Mobile Suit Gundam Century's Dawn
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The Exalon saved the aircraft carrier Enterprise from an attack by Desert Dictator forces. In return, the Enterprise
agreed to let the Exalon crew use their decompression chamber to heal Koshiro. Ben Hoshum attacked, captured Tasha
and almost defeated Lee. Koshiro escaped the decompression chamber and used the new Beam-Knight Gundam to defeat
Ben.
[Title: Conspiracy]
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Their name was the Alliance of Middle Eastern Countries. They first surfaced in the year UC 297 as a minor faction
uncontent with the polices of the Earth Federation. The robots that came to be known as Zakus first came on the
scene one year later and have been the deciding factor in many combats ever since.
Their headquarters were located in, coincidentally, the former country of Saudi Arabia and their territory extended
as far west as Nigeria, as far north as Mongolia, as far south as Ethiopia and as far east as the western end of China.
Their leader was a person by the name of Seamus Asif.
She was only twelve years old.
Seamus came to power two years after conflict first erupted between the Earth Federation and the AMEC. Her father, Naram
Asif, was assassinated by a mercenary hired by the Earth Federation. Because she had not yet come of age, an advisor
was appointed to her to help her carry out what was believed to be the ideas of her late father. This advisor was deemed
Second Prime-Minister, Nicholas Howard. Howard was actually once part of the Earth Federation but he was dissatisfied
with their way of doing things so he defected.
Right now, Seamus and Nicholas were discussing a matter of utmost importance, Captain Ferdinand Garrett of the Zeon.
For the past few weeks, he has been launching unauthorized attacks on the Earth Federation flagship, despite warnings
from them of the (obviously more powerful) Mobile Suit that the Earth Federation acquired.
"I am getting nervous, Prime Minister Howard," Seamus said, sitting back in her throne, kicking her legs in an almost
comical manner. "As much as I hate the Earth Federation, Garrett must not be allowed to continue operating with near-
absolute power."
"I highly agree, Miss Seamus," Nicholas agreed. "In our encounters, he has needlessly destroyed over two dozen Zakus.
Our forces are expanded enough without him sending men and women to their doom. What do you intend to do about it?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure," Seamus said ashamed. "He has proven victorious on several campaigns, but..."
"Then this is where I come in, Miss Seamus. Captain Garrett is a loose cannon, he is more interested in his pride and
glory than the interests of our re... public." Howard almost used the word regime, but Seamus didn't like such evil
terminology. "He must be disposed of."
Seamus looked at Howard with a frightened look. "Kill him? But..."
"Miss Seamus, we are in a war here. Deaths happen every day, but Garrett is needlessly increasing that number by the
hundreds! He must be destroyed!"
Seamus lowered her head again. "You are right, Second Prime Minister."
"Miss Seamus, please do not think my curtness is directed at you, I am simply emphasizing the situation at hand."
"Of course, and I agree that Captain Garrett must be eliminated, but how?"
This was the opportunity Howard had been waiting for. "With your permission, Miss Seamus, I have a strategy that might
rectify that situation."
"I'm listening," Seamus said.
But before Howard could begin, a soldier came rushing in. Genuflecting, he said, "Please forgive my intrusion, Prime
Minister, but we have established contact with Ben Hoshum, the Dark Messiah. He is currently waiting on secure channel
G-4."
Seamus looked at Howard. She could tell when the Second Prime Minister had did something behind her back. But she
turned to the soldier and said, "Thank you." She pressed some buttons on the arm rest of her throne.
The area in the center of the throne room became a huge view screen which produced a 3-D image of the boy, who
was almost Seamus' age. Howard had heard jokes about how Seamus actually has feelings for the young rogue, but he was
pretty sure that they were just that, jokes.
"I am here, Prime Minister."
"Dark Messiah, Second Prime Minister Howard and I have been discussing the actions of Captain Garrett. Seeing his actions
first hand, do you agree with the conclusion that he must be eliminated."
"If I may say so, Prime Minister, at the very least, he must be removed from command."
"That's what I thought you'd say," Seamus said. She didn't like the idea of killing Garrett, but both of them agreed so
she had to go along with their conclusion.
"Mister Hoshum, I have devised a strategy that might remove him from command on a... permanent basis."
"I'm listening," Hoshum said neutrally.
"We have agreed that the Earth Federation Mobile Suit is a force to be reckoned with."
"I can definitely destroy it, if not for Garrett's stupidity," Ben boasted.
"We know you can, Ben," Second Prime Minister Howard said. "But do you think Garrett can?"
"Are you suggesting sending him on a suicide mission?" Ben asked. Seamus felt her breathing stop for a second. She
realized that she was conspiring murder, something that went totally against her father's policies. But, truthfully,
she was afraid of Howard and Hoshum, afraid of what they might do to her if she showed signs of rebellion.
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm suggesting. It would get him out of the way, help our cause, and fool him into thinking
that he's doing something important all at the same time."
"I see," Hoshum realized. "Either he succeeds in the mission and helps our cause or he dies and rids us of a nuisance.
No big lost."
"Exactly."
"Very well, what do you want me to do?"
"We're currently sending you our newly produced Mobile Suit, the Gauf. You will trick Garrett into thinking that this
weapon will destroy the Federation Mobile Suit. You will corner Garrett and allow the Federation Mobile Suit to
destroy it."
"Sounds like a plan," Ben commented. "But what's to keep Garrett from calling in reinforcements to help him."
"The Gauf has one main flaw," Howard said. He smirked. "It lacks a communication system."
Ben nodded, then looked back to Seamus. "Prime Minister Asif, what is your opinion of the plan?"
Seamus was taken aback, surprised that Ben would ask her opinion even though it seems like they were already set on
going ahead with the plan. "Go... go ahead and do it. Check back in forty-eight hours even if the plan hasn't
started yet."
"As you command, Prime Minister." The image disappeared. Howard turned back to Seamus. "Rest assured, Miss Seamus,
you are doing the right thing."
"I hope so, Second Prime Minister Howard, I hope so."
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Commanders Noah Lucas and Ming Xiao walked into the Exalon's Sickbay, which was already overflowing with the injured.
The Exalon had no choice but to throw the dead and dying overboard. The ones in the Sickbay were all gravely injured
including the Enterprise's commanding officer.
Captain Richard Harrington laid on the table, half his face was bandaged. His arm was in a sling.
"How are you feeling, Captain?" Commander Lucas asked.
"Kind of makes me glad I'm not in the infantry," Captain Harrington said hoarsely.
"We have destroyed what was left of the Enterprise," Commander Xiao informed him, all business as usual. Commander
Xiao's lack of personal communication skills was something Harrington always admired about her. "We are still trying to
decide what to do next."
"Head to Ireland," Captain Harrington said. "With any luck, that's where the rest of our forces would be."
"Right," Lucas agreed. "We'll try to get some help for you and the others along the way."
"Wait," Harrington called. "Lucas, there's one last thing I want you to do."
"If I can do it, I will, Captain."
"You're going to need... all the help you can get. I want you to incorporate the... surviving Enterprise members as crew
of the Exalon. And... I want you to take Commander Xiao... as your executive officer."
"Captain, you can't," Commander Xiao protested. "I'm your XO."
"Not any more. I'm not exactly at command position here. And besides, Lucas is going to need all the help he can get.
And I can't think of anybody else better suited for the job." Harrington broke into a coughing fit.
Commander Xiao's brow scrunched up. Becoming a crew on this rag-tag ship (that was Xiao's name for it because the crew
were anything but formal and professional) was not something she wanted to do.
"Ming," Harrington addressed. "I know this isn't what you want to do, but in these darkened times, we need everybody to
work together, otherwise... we will be destroyed by AMEC. Please, Ming, do this for me."
"As you wish, Captain."
Once Xiao and Lucas exited the Sickbay, Lucas said, "Might as well ask Muro to set a course for Ireland."
"Commander," Xiao said sharply. "Look, let's get one thing straight, the only reason I'm coming along is because it was
Captain Harrington's orders. I hold no likeness towards you or anybody on this... thing. As soon as we get to Ireland,
I'm asking for a transfer off this circus-for-a-ship."
"As you wish," Lucas simply replied and headed off for the bridge.
For some reason, Xiao was beginning to develop a hatred for him.
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"Still no sign of the flagship?" Captain Garrett asked for the sixteenth time.
"No, sir," the officer replied, beginning to get irritated with Garrett's constant hovering.
"Captain," Ben Hoshum called as he walked onto the bridge. "You have a priority message from Prime Minister Asif."
"What?!" Garrett wondered why Prime Minister Asif would be contacting him now.
"Minovsky Interference minimal," the communication officer noted. "Activating receiving link."
Asif and Howard both appeared on the view screen.
"Captain Garrett, how goes the campaign against the Earth Federation flagship?" Asif asked.
"I'm afraid it goes poorly, Prime Minister. The Earth Federation forces are much more powerful than we originally
realized."
"I thought so," Asif said. "So we are sending you our new weapon, the Gauf. And I want you to pilot it."
"Me?!" Garrett gasped. "I... I'm honored you would trust me with such an ability, Prime-Minister Asif."
"We want you to pilot it in the next battle. I trust you won't fail us, Captain Garrett?"
"I'd stake my life on it, Prime Minister."
"Very well. Good luck, Captain. Expect the Gauf in two days time." The transmission ended.
"Duty Officer, let me know when the transport carrying the Gauf is within range."
"Aye, sir."
As Garrett started to leave the bridge, he said to Hoshum. "This is it, Ben, this may be our instrument of victory."
"Yes, sir," Ben agreed, but in his mind, he was thinking, Or the instrument of your demise.
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Seamus hated herself for what she just did. She just condemned a soldier to death, for being a failure. She begun to
feel like the Earth Federation that she hated so much.
"I hope I'm doing the right thing," she said.
Second Prime Minister Howard put a hand on her shoulder. "Trust me, Miss Seamus, it's for the best."
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Commander Lucas had gathered the bridge crew, Koshiro and even Keela and the children to explain their new orders and
introduce their new officer.
"Captain Harrington and I have reached an agreement," he began. "We are to head for Ireland and try to assess the
condition of the Earth Federation forces. Right now, we are forced to assume that the Earth Federation government no
longer exists." That piece of information was responded to by murmurs. "Until we see proof otherwise," he continued,
"we have to reach the conclusion that we are the only EF ship left and that all other forces have been rendered
incapacitated by enemy forces. As such, we all must work ever diligently to reach our destination without incident. With
that in mind, I would like to introduce our new executive officer, Sub-Commander Ming Xiao." The title Sub-Commander didn't
mean a demotion in rank. Technically, they were the same rank, the 'Sub' prefix was simply used to differentiate
between who was in charge and who was second-in-command. "I would like you to show Sub-Commander Xiao the same
respect that you show me." Ray sneezed. Xiao scowled at him with hawk-like intensity. Ray sinked back to behind Keela.
"Henry, Koshiro, I want you two to go over the ins and outs of the B-Gundam. We're going to need to find out everything
that it does, so that we can use it to its full potential. Tasha, Victor, Shinji, I want an easy method to firing our
main weapon. Muro, work with Ming to plan out a safe and fast route to Ireland. I want to avoid AMEC as long as possible."
"Sir," they all saluted.
"Then let's get to work, people. The quicker we move, the quicker we'll be there." As the crew set out to go about their
duties, Keela went up to the Commander and asked to talk to him alone. Lucas agreed but Sub-Commander Xiao listened in.
"Commander, I'm worried about the fate of the children and myself. You were originally going to drop us off at Washington,
but now the EF government seems to be in a state of disarray."
"I understand your concern."
"So what do you have planned for us?"
"We're going to have to drop you off in New York City before we cross the Atlantic," Xiao said firmly. "Of course
normally we wouldn't even do that, but..."
Lucas put out an arm signalling her to be quiet. Then he turned to Keela and said, "we're not dropping you anywhere, at
least not until we get to Ireland."
Keela nodded. "Commander, with your permission, I'd like to assist Koshiro and Henry with the B-Gundam."
"Of course. Also, take an inventory. I need to know if we need to stop off for supplies or not."
"Yes, sir." As Keela and the children left the bridge, Commander Lucas took his own seat. Sub-Commander Xiao went up
the steps at least to the point where they were eye-level.
"Commander, I find it inappropriate that you're revealing Federation secrets to a civillian, and a child none-the-less."
"she already has seen the B-Gundam when we were forced to make a crash-land in her village. Plus she seems to have
extensive knowledge of it."
"What? How?"
"Keela is from the Space Colonies."
"I don't understand, what does that have to do with knowing about the Gundam?"
"From her rather cryptic clues, it seems like Gundams are farely common in space. Her information has been right so far
so I trust her knowledge in the same aspects as I trust yours, Sub-Commander."
Xiao felt like she was just slapped in the face. the Commander just referred to her as a child, didn't he? She wanted to
tell him off right there, but he was technically her superior officer and she didn't want to seem mutinous.
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Two days passed by slowly for a lot of people. Captain Garrett was anxiously waiting to receive his Gauf Mobile Suit.
Ben Hoshum was anxiously waiting for the plan to kill Garrett to proceed. Prime Minister Asif and Second Prime Minister
Howard were also waiting for the plan to commense, though only one of them was particularly anxious.
And on the Exalon, a good part of the crew were anxiously waiting for the day where Sub-Commander Xiao would take her
leave of them. For the past forty-eight hours, she had been circling over them like a hawk, criticizing everything they
did. The ones who were the specific targets of this was Muro Okawa and Keela Nyoko. Commander Lucas knew that she was
suspicious about having a civilian on the EF flagship, but why she would hold a grudge against Muro, Lucas had no idea.
But Commander Lucas had more important worries than social relationship between his new XO, and the rest of his crew.
Keela had confirmed his worst fears, the strain of taking care of the Exalon Crew, the Captives from Washington, and the
Enterprise survivors was taking its toll on their food supplies. They would have to re-supply soon or else they
wouldn't last for another month.
Still, things weren't entirely bleek. Commander Lucas took a big risk allowing Keela to participate in the analysis of
the B-Gundam, but it paid off, because Keela provided them with some incredible information, including about how the
Gundam could survive even in deep space. Now, they were investigating the possible advantages of space combat.
Sub-Commander Xiao came storming onto the bridge. "Commander, sir, you need to talk to your Gundam Pilot."
Commander Lucas wasn't surprised by this. "Oh?"
"Yes, he is boardering on insubordination."
"How so?"
"He... he said..."
"Yes, go ahead and say it, Sub-Commander, unless it's something of a personal nature and you'd rather tell it to Tasha or
Lee."
"He said that he thinks that I could take down five Desert Dictator ships just by ordering them to blow up." The others
had to contain their laughter. "Commander, you are giving him too much leeway simply because he can operate that damn
robot!"
"Sub-Commander, I am perfectly aware of Koshiro's rambunctious attitude, but until that rambunctious attitude gets us in
danger, I'm willing to let it slide."
Sub-Commander Xiao quickly realized that she was acting childish. She took several deep breaths, saluted and quickly
went over to an empty control panel.
"Commander Lucas, I'm picking up some large MP disruption," Tasha called out breaking the uneasy silence that settled
in the wake of the Sub-Commander's complaint.
"They're on the move," Commander Lucas decided. "Battle Stations! Lee, get Koshiro and prepare to move out.
Sub-Commander Xiao, you will assume Lee's station until she returns."
"If she returns," Muro heard Xiao mutter.
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"The Flagship is taking the bait," an officer announced.
"This is working out better than I imagine," Captain Garrett said. "Now we have the opportunity and the means." He
turned to look at the Mobile Suit before him. It was neon blue, with a row of spikes along one shoulder and a horn on
the forehead. He turned to look at Ben. "Follow me, Dark Messiah, and I will show you what a true victory is."
Ben sneered behind Garrett's back. I'll follow you, but the only thing you'll show me is how a foolish man dies.
Ben got into Archangel and followed Garrett's Gauf out. Outside, the B-Gundam and Guncannon were making quick work of
the Zakus (which wasn't really surprising, since the Zakus were all piloted by rookies, assigned by Garrett).
Garrett took on the B-Gundam.
A cable similar to Archangel's came out of the Gauf's wrist. The Gauf tried to whip the B-Gundam but the B-Gundam
activated its beam shield. The Gauf pinned down the beam shield arm as his metal tentacle wrapped around
the B-Gundam's waist. Koshiro felt the B-Gundam's armor groan as the cable tightened.
"Shoot," Koshiro said. "How can I withstand this?"
Suddenly a hand clamped down on the Gauf's cable. The Guncannon stood between them. Lee activated its electrical field.
Unfortunately, she shocked both the Gauf and the B-Gundam.
Lee activated an intercom link to the B-Gundam. "Sorry, Koshiro," she apologized.
"It's all right," Koshiro replied. "Hey, what happened to that other Mobile Suit?"
"I don't know. We exchanged fire for a few seconds then he disappeared. Aaah!" The Gauf had a quick recovering ability
and was now pummeling the Guncannon with its whip. The Guncannon quickly ducked away as the B-Gundam fired its vulcan
cannons. The vulcans had no effect on the Gauf. Koshiro tried to get up but Garrett pinned him down.
From his hiding place, Ben couldn't believe what he was seeing. It seemed like Prime Minister Asif's plan might fail.
But then again, the Federation's Mobile Suit might get destroyed. Unless the Gauf was disabeled, there would be no way
to get rid of Garrett. That was the plan all along, to kill Captain Garrett. As much as Ben hated to do it, he would
have to aid the Federation Mobile Suit.
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On the Exalon, the crew could only watch in horror as the B-Gundam struggled against its adversary.
"Damn it!" Garrett cursed as the Gauf continued its merciless assault. "Isn't there anything we can do to help him?"
"Yes there is," Henry replied. "Our new MP weapon is ready. We only need to get the B-Gundam and Guncannon out of the
way."
"Sub-Commander Xiao, contact them and order them to withdraw."
"The Guncannon can withdraw easily," Xiao explained. "But the B-Gundam is pinned down."
"Come on, Koshiro," Muro encouraged. "You can do it!" Meanwhile, Sub-Commander Xiao brought up the B-Gundam's file.
She quickly scanned it and found something. It was time to invoke some advice that her old martial arts instructor
used to tell her, with a few twists.
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Koshiro felt as if he was the one being punched. For some reason, he couldn't convince his body that it was the B-Gundam
that was being attacked and not him. How was that? Finally, the Gauf hit a critical point. Koshiro cried out in pain.
"Koshiro! Koshiro, listen to me!" Koshiro struggled to open his eyes. Was it his imagination, or was Sub-Commander
Xiao calling to him. "Koshiro, listen, you must use the G-System. It can organize the counterattack for you."
"Easier... said than done."
"I understand, Koshiro, believe me, it's hard, like trying to do several tasks at once. But you must stay strong and
utilize your own powers to succeed. Summon your own power and join with the B-Gundam. You are not a human and robot,
you are one being, one essence, one entity."
Koshiro concentrated. He could feel every system of the B-Gundam, every circuit, every single control, like it was him
and not the B-Gundam. Unknown to anybody, his body began to glow a strange neon green aura.
Koshiro opened his eyes and noticed that a metal pole ejected from the Gauf's arm and extended to form a spear.
Koshiro saw the crack that served as the spear's holder and the circuitry inside. He fired the Vulcans.
Whether by luck or accuracy, the bullets from the Vulcan penetrated the crack. The right arm exploded and fell off.
"You shall pay for that!" Garrett cried as he quickly switched the spear to the other hand. He then grunted. He forgot
about the cannon Mobile Suit that just destroyed his jet pack. But that didn't detour him. He got ready to deliver the
final blow to the B-Gundam.
Ben saw his chance. His back two cable spikes dove underground and came up from under the Gauf. It wrapped around the
Gauf's legs. Garrett looked down and saw them.
"What the... Hoshum, what's the meaning of this!" Archangel didn't answer him. Garrett searched frantically for a
communication control but couldn't find one. He suddenly realized what was going on, Hoshum wanted to kill him! And he
couldn't call for help because there was no communication panel. He was being betrayed from within!
The metal panel that was between the two launch bays lowered to reveal a double-barrell cannon. The cannon began
glowing, like it was drawing energy from everything around it. Suddenly an intense beam of energy shot out of the
cannon. The Guncannon flew down and picked up the B-Gundam, getting him out of the way of the beam.
Garrett screamed his lungs out but there was nobody around to hear it. He could only watch as the beam headed towards him.
The entire upper half of the Gauf disintegrated. What was left fell down. Koshiro looked up and saw Archangel. The two
Mobile Suits stared each other down. Each pilot could feel the strength emitting from the other.
Ben knew that this would probably be his only chance in a long time to destroy the Federation Mobile Suit. Neither the
Flagship nor the other Mobile Suit would have the power to stop him. Yet... yet he didn't want to do this. Despite his
nickname "The Dark Messiah," Ben wasn't as heartless as others would believe him to be. Instead, he retracted his cables
from the legs of the Gauf, and ordered the surviving Zakus to gather up the surviving pilots and return to the Zeon.
Ben himself also took off.
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Back on the Exalon, Koshiro stood on the upper catwalk, staring at the B-Gundam. It looked like someone took a giant-size
meat masher to it but other than that, it looked fine. But the dents and exposed circuitry were the last things on
Koshiro's mind.
"Hey," Lee greeted him, still in her flightsuit.
"Hey," Koshiro returned.
"Well, that was one hell of a battle," she said leaning on the rail.
"I guess so, but..."
"Is something wrong?"
"You know the Mobile Suit with the spikes on it? Well it actually prevented the other one from getting away."
"I wonder why," Lee commented. "You think there was some power struggle going on between the two."
"I wouldn't be surprised if it was. But... it's strange, Lee. I don't know what happened, but somehow, I could feel the
B-Gundam getting injured."
"Maybe it's some sort of feedback from the interface helmet."
"Maybe." {Or maybe it's something more.} "Lee, can you keep a secret?"
"Sure."
"I... I don't know who I am any more." Before Lee could ask Koshiro to clarify, Commander Lucas and Sub-Commander Xiao
entered the launch bay.
"Koshiro, thanks. You distracted the Mobile Suit enough so that we could fire our weapon."
"I think the thanks should go to Sub-Commander Xiao," Koshiro said. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have been able to
score a direct hit. I..." Koshiro scratched his head. "I guess I was out of line with that blowing up ships by
ordering them crack. I apologize, ma'am." To everyone's surprise, he saluted her.
"I... well... I... I'm sorry too. I still don't like the fact that a civilian is piloting an Earth Federation weapon,
but... if that's the case, then I'm glad it's you."
"So are we all," Commander Lucas agreed. "Come, I'd like you two to debrief us on the battle."
"Commander," Lee called. "I... I'm not feeling well. May I give my report later on?"
"I think we should wait a while and give Koshiro and Lee time to recover before debriefing them."
"Of course, XO. Get some rest, you two." The two nodded and headed off to their respective quarters."
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"Garrett has been killed by the Earth Federation," Ben Hoshum informed Prime-Minister Asif and Second Prime-Minister
Howard.
"Understood," Howard replied. "I'll send recall orders."
"Aye-aye." Ben's face disappeared from the view screen. Howard turned and looked at Asif. Her face was stoic and
unresponsive. He turned back to the view screen as the shadow of a female form appeared.
"Delta Source, we are initiating step two of the operation."
"Understood," the mysterious woman known only as Delta Source replied in a hoarse voice
Howard took one last look at Seamus and left.
As soon as the doors closed, Asif broke down and cried. She had become what her father had despised so much... a murderer.
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While the Exalon travels to Ireland, the Terran Alliance get ahold of their new Mobile Suits, the SU-16 Gunsniper. They
immediately test them out by attacking the Zeon as it travels back to home territory. And a deeper plot unfolds as the
crew of the Exalon discover that there might be a traitor among them.
Next episode: Test Run.
The playing field will be evened.
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The Exalon saved the aircraft carrier Enterprise from an attack by Desert Dictator forces. In return, the Enterprise
agreed to let the Exalon crew use their decompression chamber to heal Koshiro. Ben Hoshum attacked, captured Tasha
and almost defeated Lee. Koshiro escaped the decompression chamber and used the new Beam-Knight Gundam to defeat
Ben.
[Title: Conspiracy]
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Their name was the Alliance of Middle Eastern Countries. They first surfaced in the year UC 297 as a minor faction
uncontent with the polices of the Earth Federation. The robots that came to be known as Zakus first came on the
scene one year later and have been the deciding factor in many combats ever since.
Their headquarters were located in, coincidentally, the former country of Saudi Arabia and their territory extended
as far west as Nigeria, as far north as Mongolia, as far south as Ethiopia and as far east as the western end of China.
Their leader was a person by the name of Seamus Asif.
She was only twelve years old.
Seamus came to power two years after conflict first erupted between the Earth Federation and the AMEC. Her father, Naram
Asif, was assassinated by a mercenary hired by the Earth Federation. Because she had not yet come of age, an advisor
was appointed to her to help her carry out what was believed to be the ideas of her late father. This advisor was deemed
Second Prime-Minister, Nicholas Howard. Howard was actually once part of the Earth Federation but he was dissatisfied
with their way of doing things so he defected.
Right now, Seamus and Nicholas were discussing a matter of utmost importance, Captain Ferdinand Garrett of the Zeon.
For the past few weeks, he has been launching unauthorized attacks on the Earth Federation flagship, despite warnings
from them of the (obviously more powerful) Mobile Suit that the Earth Federation acquired.
"I am getting nervous, Prime Minister Howard," Seamus said, sitting back in her throne, kicking her legs in an almost
comical manner. "As much as I hate the Earth Federation, Garrett must not be allowed to continue operating with near-
absolute power."
"I highly agree, Miss Seamus," Nicholas agreed. "In our encounters, he has needlessly destroyed over two dozen Zakus.
Our forces are expanded enough without him sending men and women to their doom. What do you intend to do about it?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure," Seamus said ashamed. "He has proven victorious on several campaigns, but..."
"Then this is where I come in, Miss Seamus. Captain Garrett is a loose cannon, he is more interested in his pride and
glory than the interests of our re... public." Howard almost used the word regime, but Seamus didn't like such evil
terminology. "He must be disposed of."
Seamus looked at Howard with a frightened look. "Kill him? But..."
"Miss Seamus, we are in a war here. Deaths happen every day, but Garrett is needlessly increasing that number by the
hundreds! He must be destroyed!"
Seamus lowered her head again. "You are right, Second Prime Minister."
"Miss Seamus, please do not think my curtness is directed at you, I am simply emphasizing the situation at hand."
"Of course, and I agree that Captain Garrett must be eliminated, but how?"
This was the opportunity Howard had been waiting for. "With your permission, Miss Seamus, I have a strategy that might
rectify that situation."
"I'm listening," Seamus said.
But before Howard could begin, a soldier came rushing in. Genuflecting, he said, "Please forgive my intrusion, Prime
Minister, but we have established contact with Ben Hoshum, the Dark Messiah. He is currently waiting on secure channel
G-4."
Seamus looked at Howard. She could tell when the Second Prime Minister had did something behind her back. But she
turned to the soldier and said, "Thank you." She pressed some buttons on the arm rest of her throne.
The area in the center of the throne room became a huge view screen which produced a 3-D image of the boy, who
was almost Seamus' age. Howard had heard jokes about how Seamus actually has feelings for the young rogue, but he was
pretty sure that they were just that, jokes.
"I am here, Prime Minister."
"Dark Messiah, Second Prime Minister Howard and I have been discussing the actions of Captain Garrett. Seeing his actions
first hand, do you agree with the conclusion that he must be eliminated."
"If I may say so, Prime Minister, at the very least, he must be removed from command."
"That's what I thought you'd say," Seamus said. She didn't like the idea of killing Garrett, but both of them agreed so
she had to go along with their conclusion.
"Mister Hoshum, I have devised a strategy that might remove him from command on a... permanent basis."
"I'm listening," Hoshum said neutrally.
"We have agreed that the Earth Federation Mobile Suit is a force to be reckoned with."
"I can definitely destroy it, if not for Garrett's stupidity," Ben boasted.
"We know you can, Ben," Second Prime Minister Howard said. "But do you think Garrett can?"
"Are you suggesting sending him on a suicide mission?" Ben asked. Seamus felt her breathing stop for a second. She
realized that she was conspiring murder, something that went totally against her father's policies. But, truthfully,
she was afraid of Howard and Hoshum, afraid of what they might do to her if she showed signs of rebellion.
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm suggesting. It would get him out of the way, help our cause, and fool him into thinking
that he's doing something important all at the same time."
"I see," Hoshum realized. "Either he succeeds in the mission and helps our cause or he dies and rids us of a nuisance.
No big lost."
"Exactly."
"Very well, what do you want me to do?"
"We're currently sending you our newly produced Mobile Suit, the Gauf. You will trick Garrett into thinking that this
weapon will destroy the Federation Mobile Suit. You will corner Garrett and allow the Federation Mobile Suit to
destroy it."
"Sounds like a plan," Ben commented. "But what's to keep Garrett from calling in reinforcements to help him."
"The Gauf has one main flaw," Howard said. He smirked. "It lacks a communication system."
Ben nodded, then looked back to Seamus. "Prime Minister Asif, what is your opinion of the plan?"
Seamus was taken aback, surprised that Ben would ask her opinion even though it seems like they were already set on
going ahead with the plan. "Go... go ahead and do it. Check back in forty-eight hours even if the plan hasn't
started yet."
"As you command, Prime Minister." The image disappeared. Howard turned back to Seamus. "Rest assured, Miss Seamus,
you are doing the right thing."
"I hope so, Second Prime Minister Howard, I hope so."
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Commanders Noah Lucas and Ming Xiao walked into the Exalon's Sickbay, which was already overflowing with the injured.
The Exalon had no choice but to throw the dead and dying overboard. The ones in the Sickbay were all gravely injured
including the Enterprise's commanding officer.
Captain Richard Harrington laid on the table, half his face was bandaged. His arm was in a sling.
"How are you feeling, Captain?" Commander Lucas asked.
"Kind of makes me glad I'm not in the infantry," Captain Harrington said hoarsely.
"We have destroyed what was left of the Enterprise," Commander Xiao informed him, all business as usual. Commander
Xiao's lack of personal communication skills was something Harrington always admired about her. "We are still trying to
decide what to do next."
"Head to Ireland," Captain Harrington said. "With any luck, that's where the rest of our forces would be."
"Right," Lucas agreed. "We'll try to get some help for you and the others along the way."
"Wait," Harrington called. "Lucas, there's one last thing I want you to do."
"If I can do it, I will, Captain."
"You're going to need... all the help you can get. I want you to incorporate the... surviving Enterprise members as crew
of the Exalon. And... I want you to take Commander Xiao... as your executive officer."
"Captain, you can't," Commander Xiao protested. "I'm your XO."
"Not any more. I'm not exactly at command position here. And besides, Lucas is going to need all the help he can get.
And I can't think of anybody else better suited for the job." Harrington broke into a coughing fit.
Commander Xiao's brow scrunched up. Becoming a crew on this rag-tag ship (that was Xiao's name for it because the crew
were anything but formal and professional) was not something she wanted to do.
"Ming," Harrington addressed. "I know this isn't what you want to do, but in these darkened times, we need everybody to
work together, otherwise... we will be destroyed by AMEC. Please, Ming, do this for me."
"As you wish, Captain."
Once Xiao and Lucas exited the Sickbay, Lucas said, "Might as well ask Muro to set a course for Ireland."
"Commander," Xiao said sharply. "Look, let's get one thing straight, the only reason I'm coming along is because it was
Captain Harrington's orders. I hold no likeness towards you or anybody on this... thing. As soon as we get to Ireland,
I'm asking for a transfer off this circus-for-a-ship."
"As you wish," Lucas simply replied and headed off for the bridge.
For some reason, Xiao was beginning to develop a hatred for him.
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"Still no sign of the flagship?" Captain Garrett asked for the sixteenth time.
"No, sir," the officer replied, beginning to get irritated with Garrett's constant hovering.
"Captain," Ben Hoshum called as he walked onto the bridge. "You have a priority message from Prime Minister Asif."
"What?!" Garrett wondered why Prime Minister Asif would be contacting him now.
"Minovsky Interference minimal," the communication officer noted. "Activating receiving link."
Asif and Howard both appeared on the view screen.
"Captain Garrett, how goes the campaign against the Earth Federation flagship?" Asif asked.
"I'm afraid it goes poorly, Prime Minister. The Earth Federation forces are much more powerful than we originally
realized."
"I thought so," Asif said. "So we are sending you our new weapon, the Gauf. And I want you to pilot it."
"Me?!" Garrett gasped. "I... I'm honored you would trust me with such an ability, Prime-Minister Asif."
"We want you to pilot it in the next battle. I trust you won't fail us, Captain Garrett?"
"I'd stake my life on it, Prime Minister."
"Very well. Good luck, Captain. Expect the Gauf in two days time." The transmission ended.
"Duty Officer, let me know when the transport carrying the Gauf is within range."
"Aye, sir."
As Garrett started to leave the bridge, he said to Hoshum. "This is it, Ben, this may be our instrument of victory."
"Yes, sir," Ben agreed, but in his mind, he was thinking, Or the instrument of your demise.
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Seamus hated herself for what she just did. She just condemned a soldier to death, for being a failure. She begun to
feel like the Earth Federation that she hated so much.
"I hope I'm doing the right thing," she said.
Second Prime Minister Howard put a hand on her shoulder. "Trust me, Miss Seamus, it's for the best."
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Commander Lucas had gathered the bridge crew, Koshiro and even Keela and the children to explain their new orders and
introduce their new officer.
"Captain Harrington and I have reached an agreement," he began. "We are to head for Ireland and try to assess the
condition of the Earth Federation forces. Right now, we are forced to assume that the Earth Federation government no
longer exists." That piece of information was responded to by murmurs. "Until we see proof otherwise," he continued,
"we have to reach the conclusion that we are the only EF ship left and that all other forces have been rendered
incapacitated by enemy forces. As such, we all must work ever diligently to reach our destination without incident. With
that in mind, I would like to introduce our new executive officer, Sub-Commander Ming Xiao." The title Sub-Commander didn't
mean a demotion in rank. Technically, they were the same rank, the 'Sub' prefix was simply used to differentiate
between who was in charge and who was second-in-command. "I would like you to show Sub-Commander Xiao the same
respect that you show me." Ray sneezed. Xiao scowled at him with hawk-like intensity. Ray sinked back to behind Keela.
"Henry, Koshiro, I want you two to go over the ins and outs of the B-Gundam. We're going to need to find out everything
that it does, so that we can use it to its full potential. Tasha, Victor, Shinji, I want an easy method to firing our
main weapon. Muro, work with Ming to plan out a safe and fast route to Ireland. I want to avoid AMEC as long as possible."
"Sir," they all saluted.
"Then let's get to work, people. The quicker we move, the quicker we'll be there." As the crew set out to go about their
duties, Keela went up to the Commander and asked to talk to him alone. Lucas agreed but Sub-Commander Xiao listened in.
"Commander, I'm worried about the fate of the children and myself. You were originally going to drop us off at Washington,
but now the EF government seems to be in a state of disarray."
"I understand your concern."
"So what do you have planned for us?"
"We're going to have to drop you off in New York City before we cross the Atlantic," Xiao said firmly. "Of course
normally we wouldn't even do that, but..."
Lucas put out an arm signalling her to be quiet. Then he turned to Keela and said, "we're not dropping you anywhere, at
least not until we get to Ireland."
Keela nodded. "Commander, with your permission, I'd like to assist Koshiro and Henry with the B-Gundam."
"Of course. Also, take an inventory. I need to know if we need to stop off for supplies or not."
"Yes, sir." As Keela and the children left the bridge, Commander Lucas took his own seat. Sub-Commander Xiao went up
the steps at least to the point where they were eye-level.
"Commander, I find it inappropriate that you're revealing Federation secrets to a civillian, and a child none-the-less."
"she already has seen the B-Gundam when we were forced to make a crash-land in her village. Plus she seems to have
extensive knowledge of it."
"What? How?"
"Keela is from the Space Colonies."
"I don't understand, what does that have to do with knowing about the Gundam?"
"From her rather cryptic clues, it seems like Gundams are farely common in space. Her information has been right so far
so I trust her knowledge in the same aspects as I trust yours, Sub-Commander."
Xiao felt like she was just slapped in the face. the Commander just referred to her as a child, didn't he? She wanted to
tell him off right there, but he was technically her superior officer and she didn't want to seem mutinous.
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Two days passed by slowly for a lot of people. Captain Garrett was anxiously waiting to receive his Gauf Mobile Suit.
Ben Hoshum was anxiously waiting for the plan to kill Garrett to proceed. Prime Minister Asif and Second Prime Minister
Howard were also waiting for the plan to commense, though only one of them was particularly anxious.
And on the Exalon, a good part of the crew were anxiously waiting for the day where Sub-Commander Xiao would take her
leave of them. For the past forty-eight hours, she had been circling over them like a hawk, criticizing everything they
did. The ones who were the specific targets of this was Muro Okawa and Keela Nyoko. Commander Lucas knew that she was
suspicious about having a civilian on the EF flagship, but why she would hold a grudge against Muro, Lucas had no idea.
But Commander Lucas had more important worries than social relationship between his new XO, and the rest of his crew.
Keela had confirmed his worst fears, the strain of taking care of the Exalon Crew, the Captives from Washington, and the
Enterprise survivors was taking its toll on their food supplies. They would have to re-supply soon or else they
wouldn't last for another month.
Still, things weren't entirely bleek. Commander Lucas took a big risk allowing Keela to participate in the analysis of
the B-Gundam, but it paid off, because Keela provided them with some incredible information, including about how the
Gundam could survive even in deep space. Now, they were investigating the possible advantages of space combat.
Sub-Commander Xiao came storming onto the bridge. "Commander, sir, you need to talk to your Gundam Pilot."
Commander Lucas wasn't surprised by this. "Oh?"
"Yes, he is boardering on insubordination."
"How so?"
"He... he said..."
"Yes, go ahead and say it, Sub-Commander, unless it's something of a personal nature and you'd rather tell it to Tasha or
Lee."
"He said that he thinks that I could take down five Desert Dictator ships just by ordering them to blow up." The others
had to contain their laughter. "Commander, you are giving him too much leeway simply because he can operate that damn
robot!"
"Sub-Commander, I am perfectly aware of Koshiro's rambunctious attitude, but until that rambunctious attitude gets us in
danger, I'm willing to let it slide."
Sub-Commander Xiao quickly realized that she was acting childish. She took several deep breaths, saluted and quickly
went over to an empty control panel.
"Commander Lucas, I'm picking up some large MP disruption," Tasha called out breaking the uneasy silence that settled
in the wake of the Sub-Commander's complaint.
"They're on the move," Commander Lucas decided. "Battle Stations! Lee, get Koshiro and prepare to move out.
Sub-Commander Xiao, you will assume Lee's station until she returns."
"If she returns," Muro heard Xiao mutter.
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"The Flagship is taking the bait," an officer announced.
"This is working out better than I imagine," Captain Garrett said. "Now we have the opportunity and the means." He
turned to look at the Mobile Suit before him. It was neon blue, with a row of spikes along one shoulder and a horn on
the forehead. He turned to look at Ben. "Follow me, Dark Messiah, and I will show you what a true victory is."
Ben sneered behind Garrett's back. I'll follow you, but the only thing you'll show me is how a foolish man dies.
Ben got into Archangel and followed Garrett's Gauf out. Outside, the B-Gundam and Guncannon were making quick work of
the Zakus (which wasn't really surprising, since the Zakus were all piloted by rookies, assigned by Garrett).
Garrett took on the B-Gundam.
A cable similar to Archangel's came out of the Gauf's wrist. The Gauf tried to whip the B-Gundam but the B-Gundam
activated its beam shield. The Gauf pinned down the beam shield arm as his metal tentacle wrapped around
the B-Gundam's waist. Koshiro felt the B-Gundam's armor groan as the cable tightened.
"Shoot," Koshiro said. "How can I withstand this?"
Suddenly a hand clamped down on the Gauf's cable. The Guncannon stood between them. Lee activated its electrical field.
Unfortunately, she shocked both the Gauf and the B-Gundam.
Lee activated an intercom link to the B-Gundam. "Sorry, Koshiro," she apologized.
"It's all right," Koshiro replied. "Hey, what happened to that other Mobile Suit?"
"I don't know. We exchanged fire for a few seconds then he disappeared. Aaah!" The Gauf had a quick recovering ability
and was now pummeling the Guncannon with its whip. The Guncannon quickly ducked away as the B-Gundam fired its vulcan
cannons. The vulcans had no effect on the Gauf. Koshiro tried to get up but Garrett pinned him down.
From his hiding place, Ben couldn't believe what he was seeing. It seemed like Prime Minister Asif's plan might fail.
But then again, the Federation's Mobile Suit might get destroyed. Unless the Gauf was disabeled, there would be no way
to get rid of Garrett. That was the plan all along, to kill Captain Garrett. As much as Ben hated to do it, he would
have to aid the Federation Mobile Suit.
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On the Exalon, the crew could only watch in horror as the B-Gundam struggled against its adversary.
"Damn it!" Garrett cursed as the Gauf continued its merciless assault. "Isn't there anything we can do to help him?"
"Yes there is," Henry replied. "Our new MP weapon is ready. We only need to get the B-Gundam and Guncannon out of the
way."
"Sub-Commander Xiao, contact them and order them to withdraw."
"The Guncannon can withdraw easily," Xiao explained. "But the B-Gundam is pinned down."
"Come on, Koshiro," Muro encouraged. "You can do it!" Meanwhile, Sub-Commander Xiao brought up the B-Gundam's file.
She quickly scanned it and found something. It was time to invoke some advice that her old martial arts instructor
used to tell her, with a few twists.
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Koshiro felt as if he was the one being punched. For some reason, he couldn't convince his body that it was the B-Gundam
that was being attacked and not him. How was that? Finally, the Gauf hit a critical point. Koshiro cried out in pain.
"Koshiro! Koshiro, listen to me!" Koshiro struggled to open his eyes. Was it his imagination, or was Sub-Commander
Xiao calling to him. "Koshiro, listen, you must use the G-System. It can organize the counterattack for you."
"Easier... said than done."
"I understand, Koshiro, believe me, it's hard, like trying to do several tasks at once. But you must stay strong and
utilize your own powers to succeed. Summon your own power and join with the B-Gundam. You are not a human and robot,
you are one being, one essence, one entity."
Koshiro concentrated. He could feel every system of the B-Gundam, every circuit, every single control, like it was him
and not the B-Gundam. Unknown to anybody, his body began to glow a strange neon green aura.
Koshiro opened his eyes and noticed that a metal pole ejected from the Gauf's arm and extended to form a spear.
Koshiro saw the crack that served as the spear's holder and the circuitry inside. He fired the Vulcans.
Whether by luck or accuracy, the bullets from the Vulcan penetrated the crack. The right arm exploded and fell off.
"You shall pay for that!" Garrett cried as he quickly switched the spear to the other hand. He then grunted. He forgot
about the cannon Mobile Suit that just destroyed his jet pack. But that didn't detour him. He got ready to deliver the
final blow to the B-Gundam.
Ben saw his chance. His back two cable spikes dove underground and came up from under the Gauf. It wrapped around the
Gauf's legs. Garrett looked down and saw them.
"What the... Hoshum, what's the meaning of this!" Archangel didn't answer him. Garrett searched frantically for a
communication control but couldn't find one. He suddenly realized what was going on, Hoshum wanted to kill him! And he
couldn't call for help because there was no communication panel. He was being betrayed from within!
The metal panel that was between the two launch bays lowered to reveal a double-barrell cannon. The cannon began
glowing, like it was drawing energy from everything around it. Suddenly an intense beam of energy shot out of the
cannon. The Guncannon flew down and picked up the B-Gundam, getting him out of the way of the beam.
Garrett screamed his lungs out but there was nobody around to hear it. He could only watch as the beam headed towards him.
The entire upper half of the Gauf disintegrated. What was left fell down. Koshiro looked up and saw Archangel. The two
Mobile Suits stared each other down. Each pilot could feel the strength emitting from the other.
Ben knew that this would probably be his only chance in a long time to destroy the Federation Mobile Suit. Neither the
Flagship nor the other Mobile Suit would have the power to stop him. Yet... yet he didn't want to do this. Despite his
nickname "The Dark Messiah," Ben wasn't as heartless as others would believe him to be. Instead, he retracted his cables
from the legs of the Gauf, and ordered the surviving Zakus to gather up the surviving pilots and return to the Zeon.
Ben himself also took off.
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Back on the Exalon, Koshiro stood on the upper catwalk, staring at the B-Gundam. It looked like someone took a giant-size
meat masher to it but other than that, it looked fine. But the dents and exposed circuitry were the last things on
Koshiro's mind.
"Hey," Lee greeted him, still in her flightsuit.
"Hey," Koshiro returned.
"Well, that was one hell of a battle," she said leaning on the rail.
"I guess so, but..."
"Is something wrong?"
"You know the Mobile Suit with the spikes on it? Well it actually prevented the other one from getting away."
"I wonder why," Lee commented. "You think there was some power struggle going on between the two."
"I wouldn't be surprised if it was. But... it's strange, Lee. I don't know what happened, but somehow, I could feel the
B-Gundam getting injured."
"Maybe it's some sort of feedback from the interface helmet."
"Maybe." {Or maybe it's something more.} "Lee, can you keep a secret?"
"Sure."
"I... I don't know who I am any more." Before Lee could ask Koshiro to clarify, Commander Lucas and Sub-Commander Xiao
entered the launch bay.
"Koshiro, thanks. You distracted the Mobile Suit enough so that we could fire our weapon."
"I think the thanks should go to Sub-Commander Xiao," Koshiro said. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have been able to
score a direct hit. I..." Koshiro scratched his head. "I guess I was out of line with that blowing up ships by
ordering them crack. I apologize, ma'am." To everyone's surprise, he saluted her.
"I... well... I... I'm sorry too. I still don't like the fact that a civilian is piloting an Earth Federation weapon,
but... if that's the case, then I'm glad it's you."
"So are we all," Commander Lucas agreed. "Come, I'd like you two to debrief us on the battle."
"Commander," Lee called. "I... I'm not feeling well. May I give my report later on?"
"I think we should wait a while and give Koshiro and Lee time to recover before debriefing them."
"Of course, XO. Get some rest, you two." The two nodded and headed off to their respective quarters."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Garrett has been killed by the Earth Federation," Ben Hoshum informed Prime-Minister Asif and Second Prime-Minister
Howard.
"Understood," Howard replied. "I'll send recall orders."
"Aye-aye." Ben's face disappeared from the view screen. Howard turned and looked at Asif. Her face was stoic and
unresponsive. He turned back to the view screen as the shadow of a female form appeared.
"Delta Source, we are initiating step two of the operation."
"Understood," the mysterious woman known only as Delta Source replied in a hoarse voice
Howard took one last look at Seamus and left.
As soon as the doors closed, Asif broke down and cried. She had become what her father had despised so much... a murderer.
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While the Exalon travels to Ireland, the Terran Alliance get ahold of their new Mobile Suits, the SU-16 Gunsniper. They
immediately test them out by attacking the Zeon as it travels back to home territory. And a deeper plot unfolds as the
crew of the Exalon discover that there might be a traitor among them.
Next episode: Test Run.
The playing field will be evened.