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 32: Reminders of Ambitions
Much of the world had come to accept the idea that the Coalition victory was completely secure after the Testudo was set in Zaventem. The known Earth Sphere forces had laid down their arms against their former foes, but the frail unification had begun to slowly reveal itself as the Falson Coalition victory became more evident by the day. Rayen was able to overview this sort of event right before his eyes when he saw a number of his leading officers gather their troops to prepare for the upcoming strike.
His Lieutenant General reported, "Sir, we have rallied all remaining forces to our rallying point. Chief among our forces holding Berlin. We currently have the numbers estimated that will allow us to enact the strategy for retaking the Testudo."
Rayen nodded, "We will be able to retake the weapon and we will have the president precisely where we want him. Along with the remainder of our opponents."
"Yes sir. The sooner we strike the better our chances of having the best opportunity to overtake the president's forces. The men are already more than prepared to take on the final obstacle for winning. We must be ready to move now sir."
"We are only prepared once we have received word of the opportune time to strike. I believe it is now time that we must prepare our strategy for all to prepare to follow."
The lieutenant general was curious at the answer but offered, "Shall I call for all major officials to meet with us sir?"
Rayen stood up when he answered, "No need. I have them scheduled to arrive shortly."
As if on cue many of the line leaders under Rayen's command entered his tent as they gathered around his table before offering a salute. Rayen returned the salute when he greeted, "I welcome you all gentlemen to the evening that will bring about our great victory. The presidents call for a divided humanity will not come to pass. Nor will any walking in the Earth Sphere parliament attempt to undo everything that has been achieved for the supposed sake of ending conflict. Soon everything that we have stood against will fall and upon those ashes, we will arise stronger and a more majestic symbol of unity than any force in recent history. In spite of the numbers we face, we now have a way to overturn everything."
As soon as Rayen brought up a holographic map of the city of Brussels, one of the colonels asked, "What sort of numbers are we supposed to expect sir?"
Rayen pointed to the city to answered, "The bulk of the forces are located in the city where they are now preparing defense. With the Testudo soon to be moved, they will anticipate that this is the only area they will need to hold once the Earth Sphere government has been fully accounted and tried. With the Testudo still here, we will be able to achieve an action that will save us not only the issue of defeating the Coalition, but a potential enemy as well."
Another colonel confirmed, "We'll be able to use the Testudo and wipe the city of the map. But who is this other force sir?"
Rayen pointed to an area near the city when he answered, "From what our intelligence has discovered, another Earth Sphere general may be preparing to attempt taking the capital. General Alphonse de Lombard has been found rallying what troops he can muster through France in a last attempt to reclaim the Earth. He will most likely not be the last who will stand for the Earth Sphere government even after the capital's destruction. However, his demise here will serve as a crippling blow to any who hope to take up his cause. This is assuming however that things will proceed as planned."
Rayen brought his focus back to the area where the Testudo was located when he elaborated, "We first must be successful in an operation to claim the Testudo where it currently stands. We will send our forces to infiltrate once their defensive squadron has been dealt with. They will be concerned with securing their position once they have been alerted and won't be at their optimum performance once the general arrives."
Another of the colonels pointed out, "Sir if we follow this plan then we'll likely lose and opportunity to take them by surprise. If we were to wait for the general's arrival, we could easily fool the enemy into believing that we were there to assist. This way we would lead them to believe the president would be assured his safety while we can have them completely off guard. Assuming that the general does not plan on awaiting for our involvement, I would believe this could be the optimum plan."
Rayen nodded when he agreed, "Very correct. However, there is a wrinkle in that assumption. General De Lombard does plan on using our involvement as a rallying cry. This is the only way he was able to arrive where he has. We have allowed him to gather what forces are left in these regions and he believes we only have the intention to secure a united Earth. Securing the Testudo will be our only way to see that all of our enemies have been gathered in one place. We do have a fortunate area to exploit in regards to Strategist Stephens and his defense."
Rayen pointed to the entrance of Brussels when he explained, "The Earth Sphere forces will be forced to gather what mobile suits they can at this last minute. They have after all been able to lay low from many Coalition discoveries because they have traversed for so long on foot. It will be easy to deduct that they will enter the same way. Even what mobile suits are there to secure the inner city, they will not be enough to hold against their arrival without risking collateral damage. Thus, Bertram will be forced to retreat back to the city to offer assistance when he does learn of their presence. This development alone will provide us with the same opportunity if we were to catch them off guard. We will have this opportunity no matter what anyone may anticipate."
One of his colonels pointed out, "This is a sound strategy based on a great deal of supposition of what the strategist will do general. But is there any sort of confirmation that he would in fact back away from the city? Is he truly willing to take on odds that could endanger his very life?"
Rayen confirmed the questioning, "Bertram is the sort of man who values the life of the president as well as the area of the Coalition victory to where he will attempt to withdraw from his confrontation with us and send all forces to the side of the president."
His lieutenant general accepted, "Perhaps you do in fact recognize the nature of our superiors better than we do general. Ideally this sort of chaos we may be forced to endure will be the best chance we have in securing victory. For the security of a greater united human race, this day will be our stepping stone."
Rayen confirmed, "This will be a day to remember fondly. Once General Blare has been secured, we will fire the Testudo and end the efforts of these obstacles to progress. We will offer all pilots a warning once the Testudo is prepared to fire. At which point all pilots are to remain outside the blast radius. We will begin the mission relatively soon. I want all men to be prepared for every situation and every outcome."
The line leaders under Rayen's command stood to offer a salute before confirming, "Yes sir."
The tent cleared as it left Rayen with his second in command to offer, "An excellent strategy general. I suppose that our only concern now should be if General Blare can be returned to our side in good health and every bit the leader he always has been."
Rayen shut off the holographic map when he told him, "Bertram is the sort of man who is loyal to a fault. In many situations where he should have died he was at the mercy of men in greater power. He wishes to believe that he is secure where he is now with only a handful of potential mutineers. Even with the Coalition reunited there are still those among us who have the intention of allowing a united Earth to be a possibility, he himself only believes that he needed to handle me as the last stand of resistance to Nathaniel and his leadership would be undone."
"A rather shortsighted man then. This does at least present the chance for the most cunning of the leadership to achieve what has long owed to them. I have full confidence that you will allow General Blare to achieve his ambition with you at his side."
Rayen sat in his seat when he agreed, "I will have that day to celebrate soon enough. The men and women who follow us will have every bit as much reason to be as proud of their involvement in our usurpation. The greater the fall of Earth becomes, the greater our rise will be."
Rayen waited for the first report on preparations when he waited outside his truck. Nearby were the multitude of Leo III unit squadrons standing ready for an advance as though another army of the Earth Sphere was prepared to face them. A squadron of Scorpio Majors in vehicle mode made a pass around the numbers when he lowered his binoculars.
Rayen then heard on his radio, "No one's picked up our signal general. We are completely dark right now."
"So, it's handling well out there." Rayen said as he watched the mobile suits remain in place. He made his way to the radio when he asked, "Patrol captain, are there any signs of supporting squadrons nearing the Testudo?"
The same voice answered, "Yes sir. A few nearby but none of immediate concern."
Rayen gave the orders, "They will be if you are spotted. Keep the signal cloaked for the advance. Send in the first wave of squadrons and keep any scouts reporting our numbers from being compromised. The squadron in front will take lead to offer the guise of support. Once you are within striking distance, destroy the squadron and begin the taking of the Testudo. This will be a group effort. Victory is not only in your hands but of everyone who aims to see a stronger humanity. This captain, is your order."
The squad captain agreed, "We hear you loud and clear general. This day is as good as ours."
Rayen accepted the promise as he sat down in his passenger seat and watched his men prepare for the massive undertaking. In the distance he could see one squad of Leo IIIs advance ahead of the maneuvering Scorpio Majors before the first set of Leo III units began their slow advance forward. Rayen now only had a short while before he would see the efforts of his men do everything to achieve his ambition.
Devanear Technologies is amongst the rising stars in the Earth Sphere's Industry. Founded after the war by an industrialist from Rio named Simon Belmonte, he saw a world of opportunity and expanded his business. The company created divisions for everyday electronics, banks, metal works, private clubs, newspapers and many more as it was gaining prominence. He moved his company to Luna just before the war broke out and so far has been spared from some of the attacks. However, their ambition to expand may be their downfall as Belmonte gained contact from outside the Moon. They promised to spare his business if he agreed to cooperate and help gain a monopoly over the Earth sphere.
It was for several of these reasons that Maja Wright found the establishment to be an important one. Ones that made her more than prepared to see a productive relationship with its founding chairman come to fruition. She found Simone right at the front doors when he greeted, "Madame Representative. How pleasant that you would greet us today."
Maja walked next to Simone when she greeted, "Things are now preparing just as we anticipated. The Earth Sphere's main forces have recently arrived. We may also have a confirmation of their pilots, but attempting to approach them will be difficult without them sending their newest weapon. Development on your end however has progressed as planned?"
The two entered the main lobby of the building when Simone answered, "We were fortunate to continue development without any recognition or suspicion from any other neighboring corporation. Do you feel that this one creation will be enough to change tides in our favor however?"
"Not by itself. The results of your completion are impressive, but regrettably not enough to handle a small army that LDS has planned to utilize. If we are fortunate however we should soon see our opponents reduced to ashes. The Coalition fleets are soon to arrive. Two fully formed fleets, both prepared for the intention of destroying the Gundams. In exchange for their location, the Coalition has agreed that they will see LDS decimated. With their resources completely unguarded, you will have the opportunity to siege them. I will make sure myself that no one is able to prevent your rise to power as a leading force for all of Luna."
Simone smiled when the two of them entered a hangar bay as he asked, "How fortunate I am. Out of all the corporations on Luna, mine was the most fortunate to discover a chance to rise to such prominence. And it stems all from your interest in the charred remains that we discovered on L5. I don't believe I could have chosen a better circumstance to occur… At the rate thins will continue to progress, the corporate entities who occupy Luna can soon achieve as much influence as either the Earth Sphere or the Coalition."
"You do have the side of ambition it would seem chairman. Once we have unified the corporate bodies of Luna, we will have a single industry. The moon of Earth has been overlooked by many and has grown to where it is now because it has been left to its own devices. We are a far cry from finding a way to complete dominance, but our independence will pave the way for a new mankind. An efficient one prepared for technological advances over conflict. The rise to power for all remaining as a possibility determined by ambition."
When Maja finished, she looked over the key object that she and Simone had the most interest on. "Can we expect its completion once the Coalition fleets arrive?"
Simone nodded, "Yes representative. As per your request I will require the soldiers you have assured. The initial attempt to destroy the Gundams in their descent has not proven to be successful."
"I recognized as much chairman. You will have the men at LDS at gunpoint when the time arrives. Right now it is the priority of your men to complete all final projects on schedule. Remember how it is you achieved your position chairman. A cooperative effort of both our resources has allowed for both of us to have something to offer our benefactors."
"Ah yes. We cannot allow a breach of trust to circumvent any potential future we may see. I will ensure that our loyalty will amount to a great accomplishment for our portion of the human race."
Maja turned away from the hangar area when she accepted, "You will reap the rewards once you have done everything you promise. Carry on. We did not have this conversation." Maja stepped down the halls as she allowed Simone and his men to continue the work for her coming mutiny.
Alphonse gave a solemn warning to all of the soldiers beginning preparations, "Once we leave this will be the final opportunity for preparations. It's a one-way trip to Brussels from here and we will not stop for any interruptions."
The soldiers continued their work before Christoph made his way up to the general when he asked, "Is this the plan general? We head in and now completely on foot?"
Alphonse confirmed the plan, "We managed to avoid being found by the Coalition after so long because we did not arrive in our mobile suits. Once we arrive, we can only use the ones that may be stored near the capital. We must achieve this while the Coalition is still only beginning to solidify its position."
Christoph nodded when he accepted, "Right now wanting the best outcome is all we can plan for. We'll be there to support you sir."
Alphonse nodded with a salute before turning his focus to the scrambling soldiers as they prepared for their attempt to take Brussels. It only took a short while for Christoph to find Richard and Christian as an ally. He greeted both of them, "It's been about as bad as we feared. We really are going in on foot."
Christian grunted at the reveal when he asked, "The general seriously thinks that we can pull this off? Even if the Coalition president is there, his guys are going to clobber us just by stomping all over us."
Richard voiced his concern, "I didn't plan on losing this war either but if I really wanted to go down fighting, I'd rather have a mobile suit going up in blazes taking some enemies with me. This is just shaping up to be pathetic."
Christoph clenched his teeth when he agreed, "It's pretty sad I can't deny that's true."
Christian walked up to him when he asked, "What are we even debating about then? Everybody here is getting ready for a firing squad just because they think the general has no other option. Are we really just supposed to take this lying down? Everybody here sees how much of a stupid ass idea this is."
"And then what? What do we do once we confirm what everyone knows? Everyone here knows that this is a desperate cause, we're only here to pray we make some kind of difference for anyone else who wants to maintain the idea of a united Earth. We can achieve something minimal like saving the president, we'll have something to build on."
Richard pointed to Christoph, I don't know about you but something this serious does not warrant charging in without a plan. There's a difference between dying fighting and just throwing ourselves into a wall." The rate the general is going, we're running into one head first. We are better off trying to make a difference without the generals charge."
Christoph leaned on the wall behind him when he commented, "So that's it huh? We just have a disagreement and we have to consider desertion?"
Christian answered, "Sorry great leader but it doesn't look like we have much faith in this plan."
Christoph turned away with his hands at his side when he told them, "Way to inspire confidence. I thought we were trying to prove something to dad."
Richard shook his head as Christoph left when he commented, "Well this sure blows."
Christian asked, "What was all that arguing supposed to do for us anyway?"
Richard answered, "What are we supposed to get out of this? Our choice is either risk ourselves for the president or runaway like bitches with any chance of rallying others completely wasted. Is there any productive alternative we can make or do we just internalize our concerns?"
Christian crossed his arms when he answered, "We get out of the capital and have the president lead us to rally everyone against the Coalition. I thought getting our objective ahead of anything was the only thing we should concern ourselves with."
Richard threw his arms up when he cursed, "Christ aren't you a model of someone dad would be proud of. I think I'll just get to writing my will. It should be a better waste of my time than this."
Christian watched Richard walk off as he told himself, "Seriously is any one of us not an idiot?"
Richard watched in the distance as the multitude of soldiers made their way to a final confrontation towards Brussels. Instructor W observed, "We were fortunate to find as many as we did. Ideally they might be able to hold down the Coalition if only for a little while."
Till continued his walk as he searched for the first available transportation he would be able to claim. "Perhaps they will. It is the most that I can ask for right now."
The instructor was surprised when he asked, "How? How do you see sending your sons away only with the intention to see them do less than that?"
Till was unshaken when he answered, "Because this is the current reality we are now facing. Without any of the Gundams we have to support us, the Coalition will easily overwhelm us with numbers alone. Right now the only thing I can ask for is something that will at least prevent the Lindemann name from being ashamed completely. If we cannot have victory, I can only ask that as many of my line fall in battle as gloriously as possible."
The instructor was almost brought to anger when he simply looked up to the skies and thought to himself, Donna. You and the others have to arrive soon.
Till brought the instructor back to the current moment when he reminded, "Your optimism certainly is different against the current state of affairs right now. But I am concerned that we will soon hear of another slaughter. I thought I would have done everything to see to the Earth Sphere stand and yet here we are."
The Instructor was heavily reflective when he agreed, "You were one of the more resource heavy contributors to this conflict. The truly unfortunate fact is that we don't have anything to offer now that could be of even some help."
Till almost had a spark of hope when he realized an issue with desiring to continue his efforts. "Right now the only thing I would be able to offer is a broken man's last resources."
Instructor W inquired, "What sort of resources? Ones that could be utilized now?"
Till shook his head when he answered, "If they were prepared they would have been sent to Berlin. All I have now is a select cache of mobile suit weapons and test models in Feldberg. If the Coalition hopes to claim that fortification for itself, I will go down knowing that they will never use it when I am alive."
"Is it so small that it wouldn't make a difference now?"
"None. Only in the hands of someone who might have been a great Gundam pilot."
"What about these men though? Some of them might be more than willing if those mobile suits were made available to them."
Till was reluctant to answer but decided, "If you can find anyone who believes this final offensive as futile, bring them to me."
The Instructor turned to the nearest gathering of soldiers when he accepted, "Yes sir."
Till leaned back in his chair when he asked himself, "Griselda… How is it that I became so weak?"
Instead of waiting for the instructor, he stood up and walked down the street in a desire for self-reflection. Till had walked for a few minutes before he saw a blessing of a sight. One of his sons, Christian, was leaning on the wall of an alleyway with an air of the same defeat that loomed over Till. Christian saw his father but turned away in shame as he walked down the alley as though he was just another soldier. Till didn't let him walk away though when he told him, "Christian, I recognize that is you."
Christian gave a defeated slouch at his discovery before turning around to face his father. He greeted, "Father. I… didn't expect you would be here to see any of us like this."
Till stood across from him when he agreed, "I did not anticipate being here myself. This is only one incident of a mere coincidence."
Christian avoided looking into the eyes of his father when he said, "We're headed to Brussels. I'm going to get those Coalition morons off this planet even if I have to throw them myself."
Christian tried to find a way past Till but saw him simply standing in place with the same unaffected gaze as before he was told, "I appreciate that you are so dedicated. I will be honest, if the instructor had offered me the opportunity to choose a pilot for the Sandesgeist, I would have selected you above anyone. Simply having that desire is not going to be enough however. You must be something of this ambition and you must carry a weapon that will carry out your will."
Christian looked down when he pocketed his hands before admitting, "That's sort of the reason I didn't want to make it here. I had no other option than just to go down fighting. Me and the others tried to take on the Aquarius and got our asses handed to us. Even if I did leave, I would have to seriously do some searching across the country just to find one mobile suit that could match a Maganac II. Right now if I really want to make a difference, I have to go to Brussels."
"I am here because I want to offer you an alternative to that decision. If your intention is to defy the Coalition to your dying breath, I want you to do so as majestically as possible."
Christian was relieved when he heard Till speak those encouraging words. He didn't allow himself to be radiant with hope but allowed himself to meet face to face with his father. He was then confident to point out, "If that is the plan, I have to say that I'm curious what you had in mind."
Till revealed a key card from his hand when he told him, "I made sure that not all of my work was public to the Earth Sphere parliament. Unfortunately, it does not mean that all of it is complete as well. As of right now it is the closest thing to a true turning factor in this final few days of conflict. You and your surviving brothers must make their way to Feldberg where the storage facility is. With any luck the Earth Sphere will still be alive, and this cache will be untouched by the Coalition."
Christian gave a heavy breath at the offer, "That's a conundrum for certain."
"How so? Are you too concerned for these men who plan to march towards a cause that they will lose their lives to?"
Christian shook his head at the question when he answered, "Not for me. I'll believe that you have some last-ditch effort to give us, but Christoph and Richard are probably going to take some convincing. Without them I don't know if this whole escape will be worth it. As far as I know it seems like they would be happier to lay down their lives for this mission."
Till looked to a nearby gathering of soldiers when he asked, "When does your general expect you to be ready to move out?"
Christian checked his clock when he answered, "Another fifteen minutes from now."
Till walked on when he told him, "We have that long to find them and convince them to leave the company. I suggest that you hurry." Christian nodded as he ran towards the nearest crowd of soldiers preparing their weapons.
It took a brief minute for Christian to finish his search but he saw Christoph adjusting his harpoon cannon and sidearms for the coming attack. Christian made his way to him when he told him, "Christoph. We have to get out of this place. I'm serious, I just had a talk with dad and he wants to help us out of this shithole."
Christoph was surprised at the last bit when he asked, "The hell are you talking about? Did dad really just call recently?"
"Better than that, he is right here, right now."
Christoph shook his head when he told Christian, "I hope you understand that nobody here is in the mood for being jerked around with."
"There is nothing to be gained from this sort of quarrel." The sound of his father was like that of a wakeup call for Christoph when he turned to see him with a walking cane and standing next to Richard. Before Christoph could say anything, Till gestured to a nearby alley to comment, "I'll have words that I do not wish to be heard by others. Follow me."
The three brothers followed their father away from the view of the other soldiers while some began to call among themselves about the apparent reunion. Till didn't pay any attention to his fellow Earth Sphere soldiers then he took the first opportunity to speak to his sons. "Things could not even begin to appear more hopeless than they are. You should all be able to recognize that this attempt to take the capital is one that will end in failure. Not even a strategic one to buy the Gundams time. Only the disposal of lives from a desperate general who does not wish to let the occupation take its course."
Richard kept a grip on his belt when he answered, "We don't have any mobile suits to put up a fair fight. Most of us have seen what we're in for already."
Christoph added, "We've had this conversation. The general's march is a big stick up our asses but we literally don't have another route that can give us an alternative."
Till stepped forward when he corrected, "You have one option that will see your lives brought to better use. It may be too late for the others to turn back now, but the three of you can have the chance to make a difference. The three of you can still be more than just mere casualties."
Till showed the keycard to the three of them when he explained, "The remainder of my final projects can still be located if you act now and make way to Feldberg. Out there you will find a storage house that should still be untouched. I wan t the three of you out of this city and headed there right away."
Christian was the next to speak, "You see what we have right? We have a real chance now. We can actually do some real damage unlike this sorry bunch."
Christoph found himself at odds with the situation when he asked, "Are you in on this as well Richard?"
Richard answered after a pause, "Honestly I don't even know how it is you aren't encouraging this Christoph. I'm being asked to risk my life with the Coalition by jumping into a hopeless situation like this. Now we have a chance waiting right in front of us to take and you're more worried about a general who wants to throw everything just because he can't afford making the risk to build a decent fighting force. I know Flake would jump on this opportunity, but so would anyone who actually wants to have a real shot at making a difference."
Christoph leaned against a wall behind hm as he was brought to sigh at the situation. Every counter argument he felt he could make seemed irrelevant when he considered any potential outcome. For every effort he gave in trying to be the leader that his brothers needed, his father simply had at least another quality about him that made him every bit the superior man he was.
Christoph held back his words before answering, "I'll do it. But first I want to do something for them. I want them to have an idea of what we're up to."
Till questioned the decision, "For what reason other than to delay? Are you confident that there will be those who feel the same as you?"
Christoph's mind wandered before he answered, "Even if it's not that many we can use as much support as we can get. The general doesn't have anything to gain right now when trying any deserters anyway."
Christian checked his clock when he warned, "We don't have that long before we're ordered to move out. The most you're going to get is about 15 minutes."
Till accept the frame when he told Christoph, "You have until then to find even a few men who can see reason. Return before then and you will be able to follow in our way out."
Christoph nodded before rushing back to the crowd of soldiers when he told Till, "I'll be right back. This won't take long."
Hyrum was surprised when he heard the sort of plan that Christoph was presenting. He placed his hands on the only table in the Lyon house when he asked, "Are we really going to take some old man's word that he wants to save us? Even if he does, we aren't doing anything for the Earth parliament in just leaving them to hang dry."
Christoph countered the argument, "We don't do anything for them just being casualties either. I can't stand the fact that we're in this situation either, but I want our leaders to at least have a chance to live through this shit. Is there at least someone else around here who has the same idea?"
"Yeah. I'd prefer we have that option." Christoph and Hyrum turned to see Campbell having spoke the answer as he continued, "The worst part about this thing is that we don't just have a general who planned this, but we actually have guys who want to follow him into the grave. Right now, we're facing the difference between going around a wall of pikes or trying to aim head first into them."
Another one of the soldiers asked, "How the hell is that true? We only got three privileged kids here who just want to get out of here and happen to have someone who has a way out for them. Obviously, they just want to tag a few of us along jut for the sake of appearance."
Christoph slammed his hand when he told Hyrum, "Nobody here is that privileged! My father does not even give a shit about who's alive and who he loses!"
Campbell was as shocked at the accusation when he asked, "Even if that's the case how did he get through his head that none of his own should be allowed to have this option?"
Christoph answered, "He sees everyone around him as a strategic piece. He's no strategist but he hasn't been much of a caring human being for a long time. It's clear that he wants us to have a fighting chance, especially if he risked his neck all the way here just to give someone a last chance."
Campbell echoed the idea, "If that weren't true, he would be tripping to find a way to take his kids into hiding. Hell, he wouldn't even risk letting his neck on the cutting block with how much would be at stake."
A soldier behind him added, "If we pull this off, we can arrive to the general's aid right afterwards. Bernett and the others were able to take on the Testudo with just regular Ursa units. Taking these guys on this way will give us a real shot at doing everything the General has dreams of."
There was commotion from the men behind him at the idea, but Hyrum countered, "How is this supposed acceptable without convincing the general that he has to stop his attack? We have an opportunity to take the Coalition and its leader and we expect him to accept the idea of a fair fight?"
A soldier next to him argued, "We're in a no-win situation here. We keep moving and we have a pyrrhic victory at best, we turn around to replenish our mobile suits and we allow for more of a fair fight. Either way we will have a lot of guys to lose when this is all over."
Hyrum moved away from the table when he told everyone, "It looks like those are our only two choices. If it's all the same to you guys, I think I'll have to try and keep everyone together when we continue to Brussels." Many of the men in the room stood next to him when he added, "Well just have to put in some extra efforts is all. If you guys think you can make a difference this way, we'll just have to hold you to your word."
One of the soldiers next to Christoph agreed, "We do have to make sure there guys are able to deal serious damage when they're out there. Enough of us should be able to make sure they don't tuck their tails and run. All we need is to make sure the general doesn't know about this."
Christoph sighed relief when he accepted, "I wish it wasn't coming to this. But we will do everything to make sure this effort is worthwhile."
Hyrum accepted, "I wish we had some way to secure this. We'll just have to expect you to start doing damage or call out your names if we get court martialed."
Christoph nodded at the condition, "Everyone would want to chew me out for agreeing to this. Honestly I don't think this could make things any less fair. Just be sure to do everything to make things a little easier for us won't you?"
Hyrum accepted, "We will. I think we established what we have planned by now."
Campbell was reluctant when he agreed, "And it looks like I'll have to watch your ass for you. We are about to have a little less support right now."
Not everyone was happy about the decision when one of the soldiers commented, "You ask me it sounds like we're trying to satisfy a couple of cowards who want to desert us. Not that it matters, the less we have holding sus back the better we'll operate."
Christoph saw enough soldiers to form a squad step to his side of the table when one of them promised, "We're just here to make sure you don't go any further than Feldberg. Deviate and you'll wish you were receiving a court martial."
Christoph accepted the condition, "I think that sounds like a fair demand."
As Christoph led the men who declared their support he saw Richard make his way to him. "Well you're just on time Christoph. Dad has a truck ready for you and it looks like you have some extra passengers after all."
Christoph confirmed, "Yeah. There was going to be a few people who supported this idea. Just have to warn you, there are a few conditions that will be important to follow."
Richard gestured to a nearby alley when he agreed, "We can discuss that part later. Dad wants us there on the double. The general is about to move out soon."
Christoph and Richard made their way down the alleys when the sound of several nearby trucks sounded in the distance. As they continued their slip from the main force, Christoph saw Till and Instructor W waiting for them.
Christian was guiding the soldiers as the instructor had gathered into the back of their transport when he told Richard, "Get everyone in and get ready to get us out of here."
Richard made his way to the drivers side of the truck when he accepted, "Everyone get on. We need to make this quick."
The men rushed into the back when Christian turned to Till, "Father get on. There's still room."
Till shook his head when he answered, "All of you were the only ones who are truly capable of making this difference. You must go immediately."
Christian was confused when he began, "What? But dad we-"
Christoph leaned out his window to interrupt, "Leave him, we have to go now."
Christian remained conflicted but rushed into the back of the truck as he began to move down the streets and towards the exit of the city. Christian peaked out to try and call out to his father but saw his back turned as he walked away with the instructor at his side. Without even a chance to say goodbye or any other words, Christian could only watch his father quickly become more obscured by the distortion of his vision. He heard one of the Earth Sphere soldiers ask, "You aren't having second thoughts are you?"
Christian gave a low grunt when he brought himself back in the truck. "No. I just expected more of a farewell is all."
The Scorpio Major units in vehicle mode continued to circle the first line of advancing Leo III units while the leading squad continued its advance towards the Testudo. The advance was slow enough to cause one of the pilots to ask, "How long are we supposed to be going? This is getting way too boring."
The Scorpio Major captain answered, "Long enough. We're supposed to be receiving the signal soon."
A third signal entered the conversation, "Attention all units. We have received reports of the Earth Sphere general reaching within distance. Proceed with the plan as we have prepared."
The Scorpio Major captain accepted the order, "We read you sir. Moving out."
As soon as the first shot was fired Bertram was shocked at the attack considering there was only supposed to be a convoy for his men on their way to Brussels. He was told what he knew when one of the operators announced, "Sir! We're receiving fire!"
Trying to regain his composure he tried to confirm it wasn't friendly fire. "Who is it?!"
"It's one of ours sir! The forces across from us are firing!"
The worst had happened. The promise of Rayen Vasquez coming to assist Edward Blare in his ambition to overthrow Nathaniel Falson was about to be accomplished. "Even if this should be my end, I will not let myself be known to end with a surrender." He gave the only order he could in a situation such as this one. "Rally all nearby mobile suits forces! Don't let them breach our hull and protect this weapon at all costs! Instruct pilot Tsubarov to move out!"
"Yes sir!" One of the nearby operators understood and ordered to their Gundam, "Attention Aquarius! We have friendly fire and need your assistance! Please move out and destroy the defecting Leo III units!"
Oleg's face was on the other line when he answered, "That' nice to hear sir. I'm afraid that I won't be able to leave. Sorry about that."
Bertram shot up when he asked, "What?! Tsubarov are you denying a direct order?"
Bertram tired to maintain his composure at Oleg's denial to the order when he heard, "Sorry you couldn't hear me. But I am unable to leave my quarters at the moment."
Bertram made his way to the nearest panel when he ordered through an intercom, "All upper level soldiers report to Private Tsubarov's quarters. He must be placed under custody." He turned to another operator to order, "Send another to pilot the Aquarius. We require it on the field immediately."
The noise of the alarm that range through the Testudo's halls were an encouraging sound as Edward stood hear the herald of his escape. Celso was the first among them to observe, "Sounds like we have our exit cue. Everyone ready to shake this things legs?"
Julian handed him the micro SD card when he accepted, "Just so long as we have a clear way to the operating room. I'm itching for it."
Jens offered his support, "We'll have to work for our way up, but I'll take the lead and make this escape a success."
Susanne agreed, "Let's see those results why don't we? We have our way out right?"
Edward told his guards across the cell, "You will only need one bomb for each of the locks. Save the others for when we make our progress to the main operating room."
Susanne looked at the small cluster before handing one to Jens and told him, "You heard him."
Jens spat out a chewed piece of gum when he placed the ball bearing bomb in the used wad. Placing it on the lock, Jens told Celso, "I was ready yesterday."
Celso nodded when he pressed the screen on his tablet to result in a small explosion of the lock. There was only a small cloud of flames before the smoke formed, but Jens wasn't deterred as he ran towards the destroyed mechanism and slid the prison cell bars out of his way. The other three kept the smoke from their eyes when Jens encouraged, "Quick! We can't delay!"
Susanne rushed forward when she made her way to Edward's cell and warned, "Stand back sir, we got this."
Edward remained a short distance away before Susanne placed the ball bearing in the open lock and moved away to tell Celso, "Now!" Another explosion sounded through the prison halls while Jens rushed to the far door and slide it out of Edward's way.
Edward was quick to step out of his cell when he ordered, "We must reach the operating room now. Forward and unrelenting!" None of his guards questioned the order as they took point to guide their general to his destination. After a short run down the halls, the hangar bay of the Testudo was right before them with only the Aquarius as the mobile suit watching over the empty room. Jens ran to the walkway before grabbing hold of a crate half his size and warned, "We probably aren't in the clear. Proceed with caution."
Julian looked across the walkway when he agreed, "Bertram is not going to let us off that easy."
Edward knelt behind the crate with Jens when he ordered, "Remain on your guard. Do not allow anyone to board the Aquarius."
Susanne followed Celso and Julian when she agreed, "Will do sir."
Celso pushed his crate as he checked forward on the walkway when he warned, "Speaking of, they're on their way here."
The door in the distance opened to reveal a squad of soldiers appear before them asked, "Who's out there?"
Celso warned, "We're compromised!"
Edward ordered, "Begin now!"
At Edward's order, Susanne watched the squad make its way to the walkway before narrowing themselves to a formation. She then took the opportunity as she exposed herself from behind Julian's crate as she threw what remaining ball bearings she had left to the gathering of soldiers. One of them asked, "The hell? These guys are completely desperate!"
Celso used the cue to tap the tablet's touchscreen a final time as the multitude of explosions filled the section of the walkway. One of the soldiers fell forward while a pistol dropped before Jens rushed forward to grab the weapon. While most of the progressing soldiers were trying to gather their sense from the smoke, Jens took the opportunity to fire towards every nearby enemy. Julian and Susanne rushed into the smoke as they stepped over the corpses that had been made before throwing two nearby soldiers off the railings to a deadly drop to the hangar ground.
One of the Coalition soldiers was still standing however as he fired at Edward's guards but only to get a successful hit to Julian's skin. Jens rushed forward to grab the soldiers head before slamming him on the rail and punching him off. The squad was defeated, but Edward grabbed a pistol before ordering, "We have ground. Advance forward and prepare to engage."
Julian struggled to his feet when he accepted, "I'm right behind you sir."
Jens grabbed hold of a weapon when he asked, "Are we really in a position to press forward sir?"
Susanne was quick to add, "He's only concerned about our odds to press on without failure sir. We're all concerned for you safety is all."
Edward loaded a clip into his pistol when he answered, "I have no need for men who are not prepared to give their lives to our advancement! Our greatest concern is to see to the defeat of Bertram and I will press forward by myself if I have to!"
Celso stepped ahead when he accepted, "That's what we're here for sir. We just don't need the mutiny is all." The five made their way across the walkway before reaching the entry door.
Jens opened it with a nearby panel when he checked down the halls before warning, "They're on their way here! Take cover!"
Susanne took the opposite side of the door as she held onto her pistol and glanced through the halls. At the sight of the first Coalition soldier she told the others, "They're in range!" Jens and Susanne peaked around their cover before firing down the halls and into the first Coalition soldier.
Across the hall they heard, "Right there! Suppress that position!" Only a few seconds passed before Celso and Julian saw a rapid spray of gunfire travel their way. They both rolled out of the way while Edward groaned at the position.
Julian had the same aggravation when he observed, "They were ready for us."
Edward warned, "Our better advantage now is to prevent them from taking the Aquarius! If anything less happens I will see to your end myself!"
The gunfire died down before Jens told him, "We need support! Return fire!"
Celso and Julian made their way to the opposite covers that Jens and Susanne took before all four of them fired down the halls. The point of attack was brief however when the Coalition soldiers fired towards them and had Edward's guards pinned to their position.
Celso peaked behind his cover when he warned, "Get ready to hold fire. They have shields."
Julian checked to confirm the warning, "We have another advantage here." Celso saw Julian take out a grenade as he unhinged it and held on to it. The others were initially concerned but then Julian turned around the corner as he threw the grenade down the hallway. Immediately afterwards an explosion erupted in the halls and exposed the unshielded Coalition soldiers to fire. The crossfire erupted again as Edward and his guards held their ground. Celso changed his clip when he warned, "General, I don't think we have the ammo to take them all!"
Edward was in the middle of changing his clip as well when he agreed, "We are not here to fall without meaning! I do not intend to let us fall here!"
Outside the Testudo, the battles continued to rage on without interruption. The advancing squad Rayen had sent made a retreat while joining in the attempt to breach the Testudo's defense. Rayen watched over the advancing mobile suits as they prepared to make another gathered advance before ordering, "Prepare the infiltration squad to breach. Have our defensive measures been prepared?"
His second in command confirmed, "Yes sir. The Testa shield will function as we projected."
Rayen held onto the side of his window when he ordered, "I shall require confirmation. Send in the infiltration squad and allow their mission."
"Yes sir."
Rayen's lieutenant general shifted his frequency to one of the advancing squads, "We are now clear to being the mission. Avoid damaging any of the Testudo turrets."
The captain of the leading squad accepted the order when he confirmed, "We're reading you sir. We're moving out." He changed his channel to the entirety of his squad when he ordered, "Get ready boys. Get to the underbelly of that thing and let's cut a way in. Keep yourself covered for our way in."
One of the pilots agreed, "I read you sir. Time to see how much punishment these things can take."
The squad of Leo III units brought out body shields that covered their front and shielded them from above before the forward when their pilots agreed, "Yes sir!" The area around the Testudo became a clash between conflicting Leo IIIs while the shielded ones Rayen ordered made their way through the crossfire. Across the blazing fields as mobile suits did battle with one another, the squad captain watched the crossfire build and grow closer to his position. One of his advancing pilots asked, "Sir! Do we have any supporting fire to protect us? Ah! We've just lost one!"
The captain grunted when he answered, "Everyone is trying to clear a path! Don't let anyone else be lost!"
As his squad progressed through the hard advance, the crossfire continued to build as the image of the Testudo came closer within range. The presence of the enemy mobile suits continued to build, but the danger of the lower turrets of the Testudo made themselves known. The captain saw the fire come into contact with his shield but was able to withstand the blast as he continued forward. Even with the shield proving to be successful, the captain felt the impact wear down on his defense. Checking his radar monitor was worse however when he saw a signal go blank.
He checked his visual monitor when he saw another one of his following mobile suits explode. "I said no more losses!" He shouted into his intercom.
One of the pilots answered, "We're doing what we can sir! Those turrets are still leaving us open!"
Another pilot agreed, "We're getting deeper into enemy territory! This isn't going to get any easier!"
The captain pressed on when he ordered, "We have an Earth to sustain! Our goal is to make our sacrifice worth a shit load more than just a parade! Keep going! We're still a distance away!"
At the captain's rally the shielded squadron pressed forward without being lost to the defensive fire or the defending Coalition mobile suits. After a long dash forward, the captain looked up to see the turrets were no longer firing. Not by being disabled, but because he was now right beneath the Testudo as he had striven to achieve.
He checked behind him to see the remainder of his squad forming around him before ordering, "The hard part is done! Get ready to start breaching!"
The remaining mobile suits gathered into a circle with their shields, but another mobile suit erupted from contact with enemy fire. The captain checked the area around him before ordering, "Hurry! The enemy is gathering!" The Testudo started to move but the Leo III units from beneath continued to blast away at the underside before the captain moved to one of the men holding on to the grips. He ordered, "Everyone get on the unit! I'll take care of the way in!"
The remaining units continued to move with the Testudo's movement, but the captain watched the soldiers who rode on his unit leap onto the nearest Leo III. As soon as he counted twelve making their way across, he dropped his Testa shield and announced, "I got this! We're still getting in!" The captain's Leo III made a leap into the air before preparing his beam sword. With an upward lunge he made a connect with the Testudo's underside and made a dash to the side along the surface. He looked up to view the hole he created before having a glimpse of the lower part of the hangar exposed. The remaining n Leo III units fired as they expanded the hole further before the captain ordered, "We're clear! Get ready to ascend!"
The squad of Leo III units gathered around the circle as they gathered around the circle they waited for the hole to pass over them. The captain opened his cockpit before announcing his intercom, "All men prepare to infiltrate! We have someone to defend in there!" He stepped out to the edge of his mobile suit's hatch as he took his assault rifle with an ascent gun attachment. Taking aim, he saw his harpoon hook launch through the created hole before grabbing hold of his weapon while waiting for contact. As he looked up, he saw the ceiling continue to move but after a dreaded long period, he felt a distant clang on his hook as he hit the ceiling. The demanding task came for him and the dozens of other soldiers who simultaneously made their way up to the breach and into the hangar. Just beneath him, the captain saw his mobile suit become smaller but was reminded of the danger he faced as he saw another Leo III unit explode just beneath his feet. Undaunted by the challenge however, he held onto his rifle as he saw his fellow surviving soldiers make their way up.
There came a point however when after breaching the hole that he felt the comparably cooler air of the hangar offer an actual sense of security. He wasn't calmed by this however when he saw the bodies of a few Coalition soldiers litter the floor. He prepared his pistol when he warned, "Get ready to head in guns blazing!"
The warning proved to have merit when he saw the sight of five people leaning on both sides of a nearby entryway while gunfire shot past them and onto the walkway. Most important to him however was the sight of one man who this entire mission was built on. Edward Blare was defiant with his pistol while relying on his guards for support. The captain watched a few of the soldiers nearer to the walkway made a leap and rushed to the side of their embattled general. The few dozen soldiers swung their way onto the walkway of the hangar.
The captain was among the many who rushed their way to the line of defense Edward struggled to maintain before announcing, "General! We're here for your aid!"
Edward accepted the pistol clip he was handed when he told him, "Your timing could not be any better. Once we pass through here we will have the rest of these loyalists to deal with. Press forward and let none of them remain standing!"
The captain accepted the order as he prepared his rifle and promised, "We're only in the final stretch sir. It won't be long."
He turned to his fellow men to order, "Press on! Let's take down what remains of them!"
The announcement was given before the men loyal to Edward formed side by side and ran down the halls, firing on every man in a Coalition uniform. Many bodies had gone to scatter the floor with the deaths of many who made the advance, but Edward looked on as he saw his men slaughter everyone who stood in his way to Bertram.
Celso supported Julian when he asked, "So I take it this was all part of the plan sir? At least we managed to pull off a chunk of the heavy lifting."
Edward nodded, "This is what we needed Rayen for. We are now ready to march forward and to see the demise of Bertram's defiance." He raised his voice for all nearby to hear, "Make this your finest hour! Victory is now mere inches before us! All who ignited this conflict shall be offered the final strike of justice!"
The men rushed forward while Edward shot in the distance at every Coalition soldier who advanced enar his position. There was only a short search before Edward's men found the doorway where the defending soldiers were coming from. He rushed in to find the emergency stairs that had the way up he was looking for. He kept his gun ready before he ordered, "We are now a charge away from our goal! Spare no one!"
Edward remained in the center of the crowd when he lead the charge up. He now felt an air of absolute confidence when he promised, "Today is only the prelude to history. This day will make the beginning of my greatest achievement. The Earth will belong to me."