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 64: Inner Conflict is Never Undone

The forces of General Timothy Willms came within view of Saint Adelphe in their progressing journey towards the Earth Sphere capital. After a long travel towards their destination, Timothy knew that he had to ensure that his forces would be prepared for a desperate charge towards the Earth Sphere's sanctuary. "No to determine just how prepared these men are for a day as dangerous as this." He said as he saw his pilots prepared to load the remainder of their ammunition into their mobile suits. Right next to many of them were the dedicated but weary army forces prepared to follow in the charge towards the captivity of their leaders. He turned to his Lieutenant General outside his tent, Lorenzo Turner, when he thanked, "Has there been any confirmation of Colonel Fahey's arrival at the target?"

Lorenzo answered, "I'm afraid sir that we have lost him and everyone under his command. Scouts have reported only two surviving mobile suits making their way to our location for us to learn this."

Timothy continued his surprise when he heard the news and asked, "Our entire force? Everyone has been completely destroyed with the exception of only two?'

His Strategist, Braden Beter, added, "It's the first thing we have discovered from them sir. Colonel Fahey's forces were all wiped out in one blast by a giant mobile suit. From the sounds of it, the informant we had was either unaware of how competent this threat to our security was or he was hoping to achieve something underhanded on our end."

Timothy asked, "And does this place some sort of doubt on if his intentions were to in fact warn us of a potential execution of the representatives?"

Lorenzo answered, "The day has not yet ended. We may only now be walking into their execution order."

Braden added, "If we do not secure the representatives, we will see the colonies unwilling to cooperate with a peace process and President Lehrer will be a great concern to deal with."

Timothy agreed, "It is for that reason we must at the least be able to extract the Representatives out of this city before Till has an opportunity to see them all executed."

Lorenzo asked, "Perhaps if we were to inform President Lehrer of the situation he would be able to negotiate the safety of the representatives?"

Timothy shook his head, "It will take too long to confirm and we cannot be assured he will be offered a grain of truth. He will only be offered to discuss the situation with Malcolm Hunter who, if we are to believe our sources, is only a façade for the man behind the orchestration.

Lorenzo agreed, "We only have the choice of making an extraction from the city if we hope to maintain what little peace we have been able to achieve. This will be a matter that requires a precise strategy."

Braden agreed, "Our best action will be to surround the city on every corner we can prepare to engage. The fortune on our side is that the city is located near a river and will cut off their chances to rally at one point. If what our survivors say is true, we can anticipate that they will be ready for our plan as preparing for a concentrated strike so they might use their weapon again. If we spread our forces however, we will at least have a chance to send our men through their defenses and d extract the representatives if we are fast enough. It is very possible that we have no real chance for a military victory, but if we are able to remove what leverage Till Lindemann has against us, he will only be a mad despot desperate to maintain what hold he has over the remaining Earth Sphere."

Timothy accepted, "That is likely the best-case scenario we can hope for without our access to any dropship forces. The men will have to understand that this is a very real danger we are facing. That we cannot afford to allow any deviation from our plan now. And that includes any circumstance in which someone may attempt to stop this. Even should President Lehrer himself try to convince us otherwise."

Lorenzo made his way to the nearest truck when he activated his radio and asked, "Have all resupplies been completed? Are we prepared to begin moving towards the target location?"

He heard one voice of confirmation after another announce their readiness to move out before Timothy took the microphone from him and ordered, "Move out immediately. All ranks are to advance in a dispersed formation. The soldiers are to be top priority for defense." As the order was given, the Leo III squadrons remained side by side while the truck carrying the L2 soldiers were given transport closely behind their main choice for the offense.


The news of the recent encounter the Coalition and Earth Sphere forces had was a harsh reminder of what Malcolm was being forced to deal with. Even with the decidedly one-sided victory at Parc Chauvaeu, the news of Timothy Willms making his way to the city was not news Malcolm was hoping to confront. He turned away from his window when he asked, "Have any of you been able to establish contact with the general? Can he be reasoned with at all?"

Marcel answered, "Unfortunately things have not been progressing as we hoped. They have a clear signal but they have refused to answer any of our hails. And I believe they are only going to advance closer to our location."

Andrew added, "The worst of it is that they do not intend to repeat the mistakes of the previous brigade. They have their ranks dispersed to every corner that allows them to move towards our location."

A holographic map demonstrated the advance that would occur if the progress remained undisturbed. Till looked over the plan when he pointed out, "They seem to be trying too hard to avoid being destroyed in one shot. Even if the Nornir Walkure cannot destroy them in one shot, they should recognize they do not have the means to breach our offenses."

Andrew pointed out, "It seems rather fruitless fi they do not intend to follow this through. What is it they are hoping to prove?"

Till asked Edward, "Can you come to any conclusions what this strategy may yield?"

Edward answered, "I would assume that it is not because they believe they can win. It is not even as easy as diverting the Nornir Walkure's best chance. Rather they potentially hope to engage in one concentrated extraction operation. We do hold only four prisoners of any real value, but are more valuable than anyone we have ever held at gunpoint."

Malcolm told him, "But this matter has been resolved already. President Lehrer should know that we have no intention of seeing harm done to them. This must be something he already informed his forces of progressing."

Marcel agreed, "The only other possibility is the chance that they believe we are trying to mislead the president into making a very grave error."

Edward asked, "And is there an option where we are able to sway the general away from his plans without meeting him in confrontation?"

Malcolm sighed when he answered, "If we are able to establish contact with President Lehrer we may be able to convince him that we are facing a breaking point in the ceasefire we should be able to convince the ground forces from their hostile advance."

Till warned, "As much as I hate to acknowledge the fact that Edward brings before us, the enemy forces are spreading themselves and very rapidly coming closer to our location. Allowing the city to once again be a battleground will present a danger for all of us."

Malcolm paused before answering, "Mobilize what forces are available. Prepare for them to meet with the enemy. Do not allow ourselves to offer the first shot."

Marcel agreed to the order, "I will ensure that the order is fulfilled Mr. President."

Andrew added, "I will be sure to offer my assistance where it can be provided."

Till gestured to the door behind the others when he told them, "We have a city to defend. We had best let the president try to work out this matter the way he can."

Edward agreed, "I do hope that we are at worst merely alarming ourselves over nothing Mr. President. I trust you will be able to handle the situation."

Malcolm nodded, "I only need to see that the Coalition still intends to honor its promise. I trust you all to do your part should the worst arrive."

The four men left Malcolm's office as they made their way to the war room and Malcolm prepared to offer his statement at stopping another battle. He activated his communications system as he established a link and saw a holographic projection of Lucas Lehrer appear in the center of the room greet, "Mr. President. You have a matter that you wish to discuss?"

Malcolm confirmed, "It is a situation that demands cooperation on both of our parts. We have a force that is marching towards our capital with the intention of engaging in battle. We've attempted to establish contact with them, but they refuse to answer any of our hails. They have already engaged us once, but we are certain that they plan to engage us in battle again."

Lucas was disturbed by the news when he heard the news but asked, "Have you made contact with any other Coalition forces? Are the others at the least still out there?"

"The closest ones who aren't engaging us in combat are the men stationed in the North Main Woods. I'm still concerned if we are too late to prevent any attacks."

"I will do everything I can to prevent these men from escalating a further conflict. In return I ask that you do all you can to stop General Willms from sacrificing his men in a needless war."

Malcolm offered a final confirmation, "This cooperation is the motive we currently strive for. I do not wish for men to fall today either, but we still face a dangerous scenario."


When the morning hours came aboard the Executor Rising, Norma herself had to make her way down to the hangar bay to see the elite force of mobile suit pilots standing at attention for their situation. Many of the Earth Sphere pilots stood as they attempted to give an air of professional military demeanor but their ruffled appearances gave a distinct contrast to their intentions. Mercurio and Dana's hair was ruffled as though they both slept on a very clustered bed while Gawel had a distinctly black nose from an oil spill. The three of them were the most unkempt while the others showed signs of last ditch attempts to make themselves look presentable.

Norma made her way up to Dana when she told her, "Well captain I can't say that I approve of your methods but at least you were able to prevent anything dangerous from happening. I've had a few reports of men doing the same thing you did across some of the other ships and I feel it's important to let you know that we dealt with them by confiscating what they had left and denying them access. You do know that we are still a distance away from the most important battle of our time correct?"

Dana answered, "I do Admiral. This event was orchestrated by me and the others and we only hope to have at least one final period where we could handle ourselves with ease."

Norma nodded, "I hope you've gotten it out of your system by now. Seeing as you have nothing left and you are not under my command, you will have nothing to answer for." She made her way to Oleg and Tano before continuing, "For you two I hope you have a decent explanation for why you didn't hope to be among the better men."

Oleg kept himself from rubbing the left side of his face that burned from the sting of a few slaps he endured before waking up. It was also a struggle for him to remain stable as he tried to listen to every word the admiral said when her words seemed to reach his ears like they were projected through a megaphone. Even with both factors, Oleg managed to answer, "It is my fault entirely admiral. Lieutenant Kiprotich did try to advise that we didn't participate but I neglected to take his advice."

Tano added, "He gave me an order to participate as well sir. Tsubarov is a superior rank than I am so I had no choice but to follow through his command."

Oleg was surprised by the explanation but wasn't given a chance to shoot down the answer when Norma told him, "It's nice to see that you are both able to admit your faults for the recent event. I'm afraid that you know that I cannot allow this is to go unnoticed. As such you will both be providing your mobile suit pilots extended drills for the next three days. Both of you are to treat things as seriously as you would the Gundam pilots here. The rest of you I suggest getting rid of those hangovers before even touching any of the mobile suits. Dismissed."

Oleg sighed as Norma left the pilots before asking Tano, "Now what made you decide to offer your input when I could have taken the full fall?"

Tano told him, "The admiral would have a hard time believing that one of us throwing ourselves in would be enough to justify both of us being as drunk as we were. At least we were the only ones who got chewed out before our arrival."

Zachariah commented, "You guys have a pretty wacky way of thanking each other."

Oleg agreed, "It's better than allowing ourselves to face an impromptu court martial. Just me assuming that's what the admiral would be looking to accomplish."

Tano added, "You might be right. She does want her fighting force to be ready for something serious. It's not as through we're being asked to do something that won't prepare us for the final confrontation with the Sol Invictus."

Suchart added, "Speaking of being off the hook, are we really short two people from what we were last night?"

Dafina agreed, "Ermes and Donna aren't here. From what I understand Ermes says that Donna wants him to herself."

Mercurio nodded, "I can believe that at this point. I hope they aren't doing anything we wouldn't approve."

Tano asked, "What sort of thing do you suppose they are doing?"

Suchart shrugged his shoulders when he told everyone, "We still have an innocent kid who hasn't experienced everything here guys. Let's save some of the better details when he's older why don't we?"

Zachariah agreed, "Last night mostly did its job it seems. We have a lot to look forward to don't we?"

Dafina agreed, "That was what we determined. All we need now are clearer heads that will allow us to fight with the utmost efficiency."

Tano asked, "I understand that it might not be my business but will Donna and Ermes be able to settle the doubts they have during our voyage?"

Mercurio ran a hand through is hair when he told him, "It has to be." He left the gathered pilots as he made his way to the hallways but heard Tano behind him ask, "It sounds rather important if it's enough to make you this different. This isn't going to affect your fighting capabilities somehow?"

Mercurio turned to see Tano making his way up to him before he told him, "She wasn't the type of person I thought she was and I didn't live up to her standards. Nothing that's going to affect mobile suit performance."

The door shut as it left Tano to ask Mercurio, "Are you sure? Because you don't sound like the same pilot who was ready to destroy everyone who held Brussels under siege."

"There were different circumstances at the time. I was ready to kill and destroy everyone who stood in my way. I could have killed Dafina because of that."

"I understand you're related, but that shouldn't have anything to do with the situation. If she did die it would only mean that we would have one less ally. You would only have acted the way you believed was right at the time."

"You really believe it would have been right though? Donna already had different expectations of me than what I did. When she learned I did everything I did for a fellow pilot right after he threatened my life, she seemed to want to distance herself from me after that. And that was all it took for her to be even less communicative than she has been recently."

Tano was at a loss for how he could answer but turned to the nearest window of the passing stars outside when he told them, "I have to admit. This is one time where I honestly wish I was in your position. At least you have people to worry about."

Mercurio paused when he remembered what Tano told them during the passing game last night. "Graves… I'm sorry Tano. This sort of thing probably isn't something I should try to force you into."

Tano corrected, "I still knew others and cared about them. Even my superiors who talked down to me I still hold a decent amount of respect for. One thing you should try and take to hear t is that you shouldn't allow yourself to be clouded with regrets. You at least have others you can fight for and return to don't you?"

"Yeah. It's sort of like what I said about Donna and Ermes earlier. If they can be happy being around each other, that should be all they really need to be the best soldiers they can be. At least look at it this way, you still have a lifetime ahead of you Tano. You might be able to experience something other than war one day if you're fortunate."

Tano agreed, "It might be preferable. I can actually know how to live and know what it's like to experience this sort of situation you're in right now."

The two chuckled at the idea while an outside observer listened to the conversation that carried. Ermes knew that his cousin would still have trouble dealing with the experience in Brussels, but he was able to determine something he suspected about Donna being around him. He determined it would be better to let Mercurio and Tano have their conversation while he came to the decision that he would need to have a word with Donna as soon as he could.


As Timothy Willms pressed his men in a final charged towards the new Earth Sphere capital, he heard from Lorenzo, "General, we have a transmission of their priority."

Timothy allowed, "Let the transmission play."

As soon as Lorenzo activated the signal, a holographic image of Lucas Lehrer appeared and spoke, "General Willms. You are to stand down now and cease all military operations. Turn back and do not allow for any contact."

Timothy asked, "I must ask you what it is you believe gives you the authority Lucas. We are men of L2 and we intend to see that our leaders are given the opportunity to live through the conflict that is still progressing."

Lucas told him, "I have spoken with President Malcolm Hunter. He has no intentions of executing the representatives and wishes to see this engagement stopped before more lives are needlessly lost."

"With all due respect Mr. President, the man you have spoken to is a fraud and under the control of Till Lindemann. He will not allow our leaders to live and wishes for control of humanity itself."

Lucas was surprised by the answer but responded, "Do you not hear yourself general? You are acting purely on news that does not base itself within reason. There is nothing that would cause this supposed time of destruction to pass."

Timothy remained committed to his motivation when he told Lucas, "And you are unable to recognize that this is the perfect opportunity in which we should prepare for treachery such as this. I am sorry to tell you this Mr. President. But I will not be able to inform the Coalition that their support is of any value when a man such as yourself is easily swayed by one of the Earth Sphere leaders."

Timothy cut off Lucas's signal when he began to respond, "Do you not hear-"

The hologram faded and Timothy told Lorenzo, "There are no changes to our plans to me made. Have your men been given their proper positions?"

Lorenzo confirmed, "They are all spread out general. We move in for an extraction and then retreat as soon as we can."

Timothy looked over the horizon to see the plains of Chute-Panet in front of him. Although the city of Quebec City was a short distance away from their location, Timothy would discover that his destination would not be easily achieved. His strategist Braden warned, "General, we have enemy progress headed our way. They seem to be meeting our advancement plans."

Timothy confirmed, "They hoped to take us by surprise. How unfortunately naïve Lucas is. Maintain our advance. Remind our men what our primary objective is to avoid all contact with the Earth Sphere forces unless it can't be avoided."

Undeterred and prepared for what end might come, Timothy Willms's men continued their charge towards the enemy capital and crossed the Bras du Nord of the Sainte-Anne river.


Campbell watched his radar as he waited for the developments on the upcoming battlefield to be confirmed. Before he was given an order he told Hyrum, "Those guys are not slowing down."

Hyrum agreed, "It seems like the plea for them to stop didn't work."

He heard Keijo add, "I do not think you're wrong. It's a little sad to think that there are people who want to escalate the final days of the war this much at this point."

The three pilots heard their captain announced, "Alright here's the deal. Those guys are headed this way and we cannot let them reach the city. Their arrival is only going to needlessly put more people in danger. Any unit that gets past you, do everything to pursue it and don't let it get away."

Campbell agreed, "We won't let any of them through sir."

His captain added, "They will probably have infantry prepared to make the infiltration as well. Whatever you do, do not let them pass no matter how desperate they make this run."

Campbell felt his itch to fire his main weapon grow with every passing second before he saw one o the first Leo IIIs make its way within firing range. In the flash of another second, Campbell fired his assault rifle towards the incoming mobile suit and saw the first sparks that would ignite the conflict between the Earth Sphere and Coalition forces. Campbell saw his shot make its way to the ground of the targeted Leo III as it destroyed one of the trucks carrying Coalition forces and saw a series of shots fly his way and moved to avoid contact. He saw Hyrum's mobile suit dash ahead as he endured a shot to the left arm but managed to fire in the direction of his target.

Two more Ursa units stepped up near Hyrum's location as they fired in unison to cause the exchange of fire to intensify. It was only a few seconds before Campbell could see the lights flash on his radar warning him of enemy fire igniting in multiple directions. He backed away as he fired again only to see a small explosion in the distance. He didn't try to process the target he had just hit as he backed away and felt the near miss of another shot fly past his mobile suit.

He heard Keijo contact him and ask, "Are you ready to move in? We need to engage them directly." Campbell swallowed as he heard the announcement before answering through grit teeth, "Lead the way."

The squad of Ursa units made their advance as they engaged contact with the L2 forces and had become part of the greater battle that was taking place that day.


The battle across the plains of Chute-Panet had begun its escalation while the Nornir Walkure charged with its engines at full burst and gave a mighty punch to a nearby Leo III before turning around to fire its assault rifle in its opposite direction. Three Leo IIIs erupted in a simultaneous series of explosions that blinded its pilots to the incoming shots that flew in their direction.

Christian raised one of his Urth arms to deflect a few of the shots when he asked, "Do we not have any more targets than just these guys?"

Flake answered, "The next squad is several hundred meters away from here. We need to ensure this squad is well defended first."

Richard encouraged, "Can you at least point us which direction the surviving losers are? We need to move faster than this."

Flake activated the wing system attached to the Nornir's shoulders when he answered, "Happy to pull off." A flustered wind shot away from the Nornir as its jets lifted it into the air and above the smoke of the explosions before pointing out, "You guys should be clear now."

Christian fired the assault rifle downwards as another two Leo IIIs were shot and destroyed. While a stream of shots came from behind and hit the back of the massive Gundam, Flake adjusted the flight of the Nornir by turning its wings to give his brothers a view of the attacker before deactivating the jets and said, "Now Richard!" As the Gundam came falling down the ground, Richard stuck out the right leg of the Nornir and crushed on top of the Leo III as the weight of the Nornir crushed the chest area of the mobile suit. Christoph checked the area when he told his brothers, "That's one down. Let's move out fast."

Christian agreed, "The rest of the guys should be able to able to pick off the ground soldiers. Sucks to be them."

Christoph received a signal from the Ursa captain, "Walkure, we need further assistance in the northern areas! They're trying to pick us off from a distance here and we don't have the Griffons to support!"

Christoph confirmed, "Well be there right away. Just hang tight."

Several explosions erupted in the distance before Flake checked his radar to confirm, "The enemy squads are diversifying their positions alright. We can't use the Helfire Cannon without hitting one of our own guys."

Richard told him, "Let's just rush in and cream those suckers then."

Flake activated the wings again when he encouraged, "Get ready to pound the ground a few more times."


The Nornir Walkure continued to destroy one squad of Leo IIIs after another but the remaining forces were having a more difficult time trying to hold the enemy back. The wide-open space that Campbell was given the chance to fight on proved to provide a degree of terror as he felt one attacker come his way after another and avoided the debris that flew in his direction. He kept his Ursa unit balanced and heard Hyrum announce, "We have to press forward. Those guys are trying to get past us however they can."

Campbell rushed forward as he endured another shot at his feet from a mobile suit in the distance. He searched through the smoke before seeing a Leo III unit rush towards him with a beam saber in hand and preparing for a mighty slice. Campbell forced himself back as he fired clear of the Leo III's head but saw the mobile suit explode as soon as another series made contact. He heard Hyrum ask, "Are you okay? Can you keep yourself together?"

Campbell slapped himself as he regained his focus and answered, "This shit is getting to my head is all. How are the ground boots handling this?"

Hyrum fired towards a distant Leo III when he answered, "These guys are trying to get them across. Sorry to say that they we're going to be busy for a minute."

Campbell checked around for the first target he could shoot before another Leo III came charging towards him with an assault rifle ablaze with rapid fire. Campbell focused the will he had to charge towards the incoming target and fired into the chest area. Even after a few hits, Campbell charged ahead and ran the barrel of his gun into the chest of his opponent.

After the mighty explosion occurred, Campbell's mobile suit was forced back as he felt his gun fly out of his mobile suits hand. He saw another Leo III charge towards him and scrambled to raise his hand to hold against the beam saber attack that came his way. He fired his Vulcan guns towards the opposing Leo III but saw it turn its head to avoid contact and make a diagonal slice downwards. Campbell screamed as he feared his demise and saw his computer screen warn of the beam saber connecting with his shoulder area. He feared the end but found mercy was on his side when a nearby Ursa fired its assault rifle at the arm of the Leo III. The Leo III's arm fell of and was subjected to another volley of fire before being forced back and erupting in a blaze of fire.

Campbell felt himself lifted up when Hyrum told him, "High tail it out of here now! Things are looking to get worse!"

Campbell checked his systems when he found his thrusters were able to push him back to the capital if he made the rush towards the location in one piece. Campbell agreed, "Looks like I'm still just a member of the cannon fodder brigade." He turned around form the field that had been set ablaze as he forced his Ursa unit to make its way to the direction of Quebec City. One shot flew past him but he was able to continue his way across the field without any incident. He looked down to see there weren't only footprints of other mobile suits were making the same retreat and saw there were a few Ursa units for him to catch up with. He saw one walking next to him with a missing arm when he contacted, "have things been going okay out there?"

He heard the pilot answer, "Hard to say. Apparently even the Griffon units are being stretched out to where they cannot support us so much. Thank God for the Nornir Walkure."

He heard Keijo add, "It looks like we should be holding them back a little. Of course we still need the muscle out there to handle the heavy stuff."

Campbell saw a group of trucks in the distance driving at a fast speed in their effort to get away from their pursuers. He stepped ahead as he prepared his thrusters and told them, "I didn't plan on giving up on this mission just yet. Time for some real fun."

Keijo tired to warn, "Wait! Don't get too close!" Campbell ignored the warning as he sped ahead and fired his Vulcan canons at the truck below and gained a brief moment of satisfaction before something took him off guard. The truck erupted but not in a way Campbell expected. The truck's explosion was so massive that it reached the leg of his mobile suit and caused his Ursa unit to fall to the ground face first into the nearby flames.

Campbell let out another yell and felt his forehead slam into the screen of his computer and caused his vision to blur. He heard Keijo ask, "You okay in there? Can you still move?"

Campbell answered, "I think I can. Damn, I didn't think I saw that happening."

Keijo confirmed, "Every few of them seems to have the charges they need for something big."

Campbell forced his Ursa unit upright when he asked, "Are those the new ones with or without any soldiers on them?"

Keijo answered, "It's hard to say from up here."


The Nornir Walkure sliced its way through another nearby Leo III unit before backing away from its explosion. A surprise came when an explosion of almost the same size appeared in front of it, but no mobile suit was present. Flake was forced to rely on his radar when he resorted, "There's more of those things loaded. Least we can do is take those trucks out from a distance and not let them swallow up our guys."

Christian took aim at a Leo III in the distance with the assault rifle in his opposing hand before firing and telling him, "These morons want an honorable death, the least we can do is oblige."

Christoph contacted the nearest Ursa unit when he asked, "Are you picking up any signs of enemy activities?"

The pilot responded, "Looks like they're all wiped out on our side. We barely managed to have as many survivors though."

Richard added, "If we want to keep our guys from being wiped out we should try reaching the southern side."

Christoph agreed when he told the pilot on the other line, "You guys follow us. We'll need all the help we can get taking down those remaining mobile suits."

The pilot agreed, "Right behind you guys."

The Nornir Walkure turned away from the flames before several Ursa units followed in making their way to the remaining area of conflict. Flake activated the wings systems when he looked over the formations of the L2 forces ahead of him when he warned, "We do not have a chance to make this quick. Move to get ready for real prioritization here."

Christoph told Christian, "Let's shoot them from above. At least try and take them down from up here."

Christian withdrew the assault rifle and beam saber before drawing out his twin machine gun pistols from the legs of the Lachesis when he agreed, "This isn't bad for an attack from above." He fired both weapons down to the ground as several Leo IIIs were destroyed by the hail of shots and gave way for the Ursa units to break away from their conflict.

After a brief flight, the Nornir Walkure came crashing to the ground with a mighty thud but continued to fire towards its enemies before stopping to reload. Richard saw the devastation that was at hand when he pointed out, "This sure would have been helpful to have before."

Christian fired in the direction of another Leo III unit when he asked, "Have we got an idea of how many of those trucks are getting by?"

Christoph told him, "It seems like everyone is trying to stay clear. How many of them are still near our guys?"

Flake answered, "They're trying to steer clear of any more contact out here, but they want to catch up our retreating forces for cover."

Flake showed a screenshot of several trucks catching up to the damaged Ursa units when Christoph agreed, "They want to get a clear and make their way to the capital. They even get a little close they can either deal some damage or make life hard for our guys on the streets. Maybe if they're all destroyed then the L2 mobile suits will at least retreat when their mission fails."

Christian accepted, "I like the sound of that. Are we going to finally see some fireworks?"

Christoph guided the systems of the Nornir Walkure towards the advancing military trucks when he told him, "If we have the chance, Let's move out."

The Nornir Walkure activated its wing systems and launched into the air as it searched for the first opportunity to begin its rain of destruction. As the Gundam flew ahead, Christoph sent out a warning, "All units move away from the enemy convoy. We're about to make short work of these things."

Flake saw several friendly signals stop their progress while some turned away from the field. Christoph heard Jens announce to them, "You guys are clear. Wipe them out for us before they get smart."

Christoph prepared himself to use the Helfire Cannon when he asked Flake, "How does it look? Is the enemy in range?"

Flake answered, "No friendly casualties. Now get there before they recognize what we're up to."

Christoph prepared his position before pointing to an area on the map when he told Flake, "That spot should be clear. Get ready to give out serious punishment."

The Nornir Walkure landed with a mighty thud again before making a dash towards the area where the Gundam could begin its mighty attack. Flake checked the area ahead when he told Christoph, "Line is clear!"

Christoph reached into the hold that contained the lever of the Helfire Cannon before he confirmed, "Firing!" The chest cannon of the Nornir Walkure opened before igniting a blaze of energy and firing it across the ground before it. The cannon fire flew forward effortlessly but left a trail of explosions as though mobile suits were int its path. The convoy of L2 soldiers sent to charge towards the capital disappeared from the sights of Flake's radar and the multitude of explosions lit the sky ablaze while nearby Ursa units faced away from the destruction.

After a few seconds, Flake reported, "That's it, that's all of them."

Richard let out a sigh when he commented, "We have a little more blood on our hands but I guess it couldn't be helped could it?"

Christian agreed, "Never thought we would be able to kill this many all at once. It's time for us to handle those last few stragglers don't you think?"

Christoph turned to the area of the battle when he agreed, "Let's make sure our guys are still coming back alive."

The Nornir Walkure made another dash towards a nearby Leo III before making a mighty thrust with its fist and punch it square through the chest. Backing away form the next explosion it caused, the Nornir Walkure released a volley of missiles from its fist to give way to a series of explosions that left the Ursa units without an opponent. Several units of Leo III squadrons began to make a run for their lives when they saw the destruction but the fate of the losing side had been decided as further blazes were ignited across the field.


Malcolm found himself facing the holographic projection of Lucas Lehrer a second time that day when the battle entered its final moments. What little relief he felt before had been lost as he recognized he would have to answer for the additional lives that had been lost. Having recently seen the results himself, Malcolm offered, "I truly regret that we could not do more to prevent this tragedy Mr. President."

Lucas nodded, "I should apologize for the same reason Mr. President. It would seem that some of our men will believe this war has not entered its final stages."

Marcel offered, "The least that we should be able to do now is inform the remaining forces that they should cease all plans of engagement. Our men are still under orders to only engage in an act of self defense should the need arise."

Lucas agreed, "A fair preparation. We still need the men for the Sol Theros so we should not lose focus of how we must defend ourselves. If it is not of any trouble however, I must speak with Representative John Windham of what has recently transpired."

Malcolm agreed, "That can be arranged Mr. President. I have him on his way here."

The door behind the hologram of Lucas opened and Susanne arrived with John at his side. John asked, "What is it that I have been brought here for?"

The hologram of Lucas turned to meet his view with John and greeted, "Esteemed representative of L2. OI require your authorization to ensure the tragedies we witness today do not occur a second time. The forces of your colony must not be permitted to engage in combat with that of the Earth Sphere and the ceasefire will be kept in effect as we prepare our defenses for the Sol Thero attacks."

John was taken aback when he asked, "What sort of scenario are we portraying right now? What is it that has caused the men of the colonial forces to attack?"

Lucas answered, "I was told by General Willms the Earth Sphere leaders had the intention of seeing you and the others executed. I cannot say what it is that made him have this conclusion, but he was dedicated to the warning regardless of its legitimacy."

John tried to maintain his composure when he asked, "And you believe that I must inform the remainder of the L2 forces that I am in no danger. How can I be certain that the remainder of my men will not charge towards this capital to meet their slaughter?"

Lucas told him, "You must inform them that the Sol Thero threat is the most clear and present one. You must inform them that the Earth Sphere is the best hope we have to save the future of the human race."

John sighed, "This is to inform me that I must kneel to the likes of the Earth Sphere in absolute defeat. Very well, offer me the platform and I will ensure that our forces will not wage another battle against the Earth Sphere."

Lucas accepted, "Thank you for cooperating representative. I did not anticipate that things would have become this desperate, but I hope that it is will eventually pay off." Lucas turned back to Malcolm to tell him, "Our forces at L2 will remain on standby and inform you of our chance to offer aid at the best opportunity. I hope that our next meeting will be one that does not have to address the same amount of bloodshed we have seen today."

Malcolm agreed, "I hope for the same Mr. Lehrer. Ideally the next time we are forced to see bloodshed, it will be to ensure the Sol Theros do not destroy any more of us." The hologram of Lucas disappeared and Malcolm told John, "We now have the chance to correct course. I must ask for your cooperation in seeing this is done."

John stood tall when he told Malcolm, "With reluctance I suppose I have to agree. But I will not agree to ceasing advances towards this city. If one of my generals felt that it was necessary to prepare an attack of this scale, it must have been based within some amount of reason."

Malcolm corrected, "Representative, if we wanted you and the others dead we would have followed through on that scenario before we left Brussels and we would not be establishing talks with the Coalition right now. This continuing conflict is of benefit to no one but the setting that Franz has built. You must be able to recognize the reasoning behind what has happened."

John paused before answering, "You do make a compelling case for why I should follow along Mr. President. For right now it seems that I have no option than to at least meet you halfway and cease any current plans for an attack."


When Susanne offered her report of the situation, Edward smiled when he told himself, "Well I suppose that this went rather well after all. The only chance the Earth Sphere has for reinforcements is now all but wiped out. And our current captors have been weakened considerably. Very soon we will be able to ignite the final betrayal I will have to perform."

Julian agreed, "The stuff that Barra character tries to brag and spy on us with is going to think that we're just victims who lost four squads of pilots. It's a blow but one that we've been able to take I believe."

Jens confirmed, "That's right. The fighting was intense. How many did you say the Earth Sphere forces lose from the previous two battles?"

Susanne answered, "Six. And once Colonel Huerta is ready to arrive we will have a definite number advantage to these guys."

Celso pointed out, "There's still a little problem though. That Nornir Walkure out there. They have a pretty powerful weapon that can render our forces down to nothing. And if these pilots are savage enough, they could willingly level the city in an effort to save their leaders."

Edward told them, "That is why we must prevent the current pilots from having any opportunity to use it. It is rather convenient to see that the Nornir is suited for four pilots isn't it?"

Julian grinned when he agreed, "And I certainly hope you have the right candidates for who gets to pilot that thing sir."

Edward confirmed, "There are few who I would believer are worthy of handling such a grand weapon. You four who all stayed at my side since the beginning, you are among those who I have been able to truly offer my trust. You four are among those who shared the same vision that I had for what the world can one day become. Because you recognize that I can be the one to make that world a reality. It is for this reason that you four should all be willing to claim the Nornir. After which you will be among the greatest forces the world has ever seen. Answering to me."

Susanne agreed, "We've been hoping that your ambition would become a reality this day general. For all the challenges and setbacks we faced, they will all now be mere chapters in the final challenge to achieve your status as a leader of the human race."

Jens asked, "It makes me wonder though, will we have anything to accomplish when all of this ends?"

Edward answered, "There will be an assertion of dominance to come after. The world that is about to take shap, it is one where the pure ambitions of the human race are laid bare for all to see. It will be a world where the desire to grasp hold of the world is held back only by the fragile morality that we make for ourselves. Only those who shed that morality and strive for dominance will have the opportunity to wrestle my grasp. This will be the world I create. The Gundams themselves will not have anything to object with once they return to the planet that has been forever changed. I will at last have the opportunity to die as I have lived for so many years. To embrace the true desires of all the human race."

Celso agreed, "We have an entire army that agrees with that sentiment General. What's better we will be the only ones left to protect the human race from the wrath of the Sol Theros.

Julian grinned, "This is just getting better by the day General. Seeing this happen will be the greatest accomplishment the human race could ask to see. We only need to hear the word and we will have the human race trembling at our feet."

Edward turned to view the horizon of the skyline of Quebec City when he told his loyal guards, "I am in great anticipation of that day as well. And now comes the moment where we need only to endure one final pause before we are able to claim that achievement that has eluded us for far too long."


The night hour aboard the Executor Rising was welcomed by most of the crew as they made their way to their sleeping quarters in hopes of a day where they would be full of more energy and ready to take on another day of preparation. For Ermes however, he had to discover if it was possible for him to come to terms with the sort of relationship he had with Donna. Fortunately for him he was able to find the pilot in question more than awake as she watched the passing stars through a nearby window.

As he walked up to her, Ermes greeted, "I take it you have gotten tired of this sight by now?"

Donna continued to watch when she answered, "I find it a little meditative actually. There's something about this sight that helps me from worrying about things we have to deal with later."

Ermes walked up to her when he told her, "I'm sorry that I need to break you away from this, but I need you to give me a very real answer for something."

Donna turned to face him when she asked, "What would you like to know?"

Ermes answered, "Have you ever thought about what living on another planet would be like? Have you ever really thought about what it would be like to live somewhere distant from the rest of humanity? Its' not like living in another city. It's not even like living on the colonies. Even when you compare it to the Sahara, it's a very isolated place. Even if we do have clear communications with Earth, it would take a long time before you were able to tell anyone back on Earth."

Donna paused before she answered, "Probably not that much. But the solar system itself is becoming smaller even now. There was a time when traveling to Mars from Earth took years but now it is just a long trip more than anything. Technology could easily develop to where it wouldn't be such a demanding situation."

"There's more than just that though. You'll be separated from most of your friends and family unless any of them decide to come with you. Even if you do have others with you, living on the planet is a hard life. We're mostly trying to get the terraformation to follow through its natural process and it's something we'll be very fortunate to see if it's completed in our lifetime."

"Is that what you wanted to know from me? Ermes I know Mars and I've been there. I believe I've gone through the worst after enduring the war all the way out here. And I am sure I could offer a great help if you let me."

"What's important to me is that I want to know is why you want to be with me all the way out there. You have so much already and you're just willing to give it up? I can't understand what it is you want."

"Its' to be with you. I want to live somewhere with you and where we don't have to face anyone. The place you live is an even better chance for people to start over than the colonies. I won't even have to burden either of us with the people we already know."

"Burden? Ifs that really how you feel about others around you? About the friends who fought at your side and the family you stood for? Is that really how you feel around others for so long?"

Donna realized the mistake she made in her answer when Ermes began to raise his voice. She allowed her intentions to be revealed and I t brought up a serious concern that Ermes had. Even when she was willing to be the support she needed for so long, Ermes was only another man who wanted to be nice to her. She was the one to kiss him every time and the one who would rush to his side at every chance she could. She found herself caught in a pattern as she tried to process the information but remembered that Ermes was still in front of her.

Donna raised her hand to her chest when she finally answered, "I didn't mean it that way. I'm sorry that it seems that way to you. I would want you to think that my family was going to be an issue to you."

Ermes's voice returned to normal when he told her, "That's what I want to know even now. You're willing to come out alive but don't want to return to the people who really love you? Why would you do that to yourself?"

Donna found herself cornered when she was pressured to answer the question but kept herself from walking away or dodging the question. She had another long pause before she answered, "The people around me do have real feelings. But I'm worried about what will become of them. They all have such differing personalities and I'm supposed to expect all of them to be ideals of humanity that I can bring myself to uphold. And each and every one of them breaks in one way or another. I just don't fee like I can be confident in anyone I'm around. They all have some kind of weakness that they allow to take hold of themselves and I'm afraid of being around those people. I'm just not strong enough to want to offer support."

Ermes was brought to a pause when he searched for his next question. He finally asked, "Is that what you've been afraid of all this time? You've been afraid of fulfilling what the basic principle of companionship is about? You just see yourself as someone to be pushed around and not have any real personality all because you don't see yourself as someone who is strong enough for the very place they came from?"

Donna looked down when she answered, "I'm the youngest of five, all of my siblings being brothers. My family never really needed me and I never became someone important until the Instructor came to give me something to live for. The people I fought with, I've only offered a great difference so few times and I doubt that I have any real skills of value."

Ermes told her, "Even if you think that little of yourself, you've done more than you give yourself credit for. Everything would have been so much harder and we wouldn't be the same if you weren't around to help keep us all from losing our heads."

Donna told him through a strained voice, "That's exactly the sort of thing that I am trying to get away from though. I'm tired of being relied on when I barely have anything to do with the conflict as a whole. Most of all for everyone who has such an inherit weakness in them. I thought I could find someone who would be strong in every situation, but even my father, as harsh as he is, had to struggle to steel himself when he found that Klaus betrayed him. I just want to be around someone who won't allow weakness to overtake them while I have a chance to live with them in some way."

Ermes was given a chance to discover everything Donna said about her true desires. She wanted more than anything to be with someone. But it was someone that she had a very high expectation for. A standard that Mercurio himself had difficulty fulfilling.

He broke the silence when he asked, "Is that what this is? I don't know if you realize it, but the weakness that you're afraid of is very real. It's one that you have yourself. Being willing to dismiss others because of their failures or their mistakes is something that a coward does."

Donna found herself struck when she heard the implication. With everything that she had demonstrated even before meeting Ermes, she imagined that she would never hear such words from anyone. Yet this accusation was given not because of poor performance in the field, but because of her strength of character.

She quickly collected herself when she told him, "I didn't want that to be the case. I'm sure even my father would agree that having high expectations is something I should be willing to practice with everyone I meet."

Ermes brushed aside the argument when he told her, "The thing that most people fear more than someone who makes a great mistake, is someone who tried to dismiss others who make them. It's something that everyone does and we might need you at our side to get us through them. But someone who only turns away from what others do is someone who shuns themselves away form much of humanity."

Donna sighed when she told him, "I don't understand though. It means that I would have to accept some actions that could even be seen as criminal in many ways."

Ermes shook his head when he told her, "The whole point of being able to live is being able to stand on your own and be there for others if they need it. I know that is something you might have trouble being able to accept Donna, but that's personally something I want to see from anyone. I want you to ask yourself a question. Do you want to be with me because you believe it will be for the betterment of your happiness, or is it because you are too afraid to be around others?"

Donna felt as though she had been completely laid bare in front of Ermes when he offered his question. Even as he tried to softly bring reality on her shoulders, Donna was left to wander what she could do to confirm her feelings for him were legitimate. The reflection gave her another thing to address, did she actually have genuine feelings for Ermes Peacecraft? Did she actually want him to be at her side for the rest of her life or was she only hoping for the idea of someone strong being her support?

Donna couldn't grasp for another answer but managed to tell Ermes, "You have given me something that I want to see resolved. I honestly can't even say what it is that I want anymore. All I want is an opportunity to go forth into this final battle without regrets."

Ermes acknowledged her answer, "That is what many of us ware trying to see happen before that fateful final day. And I want you to understand that there is something better for you than trying to abandon everyone you have been friends with. If you hope to go forward into tomorrow without regrets, don't try to shun those who want you to live a complete life. At least give an effort to make that happen."

Ermes turned as he walked away to leave Donna to her contemplation. As she was left to the questions in front of her, she didn't even try to make her way up to Ermes to meet with him. All the fear that she had in her about the final battle above Venus was a second thought when she had to discover how she could handle her seemingly selfish behavior she had displayed. Out of the many who were still alive and with her now, there was one individual that she imagined was most affected by her actions. The person who tried to be at her side but was pushed to the side whenever he was close to her.

Donna leaned against the window before sliding down and slouching against the wall behind her when she asked, "Mercurio. Is there any way you could forgive me? How am I supposed to measure up to a man like you?"