= = = = = = = = = = =
Kido Senshi Gundam: Char's Counter Attack
The Last Stand, Chapter 1
-Gredival
= = = = = = = = = = =
The Ra Cailum rolled into the Londenion port, the Londo Bell flagship air braking to a stop. The ship had more than a few scorch marks and riddled plating. However the ship's return, intact after facing the full force of the Neo Zeon, instilled a sense of pride within the Federation affiliated citizens and soldiers. The maintenance crew of the colony moved into place to begin work on the ship.
"I still can't believe that the Londo Bell pulled it off," one soldier commented, shielding her blue eyes as the crew watched the ship dock.
"They had Amuro Rei and the Nu Gundam," another answered, straightening to look at the ship as well.
"Takes a lot more than one ace and a fancy suit to stop an asteroid," Chihiro Kiran shot back dryly to her companion.
"Yeah it takes the light of the human heart," Ryou Okuimi replied turning his head back towards Chihiro.
"Oh please not that crap again," Chihiro muttered as she wiped the oil off of her hands, leaning back against her Jegan's foot. Ryou could only grin, chuckling amused at Chihiro's irritation.
Everyone had his or her own little theory and explanation for the ring of light that had pushed Axis away. Ryou had come to believe in the ludicrous notion that it was the Light of the Human Heart, human will, which stopped the asteroid. And much to Chihiro's chagrin, she had no counter explanation for what it was.
She looked behind her shoulder at a battered 88th Fleet Jegan in the back of the hangar; there was a lot more damage than simple atmospheric heat. It was almost as if something massive swatted it away. She still found it hard to believe, after all if that human will could do that, she'd have produced a light show on more than one occasion. Sighing she decided not to restart the debate with her aloof partner.
Her brilliant blue eyes, almost azure, focused back on the Ra Cailum. The young man returned his own gaze upon the ship as Bright Noah disembarked from the ship, met by a troupe of high-ranking Federation officials as soon as he stepped out.
= = = = =
"We are most pleased with your success and safe return Captain Noah," one tall man, his hair graying with age, commented as the group made their way down the portable staircase.
"You did cut it a bit close however," another remarked.
"You expected a three ship squad to take on an army and stop an asteroid, without support until the end, and give you a comfortable margin?" Bright asked. The politician's eyes widened a bit at Bright's blunt question, but he took the point and remained quiet. "I presume there has been no more word from the Neo Zeon?"
The ensuing useless babble gave Bright his answer.
= = = = =
"Sir, we have to attack the Neo Zeon now!" Bright argued, standing up in disbelief of what he was hearing.
Adenaeur Paraya's successor was no less complacent than the former Minister, and even more eager to appease the Neo Zeon if it meant avoiding war. "Captain Noah, the Neo Zeon has lost its commander. They are no threat to us any longer." Blubbering politicians were beginning to annoy the already tense Bright.
"What were you watching when Luna II was attacked?!" Bright shot back, his tone razor sharp. "The Neo Zeon dropped two asteroids on Earth, and you think the Londo Bell stopping one is going to stop them?!" Bright's fist pounded down on the table
"You are dismissed Captain," the Minister replied tersely.
"Are you so afraid of war? Are you that scared? The consequences will only get worse if you do nothing!" Bright warned.
"I said you are dismissed Captain, or would you like an escort?"
Bright glared at the bureaucrat, his fist almost trembling with the urge to slam into the politician's face. The Londo Bell Captain decided against it, and stormed out of the office loosening the collar on his brown and tan uniform. He slammed a fist into a wall.
"The Federation is getting weak," came a nearby voice. "Even after the Neo Zeon's treachery, they'll look the other way to avoid a conflict that could expose the internal decay and weakness. They were naïve enough to think Char was actually going to disarm. They think everything will be fine if they ignore the problem."
Bright turned to face the voice; Ryou offered the frustrated captain a soda, which was gratefully accepted. Can't be more than twenty-three, Bright thought to himself while he looked at the younger soldier out of the corner of his eye. The uniform and markings designated him as one of the Londenion colony defense force pilots. "I agree with the sentiment and am thankful for the drink, but I must ask you before I continue Lieutenant," Bright paused and adjusted his eyes to look at the younger man's, "what moved you to go around eavesdropping in my affairs?"
"Well I saw you land sir, and I was hoping to speak to you," Ryou began nervously, "I was looking for you when I overheard your conversation."
"Well you are speaking with me now," Bright pointed out. "Are we just going to banter about foolish politicians or do you have something else on your mind?"
"I want..." Ryou hesitated for a moment, considering the implications of what he was about to say. "I want to join the Londo Bell, sir."
Bright stared hard into Ryou's green eyes, sizing the young soldier up; Ryou tried his best not to act too fidgety. He had guts at least, Bright figured, and they were in dire need of more pilots... "How good are you with an MS?"
"I'm a Squadron Leader, sir," Ryou answered.
Bright turned around to put his back to the soldier. "And are you prepared to give your life to defend the Earth and to stop the Neo Zeon?" Bright asked.
"Yes."
Fast... Bright thought to himself. "Why?"
"Because the people on Earth have as much of a right to life as anyone else. I can help protect that. I can protect them if I go with you. I can't sit back and watch what unfolds without doing something to help."
Bright debated the decision in his head. "What is your name Lieutenant?"
"Ryou Okuimi, sir."
"Very well. I'll take care of it Lieutenant Okuimi," Bright said as he walked off. "Prepare to leave with the Ra Cailum on a moment's notice." He tossed the soda can into a nearby trashcan as he strolled down the hallway.
Ryou gave a nod of affirmation, even though Bright couldn't see, and swallowed. Now he would see what he was truly made out of – insanity or courage.
= = = = =
"You joined the Londo Bell?!" Chihiro half-asked, half-yelled while spitting out her drink upon hearing Ryou's news. "Are you absolutely insane?!"
"Yeah a little. I'm going to leave with the Ra Cailum when they take off," Ryou said taking a seat next to Chihiro. "I need to do this Chihiro. I need to help stop the Neo Zeon this time."
"I-it's not like you need my permission!" Chihiro replied, looking away from Ryou.
"Don't be that way Chihiro," Ryou protested putting a hand on the brunette's shoulder
Chihiro softened her visage and sighed. "Ryou... but, out with the Londo Bell wh-what happens if you-"
"I won't," Ryou responded immediately. "I'll come back to Londenion... and to you. So don't worry, okay?"
"Promise?" Chihiro asked turning around, her blue eyes now showing vulnerability and fear.
"Promise," Ryou said, smiling at her. He placed a hand on her cheek, and brushed it through her long honey hair. He leaned in and kissed her. He found himself lying on the floor of the bar the next minute.
"Just come back alive you jerk," Chihiro yelled at him, storming out of the bar. Ryou couldn't help but laugh as he rubbed the back of his head.
= = = = =
"We have Side 3's support then?" the blond woman asked brushing a stray strand of hair away.
"Yes," the messenger confirmed.
"Good. Begin the transfer of people from Sweetwater to Side 3," Nanai ordered.
"Yes ma'am," the soldier said saluting and leaving the room.
Nanai sighed and walked to her window, laying a hand on the icy cold glass. "Captain..." she said sorrowfully, looking at the black canvas of space dotted with the shining stars.
"I'll do what you wanted Char," she said to the empty room. "I'll carry out your mission so... Don't worry."
= = = = =
"So the Federation's not going to attack the Neo Zeon?" Mirai asked, astounded by the news.
"It seems so," Bright said sighing heavily. "The Londo Bell have free reign to go it alone against the Neo Zeon if we locate them..."
"But you'll be facing the entire Neo Zeon fleet again! You can't do it," Mirai protested. "There's no way!"
"If we don't move now there could be another disaster like Fifth Luna," Bright replied, firm in his decision. Mirai saw the determination in his eyes, and knew she couldn't sway the resolute man. "I'll be sure Hathaway is safe before I go," Bright said, trying to comfort his wife.
"Chemin and I leave tomorrow night."
"Good," Bright said, relieved. "I should still be here by the time you get here."
"Bright what do you think will happen?" Mirai asked her husband.
"I don't know, but I know we can't sit around like the rest of the Federation," Bright said. "Don't worry though, I don't think they have the means to do anything too drastic yet. Maybe I'm just being too negative and nothing will happen."
Neither of them believed that. Bright looked at the screen, taking a few moments just to look at Mirai. It had been a long time since they had been together, and it was not easy for him to be away from his family so much.
"Something wrong dear?" Mirai asked her husband, noticing the change in his posture as his mind had begun to wander.
"It's nothing," Bright answered. "It's just that it has been a while and everything has been so chaotic."
Mirai nodded her agreement. "I'm sure things will get back to normal soon," she said, trying to cheer up her burdened husband.
"Thank you Mirai," Bright said, closing his eyes and forcing a smile. He didn't know how he would manage without her. "I need to get going."
"Take care Bright," Mirai said as she gently placed a hand on the telescreen.
"I love you," Bright said placing his own hand on his telescreen over the image of his wife's hand.
"And I love you," Mirai replied.
The connection faded to static. Bright turned off his monitor and sighed deeply. "What are you up to Neo Zeon?" Bright wondered aloud. However he kept his questions about why he had to involved to himself.
Kido Senshi Gundam: Char's Counter Attack
The Last Stand, Chapter 1
-Gredival
= = = = = = = = = = =
The Ra Cailum rolled into the Londenion port, the Londo Bell flagship air braking to a stop. The ship had more than a few scorch marks and riddled plating. However the ship's return, intact after facing the full force of the Neo Zeon, instilled a sense of pride within the Federation affiliated citizens and soldiers. The maintenance crew of the colony moved into place to begin work on the ship.
"I still can't believe that the Londo Bell pulled it off," one soldier commented, shielding her blue eyes as the crew watched the ship dock.
"They had Amuro Rei and the Nu Gundam," another answered, straightening to look at the ship as well.
"Takes a lot more than one ace and a fancy suit to stop an asteroid," Chihiro Kiran shot back dryly to her companion.
"Yeah it takes the light of the human heart," Ryou Okuimi replied turning his head back towards Chihiro.
"Oh please not that crap again," Chihiro muttered as she wiped the oil off of her hands, leaning back against her Jegan's foot. Ryou could only grin, chuckling amused at Chihiro's irritation.
Everyone had his or her own little theory and explanation for the ring of light that had pushed Axis away. Ryou had come to believe in the ludicrous notion that it was the Light of the Human Heart, human will, which stopped the asteroid. And much to Chihiro's chagrin, she had no counter explanation for what it was.
She looked behind her shoulder at a battered 88th Fleet Jegan in the back of the hangar; there was a lot more damage than simple atmospheric heat. It was almost as if something massive swatted it away. She still found it hard to believe, after all if that human will could do that, she'd have produced a light show on more than one occasion. Sighing she decided not to restart the debate with her aloof partner.
Her brilliant blue eyes, almost azure, focused back on the Ra Cailum. The young man returned his own gaze upon the ship as Bright Noah disembarked from the ship, met by a troupe of high-ranking Federation officials as soon as he stepped out.
= = = = =
"We are most pleased with your success and safe return Captain Noah," one tall man, his hair graying with age, commented as the group made their way down the portable staircase.
"You did cut it a bit close however," another remarked.
"You expected a three ship squad to take on an army and stop an asteroid, without support until the end, and give you a comfortable margin?" Bright asked. The politician's eyes widened a bit at Bright's blunt question, but he took the point and remained quiet. "I presume there has been no more word from the Neo Zeon?"
The ensuing useless babble gave Bright his answer.
= = = = =
"Sir, we have to attack the Neo Zeon now!" Bright argued, standing up in disbelief of what he was hearing.
Adenaeur Paraya's successor was no less complacent than the former Minister, and even more eager to appease the Neo Zeon if it meant avoiding war. "Captain Noah, the Neo Zeon has lost its commander. They are no threat to us any longer." Blubbering politicians were beginning to annoy the already tense Bright.
"What were you watching when Luna II was attacked?!" Bright shot back, his tone razor sharp. "The Neo Zeon dropped two asteroids on Earth, and you think the Londo Bell stopping one is going to stop them?!" Bright's fist pounded down on the table
"You are dismissed Captain," the Minister replied tersely.
"Are you so afraid of war? Are you that scared? The consequences will only get worse if you do nothing!" Bright warned.
"I said you are dismissed Captain, or would you like an escort?"
Bright glared at the bureaucrat, his fist almost trembling with the urge to slam into the politician's face. The Londo Bell Captain decided against it, and stormed out of the office loosening the collar on his brown and tan uniform. He slammed a fist into a wall.
"The Federation is getting weak," came a nearby voice. "Even after the Neo Zeon's treachery, they'll look the other way to avoid a conflict that could expose the internal decay and weakness. They were naïve enough to think Char was actually going to disarm. They think everything will be fine if they ignore the problem."
Bright turned to face the voice; Ryou offered the frustrated captain a soda, which was gratefully accepted. Can't be more than twenty-three, Bright thought to himself while he looked at the younger soldier out of the corner of his eye. The uniform and markings designated him as one of the Londenion colony defense force pilots. "I agree with the sentiment and am thankful for the drink, but I must ask you before I continue Lieutenant," Bright paused and adjusted his eyes to look at the younger man's, "what moved you to go around eavesdropping in my affairs?"
"Well I saw you land sir, and I was hoping to speak to you," Ryou began nervously, "I was looking for you when I overheard your conversation."
"Well you are speaking with me now," Bright pointed out. "Are we just going to banter about foolish politicians or do you have something else on your mind?"
"I want..." Ryou hesitated for a moment, considering the implications of what he was about to say. "I want to join the Londo Bell, sir."
Bright stared hard into Ryou's green eyes, sizing the young soldier up; Ryou tried his best not to act too fidgety. He had guts at least, Bright figured, and they were in dire need of more pilots... "How good are you with an MS?"
"I'm a Squadron Leader, sir," Ryou answered.
Bright turned around to put his back to the soldier. "And are you prepared to give your life to defend the Earth and to stop the Neo Zeon?" Bright asked.
"Yes."
Fast... Bright thought to himself. "Why?"
"Because the people on Earth have as much of a right to life as anyone else. I can help protect that. I can protect them if I go with you. I can't sit back and watch what unfolds without doing something to help."
Bright debated the decision in his head. "What is your name Lieutenant?"
"Ryou Okuimi, sir."
"Very well. I'll take care of it Lieutenant Okuimi," Bright said as he walked off. "Prepare to leave with the Ra Cailum on a moment's notice." He tossed the soda can into a nearby trashcan as he strolled down the hallway.
Ryou gave a nod of affirmation, even though Bright couldn't see, and swallowed. Now he would see what he was truly made out of – insanity or courage.
= = = = =
"You joined the Londo Bell?!" Chihiro half-asked, half-yelled while spitting out her drink upon hearing Ryou's news. "Are you absolutely insane?!"
"Yeah a little. I'm going to leave with the Ra Cailum when they take off," Ryou said taking a seat next to Chihiro. "I need to do this Chihiro. I need to help stop the Neo Zeon this time."
"I-it's not like you need my permission!" Chihiro replied, looking away from Ryou.
"Don't be that way Chihiro," Ryou protested putting a hand on the brunette's shoulder
Chihiro softened her visage and sighed. "Ryou... but, out with the Londo Bell wh-what happens if you-"
"I won't," Ryou responded immediately. "I'll come back to Londenion... and to you. So don't worry, okay?"
"Promise?" Chihiro asked turning around, her blue eyes now showing vulnerability and fear.
"Promise," Ryou said, smiling at her. He placed a hand on her cheek, and brushed it through her long honey hair. He leaned in and kissed her. He found himself lying on the floor of the bar the next minute.
"Just come back alive you jerk," Chihiro yelled at him, storming out of the bar. Ryou couldn't help but laugh as he rubbed the back of his head.
= = = = =
"We have Side 3's support then?" the blond woman asked brushing a stray strand of hair away.
"Yes," the messenger confirmed.
"Good. Begin the transfer of people from Sweetwater to Side 3," Nanai ordered.
"Yes ma'am," the soldier said saluting and leaving the room.
Nanai sighed and walked to her window, laying a hand on the icy cold glass. "Captain..." she said sorrowfully, looking at the black canvas of space dotted with the shining stars.
"I'll do what you wanted Char," she said to the empty room. "I'll carry out your mission so... Don't worry."
= = = = =
"So the Federation's not going to attack the Neo Zeon?" Mirai asked, astounded by the news.
"It seems so," Bright said sighing heavily. "The Londo Bell have free reign to go it alone against the Neo Zeon if we locate them..."
"But you'll be facing the entire Neo Zeon fleet again! You can't do it," Mirai protested. "There's no way!"
"If we don't move now there could be another disaster like Fifth Luna," Bright replied, firm in his decision. Mirai saw the determination in his eyes, and knew she couldn't sway the resolute man. "I'll be sure Hathaway is safe before I go," Bright said, trying to comfort his wife.
"Chemin and I leave tomorrow night."
"Good," Bright said, relieved. "I should still be here by the time you get here."
"Bright what do you think will happen?" Mirai asked her husband.
"I don't know, but I know we can't sit around like the rest of the Federation," Bright said. "Don't worry though, I don't think they have the means to do anything too drastic yet. Maybe I'm just being too negative and nothing will happen."
Neither of them believed that. Bright looked at the screen, taking a few moments just to look at Mirai. It had been a long time since they had been together, and it was not easy for him to be away from his family so much.
"Something wrong dear?" Mirai asked her husband, noticing the change in his posture as his mind had begun to wander.
"It's nothing," Bright answered. "It's just that it has been a while and everything has been so chaotic."
Mirai nodded her agreement. "I'm sure things will get back to normal soon," she said, trying to cheer up her burdened husband.
"Thank you Mirai," Bright said, closing his eyes and forcing a smile. He didn't know how he would manage without her. "I need to get going."
"Take care Bright," Mirai said as she gently placed a hand on the telescreen.
"I love you," Bright said placing his own hand on his telescreen over the image of his wife's hand.
"And I love you," Mirai replied.
The connection faded to static. Bright turned off his monitor and sighed deeply. "What are you up to Neo Zeon?" Bright wondered aloud. However he kept his questions about why he had to involved to himself.