Episode 16: Zero, Unleashed
The year is After Colony 205. Following the breakdown of the peace negotiations, Relena authorizes the Preventer Corps to use force in the defense of Earth and its colonies. On Mars, groups of loyal Preventers are making guerrilla attacks on military facilities and are one by one being destroyed by the Aresian Military Service. The Preventer Corps begins to increase the frequency and power of its patrols and correspondingly swells the ranks of its pilot division. After the Senate's declaration of war, the Taurus II is put into mass-production. Armed with these new weapons, the Preventers once again feel powerful enough to provide for the security of the World Nation. All does not point in favor of the World Nation, however. Martian engineers, learning of the Taurus II's potential, have begun designing an upgrade of the Medusa. In addition, Odel Bernett, an elite pilot from MO-V and a veteran of the Eve Wars, has defected to their cause.
Major Kasuke Oda, Preventer Corps, Intelligence Division, who happened to be an albino, sighed and opened the next report on his computer screen. His pink eyes widened, and he picked up his phone and dialed it.
"Commander Une? This is Major Oda; I've just come across a report which I believe warrants investigation."
He heard Une's reply over the phone, her tone inviting further elaboration. "Yes?"
"It seems that there's a possibility that someone is developing their own mobile suit type on the Moon. The agent in question has provided some imagery, but the distance involved has reduced the clarity of the images. Given our present circumstances, I believe we should act to assess and, if possible, eliminate this threat. Assuming that it is a threat," Oda finished.
"I agree, Major," Lady Une said. "I'll order an unmanned probe sent over immediately."
Zhacque looked up as Captain Roche Nattono entered Knights of the Realm's ready room and crossed over to the table where he and Mariemaia were sitting on opposite sides of a chessboard.
"Kushrenada, Lejeun, I have a special assignment for you. Come with me."
Zhacque and Mariemaia rose from the table simultaneously and followed Roche into the corridor that led to the hangar. "Might I inquire as to the nature of this special assignment, Sir?" Mariemaia asked.
"You might, Lieutenant. As you both know, the past several days have been pretty quiet for us," his tone made it not quite a question, so Mariemaia and Zhacque nodded confirmation. "Well," Roche continued, "we recently received a pair of prototype beam cannons for the Taurus II."
"And we've been picked to test them?" Zhacque put in.
"Correct, but not entirely," Roche said. "Get into your suits; I'll brief you more fully over the comm."
Zhacque climbed into the cockpit of his Taurus II and sat in the cushioned chair. The comm screen flickered to life and displayed Captain Nattono's image.
"Someone from Intelligence contacted Lady Une earlier today and informed her of a report of what is believed to be a test flight of an unknown type of mobile suit near the Moon. The following still images were attached to the report."
Zhacque looked at the grainy pictures of the unknown suit; from what he could see, it had two large cannons; one mounted on either shoulder, but the quality was so poor that he couldn't make much else out.
As if reading his thoughts, Roche said, "What you are seeing now are the enhanced and magnified portions of the original images. The pictures were taken at such a distance that this is the best picture quality and clarity achievable."
"So our mission is to investigate the area where this thing was sighted while testing the new beam cannons?" Mariemaia made it almost a statement rather than a question.
"Right the second time, Lieutenant. If you don't encounter anything over there, you'll be provided with some Medusas to practice on. But remember, if you do encounter these things, be careful. We have no idea what their capabilities might be."
"Wait a minute," Zhacque interjected. "Why can't they send in a probe?"
"They already did," Roche said in a somber voice, his face serious. "We lost contact with it after it registered some kind of energy surge."
"What kind of energy surge?" Mariemaia asked apprehensively.
"We're not sure, because whatever it was that knocked out or destroyed the probe also scrambled its sensors completely." There was a pause.
"Your Tauruses are being hooked up to a Taurus carrier for the journey," Roche said finally. "Good hunting, and good luck." His image disappeared.
"Well," Dick Hidasaki (Author's Note: In previous episodes I have misspelled Dick's last name as "Hidaski." My bad!) said as he walked into the cockpit of the shuttle from the aft compartment, wiping his hands on a rag, "I've got some bad news. Our fuel tanks had sprung a leak. I patched it up and cleaned up the fuel, but we can't make it to Earth on what we've got left."
"Is there somewhere we can get to?" asked Lucille Aisely, sitting behind the pilot, Odin Bernett.
"The L4 colonies are pretty close to our current position," Aretha Walker, the copilot, said, pulling up some maps onto her computer screen.
"How long is your patch likely to last, Dick?" Odin asked, looking back at the older man.
Dick shrugged. "It's really just designed to last until we can make more permanent repairs. It won't hold if we strain the engine, by doing any fancy maneuvering, for example. I'm rather surprised we made it this far without blowing up, given that I just found the leak a little while ago. What I'd really like to do is to replace the tanks completely."
"L4 it is, then," Odin decided.
"We've arrived at the Moon and we're approaching the area we've been ordered to check out. Stand by for mobile suit release," Mariemaia said.
"Roger that, standing by," Zhacque replied. Their Taurus II mobile suits separated from the carrier. "Bringing suit systems fully online."
"I can't see anything out here; not on my sensors or with my visuals," Mariemaia said. "Zhacque, I've got a bad feeling about this."
"Me too," Zhacque frowned. "Let's start patrolling the area. Should we split up or stay together?"
Mariemaia hesitated. "We'll stay within support range, but at the same time, let's stay far enough apart that we can't both be taken out by a single blast."
"Gotcha."
"Governor Esroni, the preparations for Operation Maelstrom are complete. The operation awaits your final authorization," General Edmund Remek said.
Mikol Esroni, Governor of the Free Planet Mars, looked up from the paperwork on his desk. "I hereby authorize the execution of Operation Maelstrom," he said, and smiled. "I hope it goes well."
"Thank you, Governor," the general said, and left the room.
The phone rang, and Colonel Odel Bernett picked it up. "Bernett here," he said.
"Colonel, I have been instructed by General Remek to inform you that Operation Maelstrom has received final authorization from the Governor. You may commence the operation."
"Thank you," Odel said, putting down the phone and turning to face his second-in-command, Major Julia Esroni.
One week ago, July 20, After Colony 205
Odel and Julia entered the room and crossed to the table set lengthwise in the center. Behind the table sat the senior officers of the Aresian Military Service.
"Colonel Odel Bernett, reporting as ordered," Odel saluted.
"Major Julia Esroni, reporting as ordered," Julia also saluted.
"Colonel, Major," the fleet admiral seated in the middle nodded to each of them in turn. "Please, take a seat."
Odel and Julia sat.
"You're about to be briefed on the upcoming Operation Maelstrom. In light of your special status as the pilots of our two Gundams, you have been selected to lead the initial phases of the operation. Keep in mind that everything you will be told and shown here today is classified. I trust you understand?" the admiral's voice took on a slight warning tone, and both Julia and Odel nodded.
"Good. In that case, I'll let General Remek take things from here," the admiral indicated a man on his left.
General Remek stood and cleared his throat before speaking. "The object of Operation Maelstrom is to capture of the Preventers' orbital facility Vulkanus." A large screen lit on the wall behind him and displayed a diagram of the Earth Sphere (the Earth and its associated colonies, satellites, and orbital facilities). "Because of the geometry of Vulkanus and the Moon, the Lunar Base and Vulkanus will be in a position to provide each other with mutual support."
"If they can offer each other support during our attack, why aren't we waiting until they're out of range of each other?" Julia asked, frowning.
"There are two reasons. Firstly, Earth and Mars will be at their closest at this time, reducing our travel time, and secondly, we believe we have found away to turn that advantage against them. You, Major Esroni, will be given command of two squadrons of Tempest-class heavy assault mobile suits and lead them in a diversionary attack on the Lunar Base. Phase One of Operation Maelstrom, your attack, has two goals: one, to neutralize the forces located at the Lunar Base, and two, to draw forces from Vulkanus into giving support to the Lunar Base, thus setting the stage for Phase Two, the arrival of Colonel Bernett's main attack force. When you feel that your goals have been completed, Major, you must contact Colonel Bernett so that he can begin his attack and start moving to join him.
"Colonel Bernett, your force will consist primarily of Medusas, with a few squadrons of Medusa IIs. However, the completion of Phase One should mean that your force will be between the majority of the Preventer mobile suits and Vulkanus. Do not assume that you will be able to effortlessly take over Vulkanus; we anticipate that the Preventers will fight strenuously to defend their base, and we are unsure as to whether or not Vulkanus has any surface-mounted beam cannons. It is also likely that they will decline to send their full complement of troops to the Lunar Base's aid, so be careful. Also remember that your goal is to capture Vulkanus intact for our own use as a forward base," the general paused for a moment. "Once you have taken Vulkanus, Phase Three will begin as I bring in the occupation force under escort, and that will conclude Operation Maelstrom."
"This briefing is likewise concluded," the admiral said. "If you have no questions, you're dismissed."
The present, July 27, After Colony 205
"What was it?" Major Julia Esroni asked as Odel turned around after putting the phone down.
"Maelstrom is go," Odel said simply.
Julia sat up straighter. "Right. I think the carriers are all loaded. We're the only ones left who need to get on board."
"Good. Let's go."
"I'm getting a reading on something dead ahead," Mariemaia said. "It's not emitting anything, and it's too small to be a mobile suit."
"I see it," Zhacque said. "I'm bringing it up on my visuals...," his voice trailed off.
Mariemaia also brought up her visuals. "... Oh, wow..."
On their screens glowed the image of a standard unmanned reconnaissance probe, completely intact, spinning tranquilly in space. An ominous silence stretched out as the two of them watched the disabled probe.
"What kind of weapon did this, do you think?" Zhacque said to break the silence.
"I dunno," Mariemaia replied. "It couldn't have been any sort of beam or projectile weapon, because they wouldn't have left the probe intact. I'd say we're looking at a completely new weapon."
"High Acolyte of Death, we have detected a pair of intruders."
"I see...Very well; they must be dealt with. Are the Tartarics ready for launch?"
"Yes, High Acolyte of Death."
"Good. Launch all five; the intruders must not be allowed to escape."
"Yes, High Acolyte of Death."
"Contact!" Zhacque shouted. "I'm reading multiple contacts at my 5 o'clock low!"
"I see them," Mariemaia replied grimly. "My scanners make it three- no, five- mobile suits of unknown design... No Identify Friend/Foe signal... Attention, unidentified mobile suits! Identify yourselves and state your intentions immediately or we will open fire."
Mariemaia waited for a reply, but none came.
"Assume hostile intentions and take evasive action," she said.
"Roger that, Lieutenant," Zhacque answered, putting his Taurus II through a series of spins and corkscrews. "I can't get a target lock at this distance. Should we close with them?"
"Negative. Let them come to us."
"One more thing: Activate the system?" Zhacque asked.
Mariemaia paused before answering. "... No, not yet. Keep it in reserve for now."
"Gotcha. What the hell was that!?" A quintet of blasts bracketed the two Preventer suits.
"Whatever it was, it wasn't a normal beam weapon. My guess is that this is what disabled the probe."
"Seems pretty likely," Zhacque agreed, trying to drag a targeting bracket over one of the black-colored mobile suits. "What the hell!? Why won't it lock on?"
"Mine won't either," Mariemaia said, trying it herself. "We'll just have to rely on manual targeting. Activate the system, that should help."
"Roger," said Zhacque, typing in ZERO as Mariemaia did the same. "Let's dance!" He brought up his suit's beam cannon (which more closely resembled the Serpent's beam cannon than the Taurus Mark I's), aimed it at one of the hostiles, and fired. The blast destroyed the suit; the remaining four spread out and fired the megacannons mounted on their right shoulders.
"Megacannons!?!" Mariemaia yelled, dodging a pair of the powerful beam blasts. "Damn, these things are well-armed!"
"Tell me about it!" Zhacque shouted back, firing his beam cannon for a second time. His intended target dodged the blast, however.
"Eat this!" Mariemaia fired her own cannon, annihilating another of the enemy suits, leaving three survivors.
"Well, the good news is," Zhacque said, firing again but only managing to destroy his target's right arm and shoulder, "that they have a low rate of fire. Of course, so do our beam cannons!"
"Damnit!" Mariemaia cursed as her Taurus got caught in the edge of one of the strange blasts. Her cockpit displays flickered and died before coming back to life. "Zhacque, I think I've figured out what the other weapon is. It seems to be some sort of electromagnetic pulse."
"An EMP? That'd make sense," Zhacque answered, firing for the fourth time, and, this time, hitting. I've only got enough energy left for one more shot, and then I'm down to my sabres.
"Got you!" Mariemaia cried exultantly, destroying the second-to-last suit.
The fifth and final enemy mobile suit boosted away and fired both its EMP cannon and its megacannon at them.
"Hah! Nice try, but this is where you meet your Maker!" Zhacque yelled, firing his beam cannon's last shot. The black mobile suit dodged. "Or not...," he muttered, casting the spent beam cannon away and drawing both of his beam sabres, "I'm not out of this yet!"
Mariemaia shot off the EMP cannon mounted on the enemy's left shoulder. It fired back with the megacannon. She and Zhacque dodged the blast easily, and then Mariemaia shot the megacannon off, too.
Zhacque held the suit at sabrepoint while Mariemaia closed in to cover it with her beam cannon. "You have been defeated," Zhacque said. "Surrender."
"I'll never surrender! May I take you all with me to True Peace!" A female voice rang out, full of conviction.
"Zhacque, I'm reading a power surge in her generator! I think she's gonna self-detonate!"
"You lunatic!" Zhacque shouted, plunging a sabre through where he guessed the cockpit would be before withdrawing it and retreating with Mariemaia to a safe distance. A brilliant explosion appeared where the black suit had been moments before.
"Thanks for the warning, Mariemaia," Zhacque said, retrieving his beam cannon.
"No problem," she replied, already heading back to the Taurus carrier. In the back of her head, the Zero system whispered, His fault...
"Well, here we are," Odin said. "Colony L4-T11421."
"L4-T11421 Space Traffic Control, this is the Preventer shuttle Liberty, requesting permission to dock," Lucille said.
"Liberty, this is T11421 Space Traffic Control. Your IFF beacon checks clean, but your direction of approach seems to indicate that you're coming from Mars. Could you explain that, please?"
Aretha looked up from the tactical console. "They've targeted us with their beam cannons."
"T11421 Control, I am Lucille Aisely. Also on board are Odin Bernett, Richard Hidasaki, and Aretha Walker. We were on the Experimental Interstellar Engine Vehicle that departed Mars about three years ago. When we returned to Mars, the AMS took us prisoner, but some Preventers on Mars still loyal to the World Nation broke us out and helped us escape on this shuttle. Our fuel tank has sprung a leak, and we need to repair and refuel."
"Liberty, wasn't Odel Bernett also on the EIEV? What happened to him?"
"We were offered the chance to defect to the AMS. Odel took that offer."
There was a pause. "I see. Liberty, you will be permitted to dock, refuel, resupply, and make any repairs necessary, but you will be restricted to your docking bay by an armed guard. My superiors deem this a necessary step in case you still turn out to be Martian infiltrators. Your guards will not hinder in any way your requests for various materials so long as they are appropriate to your stated intentions. A guide beacon has been activated; it will guide you to the proper bay. T11421 Space Traffic Control, over and out."
"Well," Odin said, "that was... cautious of them."
"You mean paranoid of them," Aretha corrected.
"Understandably so," Lucille said. "At least they aren't trying to stop us from docking and making repairs."
"True," Odin yawned. "Aretha, I don't think they're gonna shoot us. Why don't you take over the pilot's station for the ride in?" He got out of his chair and moved to one of the passenger's seats, leaning back.
"Sure," Aretha responded, getting up and moving to the pilot's chair which Odin had vacated.
Heading toward Earth on a mobile suit carrier of the AMS, Julia Esroni leaned back in her seat, smiled, and thought, And now, dear Earth, the demon is coming to play...
To be continued in Episode 17: Demon Mischief