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 15: The Calm Before the Storm

Donna gave a small peak outside the crack of the shuttle door before quickly closing it. She could tell that Zachariah was right in that there was no way out without being shot. "Let's report back." She remarked at their findings. She lead the way to the stairs back to the main floor. She continued her way down as she asked him, "What did you think of Mercurio's impromptu speech?" She added to her concerns, "Seeing Gawel hit him made wonder about yours and the other pilots' sentiments on this whole thing."

Zachariah shook his head at the idea, "Impromptu huh? If that's what he's like at the spur of the moment I probably should never even mention the word 'politics' around him." Getting back on track with answering Donna's question he explained, "The reception though, well the whole thing is pretty mixed at this point as you might guess. Soldiers are supposed to stand at attention when they're given the order to and the top brass are the ones meant to do the big talking. Maybe it's a concern about speaking out of usual roles or maybe it's about really getting the General displeased enough to not want to support us. I'm personally with the Colonel saying that the most it probably did was save us a few hours of bickering just so we could get to the same point. Its just what soldiers are able to do if they step up to the challenge. We get more blunt than politicians because of it."

Tano answered Dana's question on the tunnels. "The tunnels have been sealed tight with the type of materials used in battleships to prevent unwanted intrusion and oxygen leaking out. It is unlikely to face resistance inside but everyone should stay vigilant." He concluded his explanation and rolled up the blueprint. "Brief your men on the plan while I brief mine." He said to her as he returned to the Sagittarius. "We will be ready to move when you are prepared."

When he reached the Sagittarius, he hanged on a cable to bring him back to the cockpit. When the cockpit was sealed, the visor of the Mobile Suit glowed and the Leo IIIs' visors have followed. He briefed his men of the mission through the comms, sure that they aren't bugged like they checked earlier.

Dana agreed to Tano's plan when he began to prep his men for another infiltration. "Alright. Sooner the better."

She got into the cockpit of the Artemis and began to communicate with Trenton from the mountain side. She gave the order, "Manning, report back to base and prepare to follow through the plan."

Trenton on the other line showed obvious curiosity in his voice when he asked, "We're going through with it Captain?"

Dana knew that this sort of info couldn't be let loose when Sally and the others didn't know about her status. Not only would it possibly disrupt the mission but it would lose a deal of trust among her ranks as well. She settled with, "... I might have found a way to get these things offline. Once they're down the shuttle should begin the next phase of the launch. After that we'll finally find our way off this rock."

Trenton's curiosity turned to concern when he asked, "Shouldn't we send someone to assist Captain? That sounds like a big task."

Dana couldn't allow anyone to push the plan back any further and gave a firm final order, "I'm going in solo Manning! You have your orders now follow through! Over and out!" Dana regretted misleading anyone like this but it was the only way to see this sort of mission be accomplished. "I at least have to get out of this alive to make up for this one day." She told herself.

The Sagittarius lead the way out of the cave and the Leo IIIs immediately followed. "Make sure the Gundam is catching up with us." Tano ordered his men. "You will also tell me when you find an entrance to a tunnel." A few should be near our location."

"You're sure that we have some kind of assurance that this won't be some elaborate rouse sir?"

Tano could recognize his fellow pilot's concern when he heard the question. He revealed the truth to his fellow pilot, "I have been able to confirm the validity of this information Pankhum. I heard from one of the soldiers stationed here about the whereabouts of secret tunnels from a Coalition soldier a little while ago in the cafeteria."

Ross overheard the conversation when he added, "I thought you were planning for the patrols to find the hiding places of the Gundams."

Tano answered the observation, "I was. I was told about the exhausted mines and that the Resistance may try to get in there. I've got the locations of the entrances marked but I can't be sure if the information is accurate."

Pakhum was left surprised when he asked, "You're serious? Sounds like that's the reason the mine doors aren't being kept an eye on. These guys are the Mars natives and they don't keep tabs on their own facilities?"

Tano confirmed the observation when he agreed, "The man was peculiar seeing that he was the only one that seemed to know of these secrets. Indirectly he was the one who have us this information to use against Federov." When Tano mentioned the man's name he began to feel how blood boil with the desire to bring him to justice. He gripped one of his nearby piloting stocks tightly when he thought to himself of bringing the traitorous general to his deserved fate and the soldier who might have been standing with him.

He kept how composure when he remembered to remain focused on ordering his men and finding his Captain. "Let's press on. We can't let Captain Keaney waiting."

There was only a brief silence before Pankhum reported, "Sir! I think I've found one!"

The gathered mobile suits stopped their advance when Tano's Sagittarius turned to find the area he was being shown. The scanners from his main monitor showed the structure shape he was looking for. "Let's head down there and see if this is an entrance." Tano ordered his troops. The Mobile Suits landed on the red ground while the Artemis followed and the Sagittarius walked to the shining wall of a mountain. He used the left arm to brush off the red dust, showing a tightly sealed door. "Well done Pankhum." He praised. He changed the comm to the Gundam. "It's your job to open this door now with that cannon of yours."

The Artemis walked up to the Saggitarius's position and Leo IIIs without any problem around the mountain base. Dana checked a few times to see if she was being followed by anyone but thankfully didn't find anyone who seemed to overtake their plan.

Even better it didn't take too long before one of the Leo IIIs managed to find the entrance that they were looking for. It was wide enough to accommodate several mobile suits shoulder by shoulder and safe to assume it had such a purpose at one point in time.

It was clear from its size that a full blast would be overkill and probably dangerous for a mountain side such as this. She calibrated her rifle's power to the necessary damaging levels and warned, "Alright stand back. This could get messy." It was only a few seconds before everyone was out of the way and the Artemis was clear to fire. With the power precisely calibrated, the beam rifle charged and unleashed towards the door. It didn't even stand for a second before it simultaneously melted at its center and fell apart on itself from the lack of support.

When the door was gone the empty blackness of the mountain's inside had been revealed with nothing to hide it seemed. Dana used her scanners and sensors to find activity but didn't seem to find any reporting, "Looks clear from here. Just hope the way in is a welcome one."

"This was certainly some big info the resistance could have used before. But then again, they weren't the ones who were native to Mars anyway and it may have been why they weren't able to find it first. The Coalition probably had the whole city searched from top to bottom before they were ready to occupy and it was one of the secrets they managed to bury so to say." Dana wondered if Greg had the info in the first place briefly before the attack could have been made. She couldn't wonder any further about it though as it was probably the only way that she and the others were going to get off this planet. She agreed to the plan, "Alright, shouldn't be a problem getting in then. We'll just have to do our best to make sure civilian casualties are minimized once we're in."

Tano turned his camera to look at the elevator Dana pointed out. The elevator was large enough to carry work loaders but Mobile Suits would be too heavy to use it. He knew that using the elevator was not even an option considering their progression. "It looks like there's only one way forward." Tano told himself. He moved the Sagittarius close to the elevator and found the wires that kept it suspended. He drew out his beamsaber in low output to cut the wires. With the wires cut, the elevator fell down to the floor below. "We will go under there." Tano told the men and the Gundam behind him. "I will lead the way." The Mobile Suit hovered down slowly to the bottom, making sure not to make a significant shock to the mines. Once he finished, the other Leo IIIs followed one by one. He stopped his advance when he told the Leo pilots following him, "Wait for the Gundam to follow the descent."

Dana saw the new descent Tano created as she finished waiting for her signal to progress. She moved Artemis towards the emptiness and observed, "Perfect. Sooner we get through here the better." The way down went for about two miles before the mobile suits made contact with the debris of the former elevator and were now within a blank room that didn't show any immediate purpose. Dana commented on the consistent lack of care for the old mines, "Definitely cut back on maintenance budget. This place wasn't even going to be used again."

Gawel continued to walk alongside Mercurio as they made their way down. He had chosen to do everything he could go act as though Mercurio didn't even mutter another side about how stance in the war. "You do know that trying to ignore this isn't going to make your concerns go away."

Gawel decided he couldn't avoid Mercurio's question when he leaned on the nearest wall when he answered, "... Alright, my dad was with the Earth Alliance in the Eve Wars and this time around we're still fighting for the Earth. I was too young to enlist in the Coalition ranks before whoever made the Leo IIIs stole my idea and my dad had his fair share of losing great mobile suit achievements in the last war. Don't know how he would react if we get back though, he was already freaked out hearing about five super powered mobile suits able to destroy armies, wonder how he'll feel about them fighting on our side now?"

Mercurio began to see why Gawel didn't have a great deal of enthusiasm for enlisted cause at this point but still asked, "I see. I guess the power of the Gundams at the time did worry a lot of people. Especially for how divided they were at points. Is there a reason you chose to fight for the Earth Sphere though? Even if you weren't able to promote a new Leo unit, the Coalition would probably still take you as a recruit."

Gawel answered Mercurio's question of motivation by explaining, "Well reason number one, I had a lot of friends from Poland and they had plans on joining the Earth Sphere. I didn't like the idea of being on the shooter end if they had to be killed at some point. Second, how many people are supposed to be willing to fight for a political entity that doesn't even have an idea of an identity? If they were a united front with one powerful leader controlling the military this war would have ended a long time ago. They were just the colonies beforehand and now they expect us to be loyal to a system like that? ... I guess I do have some hope that we can beat them is all. I'd sure prefer it anyway."

Mercurio heard Gawel's great amount of concern as he explained his stance on the war. He offered his assurance, "I know things are desperate for all of us. We are here however and if this mission was important enough to bring us all here, hopefully it will be something to end the Coalitions' campaign. Bear in mind that's what I signed up on this mission for."

"Alright. I guess you're still stuck to being the idealist of the group but that probably can't be too much of a bad thing when we're stuck in a pickle like this." Gawel accepted. "Just remember that this will be the most you get out of me that could be considered an apology." He still had the bitter taste of a defeated campaign in his mind but decided he would at least offer some kind of assurance for this hour.

Mercurio accepted Gawel's evaluation of his character answering, "Okay. As long as you're willing to move forward that's okay with me." The apology was less than what most would be willing to accept based on what had just passed earlier between the two. But Mercurio knew that Gawel was still probably under a deal of pressure from what had happened earlier. "I would just prefer, if anything, that we won't have another fight any time soon." He took a turn to another corner when he offered, "This hall is finished. We should probably start heading towards another sector of the shuttle."

Gawel followed on Mercurio's suggestion when he lamented, "Like there's gonna be anything else to find in this cavern."

Mercurio corrected Gawel's assumption, "We don't even know what the rest of the ship is. We'll probably find out once we make our way to the other side." The two made their way through the hallway before something that caught Mercurio's curiosity made him ask, "Hey Majewski, what are these panels supposed to do? It looks like the one from the beginning of the rail we just went through."

When Aleksei continued to observe the activity of the city he found his Lieutenant General ask, "This will be a great task to accomplish sir. Do you see the stability of our city being a possibility within our lifetime?"

Aleksei agreed to the discussion when he answered, "I believe that there is a part of humanity who believes that this planet should leave our home planet. It's this chance to start over that makes the notion appealing."

"I suppose so. If nothing else, we will give the human race a second home to begin again. There will be great conflicts in the future to be certain, but we can find a way away from them."

"One day they will see that we were right. When humanity has failed to realize its need to survive, we shall be here to rebuild what elements of our race that has been lost. We shall be capable of creating the lost promise that we were meant to achieve."

Deciding that he was right on the promise they wanted to bring to the Martian Humanity the Lieutenant General went over the footage of the Private who interrupted his Colonel's answer during the first encounter with the resistance. Curious to see how Aleksei felt about it he asked, "Do you believe that the Private who interrupted you was in fact taught under her ideals?"

"I cannot accept the idea. Could she have been willing to let anyone enter a war if she personally tutored anyone?"

"This war has been desperate on both sides. The Coalition lacking the man power and the Earth Sphere lacking the technology to put up a decent fight."

"It is a confusing time. We won't let it be our concern any longer however."

"All units, we are now entering the tunnel." Tano ordered. "There are no signs of enemies but beware of possible traps. Cave-ins are a possibility." The Mobile Suits entered the tunnel one-by-one. As the tunnel got darker and darker, Tano turned on the Sagittarius' high-beam lights on the face-camera. "All Mobile Suits turn on broad lights. Avoid high-beam so you don't dazzle the Mobile Suit in front." Was his next order. The Leo IIIs followed the order, widening the range of the light. The Lieutenant checked his rear-camera on the Gundam with his subordinates in front. He had a semi-clear view thanks to the lighting the other Mobile Suits provided. As they moved, he saw the depleted ore veins with some mining equipment left behind. There were light bulbs at the reinforced section of the tunnels, but they haven't seen use for a decade. As they progressed, the walls started to become reinforce with frames, which is a sign that they may be heading the right way to the Dome.

"Alright just gotta hope that this is the way through." The Artemis followed behind the lights of the Leo IIIs and Sagittarius into the long-abandoned mines. The thoughts of this being a trap wasn't far from Dana's mind but couldn't guess who would be the one trying to ensnare her. Even in that case she knew she couldn't be cynical with the only ones who were willing to offer a way to help the resistance out of their situation. The frames had begun to be more evident giving Dana a sense of hope that she was headed further into the areas under the city. After a search down these areas Dana found an elevator shaft that didn't seem to be operational but still offered a way down. Checking around the halls to find nothing but more plating she commented, "Looks like this is where the way under continues. This the way forward or should we start searching for another hall?"

The expedition continued further and deeper into the caverns. The mine was decaying since it was left to rot after the mining operations in this portion was finished. No visible ores were seen by the pilots. There were rails on the floor for the transportation of mined metals and minerals back to the dome. The carts they did see were empty and had no use. As they moved forward, there were barracks for the long-term miners and there were no obvious signs of life. Further ahead was a large elevator that was meant to carry large vehicles. It didn't look new enough to take them inside the dome but they are getting close. Tano was not sure if it can be used to carry a large number Mobile Suits but it would be safe to bring each up one after another. "This may be a lift that will take us to the higher levels." He said to all Mobile Suits. "We will go one by one. The Gundam will go first, followed by our unit numbers and finally myself."

Dana found the halls gradually becoming more active but still had the feeling of abandonment that the many other places in the mines had. "Finally. I hope this is the first sign of getting to that power source." She then heard Tano's command to the units following him and moved forward to take point. The former lift would probably be enough to take them up to the dome levels but did leave her wondering if the caverns would at some point lead to the power source they had been trying to find. As they began to make the ascent though there was some hope as some of the halls had begun to appear less rusted and somewhat newer. The ceiling above didn't seem to have any wear and even seemed to be maintained from recent repair activity. Dana hoped that this would be a sign they were headed towards their goal but needed to have confirmation that they weren't just heading into another corridor. She contacted Tano asking, "Judging how far we've gone the dome should be right above us at this point?"

"From the looks of it the Coalition seems to have us surrounded on all possible entrances and exits. Maybe if we had some kind of distraction to move them away from their position, we'll be able to move them into one spot." Sally suggested with her superior. The planning was still underway from what little information they had been reported on by the patrols but there was at least now a decent first-hand experience of what was happening around the ship. She reminded both Elias and Alberto on a key issue when she told them, "Probably the most important thing I think we should plan for is General Fedorov to be taken out. The people of Mars will probably become too used to the idea of independence if he's left to run things."

Elias heard Sally's concern on Aleksei's activity and commented, "Ideally if we could move more of Fedorov's men towards one point we might be able to pull that off. I don't know if we have anything that could cause something of that magnitude within this shuttle though. If we try to leave, we won't even cause them to flinch seeing they know those turrets outside will just shoot us down."

Alberto wondered out loud from the hole in Fedorov's threat asking, "Why would they shoot us down though? Federov said that the turrets were derived from what they could take from this shuttle. Doesn't he need it to further progress on his weaponry?"

Elias reminded him, "Anyone with this shuttle would. However, he has the same mindset we do as well. He'd rather see this shuttle destroyed than end up in the hands of either of his enemies."

Sally agreed with the shuttle's position but stuck with her plan of finding a way out saying, "If we directed a concentrated effort on their forces though we might be able to take out the guards while also sending another force to gather at the main headquarters. Chen and the other snipers would easily be able to pick off the Coalition at the higher levels where they'd have a better angle."

Alberto agreed to Sally's idea for a new assault but warned, "It would be the perfect opportunity. However, we've lost a lot of men raiding that prison. Asking them to do another task of something this degree would probably result in them throwing away their lives just for the hope of seeing something works."

Elias reminded him, "But we've enlisted their service to see that they would serve dangerous tasks such as these. It may be asking for much but any chance we have to reach the headquarters if we can't do anything from here."

Alberto continued to ponder the situation as he remembered, "That is true. However, the question of the lift is another thing. It only goes up and down when someone is operating the controls up there…" It was then he knew that this was probably the only option. Taking back the city was probably going to be the only way to see them out of here. Alberto reluctantly agreed to the plan, "…I suppose Lieutenant Colonel Po is right. We may have to go along with this risk."

Elias understood Alberto's hesitation as he reminded him, "I know it is something difficult to agree with Captain. However, we must take whatever opportunity we have."

Sally agreed with the shuttle's position but stuck with her plan of finding a way out saying, "If we directed a concentrated effort on their forces though we might be able to take out the guards while also sending another force to gather at the main headquarters. Chen and the other snipers would easily be able to pick off the Coalition at the higher levels where they'd have a better angle."

Alberto went to the communications center agreeing, "Yes sir." It was in a few moments that he adjusted the radio frequency to request to Donna, "Lindemann this is the central command. Requesting evaluation report on the upper levels."

Donna head the request from her superior when gave her report. "Maddox has found a conventional exit... But snipers will be expected." She responded. "There is nothing else to report. I will return down. Over." She climbed down the stairs back to the room she started at. The search through the upper floors was disappointing but considering the circumstances was expected. "Federov was good on his promise it looks like. We have snipers ready shoot any of us down on sight. Unfortunately, it looks like we'll only be able to return with a report that we're returning with what we already knew."

Zachariah agreed with the situation when he pointed out, "Even if that's all we have we still have to break the news to everybody. If anything, this will at least remind everybody that we have a rain of bullets to get ready for."

Donna turned to see Zachariah was following her back down the lower levels. She thought about the possible outcomes when she asked, "You suppose that our superiors might try to use this situation to their advantage?"

Zachariah confirmed Donna's thought when he told her, "It's their job to. Unfortunately, we don't get to know if it was a good idea until after it's attempted."

Donna accepted the fate she was facing when she told him, "They might find a way. I could probably offer some assistance."

Zachariah continued to follow Donna as he wondered to himself, What is with her habit of being so proper in the military of all places?

Gawel took a look at one of the panels Mercurio was curious about. He didn't expect anything out of the ordinary considering the number of computer panels he had already seen while observing the ships tech. But this type had his curiosity piqued when he saw the operational functions labeled beneath. He observed, "These? Hm… Well according to these they say, "Exhaust Port Controls". Wonder why these things weren't up in the main control room? These ports were probably added at some point during the shuttles construction to allow the fumes out of the city. Maybe as a secondhand thought but who can say? If I could figure out what powers these things though…"

"So you have an idea of where these ports could lead?" Mercurio asked.

Gawel rustled through his equipment bag when he answered, "If I have to guess these passages probably had some purpose as either a supply line or an exhaust port. Either way it means one thing. This is our way out." He adjusted his radio and contacted, "Colonel Rumfoord this is Private Majewski requesting routing info to the lower levels of the shuttle. Over."

Instead of the Colonel like Gawel expected he heard Alberto answer, "I'll send you the routing information private. Put it to good use. You'll need to find a way to change our situation before it's too late."

Gawel found the concern in Alberto's voice to be disconcerting as he waited for the routing info to get through. "What's happening? There's gotta be enough time that can let this power link connect." He turned away from his radio when he told Mercurio, "Hey Yuy, can you see if you can get the power cables to connect manually if they won't get to work? It might be our only other option. Just get to those component boxes and see if the power links will respond to any input."

Mercurio went to the nearest component box and began to observe, "Okay. Shouldn't be a problem." The wiring and the switches were placed in the right places but didn't seem to be given any purpose at the moment. "The primary component seem to be linked properly. It looks like they need to have some kind of primary signal from the lower power source in order to operate."

It was then he heard the request from Colonel Rumfoord to report to the command room that Gawel began to worry, "Wait... That announcement sir, just what is the Colonel planning to do?"

Alberto quickly explained to Gawel on the other line, "Private... Listen, if you're going to try anything to get us out try and find it. The Colonel is planning to stage an offensive against the enemy with the sniper team."

Mercurio heard the order from the radio and asked, "He is?!" Mercurio recognized he was going to be trapped in this place because of what the Colonel and he had to tell him but the thought of planning to go offensive seemed like a dangerous idea that would be very close to suicide. "Doesn't he recognize that we're going to have enough problems being held captive in here?"

Gawel felt a sense of relief to see that Mercurio was also worried about getting out of here alive but he wasn't able to concern himself with the matter when he heard that previous report from the Captain. "Are you serious?! The Colonel is basically just telling Fedorov that he can come in and mop us down like we're a bunch of cockroaches?!" He tried to maintain his composure when he begged to his superior, "Major, please give an excuse to the Colonel that will buy us enough time! I promise we'll be out of here soon!" He couldn't bother to hear out what his superior would respond with and gave Mercurio instruction on the situation, "Okay Mercurio here's what we have to do. The power supply should still be working on this shuttle, just try and descend down to the lower levels and I'll tell you how to work it!"

Mercurio found Gawel's request to be the only way that they were possibly going to find a way to find their way out of the shuttle. He agreed to the order Gawel gave, "Alright. I'll try to help out." He headed further down into the lower shafts of the shuttle while holding onto the nearby railings that gave him some sense of security. It would be a long fall regardless of how high up he was in the shuttle levels but the cables and manual ignition systems seemed to be within reach. He leaped to the nearest scaffolding and landed hard on his feet. He reported to Gawel, "I think I found the ignition systems. They look like they're still linked."

Gawel was relieved to know that the first step was probably not going to be so difficult. The cables were only big enough that they could be changed around by hand in an emergency such as this one. "Alright we might be able to pull this off if we can just do it quickly." He looked over the screen depicting the shuttles thrusters and instructed, "Yuy, get a hold of the primary converter cables and transfer them to the the secondary ports. We should start getting an energy reading at some point. After you get the last one in get the hell out of there faster than you can run. If the heat doesn't get you the collapse will."

As Dana moved through the lower levels of the dome city she decided that now might be a good idea to see if her team would be able to pick up her signal. She began with the one she trusted most hoping that Gawel would be able to hear her. "This is Captain Houston. Requesting response. Is anyone out there?"

"...Captai... Houst... Reque... onse. Is... ut there?" Gawel heard a transmission coming from Dana that was severely scrambled from interference, but he was able to tell just who it was on the other line.

"Captain Houston?! Oh shit! I never thought I'd be glad to hear that again!" He grabbed his radio and announced, "Captain! This is Private Majewski responding! Requesting a status update!"

Dana's voice was relieved when she heard Gawel was enthusiastic about her being alive and responded, "Good to know you're still alive Majewski. How is the shuttle up there?"

Gawel found his old fear return when he reported, "It's going like hell Captain. The Colonel thinks we don't have any other choice than to offer a final stand against Fedorov's guys with the sniper team!"

Dana's voice began to realize how serious the situation was for her fellow soldiers when Gawel gave his warning. "That sounds like a suicide mission if there ever was one. It might be the only option to getting out now but it's still just handing over the tech to the enemy."

Gawel didn't seek for anything else other than the one shred of hope Dana might have been able to give him. "Please tell me you found a way to bypass the turrets out there!"

She assured him, "Better than that. I should be able to find a way under them and towards your location at some point."

Gawel had a new-found sense of hope when he told his Captain, "Perfect! That will work great! Listen, just wait for us to work on the exhaust ports and we should be able to find a way to allow you up here. Once you're in this city we'll have nothing to stand against us!"

Dana thanked him, "Thanks Majewski. We pull this off and we can come out as real heroes for this operation. Just let me know when you've got that port opened."

Alberto found the willing personnel ready to hear out their orders when they had been assembled and the Colonel was ready alongside him. The only one of them who seemed to even remotely anticipate this mission was Sally and even she had a grim look on her face as they made their strategy planned. Elias announced to the team, "Here's the plan. We feel that Fedorov's men may be taken out from a distance if we take them on with our own snipers. After that it may only be a question of seeing that we can outlast his men before they kill us. In the meantime, we'll have to reach the headquarters and take out Fedorov's command."

Roy was the first out of the group to speak, "It's a pretty broad and ambitious plan sir. Do we even know that we'll be able to outlast their ranks if they can probably just destroy us anyway?"

Elias explained, "The enemy won't attempt to destroy the shuttle within its own city. They have a civilian population to defend as well. I recognize that this plan may be more than we can handle. But that is why we are here on the front lines. We are here to see that the cause we fight for sees a greater vision because of the acts that we give."

Sally agreed to the Colonel's words of encouragement, "We'll make sure that the enemy doesn't take this one easy. If we know the layout of the ship better than them we'll be able to last a little bit." The team was sent to move out with the volunteers and were prepared to meet at the high point of the shuttle and prepare for the assault. She knew that this was their only option seeing Aleksei would not see diplomacy pass his ears a second time. She did notice that two key people were missing from the ranks though and it didn't seem like something of at least one soldiers character. She asked Alberto, "Major, where are Privates Yuy and Majewski?"

"The Privates." Alberto came up with a quick reason for why they weren't here and explained to Sally, "They have not returned from patrol because they believe they have found various technical problems with the thrusters in the lower levels. Perhaps if there are issues, I am not certain if they will make it back in time but I'm certain they will do their duty in ensuring that we have an even playing field against Fedorov's men.

Sally decided that she didn't have any time to find out about what Mercurio and Gawel were up to or if they were having their status being covered up. She ordered Alberto, "Fine. If they have to sit this one out then make sure that they find something that might be a serious problem and get them ready to be leading the front line if we have a second shot at this."

Alberto was reluctant to accept the order when he answered, "I am certain that all of my men will be prepared to offer their utmost to see each other succeed. Right now, I'll just make sure Fedorov doesn't have a completely free pass on forming his state.

Sally nodded to Alberto's promise when she led the division Elias had given her as she instructed, "We'll be prepared as reinforcements in case the Colonel needs our help. Chances are we're going out fighting here so get ready for the worst." As soon as everyone got up to the upper levels of the shuttle Sally took the initiative and ordered for her Colonel, "Everyone grab your weapons! We're about to begin the attack!"

As the underground team made their way through the lower parts of the city the goal that the team was searching for was now in reach. Before them was a wide door with a warning label for anyone who wasn't in the military personnel along with two grips on both ends likely to be operated by the Scorpio Majors that the Coalition had stationed here. Dana told the others, "Looks like what we were looking for. I'll need someone to take the other handle and prepare to open this."

"I will take the other handle. I don't want to see any hesitation." Tano told her. "All units prepare for combat as soon as we break out." The left manipulator of the Sagittarius grabbed the handle. He waited for the Gundam to open at the same time. Behind them, the Leos made their preparations for the assault. Here goes nothing. We've got a real disaster coming up." Pankhum warned everyone.

Ross was not as nervous when he added, "Civilian casualties will be inevitable. Our mission is to take down Federov while he is still weak. We let just one day go by and he'll have a chance to stand against us." Another one of the Leo pilots suggested, "Check your beam rifles and doberguns. We need them functional in battle."

Ross agreed to the suggestion, "I'm loaded. Let's see if they're waiting for us back there."

The Sagittarius grabbed gold of its handle on the door when Tano offered, "Ready to open on your count Gundam pilot."

Dana agreed, "Okay time for the moment of truth. 3...2...1... Now!" The handles turned and with them the main door began to rise into the ceiling above. With this motion they were now about to head into the final tunnel that was about to take them above ground. Dana knew that this would be the chance to save her team but still wondered about the whole situation of being with the enemy as well. She had to keep reminding herself that it could only be a matter to be answered when she actually managed to help out the people who needed her.

Mercurio confirmed Gawel's instruction agreeing, "Okay should be easy enough." The cables were quite large for any non mobile suit operations but Mercurio was able to pull it off when he put in enough effort into lifting them. It was only an issue when there were twelve of them to do. Thankfully they didn't have any type of interruptions from their communications or from their superiors. As soon as the last one was redirected he announced, "I think they should be ready Gawel! I'm headed up now!"

Gawel thanked, "Good work Yuy! I'm gonna start up the power manually so get ready!" As soon as Mercurio was up to the higher parts of the shuttle they both ran towards the inside of the shuttle. Gawel took command of the control panel and began to input the requirements in order to begin operation of the thruster area. "Alright with this we should be able to open all exhaust ports and hope that Dana is somewhere nearby to get us out of here." With the opening of the exhaust ports the fans and vacuums were removed from the passageways and allowed for the tunnel Dana and the others had entered to see the light at the end. They wouldn't see the shuttle but instead the cylinder that had encircled it. It was all the assurance they would need to know that they were about to save their team.

Within Aleksei's command center the General gave out his request for a status report on the situation outside to see if the resistance would change their mind or not. "All Divisions, requesting status report."

"Eastern quadrant is clear sir."

"Western is still silent."

"North is not showing activity."

"South is still motionless sir."

One of the soldiers wondered on their situation, "Is the resistance really planning to just wait us out up there?"

"Probably not. They'll have something to try against us pretty soon. If th-" One of the snipers was unable to give a full answer as the sound of a bullet during made itself known.

Greg was taken by surprise when he requestes, "Status report! Where is that sound coming from?"

One of the soldiers reported, "It's comng from the shuttle! The Earth guys are trying to pick us off!"

Another one of the leading officers gave a report, "Sir! The shots are comimg from the shuttle beneath! We're starting to take casualties!"

Another one of the leading officers reported, "Command! Reporting enemy fire from the south quadrant!"

Aleksei stood up from his seat when he ordered, "Return fire! Take out the enemy!" He leaned over the display of the Mars city map when he regretted, "It would appear they decided to attempt fighting their way out after all."

One of the operators reported to Aleksei, "General we have reports on the enemy firing on our southern quadrant. Our forces are now requesting orders on handling the enemy."

Aleksei realized the situation with his captives. "This is indeed their final option. We now have only one option. They must be eliminated." He gave another order to authorize, "Send out the rocket ammunition and take them out. Attack the shaft but don't let the shuttle itself be damaged."

Berlin, Germany
Earth

Edward stood at the bridge of the Testudo as he watched the city of Berlin waiting for him. Days had passed since the battle for the strategic city resulted in a mere stalemate. Edward's bitter attitude on the situation hadn't improved as he was forced into a situation where he was left to adjust strategies and defend the Coalition's mighty weapon. He heard the door behind him open where he saw Bertram enter. "General. We have confirmation from the convoy that the replacement cannon for the Testudo has arrived."

Edward ordered, "I want the weapon fully operational tonight. Do not permit any delay. If the patrols are necessary to expedite the process then proceed with the order."

Bertram made his way to the nearest panel as he ordered, "Testudo Squadron. Form up with the arriving team."

Hyrum's mobile suit squadron formed up at the edge of Berlin where a squadron of bipedal Griffon units waited. Hyrum watched his unit form near him as he asked, "We have General Ulbricht's orders to meet here. What are we doing now?"

The Captain of the Griffon squadron, Henry Collier, introduced, "We have intelligence on a recent convoy that has arrived at the position of the Testudo. Our scouts believe that this may be the repair team sent to bring that thing back to an optimal attack status."

Hyrum's new Captain voiced the squadron's concerns, "We let them fix that thing and Berlin is toast is what you're saying."

"As is this war." Henry added cryptically.

Campbell warned, "With the numbers they have, we won't be able to push them out of this area."

Henry acknowledged, "They won't want to risk losing those parts. Our mission will only be to destroy them before the Coalition has a chance to complete the repairs. With the Aquarius Wasserman out there and possibly the Tallgeese helping out, we're basically assigning ourselves to a suicide mission. If we don't make this one count though, we're going to end up paying for it dearly."

Hyrum contacted his squad mates when he added, "I think we know what we're dealing with guys. The Captain will be leading us out there and this will be a lot more intense than a city defense. With our current objective I think you know we can't afford any heroics today."

His captain confirmed the sentiment, "With two squadrons we can only afford a hit and run operation. For right now we're going to let the Griffon squadron fly ahead and make the initial strike. We'll provide covering fire and be at a safe distance from the enemy encampment. In and out after the first strike."

"Yes sir!" Hyrum's squad agreed in unison.

Henry gave another order, "Understood. We're about to move out now. Get ready to follow our lead." The leading Griffon unit made a dash away from the city edge while the others followed to make a united leap into the air.

Each one changed to plane mode when Hyrum's captain ordered, "All units advance. Prepare thrusters to full speed." The two squadrons of Earth Sphere mobile suits made their advance to the Testudo's location.

Henry checked his radar systems when he announced, "We're closing in on them quick. Get ready to go in guns blazing. All units keep your eyes peeled for the Aquarius and be ready to work on primary functions after that."

One of his co-pilots asked, "This something they found out themselves? How did they even live long enough to report that?"

"They didn't. That's the big Ace the Coalition has right now. Just focus on what we had established for the mission."

Edward watched the repairs of his Testudo before he heard the familiar alarm fill the command room. Unbroken from his concentration he commanded, "Report on the enemy advance."

One of the operators checked the radar before answering, "We're picking up a squadron of those jet mobile suits! They're advancing very quickly sir!"

Another one of the operators warned, "Arrival time is expected to be in four minutes! Estimated target is within our occupation zone!"

Bertram looked over the radar field when he observed, "They know our current operations. If we at least defend the Main Driver Cannon we will be able to render their attempts useless."

Edward nodded when he ordered, "Launch the Aquarius and inform Private Tsubarov of his objective. Move all squadrons to the cannon and sacrifice the replacement turrets if necessary."

Aglaii received the order when she asked, "The General wants us to be fodder again? Looks like we are getting close to finishing off these bitches." She changed her channel to order, "Primary team get ready for the attack! Cover the Aquarius when it launches!" The Testudo squadron of Leo III units had assembled while several new squadrons arrived to offer supporting fire.

Oleg was inside the cockpit of the Aquarius as he asked, "So we have a surprise attack on the way. They plan on making this a heavy attack?"

Kieran checked the primary systems for the Aquarius when he answered, "One squad of fliers Oleg. Just handle this like last time."

"Eight little targets instead of one big bull's-eye. No chances to bicker about this now."

"Damn right. Go out there and take out each one you can."

The cockpit of the Aquarius shut as Oleg prepared for another deep space launch. Just another operation... Oleg thought to himself. "Deep space launch preparations are complete. Commence with the launch." The bay ceiling doors for the Testudo opened before Oleg announced, "Private Tsubarov ready. Go Aquarius!"

Henry was in lead with his squadron as he ordered, "We're getting near our target area boys. Get ready to go in guns blazing." The Testudo stood waiting for its enemies while the Leo III units scrambled to its defense. Among the enemy activity was one unit of the Griffon pilots recognized, "Captain! It looks like they've sent the aerial defense!"

Henry watched the blue Gundam flying near their location as he ordered, "Make the dive now! We take out the target and get the bloody hell out of here!"

"That's going to be a problem sir! We've got some major interface on our end!"

Henry looked over his own main computer before he saw his systems being scrambled by the Aquarius virus. "Damn! This confirms the Aqaurius's location boys! Switch to basic functions!"

Oleg felt the vertigo rush through him as he flew through the air and towards the incoming fighter jets. He watched the AI on his map the series of moves the Griffon units were prepared for and took aim with his cannon. "Just try and get past me now." The Aquarius fired on two Griffon jets watching them go down in a spiral of smoke. Oleg searched the skies around him for enemies but found the Aquarius being pulled down by the end of his launch. Oleg felt the fall but pressed his Gundam to lean forward with heat rods at the ready. He kept his eyes open as he fought the vertigo rush through him and saw the target Griffon within his sights. He saw the jet was prepared to make a sharp turn but saw the Ai system calculate its next motion. The collision was complete when the Aquarius made an upward slice with its heat rods and brought the right foot to the nose of the jet. The Aquarius was given another boost to the air as it leapt towards another target.

"Captain! Captain!"

"It's no good! The enemy got him! We need to continue with the attack!"

"Damn them all to hell! Maneuver around that beast and use the fanciest stunts you have to lose him!" One of the Griffon jets performed a loop as its pilot warned, "We're closing in on the target! We can't lose this- Aaaah!" He was cut off as the Aquarius made an intrusion on the stunt striking his jet with its heat rods.

The leading Griffon pilot saw the destruction as he ordered, "Increase altitude! We'll lose him this way!" The four remaining Griffon jets climbed into the air before finding beam fire from behind." 'Bout time those blokes put in their effort."

The Ursa squadron had the Aquarius in sight as they offered supporting fire to the Griffon squadron. Hyrum was among the lead shooters when he asked, "Is the Aquarius still out of range? Nothing seems to be affecting the systems!"

His captain confirmed observation, "He hasn't hit the ground yet! Our goal is to make sure it doesn't meet us here!"

Campbell grit his teeth as he struggle to align his aim with the Aquarius. "We don't shoot it down here we won't have much of a chance face to face."

Aglaii watched the destruction above in the skies increase as she searched for the enemy supporting fire. "They're getting closer and it doesn't look like Oleg will be able to handle this on his own..." She watched the enemy fire build on Oleg's location before transmitting to the Testudo, "Requesting clearance to engage the enemy ground forces sir!"

Edward's voice was on the other line when he answered, "Denied. The Aquarius can handle itself Captain. Your mission is to ensure that this defense is proven to be successful."

Aglaii slammed her fist before accepting, "Understood Sir. Maintaining position." The Griffon jets were still out of range from the cannon but Aglaii found her next available target from a distance away on the plains. She turned her eyes away from the skies to take aim at the Ursa units as she fired on the first one in her sight. The shot of her beam rifle took off the arm of an Ursa unit and fired a second shot, hitting the cockpit of another. She watched the enemy mobile suits scramble for safety as their assisting fire died down. "That'll make things easier for you right Oleg?"

Aglaii's thoughts were cut short when she heard, "Captain! The enemy is headed this way down!"

Aglaii returned her sight to the sky as she realized the diving jets focused on her squad mates. "Shit! All units defensive fire now!"

The remaining jets continued their dive with the defensive fire as their only obstacle. "Rrrgh... We can confirm we have lost the Aquarius?"
One of the remaining Griffon units answered, "He's well over our heads now! We just need to make that attack!"

"We've lost too many already! Don't make a sacrifice you don't have to!" One of the Griffon pilots had his communications turned off as he commented, "Not enough to take out that cannon. Time to see if this will be enough!" The Griffon jets collectively open fired on the grounds near the Testudo cannon. The pilot recognized the defense when he warned, "Don't move away from the target! They have us in their sights already!"

He checked his flight formation before realizing he was the only one still flying. "Damn you Andrew. You didn't have any safety procedures planned for this did you?" His observation was confirmed when he saw energy shots fire behind him as he continued to dive. With his final action the pilot prepared his missiles as he shouted, "Won't be for nothing!"

Aglaii cursed her luck when she saw the Griffon missiles reach within range and ordered, "Concentrate all fire! Don't let any of them through!" The Leo III squadrons lit the night sky with concentrated beams of energy towards the final incoming Griffon and its missiles. Aglaii saw her shot breach the cockpit of the Griffon while three missiles erupted upon contact.

"Captain! We're about to be breached!" Aglaii turned her mobile suit to see the report before seeing the Griffons missile reach the ground right next to the Testudo cannon. Aglaii heard the screams of several pilots and saw the Testudo canon fall off its loading truck, rolling to the ground.

She turned her attention to the area in front as she ordered, "We've got the enemy on the run now! Stand by and wait for orders to advance!"

"Collier come in! Are there any Griffon units out there who are still out there?" Hyrum heard his superior officer trying to find contact with the advancing Griffon units but hearing the desperation behind his voice had him wondering how successful the advance was.

Campbell was backing away from the line of fire when he observed, "I can't see a whole lot of damage back there Captain! I have readings from the near fronts they might be preparing to move forward!"

The captain's Ursa unit backed away while he observed, "That's something we can confirm Finnegan! This offense has already gone south!"

Hyrum's Ursa unit was ahead of most of the squad when it was firing towards every Leo III unit it could align its sights with. "This was already a risky operation from the start. Orders sir?"

His captain's unit withdrew its beam rifle when he ordered, "Report back to the base! Don't let them take you down today!" With that order the remaining squad of Ursa units backed away from the offensive front while beam rifle shots continued to shoot past them in their retreat.

The Ursa units were nearing the city of Berlin when the leading Captain observed, "Captain Collier probably bought us a little info on what we can expect from that thing. Let's make sure that he didn't die for nothing."

Hyrum spoke for many when he pointed out, "Kind of hard to do Captain. We don't even know if we managed to get the cannon."

Another one of the pilots agreed, "Trying to come off our big defense against the Coalition for something like this was going to be a tough sell for anybody."

The Captain offered a few words of final encouragement when he said, "Not the first time we had issues with those bitches, won't be the last. Just don't let your spirits be taken too far down when we have to take them on again." The rest of the walk to Berlin was a silent and calm one.

Among the smoldering ashes of the recent strike several Leo III units rushed to prevent the Testudo cannon from rolling away. One of the pilots announced, "Captain. The General wants you to contact him."

Aglaii changed her frequency to the Testudo Command when she heard her superior Edward ask, "Destruction of the advancing squadron has been confirmed Captain?"

"Yes sir. We have endured minimal damage to the loading zone."

"Unacceptable Captain. Your mission was to ensure that no damage was sustained to our forces at all. We may have destroyed their squadron but we have reports that six of our own units have been destroyed. Depending on how much damage you have allowed to the cannon I will see that your squadron shall spend as much time necessary to pay for your negligence."

"Yes sir. I apologize for my poor performance. With your permission sir has Lieutenant Tsubarov made contact?"

There was a brief pause before Edward answered, "Yes Captain. I would personally recommend that your performance may not suffer next time if you maintain your mind on the mission you have in mind."

"Yes sir. My squadron will retrieve the cannon right away."

"Ensure that no further complications continue Captain. Over and out." Edward sighed as he watched the grounds outside from his command center. "We were fortunate to see this defense capable of handling such an attack."

Bertram observed next to Edward when he reminded, "Captain Belyakova feels that her responsibility as a superior officer is to see her fellow squad mates survive at the end of every mission."

Edward turned to him when he reminded, "And that can provide a detriment to any leader who wishes to see their greater objectives. I have never wished to see men die under my command but we both can recognize that sacrifices are necessary in any operation to advance beyond this war."

Bertram was unmoved when he answered, "Of course Edward. Our ability to make sacrifices is what separates us from those who hesitate. What separates us from soldiers like Belyakova however comes from our ability to recognize which ones are the most ideal to make in the moment and beyond."

Edward had regained his calm when he agreed, "Most fortunate that you recognize my situation Bertram. You will prove to be a valuable asset from this final attack on the Earth Sphere and after."

"I shall do so to the best of my ability General. This day does not bear the greatest weight on our campaign but we have shown that the final advance will not be impeded."

"Inform the President that the repairs will continue as planned." Bertram turned away to a nearby computer while Edward observed to himself, "Yes. Soon we shall make the final offense. And then it will only be the beginning of our finest hour."