I knew he wouldn't be disappointed....

"Yokatta!" Garrod shouted in glee as he left my side and floated to the newly repaired Double X. He began hugging at its faceplate and exclaimed; "Now we can rescue Tifa!"

As my friend and his Gundam began to celebrate their sort-of reunion, my thoughts drifted back on why the engineers prioritize DX's repairs above the other units in the first place…

****
A couple of days ago after Garrod regained consciousness; I was summoned by the Commander to give my full report about our guest and his Gundam. After I answered a couple of their questions, I found myself sitting in the middle of a council of war.

"You must be insane!" Captain Kitsaragi shouted as the Commander laid the plans before his aides. "Are you telling me we should ask that boy to shoot down the Colony Laser using that Gundam?!"

"Yes. That's exactly what I had in mind." Commander said grimly. "We really have no choice in the matter. Zaider's assassination failed, as expected. And Intelligence informed us that the SRA is planning to make an all-out siege at Satelicon. Given that our forces are badly decimated in the last battle, I don't think we're up to this."

"There's the asteroid field. Even if the SRA are coming in with their most advanced MS models, I don't think it's enough to wipe us off." One of his aides pointed out.

"That's what worries me." The Commander said quietly. "We had a very reliable natural barrier. I don't see Zaider as the type of person who'd waste his men into this battle without a good reason. Unfortunately, our Intelligence had been silent for these few days. We are expecting the worse."

"And given by the information we obtained." A young man, Peter, I remembered, one of the chosen tacticians of Satelicon. "They will reach here for a couple of days."

"So that is why we have to push through this plan. Operation Daria must NOT be carried out."

"But can we trust this kid?" Kitsaragi muttered.

"Of course!" I shouted, forgetting my place, for once. "I vouch for him!"

"That Gundam is one of the most powerful weapons used during the war. That and it's weapon. Some of the younger people had only heard tales of it's notorious reputation. It's time we use it according to its original purpose." Peter pointed out, before Kitsaragi bit my head off for my impertinence. I guess this is the advantage of being the youngest and only girl in this little rebellion; everyone treats me differently. Either as a long lost relative or someone who really shouldn't get involve in this. Oftentimes I was infuriated about it, because I never wanted any special treatment. But there are other times I appreciate a lot for their concern. Ever since my parents died, Satelicon became an extended family for me.

"I'm sure the Double X's Satellite Cannon will be more than enough to destroy the Laser." He concluded.

"I've looked the plan myself." Captain Samuels told the stoic Kitsaragi gently. "I see nothing wrong with it. The SRA's attack will be our advantage. We will divert their attention while we let the Gundam carry its mission for us."

"Then I ask for the pilot to be supervised." Kitsaragi began when the Commander raised his hand and interrupted him. "I've already did. He's under Lieutenant Cis' care." Before his aides, and even Peter, objects...seeing where this is heading, he added. "The G-Falcon is the fastest mode of transportation for the Gundam. The sooner they destroy the target, the better. Since the SRA literally spent millions worth of resources for the Laser's reconstruction, they wouldn't be wise enough to send their best men here."

"I would call that underestimating the enemy." Kitsaragi muttered, but we could see him conceding.

"No. I would say that time is at the essence." The Commander corrected him. "Have them repair the Gundam as fast as they could. We will have to pray that our informant's last message is accurate." He studied his hands for a bit before he said. "That concludes today's meeting. We should get ready."

As we all head outside the door, I overheard Peter said. "But sir, Paula is still a child. She shouldn't handle such an important mission."

"She's not a child, Peter. She's a member of the Satelicon."

****

The Commander seemed to have a soft spot for girls, he told me in jest a few years ago while I was still undergoing training to become a fighter pilot when their last one was killed during a sortie. He said I reminded him of his own grandchild whom he lost during the war. For me, he became the father I never had.

But recently he'd become silent and brooding. It was apparent that things are not going favorably for Satelicon. The SRA is still a strong military group, despite our best attempts to destroy them. Any large offense from the enemy could still be the end of us.

That is why the Laser Cannon must be destroyed. If the SRA's attention is diverted then Satelicon may have a chance.

I try not to think if things have gone for the worst. Following Garrod, I tapped at his shoulder and said lightly. "So, we got our part of the bargain."

He nodded vigorously, "Of course! I'll help in anyway I can."

I grinned. "OK then. If you could...." My line of thought and sentence was cut off when the base shook violently against an impact. Garrod lost his footing and landed on me. But I was too distracted to notice that.

"Chih! They're too early!" I cursed.

Sirens and klaxons are blaring overhead. Our worst fears became a reality. We are under attack.

"Alright, let's go!" Garrod began when I grabbed his wrist, abruptly stopping him.

"And where the heck do you think you're going?!" I asked him.

"To the Gundam, of course." Garrod was surprised I even asked such an obvious question.

"Without wearing a normal suit? Are you crazy? C'mon. I'll show you where you can get one." I tugged at him again, and Garrod reluctantly followed me. I know that we are needed at the front. But Garrod's survival is vital here. Besides, Captains Samuels and Kitsaragi are already prepared for the assault. Both in command of their respective battleships. They will provide defense in the best of their abilities.

I try to fight against my dread and uncertainty as the two of us hurried along the corridor.

It was now or never.