Phase 8: Prelude to Invasion - Promotion and Responsibilities

The aerail transport docked smoothly and they descended.

A heavy cargo lifter was landing in the distance. They watched as the two headless Gundams were off-loaded and trundled off for repair.

"That reminds me... Good fight!" exclaimed Ryushin, extending his hand.
Lily grasped it and they shook hands.
"Thank you. You were great!" said Lily, drawing closer.
"As were you," Ryushin replied, doing the same.

They were still holding hands when Akira butted in: "Stop flirting and let's get inside. We've all been assigned to new teams, and I still don't know WHICH one mine is."

Lily giggled. Ryushin appeared nonplussed.

The three started walking towards the main hall.

"What do you think of today's performance?"

"It was... expected."

"Explain yourself."

"Both were carefully selected pilots, based both on their skill and their inherited genetic characteristics."

"So, you're saying that they could have done better?"

"It would be an insult to the great bloodlines they belong to, to say otherwise."

"Hmmm. What's this I hear about reassigning them?"

"I intend to streamline the Gundam command structure. They'll answer to me directly. It'll be more efficient that way."

"They are our best hope against OMEGA. You had best remember that."

"So... We're all in the same team then... Who's the leader?" asked Lily Zala.

The three of them were huddled around a computer terminal. Akira was doing the operating.

"Let's see now..."

On screen, a window opened and displayed, bearing the title "Flight Leader", a name. A very familiar name.

Their jaws dropped, Akira's the furthest of all.

"YOU are the leader!" gasped Lily and Ryushin in unison.

"But.. But... There must be some mistake... I mean..."

A voice echoed over the P.A. system. "Akira Nara, please report to Briefing Room 2-12 immediately."

Akira entered the room.

"Ah. Akira Nara. Good to make your acquaintance."

Akira, already in a state of shock from learning of his promotion, was now completely stunned.

The Supreme Commander of the MDF, Mildred Davion Francisca was the only other person in the room, seated behind a desk. What did she want with him?

"Congratulations on your promotion." she said, rising to shake hands with him - she had a strong and firm grip - "I suppose you're in the dark about this?"

"Err..."

"Don't worry, I'm not here to eat you."

"Yes ma'am!"

She smiled, not unpleasantly, and said: "You'll be leading the Alpha Team. It consists of only three people, but trust me, you three are the best chance we have against OMEGA. You'll be reporting directly to me."

"But why, commander?"

"You'll need to be independent. Can't have you three in separate teams, it'll prove to be a nightmare if things go wrong."

"But-"

"I called you here to make sure you are aware of the importance of your position. The three Gundams you and your teammates pilot are our trump card. You are their leader. I expect that you will carry out the responsibilties that come with your position to the fullest of your ablility. Do not fail that. The fate of your comrades, and ultimately, that of Mars itself may rest upon your shoulders."

"I understand, commander."

"Very well then. Good luck, Flight Leader Akira Nara. You'll need it. Dismissed."

"Flight Leader... How did this happen to me?" Akira said to himself as he left.