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 35: Unshaken Valor

Zelma watched over the Italian forces while the many Coalition soldiers took account of them for the chaos that was unfolding. Her ears brought a new attention to her when she heard someone walk up behind her. She heard the voice of Nathaniel Falson ask, "Have any of them tried to stir any trouble?"

Zelma continued to face the prisoners when she answered, "None of them have but they seem interested in the amount of alarm that has been raised through the city. I must say that this is an unexpected meeting. I didn't know you had the extra time on your hands."

Nathaniel told her, "I am being forced to be more direct with my men. The recent development of what has been progressing at the Testudo is unfortunately a wakeup call that I cannot be certain about who my allies are even right now."

Zelma turned to face him when she saw him simply standing next to her with his hands behind him and a tired face that had been forced to face a hardship even greater than he wanted to meet. "You seem to be willing to trust me however. It is unfortunate that you are capable of maintaining yourself as a true leader even under such hard circumstances." She observed.

Nathaniel dismissed the gesture when he told her, "I am not here to have confirmation of my dedication to this victory being solidified. If I decided it, I could have you killed at a moments notice. The fact that you are still loyal through your actions has left me to wonder if there is something that you yourself have desires that not revealed."

"Everyone has their own desires sir. But you and General Blare both hired me because I was valuable to your cause. As of right now there simply isn't a reason for me to attempt undoing everything that you have aimed to achieve."

Nathaniel turned to face her when he warned, "There is going to be a period where I will try the loyalty of every man and woman who serves under Coalition command. I've continuously made mistakes in trusting that the good nature of humanity desired to see justice done. After such a long period of war, I feel that what I may have achieved is soon to be forgotten. If we enter a period where we are forged by the ravages of conflict then I must follow what those around me have presented to be for so many years."

The was an announcement from a nearby soldier, "Mr. President! The generals are on their way here!"

Nathaniel looked towards the Parliamentary Building when he told Zelma, "It seems your previous employer wants to meet with me. Can I test your loyalty to determine who of us is more important of a leader to you?"

Zelma accepted, "Of course sir. I can't turn down a man who stands by his principles to where he unashamedly displays his confidence in someone else."

Nathaniel walked alongside Zelma when he told her, "I expect to see that you do not want to try my trust agent. I am more prepared than you may give me credit for."

A cargo shuttle, clearly marked with the logo of Devanear Technologies, left one of the spaceports on Luna. It slowly made its way to the location of the Coalition fleet as they continued their flight towards Luna's orbit. Inside was a Mobile Suit that can help fight on par with the Gundams, something only a few Lunar corporations could hope to achieve. Once the Foundation of Fortitude was in sight, the shuttle pilot opened transmission.

"This is DVN-074332." The pilot reported. "Permission to dock requesting. This shuttle is here to deliver equipment from President Belmonte."

As Demetrios' ship saw the shuttle make its way towards his location he contacted Norma for confirmation. "I assume this is the shipment from Devanear?"

"Yes. The Earth Sphere will soon see how little of a hold they have over Luna when this mobile suit arrives."

"If it has any worth at all then at least we shall see it does bring significant damage." Clearing the communications, he prepared to see the shuttle deploy the delivery they were promised. He answered the hail for an entry when he saw the ship slowly enter the main hangar bay. "We read you DVN-074332. You are clear for entry."

The Devanear shuttle that established contact with the Foundation of Fortitude docked in the hangar as it was unloaded. One of the unloaders signaled, "Okay let's open this shell up." On the order, the storage compartment was opened, revealing a disassembled Mobile Suit.

One of the ship crew members asked, "Seriously? There's assembly required?"

One of the Devanear pilots answered, "It's not that much of a problem. We couldn't risk this thing being highjacked and getting stolen."

Another one of the ship crewman pointed out, "Just let the admiral know that we have to get this thing ready. Ideally it should be before we start to wipe off those worms on Luna." The crew of the cargo ship and the battleship got to work in putting it together as one piece after another was prepared for assembly.

Tano watched what the crew was doing as he viewed the work being done from the upper levels of the hangar bay. He looked closely at the head of the mobile suit as he saw the head was identical to the Gundams of the Colonies and ESUN. "Does this mean that we will be using something as powerful as the Gundams?"

Devon made his way up to him when he confirmed, "It looks like we might have a chance at that. That arm there looks like there's were supposed to be twin-linked weapons attached it, probably a flamethrower or beam-cutter. Sounds like a kickass combo if I say so myself."

Tano nodded when he told his superior, "If we see how this Gundam turns out, we might be able to have an idea of what sort of weapon we've been given."

Once he was finished with his recollection of the lesson, he remembered he was back in the present on the issue of the Architect's identity. "From what I have seen I never thought the Earth Sphere would have resorted to mobile dolls. Let alone discover Ignatov be the lead designer for such a program." Mercurio realized that it was everything he recalled was applied to his experience in this war. "I suppose it is still true from what he taught me years ago. The ideas of peace and morality are completely alien concepts in the time of war. It is the only period where there is no consideration for either of the two."

He couldn't offer any further insight on the idea of what this war brought although he still had the ideology of his family history. He couldn't ignore it, but it was probably not going to offer anything significant at this point. "Maybe in that respect he isn't exactly hypocritical. I suppose my curiosity of who he really is continues to be my one question I have yet to answer."

Donna considered everything that she was told about Architect I's lecture style. He wanted his students to engage in a conversation to the point of where they might have passed off on the teachers instead of him. "It sounds like the Architect is a very involved man. It almost sounds as if he plays a part in shaping your ideals you have now."

Mercurio agreed, "That is the role of an instructor. To shape the ideals of minds who want to make the best improvements for the human race."

"I'm probably better off never being in a class like that. I've… Never really been secure around the idea of debates. I might not even be out here if I was required to participate. I guess if there is anyone who should be accused of favoritism, I have to accept that claim."

Mercurio shook his head, "You've done more than enough to prove your worth Donna. We haven't had the chance to meet with every conflict that we could have shortened."

Donna commented, "I don't think we'll even have that much of a chance pretty soon. We have mobile dolls with more advance AI prepared to carry that weight for us."

Mercurio picked up the disappointment in her voice when he observed, "It sounds like you aren't too happy with this though."

Donna listened to Merucurio's opinion on the Architect. "I hate that we have to use Mobile Dolls now." She commented. "I'm not sure about my father's opinion on the Architect but I think he would take the news of the Mobile Dolls negatively."

Mercurio considered the comment of how Donna didn't approve of the mobile dolls about to be used. In the shoes of many military officials it would be a sensible idea, but he saw the danger that it brought to Donna's faith in the Earth Sphere's plight. "You weren't raised to accept the idea of AI weren't you?"

Donna nodded, "My father was a man who firmly stood by Treize Khushrenada until his demise. Even after all these years though he still holds them as principles to live by. As you might have guessed he did offer me this as a daily reminder."

Mercurio felt ashamed when he reminded himself, "And I practically just bored you with a good chunk of details on a subject that I didn't even have a firm answer for."

Donna assured him, "You had no reason to suspect that you would ever fight alongside mobile dolls. Although neither did I. My father told me that he met with President Kecker multiple times and he was told that he would never see mobile dolls of any kind on the field."

Mercurio was concerned when he agreed, "It seems the president might have pulled some extra strings that we didn't notice before. If this conspiracy runs any deeper than this than I'll have to stand ready and pray that our situation doesn't build into something even more than this."

Donna was curious about the dedication when she asked, "Is there a limit to how fa you would be willing to stand? I've always believed that a man or institution should be questioned the moment they being to attempt something that deserves questioning. Especially when they go around to deal with someone else and effectively break their word as their original promise."

Mercurio was shaken when he heard the comment. He didn't allow himself to be intimidated when he told her, "There are many who change over time. Some promises are broken for the intention of hoping for a better tomorrow. I want to believe the president did so with the intention only of allowing the Earth to stand united after this conflict has ended."

Donna was intrigued by the answer when she thanked, "It's nice that we have someone who tries to be as much of a beacon of honoring our risks. If it has to be anyone, there is one reason that I can't agree to that idea. I think that everyone should, but I can only consider it on aspiration. Very few might ever be that capable of achieving that claim, but I was always told that it is the greatest part of living." Donna looked out the window into the hangar bay when she observed, "My father would probably have admired your resolve. Although he would probably ask you to stand at his side while looking for a sign of you committing to gaining his full approval in this matter."

Mercurio was reluctant when he heard this observation as he was left to reflect on his true feelings for a decisive answer. Donna asked, "You aren't doubting yourself for how you feel about the architect are you?"

Mercurio snapped to attention when he answered, "You got me. I've been out here on the frontlines for two years and I always thought this conflict would just be an Earth Sphere taking on the Coalition sort of deal. The battlefield is really the only area in a war that's ever that black and white and after just a short amount of time you start to wish that everything was. What I'm hoping for is that this war is actually in the final throws and people such as your father won't have to deal with the revelation of such backhandedness."

Donna observed, "I can see that's why you want to be a soldier instead of a politician. There's far less compromise and there's only the struggle to live for another day. Honestly that's why I chose to follow in the footsteps of my brothers. They had a duty to make a difference and they took the first opportunity they had. But I really think one day you could be an exceptional leader."

Mercurio turned to ask, "You mean like a military leader?"

Donna confirmed, "You're willing to put the tides of a mission above that of personal desires. Even more so you make a mission your desire. That's a quality that's seen in very few of the soldiers we've been with and the ones who have joined us. It's a nobler mindset to have than I have."

Mercurio told her, "Everyone has something important to offer. The captain is strong enough to keep all of us in line and prevent us from falling into chaos and you're providing us with something to consider in spite of everything we've been aiming to achieve. One day we'll all be honored for what we've looked to correct. At that point we'll have a chance to see a world that we believed would be possible."

Donna sighed when she agreed, "I wish I had the same optimism you did. Once we arrive on Earth, I'm afraid that realities are going to come full circle. We will have to meet the faces of the men and women we trusted to defend the Earth and remind them that their struggle was all worth something. Our men alone have trouble being able to rally behind looking a greater picture the way you do. Many of us just want to be able to return home with something to embrace. I do wish more of us were like you. Being able to look at the greater conflict in front of us and do so without a hesitation."

Mercurio returned his gaze to the Gundams outside when he commented, "I'd be lying if I said I was able to do everything by myself. I barely take notice of how capable I really am outside of simulation results. For all we know we might not be anyone special to her than just those fortunate to pilot the Gundams."

Donna agreed, "That is the sort of concern my father would take on himself. He was concerned about it from the standpoint of humanity being honorable, but you sound like you have another reason to add to it."

Mercurio nodded, "The question of if humanity will be able to progress after seeing conflict and once this alternative is given. That is a scenario the architect never proposed to us or would ever allow to be a conversation. What the aftereffects of a finished war with the use of mobile dolls would look like."

Donna agreed, "That is something that could concern many, but I don't know if we can do anything at this point to truly make a difference among those who follow us. It may be up to you to one day change how we approach this subject."

Mercurio asked, "You don't feel as though you could stand against this motion? I thought it was the thing you wanted to get off your chest."

Donna told him, "I do. But I'm not a leader. I'm not someone who wants to change the world or has the ability to. Tasks such as those should be left to leaders who are truly great. Among the three of us, you are truly the choice we could consider to be great. I don't even refer to your capability as a pilot, but as a person who is capable of seeing the best in others and having the desire to have it become a reality. The humanity on Earth needs people such as yourself far more than it needs just normal people." Donna turned to make her way to her sleeping quarters when she told him, "I'm glad I had the chance to know more of you. There might be a chance we'll see what happens after the Coalition's defeat comes around. I know we can see that become a reality."

Mercurio accepted Donna's praise when he reminded her, "Just try to remember that this is something that I could never achieve on my own. I want as many people to see that future as possible."

The conversation was interrupted when Elias announced through the intercom, "All pilots prepare to report to your assigned shuttle. We will begin the descent to Earth in the next hour. We will receive orders from the Earth Sphere officials once we have made the landing." Mercurio nodded knowing that their mobile suits were ready to prepare for the launch.

Donna followed Mercurio to the shuttles as she prepared for her time to be ready for her return to Earth. Along the way both she and Mercurio found Architect I waiting for them. He only had a final farewell before the launch as he saluted, "I can say that you have become something more respectable than a mere grunt Mercurio. Maintain that state of mind and you may be able to make a significant difference in this war."

Mercurio saluted back, "Thank you sir. Your contribution will not soon be forgotten." He left with a sense of duty and determination that he hadn't felt since he first enlisted in the military. It was a relief to see the he was finally returning to Earth after this time. Now he felt that he was ready to change the war around. "Perhaps now at least we might be able to change this war for the better."

Despite all the weirdness and amoral decisions for the war, Donna was able to understand the formality of Mercurio giving the man a salute. She gave a salute as well to show some respect but followed Mercurio without another word hoping to avoid hearing about his further plans.

When Dana heard that the shuttles were ready to make the trip back to Earth she knew that it was about time to begin the operations on the Earth. At least if the Earth Sphere would still be functioning to issue these operations. Dana offered her old superior, "Looks like it's time we headed back to Earth Ramos."

William looked out the window for the hangar bay and agreed with her request. "Yeah, you've still got a mission down there little lady. You come back with a few dozen Coalition mobile squads run into the ground got it?"

Dana lightly punched his arm pointing out, "As long as you quite acting like I'm still a newbie I'll see if I can do that."

William saw her leave with a final parting word, "You're still ranks lower than me Houston. You just be ready out there." They both had their mission to follow and it was time to see if their hopes would carry out.

Once the aquatic mobile suits were within range of the city of Brussels the moment General Alphonse had been waiting for was at hand. He heard one of his officers report on the situation, "We're still out of their range. We just need to take the first shots."

He contacted the Spinosissimus mobile suits with the radio announcing, "Be ready to move once they are up in the air." A few seconds passed before he had the will to give the final command. "On the signal... 3...2...1... Fire all torpedoes!" At that signal the torpedoes launched high into the air for the Coalition to view. There was great forewarning about the impact and most of them were shot down in the air because of this advantage. A few however managed to make contact and cause a minimal amount of damage.

The Colonel reported, "The torpedoes have landed sir!"

Alphonse gave the order to the waiting men, "Begin the advance! Move in while the enemy is focused on the mobile suits!"

"Formations men! Press forward and remember your objective!"

After a thirty-minute advance towards the city they were now prepared to begin the rescue operation for the Parliament. "We're almost there! The ground forces have seen us!"

The Colonel didn't feel swayed by the warning when he ordered, "Engage in close range combat! Don't let the enemy stop!"

Once the torpedoes began to fall upon the city there was damage done and the soldiers outside were forced to rush towards safety. "Mr. President! The enemy is attacking!"

Nathaniel could tell from the attack that it was happening. "Now of all times. Rally the men and do not permit the city to fall!"

Edward was able to look at the attack and could quickly determine what was happening. "They are utilizing Spinossisimus mobile suits! Don't let the advance fool us! They may have a ground force moving in!"

Nathaniel knew that Edward was concerned for his life, but he did have a valid argument regarding the ground forces that were making their way. He needed whatever support he could have. "You believe you are capable of forcing the enemy back General?"

"I only need command of my forces! I have nothing to gain in allying with the enemy or in invading with such a poorly stitched offensive!"

Nathaniel slightly hesitated on the matter when he tried to determine what to do about the situation. "I won't accuse you of allying with the enemy Edward... Very well. Personally lead these men to the frontal assault."

"I... Nnngh... Yes sir." Edward was taken aback by the idea but knew that it was probably the only way he would be able to regain some credibility with the President. He turned to a battalion of his men ordering, "Men! Be prepared to move out!" When the soldiers began to make their way towards the move out to the nearest roadblock he turned to Rayen ordering, "Remain here and come up with something to convince the President of my innocence."

"Of course Edward. Leave the situation to me." Rayen showed some faith that Edward would be able to some assistance and he had the responsibility to clear Edward's name.

One of the Colonel's greeted him asking, "Should we continue to support the General sir?"

Checking to see that there wasn't anyone else to be seen to observe their plans he explained, "We will require him to maintain order in Brussels for the time being. He is also the one with the ambition for the most critical point we are ready."

"Perhaps chaos would not be to our benefit by now."

"We must see that he survives. Let's hope for the President to see reason and his skills are not rusty."

When Edward and his men made their way to the engagement point with the Earth Sphere invaders making their way in he found the mobile suits were not firing any ammunition. He began to prepare for his attack. "Have the mobile suits shot down the first wave of torpedoes?"

"They were shot down sir but there is still significant damage to the outer edge of the city!"

He maintained his resolve on the mission when he prepared for the defense. "Engage the enemy! We need to prevent them from overtaking our hold!" The thousands of soldiers had begun to engage one another, and the battle had begun.

As the battle began outside the remaining representatives had begun to feel the damage being done to their city. The shock and loud gunfire was enough to worry the ones awaiting trial and about to be execution. They were kept under control when they were pushed back by the Coalition soldiers trying to maintain order.

Malcolm spoke the voice of many when he asked, "What's going on out there?!"

One of the representatives pointed out to the situation outside. "The Coalition is engaging with some Earth Sphere military forces!"

"Can we confirm who is out there?"

One of the representatives looking out one of the windows pointed out, "They appear to be with the French forces!"

Evangeline recognized the shock running through her body when she heard the French forces were here. She had the worst fear in mind when it came to the conclusion on who was leading. "Alphonse!"

A short while passed before the Gundam was finally completed by the ship's crew. It was mainly white but orange was also prevalent in it. Both Tano and Devon heard one of the crew announce, "And that'll do it guys. The Anaconda is now built and ready for combat."

Devon smiled when he commented, "The snake of the Amazonian rainforest huh? And will you look at those weapons? The beam claws and flamethrowers look just like a snake."

For Tano he commented, "It's about time that the Coalition had a Gundam for it's a symbol of rebellion against Earth."

"Yes, it is quite a sight to behold isn't it?" Tano and Devon turned before snapping to attention to recognize their superior, Demetrios, appear from behind.

They both gave a salute when Tano told him, "We're pleased to see that we now have something to even the odds against the Earth Sphere sir."

Devon asked, "It is now a question of who shall pilot I suppose sir?"

Demetrios nodded when he confirmed, "Quite right. Captain, send our highest-ranking officers to the main hangar for the Anaconda." As he finished the conversation, he left the two as he made his way for a nearby computer panel. He established contact with the secondary representative for confirmation to announce, "Representative Wright. We are prepared now to begin the descent to Luna."

The voice of Maja Wright was on the other line when she confirmed, "We have moved the people away from all possible lethal blast zones. Do everything to see the confines of LDS are decimated or have Chairman Lutes taken into custody."

"Of course Representative." He allowed the signal of the secondary representative to fade before he contacted to the soldiers of the ship, "All units prepare to move out. We are soon to descend to the Luna surface and engage in enemy combat." This came to pass while the other high-ranking soldiers were brought to the hangar bay for the Anaconda Gundam before the launch.

The company of soldiers that followed the three Lindemann brothers to the hangar bay so deep in the wilderness had immediately gone to work as soon as they were shown the nearby ammunition crates supplied for the Gundams. Several of them were able to operate the control room while others loaded their three new Gundams with ammunition found in a nearby storage room. Richard watched the process when he asked, "We got any new info about these things?"

Daisuke answered, "Some of the files that Nico might have pulled up might be available by now."

Christoph made his way over to them when he confirmed, "Dad left us something interesting I have to say guys. Something that is unconventional to say the least."

Richard agreed, "With these things having such weird proportions I'd say they already passed that qualification. Anything new?"

Christoph explained, "It turns out these things are able to fight separately as built but that's really only a tactical advantage. The big legs, that's the Lachesis Gundam. The one that gets a running start and has pretty mean amount of speed behind it. The big backed one, that's the Clotho Gundam. The center of the defenses the three have to offer and loaded with several rounds of ammunition for good measure. And the gorilla with the big arms there, that's the Urth Gundam. Those arms are tough enough to pound a pilot right out of their cockpit and with no damage to the fists on top of it. These three things here can work separately but what we should try to work on is pulling off the main feature these three have. They are all built to combine into one giant Gundam to deliver the harshest amount of damage we can dish out."

Christian showed up when he asked, "We're using these things to combine into a bigger weapon? Sounds a little impractical to me."

Christoph showed the next document when he elaborated, "The advantage to our ability to separate and attack wherever and whenever. The Urth Gundam is the last to attach once the Clotho and Lachesis combine and it's the first that can detach. The only thing we have as a disadvantage is if we try to combine during a real battle. But if we got this worked out beforehand, we'll be ready to roll."

Richard accepted the plan, "I think we all know at this point who's getting what. It's almost as if dad built these things with us in mind."

Christian accepted the decision when he told them, "I don't know about you guys but I'm ready to give these things a run. If we really have a shot, then I'd like to see these three deal some serious damage."

Christoph agreed, "We've got a guess of where to find some enemies at least. I want to see if we can get these bad boys to do some damage. I'm actually with Christian on this."

Richard called to the men loading the ammunition, "How is it? We all armed and ready?"

One of the soldiers slammed the Vulcan cannons side panels when he confirmed, "All locked and loaded. This can move out when you're ready to."

Another one of them asked, "Did we really decide who's going to be taking these things out for a mission? How the hell do these kids get to take them out without our agreement?"

Daisuke asked, "Seriously? You think you're the one who's privileged to take one of these out there? It's not like any of us are more entitled to go first than the other. But are you able to handle the controls of these cockpits?"

The soldier answered, "Why not? It's not like they can be that different from a typical mobile suit." He opened the cockpit to look at the controls inside before realizing how foreign the inside was to him. "Did Lindemann seriously screw around with these controls just to mess with us?"

Richard made his way to the Lachesis Gundam when he offered, "What's the holdup? Something in there?"

The soldier responded, "Yeah, how the hell do you operate something with so many overhead levers?"

Richard made his way up as he took a look inside before answering, "Oh this isn't too bad. This is all shit that we had to train with under Instructor W."

Another one of the soldiers nearby told his assistant, "There you go. Sorry Troy, but we don't have a few days to wrap our heads around these convoluted layouts."

Troy groaned when he stepped away from the cockpit and conceded, "Alright it's your new toy. Go out there and show you can do something other than sound competent."

The soldier loading the Lachesis stepped away from the cockpit as Richard set himself inside. He searched for the communications panel when he contacted, "Alright guys you got your engines started?"

Christian in the Urth confirmed, "I'm waiting for my chance to move out. Let's get some shit done already."

Christoph in the Lachesis confirmed, "Let's put our enthusiasm to good us guys. Let's clear out and get ready for the first test run."

As the three offered their confirmation, the three Gundams stepped away from their holding areas. The Clotho took its first step on the runway strip while Christoph waited for the Lachesis and Urth to set themselves behind him. He told his brothers, "I don't know how far this runway goes, but don't let that be an excuse to slack in the combination. This needs to be as fast as possible got that?"

Richard agreed, "This shit is going to take a little more than memorizing the order of which lever to pull back here. Let's at least make sure cooperation is able to keep us from ending up in a giant pile of scrap."

Christian told them, "Have your horses ready to charge on my signal. Now!" The Lachesis charged forward down the tunnel of the hidden base while Christoph grabbed one of the levers and felt one of the latches of the back open. He contacted Richard, "You got this ready?"

Richard confirmed, "Right behind you." The Lachesis was right behind the Clotho as Richard prepared his Gundam. The Clotho opened its legs down the center as it scooped the legs of the Lachesis into itself and then had its body assimilated into the body while the arms combined to become twice their size.

Christoph signaled, "Christian, it's your turn." The Urth Gundam sped up behind the two combined Gundams as jet fires spewed from behind its arms to catch up with them. The main body assimilated with the Lachesis and connected with the legs while the two arms in front were brought within the opened arms. The merge was complete as the three Gundams stood in unison as a united creation.

Richard pulled the giant Gundam to a stop when he asked, "Aw hell yeah. You guys pull it off?"

He heard Christian behind him when he was told, "No need to shout. Not when we're all this close."

Richard looked behind him when he noticed Christian was situated in his cockpit and right behind him. He turned back in front when he saw Christoph beneath him add, "We pulled it off in about fifteen seconds. Probably the best we can go for in this situation. Let's not risk it and just stay combined this way whenever we head out."

Richard asked, "And we're going to have to pull this off with a lot of coordination, aren't we?"

Christian told them, "That's just a small price we'll have to pay if we're going to have a real chance against the Coalition. Hell, why aren't we giving this thing a spin right now? We won't know its potential unless we hit a nearby base."

Christoph contacted the main operating room when he asked, "Hey Xia. Do we look ready to head out?"

Pan answered, "You guys look like one big thing alright. You're sure that your old man had everything prepared right when he built this thing though?"

Richard asked, "We followed the combination procedure. Is something wrong?"

Pan told them, "That Gundam of yours had a really tiny head on its shoulders. It makes me worried that you won't be able to check your sides."

Christoph turned the head of their conjoint Gundam to find that the shoulders were indeed taking up a portion of the view. He told Pan, "I guess we're heading out with a bit of a handicap. I guess you could always turn out worse."

Christian dismissed the concern, "We only need to press forward anyway. Let's just make sure we get everything mowed down before the enemy has a chance to screw us sideways."

Christoph accepted, "That's probably the only thing we can do right now. Well fellas, I hope you're all ready to jump head first into danger, because we aren't even going to have a chance to practice. Xia, open the main hangar door."

Pan confirmed, "Right away. We're looking forward to some results out there."

At the confirmation, the Lindemann brothers saw a door open in the distance. Christoph prepared, "All systems are clear to go. Let's prepare to move out."

Richard confirmed, "The Nornir Triumvirate is ready to move out."

Christian agreed, "If that's what we're galling this thing then we'll have a name to call out when we make another launch."

The Nornir Triumvirate prepared its jets from behind its arms and legs before dashing forward across the runway and towards the open hangar door. It grew in size the closer the Gundam came to it. After a short time, the Nornir Triumvirate leapt from the runway and into the air as it prepared to land on the snowy landscape beneath. Christoph felt the impact of the ground when he checked his surroundings to find himself in front of the German countryside.

"Well we just pulled off the easy part. Now we've got to see if we can get any closer to the Coalition establishment."

Christian asked, "Why are we wasting time with that? The capital will need us. We can end this occupation now if we help the general take down the Coalition leadership."

Richard told him, "We're probably going to have an issue getting to them as it is. There's probably already a squad or two of Coalition mobile suits waiting to smash our asses into the ground."

Christoph interjected, "Well have to find out what our first option will be. Let's just hope we can make a difference at this point. Xia, do we have a reading of the area right now?"

Pan answered, "Not a great one. The most we've got is that the Coalition isn't within a five-mile radius where we are now. Looks like being this low profile comes at a bit of a price. If you're looking for support, your best bet is to find some intel at an enemy base. Unless you want to push your new weapon to its limit and take on the occupying forces in Brussels."

Christoph accepted, "We'll have to just take whatever we find first. Let's set a course for Brussels and be ready."

Christian prepared the jets of the Nornir's arms when he accepted, "Whatever we find we better be ready to live up to our promise."

Richard prepared the jets of the Nornir legs when he agreed, "Let's see if any of us are ready to live up to our boasts as well. Let's stay sharp and don't let any bad guys have the chance to report us."

With the jets prepared, Christoph agreed, "We've decided what to do. Let's not disappoint our old man."

The Nornir Triumvirate charged across the landscape as it made a path towards its first target with the three brothers prepared to prove their true worth to their contributions of the Earth Sphere's twilight hours.

The two ground forces had begun to engage within the city and the casualties were rapidly mounting with every shot. Alphonse searched across the perimeter to find the Coalition soldiers were preparing to meet with them. He had to act faster than them or he would be the one to lose. "Move out! We're nearing the Parliamentary Building!"

Once the fighting had begun to intensify between the two forces that was when Alphonse heard a desperate warning from some of the leading forces. "The ground forces are here!"

"Engage! Send out our squads to retrieve the representatives!"

He was contacted by the leader of one of the teams when he heard, "It will take time sir! The enemy has twice of our numbers and we'll have to run our way through!"

"Continue to press forward! Don't let them see any weakness!" He had to remain to the plan. He had to believe that the soldiers would be able to breach the enemy defenses. Unfortunately this wasn't a mobile suit battle where such odds could be seen as an everyday thing. "What is our status of the Spinossismus units?"

He heard the leading member warn of their status. "They are reporting that they have run out of torpedoes. They'll probably be cut down before long!"

"Make sure the pilots get out of there! We need to have as many survivors as possible!"

"Yes sir!"

The Colonel began to move forward with his troops through what destroyed architecture and debris found their way to the roads. "All troops along the eastern advance team! Move forward and be on guard for enemy engagement!"

One of the front soldiers was able to observe their status, "Yes sir! We're only a block away from the building!"

"Be ready to guide the Parliament out of there and stay on the defensive!" Their primary goal was to rescue the Parliament. With a few thousand strong soldiers ready to lay down a defensive to see that their leaders would find their way to safety it was the only thing they had to hope for.

Outside one of the shuttles, Arch was waiting for Donna. He looked at the Sandesgeist being loaded, followed by black mobile suits he had trouble recognizing. Due to the secretive nature of the LDS, he wasn't sure if it's supposed to be a delivery to Earth as he didn't see pilots anywhere. Donna arrived at the shuttle, wearing her pilot suit and hiding her concerned face. "I was wondering what was happening with you and the other Gundam pilots." Arch said. "Also I'm assigned to the same shuttle as you."

"Seems like it." Donna replied.

Arch looked at the the hangar of the shuttle closing. "There are those black Mobile Suits loaded with your Gundam. What are they?" He asked.

This was what made Donna concerned. "They're deliveries to Earth." She lied. "They're pilots that we need to deliver to."

Arch knew there was something behind but pretended to turn a blind eye. "Is everything else top secret?" He asked playfully.

Donna cracked a fake smile. "Yeah, like you real name." She replied.

The game was still on for the Gundam pilots. "What if I tell you now?" He asked.

Donna thought about it, but still didn't want to reveal the identity of the mobile dolls. "Tell me later." She responded.

The embattled city of Brussels saw the fires of the launched torpedoes still blazing but Edward remained stalwart as he checked to find the Earth Sphere forces lead by Alphonse de Lombard making their way towards him through his binoculars. "This man is dedicated and yet as trusting as Rayen promised he would be." He lowered his binoculars when he turned to ones of his colonels and ordered, "We have him held where we need him. Prepare to engage and use every flank you can take to your advantage. We may have the upper hand for right now, but we cannot afford to lose it."

The colonel suggested, "If we continue to wait around here sir, we'll have a chance to take them from cover and suspect our support sir."

Edward agreed, "This would be a worthy tactic under normal circumstances, but as of right now the president will not accept a risk to his own forces or even the city he has right now. As it is we are forced to have some good standing with the president or risk being tried for questioning his orders and his safety. All we can do now is make an effort to promise our dedication."

The colonel accepted, "Understood sir. We won't allow them to make one step in."

Edward remained behind his portion of the city wall when he agreed, "I expect to see results achieved. Have the men move out right away."

The colonel gave a salute when he made his way to his men while Edward took out his tablet to establish contact with the Testudo. He heard Susanne respond, "Reporting general."

Edward told her, "The Earth Sphere forces have progressed to an ideal spot. I want the Testudo to move forward and prepare to offer assistance. Most importantly I want Tsubarov to be prepared for deployment. Allow none of the Earth Sphere forces to reach the city."

Susanne confirmed Edward's order, "They won't last sir. We won't have you wait long."

The signal was cut as Edward was left with the promise of his guard fulfilling her duty. He looked from his binoculars again as he waited to see the next opening the incoming forces would give him. He saw the forces he was permitted to command to command make their advance on both sides as they remained out of sight from the French brigade by crawling on the ground and staying conspicuous as their surprise attack would allow. The trucks of Earth Sphere men came closer in range as he ordered his men, "Prepare RPGs to fire. Switch to automatic fire and make sure each one of them is a confirmed hit."

He heard the colonel confirm, "Yes sir."

Edward added, "Hold fire until I give the order." The contact went silent as the Earth Sphere trucks made their way further towards him. Edward waited for the trucks to come closer and grasped the nearest wall as hard as his hand could muster. He waited until the first half of the convoy made its way in front and Edward ordered, "Now!"

At the order, several barrel shots were fired into the road leading into the city. Another second passed as several explosions erupted in the road and turned every truck in range upside down. The sound of gunfire sounded near the city while Edward remained behind cover and waited for the outcome. He saw the trucks in front stop their advance, but he kept his face hidden while waiting for the first Earth Sphere soldier to rush up to his position. "My safety is already in the hands of the enemy. Is this what you wanted to repeat Nathaniel?"

Hyrum and one of his fellow soldiers rushed to the nearest overturned truck happy to see that it offered some cover from the Coalition attackers. Hyrum removed one of the plates from the trucks hull when he searched for the first opportunity to advance. Sal asked, "How the hell did they know we were headed here?"

Hyrum took several bullets from nearby fire when he answered, "Speculation isn't getting us anywhere. We have to help the general."

Sal took out his pistol when he agreed, "The detour was an advantage after all."

Hyrum dragged the plate of the truck as he made his advance and looked ahead for any sight of someone who would support him. A soldier popped from the side as Sal fired without a concern. Hyrum was initially encouraged but felt a bullet from the side only graze the hand carrying the plate. The plate fell on his side as he supported his only means of defense while Sal fired into the first Coalition soldier he could see. He told Hyrum, "Come on, it's not that hard of a push now!"

Hyrum waved his hand in an attempt to cool off the pain when he told him, "It always is isn't it?"

The two continued forward as they endured one bullet after another make contact with their shield. Sal watched Hyrum back while checking behind him before taking a bullet to his shoulder he didn't see coming. He fell on his back while Hyrum asked, "Sal! What's your status?"

Sal told him, "I been hit. If I lay low here, they'll think I'm finished. You use that and get to the general."

Hyrum looked ahead to see the truck that General Alphonse de Lombard would occupy before telling Sal, "Make sure you stay injured!" Without any other words from Sal, Hyrum rushed to the general's truck while leaving the plate to offer cover for Sal as he continued to avoid enemy fire. Hyrum made a dash to the back door of the truck as he entered to find Alphonse and a few other soldiers taking cover from the enemy fire. Hyrum asked, "Sir, have we prepared our reinforcements?"

Alphonse looked outside the broken hull of the truck when he told Hyrum, "We haven't been in a perfect position to make that call. Our equipment has been damaged."

Hyrum took out his walkie talkie when he offered, "In that case we'll have to improvise. If we have enough of this, we can build another radio entirely."

One of the occupying soldiers shot into the field as he defended the position when he told him, "Get to work! We need that support an hour ago!"

Hyrum took his walkie talkie and received another one as he rushed to the overturned radio at the front of the truck. He took out his knife and pried the covering off the driver dashboard and checked for the damaged circuits of the radio. Hyrum took out his walkie talkie and began to quickly disassemble it as he prepared to insider the substitute parts. A few bullets shot through the overturned front windows as each one threatened to damage Hyrum's legs. He was forced down to one knee as he felt a number of bullets scrape past his right leg and further into the truck hold behind him. He heard another few bangs from outside before one of the soldiers told him, "We need that up now! How long does this take?"

Hyrum pushed through the pain as he forced himself up and answered, "As long as it takes to substitute incompatible parts. Hyrum grit his teeth as he felt blood flow out of his leg and became twitchy t the sound of bullets that threatened his life. He broke open the other walkie talkie when he took out several wires and a circuit board to make the final fix. He turned to the holding area of the truck when he told Alphonse, "I've got one that should work! We'll need to start this backup!"

Alphonse made his way to the driver's area of the truck when he stood beside Hyrum and turned on the truck with his key. The motor turned on as he heard static coming through the slapped together radio. Alphonse adjusted the signal when he told Hyrum, "Get to cover, you've done enough!"

Hyrum limped his way to the passenger area of the truck as he slid onto a wall right behind Alphonse when he heard him order, "Captain Townes, do you copy? This is the general do you copy?"

There was still static from the signal, but Hyrum could hear Dane on the other line answer, "We read you general. Do you have orders?"

Alphonse answered, "We now have a red situation! Send in your squad now!"

Dane confirmed, "Right away sir. We'll be there in two minutes."

Alphonse pushed, "Get here sooner. We need that support now."

Alphonse walked away from the radio when he prepared himself for cover when he told everyone, "Hold out for a while longer! Our support is on the way!"

Hyrum prepared his pistol when he accepted, "This is the least we have to keep pushing forward right now. We can't let this be for nothing."

Dane activated the radio in his Leo III unit when he told his squad, "We need to move in now. The general needs our support."

Campbell heard the order when he asked, "Are we even going to have enough to be more than just shields by now?"

Dane answered, "We don't have the option to debate. The general is being pinned down by ground forces right now. That should be the easy part of handling this situation. Second Division, prepare to move in."

One of the pilots on the other side responded, "Moving out."

Campbell prepared the engines of his Leo III when he told Dane, "I'm ready, let's mow them down!"

Dane agreed, "Keep that enthusiasm ready for the actual thing and move!"

The eight highjacked Leo III mobile suits moved towards each other from a great distance. The two divisions of four mobile suits moved towards each other with the main road into Brussels as its gathering target. The area where Alphonse and his men were pinned down by the Coalition's surprise attack. Campbell kept an eye on his radar when he announced, "I've got readings. These guys were all ready for us."

He heard Dane announce, "A lot more than our guys can handle. Stay focused on getting to the general's location so we can properly defend him."

The short journey to the road was complete as soon as Campbell saw the devastated truck in line of the road. One the ground at the sides, Coalition soldiers ran to what they believed were the reinforcements they needed. Before Campbell fired anything, he heard Dane order, "Wait for them to stop advancing or get behind us. We'll have them right where we want them."

Campbell felt his finger get twitchy as he waited to fulfill the order. What made the wait more drawn out was Campbell viewing the attacking soldiers advance slowly towards him. He watched intently as the men beneath him made their slow advance before noticing them slowing down. He contacted Dane, "I don't think they're coming any closer! Let's crush 'em already!"

Without another word, Campbell's Leo III charged ahead as it made a small leap towards the gathered area of soldiers. The Coalition soldiers began to scramble at the sudden betrayal of their mobile suits while Campbell's Leo III fired its Vulcan guns on the ground where he was able to build on the casualties to his list. He heard Dane contact him, "Don't let any of them get to the road! Keep the general and his men defended!"

Campbell agreed to the order, "A mission that even I can pull off. It's all just shooting down some trapped deer."

Edward watched the progression of the battle unfold as a squad of Leo III units returned the surprise that he had attempted to use to his advantage. He adjusted his radio when he asked, "Did we even press for the presence of Leo III support out here?"

He heard one of the colonels answer, "Sir, this was not something we expected. We're handling as best we can."

Edward shouted, "I expect you to give your lives doing so if it must be required! I will have you personally questioned after this for neglecting to inform me of this development!" Edward shut off the radio as he looked through is binoculars to see the two forces continue their conflict. Alphonse was making progress as the brigade of Earth Sphere forces came closer to his location while enduring the remaining resistance the Coalition forces could muster.

The key fact of the situation was very apparent to Edward as he saw the Earth Sphere soldiers rally on the Leo IIIs as cover. "You clever bastards. No wonder you got past so easily." He could tell right away that the Leo IIIs weren't' piloted by anyone of the Coalition. Edward activated his tablet when he told his guards, "Send out the Aquarius! Suppress the enemy and prepare for another attack!"

Susanne responded to the order, "Right away sir!"

She turned off the screen when Jens asked, "What happened out there? What are we sending out the Aquarius for?"

Julian answered, "Something about those Leo III units. There's a reason the fighting hasn't stopped already. Let's get Tsubarov out there and fast."

At his encouragement, the Testudo marched forward while Celso activated his intercom, "Attention Tsubarov! Report to the hangar for launching!"

There were only a few seconds for them to wait before the first signal of the Aquarius prepared to launch out of the hangar. Susanne contacted the Aquarius when she told Oleg, "There's a squad of Leo IIIs out there that need to be taken out. Keep them from killing any more of our men and don't let the Earth Sphere get any closer to the city."

Oleg confirmed the order, "That's easy enough for a surprise mission. Just send me out there."

Susanne operated the doors of the hangar bay when she told him, "We're expecting results. We don't want any deviation."

The Aquarius was placed on the ground beneath the Testudo when Oleg announced, "Go Aquarius!" The Aquarius dashed forward as it prepared its arm cannon and fired into the distance. After three hits he saw one of the Leo III units explode on contact with the shot while leaving the soldiers beneath to rush for their lives.

He then heard Susanne order, "Situate a path on the main road. Do everything you can to take them out in just one swipe."

Oleg checked his monitor as he searched for the road before making a drift across the field and onto the road the Earth Sphere brigade had taken. With both of the heat rods of the Aquarius prepared, Oleg warned, "Just watch. This is all ending now."

The Aquarius dashed forward with both of its heat rods at both sides. Despite being prepared for the destruction he would bring, he only saw his rods make contact with two other Leo IIIs as he passed them by. As he passed by the remainder of the defiant squad, he saw multiple shots fly towards him. He made a dive with the Aquarius and turned around on the ground as he prepared to retaliate. He brought up the shield of the Aquarius as he blocked one shot to his defense and weaved his way around the shots as his interface gave him the dodges he needed to avoid damage.

He pressed forward as he prepared the Aquarius to make another strike before Susanne called him again, "The brigade is making its way into the city! Deal with them now!"

Oleg backed away as he engaged the nearest Leo III when he made another strike. He told her, "Sorry, but that's not an option for me right now. I've got the generals key weapon to worry about here." He cut off contact with the Testudo as he continued his attack and made contact with his heat rods again.

The remainder of the traitorous squad continued to defend itself with what it could manage by firing its collective Vulcan and rifle ammunition in his direction. Each shot however only grazed past him as he used the AI interface to avoid meeting his demise. As soon as Oleg faced the first opportunity to attack, he pushed the Aquarius forward with the intention of seeing the traitors meet their demise in one final swipe.

As the Aquarius attacked Alphonse was warned, "General! The enemy is headed from behind!"

"What?" The General saw the Aquarius moving towards their position and began to thrash at the ground with the heat rods.

"A Gundam!" One of the soldiers pointed out from the destruction.

Alphonse attempted to maintain his control and knew that forward was the only way to go now if they had a chance at survival. Let alone see their hopes of saving the Parliament find their way out of the city. "Everyone press forward!"

The initial feeling of superiority Campbell had originally felt when he took on the Coalition soldiers beneath him had been evaporated as soon as he saw the Aquarius appear in front of him. Even worse, the blue Gundam's ability to effortlessly avoid every shot piled onto his feeling of defeat. "How the hell did we not get ourselves prepared for this?" Campbell asked as he backed away from the charging Gundam.

The remaining pilot told him, "We didn't have that info on hand. Our only goal now is to keep the general safe."

Dane told both of them, "Prepare to triangulate all attacks. Don't let it have a window to escape."

Campbell made another dash backwards when he cursed, "You're making it seem less appealing by the second captain! We are not supposed to be giving our lives out here like this!"

No one heard his curse however as he heard Dan order, "He's stalled! Fire now!" The three Leo III mobile suits all fired at the location of the Aquarius before it made a dash towards Dane's location. Dane's Leo III took out a beam saber but was disabled as soon as the Aquarius made a strike with its heat rod. Dane's Leo III then bought its remaining hand to the head of the Aquarius when he ordered, "Get to the general! Ensure his safety is at hand!"

Campbell prepared to fire the Aquarius while it was trapped but saw the attempt was useless as it backed out of Dane's grip and fired its Dober Gun square into the cockpit of the Leo III. Campbell panicked as he saw his superior defeated and shouted, "Let's get the hell out of here already!" Campbell backed away in a dash with his Leo III and fired at the blue Gundam as it prepared for another sweep of its heat rod. He then heard his fellow pilot warn, "We've got nothing left against this thing! We need to get to the general on foot now!"

Campbell accepted the plan, "That's some common sense I can get behind!" He unstrapped himself from his seat as he turned away from the Aquarius and made a final dash for his life. He opened the cockpit while it was still in motion before making a prepared leap on the outside. The danger was amplified however when he saw one of the heat rods swept its way across the body of his Leo III and accidentally made contact with his foot. Campbell let out a scream of pain at the spike of heat that touched him but continued his descent as he feared the worst for what was to come. Only a few more seconds confirmed his fear as he saw the upper half of the Leo III explode on contact with the heat rod while the force of it thrust him down to the ground at a frightening speed. Campbell struggled to even stand but the pain of his burnt foot and the debris that fell upon him made the struggle to survive a less likely idea. He heard another explosion in the distance but didn't try to confirm what it was that met its own fiery end. With what blessing he did have however, he heard a seemingly distant voice ask, "Campbell? Are you gonna make it?"

Campbell recognized the voice when he answered, "I don't think I can even stand! What the hell am I even doing out here?"

He was turned on to his back when he saw his remaining fellow pilot untied the boot that made contact with the Aquarius's heat rod while rubbing off the melted rubber with a piece of his uniform. Campbell let out a scream as he endured the pain but was offered some relief when his fellow pilot wrapped a cloth around his burnt foot while he watched the Aquarius make its way past his location and towards the capital. His fellow pilot told him, "Come on, I'll get you to safety. We need to make sure the president is safe. We can only do that if the general is still able to make his way in."

He lifted Campbell onto his shoulder while Campbell kept his pistol at the ready for any Coalition soldiers that arrived in their location. Campbell panted as he waited for the ringing in his ears to pass while the heat continued to wear on him only to be reminded of the dangerous state that Brussels was now in. "Shit. Out of one hell hole and into another with us isn't it?" Campbell asked.

The pilot who offered Campbell his support told him, "At least we'll be able to have some cover if we leap into this one. We aren't finished with this movement of glory."