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 75: Seeking an Arrow of Light

Cao stepped into the hangar bay and saw the ship medic make his way to meet her. He supported her while she held her right eye as she asked, "How have things progressed out there sir?"

"We're being reminded that we have a war going on out there. That's one thing we couldn't avoid."

"The Gundams?"

The medic tried to overhear some of the chatter among the crew when he answered, "Can't say how many survived but it sounds like one of them went down."

Cao was more concerned when she asked, "Was it the Anaconda?"

The medic shook his head when he answered, "We've got reports its still out there. It's probably going to take more than a few squads to destroy it."

Cao looked down when she entered the depressurization chamber commenting, "Even then someone has lost their life out there. I suppose we had best hope they weren't too close to one another."

The medic sighed in reluctant response, "Even if they weren't, we may have already lost one of our key tactics towards reaching the station."

One of the Coalition squad leaders announced, "Take this!" He managed to find the right shot as he took out one of the final Sol Thero units without the Zero System working for it. He contacted the channel of his squad ordering, "Don't let any of them reach us!"

Dana overlooked the destruction while the Coalition mobile suits made their way back to the fleet. "The final squadrons are making their way here. It shouldn't be long now."

Oleg continued to fire the Golem's gatling guns when he observed their situation, "The enemy seems to be thinning out right now. We might have a chance." He fired towards another three units before he told Dana, "The Tallgeese's pilot was a good one when I worked with her. If I could have helped I would have Captain."

Dana accepted his apology answering, "Some of us are going to take it harder than us. All we can do now is hope this doesn't interfere with our objective." The Artemis prepared its buster rifle a final time before Dana warned to the nearby units, "Here comes another shot!" The beam fired across the battlefield and the Sol Thero units were helpless to defend themselves against the might of the beam. Dana checked her radar when the number of Sol Thero units disappeared from her sight. She ordered the other mobile suits, "That should be all of them. The others are retreating back for now."

The Coalition Captain next to her agreed, "Let's head back to the fleet. We have to be ready in case the Invictus is preparing to defend itself again." With that suggestion many of the Gundams and Coalition mobile suits made their way back to the fleet.


There was still an ongoing hope for the battle of the Sol Invictus to finally come to an end, but the hopes couldn't be seen among those who wanted to give the new capital of the Earth Sphere a chance to continue. The Ursa units that lured the Sol Theros away from Quebec City had been heavily damaged, but they were able to continue their lure away from the destruction of many more. As much as the pilots had hoped to continue with the original plan, there was still one thing that managed to disrupt their plan.

The leading unit of the Sol Theros determined through its programming, 'Enemy units evading confrontation past determined time. Pursuit unnecessary. Return to primary objective.' The Sol Thero units broke their speed when they came to this conclusion and began to make their way back to the original target city.

When the break away from the pursuit began, Keijo warned, "Major! I don't think we have their attention!"

The warning caught Heero's attention when he made a sharp turn with his Ursa and told him, "Begin pursuit!"

Taken aback by his superior's order, Flake followed up and tried all he could to maintain speed with him. Fredric and Daisuke followed behind when Fredric asked, "What the hell is he trying to prove? He can't pull this off!"

Flake acknowledged the state of Heero's mobile suit when he told him, "I don't know anyone who does have a chance."

Fredric acknowledged the situation when he told them, "I know I have a better one!" Before any of them could offer him a warning, Fredric charged ahead of the other Ursas and open fired with his assault rifle.

Daisuke fired towards the Sol Theros while demanding, "Get back here! Don't get in too close!"

Ignoring the order, Fredric continued ahead when he fired on the planet defensors of the nearest one. The leading Sol Thero unit recognized this when it determined through its programming, 'Threat elevated. Eradication necessary.' With this determination, the Sol Thero units open fired with their missiles and gunfire towards their target.

Before anyone could do anything, Fredric's mobile suit erupted in a series of flames and forced everyone to turn away from meeting the same fate. Heero's damaged mobile suit began the first major turn while Daisuke and Flake tried to return to their pursuit. He told them as he made led the way back to the northwest, "Continue with the destination!"

The Ursa units turned away as they hoped to honor Fredric's sacrifice while they checked to see the Sol Theros continue their pursuit. The destruction that just occurred shook Flake when he tried to emphasize the desperation growing upon his squadron when he contacted, "Shit… Shit… Major… We're walking on thin ice here."

Heero maintained his composure when he told him, "I know. This is all we can do right now. The capital has to remain. We need to have something for everyone to return to."

Daisuke overheard the conversation when he lamented, "That's a shitload of optimism. I don't know how the Hell I'm supposed to feel at this point."


Norma saw the enemy mobile suits making their way to the station when she asked, "Do we have the enemy on the run?"

One of the strategists checked the effects of the field when he answered, "It appears they are making their retreat sir. We haven't had another sign of the mobile doll that fired those beams from before. It appears to be resorting to a defensive now."

She saw the battle map display the remaining Coalition battleships firing in the direction of the Sol Invictus only to find them meeting within beams coming from across the field. "Then I suppose that is what our shots have been colliding with."

One of the strategists overlooked the shots being made from the fleet, "Confirmed. It hasn't damaged any of our remaining fleet but by now I wouldn't be surprised if those were its plans."

The other one pointed out, "There's something odd happening with the station sir. The solar panels seem to be folding into themselves."

Norma saw he was right when she noticed the new shape of the Sol Invictus. In the midst of the battle it had not only moved itself to face northwest of its original direction but the closing panels gave it the look of a flower in reverse bloom. The Admiral decided that now was the last chance she would have to end it diplomatically when she ordered, "Bring me a connection with the leader in there."

"I'll see what channel's open sir." It was a few moments before the operator found a channel announcing, "We've got something."

On the view of the deck Norma was face to face with Franz and began her offer, "Mr. Kecker. I see you have been the one behind this. 3 Juno has been destroyed and what remains of my fleet is facing the most dire odds in history. Have you not proven yourself to the human race by now?"
Franz looked over Norma with complete indifference for Norma's question before he answered, "I have not Admiral. The destruction you have witnessed is only the beginning of what will come to pass. The human race witness this as close as possible."

To the dismay of Norma's realization she recognized the true reason the Sol Invicuts had turned. "You are referring to..."

"Yes. Earth." Franz answered. "The people of Earth will see the devastation up close. I do not wish to destroy the planet, but the power of the Sol Invictus will be able to concentrate enough to see that you and the others are among the first people to be killed in the shot. It will be the beginning of humanity's ultimate realization."

Norma didn't choose to divulge him with this question and simply faced him when she asked, "If there's no negotiation then tell us what's happening. What are you trying to gain?"

"I do this because I choose to." Franz answered before he shut off the channel. The Sol Invictus continued to close in front of them

Norma turned to her crew when she announced, "We can assume this man has lost whatever humanity he once had. There will be no further negotiations." She turned to the strategists ordering, "Align the fleet to prepare for a final assault. Be ready to offer whatever support fire we can issue."

One of them objected to the plan, "Admiral if we line up in this formation we'll be within the target range of the station."

Norma shook her head when she answered, "That's the idea. We have to face them one final time before we go down fighting."


Franz shut off the channel when he continued the answer to himself, "Because I choose to. And I hope to see humanity finally see what the true face of destruction is. The more that is destroyed, the more we will detest the idea of seeing more. Even if I am defeated today, I have accomplished my objective." He looked over the panel with the Sol Thero units and lead mobile dolls to find that the squads were not only wiped out but the Thanatos as well.

Amandala observed, "Future generations may be grateful one day. This only marks humanity's first step to freedom." He turned to the computer screen when he ordered, "Deploy the secondary squadrons of Sol Theros. Have the Sol Atlas prepared to resist all fire."

The screen before him displayed an answer, 'Deploying second defense line. Sol Atlas in the lead.'

The next line of Sol Thero units made their way to form a circle around the Invictus's range of fire while the Sol Atlas stood alongside them. The sight gave a stark reminder of what the Coalition fleet would have to face.


Norma saw the enemy prepare itself again and could only struggle to maintain her composure. "They have further reinforcements… Are our forces prepared for another run?"

One strategist overlooked the numbers when he shook his head, "Our forces aren't looking good sir. First we need to reload our units and after that we don't even have the units to make a decent stand."

The other one voiced, "Agreed. We only have 38 squads left and the enemy is back to the numbers it was before. We won't be able to make the same sacrifices from last time."

Norma stood face first into the eye of their destruction when she told them, "If that is the case then we will have to see the Gundams are capable of delivering our final hopes of destroying this thing. We can at least hope that Franz and his men won't assume an offensive. The station will be ready to wipe us out as it is anyway."

The Gundams made their way back to the Executor Rising when several pilots gave their collective regret on the recent losses. Dana cursed her recent luck as she looked into the panels of the Artemis, "Damn it... Damn it all... How much longer before this ends?"

Oleg landed the Golem next to the loading station but didn't bother getting out when he asked himself, "Losing all those numbers. How are we supposed to accept this?" He turned his thoughts to Dafina's defeat when he prayed, "I'm sorry Agent… Dafina… Here I thought I fought at your side for a good reason."

Mercurio was the next to wonder about the recent loss as he wondered to himself, "How was anyone able to accept a day like today?"

Mercurio left the pilot seat of the Uriel when he was ready to give his instructions to the mechanics on reloads and repairs but heard one of the mechanics announce, "Bring it in. There we go." He turned around and saw the white mobile suit that followed his group all the way to this final battle.

"How did the Tallgeese get here?" Mercurio asked himself.

One of the mechanics seemed to overhear this question when he answered, "One of the squads managed to drag it back before the retreat."

Mercurio was reluctant but managed to ask, "Is the pilot in there?"

"Uh... Technically yeah..." He was given a gesture to see the inside of the cockpit and made his way towards it. He moved forward and saw one of the men lift a particular part from the Tallgeese. The crew lifted a frozen upper half of a human body that was stuck in a face of shock. Mercurio gasped when he was forced to see his cousin and felt the weight of a heavy loss more than any other fellow soldier lost in the war. The sight left a bleak mark on Mercurio's mind when he forced himself to one of the nearby hangar bay walls when he tried to hold in his sickness.

With the retreat of the Sol Theros seen Donna was given the luxury of rest but in front of the Tallgeese. "Colonel, we lost more than half our squadrons. We are still capable of providing more of a fight however, it would appear that we still have the opportunity." Rhys informed.

Donna heard him. "We'll get some rest as well then." As she was going to leave, she was unable to leave the fallen Mobile Suit behind. "Please order a squadron to retrieve Dafin- I mean the Tallgeese." She added the request.

Ermes was trying to deny that he lost his sister minutes ago. When her body was being dragged out he ran with dark hope to find her alive. He was hit with the brutal truth to find what remained of his sister being brought out by Coalition crewmen. He took off her helmet to seal her lifeless eyes while hiding his tears. McNeil rushed with a white cloth to cover the unpleasant sight. "Please hand her over to me after the battle." He requested. "I need to bring her back to Mars for a burials she deserves."

Kieran gave a quick nod as a sign of compliance. "I'll get a body bag for you later." He replied before moving away with the body.

Tano was there to see Cao being escorted to for treatment. "She was the victim of the light?" He asked himself. He saw how the Earth Sphere pilots were gathering over the Tallgeese. He sighed when he was able to remember the few interactions he had with Agent Zelma and respected her abilities. He shook his head when he told himself, "Does anyone deserve an end like this?"

Donna averted her eyes at what remained of Dafina trying to look away. "This is the worst I've seen." said one of the OZ soldiers that docked in the Executor Rising. "At least she wasn't vaporized by the reactor explosion." Another one commented. It was this insensitive comment that made Donna briefly lose her mind. She made her way and grabbed the soldier to kick him in the stomach with her knee.

"You do not respect the dead saying things like that!" She yelled, grabbing him by the neck and making sure hers and his helmet brought the message. "If you are a soldier, you would know respects for officers and those that died!"

Suchart tapped Quatre's shoulder to notify him of Donna's corporal action. He quickly moved to stop the scuffle, pushing the insubordinate soldier away. "Donna, stand down!" He ordered with a stern voice.

Donna was trying to keep her frustration in check. "But I had to let him know that it isn't acceptable." She poorly attempted to reason.

Quatre gave a sigh. "Although discipline is important, you can't beat the respect out of your men." He explained. He gave her a slap but the helmet reduced the impact and only made her dizzy. "The goggles were passed on to me by Rashid as a sign of respect. I passed it on to you for the same reason. If you can't be a leader then you're not worthy of the goggles." The harsh lecture was given but being Quatre he found it unnerving of himself to say it.

Donna was left to interpret what her mentor said. She returned to the pilot she was beating earlier. "I'm sorry for the disproportionate action." She apologized. "But remember that the dead are worth respect for what they sacrificed their lives for." She left him alone to return to her Gundam.

Cao looked up to notice the men who were making their way to the infirmary and saw Tano among the observers through her remaining good eye. "Lieutenant, it's good to know you made it out alive."

The medic prepared his vital readings when he reminded, "Right now it sounds like the one who didn't isn't exactly up for discussion."

Cao looked down when she recognized the loss of Dafina and agreed, "You're right. Some of the pilots aren't happy about her passing."

Dana wandered through the halls of pilots requesting medical attention when she cursed to herself, "Damn. Another notice to write up..." She noticed the other mobile suit pilots were next to her when she asked Mercurio, "Yuy. You said your Uncle Milliardo was her father right?"

He looked up when he answered, "... Yeah. That's him Captain."

"I'll be sure to write up the notice to him. It sounds like Ermes is going to need it for his return."

"Yeah..." He turned to look at the row of pilots healing themselves when he lightly commented to himself, "At least hoping we make it out of this."


Norma observed the numbers on the battle map when she tried to figure out the next strategy and swiping her forehead of sweat. "What is the current medical condition of our pilots?"

One of the operators reported, "A good number of them were exposed to the light radiation from the beams earlier. They must have been strong enough to induce blindness. As it is we may have to swap some of our battle station crew for pilots. That's how problematic their condition is."

"If we're going to continue making this desperate of a struggle then we probably will have to go down to the last pilot remaining."

One of the strategists added, "If we must then it is our final hope in making an attempt to save the human race for further destruction."

The other agreed, "I'm sure anyone can tell from here that if we stay here we're finished and if we make our move we'll probably die faster."

Norma emphasized the need for success when she answered, "Either way the latter is the best option. The people who suffered Kecker's judgment at Lagrange Point 2 were enough to cement his reputation as an enemy of humanity. And we cannot let him free to whatever plan he wants done."

One of the strategists picked up on this conviction when he reported, "Refueling and repairs are underway Admiral. Should be pretty soon. Hopefully before the Invictus finishes its transformation process."


Mercurio entered the holding area for the mobile suit pilots when he found one of the only pilots who managed to survive the recent ordeal. He greeted Zachariah, "I guess you had the chance to see the line out there."

"Hey Mercurio. Yeah there's not a whole lot of room for the infirmary. We're just lucky we don't need it."

Mercurio noticed the regret "Sounds like you've just lost someone."

"Yeah, just the typical stuff about a post battle situation."

"Are you feeling responsible for the recent casualties?"

Zachariah shook his head when he answered, "I don't even know how to feel about this."

"About Dafina's passing?"

Zachariah took a breath when he heard this request before confessing, "She took out several of our guys when we were trying to get to Brussels and then she turns out to be someone you knew. Right after that there were some guys talking about getting her when her back was turned."

Mercurio looked out the window to the hangar bay when he asked, "You didn't choose to though. Was it because of what happened after we took back the capital or was it because you found she was trying to redeem herself?"

"The guys back home will tell you it was the first choice. I want to think some of us had faith in the second one but I don't even know how many people will allow that kind of forgiveness."

"After the taking of Brussels I briefly cursed myself for not having even endured a loss of this scale. I almost lost my mother but it was averted... I wonder if I could ever face Uncle Milliardo now?"

"If you ever do meet him one day, just try and remember he knowingly sent his kids into a war. The odds of coming back alive were not in anybody's favor."

"I was lucky to see Keijo and the others make it all the way to St. Johns. He probably thinks the same as I do right now."

"I can tell you from experience that Roy was my pal and Ludwika was one of a kind. Unfortunately this whole thing has been affecting all of us. You see what's happened to Suchart?"

"I guess not. But I take you it you think he has the same idea on Dafina's involvement in our squad."

"Yeah at least I hope so." Zachariah craned is neck to observe the ceiling above when he asked, "Well the Sol Invictus is still out there and I think we have a mission ahead of us. Do you think you can handle a do or die situation this time?"

Mercurio corrected him, "Most of our missions have been based on a life or death situation. Unfortunately we can't afford to lose this time when there's so many more people at stake."

"I saw you give your last assurances to Dafina and Donna before you left. You didn't part with Donna just for the heck of it did you?"

Mercurio was looked down with some regret answering, "No. I only wanted to let her know about me before we left."

"So you gave her the right idea right?"

"I think so. I thought she still wanted Ermes at her side."

"We got lucky this time. You should go to her before we go out there again."

Mercurio picked himself up from the wall when he agreed, "I don't have much to lose at this rate. May as well."


The battle at the site of the Sol Invictus was far from over, but many of the pilots who managed to survive everything their enemies offered had already felt they had endured the most trying battle they could endure. The destruction brought about by the Sol Atlas was enough to shatter what morale they had when they questioned if their hopes could still have anything to fall back on. After seeing the defeat of their greatest asset in giving a fighting chance however, this had become the question that everyone was wondering.

Upon the bridge of the Executor Rising, Norma surveyed the field that the remainder of her fleet was about to approach when she asked, "Has the remainder of our numbers been accounted for? Do we still have a fighting force ready to stand out there?"

One of the strategists read off a report of the numbers on a screen when he answered, "Technically speaking, we do have people prepared to fight Admiral. Questioning their ability to serve now? I don't think it's something that we can rectify."

The other strategist confirmed the blow to their progression when he reminded, "Seeing so much of our fleet wiped out is one thing to account for. Seeing one of the Gundams fall at the hands of the enemy is another. I'm afraid the worse part is that it was the one that was leading our units to give them a fighting chance."

"We face an unfortunate disadvantage. If we are going to make our way further into the face of the enemy, we cannot expect that it will be done without losing more lives."

"Do we have anything that can replicate the effect of the virus out there? Can Instructor W offer us an answer?"

"Contacting him right now."

The monitor filled with the image of Quatre when he saw Norma waiting for him as he asked, "Admiral. You're requested me?"

Norma nodded when she asked, "Instructor, reports I've come to understand tell me that you and a man by the name of Gawel Majewski were able to provide key technological assistance for the Rogue Wings. Can you please offer just a little assistance with this upcoming assault?"

Quatre considered the options when he answered, "I potentially could. I suppose it would give us the advantage we needed to have a fighting chance."

"You might have heard earlier that we only have 45 minutes to prepare for the next attack. Once you are complete, prepare to have it transmitted here immediately."

"Right away Admiral."

The signal cut off when Quatre began his work while Norma heard one of her strategists warn, "Admiral, I don't think sending another Gundam out to the Sol Theros face to face is the best idea we can go with. Especially if it's something they're likely to expect now."

Norma turned to one of the operators when she ordered, "That's why we have to try something else entirely. Patch me through to Colonel Lindemann right away."

"Patching through."

Donna answered the call when she saw Norma while other pilots ran through the background preparing for the coming final encounter. She brushed her hair aside when she asked, "Admiral? You need something?"

"Yes Colonel. I am hoping that you might be able to convince your men to go above their duty in this hour and provide us with the assistance we need to win."

"The Vengeance is a rather insignificant ship compared to everything the Coalition has left. I'm not sure it can do much."

"It's our hope that we might be able to move forward with a plan to disperse a new wave of the virus by having something that isn't a Gundam disrupt the systems of the Sol Theros. The Vengeance might be able to fulfill that."

Donna paused before considering what Norma was asking her to consider. She tried to avoid any possible confrontation with the plans when she warned, "I think the men might have an issue with accepting that idea Admiral. They are already facing issues with the current battle we struggled so hard to come out of just now."

Deciding there was nothing left to achieve, Norma accepted the answer when she told Donna, "Understandable. Please continue with your preparations."

Caught off guard by the decision, Donna quickly requested a question when she asked, "Admiral, you intend to continue one with this plan anyway?"

Norma kept herself from turning off the signal when she heard the question and refocused her attention to Donna when she answered, "I feel that it is our best chance of winning this final battle Colonel. One of our carriers might even be able to take and offer more damage and the crew will be more prepared for it."

Donna tried to prevent the plan when she asked, "But the casualties are going to be much higher if they are overwhelmed by the enemy won't they?"

"That is something we were prepared to face when we learned how powerful the mobile dolls were. But dying without trying to achieve victory is a worse plan than choosing to accept a likely outcome spelling defeat."

There was a sense of desperation growing within Donna when she recognized how serious Norma was about moving forward with her plan. It seemed that there was nothing she could do to prevent this idea from being attempted. It was the most likely chance that everyone had in order to even the odds and losing another Gundam was something that no one wanted to see repeated unless it would guarantee victory. The only question that remained now was if either she or Norma could do anything to minimize the potential death that was about to be demanded.

Attempting to act upon the best option ahead of her, Donna presented an offer when she offered, "I must ask you of one favor Admiral. We still have time before we attack, allow me to convince the men to collect themselves and accept the idea of this plan."

Norma looked to her side when she reminder herself how much time she had before the final attack was about to pass. She asked, "You believe you can still acquire that sort of support even after what has just happened?"

Donna attempted to maintain her professional demeanor when she tried to offer a reason for her cooperation, "These men did not arrive all this way just to be cowards. They are here to be something the human race can respect. They have a duty to fulfill and they can only do so when they remember what cause they are fighting for."

The conviction made Norma pause when she heard the reasoning and recognized the desire she had within her. Donna was a woman who offered a deceivingly meek demeanor about her, but there was a dedication to her duty that took precedence over whatever fears that she might have unintentionally revealed. It was a personality that made Norma remind herself that she could not afford to judge anyone off of how they acted, but on what results they could offer.

Norma gave a salute when she praised, "Spoken like a true leader Colonel. I respect that a great deal. I'll give you the time you need, but we don't have a lot of it. Prepare to move out once the signal is given. Hopefully we'll be able to see you out there reminding these machines what we're truly capable of."

Donna returned the salute when she agreed, "As do I Admiral."

With the signal cut off, Donna changed to the Vengeance as she waited for Rhys to hear her out. It wasn't long before she saw him appear and ask, "Colonel. You wish for another update report?"

Donna brushed the offered update aside when she told him, "I'm afraid there is little that we are going to be able to accomplish with that now. However it is a matter of preparing for what will likely be our final charge into the enemy. Something that might be able to give us the advantage that we might not be able to replicate a second time."

"If it is to better our chances of victory, we are prepared to answer."

"The viral dispersing for interfering with the Zero System of the Sol Theros. We might be able to have a chance if we send someone out there to lead the charge like Dafina did before she met her end. Unfortunately we are worried about potentially losing another Gundam. If we are going to prioritize our chances of winning, we must have an alternative way to execute this plan."

As soon as Rhys heard the plan, he paused when he considered everything that he was being asked to handle. It would be possible for the Vengeance ot get close enough for the virus dispersing to be effective, but against the enemy he was asked to face it had become a daunting challenge. Rhys sighed before answering, "I believe I can recognize what you might be hoping to achieve Colonel. If no one else is going to offer their service for this task, I can confirm that I will be the one to volunteer."

Realizing that Rhys was doing everything he could to avoid any further concern about the plan working, she tried to assure him, "The Admiral does indeed worry about losing more men. Even so she was prepared to send in a battleship to accomplish what you are agreeing to now. Do you feel that you are still a proper choice for considering this mission?"

Rhys looked to his side when he reflected on Donna's concern before telling her, "That is a trait I can admire in her. If I might ask of you a favor colonel, it is that you would have the decency to inform her that she will not have to her men will be able to rest assured their chances of survival are going to be better than they might be thinking. That is something that I will have to prove myself however. I can assure you that we will strive to keep our survival as a priority, but this mission will still be a success so long as we dedicate ourselves."

Hearing the dedication Rhys had for executing the plan, Donna tried to remind him of the real danger that was ahead of everyone when she told him, "I have to be honest, I really don't want to give this sort of command. I just don't know how well people can be with the idea of sending others to their death when the odds continue to seem so impossible."

"It is the responsibility of all leaders colonel. It is something that I have dealt with on Earth and it's something that I've been prepared to follow on with this final assault. If the remainders of OZ are going to be remembered for anything, ensure that it is for acts that are of benefit to all the human race and not to any one individual."

"You honor us all with your dedication to what must be done admiral. I'm sure that Admiral Miles will be relieved to hear that there will be an advantage for us in the end. It won't be long before we begin our next charge towards the station. Be ready for that final charge when it is asked of us."


As Dafina's remains were sealed the possessions were put in separate bags by the medics. One of them stood out when a medic recognized what may have been a necessity for a blood relative. He was grateful the information was made public at this point in the war. He met with Ermes and presented a slip of paper to him, "Mr. Peacecraft. I believe you may want a look at this." No one was able to learn what Dafina's true objective was until the message was found reading, 'Ermes. If you have received this message, please carry out father's wish. Destroy the Tallgeese once and for all.'

Ermes took the message to his heart. "I will sis." He vowed, his tears becoming droplets in low gravity. He turned away from the medical bay before seeing Tano make his way up to him. To his surprise, Ermes saw Tano offer his hand in condolence.

"I didn't know much about Dafina." Tano told him. "But she died doing her duty." It also made him wonder if his death will be in vain with the Coalition effectively dead. "I'm sure the Gundam pilots will fight to take her place because she showed us what's more at stake."

Ermes nodded and accepted Tano's hand when he told him, "If this continues, she will have the opportunity to make one final contribution to this chaos. Most importantly, to end this legacy in the best possible way." He brushed the ones still on him away before going to Kieran in the hangar bay. "Excuse me, is there a high mobility vernier that can used for the Tallgeese?"

"Aye, I should have one somewhere but your Gundam is fast enough," Kieran answered.

"I was thinking of an improvised explosive." Ermes confirmed. "I want the Tallgeese to be used as an explosive that can render the Sol Invictus inoperable if done right."

Kieran was impressed with what he heard. "Let me see if there's an analysis available yet." He ended the conversation. "But if there isn't any weakness it can be used to destroy a good number of those Mobile Dolls."

Tano agreed to the plan when he told Ermes, "If there is anyone who can accomplish what needs to be done, we certainly have one man behind the scenes who is able to accomplish it."

Kieran crossed his arms when he nodded and told him, "I wish I could do more. But maybe some of the guys out there can be skilled enough to fully utilize everything we have here."

Many of the mobile suit pilots still alive were gathered into a meeting room where Dana waited for their arrival with Gawel hearing about the recent results. "I guess this solves a moral dilemma some of us had… Next time I'm feeling suicidal let me bring that up." Dana gave a brief nod when she promised him.

Once the Gundam pilots were gathered she gave the report, "Listen up everyone. We have to be ready for the next assault if we are sent out. The fact is the Sol Invictus is out there still and as long as we're in its way we have the chance to stop this sort of destruction from happening. Times are tough and we've endured a lot of losses. But we were trained to prepare for this day. We've been conditioned to prepare for do or die situations. And the fact is we're being given the roughest one in recent human history. I can't bother making a rousing speech this time around or promise we'll all come back alive. For right now though, let's get our heads in the game. The fact remains we can either let Kecker win this next one and take us with him or we can stop whatever he's trying to pull."

Most of the pilots agreed with, "Yes sir."

Dana nodded to their conviction when she ordered, "Be ready as soon as the repairs and refuels are done. Minimum of 45 minutes. I'll let you know when the Admiral has the next say."

After the meeting Mercurio found the chance to meet with Donna again. He introduced, "Donna… About last time, I apologize if I did anything you objected to. I want to end this upcoming battle with a clear conscience and I have no intention of ending anything with anyone on bad terms."

Donna looked at Mercurio. "It's fine." She brushed off. "Your kiss... It kind of made me realize that you didn't want to die with regrets either. It woke my eyes that all along you loved me as well." She felt that Ermes knew about Mercurio's feelings for her. "With how I became a pilot through politics I thought I would be left out but I was wrong. You saw me as an equal and not some princess of fairytale." She was the need to say one last thing. "Please don't die." She asked of him.

"We certainly didn't have that kind of luxury did we?" He agreed to her place as a pilot. When she recognized his real reason for this conversation he confirmed, "I was worried you thought I might have taken advantage of a moment like this. Or I suppose for what you've been worried about." At her final request Mercurio gave a brief gaze into her eyes. There was no need for an answer when the two had their promise made right in that moment. It was a short silence before he embraced her into a kiss and permitted that moment to be their sealed moment of trust.

Donna was off-guard again with Mercurio's kiss but it was the reply for the promise. The pilot left for Sandesgeist again to join and lead the battle once more.

Ermes saw how the two interacted when Tano told him, "Looks like you were right. She has more than just a few things to return to Earth for."

Ermes confirmed the observation, "I was talking about him." He continued his way towards the hangar bay when he gave a small prayer to his cousin, "You're a better man than I, Mercurio Yuy. Please take care of her."

He saw Kieran make his way up to him with some news. "I got the verniers on the Tallgeese." He reported. "But to send it off to explode you will have to remote control it."

Ermes nodded when he heard the preparations that were made. "That will still work." He replied. "I will give it a worthy sendoff." He returned to his Gundam shortly after.

Cao found one of the nearby captains evaluating his line of troops he had when she asked, "Have the sniper squadrons managed to rally themselves to support the flagship?"

He turned to her answering, "We've got a decent number of them. Unfortunately we don't have the quality right now. Most of them haven't even touched a mobile suit outside of repairs."

She understood this and found one of the newly picked pilots who seemed less than happy about going in. She ordered him, "Private. Please return to the battle stations of the broadside cannons. They need you there more than me."

The man didn't show any protest when he saluted, "If... If you say so." He went off to the hallways when he was given the room.

The captain tried to understand her decision, "You're dedicated to remaining out there then? We don't exactly have the time to replace your condition."

Cao confronted this concern when she promised, "I still have one good eye. It should be all I need to hit the right spot against those things."

The captain saluted to her when he agreed, "In that case we certainly could do better with the best. Good luck out there Private."


One of the strategists overlooked the final battlefield and announced, "We have deployed our entire remaining mobile suit forces Admiral. It's an all or nothing campaign now."

Norma had herself braced in her commanding seat when she ordered, "It's time to see our efforts pay off for something. See that the OZ mobile suits are given their support and prepare to fire all broadside cannons."

"Roger that sir. We'll have as many survivors come out of this as possible."

The other strategist maintained his pessimism when he commented, "If there are to be any today."


"Their desperate last act has begun." Franz saw as the last remaining number of Coalition mobile suits made their way to the superweapon. The Gundams were about to lead them in tow and knew this would be the definitive final battle between his forces and this first attempt to break the Invictus. He turned to the computer when he ordered, "Prepare the Sol Atlas to lead the forces. Don't let any of the mobile suits reach within range."

The computer screen displayed the Sol Atlas in progress of being charged and up to battle standards before the computer screen confirmed, 'Engaging all primary defenses.' He saw his battle map display the Sol Thero units make their way around the entrance of the Sol Invictus that had been formed. It had now become an eye of hell gazing its imposing might upon the far-off distant home planet.

"Before me now stand only mere insects who hope to avert this progress." Franz told himself.

Amandala warned, "Insects can be more than mere distractions."

Franz agreed, "Even if they are not, they must face their judgement. If they should be the shining examples they see themselves or if they are as helpless as they truly are."


The 45 minutes it took for the final preparations passed when Dana ordered the pilots, "Let's get ready to move out. The enemy has begun to rally around our position and we'll be facing the same numbers as before."

Zachariah saw the others preparing for the launch when he made his way towards his Ursa asking, "I take it it's not going to be easy like last time is it?"

"Without the virus system it's about to be a little piece of hell in space. If we're lucky the Gundams should be able to handle them."

"I'll be out there to offer what support I can sir."

"Just don't try anything heroic."

The conversation was cut short when a voice on the intercom reminded the pilots in waiting, "All pilots prepare for launch. All pilots prepare for launch."

Mercurio had his space suit prepared when the minutes began to count down towards the next attack on the Sol Invictus. He saw Dana standing next to the Artemis in bird mode when he asked, "Captain. With your permission, I'd like to see Architect I's message a final time."

Dana considered the request and decided it wasn't going to be anything demanding when she answered, "Sure thing."

Mercurio found the message system within Artemis's cockpit when he added a fingerprint scanner installed back on Earth. As soon as he found the message a holographic message of Architect I standing before him. "Mercurio. If you have received this message, I am gone. For whatever reason I have gone down with the intention of revealing those in the Earth Sphere who have attempted to insight this new war we are now part of. When we last met it seemed that you would be loyal to the Earth Sphere until the very end. Understand that if you are to one day face the Earth Sphere leadership with the truth that I have so far uncovered, there will be many who would rather see you dead than see peace return. As I have implied before however, I will not live to see this day come around. There is however one hope I have maintained since my days here. The hope that there are children of the past who do everything to maintain what was accomplished even if it is done by destroying some successes made in their time." As he lifted his hand the Architect showed the plans of the twin buster rifle just recently used in the battle from before. "These are plans for the Artemis Twin Buster Rifle. These plans will give you the means to defend yourself against any number of enemies who will challenge you and will mark the past coming to our period in full circle." He dropped his hand when he continued and delivered a final piece of his message, "As far as what we have seen in this past decade Mercurio, I wish to leave you with a question. Are you fit to be a successor to the achievements made in the past or are you merely a shadow? Regardless of your answer, will your place in this war be enough to make others see what it is that you have longed to achieve for humanity? Will you consider this as your mission in life and see it as the true reason to end conflict?" The message faded from the cockpit.


Mercurio prepared himself in the cockpit when he answered to his launch confirmation, "Mission Accepted." With the launch given the Artemis in bird mode took off from the launch bay and Mercurio immediately entered the request for Zero System. It was mere seconds before the control systems and maneuvers were imprinted into his mind and the Gundam was prepared to begin its next encounter. The Sol Theros waited for him around the weapon while the assault began.

Gawel was in shock when he heard the news from Zachriah asking, "Seriously? Yuy and the Captain switched Gundams?"

"That's what I got to see."

"Hope nobody was bluffing about how Zero System is supposed to turn pilots into super soldiers in an instant."

"I don't think that's the only thing." Zachriah said as he watched the Artemis closing. "I'm thinking he's heading in out there about to realize something he didn't have a chance to strive for." He prepared his own Ursa when he reminded, "Get ready for the launch. Support the sniper squadrons at the left broadside."

Gawel had his Ursa closing when he confirmed, "I got the mission."

The Golem made its way to the launching bay when Oleg announced, "The Golem is ready to lead."

The Uriel was next when Dana reported, "Captain Houston here. Uriel is taking off."

Zachriah had his Ursa prepared alongside Gawel's when he followed, "Maddox here. Heading out with Majewski to support the snipers."

"Form up on me. This is Private Nhung. I'll make sure the new guys have their support." Cao reminded them.

The final assembly of Coalition and OZ mobile suit squadrons made their way towards the Sol Invictus and made a defiant flight towards Kecker's defenses. Mercurio saw the enemy forces before him and announced to the gathering forces, "We're heading out now. And we're not alone!" He said this as he felt the powers of the past coming forth to his support. Architect I's hope had some merit where there was a new generation, it would be up to him to maintain the progress of the old. He heard this through every pilot who brought forth their promise.

Dana promised to the enemy, "It's too bad those mobile dolls can feel fear. They're about to see why we made it this far." She said this and the spirit of Duo Maxwell resonated through her.

Oleg answered his entry, "They want to make a final stand against us? I'm not letting them have a chance to return and stroke Franz's ego." He said this and the spirit of Trowa Barton resonated through him.

With the new order to launch Suchart thought about how he came far. "Guys, we'll avenge you. Watch okay?" He thought.

Donna gave her prayers before the launch. "I will make sure nobody suffers a life of deceit again." She promised to the heavens. She prepared herself for the battle as the spirit of Quatre Winner resonated through her.

"Whichever way the winner writes history and justice." Tano thought. There was a surging feeling through him when he felt the spirit of Chang Wufei resonate through him.

"Please watch over us sis." Ermes prayed. "I'll make sure to survive on your stead."

Quatre found that the new Gundam pilots now carried on the will of the previous generation of pilots. "I trust you." He thought about Donna. "You are all the new guard."

As the pilots launched the OZ units followed as well. "Colonel we're still going to fight alongside you." Stuart reported. "I also heard you've beaten the respect out of a guy."

"I did." She verified. "But I was impulsive."

The veteran remembered how she's new the role of a large leadership. "But for a new senior officer you're doing well."

Tano observed how the Coalition Mobile Suits were prepared for the last stand with some information on pilots with little to no experience. "The Gundams will have to be the trailblazer." He thought.

"This will be our final mission..." Mercurio said this and the spirit of Heero Yuy resonated through him. "... If peace is the result of conflict, then this conflict has reached its end!" The Artemis flew forward and fired its buster rifle at the nearest Sol Thero units.

The Sol Thero units moved forward in squadrons as they prepared for the defense. The broadside cannons of the Coalition fleet took their shots only to find them being blocked by the shields of the Sol Thero units while the offense had begun. Cao pointed to her squadron, "Aim at their defensor units. We'll have an opening once they're taken out."

The Sagittarius units found one of the Sol Thero units deploy its planet defensors and found the proper opportunity to fire. With the simultaneous shots the shields were taken out leaving one of the Sol Thero units open to be destroyed. One of the pilots pointed out, "Looks like our guys have a chance now. Those shields have become easier to break."

Cao encouraged them, "Be sure to keep doing it. If we make the job easier out here we'll reach our final outcome easier."

Dana had the Zero System brief her on the capabilities her new Gundam was capable of and found the first targets making their way towards her. "Looks like that's what the Uriel has to offer." She said as she shifted Zero System into combat mode. "Let's see what you have girl!" The Uriel took its buster sword into shield mode and threw it to several nearby Sol Thero units while it avoided the missiles and gunfire from every direction. "Not bad. Could use a bit more maybe." The Zero System warned of three Sol Theros coming in from behind when she used the Testudo cannon to fire on the surprise attack. "Oh right. I can do that." She saw several explosions appear from behind on her radar when she commented, "And it looks like the help doesn't hurt either."

Oleg warned. The Golem was filled with missiles again and it would prove to be the great destroyer many feared it would become. "Be sure to stay on your six Captain. These things want to take every opening they can find."

"And the ones we don't even think are possible." Dana agreed. "Move back to the fleet and keep the enemy from advancing."

Norma oversaw the battle begin on the battle map when she requested, "Report on our current status."

One of the strategists answered, "We've got the battle underway sir. We outnumber the enemy three to one and they're still taking us down like we aren't doing anything."

Norma denied the evaluation when she answered, "I Doubt that's actually happening. Our sniper forces have been able to take out their shields. Our broadside cannons should have the opening to hit the station."

The other strategist overlooked the line of Sol Theros around the station when he promised, "The Artemis is making another pass sir. It looks like it's ready to fire on the enemy again." A group of enemy units had disappeared when he reported, "Confirmed. An opening to the enemy station has been found."

Norma turned to the operators when she ordered, "Fire all broadside cannons! Start the job for them!"

A voice range through the halls of the Executor Rising ordering, "All broadside cannons fire at these coordinates!"


The newfound sense of conviction that had been found within the crew of the Vengeance was a shaky one as the small battleship began to lead the charge towards the enemy that was about to be seen. Though they had seen devastation before, there was now a growing sense of dread for what was about to come when more of it was inevitably going to be achieved soon. The knowledge of this was present among the entire crew as they managed their operations with little enthusiasm for what they were about to face.

Rhys knew that this was a concern for his men when he heard one of the nearby operators announce, "The Gundams are right behind us Admiral."

Rhys rubbed his chin when he prepared himself and announced, "For those on Earth and for those who need us now. There are fewer honors that can be worth considering."

Another one of the operators next to him warned, "Perhaps there are. I don't know if the men will be able to maintain themselves in this critical hour."

The state of worry that threatened to take hold of everyone was something Rhys knew that he could not allow to happen again. Even if Donna was to continue leading him into battle, he knew he had to be the personal leader his men needed him to be. Keeping a view of the incoming Sol Theros in front of him, Rhys stood up from his chair when he announced to everyone, "We are here to prove that the human race is a force to be reckoned with! We have a legacy to fulfill! Prove that we are the men that need to be seen out there today!"

There was no display of encouragement to come form the announcement, but the crew looked forward when they saw the incoming threat. One of the operators knew their mission was at hand when he announced, "Here they come. Prepare to disperse the virus."

Rhys saw the volley of fire and missiles head his way when he ordered, "Prepare all shields! We must keep them in range!"

As the order was given, the Sol Theros continued their way towards the Vengeance before they dispersed after seeing the shuttle take every shot that was offered. The shields were holding, but the interior had begun to shake from the force that was rocking the crew inside. Rhys and everyone next to him saw the mobile dolls fire upon them but saw the Coalition forces arriving within range before they offered their series of firings.

The concern only began to grow when Rhys heard one of his operators announce, "Admiral, we are coming in close! Sol Theros are coming in from everywhere!"

Recognizing the danger he was in, Rhys requested, "Get me a line with the colonel!" It was only a short while before Rhys made contact with Donna and saw her face on the screen when he announced, "Colonel Lindemann, we require your assistance!"

Donna heard this and agreed, "Hang on! I've got it now!"

The Sandesgeist Trabant moved towards the Vengeance as it sliced away at one Sol Thero with ease and rushed away from the explosion before destroying another one. What difficulty there might have been in such a battle before was no longer existent when the Gundam began to force the mobile dolls away from the shuttle. The only thing that rocked the Vengeance now was a series of eruptions that threw them away from a linear course, but were still able to find their way towards the gathering of enemy units.

The growing number of explosions that occurred outside the shuttle managed to give the crew on board a reason to feel invigorated for what they were accomplishing. The man next to Rhys looked over the holographic map when he announced, "We're making our way in admiral! The Sol Theros are being affected!"

As the Sandesgeist took the lead in front of the Vengeance, Rhys saw the Golem and Uriel follow behind when he recognized how much work he had in front of him. He encouraged to his men, "Don't stop! We have to make it through for our forces to stand a chance!"


Franz saw the attack begin and the odds began to seem more equal in the eyes of his enemy. "Perhaps they are about to pass these defenses sooner than expected. Either way I have sealed my fate. This final encounter is only the next necessary step towards progress." He promised himself. Franz turned to the computer monitor when he ordered, "Defend the Invictus. Have all Sol Thero forces on the offensive but do not permit the enemy to have their way through."

The computer screen confirmed the order displaying, 'Engaging Sol Atlas defensive maneuvers.'

The Sol Atlas had its systems prepared but had its programming changed to a defensive mode. It saw the battleships from far off preparing to fire and thanks to the Zero System was able to determine where they were about to hit. Instead of the previous long beams utilized, the red mobile doll folded its hands back and fired beams of light from the emptiness of its arms. The Sol Atlas moved towards the opening made by the Artemis and began to fire its cannons with the projected hits.


The desperation rose in the air of the Executor Rising's bridge when one of the strategists pointed out, "Admiral, it's no good. The enemy is meeting our hits with theirs."

The other one agreed, "That red mobile doll out there is interfering with our shots. We have to see it taken down."

Norma turned to her broadcasting channel when she ordered the mobile suit forces, "Attention all available mobile suits. Focus fire on the red mobile doll, we need to get past it."

Cao was among the first to receive the order when she agreed, "Roger that." Her unit prepared a clip and found the red target where the Artemis was doing its work. She fired the Sagittarius rifle towards the mobile doll and found the target not bothering to move. What might have been a moment of success was quickly dashed as soon as her group saw the result of the volley. The shots only left a small dent on the armor of the Sol Atlas as it continued to fire at nearby mobile suits and projected battleship shots. Cao warned the bridge, "It doesn't look like it's any good. That armor is able to withstand our shots."