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 11: Foreshadows to Ambition

Foundation of Fortitude

Just as the first contact between the Earth Sphere forces and the Scorpio squadrons was made, the fleet from L5 tasked to track their enemies arrived within Martian orbit. The final preparations were made when Admiral Kontoyannis oversaw the final preparations being made. He was left to his observations on the deck of his battleship when he observed his ships forming up with the remainder of the Martian defense fleet.

"We have confirmation from our forces that they are ready to begin the drop to Mars Admiral."

Demetrios looked up when he ordered, "Excellent. Begin the dropping proceedures." He turned to his Vice Admiral when he asked, "Have the plans for pursuing the Gundams been made?"

"Yes Admiral. We only need to receive the first report of the presence of the Gundams on Mars and we can bombard their location with ease."

Demetrios stood up when he made his way to the battle map area noting, "That would be the ideal situation. Unfortunately we may have to see if General Federov has the strength necessary to stand against the Gundams. With the time frame they had in reaching this planet and our arrival they will have with little doubt already breached Mons Ridge and are planning to accomplish their mission already."

"It is a realistic scenario Admiral. But we must be willing to take the most necessary action to ensure the destruction of our enemy."

"If it must come to that, then we have already come to terms with what to do. Maintain observation of the communications deck. The first report of the location of the Gundams must be the preceding seconds before they are destroyed."

One of the shuttles descended from the Foundation of Fortitude while the new Captain of Tano's squadron, Devon Keaney, kept check of his men. "Captain. We are nearing the entry of the Martian atmosphere. We should now begin landing procedures."

Devon turned to thank, "Good work keeping track Kiprotich. Hope everyone here enjoys their first trip to Mars." He sat in front of the cockpit to adjust the frequency channel to contact the Ridge. "This is Coalition shuttle SL54709, requesting for permission on atmospheric entry."

Tano waited for the entry when he saw the several damaged Coalition battleships still close to the atmosphere. "They are capable of doing this much damage to the blockade while in flight. The original Gundams must have been able to do much more if this is just a small demonstration."

One of the pilots next to Tano agreed, "Probably is. And this might be the first chance we get to face them in close combat. We'll just have to hope they have some decency for the city dome."

"Wherever we have to face them we will not let them have a chance to continue carrying on this name for them to claim as their own." Tano flatly stated.

The shuttle began entering the Martian atmosphere. Inside, the shuttle shook slightly for the passengers, all Coalition soldiers. The shake didn't last long and the shuttle entered Mars.

"I repeat, this is Coalition shuttle SL54709, requesting for permission to enter the Ridge."

When Devon made his second request for permission to make entry, one of the operatives in the main base reported, "General, we are receiving a request for landing clearance from shuttle SL54709 currently within the atmosphere."

Aleksei recalled the identification when he went over the identification number. He permitted, "I see. It will be helpful to have support against the Gundams, we are fortunate the men onboard were willing to travel so far. Grant them clearance."

At the order the operative determined the nearest landing bay for the shuttle and reported, "Shuttle SL54709, this is mission control. You are clear for landing. Proceed into Bay 3 for boarding."

"Thank you base we are clearing for entry right now." Devon turned to his waiting squadron when he warned, "Hold on guys we've got a landing coming up."

One of the pilots strapped himself in his seat when he agreed, "We're already prepared for landing procedures Captain. Just let us know if we have to follow with any special instructions when we touch down."

The shuttle continued its way down to the Martian surface where the opening ground bay doors gave way for the new squadron. The shuttle above made a plunger below the atmosphere of the red planet while its shields held against the potential damage of the entry. The shuttle brought its acceleration down to be caught into the receiving slide rails, where it made a slow but secure landing. Tano was the first to exit, donning the Coalition pilot suit. He was tired from the journey like everyone else. After seeing the other passengers of the shuttle get off, he waved to the others announcing, "I'm going to meet the commander of the base. I'll catch up with you guys later."

Just as he left the Sagittarius unit was the first Mobile suit being loaded out of the shuttle while the Leo III units followed suit. Devon was left to ask the rest of his squad, "Does Kiprotich always just head off on his own like that?"

One of the pilots answered, "He doesn't always ask for permission sir. As far as I can tell he just has more faith in the upper brass than he does in the regular foot soldier."

Another one added, "And to think a kid can be like that at such an early age. Doesn't seem like anyone cares about anything else as long as he gets results."

Devon turned to watch the mobile suits being unloaded when he decided, "Not much of another way he's already a Lieutenant. Right now he's just itching for a chance to order us around for another sortie. Whatever, let's try and keep our head focused here people we got some mobile suits to unload."

One of the pilots next to him reported, "The good news is that our Sagittarius units and Leo III units are still intact from the journey."

Devon turned to order, "That's the first bit I wanted to hear. Everyone find your an engineer and get ready to instruct them on repurposing the units. We're in the Martian field now and they know the limitations we have out here."

The pilots began to leave to the lower levels of the maintenance bay before one of them asked, "We'll do that for ours. Should we leave the Sagittarius unit until the Lieutenant returns sir?"

Devon agreed to the decision, "Just to be a bit curious we should let him fit his unit the way he wants to. Just stay on alert for the remainder of the day people. We have enemy forces out there and we'll have to jump when they decide they want to come out."

As soon as Mercurio took out the final Scorpio Major unit, Gawel looked over the battlefield and did not see any moving red objects except for some debris and rocks falling from the destruction. "With that radar jamming capability, we have to go off of movement. Just what the Coalition wants us to feel at this point. More stress." He reported to Dana, "Updating battle status. The enemy has wiped out. No visible Scorpio units are in sight."

Dana breathed a sigh of relief hoping, "Outstanding. At least we managed to push back the Coalition this time."

Sally contacted her with the order, "We did this time. Most likely the enemy will have reinforcements sent to our position now that they know we're here. Captain, form up with Capon and prepare to move out with the Gundams. We'll have to move out of here sooner than later."

Dana confirmed, "I'll do that sir. I'd like to know though, are were headed somewhere?"

Sally explained, "We have a secondary base with extra supplies and limited accommodations. It should at least be enough to give us some time to prepare for our offensive."

Gawel overheard the conversation and had to ask out of concern, "Can't say I can complain with that. Is there anywhere safe on within range though?"

Sally reminded him, "The Coalition doesn't know the mountain like we do. Even if they did we'll have the advantage in defense."

Dana took those odds, along with hopes of being in Sally's good eyes again, agreeing, "Sounds better than nothing. Unless we're open to another helping of Coalition pain we should take what chances we got."

Gawel didn't offer any further protest when he agreed, "Understood sir. I'll tell the remaining units of our status." He changed his channel to his Earth Sphere superior to report, "Attention Major. We have reports from Lt. Colonel Po that we are to move out of here. She says we have another location to use as a new hideout."

As soon as Alberto received the message from Gawel he reported to the Uriel and Sandesgeist, "Yuy. Lindemann. We're moving out with Colonel Rumfoord to meet up at a secondary base. We should be able to complete repairs and refueling once we get there. Prepare to move out and follow the nearest Clanker unit, hopefully we'll be there before we get spotted by the Coalition again."

Mercurio understood his order and confirmed, "Copy that Major. I'm ready when everyone else is."

Elias approved of the action noting, "Good work Major. We should hopefully be able to reach the secondary base before the Coalition should spot us."

Alberto assured him, "My men are prepared to continue fighting Colonel. We're only hoping to strike at Mons Ridge as soon as we can."

"Don't worry Captain. It won't be long at this rate. We may have to be ready for something our pilots aren't used to however."

"We are trained for situations such as these. We'll be able to handle it sir."

Mercurio saw the Ursas prepared for moving out while the Clanker units were making their way up the mountain and relayed, "Ursa Squad this is Uriel. Prepare to follow those Clankers and stay close as per the Major's orders. Keep your eyes peeled for any more enemy mobile suits."

"Clankers?" Donna thought overhearing Mercurio's announcement. "Interesting name for a unit. Though it seems to fit what they had purposed it for."

The Sandesgeist began following the Clankers. Donna gave a sigh of relief when the Sandesgeist continued on autopilot towards her squadron. She took a look at her fuel gauge to note, "I'm fortunate to have survived this one. The fuel's running out."

"Is your Gundam still okay Donna?"

Donna realized she left her channel open when she answered, "Oh, yeah. Just needs some refueling when we reach the base is all. I'll still be able to handle myself of course. Two consecutive fights here have given me a grasp of the basics for fighting in these conditions, but it won't be any good if I can't even move."

Mercurio accepted the report when he promised, "I see. The secondary base should be nearby. Let's just keep our eyes open until then."

"Agreed." Although the Sandesgeist was on autopilot for the time, Donna continued to keep an eye on the mountain range and the nearby desert.

The battle had been lost for the Coalition but the new patrol was determined to find out just what defeated them. So far there was not much luck in finding out who or what was previously here. This hangar bay had been abandoned since the Coalition had begun its war and buried under the rocks of Olympus Mons since then. One of the Scorpio Major units reported, "Sir, we are not picking up any signs of foreign mobile suits."

The Captain asked another unit, "How about the inside of the hangar base?"

The unit inside the hangar continued searching and answered, "Nothing on this end sir. Looks like they hit us hard and got out of here even sooner."

It wasn't until a few moments later that a Scorpio Minor unit reported, "There's something here sir. There's part of a mobile suit here that belongs to an Aries unit."

The Major unit next to him asked out of confusion, "Those things were supposed to be decommissioned. Is the enemy trying to use it against us?"

The Captain agreed to the question, "It's possible. The enemy was desperate enough on Earth, they'll do the same thing up here. Can we confirm that they have any sort of trail left behind?"

Another unit answered, "Just a few suit prints leading up to the mountain. Seems to fade away after that."

The Captain shook his head at the though of trying to scale the mountain or trying to find the enemy easily. He gave a final order, "If they're using the mountain for cover then this will probably be more difficult than we thought. We'll begin patrolling the low end of the mountain and try to confirm any enemy presence."

As the Clankers and Ursa units made their way up the mountain while avoiding the gaze of the Coalition mobile suits from below, Sally reminded her allies, "Alright people, that's good work. The enemy won't find us if we stay close to the walls."

Gawel was concerned when he found his unit making a high distance up the mountain and asked, "We're doing okay it seems. We can't stay hidden all the way to the base can we?"

Sally's Clanker pushed a metal door aside to reveal a passage way showing, "We'll pull that off easy."

Dana asked, "This is real? The enemy hasn't found this?"

"Haven't bothered trying to find the hidden passage ways." Sally's mobile suit gestured to the open path when she ordered, "Everyone head down here and stick near the rails until you get to the other side. The Colonel is heading in first to lead the way and we have some sniping windows set up in case anyone spots the enemy on their way here."

Gawel commented, "You guys have this mountain that figured out? I would think the Coalition would try checking around here to gain the upper hand."

"When you're stuck out here for ten years, solidifying the defenses around here is really the only thing worth doing." Sally confirmed.

Dana entered with another word of praise offering, "I have to say you got resourceful sir in these conditions sir. It's really an honor to recognize your work."

Sally accepted the compliment, "Likewise Captain."

As the mobile suits made their way down the corridors, Mercurio searched through one of the slit windows for a view outside. The enemy Scorpio units had gathered for a patrol but didn't seem to notice any activity from their target enemy units within the mountain. Mercurio asked his Major, "Will we find a safe way out of here when we get to the secondary base sir?"

Alberto answered, "Most likely Yuy. Right now, it's good to know that you managed to hold up out here for this long though. All of our units had a way to go just to even get here."

"It's a little less intense than it is on Earth. Can't argue that the enemy is still pretty concentrated out here."

"This is what it's like on the front lines. Let's just hope that the Colonel is ready for something really big."

"The Gundams were assigned to dangerous operations for a reason. I won't be surprised if he wants us to handle the bulk of the operation."

Alberto changed his frequency to contact the Sandesgeist as well as the Uriel, "As long as you don't let it get to your head Yuy I expect to see you and the other pilots give more than what you have. The Captain has had more experience than both of you but I expect there to be a collective preparation to take on any assignment."

"Yes sir." Mercurio agreed.

"Ah. Of course sir." Donna added. She shut off her channel when the many mobile suits made their way further down the mountain. The silence left Donna to add to her thoughts on the situation, "Things even get nearly suicidal at points. Even with those conditions though the success of this mission depends on our condition."

As the members of the Martian Resistance continued their way through the tunnels, the patrol of Scorpio units that found the old Martian hangar observed the side of the heights of Olympus Mons scanning for any enemy mobile suit activity. The Captain adjusted his scanners when he asked, "If we can guess where the enemy might be right now would anyone say this is the area?"

One of the Scorpio Minor pilots reviewed the original points for the mobile suit prints when he answered, "Best guess we have sir. Can't say if there's anything to go off of but it's better than nothing."

Another Scorpio Minor unit arrived with a weapon in hand when the pilot reported, "The SCAB rifle has arrived sir. We should be able to flush them out with this."

The Scorpio Major unit knelt in front of the mountain when the Captain ordered, "Set the rifle in place. All units remain outside of the blast zone."

"We're following procedures Captain." The Minor pilot confirmed as his mobile suit made its way to the Scorpio Major to plant the rifle on his superior's shoulder area.

The Scorpio Major unit grabbed hold of the rifle to prepare it for firing. The Captain had a portion of the mountain targeted when he commented, "Let's see how much they can handle."

The calm of the inside of the mountain was broken as soon as a mighty beam of energy ripped its way through the cavern sides. All of the mobile suits and the Gundams stopped moving as it made an upward motion. "What the hell?!" Gawel exclaimed from the sudden attack. A gap was formed from the beam as it separated half of the Ursa units and Clankers on both sides while the Gundams were still in front.

Elias immediately recognized the attack when he warned, "It's the Coalition! They're trying to find us!"

Gawel gave no thought to formality when he responded, "I think I should clarify and ask just what the hell they are using to hit us that hard!"

Sally's Clanker unit stepped forward when she explained, "It's their new weaponry and we have no idea where it came from! Now stick close if you want to make it to the other side!"

The Ursa units remained in place when Alberto asked, "Do we have a plan for this kind of situation Colonel?"

Elias's Clanker unit peeked outside the destroyed hallway to observe the Coalition squadron down below. He ordered to his fellow nearby units, "We have to stay put and see if they decide to fire again. All forward units continue moving. We'll warn you if they're planning to adjust their aim."

The Gundams began to make their way forward when Donna asked, "Do you think they can make it safely Captain?"

Dana recognized the concern when she answered, "Easily. The Coalition units down there wouldn't have another shot that powerful in them.

"I think we might have a problem with that plan Colonel!" One of the Clanker pilots warned. Before Elias could ask what was about to happen, he heard a crumbling behind him and the mobile suits next to him were rushing to his side.

"Shit! They fired again!" Zachariah observed when the energy beam made its way up a second area of the mountain. With that attack Elias grew more urgent about his situation as he searched for a way forward.

"With those blast areas they're going to have more of a frame to fire on us!" One of the Clanker pilots warned.

Sally was the next to confirm this concern when she warned, "Colonel! We won't be able to move forward if we have to risk a third shot!"

"Damn right! They're going to move into a horizontal shot! All units take out that rifle now!" Elias's unit took out its rifle to fire on the squadron down below.

The few shots from the resistance mobile suits kept the Scorpio units from attempting to attack a second time but Dana saw the Scorpio Major unit below still priming for another shot. "They're pinned down! Let's take up the Colonel on his order!"

"I've got them in my sights Captain!" With that announcement the Uriel and Artemis open fired on the enemy squadron below while the Sandesgeist prepared its machine gun for firing.

"Time to see how much they can handle..." Donna lined her sights with the Scorpio Major to find her fellow Gundam units had the target surrounded with enemy fire while it tried to dodge for a way out. Seconds passed before Donna found the rifle within her sights and fired at the enemy.

The gun fire of the Sandesgeist landed on the Scorpio Major but with its dodge only caused a scratch. As the Sandesgeist continued to fire however, a critical hit was made on the opposing mobile suit unit. The rifle on the enemy unit had flown off its shoulder and exploded from behind.

Donna made a quick glance of the ground below when she reported, "It looks like the rifle is out of their hands Colonel. I don't know if they'll be trying again though."

Elias's Clanker unit moved forward when he ordered, "Move forward before we have to find out!"

The gunfire had stopped when the rifle behind the Scorpio Major exploded. "Damn it all to hell! They got to have something helping with their aim up there!" The Captain cursed.

One of the Scorpio Minor units stepped forward when its pilot observed, "Looks like it's been confirmed sir. The enemy is using those tunnels up there."

The Coalition Captain's Scorpio Major unit began to change to its vehicle mode when he ordered, "Prepare to move out! We have to at least try to track their location and report to base!"

"Transforming to hover mode. We'll reach them before they know it." In a matter of seconds the Scorpio units were in hover mode and made a dash towards the mountain side.

The group of mobile suits in the tunnels were in single file making an advance further down the tunnel while Roy was still behind. He checked the situation outside when he warned, "Oh great. Looks like they want to finish the job themselves!"

Elias watched the Scorpio units racing towards the edge of the mountain when he ordered to the Gundams, "Gundam pilots! We'll need the full power of those weapons!"

The Artemis prepared its buster rifle when Dana agreed, "We'll give what we have sir!"

"We can't let them be close to the ground! Stick to cover and wait for my command to fire!" At that order, the three Gundams gathered near the hole in the ridge waiting for the command to fire. The Artemis stood in the center while the other two waited for their chance to add to the attack.

Dana kept her hand on her weapon trigger when she concentrated asking no one, "Come on... Come on... They're getting close..."

"Now! Open fire!" Dana's hand pulled on the trigger and released a powerful beam towards the ascending Scorpio units. Adding to the fire the Uriel and Sandesgeist gave small rounds of supporting fire yielding erruptions on the side of the mountain.

Alberto checked the status of the recent attack, "Is that all of them?"

Mercurio checked the mountain side when he answered, "Negative sir! We've still got units on their way up!"

Elias ordered on reaction, "Gundam units! Move up and engage!"

"This time they won't have the sand on their side..." Donna observed. The three Gundams made a dive down the mountain towards the Scorpio units. The edges of the mountain were brought to a crumble when the dive was made. The Artemis unit continued to use its buster rifle while the Uriel and Sandesgeist had their weapons prepared for close combat.

Donna warned, "Prepare to strike! We can't give them a window to dodge!" At that warning the Sandesgeist and Uriel lept forward prepared for their own strikes.

The Uriel had its buster sword in shield mode before he threw it towards the nearest Scorpio Minor. With its target in sight the Uriel threw its shield towards its enemy location. Just in time the Scorpio Minor lept from its elevation and into the air as it transformed into bipedal mode with a beam saber in hand. The Uriel backed away as its enemy unit prepared to make a downward thrust while firing its arm cannon but missing at a direct hit. Just as the Scorpio Minor unit was about to move in however, the Uriel lifted its sword arm as the shield came flying back towards it to split the Scorpio Minor unit in half.

The Sandesgeist prepared its two heat shotels for inward pincer slices while its target Scorpio Minor unit continued forward transforming into bipedal mode. Just before it could stand on its own feet, the Sandesgeist moved in with both shotels to slice its target in half. The slice brought out several sparks before a great explosion came out of the mobile suit's core. The Sandesgeist rolled forward dodging the heat from the destruction while holding onto one shotel in hand. Just as the Sandesgeist was finished rolling forward it sliced outwards in front of another Scorpio Mino resulting in a second explosion.

With three of the Scorpio units destroyed Donna reported, "We've got our targets Captain!"

"Prepare for some major fire! You're all going to be cutting this close!" Both the Uriel and Sandesgeist backed away near the Artemis when its buster rifle prepared to fire again. Only a few seconds passed when the mighty blast of the Artemis roared forward towards the Scorpio Major and through the remainder of the squad.

Mercurio searched the mountain range to find the Uriel's scanners didn't pick up any Scorpio units nearby with the exception of the parts they left behind from their explosions. "This has to be all of them..." He contacted Dana when he reported, "I don't see any more of the enemy sir. Is that the whole enemy squad?"

"Negative Yuy. We've got the rest of them to finish with." Mercurio checked again to recognize another two Scorpio Minor units had made their way to the base of the mountain. The Artemis knelt down with its buster rifle in hand while it took out an energy pack to begin the reloading process.

"Houston! What's happening down there?" Dana heard Alberto's voice ask.

She continued to reload her buster rifle when she answered, "The units are trying to report back to base sir! They might give our location!" The Artemis discarded the empty energy pack of its buster rifle before placing the new one into the slot.

There was a brief pause before Alberto ordered, "If that's the last of them focus your attention on keeping them from making their escape!"

"Already finished sir!" The Artemis maintained its balance on the mountain with its buster rifle prepared for firing. Dana watched the Scorpio units as they made an attempt to escape to the city dome until they reached the furthest sand dune. It was only a second later when one final beam of energy came down from Olympus Mons to the enemy squadron below.

"Captain! Have all of the remaining enemys been destroyed?" Alberto asked as Dana watched her targets hit.

The sight of the explosion down below brought a feeling of relief to Dana when she reported, "I think that should be all of them."

A few seconds passed before Elias's voice ordered, "Good work. Return to formation. You did the best that you could down there."

The three Gundams turned away from view of landscape view of the martian desert. Mercurio checked with his superior asking, "Didn't we get all of them Captain?"

"Even if we did the Coalition might have something to base another attack on this mountain for." Dana reminded.

The three Gundams completed a brief walk up the mountain side to find the tunnel was wrecked but their fellow mobile suits were still unharmed. Elias's Clanker unit took point when he announced, "The Coalition will know we're here but at least they won't have our exact location. We're going to have to move quickly."

"To the base Colonel?" Zachariah asked.

"And to the mission at hand. We won't have a lot of time before we have even more Coalition forces to deal with."

Sally's unit stood alongside her superior as she added, "It's just a little way further down. Keep moving."

It was fifteen minutes later when Elias announced, "Alright, we're here. Exit mobile suits and meet down on the main floor. We've got a mission to plan out."

Mercurio asked the resistance leader, "Colonel sir, will we be able to complete repairs to our mobile suits in time for this mission?"

"If we're lucky we may not even need them here. Leave the repairs to the technicians and we'll start planning." The new bay the mobile suits stepped into was smaller than the main base but was still able to fit all of the mobile suits that made their way here. The atmosphere of Mars was still present here requiring pilots to continue wearing their helmets and suits.

Ludwika stepped out of her Ursa unit when she observed, "This place was only built to be an emergency bunker in case of times of conflict wasn't it?"

"It's serving its purpose now. Since we're here the Colonel can now lay out his plan for a new strike on the Coalition occupiers." Alberto confirmed.

A short period of time passed before the Clankers and Ursas were all parked inside the secondary base Sally announced, "We're finally here. Set up your mobile suits to the repair stalls and our technicians should be able to get to work on them."

Dana felt a sigh of relief escape her when she asked, "Finally, we can get these things to work at optimal efficiency again. Think you have an idea of how to handle this stuff Majewski?"

Gawel gave a glance to the stalls when he confirmed, "No problem Captain. This is old tech but it's the kind of stuff we've been asked to practice on."

As soon as the mobile suits were fit within the stalls, Dana found Sally making her way down to the gathering point with the others for their next move. Trying to see if she had an idea she asked, "So what do we do in here?"

Sally confirmed her curiosity by explaining, "The Colonel has a plan for our current situation. We'll just have to hope that it's enough to start surprising the enemy."

Dana agreed to the hope, "I'd like that to happen too. We've been taking too much from the enemy lately and it's time we return the favor."

Sally nodded in appreciation, "You've got spirit Houston. Let's just hope it's enough to get results out of our next mission."

As soon as the group of resistance members had gathered around to Elias's position he began the meeting by thanking, "It's good to see that we managed to make our way out here with minimal casualties. We're going to need some real power if we can even hope to pull this off."

Getting to the point of the mission Alberto pointed out, "We might have to attempt luring the patrols away from the city if we're going to attack them."

Zachariah shook his head in disagreement, "Assuming that we'll be attempting an offensive."

The Colonel agreed with the sentiment explaining, "The enemy has a lot of forces to protect them. If we're going to make Operation Rising Himalayas work in the long run we can't afford a plan that will take up so much time."

Mercurio asked, "What can we do about it then?"

The Colonel revealed, "That's what we're working on. All of you had to be enlisted as soldiers for the mobile suit division, now it's time for you to put that training to use. It's time to begin a stealth operation."

Keijo had his turn to speak when he asked, "Sneak in? I know it's probably the decision that makes sense but do we know the place or how we can get in there undetected?"

"That's the only advantage we have." Elias confirmed. He continued with the plan when he warned, "The hard part is going to be breaking out the science team and immediately after that begining the launch of the Solaris Shuttle."

Alberto felt a weight off his conscience when he understood this answer and asked for confirmation, "Is that what this mission has been for?"

The Colonel agreed, "If this mission is what High Command sent you for then it sounds like it."

Mercurio felt like he needed to ask a crucial question on the matter when he entered again, "Sorry if I'm speaking out of my turn Colonel but I'd like to know what makes this shuttle so important to our war effort. And how did the Coalition manage to avoid even learning about it?"

Not answering the first question the Colonel explained, "Thing is they didn't. The Solaris Shuttle is right in the middle of the city dome and it's waiting for takeoff."

Mercurio pressed further, "If it is a weapon though, how did it manage to avoid being found by the Earth Sphere Inspection Unit? Weren't they supposed to prevent weapons from becoming manufactured again?"

The Colonel could only muster a sigh when he answered, "That much we can't say. Might be something you'll have to take up with the President if we manage to get our way off this rock."

Mercurio bowed out of his inquiry responding, "Understood sir. I'm sorry if I am questioning any command."

The Colonel shook his head, "No worries. You have to remember I'm just military brass. The science team is probably the only team alive that can explain anything at this point."

Trying to understand the current status of the weapon Dana asked, "If the science team knows what we're dealing with then why hasn't the Coalition bothered to interrogate them?"

Sally was only able to offer, "Our best guess is that they haven't yet because the weapon hasn't taken off. It's either that or they might have scrapped it already."

"And this missions's best bet is to see if the Solaris is still in flying condition to break off this planet." Dana said when she considered the current situation. She agreed to the motion, "I guess a mission like this could work if we manage to get really lucky. If we do pull this off though this weapon had better be our big power card. We can't put so much effort into a mission like this, let alone three gundams, just to assume that it's nothing."

Sally agreed to her loyalty, "That's what we were hoping you'd understand Captain. We just need to make sure that you're ready to follow the plan. Coordination will be key with this one."

Donna continued to listen to the plans next to her fellow pilots. "Making a stealth infiltration could be a serious risk. I guess if we're successful we'll have a chance to see the city." Donan said to herself before remembering there was still one detail that hadn't been adressed. "If it's not too much trouble I'd like to know how we're going to infiltrate our way in."

Acknowledging Donna's question on the infiltration, Elias answered, "That will be the hard part to pull off. The dome was built to withstand the basic conditions of the Martian environment so it isn't very stable. If we punch a hole in it anywhere, we'll end up bringing the atmosphere into the city and what civilian population living there will have a hard time surviving."

Alberto considered the options they had and confirmed, "Sounds like our best bet is to find a way into one of the entrances."

Private Nantakarn pointed out, "Could well be. The main hangar is under too much observation for us to sneak by. One of the side entrances could work though."

Zachariah pointed out, "Then we'd have to deal with the patrols and try not to get caught breaking in."

Elias confirmed the conclusion answering, "That's about the best we can hope for. It'll be a really quick mission of get in, get out. We can't afford to let the Solaris be stolen by the enemy and it's going to have to be activated."

Keijo knew the plan wasn't going to be easy and pointed out, "So the plan is to break in, find the science team, get to the shuttle and prepare it for takeoff. For some reason I don't get the feeling that this is going to be short mission."

Mercurio warned, "It probably won't be. We have to avoid the Coalition guard at every chance we get. It could get even worse if the mobile suits decide to fire on us."

Another Martian pilot asked, "If they do fire on us from within, won't that risk damaging the city?"

Alberto agreed, "It would. Not sure how much the civilian population would be able to respond to it."

Mercurio decided after briefly reviewing the plan, "Real simplistic plan with a lot that could go wrong. Sadly it's the only way we could sneak in without having to resort to a mobile suit fight."

Alberto agreed, "That's about right. We will need a mobile suit division to stay behind to be prepared for long range defense in case something goes wrong."

The meeting was finally concluded with a risky plan in hand as the Colonel said, "Good to see we're all in agreement on how to handle this. We'll have a long-range defense to stay behind and the rest of us will move in to help the science team. We'll start at nightfall and move out. Take the time and finalize repairs. Dismissed."

Keijo was relieved to see that he at least was having some time off from combat that didn't involve travel. He pointed out, "Nightfall should be about 12 hours from now. We might actually have rest period for a change."

Mercurio agreed, "I guess so. It still means we have to make sure that repairs go by safely and that we're ready to move on the hour when its time."

Roy asked over the conversation, "You sure you're not here for being the superior's unquestioning subordinate?"

Ludwika answered, "Last time I checked, he didn't get here just for being loyal Gilliam."

As soon as the meeting was fully dispersed, the remaining pilots were able to begin the repairs on their mobile suits and reload their ammunition. It did leave some with a rest period they needed even though the accommodations they had were not breathable. This only left the locker rooms as the only spot where anyone could breathe without an oxygen tank.

In the women's locker room, Dana was preparing her suit for another trip outside when Sally told her, "Captain Houston. We've pretty much determined who our long-range defense team will be."

Dana was looking forward to this, wondering if she would get a chance to perform recon with Sally. She asked, "Sounds great. Who's leading?"

The Lieutenant Colonel answered, "That will be you Captain."

"You'd have me lead sir?"

"From what I understand the Artemis is the best suited for long range attack. If things go wrong you should be there to fend off the enemy."

The disappointment was quite a drop in her stomach but knew that she couldn't offer any insubordination unless she wanted to risk her rank and position. She answered dutifully, "I'll do my best sir."

The Lieutenant Colonel nodded in approval, "Good to know. Just make sure that it's enough."

Still not sensing any gratitude from her commitment Dana agreed, "... Yes sir."

Donna overheard the conversation bertween between the Lt. Colonel and Captain Dana on the other side of the lockers. "So it will just be me, Mercurio and the others. I guess her Gundam is the best choice for long range." Even with that in mind she couldn't help but wonder about the contained feeling of discontent Dana had. She knew that she and Yuy will eventually have to fight without the Captain at command, but she didn't expect it this soon.

Many hours of searching had passed over the mountain area for the Coalition but the most the operatives had for the Martian General was, "We've checked with our patrols on the mountain area and searched for enemy activity. It seems like we found some trace of the resistance sir but our teams haven't been able to report on their base location."

Aleksei acknowledged their failure to find the enemy commenting, "They have mastered the ability to maneuver through this mountain somehow. The only reason we managed to find the hangar bay was because they didn't have the time to cover it back up. And we aren't even just talking about sand cover."

His Lieutnenant General offered the idea, "Perhaps if we were to send more of our forces to find the resistance sir? Their number can't be that significant by now."

Aleksei shook his head when he explained, "Our hold of Mars is a fragile one after Mons Ridge held its own against the Coalition for so long. We are unable to afford time on the mountains until we have the city under our complete control, but it is clearly now the only way we can find the resistance. As far as our intel is concerned the resistance seems to know this full well and we have had issue finding them because of this."

Aleksei made his way from the nearby window of the headquarters when his second in command reminded, "Even so General, considering what we are denying the enemy we can't afford them any opportunity to reclaim the shuttle."

Aleksei sat at his desk when he considered the situation, "We are forced into a situation where we must continue to rely on the eventual cooperation of the scientific team. They are no use to us dead and our own team may take too long to figure out what we are dealing with."

One of the operators announced, "Sir. One of the pilots has arrived requesting a personal meeting."

The General agreed to the audience, "Let him in."

Tano entered the room, dressed in full Coalition uniform. He gave a salute to the General before he spoke. "Lieutenant Tano Kiprotich, Coalition L5 Force reporting for duty." He introduced. "I have been transferred from Lagrange 5 in the Earth Sphere to Mars under the orders to pursuit Earth Sphere United Nations shuttles that landed on Mars. I am under your direct command."

As Tano entered the command room the General saluted back, "Greetings Lieutenant. We have received some reports on such landings. Your unit will be notified when to move out if we face them ourselves."

Tano placed the dossier on the Gundams he brought on the desk of the General. "This contains information on my mission." He explained. "Please have a read."

As soon as he received the report, Aleksei observed the notes and facts that were obtained on the Earth Sphere Gundam models. The notes were basic but gave a fair idea of what the mobile suits were capable of doing. "If these mobile suits are what we must face Mars, it explains why the patrol was decimated at the resistance base."

Tano was quick to agree when he explained, "I encountered them myself General. They have the strength of the Gundams from decades past. The fact that we permitted this to happen will probably lengthen the war even further and shows why the Earth can't be trusted with further talks."

"I see... So the reports on the Gundams are accurate. Rather... audacious move on their part." Aleksei caught himself from using more unprofessional language on the notion. Even then he let his thoughts on the Earth Sphere's production be heard when he added, "Those pilots have no sense of patriotism for their cause. Both them and the weaklings within OZ. Their darkest hour is ahead of them and they force themselves to use the program they themsevles once opposed. It's thanks to those pilots and the men who support them that we have to be fighting one another." He found himself in a regretful mood when he ended up revealing these thoughts.

Tano maintained his professional manner when he agreed, "It is fortunate that you share these sentiments General. If this was not the time to stop the Earth Sphere from its ambitions then there must be some limit for how much of a chance we give them."

Aleksei let a small sigh when he stood to answer, "The only thing I envy of the youth of your generation Lieutenant is the ability to see this conflict in such a simplified view."

Tano intensified his gaze at his superior officer when he asked, "How can this situation not be simplified sir? The Earth Sphere was about to bring us all into an era where we were under their control even after losing the war they started."

Aleksei turned his view to Tano, not even giving mind to his tension, when Aleksei answered, "The fact is that the Earth Sphere was supposed to be a beacon of change that would not allow for the times we live in to occur again. In the days of its formation I was among many who held to the very words they gave. However there is always a time where we must separate the individual from the establishment they create. In a time such as this one, this was the worst case scenario for everyone who founded the Earth Sphere."

Tano paused himself from finding clarification when he saw a book on his superior's desk. "Visions of Peace" by Relena Peacecraft. Tano gazed at the General's possession when he asked, "You find value in the enemy's words sir?"

Aleksei briefly looked in the direction of Tano's gaze when he answered, "Ah. I see you don't have any desire to credit our opponents with what they once stood for."

"I prefer to see things as they are in the present General. Regardless of what may have happened then the least I wish to see happen is prevent any further disaster under enemy hands."

The General considered the Lieutenant's question when he began the conversation, "Calling Madame Peacecraft the enemy is giving her far too much of a burden that goes against her core desires."

"Even if there was once an ounce of truth behind her reasoning she has lost what resolve she once had."

"It helps to understand her words when we have witnessed the times my generation was in. There was a time when the words Relena Peacecraft had advocated under the Earth Sphere United Nations were the greatest words of progress being offered. This was supposed to be a time where humanity would move on from wars and instead towards cooperation."

"From what I am to understand General you were part of the Eve Wars and hoped that Madame Peacecraft would be the key to ending such difficult times."

"In simple terms it was certainly what me and many others hoped for. These days were meant to herald human progress and yet even today we still see how the ignition of war is the only way two significant powers are capable of coming to terms with one another. Madame Peacecraft was to be that herald of change and yet now she shows very little chance of being what she once was."

"I can see how it was once the case General. But you might have seen from the current war that the Earth Sphere no longer has any intentions of following within the ideals of their spiritual founder. If humanity became complacent with the union, someone would have changed the Earth Sphere into the Earth Alliance that the colonies had fought so hard to break away from. Regardless of what you may have gone through we have a war here in the present that we must win if we want to see an end to the destruction that surrounds us."

Aleksei paused when he considered the words Tano gave him. He was facing the nearest window observing the city of Mons Ridge when he answered, "Perhaps you might be correct on that observation. After all I am now once again fighting for what I believe in. It may yet be the determined course of the human race to continue to find conflict until its waning days."

Tano nodded when he said, "I didn't intend for this conversation to go so far General. But it is an honor to hear what words you have to offer for future generations."

Aleksei cleared his throat and ordered, "We believe the enemy may be planning to descend the mountain at some point. Inform Captain Keaney that your squad will be supplied with the equipment necessary for an attack and we shall provide what support we can. Please keep this in mind however Lieutenant, under no circumstances is there to be damage dealt to the city that can be pointed towards the resistance."

"Easy enough General." Tano said in salute. He remained in place when he asked, "Should I apologize for speaking out of term General?"

Aleksei looked back up to Tano when he dismissed, "No. We are just two men discussing our opinions of a politician."

Tano shook his head at the excuse when he pointed out, "I do not even see her as a politician. Not as an Earth Sphere member but as one to the human race. She is either a wicked or blind woman given too much power. She wasn't able to think in the long term about what her attempts at peace would bring us."

"That is the common observation towards the application of pacifism nowadays isn't it? Perhaps ever since Cain committed the first act of murder the human race has been doomed to resort to violence in every desperate effort to emphasize their vision of the truth." The General philosophized.

"As it has also proven to be the greatest force of change in human history. The eruption of this war alone has shown the inherit weakness within the Earth Sphere. I even had a first-hand sight of what they were truly capable of when they tried to enforce their idea of a peaceful solution."

"Precisely why I now stand against such forces myself." Aleksei paused in self observation. "The fact that we can observe the issue and see the solution but are incapable of following it ourselves has shown how ingrained conflict has become within our basic instincts. I feel it can only be done when we have excised the very forces that motivate such first thoughts."

"It's as you said. Observable but not a practical idea in any way. We are all humans." Tano checked the nearest clock in the room when he observed, "This history lesson has offered me at least some interesting insight to what happened in your time General. However I would like to return to the mission at hand if possible."

"Of course Lieutenant. Return to your mission and follow any orders your superiors have prepared. We shall all continue to contribute to the effort where we no longer have to continue enduring a struggle for peace."

Tano turned to find his way out the nearest door when he promised, "As do I sir. I only hope that peace can be achieved with less loss than we have already endured."

Aleksei saw him leave when he told himself, "There may soon be a day where that will change Lieutenant. I still have hopes it will be soon."

As Mercurio watched see the ammunition fill on his arm blaster and vulcan cannons he heard Zachariah down below asking, "So where are you being assigned Yuy?"

He answered, "The Major says he wants me as part of the infiltration team. I guess now I'll have a chance for ground combat."

Zachariah offered his support, "Just try and handle it like you were still in a mobile suit when you're out there. Seeing your enemies die in front of you instead of a blaze are different experiences."

It was a few seconds later that one of the Ursa pilots asked, "Hey Yuy! Was it Donna or Dana?"

Mercurio was confused by the sudden question and asked, "What?"

Roy replied to the question, "Just say Donna will ya?! I've got a lot riding on this!"

Mercurio still in the dark when he tried to ask, "I don't even -"

Roy was stunned out of realization, "You're joking around right? Stuck in there with two women for more than a month and you're not making promises with either of them?!"

Keijo shrugged his shoulders, "Well we're out of luck here. Nobody gets the pot."

Out of a last attempt Roy asked, "Hey Yuy! If it weren't for regulations who would you go for?"

The conversation was broken up when Alberto saw the conversation and ordered, "Get back to work Private! We're not paid by the hour here!"

Roy snapped to salute when he answered, "Yes sir! Not even taking this seriously sir!" The three walked out of view from Zachariah and Mercurio's view when they left. Alberto looked up when he asked, "Things going optimal with the repairs Yuy?"

Mercurio answered, "Yes sir. Just a few more seconds and Uriel will be ready for a surprise attack."

Alberto accepted the report as he added, "Stay focused on those repairs and be ready to really move out when nightfall arrives. Our goal right now is making sure these Gundams are travel worthy on our way back to Earth."

Donna continued to work on her Gundam when she overheard the conversation about the gamble. "Am I supposed to be amused or annoyed by this sort of thing?" She wondered to herself.

"Sort of depends on your mood Lindemann." Ludwika answered behind her. "Yuy's not too bad of a kid and probably the best pawn we've got on this big board of ours."

Donna nodded as she continued working on an armor panel, "I've qualified enough to be a Gundam pilot, although Yuy and Houston have to be more capable than me."

The initial observation seemed to go completely over Donna's head when she continued to work on her Gundam. "Seems a lot of the men in this unit have too much time on their hands. I don't even know how they managed to keep that a secret 'till now." Ludwika was leaning on a nearby railing when she commented to Donna on the conversation below.

Donna continued to focus her work on the Sandesgeist when she said, "I guess we can't oversee everything."

Ludwika turned her focus to Donna as she continued to work, "At least there's some kind of optimism behind it. There is that notion that we might live that long. Of course you might have to break some hearts if you have a special someone waiting back home."

"Not really anyone that special. Besides if my father heard about me getting a boyfriend, the only one he'll approve is a boy from a well-known family."

"You mean like marrying into a wealthy family right? He sounds like an old nostalgic fart to extend that way of thinking to his children."

"I guess that is one way of considering it. I'll have to see if I live long enough first to let that to even be possible." Donna stepped away from the armor panel when she turned to Ludwika requesting, "Do you think you could check if the arms are still optimal?"

"Of course. Back in a sec."

Donna watched Ludwika walk down the scaffolding of the hangar bay when Donna reminded herself, "Even if I'm independent he'll have his wish for me to follow his way... Out here though, literally another world, I wouldn't have to worry about him affecting my life. If he doesn't like who I am with, he couldn't do anything." She tried to keep herself from wondering any further about her future when she looked out to the hangar bay, "That's all something I'll have to hope for if I can survive this war though."

After Roy's conversation was broken up one of the Ursa pilots told Dana, "Captain, I think some of the pilots were putting a bet on you."

Dana shrugged in at the idea, "Can't really expect that much from boys. They get bored being stuck in the same place for a long period."

Another pilot asked, "You doing okay Captain?"

Dana shook her head to regain her focus, "Yeah. Probably just a bit of fatigue from the last battle."

Gawel offered, "If you say so sir. I can overlook the rest of the repairs if you need time off."

Dana walked off to one of the crate areas and waved, "Thanks, that'd be appreciated."

As the repairs and refill continued, the progress was almost complete when Keijo reported, "Alright ammo's at 100% and the repairs are going by okay."

Mercurio was glad to hear this news when he commented, "Good to hear. We might be able to finish these repairs before the mission begins."

Roy was closing the final hatch for the vulcan cannon when he asked, "Just about. One thing I want to know about the mission though, when Solaris takes off how are we going to get our mobile suits to launch with it?"

Private Nantakarn was nearby when he answered, "I heard this much from the Colonel. If we do manage to make it, we apparently have enough time to get from our position to the mountain base and back with our mobile suits ready to enter its hangar."

Mercurio was curious about the idea when he asked, "Really? I know it's underground but wouldn't the shuttle have to be really long in order to take that long?"

The pilot could only answer, "Probably the best guess. Not too many people have seen the shuttle in its complete state."

As it was, Mercurio had finished the repairs and noticed that Dana and Donna were both in their own business though Dana seemed to be in a bit of a downer mood than usual.

As Dana continued to observe the status of Artemis she heard the Lt. Colonel checking the status of the Gundams and heard her ask, "So is Artemis prepared for action Captain?"

Dana saluted, "Yes sir. She didn't take a whole lot of damage and has ammo ready to take down a battalion."

"Not bad. Would have thought you took more after that sort of punishment."

Dana had to remind her, "She's tougher than she looks sir." Deciding that now was the best possible time to learn about Sally's history she followed up with, "Permission for inquiry sir?"

"Granted."

"What brought you all the way out here?"

"You probably know about the fall of L5. Me and the Preventers were able to push back the Coalition for about a year until they were defeated and split."

"I thought they went to Earth though."

"Most of them did. We also received a distress call from Mars and the Coalition's push. We had to split and both me and Rumfoord had to leave Wufei and the others behind."

"Do you think he also fell at the final stand?"

Sally clearly had a feeling of loss as she remembered that day answering, "Of all the old pilots left alive today I would expect him to be the first on the front lines. Wish I could say something about where he is now." She turned her head back to Dana's gaze when she reminded, "It's up to you and the others to handle this war now. People like me were what dragged you into a mess like this in the first place."

Feeling somewhat inspired by such a comparison Dana agreed, "Yes sir." "I'll have to see how one of my fellow pilots is doing right now. Let's both wish for luck on the mission sir."

"If all goes as we want then we should only hope that it's thanks to our skill and not some random chance."

"Couldn't agree more."

Donna oversaw the final preparation of her Gundam. The refueling of the Sandesgeist was complete while the ammunition was fully restored. The maintenance for the heat shotel was near completion with engineers making sure the close-range weapons were sturdy enough to stay intact.

She sat in her pilot seat as she allowed her mind to wander. "Ludwika, have you heard any word about what life inside the domes are like?"

Ludwika hopped from the shoulder of the Sandesgeist to Donna's level when she answered, "Can't say I have. The people probably aren't happy about having the terraformation cut short but they're probably just trying to make a living like people do on Earth."

"It will probably be for the best if we infiltrate as civilians for the mission. And if we're going to enter the Coalition entryways, we would need spies within the city to help us get in there."

"It's pretty clear the Colonel and his men thought this out before we got here. They just needed our help in getting to the shuttle."

"You're right. Whatever might be waiting for us, our time here on Mars is going to end soon."

"Best case scenario we'll be able to make our way off of Mars soon and back to pushing back the Coalition from chopping up the Earth."

Donna nodded when she agreed, "That is what we are still hoping to achieve one day."