Chapter 6: The Battle of Loum

Universal Century 0079, January 14, the largest fleet battle of all time was about to commence. The Lorelei was stationed at side 5. Zeon movements had alerted the Federation that an attack may possibly occur. At 09:00 the Federation's First Combined Fleet, stationed at Luna II, informed the Lorelei of their departure. A massive Zeon force had begun its advance on side 5. The stage was set for one of the most deadly battles of all time.

The Federations development of RX-78-2 gave Kei plenty of new gadgets to try out. The engineers had sent him a new beam rifle, a bazooka, an upgraded beam saber, and they made new high mobility thrusters. Each were now installed for the upcoming fight. The entire crew stood on high alert.

The day passed. The entire combined fleet had arrived. The flag ship Ananke sent out orders to the other 149 battle cruisers. All fell into a flawless formation. Zeon forces begin their assault.

The Lorelei held not only RX-78-1 and RX-77-1 but a squadron of 21 FF-4 Saber Fish Toriares. Kei was escorted onto the launching platform.

"Lieutenant Kei Dacova in RX-78-1, ready for take off!"

The Gundam was thrown out into space. The new thrusters put out tremendous force. Kei soon compensated with the new speed. The first of many enemy craft popped up on his view screen. His new beam rifle's range far surpassed that of the Zaku's machine gun, allowing Kei to fire down upon them before they were able to fight back. Kei fought relentlessly, obliterating at least 7 units. It didn't seem to be much of a fight for Kei's Gundam.

Seasoned mobile suit pilot, Johnny Ridden, raced through the battle field. His commanding officer gave him specific orders to seek out and destroy the black mobile suit. He came upon Kei in a hurry.

"Finally, I've found you!"

Something caused Kei to turn to his left where he saw Ridden boosting toward him. Johnny raised his bazooka to level with his target.

"I see you!"

Kei rolled off to his left, and opened fire. The oncoming Zaku tilted slightly as the beam shot right underneath him. Two 280mm rounds were hurled toward Kei. Kei rotated and boosted down at Ridden. He shot multiple beams down then switched to his beam saber. Ridden anticipated the move and countered by rolling out of the way then charging forward with his heat hawk. Kei slashed at his opponent three times, each was intercepted by the glowing orange blade. Johnny switched to the offensive by striking the Gundam in the chest with his fist. The force took Kei by surprise. He quickly recovered unfortunately not soon enough. Ridden charged, and rammed his shoulder spikes into the unit. Kei was knocked back. The Zaku drew up its weapon and prepared to strike, when the Guncannon fired. Each of her two shots came in contact with the Zaku.

"Arg! I don't have time to fight some one like you!"

Johnny hastily hit the controls and headed back to his ship.

"Kei! Kei! Come in! Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

The battle raged on. Each side losing major casualties. Even with his badly damaged unit, Kei fought on. With his limited output and maneuverability Kei was ordered to fight battle cruisers instead of mobile suits. Kei pushed his generator to its max. He drew up along side a Chivvay and fired multiple shots. Every one sunk deep in the ships hull; however the Chivvay had nine, two barreled machine guns located on each of its sides. Bullets ripped the Gundams legs to pieces.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The Chivvay exploded sending what was left of the Gundam flying off in to the distance.