The scene is somber as the funeral procession makes its way across the main thoroughfare for the ruined city of Canberra. As the residents of the Meldney Complex start to gather outside beneath, Seph is standing in his office, his teeth gritted as he turns away from the scene. After everything he had done... they had abruptly killed the kid.

Some part of him wants to do nothing more than nuke Panem, but instead he whirls around and punches the wall with a scream of fury. His left hand aches, and he relishes in the pain. No one feels the shame and regret more than he, because to him, Panem is too far gone from their old ideals. His mind is awhirl in thoughts of DeWynter, and he wishes he could strangle the woman with his bare strength, as he is much stronger. But no doubt that would cause a worldwide incident. A situation he does not want. And yet... he desperately wants to show Panem the real legacy that made America stronger than they are now.

He feels tears streaking down his cheek, and he is panting heavily. His optic flares red in his fury and he tries to calm himself down, but his mind is focused on trying to figure out ways to knock Panem off their high horse. A drive that is far stronger than it has been in the past.

Seph just wants to show Panem that they are not superior...

And he would gladly give his life to show it.

The door to the office slides open and he turns to look at his wife and friends and allies as they enter. Each of them has the same look of rage and fury in their eyes, but also a somber look on their faces.

"Let me guess... You blokes feeling the same?" he asks.

Sister Nina nods. "Yes. The boy has been welcomed by the Lord, but..." Her eyes are glacier hard. "Panem..."

"I know..." Seph mutters. "We have to do something... and knock them off their high horses..."

(The scene shows a small flame before darkness snuffs it out. But a small ember burns...)

Hikari ga tsudzuku... ! (The ember is blown away, becoming one of many as the sun begins to rise beyond a war-torn town.)

Hikari ga tsudzuku... ! (The light from the sun overcomes the camera and it fills the screen before fading to show the skyline of Sydney and the name of the series.)

Yami ga sono tochi o shuchō suru kamo shirenai (The image flares before it shows two people trapped in a ruined structure in what was once Shanghai. They are both shaking and are wounded from shrapnel.)

Shikashi, kibō wa enjo no te o kasu (A pair of explosions rocks the area and they huddle and whimper before someone lifts the debris off the two of them. It is a group of Australian soldiers.)

Sekai ga kawaru to (The soldiers help the two children to their feet before one of them grabs a grenade and throws it at some bandits coming to pillage. The grenade explodes before the debris falls away, exposing the ruins of Europe, Marshal Sergei Kudryavtsev's image over the continent, King Lawrence III opposing him over Europe as well.)

Furui risō wa moe tsudzukeru (The scene is engulfed in a bright flash as it shows Korean soldiers storming through city ruins in what was once Seoul, South Korea, carrying Panemian weaponry as rebels fight back desperately. Above them is Ahn Sun Pok, her face twisted into a sneer as she holds her hands upwards, as if mocking the world's helplessness. Behind her is the Panemian Vice President while President Kane is off to the side, gazing at the sky.)

Kieru hikarinonakade (With a wave of her hand, she commands the forces to open fire on rebel positions. Missiles rain down, the black smoke engulfing the area before it is blown aside by a hoverplane.)

Kurayami ga hirogaru ni tsurete (The hoverplane is painted in Arabian colors, and on top of the imposing palace is Muthasim V, the sultan. He looks back as it fades to a map, showing the Egyptian Union breaking away from them. But then it shows the country turning a bluish green as it fades to show a new figure in the shadows.)

Watashitachi no kibō wa tsudzukudeshou (The figure holds up its right arm before it lunges out, coming into the light to reveal Seph Matthews as he swings his beam saber mounted onto his right arm, cutting through a bandit before spinning and cleaving another's gun in two, following up with a left hook leaving him dazed. He turns, his left optics lens flaring red as it engulfs the screen.)

Watashitachi ga mada ikite iru kagiri (The light fades to show three other members, all of them gathered around in front of the Meldney Complex. To the left is Japanese Empress Yuki Minaguma. To the right is Filipino President Gueo Largina. And in the middle is Taiwanese President Chae Yang Un. Behind them the flag of the Australian Confederation flutters before the camera zooms in on it, only for it to fall away.)

Un, hikari ga tsudzuku! (The image of Sydney is revealed, above it Seph and his fellow leaders side by side with the sun behind them, the Australian Confederation flag above them all as the series name appears below them.)

Chapter 11: Angels of the Future

Location: Meldney Complex, Australia

Time: 1800 hours

Date: Saturday, 17 June, 0139 AF (2158 AD)

The room is tense as the group sits around the table, their eyes fixed on the center as an image rotates above them. "This is it, mates," Seph says. "We have to figure out a way to knock Panem off their high horses... and take down DeWynter's pride and ultranationalism. This is our next objective."

"But how can we do that without risking a fourth war?" Tina asks.

Empress Minaguma nods. "I agree. We need a plan that we can use..."

President Un looks at the group seriously. "And one that can show we are capable of working with others."

President Largina is silent, but the way his eyes flicker indicate he is dead serious. "And one that will not risk war."

Sister Nina nods. Her eyes shimmer as she looks at her friends. "Any ideas then?" she asks.

Martha shifts in her seat. "The only way I can see it, is that we have to try and figure a way to get there before they do. Or..." She sighs heavily. "We risk it."

"Hell no!" Hunter barks. His eyes are hard as he stands up. "We're not risking using what pre-Apocalypse satellites we were able to save!"

"At least you were able to save the top secret ones?" Seph asks as he looks at his Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman.

Hunter nods as he sits back down. "Yes. We were able to save them, as well as forty percent of the remaining pre-Apoc satellites. But we're taking a risk even maintaining them in orbit. We'll need a better plan if we're to keep an eye on the Games..." he muses. "As it stands, it could lead to another war..."

"Or an occupation again," Tina muses. She looks up. "Our best bet is to rebuild the facility, but underground."

"Already on that, mate," Hunter says as he looks at her. "The good news is that they're willing to do it again, which is surprising, but I'm not complaining. This time though we'll also build a civilian one dedicated to monitoring the weather in the region. So we'll have two, but one will be a cover for the real deal beneath the city."

The President nods. "All right. That'll be good for us. Next we need to figure out a way to knock Panem off their high horses."

Hunter's eyes narrow. "Well... there is that Message..." he begins.

"So? What about it? Even I can't deduce the correct interpretation," Sister Nina admits. "I have been trying to for the last week, and nothing comes clear to me. It is as if the meaning eludes me..."

Minaguma is silent as she ponders this. "Or... maybe... what if the meaning has been in front of us all along?" she muses, catching the others off guard.

"Hold on. What are you getting at?" Tina asks the Empress.

She leans forward in her seat, lacing her hands in front of her mouth. "Think about it. The Message said something about the moon, right? And of how we were to meet with them on the moon? Well.. I think it's clear. It means doing something that DeWynter will despise."

Hunter's eyes widen as he grasps the implications. A sneer crosses his face. "Oh... bloody hell...!" He chuckles. "Now that is brilliant!"

"What? What's brilliant?" Tina asks.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman looks at her. "Think about it, mate. The devil blokes over there are supposed to be ultranationalist, right? Think only of the state and follow only the state, put the state above even foreigners? Well... this is the ultimate blow to them! In short, Tina, the Message is simple: work together to reach the moon!"

Everyone is shocked by his exclamation.

"Hold on! Are you bloody serious!?" Minaguma cries. "Do you not remember what they did to that boy?!"

"I do," Hunter admits, "but if you think about it, this will either force them to swallow their pride and admit that the nation is not all that's important, but the whole world is important! It's a blow to the ultranationalists in the most ironic way! They despise the outside world, but it will require working with the outside world to reach the moon!" He is smirking. "And the only way to knock them off their high horses!"

"So... there is no war... but a battle of wits to secure a cooperation of sorts!" Sister Nina gasps.

"Doesn't mean there won't be one once those bloody Games end," Seph snorts. "But the idea is clear." He smirks as he looks at his team and friends. "So... I want to get a plan in place. We know they have a goal, and so do we. But we have an engine that can get them there. And to get that engine, they'll need to accept they need us in order to reach it."

"And what if they decline?" Tina asks.

"Then we'll tell them it's either them or us. And after what happened with the Korean blokes? I say we use that as a message and a warning. Kane is sensible. He'll get those ultranationalists in line," Seph remarks. He folds his arms and looks at the image of the planet, and the moon. "Now, it's time to start preparing. Our project will succeed..."

The group nods, realizing what he's saying. A true international effort to reach the moon is about to begin.

"Get the others in on this, too," Seph says. "Contact our allies and ask them if they'd like to participate." His eye gleams. "I'm sure even they'd be willing to work with us on this..."

The next few months were busy as my friends and I worked to get our allies in on the project, which we named the Luna II Protocol. Of course, King Lawrence and Queen la Fleur were in from the get go. It took a bit more convincing of the Spanish and Egyptians, but they agreed to assist us in supplying possible landing points for the spacecraft. Oleastro also went one step further and provided some old data pads on the space programs from pre-Apocalypse nations, mostly the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from the old United States. We were baffled as to how he got the data, but he informed us that it was mostly because some old workers fled to his country in the past.

That proved to be an asset in many ways, and even the old pre-Apoc satellites we saved from Panem's ASAT missiles contributed to our objectives of getting as much detail on space as we could. Our current satellites were useful in determining the path of old space debris, and when the South American Protectorate was asked later in the year, around Christmastime, they offered to provide an ocean-landing spot in the Sea of Brazil. It was a huge boon to us, and to them as well. Our alliance was cemented even tighter through this effort. We roped in a few other more minor nations, mostly the remnants of South Africa, promising to give them more protection if they contributed what little they had to the space program.

They unfortunately refused, but we respected their choice.

It proved to bite them in the rear when van de Kaamp sent them to their deaths via a plague. I hated it, but sometimes things call for drastic measures. One thing we did do though was we gave de Kaamp a bit of a rude awakening when we sent a platoon of GMs to harass his borders. We just blew up the wall at a key junction point and allowed all kinds of refugees to flee into his territory to escape the bandits and cannibals that still roam the African continent. It wasn't much, but it gave him something to think about, and to keep him busy. No doubt he'll be out of power sometime later.

Anyway, the blokes in the USS and Caliphate heard of our program, and at first it seemed like there would be a new war, but we insisted that it was a collaborative effort to reach the moon. There was much distrust, but after some time and some skillful negotiating, we managed to convince them that we were being honest on this. In order to do so though, we needed to get one last nation on our side: Panem.

And that was the most difficult part, considering who we had to contend with.

Viondra DeWynter.

As for the whole China thing, well, things finally settled down after we contained the blokes. Taiwan led the expansion into the main territory, conquering land from some of the warlords and even managing to secure Beijing. The warlord there was killed, and Wei Feng was also apprehended and killed by firing squad the same year. A shaky ceasefire was agreed upon, and the warlords handed over the ICBMs, which we promptly took and hid someplace safe. We never told Panem this though. We did manage to also ensure that the blokes were kept in check. We eventually met at the next CN meeting and divided China amongst us, feeling it was too risky to keep the country around. Of course, in our section, Taiwan claimed it first, and I agreed to let the blokes have it. They more than earned it, given their efforts and time to assist us in getting this far. The people didn't like it, but in the end it was for the best. Only issue we still have is the border with Korea, but our mobile suits have proven themselves time and again, so now we have five divisions of mobile suits along the border with them.

Things are still tense, but at least we're not going to war again.

Panem was not too keen on the idea, but it was better than nothing, I admitted. Viondra wasn't too pleased, but it was sure a satisfying sight to see her face turn red as she stormed out. Kane actually felt it was a good idea in comparison to letting the warlords run rampant there. At least in Mexico they can be contained much easier than in China. That was something that really worried us. But well, it worked out and now we could focus on the space program ahead of us. The Luna II Protocol was initiated...

Location: Meldney Complex, Australia

Time: 1300 hours

Date: Monday, 11 May, 0140 AF (2159 AD)

Seph smirks as he looks at his friends and cabinet members as well as his fellow leaders. Sister Nina is there, as well, and she is resolute as she looks at the screen as it lights up.

The image of Panem's flag appears and Seph takes in a breath. "All right, guys. This is it," he murmurs. "Either it's an international effort or Panem goes it alone."

The others nod as the screen flickers back to show Kane, who is now much older due to the rigors of his job. In contrast, Viondra looks as beautiful as ever, something that makes Seph sick to his stomach. But he keeps his hatred in check. No need to ruin everything he's worked for with this.

"I thought I didn't want to speak to you foreigners again," Viondra mewls.

"So you say, mate," Seph notes rather calmly, which throws her for a loop.

Kane also takes notice, so he is the first to speak. "Does this by any chance have to do with this sudden interest in the moon?" he asks.

Seph nods. "Yes. We know what you're up to. We've had suspicions that you intend to get there for some time now. And believe me, you won't be able to get there without something important." A smirk crosses his face.

He has them right where he wants them.

"If you mean a rocket, then we have our own, thank you very much!" Viondra purrs.

"So what? I mean something else," Seph muses. "Something very important that a rocket can't run without. And I'm not talking fuel that could further pollute the environment." His grin is confident as he looks her in the eyes. "We know you want to get there on your own, but here's a fact. We have knowledge that you don't about space. Past records, and current records based on tracking old debris. We also have secured landing sites across the globe should things go wrong."

"Are you trying to insist we join you in making it to the moon?!" Viondra suddenly shrieks.

The Australian can't help it. He grins widely. "What else, mate?" he remarks. Then he becomes serious. "Face it. We're both after the same thing, right? Well, only issue is... you. Or rather your disdain for us foreigners. You always want Panem to be superior to everyone else. Well, here's a news flash for you, mate. You're not the only ones who have retained stuff from the past. We were surviving long before you blokes came back onto the scene. So, in order for this to work between our two nations, you either have to swallow your ultranationalist pride and accept that this world is for all of us so we can work together on this, or you can go it alone and maybe not make it there using a reliable and sustainable reactor."

Viondra's eyes are hard as she looks the President in the eyes.

"You are not-" She is cut off by Kane.

"No, Viondra. Hear him out," he says.

Seph nods. "About time you spoke up, Kane," he says in approval. Then he directs his attention back to Viondra. "Look. We can work together, or you can go it alone. As it stands, we resolved the China issue several months ago, so now we can focus on other things, such as healing the divisions in this world. And to do so, it requires cooperation, not ultranationalist chest thumping. God..." He shakes his head. "That's the kind of posturing that led us to this situation and political climate."

Then he looks up again. "And the moon landings you're aiming for are a prime example, mate. We can work together with you to make it happen. But if you're too much of an ultranationalist, then you'll have to go it alone. And I'm sure Korea's nuke site will be a good warning as to what could happen..." He lets his voice trail off.

The implications are clear. Either they swallow their pride or refuse and be left behind.

Viondra glares at the Australian. Kane is surprised.

Seph has skillfully maneuvered them into a corner, and the only way out is one of two options. But Kane, being the leader he is, always puts Panem first and foremost before Viondra's pride.

"President Matthews, you are correct on many things. People do need to heal. And it is time for that to happen. This division has gone on for too long. The war of our forefathers led us to this point, and it is time to rebuild. Not destroy. We should learn from the past, not neglect it." His eyes are solemn as he looks up. "I can see that now. That is what you were trying to teach us. And what some of us have forgotten."

Viondra, on the other hand, scowls as she starts to slink off. Her child giggles as she bounces her on her hip, disappearing from sight as her mother exits the room.

Of course, things are only about to get worse...

Well, so far things were going well. It seemed like the world was on the path towards peace. With a unified effort to reach the moon, we were sure to have a global change. I had nothing but hope in my chest the whole time. And even the people of the Confederation felt we were on the verge of a massive revolutionary change, back to the days of Before the Fall. Kane was sure to triumph against the decadence and gluttony that the Capitolites represented, and his hopes were burning bright. Even during the Days of Remembrance there was nothing but optimism.

The next year rolled around and it seemed like a new era was coming.

But then everything changed.

Around October 31, 0141 AF, we got word on our linkup with the Panemian satellite network.

It was a risky move, to retain a linkup, but this one we spent weeks on after the fall of the radar station and their Operation: Blackout. This time we kept it to video and audio feed recording. The thing about this linkup was that we couldn't exactly broadcast lest we give away our hand. But what we did learn was something horrific: President Kane was dead, assassinated.

And with it went all hope we had for a better world.

Yet the strange thing was that although Kane was dead, it seemed like there was something else that kept us going. I mean... I can't explain it, but after that news broke, the entire Confederation came together to mourn Kane's death. I couldn't see anything that led to this, let alone a reason to mourn who was once a hated enemy, now a staunch ally, and possibly the best hope we had to restore decency. When Viondra came on with her broadcasts, well... almost all of us had one goal in mind: ensure she never won the presidency again.

But that left us in a bind. We had no more spies in Panem, and most of them were undergoing intense psychotherapy to help them regain all memories of Panem and their time there. And we sure as hell couldn't hack into their network again to influence the elections, lest we give away a big advantage we still possessed. So the next best thing was to get in contact with her political opponent: Senator Archibald Kane, the son of the deceased President.

The next year was spent trying to figure out how Kane had been assassinated, but it turned out that there was something that struck me as odd when I reviewed the footage. The assassins didn't seem all there, much like our spies were in the aftermath of their... sessions... with Panem's "Peacekeepers". And then it clicked.

They hadn't been truly there at all. They had been hijacked by someone, and then set loose on the President to try and assure Viondra's rise to power. I was furious and angry beyond belief. I wanted to do nothing but go on over there and kill the bitch with my bare hands. But as always, my friends and fellow leaders, along with our allies, urged me to stay calm and focus on the real task at hand: trying to stop her in any way we could.

Archibald Kane seemed like the next best option for us to get into contact with. But the only issue was contacting him without tipping our hand. So that left us in a predicament until Un's younger Vice-President, Chen Yu, who took over when he died in his sleep several weeks before, offered a proposal that was ingenious as it was risky: to use a linkup from the Council of Nations' own satellites to communicate with Kane. Now, it wasn't really legal for their Senators to be in contact with national leaders, but I used it as a pretext to get a direct line, stating I wanted to meet with a potential President, to offer my best wishes in his favor. The gambit worked, and I was permitted to speak with him on a private line.

And that day was one I would never forget.

Location: Meldney Complex

Time: 1800 hours

Date: Tuesday, 14 December, 0141 AF (2162 AD)

Seph sits in his office, his eye narrowed as he watches the screen flash a few times before the Panemian seal comes up.

The seal flickers before giving way to showcase the man he has contacted.

Kane is a dead ringer for his deceased father in his younger years, that much is certain. But if there is one difference it is in his drive, and the fact he has his mother's eyes. Archibald Kane is a senator who wishes to see his father's work be completed. And so does Seph.

"Ah. You must be President Joseph Matthews," Kane remarks, his face lighting up with a smile.

Seph nods. "Yes. And you're Senator Archibald Kane, right?"

Kane nods his head. "That is correct. So, I understand you wanted to wish me luck in the Presidential elections."

"Yeah. But there is something that I wanted to discuss with you should you win." Seph takes in a breath and lets it out, steeling himself for this. He's rehearsed it repeatedly with his wife and friends, but he knows because of his temper regarding this subject he needs to keep it in perspective. He doesn't want to offend a potential ally.

"What is it you wish to discuss?" Kane asks, becoming serious. "It is rare for anyone to do this right before an election."

"True, but this is important. We...heard from some friends that your father's policies were dedicated to undoing the greed and gluttony that has overtaken the heart of Panem," Seph says carefully. "And that his... political opponents have had nothing but bad things to say about them. And also, I would like to express my sincerest condolences for your loss. I know it's hard to lose someone close to you."

Kane's eyes shimmer a bit as he wipes them. "Thank you, President Matthews," he whispers. Then he nods. "Yes, it is hard. And that is why I wish to continue his work and overcome what has made us lose sight of who we are. I wish to see people strive to be more open and free."

"You're not the only ones, mate," Seph says. His eye hardens. "And that's why if you win, I wish to see that you do everything in your bloody power to repent for the sins your nation's leaders have committed for the last century."

That gets the senator. He cocks an eyebrow. "Come again?"

"You heard me, Senator. Your nation has to repent for the sins your leaders have committed against the next generation for the last one hundred years." Seph's optic flares a dim red color. "And by that, I mean you must compensate all those families who lost loved ones to those barbaric 'Games' for the next one hundred years. Also, you know of Avoxes? Well, that has to stop! Their tongues must be returned to them, and those that cannot must be compensated for that loss by giving them new tongues grown artificially. Third, you must go green. Stop using coal and start researching green energy. Fourth, stop stealing resources. Fifth, give people freedom to say what they want. Sixth... you HAVE to deprogram District 2 from this... 'ruthless warrior' mentality they have. And also... you are to admit publicly to the whole damn world that you were nothing but barbarians for one hundred years and list all the crimes you committed. Your leaders as they are must stand trial at the Council of Nations and be given justice for all those who died as a result of their actions."

He has listed his terms. Now he has to wait and see what Kane has to say.

Kane for his part is outright stunned by the demands, but he then chuckles a bit.

"You're just like me. You wish to see a better future. You... I must admit, when I first heard of you on the news, I wasn't sure what to think. But you have a kindred spirit," he admits. "Although the thing about the Avoxes I hadn't considered before. And frankly, I have to agree with you. I wish to see people speak freely without fear of losing their speech. I just want to see this nation go back to the days before this all happened. Before the... how do you say it... Before the Fall?"

Seph nods, his eye widening a bit. "Yeah." Then he becomes serious. "I'm surprised you're just accepting my demands like this."

"Actually, they are not so much demands as they are repeating what I have said in my debate," Kane admits. "Except I did not consider returning the Avoxes' tongues or going green. And as for the admittance... I have to say that it is a bit much, but you are correct in that we have gone backwards. My father and I often talked about this prior to his death. Our Districts have suffered for far too long. And we need to heal." His eyes shimmer a bit. "That is why I'm running. To undo the corruption and hate that has tainted us for so long. Snow... he... he corrupted us... and did everything he could to subjugate the people. He was the worst leader we could've asked for. But mostly, I..." He grits his teeth as he clenches his fists. "I want to see this world heal from the aftermath. So many people died... and we lost a lot of goodness in our souls. But with the way things are... it's going to get worse unless we change things."

"Why do you think I bloody fought so bloody damn hard?" Seph rumbles. He gestures to his right arm and left optic. "I lost my left eye during an incursion against a Chinese warlord as he attacked Taiwan. I lost my right arm during a fight in Papua New Guinea when bloody Korean humandrones were coming for its resources. But during those times, I saw how low most of humanity has fallen. Cannibalism was rife in the occupied areas of the country before we drove them back. Lawlessness was everywhere. We brought hope back to those poor blokes. And what I saw back home was enough to drive me to run for President. The civil rights movement prompted me to do so, and well... here I am." He lowers his hands and tents both of them in front of his mouth. "What I saw those days was not what I read about. Old books showcased a different world... a world with hope. Respect. Tolerance. Debate. Understanding. And... most of all, caring for children. We didn't force them to kill one another in a barbaric sport straight from the days of Rome. We educated, loved, and respected them. Sure there were some who didn't and in some cases children were used as soldiers, but overall the mood was one of caring for them and trying to ensure that they had a better life."

"And that is another reason why I'm running. To end this barbarity and show that we're not going to continue this," Kane admits. His eyes harden. "This has gone on far too long... and we do need to repent." His face softens as he looks at his desk, at his clenched fists. "I don't know about deprogramming District 2, but maybe we can initiate some kind of psychotherapy to help them regain their compassion and respect. I'm not sure if it will work, but... we do have to change. Kane... my dad... he wanted to undo the sins of the past but now... now I'm just not sure if..." His eyes shimmer as tears threaten to spill over.

Seph's eye softens and he leans closer. "Kane... Senator, you're willing to fight. And that's good. But you can't give up. Viondra is just a bitch. While she does have influence and power, what that bloke doesn't get is what really matters. She and her ilk, no doubt including the 'old nobility' in a sense, have no idea as to the power that democracy can entail. Hell..." Here Seph laughs out loud. "I mean, look at us! We're a powerhouse, but we're a democracy! And unlike the old nobility, we believe firmly in laws. DeWynter's brood only sees themselves as nobility and that the nobility should rule over the commoners. Panem under Snow was close to a monarchy, and now same with DeWynter. So..." His eye hardens as his optic flares bright red. "I'm hoping for the best for you, mate."

Kane seems to regain his confidence and he nods. "Right. I'll do my damn best to win this thing. But also... I fear that there could be another war..."

Now Seph's grin turns predatory. Kane is put off by this, and he shivers against his will.

"Which is why we'll be taking action this time around!" he remarks. A dark chuckle escapes his throat. "If there's going to be another war... we'll be aiding you guys for sure!"

His eye gleams with a determined gaze like that of a soldier. "If the rest of you need assistance, we'll be sending our best forces to give you the firepower you need! This time, liberty will triumph, and fascism will fall, just like in World War II!"

Kane is shocked. "You'll be willing to do that?!"

"We nearly did once before during the Second Revolution," Seph states. He leans back a bit, his face softening. "But we cut off the support when the resistance began to lose. We weren't willing to risk it. But not now. Not this time."

The senator is silent before he sighs and smiles. "Then I guess we'll have to hope it doesn't come down to that."

"If it does, we'll be there," Seph says with a grim chuckle. "We're not about to let this go on. We'll be sure to end it. One way or another."

Kane nods and reaches to close the line. "Also... this call was confidential, right?" he asks.

Seph nods. "Yes. I made sure of it. We'll be in touch if you win."

The senator closes the communications line and Seph turns back to the door as it slides open and his friends and allies enter.

"So, you blokes hear that?" he asks.

Tina nods. "Yeah. We did, mate. It sounds like Archibald Kane is a similar soul to you."

Hunter folds his arms as he leans against the wall and looks out at the city as the lights flicker and shimmer in the snow. "You sure that there will be another war?" he asks. "Because if not, then all that training we're having the troops go through will be for nothing."

"I'm sure of it, Hunter," Seph says as he stands up from his seat. "And Sister Nina only reinforced it with her last vision, remember?"

The priestess nods as she unfolds her hands from prayer mode and flitters over to Seph and his friends. "Yes. If you recall, my last vision was only four days ago. And it curtailed the results of this election. But the figure was in shadow. I cannot say for sure whether it is good or bad, but... we must be prepared for if the worst is to happen. I did say the Lord tends to be vague in His visions, did I not?" she remarks, her blue eyes flicking over the group.

"You did," Martha notes dryly. "But surely He could've given you a clearer vision?"

Sister Nina shakes her head somberly. "Unfortunately," she admits sadly.

Empress Minaguma rolls her eyes. Then she looks directly at Seph. "So, we'll be ready then?" she asks.

The Australian nods. "Yeah. We'll be ready for sure."

President Chen Yu has a serious look on her face as she addresses the group. "The only issue here is whether or not we will even be prepared for whatever comes our way," she notes.

Seph is not too surprised. For a woman in her sixties she is very pragmatic, having been on the front lines like her predecessor, but not at as late an age as he had been. Her grey hair is at odds with her golden eyes, but her lean and athletic body is a testament to her work ethic in the armed forces and her strict training even as the new President of Taiwan. She has a single scar on her right cheek, but it is a big one, as she was burned during her last tour of duty. But like Seph, she has a prosthetic arm, only the left forearm is mechanical instead. And as a twist, like with Minaguma and Seph, hers is modeled after one of the Gundam mecha, specifically the Gundam Bael from Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. The sharp fingers twitch as she drums them on her flesh.

"I figured as much," he sighs.

"So, that aside, we have much to plan for," Largina rasps.

The group nods.

"All right. We'll get to it," Seph says.

Location: Meldney Complex - War Room

Time: 2000 hours

The War Room is packed with the entire Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with Martha, Tina, Seph, and Sister Nina. The other leaders have left to go back to their respective nations to go over the plans with their own military commanders, but they are on communications with the Australians.

Seph looks over the group. He sees the Vice Chairman, a big bear of a man named Matfey Naoumov. His platinum blonde hair is barely the length for regulations and his piercing green eyes barely miss a thing. He is well muscled and he is a very forceful leader, making him key in moving decisions along if Hunter can't manage. His service in the Australian Marine Corps is legendary, and he retired after he lost a leg, only to have it replaced by a Zaku model leg.

The Chief of Staff of the Army is a woman in her late forties, with bright green hair and orange eyes, a clashing color combination. But her intellect is something to be admired, as she has risen through the ranks rather quickly. Her calm demeanor often convinces people she is not military, but Anastasia Ruskov is far from being demure and feminine. She is a rough and rowdy tomboy, having grown up on a farm in the Outback close to one of the older cities. Her marksmanship is also nothing to sniff at either.

Charles Patton is the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and he is an ace fighter pilot, having downed over twenty aircraft in his early career and rising rapidly to become a squad leader. His red hair is greying and his brown eyes seem dull and boring, but they bely a quick wit and rather sociable personality. He is in his late fifties, but his body is still lean and toned from his years of training.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps is a small, rather petite woman, but her small size belies incredible strength for someone so small. At only five foot two, Serena Long does not possess the build of a Marine at first glance. Her long black hair and rather dainty green eyes only add to the illusion, but her record speaks for itself, with four tours to China and Vietnam under her belt. Her supple body hides a reservoir of strength that not many women can match, which makes her a force to be reckoned with. She may be in her early forties, but she is already someone to not underestimate.

The Chief of Naval Operations is a former naval officer named Dania Herrick, and she is in her early fifties. With white hair and stunning purple eyes, she is an exotic beauty. Her naval uniform is crisp and cleanly pressed, a holdover from her days in the Navy. She is disciplined and strict, but she does not let her discipline keep people from having well deserved relaxation time on shore leave. She has one eye missing, replaced with a patch instead of an optical sensor lens, a mark from when she got into a bar fight during shore leave in Vietnam.

The Commandant of the Coast Guard is also present, standing at an imposing six foot seven. His name is Justin Lakes, and he has green hair with reddish brown eyes. His uniform is stretched taut against his massive frame, and his beard is neatly trimmed. He has no scars or marks from years of battle, but his eyes are keen and quick, and his experience is testament to the number of medals he wears on his chest.

The last member of the group of the Chief of Staff of the Mobile Suit Corps. Alan Gale is lean but well built, possessing thick purple hair and amber colored eyes. His left hand is replaced with a clawed hand, courtesy of a mine blowing it off during his service a few months ago. His personality may seem dull, but he is far from stupid or slow. He is rather quick on the uptake and is very observant, which led to his rise through the ranks to his position today.

Seph looks over the JCS as Hunter sits down beside the others.

"Okay. So we've got the meeting to begin," Seph says as the rest sit down as well.

"Yes. So I understand you want to know how the plans are coming along?" Anastasia asks.

The President nods. "You know it."

"Our training has commenced as planned. We have all of our units standing by," Matfey remarks. His eyes harden. "Our tank forces are at full capacity and we have our other units standing by."

"Mobile suits are prepped for mobilization," Alan states. He folds his arms. "But I am a bit concerned as to how often we're using them."

"Sometimes it's necessary to show force where it's needed," Seph replies. His optic flares a bit as he leans forward. "And it is a risk, but one I'm willing to take lest Panem use their mutts against their own populace again."

Justin frowns as he leans back in his seat. "So. For the attack, the Coast Guard will have to remain on standy, is that right?"

The President nods. "Afraid so, Justin," he says. "But it's for the best because then we'll have a force to defend our shores."

Justin is unsure, but nods. "All right."

Dania looks at her superior. "Sir, we've got all ships ready, but I'm not sure we should do this, given Panem's naval superiority," she admits. "If we even make an attempt..."

"Which is why we're moving out the mobile suits," Seph counters. "They'll be able to cut through Panem's naval ships to clear a path for ours." He smirks. "Besides, last showoff proved they were too fast for the missiles to lock onto."

The naval officer frowns. "I'm still having reservations though," she says.

"And I appreciate you giving your concern," the President assures her. "We'll be prepared and we'll try to avoid as many of Panem's ships as we can."

That seems to lesson her worries and she nods. "Right."

Next up is Charles as he shifts in his seat. "Our air force is ready to go, sir. We just need the word and we'll move out."

"Right. But until further notice... we're to remain on standby. All of us," Seph remarks.

"Regarding the plans though, it's fairly simple and straightforward," Hunter says. "We have to assist the Resistance if there is another war. Provide them with all assistance possible, short of a nuke. If it comes down to it... then we'll launch our own operations to assist. That is why we ran through these operations numerous times. It may not seem like much, but sometimes even the smallest amount can make a difference."

Martha nods as she leans back in her seat. "Right. That is what we need to keep in mind. How much assistance can we provide short of actually going to war ourselves."

"I think it's simple enough," Tina adds. "But there is another issue we have to address."

Sister Nina nods. "Yes. The nanobuilders."

"The solution that we created with them is indeed versatile," Matfey notes, "but it is hardly a cure for every single problem. The issue here is whether or not we can actively program them to only assail mutts and nothing more."

"I believe we can if we use our supercomputers," Martha states. "Better to be safe than sorry, right?"

Everyone nods.

The meeting goes on for another few hours before they part and head off.

As Seph makes his way back to the main office, his eye hardens and he grits his teeth.

"And this time... we will not fail..." he mutters. His optic flares crimson before he looks out the window, and then a smirk crosses his face as he sees the figure of Wing Zero EW atop the main tree in the center of the complex's central column.

"The future is coming back..." he adds. "For real this time!"