Zechs did most of what Treize requested. He qualified on the Pisces and the Cancer, qualified to operate on the space Leo, and began thorough shakedowns for the new assault carrier. Along with his command crew of Vin, Otto, Cunha, and Juno, he began testing every aspect of the machine.
He kept his ears open to current events, through both Alliance and OZ channels. To his surprise, a few segments of the Alliance were growing weary of the ceaseless oppression required to keep the Alliance intact. He doubted that these men would ever bring actual changes to Alliance policy, but anything that weakened the Alliance he approved.
The other bit of news that intrigued him was growing warnings of some "Operation M". Apparently, someone in the colonies was finally growing fed up with the Alliance. This operation to deliver weapons to Earth would be the first militant action in the colonies' history. Zechs made sure to keep tabs on every bit of news OZ could dig up on Operation M.
Every day that passed brought Operation Daybreak closer to fruition.
Each place Zechs went to developed a higher regard for him—for his skills, modesty, intelligence, and integrity. He visited many OZ bases, and in each one he was known.
Zechs Marquise, the masked baron in red and black. Zechs Marquise, the lieutenant who struck faster and shone brighter than lightning. Zechs Marquise, who always bent over backwards to ensure the safety of his men. Zechs Marquise, master of every sort of fighting. Zechs Marquise, as honest out of combat as deadly in combat. Zechs Marquise, the Arm of OZ and first of Treize's Knights.
Zechs Marquise, legend in his own time.
The Beginning