Disclaimer: Same as always. If I owned any of these, I would be a very happy guy.

Chap. 31

Space Fortress Barge

"Commence test."

With that command, the two Sol-Tekkas were launched out into space. Despite their size, they move with more speed and grace than the Taurus, which they were up against now. The Tauruses were remodeled into Dolls in order to maximize the Mercurius's and Vayeate's fighting potential. The Tauruses attacked first, firing not only their usual beam rifles, but two of them were equipped the massive quantum cannons.

"Activating defender shield."

Mercurius opened a set of metal disks that launched out in front of it and the Vayeate. The disks then quickly illuminated and a massive energy shield formed. The beams that came at them stopped dead in their track and none of them could penetrate. Vayeate moved up front and raised a massive cannon.

"Firing quantum cannon."

A massive beam erupted out, similar to a Voltekka, and engulfed several of the Dolls, destroying them instantly. With only two left, Mecerius moved in and unlocked a massive shield saber. The Taurus Dolls continued to fight, but the Mercurius dodged all of their fire and slashed through them, finishing all opposition and ending the test.

"Excellent work, Cadet Barton. You have preformed well in the Vayeate. And your 'partner' did just as well in the Mercurius."

Trowa nodded inside the Sol-Tekka, "Thank you."

Heero on the other hand, didn't respond. But no one expected him to or cared for that matter. Within the Sol-Tekka, his particular cockpit was infused with shards of active disruptor crystals to prevent him from transforming. Should he try to disable them, the Mercurius would self-destruct. Not that that was a serious problem for Heero, but it wouldn't serve any benefit to kill himself now.

"Because of your performance, you will be shipped out immediately. You are to investigate the rouge tekkaman who has been destroying our forces and colonies. Once found, you are to either capture it or destroy it. Is that understood?"

The Vayeate saluted, "Yes, ma'am."

Unknown to Lady Une, Trowa had been communicating with Heero through their tekka-sets. He informed him of what the doctors had done to Duo and Wufei as well the fact that the Mercerius's self-destruct mechanism was disabled. However, the crystals were another story, so if Heero needed to transform, he'd have to abandon the Mercurius first.

"No problem."

"Right now, we better carry out the mission and find this rouge tekkaman. I believe it may be Quatre."

"He's been destroying colonies as well."

"Yes. And we have to find out why. If he's as powerful as the reports say, we can come back in force again."

"We'll see."

*************

Lunar Base...

Fera quietly entered the docking bay after finding the information she was looking for. She knew it would only be a matter of time before the soldiers found out what had happened and called alert, so she had to move fast. 'Too much depends on it.' she thought. Then by sheer luck, she caught a shuttle preparing to leave the base. 'This is just too good to be true.'

Unfortunately, it was...

"Freeze!"

Fera looked to see the guard move in front of her, rifle leveled. As she backed away, a couple of more guards surrounded her from behind. Fera was shocked. 'But there was no alarm.'

The guard grinned, as if knowing her thoughts. "No use in making loud noises. Especially when this is so much easier. Take her to Col. Tuberoff. He may have some words with her."

Fera raised her arms in surrender and was quietly escorted away.

***************

Bar Tavern

At a lone bar stool, David sat with a drink in front of him. However, he hadn't even tasted it yet and merely held it in his hand.

"Is this seat taken?"

David blinked and turned to the sound of the voice, "Dead? You're out early."

Dead simply shrugged and sat down next to him. "What can I say? I'm a fast healer."

David shrugged back and looked at his drink again. He attempted to drink it, but his hand never moved.

"There's that look again."

David blinked again, "What look?"

Dead answered, "The look that says you have something on your mind, but don't want to talk about it."

"Am I that obvious?"

"Only to every person here." Dead turned to grab his own drink, "So what is it?"

'This feels like deja vu all over again.' David mused before responding out loud.

"I don't know. All this stuff about OZ and the gundam tekkamen. We're supposed to fight the Radham. But with OZ going around as well, it's hard to know for sure." He lifted the glass, "It just doesn't make sense."

"Not supposed to. Just have to live through it."

David looked at him with narrowed eyes, "Just like that?"

"Just like that." He took a sip of his drink, "I bet those gundams are asking the same questions themselves. They'll figure it out eventually."

"You really think so?"

"Of course."

David finally managed to get the glass to reach his lips and took a gulp of his drink, "Are you always going to be a smart@$$?"

Dead smiled, "Of course. Comes with the job."

***********

Colony...

BAM!!!!!!

The lone tekkaman was strolling down the streets of the now abandoned colony. With his lancer in hand, he cut down and slashed whatever he came in contact with without a thought as to why. As he continued, he came across a amusement park. The Ferris wheel was still moving slightly. The tekkaman's head crystal flashed.

"Such things don't belong here."

With that, he hurled the lancer at the wheel, cutting through it. Zero then latched it with his cable and caused it to slash across, ripping it in half. The structure toppled over and collapsed heavily as Zero retrieved his lancer. Suddenly, his head snapped upward.

"Someone's...coming."

With that, he shot off through the air to meet his opposition...or his next victim.

Outside...

The colony where the tekkaman was reported to be at was deserted totally. But there was no sign of the tekkaman anywhere. And since the colony was still in tact, that means that either he didn't arrive yet, or was already there waiting. The other Sol-Tekkas flew off ahead to the entrance of the colony to investigate when...

BOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!

"What the...it's him!"

Zero had exploded out of the side of the colony and his head turned to the three Tauruses. The crystal gleamed evilly as the Sol-Tekkas opened fire on him.

"Fire! Fire! Fire!"

Neither the round of fire, nor the glowing disruptor crystals stopped the destructive teekaman from charging at them. He slashed upward, destroying the first and then tossed his lancer, hitting the second straight through. Then, he latched it with his cable, ripping it in half and damaging the third one at the same time. While the remaining Sol-Tekka hovered back, it was suddenly met with the frightening visage of Zero before him.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The last Sol-Tekka finished, Zero stayed where he was as the Vayete slowly approached him. He already knew who the pilot was, but didn't respond.

"Quatre? Is that you?"

No response.

"Quatre."

"I can hear you, Trowa." he replied, although he kept his back to him. Vayete approached closer when Zero suddenly screamed and turned around, Voltekkas full charged.

"Stay away from me!"

The beams fired and Trowa was unable to avoid it as the blast ripped the blue Sol-Tekka apart. But somehow, Trowa was still able to boost it out and was now left with a badly damaged machine. Trowa was singed from the blast, but his space suit held. 'Guess the armor was just strong enough.' He then looked at Zero, who was now holding his lancer tightly.

"Stay away. Tell the others to stay away from me."

"Quatre. What's wrong?"

"Stay away from me or I will destroy you all." He pointed with the lancer, "This whole universe has gone insane. That's why I'm going to destroy it all."

While he spoke, the Mercurius was making its way behind him. But Zero sensed him approach and instantly fired his wrist Voltekka cells. But Heero managed to maneuver his Sol-Tekka out of the line of fire and avioded it totally. Zero lowered his arm and raised his lancer again.

"I told you to stay away, Heero."

Mercurius set its lancer blade up and spread it shield disks.

"I'm going to kill you, Quatre."

With that, Heero attacked...

************

Romefeller Foundation...

The large audience of the Foundation was gathered in the meeting hall. In the forefront of this meeting was the Foundation's leader, Duke Dermail. Trieze was also seated within the crowds, although his demeanor was a bit grim.

"Now that the mobile dolls are completed, we can now begin a new era for the Earth through our traditions." Dermail announced. "Plans are already underway to launch a strike against the remaining countries of the world that present a threat. Once they are taken care of, we at the Romefeller Foundation will rule the Earth uncontested. Let this be the dawning of a new era for Romefeller!"

A ring of clapping was heard throughout the crowds, but Trieze sat silently observing the scene. Dermail then lifted his hand to him and Trieze came toward him.

"Trieze Khusrenada, you've done an excellent job with OZ as well as the soldiers. I'd like you to continue to lead on to the golden age of OZ."

Another round of clapping came up, but Trieze wasn't pleased with the applause and waited for it to die down.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible."

Dermail blinked, "What?"

"I don't believe in the way the Foundation is fighting. Traditions are nothing but fake dreams where true beauty comes in. The beauty of fighting with others."

"What do you mean, 'true beauty'?" Dermail questioned.

Trieze answered, making sure his voice was loud enough for the entire audience to hear. "During a battle, a soldier gains a respect for the life of himself and others, even his opponents. As such, I have the utmost respect for all life. But the mobile dolls clearly defy that and make it meaningless. It is wrong to put the fate of humanity on lifeless machines and as such, I can not accept this total ignorance of mankind."

He then indicated to the screens, showing the images of the gundam tekkamen.

"The gundams...they fight even though they've been defeated and betrayed. They forge ahead with this new respect and as such, they are the true warriors of this era." The screen switched to the Space Knights, "Even the Space Knights, who fight for no recognition and are hurt just as badly, continue to struggle and fight for the safety of the Earth. I wish to be one of the ones that are defeated."

The crowd fell silent at his words, but Dermail wasn't too disturbed by them. "If that is how you feel, then you are hereby removed from your duties as commander of OZ. But you are aware of our policy."

Dermail moved closer to him and silently hand him a pistol. Trieze looked at it briefly before looking back up.

"It is not time for that yet."

Dermail lowers the gun and puts it away, "Very well then. I'll have to then place you under arrest."

Dermail motions for a group of soldiers and then come and surround Trieze, "You'll be confined here."

Trieze looks at the guards briefly before striding out of the hall and toward his quarters. But before they reach the doors, another group of soldiers surround the first, armed with rifles.

"Take them somewhere quiet." the lead soldier commands and a group of them motion the guards to move. The remaining soldiers remained with Trieze and the leader spoke to him.

"Your Excellency. We can not let this end just yet."

Trieze blinked and then nodded, "Yes. The time has come for me to leave the stage and let the act continue."

With that, Trieze followed them out of the building and off the stage.

************

Lunar Base...

"Colonel Tuberoff."

Tuberoff turned from his screen showing the Sol-Tekka Dolls. The guards were waiting behind him, with Fera in their custody.

"So this is the one." Tuberoff examined. "Hmm. I must say, I'm impressed that you made it this far. Now, who are you and what have you done?"

Fera made no reply, but Tuberoff didn't really expect one anyone.

You rebel spies are all alike." He narrowed his eyes, "Although..." 

A soldier suddenly called from one of the computer terminals, "Sir, a call has come in from Romefeller." Tuberoff turned as the soldier read the message. "Trieze Khusrenda has been removed as leader. Therefore, effective immediately, you are in command of the Lunar Base."

Tuberoff smiled, "Well, that is news." 'Now that that's taken care of, she is no longer even a thought.' He returned his attention to the silent prisoner. 'I've seen her somewhere before. But I don't remember...that not important now. There are more immediate concerns.'

"Have her put away in another cell." He ordered. "I'll deal with her later."

The guard saluted and escorted Fera to her cell. Tuberoff then went to the soldier at the terminal and had him bring up the system screen.

"Cut off life support to these cells." He indicated to the cells with the scientists, Duo and Wufei.

"Sir?"

Tuberoff looked back at the Dolls, now complete and ready to battle. "They've exceeded their use."

The soldier did as ordered, but after he did...

"Sir, we're receiving another transmission from Fortress Barge. It's Lady Une."

Tuberoff nodded, "Ah, she's probably still lost on what's transpired. Better let her know personally."

Tuberoff went before the monitor just as Lady Une image came into focus.

"Tuberoff. Why have communications been disconnected?"

"An important transmission from the Foundation. I've been asked to take over in light of recent events." he answered smugly.

"What do you mean?" she questioned back.

'And now for the kill...' "Trieze Khusrenda has been dethroned from his position as commander. And I've been ordered to mobilize the Sol-Tekka Dolls immediately for Earth."

Lady Und blinked. 'Mr. Trieze...' She then responded back, "Stop what you're doing. The Dolls are not the way to fight."

It wasn't the response he was expecting, but he didn't care. "On the contrary, they are the only way to fight. A war with expendable soldiers is what is needed. Humans can not be trusted to fight. Therefore, the dolls will replace them as soldiers in this war."

"Without human soldiers, then the wars become meaningless." Lady Une countered. "Without them, there will be nothing to drive the human race. The reality of war can't be grasped with soulless dolls. In that way, death is necessary for soldiers."

Tuberoff scoffed, "A soldier can't fight knowing that they are going to die."

"No. That is the only time anyone can fight."

"If that's how you feel, the let see how well you deal with death, Lady."

He moved over to the Doll control pad and pressed a sequence of buttons. In the holding chambers, the lifeless Sol-Tekkas lit up and became active. The bay doors opened and lifted the new Virgo Sol-Tekka Dolls to the surface. Lady Une watched in shock that the Dolls were completed so quickly and so many. 'I underestimated Tuberoff's impatience.'

She then turned and then ordered her subordinates. "Have all available units accompany me to the Lunar surface." But even as she said that, she knew it would be a downhill battle. Especially considering the program was based off of Radham nerve systems, making them incredibly lethal. 'At the very least, I can free the gundam tekkamen captured below. It's what Trieze would have wanted.'

**************

Colony...

A heated battle took place as Heero, in the Mercurius, battled Sandrock Zero. The Sol-Tekka was impressive and Heero piloted it accordingly, but the sheer power and speed of Zero was more than overwhelming. But Heero refused to quit and stabbed upward at Zero, who blocked the blow.

"Why are we fighting each other?"

Mercurius tried to press the blow, but Zero didn't budge and knocked him a good distance back. Zero charged the Voltekka on his left arm and fired at Mercurius. But Mercurius still had one more trick left and activated its energy shield. The Voltekka hit, but the shield held up against it.

"The colonies are the enemy now. Both yours and mine. Crazy. Outer space has gone crazy. That's why I must destroy it all. That's only natural, right?"

Mercurius charged again and Zero raised both his arms to fire. Heero was surprised by this and activated his shield. But this blast was far stronger and the shield weakened under the force. Heero checked the stats quickly. 'It won't hold for much longer.' he thought grimly.

"Please leave. I don't want to kill anyone that is my ally. Please Heero. Hey, are you listening to me!"

"I'm not leaving. There's a colony that needs to be defended."

At his reply, Zero went into crystal hawk mode. The bright bird-like energy smashed into Mercurius and sent it plummeting in the colony. Mercurius was now badly damaged, but Heero came out nevertheless.

"I'd ask you to stop fighting, but you won't, will you? I have no choice but to eliminate you."

"Then get it over with."

"That's it then. Goodbye Heero."

The energy of the Voltekka cells on his arms began to charge once again and Quartre fired at the colony and Heero. Heero faced death with no fear as the energy came. But death would have to wait, for another beam of energy collided with Zero's and exploded before it could hit the colony. Zero's medallion flashed and he looked up to see where the beam came from. High above him was a tekkaman. White armored and holding a double-sided lancer, it looked just a white knight out of old.

Tekkaman Blade...

---------------------------------------

The White Tekkaman Blade has appeared once more, this time to confront Zero. They battle and Quatre learns an important lesson about war and hearts. Tuberoff launches his deadly Sol-Tekka Dolls, but both Fera and Lady Une aid the two tekkamen in their escape, allowing them to reveal their new powers. Next on Gundam Tekkaman: Hearts of Fire.