Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or anything that has to do with Gundam. All characters portrayed in this fic is ficticious and any resemblence to real people, living or dead is purely coincidental.
Gundam Wing: The Missing Chapter
Episode 8: The Art of War part 2
In the hospital, Alec has just been informed that he would not be able to take part in any battles for at least a week.
"Damn..." He thought as he lay in his bed, still bandanged up.
Meanwhile in new Manchester Hadrian is thinking about what to do next.
"Hmm, let's see. The rebels are in New Dublin. From the report I've been given it seems that even the mobile dolls couldn't defeated the Epyon once it's pilot activated the zero system."
Just then, the door opened and officer Castor Megan walked in.
"Sir! The scouts have reported that Alec Mugetsu, pilot of the Kirin Gundam has been hospitalised after our last battle!"
Hadrian smiled as he heard this.
"Excellent! This means that we can attack again without that brat ruining everything. But the question is...where shall we we strike?"
Hadrian taps a few buttons on the computer a screen shows a map of the colony. A red indicator on the right shows New Manchester. Directly opposite a blue indicator shows New Dublin. Far above and far below although nearer to the indicator of New Dublin are green indicators.
"Now we could go and attack New Dublin again. But that city is almost as big as New Manchester. No doubt Kyo would have by now recruited many soldier there and built many MS. But there are two smaller cities. To the north of New Dublin is Lorendo. To the south is Kaprita. They're defenses are weaker but they don't have as many resources. But then again some is better than none. I just can't decide."
Suddenly a voice came from the door.
"Why not strike them all if you're unsure?"
Both Castor and Hadrian turned to the door and there stood a young officer. He has green eyes and short, straight brown hair. He was officer Shun Miyazaki. Many personel have known him for his immature and sometimes childish behaviour but he is also known for his strategies in battle. Which is why Hadrian is glad to see him.
"Ah! Miyazaki! You're back from your missions! So what have you been doing?" Hadrian asked.
Miyazaki shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Oh you know, relaxing, drinking a few beers, killing a few people etc"
"In any case I'm glad you're here! We have some minor problems."
"Ah yes, something to do with a Gundam? No, two?"
"Yes, as well as a treacherous dog who stole my plans! But let's get back to the current situation. Youn said to take attack all three bases at once?"
Miyazaki looked at the screen. "Yes, it couldn't actually be any simpler. You see Captain H, what we need is a diversion to take the two smaller bases. Once we have those two cities, we can attack the main city from both sides making the battle a little bit easier for our side.
Hadrian was stunned, "Of course! Why didn't I think of that? Continue."
"Well I propose that we send out a small force to directly attack New Dublin. This will cause a diversion. While the A.W.F.M are busy defending New Dublin, they would have no idea of the other two forces taking over the two other cities!"
"Brilliant plan Miyazaki!" Hadrian exclaimed. "Right we are attacking right away! Tell Klein he is to lead the diversion team! Assemble two more teams and take over the other two cities and I don't care how you do it. Kill as many rebels as you can!"
Miyazaki then thought of another suggestion, "Captain, if the enemy has no place to treat their wounded they would suffer even more and morale would be at a constant low!"
"Yes, you make a good point. I want all the hospitals in Lorendo and Kaprita either taken over or demolished!"
This shocked Castor. Enough for him to speak out. "But captain! There are sick and defensless people in those hospitals!"
Hadrian looked at Castor, "And?"
"Surely you can't target the wounded! It's not right!"
"And how is it not right? Using this tactic the White Fang will gain a great advantage over those rebels!" Hadrian spoke in a louder tone.
"But sir! Where is the honour in..."
Hadrian interupted "Honour?! This is war! I have no time to talk about all of this honour nonsense! Are you implying that you are disobeying my commands?! Are you going to oppose me like that dog Kyo did? Well?!"
Castor just stood. He knows that what Hadrian is planning isn't right. But, at this moment in time, refusing to obey commands is not the best thing to do. Relectantly he complied.
"I will do what you say sir.."
"Good!"
Suddenly Miyazaki approached Hadrian and whispered to him, "Captain, can I speak to you alone?"
Hadrian nodded, "Castor leave us for now."
Castor saluted and left the room. Once the door closed Miyazaki spoke again.
"You told me about the problems regarding the colony people but it looks to me like you have another problem cap."
Hadrian was confused, "Another problem? What do you mean?"
"Well remember when Kyo rebelled? He was the first to oppose you and despite the fact that you were beating the crap outta him he still stood firm and pretty soon more people joined him. If this should happen again the results could lead to our destruction."
"You're suggesting Castor will betray us?"
"I'm not certain that he will. But, better safe than sorry eh captain?"
"Wait a minute, I can't just order him to be executed. That would cause suspicion."
"Captain, I have a solution..."
A few minutes later Castor was called back into the room. Hadrian was sitting behind his desk whilst Miyazaki was beside him.
"Castor," Hadrian began, "Let me start off by apologising for yelling at you just a while ago. I can perfectly see where you're coming from and I agree with what you said a little bit."
Castor was somewhat relieved that Hadrian was in a better mood. Hadrian continued.
"But, you have to understand that we are at war, and sometimes tough decisions must be made. In any case for this mission, I've decided to appoint you to be in charge of the diversion team instead of Klein, he'll be the one leading the squad to capture Lorendo. After you have finished distracting them, one of our ships will come and pick you up. Oh and Castor, we'll try not to destroy the hospitals."
"....yes sir." Castor left, he was still uneasy about the whole thing.
Back in the room, Hadrian turned to Miyazaki, "How was that?"
Miyazaki gave a thumbs up, "Excellent perfomance captain, I think you really had him fooled."
Both men then laughed evilly.
Back in New Dublin. Kyo had received words that the cities of Lorendo and Kaprita are likely targets of the White Fang.
"We have to get some of our forces over to those cities immediatly!"
Reef came in to the captain's room and spoke.
"Captain, sending our forces to Lorendo won't be a problem. But Kaprita is much nearer to New Manchester than Lorendo. Also to get there our MS would have used up a lot of fuel, which may be needed for battle. Also we have recieved words from scouts that Hadrian's forces are getting ready to prepare an attack."
"Dammit! So there's nothing we can do for Kaprita?"
"Our men have already contacted the mayor of Kaprita, he is currently ordering a mass evacuation and are coming here."
"But still..." Kyo started, with a glimpse of hopelessness in his eyes, "We could have done something. Now Hadrian will have another base..."
"I don't think there's anything we can do sir. We cannot waste MS fuel and our transport shuttle is still partially damaged."
"Speaking of the shuttle Reef, did you give the mechanics the blueprints I gave you?"
"Yes sir! They said they can easily build it in no time."
"Ask them if they can make 3 more. We need all the transport ships we can get."
"Yes sir!"
Suddenly the alarm sounded. Both Reef and Kyo knew instantly what that meant. The White Fang.
Both men hurried to the control room where other officers and technicians are working, inputting commands on computers and looking at big screens. One of the officers spoke to Kyo.
"Captain! We just confirmed that a small force of Wasp mobile suits and Virgo mobile dolls are on there way here in New Dublin!"
Kyo was confused at this. "I thought they'd be attempting to strike at either Lorendo or Kaprita. Why would they send an army here?"
"Captain, it's a diversion." A voice called out. Everyone turned around and was shocked to see a bandanged Alec, still in his hospital clothes, standing in front of the door.
"Alec!" Kyo started, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in the hospital?"
Alec walked towards the main panel. "The doctors said I could observe from the control room, but I can't physically go out to battle. I don't like lying around doing nothing. This is a diversion captain. They're sending a small force here in the hopes of getting all of our focus on them whilst secretly sending out other forces to take the other two cities. It's actually a pretty amateur stratedgy."
"A diversion! I should have saw through that!" Kyo exclaimed. "In any case. We'll have to send two forces. One will go to Lorendo, have Zan and Liam lead. As for the other, I'll personally lead, I shall devise a strategy of my own. Alec, you-"
"I know, stay here right?"
"I'm sorry, but until you get better, it's too dangerous for you to be out there."
"I understand captain."
Meanwhile across the desert type terrain, the Wasps units led by Castor and some MDs. As he moves closer to the A.W.F.M base he flashes back to his conversation with Trajan just before his departure...
Flashback
As Castor gets in his Wasp MS he is approached by the captain's son Trajan. He is there to wish him luck.
"Be careful out there Castor. The rebels may not be very experienced but they are determined." Trajan spoke with concern.
Castor smiled at his friend, "Don't worry. I'll be fine. But Trajan,," Castor smile faded. "Have you noticed a change in your father recently?"
"...Yes. I don't know why but it seems he's now a lot more agressive ever since coming here. Maybe...maybe because he's frustrated because he has to engage in another war that will cost more human lives."
"So he vents out his frustration by sending out men to destroy hospitals?"
"...I don't...I just."
Suddenly, the siren wailed, signaling that the units are to move.
Castor puts on his helmut and starts closing the cockpit.
"There's the signal, I'll see you later."
End Flashback
"Trajan" Castor thought to himself. "You can't deny the fact that your father has been making some mistakes latetly. I now question whether or not Hadrian is the man I should be following. In fact, were it not for you and your brother Florian's friendships I probably would have...."
One of the Wasp's pilot shows up on Castor's screen before he could finish.
"Corporal! We're fast approaching the city!"
"Better worry about this later." Castor thought. Then he issued his commands. "Alright men! Our mission today is to cause a distraction until the other two units take the cities Lorendo and Kaprita!"
"Yes sir!"
Meanwhile the group that are to take Kaprita are also getting nearer to their target. Klein is in the lead in his Red Wasp,now repaired from his fierce battle with Alec. He himself is not to happy about this.
"Rrgh! Why did the captain appoint me to do this effortless task?! I wanted to be the one to go to New Dublin! I wanted to fight Mugetsu again!"
"Hey! Why should this upset you! This will be easy money y'know?"
The voice from Klein's screen belongs to White Fang officer Tausend Wulf. A black haired officer who is a decent pilot, but really is all in it for the money.
"Yeah Klein! After all your failures, I'm suprised the captain even put you in charge of this. Hehehe!"
Another voice. This time a female. White Fang officer Melody Marie-Venice who had dyed her long hair so oone side is blonde and the other side is red.
"Shut up the both of you!" Klein yelled out with anger. "I didn't fail! If the captain didn't call me back I would have stayed and finished that boy when I had the chance!"
"Heh. Good little Klein!" Tausend spoke in a mocking, playful tone. "Always obeying what the captain says. You really are quite the lapdog. Aren't you?"
Both Tausend and Melody laughed at this, which made Klein steaming mad. He gripped his controls tightly. Oh how he really wanted to shoot them both. He was sorely tempted but decides against it.
In New Dublin
"Is everything ready?" Kyo asked Reef who is in the Gundam Sidewinder.
"Yes, all troops have been placed exactly where they're told. What now sir?"
"Now, we wait.."
Castor and his forces eventually arrived outside the city. They were quite suprised to find that no one is there to meet them.
"Huh?" I would have thought that the enemy would have made some attempt to defend New Dublin. Did they choose to evacuate instead?"
He ordered his army to search outside the city first. Nothing was found. Outside the city was a desert with a small river flowing. following the river would eventually lead to the forest section of the colony but Castor doubted that they would go there. As he looks around he saw the beautiful scenery. The city itself was a sight to behold as it was as big as any large city on Earth but just a bit smaller than New Manchester but you really wouldn't notice. The river flowing reflects the sun outside of the colony which shines through the colony "windows" on the ceiling. the deseart shows sandy hills in a line which seems to be a strange pattern but for Castor it is a beautiful scene. All this made Castor even more uneasy about going into battle.
Klein and co have reach Kaprita and are stunned to find that the city has been abandoned. There is nobody there.
"I can't believe this!" Klein cried. "The captain sent me out for this crap!?"
Tausend was also stunned but rather he was in a positive mood. "Alright! We don't have to do anything and we're still gonna get paid!"
Klein was not celebrating though. He slamed his fist onto his controls in the Red Wasp. He was expecting some action to vent out his anger but he didn't get it.
"This....has been a waste of my time!"
Back with Castor, his army still haven't found anything. However that is about to change. Back in New Dublin's control room, Kyo sits as he decides that it is time. With a lound voice he yells, "NOW!"
Suddenly the doors of the city opens and Reef and his Sidewinder and a few Orions came out and started firing. Castor was certainly caught off-guard.
"Damn it! It was a trap, all units counterattack! Have the Virgos in front to form a shield of planet defensors!" Castor ordered.
The Virgos went in front of the Wasps and activates the planet defensors. The Orions sees this and drops their beam rifles and pulls from their backs their Titanium Arrow launchers and began firing the same time as the Virgo's began firing their beam cannons and the Wasp firing their dober guns. The Orion pilots were still not as experienced and the battle certainly shows as some of the Titanium Arrows misses their target. But the mobile dolls are frightening accurate as they start to destroy some of them Orions. The Gundam Sidewinder took care of some of the Virgos. It's strafing allowed it to dodge Virgo firepower and manges to slice them with it's beam saber. But was also then driven back by the other Virgo's and Wasps. Meanwhile Kyo decides it's time to complete his stratedgy.
"Reef, do it now!"
Alec, who was in the control room with Kyo was starting to realise what his plan was. His eyes then caught on to the book that Kyo was reading. The Art of War by Sun Tzu. He took it and notices the page which the captain was reading before the battle. He began reading as the battle continues.
"The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few."
Back to the battle as Castor and his men continues to battle something behind them started to happen. The sandy hills started to moved and get larger and larger, the sands coming off of the things which are in fact Orion mobile suits. It was an ambush all along. the new Orions, which is led by the prime minister starts attacking from behind. Castor did not expect this at all.
"What?! Reinforcements from the rear?! Get some Virgos at the back now!" Some of the Virgos in front receives new orders and began to charge at the Orions at the back.
Alec continues reading as all this is going on.
"For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van;"
More Orions suddenly rises from the river and starts attacking the flank of Castor's forces. Then more MS came out of the city and starts attacking the other side. Castor and his men are beginning to panic and was confused by the sudden reinforcements.
"Arrgh!" Castor feels the impact of an arrow hitting the left arm of his Wasp, taking it right off. " Send....send more Virgos to protect our flank!"
"should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left." Alec read.
More Virgo's left their places to guard the flanks. Due to the Virgo's moving more space has become availible for the Orions to shoot at. More Virgos and Wasps are then destroyed. Castor, who has lost any patience and focus a while ago ordered all units to scatter and move everywhere.
"If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak." Alec then puts the book back. "Captain. We've won here."
" I know Alec. It's just a matter of time now."
Some of the Wasps have run out of ammo and activates the beam bayonets on their dober guns and starts to fight at melee combat. The Orion pull out their combat knives and charges at the Wasps. Nearly all of the Virgos have been destroyed now.
"Where....where is the drop ship?!" Castor thought. "I thought the captain said he's going to...arrgh!" His Wasp took another hit. This time to its other arm.
"Corporal! Are you okay?!" Castor heard one of his pilots calling to him.
"I'm fine." Castor replied, even though a blood now starts to trickle from his head.
"Good, corparal when is the -AAARRGH!"
"No!" Castor cried as his teammate vanished in an explosion as his Wasp was hit by an arrow straight into the chest. Castor looked around and saw that some of his teammates were either dead or losing very badly.
"I.....I can't lose any more men!" Castor has decided on what to do. "This is the Wasp leader Castor Megan calling to the A.W.F.M! I am surrendering. Please do any more of my men. All units drop your weapons! "
Alec heard the transmission and remembers that name. "Castor Megan? He was the one who...captain, this Castor Megan-"
"Yes, I know who he is. He is quite gentle in nature but his skills as pilot is also remarkable. I remember my son reccomending him to be one of Milliardo Peacecraft's guards one time. To be honest, I thought he would have joined our side. But then again, he is very good friends with Hadrian's sons."
"Perhaps, we can still persuade him captain."
Castor, now in handcuffs along with a few of his men were taken to a dark room. They stood, waiting for something to happen. Castor, thought that his time was up and that his execution would be inevitable. Just then the door opened and Captain Kyosuke of the A.W.F.M stepped in along with most of his officers including Alec. Castor kept his fac looking down. His facial expression was blank. Then Kyo spoke,
"Corporal Castor Megan of the White Fang army. It's good to see you again soldier, although I had hope it wouldn't be like this."
"It's...good to see you too captain Kyosuke. I see that you are quite a remarkable man, being able to assemble so many talented officers in such a short time."
"Well you know. I'm not a captain for nothing!" Kyo, some of his men and even Castor chuckled a bit. But then Castor got serious.
"Captain. You may execute me if you wish but...please do not sentence my men. They were simply following orders."
Some of Castors mens loyalties shows here as they protested, saying they would go through the same treatment, Castor would be given.
"Yes, they were. But so were you." Kyo replied. "Castor, why did you join Hadrian? Was it because of your loyalty to Trajan and Florian?"
Castor paused for a minute, then nodded. "Those two" He started, "Have always been there to support me. There are the best friends I've ever had. It's strange but Hadrian himself used to be as kind as they are."
"War can change people. But it's rarely for the better." Kyo stated.
"He would have even gone as far as destroying hospitals!.....Captain Kyosuke, the other teams, did they, destroy them?"
"Our reports show that our forces were able to repel the army invading Lorendo but our forces sustained some injuries. Kaprita was evacuated but the White Fang now has the city."
Castor paused again. He was relieved that there wasn't a lot of innocent civilians hurt but at the same time, he now really starts to wonder what Hadrian's motives were. Finally he remembered something.
"Captain Kyosuke. I have one last question. After my surrendering. Was there a dropship anywhere in sight? Captain Hadrian said he would send a ship to get me and my men out of there.
Kyo shook his head. "No Castor, we didn't find any kind of ship during or after the battle. Hadrian had deceived you."
Castor just stood stunned. He felt he had been betrayed. Hadrian was never going to send help for him. Most likely Hadrian had planned to make it so he'd be killed. Castor knelt to the floor, unable to bear this grim revelation. Then, after a long while he finally spoke.
"I've been a fool. Captain Kyosuke, I'm ready to accept my fate. You may execute me now."
"Well, we could execute you Castor," Kyo began."but wouldn't you rather try to make up for your foolishness?"
Castor was confused. But Kyo spoke again.
"Castor, you are one of the most honourable pilots there is. But right now you are a prisoner.What that means that yes, you may get executed but that's only one of the two choices I'm giving you."
"Choices?"
"Castor, I'm afriad that you can't go back to Hadrian. You've seen too much. But, you said that I was able to recruit many talent officers. The truth is, I'm still searching. Castor, if you want, you can come and join our forces and fight for what you know in your heart is right. So, what do you say?
Castor was lost for words. As he knelt there, he could feel tears beginning to form around his eyes. All of these new revelations began to completly swarm his mind. Hadrian had betrayed him. Castor was determined to fight to the end against people he thought were the ones who where unjust and dishonourable but now he realises that it's the White Fang who are the dishonorable ones. Even so, he still can't believe that Kyo is actually allowing him to live. He starts to speak again.
"Even....even though I tried to kill you....you still...wish for me to join your side?"
Kyo replied, "Our only goal is to protect this colony and it's people from any danger. Will you help us?" He then extends his hand to Castor.
Castor, now with tears flowing from his face thinks about the situation one more time. He thinks about Trajan and Florian. How they were always there for him. He then thinks about everthing that has happened on this colony. He remembers seeing dead people, some of which are children lying on the floor, not because of the A.W.F.M but because of the White Fangs forces. It was the White Fang who caused all of this mindless destruction. That was the final straw for Castor. Even the strong friendships of Trajan and Florian can't help now. He has made his decision. Wiping his tears away he stood up, looked at Kyo and his officers and at Alec who was smiling and shook Kyo's hand.
"Captain Kyosuke, from this moment on, I will serve the A.W.F.M will my life!"
Everyone was glad. Kyo smiled at his newest recruit who was also smiling.
"Welcome aboard. Your men can also stay here as well."
Castor turns around and sees that his men were also choosing to side with the A.W.F.M.
Alec then approached Castor and spoke to him.
"I knew, when you spared me, there was some good and honour in you. Welcome to the side of the good guys!"
Both Alec and Castor laughed when suddenly,
"ALEC! THERE YOU ARE!"
Alec froze. He turned around and sees a fuming Uriko.
"U..Uriko, hey meet our newes-"
"Just what do you think you're doing out of bed?! You should be resting! Do you realise me and Ellen were looking everywhere for you" Uriko spoke in a tone which frightened Alec.
"Yeah! But-but-but" Alec stuttered
"No BUTS! You're coming with me back to the hospital!" Uriko then grabbed Alec by the ear and starts pulling him back to the door.
"Owowowowow let go! ow ow!" Alec screamed as they both made their way back. Kyo just laughed.
"Don't worry Castor! It may seem strange but you'll get used to things here!"
Castor smiled but when Kyo turned around to speak to an officer, Castor looked outside with a sad expression.
"Trajan......Florian........I'm sorry."
Meanwhile back in New Manchester
"Well look at this way Klein, at least you didn't fail this time!" mocked Tausend.
"Shut.....the hell.....UP!" Klein warned.
"Oooh, touchy!"
Hadrian was glad that Kaprita was taken but angry that the Lorendo expedition failed.
"It would have been better if we could have taken both cities. Miyazaki, did you anticipate this?"
"Actually, this was one of my weaker strategies. I wanted to see how well the enemy can input their own stratedgies so that I may create better stratedgies next time. But hey! One entire city! That's better than nothing! Oh and our report says that Castor's team has been wiped out!"
A voice then came from behind the two men.
"What? What happened to Castor!?"
It was Trajan. Hadrian put on a sad expression, walked over to Trajan and placed one hand on his shoulder.
"I'm afriad Castor's dead. I warned him in the beginning that this would be a dangerous mission but he was determined. Then those rebels sneak attacked and killed him. I'm sorry son!"
Hadrian and Miyazaki left the room and Hadrian spoke to Miyazaki quietly, "At least we got rid of one pestilence!"
Back in the room Trajan dropped to the floor, tears running down his face as he whispered,
"Castor....."
End Episode
Gundam Wing: The Missing Chapter
Episode 8: The Art of War part 2
In the hospital, Alec has just been informed that he would not be able to take part in any battles for at least a week.
"Damn..." He thought as he lay in his bed, still bandanged up.
Meanwhile in new Manchester Hadrian is thinking about what to do next.
"Hmm, let's see. The rebels are in New Dublin. From the report I've been given it seems that even the mobile dolls couldn't defeated the Epyon once it's pilot activated the zero system."
Just then, the door opened and officer Castor Megan walked in.
"Sir! The scouts have reported that Alec Mugetsu, pilot of the Kirin Gundam has been hospitalised after our last battle!"
Hadrian smiled as he heard this.
"Excellent! This means that we can attack again without that brat ruining everything. But the question is...where shall we we strike?"
Hadrian taps a few buttons on the computer a screen shows a map of the colony. A red indicator on the right shows New Manchester. Directly opposite a blue indicator shows New Dublin. Far above and far below although nearer to the indicator of New Dublin are green indicators.
"Now we could go and attack New Dublin again. But that city is almost as big as New Manchester. No doubt Kyo would have by now recruited many soldier there and built many MS. But there are two smaller cities. To the north of New Dublin is Lorendo. To the south is Kaprita. They're defenses are weaker but they don't have as many resources. But then again some is better than none. I just can't decide."
Suddenly a voice came from the door.
"Why not strike them all if you're unsure?"
Both Castor and Hadrian turned to the door and there stood a young officer. He has green eyes and short, straight brown hair. He was officer Shun Miyazaki. Many personel have known him for his immature and sometimes childish behaviour but he is also known for his strategies in battle. Which is why Hadrian is glad to see him.
"Ah! Miyazaki! You're back from your missions! So what have you been doing?" Hadrian asked.
Miyazaki shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Oh you know, relaxing, drinking a few beers, killing a few people etc"
"In any case I'm glad you're here! We have some minor problems."
"Ah yes, something to do with a Gundam? No, two?"
"Yes, as well as a treacherous dog who stole my plans! But let's get back to the current situation. Youn said to take attack all three bases at once?"
Miyazaki looked at the screen. "Yes, it couldn't actually be any simpler. You see Captain H, what we need is a diversion to take the two smaller bases. Once we have those two cities, we can attack the main city from both sides making the battle a little bit easier for our side.
Hadrian was stunned, "Of course! Why didn't I think of that? Continue."
"Well I propose that we send out a small force to directly attack New Dublin. This will cause a diversion. While the A.W.F.M are busy defending New Dublin, they would have no idea of the other two forces taking over the two other cities!"
"Brilliant plan Miyazaki!" Hadrian exclaimed. "Right we are attacking right away! Tell Klein he is to lead the diversion team! Assemble two more teams and take over the other two cities and I don't care how you do it. Kill as many rebels as you can!"
Miyazaki then thought of another suggestion, "Captain, if the enemy has no place to treat their wounded they would suffer even more and morale would be at a constant low!"
"Yes, you make a good point. I want all the hospitals in Lorendo and Kaprita either taken over or demolished!"
This shocked Castor. Enough for him to speak out. "But captain! There are sick and defensless people in those hospitals!"
Hadrian looked at Castor, "And?"
"Surely you can't target the wounded! It's not right!"
"And how is it not right? Using this tactic the White Fang will gain a great advantage over those rebels!" Hadrian spoke in a louder tone.
"But sir! Where is the honour in..."
Hadrian interupted "Honour?! This is war! I have no time to talk about all of this honour nonsense! Are you implying that you are disobeying my commands?! Are you going to oppose me like that dog Kyo did? Well?!"
Castor just stood. He knows that what Hadrian is planning isn't right. But, at this moment in time, refusing to obey commands is not the best thing to do. Relectantly he complied.
"I will do what you say sir.."
"Good!"
Suddenly Miyazaki approached Hadrian and whispered to him, "Captain, can I speak to you alone?"
Hadrian nodded, "Castor leave us for now."
Castor saluted and left the room. Once the door closed Miyazaki spoke again.
"You told me about the problems regarding the colony people but it looks to me like you have another problem cap."
Hadrian was confused, "Another problem? What do you mean?"
"Well remember when Kyo rebelled? He was the first to oppose you and despite the fact that you were beating the crap outta him he still stood firm and pretty soon more people joined him. If this should happen again the results could lead to our destruction."
"You're suggesting Castor will betray us?"
"I'm not certain that he will. But, better safe than sorry eh captain?"
"Wait a minute, I can't just order him to be executed. That would cause suspicion."
"Captain, I have a solution..."
A few minutes later Castor was called back into the room. Hadrian was sitting behind his desk whilst Miyazaki was beside him.
"Castor," Hadrian began, "Let me start off by apologising for yelling at you just a while ago. I can perfectly see where you're coming from and I agree with what you said a little bit."
Castor was somewhat relieved that Hadrian was in a better mood. Hadrian continued.
"But, you have to understand that we are at war, and sometimes tough decisions must be made. In any case for this mission, I've decided to appoint you to be in charge of the diversion team instead of Klein, he'll be the one leading the squad to capture Lorendo. After you have finished distracting them, one of our ships will come and pick you up. Oh and Castor, we'll try not to destroy the hospitals."
"....yes sir." Castor left, he was still uneasy about the whole thing.
Back in the room, Hadrian turned to Miyazaki, "How was that?"
Miyazaki gave a thumbs up, "Excellent perfomance captain, I think you really had him fooled."
Both men then laughed evilly.
Back in New Dublin. Kyo had received words that the cities of Lorendo and Kaprita are likely targets of the White Fang.
"We have to get some of our forces over to those cities immediatly!"
Reef came in to the captain's room and spoke.
"Captain, sending our forces to Lorendo won't be a problem. But Kaprita is much nearer to New Manchester than Lorendo. Also to get there our MS would have used up a lot of fuel, which may be needed for battle. Also we have recieved words from scouts that Hadrian's forces are getting ready to prepare an attack."
"Dammit! So there's nothing we can do for Kaprita?"
"Our men have already contacted the mayor of Kaprita, he is currently ordering a mass evacuation and are coming here."
"But still..." Kyo started, with a glimpse of hopelessness in his eyes, "We could have done something. Now Hadrian will have another base..."
"I don't think there's anything we can do sir. We cannot waste MS fuel and our transport shuttle is still partially damaged."
"Speaking of the shuttle Reef, did you give the mechanics the blueprints I gave you?"
"Yes sir! They said they can easily build it in no time."
"Ask them if they can make 3 more. We need all the transport ships we can get."
"Yes sir!"
Suddenly the alarm sounded. Both Reef and Kyo knew instantly what that meant. The White Fang.
Both men hurried to the control room where other officers and technicians are working, inputting commands on computers and looking at big screens. One of the officers spoke to Kyo.
"Captain! We just confirmed that a small force of Wasp mobile suits and Virgo mobile dolls are on there way here in New Dublin!"
Kyo was confused at this. "I thought they'd be attempting to strike at either Lorendo or Kaprita. Why would they send an army here?"
"Captain, it's a diversion." A voice called out. Everyone turned around and was shocked to see a bandanged Alec, still in his hospital clothes, standing in front of the door.
"Alec!" Kyo started, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in the hospital?"
Alec walked towards the main panel. "The doctors said I could observe from the control room, but I can't physically go out to battle. I don't like lying around doing nothing. This is a diversion captain. They're sending a small force here in the hopes of getting all of our focus on them whilst secretly sending out other forces to take the other two cities. It's actually a pretty amateur stratedgy."
"A diversion! I should have saw through that!" Kyo exclaimed. "In any case. We'll have to send two forces. One will go to Lorendo, have Zan and Liam lead. As for the other, I'll personally lead, I shall devise a strategy of my own. Alec, you-"
"I know, stay here right?"
"I'm sorry, but until you get better, it's too dangerous for you to be out there."
"I understand captain."
Meanwhile across the desert type terrain, the Wasps units led by Castor and some MDs. As he moves closer to the A.W.F.M base he flashes back to his conversation with Trajan just before his departure...
Flashback
As Castor gets in his Wasp MS he is approached by the captain's son Trajan. He is there to wish him luck.
"Be careful out there Castor. The rebels may not be very experienced but they are determined." Trajan spoke with concern.
Castor smiled at his friend, "Don't worry. I'll be fine. But Trajan,," Castor smile faded. "Have you noticed a change in your father recently?"
"...Yes. I don't know why but it seems he's now a lot more agressive ever since coming here. Maybe...maybe because he's frustrated because he has to engage in another war that will cost more human lives."
"So he vents out his frustration by sending out men to destroy hospitals?"
"...I don't...I just."
Suddenly, the siren wailed, signaling that the units are to move.
Castor puts on his helmut and starts closing the cockpit.
"There's the signal, I'll see you later."
End Flashback
"Trajan" Castor thought to himself. "You can't deny the fact that your father has been making some mistakes latetly. I now question whether or not Hadrian is the man I should be following. In fact, were it not for you and your brother Florian's friendships I probably would have...."
One of the Wasp's pilot shows up on Castor's screen before he could finish.
"Corporal! We're fast approaching the city!"
"Better worry about this later." Castor thought. Then he issued his commands. "Alright men! Our mission today is to cause a distraction until the other two units take the cities Lorendo and Kaprita!"
"Yes sir!"
Meanwhile the group that are to take Kaprita are also getting nearer to their target. Klein is in the lead in his Red Wasp,now repaired from his fierce battle with Alec. He himself is not to happy about this.
"Rrgh! Why did the captain appoint me to do this effortless task?! I wanted to be the one to go to New Dublin! I wanted to fight Mugetsu again!"
"Hey! Why should this upset you! This will be easy money y'know?"
The voice from Klein's screen belongs to White Fang officer Tausend Wulf. A black haired officer who is a decent pilot, but really is all in it for the money.
"Yeah Klein! After all your failures, I'm suprised the captain even put you in charge of this. Hehehe!"
Another voice. This time a female. White Fang officer Melody Marie-Venice who had dyed her long hair so oone side is blonde and the other side is red.
"Shut up the both of you!" Klein yelled out with anger. "I didn't fail! If the captain didn't call me back I would have stayed and finished that boy when I had the chance!"
"Heh. Good little Klein!" Tausend spoke in a mocking, playful tone. "Always obeying what the captain says. You really are quite the lapdog. Aren't you?"
Both Tausend and Melody laughed at this, which made Klein steaming mad. He gripped his controls tightly. Oh how he really wanted to shoot them both. He was sorely tempted but decides against it.
In New Dublin
"Is everything ready?" Kyo asked Reef who is in the Gundam Sidewinder.
"Yes, all troops have been placed exactly where they're told. What now sir?"
"Now, we wait.."
Castor and his forces eventually arrived outside the city. They were quite suprised to find that no one is there to meet them.
"Huh?" I would have thought that the enemy would have made some attempt to defend New Dublin. Did they choose to evacuate instead?"
He ordered his army to search outside the city first. Nothing was found. Outside the city was a desert with a small river flowing. following the river would eventually lead to the forest section of the colony but Castor doubted that they would go there. As he looks around he saw the beautiful scenery. The city itself was a sight to behold as it was as big as any large city on Earth but just a bit smaller than New Manchester but you really wouldn't notice. The river flowing reflects the sun outside of the colony which shines through the colony "windows" on the ceiling. the deseart shows sandy hills in a line which seems to be a strange pattern but for Castor it is a beautiful scene. All this made Castor even more uneasy about going into battle.
Klein and co have reach Kaprita and are stunned to find that the city has been abandoned. There is nobody there.
"I can't believe this!" Klein cried. "The captain sent me out for this crap!?"
Tausend was also stunned but rather he was in a positive mood. "Alright! We don't have to do anything and we're still gonna get paid!"
Klein was not celebrating though. He slamed his fist onto his controls in the Red Wasp. He was expecting some action to vent out his anger but he didn't get it.
"This....has been a waste of my time!"
Back with Castor, his army still haven't found anything. However that is about to change. Back in New Dublin's control room, Kyo sits as he decides that it is time. With a lound voice he yells, "NOW!"
Suddenly the doors of the city opens and Reef and his Sidewinder and a few Orions came out and started firing. Castor was certainly caught off-guard.
"Damn it! It was a trap, all units counterattack! Have the Virgos in front to form a shield of planet defensors!" Castor ordered.
The Virgos went in front of the Wasps and activates the planet defensors. The Orions sees this and drops their beam rifles and pulls from their backs their Titanium Arrow launchers and began firing the same time as the Virgo's began firing their beam cannons and the Wasp firing their dober guns. The Orion pilots were still not as experienced and the battle certainly shows as some of the Titanium Arrows misses their target. But the mobile dolls are frightening accurate as they start to destroy some of them Orions. The Gundam Sidewinder took care of some of the Virgos. It's strafing allowed it to dodge Virgo firepower and manges to slice them with it's beam saber. But was also then driven back by the other Virgo's and Wasps. Meanwhile Kyo decides it's time to complete his stratedgy.
"Reef, do it now!"
Alec, who was in the control room with Kyo was starting to realise what his plan was. His eyes then caught on to the book that Kyo was reading. The Art of War by Sun Tzu. He took it and notices the page which the captain was reading before the battle. He began reading as the battle continues.
"The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few."
Back to the battle as Castor and his men continues to battle something behind them started to happen. The sandy hills started to moved and get larger and larger, the sands coming off of the things which are in fact Orion mobile suits. It was an ambush all along. the new Orions, which is led by the prime minister starts attacking from behind. Castor did not expect this at all.
"What?! Reinforcements from the rear?! Get some Virgos at the back now!" Some of the Virgos in front receives new orders and began to charge at the Orions at the back.
Alec continues reading as all this is going on.
"For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van;"
More Orions suddenly rises from the river and starts attacking the flank of Castor's forces. Then more MS came out of the city and starts attacking the other side. Castor and his men are beginning to panic and was confused by the sudden reinforcements.
"Arrgh!" Castor feels the impact of an arrow hitting the left arm of his Wasp, taking it right off. " Send....send more Virgos to protect our flank!"
"should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left." Alec read.
More Virgo's left their places to guard the flanks. Due to the Virgo's moving more space has become availible for the Orions to shoot at. More Virgos and Wasps are then destroyed. Castor, who has lost any patience and focus a while ago ordered all units to scatter and move everywhere.
"If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak." Alec then puts the book back. "Captain. We've won here."
" I know Alec. It's just a matter of time now."
Some of the Wasps have run out of ammo and activates the beam bayonets on their dober guns and starts to fight at melee combat. The Orion pull out their combat knives and charges at the Wasps. Nearly all of the Virgos have been destroyed now.
"Where....where is the drop ship?!" Castor thought. "I thought the captain said he's going to...arrgh!" His Wasp took another hit. This time to its other arm.
"Corporal! Are you okay?!" Castor heard one of his pilots calling to him.
"I'm fine." Castor replied, even though a blood now starts to trickle from his head.
"Good, corparal when is the -AAARRGH!"
"No!" Castor cried as his teammate vanished in an explosion as his Wasp was hit by an arrow straight into the chest. Castor looked around and saw that some of his teammates were either dead or losing very badly.
"I.....I can't lose any more men!" Castor has decided on what to do. "This is the Wasp leader Castor Megan calling to the A.W.F.M! I am surrendering. Please do any more of my men. All units drop your weapons! "
Alec heard the transmission and remembers that name. "Castor Megan? He was the one who...captain, this Castor Megan-"
"Yes, I know who he is. He is quite gentle in nature but his skills as pilot is also remarkable. I remember my son reccomending him to be one of Milliardo Peacecraft's guards one time. To be honest, I thought he would have joined our side. But then again, he is very good friends with Hadrian's sons."
"Perhaps, we can still persuade him captain."
Castor, now in handcuffs along with a few of his men were taken to a dark room. They stood, waiting for something to happen. Castor, thought that his time was up and that his execution would be inevitable. Just then the door opened and Captain Kyosuke of the A.W.F.M stepped in along with most of his officers including Alec. Castor kept his fac looking down. His facial expression was blank. Then Kyo spoke,
"Corporal Castor Megan of the White Fang army. It's good to see you again soldier, although I had hope it wouldn't be like this."
"It's...good to see you too captain Kyosuke. I see that you are quite a remarkable man, being able to assemble so many talented officers in such a short time."
"Well you know. I'm not a captain for nothing!" Kyo, some of his men and even Castor chuckled a bit. But then Castor got serious.
"Captain. You may execute me if you wish but...please do not sentence my men. They were simply following orders."
Some of Castors mens loyalties shows here as they protested, saying they would go through the same treatment, Castor would be given.
"Yes, they were. But so were you." Kyo replied. "Castor, why did you join Hadrian? Was it because of your loyalty to Trajan and Florian?"
Castor paused for a minute, then nodded. "Those two" He started, "Have always been there to support me. There are the best friends I've ever had. It's strange but Hadrian himself used to be as kind as they are."
"War can change people. But it's rarely for the better." Kyo stated.
"He would have even gone as far as destroying hospitals!.....Captain Kyosuke, the other teams, did they, destroy them?"
"Our reports show that our forces were able to repel the army invading Lorendo but our forces sustained some injuries. Kaprita was evacuated but the White Fang now has the city."
Castor paused again. He was relieved that there wasn't a lot of innocent civilians hurt but at the same time, he now really starts to wonder what Hadrian's motives were. Finally he remembered something.
"Captain Kyosuke. I have one last question. After my surrendering. Was there a dropship anywhere in sight? Captain Hadrian said he would send a ship to get me and my men out of there.
Kyo shook his head. "No Castor, we didn't find any kind of ship during or after the battle. Hadrian had deceived you."
Castor just stood stunned. He felt he had been betrayed. Hadrian was never going to send help for him. Most likely Hadrian had planned to make it so he'd be killed. Castor knelt to the floor, unable to bear this grim revelation. Then, after a long while he finally spoke.
"I've been a fool. Captain Kyosuke, I'm ready to accept my fate. You may execute me now."
"Well, we could execute you Castor," Kyo began."but wouldn't you rather try to make up for your foolishness?"
Castor was confused. But Kyo spoke again.
"Castor, you are one of the most honourable pilots there is. But right now you are a prisoner.What that means that yes, you may get executed but that's only one of the two choices I'm giving you."
"Choices?"
"Castor, I'm afriad that you can't go back to Hadrian. You've seen too much. But, you said that I was able to recruit many talent officers. The truth is, I'm still searching. Castor, if you want, you can come and join our forces and fight for what you know in your heart is right. So, what do you say?
Castor was lost for words. As he knelt there, he could feel tears beginning to form around his eyes. All of these new revelations began to completly swarm his mind. Hadrian had betrayed him. Castor was determined to fight to the end against people he thought were the ones who where unjust and dishonourable but now he realises that it's the White Fang who are the dishonorable ones. Even so, he still can't believe that Kyo is actually allowing him to live. He starts to speak again.
"Even....even though I tried to kill you....you still...wish for me to join your side?"
Kyo replied, "Our only goal is to protect this colony and it's people from any danger. Will you help us?" He then extends his hand to Castor.
Castor, now with tears flowing from his face thinks about the situation one more time. He thinks about Trajan and Florian. How they were always there for him. He then thinks about everthing that has happened on this colony. He remembers seeing dead people, some of which are children lying on the floor, not because of the A.W.F.M but because of the White Fangs forces. It was the White Fang who caused all of this mindless destruction. That was the final straw for Castor. Even the strong friendships of Trajan and Florian can't help now. He has made his decision. Wiping his tears away he stood up, looked at Kyo and his officers and at Alec who was smiling and shook Kyo's hand.
"Captain Kyosuke, from this moment on, I will serve the A.W.F.M will my life!"
Everyone was glad. Kyo smiled at his newest recruit who was also smiling.
"Welcome aboard. Your men can also stay here as well."
Castor turns around and sees that his men were also choosing to side with the A.W.F.M.
Alec then approached Castor and spoke to him.
"I knew, when you spared me, there was some good and honour in you. Welcome to the side of the good guys!"
Both Alec and Castor laughed when suddenly,
"ALEC! THERE YOU ARE!"
Alec froze. He turned around and sees a fuming Uriko.
"U..Uriko, hey meet our newes-"
"Just what do you think you're doing out of bed?! You should be resting! Do you realise me and Ellen were looking everywhere for you" Uriko spoke in a tone which frightened Alec.
"Yeah! But-but-but" Alec stuttered
"No BUTS! You're coming with me back to the hospital!" Uriko then grabbed Alec by the ear and starts pulling him back to the door.
"Owowowowow let go! ow ow!" Alec screamed as they both made their way back. Kyo just laughed.
"Don't worry Castor! It may seem strange but you'll get used to things here!"
Castor smiled but when Kyo turned around to speak to an officer, Castor looked outside with a sad expression.
"Trajan......Florian........I'm sorry."
Meanwhile back in New Manchester
"Well look at this way Klein, at least you didn't fail this time!" mocked Tausend.
"Shut.....the hell.....UP!" Klein warned.
"Oooh, touchy!"
Hadrian was glad that Kaprita was taken but angry that the Lorendo expedition failed.
"It would have been better if we could have taken both cities. Miyazaki, did you anticipate this?"
"Actually, this was one of my weaker strategies. I wanted to see how well the enemy can input their own stratedgies so that I may create better stratedgies next time. But hey! One entire city! That's better than nothing! Oh and our report says that Castor's team has been wiped out!"
A voice then came from behind the two men.
"What? What happened to Castor!?"
It was Trajan. Hadrian put on a sad expression, walked over to Trajan and placed one hand on his shoulder.
"I'm afriad Castor's dead. I warned him in the beginning that this would be a dangerous mission but he was determined. Then those rebels sneak attacked and killed him. I'm sorry son!"
Hadrian and Miyazaki left the room and Hadrian spoke to Miyazaki quietly, "At least we got rid of one pestilence!"
Back in the room Trajan dropped to the floor, tears running down his face as he whispered,
"Castor....."
End Episode