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 16: The Cost to Rise

Devon saw the doors of his cell open to reveal two Coalition soldiers standing in front of him. "I take it I'm not so lucky that you guys are here to bust me out are you?"

One of them stepped forward with a gun in hand answering, "Why would you still have those kind of hopes Captain? You know no one is getting in here now."

Devon stood up with his hands raised when he agreed, "Hope is never a decent plan is it? Okay time for me to endure the first round of beatings I suppose."

The other soldier with black hair took out a pair of handcuffs when he reminded, "only if it gives us any problems. Cooperate and we won't have to draw this out for too long."

"You know you're being too soft on the enemy right?" His partner reminded.

The black-haired soldier accepted the criticism when he told him, "I just don't want to make this process to o hard is all."

"Well you won't get any results making pals with him. Now come on, let's get him going."

"Alright I'll help." Devon walked up to the two soldiers as he was directed to the hallways with two guns at his back ready to stop him from trying a fruitless escape. The black-haired soldier slapped the handcuffs around Devon's wrists after forcing them behind his back.

The three took a short walk before entering a nearby room with a chair and a table with tools on it. Devon was forced to the chair nearby as the black-haired soldier tugged him down to sit. He did his best to hold back a smirk when he ordered, "Alright, hand me the first thing you think might be appropriate to start with."

Devon kept his face stoic when he heard the order as he recognized the torture was about to begin. "I wasn't hoping to put my endurance training to the test. But thanks for the refresher course."

The standing in front of Devon was about to check his partner's choice before hearing someone walk in to order, "We've got a problem out there. We need every available man out there to take out the enemy."

The soldier in front of Devon turned to ask, "Seriously? We've got an emergency this serious?" He turned to see it was a superior officer who already had a few men following behind him. He now understood that it was no good trying to go against the order when he saw the waiting soldiers.

His superior officer confirmed, "We have Earth Sphere guys trying to pick us off out there. We'll need this to be finished later today."

The black-haired soldier offered, "I'll stay behind and keep the captain from trying anything funny."

His partner asked, "You think he's going to try something to get out of a locked room?"

"I would imagine now is the most opportune time. He won't get away when I'm watching him."

The commanding officer outside accepted the offer when he told him, "Let me have your entry pass then. You'll be stuck in here for a few hours but that will be enough to make sure he doesn't find his way out."

The black-haired soldier offered his pass when he agreed, "Of course sir."

His partner and superior officer left the interrogation room as it left both him and Devon alone. Devon leaned back in his chair to comment, "Well great. Sounds like I'll have to sit back until I'm ready for a proper beating?"

The black-haired soldier took out a key for Devon's handcuffs when he answered, "Let's actually say you're half right about your rescue."

He released the latches around Devon's wrists to leave him to ask, "So you were just waiting for the right time? Who are you working for?"

The black-haired soldier introduced, "Call me Arch. I'm here to help take down Fedorov. Let's say not everyone agrees with the idea of an independent Mars."

Devon became interested when he asked, "Got to say I am relieved. I hope you don't plan on taking the whole base down by yourself."

"I don't." Arch said as he took out a pistol and threw it to him. he moved near the door when he drew out another pass card to prepare his escape. "Our first goal is going to expose the underbelly of this place and then get it ready for a massive upheaval. We might have different ideas on this war but I' think right now seeing a potential third faction arise is not in either of our interests."

Devon saw the door to the base halls open when he accepted, "It's not like this whole disaster is going to make any more sense." Running to Arch's side Devon drew his pistol to prepare to fire on the first Coalition soldier he saw.

The two rushed down the nearest stairs before Devon asked, "So you say we're gonna expose the underbelly of this place. I guess you were serious."

Arch turned to descend another set of stairs when he answered, "That's about right. If the guys at the Solaris are able to put up a distraction like that then they've got the forces they need to take Fedorov by surprise."

"That would take some knowledge of the underground areas of this planet. If you had that knowledge what keeps you from sharing with my guys?"

"You'd be surprised." Finding the nearest door Arch made a peak outside the window to the halls. He kept a hand raised to warn Devon not to blow their cover before they could both hear the sound of rushing boots fade. Rushing to the nearby stairs Arch made a swift descent down the steps as he reached the doors offering, "Time to see how ready these guys were for this situation."

Devon rushed to the other side of the door Arch took when he agreed, "Real encouraging. Now come on and show me how we get my team in here."

Arch kicked the nearby door as he prepared for a potential firefight. He heard someone ask, "Who's out there?"

Arch saw the head of a Coalition soldier pop from a nearby corner before he fired. Devon fired in the opposite direction as he clung to his wall as he asked, "You been here long? How many of them are waiting for us?"

Arch saw his target fall down before checking his back, "The situation is desperate enough that they'll have almost everyone outside. We don't have to worry about too many of them."

Devon entered the halls of the basement when he warned, "We find any more of these guys and not get a way out in the process you'll wish you didn't help me."

Arch sprinted ahead as he guided Devon, "To the right. Wait for me to open the door." Arch used his key card to open the locked door as he rushed in while holding it for Devon to follow. Both men stood in front of a computer terminal which gave a window to a massive catacomb of a mine long abandoned.

"Okay I think this qualifies." Devon offered his temporary partner.

Arch rushed to the terminal when he warned, "Just hang on. We're not clear yet. We need to make this way accessible."

Devon turned to the door he came in as he allowed Arch to do his work when he asked, "Open this way in? So you have guys who plan on coming in and taking down Fedorov. I guess I'll have to escape with them."

"I wouldn't recommend it. This place will be opening the Mars atmosphere soon and I know your pressure suit has been confiscated. Besides, these guys won't really give much leniency to the Coalition anyway.

Devon gave a sound of disapproval when he heard Arch give the warning. "I don't know if you remember my promise kid, but I think I'll have to make good on it."

Arch pressed a few sets of keys when he answered, "Don't worry I only need your help to get down here." He turned around to face Devon before rushing to a nearby elevator when he added, "For your help, I'll let you out of here."

Devon saw his way to freedom as he smirked, "Just for a short skirmish? Not a bad deal I'd say. Unless you plan on turning your back on me now?"

Arch pressed the nearby button to start his way up when he promised, "Most of the Coalition guards are just protecting the General now. Once your team is out there, they should be able to get you out of here."

Devon stepped out of the elevator doors when he commented, "You place a lot of faith on my team coming out on top. Whose side do you claim to be on?"

Arch smiled as he checked the hallway to answer, "Just a small faction that wants to see its home have a better future. We aren't exactly ready for independence just yet and I have to guess that you have similar thoughts."

"So just another civil war going on. This war has gone for too long."

"We agree on that much. It's unfortunate that's where our agreements probably end."

"Yeah, being on different planets is going to keep us from being able to change much. I know you're just pissed that you have to go a few years extra without having a breathable atmosphere."

"That can be one factor. I take it you believe in the Falson argument and just want to see justice be done?"

"Yeah. That's what anyone with the Coalition is expected to believe. You got my promise though kid, I'll see that Mars gets to have a proper terraformation one day."

Arch smiled when he accepted Devon's offer, "I hope you'll be able to live up to it. Head out, I've got you covered."

Devon returned the smile as he ran to the nearest door for his escape. Arch stood ready for his chance to see his own escape. He kept his eyes open for the first chance for the chaos to peak when he commented, "Okay Colonel. Let's see if your plan can pull this off."

Dana continued to take point with the Artemis, leading the Coalition Mobile Suits in their trek to the Dome. The tunnels were now further reinforced with no dirt seen on the floor and there were a few dim lights from the limited electricity that flowed, blatant signs that they now closed. Suddenly, the vacuum around them was removed and the lights started to fully flow. "Stay on guard." Tano spoke to everyone. They were stopped by the last barrier that didn't have any visible way to open it. Tano gave a brief observation of the obstacle, "Must be our way through. This work can't be done with the Dober guns. They might accidentally breach the walls of the Dome." The Lieutenant turned to the Leo IIIs, ordering for work to be done. "Get your beam sabers out. We will slice this last door." Four of the Leo IIIs approached the wall and drew their beam sabers. They cut the wall to make an opening that would be large enough for all of them. A Mobile Suit can now kick it off to open the way for them. "Ready Gundam pilot?" He asked. He loaded a cartridge into his sniper rifle for the storm that will spawn from the tunnels of Mars.

When Dana heard what was going on outside she agreed, "No time like the present." The mobile suits made their way through the opened door and would now have the opportunity to raid the city. Before them the exterior of the cylinder that stretched to the dome ceiling stood but Dana hoped the shuttle was still in a safe position. She decided to try contacting Gawel again, "Majewski are you still there?"

This time without any interference from static he responded, "Captain! We just got the ports opened but it sounds like there's going to be some heavy retaliation from the enemy!"

"What about the status of the crew on board? Is everyone alright?"

"I'd like to hear your definition. Rumfoord and Po have decided that the last stand was their only option. We're going to need some serious help if we're going to get out now!"

"Just hold on. We'll be able to stop further damage from happening."

"I'm counting on it Captain."

Sally continued to observe the ground forces and knew that their best option was to minimize the damage they were going to suffer from the rocket launcher below. She ordered, "Focus fire on that rocket launcher team! Don't let them breach this hull!"

The snipers made short work of them but the sound of the exhaust port breach was loud enough to be heard from their position. One of the soldiers reported, "Colonel! It sounds like an engine breach from below!"

Sally remembered who was down there, "Those two... Secondary team from up on me! Chen, you and the others stay here and wait for me to return!"

Chen agreed, "Understood sir!"

Sally watched Chen get to work while she was left to her thoughts. If those two pilots turned out to damage something vital to the shuttle the team would be here for a long time and they had to be disciplined for it even in the middle of battle. Sally told herself. If I do find Majewski out there... Well maybe his constitution isn't the best built for that sort of punishment.

Dana asked, "Is there any way that we can get past the batteries outside now?"

Gawel did some quick searching on the ship schematics and answered, "There should be Captain. The city power source might be damageable from where we are. It's going to take some heavy firepower to breach it though."

"Can you tell me where the power source is?"

"If we've got the right one it should be the one right below this shuttle. Considering the location and the purpose it might be linked to the rest of the city."

"Good to know. Just hold on!"

The Artemis made a swift descent to the foot of the cylinder and found the steel floor that was concealing the power source beneath. She wasn't certain how much of a dig it would be for her buster rifle but she couldn't let it damage the shuttle. She adjusted the rifles power to this situation and fired beneath with hopes of crippling the power source.

Inside the main base of the dome, one of the operators reported on the situation their soldiers were in. "The snipers are having a hard time with the enemy sir. It doesn't seem like they'll be able to strike from a safe distance."

Aleksei considered the situation and ordered, "Build primary defenses and prepare the Scorpio Major units to enter the perimeter. It may be our only chance of seeing the resistance lose its will to fight."

One of the mobile suit observers ordered, "All available Scorpio Major units. Report to the central area of the city and prepare to provide cover for our soldiers!" He turned to Aleksei reporting, "It shouldn't be long now sir. The enemy -" Before he could continue the lighting and the equipment that had been operational ceased functioning. The room was engulfed in complete darkness and the crew found themselves taken aback by what was going on.

Aleksei commanded, "What happened? Why is the power out?"

One of the city operators reported, "I don't know sir! The enemy must have found a way to breach the central power unit for the city and cause severe damage!"

"What?! Only mobile suit weaponry would have a chance of scathing the plating down there!"

"They must have them there sir! It's the only possible explanation!"

"Switch to emergency power and let all base personnel send a message to the city! We need to maintain order if we are to ensure that we do not fall into chaos!"

"We'll do everything possible sir!"

He turned to another operator asking, "Can we at least maintain the SCAB units?"

"I'm afraid not sir. Without connection to the main power source our damage will pretty much be nothing against the shuttle's shields."

"Damn it... How could this happen? We can't let them get this far now!" Even with the face of courage he attempted to display, Aleksei could feel himself in the throes of defeat. Everything he was trying to accomplish was crumbling. "Things are only going to get worse. My only hope now is finding something to salvage regardless of how this situation plays out." He said under his breath.

Sally and her team entered the lower levels of the shuttle with Sally commenting, "Time to find out what those two are up to..." What she saw was something she absolutely didn't see happen and was probably the best sight anyone on this side could have asked for. "The Artemis? What is it doing here?"

Gawel rushed towards her and explained, "Colonel, it looks like Dana managed to find a way to get here through the tunnels! Let me tell you that now no number of Scorpio units is going to be able to stop us now!"

Dana accessed the speakers answering, "It's me Lieutenant Colonel. The main power unit should be out and now this shuttle will be clear for launch."

Sally lightly laughed at her situation agreeing, "Well isn't that justice? Your willingness to go against orders has gotten us some good results Houston. Not bad at all." She asked for her assistance, "Do you know your way through those tunnels? We might be able to take out Fedorov under his nose if we get in there."

Dana wondered about the plan asking, "But sir I could just take out the facility myself with Artemis' weapons."

"The buster rifle will cause too much damage to either the civilian sector or the dome walls or maybe both. If you looked outside, you'll know there's Scorpio Major units on their way as well, so we need to pull this off without any more damage than that."

Deciding that it was the only course of action that wouldn't harm the city too much Dana agreed, "Alright Colonel. Just hop on and I'll take you wherever you need to go."

"Good to hear. Move out and let's get ready for a serious gunfight people!"

Her squad agreed to the order, "Yes sir!"

Donning spacesuits and their weapons the Artemis descended down to the tunnels again with the intention of finding the area under the headquarters. Sally explained, "The headquarters are just a few miles away from here. Keep headed that direction."

Dana agreed, "Roger Colonel." As soon as they found the area she asked, "Is this it sir?"

"Perfect work Captain. It's time for us to move in."

"I'll wait here until it's finished."

"No Houston. It's important that you get back to the shuttle and latch on for the launch."

"But what about you sir? Won't the Colonel need you to be there when we make the launch?"

"I'm not going Houston. I have a duty here and I need to see it done. Tell the Colonel. He'll understand."

"... Yes sir. It's been an honor working with you sir."

"Appreciated Captain. You're a fine example of a pilot as well as a solider. Your service has been unparalleled."

"Thank you, sir. Moving out!"

As the Artemis left Sally's team behind Sally left with one parting thought, Good luck Houston...

As the Scorpio Major units moved towards the launching area of the Solaris shuttle it became clear that it would no longer be a one-sided battle as they had hoped. The arrival of the Sagittarius and the other Leos made that much clear. One of the pilots warned, "Captain! The Leo units are making their way out of the tunnels!"

Another one of the pilots recognized what happened quickly and "Those guys from L5. You think it's likely the Lieutenant is loyal to the Coalition?"

The Captain agreed it to be the most likely situation, "Wouldn't surprise me at all. Form up and prepare to attack! We can't let them reach the headquarters!"

The squads agreed, "Understood sir!" With that command the Scorpio Majors and Leo IIIs met in close range combat with some artillery fire exchanged at points. Several Scorpios went down while at least one Leo managed to be taken out and the explosions brought scrap and remains of mobile suits across the city.

Aleksei Fedorov observed the battle from his headquarters through some binoculars and evaluated, "This battle outside is going to bring heavy damage to the city."

One of his advisors warned on their situation, "We'll at least be safe here sir. We might be able to get out of here before the enemy reaches us."

The General refused to let himself be swayed by such concern when he told him, "It will be up to us to fix the damage caused by the loyalists. Our duty is to establish an independent planet. Now is not the time for us to back away from such a threat."

Aleksei's advisor held his regret at the choice when he accepted, "If we're fortunate we should be able to hold this place down."

One of the base operators interrupted the conversation, "Sir! We've had an underground breach!"

Aleksei turned with urgency pouring on him, "What? They must have planned everything!"

Elias and Alberto began to see the chaos mount as the Coalition began to fight among itself with the Leo IIIs pouring out. Alberto asked, "I take it this wasn't scheduled to be part of the escape sir?"

Shaking his head at the destruction while the sniper team continued to fire the Colonel agreed, "It wasn't Captain. Looks like not everyone here is a defector though. Although this could result in some bad long-term results for the city."

The two were lost in what had happened until Mercurio rushed up to their level reporting, "Colonel! We're clear for takeoff! The SCAB units outside have been deactivated!"

Elias commented on the success that had amounted for them, "Looks like we will have an easy way out after all." He gave a final order to the remaining soldiers outside, "Fall back! Head into the holding area and prepare for launch!" The remaining members of the resistance made their way back inside the shuttle with a few injured but now able to recognize what they had helped achieve.

They took the elevator down to the middle levels where the science team was waiting for them. Alberto noticed that several members were missing when he asked, "Yuy, can you tell me where Houston is? Is she somewhere with Lieutenant Colonel Po?"

"She's taking the Colonel to the underground tunnels from what I saw. I'm not sure what her plan is sir."

"We'll have to wait for the Artemis to return then. The other mobile suits will be just as important to retrieve."

Elias reminded them of the plan, "Shouldn't be a problem. The team we have outside will be able to leave the Clanker units and take as many mobile suits as there are of them. Gundams are the first priority when we begin the next part of the launch."

Alberto agreed, "Very good Colonel. Majewski, you help the launch teams with the next steps. I don't know how you and Yuy changed the routing down below, so you'll have to help them correct the launch direction. Prepare the entry doors to retrieve the mobile suits, they need to get their way in here. Everyone get ready for launch! We're about to see Operation Rising Himalayas really make its impact here!"

The crew on board agreed to Alberto's order, "On it sir!"

Elias approved of the handled situation when he evaluated, "It's time to hope that our efforts will pay off. This is only the first step towards defeating the Coalition. It could very well be a longer path until we get there."

Mercurio reminded him, "We're here to make sure that they see the futility of challenging us sir. We'll make this operation a success."

"I like to hear things like that Yuy. Prepare the others and get ready for the final preparations."

"Yes sir." Mercurio headed off to the rest of the crew to make sure that they were ready to see the launch finally happen.

The order to prepare for the launch reached Donna's ears as she ran past the front window of the Solaris but stopped to see the combat that was taking place. The chaos she saw were Scorpio Major units fighting Leo IIIs and the latter's marking were identical to the ones they fought in L5. She turned to Mercurio to point out, "The Loyalists are retaliating against the Federov Faction for the betrayal. As far as I can tell, the Leos are starting to take some serious casualties against the Martians."

Mercurio saw the smoke rise form within the damaged city far off when he agreed, "I don't think there's too many of us who wanted our escape to be like this. Even worse we don't have the means to stop this conflict from escalating further."

Donna let out a frustrated grunt when she accepted, "We aren't going to achieve much more if we stay here." Letting go of what issues she had with her current situation Donna entered the shuttle doors. She finally made a return to her post for the launch and held in frustration that she would've wanted to join the fight.

"Hopefully if everything turns out well then at this point there won't be another underhanded attempt from Fedorov to keep us grounded here." Tano told himself hoping for his attack to be effective.

"3rd unit down!" He was immediately brought back to the battle at hand when he heard one of his units fall down.

"Find cover! Take their size as an advantage!" Tano ordered. The Sagittarius fired a round from the sniper rifle, piercing through one of the Scorpio Majors. Once the shot was fired, he disposed of the used ammo shells and reloaded a full cartridge. "We're outnumbered, but the element of surprise has paid off." Tano observed to himself. He didn't find the optimism among his men when he asked, "What's the status on the enemy?"

His contacted pilot answered, "It's not looking good out here Lieutenant. Most of the Scorpio Majors have been taken out but we're starting to take casualties."

Tano heard another shot fly past him when he ordered, "Stay focused and keep picking them down. Once enough Socrpio Majors are defeated, we can secure a shuttle. I'll deal with Federov myself." He pulled the next shot at another Scorpio Major, this time, tearing through the cockpit.

As soon as Sally had the opportunity to make her way up the scaffolding that connected to the lower areas of the headquarters, she and her team managed to begin their way through the entrance of the base. She signaled to one of her team members, "Blow the door! We'll make our way through!" At that order several grenades were lobbed at the door and gave entry for the intruders. There were likely to be guards at the door while Sally and the others made their way and prepared to fire on the nearest opposition.

The alarm would have sounded but without power there wasn't any way of telling what the intruders were up to unless the guards were near the compression room. Sally grabbed one handle of the only other entry door knowing that the atmosphere of Mars would leak in and kill off anyone inside. She ordered, "Open this door manually! It should still be operational!" Two of the resistance soldiers turned the handles of the door similar to the vacuum ports of the shuttle and allowed the atmosphere to leak in. "Move in! Move! Seal the door behind us"

One of the soldiers hoped to find an easy way out of this situation when he asked, "We could just let the atmosphere kill off the personnel couldn't we?"

Sally reminded him, "Not if we wanted to let the civilians around us be killed off as well. Seal the door now!"

"Sir!"

The door was immediately shut behind them and Sally gave the order, "Let's find Fedorov and put an end to this."

It was a quicker trip out the tunnels than it was in now that Dana knew the way through. At the entrance that she made she found the nearby mountain she and the resistance had come from and ordered, "Everyone! The shuttle's about ready to launch! Get to the Gundams and the Ursas! We're going to be leaving this rock real soon!"

At the hiding place Trenton and Nasir continued to wait out one of the snipers pointed out, "Check that out, the Captain managed to take out the power generator it sounds like!"

Nasir broke the mood of victory they had when he pointed out, "Not without help though. Wonder if she'll still be part of the mission when this is done."

"What do you mean? What did she do?"

"You wonder why it is she didn't report back on the casualties of the enemy?"

"You're joking..."

When the sniper next to him realized the small alliance, Dana made with the enemy Nasir confirmed, "Doesn't sound like it. If she's lucky she'll get a hearing from someone about this."

Trenton did not want to have any more of the conversation and reminded them, "We've got our orders. That's something to wonder about later."

The sniper questioning Nasir agreed, "Good point. Let's get to those mobile suits!"

It was a matter of time before the Gundams were piloted out of the mountain top secondary base along with six of the eight Ursa units. "Now we only need to wait for the captain."

Nasir nodded when he heard Trenton's words as he responded, "Once we're ready for this trip off of Mars we're going to see what the big deal behind this operation is."

Several of Aleksei's men rushed into the command center reporting, "Sir! We've managed to confirm the presence of the breach! They're on their way here!"

Aleksei found the situation more impossible as it continued to mount cursing, "Damn! Seal all doors manually and keep them from breaching!"

As the men made every effort to seal the door behind them in hopes of waiting out the resistance one of his operators asked, "Do you think our forces will be able to take out the enemy sir?"

Aleksei observed the situation of the mobile suits outside when he answered, "It looks even right now. The Leos had the element of surprise however and we might not be able to push them back much longer."

"How are we supposed to survive this then?! We just gave the people a hope for nothing!"

"It won't be for nothing if we at least hope to see our ideals passed down. My speech will see that Martians of future generations will see an independent Mars one day. One day we will be able to start again."

"You're joking right?! I want to get out of here! I'll turn myself in if I have to!"

At this Aleksei took out his pistol and shot him in the head. He turned to everyone who was still present offering, "If there is anyone else who feels the need to abandon their position please speak now."

The base was in chaos with soldiers running into the base after having heard the call to defend their General. Arch was able to watch the soldiers rushing to the base before he saw one of the leading officers rush to the front doors. He heard him ask, "Report private! Are things going to hell like we thought?"

Arch was quick to answer, "I'm sorry to say they are sir. The General is going to need some help and fast. I'm on sentry. I'll let you know if any of the enemy tries to find its way further in."

The leading officer understood Arch's position as he ordered his following troops, "Okay men, let's get to the General fast! We need him protected!"

The gathering of troops made their way through the doors as Arch waited for them to continue on their way up the stairs. He saw them leave him behind before he ran through the front doors now able to fulfill his mission. Once he was outside, he threw away his jacket and beret that were part of the uniform.

"Well it looks like it's a mission complete for now." Underneath his uniform was a civilian attire: a black suit to match his black hair with a dark blue necktie that complimented his eye color. He ran across the confused city that became the battlefield that determined Mars' control. There were already Leos fighting the Scorpio Majors within the city, leaving only destruction. The explosion from a Leo nearly pushed him off-balance and he found cover from the flying debris. He avoided his eyes on the casualties of the battle with an aged man mourning the death of his grandson at the direction he chose not to see. His mission to topple Aleksei Federov from the inside was a success but he was disturbed by the deaths he indirectly caused with this. "It was unavoidable. It would be a far worse fate if Federov was allowed to gain power to challenge the Earth Sphere."

He saw the Solaris with personnel scrambling for the launch. He looked down to hear Zachariah near the entrance the ship and gave a shout, "Hey! Is Colonel Elias or Lieutenant Colonel Po here? Can you take me to them?"

The installation was raided by Sally's team as they took advantage of the chaos and shot down anyone who stopped to get in their way. Most of them were concerned of their situation wondering if they would still have favor with the civilians but at the moment were only concerned about their own wellbeing. There was one however who managed to weasel his way out of this situation though and it was not a pleasant sight for Sally.

Greg made his way through the halls and came across her while he held up his hands in surrender, "Lieutenant Colonel! Good work on this mission! I knew you'd be able to break in here! I never doubted you for a second!"

Sally raised her rifle to Greg's head and asked, "Let me guess. You're trying to use deception as an excuse to get out of the side that turned out to be wrong, are you?"

"W - Of course not! I've been trying to get this place out of control and the Solaris out of here! I only needed to get closer to the General!" He spoke aloud trying to remind himself of his seemingly impossible situation.

"Even if it's true that's just disgusting. You gave away our position and revealed your true intentions when you thought we were pinned down. And now that you see what happens, you want to just get out of here alive."

"I served the Coalition and willingly thought that your team would be able to bring it down! And how many years do you think I had to get through just to endure more of it?"

She prepared barrel to meet with his forehead, "Men like you are weak. Self-interest is not what determines what's fair." With that final warning she fired her rifle into Greg's head and saw him fall to the floor without protest. She turned around and found the team was prepared to meet with the ones who were commanding him. She ordered, "If he went this way the main command will be close by. Prepare to move!"

The team made its advance through the main base and eventually found the main door they were searching for. It was sealed tight and the plating made sure that it would absorb most ammunition.

Sally ordered her team, "Let's plant the bomb!"

"On it sir!"

It took about a minute for the case to attach and was now prepared with a few seconds ready to blow. "It's in place now!"

"Breaching! Breaching!"

As soon as the door exploded, they were given entry to Fedorov's command center now prepared to meet with the final confrontation. Against their guard though someone started firing into Sally's team. No one could tell if there was a particular side who fired first but regardless it was time to begin the most decisive firefight of Aleksei's life.

While the personnel continued to prepare ready for the launch, Zachariah and Keijo were sent out to keep watch and see if there was someone to wait for. It was somewhat unpleasant that they could only watch the Leos and Scorpios duel it out with one another while they were still left to wait until the mobile suits made it to the dome.

Zachariah was the one who commented on their fortune, "Well having a front seat view for the destruction isn't too bad of a compensation."

"You'd be out there fighting? I'd find it pretty tedious to avoid crushing any civilians."

"Don't know what anything is like out there. I guess some of them are probably feeling that way though." He recognized the shouting from the man above them noting, "Huh?" It was apparently a last-minute passenger trying to find his way down and even knew about Elias and Sally with their plan to get out of here. Deciding to be cautious about the approach he told Keijo, "Hey Jutila you keep watch here and let the others know if something happens down there."

"Okay just be careful."

Zachariah came up from the launching pit and found the man waiting for him. It made sense that he had his weapon with him seeing that it would be his last resort if the enemy was out for a surprise attack or if this man was trying to lure him out here. "Okay, should I know who I'm escorting before I take you down there?"

As the explosion sounded there was gunfire between both sides. Aleksei took cover behind one of the desks as the men in the operations room did the same while doing what they could to protect their General in a final stand against the enemy. Aleksei tried to calm down the violence, "Cease fire! Cease fire!" It was no use as soon as the resistance was firing right after they entered. Aleksei was somewhat thankful that their new side-arms had been upgraded to face against any potential enemy threats they had on the inside. They were fixed to have more effective immediate damage on targets as well as offer more precise aim for anyone who was in the shooters' sights.

Aleksei groaned at this situation when he tried to help his men by firing into the resistance crowd. He believed that talks were possible but whoever it was fired had eliminated those hopes. He knew his men could hold an effective stand against them but at the same time more of them would be lost and trying to win back the people would be that much more of a problem. For all his belief in the Peacecraft Doctrine none of it was now able to come into play when neither sides were willing to hear out what they would want. "Perhaps these hopes for peace are just wishful thinking after all." He lamented to himself

He fired along with his men and saw the suited resistance members fall down along among the corpses of operators and guards who tried to fend off against the invading soldiers. It was with a final few shots that the resistance began to falter under the enemy resistance and the men began to have some breathing room in between the firing range that they had been engulfed in. Long minutes passed and Aleksei began to feel the mounting weight of every death in his name as he continued his defense.

Finally, when it seemed as though the resistance would no longer have any further soldiers to throw at them there was only a few men left in the room and the resistance was sprawled over the ground before them.

One of his operators informed, "I think we... got them sir..." He was greatly injured from the debris and from a gunshot to his left leg but managed to maintain his stand before his General.

Aleksei thanked, "You've done more than serve the call of duty soldier. Men, get him to the infirmary!"

"Yes sir." Two nearby operators helped the injured man to his feet as they helped him out of the operating room.

The General walked forward to survey his men and observe what the others tried to do to cope with their bare victory. Among the injured of the resistance members he found one woman who he remembered from their first meeting. One that he did not hope to see end in a battle such as this. Why she was still on the battle lines voluntarily was a subject that needed interrogation. Before he gave an order to have her taken away to the infirmary Aleksei offered his sympathy to her, "Ms. Po... I never wished to see you killed at my command. I only hope that you don't feel your service was in vain at this point."

The Gundams were handled somewhat awkwardly but they managed to reach the end at last as the two pilots made their advance towards the dome and towards the entry way. The Ursa units were less of a problem since they were built on more familiar hardware for the pilots though it was tempting to resist destroying the area around them with such power at their fingertips.

As the dome began to open the Solaris was now in view for the outside of Mars to see. It stretched out for a mile when it was finished in this sequence giving plenty of access to the lower hangars to be accessed. One of the Ursa pilots had an obvious sense of achievement when she pointed out, "We're out of the blue it looks like. It's going to be nice to make our way back to Earth."

Trenton in the Uriel agreed, "I almost forget what it's like up there. Is it a radioactive wasteland yet Captain?"

"It's not at that point. There's going to be something to return home to." Dana and the Artemis followed them in and attempted to get in the right position. Seeing that the shuttle was set at a vertical position the mobile suits would be lying face down when they were placed inside.

"The magnetization process is underway! Back first and get ready to head to the passenger seats!" She changed the frequency of her radio to match with the signal inside reporting, "Colonel Rumfoord, this is Captain Houston speaking. The Lieutenant Colonel has requested to be left behind for the mission and asks us to leave ASAP." With that report she entered the shuttle as the first two Gundams did and waited for her chance to enter.

When Dana found the process was beginning, she entered the passenger terminal with the remainder of the squads. She found Gawel and greeted, "Majewski. You did a lot for us out there today. Not a bad job at all."

"Thanks Captain. A few medals will probably recognize my effort. 'Course like everyone else I'm just here because I'm trying to help win this war."

Dana recognized Gawel's ambivalent nature towards the war status but knew he was at least sincere about supporting their war effort a real possibility. "Is the shuttle getting ready to launch though? It doesn't seem like there's any activity going on."

"There's apparently still someone out there we managed to contact who we don't know, and we need to confirm their status."

"Hope it isn't long then. We're probably going to be using this thing to win the war at some point."

Nasir entered their conversation asking, "I take it working with the enemy wasn't too big of a problem then? You didn't promise him any Gundam tech did you?"

Dana knew that her secret about collaborating with Tano wasn't going to be a long held one and simply answered with partial sarcasm, "I was thinking about leaving him a goodbye kiss but thought better of it. We're enemies at the end of the day and we need to make sure we face each other properly in the battlefield next time."

Nasir saw that she had as strong resolve as ever and offered, "Not sure if the Colonel is going to feel that way but whatever you say."

Dana continued to observe the monitors with the activity outside going on. She saw the Scorpio Major units and the Leo IIIs making their advances but wondered how Sally and the others were going to handle the situation at this point. "Is there any word on what the Lieutenant Colonel is planning to do down there?" She asked one of the operators near her.

The resistance turned out to be a lot more powerful than expected as the final stand of Aleksei's men fired at Sally's team. Their pistols were able to carry all the firepower of a standard rifle and used properly could provide better aim as well. When the crossfire had ended there were probably still some injured men but most of them would likely be dead at some point.

If Sally had more of a team and better equipment, she might have been able to get out of here and to the shuttle. She didn't come in with that thought in mind though and simply accepted that this was her final fate. The Earth Sphere needed the extra forces and some of the best men they had to offer and she was not among them. She was a veteran who long had the desire to see that she could make a difference in the war.

It was probably what she saw in Dana Houston that she admired. She was just like a daughter to her. It was only unfortunate that she couldn't have the chance to get to know her better. This was however the only way that she could fulfill her duty as a soldier and accomplish something that would change the war for the better. This was the type of day that she had long prepared for.

She gave a final grunt, "Don't worry about it Fedorov." She exposed underneath her suit a time bomb used in the same matter as the one to destroy the door on her way in. The big exception being the five pounds of C4 attached to it. She knew there were some with a look of fear when they saw this sight, but she offered them condolence, "You can make up for it in hell." With that final warning Sally Po gave her final dealing into the art of war and the great mark she would leave upon her place in history. Of all the things and people she remembered from her long and rough past she parted with the hope, Wufei… I hope you didn't wait too long… With that final goodbye twenty meters of the control room had exploded into oblivion. Both Sally and the defecting General were at the center of the explosion.

The man introduced himself. "My codename is Agent Arch. I am part of the Resistance, spying on the military base." He saved his real name until he is allowed to speak to the Colonel. As a spy, he was tasked with observing the movement of the Coalition forces from the base and sent reports to the rest of the Resistance but due to the tight security, he could only send them occasionally and communications with the rest were difficult.

Zachariah considered the code name asking, "Agent Arch huh?" Deciding that there wasn't any point to staying out in the open he ordered, "Okay follow me." The two went onto the platform as it descended back down to the entry level of the Solaris.

Keijo saw the man in front of Zachariah and asked out of curiosity, "Who's this guy?"

Zachariah only shrugged at the question, "Some Agent the resistance sent in. Keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't try to do anything funny."

"Good idea." He turned around to see the explosion from the base he saw was brought to Arch's attention. As the Leos were still in the battlefield, it could be the work of the Resistance. He lamented that even his side was not immune.

Of all the losses that Dana had made in her career as a pilot there were few losses that managed to be very hard hitting to her. She remembered the retreat from Penza along with losing many friends she had made in the entry exams. Of everyone she lost, this one was the one that came close to hitting that hard. Once Dana saw the explosion from the enemy headquarters building, she only now understood what Sally really meant when she talked about staying behind. It was either a suicide mission or a complete success. It had been clear what happened here now.

Dana didn't cry or mourn as she fell on her knees from the sudden realization before her on screen. This loss was a heavy one that mounted on her like a rotten apple inside a whole barrel full of them. The woman she looked up to and the one that she had always hoped to meet one day had given her final act of service in the name of the Earth Sphere.

Dana only looked down at the ground in despair as she endured what pain had come. She knew by now what war would take from both sides and this was only to be another scar on her lifetime. One that wasn't visible but would cut very deep.

Dana felt herself lifted from the floor by Mercurio's assistance and into a nearby seat for her to sit down. Being stuck in such a shocked state she didn't even care about being touched at this point and simply waited in place for the launch to occur. Once she sat down, she did her security belt herself and quickly slammed her fists on her knees cursing, "How… How was I not supposed to see that happening?"

As soon as Elias and Alberto saw the effect that the explosion had on their Captain, they could tell that it was hard on her. Even battle-hardened fighters as old as Dana were able to feel pain from losing fighting men and women as they gave their life for the cause. This one was now a crippling loss that both groups knew would affect the war greatly.

Alberto lightly ordered, "Yuy. Please help Houston to her seat."

Mercurio tried to be respectable answering, "… Yes sir." He helped Dana up to her feet hoping that she wouldn't be in so much of a state she didn't want anyone to touch her. They needed to prepare for the launch despite how anyone felt about the loss of the Lieutenant Colonel.

Elias stayed on focus when he ordered, "All personnel. Begin the launch."

Another one of the technicians overlooking the launch sequence answered, "Yes sir. Liftoff is soon to begin."

Zachariah and Keijo entered the passenger hallway introducing Agent Fire, "Sir we've got a special passenger. Hope he won't be too much trouble."

"Once we make takeoff, we'll hear from him."

A half hour passed as the shuttle went through the preparations and loaded what mobile suits could be saved for the trip. One of the technicians reported, "All units are loaded."

The concentration in the battlefield was interrupted by the fires that made themselves evident over the roof of the Martian headquarters. "Sir, it looks like the fighting forces might have lost their back spine."

"That is the case. I won't have to face the General as it looks like the Resistance did the job for me." He kept the disappointment to himself when he kept his words from being heard on the comms channel, "I will say at least in a way I didn't hope for."

Ross entered the line when he pointed out, "It looks like we've gained the upper-hand of the fight sir. Morale is at an all-time low since they know Fedorov is dead."

Another one of the Leo pilots gave a report, "Lieutenant! Captain Keaney is down there!"

Tano checked his monitors before seeing his superior officer on the ground near the headquarters bracing for cover while firing his pistol on nearby Coalition soldiers that found their way near him. He gave an approving observation as he reloaded his sniper rifle, "Seems like he managed to pull off something that we didn't know he had in him. Let's get him a unit once we're finished here."

Another one of the pilots fired on one of the nearby Scorpio Majors when he reported, "The shipyard is all clear sir. We've got our tickets back to the Admiral's ship after we've finished having our fun down here."

Tano observed through the targeting scope before he finished off a Scorpio Major. He simply gave his order, "This is an order for all units. We will seize a shuttle after the departure of the Solaris."

He heard Pankhum ask on the other line, "Sir? We've got a prime opportunity to take out the Gundams. Shouldn't we shoot them down?"

Tano felt the temptation to fire the shuttle that Dana and the other Gundams were pinning their hopes on to take them home. He hesitated for a brief few seconds before he remembered something very important to him that he promised he would never abandon. "No... Permission to fire at the ship is not granted. We will retain our honor unlike the traitors." He firmly ordered.

"Engines are at optimal power."

"Prepare final launch sequence."

"Launching in 8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1… We have liftoff!" If the launch was meant to be less demanding the second time Mercurio and some of the others showed that it wasn't something they had gotten used to. Despite what they felt they now knew that they were finally successful in getting off this planet. The losses were great but they would now be able to say the completed this major front. The Solaris was in the hands of the Earth Sphere as it was meant to be.

For Dana, the thought of knowing Sally had given her life for the chance to see the corrupted Coalition General literally taken out of existence was a worthwhile cause. Still the feeling of loss was something that she could not shake off as she saw the explosion seared into her mind. It was the feeling that she had to push herself out of when the launch had begun and felt the pressure weigh down on her. For the first time in her life it actually felt more like a relief than it was a pressure that could have potentially killed her.

Donna saw Mercurio help Dana to her seat when she asked, "Is the Captain okay? Was she injured?"

Mercurio turned to see Donna nearby when he answered, "It was something she didn't expect to happen. It was before she got back in here."

"Wait. You mean that she lead the Lieutenant Colonel into the base?" Donna couldn't comment on the state of Captain Dana after she witnessed the explosion at Federov's base. The captain talked about the scar she received from combat ignored but losing the person on her pedestal was above the physical wound. She was in deep shock that Mercurio had to escort her to a seat for the launch. She couldn't think of anything to say on the matter but decided that letting the Captain mourn after they safely depart Mars would be the best decision for now.

She saw Mercurio return to his seat next to her when she asked, "How many days will it take before she recovers emotionally?"

Mercurio tried to hold back his conflicted answer when he said, "Hopefully enough that we don't have any battles on our way back to Earth. She might not be at her best. If anything, she'll probably have the same timeframe Alberto had when Major Kolek was taken down.

Donna nodded when she heard Mercurio's grim account for the realities of war as she agreed, "We have lost a real figure of history today. If anything, I think you could pull something out to get her out of the breakdown."

Mercurio sighed when he reluctantly agreed, "Somebody has to. We all have to be around to offer support. Right now, all we can do is press forward and hope that we have the means of continuing forward."

Donna recounted his evaluation when she added, "The Mobile Suits including our Gundams have now been loaded into the shuttle and we can head back to the Earth Sphere. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like we can do anything about the current situation."

Mercurio agreed with her observation when he pointed out, "We can say that situation on Mars is as bad as Earth. If anything, we just ignited a powder keg that was waiting to blow. One thing is for sure. The Solaris needs to be worth everything that we risked to get out of here."

Donna sat back in her chair when she told herself, "It's fully possible that Mars will have a shorter time to recover from the horrors of this conflict once it's over. It might be the best place for me at least."

Mercurio turned to ask, "What do you mean?"

Donna turned away at the question when she answered, "Nothing. Just thinking to myself." Mercurio chose to accept Donna's words as he waited in his seat for the first rush that he felt in his trip to the planet.

Arch waited until the shuttle completely left the Martian atmosphere before he spoke. Once the process was complete, he introduced himself to Alberto. "Agent Arch, reporting back from espionage on the Coalition Martian headquarters." He was roughly about the same age as the younger Gundam pilots. "I know that the information on my position might have been lost seeing communicating with the rest of the organization was dangerous. But I promise that I am on your side."

When the shuttle made its way out of the atmosphere, she unlatched her security belt and floated towards the nearest wall. She rubbed her face with both hands trying to relieve her stress before turning to one of the shuttle operators asking, "Is there a simulation room around here?"

The technician answered, "In the hangar bay area Captain. It should be available if you'd like to use it." Dana pushed him aside and marched to the elevator of the shuttle. She had stress to work out for herself and she didn't want to accidentally bring it out on anyone who wanted to try and offer their condolences.