Act 5: Victim of Circumstance
November 7th, UC 0079
Belarus, Europe
Pripyat River
05:00 A.M.
The sun was dawning over the vast, harsh plains of Northern Europe. Every Zeon officer expected this day to come for weeks. Intelligence said that Odessa Day would begin on November 7th, at around 6 A.M. in the morning. All around Europe, several Zeon platoons were gathering to meet at Odessa, to go over any last minute defense procedures. Intelligence also stated that the Federation would be using mobile suits aside of Gundam in this Operation, and that is something that got Zeon soldiers participating in the Operation scared. The power of Gundam was magnificent, and nearly unfathomable. For those close in the intelligence, there has been a Zeon suit designed to combat the Gundam, as it too has mastered the beam rifle. However, testing for gravity use hasn't been optimized yet, and the Zeon had to make do with what they had. The Zakus, Goufs, and a new model that was first used under the Black Trinary.
The Dom. The Dom was supposed to be used for high speed attacks, as it was faster on land than any mobile suit. Nobody knew how it would far against the Federation's new suits, but it proved to be nothing more than an obstacle for the White Devil. Lieutenant Mash of the Black Trinary was killed by the Gundam, and that news spread throughout the ranks almost instantly. That, was used as morale by many commanding officers, but it only struck fear into most. Everything the Zeon was dishing out proved useless against the Gundam, and now they're mass producing it.
However, this battle will decide the fate of the war. Odessa, was a battle that was important to thousands of Zeon soldiers. It was their main mining resources, and their primary resource to the Earth forces. If they lose Odessa, the only other stronghold that Zeon has is California Base and all of North America. If Odessa was lost, California Base would be weakened, and the Federation could push them off Earth and drive them into space with no effort. Many spies within Federation ranks were scurrying to find the secret base of the Federation, but spies were being hunted down one by one. . There were rumors of spies being in the Federation, and they are slowly being extinguished.
To the river, there is a sight of a lone Zeon team. For anybody who was not familiar with Zeon propaganda with their mobile suits, one would get them confused for the Black Trinary themselves. The squad consisted of three Doms, baring dark colorations that matched their surroundings. The peak of the sun glistened off their armor, and revealed their mono-eye, flickering and glaring all over the place. The Doms were hovering above ground. A thermo-thrust system that kept the Dom barely rifting, but allowed fast ground speed, considering the Dom wasn't really good in the air to begin with, due to it's bulky appearance. The Doms also adored bazookas, that went over their shoulders. These were the Giant B2 models, were there was a triangular hold at the bottom of the bazooka. The lead Dom, seemed to be much more sleek in appearance compared to the bulky normal model of the Dom. It appeared to be some sort of variation. Some sort of stealth-type. The weapon the Stealth Dom was containing was shorter and smaller than a bazooka, but still seemed out of the ordinary. It was a low-capacity beam rifle, the weapon that made Gundam what it is. The beam rifle contains the power of a battleship, and negates any armor any mobile suit has. To this day, Zeon still hasn't made a countermeasure against beam rifles that were full proof except for limited anti-beam armor that didn't work half of the time. Combined with the high mobility of the Dom, this would be a dangerous foe.
"Commander Vivian, how far from the Operation Point?" Said one of the Zeon pilots.
"Yes. . We should be at Kiev pretty soon. . Until then, we will continue traveling among the river bed than crossing the river." Virocana Vivian was a woman who seemed pretty gentle in appearance. From her looks, she didn't seem suited to pilot a combat-ready mobile suit. She had blue hair that slightly hung over her face within her helmet, the helmet all pilots were required to wear incase of head injury from shrapnel in the cockpit among other things. Her calm demeanor proved that she must have been a veteran at piloting mobile suits, as her face seemed perfectly calm, concentrating on the surroundings around her. Her voice, was just as slender as her form, as it barley came out the tone of a whisper.)
"Why ma'am? I think our new Doms can handle it. ." The second pilot asked.
"Let's not try. . I have an intuition that they will get damaged if we try. ." Virocana said in absolute monotone.
"You see? She's spoken. You shouldn't doubt her." The first pilot said. In response, the second pilot just chuckled.
"Yeah. . Commander Vivian knows what she's doing."
Even now, they still mock me. . Virocana's mind seemed to stray away from everything existing, as she started to retreat to her own dream world, envisioning something that happened recently. All she could hear was the hum of the Dom's thermo-thrusters aiding the massive suit to a high pace. All she had to do is keep herself straight for another period of time at least, and she will be at her mission objective; a rendezvous with the Odessa corps., to finalize the Federation defense. I'm not that different. . Aren't I?
"Virocana. . You have stopped your test. . Are you alright?" The flash back began, and the sight of a bald old man filled the visage.
"Yes doctor. . I'm fine. ." In somewhere far from civilization, on top of a mountain range somewhere, a building resided. It seemed to be more of a prison than a fortress or a house. Inside, was coated in gray, resembling the dullness of the building itself. Where Virocana was, seemed to be something off of a movie. She was wearing some sort of plate on her head, that concealed her hair. The thick bags under her eyes told that she was suffering from physical fatigue. She was sitting upright in a chair, along several other companions of different age groups. The other had blank stares as their eyes were focused on a capsule with children blocks and an assortment of other items in it. The odd thing was, the items were rifting in midair, moving at any direction at random. There were no strings, but due to the high concentration of the viewer, it would appear that they were the source of this. This must have been a psychic lab.
Virocana was dressed in a white dress, as her hands were on her lap. On her arms, were small slots that were big enough to fit her arms. Wires hooked onto the slots, led to the source, that was a reader, alike that of a lie detector all most. Every second, the reader printed a continuous amount of paper that read off three different lines. Each line was that of a heat beat's read. The lines were in different colors, as it would seem immediately foreign for anybody who didn't know how to interrupt what they meant. The occupants seemed endless, as the tables were linked end on end until space ran out, and the test subjects continued a next row in front. Near the electronic door, there were twin titans, who were dressed in all black. They wore sunglasses, and stood like monoliths, not talking to anyone, or showing any signs of life. If somebody went near the door, they put their arm out, blocking them. Every now and then, they gave the occasional grunt of frustration, or a slight nudge. Those were the only signs of life from the guards that they ever portrayed. Nobody has heard their voice or know their names except for the doctors here.
"Virocana. . Is something troubling you?" The scientist asked once more. Virocana knew that whenever the doctors were nice to the subjects, it was because they wanted something out of it. Like their subjects to respect them to do more tests. None of the subjects knew exactly why they were there. . However, they had no memory of the outside world. Just memories of closed in walls. . None of them even knew what continent or land form they were on. . All they knew is that they were born unfortunate by God. . The subjects didn't even know much about freedom, as all they did was follow their orders. Not like Juvenile Hall or prison, where a social system would surface. Here. . It was the same sad routine, operating like lifeless drones. Virocana had some sort of experience about life; she was the oldest test subject in the labs. . She was in her late 20's, and the children looked up to her as an elder, even though the truth was that the children had nothing to hope for, as she didn't have a home to go to either. . Or a memory for that matter. .
"Dr. Ren. . I've been wondering about many things. ." Virocana said as she let her chin rest upon her hand, sighing deeply.
"What do you mean? Wondering about what?" Dr. Ren said, attempting to act like he was truly concerned. Virocana looked out of the windows. . She shifted her head plate a little bit, but Ren prevented her to by holding her arm. His touch seemed rather rough on her skin, and she couldn't help but emit a long and audious sigh, after the realization of the sight before her; the windows, all of the collection of windows in her vicinity, were barred of in a hint of malice. . It actually was like a prison. They couldn't escape even if they wanted to.
"Dr. Ren. . Why don't I have. . Memories?" Virocana asked, and it didn't seem to take long for Ren to think of a reply.
"You'll receive your memories back when the war ends. ."
"Dr. Ren. . Most of us don't even know a war is existing. ."
"Really. . Maybe you can break that to them. . They look up to you."
"But doctor. . When it all comes down to it," Virocana's voice broke upon mentioning these words, as her emotions started to tear away at her heart. "We're all. . Just little drones. . Working day in and day out. . I can't. . I can't take it anymore. . I want to go. . I want to see them. ."
'We used the mind sweep. . Yet she still remembers a fragment of her memories? And this emotional trouble?' Ren thought to himself. "The drugs should be able to control your emotions. . I won't allow outbursts like this come from somebody of your caliber."
"Why. . Why do you continue to hurt us further?"
"I'm not controlling or hurting you. . I'm keeping you safe."
"Keeping me. . Safe?" Virocana looked up to the old scientist curiously.
"Yes. . If I let you kids into the real world. . They will shun you. The oldtypes will shun you. . Because they simply cannot accept that somebody has actually progressed farther than them. So I'm trying to protect all of you."
"Protect. . Us? Do the humans really. . Hate us that much?" Virocana was completely oblivious to the discrimination around her in the world.
"Hate? No. . They despise people of your kind that have gifts that are unfathomable. Most of their souls, are still weighed down by gravity. ." Ren said, perfectly quoting Zeon Zum Deikum.
"But Doctor. . Aren't our souls weighed by gravity right now?"
"Under the circumstances. . Yes. However soon. . We will move back into space. That is when we will claim victory."
'Victory? What is he talking about? Why would he mention "we"?' Then. . There was that question many weeks later. . Cutting to Virocana in her dorm, the room symbolized the exigency of the social disorder of the test subjects. There were minimal possessions in Virocana's room. There was just a drawer for the multitude of replications of the same subject garb she was accustomed to wear around the base that bared resemblance to the dress that hospital victims were required to wear. There was a desk, which had a head light, and several loose leaf papers perfectly aligned in a stack. There was a tin containing several writing utensils, and other miscellaneous possessions. On top of the desk however, was a necklace of unknown origin. It appeared to be rather aged, but the necklace consisted of a string, holding half of a ruined heart binding onto the string.
This was Virocana's only material possession, and if the doctors found it, they would dispose of it, for reasons unknown except that emotional attachments are lethal hazards. For what plan were they preparing the students? Nobody knew, not even a majority of the doctors. Just high doctors like Dr. Ren that were aligned with the Zeon military knew of the purpose of the lab. The kids didn't even know the proper name of the lab, as that too, was more that the doctors sheltered from them. Virocana was enjoying sleep, the only solitude away from the arduous struggles of mental labor. Several chain of pounds on the door greeted themselves, violently awaking Virocana of any broken tide she had with the mortal world.
The older woman struggled to get up, muttering to herself. She wanted to curse more than she was allowed too, but something was binding her from getting from the level of irritation. She pressed a side button on the panel linked with the electronic door, and the light phased from red to green. The result was the door sliding open instantly. There, she saw Dr. Ren, dressed in his usual doctor's coat. Ren seemed overly. . Serious about something, as Virocana's fatigue took form to Ren by the visible black bags under her eyes. Even though Ren would simply disregard this like Virocana was like one of the machines she usually saw him tinker with.
"I've always told you. . Never lock the door. ." Ren spoke down onto Virocana as if she was a dog who needed the scolding to obey the command.
"I apologize Doctor. . It's only 2 o'clock. You told me my next test was at 5 o'clock." Virocana said softly.
"It's not that. . I need to give you this. The letter will tell you everything you need to know." Ren held out an envelope with his frail, old form. Virocana took the envelope and Ren gave one of his stern looks to Virocana's direction. She closed the door back with a press of a switch, and sat back on her bed. If you could call it a bed. . It would be more like a mattress. The seriousness in Ren's voice gave her more reason to be concerned. . She slit the top of the envelope with her nails, and pulled out a letter. The letter wasn't too long in length. . But what it said would greatly affect Virocana. .
"This is a direct order from the Council from Zeon Homeland, A Bao A Qu. This request is very urgent, and it requires your undivided attention. You were chosen to participate under the expected attack on a mining base in Europe, in Odessa. This may seem sudden, as the attack was scheduled to commence in the next five weeks at least, but our last pilot that was scheduled to participate under the role we are about to give you was killed under a failed attack on White Base. So we are going to in trust you with this task. You will leave to a base in southeastern Europe in near Russian region to a base that runs the southern border guard. There, you will be briefed on what to expect. This may come sudden, but your superiors will tell you when to leave and matters concerning such. For all that we expect, is that you will be testing a Stealth model of the MS-09 Dom, that was recently overhauled for combat. Other information on the model will be told when you go through the entire briefing when you arrive. We know that you lack the battle experience, but somebody of your caliber will do just fine, even without combat experience. That is all." That was the contents that Virocana read out aloud to herself. 'My caliber. . Is this what Dr. Ren was talking about? Is this why they have to shield us off from the world? To prevent us from being used like this?' Those thoughts ran through her mind multiple times. . But then the scene shifted.
The last vision. . Where for the first time. . She actually felt secure, even out of the laboratory. .
"Miss Vivian. . This his General Jackson of the 13th ZMF Battalion. You'll reorganize with his battalion at the specified operation point to finalize Odessa strategy." A soldier said. This, was a complete twist, as in only a week at the least, Virocana was already forced to adapt to military life styles. The most skilled instructors attempted to drill her on mobile suit warfare at the most hastened amounts of time, in massive doses. It seemed no different to her than in a lab, as she was still working around the clock. This time though, she didn't feel as secluded from humanity as she did at the lab, as there were tons of soldiers around this base, that was located in northeastern Russia.
She felt out of place, as she didn't know how to deal with socialism. General Jackson held out his frail old hand as a primary custom, and Virocana just looked down at his outstretched hand absentmindedly, as the custom was something outlandish. Around her, was a majority of the 13th Battalion, which consisted of many faces she never knew. Jackson retreated his hand in disapproval, and motioned towards the soldier to continue the stale introductions. In Virocana's mind, she seemed severely out of place, taking into consideration how. . Different she was from humans, and so she really wanted to be left alone in her room. But the people seemed nice enough. . The complete warped views that Dr. Ren bestowed upon her for as long as she could remember.
"Well. . She will be positioned here for the time being, but pretty soon, when the planned attack on Odessa starts, IF there's an attack planed, she will operate under your orders as soon as the rendezvous is completed." The soldier said, as another man entered the woman's vicinity.
"Great. . Another kid to baby-sit. Just what I need. ." A comment of that kind could only come from General Jackson.
"She's very gifted sir. . She came straight out of the testing labs. She was one of their best subjects." The soldier leapt to Virocana's defense.
"But does she know that?"
"Somewhat. ." The soldier replied. Virocana was right there, but she didn't have the foggiest idea on what the superiors were talking about. All she knew is that they were talking about her present status, and that they were treating her like an infant, saying stuff in front of her that she understood well, yet they considered her to be "too" young to understand it. She wanted to leave at this point more than ever, but she caught the sight of a young man. Even younger than she was. . She sensed something rather. . Unearthly about the man, but something that both of them could relate to. The feeling was irregular, but at the same time, it seems that she was so used to the feeling infiltrating her consciousness, it was like she preformed it under her basic tests at the lab.
But the lab was over now. . She was in the military now. She was now going to be used to kill people, as her superiors get away from the guilt, the people they killed with their own hands, blaming it on the puppets they ordered. Virocana knew this well, but she simply couldn't find the courage to stand up to them anywhere in the depths of her mind. . It appeared to be. . Fear. . . Fear of rejection. .
"Who is that. .? That young man there?" Virocana asked. The soldier was about to answer, but the General interrupted with his brash, booming voice.
"That's Samuel Apollo. He's a freak just like you are. . You too will get along." Jackson chuckled to his own joke, granted the absence of any humor to it. All of the 13th Battalion was aware of Jackson's prejudice to the "Gifted Ones", but this was something new to Virocana, as she just responded in a soft tone, obviously stung on what the General snapped.
"F-Freaks?" She asked.
"Oh yeah. You look down on us regular ones on disapproval like we're inferior." A majority of the Battalion just nodded. Apollo however, was in a world of his own, attempting to forget about what Jackson was saying, considering that Apollo had to live with this for over a year, and he's gotten used to it. Despise what Jackson said, he knew that Apollo was his best pilot. . Which would mean that Virocana is in threat for that position due to her "resume"?
"What is so superior about us? What is the boundary between us?" Jackson was about to answer Virocana's statement, but Apollo inexpertly leapt to verbal defense.
"Stay quiet General. . Your Feddie side is showing. ." The people among Jackson's battalion started to chatter amongst themselves, as Jackson had no other option but to back down. To prove to Apollo's victory over Jackson's humiliation further, he continued on. . "Don't worry General. This woman might just replace you."
"You. ." Jackson turned in the opposite direction, as he didn't allow not one person to get a good look of his face, which was pure scarlet. Sulking in his defeat, he retreated from the crowd of his family, and walked into the opposite direction. The other members of the 13th Battalion followed, but the last person to leave, was Ensign Lisa, who gave Apollo a firm look of disapproval that he ignored, and then she walked off. Apollo approached a rather confused Virocana, as she wasn't sure of what just happened here. Apollo landed one of his hands on Virocana's slender shoulder, triggering her to jump a little bit from the man's touch.
"Don't worry about him. I'll be sure that he never bothers you." Apollo said, and Virocana looked upon the ground, questioning the General's odd course of emotion.
"Why does he hate me? I never did anything. . I don't want to be hated. ." She said to herself.
"Well. . You're not unstable, so I guess you're just sensitive. So just stay close to me, alright?" And with that, the flashback ended abruptly with the bleep on the control console of the Dom.
"Commander Vivian, it's the Kiev. They're welcoming us." One of the pilots said.
"That's good. . We will continue down the river banks and meet them. ." As the Doms continued onward, Virocana couldn't help but wonder something to herself. . He told me. . I could see the boundaries between "us" and "them" in the heat of battle. . I wonder if that's true.
****
"Okay. . Lower it!" A voice yelled out in some sort of hangar of some sort. He was addressing the mechanical worker on the proper directions needed. Then, a loud "crash" ensued. "A bit lower," The worker was motioning both of his arms as if he were directing an aircraft for take off assistance. .
"That's it!" There, the legs of an unknown mobile suit were lifted up by several strands of fiber, pulling the lumbering behemoth into an upright position. The mobile suit appeared to be a Federation standard model, considering the coloration was different from the Zeon's trademark green paint that a majority of their suits were figuring, and that this suit's coloration was red on the torso, and white on the legs and any other joints. This suit also had a mono-optical system, but not to the degree the terrifying Zeon mobile suits go, the visor of the Federation suit took up the entire head, as it seemed to be more homage to the RX-78-2 Gundam that was running around on the same continent, doing what it does best; wrecking havoc and terror among the Zeon lines. Federation pilots would get overconfident that Zeon is being forced into terror because of mainly the Gundam and the White Base crew, but as soon as word got out that the Federation mobile suits would be for one, considerably weaker than the Gundam, and was a pre-mass production type model, the pilots turned their hopes around and else where. These suits were on the Big Tray Bulldog , as it appeared that it was just one along many of a Federation armada, heading southwards to Odessa through various environmental features. Odessa was fully commenced about 3 hours or so later, and an attack was expected. Most of the commanders predict that the heavy fighting will start tomorrow, but today would just be "slight misdemeanors".
Along side of the mobile suit that was properly identified as the GM [G] Ground Type, was a rather bulky mobile suit. It seemed like a variation of the basis of the GM model, but much more heavily armed. It adored twin cannons on it's back, and had a slightly more sleek visor. This was the Guncannon Mass Production Type. The Guncannon was the second unit along White Base, and had much more defensive capabilities than Gundam did. It's lack of close range weapons did decrease the pilot's chance from surviving, but the Guncannon's role was to provide mid range fire support to a close range suit. The third figure, seemed to be an abomination. Mobile Suits were mainly used for mid-to-close range combat, but something like this would disprove that. It was a massive tank type mobile suit, as twin lumbering cannons held over it's shoulders, capable of ripping through any mobile suit depending on how close it was.
The final technical specimen was something that simply could have been confused with Gundam if one wasn't familiar with Federation models. Yet another pre-mass production type, it was the Gundam Ground Type, a specialized version of Gundam. Around this type, were dozens of tank and plane parts. Granted it was a ground type, and wasn't a multi-role type like the actual Gundam is, but the main battle was on Earth, and multi-role suits weren't needed. The multi-role GM was being put into the final testing operations, but wasn't quite ready for Operation Odessa. Although, the Federation knew that they couldn't win Odessa with tanks, planes, and White Base alone, so some strings had to be pulled, like granting some corps like the 4th Division that the Bulldog was currently within, some mobile suits for some chance at victory. As most of the workers exclaimed. . They were lucky they weren't in General Revil's main force. That would just be suicide. .
"Okay. . That's it. Now all we need to do is to arm the weapons. . Hey Pilot Hakiteki! How long are you going to stand there?"
"Until I know which one is mine. ." Satoru was dressed in the piloting clothing that was required at this moment. It's been at least a week since he first came onto the Bulldog and so far it's been a moderate trip. It's a lot busy now because so many workers are rushing to prepare the mobile suits and other various assortments of ground units that the Big Tray-class ship presented. Satoru was standing on top of the bridge leading downwards to the floor. The bridge had to have been at least 13 or so meters in the air, considering there was a precise pathway branching off from the straight route to all of the mobile suit's cockpits. He was standing in front of the Gundam [G], hoping that the suit would be his. . Even though Amelia probably wouldn't allow it. There was one more pilot in the Bulldog , and his name was. .
"Avery! What are you doing here?" Another pilot stepped from one of the thousands of corridors leading to the cargo bay. Avery, the same Avery who threatened to kill Satoru on the flight to the Big Tray in the first place. It's only been a few days, and the two are acting like year-long friends.
"Heh. I'm just looking for you, because Senra couldn't."
"Really. . What is he up to?"
"His usual tricks; trying to get in Amelia's pants," Avery said, and Satoru expected none the less.
"I see. . So what did he want?"
"Just to tell you that briefing will start in a few minutes, and you'd better get going."
"Tolen won't care too much, but," Tolen was a nice commander, the complete opposite of what Satoru and Senra used to experience everyday. Most of Tolen's superiors called him very lenient, but Tolen simply said to let the children be children in this case. Most people disapprove of what he says because the military is not a kindergarten, but many others took advantage of his very forgiving attitude to do whatever they pleased. "I might as well go anyway."
"Eh. . Knowing the basic case of luck, Tolen will probably start to change even now. . So I wouldn't undermine him.
"I suppose so. ." Something clicked overhead. It was the P.A. system, as in response, all of the workers halted their duties. The symphony of drilling and banging on various metal parts ceased into a mood of silence. The silence continued for a moment, so that it could attract all attention throughout the entire vessel, as the only thing that could be heard aside of the quiet engines below them was the static of the P.A., until a familiar voice came in, that was instantly identified as Tolen's voice. .
"Attention all occupants of the Bulldog. I repeat: attention all occupants of the Big Tray-class Bulldog. We have finalized the attack procedures on Odessa. I repeat, the 4th Division has finalized a plan to carry out the main stream of Operation Odessa. A reprehensive is here, and he will explain all of what will happen and what your roles all. All designated workers will report to the briefing room in 15 minutes. All civilians will come along as well, for warning of what to do if this cruiser was placed in threat. . That is all, and consequences will ensure if you don't show up to the briefing. Yes, it's that important. That is all, Captain Tolen out. ." The P.A. cut itself off, as a big majority of the base was on the move, dropping their previously preformed jobs and moving towards the briefing room. As the cargo bay began to get less and less populated and noisy by the moment, Satoru and Avery also turned to the doorway that was opposite of them, and left the 4 massive giants to themselves. . There were several doors down the hallway, and it was easy to get lost, but considering they knew the way, it was impossible for them to get lost, even in a massive land bound battleship like this one. .
"So. ." Without anything to stir up an interesting conversation, he asked something that he'd been wondering for the past two days. "Have you met any girls lately?"
"On this ship? Don't kid me." Satoru said. In actuality, Satoru wished that there were a few more women on this base.
"Well, I hear the girl who steers the ship looks pretty good."
"I need to get her name though.." Many minutes later, the briefing room consisted of rows of chairs lined up, as a massive bulletin board was plastered on the front. It was unknown what the room was previously used for, but the briefing "requirements" seemed to be much of a rush job than anything else. The walls were very dull, coated with the color gray which signified the lack of paint onto the walls. The room also contained several tables pushed into the farthest corners of the room, which made it nearly impossible to trace back on what the room was previously used for. Satoru and Avery sat in the very back, and mere minutes passed, and already, the room was filled to the brim with chattering occupants.
After a short period of time, a trio of well-dressed Federation officers invaded the scene. One of them, was Tolen. They were setting up a map on a wall by nailing it completely plastered with tacks, which proved to be of a nuisance attempting to pierce through on a metallic wall. Shortly, Satoru felt an item on his shoulder, as the touch almost seemed lifelike. By human instincts, he automatically jolted a little bit in his chair, and turned around, to see Senra, accompanied by Amelia who was also dressed fully.
"What is this briefing going to be about?" Satoru asked.
"About how we're going to attack Odessa." Senra replied. The chatter ceased automatically. There was one simultaneous sound of noise of the people sitting down nearly all at once. One was the last one to sit, as she looked around the room in a clueless manner, before Amelia lightly tugged her on her bare hand to sit down. The members fell silent, as they just stared up at the map plastered on the wall in front of them. The light was still off, considering they didn't have a view case to properly do the briefing, so a map would have to do. Tolen stood up before the silenced, and once rowdy crowd, holding a pointer for what it seemed.
"Thank you all. . Anyway, I'm sure you all know well about the planned offensive in this country, Operation Odessa. You know that Odessa is in central Ukraine, and considering we're now in Belarus, it's only one more border away. For those not familiar for whatever reason, Odessa is used as a mining facility. ."
Tolen gulped, slightly recovering his voice before he continued onward with the briefing. "By utilizing victory over Zeon's lead mining resource, we might just end this war by lack of resources to build their mobile suits, or at least push them off of the planet pretty soon. General Revil will be leading the main fleet into Odessa, while the infamous White Base, will move in the opposite direction to attract the main Zeon forces, and act as a decoy. Revil's fleet should be able to get past the main ZMF (Zeon Mobile Force) defense unit. If this is successful. ." Tolen ceased for a minute, regaining his voice once more and continued onward with the monologue.
"Operation Odessa should be a cake walk from there." On the map, Tolen pointed to the area between Ukraine and Belarus, as a red light illuminated upon the surface of the map. "We're a part of the 4th Division, and the 4th Division's role is to outflank the Odessa forces from the north. Seeing from here. ." Tolen directed the pointer to the Pripyat River, and downwards to the Belarus/Ukraine border.
"Here, is the border. Along with others among the 4th Division, I'm expecting an attack here, near the swamp land and the forest area. Depending on expected Zeon resistance, it's unknown at this point if we will go through the swamps, or just cut through the forest, but a Big Tray cannot pass through a river without much repair needed to empty the tanks of water, especially in the middle of an Operation like this." Tolen coughed, as already, most of the occupants were falling asleep.
"Once through the border, we will attack Odessa dead on from the north, breaking through any defense line. I expect around 3 defense lines: The Belarus/Ukraine border, near Kiev, and the final line north of Odessa. Other Divisions will be passing through the Carpathian Mountains, and other locations, so we should meet around the same time for the attack. We will surround Odessa and all ends, and force it to cease fire. . However. ." Tolen directed the pointer not to far from Odessa, eastwards.
"Here, Zeon spies have predicted to have seen several installations of HLV sites here. Some of the transports will probably blast off into space here. Once Odessa activity has died down, half of the 4th Division among others will be reported to search all surrounding areas lie the Dnieper Lowlands, and among the Dnieper River. As for the battle tactics. ." Tolen trailed off, as he witnessed several sights off to sleep. Tolen just shrugged, and continued on. Satoru and his friends barely seemed to stay awake, with the exception of Amelia, who just stared at Tolen not for the briefing, but as if she were waiting for him to say something.
"All tanks will stay put around the Bulldog for assistance, and to provide a front barrage. Planes will head forward, to provide any reconnaissance, or quick attacks on future Zeon defense lines. There were only four mobile suits stationed to the Bulldog , but I think that will be enough. Would Miss- I mean, Commander Keen please step up to discuss the battle plan." Tolen stepped aside, as Amelia stood up. She looked at the multitude of people who were snoozing, and considered herself lucky, as no matter where she was, she hated the attention, or the burden to get up in front of a lot of people. She eased through the chairs, as Satoru, Senra, and Avery looked at her. This was the part they were supposed to be paining attention too. One on the other hand, was snoozing just like the others, but she didn't have a point in the battle, so it wouldn't be enough to wake her up just to hear something she didn't have to.
Or maybe she did have to. Up on the stand, Amelia calmly took the pointer in Tolen's frail hands, and she just nodded towards him, giving off a slight smile in respect. Amelia coughed first, and swallowed hard before facing something that she simply didn't have to do again.
"E-Excuse me. ." Her tone was barely that of a whimper. This sure wouldn't get attention. After that, she spoke in an amputated tone that nobody has ever heard, as it was that foreign. She was used to talking in her soft tone, but this tone she was doing, seemed unnatural to some people who's been acquainted to the commander. It wasn't like she was yelling, but it seemed firm, but still unearthly. "This will be the finalization of the mobile suit attack plan." She activated the pointer, as it's crimson light grazed onto the very edge of the border between Belarus and Ukraine.
"The river will probably be heavily guarded. Zeon forces might anticipate this, but out forces will go through the swamps near the river, and then cross the remainder of the way through the forests there. The space between Odessa and the north border of Ukraine is immense, and consists of nothing but crop land, so it would be very hard for Zeon forces to hide and do a surprise attack upon us. ."
Amelia also felt the effect of her voice running dry, as she swallowed a few times before continuing. "However. . It would be very difficult for us to prevent fighting as well. So I've constructed a plan. All of the mobile suit forces will be along side of the Bulldog at all points. Do not venture out too far, or else you might be shot, or left behind. The assigned suits will go as follows: Team A will consist of Ensign Hakiteki and Ensign Davies." This was the first time that Amelia has ever mentioned anybody under their rank when they weren't in the battlefield. It was probably to prove that a woman too could be harsh, and not just doting and forgiving.
"Team B will be Ensign Rail, and myself. The mobile suit assignment will be as follows: Ensign Hakiteki and Davies will pilot the GM [G] and the Guncannon MPT respectively. The purpose of this is they will be the first to launch, and the GM and Gundam are used as close combat mobile suits, so if a platoon is there, they will be the first to commence attack. Ensign Rail and I will pilot the Guntank MPT and the Gundam [G] respectively. Team B will support Team A with cover fire. It's crucial that once the battle has started, the Bulldog should also join the barrage. ." Amelia went silent for the moment, before continuing once more. "Team A may be caught in the barrage, but I'm sure that they will be alright. I'm placing my faith in them. After that, we will be in Odessa battlegrounds. I'm predicting that the escape point will be.."
****
"Kiev. That's exactly where they're going to strike after they finish with Odessa." General Jackson said. In a rather rigid bar, several Zeonic forces resided all around the small establishment that was once a city in Kiev. It seemed to be more of a slight desert region, given the insignificant amount of activity in the area. Around the city, there were several barracks, and 5 Gaw attack carriers. Outside of them, it seemed like some Zaku suits were half loaded, but promptly aborted before the entire procedure was in place.
Within the bar itself, several armed Zeon soldiers were about the place, no doubt members within the 13th Battalion and other origins. Jackson, was standing up, as his finger went awry, pointing onto a wrinkled map that was spread out along the table. There resided Apollo in his calm demeanor, Virocana and her Dom pilots, fully dressed in the pilot uniform with their helmets holstered at their sides, Ensign Lisa, and a few other pilots that were sent to complete the limited force of counterattack. It seemed that Jackson was explaining the mission details. .
"How can you be so sure?" Apollo asked. By Jackson's demeanor, he didn't even have the energy to quarrel with the pilot at the moment.
"It's practically the only city establishment here besides Odessa, so my guess is that the Feddies will probably strike here."
"What if you guessed wrong?"
"Then I overestimated the Federation," Upon Jackson's statement, Apollo was rendered speechless. "Anyway, it's not like we can fully move all of our resources in time. We're going to have to abandon this position. Do you have any ideas Commander Vivian?"
"N-no. . No I don't. ." Virocana said slowly, as if she was previously pulled from her daydreaming. Jackson's shrug just served the basis of the reply.
"Fine. . Anyway. . The Doms are pretty superior to the tanks and planes that the Federation have, and their Big Trays are nothing to worry about."
"I'm not sure. ." Apollo said quietly.
"Really? If two teams of two Zakus could defeat a Big Tray single handedly, it would be very easy for Doms to do such." [1]
"That's. . Not what I'm talking about."
"Really. . So what's your prediction, psychic?" Jackson's annoyance level promptly rose. Virocana jumped at the term that Jackson used to label Apollo, considering that was the exact same term that Dr. Ren used to call her, a "psychic".
A "psychic"? Is he the same. . As me? Virocana thought to herself as she just watched the sultry man.
"Well? I'm waiting for your intuition. ." Jackson said in a mocking tone. Apollo would have left the 13th Battalion due to Jackson's discrimination towards Apollo's "gift", and the realization that Virocana possibly had the same abilities have pushed Jackson over the edge, as he didn't want anybody who was superior to him, to eventually take command of what he's tried his best to receive. His image. While Apollo could have left, something is binding him to the 13th Battalion. . At this point, it was probably Virocana. .
"I sense something. . Irregular about this mission. . Something I cannot put my finger on. . Like the Federation is being overconfident. . It couldn't be about the White One, because that's just a single unit. ."
"Hm. ." Jackson considered the thought for a period, and then reinsured his answer. He was going to believe Apollo after all.
"Perhaps. . As for the battle plan. . Virocana, you will move to the swamp/forest conjunction area near the border. ."
"When?" The woman asked.
"In the evening. They will possibly be passing through the border in the evening. . The battle could go on through the night, but only time will tell. Two Gaws will accompany you into the region, and drop 3 Zakus each behind the Doms. The remainder of the 13th Battalion will stay behind and evacuate from Kiev. If we can't recover it, forget it. We will move to assist the northern defense line of Odessa."
"Isn't that a violation of orders?" Apollo asked. Jackson slammed his fist into the wooden table. The impact of his fist didn't effect him any bit than the others, keeping silent from Jackson's sudden outburst of anger.
"It's either we move, or we die!"
****
Near Belarus/Ukraine Border
ETA: 30 Minutes
19:30 P.M.
Back at the irascible Big Tray Bulldog , the mechanics were running amok, as in attempting to prepare the mobile suits in the most hastened compromise looming upon them. The border was impending, and Zeon attack was escalating. General Revil's main force has already broken through the main front lines, and was making their way to Odessa's final defensive line. ZMF counterattack was expected, but hasn't been truly verified at the moment.
Satoru was standing in front of the massive titan that was the GM [G]. He'd never been inside a mobile suit outside of simulations, and he wondered how far it would differ. The launch time was neigh, and Satoru had suddenly been overcome with anxiety of battle. . Not anxiety, that isn't the proper word. More like fear of battle. Text book answers and simulation results did nothing on the battlefield, as for all he knew, he could be the first to die, just like Sergeant Stone said to him.
Senra on the other hand, he wasn't worried at all, he was just proud to be near Amelia, even if it meant being put in a death trap that was called the Guntank MPT. Avery was scoping out the last minute inspections on the Guncannon MPT. Amelia was the leader of the squad after all, and it's expected that she should deserve the Gundam. Even if it was a mass-production type, it could still strike fear into the hearts of the even most grizzled veteran pilots.
As much as all the pilots tried to forget and regret, this was their first times on the battlefield, and their first time in a mobile suit. From what Tolen says, the first battle will be easy, considering they just may become overworked with the first appearance of Federation mobile suits, and so far, the Zeon suits would be easy kills. However, the tests for the Federation suits fell flat when it came to newer models like the Gouf, and the unknown high speed black mobile suits that the White Base recently inputted.
"Satoru!" The boy turned on instinct at the shout of his name, interrupting him through all his worries of what may or may not happen on the battlefield. Senra seemed rather excited, but the Satoru's somber look proved otherwise. He lifted up a limp arm into the air, returning a weak wave towards Senra. "So. . What do you think about all this?"
Satoru sighed, and leaned on the railway, looking up at the GM [G]. "I was so. . I was so eager to come along. I went as far to undermine my drill instructor, and sneak on board a plane just to make sure I got to this moment, but," Satoru looked up farther along the giant, looking up at it's head that contained the rather large head visor. "Already, I'm having fears. . I was so eager to go out in the frontlines, so make myself known for my cause. . But even now. ." Satoru's eyes trailed down back to the cockpit of the GM [G]. "What if I'm not good enough after all? What if all the stuff at the academy and the training base was just a fluke?"
"It isn't like you to be worried about something. ." Senra said, rather confused by Satoru's actions.
"Really. . . Well. . If anything, I'm not eager anymore. What if I'm the first to die?"
"You might be. I might be. I just wouldn't worry about it."
"But you're not on the front, at risk of friendly fire."
"You're doubting Commander Amelia's tactics?"
"No. . I was just. ."
"Just don't worry about it. Don't place worries on the battlefield either. Just go out with no regrets, got that?"
"I suppose so. ." A loud voice prohibited from below, as it came from a lead worker.
"Hey pilots! The launch will start in at least a half an hour, so get ready." Aside of the worker, Satoru would witness Avery yelling at some more workers about affairs about his mobile suit. From the bridge walkway, he walked towards the cockpit of the GM [G]. Senra didn't say anything as Satoru pressed a small button on the side. He nearly jumped when the cockpit folded outwards at an instant reaction speed. A small gust of wind exited the sealed cockpit due to it's current release, as Satoru could smell the smell of machinery among other things. He got into the cockpit of the GM [G], fingering around at the various controls he was attempting to get used to at the last moment.
"Man. . This is kind of different from the simulator. . I hope I can do this."
"Hey Satoru! What are you doing!"
"You're right. I don't have any regrets, nor do I have anything to lose. ." Satoru closed the hatch, sealing him off from the world around him. Senra stayed for a minute, expecting Satoru to do something stupid like run off with the GM [G], but it remained motionless, as workers continued to fuel the GM [G] with what it needed. Senra walked further along the bridge to the Guntank MTP, and his only response, was a half-hearted shrug.
"Eh. . I suppose I have nothing to lose either. A pity I can't take a word of my own advice. . Isn't that right?" Senra said this to the Guntank MPT, as he wasn't expecting a reply from it as it seemed to be more of a rhetorical question than anything else. . Or a less formal acquaintance with his new "Partner".
****
Back to Kiev, the small force of Zeonic soldiers were preparing for their departure. The Gaw's engines were revving up, preparing for take off, as the hum of the engine reached far over the small establishment. There was still an ongoing pattern of banging, and metal clanging from the loading of Zakus onto the Gaw. Jackson on the other hand, was within the cockpit of the Gouf, that was presumably his. Workers were chatting with him about the performance of the Gouf, and most others doubted if Jackson could be a good pilot as he was a stern General.
Apollo was boarding his Zaku II unit, armed with his trademark flamethrower, and a rather. . . Irregular weapon. The heat chainsaw. Only an expert could use an experimental weapon like the heat chain saw, and Apollo was well above the grounds of an expert. He was pretty much near Char Aznable status, even though Char, didn't have the time to gain ranks like he should have considering he used to tail the White Base, and after the death of Garma, rumors followed that Char was discharged, and the role of the Trojan Horse pursuit was in the hands of Zeon veteran Ramba Ral. Right about the time where Apollo was ascending the ladder to the cockpit of the Zaku, a woman approached him.
That woman was Ensign Lisa Maes.
"You think that sucking up to that tramp will let you find love, Samuel?" Lisa said, attempting to instigate the other pilot.
"I don't have the time for this. ." Apollo said in a disheartened tone.
"You didn't have the time for me. . Do you have the time for anybody but yourself?" Upon Lisa's statement, Apollo just sighed to himself, as if he was used to Lisa's endeavors. "I see now. . I'm not good enough for you. You have to find another freak like you. ." To add to Lisa's hostility, Virocana came over to the area, intending to ask Apollo something. The helmet was holstered at her waist, as her expression gave off to her clear demeanor. It was a pity that Lisa probably would have gone off on her in her rage. .
"Apollo, how do you-" Virocana asked, before getting rudely interrupted.
"Oh SHUT UP! Are you possibly that dumb that you can't do anything by yourself?! That's no reason to act superior to me!" Lisa's emotional explosion seemed to get to Virocana's own emotions.
"Superior. . I do not-"
"Oh yes you do! You think you can come up here and steal the person I loved just like that? You act all sincere like a child, but I know you're doing this to hurt me!"
"Lisa. . Please-" The male pilot attempted to calm Lisa.
"And you finally have something to say to me now?! Out of all times, now?! Fine. . I don't care. You can rot in hell after all. ."
"Despite what you believe, I didn't cheat on you. . It's just that. ." Apollo trailed off, finding no other use of a reason to give to the woman.
"Just because you're a newtype, that doesn't mean you can talk down to me! **** you!" As Lisa walked off in her fit of rage, Virocana once more tried to reach out to her. .
"Lisa! Please! We can work this out. . Why are you so angry?" When Virocana tried to reason with the woman, Lisa felt even more pain in her body. Lisa would think that Virocana felt that she was so low enough, she needed help from a newtype. . And so she yelled back, refusing any sort of compassion Virocana attempted to bestow upon her.
"Shut up! Why do you mock me still?! I'm not a freak like you, that doesn't mean you can replace me just like that!!" Lisa's presence vanished, and all of the soldiers who were looking at the scene shrugged, and continued to their drone-like duties. Apollo approached Virocana, and rubbed his blonde hair back.
"Why was I being yelled at? I was. . I was trying my best. ." Virocana was still trying to comprehend the scene, but Apollo told her to ease back in a non-verbal form, by laying his hand upon her shoulder.
"Don't worry about her. You'd better get ready. ." Apollo said, trying to comfort the woman.
"Will I come back alive?"
"I know so. ." After that statement, Virocana gave a slight smile as Apollo did something nobody has ever seen him do. He returned the smile. Apollo climbed up the ladder leading to the Zaku II's cockpit, and soon after, the hum of the engines were kicking into active life. Virocana walked towards her Dom, as Lisa just stared at her. .
That little *****. . I'll show her who's superior after all. . That was all Lisa could think as she saw the Gaws beginning the lift off procedure. She also made way to her Zaku unit that was within the cargo hold of one of the Gaws that would be supporting Virocana's unit. . All Lisa could think about was getting. .
Revenge. .
To Be Continued.
Author's Notes
[1] - That statement that Jackson made is referring back to a feat that the infant 'Midnight Fenrir' unit pulled off in the Gundam game 'Zeonic Front'. Basically, with two teams of Zakus, they managed to destroy a Big Tray, and even managed to capture an air base at that.
