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 14: Trapped in the Metallic Coffin

Aleksei and Mercurio were met with a gathering of Coalition soldiers with a small tent recently set up. Two soldiers stood at the sides of the flaps keeping an eye on both men before their entrance. Aleksei turned to offer a salute to Mercurio, "Our introductions at the platform were less than formal. I am Aleksei Federov. I came to you as a General of the Falson Coalition and now greet you as a leader."

Mercurio offered his salute out of respect, "Private Mercurio Yuy with the Earth Sphere Mobile Suit Division. I have to admit, I never saw myself meeting with a high ranking officer of the Coalition until after this war ended."

"Regardless of what circumstances have paved, I am most curious to see why it is that you believe this nation you follow is still worth embracing. Most of all why you would find the words of Relena Peacecraft as your justification."

"I should probably ask you why you would find them to be the encouraging words to this separation of Mars and Earth. I don't even ask what practical means you hope to achieve this dream with, but I would ask why you would seek to sever a piece of humanity from its home in the desperate hope of starting anew."

"I do so for the sake of a new beginning for the human race. Humanity has shown that it can destroy the greatest weapons it has ever constructed in the face of its own people and yet it will still have the capacity to ignite new conflicts and even bring forth its old weapons to see that their ends are met." Aleksei paused before emphasizing, "My desire is to see an end to these days. If the humanity of Earth is incapable of uniting as a single species, then I will start it myself by no longer being part of this destructive humanity."

"This is why I continue to fight General. A united humanity will become possible once we are capable of moving away from using conflict for the aims of other visions of unity." Upon saying so Mercurio recognized an error in his answer he wanted to take back.

Before Mercurio could say any more, Aleksei answered the way many in the Coalition would have. "What you argue twists the words of the Earth Sphere into a rallying cry for war. This is why many lost faith in the Earth Sphere. Its ability to only become the new organization that would give way to future conflict long after we have passed is what we have sought since the war began. These words are intended to be the ones that end conflict and allow for human progress to flourish. You have only confirmed for me boy that you follow your cause as it comes from a desire to destroy anyone who opposes vision of unity."

Mercurio stood unshaken as he answered, "I follow my cause because it follows what I believe in. A humanity that stands together united is one that through time sees itself as a greater good. That is what Relena Peacecraft struggled to achieve so long ago."

"And why is it that you still plan on seeing to the end of this war? Have you ever asked yourself if the cause of the Earth Sphere was even worth fighting for in the face of a force already so close to victory? Even in a situation like now where you have nothing but your words to offer as a weapon against everything you see now?"

"I seek this end because I believe this United Earth is the way to a united humanity. This journey to Mars I've made over the past month was only the first step and I know there's bound to be more than just this obstacle. But I've been prepared for such a day where I will see the dream of a united Earth remain a reality."

"Your zealous determination for a united Earth evokes memories of what Lady Falson once used to justify her declaration of war. When I warn you about contributing to the cycle of war that continues to this very day, this is the attitude that prevents any progress towards an ending of conflict."

"Is there a reason you wish to emphasize my actions?"

Aleksei saw the change in Mercurio's debate force him to start with another question. "Simply tell me this. What is the value of Relena Peacecraft's words to you?"

"I have known her way to peace all my life General. Even when the Coalition declared war, she saw her ideology as worth preserving so that it might one day be seen as more than simply an aspiration. If everything she struggled to achieve was for nothing, then I can't even justify my own existence in letting her suffer the consequences she didn't wish for."

Aleksei sat himself down in a nearby chair when he recognized what was driving Mercurio's passion. The pilot's claim to know Relena Peacecraft's ideology his entire life was the only clue he needed. "The ties to a family can be difficult to break... Was the one she married the one who changed her ideals?"

"She married my father. Heero Yuy."

There was a short pause before Aleksei knelt his head observing, "Now I see. So this is what I have done to myself for holding onto a past ideal."

"I don't see her past ideals as irrelevant to our age. But I will aim to see them upheld in the way they can be."

Aleksei found himself somewhat moved by Mercurio's passion but was only able to confirm from his enemy's unwillingness to cooperate when their Colonel gave his agreement. Aleksei stood up when he responded, "I see your motivations. You claim to know the Peacecraft path to pacifism and I admit you show more passion for your cause than the average soldier. You have provided a worthy argument soldier. I only hope that you live long enough to see the futility of this cause. I would much rather see soldiers such as yourself live to see the error of their ways than die."

"I was hoping we would be able to yield more than a confirmation General. Regardless of how much longer you remain our enemy though, I will honor your decision just as you do mine."

"A conclusion conflicting soldiers seldom come to agree upon Yuy. Once we leave this establishment however, we will be enemies again. I will however allow you to remain with your fellow soldiers are you request." Aleksei looked Mercurio in the eye with an air of warning when he told him, "I must emphasize a warning to you however Yuy. As one soldier to another. I know you were trained to say that you would pay whatever price asked to make a united Earth possible. But at this point in the war, where high desires require nothing less than the highest of demands... There may come a time where you will be asked to give more than you might have imagined yourself willing. Disregard what you may think of my standings as a General Yuy. But please consider my words as at least one way of preserving yourself as a human being with individual thought."

Mercurio heard the sincerity behind the General's voice before he asked, "This was something you learned for yourself before General?"

"It was something I myself learned over the years as a leader among the Coalition and a soldier of the Earth Alliance." He saw two soldiers enter the tent when he ordered, "Escort him to the platform. Our business has concluded."

"As I offered Colonel. Private Mercurio Yuy shall be permitted to remain among your ranks for his cooperation."

Mercurio returned to his formation when Elias thanked, "Your mercy to the Private is welcomed General. I hope you recognize this doesn't change our position about our occupation however."

Aleksei turned to Elias as he answered, "I now understand that you are not willing to cooperate. I shall let you remain here to negotiate your decision. We have plenty of time to wait for your reconsideration or if you choose to die here out of pure exhaustion. Please enjoy your stay." The General turned around and signaled the platform to rise back up its original ground level.

Awaiting the General was a new force in the war prepared to defy where their old fellow man came from. They were now only loyal to Aleksei Fedorov. One of his Colonels questioned, "How did the meeting fold out sir? What should we do next?"

Aleksei ordered, "Keep this shuttle under guard. We may not have their aid but we shall soon find their resources. Once we do, we shall be that much closer to realizing this city's potential. This shall be the capital of a new civilization no one will ever replicate." He entered his jeep prepared to make his way towards the main base.

Aleksei knew that he would have the support of the men who were waiting here for his time to announce a free Mars but knew that there had to be someone that would show discontent. They weren't among this crowd, but he had to find out if anyone was about to pull off anything when he arrived back to the main base. He requested from his driver, "Is there anything to report from the headquarters?"

His driver adjusted the signals with the radio, "One moment sir." As soon as he had the main headquarters he requested, "Command we are requesting a status update on the personnel. Is there anything out of the ordinary happening?"

One of the operators answered, "Nothing to report sir. Things appear to be going as usual. We only have a status update from Lieutenant Kiprotich that they are planning a patrol."

This brought a state of worry to Aleksei's mind when Tano's name was brought up to the report. He was at least able to have an idea that the majority of his men would support the move to isolation, but new entries were another concern entirely. He ordered, "Keep a status update on Lieutenant Kiprotich's activity. Maintain all other operations."

His operator agreed to the request, "Yes sir. We'll keep you updated and await further orders."

The remaining Coalition squad prepared to move out for their patrol. The grunts were already inside their Leo IIIs, waiting for their commander. Tano examined his friendly mobile suits along with his Sagittarius before he finally got inside his cockpit. "Captain. Return soon and we'll begin."

Aleksei entered his main headquarters where he found his crew hard at work to determine the status of the discovered shuttle. The crew did not seem to be willing to make their situation known to the new independent city. If anything, Aleksei knew he was going to have Solaris in his possession soon enough and would discover why the Earth Sphere coveted it so much. He requested a status report, "What is the status of the city? How many have come out in support?"

One of the operators reported, "Public support appears to be in favor of the move. There's some rioting going on in the central areas though. We may require forces to pacify the damage."

Aleksei approved of the report, "We shall be sending a force to do so. We'll need to make immediate repairs to the prison to accommodate them."

One of the other operators questioned, "Was it really worth having the prison facility getting damaged sir? It might have been a better idea to wait for this announcement so we were better prepared for these numbers."

Aleksei turned to his fellow operator before he answered, "We have gotten the enemy to activate the first sequences of launching the Solaris. The SCAB units shall instantly become obsolete once we understand the shuttle's full potential. The first step to our independence must be the ability to defend ourselves from our enemies."

The same operative resumed his duties agreeing, "Yes sir. We'll maintain a schedule of updates on the shuttle's status." Aleksei nodded to the operative's action and sat at the head of the holographic map of his city. He made an observation of the activity while also pondering the words of the private he had encountered earlier today. "Truly an unfortunate time. Soldiers who will claim to fight for peace but still be part of a military force for what his political champion stood for... Most of all from the son of the woman who believed in the progression of human unity towards a peaceful world." He looked over his personal copy of "Visions of Peace" as he reminded himself, "I will have more to strive for in the coming era if I must pave a new path towards a peaceful unity."

Mercurio followed the others back into the Solaris saluting to Sally, "I apologize for speaking out Colonel." Seeing that Elias was still busy with the crew, Alberto explained to Sally, "I should bear at least some responsibility as well Colonel. It was my responsibility to ensure my men are remained at attention." Elias turned to face them and entered, "As I said earlier, those two basically saved us a few hours. Our priority above anything else is to make sure that this shuttle makes its way to Earth. We'll discuss our options inside." Alberto accepted the judgment, "It will only be a secondary matter anyway. You are both the leaders of the resistance and our best chance we have to finding a way out of this mess."

Alberto told Mercurio once they entered, "Seeing where we are now, I believe that only the consequences of our actions will speak for themselves. We'll just have to hope we made the right one." Alberto sounded neither disappointed nor enthused by the decision that Mercurio made to make himself open to the enemy General. It was evident in his mind that any disciplinary action would not serve any purpose now but it would have to be the end result of the talk that taught him.

Mercurio seemed to acknowledge this mindset when he agreed, "I will keep that in mind sir."

Mercurio entered the shuttle with the others still wondering if what he did was right.

Sally couldn't decide if she should be thankful Mercurio publicly displayed their opposition to the General's offer or if she should be ready to discipline him for both disobeying orders and denying her men a chance to get out of here. Despite her conflicting feelings, the speech he gave was an impressive demonstration of political understanding. Guess his mother taught him to bring out his political side whenever something like this happened… Sally thought to herself. She saw Mercurio enter when she addressed her pilots, "We'll have to decide the next course of action now. You had some good words for Federov Yuy. It didn't seem to shake his resolve for what he wants out of this deal. If we can't find our way out of here then we're probably going to die in here like he suggests." Once the platform left, the Earth Sphere crew went back into the shuttle to come up with a plan to get out.

A portion of the resistance began to feel rather uneasy at the whole idea they were forced to wait in here. It might have been an inspiring speech in any other situation, but now being forced to sit and have nothing to do but wait for whatever the higher ups had planned for them was enough to dampen what enthusiasm might have been in place. The tension remained thick among the Earth Sphere pilots as they watched Mercurior follow them inside the Solaris shuttle. If there was anyone willing to voice the frustration of the crew, Gawel seemed to be the volunteer. He drew out his pistol and demanded, "Hey Yuy!" When Mercurio faced him, Gawel quickly pistol whipped him across the face. Giving Mercurio a few moments to recover he began to rant, "What the hell kind of talking was that?! How bad were you at brown nosing that old fart only just to get sent back here?! We had a way out of here and you had to toss it out like it was them asking us to bend over for them didn't you?! I'm sure as hell enjoying it up here but I didn't have plans to die just from sheer boredom in this can, assuming I don't die of starvation first!"

Donna was nearby when she saw the in-fighting unfold with the pilots. Gawel, one of the Ursa pilots she barely noticed pistol-whipped Mercurio to the ground. She found herself right behind many of the pilots when she asked, "What's going on here? We're not supposed to be bending to pressure this easily."

Ludwika rushed behind Gawel when she answered, "And it looks like this big baby needs to be put somewhere if he's this soft!"

She grabbed Gawel's left arm while he tried to struggle his way out of the grip demanding, "I'm not letting him off the hook just that easy! Get up and try to take me on Yuy!"

Roy grabbed Gawel's right arm before he could break free pointing out, "Damn kid! And here I am supposed to be the bearer of bad news!"

Gawel turned with the same violent gaze he had for Mercurio when he shouted, "And you're the one calling him a privileged prick of a soldier! What are we supposed to just let him walk away unscratched for?!"

Sally saw the fighting going on once she heard Gawel shout Yuy's name and in just a few moments after heard him give the same defiant tone he had given the General. She did her duty as an officer ordering, "Break it up! This is not what we need right now unless anyone thinks the enemy is the better option! If you think so you can move out and throw your cause to them if you want!"

Gawel countered her intrusion, "We all know this sort of disobedience warrant's disciplinary action! He's the one who's gonna turn us all into martyrs when we could have gotten out of here!"

Despite her age, Sally was still able to throw a hard punch to her target. Gawel understood this once she jabbed him square in the neck. He was able to register the fact that the wind was knocked out of his breathing throat just moments after being kicked to the ground and being pinned under Sally's foot.

She bent down on her knee to meet him face to face warning, "If you think you're qualified to do an officer's work then you're free to send a letter to Earth Sphere Command. Until then you let this sort of work be handled by people already in charge. Am I clear private?"

Gawel made desperate gasps for air as he tried to apologize, "O… Ok-Okay sir… S-sorry sir…"

Sally took her foot off Gawel's chest and ordered those watching, "Back to patrol. Don't let the enemy think we're getting uneasy." Sally only gave a brief word to Mercurio, "We'll discuss what action to take another time." Right after those words she walked away to follow her duties with Colonel Elias. She knew that Mercurio's commanding officer would be thinking about disciplinary action by now but it was not the time to think about offering that seeing how little good it would do. Especially with small fry like Majewski trying to act like he was somehow nominated by one of the top Generals. Makes me wonder how people like him were put on the front lines in the first place. The Earth Sphere must be running out of men if that's the case… She thought to herself.

Before Mercurio could wonder any further about the situation he heard Gawel call out his name. The strike caught him off-guard from both his own thoughts as well his surprise from Gawel's unusual action. He only knew Gawel a little but never thought he was the first one to deal damage himself. After hearing his ranting Mercurio answered, "We're here because we're fighting for the Earth Sphere cause." He explained while rubbing his face from the attack. "The enemy has to know that we won't take this decision without considering what we're being asked to abandon."

When Sally was finished with her correction, Alberto showed his concern about their situation when he asked Elias, "Colonel I should like to know your opinion on this. Do you believe that Colonel Po was acting out of line for that form of discipline? She says we can't fight amongst ourselves but harming fellow pilots may not be productive."

"Sometimes it is the only way to calm down the others. She uses it regularly whenever there's issue with the ranks. From what I understand one of her former fellow Preventers helped show everything that made such techniques actually work."

"That may be true. I simply hope to see that the General isn't correct in that we'll have to die in here protecting this shuttle's secrets."

"It may not if we plan. If we search the escape halls we might be able to slip past the Coalition somehow. Send some patrol to see how empty they are, the information might be useful."

Alberto finally agreed, "Yes sir." He found Mercurio with the others and decided the perfect disciplinary action for speaking out was here when he ordered, "Yuy, you take Majewski to the lower halls and begin the search. Lindemann will go down with Maddox to the upper levels."

Mercurio did not bother trying to understand the order when he agreed, "I'll do that sir."

The rift between the Ursa pilots and the Gundam pilots seemed to be growing by the day as Donna watched Ludwika patting Gawel out of his paralyzed stupor. "Is he going to be okay for duty later on?"

Ludwika turned to Donna when she answered, "Not sure how much duty we'll have left. Our commanding officers are supposed to be the ones to bail us out of here and even they don't seem to have a plan right now." She turned to her patient as she commented, "Although unlike some people they actually try to think before trying to offer something stupid."

Keijo was next to her when he pointed out, "Seriously Ludwika, trying to place blame on stuff we should be moving past is not going to get us out of our situation."

Donna recognized the tension before she offered, "Keijo is right about this. The greater problem we have is being stuck in this shuttle and with no way out. We should be trying to change that instead of dwelling on it."

Gawel gave a few coughs before commenting, "Yeah. Easy to say but not do without a Gundam is it?" Donna didn't answer the question as she turned away from the conversation.

Mercurio found Gawel with the others as he reported, "Majewski, we're on patrol. We should get going."

"Seriously?! He ordered that?!" Gawel seemed to make an instant recovery when he began cursing out the order Mercurio reported to him. "I try to knock some sense into our unit and they force me to do this?" He considered ranting further but found that the Lieutenant Colonel who gave him a hard time earlier was overhearing the conversation. He regretfully added, "Alright... Just don't get any ideas on payback just because there isn't anyone else down those levels alright Yuy?"

"Alright. I wasn't planning it." Mercurio told him when they began to head for the nearest shaft elevator for the lower levels. He turned to Donna when he added, "The Major also wants you and Maddox to patrol the upper levels."

Donna was checking one of the hallways when she heard, "With Maddox?" She saw Zachariah near one of the opposite hallways as she observed, "He must be one of the calmer ones. Okay. I can get started."

Zachariah made his way to Donna's position when he asked, "I am huh? Not too bad." He made an effort to maintain a level of indifference on the idea of patrolling with her while giving her a look. "Not a bad deal for me at least." He said under his breath.

He saw Donna walk up to him as she offered, "We should get going. The upper levels should be up the stairs nearby."

Zachariah snapped back to attention when he agreed, "Yeah. Lead the way."

Alberto and Elias watched the commotion die down among the soldiers had begun to scan across the schematics of the shuttle they had boarded. "So what do we have to serve as an exit on this thing?"

Sally took out a "We got these schematics from the engineering teams. The shuttle has some exit ports where all of them lead to portions of the city park. In other words, smack in the middle where Coalition soldiers would be waiting for us." She magnified away from the schematics when she added, "We are not going to find a way out of here if we just stick with the traditional exits."

Elias agreed, "If we had some sort of distraction to deviate the soldiers away from those points this wouldn't be as difficult. A firefight would be too costly seeing we don't have enough men or enough ammunition."

Alberto added, "And the landing platform is hard enough to get to without them spotting us first. Perhaps the patrols will be able to confirm better options when they give report."

Sally shifted her observation back to the shuttle schematics when she agreed, "Let's hope they're able to achieve a serious miracle. We have good men in here and outside the city who are going to wonder what they're even going to do without us."

As Dana waited for the progress to pass by one of the sniper units spotted a squad of Leo IIIs making their way out of the city dome. Trenton reported, "Captain, there's a patrol making its way out of the dome." Dana looked through Artemis' aiming scope and found that there was movement next to the SCAB units that were still poised outside.

"I see them. They don't appear to… Wait, it's that mobile suit." She saw the leading Sagittarius leading its way to the nearest canyon. "That's the same unit that managed to give us a hard time on their way to this rock." She observed.

Nasir asked, "Which one sir?" Clearly it was the first time that anyone had seen this model but Dana was obviously the only one who managed to have any experience with it.

Dana confirmed this by answering, "My team encountered that mobile suit model from the Coalition at the ruins of L5. That's the one."

Another one of the snipers hoped to find a weakness asking, "Anything we should know about it sir?"

Dana shook her head at the problem, "It was a bitch to even hit that thing thanks to its maneuverability, that's about the blunt of it. Can't say if it's the same one though."

"Engage sir?" Trenton asked with hope that matched Dana's desire to sweep down and assist their trapped comrades.

Dana had to remind herself of Sally's orders when it came to this situation along with her concern for everyone inside. She reluctantly reminded them, "… Negative. We have to wait for them to maneuver close enough to our position first before we even think of doing it. Can't imagine there's anything else out here that would be worth shooting."

Tano checked his Sagittarius systems as he prepared to move out with his team. The airlock hangar door was still shut down while Devon's Leo III unit was unmoved. He activated his radio when he asked one of his squad mates, "Is the Captain still seeking to obtain clearance?"

"Last I heard he was on his way to obtaining it. Doesn't look like he's finished with that business yet."

"I think we can all confirm that. What I need to hear is that he's still alive trying to carry out his part of the plan."

"I think we both know that Captain Keaney has his personal communications ready. He'll give the signal when we're ready to move out."

Tano snapped back at the comment, "I think you know better than to talk down to your superior officer like that! If you don't have any progress to report then don't bother trying to speculate!"

His fellow pilot apologized, "Uh yeah sir. Sorry sir. We'll be sure to keep you updated." He shut off his radio when he told no one in particular, "Shit. I know we're getting antsy here but at least give us some damn breathing room."

Devon made his way down the hallways to the observation room of the hangar before nearing one of the guards. "Hey guys. Devon Keaney with the Gundam pursuit team from L5. Just here to make sure the patrol we requested goth through."

One of the guards opened the door near him offering, "You'll find the Administration Office second door and your request will be clarified."

Devon saluted as he entered, "Thanks guys. My team's just itching to get a start for their Gundam search." Devon looked to his right to see his team of Leo IIIs and Sagittarius unit on standby while several operators engaged in their routine operations. "Just don't pay me any mind guys. Just here for some business." He told himself. Devon entered the room assigned to the Administration office.

He saw its only occupant, the Administrator, observing a folder of paperwork before being greeted, "Captain. You're here to receive an exit clearance?" Devon confirmed the observation, "Yeah. Can't let the General think we're about to go wild out there can we? And if it's not too much trouble I'd like to make a request for clear skies for communications. Those Scorpios run the risk of cutting our teamwork a bit."

"Your request is sensible Captain. Unfortunately your team won't be needed fro the time being." Just as the Administrator finished, Devon turned to see the operators enter the room with guns in hand and pointed at him. He turned back to the Administrator as he was told, "I believe you would be familiar with the current situation Captain. Regardless of your real intentions we can't risk teams who haven't already been under Martian Command."

Devon took out his gun from his pocket before lifting it in the air with his hands when he proclaimed, "I wasn't even thinking of pulling any strings. The Gundams are my team's only priority. What happens to you guys after this whole debacle of yours will be left to our leaders."

The Administrator had his own gun prepared when he answered, "And I think you know we can't take that chance Captain. You already have a Coalition battleship up there waiting for a report and you know what we would be risking if we let you go."

Devon smirked when he conceded, "Can't say it wasn't worth trying to offer reason." He dropped his gun to the floor revealing his phone as it simultaneously hit the gun's landing spot. "There's your clearance! Move!"

Before he could say anything else the traitorous Coalition soldiers surrounded him and resorted to beating Devon to the ground.

Tano heard the announcement from his superior on his intercom before ordering, "The Captain ins't going to meet up with us! We need to move out now!"

One of his pilots checked his surroundings before asking, "What are we supposed to do for clearance? We don't even have a way out!"

An alarm rang through the hangar bay when Tano ordered, "There's your clearance! Move out now!" The Sagittarius unit took up its sniper rifle before firing on the door. His shots fired through the sealed plating before he commanded, "Bust through!" The Sagittarius unit took its rifle in hand and slammed the trigger area into the nearby observation window.

"Shit! They're moving out! Acti - Aaaaaah!" Before any of the observing operators could issue a warning the Sagittarius rifle busted through the window as it allowed the inhospitable atmosphere of Mars to overtake the room. Devon was one among the many to feel the sudden pressure on his body as he collapsed to the ground around the men who had him hostage. He pressed his mouth shut as hard as he could while rushing out the way he came in. To his relief, Devon found the others were having a hard time trying to even catch up with him as he hung onto everything that had a grip. His struggle came to an end when he thrust himself to the exit where the guards pulled him out leaving the observation room to its fate.

One of the guards pressed Devon to the ground while cuffing him as he gasped for air before reporting, "Security! We have the perpetrator!" Devon was too weak to struggle from what was happening and didn't even attempt to find another way out as he was dragged away.

The damage to the hangar door continued to build until the final few shots from Tano's fellow Leo IIIs brought to the ground. "Now's our chance! Move out!" Tano led his fellow pilots out of the hangar at full speed.

"Looks like they can't pursue! We should be clear Lieutenant!"

Tano agreed with the observation when he checked behind him. "The defense crew was probably already in there and if we're lucky they won't have a chance to recover."

Just as he finished checking, Tano saw one of the SCAB turrets rise from the ground with its gun barrel pointed at his squad. "Sir, what is that?"

Tano saw energy building within the SCAB turret before he recognized what his team was escaping from. "Get away from the dome defenses! We can't afford to waste our time with those things!" At that command the turret fired towards the escaping mobile suits while its targets made their escape towards the nearest canyon within Olympus Mons.

The SCAB turret continued to fire but the escaping squadron of mobile suits made weaves and dodges across the planet surface before reaching the entrance of their refuge. "Lieutenant! I don't think they'll be able to reach us!"

Tano checked behind him to recognize his fellow pilot was correct as soon as his squadron started making turns through the canyon.

His Sagittarius unit stopped at a curveas he ordered, "We're out of range from the enemy for now. We won't be safe for long though if we just stay here. We can't risk their idea of sending a search party."

One of his Leo pilots demonstrated less enthusiasm to the idea when he asked, "Sir, if we can't even hope to stand a chance against those defenses then how are we supposed to stand a chance?"

Tano sharply addressed the question, "We do what's necessary to take the traitors down. Captain Keaney won't last long if he remains prisoner and we won't be able to report to the Admiral if the interference is still present."

Another pilot was checking the canyon area when he added, "I don't know how he would have done it. At least he tried to pull it off without killing anybody. Uh, hey Lieutenant. I'm getting a mobile suit reading nearby."

Tano checked his radar to view the reading. "They aren't showing any Coalition signatures." His Sagittarius unit made a jump to the tip of the canyon to check the mountain range nearby. Several mobile suits that resembled slapped together Scorpio units stood next to his targets he had been pursuing. "The Gundams are here. They haven't even advanced."

One of the pilots overheard Tano's report as he asked, "Shit! They're out here? Now we have two targets to worry about out here?"

Another among the squad voiced his concern, "I don't know how suicidal you're feeling today sir, but we are literally one squad sandwiched between two armies. Do you really plan on dying today doing next to no damage?"

Before Tano thought to correct his colleague's comment he considered a possible advantage he might have over Aleksei's established position. "Ross. Move out there and have the flag ready. Follow my command and I'll keep you covered."

The pilot Tano called hesitated for a second before agreeing, "Right sir. I'm on it."

The L5 Coalition team kept themselves hidden in the canyon. As Ross's Leo III climbed to the top with a pole that quickly became a white flag, a sign of cease-fire. Tano turn to his men. "Stay vigilant." He ordered. "They will notice the flag and if they are better than the traitors, they will know what we want."

As Dana waited for the progress to pass by one of the sniper units spotted a squad of Leo IIIs making their way out of the city dome. Trenton reported, "Captain, there's a patrol making its way out of the dome." Dana looked through Artemis' aiming scope and found that there was movement next to the SCAB units that were still poised outside.

"I see them. They don't appear to… Wait, it's that mobile suit." She saw the leading Sagittarius leading its way to the nearest canyon. "That's the same unit that managed to give us a hard time on their way to this rock." She observed.

Nasir asked, "Which one sir?" Clearly it was the first time that anyone had seen this model but Dana was obviously the only one who managed to have any experience with it.

Dana confirmed this by answering, "My team encountered that mobile suit model from the Coalition at the ruins of L5. That's the one."

Another one of the snipers hoped to find a weakness asking, "Anything we should know about it sir?"

Dana shook her head at the problem, "It was a bitch to even hit that thing thanks to its maneuverability, that's about the blunt of it. Can't say if it's the same one though."

"Engage sir?" Trenton asked with hope that matched Dana's desire to sweep down and assist their trapped comrades.

Dana had to remind herself of Sally's orders when it came to this situation along with her concern for everyone inside. She reluctantly reminded them, "… Negative. We have to wait for them to maneuver close enough to our position first before we even think of doing it. Can't imagine there's anything else out here that would be worth shooting."

Dana checked the Leo III on its way up the canyon when she noticed a white flag positioned next to the Sagittarius unit. Before she could say anything she heard Trenton ask, "Are they serious? Captain they seem to be asking for talks."

Dana agreed, "It's either a trick or a legitimate request for assistance."

Nasir observed the distance between them and the SCAB units, "They're probably still in range of those turrets though. Can we hope to move in without getting blown to nothing?"

Dana shook her head but decided that now was a time to take matters into her own hands when she announced, "Probably not. I'll move in and try to find out what they want."

Nasir was confused by the motion when he pointed out, "But like you said, it could be a trap captain."

Dana reminded them, "If it is then we'll have less casualties if I move in. If it's a real talk they'll be willing to hear a superior officer." She then gave a final order to her fellow Gundam units, "Tell the other units to stay put and wait for my command."

"Yes sir." They both agreed.

"Looks to be a good sign." Tano said as he watched the Artemis flying his way. "Discard the flag. We have to continue further down."

Ross's Leo III dropped the white flag before the squadron finished its goal of moving out of the range from the SCAB turrets. There was a mountain with a cave they could use to hide a secret negotiation. The Sagittarius landed first and the Leo IIIs followed. Tano opened the cockpit and hanged on the cable that brought him to the ground. He stood waiting for the Resistance to arrive. He checked his life support systems on his helmet hud before observing, "That's the first part of the plan finished. Time to see if they'll at least listen."

The Artemis made its way through the deep parts of the mountain where Dana found the Leo IIIs were also headed. She watched the Coalition units fly into what it looked like into a nearby cave. "No danger of being shot down by those turrets. Still, what the hell are you guys trying to achieve?" Once Dana was in range she found a clear path down towards the position they were probably waiting. It was then she decided to use the sliding technique she had been taught if she did need to make her way down to the ground.

Tano watched the Artemis dive into the cave he established as a meeting spot. He kept his weapons at his side when he observed, "Seems like they got the message behind the flag at least."

The Leo IIIs simply stood as their leader waited for the pilot of the Artemis to arrive at the negotiation table. Ross was among the leading Leo III pilots when he observed, "We haven't even encountered these guys in a sortie for a while and we already want to make an alliance with an old enemy."

He heard one of his fellow pilots point out, "This would probably be a bit different if it wasn't for our benefit or just a simple necessity. At least we have a chance to see a Gundam without being shot at and saw it as a marvel to behold that could overwhelm an entire Coalition battalion.

"That would be cool for us as long as the pilot agrees to the idea. Having that kind of power could put that Federov pussy in his place."

Dana was certain Artemis was in a good position when it was placed behind one of the cliffs out of enemy view. She exited the cockpit with the oxygen levels in her helmet adjusted and her cover cloak prepared. If it turned out she was still in range of the turrets she could at least have some way of disguising herself from enemy fire. Donning the cloak and sliding down on her back she quickly began to make the descend down to the mountain's base.

Dana found the mobile suits inside seemed to be waiting for future orders. It took a minute for her to search for whoever was leading her here but she found one particular pilot waiting for her. He didn't have a gun on him it seemed but could be waiting for something first. She adjusted the communications signal on her belt until it met with the code number he had. She greeted, "Captain Dana Houston with the Earth Sphere United Nations. I take it you're out here because the people in that city aren't exactly cooperating?"

He replied to her introduction, "Lieutenant Tano Kiprotich, Falson Coalition Mobile Suit Force, L5 Division. I see you have received my cease-fire. I will explain why." He looked outside with the red sky. "If you haven't received the broadcast, the Martian colonists have declared independence from both Coalition and ESUN. They claim to have captured the other Gundam pilots." He used this scenario to emphasize his offer, "This news is bad for both, the Coalition and the ESUN as there are traitors that may prolong the war. As the highest-ranking member of the Falson Coalition on Mars, I propose a temporary alliance against the Martian traitors to destroy them while they are still weak. By the end of the cease-fire, you and your Gundam pilot comrades will be allowed to safely leave the surface of Mars without Coalition interference. Without co-operation, you will not be able to rescue your comrades safely, so you should think wisely Captain Houston. If you do agree to this, I have a plan against the traitors."

From everything Dana heard from Tano she was able to confirm that the independence claims were obviously true. He was right as well, trying to find a way to break away from the Coalition and the Earth Sphere at this point would be like trying to walk without any skin. In that it wasn't possible to do. Even worse with Mercurio and Donna captured inside the Earth Sphere wasn't going to have a new pair of pilots with as much skill any time soon.

This state of affairs did not come without a feeling of unease from the idea of working with a Coalition force even for a common goal. "I want you to know this Lieutenant. Fighting for ten of the eleven years of this war has lost me a lot of friends and allies to the point I might as well be jaded in just another two years. The only reason I'm even considering this now is because I don't want to run the risk of losing the ones I still have with me."

"I didn't have any intention of even considering an alliance such as this one. I haven't even been in this war for that long and I already don't wish to align myself with your people. But I assume that you know why I am even asking this of you right?" Tano said voicing his own displeasure.

Dana listened to every word Tano said noting the self-loathing he had for himself in this situation. It was enough for her to temper her own distrust when she recognized his displeasure of the concept. If I don't cooperate then we'll just have another side in this war. She reminded herself.

Dana also remembered that Sally wanted her to stay put for a mission such as this, not actually try to do anything about it. Then again there was the greater picture to consider if the Solaris never got out of there or if the pilots were forced to die inside. Trying to gain approval from someone was no longer a concern for her in a case such as this.

All of this went through Dana's head as she tried to decide what she should do before she managed to come to the conclusion that was necessary. She finally agreed, "... Alright what's the plan then?"

Tano let out a small sigh of relief when he heard Dana agree. He offered his hand to shake. "I understand that we killed each other's comrades, but we can kill each other after Federov is defeated." He said to her.

Dana agreed with the sentiment, "It's better than the alternative." Dana accepted the handshake thinking to herself, Well that's an optimistic way of looking at it... Dana knew that the best scenario would be for the fighting to stop all together but she knew better than to hope for a peaceful ending that wasn't going to happen.

Aleksei heard one of his assistants announce, "General. We have word from one of our agents that he requests to meet with you."

He looked up from his paperwork when he asked, "Has Mr. Blaylock come forth to request his payment for the services?"

A nearby guard searched the halls of the facility and reported, "Yes sir. He is on his way now."

"Good to know. Let him in so I can meet with him. What is the current status of Lieutenant Kiprotich?"

One of the operators breathed heavily before answering, "We have Captain Keaney within our custody sir. However the damage to the occupying hangar bay has allowed for the L5 mobile suit team to escape from our confinement."

Aleksei stood up when he sighed, "If they have escaped then do we at least have an idea of where they are headed?"

"They probably found the tracking devices sir. We can't find them on our systems. Wherever they are sir they probably don't have a lot of life support to maintain themselves."

Aleksei checked the Martian landscape on one of the nearby computers when he stood up and searched the outer wilderness to find that there weren't any nearby mobile suits to be found. He found himself slightly worried that he might have found his first dissenter. He ordered, "Even with those factors in our favor, the Lieutenant might be up to something. Keep turrets on standby, we may have to use them."

"Even against the Sagittarius sir?"

"Possibly. Only if they show hostile action."

"Understood sir. Maintain all SCAB units and prepare for confrontation. The enemy may be outside waiting for our first mistake."

He turned to his second in command when he ordered, "Interrogate Captain Keaney and find out what he might have in mind to infiltrate the dome."

"Right away General."

A portion of the ride down was fairly quiet until Mercurio apologized, "I'm sorry for worrying you Gawel. I believed I could convince Federov that his ambitions were wrong."

As Gawel and Mercurio exited the elevator, Gawel answered Mercurio's apology, "Yeah I hear you Yuy. Seriously though did you never see a movie before? Whenever someone gets a hold of power or has a mad idea, they're usually stuck with it unless they're killed or see what goes wrong for themselves."

Mercurio recognized the situation that Gawel was bringing up when talking about the mad General's thought process. He agreed, "Yeah. I guess I never thought anyone would ever allow their idealism to get in the way of their thinking that much. Federov is basically asking for us to rise against him if he thought we'd abandon our cause for some false hope of independence." The two were now in a hallway for the lower portion of the shuttle with what seemed to be little observation. No one would expect an escape from this level considering that if they wanted to get off the planet, going down wasn't the first choice on the list.

Gawel found himself itching to smack his head over Mercurio's answer when he heard Mercurio give his rationale for his speech. The fact that there was someone after all these years of fighting who believed that a common understanding was possible among two warring factions managed to muster the same anger he had for Mercurio's earlier defiance. He began his rant, "Ah geez. Don't tell me your mother gave you that mouth. I swear there's one thing that's really kept this new war of ours started up it's idealism like that. Thinking that we can just talk our way out of conflict and hope that we can come to a common understanding... Unless you have some magic powers making people obey your every command it just doesn't work that way. I swear, the Mariemaia Uprising should have been a hint of things to come if the Earth Sphere kept following the Peacecraft Doctrine. Somebody was going to find a way to exploit that kind of weakness someday anyway."

Mercurio continued to feel the day mounting as much as possible to provide a great challenge for his belief in peace towards a greater tomorrow. The question was becoming less of a concern for him however when he felt the day continue to progress. It had become evident to Mercurio that Gawel didn't only believe that a new war was likely under a demilitarized leadership but practically inevitable. He answered Gawel's claims, "It shouldn't have been an outcome that anyone would want, but it seems there were some within the former institutions who believed that war was needed in order to recreate their status that they lost. The Mariemaia Uprising was supposed to be one of the final conflicts of its kind before mobile suits and other destructive tools were reused to progressing ourselves. Now it seems that it was a propeller for this day instead of the last of its kind." He couldn't bring himself to disagree with Gawel's accusation when he added, "This war might not have even happened if we knew who to ask when the Coalition first descended."

Gawel threw his arm down when he listened to Mercurio's attempt to justify how the war had escalated so much. He didn't want to get into any further conflict with his fellow pilot and stopped where he was hoping not get in a bad situation with his superiors. Even if I tried to kill him here where no one is looking everyone will hand me my ass on a dish. He reminded himself. He let out a heavy sigh and cursed his luck wondering, "Seriously... Why did I have to be born on the Earth Sphere of all places?"

Mercurio heard Gawel's lamenting statement when he asked, "Is there a reason you don't feel obliged to fight for the Earth Sphere?"

Both Zachariah and Donna had made their way to the tip of the shuttle. Exiting the elevator, he turned to Donna offering, "Alright, Let's just hope these... whatever you call 'em defectors aren't on a shoot first policy." He hadn't put a lot of effort into what to call Aleksei Federov's traitors to the Coalition but knew that calling them friends wasn't a good choice of words.

Donna gave thought on what to call the defectors. "The Federov Faction can be a good name for them." She suggested with as much enthusiasm. When she walked alongside him, she started to look at the ceiling for any sort of exit. "No sign of an exit we can use, and the ventilation shafts are too high to reach." She evaluated to herself. She turned to Zachariah to ask, "I see nothing so far. How about you? Anything interesting?"

Zachariah searched around through the halls as he tried to find something odd and commented, "Hmm let's see... Pipe, pipe, pipe, couple of wires loose, vent..." It wasn't until he managed to find the first doors that led to the outside that he began to remember that the defecting faction was outside. He almost had his hand to the door panel when he withdrew remembering this fact. He shook his head at the idea, "Well shit, looks like this is where we're allowed to stop. If you want to say hi to Federov's guys feel free."

Greg knew that his actions were underhanded and irreversible. He would be seen as a traitor by everyone who even had a look at him except for the faction he was now loyal to. His new Martian home world would be the only place he had any welcoming place now. Greg had made his way to one of the Colonels in one of the tents observing the Solaris. He made himself public when he asked, "So how is General Federov handling the security? I hope he remembers what he promised once I agreed to send him the resistance into his hands?"

The Colonel turned to notice Greg was waiting for his debriefing on the success of his mission when he agreed, "We'll have you sent to the General right away Blaylock."

Greg was escorted by several Coalition soldiers as he was escorted his way to the main command center and found the many operators hard at work trying to offer a political and demographic idea of what the city was now following.

Within the operations facility, the operators and General Federov were quickly becoming the key political figures who would set up the path to a free Martian state. It was a dream that no one had imagined seeing possible, but his position in the Coalition allowed him to now take a sizable force as well as respect among a civilian population to prepare a state and begin the path to one outside of the human war ambitions. He continued his effort on the civilian control asking, "What is the current state of the rioting?"

One of his operators observed closer on the holographic map and managed to determine from the changing activity, "The activity in the central area has calmed down a bit sir. We may not have anything to worry about for a while."

Another one added with a hope of success, "If we're correct, the civilian population should be willing to sit by and let the rest follow course. The opposition it will probably quiet down the further down we manage to make an independent city."

Another one of the operators on the holographic map pointed out, "The key issue we'll have to resolve now is the communications with extraplanetary forces."

Aleksei was able to assure his men when he reminded them, "The Falsons were capable of doing so with 3 Juno, once we have done so with the Earth we'll have the Coalition as our only threat."

The same operator who brought up the communications issue emphasized, "And right at their doorstep. We'll probably have to strain them with a conflict if we're going to maintain our ambitions here."

Aleksei stood in front of the operator when he offered with a promise, "It is possible. The Coalition can't hope to maintain both its colonies and the Earth without putting a great stress on its own forces. It will give us the time we need to bolster our own."

The nearest doors opened as one of the soldiers saluted, "Sir, Private Greg Blaylock is here."

Aleksei turned to offer, "Let him in."

Greg was allowed in as he made his observation of the control room as he was given to the Martian General to meet with. Greg was presented to his superior as he casually welcomed, "General, it's a pleasure to be back. I'll tell you that this mission has been quite underhanded and has probably lost me a possible friend or two. Though if the city's independence plays out like we should hope, then it will probably be for the better."

"Your commitment to this cause is much appreciated Private. We only hope to see that the dissent fades as we make our cause more liable." Aleksei observed the city trying to find the next move necessary for what rioting remained was quieted. It was a light distraction when he returned to the conversation, "I understand that this meeting may request something other than mere thanks however. Remember that you are in service to our cause now and we may require further use of your expertise. As such I shall allow you to have your new position here as Chief of Security." He placed the name tag on his table and offered a final warning, "This city will be a great responsibility to maintain. As such, ensure that you are not only loyal to our cause but also that this city does not suffer into a depression."

Greg took up his name tag and adjusted it thanking, "Thank you very much General. I will not take this new position without the highest feeling of honor for what you have decided today." He saluted and made his way to the main seat of where the cameras were monitoring the whole of the city and began to prepare himself for whatever would happen in the course of the next few hours.

The General stood up and made his way to the main monitors congratulating, "That is good to hear Private." He looked towards the windows showing the scape of the city feeling the mounting deal of responsibility for governing the city towards self-sufficiency. "All that we have to prepare for now is the adversity that is all but inevitable."

Greg was in his new seat of political power as he observed the progression of the city. "We're just getting started with the fun part of my new duty. The fate of this entire city might even be just within my hands. Whatever happens, I'm just ready to take whatever you have for me... Colonel."

Dana waited for a brief time before she was able to hear Tano give the plans he had for finding a way off of Mars. He brought out his blueprints of the Martian Dome given to him when he was planning his patrols for the first time. He pointed at where the SCAB are stationed. "The SCABs are powerful that they can destroy a Gundanium armored Mobile Suit without putting in any effort."

Hearing about what the turrets were capable of was important to know. It seemed that the infiltration group had justified fears about what they were capable of doing if they managed to make gundanium no problem. "That just makes it a question of maneuverability if we could somehow find a way in. Trying to shoot at the turrets would be possible..." Dana found herself muttering when she tried to find the best possible scenario for getting around the turrets. That was when she remembered that it would require the attack for her to come out absolutely untouched by the enemy turrets.

Tano heard Dana's concern when he pointed out, "They have a weakness. They are limited in rotation and they rely on a supply of power. A team will have to infiltrate the inner-Dome and destroy the source of power." He pointed at the main entrance. "As we know, entering through the conventional entrance will get you killed by the SCABs like a fly. Even I may be destroyed as they suspect me of dissent." He moved his finger to the center of the Dome. "We will sneak in from there."

It was finally decided when Tano suggested they would sneak in from the center of the dome of all places. She might have not found the entrance with the others but had to know, "Is there a secret entrance that we don't know about or are we planning to rush in taking advantage of the SCAB turrets' limited rotation?"

Tano nodded to Dana's question on a secret entrance. "In the early colonization phase, settlers had to mine resources." He explained with his finger still on the center. "The center of the dome was once a massive hole dug to mine the resources to build the dome and expand. The hole is now sealed as the tunnels that connected it are depleted and sealed also." He glanced at the cannon of the Gundam, supposedly able to destroy a battleship with ease. "If we find one of those tunnels, your Gundam's cannon will be able to breach it, allowing us to move into the dome, unnoticed by Federov. Once we enter the Dome, the power station supplying the SCABs will be destroyed, all adversaries inside will be neutralized and anything that could by turned against us and our forces on Earth destroyed on sight. Once the perimeter is clear from all hostiles, you will be able to extract your comrades and we will make our retreat." As the Lieutenant finished elaborating the plan, he looked back to Dana hoping to hear her final agreement.

Dana looked towards the Artemis as she told herself, "This will be one of the most awkward alliances in history. At least I know who will have the upper hand."