CHAPTER ONE: EVE OF CONFLICT
May 29, Cosmic Era 70
Earth Alliance Carrier Null Dividend
Pilot's Lounge, Planning Room
Holding his helmet in his arms, Lieutenant Mwu La Flaga took a deep breath of air. Though the pilot's lounge was large enough for all in the squadron, he and only three other pilots were there at the moment. Looking around he saw one of his wingmen already wearing ship duty uniform and attacking what was left of a protein bar. His eyes twitched as pilot Nell Barr swallowed the nutrient bar with sheer delight, God He hated the flavor. He saw his co-ranking peer Elsa Dupre and Jillian Callahan, one of the new pilots, keeping up with what looked like an interesting conversation.
"Do you ladies mind if I join your little debate?" He said teasingly at the two women talking.
"It's as if we didn't know you're here Mwu" Elsa replied with a laugh. Then motioning to the pilot beside her. "You've met Jillian right? She was the one who knocked out one of the GINNs on Colonel Keyes' tail."
"So your the one who saved his ass!" Mwu replied with a flourish and then lowering his voice to a whisper "you know, for all his experience, the Colonel gets carried away sometimes. It's good to know you someone looking out for him."
"T-Thank you for your compliments Lieutenant Flaga." She replied meekly
"Oh, a shy one aren't you!" He said in mock surprise. He then took one of the chairs and turned it facing himself then casually sat down. "So anything new? I've heard that our sister and brother squadrons have already seen some action down at 'the front'. From the looks of it, we're gonna be deployed there as well"
"Well we are the elite, Flaga" Elsa replied tersely " But the rumor's that there's also a front opening up back on Earth, near the Suez Canal. Though the El Alamein Tank Corp's stationed there it's not a sure thing that we'd hold it for long. Who knows maybe our deployment along 'the front' will help finish this part of the war."
"Awww…don't go all serious on me again Elsa, your no fun when you talk like that" Mwu replied with a bored face then smiled at Jillian. "Don't worry we do this all the time."
"Except, he always losses to me." Elsa said while she grinned. Then taking a more serious tone she started "We were lucky yesterday that, there was only one Nazca. This battle group will do more good once we reach the Grimaldi Crater base, and it's our job to protect it."
" Well" Mwu said as he stood from his turned seat "then it's a good thing that we're onboard to keep them away. Until the time comes that we're needed, I'm off to the showers, Keyes had my wing patrolling since 0500 hours today, I need a break."
"Well that was some stunt you pulled yesterday Ed." Colonel Barr said to his companion in the empty planning room. "But it was appreciated" He then went over the report of the encounter. "And no casualties too, really impressive. Considering we're nearing 'the front' I was expecting more resistance."
Twirling the contents of his glass, then taking a long drink it he merely nodded "True, 'Rell, but what piques my interest is that those pilots must've been 'red-coats'. I understand that ZAFT's going all out in this offensive strike, but I didn't expect to face that kind of force en-route to Grimaldi base."
"Well, I guess it can't be helped." Barr replied as he placed his palms on the edge of the table. "Though we have received some intelligence reports from the Endymion base of what seems to be a reconnaissance force popping in and out of the base's range. And though the Grimaldi base may seem secure as of this time, I'd much rather rush my command towards the rendezvous point where the rest of the 3rd fleet will be gathering, but that gives me less than a day."
" If that's the case then, I'll put my squad on high alert. Though I think we were only showing off last time, if that battle was any indication, I'd highly appreciate the support of your wings out there, if it turns out that we'd have another skirmish." Edward Keyes informed his comrade.
"You have my full support Ed."
Lieutenant Eileen Rose stretched her tired shoulder muscles after her ten-hour vigil in front of the CIC command post. Craning her neck to the left and then to the right she tried to ease what felt like a developing cramp. It was 2300 hours already and though the Sol Eclipse and the Lunar Flash were escortingthe Null Dividend, the bridge still had its minimal complement of crewers manning it. It wouldn't do to have them get caught unaware after all in what was very well a war zone.
She stifled a yawn with the back of her right arm, and looked at watch, just another ten minutes before my watch is over, but I need another cup of coffee she told herself. Beyond her only four other personnel were manning the stations. Ensign Gallianes was still in the ship's maneuvering, Ensign Phillipe was still on sensors, while Ensign Vargas was at communications. Good I'm not at that post she said to herself.
She wondered though what her life would've been like if she never entered the service. I would've taken over my parent's restaurant at the corner street, hey maybe as soon as my tour's done I'd do just that. She smiled at the thought.
Her thoughts returned to the bridge as soon as the beeping from Communications center broke her mindset. She stood and walked towards Ensign Vargas. "What was it about?" She queried.
" It's from Fleet headquarters at Ptolemeus. They've just received word that a battle has begun at the Suez Canal. Over forty Mobile suits have been deployed and still counting. The El Alamein Tank corps has been alerted but they don't know how long they can last against a siege of this proportions."
" I'll inform the Colonel then" She replied with a curt nod. And just when I thought things were starting to get better.