Few comprehend the scale of the devastation brought by the Falson Coalition's desire for the retribution of Ewan Falson. Born from a desire to see a fair economy be achieved was this one man moved to speak his voice for the many who were oppressed. By the hand of one however was this man's mighty protest silenced. The years that came to follow created an animosity from the colonies before it came to form the broken promise the Earth had feared. Eleven years have passed since the formation of this Coalition and its desire for vengeance. Even today it has not been sated.

Episode 26: For Whom the Defeat Tolls

Bertram verified Julian's recollection when he remembered, "That was in fact the pivotal point where Pastorino's men surrendered. Were you convinced of the general's abilities he demonstrated that day?"

Julian agreed to the observation when he answered, "That's all I really have sir. It might make sense for you to look at who was involved with the general, but that is all I at least have."

Bertram accepted Julian's answer when he concluded, "This roundabout discussion of recalling memories of Edwards deeds must no regrettably end." He ordered to his guard, "Send in the other prisoners." Only a short few seconds passed before Celso, Susanne, and Jens were lined up with the entrance behind them and Julian was directed to the fourth position.

Bertram stood in front of them while four other Coalition soldiers kept an eye on their prisoners from behind. Bertram then began, "It is a most regrettable day when we discover traitors are found within our ranks. Many of our men were already hopeful that the Division Period would be the last time we would have to engage in battle with one another on our own. What makes this day even more of a tragedy is the discovery of how far this corruption has been spread. Today I see before me four individuals who even in the face of their leader meeting the end of his ambition chose not to cooperate with the higher authorities but stand steadfast against everything they falsely swore an oath to uphold. All of you will now face the same fate as your superior."

Jens stepped forward when he spoke, "On what grounds sir? You have nothing to accuse us with and you have no evidence to prove we were planning to do anything."

Bertram was unshaken when he answered, "What I do have private is grounds of failure to cooperate. As I am concerned, your choice to demonstrate ignorance is even greater than your intention to betray the Coalition. There will be none who will make the effort to see your lives spared now. The association with the general is enough to raise suspicion of you all and I will not allow myself to relent in any stone remaining unturned."

Celso was the next to speak when he reminded, "We told you everything we knew sir. That was what you inquired of us in these interrogations."

Bertram turned to Celso when he told him, "You chose to indirectly answer the questions you were given and did everything to feign innocence by glorifying the deeds the general was capable of when he commanded you. As of today, I have the chance to exercise my authority to imprison and detain all men who make the commitment not to follow their superiors. With these grounds I am now able to claim the four of you as prisoners who are to meet the same fate as their superior." Bertram turned to the soldier next to him when he ordered, "Detain them in the cell block."

The soldier agreed, "Right away sir."

Bertram watched the four walk out of the interrogation room at gunpoint as he turned to the table where the file of information on the four soldiers lay. He looked over the four profiles of who he had just now detained as he told himself, "Who these men and women were and what they believe in has now become clear. Will you be able to listen to reason that there is still no true unity Mr. President?"

The four soldiers tried by Bertram were guided to the prison area where Edward was still in confinement. The cell across from him was opened before the four new prisoners were forced into their residence. There were no words exchanged between the prisoners and the prison guards while Edward waited for them to leave the halls.

As soon as the guards made their way out of the halls, Edward turned to the prisoners as he observed them from behind his bars. "So Bertram did not take long to find all of you. Quite the inconvenience."

Susanne was the first to answer to her superior, "We were not in the proper opportunity to escape sir. We were hoping to prevent your immediate execution and get you out of here."

Edward nodded, "It would seem that while he is efficient in weeding out the potential dissenters of his ranks, he is still adherent to protocol with the president. We could not have asked for a more ideal setback."

Jens was the next to speak when he asked, "How will this work sir?"

Celso was next when he added, "I'm sure he has the means necessary to get us out. Something he would have commissioned us before all of this."

Edward smiled when he confirmed, "Your dog tags all have the chains necessary to offer a way out of a prison cell even with such reinforced security as this one."

Susanne was quick to adjust her chain when she removed the ball bearings into her hand. She held one up close to her eye when she realized, "We were issued small bombs to work with."

Celso took out a beaten tablet when he agreed, "That's something a lot of soldiers might accidentally overlook. All they think we can do damage with is a few guns."

Jens agreed with the observation as he took out a small SD card out of his breast pocket, "We are capable of getting out of here any time we want. We can confirm that much."

Jens was still shaken at the preparation to escape when he asked, "I guess I just had to be left out of knowing. Even with all of this sir, I don't know if we have the manpower to pull off taking this thing all by ourselves."

Edward answered the concern, "We alone are not enough private. We do have however, the luxury to bide our time and wait for the opportune moment for when Bertram will face a force that he had no anticipation for."

Celso offered praise to Edward when he told him, "I knew we followed you for a good reason general. There are still men who will continue to struggle for a united Earth after all of this is done."

Susanne agreed, "But once we are able to do away with these pen pushers in Brussels, we will not only have a united Earth, but a strong leader to push us onward. We will do everything to see you achieve that promise general."

Edward leaned back on his bunk when he told himself, "I am certainly a most fortunate leader to still have those who continue to remain loyal to me."

Richard was shocked to wake when he heard several jeeps turn on as their engines made small roars. He rushed over to the gathered sounds when he saw Christoph making his way next to him. "The hell are these guys up to?"

Richard shrugged when he answered, "No clue. These guys are just revving their engines now and I didn't get any bit on what for." He turned to search over the soldiers who had gathered when he saw Christian loading up a jeep when he asked, "Christian! What the hell man?"

Christian turned to see Richard and Christoph rushing up to him when he answered, "Best case scenario for us guys. General De Lombard has been given the okay to get us out of here. We're gonna make a brief trip through France before we can take the Coalition by surprise and kick them off our planet."

Richard kept himself from raising his voice when he asked, "You seriously plan on throwing yourself into this thing? Christian they are going to kick our asses the second we even set foot there and we aren't going to have much of an Earth Sphere afterward!"

Christian wasn't shaken by the warning when he told Richard, "An army is as strong as its weakest soldier and its resolve is as relevant as its weakest believer. I don't need to be held down to let anyone tell me that we can just take a defeat lying down. Do you think our father will even see us as worthwhile children if we don't put everything we have into this offense?"

Christoph placed a hand on Christian's shoulder when he told him, "We can't stop you from heading out it seems. It's definitely respectable that you find finally managed to put father's desires forward and act on them so selflessly."

Christian accepted the observation when he agreed, "Little Donna is still up there and won't be happy to see us slouching on our part either."

Christoph had a visible sign of conflict on his face when he made his final decision on the matter. After a brief few seconds he told his brother, "For reasons like those I feel like this is the least we can do to offer our support."

Richard was caught by surprise on Christoph's decision when he asked, "You really think this is the best decision? I get it. I'm outnumbered here, but can we really expect to see our efforts be for something if we can't even guarantee to see Donna or Flake when they want to see us again? I don't think dad will be happy to see us risk our lives like this."

Christoph spoke next when he reminded, "The odds are we wouldn't even be accepted by them if we come back with a disgrace like this. Ever since mom died, dad hasn't been able to look at even us as anything other than potential soldiers."

Richard sighed when he agreed, "With how long this war has been going and a defeat for his beliefs like this, he's going to be even less attached to living in this world than he was before."

Christian gave his closing argument, "The simple fact is that it's our duty above everything to let him be able to live life again. He just won't have the fortitude to do so if he has to see Earth go through everything he feared the human race would do to it."

Richard reflected on his brothers words when he agreed, "We're going in there as his sons. More than soldiers. It's simply our duty to let him live in a world of peace he once believed in."

Christian nodded when he asked, "I'm glad you see things my way Richard. So what do you say? Even if this really is our last skirmish out?"

Richard raised his head when he answered, "Yeah. If I'm going to make a choice that will determine where I am years from now, I might as well do it for a cause greater than what I can handle on my own."

Christian smiled when he offered a hand up to the jeep, "That's just what I want to hear. We're going to be headed out pretty soon."

Christoph and Richard lifted themselves into the jeep where they saw several soldiers and pilots waiting for their trip to begin. "Hyrum. You and Campbell were talked into this as well?" Richard asked.

Hyrum turned and nodded when he saw him and confirmed, "The General believes it's not too late for us to overturn this war, we can still come out as the winners."

Campbell added to the commitment, "So of us are just too deep into this cause for us to even think about turning away now. But that's what brings about many wars doesn't it?"

Christian confirmed, "Until the last one with the great ambitions has fallen, a war can never truly end."

The three brothers looked out the open flap of the jeep as they waited alongside the company of soldiers to prepare for what might be their final effort to save Earth.

Nathaniel watched the outside of the Parliamentary building as he saw the dozens of soldiers begin to lay their hold over the Earth Sphere's capital. Only a few seconds passed before he was contacted by one of his guards, "Mr. President. You requested that the Earth Sphere leader be granted an audience with you in particular. His office has been secured and we can assure you that speaking with him will be a perfectly safe meeting."

Nathaniel accepted, "I have been waiting for this day indeed." He turned away from the window as he made a brief walk down the halls towards the executive office where two guards waited outside while Barra was standing nearby. Nathaniel told the guard on the right, "I want no one to overhear the conversations we may have with the Earth Sphere President. You have your remaining orders."

The guard accepted, "Yes sir."

Nathaniel opened one of the double doors when he entered to find Franz sitting in his chair behind his desk. Franz himself was not stricken with any edge of fear but instead simply sat as if he was waiting for his next appointed meeting. Nathaniel shut the door as he let himself in before walking up to the desk where he was able to look down on Franz as a defeated enemy. "You are most fortunate to have been under such protection Franz. Most circumstances would have seen to your transfer into a less desirable holding place."

Franz adjusted his glasses when he answered, "My comforts should be the last concern you have in regard to me Nathan. Is your plan to bring your family's demand for justice now to take place within this room or must it be dragged further for what you may have in mind?"

"I am here today so that I can discover what it is that would bring you to decide that the pursuit of war would be beneficial for you and the people of Earth."

"If I am to ever expect that you believed the lives of the people of Earth were not of value, then I would have believed that a greater attempt to establish a ceasefire would have been your priority above satisfying the demands of the colonies. So many years have passed, and you hold as you did years ago that a fractured human race is the choice you would make over allowing the progress of our generations past."

"You claim that generations of progress are to be valued because of what sort of world they wanted to inherit and yet it was you of all people who would offer the means necessary to bring about another war."

"This session of pointing fingers towards one another is certainly revealing of us both. In that same claim you uphold the accusations established by Hermine Falson? Every investigation into her claims was beforehand already dismissed as being the work of an unidentified assassin who has not laid claim to the murder to this day."

"You build your argument on a great convenience Franz. Anyone could foresee that a staged and foreplaned decision was a choice made with the intention of one day seeing a war's ignition."

"For anyone being capable of foreseeing this event, it would need to be founded on more than mere feeling Nathan."

Nathaniel drew a folder from beneath his arm when he answered, "The maintenance of war time properties on L5. Not even quite maintenance, but instead the promotion of its enhancements. We were the first to prepare the parts necessary to create the official Leo II models and yet here your Preventers were on the step towards replicating what progress we had achieved. A motion such as this alone was enough to spur the colonies towards great concern. And a breach of the non-aggression principles set forth by the Earth Sphere constitution."

Franz only gave a brief glance at the folder when he agreed, "So it was indeed a breach that had been made. The constitution was most likely drafted without thought of another force being capable of averting such an action other than that of the Preventers themselves. You do remember however that I did not have such authority to act on this motion. President Amandala Jeffery was only a year into his second and last term when his came to be passed."

"But you were not absent from the political field either former L5 Representative? The circumstances that would place you into the situation now are very precise but enough to give a record of your actions." Nathaniel opened the folder to reveal its contents when he pointed to a photo of Franz against the background of the L5 colonial city with a sheet of the colonial budget. Nathaniel continued, "After Colony 213. A custom request for special defense increase realizing a first recognition clause from the budgetary drafts in After Colony 199. Drafts that were specifically offered into the Earth Sphere budget by your hand Franz."

Franz nodded when he agreed, "A good few years before I could begin my most significant political proposition."

Nathaniel leaned on one hand as he placed it on Franz's desk. He gave a more intent stare when he asked, "And how is it that you plan to avoid any responsibility for such actions with all of this mounted against you?"

Franz continued to look at Nathaniel with a stoic attitude when he answered, "I plan to do so by asking what it is that made your Coalition chose to resort to violence in the first place. I would have believed that your people would not immediately resort to push such an act unless they were already ill prepared to offer a reason to why it was necessary."

"You may be aged Franz but you are hardly a portrait of innocence. After fifteen years of suggesting a re-evaluation of the assassination of Ewan Falson feel that my supporters have demonstrated far more patience than what ought to have been demanded."

"And is that pursuit of justice stemming from one of a real sense of practical thinking? Many believe that the Coalition is built on the flimsy desire only to see revenge being obtained for a man whose life was simply lost in an unfortunate accident."

Nathaniel contained his annoyance at Franz's display of ignorance when he told him, "A good man died protesting the inadequacy of the Earth Sphere economy only to be dismissed as the action of a random act of violence. He was able to reveal the lack of progress on the Martian terraformation as not reflecting the resources that were utilized and not even indicative of any substantial failures. I can't tell if this is meant to be a test of my intelligence, memory, or reasoning Franz. But your effort to delay your reveal in part of this scandal is not a good one."

"You have discovered the extent to which I have given the foundations of potential conflict Nathan. You still however place an emphasis on the assumption that it was I who would be guilty in instigating this war when in fact it was you who gave the first shot. You brought about a violation of the pacifist agreements that were to be upheld by all of humanity."

"So I may have fired the first shot. I have the evidence necessary to reveal to everyone that it was in fact you who were preparing to do so in the first place. We may both be guilty of breaching the agreements Franz, but it will be me who prevents these sorts of lies from taking over the existence of the human race. Where you are to permit lies for the sake of unity, I shall utilize every resource at my disposal to allow the truth to be the instrument of justice. The good of humanity will not be built on even the least grievous of such lies."

"Very admirable Nathaniel. Such idealism is what I would have thought to see at its end but yours is certainly the radiance that keeps it well and alive. There may be a scenario where I am indeed the one who would cause millions to suffer, but as we both know this ideology will not be reflected on to that of the people who are soon to have a mighty victory. You have willingly made yourself as the blade of the colonies and you hold onto the belief that they wish to see justice done for the human race. You must be capable of seeing what this long war you inherited and chose to extend brought about."

Nathaniel reflected on the evaluation when he agreed, "It is because of me that the colonies will achieve their hold of Earth. After this has been accomplished, I will have to see that the best of the human race can be brought forward and this sort of devastation can truly remain contained from now on."

Franz offered his argument, "We are now soon to enter a period where the colonies will demand their dues for what they have endured. The struggle generations past have desired to achieve will now be undone. And here you stand before me saying that you would have it undone because of what one man was made to suffer."

Nathaniel lifted himself from the desk when he answered, "As you continue to act the innocent one for right now Franz, the final results of your choices shall only continue to be delayed. This building along contains all of the materials we will require to reveal your true intentions. The public denials, the overall budgets, the research and development orders, the request to bring back the Gundams."

Franz pointed out, "You must agree that everything you are aiming to see occur can just as easily cause what progress we did make over the past few decades to be lost. Progressing forth with this means that you will be willing to accept this new period of division and you will be the one who destroyed humanity's chance at true unity."

Nathaniel was unshaken by the warning when he told him, "We may undo what generations past were so proud to achieve Franz, but it is better that the human race be divided from the revelation of the truth than allow ourselves to be united under a foundation of lies that continues to build with every passing generation. Your trial will come soon enough. And on that day the human race will never again be asked to accept this diluted version of unity you continue to stand for."

Nathaniel agreed, "Yes so it may be the case. It was both the fault of the Earth Sphere administration as well as my own that Hermine Falson was the one who believed in this government's underhanded plan." He remembered the past events leading up to now as he elaborated, "If I had been able to stop her then this war may have ended sooner or possibly not at all. I was weak then and now I must pay the consequences." He brought the two back to the heart of the matter pointing out, "The past however cannot be changed and we must move forward with a new path for Earth. I am afraid Mr. President that the Earth Sphere will soon be subject to the will of the Coalition and the colonies. The most you may be able to accomplish now is preventing your citizens from suffering an economic depression that would dwarf the previous one."

Franz answered Nathaniel's suggestion, "Yes. I wish to see the people have another chance at a better life. It is as I said earlier however. There are elements outside of my control that will not be brought to the terms of surrender." He elaborated on the problem, "If you wish to know, the reports of the Gundams you have heard are in fact real. They were sent to Mars on a very critical mission and I promise you that should they return this war will likely turn out to go for much longer. These mobile suits in particular are meant to see this war turn out in our victory by all means. They are the elite of the elite." He offered a final warning to his fellow leader, "The only way I can imagine you would believe me is if you were to wait and see them return. You might have heard some reports of their activities, they will certainly leave a mark should you see them arrive."

Nathaniel turned away from Franz as he made his way to the double door to exit. Franz remined when he warned, "My final trial has not yet been scheduled. That day may mark the end of the united Earth."

Hearing out what the President said Nathaniel answered, "I see. So you claim that the Gundams will return. By the time they do I'm afraid that it will be too late. The public will know that the Earth Sphere must now lay its arms down and submit to the will of the Coalition."

Nathaniel became more passionate when he told Franz, "I will fulfill everything you said was not attainable Franz. I will bring the world into its correct direction. I will save humanity from your ideas. I will end the lies you brought before them." He gave one final warning on the matter of supposedly saving the Earth, "I do not care what it costs me, the Earth will not revert back to its old ways. Upon the first sign that they arrive on Earth, you will address to the world of their presence. You will not allow the Earth to be at peace until they are brought to the people."

Franz solemnly nodded along to the answers Nathaniel gave for his final hopes when he asked, "Save the world from my ambitions is it? Possibly the best way to sell your cause to the people. Simply remember that the years of destruction regardless of whether or not you had a hand in it will be in your hands. Out of everything the Coalition had been built for, Hermine Falson probably had different ideas for what reason and for what purpose the war must be fought." Franz stepped up from his seat before telling Nathaniel, "But I digress. I suppose I have no grounds to negotiate these terms. I shall inform the Parliament of these terms if it is the only choice we have to make peace an option." The two men left and made their way towards the podium before the Parliament with the results to be announced.

Nathaniel recognized how it was unfair to expect the Gundams back on Earth in an immediate time period. He did however feel the need to make sure that Franz would not assume he was in a safe position. "Very well then. Only remember by my mercy that I shall give you the time needed to see that the Gundams return to Earth. Remember this however. Regardless of our outcome we shall begin occupation of the city as of today. Once the first action is taken against us, remember that it will be your doing in which the Parliament will begin pay the price for agreeing to this conflict. They shall one by one see the error of their ways until you are who remains to consider your treachery."

He left him with this warning as they went down separate halls. He took out his personal phone to speak with the Testudo.

"Testudo. This is the President speaking."

Bertram was heard on the other line greeting, "Greetings Mr. President. I do hope that your meeting has gone well."

Nathaniel was curious at the different voice when he asked, "Strategist Stephens? Where is General Blare?"

Bertram explained, "The General has attempted mutiny sir. We should see that he is brought to justice as soon as possible."

Nathaniel felt a wind of relief from the danger that was lifted from his life he had no idea was in danger. The relief however was gone as soon as it came when he heard the notion of Edward being the one responsible for trying to stake his claim over the capital. The idea of Edward not being the loyal man he thought he was struck a blow to him greater than any conflict he had endured before. The man who he trusted with the most powerful weapon on Earth did in fact have ulterior motives for the Testudo.

He maintained his composure for the answer ordering, "I see. Thank you for seeing that element is taken out of the picture and in our security. I shall see he is given the proper justice once this is over. Until then maintain the Testudo's position. Occupation of the city is soon to begin."

Bertram paused before answering, "Very good Mr. President. We look forward to seeing the progress of peace begin this day."

"Let us both hope that it shall be." He turned off his phone and turned to meet with Franz's direction to the podium.

Franz asked, "Anything of great importance Nathan? The meeting will continue as scheduled?"

Nathaniel agreed, "Simply business we have not completed with. It has been resolved and there will be no further discussion of it."

Franz nodded as he followed up to Nathaniel when they made their way down the halls. The two men continued their way towards the podium before the Parliament with the results to be announced. Nathaniel was not ready to feel a sense of victory when he considered the current situation however. He knew he had to ensure that his old friend would follow along with the conditions of surrender or things would become inconvenient for both of them.

Nathaniel continued his walk away from the executive office when he saw the same guards remain at attention next to Barra. He took out a tablet when he told them, "The President will remain here for now. He will not be permitted to see the House until those guilty are brought to justice. You are to offer these instructions to them. Any who attempt to break the hold will be met with the most severe of disciplinary action."

Barra accepted the tablet when he answered, "I have a duty to fulfill. I am grateful that you would honor his life to assure the calm of the house." Barra was guided down the halls away from Nathaniel before he was brought to the area behind the podium. Beneath him he saw the Parliament secured in the center of the floor with several dozen Coalition soldiers surrounding them. The few too weary to stand were allowed to lay on the ground but all of them were brought to look up in concern to what news Barra and thier President was about to offer.

Franz announced to the Parliament members, "My Fellow Representatives. This day is most regrettable that we have to meet with the Coalition in such a matter. However, from what we have determined, peace may yet be attainable should we follow along with what President Falson demands. Currently the peace talks are being prevented as they must be given once the Gundams have landed on Earth. I cannot offer any further information on what he wishes than this. It is what must be decided in the future passage of this ceasefire. Please follow with what we have been ordered and we shall survive these upcoming days ahead of us."

The members of the parliament had little idea of how to respond to the announcement of their leader announcing his willingness to accept the terms of surrender. Their worries became greater when they saw he would not remain to continue offering any more statements when he left the podium while his personal assistant came to take his place. Nathaniel followed Franz as the two made their way back to the executive office when he told one of the guards, "Ensure that this man does nothing but reveal their potential fate. Allow him to answer the questions for a certain period and bring him back to an area where he can be observed."

Barra looked down on the tablet when he was allowed to speak, "Representatives of the Earth Sphere government. This day is a most regrettable one, but it is now my duty to present details on what we must now follow. Until the trial of the President has come to pass, no Representative or official is permitted to leave the Parliamentary Building. Provisions will be provided, and all are to remain within sight of the Coalition occupants to ensure there is no attempt to disturb the occupation. Any attempt to instigate violence against Coalition occupiers will result in assignment of guilt that will result in severe action."

Before Barra could continue, he heard one of the Representatives ask, "Is this how we will be made an example of Mr. Devine? We have not been offered an idea of what will befall us or the President with exception of being kept here."

Barra looked over the tablet when he answered, "As per the command of President Falson, all representatives of the current Parliament alongside the Executive Branch officials. The extent of support offered to the extension of these wars over the past 11 years will be met accordingly. As of right now we have no additional details to prepare ourselves as the Coalition occupants currently plan to extract all information necessary."

Barra could see the growing concern over the Parliament when he heard the murmurs grow. He checked to both of his sides when he saw the Coalition soldiers weren't making any attempt to dissuade the concern. The period of fear was broken when another representative asked, "This cannot be the conditions we are forced to endure. We have no warning of what we must defend ourselves with and the Coalition is easily able to accuse us regardless of anyone's innocence."

Barra tried to address the concern when he answered, "President Falson has offered his public word that the trials will be kept as fair as anyone's innocence permits. The fact remains that we are not to attempt any further destruction of Coalition efforts to occupy the capital in that we may permit the future of our United Earth to stand in some way hereafter."

Hiram offered a reminder, "We have regards to what the President may believe is best to forwards our future as citizens of the Earth. There does remain however the warning that the Coalition will not permit a united humanity upon what the colonies will demand."

Evangeline was next to speak when Barra tried to dissuade the crowd. Malcolm stood next to her when he allowed her to speak for the First Priority. Barra confirmed Evangeline's words when he told her, "The President would hope to see that there is a scenario where we may be able to prevent the dangers of permitting humanity to once again be a fractured people. The reality remains however that his dedication to this union may be the danger of many who now reside here."

Malcolm added to Evangeline's stance, "Mr. Devine, we cannot be intimidated by the demands of President Falson has for appeasing his supports. We must ensure that it is done for what enforces the progression of humanity, not the choice to regress."

Barra tried to calm the concern when he answered, "This is a matter that I am certain all of the Earth Sphere Parliament agrees upon. Should we comply with their demands we may be able to propose a compromise where we do not have to endure a division of the Earth."

Malcolm conceded to the argument when he told the politicians next to him, "We will not make any progress towards such compromise continue to be engaged in a roundabout argument. Mr. Devine is only offering us a message and we will only have to maintain the courage necessary to be worthy leaders that our men and women hold us to be. Regardless of what the colonies will inevitably demand of us we will only be prepared once we have heard their words upon the start of the trial."

Barra nodded when he confirmed, "I have no desire to permit these circumstances, but I wash to see all within this building be permitted to live past this war's end. And so it is that I must regretfully await the Coalition's final judgment. Understand that I am no less accountable for this pursuit of justice the Coalition calls for and I would prefer that we do not make this situation worse for ourselves."

Barra stepped down from the front podium and he was guided by one of the Coalition soldiers to the crowd of representatives. Among them he saw the Minority Speaker Relena herself shaken by the warning he was only now offered. What courage and resolve she once had was drained from her face as she now stood in the shadow of the Coalition's victory. "You do not stand shaken at the possibility of being tried, do you Madame Yuy?"

He knew he was not the man who was suited to make such an inquiry, but he was allowed to see his question offered when the man she trusted more than anyone else stood next to her. "You never will have to endure a time where everything you believe is destroyed." Relena simply returned the gesture when she placed her hand on the one Heero offered her shoulder.

"I do wish things could be simple enough to make it possible for you." Barra was able to see further into the relationship when she saw Evangeline walk up to her.

"Who might you be hoping to prove yourself to Evangeline?" Barra asked as he watched from his spot in the crowd.

Without an immediate answer he heard Evangeline remind, "Things may never again be a simple matter that can easily be resolved now. Had we been capable of bringing the entirety of our best men and women together we might have been able to withstand the Coalition victory. I only hope you can live with yourself allowing the very thing you struggled to achieve so many years ago fall apart in front of you."

Instead of answering, Relena looked down in shame but Heero remained beside her when he responded, "There is no scenario where you live to see this war's end and congratulate everyone for their beliefs Representative."

Evangeline humbled herself when she heard the answer from Heero. Barra was able to remember a key reason why she wouldn't continue to offer a critical assertion of her fellow representative's believes. "In the presence of even the lowest ranking officer she knows when to offer her respects." Barra reminded himself.

Evangeline was quick to offer, "I apologize in advance Mr. Yuy, but you and the others who have witnessed what occurred here should be able to recognize that my party's only intent was to see that you were treated with the utmost respect and authority to make our struggle for a united Earth a reality that in fact should be achieved."

Heero answered the claim, "And there are few who recognize that desire other than fellow representatives. Even if we were the victors right now, I could see you and the others being able to claim that people like Relena were the ones to hold back a more immediate victory."

Evangeline was shaken but not angered when she heard Heero's evaluation and guess. "I offer no accusations of favoritism in your belief Mr. Yuy. Doing so would make a hypocrite of me. I only hope that you are reasonable enough to recognize who the most true supporters of this united Earth are."

Relena spoke up in the conversation when she responded, "The most true of supporters for the united Earth are those who place their lives before what we stand for. We are here to offer the people of Earth an ideal of unity they can work towards."

Heero agreed, "There's no question of how important any of them are out there. The real question is how much faith we have in them to change the outcome of any conflict."

Evangeline asked, "And how do you anticipate them to make a difference? All of our generals are assured to comply with the call to surrender. Even you in your best days would have issue in making this outcome something different than we now face."

Heero was as stoic as ever when he answered, "I want you to know Madame Representative that these are my best days. These are the days where I have something bigger to stand for than ever before. If I have the opportunity, I will be out there to fight."

Evangeline accepted the answer when she backed away and offered, "I would hope that your promise does in fact have the opportunity to become a reality. Please forgive my intrusion."

Heero and Relena were left to their area of the gathering spot while Barra was left to recognize the details of the conversation. "You may have someone you value above all else Mr. Yuy. Now is that promise to be for the best?"

The forest of Harz had yet to see the presence of mobile suits leave as a squadron of Leo III mobile suits made their way to the gathered area of remaining Earth Sphere Ursas. One of the units marched forward in lead as it held a roll of wired fencing beside the inactive enemy units. Only short periods passed before the enemy forces were penned within the surrounding fence shortly after a Scutum unit pushed its way through the trees with its main cannon fired on the nearest Ursa. On both of its sides more rows of trees fell over to give way to more Scutum units while a number of Leo III and Scoprio Major units formed behind them. With as many Coalition mobile suits prepared, the first sign of resistance from the encompassed Earth Sphere forces would be crushed the second it was attempted.

No matter whatever risk there would be in watching over the defeated army, Rayen was not afraid of facing his enemies in the slightest. His descending platform from the lead Scutum unit offered him and his guards the chance to see the Earth Sphere army firsthand. "How to see that they willingly comply with the instructions they are given. We will begin to account for the Earth Sphere pilots soon enough shall we?"

One of his guards confirmed, "We have the area blocked off General. Once the first fence has been tripped, the forces in Brussels will be ready for necessary action upon being informed."

"Very good. We cannot relent however. We must account for all of the soldiers and see that they are kept in line." Rayen reminded them.

On his left he saw several Coalition soldiers rush up to the fence in front of him with two blowtorches. The two soldiers made a rectangular breach in the wall as the flames of the torches burned through the fence. One of the soldiers pulled the piece of the fence out when he said, "All clear sir. The other quadrants of the zone should be prepared to assist in the occupation."

Rayen accepted the invasion as he walked through the breached fence and past the tents the Earth Sphere had set up. Soldiers forced behind him when he saw the Earth Sphere soldiers forming at the center of the camp. Rayen saw the official who was in front when he saw all four sides form around the captured soldiers. Rayen turned to one of his guards when he reminded, "You have your orders should they decide not to comply peacefully."

The soldier informed, "We are stationed and ready sir."

Rayen stepped forward as he met his strategic opponent face to face. "General Klaus Ulbricht if I am to be correct."

Klaus confirmed his presence, "I stand before you now. And how shall I address you sir?"

"General Rayen Vasquez. You certainly offered a worthwhile obstacle in the steps towards our final victory. Now the time has arrived which marks the end of such strenuous conflict."

"Your accompanying forces did prove themselves to be substantial in offering the final victory. Under more peaceful circumstances we very well could have achieved a worthwhile common goal."

"We have that opportunity now General. This will now be a day where justices shall prevail over the demand of those who believe in a forced unity. Our intention now is to see that everyone here has been accounted for and that you will serve the penalty of war that President Falson believes proper."

"So it is true then. The Coalition does recruit those most dedicated to the ideals of the ideology of Ewan Falson."

"I'm afraid you misunderstand just what sort of symbol Ewan Falson is to the Coalition and the colonies General. Years ago, we have all agreed to the prospect of a united Earth to coexist with the colonies in hopes that we could end such devastation. It cannot however be done by allowing the same manner of leadership that gave rise to the Eve Wars in the first place."

"I can respect the sentiment General. I can even respect the ambition you have to correct the earth Sphere should such corruption exist. I will not however see that your idea of unity is the one that we should strive to achieve. This war has lasted 11 years, and I was witness to each and every day they dragged on. This war did not go for as long as it did because of one side being unrelenting, but because your supporters were fixated on determining the division of the spoils. The unity of the Earth Sphere may have its hidden lies, but we have done everything possible to ensure that it doesn't feed to a constant period of civil war."

Rayen was humbled by the words as he allowed Klaus a moment to believe he had offered the most compelling argument. Instead of addressing the beliefs Klaus held, Rayen answered, "You are correct. There will be men of ambition who have the desire to have the highest power for themselves. It continues to be a question if we desire however to see the struggle for power as one that is fought between two mighty forces or behind the curtains as though it is something to be claimed from behind the shadows. But recognize General that both you and I desire the same thing. We both want an end to this conflict and to any future ones that could be held. The fact is that a united Earth is very well attainable. What is required of such a desire is that the human race must be weeded of the men who have the high ambitions to control us all."

Klaus nodded when he agreed with his foe, "Your optimism of this situation is an alleviating view. For now, the most that my men can offer is to allow yours to see that your vision of justice is not impeded upon."

Rayen accepted the gesture, "A most fortunate decision General. Ensure that your men follow on the procedure."

Klaus turned to face his men when he agreed, "All of my men have placed upon themselves this responsibility. Their failure to comply shall be mine alone to hold."

Rayen stepped away when he ordered to one of the officers, "Begin the accounting for the forces within."

Rayen was offered a confirming, "Yes sir."

Rayen made his way back to the breach in the fence he entered when he asked, "Now General Ulbricht, how shall this situation play to my benefit?"

With the long and trying battle to breach east Berlin over, Rayen was now tasked with the laborious part of handling a victory. He watched the trapped Ursa mobile suits remain motionless from his screen in the Scutum before he checked his personal messages on his interface with one of the top messages listing a subject titled, "Confidential: Testudo Mutiny Investigation."

Before he read the message, he heard one of the Scutum operators report, "General, we have completed accounting the Earth Sphere forces. There is still no potential threat to our occupation."

Rayen clicked on the message that caught his eye earlier when he asked, "And the Earth Sphere soldiers match the estimated number for the mobile suit ratio do they?"

The same operator answered, "That is what I have to report General. The number of personnel is not proportional to that of the number of mobile units on the field."

Rayen observed the message when he asked, "Does it now? That is certainly the impression we were led to believe when we prepared to launch our operations."

Another one of the operators suggested, "They were supposed to have a shortage of mobile suits. But unless everyone here was a mobile suit pilot, the personnel would not match the proper statistics fro the previous battle. There is another problem, not all of the mobile suits are showing signs of battle usage. The Earth Sphere couldn't have taken all those loses and still have been able to have mobile suits left over."

Rayen had finished reading the message when he confirmed, "There are factors here that certainly don't lend themselves to credibility. There will have to be an investigation to what the Earth Sphere may hope to achieve."

One of the operators asked, "Do you wish to have any particular agents sent to bring General Ulbricht to us sir?"

Rayen shook his head when he answered, "There is no need for such a process. I only require the participation of our entrenched foes." He made his way ot the nearby descension panel when he ordered, "Maintain all patrols as they are now. Do nothing that will raise the concern of the men inside."

As the afternoon came, Klaus was left to await his fate along with the rest of the Berlin forces but was only able to pace himself from one end of his tent to the other. With his table in the center and his sleeping bag on the ground, he didn't have many alternate options. To his surprise he saw the front flap open without anyone announcing his arrival. Klaus stepped back as he kept himself prepared for what threat he would endure. The man he saw was someone he didn't expect, his opponent General from earlier that day. "I know you are likely more cordial with your guests General. I apologize I could not allow you to prepare for a more formal time."

Klaus relaxed himself when Rayen entered and told him, "I unfortunately cannot offer a great deal of information with all of my personal possessions confiscated General."

Rayen made his way to the nearby table before sitting himself down on a nearby chair when he told Klaus, "There are procedures that we must follow General. Of course, they are only the kind of procedures followed when they have been placed on the defeated. I am certain that there are motions that could be achieved before we caught up to your men."

Klaus was unmoved by the observation when he asked, "And what sort of motion do you believe that I was capable of?"

Rayen smiled when he presented his offer, "The sort that would be guaranteed to ignite another battle somewhere. One that would be able to assist in the building of a united Earth."

Klaus was given pause when he heard the offer but did not allow himself to present any surprise from what a Coalition general would imply. He made eye contact with him when he asked, "A united Earth? I was under the impression that the Coalition was formed to be the will of the colonies to separate this planet under their control. How is it that you plan to use this situation to such an end? And why is it that you seek to achieve this?"

"That is certainly is the mission that the President tasked us with. However there still remains those of us within the Coalition who wish to permit this planet to prosper as do we wish to see the colonies be free of their control. At least so long as they are capable of cooperation. That is our reasoning for this observation at least. It is with this plan that I shall act on my true intentions and end the Falson's pursuit of justice."

"Men such as yourself are certainly examples of why the Descent Wars went on for so long. You were capable of utilizing one simple desire for injustice to be met and then escalate the conflict into a period of civil war that was intended to place you all back in line. And yet here you are willing to argue that this plan is for the advancement of a united Earth. I believe you may be able to comprehend why it is difficult for me to believe this is your true intention General. Or why you would require my attention to this matter."

"And your cooperation is something that I do not require General. We cannot take back the Earth Sphere capital without my… current disposition. We shall only be able to begin the first step towards achieving this step. I only require the information on where and when your division of soldiers plan on making their attempt to take back Brussels."

"I may be able to crumble under the right conditions of torture General. But I am still unable to subscribe to the idea of what you hope to achieve. As it stands now, there is nothing that my men can do to save the Earth Sphere even if we were to join forces. All this leads me to believe that there is only a desire for this information so you might be prepared to face the offensive once it arrives."

"You are close to a correct guess General. However, the purpose is much different from what you expect. Moreover, you have nothing to achieve in holding back the information. If you are correct and I only wish to extract this information for my men, I can still prepare my men for the coming battle and easily have them crushed. If I were to be telling the truth however, my men will be prepared to strike the proper amount of confusion into the Coalition leadership that they will quickly lose their grip over the capital. Right now, there is no situation where you and your men will be capable of subverting what is soon to come."

Klaus paused when he heard Rayen offer his warning but countered, "As powerless I may be General, I am afraid that from one soldier to another you recognize why it is that I would be unwilling to reveal what the plan to attack the capital is. Moreover, if you plan to address the offensive yourself, you do recognize that you leave us without any regulation."

Rayen stood up from the chair when he shrugged, "It was worth making an attempt, but yes General. From one soldier to another I can easily see what it is that does not permit you to trust me. If there is one thing the Earth Sphere is capable of, it was in uniting the human race to rally behind the cause for one purpose. It simplifies a war and reflects the strength of the ambition all men may have. One day however there will no longer be a conflict of whether or not there will be a united Earth, only a question of who controls it. Whoever that figurehead will be, is that alone not worth continuing this war?"

"With the possessions of the men all confiscated, we are left with little ability to stop you from deciding that this is what you believe is right. I would in turn warn that you were going against your orders, but it doesn't seem to be a concern to you."

"With that General do you now realize how powerless you are in preventing this coming conflict? Even though you may have lost this war, the very thing that you have struggled for shall very well become a reality."

Klaus rested a hand on his table when he entered a period of thought on the words Rayen offered. He turned back to Rayen before telling him, "I have the estimated arrival of the forces and I believe that is all you will require. If you are true in your intention to assist my men, then it would make sense that you would take the Testudo out of Coalition hands. Reclaim the weapon and you will have the means to place the Falsons under siege without a significant amount of bloodshed. This would be the strategy to utilize if your plan was to demonstrate that a unite Earth was in the best interest of your men. At least this is to assume that it is indeed your only opportunity to betray the President."

"You have seen through every crevice that has allowed this day to arrive General. The fact is that the colonies may support our invasion as much as they desire, but we are the only ones who have any true military strength. This fighting will soon be boiled down to one final civil war among ourselves. I only need the formation and I will be capable of seeing the cause you have fought to make a reality be achieved. Rayen handed Klaus a small piece of paper and a pen when he waited for a final answer. Only a second passed before Klaus took hold of the pen and wrote on the blank paper what Rayen had been hoping to extract. "As much as it is my duty to end a war, it's as much my duty to see that what our men believe in is not a lost cause worth dying for. If what you are saying is true, this gives me some hope that a unite Earth is not a lost cause. Even if this is not your intention.

"I hope that you recognize that General de Lombard's men will not go down without seeing your men fall first."

Rayen scooped up the paper when he told Klaus, "I promise that you have made a worthwhile decision General. Trust me, you will learn soon enough that your trust has not been misplaced." Rayen made his way out of the tent as he gave Klaus a wave while he left. Rayen made his way through the camp when he closest guards walked up to him. One of them asked, "Did everything go as smoothly as you had hoped General?"

Rayen smiled when he answered, "Oh yes. Very much. I now have the information that I need." Rayen continued to walk through the camp when he looked out to the distance where the city of Brussels would be waiting for him and his men. He stood ready for another period of strife he was about to cause when he spoke as though he was speaking to his fellow general, "You have waited this many years to finally have this opportunity Edward. We only need to wait just a little longer."