Expectations of peace soar to their greatest heights with the formation of the Earth Sphere United Nations. The year is After Colony 225. The dissolution of mobile suits and militaries from the human race has allowed veterans and civilians alike to a progressive new era for humanity. Grudges however are far more powerful than what many realize. Former members of the Romefeller Foundation have taken to the stars to act against the ESUN's pacifism policies. The horrors of war have revisited the Earth for a new generation of humanity in the form of the vengeful Falson Coalition. 11 years have passed since the conflict began. The ESUN's hope lies in the form of its own mobile suit project. Operation Rising Himalayas. The revival of GUNDAM.

Episode 1: The Past Reigns Supreme

Agaisnt the cold winds of Vysokaye, Belarus the tides of war were swept along. Within the moving fortress of Testudo, Coalition General Edward Blare was observing the upcoming battlefield. The far-off city of Warsaw was preparing to make an advance as was to be believed by intelligence, but there didn't seem to be major activity indicating it was the case. A silent enemy however was always the indication of a greater conflict very soon to follow.

One of the operators announced, "We have the enemy base located sir."

Edward was quick to ask, "Have there been any reports of the new mobile suits?"

Another operator gave an unsatisfying report, "We cannot confirm. The enemy is keeping the equipment concealed from outside observation."

Edward gave the order, "Very well. Send out an advance team and observe what the enemy is hiding. If the defenses are weak enough have the enemy base destroyed while they're at it. If those mobile suits can be taken then it will be a great achievement for us all."

The first operator agreed to the order beginning the transmission, "Understood sir. Sending request to main base now."

Within an hour a squadron of eight Coalition Leo III mobile suits had begun its next advance towards the ESUN city. 11 years had passed since the Coalition declared its ambition to take the Earth. No progress had been made in taking back the peaceful times that were promised by the ESUN.

As had been in its establishment the Earth Sphere United Nations capital was settled in the city of Brussels where President Franz Kecker signed the bills he was entrusted to handle. Eventually someone knocked on the door to his office.

He greeted, "Enter."

His assistant Devine entered with, "Mr. President, we are now ready to begin voting."

Franz stood up and confirmed, "Very good. The passing of this bill is the final block to making our victory possible..."

The hopes of seeing such a bill come to pass were conflicting with that of its opposition. The Minority Leader of the Pacifism Party had seen days where such desperation passed and she was now forced to endure them again but without even a voice. These days she was known as Relena Yuy. One of the Representatives greeted, "Mrs. Yuy. I'm certain the House will be willing to hear out a final case against this bill."

Relena turned to her when she thanked, "It is good that you maintain some form of optimism Zlata. I must warn you however. The worst outcome is very real now."

The two women made their way towards the entrance when Zlata asked, "You don't have any faith that our party will be willing to attempt blocking the bill?"

"We could assemble the entirety of the party and we will not prevent Kecker's plans be unopposed." Relena opened the doorway to her office when she continued, "The Parliament lost hope for peaceful negotiations with the Coalition years ago. Now they are only a formality before the President's actions are passed. Now we are truly nothing what we swore to achieve so long ago."

"There is regret to that outcome Relena. But you know your husband wouldn't want you to back down even in these odds. I wouldn't want you to back down either."

Relena smiled when she thanked, "Of course Zlata. I can only fight in my own battlefields. I know I'm nothing of what I once was. But I will not let that stop me from making a difference in this process."

"It's good of you to maintain those thoughts Relena. Just remember that the Pacifism Party will not be turned into a shadow of its ideals. Not as long as you are there to lead us." Relena gave a firm nod when she found her way to the entrance of the Parliament gathering.

The preparations of war had begun within the ESUN base of Warsaw, Poland when the base saw its men lining up to prepare for morning First Call. As early as always, the mobile suit pilots began to rush to stand at attention for the accountability formation. In the course of the 11-year war, the ESUN was capable of forming a sizable force to push back the Coalition. If the war was to continue for any longer, it would need another generation of mobile suit pilots ready to fight for the Earth Sphere cause. These new men and women were the best hope for their leaders.

As soon as most of the pilots had arrived at the point of standing to attention, one of the pilots pointed out something to another next to him. He pointed out, "Jutila. You forgot this." He handed him the insignia to his friend. Jutila recognized his insignia was missing on his left pocket and quickly began to fasten it to his uniform.

He thanked, "Oh boy. Thanks Yuy, the Major would have had me skinned." The last name was not anything of great coincidence. Keijo Jutila's friend was none other than Mercurio Peacecraft Yuy.

Mercurio nodded, "Not a problem. It might help if you keep it pinned on at all times."

Keijo shrugged in admission, "Guess so. I wouldn't want to make it worse by leaving it in the washers."

Mercurio reminded, "It's almost time. Just be ready when the Captain arrives."

Keijo stood to attention, "That much will be easy." The squad of pilots stood to attention to begin the daily accounting for the pilot training.

To the west of the Warsaw base, Donna Lindemann was on her way to Warsaw to join the counterattacks. The first Earth Sphere Gundam the Sandesgeist was carried by one of the company trucks, concealed with a huge sheet. It was followed by four Maganac II mobile suits also concealed and carried by following vehicles. She was left to ponder her position as pilot of this mighty mobile suit while the Maganac IIs were operated by her brothers as support. Regardless of her feelings she was prepared to participate in the Rising Himalayas operation. She was riding the truck that carried Sandesgeist as she observed the covered mobile suit from behind.

Donna looked at the sky above as she leaned out the window with her thoughts of the past. The big operation was going to start soon while she remembered the men responsible for sending her here. She remembered her father's words when he explained, "It's about time the Earth Sphere had gained the means of striking back against the enemy. Those fools in the Falson family will not live to see their dreams of Earth's conquest be made a reality."

The next to respond was her teacher Instructor W when he answered on his secure channel, "Perhaps it will. If this is the final choice we have then we must take it."

He did not show the same amount of enthusiasm as her father which led to her finding a moment where she could contact, "Instructor, are you not anticipating this operation?"

The Instructor gave a sigh before he answered, "I never wanted this conflict to come around full circle. It seems that we have been forced to repeat history in order to have a chance of seeing a united Earth preserved."

His depression was apparent to her when she promised, "Don't worry about it Instructor. Peace will follow once this operation is successful."

The Instructor wore a forced smile when he accepted, "I hope for everyone's sake it is. But please don't give the ultimate sacrifice out there Donna."

She parted with him after promising, "I'll make sure it's done. I hope to see you again Instructor."

"We will be arriving in Warsaw around 30 minutes." The driver told her as she moved herself back into her seat.

"Thanks." She replied.

Captain Dana Houston was awake before the call to the accountability formation was called. She was observing the field waiting for the next line of recruits to be sent for the great operation. She herself was one of them with Gundam Artemis being primed and ready for combat with another one being shipped here from Berlin. "How optimistic should I be about this operation? Should I just get ready for battle or see it as the beginning of the end?" She threw her report to her right when she answered herself, "Ending the war would be great and all but who's got the manpower to pull that off?"

One of the younger soldiers entered the command room reporting, "They have arrived Captain Houston." Dana keyed a few strokes on the nearest computer and had a view of the soldiers standing to attention outside.

Much in their favor Dana commented, "Well these don't look like too bad of a bunch. I've seen worse last-minute formations this side of the East." She announced to no one in particular.

The same soldier handed a paper report, "We've determined the one that will be piloting the new Gundam model."

She looked at the name briefly and shrugged, "That much is a start. Is the Operation planned to begin?"

"After the arrival of Unit 1 and standard preparations are made."

"Good to hear. I want my unit prepared and ready to show these guys how to fight a battle."

"Understood Captain." The soldier rushed off to make the report to the base's commanding officer.

Major Alberto Capon had entered the training field as soon as the 0515-hour hit. All twenty-four pilots had been standing at attention waiting for his orders. He turned to one of the soldiers from the command center reach him. The Major saluted as soon as the soldier did asking, "Have all men been accounted for?"

He was reported, "Yes sir. Everyone is present."

"And the Unit 2 candidate?"

"Yes sir."

"Today marks the beginning of the Operation. We can't afford any mistakes."

The assistant nodded and ran off to other duties, "Understood sir."

Alberto turned to face his men and announced, "We have received orders from the capital that Operation Rising Himalayas is officially under way. Those shipments that just came in, those are in fact the new mobile suits designed specifically for this operation. I also don't have to remind you of the consequences if such information is somehow ever relayed outside of this facility. With this in mind, I want all of you to remain acting as a single unit and not looking up to the pilot of Unit 2 as a superior. It's this equality that puts us above the Coalition and we need it more than ever. Can I expect that much from you pilots?"

Mercurio joined the others in a chorus of, "Sir, yes sir!"

The captain nodded in confirmation and announced, "PT begins now. Let's move!" By this it meant the daily exercise of running a safe distance away from the base and back for the next hour. The pilots were still uncertain of who was going to be piloting Unit 2, but that much was probably to be revealed once the first phase of daily training began.

The various outfitting and modifications changed the former Leo units into an entirely different unit for the Falson Coalition. The Leo IIIs were fitted with side armor for better protection and propulsion jets that made for better maneuverability. A total of twenty-four of them were making their way towards the Warsaw base with one in lead. The leading pilot made observations of the base noticing that there wasn't anything changing outside of pilots out for morning training.

The leading pilot was contacted by General Blare, "What is the current status of the shipment?"

The pilot observed the base a second time and reported, "Nothing appears to have changed sir. The enemy still hasn't recognized our movement."

The General gave him the order, "Prepare to move in. Pierce into their defenses and take out the others while they're flatfooted."

Agreeing to the order the captain agreed, "Roger that sir." He changed his camera to switch focus to his other units and announced, "Move forward and prepare all weapons for contact. Find that shipment and take it back intact."

At that order, the twenty-four Leo III units began to make their way towards the Warsaw base with their weapons ready and kept their eyes open for the enemy. The first shot on either side would be the beginning of the ESUN's great conflict.

It was that damned feeling that always took over before a battle. Major Pavel Kolek knew his equipment was working at 100% and expecting a battle but still felt unease from the escort. When he oversaw the trucks from Berlin he took the opportunity to let some speech out of his system. "Major Kolek here, what took you lot so long, over?"

Donna saw the repaired Leo II ahead of the leading trucks when the convoy was nearing its way to Warsaw. Behind it a squad of Leos still working were following while setting up a last-minute checkpoint. The trucks stopped when Donna responded to the radio, "Who said we were late? We brought in Gundam Unit 1 and Maganac IIs for the battle. We will begin unloading them."

The drivers of the other trucks and her brothers got off their transports and prepared to unload their mobile suits. Her brothers were identifiable by the keffiyeh they wore like scarves.

Pavel recognized the serious response from the young lady when he chuckled, "Hey, I was trying to be funny..." Pavel rolled his eyes and turned the Leo II towards the base when he signaled to the others, "I suggest we head to Warsaw ASAP, this shipment needs to get there as soon as possible." As the Leo II unit signaled for its fellow Leo units to follow the Major introduced, "Oh yeah, proper introductions. Major Pavel Kolek. Just here on mission to see this Operation get started."

Donna confirmed his greeting, "Good to meet you Major. I'm looking forward to working with you in Rising Himalayas. It will be good to meet the other pilots when we arrive."

The leading Leo II began to move forward when Pavel responded, "Of course. Just stick close and be ready for any enemy fire."

Due to the lack of updates on the ESUN's part, the only mobile suits available were old Leo models that were quickly becoming antiquated in comparison to the Coalition's power. Unfortunately, it was all they had as one made its way across the frozen grounds of Warsaw nearby. The pilot reported to his superiors, "This is Delta 5, the coast is clear."

Captain Houston was on the other line and ordered, "Keep your eyes peeled Delta 5. We are picking up signs of activity."

The pilot agreed, "Roger that Command. I'll report anything that turns up." A few more steps to the east, the scout was checking the perimeter for the enemy. It was too late when the advancing Leo III mobile suit team fired on him with his back turned.

A few beams fired first and he made an effort in a final report, "Command! Enemy contact! There's enemy contact on its wa-" Immediately he was destroyed by a few more shots and exploded. The Leo IIIs were making their advance in a wedge formation.

Dana heard what there was of the report before the pilot was killed. "Sounds like they've arrived on time. Hope these people are able to do more than just talk big with their own Gundam onboard." She adjusted a headset before announcing into the base intercom, "All personnel! We're under attack! Defense team move up to the contact point! All base pilots, man your battle stations now!" Within moments the base was scrambling for a final defense. The defending Leo mobile suits prepared for what stand they could with their old mobile suits against the new ones of the Coalition. The pilots in PT would have to hurry back to the base if they were to be the ones participating in the defense.

Alberto saw the fire begin to spread across the Warsaw base as soon as the Coalition Leo IIIs had begun their attack. Even though the pilots were in the middle of PT, they knew what their duty was in such a situation. He announced, "Pilots! Here comes the real thing! Get back to base now and fight tooth and nail if you have to!"

With all of their horsepower in their legs, the pilots began to make a run for the base. Mercurio was among the leading ones and noticing that some were falling behind despite the emergency. The ones in front encouraged, "Go!" "Move!" "Hurry!"

Mercurio saw the damage become greater the closer he came to the base. In a seemingly hopeless situation he had to wonder, "This can't be good. Do we still have a chance?"

The Coalition leader shot down the final Leo model for the Warsaw base. There were two losses on the Coalition, but the bases initial scouting party of eight had been decimated. The Captain heard one of the other pilots report, "The forward defense has been breached sir!"

The Captain ordered, "Keep moving forward, we need to make work of those hangars! Find the shipments!"

"Yes sir!" Was agreed from the nearby pilots once the order was given. The Coalition Captain's mobile suit made short work of the base's walls just by crushing it and began to open fire on the nearest hangar. There was only an old Leo model inside and was quickly destroyed.

The pilots just made it to the base when the destruction had begun within. Alberto ordered, "Get to your Leos!" The pilots began to make their way to the nearest operational Leo before Alberto ordered, "Jutila! Yuy! Form up on me!"

Both Mercurio and Keijo stopped in front of their superior and Mercurio asked, "What can we do sir?"

Alberto instructed, "We need to get to the main hangar bay. We have to work together if we're going to get past the crossfire."

They both knew that there was some plan for trying to get to the main hangar instead of the nearest one and didn't have any time to argue about it either way. They both agreed, "Will do sir."

Alberto gestured, "Stay behind me and keep moving."

The three men made their way towards the largest hangar bay in the base and found themselves caught in the firefight between two ESUN Leos and one of the Leo IIIs.

Keijo asked, "How are we going to get through this one sir?"

Alberto evaluated, "We need a weapon. See what you can find." A harpoon is not capable of destroying a mobile suit in all practical manners. It is however the only way that any ground troops are able to have a chance of surviving a mobile suit on their opposing side. This was what Alberto used once Keijo pulled it out from the nearby hangar door. He quickly noted, "It should still be in tact sir!"

Alberto took the harpoon cannon and began to take aim at the enemy mobile suit's main eye camera. He had it in place at first before despite a nearby explosion Mercurio was able to say, "Adjust to the left! It's advancing forward!" As soon as the Captain saw this movement, he immediately changed the target to his left and the harpoon cannon was able to fire into the eye with success.

Not bothering to reel the spear back in, Alberto thanked, "Good call Yuy. Let's move!"

Dana had just made it outside when the chaos had begun to escalate. She turned to one of the nearby personnel and asked, "Majewski! Is the Artemis prepared for battle?!"

Gawel Majewski rushed to her side when he answered, "Yes Captain! It's still in the main hangar!"

Dana shrugged, "Well that's great. I hope you're ready for the fastest sprint you're ever going to endure!"

"I have… Uh right Captain!" Gawel immediately remembered the priority he was given when it came to allowing any of the pilots to the main hangar bay. He threw his clipboard to the ground and placed every ounce of strength into catching up with his superior.

The moment the two made their way across from Major Capon's location, Dana saw him fire a harpoon shot into the eye camera of the nearest Leo III. She commented, "Looks like the Major has his resources at least."

Gawel commented, "It should be safe for now." Just moments after the comment he was tugged by the hand across the path of the Leo III's footsteps. The enemy mobile suit had begun to fall down from defending Leo units the moment they were making their way across. With any luck, Alberto and his crew would have made it across without much worry as well.

Donna saw the smoke from the distance. It seemed that the battle between the Coalition and the ESUN started. She turned to face her brothers outside. "Get the Mobile Suits!" She ordered. "We need to join the battle quickly if we're going to win!"

Her brothers ran into their Maganac IIs. She removed the sheet that covered got cockpit of the Sandesgeist and got in.

As she entered, the interior cockpit started to light up. The main screen displayed "XXXG-01SG". The screen than changed to the main camera, currently blocked by the sheets placed over the head. A small screen appeared just below the main screen, showing the status of the mobile suit. It seemed that it was ready to go with all parts colored green on the display.

As soon as the mobile suit fell down Alberto, Mercurio, and Keijo ran to the main hangar with Gawel and Dana. Alberto slammed the control panel for the nearest door and it opened. He ordered, "In here!" Everyone followed in at the command.

Mercurio scrambled into the hangar along with Keijo and Gawel and saw the two covered shipments that had arrived earlier in the morning. "Are there mobile suits we can use?"

Alberto shook his head, "Better than that."

As soon as Alberto pressed a button, the covers for both the Artemis and the Uriel Gundams were removed. Keijo and Gawel showed a sense of awe while Mercurio had a feeling of confirmation from the reveal. Keijo asked, "I see. You needed our help to get the Gundams up and running for you right Captain?"

Alberto answered, "I do need your help yes. But I won't be the one piloting. I did say that the Unit 2 candidate was selected today."

Keijo asked, "Who would that be sir?"

"Private Yuy."

Mercurio turned to attention asking, "Sir?"

Alberto explained, "We've tested everyone out equally. You're the one to pilot Unit 2."

Mercurio was uncertain about this fate. The fact that he was sent to pilot the Gundam out of everyone on this base was not something he anticipated to be handed. He could only inquire, "You're certain I'm the candidate sir?"

Alberto reminded, "That's correct. I'm afraid we don't have time to argue about whether or not you actually are qualified, I'm just giving the report."

Mercurio found himself forced to agree. He was the one selected for being the pilot of Unit 2. The attack was going to continue unless he did something to help stop it. He reluctantly agreed, "…Understood sir."

Alberto nodded instructing, "Good. Yuy, get in the cockpit and be ready to go out swinging. Jutila, key these command keys into the Uriel command computer." Alberto handed Keijo a folded piece of paper with some obviously important commands.

The two soldiers saluted, "Sir!" and ran off to complete their respective duties. Keijo was at the computer working on the commands while Mercurio made his way to the cockpit. Keijo told Mercurio, "If they took out my Leo, could you try and smash ten of them at least?"

Mercurio nodded, "I'll try. If I'm any good with a Gundam, I'll at least be able to do some damage."

Mercurio then rushed towards Unit 2 and on top of the chest plating that covered the pilot seat.

Alberto instructed, "Just man it like you do the Leos for now! And bring it back in one piece!"

Confirming the order Mercurio agreed, "Yes sir!" Mercurio entered the cockpit and began to key at the control panels to start Unit 2. Within a few moments, Uriel was running and began to lift itself up slowly. Mercurio was aware of the danger that would follow if he continued to rise, the debris from the roof would leave the hangar in a few shambles just by standing up.

Knowing this, Alberto shouted to Mercurio, "Don't worry about the roof! Just get it raised and have Captain Houston instruct you on the attack details!"

The Coalition Captain warned, "To your left! Fire on the enemy!" One of the Leo IIIs fired to its left with a rocket launcher and destroyed two of the old Leo models. By now the Earth Sphere Leos were almost all destroyed with very little resistance left in them.

The pilot of the Leo reported, "It's not a problem at all. They're dropping like flies sir."

Another pilot commented, "Yeah, it's pretty sad actually. These Earth Sphere types just didn't know when to be prepared."

The Captain only wondered to himself, "Only real wonder is that they managed to last all these years."

Within a few moments of that thought, the two Earth Sphere Gundams were making their way out of their containment and into the battlefield the base had become. One of the Coalition pilots reported, "Sir! There's something coming out of the main hangar bay!"

Another one was shaken, "It can't be…"

Uriel slowly began to pick up speed while Keijo still managed to enter the commands into the computer. It was a few seconds before Uriel began to stand and made a hole in the roof of the hangar with the battlefield in plain view.

Dana was rushing over to her cockpit and issued an order to Gawel, "Make sure the safety locks are overridden Majewski! We have a new pilot who needs to take his own out for a fight!" Now that the Gundams were out in a full fledge battle, they had to be willing to pull out whatever restrains they had before. It was a choice between this or allowing the enemy to end Operation Rising Himalayas before it could even begin.

Gawel assured, "Got it Captain! All locks should be off by the time you stand up!"

When Dana began to wait for the roof to open, she saw that instead Unit 2 was tearing a hole above its height. She confirmed Alberto's desperation to herself, "Well you sure don't bother waiting." She entered a communication with Unit 2 and ordered, "Alright Yuy, listen up! We don't have any time to go over anything complicated with these things so don't try anything fancy."

The Captain at first commented, "The Earth types have their own Gundam units…" Snapping back to the mission at hand, the captain ordered, "All units open fire! Fight for the Coalition's existence! Destroy them now!"

As soon as Mercurio heard Dana give the command, he responded, "Understood Captain."

Turning around to find a group of three Leo IIIs headed his way, the Uriel Gundam was prepared for the attack. Taking aim with the most immediate weapon on hand, shots were made from the Vulcan cannons to ward off against the Coalition enemies. Uriel controlled just like a Leo did, but it seemed to be more agile and responsive. Mercurio wondered how much it was affecting his ability to aim but couldn't take any chances wondering in the heat of battle. It fired upon one of the Leo IIIs for a direct hit causing the proper damage but obviously not enough. He had to reach for the weapons system but wasn't sure how to operate them. He was not given any weapons in his hands before rising like with the usual arming process. He contacted Dana, "Captain, I'm not sure about the weapons system. I haven't been familiarized with it."

Dana should have known the inherit problem of putting a new guy in charge of a Gundam model. These things were fresh off the assembly line so to speak and the Earth Sphere pilots hadn't been given the time or study to demonstrate how different these models were from the average mobile suit. Once they were determined however, they did have an edge of convenience for those who managed to master them. She briefly wondered if any of Mercurio's father was in him when she heard the issue but instructed, "The weapons panels are on your left Yuy. Engage the mobile suit to close combat and long range depending on how you see fit." This was all she could offer for now when she drew out Artemis' rifle and began to fire on some of the more far off targets. She warned him, "I suggest you try them out now unless your promise to Jutila was just a bluff!"

"Thanks Captain." Switching off the communications, Mercurio worked on the long-range weapons portion of his Gundam to assist the Artemis. Finally getting the mobile suit prepared, Mercurio could only tell himself, "I hope this is the proper long-range mode." In act of preparation for the assault, Uriel had a beam rifle from its back pop out and the right arm of the mobile suit reached up to allow the device to attach itself. Soon after it was just like aiming with any other rifle with a Leo for Mercurio, but the functionality was far more than what he was used to. He continued to take aim at one of the Leo IIIs and believed to have it in his sights. Unfortunately, the beam rifle was far less stable than the weapons older mobile suits used. The Leo III jumped up at the sight and made an advance for Uriel and Artemis. In just a second, Mercurio continued to fire with hopes of hitting the charging Leo III and finally managed to hit it in the cockpit area. Unfortunately, the ammo for the rifle was almost empty from the many shots made earlier. Mercurio cursed, "Grr… Damn it. This aim is sensitive." He began to key again for the close-range mode that Uriel had programmed into it. With any luck this portion of fighting wouldn't be much different in the same way the beam rifle was.

Dana continued to pick off the Leo IIIs as best she could while noting Uriel wasting its ammunition just to take down one. Dana could only remind herself, "Well damn, I should have known that these newbies aren't used to the current reaction time." Within just a few moments she saw the Uriel draw out its buster sword and prepared for close range combat. It would invoke a very speed that most mobile suit pilots weren't used to if this was the first time. In a desperate action, Dana ordered, "Yuy! Set your thrusters to 50%!"

There was one thing that Mercurio did not count on when it came to the buster sword mode. He was already rushing towards the nearest Leo III at such an unnatural speed that he thought he was about to crash right into it. As soon as he heard Dana's order, he quickly grasped for the nearest thruster and found himself thrown forward from the sudden brakes. As soon as the brakes were applied, he thrust up into the air to avoid the upcoming collision with the Leo III. Mercurio felt a sweep of relief from the action but knew that the enemy was only right below him now. "Here goes nothing!" The Uriel swept down to the ground with its sword in hand and sliced down the middle of the Leo III resulting in an explosion from its destruction.

As if on cue, another one appeared from the flames with a beam saber in hand. Uriel brought its own sword to contact with it and just in time managed to convert to the proper heat levels necessary to block the energy from its enemy. Uriel continued to slice away at its enemy and its blocks while Mercurio shouted, "Go down!"

The base was still being attacked but as soon as the two Gundams had arisen, the focus of the Coalition Leos had been changed. As soon as Uriel was locked in blades with one of the Leo IIIs, the captain ordered, "Henders! Blindside with maximum power hit!"

The pilot of the mobile suit confirmed, "Not a problem sir!" The duel continued with Henders doing everything possible to cut the Gundam down.

This plan went awry when another Leo III charged, "I'll get him for ya!"

"Don't! Pull back!" It was too late when it seemed like the Uriel managed to turn in time to cut it down and go back to its former opponent. "Rookies... All rear teams form for a retreat! We have to make the report!"

The attack was swift and sudden, but Mercurio saw the charging Leo III attempting to interrupt the battle. He spun around with a great force and was able to slice into the charging enemy before it could do any damage. Damage was done however when the Leo III he was facing had fired on the Uriel with its vulcan guns. The armor was damaged but not destroyed and Mercurio turned around to deliver another strike. The blade cut the Leo III in half and Mercurio was able to take notice of the retreating Leo IIIs. Before beginning another assault, he reported, "The enemy is retreating. Beginning pursuit." Regardless of what anyone would say, the Uriel continued to make its charge towards the retreating enemy.

The Leo II moved to the midst of the battle while Pavel prepared a beam saber to attack an unsuspecting Leo III. The beam saber marked his first kill while he observed the destruction from his camera. A second one was felled by two swift strikes and the Leo II moved to a better defensive position while giving what covering fire it could with the dual vulcans. Pavel quickly set up communications with the Gundams "Ok, folks, let's show them how good we are."

The Maganac team moved closer to the battle. The team saw the partly destroyed city and pieces of Leos that defended the area.

"We're too late here..." Donna said sadly but she became calm to take leadership of the squad. "We need to establish communications with remaining ESUN forces. Flake, try to contact them!"

"Yes ma'am!" Flake answered. He immediately started looking for the communications channel in his Maganac II. It took him a minute to finally find the channel. "I found it. You're ready to speak with it."

"Right." She responded. "This is the Maganac Team. We are here as reinforcements. Point us to where we are needed the most."

While the fighting between the two Gundams and the remaining Coalition mobile suits raged on, Gawel was able to hear the hail from Maganac Team over the explosions. He made quick adjustments to the frequency and managed to report over the noise, "We read you Maganac Team! Patching you to our leading captain now!"

The Artemis continued to make its shots at the escaping Leo IIIs while the pilot of Uriel was clearly now becoming used to the mechanics. By now the loses on both sides were heavy, but at least the Coalition forces would soon lose this battle along with what forces they brought here. In the middle of the fire, she heard Gawel contact, "Captain! Reinforcements with Unit 1 have arrived!"

Dana turned to the entrance to the city and found that the forces promised along with Unit 1 were indeed on their way. "Better late than never." Was the least Dana could comment. She quickly assessed the situation of the retreating enemy and reported, "Maganac Team! We have confirmation of the enemy making its escape across the western walls!" She wasn't sure how many Earth Sphere Leos were left standing but hoped that the Maganac Team would catch up to them before the enemy could report anything on the base's status.

In the middle of the contact, Dana heard Mercurio contact her about pursuing the retreating enemy. She tried to stop him in vain, "Yuy!" It was too late when Uriel went to pursue the Leo IIIs. Dana left him with, "Just be glad those things are all you have to deal with kid."

Having just reached the edge of the base, there were about three Leo IIIs left attempting the escape. The Uriel was closing in at fast speeds and had its buster sword at the ready.

One of the Leo III pilots reported, "Sir! The mobile suit is closing in on us!"

The Captain could only usher one final warning of, "Damn! That thing is too fast!"

At that comment, the Uriel sliced into the closest Leo III and made its next kill. The two that were left standing continued to fire on the Uriel in hopes of doing damage. Some might have been achieved, but it was for naught when the Uriel flashed forward and made another mighty sweep with its blade. The skills of Uriel were proven with this attack and one portion of the escaping enemy had been finished.

Mercurio contacted Dana, "Captain, are the remaining Coalition mobile suits still active?"

"They are. But we won't have to worry about them for long."

"Western Walls? Understood!" Lindemann answered to Captain Dana. The team started to make haste to the Western Walls. As they progressed, they eventually saw the Coalition Leo IIIs. It seemed like they are retreating. It was perfect for the surprise attack.

"Enemy sighted! Cover Fire!" She ordered to the Maganac IIs. The Maganacs started shooting at the Leo IIIs with the beam rifles. With the beans fired as cover fire, the Sandesgeist swooped towards them with the heat shotels held in both hands.

At least on most sides of the city base of Warsaw, the battle was drawing to a close. The destruction of the Leo IIIs and old Leo models littered the streets and desecrated the progress and achievements made by civilization. Such is the inherit nature of any war with such brute force. Alberto found Keijo now finished with the updating of Uriel's software and asked, "Alright Jutila, can we confirm our current status after the attack?"

Keijo saluted, "Sure thing sir. It looks like we were evenly matched but lost 21 of our mobile suits. 16 lost in combat, 5 lost before being able to take off. We've managed to find eight surviving pilots though and the wounded are still being accounted for. The remaining three enemy mobile suits are still being handled by the Maganac Team."

Zachariah snapped to attention when he saluted to Alberto, "It looks like we pulled it off sir."

Alberto commented, "Just barely. Survivor outcome is up by 300% from the usual encounter though, that's one sign of progress."

Keijo added, "And it looks like Mercurio just proved how much of a pilot he is. Not bad for a first fight in a Gundam model."

Alberto concluded the meeting, "Good work on the defense today, we've still got a war on our hands. Someone get Houston and Yuy to meet us in the main base. Make sure Lindemann and any Maganac representatives are present as well. We have an important meeting to make."

Keijo confirmed the command, "Yes sir. Relaying the message now." Keijo found a nearby phone when he announced, "Attention all Maganac assist team. Major Capon is requesting your presence at the center hangar bay. Report ASAP."

As soon as Mercurio received the message, he knew he wasn't able to continue further with the battle. The Coalition lost this one and hopefully it would be the beginning of something far greater for the ESUN in the future. He confirmed the order, "Roger that Keijo. Returning to base now." With that command, the Uriel flew towards the remains of the hangar and was prepared to make its docking preparations.

Dana continued to observe the battlefield the base had become and did not find anything unusual outside of the arriving Maganac Team. The battle was one and the casualty rate was significantly lower than what it could have been if action hadn't been taken. She eventually heard Keijo's message requiring the pilots to meet up at the main base. She answered, "Confirmed. Returning to base." Artemis began to follow Uriel to the hangar they came out of and began to make docking. She observed, "Well this was to be expected from a surprise attack. Maybe these two are our best hope after all."

As soon as the last Coalition mobile suit was taken out, the report was made to General Blare. The operator pointed out, "Sir, we've lost signals on all Vysokaye Reserve Unit."

Edward in a blend of confusion and concern asked, "What? How were they wiped out?"

Another operator began to work on his computer, "We've tracked the attack from the unit's camera. There should be something in here…" As soon as the commands were given, the main computer screens showed various scenes of the battle from earlier. Outside of the weak Leo units making their stand there were three peculiar units that stood out from the rest.

As soon as Edward saw these three mobile suits he concluded within a second, "Hm… So the Earth Sphere has resorted to this have they?" He told his men, "I'll need to file a report on this. Do we have any further attack reserves for this particular city?"

One of the operating tacticians on the main computer reported, "Most of our main forces are still in Minsk. We still have some patrol units in Brest."

Edward shook his head in consideration of calling the Minsk forces to their call. "The enemy will likely have pulled out before the Minsk forces even get there." He thought to himself. He asked the status of the Brest patrol, "As much as the previous force sent?"

"Twice as much sir."

"Excellent. Send them out immediately. We might be able to stop them." He turned to make his way to his own quarters and begin filing the report. He observed to himself, "The President will be quite interested in this news."

The survivors of Warsaw would have a moments peace of their current victory, but within a matter of hours, they were soon to face the vengeance of an even greater force. War continued to be merciless and close in on all points of a moments rest. All of Warsaw was going to burn this time.

Making the descent down to the hangar bay, Dana was able to observe the damage from the ground view. More than forty mobiles suits lay scattered across the ruins thanks to the mighty power of the Gundams. If it hadn't been for them, the Coalition would have been able to advance towards the city today.

Gawel greeted her in a salute, "You did really good out there Captain. How many do you think you got?"

Dana answered, "I counted about nine. Artemis works well with my fighting style."

Gawel reported, "Wow. I thought Mercurio would have been totally in the dust. He might have been able to get as many Leos as you did. He might catch up if he keeps progressing as a pilot."

Dana shrugged and began to walk off to the main base, "Sounds like a plan. I'll see if he's up for a bet like that."

With the remaining Leo IIIs destroyed, the battle of Warsaw was over. As the Maganac team arrived during the battle, there wasn't any losses within the team. They may not be lucky in the coming battles.

"Nice work." Donna said to her brothers. "I have received orders to head to the ESUN base. We will move there immediately."

The team moved towards the base. They saw destroyed Leos and Leo IIIs scattered across the streets along the way. The sight of forty-year-old Leos have partly proven her war-loving father's prediction of the lack of advanced weaponry in the ESUN side will bring heavy casualties. She wished her father can restrain himself but currently Instructor W is taking that role.

The base was in sight. There were also signs of battle at the base with remains of Leos scattered around. She also noticed the destroyed Leo IIIs, the first victim of the new generation of Gundams though the generation seemed to have fewer Gundams as far as she knew. She found what remains of a hangar that she and her brothers can use.

"I will be attending a briefing." She told her team. "You can get out of the mobile suits and have a stretch." The Sandesgeist began docking with the hangar. When the docking was complete, she opened the cockpit of the mobile suit. She stretched a bit before moving on to find the captain.

As Mercurio made his way towards the main base, he found that the surviving pilots were meeting up with him in curiosity of the meeting. The group collectively cheered with Jutila greeting, "Hey Yuy! Looks like you managed to make it out of this one!"

Mercurio agreed, "I guess so. Emergency training does seem to pay off."

Another one of the pilots pointed out, "Yeah? Doesn't seem to land everybody with a super powered mobile suit though. You've already taken down at least six Coalition Leos and that's six times more than what most of our guys manage to pull off in a lifetime."

Mercurio assured them, "It's more the fault of the old models than our men. If we get more mobile suits like those Gundams, we'll be taking back the earth before we know it."

Another pilot punched his arm in respect, "I like the way you think Yuy."

As soon as Mercurio saw Dana walking up to them with Gawel behind her, Mercurio and the others saluted, "Captain. Thank you for your assistance."

As soon as his assistant returned, Alberto asked, "Can we confirm our numbers now?"

He was reported, "We have found the survivors and wounded sir. Including Yuy, Houston, Jutila, and Majewski there's eleven of our pilots remaining. About 63% of the base personnel managed to survive the attack."

Sighing with an edge of disappointment but mostly relief, Alberto noted, "At least we'll have some kind of staff for the Operation. That's a whole lot more than nothing."

Another staff member rushed in with some papers announcing, "Sir, this isn't looking good."

"What is it?"

The staff member presented Alberto with photos of the advancing Coalition attack. The numbers were twice what they previously faced, and Warsaw was now even less prepared. He elaborated, "We have reports of further enemy activity headed this way from Brest. The Coalition is reacting quickly to this. With these kinds of numbers, I'd say they're getting ready to make a more aggressive push into our territory."

Shaking his head in disappointment, Alberto evaluated, "Well that's perfect. The enemy knows we've been softened up. Looks like we'll have to make a run for Ostrava if Rising Himalayas can take off the ground."

His assistant asked, "Is the meeting still planned sir?"

Alberto confirmed, "It is. We'll have to make it quick. President Kecker needs to instruct them on their objectives before this Operation can begin. Get our remaining personnel to prepare for evacuation. We'll need everything we can carry."

Gawel was just as excited about Mercurio's great rise in power from the recent battle. Dana was only pleased that he wasn't shocked from the experience or trying to find a way out of being forced to pilot Uriel in the future. She wasn't entirely sure if he would be right about the state of the Earth Sphere's pilots though. The Leo units however did need to be scrapped for something that stood a fighting chance and that much was a fact.

As soon as Mercurio gave the word of thanks to her, she lazily saluted and responded, "You've got a ways to go Yuy. Keep it up though and you'll be worth more than just a few grains." She turned to the rest of the pilots and ordered, "Let's get moving, Capon's waiting for us and we have an operation to execute!"

As soon as everyone at Warsaw base was gathered, Captain Alberto Capon began, "Alright, you've all probably heard of our recent package by now. Operation Rising Himalayas is off to a shaky start, but we've at least got our three main pilots together. In order of unit: Donna Lindemann, Mercurio Yuy, and Captain Dana Houston. These three are our current Gundam pilots. Treat them as regular pilots and back them up as best you can. Now for the message at hand." He pulled out a device that displayed a hologram of President Franz Kecker. Alberto introduced, "We have a message relay from President Kecker. Beginning the transmission now."

Pressing a button, the hologram spoke, "Warsaw base. I'm afraid that from what reports the War Cabinet has received that the cause for Poland may soon be lost. The beginning of Operation Rising Himalayas may begin with another loss of our United Nations but will soon be replaced with that of our own victories. A shipment of new mobile suit units, the Ursa unit, has been shipped to Ostrava to fit one squadron. It is the most we can offer now, but once mass produced, we shall finally begin to offer the mighty push against the Coalition we have been missing throughout this war. Once the survivors have arrived, it shall be your responsibility to head for the Rome Spaceport. Your destination shall be to arrive at the terraformation center of Mars. Search for Colonel Rumfoord once you have arrived for further debriefing. The hope of the Earth Sphere hangs on the success of every mission soon to follow. I can only hope that the pilots of Gundam are strong enough to deliver us from the Coalition. My prayers and hopes go with you all."

As soon as the message was finished, several soldiers were left curious about the mission. Mercurio seeking confirmation, "We're headed for Mars. There's still a resistance up there?"

Alberto answered, "After all these years it's amazing there is. But I think being screwed over from the terraformation effort is enough to keep anger going for a few generations. Hopefully Rumfoord is more than just rank."

It was a time to begin a true resistance. First to Ostrava, then to Rome, then to the stars that Mercurio thought he would see years from now. What was the weightlessness of space like? What was the battlefield that many had forgotten? Would Mars be any more welcoming? These were the questions Mercurio never thought war would answer, but he was soon to find that it was these questions that would hinge on his success as well as the fate of the Earth Sphere.

As soon as General Blare was finished working on the report of the last invasion attempt, he began to work on his contact with the President of the Coalition. Nathaniel Falson was a relatively young politician considering the average age but carried the professional and observant manner of his late mother many were familiar with. The President greeted, "General Blare. You have something to report?"

Edward began to slip the photos into a scanner explaining, "Yes Mr. President. Warsaw will not be ours as soon as we thought. It will however soon be taken."

Curious about the hitch, Nathaniel asked, "And what is it that causes the delay?"

Edward explained, "Mr. President, it is something what we have doubted the Earth Sphere was capable of replicating." As soon as he answered, the photos of the Earth Sphere Gundam units had arrived before Nathaniel Falson's screen.

Nodding in understanding Nathaniel kept a solemn face when he answered, "Quite the poetic justice indeed. Where are they currently located?"

"All three are still reported to be in Warsaw Mr. President."

The President took several printed copies of the photos elaborating, "I shall require this for the address. We will make an example of the Earth Sphere United Nations. They are in a dire situation if they are resorting to this."

Edward agreed, "The effects of the Kecker administration are starting to take toll on their old policies. Just from the very return of Gundam, the people will have no choice but to rally at our side."

"Properly evaluated General. Soon the people will recognize who their true enemy is. Do not fail in this assault." Nathaniel shut his screen off with one final piece. The hologram shut off leaving Edward to his personal work.

"Of course Mr. President. For just this period." Edward turned to the front view of the Testudo among his alert operatives. "Keep me updated on the progress of our second invasion. We move as soon as they have fully progressed."

It was only a matter of time now. The second wave of Coalition Leo IIIs were on their way to Warsaw. The battle would be far fiercer and the stakes far riskier.

When Donna overheard the meeting, she turned to the Maganac Team. Having just defended the base they were currently making the necessary last-minute adjustments in the hangars still standing. "So, we're heading to Ostrava to defend the new mobile suits for the United Nations?" Flake asked while he fixed one of the Maganac joints.

Donna summarized. "Then after that is done, we will be in Rome to be sent to Mars."

Christian came up to her when she asked, "You sound like you're not totally convinced about the idea."

Donna looked up when she answered, "I would think the Earth Sphere requires our presence here."

Christian patted her shoulder when he promised, "Don't worry about it. We'll remain here if we have to. The Coalition may have its footing up here, but they won't take the capital that easily."

Richard from a platform above agreed, "For damn sure. We'll make sure we're equal to what the Sandesgeist is capable of."

Donna nodded when she left, "Thanks guys. I have to go make some last-minute changes now."

"Yeah see you in a bit." Flake agreed. "Hey Christoph, be sure to make those repairs sooner than later. We've got to get out of here before you're done."

"I'm working on it!" A voice said from beneath one of the Maganac holding trucks.

Donna found her way to the cockpit of the Sandesgeist. Inside she opened the communicator to contact Instructor W. "I heard about your work at Warsaw." Instructor W said to Donna. The instructor had light skin and blonde hair, but he hid his eyes with sunglasses.

"Now it seems that we will have to move to Ostrava soon and eventually Rome." Donna updated him. "Then we will be sent to Mars to support the resistance there."

"I see." the Instructor replied. "In that case, I will prepare some parts for Sandesgeist then. You can claim them at Rome."

Donna brushed her arm before she confessed, "I don't think I can really agree with this sort of mission though."

"Why is that? I know it's your first space mission. But the training should be up to date with simulating that form of combat."

"I understand that. I'm not sure if I really support the idea of this operation though. I think Earth needs us more right now."

"I certainly can't argue with that evaluation. I'm afraid that all we have to go off of is the hope that High Command sees this resistance as part of a greater long-term effort to assist against the Coalition."

"How's father doing?" She asked. "I hope his hawkish attitude isn't causing trouble."

"He is doing fine." The Instructor assured her. "I did see him busy lately and he said that he is heading to Luxembourg for some reason he refused to tell me."

"Right. That was all the update from me." She finished the conversation and turned off the mobile suit again."

She got out of the mobile suit. She remembered that she didn't see the other Gundams yet, so she started to walk around the hangar to look for them while her brothers talked about individualizing their Maganac IIs to their liking.

Pavel had taken the liberty of observing meeting with the other pilots and Alberto's forces. He recognized the reason for their attention than he was after pulling out so much weight today. "If anyone takes these results to their head, I'll have to step in." He reminded himself while casually lighting a cigarette. He announced to the others, "Well, it was nice working with you folks. I really hope we get another chance soon." He properly saluted all of the other pilots before heading towards the Leo II waiting in the hangar.

Alberto walked up to meet him side by side reminding him, "You'll be surprised how soon it will be. The Coalition is already going to be on us hoping they can catch us flatfooted."

Pavel took a final deep breath of his cigarette before he agreed, "Sadly I should know. And warnings are not really going to help us with that issue."

Within the Capital building two hours had passed when the Parliament finished its decisions. As soon as the voting had been finished, the House Speaker announced the results, "The bill now passes with a 78% majority in the ESUN Parliament." At this proclamation, much of the parliament representatives applauded at the passing. At this achievement, Franz stood before his Parliament with a prepared speech.

He began, "My fellow leaders, let it be known on this day that we, the leaders of the Earth Sphere, have agreed to strip ourselves of the old principles of pacifism and forward into an age of our own preservation!" There was another applause with a few reluctant supporters in the rows.

Franz elaborated the plan of Operation Rising Himalayas, "Our fellow fighters have been imprisoned on Mars for more than ten years! No more shall we excuse ourselves by saying we have been constrained to the Earth, but we shall now offer a sincere helping hand! With the construction of the Gundams, we shall now begin a battle to save them once and for all! Not only will this be a noble act of the ESUN military, but the first step towards eradicating the Falson Coalition all to their foundations at 3 Juno!"

There was a final round of applause from the Parliament members before he concluded, "I assure you all now that with the beginning of Operation Rising Himalayas, the finest days of the Earth Sphere United Nations are right before us! Hear this now my fellow leaders of the free people of Earth! Today we fight a war for our preservation, soon we fight a war of progress! Our brothers on Mars, our fellow humans in space, they will all rally to our side as we reclaim the Earth in the name of unity! Before us is the greatest turning point in human history as we take our past experiences and forward ourselves under an era of unparalleled unity!" There seemed to be little opposition to this passing as the Parliament agreed to the action. The applause took hold over the majority of the House representatives at their most recent accomplishment.

The First Priority Speaker Malcolm Hunter announced, "The Parliament shall now hear from the leading Opposition Party. Speaker Relena Yuy, you have the floor."

Within the crowd stood the now aged Relena Yuy. Once a symbol of total pacifism under a united humanity, now the leader of an ideal that many had begun to believe was a dead ideal. She spoke, "This action is something that I regret to see the former symbol of peace enact. I have long believed that the worst course of preservation is becoming what we as a people despise. The return of soldiers, the return of Gundams, I feel that I must show some concern for what will become of the Earth's peace with the ultimate rebirth of a military and reliance on leaders. I believed that 30 years ago this system was built to preserve such a peace. The most I can offer now is my apologies for my failure regardless of where I have stood for the past years... Thank you Mr. President..."