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 10: Martian Contact

The fighting was soon to intensify on Mars with the arrival of the Gundams but the battle on Earth was still on the verge of seeing its victor being names. The siege of Berlin had not progressed since the Coalition's first attempt to break through. The Earth Sphere had been able to stand their ground but the Coalition though was still every bit as numerous and prepared for a fight with their mobile armor and Leo III units prepared for battle at a moments notice.

Edward Blare observed the silence of the field before him while these observations went through his mind. "Even in such an unprogressive state, today marks a significant time for our forces."

"One that could determine what the next course of action could be for this siege." Bertram reminded beside his General. The two officials made their way down the Testudo from a descending platform while a squad of soldiers followed behind them.

An armored convoy on the Coalition battlefronts came from the east surrounding a car in the middle. The calm drive ended when the front of the convoy stopped close to the Testudo mobile armor and its occupants exited. At the base of the Testudo Edward and Bertram awaited the occupants of the convoy to exit. A formation of Coalition soldiers lined up to form a narrow path for their superior official. The President of the Coalition Nathaniel Falson walked through the line of soldiers. Edward greeted, "Welcome Mr. President. I hope your trip was pleasant."

President Nathaniel Falson greeted back, "It has been General. This final push into enemy territory shall finally remove the Earth Sphere from power and I shall be among the first to see it happen."

"I am honored you believe in the power of our military strength Mr. President. However it may take longer than we have anticipated."

"Not if we follow through with what we plan to do soon." The President, General, Strategist and detachment marched to the descending platform that led into the lower hull of the Testudo.

The men entered the mobile armor, there was now a dedicated air to finding out just how they were going to defeat the Earth Sphere forces. Bertram introduced, "The military forces on both sides are still staring one another with only the intention to strike at the most opportune time. As it stands, our mobile armor is the only possible determining factor at this point. Even this may be in jeopardy if we do not continue with repairs or have our mobile suit forces prepared for another offensive on the Earth Sphere's location."

General Blare continued the assessment, "We have determined that the enemy is currently stuck within Berlin. Despite their placement they have a strong defensive position that even our Scutum units have been incapable of penetrating. It would appear that they are capable of fending off against artillery gunfire regardless of frequency or power."

Nathaniel observed, "Quite a scenario indeed. From what I understand you have also had issues with the repairs due to the enemy and are currently unable to use the Testudo for that reason."

"I regret that it is the case Mr. President." Bertram agreed.

Nathaniel took out a file from his case when he read, "High Command has been capable of determining how to change things to our favor. We are going to shortly be receiving reinforcements and we shall be dropping them down to the southern border of Berlin."

Edward offered his own question when he asked, "Has 3 Juno been able to produce Scutum units so early?"

Nathaniel answered, "It would be a waste to use them for this purpose. We must have the enemy believe that they will achieve victory but only if they devote enough of their resources to this particular battle."

Bertram took his turn to ask a question, "And what would we be using for this purpose sir?"

Nathaniel took out a paper from his file explaining, "The last of our Phalanx units are still operational. They will believe we are desperate if we only send a few. Send in enough however and even with such confidence it will alarm the Earth Sphere to send in what remaining defenses they have to hold their ground within this city."

Enlightened to what the President and High Command had determined, Edward asked, "I believe I follow your plans Mr. President. This is when we move the Testudo to take aim at Brussels then?"

Nathaniel lowered his file when he agreed without hesitation, "Exactly. We shall be capable of ending this war with one final condition. With the very capital in our hands, there will be very few options left for our enemies."

Bertram rounded the conversation when he agreed, "We face a military that fights for the foundation of a united government against all opposition. With their capital and government under siege however, few of them will dare risk putting their leaders under danger."

"And that is why we must ensure that this operation is a success. Even if it takes time for us to rebuild peace within the Earth Sphere, we will at least have set the ground work necessary."

Edward reminded his superior, "Yes indeed Mr. President. Victory is finally near for us. We shall set the world right at last. However we must keep our minds on the present conflict. Only when we have reached that great accomplishment of this war will we be able to even consider what the right course of action should be."

Nathaniel agreed to the recommendation, "We shall General. It will finally end and the traitors shall be brought to justice. The only honor they deserve is in not attempting to escape from their fate after this defeat."

Betram detailed the evaluation when he added, "Even if they did not know of the siege of Berlin by now, they would have nowhere to run. We control the majority of the Earth Sphere atmosphere and they cannot hope to escape our pursuit even if they tried."

Nathaniel turned to walk to the Testudo main room door when he concluded, "As much as I wish there was more to their actions, that is the most sensible evaluation our agents were right to confirm. Regardless of what anyone's intentions may have been however I should like to see the war end soon. There have been many for the past few years demanding this end come and I intend to see that end brought about personally if necessary. Continue to follow with the operation General. Once the Testudo is operational we will press forward as though our lives depend on it." Nathaniel exited the room with this speech as he followed his men further into the Testudo interior.

Bertram observed his President as he left, "Anxiousness presses him forward yet he recognizes how much of an upper hand. Nathaniel only has the vision of seeing us lay siege to the capital."

Edward turned to face his window when he agreed, "Indeed Bertram. I believe we are all entitled to place our minds at ease..."

Mars

"What's our status on the landing?"

"The mobile suits are Earth Sphere signatures sir. It looks like we might be able to catch them off guard if we're lucky."

As soon as the Scorpio Minor units were seen by the Earth sphere mobile suits, one of the pilots warned, "Sir! We've made enemy contact!"

The Captain ordered, "Sink now! Hide from enemy fire and hit them while they're off guard!" At that order the Scorpio Minor units sunk into the dunes without a trace both visibly and off the radar. Without the correct radar enhancements, the units could not be detected and were in perfect position to continue an ambush.

One of the pilots sighed, "Whew. Just in time."

The Captain reminded his squad, "They won't be able to find us if we keep low. Keep moving and wait for a weak point."

The Artemis took lead of the other two Gundams as their search across the Martian dunes. "Doesn't look like anyone's out there." Even with her personal evaluation Dana recognized some slight movement near one of the stone pilings. Dana prodded her radar screen in hopes of an adjustment when she asked, "Come on, you're still working right aren't you?" The radar screen didn't show signs of enemy activity or malfunctions. "Out here who knows what they've been able to do?" Dana's Artemis took a cartridge of ammunition from the shuttle to prepare her rifle. The Uriel and Sandesgeist stood prepared to engage against the enemy but the silence brought a heavy tension.

Dana adjusted her transmission channel to order her fellow pilots, "Yuy, Lindemann. Keep your eyes peeled. The enemy might be trying to meet up with us pretty soon." Returning to her work on the mission she contacted her superior, "Major Capon, we are near the rendezvous point. Awaiting your further instructions."

Across the Gundam shuttle's landing area Alberto's Ursa unit received the message from the Artemis. Alberto adjusted his frequency to hear Dana's report. "We read you Houston. Keep moving forward and we'll reach your location. Keep us updated in case you find any enemy activity." He changed his frequency to the nearby squad when he ordered, "Follow my lead. Once we rendezvous with the Gundams we'll be able to continue with our mission."

Zachariah's voice voiced agreement, "Copy sir. Following your lead."

The eight Ursa units made their way across Acheron Fossae with their rifles prepared for fire. Alberto's unit continued to move forward when he ordered, "Jutila, what's the perimeter status?"

Keijo observed the area around him on his radar reporting, "Nothing coming up sir."

Changing his frequency Alberto asked, "Gilliam, anything on your end?"

"Negative sir. Not... Wait a minute I saw something move!" Roy's mobile suit prepared its rifle for firing when he gave that warning.

One of the nearby Ursa units was brought to the same alert when he asked, "What? Where?"

Roy saw movement through the sand when he warned, "It's down in the dunes over there! Permission to fire!"

"Hold fire! Keep an eye open for confirmation!" Just as soon as Alberto ordered, a sleek red vehicle flew out from the sand dunes that resembled a submarine on tracks. Not allowing a moment of pause the vehicle in mid air changed shape to the form of a mobile suit. Standing in front of the Ursa squad, the red mobile suit drew its beam rifle its right arm and fired. The Ursa units backed away from the fire while Alberto prepared his weapon.

As soon as the mobile suits began to let their guard down, another pilot pointed out, "Enemy unit Major! Doesn't look like one we've seen before!"

Alberto was the first to fire when he ordered, "Begin fire!"

While the Earth Sphere Gundams made their way to Alberto's location Dana recognized the signs of a firefight in the distance. She managed to catch a glimpse of the Scorpio Minor unit as it ran from the defensive fire of the Ursa mobile suits.

Donna prepared her shotels when she asked, "Is the enemy over there Captain?"

"Don't think we need much else for confirmation." Dana had the Artemis take out its buster rifle as she ordered, "Move in! We can't let that thing get back to its home base!"

"Preparing attack!" Mercurio confirmed. His buster sword changed into shield mode prepared for a strike before another Scorpio Minor leapt out from the sand dunes in vehicle mode. "What the hell?!" The Scorpio unit lunged forward bursting with energy shots towards the Uriel but were deflected by the shield. The Scorpio continued further into cockpit of the Uriel but was thrown up into the air by the shield.

The Scorpio unit was still in its vehicle mode when it made way for the dunes behind the Gundams. The Uriel turned to aim its arm cannon at the speeding vehicle and fired at the Scorpio's location. None of the hits landed its target however and the Scorpio unit dug into the sand dunes to make an escape.

Dana contacted Mercurio asking, "You still holding?"

Mercurio continued to look for the Scorpio unit when he answered, "Yeah, no damage here."

Donna was the first to notice the problem they were facing as she checked her radar screen. "I don't think a radar is going to help us right now. Those mobile suits seem to be totally untraceable.

Mercurio had no time to agree before he saw the sand dunes shifting to his right. "Over there! The enemy's hiding over there!"

Dana turned to find the shifting dunes but received no signal from her radar. With a flourish the Artemis took out its buster rifle and fired towards the enemy's location. The shot made its way into the dunes erupting an explosion from the location of the enemy mobile suit.

There was an uneasy calm when Dana warned, "Shit. It looks like Donna's right about that radar cloak. If you find any more of those things we'll have to rely on actually seeing them."

Donna checked her radar when she saw Alberto and the others reaching their location when she asked, "Should we just keep moving forward until we reach the others though?"

Dana gave a new order, "That's the best option we have. Yuy, get the warning out to the Major."

"Yes sir." Mercurio changed his frequency to warn Alberto, "Attention Major Capon. We have confirmed enemy presence within the area. The most we know of these units is that they are not picking up on our radar and their color scheme is matching with the sands."

"Thanks for the warning. We'll keep our eyes open for any activity." Alberto thanked. His Ursa continued to move forward when he warned his squad, "I hope you weren't planning on a quiet visit here people. The enemy seems to have been waiting for us for a while. According to the Gundams our radar won't do anything so stay alert."

Roy had his Ursa prepare its beam rifle when he asked, "Just one introduction after another isn't it?"

Ludwika's Ursa unit was nearby when she agreed, "It's not like the Coalition was going to leave this planet totally undefended."

Zachariah made an effort to break the tension when he assured, "We're not even that far away from the Gundams now. If we stick together we'll have a higher chance of survival."

Gawel focused his attention to the dunes in front of him and cursed his luck, "Some of the shitiest news we could ask for. We have to worry about the enemy and we're basically testing dummies for them with what we have."

One of the Scorpio Minor units observed the situation within the dunes. The pilot inside warned, "Whitlock's out! They've got our position now!"

The voice of his superior ordered, "Form up on our location! Don't let the enemy find us!"

"Reporting back sir!" The pilot shakily took hold of his controls when he tried to assure himself, "If they can't find me on their radar I should be safe getting out of their range shouldn't I?"

The walk for the two mobile suit groups was brief before they met one another. The Gundams and mobile suits stood meters apart from each other when Alberto observed, "Rendezvous is almost complete. Looks like the enemy hasn't shown up yet."

Keijo searched the desert perimeter when he reported, "I don't see anything sir. Seems like they weren't interested in sending any more units."

Dana considered the possibilities when she decided, "Must have been a scout. If there's any squads out there then we might run into them pretty soon."

Alberto's unit took lead of the units when he reminded, "We can't stay on the alert out here for the remainder of our stay here. We'll have to make contact with the resistance if we're going to make our way back to Earth. Keep your channels open and prepare to hear out any signal from Colonel Rumfoord on his location."

Gawel accepted the order when he reported, "Frequency is open sir. We'll report any contact."

Alberto's Ursa unit began to march forward when he ordered, "All units follow the path to Olympus Mons. Stick close in case of enemy activity."

Dana's Artemis gestured to the Gundams behind her, "You heard the Major. We have a path to follow." Before the Gundams had a chance to move Dana saw a slight shifting from the nearby dunes. "Lindemann! behind you!"

"What?" Donna's Sandesgeist turned to find a Scoprio unit flying out of the dunes. Her Gundam took out its heat shotels and made a swipe as she warned, "Another one of them!" Despite the efforts of the swipe the Scorpio Minor slipped through with only a scrape on its armor.

"Sweeping fire!" Dana announced as she prepared to strike with her beam rifle.

The Artemis dashed towards the dunes the Scorpio made a dive towards. The beam rifle of the Artemis gathered its energy for a few seconds before unleashing a beam of energy across the sand dunes. A small cloud of dust kicked into the atmosphere to temporarily blind the mobile suits from a view of the destruction. The dust cleared after a few seconds to reveal the scope of the attack but did not show any debris from a destroyed mobile suit.

"It's too fast!" Donna commented as she struggled to find where the enemy went. The Sandesgeist put away its shotels for the moment in favor of its beam machine gun.

Dana prepared her buster rifle for another shot when she warned, "These things are as fast underground as they are out. We can't let it return to base!"

"All units focus fire wherever that unit may have gone!" immediately after the order was given the Ursa units and Gundams open fired towards the desert where the Scorpios were hiding. The shots rang through the desert for mere seconds before there was a volley of beam rifle fire from the distance.

Gawel checked his mobile suit's camera when he caught glimpses of the enemy red units in the distance. Having just changed to bipedal mode the Scorpios were giving a more concentrated effort on the offense. "Looks like we've got them pinned down Major!"

As the return fire from the dunes continued, Alberto ordered, "All Ursas back up! Take cover and return fire!"

Zachariah confirmed, "Understood sir!" At that order the eight Ursa units took cover behind a portion of a mountain that managed to barely shield four of them side to side with the others having to stand behind. One thing they were able to determine was the movement of the sand dunes shifting and making their way towards the three gundams.

Alberto reloaded his beam rifle before he ordered, "Captain Houston! We need you to take out those remaining mobile suits before they can warn the enemy base!"

Dana confirmed the order, "We're moving in to engage sir! All we need is a little covering fire support!"

"You have it Captain!" Alberto said when he set his rifle into rapid fire mode. The crossfire became one sided when several Scorpio units changed back to their vehicle modes to make a dive for the nearest sand dunes.

Roy reported, "Sir, the enemy is moving towards the Gundams!"

Alberto observed the barren field shifting when he ordered, "Not a surprise. Try to determine their perimeter and try to give them some kind of firing support!"

Keijo echoed the order when he told everyone, "You heard him! Fire! Don't let them get any closer!" At that order the Ursas began to fire at the shifting sands with every shot they had available. The shots didn't ignite any explosions in the sands while the underground mobile suits continued to dodge the line of fire.

The Uriel and other Gundams continued to fire on the advancing squad while Mercurio searched through the sands to determine where the Scorpio Minor units were hiding. The advancing sands however changed his strategy in his hopes to push the enemy back. The Uriel's shield shifted back into a buster sword when Mercurio announced, "They're over there!" With that proclamation he dashed forward to the dunes and made a mighty sweep at a target. The slice made its way through the sands as it split it one of the Scorpio Minor units in half. Right when the explosion took full force, the Uriel jumped back to meet with the other Gundams while the support fire continued.

As soon as one of the other Scorpio Minor units was taken out, one of the pilots warned, "Units 3 and 7 are out sir!"

The Captain recognized the futility of his squads situation when he saw an explosion erupt from one of the nearby dunes. He did not permit any further doubt on the decision when he ordered, "We can't do much now! All units return to base! This will have to be reported!"

"Understood sir! All units transform to hover mode and breach away from the enemy lines!" At that command, the six remaining red mobile suits had changed into a hovering mode that blew away the red sand in many directions and sped towards their home base. The sand managed to offer some temporary blinding but the units had to use it quickly to make it out unscratched. Some of the units though were taking advantage of the enemy's position and using it to fire on them hoping they were still blind.

As the Scorpio units continued their route away from the Earth Sphere's location one of the pilots asked, "If we return to base we should have the numbers necessary to take them on right?"

"Best case scenario we don't have to deal with those things again. It looks like the reports from Earth were right after all." The Captain answered.

As the sandstorm kicked up from behind the Scorpio Minors, the Sandesgeist monitors were blinded. "Can't see a thing..." Donna said. She checked her armor panel to see a few shots from another direction, but she was lucky enough to only have a minor scratch. After the sandstorm died, she didn't see the enemy anymore.

Mercurio tried to search through the storm when he was left to report, "It looks like they've dispersed from the area Major."

Once the sandstorm died from the scattered dunes, the Ursa units fired into the thick storm out of desperate hopes to hit something. Amid the chaos only the sound of one unit being damaged managed to carry any sign of triumph for the Earth Sphere mobile suits.

The Scorpio units had made their escape gone and not showing up on any radar scans for the rest of the Earth Sphere forces. Dana lowered her Gundam's rifle when she asked, "Major Capon, were those scouting units?"

Alberto confirmed, "They sure were. Those things weren't built to handle a lot of punishment. They did manage to catch us off guard easily though."

Keijo looked at the remains of the wreckage of a destroyed unit when he asked, "What are they supposed to be? I never saw these things on Earth."

Alberto's Ursa turned to his squad when he confirmed, "You didn't. Those are Scorpio Minor scouts. Not the newest thing to come off the Coalition assembly line but they've still proven to be more trouble than they should be." His mobile suit faced the Gundams when he warned, "Well with those survivors it's safe to say the Coalition knows we're here. It's time to double time to Olympus before the enemy starts to throw its real punches."

Mercurio drew the Uriel's sword back when he asked, "We have the remainder of the mission to follow through sir. How will we know we've reached the resistance?"

Alberto let out a small sigh of relief when he contacted Gawel, "I think you have a grasp on what we're supposed to be doing Majewski."

Gawel accepted the command when he answered, "Yes sir. Colonel Rumfoord has a frequency designed for Earth Sphere units that hasn't been decoded by the Coalition. As far as we know it won't be replicated against us. If it was though, then we'll just have to get ready for an even worse encounter than what we just had."

Alberto took lead of the situation when he concluded, "You heard the risks. Keep your ears open and be ready for combat. This isn't over until we make it out of here. Let's move people!"

The other Earth Sphere pilots chorused, "Yes sir!"

At that order the Earth Sphere mobile suits made their advance towards Olympus Mons with the hopes of their government on their shoulders. It was about another day away from their target location and could only hope that the enemy wouldn't run into them again.

Dana agreed with the others on the order, "On it sir." The order was immediately followed when the mobile suits and Gundams regrouped in a pattern that let them see in multiple directions. Dana watched her group prepare to advance when she ordered, "Everyone stick close. If we find any more of the enemy don't hesitate to shoot first and then ask for follow up orders."

Roy found the first opportunity to contact Gawel, "Sound like a decent enough plan? Asking for things to go as planned isn't really what I'd call being fully confident in the environment."

Gawel answered on the other line, "I see. You've gotten to accept that I'm the only one who doesn't have a totally optimistic view on this operation?"

"I don't know if you noticed but staying in that shuttle with other people for nearly a month kind of gives me perspective on who feels about what."

"I know how you feel Roy. But if we want to go home we have to at least reach the resistance. If the President did decide to just jerk us off with some minimal excuse of support than I think we'll have a right to send our applications to the Coalition."

Ludwika's voice interrupted the two when she asked, "You're talking way too much like a defector to be on this team Majewski. What even brought you here in the first place?"

"Guys I have no idea what's been heating up between you all but the enemy is going to exploit any chance they have to take us down. I suggest that we try and keep it corked until we get to the Colonel we start to have questions."

Gawel sighed when he agreed, "The Captain will be pissed enough as she is. Fine, we're going dark."

When the frequency between the Ursa units ended Donna shut off her connection to speak with Dana. "Should we be worried about the others Captain? It seems like they have some concern about how the mission is going."

Dana's voice sounded on the other line, "Who wouldn't be? We don't even know the full details of what we're trying to accomplish out here. Some people just happen to be more vocal than others."

"I guess so. But I've been holding back any minor concerns I've had when we came here."

"If you were, don't hold them back for too long Lindemann. Best way to solve some problems is to let other people hear them."

"I'll keep that in mind Captain." Donna ended the call before telling herself, "If only. I don't even know if I can find anyone to fully trust on this planet."

The travel began to reach Olympus Mons, the land formation the Earth Sphere had in mind to begin populating Mars but was still the red mountain it had been since man's discovery. With the journey beginning towards another goal, Dana commented to no one in particular, "Hope this is worth it. We've already gone through a lot as it is."

A day had passed as the Earth Sphere forces had made their march towards Olympus Mons and were only a short distance away from the colony city. They didn't have any clear contact with the Coalition forces but many of the pilots had a collective concern of the Coalition mobile suits preparing to surprise at them at an opportune moment.

Once the Ursa units neared their arrival at the mountain, Gawel heard a static vocal message, "Earth Sphere units this is Olympus Minor. Requesting a response."

He shifted slightly when he heard the message as he reported to Alberto, "Sir, we're receiving a message from some place called Olympus Minor. Is that who we're supposed to contact?"

Alberto was quick to answer, "Just let me do the talking." He changed his radio's frequency to respond, "This is C leader. We read you clear. Requesting your coordinates."

Zachariah asked, "Have we found the resistance sir?"

Alberto reminded, "Keep low on the public line. We don't know if the enemy is watching."

The voice on Alberto's line answered, "Copy that C leader. Keep forward at current speed and we'll be in contact." As the mobile suits continued their march they eventually came to a portion of the mountain that provided cover for a nearby scout in a space suit. The scout brought its right hand up and signaled to the Earth Sphere units, "This is Olympus Minor, we're reading you on radar. Follow me." As the scout made its way down the cliffs and cover, a shut hangar bay was in sight that appeared to have been closed for a very long time. The scout went up to the side door and reported, "Reporting, we have support from the Earth Sphere. They've sent in the big guns."

A voice on the other side confirmed, "Alright, open the main door. We need to see that support right now."

As Dana watched the doors begin to open for the hangar bay she asked her superior, "So this is the place right?"

Alberto told Dana, "Just keep a low profile and we'll be at our target location." As soon as the doors opened, Capon gestured, "Alright everyone follow me. Mind the first step, this isn't Earth's gravity." As soon as the mobile suits had entered the facility they were now within barely standing hangar that had seen better days. It was a quick adjustment but the pilots had to get used to it quickly.

As the Earth Sphere mobile suits made their advance across the red planet, the Scorpio Minor units had regained their numbers and followed their target group to the current location alongside Olympus Mons. Remaining in their vehicle mode and staying a safe distance away from detection allowed them to track their opponents for the majority of the day. The squadron remained within the dunes as one of the pilots reported, "We're reading enemy activity to the south. Projected course is plotted and within reach."

The Captain ordered, "Stay out of range. We'll be ready to surprise them once they're close enough to the city dome."

"Understood sir."

As soon as the Earth Sphere mobile suits stopped in front of the mountain another unit reported, "It appears they have stopped advancing."

One of the nearby pilots saw the same thing when he asked, "Are they lost? They should know where the city is at this point."

"No activity detected. They might be - Wait a minute." The observing pilot watched the Earth Sphere squadron stand before the mountain until a gaping hole was revealed on the side of the mountain. "It looks like a hiding place for the resistance. Can't tell what's happening."

The Captain saw the hangar door opening and observed, "Well it looks like we have them right where we want them now."

Mercurio saw the entry way open when he observed, "We made it. Despite how long a trip back it will be we're at least half way there."

Keijo greeted behind him, "Yeah, if we find our taxi out of here, we're going to be stuck here well past the war's end."

"Yeah, we were fortunate to make it this far. How many of us make it back is going to be another situation?"

"It will be. Nobody is gonna die out there that easily."

"I'm sure we all have the ability to return to return to Earth. We've been here on Mars for only a day though and we only had one run in with the enemy upon landing."

"Yeah, if we're not given a situation to test our skill then we might end up going slack. At least your reasoning is more optimistic than Gilliam."

Alberto ended the chat between the two when he reminded, "Nice to see you catching up. We've still got a tight schedule to run. We need meet up with Colonel Rumfoord to be briefed on the situation. Enter the hangar and follow your superiors to the meeting room."

"Yes sir!" The two pilots agreed. With that order the Uriel and remaining Ursa unit were the two last mobile suits to enter the hangar bay.

"You think the Earth Sphere will be able to handle this mission with our desired results?"

Colonel Elias Rumfoord looked over his plans when he explained, "The Earth Sphere is tight for resources, but they didn't do too bad. Especially sending their first Gundams this soon."

"I suppose so. At least one of them might be able to change our situation around." His Lt. Colonel agreed.

"Colonel. The Earth Sphere has arrived and is waiting for your authorization."

Elias responded to the report, "Good work Nantakarn. Let them in and show them the way to the pressurization room."

The Gundams and mobile suits finished the final procedures in parking in the hangar bay when the doors began to shut. Just as soon as the sky of Mars was shut off from the hangar room the soldier who introduced the Earth Sphere pilots into the area greeted, "Private Nantakarn offering you a welcome to Mars folks. The Colonel is waiting for you, just follow me to the pressurization."

Alberto took lead of the group when he agreed, "Lead the way. We have been anticipating Colonel Rumfoord's meeting for quite some time."

The Private gestured to a nearby wall when he offered, "Right this way."

A few minutes passed when the Earth Sphere pilots were allowed to enter a pressurized atmosphere that allowed for human breathing. The human occupants were now able to breath without their suits and it helped conserve their oxygen while it was being replenished. Dana ruffled her hair from the helmet pressure glad to have some free oxygen to breath again. She followed the others to the further interior of the base and found two personnel of the Earth Sphere waiting for their arrival. One of them though was someone she did not expect to see at all in this war. "Nice to see the Colonel but... Is she?"

"Greetings. Major Alberto Capon of the Earth Sphere 1st Warsaw Squadron.

The older Lt. Colonel greeted, "Good to see the crew is here. I'm Lt. Colonel Po. My crew has the information for the city dome to make this mission a success. Colonel Rumfoord has asked that he will brief you on our plans."

The Colonel saluted from his desk greeting, "Formalities are necessary to maintain at all times as you might know Major. However we are pressed for time and need to move forward with this plan soon." The Colonel brought up a holographic projection of the dome city that was right next to Olympus Mons. "This is what we've managed to Mons Ridge is where the enemy is holding up. They managed to cut us off from our allies inside and a weapon key to making Operation Rising Himalayas a success. The Coalition has some strong support holed up here and it will take more forces than we have to even sneak past them. That's why we need support in taking out the Scorpio mobile suits. We can then make our way in, make contact with our science support team and begin to send the weapon to Earth."

Zachariah observed the plan when he asked, "The weapon we need to win is in there but the forces are that numerous? Did anyone really plan on seeing us succeed or even make it out alive from this?"

The Colonel nodded when he agreed, "That is what we need the Gundams for. Their power and skill of their pilots needs to be enough to take out a substantial portion of the Coalition forces. I know this might be a lot to ask for, but this war has been demanding little less than what we are capable of delivering."

Alberto took in the details of the plan when the mention of a weapon was brought up. "Sounds like how we're supposed to deal major damage to the Coalition for now. We can't really hold Mars until we've had ourselves a total victory."

Dana asked, "I guess that's what we can hope to see work. Anything we should know about the Scorpio mobile suits? We've dealt with some of their scouts when we landed here but we didn't see anything else."

The Colonel nodded in Dana's request and changed the hologram, "That's something we can do." The first image was that of the Scorpio Minor that the Earth Sphere mobile suits had encountered before and explained, "The scout units you encountered are Scorpio Minor units. They're effectively speed units watered down from an old model in the Eve wars." Changing the image again the hologram showed a much bigger and bulkier mobile suit and described, "Their big brothers are Scorpio Major units. These things have all the punch but not quite the same speed. They're only about as powerful as your average Leo III but they have the Mars scrambling tech to their advantage. For this battle we need to rely on what our eyes see in front regardless of the unit."

Mercurio nodded at the situation and confirmed, "Pretty much what we've been going through. What should we do when the area is clear?"

The Colonel answered, "That will be our time to activate our shuttle and hope that it will be able to make a clear path off this planet and set a destination for Earth."

Donna was a bit shaken pointing out, "It sounds pretty dangerous. Especially if the enemy has a huge force."

Ludwika was more resigned to the fact when she pointed out, "It's what we've signed up for though. Can't argue with that."

Alberto confirmed their situation and reminded, "That is correct. We're here to make sure that this mission carries out."

Dana agreed with her superior, "I won't even doubt our abilities against the enemy. It's been a rough ride here but we'll be able to push back whatever the Coalition has to offer."

Gawel had to enter with his question, "I know it's easy for you to say sir, but how far in advance do you think that the Coalition prepared for something like this?"

It was then that Dana began to give a speech from her instincts explaining, "They've had a long time to get ready for us. We might even find ourselves outnumbered. But I can promise you this, no one expected to see Gundams become a possibility in war again either. Those things won't be able to handle the type of firepower we have to give."

As if there to remind her of her duties, Lt. Colonel Po reminded Dana, "It will have to be enough. Our focus however must be to make sure that we lose as few people as possible. Our shuttle will have to return to Earth with its science team if we hope to make a safe entry and the Gundams will still be a necessity for the remainder of the war on Earth."

Dana saluted to her, "Of course sir. Wouldn't expect anything else."

Elias accepted the understanding between the soldiers when he concluded, "Good to know we understand each other. We'll have to begin the mission while the enemy continues to least expect us. We'll make some quick repairs and reloads for your mobile suits, just be ready to come out swinging and ready for a serious fight."

"Yes sir!" The Earth Sphere pilots parted in unison.

Alberto was one of the last official personnel in the meeting room as he asked the Colonel, "It's good to see you managed to prepare a battle plan Colonel, but do you at least have some kind of equipment to help pitch in for fight?"

"Good question Captain. We've scrapped some of the old Coalition tech to form some rudimentary mobile suits of our these past few years. They might be a bit clunky but we should be able to offer some covering fire."

"It's better than nothing I guess. I just hope that you won't have to suffer huge casualties when we head out there."

"There will be casualties Captain. But we won't let them overwhelm us from our final hope of victory."

While the Earth Sphere units remained hidden within the concealed hangar of the mountain, the time had come for a sizable offensive. The hidden Scorpio units managed to keep their presence unknown and the Scorpio Major units were now prepared for battle.

The Scorpio Major Captain confirmed from the scouts, "This is where you saw them last?"

One of them answered, "Yes sir. The enemy was last seen in this area. The hangar bay doors seemed to be hidden before but we got lucky to catch them up here."

The Captain continued to observe the hangar noting how out of use it seemed. Still it wasn't entirely out of the question that it was in use somehow. "Stay put and wait for the enemy to appear. If they don't open in another hour, move in and get ready to infiltrate."

The leading scout unit asked, "Understood. The enemy won't try to surprise us will they sir?"

The Scorpio Major Captain confirmed, "This rock hasn't seen any real military action in some time. We can handle a few units if they're in there."

"Even if they're Gundams sir?"

"Even then."

As the pilots left the meeting room for the waiting room Mercurio pointed out to Donna and Dana, "The Earth Sphere units are going to be relying on us a lot for this battle. We can't let them down now."

"Ostrava and Warsaw were just the first two places where we had our skills tested. I suppose it's only luck that we didn't encounter any bigger odds just yet." Donna agreed.

Hearing Mercurio's observation Dana agreed, "I hoped everyone would understand what's at stake here. It'll be a lot to handle but from what I've seen you might be able to pull it off Yuy." She turned her focus to the mission they now had and warned, "Right now we have to worry about what we can give as a unit and see if what this weapon is can change this war that easily. We've already seen how hard the Coalition is willing to fight to keep us from just getting here."

Dana turned around when she offered, "You guys try and overlook your maintenance. I'll see if we can improve any tactical weaknesses." She wondered for many years about the fate of the Preventer team after their fall with the first contact of the Coalition but knew someone had to survive. More than ever this was her chance to find out just what happened as well as learn what brought the Mars Resistances' Lt. Colonel to Mars. The excitement just continued to build in her at this chance.

Lt. Colonel Po overlooked the passageway through the mountain hologram and pointed out to Alberto, "We should be able to make our way to the dome through the mountain passage on this side and the enemy won't be able to notice us coming."

He asked in return, "Won't the enemy be able to notice us if they have the better sensing technology though?"

She nodded in confirmation, "Probably. We'll have to risk it though while the Gundams take out the blunt of the attack."

It was then that Dana entered with an air of excitement assuring, "You can count on me Lt. Colonel. The enemy hasn't been able to handle anything me or the Artemis could deal out."

Sally nodded in her direction, "Good to know the enthusiasm. Our forces will infiltrate the city and try to find out where the science team is located."

Amazed at her decision Dana had to ask, "You'll be leading them sir?"

"I will. These Clankers probably won't take up a lot of damage but they will be able to find a way in."

"I guess so... Just try to be careful sir."

"We wouldn't have made it through the war for this long if it wasn't for taking chance in the first place Captain. We just have to make sure we're making the right one now."

The Scorpio units had begun to get to work on the dormant hangar doors. There was a specialized gun placed behind a makeshift rock pile with only the barrel revealed. The Captain requested, "Are all heavy artillery cannons loaded for firing?"

One of the scouts answered, "Yes sir. Just give the command and we're ready to send out the punishment."

"Good work. Standby to fire. It's time to get that door open."

Another one of the scouts followed another answering, "Understood sir. Placing charges."

The other reminded, "Maintaining jammers. They won't know what hit them." As soon as the charges exploded they would begin their true battle with the hidden resistance on Mars.

The Captain gritted his teeth and ordered, "Hold fire and prepare for combat..."

Looking over the repairs and adjustments to Mars' surface being made to Uriel, Mercurio asked one of the mechanics, "How's the adjustment coming?"

He answered, "We've got the main armor plating finished. There's still some confusion about the arm gun's ammunition. Does it take any special type?"

Remembering the technical requirements for Uriel he was asked to memorize in his training here, he answered, "It should take some minor e-pacs to charge the gun's energy."

Another mechanic was confused by the answer asking, "Minor? Are we supposed to cut an e-pac in half for that kind of result?"

He was right. The minor e-pacs were only being used by current Earth Sphere military while Mars didn't have the chance to see what advancements were made on Earth. Out of a quick thought he answered, "Try to repurpose several containers into the gun. It should be able to fit that way."

"Alright. You know this thing better than we do."

As soon as they understood their task, the explosion happened outside the hangar doors. "W-What the hell was that?"

"Bring up exterior cameras!"

The main mechanic cursed, "Aw shit! Get that gun loaded! Yuy, it's not too much to ask for you to use this ammo right now is it?"

Mercurio nodded and rushed towards the Uriel assuring, "I'll do it."

As soon as the hangar bay door explosives were set off, the desert dust began to clear with the target door destroyed but only a dark room before the Scorpio squadrons. One of the scouts reported, "The explosives are clear sir!"

The Captain pointed his gun towards the hangar and ordered, "Begin firing! Clear out any enemy units before they can make their way out!" At that order the fire began and the guns blazed towards the enemy hoping to find refuge. There might have been a few explosions but it wasn't certain what they were destroying yet.

Another one of the Scorpio Major units added, "Rear units! Fire the main artillery gun!"

The operator for the gun confirmed, "Beginning fire squad leader." He ordered the gun personnel, "Adjust the barrel 30 degrees right. Open fire." With that quick order the Coalition began to offer another heavy deal of damage with the main gun they brought. The damage was soon to be immeasurable.

Donna was shaken with the shock and sounds of the explosions. Just when she thought she could rest, the Coalition arrived. She ran back to where the Gundams are kept in order to support the defense and wore her helmet on the way. The path was clouded with smoke and there were debris falling into the base. She made it into her Gundam and turned the systems on again.

"Donna Lindemann Gundam Sandesgeist, assisting the defense." She reported to the comms. The Gundam was hastily prepared with fueling only 70% complete. She hoped that the Gundam can endure this.

As Mercurio saw the Sandesgeist moving out he asked the mechanic near him, "Is the gun loaded yet?"

He was reported, "We can't get the ammo out in time at this rate! You'll have to go in cable attached if you plan on attacking!" Since the transfer wasn't complete he now had to move in with the charging cable attached to his arm if he was going to attempt any long range attacks. Losing the connection though would mean he would lose power to his gun and forced to resort to close range combat.

Mercurio shook his head in understanding, "Guess I'll have to keep that in mind! Recharge Artemis if you can and see if she can do any better!"

The head mechanic ordered, "Probably the best shot we have. Get those e-pacs loaded now! Don't be distracted by the enemy fire!" The loading for the Artemis buster rifle continued even as the enemy fire continued to hit within the center range of the hangar.

Mercurio entered the Uriel and announced, "Mercurio Yuy, Gundam Uriel, moving out." The Uriel stepped forward with its buster sword now in a shield form. Keeping enemy fire at bay it prepared its arm cannon for fire and shot at any nearby Scorpio units.

As their planning continued and the strategies were made, the leaders heard a massive explosion occurred.

Dana out of surprise found herself asking out loud, "What just happened out there?!"

Colonel Rumfoord rushed to the nearest monitor screen and answered, "Well this place wasn't going to stay hidden for that much longer. Po! Take the squad out and support our allies!"

Sally saluted and rushed out with her helmet, "On it sir!" Dana quickly saluted and made her way to her own mobile suit out of preparation for the battle.

It was as soon as she saw the "Clankers" that the resistance had built for themselves that Dana wondered if they would stand a chance. She asked, "Lt. Colonel, are you sure this thing will work efficiently?"

Sally assured her, "You worry about your own mobile suit Captain. We have a war to fight right now."

Reluctantly Dana left in salute, "... I'll follow sir." As soon as she was prepared to move out with Artemis she announced, "Dana Houston Gundam Artemis, all systems nominal!"

The Artemis was the third Gundam sent out onto the battlefield and at least somewhat prepared with reloads. She would now be a force to be reckoned with her buster rifle in hand.

As soon as the firing died down from the first volley, one of the Scorpio Major units reported, "Breach is successful sir! The enemy will have a hard time dodging that one!"

The captain ordered, "Move in and sweep the area! Don't let any survivors out of there!"

"Copy that sir. Intercepting the ene- Aaaaah!" Before the Scorpio Major unit could move forward it was shot down by a beam rifle weapon from the debris of the hangar doors. They couldn't see who was firing at this point but knew that the shot wasn't a result of friendly fire.

Another Scorpio Major unit confirmed, "Squad leader we have positive confirmation of enemy contact! Those guys are still standing!"

The Captain ordered to all units, "All scout units survey the perimeter and cut off any possible escape routes! Keep that gun defended it's our best chance at a long-range attack!"

Their numbers still had an advantage but the power was another matter all together. Both Scorpio unit types had the advantage of radar scrambling to confuse the enemy along with formidable weaponry, but these were the Gundams they were most likely up against. A mobile suit was only as good as its pilot and the pilot before them were definitely more than formidable to face against for how far they came.

As soon as Dana had the buster rifle prepared for firing she warned everyone, "All units stand back! I'll take them out in one shot!"

Sally agreed to let the Clanker units stand by for the attack for now. The Artemis had a buster rifle similar to that she saw back in the Eve Wars and believed it would be at least as powerful. She announced, "Waiting for the attack. Stay steady first squad!"

At that order the Artemis rifle fired towards the enemy position hoping to wipe out a chunk of the enemy. As the smoke gathered on the other side of the hidden hangar one of the pilots pointed out, "Whoa. Sir, I think the enemy's been routed."

Sally shook her head and warned, "Even after that they won't just give up on us."

At those words the main volley gun that was placed to fire on its enemies began to fire towards the resistance hideout again. Dana looked through the smoke with her cameras and discovered, "There's a main gun planted in front of us! I'll take it out!"

Sally saw how forward Dana was acting and warned, "Captain! Don't let the enemy flank you!"

The Scorpio Minor units were able to observe the destruction from afar as the Artermis' buster rifle took out a number of the Coalition forces along with the main artillery gun's cover. It was then one of them was able to confirm, "One of the Gundams is moving out!"

The Captain prepared a strategy by ordering, "Prepare to intercept! All units form around and attack!"

Major and Minor units alike tried to move in to flank the Artemis with its position but found the mobile suit too powerful to even try pushing aside. After more scout units were lost one of the remaining Minor pilots reported, "Sir! I don't think we're going to get in that much closer!"

The Captain ordered, "Stand aside! I'm going in!" With that order several Scorpio units stood out of the captain's way and the leading Scorpio Major charged forward against the Artemis' destruction with a powerful uppercut prepared. The destruction of several Major units was able to offer enough distraction for the Coalition Captain to move in and attack. After dodging a number of shots the Scorpio Major dealt a powerful blow knocking the Gundam back. He rushed in to prepare his beam rifle with a final blow proclaiming, "Knew it would be this easy!"

The crossfire began to intensify as the two sides continued to fire on one another. The Artemis however was able to deal a great amount of damage as it shot its buster rifle towards the Scorpio ranks and expose the main artillery gun behind the makeshift cover. Dana seemed to be in a case of extreme confidence though when she was trying to avoid being flanked by the Minor units. Mercurio saw the distraction too late as he tried to warn, "Captain! In front!" The Scorpio Major managed to knock over the Artemis by then and was about to fire its beam rifle. Mercurio saw the danger Dana was in without a moment's hesitation. He raised his arm cannon and began to fire rapidly at the Major unit warning, "The enemy might explode Captain! Try to get out of there ASAP!"

It was after Mercurio had dealt his damage to the Major unit that Keijo reported, "Yuy! The artillery gun is still pinning down the resistance mobile suits! We need your support in taking it out!"

Mercurio confirmed this situation, "On it! Make sure the others are ready for covering fire! Don't let them take out the Artemis!"

Dana kept firing at the enemy mobile suits hoping that she would be able to open some range for supporting mobile suits. It was almost too much for her to keep up with the Minor units being as agile as they were and trying to take out the main forces. She did begin to feel a sense of achievement when she had a clear shot to take out the main artillery gun's cover along with more of the enemy. She heard Mercurio's warning and wondered, "Where - Ahh!" She noticed too late though when she felt the Major unit deliver a powerful blow forcing her to the ground. The Scorpio Major unit placed its foot on her mobile suit's cockpit door as it prepared to fire. Just in time she activated Artemis' vulcan cannon guns to help push the unit off of her when Mercurio began to fire in her direction. It resulted in an explosion just outside of Artemis' range along with the enemy being scattered.

The moment she began to feel a sense of relief from the outcome she heard a scolding order from Lt. Colonel Po, "Captain! Stay back and don't attempt something like that again! Suicide missions are not an option here!"

Dana only mustered, "I... Yes sir." The Artemis backed further into the heavily damaged hangar while still taking aim at the enemy. She slammed her fist into a nearby armrest of her cockpit, "Damn it. What did I do that for? I could have done better!"

As the Clanker units began to make their advance out of the hangar Sally ordered her squad, "All units aim at the main artillery cannon! Don't let the enemy continue to attack!"

One of the units confirmed, "Roger that R1 leader!"

Another one added, "Confirming target now!" With the power of their beam rifles the resisting Earth Sphere units stayed behind what cover remained of the hangar walls and fired at the artillery gun giving so much trouble. If anything was to be commended Dana at least gave them the opportunity to deal damage to the gun. She only hoped that the Lt. Colonel would recognize being able to accomplish that much.

When the Captain's Scorpio Major unit was destroyed the secondary leading unit reported to the remainder of the squad, "Reporting now! Our squad leader has been taken out! The enemy is firing on the artillery!" The Scorpio Minor units had all been destroyed and only the remainder of the Scorpio Major squad remained to carry on the fight. Even they were able to recognize their desperate situation as soon as their Captain had been destroyed.

One of the squad units warned, "We'll have to take them head on at this rate! They're more powerful than we anticipated!" At those words the artillery gun from behind the Scorpio units exploded with shrapnel and shock waves shaking everyone.

The new leader of the squadron knew that it was an all or nothing situation with the loss of their major advantages. They needed to advance and take out the resistance or they would never have an opportunity like this again. He ordered, "All remaining Major units advance towards the hangar bay! Don't let the enemy out of there alive!" With one final push the Scorpio Major units moved forward to the entrance of the hangar and fired all available firepower towards their targets. If anything they would be able to take out the enemy with its environment collapsing around them. They would be buried beneath their own ruins or blasted into nothing by the time they were done.

Donna knew that the cramped place meant that ranged weapons of high caliber were dangerous. Fortunately, her shield crusher was equipped to give her Sandesgeist the close-range advantage. The cover-fire given by Lt. Colonel Po's team allowed her to close in with the Scorpio Major distracted. She detached the heat shotels on the shield and grabbed one of the shotels. The shotel gave a weak point for the beam rifles to fire through.

As soon as the artillery gun was taken out, Mercurio saw the open space for Uriel to move towards and take advantage of the enemy weakness. He changed his buster sword back to blade mode and announced to his allies, "Moving out!"

Keijo warned to Alberto, "Major! Unit Uriel is moving out to engage!"

Alberto confirmed the status thanking, "That's some good news. Bring covering fire! We might be able to push these enemies back!"

Keijo accepted his captain's order and moved out to support the Uriel mobile suit, "Roger that Captain! All units form up behind Uriel! We need to help take out the remainder of the enemy!"

Alberto changed his channel to Mercurio's Uriel and ordered, "Yuy! Don't let any of them retreat back! We can't let any of them report to the main base!"

Mercurio began to make mighty strokes with his buster sword and confirmed, "I'll do it sir! Continuing the assault!" With every stroke of his blade another Scorpio Major unit was taken out and the survivors couldn't be seen from the distance. The resistance had taken a beating on its main hideout, but they were now making up for it with the new defeat of their enemies from the power of the new gundams and their equally powerful pilots.

As the Uriel made its way out of the hangar base and towards the enemy it began to slice across the remaining Scorpio Major units with very little effort. The new acting Captain was able to offer only one command ordering, "Move back! We need to report to the main base!"

As soon as they were all cut down and there was one Major unit left standing, the final pilot wondered to himself, "Is that guy suicidal?! We shouldn't be having this kind of problem!" Out of a final act of desperation, the final unit began to make its escape while transmitting, "Message to main base! The enemy is too powerful! They have -" It was too late before he could offer any further information and the battle had gone to the resistance. Heavy damage was dealt to the resistance but it came at the cost of a valuable Scorpio squadron fulfilling its duty.

Mons Ridge Dome

As soon as the last Scorpio Major was destroyed, what was meant to be part of a message was sent to their main base within the first Martian city of Mons Ridge. One of the operatives reported, "Sir, we are receiving a message from the away patrol."

General Aleksei Federov requested the status ordering, "Begin decryption."

Another one of the operatives looked at what was sent of a message and confirmed, "It appears that they were cut off sir. It was sent to our priority channel though so it's likely there was some sort of emergency."

Aleksei asked curious, "Has the resistance been found then?"

His first operative agreed, "It is a possibility. We won't be able to confirm what the enemy's strength is without a report."

Aleksei ordered to his forces, "Send out four patrol squads. Send one to the previous location and confirm the status of the enemy."