Mobile Suit Gundam Century's Dawn
[Title: Confrontation]
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Commander Noah Lucas, Sub-Commander Ming Xiao, Lieutenant Commander Muro Okawa and Lieutenant Henry Kozuko
drove a humvee up to an old castle. On the outside, it looked like something you might see in a children's storybook.
Made with stones and cement, it didn't look like the ideal headquarters for an organization like the Earth Federation.
Which was precisely why it was. This was the emergency fall-back base just in case there was a coup or an invasion. Very
few officers know about it in case of capture by the enemy. But when the Exalon appeared to the surviving EF forces, they
were taken directly to it.
The large metal drawbridge lowered and the humvee drove through the outer keep. Inside was a strange fusion of ancient
and modern workings. The castle had barracks on each side of the keep. The four towers that made up the corners of the
keep had either an antenna or a radar dish on top. The castle was stone with patches of steel. Apparently, this castle
was the sight of a bloody battle long ago that nearly tore the castle in two. The Earth Federation had since then filled
in the holes with steel plating. The inner bailey was a courtyard filled with EF tanks and gun batteries.
Lucas and the top officers of the Exalon were in luck. One of the Councilmembers was there to meet him. And it was an
old friend.
"Councilman Bennett," Lucas cried.
"Lucas, my old friend, I am glad to see you are alive," the elderly man said. He then turned to Muro. "Muro! My God,
the last time I saw you, you were still in pig tails. My, how time flies."
"Good to see you too, Councilman," Muro said bowing.
"We understand that a lot has happened to you," Councilman Bennett said. "The other Councilmembers and I are
interested in hearing about your exploits."
"I already sent you a copy of my report."
"Yes, but we like to hear it from you personally. We also set up an obsticle course for this... Gundam to demonstrate
its abilities."
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Prime Minister Seamus Asif watched as Archangel was lowered into the underground bay that served as a Mobile Suit hangar
for the Zakus. Archangel got down on one knee and its central hatch opened. Ben Hoshum, alias the Dark Messiah, stepped
out. With no fear in his eyes, he jumped down to the ground and mimicked his Mobile Suit's position by genuflecting
to Prime Minister Asif.
"Greetings, Prime Minister Asif."
"Ben Hoshum, I am... glad that you have took me up on my offer." To tell the truth, several times over the course of the
trip, Ben opted to just turn around and fly off into oblivion, but he wanted a rematch with that Federation Mobile Suit.
Sticking around with AMEC almost guarantees that.
"Please, come with me." It was almost funny seeing two children walk down the hall, guards saluting the girl as she
walked by.
"I was reluctant to assume the throne after my father passed away. My father knew that and appointed an advisor to me."
"So?" Ben asked simply.
"However, there are times where I feel that Second Prime Minister's Howard's suggestions are... unwise."
"Do you feel like there was another way to deal with Captain Garrett?"
"My father believed in non-killing. He used to tell me about something called the Side Wars where a lot of people died
for what seemed like no apparent reason. I feel like I betrayed him by sending Garrett to die."
{Prime Minister Asif is getting to something. Why is she telling me all this? I know it's more than just small talk.}
"I want to start believing in my father's teachings again and I believe that Second Prime Minister Howard is making me defy
those teachings. That's why I want to appoint a second advisor."
"And you want me to scout the land for potential candidates?"
"No..." Prime Minister Asif turned to look at him. "In addition to bodyguard, I want you... to be my secondary advisor."
Ben grinded to a halt. Why was Prime Minister Asif putting such trust in him, a lone mercenary?
"I apologize if I caught you off-guard, but I feel that I can trust you a lot more than I can trust Second Prime Minister
Howard."
"Why do you trust me?" Ben asked, his brown eyes lowering. Seamus looked surprise now. "I'm a mercenary. I work for
whoever pays me. How do you know Second Prime-Minister Howard didn't hire me to assassinate you?"
"We are alone, without any guards. If that is what you want to do, then you can go ahead and do it here and now."
"In case you've forgotten, I'm called the Dark Messiah. I've been known to destroy entire military complexes. People
are beginning to connect me with doomsday. I'm ruthless, uncaring, and wreckless and that's just Captain Garret's
description of me. I can't be trusted."
"Since when do you care about what Captain Garrett says of you?" For a long time, Seamus and Ben stared each other
down without speaking. Finally, Ben smirked. Apparently, Seamus had called his bluff, something few humans had been
known to do.
"Fine, I'll take the job, but only until something better comes along."
Seamus' eyes shown. "Oh thank you, Advisor Hoshum." Advisor Hoshum. Ben was beginning to hate the name already.
The two arrived at the throne room where Second Prime Minister Howard was waiting.
"There you are, Miss Seamus," Howard said. "Ahh, I see Ben Hoshum is with you. Welcome, Dark Messiah."
"Second Prime Minister Howard, I have decided to take on Ben Hoshum as a military advisor," Seamus said in a confidence
that Howard wasn't expecting. "Do you have any objections?"
"If that is Mister Hoshum's wish, then let it be so," he said. But deep down, he was worried. Seamus had got a powerful
new ally on her side. He would have to handle this delicately, unless he wants to be one of the Dark Messiah's many victims.
"Now that we're all on the same page. Second Advisor Hoshum, please tell of your battles against the Federation Mobile
Suit."
"As you command, Miss Seamus."
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Meanwhile, another head was getting an update. Commander Noah Lucas stood in front of the Earth Federation council
talking about the B-Gundam. His words were strong and to the point. They had to be, he was performing in front of a
very tough crowd.
The EF Council has only five members, to prevent deadlock among votings. Bennet sat at the center. On his left sat
Councilwoman Gina Marrin, the only woman on the council. Marrin seemed determined to prove her point, even if she had to
get physical with whoever opposed her. To Bennett's right was Councilman Harvey Reynolds, the youngest member. He was
elected to the seat late in the term, and more than several people were reluctant to vote for him due to his young age.
On the other side of Marrin was Councilman Paul Johnson, a former soldier who wants to run the Earth Federation like his
own personal army. The last member of the council was Councilman George Cortis, he was a politician in every sense of the
word. He manipulated others, even sacrificed his own allies to further his gain.
"Your accounts of the exploits of this Gundam-type Mobile Suit is very impressive, Commander Lucas, Councilman Reynolds
said.
"I agree," Councilman Cortis added. "But do you think it'll be enough to penetrate the Zakus guarding the AMEC
headquarters?"
"Not by itself, but by mass-producing the Gundam-type Mobile Suit or GMS for short, we could re-establish a control on
Earth."
"I have reservations about doing that," Councilman Reynolds said. "Just the other day, a trio of strange Mobile Suits
attacked the base of Sigma Company. They were completely wiped out!"
"But the Mobile Suits are the only thing that put these Desert Dictators ahead of us militarily," Councilman Johnson
argued.
"How do you suppose we mass-produce these GMS? For that matter, is such a thing even possible?" Councilwoman Marrin asked.
"According to my sources, these Mobile Suits were abundant a long time ago."
"But the materials seem very advanced," Councilwoman Marrin argued. "Almost extraterrestrial."
"I think that is exactly the case," Commander Lucas said. "That's why I propose..."
"Wait a minute, Commander," Councilman Bennett said. "I'm still curious about the abilities of this Gundam. Before we
continue, I'd like to see a live demonstration of this Gundam's abilities."
"I thought you would," Commander Lucas said as he took out his cell phone.
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"Good news, Koshiro," Leeka Moshiro told Gundam Pilot Koshiro Anaka. "The Commander has given you the green light.
Ready to do a little showing off?"
"It's about time," Koshiro said from the cockpit from the B-Gundam. "HIS activated. Launch B-Gundam!" The B-Gundam
was catapulted into the courtyard where two tanks and a Zaku shell were as well as several targets. The B-Gundam
blasted the tanks with the beam rifle it carried. It then shot up the targets with its vulcan cannons. Finally, it took
a beam saber and sliced the Zaku shell in half. "Man, there are times when I love this job," Koshiro commented.
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"Very impressive, Commander," Councilman Johnson observed. "Your report doesn't do it justice. We must start
mass-producing these GMS at once!"
"And how do you suppose we do that?" Councilwoman Marrin countered. "We don't have the resources."
"This is true," Councilman Bennett said. "However, there is a place that does." Councilman Bennett looked up. Everyone
followed his glance.
"Wait a minute!" Councilman Cortis said. "You're not saying..."
"That's exactly what I'm saying. The Colonies have the resources, we must get assistance from them."
The Earth Federation had long thought that the Colonies were wiped out, at least majorly. But when they found Keela, she
revealed that the Colonies were alive and well, but had not made contact with Earth in years. Nobody knew if they were
doing this to teach the Earth Federation a lesson, or if everyone on the Colonies simply died out.
"If we're to gain an advantage over the Desert Dictators, we must re-establish contact with the Colonies. Right now,
the Exalon is our only space-capable vessel."
"But if the Exalon leaves for the Colonies, we will be unprotected," Councilwoman Marrin protested.
"Exactly. Which means we'll have to..."
Suddenly an alarm rang out. Councilman Bennett pulled up a video image of a soldier.
"Councilman, a squadron of Zaku robots have been spotted on long-range radar."
"Go to high alert status, alert all..."
"Wait a minute, Councilman," Commander Lucas said. He picked up his cellular phone. "Lee, it's me... yup, go ahead."
Turning to the council, Commander Lucas said, "We'll take care of this."
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"Attention all hands," Lee announced. "Prepare for the launch of the G-Armor."
The armor that the B-Gundam used earlier to defend the Enterprise survivors was compiled and placed onto the catapult.
"Tasha, Victor," Lee called. "Launch G-Armor!"
"Launching G-Armor now!" The twins cried out. The armor unit was sent out.
The armor separated and began inserting itself onto various parts of the B-Gundam as the Zakus landed.
Drawing one of his beam sabers, Koshiro sent the B-Gundam into action. Since the Enterprise attack, Koshiro has gotten
used to using the G-Armor. The B-Gundam was still slowed a little, but what he lacked in speed, he made up for in power.
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The Councilmembers watched as the B-Gundam sliced up the Zakus almost as easy as it did during the demonstration.
"I've never seen such power," Councilman Cortis said.
"This makes mass-producing them even more essential," Councilwoman Marrin threw in.
"One thing at a time," Councilman Johnson said. "Just how did the Zakus know where we were?"
"I understand what you mean, Councilman," Commander Lucas agreed. "The only way they could've found this location is if
someone told them."
"A traitor!" Councilwoman Marrin realized. "Perhaps even in this very room!" Everyone looked at each other, now with
suspician.
"People, mistrust will not help our situation," Councilman Bennett said. "Commander Lucas, tell your Gundam Pilot to
bring in a Zaku. Then we can question its pilot."
Commaner Lucas nodded, but as he made the call, one question ran through his mind: How did Councilman Bennett know
Koshiro was called the Gundam Pilot? We hadn't even discussed the pilot issue yet.
As commanded, Koshiro brought in one of the Zakus. The pilot was almost literally pried from his Mobile Suit and placed
into a detention lock.
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"We must go into hiding," Councilman Bennett told Commander Lucas and the Exalon crew. "As of now, the Earth Federation
government is no more. We will gather our forces and prepare a counter-attack. Perhaps someday, we will return to power,
but not now. Noah Lucas, your mission, and the mission of the Exalon is two parts. The first part is to ensure the
protection of the last surviving Mobile Suit Gundam. The second part, and probably the most important, is to establish
peaceful ties with the Colonies. Can you accomplish this mission?"
"My crew and I are up to the challenge," Lucas said. Everybody, including Keela and the children saluted Councilman
Bennett. Bennett saluted back.
During the next few days, the Earth Federation forces gathered together at the castle. Tech crews have been modifying
the Exalon for space travel. They put in trams so that the crew could move around in zero-gravity. They received another
three Core Fighter, these properly equipped for space travel (150% output thrusters and oxygen supply for example). They
repaired and replenished the Exalon's weapons.
Noah Lucas adjusted his new uniform. The Exalon was (unofficially of course) not a part of the Earth Federation any more.
In fact, the Earth Federation (unofficially) no longer existed. Therefore, they couldn't be seen wearing the Earth
Federation uniforms. These new uniforms were a charcoal black jumpsuit with gray signifying their rank. There was no EF
logo. The shirt area was instead covered with pockets. A pocket reserved for a side arm was stitched onto the pants leg.
His boots were nice and shiny. His belt contained extra clips for his sidearm as well as a cell communicator.
Lucas looked at the rank symbol on his sleeve. A Captain.
He was a Captain.
Lucas left the quarters he was given in the castle (All the furniture on the Exalon was being bolted down). At an
intersection, he came across Ming Xiao who was in a uniform like his own, except there were no breast pockets. She was
missing her trademark hat.
"Congratulations on your promotion, Captain," she said.
"Thank you, Commander. You must like the fact that the sub's been dropped from your name."
"With all due respect, sir, it felt like I was demoted."
"Understood, it won't happen again."
"Well, isn't this a happy scene," Lee said walking up to them in a female uniform, her blonde hair pulled back into a
short pony tail. "If you two are done smiling, we have a birthday party to attend." The three went down to an
underground commissary. The others had already arrived. All except the reason they were all there in the first place.
The person was coming down the hall.
"Muro, what's the hurry?" Koshiro asked. "This wouldn't be like last time, is it? Last time, I split my seems...
literally."
"Trust me, you'll like this."
"I think Lee said something along those same lines too." Muro shoved Koshiro into the room just as everybody yelled out
"surprise!" Koshiro looked around at the set-up. Streamers hung along the wall, balloons were tied to seat legs. A large
banner read 'Happy Birthday, Koshiro' (with the s backwards, obviously written by the kids.).
"Wh... what is all this?" Koshiro asked, still surprised. "My... my birthday was already past."
"We know, but since we were too busy running for our lives to throw you one, we figured this was as best as time as any,"
Lee explained.
"Wow... thanks, guys, I... I don't know what to say."
"You already said all that was needed to be said, Koshiro," Captain Lucas said. "After all the times you helped us out,
this is the least we can do to repay you." The party started and a good time was had by all. Koshiro thought back to his
last birthday. His parents took himself, Paiyako, and a few friends to the mountains. There was this beautiful lake set
in a clearing. The forest gathered around the lake as if it was some sort of holy land. They spent the entire time
swimming, fishing, and just playing in the forest. It was such an innocent time. He remembered standing on a log
staring at a fish that had accidentally jumped out when someone pushed him into the lake. Coughing and sputtering water,
he looked up to see the culprit standing on the log where he was, laughing hysterically.
"That's not funny, Pai," Koshiro said scowling.
"You should've seen your face, Koshiro," Paiyako said between laughter. "It was great!"
"Yeah, we'll see about that." Koshiro kicked the log and dislodged it from the shoreline. Paiyako slipped and fell in.
Now it was Koshiro's turn to laugh.
"That was stupid, Koshiro!" Paiyako yelled. "You should know you're not suppose to push a girl into a lake."
"I didn't push, I kicked," Koshiro said. Paiyako put on her fiery-mad face and began chasing Koshiro around the shallow
end of the lake.
Koshiro sighed. He and Paiyako promised to spend his birthday in Harmonford, but then AMEC attacked and the Exalon
appeared and after that everything went to hell.
"Koshiro, Koshiro!" Koshiro shook himself out of his reverie and looked at Keela. "Koshiro, are you all right?"
"Yeah, sorry, Keela, I guess I just faded out for a second." He then noticed what Keela was wearing, it was a female Exalon
uniform. "Uh... Keela, why are you wearing a uniform?"
"Oh, didn't anyone tell you? I've been drafted!" She was way too optimistic about that revelation. "After the Captain
told Councilman Bennett about my 'past record,' he personally asked me to sign on as an Adviser and Counsellor to the
crew."
"Well that's great, but what about the kids?"
"Hey, Keela, this suit doesn't fit right," Christopher complained. Koshiro turned around and saw the children all
wearing green jumpsuits.
"That's because you have it on backwards, silly," Kikka said. Christopher turned around and around like a dog chasing
his tail, trying to get the flap of the jumpsuit so he could take it off but he only ended up falling over.
Koshiro turned towards Keela with a confused look. Keela explained, "when Councilman Bennett asked me to become a
crewmember, I agreed but only if the children could remain with me."
"Are you sure that's wise?" Koshiro asked.
"No, it's probably not wise, but I'll tell you what I told him. I'm just... repaying a favor to an old friend."
Koshiro wondered who it was and what exactly was the favor, but decided not to pry anymore. Keela made it clear to him
that she wanted to put her life as a crewmember of the White Base behind her and Koshiro respected that. In fact, perhaps it
was time for him to put his life before the destruction of Scatterhaven behind him, including Paiyako...
Koshiro shook his head. He would ponder such dilemmas later. Right now, he was just going to enjoy his party.
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The party went on for another hour, and then it was time to leave. Captain Lucas and the crew of the Exalon marched out
to the courtyard. The Exalon stood big and proud among the large encampment that had been set up by the ever-increasing
army of soldiers that were gathering every day.
Councilman Bennett stood in front of the Gundam launch bay. "Captain Lucas, are you ready to depart?"
"Yes, sir," Lucas saluted.
"Remember, the Earth Federation fell against the hands of AMEC. You are working as independents. You will, in reality,
answer to me and only me directly. No messages, no communiques, nothing. If I need to tell you something, you will know."
"Yes, sir," Captain Lucas said.
"Then good luck and good hunting." Councilman Bennett stepped aside and the crew walked up the ramp. With pride in their
hearts and serenity in their minds, they took their assigned positions. Captain Lucas in the command chair, Muro at the
helm, Lee at the communication station, Victor and Tasha up in the operations tower. Koshiro was down in the B-Gundam,
getting it prepped for possible combat along with Henry and Shinji. Keela and the children were secured in their quarters.
Commander Xiao was sitting at an unmanned station.
"Begin check list," Captain Lucas commanded. The twins began calling off systems and the others responded accordingly.
"Main Engines?"
"Go!"
"Vertical and lateral thrusters?"
"Ready!"
"Helm interface!"
"Working!"
"AMS guns?"
"Manned!"
"Particle cannon?"
"Charged."
"Oxygen supply?"
"100%."
"Artificial gravity?"
"Ready to engage as soon as we hit Earth's orbit."
"Minovsky Generator?"
"Working."
"Crew status?"
"All stations report ready."
"Well, here we go," Captain Lucas said as he picked up his phone. "Attention all hands, lift off commencing now!"
"Lifting off in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one... zero!"
"Lift off!" The Exalon began withdrawing from the ground. It hovered about 500 feet from the castle, then moved away
from it. It slowly began rising.
"Say good-bye to Earth," Captain Lucas said. "We won't be seeing it for a while."
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Koshiro watched as the ground began disappearing. Good-bye, Paiyako, he thought. Good luck working for the Terran
Alliance.
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The Exalon arrives at a colony designated "Side 6" by its inhabitants and meet new Mobile Suits including the Hizack and
Jegan. They begin negotiations but they soon realize that all is not well when a squadron of strange space Mobile Suits
start attacking, Koshiro but struggle to adjust to fighting in zero-gravity.
Next episode: Gundam In Space.
It's a whole new battlefield.
[Title: Confrontation]
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Commander Noah Lucas, Sub-Commander Ming Xiao, Lieutenant Commander Muro Okawa and Lieutenant Henry Kozuko
drove a humvee up to an old castle. On the outside, it looked like something you might see in a children's storybook.
Made with stones and cement, it didn't look like the ideal headquarters for an organization like the Earth Federation.
Which was precisely why it was. This was the emergency fall-back base just in case there was a coup or an invasion. Very
few officers know about it in case of capture by the enemy. But when the Exalon appeared to the surviving EF forces, they
were taken directly to it.
The large metal drawbridge lowered and the humvee drove through the outer keep. Inside was a strange fusion of ancient
and modern workings. The castle had barracks on each side of the keep. The four towers that made up the corners of the
keep had either an antenna or a radar dish on top. The castle was stone with patches of steel. Apparently, this castle
was the sight of a bloody battle long ago that nearly tore the castle in two. The Earth Federation had since then filled
in the holes with steel plating. The inner bailey was a courtyard filled with EF tanks and gun batteries.
Lucas and the top officers of the Exalon were in luck. One of the Councilmembers was there to meet him. And it was an
old friend.
"Councilman Bennett," Lucas cried.
"Lucas, my old friend, I am glad to see you are alive," the elderly man said. He then turned to Muro. "Muro! My God,
the last time I saw you, you were still in pig tails. My, how time flies."
"Good to see you too, Councilman," Muro said bowing.
"We understand that a lot has happened to you," Councilman Bennett said. "The other Councilmembers and I are
interested in hearing about your exploits."
"I already sent you a copy of my report."
"Yes, but we like to hear it from you personally. We also set up an obsticle course for this... Gundam to demonstrate
its abilities."
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Prime Minister Seamus Asif watched as Archangel was lowered into the underground bay that served as a Mobile Suit hangar
for the Zakus. Archangel got down on one knee and its central hatch opened. Ben Hoshum, alias the Dark Messiah, stepped
out. With no fear in his eyes, he jumped down to the ground and mimicked his Mobile Suit's position by genuflecting
to Prime Minister Asif.
"Greetings, Prime Minister Asif."
"Ben Hoshum, I am... glad that you have took me up on my offer." To tell the truth, several times over the course of the
trip, Ben opted to just turn around and fly off into oblivion, but he wanted a rematch with that Federation Mobile Suit.
Sticking around with AMEC almost guarantees that.
"Please, come with me." It was almost funny seeing two children walk down the hall, guards saluting the girl as she
walked by.
"I was reluctant to assume the throne after my father passed away. My father knew that and appointed an advisor to me."
"So?" Ben asked simply.
"However, there are times where I feel that Second Prime Minister's Howard's suggestions are... unwise."
"Do you feel like there was another way to deal with Captain Garrett?"
"My father believed in non-killing. He used to tell me about something called the Side Wars where a lot of people died
for what seemed like no apparent reason. I feel like I betrayed him by sending Garrett to die."
{Prime Minister Asif is getting to something. Why is she telling me all this? I know it's more than just small talk.}
"I want to start believing in my father's teachings again and I believe that Second Prime Minister Howard is making me defy
those teachings. That's why I want to appoint a second advisor."
"And you want me to scout the land for potential candidates?"
"No..." Prime Minister Asif turned to look at him. "In addition to bodyguard, I want you... to be my secondary advisor."
Ben grinded to a halt. Why was Prime Minister Asif putting such trust in him, a lone mercenary?
"I apologize if I caught you off-guard, but I feel that I can trust you a lot more than I can trust Second Prime Minister
Howard."
"Why do you trust me?" Ben asked, his brown eyes lowering. Seamus looked surprise now. "I'm a mercenary. I work for
whoever pays me. How do you know Second Prime-Minister Howard didn't hire me to assassinate you?"
"We are alone, without any guards. If that is what you want to do, then you can go ahead and do it here and now."
"In case you've forgotten, I'm called the Dark Messiah. I've been known to destroy entire military complexes. People
are beginning to connect me with doomsday. I'm ruthless, uncaring, and wreckless and that's just Captain Garret's
description of me. I can't be trusted."
"Since when do you care about what Captain Garrett says of you?" For a long time, Seamus and Ben stared each other
down without speaking. Finally, Ben smirked. Apparently, Seamus had called his bluff, something few humans had been
known to do.
"Fine, I'll take the job, but only until something better comes along."
Seamus' eyes shown. "Oh thank you, Advisor Hoshum." Advisor Hoshum. Ben was beginning to hate the name already.
The two arrived at the throne room where Second Prime Minister Howard was waiting.
"There you are, Miss Seamus," Howard said. "Ahh, I see Ben Hoshum is with you. Welcome, Dark Messiah."
"Second Prime Minister Howard, I have decided to take on Ben Hoshum as a military advisor," Seamus said in a confidence
that Howard wasn't expecting. "Do you have any objections?"
"If that is Mister Hoshum's wish, then let it be so," he said. But deep down, he was worried. Seamus had got a powerful
new ally on her side. He would have to handle this delicately, unless he wants to be one of the Dark Messiah's many victims.
"Now that we're all on the same page. Second Advisor Hoshum, please tell of your battles against the Federation Mobile
Suit."
"As you command, Miss Seamus."
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Meanwhile, another head was getting an update. Commander Noah Lucas stood in front of the Earth Federation council
talking about the B-Gundam. His words were strong and to the point. They had to be, he was performing in front of a
very tough crowd.
The EF Council has only five members, to prevent deadlock among votings. Bennet sat at the center. On his left sat
Councilwoman Gina Marrin, the only woman on the council. Marrin seemed determined to prove her point, even if she had to
get physical with whoever opposed her. To Bennett's right was Councilman Harvey Reynolds, the youngest member. He was
elected to the seat late in the term, and more than several people were reluctant to vote for him due to his young age.
On the other side of Marrin was Councilman Paul Johnson, a former soldier who wants to run the Earth Federation like his
own personal army. The last member of the council was Councilman George Cortis, he was a politician in every sense of the
word. He manipulated others, even sacrificed his own allies to further his gain.
"Your accounts of the exploits of this Gundam-type Mobile Suit is very impressive, Commander Lucas, Councilman Reynolds
said.
"I agree," Councilman Cortis added. "But do you think it'll be enough to penetrate the Zakus guarding the AMEC
headquarters?"
"Not by itself, but by mass-producing the Gundam-type Mobile Suit or GMS for short, we could re-establish a control on
Earth."
"I have reservations about doing that," Councilman Reynolds said. "Just the other day, a trio of strange Mobile Suits
attacked the base of Sigma Company. They were completely wiped out!"
"But the Mobile Suits are the only thing that put these Desert Dictators ahead of us militarily," Councilman Johnson
argued.
"How do you suppose we mass-produce these GMS? For that matter, is such a thing even possible?" Councilwoman Marrin asked.
"According to my sources, these Mobile Suits were abundant a long time ago."
"But the materials seem very advanced," Councilwoman Marrin argued. "Almost extraterrestrial."
"I think that is exactly the case," Commander Lucas said. "That's why I propose..."
"Wait a minute, Commander," Councilman Bennett said. "I'm still curious about the abilities of this Gundam. Before we
continue, I'd like to see a live demonstration of this Gundam's abilities."
"I thought you would," Commander Lucas said as he took out his cell phone.
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"Good news, Koshiro," Leeka Moshiro told Gundam Pilot Koshiro Anaka. "The Commander has given you the green light.
Ready to do a little showing off?"
"It's about time," Koshiro said from the cockpit from the B-Gundam. "HIS activated. Launch B-Gundam!" The B-Gundam
was catapulted into the courtyard where two tanks and a Zaku shell were as well as several targets. The B-Gundam
blasted the tanks with the beam rifle it carried. It then shot up the targets with its vulcan cannons. Finally, it took
a beam saber and sliced the Zaku shell in half. "Man, there are times when I love this job," Koshiro commented.
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"Very impressive, Commander," Councilman Johnson observed. "Your report doesn't do it justice. We must start
mass-producing these GMS at once!"
"And how do you suppose we do that?" Councilwoman Marrin countered. "We don't have the resources."
"This is true," Councilman Bennett said. "However, there is a place that does." Councilman Bennett looked up. Everyone
followed his glance.
"Wait a minute!" Councilman Cortis said. "You're not saying..."
"That's exactly what I'm saying. The Colonies have the resources, we must get assistance from them."
The Earth Federation had long thought that the Colonies were wiped out, at least majorly. But when they found Keela, she
revealed that the Colonies were alive and well, but had not made contact with Earth in years. Nobody knew if they were
doing this to teach the Earth Federation a lesson, or if everyone on the Colonies simply died out.
"If we're to gain an advantage over the Desert Dictators, we must re-establish contact with the Colonies. Right now,
the Exalon is our only space-capable vessel."
"But if the Exalon leaves for the Colonies, we will be unprotected," Councilwoman Marrin protested.
"Exactly. Which means we'll have to..."
Suddenly an alarm rang out. Councilman Bennett pulled up a video image of a soldier.
"Councilman, a squadron of Zaku robots have been spotted on long-range radar."
"Go to high alert status, alert all..."
"Wait a minute, Councilman," Commander Lucas said. He picked up his cellular phone. "Lee, it's me... yup, go ahead."
Turning to the council, Commander Lucas said, "We'll take care of this."
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"Attention all hands," Lee announced. "Prepare for the launch of the G-Armor."
The armor that the B-Gundam used earlier to defend the Enterprise survivors was compiled and placed onto the catapult.
"Tasha, Victor," Lee called. "Launch G-Armor!"
"Launching G-Armor now!" The twins cried out. The armor unit was sent out.
The armor separated and began inserting itself onto various parts of the B-Gundam as the Zakus landed.
Drawing one of his beam sabers, Koshiro sent the B-Gundam into action. Since the Enterprise attack, Koshiro has gotten
used to using the G-Armor. The B-Gundam was still slowed a little, but what he lacked in speed, he made up for in power.
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The Councilmembers watched as the B-Gundam sliced up the Zakus almost as easy as it did during the demonstration.
"I've never seen such power," Councilman Cortis said.
"This makes mass-producing them even more essential," Councilwoman Marrin threw in.
"One thing at a time," Councilman Johnson said. "Just how did the Zakus know where we were?"
"I understand what you mean, Councilman," Commander Lucas agreed. "The only way they could've found this location is if
someone told them."
"A traitor!" Councilwoman Marrin realized. "Perhaps even in this very room!" Everyone looked at each other, now with
suspician.
"People, mistrust will not help our situation," Councilman Bennett said. "Commander Lucas, tell your Gundam Pilot to
bring in a Zaku. Then we can question its pilot."
Commaner Lucas nodded, but as he made the call, one question ran through his mind: How did Councilman Bennett know
Koshiro was called the Gundam Pilot? We hadn't even discussed the pilot issue yet.
As commanded, Koshiro brought in one of the Zakus. The pilot was almost literally pried from his Mobile Suit and placed
into a detention lock.
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"We must go into hiding," Councilman Bennett told Commander Lucas and the Exalon crew. "As of now, the Earth Federation
government is no more. We will gather our forces and prepare a counter-attack. Perhaps someday, we will return to power,
but not now. Noah Lucas, your mission, and the mission of the Exalon is two parts. The first part is to ensure the
protection of the last surviving Mobile Suit Gundam. The second part, and probably the most important, is to establish
peaceful ties with the Colonies. Can you accomplish this mission?"
"My crew and I are up to the challenge," Lucas said. Everybody, including Keela and the children saluted Councilman
Bennett. Bennett saluted back.
During the next few days, the Earth Federation forces gathered together at the castle. Tech crews have been modifying
the Exalon for space travel. They put in trams so that the crew could move around in zero-gravity. They received another
three Core Fighter, these properly equipped for space travel (150% output thrusters and oxygen supply for example). They
repaired and replenished the Exalon's weapons.
Noah Lucas adjusted his new uniform. The Exalon was (unofficially of course) not a part of the Earth Federation any more.
In fact, the Earth Federation (unofficially) no longer existed. Therefore, they couldn't be seen wearing the Earth
Federation uniforms. These new uniforms were a charcoal black jumpsuit with gray signifying their rank. There was no EF
logo. The shirt area was instead covered with pockets. A pocket reserved for a side arm was stitched onto the pants leg.
His boots were nice and shiny. His belt contained extra clips for his sidearm as well as a cell communicator.
Lucas looked at the rank symbol on his sleeve. A Captain.
He was a Captain.
Lucas left the quarters he was given in the castle (All the furniture on the Exalon was being bolted down). At an
intersection, he came across Ming Xiao who was in a uniform like his own, except there were no breast pockets. She was
missing her trademark hat.
"Congratulations on your promotion, Captain," she said.
"Thank you, Commander. You must like the fact that the sub's been dropped from your name."
"With all due respect, sir, it felt like I was demoted."
"Understood, it won't happen again."
"Well, isn't this a happy scene," Lee said walking up to them in a female uniform, her blonde hair pulled back into a
short pony tail. "If you two are done smiling, we have a birthday party to attend." The three went down to an
underground commissary. The others had already arrived. All except the reason they were all there in the first place.
The person was coming down the hall.
"Muro, what's the hurry?" Koshiro asked. "This wouldn't be like last time, is it? Last time, I split my seems...
literally."
"Trust me, you'll like this."
"I think Lee said something along those same lines too." Muro shoved Koshiro into the room just as everybody yelled out
"surprise!" Koshiro looked around at the set-up. Streamers hung along the wall, balloons were tied to seat legs. A large
banner read 'Happy Birthday, Koshiro' (with the s backwards, obviously written by the kids.).
"Wh... what is all this?" Koshiro asked, still surprised. "My... my birthday was already past."
"We know, but since we were too busy running for our lives to throw you one, we figured this was as best as time as any,"
Lee explained.
"Wow... thanks, guys, I... I don't know what to say."
"You already said all that was needed to be said, Koshiro," Captain Lucas said. "After all the times you helped us out,
this is the least we can do to repay you." The party started and a good time was had by all. Koshiro thought back to his
last birthday. His parents took himself, Paiyako, and a few friends to the mountains. There was this beautiful lake set
in a clearing. The forest gathered around the lake as if it was some sort of holy land. They spent the entire time
swimming, fishing, and just playing in the forest. It was such an innocent time. He remembered standing on a log
staring at a fish that had accidentally jumped out when someone pushed him into the lake. Coughing and sputtering water,
he looked up to see the culprit standing on the log where he was, laughing hysterically.
"That's not funny, Pai," Koshiro said scowling.
"You should've seen your face, Koshiro," Paiyako said between laughter. "It was great!"
"Yeah, we'll see about that." Koshiro kicked the log and dislodged it from the shoreline. Paiyako slipped and fell in.
Now it was Koshiro's turn to laugh.
"That was stupid, Koshiro!" Paiyako yelled. "You should know you're not suppose to push a girl into a lake."
"I didn't push, I kicked," Koshiro said. Paiyako put on her fiery-mad face and began chasing Koshiro around the shallow
end of the lake.
Koshiro sighed. He and Paiyako promised to spend his birthday in Harmonford, but then AMEC attacked and the Exalon
appeared and after that everything went to hell.
"Koshiro, Koshiro!" Koshiro shook himself out of his reverie and looked at Keela. "Koshiro, are you all right?"
"Yeah, sorry, Keela, I guess I just faded out for a second." He then noticed what Keela was wearing, it was a female Exalon
uniform. "Uh... Keela, why are you wearing a uniform?"
"Oh, didn't anyone tell you? I've been drafted!" She was way too optimistic about that revelation. "After the Captain
told Councilman Bennett about my 'past record,' he personally asked me to sign on as an Adviser and Counsellor to the
crew."
"Well that's great, but what about the kids?"
"Hey, Keela, this suit doesn't fit right," Christopher complained. Koshiro turned around and saw the children all
wearing green jumpsuits.
"That's because you have it on backwards, silly," Kikka said. Christopher turned around and around like a dog chasing
his tail, trying to get the flap of the jumpsuit so he could take it off but he only ended up falling over.
Koshiro turned towards Keela with a confused look. Keela explained, "when Councilman Bennett asked me to become a
crewmember, I agreed but only if the children could remain with me."
"Are you sure that's wise?" Koshiro asked.
"No, it's probably not wise, but I'll tell you what I told him. I'm just... repaying a favor to an old friend."
Koshiro wondered who it was and what exactly was the favor, but decided not to pry anymore. Keela made it clear to him
that she wanted to put her life as a crewmember of the White Base behind her and Koshiro respected that. In fact, perhaps it
was time for him to put his life before the destruction of Scatterhaven behind him, including Paiyako...
Koshiro shook his head. He would ponder such dilemmas later. Right now, he was just going to enjoy his party.
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The party went on for another hour, and then it was time to leave. Captain Lucas and the crew of the Exalon marched out
to the courtyard. The Exalon stood big and proud among the large encampment that had been set up by the ever-increasing
army of soldiers that were gathering every day.
Councilman Bennett stood in front of the Gundam launch bay. "Captain Lucas, are you ready to depart?"
"Yes, sir," Lucas saluted.
"Remember, the Earth Federation fell against the hands of AMEC. You are working as independents. You will, in reality,
answer to me and only me directly. No messages, no communiques, nothing. If I need to tell you something, you will know."
"Yes, sir," Captain Lucas said.
"Then good luck and good hunting." Councilman Bennett stepped aside and the crew walked up the ramp. With pride in their
hearts and serenity in their minds, they took their assigned positions. Captain Lucas in the command chair, Muro at the
helm, Lee at the communication station, Victor and Tasha up in the operations tower. Koshiro was down in the B-Gundam,
getting it prepped for possible combat along with Henry and Shinji. Keela and the children were secured in their quarters.
Commander Xiao was sitting at an unmanned station.
"Begin check list," Captain Lucas commanded. The twins began calling off systems and the others responded accordingly.
"Main Engines?"
"Go!"
"Vertical and lateral thrusters?"
"Ready!"
"Helm interface!"
"Working!"
"AMS guns?"
"Manned!"
"Particle cannon?"
"Charged."
"Oxygen supply?"
"100%."
"Artificial gravity?"
"Ready to engage as soon as we hit Earth's orbit."
"Minovsky Generator?"
"Working."
"Crew status?"
"All stations report ready."
"Well, here we go," Captain Lucas said as he picked up his phone. "Attention all hands, lift off commencing now!"
"Lifting off in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one... zero!"
"Lift off!" The Exalon began withdrawing from the ground. It hovered about 500 feet from the castle, then moved away
from it. It slowly began rising.
"Say good-bye to Earth," Captain Lucas said. "We won't be seeing it for a while."
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Koshiro watched as the ground began disappearing. Good-bye, Paiyako, he thought. Good luck working for the Terran
Alliance.
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The Exalon arrives at a colony designated "Side 6" by its inhabitants and meet new Mobile Suits including the Hizack and
Jegan. They begin negotiations but they soon realize that all is not well when a squadron of strange space Mobile Suits
start attacking, Koshiro but struggle to adjust to fighting in zero-gravity.
Next episode: Gundam In Space.
It's a whole new battlefield.