Gundam 00: Phoenix
Silence of Heaven
The crack of gunfire and the sight of faintly glowing tracers into the enveloping darkness that was night were the only things Daveral could see and hear while he continued to move forward to where the Gundams were located. He did not know where friendlies or the enemies were in the confusion, but all that mattered was reaching the Gundams before A-Laws did and hopefully salvage what they could of the situation.
Running down, through lanes of equipment and supplies that had not yet been loaded onto vehicles, a sudden deafening boom went off causing Daveral's ears to ring painfully, blocking out all sound for the moment until it began to subside. Turning his head to his right, Daveral noticed a the silhouette of a nearby Viper tank that was currently engaging the enemy with its main cannon. The cannon then fired again, drowning out all sound once more.
With a growl, Daveral turned his head back to his current path moving slightly faster, if just to get further away from the tank. He would rather not have any permanent damage to his hearing if he could help it, especially when he needed to know just what else could be going on or if someone needed to call out to him.
A slight opening in the narrow winding valley that they were in caused Daveral's eyes to widened slightly. They were just about there; however, any sense of relief he had quickly dissipated when an APC bearing the colours and insignia of A-Laws drifted around the corner where the Rising Phoenix motor pool was and into the area.
Immediately upon seeing this, Daveral stopped and did a quick search for cover, getting behind a thick, jagged rock formation that extended out for over eight people to hide behind. Soon afterwards, the others who were behind him also took shelter with the squad leader glancing out from the side to get a good look at what they're facing.
"Daniel," one of the soldiers began with a sharp whisper, looking at the APC before back to the other man, "I've got AT," the man told him and took his launcher off its sling and unfolded the sights.
"Take that thing out, we'll cover," Daniel, the apparent squad leader whispered back before he looked over to another. "Josh, keep a look out for targets of opportunity for my scope." Finally, Daniel looked over at both Daveral and Flint. "Sorry to disappoint you, but we're going to need to use those rifles, just pin those A-Laws down, I'll take them out."
"Sounds like a plan," Flint replied, gripping his rifle tightly with Daveral giving a simple nod as his response, understanding the role he needed to fulfill.
Daniel looked out for a few more seconds, raising his arm for the right moment. With one swift, downwards hand gesture, a streak of exhaust and a glowing red fireball erupted from the launcher before the rifles then followed with quick, short bursts.
Within moments, the A-Laws soldiers who had disembarked were sent scurrying into what cover they could find. Their APC, though still in one piece, had smoke billowing from its open wound caused by the rocket that had struck it with sparks and small explosions shooting out as ammunition detonated inside.
"Another APC inbound!" Josh then shouted, pointing over at another vehicle rumbling forward.
"Get me some more AT on that son of a bitch!" Daniel demanded as everyone ducked back down against the hailstorm of bullets and light cannon-fire that slowly began to strip away their cover, bit by bit.
"Sorry, I'm out!" the soldier who had launched the rocket hollered back over the near deafening noise with Daniel giving a scowl.
"If we don't hurry, they're going to steal our Gundams!" Flint said to Daniel over the noise after waiting for the man to throw a grenade out before ducking back down. "Is there any chance we can run past them?" he then added.
"You're crazy," Daveral said to his friend upon hearing the suggestion. He was not one to take such great risks, especially when the odds were really against them. What if A-Laws just sprayed bullets into them the moment they tried to run for it?
"Negative, we're out of smoke and the run across is too treacherous. Besides it's not like everyone's dead," Daniel answered back to Flint before turning to Josh. "Get me ahold of that tank we ran past, we need its support!"
Josh nodded and activated his helmet comm. "Bloodhound One, we need your support at the motor pool. We need a path cleared to the vehicles!"
"Understood, Bloodhound One coming around to support, I already have my sights on the target," was what came through the radio over the background noise.
A second later, the roar of a cannon could be heard before the second A-Laws' APC took a round through the front and began to start burning.
"Alright, move!" Daniel demanded, signaling them to move forward before he vaulted out from cover.
The rest of the squad quickly followed Daniel, all climbing over what remained of the rock formation as the tank's main cannon proceeded to fire once more, this time at A-Laws troops in cover.
Daveral, however, hesitated at the order due to the sight of A-Laws soldiers still in cover until the earth began to rumble with the treads of an approaching tank that was supporting them. The previous experience of being shot still lingered in his mind was enough for him to doubt if it was a good idea to leave cover when there were still enemies out there. Fighting in a Gundam made you feel invincible and that you could take risks, but here felt utterly vulnerable. He didn't even have a combat vest or his piloting suit on.
Before he could move, Flint then picked him up by his collar and onto his feet.
"You're not going to get shot like last time! Now move, goddamn it!" Flint screamed at Daveral, his eyes wide open with a gaze that demanded action rather than words.
"I got it, I got it," Daveral quickly responded with a single breath before climbing over what was left of the rock formation and made a dash towards where their machines were located.
Moralia, September 9, Cavliea
Helana's eyes were glued to the television. She was not one to watch TV, but what had just flashed on screen had utterly surprised her–the Rising Phoenix was engaged with the A-Laws.
"As you can hear," the reporter began before pausing as another explosion went off in the background, "government peacekeeping forces have just located what appears to be a Rising Phoenix staging area and are currently engaged with them. More men and equipment are already hurriedly being rushed to reinforce the forces already present in hopes of trapping Rising Phoenix personnel and cutting off any possible routes into or out of the valley."
"Do you know of the strength or size of the forces located in the Rising Phoenix area?" the thin, blonde-haired female newscaster asked who appeared to be in her early thirties.
"At this time, it is estimated over a full regiment of men are located in the valley. Included with this are tanks, fighters, artillery and even two Gundams from what the commanding officer of the operation, Parker Pearson, has told us," the reporter answered before a series of shouts and orders could be heard from a officers addressing their troops of their new orders, though it was rather indistinguishable with the battle raging in the background.
"Two Gundams?" the woman repeated with the newscaster confirming, "Are they active?" she then asked.
"At this time, details are not clear, but we have been told that the Rising Phoenix has been caught utterly off guard, though this could possibly change for the fighting has intensified greatly since it first began just under half-an-hour ago," the reporter stated before several planes appeared out of the blue and commenced a strafing run with guns and rockets behind the reporter which was clearly not far away as shockwaves shook the camera and the people on-screen. "Sorry, Trish, but we're going to have to go," the reporter told the newscaster before the camera cut and the screen focused back in on the woman.
"That was our Middle East correspondent, Lloyd George, who we wish our best hopes for his safety," the newscaster said before continuing. "We now bring to you a live address by the Commander-in-chief of the A-Laws, Homer Katagiri. Be warned, the images present are quite graphic, viewer discretion is advised."
Several seconds passed before the screen changed to the image of an aged, yet strong and well-built man appeared, his brown hair tied back into a ponytail with a well-trimmed goatee. His eyes showed no emotion, making it impossible to tell what he thought on thepresent situation as he stood at a podium with a microphone raised.
"As of now, the autonomous peacekeeping force, the A-Laws, is working to finally bring an end to Rising Phoenix activities that seek to destabilize the Middle East with their attacks on both A-Laws and Federation installations as well as against the population," Homer began without any sort of digital screen or paper to guide him.
The images behind him then showed the devastation of several cities with injured people and Federation soldiers trying to do what they can to stabilize present problems they were facing. Though, it looked like there were simply far too few of them trying to contain city-wide catastropes.
Helana could only have her eyes widened. The images were exactly what the newscaster had warned. People had been badly injured, their injuries vary that it did not take much of an imagination to figure out just how bad some of them were going in the Middle East. Some people were missing parts of their body or hideously disfigured while others were crying or screaming at the lost of loved ones; Helana could only be thankful no sound had been provided. She did not want to hear the cries of pain which were clearly coming from some of the wounded or those whose lives had been utterly shattered.
"The Rising Phoenix has been utterly merciless in their attacks. Nobody has been spared from the carnage and more will continue to suffer until the A-Laws has put an end to their actions. Their actions are utterly barbaric and inhumane and they must be halted if there is to be peace. I can assure the public that we will neutralize the Rising Phoenix threat in the area. The government does care about the concerns of those in the Middle East and we will answer their pleads by offering whatever support we can. Have faith that we will point an end to Rising Phoenix activities. Our commitment to this fight shall not waver, we will put an end to these atrocities!" Homer said through the microphone before a volley of question then came from the crowds of journalist.
"That can't be right," Helana muttered to herself, her minds still focused on those vivid images of pain and death.
Those atrocities cannot have been caused by the Rising Phoenix, by her friends. They were good people and they would never cause something like this, she was sure of it. This was just A-Laws manipulating the information, or she hoped, but that would mean the government they had was utterly corrupt. She did not know which of the two was worse, both of them betrayal of trust. Yet, how could she complain with the way things in Moralia were going now? Before they were just surviving, now they were actually flourishing. If that was taken away, what would happen to all of them?
"Rising Phoenix, no good, always making problems for everyone," her father grumbled before wheezing out a cough from his chair.
Helana got up and made sure his blankets still were wrapped around him. "Don't try to talk, dad. Try to get some rest," she said to him.
"It's just," her father gave another cough before continuing on, "Sten would have none of this. No one would," he murmured before he adjusted himself in his seat with a grumble.
"Ya," Helana softly murmured. "He wouldn't."
Turkmenistan, September 9, Katharon Base
Klaus pondered over what options that had accumulated over talks with other leading members of the Katharon. The Kingdom of Suile was the only place in the Middle East still willing to challenge the might of the Federation, but everyone knew there was no way for them to hold with their relatively outdated equipment; GN Drives had changed the power of military forces to incredible levels that conventional technologies needed some form of adaptation to even stand a chance.
"How foolish, even they should know there is no chance of them fighting back against the Federation," Shirin said, having just heard that Suile had blocked any attempt at negotiations.
"Not that the world will care, Suile's information network is useless in its the current situation," someone replied, rubbing their chin. "The Federation's information blackout will ensure nothing will be getting in or out of Suile's borders any time soon."
"What if we arranged a meeting with the royal family? We can them to give us information on the Federation's atrocities in the Middle East which we spread to the rest of the world?" Shirin then suggested to everyone.
Klaus nodded his head before turning to his information informant. "Akada, is there any chance of us getting a way to arrange a meeting with Suile's king?" he asked.
The man scratched the back of his head. "I may be able to use my contacts during my time as a reporter, though I won't be able to promise anything."
"Get what you can, we need some results," Klaus said back to the man before turning to the others. "If we can just get the information we should be able to get our agents to rally support against the Federation government."
"And with public support, the Federation government will have no choice but to reform," Shirin then continued for him.
A Katharon member then entered the room.
"Judas, what news?" Klaus immediately asked. No one would enter unless there was something important to know.
"It's our informant; he's given us information on the Rising Phoenix. Apparently they're in trouble, again," Judas answered.
"Should we aid them?" a Katharon leader said.
"They're at the border between Azadistan and Turkmenistan and they're actually not far from our current location," Judas then informed. "I also hear that their leader is on-site."
"It's too risky," Klaus began. "If they're struggling to survive there is not much aid we can offer. Our own forces are too meager to properly engage Federation forces."
Many of the other Katharon leaders nodded, only Shirin did not agree as she looked at him.
"Is it wise to just leave them to be defeated? Their aid would greatly improve the chances of us getting the message to the public. We only have so many agents and our numbers dwindle every day," Shirin told him.
Klaus pondered on her words for a moment. It would be a risky maneuver, but maybe he could incorporate it into one of the plans that his branch had been preparing.
They needed to get the Federation out of Azadistan. It had always been an concern which only grew when Princess Marina Ismail had been returned to them. And the Rising Phoenix reduced Federation positions, depleting them of vital forces. They needed to strike before they could reinforce and replace the newly instated provisional government with Azadistan's rightful ruler. If they managed that and got Federation forces to listen to Princess who had been unjustly imprisoned and information they got from Suile, it would be a major victory for Katharon. It may even rally part of the Federation to their own cause.
"There is a chance we may be able to help them as our forces head into Azadistan in our attempt to retake the capital, if their remaining forces are willing to support our push," Klaus said before turning to the rest of the leaders. "So, what are our options?"
"If reports are true, they have Gundams which would be of great use and turn the tides for us. Their weaponry would greatly accelerate our push towards the capital meaning less time for the Federation to respond," one of the leaders spoke.
"That's if we manage to save them in the first place," another said.
"Our forces are ready to move at a moment's notice; if we aid immediately them we will have an ally in our debt, even if it is a greatly weakened one. The more alliances we can make with those who fight against the Federation government the better off we'll be."
"Agreed," another Katharon cell leader said, giving a nod of approval.
"If it does work out in our favour you have our support."
The remaining leaders also gave their approval and soon, the entire Middle Eastern force of Katharon would be backing this operation.
"Alright," Klaus began before turning to Judas. "Get the word out to our forces we are to aid the Rising Phoenix forces at those coordinates." He then turned his head back to Akada. "Get in touch with your contacts, see if we can arrange a meeting. We've got work to do if we want this to suceed."
"I'll do my best," Akada replied before he left the room immediately to get to work.
Klaus turned his head back to the rest of the Katharon leaders. "Now let's just pray we can catch the Federation by surprise."
Earth's Orbit, September 9, Ural-Class Transport
Graham watched as a group of mobile suits entered the large hanger of the Ural with more arriving every passing minute
Thankfully they were not using a Baikal Battleship for a staging point or it would be impossible for a proper briefing to occur and there was no chance of them getting four battleships to carry twenty-four mobile suits. From what he heard, the majority of the fleet was rallying around some satellite. A rather curious and strange move, what could it possibly be?
He then looked at his Ahead. His request for Billy getting him a new machine had not been fulfilled for Billy Katagiri always had something to attend within the A-Laws leadership. They always wanted something so requests from old friends were definitely at the bottom of the list of "Things to Do" for the brilliant engineer.
Fortunately, what Billy had managed to get him, and his squadron were some definitely much needed upgrades. His Ahead had been given smaller, but more efficient and powerful thrusters. To add to that, there were two small arm shields instead of one and both of them were packing GN Vulcans within that did not hinder his close-range abilities. And no longer did he have to bother using the rifle which would interfere with his two-handed fighting style. His men were rather jealous to say the least, but thankfully Katagiri had found a way to give some more efficient systems to his men's GN-Xs. They would need them in the fights to come–and sadly there were never enough Aheads to go around.
"This better crush Celestial Being I don't want to have to chase them for the rest of my life," Graham heard from the woman known as Louise.
"It'll be difficult," Graham began before turning his head towards her and gave her a serious look, "and will you be able to handle yourself out there?" he asked, waiting for her response.
The woman did not flinch or bother to look back at him. "I'll be ready; you'll get no mistakes from me this time."
Graham could only raise a brow. He knew he would hate himself for asking this question, but ever since their last battle and the transmission she had with someone on Celestial Being's ship, it only raised the question: would she be able to fight if they met again?
"And what if we meet Saji once more? What will you do?" Graham then asked her curiously.
The woman hesitated for a moment before she regained her confidence and responded. "I'll save him," she told him and in a tone that sounded like she would tear into Celestial Being's ship if she had to.
Graham gave but a simple nod and prepared to head out to inspect his machine until he spotted a thin white-haired woman and a tall brown-haired male enter the room. Both of them were not that old, appearing in their early twenties.
He then realized that one of them was the super soldier. Soma Pierres was here name if he remembered it right and quite a skilled pilot. She was one the few who can fight a Gundam to a stand-still and still have reasonable chance at winning. The fact she had total confidence in his abilities also made her a worthy ally to fight beside. Seeing her without Colonel Smirnov, however, was something new.
His eyes then noticed that the brown-haired male had glanced over at Louise for a moment and Graham almost would have thought he was checking her out if it weren't for the fact his gaze was utterly fixated and he almost seemed confused as to why Louise was here.
"I don't think it's nice of you to stare," Louise, who had quickly taken notice, then said to the man which snapped him back into reality.
The man gave a slight bow and apologized, "I'm sorry. I just never expected someone such as you in the A-Laws. You don't look like one who should be fighting on the front-lines," he said sincerely without fumbling on any of his words or saying the wrong thing which Graham would have expected from younger males of his age.
"I get that a lot," Louise simply said with a small smile. "But I'm here so it doesn't really change much, does it?"
"No, it doesn't. By the way, I'm Second Lieutenant Andrei Smirnov," he then introduced himself and extended a hand.
"Warrant Officer Louise Halevy," Louise answered, returning his greeting before shaking his hand.
"First Lieutenant Soma Pierres," Soma then said now entering the conversation, also shaking Louise's hand after Andrei. "My team will be assigned to aid you in the fight against Celestial Being." She then looked at Graham. "Captain Aker, it's been awhile since we last met. I see you're here early for once."
Graham just shrugged. "I would be late, but my boys won't allow me to relax," he said jokingly before he stepped forward and shook the hands of his fellow comrades. "Captain Graham Aker. I would introduce you two to my team, but they're off being iditiots somewhere on the ship."
"We better go report to our superior," Soma then said remembering what Andrei and herself had to do as she signaled for the Second Lieutenant to quickly follow her through the door into the interior of the ship.
So many aces on one vessel, command must really mean business, Graham thought to himself before his thoughts went back to what he had said to that young man back in Spain, about the promise he made on meeting him and Celestial Being back on the battlefield.
He had to obey orders, but he still wanted vengeance just for himself as did his team. They needed to be the ones to defeat Celestial Being. Would the Gods of Battle allow his request to be acknowledged? Either way, though, they would still at least get to face Celestial Being once more and he could settle the debt he had with that young man.
Nothing good would come from it but regaining the honour that had been lost, expunging the failure would put his mind at ease over the deaths of the many Flag Fighters that he had failed to save.
Earth's Orbit, September 9
Judgement stared back at Earth and the A-Laws forces that were assembling with their carrier moving out supported by two battleships guarding its flanks.
They must have caught wind of Celestial Being's attempt to break through the atmosphere and hoped that they could finish Celestial Being right after they got too far out from Earth–they could thank Wang Liu Mei and Ribbons for that.
Regardless, they would not be the ones to strike first; instead the Innovators would be the to strike a crippling blow against their enemy. There were five of them in total: Revive Revival, Hilling Care, Divine Nova, Bring Stability and himself. It would be more than enough to challenge the foe and if did not defeat them, it would cripple them enough for the A-Laws to properly do their job.
"I hope you do not let your hunter instincts get the better of you," Judgement then heard over the comm. It was Hilling's voice.
Judgement could only cast a glare at her Gadessa from within his Garazzo.
"As long as I'm the one who ends the mistake's life once all is settled and done, I care not for where or how," Judgement then replied, still staring back at Earth.
"You'll get your chance. Those higher up on the military hierarchy of the A-Laws will ensure no one will intervene; though, Ribbons may integrate us into the A-Laws as licensed officers if this goes poorly. He wants results and the A-Laws high command wants victory and they would be fools to turn down our aid," Revive said. "Their commander's been pressing for our help in their operation ever since Celestial Being made their appearance."
"Then it cannot come down to that. We are Innovators, we cannot lower ourselves to the likes of those beneath us," Judgement said with a growl. He simply would not allow that to happen. The human mercenary who had died four years ago proved they were simply not up to the task.
Hilling gave a light chuckle. "You almost sound like Ribbons. I guess you are as loyal to the ideology after all."
"And if we were not loyal we would not even be here," Divine said before Judgement could respond in kind.
"Enough, the battle is about to begin. The Ptolemaios has been detected on the long-range sensors is heading towards Lagrange 3," Bring then interrupted, bringing the attention of the Innovators, even though Quantum Brainwaves would have been a more efficient means of communications.
Revive's Gadessa then moved forward through the void in the direction where Celestial Being had been detected.
"Come, Hilling, we shall slow the Ptolemaios long enough for the A-Laws to reach them," Revive said with Hilling's Gadessa following right behind Revive.
There will be a reckoning for Celestial Being and this world, Judgement thought as he brought up an image of the Memento Mori.
Nothing would stop what was to come and the Innovators would ensure the plans set out would be fulfilled, regardless of the cost.
September 9, Ptolemaios II enroute to Lagrange 3
The bridge of the Ptolemaios lay silent as the crew kept a careful eye on their surroundings hoping that the A-Laws would be too far out of position to react if they did send their fleets after them. At this moment, they were incredibly vulnerable until their particle supply had recharged.
Miss Sumeragi kept her eyes glued to a sub-screen in front of her that showed all sensor contact. Though they were relatively far away from Earth's orbit thanks to their flawless launch out of the atmosphere, A-Laws vessels just needed confirmation on their own sensors before they could effortlessly blast away from long-range. If it came down to that, the Ptolemaios would be devastated within moments.
"Feldt, how long until we break out of the Federation's detection grid?" she asked Feldt who quickly brought a timer on the main screen.
"Twelve hundred until we break through their detection grid, if we maintain our present course without any sort of engagement that is," Feldt replied back, fixated on her own screen.
Allelujah then spoke over the comm. "Miss Sumeragi, it'll be o-six-hundred until Arios is recharged," he reported to Miss Sumeragi.
"Same goes for the rest of us except Setsuna and Nena," Teria then stated.
"I'm rather surprised there was no resistance upon immediate entry into space. The fleets must be sitting back today," Lyle noted.
"Let's hope it remains that way," Setsuna replied in his low, emotionless voice.
Miss Sumeragi nodded her head, remaining silent while the Ptolemaios continued its assigned course. They needed to get to Lagrange 3 immediately. The longer they were from the fight, the more atrocities that would happen when they were gone. This fighting needed to end sooner rather than later before A-Laws and the Federation government did something drastic that would make their mission impossible, especially since the Innovators were involved. Celestial Being simply just did not have the resources for an overly prolonged fight.
Worse, the Rising Phoenix could be knocked of commission if the reports were true. They were just suffering defeat after defeat. Wesker may even pull out of the fight temporarily if he survived his ordeal with the A-Laws engaging him in the Middle East. His forces were too meager to squander and there had been rumours that a complete different course of action may be taken, if just to preserve what they had left. As of now, she was counting them out of allies they could call upon until the final results of of the battle's aftermath came in.
"They're here," Nena then said.
"What?" Sumeragi began until she realized what had just caught Nena's full attention.
Mileina suddenly then let out a quick gasp and turned to peers with the warning tone rapidly beeping at her console.
"Incoming particle beam!" she warned quickly. "ETA, less than ten seconds until impact!" she continued as another timer appeared on the main screen.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Lasse shouted as he began to pull back on the control of the Ptolemaios, using what particle supply there was left to begin maneuvering the ship away from imminent danger. "Who the hell could it be?"
"Innovators, I should have known they would be waiting," Tieria uttered through the intercom.
As the Ptolemaios pitched its bow up and narrowly avoided the violent, orange particle beam that passed by the vessels port-side, Miss Sumeragi turned to Feldt.
"Open the container doors, have Setsuna and Nena head out immediately, we cannot afford to take any hits in our present condition!" Miss Sumeragi ordered hastily before the vessel shook once more as another particle beam veered past them.
Lasse growled, pushing down on the helm, causing the Ptolemaios to dive under another particle beam. "If only Litchty was here, I don't think I'm going to be able to keep us safe for much longer."
"Try your best," Miss Sumeragi replied reassuringly.
"Decks are clear and mobile suit containers are open! Miss Sumeragi, I've finally got them on E-Sensors, it's the Innovators!" Feldt reported with their image being focused on Miss Sumeragi's personal screen.
"Hurry, launch the 00 and Vier. When Seravee, Cheridum and Arios have recharged enough particle for optimal performance, deploy them immediately. We need to deal with the Innovators quickly; it's likely they're going to attempt to slow us down until Federation or A-Laws forces reach us!"
"Transferring launch controls over to 00 and Vier, they may launch when ready!" Mileina then quickly told Setsuna and Nena.
"Roger, this is Setsuna F. Seiei, 00 Gundam, launching!" Setsuna announced as the 00 briefly appeared through Ptolemy's bridge before heading off.
The Vier then appeared right behind 00's launch course.
"I've got you covered, Setsuna," Nena said.
"Roger that."
Setsuna, Nena, it's up to you two for the time being, Sumeragi thought to herself, staring at the timer representing until the others would be ready.
Setsuna watched as another particle beam came zooming past the Ptolemaios. It wouldn't be long until they finally took a hit, Lasse had to maintain their present course forward–they could not turn back, the risks were too high. A moments delay could end up with the A-Laws all over them.
"Setsuna, there's five of them from what Ptolemy's E-Sensor is reading. Two of them of those you saw in the Middle East while another is a mobile armour that the Rising Phoenix spotted in their previous engagement. The last two, they're new models," Feldt told him with Setsuna giving a simple nod in return.
"That range, how are we supposed to fight them without risking Ptolemy?" Nena commented, rather amazed by the duration of this long-range attack that was going on for.
"We need to force them to come to us," Setsuna replied, staring in the direction of the enemy. "Nena, launch particle disruption smoke along Ptolemy's course as planned."
"I'm so glad that Miss Sumeragi knew what to bring beforehand," Nena murmured as several missiles guided themselves from their launchers towards the Ptolemaios before detonating into a cloud of disruption smoke that concealed Ptolemy in a foggy green mist.
"Now, will it draw them out?" Setsuna muttered as another particle beam began to pass through the smokescreen before it dissipated completely before it could even come close to striking Ptolemy.
The 00 and the Vier maintained close proximity to the Ptolemaios while staying just out of the smoke keeping focussed in the direction where the attacks were coming from in hopes that their attackers would decide to close into combat range.
Before anyone could get too comfortable, three specks of red appeared, moving in fast towards them at incredible speeds before the trails of red particles quickly came into sight.
"They're using boosters to close the distance," Nena stated out before she gave a growl. "He's with them," he heard her say and Setsuna automatically knew who she was referring to.
"Control yourself Nena. Don't go running off to face him yourself," Setsuna cautioned her. He had did not have too much experience fighting beside her, but he had to rely on her more than ever.
Nena frowned. "That may not be a problem. He still wants payback for last time, but I'm not going to give it to him," she told him.
"Roger that," Setsuna acknowledged before he saw the enemies' boosters disengage from the two mobile suits while the mobile armour led the way forward for them.
The Empruss then opened up and fired its particle cannon towards the two Gundams while two orange specks of light appeared in the background before they came into full-view– no longer were the Gadessas targeting the Ptolemaios.
The two Gundam immediately evaded, trying to stick together as the three particle beams tore through space, presenting the two pilots little room to maneuver while staying in close formation. The Vier was forced to halt as a particle beam separated it from the 00 allowing the two Garazzos to make their move as their GN Drives began spewing more and more particles as they accelerated forwards and ignited their particle blades.
"So much for sticking together," Nena growled as the Vier began opening up with its rifle at the nearest Garazzo. "I killed you once and I'll do it again!"
The Vier's particle beams were expertly dodged as the first Garazzo almost closed it, but Setsuna made it there first as the 00's blade caught the multiple beam claws before raising the 00's other blade and fired.
The beam did not strike the Garazzo, but it did force it away before being forced to continuously dodge more shots from both the 00 and the Vier.
The other Garazzo, however, lunged forth at the 00 forcing Setsuna to block with one of his GN Swords and he could not help but notice the mobile armour that was getting dangerously close. Would it try to blast away at them or would it try to get in close and render them helpless?
Setsuna then refocused his mind on more pressing of the attacking Garazzo as he then noticed the set of claws then began to slowly move together and begin forming a single blade that had an intense glow. The GN Sword began to crack under the force, but immediately disengaged with that blade and came around the 00's second blade. He could not afford to lose his most precious weapons so early on in the fight.
Raising its other arm in response, the Garazzo brought its second pair of GN Claws down to block the GN Sword, but Setsuna quickly had the 00 already retract its first blade and drew out a beam saber to Devine's surprise. This saber immediately was plunged forwards, in hopes of impaling the Garazzo, but an incoming particle beam from the Empruss forced the two machines to separate with Setsuna switching back to the physical swords.
The Garazzo then attempted to dive back in, but the Vier fired its rifle forcing the Garazzo to raise its field, but before it could lower the field to continue its attack, the Vier lashed out with its saber. The Garazzo blocked, but a well-placed kick caused the Garazzo temporarily out of control and further away from the two Gundams.
Nena then attempted to go in for the kill, but the Empruss had already swung around and forced her to dodge a barrage of particle beams as the Garazzo behind it regained control.
"They've got each other covered to ensure we won't be able to do any lasting damage," Setsuna noted before he noticed two more red specks closing in and saw the Gadessas that had been previously blasting both them and Ptolemy close in on the vessel.
"Setsuna, they're going to break through!" he heard Nena shout out as she attempted to intercept them with several particle shots, but a Garazzo moved in front of his sights and activated its GN Field, completely negating her efforts. "Son of a bitch!" she then screamed before she found herself being forced to dodge the Garazzo's blades while attempting to fight back with a single beam saber.
Setsuna gritted his teeth as he attempted to race forward to try and stop them, but the other Garazzo intercepted him by lashing out with its blades and forced him into a defensive stance as he blocked before striking back.
"Ptolemy, watch out!" Setsuna shouted as the two Gadessas began to take aim. At that range, disruption smoke would be meaningless against that much power.
He could only helplessly watch as the two Gaddessas began to charge their particle cannons for a moment, until the Garazzo attempted to overpower him by bringing both blades down on him which he responded to by quickly skirting to the side and giving a hard kick the machine's back before getting on the comm.
"Ptolemy, do you copy?" he immediately called out, noticing the two Gadessas' weapons were glowing at the tip with unstable energy bounding about on rails of the weapon, signifying they had just fired.
The channel was silent for a moment until he noticed Arios coming around in its flight mode, hitting the left flank of the Gadessas by showering them with particle beams.
"Allelujah?" Setsuna began as he noticed Seravee and Cheridum emerge from the cloud.
"Setsuna, Ptolemy's fine, we made an emergency launch to intercept these bastards just when they thought they had us. Miss Sumeragi's timing was right on the mark," he heard Lyle say as Cheridum began firing with its sniper rifle at a Gadessa, staggering it as the shot struck its large shoulder pauldron before the two enemy machines backed away.
Tieria then appeared on the screen. "Setsuna, our machines haven't fully charged to peak efficiency as intended. That emergency response will force us to conserve our particle supply; we're just running on what the Drives can generate."
"Acknowledged," Setsuna replied before going after the Garazzo that had attempted to stop him, starting off with three shots from the 00's blades before quickly closing the distance and swiped at the Garazzo with the 00's right-hand blade.
The Garazzo swirled around the blade and countered the 00's left blade with one of its own and had its other set of GN Claws approach the 00's head.
"I'll cripple that machine with one strike," Bring Stability stated as the Garazzo's claws enclosed upon the 00's head from above.
"I won't let you!" Setsuna roared upon seeing this.
With one hard thrust on the controls, Setsuna broke away from the Garazzo, but his cockpit rocked with warning signs blaring throughout the cockpit, part of the upper torso blinking red on the screen.
"A foolish attempt, you cannot escape the Garazzo."
The Garazzo then lunged forward with a surge of particle being expelled from its GN Drive and prepared to spear the 00.
Setsuna watched the glowing orange GN Claw come closer, but at that very moment the 00's took a swipe at the Garazzo's lower torso while Setsuna maneuvered just enough that the GN Claw instead went through the side of the 00's head.
Warning lights continued to flicker while parts of Setsuna's screen turned into black and white static, but he could still see just enough to direct his actions; a necessary sacrifice as the 00's blade then tore into the Garazzo before twisting it and beginning to tear upwards into the Garazzo's torsos. But yet, the Garazzo did not falter as it firmly latched onto the 00 with its arms.
"What, is he trying to trap me?" Setsuna murmured. "Are the Innovators that willing to sacrifice their lives thanks to Veda?"
In the corner of his eye, however, Setsuna watched as the back pod of the Garazzo then jettisoned itself and soared away from the combat zone. Already, Setsuna attempted to break free and give chase, but a moment later, the Garazzo that the 00's blade was still lodged in exploded and sent Setsuna's world into darkness.
Nena looked as the crippled 00 helplessly drifted through space, the explosion having propelled it a considerable distances from where it had once been. Not much remained of the 00's head or arms, but the GN Drives seemed to be still intact, thankfully.
"Setsuna!" she called out only to get no response. "Setsuna, respond!" she called out again, still with no answer.
Immediately this silence caused her to make a beeline for the 00, despite the danger. It could not be left undefended for long.
As she raced towards the 00, a set of claws flew past with sparking electrical wires from the Empruss in front of her and there was no time to brake.
Before she could strike the wires, a salvo from the Seravee cut through the Empruss' trap leaving the wire inert allowing the Vier to race through them without a problem while the Empruss itself activated its GN Field and went after the Seravee instead which was focussing its cannons at the mobile armour.
"I've got this covered! Get the 00 back to the Ptolemaios!" Tieria said before he grunted as the Empruss' particle cannon fired at Seravee forcing it to raise its GN Field.
Keeping focused on the 00, the Vier managed to get a grasp on what remained of the 00's left arm and immediately began to fall back to the Ptolemaios
Nena looked her Haro which sat docked right above her controls.
"See if you get in their system and distract them long enough for us to get back home," Nena told her Haro.
"Understood, understood," it replied in its mechanical voice.
A trail of small particle beams then began to trail past Nena's screens and continued until the cockpit shook as rounds began to finally hit their mark.
The Vier then turned its head to see the remaining Garazzo blasting away with its wrist-mounted Vulcans, letting loose a hailstorm of shots that did not end while maintaining its present course towards the Vier, a set of GN Claws ignited and ready for action.
Judgement's voice then came through the channel. "I will ensure that both you and the double-powered one will not make it back!" Judgement shouted before the Garazzo the ignited its second pair of claws and brought them down against the Vier.
Trying to keep the Garazzo at bay, the Vier brought its GN Rifle to bear, but before it fire one of the GN Claws came down and sliced the weapon in two.
"Your existence is a blight to this world as is those who stand against the Plan!" Judgement roared as the second pair of the Garazzo's claws then tore into the right shield pod and then swept down and severed the arm at the joint. "I will see it through that it is fulfilled in the name of the Innovators!"
It seems dying shortened his temper, Nena thought as she struggled to force Judgement back as the Vier reached for its beam saber and quickly pushed the 00 away from herself. She couldn't let this lunatic get the 00 or Setsuna.
The Vier's single beam saber clashed with the Garazo's right GN Claw causing sparks to fly, but the second pair of claws came down and forced Nena to back away, narrowly avoiding the strike that flashed in front of her cockpit.
Nena growled before she shouted "Do still hate me that much or are you that much of a lapdog for that man, Ribbons?"
"He is the only one can see the Plan through and that is not because he was the one who brought me here to help him see it through!" Judgement shot back as his Garazzo closed in, blades crossed. "Mere humans cannot even hope to accomplish what we will. Only we can guide humanity to its proper place! And as for you, you are an impurity, a failure that must be destroyed! It is those such as you who corrupt this world and divert humanity off the proper path! As humans cannot change their destructive ways and unite as one, we will do it for them! No matter the costs it takes!"
The Garazzo was about to strike until a barrage particle beam forced it to suddenly raise its GN Field.
Arios swept by and transformed into its mobile suit form and began blasting away at the Garazzo forcing it to keep its field up until the it got close enough and swung one of its claws at Arios. Arios simply twisted out of the way of the claws and continued its attack.
"Nena, fall back, get Setsuna clear!" Allelujah told her over the channel. "We're falling back around the Ptolemaios; the disruption smoke is about to wear off!"
"Roger," Nena acknowledged, relieved, as the Vier quickly went back to reach the 00 as used its remaining arm to grab the lifeless 00 before making a break for Ptolemy.
Earth's Orbit, September 9, Volga-Class Battleship Petersburg
Goodman gazed over the satellite that house their newest weapon. The final preparations for the Memento Mori had been completed and was ready to demonstrate its might to the world, but they needed one test to ensure it was capable of enforcing their will down to the dissidents below. They needed to ensure this weapon could accurately strike down their enemies below and to see the effects it would cause in its aftermath. Only then would these weapons be truely ready to be used against those such as the Kingdom of Suile.
"Memento Mori is operational, sir. We're waiting on your word to initiate strafing," one of his officers reported with Goodman giving a nod.
"Do we have a position of the Katharon forces attempting to move into Azadistan?" Goodman asked.
"Yes, sir. They're amassing right outside of its border and they are preparing to move out," the officer answered him with Goodman giving a wide grin.
"Well then, let's show the dissidents the light of heaven. We shall only need to use a fraction of the Memento Mori's power to wipe this filth from this world. Ensure we can level the Katharon forces and nothing more. We already have enough of our own in the Federation Military questioning our methods," Goodman announced with the officer giving a nod.
Only those most loyal and committed to the A-Laws would truely witness the wrath of the heavens. And thankfully he had already sent Kati and her entourage off to hunt Celestial Being in space and he was sure Colonel Lindt could keep her in line with the mission long enough for the Memento Mori to complete its mission of cleansing the world of those who would oppose the Federation. Idealist or those with the lack of will had no place in the true goal of the A-Laws.
"Acknowledged, Memento Mori commencing its charging cycle, firing solution have been locked into its targetting systems. ETA three minutes until strafing, power levels will be maxed to twenty-five percent for this run," the officer confirmed as the plan went into motion.
Those words brought a wider smile to Goodman's large face, it would not be long until all the anti-government forces and dissidents had been destroyed, crushed under the might of the A-Laws.