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 30: Worlds of Difference

Aboard Demetrios's flagship, he stood before a holographic projection of Norma Miles and Maja Wright. Demetrios introduced, "Greetings Mrs. Wright. Has the Solaris reached Luna?"

Maja confirmed, "Yes Admiral. The Solaris has made its pass and the Gundams have arrived."

Norma thanked the report, "That is everything we needed to know. We shall arrive within a time period to apprehend them."

Maja asked, "And Luna will be spared of the Coalitions demands?"

Demetrios answered, "As long as you cooperate with the capture and arrest of the pilots."

Maja confirmed, "Thank you Admiral. The Chairman of LDS however has not been willing to cooperate with the arrival of the crew however. Chairman Lutes may be an obstacle to work through."

Norma explained, "We won't place any blame onto the Lunar people. According to your report they are meant to be an independent body working with the Earth Sphere government."

"That is true. It will only be another mark against the Parliament to allow such a motion."

"We shall see to it that the Earth Sphere answers for the corporations existence. Await our arrival Mrs. Wright."

Once the hologram of Maja Wright had disappeared, Demetrios tried to understand the relationship between LDS and Luna itself when he inquired from his fellow admiral. "So the two are separate after all?"

Norma answered, "The Secondary Representative will have you believe that she cares about the people. It is the profit that motivates her and the corporate purpose."

Demetrios sat back down in his chair when he agreed, "Expected. She will at least have a convenient reason for why she would resort to this while Representative Mumelj is away. She will be the least of our concerns when we arrive. Once the Coalition has been successful in cementing its place on Earth it will be a matter of time before Luna is taken."

He turned to one of the operators of his ship when he asked, "How far away are we from our destination?"

His strategist answered, "The fleet is well on its way towards the Luna colony sir. It will most likely be a matter of days but we should be able to go in more prepared for a far more serious attack than the previous one from the L4 invasion."

Norma wasn't as enthusiastic about the future Demetrios was proposing when she remembered, "Even if we win we'll have work ahead of us. More regrettable being that there will still be those who believe the prospect of a united Earth to be more valuable than their own lives."

"A distinct lack of character on your part admiral. You have been one of our finest leaders against the ones who believe this cause to be folly and proven such with your ability to crush all we have dared to stand against you. Some would argue that we would be lost if not for the efforts of your men and their intention to keep the Earth Sphere from claiming any safe passageway from there to the colonies. In our most decisive hour you offer an inclination of apathy towards our cause?"

Norma when she told him, "Never afraid to warn others of their doubts aren't you admiral? You've done everyone a great service yourself in climbing through the ranks to get here and become the blockade admiral for Mars. When you've been in my position this long however you start to wish there was a way to impress common Sense on some of these people instead of allowing another slaughter to happen."

Demetrios stood up when he reminded, "I must remind you of what it is that brought you here today admiral. You were among the many who believed that the Falsons were wronged for their treatment to the point of where you followed them to 3 Juno. Conversely there are as many on Earth who believe this is an error that must be over looked if we are to have a humanity that stands together. Every man and woman who stands wit the Earth Sphere has made peace with this fact and wishes for nothing more than a return of errors. We are the progress the human race needs admiral. And we can only achieve this unity buy having those who will bear arms against us be destroyed."

Norma offered a calming wave when she told him, "Fully understood admiral. I think every now and again I need to see a more theatrical dedication to our overall conflict. People like you give me a good reminder why this fleet is worth fighting for. Ever since your enlistment, you and I have achieved great things for our people through both the good and the bad times. Now more than ever, this operation needs to be a success. We die for nothing out there, the Coalition fought for nothing."

Demetrios sat down when he accepted, "I do everything I can to insure these thoughts you speak now into my men. I promise that this will not be a struggle however. Gundams or not, the main support of the Earth Sphere will fall at the might of our combined fleets. Our arrival will only be in a matter of days. Our convictions will be brought to the front lines and given their greatest tests. I look forward to seeing us both stand triumphant over the Earth Sphere's unyielding endurance."

Norma accepted, "As do I. Safe journeying admiral." The hologram of Norma faded as Demetrios was allowed to himself to view the passing view of space while waiting for Earth's moon to become a more visible destination.

"Yes. The Earth Sphere has no means of escape now."

William removed his helmet as he entered the airlock pressurized atmosphere before zipping his suit down. As soon as the room was cleared for breathability, the red lights switched to normal lighting and the exit was opened. William walked ahead when he heard one of his men point out, "That was pretty dumb with all due respect sir. You almost got yourself seriously hurt out there with all that chaos out there. Do you even know what those priorities were out there for in the first place?"

William slipped off his suit when he answered, "First of all, you're welcome. Second, not even I have the clearance to know about everything the chairman and his mad scientist did out there. The big concern is the fact that someone was able to hijack those things and turn them on us. These guys were given a penny above our paygrade if they were planning those as a backup plan."

Pascal stood for his superior's defense when he pointed out, "The major cares more about seeing a successful mission than anything. The fact is we do have something to warn the chairman about. Either we sign up for security or we seriously get caught with our pants down."

Another soldier agreed, "We have less room to worry about our well being every day that passes. It will be nice if we have an hour or two without having to put up with the Coalitions sneaky shit."

The relaxed soldiers made their way into the hangar bay areas where there saw the chairman of LDS waiting for someone. William snapped to attention at the sight when he told everyone following him, "No slouching. The chairman is here."

One of the men following him asked, "Shit, what brought him down here?"

Cinzia pointed out, "It might have something to do with the Gundam pilots. Either we just missed them or he wants to order us around."

As if on cue, Steven walked up to the arriving soldiers when he raised his hand to greet, "A successful mission out there. I understand that you recognize our newest arrivals?"

William returned with a salute when he answered, "Haven't met any of them personally sir. Judging from what passed us by earlier they were instrumental in bringing that shuttle all the way here?"

"Yes Major. I imagine that seeing the works of Architect I land right in front of you and have been an invigorating sight."

"His works have made their way here? Already? And right after completely some big mission?"

"To clarify major, the shuttle you have seen is classified as the Solaris. If the Earth Sphere president is to correct an instrumental piece to seeing the of this war."

William looked up to the clear window of the colony when he reflected, "So the hard part of this thing is over. Got to admit I like the sound of this coming to an end. I think I'll have to see that happen before I believe it though."

Steven agreed, "I haven't seen the results of one piece of technology such as what we have seen be of such consequence. It will be our duty to see that we achieve this operation and keep ourselves alive on Luna."

William looked back to his superiors' eyes level when he agreed, "If we have no other option then we'll have to take the risk. Meanwhile we have to make sure that the Gundam pilots behave themselves is that right?"

"They will be occupying our headquarters for a short time while we have the upgrades and training programs established. I am certain that one of them will be more than pleased to learn of your arrival."

"I know one of them huh? Sounds like it should be easy for me at least."

Steven accepted the answer, "I anticipate so major. More pressing however I must warn that you ensure their safety as well. For right now we may be safe from any threat that makes its way here. But internally we may have us two."

William gave another salute, "We'll make sure that we don't have to see a repeat of what happened earlier sir. Even if they are against any of the crew we've received."

Steven returned the salute, "I expect nothing less major. You have your mission then. Carry on, dismissed."

Steven walked away from William and his squad as Pascal asked, "How long ago did we receive our last shuttle from Earth? I was getting worried that we might have just been an afterthought after all this time."

William agreed, "It has been a while. What it means for us depends on how much we can trust them. If it's anyone from my team on Earth then we should be in good hands." William and his company made their way to the lower bays where the Chairman had come to greet them. Once the soldiers had begun to disembark Major Ramos and the others found a division led by Dana and a few others.

"Houston! Knew you would make it here!" The man was only a few years older than Dana but clearly had seen better days judging from his scarred physique.

Dana only took these characteristics to confirm the voice she heard earlier and rushed over to greet him. "Hell yeah I knew it!"

Lifting her up in the air from her waist William confirmed, "Well it looks like you made it after all huh princess?"

Dana playfully taunted back, "Shut up you son of a bitch! You should know this was only another stop for me!"

Gawel found the exchange curious and asked, "I take it you know him Captain?"

Dana was lifted down and turned to Gawel introducing, "Lieutenant William Ramos. Or as he's now known, Major. He pulled me through the retreat at Penza back in the day and showed me everything he knew about survival on the battlefield."

William grinned at the credit thanking, "Didn't exactly teach you how to give credit Captain. Good to see you again Dana. Never thought the war would see us get back together on the same field."

"Same here. So, you got any occasion for us?"

William was reminded of his request when he answered, "It's probably about time we took you to meet with Architect I. He's got some serious plans for the Gundams you know."

The reunion with Major Ramos was quite a sight for many of the pilots. Even after this long of a war she still had some old friends who were able to continue contributing to the fight.

Keijo looked over the discussion from afar, "Guess that's how the loss of the Lieutenant Colonel didn't make her lose her resolve completely."

Mercurio agreed, "It's probably better than where she was. Being friendly with superiors doesn't hurt either."

Thankfully for both of the divisions, Agent Arch didn't seem to be present so it allowed for a normal conversation to continue. Dana offered her introduction, "Hey guys. This is Major William Ramos."

William continued, "We hope you have some time to enjoy the sights around here but it's probably important that right now we get to meeting with the Architect. If there's any more of the Gundam pilots around here they can follow us to the main repairs observation room."

One of the soldiers nearby reminded the conditions, "The Architect did say that he only wants to meet with the pilots though. Apparently he says that we'll get in the way of a conversation if we're present."

William didn't show any disagreement when he offered, "Well hey, we're just the grunts here. These guys probably need the special treatment anyway."

Mercurio made his way to find Donna and offered, "Okay. I'll see if Donna is ready to report. It shouldn't be long."

Keijo showed his curiosity when he asked no one in particular, "That architect guy have issues talking to other people?"

Zachariah gave the only possible answer they had now, "If he wants to control who sees him and who doesn't then it might not be too far from the truth."

In the conference room, Elias and Alberto were waiting for their meeting while Steven concluded his business with Maja Wright.

Steven was the first to speak, "Greetings Mrs. Wright. I understand that you wish to speak with me?"

Maja confirmed, "Yes Mr. Chairman. We know of the recent landing. The Coalition fleets are soon to make their way here and we will have to be prepared for their arrival. Are you still resolved to continue harboring the Earth Sphere mobile suits?"

Elias answered, "My cause remains to the Earth Sphere Representative. I continue to stand here for what I have previous advocated along with President Kecker."

"You will be given until the arrival of the fleets to change your mind Chairman."

The hologram of Maja Wright disappeared and Steven was immediately prepared for the chance to meet with two men he knew he could trust. He announced, "Allow them in now."

The Chairman greeted Alberto and Elias into the conference room and gave them the nearest seat to view the monitor on the left wall. Steven began his meeting with a welcome, "Thank you for coming Colonel. Major. With your assistance we will be able to continue fighting for the Earth Sphere and see that our Parliament is saved from disaster."

Elias went to the next point when he asked the first question. "I believe the first thing we should like to know is the status of the situation on Earth. Will we at least be able to return to anything to defend on landing?"

Steven looked over the current statistics of the casualties to answer, "We may have something to fight for. However if we wait too long it may not have too many members to fight for." He pointed his remote to the screen nearby and explained, "This report was made last Sunday from the Coalition forces."

As the report was given a news reporter was seen in front of a crowd of soldiers and some civilians who were unfortunate to be stuck in the city of Brussels. "The weekend executions have ended with the prosecution of another seven representatives. In total 13 of the 200 Earth Sphere United Nations Parliamentary representatives have been found guilty of supporting the war and possibly having a link to finding the spark that led to this war."

The camera switched to the front of the Parliamentary Building for another angle to emphasize a speech from the Coalition President. Nathaniel stepped in front of the presses at the steps of the Parliamentary Building announcing, "Today another group of representatives have paid the price for permitting the war to extend. Once President Kecker has seen the error of his ways and seen what his policies have brought, he will receive the correct jury for his crimes. This war has dragged on for eleven years and we will not permit those who have encouraged the war to have access to further power. The men and women who would have the colonies once again be subservient to those on Earth must not ever consider our sovereignty as something that can be achieved. Especially by trampling on the very ideals it was supposedly founded on. I will ensure that this deed is done if every last representative must be killed. The further you allow these sentences to drag on Mr. President, the harsher your penalty will be for you and your administration."

The camera switched back to the news reporter announcing, "The President has confirmed that another execution will take place this upcoming next Sunday but will likely consist of former representatives to be tried along with current serving ones." The screen faded to a series of names for those executed that day with the reporter's voice speaking, "Yesterday the Coalition Department of Security publicly released the names of the seven representatives."

Elias found himself struck by the atrocity that was taking place within the report. The Coalition was already taking its time to kill off what members of the Parliament they had considered to be dangerous to what idea of peace they were fighting for. "Damn. President Falson has already begun to utilize his victory to exact his revenge."

Alberto tried to understand the earlier words from the Coalition President, "And we were supposed to believe he was attempting to perform differently than the late President?"

Elias reminded him, "It is clear that he sees these killings now as the only way they can prevent another war."

Steven agreed with the sentiment, "As they have reported. We have attempted to make contact with the Coalition in hopes of sparing further members but Nathaniel would not receive our calls."

Outside the city of Rome, the air of war had been lifted in favor of a very solemn air of defeat. With the Earth Sphere officially defeated, much of its remaining military wasn't able to consider anything other than a complete surrender. It was a solemn air that Mauro had come to force himself to accept as he remained at his desk while waiting for future updates on the progress of the trials. He was not alone however when he saw his second in command enter, Lieutenant General Isacco Mancini. Isacco entered Mauro's room when he broke the silence, "General, everything is progressing as we have feared. More representatives are being found guilty and I'm afraid a very chief one among them has recently been tried. Representative Evangeline de Lombard has been found guilty."

Mauro nodded when he accepted, "I feared that she would be among those found guilty. I cannot favor any of them more than the other however. If the Coalition's intention is to see to their idea of justice is passed, they will continue to execute every man and woman who attempts to impede their progress."

Isacco walked up to Mauro when he told him, "It doesn't have to continue general. We can still make an effort in preventing this defeat from costing everything we believe in. We have only recently learned of reports that General de Lombard is gathering the forces that remain at his side. We can join with him and we will have the forces necessary to liberate Brussels. What is even greater that if we do continue on, we will be able to deal a decisive blow and capture their leader. Is this not worth the attempt general? We can attest to not having lost even now."

Mauro had a feeling of regret when he heard Isacco's offer but his only immediate answer was a clench of his fists. After a few seconds he told Isacco, "Indeed it is our duty to go so far in to place our lives on the line for our dedication to see our united Earth be a reality. As it is however, the Coalition has our governing body at gunpoint. If we march on them now, they will not hesitate to see them all executed. Even those who they deem innocent. We make this advance, we will indirectly be the cause of their deaths. I'm afraid that the people of Earth will not stand with those who allow the fall of our own leadership. Even if Nathaniel Falson was our prisoner, the remainder of the government of the Coalition will still be standing. Worse yet, he will be martyrized for his effort. The entire Coalition will be rallied to his call when he is our prisoner."

Isacco stepped back when he asked, "Are you truly attempting to find a way out of conflict general? It must be our effort to perform any action that will free our leaders from the grasp of defeat. T his is an opportunity that we cannot let pass. Perhaps we might even offer the president back as a gesture of peaceful intentions?"

Mauro corrected, "You know full well what sort of intentions Nathaniel Falson has Isacco. This is a man who believes that justice being exacted is worth continuing a war for. This man has the intention to see all who are associated with acting against his efforts to be subjugated. The best outcome we can hope for is that we have a cause to continue this war. Even that can be too much to hope for. The Testudo is right outside the capital and has the power to destroy anything. They simply have far too much leverage against us to offer a real chance at turning the tables."

"But it cannot be a waste sir. The general could not be making this advance on the capital if he did not think he could change this outcome without our demise. He may either know that the siege does not have the same weight as before, or he may be prepared to topple the Testudo and prevent its potential destruction."

"These are all probabilities Isacco. Have you spoken with General de Lombard to learn what his strategy is?"

Isacco was brought to a stop at those words before he clenched his teeth only to manage an answer, "No sir."

Mauro nodded when he confirmed, "Unfortunately this is why we are not able to attempt a rendezvous with the general. We run far too great of a risk to our leaders and to ourselves if we attempt to siege the usurpation."

Isacco didn't stand down when he stepped forward to affirm, "General the men outside are not sharing the same conclusions that you have. The men know that this could cost their lives, but this is a brush with death they have endured since the war began. They recognize the value of the united Earth and wish for nothing less than the complete recognition for its existence. Even if we refuse to support their determination, this will only reach a boiling point until we are all forced to sit and watch their actions be judged. What are we to do if we do not lead them in their effort?"

Mauro looked up to Isacco when he answered, "You know better than anyone else. It is our job to be the better men and avoid allowing any more senseless slaughter to occur. Recognize it or not, this war has ended. We do not even have the Gundams necessary to offer us a prayer of turning things in our favor. We fought a long and hard war in our best efforts to preserve our way of life, but everything simply has not turned out in our favor. Unless a miracle were to occur, I am sorry to say that we are not in a position to achieve a great change where we are now."

Isacco groaned at his defeated superior when he accepted, "I understand your intentions general. I will attempt to calm the men from acting on the signal."

Mauro accepted, "Good work. I know it is difficult to accept after so long, but this is an unfortunate reality we must now all endure."

Isacco gave a salute when he confirmed, "I will let everyone know of what we must do general. There is no need for you to endure the potential backlash."

Mauro returned the salute when he agreed, "I appreciate the concern, but this burden will belong to all of us. The Coalition will be here soon to account for us. We will be meeting with General Ulbricht soon enough."

Isacco turned and left Mauro's room as he saw one of his men walk up to him. Isacco was asked, "How did the general respond to the news sir?"

Isacco simply turned when he answered, "He is regrettably not a man of consideration to see our turn against the Coalition as proper timing."

"I see. Are we going to follow his orders then?"

"The will of one man is never enough to prevent the tide of resistance from being brought to fruition. It is a most unfortunate time but we must begin the usurpation without the consent of the general. I want no harm done to him however. He is only a man who places concern for his leaders over that above all else."

"I understand sir. We'll make sure that his safety is considered."

Isacco confirmed the promise when he added, "We will ensure that he is able to see what we can accomplish even when things seem to be impossible."

The sight of Rome in the distance would have been a pleasant one for Zelma if she didn't feel forced away from a target so close in range. One of the Coalition soldiers next to her asked, "What's with the downer face agent? You look like you just got pulled out of your planned vacation."

Another one observed, "With how much you got paid I'm gonna guess that's probably what actually happened."

Zelma looked out the window of the transportation truck when she answered, "Unfortunately I'm still on the payroll of the president. It doesn't seem like I'll be given a break until this and who knows how many assignments."

Another one of the soldiers offered, "That's nice to know you're still on our side. We don't need a Gundam-esque threat breathing down our necks after claiming victory. Hell, we might even be able to grant you a few extra weeks of vacation time if you stay long enough agent."

Zelma nodded when she accepted, "I can't say you're wrong. I was honestly hoping for just guard duty rather than escort. They just don't work well for me."

The first soldier who spoke to her agreed, "Yeah, even after just winning, this sort of thing doesn't have the same visceral feeling of an anticipated battle. Unfortunately, now we're just reduced to making sure these sore losers don't misbehave or try to start anything. On top of that someone has to fill in the position and they'll be bitching about the same thing."

Another soldier tired to remind, "It's just one more thing we all have to finish up, we've been putting up with this for almost twelve years, we'll be able to handle it for another month or so. After that we have job security and a few patrol sessions before we can see any big conflicts blow up."

The second soldier who spoke to Zelma wondered, "That is something to be ready for isn't it? We're almost about to see an end and we don't even know what's going to happen afterwards. You guys think it will be long before another conflict erupts?"

Zelma gave her own answer when she spoke, "There will be one. The Falsons chose to sacrifice a united establishment in favor of what they call a united humanity. Any dedication to justice that is so driven can only bring about the opportunity for the human race to give way."

Another soldier reflected on the observation Zelma had when he asked, "We're either united by a lie or we're divided by the truth. Pretty pessimistic way to look at things if I say so."

The first soldier who spoke to her commented, "For an agent for hire you seem to have more to say about our situation than some superiors."

Zelma confirmed the observation, "I've had my revelations in my career that gave me some context behind everything. Most of them aren't going to be widely recognized until this all truly settles down."

Another of the soldiers asked, "Speaking of, when is this trip going to bring us to our destination?"

The driver in front answered, "It won't be long, now sit your ass back down."

Outside the city of Rome, the squadrons of Leo II models were taken out into the road by trucks where they would soon arrive in their new holding zone. Isacco was in the front seat of the front most truck as he watched the multitude of trucks follow behind him. He adjusted the radio to obtain the signal of a nearby truck when he asked, "Are all preparations ready for contact?"

A voice on the other line answered, "Ye sir. We have accounted that all Leo units are prepared for departure."

Mauro overheard the question when he asked, "Have we not already accounted for the status of our forces before we left?"

Isacco confirmed, "Yes general. We just don't want to allow one of our units to be left behind. We can't allow our ammunition to be left behind either or the Coalition will suspect something not to their benefit."

Mauro added, "I understand that this can be an unfortunate day to handle. Attempting to relieve yourself of handing over our weapons will not come so easily however."

"I must ask for your pardon general, but there was not a point where I gave my intention to hold a grudge with the Coalition for our loss."

Mauro recognized the desperation in Isacco's answer when he told him, "I can recognize how you value the Earth phere's existence above all other outcomes, but risking lives for it at this point is now an unrealistic cause. We don't even know if the Gundams are still operational and we don't know where General de Lombabrd is. We currently do not have any way to defesat the Coalition."

Isacco clenched a fist when he answered, "With those current evaluations we certainly won't have a chance. I do not wish to be seen as a man at odds with you general. None of what I have fought for has ever been made possible without your leadership."

Mauro wasn't convinced when he asked, "And how much is no leadership worth to you? I believe that you have not offered every detail."

Isacco sighed when he accepted, "You were persuasive enough to notice that I am not above insurrection general."

He reached for the radio to announce, "All units are to prepare for combat! We will be ready for them, prepare to have them all destroyed!"

Mauro drew his pistol when he warned, "Rescind that order Isacco!"

The driver stopped the truck when he drew his pistol to warn, "I am sorry to say sir, but we are not ready to give up our cause. That is worth laying down our lives for if you ask me."

Mauro turned to order, "Men! We have treason! Arrest the lieutenant general!" As soon as Mauro gave the order, three men next to him raised their pistols but the remaining twelve stood up with their pistols raised at their fellow men and Mauro himself.

Isacco turned to Mauro when he told him, "I do not want to see our men turn on each other any more today. I suggest that you stand down from attempting to grasp control general."

Mauro gestured for his men to stand down when he told Isacco, "I should have accounted for your intention to usurp me. This brash decision will be your grave mistake. Even if you are able to rally the men to this cause, how can you be assured that we have a place guaranteed in the future battles to be ignited? As of right now you may be asking us all to an untimely death."

Isacco viewed Mauro with his answered, "General, you underestimate our resolve to see Earth remain united. Faith may have waned over the past number of years. But everything we have fought for will not be undone regardless of what the Falsons might say. Don't worry about your safety general. You will see that we are capable of much more than you would have thought possible but will only be held hostage until we meet with General de Lombard."

Mauro seated himself down when he told Isacco, "As long as you recognize what you are bringing us all into. There is a reason we lost, but it may very soon be made clear."

Isacco turned away from Mauro as he watched the road on the edge of Veii when he answered, "I recognize that you can only be convinced by action general. Very soon there will be a reason for you to stand with our cause." At his promise, the sight of a squadron of Leo II mobile suits passed him buy on his left before another one passed him on his right. Before long the fifteen squadrons that were prepared for the departure were all making a way ahead to prepare for another battle.

One of the majors that took the front point of the lead reported, "The enemy isn't that far away. We have the EMP round prepared."

Isacco's voice ordered, "Prepare to fire. We only have to break through this convoy and we can expect a safe way forward. Don't permit any mistakes."

The major confirmed, "Yes sir." He changed his signal to one of the captains nearby, "We are now in range. Fire that round!" As the order was given, one of the leading Leo II units fired its round from a launcher towards the incoming Coalition forces in the distance.

Zelma was thrown back into her seat while a few soldiers piled on to her. She kept her legs upright pas the forces as many of her fellow surprised members off of her. One of them rushed to the back of the truck when he asked, "The hell just hit us?"

Another one added, "That sure didn't take long. Everyone, meet up with the major quick!"

Zelma followed the shocked soldiers towards the exit while checking her surroundings for what had happened. An explosion that blew up one of the nearby transportation trucks was the center of attention for many, but the scramble to find the cause of its destruction was quickly under way. Zelma saw the major among the crowd when she asked, "Did anyone get a view of the trucks sir?"

The major turned to answer, "It wasn't a guerilla tactic. The round fell down on us right in front. I suppose this is what the president sent you here with us for agent."

Zelma turned to the trucks further back when she asked, "Is this the most support we can expect?"

"The major answered from behind, "Unfortunately yes. We can't get any radios working."

Zelma acknowledge the situation when she told him, "I'll be taking point. Provide covering fire if you can."

Zelma didn't stop to hear a response from the major when she made a dash to the carrying trucks where the mobile suits were kept. The Tallgeese Authority stood out from the many Leo III mobile suits while Zelma passed the nearby pilots. She lifted herself into the cockpit and her mobile suit stood prepared for another confrontation.

She remembered that she wouldn't be able to warn anyone about what she was up to but made a path through the established area for the Coalition soldiers. With buster rifle prepared she saw the first number of Leo II mobile suits making a forward advance. "They have no intention to talk. Otherwise they wouldn't have begun as they did."

With that knowledge in mind, Zelma prepared her buster rifle to fire but viewed the lower areas of her targets. With only a few seconds granted before her shot, Zelma weaved her way across the incoming shots when she proclaimed, "A dedication to death is never admirable."

At her warning she thrust her buster rifle forth and fired at the legs of the mobile suits in front. The flash of energy was brief as the opposing mobile suits fell to the ground unable to advance. Behind them however, a few did erupt from unsustainable damage. After the single attack there was a disorder in the ranks of the Earth Sphere forces forced to endure an attack they didn't anticipate. Preparing her heat rod, Zelma moved the Tallgeese Authority forward with preparation to destroy the first mobile suit it came in contact with.

Isacco was shaken when he saw the sight of the early attacker being defeated so easily. Many of the fallen Leo II units had fallen on their backs as they gave an effort to damage the incoming Coalition forces only to find the Tallgeese undaunted in its advance. He gripped the side of his door when he asked, "Do we have an estimate of how many have been lost?"

One of the scrambling soldiers ran up to them when he answered, "We've lost a huge chunk of them sir! We won't be able to advance!"

Isacco slammed his fist when he cursed, "The Coalition is sending one of its best to keep us in line? Their situation is more secure than we believed."

He gave a desperate order, "Instruct one of the leading units that we have to pull back and continue the assault! Don't get caught in range of their main unit!"

The soldier gave a quick salute, "Yes sir!" before running off to fulfill his order.

Mauro peaked through his opening to see the early results of the attack when he told Isacco, "Is this truly what you had in mind? Is this one-sided slaughter what our men are supposed to die for?"

Isacco turned to him to answer, "We have not yet lost. We still have the numbers and evasion necessary to break through."

"How do you intend to do so if you are already at such a disadvantageous position you fool?"

Isacco recognized the EMP field he had allowed to be made before the battle began. "To think the only concern we had was the possibility of reinforcements." He cursed. He answered Mauro's question when he told him, "We are prepared to offer everything necessary to the defeat of the Coalition. There will be an outcome where the Coalition does not have a victory without their blood spilled."

As he gave the promise, another squadron of Leo II units made their way to the front of the convoy where their fallen brothers lay. The debris was building on their side from mobile suits, but the casualties had begun to build on the Coalition side as one Leo III unit was destroyed before another from the concentrated fire. The Tallgeese in the distance took every hit with its shield before threatening to raise its buster rifle for another shot.

Isacco shouted, "Fall back! Don't let it have another successful shot!" Even if the pilots weren't able to hear him, it was the only way he could attempt to handle the defeat threatening to claim his men. "It cannot be this simple for us to lose! It cannot be!"

Nathaniel entered the presidential room of the Parliamentary Building where he found Franz at his desk still with an unshaken face at his current situation. He looked up to greet Nathaniel, "Another laborious day before you is it? After overhearing your recent action it would seem that things are growing more demanding."

Nathaniel was brought to ask, "What permitted you to discover what I have done?"

"Why is it there talk between the two guards I have outside? It would seem that there are those who still deny your way of exacting justice even if it comes at the risk of the lives of their leaders."

"Their great failure being that they do not fight for you Franz. They continued to fight for an ideal. Fighting for a figure as a great rallying cry than that of any concept that can be reshaped and destroyed by men."

"And do they fight for you? Does any man believe that you are worth sacrificing their life for? Or were they all dedicated to the cause of Hermine?"

"Very close Franz. They fight for the man who threatened to expose everything that the Earth Sphere stood for. The ones you worked for believed that they would silence him but all you achieved was in making a martyr of him. The most invincible man any foe can face."

"Perhaps it may have been one of the greater mistakes in the recent history of our race. Most unfortunate that we were unable to prevent an escalation when we had the chance. If I am not mistaken, I believe you have done everything to go full circle with history."

"To go full circle? Need I remind you where we were before Franz? Everything I know as a politician I have a supplementary information. We were all members of the Earth Sphere at one time or another. Most importantly the exposure of your previous administration's intention to rebuild a mobile suit military. I only did everything to rally the colonies to prevent the most obvious intentions that any Earth leader would enact. The Pacifist measures were written with the intention of preventing an Earth Alliance military from being formed unless it was to enhance the performance of the Preventers. A promise that you did nothing to uphold. You are capable of seeing the evidence that has been collected to be against you and yet you continue to remain where you are without any intention to see the errors of your way?"

"I feel that it is only an unusual decision that you would continue to hold me in spite of what you have discovered will incriminate me. You could easily achieve everything you promised your people and supporters if you would reveal everything to them."

Nathaniel placed his hands on Franz's desk when he answered, "Why I attempted to achieve this is not of any concern to you. It is of no concern to your supporters either. I told you long ago these men will only respond to the most immediate actions and results. The longer I am held here, the more incidents there will be. Even if I am a man that none fight for, then it would only stand to reason that there is nothing to be lost from my death. This desire you have to prove me wrong is not a venture you can use to achieve any significant victory."

"I do this because I will not be a lesser man than you and play to your expectations. It does not affect me even if you were to dodge every question I present to you."

Franz's face was unfazed by the stance when he told Nathaniel, "I will continue to wait until then Nathaniel."

Nathaniel walked away from Franz as he opened the door to allow four Coalition soldiers inside when he told Franz, "Perhaps I was wrong to have you simply wait Mr. President. It may be more important for you to recognize how important these days are to be your legacy. You may have to see one of your own sentenced. Particularly of one of your foremost supporters. A Representative Evangeline de Lombard."

The four soldiers gathered next to Franz when he accepted, "I am in no position to disagree it would seem." He stood up without any resistance for his escort as he followed Nathaniel at gunpoint.

With every blow dealt to the shield of the Tallgeese, Zelma prepared her sights for another shot towards her enemies. She had her sights adjusted to the legs of the Leo II units as she offered another blast of her buster rifle. The Leo II units were more prepared this time as many of them hit the ground in an effort to avoid the blast. As soon as the blast and explosions dissipated, the enemy Leo II units continued their offense as they fired towards Zelma's ranks. While her Tallgeese avoided damage, several explosions erupted behind her as she considered the men who were counting to endure the persistence of the Earth Sphere forces.

She drew out a heat rod for the Tallgeese as she watched the Leo II units still on the ground. With a clear path of the enemy mobile suits in front of her, Zelma proclaimed, "How long will it take for you to realize? You have all lost." Charging towards the enemy mobile suits, Zelma saw the targets quickly enlarge on her screen before she gave a sweep with her heat rod. The assault rifle of the Leo II unit was sliced in half as the hands holding it were crushed by the force of the Tallgeese Authority's feet. Zelma turned her attention to every Leo II unit that came after as she sliced off one arm, rifle, or head after another. The damage Zelma continued to build more of a seemingly immeasurable mountain of debris and damaged equipment.

The only force she allowed be spared of her devastation was the occasional soldier that was making a desperate escape for his life after his unit was all but destroyed. Before long, Zelma saw the remaining Leo II units that either remained standing in the back of the convoy or had yet to stand up. As Zelma prepared her buster rifle to offer a nonverbal warning to the threatened soldiers, she felt herself lightly rocked by an explosion of a mobile suit nearby. She turned to see the Leo III units picking off the Leo II units one after another as they were destroyed by rifle shots. The Earth Sphere units were defenseless to the attack but the sight left Zelma an impression of what sort of casualties the dedicated Earth Sphere mobile suits were enduring. Distracted by the sight, Zelma moved the Tallgeese to the frontlines of the Earth Sphere convoy where her allied Leo III units were closing the gap between the engaged forces. In a move that surprised everyone on the field, the Tallgeese pointed its buster rifle in the direction of the Coalition mobile suits. The Leo III units stopped their attack while the Earth Sphere units stopped their attack.

Smoke and fires rose from the skirmish of the destroyed mobile suits s both sides endured while Zelma kept a gaze over them while being forced to endure the chilling silence that loomed over the standstill. This tension did not last for long before Zelma saw one of the leading Leo III mobile suits step forward and open its cockpit. Zelma saw the major step out with an intercom piece to echo across the field when he asked, "Just what sort of stunt are you trying to pull agent? You have your orders of engagement."

Zelma activated her own intercom system when she responded, "These men needed to see a proper response for attempting to continue this war. This destruction is more than enough for one that has ended. Our mission is to take them back as prisoners and take them to the others at the encampment."

The major was displeased with the dedication that his most powerful ally had but offered a response, "See that they are all secure-" Before Zelma could hear the rest of the order, she felt an explosion collide with the back of her Tallgeese. Placing one of the hands to the ground Zelma was able to view the damage that she had taken on her hull indicator.

Before she could turn around, Zelma saw more Leo II units erupted in an explosion behind her as her fellow mobile suit pilots made their way up to her location and fired on the remaining Earth Sphere of the mobile suits that were still standing. Zelma brought the Tallgeese back to its feet before she was able to have a view of the last remaining chances the forces of Mauro Carmine were able to place their hopes upon. Every Leo II unit was easily destroyed, trucks with remaining soldiers were crushed beneath the feet of Leo III units or the random debris that fell from the destruction. The only thing on the field that was bringing her any greater sense of danger was the sight of the defeated soldiers being subject to slaughter from the crossfire of the two forces.

Zelma in a flash swiped the heat rod to one of the nearby Leo III units but didn't have the heat activated and only jerked the mobile suit to the ground on its back. Zelma used her intercom function to announce to the other advancing Coalition mobile suits, "It's done! They have surrender! They can't fight any more!"

Several nearby Leo III units pointed their assault rifle at Zelma's Tallgeese but the unit with the major gave a gesture to lower their weapons. To Zelma's relief the firing stopped before the Leo III units made their way past her and looked over the remains of the Earth Sphere's defeated convoy. She heard the major with the same speech system speak to his men, "Round up the survivors. We'll have to take back what remains of them."

At those words the brief conflict of Veii had been ended but Zelma could only find a brief period of relief from the victory. The soldiers of the Earth Sphere however were rounded under the looming threat of an assault rifle without any consideration for their safety or their lives. Only with the mercy of Zelma's presence were the final few seconds of Coalition victory established.

The next trial was about to begin before a brief conversation between Relena and Evangeline. "Relena. Please do not argue for my case. I must face the trial myself and stand for my husband."

Relena found herself becoming desperate for the situation when she heard this. She told her, "Evangeline please don't do this. They have already found several First Priority members guilty for only remotely believing that war with the Coalition was justified."

Evangeline shook her head when she told her, "My husband did not marry me because I am a coward Relena. I must stand for him or he will be killed because of me."

"And if you do die because of this trial will he still be capable of seeing his duty worth achieving?"

Evangeline's face fell when she remembered the very thing that was driving Alphonse de Lombard to continue in his journey to win the Earth Sphere back from the Coalition. She wanted nothing more now than to see him at her side again. She clutched her fist when she told herself, There is only one thing that I have ever been jealous about you Relena… She brought her face back up when she told her in a shaky voice, "He is a General Relena. He placed his duty above me."

Franz sat behind the podium next to the one Nathaniel had taken when he asked him, "You truly believe that these trials will do anything to weed out the future generations of war sparks Nathan?"

Nathaniel heard Franz's question and had a first answer, "These trials are held because it is the only way they will end future conflict. There may be war further down human history, but it will not be held again in our lifetime." He gave his elaborate answer when he explained the need for the deaths, "It is the idealistic vision that these representatives must die. Truly the only reason that they must be executed is for the sake of justice. How does one pay the price for initiating and supporting a war with 200 million accumulated casualties? If they are to be punished for attempting to destroy my people, then I cannot think of a more severe or fitting end than to pay with what they themselves support."

He was now prepared to begin the court when Evangeline stepped forward. "The jury is now observing Representative Evangeline de Lombard of the First Priority Party. We shall now begin in hearing out the case she brings for her standing in this court."

Franz continued to overlook the trial as he had been charged to beforehand answering, "Justify it how you will Nathan." He considered the scenario before him to himself, "If your plan is to quell violence in killing then you may soon find that the results will not be in your favor should you fail Nathan."

Moments after Evangeline was called to the stand she began her entry speech before the Parliament. "President Falson. I stand before you today because of my charges as an accused supporter of the war that has passed for 11 years. If I am to be tried for crimes that have indeed caused the death of even a handful of people as a result of the war, I shall willingly hear out my charges. I am a representative charged to follow the will of my people. If I can only make one request before the jury today, then I request that at the very least do not let our fighting men and women be subject to the same consequences. They only hold the will of the people, I only present it before our leaders."

Relena heard the tone of Evangeline's speech wondering, "How can she allow this? She will not even have a chance to go against the charges if she does not question them."

Heero admitted the defiance in the representative's speech when he observed, "She is probably the first to have entered willingly admitting her fate."

Nathaniel heard out Evangeline's story and claims for the trial and clearly she hoped he would be merciful on some level. He merely brushed the idea aside answering, "Your claims are noted Representative." He looked down at the charges and announced to the house, "The charges determined for your activity in the war are as follows. Voting consistently for further war funding, speaking out against peace talks, and promoting further violence against the Coalition. Your voting records show no sign of deviation from these ideologies. We hear by offer you Representative the opportunity to justify your actions before the jury determines your sentence." Another hour was prepared to pass and the sentence for Evangeline would be determined by how she would answer.

Evangeline did not let this much time pass however when she stood against Nathaniel's accusations and began her case, "If my greatest crime in office is providing support and faith in those who would stand for a United Earth, then I will accept the allegations against me. It is only because I sought to see my people have their chance to express their desire for our mutual ambitions that I served under oath. I have no intention of misrepresenting these ambitions. Charge me for anything that you have brought forth President Falson and you charge me as a politician who sought to do right for her people."

She knew that it was probably what would get her accused guilty seeing that some First Priority members had been charged for even less than what she did. If they found out her husband was also still out there prepared to find a way to end the occupation her charges would be even worse. At this rate however it probably would not matter, all of the representatives who were found guilty had been killed so far and she would likely be another death added to the list.

Relena stood fast for her when she announced, "Representative de Lombard has always been a loyal supporter of her husband! Before anything else she hopes to see that he has the support of our Parliament and it has always been the spark of her faith in the military!" This was not going to be in Evangeline's favor now. Relena had just announced her husband's position. She felt guilt and fear rush down her spine as the notion came flooding upon her conscience. She now had to wait for what the President would say about her status.

Isacco gazed at the destruction he had unwillingly caused. Even the few Coalition casualties he was able to see weren't enough to ease his mind of what crushing defeat he was forced to view. Mauro stood at his side without a word but allowed him to speak, "We had everything prepared… And yet we still lost."

The Leo III unit above him focused its assault rifle on him but he remained strong at the sight ass though he recognized a sentencing he was soon to be classified with. Behind him Mauro told him, "Few ever anticipate that their efforts can be undone by the might of one force. It was only right to believe that one of their most powerful units would be left in their most critical holding location. No matter what your reasons, the error has been committed. I'm afraid that our time on this field will not be for long."

Isacco watched the leading Leo III unit stop and allow its pilot to descend the leg while a dozen pilots followed behind his lead. Behind him he saw the remainder of Earth Sphere soldiers scathed and wounded by the battle made their way up to him. Only thirty now remained out of the more than a hundred soldiers who were once ready to resist their fate. Isacco felt shame fall upon him that made the defeat much less bearable. More curious was the sight of the pilot from the Tallgeese opening her cockpit before she descended to the ground level to follow her superiors. The major walked up to the gathering of Earth Sphere survivors when he told them, "You're all fortunate that our agent felt it was necessary to spare you from an early execution. Now which one of you is the commanding officer?"

Before Isacco could answer, Mauro was the first to speak, "These men are only at fault for following what their dedication to the cause for a united Earth. I only have this request when I accept custody, please allow them to see the wrong of their ways. None of my men should bear the burden of facing military justice. I am General Mauro Carmine. Their inability to accept surrender is a failure of my leadership that I alone should answer for."

The major accepted, "Well we're off to a good start. Maybe now we'll be able to receive judgment on how to discipline you guys."

Isacco stepped forward when he spoke, "This was my doing!" He caught the major's attention and everyone else while Mauro responded, "Don't do this. This is my responsibility."

Isacco ignored him as he continued, "General Carmine is a good man who only wanted his men to return to their lives as they were entitled to. I was the one who betrayed his trust. I went against his order to comply with the Coalition when I believed we had an opportunity to escape. The general has done nothing to be tried of the action that we all have committed. If only one more of us has to die today, I ask that it be my life to give."

The major accepted the answer when he told them, "The amount of honesty you've been giving its very encouraging. As much as I wish this could be settled by making an example out of you both, we're only going to be able to decide that after we hear from our superior about how we proceed." Before anyone could question what superior officer they would report to, the major took out a data pad to activate a signal. Before a long wait, a hologram of Nathaniel Falson appear as the major greeted, "Mr. President. I apologize for the inconvenience. It would seem that your judgement was correct. These men were prepared for resistance after all. We have recently rounded the survivors however. As per your instructions I now await your decision on how we handle him."

The image of Nathaniel answered, "These men will be tried as war criminals soon enough. Take the survivors to Brussels where they will be processed after the representatives. Is the general still among the survivors?"

The major looked at Mauro when he answered, "Yes sir."

The image of Nathaniel added, "Take him to General Ulbricht as planned. Now, how many survivors are there to account for?"

The major gave a glance over the survivors before he answered, "31 sir. Including the general."

Nathaniel confirmed the account when he told the major, "I shall anticipate their arrival. I can only hope that the way back will not be taxing on your men."

The major offered a salute when he agreed, "We will not fail you Mr. President. We'll arrive before too long."

The president accepted the promise when he told him, "Very good major. Carry on."

The hologram of Nathaniel faded as the major pocket ed the device and looked at the men in front of him. Zelma was the first to speak when she pointed out, "You offered the wrong information sir. There are 32 survivors."

The major grinned when he agreed, "So I did. I can't arrive in front of the president himself with an extra prisoner now can I?" He turned to his men when he asked, "Now why don't you guys answer for me. How are we supposed o rectify this sort of problem?"

One of the soldiers stepped forward to answer, "Sir, they gave us a chance to kill our boredom but I don't think they understand what they just did."

The major pointed to him when he answered, "I like the way you think kid. So easy enough we just chose to let one of these lucky bastards get off scot free. You hear that? That means one of you guys gets to avoid getting the trip to imprisonment."

He stepped forward with his attention on the group of Earth Sphere soldiers when he asked, "Now that leaves me with a dilemma. Who is the son of a bitch to tell his friends about how thoughtful we were?"

Zelma saw the situation the major had made for himself before she asked, "Is this sort of performance something that needs to be extended?"

The major simply answered, "It's just how things work agent. I'm not letting you not have a word aren't I?"

When he turned around he saw Mauro speak, "Please. Let the Lieutenant General go. I must accept my failure and the men want their superior to be permitted freedom."

The major paused as he looked over the waiting soldiers to see a nonverbal confirmation of what Mauro said. Every mans face was completely stoic to the announcement as they kept their gaze on Isacco. The man in question was silent as he looked down to hide the shame of his defeat. The major walked up to Isacco when he told him, "Well good news on you sir. Look like the popular vote has spoken." He helped Isacco up to his feet before pushing him closer to the Coalition soldiers at attention. The major added to his release, "Well boys, I didn't say anything about letting him go alive."

Isacco realized his situation too late when the major hit him in the back of his head with a pistol handle. Before he could stand up, several Coalition soldiers rushed up to Isacco and offered him a nearly unaccountable number of beatings. Mauro looked on in horror at his second in command beaten but became even more sorrowed when he saw what little he could do. He couldn't fire on his enemies without being shot first and instead stood up in a rush to Isacco's aid. The same man who had him at gunpoint knocked Mauro down with the blunt end of a rifle and warned, "Don't make this any worse for yourself general."

It was only a short while before Mauro could no longer hear Isacco's screams of pain and saw the Coalition soldiers part away from their chosen beating victim. Mauro was left to curse himself for his inaction as he saw another one of his men die. The major asked his men, "How did that feel? Got everything out of your system? Good. Now round up the rest of them and let's get a move on."

Zelma watched what remained of the battlefield as she saw the Coalition soldiers gather the remaining Earth Sphere soldiers. She turned away when she told herself, "No word from an enemy soldier can be of support for them now."

She made her way to the Tallgeese Authority as she climbed her way up to the cockpit. As it activated, Zelma turned away from the destruction when she told herself, "If only this were all that remained of his kind."