Even as victors are selected, there are many who chose not to submit to their greatest falls. Just as there are those who attempt to avoid being subject to the consequences of their actions, there are those who are more than eager to reap what they have sown. Where many see an ending, the strongest see their defeat as a reason to struggle for the cause that is most important to them. Such has been the nature of humans since the dawn of war. It is for those who live to witness history that such defiance is judged. The year is After Colony 225. This principle remains unshaken.

Episode 41: The First Claim of Spoils

The representatives were stoic at the recent speech with a few struggling to reach the view of Nathaniel. Ahead of them were the news reporters who captured every word he had just offered the human race about his prisoners. They were all the same to Nathaniel as he simply accepted them as an audience. He walked away from the podium to see Hui and Rayen waiting to escort him. Hui offered, "As we expected you to offer Mr. President. We are pleased that you now see reason in regards to our situation."

Nathaniel dismissed the praise when he told him, "A man is soon to die. One that I had believed had potential to be saved."

Rayen offered, "It does take a certain strength to stand against the men you admire. It is now time to see that dedication be honored."

The three made their way to Nathaniel's desk room when Nathaniel told his generals, "First the remaining representatives who have gone through trials are to be executed right away. Once we have everything set, the President will be tried for his actions. Afterwards his execution must be followed upon."

Hui confirmed, "This is a process that could have been followed upon when we first captured this city. I do hope you have an answer that can explain for the delay."

Nathaniel sat in behind his desk when he told Hui, "There have been difficulties in compiling the evidence necessary to confirm he was truly at fault. Everything has been confirmed multiple times over and we can now confirm the transition of control will not be a problem."

Rayen confirmed, "Much of it has been documented. Everything will be made public once Franz has been given time to testify. On the end of the week if I am correct?"

Nathaniel added, "You are correct general. I want the city maintained until then and without issue. Dismissed."

Rayen and Hui saluted to their president, "Yes sir." Rayen and Hui exited the room when Hui observed, "It is interesting to see how dedicated he is to authenticity in spite of his claims."

Rayen corrected him, "The truth is general, that he does actually have a reasonable case to build against the president even if the trial must be held right this moment. A certain source of mine has revealed that the issue comes from a more personal connection that Nathaniel has with our prisoner."

Hui checked over his shoulder while he stopped next to Rayen to look over the representatives held prisoner. He asked, "Is it the kind that is really worth allowing for one man to oversee the deaths of so many? Because I cannot imagine that any man would rationally assume that it is worth drawing out."

Rayen answered, "I do not disagree. From Nathaniel's view he believed that Franz had some spark of humanity that would allow him to see the error of his ways. One of my sources, we shall call them, discovered that Nathaniel was in fact once a man who was taught many of the political philosophies by Franz himself when he was younger. Some time before the assassination of his father and a year or so after if I am correct."

Hui asked, "So because the president had concerns for one man we are to assume that the occupation was made more difficult for these reasons. It is rather interesting to see that you would still have support for such methods or any other man for that matter."

Rayen explained, "Much of what has already come to pass would have already come regardless if Franz were alive or not. The fact is that we have only allowed one man to bear witness to everything that he sowed. If what I am to understand is true, it would seem that he is completely indifferent towards everything that has happened."

Hui reflected on the answer before observing, "Then either the president is truly apathetic towards the realities of war or he brought himself into an administration that he knew he could not bring to a victorious end. I never would have imagined a man who called for the creation of the Gundams would assume leadership with such preparations in mind. I cannot determine if such forward thinking makes him a tragic pessimist or a man who became a victim of circumstance."

Rayen agreed, "If we are to ever apprehend President Jeffery and discover what his prior intentions were, we may have a chance to discover how ongoing this plot to subjugate the human race has gone. We will only be free once we have determined who the true conspirators are once this series of trials has been completed."

Hui agreed, "Supports such as Lord Lindemann and Baron Stuart are still at large and could very well plan something comparable to that of General de Lombard's attempt. Am I correct to assume that these attempts will not be comparable?"

Rayen confirmed, "After such humiliating defeats and viewing the Gundams to be enemies to rally against the people loyal to the Earth Sphere, we will have no choice but to accept our intervention. Both of our military forces have been worn to their exhaustion but our still stand at a numbers advantage. Better yet ours is actually united. We will be the last pillar of stability the human race can uphold for some form of security."

Hui reminded him, "This is assuming everything plays in our favor going forward. We will have a responsibility to see that we uphold such a promise. Moreover, we have a monumental task to live up to once we have begun the period of reconstruction. I am confident however that this will be a period we can look forward to setting humanity free from those who sought a new era of familiar subjugation."

Rayen offered, "Certainly a time to look forward to. The promise is potentially something you sound determined to uphold."

Hui confirmed, "I saw the day we first invaded the colonies at L5. The desperate first act of the Preventers was one that I knew would be the apex of passion from the hearts of the Earth Sphere's men. When Chang Wufei met his end that day, when the surviving Preventers were all scattered across this system, we were able to view how complacent the colonies had become just by the offer of being allowed to have their independence. An entire generation was being given the promise that they would never again see conflict. The Earth Spheres influence was becoming just the ideal scenario these leaders had been hoping for. The foundations of a future Earth Alliance was being laid down. The men and women we are now looking over had all hoped to subjugate them through complacency. This is precisely the sort of danger that a united planet such as Earth has brought us."

Rayen agreed, "And that is why we are soon to set things right. We may be divided in name, but the power of the Coalition will be able to prevent a cataclysmic conflict of this scale from ever becoming a reality a second time."

Hui agreed, "I do hope that we are able to ingrain that promise once we have achieved complete victory."

Rayen added, "We do have work ahead of us to achieve. Very soon we will have to witness our current guilty to meet their fate."

Hui agreed, "Once the representatives have been executed, we will have easily removed and obstacle from our current agenda. Very soon it will be the first thing we do to end these Earth Sphere allied."

As Relena leaned on Heero seeking his support, Hero kept his upward composure maintained as a statuesque man who was staring into a field that threatened to erupt in a sudden act of violence. He heard Zlata make their way to him when she asked, "Has Relena been able to remain strong?"

Heero turned to answer, "I've barely been able to. Right now this will be a struggle for everyone."

Evangeline stood nearby with a shaken expression when she told them, "We witnessed the destruction of two of our armies. How are we supposed to accept any of this?"

Heero told her, "We accept it by returning what we were offered. We see people only accept seeing their own fall as the only way to be brought to a stop."

Evangeline was on her knees when she solemnly agreed, "Yes. These men are all monsters. But they were all given their opportunity because of some among us…" Her face shot up as she offered an angry glare towards Relena and reached for her neck. Before she could grab hold, Heero jumped up and gave a mighty shove to her stomach. Evangeline was forced to the ground as she looked up at him with the same look of anger but with tears running down her face.

Relena was forced to wake up when she saw Evangeline in front of her husband and on the floor in the most tragic face she seen her offer. Evangeline stood up as she sniffed and maintained her gaze before asking, "Do you not have a care at all Major Yuy? Do you not acre that your own men all died out there? Everything you had to watch was all because of her! She is the reason we never had the chance to stand against the Coalition when we needed to! If anything, you should be the most infuriated of all of us!"

Heero stared at her when he told her, "You left out another thing. My son is out there. I had to watch him cut down his own men. I didn't want anything like this to happen. I'm even more mad than you are right now. Your husband died serving his duty to make sure everyone here could live. He wanted to be among those survivors. I don't want to see him die in vain. I can do that by making sure we all stand against our real enemy. And we will not achieve anything by fighting each other."

Before there could be another argument, four Coalition soldiers stood in between them before lifting Evangeline and placing handcuffs on her wrists. She asked, "What is this?"

One of them answered, "We didn't want to stop this show either, but we have orders to follow."

Without any further delay, the soldiers gathered other nearby representatives before taking them away from the gathering area.

There was a brief peace before Relena stood up and asked, "What happened? Did they take her away for something other than behavior?"

Heero answered, "I should have been taken as well if that were the case."

Zlata offered, "It almost seems as if she were shown for some intended purpose."

One of the representatives told them, "I believe they are. I don't know if you noticed, but virtually all of the taken prisoners have all be First Priority members who were forced guilty."

Relena held back a gasp when she asked, "Are you saying they will be… executed?"

The representative nodded before answering, "I don't know what else they would be gathered for."

Relena used Heero as her support as she held his right arm and offered a visible display of grief as she hung her head at the answer. Heero placed his hand on hers when he told her, "This is a tragedy we will have to get through before we save the president."

Relena returned the hold when she told him, "I've always admired that about you Heero. But dismissing an hour such as this will not be seen kindly by others. Please try to offer some kind of regret for this."

Heero told her, "There is only one way to talk to these people. Everything that Evangeline and the others fought for can only be honored if we stand against the Coalitions intentions. You said you didn't want to be a burden when the time came. This is your opportunity."

Zlata agreed, "I would hope that the talks are true Major. This is the only way I can imagine that we would have any real opportunity to make a real stand."

Heero checked around to see nearby Coalition soldiers looking away before reaching into the left side of his jacket before allowing a pistol to fall at Zlata's feet. He told her, "We're still receiving more weapons by the day. Be ready once the president is on trial."

Zlata knelt down as she assumed the sitting position she was expected to maintain. She told Heero, "I believe that Relena will need more than a strong shoulder to support her by now. Heero she feels the blood is all on her."

Relena answered, "It is difficult not to feel this way. The sacrifice of Evangeline and the others is only about to build upon the scenario they were so afraid of. It only builds further on my worry that this conflict will never truly end. Not with what we are planning to do soon."

Heero told her, "We have no special means. The Gundams are still far away. None of the Coalition members are willing to listen to us. These people only have one thing in mind and they will not accept anything less. I don't like this any more than you do but we have to stop them the only way they will listen."

Relena gave a brief reflection of the answer before recognizing how limited her options were. She sat next to Heero as they returned to the ground before she told him, "I will need you at my side now more than ever. We will all need you as some kind of leader in this hard time."

Heero promised, "You were there for me when I needed you to be changed and supported through so much of my life. This is the least I can do to thank you."

Relena accepted, "I hoped for something better for you Heero. But we both had a world to face when we believed it had all come to be achieved."

One of the representatives next to Zlata asked, "Does Relena truly plan to assist her husband in saving the president?"

Zlata nodded, "Everyone will have to. Anyone who can muster the strength to stand against Nathaniel Falsons ambition to have us all see his way will have to stand against such adversity. Regrettably it will be a struggle to muster the strength we need to make a true change. But once we have all seen the strength within ourselves, we will be able to stand as a people the Coalition cannot brush away. As you might be able to see, there are some people who will need some support in recognizing that strength within them."

The representative agreed, "As long as we have a cause to be united against, I have hope that we will be able to achieve something great.

Dana looked around the men and women who were gathered in the shade and tried to find her next move. "Have all of our wounded been accounted for?"

Nasir looked around and saw the others were still in a bit of pain from various injuries. "All of them sir. They'll live. We'll have to get to another settlement pretty soon though."

She turned her attention to the others who were able to hear out what Dana had to say. Being leader was rough but this situation was not something she imagined would be possible. "We will. We'll have to find our way through the Sahara though." She left the others to deal with the injuries while she turned to the majority of the crew waiting her evaluation. "Well Donna it looks like your original assumption was about right. We'll have to go around the Mediterranean now that we're about to be on the most wanted list from the Earth Sphere..."

The silence was awkward to say the least and Dana knew she would have to find a way to rally them to a cause again. "... Alright. I know it's a rough way to go people. Basic training teaches us to prepare for any situation and to prepare to follow any order we're given. We've just about scratched those last two things and well... Now you've seen the results." She looked back at the devastation caused by the earlier battle with the long line of smoke and debris left in wake. She maintained her attention when she continued her small speech. "We've all had a common cause before. We've joined this fight because we wanted to see a united Earth continue to exist. If we're going to keep this up, then we'll have to renew a sense of trust among ourselves. There's no room for secrecy anymore. We have to be ready for a real challenge if we're going to continue fighting for that cause." There was one thing she knew every soldier had to choose before they were willing to make this decision. "If you have any reason to back out of this offer than now is the time to do it. I can't speak for all of us but I won't hold anything against you. It's your choice."

If there was any dissent it wasn't showing yet. Even Trenton found himself surprised when Nasir was showing some conviction for their cause. To add to everything Gawel looked like he had a new sense of duty like Dana hoped everyone would have.

Donna was in the shade with the others, still wearing the keffiyeh on her head. She closely listened to what Captain Dana said on the betrayal, how they will have to take the long way back to Brussels by circling the Mediterranean and finally to renew their cause to end the war. She agreed that they have to trust themselves now fully and end all secrecies. "I'll continue to fight." She announced. "Even if one of us choose to give up, it won't change that we'll still be hunted down and it's better to stick together."

Ermes agreed. "As an emissary of Mars, I'll continue to see this through." He declared, serious for once instead of his usual playful demeanor. "Although we're distance away, I'll assist you in anyway I can." The shade he was in was also relief for him from the desert heat, which he was suffering from the most compared to everyone else.

Suchart was there with everyone else. "I'll still be here." He said.

Keijo overheard everything the Captain had to warn for the new foundations the group would have to go through if they needed to be ready to continue their cause. After Suchart spoke he was the next to arise to such a question. "Maddox isn't discouraged it looks like. Hopefully he'll recover before the next surprise attack either side has for us."

Roy only offered a slight answer when he tried to resolve the conflict still going on within him. Even so he was still able to assure everyone of his commitment. "I promised I wouldn't back out. This is a war and all's fair now."

Mercurio was very hesitant to speak on what his course of action would be, but he knew how important his contribution would be seeing he was one of the Gundam pilots after all. He recalled the words he spoke when he began to make the final strikes at General Mauro Carmine's position and they were a staunch reminder for why he would even dare to choose such a course of action. "I understand you're concerned about what will happen to us Captain. But it's like you said. We signed up so we could fight for a united earth. If we back out now then the Coalition has just as good as won. If we have to fight against both sides now… I'll do everything I can to hold my weight for this group."

"We're probably going to have more to kill even if you try to avoid it Mercurio." Keijo offered as a harsh reminder for what was to come.

"I know…" Mercurio answered. War was going to be more critical for them regardless of who was killed. He would have to be prepared to end the lives of more men if he pressed forward. What doubt in the cause he had could still be heard in his voice but he did everything to push it aside. He knew the time was now to be more convicted to the cause than ever.

The city of Phorzheim came within view as the three Nornir Gundams continued their way north but still remained outside of sight from the view of civilians. Christian asked, "Alright do we have any signs of the enemy out here now?"

Richard answered, "Keep your dick in your pants, we don't have anything other than just a pair of patrolling Scorpio Minors out there. From what I can tell it looks like they are just here to let their guys know that all is quiet in their new territory."

Christoph agreed, "We still don't have the most optimal conditions for engagement either. My reactor at least is still about twenty degrees over the optimal conditions from that cannon shot."

Christian told him, "Even if we do have this team up it's not like anyone is going to give us a break if we do encounter any more of the enemy."

Daisuke made his way up to the three Gundams when he told them, "Hey sisters, can we not have another bitching contest? We've got enough of a running scenario as it is."

Christoph answered, "It might be a good idea if you do keep us in line. We'll have a better chance at tracking the patrol that way."

Pan asked, "Any chance that following those guys will take us to an enemy base? We're going to need that stop and fast."

Richard agreed, "We'll need to hit them hard and fast. My unit is already dangerously low on ammunition."

Christian set his Urth unit in front when he told them, "It will be up to me to handle the first strikes. We can't afford to get caught and sent on the escape again."

Christoph agreed, "We'll need to locate them and cut off any potential communications. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like we have much of a radio jammer to help us out."

Richard told him, "In that case we'll just have to use the situation to our advantage. Maybe we'll be making our way to a smaller base."

Christoph plotted a course for the direction of the Scorpio Minors when he told everyone, "That's the running course for our plans. We improvise and then adjust. They're looking ready to return to base. Let's see if they take us anywhere."

The Nornir Gundams prepared their engines while the two Leo III units followed with their weapons at the ready. The five mobile suits made their advance through the countryside while remaining outside the city's view. As he continued their way past the radius of the city view, Daisuke contacted Christoph, "We got a report on Frederic's view. It looks like those guys are about to meet up with their squad."

Christoph ordered, "Everyone stop. We're coming up on a whole squad." The five mobile suits stopped their progress while watching the small movements of the Scorpio Minors.

Richard contacted Christoph, "Is this doing any good? How do we know they're not picking us up?"

Christoph answered, "They don't see us in their sights and I'm guessing this is the average range of a mobile suit. We'll have to rely on the guys Daisuke is carrying to give a proper view."

As they continued to watch the first sign of motion came after a few seconds before the Scorpio Minors turned away from the direction of Phorzeim. Christoph heard Daisuke tell him, "We've got movement. It looks like those things aren't preparing for a patrol."

Christoph heard the announcement before ordering, "Get ready to move. Maintain our current distance." The five mobile suits continued their advance as they followed at the same distance. They had maintained a direction north before crossing the roads and into the countryside. After a few minutes of travel, they found themselves on the countryside with one particular sight that was out of place.

Daisuke connected Christoph, "Good news. I think we found our target."

Christoph nodded when he told him, "We 'll have to be ready. We'll need to take as much as we can from that place when we're done."

Before anyone added anything, Christoph and the others heard a familiar stomping sound in the distance. Richard was the first one to see a Scutum unit march its way out of a nearby forest and next to the established base. He then warned, "I don't think these guys are going to let us take their base easy."

Christian saw what he was warning about before he told them, "WE aren't going against the Testudo. Let's just make it our first target."

Christoph denied the idea when he told him, "No, I think we can pull this off a lot easier. If we just go in from behind, we should be able to take them by surprise and then we'll be able to handle taking the Scutum's crew out."

Richard asked, "Take one of their mobile armors? We do have the manpower for at least one of them. We better be poised to take them by surprise."

Christoph contacted Daisuke when he asked, "Can you get a view of the Scutum? Are any of its opening compromised?"

Daisuke's answer came after a few seconds, "The crew seems to be stepping out right now. If we are going to catch them off guard, now is the time."

Christian accepted the strategy when he pushed, "Let's make it go if that's the case. If we stay out here, we're probably going to be noticed at some point."

Christoph determined a strategy when he told everyone, "Richard will take out their comms tower when we get in range. Christian, you take out the nearby ammunition storage. We'll be able to get an offensive done when we're done. We'll have to see how resilient they are once we finish this run."

Daisuke accepted, "We get the plan. Let's move."

The five mobile suits motioned around the perimeter of the base before they were able to see the back fully exposed and waiting. Christoph prepared his jets when he ordered, "Go! Fire!" The three Gundams charged ahead before Richard took the lead and took aim with his Lachesis pistols. He fired into the distance before seeing the communications tower hit by a stream of bullets. To everyone's approval, the top of the tower crumbled and fell to the ground before Christian's Urth took lead and fired a volley of missiles form the knuckles towards the nearest stockpile of ammunition. The explosion that came resulted in visible chaos among the Coalition base while the ground soldiers scrambled to find a way to defend themselves. Christoph's Clotho unit armed its assault rifle when he ordered, "Open fire! Don't let them get to their suits!"

He and the other two Leo III units fired on the ground as carnage filled the field with Coalition soldiers taken by surprise. The base came within distance before Christian charged the Urth near the Scutum unit. Christoph reminded him, "Leave it in tact!"

Christian raised the hand of the Urth before giving a sweep on its left side as it brushed the base responders to his arrival. The small base was overtaken quickly as the rest of the supporters of the Lindemann brothers made their way to the Scutum unit. Daisuke took a view around the devastated area to see several unoccupied Leo III units on the ground while the potential pilots had all met their demise.

Richard gave a brief view of the burning area he and the others created when he asked, "Is that really all of them?"

Christoph answered, "I'm not pickup up any others. That's what worries me."

Several beams of gunfire crossed the mobile suits that had gathered near the Scutum unit before the Urth pushed to the front and defended them with his blocks. Pans Leo III unit had fallen to the ground as it took a hit to the left side when he asked, "What's out there? Didn't we get all of them?"

Christoph answered, "We can't know when it's these things. Keep the rest of the crew safe!"

The three Gundams charged ahead before they saw a squad of Scorpio Minor units making their charge to their establishment. With a mighty charge, Christian's Urth thrust its fists into every mobile suit that came nearby while one exploded right next to him and another in front. He thrust the punch through the cockpit of one before spinning around to backhand another. Richard's Lachesis unit fired both of his pistols into the first Scorpio Minor the Urth forced to the ground before spraying its fire into the Scorpio units making evasive maneuvers. Christoph offered his support by firing into the distance as another thee Scorpio Minor units made an effort to flank their Gundam opponents. The attempt to destroy them however was not as easy as the first charge when the brothers saw them maneuver around. Richard fired on the units as he continued to weave around his shots and return fire. "How the hell are we having difficulty now?"

Christian had his Urth continue to his swipes at the escaping units while continuing to take the occasional defensive for every return shot. He answered, "It's because these morons don't have anything else over us." He fired a volley of missiles from his knuckles only to see the Scorpio units fire in return to make contact with each projectile. Before Christian could fire anything else, he saw a red message on his computer screen warn about the worst message he could receive. "Shit! I'm out!" He raised the fist of his Gundam before throwing a punch towards the smoke only to see the three Scorpio Minors weave past the attack and fire on the spot where the Urth stood. Christian felt his Gundam fall to the ground on contact with the fire when he told his brothers, "Over here! Get them!"

Before Christoph had a chance to fire, he and Richard saw a mighty shell make its way to the location of the three Scorpio Minors. This time the three units did not have a chance to dodge before the shell made contact with the ground and destroyed two of the Scorpio Minors in the blast. Richard fired his machine pistols at the Scorpio Minor that made its roll before seeing it explode right next to the Urth that was still on the ground.

The field had been filled with craters and smoke but Christoph was able to see the field was no longer full of enemy combatants as it had been earlier. He contacted Christian, "Christian, are you okay?"

The Urth Gundam picked itself up as dirt and scrap fell off its body. Christian answered, "Yeah. Situation considered it wasn't so bad. Who fired that last shot?"

Before Christoph answered he heard Pan contact, "Hey Christoph, we get those guys for you?"

Christoph saw an unused channel on his radio when he returned the call, "You guys managed to take that Scutum unit? Is it really working?"

Pan confirmed, "Yeah, we managed to get a good shot and we need to get a quick view of the controls, but we managed to pull off the assist. Even better this thing is loaded and ready for anyone who comes up to us next."

Christoph accepted the good fortune on their side when he told Pan, "Looks like we have something to celebrate today. It looks like we have that and at least a few chances to build our ammunition. Some of us really need it."

Pan accepted, "We'll be keeping a lookout for the area. Not sure how good the radar is but this should be enough."

Christoph stood next to his brothers as he faced the base and asked, "So guys, we've managed to capture some tech that has a chance to balance things out for our favor. This trip might not have been such a bad idea after all."

Richard agreed, "Our channel seems to still be compatible with their units. We just need to stay low and they won't pick up on our conversations, right?"

Christoph confirmed, "Dad at least had that much in mind to keep s ready for these situations. Right now, we just have a more immediate problem."

Christian agreed, "Destroying that stockpile better not leave us unable to fully reload."

Christoph told him, "The good news is that we'll have a chance to move in and hurt the Coalition where it really hurts this time. We're actually going to have the equipment necessary to pull it off."

Richard reminded him, "I hope you're ready to pull of something special. We're going to need it if we only have all of this to stand against the Testudo."

Christoph agreed, "We'll have to be strategic. Right now, this is all we're going to work with."

Within Nathaniel's room, a hologram of General Darren Celler stood to salute him as he greeted, "Mr. President. You were requesting an update in regards to the Germanic Front."

Nathaniel confirmed, "I want to see that it is all made secure. I want progress of the subjugation of these bands of resistance to be eradicated. Have you been able to secure this goal?"

Darren shook his head when he answered, "I regret this has not been achieved Mr. President. It would seem that the reports of this small band being out here is indeed living up to its initial estimations."

Nathaniel agreed, "With more Gundams hidden from the world and our men having such difficulties? This appears to be the most I can expect out of many right now."

Darren told the president, "My men are here because we intend to secure the victory you have given for the colonies. Right now, it is my duty to ensure that these Gundam threats do not pose a danger to what we have worked to achieve. I'm afraid we must recognize Mr. President what circumstances such as these are ones that we prepared for."

Nathaniel asked, "And is this a process that to supersede the occupation and solidification of Earth as colony territory? Right now, we are on a brink of seeing this achieved. Can we truly achieve it when not all military officials are present?"

Darren told Nathaniel, "If your men had been thorough in the process of taking the capital you would not be facing the situation you have now Mr. President. I was informed of the recent attempt by the Earth Sphere to maintain our hold. The only conclusion many of my superiors have determined is that you may not have been the ideal leader to rally behind."

Nathaniel clutched the edge of his desk as he restrained himself from shouting at Darren for the mission he was forced to follow. After a few seconds, Nathaniel told him, "I may have made a few mistakes in my assumption that taking the capital would have been easier. I am simply hoping to see that everything will continue in our favor. I imagined that this would be done if you were here to assist in the transfer, but I can clearly tell that it is not in the immediate realm of possibility."

Darren nodded when he told Nathaniel, "This problem will be dealt with sooner than you might expect Mr. President. We are not extending this conflict with any purpose in mind to end the process. This is only a setback we did not anticipate and from the sound of things, neither did you."

Nathaniel agreed, "This is only a transition I hope to see complete. Your mission is to eradicate the last of this resistance will be as important."

Darren reminded him, "Once the hold of Earth is complete, we will still have the Gundams to destroy. The work that lies ahead of us will be a demanding amount."

Nathaniel agreed, "See that that you are capable of finding everything with the resources and time at hand, I expect nothing less."

He shut off his connection with Darren before looking over the list of names that were about to be executed in a few minutes. Despite everything he determined to achieved, the warning of those who stood against him were still numerous. The enthusiasm he might have had for his eventual victory was nowhere to be seen when he felt the first moment of victory reach his ears. In spit of everything he tried to achieve, he was not any closer to seeing the human race stop fighting for the concept of a united Earth.

The knowledge weighed on him as he tried to prepare everything on his desk before receiving a signal on his holographic projector. He activated it to see the image of a familiar face he wished to see again. "Lucas. Thing are continuing to progress in the main headquarters of the Coalition?"

Lucas greeted back to Nathaniel, "The situation on Mars is still contained and our officials have been pressing to meet the demand for more mobile suits. Your situation on Earth is more important however. Is Franz soon to meet justice as you announced earlier?"

Nathaniel told him, "The trial is soon to begin. It will be a matter of days and yet this process has been a difficult one. There are still those on Earth who are making an effort to defeat everything we have recently achieved. Right now, we are only able to proves for the execution of those who supported this effort."

Lucas asked, "This is all about to pass and yet it seems that you are still weary of the situation. Did you believe that achieving justice would be any easier than what we are now facing?"

Nathaniel sighed when he accepted, "I should have expected that too many of the past were too attached to maintaining their prior achievements. That there would be a great resistance to seeing their way doesn't work. I regret that I have learned far too late that Franz is indeed a man who is above being saved. It is now the work of the courts to determine that he is indeed not the proper man for the good of humanity's progression. Moreover, those who stood at his side will all meet the same fate."

Lucas asked, "Then we are soon to see the supporters of Franz's action be removed but not the main advocates. Those who have made this conflict possible."

Nathaniel confirmed, "These men will all face the fate of being tried men we shall rally against just as we did the Gundams. The human race will truly be united under a cause to end conflict once this has been done. This is everything that I must do and yet it must all be done by becoming the devastator I was feared to be."

Lucas corrected, "The circumstances that were laid in place are all ones that you have been forced to deal with because of men who did greater evils than you ever have. You cannot be an effective leader if you allow thoughts of ineffectiveness to be your dominant ones. Do you believe that Thomas would be able to look at your deeds as noble if you made these thoughts known?"

Nathaniel told him, "That is why I do not wish for Thomas to see me in this state. For every achievement I have made in these previous few years, I can only leave him the advice of never pursuing the same ambitions I have taken. Seeking the justice of one man eventually becomes the pursuit of what every like-minded seeker aims to see achieved. I want to recognize these words, but I cannot afford to see him hear these words uttered from a man as weak willed as I am. A man who cannot even find those closest to him as being true allies."

Lucas recognized the lamentations Nathaniel offered when he accepted, "You do have an air of knowledge that qualifies your position and observations Nathaniel. In some cases, the most immediate solution is the only way that progress can be achieved. It falls on you now to accept the bloodshed that you have called for. These people have only accepted bloodshed for nearly 12 years and they will not accept a diplomatic ending to their struggle even if we were the ones admitting defeat."

Nathaniel stood up when he accepted, "This will all end once the representatives no longer have a leader to stand behind. If it all must be done at my hand, I must see that this accursed planet does not become a platform where future leaders can hope to establish their own claims."

Lucas confirmed, "This can only be done when there are no more to stand in your way. Long ago we were forced to recognize his mentality and now it must be embraced by someone if we are to see the good of the human race be made the greatest priority."

Nathaniel concluded, "the meeting when he told Lucas, "Wait until the process has been completed. I will need you to arrive on L2 and prepare for ensuring the colonies are ready to assume their duties as holders of the planet." He shut off the holographic projector as the image of his vice president faded and he was left to view the documents of evidence about Franz Kecker that were waiting for his observation.

The city of Brussels had achieved an uneasy peace that had not been seen over the last few days. The prisoners of the Earth Sphere United Nations had been limited only to diplomatic officials and the guards who was left to protect them. The peace had become welcome for the many who hoped to see an end to the fighting, but for everyone who was aboard the Testudo, the sight was only an opportunity waiting to be taken.

Edward Blare believed this from the day he brought the mobile armor within range of the city and was only now able to see his chance to take the city as an assured one. He heard his guard Julian report, "It seems that the execution of the First Priority members is about to progress forward. By the end of the week, the president is about to suffer the same execution."

Edward asked, "And you have been able to confirm that the remaining potential resistance has been gathered among the representatives who will be present?"

Julian confirmed, "They will be sir. I believe you were the one who managed to provide them with the means they needed to achieve being armed?"

Edward confirmed, "I did find a young man who seemed surprised to be offered a final chance at saving his planets way of life. Rayen has informed me that they appear to be armed and if anything, we will have a worthwhile distraction before we assemble our forces."

Jens pointed out, "There probably will be survivors even if they become the first ones who are attacked sir. The German front seems to have become another battleground and General Darren Celler is being forced to remain behind and see this problem is pacified. We just got this word from General Vasquez on this development. Makes me wonder who his source is."

Edward asked, "Is it confirmed if this problem is a minor skirmish to distract the general from making contact wit the city?"

Julian answered, "You'll love to hear this sir. Some resistance members were able to lay claim to a Scutum unit and they have potential to put a dent in General Celler's numbers. From the sound of it, this isn't just some minor uprising."

Edward was pleased to hear the answer when he observed, "The presidents own army and General Kungs army will be the only ones to stand against us then. We cannot aim to achieve anything less than total victory at this point once we have been able to use the element of surprise to attack their numbers. Even should General Celler hear the call, ideally, we will have a scenario where we can easily divide and conquer both opponents without any hesitation. This day will become every bit easier by the passage of another one's actions."

Celso and Susanne entered the main room of operations when Susanne reported, "As you requested sir. Oleg Tsubarov and Kieran McNeil are here to see you."

Edward turned to face them when he saw Oleg and Kieran standing at attention. He walked towards them when he greeted, "Welcome gentlemen. Doubtless you are probably hoping to hear something of value with the rather dull period that has passed for us."

Kieran answered, "Just making sure my great creation is kept in top shape sir. I'm sure anything you say to me personally must be important."

Oleg remained silent as he listened to Edward explain, "We do indeed have some significant developments that we must adhere to before things progress. The most critical being a very simple question that I must hear answered truthfully. Can I rely on both of you to do everything necessary to advance my position?"

Kieran answered, "I can sir. I've been here since day one and would have warned you about Bertram if I saw anything suspicious about him."

Oleg answered, "Only because you seem to care more about seeing me and the average soldier receive their due compensation more than the president does sir."

Edward smiled when he told them, "Both are brutally honest answers I can see. These are precisely the type of qualities I seek in someone who works on my side."

Kieran agreed, "I could see that making sense. Is there something you want us to follow?"

Edward looked to Kieran when he answered, "I will need two more critical men at my side in order to achieve. You boy are not a man of military rank, but you do know the inner workings of this mobile armor better than anyone else. I require most of all a man who can command others in this room to operate the Testudo to absolute efficiency should the Gundam's arrive any time soon. As such I now appoint you as the Chief Operator and work under my command for military operations.

Kieran smiled, "I'm honored to hear you find me capable general. Trust me when I say I'm not going to try and disappoint."

Edward turned to Oleg when he continued, "I expect as much. Now there is a matter of you Tsubarov."

Oleg asked, "How shall you require me sir?"

Edward answered, "I find you position of being where you are and holding a Gundam to be unbefitting of your situation. I understand your lack of motivation to rise any further in the ranks and I believe that could pose a problem as long as you are under my command. I feel that you are still unable to recognize the worth of what Captain Belyakova sought to achieve and enlighten you on."

Oleg hesitated before asking, "Aglaii… How do you plan to make me honor her sacrifice?"

Edward answered, "As of today, I am personally appointing you as captain of the Testudo squadron."

Oleg was visibly shaken when he heard the announcement and asked, "Uh… You find me… capable of following your command sir?"

Edward told him, "I know that you are determined with the ambition to leave my command under my good graces and with more than what the president is capable of offering. In a choice such as this one captain, you will find that it is a better idea not to be humble and accept what you have been offered."

Oleg paused before answering, "I'm honored you find me trustworthy general. I'll follow my duty to the best of my ability."

Edward added, "As well you should recognize that I will require at the most one casualty for every sortie we are soon to face. We cannot afford to lose any numbers, and should I find you are not capable, this will not be a promotion you will be able to look back on fondly."

Oleg heard the warning when he told his superior, "If you need any confirmation of my dedication, I'll wait until the next battlefield before I can demonstrate my loyalty."

Edward turned to the rest of the listeners in the main operating room, "You have your new superior officers aboard this mobile armor. I expect that each of their requirements they have to surpass their missions will be provided to them. The day the Earth Sphere president is brought to trial will be the day we no longer have a man as weak as Nathaniel Falson to prevent the rise of a new union of Earth that will not fall anywhere nearly as simply as it will soon."

Oleg and Kieran stood at salute when Edward told them, "Captain, Private Tripi will escort you to the squad that has been assembled. I want all of you to be ready to move out if it is the necessary action we are ever called for. Dismissed."

Kieran and Oleg responded, "Yes sir." Oleg turned away from their general as they made their way to see the exit and waited for the door to shut behind them. Kieran offered, "Well it sounds like you made it even further than you might have hoped for Oleg. From the sounds of the general, he was about a bite away from chewing you out."

Oleg agreed, "It makes sense doesn't it? I'm a Gundam pilot and he wants his subordinates to be as loyal as possible. Now he wants to make my job as hard as possible to make sure I don't wrong him. But if I did plan on causing him problems, he wouldn't be here to move us around."

Kieran pointed out, "You make it seem like your absence of loyalty to the Coalition is the only thing that makes you want to stand with the general. Makes me wonder if you really have much of a spine in terms of anything."

Oleg corrected, "I'm looking to see an end to this conflict and getting out of here. If anyone is going to do it, it might as well be the man who keeps himself close to his fellow men."

Kieran accepted, "I managed to keep my head down when the general had his big reclamation of the Testudo he did demonstrate having a desire to stand strong with his fellow men. Staying on his good side might just be enough to get us to a nice retirement. For all we know you probably made the right choice. We just have three Gundams to worry about now."

Oleg accepted, "Something both me and the agent can lead an entire army against. I honestly think the odds are looking pretty good for us all things in account."

Kieran agreed, "I'm looking forward to seeing how sure you are of our situation once we actually see the president out of power."

Outside the Parliamentary Building, Hui and Rayen watched their men line the representatives of the First Priority party lined in front of the brick wall that separated the building and its garden from the rest of the city. Hui asked, "Has this been a routine procedure?"

Rayen nodded when he told him, "Everyone who was found guilty has been executed along this wall. When the time comes, Franz Kecker's blood will be placed on this wall along with his supporters."

The soldiers under Rayen's command lined up with their assault rifles as they approached their tied-up targets. Rayen ordered, "I want no opportunity of them surviving! Approach! The men gathered and approached their targets as they had their rifles aimed at their heads. Several shook with anticipation at the thought of killing more of their enemy leaders. Rayen waited for the moment to build before he gave the final order, "Fire!"

As the order was given, gunshots once again sounded through the city of Brussels while one representative after another fell to the ground with several shots that pierced their skulls and forced them to the ground. One representative after another fell to the ground while the sound of screams of pain sounded through the area. Among all of the cries of death that filled the area, Evangeline de Lombard was only able to look on in terror as she felt the blood of her fellow representatives splat onto her face. With a cry that went against everyone present, Evangeline shouted upwards, "Relena Peacecraft! Look what you have achieved!" It was the final sound that made its way through the execution field before she received the last bullet that pierced her forehead.