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 33: Themes Usurped

After the infiltration squad made its way into the Testudo, the battle on the ground had begun to wane down to a small skirmish with only a few loyal Coalition mobile suits offering a final stand of resistance. It was all fruitless however as the remaining defenders were destroyed one after another. The sight was a triumphant one for Rayen as he saw the last line of defense for Nathaniel Falson fall at his advance. His truck made its way across the field while turning around fallen pieces of destroyed mobile suits. While watching the sight of the Testudo grow before his eyes, Rayen adjusted his radio to ask, "Has the infiltration progressed as planned?"

A voice on the other line confirmed, "Yes sir. The Testudo will soon be completely taken. We only have a few pockets of resistance to put down."

"Excellent. I want the mobile armor completely secure. Continue with the purge." One of the descent platforms made its way down from the bottom of the Testudo as Rayen looked up to await his way in. As soon as it made contact, one of his squads was visible while snapping to attention at his arrival. The squad captain reported, "The hangar has been secured general. No one is getting on the Aquarius."

Rayen nodded as he walked onto the platform to congratulate, "Exemplary work. We have the obstacle completely eradicated and now we need only wait for the perfect opportunity to remove the Coalition's ascent to greatness. I am grateful you had the initiative to offer me on board to bear witness captain."

The captain prepared the platform to ascend to its hull when he agreed, "Of course sir. I would imagine that you would be eager to stand next to Edward to see such a critical point."

Rayen waited for the ascent as looked to the hangar above him and agreed, "The only thing to make this day complete will be to see the look on Bertram's face once we have reduced Brussels to an ashen grave."

As soon as the platform made contact with the walkway of the testudo hangar, Rayen saw the last few loyal men to the Coalition attempting to reach the Aquarius. He drew out his pistol when he fired on them alongside his protecting squad. The resistance was very brief while Rayen made his way through the growing pile of corpses. "Edward has already made a fair pace of progress for us. Even better is to see that the Tsubarov boy is very keen about upholding the offer." He saw a soldier limp behind the defense his men had when he asked, "You've done your shar to help us through soldier?"

Julian saluted, "I'd say so sir. General Blare is pushing through as though he were the main force himself."

Rayen nodded when he asked, "In that case, showing the way too him should not be a difficult task then?"

Julian groaned through his pain when he answered, "Easy enough sir. Just follow me."

Rayen followed Julian when he promised, "The rest of the way should be easy if you did make this much progress."

Julian leaned on the wall when he agreed, "Yes sir. We should even be at the control room by now."

Rayen's face hardened when he realized the potential issue he would face. He continued to follow Julian when he ordered, "I anticipate the chance to offer Edward the best opportunity. Continue to press on soldier. This event will very well bet the difference between this conflict being the first or last."

When the explosions outside of Brussels began Nathaniel along with the rest of the guard had been shocked to hear the alarms for enemy fire. He found one of his chief military advisors and asked, "What the hell is going on out there?"

"There's a skirmish occurring outside the city Mr. President. The Testudo is under attack."

Nathaniel looked outside when he tried to confirm what was happening. He was brought to a shock as he tried to process the act of betrayal that was once again breaking into the Coalition even in its finest hour. He leaned in front of a nearby wall when he tried to maintain a face of calm no matter how dire the situation would continue to grow.

He lifted himself away from the window when he asked, "Can we confirm who is attacking?"

His advisor answered, "It appears that there is some sort of dissent among our ranks. Leo III units are blasting one another out there."

"Our ranks still haven't been united it seems." Nathaniel groaned at the fact knowing that he would have to see more casualties before they were finally safe. "Send our defenses to the engagement area! Don't let them reach the city!"

"We will make sure they are stopped sir!"

As the battle among the Testudo began to wind down, Zelma lead the forces of General Carmine toward the target city of Brussels only to see the flames of the recent uprising that she could see in the distance. She heard the major contact her, "Is something happening at the Testudo that we didn't know about?"

Zelma answered, "I'm among those who weren't informed unfortunately. We may have to contact an official to have full context."

The major agreed, "You have a line with the president. Use it and find out what the fuss is."

Zelma changed her radio channel as she tired to get a hold of the Coalition president. She heard him greet, "Who is it?"

"Mr. President, I have arrived with General Carmine's forces. Are you still secure?"

Nathaniel paused before he answered, "My safety is still being held agent. I am only given a little more ease of mind to see that the disorder around the Testudo does not have your involvement."

"Is this event actually so recent sir?"

"It has all occurred within the span of the last two hours from what I have been told. I will soon require some form of confirmation to discover if anyone loyal to me is still alive down there. I will require the securing of General Carmine's forces. We cannot risk to see them unaccounted for in this crucial hour."

"I will offer the best of my abilities to see to your safety sir."

"That is fortunate to hear agent, but I will require more than words to see you are capable. I must see your mobile suit parked in the nearest hangar and report directly to me. We are soon to expose our defenses as it is already. I will need someone who is exceptional as my assistant for this outcome, but I will moreover require their loyalty as well."

Zelma was able to hear the cynicism in Nathaniel's voice on her end She remained collected however when she told him, "I'll be sure to follow you to the letter sir. The others will have the Italian forces under watch if their duty remains unchanged."

"You are correct agent. Ensure that this is achieved without issue."

Nathaniel shut down his channel before Zelma ordered, "Continue to the nearest hangar. The situation has been contained."

The major questioned, "That's all the president has to say? How well is he handling this? We have to see to his safety is absolutely certain."

"His safety has been established within the Testudo being secured. If we don't ensure that our prisoners are accounted for, we will risk everything the president wanted to see done."

The major groaned when he accepted, "This had better be giving us security. If there's anything other than an Earth Sphere soldier trying to mess with us, then my men are about to go through some serious disciplinary reminders."

He shut off his channel when he left Zelma to continue the lead through the area of the city that expanded more into a battlefield. "Doesn't matter what any one man who may achieve victory, it continues to be only a prelude to more resistance." She reminded herself.

As soon as the three hours passed Elias and Alberto were able to look over the results the training exercise had yielded. Architect I was finally called down to meet with the main observation area when he was asked to provide his output. The Sol Thero units were supposed to have a more advance version of Zero System installed but the Gundam pilots were still able to beat them.

Steven was reported by a nearby operator, "We have received the final results from the session."

Elias knew that there would be something within this at play when he observed, "At a full three hours. At least the results seem to pay off."

Architect I agreed with the sentiment when he looked over the "With these circumstance in mind they are officially the most skilled pilots the Earth Sphere has to offer."

Alberto questioned the decision, "Because of the inferior system in the Sol Thero units?"

"That does play a factor." The Architect agreed. "Regardless however, the fact that they were capable of dragging out a battle for three hours shows how effective the systems for both mobile suits is."

Elias knew the minimal damage and maneuverability would be enough to live up to the Architect's words. "The Sol Thero units may still be able to pull off a worthwhile fight against the Coalition if they are this effective."

Steven ended the observation when he assured, "So far we have five squadrons prepared on standby. We will be capable of providing as many units as we need to see that the Coalition and the Colonies do not attempt to invade the Earth again."

Alberto did not comment further on the idea but did wonder to himself, "Could that lead to peace however?"

When Mercurio exited the Uriel he wasn't immune from the amount of pain he was enduring after turning away from Zero System. He hoped that it wouldn't be a continuous effect seeing it might affect his piloting in some way.

Alberto was the first to congratulate the three, "Good work out there pilots. It looks like human piloting still has the edge over what an AI has."

"It's an honor sir. It's good to see that LDS was working to develop something effective." It was only after he had answered he realized the idea that he was being pitted against mobile doll technology.

He was too late to question anything when Architect I continued, "This may come as something the pilots did not anticipate. But it was bound to be discovered anyway."

Alberto accepted the idea when he instructed, "Take a three hour rest, we'll repeat this exercise again to see that you have mastered Zero System. By the time the next few days pass we shall see that you have the skills necessary to utilize the Gundams and the system to their fullest."

Mercurio wasn't sure if even Dana was enthusiastic about the idea but he pushed back any complaints he had about it. "Y... Yes sir."

Donna hid her anger by pretending that the Zero system was still taking a toll on her and agreeing to repeat the exercise by nodding her head. She wanted to talk with the other pilots about this, but was left with a question of what she would do to not seem insubordinate.

When the headache started to weaken, Donna remembered the word on the Sol Theros not having human pilots. When she thought the LDS was bad with secretly installing the Zero System into their Gundams, the Mobile Dolls crossed the line. The inhumanity of using artificial intelligence to kill was among the things she abhorred.

The hatred for Mobile Dolls is one reputation known by the Lindemann family. When Mobile Dolls made their debut, the family joined the Treize Faction in Romefeller's Civil War. Her father and uncles fought against the Romefeller loyalists, with most of her uncles killed by Virgos. All of this disappointment for her fellow allies was mounting in her and she was disheartened by the fact that right now she couldn't do anything to offer a substantial protest.

Is that for real? Dana wasn't sure if she could believe the idea that the people of LDS had just been capable of installing the thought to be lost Zero System into their Gundams but somehow being able to cross it with AI was another frightening thought. She tried to suppress any worries about this openly and simply answered the Architect's instruction. "Don't try to pamper us too much doc." She left the dock with Mercurio and Donna following. She noticed William was nearby and had to find out just how well known the secret with the systems and operations of the corporation had gone. Dana turned to her fellow pilots letting them know, "I have to ask Will a few questions. You let me know if you have any yourselves alright?"

Once she found her former superior Dana began the interrogation, "Ramos tell me. Did you know anything about the things these Sol Theros have?"

"You talking about equipment or suicidal moves?"

"You can't seriously tell me the military ranks have been kept from knowing about what the Sol Thero units were built with."

William showed a face of dissatisfaction with the question when he answered. "... The Chairman told us it was a need to know thing like he was General of the Luna forces."

Trying to see if it was the first he ever heard of it Dana came up front with the revelation. "Those Sol Thero units are mobile dolls Will."

The realization hit him but processed rather quickly. "They are? ... I guess that makes sense then."

Dana was shocked when he saw her old superior nonchalantly accept what sort of development was brought in front of her. She walked up to him when she asked, "That's your reaction?"

William crossed his arms when he answered, "How else can the Earth Sphere react? Two hundred million dead really narrows down the list of possible pilot candidates."

"Do you even know about Zero System?"

"Ah... Ah shit..." If he wasn't worried about the results then he sure was now. He remembered some of his family and many people in general were destroyed by the power of Zero System in the wars decades ago.

"You going to try and justify that sort of thing now?" Dana asked snapping him back to the present.

"I don't even know how to do that sort of thing. Most I can give you now princess is keep improving those results. It might get the Chairman to stop thinking about advancing the project at some point." He didn't want to be an insubordinate soldier but he had to find a way to continue his service as well. William only wished he had something else to offer his friend some decent advice.

Dana turned around at least knowing that William was honest about his confusion. "Hope you're right about that..."

When Mercurio had his chance to speak to Alberto he immediately went forward with the question first on his mind. "Sir, are these Sol Thero units really built with Zero System in mind?"

Alberto remembered the statistics Architect I gave him and answered, "That's what we've been told. Even more so, according to Architect I the units have been built with the 3.0 version. More advanced than what you've had to work with and you still managed to beat them."

"I suppose so sir. But was this sort of project directly funded by the Earth Sphere?"

"We're basically a cornered predator now Yuy. We're going to have to take whatever we can find to save the Parliament and our system."

Mercurio couldn't think of anything to counter his superior and could only agree with the sentiment. "You... Might be right on something sir..."

"Trust me, this is something I'm concerned about as well Yuy. Not trying to be cynical but it could lead up to something." He turned around to begin finding the rest of the crew while telling him, "I'll have to assemble the others for training now. Get some rest."

"Yes sir." Mercurio wondered aloud to no one in particular, "How far is it before they begin to embrace this further now?" Wondering if this was something to be concerned about.

As General Alphonse de Lombard continued his way through the Belgium area while enduring the worst demand any soldier could be forced to sit through. He looked towards the direction of his destination when he reminded himself, "The long enduring wait before we are asked to risk everything. There may be no greater of a challenge am n is asked to endure."

One of his colonels his way up to his seat in their truck when he asked, "But you still recognize this charge as one that is worth risking for general?"

Alphonse nodded, "That is why we subject ourselves to such a long wait. These men who continue to press on with their intention to bring about a united humanity on this united Earth are ones who will sooner believe that all sacrifices preceding were a collective tribute before offering a fine hour such as we attest to achieve rather than endure a boss that will render us all defeated. The multitude of reasonings these men all have can be just what we need to overcome the Coalition if we are to press on and conquer the ambition of the Falsons."

"Some of the men will have to be corrected I'm afraid sir. It seems they still believe that you stage something this grand scale in order to recue Madame de Lombard."

Alphonse met him with a firm face when he told his colonel, "Why should it not be one of our driving factors? We charge forth to preserve our united Earth, but it is a falsehood that we wish to come to the aid of those we dearly care for? The very capital of this planet is in danger and the lives of our leaders are in the balance. Since the day I affirmed my existence to being one that preserves the foundation of this united Earth, I have determined that there would not be an obstacle that would deter me away from such a decision."

The colonel accepted the answer when complemented, "That is a fair argument general. It would simply stand that you happened to offer your support to any man of great idealism but was unfortunate to be in the crossfire and siege we now face."

"This was the decision that all who believed in the progress of unification allowed themselves to be participant to. The day I stared face to face with the Gundams in Siberia was only the first time that I was forced to recognize my mortality so long ago. I knew that I would be faced with such a day the moment I first learned of the Coalition taking L5."

"Then you decided long ago that your duty would be to prepare to offer your life to see unity if it was necessary. Yet it was in such a decisive field that you came to decide it was worth such sacrifice even against odds so mighty. A day such as the one you describe is at the very least fascinating."

"It is a time I have recalled several times over. My opportunity to face them alone was not what brought me to such ease as I am now. The sight of the first Gundam in front of me erupt as it destroyed itself was all the realization I needed to learn that men can be defeated. That even against the greatest obstacle, they only stand as such until they are shaken from their foundations. The only obstacle that stands before us now is the president who allows himself to be displayed before the Earth in his pursuit of a petty form of justice."

"It is a truly regrettable lack of progress when men will rally against the established order to siege a war of this scale. The ruling members of the Falson family have no appreciation for what you accomplished general, nor do they have respect for the human race standing together as one people. Enough that they were willing to drag a conflict such as this for so long while demonstrating they do not even have their own sense of unity to stand upon. Most of all I would state their greatest crime as the intent to avenge one man rather than allow for a cause more worth rallying."

"Perhaps this was an unfortunate decision by the Falsons to make. Even so I cannot see this day being avoided with such passage upon us. The colonies in the end won their independence, but no man is satisfied with only having their own platform to stand upon. When men have the sense of victory they sought, they desire to see it achieved again."

"There was a time when the people of Earth did believe that we had a reason to have faith in the human race. I suppose it wasn't too outside the realm of possibility that you were among those who believed that you had seen the last days of war."

Alphonse sighed when he confirmed the sorrow that the long and grinding war was offering him. "My wife believed in the desires of Relena Peacecraft. Many who saw her rise felt a whimsical sort of encouragement to see someone so young rise to power with the intention of allowing the human race to embrace progress. Perhaps we were all too taken on that day however. We all offered a glimpse of a child's innocence that was put on stage in accordance to outstanding circumstances. It was a period we all believed that she was speaking for the collective desire of the human race. We believed that one final battle was ahead of us and yet even after enduring it we are here now. If there is only one thing that we must come to understand from the preceding days is hope soon it is that we cannot allow grandeur to cloud our ability to prepare for the inevitable future that comes after victory."

"A regrettably realistic view. However, it would seem in the end that in order to be victorious we must embrace the perceived notion the Coalition had for us. There may be a day where we will require the Gundams to take the colonies for us and exact vengeance for us by offering him a reminder of what separating a united humanity will achieve."

"Our victory will be more assured once we have those pilots under our command again. It is for a chance such as this that we must press onwards. The intention is to remind what a united humanity truly resembles as we'll be offered a glimpse of Franz's vision for what he intends to do under a humanity that once again finds its way."

The conversation was interrupted when Alphonse heard his driver announce, "Sir, we are arriving within range of Halle. It would appear there is only a minor Coalition presence there according to our scouts."

Alphonse turned to him to ask, "Do we have any reports of what occupying forces are stationing themselves right now?"

"According to our scouts there only appears to be one squadron of Leo III mobile suits waiting for us. We may be able to continue a lip by if we remain outside the radar range."

The colonel Alphonse spoke with asked, "Would we be wise to allow this defense to potentially serve as reinforcements for the Coalition sir?"

Alphonse shook his head when he answered, "If we seek to have an optimal path into Brussels, we must not allow the Coalition to have an opportunity to flank us. The more unfortunate situation however remains that we are not in a position where we are able to prevent them from using their mobile suits as a first resort."

Alphonse's truck stopped moving as it parked next to the others while the city of Halle remained a short range outside of the view of the Earth brigade. Alphonse turned to his colonel to order, "Gather our leading forces to a nearby location and prepare for a briefing, I want the scouts who made their advance to report to me right away."

The colonel accepted, "They should be returning momentarily sir."

The forest outside the city of Halle had not been inspected by any members of the Coalition, leaving the needed opportunity for Alphonse to gather his leading men into a circle right next to the scouts who were ordered to report. Alphonse began the meeting, "We will first need an evaluation of the current state of the city. Do we have a rough estimate of the patrolling forces?"

The captain of the scouts answered, "It is just one squad of Leo III mobile suits sir. If we allow this city to remain unopposed however, this city could potentially be a strategic advantage against us."

One of the colonels agreed, "Assuming that they will continue to oppose us after taking the capital. Even if we were to leave them untouched, we may miss an opportunity to even the odds in our favor."

One of the scouts pointed out, "Sir I don't want to state the obvious, but we aren't exactly in a position where this sort of mission would just be a diversion."

Alphonse told him, "This is an unfortunate problem, but one that we must face if we are to have a way into Brussels without an immediate danger to our advance if we are capable even so much as reaching within safe range that they have not located us, then we should have an estimate of how we can take them by surprise."

The scout captain brought out his tablet when he confirmed, "We did manage to have a few observations of where they stand." A hologram of the city popped up when he explained, "The city has for the most part been evacuated but the process may be ongoing even right now. A majority of the occupants should be of Coalition soldiers who are setting up for defenses. If they follow the standard of their organization then we should be able to strike them at the right hour."

One of the colonels asked, "You've handled these sorts of men before captain?"

The scout captain nodded, "Back in Craiova me and the men had to pull off a mission like this. We have a scheduled frame where at this hour they should be getting ready to change shifts. If we use that change to our advantage, we can send in a team to infiltrate."

Alphonse confirmed the decision when he added, "After which we will have their mobile suits and we will have the opportunity to drive them out of the city and have weapons necessary to stand against the defense in the capital."

One of the colonels pointed out, "This is of course assuming that we will be able to reach the hangar that is holding them. If they do change men in shifts, then it will all have to be done simultaneously. If we permit even one frame of opportunity, we will have at least a handful of mobile suits facing one another resulting in collateral damage."

Alphonse agreed, "We will have to achieve an infiltration where the Coalition least anticipates it possible. We will have to ensure that our weapons will be prepared for stealth purposes as well."

Another one of the colonels agreed, "They will also have to be at least capable mobile suit pilots as well. At least I would like to say that this is looking at the situation in a very optimistic way. I am not certain if we can rely on the patrols being able to stick to a pattern that we will easily be able to penetrate. The worse outcome is that if we are discovered they will not hesitate to send for reinforcements or send out the mobile suits when they are prepared to hunt the rest of us down."

Alphonse agreed, "We do face an unfortunate area of this operation. Even if we were to utilize a distraction then it will only make taking the Leo IIIs that much harder."

His lieutenant general pointed, "If we were to do an external one it would be too risky. However, we may be able to achieve something if we caused one from within the city from another team."

One of Alphonse's colonels asked, "What sort of distraction will be significant enough to alert the enemy however?"

The scout captain answered, "Every now and again the enemy will prepare ammunition to be picked up by passing squadrons. If these Scutum units they have are any help, they might have some kind of ammunition built specifically for them. If that was destroyed, we could draw the right kind of attention away from us. They won't have a reason to send out the mobile suits, but they will have to somehow respond to make sure we are stopped."

One of the colonels asked, "Do you have an idea of where this storage might be? This may be a factor in if we attempt to follow through on this plan."

The captain pointed to two location when he explained the first, "They should be located around here. Most likely the mobile suits will be kept in a separate location in another side of the city to avoid such potential damage. We would require some sort of coordinated plan to ensure that these strikes will be properly in synch."

Alphonse agreed, "They will have to be quick and decisive, but I believe we may have something. If we send in two teams to both locations, we will only need to wait for both of them to recognize the proper signal. We send out one team to the Scutum ammunition storage and the other to the location of the Leos. First the storage infiltration team will await the signal for the Leo units being secure and prepared to take. Once that has been secured, the storage infiltration team destroys the ammunition with charges and gets out of that location right away. Once the explosion has occurred, we then move the Leo units out and wipe out every means the Coalition has in attempting to send a warning to Brussels. There is no question that this mission is a fragile one. I do however expect that everyone here will make a concerted effort to see this crucial mission be achieved."

His lieutenant general accepted, "I'll see that this order and mission is affirmed so every man and woman prepared to serve us sir. This mission's completion is only a matter of time."

Alphonse sat back on his small seat when he accepted, "I anticipate that these results will reflect once we have achieved this plan."

Both of the teams the French brigade had formed prepared themselves for opposite sides of the city. Hyrum was among the volunteers who prepared an explosive charge. "I just use that and all the others will blow up the ammunition right?"

A soldier beside him confirmed, "Try not to drop that thing. Just one slip and we blow this mission both literally and figuratively."

Hyrum held onto the charge when he agreed, "I've gone this far. I've got Campbell over there waiting for a chance to pilot a mobile suit again, we can't disappoint him."

The captain leading them ordered, "Now's our chance. Stay behind the mission point."

Hyrum ducked as he and his fellow soldiers waited for the opportunity to run forward. The tension only lasted for a few seconds before the captain ordered, "Move."

Hyrum followed in a dash towards the warehouse while checking in front for what might have spotted them. As their rush continued, they entered a small field of tall grass forcing him to slow his advance. Hyrum then saw a light shine his way when he warned, "Patrol." He and the other soldiers landed on the ground as they took cover from the potential exposure. Much to his relief the search was brief when he saw the light pass over his head.

He heard his captain order, "Lorenzo, take him out quietly."

The soldier in question moved forward while carefully sneaking through the tall grass. Hyrum watched as Lorenzo snuck behind the patrolling Coalition soldier and twisted his neck while stabbing him with a knife. The captain ordered, "Move."

The squad continued forward while Hyrum kept hold of his explosive charge. A small back door was opened when Hyrum heard his captain order, "I'm here. Stay ready."

Hyrum was one among a single file line that made its way into the backside of the warehouse. Upon entry, Hyrum immediately saw the target he had been prepare d to meet with. Several large blocks filled the floor all prepared for being handled. Hyrum asked his superior, "Are these charges going to be enough for something this big sir?"

The captain whispered, "Our goal is to make a distraction. Even if they don't this will still be enough."

One of the squad members warned, "Patrol."

The captain quickly responded, "Shit." He gestured for the others to scramble to find a hiding place. The concern Hyrum initially had was replaced by interest when he listened to the conversation.

"I heard a few guys say we were the lucky pick for the Testudo's muscle. Any chance that we were picked?"

The other one answered, "Not quite. We'd have way tighter security if we were. It's still messed up what we've been getting used to though. Was there any indication General Blare had plans for himself?"

"We've all been messed with and I'm starting to wonder if there is anyone we can trust."

The conversation between the two soldiers faded as Hyrum was offered the opportunity to step out of his hiding place. He made his way over to one of the soldiers when he asked, "Are we clear?"

He heard, "The captain's moving. Let's make it quick." Two more Earth Sphere soldiers took point as they drew their knives and checked for the situation ahead of them. Without anyone in their view other than the unsuspecting Coalition patrol, the leading infiltrators simultaneously thrust their knives into the necks before covering the mouths. They were both quick to throw the new corpses to the side when they signaled for their captain for a clear path.

Hyrum watched the men in front of him follow as they one by one planted an explosive charge on the large containers. Finally, his opportunity came as he planted his charge on the container but continued to follow as they made for a way out. Hyrum's squadron was quick to make its way out the way they came in before one of them observed, "We missed an opportunity. They're talking about the Testudo's ammunition for some reason."

Another one corrected, "They're probably talking about refilling it. It's not like we'd be able to disable it completely."

The captain came up to remind them, "We're here to fulfill a mission we just came up with. You think we have any other options?"

Hyrum brought his men to the mission when he asked, "We've effectively done everything sir, but do we have any idea of what the signal is going to look like?"

Another soldier warned, "This better be quick. Those charges stick out like a sore thumb already."

The captain walked past his squad into a nearby alley when he told everyone, "We got something."

One of the soldiers looked to the distance beyond the cityscape when he noticed a small light from a distant building. "That's no lighting problem is it sir?"

The captain watched the light flicker as he determined the letters delivered in Morse code. "L…E…A…R…C…L…E… We're clear. Let's move out."

Hyrum and his squad ran away from the building to prepare for their plan to be put into action. The captain looked around him when he warned, "Last call."

He saw the remainder of his squad around him as he rushed back to the field of the city and pressed the button on his charged device to detonate the charges. Six loud bangs erupted at the same time before one large explosion emitted from the corner they had just escaped from. The captain didn't look back as he immediately heard an alarm sound throughout the city.

With their cover finished, the captain shouted, "Keep moving! Let the other boys do their job!" There was no protest as the fires from the recent destruction raged but the destruction had only begun.

Campbell looked out the window of the hangar bay when he announced, "We have the signal! Let's move!" Each of the infiltrating squad members made their way for a Leo III unit while walking over the few corpses of Coalition watchers taken out. Campbell threw himself into the pilot seat of a nearby Leo III when he told himself, "About time. Time to own these assholes!"

The squad of Leo III units all made their way out of the hangar as they left side by side. Campbell's unit was one of the last to leave as he turned around and prepared his assault rifle. The destruction left the upper floor of the hangar in flames. He turned around when he asked, "How many potential targets do we have left?"

The captain answered, "We have the main headquarters ahead of us. We need to spread out if we're going to hit any comms towers. You got your mission, spread out and hit those signals fast."

Campbell followed two other units as he checked the city around him. There was panic spreading among the Coalition soldiers on the ground as they prepared for an evacuation. Campbell saw one of the soldiers on the ground fire a harpoon to the side of a nearby mobile suit. He didn't even think about reporting the situation as he fired his assault rifle on the thin line.

The unit turned around as its pilot asked, "The hell are you aiming at Finnegan?"

Campbell quickly answered, "Just brushing a fly off, really try and watch yourself out here."

Just as the exchange was finished, Campbell saw a gathering of Coalition soldiers making an escape. Before he could say anything, one of the pilots ordered, "Keep your mind on the mission. We don't need this mission jeopardized."

Campbell refocused himself to find the tower in the distance. He drew his rifle ready when he announced, "Got it in my sights. Time to clear."

Campbell fired in the distance at the tower as he saw it collapse ion contact. As Campbell expected to hear another order, he was quickly reminded of the effects cutting off Halle's communications had. In the distance behind him he saw another explosion to see another communications tower destroyed. Campbell grinned at the sight when he saw what him and his squad mates achieved. "It's about time I had a chance for something this one sided."

He moved his Leo III unit ahead of the other two as he signaled to prepare searching for the final target. The other two Leo III units followed as they passed through the city unopposed. All around him was the nearly empty city full of Coalition soldiers desperate to find cover. Campbell didn't allow for any survivors as he took aim at the soldiers below and fired at the ground. He felt a grim sense of satisfaction from the sight of Coalition soldiers facing their untimely defeat. He would have been uninterrupted before he realized on e of the Leo III units in front of him backed into his line of vision. "What the hell? Get out of my way!"

Campbell realized the futility of his curse when he knew that the pilot in front of him couldn't hear him. Without the chance to fire on the roads, Campbell followed in his march towards the headquarters. Right around another corner he saw a small building the other Leo III units had surrounded as they took aim with their weapons. Not willing to miss out, Campbell saw the unit in front of him move out of the way when he prepared to take aim. All in an instant the squad of Leo III mobile suits fired on the building the Coalition had gathered to. The squad of Leo IIIs continued to fire until the building fell from its foundation down to the ground.

A massive black cloud formed while the crumbling sounded before Campbell saw one of the Leo III units open its cockpit while the captain stepped out with a megaphone. Campbell opened his cockpit door when he heard, "Get to the trucks! Don't let any survivors get past us!"

Campbell shut his cockpit door when he moved his Leo III in the direction his captain pointed. Anxious not to have anyone in front of him, Campbell pressed his unit forward to the direction of the escaping Coalition vehicles. After a short distance he saw the vehicles beginning to make their way out of the city. With the targets in front of him, Campbell fired along with the supporting units. The activity had become a quickly simplistic process as he watched on truck after another erupt in an explosion from the attack. Before he was allowed to continue his destruction, he felt the resounding collision of his unit from behind when he was finishing the last truck he could find. He opened his cockpit to hear the captain announce, "We've got a path through! Defend our forces!"

Campbell didn't continue with his destruction as he looked down to find the trucks he was familiar with making their way out of the city. Campbell groaned at the tedium when he realized that he would now have to wait for the remainder of his squad to continue with his desire to retake Brussels. "Damnit, this is stupid slow. Right now, I could take on the whole Coalition like this!"

He was relieved to see that the sudden stop of action didn't stop his advance as one of the Leo III units took the lead towards the convoy of his brigade. Even the remaining Coalition soldiers that managed to find their way out of the attack were gunned down as they tried to catch up to the brigade or find an escape.

As he followed his fellow soldiers, he saw a group of trucks prepared to take another road away from the path to Brussels while four of the acquired Leo III units separated to follow. "Shit, whatever. I'm just going to have to be ready to kick more as when we're finished here. Hyrum you better get your ass in gear if you're going to see some action on the ground."

Hyrum made his way onto a nearby truck as it made its way out of the city. The rest of his squad followed as they leapt on the passenger hold. The captain congratulated, "We managed to pull of a good chunk of the work. Can't say I think the rest of this will be as easy."

To their surprise, General Alphonse turned to add, "We managed to break through. Now we must be prepared to take a city." The men in the passenger hold saluted as Alphonse made himself known. He then added, "I only hope that the men do not anticipate that this is a prelude of what we can expect."

Hyrm pointed out, "We have Leo IIIs sir. I imagine the enemy would let us into the city first before were questioned about our entry."

Alphonse agreed with the observation when he added, "We are soon to discover if we are truly ready for such a dilemma. Once we arrive our dedication to seeing the Earth Sphere being preserved will be evaluated. I want every man to follow us today to remember that we venture into something far greater than any offensive before."

Hyrum sat next to the soldiers who were occupied with him when he asked, "Does the general know something that he has not warned us about?"

He was told by a man nearby, "Not something I'd imagine he would want to keep to himself. Right now, I think it all boils down to us just being anxious to get this over with."

Hyrum sat back as he looked out the flap of his truck when he watched the enemy behind him leave his view. He held to his rifle tightly when he prepared himself for what would be his decisive turning point in the war.

The small city that had been established on Luna was given extra life when the squad accompanying the Gundam pilots was offered another day to wait for their escort to be properly prepared to the standards the leader of LDS wanted fulfilled. Zachariah looked around him when he observed, "It's been a bit inconsistent to finally have a chance to kick back and enjoy your surroundings isn't it?"

Roy agreed, "Wish this could have been on L4. This place somehow manages to even less interesting."

Ludwika added, "We've always got to find some way to bitch about our newest location, don't we? I'm sure one of the Coalition corporations are more than anxious to fix that for us."

Gawel tried to break the argument, "I don't think you really understand just how important of a thing we're in. LDS and Deneaver are both relying on cities such as these as their immediate source of income. Even holding a staged battle of some kind out there is a big gamble since they're risking a good deal of damage."

Roy pointed out, "It's not like they don't have funds to replace anything. Hell, if the Mars dome can contain explosions then this thing above us is supposed to be offering a little less protection is what you're saying?"

Gawel pointed to Roy when he told him, "That's exactly what I'm saying. This dome was built prior to the terraformation being fully realized. The ting on Mars is a very sophisticated piece of technology that took a hundred times more funding and time to accomplish."

Keijo entered the conversation, "Without boring us, I think you can just say that we're inside a giant eggshell and that the Coalition doesn't plan on cracking it any time soon."

Gawel crossed his arms when he agreed, "To put it real bland, yes."

Zachariah apologized, "I'm sorry for not getting used to what breaking the ice gets us. We've been up here for a few days and apparently the guys we had to deal with were all just a big exception."

Ermes was among them before adding, "I don't know if there is a way we actually can stay calm about our situation. We're all technically still an escort and we will have to come face to face with something. It's just regrettable that Luna ended up this way."

Ludwika added, "This place was headed this direction as is. Some collection of splinter factions were going to try and profit from this war and they needed a safe place to conduct their business."

Ermes looked up to the Earth above him when he asked, "It sure is an awkward place though isn't it? Being caught right in the middle o f the colonies and Earth and we're still in a safe spot."

Keijo added, "That's the sum of it. More importantly that's why even trying to get to Earth right now is going to be an obstacle we have to hurdle."

Zachariah agreed, "That's what made the Earth able to survive so much of the fighting and why we're facing such a big deal with the Coalition now. The Earth Space Navy is out there right now butting head with the Coalition and not letting either side gain an inch."

Ludwika confirmed, "And that's what made Earth a mostly safe place for so long. To tell you the truth I wouldn't be surprised if a certain number of folks pulled some strings to make sure some people never ended up in the space navy."

Roy commented, "Now you're thinking my way. To tell you the truth I think that there must be some colony leaders who don't want this process to take off because they want to remain the only option for human habitation and for Earth to be the only planet."

Ludwika accepted, "It sure is great being on your level. Maybe you should try and present that information when we have the Coalition president at gunpoint. We might have a reason to press some pressure on the colonies for everything we had to go through."

Ermes countered, "That sounds dangerous. There are more people than ever who now live on the colonies. This also sounds a little of what we're going to do."

Zachariah added, "We have the Gundams with us and we already made it this far. We've already got a clear launch to land in Brussels and help Franz at his most crucial hour. If there's ever going to be a time where we overturn our situation, there needs to be a serious backfire if we are going to be cheated out of our opportunity to save the Earth."

Keijo warned, "We don't need a backfire. If there's anything so much as a mistake right now, we are going to face some serious issues. Everything that we just tried to accomplish will amount to nothing."

Ludwika added, "Us and everyone who was trying to hold down the fort while we were away. It's a pretty shady reason that we had to be sent Mars before we could ever secure our planet. The Testudo must have killed way more than it had a right to."

Ermes agreed, "I would like to see Earth unscathed. But I won't be able to appreciate what it has to offer. All we've been able to do is just wonder through this place without much direction from even the major. Has cuz really been up there getting used to his new toy this whole time?"

Ludwika answered, "This sort of procedure is what we were supposed to see on Earth. Yuy was just a really apt pilot that the major could trust him the most out of us all."

"The real shame is that we don't even get to see just who they are going against. Even having backrow seats would be more entertaining than this deadpan side of the moon."

Ermes added, "There's that and they might need someone to encourage them. Having even one reluctant pilot would be a risk that we couldn't afford."

Zachariah asked, "Did you notice something that everybody else missed? I guess we didn't have the chance to see as much as we could have."

Eremes answered, "The captain seems more than ready to handle herself and cuz looks like he's ready at the snap of a finger. Donna looks as though she's a little more reluctant than them."

Keijo agreed, "She was kind of distant ever since we saw her arrive. At least she's proven to be a decent pilot overall."

Roy added, "I guess our accusations of nepotism should have been directed more at Lord Lindemann and his contributions rather than Yuy."

Zachariah warned, "We're supposed to be over that sort of talk Gilliam. Do you need to meet with the major? I'm sure he has free time right about now."

Ludwika agreed, "Whatever her situation we don't even got much by trying to understand where they're coming from. We might not even live long enough to see what happens after we make those sort of comments."

Roy shook his head when he told her, "Alright. Sounds like I still need to keep everything to myself. I swear being around Natakarn and his pals has to be more interesting and uplifting. Sadly, I still have to be like you assholes and still be a proper soldier."

Gawel turned to Ermes when he told him, "I take it you've gotten used to his dickheadedness by now?"

Ermes agreed, "Most kids in high school were the same way. I should be glad to see that our superior officers aren't entirely in the same situation."

Gawel agreed, "We just can't get a uniform unit in any war can we?"

The Uriel, Artemis, and Sandesgeist all made their descent along the entry ramp runways as the black Sol Thero mobile dolls made their simultaneous landing. Mercurio let himself out of the cockpit with only a slight amount of tension from having to go through another session. He saw Donna and Dana make their way to the walkway next to him while Steven Lutes and Alberto came to greet them.

Alberto saluted as the three returned the gesture when he briefed, "Good work out there. I didn't think I would see development like that, but I think we're about to reveal just how fragile the Coalition's grip on Earth is."

Dana thanked, "It's more than welcome to hear sir. Us and these Sol Thero units will be more than enough."

Steven nodded, "We will need to see those results when you arrive on Earth. The president has invested a great deal into this project and we may even be able to use them to one day replace the mobile suits completely."

Donna asked, "Was the president capable of having the room for such a decision sir?"

Steven answered, "He certainly did. It was all a matter of money at the end of the day. A war that continues on this scale however is eventually going to add up very substantially in costs. If we're fortunate enough, the Coalition only might even finally go bankrupt before we have to see another engagement."

Alberto pointed to the nearest clock when he told the three, "You need to be in top shape for when we make that descent. I want the three of you to have a healthy habit of reminding us that this is necessary as well. That's everything for right now. Dismissed."

The three pilots offered their salute as they made their way to their own resting quarters. When the three of them were in the hallway, Donna asked, "Captain, I might need to ask you for some assistance if it's not too much trouble."

Mercurio offered, "Is it anything serious? It doesn't have to be exclusive."

Dana answered, "Yuy, you know what it means when a girl wants some girl talk right?"

Mercurio answered, "Well… No sir."

"Well this is one of those times. You can still respect that right?"

Mercurio shrugged when he accepted, "I can sir. I just hope it's nothing too serious. Well goo night if that's it."

Dana greed, "Sleep well Yuy." When Mercurio made his way to his resting quarters, Dana turned to Donna when she told her, "This must be some serious issue. Do you just feel that much easier around me?"

Donna turned to make her way down the hall when she answered, "I'm just sort of worried that I might come off as weak. That's probably one reason. I don't want Mercurio to think that I'm just some burden he has to take responsibility for. He's already confused enough with that sort of man Architect I is."

Dana followed her when she asked, "And you think I might be a bit more objective is what you're hoping?"

Donna paused before answering, "That is something I'm worried about."

Dana checked behind her when she opened the door to her sleeping quarters to offer Donna a secure area of privacy. The two walked in while Dana shut the door before asking, "So what's the big secret you need to get out?"

Donna answered, "I'm not sure what I that I can feel easy around the idea of working in this facility. There is just something about everything happening behind the seems that I have an issue trusting even our proclaimed allies. There's just too much about them that we haven't been disclosed and were lead blindly to put our trust into a system we had no knowledge of."

Dana nodded when she told her, "I don't think there's any question that the chairman is trying to be underhanded. I honestly thought William would be able to disclose everything to me and not treat this thing like it's some birthday surprise party. What they want more than anything is their cooperation. They know that we want to win this war and we're going to take every chance we can to kick the Coalition out of our capital. I didn't want to give these guys any room either but they're giving us the chance to do serious overkill. We have some more powerfully built Gundams and a small army of new mobile dolls to turn the course in our favor very fast."

"That is sort of what bothers me. The Earth Sphere wasn't supposed to have that technology and the Coalition only had a set number beforehand until they were forced to use actual pilots. I believe that this new facet of conflict is something that will not play a positive part down the lines."

Dana remembered a part of Donna's background when she commented, "Your old man was a soldier under Treize Khushrenada himself. Have to admit the Earth Sphere's cause has been shaky ever since it chose its supporters. Not to discredit you. Is that what you're worried about? How he'll get angry about the Earth Sphere's change of model?"

Donna confirmed, "I can't be the only one who sees something immoral behind this decision. Do we not perform a disservice to our men and women who are even now giving their lives for a better horizon to look beyond?"

"An age-old question everyone wishes was answered. Be glad you took this to me. Any other superior would have given you correctional action for even suggesting something like this."

"You might be right, but I just don't feel right offering our chance at victory to be in the hands of something that doesn't even feel. In particular for all of it to be left in that Architect who has no issue or concern for what he might be permitting."

"Donna, I get that a lot of this has been hard to take in. I'm still having trouble trying to process everything that's going on right now. My honest attitude, I don't want to be looking a gift horse in the mouth. If everything ends tomorrow just by trusting what the chairman wants, then I honestly have no problem with whatever he offers." She paused to reflect on her attitude before telling Donna, "I actually thin Mercurio might have a bit more to agree with you on than you think. Why don't you meet with him and see how he feels?"

Donna looked to her side when she asked, "You think that he might have something to offer?"

Dana nodded, "He did call him by name and he is the other pilot in our trio who wants to make sure you're at your best. Who knows, for that reason he might be a bit more critical than me."

Donna made her way to the door when she thanked, "It's nice of you to at least be honest captain. I won't keep you any longer. Good night."

Dana dropped herself on her bunk when she returned, "Sleep well Lindemann."

Donna made her way out of Dana's quarters as she contemplated the blunt answers her superior had for her. She walked down the corridors when she told herself, "This is why Earth is such a world of cycles that can never end. There just doesn't seem to be anything for me."

As the training period for the next three days passed there was some rather significant progress made in the handling of Zero System and the Sol Thero tactics in general. Steven offered the results to the two leading Earth Sphere leaders, "As you can see, the best time for defeating the squadrons has gone from 3 hours to only two and a half with even fewer minor damages done. I believe that progress is certainly showing now isn't it?"

Elias observed the progression with the others trying to find out just how much this progress would reflect on the actual battlefield. "If this keeps up, the other squadrons are probably going to fear being rendered worthless."

Mercurio after finishing his recent training session had remembered some of the dialogue that passed between him, Donna and the Architect. After Donna ended up voicing some concern of the idea to him he tried to understand just what Architect I was up to. The talk was rather nostalgic in an odd way and reminded him of some things from his old school days.

Steven smiled when he responded, "We should be thankful we have these three under our command. We're going to begin the descent to Earth in just a matter of hours now and we'll need everything they've developed."

Alberto pointed out, "What will that make us afterwards sir? Will we at least have a chance to pull some weight while the Gundams are crushing the Coalition to bits?"

Steven turned to him when he answered, "Everyone has some amount of weight to pull. We have to ensure that there will at least be one mission that these pilots will be able to accomplish."

Elias looked over the holographic map between Earth and Luna when he told him, "It will take about six hours before we reach Earth but when we descend we can begin the campaign to take back Brussels from the enemy."

Steven looked outside the window into space when he agreed, "It will be an interesting test."

The chairman's anticipation for the coming conflict left Alberto to solemnly accept the future scenario, "I guess that's a way of looking at it."