Mobile Suit Gundam Century's Dawn
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Captain Ferdinand Garrett of the Desert Dictator ship Zeon is no more. He had been betrayed by the very organization
that he served. Ben Hoshum, known as the Dark Messiah for his gruesome combat record, backed him into a corner
allowing the Earth Federation flagship to destroy him. The plan, created by Second Prime-Minister Howard and approved
by Prime Minister Asif herself, was to trick Garrett into fighting a losing battle against the Earth Federation Mobile
Suit. Obviously, the plan succeeded.
[Title: Test Run]
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With Garrett gone, there was no need for the Zeon to remain at their current location. It was getting ready for their
next mission. The Zeon's XO was a man by the name of Samuel Gaylord (Sam to everyone else), was in charge.
As for Ben Hoshum, the only AMEC trooper to oversee the death of Captain Garrett, he was down tinkering with his Mobile
Suit, Archangel. Through maintenance logs, Ben was able to conclude that it was Captain Garrett who sabotaged
Archangel almost making him crush a child. Despite his nickname, Hoshum would never harm a child, even he had enough
dignity to distinguish civilian from soldier.
"Mister Hoshum," an officer called up to him. Despite all the Zaku pilots that Garrett sent to their doom at the hands
of the Earth Federation Mobile Suit, there were still some soldiers left on the ship. "We have a transmission from
Prime Minister Asif."
"Tell communications to transfer it down to my Mobile Suit," Ben instructed.
"Yes, sir." As the officer set out to his duty. Ben withdrew a portable communication consol from a compartment in
Archangel's cockpit. He set it up on Archangel's leg. On the mini view screen was an image of Prime Minister Asif.
"Hello, Dark Messiah," she greeted formally.
"Prime Minister Asif, the plan has succeeded. Garrett is dead."
"I see," Prime Minister Asif said morbidly.
"Prime Minister, forgive me if I'm stepping out of line, but are you upset about something?"
"I'm feeling a little... disappointed about Captain Garrett's death. My father always said to protect all life and now...
I went and killed a man, for failing against a force we had no idea about in the first place."
"Garrett was a good soldier, but he was a little too ambitious for his own good. He took control of my Mobile Suit without
my permission, Prime Minister Asif. If we allowed him to continue, he would send more soldiers to needless deaths,
maybe even start a coup."
"You're right, Dark Messiah. I guess I just needed to be assured that what I did the right thing."
"Whether it was right or not, it had to be done. That is the leash that binds leaders to their roles for life."
Prime Minister Asif couldn't believe what she was hearing. It sounded like something her father would say. "Ben, I know
you have no real alleigence to us, but... I would like to make a request of you."
"Yes."
"Please, I would like to hire you as my bodyguard."
"Bodyguard?"
"I'm afraid, Ben. I'm afraid of what the Earth Federation might do to me. They killed my father, they might come after
me next. I would feel more comfortable with you guarding me."
Ben pondered his options. Now that Garrett's gone, he would be technically out of a job, and to tell the truth, it was
fun fighting the Federation Mobile Suit. He wasn't ready to retire just yet. "If that is what you wish, Prime
Minister Asif, then I shall agree to become your bodyguard."
Seamus' eyes immediately lite up. "Oh thank you. Please rendezvous with me at headquarters as soon as you can."
"I shall leave today. Good-bye, Prime Minister." Ben shut down the communication device and stored it. He quickly ran to
his quarters and gathered up what little belongings he had. "Activate the catapult, I'm leaving."
"Yes sir," the man said. As Archangel took off, Ben spied the Earth Federation flagship. He hovered there for a moment
staring at it.
We shall meet again, Federation Mobile Suit, he thought. And then you shall be destroyed.
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"Any sign of the ship?" Commander Lucas asked Lee Moshiro.
"Yes, sir, but it appears they're doing nothing."
"Good enough for me. I guess they need time to lick their wounds from the last battle. Let's take off."
"Aye-aye," called helmswoman Muro Okawa. As the Exalon began to take off, she took one last look at the United States.
Once, it served as a strength for all who desired peace and justice. Now, it was in turmoil. The very heart of the
Earth Federation was shattered.
But what about all the people left behind, the people without a government, without anything to defend them from
interlopers? They were like sheep, gentle souls who needed someone to guide them. Muro hoped... no, prayed that one
day, the Earth Federation would rise again.
In his quarters, Koshiro Anaka, the Gundam Pilot, slept fitfully. He's been having nightmares, nightmares about a faceless
woman stabbing him in the chest. He also dreamed of the Guncannon and Archangel. He awoke just as the faceless woman
was about to stab him again.
Koshiro ventured out into the hallway. For some reason, he went into the secondary hangar, where the Guncannon
was kept. Koshiro noticed that the Guncannon had been detailed. It was now dark blue with a large white starburst
in the center. Around its left arm was the word Starlight. So Lee had decided to name her Gundam as well.
"Attention all hands," Commander Lucas' voice sounded over the loudspeaker. We are now ready to venture to Ireland to
search for any EF forces that survived. Our travel time, due to the lack of fuel from firing our main weapon, will be
two days. In the mean time, everyone try to get some sleep. This will probably be the only time we'll get to relax for a
while. That is all."
Koshiro leaned against the wall on the upper catwalk. He thought about all that has happened to him over the past few
weeks. It still pained his heart to recall Scatterhaven's destruction. Even more, he thought of Paiyako, his best
friend since childhood, who was now part of the Terran Alliance, an organization dedicated to subduing both the Earth
Federation and the Desert Dictators. And possibly even destroy him.
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"Ah-choo!"
The sneeze attracted the attention of the AMEC guard and he turned to take a look at the really young-looking
technician.
"Ghesuntight," he said. Then stared at her. "Wait a minute... Miss, how old are you?"
The girl turned towards her and blushed. She had deep blue, almost violet, eyes. "This is my first day, sir."
"How old are you?"
"Um... 19, sir."
"Oh. You look much younger. Let me see your ID card." The technician reached into her shirt pocket and drew out an ID
card. The guard looked at it, then handed it back to her. "I'm sorry, we've been receiving reports of bandits on the
outskirts. We can't be too careful."
"Oh, sure, no problem," the technician said still smiling.
"Well... don't linger." Keeping her in a corner of his eye, the guard went down the hallway and turned a corner. Once
he was out of sight, she took out a walkie talkie. "This is Paiyako."
"What's your status?" Sasari Mei asked.
"I'm inside. Where do I go from here?"
"Head south until you reach a set of double doors. There should be all sorts of warning labels on it so it shouldn't be
hard to spot." Paiyako followed Sasari's directions and sliced the card that Hacker made for her.
"I'm here!" She called to Sasari. "The Generator Room."
"Hurry and set the charge," Sasari instructed. "The workers will be back from their break."
"Right." Paiyako reached into her jacket and withdrew a small cylinder with a cable attached to it. She attached the
cylinder underneath a control panel and plugged the cable into a jack on the panel itself. "Charge is set."
"Hacker says to set the timer for five minutes. Any longer and they could figure out how to shut it off."
"Right." Paiyako programmed the timer and slipped out of the Generator room. She started to head back the way she came.
But voices appeared from around the corner. "Oh crap! The workers are back early! Sasari, what do I do?"
"Calm down, Pai. Hacker says to..." Sasari was interrupted by a high-pitch whining noise. Paiyako quickly realized
that she was being jammed. Fortunately, they prepared for this eventuality. Paiyako smashed her walkie talkie and swept
the pieces to the side. She then ran back to the Generator Room. Once there, she looked around for a place to hide,
but the circular room produced no alcoves or closets.
It did, however, have an air duct. Paiyako opened up the grate and climbed in. She gently closed it just as the
workers began piling in. She waited for a minute to make sure they didn't spot her or the device then began to crab
walk her way up the shaft. Once there, she made her way through the metal tunnel. About two minutes into her journey,
she heard an alarm. AMEC must've figured out that there was a terrorist in their midst. Which meant she had to hurry.
She moved through the ducts until she came to a drop shaft. She landed but her feet hitting the duct shaft made a sound.
"Hey, did you hear that?" One of the guards headed over to the grate where Paiyako was.
"Forget about that, it's probably just a squirrel," a bodiless voice answered back. "We need to report to our stations
anyway." As the guard and his disembodied companion left, Paiyako saw her chance. She dove out of the air duct and ran
across the front lawn. She leapt the short wire fence and took off into the forrest.
Paiyako could hear footsteps behind her. The sound of gunshots confirmed that it wasn't a friend. Paiyako could only run
faster. To her great relief, she heard the sound of tires screaching on the dirt floor. Mileena pulled up in front of
her in a jeep. Paiyako dove in and the jeep rushed off.
"I hope this thing is faster than a speeding bullet!" Paiyako said.
"Don't worry, kid." Mileena pressed a button on the stearing wheel and the wheels folded down under the vehicle. The jeep
became a hover car. The car escaped the guard but the sound of metallic foot-steps replaced the human footsteps. It was
a Zaku and it was heading towards them rapidly. Paiyako ducked underneath the seat. "Hang on!" The hover car was
approaching a waterfall that was against a mountain range. Mileena warned Paiyako to hold her breath as she drove the
hover car through the waterfall. On the other side was a cave, the perfect size for the hover car but too small for even
a Zaku hand.
The hover car stopped when they were deep enough to not see the waterfall.
"Oh yeah, another successful mission," Paiyako said slapping her partner's hand.
"Yup, let's go back to base before the Dumb Squad decide to send in smaller troops." Leaving the hover car, Mileena
and Paiyako continued into the cave on foot. When they got to the end of the cave, they leaned up against the wall.
The wall rotated moving the girls into a passage way that served as a tunnel for the Terran Alliance.
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"Good job," Sasari Mei, the Dark Scorpion, congratulated. "Their systems are frying even as we speak. That should
set them back a few years."
"That's good," Mileena said. "But I think a Zaku followed us."
"Even if that's the case, they wouldn't be able to find their way here."
"So what's our next mission?" Paiyako asked.
"Don't be in such a hurry, Paiyako," Sasari said. "Mission planning takes time. Get some rest and I'll let you
know when something comes up."
"Sasari, Sasari!" A man known as Hacker, Sasari's second-in-command and computer expert came running up to the two
women and the girl. "A message. They're ready."
"Finally," Sasari said.
"What's ready?" Paiyako asked.
"Our new Mobile Suits."
"Wow, that was quick."
The Terran Alliance had long ago formed a secret pact with the Colonies that exist in Earth's orbit. Unlike the Earth
Federation and AMEC, who believed that no colonists existed anymore. The colonies provide the Terran Alliance with
supplies in return, the Terran Alliance promised to dismantle the Earth Federation government and return the planet to the
way it was. No AMEC with their raids, no Earth Federation military enforcing their rules on the planet, no Mobile
Suits, nothing, just peace and quiet.
Sasari Mei had gotten hold of blueprints for a Federation Mobile Suit. Although the blueprints were over 200 years old,
Sasari has observed the Federation Mobile Suit, called Gundam for some odd reason, in action. If one Federation Mobile
Suit could destroy a whole platoon of Zakus, then imagine what 3 Mobile Suits, with some modifications, could do.
"When are they scheduled to arrive?"
"Tomorrow. We're supposed to meet at the touch-down point at N3145, E1407."
"All right. Paiyako, Mileena, you'll come with me. We'll use the Core Cycles to get there."
However, the Terran Alliance wasn't the only ones who got the message. An Earth Federation camp that was set up
specifically to intercept transmissions also received the message. General Graystone called his top commanders
in to discuss it.
"Mobile Suits? What are those?" One Commander asked.
"I think he means those giant robots that AMEC has," another replied.
"If we could get our hands on even one of those, it could prove valuable," General Graystone commented. "Ready our forces.
We'll initiate a snare maneuver. Get as many DBs as possible." DBs stood for Double Barrells. Like the name suggested,
they had two cannons intead of one, placed on each side of them. This particular camp had only five of them,
not even half the required amount. This was because it was a small camp, with only twenty compliment including
officers. They were going all out just to keep these Mobile Suits from falling into the hands of terrorists.
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The next morning, Sasari, Paiyako, and Mileena took off towards the drop-off point on their Core Cycles.
"Are you sure it's wise for just the three of us to be going out like this?" Paiyako asked.
"It'll be safer. This way, we'll have more of a chance avoiding the Earth Federation and AMEC." Paiyako tightened her
grip on the Core Cycle's handles. They rode until they were in a field region about a mile in all directions. They
stashed their core cycles underneath some shrubbery and sat on the outskirts of the field.
Soon, a loud humming filled the sky. A box-looking transport landed right in front of them, almost knocking Mileena over
and blowing Paiyako's bandanna off. Two more transports like it landed. Paiyako was especially in awe at seeing them.
She couldn't help but think that if Koshiro was here, he would love seeing stuff like this.
The large crates attached to the transports opened up. Inside each of them was a blue Mobile Suit. It had the general
design of the Gundam, but it was considerably shorter. What was most noticeable was the giant gun that was attached to
the mobile suit's shoulder and held in the right hand, extending almost the entire length of the arm. They were each
down on one knee, their gun arm pointed outwards.
"They're beautiful," Mileena commented. As the transports began lifting off, a large energy blast destroyed them.
Sasari, Paiyako, and Mileena each ducked behind a Mobile Suit to protect themselves from falling debree. "What happened?"
"We're under attack!" Paiyako cried. Sasari took out her gun and fired in a random direction. It was responded by a
hail of machine gun fire. A DB tank plowed out of the forest along with EF soldiers.
"It's an Earth Federation attack force!"
"Let's get inside these things," Sasari suggested. Metal rings slid out from the leg as Sasari climbed them onto the Mobile
Suit's horizontal leg. With almost lightning-quick speed, she ran across the legand into the cockpit. She felt a stabbing
pain in her back but ignored it. She sat in the pilot seat and tried to figure out the controls. She discovered that the
levers in front of her controlled the Mobile Suit's movements. She pushed them forward and the Mobile Suit stepped forward,
crushing an Earth Federation soldier that was too careless.
Using the distraction to their advantage, Mileena and Paiyako quickly climbed into their own Mobile Suits.
"Okay, Paiyako," Paiyako said to herself. "You can do this. It can't be too hard. I mean I'm sure a child could pilot
this thing." She pressed a button and accidentally fired the arm cannon at the ground. The blast caused a small crater
around her. "Oops." Paiyako's Mobile Suit climbed out and saw a tank heading in her direction. This time, she was able
to aim her cannon and blow the tank onto its back.
Mileena was handling her Mobile Suit like a pro, most likely because after piloting a Zaku, this was an ease. She already
destroyed two EF tanks and was going for a third. The third tank quickly fired at it. Mileena held up her free arm
which had a large panel on it, assumedly a shield. Fortunately, it was enough to deflect the blast.
Sasari shook away a kink in her back as she fired her cannon again. It literally blew several EF soldiers away.
"Paiyako, Mileena, listen, we can't waste our time with these drones, we need to stop them at the source. Follow me."
Like the B-Gundam, these new units had limited flight ability. The three Mobile Suits flew into the sky. Sasari used
the scanning system to locate the base.
Sasari is so good at piloting this robot, Paiyako thought. I wonder... the only way someone would become that good
is if they had experience. Could... could Sasari be a former AMEC pilot? No, that can't be true. If it was, Mileena
would've heard of her. It must be something else. But what else could it be? AMEC had the only expert Mobile Suit
pilots around, didn't they?
Paiyako was distracted from the Earth Federation tank that snuck up behind her. It blasted her and she fell.
"Paiyako!" Mileena cried flying down to help her.
"Mileena, protect her!" Sasari ordered. "I'm going for the base." In a series of short leaps, Sasari's Mobile Suit was
on the outskirts of the EF camp. "This is for Paiyako!" Sasari devastated a building. "And this is for the hell you're
putting the people of Earth through!" She destroyed something that looked like a control tower.
General Graystone couldn't believe his eyes. "Evacuate the base! Evacuate!" Soldiers began running for their lives.
Only about a third made it out before Sasari decided to destroy the main building.
What was left of the Earth Federation base's company were running for the hills. Sasari decided tolet them go. She didn't
want to appear totally heartless. She felt a pain in her back again and this time, she rubbed it.
Her back felt sticky.
Sasari pulled her hand away. It was covered in a red substance.
Blood. She was bleeding.
"Oh," she muttered.
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They returned to the base of the Terran Alliance. Sasari laid on her back, her shirt off, as the Doctor stitched up
the wound.
"You're lucky, Sasari," the doctor commented. "The bullet only grazed your back, and away from any major organs. Yes,
you're very lucky."
"Oh yeah, I'm so lucky," Sasari said sarcastically. The Doctor applied some ointment to the wound before leaving.
"No doubt word of our attacks have reached the government of the Earth Federation," Paiyako said as she hooked Sasari's
bra together.
"I hope it does," Sasari said pulling her shirt on. "I want them to know that we are not to be taken lightly." Sasari
got off the bed and left. Paiyako followed her.
Paiyako found Sasari up on the surface, staring up at the night sky (she was sitting of course, laying on her back would
irritate the wound).
"Sasari?" Paiyako asked meekly. She had to ask. "May I ask you a question."
"Sure, Paiyako, go ahead."
"Sasari, the way you handled that Mobile Suit today was incredible. You almost seemed like a natural at it. So... what I'm
trying to ask is... have you piloted a Mobile Suit before?"
"You're wondering if I was once a part of the AMEC army?" Paiyako blushed and nodded her head. "I don't blame you for
being suspicious."
"So... are you?"
"No."
"Then... where did you learn to pilot a Mobile Suit so easily?"
This time, Sasari did lay on her back. She ignored the pain in her back, like she ignored all her pain. "To tell you the
truth, I'm not really sure. It just feels natural. I know I'm not part of the AMEC army, nor was I at any point in my
life."
"But that doesn't make any sense. The AMEC are the only ones who can pilot Mobile Suits with such efficiency."
"I know. I feel like I'm missing something, something important, but I don't know what."
"I'm sorry. I probably touched something I shouldn't have."
"Don't worry about it. Actually, that's kind of the reason why I formed the Terran Alliance."
"Huh?"
"True, I want to see the Earth Federation and AMEC disbanded. True, I want to return Earth to its old ways, but perhaps...
if I do, I'll discover something that I've lost or forgotten. And somehow, the robots called Mobile Suits play a big
part in it."
"Sasari... I hope you discover what you seek."
"Thanks, and I'm counting on you to help me avenge the destruction of Scatterhaven."
"You can count on me."
Sasari smiled. She could recall a time when Paiyako was always so kind and helpful. And now, she's using those
attributes to help her in her battle against the Earth Federation. Sasari felt... reassured.
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The next day, Sasari, Paiyako, and Mileena stood in front of their Mobile Suits.
"I received some info from the Colony that produced these," Sasari said. "These are called Gun Snipers. Their
primary talent is long-range combat. Their beam cannons can destroy two city blocks with pinpoint accuracy."
"Gun Snipers." The name left a bad taste in Paiyako's mouth. She recalled the lettering on the B-Gundam's armor.
"Hey, I know, let's give then nicknames. The Federation Mobile Suit had one, no reason why we can't do it either."
Sasari and Mileena looked at each other and shrugged. It sounded pretty childish, but on the other hand, they'll need
some way to tell them apart.
Sasari had Hacker bring up three spray-paint cans. She climbed up onto hers. "I'm naming mine Terra, seeing as how
we are the Terran Alliance."
"Vengence," Mileena decided. It was easy to see why. She was betrayed and she wanted revenge.
Paiyako sat on her leg, trying to decide what to name her Gun Sniper. She wanted it to be special and significant to her,
if nobody else. She finally decided on a name.
Paiyako began spraypainting a 'K' followed by an 'O', 'S', and an 'H.' She would decide to name it after the one who
meant a lot to her.
"Koshiro."
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The Exalon arrives at Ireland and discovers the surviving forces of the Earth Federation. Commander Lucas prepares a
report to the Federation Council on the B-Gundam. But even more mysteries rear their heads up.
Next episode: Status Report.
They must study the past to understand the present, and to prepare for the future.
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Captain Ferdinand Garrett of the Desert Dictator ship Zeon is no more. He had been betrayed by the very organization
that he served. Ben Hoshum, known as the Dark Messiah for his gruesome combat record, backed him into a corner
allowing the Earth Federation flagship to destroy him. The plan, created by Second Prime-Minister Howard and approved
by Prime Minister Asif herself, was to trick Garrett into fighting a losing battle against the Earth Federation Mobile
Suit. Obviously, the plan succeeded.
[Title: Test Run]
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With Garrett gone, there was no need for the Zeon to remain at their current location. It was getting ready for their
next mission. The Zeon's XO was a man by the name of Samuel Gaylord (Sam to everyone else), was in charge.
As for Ben Hoshum, the only AMEC trooper to oversee the death of Captain Garrett, he was down tinkering with his Mobile
Suit, Archangel. Through maintenance logs, Ben was able to conclude that it was Captain Garrett who sabotaged
Archangel almost making him crush a child. Despite his nickname, Hoshum would never harm a child, even he had enough
dignity to distinguish civilian from soldier.
"Mister Hoshum," an officer called up to him. Despite all the Zaku pilots that Garrett sent to their doom at the hands
of the Earth Federation Mobile Suit, there were still some soldiers left on the ship. "We have a transmission from
Prime Minister Asif."
"Tell communications to transfer it down to my Mobile Suit," Ben instructed.
"Yes, sir." As the officer set out to his duty. Ben withdrew a portable communication consol from a compartment in
Archangel's cockpit. He set it up on Archangel's leg. On the mini view screen was an image of Prime Minister Asif.
"Hello, Dark Messiah," she greeted formally.
"Prime Minister Asif, the plan has succeeded. Garrett is dead."
"I see," Prime Minister Asif said morbidly.
"Prime Minister, forgive me if I'm stepping out of line, but are you upset about something?"
"I'm feeling a little... disappointed about Captain Garrett's death. My father always said to protect all life and now...
I went and killed a man, for failing against a force we had no idea about in the first place."
"Garrett was a good soldier, but he was a little too ambitious for his own good. He took control of my Mobile Suit without
my permission, Prime Minister Asif. If we allowed him to continue, he would send more soldiers to needless deaths,
maybe even start a coup."
"You're right, Dark Messiah. I guess I just needed to be assured that what I did the right thing."
"Whether it was right or not, it had to be done. That is the leash that binds leaders to their roles for life."
Prime Minister Asif couldn't believe what she was hearing. It sounded like something her father would say. "Ben, I know
you have no real alleigence to us, but... I would like to make a request of you."
"Yes."
"Please, I would like to hire you as my bodyguard."
"Bodyguard?"
"I'm afraid, Ben. I'm afraid of what the Earth Federation might do to me. They killed my father, they might come after
me next. I would feel more comfortable with you guarding me."
Ben pondered his options. Now that Garrett's gone, he would be technically out of a job, and to tell the truth, it was
fun fighting the Federation Mobile Suit. He wasn't ready to retire just yet. "If that is what you wish, Prime
Minister Asif, then I shall agree to become your bodyguard."
Seamus' eyes immediately lite up. "Oh thank you. Please rendezvous with me at headquarters as soon as you can."
"I shall leave today. Good-bye, Prime Minister." Ben shut down the communication device and stored it. He quickly ran to
his quarters and gathered up what little belongings he had. "Activate the catapult, I'm leaving."
"Yes sir," the man said. As Archangel took off, Ben spied the Earth Federation flagship. He hovered there for a moment
staring at it.
We shall meet again, Federation Mobile Suit, he thought. And then you shall be destroyed.
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"Any sign of the ship?" Commander Lucas asked Lee Moshiro.
"Yes, sir, but it appears they're doing nothing."
"Good enough for me. I guess they need time to lick their wounds from the last battle. Let's take off."
"Aye-aye," called helmswoman Muro Okawa. As the Exalon began to take off, she took one last look at the United States.
Once, it served as a strength for all who desired peace and justice. Now, it was in turmoil. The very heart of the
Earth Federation was shattered.
But what about all the people left behind, the people without a government, without anything to defend them from
interlopers? They were like sheep, gentle souls who needed someone to guide them. Muro hoped... no, prayed that one
day, the Earth Federation would rise again.
In his quarters, Koshiro Anaka, the Gundam Pilot, slept fitfully. He's been having nightmares, nightmares about a faceless
woman stabbing him in the chest. He also dreamed of the Guncannon and Archangel. He awoke just as the faceless woman
was about to stab him again.
Koshiro ventured out into the hallway. For some reason, he went into the secondary hangar, where the Guncannon
was kept. Koshiro noticed that the Guncannon had been detailed. It was now dark blue with a large white starburst
in the center. Around its left arm was the word Starlight. So Lee had decided to name her Gundam as well.
"Attention all hands," Commander Lucas' voice sounded over the loudspeaker. We are now ready to venture to Ireland to
search for any EF forces that survived. Our travel time, due to the lack of fuel from firing our main weapon, will be
two days. In the mean time, everyone try to get some sleep. This will probably be the only time we'll get to relax for a
while. That is all."
Koshiro leaned against the wall on the upper catwalk. He thought about all that has happened to him over the past few
weeks. It still pained his heart to recall Scatterhaven's destruction. Even more, he thought of Paiyako, his best
friend since childhood, who was now part of the Terran Alliance, an organization dedicated to subduing both the Earth
Federation and the Desert Dictators. And possibly even destroy him.
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"Ah-choo!"
The sneeze attracted the attention of the AMEC guard and he turned to take a look at the really young-looking
technician.
"Ghesuntight," he said. Then stared at her. "Wait a minute... Miss, how old are you?"
The girl turned towards her and blushed. She had deep blue, almost violet, eyes. "This is my first day, sir."
"How old are you?"
"Um... 19, sir."
"Oh. You look much younger. Let me see your ID card." The technician reached into her shirt pocket and drew out an ID
card. The guard looked at it, then handed it back to her. "I'm sorry, we've been receiving reports of bandits on the
outskirts. We can't be too careful."
"Oh, sure, no problem," the technician said still smiling.
"Well... don't linger." Keeping her in a corner of his eye, the guard went down the hallway and turned a corner. Once
he was out of sight, she took out a walkie talkie. "This is Paiyako."
"What's your status?" Sasari Mei asked.
"I'm inside. Where do I go from here?"
"Head south until you reach a set of double doors. There should be all sorts of warning labels on it so it shouldn't be
hard to spot." Paiyako followed Sasari's directions and sliced the card that Hacker made for her.
"I'm here!" She called to Sasari. "The Generator Room."
"Hurry and set the charge," Sasari instructed. "The workers will be back from their break."
"Right." Paiyako reached into her jacket and withdrew a small cylinder with a cable attached to it. She attached the
cylinder underneath a control panel and plugged the cable into a jack on the panel itself. "Charge is set."
"Hacker says to set the timer for five minutes. Any longer and they could figure out how to shut it off."
"Right." Paiyako programmed the timer and slipped out of the Generator room. She started to head back the way she came.
But voices appeared from around the corner. "Oh crap! The workers are back early! Sasari, what do I do?"
"Calm down, Pai. Hacker says to..." Sasari was interrupted by a high-pitch whining noise. Paiyako quickly realized
that she was being jammed. Fortunately, they prepared for this eventuality. Paiyako smashed her walkie talkie and swept
the pieces to the side. She then ran back to the Generator Room. Once there, she looked around for a place to hide,
but the circular room produced no alcoves or closets.
It did, however, have an air duct. Paiyako opened up the grate and climbed in. She gently closed it just as the
workers began piling in. She waited for a minute to make sure they didn't spot her or the device then began to crab
walk her way up the shaft. Once there, she made her way through the metal tunnel. About two minutes into her journey,
she heard an alarm. AMEC must've figured out that there was a terrorist in their midst. Which meant she had to hurry.
She moved through the ducts until she came to a drop shaft. She landed but her feet hitting the duct shaft made a sound.
"Hey, did you hear that?" One of the guards headed over to the grate where Paiyako was.
"Forget about that, it's probably just a squirrel," a bodiless voice answered back. "We need to report to our stations
anyway." As the guard and his disembodied companion left, Paiyako saw her chance. She dove out of the air duct and ran
across the front lawn. She leapt the short wire fence and took off into the forrest.
Paiyako could hear footsteps behind her. The sound of gunshots confirmed that it wasn't a friend. Paiyako could only run
faster. To her great relief, she heard the sound of tires screaching on the dirt floor. Mileena pulled up in front of
her in a jeep. Paiyako dove in and the jeep rushed off.
"I hope this thing is faster than a speeding bullet!" Paiyako said.
"Don't worry, kid." Mileena pressed a button on the stearing wheel and the wheels folded down under the vehicle. The jeep
became a hover car. The car escaped the guard but the sound of metallic foot-steps replaced the human footsteps. It was
a Zaku and it was heading towards them rapidly. Paiyako ducked underneath the seat. "Hang on!" The hover car was
approaching a waterfall that was against a mountain range. Mileena warned Paiyako to hold her breath as she drove the
hover car through the waterfall. On the other side was a cave, the perfect size for the hover car but too small for even
a Zaku hand.
The hover car stopped when they were deep enough to not see the waterfall.
"Oh yeah, another successful mission," Paiyako said slapping her partner's hand.
"Yup, let's go back to base before the Dumb Squad decide to send in smaller troops." Leaving the hover car, Mileena
and Paiyako continued into the cave on foot. When they got to the end of the cave, they leaned up against the wall.
The wall rotated moving the girls into a passage way that served as a tunnel for the Terran Alliance.
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"Good job," Sasari Mei, the Dark Scorpion, congratulated. "Their systems are frying even as we speak. That should
set them back a few years."
"That's good," Mileena said. "But I think a Zaku followed us."
"Even if that's the case, they wouldn't be able to find their way here."
"So what's our next mission?" Paiyako asked.
"Don't be in such a hurry, Paiyako," Sasari said. "Mission planning takes time. Get some rest and I'll let you
know when something comes up."
"Sasari, Sasari!" A man known as Hacker, Sasari's second-in-command and computer expert came running up to the two
women and the girl. "A message. They're ready."
"Finally," Sasari said.
"What's ready?" Paiyako asked.
"Our new Mobile Suits."
"Wow, that was quick."
The Terran Alliance had long ago formed a secret pact with the Colonies that exist in Earth's orbit. Unlike the Earth
Federation and AMEC, who believed that no colonists existed anymore. The colonies provide the Terran Alliance with
supplies in return, the Terran Alliance promised to dismantle the Earth Federation government and return the planet to the
way it was. No AMEC with their raids, no Earth Federation military enforcing their rules on the planet, no Mobile
Suits, nothing, just peace and quiet.
Sasari Mei had gotten hold of blueprints for a Federation Mobile Suit. Although the blueprints were over 200 years old,
Sasari has observed the Federation Mobile Suit, called Gundam for some odd reason, in action. If one Federation Mobile
Suit could destroy a whole platoon of Zakus, then imagine what 3 Mobile Suits, with some modifications, could do.
"When are they scheduled to arrive?"
"Tomorrow. We're supposed to meet at the touch-down point at N3145, E1407."
"All right. Paiyako, Mileena, you'll come with me. We'll use the Core Cycles to get there."
However, the Terran Alliance wasn't the only ones who got the message. An Earth Federation camp that was set up
specifically to intercept transmissions also received the message. General Graystone called his top commanders
in to discuss it.
"Mobile Suits? What are those?" One Commander asked.
"I think he means those giant robots that AMEC has," another replied.
"If we could get our hands on even one of those, it could prove valuable," General Graystone commented. "Ready our forces.
We'll initiate a snare maneuver. Get as many DBs as possible." DBs stood for Double Barrells. Like the name suggested,
they had two cannons intead of one, placed on each side of them. This particular camp had only five of them,
not even half the required amount. This was because it was a small camp, with only twenty compliment including
officers. They were going all out just to keep these Mobile Suits from falling into the hands of terrorists.
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The next morning, Sasari, Paiyako, and Mileena took off towards the drop-off point on their Core Cycles.
"Are you sure it's wise for just the three of us to be going out like this?" Paiyako asked.
"It'll be safer. This way, we'll have more of a chance avoiding the Earth Federation and AMEC." Paiyako tightened her
grip on the Core Cycle's handles. They rode until they were in a field region about a mile in all directions. They
stashed their core cycles underneath some shrubbery and sat on the outskirts of the field.
Soon, a loud humming filled the sky. A box-looking transport landed right in front of them, almost knocking Mileena over
and blowing Paiyako's bandanna off. Two more transports like it landed. Paiyako was especially in awe at seeing them.
She couldn't help but think that if Koshiro was here, he would love seeing stuff like this.
The large crates attached to the transports opened up. Inside each of them was a blue Mobile Suit. It had the general
design of the Gundam, but it was considerably shorter. What was most noticeable was the giant gun that was attached to
the mobile suit's shoulder and held in the right hand, extending almost the entire length of the arm. They were each
down on one knee, their gun arm pointed outwards.
"They're beautiful," Mileena commented. As the transports began lifting off, a large energy blast destroyed them.
Sasari, Paiyako, and Mileena each ducked behind a Mobile Suit to protect themselves from falling debree. "What happened?"
"We're under attack!" Paiyako cried. Sasari took out her gun and fired in a random direction. It was responded by a
hail of machine gun fire. A DB tank plowed out of the forest along with EF soldiers.
"It's an Earth Federation attack force!"
"Let's get inside these things," Sasari suggested. Metal rings slid out from the leg as Sasari climbed them onto the Mobile
Suit's horizontal leg. With almost lightning-quick speed, she ran across the legand into the cockpit. She felt a stabbing
pain in her back but ignored it. She sat in the pilot seat and tried to figure out the controls. She discovered that the
levers in front of her controlled the Mobile Suit's movements. She pushed them forward and the Mobile Suit stepped forward,
crushing an Earth Federation soldier that was too careless.
Using the distraction to their advantage, Mileena and Paiyako quickly climbed into their own Mobile Suits.
"Okay, Paiyako," Paiyako said to herself. "You can do this. It can't be too hard. I mean I'm sure a child could pilot
this thing." She pressed a button and accidentally fired the arm cannon at the ground. The blast caused a small crater
around her. "Oops." Paiyako's Mobile Suit climbed out and saw a tank heading in her direction. This time, she was able
to aim her cannon and blow the tank onto its back.
Mileena was handling her Mobile Suit like a pro, most likely because after piloting a Zaku, this was an ease. She already
destroyed two EF tanks and was going for a third. The third tank quickly fired at it. Mileena held up her free arm
which had a large panel on it, assumedly a shield. Fortunately, it was enough to deflect the blast.
Sasari shook away a kink in her back as she fired her cannon again. It literally blew several EF soldiers away.
"Paiyako, Mileena, listen, we can't waste our time with these drones, we need to stop them at the source. Follow me."
Like the B-Gundam, these new units had limited flight ability. The three Mobile Suits flew into the sky. Sasari used
the scanning system to locate the base.
Sasari is so good at piloting this robot, Paiyako thought. I wonder... the only way someone would become that good
is if they had experience. Could... could Sasari be a former AMEC pilot? No, that can't be true. If it was, Mileena
would've heard of her. It must be something else. But what else could it be? AMEC had the only expert Mobile Suit
pilots around, didn't they?
Paiyako was distracted from the Earth Federation tank that snuck up behind her. It blasted her and she fell.
"Paiyako!" Mileena cried flying down to help her.
"Mileena, protect her!" Sasari ordered. "I'm going for the base." In a series of short leaps, Sasari's Mobile Suit was
on the outskirts of the EF camp. "This is for Paiyako!" Sasari devastated a building. "And this is for the hell you're
putting the people of Earth through!" She destroyed something that looked like a control tower.
General Graystone couldn't believe his eyes. "Evacuate the base! Evacuate!" Soldiers began running for their lives.
Only about a third made it out before Sasari decided to destroy the main building.
What was left of the Earth Federation base's company were running for the hills. Sasari decided tolet them go. She didn't
want to appear totally heartless. She felt a pain in her back again and this time, she rubbed it.
Her back felt sticky.
Sasari pulled her hand away. It was covered in a red substance.
Blood. She was bleeding.
"Oh," she muttered.
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They returned to the base of the Terran Alliance. Sasari laid on her back, her shirt off, as the Doctor stitched up
the wound.
"You're lucky, Sasari," the doctor commented. "The bullet only grazed your back, and away from any major organs. Yes,
you're very lucky."
"Oh yeah, I'm so lucky," Sasari said sarcastically. The Doctor applied some ointment to the wound before leaving.
"No doubt word of our attacks have reached the government of the Earth Federation," Paiyako said as she hooked Sasari's
bra together.
"I hope it does," Sasari said pulling her shirt on. "I want them to know that we are not to be taken lightly." Sasari
got off the bed and left. Paiyako followed her.
Paiyako found Sasari up on the surface, staring up at the night sky (she was sitting of course, laying on her back would
irritate the wound).
"Sasari?" Paiyako asked meekly. She had to ask. "May I ask you a question."
"Sure, Paiyako, go ahead."
"Sasari, the way you handled that Mobile Suit today was incredible. You almost seemed like a natural at it. So... what I'm
trying to ask is... have you piloted a Mobile Suit before?"
"You're wondering if I was once a part of the AMEC army?" Paiyako blushed and nodded her head. "I don't blame you for
being suspicious."
"So... are you?"
"No."
"Then... where did you learn to pilot a Mobile Suit so easily?"
This time, Sasari did lay on her back. She ignored the pain in her back, like she ignored all her pain. "To tell you the
truth, I'm not really sure. It just feels natural. I know I'm not part of the AMEC army, nor was I at any point in my
life."
"But that doesn't make any sense. The AMEC are the only ones who can pilot Mobile Suits with such efficiency."
"I know. I feel like I'm missing something, something important, but I don't know what."
"I'm sorry. I probably touched something I shouldn't have."
"Don't worry about it. Actually, that's kind of the reason why I formed the Terran Alliance."
"Huh?"
"True, I want to see the Earth Federation and AMEC disbanded. True, I want to return Earth to its old ways, but perhaps...
if I do, I'll discover something that I've lost or forgotten. And somehow, the robots called Mobile Suits play a big
part in it."
"Sasari... I hope you discover what you seek."
"Thanks, and I'm counting on you to help me avenge the destruction of Scatterhaven."
"You can count on me."
Sasari smiled. She could recall a time when Paiyako was always so kind and helpful. And now, she's using those
attributes to help her in her battle against the Earth Federation. Sasari felt... reassured.
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The next day, Sasari, Paiyako, and Mileena stood in front of their Mobile Suits.
"I received some info from the Colony that produced these," Sasari said. "These are called Gun Snipers. Their
primary talent is long-range combat. Their beam cannons can destroy two city blocks with pinpoint accuracy."
"Gun Snipers." The name left a bad taste in Paiyako's mouth. She recalled the lettering on the B-Gundam's armor.
"Hey, I know, let's give then nicknames. The Federation Mobile Suit had one, no reason why we can't do it either."
Sasari and Mileena looked at each other and shrugged. It sounded pretty childish, but on the other hand, they'll need
some way to tell them apart.
Sasari had Hacker bring up three spray-paint cans. She climbed up onto hers. "I'm naming mine Terra, seeing as how
we are the Terran Alliance."
"Vengence," Mileena decided. It was easy to see why. She was betrayed and she wanted revenge.
Paiyako sat on her leg, trying to decide what to name her Gun Sniper. She wanted it to be special and significant to her,
if nobody else. She finally decided on a name.
Paiyako began spraypainting a 'K' followed by an 'O', 'S', and an 'H.' She would decide to name it after the one who
meant a lot to her.
"Koshiro."
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The Exalon arrives at Ireland and discovers the surviving forces of the Earth Federation. Commander Lucas prepares a
report to the Federation Council on the B-Gundam. But even more mysteries rear their heads up.
Next episode: Status Report.
They must study the past to understand the present, and to prepare for the future.