Copyright: Joel Salamanca, Marilyn Angelo, Theodore Reyes, Alvin Sanchez, Liza Taiki, Kedar Hakeem, Manuel Aquino, and Melvin Dagum are all mine. All other chars, property of Sunrise, Inc. Don't sue me. Without them, there would be no fanfictions.
Chapter 2: OZ Lives Once More (Oozu mata ikiru)
The Liechtenstein Base. Secretly, a meeting is being commenced and at this very moment, there are plans for… the rebirth of OZ? A young-looking woman stepped up to the podium with people who looked like representatives and she began to give a speech.
"In memory of Treize Khushrenada and his objectives with OZ, I hereby declare the rebirth of OZ. I, Liza Taiki, will follow exactly in his footsteps and make sure that the world that he dreamed of will finally come true. So join me!! With your support and dedication, OZ will rise again, just as it did when our former Excellency Treize Khushrenada had ruled it wisely!"
That brief speech from Liza was followed by a flood of applause from the room who had also supported Treize from the past, and who still believed in his ideals for the future. Liza Taiki was appointed the new leader of OZ, and with that, she was presented a right-hand colonel by the name of Kedar Hakeem, a man who was a bit older than she was. During their mission-briefings, he always confided in her and followed her orders. There wasn't anyone that was as faithful to Liza as Kedar was.
"Your Excellency, we have prepared the Scorpio Mobile Dolls and they are ready to be launched at our first target." Kedar told Liza.
"Good, Kedar. Please proceed with plans as usual. We are running a bit ahead of schedule so we should have some time to spare before we begin with our first mission: make negotiations with Colony L3 Section X19999. If they refuse, we have to resort to our final plea: destroy the colony itself."
"Yes, ma'am." To some degree, this very much displeased Kedar, but he vowed to himself that he will follow Liza's orders and watch over her. While Liza returned to the Excellency office, Kedar looked at her while her back was turned. "Liza... whatever you do... I hope it's for the best." There seems to be something that Kedar knew about her but he decided to keep it inside for now. This was not the time to think about it, so he thought.
At the Million-Island Military Academy, Joel and Quatre had just arrived. As 07 landed, hundreds of soldiers lined up in two lines in front of 07 and all stood in attention. When Joel and Quatre came out, they all saluted both of them. As the First Sergeant, Joel saluted back to them. He looked back at a puzzled Quatre. "Quatre...?"
"Huh? Oh..." Quatre then tried to imitate their salute.
"At ease. Back to your positions." Just as Joel ordered, all the soldiers ran back to their posts or positions.
"I almost forgot that you were a high-ranking officer here, Joel." Quatre commented.
"Don't worry about it. Sometimes, I forget that myself." Just then, one of Joel's subordinates came running to him. Commander Marilyn Angelo had a message for him.
"First Sergeant, the Sergeant Major would like to see you immediately." She then looked at Quatre and introduced herself. "Oh, Quatre Raberba Winner... I am Commander Marilyn Angelo. Pleased to meet you." She bowed in front of him.
"Pleased to meet you, too." Quatre returned a bow as well.
"I think the Sergeant Major would like to meet you, Quatre. Come on." Without waiting another moment, Joel led Quatre to the Sergeant Major's office. They arrived at once. "Sergeant Major." Joel said and saluted.
The Sergeant Major saluted back. "Ah, Salamanca. At ease, and take a seat. Mr. Winner may also take a seat." Joel took a seat. Quatre, on the other hand, was a bit hesitant, but eventually took the seat next to Joel.
Quatre couldn't help but ask how everyone in the base knew who he was. "I'm sorry for intruding, but how does everyone here know who I am?" Before Joel could speak, the Sergeant Major took the spotlight.
"I'll tell him, Salamanca. Four years ago, I promoted Salamanca to General. His first assignment to this organization was to find out what activities are happening in outer space. With this assignment, I allowed him to recruit three subordinates so that they may work directly under his orders. Marilyn Angelo is one of those subordinates. Those three individuals went to outer space and through intercepted messages, they had discovered something that was very pertinent to Salamanca's assignment."
"What was that, Sergeant Major?" Quatre wondered. Then, Sergeant Major Manuel Aquino began to tell him.
"Operation Meteor." As the Sergeant Major said this, Quatre's eyes widened. "Yes. This was also during the time that Salamanca proposed to us Operation Astroraid. Basically, its purpose was to gather as much information as possible about Operation Meteor and any parties that are or will be involved in this extensive mission. Obviously, the former United Earth Sphere Alliance would become involved. Disguised as soldiers, they were allowed to guard a meeting that the United Earth Sphere Alliance had commenced. During that time, they had gathered information in the form of audio. After studying all their sound bytes, they had found out about OZ, and its leader Treize Khushrenada. Salamanca ordered his subordinates to enter the forces of OZ and possibly work under the direct orders of Treize Khushrenada. Even though they were not lucky enough, they were able to find out many facts about the Gundams and their pilots, and that's how they were able to find out about you and the other pilots."
Joel nodded. "Hmm. And it's not only you that we know about. Do not worry, though. The purpose of that mission was just to protect ourselves and our nation from any danger that this region may incur. We have been a neutral nation ever since I can remember. And along those lines, my subordinates were able to steal hundreds of thousands of tons of gundanium and I was not even aware of that."
"It has been pretty scarce from my knowledge. But I can only imagine how this organization can do such detective work."
"I'm sorry, Quatre."
"No, that's not what I meant. Because of your work, this nation and organization was able to protect itself from the repercussions from OZ. It's very commendable." Quatre saw this organization, although small and unknown, was very organized.
"Why did you summon for me, Sergeant Major? Is there something wrong?" Joel had almost forgotten that he was called upon.
"Oh yes, excuse my forgetfulness. There will be a meeting in the large conference room in about 10 minutes that I will be hosting and I want you and Mr. Winner to attend this meeting right behind myself. I'm afraid I have to present some pressing matters that may have history repeat itself."
"History repeat itself?!" Quatre was shocked. "I don't understand! Does it have to do with the previous battle that I was just in?!"
"What do you mean by 'pressing matters that may have history repeat itself' ?" Joel quoted his superior.
"Commanders Theodore Reyes and Alvin Sanchez have made recent studies around the Eastern Europe Region and they have discovered something very disturbing to me, and disturbing to the entire human race. Come. The meeting will commence shortly." The three gentlemen immediately left the Sergeant Major's office and quickly headed towards the large conference room. As the Sergeant Major led the way, Joel and Quatre initiated a conversation of their own.
"Joel, what is the Sergeant Major talking about? Is another war going to start?!"
"I wish I knew, Quatre. But if my hunch is right, then there is another rebel group out there that is trying to fabricate peace on earth and in outer space. The battle that you were just in could be a significant indication of this." Then, they arrived at the entrance of the large conference room where the speaker enters. Joel and Quatre followed the Sergeant Major. They entered the huge room filled with men and women who were soldiers of MIMA. Joel took the seat to the left, Quatre to the right, while Sergeant Major took the podium as he began the meeting.
"I thank everyone for coming to this very important meeting. Allow me to get right to the point. Commanders Theodore Reyes and Alvin Sanchez have been doing studies of militaristic activities around the Eastern Europe Region and immediately, they have brought something to my attention that I must bring to you all before the Earth Sphere United Nations discover this little problem. According to the broadcast that Commander Reyes brought to me, a meeting was held at the Liechtenstein Base led by a woman whom we have never heard of or seen before. It seems to them and also to my impression that OZ has been brought back to life." Right then and there, all the soldiers, even Joel and Quatre gasped in surprise. "The previous intent of Treize Khushrenada and OZ, as stated in the broadcast, will be exactly followed. Whether that is true or not, I cannot assure any of you. But neither Earth nor outer space can afford another OZ. It has already corrupted many, many people and we cannot afford for that to happen. This planet and outer space will surely fall if another OZ is reborn. We must do all we can to protect this planet and outer space and take appropriate measures. First Sergeant Salamanca brought over a former Gundam pilot with him, Quatre Raberba Winner, and I can only hope he can provide us with guidance as to how we can handle this situation."
Just then, every one of the soldiers were looking towards Quatre's direction. Quatre, right off the bat, saw that this organization would do anything to keep peace intact. This meeting showed him how much dedication they had towards peace and how it was important to them as well as to other people. Quatre then looked at Joel and nodded. Joel nodded back and he was now sure that a war may begin yet again. Then, the Sergeant Major continued.
"First Sergeant Salamanca will be in charge of all Mobile Suit operations here in this organization. We hope to have all the Gundam pilots to our side if at all possible. We have commended the Gundams' efforts in the past and now that we have a Gundam by our side, we hope that this circumstance will be kept short so we can avoid any and all casualties. Since this bit of disturbing news was just brought to my attention today, everyone will not have any assigned duties until after two weeks, or until situations become heated. At this time, all soldiers are to take serious precaution. That is all. Dismissed." As soon as that word came out of the Sergeant Major, all soldiers stood in attention and saluted. As soon as the Sergeant Major saluted back, all soldiers who attended the meeting ran back to their positions. Just then, Quatre asked the Sergeant Major a simple question.
"Aren't you going to tell the Earth Sphere United Nations about this?! This is important for them to know!" He sounded very concerned.
"No." Sergeant Major quickly responded.
"Huh?! But you must! Earth and outer space are in danger!" This time, Quatre began to feel afraid.
"I agree with you, Sergeant Major. Quatre, if we let them know now, this will cause a tremendous upstart and that's the last thing that we want. This planet will begin to panic and everything will get out of control. Please understand this, Quatre. We want everyone to feel what little peace we have left at the moment. To inform Vice Minister Relena Dorlian of this now will cause them take immediate action and things that we may anticipate will take place sooner than we want them to." Joel stood up from his seat and began to explain things from his perspective. "Personally, I want people everywhere to stay in peace. We haven't been in peace ever since I can remember. Now that we have at least reached it somehow, everyone deserves every little bit of it. So if we can keep it that way, even for just a little while, then we should."
"Well said, Salamanca," the Sergeant Major commented.
Quatre then nodded. He completely understood where Joel was coming from. What Joel had said just now, he can completely relate. Earth and outer space hasn't been in peace ever since he can remember, either. "I understand. Ever since I can remember, Sandrock and I have been battling just for the sake of peace. I'm sure that the other Gundam pilots will see your intentions. I hope this ordeal won't last for very long as well. I've made sacrifices and mistakes along the way that I wish I didn't have to make." Quatre then began to put his head down, but Joel walked up to him and reassured him that things will be fine. He put a hand on his shoulder and began to speak.
"I can relate, Quatre. There are many things in this world that don't work out the way we want them to. As peaceful or as vengeful as this world may be, this is still a crazy world that we live in." When Joel finished this little statement, the Sergeant Major put himself back in the conversation.
"I can see that you two are already becoming great friends. Keeping this bond between the both of you may be one of the keys to getting Earth and outer space in peace again. Heh. I know that sounded a bit mushy, but I find that to be true." Sergeant Major turned to Quatre. "Mr. Winner, you are free to examine anything here and use our facilities as you need it. We have been eternally grateful for the efforts of the Gundam pilots to bringing this world to peace. If you can get just the other pilots to see what is going on, it would be greatly appreciated."
"I will try my best, Sergeant Major." Quatre responded.
"Thank you. Salamanca, make sure Mr. Winner gets everything he needs while he stays with us here. You know what your duties are. And I have one order for you while all this commences. You are to keep the former Gundam pilots alive."
"Understood, sir." Joel quickly affirmed.
"They have been the key to the success of peace and we cannot let that chain break." Then, the Sergeant Major proceeded to leave the room. Hearing all of that, Joel was a bit overwhelmed.
"I'm... to... keep... all the Gundam pilots... alive...? What did he mean by that?"
"Not to worry, Joel. I'll make sure I stay alive throughout all of this." Quatre reassured him. It was not everyday that Joel got an order like that. In reality, he never directly received an order like that. Especially for four other people he was not even acquainted with.
Chapter 2: OZ Lives Once More (Oozu mata ikiru)
The Liechtenstein Base. Secretly, a meeting is being commenced and at this very moment, there are plans for… the rebirth of OZ? A young-looking woman stepped up to the podium with people who looked like representatives and she began to give a speech.
"In memory of Treize Khushrenada and his objectives with OZ, I hereby declare the rebirth of OZ. I, Liza Taiki, will follow exactly in his footsteps and make sure that the world that he dreamed of will finally come true. So join me!! With your support and dedication, OZ will rise again, just as it did when our former Excellency Treize Khushrenada had ruled it wisely!"
That brief speech from Liza was followed by a flood of applause from the room who had also supported Treize from the past, and who still believed in his ideals for the future. Liza Taiki was appointed the new leader of OZ, and with that, she was presented a right-hand colonel by the name of Kedar Hakeem, a man who was a bit older than she was. During their mission-briefings, he always confided in her and followed her orders. There wasn't anyone that was as faithful to Liza as Kedar was.
"Your Excellency, we have prepared the Scorpio Mobile Dolls and they are ready to be launched at our first target." Kedar told Liza.
"Good, Kedar. Please proceed with plans as usual. We are running a bit ahead of schedule so we should have some time to spare before we begin with our first mission: make negotiations with Colony L3 Section X19999. If they refuse, we have to resort to our final plea: destroy the colony itself."
"Yes, ma'am." To some degree, this very much displeased Kedar, but he vowed to himself that he will follow Liza's orders and watch over her. While Liza returned to the Excellency office, Kedar looked at her while her back was turned. "Liza... whatever you do... I hope it's for the best." There seems to be something that Kedar knew about her but he decided to keep it inside for now. This was not the time to think about it, so he thought.
At the Million-Island Military Academy, Joel and Quatre had just arrived. As 07 landed, hundreds of soldiers lined up in two lines in front of 07 and all stood in attention. When Joel and Quatre came out, they all saluted both of them. As the First Sergeant, Joel saluted back to them. He looked back at a puzzled Quatre. "Quatre...?"
"Huh? Oh..." Quatre then tried to imitate their salute.
"At ease. Back to your positions." Just as Joel ordered, all the soldiers ran back to their posts or positions.
"I almost forgot that you were a high-ranking officer here, Joel." Quatre commented.
"Don't worry about it. Sometimes, I forget that myself." Just then, one of Joel's subordinates came running to him. Commander Marilyn Angelo had a message for him.
"First Sergeant, the Sergeant Major would like to see you immediately." She then looked at Quatre and introduced herself. "Oh, Quatre Raberba Winner... I am Commander Marilyn Angelo. Pleased to meet you." She bowed in front of him.
"Pleased to meet you, too." Quatre returned a bow as well.
"I think the Sergeant Major would like to meet you, Quatre. Come on." Without waiting another moment, Joel led Quatre to the Sergeant Major's office. They arrived at once. "Sergeant Major." Joel said and saluted.
The Sergeant Major saluted back. "Ah, Salamanca. At ease, and take a seat. Mr. Winner may also take a seat." Joel took a seat. Quatre, on the other hand, was a bit hesitant, but eventually took the seat next to Joel.
Quatre couldn't help but ask how everyone in the base knew who he was. "I'm sorry for intruding, but how does everyone here know who I am?" Before Joel could speak, the Sergeant Major took the spotlight.
"I'll tell him, Salamanca. Four years ago, I promoted Salamanca to General. His first assignment to this organization was to find out what activities are happening in outer space. With this assignment, I allowed him to recruit three subordinates so that they may work directly under his orders. Marilyn Angelo is one of those subordinates. Those three individuals went to outer space and through intercepted messages, they had discovered something that was very pertinent to Salamanca's assignment."
"What was that, Sergeant Major?" Quatre wondered. Then, Sergeant Major Manuel Aquino began to tell him.
"Operation Meteor." As the Sergeant Major said this, Quatre's eyes widened. "Yes. This was also during the time that Salamanca proposed to us Operation Astroraid. Basically, its purpose was to gather as much information as possible about Operation Meteor and any parties that are or will be involved in this extensive mission. Obviously, the former United Earth Sphere Alliance would become involved. Disguised as soldiers, they were allowed to guard a meeting that the United Earth Sphere Alliance had commenced. During that time, they had gathered information in the form of audio. After studying all their sound bytes, they had found out about OZ, and its leader Treize Khushrenada. Salamanca ordered his subordinates to enter the forces of OZ and possibly work under the direct orders of Treize Khushrenada. Even though they were not lucky enough, they were able to find out many facts about the Gundams and their pilots, and that's how they were able to find out about you and the other pilots."
Joel nodded. "Hmm. And it's not only you that we know about. Do not worry, though. The purpose of that mission was just to protect ourselves and our nation from any danger that this region may incur. We have been a neutral nation ever since I can remember. And along those lines, my subordinates were able to steal hundreds of thousands of tons of gundanium and I was not even aware of that."
"It has been pretty scarce from my knowledge. But I can only imagine how this organization can do such detective work."
"I'm sorry, Quatre."
"No, that's not what I meant. Because of your work, this nation and organization was able to protect itself from the repercussions from OZ. It's very commendable." Quatre saw this organization, although small and unknown, was very organized.
"Why did you summon for me, Sergeant Major? Is there something wrong?" Joel had almost forgotten that he was called upon.
"Oh yes, excuse my forgetfulness. There will be a meeting in the large conference room in about 10 minutes that I will be hosting and I want you and Mr. Winner to attend this meeting right behind myself. I'm afraid I have to present some pressing matters that may have history repeat itself."
"History repeat itself?!" Quatre was shocked. "I don't understand! Does it have to do with the previous battle that I was just in?!"
"What do you mean by 'pressing matters that may have history repeat itself' ?" Joel quoted his superior.
"Commanders Theodore Reyes and Alvin Sanchez have made recent studies around the Eastern Europe Region and they have discovered something very disturbing to me, and disturbing to the entire human race. Come. The meeting will commence shortly." The three gentlemen immediately left the Sergeant Major's office and quickly headed towards the large conference room. As the Sergeant Major led the way, Joel and Quatre initiated a conversation of their own.
"Joel, what is the Sergeant Major talking about? Is another war going to start?!"
"I wish I knew, Quatre. But if my hunch is right, then there is another rebel group out there that is trying to fabricate peace on earth and in outer space. The battle that you were just in could be a significant indication of this." Then, they arrived at the entrance of the large conference room where the speaker enters. Joel and Quatre followed the Sergeant Major. They entered the huge room filled with men and women who were soldiers of MIMA. Joel took the seat to the left, Quatre to the right, while Sergeant Major took the podium as he began the meeting.
"I thank everyone for coming to this very important meeting. Allow me to get right to the point. Commanders Theodore Reyes and Alvin Sanchez have been doing studies of militaristic activities around the Eastern Europe Region and immediately, they have brought something to my attention that I must bring to you all before the Earth Sphere United Nations discover this little problem. According to the broadcast that Commander Reyes brought to me, a meeting was held at the Liechtenstein Base led by a woman whom we have never heard of or seen before. It seems to them and also to my impression that OZ has been brought back to life." Right then and there, all the soldiers, even Joel and Quatre gasped in surprise. "The previous intent of Treize Khushrenada and OZ, as stated in the broadcast, will be exactly followed. Whether that is true or not, I cannot assure any of you. But neither Earth nor outer space can afford another OZ. It has already corrupted many, many people and we cannot afford for that to happen. This planet and outer space will surely fall if another OZ is reborn. We must do all we can to protect this planet and outer space and take appropriate measures. First Sergeant Salamanca brought over a former Gundam pilot with him, Quatre Raberba Winner, and I can only hope he can provide us with guidance as to how we can handle this situation."
Just then, every one of the soldiers were looking towards Quatre's direction. Quatre, right off the bat, saw that this organization would do anything to keep peace intact. This meeting showed him how much dedication they had towards peace and how it was important to them as well as to other people. Quatre then looked at Joel and nodded. Joel nodded back and he was now sure that a war may begin yet again. Then, the Sergeant Major continued.
"First Sergeant Salamanca will be in charge of all Mobile Suit operations here in this organization. We hope to have all the Gundam pilots to our side if at all possible. We have commended the Gundams' efforts in the past and now that we have a Gundam by our side, we hope that this circumstance will be kept short so we can avoid any and all casualties. Since this bit of disturbing news was just brought to my attention today, everyone will not have any assigned duties until after two weeks, or until situations become heated. At this time, all soldiers are to take serious precaution. That is all. Dismissed." As soon as that word came out of the Sergeant Major, all soldiers stood in attention and saluted. As soon as the Sergeant Major saluted back, all soldiers who attended the meeting ran back to their positions. Just then, Quatre asked the Sergeant Major a simple question.
"Aren't you going to tell the Earth Sphere United Nations about this?! This is important for them to know!" He sounded very concerned.
"No." Sergeant Major quickly responded.
"Huh?! But you must! Earth and outer space are in danger!" This time, Quatre began to feel afraid.
"I agree with you, Sergeant Major. Quatre, if we let them know now, this will cause a tremendous upstart and that's the last thing that we want. This planet will begin to panic and everything will get out of control. Please understand this, Quatre. We want everyone to feel what little peace we have left at the moment. To inform Vice Minister Relena Dorlian of this now will cause them take immediate action and things that we may anticipate will take place sooner than we want them to." Joel stood up from his seat and began to explain things from his perspective. "Personally, I want people everywhere to stay in peace. We haven't been in peace ever since I can remember. Now that we have at least reached it somehow, everyone deserves every little bit of it. So if we can keep it that way, even for just a little while, then we should."
"Well said, Salamanca," the Sergeant Major commented.
Quatre then nodded. He completely understood where Joel was coming from. What Joel had said just now, he can completely relate. Earth and outer space hasn't been in peace ever since he can remember, either. "I understand. Ever since I can remember, Sandrock and I have been battling just for the sake of peace. I'm sure that the other Gundam pilots will see your intentions. I hope this ordeal won't last for very long as well. I've made sacrifices and mistakes along the way that I wish I didn't have to make." Quatre then began to put his head down, but Joel walked up to him and reassured him that things will be fine. He put a hand on his shoulder and began to speak.
"I can relate, Quatre. There are many things in this world that don't work out the way we want them to. As peaceful or as vengeful as this world may be, this is still a crazy world that we live in." When Joel finished this little statement, the Sergeant Major put himself back in the conversation.
"I can see that you two are already becoming great friends. Keeping this bond between the both of you may be one of the keys to getting Earth and outer space in peace again. Heh. I know that sounded a bit mushy, but I find that to be true." Sergeant Major turned to Quatre. "Mr. Winner, you are free to examine anything here and use our facilities as you need it. We have been eternally grateful for the efforts of the Gundam pilots to bringing this world to peace. If you can get just the other pilots to see what is going on, it would be greatly appreciated."
"I will try my best, Sergeant Major." Quatre responded.
"Thank you. Salamanca, make sure Mr. Winner gets everything he needs while he stays with us here. You know what your duties are. And I have one order for you while all this commences. You are to keep the former Gundam pilots alive."
"Understood, sir." Joel quickly affirmed.
"They have been the key to the success of peace and we cannot let that chain break." Then, the Sergeant Major proceeded to leave the room. Hearing all of that, Joel was a bit overwhelmed.
"I'm... to... keep... all the Gundam pilots... alive...? What did he mean by that?"
"Not to worry, Joel. I'll make sure I stay alive throughout all of this." Quatre reassured him. It was not everyday that Joel got an order like that. In reality, he never directly received an order like that. Especially for four other people he was not even acquainted with.