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 73: A Time to Promise Justice
The brief period of peace that the Earth Sphere Parliament asked for was brought to a swift close when they were asked to begin attending to the policies that would ensure their planet would be a place worth living on again. Malcolm and many of the representatives who had gathered to assist him in the passing of such policies continued their jobs with the constant looming of the threat of more Sol Theros weighing down on them in hopes of discovering what could be done to make the best for everyone. It was because of this period of isolation that Malcolm and the others were kept away from the outside source of news for the moment when their concern for the people was the most immediate issue that needed to be resolved.
Despite the weight of the responsibility upon the parliament, the development of news as critical as this was something that needed to be brought to them right away. This was the intention when one of the soldiers entered without even requesting permission to enter. The soldier reported in a shocked and devastated composure, "Mr. President… It's horrible…"
Malcolm looked up when he heard the warning and asked, "What is it? What has happened now?"
The soldier cleared his mouth when he tried his best to collect himself before reporting, "Mr. President, our intel has reported a beam of immense power that passed its way over here… From all that we've been able to discover… L2 has been completely wiped out."
The representatives who were present all turned their heads when they heard this news before an air of fear began to take hold of them as well. Zlata broke the brief silence when she asked, "All of L2? You're saying none of it is left?"
Hiram answered the question when he realized, "Our worst fears have been realized. Then the Sol Invictus was activated."
Malcolm denied the outcome when he asked, "Have the remainder of the Earth Sphere Parliament been brought news of this?"
The soldier stood at attention when he answered, "The others have been brought news of this development. It will not be long before they are all here."
Malcolm shot up from his desk when he prepared to make his way to the gathering hall, "Prepare for a meeting. We must have them all prepared to offer an immediate response for everything that we have to be ready for."
"Right away sir." The soldier saluted before leaving.
It did not take long for the remainder of the Earth Sphere Parliament to make its way to the gathered hall of representatives who had just now learned of the great tragedy that had occurred not long ago. The news had just been broadcast as Franz Kecker's speech reached the ears of everyone on Earth and those who still inhabited the colonies.
The speech was a sign of confirmation that Franz did indeed wish to see much of the human race be subject to his mighty super weapon, but seeing the results was enough to bring many outside the building who bore witness to their knees. It was enough to make Malcolm reduced to a stupor when he observed, "It… It can't be…"
The Secretary of State observed, "It has been done…"
Zlata asked for a possible chance, "Can we contact 3 Juno from here?"
Malcolm voiced his desire for the hope to be fulfilled, "General Neustadt, we must have the opportunity to contact President Lehrer at the very least. He must have been able to survive this."
Marcel shook his head when he answered regretfully, "Negative Mr. President. The signal is completely blank. There is no one to contact."
Zlata found herself in the same state of shock as her President when she considered, "An entire colony side wiped out… The main base of the Coalition…"
Elena announced their situation in a depressed tone, "As it seems, we of the human race have taken our first steps into a very bleak period."
Malcolm clenched his fists when he announced to the members, "One that we cannot see repeated. Only the most soulless of monsters would hope to see this done again."
Hiram voiced the first concern when he asked, "How can we explain this to anyone however? This conflict has gone on for so long between Coalition and Earth Sphere. Do we accept the responsibility for Kecker's action?"
Zlata shot down the plan when she evaluated, "Accepting the responsibility will not bring back anyone. Even if we do we will not be blamed any less for permitting things to escalate to this point."
Another one of the representatives pointed out, "It took many years for us to reach this point and the men who proposed this plan are dead with the exception of Kecker."
Elena gave another warning when she added, "Even worse we do not understand how far this plan reached in order to be achieved."
One of the representatives denied this when he emphasized, "If we are selected as the ones to blame then the trail will be endless for us all and we will forever be in conflict with one another."
Relena was the first to point out their issue when she first spoke, "And because of such circumstances we have no one to directly place blame upon other than the events that have led up to this moment."
One of the representatives voiced her concern, "If we do so then we are not looking at blaming an individual or an organization. We are seeking to place blame on the simple idea of provocation of conflict itself."
Malcolm lamented the dilemma when he agreed, "It is because of this and the many years of blindness we have been in that we have allowed so many to die today. The fact remains that the Coalition has been all but completely wiped out and we are now the helpless old organization that does not have the means of maintaining peace among the human race."
Relena brought about her final message pointing out, "Perhaps we do not. But we can still make amends for our unfortunate choices. It is clear now that attempting to bury the past will only see tools of destruction rise from the depths they were cast into. And when they are found they will bring the most disastrous consequences. I am personally able to take solace in the fact that an older member of generation separate from this one was responsible. We may not be able to place association directly on him. But we will have a chance to undo such conflicts before they ever happen."
Hiram found the motion to be questionable when he asked, "Do you suggest that we enact the peace policies enacted by the Earth Alliance?"
Relena corrected him when she answered, "Peace policies untarnished by corrupt individuals hungry for power. There must be a force willing to maintain the order of peace while the governing body maintains it."
Marcel was intrigued by the idea but showed signs of concern when he pointed out another wrinkle, "Will we not risk the danger of a military uprising in such a time? That power could go to ones ego quite easily."
Relena brought the next condition to such a policy when she answered, "Not as long as we have our own military branch to keep them in check. When one side has an individual willing to commit such an atrocity the other must be capable of rising against it to prevent needless destruction."
Marcel agreed with the position after considering, "Then we will have two sides observing one another and they will be able to see that peace is maintained. But will be capable of standing on their own as well while ensuring the peace is maintained."
Elena was the next to confirm the situation, "At least a certain kind. We will continue to have conflict. But if it is enough to ensure this day does not repeat itself, then it should be a price worth enforcing."
Relena reminded them of their effort, "This path to peace will be one requiring considerable adjustment and fixes. But this is possibly the most significant first step we have made in preventing another mad man from holding us under his grip."
The Secretary of Defense turned to Malcolm when he asked, "Will you be announcing this to the press tomorrow Mr. President?"
Malcolm was in a period of pondering before he requested, "Madame Yuy. I must ask that you present this speech to the people."
Relena was only lightly surprised when she asked, "Me Mr. President?"
Malcolm nodded when he answered, "Yes. The people require a face that can be easily identified. If they recognize you, they will possibly give leeway to the situation that must be confronted."
Relena paused when she realized how important her contribution could be to meeting with the media as someone who would provide a new ray of hope they could look towards. Even after seeing the reasoning behind her selection, Relena shook her head when she asked, "Is it not true that our response is going to be one that will demand the responsibility of our serving men and women?"
Marcel recognized the concern when he answered, "My duty is to serve the people Madame Yuy. You and everyone who is gathered here today acts on behalf of the people and they will need a definite answer if we are going to see our positions of power be retained."
Elena added, "And someone with history such as yours is someone who is likely to be the best choice we have for connecting with the people."
Relena shook her head when she told everyone, "I have my doubts that the people will see anything I say as something that they can look to for assurance. They already can recognize me as the woman who sought to make pacifism a reality the entire human race could embrace only to see it bring us to where we are now."
"Relena, no one could demand that you be the one to take on everything bad that has happened this day. Even the staunchest opponents would need to be deprived of decency to declare that you are to be at fault for what has occurred."
"With all due respect, I should like to imagine that it is something that dishonors the lives of those who were lost. They were all slaughtered because of a man who believed that this day was eventually going to occur even if he had nothing to do with it."
"You must look at this as your opportunity to take your place in history Relena. This is your opportunity to take hold of the devastation and chose to say in the face of the man who committed it that he has no hold of power over any of us."
"You declared yourself that your aspirations were childish long ago. The aspirations that you fear being affiliated with today are with those of a young girl and little else. This is your opportunity to correct everything that you have ever considered to be wrong with who you were and chose to deny power to the one who will seek to undo everything that every human being who has fought in war before. That must be the best thing any true leader can hope to offer to the people."
The words that Relena received from the parliament were ones that offered her the sort of support that she thought only her closest family was able to give in such dire hours. Whether it was from the sheer amount of desperation that was held within the hearts of everyone present or it was in the genuine desire to see someone so important to them have the opportunity to be strong again, they hoped to see Relena be the voice she once was many years ago. Even though she did not speak directly to the people in this moment, she knew that she would be expected to speak to someone of some stature when the time came.
It was with all of these factors that Relena began to reflect upon how she might have been perceived before and then began to recognize the moment of weakness that she allowed herself to display. Even with all of this on her mind however, it was not from the words of any of her fellow representatives that she found herself encouraged to question her initial reaction to the offer. She looked up to the balcony that was looking over the parliament before recognizing a familiar sight that she had always looked for when she felt herself to be in her most desperate hour.
Relena saw Heero watching over her as he leaned against a pillar as he watcher her from above. She didn't need to hear him speak when she realized what her responsibility would have to be from this moment forward. Relena finally took hold of her duty when she agreed, "Upon further review, I believe this should be something I am capable of. I shall do so when the moment is called for."
There was a sense of relief that swept over the parliament as they heard Relena offer her agreement to the duty given to her. Pleased to see that he would not have to try and persuade her any further, Malcolm told her, "You do us all a great honor in offering your participation Madame Yuy. I know for certain that the people will be brought to ease when they have heard you speak on what our next action must be."
Relena accepted the encouragement when she told him, "If it is our next decision, then we must do so with a plan on how we shall proceed."
Malcolm turned to the remainder of the representatives when he told everyone, "That is indeed something we will require the entire participation of the parliament for when we decide the next course of action. General Neustadt, if you would be so kind as to offer your input as well, it would be much appreciated."
Two days passed as a portion of Quebec City's civilian population gathered along with the news press prepared to hear from their government. "We turn now live to the speech from Interim Vice President Relena Yuy at Quebec City." A reporter announced. With that Relena appeared on camera before everyone who watched the news hoping to hear for an answer on the recent events.
Relena was unshaken when she began her speech, "I send this message to all members of the human race regardless of their loyalty. Calling the events of a few days ago a tragedy would not do justice to the situation. What we have witnessed was, as Franz Kecker himself admitted, was nothing more than the act of one man. But what does this one man show us? This one man shows that the choice and action of a decades long war can be matched if we do not dedicate ourselves to seeking conflict be prevented.
"I had believed that ridding ourselves of the means to cause such devastation would be enough to end wars and humanity could see progress march forward. As me and my compatriots have learned very dearly, we now see the consequences of trying to deny that such raw emotions still exist in the hearts of men and women everywhere. For that I cannot apologize enough.
"What are we to do in preventing this tragedy from happening again? If we are hopeful to see an era where humans to not allow wars to tear itself asunder, we must begin by preventing the cause of a conflict from occurring. Kecker has all but in a final announcement claimed his seat as an individual faction. He believes that using the Sol Invictus as his fortress will be enough to challenge the future of humanity.
"I ask all of you, even those who will not take my word to truth, will we seek to only destroy one another continuously while the instrument of our mutual destruction lies beyond? We cannot afford to desperately seek those responsible for permitting the destruction of humanity to continue. We must take action and see that Kecker does not have the chance to fire it again.
"I beg all of humanity who hears this message today. Rally against the factors that have brought about this day to occur. Uniting under a banner to prevent such tragedies from ever being repeated.
"It is a harsh and demanding time when we are forced to agree to such a unity with such circumstances, but it will be the only chance we have to stand against further needless death. We must be willing to unite against the very idea of war from this day forward and prevent the causes of war before they ever happen. If we as a race are to prevent future conflicts of any kind then we must be willing to looks at ourselves as a common people seeking only the best for ourselves on a mutual level."
Heero and his daughters were observing the speech as they listened to every word she hoped to unite humanity under. The television continued with her announcement, "Perhaps this day cannot be achieved in our lifetime. But if we continue to make these steps through the ages, we will one day send a message to all who deny progress towards peace. The human race is not intimidated and will not back away from what must be done. For the sake of our future as a species we must rise against the station and see it destroyed. Our forces are headed to its location and the future will be decided once they arrive. Regardless of the outcome, we must send every ounce of will to them in hopes that we one day see the peace we had strived for. Not just for veterans of the Eve Wars but for the whole of the human race who wished to see an end to conflict.
"I only now pray that it is enough to see that this message and this hope finds way towards the fleet headed for the Sol Invictus. I hope that they understand that the fate of human peace is within their hands."
Relena's speech ended to a light applause among the civilians who observed while the news reporters continued their jobs. She turned away towards the new Parliamentary Building while she remembered the old days of such speeches. Even reflecting on her failures and her defeats from long ago in this moment, she was now able to hold herself high again when she knew there was a future worth fighting for. It might not make a difference now, but one day it might be enough to show what an older generation had truly intended among the chaos that had been sewn.
The speech was an engaging experience for Heero and his daughters to have a chance to see what the mother of their family was capable of after so many years. Where many saw a woman making her return to the world stage in an effort to set her legacy right, three of the most important people in her life right now were hoping to see that she would be accepted once again. Right now they would not have a chance as they saw the news switch away from live feed and back towards correspondents who had begun to debate if the proposed government would be the best option the human race could attempt for a postwar environment.
As soon as the debates between the correspondents began, Helena pointed out, "I think I've heard of something similar to this before. It sounds like the Roman political structure of Duoviri."
Selena asked, "And duo means there's two of something right?"
Heero confirmed, "Two joint leaders to ensure one is not corrupt. Whoeverf is selected is going to be given a great responsibility."
Selena asked, "Do you think there is going to be someone who will be anxious to fill that position? It has to be someone who would be just as dedicated as mom is."
Helena pointed, "How about Lord Lindemann? I think he might have been waiting for an opportunity like this one."
Heero confirmed what his daughter asked when he answered, "There might have been a time where he would have grasped the chance. But now I don't think he has that in mind."
Selena voiced her confusion at the answer when she pointed out, "Dad, you said that he hasn't been seen for the last few days. All you need to do is find him and then he'll be able to decide if he wants the position or not right?"
Heero explained, "He doesn't need to be found. He's already determined that he doesn't need to participate in anything of this magnitude anymore."
The answer did little to assure Helena when she asked, "He did? How do you know that?"
Heero stood up as he made his way over to a nearby window and answered, "It was the last thing on his mind when I last saw him. He decided that he didn't want to become like someone he had grown to despise. He's somewhere where he doesn't have to be a burden to anyone with what he wants out of everyone around him anymore."
Helena denied the reason when she pointed out, "But he has his children to be there for. He can't seriously be planning to just leave them on their own."
Heero turned to her when he sighed and explained, "He wouldn't if he thought they couldn't be strong enough to live on their own. I'm not sure how it is for everyone, but it's something that I still have to learn to handle myself."
"You haven't been away from us very long dad. And the day when this war ends is when we'll have the opportunity to be with each other however much we want."
Heero placed his hands on the shoulders of his daughters when he emphasized the ware that was still at hand for everyone. "That is something that we all need to hold out for right now. And as you might have heard, your brother is going to have a lot to live up to."
Helena nodded solemnly while her sister remembered how someone dear to them was about to dive headfirst into one of the most dire and challenging battles the human race had ever faced. How out in space, her younger brother was going to endure something that would change him one way or another. "Well then, I guess it's up to us to prepare for a better Earth to return to."
One of the operators on the Executor Rising announced to the ships of the Coalition fleet, "Attention all hands. Report from Admiral Miles is coming through."
As soon as the voice made its way to all available ears Norma began, "I will not lie to anyone when I give this report. It has taken days to confirm the status of the beams direction but it has been confirmed… The entire colony cluster of Lagrange Point 2 has been completely wiped out without any survivors… 3 Juno has been spotted by a number of Mars evacuees as crumbling remains of what it once was… Right now there are no confirmed survivors among the Coalition leadership…"
Norma cut off the transmission when she gritted her teeth against such figures. The serving men and women already knew she was among those mourning the loss of such a sum of human lives and overemphasizing it would only hinder her speech's effect. Tano was one of the few who was looking on when he tried to confirm if the last Coalition admiral was capable of leading the mission as he began to doubt her ability.
Oleg pointed out to him, "She seems to be about as affected as the rest of us."
Tano added, "It didn't take long for her to cut off transmission either. And this woman is supposed to lead us into battle."
One of the ship operators whispered, "Why don't you keep watching? She's not completely breaking under the pressure yet."
There was a hesitation in the air before Norma reactivated the transmission and she continued, "This has put the death toll well into two billion. For anyone who has called 3 Juno or Lagrange Point 2 home, I can do nothing but apologize for such a hard time to befall you. War comes to demand the most of us when we participate, but such costs as this one are never even conceived let alone asked for by those who only seek to defend what they cherish."
The sympathizing was quickly over when Norma began to raise her voice when she continued, "But what do we say in the face of such a danger? Do we gaze upon it and cower in fear? Do we permit pure chaos to undo every bit of human progress? Because those of you who choose to have lost sight of what waging this war has been intended for so long to achieve. Our purpose as soldiers is to look down the face of adversity and prevent it from ever happening to anyone who does not choose the life to pay such a price.
"The final question I must see answered today, will we permit this slaughter to occur a second time? Those among you who say that it will not are the ones I am pleased to lead. This is not a question of loyalty to what faction we have hoped to preserve, this is a question of being able to maintain what makes us human!"
Norma heard preparations of rally throughout her own ship and knew that across the others there must have been varying degrees of such enthusiasm. She waited for the noise to die down before she gave a final rally, "Report to your mobile suits and prepare for the break. We will launch towards the Sol Invictus with our battle plan in hand. If we have any desire to see villainy pay for such devastation then we will ensure this weapon has been reduced to nothing by the time the day ends. We will move in to see that no one has to pay for a war they did not want to see occur. Our action will prevent another tragedy such as this one to ever occur again. Today the Himalayas may rise, but we will not cower to scale them!"
With the speech finished the pilots and crew made way to their respective stations and waited for the break in the jump to occur. There was no resounding sign of encouragement for what was to come or for the words that had been heard, but it was all that Norma could as for as she remained seated and prepared for the coming battle. She would not have to spend her last few moments alone as she saw Tano and Oleg make their way up to her seat from behind and offer salutes.
Oleg spoke first when he praised, "I have to say that I feel a little more ready for enduring the last days of my life."
Norma turned her chair to face the two of them when she told them, "If you're able to choose that this battle will be the last time you'll offer your lives to anyone, you can also choose that it will be so that many more are able to live. The purpose of Gundam should be to give the human race a chance to realize its errors so that those who have the dedication to continue fighting have the chance to set those errors right."
Tano agreed with the sentiment when he remembered the allies he was going to fight alongside. "We were fortunate to have those who could see the bigger picture despite the war we just fought ultimately being something that had us all being used as pawns."
Norma turned to him when she reminded, "They were as much pawns as we were. It would be wrong for us to tell them that we were in the right all along."
Oleg made his way up to Norma when he tried to alleviate the guilt on her shoulders, "We might have been pawns, but not all of us deserve to be sent to the execution listings. I can only imagine how devastated everyone on this ship would be if they had to learn that you were about to be sent to an early death admiral."
Before Norma had a chance to answer the statement, Tano stepped forward with his own comment. "There is something to proving that we were in the right that would be somewhat vindicating. We should be able to prove to everyone that the cause we have sought to uphold was worth risking our lives for in the end."
Norma could tell there was something in Tano's statement when she heard him try to explain the situation to her. He had felt the crushing blow of defeat harder than he had in all his young life, but it was probably as bad as things would ever be for him. Even knowing this, she could tell there was some hope in his eyes that he might not be living a life that was completely shrouded in the pursuit of a meaningless conflict. Struggling for the hope that he would still be able to look back on the day of his final battle and say that he did indeed mean something.
Even recognizing his desire for this vindication, Norma couldn't bring herself to offer anything Tano was hoping to hear when she told him, "I was responsible for the deaths of many of their fellow soldiers. If I had destroyed the shuttle with the Gundams, we would be facing a far more dire final confrontation. Even then we still killed many good men and women in a conflict that has done little for either of us other than to achieve something we wanted no part of."
Tano remembered one of the reports of how Norma's ship shot down one of the shuttles that made its way from Mars. "We could have allowed something far worse for this day indeed."
"And that's assuming we have their full support after something that devastated them that day." Oleg reminded Tano. He turned his attention back to Norma when he asked, "Do you think that they might be able to forgive you for that Admiral?"
Norma shook her head when she explained her duty for the coming fight, "Their forgiveness is something that I can't accept and it's something that I can't ask for. I was operating under orders when I believed that every Earth Sphere soldier was to be met with their destruction if they did not surrender. I will have to spend the rest of my life hoping to assist in rebuilding what was lost, but if it is to correct what I have done, it will be for something."
Oleg looked to Tano when he suggested, "I have to say, that is certainly something more optimistic and productive than someone else among us right now."
Tano dismissed the suggestion when he told him, "We have to make sure that the others Gundam pilots feel the same way. It's only going to be a little while now."
Norma accepted their departure with a salute when she told them, "Whatever will be the odds, your service will be an example to everyone."
Tano and Oleg made their way out of the bridge as they offered a salute to their admiral and began their walk to the hangar bays below. In their brief walk together, Oleg pointed out, "You seriously think there's no one waiting for you when this is over huh?"
Tano confirmed, "I don't understand why you act like there's anything waiting for me. I've said many times over that I don't have anything in the colonies or on Earth."
The two pilots made their way to the nearest elevator when Oleg pressed for the hangar bays and told Tano, "I get it. It sounds like a tedious bunch of bullshit. But you've had people you cared about die in front of you before. And not just the sort of shit that caused you to decide to think the military was your only option in life."
Tano leaned in a corner of the elevator when he dismissed the concern and told him, "Everyone does. Whoever your special case was is hardly that special either."
Oleg turned to Tano when he looked him square in the eye and told him, "I'll have you know that Aglaii Belyakova was a very key officer and if it wasn't for her, we wouldn't have had the chance to feel even a moments of victory."
Tano returned Oleg's gaze when he saw how sincere he was in bringing up the name of someone he had little knowledge of. "She must have been a respectable officer if she was so capable in such a decisive battle. Especially if you were still in control of a Gundam at that time. But why is she someone we need to reflect on now?"
Oleg answered, "We have people that we value out there Tano. Even if it's just a little bit, I want you to understand that someone is going to be out there and you will not want to deny them when they reach out to be at your side."
Tano sighed when he returned to looked across from his side of the wall when he accepted, "I guess I will have to take that into consideration. If we're given the luxury for it." Although Tano planned to simply wait out the remainder of the trip down the elevator, he found himself wondering about how Aglaii would make Oleg consider what he was explaining to him right now. He decided to permit himself one question about Oleg's experience with his superior on Earth as he turned to him and asked, "By any chance did you hear Aglaii's last words?"
The elevator had reached its destination as it opened its doors and Oleg answered, "Remind everyone that a united humanity will always triumph. Even if she was only talking about that moment, I know those are the sort of words she would have for me now if she were here. If you ask me, I think a united humanity is one that will always be able to accommodate others when it seems like they have nowhere to turn."
Hearing the last words of the woman made Tano reflect on what sort of woman Oleg had served under before he determined, "She might have meant a different united humanity, but in the end we will have the chance to prove that she was right all along."
Oleg made his way forward when he saw more of the Coalition pilots making their way into the hangar bay when he pointed out, "And it's going to be here that we'll have a firsthand look at what that united humanity really looks like.
Cao and her squadron were leaving the locker room once the order had been relayed through the Executor Rising. She saw Oleg and Tano making their way towards her when when she greeted, "Tano. Oleg. You're both ready to head out with us?"
Tano confirmed, "The order has been given and we are about to be in range."
Oleg slammed a fist into his open hand when he vowed, "If that thing ever manages to hit Earth I'm going to take it down with me in the process."
Cao pointed out to him, "Will McNeil be happy with that kind of attitude though?"
Oleg shrugged when he answered, "Maybe not. But I don't think he signed up for this war expecting to be treated like the modern-day Michelangelo."
Tano asked, "Do you think his work at least worth the salt he gave for it?"
Cao turned to Tano when she answered, "Sims don't tell us everything. But I'm sure we're going to have enough Sol Theros out there to deal with that we'll be able to find out how well it can stand up against the pressure."
Tano reminded her, "Even if me and Oleg have to bear the majority of the offense, we still need everyone to participate as much as possible. I'm sure that must be something you can appreciate after all this time."
Cao nodded when she told him, "Then be sure to provide as much effort as we all can. We have a planet to one day return to."
"Yeah. I hope it's there for all of us after all this." Oleg agreed as he made his way towards the Golem's hangar bay.
Cao was preparing her suit and following the other mobile suit pilots when she saw Tano make his way down the halls. She found a moment next to him when she offered, "Lieutenant. I hope for the best for you out there. I want to see Kecker pay as much as anyone else. Most of all I want to see us return from this with a future to look forward to."
Tano nodded when he accepted Cao's parting words, "I'm sure that you will pull your weight as well. Good luck out there."
While Tano and Cao left Oleg to make his way to his Gundam, Kieran made his way over to him when he spoke, "Oleg. You ready to see how the flight capabilities of the Golem are?"
"I sure hope they manage to be the same as they were in the simulations. Even if they're a little off, that will be a lot more than what most people are able to pull."
"Hey, I was listening to you from before. I know that you're not going to be all talk. But don't act like I'm the one who's piloting this thing will you?"
Oleg paused his walk when he turned to Kieran to confirm, "I would have thought you would have wanted something like that. All it does is make you look good doesn't it?"
Kieran laughed when he corrected, "I'm happy that you look at me in such high regard. I'm afraid that sort of praise won't mean shit unless you do pull off a stunt like taking down the Invictus like you said you would."
"You think so? After losing the Testudo, you feel like you're okay with having another creation be blown to bits?"
"While paintings are made to be viewed at, shoes are made for walking, Mobile Suits are made for fighting. I would only be considered a Michelangelo if you can show results with the Golem. Good luck." He gave Oleg a pat on the shoulder as he returned to his post. "Avenge L2 for us!"
"We've got the time for talking done. Right now we're going to see these things work in action." Oleg agreed with Kieran's observation. He found the Golem nearby and made his way into the cockpit. "Against all we have lost we aren't going to let this happen a second time." He promised himself with not only thoughts of his family but everyone in the hangar with him.
Dana saw the buster rifle loaded in the bird mode of her Artemis. She continued to watch her preparation process with bated breath while Gawel walked behind her as she asked, "Looks like this is it. It's time for us to end this thing."
Gawel looked over the final preparations of the Stymphalian Artemis Gundam when he asked, "You got anyone to avenge while you're out there blasting Sol Theros?"
Dana managed to hide her displeasure when she prepared her suit, "Yeah. Two billion people at least. Me and Ramos didn't survive our missions together just to find that our actions were used to further some kook's idea of peace."
"Well at least it will give you a chance to find some keywords for future speeches."
She answered with a determined tone, "I don't think we have the timeframe for another one. It's time we just head in there and shove that station all the way up Kecker's ass."
Gawel shrugged when he heard the determination in her voice, "I guess I should be used to that sort of confidence from you by now huh Cap?"
"You've caught on if you can guess that Majewski." She said offering a smack to his bottom when she turned announcing to the other pilots, "Time to move out."
While the rest of the pilots had continued their preparation, Mercuio had his opportunity to meet with a cousin he still had to come to terms with. He followed Dafina as soon as she prepared her flight suit and asked her, "You'll be leading the forces out there right?"
She confirmed the reminder when she answered, "That is my position in the plan. These mobile suits may not be able to handle their shields but at least provide a distraction while the Invictus is raided."
He observed the dedication in her eyes when he told her, "You're prepared to accomplish this mission as much as we all are. Just don't lose sight of what our goal is."
Dafina crossed her arms when she admitted to herself, "As unrealistic it may be, I hope it be possible. If we hadn't covered this topic prior it would be worth confirming. Right now I simply have a mission to carry out. It will be for the better of all humanity once we accomplish it."
He offered a final parting, "Just good luck out there then."
"I hope for the same to you Mercurio." Dafina agreed as she made her way to the Tallgeese.
The Uriel stood before him when he prepared for what he imagined would be the final mission for this war. It was a few moments before he saw Donna nearby preparing to make her way to the Sandesgeist. "Donna…" He said to get her attention. He held her shoulders when he gave a brief gaze into her eyes. I probably won't have to live this down… He thought to himself. He placed a light kiss on her lips before he let go of her and made his way to the Uriel offering, "Good luck out there."
Donna was surprised with Mercurio's surprise kiss. It made her realize that this will be a battle that anyone will die. "You too." She replied. "Don't die."
Suchart was there to witness the kiss. "Screw it!" He laughed.
Gawel asked, "Did you give the prize to the wrong winner or is Donna some kind of Goddess?"
Ermes also saw the kiss but remained indifferent. "That is the better guy I was talking about." He remarked. "For all I know, maybe both of those questions are the right ones to ask. Most of all, Mercurio will be dying with regrets if he does nothing. But he did let Donna know of his feelings." He climbed into the cockpit of the Aquarius, activating the OS and the AI system.
Mercurio entered the cockpit of the Uriel when he waited for the next few hours to pass. He watched the bay doors intently while he waited for the final launch. He held both handles with growing intensity as he told himself, "Regrets or none. I have something more serious ahead of me now. Franz… Your efforts won't be for anything."
Franz overlooked the vastness of the holographic map within range of the Sol Invictus. 28 red lights appeared headed in range to the battle station. "So the first attempt is already underway. Humanity may not be prepared for facing the Invictus. But a loss of this size will give emphasis on what they are facing." He commented to himself.
Amandala agreed, "It was inevitable that we would be faced with an immediate response. As we provide the first instance of destruction, so too will there be those who hope to prevent it any further. This is that very instance."
"In a way this is the last effort of the Coalition to have its place in history as a force for some kind that is more than just an aggressing side. If the last of them wish to be offered their place in history as the last of their kind, granting them our blessing is the least we can offer."
"Designer N has prepared all units and is prepared to see the primary units be offered their first deployment."
"The data he is about to receive for this day will certainly be to his liking." Franz turned to the computer screen when he commanded, "Activate primary squadrons. Prepare for enemy engagement."
The screen displayed, 'Sending Primary Squadrons.' Down below he could hear the hangar bays opening and saw on the map the Sol Thero squadrons being sent to prepare their defense of the mighty station. He turned to the computer screen when he commanded, "Charge the main defense units for battle. No discrimination of opposing targets."
The screen switched to display the Sol Thanatos and Sol Atlas down below as they were exposed to the sun's rays from behind the station. "Unfortunate they arrived so early. Once they are fully prepared for battle however, they will regret makings such as hasty decision." Franz promised to himself.
The fleet of Coalition battleships began to meet their destination before one of the strategists managed to catch sight of enemy presence on the battle map. "The enemy's been deployed sir. It looks like they knew we'd be bringing these numbers."
The strategist next to him pointed out, "We're getting 23 squadrons of those Sol Thero things Admiral. They're lined up to block our way around the Invictus. A forward push is probably going to be our only way through."
Norma gave a stark reminder of her situation, "He certainly knows to understand his enemy and anticipate his enemy's tactics." She commanded through a loudspeaker to the hands-on deck, "Proceed with the countdown. Prepare for the jump break."
One of the operators found the fleet of Coalition ships making their destination when he announced, "We're reaching the point of break Admiral."
Norma had a moment of tension when she did her best to prepare for the upcoming battle. "Begin firing once we hit the stopping point." She ordered reemphasizing the strategy.
There was another long pause that only took the span of a few seconds before one of her strategists announced, "We've hit it sir!"
"Fire!" With the order given the ships of the fleet fired their broadside cannons of energy fire. The Sol Thero units saw the incoming fire and had their planet defensor shields prepared for such an occasion. Despite their shields the mobile dolls determined through their programming and Zero System's guidance to avoid every possible area of fire. Despite their survival they couldn't move anywhere without risking being hit by enemy fire or losing sight of their target.
One of the operators overlooked the enemy mobile dolls maintain their position when he announced, "We seem to have the enemy stuck in place right now sir."
Norma took the announcement as an opportunity when she ordered, "It is time to move forward with the next part of our plan. Prepare all mobile suits to launch. All Division Leaders report."
The communications system patched her through to the other leaders of the fleet when she heard,
"7th Division has units prepared to launch."
"1st Division prepared for launch.
"6th Division prepared for launch.
"2nd Division prepared for launch.
"5th Division prepared for launch.
"3rd Division prepared for launch.
After the six leaders gave their report Norma finished, "The 4th Division is prepared to launch. All hands prepare for close range combat. Break through and we'll have the station within our range."
One of the operators agreed to the order when she confirmed, "On it sir."
The operator's voice sounded through the Executor Rising when it ordered, "All pilots prepare for launch. All pilots prepare for launch."
Dafina saw the bay doors open and braced herself for the push forward when she announced, "Tallgeese launching." The Tallgeese Throne made its way through the doors and towards the vastness of the battlefield the battleships had begun to attack.
Dana allowed the jets of the Artemis in bird mode to reach their fullest when the crew was clear and announced, "Artemis launching." The bird of a mobile suit launched forth following suit. Dana activated Zero System and saw her course clear for entry. The bird mode of the Artemis sped its way through and prepared for the first opportunity to begin firing on the enemy mobile dolls.
Mercurio was next to follow as the Uriel was prepared when he announced, "Uriel launching." As soon as the unit launched he prepared the Zero System to activate and watched the information flash before him. He observed every shot being made and every chance the enemy had to move forward as he did his job to push back the enemy.
Oleg saw his turn was next when he moved the new Gundam towards the launch pad announcing, "Golem launching." Three of the Gundams had launched while Dafina observed them from behind. She had a brief moment to collect herself when she turned back to focus on the enemy that everyone was soon to be in contact with.
One of the strategists overlooked the battlefield when he saw not only the Gundams make their way to the frontlines but the well over a thousand Sagittarius and Leo III mobile suits forming a line of defense for the battleships. He turned to Norma announcing, "The mobile suits have launched sir. We're meeting with the enemy at their defense line."
Norma held onto her chair arms when she ordered, "Prepare for the attack. Don't let up on the assault on the station."
The battleships continued to fire towards the Sol Invictus but found their shots were either missing entirely or being met with resistance by the Sol Theros. One of the strategists warned, "I don't think we can get a decent hit sir. The enemy is trying to hold back our shots."
Norma wasn't deterred when she ordered, "Provide as much support for our troops as we can. Don't let them face the enemy alone."
Dana saw the mobile dolls firing on their position when she followed alongside the Tallgeese warning, "We've got them in our sights. All units prepare to engage."
Dafina announced on her channel, "Follow suit behind me. Engage all units within the viral radius."
Oleg had the gatling guns of the Golem prepared while locking onto what targets would be available for the missiles when he hoped to himself, "Hope you're watching McNeil."
The assembly of Gundams and mobile suits made their way into the sights of the Sol Thero units as they avoided their fire. Dafina saw the Sol Thero units enter range when she announced, "Viral dispersion is within range. All units move in for the attack."
Oleg was among the first units to attack with the Golem unleashing its volley of fire from gatling gun fire and multitude of missiles coming from the opened panels. He saw the Sol Thero units unable to defend themselves from the multitude of angels and were forced to take the hits. Some of them had their shields depleted while others were destroyed in the process. Oleg continued to fire in the nearest directions when he commented, "Now I really feel like making a dent."
One of the Coalition mobile suits contributed to the fire when he observed, "Looks like they didn't see us coming. Thought these were supposed to be tough to take down."
Cao's Sagittarius unit was firing when she warned, "Don't let your guard down. We need to get through their shields before they go down."
One of the operators warned their action, "Make sure to keep an eye on the Tallgeese. She stays flying and we'll have a decent chance of breaking through."
The Artemis began to change from its bird mode and managed to take several hits from the enemy Sol Theros with ease. It prepared the buster rifle in hand before Dana warned, "All units stay on the lookout from fire from the Artemis. She's about to let loose."
One of the Coalition pilots began to pull back his Leo III asking, "Damn, is it going to be that powerful?"
The Artemis aimed the mighty bust rifle when it began to charge with Dana announcing, "Time to see how much they've got left in them." In the next moment a mighty beam fired forth with every bit of wrath as the stories of the Wing Zero's destruction of an entire colony invoked. A multitude of Sol Thero units were caught within the fire while they attempted to resist with their shields but ultimately cut through as nothing. Dana looked over the damage that had been done before she asked, "Hell yeah. Who's next?" She used the Zero System and found a line of targets that permitted her to fire with destruction she didn't think was possible against the mobile dolls. She fired at every chance she had as one explosion after another signaled the faltering number of mobile dolls.
The Uriel followed close behind the Tallgeese Throne when it fired its Testudo cannon on every enemy that came in range. The Tallgeese sliced through two Sol Thero units at once as it made its way through the ranks and fired its buster rifle on the units prepared to make their way towards the Artemis. She warned the units following her, "They are prepared for a concentrated attack on every individual Gundam. It seems to be the most they can consider right now."
The Uriel prepared its buster sword into shield mode when Mercurio warned, "They're closing in on the fleet!" The Uriel threw the shield into a spinning motion as it made its way through the defensor shields and through the ranks of Sol Thero units attempting to make their stand. "Keep an eye on the Coalition units, the enemy is going to have an easier time breaking through."
The Tallgeese Throne readied its buster rifle when Dafina warned, "The ones that aren't nearby have already found a weakness. These confrontations are about to become more close range."
One of the strategists overlooked the situation on the battle map when he warned, "The enemy is attempting to advance. We can't let them near the fleet or we'll be easy targets sir."
Norma ordered the nearest mobile suits, "Mobile suit forces engage the enemy. We must maintain our position to offer the Gundams a chance to move in."
She heard one of the squadron leaders announce, "We copy that Admiral. Moving in."
One of the strategists was able to see from the view of the battlefield that a Sol Thero unit was making its way towards their location when he warned, "They're getting too close! Don't let them towards the ships!"
Norma called for the nearest squad commanding, "Form a perimeter around the flagship of 4th Division!"
It was after that command she saw several blasts come from behind the Sol Theros enough to stop it from firing. The pilots outside seemed to recognize the potential damage when the Leo III kicked it out of the way and away from the deck of their Admiral's ship.
Norma heard a signal from outside assure, "They should be kept within sir. These things are taking a serious beating."
"Leave the rest to the Gundams and our forces outside. We have to hold our own out here." The Admiral commanded.
She heard the leader of the 7th Division announce from his channel, "We've got enemy buildup coming from around the flanks Admiral. They're proving to be a problem out here."
The destruction was confirmed when one of the strategists warned, "They aren't kidding Admiral. We're already reaching nearly 10 percent destruction of our forces."
Norma lamented to herself for a moment, "Even with the Gundams on our side we're already suffering mass losses…" She prepared another command when she said, "Give a request to any Gundams out there to provide us with covering fire. We have to maintain our current position at all costs."
"Donna Lindemann, Gundam Sandesgeist Trabant moving out!"
"Ermes Peacecraft, Gundam Aquarius Wasserman launching!"
"Suchart Nantakarn, Ursa launching!"
"Zachariah Maddox, Ursa launching!"
The Mobile Suits launched out of the battleship to group with the Gundams already out. To catch up the Trabant Booster was used to increase the moving speed. Behind Donna followed several squadrons, Ursas and the OZ forces mustered by her father. Although the majority of the mobile suits were Ursas, there were even sights of outdated Taurus and Leo refitted with space verniers of an Ursa's caliber. "We're all at your disposal Colonel." The leading mobile suit commander told her, dashing next to her in a Leo carrying an old standard of OZ.
"Thank you." She gave her reply. "All forces follow for attack and give support to the Gundams as well!" Her orders were followed when machine gun fire created a diversion that made a Sol Thero use its planet defensor in one direction only to be attacked by the Sandesgeist from another. The next Mobile Doll charged at the Gundam only to have the attack parried and subsequently destroyed with a dober gun fire.
Receiving the battleships' call Ermes gave his reply. "I'll return to reinforce them." He declared, leaving the other Gundams.
Donna also received the call of distress from the battleships. The Zero system allowed her to think of a good order. "Send the Lindemann, Sinclair and Andalusia squadrons with the Aquarius!" She ordered sternly. Without hesitation the ordered squadrons made their move to support the Aquarius.
