PHASE-18: Red Zone
On the way back to Orb, the team boarded on Rio's private jet. The team successfully completed their only free practice racing in Le Mans. It was nothing short of a final exam to see if they all have what it takes to be Gundam Operators, but at the same time, it served as the true rite of passage for Flay, who not only is able to learn how to drive a car, but race on one of the longest racetracks in the world with her teammates. Despite how unorthodox the methods of teaching Akiza and Kiryu gave to her, Flay is learning a lot from them. Not to mention, they even let her drive a car with a top speed of approximately 400 kph. Even though her hands were trembling during the ordeal while driving a hypercar, she overcame her fears in the track, knowing that driving fast in a racetrack is no different in fighting in the battlefield because they all both share a common warning to both drivers and soldiers: "a small mistake can be very fatal".
Inside the jet, Ian and Kiryu are playing a game of cards, like they usually do during their spare time. Rio is just on the left side, staring at the window, brooding with a glass of champagne in hand. Meanwhile, behind the seats where Ian and Kiryu are on are Akiza and Flay. Akiza likewise, stared at the window brooding, while Flay is sleeping with her head on her partner's shoulders.
Both Kiryu and Ian were discussing which of the two known longest racetracks in the world proved to be dangerous - Nurburgring or Le Mans.
"If we let that bitch drive in Nurburgring's green hell, she'd end up screaming hysterically and raving like the bratty little girl that she was.", said Ian. "Le Mans was nothing short of a walk in the park thanks to the Mulsanne Straights."
"But, it seems Rio's choice of track seems justifiable.", Kiryu replied. "I mean, you are the only one who's all too familiar of the Nordschleife. Not to mention, the track is designed for the most hardcore racing drivers around the world."
"Spa-Francorchamps could have been hard for her, if she missed the Eau Rouge.", Ian added, referencing a famous racetrack in Belgium. "What else? Bathurst? Daytona? Or even Lime Rock Park?"
"You're really testing her to go into in some of the hardest tracks. Give her a break."
Despite Flay having done well on the wheel, Ian sows a few seeds of doubt that she still doesn't have what it takes to be a Gundam Operator. Given that she's a Natural, her ability to learn and adapt lacks the pace of that of Coordinators. However, this is circumvented through being mentored by Akiza and Kiryu, allowing her to learn much faster than usual.
Ian peaks on the seat behind him, seeing Akiza brooding and Flay napping with her head leaning on her shoulders.
"Man... She's [Flay] the type of person not wanting to let go the person who saved her ass that caused a time paradox in the first place.", Ian chuckled.
"At least Akiza is willing to take full responsibility of that. She knew that preventing Flay's death in the original timeline was unintentional. It seems fate did gave her another chance in life.", Kiryu replied. "I understand what it's like to hit rock bottom, yet we can still pull ourselves together. Flay must have felt the same way ever since surviving the war."
"Forgiving is easy. Forgetting the past is one thing. Who would have thought the shit she had been through during the war? And what's even more fucked up is her old man is with Blue Cosmos.", Ian brings up the time Flay nearly lost her will to go on thanks to the revelation of her father being a member of Blue Cosmos, and realizing that she is being indoctrinated with anti-Coordinator extremist philosophy.
"Yeah, I know. But the fact that the sins of her father should not determine her future. Akiza already told her that."
Ian observed how Flay gradually changed ever since she became closer to Akiza. While Akiza is always been rough around the edges, calm and level-headed when under pressure; she is always mindful of the struggles of others. Kiryu is the same, given how he mentored her when she is recruited into the Black Eagle team. Ian is typically the court jester of the gang, but it's not hard to see why he acts like that given his rather dark origins. They know what it's like trying to survive in a cruel and lonely world when the people precious to them being taken away from them by JUNO. And given that most of Team Paradox are anything far from perfect individuals, they are all bound by fate as they have both suffered tragic circumstances at some point in their lives. And their pain is what brought them together.
"Over time, while Akiza pampers her, Flay starts growing a spine.", Ian continued. But soon he goes to badmouthing Flay, referring her as Akiza's "pet"., "Isn't it a bit weird that she acts like Akiza's pet. I mean, that Flay can be a real bitch sometimes. I heard that she behaves like a bratty princess, and starts acting like a drama queen when things don't go her way. Not to mention, she even has that Jesus Yamato guy put his dick right in her.. "you-know-what"; seeing that scene really got me cringing."
Flay somehow woke up as Kiryu tries to tell Ian to stop making volatile comments about Flay as she's standing behind his seat giving him a death glare.
"Ian... Look behind you."
"Christ, Kiryu. Why are you freaking out all of the sudden?", Ian asked as he turned around, as Flay, enraged by his comments is glaring at him. "Oh shit..."
Ian gets bitch slapped by Flay twice, as he gets two red hand prints on his cheeks. Flay then returned to taking a nap.
"What the fuck was that?! I didn't meant to piss her off!", Ian exclaimed as he felt the stinging pain after getting slapped twice by Flay.
"The part where you call her as Akiza's pet really got her mad."
"Whatever, those bitch slaps hurt like bee stings! I've never seen her this pissed off!"
Flay returns back to her seat and back to sleep. Akiza can even hear the squabble while looking at the window.
"What was that?", Akiza asked.
"That Ian doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut. I can't even sleep!", Flay complained.
"Ignore him.", Akiza gives her partner an advice. She's already used to Ian's talkative antics and tendency to hurl volatile comments at the expense of others, but she has no problem trying to pacify him by force if he goes overboard. Flay, on the other hand, isn't safe from his tirades being aimed at her, which usually forces her retaliate.
Akiza yawned and raised her arms high. Looking around the clouds from a plane made her drowsy and wanting to sleep. As she likewise decided to take a nap, she lets Flay lean her head towards her shoulder as she gently held her hand.
Flay whispered, "Aki... How long are we now before we return to Orb?"
"I dunno. This is a long ride, I can't say for certain.", Akiza replied.
Rio's aide and family butler Kamiyama gives her a tablet showing the data of each of the Gundam Operators' driving summary in Le Mans. All five of the Gundam Operators did well on their racing, despite with one, Flay in this case, made at least a few rookie mistakes.
"Everyone is doing well back in Le Mans, Lady Rio.", said Kamiyama. "Who would have thought such an unorthodox way of teaching someone how to pilot a mobile suit?"
"Kamiyama, piloting a mobile suit and driving a race car makes little to no difference. However, even the slightest mistake can be very fatal.", Rio replied. "So, Akiza and Kiryu came up with that idea to teach her [Flay] how to drive a car before she can pilot a mobile suit. Somehow, it works."
"I understand."
"However, considering how Mr. Nagare proving himself to be a good teacher to everyone he has met. I wonder if we can help him with our recruits in the military academy? All I need is an approval from Lady Cagalli."
"Speaking of Lady Cagalli...", Kamiyama continued. "She wants to see Sergeant Izinski and Recruit Allster in her office."
"Understood. I'll forward this to the two of them. Right now, they are tired from the ordeal. It's best we shouldn't disturb them."
"Yes, ma'am."
Kamiyama takes his leave while Rio examines the data during the Le Mans free race; with the intent of sending it to the engineers at Morgenroete. The data will be needed in order to further the research and development of additional mobile suits for Team Paradox.
"I wonder what does Lady Cagalli want with those two?", Rio spoke her thoughts to herself. "Could it have something to do with the second divergence at Jachin Due? In fact, Flay was supposed to die had the Paradox did not arrived that fateful day."
After a long voyage and an epic battle of supercars in Le Mans, Team Paradox safely returned back to Orb.
The following day, as Rio informed Akiza and Flay that Cagalli wanted to see them. The pair entered the Athha family residence, where Cagalli is waiting for the two. Akiza first saluted at the Chief Representative, when Flay doesn't know it, Akiza awkwardly prompts her partner to salute, albeit forcibly.
"It's been a while, Lady Cagalli.", Akiza addressed.
"You too, Akiza.", Cagalli saluted back before turning her attention to Flay. "It seems you've changed quite a bit since we last saw each other, Flay."
Flay replied, "I know... It was thanks to Aki and her friends from the future, I been through a roller coaster of adventures."
"I see... Which explains I saw not only the Paradox in Jachin Due, but another mobile suit.", Cagalli continued, while at the same time bringing up the presence of the Sentinel Gundam accompanying the Paradox. "Care to explain everything in my office?"
Cagalli leads the pair into the Chief Representative's office. Here, Akiza brings up that Flay was supposed to die when Rau Le Creuset's mobile suit fired at her escape shuttle. But when the Paradox arrived, it somehow caused a divergence, erasing Flay's death from the timeline. However, considering that Cagalli saw the events at the time, and most especially the second divergence, Flay's death had to be undone again, which resulted in a time loop that most of the Archangel's crew learn of Akiza's existence.
"So, Flay was supposed to die during Jachin Due had the Paradox never appeared?", Cagalli is not that surprised upon finding out about Flay's original fate. In fact, only the people from the future - Akiza, Ian, and Kiryu, especially, are the only ones to possess the ability to be aware of any changes to the time stream. And considering how Flay's death was undone, she now has the ability to become aware of any changes to the timeline.
Akiza elaborated, "That divergence was unintentional on my part. I was not supposed to prevent the death of someone in the first place. To be honest, I still hated myself for it as this is one of the most essential rules of time travel: "You do not prevent the death of a person who is supposed to die in the past"."
"Aki..."
Flay recalls that Akiza said that undoing her death was a sin, or rather, her ultimate sin. Time travelers really needed to be careful about trying to rewrite history in any shape or form, preventing the death of someone is among those things. But, Akiza already did the deed (twice). Instead of living with regret, Akiza has since let Flay tag along with her in her journey in order to take responsibility for that divergence. And since then, they began to develop a bond with each other.
"And here you are now with Flay. It seems that you're willing to lay down your life just to protect her, just like Kira would.", Cagalli smiled, seeing the parallels between Akiza to Kira in regards to Flay.
But, Flay protests that Akiza is a far cry from Kira.
"Aki is way too different than Kira! She's just too uncompromising and dead serious at all times."
Cagalli finally figured out the perfect analogy for Akiza, "Whoa... Now that you mentioned it, Akiza is kinda like Lacus as if you are in Kira's shoes, Flay."
"Except that I'm a rebel from the future who fought against a bloodthirsty, tyrannical AI and its army of killer robotic soldiers.", Akiza took the comment as a compliment. "And the fact that I'm both your and Athrun Zala's descendant, and I grew up an outcast... Speaking of outcast, did Athrun learned everything about me being his descendant?"
"Yeah, I think.", Cagalli reveals that Athrun learns that Akiza is his descendant. "However, he sympathizes your situation in your childhood. And even after the war, Athrun is haunted by the fact that his father, Patrick Zala, attempted to use GENESIS to wipe out every single Natural on Earth. When Athrun and I entered GENESIS' command center, we found that the Chairman was gunned down by one of his own men."
"I understand why how one guy would stoop this level of low of Coordinator supremacy.", Akiza said. "And considering how my life turned upside down from the day I was born, as I'm also a descendant of the Zala family, the constant lynching and bullying I found myself growing up is unbearable. Even my own father isn't safe either, to the point he committed suicide when he couldn't take it anymore."
But, Chairman Zala wasn't the only one who decidedly choose to commit genocide. Blue Cosmos' Muruta Azrael is probably even more depraved compared to the former. As Cagalli pointed out, "Chairman Zala wasn't the only one. In case if you heard of Blue Cosmos' leader, Muruta Azrael, sent out nukes at one of ZAFT's base."
"That one in Boaz, I saw it with my own eyes.", Flay said, given that she previously worked in the Dominion's comms. "Looking at the level of depravity in Azrael's eyes made me realize what a complete idiot I have been."
From her time with ZAFT under Le Creuset to discovering the revelation of her father's association with Blue Cosmos, Flay already realized just how hatred can be such a corrosive poison; and her past volatile comments about Coordinators is a reminder of that.
"Given how the war has shaped the course of history, the scars of those who survived still linger on. The sins of those soldiers who have fought in the battlefield will be carried on to the next generation.", Akiza said while rubbing Flay's back, keeping her emotions in check. Considering that Flay had to bring up her experience with the Dominion is a sign of her post-traumatic stress disorder kicking in for once. "As much mankind needs to learn from the mistakes of the past to prevent another war, the idea of history might be repeating itself would be inevitable. Groups like Blue Cosmos will continue to fan the flames of hatred, due to the fact that they were able to get through a loophole in the Junius Treaty."
Akiza's cryptic statement means a calm before the storm, as she seems to insinuate that another war between the Earth and the PLANTs will seem be likely, or as Akiza points out, inevitable. Cagalli seems to agree with this, given that even with the Junius Treaty, anti-Coordinator extremism is still present like Blue Cosmos. Hence why Team Paradox is created to take down these extremists.
Orb Union Military Academy, Onogoro Island Branch
Meanwhile at Orb's Military Academy, Kiryu ends up being assigned as one of the newest instructors for the newest batch of recruits. Wearing the instructor's uniform in his first day at the academy, he looks at all the recruits with an intimidating aura. Kiryu then gives his speech to the recruits upon introduction.
"I am your instructor, Kiryu Fudo Nagare. I have come here to turn you into soldiers ready to protect our homeland. But, under the condition that you are all to follow my every instruction to survive my training. First of all, speak when only spoken to. Is that clear?"
"Sir, yes sir!", the recruits replied weakly.
"Louder, with conviction!", Kiryu repeated himself.
"SIR, YES SIR!"
"Good. This is the first step. As this is the first day of our training, I could not care less whether you like or hate me. The more you despise me, the more you will learn! I look down at each and everyone of you; to me you are all nothing but bugs to be crushed under my feet! Real men on the battlefield who show grit and grow a pair of set are those who are willing to fight for their brothers-in-arms, who swore to leave no man behind, and are willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of innocents. We show no mercy against anyone who defile Orb, who disturb its ideals and its stance for neutrality, and those who bring sorrow to its people! If you want to prove yourself worthy defenders of this land, you will first go through my training. Do I make myself clear, you idiots?!"
"SIR, YES SIR!"
Meanwhile, returning to Cagalli's conversation with Akiza and Flay...
Cagalli already got the gist of why the time travelers from C.E. 150 came into the present given the fact that Akiza is from that post-apocalyptic future where a tyrannical AI has conquered the entire universe. Kiryu was the third of the three surviving humans from that era to make his way into the present, not only that, he also brought in reinforcements from Mars, which also provided them their warship that is also the successor to the Archangel.
Team Paradox isn't just created merely for hunting Blue Cosmos members, but also acts as a quick response team (QRT) against attacks carried by JUNO's robotic army trying to impede on their mission in the present. Akiza and her colleagues from the future are used to dealing with JUNO's robotic soldiers, but, they might need some help from Orb. However, Orb is still struggling with rebuilding itself after the war, along with political unrest among the noble families due to the Seirans upstaging most of them.
Akiza reassures that Cagalli will be a good example to her countrymen as much as her adoptive father Lord Uzumi did. Cagalli spoke of the same of Akiza, having proven herself as a daring warrior in the battlefield, as she herself witnessed Akiza piloting the Paradox in Jachin Due during the second divergence.
On the other hand, considering why Akiza is summoned by Cagalli, it seems that the Chief Representative has something in mind for the Black Rose Witch.
"Okay. Let's cut to the chase, shall we.", Akiza finally concluded her explanations of time travel to Cagalli. "Mind if I ask why are we summoned here before you?"
"Akiza Izinski, Gundam Operator Series Black of Team Paradox. The reason why I brought you here is that, I, Cagalli Yula Athha, the sole heiress of the Athha family and Chief Representative of Orb Union, hereby declare you as an honorary member of the Athha family.", Cagalli officially made Akiza an honorary member of the Athha family.
"No way...", Flay shook her head. Then she spoke her thoughts to herself, "Does this have something to do with the party brawl not long ago?"
Akiza being accepted into the Athha family as an honorary member left her speechless. However, Akiza is not the only one to be an honorary member of Orb's Athha family; the other one is none other than Kira Yamato himself.
"I don't know how to say this, Lady Cagalli... But, why?"
"It's not because that you are descended from me or Athrun, nor for your heroic actions during my 17th birthday party, but you've proven yourself to be a person with determination, charisma, and unflinching conviction. You are now one of two honorary members of the Athha family."
"Then, who is the other one?", Flay asked.
"It's Kira.", Cagalli replied. "In case you didn't know, he was actually my brother the whole time."
"I see... Ever since you've been around the Archangel, I did not see the resemblance between the two of you.", Flay said, even though she was already told by Lacus back then after receiving the invitation for Cagalli's birthday party.
"Why don't you pay him a visit sometime?", Cagalli suggests Flay about visiting him in Reverend Malchio's mansion. However, Flay hesitated in her reply, as Cagalli notices something is wrong. "Flay, what's wrong?"
Only for Akiza to bring it up for her partner, "Flay's relationship with Kira back then seems a bit rather messy, to say the least. And the guy's feelings for her were more out of guilt than love. Given that Flay survived the war, she decided to leave him alone."
"No, Aki. It's not just that... I just want Kira to find happiness with Lacus."
Despite having fallen for him for real in the past, Flay's decision to let Kira be free to be with Lacus was tough for her, but this was the only way she can finally heal after the war. Ditto with Kira, who likewise secluded himself with Lacus in the orphanage.
Flay continued, "The moment I met Aki, she changed my life forever. She also gave me a future... I have said and done so many horrible things in the past, especially about Coordinators. But, I don't want that to determine my own future. The war had left me with so many scars, emotionally and psychologically..."
"We all do, Flay...", Cagalli replied, as she understands what she had been through after surviving Jachin Due. "And considering that Akiza saved your life, you were very lucky. I know the war is already behind us, but still even our people are still worried of the likelihood of another one happening."
"Aki is been saying the same thing..."
Then, Akiza followed. "But considering with recent events, and the loophole that is with the Junius Treaty being unable to deal with Blue Cosmos, it's not hard to see why."
"You seem to know that another war is happening sooner or later. Especially if it comes from someone who is from the future."
"But, even if another war is inevitable, history will move to a different direction. That's why we have to be prepared. Team Paradox is about preparing for the worst, considering that two of my cohorts and myself have been preparing to protect Orb's future with Rio and Flay.", Akiza then finally accepts her role as honorary member of the Athha family, "Lady Cagalli, it is an honor to be part of this family considering that I am also your descendant. As Team Paradox's front line commander and Gundam Operator Series Black, I will take full responsibility for the safety of my team and I solemnly vow that those who make the people of Orb shed tears, I will make them count up their sins."
What surprised Cagalli is Akiza proved to be more charismatic than she looks, besides being an impressive pilot, mentor, martial artist, and a psychic most of all, she's an efficient orator, nearing as Rio's level. Her worldview is just as deep despite coming from a post-apocalyptic future.
"Wishing you the best of luck, Akiza. May the guidance of Haumea protect you and Team Paradox, always.", said Cagalli as soon as she responds to Akiza's salute. Afterwards, her eyes rolled on Flay. "You be careful too, Flay. The path you're taking ever since you became a part of Team Paradox will take you past to the point of no return. So long as you and Akiza are together, you have nothing to be afraid of."
"Thank you, Lady Cagalli.", Flay replied, addressing the Goddess of Victory properly, even though Akiza addresses Cagalli with the proper title out of respect for authority, given her mindset being that of a soldier who goes by the book.
Cagalli replied with a smile, "Just Cagalli only. I'll make an exception this time."
"Thanks, Cagalli. We'll give you your regards to Kira if we visit him."
After leaving the Athha family residence, Akiza and Flay discuss about visiting Reverend Malchio's orphanage, where Kira spent most of his post-war life together with Lacus.
"Aki..."
"What is it, Flay?"
"After we finish with the mobile suit pilot training, can we visit Kira?", Flay then made her decision to see Kira and Lacus. "Before we leave Earth for Copernicus by the following month, I just want to patch up a few things with him."
Akiza nodded, coming to understand her partner's feelings about wanting to see Kira again before Team Paradox will leave the Earth for the Moon, where Team Paradox will establish their new base of operations for their space missions and at the same time continuing on their Anti-Blue Cosmos crusade, as there are also members of the anti-Coordinator extremist group hiding on Copernicus City.
"Sure.", Akiza smiled at her partner. "At least you finally decide to at least talk to him. Because, after we finish your training, we will be leaving Earth for our new base of operations at the Moon."
"Thank you, Aki... And you will also know who and what kind of person Kira really is."
Only for Akiza to sigh in annoyance and deadpanned, "You don't have to tell me twice. I already know what the guy really is, as Lady Cagalli told us earlier.", before she hams it up, "And being the Freedom's pilot, he's the type of guy who NEVER kills! This just shows that the guy wants to protect all living beings that deserve a right to life. Either way, the two of us aren't the only ones going to visit him. We're bringing the whole gang together."
"The whole gang?"
"All five of us, you airhead!"
"Okay... W-wait, are you also going to bring that psycho Ian as well?!"
"Yeah, Ian might be a crass, foul-mouthed lunatic and a fully-functioning sociopath. But he has his own standards. And despite his dark past, he loves children. He gets along with many orphans who lost their families to JUNO's robotic army. Kiryu as well. The rest is history."
Flay's worries about Ian's crude tirades. However, this shouldn't be a cause for alarm while visiting Reverend Malchio's orphanage. Even the future trio themselves are shown to be friendly with children since they themselves, at some point, to have been big brother (or sister in Akiza's case) figures to orphans who lost their families while JUNO ruled the Earth with an iron fist.
Flay apologized as she nodded, "Sorry I overreact, Aki. I know I've been close to you. I've been having a hard time getting along with Ian. He can be a real pain in the butt."
"Of course, he is. Without him, we don't have any means to cope with all the trauma we experienced in the future.", Akiza giggled, given that she's used to his tirades, there's a reason why he is like a court jester with a crude and macabre sense of humor. "Sometimes, he can go overboard..."
"By the way, is Kiryu doing okay with the training recruits?"
"Umm..."
Back in Orb's Military Academy, Kiryu subjects the recruits through extreme and harsh training on the first day. As the recruits tend to stumble and fall in the midst of it all, it did not stop him to motivate the younger generations of soon-to-be soldiers.
"There are five things that make a soldier. The five "Ds" - Desire. Devotion. Discipline. Determination. And finally... Dominance. The first two I can't give you. The third one, I can guarantee you, but you have to be willing to receive it. With the fourth, you better show me your guts to prove it. And the fifth will be the end result of all of them! If you have proven to have soldiered through the times of adversity, then you have the iron will and the physical capacity to protect your countrymen and your homeland! Once your enemy is at your mercy, you will be either given the option to take no prisoners or hold them accountable. However, hesitation will be a fatal mistake! And the reason why you are here is to be taught discipline. Do I make myself clear?!"
"Sir, yes sir!"
"WITH CONVICTION!"
"SIR, YES SIR!"
A few recruits tend to stumble and fall during the obstacle course. Even when you have to be the drill instructor from Hell, you are more willing to disregard their well-being. However, Kiryu appears to be merciful to the trainees.
"Come on, soldier! Haul ass.", Kiryu said. "If anyone who is generous enough to help your fellow recruit stand on his two feet. Then do it. In the battlefield, we leave no man behind! Even if they are your brothers-in-arms! Go go go!"
Most of Orb's drill instructors are down-to-Earth ruthless and abusive - physically and verbally because of their stringent training of newcomers. Though Kiryu is able to act as the drill sergeant from Hell as what Rio wanted given that he had trained his resistance members thoroughly with unorthodox methods, but there are a few lines he doesn't want to cross. If soldiers are to be pushed beyond their limit, emotionally and psychologically, it has an effect on their psyche and moral judgment.
As far as Kiryu's martial philosophy goes, teamwork is the key of achieving success in the battlefield. He began teaching the recruits what it is like to watch each others' backs and his "leave no man behind" mentality, which is common among other branches of the military. However, there are times that oath had to be broken, especially if it involves "life or death" situation.
Even when sparring with the recruits, Kiryu is not the type of person to go easy on with. He'll beat anyone with just three moves. Kiryu's dominance is enough to earn the respect from the recruits. His training did pay off, and most of the trainees begin to understand the five "Ds" he's been talking about. It's about desire, devotion, discipline, determination, and dominance. Team Paradox themselves live and breathe through that creed.
From afar, Rio and Ian observe the progress as the recruits come to understand the instructor's philosophy.
"He didn't even need to go R. Lee Ermey in the first day.", Ian quipped.
Rio smirked, "I gotta say, he is such an impressive teacher. Come to think that you and Akiza learned many things from him."
"Lemme tell ya, Kiryu is not the type of guy to mess around if he's your mentor. Hell, even Akiza and myself aren't safe. At one point, he even sicced junkyard dogs on us while training at a scrapyard. Having Flay jump off from one building to another is also his idea. And, somehow his training from Hell actually worked."
While Kiryu's training methods are often harsh and rigid, they are often dangerous and if not entirely, life-threatening. But, these methods actually work. You don't have to be a Coordinator or a Biological CPU to achieve those feats. The future trio have been through horrifying ordeals while fighting JUNO's army and staring Death in the face without flinching, making their feats much more credible to be members of Team Paradox.
"Kiryu can go full-on Eagle Fang if he needs to.", Ian references a certain TV show.
"I admire your tenacity. Who would have thought such harsh, yet unorthodox training would be crazy enough to work?", Rio grinned in a rather villainous manner.
"If you have the grit to stand up on your two feet, then it'll work.", Ian continued before he gets a text from Akiza.
(Akiza) [-hey let's start training flay with ms piloting-]
(Ian) [-im down.-]
"Looks like I'm needed to get Allster a proper mobile suit pilot training.", Ian grinned as he proceeds to head for the mobile suit proving grounds.
"It seems that she's been learning well from the people from the future.", Rio said as she also takes her leave for Morgenroete.
Elsewhere on an open field, three M1 Astrays are facing each other. It seems that these mobile suits are loaned to Team Paradox in order for Akiza and Ian to teach Flay the essentials. Ian complained why they didn't use their usual mobile suits.
"Why are we piloting these fucking antiques?!", Ian spoke his displeasure. "I thought the Murasames were cooler than these."
"The Murasames are yet to be developed, Ian.", Akiza replied. "At least these things are still operational to this day. Rio gave the approval for us to test pilot them!"
"You got them from Rio?! Shit!"
"We don't have time to argue with this! But, we need to focus on the task at hand."
The M1 Astray's OS are pretty much easy to access given that Kira was the one who developed a OS designed for Naturals to pilot an MS, given how Kira's genius-level intellect is part of him being a Coordinator did benefit the people of Orb.
Akiza appears through the screen from the inside of the cockpit of the M1 Flay piloted, "Flay, how are you doing in there?"
"I'm okay. Yet, I feel a bit nervous..."
"Nervous? No, shit. Once you're inside of a mobile suit alone, it's gonna be a thrilling ride. But, fuck this up, and you'll wind up dead."
"Ian, no funny business.", Akiza scolds her adoptive brother before she gives him scathing F-bombs. "But, if you fuck up this training on purpose, I will fuck you up!"
"Alright, alright. Sheesh! Let's just get this over with.", Ian replied once he complies. Then gives Flay a few simple instructions. "Hey, rookie. This is Orb's first generation mass-produced mobile suit. I guess you already seen these things in action, I assume. Thanks to good ol' Jesus Yamato, he made an operating system designed for Naturals' use. So, you would be able to adapt into this thing. History lesson isn't my thing, but if you want to pilot toys like these, you gotta learn with the basics."
[*BGM: "XLR8" from GRID: Legends*]
Akiza then starts with the basics of MS piloting, is the mobility and flight capability. So, doing a flight formation is a must try.
"Let's try flying this thing. I'll be leading this time.", said Akiza. "Ian, you stay right behind me so Flay can likewise follow you."
"A'ight. You heard her, Allster. Stay close behind me while we do this thing. If you go far out, the training is over."
That said, the three M1s take to the skies of Orb as they fly around in circles, while maintaining formation. Flay is trying keep herself in formation despite making a few rookie mistakes such as getting a bit far out from Ian. Flay refused to give up despite being under pressure inside the cockpit of an M1 Astray alone, so long as Akiza and Ian are guiding her.
Ian whistles as he observed from the screen as Flay being able to keep up with the other two M1s. "She's really getting a hang of it. Turns out that driving school and the Le Mans racing did pay off. Not to mention, you did a great job straightening her up."
"Flay didn't have to put on the kid gloves, Ian. And besides, having survived the harsh realities of the earlier war. She only has to learn how to rely on herself even in daunting situations."
Flay's growth as a person after learning many things from Akiza allowed her to be more focused and clear-minded even when put on a tight spot.
After finishing the first flight formation. Akiza decides to do a second take, with Ian on the lead.
"Ian, you take the lead this time. While we're at it, I'm going to improvise something while I'm in the middle and Flay behind me.", Akiza instructed.
"What are you planning to do this time?", Ian replied.
Akiza remembered watching on the archives about the Kusanagi's first launch. While fighting the Alliance during the Battle of Orb, when the Freedom reached the ship and the Justice was about to be left behind, it was able to grab onto the Freedom's hand during the escape sequence.
That being said, Ian leads the flight formation as Akiza's M1 reaching its hand on the other M1 piloted by Flay. As this is part of testing the M1's overall top speed when pushed to the red zone.
"Come on, Flay. Push that thing into the red zone!", Akiza instructed.
However, since this is a mass-produced mobile suit, these M1's are bound to their limits. As it is powered by an ultracompact energy battery, pushing it too far can cause it to lose too much power.
"Aki, haven't you remembered that these mobile suits run out of power too quickly when pushed too far?", Flay reminded, as she saw her M1 about to lose power.
Akiza already saw that he'rs is about to be at low power.
"This is why I hate piloting these conventionally battery-powered hunks of metal!", Ian complained.
"Okay. I think you're getting a hang of this, Flay.", Akiza seems to be positive at her partner's first flight with a mobile suit. "Let's call this a day and return these Astrays back to Morgenroete."
The three returned the loaned mobile suits back in Morgenroete. Akiza, Ian, and Flay caught up with Rio and the Payne twins.
"How did it go?", Rio asked.
"Flay is already learning in her first flight.", Akiza replied. "However, handling these M1s proved to be a hassle as their batteries tend to run out of juice too quickly while pushing them to their limits."
In response, Rio chided the three, "Learn how to conserve energy next time. I know you people from the future have already forgone the technology that you've seen before here, but you need to adapt to what the present day has to offer."
Along the way, Rio leads the three into one of the mobile suit hangars where a new Gundam has recently finished its development. Akiza was expecting for the "other" Paradox Gundam thanks to the blueprints Rio handed to the Sahaku family. But alas, it turned out to be an entirely different Gundam.
Additionally, more mass-produced mobile suits were made exclusively for Team Paradox's auxiliary crew members. One of them is the MVF-T300 Benkei, a heavy-equipment modular mobile suit that has access to variety of long-ranged weaponry, alongside the Benkei is the MVF-NB100 Goemon, a close-quarters stealth mobile suit.
However, the real attraction is the new and fifth Gundam for Team Paradox. It's name is the Neptune Gundam, designated as MBF-035DS. This mobile suit was developed using the frame of the ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam, the combat data of the MBF-02 Strike Rouge, and finally, integrating the overall data and specs of the VGMT-5DS01V2 Paradox Gundam Version 2.0.
Due to the second divergence at Jachin Due, Athrun did not self-destruct the Justice, which he was supposed to do in the original timeline. But, because the Paradox was able to destroy GENESIS while it took on the form of the God Gundam and used Sekiha Love Love Tenkyoken and the Freedom being able to use the Justice's METEOR simultaneously; the Justice was taken into Orb along with the Freedom. But, the Justice had to be reverse-engineered to create an entirely new mobile suit.
"I've never seen anything like this...", said Flay as she looked at the majestic presence of the Neptune, right from its overall silver, violet, and turquoise colors.
"Yes. This mobile suit is the pinnacle of power, beauty, and grace.", Rio replied before mocking Flay when she senses the insinuation of her piloting it. "If you aspire trying to pilot this thing, don't bother. It doesn't suit you."
"Hey! I didn't say I want to pilot that thing!"
"Hmph. You've done well back in Le Mans. But, you still have a long way to go. Piloting an M1 or a Murasame should be better for you."
Akiza breaks the argument between Flay and Rio, "Enough, you two. Getting at a petty argument is unbecoming of you, Rio."
"I was only putting Flay in her place, Akiza. Remember that even piloting a mobile suit, a slightest mistake can mean a life or death situation. If you don't know what you're doing, it's all over. It's no different than driving a race car."
Despite Rio's arrogance and domineering personality, she makes a point that even a rookie like Flay cannot handle the Neptune. She may have done well with the M1 earlier today, handling a high-end mobile suit like that is a matter of sync-or-swim.
"Seriously, we've already gone through the whole "life or death" bullshit in both racing and piloting.", Ian argued back. "As much this bitch is just a newbie, she still has a room for improving herself.", despite looking down on Flay, he's positive that she can improve herself.
"Ian's right.", Kiryu appears and catches up with his teammates. "Flay still needs to improve herself. I saw you guys with the M1's."
"Rio, just because you're a better pilot than the rest of us, does not mean that you are infallible.", Akiza added, reminding that Rio that anyone can be their own worst enemy, referring to the latter's insufferable pride.
"I guess I can't argue with you on that. You cannot understand the true meaning of perfection if you refuse to acknowledge your mistakes. But, that's what it is. Heh, I am my own worst enemy after all.", Rio answered in resignation, knowing that she can't engage in needless arguments unless if she has to put someone in their place. Now that everyone manages to clear the air, Rio moved on to discussing about the Neptune Gundam. "Now, where were we? When Lady Cagalli decided to shelf the Justice, I decide to take upon myself and use it as a template to develop an entirely different mobile suit. Additionally, there's also a custom Strike that she also piloted."
"The Strike Rouge?", Akiza guessed it.
"Exactly. It was the result of reverse-engineering the original GAT-X105 after it was found in the wreckage along with the Aegis.", Rio herself oversaw the retrieval of the Strike in the aftermath of Kira and Athrun's brutal battle. "Compared to the original Strike, the Strike Rouge has been an improvement, and it's power source has been further extended to last longer."
Akiza continued, as she reveals that combat data from the Paradox is also being integrated into the Neptune. "Also, this new MS also incorporated the same technology from the Paradox, like the ability to use the Mobile Suit Card Replication System. For example, when using the Exia MS Card on the Paradox, it becomes the Gundam Exia, and vice versa. The Mach, Sentinel, and Izayoi also possess this ability. The Paradox's first form was previously restricted to being able to use any mobile suit equipment. But, Version 2.0 now circumvents this.", on the other hand, using the MS Card Replication System has a drawback: "The MS Card Replication System has an Achilles' heel: each use of an MS Card significantly drains power. Take note of the Paradox's example from earlier, it cannot maintain the Exia form for long periods of time, and therefore it can only last for a minute and a half."
As Akiza points out, the mobile suits from the future, while being able to outclass the current up-to-date technology of both the Alliance, ZAFT, and Orb, are far from invincible. Because, the more they take form of other mobile suits of other Gundam multiverses (like the God Gundam from the Future Century, or the Exia from the Anno Domini), it feeds too much power, and therefore that the transformation needed to be limited for a short period of time.
This explains Akiza and Ian being able to use the cards of other Gundams, being able to assume their forms shortly before reverting back to normal. As every use of the MS-CRS drains the power from their respective MS' hybrid fusion reactor; but what makes the hybrid reactors much better than the PLANT's ultracompact nuclear reactors and the currently in development Hyper Deuterion Engines is that the hybrid reactors can be recharged through solar rays from the sun, given that the sun itself is a natural fusion reactor.
"And aside from the MS-CRS system. Let's move on with the Neptune's specs.", Trent said while guiding the team around the mobile suit.
The Neptune Gundam's equipment is composed of the following:
-2 x MMI-GAU98 17.5mm CIWS (mounted on the ears and forehead)
-1 x F1-75 "Gran Turismo Superleggera" Beam Trident
-1 x SF-23 Dual-Mode Touring Shield (similar to the Providence, it operates between the "Monza" Anti-Phase Shift Armor Beam Bowgun and the "Assetto Forza" Power Claw)
-1 x Type 33RS "Suzaku" Beam Rifle
Like with the mobile suits from the future, the Neptune is fitted with the Triple-Shift Synchro Armor (TSSA), and instead of using the Justice's ultracompact nuclear reactor, it is instead fitted with the same power source as the Paradox, Sentinel, and Mach - a hybrid fusion reactor. However, given the Junius Treaty is still in effect, and N-Jammers are banned. N-Jammer Cancellers are semi-obsolete. Regardless, given that Team Paradox are now aware of the inevitability of a second war, they decided to fit the Neptune with N-Jammer Canceller instead. And lastly, it naturally comes with an FPS (Firewall Protocol System), which protects the mobile suit from being hacked by JUNO.
Trent continued, "The Neptune's OS is the same as the Paradox, Sentinel, Mach, and Izayoi. G-Force Universal Neutrinoic Downforce Acceleration Metasystem. Unlike the first three, it's cockpit does not have a steering wheel nor a motorcycle handle. And only has the standard control interface of the current generation of MS. However... We also developed a support unit for the Neptune."
There is another mobile suit standing besides the Neptune, apart from its resemblance to the Mach. The only main difference it has a different head design, and almost resembling some of ZAFT's mobile suits due to its mono-eye.
"Behold, this is the VMTX-5DS05 Black Sabbath.", Trent introduces the new MS to the team. "This is both a Mobile Suit and Gun Vehicle. And by developing using the Mach's schematics with Dr. Paradox, it is able to transform into Mobile Cycle Mode. Anyone can ride the Black Sabbath, but it is designed to support the Neptune. And speaking of support unit, the Neptune itself is also designed as a support unit for the Paradox. Because, Dr. Paradox is working on potential upgrades for the Paradox."
"That's a lot of detail...", Flay mumbled.
Before Trent can continue with introducing the team new sets of Gun Vehicles, an alarm is blairing.
Elsewhere, wormholes spawn in the skies of Orb as Wisels, Granels, and Skiels emerge, along with Placido and Lucciano warships.
"Why at a time like this?!", exclaimed Ian. "These assholes aren't gonna stop!"
"Rio, please inform the National Defense Headquarters to do not engage the JUNO army.", Akiza warns Rio that some of Orb's military power are vulnerable to being hacked by JUNO if they attempt to engage its army. "We can't risk having any of Orb's naval, air, or land units getting hacked by JUNO."
"Leave it to me."
"Flay, you and Rio return to HQ right now.", Akiza tells Flay to return to the HQ rather than attempting to help, knowing that Flay is not yet ready to pilot any MS, let alone an M1 or a Murasame.
"But, Aki... Let me come with you!"
"No, Flay. I know you've recently learn how to pilot a mobile suit, but you are not ready to experience the harsh reality of being a mobile suit pilot. The moment you make a mistake, it's a life or death situation."
"I know that! But, I don't want to be treated like a child anymore!"
"I understand how you feel. But, your life and your being is what I am taking full responsibility for ever since I saved you from death back in Jachin Due. I'm only doing this for your own good."
The future trio went on to sortie into their Gundams to fight the attacking JUNO army, leaving Flay alone to stand and do nothing.
Meanwhile at the National Defense Headquarters, the higher-ups received Rio's request to pull out any air, naval, or land units out of the area as Team Paradox launch their mobile suits. The Sentinel and Mach head out, followed by the Paradox transitioning to Version 2.0, as it rode on the Mach in Mobile Cycle Mode.
The Paradox, Sentinel, and Mach engage the enemy mobile suits. The enemy MS are much more aggressive and pragmatic than before, as if that JUNO is already analyzing every action of Team Paradox and their pilots.
"JUNO's mobile suits are now reading our every moves like an open book!", Kiryu said.
"To them, it's like they have already analyzed our every move. The more we have fought these guys, the more they start to learn and predict them!", Akiza added while taking damage.
"Fuck! We might need that new Gundam like right fucking now!", Ian cussed. "I hope Allster is not piloting that thing and we're all fucked!"
To make matters worse for the future trio, JUNO has now sent out its third ROBEAST, a Falcon ROBEAST. This ROBEAST is agile and deadly, as it is able to overpower the Paradox, Mach, and Sentinel with its speed, razor-sharp wings as weapons, and claws.
Back in Morgenroete, Rio comes back and Flay is standing in front of the Neptune, seemingly depressed.
"Flay, what's wrong?", Rio asked. "We need to return back to headquarters. It's not safe here! Akiza and the others are pinned down."
"Rio... Or rather, Commander Tokino. I ask for permission to pilot that mobile suit!", Flay demanded, while addressing Rio with her military rank.
"Flay, are you insane?! You are not yet prepared for this!", Rio objects. "I told you before, the moment you are about to pilot a mobile suit such as this, you will now go past the point of no return, and you will be facing a matter of life and death. One mistake can be fatal."
"I don't care and I can't stand around here and do nothing!", Flay argued back. "And it's the lives of our teammates we're talking about. Sure, I might be unprepared for this, but I don't want to depend on anyone if I want to look for answers. I want to find it for myself! Unless if I give it a try, I can pilot that thing. If I don't do anything, they will die!"
Rio relents, and vows to take full responsibility.
"Fine. As commanding officer of Team Paradox, I will take full responsibility. Before you sortie with the Neptune, I want you to etch this into your mind: once you set foot on the battlefield and witness bloodshed after bloodshed once again, this is the path where you can't turn back from here on out. Even if you are alone, don't forget that you have people in this team that will support you. No matter how many times you stumble and fall, stand with your own two feet and push forward!"
Flay salutes Rio once the former decided to take the Neptune. But before that, Dr. Paradox and Trent interrupt.
"I assume you will be piloting the Neptune, Flay Allster.", Trent said.
"I will take control of the Black Sabbath.", Dr. Paradox said. "This is my way of repaying my debt to those three, and my way of atoning for creating JUNO."
"The new Gun Vehicle is already complete. It has two function: One, close air support. And two, it combines with the Sentinel that allows it to fly at a faster speed.", Trent introduces the new Gun Vehicle, "That's the CXR-AS86 Aerosmith."
"Got it.", Flay nodded as she changed into her pilot suit. Before entering the Neptune's cockpit, Trent hands her a deck of mobile suit cards for her to use.
"I guess you already know how these cards work. Don't use them for too long, and you'll lose too much power quickly."
[Music: "BELIEVE IN NEXUS" by Masaaki Endoh from Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds]
Once inside the Neptune's cockpit, the mobile suit automatically activates. Dr. Paradox is able to link up to the Neptune in order to start up the MS. The OS shared with the Paradox, Sentinel, Mach, and Izayoi are compatible to both Coordinator and Natural use. That means, Flay can pilot the Neptune without any setbacks.
MOBILE SUIT FUTURE OPERATION SYSTEM Ver: 1000.1
G-Force
Universal
Neutrinoic
Downforce
Acceleration
Metasystem
MBF-035DS NEPTUNE
"All systems go!", Dr. Paradox declared.
The Neptune is prepared to be catapulted out of the naval base while riding on Black Sabbath in Mobile Cycle Mode.
"Gundam Operator Series Blue, Flay Allster, Neptune, taking off!"
The Neptune revs the Black Sabbath's throttle handle as it launches out of the catapult riding on a mobile suit-sized motorcycle. The Aerosmith would follow suit as the Gun Vehicle needed to be delivered to Kiryu to initiate a combination.
On the way to reach her teammates, Flay reflects on her past and her eventual growth as a person.
"I'm no longer the bratty and spoiled princess that I used to be from a year ago...", Flay said while lowering her head, focusing on her way to her first battle with the Neptune.
Flay recalls the advices she took from her teammates in sequential order:
[Akiza] "Whatever happens from here on out, you have to move forward, never look back. Don't let the mistakes of your past determine your future."
[Ian] "No matter how much the world is going to throw shit on your face, we just have to keep going."
[Rio] "Even if you are alone, don't forget that you have people in this team that will support you."
[Kiryu] "Just because things get hard from the start, don't give up. Keep going even if you stumble too many times. Because the path you're taking for the rest of your life is going to be a one-way road in which you'll never turn back."
"The fact that I am still alive made me see how I hit rock bottom. And here I am now, having coming out of my shell. I became a Gundam Operator, I learned finally how to fight from Aki and the others. I'm grateful to have met them. I will not give in to despair. It doesn't matter what the future holds for me... I will move forward to wherever fate takes me, I will keep moving forward towards the edge of beyond!", Flay declares her resolve, as she hits the accelerator. "I will protect everyone's happiness and the very world Kira fought hard to protect. Because I am a member of Team Paradox, and my real battle starts from here!"
Dr. Paradox then followed, "Okay! Get your gear on, Flay. Push it into the red zone!"
The Neptune revs the Black Sabbath's throttle as Flay makes her way for her teammates.
Author's Note:
-The drawbacks of the Mobile Suit Card Replication System drains energy of the future mobile suits. This is similar to the Legendary Ranger Modes from Power Rangers Super Megaforce, where the Rangers can only transform into their predecessors for only a short period of time. While their Super Sentai counterparts from Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger do not possess such weakness, and they can freely revert back to base forms without any setbacks.
- Related to the above, this is also similar to the first episode of Kamen Rider Decade when the eponymous Kamen Rider used the Rider Cards of Kamen Rider Kabuto, Faiz, and Hibiki to transform into these Riders, only for their cards to be sealed after use.
- During the recruitment training scene, it's implied that some of Orb's drill instructors are very strict and sometimes abusive towards newcomers if they fail to meet up to their standards, on top of Ian referencing R. Lee Ermey's (if I spelled his name correctly) role of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman from Full Metal Jacket, who resorts to abusing his recruits during the boot camp part of the film. In real life, any form of abuse by drill instructors is absolutely unacceptable, and Ermey even pointed out during an interview that during the Vietnam War, most drill instructors in the USMC are abusive towards recruits, and most of the Marines after boot camp suffer PTSD before going into Vietnam.
- The Neptune Gundam resembles the Gundam Astrea from the Gundam 00 side stories, while bearing the color scheme of Stardust Dragon from Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's. As the Freedom (and to an extent, the Justice and Infinite Justice) is named after "Operation Enduring Freedom" (though it was originally called "Operation Infinite Justice"), which started the War on Terror; given that Gundam SEED aired in the Post-9/11 era. The Neptune Gundam is also named after another US military operation, in this case, "Operation Neptune Spear". Where SEAL Team Six raided Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, leading to his eventual death. For added bonus, the Neptune's melee weapon is a beam trident, which is also the weapon of the eponymous Roman god of the seas (and his Greek counterpart, Poseidon).
- The Neptune's weapons the F1-75 "Grand Turismo Superleggera" Beam Trident and SF23 Dual-Mode Touring Shield are all named after the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team's cars. The F1-75 was Ferrari's main car during the 2022 season, and the SF23 is the current car driven by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Jr.
