Mobile Suit Gundam/Kido Senshi Gundam: Peacekeepers
By: Ominae
Rating: T
NOTE:
All characters and machines of the various Gundam eras belong to Yoshiyuki Tomino, Hajime Yatate, Fumihiko Takayama, Takeyuki Kanda, Umanosuke Iida, Mitsuko Kase, Takashi Imanishi, Masashi Mukaeda, Mitsuo Fukuda, Seiji Mizushima, Susumu Yamaguchi, Satoshi Konno, Junichi Kamino, Bandai, Level 5 and Sunrise. The use of Full Metal Panic! concepts/organizations belong to Shoji Gato. The use of Ghost in the Shell concepts/organizations/etc. belong to Masamume Shirow and Kenji Kamiyama. I only own Mark Liu for now.
Summary:
Artemis has been destroyed thanks to the intervention of Mithril with the Archangel able to get away safely. Will the ship be able to get away safely and deliver the refugees to the proper authorities? Stay tune to this chapter to find out.
Chapter 8: Moving On
Command Center, unknown Mithril base, somewhere in space
Colonel Berserk had been observing the progress of the Archangel ever since its escape from Artemis. Well, what was left of Artemis anyway.
"This'll be good news for the top brass at least." An operator told the colonel. "Especially since Artemis had a lot of heat brought on towards the European Federation military."
"Indeed." Berserk nodded. "I didn't expect David to give his life. This was suppose to be his last operation before he's scheduled to retire by the end of the year."
The operator nodded in response.
"Keep an eye out on the Archangel. Hopefully, they'll be okay once they get out of the Debris Belt and head near Lagrange 1, where OMNI's main lunar base is located."
"Understood, Colonel."
With that, the Colonel had left the command center and temporarily retreated back to his office.
Colonel Den Berserk's Office, unknown Mithril base, somewhere in space
"Maybe I do need a vacation. Been working too hard ever since I was inducted into the special forces unit during the OYBW."
Berserk sighed when he took his seat once he stepped inside his office.
"Hm?"
The ex-OMNI special forces officer spotted a folder placed on his table. The man raised an eyebrow, wondering what was very important that it had to be left alone in his office table.
"This better be good." Berserk quickly took his seat and opened the folder to check its contents. Inside was a report from some agents in the EF military intelligence community that Heliopolis had also housed a series of mobile suits made solely by the Orb Union called the Astray series.
"The Astray series?" Berserk raised an eyebrow after reading the report. "Orb did all this? Since their indigenous mobile suit capacity isn't up to par with OMNI and its member states, it seems that they had to covertly steal some of the mobile suit data from OMNI secretly."
"Dammit..." The OMNI veteran sighed and massaged his temples. "Just when things are going to get worse."
"Hello, Colonel Berserk."
The Colonel was greeted by an Asian woman in Mithril uniform in her 20s. He knew the woman well, especially since he had met her after being recruited by the end of the OYBW.
"It's you, Yuki."
"I didn't expect to actually see you since I heard that you were away, Colonel."
For what the Colonel knew according to recruiters who were able to "gain access" to Principality of Zeon military files, Yuki Nakasato had served in the Zeon Earth Attack Force with the rank of Corporal in the foreign legion forces. He also knew that she withdrew from Earth after OMNI was able to gain the upper hand against them, which eventually led to her decision to join Mithril after she found out about how far the Titans will go to achieve control over the Earth and the colonies.
"I'll be in the office until the agents are back from their undercover mission." Berserk told Yuki before he read the printouts. "I'm assuming that you read up about Orb's Astray series?"
"That I did, Colonel." Yuki nodded when she replied. "From the information we obtained, Orb had covertly made five Astray models."
"And these consist of Red, Blue, Green, Gold and Mirage." Berserk said, reading the report prepared by Mithril's intelligence division. "Any information on where they are right now?"
"No." Yuki replied. "We've gotten word that the Blue Astray was seen with Serpent Tail and the Red Astray with Junk Guild."
"Interesting that those two fell into the hands of a mercenary group and a neutral NGO contractor." Berseker sighed. "And we still have no progress on the other three?"
"Intelligence is still working on getting leads."
"Well thank you very much Corporal." Berserk thanked Yuki for her work. "I'll relay this to the appropriate people since they're not back from the Archangel."
"If there's nothing else, Colonel." Yuki gave a slight bow before she saluted, leaving Berserk's office.
Will these mobile suits make a difference in our world?
Berserk thought, leaning back on his seat while studying data on the five Astrays, looking at the photos of the Orb-made mobile suits taken by Mithril-controlled covert cameras.
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, near outskirts of Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
"We're now approaching the outskirts of the Debris Belt."
Arnold informed everyone inside the bridge as he and Tolle worked together in navigating the Archangel hours after they were able to get away from Artemis, which was now destroyed as part of a Mithril plan to eliminate European Federation military influence as it was seen by the group's top leaders as a major threat.
As for Sai and Kuzzey, the doctor told Murrue that they were both fine despite hiding in some undiscovered room that the EF soldiers didn't bother to touch for the past few hours until Mark had found them. The two of them were given a clean bill of health, which allowed Murrue to get them back to their stations in the bridge.
At least, that was the story the trio decided to stick by so that they won't get any suspicions on them. So far, it was working.
"Captain." Natarle spoke to Murrue. "I think it would be a good opportunity to salvage anything that we can get from the Debris Belt." She sighed. "Especially with our water supplies."
"How much?" Murrue asked, turning her head around to face her.
"Not good. We only took what we can get our hands on back in Heliopolis. I'm afraid that by the time we're able to leave the Debris Belt, we won't have much water supplies left."
"You're right." Murrue sighed. "The only thing I'm worried about is the fact that the Debris Belt also contains what's left of the ruins from the Zeon and PLANT colonies destroyed in the early years of the One Year War, which also includes the ruins of PLANT colony Junius 7."
Everyone in the bridge was both nervous and quiet. They all knew that the destruction of the various non-military colonies by OMNI mobile armors was the catalyst used by Zeon and ZAFT to start the OYBW against OMNI to gain their independence.
"So what do we do, Captain?" Dalida asked Murrue from his seat. "I don't like it as much as the next person would, but we'll need water supplies as much as possible before we run out."
Murrue sighed and nodded. "All right. I'll need to get a meeting up and running with Lieutenant La Flaga." She then told Sai. "Sai, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure." Sai replied as he removed his headset and fixed his glasses by making sure the nose pads were still touching his nasal bridge. "Is there something I have to do?"
Enlisted Quarters Section, OMNIS Archangel, near outskirts of Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
Sai had entered Kira and Mark's shared quarters, where the former had found the both of them snoring and sleeping quietly.
"Hey you guys!" Sai shouted to get both Mithril operatives up from their cots.
"Hmmm..." Mark mumbled. Sai noted that he had boots off and mostly likely had his sidearm underneath his pillow. Sai didn't know where his issued weapon was and preferably, he wouldn't want to know where it is.
"Wake me up in a few minutes, Ms. Sumeragi..." Sai had his hand slapping on his face when he heard Kira's murmuring.
"WAKE THE HELL UP!"
Mark and Kira immediately got up, bumping their heads on the ceiling that served as the foundation of the upper cot.
"Oww..." Mark massaged his head. "Who did that?"
"I did." Sai glared at his comrades. "And in case you're wondering, the Captain wants the two of you by the briefing room. It's an emergency."
"I wonder what kind of emergency that could get her so worked up?" Kira groaned, getting out of bed before he took his blue dress shirt that he placed on a nearby chair. He only wore his white shirt, socks and beige pants, which was standard OMNI crewman uniform as he was temporarily granted the rank of ensign. This was only a temporary arrangement until they can get the refugees back to Orban territory.
Briefing Room, OMNIS Archangel, near outskirts of Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
Murrue, Mu and Natarle were in the briefing room already when Sai entered with Kuzzey. Seconds later, Kira and Mark followed. This time, they looked neat as they had taken the time to dress themselves up. Dalida also entered the bridge, leaving only Arnold, Tolle, Mir and Romero back at the bridge as a skeleton crew to make sure no one was trying to make a move towards the warship.
"Thank you all for coming." Murrue told those who came in before they got into their seats. Mu went to the entrance and switched off the lights, allowing the overhead projector to turn on and show a map of the Debris Belt and the surround Lagrange areas. "This debriefing is very important for our survival, so I want all of you to pay attention to what we're going to say."
Once everyone was in their seats, except for Mark who opted to lean on the wall, Murrue went to start her debriefing.
"I'm sure you're all aware of the rationing of the water supplies recently after we escaped from Artemis." Murrue debriefed everyone in the briefing room. When she saw a series of collective nods, the OMNI officer moved on.
"Have we found another source of water?" Mark asked Murrue.
"Yes, we did." Natarle replied, answering on Murrue's behalf. "We'll be checking the ruins of the Debris Belt for a short while to see if we can obtain additional water supplies for the Archangel."
"But isn't it dangerous?" Kuzzey asked the officers. "I mean even if we try going there, we might just get the ship smashed up and no one will ever know what happened to us."
"It can't be helped." Mu insisted. "But we're going there to take only what's necessary for us to survive the journey until we get into contact with other OMNI forces. And that includes water."
"I'm sure most of us knows that the Debris Belt contains asteroids with wrecks of mobile suits, ships and armors and all that jazz, but what about the fact that they also contain the remains of the various colonies destroyed by radical OMNI forces with nuclear weapons?" Mark reminded the officers.
He sternly added one more thing to remind them.
"Especially Junius 7."
Kira sighed. "Mark's got a point. The fact that we'll just be there isn't that comforting after all."
"For now, I want all of you to get prepared for water extraction." Natarle told everyone, cutting out any further objections. "Be sure to tell the others as well."
As Kira and everyone else began to leave the room, Murrue approached Mark since he was going to be the last person to leave.
"Can I help you, Lieutenant Ramius?" Mark asked, adjusting his Orb Metropolitan Police beret.
"I'd like to ask if you can assist in the search for water supplies in the Debris Belt."
"Okay..." Mark nodded after hearing Murrue's request. "Although I can't help you guys provide security unless there's another mobile suit around..."
"I'm confident that Kira can take care of that." Murrue reassured him. "Just help the others locate anything necessary. After all, you did National Service back in the Orban Army, right?"
Mark was silent for a few minutes before he nodded. "Alright. I'll try and help. But I'm not sure how I can help..."
Enlisted Quarters Section, OMNIS Archangel, near outskirts of Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
Once the meeting was done, Sai, Kuzzey, Kira and Mark quickly held a small meeting at an unused room in the enlisted quarters section. As always, Wang Liu Mei and her bodyguard Hong Long came along for the ride at her insistence.
"So I would assume that all of you had a productive meeting?" Wang Liu Mei asked the quartet, being met with frustrated faces.
"I think we should move on, my mistress." Hong Long advised, whispering to her.
"All right." Wang Liu Mei nodded before she continued. "Seeing that you're all collectively frustrated, I will also assume that supplies for the Archangel is running short."
"Yeah, they are." Sai sighed as he sat down on an empty chair. "A while ago, Flay kept bugging me that OMNI soldiers forbade her from going to the shower room."
"I feel sorry for you, Sai." Kuzzey nodded when he patted on his right shoulder.
"Thanks, Kuzzey." The black-haired teen didn't know if Sai was being sincere or being sarcastic.
"We'll all go along." Kira told Wang Liu Mei. "Just because I need some good drinking water and a damn shower later."
"Hear, hear." Kuzzey, Sai and Mark said in unison as well.
"Then it looks it's adjourned for now, then." Wang Liu Mei as their secret rendezvous.
"Man..." Kira groaned. "We gotta stop meeting up secretly in places like this."
"I know the feeling." Mark replied to Kira's concern. "I surely don't want to be caught by OMNI soldiers or by the officers in a place like this."
Wang Liu Mei could only giggle at their frustration while Kuzzey groaned even more.
"By the way," Hong Long went to ask the Mithril agents. "do you know if there were any corpses left behind?"
Mark shook his head. "Last I heard, the retreating EF soldiers managed to stumble on their corpses by sheer luck and got them out of the Archangel. Probably did that before the Artemis blew up."
Officer's Quarters, Human Reform League Navy Hainan Base, People's Republic of China, Human Reform League
A 43-year old Caucasian man with a visible scar over the left eye and wearing standard HRL military uniform complete with cap on, seated near his desk after leading a HRL Army operation against anti-HRL guerrillas in Sri Lanka and India. The man had been tired for a while, considering that this was the punishment given to him by his superior for messing up with the black ops operations in the Chobu special forces unit to capture one of the "Gundams" used by Mithril.
"Colonel Smirnov!"
Sergei Smirnov turned to the entrance of his assigned quarters and saw an 18-year old girl, wearing the same HRL military uniform like him. What made her stand out was her long white hair. Otherwise, she could pass off as a HRL soldier or officer.
"Lieutenant Peries." Sergei greeted her when she saw Soma standing outside his room, saluting him. The Russian returned her salute before he addressed her. "What can I do for you?"
"I would like to ask for your opinion regarding the destruction of the Heliopolis." Soma asked Sergei, surprising him a bit since he knew that the HRL's government policy was to support the former Principality and the PLANTs, considering how rogue OMNI forces were responsible for starting the OYBW in the first place.
"It's off our hands, Lieutenant." Sergei stated clearly. "Though I'm not sure why would you ask."
"I was wondering if the rumors that mobile suits were covertly made by OMNI would come to land in our hands eventually."
Sergei though about what Soma had said. Since he wasn't able to take a Mithril-based Gundam, the Russian wondered if it was possible to covertly acquire a mobile suit made by OMNI.
"Considering that we don't have Gundam-based mobile suit technology and the Chobu was beaten due to the group's tactics, it may be possible for me to raise that suggestion of yours. Though I'm not sure it they'll consider it."
"My suggestion is not meant to be taken seriously, Colonel. It's just something I thought of, considering that the destruction of Heliopolis does have the hallmarks of what the Principality did after they raided Side 7 during the OYBW."
Sergei nodded after hearing Soma's thoughts, sharing the same thing.
Somewhere in the streets of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, Republic of East Asia
"Hey, Saji!"
"What is it, Louise?"
"Over there."
Saji Crossroad and his Spanish classmate Louise Halevy stopped to watch a news broadcast shown on a giant screen placed somewhere in downtown Shinjuku, where a JNN-based news broadcast reported on the destruction of Heliopolis between Titans and ZAFT forces. It also showed protests taking place in Orb and in pro-PLANT states such as the Human Reform League and the United Oceanic States.
"This'll be a problem." Saji murmured, remembering that their professor will talk about conflicts in the modern world, which will probably include this incident.
"Is something wrong, Saji?" Louise asked, seeing Saji stare at the giant screen.
Saji shook his head. "Nothing, Louise. We better move, otherwise we'll be late for class."
"You're right. Let's go."
Conference Room, PLANT Supreme Council Building, Aprilius One, PLANT
ZAFT White officer Rau Le Creuset and ZAFT Red Athrun Zala entered the chambers of the PLANT Supreme Council Building's conference room. The two were greeted by the members of the council, who had been waiting for them to give their report based on what they had witnessed back in Heliopolis.
Not that Partrick Zala, the current head of the National Defence Committee, was willing to wait for the complete report. Before even the meeting had started, Athrun had remembered seeing his father and Rau talk about the details of the report back in the transport shuttle prior to heading to Aprilius One. Complete with the omission of certain areas that both men told Athrun not to fully disclose to the council.
Such as the fact that Kira Yamato, who was of Coordinator origin, piloted the Strike Gundam from the ruins of Heliopolis. And the fact that Athrun and his father know Kira from the former's childhood days. Unless push comes to shove perhaps.
"Commander Le Creuset." Patrick addressed Le Creuset after the masked man arrived at the chambers, saluting everyone in the Supreme Council. "I hope you're prepared for your defense regarding our inquiry with the collapse of Heliopolis."
"Yes, sir." Le Creuset replied after he saluted the Council before he stepped forward.
"We shall now begin the inquiry to the collapse of the United Emirates of Orb's space colony Heliopolis." A blond man in his 40s with a mustache announced to the entire council, who was in his seat.
"Thank you Chairman Clyne." Le Creuset addressed Siegel Clyne, who was the current head of the PLANT Supreme Council. He stood up near the round table.
"I would like to point out that the assault and the destruction of Heliopolis was not our doing, but rather due to the presence of OMNI's special forces unit, the Titans." Le Creuset explained to the council, calm and confident as he wrapped up his report. "That would conclude my report regarding the Heliopolis incident."
"I can't believe this. This was the work of those Titans bastards!" Jeremy Maxwell, representative of PLANT's Quintilis City shouted his anger out. He was known to be a radical politician who had no problem advocating to bring the fight to OMNI, the UN and the Titans if push comes to shove. Patrick Zala also shared the same sentiment. There were a few PLANT politicians in the council who also advocated war. However, it is known to the public that Siegel Clyne and a few other politicians in the council are moderate, with their policy of advocating peace. Only Orson White, a PLANT politician from Sextilis City is known to be a moderate while not having problems backing the radical faction if need be.
"Representative Maxwell." Eileen Canaver, a moderate PLANT politician from September City came to object to his comments. "The five machines made by OMNI appear to be in the prototype stage and they have not seen any combat. I believe that they are not a threat worth paying attention to."
"Those who made Earth their home cannot be trusted after all." Herman Gould, another radical PLANT politician from October City objected to Eileen's point of view.
"Commander Le Creuset." Patrick stood up from his seat and faced the masked man. "I'd like to ask if the prototype mobile suits made by OMNI are worth the sacrifice ZAFT has made to obtain them?"
"To illustrate their phenomenal capabilities, I brought Athrun Zala with me since he operates one of the machines covertly made by OMNI against another mobile suit currently in their hands. With Chairman Clyne's permission, I'd like to request for him to give the rest of the report."
All eyes were on Siegel, who sighed and nodded. "By the power invested in my by the PLANT Supreme Council, I permit Athrun Zala to give the report on the Heliopolis incident."
When Le Creuset was tasked to sit down, Athrun stood up and walked until he could see everyone in the council. Giving a salute, the ZAFT Red went towards a transparent long table which showed off the Strike, Aegis, Duel, Buster and Blitz fighting near and around Heliopolis.
"To start with this report, I would like to present the Aegis Gundam..."
Balcony, Bern House, Bern, Bern-Mittelland, Switzerland, European Federation
Standing on one of the balconies of the Bern House, located in the canton of Bern in western Switzerland, a Caucasian man in his early 60s with white hair, beard and mustache wearing European-style aristocratic clothes observed the front area of the estate. He seemed content that things are doing well in the estate.
"Your Excellency. My apologies for arriving a minute late than the time we promised to meet upon."
Duke Dermail Catalonia turned around to see that his visitor was a Caucasian man with brown hair in his 20s. Like him, the visitor was dressed in European aristocratic clothing.
"Not a problem at all, Treize." Duke Dermail greeted Treize Khushrenada, a known figure within the upper class throughout the European Federation for his view of conducting war to bring out the best in people. Because of this, human rights activists always campaign against his views whenever he makes a public appearance to talk about situations that require military intervention.
Treize is also known to be one of the officers of the Organization of the Zodiac, or known by its abbreviation OZ, an elite division raised from within the EF military with financial assistance from a European industrial group known as the Romefeller Foundation. They are known in military circles for being deployed in OMNI-led peacekeeping operations, being usually tasked with various anti-guerrilla missions in Europe, Africa and in the Middle East although they have yet to be deployed in the Americas, Asia or Oceania. Most of their missions are a success since some of its veteran officers had fought either in the Solar Wars or in the OYBW.
"Ah, I see." Treize nodded. "Then we can get to business then."
"Of course." Duke Dermail nodded as he replied. "I will assume that you have heard on the news of the destruction of Heliopolis."
Trieze replied. "That I have. Word out there is that the Titans and ZAFT fighting caused the quick collapse of the colony."
"It won't be long before another conflict between OMNI and the PLANTs take place one more. Especially with the way the Titans are acting now." Duke Dermail told Treize while staring at the front area of the estate.
"Another war similar to the OYBW will give humanity another chance to show their potential." Treize gave his opinion to the duke.
"Armed force would also allow the Earth to be in peace after we won against the Zeon and ZAFT." Duke Dermail added. "With our allies in critical positions throughout the UN, OMNI and even in the European Federation military, we'll be able to exert our influence towards them in order to successfully achieve world peace. After all, there are radicals on both sides who won't easily agree on peace talks."
That and I can easily get profits if I can push through the introduction of mobile weapons that are piloted by AIs and not by human pilots towards the EF military for starters. Then I can expand more commercial opportunities to the non-OMNI member states like Orb. The last time I checked, most of the equipment for their mobile suit forces have been purchased from abroad.
"So it seems. But I wonder if the Titans do wish for peace, giving that most of them are pro-earthnoid extremists?"
My nephew's views of chivalry and honor doesn't have any place in the modern battlefield since AI-controlled weapons are the way of the future. Sooner than later, the charisma Treize has could become troublesome for me if the Romefeller Foundation follows his views that people should fight and risk their lives for a cause. But... I still need to try. Just because we have opposing views doesn't mean that we can resolve them. But since Treize is under my command even though he's one of the OZ's officers, that part is not a problem for now.
"Perhaps we can use our influence in OMNI and the UN Security Council to take care of that problem then."
"You are right. We can show the world and to the colonies that having an OZ-controlled OMNI is the true way of leading to peace and prosperity."
Standing near the entrance leading to the balcony was a Caucasian woman with brown hair in braided hair buns while being dressed in European aristocratic clothing, eying the two men carefully with her round glasses since she was told by Treize that he was to have a private chat with the duke.
She could not say no to his orders after all.
Mobile Weapons Hangar, OMNIS Archangel, Inside Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
Mark had entered the Archangel's hangar, seeing much activity as most of the personnel rounded up by Murrue and Natarle to man all of the ship's available MAW-01 Mistral pods. He had wore an OMNI-issued space suit instead of his Orb Metropolitan Auxiliary Police uniform, tasked by Murrue to assist the Archangel crew to secure ice to serve as the ship's main source of water.
"Yo." Mark was greeted by Sai, who was standing next to Kuzzey as the two were about to get ready to board the nearest Mistral.
"Hey." Mark nodded. "Anything?"
Kuzzey shook his head. "Kira's about to get into the Strike."
"As if that's anything new?" Mark replied, rolling his eyes.
"Wang Liu Mei also advised us to be on contact with Ms. Sumeragi. Considering that we'll be out there getting water supplies for the Archangel." Sai told Mark before he added. "Just don't forget to get your earpiece on."
"That's if I'll be boarding a Mistral with someone who's from Mithril." Mark warned Sai before Kojiro shouted to everyone to board their respective Mistrals at once.
"Well what are we waiting for?" Kuzzey grinned. "Come on Mark, Mr. Murdoch assigned me to be your partner."
"Heh. All the better. Let's go."
Sai sighed as he boarded the Mistral in front of him. A few minutes later, he caught a glance of Mu running towards the Mistral.
Cockpit, MAW-01 Mistral
Kuzzey was piloting the controls of the Mistral while Mark went to check on the Mistral's equipment as the Mistrals were near the outskirts of the Debris Belt.
"Anything?" Kuzzey asked as the Mistral was approaching the Debris Belt.
"Nothing much." Mark replied. "I've been told by Feldt and Christina to keep an eye out for the ruins of Junius 7 on my earpiece."
Kuzzey nodded. "Understood. Then they should be close by."
The two saw Kira, piloting the Strike, take the lead as the mobile suit and a squad of Mistrals were now near the ruins of Junius 7.
"Shit..." Kuzzey muttered. "I can't believe that we're actually in the ruins of Junius 7."
"Alongside the ruins of other PLANT and Zeon agricultural colonies taken out by rogue OMNI mobile armors." Mark gritted his teeth as well. Minutes later, he received a transmission from another Mistral.
"Set your Mistral down ASAP. We're going to check the ruins of Junius 7."
"Who was that?" Kuzzey asked after Mark pointed to the former to land next to the Strike, which was going to land on the ruins of the destroyed PLANT colony.
"Ensign Badgiruel told us to land right now. We're going to do a little investigation." Mark told Kuzzey, leaning on his seat while waiting for Kuzzey to set down the Mistral.
Ruins of Junius 7, Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
Mark and Kuzzey got out of their Mistral, meeting up with Kira, Mir, Tolle, Sai, Natarle, Dalida, Jackie, Arnold and Romero.
"Let's move." Mu told everyone once they all assembled. "We need to check the place out first to make sure it's safe."
"What about the water?" Mark asked the OYBW veteran.
"We'll do that on the way." Natarle told Mark. "After we go and do a small search on the remains of Junius 7."
"Right." Mark nodded as Mu and Natarle led the group.
The two led the group in searching whatever structures are still around the ruins, seeing a destroyed tractor floating around. Mu pointed out to the ruins of a destroyed barn, motioning to Natarle to check the door.
Here goes. Natarle nodded when she opened the door, seeing that it was able to open inward without much of a problem at all. She got a flashlight ready and turned it open after the ensign opened the door, illuminating the interior of the barn.
"Oh my god!" Mir shouted after she saw the interior of the barn, which showed a woman hugging a child. She hugged Tolle, who tried to comfort her after seeing the floating woman.
Kuzzey and Kira moved in to check the barn for anything suspicious.
"Shit..." Kira murmured.
"They're dead." Kuzzey was in shock to see the dead woman due to a lack of oxygen after Junius 7 was destroyed. "Looks like the two died from lack of oxygen."
Kira gripped the pistol grip of his sidearm while visually checking the barn to see if it was clear. He then gestured to Mu and Natarle that the area was clear.
"This is Junius 7." Tolle told Mu and Natarle. "I don't think we should be even here. In a religious equivalent, this is sacrilege."
"We understand that, Tolle." Romero told Tolle. "But we're still alive. And we need to stay alive by taking whatever supplies we can take to make sure we do that."
"The man's right after all." Mu added, backing up Romero. "I'm sure that you want to stay alive, Tolle."
"I'm afraid that I'll have to agree with the Lieutenant." Kira told Tolle after leaving the barn. "There may be some signs of water supplies we can obtain around here, but we'll need to check."
"Well at least you can see the bigger picture." Natarle told Kira after hearing his opinion.
"But we still don't like doing this..." Kuzzey added his objections.
"Well..." Mir went to speak up. "Can we at least, give the victims of the destroyed colonies a sort of memorial?"
"That's a good idea." Mark told Mir. "I don't mind..."
"Sure." Mu nodded. "I'm sure that can put all of us at ease here..."
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, Inside Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
Mu, Natarle and everyone else who had inspected the ruins of Junius 7 came back to the Archangel, which was luckily stationed nearby. They told Murrue of the frozen water that they were able to locate in the ruins of Junius 7, alongside dead bodies that were still drifting in the colony's ruins.
"My god..." Murrue said, being a bit shaken. She too knew of the atrocities done by OMNI forces in the early days of the OYBW. Heck, anyone who had served in OMNI was familiar about it. It was due to the Titans' position to clamp down on dissent from within the ranks of OMNI and any coalition forces serving alongside them that no proper action was being taken. Heck, uttering their name alone has sent shivers of fears in the rank and file of OMNI.
"Well some of the kids here want to have a small ceremony to hold the people killed in Junius 7." Natarle told Murrue, bringing the issue to her once more.
"I think it's good." Mu told Murrue. "If it'll help keep them at ease. They're not the only ones who were feeling a bit uneasy when we stepped onto the ruins of the PLANT colony."
Murrue nodded and replied. "Alright..."
Commander's Office, unknown Mithril base, somewhere in space
Berserk had been summoned to the commander's office after receiving a phone call, telling him that it was urgent. The OMNI special forces veteran ensured that his OMNI spec ops beret was on before he knocked on the door leading to the office.
"Come in."
The colonel obeyed after he was told to come inside the office, placing his left hand on the door knob and turned it to the right. Pushing the door inside, Berserk stepped in and closed the door behind him.
"I'm glad to see you're here, Colonel Berserk."
"Likewise, General Kowen."
Berserk rendered a salute to General John Kowen, who had received the promotion prior to the events of Operation Stardust. The OYBW veteran tendered to his resignation, which OMNI tolerated with no problem, due to his disgust that OMNI officials were not doing anything to stop an incoming colony drop towards North America, especially when he found about their willingness to work with an ex-Zeon officer named Cima Garahau. This was after his pleas to get them to stop the colony drop attack, although OMNI forces intervened too late. When he was recruited by Mithril, the African-American accepted on the condition that he would be allowed to have his rank in the organization. This condition was accepted by Mithril officials after the man spent some time talking with them after the end of the OYBW.
"I take it that your subordinates are doing well in the Archangel?" Kowen asked the colonel after he returned the officer's salute.
"Yes, General. The Ptolemaios is keeping an eye on them until the Archangel can link with other OMNI forces."
Unlike most Mithril personnel, who wore green BDUs with military boots on like what Berserk had, commissioned officers like General Cowen wore a light brown officer's uniform on. In fact, this was a standard for all commissioned officers who were serving in Mithril regardless if they were male or female, although female officers have the option of having skirts and heels instead of pants and dress shoes.
"And I assume that you have a plan to extract your subordinates safely without raising eyebrows?" Kowen asked Berserk, awaiting for his reply.
"I'm working on one that's completely foolproof, sir." Berserk replied calmly. "Captain Milsteen's working on getting any potential problems taken care of as we speak."
"Captain Milsteen is indeed good at what she does back from the war." Kowen said to Berserk while shuffling some papers on his desk. "I'm counting on you and the Captain to get them back alive. Understood?"
"Loud and clear, General Kowen."
Command Center, unknown Mithril base, somewhere in space
A blonde 28-year old Caucasian woman with eyeglasses and standard Mithril greys studied the tactical map table layout of all the Lagrange areas, including the Debris Belt, in studying the progress of the Archangel after escaping from the currently destroyed Artemis.
"Captain Milsteen!"
Captain Rachel Milsteen, formerly of OMNI's Army and currently an officer with Mithril, was called upon by an operator who had his wireless headset on.
"What is it?" Rachel asked the operator.
"Gotten word from General Kowen's office, asking if there's an update on the extraction plan for the agents in the Archangel?"
"I do. In fact, I'm working with Major Noriega to ensure the plan works. Can you relay that to the general?"
"Understood, Captain!"
Rachel sighed while going over the numbers to make sure the plan was foolproof.
"Is the plan going alright?"
The blonde woman saw a transmission go through, seeing Sumeragi's face on a screen projected thanks to the tactical map table, allowing users to speak to anyone using video-based communications equipment without leaving the area.
"Yes it is." Rachel told the ex-EF officer. "I'm going over the final plans to make sure things are all right. To be honest, I wonder if we'll be able to get them to leave the Archangel without getting any suspicions placed on them."
"Don't worry about that." Sumeragi gave a smile. "My plans are foolproof after all."
I just hope they are. Like the stories I heard about her...
Conference Room, PLANT Supreme Council Building, Aprilius One, PLANT
After Athrun gave his report, the members of the PLANT Supreme Council began their meeting to see how they can respond to the Orb Union's diplomatic protests from their embassy in Aprilius One.
"You see!" Herman shouted at his colleagues after hearing everything Athrun had reported, which included the capabilities of all the mobile suits "officially" made under the G Project. "OMNI and the Orb Union are to blame for this! After all, they're the ones who violated Orban neutrality policies! After all, the Naturals crave war..."
Yuri Amalfi, a PLANT politician from Maius City and father of ZAFT Red soldier Nicol Amalfi, objected to Herman's comments as he was a moderate politician. "I object! Just because Athrun Zala showed us the capabilities of the five prototype mobile suits doesn't mean that they're a threat. After all, they haven't been deployed yet by OMNI space forces."
"I would agree with Representative Amalfi, Representative Gould." Eileen agreed with Yuri's views. "Our forces are more than capable enough to handle them."
Patrick stood up from his seat, silencing further debate. Athrun and Le Creuset wondered what the man had to say since the PLANT Supreme Council conference room was quiet, waiting for him to speak up his mind after Siegel had told everyone in the room to keep quiet.
"I'm sure that none of us wants to fight." Patrick began his speech, getting everyone's speech. "We prefer to live happily and peacefully. That has and will be our only desire." He then clenched his left hand into a fist. "But who was the one who came upon us and shattered our desires?"
Athrun noted that his father was now making himself heard in the conference room, something that he noted ever since his mother had died in Junius 7.
"Who was the one who took advantage of us just to make themselves better? Who was the one who exploited the Coordinators? If all of you remembered how the One Year Bloody War started, it was through the destruction of Junius 7 at the hands of those Naturals!"
Athrun was silent, remembering that day as well. That was the day that made a lot of people sign up for ZAFT left and right, regardless if they were male or female. He partially joined up with his squadmates because of that incident.
"243,721 people." Patrick said as if it was the most disgusting thing ever. "It's been one year since the incident, which claimed many of our fellow Coordinators, have passed and yet we're still trying to find a way to end this war."
The radical politician slammed his clenched hand on the conference table to make his next point.
"We all fight because it's the only way we can protect ourselves! If we must fight so that we can protect our fellow citizens, then we have no choice but to fight! Remember our Zeon brothers and sisters, who were forced to agree to OMNI's terms in establishing their government in Side 3 as the Republic of Zeon when Maharaja Karn led those who did not surrender to OMNI and the UN towards Axis!"
Everyone in the conference room, including Athrun and Le Creuset, were silent after hearing Patrick's speech.
Father.
A few minutes later, Siegel ended the meeting since no one else spoke up in the meeting.
Cliff, somewhere in the ruins of Junius 7, Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
Mark scouted out a nearby cliff in his Archangel-issued spacesuit, dropping off into the area while Kuzzey waited in the Mistral. Kira too came along in the Strike. It looked good. No enemy mobile suit was in the area.
"All clear." Mark keyed in his earpiece to Kira and Kuzzey. "No ZAFT, ROZ or pirate mobile suits nearby. Tell Mir the coast is clear."
"Roger that, Mark." Kira replied in his own earpiece before using the Strike's communications equipment to make contact with the Mistral that carried Mir to the cliff.
"Thanks for helping." Mir thanked Mark while carrying a lot of origami lily-type flowers in her arms after she got out of the Mistral, moving slowly towards the cliff in her Archangel-issued spacesuit. Since they were bunched up together carefully in a ball by the Heliopolis students (including Mark, which he gladly assisted them) and refugees with assistance from the crew, including Murrue, Mu and Natarle, so that they wouldn't fall down.
"Not at all. No one's going to disturb us for a while, so let them loose when you're ready." Mark gave the thumbs up to Mir, who smiled in return.
Mir nodded before she hurled the origami lily ball into the ruins of Junius 7. This was the small ceremony Murrue and Mu had done in considearation for the dead inhabitants for Junius 7 and the other PLANT/Zeon agricultural colonies that were taken out by nuclear-tipped missiles fired by OMNI TS-MA2 Moebius mobile armors under the command of pro-Blue Cosmos OMNI space force officers.
Mark gave a stern salute as the origami lily ball floated towards the colony ruins. Sai and Kuzzey were seen standing on the side near the Mistrals, staying silent while honoring the memory of the dead colonists.
This is why Mithril exists. So that tragedies like this don't happen again.
Cockpit, GAT-X105+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Gundam
Kira also rendered a salute to the ruins of Junius 7, being seated in the cockpit of the Strike Gundam, which was now in its Aile configuration.
This is why Mithril is around. So that the world and beyond can be a better place.
No more One Year Bloody Wars! I'll make sure of that or I'll die trying.
Evidence 01 Display, PLANT Supreme Council Building, Aprilius One, PLANT
Le Creuset was now walking towards the display area where Evidence 01, the fossil George Glenn brought back from outer space was on display inside the PLANT Supreme Council Building. He received word from a ZAFT Black officer that he would be deployed immediately. He was also told that Athrun was talking to Siegel near Evidence 01.
"There you are, Athrun." Athrun faced his masked commander. The former saw that Patrick was walking behind Le Creuset. "We're going after the mobile suit and that new warship."
So soon?
"I've been informed that the Laconi and Porto teams are placed under my command. We leave after 72 hours."
"Understood, commander."
"If you will excuse us Chairman Clyne." Both Athrun and Le Creuset saluted Siegel before leaving the building. After they left, the blond man was left alone with Patrick. Both of them were staring at Evidence 01, illuminated by lights from the ceiling and the floor.
"We have little time left." Siegel told Patrick, staring at Evidence 01. "What good will it do to expand the frontlines with no purpose at all?"
"That's why we can't forgive them." Patrick told Siegel angrily before he faced him. "Those who get in our way."
A few ZAFT Green soldiers were seen patrolling the corridors, hallways and open spaces of the PLANT Supreme Council Building. One of the ZAFT Green soldiers, who was of African descent, was seen observing Siegel and Patrick from a distance. He went for the same Mithril communications device Mark had with him.
Time to put this transmission through.
Since the ZAFT Green soldier could not communicate openly without the risk of being caught, he decided to send in a quick text-based message before he would transmit the message. Since audio/video/text messages were all encrypted thanks to Mithril R&D and Intelligence, OMNI, ZAFT and ROZ intelligence would not be able to decrypt them even if the man was caught and arrested by counter-intelligence agents.
Command Center, unknown Mithril base, somewhere in space
"We have an incoming transmission from Aprilius One!"
Rachel got word from the command center's Operators, positioned in the middle of the room with their consoles placed in a diagonal plane to house individual consoles, which housed communications and other electronic equipment. The area could only be accessed by walking on both sides of the area by stairway. All of the Operators assigned there were androids with a female Caucasian appearance in their middle 20s, had long black hair in ponytails and black eyes. They wore the same Mithril grey BDUs like all of the enlisted personnel.
"General!"
Rachel and most of the command center personnel greeted Kowen with salutes as he entered the command center.
"What's happening out here?" Kowen asked after he returned the salute.
"We just got a transmission from our agent in Aprilius One!" One of the command center personnel, an intelligence officer stationed in the command center by the intelligence division, approached Kowen before he made his report. He was of East Asian desent in his early 30s and had a rank of Sergeant. "The PLANT Supreme Council held a closed meeting with ZAFT White commander Rau Le Creuset and ZAFT Red soldier Athrun Zala in attendance."
"Looks like the PLANTs are making their move." Kowen mused carefully after hearing what the intelligence officer told him.
"General!" A female android operator shouted to get Kowen's attention. "Another transmission's coming from Aprilius One!"
"Another one?" Kowen wondered after hearing from the operator android. "What is it?"
"General, it's a transmission regarding the closed meeting held by Chairman Siegel Clyne of the PLANT Supreme Council."
"It's from one of our Observers." Rachel surmised, knowing that Mithril had stationed several agents in the PLANTs and in other colonies, including the Republic of Zeon and a few in Axis and Mars Zeon, acting as Observers. The colonies were not the only place where Mithril Observers are located as there are Observers stationed on Earth as well.
"It means things are getting serious." Kowen said before he faced Rachel. "Captain, I need you to double time and get a plan ready prior to review. Is that clear?"
"Understood, General Kowen."
"I'll try and get some assistance for you as well, Captain Milsteen." Kowen told Rachel before he told the intelligence officer. "See if you can get more details regarding what took place in the PLANT Supreme Council meeting."
"Yes, sir." The intelligence officer replied.
ZAFT Officer's Barracks, somewhere in Aprilius One, PLANT
Athrun had driven Le Creuset away from the PLANT Supreme Council in silence as the ZAFT Red was ordered to bring his commanding officer to his barracks as the man needed some "rest". While driving there, Athrun was able to see electronic billboards mounted on top of buildings. He noted a familiar teenager with pink hair singing with a meadow behind her as background. Both ZAFT personnel had seatbelts worn over their chests since all PLANTs had placed seatbelt laws as mandatory.
Lacus. I hope she's doing okay.
The last thing Athrun had heard from Siegel, she went alongside a PLANT civilian ship to prepare for a memorial ceremony alongside a ROZ civilian ship to carry delegation from the two nations. So far, things looked okay. As least, that was what both Athrun and Siegel had heard last about Lacus' status.
"We're here, Athrun." Le Creuset directed Athrun to stop the sedan, which was a two-seater with gull-wing doors and a fiberglass "underbody".
"Alright, commander." Athrun slowed the sedan down as the vehicle was nearing the barracks. After Athrun had used the brakes to stop the sedan completely, he placed the vehicle in Park mode and removed his seatbelt before the ZAFT Red turned off the sedan's engines.
"Remember the time to move out, Athrun." Le Creuset turned his head around before he walked up the steps leading to the barracks, its entrance guarded by ZAFT Green soldiers.
"Yes, sir." Athrun nodded before he saluted Le Creuset, who simply nodded as he entered the barracks, passing through the sliding door. After the masked man got inside, Athrun got back in the sedan, got the engine up and running and drove off from the barracks.
He needed to make a personal visit since he was having his break in the PLANTs.
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in the ruins of Junius 7, Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
Murrue, Mu, Natarle and all of the OMNI bridge personnel were in silence after Mir threw the origami lily ball towards the ruins of Junius 7. Their eyes closed as they stayed in silence to commemorate the deaths of the colonists killed in the initial attack of the OYBW.
There was a necklace in Murrue's right hand, which was clenched tightly over her heart. The others either stayed in silence or had their clenched right hands placed over their hearts.
Cliff, somewhere in the ruins of Junius 7, Debris Belt, Lagrange 3, Space
"Now that we're done." Mark spoke as Mir was coming down from the cliff after the origimi lilies were now floating around the Junius 7 ruins. "It's time to get to work."
"Right." Mir told Mark after finishing her task. "When do we start?"
"Immediately."
Sai and Kuzzey approached the two, the former talking to Mark and Mir after getting close to them that he can talk properly.
"I've gotten word from the Archangel." Sai spoke to Mark and Mir. "They said to start extracting the ice blocks around the Junius 7 ruins as soon as possible. Lieutenant La Flaga said that the others will be arriving to help us out with the ice block extraction."
"And Kira's going to provide security?" Mir asked Sai, a bit apprehensive knowing that pirates were known to be roving around the Debris Belt to look for isolated ships to attack and plunder.
"He is." Sai sadly answered. "Unless we confront a pirate group out there and salvage a mobile suit Mark can use."
Mark simply rolled his eyes when he heard Sai replying to Mir's question.
I can't wait to get back to my mobile suit back at the base.
Chapter 8 END
PS - And another chapter of Peacekeepers has been successfully uploaded ladies and gentlemen. Hope you guys liked the chapter. Feel free to let me know how the chapter is and whatnot if I did a mistake somewhere.
If I mention One Year War starting from this chapter, it's also how the people in this AU world call the One Year Bloody War for short. Maybe... Also a shoutout for those who enjoy Wing is also in this chapter with a faction and some "familiar" characters. I know that I liked the mecha and all, but couldn't get into the story much like G and AGE (The reason why G won't be in the story aside from the fact that its history/story could not fit into my plot). That's why I like UC, CE and AD. .. I'll see if I can sneak in an AG character/faction/mobile armor or suit.
Just for the record, I'd like to use a couple of themes here. Namely "Restart" from the Gundam 00 OST 3 and "City Combat" from Binary Domain Music Rip for your music pleasure for whenever there's fighting. Let's use "Prototype" from Gundam 00 or "Magic" from Stardust Memory for the ending, shall we? But until I say so, the combat theme is "Restart" and the ending theme is "Prototype 'cause I say so! XD
Also since this Mithril is different from the one we know, especially with a space-based fleet since in this story (In the AU story with Mithril since many years after the FMP! series, the organization had been reorganized.), I'm trying to have the group organized in the sense of having a reorganized army-based ranking system and changing Fleet to Command, like the commands in the US military as it's more appropriate to use than Army as it's the equivalent of Fleet (Those if others disagree, let me know what it should be).
I also plan to replace the code system they have (at least based on the Merida-based Mithril team from FMP! anime/literature I've been exposed to so far) from Runic to another language that has words that can be easily used to assign code names to a unit or a specific personnel type. If anyone has an idea, holler me in the reviews or something. I need serious help for this.
I haven't decided if the Ptolemaios crew will have the same Mithril uniform since they transitioned from civies to CB uniforms in Gundam 00, but I guess they will for the sake of uniformity. Probably except for maintenance personnel and for females in non-combat roles as they would have skirts and all.
I am concerned about adding SRW-based mecha (particularly the Gespesnt and the R-Blade series 'cause I got plans for these babies.) since their height may overlap with those from the Gundam-based mobile suits. Here, I am not sure if I should keep them uniform (aka their heights being around 19 inches at least), especially with Wing-based mobile suits being short as well. Heck, the Wing Gundam is the shortest I've seen with a height of 16.3 inches. I shall give a decision on this in the future.
For now, here's the ranking system that I'm putting up for this new Mithril. It's kinda unique, so don't be surprised if certain characters would have certain ranks based on this. This has a mix of various ranks from a majority of NATO nations, including those from Japan and Singapore:
Enlisted personnel (From left to right):
Cadet, Private, Private First Class, Corporal, Corporal First Class, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Master Sergeant, Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer, Chief Warrant Officer
Officers (From left to right):
Officer Cadet, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, General