Ermes declared as he exited the carrier with the Aquarius. He assumed his free fall into the city until the last few hundred meters that broke the speed of the fall.

The three Gundams made their way down to the ground offering a view of what the city had become. Many of the buildings had been destroyed while several mobile suits were lying around in scraps. Dana wondered about the survivors before she heard Nasir's voice announce, "Captain! Never thought I'd be this happy to be rescued!"

Dana activated her radio when she answered, "We're doing what we can Epstein. Can you give us a report?"

"Other than we are not going to keep this city intact? Putting a dent in these things has been impossible for us. Most we've been able to do is suppressing fire." Dana took aim at the nearest Sol Thero when she saw them moving further into the city. The black units continued to move forward with their gatling guns prepared and firing in various directions.

She contacted him, "Just leave them to us. We'll make sure they're stopped. Stay on the defensive and help any civilians you can get to."

Nasir gave his confirmation, "Roger sir." The contact broke and Dana checked her radar for possible areas where Nasir and the others were waiting.

She prepared for a surprise attack when she ordered the other two Gundams, "Ermes, Mercurio. Head to the west portion of the city and cut off the escape route for those things." Her rifle was prepared when she saw the rifle's energy reach its maximum finishing, "I'll show them their first mistake heading in here."

Mercurio agreed to the tactic when he prepared to move in with his buster sword at the ready. "Yes sir. We should make sure Epstein and the others are okay as well."

"Moving as ordered!" Ermes responded to Dana's next order to move westwards with Mercurio.

Dana saw the other two mobile Gundams move around the other side of the Sol Theros while she prepared to fire. "This is it! Let's move in!" She gave the order when she managed to catch the black mobile dolls from behind while the Aquarius and Uriel prepared to move in from the front. The Uriel flew forward with its gunblade in shield mode and in a swift motion threw it towards the nearest Sol Thero unit. The shield was stopped as soon as the planet defensors were deployed. "Come on. Get back here." Mercurio commanded as he attempted to magnetize the shield back to the Uriel's arm. Before the Sol Thero unit drew its blade the shield managed to draw out of the defensor field and back to the Uriel's arm.


Marcel looked over the hologram of the capital battlefield when he saw his forces prepare for the invasion of Sol Theros. He switched to Heero's signal to receive his hologram, "Report on the enemy advancement."

Heero reported the situation from the outside, "Identity confirmed sir. We have one squad of Sol Thero units headed our way. Teams are waiting on standby for your orders sir."

The decision was immediate when Marcel ordered, "Send the Gundams out with an advance team. Do not let the enemy advance any closer to the capital."

"Understood General." Heero stood atop a building at the edge of the city where he tried to observe the battle while Hyrum waited for his order. He dropped the binoculars when he ordered, "Have the Tallgeese Throne and Sandesgeist move forward with supporting units. Have the other forces remain behind unless the enemy arrives."

Hyrum was beside him when he confirmed, "Yes sir. We have our units prepared. We should be able to put up a decent defense if they break through."

"Have the representatives been moved to another area?"

"Yes sir. They're being moved to the nearest exit from the city."

"Return to their position along with the others. Stay ready to move out on the first order."

Hyrum turned around when he agreed, "On it sir."

Heero saw Hyrum return to his own jeep relaying the order. He turned around to see the mobile suits moving in closer before he returned to his own vehicle.

The mobile dolls were coming in further towards the city of Brussels while Dafina prepared for the first shots. The eight units each had their program process their decision approaching, 'Target acquired. All systems engaged.'

Dafina was the first to order her units, "Advance Team Alpha, prepare to move out."

Patrick saw the nearest enemy in his sights, "They're in our sights."

Roy offered his own silent warning, "We'll have them toasted soon enough."

As soon as the Tallgeese was within range of the black mobile dolls she announced, "Dispersing interference program. All units stand behind." As soon as the program had made its way across the other units she knew it was a matter of time before her allied units would be ready to engage. "The playing field should be even now."

Dafina was the first to determine this truth when she flew forward with its buster rifle at the ready while the nearest Sol Thero unit tried to process its target. 'Mobile suit confirmed.' Moments after seeing the Tallgeese rushing in the unit found trouble in its programing. 'Zero System nonfunctional. Access Denied.' It made an effort to prepare for the attack when it lifted its gatling gun and prepared its missiles. The Tallgeese fired its rifle at the unit but the Sol Thero managed to deploy its planet defensors in time. The defense worked for the first shot but the energy rapidly depleted with the two shots that followed. The Sol Thero made a dash to the left when it fired its weapons towards the Tallgeese but didn't last long enough to withstand the final shot.

Dafina looked at her buster rifle's energy and noticed it was almost a quarter depleted breaking through. She warned the other mobile suits, "We'll have to move in. Those defensors are able to take up more damage than we can offer." The Tallgeese prepared its rifle for the next target after the order.

With the order to go, the Sandesgeist dashed through Brussels to the target at greater speed than before. "This is incredible." She remarked at the Sandesgeist's improvement. "The Instructor called this Sandesgeist Trabant. Fast like a satellite." With the speed she was able to find one of the Sol Thero units and activate her own ZERO system. She was able to react to the Gatling fire from the Mobile Doll in time but when was ready to slice with her shotel the Mobile Doll was able to counter with the its beam saber.

"The ZERO System…" She marveled at what her Gundam was now capable of.