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 17: Forged Convictions

As the chaos on the planet below began to continue unfolding, Admiral Demetrios Kontoyannis of the Martian fleet began to receive his reports. His Vice Admiral announced, "Admiral. It seems likely that the enemy made its way off planet. We are unsure of how many of them made it off planet, but they appear to have taken the shuttle that General Fedorov was tasked with protecting."

Demetrios searched the images that were taken from the Solaris' flight as it made its way off planet. "And you can be certain that the enemy left in this shuttle?"

"The enemy science team was the only force who was able to profess in saying that they could make the shuttle operational. With how little we could get them to cooperate in the past it is unlikely they managed to make the shuttle launch."

"This is a most unfortunate failure. Now that the Solaris shuttle has begun to make its way off planet, it is now our mission make a pursuit to retrieve it from the enemy before it could be used to its full potential."

His Vice Admiral stood behind him to ask, "Do we have a conception of what sort of weapon this could be sir?"

"All we do know is that the Martians had possession of that weapon for many years but if the reports are to be believed, to have it lost is something General Fedorov will have to take many hours to justify." Sitting back in his chair and observing the flight pattern that the enemy would take to the next target he decided, "This will be a regrettable report for the officials at 3 Juno. If anything, they will probably General Fedorov will need to offer a full report on his failure."

"Yes sir."

When they began to wait for the future report on the part of General Fedorov one of the operators found a signal enlarged on his screen. "Sir we are receiving a signal from our forces on the ground that there will be a shuttle intercepting with our location."

Demetrios was curious about his own forces making their way off planet but it was something that they had to pay attention to when they needed assistance. "We shall make the pursuit for the enemy shuttle. Immediately after we board them fire the primary thrusters and prepare to engage."

The operator announced into the ship intercom, "Yes sir. Primary hangar prepare to board one of our shuttles. Prepare for primary flight once we begin our pursuit."

Demetrios lamented the lost chance he had to hear Aleksei's excuses but told his staff, "This will be a matter left to the main forces of 3 Juno once they have seen the damage the Earth Sphere forces have done. In the meantime, it shall fall upon us to ensure that we do not need to see the Solaris mark the first step of an Earth Sphere victory."

Gawel knew that Dana probably had a tough time taking the loss and even he managed to feel sorry for her sacrifice. The only time he even got to have a personal word with Sally he was being crushed underneath her boot for inappropriate behavior. Still the fact that she was a soldier before anything else was something that was worth honoring and he couldn't deny her that. The sight of seeing his friends taking a hit in morale from such losses though could only be described as disheartening.

He made his first attempt to break the silence pointing out, "Well… Looks like we managed to pull off this much."

Trenton entered the conversation Gawel tried to start telling him, "If that's the most you have Majewski it's probably better you just wait for something to actually evaluate."

"… Yeah alright."

Mercurio told Trenton, "He's just trying to get our spirits up at this rate now. I know we can't really call this much of a victory but it's better than knowing that the Coalition or some independent entity will have this shuttle's capabilities."

Keijo shook his head explaining, "I don't think it's any good Yuy. We've already given so much to lose so much. Even better we're not any closer to winning this war and we probably left Mars in a worse state than before."

Mercurio recognized the problem when he agreed, "We probably did…" General Aleksei Fedorov was dead and now there would be some demand for leadership. "The way things have been left, the people might resort to something very desperate at this rate and the thoughts of independence might be their only hope."

Donna reflected on the words Mercurio had on their mission to Mars before she recognized the unintended damage that was done to the planet. "Our stay was relatively short, but we seem to have made an impact that will last for many years."

Nasir was in a seat nearby when he pointed out, "That's how it is. If the Earth Sphere pulls itself out of this glorified exercise in futility, it will have a lot to measure up to unless it thinks a free Mars is somehow a good idea."

Ludwika was reluctant when she agreed, "We're the underdogs and all we have for support is back home. Hopefully they are happier to see us than when we left."

The soldier who identified himself as Nantakarn from earlier in the missions pointed out, "I thought we would have a more enthusiastic band of freedom fighters than this. We're going to have a lot to prepare for aren't we?"

Roy was sitting nearby when he answered, "Alright I guess I'll have to school you on how things actually work here Nantakarn."

"I'm actually Suchart."

"And you know we work on a last name basis."

"What we can't at least get to know everybody?"

"Socializing comes after the rundown."

Mercurio turned in his seat away from the rest when he considered the gravity of the situation while Suchart was being told about how Suchart's team was told how his transition to supporting the Earth Sphere team. Mercurio could find regret building within him at the fact that he was not able to do anything with the building pressure of the fate of the United Earth in the balance. If he were the only one fighting by himself, Mercurio believed that he would be able to make a real difference with the Uriel. At the same time he reminded himself, That's what anyone probably hopes for…

Elias turned away from his computer when Alberto greeted Agent Arch. He saw the person Zachariah had brought onboard and recognized at first sight at his introduction, "Agent Arch? Quite a relief to see you here. We thought you might have been compromised or killed. I regret we weren't able to come into contact with you sooner." He saw the launch commence into standard flight knowing he had to brief the others. "I'll help catch you up on things at some point. He stood up from his chair as he went to find the soldiers of the who came to acquire the Solaris.

Elias saw the status of the soldiers and their weariness while Dana excused herself from the others. It was going to be difficult on all of them but knew that he had a duty when it came to this issue. He began speaking, "Everyone. This mission has been hard on all of us. Everyone who enlisted in the Earth Sphere military branch knew that there were to be challenges and knew how demanding it would be. This mission that we have been forced to accomplish for the last few years has been just one of them.

"After bringing so much to the cause it is regrettable that after so many losses we are forced to ask more of you. However it is both our duty as soldiers and the only way that we will be able to our Earth saved from the Coalition. Hopefully this won't take too long to accomplish but we will be very fortunate if we are so lucky.

He brought up a holographic map showing the course from Mars to Earth as he explained, "From what we have estimated the trip back to Earth may take as long as it took the Earth Sphere shuttles to make their way here. This shuttle does have more speed, but we will need to make two stops before we are within safe reaching distance of Earth."

He pointed to one of the colonies in the L4 cluster explaining, "Our first stop will be at Colony L4 – 18777. The Earth is well out of orbit with where you left last time and now, we'll need to arrive here to have the shuttle realigned with the path to meet contact with Earth when we arrive."

Finally, the last location was on Luna was explained, "After that we'll need to reach the Luna base for the second addition to the Solaris. We haven't received any details on what we're supposed to receive but we only hope it will further the cause.

The map dissipated, and he finished the briefing, "You're free to wait out the rest of the trip until we make it to the L4 colony. This may be the closest thing to R and R you'll be getting for a while. Dismissed."

Donna followed her group of soldiers when she commented to herself, "We've come this far. Let's hope the war will not make the state of the L4 Colonies or Luna base worse."

Ludwika agreed, "The Coalition controls most of space and we don't want to be the ones tipping the scales in favor of the Coalition."

Donna found the series of halls that offered a way through the shuttle when she was met by Ludwika who commented, "I think Roy has a new friend to pal around with. That Nasir guy is not someone you'll want to pay serious attention to Lindemann."

Donna turned to her to ask, "He is a fellow pilot though. You will do everything to help all of us won't you?"

Ludwika reluctantly shrugged, "It's my duty isn't it?"

Donna made her way to the mess hall as she saw the weary soldiers resting themselves from the demanding mission. She grabbed a tube labelled 'black coffee' from a cabinet before taking a seat and tearing the opening point of the tube. Suchart sat next to her when he asked, "Hey Lindemann. It seems like the rest of the guys here aren't too excited about being here. Were they always this pessimistic on the idea of overwhelming odds?"

Donna took a sip out of her tube before answering, "Ever since we left Warsaw we did have a bit of trouble trying to cling to hope as a realistic idea. We had an almost never-ending series of battles to go through and even our trip to Mars hasn't exactly been a break from all the violence."

"It sounds like it. Even with the fabled Gundams on our side we as soldiers aren't exactly invincible."

"And I feel as though I might have done something to Mars that I will have to personally work on myself if I want to see the actions we left behind be done."

"Missy, you aren't thinking of going back are you?"

"Uh no."

"I understand you might have been enjoying your stay down there Lindemann but seriously you need to keep your mind on the mission. Being able to head back there any time in our lifetime is dependent on us winning this war." Roy said as he entered the conversation.

Suchart tried to build a defense for Donna when he rationalized, "I'm pretty sure that she knows her duty before anything else. Mars won't be as completely decimated as you might think it will be when we're gone."

"I'm actually more worried about seeing Lindemann here being able to remember that we have a lot more to worry about than some special favors she has to return if she ever plans on returning."

Donna questioned Keijo's accusation, "What makes you think I offer special favors to someone?"

Roy reminded her, "It's pretty obvious sis. You were able to get away from being interrogated by some Coalition soldiers by promising to return to their side one day. Or are there some extra details I'm missing on?"

Donna realized what her fellow pilot was pointing to before she answered, "He didn't request anything from me actually. he only let me leave without a problem."

Roy was surprised when he heard this, "What? Nothing?"

Donna confirmed his observation, "It was really all in thanks to a lenient soldier."

Donna walked down the main street past a few unsuspecting people while avoiding any possible conversation. hoping to find a map with directions. "Coast looks to be clear. Now just to find my way to the destination." Donna searched one of the nearby benches when she managed to find a city map. It was vandalized with the words 'Mars is Home' but she managed to figure out where she was after looking at the map closely viewing past the graffiti.

"Pass please."

Donna was caught off guard when she heard those words and turned to notice two soldiers waiting for her response. "I forgot it at home..." She answered rushing for a response.

The soldier raised an eyebrow of suspicion. "Again?" He asked.

"I forgot it at home..." She replied again.

The soldier sighed. "Ma'am, at your age, you should already know to have your pass with you for inspections." He said.

"I'm sorry." She answered back.

"We'll have to escort you back to base to identify you. Once we find out who you are, we will notify your family, employer or friend to bail you out." The soldier spoke as he wrote a note. He passed it a younger soldier, obviously a junior. "Otto, kindly take her to headquarters to question her."

A youthful soldier heard his superior's order. "Yes sir." He responded to the order. He immediately got his handcuffs to cuff Donna up. Donna only cooperated when she felt the cuffs clasp around her wrists before she was gestured by the young man to follow.

After there were no more soldiers on sight, the soldier grabbed the key for the handcuff. Donna thought it was strange because the headquarters were still far away. Once she was uncuffed, she turned to the soldier.

"You're free to go." He said with a smile. "I'll tell him that you've been given to someone else." He walked away to a coffee shop.

Suchart and Roy were both as puzzled by Donna's description of the events as she was when she told them about it. "Sounds like you managed to catch an admirer out there missy. Someone is trying to be a gentleman with a uniform it seems like."

Roy denied the simple answer when he accused, "That cannot be right. There is no way that you make that serious of an effort to go against orders and then just leave it at that. I might even have to warn Yuy that he'll have some competition on his hands."

"You know that it wouldn't be that shallow of a reason right?"

"Why are you worried about her being taken as well?" Before Donna bothered listening to the escalating argument between the two she simply stood up without them looking as she commented to herself, "I should expect this of men in the ranks I suppose." She took another drink of her coffee tube when she commented, "If it was possible for me to return the favor to that man... I wish I had the option at this point."

The soldiers remained in their seats in the mess hall while others left to wander about various portions of the ship. Mercurio in the meantime was still wondering just what he would be able to accomplish now. He was a Gundam pilot but at the same time a soldier. He had his orders and he had his ambitions. The Earth Sphere really did fight for a worthy cause but having to follow the rules of engagement was becoming harder to accept at this point.

He saw Keijo walk next to him as he asked, "You look almost as chewed up as Lindemann back there Yuy. Something bothering you about Mars too?"

Mercurio turned to see Keijo next to him as he answered, "I guess you could say that it's something similar to that. I guess it's these limits of having to be a soldier but still having a Gundam to potentially destroy the Coalition's advance. If it weren't for this mission, we probably could have pushed them back out of Europe and possibly destroyed the Testudo. In fact, I'm trying to figure out several key things that probably could have been changed be they Gundam pilots past and present might have encountered. Would they really have been better off under a higher command? Would they have achieved the same results they made?"

Zachariah was next to show up when he offered, "Can't say I didn't know you had those sorts of questions in you Yuy. Unfortunately, we don't have much of a chance to answer questions like these because of who we're supposed to be."

Mercurio turned to him to ask, "You don't think we have business trying to find an alternative solution to anything Zach?"

Zachariah offered, "I'm all for options but we're just the grunts here Yuy. I'm sure both you and Jutila knew this when you accepted the draft. It's all I knew when I was transferred to Warsaw last year."

Keijo brought up a key factor that he was reminded of when he asked, "I take it that your patrol with Majewski left you more of an impression than you might have liked? He whole family history on the Eve Wars isn't something that he likes to make sure isn't forgotten after all."

Mercurio agreed, "Yeah. That does give me something to wonder about. Unfortunately, Zachariah is right. I'm here to try and make a difference. If the Solaris turns out to be worth the struggle though I think my resolve might be rebuilt a little."

Zachariah agreed with the answer when he offered, "We can only hope that we don't need to endure anything serious before the war claims everyone we really value."

Keijo accepted the observation when he added, "We have to make sure that we don't end up seeing the entire crew go into a fit of confusion if our top three pilots aren't in their prime fighting condition."

Zachariah placed his hands on both of their shoulders when he offered, "I know you guys can't think without your minds at their sharpest, let's see if the food up here is any better."

The flight of the Solaris had continued its way towards the two target locations while Mercurio and the other mobile suit pilots were finally given a chance to eat in the mess hall. They still had to eat from packets and some were just that much more anxious to reach Earth to get out of the tedium working with them. At a certain point, Gawel began a conversation, "So how long were those people on Mars thinking about breaking away from the Earth Sphere?"

Trenton gave the first answer, "Probably sometime after we failed to maintain it from the Coalition invasion. If Captain Houston was right they're probably not happy about the terraformation effort being cut short and I don't really think we did anything to push them back on track."

Ludwika realized the situation the Coalition had created for themselves when she warned, "And hell, if someone in the Coalition was able to get behind the idea of independence the enemy probably still has some broken ranks."

Mercurio agreed to the sentiment pointing out, "Yeah the current Coalition President made it a goal of his to weed out people like that."

Keijo echoed the words of Alberto when he told them, "It just goes to show that the enemy still doesn't have something that we have. At least we should hope we still have that sense of unity."

Mercurio tried to be discreet when he asked, "You don't think anyone in our ranks is planning to defect from this mission do you?"

"Probably not. We still have to hope that you Lindemann and Houston are the ones most dedicated to our cause."

"Yeah I guess so. I don't think Donna has plans to do that anytime soon. Do you think Captain Houston's state is something to worry about though?"

Suchart pointed out, "You'd be dense to think that there isn't something wrong with her after what just happened a little while ago."

Roy agreed to the implied decision to help their Captain asking, "Any volunteers for that mission?" When the majority of the pilots shook their head at the idea and some just being neutral, Roy turned to Mercurio telling him, "Guess you're the one for it Yuy."

Mercurio wondered if it was right that he should attempt trying to talk to Dana about what happened a little while ago. The worst she would probably do would be trying to imitate Sally's disciplinary action on Gawel. He eventually decided it was probably the best he could offer when he got up and said, "… Well it's better than leaving her alone."

Roy gave him a final parting, "I'll be sure to arrange your funeral!" Once Mercurio left another conversation had begun with Roy being the blunt of the attack on his attitude.

The simulation room was very similar to the one on the shuttle Mercurio, Dana, and Donna had arrived on Mars in. It was much larger and had more cabinets for training simulation. Only one of them was being used though when Mercurio saw a lit-up screen standing out from the rest of the blank ones. He didn't need to look twice to know that Dana was the one inside but waited for the next available moment he could begin speaking to her.

From what he could see from the activity of the simulation she was training on a high level.

He made a brief glance to see Dana's progress as he watched her re-enacting a battle on Earth on a snowy battlefield. From the statistics on the screen he could see that she was focused on the highest level that she could activate on the simulation cabinet. Level 8 was built to challenge mobile suit pilots with the task of attacking four enemy squads in the ruins of a colony with only minimal possible reinforcements. She hadn't gotten to levels nine or ten but he knew they were likely much harder than what she was currently allowed to access.

As the final assault made its pass, she took out the rest of the enemy with relative ease to receive her results. Dana had done well in the attack and fair with maintaining her own mobile suit but found that the majority of her reinforcements had been destroyed in a separate attack. She slammed her hand against the joystick out of frustration as her failure on Mars came back to bite her in the simulation.

As soon as she was finished with the level, Mercurio stepped away to avoid giving the appearance of peeking on his superior officer. She stepped out to give him the chance to ask, "Sir, some of the squad is wondering about the state of our forces. They're wondering if you can offer any advice or support."

It was after she finished looking on her results that Dana heard Mercurio enter with his question for the rest of the troops. She turned around with a visibly aggravated face answering, "I'll give you some words of encouragement. You know what they say about keeping your enemies closer? Bullshit." She let this be the words for Mercurio to take back but she had a question for Mercurio, "Now I'd like to hear from you Yuy. Do you or anyone else plan on throwing out your life for the Earth Sphere? 'Cause if you are I am qualified to take disciplinary action right now. I'm not the same rank as Majewski and I actually know how to do it properly." She wasn't one to shoot the messenger but if Mercurio was among them she would have him asking for it by the time she was done.

As soon as Dana asked her question to Mercurio he found himself very concerned about the distress that she was feeling. He answered, "I understand sir. And trust me we aren't going to be jumping into the battlefields just to try and get ourselves killed. But the men are worried about your current state right now." He didn't even bother trying to follow with the usual procedure when he continued speaking to her, "I know that you feel like you lost something out there today Captain. But what just happened isn't something that can be changed. We have to move forward with hopes of keeping these sorts of things from happening again. We all joined up for this cause because we had something we believed in and we have to make choices that the other side opposes. We all risk getting killed every day when we follow those choices."

It was the duty that every soldier was asked to follow when they enlisted and anyone of a higher rank than a recruit was meant to know this. Regardless of who would be lost a soldier was meant to take whatever punishment he was offered when the enemy tried to deny his arguments. It was probably all the more significant of a question when Mercurio added to his previous statements, "I know this isn't the first time you've been through a situation like this either Captain. I would think you'd know that trying to keep this from other people is not going to work."

Dana palmed a towel to her forehead and answered Mercurio's assessment, "Well from what I've seen so far you're not one to tell a lie without me knowing about it... Yeah, you're right. This isn't the first time Yuy."

Mercurio tried to remember the last time that she would have been subject to such a trying time when he asked, "It was back at the retreat in Penza wasn't it?"

Dana nodded when she confirmed, "The Testudo's landing itself. Me and Capon were all just under the command of our superiors that day and the Coalition was at its most desperate when it wanted its trump card to reach the Earth Sphere capital safely. Even then I was already a veteran who had discipline years prior."

"There was a time where you had to be disciplined Captain?"

"There was. When the Coalition made its first descent to Earth. It seemed like we had no option other than to lie down and endure the slaughters that made Warsaw look like a resounding success. It didn't matter how many dropships the Earth Sphere was able to throw off course, they still had something that kept us from having any chance to survive. My first sortie out there, I lost just about every high school friend I even made just small talk with. Right now I can't even consider calling myself an emotional wreck beyond help."

"But you were able to pull yourself together. You didn't let that one point define who you were."

"You're right. After being painstakingly disciplined from what could have happened."

"And even then you weren't exactly a recruit." Mercurio pointed out.

Dana tried to avoid sounding like she was accusing him of something wrong when she pointed out, "It's probably easier for you to say as a new recruit. Just be ready to remind yourself what you said when it actually happens out there. I had to be reminded the same thing when I was at a higher rank and it took me a few beatings from my superior to get my act back together. When it does, trust me. The simulation is probably going to be the only friend that will constantly return from battle." It was true although it was mostly because she had to be reminded the same thing when she was even younger than Mercurio. Although she was still quite impressed that Mercurio was able to recognize such an important part of combat engagement at his age. She voiced this when she added, "Major Capon wasn't the only one who thought you wanted to ride of the coattails of your pa. Probably the biggest relief out of this conflict so far is that you haven't shown the desire to follow him."

Mercurio remembered the first interview he had with Major Capon as Dana explained her feelings about his enrollment. "Yeah. I guess that was probably part of the reason I wanted to join the mobile forces when I was younger." He confessed. It was understandable him being a child when the Coalition descended to Earth. The thought of being so close to one of the Gundam pilots of the Eve Wars was enough to enthrall anyone who had glorious visions of what war might have been like and thought it could be done again. He continued, "I always thought my father was a superhero who just had to be called back into action and he would go out with the others to take down the Coalition like they did in the old days. I guess nineteen years is long enough to get people to think they aren't needed as soldiers anymore."

Dana listened to Mercurios' story about how his father was practically a useless figure in this war now. "Sounds about right. The Earth Sphere wasn't at that point of desperation yet." The pilots of old would at least be in their mid-forties by now and there wasn't any reason to put additional stress on them trying to take up a further cause. "And that would be the real reason you enlisted." Dana pointed out. "There are people who didn't want to fight anymore and live a peaceful life. Your pa was among them. You don't want his fight to be in vain."

Mercurio could see the reasoning behind Dana's point. The conflicts of old had to pass on their problems from the previous generation and it had to be handled by their children. It made him wonder, "Do you think Sally wanted to continue with a war like this? Do you think she ever wanted to live out a peaceful end of her days?"

Dana answered his question, "I wouldn't even bother questioning it. There might be some people who like the idea of going out full guns blazing but I don't think Sally was ever one of them." She went back to his thoughts about the old soldiers when she remembered, "Yeah I idealized the people from the Eve Wars too. I always wondered if the people who conducted those wars were really acting with the interests of humanity first. Sally was probably the only woman who I thought was wiling to fight for a worthwhile cause and I always wanted to be like her one day." She looked at her position now confirming, "I guess I did something right. I still probably have a lot to learn from better pilots and superiors though."

Mercurio agreed that Dana wasn't the most experienced soldier he knew but he was still able to remind her, "I think you're probably still one of the best out there for missions like these. There's a reason you were picked to pilot Artemis. There's a reason we were all picked to pilot the new Gundam models. And I know it isn't because we made it through entitlements." He shrugged his shoulders when he admitted, "It's probably a naïve way of putting it, but I didn't see anyone here who would be able to say that we got where they were just because they had a title or because we were randomly picked."

Dana recognized Mercurio's optimism when she simply said, "We still have good fighting men and women who want to see their blood and sweat mean something. I can let any of them down. That's for sure."

Dana had felt a great deal more assured from Mercurios' answer. The fact that he was a dedicated soldier who knew that there was something to be said about anyone in a position such as the ones they had. "It's great that you have faith in me like that Yuy. Trusting each other is just one step to making our performance that much better." She left the seat of the simulation chair and gave a light push on Mercurio's left arm with her hand as though she was spinning him around. "New order then. Try putting those moves on Donna next time. You know the regulations on superior officers." The conversation was a bit on the awkward side for both of them, but considering everything they had just witnessed and what they were recently talking about it was probably the best case scenario for both of them.

As Mercurio was shooed away to see the conversation end on a high note he could only must his answer, "Uh..." He didn't want her to think that he was going to frown on the idea but it would be a lie if he said he actually wanted to go by her suggestion. He didn't see anything wrong with Donna as a person but knew that military regulations were very strict about relationships with varying ranks even among equals. He diplomatically answered, "Well if you say so sir." He decided that it was probably for the best as he made his descent back down to the lower levels of the shuttle.

While Mercurio was sent to try and raise Dana's spirits, Donna could not find herself interested in what the rest of the pilots were trying to use to kill time. She still had her black coffee as she searched the halls of the shuttle while searching for the rest of the scientific crew that was at work maintaining the ship in its flight. Two men she did not expect to see. Both Alberto and her new superior Elias were standing in the hallway with a conversation between them.

Before Donna passed them she heard Alberto greet, "Lindemann. So you were finding the presence of your fellow pilots to be less than desirable I take it?"

She turned answer, "Uh no sirs. I just wasn't looking where I was going."

"So she's apparently the more aloof one I take it Capon?" Elias observed.

Alberto was more laid back than usual when he reminded, "Yeah, don't let that fool you. She was recognized as pilot material for a reason."

"I'm sure that's the case. I take it you must be anxious to get back in the Sandesgeist and slice up enemies like you were hoping to."

"I'm only here to ask my Major a question Colonel." Donna said as she made her presence reminded. Elias wasn't persuaded away from the conversation though when he turned for a passive form of approval from Alberto.

When Alberto nodded Elias offered, "Well anything you can say to him you can say to me."

Donna breathed lightly before asking, "Major, did it take you long to handle Kolek's demise?"

Alberto wasn't as concerned about making himself appear stalwart when he leaned on a nearby door to answer, "If you're asking me to be honest, I can't say that I have fully come to accept his passing. It was well over a month ago and it still feels like this sort of loss is new and fresh. Lindemann, consider yourself... well no. I can't call it fortunate. You haven't quite lost anyone to the war just yet anyway."

Donna tried to brush off the concern when she agreed, "Flake was injured but that's the only casualty in this current conflict."

"You forgot about some other experience she endured Capon?" Alberto remembered that Elias was not as caught up on events on Earth with his status of being transferred to Mars so many years ago. Seeing the fact that he would miss something as significant a point in Donna's life was not surprising.

He nodded when he answered, "Yeah. I did. Lindemann, the same surname of the noble family that saw the assassination of her mother almost twenty years ago."

Donna confirmed the reminder when she added, "Ever since that day my father pushed for me to be as much of a disciplined soldier as he was. It may have been what kept him from going mad with vengeance."

Elias opened the door Alberto standing next to when he offered, "Well we probably won't benefit much to simply stand out here. We have at least a few war stories we can exchange if you feel like joining us."

"Well..." Donna decided that she would prefer to stop and hear from the two when she agreed, "I guess it might not be so bad to hear from my superiors."

The three entered the room to find that it was a simple storage room with crates of repair materials contained for the inner halls of the shuttle. The three of them found a respective crate to sit on while Donna finished the tube of coffee. Elias was the first to continue the conversation, "So it sounds to me Capon that the golden boy of our band of warriors is in fact that Yuy boy. Possibly the last scenario I would have expected."

Alberto nodded when he agreed, "I have to admit that there is validity but keeping gossip to ourselves is why we're able to call ourselves leaders."

"Fair enough. Each one of your pilots down there went far and above what the Earth Sphere could have asked them to do."

"If I might ask my question Major, do you have any stories from the early days of the war that were truly meaningful to you?" Donna asked as she guided the two men to the conversation they had before.

Alberto recognized Donna's observation when he answered, "Ah of course. So you might have already come to terms with loss at an age that few ever deserve to endure. So I take it that you remember in detail Captain Houston's more recent accounts. The most refreshing thing I can say about you Lindemann is that you remind me of her when she first enlisted. She was just some American kid who was lucky to be one of the first to be drafted. Of all people to be selected in the hurriedly rebuilt Earth Sphere military I was fortunate to be her commanding officer since she first enrolled. We were fortunate to have entire stashes of old Leo models to prepare for the descend of the Coalition but as you might have guessed it only got us so far."

Elias considered the range of the story when he asked, "So when the Coalition first descended on America, she was among the first few to be forced to deal with a real threat on the part of the Coalition."

Alberto confirmed the story when he told him, "She was scared as hell for having to deal with the slaughter. I had to see to it myself that she was molded into real fighting material before I could see her joining the rest of the pilots who are just sitting in the ground right now. I wasn't even the commanding officer back then. I was just making sure that she had the support she needed. Just the job of every leading officer to make sure that soldiers are molded into real fighting machines."

Donna confirmed her superior's reflection when she added, "I can see that being the case. My father gave me a very passionate reason for seeking the Coalition to meet its demise. He is currently the head of the industries responsible for the breakthrough creation of the Ursa units that are supposed to replace the Leo units, but he had very clear accusations for why he has no support for them."

Elias was more interested than he was adding anything to the conversation when he heard Donna and Alberto say their piece on the matter of how they were enrolled. He came to the conclusion on what Till Lindemann sought to accomplish, "And he did everything possible to ensure that you and your brothers would feel the same way."

Donna nodded when she answered, "It was very much a factor. He has placed his honor as a former soldier of OZ as the foremost reason for why he wanted to defy them. Most of all for the Coalition's use of automated warships and mobile dolls during the first Descent War. He holds the wishes and beliefs of Treize Khushrenada very close to him. At least that is what he will allow anyone to observe about him."

Alberto wasn't as convinced when he added, "You suspect that he may have ulterior motives other than to simply see his pride but put full on display."

Donna prevented herself from displaying anything out of her character when she answered, "It is what I personally believe. But I think he wants to find the man who was responsible for the death of my mother. Right now, I believe that it will be the closest thing to give his mind some form of peace. He has said himself that if he were allowed the chance he would face every Coalition member or supporter to see his vengeance be given realization."

Alberto turned to Elias when he confirmed, "Till Lindemann. That man is a very passionate one. Were the choice up to him we would see him honor that promise. Unfortunately, we are going to be seeing the Coalition again very soon. It will mark another battle and a time where we may risk seeing more of our own die."

Donna remembered the possibility of conflict when she asked, "You think they have been able to track our path to L4 easily?"

Alberto confirmed her question, "It will be very easy for them to. Just me a promise to yourself Lindemann. Use that sort of vengeance your father has for the Coalition and do everything you can to channel it. Right now you are the closest thing to an extension of him he has."

Donna nodded when she held a fist to her chest as she promised, "For the honor of my United Earth... But for more than anything my father. This will be far greater of than a principle for OZ. This shall be one for all humanity."

Elias leaned back when he saw Donna make her pledge and commented, "That is what we all want to see happen after all."

"We are only fortunate enough to see that you and the others are so dedicated to seeing a United Earth become a reality."

"I suppose it is for the best in both the desires of my father but in moreover in a place where I actually belong."

"Where you belong huh? Don't tell me your father has drilled the life of a soldier that serious into you."

"Uh well..." Donna realized that she let another reveal about herself when she answered, "That is a pivotal reason why. I haven't really had much to look forward to in school and I admit I didn't have many friends. If it weren't for Instructor W's observation I may have completely been a spitting image of my father's mold."

"That is a possibility." This will be an important thing to let the other Gundam pilots be aware of. Alberto told himself before telling Donna, "Remember that you have the support of your fellow pilots. You have a cause to fight for and it is one that we must make a reality out of a group effort."

Berlin Battlefield, Earth

The preparations for the next attack on the Earth Sphere city of Berlin were almost complete as they waited for the new forces to arrive. Edward entered his leader's main bunker to give his report now that the repairs had finally been finished. He began, "Reporting Mr. President. The Phalanx units are now within orbit. They shall be prepared to move out at your order." Nathaniel saw the status of the final remaining mobile armor units making their target towards the lower portion of Berlin. Even combined with the strength of what Scutum units that had survived the first invasion of Berlin the odds of overtaking the enemy were against them. What were once formidable pieces of machinery, the Phalanx mobile armors had begun to be overpowered even by old Leo models once the Earth Sphere had begun to retaliate in the last days of President Hermine Falson.

It was all built to now follow along this decisive battle plan as the President evaluated, "And with their advance comes the final days of the war. Truly if there were an easier method of taking the Earth Sphere's capital in an easier way it would have been done. Now I am only hopeful we don't have to see more deaths than we are soon about to see."

Edward agreed to the tactics emphasizing, "This day will not be soon forgotten. Those who will give their lives today in either victory or defeat will only bring us to the final step in exacting justice upon the Earth Sphere."

Nathaniel added, "I don't take pleasure in this slaughter. It is good that you bring reason to this end of battles. Eleven years is an unsustainable length for both this planet and our forces."

Edward agreed a final time, "It is Mr. President. I shall instruct General Vasquez to begin the attack. I will send the Testudo to the front lines. We will be within range of the enemy capital and this war will end soon."

The President accepted the evaluation, "See that this action is done General. Dismissed."

Edward accepted the order with a salute, "This war will be the ended the next time we meet." The President was left to his bunker when Edward left and was escorted to the Testudo mobile armor. The repairs were not only able to finally happen after a great deal of enemy interference, but they were at last complete. The progress of the war was now progressing at the rate he wanted it and his ambitions were soon to be realized.

Edward made his way to the Testudo landing platform where he was greeted by his chief strategist Bertram Stephens where he greeted, "General, the systems are optimized for the advance. We have been supplied with three ground Leo III squadrons along with an aerial squad on standby."

Edward inquired, "A new unit is it? It may be unnecessary for our hour of triumph."

Bertram showed an image on a nearby screen when he agreed, "Hardly. Essentially Leo III models with rudimentary Aries parts attached for minimal flight capabilities. I can't imagine it would be the first thing you are curious to be updated on however."

Edward agreed, "Yes. The Testudo mobile armor, has it been armed with the energy batteries required?" The conversation continued as the landing platform ascended to the Testudo's main entry port with the sound of elevating shafts taking the crew up.

Bertram confirmed, "Yes, the five energy batteries have been optimized to full power. Each one will be enough to utilize the full potential of Testudo's main cannon."

"Excellent. We shall have enough power to level any target we so require to be decimated." The landing platform met with the bottom floor of the Testudo with a hiss and allowed the crew to proceed to their assigned position.

Bertram continued, "We shall require at least one use however. We must see that it is used wisely however."

When the two men entered the control room Edward inquired, "And what makes it a necessary use? Will the enemy not be too distracted with the forces in the south?"

Bertram elaborated the strategy pointing out on the holo map, "The majority of their forces will be devoted to this battlefield. However even the top officials at the Berlin base will be able to suspect the huge devotion to this side of the attack. With the amount of time that has passed their forces have by now been bolstered enough to afford sending an extra force to see if we are advancing on another front. If we can determine the exact location of where we meet with these forces, they should arrive in a nearby city that we can fire our main cannon on."

Edward thought out the necessity of this action and agreed, "And then we will have the President believe we are offering a warning shot to the enemy… Yes, that will work." The two knew they could not speak of their true plans among the newly assigned crew for the control room. They continued with their strategy, "Upon the destruction we will have to send video feedback. We will still require the power of the Testudo to ensure our conditions are not empty."

Bertram agreed, "Yes. The enemy will not be looking down an empty barrel. This shall be the only requirement otherwise." He remembered the defenses needed to be as well fortified as possible with the final march towards the capital. One of their best bets was of course Private Tsubarov's gift. "We shall need to see that the Aquarius is still prepared for battle in this final defense. We can't have the same thing from the first invasion of Berlin happen again."

Edward agreed that the final loose end had been found, "Of course. Now that it has been plated and equipped however, we have seen far better results than what Private Tsubarov was capable of before. It possibly may have even surpassed Lord Lindemann's old plans for it."

"I would imagine so. This man is one who did not have any desire to see his men become anything more than mere test subjects."

"He is a man who does not have direct control over any portion of the military and yet he fancies himself to be a leader among men. It must be most unfortunate for the former members of OZ to see that they must resort to being mere pawns."

"A pawn who sees himself as a king is the one who we must be most concerned for. Instead he is given the full power of a warrior who has the opportunity to threaten his superior."

Bertram found that Edward was not losing his calculating edge when he heard him observe, "I would not imagine that the Lindemann family is quite so ambitious. Even if he isn't it will be for nothing when the colonies and our forces defeat the United Earth again."

Returning his gaze to the window Bertram agreed, "After which we will have the most opportune moment to exact our plans for the aftermath."

"Yes. But at one step at a time. Soon we face a march that will be greater in weight than anything we have ever come to face in this war. We will see before us the opportune moment in which we shall seize the enemy at their weakest but we much make our way through the great wall that choose to establish for themselves. Their last desperate hope for a defense shall indeed be their final as we press on with strength greater than what they could ever hope to defend themselves against."

"The words are moving Edward. However, it would be better to reserve some of the finer ones in favor of the men and women who will need them when the destruction is before them.

Edward smiled when he agreed, "Yes. My finest performances are only ahead. The final test of fire that the Earth will send before me is one that I shall come to face only because the will of the people will so be channeled through their desire to see oppression destroyed before it can ever come to pass. It is here that my ambition shall become a reality. I will see to it that the Earth does become something we shall be able to inherit. One that shall no longer see the disasters that may come from either of our forces."

Bertram agreed with the promise when he offered, "I have followed you all the way here for a reason Edward. Of everyone who has served in the Coalition I have seen that you are among the most capable men who could possibly move forward into such a demanding time. Every challenge that you faced in the colonies, your personal dedication to ending the Division Period. It is most unfortunate that I have only recently begun to realize that you may be the true hero of the Coalition to stand alongside the President."

Edward blinked when he accepted, "I am very fond of the flattery. But it is a luxury that I shall be permitted to carry once I have proven myself one final time."

Bertram recognized Edward's humble answer when he agreed, "We shall see now if our approach is proper. This coming offense is soon to determine the future of all humanity once it has come to pass."

The two nodded in confirmation of their plan and looked out toward the upcoming battlefield. The one that if they were lucky would be the last one they needed to endure. One that if it were executed correctly would bring their careers to new heights.

Campbell walked alongside Hyrum as they made their way through the halls of the base while many other pilots followed in anticipation of the meeting. "Against all things that could have gone better I have to admit Bernett that you sure are doing good for yourself."

Hyrum Bernett had been promoted to Lieutenant thanks to both destruction in the ranks and his service in both sabotaging the Testudo cannon as well as various attacks on the resupplies for the enemy. He checked his new ranking badge when he agreed, "It's rather hard to believe but here I am. I have a heavy mantle to pick up and run full sprint with it."

"Don't forget that you're not that high ranking of an official Bernett. The responsibility you're feeling now is going to be nothing if you plan on going any higher in the ranks." Hyrum turned to see his new captain, Denis Holloman.

Hyrum gave a confirming nod to his superior when he agreed, "I know sir. I'm not General Ulbricht."

Denis walked ahead of him when he encouraged, "Speaking of which, don't keep him waiting. We need to see if he will have a solidified plan for this second defense."

Hyrum and the many Ursa pilots had now gathered within the command center of the Berlin headquarters where General Klaus Ulbricht waited for them. He turned to them as they stood in formation, "Greetings everyone. I am quite pleased to see that you have used the time since the previous defense to prepare both physically and mentally for what the Coalition has planned. As of today, we have fully realized our Ursa mobile suit infantry and we are now prepared to stage a more formidable defense against the enemy. The less fortunate news is that we are now able to confirm that the Coalition will not be giving us any time to prepare for another attack."

He saw several of the Ursa pilots become more uneasy about the news at the sound of the inevitable second defense of Berlin soon to arrive. "If anything, I just don't want to lose so many fellow pilots like last time." Hyrum said to himself.

One of the squad captains was the first to ask, "Sir, can anybody ballpark how much we're going up against here?"

Klaus nodded to the captain when he confirmed, "We have an official report from Admiral Chadwick on the line of what the enemy hopes to achieve on this strategy."

One of the support technicians brought up a holographic image of Hayden Chadwick as it greeted, "General. I see that you have prepared for the defense as we suggested."

Klaus confirmed to his fellow officer, "High Command has confirmed that your reports were accurate Admiral. Please share with us."

Hayden brought up several images to his right when he showed aerial photos of points where the Coalition dropships were slightly visible. "From previous reports the Coalition must really be going out for an all or nothing gamble on this one. They've sent about twice as much strength behind this push and this time they're also sending out the Phalanx units as support units."

One of the Ursa unit pilots found it questionable as he asked, "So what they're lacking in quality they're trying to scare us into thinking they've got the upper hand in numbers right?"

Hayden agreed but pointed out, "That is the essential strategy we have come to expect."

Klaus reminded the pilots watching, "It's a risky one though considering that even if they push through it might leave a portion of the rest of Europe capable of breaking from Coalition influence."

Another one of the Ursa pilots asked, "So if they do succeed then we can at least count on having the chance to regroup and prepare for a better defense won't we? Then we might have what it takes to finally destroy that Testudo."

Another one of the support technicians observing the map asked, "But would they need to see the rest of Europe be made a safe route anyway?"

Klaus pointed to his holographic map when he explained, "They won't need to. The Capital of Brussels is right at the doorstep. The enemy gets there and it's over for all of us."

The sense of unease had worked its way into the minds of the pilots, but Hyrum hoped for something better to hear when he asked, "Can we at least be sure that Britain and France will be able to provide reinforcements in time?"

Hayden was the one to answer, "We shall be capable. Previously the Coalition was making several raids along the North Atlantic trying to cut off our reinforcements. We got lucky last time to see that that our forces managed to break through and provide that final push necessary for our first defense to become a success. Unfortunately we will be going against far more devastating guns to in this one."

Campbell was quick to add, "And with their forces to contribute to this battle we'll likely be evenly matched with the enemy and possibly more to spare."

Klaus knew that it bolstered some morale but reminded the squads, "Numbers are a good distraction. We just need to make sure we have the manpower and the spirit to see our cause is just."

"Recognize today men that we do not ask you to throw yourself at the enemy with thee intention to meet a demise. We stake our defense here today because we seek to change the tides of conflict for the sake of our favor. Even if it may be too late to change ways to see our victory for now, we can stand firm today and say that we did choose to make our United Earth a real possibility. We will not bow down to the Falsons in their desire to divide our progress. We will stand tall for all who lived decades ago and died mere days ago in that we show their struggle was not in vain. We do not give our cause today as one to eclipse that which our mothers and fathers believed in. It is here that we shall see our rights to remain one people truly be achieved. Now tell me everyone. Are you ready to remind the enemy why we are here to stay?"

The pilots prepared for combat agreed in unison, "Sir yes sir!"

Klaus gave the final order for the meeting when he told them, "Suit now men. Go forth and demonstrate what the strength of a united front can truly accomplish." With that order none of the mobile suit pilots remained behind to question anything. They all found their way out of the main room of the headquarters while Klaus was left to watch them prepare for the inevitable defense the Coalition was soon to place them in. "Here now at the climax of this great conflict we now see if our struggle to achieve this union of Earth shall remain a true possibility." He told himself as he lingered his gaze on the empty room.