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 4: And Thus the First Peaks Rise

Brussels
ESUN Capital Building

President Franz Kecker was in a meeting with holograms of several key Earth Sphere generals in the war room taking note of the speech being broadcasted from 3 Juno. The Falson Coalition had now learned of the return of Gundams. It was inevitable to report, but how quick it was done was causing some concern. When the speech ended Franz saw General Klaus Ulbricht analyze, "It seems that the Coalition has discovered the existence of our Gundam technology."

Franz agreed to the observation, "It was quite soon I must admit. We will have to tread lightly until the return from Mars."

The Italian General, Mauro Carmine, was the first to ask, "Will we be capable of holding back the Coalition until then? Our mobile suits have taken heavy losses and the enemy will continue to push further into our territories."

The French General, Alphonse de Lombard, held up a holographic map explaining, "They are also being stretched thin. Their ranks are advancing but they are very close to our strongest defenses. Unfortunately, it may be an issue of having the proper numbers to even chance an offensive."

Klaus recognized the situation when he reminded, "Then we shall have to rally the people behind us. We can still push back the Coalition if the circumstances favor us. Ideally if we can flank their advancing ranks when possible we should be able to strike several decisive blows. Unfortunately, we won't have unlimited resources to continue holding this line."

"Which leaves us with little other choice than to hold the strongest defense we can muster. If the Lindemann Estate can still provide mobile suit numbers, then we may be capable of holding our ground until the Gundams return." Franz changed the map to show a pathway between Earth and Mars when he added, "The round trip from here to Mars and back will take 70 days. If we are optimistic, this portion of the Operation could take another month."

Alphonse thought briefly when he estimated, "Then we must wait three months before we can see the Gundams return. The forces on Mars had best be worth the rescue."

The President assured, "They will be gentlemen. We can have the entire world behind us, but even our new Urrsa models will be suffice to only push back the Coalition for a time."

Mauro left his final message to the meeting, "Then you have your plan laid out before you Mr. President. We need only hope that it is enough to bring us to a successful defense."

The President gave a final promise, "I can assure you this much gentlemen. This war is within its final moments. We shall see the Coalition fall soon enough."

Outside the city of Nova Gorica the Tallgeese Authority saw the Coalition mobile suits following it. Its pilot observing the rising Leo III units from their hangar bays and moving into position. Her observation was broken when she heard her channel open to a signal.

"So, I take it you're the Agent Zelma General Blare has ordered us to follow."

"That is correct. And I am to trust that you will follow my instruction?"

"Of course. We just follow the General's orders on where to head out. Have to admit regardless of what you've got it's not usual to see him trust his men under someone he doesn't already command."

"I have served the General before Major. If you seek to have confirmation on his trust in me you can ask him yourself." Zelma shut off the channel when the final words between them were exchanged. The five squadrons of Coalition Leo III units made their way out of the base with the Tallgeese in lead.

One of the Captains nearby opened another channel with her asking, "Just have to figure this out. Where exactly does that mobile suit even come from? And is it really even a practical thing to be piloting this day in age?"

"It is a piece from an era supposed to have ended. If the era of conflict continues to persist then it shall continue to live its only purpose."

The channel was switched off while the Captain was left to shake his head, "Some of these people are nuts. All we even get to hear about this chick comes from the General." Switching to another channel the Captain found his superior officer the Major asking, "So where exactly are we headed anyway sir?"

"According to Ms. Zelma we're going to be headed to Cormons. The enemy doesn't have any presence there, but we should be able to cut off the convoy from Warsaw if Strategist Stephens was right about where they were headed."

"We will be in enemy territory as it is. There will always be a chance that we have to deal with them."

"Heh. Sure, what's the worst they're going to do anyway? Spinosissimus units are overkill in this area and the Leo units are just going to be easy pickings."

As the two men talked Zelma overheard the conversation when her Tallgeese Authority continued to advance ahead of the Leo IIIs. "Signs of an overwhelming victory always undermine those least prepared to take it."

"Sigh..." Alberto took out a photo of his old brigade when he remembered the past. Within it younger versions of him and Pavel were in salute with Kazan base in the background. "Well Pavel... We knew it was only going to be a matter of time. Who knows how much of it was borrowed." He placed the photo back into his pocket when he tried to remind himself of the mission at hand. "I'll have a funeral for him soon enough. But these Coalition aggressors are going to pay for every human life they continue to take."

For Dana, the final blows struck in the battle brought a bit of relief. Even with her experience, it was true that three battles in a row would be hard on anyone. She walked into the driver's seat of her truck to twist her neck and checked the others among her ranks seeing that there was the same amount of fatigue going on that made everyone thankful for the 12 hours. "Looks like this trip is about to be kind of quiet right now. Even without interruptions, we still have the long trip to Mars... And the Earth Sphere still has a war to fight on this front." Hoping to find something to break the silence, she turned to Alberto, "Hey there Capon. You think you could tell us about who we're getting off Mars? Some of the lower ranks might be wondering what they're traveling all this way for."

Alberto heard Dana answering, "Trust me, if this was my operation Mars would only be a stepping stone to 3 Juno. The only info we have right now is that we have allies on Mars who need our help and they have tech that can help us win this war. It better be something powerful or this mission will be a pretty big waste to say the least."

Dana hesitated before confirming, "Got it Major. We've got soldiers who will follow orders. It's just a question of how what good we're going to get out of this mission now."

"I trust they will be loyal to the cause Captain. All we should hope for now its that we return with more than we might lose." Alberto shut off his channel when he added, "There will be at least three among us who will continue this mission with a chance of surviving."

The Sandesgeist was held on a new truck with the other Maganac II units. Donna was able to have some extra room to move around while her remaining brothers oversaw the status of their mobile suits. "You holding up okay Donna?" Christoph asked.

Donna rubbed her right arm slightly as she answered, "Yeah. I guess I still regret what happened to Flake is all."

"He hasn't given up on living just yet. Months from now he'll be good as new and ready to slash some more Coalition fodder."

Richard entered the conversation, "Flake was the one who couldn't handle three battles in a single day wasn't he? It's not like he's going to miss anything."

Christian added, "He will soon enough. Just look forward to him rushing up to the opportunity."

Donna ended the debate of their injured brother asking, "Does anyone have a list of the other pilots with us?"

Christoph brought up a list on a nearby computer when he answered, "Yeah we've got one here. Just knowing their names isn't going to be enough though. We won't be able to follow you up to Mars so you'll have to make a new family with your company up there."

"I guess so. There is a difference between just knowing names and actually knowing people isn't there?"

Donna looked over the list of names of the convoy she found one in particular that caught her interest. She remembered hearing the name Yuy on the communication channel during Ostrava. I wonder if he has any relation to the Gundam pilot Heero Yuy.She wondered

As the new pilots of the Ursa squadron huddled to the back area of their loading truck Roy gave a speech to them, "Okay guys, looks like we've been able to leave Ostrava only near ruins, but we should be able to stand a chance when we're out there in space flying at break neck speed."

Ludwika continued to gaze out the truck window when she asked, "I take it you've gotten over the people piloting the Gundams then?"

"I don't even see a reason to care at this point. If we keep up this number of battles a day, we won't be able to complain about anything."

As if to answer to this sort of observation one of the Ursa pilots spoke from behind him, "You really should try and stow any of those kind of thoughts Roy. The other recruits are starting to feel uneasy about this sort of wisecracking."

Roy looked accusingly at the pilot when he asked, "It's not my fault they don't have another way of handling mobile suit battles day in and day out. Case in point how about you? How many sorties have you been in?"

"After today, five."

"And how many close buddies did you lose when you were out there those past few times?"

"I've lost one of my high school pals out there but what is your point? We all know what we signed up for out here."

"Sure, what we've signed up for. We're not supposed to feel anything because we all know that we're just going to get cranked into the grinder at some point. But what do you think those Gundam pilots out there are going to be sacrificing?"

Keijo interrupted the argument between the two, "Roy you better shut your hole before the Major decides to peep in on this kind of talk. You think the Gundam pilots don't have anything to lose out there? We aren't just here to tag along for some kind of ride."

Roy threw his arms up in defeat at the situation, "Shit. Looks like Majewski is the only one who seems to get what I'm talking about."

"He probably is and it's going to stay that way too. Tell you what they decide to pull a fast one on us and start killing everything that doesn't look right to them you'll have an argument."

"In other words when it's too late."

Zachariah tried to put an end to the argument between the two when he said, "Just stay focused for what's coming out there. If we have to fend against the enemy again, we need to at least have some people ready for standby."

Ludwika concluded the conversation as she turned away from the window, "Exactly. You ladies are starting to make me feel like we have a more hopeless cause than we should have."

Roy slouched back on his area of the wall when he asked himself, "Just how hopeless of a situation does a soldier have to be in before the hopes to survive outweigh the desire to carry on?"

A squad of Leo II units had taken position within the city of Cormons while one was standing ahead of its leader's unit. The pilot within the leading unit was checking his radar when he announced, "That's them. The enemy is headed this way sir."

The Captain heard this report and ordered, "Maintain radio chatter to a minimum. We need to stick to the plan to take them by surprise. Whatever you do, do not turn on anything other than primary functions for your mobile suit."

"Starting radio silence sir." One of the pilots confirmed.

The Captain had several of his systems shut down when he commented to himself, "This is going to be the real challenge now. Firing on the enemy without targeting systems or a comms system. It's time for the test of our lives if we can pull this off."

One of the pilots observed the strategy as he kept his rifle at the ready. "So that part of the info was right. Now we need to find out for sure how reliable this ally of our is supposed to be."

He heard one of the pilots contact him, "Damn. Using a city for cover? I take it we're pretty much functioning as the world's loudest warning siren for an evacuation at this point."

"Even if we are then we better make sure the Coalition doesn't plan on killing without mercy today."

The Earth Sphere Captain interrupted their conversation when he ordered, "Enemy is entering range. Maintain your radio silence."

"Yes sir." Both agreed.

Outside the city of Cormons, the countryside was silent as the Coalition mobile suits made their advance. One of the leading Coalition Captains observed the near destination asking, "This is where we are supposed to meet with the enemy?"

The Major oversaw the radar on his screen when he answered, "It has been estimated they will be arriving at this point."

"I don't get it. If we can guess they're headed to Rome, then why would they be headed this way?"

"The enemy's intention is to find a way they believe they will not meet with any Coalition forces." Zelma said as she interrupted the conversation.

The Major considered the strategy before he accepted, "I see. We'll see if your judgment works in your favor Agent."

"Behind enemy lines, anticipating an enemy's most daring plan is often the most sensible action."

The Major changed his channel to one of the nearby squads asking, "Forward squad, do you have visual of the enemy?"

One of the Coalition squads of Leo III units made their way towards the sleepy city when its Captain reported, "Negative. They don't seem to have arrived yet." Nearing one of the smaller buildings he checked his radar and cameras asking himself, "Where the hell are they?" Just before his Leo III unit could move in any further A Leo II unit popped from around a corner and fired its rifle on the Captain. The Leo III brought up its shield as it braced the shots. "Contact! Enemy contact!"

"They were waiting for us!" The Major switched his channel to Zelma's Tallgeese, "Alright Agent I hope you have that mobile suit for more than just show. Now get ready to move in and prove how much you're worth."

"I'll begin scanning for the best range. I'll have them all taken down in one shot." The Tallegeese Authority took to the air and began to search through the battlefield. The five Coalition squadrons were engaged with only a few varying Leo units the Earth Sphere had. "No signs of Coalition or Earth Sphere observers... Minimal civilian sightings... All conditions are met."

The Major led his squadron down when his Leo III open fired on the nearby city ordering, "Keep moving in! They only have lesser models, they can't do much damage!"

"Unfortunate that it must end here." With that parting word, Agent Zelma turned the Tallgeese's rifle to the Coalition squadrons. Before any of the Coalition leaders had a chance to look back towards the mobile suit the massive beam of energy found its way to the ground and blazed a path across each of the Leo III units.

"What?! Agent! What are you doing?!"

"The contract was not long-lasting Major." The Major fired a few desperate shots from his Leo's main rifle but found them to be in vain as he to was engulfed in the Tallgeese's moving beam.

The Earth Sphere Leo II units stood in observation at the destruction. One of the pilots pointed out, "Captain. The enemy looks like it's been wiped out."

The Earth Sphere Captain was shaken to his senses when he agreed, "That woman's transmission was telling us the truth. Seems like she even went as far as to help us out of this mess." He changed his communication's channel to an open frequency when he thanked, "I don't know who you are, but you've really helped us out here."

"It is best that you don't report anything to anyone. Unfortunately, there is only one way I can be certain." The Tallgeese Authority prepared its rifle again but this time it was not at full power. It fired towards the nearest Leo II unit and an explosion occurred right outside the city borders.

"Enemy contact! That thing isn't our ally!" One of the Earth Sphere pilots warned. It was too late however when the Tallgeese thrust forward with its beam rod in hand and slashed at the nearest one.

The Captain was quick to order to his men, "Fall back! We've got to get to what cover we can!"

"Of course." Zelma said as she observed the Leo II units making their way into the city. The Tallgeese withdrew its rifle and began to descend to the ground when Zelma added, "It's worth trying but you will not be able to evade me."

One of the Leo II pilots was in a state of bewilderment when he pointed out, "It's not trying to fire on the city."

"Whatever the reason is we have to take this opportunity when we can! We have to use this to our advantage!" The Earth Sphere Captain ordered.

"Got it Captain, following your orders!"

The Earth Sphere Captain observed the Tallgeese making contact with the ground before it had its heat rod prepared to slash. The Captain rushed for a strategy when he ordered, "Break off and prepare to engage the enemy at the next blindside! Don't let it get any closer than necessary!"

The Leo II units made their way back, but the effort was too late when the Tallgeese dashed forward with its heat rod in hand. "Ah oh shit!" One of the pilots was able to exclaim before he found his mobile suit and another next to his sliced in half.

Zelma watched the signals on her screen when she found the Leo II units dash away from the area. "Four remaining."

"It only has one visible weapon on its left arm. If we flank it from both sides, we should have a decent shot."

"It can't get us from here... Just wait for it to pass..." The Tallgeese came in between the two units when the signal was given, "Now!" Just as the two units moved in for the attack the Tallgeese took out its heat rod and beam saber in right hand. The beam rifles were sliced all the way to the cockpits as the Leo II units tried to mount the attack.

"The... The Hell?!" Were the last words of one pilot.

"This isn't supposed to happen!" The last one proclaimed. With that attack another two Leo II units were taken down.

Zelma moved away from the debris when the Leo II units fell down to check the final status of the Earth Sphere squad. "Now to find the last two."

The two remaining Leo II units managed to make their way to the outer edge of the city when the attack failed. "Captain, she's this close to wiping us out!"

The Captain tried to maintain his calm as he forced himself, "Hold it together! We have to get out of here before she - AHH!" He checked to his left to see his remaining squad member was shot down by a beam of energy from behind. He checked his rear monitor to realize the Tallgeese preparing its final attack. "Damn it... It's headed this way!"

Before it could slice its final opponent, the Earth Sphere Captain managed to lift his Leo's shield in contact with the heat rod. He struggled to push the Tallgeese back when he managed to muster, "I... I can't get it... Just what are you even fighting for?!"

"I am fighting for the cause that is most just." With that final word the Tallgeese Authority broke through the Leo II's shield and sliced across the pilot seat area. Zelma moved the Tallgeese away from the imminent explosion as the final Leo II went down. The final Earth Sphere mobile suit was destroyed along with the Coalition mobile suits following Zelma.

She took no time to enjoy the destruction she had caused when she observed the battlefield. "A surprise attack should be sufficient reason for failure. Perhaps now he'll be safe."

12 hours had passed since the defense of Ostrava and the convoy had arrived at Rome's space port. Alberto was the first to step out of his Ursa unit he commanded, "Alright let's let them out. It's time we got these things loaded."

Several cranes began to unload the mobile suits onto carrying vehicles to the nearby shuttles. Dana was next to order to her following convoy, "Rise and shine pilots! We've arrived and we're going to follow protocol as usual!"

Gawel stretched from his resting and spoke, "Rrrr... Didn't think it'd be nice to hear that for once."

One of the Ursa pilots pointed out, "It's what happens when you sit in the back seat."

As soon as the announcement was given, the remaining pilots from Warsaw stood at attention to hear Dana's report. She explained, "Alright here's the deal. Me and the Major have to meet with mission command on when we launch and how to carry out the operation. Can I count on all of you to stay alert and prepare for launch?"

She hoped her hearing was still okay when everyone answered, "Yes sir!"

Nodding she explained, "I know that for most of you this will be your first time in space. Trust me when I say that this will not be an easy trip. You'll be stuck in one of those cans for more than a month and you won't be able to feel gravity like you're used to once we get to our destination. So make any last minute calls or give any prayers you have before we're out. It's going to be a while before we return to the frontlines, but I can only hope that this portion of the operation makes all of us come out stronger. Dismissed."

With the dismissal given to prepare for the launch to Mars, the soldiers began their last rituals before they had to endure a month of zero gravity and other environments not meant for the human body to endure.

Donna left the cockpit of the Sandesgeist as she observed the Earth Sphere squadrons making their stop while the Gundams were unloaded. "Finally, I can touch the ground again." She said while doing some small stretches to relieve some stress acclaimed from the long journey.

"Donna?" Asked a familiar voice.

Donna looked behind her. She saw a blonde-haired man in a lab-coat hiding his eyes with jet black sunglasses.

"Instructor W?" She asked him.

"Hey." He replied easily. "I came here with the enhancements for your trip to Mars." He pointed to a truck in the middle of unloading a machine gun and a backpack near the Sandesgeist. "I realized that you need a reliable machine gun now that you won't be with your brothers for a while. Also, for low gravity on Mars and Space, this backpack will increase your mobility."

Donna observed the equipment as it made its way to the nearest shuttle hangar.

"Thank you Instructor. They are just what I need considering all of the conditions." She thanked.

The Instructor was glad to see that he put a smile on her face. "I need to meet with the General here regarding the status of the war." He said to her. "I might be back to talk more."

The Instructor waved goodbye to his pilot. If the Gundams are our final option, then I can only hope this will help the Sandesgeist restore peace. He made his way to the headquarters in Rome.

Mercurio saw the other mobile suit pilots prepare to leave the area when he considered Dana's reminder. "I guess it is time for me to prepare..." He knew that it was the last chance he would have at this point. Mercurio headed to the nearest phone and called a number.

Heero Yuy was indeed still alive but thirty years had eroded his piloting skills greatly. The fact that they were all gone in his period and supposed to be gone forever was something that even made him, the perfect soldier, rather lax. At this point in the war, his only purpose for the time being was to continue maintaining the ESUN Security personnel while seeing his wife was still in safety.

The only thing he couldn't save her from was what the ESUN had reduced her to. She was once the voice of peace and reason for everyone and now seemed to be the waning echo of a great ideal. Heero had learned that there was one thing that couldn't be faced with soldiering tactics, and that was addressing matters of the human heart. The only thing that he could do now was stand with Relena like he did before. Without their only son at their side though, it would become more difficult to convince any security to her.

He was still in his office finishing up on paperwork when his phone rang. "Hm…" It was a deviation from the usual silence at this point but was ready to answer it regardless. "Hello?"

"Dad. It's me."

"Mercurio. It's good to hear from you."

"Thanks. I didn't know if I should have called mom at all, but I have to let somebody know that I won't be within conventional contact for a while."

"Then I take it you're going somewhere?"

"Pretty far away yeah. I'm sure you know that protocol dictates I can't disclose any information right now."

"I'll tell your mother. Stay prepared for your mission and we will see you again."

"You're sure I'll make it out alive?"

"You will only fail if you doubt yourself… I only hope to see you again sooner than later."

"Thanks dad. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Perhaps there were some things that could not be weathered away with age, and Mercurio's father still had a stoic attitude even in a war that shouldn't have happened. It was something Mercurio had learned to adopt himself but was moderated by his mother whenever possible. "That is what helped me decide to become a soldier. This war is happening and he can't be what he used to be." Mercurio said to himself.

Dana Houston and Alberto Capon were meeting with the Italian General Mauro Carmine in the planning headquarters.

Dana stood next to Alberto when he saluted with her, "General Carmine. It's good to see you here sir."

He saluted them, "Greetings. I have read your report on your rather extensive struggle just to get here. The results have been promising even with our losses, but it will have to be translated into something greater in later months."

"We can only hope so. Stalemates aren't going to get us anywhere at this point in the war." Dana agreed.

Alberto thanked, "We are grateful to hear your confidence General. We only need to know the details on what to do about the shuttle launch."

The General agreed, "Yes Capon. In order to maintain with Rising Himalaya's consistency plans, we have prepared a special accommodation for the Gundam pilots."

As soon as she was finished speaking, Dana saw another person enter who seemed to be scheduled. At his introduction she saluted to Instructor W. He walked to the room where the meeting between Houston, Capon and Carmine is being held. "Instructor W." He introduced himself. "I apologize for my late arrival."

As soon as Instructor W entered the meeting room Carmine greeted, "Greetings Instructor. I understand the modifications for Sandesgeist have arrived."

"Yes General. Once they have been installed, they will enable the Sandesgeist to fight equally along side the Uriel and Artemis in outer space."

"Very fortunate this addition to the Gundam could be made at the last minute. Until they have reached Luna however it does not seem they will have the Gundams up to full battle potential."

"That is one thing that worries me. But the politics on Luna are probably another matter we cannot resolve from this room."

"Not even the President has been able to address these matters Instructor. Right now we can only hope that these men and women will be successful in their mission in the first place."

As soon as the conversation came to that point Dana was the first to ask the General, "Sir... You're sure that this is a good idea? I know the Gundams are our best hope for victory and everything, but if our forces are divided like that, our main forces won't be able to defend themselves quite as well... Just for a bit of clarification on the protocol sir." She quickly added in order to not be considered questioning orders.

Mauro explained to Dana, "For this trip it will probably be difficult. But it is something that we must do in order to prevent the pilots from separating one another. It was one of the great flaws of Operation Meteor. Allowing five young soldiers to execute their respective operations while having their own freedom allowed for personal conflict and ambitions to get in the way of their mission. It is our hope Captain that you will be able to form a sense of unity with one another."

Alberto continued the matter asking, "I understand that you wish for the Gundam pilots to have a stronger bond than those from Meteor sir. Do you believe that the pilots of Unit 1 and Unit 2 will be capable of adjusting to such a plan without knowing it is currently in place?"

Mauro assured him, "Command has evaluated the compatibility of the selected pilots and determined from their psych profiles that they are not likely to antagonize one another."

The concept felt rather underhanded to Alberto but could only confirm the evaluation, "I suppose so."

Instructor W added his input when he told him, "I also believe the Gundam pilots will be capable. The pilots were carefully selected with the success of Operation Rising Himalayas in mind. They were trained for this like their predecessors from Operation Meteor."

Mauro did his best to assure everyone of the situation, "Trust be everyone. Most of these things are really out of my range of work. It's up to the Executive Branch to decide how the pilots are selected and what their operations will be. As for me and my fellow Generals on Earth, this is probably going to be the defining moment of General Ulbricht's career when he prepares to defend against the Testudo of all things."

Alberto was silent for a second before he remembered, "The Testudo... If there was anything the Gundams were built for it was that thing that's on its way to the capital. Major Kolek would have really like to see that day arrive."

"General Ulbricht has assured me of his capability to defend Berlin against this incoming invasion. We have the new standard in mobile suit technology and hopefully soon the numbers necessary to make this defense possible. Just focus on the mission for now Alberto. It wish the one thing that we must see the enemy does not have a chance in foiling."

"I shall see it done General. I'll report the news to the other pilots."

"Thank you Major. Everyone. Dismissed."

Dana agreed to the general's command and confirmed, "I guess that will be alright. There're worse people to be cooped up with for a month or two. I'll make sure that their training regimen preps them for zero gravity battles." As soon as the meeting was finished, she saluted to the leading General and made her way to the hangar reserved for her alongside the other two men.

Dana went over the plan in her mind as she left the office. "I hope that this plan will be as effective as the General was suggests."

Instructor W seemed to know what she was talking about when he promised, "The separation of the five Gundam pilots during Operation Meteor caused a great deal of confusion and lack of focus during the actual execution. If anything, perhaps maintaining them for an extended time in the same space won't permit the same outcome."

"In the meantime, I understand that you will bring your best effort to assist in the Berlin defensive Instructor?" Alberto asked.

The Instructor was reluctant before he agreed, "It will be the least I can do."

"Whatever you have to offer it will require every last effort we can manage before that day comes. If you have anything that can stand against its firepower then we will have some chance of lasting against it."

"So those stories of your battle against the Coalition's Offense Descent were accurate?"

Alberto nodded when he remembered the old days in his mind, "They were. If it wasn't for me and Pavel the Testudo would have landed somewhere far closer to the Earth Sphere capital and we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. Unfortunately, I think all it has done now is buy us time and not a whole lot of lives saved." He took a deep breath before he silently recalled another aspect of his time on the frontlines, "Those stories on the Russian fronts. Those craters did not come from outer space projectiles. And if we don't stop the Coalition now they'll have a lot more to leave."

Instructor W lingered his thoughts for a period as he processed the situation of the Testudo causing such havoc on the world. "Entire cities gone. This sort of weaponry was supposed to have been ended. But it seems the human capacity to entertain the idea of such devastation has not been wrung out."

"No one could entertain the idea better Instructor. Unfortunately, we are both opposing sides with a different idea of how to prevent such atrocities and then it all just ends up getting lost in one giant cycle." Dana agreed. She broke the looming depression over the conversation when she parted, "War stories are great to share you guys, but I think I better make sure my Artemis is ready for space combat."

Alberto accepted the decision when he saluted, "Of course Captain. Don't let yourself be delayed on our behalf."

"I wish you luck on your mission Captain." Instructor W added.

As soon as she reached the hangar, Dana ordered the men in her squad, "Alright people! We don't have time to enjoy the sights! We need to be ready to leave on the hour! Load the mobile suits and get your last-minute preparations ready! Move it! Now!" As she saw the equipment being loaded for the trip into space, Dana noticed that Donna and Mercurio weren't to be seen in the area. "Hope Yuy and Lindemann aren't planning to dally for too long or risk being left behind." Dana thought to herself out loud.

Keijo was next to her when he added, "Don't worry. I've seen Yuy in the area."

Donna walked away from the truck that the equipment was unloaded from. She saw Mercurio from a crowd of nearby soldiers. "I guess I should listen to Christoph's advice."

"Hi there." She said to him to a friendly voice. "I'm Donna, the pilot for the Sandesgeist."

In that moment, Mercurio had met face to face with Donna Lindemann for the first time. For the most part knowing her only by the one order he gave at the battle for Ostrava, she was the last pilot he had yet to actually know personally.

He greeted her, "Hi, I'm Mercurio the pilot of Unit 2."

While the Earth Sphere forces were still able to make their launch begin, a battlefield across the Italian waters in Croatia had been waging. An old mobile suit had been showing its age among the other models, but it had the power necessary to reduce its enemies to ashes. The Coalition was not able to consider any further invasion of Italy with this unknown force before them.

The pilot inside knew that this part of the mission would soon be finished. Once the ships had begun their trip to Mars, then the mission could enter its next phase. And this time it would not be beneficial for the Earth Sphere forces…

Donna offered her hand for a handshake. "I saw your piloting skills against the Leo IIIs at Ostrava. Thanks for helping me take out the Scutum."

Mercurio accepted Donna's hand in greeting and offered, "It's no problem at all. I would hope that most in the same situation would aid their allies."

She walked towards the base with Mercurio. "It's good that I am finally able to talk to another Gundam pilot. I also heard that your surname is Yuy."

The two were walking towards the base and she revealed her interest in his last name. There was only one other time when anyone wanted to confirm his lineage and that was when Captain Capon tried to intimidate him about the responsibilities of being a soldier in the Earth Sphere military. Was it fate for him to be a Gundam pilot like his father? He answered with the same commitment he did then. "Yes, I am Mercurio Yuy. I only hope to be of assistance to anyone who fights with me."

"That must be an honorable title to have. The responsibility must be a great challenge to uphold as well."

"I don't know about a responsibility. The most that I have to handle is the fact that I've been given a Gundam to pilot."

"At the very least if you were seen worthy to pilot the Uriel it was for a good reason."

"Of all the things we do have I guess we'll both have to get better at long range combat."

"This is probably a difficult subject but... How did the House Minority Leader handle seeing you enter the war effort?"

"Not well." Mercurio sat down when eh began to explain, "Right after I graduated High School, I brought my enlistment papers to my folks and she only had two words to tell me."

"Absolutely not!" Relena said as she slammed her hand on the table carrying the papers in front of Mercurio. "Too many have been lost in this war alone and I will not have my own children risking their lives for it!"

"I can imagine that she would have said that." Donna agreed. "My father quite literally had the opposite reaction. In fact he actually pressed me to do so."

"Your mother wasn't quite as vocal about it was she?"

"... My mother died when I was very young."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to assume."

"Your intention was well meaning. That is what counts." Donna kept herself composed when she decided, "It is one thing we do have in common at least. We both have a family legacy to follow and uphold."

"Was your family involved in a prior war?"

"The Eve Wars. My father was actually a soldier for OZ. The fighting spirit never seemed to leave him though but the most he has ever done now is invest in mobile suit projects." Donna briefly considered what she knew about her mother before adding, "Perhaps if my mother were still alive she would have something to say about my enlistment. Father still would have made his voice more the authority on the matter though."

"That's not really how my father did it. But he was able to convince my mother."

"I know you want him to live to grow up. I know you want him to live a life without conflict. But the chance for him to live in that world ended when he was just a boy."

"Heero... You're talking about sending your own boy to war! You're letting Mercurio out on the frontlines to risk his life! How can you even be considering this to be acceptable?!"

"Relena. Mercurio is at the age where he will determine where his life will take him going forward. It is time for him to live on his own emotions. He will continue on with this path regardless of who allows him."

"That's not even the point... I don't want him out there risking his life! I can't let anyone else take this sort of responsibility..."

"But it's what he wants. Relena, if Mercurio is going to live in a peaceful world there has to be someone who will permit that world to exist... That is why he wants to fight. That is what we want all of us to have."

There was a long silence between the two when Heero said those words. Relena looked down at the ground beneath her before she lifted her gaze to answer, "I never wanted this..." Relena took the pen from Heero's hand. "... But you are right."

"How did you have to convince your father to such an argument?"

"I didn't. It might be a father's intuition or it might be just him. But he was able to see right through what I wanted. And he could recognize that there was only one way that it would ever work."

"I guess that's why my father respects him. He always says that Relena has been too grounded in her old ideologies but that only a man as grounded in reality like Heero Yuy could make her see what everyone else sees now."

"That's probably the worst thing has happened over the recent years. But it's also my greatest drive. I want her to still see this united Earth she fought so hard to create. I want her dream of a peaceful tomorrow to be a reality."

"With the Gundams at our side I'm sure we'll be able to accomplish that very goal."

"The Gundams won't be our only resource. We'll have to rely on each other to ensure our victories on the frontlines."

"And I look forward to working with you further Mercurio."

As the loading was nearly complete for the launch, Dana explained to the pilots currently waiting for the final moment, "I know this will be a new experience for all of you, but make sure that you follow the training schedule and you'll be adapted to zero g physics in no time. It only took me a week to get used to it, and I expect all of you to use those extra three weeks to get better than me."

One of the pilots asked, "So you're saying you've actually been in space Captain?"

Dana knew that it was time to explain her experience, "I sure have. The Earth Sphere's first push into space was up on Luna."

Another asked, "Is it difficult to fight in zero g?"

Dana explained, "The mobile suits will be as agile as ever, but it's even more hectic up there if you don't keep a 360-degree focus. And trying to fight with a space suit in those conditions? You might as well get settled on the pale horse if you can't cheat your enemy."

Gawel shook his head in a mix of concern and anguish asking, "Well this is making the trip feel more exciting. Is it even like that on Mars?"

Dana confirmed this worry, "It sure is. It'll take several decades for Mars to even be as breathable Hong Kong. We might have been there sooner if it wasn't for the war."

Another pilot noted, "Must be how everybody on Mars is feeling."

Dana jumped on the observation, "That's the interest I'm hoping for people! We've got good people up there waiting for us. Are you prepared to show them what you can offer?"

The familiar chorus of "Yes sir!" was her answer.

"Good work. Take your position in Shuttle 2. I'll see you guys in a month then. Dismissed."

As soon as they dispersed, Dana could see that the shuttles were almost finished loading while Donna and Mercurio were right on time to be returning. The four of them would all be set to get to know one another pretty soon. Only she knew about the plan, and perhaps it would be more effective on the young if they didn't know their occupation with one another was pre-determined.

Donna looked at the nearly loaded shuttles as she walked to the shuttle she was assigned to. Gundam Sandesgeist has been loaded and the new equipment was just now being loaded in. She is also aware that the shuttle can carry more than one mobile suit and that made her wonder what the other mobile suits being loaded are.

She also saw Captain Dana near the shuttles. She was talking to other pilots that are going to Mars along with them. "They will be fitted with Ursa units won't they?"

"Those units are supposed to be the new standard for the Earth Sphere military pretty soon. I would guess so. First thing I heard from Dana when it came to space combat was keeping an eye on all corners."

"That is what my father said in his advice to me as well." I guess I'll have to get used to fighting in space as soon as I can though. Donna thought to herself. Due to the colonies being under the Falson Coalition, she was not able to train for combat space efficiently. The Gundam will be drowning in space or Mars as soon as it leaves the shuttle. That will contribute enormously for the ESUN.

The sight of the Instructor leaving caught her.

"Oh, hey Donna." Instructor W greeted her. "I will be leaving now."

The Instructor also examined Mercurio. It seemed that fighting for peace is a family business for the Yuys now.

"You must be Mercurio." He said to him.

Mercurio saluted, "Yes sir."

"I'm Instructor W, a friend of your father."

On his second statement, Mercurio was left curious. He knew his father somehow. Based on his appearance Mercurio had his assumption on who he was but was unsure about addressing his name in public. He greeted, "It's good to meet you sir. I have only heard my father mention you a few times but he does speak of you fondly."

Instructor W nodded at Mercurio. "I'm glad to hear from him." He looked at the shuttles that was ready to leave. "Good luck at Mars and I know you will succeed."

The Instructor turned back to Donna. "I will also continue to keep an eye on Lord Lindemann. Because of Berlin potentially becoming the next battlefield, I will try to convince him to leave for safety. I'm sure your brothers will be able to help me change his stubborn mind."

As Instructor W left, Mercurio parted with, "Thank you sir. I'll do my best."

The Instructor now satisfied with meeting the other Gundam pilots got in his black car. He drove off, leaving the future of the Earth Sphere to the new generation of Gundam pilots.

As Dana saw the loading finish for the launch, she saw Mercurio and Donna appear on the base grounds. The launch was going to happen soon and it was a good thing they made it on time. From what she knew neither had any zero g training and it would be up to her to guide them on a lot of basics.

She then noticed the familiar Instructor W introducing himself to Mercurio while he was showing a sign of gratitude to meet the instructor. She commented, "Good idea kid. The past always comes back to help us as much as it comes back to bite us." As soon as she thought this, she ordered, "Suit up people! Mission control is waiting for our launch!"

The eight Ursa units that had been retrieved in Ostrava were now being loaded into Shuttle 2 to launch alongside the shuttle with the Gundams being loaded on Shuttle 1.

At the shuttle, Donna found her locker. The locker had a jet-black pilot suit with red markings complete with the helmet with the crest of the Lindemann Family etched on the side and a strange box. She chose to focus on getting the pilot suit on her before the launch first and investigate the box later. She took off her keffiyeh first before wearing the pilot suit. After making sure the pilot suit was completely sealed, she chose to wear her keffiyeh around her neck like she always does without the pilot suit. After that, she walked to the cockpit of the shuttle, taking her seat and fastening the seat belt.

There was much riding on his performance when it came to this mission. The three Gundam units and the remainder of Warsaw's regiment was necessary to make the extraction from Mars possible and they were possibly all that would be able to put up a real fight. The pressure was great, but Mercurio saw how everyone was staying as collected as possible on the scenario. He was trained and disciplined to act the same way, he had his orders and he needed to carry them out as he knew he would have to.

It took a few minutes for Mercurio to prepare his pilot suit as he followed the instructions. As the Earth Sphere suit was fitted over him, he only needed to add his helmet once entering the shuttle. As he exited the locker room, he met with Major Capon who saluted, "Excellent work Yuy. Report to Shuttle 1 and get ready."

Mercurio saluted back, "On it sir."

Upon entering the shuttle, Mercurio found that there wasn't anyone else on except for Donna and with Dana to soon follow. It seemed like the plan had been made for them to be stuck on this shuttle together for the duration of the journey. He made adjustments to his helmet and strapped into his seat. He heard a report from the control tower, "This is control tower. We are prepping for launch in t-minus ten minutes. Make sure all accommodations are prepared for countdown."

Mercurio answered, "Roger Control Tower. We have all necessary preparations for launch. Waiting for your signal."

"Very good. Keep strapped in and we will begin shortly."

The other two Gundam pilots had themselves strapped in and were ready for their ascent into space. Out of all of them, Donna was the one with a custom suit, acceptable considering her family was the one funding the first Gundam. She heard Mercurio give a status report on the preparations for launch. She could tell that for their first time this would be a first-time experience unlike anything they would ever see. She had her straps ready and the countdown was still going down before blastoff. She pointed out to Mercurio, "Be sure to strap in your secondary straps Yuy. Trust me when I say that the future trips are all going to be way easier to take in once you get through this one. Just save that adrenaline for once we make planet landing."

At the control tower, the preparations had been made for the shuttles to make their launch. The final commands were being issued before the great hope for the Earth Sphere was sent away.

"All preparations of have been made sir."

"The mobile suits are loaded. Inertia cancellers prepared. Landing lineup with Mars has been confirmed."

"Set the ignition."

"Launching in 3… 2… 1… We have liftoff!"

With that command, the two shuttles had made their primary ignitions and with that command had begun to make their ascension into the atmosphere and towards the great depths of space.

The ships from the outside seemed to be going through an easy period, but for Mercurio the sudden build up in speed was immense. He felt as though he was being pushed down by a great pressure that couldn't be found on Earth. Being launched at over 40,000 miles an hour was something he never experienced but hopefully Dana was right about getting used to it. He kept his eyes shut for most of the ascent and ended up grinding his teeth by reaction.

It all ended fairly quickly once the shuttle finally left the atmosphere and entered the endless vacuum of space. Not only did Mercurio no longer feel any pressure but didn't feel any bodily constraints whatsoever. The lack of gravity in space was the first and very obvious distinction humans had to adapt to when making their mighty venture. He heard one final message from mission control, "Good luck out there pilots. We'll be waiting for your return."

Mercurio answered the parting, "Affirmative. We are maintaining course. We promise to return safely."

Mercurio wasn't able to notice the rising smoke outside the city of Cormons as his shuttle took off. There was however a young woman with blonde white hair watching the launch knowing that the Earth Sphere had sent its forces into space. She stood on the shoulder of her mobile suit and wished, "Good luck Mercurio."

Taking the controls in her cockpit, she received a transmission, "Agent Zelma, are you on your way to the coordinates sent to you?"

She answered to her superior, "Yes sir. I was held up by an Earth Sphere brigade. I regret we were not able to engage the enemy Gundams this time. They were able to stage a surprise attack outside the city of Cormons and wipe out the advancing squads. I have eliminated them myself however."

The voice on the other line paused before answering, "At least you are deteriorating the enemy's forces. I have your next mission prepared however. And you will see that it is completed before we begin the next offensive."

Zelma looked over the information on her computer screen when she read where to go next. The pilot took hold of her controls and confirmed, "Understood sir." Her next target would be taken. It would be a matter of time before conflict began again on the Earth as it had been before.

L5 - Battleship Foundation of Fortitude

Flagship of Coalition Admiral Demetrios Kontoyannis

Tano made his way to Admiral Kontoyannis's office. "This news is critical. I don't care what the secrets are but I will find out what they are." He was getting frustrated with the non-sense of revealing nothing to him. He just wants to get the things done and leave. He gave a quiet knock at the Admiral's door in front of him.

"Come in." Came the Admiral's voice.

Tano opened the door slowly. Demetrios was sitting on his chair, smoking his cigarette as he observed a stack of papers in front of hi him. He looked up to see Tano in the door way and gestured to the chair in front of him. Tano nodded when he obeyed the command.

"I take it you are anxious to see what the mission will be when we begin Lieutenant?"

"Yes Admiral. There has been some news brewing from the frontlines, but I need to know what we are up against."

The Admiral took out a page from his stack when he emphasized, "It is an urgent matter and I have not intention of overstating its importance Lieutenant. This move of the Earth Sphere may be able to turn the tide of the war against us."

"Excuse me, with respect." Tano interrupted. "I have not been told what this is about. I would like to know now."

"Of course. There are two Earth Sphere United Nations shuttles launched from Rome." The Admiral explained. "The problem is that one of the shuttles contains what we consider a demon from the past: Gundams."

Tano paused for a minute. "Gundams." He remembered the story of how the Colonies sent the Gundams to Earth years ago to free them from OZ's oppression. Now the ESUN has made second-generation Gundams for this war. "They truly believe their cause is equally as comparable as it was for the colonies years ago?" He asked himself.

"Your mission in the next hour will be to destroy the shuttles." The Admiral continued after ignoring the question. "Much to our fortune they are projected to pass through L5. Follow your superior officers and do everything to destroy them. Wherever they are headed we cannot afford to give any room for the Earth Sphere to continue this conflict any longer than it has."

Tano didn't show any signs of backing down from the mission when he accepted, "Yes sir. I will prepare my team to intercept the shuttle."

The general nodded. "Good. Prepare to move out in the next hour. The future of the Coalition will be in your hands."

Tano left the room know enlightened with the content of all the urgency earlier. He will bring those Gundams down. He walked to the direction of the hangar to prepare for the attack.

He found his fellow pilots lying in wait with their Sagittarius units on standby. "Everyone. We have a mission from command. We are going to prevent the enemy from advancing through this area. Our priority is going to be destroying those enemy shuttles before they have a chance to pass through."

"Acting like a leader already Kiprotich?" Many superior officers may induce a sense of inferiority in lower soldiers but standing in front of his Captain Rufus Schafer, Tano was not shaken in the slightest.

Tano turned to his superior when he answered, "Of course I am. It's the only way my men will be willing to take the mission seriously."

"Good of you to do so but don't let all of the heat get to your head Lieutenant. Losing focus of the mission at hand will prevent you from having a serious shot out there."

"I do not need to be reminded of how to handle the mission sir."

"I'm sure you don't. And that kind of attitude is not going to make you handle this mission any more or less efficiently."

Tano stomped, "You don't see how unacceptable for the ESUN to steal the Colony's old symbol of rebellion?! The Falson Coalition IS THE REBELLION!"

Stomping right near his face Rufus ordered, "It's great that you have a sense of pride for your cause Kiprotich! Now How about instead of standing there and debating about how serious this is we prepare to head out?"

Tano paused for a few seconds before he saluted, "Yes sir." He then walked away towards his own Sagittarius unit.

One of the pilots nudged Rufus when Tano walked towards his Sagittarius unit, "I still don't think he's planning to consider your orders in a serious way sir."

"Of course he won't. Once he even catches wind of a mission he doesn't think of anything else. When he wants to make sure the Coalition wins, he mows down everything in his path. Can't say it's too bad of a trait for him to have as he's been able to go this far in bringing the L5 cluster under our control."

"Is he even going to have anything else after this is all over though?"

"Maybe he won't. But that's what seems to make him the soldier that he is. He doesn't have anything to lose and he really only wants one thing out of life."

The conversation was ended when one of the pilots brought up a monitor reporting, "Captain, we have word from Command. The shuttle is soon to reach within range."

Rufus sprung to his feet when he ordered, "Everyone to their stations! It's time for us to get ready!"

Tano was already inside his Sagittarius unit when he prepared for the launch ordering, "Prepare to fall behind me! I will be among the first to fire!"

Rufus made his way to his own cockpit when he told himself, "As long as he's focused on our cause he shouldn't be that much of a hindrance."