Phase 6- Rival Encounters
Atlantic Federation Headquarters
Leading the many pilots down the hall straight out of the docking bay were the five Gundam pilots, all them still in their leather uniforms after they had just gotten out of their machines. Talking along the way, they didn't even notice Jorno, General Toros and the others standing and smiling at them, before they were no more than ten feet away. Instantly they straightened their bodies out and gave a salute. The General laughed.
"No need for that guys, if anything we should be saluting you" he said.
"Indeed, you all did very well out there. You've won a great battle for us" the Administrator added. Jessa then walked over to her father and threw her arm about his shoulders.
"Yeah but it took you to do one of the craziest things possible" the girl joked. Treston chuckled with the others.
"That was one bold plan Mister Rolander" Commander Cerrical stated, "You're all lucky you managed to get outta there in time, that explosion measured to be three miles in diameter". Several of the pilots, including even Xigo, Rodka and Logan, all appeared surprised by the comment.
"It was that big? I didn't think even the A-Class Warheads had that power though…" Dile said. Arelie nodded.
"You're right, they don't. But from that size of the detonation, it's safe to say that the large aircraft of theirs was carrying some sort of powerful warheads themselves, most surely to drop over us" the Captain explained. Taro smirked.
"Well too bad for those suckers that they didn't get to go through with their lil plan; we really gave 'em a good beat down!" the Major exclaimed. Jorno smiled again.
"You very much did, especially you, Major Lanawor, with taking down that one enemy Gundam" the Administrator replied, and made Taro smirk again. "But there is one thing that now needs to be discussed" he continued, and his voice grew more serious. For a few moments he was silent, and then he turned to Xigo, who actually appeared a bit nervous. "Mister Shigora, we overheard you talking with the one Gundam pilot of the Double Edge during your fight, you must've had your radio on to reach us as well." Xigo cringed slightly, knowing what had happened. "Mainly, we heard you explain that you 'half-Natural'…". Most of the pilots all were taken aback, not knowing that Xigo had said that. The young man stood firmly, remaining calm, yet with a sigh.
"Yeah…I said that, and its true" the teen responded, "when I went back to my school, after visiting the Alaska Base, the Board did some research on my birth-records, and it turned out that I was actually born on Earth, here in the United States. My father was a Coordinator, and my mother was a Natural, so, while maybe not to a great extent, I am part Natural, and part Coordinator. Neither of them full." Jorno nodded.
"I see. Though as you may expect, that is not what concerns us. What does is the fact upon coming back here, you reported to us that you were full Coordinator. Tell me Xigo, would you hide the fact you had found out that you were Half-Natural?" the man asked. As all eyes in the corridor gazed upon the teen, Xigo set his eyes down, looking below as he began to think of how to explain it.
"Well, it mainly had to do with what happened at my school. You see, when I found that out, it spread to all the other students, and eventually everyone found out. From there, they started to hate me even more, and always ignored me or mocked me. They'd called me a half-breed and a phony all the time, because I wasn't full-Coordinator like them. Even more, they were all always mad, and jealous of me, because I was better than them at piloting even while I was part Natural. I felt like if I had told you that I wasn't a full Coordinator or Natural, I'd have to go through the same thing here, and always been seen as just this strange person that didn't fit in with anyone…". Xigo's tone had been disconsolate while he spoke, expressing how he truly felt from what he went through in the past months, and what it did to him to have such ridicule. Several of the pilots and officials all had a saddened expression after hearing his words, feeling much sympathy for the young man. But unlike them, Jorno smiled, and put his hand on Xigo's shoulder.
"You don't have to worry about anything like that" he said, and Xigo looked up to his smiling face, "you were accepted even when we believed you were full-Coordinator, one completely different from us Naturals. We don't care about what genetic type you are, what we care about is what kind of person you are, and from your emotions and personality, you became a very liked person, and a dear member to the Earth Alliance. We accepted you not because you were Coordinator, Natural, or as you are half of each, but instead because you were the great kid that is Xigo Shigora." By now the once distressed expressions on the many faces in the hallway had shifted to smiles, and eyes that showed a sense of happiness from Jorno's words. Even Xigo followed along like them.
"Th-thank you sir" he replied with a nod. The Administrator smirked, and gave him a pat on the back.
"Thata boy, now don't think any more upon this, it's nothing of concern" he said, making Xigo chuckle and nod once more. Jorno then turned to the rest of the crowd, his smile even wider. "And now besides that, I'm sure you'll all be happy to know now that new regiments are due to arrive here in no more than an hour. And because of that, I'll allow all of you to head out with the troops going to Denver to get supplies for the base, since we'll have an entire team ready to be at work in case of another attack. So I dismiss you all to go do as you please!". Quickly everyone was in a bustle, beginning to chatter just as before or walk off in all directions to head out and spend the rest of the day as they wanted. In the middle of it, Commander Cerrical walked over to Taro, a rather concerned look on her face.
"Taro…when you were fighting the Jet, we received all the radio messages you and the pilot shared as well. Was Worlat really on that thing?" she asked. He very much was reluctant to begin talking on it, but he nodded.
"Yeah, it's him for sure" he answered.
"I heard that all too, what was up with that?" Rodka asked, joining them. Taro was even more unsure as to if it should be explained to the young Redwing, but Cerrical was able to answer before him.
"Well, back a few years ago when we all stationed here instead of at Alaska, we had much lower ranks, and we were still working our ways up. We and Arelie had a friend who was just as good of a pilot as Taro. We always had all been together, but then by one year he started acting funny, and we noticed that he was becoming very arrogant. Eventually, when he was doing some practice battles with a Mobile Suit, he destroyed two others, and killed the pilots in both" she spoke. Rodka's eyes widened.
"Oh wow…". Taro then picked up where she left off.
"He was permanently released from the military, and also got several years in prison for it. Though, about a year ago, it was said that he escaped, and couldn't be found anywhere. I guess that Giyre had someone recognized his talent while he was with us, and then when he got kicked out, they helped his escape prison, and he went to join them…" the Major explained. Rodka gave the bombshell-whistle.
"Man, that's some crazy stuff. This guy sounds nuts" the teen said.
"Yeah, and now he seems obsessed with getting revenge on us, especially me, and I'm sure that fight didn't help things. Dammit, I wish I would've killed him" Taro spat as he clenched a fist. Cerrical put her hand over his, and looked up into his eyes.
"We have to take care of this cautiously, and discuss it with Arelie and the General later on" she made clear. The Major nodded after a few moments.
"Right…"
Earth-Stationed Giyre Headquarters
The hangar for the Ranocio Base of Giyre in Wyoming had much activity going on in, with pilots, technicians and mechanics running all about in the docking bay. The troops from the failed attack with the Roc had begun to return, and enter into the base to berth their machines. The Zephlers had landed outside on the airstrips, and all Blackhawks, whether damaged or completely in-tact, were continuing to dock into the station. The Gundams had as well, piloted by Nitras, Sakara and Uusiko. Though the Jet didn't manage to come in as well as the others, instead being dropped down onto a repair-pad by a pair of Mobile Suits. It was barely half of what it had once been, now missing an arm, its head, and a great portion of its legs.
"Impossible!" Worlat shouted as he stood several meters from it, his hands entrenched in his silver hair as his eyes bulged with insanity. "How could this beautiful machine be destroyed to such an extent? By that fool Taro and the measly little Strike Gundam?". While nearly all of the other military personal simply ignored the Sergeant, Balador had instead come to join him where he was, and speak to him unlike the others.
"You seem to underestimate the skill of that man. He was obviously a fine pilot, and as known, many Natural pilots have become experts over the years, as good as Coordinators. Mister Lanawor was obviously one of those, much like the pilots of the Blaze, Thunder and Emperor Gundams. And the Strike is no longer a useless Mobile Suit, the Earth Alliance made the three versions of it far stronger than the first strike was many years ago" the leader of Giyre explained wisely. But even his suave way of talking couldn't get through to the irate Worlat.
"But I'm better than him dammit! I should've defeated him!" he began with his tirade, "my weaponry was far superior expect for that stupid Heat Hyup Do. If its rod was stronger, his beam sabers would've never cut it in half, and I wouldn't have been taken off-guard, or had my Gundam dismantled like that!". Worlat now turned to Balador, appearing crazed as ever and making the situation out to be far more important than it was. "Sir, we have to have it repaired and improved as soon as possible!". Balador was slow to say what he wanted, but remained unconcerned of Worlat's reaction still.
"I'm afraid we can't do that…" he replied, trying to sound sympathetic but still smirking. Worlat's face warped.
"What?". Balador nodded, looking back over to the Jet.
"Yes, you see because it was created by Zaft, and we only stole it, the technology used to create it and what's inside it still is different from what we possess. So simply repairing it with our skills and equipment could actually make it only the same, or even worse than it was before. It could even cause control problems and machinery failures, and I most certainly wouldn't want to have your life risked while inside it" Varo explained with a grin.
"Huh? No, that can't be! There's gotta be something we can do!" Worlat cried.
"Unfortunately for a long while now there isn't anything possible, it's as simple as that."
"Then what I am I going to pilot for the future missions?". Balador chuckled at the question, slightly befuddling Worlat. He moved closer to him, and put his hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, we have another Mobile Suit of great strength being created, and I'll make sure that you become its pilot". Balador smirked, and walked away from Worlat, who simply looked back at the Jet.
"But…I was so amazing with this thing…I-I was-so…" he began to mutter to himself, but then screamed aloud from his state of lunacy. Varo laughed to himself as the cries came to his ears.
Sitting on a sloppy pile of metal crates were the three young Gundam pilots; Nitras, Sakara and Uusiko, all nearly silent and with depressed expressions. They merely sat drinking from their bottled water, and looking down at the ground as they sighed. When Balador came to them, he felt surprised by their current condition, but still kept his usual smile.
"What's wrong boys? You look truly distraught" he said. They all looked up at their leader, and Sakara was the first to speak.
"We're just disappointed about the mission sir, we're sorry that we messed up…" the young Zanakal answered. Balador chuckled.
"Oh nonsense, don't worry about the mission, it's nothing to reflect on". They all were surprised.
"But sir, the Roc was completely destroyed…" Nitras said. The leader of Giyre had a smug look.
"The Roc isn't what will win us the war. It's you Gundam pilots that are our most important weapons, and you all survived, so that's all that should matter…" he explained. Although it eased the teens a bit, they still felt disheartened from the result of their operation.
"Yeah, but the mission was still a complete failure…" Uusiko grumbled.
"Not so much" Balador quickly shot back, "because of that mission, we were able to see all of the Gundam's powers. So, we now have a great deal of information on them, the fact that they were pushed that far to use their full power allowed us to evaluate their strength." In a mere instant, Sakara's eyes had lit up.
"Hey, that's right…" he added. Balador nodded.
"Indeed. So don't put yourselves down, you three did not bring about the failure of the mission" he explained. As he took his pause, the boys began to lose their once disconsolate expressions, and appear relieved from his words. And he continued. "Now then, you three know about going to the city to re-supply, but I'll allow for you guys to do as you please instead of helping the others. Think of it as a day off." They all were even more cheerful.
"That's sweet! I hear that place has a ton of awesome stuff" Uusiko said.
"It does. But remember, you'll also be going with the Ale troops to attack the Colodonia Base in the next couple days, you know the objective?" Balador asked. The three pilots all nodded.
"Yes sir, take part in the head-on assault and destroy the control center and all barracks" Nitras replied. Varo smirked.
"Very good, you'll all be fine. Now then, get back to whatever you're doing today, I must got".
"Yes sir!" they answered with a salute as Balador turned and began to walk off.
He left the entire docking bay, and proceeded to make his way back to the room he had been in before he came to see the troops that returned. A short stroll down a few hallways allowed for him to re-enter the dormitory, where all lights were off, and only a mere computer screen had an illumination. Balador seated himself before the screen, and for a moment gazed at the image that was frozen, one of the Roc flying over a large city. With a simple click of another button, the image came to life, and the screen now showed a video of the massive aircraft soaring above the metropolis. Within a few moments, the doors beneath it opened to the sides, and three large bombs were released. They plummeted through the clouds, and in seconds landed in the heart of the city, creating a massive explosion that rocked the entire area, completely wiping out miles of the metropolitan.
"I do not mean to interrupt, but is that from the attack on Spokane?" a man asked from behind Balador. It was the person who had spoken with the Giyre Leader just before they entered the ZAFT Headquarters, and learned of the entire plan he had. Knowing who it was, Balador didn't look back.
"It is, and I must say it went very smoothly". The high-rank official, Geraldo, advanced closer, and chuckled as he watched the aftershock level more of the city.
"So it seems, I've heard reports that more than half of it was destroyed" he said.
"Oh and that's very true, just the same with the Utah Earth Base" Balador told him.
"Ahh so you had it attack there as well. Very smart move sir". Balador showed a sense of pride in his wicked actions.
"And what's even smarter is that I kept the information from reaching all of our younger pilots. They do not understand the true desires behind Giyre, nor are the old enough to serve for those reasons as well. Better that they follow the false motives instead". Geraldo understood the vague comments perfectly.
"Yes, especially those Gundam pilots, they would go crazy. They're amazing, no doubt about it, but they're not smart enough, or experienced enough to realize how important attacks like that are" the official added.
"Very true, we'll keep it from them for a long while now. Their skills, and their Gundams are a big asset to us now. Though, it's a good thing that I don't overestimate them. I do admit, I doubted that we'd have success in the attack on the Atlantic Headquarters, so I gave the Roc crew special, and secret orders to release the bombs on the two cities they passed over. So, while our main plan didn't work out, and we lost the Roc itself…we've dealt two crushing blows to the Earth Alliance…" Balador bragged, snickering, with Geraldo doing the same.
"May we watch the other crushing blow?" he asked. Balador pushed a button on his control panel.
"You bet."
Denver Colorado, the next day
The city of Denver was a very large, populated, yet beautiful city that any would enjoy coming too. It was not surprising that the Atlantic Federation Headquarters personal always enjoyed going to the metropolis to restock supplies, and spend a day seeing all sites of the capital.
The day after the battle with the Roc, the crew left the base by plane, and landed in the airport late in the morning. The teams sent to the warehouses to buy provisions were still going back and forth at their cargo jets, delivering crates upon crates to the groups who were loading them on. The others, including the Gundam pilots, were all sauntering about city, stopping at stores, restaurants and whatever else caught their attention. Jina and Iryn had gone with Shirta and Jessa to the mall, where they had been for almost the entire day so far. Treston was with the three young Gundam pilots, as well as Gartol, all stopping in at a few other large-scale stores, while Cerrical, Toros, Arelie and Taro all were together heading for a bistro for their lunch.
As one o'clock in the afternoon rolled around, the quintet of 'guys' were all going down a busy street, Logan, Rodka and Gartol all walking together as they still obsessed over what they had bought at the last store then went to.
"Man check out these new sneakers I got, can't wait to play some b-ball in these!" Rodka exclaimed, showing off the pair of white shoes, still tight in the box.
"I can't wait to play either, this basketball I got has gotta the best one I've ever seen in my entire life. That's sweet how they let you try 'em out in the store" Logan said as he held up his bag.
"I think they made a big mistake letting you do that though, I watched ya from the hockey aisle, you had more bricks than any other guy I've seen try to shoot" Gartol laughed. Dile's face twisted.
"Those were just some unlucky shots, just wait until we play at the base one day, I'll show you all who can sink 'em!" Logan quickly defended. Gartol was making another wisecrack, and Logan was back to make up another excuse as Rodka continued to laugh at the two. Behind them, Treston and Xigo walked, Mr. Rolander smiling casually as he listened to the others. Xigo on the other hand had had no emotion on his face, as he just stared ahead, no particular sight. Treston had noticed his quietness, and with a glance of his bag thought of something to try and get a conversation going.
"So, what did you buy there?" the man asked.
"Just a football jersey. Something to wear for when I don't feel like putting on the military uniform" Xigo answered, surprisingly a calm tone to his voice rather than a dull one. Treston felt relieved to know he didn't seem depressed or such.
"Heh, that's cool, I used to love wearing those when I was your age. And whenever me and my friend's actually played out in the field I wore one" he said. Xigo smiled slightly.
"Yeah, they're always cool to wear for that too" he added. Treston looked at him to the side as they still walked ahead.
"There's that smile. I haven't seem that much all day" Mr. Rolander spoke. Xigo couldn't hamper even a small chuckle.
"I can imagine how you feel. I'm fine, just a bit tired. Didn't exactly sleep well last night" the teen clarified.
"That's no surprise, you were probably still stimulated from the fight" Treston said. Xigo nodded. As the group of them stopped at a corner with a red light, Rodka noticed something out of the corner of his eye.
"Hey look at that! A shooting gallery!" he cried, pointing to the building. Gartol's eyes instantly lit up.
"Oh dude that's awesome, let's go check it out!" the man said. In a second he, Rodka and Logan were heading over to the attraction, leaving Xigo and Treston alone by the street corner still.
"Hey, I'm gonna go get a drink at that tavern over there" Shigora said first, indicating the café across the road.
"I'll go with you too" Treston replied, "don't wanna be anywhere near those guys when they have guns". This time Xigo couldn't even hold back a true laugh.
Outdoor Restaurant
On the outside deck of another eatery, a man sat alone at a small round table. It appeared that he wanted to conceal himself, with jet black sunglasses over his eyes, and a newspaper directly in front of him. Every so often he'd stick his hand out to grab the cup of coffee that was set on a small plate on his stand, but even then he didn't reveal his face to the others on the porch of the bistro. For all this time he had been silent, not saying a word, and behind his newspaper without any emotion on his face. Although when he heard Taro Lanawor's voice, along with three others he recognized, the silver-haired man smiled deviously.
The General, Cerrical and Arelie all sat down at one table with Taro, and ordered a large pot of coffee for themselves as a waitress passed them by. Even when only Toros was the one in his uniform, the man behind the newspaper knew for sure who they were, and could only grow more delighted at their arrival.
"Jeez what a beautiful city this is, that park was absolutely gorgeous" Arelie said as she set her purse down by her chair.
"It is. I always love coming here when the base needs to restock" the General affirmed, as Taro smirked at him.
"Yeah, and lucky for guys you and the rest of us, we just get to prance about the place doing whatever we want all day" the man joked. The others all laughed, and the silver-haired man's grin widened.
"That's true Taro, but that's you get when you lead the entire military" Toros said with a bit of pride to his voice. Commander Cerrical rolled her eyes as another waiter set down their coffee.
"Oh gimme a break sir" she complained. As Toros reddened a bit, Miss Saruma poured herself a cup of the hot, frothy drink, and then took her first sip.
"How is it?" Arelie asked, filling her own glass. Cerrical smiled widely as she finished.
"Delicious" she answered. The silver-haired man chuckled. Arelie drank a bit of the coffee, and had the same smile the Commander did afterwards.
"Hey she's right! It's amazing" the Captain said.
"Well then again you seem to like any coffee you ever drink" Taro teased. Arelie shrugged as Toros and Cerrical laughed.
"I can't deny that, it keeps me up all day when I'm bored". Once again the group laughed, but another voice joined in as well.
From his table, the man behind his newspaper was laughing out loud. Taro and the others all glanced over at him, surprised and very much confused by his obstreperous guffaw.
"Oh my, I apologize, I just find that so funny Captain Arelie" he said, making her freeze from that he knew her name, and making Taro's eyes widened as he heard his voice. The man lowered his newspaper, and grinned. "You're just the same as you used to be…". The silver-haired man's grin widened. Their faces distorted.
"Worlat?" Taro shouted.
Tavern
Sakara sent a yellow ball rolling into the pocket upon a perfect hit from the cue ball. The young Giyre pilot smirked as he stood up from the pool table.
"Let's see what else I can knock in" he said, moving across the stand to find the perfect shot. Uusiko stood away from him, holding a pool stick himself as he held a glass filled with his favorite soft drink.
"Try and nail a shot like you did before, with those three all in at once" he said. Sakara snickered.
"I don't need to try for something like that" he confidently replied, striking the cue-ball and sending it to hit another trio of the hard spheres, sending all into a separate pocket across the table.
The tavern they were in was nice and quiet, barely any people inside but them, as well as Nitras who sat at the bar. A jukebox played a soft, relaxing melody, the ideal tune for the three young men as they enjoyed some time away from their military surroundings. As his two friends played a game of pool, Nitras was relaxing with a drink of his own, simply resting in the peaceful atmosphere.
"Hey Nitras, why don't you come play another game with us?" Uusiko called out, finally getting his turn to send a ball into the pocket. The young Dolorga smirked behind at them.
"'cause I don't feel like beating you both again" he answered. Sakara and Uusiko chuckled, and got back to their game. Nitras had then turned away from the two, and slugged down the rest of his drink. "Can I get another please?" he asked the bartender, and the man nodded.
"I'll have the same thing" a voice said to the side of him. Nitras's eyes perked with surprise for a moment, and then he was even more shocked as he saw Xigo casually sit down next to him. But the Earth-Pilot didn't even look at him; he only looked down at the counter, his eyes showing nothing positive. "Hey…" he quietly greeted. Nitras knew in an instant what Xigo was feeling, and that he himself felt the pain as well.
"Hey…" he answered back, looking away. The bar-tender brought their drinks by, and they both handed him the cost. Xigo was the first to sip his.
"It's been too long since we've seen each other outside of a battle" Shigora stated afterwards. Nitras nodded.
"It has" he agreed, and drank some of his beverage. They both became silent, and after another short time Dolorga felt something needed to be discussed. "Look Xigo…I'm sorry about what I said before…I didn't have clue…". There was very little concern on Xigo's face.
"I expect that. I didn't know for fourteen years of my life. I only found it out while you were visiting Giyre" Shigora explained, "it took some real dumb-luck and a lot of research for the school-board to find out everything".
"That's not just it. Whether we're enemies or not now, I shouldn't have said that all Naturals were worthless…because you're not worthless at all…" Nitras continued. Xigo finally glanced over at him.
"Well, at least it's good to see that we don't completely hate each other even during a war, when we're on opposite sides" he mentioned. Nitras looked back to him.
"Yeah, but...I could never hate you, you've been my best friend for years. And even after all this time, when we haven't seen each other except in the middle of a battle…I don't have a friend as good as you…" he spoke, truthfully. Xigo knew this, but wanted to get deeper into his friend.
"What of those two over there?" Shigora asked, implying Uusiko and Sakara.
"They're great friends too, and very loyal companions. But what you and me went through, they can never match" Nitras said, and began to clench his fist, "it's why I hate this war so much, because it's turned us against each other, and almost made us true mortal enemies from our last fight. We may have to battle again, and if luck is against us, we could have terrible results…". Xigo took a large gulp of his drink, and set the glass down roughly on the table with a sigh.
"I know, we may be calm and peaceful here, but we've seen that in battle we could give a care how long we've been friends for. But believe me Nitras, I don't intend to kill you, or even attempt to unless it's the most dire of situations. I know we can survive this war, and hopefully…it'll end before anything does happen between us…" he prayed. Nitras felt his body become more relaxed, and surprising, even to himself, Xigo's words empowered his spirit.
"Maybe-maybe you're right. Even if we stay with the sides we're on now, no matter how mad at each we are for it…maybe most of the fighting can end. No matter who wins, and even if there is no real winner, things can work out between everyone, and all of our ideals, for Earth, Zaft and Giyre can be realized" Dolorga added onto. Xigo ignored all thoughts about Giyre, and decided to keep silent about mentioning anymore on it as he finished his drink.
"Yeah, let's just hope for the best. There is a way to solve this all, we just have to find it…" he said. He pushed his glass ahead on the counter, and threw a tip down next to it for the bartender. "Well, I gotta leave now Nitras, but it was great seeing you in person" Xigo began, his back facing his friend, "I wish you luck…". With that he began to walk off to the exit, and from the Video Poker Computer where he sat, Treston spotted him leaving.
"Right behind ya kid" he said, catching up to him quickly and then leaving. Nitras stared at the doorway for several seconds after they had gone, a completely different expression on his face than when before Xigo came by.
"There is a way to solve this all, we just have to find it…" he repeated to himself in his head.
"No way! What the hell are you doing here?" Arelie questioned. Worlat threw his head back and laughed again from the inquiry. He set his newspaper down on the table, and then removed his sunglasses to reveal his devilish blue eyes.
"I'm enjoying this wonderful city just as you are. You see we have troops around gathering supplies for us, but being the high-ranking official that I am, I've been allowed to do whatever I please here. Just as you seem to be" he answered. General Toros narrowed his eyes sternly at him.
"So, Taro was correct, you have joined Giyre…". The Sergeant nodded.
"I have, and I've enjoyed every single second of it. It's such a wonderful organization, and they show me the true respect I deserve…" Worlat went on. Commander Cerrical sneered at her old friend.
"After joining those war-mongers, you deserve no respect, though you never deserved it after what you did back when you were in the Earth Military" the woman spat. Worlat was amused by the harsh comment.
"You people are not the kind that are strong enough to understand how humanity works in the world. I was the best pilot you had, and you were mad when I showed my true skill in a test battle. Those weaklings I fought were not mighty enough to be worthy in the military or in any war, and so I killed them, and gave them a lesson they would take with them to their death, that the strongest, like me, are the only ones who deserve to succeed". Toros had to tighten his fist until his nails were digging into his palm to control himself.
"Those were two men with wives and children, and you slaughtered them in a test-battle to show off your skill with a mobile suit. You're as crazed today as you were then Worlat, I just wish your punishment would've been worse than removal from the military and imprisonment. How you got such a high-rank in Giyre astounds me, your superior must be truly be as insane as you are" the General coldly stated. Worlat chuckled, finding the these remarks just as funny as Cerrical's.
"Ahh Toros, you're so very wrong. My leader Balador Varo is an utter genius, and understands the philosophies I follow. He knows more about war and military power than anyone on Earth could hope to, and that's why he doesn't see me as a crazed lunatic that you do, but instead as one of the greatest Mobile Suit pilots to ever grace this universe. That's why I was so blessed to receive one of the Gundams Giyre stole from Zaft" he spoke. Taro's once irate expression shifted with a smirk at the mentioning of the Jet.
"Oh yeah, that Gundam I completely mauled in our last battle. You have an odd definition of 'blessed', considering how easy I destroyed that thing" the Major taunted. Surprisingly, very much unlike his attitude at the hangar, Worlat smirked himself and gave a shrug.
"You indeed did defeat me Taro, but I won't let that affect me anymore. You see, Giyre is currently creating a new Mobile Suit that's even more powerful than the Jet Gundam, and Balador has especially promised that I'll be its pilot. I've been lucky enough to see it in person, and witness demos of its power. It's nearly complete, so it won't be long before you meet me in battle once more" Worlat clarified.
"Good, I can't wait to trash that one as well" Taro shot back. Content, and humored by the reply, Worlat smiled, and nodded.
"Very well then, it's something I look forward to" he stated, and then stood up from his chair. Grabbing his newspaper and folding it up, as well as putting on his sunglasses, Worlat looked back at them once more. "Wonderful to see you all again, but I must go now". The Sergeant then walked off from the stand, and off the porch of the restaurant, leaving the area completely.
"That dirty son of a bitch…" Arelie murmured as she turned away from him.
"Yeah, he'll get it one day, just watch…" Taro said. The man paused, and took a deep breath, then breathing out. "But we can't let that get to us, let's enjoy the rest of the day" he added with a smile. The others nodded in agreement.
Denver Airport
By evening, those who came from the Atlantic Federation Headquarters were at the airport, waiting on the sides of one of the landing zones for their plane to arrive. Most of the troops who spent the day gathering supplies had gotten on their flights and were heading back, while all the provisions were some hours ahead of them. General Toros, Treston, Jessa, and everyone from the Alaska Base were altogether, the majority remaining quiet, while Jina, Iryn and Shirta still talked amongst themselves.
"Oh jeez I hope we can come back again, this city is just so awesome!" Jina exclaimed, still very gleeful from her time within in.
"Yeah and they got some really awesome shops here too, I've never seen a mall that big in my entire life!" Iryn added. Shirta smirked from their rather, 'girlish' comments.
"I'm sure so long as we keep up our work that the Administrator will be as generous as he was today, and let us come here again when they have to re-supply. We'll all be back here again" the young woman reassured. Just then a small jet started to land, and slowly made its way to the entire group as it decreased in speed.
"Ahh good there's our flight, I can't wait to get back to the base to see how my new fighter is" Jessa stated.
"You mean they've got it at the base?" Shirta asked, beginning to make her way up the stairs to the plane.
"Yep, I think it's almost complete too". As they both continued discussing it, Gartol groaned.
"You can always expect girls to break the silence with their endless talking" he murmured to Taro. Shirta raised an eyebrow.
"I heard that bro" she said back. Gartol's face reddened as most of the others laughed.
"Oh you did? My bad…" he apologized with a humiliated grin. Soon everyone had stepped on into the jet, expect for Xigo who had been behind them all. While at the top step, he halted for a moment, and took that second to look back at the city one more time. His eyes gazed off at the metropolis, but his mind centered around his meeting with Nitras earlier that day, and all the thought-provoking statements they exchanged. And then the young man entered.
Ranocio Infirmary
Inside the Ranocio Base, a man grunted and writhed on one of the medical beds, with three of the best doctors aiding to him. The man was quite large and bulky, but his body appeared as if it had gone through hell and returned. Scars, bruises, burns and welts of all sizes covered his chest and right arm, giving him a frightening, yet sickening physique. His left arm hadn't a mark on it, though that was because it was made of metal, and had been attached to his shoulder no more than two days ago. The doctors were all covered from head to toe in their white uniforms, blood stains on a few of them as they continued their work with the patient. They all leaned forward over him, doing their work very gingerly as they attached a thin metal slab to the man's face. As they applied it, a few streams of blood flowed from where it was put, and the patient cried out for a split moment.
"Well, that's it, it's all complete Mister Ragoss" the head doctor stated as he stood up straight, and began to remove his gloves and mask. The other assistants quickly began to do the same, and also went to the sinks to wash their hands as he did. The man, indeed Ragoss, sat up, his hand against left side of his face and covering his eye and most of his cheek. He slowly removed it, revealing the part of his face that no longer skin, but what was like a part of a metal mask.
"Oh God this kills, how long will the pain for this last?" Ragoss asked.
"I would say about three or four days" the doctor answered, turning to him and drying his hands off, "and if you take those pills I prescribed you then pain shouldn't be as bad." Ragoss groaned.
"Well that's something good to know. This whole episode has been a major pain in the ass" the large man grumbled. The doctor couldn't help but chuckle a bit.
"You should be a little happier Mister Ragoss, you're very lucky to even be alive after that explosion. Your injuries could've been far worse" he explained.
"Yeah I guess you're right, just so long as this doesn't affect my piloting terribly than I'll be able to manage" Ragoss replied, and slipped on his green sleeveless jacket. A moment or two later, the doors to the clinic slid open, and Balador stepped in. The leader of Giyre instantly noticed Ragoss and grinned.
"Very good to see you again Ragoss, I'm hoping you're feeling better" he greeted. The bulky man had a displeased reaction as he got off the bed.
"I'll be okay after a few days. My arm, leg and upper body are mostly better, now I just gotta wait for my face to heal up, and get used to this mask" he said.
"Ahh yes, but you seem to be coming along quite well. To me that's all that matters, I know have one of my bets pilots back" Balador proclaimed. Ragoss was uninterested by the remarks.
"Yeah, so speaking of that, when do I get to head back into action?" he questioned. Balador gave off that usual 'fake sympathy' look.
"Well, that's the problem. Until you're completely cleared by our doctors here, I cannot allow you to step into another machine. Though, if your progress goes better than expected, I think I can make an exception to that" Varo said. Ragoss was content enough on the deal.
"Good enough for me, I'll be okay in four or five days" he quickly spat out, "though what will I be piloting? The Demolition is gone, those three kids have one of their own each, and Worlat's using the Jet". A glint of amusement could be seen in Balador's eyes.
"Well, you're not completely correct. You see, in our last major battle, Worlat was defeated by one of the Strike Gundams, and the Jet was terribly damaged. Seeing as how his air-piloting skills aren't all too good with a Gundam, I'm instead giving him a new high-class Mobile Suit based off the Blackhawks. But, if our repair team has some luck, and the Jet is able to be restored, and operate well, I'll be glad to allow you to pilot it." Ragoss nodded, and pondered over the possibilities of using that particular machine.
"Hmm, that could actually be really good. I always liked it, and I'm sure I could do better with it than Worlat, since I've had past experience with Gundams" the man meditated, "alright, that sounds good Sir, but if it's not completed before, or when I'm ready to get back to fighting, what should I use?". Balador shrugged.
"It's up to you really; a regular Mobile Suit would still be very deadly in your hands. I would think an Ale or a Goliath Suit would be a good choice as just a temporary machine" he suggested.
"Alright, that sounds fine as well" Ragoss quickly responded, and pointed to the door with his thumb, "I'm gonna go to other medical department to pick up my prescription. See you around Sir". With a nod from Balador, he left the room, and went down the hallway. Balador crossed his arms, and smirked contently. The doctor walked up closer to him, appearing concerned.
"Uhh, I hope you don't mind me asking Sir, but are you sure he should be piloting even after the four days for his face to strengthen?" the man inquired. Balador didn't even look at him, but instead snickered.
"It's nothing to be worry about" he answered.
Atlantic Federation Headquarters Hangar, late that Night
"Taro, hand that big wrench right there" Desial stated as he stared into one of the engine compartments of the newest Earth Alliance Fighter Craft, the Csander. Light purple in color, and with a thick stocky body, as well as two angled arms, it was certainly an impressive craft. One of these had been sent to the Headquarters especially for Jessa Rolander to pilot, and at the moment, even in the middle of the night, she, Desial and Taro were all finishing up some extra work on it.
Taro quickly handed him the tool, and the mechanic fastened a few bolts. Just then Jessa stuck her head out from the door of the cockpit.
"Hey Taro, can you see if the boosters will work when I start this up?" she asked. The Major shrugged.
"Yeah sure why not" he answered with a yawn, beginning to grow sleepy. Standing several meters from the back of the craft, Jessa turned it on, and the five jets in the back released small flames. "You're good girl, it should be fine when you need to increase their output" he called out through the noise. She turned off the boosters, but left the plane's main engine running.
"Thanks Taro" she called back. Desial then rolled out from under it, and stood up as he tossed the wrench back into a large toolbox.
"Alright Jessa, the flap's screwed on tight, that thing won't be coming off anytime soon. What else ya need?" he asked. Jessa continued trying out all the buttons, switches and monitors on her control panel.
"I don't think much more, all the computers here in the cockpit seem to be working fine. And the system seems perfect. Would one of you mind checking out the guns for a second though?" the teen replied.
"I'm on it" Taro said, and went over to the left arm, where on the end were three gun-barrels. He was interested by them at his first glance. "Hmm, forty or fifty millimeter they look like, pretty nice".
"Yeah, and they have Hyper-Fire so they're even better" Jessa added, and then sent the barrels rolling. Taro jumped back in a flash as his face twisted.
"Holy crap! Watch those things!" he cried from being startled. The young Rolander laughed.
"Don't worry Taro, it was just the secondary mode, all it does is automatically get the barrels ready to fire instantly when I command it, rather than a slow start in the first mode" Jessa clarified. Taro massaged his head as he still breathed heavily.
"Yeah, well don't go doing that to me again" he said. Desial exhaled deeply as he sat down on a metal crate.
"Anything else then?". Jessa's eyes scanned over her control panel one more time.
"No, I think I'm fine for tonight, we can be done. I'll just have the extra ammo compartments filled tomorrow morning. I wanna get to bed now honestly" she replied, and turned off the Csander completely. Taro covered his mouth as he yawned again.
"You and me both". Desial hopped off the crate and grabbed his toolbox.
"Well I'll just clean up some of my stuff around here and then I'll be hittin' the sack too, had to work on those Gundams all day" the mechanic complained. Taro watched Jessa as she left the hangar, though went to a different hallway than the one her bedroom was in.
"Where is she going?".
Jessa smiled as she walked down the corridor, passing by several more bedrooms with their doors closed. It was now almost two o'clock in the morning, and most of the main crew had gone to sleep, only the small night-shift groups were up and still working. She came by one room that had its door open, and stepped in quietly to see Xigo lying on his bed. The boy had his pillow against the bed stand, and was where he rested his head. His uniform was in a pile next to his bed, not exactly being his favorite choice of sleep-wear. Jessa noticed the CD-Player next to him on the bed, and even though she could hear faint sounds from the apparently rock music, his eyes were closed and his body barely had any movement. She smiled again, and then flipped the light switch to turn them off.
"Keep 'em on" Xigo suddenly stated, startling her for a moment.
"Oh, sorry Xigo, I thought you were asleep" she apologized with a humored smirk, and turned the lights back on.
"I haven't been able to for an hour now, so I figure I just listen to some music" he explained, still with his eyes closed.
"Yeah, that used to help me a lot too when I was younger" Jessa appended.
"It's very relaxing, especially if it's is somewhat calm" Shigora said. Jessa hampered a chuckle.
"I'll let you rest then, good night Xigo" she told him, and then closed the door behind her. The young man still lay on his bed in the same position, little or no movement as well, and with his eyes remaining closed. Xigo eventually turned the dial on his CD-Player, increasing the volume. It appeared that he felt like enjoying his music more than trying to fall asleep.
Ranocio Base, the next morning
With the siren blaring throughout the building, Nitras, Sakara and Uusiko all barreled down the hallway in their piloting suits, many other soldiers right behind them. They were all heading to the hangar, where they'd be taking off in their Mobile Suits for one of the Earth Forces Bases in the Rockies again. The attack-group was smaller than the last assault on the Atlantic Headquarters, and didn't even have Worlat coming along, but to Balador it was more than enough to get the job done, especially with the three young Gundam pilots.
As they made their way down the hall, Nitras glanced out of the corner of his eye at Uusiko, finally noticing the teen's now shorter, and straight hair.
"What'd you do with your hair?" Dolorga asked with a smirked. Uusiko grinned at him.
"Got it cut just a bit, and had it straightened. I was getting tired of it being messier" he answered.
"Why would you go and do that?" Nitras pressed.
"It was beginning to be a bit of a pain just, and for piloting it's not the best to have it covering my face half the time" Uusiko said.
"I don't think you'd have to even worry about this one today. Nothing but a bunch of Mobile Suits and Mobiles Armors at the base, we'll take care of this in no time" Sakara added. Nitras nodded. By then they all arrived in the docking bay, and every soldier ran to their specified machine to get into their cockpit. In a few minutes, when most of the Mobile Suits and all three Gundams were up and running, the doors to the hangar slowly slid open, clearing the path for them to launch.
