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 66: Displays of Weakness
Days had passed as the Earth Sphere and Coalition sent its forces to investigate the threat of Kecker's weapon. Testing and preparations were made as shown by the walls given new armaments and an increased patrol. The progress required resources however and regardless of the time of day they were accepted by any shipment making its way in. It was late at night when one was making its way in towards the city with the main guards making sure of the clearance.
The truck pulled over with the driver meeting the Earth Sphere officer when the officer asked, "Can I see you identification soldier?"
"Sure thing sir." The driver produced an ID card matching his face.
The officer ran it through a scanner before confirming the truck's purpose, "It's legit. They've got the parts we need." The gates opened and the shipment was allowed to enter.
Edward watched the process in the meantime as he found his computer light up as soon as the trucks made their way into the city base. It may have been late at night but he didn't show any sign of having just been awakened. "At last. They have arrived." He accessed his secure channel contacting Colonel Jason Huerta, "Colonel. Have you infiltrated the base as planned?"
Jasons voice on the other end confirmed, "Yes General. We'll have their mobile suit hangars taken before long."
"Excellent. Prepare the men to raid the base. I shall require some special protection when this is all done."
"You'll recognize the damage when we've started sir." The Colonel promised before signing off.
Mercurio, Dafina and Zachariah went their own way when the band of pilots was dismissed for now. Zachriah was the first to evaluate the assembly, "Looks like most of the crew isn't going to have a problem with one another."
Mercurio was the first to agree, "It should be enough if we have the numbers. Do you think the mobile suit numbers we have are enough to handle an enemy offense?"
Dafina gave her evaluation, "It will be up to us once we are on the battlefield. At least hoping Kecker doesn't have a backup plan."
Zachariah agreed to their hopes, "It will be up to us to lead them once we arrive. Hopefully Admiral Miles will be able to fend against the defenses."
Dafina brought out one concern she had on this situation, "If we are leading the others will Ms. Lindemann's new position be enough to make her a true leader though? She hasn't shown much openness since I've at least known her."
"She's actually pretty good around Ermes. I think she'll be alright." Mercurio tried to reason.
"Then she hasn't had much contact beyond him?" Dafina asked.
Mercurio crossed his arms when he tried to accept the relationship Ermes and Donna had when he explained, "I guess she never has been a very readable person. At least she comes to us when she has problems though."
Zachariah noted Dafina's concern when he pointed out, "That has been a common theme. I've just been hoping it doesn't come around to bite her in the end."
Mercurio was hopeful when he reminded, "It wouldn't. Ermes isn't going to do something that will distance himself from her. He'll be able to hold himself out there in the field."
Dafina shook her head when she reminded the common necessity of being a soldier. "You should be more worried about her connection to fellow soldiers. It is the purpose of a unit to rely on the whole rather than one part. It is how a unit is capable of accomplishing a mission even if their superior should die under fire."
Mercurio looked down when he considered such a possibility, "Perhaps that hasn't been an addressed issue for her or she just hasn't been willing to face it herself yet."
Dafina was blunt when she reminded them, "There are going to be heavy losses soon. Right now our hope should be that we are capable of handling them." Dafina found the entrance to the hangar with the Tallgeese Throne when she began to part.
Zachariah tried to lift some of the pessimism when he added, "Ideally we won't have to. All of our mobile suits have to be enough to stop Kecker's plan."
"I will be sure to support all of us once we arrive. It's the least I can do for the good of humanity now." Dafina parted.
Now that the two were left to their own, Zachariah decided now was a good time to find out about Mercurio's recent behavior when he asked, "Speaking of her observation, have you been feeling right in the head since the ascension Yuy?"
Mercurio was reluctant before he answered but left out a few details, "Yeah. I guess I should tell somebody. I found out about a message from Architect I on the Captain's Gundam. He's probably dead from what he said."
Zachariah thought for a few moments before he remembered the former mentor Mercurio thought he knew. "Damn. Sounds like Luna got hit harder than we thought before we left. The guy was ominous and everything but at least it seemed like he was on our side."
"That's the only way it could have happened."
"And that's the only thing?"
Mercurio leaned on the edge of the hangar bay entrance when he answered, "He had a few other words but they didn't seem to be prevalent to the mission we have now."
Zachariah had a resounded tone when he accepted, "If you say so, I guess pushing it isn't going to solve the problem. We should make sure that we're ready for whatever Kecker is about to pull off."
"The worst that could happen right now is if we're caught in the blast range."
"Where do you think he plans on firing it?"
"I would have said at a critical Coalition location. After all we have found about him and the others it seems like any target could be possible."
"That is something to be worried about isn't it? Especially for something that's 180 miles wide."
"If any more lives are lost it will be that much more of a tragedy. Unfortunately if we are going to stop this war now we may have to make such a sacrifice."
The truck made its way to the nearest garage when the driver reported to one of the Earth Sphere personnel, "We have a shipment for the mobile suit division."
The inspector moved in while he introduced, "Good to see. Let's get this stuff loaded." As soon as he made his way to the rear end of the truck he noticed there was a gun peeking out from an open truck door. "What the? Who's in there?" The Inspector tried to find out before he was shot down and Coalition troops moved out with their mission in mind. The action became more intense when Earth Sphere soldiers recognized the intruders and open fired on their location. The firefight erupted within the corridors of the hangar for the nearby security to be brought to a realization.
One of the leading Coalition soldiers jumped out firing on the nearby guards when he ordered, "We're in! Move in and get to the mobile suits!"
Malcolm rushed towards the map of the city when he heard Barra report, "Sir! We have an enemy infiltration!"
Malcolm looked over the activity in the hangar area when he asked, "What? How did they arrive in?"
Marcel gave his report on the matter, "I cannot say sir. We have our men on the hangar bay grounds infiltrating."
Malcolm was quick to recognize what their first target would be when he ordered, "Lock down all mobile suits! Don't let any of them get their hands on them!"
Marcel promised the situation was being handled when he answered, "Our first priority sir."
Barra warned of the further implications, "Somehow they managed to find our location. This will not be an easy matter to settle unless they listen to us."
Marcel considered the idea and found a possible solution. "It is possible these men have not received word on the new President's orders. We must at least make an effort to update them."
Malcolm agreed to the idea when he made his way to the nearest communications panel, "I shall do so. I can only hope that these are reasonable men who do not wish to continue needless fighting." It was a few seconds before he saw the face of the Quebec Colonel and ordered, "Colonel. Order all of the Coalition soldiers to stand down. We have no intention of continuing the conflict."
The colonel was outside with his gun when he agreed, "I shall do so sir." The Colonel rushed outside while a megaphone nearby before he warned the Coalition infiltrators, "Attention all Coalition soldiers. We have no intention of further conflict. Please stand down and our leaders will communicate on further terms."
One of the soldiers was visibly alarmed when he reported, "Colonel! They got a hangar bay open!"
It became evident when several Ursa suits began to make their way to the open grounds. "What are they doing out here? We won't have a chance if they manage to suppress us with the mobile suits!"
The Colonel acknowledged the concern but didn't find it possible when he saw one of the Ursas preparing its gun and observed, "It looks like they're aiming at the new Parliamentary Building."
Edward observed the damage being done outside on his screen before he saw his Colonel report, "We may have an even match with the enemy on the ground sir."
"A ground battle won't be required. Not so long as we have even one mobile suit prepared to fire on this building. Fortunately we now have the only one that we could ask for us to have."
"Sir, aren't you in there?"
"I am. The enemy will not suspect I am requesting rescue for the moment. Once you have sent in the troops necessary for my protection I shall see that these defeated idealists have met their final hour of sovereignty."
"Understood General. We'll move in now."
"Do make it quick. I suspect at least one is waiting in anticipation for this day." He commanded before signing off again.
"The Parliamentary Building is right that way. Move in and surround the area." Several squads of Coalition soldiers made their way to the entrance of the Parliamentary Building prepared to face any Earth Sphere resistance. The Coalition Colonel ended the call again when he brought his attention to the sieged target before him. He announced his presence outside the new Parliamentary Building when he ordered to the leaders inside, "This is Colonel Huerta speaking. Surrender General Blare and we will spare anyone left inside."
The progression of the Coalition fleet continued with its long journey across the solar system, the crew of the Executor Rising and other ships continued to ensure that their preparation for their arrival at the Sol Invictus. One of the operators observed the halls of the ship reporting, "All personnel have been accounted for and are still prepared for the end of the jump Admiral."
Another one aligned the fleet with a projected course on a holographic map signifying, "Coordinates are still on target. All forces are ready to make the simultaneous jump. Once we start we'll be clear of the projected enemy fire. At least just barely."
Norma nodded in confirmation when she told everyone, "I understand that there is a tension that we are enduring right now, but once we have arrived, it will be time for us to be the beacons of hope that the human race needs us to be." With a final grip of her hand seats she added, "I want every mobile suit we have to be at their optimal operations."
While the progression of the fleet continued to be observed by the leading crew aboard the Executor Rising, the pilots who were being prepared for final battle were hoping to achieve everything they could to be prepared for their final confrontation. For all of their attempts to be ready for such a decisive battle, there was little that the pilots felt they were able to be prepared with. Try as they might, there was a sense of desperation growing for every bit of distance that was closed between the fleet and its final destination.
Tano lifted himself from the simulator when he pointed out, "I don't know if we are going to be any better prepared or ready to face what we're about to see by continuing to follow with these procedures."
Dana recognized what little information everyone had on the Sol Theros when Tano reminded her. "Look at it this way, we had a chance to get used to everyone's tactics firsthand. For the most part we'll just have to take what advantages we have over the enemy and use them to form the best possible strategy."
Gawel was next in agreement when he "And make sure that our weapons are up to date with the armor they got. Speaking of, your mechanics have a surplus of energy packs for energy rifles right?"
Oleg found the agreements to be hopeful when he told Dafina, "Looks like our people managed to be okay with your people at least."
Dafina nodded to the observation but reminded, "It had best be enough. As far as this next battle is concerned, we won't be facing other people."
"We did get a large delivery of energy packs." Tano added. "I'll tell McNeil to hand some to you."
Instructor W entered the room to look at the assembled Gundam pilots. It somehow felt nostalgic for him with how he fought the Eve Wars alongside Heero, Duo, Trowa and Wufei with support from Noin, Sally Howard and the Maganacs. He felt that he can trust them all to end the war despite initially fighting on opposing sides. "So I see you're all preparing for the battle?" He asked.
"Just a few bits and pieces." Ermes replied.
Upon seeing the Instructor, Donna remembered the other shuttle that had joined them in the journey to the battle space. "I need to speak to the others on stratagems. I don't think I even had the chance to speak to any of them just yet." She said, standing up.
"I'll help you in the communications brig." Tano said as he made his way with Donna.
As Tano and Donna excused themselves from the area, Oleg asked, "Well, you guys think we've at least been able to get some kind of unity together?"
Suchart answered, "About as well as our big guns can deal as much punishment as they can. I don't know if me and Zach are going to be much help."
Zachariah told him, "It's something that everybody is worried about. But we can't rely on them to do all the heavy lifting. That' already getting ready to be slaughtered."
Dana quelled the questioning when she told them, "I know it's not the most encouraging odds for any of us, but some of the little guys we've been working with have given us a huge boost in making us be the best pilots we can be. So don't sell yourselves short you hear me?"
Oleg nodded when he agreed, "From what I've heard, it sounds like people like Nantakarn and Maddox here have been able to do that. Everyone think they can do their best even if they fall out there?"
Mercurio told him, "We will have to. If we care about everyone back on Earth, we can't allow ourselves to be weak enough to fall when the day comes."
The walk to the brig was short as Donna and Tano made their way to a door that had a pair of guards at attention but allowed them entry when Tano revealed his authorization badge. The room was filled with many communication devices, enough to pass on information to more than a fleet. Tano sat in a seat when he turned on one of the radio and adjusted the dial. He offered Donna the chance to use the radio when she asked, "This is Executor Rising, which ship houses the support from OZ?"
There was an immediate recognition when a voice on the other line announced, "This is Vengeance sir. He's aboard our ship. We'll bring him in."
"At your service." The voice of Rhys Begum said as he gave his introduction. "I trust that you have a plan prepared for us Colonel?"
Donna paused as she let the reminder of her position of leading the OZ forces before telling him, "I suppose I can try to find some way to ensure that the OZ forces are prepared to assume the first assault and prevent the Coalition from taking unnecessary losses." She replied.
"You'll probably need a quick speech prepared as well." Rhys pointed out. "OZ supports love those."
Donna thought about the suggestion before she offered her own and asked, "If possible, would you mind allowing me to command the forces with the Zero system? I remember hearing the Gundam pilots and White Fang used the Zero system in the Eve Wars to fight each other and the old OZ."
This suggestion made Rhys scratch his head before accepting, "That should be something we can do. Do we have anything else to fulfill?"
Donna shook her head when she told him, "We should have everything that we need to prepare ourselves for now I imagine."
Rhys accepted the conditions when he offered, "We will continue to remain vigilant. Colonel, we look forward to serving you."
The conversation was ended with a productive result at the end. As Donna left the room with a sense of satisfaction, she followed Tano when he offered, "If you require another transmission, feel free to request the signal from me."
Donna accepted, "I'll be sure to do so."
Before she made her way any further, she saw Instructor W making his way to her. Tano continued his way past him while Donna stopped and took the opportunity to speak to the Instructor. "Thank you." She thanked. "You've been there for me a long time but I never got know who you actually are."
The Instructor realized she was right with how he hid his past. "You're right." He answered. "Although I taught you everything to be a Gundam pilot I never told you who I am." He took off the googles he wore. "I'm Quatre Raberba Winner. I was one of the Gundam pilots from thirty years ago."
Donna had a feeling that he would be someone like that. "Why didn't you tell me?" She asked.
"I thought I failed as a Gundam pilot when the Falson War began." He explained. "And there have been people close to me dying or injured like the Maganacs and Katherine. I agreed with the construction of Sandesgeist because I thought it was the only way to redeem myself."
It was surprising to hear what the Instructor revealed. "Instructor, it wasn't your fault." Donna reminded. "We were all manipulated into this war."
"Thank you Donna." He replied. "You can call me Quatre from now on." He handed the goggles to Donna. "These goggles represented the leadership of the Maganacs. You'll need it to lead OZ also."
The Instructor turned around when he saw Ermes making his way up to him and heard him praise, "Sir, my mother also did speak highly of you and the other pilots."
Quatre gave a smile. "Thank you." He answered. He left the room to leave the two Gundam pilots alone.
Donna seized the opportunity that she was hoping for when she asked, "Can you see me at the quarters later? I want your company alone. It's for… what recently happened."
Ermes recognized the offer and knew how serious Donna was about what she needed to tell him. "Sure." He replied. He saw Donna leave the hall and thought of how she was dealing with her new role as OZ's leader.
With the news of the internal attempt to usurp the Earth Sphere's hold, Andrew was among the first to discover that something very wrong was now progressing with the occupation. The news of mobile suits taken from their control was enough for him to determine, "Till, it would seem that your suspicions were right all along." He made his way to some of his men when he ordered, "Proceed to General Blare's room. We have to take the initiative and have him executed right away."
One of the men asked, "Do we have the order sir? What about Lord Lindemann's plan?"
Andrew drew out a pistol when he told him, "We will be in grave danger if we do not act now. Edward must be neutralized now."
He ran out of his room while several of his men followed to find the corridor empty and with only the sounds of alarms and growing gunfire outside. Andrew continued his way through the halls before he found the doorway that offered a way into Edwards room while two guards in Earth Sphere uniforms waited outside. Andrew ordered, "The General has gone rogue. We must deal with him now."
The two guards drew their guns when they agreed, "We'll keep him under watch my lord." The guard quickly opened the door and raised his gun to find Edward sitting in front of his computer. Just as Andrew drew his pistol to take aim, several gunshots erupted from behind him and he was thrust down to the ground by one of his men. Andrew turner over on his back to see his men were being attacked by a dozen of Edwards own soldiers before each one of his own was shot down one by one. Andrew raised his pistol and fired at one of the soldiers to see him fall back to the ground but was offered several shots in return as it forced him to scramble backwards.
Before he could stand, he felt a mighty kick to his head before he was forced on his stomach and had a foot descend on his right wrist. A hand came down to take the gun he held as he still tried to regain his sense but heard the voice of Edward mock, "Well this is at least a sufficient start. The fall of this old order has to begin with someone."
Andrew tried to bring himself back up, but the force of the blunt part of the pistol to the back of his head kept him from being able to raise himself up even as he felt the barrel of a gun make its way to the same area. Andrew tried to handle the madness that was brewing when he asked, "What is this? What are you trying to achieve Edward?"
Edward answered, "Nothing short of what I am long overdue." He fired the gun as he walked over to the computer and found the bug that Till presented him with before he spoke to it, "And I dare anyone to try and stop my deserved ascension."
He pinched his fingers before crushing the bug and making his way toward the doorway where his men waited for his next order before he encouraged, "What are we waiting for me? Today is the start of an unending victory. Starting today, the world is yours to grasp and control. Reach out and take hold!"
His men agreed in unison, "We're ready sir!"
Two of his men stood at his side while the rest of them went in different direction with the intention of fulfilling the order of their General. Edward congratulated himself, "At last I now begin my destiny. This will be the greatest achievement that I can ever amount to. Now, how will the remainder of those stuck here behave? Who here is wise enough to submit to my rule? Till, I know that this day will not end without me seeing your demise and the end of everything you love."
"General. Please follow us. We have secured a way out of the building where the Colonel is waiting."
Edward made his way for the door when he prepared for his way out. "Excellent work. It is time that I leave this prison then."
A few minutes passed before Edward could be heard from outside on his megaphone next to Colonel Jason Huerta. "I bring my demands to the Earth Sphere leadership. As has been shown today they have proven themselves incapable of defending against enemy invasions." Edward gestured for his men nearby to keep watch of the street he had entered. He turned to face the parliament building when he gave his demands, "I have no intention of further killings however. I recognize resources of war when they are still available for further use. What this administration lacks is leadership. One that will not fall prey to any threat. Today I demand this of the Earth Sphere leadership. Lay down your arms and surrender. Declare your loyalty under me and I will see that there is a position for you. Deny and you will be among the casualties."
"Blare." He muttered. "Truly a shame I could not see him die in Brussels." He planned his way carefully to the parliament building and paused when a Ursa was seized with a beam rifle aimed at the parliamentary building. Edwards treachery was confirmed when he heard the demand for the release of the latter. He looked at the hangar where the Ursa was stolen from, thinking of retaliating with another Mobile Suit but the plan was shot down when he noticed the guards preventing entry.
Malcolm attempted to keep his calm when he listened to Edward's demands from outside but still asked in a defeated tone, "How did this happen? We were supposed to be ready for any enemy attacks."
Marcel observed the testing grounds for the mobile suits when he pointed to the recently arriving vehicle, "Not from within it would seem. Even worse they seem to have used a vital supply truck to find their way in."
Barra looked at the map and saw the perfect trap Edward was able to place the Earth Sphere leadership. "Perhaps now it is only a question of whether or not we deem ourselves worthy of surviving to lead our people."
Malcolm denied the idea when he placed his hands on the table, "We must be. The Earth Sphere cannot fall to usurpers this close to the end."
The hangar bay that originally contained the Nornir Walkure was still ablaze with the gunfire and explosions that gave way to the struggle for both sides to overpower one another. Christian tried to see if there was any way that he could have entered the fray, but both his shaken vision and the issue with his hearing made it difficult to process. He had a little cover from the smoke that rose from the recent explosion, but he forced himself to keep his eyes open and fire on the first person who looked ready to shoot him. After a short time however his hearing returned and the sound of explosions were the first thing he heard before hearing a familiar scream near him.
Christian continued to searched around his area before he saw the source of the screaming coming from his brother Richard as he leaned against the nearest wall. Christian forced himself up as he rushed over to Richard and sloppily threw out his pistol as he stayed on his guard to shoot any nearby incoming aggressors. He scooped his brother as he place his arm to reach under Richards right arm pit and lifted him up.
Christian turned away form the debris as he reached away form the crossfire and heard Richard scream, "Shit! Shit! God damn shit!"
Christian made his way down the hall before he entered a door and dragged Richard inside the room. He laid Richard down when he asked, "I know this hurts but is it too much for you to try and pull some weight?"
Richard ground his teeth before answering, "Why don't you try losing a limb and managing?"
Christian saw what Richard was referring to when he looked down to see what sort of pain Richard was in. His left foot had been blown off in the explosion and he left a small trail of blood from the search for safety. Christian reached from a nearby first aid kit before making his way back to Richard and told him, "You're going to need to tough this one out. Now don't try to attract anyone else back here."
Christian placed a piece of cloth into Richard's mouth as he gave him something to bite down on before taking a compression bandage and applied it to the area where Richards foot was missing. He saw the bleeding stop and took the cloth out of Richards mouth when he asked, "How is it? Think you can walk?"
Richard panted when he answered, "About as well as an amputee! Oh, I forgot, I am one!"
Christian help his brother up when he told him, "Good to see you are still alive. Now let's try and find our way out of here."
The two made their way ot the door they entered before Christian poked his head out and heard the crossfire of gunshots build and came closer to his location. He kept his gun close as he checked the area and saw a group of Coalition soldiers make their way to his location. Christian fired once in their direction before slamming the door shut and told Richard, "Keep this shut. I'll try and fined away to low them down."
Richard limped towards Christian's spot as he leaned against the edge of the door and agreed, "Make it quick. They're going to get ideas to blow this thing down."
Christian made his way across the room as he pushed a crate across the door and forced it against the door. Richard threw himself to the ground as he helped Christian keep the door from being pulled open, but heard an exchange of gunshots from across the halls instead of penetrating the doors.
It was a few seconds before they heard, "Hey! Is anyone back there?"
Christian was hopeful when he heard the question and sprung up to hear his saviors. Before Richard could protest, Christian kicked the crate out of the way of the door and drew his pistol as he remained ready for a potential surprise attack. He peaked out the crack and saw a few Earth Sphere soldiers waiting for him. Christian asked, "What's going on out there? Why the hell do we have this giant cluster of a skirmish going on right now?"
The Earth soldier recognized Christian when he answered, "The Coalition soldiers are all gaining on us. It's time for us to take them all down and without any discretion."
Christian opened the door the rest of the way before another hail of bullets came towards the gathered Earth Sphere soldiers and forced them into another defensive position. Several of the Earth soldiers fell from the exchange of fire but lasted only a short while before dying down and Christian told the same soldier, "We got an injured man back here. Make defending him your top priority."
Several of the Earth Sphere soldiers made their way to the room as they found Richard on the ground and struggling to remain strong from the recent injury. One of the soldiers offered, "Hold on. We'll be out of here before you know it."
Richard asked, "And what are we supposed to do with the Nornir anyway?"
Christian answered, "Shit the Nornir. Our goal is getting everyone out of here and making sure Christoph and Flake can meet with us out here. You let me worry about that shit."
Richard chuckled before he accepted, I guess I could ask for a worse plan. Well why don't you go and find the? I have a duty as a VIP to fulfill out here."
Christian prepared his pistol as he agreed, "You do that. I'll make these morons wish they hadn't thought about stabbing us in the back."
A small internal battle had only just begun as a series of gun fights when the capital of Quebec City but much of it was thanks to the Coalition pilots now having a looming gaze over everyone who now dared to oppose the challenge of Edward Blare's claim to power. Among them now was the trump card that was able to warn every man the danger of opposing him in the battlefield. The Nornir Walkure stood facing the city while its four new pilots awaited for the opportunity to use the new found power for themselves. Julian commented, "It's something isn't it? These people have nothing against us and we could just as easily see all of them go up in smoke with the press of a button."
Jens agreed, "The General wanted us to be ready for that. Now if only he would give the order."
Susanne reminded, "If possible we will have to show them that we're the best candidates for using this thing. If Colonel Huerta's lure does anything, it should be leading the Sol Theros to our location." She checked her radar system before finding a group of eight enemy signals making their way to the location of Quebec City. Looking through the long-distance camera, the four pilots were able to see the Sol Theros charging towards them before she said, "Speaking of which, anyone having second thoughts about his?"
Jens answered, "I've been itching for action for way too long. Let's move out already!"
Celso added, "The General wants the city to be defended doesn't he? Let's make this a first defense worth remembering."
Susanne activated the radio on her panel before she reached Edwards signal band reported, "We have confirmation of Sol Thero movement sir. Moving to engage now."
The voice of Edward confirmed, "See that they are all destroyed. I want the people to be in awe at the sight of our prowess."
Susanne confirmed, "Absolutely General."
Celso added as soon as the signal shut off, "I don't think we want to risk any survivors trying to stop us."
Julian remembered the hangar behind them being cleared of Earth Sphere soldiers before he suggested, "Sounds like a good idea. Try and get a hold of our boys before we head out will you Susanne?"
Susanne agreed, "Contacting now." She changed their signal to the leader of the ground forces outside the hangar bay when she asked, "This is infiltration leader. Are you clear of the structure?"
A voice on the other end confirmed, "We are in a perimeter keeping track of the Earth Sphere forces. They're trapped inside now."
Susanne told him, "You wont have to much longer. Head back to the main city once you see a big explosion in a little bit."
The voice on the other end agreed, "We hear you. Moving out."
The Nornir Walkure turned around as it prepared for several missiles to unlock from its fist panels before Jens told his pilots, "Let's see these boys try and crawl out of this."
The inside of the hangar building was growing into one of further disarray as the Earth Sphere soldiers tried to find an escape route from the offense they had to endure. The situation was not getting any easier as Christoph and Flake found they were unable to move an inch past their location and only helped a few of their men run across the crossfire of the inside.
Before Flake turned to check his corner he heard someone shout, "Hey everyone! We need to keep moving!"
Despite gunfire from above, Flake poked his head out to see the survivors trying to find safety. Among them he saw Christian and Richard ducking from the potential fire. Flake shouted, "Christian! Richard! We're over here!"
As soon as he gave the announcement he saw a grenade fall from the air and drop in his location. Flake ran over to Christoph's area as he avoided the small explosion that came from behind. Several gunshots made their way to the scaffolding above before Christoph and Flake turned to see the Earth Sphere soldiers making their way to their location. Flake asked, "Are you guys any closer to getting us out of here?"
Christian answered, "Our best bet is to just make a run for outside. There doesn't seem to be that many Coalition guys left back here."
Christoph agreed, "There's not much left back here. Let's move."
Christoph lead the charge towards the open hangar door as his brothers and the surviving Earth Sphere soldiers made their escape. The brothers made their first few steps outside into the short runway for the Nornir Walkure before the next sudden surprise happened. A mighty explosion roared as it consumed the hangar in a mighty fire before forcing the escapees to the ground.
As the destruction rained across the field, Christian turned himself on his back to see the structure in flames before he cursed, "These traitors all want us dead. Our chances just hit a little lower."
Richard confirmed, "And we were all supposed to go up in flames. At this rate we've just chosen to sim shit creek instead of wimping out."
One of the Earth Sphere soldiers told them, "We can still reach the capital and try to meet up with the others. They probably need our help by now."
Christoph agreed, "We need to get to the capital alright. Everyone stay close and try to stay clear of the soldiers."
Flake offered, "We have a bigger problem though. The Nornir Walkure is going to be trying to crush any survivors."
Another one of the Earth Sphere soldiers pointed to the opposite direction of the hangar when he told them, "I don't think they're that interested in us guys."
Everyone looked in the direction of the Nornir Walkure before they saw what would be taking the time out of being a threat to them. Eight mighty black Sol Theros were making their way towards the location of the Gundams while circling around the target. Christoph commented, "Didn't think I'd be happy to see these things show up at the last second. Let's move people, this opportunity isn't going to keep itself open."
One of the Earth Sphere soldiers helped Richard to his feet as they moved around the newly formed wreckage and kept a distance away from the retreating Coalition soldiers."
Lord Lindemann still needed to think quick. He was the only one that is able to save the Parliament from outside. One of the Mobile Suit hangars may be lucky to be able to enter from the rear windows but even after seizing a Mobile Suit one wrong move on the stolen Ursa can create an explosion that can also kill the Parliament. "Damn it, the things I do." He muttered as he dashed to the rear of one of the hangars. Seeing the altitude of the windows, he had to think of a way to climb up.
While the building was held on lockdown a squad of soldiers led by Hyrum made their way to find Colonel Georges Quessy along with a few soldiers trying to hold their own against incoming Coalition troops. "Colonel! Are you alright?"
Geroges holstered his gun when he answered, "Nothing severe. Unfortunately the Coalition is going to have us on lockdown. If they have those mobile suits we won't have any other option than to accept their control."
"I take it we don't have a plan to accept those terms?"
"None at all. Unfortunately it is going to require some demanding odds as you might guess."
Hyrum looked through the streets before he pressured, "We have to get to the nearest hangar. Let's hope we can beat some of those guys to the punch." The band of soldiers agreed to this and ran through the streets towards the military installments of the city.
Hyurm and the others found their way to the hangar bay area searching for their only hopes of fighting back. Hyrum turned around the corner of the fence when he found Till trying to make his way into a nearby hangar. "Lord Lindemann?"
Another soldier pointed out, "He's trying to find a way in it looks like."
Hyrum turned to the left when there were more Coalition soldiers making their way towards their location. "Lord Lindemann! Get down!" Hyrum fired his pistol while the others began to rush up to the Lord's defense. "Provide him some covering fire!" The Coalition forces were spread thin from the view of the Earth Sphere soldiers but soon just about any discovery would be dangerous for their intentions. Their first relief came when the Coalition soldiers seemed to die down for now.
Colonel Jason Huerta turned off his communication device when he reported to Edward, "General, we have the Sol Thero units in our sight."
"The Sol Theros have arrived?" Edward asked no one in particular. "It would seem we anticipated their arrival later than possible." He didn't choose to let this interfere when he ordered, "Take all of the mobile suits and prepare to meet with them. Don't let a single one be left behind."
"The Parliament sir?" Jason asked.
Edward considered the next option when he ordered, "Keep them under our range. We must have them as prisoners."
"Understood sir." "All guarding units. Back away from the building until the invading forces have been dealt with."
"It will be a perfect opportunity. Once we have held back the Sol Thero enemies I shall be the only remaining leader left." Edward mused to himself. He stepped back to the nearest building his guards had taken to defend and waited in anticipation.
The Earth Sphere soldiers managed to find several nearby hangars preparing to release their newly acquired Ursa units when one of them reported, "They're moving out. The hangars should be open now."
"Come on let's move in. We have to get at least one squad." Hyrum commanded.
Before the soldiers could rush for the nearest mobile suit they were flanked when a Coalition leader ordered, "The Earth Sphere is in there! Stop them!" The two sides were forced into another gunfight when Hyrum saw more of his men fall from the surprise attack.
"Damn it not again!"
"How many of them do we have to fend off?" Two different soldiers commented.
One of the soldiers next to Hyrum pointed out, "More than we can handle at this point. We need to get reinforcements."
Hyrum worked on his communication device when he prayed, "Come on Major you have to still be there."
Heero rushed to his phone hoping to find an update on the situation outside. His communication hails were answered when Hyrum's voice confirmed, "Reporting sir."
"Lieutenant what is happening out there?"
Gunfire sounded before Hyrum answered, "Major, we've got Coalition soldiers who found their way in. It's possible Blare is trying to usurp power."
"Damn. How else would they have known how to get it?" Heero cursed at the situation. He regained his authority when he ordered, "Maintain your positions. I'll send my men in to assist."
"The more the better sir. We need to keep them from getting the mobile suits."
Heero confirmed the location of the Coalition soldiers when he asked, "They want control of our mobile suit forces?"
"And to fend off against the Sol Theros it looks like. I don't know how many of them we're going to need. We better be ready though."
Heero knew there was no point in trying to find further information when he ended the call, "I'm moving out now." He turned to see Relena overhearing the conversation when he told her, "Stay here. Don't let anyone in."
Relena agreed to his request, "Of course."
The Sol Thero units were approaching the installment of Quebec City without any issue and found their target within range. Their programming took an evaluation of the city. There were mobile suits activating behind the walls while the artillery was being operated. 'Target acquired. All systems engage.' The eight Sol Theros opened their missile ports and fired on the Parliamentary Building. Volleys were fired and the destruction became instantaneous. While Ursa units were making their way towards the city walls a number of squadrons had already been destroyed.
Jason saw the explosions from afar when the Sol Thero units were "General, the Sol Thero units have already begun to make their way through!"
Edward held himself in this moment of triumph, "Don't let them in! It's time for us to establish our defense!" Right from behind him Edward heard a gunshot fly into one of his guards. "Where did that fire come from?"
One of the soldiers managed to report among the ricocheting gunfire, "Enemy fire! They're trying to flank us from behind!"
Edward rallied his nearby troops, "Form up on me! Don't let them near our positions!"
One of the soldiers taking cover next to Heero reported, "We've got them pinned down sir. The only direction they'll have is to head into the building."
Another one nearby asked, "Is it a good idea? They still have the Parliament inside."
Heero quickly thought about Edward's tactics in play before explaining, "Blare isn't letting anyone in at the moment. He knows the Sol Theros will endanger his troops. He has too few to hold them for long."
"That would make for a risky operation if they just brought the bare minimum."
"Trying to take a city is always that way from the inside. At least the Sol Theros should keep them from moving further in for now." Heero agreed before raising his gun to fire at the nearest Coalition soldier.
Edward found the gunfire approaching his men and he knew what remaining here would risk. "Damn it. I won't die out here so unceremoniously! Colonel don't let them in!"
"Yes sir." Jason commanded the nearest jeep driver, "Entrench the enemy within this area! Don't let the enemy pass us!"
One of Heero's men managed to hear the sound of Edward's jeep driving away when he assumed, "Sounds like Blare is trying to get to a safe zone for now."
"At least so he can wait out this battle of his." Another corrected.
Heero turned to another soldier asking, "Captain. Can I trust you to lead these men?"
"I can do that sir. What do you need me to wait here for?"
"I have to move in and help our boys in the hangar fields."
"You do that sir. Don't let any more of our units fall into enemy hands."
"I hope it will be enough." Heero agreed. His men formed up on him and moved out to the nearest route for the hangar bays.
A few rounds of gunfire were shot before the Earth Sphere soldiers managed to take out the final Coalition soldiers within. One of the Earth Sphere soldiers reported to Hyrum, "Lieutenant, it looks like we've got one squad secured. But the Sol Theros have already started firing on us. They seem to be interested in the enemy right now."
Hyrum could tell from the number of explosions taking place outside this was probably an accurate assumption. "Don't activate the mobile suits yet. They might find us down here. If we just wait out these guys we should be able to even the odds against the Coalition soldiers."
One of the soldiers from the upper scaffoldings asked, "You're sure they won't get in here?"
Hyrum offered to the men behind him, "If they do then we'll have to give them the best final stand we have to offer. We're not going to let the mobile dolls replace us! Get to those pilot seats and get ready for defense!"
A chorus of, "Affirmative sir!" allowed Hyrum to confirm their preparation.
While they waited on watch one of the soldiers near the entrance pointed, "We've got reinforcements it looks like."
Heero and his squad made their way into the hangar when Hyrum saluted, "Major. It's good to see you made it here."
"How many of you are left?"
"We've got enough pilots to activate this squad. If you, the Colonel and Lord Lindemann stay behind we should be able to provide some protection."
One of Hyrum's men gestured to his right, "The hangar next to us hasn't been opened yet. There might be enough time to break in and get those mobile suits before the enemy has a chance."
Heero was quick to form another plan when he ordered, "I'll need any remaining men you have to form up on me and assist in taking the hangar. We'll provide assistance as soon as you give the signal Lieutenant."
Hyrum confirmed the order, "Good and clear sir. Just be sure to move out when we say it should be our only option."
Heero agreed with the request when he reminded, "We're here to take back the capital. Not let the enemy overtake us.
Till didn't allow himself to be bothered in thanking for the cover fire. He utilized crates lying around to give him a boost to reach the window, shooting the glass to make way. He was able to climb in after a few attempts, ignoring his bleeding wrists from the glass. He dropped to the floor of the hangar but was quick to get up with determination.
One of the Earth Sphere soldiers was caught off guard when he saw Till rushing towards the nearest unit. "What's he up to?"
Till didn't bother explaining as he made his way into an Ursa unit, thankful to finally have a chance to contribute to the fight. He got into an Ursa unit and seized a beam rifle. He fired at the hangar door to allow others to claim Mobile Suits. Once the Earth Sphere soldiers entered he discarded the beam rifle for a sniper rifle. "I'll make a careful shot to prevent the Ursa holding the parliament from exploding." He declared to them.
When Hyrum heard the warning given from the unexpected pilot he ordered, "You heard him. Move in and get to those units."
As the final Ursa units began to make their way towards the battlegrounds facing the Sol Thero units, one of the Captains tried to contact the status of a squad when he asked, "Twelfth squad. Report your status."
One of his units from behind answered, "We're not getting anything from the twelfth squad sir. That stray Ursa mobile suit must have wiped them out."
"Damn it they want to flank us! Get back and - AH!" The Captain was shot down by the gunfire before he had a chance to continue.
"Captain!"
One of the squad members warned, "The Captain's down! The Sol Theros are headed our way!"
Among the gunfire one of the superiors ordered, "All units back away from the wall! Fire all weapons!"
"Damn it! How are we supposed to handle those Earth Sphere people at the same time?"
One of the remaining captains evaluated, "It looks like the answer is we don't! Keep your eye on the enemy if you want a chance to live!" He contacted on of the nearby squads ordering, "Rear units! Keep the enemy from getting any closer!"
The Sol Thero units were in close range with the Ursa units as soon as their target was acquired. Their programming determined, 'Targets acquired. Process elimination.' With the command given the twin barrel guns gave their volley of fire at an indiscriminate rate. Their programming decided the only way to begin firing on the Parliamentary Building would be to clear a certain number of obstacles before the damage could be done.
Despite the return fire from the Ursa units, the Coalition soldiers were being shot down with ease. "Sir! They're mowing us down out there!"
One of the lead units was behind a still standing hangar when he ordered, "Keep firing! We can't let them through!"
"We've got all of our units here sir! Those things aren't moving back!"
The long moments of gunfire continued while through enough lucky shots managed to hit the planet defensors of a nearby Sol Thero. One of the pilots saw the shields go down and took the first available shot. The shot from the beam rifle was enough that it caused the unit to explode. "Got that one!"
One of the nearby Ursa pilots warned, "Keep firing! Don't let your guard down!"
"Keep firing at their defensors! Make an opening and they'll go down!" The Captain ordered.
The sudden civil war that had broken out in the capital city was becoming harder by the second to keep track of and Keijo was only able to find some security in the men who stuck near him in their hour of defense. Near the wall of the city, everyone was able to watch the city itself being laid siege to with the mobile suits turning on each other and pointing their guns at the residential area. This did not stop civilians form making their own escape however as they rushed to find their safety away form the sudden engagement that had been started.
Robbie asked, "What the hell are we even going to achieve by hunkering down out here and jack all?"
Nasir answered, "We don't. The civilians are trying to find their way out of this shithole as it is. We really thought that we could trust those guys. Look what it got us."
Campbell reminded, "All he was hoping to achieve was having the honor of killing us himself. Got to love it when someone offers a false sense of security. Throughout this whole war we've been fighting for big ideas and yet none of them were one we could trust."
Cinzia told him, "The least we can do now is not make what we're fighting for be for nothing. That's something we've been trying to come to terms with for a while isn't it?"
Keijo agreed, "If we had something to turn this all around we would be able to do something about it. Right now all we can do is let the civilians have permission to jump the fence here."
Elna pointed to the outside, "Guys we might have something out there."
Nasir asked, "Not more of Blare's men is it?"
Elna corrected, "These are people we can actually be happy to see."
Cinzia checked outside before realizing, "Finally we have some good news today."
Hey, you wanted me?" Ermes asked as he entered the room. He found Donna on her bed, changed into something more appropriate for an OZ officer. Her keffiyeh was notably not worn.
Donna turned his eyes on him. "Yeah." She replied. "I've been thinking a lot since the whole mess in Brussels and the sudden leadership." She lightly tapped at the edge of the bed, a way to tell him to sit there.
He sat next to her when he asked, "I thought you recovered from that? And what are you thinking now?"
"The chance of surviving this battle will be slim." She explained. "But together our chances are higher by a small margin."
Ermes saw the keffiyeh on a desk nearby and took it. He offered it back to Donna. "I rarely see you without it."
She looked at her scarf. "Thanks." She accepted. "Everyone in the family has one. My father wants to remind us of our heritage in the Levant."
As Ermes offered the keffiyeh, he asked, "Please tell me, have you considered everything that I told you and what I want for both of us?"
Donna partially took the keffiyeh. "Even all of us dying is possible." She spoke her thoughts. "Dying with regrets left…" She looked at Ermes. "Can you stay here with me for the night?" She asked. "I need company."
Ermes considered the state that Donna was in as she asked for him to remain that night. She didn't want to think about anything serious when she had the responsibility being placed upon her. Both he and she only had so many cahnces to make themselves known and neither of them wanted to be engaged in an argument for what would happen to either of them.
Not wanting to see her broke again, Ermes paused before accepting, "I'll be here for tonight."
Suchart found the room Donna was supposed to be in. He brought with him a bottle of red wine, a vintage from the Iberian Peninsula. "Congratulations." He remarked. "Glad I got this in Brussels before leaving. I know that everyone alive and in Heaven is looking on you with smiling face… Well except for Mercurio maybe. Hehehe…." He left it at the door and knocked before quickly leaving.
The Earth Sphere soldiers made their way over the wall where the remaining soldiers had been gathered before Christoph told them, "We got injured. You guys mind letting us in here?"
Keijo told them, "You guys don't have anyone to surprise us, we're happy for a change."
The Earth Sphere soldiers opened the wall door as they were allowed inside. Explosions and gunfire continued to build as they took cover and Elna saw the one man she hoped to see in this hour. "Richard!" She exclaimed as she made her way over to him and lifting him off the soldier carrying him. Before Richard could say something, Elna pressed her lips against his in a kiss for a few seconds before parting to allow him to breath.
Richard chuckled, "And I thought this was just a thing for our convenience."
Elna smiled, "I thought so to."
Nasir spoke, "Alright, it's nice that we have more people here, now how do we turn this disaster in our favor?"
Campbell pointed out, "If we move out to the hangar near the capital, we could start an evacuation to get he parliament out of here."
One of the Earth Sphere soldiers pointed out, "That's assuming we can even get them out of there. Even then we have we have Coalition mobile suits ready to shoot us all down and not even giving us the chance to change sides."
Christoph told everyone, "That's why our best shot is to at least even the playing field. Once the Nornir Walkure is done defending this side, all it's going to have left is the parliament."
Cinzia asked, "Is there some big plan that we have to follow with? By now we only have our peashooters to go against that thing. And why are we even thinking about destroying our best hope against the Sol Theros anyway?"
Flake answered, "Ideally we wouldn't want to. But we do have a bit of a process that can at least give us a chance to start."
Keijo told everyone, "We have a duty to fulfill in that case. We'll have to make a serious charge out there if we're going to arrive at the hangars and be able to pilot a Wing."
Christian made his way in front when he prepared to follow and added, "Leave these thin-skinned pricks to me. I have a little brother I need to take revenge for."
Christoph took hold of Richard as he prepared him for the desperate charge that the Earth Sphere soldiers planned. Flakes plan was only going to be worth trying if they were able to take him to the first Wing carrier that was operational and potentially had a computer for him to use. "Well we better not let any of these guys shoot us down if that is true. Get ready to charge!"
The door opened and the Earth Sphere soldiers charged out of the wall with their guns blazing and shooting every Coalition soldier they came across. They were not about to let this loss define them and the only life they had to offer was soon to be put to the test in their greatest trial yet.
