Chapter 4: One Step Closer

The trio of the Federation Forces cruisers slowed as they approached the border with the Republic of Zeon Side 3. Officially they would have to gain permission to cross the border since the Republic was technically an independent state; just how much that was true was a debated by conspiracy theorists all over the Earth Sphere. However the Federal Forces chain of command was still in shock from Char Aznable's strikes and there was no one to go through the diplomatic formalities to allow the cruisers to enter the Side.

Alexander drummed his fingers on the arm rest of his command chair it had been well over an hour since he'd sent his requests to the Republic border forces and there was still no reply. James was moodily standing off to one side of the bridge staring impassively at the distant colony cylinders.

'Captain I'm picking up a transmission from a Republic cruiser at the border.' reported Neil Winthrope from the communications station.

'Put it through.' said Alexander. A moment later a face appeared on the main communications monitor. Alexander recognised the man and the Republic of Zeon uniform he wore; they'd first crossed paths near the end of the Gryps War. 'Commodore Bradshaw it's good to see you.'

'Cut the pleasantries Captain Jellico.' replied Bradshaw gruffly. 'What do you want?'

'Permission to enter Side 3 to conduct an investigation into possible Neo Zeon activity.' the words rolled off Alexander's tongue easily. 'We have reason to believe that a group of renegade Neo Zeon ships are using Moussa as a base of operations.'

'There are official channels for you to go through Jellico.' stated Bradshaw. 'Why are you asking me?'

'The channels on our side are a little static at the moment.' replied Alexander. 'I was hoping this way would be easier and quicker.'

'I thought the Federation wasn't going after Neo Zeon.' said Bradshaw. 'A number of their ships have returned to Sweetwater unopposed.'

'This splinter group is considered more of a direct threat.' said Alexander sharply. 'They have acquired several Axis Zeon mobile suits. If the Neo Zeon fleet is holed up at Sweetwater they can't hurt anyone but with this lot on the loose they can cause no end of trouble, for both the Federation and Republic.'

'Very well Captain.' said Bradshaw after a long pause. 'I will let you pass but after this don't ever come asking me for anything ever again.'

'You are too kind Commodore Bradshaw.' replied Alexander. 'Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.' The republican commodore disappeared from the communications monitor. 'Helm resume course for [i]Moussa[/i] full speed.'

The Sussex's bridge remained quiet as the Federal cruiser approached the boarder. They passed the Republic Chivvay Kai heavy cruiser Neikos, Commodore Bradshaw's personal ship, without incident.

'It's good to see that the Commodore is so accommodating.' said James, from his vantage point he could see the heavy cruiser clearly.

'I think it's more likely that he doesn't want to annoy anyone.' commented Kyle Walker from the second command chair. 'The Republic's on its last legs. They won't risk alienating the Federation Forces.'

'Why is it that everything nowadays has an ulterior motive.' asked James with a heavy sigh.

'Was there ever a time when we didn't have them?' commented Kyle.

'When I was young.' whispered James, so quietly that he was the only one to hear.

'It doesn't matter as long as it goes our way.' said Alexander. 'Perhaps you should go and brief your men James.'

'Yes sir.' said James. He left the bridge and made his way down to the pilot's lounge.

After James had left Kyle leaned over and asked Alexander a question. 'Is he going to be okay?'

'I've got no idea really.' replied Alexander. 'We'll just have to wait and see.'

James grabbed onto the handle of one of the linear rails that dragged him off into the bowels of the ship. He tried to get recent events straight in his mind. There was one however that worried him. It had happened a few months ago when the crew of the Sussex were on leave in Van Braun on Luna. James hadn't really believe it when it happened but now that he looked back on it, it made perfect sense; the perfect preamble to this whole situation.

James sat at an alfresco table of a small café not far from the Anaheim Electronics headquarters. His drink left in its containers as he leafed through a copy of the Von Braun Times, the new was rather dull.

James was slightly surprised when someone appeared next to his table and put a small case down on it. He repositioned himself to see the face of his visitor and then at the case.

'I leant you that when we were ten.' said James scornfully. 'You've got a lousy return time.'

'Sorry.' said Anthony Curran as he sat down in the chair next to James. 'I got a bit busy.'

'That's an understatement.' declared James, he folded up the paper and put it down on the table.

'Look I just wanted to get that out of the way.' said Anthony quietly.

'Cutting the last tie?' asked James. 'So we can go at it like wild dogs and end this charade?'

'Maybe, but also I just wanted to say goodbye we never really did that properly back then.' said Anthony turning to look at his onetime companion. 'I...I don't want to have to fight you James. Deep down we're still friends no matter what has happened to us.'

'I wonder.' said James. 'What would it have been like?'

'What do you mean?' asked a confused Anthony.

'If you'd gone on the same shuttle as me or if I'd gone on the same shuttle as you.' He answered. 'What would we be doing now?'

'I honestly don't know probably causing someone no end of trouble.' Said Anthony, he looked down at his watch. 'Damn. I have to go now. Hopefully we'll never see each other again.' Anthony stood and began to walk away.

James could predict Anthony's movements; they'd known each other long enough for that but the one thing James couldn't work out was what Anthony was planning. It didn't make sense; he didn't have enough strength to really do anything that could hurt the Federation, joining up with the rest of the Neo Zeon remnants would be far more sensible. However Anthony had never been one to go with the crowd.

James let go of the linear rail and grabbed a pipe in the ceiling to stop his movement. He tapped the door control panel and walked into the pilot's lounge. The room was more crowded than usual since the pilot's from the Prasutagus and Calgacus were there for the briefing as well. Some of the younger, more nervous, pilots jumped to attention when James entered, he was a Lieutenant Commander after all.

'At ease everyone. As I'm sure you are all aware we have now entered Side 3 and are proceeding to the location of Moussa and the wreckage of Core 3.' he said. 'Our mission is to detain or destroy any Neo Zeon unit operating in this location.'

'What kind of force are we dealing with?' asked Lieutenant George Crilly. 'I want to know if they've got any surprises waiting for us.'

'There are two Musaka class cruisers with approximately six Geara Dogas and at least one Doven Wolf.' replied James crisply. 'Now I don't know if any of you encountered a Doven Wolf during the last big fight but let me tell you they are tough buggers to take down. We don't know if the Neo Zeeks have managed to retrieve any other Axis Zeon mobile suits but there is always a possibility; Moussa has been pretty much abandoned since the fall of Haman Karn, who knows what secrets lurk within.'

'So you, the great White Panther famous for patiently stalking his enemies, have no idea exactly what we're dealing with?' this was Lieutenant Rigby Wallace. Wallace was one of the older pilots, old enough to have learnt about James' reputation when it was being forged during the One Year War, but still just young enough to have actually missed all the fighting. 'I was under the impression that you would only strike when you know everything about your enemy.'

James gritted his teeth Wallace was right but James hated to admit it, the myths and stories told about him painted a picture of the White Panther quite different to the man they were based on. 'It's true that there are elements to this mission that I have no idea about but the same can be said for any mission. You won't have to worry about any Axis Zeon mobile suits, my squad will deal with them, and all you have to concentrate on is the Geara Dogas. One last thing Lieutenant Wallace, you shouldn't always believe things you are told about people.'

'As you wish sir.' replied Wallace.

'Right head back to your ships and make sure you double check all your equipment.' ordered James. 'This is going to be a tough fight, so you better be ready for it.'

Anthony Curran stood in the grand throne room of Neo Zeon its decoration had become quite shabby from years of neglect but the room was still impressive. His meeting with the ship captains had been less than enjoyable. He walked up to the throne itself, from which Haman's ward Mineva Zabi 'ruled'. It was from her that the heart of the Zeon remnants was focused they all fell for it, Anthony included, too late he realised what was really going on. That had been long ago and certainly something he wasn't proud of. It must have been around then that he stopped believing in all the rhetoric, it just didn't match reality. He paused for a moment staring at the empty throne, it was very tempting, and he turned swiftly and lowered himself onto the throne. It felt good.

'Congratulations sir, you know rule all of Neo Zeon.' said Warren Luther steeping out of the shadows and clapping. 'I hope you use your power more wisely than the last.'

'Cut the crap Warren.' barked Anthony sternly. He stood and stepped down from the throne's platform. 'I assume you have something important to report?'

'Yes sir. An hour and a half ago three Federation cruisers crossed the border into the Republic. The lead vessel has been identified as the Clop class vessel Sussex.' said Warren calmly. 'They have been spotted on an intercept course heading here.'

Anthony did reply a first; he took a few moments to take in the grandeur of the room again before replying. 'They are moving faster than I expected. We don't have much time left.' He took a piece of paper from a pocket within his jacket and handed it too Warren. 'These are your instructions; I want you to carry them out to the letter you understand.'

Warren scanned the paper quickly and was ever so slightly surprised by what he read. 'Are you sure about this Commander?'

'Of course I am Warren, I wouldn't give it to you if I wasn't.' he said bitterly. 'Have Captain Atherton join me, I believe he's still sulking around here somewhere.'

'Yes Sir.' Warren saluted and then marched from the throne room to being his search for Captain Atherton. He took out his orders and read them again; he'd never received anything like this before.

Anthony watched his friend and confidant go. He realised that he'd reached, and passed, the point of no return; he had to see through this last gambit. It wasn't long before the short Captain Atherton appeared in the throne room.

'So what is it you want to see me about Commander Curran?' spat Atherton.

'I have received information that a squadron of Federation cruisers are heading our way.' said Anthony levelly. 'We can no longer stay here; we'll have to move out. Before we leave there is something we must do.'

'And what is that?' asked the ship captain. 'It doesn't sound like we have much time.'

'I want you to load the Lutzow with all the advance technology, newtype data and mobile suit prototypes you can from Moussa.' said Anthony. 'There is still a lot that the Federation and AEUG weren't able to get when they captured Axis. I want you to drain the computers dry of all their information; we must take all of Neo Zeons data with us. I want you to select a crew of only the most loyal followers in order to protect this extremely valuable cargo.'

'And why must we gather all this data?'

'Simple, when we slip away from our Federation bloodhounds we'll be free to use this data as we wish.' replied Anthony. 'I'm sure either Anaheim or the Federation would pay handsomely for what we know. We can live out the rest of our lives as kings.'

'And there was me thinking you we after something so much more Curran.' said Atherton. 'But it turns out you're little better than a grave robber. However I do find the idea of being extremely wealthy very appealing. I'll go along with your plan for now.'

'Excellent captain, you won't regret this I promise you.'

Anthony finished sealing his pilot's suit and stepped through the airlock into the Lutzow's mobile suit hanger. Edward Caron's Doven Wolf was already locked in position on one of the launch catapults. Anthony's own yellow and black Zaku III Custom was still in its berth but looked ready to go. He pushed off the deck and swung into the cockpit through the open hatch. He settled into the seat and began the pre-take off check list. When that was complete he moved the mobile suit over to the launch catapult then he switched his communications channel over to his direct link to Carson's mobile suit. 'Are you prepared for this battle?'

'Yes sir.' replied Carson. 'We shall be victorious. I and the rest of our men will stop at nothing to protect the Neo Zeon data.'

'Your dedication is refreshing Edward.' said Anthony.

'The Spirit of Zeon is with us sir.' said Carson passionately. 'One way or another the Earthnoids will never oppress us again.'

'It's been a long time since I met someone with such passion.' said Anthony suddenly feeling very old. 'Once battle is joined you will lead our forces.'

'Sir?' queried Carson

'I'm afraid I have a previous engagement and will be unable to effectively lead.' said Anthony

'That pilot you warned me of?' asked the younger officer.

'Very observant.' commented the older officer. 'Yes it's time for us to stop playing around and finish what we started.'

'Then I hope the Spirit of Zeon smiles upon you and that you'll return safely too us sir.' said Carson as he saluted.

Anthony switched off the communications channel. 'What kind of world do we live in if people still believe in the Spirit of Zeon?' he muttered to himself. 'That damned fool idea died long ago. Char all you've managed to do in this tragedy is drag up long dead ghosts.'

A communications channel opened and the face of Captain Atherton appeared in Anthony's cockpit. 'Commander Curran it is taking longer than expected to gather the data and load the prototype frames. Your forces will have to launch ahead of us to buy us some more time. We've detected the Federation cruisers at the edge of radar range.'

'Understood Captain, we'll hold them for as long as you need.' replied Anthony. A few moments later the Zaku III and Doven Wolf were launched into the docking port, they were quickly followed by all of the remaining Geara Dogas.

Alexander Jellico could see the wreckage of Core 3 and Moussa clearly from his position on the Sussex's bridge. This was it the one thing they never really got out of the first Neo Zeon war, a decisive conclusion. Now that it was near Alexander suddenly felt that he didn't want this conclusion, he knew it was going to be too costly.

'All stations we are at level one battle stations.' he declared to the ship at large. 'Weapons prepare for missile barrage, contact the Prasutagus and Calgacus to coordinate the attack. The target is the Moussa docking port.'

Upon hearing the Captain start to bark out orders the bridge crew quickly began to check the seals on their normal suits. Kyle Walker soon appeared on the bridge carrying Alexander's normal suit. 'Sir I think you should put this on now before the fighting starts.' There might have been a time long ago when Alexander would have refused the normal suit and carried on as normal, but he wasn't as young and adventurous as he used to be and so he hurried to get it on as fast as possible.

'Captain we have entered effective missile range.' declared the feminine voice of Ensign Diana Levy from the Weapons position.

'Excellent, begin barrage launch three waves before the mobile suits deploy.' ordered Alexander.

From his position of first on the catapult James could see the Federal missile barrage streaking off through space towards Moussa. He knew that it would be their turn to launch soon; he checked the Jegan-L's systems again just to be sure.

He toggled the squadron communications channel on. 'Are you two ready back there?'

'As ready as I'll ever be.' replied Jason, he was next in the queue.

'Yes sir, no problems here.' reported Mike, who was bringing up the rear.

'When we get out there it'll be your job to take down that Doven Wolf.' said James. 'I don't care how you do it just make sure it's dead and be fast about it.'

'I suppose you'll be busy with Anthony then James?' asked Jason, who was making some last minuet adjustments to his cockpit systems.

'Something like that yes.' replied James; a little guilt was creeping in at the edges of his voice.

'Don't worry about it. I've taken these things down before.' said Jason confidently. 'Should be no bother, isn't that right Mike? We can take it down.'

'Err yes?' replied Mike, he didn't sound very convincing.

The conversation was put to an end by the series of flashing lights that indicated the imminent launch of the first mobile suit. As the final light flashed James' Jegan-L was sent hurtling down the catapult rail and then off into space to face his destiny.

Chapter Notes: Neikos – "Hate" According to Heraclitus, the force that splits the universe apart.