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 31: The Earth Sphere's New Army

Donna heard Mercurio's voice while speaking with an engineer. She turned around to reply to her fellow Gundam pilot. "I'll catch up." She replied to him. "I need to talk about the repair for my vernier."

She went back to discuss what repair was needed. "I'll need the right vernier repaired." She explained. "It's been hit by a machinegun."

Mercurio thanked, "Alright, I'll make sure the Captain knows you'll be right behind us." While Donna hoped to see her damages fixed, he found another repairman and quickly asked, "Will the damage be anything serious to work on?"

"Nah, this is Luna. We've got the extra resources and all that to support our forces. Makes the Coalition jealous every day."

The engineer nodded and made notes on the damages. Arch made his way up to the rails in his chance see the Sandesgeist when he commented, "This is the first time I had a chance to see it up close. It sure is amazing that we can still come up with the schematics to make this sort of thing possible isn't it?"

Mercurio agreed, "The human race is capable of great things whenever they are forced into their greatest hour."

Arch pointed out, "It can be. Although after an 11-year war, I would think that somebody would have tried to come up with a way to bring this sort of thing into functionality sooner."

Mercurio corrected, "Well there is a rumor going around that the Earth Sphere tried to do it some number of years ago. It's not something us grunts have been cleared to learn though. Most we ever got were a few suggestions of it happening from the captain."

As the two spoke about the captain, they saw Dana looking over the repairs of her Gundam from another area. Dana found the repairs were beginning with the Sandesgeist when she passed by the hangar bay. She asked one of the repair crew, "Good to hear you guys are ready for these sorts of major repairs. Any of you got a replacement for the wing systems for the Artemis? She took a pretty bad hit during the last attack."

One of the mechanics answered, "That's what we have in mind. Just a quick replacement and it'll be good as new."

Dana nodded when she told them, "Saves us some trouble even. The new system will be an even more awesome piece to work with."

Arch gestured towards her when he pointed out, "You certainly had a worthwhile superior officer to follow under. She's strong and capable. On top of that she's been willing to listen to everything you suggested and gave us the best strategies as a result."

Mercurio nodded when he told him, "Yeah, we needed the best of the best to pilot these things. I have to admit that I still wish that we were being utilized to fulfill missions on Earth before we had to do anything like this."

Arch asked, "We still haven't had a chance to find out what that Solaris shuttle was actually needed for didn't we? Do you think if you had it in you to go on your own you would have?"

Mercurio nodded, "There are some nights where I wish I was more like my father. Although I still get told every now and again that I'm too much like him for being willing to stick to a list of orders like I do."

Arch leaned on his rail when he continued to watch the repairing process for the three Gundams continue and he commented, "Boy a lot of broad hints and all that, you are not going to make it any easier for me to find out who you are, aren't you?"

Mercurio agreed, "As soon as I'm ordered when to drop this thing, I'll probably be able to tell you who I am then." Both pilots chuckled at the observation when they watched the watched the repairs continue.

General Alphonse de Lombard looked over the remaining men he had maintained in their journey across Germany and into the areas of southern France. They were fortunate to avoid contact with any of the Coalition, but it would likely soon run out if they did not find a way to conduct an assault on Brussels. Two weeks had already passed, and the number of Representatives would only grow with each week that passed.

The General turned to his second in command, "Do we have any news on the enemy?"

"From what our intelligence was able to discern the enemy has continued to send in brigades to secure the city. If this continues, they will have more soldiers than we are ever going to have a chance in taking on."

A Lieutenant Colonel pointed out the missed opportunity when he reminded, "If we managed to take the mobile suits, we might have been able to move out towards the city armed and prepared for another battle."

Alphonse corrected, "If we had they would have recognized us immediately. Then the Parliament would be in even greater danger than they are now. Our defiance alone against the Coalition is what will likely save them, but on the same token we must ensure that we do so with discretion."

His second in command pointed out, "We only have one brigade to send in against them. We won't be able to take back the city on a realistic scale."

Alphonse was unshaken at the warning when he told them, "But if we can even just save the Parliament and the President that will be enough to serve our duty in securing our United Earth. This must be our first concern we are willing to fight for above all else."

"It may be what brought about this point. But it is still our duty all the same."

There was one thing to be respected among the Earth Sphere and its Parliament members, almost anyone who showed their support for the war and even those who stood against it were willing to provide to the war effort in their support. There were sons, daughters, mothers, and husbands out on the battlefield in combined effort with the intention of seeing the other side recognize the futility of their ways. It was another part that made the casualties of war so greatly expanded beyond what it should have been. Nathaniel was not phased by the announcement considering all of the information about the representative had been given ahead of time.

When Relena gave the announcement of Evangeline's marital status there wasn't much surprise among the crowd but there was some concern about what this interruption would bring out.

Nathaniel stood for attention calling to the audience, "We recognize the representative's status as a wife and a supporter of this war. I shall now ask you this representative, was your position on this war affected by General Alphonse de Lombard's position as a General or did he instruct you to lie under oath regarding further support for this war?" This next answer would see just how guilty she truly was. Even if she lied it would only give another reason to show why it was the representatives needed to be shown the errors of their ways.

The announcement was too much for her to imagine. Relena was here trying to make her act appear to be staged. The woman was respectable at the very least but this sort of action was one that made her wish this wasn't a trial. Everything behind this motion she was forced to answer was now hinging on her answer. The brief silence was broken when she announced, "No Mr. Falson. It was I who encouraged his actions." It was certainly not a lie, but taking full credit for everything that he had done would certainly be a stretch. Alphonse de Lombard was the one responsible for maintaining Mali and Mauritania from falling into the Coalition hands though he would attribute part of his success to his wife providing the support he needed. "He is on the battlefield today because I have motioned to see him lead our forces bravely and towards a victory for the United Earth." The room became rife with concern and debate once again as Evangeline confessed to her action as though she had just accomplished defeating the President himself.

Relena didn't have any further case to present against the representative's words when she confessed to everything Nathaniel accused her of. She could only lightly resist against Heero holding her in place while whispering, "Evangeline... No..."

Nathaniel observed the answer Evangeline had for her defense and only found she was willing to provide a further case for why she was guilty under the accusation. "Such is her resolve." He thought to himself after her answer. He began to offer his sentence in regard to Evangeline, "Representative Evangeline de Lombard. For these actions you have confessed and for this case you wish to remind your fellow conspirators, unless you are capable of presenting a truly compelling answer for why you would contribute to the war in this way your sentence will be equal to the ones given to those before you."

One of the representatives shouted out among the sentencing, "The Representative herself is not a butcher! It was not her order that Coalition soldiers be killed in favor of our government's existence!"

Another one pointed out, "She gave her answer as she meant it to be! Her support is only meant to be an extension of her support for the war!" It was then that another series of arguments began among the Parliament.

It was a few minutes before Nathaniel announced, "Flattery towards either side will not be enough to excuse any future sentence awaiting any Earth Sphere representatives!" The talking slowly quieted down and he continued, "I shall permit anyone who is willing to provide defense for their fellow representative to present their case when the members of the house have heard out the defendant's call for legal defense."

Another one of the representatives was allowed a chance to speak when he pointed out, "Mr. Falson, if I might be able to offer a possible alternative for these juries. I feel that it is more important that we be willing to act against those who have directly funded and manufactured for this war. I can tell you with full certainty that we have several noble houses in this European countryside alone that continue to be significant advocates of our war."

"It is because of this Parliament that such humans have been in such power. These cases are meant to see who it is who permitted them to roam free again." Nathaniel turned back to his defendant asking, "Madame Representative, I shall now hear out your case for the sentence. How do you plead? Do you call for legal defense from your fellow Parliament?"

Evangeline heard several claims for defense around her as she was offered the chance to plead her case before the Parliament. It was at this point that most cases would stretch out for several hours before the defenses were cleared and the guilty were sentenced. It was in this case however that a first was established by Evangeline. "If my case is to face charges for being the great encouragement for our soldiers Mr. Falson, then I shall solemnly accept my guilt for such charges..." It took another few seconds before the representative was able to continue her answer by announcing, "... I have no further defense to be made for my case."

There was quiet commotion among the representatives as they worried about what Evangeline was performing.

Relena was the first to express her worry, "Evangeline…"

Zlata was amazed when she found, "She has accepted her charges."

Relena had further anxiety when she found, "She did not have any further case to bring forward."

Heero was one of the voices who wondered, "It is questionable though. Will the President attempt hunting down the ones responsible for funding this war?"

Hiram tried to examine everything that had been said earlier and tried to determine, "If enough of the representatives are killed, they may have time to hide but it may not be for long."

The worry that was present among the Parliament was only lightly voiced when Franz asked Nathaniel, "You will have something truly emotional to confront now Nathan. Will you strike down the harshest voice the Parliament has sent so far? A General's wife is not someone to be undervalued."

Alphonse's brigade found itself entering the city of Montpellier when their journey away from the Coalition had been finished. Thanks to the stops and attempts to find any transportation they could get the march back home was not only tiring but also left failure fresh in the minds of the men. There had still been news the trials were underway and the General could only hope he wouldn't be too late before too many more died. It was bad enough they were being executed by the Coalition military but there were people he knew himself in that Parliament. One in particular.

The brigade was offered a chance to rest outside the city and finally given a chance to rest after the journey. Alphonse looked over the search results of the area concluding, "I believe we will be safe if we remain here for now. The Coalition does not seem to be interested in advancing its territories at the moment and we can at least try to figure out our next move."

His Colonel agreed, "That should be the first thing on our mind. We need to decide our next move and hope we can make a difference. As it sounds you're determined to find a way into Brussels sir."

Alphonse confirmed the dedication when he told him, "We must be willing to. We still have a chance even if it is something slim."

One of his Majors pointed out the obvious problem, "The issue however is if we are even capable of making our way into the city and securing what representatives are still alive, can we get out afterwards? If we do so then we risk being shot down by the Coalition mobile suit division. After that our efforts would have been for nothing."

Alphonse lamented the potential destruction when he finished, "And the innocents will die without being guilty of anything."

Hyrum was adjusting the radio to ensure the brigade could hear the latest on the news in Brussels and came rushing, "General sir! Another trial was just held! This one is something important!"

Alphonse didn't know who it was at first but knew his men could not offer such warning without being true. "Who is it?" He found out in just a few moments when Evangeline de Lombard's sentence was announced for the audience.

Nathaniel heard the confession and knew that Franz was right on at least something. Evangeline was going to be something concerning to face. There were cases when deaths such as these were what instigated a further uprising in violence because of their deaths. With how close this one was, Nathaniel was able to work his way through what he believed would avert such a trap. "Representative. It is truly regrettable that you have been one to commit such a crime before humanity. It is now with this sentence that you shall see the error of your ways. Representative Evangeline de Lombard, you are hereby found guilty of supporting the war effort. Your sentence however shall be unique from the others. The representatives who have been found guilty were executed because of their support and because of their connections to the military. However, your sentence shall be to await the fate of Brigadier General Alphonse de Lombard. We will either capture him or, if necessary, see him killed in action. This will be the only way you will see what you have done wrong. Then you will die like those before you, knowing that your support in this war was the worst mistake you could have ever made." He slammed his hammer to announce, "Case adjourned." The soldiers within the building began to take her away while he turned to Franz, "I promise you this old man. When anyone sees the error of their ways it is only when they see what they have supported as part of their way of life."

Architect I was hard at work with his latest projects. The dark room was enough that it provided his living quarters but only about that much while everything else consisted of various computers, parts, and discarded schematics. He knew that he would have to wait for the pilots to arrive but their evaluation would be well worth it. He answered his recent phone ring, "What is it?"

One of the Luna privates reported to him, "Architect, the pilots will be arriving to see you."

"Good to know. Let them in."

"They haven't arrived yet sir. They still have some business to take care of in the hangar bay."

The Architect waited for a few moments before announcing, "After they arrive." He said this right before he cut off the line between him and the private.

Recognizing that he wouldn't be assuaged from this order he could only agree, "Of course sir."

Arch tried to join with the pilots but he was stopped by a guard. "Gundam pilots only." He was told in a toneless voice.

The young man shrugged. "Well, nevermind then." He replied, deciding to go with the other pilots.

Donna found where the pilots were gathering. "Sorry." She said to them. "Explaining the repairs took longer than I thought."

Mercurio saw how much of a problem the repairs would have been and agreed, "Not a problem. Some of these new guys were probably new to this place anyway." The three were eventually let in with Agent Arch forced to wait outside for the meeting to conclude. When they entered Mercurio introduced, "Mr. Architect?"

"Ah about time." Before them sat a man in his late thirties with a face that wasn't concerned with masking any imperfections or answering questions.

Out of the three pilots there was only one who had any familiarity with the Architect. "Professor Ignatov?" It was then Mercurio recognized his old professor from his last years in high school or at least the man he recognized. Valko Ignatov was Mercurio's professor in History and Moral Philosophy so if it wasn't the idea of seeing him again in a military facility it was more the questionable position he was in now as a mobile suit architect.

Donna never heard of the name Ignatov. "It might be someone connected to father…" She said noting the architect's interest of the Gundam project.

He began to speak in longer sentences when he observed, "Donna Lindemann, Dana Houston, ... And Mercurio Yuy. It is fortunate to finally see you have all made your way here to Luna. I understand why it is you would remember me as such Mercurio, but that identity has required disassociation." He continued in a frank presentation, "To begin, we are now to discuss ways to finally realizing the full potential of these current designs. Precisely what these current Gundams lack."

Donna was surprised when she heard the explanation and commented, "I suppose we all have some sort of interesting education." When she processed the professors' talk on how to improve the Gundams, her curiosity was brought out. "Full potential?" Donna asked, puzzled. "I thought the Sandesgeist was already at its full potential."

The Architect agreed with Donnas question on the potential, "It is correct to assume that the Gundams have been optimized for combat." His main point was given when he explained, "You may be familiar with how a weapon is only as strong as its wielder. The current systems you work with have been enough to bring you on a roundabout trip from Mars to Earth. The situation on Earth however has become much more intense and it is safe to assume that not even the most skilled pilots will be capable of infiltrating without raising significant attention from the Coalition. If you're goal is to save the Parliament then you will require this new system."

He showed a holographic projection of a new mobile suit the Lunar corporation had been waiting to unveil. It was a pure black mobile suit with a single red eye for a head and several sealed plates across its body. Its right arm was free and prepared to reach for the blade Mercurio's Uriel had likely inspired while its left was adorned with a beam Gatling gun and a beam cloak thruster system at its back.

The Architect introduced the mobile suit, "These are the new infantry units of the Earth Sphere. The XXXG-04SG. The Sol Thero. Once the training simulation begins, your main operative shall be to follow their movements and learn to work with them. Do not bother attempting contact with them however. These units, and their pilots, are built with only their objective in mind."

Donna had the look at the projected hologram. Its design was a contrast with the different head and the jet-black color as opposed to the primarily white Gundams. Worse however, she began to sense an air of ambiguous morality about this man.

Unsure how to address him now Mercurio asked, "What is this new system though... sir?"

The hologram dissipated and Architect I only explained, "You will learn the system rather quickly. Remember this however, the programming that has been placed into this system is much more advanced than it once was. I should hope that it won't overwhelm any of you, but this test will determine that."

This brought Mercurio to remember what he had been taught early in the semester he had with him. "The greatest risks yield the greatest rewards."

The architect nodded in confirmation, "Excellent to see you haven't moved on from everything I taught you Mercurio. Now I expect you to take that risk. Fly out with these units and you will be prepared for the descent to Earth."

Dana was least interested in the idea of seeing her mobile suits perform better but the borderline ominous nature of the Architect had her quite suspicious. "That's really assuring and all Mr. I. But seriously we're supposed to be going into this test without an idea of what to prepare for or know about?" Mercurio might have been willing to trust him, but someone who was really only undercover for a time period had something to be questioned.

Donna added to her captain's concern, "Going in to test these things blindfolded is going to an unnerving experience. I think we have a right to know what these are." She was able to justify her feelings when even with the architect as her supposed ally, she could tell that he was hiding some skeletons in the closet. She felt her mind go to a worst case scenario when she assumed it might have been skeletons in the cockpit of the black Mobile Suits. It was like he was implying that they're not meant to be piloted by humans.

The Architect dismissed the concern when he reminded them, "This is a corporate sponsored project and has been approved for ensuring the least possible disaster. If this project is successful then not only will it serve as a new step forward for mobile suit technology, but also a new advance for all of humanity." He took a look outside near the windows of the hangar bay to find the Sol Thero units preparing to move out. "Prepare for the training. This will be set in the actual field of the moon with a simulated battle program." Their objective had been given. It was not long before the next phase could begin. The Architect prepared to observe the results when he saw the Gundams prepare to move out for the launch.

Mercurio wasn't sure if he was capable of trusting the man before them but the question probably wasn't going to be something to concern themselves with for a time. "As long as you're not actually trying to kill us that will probably be something to find out after this test."

He only brushed away the comment while still looking out the window, "You are correct to question me. However this is something that must be tested with as little foreknowledge as possible. The last few subjects were unwilling to attempt this because of what they knew." It seemed like there wasn't going to be anything to get out of him unless they went with the program he had decided for them.

Mercurio wasn't able to offer any word of trust but reminded, "I'll at least offer what I can. This is supposed to be for the good of us all."

The Architect didn't comment on Mercurio's answer but still commented to himself, I could have seen him becoming the loyal kind...

The meeting was nearing its conclusion when Alberto saw the options and admitted, "Then it would seem we have no other choice than to initiate a strike."

Steven agreed, "As I had believed. To make matter worst the Secondary Representative is allying with the other corporations hoping they might be spared of the Coalition's advance. However another problem also stands. In exchange for their own safety they may soon attempt to find favor with the Coalition."

Elias finished the thought, "Which could result in an attack on this facility from both sides if we deny an offer to cooperate."

"That is correct Colonel. That is why we must permit this next advance to take place. We must prepare for a civil war on Luna as well as a strike to save the Parliament."

Alberto had to remind them of the practicality of moving in towards Earth asking, "Regardless of our plan ahead of that time do we even have what can make that strike possible?"

Steven began to show the way towards the observation deck when he offered, "We well may Captain. Please follow me."

It was clear that Dana wasn't going to get anything further out of the Architect and could only hope he wasn't playing the part of the mad scientist. There wasn't any discussion on just what the Gundams were fitted with but hopefully it would be something good. "We make it out of a serious setup and you're the first on my hit list doc." She left with a final warning. If he was undercover and prepared to get the three of them in a trap like she had some suspicion, well at least they pulled themselves out of worse situations.

William saw the three pilots leave the Architect's room and welcomed, "So the tech still the recluse we know and love?"

Dana wasn't sure what the history with Architect I was around Luna base was but could offer one thing she learned from Mercurio, "He apparently had a social life at one time. Can you buy the idea he was a professor at some point?"

William shrugged at the idea, "Yeah thought so." The conversation that continued towards the hangar bays while the Sol Thero mobile suits were preparing to move out. "So how's this going to play out? The lucky guys in those suits looking forward to an unfair session?"

Dana wasn't sure about the odds but knew just who was being pitted against what. "A moving target we don't know about against us with a new system? This will probably be the good old days in training all over again."

William showed some obvious enthusiasm when he got ready to see the training. "That's what I like to hear. Looking forward to what you've been sporting out there."

When Dana had a chance to see the repairs that had been made, she saw the Artemis prepared at the front of the other two Gundams with a various obvious difference. With the new wing system and the additional plating, the Artemis now looked closer to the Wing Zero it was inspired by.

The idea was certainly somewhat harrowing. Dana felt that she was basically going to be more of a rookie than she had been in years if the Artemis' appearance was enough to make her believe she was piloting the dreaded Wing Zero from the Eve Wars. She tried to distance the though from her mind when she offered, "Only one way to find out if we really are being given the chance to win this war."

Donna's thoughts on the Architect's ambiguous morality unnerved her. She couldn't remember the last time she met someone who didn't show their colors directly. She wondered if her father met this strange person and if so, how he thought of him. She remembered how her father rambled on his strong sense of honor that made him side with the ESUN as opposed to the Coalition because of the apparent use of underhanded tactics. How the Architect could be trusted by the ESUN is right now a mystery to her.

When the Gundam pilots returned to the hangar, the Sandesgeist's repairs on the verniers were complete. It hardly changed except the fresh paint made it looked good as new. However, Donna saw a glance of the cockpit of her Gundam closing, as if it was opened while they were away. She was getting suspicious on what was being planned. "I'm not having a good feeling about this." She muttered.

Mercurio couldn't help but agree with Donna's worry about the blindfold for the training session. It was fortunate to see the Uriel refurbished and ready for another sortie but what lay inside would be another thing entirely. Regardless of his feelings on what he would be asked to endure he could only offer some sentiment. "Yeah. I have my doubts about this too." Regardless of their situation the launch would be their only way to make progress with the battle plans.

Two squadrons of Sol Thero units had launched ahead of the Gundams as they prepared to make the session ready.

The control tower gave an order to the Gundams prepared to move out, "All Gundams prepare to move out. Simulation will begin at interception."

Mercurio answered the tower before the launch began. "This is the Uriel preparing to move out." At that command the Gundams were launched towards the outer edge of Luna and soon to begin the first demonstration.

Elias, Steven, and Alberto were prepared to see the mobile suits enact their combat scenario. Elias showed interest in the upcoming sortie when he remembered what the Sol Theros would help determine. "So this demonstration will show us exactly what we can expect from the upgraded tech?"
Alberto wondered about the repairs when he pointed out, "And out of them all the Artemis appears to be the one most different."

"The Artemis was designed to be the closest attempt at recreating the Wing Zero we might ever achieve. Complete with the reinstalled transformation mechanics and improved firepower. Architect I says that it is the fully realized version of Artemis that will serve as the highlight of our mobile suit development." Steven elaborated on this when he continued to wait for the demonstration. After a few minutes passed the mobile suits had begun to intercept the designated area. "Now it shall only be a matter of time."

Dana tried not to think any harder on her concerns and attempted believing that the Architect's behavior was probably just a personality thing. Corporations are always willing to find a deal with lesser known people like him right? She moved on from this mindset and forced herself towards the Artemis. She thanked William, "Let's see what this girl can do with a new set of wings."

William patted her arm when he told her, "Looking forward to it."

Once Dana was seated into the Artemis she had signaled to the control tower after the Uriel and Sandesgeist, "Artemis moving out." Very soon after the launch she found herself with the enclosing Sol Thero unit zone for the moment to begin. "Entering engagement zone."

Mercurio saw the Sol Thero units entering the area made for the training area. The Sol Thero units were visible on his radar and designated as his targets. He knew they wouldn't use any live ammunition but it have a similar function that the early days of simulation training had. Mercurio announced his interception, "Moving into the engagement zone." He saw the interface was still the same, but it had been fitted to begin a new function in the screen that only read Combat Mode. It was time for him to engage when the Sol Thero launched forward in their attack.

The Sandesgeist was the last to launch, catching up with the other Gundams. Once it entered the training area, Sol Thero units fired dummy ammunitions. Donna warned, "It seems like they're already prepared for us."

Mercurio agreed, "Looks like we have to prepare for this to get serious." He reached for his nearest panel when he entered the combat functions and prepared to engage the black mobile suits.

It was a few moments before the lights in the cockpit began to light up. "What?" It only took a few seconds to realize what had happened. He didn't need to examine the programming or figure out what it was meant to do for the pilot system. He simply knew after a few seconds without even thinking about it. It was imbedded in his mind. "It's… Zero System…"

Once Dana entered combat mode, she felt the same thing Mercurio had begun to feel. "W... What..." It was just a few seconds after having been absorbed into the system that Dana was able to issue a warning not many would have seen. "Yuy! Your guards down!" She aimed her buster rifle towards three Sol Thero units that made their way behind the Uriel and began to fire with the false ammunition made for the exercise.

While Donna dodged the shots, she activated combat mode, but something felt wrong for her. It was like someone was forcing her to listen to the whispers that she can hear. The system compelled her to shoot back at them and go forward. "Is anyone else having this weird thing?" She asked the other pilots. Soon she sped up at a Sol Thero and kicked it away. "Is this even Sandesgeist?"

Mercurio heard the transmission from Donna despite all of the suggestions and flight patterns that Zero System was feeding into his mind while trying to answer, "I'm... feeling it..." Out of everything that could happen he found more of the Sol Thero units preparing to fire on them from the back and might have been moving in for a close encounter if it got any worse. At least this is what the Zero System prepared him to see. "They're preparing for another attack! They want to try it at close range!"

Elias found the attack to be very effective when he complemented, "These units appear to be moving at a faster speed than before. The Sol Thero units seem to have matched the same skill. Do we have further Gundam pilots prepared for battle?"

Steven explained the process, "Close to it. The Zero System 2.5 is a developed system intended to achieve all of the potential it was capable of building while simultaneously providing minimal stress to the human brain. It is only now being tested for the first time on human pilots." The process made sense now. Architect I wanted to develop a new mobile suit technology but this was probably their last resort by now. The return of Gundams and now Zero System was enough to show the desperation the Earth Sphere had to struggle for its survival.

Steven continued, "The Sol Thero units are another scenario entirely. According to Architect I, the Zero System in its first form was probably the most effective considering how many more possibilities there were. They could not however be handled by a human brain."

Alberto tried to understand the idea when he asked, "Indeed it couldn't. Is there even anything different about this system in the Sol Thero units?"

Elias at some point had a heavier tone when he reminded Alberto from Steven's earlier words. "A human brain is incapable of handling Zero System at its prime."

The realization hit Alberto at that moment and concluded, "... Mobile dolls. They're designated as a mass produced Gundam but in all practicality a mobile doll."

"But no AI in the past was capable of efficiently mastering the Zero System to match with its calculations. With the work of Architect I however, the processing power is enough that it may even be capable of determining what happens in its encounter three seconds ahead of its opponent. With this progress and ambition, we have managed to surpass the Virgo II for the ultimate mobile doll." Steven explained.

The effectiveness couldn't be denied with the Sol Thero units performing as they were. The actions would present themselves as the great accomplishment from LDS's progression.

Dana looked around frantically when she found the Sol Thero units making their attack on multiple sides as they seemingly managed to match her movements and know where to prepare another strike. She shouted to the others, "Forward the attack! Don't let the enemy flank either side!" Among the next few choices Dana saw the transformation option that had been installed into the system. "Let's see what you can do now girl!" Not even bothering to think of caution she thrusted forward with the thrusters and the Artemis began to change into a plane mode. Once this happened the new vehicle made its way through the battle zone and began to fly through the movements the mobile suits were making.

"Got this!" Donna responded. The Zero System whispered a new maneuver to her and she followed it. The Sandesgeist used its shield's blinding system at a Sol Theros, blinding it to allow her to shoot it from a new direction. When another Mobile Doll tried to attack to from behind, she countered by using the shield to smash its main camera.

The maneuvers managed to continue with the Sol Thero able to match ever movement the Gundams had the room to execute. The moment the session had hit past the ten-minute mark however the first training casualty had been made. The Sandesgeist managed to hit one of the Sol Thero cameras and then only then had a likely chance. Mercurio saw the results and prepared his sword into shield mode warning, "Captain! Donna probably has the idea! Prevent their main camera from being able to track our movements!"

Unfortunately, the next defeat for the Sol Thero units did not come as easily when the other units had continued to calculate and determine the next movements for their opponents. After sifting through the many ineffective ones however Mercurio managed to find one that was able to blindside one of the Sol Theros and strike a winning blow. The decision was much like winning a lottery, the odds were completely random and probably couldn't be replicated for a very long time. It was in fact what happened in the remainder of the session as the Sol Thero units continued to press their attack.

The session continued for three hours before the Sol Thero units were finally defeated. The control tower announce to the mobile suits, "Training is now over. All units return to base and prepare for debriefing." The Gundams made their way towards the base while the Sol Thero units despite what damage they took had managed to follow.

Even with the battle over the Zero System was still feeding possibilities to him. The chance to storm the base, how to handle the other Gundams betraying him, what could determine the next flight pattern. These ideas were too much for him to consider and asked, "Control Tower... How do I turn this system off?"

The voice on the other line answered, "Architect says the same way it can be turned on."
Before long Mercurio was able to regain his sanity with the system now off line. "Ha... Thanks control tower..."

Dana used the bird mode of her Gundam to whatever limits she could muster. The Artemis had seemingly been built to handle this sort of idea and worked perfectly as it made its way through the field and towards the nearest Sol Thero. "See if you can handle this one!" She announced firing the false ammunition towards the nearest target. What felt like an eternity after Donna's first accomplishment had come around again. She confirmed Mercurio's advice, "Attack where they can't see you! That should give us an opening!"

Finally, after an eternity of battle the two sides had calmed and the Sol Theros were forced to return to the base. Overhearing Mercurio's instruction she turned off the combat mode without any hesitation. The exit felt as though she had just lifted a stone cylinder off her brain. "Rrrr... Finally." It didn't turn out to be a total waste when she found out, "At least now I know how to pilot this mode."

After the order to return was given, the Sandesgeist made its way back to the hangar. The instructions from the Control Tower allowed Donna to turn off the Zero system. The whispers finally stopped. Once the system completely shut down, she got out of the cockpit with a concussion there in place of the Zero system. "I hope the pilots of those black Mobile Suits are fine." she muttered. "I may have caused someone to nosebleed."

As the three Gundam pilots made their way into the hangar, Simone was able to watch them exit from a secret camera he had installed to provide feedback in his office. The results of the Sol Thero testing was very immediate to him. The idea of a mobile doll armor was enough to give anyone pause about what their next move would have to be. For him, he would have to evaluate every opportunity and use it to his advantage. A man such as him was only able to thrive through being able to find it through such hard developments as these.

Before he could contemplate his situation any further, he heard a signal on his phone. He answered to respond, "Hello? Ah greetings Mr Darcy… Yes, I assure you that the Devanear Banking Group will be protecting your assets. The bank always takes you and other clients into heavy consideration." There was a new sound from his phone, indicating a new call. Checking the time, he knew the possible candidate for the call. "Sorry, Mr Darcy, I will have to return to you later." He switched to the new line. "Yes?" He asked to the new speaker.

The speaker greeted, "This is the chairman of Devanear? This is Admiral Demetrios Kontoyannis speaking."

Simone was pleased to hear the sound of someone more important to him when he greeted, "Ah most pleasant to hear from you Admiral. I have some good news. The project that you have been waiting for now complete. It is only now waiting for you to receive it."

Demetrios thanked, "The Falson Coalition appreciates your support."

Simone was quick to add, "Yes. You have agreed to spare my business in exchange."

Demetrios impatiently accepted, "Yes, yes. Just have the Gundam we asked for be prepared once we arrive and we will honor our deal."

Simone answered, "Just as soon as you arrive Admiral. I promise you that this transaction will be one that you will not regret making."

The call ended when Demetrios closed the conversation with, "For your sake and any of your compatriots, it had best be so."

It had been a few moments after the sentence before the Coalition news were able to report to everyone listening on the recent trial. "This just updating. President Nathaniel Falson has judged Representative Evangeline de Lombard guilty of all charges in supporting the war. The representative confessed that her encouragement of her husband, a Brigadier General, was one key factor in seeing that her advances to seeing the war advance."

When these words were given Nathaniel spoke before the press again to the people of Earth, "Once again justice has been served against the evils that this Parliament has been issuing before humanity. It is only another step towards finding all who were responsible, but soon they will all find themselves before this court and at the very least question the humanity they claim to continue standing for. Those who have willingly carried out the will of this Parliament regardless of which party, know that unless we are given a formal confession for these crimes that the death penalty will be the most merciful option for the final outcome. War will be ended with your deaths, and there will not be any further promotion of such barbarism." The jury was concluded on her status but not the sentence she had been given. All over the world the people would be given another example of the Coalition exacting its justice in the name of humanity's defense.

The announcement came as a blow to everyone in Alphonse's brigade. "Evangeline..." He was moved at the idea that she might be killed by now. He couldn't let her die or let any more representatives die under his oath. It was this notion that gave him the headstrong resolve to move forward with the next movement. He moved out to ask his Colonel. "Can we find a way to Brussels within the next few days?"

"We might be able to secure a convoy towards the city General. Is it wise that we move out now however?"

"It is the only opportunity now. We permit ourselves to wait any longer and we may see the Parliament continue to fall at the mercy of the Coalitions judgement."

"Perhaps it is true. If we can at least save the President we might be able to have a legitimate claim against the surrender."

"Inform the men to prepare to move out. We must see to it that we reach Brussels before the next execution is held." The Colonel saluted to his superior and went to speak with the men outside.

"All men prepare to move out ASAP! General's orders we are hitting the road for Brussels!" One of the Majors looked over the men as they groggily prepared to move out on a very rushed time.

He agreed with the Colonel's judgement, "If we move out now we might be able to reach Brussels before then. We should inform all cities north of us of our urgency. We will need as many roads clear as possible before we begin to make an attempt moving out." He turned to Campbell instructing, "Send this message to every city we will drive through in the next few hours."

Campbell saluted, "Yes sir." He rushed towards one of the communications tents and made his way towards the nearest main radios to report to the cities of St. Etienne, Lyon, and Dijon for the officials to prepare. "Attention all officials. This is an emergency transmission on the nature of utmost security. This is the Berlin Reinforcements Brigade, we are moving out now towards Brussels to attempt rescuing what members of the Parliament we can. We require all roads to be made clear for our arrival, this is not a drill." Not that the last part needed to be announced in a time such as this.

Rayen overlooked the numbers he had amassed from the forces prepared for this moment. The Testudo was the great trump card the Coalition had over the Earth Sphere but also the block in front of Edward Blare's dream for a new Foundation. "You will find that holding even this piece of machinery will not be enough to stand on principle Strategist. Even worse is what you fail to see as a mere patrol. This will be your last mistake." He thought to himself as the mobile suit division and ground forces stood ready to advance. He turned to his Colonel and ordered, "Have the men prepare to move out. Once the attack begins we must carry out the plan to infiltrate the Testudo."

"Yes General. It will be done." At the order the brigade had begun to make its way towards the Testudo's location. Another civil battle was soon to erupt within the Coalition. What was thought to be a discarded weakness would now be another turning point for personality politics. Rayen knew that he would see this come to fruition when he and Edward were prepared to sort out this issue. The Testudo would be his.

When the courts concluded for the day Nathaniel was observing the television clips and radio bites that he had helped form just hours ago. Today another six representatives had been sentenced and this coming week would see almost half of the Parliament tried and a total of 21 executed. It was after the other half of the Parliament had been tried he would move on to see his target tried.
While Franz was kept guarded and observed by the Coalition soldiers Nathaniel entered with two outside to overlook the hostage president. "Are you beginning to feel what you have done wrong to humanity now Franz?"

Once Nathaniel asked for his opinion of this matter Franz began to give a very clear warning for the future of his occupation. "Your sense of justice is quite unfortunate Nathaniel. You claim that further war must be ended with the deaths of those who have brought it forward. Are you not concerned that the deaths you bring forward will only make your case that much less heard? Every death you permit is one that works against your case for a necessary Coalition victory. Exterminate the remainder of the Parliament if you can or must. These executions only prove you are as misguided in your principles as a leader… As the previous Coalition President was." He became less passionate when he offered a warning on Nathaniel's future rulings. "As ineffective in judgment your leadership may be, I will not go against what choices you have made. It is your responsibility to handle the consequences Nathan. I have taught you this much but now you will see these results firsthand." Franz imagined that Nathaniel would have something to consider with such a possible error he was now facing. When Hermine died, I hoped you might work to undo her mistakes. He thought to himself.

Nathaniel saw that there was still no breaching this President. Regardless of what Nathaniel was given in his early days in politics Franz still had some quality about him that made him seen as the higher authority. It wouldn't matter now, another few weeks and he would be the one at the execution trial along with his cabinet. "Quite regrettable that you would feel this way Franz. Eventually even your strongest supporters will not be able to offer their support regardless of their dedication or position. As you might have been able to determine Nathan, you are not the one in a bargaining position at the moment." He left with the other two soldiers as they waited for the next day to pass.

The execution of Earth Sphere's prominent leaders made headlines in Lyon. Instructor W read the names of the leaders that were executed for starting the war. Fortunately, neither he nor Till Lindemann were on the list... yet. The names were mostly high-ranking officers and politicians for the First Priority Party but no benefactors have been listed yet. It would be unlikely for the Coalition to attempt trial on Luna with most of them able to bribe their way away with wealth. Other nobles in Europe will be sent to trial and Till was lucky enough already to have escaped this with a shot to the knee.

Instructor W saw a group of ESUN soldiers opening up pathways. He thought they received the news that the war was over and they were either opening the way for Coalition forces or there was some rebellion going on. He continued to watch what their next move would be.

As General Alphonse de Lombard's brigade found its way towards the city of Lyon the convoy had begun to slow down upon its entry. "If there are any vehicles that need to refuel, do so now!"

"Yes sir!"

"We'll report back as soon as we're done sir."

"You know where to send the credit."

The refueling would begin and Alphonse could only hope that he would have a way through the rest of the cities without trouble.

Instructor W watched the ESUN stop near the opened-up pathways. Soldiers disembarked from some of the vehicles, rushing into what looked like refueling. He looked with curiosity, still making sure Till wouldn't be taken under his nose by the Coalition. Till gave an observation, "It looks like they're preparing for a major attack."

The Instructor remarked. "They're clearly planning to continue the war."

Though it looked like he was silent in despair since Calais, Lord Lindemann's eyes were also on the convoy. "They don't know that it's futile." He commented.

The sound of defeat from the former warlike Lord was a rare but upsetting sight. "We don't know." Instructor W replied. "They may even be the last of our hopes to win the war."

Arch tried to look around to see where everyone else went but he couldn't find anyone familiar. Suchart wasn't there, Gawel was gone and Zachariah wasn't on sight, instead the room was full of repairmen. He realised that he'll have to explore the whole place by himself. "If I really got to be left out today, I guess I have to see if anyone else is still around." He muttered to himself. He found the main exit and left the hangar.

Gawel started to find the city on Luna to be rather unappealing. It might have been his bias towards big advances in technology and mobile suit progress. For some reason the other pilots were looking forward to spending a night finding the wonders of the city. It wasn't exactly L4 and didn't make him excited for an evening out. After finding his way towards the hangar bay he found Agent Arch deciding to make a round inspection of his own. He wasn't concerned with the mobile suits at the moment and only curious about what sort of secrecy Agent Arch was trying to maintain. "Does anybody who goes for this long under secret have something to hide anyway?"

Fire noticed Gawel, who snarked about all the secrets he's holding. He didn't look awfully impressed with Luna, where it should be like a massive commercial hub similar to a city on Earth called Singapore. He saw Suchart going into a shopping mall, likely to buy something he hasn't been able to get on Mars or L4. "Since this isn't Mars anymore, I guess I can do away with some secrecy." He remarked. "Been hiding it to prevent assassinations." He found a bench to sit on in a park nearby. "I can talk more about myself if you hate all the secrecy." He gestured Gawel. "I'll tell everyone else also."

Gawel sat next to Fire and began, "Perfect to hear. Referring to everybody as 00 something something is getting annoying. And just as he would in character Gilliam keeps insisting that his number was 007 rather than 006." Getting back on subject he introduced himself, "Gawel Majewski, technicians expert and sometimes pilot."

"Have to say that your 00 codename was confusing." The agent laughed. "You would go berserk if there is a 00 Gundam?" He introduced himself in return. "Anyway, name's Peacecraft, Ermes Peacecraft. Spy for the Martian Resistance and I have a list of jobs I did why spying."

Gawel was at first relieved, "Nice. Now that's what I..." When he realized the surname he issued the closest thing to a hiccup he could muster at that time. "... Well shit. Mercurio will probably be going to have a load off knowing his cousin's out there. That's you right?"

Ermes saw Gawel's reaction. "You mean one you guy's a Peacecraft also?" He corrected himself when he remembered that the only Peacecraft that could be on Earth is her aunt. "Well, whoever she married to. If the Peacecraft is you're thinking is the House of the Sanc Kingdom, that will be where I'm from."

"Eh?" Gawel was curious about Ermes apparently not knowing one of his own was here but at least it seemed genuine. He did remember there were reports that the remaining Peacecrafts weren't to be seen on Earth anymore. "Well I guess your folks haven't exactly kept in touch with his then."

"Communications on Mars has always been foggy." Ermes pointed out. "It got worse with the Coalition invasion. Which means that the Christmas message we get from Earth will be 3 years old."

What he said was true. When the Falson Coalition launched the invasion on Mars, Ermes was still a child ignorant of the happening around him thanks to a sheltered life. Ermes continued with his story, "When Federov took over the capital, communications between Mars and Earth were virtually shut down for civilians and my family went into hiding, forming the Resistance."

"A whole family of resistance members huh? Sounds like you all had to go by codenames at some point because of that environment."

Ermes confirmed, "My father is the leader with himself as Arch, sister as Baud and Sally as Calx. My task was to go undercover in the capital, spying at the Coalition movements for the Resistance, but communications were limited considering how it would have compromised my cover. My sister was posted in a different dome, though, and it's been awhile since I heard from her. I sure hope she's still okay when I get back."

Gawel was able to feel a bit of relief now that some of the crucial kept secrets were no longer weighing down on the patience of his fellow pilots. "Tell you what Ermes, people around here are going to be a lot more happy that they know you aren't here to sabotage your own. I don't want to call myself an expert, but I'm pretty sure anybody who has the Peacecraft lineage in them doesn't plan on giving us good guys a hard time."

Ermes agreed with Gawel's assumption, "As long as we try to keep this mission somewhat simple. I don't even want to risk what my folks fought for become a convoluted mess."

Gawel shrugged, "If you feel that safe about it, I'm sure others wont mind hearing from you."

He spoke to himself when he commented, "It's good to see that every Peacecraft is this idealistic. They expect only the good in others to be their only defining quality. I'll bet anything that Mercurio is going to learn from his ignorance in some way."

Bertram saw the convoys making their way in and out of the city of Brussels as they oversaw the occupation. His second in command reviewed the report they had, "Has everything gone as planned Mr. Strategist?"

The Strategist continued to observe the city of Brussels through the gaze of the Testudo's sights. "Yes. The Parliament is paying for their participation in this war and we have received word that the further trials will be held with the former Earth Sphere politicians once they arrive."

"Then we can expect to see former President Jeffery participate in the trials as well?"

Bertram showed dedication for such a cause when he swore, "Yes. It is because of him that the late President was forced to declare war on the Earth Sphere. We shall see how he answers to the conflict he began."

A section of the Coalition preparing to make its way to Brussels was meant to be providing to the occupational effort for the recent victory. Rayen Vasquez however had another plan entirely. His Colonel announced, "We are nearing the range of the Testudo sir."

Looking through his binoculars he agreed, "Looks like our best shot is now clear."

Once the Leo III units had been lined up and prepared to advance Rayen saw the Testudo within his sights. There was going to be much to achieve at this point. The Testudo was most likely going to receive reinforcements at some point and the Aquarius would provide to be a problem as well. Regardless of which side was about to win, the losses would be very heavy for the Coalition. You will owe me much after this Edward. He thought to himself before the charge. "All units fire!"