Mobile Suit Gundam Alpha

by Wing Zero Alpha

In the distant future, mankind has expanded to the stars and populated much of the galaxy. But despite these advancements, man is not at peace, and soon after, the Galactic War emerges...

8. Chapter VIII: The Legend of Newtypes

"Many cultures hold a developed image of the superior man. Some believe them to be beings of great physical strength, while others see them as intellectuals of unrivaled caliber and many more see them as gifted leaders that would eventually bring their civilizations into a golden age. Myself, I see the superior man as all or any one of those things, but with one commonality: the superior man, no matter what his gifts may be, always represents what our race should aspire to."
- Chivvay Sem Daikun

Chapter VIII: The Legend of Newtypes

Caladin Starport
Callax III, Callax System
July 25, GC 379

With a drawn out hiss, the hatchway on the Ralmel's underbelly opened, allowing Char and his compatriots to walk out into Callax III's open air. As he took in a breath of fresh air, he slowly began to realize just how long it had been since he had been planetside. From the light of the setting sun Callax to the feeling of wind brushing against his face and the various aromas his enhanced olfactory sense was picking up, it might as well had been eons since he had stepped onto the surface of a natural world. Eons since he had descended from space.

It's only natural. he thought as he stepped down the walkway toward the tarmac, a knowing smile brushing against his lips. Comets can only thrive in space.

As he and his entourage made their way to the tarmac, they quickly saw that they weren't alone. Standing at attention in row after row, a line of Zeon soldiers stood by and watched as Char made his way to the ground, their arms immediately snapping into a synchronized salute as soon as his boots hit the pavement, all without needing to be ordered to. Char couldn't help but smile at this, if only for the irony; if only these men and women before him knew who he really was underneath the proverbial mask. Even so, he returned the salute as he began walking, all of a sudden feeling more like an Admiral about to review the lined troops rather than a "mere" Commander who happened to be the best ace in Zeon.

In that regard, his eyes, still concealed behind his physical mask, were quick to lock onto the man at the head of the line; the same man, as hard as it was to think of him as such, he had known since his time at the academy. Dressed in a dark violet rendition of the Imperial uniform, golden Admiral shoulder pips shining proudly under the twilight, Garma Zabi was the youngest flag officer in the Empire and looked every bit of it. In clear spite of his uniform, the young Zabi heir's extremely boyish face, while considered a very handsome trait, kept him from looking like an adult in any way. Combined with his full head of equally violet hair and youthful, energetic gaze, this impression was further reinforced, such that one would believe him more a child playing dress up in his father or grandfather's uniform rather than the actual commander of Zeon's Second Fleet.

Of course, Char was well aware of the actual story there. By all accounts, Garma was a skilled mobile suit pilot, such that Char had long acknowledged his skills, but otherwise had been a long way off from formal command, let alone flag rank. That all changed with the untimely death of Sasro Zabi, Garma's second eldest brother and then-commander of the Imperial Ground Force, who had met his end at Riah as Artesia's twenty-fourth kill. In the following political and social upheaval, Gihren elevated Garma to full Admiral - reportedly against Garma's own protests, as well as Dozle's and Kycilia's - and placed him in command, where he had been ever since. Considering that, Char momentarily wondered how much ill-will Garma still held over his sudden elevation in rank and responsibility, but decided that was a matter not worth pursuing.

"Hello Char," Garma greeted casually, then extending his hand to shake Char's. "Nice of you to drop by and visit after all this time."

"It's good to see you as well Garma," Char commented as he gave a strong shake, then withdrew his hand. He looked over to the soldiers standing behind him, who all stared back with admiration in their eyes. "I wasn't expecting a welcoming a committee."

Garma laughed at that. "Well, far be it for me to not give the Hero of Zeon an Emperor's welcome," he commented. "Besides, these last few days have been a rather dull experience, so I thought some brief liveliness wouldn't hurt."

Char nodded in response. "Regardless, I'm quite honored."

"As you should be," Garma stated in a mocking tone. He and Char went back too far for him to hold social ranking above his friend. After a few more brief words, Garma dispersed the lines and the two aces made their way to Garma's personal transport.

"So, what brings you to my sector?" Garma asked as Char entered the vehicle. Once he was in, the driver began to making the way back to the Second Fleet's headquarters. "Don't tell me you actually need my help fighting the Feddies."

Char shook his head. "As humiliating as it is to admit it," he said as he pulled out a datapad from his pocket. "I do." He then handed the datapad to Garma.

Garma was quick to recognize what the data pertained to. "Ah yes, the Federation's thirteenth Trojan Horse," he exclaimed, his tone suddenly becoming serious. "She's been making a lot of noise as of late."

Char understood that right away. "So you heard about Admiral Delaz's operation as well?" he asked, keeping his own ill-feelings over said operation in check.

"Who hasn't?" Garma exclaimed. "The Feddies have been harping it up as some triumphant victory for the last month, just as our side has been downplaying the Fourth Fleet's losses," he said, before giving Char a furtive look. "Either way, I can safely say every soul in the galaxy, as well as those without souls, have heard of the 'great' Battle of Juno."

He looked back over the datapad. "That being said, I've also heard about your little run ins with the Ark Royal at Durga and X-145," Garma confirmed. "Suffice to say I still can't believe she survived your kill shot at Arcturus."

The Red Comet could only shrug. "I myself never believed her dead Garma," he explained. "While I destroyed most of her, there was still enough left for the Feddies to salvage."

"And now we're paying the price for assuming otherwise," Garma surmised. He then moved past the Ark Royal's data to a new a set; specifically around a mobile suit design that Garma had never seen before. "Is this what I think it is?"

Char nodded. "Indeed," he answered. "The Federation's latest model, courtesy of Project V."

The young Admiral took a moment to glance of that set of data. "I read those reports from Juno as well." he said, his tone now almost conspiring. "How could the Feddies make such a monster? Three of them no less?"

Again Char shrugged. "There are still many mysteries behind this Project V..." Mysteries that I intend to learn eventually. "But for the moment, I suggest we focus on hunting down the Ark Royal and eliminating her, alongside those three."

Twisting his fingers between his hair, an old childhood habit that he had yet to grow out of, Garma nodded in agreement. "Very well. I'll have my senior staff gather for your briefing in a few hours, and we'll go over the Juno data before then," he stated, before adding with a wistful smile. "It has been a long time since I've gone on the hunt."

Char raised an eyebrow behind his mask. "You're going to take command in the field?" he inquired. "What would Grand Admiral Dozle think of this?"

The young Zabi gave a disgusted expression toward that. "I love my brother Char, but he is far too overprotective," he exclaimed with a dismissive wave. "I was fighting on the frontlines well before I gained this damned rank," he stated, brushing his hands over his collar tabs. "And I will not be denied that pleasure again."

He then gave off a more reassuring smile. "Besides, as far as I'm concerned, a dear friend of mine is asking for my help," he said, his voice taking on some measure of warmth. "What kind of man would I be if I didn't give that help in person?"

Char smiled back at this. Unlike Garma's however, his smile had a noticeably darker tone. "You have my gratitude Garma."

Failing to notice the tone behind Char's smile, Garma looked back over the datapad. "I must say however, this is quite the challenging prey," he said, now looking over the data for both the Ark Royal and her mysterious mobile suits side by side. "Should at least be worth a Zeon Cross."

He then let out a small laugh as another thought came to mind. "Hell, maybe it will be enough to even impress Kycilia."

Char's smile returned at that notion. "It might very well be Garma," he commented, his mind already working out a strategy for a certain objective. One that he had been waiting entire years to fulfill. "It might very well be."

---

Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Warp

With a visibly pleased expression, Mirai quietly reached out and picked up the teacup from the her chair's side tray, quietly savoring the scent of the green tea before taking a sip. It was a quiet morning, and she was enjoying every minute of it. Outside the distinct noises of operating machines and accompanying clicks of present crewmen at their stations, the bridge was almost in complete silence. And much more, there wasn't any sign of Zeon presence, ensuring that the Ark Royal would enjoy a pleasant warp flight. As long as that would last anyway.

It had now been over two weeks since the Ark Royal had completed her refit at Golan, as well as nearly a month since the Battle of Juno. Compared to the chaos of the Ark Royal's flight from Antillia and beyond, things had greatly settled down over the present time period, with the Ark Royal continuing her original mission unhindered while the physical and emotional fatigue of the constant fighting, as well as Juno's destruction, had slowly died away. The war continued on, but now it was continuing in other parts of the galaxy that were well away from the Ark Royal, thereby allowing her crew relief and recollection. Even Commander Shiro, who arguably suffered from Juno more so than anyone else on the ship - save, perhaps, from Lieutenant Amuro - seemed to have completely recovered, and so continued his duties as the 13th's DCAG as he had done before.

God's in his Heaven, All's right with the Universe. Mirai mused absent-mindedly as she took another sip of her tea. She was beginning to realize how long it had been since she could relax like this. Well, up to the genocidal supermen trying to enslave the galaxy at least. "Status."

"Holding course Commander," Katz reported proudly from the helm, resisting the urge to lean back in his chair. As smooth as the ride was - something the young helmsman took great personal pride in - he was still on duty. "If all goes well, we'll reach Federation lines in no time at all."

"No ships or objects within immediate range," Kikka reported from her station as well. "Though that's not discounting cloaked ships ma'am."

"Understood Ensign," Mirai replied, her lips pursing into a frown. That was the one downside of the Ark Royal's present state - she still had no way of breaking the Zeeks' damned cloaking tech. As such, anything from a warship to a warp booster equipped mobile suit could be tracking them at this time and they wouldn't know about it. Still, the fact they had yet to be attacked meant if anyone was indeed following them, then they were only keeping track of them only. That was good enough at this time.

Even so, it was still a long way to Federation lines, and it helped even less that the Ark Royal was actually closer to Zeon than she was to Earth. That said, anything could happen at almost any time, and Mirai knew better than to believe the Zeeks had given up on destroying the final addition of the vaunted Lexington line. In fact, she was quite sure that more than a few flags in the Imperial High Command and intelligence apparatus were beating themselves for that minor oversight from Arcturus. That was, assuming Emperor Gihren hadn't executed them all for said oversight.

On that end, the Battle of Juno had long faded into the background, but much to the surprise of Mirai and the rest of the crew, both the Federation and Zeon had taken focal interest in the battle and its aftereffects. On Earth, Juno was hailed as a great triumph against the Zeon; yes it was acknowledged that Juno had been lost to the surprise colony laser attack, but the fact remained that an outnumbered Earth battlegroup decimated a much larger Zeon force led by one of Gihren's favorite admirals. A Pyrrhic victory was still a victory as far as the people on Earth were concerned, and the Federation needed every victory it could get. The propagandists certainly wouldn't let it go to waste.

In that regard, given the Ark Royal's current mission, her participation and those of her four mobile suit squadrons were kept secret from the Federation's newsfeeds. This had put off some of the crew, but that displeasure quickly dissipated when it was claimed medals and other awards would be passed out in recognition. There were even rumors that the ship was to receive a Presidential Unit Citation, and that Commander Noa was to receive a second Earth Cross - following the first one he received from Arcturus - for his actions in preserving the ship and leading her into battle. Mirai couldn't help but wonder if either or both were the result of Admiral Wakkein making amends for his earlier misjudgments. If they were, then she didn't mind in the least.

On the other side, things were a bit more complicated. Though Mirai had no way of knowing exactly what was going on with the Zeeks, what was reported came directly from Mayfly, the Federation's top spy within the Empire, which was then sent to Intelligence and transmitted through the proverbial grapevine to the Ark Royal herself. Apparently, news of the continued existence of the Federation's thirteenth Trojan Horse, alongside the newfound existence of the three Gundams, had spread throughout Zeon like wildfire, such that it was a sure bet everyone from the lowest Imperial spacer to Emperor Gihren himself had heard of either. This in turn was claimed to be the first major upset within the Zeek ranks since the war had begun; not even the Battle of the Northwest Passage, in which the Lexington's command and control capabilities had been displayed for the first time, nor the realization of King Milliardo personally leading the Sanc Royal Astrum from the legendary mobile suit Tallgeese, had thrown the Zeeks so out of motion.

In particular, Unit Alpha's performance was a focal point. Never had a single mobile suit, much more a Federation mobile suit, brought so much destruction upon a Zeon force, nor instilled so much terror throughout the Zeek ranks, within a single fight. Not even Sleggar's trail of destruction at Arcturus, nor Lieutenant Mass' single-handed slaughter of twenty-four mobile suits - as well as Admiral Sasro - at Riah, had made such an impact upon the enemy. It was almost eerie in that regard; not only could Mirai not recall a time when the Zeeks had been so shaken by a Federation unit, but she knew full well that their newly instilled terror held warrant. She had, after all, been at Juno herself, and she had seen what Unit Alpha had done there, especially at the end.

As a side effect of this, the Zeon, just like with Sleggar and Sayla before, had dubbed Unit Alpha and its still "unknown" pilot with a, rather fitting, alias: the White Devil. Though in Mirai's opinion it was not as majestic as the Eagle of Arcturus or the Valkyrie of Riah, it still sent the message. The white mobile suit - and its pilot - was Death incarnate, a seemingly immortal being that would descend upon the Zeon with great and unholy rage before sending their souls directly into the arms of Hell. A demon summoned into the mortal realm to collect the souls of the damned.

Alongside this, Mirai also recognized an unintentional double meaning: in the ancient culture of her own heritage, white was the color of death, ranging from the souls of the deceased to the shinigami himself. And if that wasn't enough, there was the old Biblical adage about the Horseman of Death riding a "pale" horse - which Mirai considered another shade of white - as he slew a fourth of the world with "sword, famine, plague and wild beasts". Both images sent a rather distinct chill down her spine, especially when she again recalled Unit Alpha's performance before. Overall however, the White Devil was a very fitting title for the Federation's newest ace.

Of course, as Mirai knew all too well, this only led to further complications for the Ark Royal. Yes they had another ace in their muster, but that only meant that the Zeon would be paying even more attention them now, as well as concentrating more ships and mobile suits to hunting them. And it wasn't like the Zeon didn't have enough reason to hunt the Ark Royal already, again being that she was the thirteenth of the Lexington line, as well as carrying units of the Federation's formerly secret Project V. Now it was likely the Zeeks would dedicate entire fleets tracking them, as they had with several of the Ark Royal's sister ships.

Either way... she thought, as she felt herself nearly sag into her chair. In spite of what you said just now Katz, it's going to be a long trip home.

---

"I must say this is all quite the enigma," the sultry voice on the other end of the terminal screen commented as its originator looked over the data in front of her, amber colored eyes flickering with interest behind a pair of square framed glasses. "To be perfectly honest, I've never seen such technology before. Not even when I was doing government work."

"Not exactly the answer I was hoping for," Bright commented as he rested his chin against his clenched fists, elbows firmly held upon his desk. He didn't care if the face on the screen was one of the brightest minds in all the universe, it still irked him that he had shared one of the Federation's deepest and darkest secrets with a civilian. A civilian with a completely unknown past and identity herself. "Can you at least tell us if this is Federation originated tech? Or if it came from another nation?"

"Like say, a certain bunch of Wacky Space Nazis?" Sleggar commented from behind Bright, leaning against the bulkhead with his arms crossed as he observed the conversation as well. Like Bright, he was also uncomfortable with the face on the opposite end, even if it was that of a beautiful woman. At the same time however, Sleggar also knew that if anyone outside Project V could provide the information they sought, it was her.

For her part, the woman only seemed amused at the pair's discomfort. It wasn't every day she got to see two higher ranking officers squirm under her gaze, though she clearly knew she could have that effect on anyone she wished. She was, after all, the one and only Professor - a woman of such force and intrigue that she need only her title to be recognized by, all while her real name remained unknown to the rest of humanity. Up to and including her comrades in the Junk Guild.

Brushing aside a strand of her long scarlet red hair from her perfectly portioned and utterly attractive face, the Professor simply smiled back. "Don't worry, it isn't Zeon technology. Even the Empire has nothing remotely similar to this," she answered as Bright and Sleggar inwardly sighed in relief. "That being said, I'm afraid I can't give you a direct answer to that question either. It could really be either..."

"Give me an educated guess then," Bright stated, resisting the urge to rub his forehead. He could almost feel a headache starting. "Both on the last question and on everything else."

After a brief pause to consider her answer to that, the Professor finally replied. "I believe Commander Law is correct in that this technology was made specifically for them," she started with. "In fact, going by what I've analyzed and what you've told me about Juno, I believe this system is a kind of psionic interface that's designed to link that type of pilot directly to the machine itself."

Bright raised an eyebrow at that. "An interface?" he repeated. "How do you propose it works?"

The Professor laughed at that notion in a hearty voice. "I can't even begin to tell you how it works Commander, but I have a theory on its general function," she said, before bringing a schematic of one of the atom-sized hexagons. "Basically, these hexagons are receivers that absorb the pilot's projected brainwaves, enabling him or her to control the equipped unit as if it were his or her own physical body," she stated. "A true mind-to-machine control system."

Sleggar looked up at that. "I heard of this concept," he said, eyes slightly widened. "It was always rumored that Lockheed Martin was experimenting with it," he exclaimed, earning confused glances from both Bright and the Professor. Sighing, Sleggar clarified. "That was during the early 21st century AD."

Blinking a little in response, the Professor merely nodded. "Well, now it looks like it has been brought back," she said with an alluring smile. "Of course, it helps that there is only one type of human capable of projecting his or her brainwaves over a large area, thereby making the system even remotely possible."

Bright took all this in evenly. "Which gives us an idea of the technology's originator..."

"Indeed," the Professor confirmed with a nod. "It can only be Flanagan."

The captain sighed at the mention of that name. The Flanagan Institute. One of the most secretive organizations within the Federation. Very little was known about it, though it had oft been claimed that Flanagan was engaged in numerous black projects within Earth and elsewhere, among which was a rumored research program that involved a certain kind of human. Specifically, a certain kind of human that was said to possess paranormal abilities.

"Of course," Sleggar spoke up again after the brief pause. "None of this explains Unit Alpha's little light show at Juno," he pointed out. "Got any theories on that Professor?"

The Professor visibly shrugged. "Not with the technology itself, unfortunately. However..." she thought, stroking her chin. "Considering the system's nature, the logical explanation is that Unit Alpha was generating some sort of resonance."

Sleggar arched an eyebrow. "Resonance?" he repeated. "As in increased system oscillation due to the influence of an exterior force?"

Again the Professor blinked, this time in surprise. "Yes, exactly that." she said, before readopting her smile. "And here I thought you were only a typical mobile suit jock, Commander."

The ace beamed in return. "High school science project. Got a B+," he said, before turning serious again. "On that end, I have a feeling I know what Unit Alpha was resonating against..."

"As do I," Bright answered with a sigh, recalling how his crew had acted in the wake of Juno's destruction. It wasn't hard to fathom what Lieutenant Amuro's mental state was at that time. "I don't suppose you have any contacts within Flanagan or Project V?"

The Professor shook her head. "Flanagan was always outside my sector, and Project V is too recent," she replied. "However, if you'll allow me to hold onto the data, I will continue to go over it and inform you of any additional findings."

Sleggar answered before Bright could. "Fine by us. So long as you don't try replicating it at least," he visibly shivered. "I can only imagine how the system would react to your crew's antics..."

Before the Professor could reply to that, her image was interrupted by a sudden burst of static followed by the sound of an explosion. Both Bright and Sleggar suddenly looked up just as another voice sounded.

"Kisato to Professor, you better get down here!" a rather shaken female voice called out over the comm. "Lowe's little 'reactor experiment' just went up in smoke! Literally!"

Groaning, the Professor tapped the comm. circuit. "Alright, I'll be down there in a minute," she replied, then looking back at the monitor. "Sorry boys, but duty calls. I'll contact you again once I find anything else."

Bright nodded in clear sympathy. "Understood. Until next time Professor."

"Until next time Commander," Professor responded in kind. "George Glenn out."

With that, the terminal monitor went dark, allowing abstract silence to return to the captain's officer. And so, taking in another breath, Bright asked the inevitable. "What do you think?"

The pilot could only sigh in exasperation to that question. "What do I think..." he muttered before answering. "I think this is all one big Charlie Foxtrot, Bright." Sleggar stated. "I think Project V, whatever it really is, is the military and scientific equivalence of black magic. I think the Federation is really stepping in it just to get a new wonder-weapon over the Zeeks, assuming that's all Project V's aim is."

The commander's eyes then narrowed with derision. "And I think my pilots and I are now caught up in all of it."

"To say nothing of my ship and crew," Bright said, clearly concurring, in spite of his obvious inner conflict. "Be that as it may however, our objective remains. We're to take the Gundams, and Lieutenant Amuro, back to Earth as stipulated."

Sleggar held a terse gaze on that. "I don't disagree with those orders Bright, you know that," he said. "However, I don't think this is something that we should just pretend never happened."

"And what do you expect to do about it Sleggar?" Bright shot back. "Both High Command and the Federation government, up to and including the President himself, are backing Project V," he stated. "Besides, we're soldiers fighting a war. Ours..."

"...is not to reason why, but to do or die," Sleggar finished for the captain. "Believe me, I know that mantra well, and to this day I wish it were all that simple."

The Gundam pilot then looked down, almost regretfully. "But the reality is you have to question what you're fighting for every now and then. Otherwise you may end up fighting for a side that's even worse than the opposition, and those around you may suffer for it."

Bright was about to reply to that, but Sleggar spoke first. "Anyway, think about it for a while," he stated as he got up and moved toward the door. "And keep me posted on anything else from the nutty professor."

"And what will you be doing in the meantime?" Bright stiffly inquired.

"Me?" Sleggar replied with mock innocence. "Why, I have a party to set up. Don't you remember?"

Yet again Bright resisted the urge to rub his forehead, even though the headache was definitely about to come on strong. "How could I forget?" he dryly replied. "Just make sure your pilots leave the mess in one piece this time."

"I make no promises," Sleggar replied as he made his exit.

---

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth. Sayla began as she came to a halt in front of the observation deck's viewport, which continued to display the flashing stars.

Standing in the middle of the deck, Amuro listened to her telepathic words intently, just as he had since they first began these sessions. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

As always, Sayla did not use words alone. Within his mind's eye, Amuro watched as the observation deck disappeared around him and was replaced by complete black. As Sayla went on, that very same darkness began to shift. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light...

With that, a blinding supernova-like flash erupted, from the void, causing Amuro to wince from the intensity of the newfound light. When Amuro's eyes at last managed to adjust, he saw that a small speck, not unlike a distant sun within the void, was now placed in front of him. Slowly but surely, that light grew steadily on as the words came to pass.

And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Yet again did the light encompassed the darkness until everything became a field of white. Such was its intensity that Amuro felt his arms subconsciously raise up to shield his eyes.

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

From that, the light settled back into the darkness. Only now however, there wasn't only the darkness present; now there were various spectrums of light, taking the form of a great aurora, surrrounding and encompassing Amuro. In turn, Amuro could only look on in wonder as Sayla's words continued to enter his mind.

And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

And then, all at once, the light and darkness of the void rescinded. In their place came the image of surging water and a storm filled sky, with rain and lightning clashing around Amuro.

And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

Suddenly, Amuro watched a single speck of rock jetted out from beneath the waves. At first, like the light before it, it was little more than a speck of dirt in the middle of the great ocean. However, as time continued to pass, that rock suddenly became a bigger rock, and then a mountain. And then, quite simply, land.

And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

From there, the water rescinded to the newly formed continent, which grew further and further. As it did so, the bare rock was gradually replaced by dirt, and then the vast green of grass and trees.

And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day.

Yet again did Amuro watch as darkness, specifically the darkness over the landscape, recede with the clouds parting and the black giving way to the newly rising sun.

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years. And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

With that, the sun moved over the sky and gradually set, again being replaced by the darkness of night. Only now however, the darkness was no longer complete, as the moon and the surrounding stars appeared within it. So the cycle began, with the night receding to the light of the sun and the sun receding to the night after.

And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

At last the cycle ended upon an encompassing white flash. And when that ended, Amuro's eyes were met with the image of animals dwelling upon the land, from various birds upon the air and land to great whales leaping from the sea.

And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

A moment later, the sounds of cattle grazing upon the plains could be heard, while fish began to leap out of the sea as well. Beside them, Amuro saw the image of a lion pride moving about inconspicuously near the cattle, which alarmed him a little. However, he quickly realized that the lions weren't even paying attention to them, instead simply moving to another part of the land. And even further on, Amuro could see the galloping of wild horses, followed by the trumpeting sounds of elephants.

And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

And finally, Amuro saw a single image that changed all with its existence.. That of a single man, presumably Adam, awakening from the sea and moving upon the land. With great majesty, the man moved past Amuro and into the center of the plains, the surrounding animals immediately taking notice of his presence. Moments later, a woman, who Amuro immediately identified as Eve, joined him, all the while the animals adhered to their authority.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Upon that, Amuro looked around him once more, and immediately realized all that had happened. What had once been a vast emptiness had now become paradise. All around him Life went upon its way, with the various animals attending to their needs while Adam and Eve observed and interacted with some of them. There was no conflict here, no hostility of any kind; just simple peace and tranquility alongside great wonder and majesty.

Indeed, such a realm could only be Eden.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Suddenly, Amuro felt Sayla's presence beside him again. When he turned to face her, he saw that she herself was looking upon the world around them.

Beautiful, isn't it? she asked as she continued to watch. Ever since I was a child, I've been enamored by this story. Though I myself find the concept and existence of a sentient and omnipotent God to be somewhat dubious, as well as this explanation of the universe's creation to be quite unlikely, I see this story as telling of an entirely different subject altogether.

It was only then she turned to look at Amuro. Specifically, not how the universe came to be, but rather what it is.

She then gestured out to the field, imploring Amuro to look back and behold. Light. Darkness. Space. Time. Life. Evolution. Existence. she continued as Amuro gazed over all and wondered. All of these elements come together to make the universe as we know and understand it.

Then she added. And it is precisely in these areas, among others, that our shared gift resides.

Hearing that, Amuro turned back to her with an inquisitive glance. And what is our 'gift' per se?

Sayla laughed a little at that, as if it were a wholly obvious question. Our gift is many things. she answered. The scientific community would claim it as telepathy or a heightened mental state, while the more religious oriented would see it as divine understanding or spiritual enlightenment. Myself, I see it simply as perception.

At that point, Adam and Eve both came into view again, moving past Amuro and Sayla as if the latter were both invisible. Both appeared to be drawn to something. By normal parameters, humans perceive all around them through their five physical senses. Sight depicts the light from darkness, hearing identifies sound from silence, smell absorbs scent from air, touch determines feeling from abstraction and taste brings about texture from substance. Through these, humans identify and determine all that is before them, from land below and the sky above to the life forces that move about in proximity to the passage of time itself.

After a moment, Amuro quickly realized what the pair was drawn to: a single tree standing in the middle of the field. Sayla went on regardless. And though these senses are adequate, they remain highly limited. she said, as the two first humans came under the trees shade, all the while look up into its foliage. How can one see the scope of the universe when sight cannot even move beyond the sky above? How can one feel the passage of time and space when touch can barely determine the direction of wind?

Soon enough, Eve picked but a single fruit from underneath the tree, to which she offered to her husband. And how can one hear the songs of the heavens when he or she cannot even hear the heartbeat of the world around them? Sayla said, just as both took a bite from the fruit.

And our gift can do all of this? Amuro wondered as he watched both devour the fruit, wondering what would happen next. "Perceive" things that the normal senses can't?

Sayla smiled at this. Indeed... she replied. And much more.

Yet again the landscape became enveloped in a vast field of white, causing Amuro to close his eyes from the sudden brightness. And when he opened them again, he found himself no longer standing within Eden, or a physical field of any kind. Rather, the plain he was now in was more metaphysical, appearing as a vast space of vibrant and continuously shifting color, while bright lights akin to stars flashed in the background. And in that space there were no planets; no physical objects of any kind beyond himself and Sayla. Just pure light and openness.

Our sight does not end with the sky of a planet, our touch feels far more than air and our hearing can detect the rhythm of a planet and far more. Sayla continued explain from beside him, her voice seemingly echoing through the surrounding space. Through this perception, we are able to identify and determine everything, from the makeup of the universe we dwell upon to the souls of all living things around us.

With that, new images flashed around Amuro, seemingly swirling over him like flower petals caught in the wind, and then disappearing back into the void just as quickly. Upon them, Amuro beheld many things; numerous worlds and their inhabitants, mysterious phenomenon occurring within the depths of space, the beginning and end of stars and civilizations, and events of human history that ranged at random points in time. All constant, and yet all so fleeting, such that he could not even describe it all.

We can see Time in its purest form, such that it cannot be categorized into "Past", "Present" or "Future". Sayla went on, now holding out her hand. We can feel the vastness of Space and all of its dimensions, to the point that our galaxy appears as but a mundane speck to a far greater whole. We can hear the psalms of countless earths and heavens, alongside the grand orchestra that is Existence itself.

A moment later, energy collected over her palm, seemingly giving birth to a new star within her hand. And above all else, just as we can perceive all around us, so too can we influence them.

Then, in another great flash, that star transformed into the fruit that Adam and Eve had previously devoured. With that, Sayla moved closer to Amuro and held the fruit out for him to take, which he did. To see what cannot be seen. To hear what cannot be heard. To smell what cannot be breathed. To touch what cannot be felt. And to taste what cannot be consumed. she recited. And to make the impossible possible.

As she continued, Amuro placed his hands upon the fruit, with Sayla watching as he gazed over the object with marvel. All of these things are part of the gift that has been bestowed upon our kind: humans that, through mankind's progression into the void, have reached the next stage of evolution and become something more.

Her smile increased as she added. A Newtype of lifeform.

For some reason, Amuro felt that word ring over him, such that he looked up from the fruit. Newtype? he repeated, as if uttering a sacred title of some sort. Is that what we are?

Sayla nodded. That's what we are referred to by those aware of our existence. she answered. I personally find it to be a dull and unimaginative title, but it is what it is.

Hearing that, Amuro looked back toward the fruit, all the while the word echoed through his mind. At last, he had a word, a name, to describe himself and his power by. Something he had been seeking since he had been born. Newtype...

Suddenly, Sayla looked up, as if suddenly realizing a new occurrence. "We will leave off of that for today," she said, using her physical mouth instead of transmitting the words to Amuro telepathically.

As such, when Amuro looked up again, he was no longer in the mysterious realm or dimension, but back on the Ark Royal's observation deck. Out of reflex he looked back to his hand, only to see that the fruit was no longer there. "Why?" he nearly demanded, feeling disappointment weigh on him. "There's still so much..."

Nodded in acknowledgement, Sayla explained further. "There is a most ancient saying: a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step," she said. "And that is what you are about to take."

Amuro opened his mouth to inquire about this further, but Sayla continued speaking. "For the longest time, your power has only brought you pain and suffering, both from within yourself and from those around you," she said, reaching out her hand again. "Today, however, it will bring you joy."

Though initially hesitant, Amuro took Sayla's hand. Pleased with this, the Valkyrie of Riah proceeded to lead her ward out of the observation deck and to parts unknown.

---

Zeon Second Fleet Headquarters
Callax III, Callax System

Char had to admit even he was impressed with what he saw, both outside and within the footage in question. On the outside, he was impressed that Garma had been able to get firsthand holo records of the Battle of Juno, reportedly taken from the Rwaden herself; something that, due to its outcome, had been kept under lock and key from the rest of Zeon proper, Char included. This bemused the Red Comet to no end; for all of his chafing against his rank, Garma seemingly had no problems utilizing its benefits. Or, for that matter, his personal relationship with the current Emperor.

And as for the footage itself, which Char was now viewing with Garma, he was even more impressed with what he saw within. Even compared to his experiences in battles such as Arcturus, he found Delaz's drive against Juno to be highly intense, with the carnage almost overwhelming. It made perfect sense; with Wakkein's fleet backed into a corner as it had been, the Feddies had no choice but to fight with all they had against Delaz's much larger force. It helped that their own forces augmented by the Ark Royal's presence, actually granting them a fighting chance. Char knew from experience that the "lowborn" - a word that he hesitated in using - were an unpredictable breed in that regard; while some of their kind would back down and attempt to retreat rather than face a superior force, others would simply decide to fight to the end. Char couldn't help but wonder if Delaz had taken that into account when he had formulated his strategy.

And then there was Juno's destruction. In Char's opinion, that had been both Delaz's greatest triumph and failure in this whole operation. On one hand, while Char found the colony laser attack detestable in nature - he could and would never condone the destruction of an entire world, especially when it was made in his family's legacy - it was admittedly a sound strategy, as it cost the Federation a vital military installation while opening the surrounding sector up to further incursion, all in one fell swoop. On the other, it had also served to incense the Federals further, to the point that they had fought much harder than they would have. Even without the Ark Royal and the three Project V units there, he had little doubt Wakkein and his ships would have gone on the offensive regardless, and that the Feddies would have made it a point to take as many Zeon down with them before they rejoined their fallen comrades and citizens of Juno. Once more, it was their nature, and Char, in spite of all he was, admired them for it.

From there, Char reviewed the footage of the three Project V suits. Of special note was that the three were no longer painted in the standard Federation grey, but were now holding individualized colors. On that, it had taken Char a moment, but he eventually managed to distinguish them: the one that had been marked Alpha was now in pure white, the one marked Beta was dark blue and the one marked Gamma, Artesia's unit, was colored in the same shade of crimson as his Zaku. For his part, Char wasn't sure how he felt toward the latter, but ultimately decided that it was not something to dwell on in the present.

As expected, the three prototypes proved to be effective juggernauts throughout Delaz's ranks. While the white and blue units plowed through Zakus with great abandon, Char was surprised to see Artesia engage and dominate Delaz's favorite ace, Commander Anavel "Nightmare of Solomon" Gato, in a vicious swordfight. From that, it was rather obvious that Juno's destruction had weighed heavily upon Artesia and the white unit's pilot, further adding to Char's original viewpoint on Delaz's strategy. And though Char knew that Artesia, as much as she had suffered and been enraged, would eventually be able to recompose herself, he couldn't help but wonder about the white unit pilot. Char had the feeling that Juno's destruction had scarred him far more than it had done his sister.

And it was precisely at that point the greatest image of intrigue came about. Specifically when the white mobile suit, augmented by some sort of energy field, charged through the Zeon forces at an even faster rate than before, effectively taking on all of Delaz's fleet by itself. It was from that part of the footage that Char understood everything; why the footage had been hidden in the beginning, why Zeon's upper brass were so terrified of the Federation's new wonder weapons and, perhaps most importantly, why it seemed the Empire as a whole was horrified by the Federation's newest ace. The one that the few survivors of the battle had labeled the "White Devil".

"Impossible..." Garma barely breathed as he watched the white mobile suit continue its rampage, decimating any ship or Zaku it came across without breaking stride. "I reiterate what I said before: how could the Feddies make such a monster?"

Again Char inwardly smiled. It seemed his choice in sparing the Alpha unit's young pilot at X-145 had been the right one. "Clearly we're dealing with far more than mere baseline units," he commented, stroking his chin in thought. "Perhaps we should begin thinking of them as superweapons."

As if to emphasize Char's point, the last segment of the battle at last came to pass: when the white mobile suit, after speeding its way through the remnants of Delaz's defense force - albeit with Artesia's support - obliterated the laser with but a single shot. Even Char was astonished by that. He knew all too well that the mobile suit's power, as great as it was, wouldn't have been enough to destroy an object the size of a space colony; that had been completely due to the pilot. Who was clearly a far greater force than even Char had initially believed.

"Well, either way," Garma stated as the video file at last ended, in turn causing the lights to return to their normal levels. "We have our work cut out for us on this one Char."

"Indeed Garma," Char replied. He then tapped a switch on his chair, causing the vidscreen to flicker and display a tactical readout of the Ark Royal and her mobile suit force. "Our primary objective is self-explanatory: the Federation's thirteenth Lexington-class fleetcarrier. By herself, she holds firepower equivalent to a battlecruiser, a mobile suit force of approximately four squadrons and advanced CIC capabilities."

Garma shook his head. "At least she's traveling alone. It would have been much harder if the Feddies had assigned a taskforce around her, like they've done in the past," he replied. "Why is that by the way?"

Char shrugged. "According to Intelligence, the Ark Royal was sent to Antillia to ferry the Project V units back to Earth," he explained. "A proper taskforce would have gained her too much attention."

The young Admiral nodded at this, then looking over the three prototypes. Like Char, he noted their individual color schemes, as well as the personal emblems on their shoulders. "What do we know about the pilots of those three?" he asked, tapping a switch on his own chair to magnify the emblems of each. "Clearly they're all aces, but I don't recognize any of them."

Char resisted the urge to smirk at this. "You've been out of action for far too long Garma," he said, earning a questioning glare from his comrade. "There's not a Zaku pilot in the whole military that doesn't know or fear those two," he gestured toward the blue and red units.

"Humor me then," Garma replied sharply. As if he didn't have enough reasons to hate his current rank and position within the Imperial Forces.

Deciding to cut the young Zabi some slack, Char continued. "I'm afraid the pilot of the white unit, the one previously designated Alpha, is still a mystery," he said. "Intelligence is trying to gather a file on him, but in my estimation he's a newcomer."

Garma blinked at this. "You must be joking Char."

"You would know when I was joking Garma," Char answered, continuing to look over the white suit. In particular, he made a mental note of the red 'A' sigil on its left shoulder. "I fought that particular unit at Antillia and X-145. And though I will admit it put up a good fight, its pilot seemed rather lacking in combat experience."

"Then how do you explain what happened at Juno?" Garma pointed out. "Are you implying a rookie did all that we just saw?"

Again Char grinned, this time engimatically. "I said he was lacking in combat experience Garma," he clarified. "His skill, however, was considerable even before Juno."

Garma could only shake his head at the notion. Deep down however, he couldn't help but feel rather intrigued. Just what kind of being was this "White Devil"? "Continue Char."

Nodding again, Char switched over to the blue unit. A minute later, an image profile displaying a blonde haired Federation officer appeared on the right, complete with background data. "The Beta unit is piloted by one Commander Sleggar Law, better known as..."

"The Eagle of Arcturus," Garma exclaimed in near amazement, almost rising from his chair.

Char grinned. "So you do recognize him."

Garma nodded in confirmation. "I didn't recognize the sigil. The name, however..." he said. "As you said, there's not a single Zaku pilot who hasn't heard it."

Taking that in, Char went on. "Not much is known about his personal background. His combat record, on the other hand, is well established: approximately one hundred and seventy three confirmed mobile suit kills and thirty-six confirmed ship kills," Char confirmed. "Alongside, he is reputed as a skilled leader and tactician, able to make the most of his forces even in the face of a greater enemy force."

Garma looked over the image closely. He had to admit, for such a vaunted warrior, the Eagle of Arcturus was rather disappointing in appearance. Garma had almost expected the man to be more Zeon-like. "Could he be the Ark Royal's mobile suit commander?"

"A strong possibility," Char exclaimed. It would explain that well performed ambush at X-145. he thought but didn't say aloud, lest Garma gain something to hold over him. "And even if not, that unit remains in highly capable hands."

Garma understood the message there: expect anything and everything from the enemy. "Which brings us to the third."

Resisting the urge to take a breath, Char moved onto the red Gamma unit. "This is one I know you will recognize on sight." A minute later, Artesia's profile appeared beside it.

Indeed, this time Garma did rise from his chair, his expression one of astonishment and bordering rage. "Is that...?" he managed to breath.

"Yes," Char confirmed. "Lieutenant Junior Grade Sayla Mass," he said, looking upon the image himself but with a far different range of emotions. "The Valkyrie of Riah."

Exhaling a long breath, Garma moved over to the image, as if to directly commit it to memory. "So, this is the Federation's Valkyrie," he exclaimed in clear derision. "The one who killed Sasro."

Ignoring the fury emanating from the young Zabi like waves of flame, Char went on. "As with the previous two, records are sketchy on her background," he explained, biting back the irony. "But what is known is that she, like the White Devil, the Valkyrie of Riah is a newcomer to the war, having graduated from the Earth Academy sometime after the Battle of Arcturus. It is even rumored Riah was her first sortie."

He then added with a barely noticeable grin. "Current record is ninety-seven confirmed mobile suit kills and at least twenty-one confirmed ship kills."

Garma glowered in response, the image of the blonde haired, blue eyed woman in an Earth uniform burning itself into his mind. For some reason, as he continued to gaze at the image, he thought he felt some sort of familiarity with the woman; something about her that made him feel this was not the first time he had laid eyes on her. However, he quickly dismissed the thought.

"I want this one alive Char," Garma growled. "I don't care what happens to the Devil or the Eagle, but the Valkyrie will be taken alive."

The young Admiral's voice suddenly took on a feral tone. "Just long enough her to pay for my brother's death," he said. "In full."

Hearing that, Char could only say nothing. At least for a brief moment. "In that case," he spoke evenly. "I request the honor."

Though his fury remained across his face, Garma regarded Char with curiosity. "I was expecting you to have a rematch with the White Devil," he exclaimed. "What's your interest in the Valkyrie?"

Char simply smiled. "Let's just say I have a score to settle with her as well."

Before Garma to ask for specifics, his databand began to beep. He quickly tapped it. "What is it Darota?"

"Forgive my interruption Admiral, but this just came in," Commander Darota Whelm, Garma's aide-de-camp, replied.

A second later, a holoscreen appeared in front of Garma, which showed a line of information. Garma's eyes immediately widened as he read it. "How long ago was this?"

"Less than ten minutes, sir," Darota reported.

When Char looked on in question, Garma flipped the holoscreen over so his friend could read it. From this, Char instantly understood; a nearby listening post had isolated the warp signature of a lone Federation ship moving through a nearby sector. A lone Federation ship believed to be of the Lexington-class.

"Which of our ships is nearest?" Garma demanded.

Darota took a moment to go over the data. "The cruiser Mielun," he reported. "Shall I order her to intercept?"

"Yes, but not to engage. It will take more than one Musaka to bring down this particular ship," Garma stated adamantly. "Once that's completed, have my taskforce prepare for immediate departure."

He then glanced over Char, who nodded in silent confirmation. "Include the Ralmel among the latter."

"It will be done Admiral," Darota replied before signing off.

Taking a new breath, this one of renewed energy, Garma quickly stood up. "Well Char, it appears the game is afoot," he said, a smile forming on his lips. "I must say I'm looking forward to this."

"As am I Garma," Char said, smiling as well. "It will be just like old times."

Garma nodded, his smile taking on a warmer tone at that. "Indeed it will Red Comet," the Admiral replied, letting out a sigh. "I can only hope Sasro is watching, wherever he is."

At that, Char's smile took on a newfound tone of its own. A darker tone that Garma failed to notice. I hope so as well. Char thought. And your father with him.

From there, both aces exited the room and began making way to their respective commands.

---

Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Warp

Hesitance ever present, Amuro proceeded to follow Sayla's lead through the deck. Though he had trusted the fellow Newtype up to this point, Amuro really had no idea where she was taking him; Sayla certainly wasn't dropping any hints and every time he attempted to focus his senses into the ship, he always found himself rebuffed by an unknown force (most likely Sayla). Any other time Amuro would have been outright terrorized, but for once he actually felt assured. Sayla wouldn't lead him to harm, not after all she had done for him to this point.

After what seemed like an eternity, the pair at last came upon the mess, where Amuro, upon approach, thought he heard music playing from within. This indeed turned out to be the truth; upon the doors shifting open, Amuro saw that the mess was filled with people, most notably the other pilots of the 13th Carrier Assault Group, who were all conversing unto themselves over assorted food and cups of alcohol. Obviously a party in motion.

Soon enough however, someone noticed Amuro and Sayla's entry and signaled those around him. From that, the music stopped abruptly and silence dawned throughout the mess as all eyes turned to the entryway, specifically toward Amuro. Feeling the anxiety weigh upon him once more, Amuro turned to Sayla, who simply smiled and nodded reassuringly, before silently guiding him inside, her hand once again holding his as she did so. That by itself was enough for Amuro to press on.

Now inside, Amuro watched as the other pilots parted to either side, granting he and Sayla a path toward the center of the room, while another pilot, the long blonde haired one named "Eledore", had pulled out a guitar of his own and was strumming a rather ominous tone upon Amuro's approach. Midway through the path, Sayla let go of Amuro's hand, causing him to fidget momentarily, but upon her own gesture to continue, Amuro found it in himself to move onto the path alone. All the while the other pilots continued to watch over him, their eyes holding no other expression beyond simple observance. From their mute gazes, Amuro felt as though he were walking to the gallows, but he moved on regardless.

Eventually he made it to the very center of the mess, where, low and behold, Sleggar stood by and gazed back at Amuro, arms crossed and looking as imposing a figure as Amuro had ever seen. Now feeling like a mouse trapped under the gaze of a great eagle, Amuro, by sheer force of will, glared back at his commanding officer as he came directly in front of him, then moving to attention. If Sleggar approved of or was offended by this, he didn't show it. Instead he simply spoke in monotone.

"State your name," Sleggar commanded.

Swallowing, Amuro complied. "Amuro Ray."

Nodding in confirmation, Sleggar turned to the side. "Lieutenant Sanders, proceed."

With that, a large and burly dark haired man with full Lieutenant rank pips stepped forward, holding a similar gaze upon Amuro as his commander. "Amuro Ray," he began in a booming voice that seemed to echo throughout the mess. "White Devil of Juno, Bane of Delaz and Hero of Earth!"

Blinking reflexively at those titles, Amuro listened on as Sanders continued. "You have been summoned here to this sacred ground..." he bellowed. "To join with us within the great and noble Brotherhood of the Shrike!"

In other words... Amuro heard Sayla telepathically comment from the background. We want to make you an official part of the squadron.

Completely oblivious to Sayla's explanation, Sanders stepped forward. "Do you accept our invitation?" he seemingly demanded.

Just say yes. Sayla once more commented from the back.

Biting back the hesitance, Amuro nodded. "I accept it." he replied, earning a slight grin and nod of approval from Sleggar.

Beaming at this himself, Sanders went on. "Very well then," he said, while the guitarist began playing the "Sunrise" segment of Richard Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathurstra". "For this however, you must take on the Shrike's initiation, as has been practiced for generation upon generation..." he continued. "You must drink from the Great Chalice!"

With that, both Sleggar and Sanders moved aside to reveal a small table that had been placed at the center of the room, all to an overly dramatic guitar strum. Upon that table, Amuro saw, was a simple glass bear mug that held the Shrike Squadron sigil on its side.

"Brothers, sisters!" Sanders called out, causing some of the other Shrikes to rise up. "Prepare the Holy Brew!"

Upon that command, the Shrikes began moving, one after another, to the table, each with a single bottle of alcohol in hand. Once they reached the table, they would pour a specified amount of the battle into the mug before retreating back into the crowd, from which another would emerge to repeat the process. From his point of view, Amuro wasn't an expert on alcohol, but he noticed a number of high quality brands being used in the apparent ceremony. All while "Sunrise" continued to play in the background.

And then, last but not least, Amuro watched as Commander Shiro moved from the crowd, an altogether different bottle in his hand that the other pilots, Sayla included, treated with reverence. That bottle was of Junoan brewed whiskey, and if Amuro read the mood right, was likely the last remnant of Juno's legacy. With a near complete somberness against the guitar tones, Shiro came up over to the mug and poured a select amount of the liquid within, before momentarily closing his eyes and passing on a silent prayer that was quietly echoed by the crowd. He then moved back.

"And last but not least," Sleggar commented to Amuro as he reached into his pocket and withdrew a curious looking pillbox. Taking out two pills, he dropped both into the "brew", causing the liquid to momentarily bubble. The purpose of this emerged fast enough; initially appearing in a sickly brown color, the food coloring pills quickly changed the liquid's tone to a golden mead color. Amuro resisted the urge to roll his eyes at this.

With that, silence again dawned throughout the mess as the onlookers watched with baited breath. Inwardly sighing, Amuro telepathically peered back at Sayla, who once more nodded for him to proceed. Thus, again biting back the hesitance, the young pilot made his way to the table, the more dramatic parts of "Sunrise" playing with each step. As the music picked up, Amuro approached the mug and, though initially pausing mid-extension, reached out and grasped the handle. From there, taking a moment to swallow, he raised the mug and began to drink.

Much to his surprise, Amuro found the "brew" surprisingly smooth, such that he had little trouble in chugging it down. He would likely have a headache at the end of it, but that was okay; considering what he had been through weeks ago, a hangover would be nothing to him. As such, once the last of the mead was finished and the guitar player reached the final portion of "Sunrise", Amuro took the mug back and placed it back on the table with a hard thud.

All at once the mess hall erupted in cheers, while Amuro stood by and looked out, putting on a mask of pride and strength as he tried to hold back against the sudden surge of emotion. Again much to his surprise however, he found himself adjusting to it, especially when he saw Sayla give her own nod of approval.

From there, Sleggar again stepped forward, the cheers quickly silencing as he came next to Amuro. "From this day forward, Amuro Ray is now an official part of Shrike Squadron and the 13th Carrier Assault Group," he announced with great pride. "Let the celebrations continue!"

Thus with one final cheer, the party went on. Before Amuro realized what was happening, Fraw, apparently having been within the crowd to this point, emerged and took Amuro by the hand much like Sayla had done before and pulled him over to one of the nearby tables, where the other Shrike pilots - sans Sleggar (who was conversing with the other three squadron commanders), Sayla (much to Amuro's disappointment) and Hayato (who was off to himself in the far corner of the room) - were all sitting. Once she got him to sit down, herself taking a seat beside him, another mug was slid down to Amuro, who caught it out of reflex. From there, another pilot, Lieutenant Karen he believed, began filling it with more Junoan whiskey - apparently the chosen drink of the evening.

Once that was taken care of, the pilots and Fraw all raised their glasses to Amuro. It was at that point that Amuro realized something: that this was the first time he had ever been at the center of a celebration. And much more, the first time he had ever felt such energy and emotion directed at him; energy and emotion that he could not even begin to describe, but, in spite of everything he had gone through to this point, felt really good to him. To the point of empowering him even.

It will bring you joy. Sayla's words echoed from before. Only now did Amuro, now sitting amongst fellow comrades and arms, perhaps even friends, realize the truth of that statement. Alongside her original claim of taking his first step.

With that in mind, Amuro returned an appreciative smile of his own while raising his own glass. After a resounding cheers, the group took their respective drinks.

---

"Captain on the bridge," Ryu let out as soon as Bright entered.

Taking his chair, Bright focused on business at hand. "Sitrep?"

"All remains clear Captain. No contacts of any kind, hostile or otherwise," Mirai replied while looking over the captain curiously. "If you want to head down to the party, I can continue to hold things here."

A flat smile appearing on his lips, Bright shook his head at that. "That's more for the pilots than anything else," he said. "Besides, I'm not really a party person."

There's a shocking realization. Katz thought dryly as he continued to pilot the ship. He himself would be there when his duty shift was up, along with Kikka and Letz.

Failing to pick up on his helmsman's demeanor, Bright instead looked over at Mirai. "I don't suppose you wish to join the festivities, XO."

A disgusted look appeared over Mirai's face. "Last thing I need is some drunken pilot making a grab for a very certain part of my anatomy."

Bright blinked at this. "I wouldn't worry too much about that," he replied, trying to sound reassuring. "Sleggar will be there to keep things orderly."

Mirai's expression only deepened in response. "Who do you think I meant by 'some drunken pilot'?" This earned more than a handful of chuckles from around the bridge.

Biting his lip, Bright was tempted to comment that he had never seen Sleggar drunk before, or that, considering the amount of alcohol he oft consumed, he was outright incapable of getting drunk, but decided not to bother. It would have only made things worse anyway. "No contacts at all?" he repeated as he faced forward again.

"None Captain," Mirai replied. "For all intents and purposes, we're alone in deep space."

Bright gaze deepened on that. Why doesn't that feel reassuring?

---

Zeon Musaka-class cruiser Mielun
Warp

The Feddies certainly build them big. the captain of the Mielun thought as his ship, slowly and carefully, drew closer to its quarry. Though the captain knew his ship was far from the largest in the universe, he couldn't help but feel rather intimidated when looking upon the massive Trojan Horse in front of him. It was outright massive compared to the Mielun, as were her main guns.

Fortunately however, his orders were simply to observe and only engage if necessary. The captain more than appreciated this; after all, he had heard many a tale regarding the Trojan Horses' exploits in battle, as well as the massive amount of ships and resources Zeon had been forced to utilize in sinking even one of those behemoths. He did not want to see how his "little" cruiser would fare against one, even if he did in fact have the first shot. "Status of target?"

"Maintaining course and speed Captain," the sensor operator replied. "Her weapon systems remain inactive."

The captain nodded at this. At least we know they haven't broken our cloaking tech yet. he thought, pulling up his greatcoat. Intelligence was actually right for once.

He then glanced over to his comm. operator. "Signal Callax that we have intercepted the Ark Royal and are holding pursuit," he ordered. "And inquire the ETA of Admiral Garma's taskforce."

"Yes sir," the comm. operator acknowledged before transmitting the message. A few minutes later, he received a reply. "Taskforce is already en route. ETA to intercept is approximately thirty-two minutes and twenty-seven seconds."

Swallowing at that, the Captain nodded. He would have to babysit this monster for over a half hour before reinforcements arrived. Not a very promising prospect, even with his ship being under cloak.

Still, orders were orders and the captain was in no position to refuse. As such, he sat back in his chair and simply watched as the stars continued to streak around his ship and the monster in front of him.

---

Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Warp

"So you're from Earth itself, huh?" Sanders commented after taking another swig. "Which part?"

"Cheyenne," Amuro replied as straight-forward as he could. He was still getting to used to it all. "Lived there all my life. Until I attended the Academy at least."

"I've been to Cheyenne myself," Eledore, who was sitting right next to Amuro himself, added with a proud smile. "Beautiful city, really beautiful city. And as a bonus, it's home to one of my favorite bands."

"Silverwind?" Michel inquired.

"The Thunderbolts," Eledore answered, before taking another drink himself. "You listen to music Amuro?"

Amuro thought about that. "I pick up songs I like every now and then. But don't ask me about the bands they came from or anything like that," he answered somewhat sheepishly. "I know next to nothing about music and pop culture."

"That's alright," Kiki replied simply, then fixing Eledore with a dry gaze. "Between Commander Law and our resident TAKU wannabe, you're pretty much covered."

Eledore fixed Kiki a responding glare. "Never, never bring up TAKU, or any of those SGOCK III losers in my presence again," he growled with virulence. "One of the happiest moments of my life was when that redhead knocked that chauvinistic bastard right in the cockpit."

"Certainly was a happy moment for me too," Kai agreed with a grin. There was just something about androgynous pretty boys wincing in pain that made one feel all warm inside.

Eledore looked back at Amuro again. "That all said, what kind of music do you like?" he inquired, despite Amuro's early answer. "You into anything modern, or are you a classical man like Commander Law?"

Again Amuro hesitated to find an answer. "I like..." he began slowly. "Lacus Clyne?"

"Awesome!" Eledore exclaimed with clear approval. "She is definitely the best songstress in all the galaxy! I still geek out to 'Fields of Hope' every time I hear it!" he proclaimed. "Those bastards in Orb are too damn lucky to have her."

"I prefer Marina Ismail myself," Michel added with dreamy eyes to match.

Eledore nearly gagged on that. "She has had only one great song throughout her career. Just one!" he exclaimed. "Princess Poverty should stick to babysitting war orphans."

Now it was Kiki's turn to fix Eledore a withering glare. "Was that a 'stay in the kitchen' crack?"

"No, that was an 'exiled Princesses with bland singing voices should stay out of music' crack," Eledore shot back. "I still don't get why the HRL couldn't have just left her on Azadi. It's not like her songs would cause an uprising," he quipped. "At least, not against them."

"Suffice to say," Shiro purposely spoke up before a true argument broke out. "Music is a huge subject matter with we Shrikes, so you might want to brush up on it when you can."

Still abrasive, Amuro slowly nodded. "I'll keep that in mind Commander."

It was then Karen entered in. "I heard you're related to Tem Ray," she said. "Is he your uncle or something?"

Amuro noted how the others looked up in interest as well. Sighing, he answered. "He's my father."

"Whoa," Job let out. "So that's how you got involved with Project V."

Amuro raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Job quickly raised his hands. "No, no, nothing against you," he replied. "It's just that..."

"It's non-policy for novices to test pilot new prototypes," Karen explained. "Usually they're given to experienced veterans, aces even, because they know the mechanics and desired performance by heart."

Amuro nodded to that explanation. "Yeah, I can understand that," he said, again sighing. "But when your father is regarded as one of the greatest physicists and engineers in the universe, and you just happen to have some piloting knowledge, it all falls into place."

He then flatly added. "Regardless of your own wishes."

The Shrikes immediately understood the message there. They had know their newest member held reservations toward piloting in battle, but now they saw those reservations extended to Project V as well. Needless to say, they collectively decided to move away from that.

"So..." Shiro began again. "If not music or piloting, what are your interests?"

That was a question Amuro had no issue answering. "Anything technological," he replied, now allowing certain pride into his voice. "I'm something of an engineer myself."

"Really?" Kiki exclaimed. "Make anything we've heard of?"

This time Amuro grinned outright. "Ever heard of the Kamaria Circuit?"

That earned a line of interested eyes. "Yeah," Sanders replied. "It's a power distribution node for computers and...well, pretty much anything that runs on electro-plasma."

"Supposed to simultaneously stabilize and optimize performance throughout the device in question. God knows every computer in the Federation has one," Karen let out as well. "You invented that?"

"Named it after my mother," Amuro answered. "And yes, I can prove it. I own the patent."

Kai whistled, causing everyone's attention to shift again. "So there's more to you than being an emo after all," he commented. "Though I didn't take you to be a daddy's boy."

"I'm sorry," Amuro retorted in slight derision. "Are you trying to mock me, Ensign?"

Kai held his hand up at that. "No offense intended at all Lieutenant," he replied with a tone that clearly stated the opposite. "I'm merely surprised that, outside of killing Zeons and moping about your lot in life, you actually have other worthwhile talents."

He then grinned outright as he added. "Honestly I thought you were just another whiny brat that fell into a cockpit with but a manual and a prayer."

"Just ignore him," Kiki commented. "Kai here is our resident troll. He feeds off of the negative emotions emitted by the rest of us."

"What can I say?" Kai replied smarmily, pretending to inspect his nails. "Human anguish is a delicacy."

"Anyway," Eledore spoke up again to avoid yet another conflict. "You're an engineer huh? Tell me..." he said with a gleam in his eye. "What do you know about musical instruments? Specifically guitars."

Yet again Amuro hesitated out of nervousness. "I would have to brush up on the dynamics, but I'm familiar with them," he said. "Had one when I was a kid."

"Great!" Eledore exclaimed, then tapping his databand, which displayed a holographic image of a particular guitar. "This is the Eledore Special," he explained. "I've got it all designed as you can see, but the problem is putting it all together. I just don't have the engineering expertise for it."

"You speak as if that were the only expertise you are lacking," Karen quipped.

"Ouch," Job exclaimed while others silently chuckled to their fellow pilot's expense, who glared at them in return.

Ignoring that, Amuro looked over the design and the accompanying data. After a moment, he then nodded. "Yeah, that can work," he said. "I'll need to alter the design a bit, but I think I can make a prototype."

Glare disappearing like a puff of smoke, Eledore suddenly became ecstatic. "You really mean it?" he let out.

Amuro shrugged. "I could use the side project," he said, then glaring up at Kai. "After all, I wouldn't want to give people the wrong impression about myself."

At that, Eledore let out a resounding cheer. "My friend, you are alright!" he said, before reaching out and slapping Amuro across the back.

It was then Amuro reacted in a way no one in the group, save for one, didn't expect. Nearly jumping up from his seat with a sharp cry of anguish, the Gundam pilot reeled back violently, an expression of shock and naked horror etched across his face as he attempted to move as far away from Eledore as possible. Reactive confusion quickly spread throughout the mess as nearly everyone rose to their feet, moving to see what was going on with the Shrikes' newest member.

Before anything else could happen however, Fraw, who was well aware of what was happening, placed her arms were over his shoulders, keeping him down while signaling to the other pilots that she had it under control. From there, she waited for Amuro to calm down again before gently guiding him back onto his seat, where the Gundam pilot sat quietly, save for his heavy breathing. Under the table, Fraw kept her hand tightly intertwined with his.

"What the hell just happened?" Sanders demanded for the others. Even Kai seemed shaken by the event.

"Ever heard of haphephobia?" Fraw asked, her attention never leaving Amuro.

Karen, an expression of sympathy crossing her eyes, was quick to answer. "I have," she answered, causing the group to look back at her in question. "It's the fear of being touched."

"Shit," Eledore exclaimed, only then realizing what he did. "I'm sorry, I didn't know." I mean, I saw Sayla holding his hand earlier...

"It's alright," Fraw replied, her voice holding only concern for her charge. "With certain exceptions, Lieutenant Amuro does not like being touched, period," she said, only then looking at the group. "So for future reference, do not attempt any direct physical contact unless absolutely necessary."

After several additional minutes, Amuro at last managed to calm himself down. Even so, the sheer dread remained in his eyes, even as he looked up toward the others, alongside the fear that they would cast him out. However, what he saw and what his Newtype senses picked up were entirely different; rather than condemnation, the other pilots only looked back toward him with concern and sympathy. Feelings that Amuro had only seldom felt directed at himself by others.

It was then Eledore moved back again, being careful to keep his hands away. "Sorry man, I really didn't know you had that problem," he said, his voice calm and even. "We okay?"

Taking a few more moments to breath, Amuro found himself slowly and awkwardly nodding. In spite of himself, he could see Eledore was being truthful. "Yes, we're okay," he managed to let out.

"Do you need to call it in?" Fraw asked, indirectly asking if Amuro needed to return to his quarters.

Thinking about it, Amuro looked over the faces around him, as well as the assortment of emotions they were each eliciting. A few seconds later, and much to his own surprise, the pilot of Unit Alpha again shook his head. "No," he replied. "No, I'm still good."

Then, in the most dynamic form he could make, Amuro picked up his mug and took another swig, earning him another resounding cheer from around the mess. With that taken care of, the party continued on as Amuro sat back with his new comrades. Even so, Fraw continued to remain nearby, just in case.

---

With the moment past, Sayla at last let out the breath of air she had unconsciously been holding. For the briefest of moments, it felt as though all of her hard-worked efforts would become undone by her squadmate's inattention to detail, but much to surprise and approval, Amuro managed to force his way through it and continue on. Indeed, the pilot of Unit Alpha was proving to be stronger than even she had initially believed, such that she couldn't help but feel a certain measure of pride for him. Of course, it helped that Fraw was also there to keep things calm, something that Sayla had made sure to arrange beforehand.

Thus continuing to stand at the side of the mess where she could observe her ward unseen, Sayla quietly took another sip of her mug, her thoughts momentarily drifting away from both Amuro's current interactions with his newfound squadmates and onto a far more ominous subject. She wasn't quite sure that it had actually happened, but when Eledore ended up slapping Amuro across the back, she thought felt an image enter her mind. A very abstract image that she could barely make out, assuming she had actually seen it, but somehow felt that it was of the silhouette of a human body. One that was clearly restrained on a platform of some kind, while shadows moved over it with abandon. Accompanying that image, in such briefness that again Sayla wasn't even sure if she 'heard' it or not, was a great and powerful scream. One with such force that Sayla inwardly winced when it had entered her.

What was that? she wondered as she tried to recall the image, but to no avail. It had been so spontaneous that Sayla had little memory of its occurrence, much less its contents. The only evidence she had that it had even happened was the cold chill that ran across her body following it. A chill that was still presently upon her.

"Well," Sleggar commented as he came up next to her, inadvertently snapping Sayla out of her thoughts. "It looks like our boy has finally learned to make friends."

Forcing away her initial line of thought, Sayla forced a renewed smile upon her lips. "He has great potential," she said. "Far more than anyone has given him credit for at least."

At that, Sleggar's eyes shifted to his wingwoman. "Potential as what?" he questioned. "A warrior or a human being?"

Taking quick note of the directness in her commander's tone, Sayla peered back curiously. "I would think the answer was obvious," she said, nodding to Amuro's direction as the latter continued conversing with the other Shrikes. "Do you find something amiss?"

"With him? Not at all," Sleggar answered. "The kid is just learning how to open up for the first time," he said, then looking back toward the Valkyrie. You however...

Picking up on that thought, Sayla at last understood, causing her to glance at Sleggar knowingly. "You're wondering if I'm doing this to make Amuro my pawn," she summarized. "To utilize him as a tool of vengeance."

"Aren't you?" Sleggar shot back as he took another drink.

Sayla paused to consider her answer. "Suppose for a moment that I was," she said, before taking on another smile; one of an upsetting design. "What does it matter to you? And much more, what would you do about it?"

Sleggar took another drink before answering. "Well, it matters to me because Amuro is one of my pilots, as well as an officer of the Federal Forces. Therefore, he is both my comrade-in-arms and my responsibility," he said. "And as for what I'd do about it..."

With that, he brought up his left hand, the one not holding his mug, and tightened it into a fist. To the point that Sayla could hear knuckle crack. "I think you already have an idea."

This time Sayla cast a dubious glance at her commanding officer. "I know that, in spite of all my power, you are not intimidated by me in the least," she said. "However, speaking as another one of your pilots and a fellow officer, as well as one you have fought alongside in battle many times over, don't you find that line of thought at least difficult?" she inquired. "To turn against me so quickly? Especially after all we've..."

"Don't push it Sayla," Sleggar growled back. Newtype or not, he knew when someone was trying to get into his head. "I don't want to turn against you, I don't want to end our friendship and I certainly don't want to kill you," he stated with rising anger. "But rest assured I will do all of those things if it comes down to it. Namely if you threaten any of my pilots, or any others on this ship."

At that, Sleggar turned around fully, leaning against the wall so he effectively loomed over his more petite subordinate. "So tell me straight out," Sleggar demanded. "Are you fashioning Amuro into your minion or not?"

For a time, Sayla held her gaze into her commanding officer's own darker blue eyes, all while the party continued on obliviously in front of them. Throughout that period, Sayla did indeed wonder how Sleggar could hope to carry out his threat, especially in that moment. After all, she was far stronger than him physically, while spiritually she held power that very few could ever comprehend. All the same however, Sayla knew she could not take the commander's threat lightly; that, if it really did come down to a conflict between them, she could very well wind up dead under a bloodied but clearly victorious Sleggar Law.

Fortunately though, it wasn't even a decision for her. She had made up her mind long before this confrontation. "Do you truly think so little of me Commander?" Sayla posited. "That I am so weak that I must draw upon others to carry out my vengeance?"

A look of slight disgust crossed Sayla's eyes. "Even when I first started upon this path, I swore to myself that I would not bring anyone into my service that did not wish it," she said. "Nor would I would harm to anyone else unless absolutely necessary."

Hearing that, Sleggar leaned up a little. "Can I take that as a 'no' then?"

"Indeed," Sayla said, then turning to look at Amuro, who even now was still conversing. Sleggar was quick to catch his subordinate's gaze warming and softening as her eyes fell upon her fellow Newtype. "I want to help him," she exclaimed. "As a warrior, as a human being and as a Newtype, I truly want to help him."

Turning his own gaze over to Amuro, Sleggar knew better than to disbelieve that explanation. It was a surprising development, especially with one as cold and vengeful as the woman before him, but he knew that what he had heard now was the truth. Just as he also knew that, in spite of all the darkness inside of her, Sayla Mass retained her soul.

Thus, with a small smile, Sleggar turned around and stood by his wingmate once again. "That's all good Sayla," he said, smile turning into a smirk. "Because I would really hate being forced to kill you."

Sayla smirked back in challenge. "You and what army, lowborn? Or should I say Oldtype?" she exclaimed, before turning serious again. "Are we still comrades?" she asked hesitantly.

Sleggar snickered at that. Again in spite of all she was, Sayla could make him laugh sometimes. "My dear, dear Valkyrie," he said, softly and succinctly. "You of all people would know firsthand if we ever stopped being such."

Closing his eyes momentarily, he then smugly added. "Besides, I don't have it in me to turn away a woman," he quipped. "Even if she does hail from a long line of faux ubermensch types."

Hearing that, Sayla was about to respond with a crack at Sleggar's own genetic lineage when she felt a sudden surge, not unlike a sudden flicker of lightning, run through her mind. Much worse, as she was still watching Amuro, she saw that he himself felt the same, as the young pilot suddenly looked up in clear terror. The same terror that Sayla must have held on her face, as Sleggar was quick to notice.

"What is it?" Sleggar inquired, already knowing that something bad was happening.

Taking a moment to find her voice again, Sayla ominously answered. "We're not alone."

Sleggar didn't need to ask Sayla what she meant by that; there could only be one answer. "Where?" he demanded more hurriedly.

"Directly off our stern," Sayla answered.

Hearing that, Sleggar immediately tapped his wristcom. "Law to bridge!"

---

Without even thinking, Bright activated the comlink. "Bridge here," he replied, ignoring the alarmed stares from all around him. "What is it Commander?"

"Bright, we have a stalker!" Sleggar wasted no time in reply. "Directly astern and riding our ass!"

Feeling a renewed chill, one of far greater intensity, run through his spine, Bright then asked. "Did this come from our special sources?"

"You better believe it!" Sleggar hollered back. "And this time they both picked it up! Simultaneously!"

I was afraid of that. Bright mentally snarled before calling out. "Sound for Level One Battlestations!"

Mirai gave off a similar curse as she tapped her intercom switch. "All hands, Level One Battlestations! All hands man to Level One Battlestations!" she shouted, just as the alarm klaxons began going off.

"Engage weapon systems!" Bright commanded to Omar. "Fire aft cannon on my mark!"

Omar shook his head at that. "I can't get a target lock if she's cloaked Captain!"

"Then set for rapid fire! We just need to brush her!" Bright countered, raising his hand and then throwing it forward. "Fire!"

---

Zeon Musaka-class cruiser Mielun
Warp

The captain was just about to doze off when his tactical officer reported the Ark Royal's weapons coming online. And then, before he could demand what was happening, his eyes caught the sight of her aft cannon angling, then firing a series of magenta colored beams.

How the hell did they detect us!? his mind wailed as a pair of beams streaked past his bridge. Just close enough to cause the ship to rumble.

"Evasive maneuvers!" he commanded to his helmsman as he gripped his chair arms. All too late as he would soon find out.

No sooner than had the captain barked the order did the cannon fire once more. In doing so, one of the newly emerged beams, in a million to one shot, ended up brushing against the Mielun's starboard side, causing one of her spherical generators to explode. This caused the entire ship to rock all the while the cloaking field phased out, monetarily revealing the green Zeon cruiser underneath.

"Fluctuation in the cloak!" the tactical officer sounded in alarm as sparks flew around the bridge. "They've seen us!"

Snarling in derision, the captain had no choice now. "Drop the cloak and arm all weapons!" he commanded. "Fire at will!"

---

Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Warp

"Zeon cruiser decloaking due aft!" Omar shouted in alarm as the pursuing Musaka at last came into view. "She's charging weapons!"

"Continue firing, all weapons aft!" Mirai commanded in turn. "Sink the bastard!"

The order was followed almost immediately, with the Ark Royal's two stern mounted beam cannons firing, this time in more powered bursts, toward the pursuing cruiser. In turn, the Zeon cruiser, her crew knowing they were effectively dead, fired her own cannons back at her target in an attempt to inflict as much damage as possible.

The result came almost instantly as both sets of beams struck, the first set obliterating the wayward Musaka and the second striking the Ark Royal between her engine blocks. As such, the Zeon cruiser exploded in spectacular fashion while her shots, which had not been fully charged, blasted into the Lexington's stern, causing much smaller explosions than what could have been.

Ship rocking around him from the enemy's singular blow, Bright watched as the Musaka's signal dissipated from the bridge monitor. Seeing it finally disappear outright, Bright let out a sigh of relief. They had won the quickdraw.

However, he soon found that was not to last. "Warp field is destabilizing!" Katz called out as he struggled with the helm. "We're dropping to sub-light!"

Immediately after he said that did the ship shake once more, with the streaking stars suddenly turning to normal white pinpricks against the black. The Ark Royal was now out of warp and in the open.

Mirai quickly tapped the comm. again. "Bridge to Engineering, status report!" she demanded.

The next voice that was heard belonged to Lieutenant Commander Mora Boscht, the Ark Royal's chief engineer. "Engineering to Bridge, we took a really nasty hit down here!" she called out. "No casualties, but the warp drive is badly damaged! It will take some time to repair!"

"How long?" Bright demanded.

"Unknown Captain," Mora reported back. "But rest assured it will be a while."

Mirai blanched on that. "We might as well be dead in the water," she gasped.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Omar spoke up once again. "I'm picking up multiple signals coming in at warp speed!" he shouted in alarm. "They're definitely Zeon!"

Gritting his teeth, Bright gave the only commands he could. "Prepare for enemy assault! Standby to launch mobile suits!"

---

Alarm klaxons still sounding in the background, the Ark Royal pilots, having long realized what was about to happened, wasted no time in scrambling to the hangar decks. From there, after swallowing a detoxification pill - which had been provided to all party attendants before the festivities began - they all changed into their respective normal suits and proceeded into the hangars themselves. Where their loyal steeds waited for battle.

Now dressed in their own respective white and red normal suits, Amuro and Sayla both made their way toward Unit Alpha and Unit Gamma, while Sleggar, still adjusting his own blue suit, followed from behind. It was a very abrupt and saddening end to what should have been an evening of celebration, but none of the Gundam pilots complained. Their duty, after all, was to protect their ship, and that was what was needed now.

As they each approached their mobile suits, both Amuro and Sayla could feel, even while in warp, the incoming Zeon taskforce as it approached. All at once their minds became filled with images of numerous Zeon warships, all distinctly uncloaked, moving toward the Ark Royal like sharks attracted to blood. Within, they could also feel the vigor and anticipation of their crews and pilots, who all looked forward to sinking the Federation's thirteenth Trojan Horse and avenging their lost comrades at Juno.

However, it wasn't until both Newtypes brushed against a very familiar presence that they became shaken. Mentally as well as physically, as evidenced when Sleggar came up to them, a clear expression of worry across his face. "What happened?" he called out to either of them. "What is it?"

"He's coming...!" Amuro muttered, eyes widened and voice wavering with sheer terror. "He's coming at us again...!"

"Who's coming!?" Sleggar demanded, just barely keeping himself from grabbing and shaking Amuro. "Who!?"

It was Sayla who answered that question. And when she did, the eerie calm in her own voice made Sleggar's hair stand on end. But not nearly as much as the three words she uttered. "The Red Comet."

---

Zeon Rewloola-class battlecruiser Ralmel
Warp

Now fully dressed in his pilot suit and sitting within the cockpit of his Zaku, Char could only wait patiently for the Ralmel to at last emerge from warp and move into launching position. He had to admit that, in spite of all of his ulterior motives, he was rather looking forward to the coming battle. As well as his long overdue reunion with Artesia and the boy from Antillia.

He must have been smiling in his thoughts, because the next thing he heard was a soft chuckle over the comlink. "Now there's an expression I haven't seen in a long time," Garma, dressed in his own personalized violet normal suit, commented over the vidscreen. "You must really be looking forward to this Char."

"Indeed I am Garma," he replied. "It has taken some time, but I will at last see certain vengeance cast upon my foe," he stated cryptically. "Vengeance that is long overdue."

Garma grinned in turn. "I couldn't agree more Char," the young Admiral replied. "Today is the day we cast vengeance upon the 'indestructible' Ark Royal!"

Char grinned back at this. If only his "friend" had any idea what he really meant by his statement.

Moments later, the ship shuttered around him. The Ralmel had at last exited warp.

"That's our cue," Garma said, flashing a salute to Char. "Good hunting my friend."

"You as well," Char replied, returning the salute. "May the glory of victory be yours."

Nodding in appreciation, Garma at last signed off. That taken care of, Char had his Zaku move toward the catapult line, just as the hangar doors opened up. From there, Char was once again greeted with the vastness of the void and the shining stars within.

As well as the unmistakable profile of the distant Ark Royal, which was currently moving as fast as it could away from its pursuers. The Red Comet smiled at this. The hunt was on.

"Char Aznable, Zaku, launch!"