Sup guys, it's Koyo with a new chapter! My computer is becoming increasingly slow so writing is getting a little difficult. I'll probably end up buying Gundam 00 DVDs into order to continue this fanfic slightly faster. My guess is that the first arc (first season) will be done by March if there aren't any distractions.
SulliMike23: I've actually exchanged the Tundra for a different idea. It was mentioned last chapter somewhere in the story. You'll see it's result in this chapter, in the form of Graham's new mobile suit. And eventually, I do plan on making a mobile suit heavily based on the Tundra but not in this fanfic.
April Marciano: Don't worry. I don't plan on making another rewrite.
Wraith Five: Thanks for your nice words! I hope you're enjoying the fanfic thus far!
Anyway, hope you enjoy!
Ch. 4 International Negotiation
Ptolemaios Briefing Room
In this room, Sumeragi, Feldt, Christina, Lichty, and Lasse watched as the chairman of the Human Reform League made a speech concerning Celestial Being. And considering the current state of events, none of his words were pleasant.
"Because of Celestial Being's armed intervention in Ceylon, a hundred and forty-eight soldiers lost their lives." The chairman said, cameras continually flashing at at him. "Although they speak of ending war, all acts Celestial Being commits are terrorism that throws the world into disorder! And we, the Human Reform League, are prepared to take actions against their acts of violence!"
"I don't think they like us." Lichty said with a sad smile.
"That's natural." Lasse responded.
Christina turned around, a worried look on her face. "But what if they strengthen their military because of us?"
The sliding door opened, and Tieria and Rachel floated into the room. Rachel spoke first. "Why is everyone so depressed? All we have to do is keep doing what we're doing and everything will be alright."
"If only everything was that simple..." Feldt said, no hint of emotion in her voice.
"We just need to continue armed interventions." Tieria said. "That is our true goal."
Kingdom of Azadistan
Azadistan, which is where Iran used to be, was in a political state of turmoil during this time. In addition to experiencing economic disasters, terrorism was rampant, with organizations like the KPSA running around.
In the city, fires were slowly spreading across a few buildings. It did much to break the heart of Princess Marina Ismail, the young woman in charge of Azadistan. Her sad eyes stared out of the window as the deadly fires continued to roar, with more explosions to follow.
"It looks like the terrorists have finally reached the city." Her advisor, Shirin Bakhtiar, said from behind her. "We need to hurry up with the reform before the moderates decide to join them."
"I'm aware of that." Marina replied with a sad tone. "Our country has relied on our originally abundant sources of fossil fuels, but now restrictions on trade has destroyed our economy. In order to rebuild our country, we must seek aid from the nations who control the Solar Energy System."
"However, our country did not take part in the construction of the orbital elevator so we don't have the right to access the energy." Shirin continued. "Since our oil is placed on export restrictions, it will be very difficult to find a country willing to support us."
Marina immediately turned, a smile forming on her face. "But the National Assembly restored the crown and placed me in charge to find assistance, right? So there is only one thing to be done."
"Still, our present situation is very bad." Her advisor said. "If the country continues like this, they will come. You know who I mean, right? The private armed organization, Celestial Being."
Marina gasped, then whispered, "Celestial Being..."
Night fell upon the small, peaceful island. Kyrios, Adunai, and Dynames laid in their containers, with repairs being done to them by automated robots. Their pilots were staring at them being repaired from the lounge room.
"Did you hear?" Lockon asked. "The IRA's ceasefire declaration?"
"Yes."
"I don't believe them." Origen said. "You can't trust terrorists."
"Yeah." Lockon agreed, remembering when both his parents were killed by terrorists. "Although some countries are favoring us, that's only temporary. The real reason they stopped their terrorism acts was most likely because they feared armed intervention."
"Which means when we stop, they'll start again." Allelujah said with a sigh. "Eradicating war isn't something easily done."
"Then you guys should get some rest." Lockon said, turning towards the door. "We'll be busy soon."
As soon as Lockon shut the door behind him, Origen spoke. "Do you have any doubts?"
"I left all my doubts when I joined Celestial Being." Allelujah replied. "Besides, we have the Gundams."
"That's a good answer."
Human Reform League, Joint HQ
"So how was it, Colonel Smirnov?" The commander asked. The two of them were in the commander's office, with Sergei informing him about his experience. "You fought one of the Gundams, correct? I want to hear your opinion on it."
"Yes sir." Sergei said. "To be honest, I don't believe their is existing mobile suit that can stand up to the Gundam."
"Is it that strong?"
"It's just my personal opinion." He responded.
"Then, it was worth it to call you here." The commander said, a smile on his face. "Colonel, aquire a Gundam before the AEU or Union does."
"Yes sir!" Sergei said, straightening himself.
"For that purpose, I am forming an elite squad to deal with this." The commander continued. "While I will leave the personal selection of soldiers to you, there are a few soldiers I'd like you to include."
"Sir?"
The commander turned around towards the door. "Come in."
A HRL soldier opened the door, with three young peoples walking in. Sergei gasped in surprise: all of them had the appearance of teenagers, not adults. They didn't even look like a soldier. The only thing distinguishing them from regular teenagers was their HRL uniform.
The first one that came in was a female with very pale skin, with yellow sickening eyes to stand out. Her long white hair complemented the look. She saluted the two soldiers and said, "Excuse me. I am Lieutenant Soma Peries, Super Soldier #1 of the Superhuman Institue Research Center."
"Huh?" Sergei said, surprised. "Sir, I thought that project was..."
"Apparently, it was continued in secret." The commander said, a smile that said otherwise about his knowledge on the situation.
The second one had neck-length violet red hair with violet eyes. She wasn't drop-dead gorgeous, but she was definitely beautiful. "My name is Palus Eagle, I am Super Soldier #2."
The last one had long blond hair with sky blue-colored eyes. The third one was almost as frightening as the first one, but for a reason other than his looks. He had a sinister, almost malicious aura surrounding him. "I am Rhei Las Plaga, Test Subject E-0056 and titled Super Soldier #3."
"Hmm?" Sergei raised an eyebrow at him. Why did he mention his test subject number?
"The higher-ups believe that these soldiers will be our trump card against the Gundams." The commander explained.
"As of today, we have been assigned to serve in your elite unit, Colonel." Soma said. "Pleased to meet you."
Sergei let out a heavy sigh, muttering, "You are all much too young for this."
In an AEU warehouse, Peter walked into the Enact bridge. His Enact stood out most noticably, as his was in ruins from being destroyed by the Gundam.
"Were they that bad, sir?" Chip asked from behind him.
"That sniping Gundam destroyed me." Peter replied, not looking back. "It's power exceeds more than ten Enacts combined. Nothing in the AEU's power can stop it."
Chip couldn't think of anything more to say. If the mighty Peter Loewen couldn't stop even one Gundam, then how were they supposed to stop seven of them? He clenched his teeth in despair, the realization of unfulfilling Dale's revenge overcoming him.
"But let's not lose hope." Peter said, snapping Chip out of his despair. "The Union's legendary Reeves Team is in on defeating the Gundams, as well as the Union's ace Graham Aker. I'm sure the Human Reform League has an ace or three up their sleeves as well."
Chip nodded. "I suppose. But these Gundams aren't normal..."
"Nothing in this world is normal." Peter replied. "I'm not settling for the AEU to be last place in the Gundam race either. And that's why I'm having my Enact repaired and upgraded."
"Upgraded?" Chip asked, surprised. "How?"
"I want my revenge against that sniper Gundam." Peter said, letting out a laugh. "It's funny. I used to keep that composed, wise persona with me at all times. I didn't want to be looked down as some barbarian soldier. But look at me now. I'm fighting for revenge."
"...Sir...?"
He smiled a sad smile. "I'm having my Enact customized to excel at ranged-combat. I specifically requested a special sort of gun that could take on a sniper. Hopefully... that will be enough to fight a Gundam."
Even in the Ptolemaios, people have free time in between missions. It was at this time that Christina and Feldt could have their girl-only time, away from the other guys. Rachel never understood anything Christina said, and got bored very easily and Sumeragi spent her time drinking. Thus, those two girls spent time together and talked... or rather, Christina talked a lot while Feldt listened.
Today, Christina thought it would be a good idea to talk about a subject she's been dying to know for quite some time now. So she made herself comfy on Feldt's bed and began to speak.
"Hey Feldt." Christina began. "Is there any guy you like?"
Feldt choked on her drink. Coughing, she spluttered, "Wha- What are you saying?"
"I'm only asking if there's anyone you like." Christina said innocently. "Is there anyone particular? Someone in Celestial Being, maybe?"
"Uh... well..." She didn't know how to respond.
Honestly, Feldt didn't have any feelings towards any of the Gundam Meisters. She had a professional relationship towards each of them, greeting them with a curt nod then floating away. Souji was kind to her, but Feldt had no feelings towards him. Lockon was kind as well, and he was cute in her eyes, but she thought that he was way out of her league.
"What about you?" Feldt quickly exclaimed, attempting to change the subject. She succeeded.
"Me?" Christina said, scratching her head. "I don't know. I don't like Tieria or Origen, cause those two are crazy strict. Allelujah's very kind, but he talks to himself a lot. Lockon's kind of cute, but he's more of an older brother to everyone. And Setsuna and Souji..."
"They're too young for you?" Feldt asked.
"It's not that." Christina replied. "Setsuna creeps me out. Souji on the other hand..."
"Eh?"
"There's something about him." She said. "Out of all the Gundam Meisters, he seems... normal. He feels remorse when he kills for the sake of the mission, and he can talk casually with me and the rest."
"Do you like him?"
"I don't know..." She said with a sigh. "He's six years younger than me, and he isn't really that cute..."
Suddenly, Christina stopped talking. She narrowed her eyes at the door to Feldt's confusion. She put her finger to her lip to shush the confused woman and tiptoed towards the door. She quickly slid the door open, with Lichty falling into the room! He was leaning against the door with a glass cup to his ear so he could listen in!
"Uh... Chris..." Lichty spluttered, a nervous smile on his face. "I... um..."
"WHAT. DO. YOU. THINK. YOU'RE. DOING?" Christina replied, cracking her knuckles.
Lichty gulped.
The next thirty minutes were too graphically horrific that if I had to write it down, I'd have to post this fanfic on the M-rated section.
Setsuna and Souji sat beside each other on a bench in the park, eating hot dogs. Both of them stared at the civilians and how they interacted with each other. They saw two girls gossiping, three young ones playing, and a young man flirting with a woman.
Souji sighed. I bet if we were younger and more carefree, we would be living like them.
Setsuna on the other hand imagined a meteor crashing on the city square in front of them, killing the civilians and destroying the entire city! The remains of the city resembled his memories of Krugis, several years ago.
He looked up, and everything was back to normal. He sighed, taking a bite of his hot dog.
"This is a nice place, don't you think Soran?"
"Don't call me by that name."
"Hey! It's you!"
Setsuna and Souji turned to see a young man walking towards them. Souji frowned. Haven't I seen that guy before?
"You're the new guy at our school, right?" He asked. "I'm Leon Caldwell, and I'm in the same class as you."
"Ohh..." Souji replied, nodding his head.
"Hmph..." Setsuna scowled, turning away. I told him not to join a school to 'blend in'. This is only going to attract much unneeded attention.
I know what you are thinking, Setsuna. Souji thought. But I'm not like you. I still want to make friends and live a normal life while in Celestial Being. Though I do know that to be impossible...
"Hey, so do you know Francesca Apokata?" Leon asked Souji, the latter nodding. "Hey. What's she like? Do you know anything about her personally?"
"Eh?" Souji stared at him as if he was some psycho.
"Well, do you? DO YOU?" Leon demanded, eyes widening.
"Uh..."
"Tch..." Setsuna couldn't listen anymore and left.
Back at an MSWAD warehouse, professor Eifman was unveiling Graham and Amina's new Flags. Graham's Flag was painted black, with crimson red trim. It had a black head with sharp edges streaming down it's face, with a red mask. But the eyes were slightly visible, gleaming crimson red. It slightly resembled a demon. Amina's Flag had a dark pink paint job with white trim, and a black mask on it's face.
"I've reinforced the backpacks and joints while adding a newly developed anti-beam coating created through researching the beam weapons' effects on mobile suits." The professor explained to Graham. "For new, close-range weaponry, I've added the Iris Corporation's new Plasma Sword II that contains double the power input. This allows it to cut through most conventional mobile suits with ease."
"Amazing, professor." Graham said, in awe. "I'm even more impressed that you were able to fulfill my request in one week's time."
"Don't be so cheerful, Graham." Billy said, a grin forming on his face. "In exchange, even with the Anti-G System activated, you'll probably feel around 12Gs when turning top speed."
"I'm looking forward to it." The ace replied with the same grin.
"And this is my new unit?" Amina asked, referring to the pink one next to Graham's.
"Yes, although I do wish that women wouldn't have to enter the battlefield." The professor said with a sigh. "I apologize for saying that. Because of the massive damage, I had to work fast. I had time to repair it and add anti-beam coating, but that's all I had time to do with the armor. It's not as durable as the one next to you."
"I don't mind, professor." Amina said, smiling. "As long as it can fight."
"As for weapons, I've added a gun of my own design." The professor said, referring to it's gun on the right arm. "A special railgun that that is much faster than standard linear rifles, plus it's power input can be controlled."
"Thank you, sir!" Amina exclaimed, bowing. "I will use it to the best of my ability!"
"'It'?" The professor said. "These mobile suits have names, you know. The Gallant and the Comet."
"Wow. These new Flags are amazing."
The group turned to see Colonel Julia Reeves walk up to them.
"Hello, Ms. Colonel." Graham said, causing Julia to glare at him. Graham wasn't afraid of women much, not even his superiors.
"Anyways, I'm here to meet with the other members of the Anti-Gundam Investigative Force." She explained. "I hear two new members will be coming here."
"You've heard well." Graham replied.
Julia stared at the the two Flags. "My, my. These Flags really are advanced. These are much better than the Phoenix, in my opinion."
"Criticizing my earlier works, Julia?" The professor said with a smirk.
"Of course not." She replied, the same smirk plastered on her face.
"So these are Lieutenant Aker's and Ensign Halabi's new Flags." Two Union soldiers exclaimed as they stared at the two Flags. "Very fitting for people who have fought the Gundams and lived.
One of the soldiers was white with short brown hair, wearing glasses. The other was black with long, red dreadlocks. They both saluted the group.
The white one spoke for the both of them. "Sir, I am Warrant Officer Howard Mason and this is Master Sargeant Daryl Dodge! We've been appointed to the Anti-Gundam Investigative Force at your request, sir!"
"Good!" Graham said, saluting the two. "Allow us to welcome you, Flag Fighters!"
Back in the Ptolemaios, Sumeragi sat in front of a big-screen computer. "Veda, please tell me your prediction."
A map appeared, with three black dots appearing on different parts of the world. One in northern South America, one in northeast Africa, and another in northern Europe. "So, it's the same as mine. There are twelve different counter plans, but no matter what we choose, our position will be in danger. We know it has to be done, but it's so difficult..."
A screen popped in front front of her, with Christina in front. "Ms. Sumeragi! Taribia is making a declaration!"
Her eyes widened, and she looked back to the map. "I knew it..."
In a press conference in Taribia, a man stood at a pulpit making a powerful anti-Union speech. The people all around the world were watching this speech from their TVs, mouths dropped.
"The Union consists of over fifty nations in Congress! But it is truly a dictatorship, as the United States controls the distribution of solar energy!" He barked. "The solar energy generation system should not be operated under a single nation! And so, the Taribian Republic will now secede from the Union and claim independent access to the energy! And if their be any political or military force that opposes this, then we shall respond with force! Our nation opposes dictatorship from the United States!"
The crowd burst in applause and stood up at the waving speaker.
"Taribia has made it's move." Shirin said to Marina.
"That nation had always opposed the United States, but seceeding from the Union and demanding rights to independent access of the solar energy system is crazy." Marina said.
"Perhaps it's a way to gain favor with the people for the upcoming elections." Shirin suggested.
"I don't believe so." Marina replied. "If the relations between countries around the orbital elevator worsen, it'll only hinder the operations of the solar power system."
"But you know, America will request for the Union's military to intervene in this affair." Shirin said. "And I'm positive that Taribia knows that this will occur."
"They know...?"
Meanwhile, the Human Reform League soldiers watched the video in the cafeteria, including Sergei and his team.
"So that's their plan..." Rhei muttered. "How... interesting."
"You understand, soldier?" Sergei asked.
"What do you mean, Rhei?" Palus asked.
"They're taking advantage of the situation." Rhei explained. "Taribia probably knows that they have no chance defeating the Union, who has is superior in number and power. But who is there to stop any sort of war action?"
Palus's eyes widened.
"That's right." Soma said. "Celestial Being. They probably think that the Gundams will come and stop the Union force, destroying several of their mobile suits and leaving Taribia to do whatever they want."
"That's horrible." Palus muttered. "I can't believe Taribia would go that far. It's dishonorable and cruel!"
"Hmph." Rhei scowled, much to Sergei's surprise. "Do you believe so? A weaker, smaller country going up against the nation for their ideal of freedom is cruel in itself, seeing as it is a hopeless situation. Is there anything wrong with doing what you believe in? Is the ideal of freedom nonexistant in the Union? Is any one nation perfectly correct?"
"Soldier?" Sergei said.
"Ah!" Rhei snapped out of his small speech. "I'm sorry for speaking out of line, Colonel."
"That's all right." The colonel replied, but was still concerned.
Rhei suddenly felt a shudder in his body. His eyes widened as he began to cough and choke in pain. The Human Reform League soldiers stared in wonder as Rhei hurriedly reached into his pocket and grabbed a bottle of pills. He took two out and immediately swallowed them, then started to calm down.
"Are you alright, Soldier?" Soma asked.
"Yes..." Rhei said, gasping for air. "I'm... fine..."
"That's just wrong!" Amina exclaimed, putting her jumpsuit on. "And while Emir wasn't exactly confident, he knew what actions were right and wrong!"
"That 'Emir' person is part of Celestial Being." Billy replied. "I'm sure that he will follow his orders, no matter how terrible they seem."
"Will you accept our invitation, Gundam?" Graham said, eyes flaring with excitement.
"Taribia is taking advantage of Celestial Being?" Marina asked.
"I envy them." Shirin said, placing a cup of tea in front of the princess. "The reason they can take such a radical approach to all this is because of how close their location is to the orbital elevator. Unlike our country, they have a trump card."
"Do you really think they will come?"
"I don't know." Her advisor responded. "But I do know that whatever Celestial Being does to Taribia will affect our country too."
"It will?"
"I mean, we can take advantage of them as well."
"Despite that, we will make our move." Wang Liu Mei whispered in the back of the car as Hong Long drove. "Because that is what Celestial Being does."
Sumeragi entered the briefing room with the entire crew. "We will begin the mission shortly. Contact the Meisters!"
Everyone was in the room, save one member. Sumeragi frowned, looking around the room. "Where's Lichty?"
"Oh, he had a bit of an accident." Christina replied with a smile.
Back on the island, Origen, Allelujah, and Lockon zipped up their jumpsuits and grabbed their helmets. They ran into their respective containers and hopped into their Gundams' cockpits, activating the Gundams.
"Let's do this, Haro!" Lockon said, placing the small ball onto it's platform.
"Roger! Roger!" Haro responded, excitedly.
Dynames's eyes flashed alive, and Kyrios followed shortly.
"Let this mission be in glory of Veda!" Origen said, activating the Adunai Flyer. "And allow us to achieve victory!"
"Allelujah Haptism, Kyrios, commencing intervention!" Allelujah announced.
"Lockon Stratos, Dynames, taking off!" Lockon also said.
"Origen Admantus, Adunai, beginning operation!" Origen concluded.
Dynames's GN verniers opened up, with several amounts of particles being emitted. The other two jet Gundams (with Adunai's extra two jets) did the same and took off. From a distance, one could assume they were beautiful green shooting stars in the daylight.
Meanwhile, Souji and Setsuna sprinted through the streets of Tokyo at night. The video of Taribia's declaration had spread all across the world, and every big screen in the city was playing it.
They jumped into the ocean off a small harbor in the city and swam down. Because of the ocean's close proximity to land, the bottom wasn't too far off. At the bottom, two huge containers rested unnoticed by any civilian.
They both swam into the containers and hopped into their Gundams, zipping up their jumpsuits and putting their helmets on. The containers opened up, and Exusia and Alauda were lifted outside.
"Setsuna F. Seiei, Exusia, beginning the next mission."
"Souji Shirotsuki, Alauda, on my way!"
Eight Flags were heading towards the naval fleet off the coast of Taribia. Besides two normal Flags, each one was customized to the pilot's preference. Graham's Gallant, Amina's Comet, Julia's Phoenix, and three other custom Flags flew over the ocean.
Raven's Flag was painted dark blue with black trim. His was jagged around the edges, making for a more fearsome look. It sort of resembled it's epynomous pilot's name. It was Raven's custom Flag, the Crow.
Gore's Flag was several times more bulkier and bigger than the other Flags. It was equipped with more verniers and boosters to keep up with the other mobile suits. It was painted dark brown with yellow trim. It's name was the Silverback.
Simon's Flag was much more jagged than Raven's to the point where it looked like it could kill anything by stabbing it. It was light blue, in contrast to the dark colors of the other Flags with silver trim. It had fangs on it's mask as well, giving to the appearance of a vampire. Fitting, it's name was the Aleister.
"This is it." Gore said, communicating to the others. "This is the day we finally get to fight the Gundams."
"I can hardly wait!" Daryl said.
"Now, now." Amina said. "Once you fight them, you'll wish otherwise."
"That's for sure, Ensign." Julia agreed. "Still, someone has to defeat them. No reason why it shoudn't be us."
"We'll defeat them for sure." Raven said. "At the very least, we'll give them something to be scared of."
"That's right." Graham said, a huge grin on his face. "Time for payback, little Gundam."
Simon snickered. "Think this will be easy, Lieutenant?"
"I think this will be interesting." Graham replied. "Once again, I will encounter the very object of my existance! Come, Anti-Gundam Investigative Force! Let's ride to victory!"
Howard sighed. "The name of our squadron should be changed."
Pacific Ocean, Off Taribia
Several Union battleships floated off the coast of Taribia, preparing for their own intervention. The Union wasn't just going to let Taribia do whatever it wanted. The United States was known for their strict unity (the unforgettable war pitting the American southern confederacy and it's northern anti-secessionist Union being the major example) , even at the expense of others. To that end, they would fight to keep any nation from seceeding from them. No matter how violent the conflict got, they wouldn't allow Taribia to split from them.
"The Union's fleet and America's second fleet have appeared off the coast of Taribia." Feldt reported, staring at a screen of the army of ships.
"The Brazilian Garrison base has sent out their air force as well." Christina continued, referring to the predecessors of the Flag's old rival (Union Blast), known as the Realdo. They were more jagged versions of the Flags with an airplane-like jetpack on their back.
"What about the Taribian military?" Sumeragi asked.
"They've concentrated their Realdos around three of their major cities." Christina replied.
"Certainly an interesting situation." Lasse observed. "Will they act soon."
"Of course."
"I want to fight too!" Rachel cried, floating into the room. "I wanna go to Earth and participate in the mission!"
"But then you'd leave Tieria all alone to protect the ship." Sumeragi said, with the tone of a mother. "And as strong as he is, he can't do everything by himself."
"Awww..."
Alauda and Exusia quickly flew over the Union fleet, to the shock of the soldiers. Dynames, Kyrios, and Adunai flew from the other side, with the intention to rendezvous with the other Gundams.
"This is Blue Shark. I have visual confirmation of the Gundams." A Realdo pilot in the sky reported. "They are heading for the captial. Prepare to intercept- Agh! They've jammed the communications..."
In an unknown area in space...
Within an unknown mothership in space, three people looked on at the big screen, watching as these events were started to unfold. They all wore strange white, tight clothes with yellow trim.
"Hey big brother Michael!" The young redhead exclaimed. "Those are the Gundam Meisters, right?"
"Hmph! Those guys look weak!" The blue-haired young man named Michael said, sneering. "It should be us doing those interventions, not them!"
"Talk all you want, but I've seen them in action and they are formidable." Gabriel intervened. "They possess the true solar furnaces as well. And remember, they are our allies."
"I know!" Nena replied.
The door slid open from behind them, with a woman with long black hair floating in. She was about as tall as Michael, with the same, sickening-colored eyes.
"Did we wake you up, Azraea?" Gabriel asked.
"Yes." She replied coldly. "You guys make too much noise. Anyway, where's Johann?"
Michael shrugged. "Probably looking over the Gundam Thrones."
"Why don't we intervene too?" Nena asked.
"Not yet, young one." Azraea said with a seemingly all-knowing voice. "It is not our time yet."
"Still, I wonder what Veda has ordered the Meisters to do." Gabriel said. "Will they decide to aid Taribia? Or maybe support the Union? Or..."
In a Union ship, a soldier pointed to an onscreen map, circling three dots. "The Gundams have split up, most likely to attack these three cities. But will they actually fight against the Union and the U.S. military?"
"If Celestial Being does fight against the Union, they will be in support of Taribia." Shirin said to Marina as the two stared out the window towards the city.
"Yet if they don't intervene, and let the Union fight, they will have broken their ideal of eradicating war." Marina said with a sigh. "So, what will they do?"
And within the Ptolemaios, Sumeragi uttered two words that would change the whole world.
"Mission... start."
Several beams rained from the sky, smashing into a few Realdos standing guard in the city. The remaining ones took to the air in shock, attempting to find who attacked them.
"What was that?" A Realdo pilot shrieked. "Did the Union begin their attack?"
Even more small beams crashed into his mobile suit, destroying it. The remaining Realdo pilots' eyes widened as they saw...
"GUNDAM!"
Exusia and Alauda were quickly descending, the former using it's vulcans and the latter using it's machine guns. And they were pointing their weapons straight at the Taribian Realdos!
"Why?" A Realdo pilot demanded. "We haven't done anything yet!"
"You should've already known from our declaration that Celestial Being will intervene against anyone who promotes against war! And moreover, you bastards tried to take advantage of us!" Souji roared in anger. He expressed his rage by throwing both his GN Boomerangs, destroying two Realdos!
"I have concluded that Taribia is a country that promotes war." Setsuna stated. "Eliminating the targets!"
Exusia landed on the ground, then charged at two Realdos with it's claymore. It sliced through one, then blocked the rifle blasts of the other, before slashing through that one as well! It took to the air again to slice through two more!
"Take this!" Souji yelled, slicing two down with the Subflight Lifter's GN Beam Blades.
At another city, Kyrios reverted to it's mobile suit form and fired rounds from it's GN Submachine Gun, taking down most Realdos with two blasts.
"Kyrios, commencing intervention!" Allelujah announced, drawing it's beam sabers and slicing three on the ground. More Realdos took towards the air to stop Kyrios, but suddenly a two beam blasts wiped out several of their units!
"Don't you dare underestimate the power of Gundam!" Origen roared, withdrawing Adunai's double-barrel rifle in favor of it's GN Hyper Beam Sabers. The gigantic blades crashed down onto the weak mobile suits, crushing the pilots before the blades could slice through them!
In the third city, Dynames fought the Taribian Realdos by itself. Lockon was still more than enough to defeat the enemy.
"Dynames, sniping the targets." Lockon announced. Despite being bombarded by heavy assault machine guns, he was able to dodge them all thanks to Haro's defense control mechanism. With Haro at the defense, he was able to properly level and aim his sniper rifle, shooting and striking all of his targets with perfect accuracy!
"That's what you get for taking advantage of us." Lockon said.
Exusia and Alauda have taken down about 60% of the enemy fleet with their close-ranged weaponry. Meanwhile, Kyrios and Adunai have finally disposed of the enemies at their city using their heavy duty beam weapons.
"This is so one-sided..." Allelujah muttered.
"So, Celestial Being has decided to fight our military." The Taribian speaker gravely said. "Get the president on the phone."
"I see... yes... yes..." The president murmured, nodding his head as he spoke through his old-fashioned phone. "And you will withdraw your secession from the Union?... Good."
He got off the phone, and called for his secretary. "David, our military will attack Celestial Being in order to protect our Taribian allies."
"The American mobile suit teams have launched." Christina reported. "I believe that they will act to protect Taribia, as predicted."
"I knew it..." Sumeragi murmured.
"In accordance to the mission plan, each Gundam will withdraw to a safe zone." Feldt announced.
"Those Union people are jerks, huh?" Rachel pouted. "We sorta help them and they repay us by attacking us!"
"This is a farce." Tieria said, arms crossed as he drifted through the room.
"Wait a second!" Christina exclaimed, gasping. "I have several machines closing in on each of the Gundams! They're Union Flags, and they are moving at twice the speed of their original specs!"
"What is this?" Lockon exclaimed as a fiery red Flag came at Dynames, firing blasts from it's rifle! Dynames quickly dodged, but was met by even more blasts from a light blue Flag that came from behind.
"So this is a Gundam, huh?" Simon whispered. "It's fast, but-"
Simon turned the Aleister around and grabbed the Gundam with it's left arm as it attempted to face it's enemy. Then it held it's right arm in the air, revealing each finger to be a sonic blade, rotating at fast speeds!
"It doesn't mean the pilot's any good!" Simon roared, bringing the blades down to stab the Gundam.
"Why you!" Lockon yelled, grabbing it's beam saber and slicing it's arm off before it could harm him!
"Aghh!" Simon screamed as the Aleister was pushed back.
Julia was very surprised as well. AEU's Peter Loewen told her about the sniper unit, but she underestimated it's close-ranged capabilities too. Although it wasn't particularly skilled at the art of sword, it could duel to save it's life.
She decided to act, drawing her plasma saber and zooming in on Dynames. The Gundam was much more prepared for this, with the front skirt opening up and firing several GN Missiles! Julia gasped, and dodged several before getting hit at the legs! Cringing but acting, she quickly made her escape. Simon followed suit.
Adunai was being assaulted by the Silverback as well. Despite the bulkiness that could rival Virtue, the Flag proved to be a formidable opponent. The bulky packs on it's back and sides opened up to reveal several missiles, each fired at the Gundam! Adunai was able to dodge, but this gave the Silverback opportunity to ram into the Gundam! Origen gasped in shock as the Silverback latched onto the Gundam and drew it's plasma saber, slicing it's waist off!
"Tch!" Origen scowled.
"Got you now!" Gore roared, firing more missles from it's backpack!
Gore didn't expect the leg component of the Gundam to shift into a jet and fly in front of the missiles, taking the impact and exploding! Suddenly, a giant beam erupted from the smoke, striking the Silverback's left arm! The smoke cleared, with a little smoke coming out of Adunai's forehead. The Gundam's upper body and stomach seperated into two jets, and quickly made off!
Meanwhile, Kyrios was struggling against the Crow as well as the other two normal Flags. That isn't to say that the Flags were overwhelming the Gundam. Both parties were on equal terms, especially with a kind-hearted soul at the Gundam's controls.
"What do we do, sir?" Howard asked.
"I don't really know." Raven replied, dodging another blast from Kyrios's rifle. "This Gundam certainly succeeded my former expectations. I have to rethink accordingly."
"Y-Yes sir!"
Allelujah was very appalled. He could infer through his enemy pilots' skills that they were all of the elite. So, why wouldn't they retreat? Especially with the knowledge of fighting a superior mobile suit? Were the crazy, or were they coming up with a strategy? Either way, Allelujah didn't want to fight back. So he decided to stick with the mission plan: Retreat.
Kyrios quickly reverted into it's Fighter Mode and dodged the linear rifle blasts, zooming higher into the sky. Raven conceded that he couldn't defeat the Gundam the way he was thinking right now, so he let it go.
Exusia and Alauda took off near the Pacific Ocean, both heading towards the same safe zone. Their sensors went off, with two Flags catching up to them at high-speed!
Souji's eyes widened. I sense a familiar presence... Amina?
"That Flag!" Setsuna growled.
"With this mobile suit, I can fight you properly!" Graham roared, eyes flaring with excitement. "Come, Gundam!"
The Gallant proceeded to draw it's Plasma Sword II from it's hip, activating it. The result was a huge burst of plasma emitted near the hilt, with a single plasma saber coming forth from it. Setsuna gasped, then drew it's claymore. The two blades clashed, but this time Graham's sword was able to stand against the blade!
"Emir, with this new weapon, I'll defeat you!" Amina yelled, the Comet firing several quick blasts from it's railgun! The blasts were so fast that Alauda could barely block them, but the impact threw him back!
"Arghh!" Souji screamed. He ascended a bit, firing blasts from his Subflight Lifter. The Comet's upgraded agility allowed for it to dodge the blasts and strike back with more railgun shots.
Although Setsuna really wanted to fight back, he had to follow the mission plan. He dodged the Gallant's slash and fired it's machine cannons in an attempt to make it freeze. Fearless Graham Aker dodged each bullet unnoticingly, and tried again to slice Exusia but missed.
When Exusia ascended above the Gallant, Graham decided a different approach. He immediately fired it's machine gun straight above, not to damage the Gundam. He knew that it would be impossible to damage it with a simple gun. But it did cause Exusia to freeze for one second, giving Graham his chance! The Gallant immediately vertically slashed the Exusia in attempt to slice off it's legs! The Gundam responded in throwing it's shield at the Flag, knocking the Gallant away! Graham cursed as the Gundam descended into the water, submerging away from sight.
Souji was struggling as well. Although he knew he could strike back against the custom Flag, he didn't want to fight Amina. She felt the opposite, firing a frenzy of railgun blasts.
"Amina..." Souji whispered. "I'm sorry..."
Alauda quickly followed Exusia's suit, submerging into the water. The Flags weren't built for underwater combat, so now they were stuck.
"That was amazing, you two!" Daryl exclaimed upon reaching the two.
"They got away..." Amina muttered. "And I was overconfident."
"That's alright, Ensign." Graham said. "I'm sure the rest of the team feels the same way. At least we stood a chance against the Gundams."
He turned off his communications and took off his visor. "Still, the Gundams can move underwater? You're a little too versatile, Gundam."
"I didn't expect them to attack the Taribian military." Marina murmured.
"Really? I believe Taribia and America both expected this would happen." Shirin replied.
"You do?"
"Once Celestial Being intervened, Taribia had no choice but to request for help from the Union's military." She explained. "Now Taribia will no longer have anti-Union sentiments and support the U.S.'s policies. Meanwhile, Taribia's government will receive support from America. To avoid what happened in Taribia, other countries will think twice before engaging in anti-U.S. action."
Marina breathed in, a little shocked from the current events.
"I wonder which country benefitted most from these events." Shirin said, narrowing her eyes. "If you don't know, you're not qualified to lead our nation. Royal Princess of the Kingdom of Azadistan, Marina Ismail."
"Hey big sister, can you make sense of what happened?" Saji asked Kinue as he watched the news channel. "Celestial Being attacked the Taribian military, but it's not like they were committing acts of violence."
"You're right." She responded, more focused on typing her story.
"They say they want to stop the fighting, but they're the ones who're starting it." Saji said as he watched the Gundams defeat the Taribian mobile suits. "It's so wrong..."
Kinue sighed. "Saji, the world isn't that simple."
Next door, Setsuna laid on his back, feeling dejected from his previous battle.
Souji also laid on his bed. Amina has gotten stronger. I can't afford to go easy on her now.
Hope you guys liked that chapter. I've replaced the Star Division with two OCs based on two actual characters from SEED, Luna and Rey. They look almost exactly like them too. Both will play a major role in the series. Christina and Feldt have some girl time too. I knew they were close in the series, but there wasn't as much interaction as I hoped. Christina's death at the end of the first season didn't hurt me as much as Lockon's. Like I said before, there will be a lot more interaction in this fanfic than in the anime.
The Anti-Gundam Investigative Force really did a number on the Gundam Meisters, huh? They are almost on equal terms when it comes to fighting, but the Gundams are technologically superior. They'll clash a lot as the season progresses. There will be longer battle scenes eventually. For now, the Gundams will overpower every mobile suit they fight, making short battle scenes.
Anyways, I'm going to show the specs for every Flag introduced! Yup! It's gonna get good, son!
SVMS-01G Union Flag 'Gallant' Custom
In Graham Aker's attempt to defeat the blue Gundam in it's specialized field (close-range), Professor Ralph Eifman designs and builds this close-quarters combat mobile suit for that very purpose. It's outward demonic appearance was designed to install fear in it's opponents. Despite the G-System that doubles the Flag's speed, the user will feel several Gs during acceleration, making this suit a double-edged sword. This suit is disregards several long-ranged weaponry in favor of close combat, only keeping the shell-firing machine gun. It is equipped with two plasma swords, as well as an upgraded plasma sword with twice the output of the original. It's incredible speed, frightening face, and it's close-ranged effectiveness makes it a deadly mobile suit in the hands of it's deadly pilot, Graham Aker.
Model Number: SVMS-01G
Code Name: Gallant
Unit Type: Custom Transformable Close-Quarters Combat Mobile Suit
Manufacturer: Union
Operator: Union
Pilot: Graham Aker
Accomodation: Pilot only, cockpit in torso
Dimensions: Overall height 17.9 meters
Weight: Max gross weight 65.5 tons
Armor Materials: E-Carbon
Power Plant: E-Carbon (stores hydrogen), Solar Energy System
Special Features: G-System, Onboard AI, Drum Cockpit, Chaff Flare Dispenser, Weapons Compartment, Hardpoints for mounting additional Missile Pods
Looks: Just like the Flag. The head is the same, but it's sharper and more jagged, similar to the Epyon. It's painted pitch black with crimson red trim, as well as bloody red eyes.
Weapons: Plasma Sword II, hip-mounted, hand-carried in use; 2x Sonic Blade, stored behind the waist, hand-carried in use, can emit plasma swords; 20mm Machine Gun, mounted next to cockpit drum; Defense Rod, attached to left elbow;
Comments: Told you I'd change the canon characters' mobile suits. The Gallant was a lot of fun to design. I'm a big fan of close-ranged mobile suits (ex. Alauda) and the Epyon is my favorite, moreso than the Justice. And since I based Setsuna's mobile suit off the Wing Gundam, why not base Graham's suit off the Epyon? I am aware that Gundam 00 is more realistic than any of the Gundam series, and thus it's mobile suits are realistic as well. You'll probably criticize how unrealistic this mobile suit is then. I hope you guys don't. Anyway, this mobile suit is a sign of Graham's eventual philosophy in the future of this fanfic. It might be different than his Mr. Bushido persona in the canon. So this suit was heavily based off the Epyon in a number of ways: it's looks, it's close-ranged effectiveness, and it's speed. I didn't give it the Heat Rod or it's claws because that seemed way too unrealistic. It's new sword can fight on par with Exusia's claymore and beam sabers, making the suit a frightening weapon. Plus, this mobile suit is in the hands of a pilot whose skills most definitely exceeds Setsuna's. It's like pitting SEED's Mu against Dearka: An experienced ace pilot with an inferior weapon vs. a younger, natural pilot with a superior machine. It's a draw no matter how you look at it.
SVMS-01A Union Flag 'Comet' Custom
In Amina's quest to take revenge on her former friend Emir, professor Ralph Eifman, not wanting the young lady to get hurt, designed a mobile suit with unmatched mobility in mind. This gave way to a high-speed mobile suit with several methods of escape. It's toned-down G-System allows it to go at very fast speeds, while lowering the strain on the pilot. This also allows it to transform into Fighter Mode without any problem, giving it easy access to escape. The Comet is lightly armed to make sure it's weight is as low as possible. It's main weapon is it's railgun, a special hyper-velocity gun that can fire several accelerated rounds that can leave the opponent in a frenzy trying to dodge them all. This mobile suit with it's escape capabilities and speed was designated to the youngest member of the Anti-Gundam Investigative Force, Amina Halabi.
Model Number: SVMS-01A
Code Name: Comet
Unit Type: Custom Transformable High-Mobility Mobile Suit
Manufacturer: Union
Operator: Union
Pilot: Amina Halabi
Accomodation: Pilot only, cockpit in torso
Dimensions: Overall height 17.8 meters
Weight: Max gross weight 59.6 tons
Armor Materials: E-Carbon
Power Plant: E-Carbon (stores hydrogen), Solar Energy System
Special Features: G-System, Onboard AI, Drum Cockpit, Chaff Flare Dispenser, Weapons Compartment, Hardpoints for mounting additional Missile Pods
Looks: Just like the Flag. It has a dark pink paint job with white trim. It's railgun has a similar appearance to SEED's Duel's Shiva railgun.
Weapons: REW-01 115mm Railgun, attached to right forearm, hand-carried in use; 4-Tube Grenade Launcher, mounted on left forearm; 20mm Machine Gun, mounted next to cockpit drum; Defense Rod, attached to left elbow;
Comments: This is the same Flag I created for Amina last fanfic, with only two differences. The first being it's new name. I chose 'comet' because of how beautiful and powerful it was, just like Amina. The second is it's unit type. Originally, it was a clone of Graham's Custom Flag. Now it focuses on high-speed combat using distraction and dogfighting tactics. And it's speed and mobility allows it to escape from sticky situations. The railgun supports this strategy by distracting the opponent while the pilot can escape. I know this is the total opposite of an ideal suit to combat Alauda, but that just makes this situation more interesting.
SVMS-01RK Union Flag 'Crow' Custom
A repainted Flag specifically customized by Reeves Team member Raven Kennedy. The Crow is the most agile of the team's Flags, being able to weave through enemy mobile suits with ease. It has arm-claws to fit it's crow-image, each mounting a linear gun for long-ranged combat in it's Fighter Mode. It is best suited for dogfighting purposes and distraction tactics, therefore it depends on strategy more than power. It needs a pilot that thinks, and was thus assigned to it's creator, Raven Kennedy.
Model Number: SVMS-01RK
Code Name: Crow
Unit Type: Custom Transformable Aerial Mobile Suit
Manufacturer: Union
Operator: Union
Pilot: Raven Kennedy
Accomodation: Pilot only, cockpit in torso
Dimensions: Overall height 17.9 meters
Weight: Max gross weight 76.1 tons
Armor Materials: E-Carbon
Power Plant: E-Carbon (stores hydrogen), Solar Energy System
Special Features: G-System, Onboard AI, Drum Cockpit, Chaff Flare Dispenser, Weapons Compartment, Hardpoints for mounting additional Missile Pods
Looks: Just like the Flag. Painted dark blue with black trim, with jagged blades around the edges of it's body. It has a black mask on it's face.
Weapons: 2x Linear Gun, attached to claws, hand-mounted in use; Crow Claw, attached to hands; Sonic Blade, hip-mounted, hand-carried in use; 20mm Machine Gun, mounted next to cockpit drum; Defense Rod, attached to left elbow;
Comments: This was the hardest to design out of all the Custom Flags, but it was the easiest to name. From the start, I wanted an agile mobile suit that was fast and air combat-based. But I wanted to keep it different than Amina's Comet. So I thought for a few days, and decided to create a mobile suit that required strategy to use. This thing is based off the Raider Gundam in SEED, mostly because of the claws and guns. I didn't include the hammer because a certain mobile suit will gain that thing later. This mobile suit was the reason it took me awhile to update.
SMVS-01SB Union Flag 'Aleister' Custom
A special custom Flag designed by the moral-loving member of the Reeves Team. This Flag followed the vampire motif to strike fear in it's opponents hearts, and is programmed to work better at night. This mobile suit was designed specifically for stealth operations and fast close-quarters combat to take out it's enemy in one strike. Each finger is equipped with a sonic blade for maximum close-ranged effectiveness and contains a cooling generator to be less effected by heat-sensing radars. This gives it a slightly invisible sense, and is in the hands of it's vampirish pilot, Simon Belmont.
Model Number: SVMS-01SB
Code Name: Aleister
Unit Type: Custom Transformable Stealth Combat Mobile Suit
Manufacturer: Union
Operator: Union
Pilot: Simon Belmont
Accomodation: Pilot only, cockpit in torso
Dimensions: Overall height 17.9 meters
Weight: Max gross weight 76.1 tons
Armor Materials: E-Carbon
Power Plant: E-Carbon (stores hydrogen), Solar Energy System
Special Features: G-System, Onboard AI, Drum Cockpit, Chaff Flare Dispenser, Weapons Compartment, Cooling Generator, Hardpoints for mounting additional Missile Pods
Looks: Just like the Flag. Unlike the other custom Flags, this one has light blue armor with silver trim, as opposed to their dark-painted armor. This suit has even sharper edges than the Crow.
Weapons: 10x Sonic Blade, one on each finger, can emit plasma swords; 20mm Machine Gun, mounted next to cockpit drum; Defense Rod, attached to left elbow;
Comments: Before I begin talking about the mobile suit, this guy's name is based off the same guy from Castlevania. I've never played it, and I have no idea how Simon actually acts, but I thought this would be a great idea. Anyway, to fit with the vampire motif, I've addded a vampire mobile suit. This Flag is an early prototype stealth suit armed with several close-ranged weapons. It's stealthy because of the cooling generator, leaving it undetected by radar. It's stealth ability is not as effective as SEED's Blitz's mirage colloid, but it's a huge advancement in Anno Domini.
SVMS-01GA Union Flag 'Silverback' Custom
A special custom Flag developed by the buffest, wisest member of the Reeves Team. The Silverback is a heavily armed mobile suit equipped with several missile launchers to overwhelm it's enemy and boosters all around it's body to keep it afloat and keep up with it's teammates. This suit was developed with anti-ship combat in mind, using weapons that can take down slow targets moreso than swift targets. A mobile suit like this needed a pilot with large amounts of patience, and was assigned to Gore Archer, Reeves' wisest member.
Model Number: SVMS-01GA
Code Name: Silverback
Unit Type: Custom Transformable Artillery Mobile Suit
Manufacturer: Union
Operator: Union
Pilot: Gore Archer
Accomodation: Pilot only, cockpit in torso
Dimensions: Overall height 18.9 meters
Weight: Max gross weight 88.8 tons
Armor Materials: E-Carbon
Power Plant: E-Carbon (stores hydrogen), Solar Energy System
Special Features: G-System, Onboard AI, Drum Cockpit, Chaff Flare Dispenser, Weapons Compartment, Hardpoints for mounting additional Missile Pods, 12x Plasma Jet Engine stored in backpack
Looks: A bigger, thicker Flag. It's dark brown with yellow trim, with a backpack containing boosters. Black missile pods on it's forearms, legs, shoulders, and backpack.
Weapons: 7x Missile Launcher, each storing twenty missiles, mounted on forearms, legs, shoulders, backpack; Dual Linear Rifle, mounted on right forearm, hand-carried in use; 2x 20mm Machine Gun, mounted next to cockpit drum; 2x Defense Rod, attached to elbows;
Comments: From the beginning, I wanted a mobile suit like this. A heavy assault mobile suit with firepower rivaling Adunai and Virtue's. It's firepower almost equals the Gundams as well, but it's not as agile as the two strongest Gundams. This thing could take down several ships with ease. I've always loved overwhelming firepower, moreso in conventional weapons than beam weaponry. This Flag is probably my most favorite, besides the Gallant.
Sorry for the late entry guys. Still, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now please press that review button and type away!