Phase 3: Search for Freedom

"Wake up, boy!"

Akira Nara was immediately alert. "They've found it?" he asked, eagerly.

"Get down to the briefing room. They're waiting."

Play song: Senkyou Henka
CPENN News flash: VENUSIAN TERRORIST STRIKE

Earlier today, a group of terrorists exploded a huge thermonuclear device on the Artic polar ice-cap, causing a huge tidal wave and immense flooding as millions of tons of ice melted in an instant. Possibly hostile climate changes and wide-spread environmental destruction are expected. The exact casualty list is unknown as of yet, but estimates put this in the hundreds of millions.

Supreme Chancellor Dilbert Gullindal had this to say: "We know who they were and who they were backed by. Reliable evidence gleaned from the surveillance network, and in particular, the designs of their Mobile Suits, points to Venusians being the culprits."

Public outrage is at an all time high at this atrocity. Many have called for immediate retaliation.

Pressed on this point, the Chancellor only said this: "We have ways of getting back at them."

End song

A topographical image appeared on screen.

"This is a map of the Mare Gestalt Region. We managed to trace Freedom to this sector via satelite visuals - difficult, granted that it is equipped with a Heavy Mirage Colloid Generator - but even such a device requires cooldown."

Two lines overlaid the image. They crossed over a distinct geological feature.

"Extrapolating from the data, we have narrowed down the search area to this ravine."

"Somewhere within this narrow gorge, they have hidden Freedom, evidently to await extraction. We suspect that OMEGA has established an outpost here for this purpose."

"Providence is the only MS we have that is capable of matching Freedom's power, at the moment. Therefore, our mission strategy will be to support Providence and suppress the rest of the MSes that we might encounter. Upon detection of Freedom, all other pilots are to pull back and allow Akira to take charge."

"End of briefing. Proceed to standby."

"Do you really think he can pull this off?"

"I have perfect confidence in the boy's abilities."

It wasn't long until the small force of MSes, with Providence in the lead, reached their designated point.

"Red Team, take point. The rest of you, cover them."

Three Aile Astrays descended into the shadowy valley. The others scrambled to supporting positions. Akira took Providence high up, until the sun's glare screened him.

The primary bulk of the search force had already moved into the ravine. Still no sign of the Freedom or any hostiles. Yet.

Play song Kantai Shiki.
"Wait a minute. Where's Blue 3?"

"What do you mean, Blue Leader?"

"Blue 3's missing. Off the chart- What th-" Static.

"Blue Leader, respond! Blue Leader!"

"Sir, Yellow Team's gone. We've lost all contact with them."

"Shit. Regroup! Regroup! All teams, to my position now! Providence, what's going on?"

"I can't see anything, sir. You guys are the only ones down there." replied Akira.
After a moment's pause: "Wait! I'm picking up - Blitz? A Blitz Gundam! It's coming your way, 4 o'clock!"

"All teams! Anti Mirage tactics!"

The surviving Astrays huddled in, back to back, in a circle, facing outwards. All fired their CIWS in random strafing shots up and down the ravine, kicking up dust clouds and rock chunks.

The Blitz could not sustain sufficient Colloid particle density. It phased back into sight.
Almost immediately, it was pierced by multiple beams and exploded.
End song

"I've picked up their base. It's at-(he rattled off a series of coordinates)."

"Good job. Let's go!"

The small base consisted of a few low-set modular buildings - and a hangar dug into the cliff face. (That must be where Freedom is being held,) thought Akira.

Play song Shutsugeki! Impulse.
The Astrays charged into the base, swinging beam sabres and firing their high-powered beam rifles. Explosions blossomed.

Defensive turrets popped up and began firing. A squad of Strike Daggers emerged from the hangar and engaged the attackers.
The chaos typical of combat started.

"We've got them cornered!"

"Let's kick 'em off Mars!"
End song

Play song...er, not sure what is this song named, but it plays when Freedom emerges for the first time in GSD. I think it's Fly! Freedom!"

As it became clear the Astrays had the upper hand, a huge rumbling noise emanated from the ground. A sharp, concentrated detonation broke the surface, crumbling rock and releasing roiling dust clouds. A huge crater was revealed, within which stood - the Freedom Gundam.

Akira smiled. "Found you."