"If you're going through hell, keep going."
- Winston Churchill
Chapter XII: Battle of the Azure
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Azure Nebula
August 5, GC 379
Abandon all hope, ye who enter here. Bright thought as he stared into the great expanse before him, which encompassed the whole of the bridge's central monitor. While it wasn't quite the gateway to damnation, there was something about the Azure Nebula that gave him a similar inclination as that particular inscription; that whatever entered there would go beyond all hope and salvation. An ironic feeling, considering that he was about to take the Ark Royal into it in order to evade the eyes of Zeon, as well as seek out some temporary solace from her pursuers.
In that regard, there was nothing particularly out of the ordinary about the Azure Nebula in itself; a standard Class XI nebula primarily composed of oxygen and argon, with enough theta-xenon, fluorine and sirillium mixed in to provide an effective screen against sensors. A glorified blue dust cloud, as some within the crew referred to it as. That being said, it was only when one laid eyes on the nebula that it appeared anything but a mere dust cloud; rather, from Bright's perspective, it was like staring into a great blue and black vastness that seemed to dwarf the galaxy itself. The kind of vastness that ancient sailors would believe housed sea monsters within, or encompassed the very ends of existence. And now he, and the rest of the Ark Royal with him, were about to sail into it, regardless of whatever may in fact lain beyond.
Well, it was no matter. Considering what undoubtedly lay ahead of the Ark Royal as she journeyed deeper into enemy territory - which would ultimately end in one of the most critical battles of the war - a little trip through a nebula would be rather innocuous. Doing well to keep that thought in mind, Bright turned around and moved back to his chair, promptly taking his seat. "Distance."
"Nearly a million kilometers," Katz replied dutifully, doing his best not to sound intimidated by the nebula himself. Not that he wasn't.
"Looks a lot closer than that," Mirai commented from her own seat, staring into the nebula as if it were a representation of Nietzschean philosophy. It was the first time she had ever seen a nebula so close herself; usually ships, regardless of their origin and nationality, took care to avoid breaching the clouds. And now hers was about to do the exact opposite.
"It's to be expected Commander," Ryu offered helpfully from his own post. "The typical size of these bastards tends to throw off the eyes."
Taking in a breath, Bright decided to see if something could be done about that. "Magnify," he commanded.
A second later, the main monitor zoomed in. Only blue and black continued to remain.
"Not very helpful," Mirai exclaimed somewhat obviously. She then turned to Oscar. "Density?"
Oscar shrugged at the question. "Varies throughout," he answered. "But so long as we avoid the more turbulent areas, she will sail through easy enough."
"Heh," Mirai let out, noticing Oscar's careful choice of words. Deciding that was good enough, she settled back in her chair. "Shall we Captain?"
"By all means Commander," Bright replied from beside her, still retaining his gaze at the nebula. Like it or not, their course was set, and they had come too far to change it now. And that went for the Ark Royal's new mission altogether. "Take us in Katz."
"Aye sir," Katz replied, entering the commands into the helm. Upon that, the Ark Royal began moving again, slowly and cautiously, but by no means with hesitance. Mere minutes later, she fully immersed herself into the blue, her profile disappearing from wider space not long after.
Sleggar took a sip of his coffee as the announcement that the Ark Royal had entered the Azure Nebula came and went. He didn't have to look around the mess to see the apprehension of the surrounding crew; he could almost feel it in the same way Amuro and Sayla could "feel" human thought and emotion. Or so he would have imagined.
"Could be worse," he offered as he came to seat with his pilots. "We could have gone into the nebula with the Zeeks still hot on our asses. Among other nasty things."
"True enough," Sanders replied, taking a sip of his own coffee. "So long as that holds, we could pitch a tent and setup camp in this cloud for all I care."
He shrugged at the peculiar glances she earned from the others. "Can't be any worse than what's waiting for us on the other end," he casually pointed out. "After all, we're only moving deeper into enemy turf…"
"No need to remind us," Karen waved her off, lest morale start to suffer. Not that she, or anyone else on the ship, felt differently from Sanders or the Commander. "But since we're on the issue, any ideas how long we're going to be here?"
"A couple of weeks at most," Sleggar answered, remembering the earlier briefings on the matter. "As far as nebulas go the Azure isn't very big, though still far from an overnight trip of course."
"And I suppose it would be too much to just warp our way through," Michel inquired. Much like several others present, the younger pilot looked as though he hadn't been getting much sleep over the last few days.
"Too risky," Shiro answered, trying to sound easing in spite of said answer. "Charging to warp from within could damage the ship considerably."
"If not worse," Sayla followed on, seemingly unperturbed in contrast to much of the rest. "It's been tried before, but the success stories are few and far between."
"Great," Michel exclaimed, suddenly looking even glummer. As Commander Law had said, it wasn't as bad as having the Zeon shooting at them, but there was still a long list of places in the galaxy he'd rather be than within a nebula. Much less crawling through said nebula.
For his part, Sleggar couldn't help but laugh at his subordinate's glumness. "It'll be alright Ensign," he spoke with clear reassurance. "After all we've been through, a little nebula isn't going to be the end of us."
He then took another sip of his coffee. "And if worst comes to worst, our suits will work just as well within the cloud," he exclaimed. "Otherwise Anaheim is going to get a very strong worded complaint when we get back to Earth."
That earned a resounding laugh from the others, which had been Sleggar's intention. As did the reassurance they now held from his choice of words. They would make it back to Earth when all was done, he would ensure it. "What about you Amuro?" he inquired to the one pilot who had remained unresponsive throughout the conversation. "Does the big bad nebula make the White Devil quake in his boots?"
Ignoring the urge to roll his eyes, Amuro placed the datapad he had been rummaging through down and shrugged. "Not particularly," he exclaimed. "A nebula's just like any other area of space, only with assorted gases and minerals mixed in. I don't see the big deal in sailing through one…"
"It's because they're largely unpredictable," Kiki replied knowingly. "Nebulas have a tendency to hold all sorts of hazards deep within."
"Acidic gases, combustible minerals, electromagnetic storms that distort navigational systems…" Shiro rounded off the list. "All sorts of nasty little surprises that are best to avoid."
Amuro seemed to consider it. "Those are still far less threatening than what we've already gone through," he spoke mildly. "I mean, X-145 wasn't that long ago…"
Sleggar nodded in agreement. "Indeed Lieutenant," he replied. "But even so, present circumstances excluded, it's generally best to avoid nebulas when one is able."
He then took a longer drink of his coffee, effectively downing the cup. "After all, as Kiki pointed out, you never really know what may be lurking inside."
Zeon Rewloola-class battlecruiser Reugen
Azure Nebula
"Apollo signature confirmed," the operator stated as the designated signal breached the nebula, continuing on through. And hopefully doing so completely unaware. "It's the Ark Royal."
Gaze suddenly taking a predatory gleam, Garma rose from his command chair and took several paces forward, facing the blue blot on the main monitor that symbolized his quarry. At the risk of sounding overly savage, it was almost like watching one's prey pass into a clearing; the prey, despite some initial hesitation, was assured enough that no danger was present and so allowed itself some measure of vulnerability in order to move through, when in reality it was being tracked by an ever observant predator. Somewhat ironic considering the Ark Royal's captain had chosen the nebula as a means of concealment; an irony that Garma found almost as intoxicating as the sight of that blue blip on the monitor, unknowingly moving deeper into his reach. Seemingly mere moments away from his pounce.
Despite the obvious anxiety welling up in him however, Garma wasn't fool enough to prematurely spring his trap. Especially after all the trouble he had gone to setting it up; it wasn't enough that he knew where the Ark Royal was going to run to, he also needed a means to monitor her entry into the nebula as well as her progress throughout. For that, he had his surveyor ships deploy probes - models specifically designed to function within gaseous anomalies such as this one - into the nebula ahead of the carrier's arrival, through which they were spread out over a considerable distance from each other. Though there was no way for the probes to cover the entire nebula - such that, had the Ark Royal's captain figured the trap ahead of time, there would have been enough gaps within Garma's surveyor network to fly his ship through and evade them entirely - they were more than enough to keep tabs on the quarry as long as it remained unaware. From there, it was a simple process of watching the Ark Royal's voyage through the cloud, while the fleet moved to a proper intercept point.
For that, Garma had to be cautious in his approach. Moving against the Ark Royal too early would easily alert her to their presence, from which she would run and gain a vast head start. At the same time, waiting too long to strike would allow her to potentially move out of the combat zone altogether. No, Garma had come too far and invested too much energy for either outcome; his approach would be as precise as it would be swift in execution. His approach would be just as carefully yet skillfully advanced. "Come to course zero-eight-zero, mark two-nine-five. Advance at best possible speed."
"As you command," his flag captain acknowledged and then nodded to the helmsman, who immediately addressed his station. A moment later, the Reugen's engines began humming through the hull, propelling the battlecruiser further into the nebula, while the various other ships of the fleet did well to follow. Obviously there was no way for Garma, or anyone else on his flagship's bridge, to hear the engines of the other ships through the void, but they knew they were there, moving to match the Reugen's vector while maintaining formation. Garma himself especially knew this for the crimson hulled Ralmel, which was directly to starboard; just as he also especially knew Char would follow his lead in seeking out the most opportune moment to strike.
Returning to his command chair, Garma, if only for the moment, absently wondered what Dozle or Kycilia would have done in his place. In spite of his manner, or lack thereof, Dozle was actually a keen tactician - something that the Feddies had experienced firsthand, much to their misfortune - and Kycilia's reputation spoke for itself. Would either have followed his approach, or would they have figured out a more effective strategy to follow?
For all those thoughts and wonder, Garma felt himself inwardly shrug. Whatever his siblings would have done, he was the one at the Azure Nebula; he was the one tracking the Ark Royal. As such, it was his strategy that mattered in that moment, regardless of whatever his elder brothers and sister would have thought. Just as it would be his kill to make and his glory to have.
Holding onto that thought, Garma settled back into his chair and relaxed, his eyes never wavering from the main monitor. It would be a while yet before contact would be made; hours if his plan continued as smoothly as it was. But for the time being, he would remain present and watchful, inwardly savoring the anticipation as he moved ever closer to his waiting prey…
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Azure Nebula
It was quite a switch from the usual darkness of the void, Sayla had to admit. Through the viewports of the observation deck, her eyes, as genetically enhanced as they were, beheld nothing but a vast array of various shaded blue, with no stars shining through. And much more, rather than being inert as the darkness she was used to, the blue was continually active, swirling and wavering in a variety of intricate patterns, not unlike what the human imagination would have depicted from a grand portrait. All in manner that almost made one forget certain facts: that the blue was actually little more than abstract particles collected in a little pocket of space, while their distinct coloring a result of the rays of the surrounding stars shining through them as opposed to their holding the color by themselves. Even so, it remained a welcome change from the usual blackness.
Of course, Sayla wasn't so captivated by the nebula that she failed to miss her charge's distinct presence entering her de facto personal domain. As he walked up to come beside her, Amuro seemed as unperturbed as he had been in the mess earlier; even the sight of the nebula seemed to hold little sway over him, much less invoke the kind of fear and caution that their squadmates had displayed. Sayla considered that a good sign; it would not do well for one of her own to fear a simple cloud, even one as vast as the Azure. Though she did wonder if he was capable of considering the natural beauty of it, or if it really was simply a cloud of dust to him.
I don't see the big deal. Amuro telepathically spoke as he looked out over the cloud, at first making Sayla believe she had gained her answer. How is this any more dangerous than sailing through an asteroid belt or flying off a planet during a Colony Laser attack?
Sayla naturally smiled at this. It is the unknown that makes it so fearful. she replied. Humans, even Newtypes, naturally fear what they are unable to comprehend or understand. And for those who do not hold our gift, a great expanse such as this would undoubtedly hold much in the way of mystery.
Taking that answer in, Amuro continued to look out over the cloud. It's just a particle cloud to me. he replied, again making Sayla worry that she had indeed found her answer. Granted, a very beautiful, very vibrant particle cloud, one that has probably existed as long as the galaxy itself. But not something that would hold anything out of the ordinary.
Sayla almost felt herself physically relax at that last line. If her charge had been incapable of depicting beauty and wonder, then she would have had a far larger task ahead of her. As well, it would have signified that they had made very little progress in their discussions. And it likely doesn't. she agreed with a physical nod. But that doesn't change the possibility that it may hold some kind of unforeseen danger.
She then shrugged. Either way, unless it can be comprehended and verified as nonthreatening, then humans will draw fear and caution around it. she explained. Even the great and powerful Zeon may fear what dwells under their beds at night.
A smirk of irony crossed her lips upon that. To say nothing of what may thrive within the darkness beyond.
That earned a small laugh from Amuro. Somehow he could just picture Emperor Gihren shining an illuminator under his bed or into his closet at night, checking for any monsters waiting on him to lower his guard. Of course, that led to another line of thinking. Is that why they're so intent on conquering us? he posited. Because they fear us?
Sayla considered that herself. To a degree. she came to admit. Just as humans fear what they cannot comprehend, they also fear those that are not like them. Zeon are no different in this fact.
Even though they're "superior highborn"? Amuro inquired.
Physical and intellectual superiority only goes so far. Sayla replied knowingly. Especially when the "lowborn" of the galaxy outnumber your kind by a considerable margin.
A slight frown crossed her face on that, but it disappeared before Amuro could notice it. For a time, what Zeon feared most, and justifiably so, was that the galaxy at large would never accept them. she explained. That they would always be considered a fringe of humanity, whose very name parents of outside civilizations would use to frighten their children into compliance.
"Go to sleep or the big, bad Zeon will come to get you"? Amuro quoted, feeling somewhat saddened as he spoke it. I've heard that before.
Sayla nodded just as solemnly. Now, since the dawn of this century, that fear has greatly extended. she continued. What Zeon now fear of the "lowborn" is no longer intolerance, but virulence; that the numerically superior unaugmented of the galaxy will all come for them in the not so distant future…
She again frowned, and this time Amuro did notice. …and destroy everything that they hold dear. she again considered the thought. In that regard, some would claim this war as a preemptive strike, meant to pacify their enemies before they become true threat, let alone unite as one.
Certain derision crossed Amuro's eyes on that. Tell that to the people of Juno.
Again Sayla shrugged. I didn't say I agreed with it. she replied. Though technically she could have pointed out Juno was being used as a Federal basin at the time, and therefore fell into the realm of legitimate targets by international law, she felt it was unnecessary at that point. I'm merely explaining the rationale of what we're facing.
Again she smirked, though only slightly. After all, they are as human as those they are seeking to conquer.
Once more Amuro contemplated that. As hard as it was to fathom, especially given Juno and the manner in which Fraw's parents had died, Sayla was right. When it came down to it, Zeon were as human as the rest of the sentient galaxy; the final thoughts and emotions he had read from the myriad of enemy pilots he had vanquished, many of which had been calling out to their friend and loved ones before abruptly vanishing, had exemplified that fact to him many times over. That being said, whatever their reasons, they were still the ones committing genocide and subjugation upon the rest of the galaxy, all in the name of their madman Emperor. Unless that changed at some point, they deserved whatever they received when they faced him.
Back in the present however, Amuro couldn't help but feel that there was something more to Sayla's explanation. More precisely, her earlier phrasing. You said that fear only factors into their rationale "to a degree". he repeated, only then turning to face her. What else could they be fighting this war for?
Though initially hesitant, Sayla nonetheless began to reply. However, before she could telepathically transmit a single word, her eyes caught something in the nebula, directly ahead; a flash of some kind that stood out from the blue. It wasn't just her either, as Amuro's head snapped around, he apparently catching it from the corner.
At first, both reactively thought of it as a random static discharge - albeit a larger one than average - which had been occurring throughout the nebula since they entered it. That assumption was only disproven as a golden color beam lanced passed the Ark Royal's bridge tower, narrowly missing it. But still causing the whole of the ship to tremor from its surge.
More golden beams quickly followed, as did the alarm klaxons. "All hands to Level One Battlestations! All hands man to Level One Battlestations!" came the urgent call over the intercom.
Exchanging one final glance to the other, Amuro and Sayla both turned away and began rushing toward the hangar decks.
"Report!" Bright demanded as he reentered the bridge and all but threw himself back into his chair. Mirai, who was just as quick to take hers beside, also gazed on inquisitively as more beam shots began to fly around the ship.
"Multiple energy sources approaching! All warship class!" Omar called back as he read over his display, while the main monitor flickered to show the newfound signals. "Distance seventeen hundred, blue eleven mark eighteen gamma!"
Omar then looked up as more information came in. "They're Zeeks!"
Goddammit. Bright inwardly snarled, a sentiment that was reflected by Mirai and the rest of the bridge crew. In spite of all the precautions taken, Garma, or someone under his command, had somehow figured out their plan. And now they were about to move in for the kill. "Move to combat speed!"
"I don't think I'll be able to evade them Captain!" Katz called out as he struggled to maneuver the large and cumbersome Ark Royal around the incoming beams.
"Do what you can Ensign," Bright stated simply, before glaring back at the main monitor. By now the screen had magnified, displaying highlighted silhouettes of undoubted Zeon warships.
Now that they had been discovered, the young captain knew it was just as his helmsman had said; evasion would be impossible for a ship as large as the Ark Royal. Even the Azure could not hide her from a Zeon fleet that had already found her, especially one headed by a commander that was single-mindedly determined to hunt her down.
Thus, much to Bright's reluctance, there were only two courses of action. The first, and most obvious, was to try and force their way through. The second, on the other hand, would be much quicker in getting them out of the fight, but it would also inevitably damage the ship in the process. If not far worse.
He wisely chose the former. "Arm weapons and fire at will!" Bright ordered to Omar, who was already calculating firing solutions. "Target the cruisers first!"
In the midst of his calculations, Omar's display beeped once more. "Picking up additional signals!" Omar forewarned. "Enemy mobile suits incoming!"
This only caused Bright to glower that much more deeply. "Begin launching our own!" he ordered, just as another set of beams struck, causing the ship to rumble once more. "All units!"
I'll be damned. Char thought as he watched a pair of magenta beams sail out from the distance, miraculously striking one of the Musakas to his rear, whose destruction flared briefly yet spectacularly. Despite the destruction of one of "his" side's warships, he could not keep his ubiquitous smirk from folding across his lips. The Ark Royal really was there, as Garma had so proudly proclaimed.
Pushing just that much more power from his Zaku, which was flying alongside Garma's violet unit in the formation, Char had his main monitor zoom in on their quarry. Sure enough, he could just depict the equine silhouette of the renegade Trojan Horse from amongst the blue, additional magenta beams launching out from her cannon emplacements, while Char's instruments reported that she was picking up speed. Now that she had been cornered, she obviously had no choice but to fight it out, either to punch through the Zeon formation and retreat deeper into the nebula or to do so much damage as to render them incapable of further pursuit. Truly not unlike cornered prey when confronted with a predator pack.
In that regard, as much as it stung Char to know his erstwhile friend had done something he had not been able to, he was still a man who gave credit where credit was due. As such, he admitted, albeit begrudgingly, that Garma had outdone himself on this one. Just by taking some minor hints to heart, he had anticipated their quarry's movements as well as developed an effective counterstrategy to isolate her. And now he was in the process of making the kill – or so he would so believe – valiantly leading his hounds toward their prey as the latter could only flail about in an attempt to force them away. All in all, for these accomplishments alone, Garma had truly earned that Zeon Cross. Regardless of whether or not he did, in fact, finish the Ark Royal in the end, which Char retained his doubts on.
Those doubts were only further emphasized as the fleetcarrier drew closer, new energy signals speeding away from her. Enemy mobile suits were now launching. Despite the obvious complications – for lack of better description – their appearance made, Char found himself smiling that much more. Indeed, the Ark Royal would not go down so easily; if nothing else, the three that were undoubtedly at the head of the enemy formation would ensure that. And with any luck, the White Devil – who Char knew all too well Garma would engage once more – would return the favor he owed from X-145. Sending another Zabi into oblivion and bringing Emperor Zorin's avenging that much closer.
"All units engage at will," Garma called out, the mono-eye of his Zaku flashing as he brandished his machine gun, then putting that much power into his thrusters to charge ahead. The action was quickly matched by the other Zakus, who gunned their own thrusters to both keep up with their commander and to bring themselves that much faster into the fray. Char, naturally, followed suit, though he did much better in keeping up with Garma's unit than the others.
It wasn't much longer before the enemy Guncannons entered into range, their shoulder guns retaining superior range. Moments later, a virtual hail of magenta beam shots launched into the Zeon formation, taking out a fair number of Zakus from the onset.
Son of a bitch. Sleggar inwardly cursed as he watched the Zakus rapidly close in, the bazooka armed units already returning fire against the Guncannon volleys. Training his hyper beam rifle, Sleggar, as did Amuro and Sayla beside him, added their own shots into the mix, picking off a fair number of Zakus from the beginning. In spite of their efforts however, their attacks were nowhere near enough to dissuade the enemy suits from advancing, and so it wasn't long before the mono-eyed units broke formation and dispersed, either angling toward the Federal units or attempting to bypass them for the Ark Royal. In turn, Sleggar signaled his forces to intercept, thus beginning the dogfight. All while the Ark Royal continued her own advance, beam cannons blazing against the enemy capital ships while her phalanx lit up against the Zakus.
Jetting around the oncoming fire, Sleggar kept up the pace with his beam rifle, spearing two more Zakus through the chest as he fought on. The third member of that team, obviously driven by the death of its comrades, quickly forwent its machine gun and switched to its beam axe, charging directly for Unit Beta. Sneering at its approach, Sleggar simply raised his left, open hand up and engaged its beam gauntlet, breaking the Zaku's forearm at the wrist, the axe flying off into space. He then jabbed his rifle barrel into the Zeon machine's torso and fired, launching away just as the Zaku's reactor went critical. Only a feint tremor from the resultant shockwave against Unit Beta's armor indicated the Zaku's final demise.
Just how the hell did they find us? Sleggar's brain admonished as he fired more beam rifle shots, scoring additional kills, yet nowhere enough to stem the tide. By all facts and logic, Bright's plan should have worked as well as his past ones; there should have been no way for the Zeeks to figure out where they would go. Yet that was clearly not to be; somehow – likely through blind luck in Sleggar's opinion – the Zeon not only figured they would make a run for the nebula, but had even set up an ambush for them. And now, once again, they were in the thick of it; fighting for their lives against superior Zeek numbers, crawling every step of the way. And this time it was doubtful reinforcements would fly in at the last minute, while the Zeeks were even more determined to fight given that Emperor Gihren's little brother was leading them.
Still, it was what it was, no matter how damn frustrating or how much it seemed stacked against them. Like it or not, their course was set and they would only survive by fighting their way through it; no amount of internal deliberation would change that. As such, Sleggar, refocusing on the task at hand, gunned his thrusters and moved onto the next group of Zakus, who immediately began firing on him with their machine guns, bazookas and missiles in tandem. The beams were easy enough for him to evade or deflect with his beam shields, while employing his vulcans to shoot down whatever missiles he couldn't avoid. In turn, he shot back in sequence, taking down Zaku after Zaku with his usual pinpoint firing, landing each and every shot through the torso or another key area. He even managed to score a hit by sending a beam shot straight up a Zaku's machine gun barrel, causing it to explode and take nearly the whole right side of the mobile suit with it, from which he promptly finished it off with a second to that area.
Another burst of machine gun fire from his left alerted Sleggar to another incoming Zaku team. This one, spearheaded by a unit with a commander's fin, charged at him as one, raining synchronized beam fire at the blue Gundam. Evading the fire efficiently enough, Sleggar quickly returned it with his rifle, but he couldn't get a clear shot as the Zaku team moved in. Gritting his teeth, he was forced to throw his beam shield back up as the one with the command fin drew closer, seemingly for a point blank shot. At that, Sleggar forced it away by unleashing his vulcans, only to go back into evasive as one of the two unfinned units fired a spray of missiles at him. Rather than evade them or swat them down, Sleggar deflected them with his beam shield and counterfired simultaneously, scoring a hit that obliterated the Zaku's head. A second shot through the reactor finished it off for good, but in its place the remaining two launched at him again, machine guns in full fire.
Sneering at their renewed approach, Sleggar banked to his left and shot back, managing to clip the leg off the remaining finless unit. That was enough to throw off its flight, thus allowing Sleggar to spear it through the center as well, causing it to join its comrade in hell. In response, the command unit's mono-eye flared, to which it went full throttle, angling its spiked shoulder assembly to ram. Well used to that trick, it was child's play for Sleggar to "drop" underneath the Zaku as it moved by, firing again at near point blank. However, the Zaku pilot was apparently more skilled than average, and so moved his suit enough that Sleggar was only able to graze the left arm with his rifle shot. It then attempted to bring its own machine gun about, but by then Sleggar had gunned his thrusters and moved out of the line of fire entirely. It was then he retriggered his vulcans and sprayed beam fire across the enemy suit's torso before it could evade again. And though it didn't explode, the fading mono-eye was enough indication that the Zaku was out of the fight.
Of course, there were far more where those three had come from, as Sleggar's warning indicators sounded once again. Twisting his Gundam around to face the newcomers, the ace let out a battle cry as he charged ahead. With more beams and explosions soon following.
Firing her vulcans, Sayla waded Unit Gamma through the oncoming missiles, swatting each one down before they could hit. She then returned fire with her beam rifle, scoring a kill straight out as a Zaku was blasted through the chest plate, only for two more Zakus to take up its position, firing a machine gun and a bazooka in tandem. Glowering at their advance, she threw up her left beam shield to deflect the initial machine gun burst while evading around the bazooka shots, firing back with her rifle. The bazooka unit was shot down first, her beam shot landing through its cockpit block and rendering it pilotless, while the machine gun unit pressed further on. At that, she launched her Gundam forward and up and over the charging Zaku, firing a burst of vulcan fire into its exposed back. The resulting its explosion easily rendered the enemy mobile suit pilotless as well, the ruined Zaku going onto sail aimlessly through the nebula.
Naturally, there was only so more where those came from. This was emphasized as her warning indicators lit up once more, sensors displaying additional Zakus advancing. In fact, two had decided to forgo their machine guns and launch at her directly, beam axes in hand. Glaring, Sayla ignited her left beam shield to deflect the first slash, and then jetted away before the second could land. As she did, she fired a beam straight into the first Zaku, destroying it entirely, while the second followed up by firing its missiles at her. Once again it was little issue for Sayla to evade and shoot down the missiles with her vulcans, but as she did so the Zaku moved against her, axe raised to strike. Knowing she didn't have time to draw her saber, Sayla quickly improvised by reaching up and grasping the axe blade with her left hand, gauntlet engaged and repelling the opposing beam energy. That was more than enough to surprise the Zeon pilot, to which Sayla flung the Zaku away and fired a finishing beam shot into it, removing it from the battle as well.
More machine gun fire rained at her, to which she twisted her Gundam around and returned it, striking down several enemy suits through the process. Even so, several more managed to escape her initial onslaught and closed in, forcing her to reverse and move away lest they engage her at point blank all at once. Unfortunately for all her skill and power, she was not a master at middle to long-range combat like Sleggar was; she could not land every beam rifle shot she made, much less in vastly creative ways. That being said, she was the 13th Mobile Assault Group's undisputed master at close-range, which the incoming Zakus were seemingly keen to engage her in. As such, Sayla at last withdrew her rifle for her saber and launched Unit Gamma forward, straight through the enemy formation.
One after another the Zaku's fell to her blade; even the ones fast enough to draw their axes were unable to defend from her attack in time. Only one unit proved to be the exception, managing to raise its beam shield at just the right time to deflect her slash, and then simultaneously bring its axe about to counter. However, she remained the faster, pulling Unit Gamma back just as the axe blade swept by, to which she charged in and thrusted her saber, impaling the Zaku's cockpit. From that, she slashed the beam blade to her right and jetted away, allowing the stricken mobile suit to explode harmlessly.
And that was precisely when an all too familiar feeling – once more like a lightning bolt flashing – erupted through her. Instantly withdrawing her saber, Sayla maneuvered away as another machine gun burst – one that was far more accurate than those previous – sprayed where she had originally been. She immediately returned fire with her rifle, but it didn't matter. The opposite red mobile suit easily banked away from her shots, all the while maintaining its own.
It appears we're fated to continually meet like this Artesia. Char communicated as he sent his Zaku into a barreling charge, once again living up to his monicker. Even now he could detect his sister's animosity, as if it were directly emanating from her own mobile suit.
So it seems Casval. Sayla directed back as she continued maneuvering, banking around each and every shot herself while firing in turn. At that, the two mobile suits began to circle each other as they had before, only this time exchanging rifle and machine gun shot as they went. Do I have you to thank for this mess?
Despite himself, Char allowed a smirk to form at that. For once, no. he exclaimed amidst his fire. It was actually Garma himself that deduced your movements, though I may have dropped a hint or two for him.
How thoughtful of you. Sayla sneered in turn as she launched her Gundam forward in an attempt to close the gap between her and her brother's suits, but Char remained obstinate, having his Zaku jet back simultaneously to maintain distance. And I suppose you're just going to let him and his lackeys do as they wish?
If you mean sink the Ark Royal and wipe out your contingent, I'm afraid I cannot do anything to stop them on my end. Char replied as he let loose a missile spray, forcing Sayla to fall back onto her vulcans again. This allowed him to maneuver to her right and fire, but Sayla was just as quick to raise her beam shield to deflect. Though for what it's worth, I have my doubts toward their success.
At least he was right about that, Sayla felt but didn't broadcast. The Ark Royal had survived worse than this, and her comrades had also fought some of the best Zeon had in its muster. And then there was Amuro and Sleggar, who would make things that much more complicated for the Zeon. No matter what Garma thought of his own warriors, her side wouldn't fold so easily, and many had paid the price for repeatedly assuming otherwise.
That being said however, Sayla wasn't completely assured of their chances. She knew Garma had likely taken a fair portion of the Second Fleet into this fight, and that those that were fighting now were merely the first wave. There were undoubtedly more in the nebula, waiting for their commander to signal them to join the melee. All the while there was only one Ark Royal.
No matter. Sayla replied as she at last withdrew her rifle. The final outcome will be dealt with as it emerges.
She then, once more, withdrew her saber. In the meantime… she continued, igniting the magenta blades with certain flourish. There remains much between us, brother.
At that, Char mirrored her actions, withdrawing his machine gun for his axe. Indeed there is, dear sister. he answered as he ignited his own weapon's golden energy blade. Indeed there is.
With that, both red mobile suits charged as one, slamming their respective blades against the other.
Amuro glowered with no shortage of fury, firing more rifle shots at the oncoming Zakus. He scored more than a few direct hits, but the enemy mobile suits continued to advance upon him all the same, their machine guns, bazookas and missile launchers raining fire. Obviously they were hoping to overwhelm the White Devil with sheer firepower.
Needless to say, Earth's newest ace wasn't about to oblige them. Alternating between maneuvering and deflecting the oncoming fire with his beam shields – as well as shooting down the missiles with his vulcans – Amuro charged into the Zaku formation at far greater speed than the Zeon suits could manage. The Zakus scattered upon his approach, but it didn't matter; Amuro was more than adept at turning his Gundam about, firing at different angles as the Zeon mobile suits attempted to get away. Additional explosions followed as several Zakus were caught in the back or side, though more than a few managed to raise their beam shields in time. The latter then attempted to counterfire, but Amuro easily gunned his thrusters evade their shots once more, in turn shooting back with his rifle and vulcans.
It wasn't completely to Amuro's vantage however. Soon enough, his sensors beeped in warning: he was being targeted from the distance. Sure enough, he saw one of the Musakas – one that had apparently broken off from attacking the Ark Royal – narrow its bow cannons toward him. Snarling again, Amuro went back into evasion, narrowly dodging the resultant yellow beams and accompanying missile fire. This gave the surrounding Zakus a chance to regroup, from which they renewed their assault on the white Gundam, attempting to box it in with a continuous stream of fire. And once again, Amuro was able to deflect, weave around or intercept it, quickly returning to the offensive before the Zeon pilots could react. More Zakus fell as a result of this, taken out by Unit Alpha's increasingly precise hyper beam rifle fire.
It was then the Musaka made itself known again, firing its main guns at the white Gundam as it finished off its latest kill. Amuro glared back at the Zeon warship as it continued to fire on him. Through his Newtype senses, he could just "see" the captain of the enemy cruiser, all but salivating at the prospect of taking down "that white Feddie upstart", ordering all ahead full and all weapons be brought to bear. The crew, though quite hesitant – especially as several of them recalled how ships typically fared against ace piloted mobile suits – complied with their orders regardless, and so proceeded to bring their ship about. Moments later, her thrusters flared as she launched toward Unit Alpha, cannons and missile launchers remaining ablaze. All the while additional Zakus moved into support.
"Fools," Amuro muttered in annoyance and distaste, launching Unit Alpha at the oncoming cruiser. All at once his senses spiked with the crew's panic toward his approach, causing the Musaka's fire to intensify. It mattered little, as Amuro continued to dance around the oncoming shots, while taking out several of the defending Zakus in turn. Not even the Musaka's phalanx fire – once he entered into range – could touch his mobile suit, the cruiser's bridge crew now all but scrambling to shoot him down. All culminating in the white Gundam flying straight up to the bridge tower, golden eyes flaring as Amuro raised its rifle…
Yet again Amuro's sensors beeped in warning, indicating an oncoming signal from his left. Just as Amuro turned his Gundam's head to track it, the lone Zaku slammed its spiked shoulder into his torso, sending him well away from his initial target, painfully tremoring. It was this maneuver – even more than his Newtype senses picking up the presence within – that indicated the Zaku's pilot to him. Well before the machine's violet color scheme and accompanying knight's head sigil on its left side. "You!"
"Yes, me," Garma smartly resounded as he jetted back, neatly evading the responding rifle fire. He returned it with his machine gun, though none of his fire so much as grazed the right mobile suit. "I was hoping we would meet again, White Devil."
"Go to hell!" Amuro barked as he stepped up his rifle fire. Unfortunately, his shots were easily deflected by the Zaku's beam shield, thus forcing Amuro to maneuver around to find an opening. That gave the enemy pilot more than enough opportunity to retaliate with his machine gun, thus forcing the two mobile suits into a game of evasive fire. "This time I'm going to shut you up for good, Garma Zabi!"
Despite the hostility, Garma was very satisfied with that exclamation. "So you know who I am. Excellent," he replied as he let loose another machine gun burst, only for the white mobile suit to evade by dashing to its right. "I hope it didn't take too much research to find me out."
It hadn't in actuality. Sayla had filled him in on the purple Zaku pilot's identity not long after the previous battle. She had also seemed highly perturbed at the time, but Amuro couldn't think about that in the present. Instead, he launched Unit Alpha at the offending Zaku while triggering his vulcans, but the enemy suit managed to climb and evade at the right moment. From there, Amuro twisted around and fired another rifle shot, but that too was deflected by its beam shield.
"Of course, I can't say the same for you," Garma observed as he fired his missiles, forcing his opponent back behind its own beam shield. "Even now, all of Zeon is scrambling to learn the White Devil's identity, and yet not even the barest lead has emerged," he exclaimed, almost regretfully. "I don't suppose you would be so courteous…"
"Amuro Ray," came the immediate reply.
Needless to say, that took Garma very much off guard. "What?"
"You wanted my name Zeek? That's it," Amuro retorted as he fired both his rifle and vulcans at once, though he was still unable to land a hit on the purple Zaku. Despite his discomfort, and the obvious disadvantages of the enemy knowing his identity, Amuro somehow felt it was for the better. As if Zeon, and any other enemy he would face in the future, would come to dread that name in time. "Amuro Ray."
For some reason, Garma found a strange resonance with that name. Amuro Ray. he thought, feeling as though it entailed more than it should have. "I see."
Maneuvering around the latest beam barrage, Garma then decided to exchange his machine gun for his beam axe. "Well then, Amuro Ray," he stated, engaging the axe's yellow energy blade. "Let's make this even more interesting."
Glaring back, Amuro was just able to switch to his beam saber as the Zaku made its charge, bringing its axe downward…
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Azure Nebula
In clear spite of the constant tremoring brought on by enemy fire, Bright kept his gaze on the main monitor, focused entirely on the Zeon ships. He had anticipated that the trek through the Azure Nebula wouldn't be as smooth as hoped, but not to this extent; not to an actual battle. Unfortunately, it seemed that was to be the case, and much more, it wasn't a running fight like before. This time, Garma and his miscreants had intercepted them from directly ahead, effectively surrounding the Ark Royal from the start, and then proceeding to circle her like Terran sharks drawn to blood. Straight on evasion was nigh impossible; only with a breakthrough could the Ark Royal hope to escape, and then elude them entirely by moving deeper into the nebula.
The result spoke for itself there: as mobile suits darted to and fro across the vast blue, the warships sailed about like great leviathans through the vast blue, the Zeon ships aiming to overwhelm their target while the Ark Royal attempted to fight her way through them. Beams continued to rain from the carrier's main guns and phalanx, obliterating or damaging capital ships and oncoming mobile suits alike, but the forces of the Second Fleet remained stalwart, returning their own attacks in earnest. Sleggar's mobile suits, in turn, did whatever they could do to support, but they were just as constrained with their own opposition. All while the Zakus were doing all they could do to hinder them, if not attack the thirteenth "Trojan Horse" directly.
Needless to say, Bright wasn't fooled by their chances, which were even direr than their last encounter with Garma's forces. He could easily tell that the Ark Royal wouldn't last against such opposition; though it would cost the Zeon much, they would eventually break her through sheer attrition, as they had done several of her sister ships. And Bright had a feeling Garma had deployed a larger portion of his Fleet just for that purpose. "Report!"
"Outer armor down to seventy-five percent!" Omar shouted hurriedly, monitoring the damage. "We've lost four phalanx!"
Omar's sensors then beeped again. "Missiles incoming!"
"Hard to port!" Bright commanded as the enemy projectiles appeared on the main monitor. "Unmask phalanx and intercept!"
Bright grasped his chair arms as the Ark Royal lurched around him. It would be close, but he knew his ship would be able to move in time, unmasking her phalanx in the process. Sure enough, the mighty carrier managed to present her broadside to the missile swarm, sending a flurry of magenta beam fire to intercept. A multitude of explosions followed, but unfortunately the phalanx couldn't hit all of them; more than a few missiles broke through as a result.
Damn… was all Bright managed to mentally process before the Zeon missiles struck. With literal explosive force, the ship rocked to port, tremoring much more violently than it had previously. The captain cringed; there was no escaping that one. "Damage!?"
"Starboard side armor down to sixty-eight percent! Five more phalanx out of commission!" Omar responded. "We also lost cannons four and six!"
"Damn it," Mirai cursed under her breath, mirroring Bright's own sentiments. They still had six operational beam cannons, but how long before they lost those too? Once they did, they would be unable to engage the enemy ships effectively. "Deploy damage control teams!"
"Already on it ma'am!" Ryu sounded off as he operated his console. "Teams en route now!"
The ship tremored once more as another beam cannon shot landed against her. This time Bright didn't bother asking for damage, again turning his attention back on the fleet around them. "Target the two Musakas off our port quarter!" he commanded. "Fire when ready!"
Upon that command, the portside cannons let out their wrath upon the two designated Zeon cruisers, obliterating them near simultaneously in dual bursts. Unfortunately, another enemy ship, a Rewloola, made her way between the two explosions and quickly began to take up where the destroyed ships had left off. Moments later, she was supported by another pair of Musakas at her flanks, adding on their own fire.
Bright glowered at those new ships as Omar already directed the Ark Royal's own fire toward them. Indeed, no matter how many enemy ships they destroyed, the Zeon just had more to throw at them, while the Ark Royal remained alone. And the damage was continually stacking up…
"Two more Musakas coming at our stern!" Omar sounded as his sensors beeped in warning. "They're firing!"
Again the Ark Royal tremored from as the beams struck. And again Bright gripped the arms of his chair as he began shouting orders. "Return fire sternward! All available weapons!" he commanded with haste. "Standby for missile barrage on my mark!"
Gatling cannons and rifle blazing, Shiro continued to rain fire down upon the Zakus in his proximity, managing to overwhelm and destroy at least two through his barrage. As always, Kiki and Michel supported him with their own beam rifle and cannon fire, but only a select few of their shots – mostly from their rifles – were landing anywhere, much less doing any real damage. As a result, the Zakus advanced in earnest with their own machine guns blazing away, forcing the three Guncannons to maintain the evasive as they exchanged shot after shot.
They're really boxing us in. Shiro managed to think as he raised his beam shield to deflect an enemy machine gun burst. He then turned his rifle upon the offending Zaku, but the enemy suit foresaw the motion and evaded at the right moment. The enemy suit then attempted to charge in against the Stormer – almost making a show of evading the oncoming fire – while bringing its machine gun up to shoot. However, this inadvertently put it in range of Shiro's vulcans, and the Guncannon pilot took immediate advantage, obliterating the Zaku's head in a single spray. With that, Shiro promptly finished it off with his gatling guns, well before the Zaku pilot was ever able to recover from his or her obvious surprise. Unfortunately, two more of its kind emerged to take its place, forcing Shiro to return to an evasive pattern as they fired their machine gun and bazooka respectively. He could only grit his teeth as he returned their fire.
For his part, Michel was doing all he could to keep pace with his two wingmates, maintaining fire as the Zakus closed in. He wasn't scoring any direct hits, and any that came close was easily deflected, but at least he was keeping the Zeon well on their superhuman toes. Or so he hoped; in reality, it seemed like the Zeon were only being hindered by so much as they drew in. Not that he was able to think much about that, or anything else; at the moment, only survival mattered, and for that he needed his skill and instincts more than his comprehension. Even so, the part of him that could manage rational thought did not like how things were turning out thus far.
Just how the hell are we going to get out of this one? he managed to think amidst the fighting. Letting loose both cannons, Michel just managed to blast one of the Zakus in the left shoulder before it could raise its beam shield. At that, he moved to capitalize with his rifle only for his sensors to beep in warning. At that, he turned just in time to see a Zaku charging at him with its axe raised to strike.
"Holy shit!" Michel exclaimed loudly as he reversed and launched back, vulcans firing. The Zaku immediately engaged its beam shield, but maintained its velocity, such that it ended up shield slamming the Trooper head on. Recovering fast however, Michel was just able to raise his own beam shield to deflect the initial axe attack, then the second and then the third. He then brought his beam rifle around and fired, but the Zaku evaded it by climbing and looping over the Federation mobile suit. From there, it shoulder barged the Guncannon with its spiked left shoulder, knocking Michel back again.
By the time he opened his dazed eyes again, Michel was just able to depict the Zaku raise its axe to at last strike his cockpit. And though he heard Commander Amada call out to him, he knew he wasn't going to make it in time to intercept, not with his own opposition keeping him back. He didn't have enough time to scream; only to process a single thought. B.B…!
Letting out a battle cry as she launched in, Kiki brought her Trooper into a shoulder tackle of her own, slamming into the Zaku before its axe could connect. With that, she then moved her suit back, angled her cannons and fired point blank into the unguarded torso. Then, with another power boost from her Apollo Thrusters, she moved away as the Zaku's remnants exploded. Thus completing the famous Cannonball Run maneuver; one of the few Guncannon oriented maneuvers that worked wonders on Zakus.
"You owe me that one Six!" Kiki called out as she looked back toward Michel's Guncannon. "Now get your head out of your ass!" she stated as she fired her cannons at another group of approaching Zakus.
Though put off by the last part, Michel nonetheless nodded his gratitude. "Acknowledged Five," he replied as he put his own cannons and rifle back to work, supporting his wingmate against the newcomers.
Letting out a sigh of relief from his end, Shiro immediately went back to raining gatling fire on the Zakus alongside. The battle only continued on from there.
Throwing up his beam shield at just the right moment, Char was able to deflect Sayla's latest saber attack. He then shoved the saber aside and moved to counterstrike with his axe, but his vengeful sister was just as fast, dashing back and unleashing her vulcans to dissuade him. Again this forced Char behind his shield, thereby allowing the opposing ace to circle around and move at his exposed back. Only a timely climb away kept Sayla's saber from hitting its mark, from which Char twisted around and dove back, his axe landing directly against the crossed beam saber blades. Both red mobile suits held their respective weapons in place, eye cameras glaring menacingly into the other against the mixed gleam.
At that, Char slammed his Zaku's foot against the opposing mobile suit's chest plate, knocking it back several meters and thereby breaking the blade lock. However, just as he was about to strike a blow, Sayla gunned her thrusters again, neatly evading the axe sweep before it could land. She then dashed around and moved against Char's right side, saber brought for a diagonal slash, only for Char to dash to his left while twisting around, knocking away her saber before it could connect. Sayla followed with her vulcans again, but Char anticipated the move, spinning his Zaku away from the flurry, then retaliating with missile fire of his own. However, rather than shoot them down as he half-expected, Sayla banked to her right to evade and charged ahead, utilizing her mobile suit's superior speed to overcome the Zaku, from which she slashed to behead it. Only another timely maneuver, this time a reverse, kept the saber from so much as slashing at the Zaku's neck.
Sayla grimaced as she watched the red Zaku continue evading her follow on attacks, not even bothering to utilize its beam shield or parry her saber slashes with its axe. Like it or not, her brother really was that good; any other Zaku pilot would have been long dead or defeated by now. Yet again she found herself wishing that he had joined Federal Forces beside her, instead of taking to the insane notion of fighting the Zabis "from within". Instead of becoming her enemy.
You've truly grown strong Artesia. Char suddenly called out as he at last parried her saber, knocking it away. Unfortunately however, you still have much to improve upon!
With that, the Red Comet returned to the offensive, slashing at Unit Gamma's own head. Sayla managed to evade it, but not without a grazed scar appearing on her Gundam's left cheek. She then retaliated with her vulcans again, but Char banked out of the way well before she was able to pull the trigger. He then moved to strike at her own back, only for Sayla to angle her saber blade behind her to parry. Once the axe was caught against her left saber, she made a spin sweep with her right, one that nearly caught the Zaku at its waist. Again only timely maneuvering kept Char's mobile suit from being damaged, while Sayla again triggered her vulcans as she pursued. This time it seemed like Char was more pressured to evade than before.
And you've grown complacent Casval. Sayla retorted as she easily overcame the Zaku – her Gundam remained the faster of the two – from which she slammed her blade against its hastily reignited beam shield. As well as blindingly overconfident.
She then followed up with a saber combo, which Char once again had to alternate between parrying and evading. Responding quickly, Char slashed his axe at the opposing mobile suit's waist, but Sayla easily jetted back from that, then circled around to cleave at the Zaku's head again. Char evaded in time again, but the beam saber nearly grazed the mono-eye with its tip, nearly blinding him in the process.
Sensing her opponent's incapacitation, Sayla immediately moved against the red Zaku's left. But then pride was always your fatal weakness…
And temperament was always yours. Char shot back as he spun his Zaku – once more at the right moment – to catch Sayla's blade with his axe. Thus establishing another blade lock. Even now, you're still unable to control your emotions, thereby leaving yourself vulnerable.
Sayla sneered as she withdrew from the lock and fired another vulcan spray, forcing Char to throw his shield back up again. Not as vulnerable as you so believe, brother. she responded as she dashed in again, slashing at the unshielded right side of the Zaku. Another blade intercept, followed by an exchange, in which either pilot attempted to break through the other's defense and strike. And even then, the same fury burns in both of us. You are truly arrogant to presume otherwise.
Char grit his teeth as he deflected his opponent's dual saber attacks, then counterattacking once an opening presented itself. Unfortunately for him, Sayla remained just as quick, easily placing her beam shield to intercept and knocking the axe away. She then moved into retake the offensive, but Char prevented that by engaging his thrusters and jetting away. I do not presume differently Artesia. he admitted as he twisted around, firing another missile spray. You hold the same rage for our father's death as I.
As Sayla was forced to move back, taking out the missiles with her vulcans, Char launched behind her. Where he moved to strike at her backpack. However, your weakness remains. he called out as his axe began to fall. Your rage will only weaken you, dear sister, and eventually consume you.
It was all Sayla could do to spin her Gundam around and flick her left beam shield into the axe's path. The velocity was enough to knock it aside, but Char recovered fast, bringing it around for another strike, only to be intercepted by Sayla's right blade. Again the two mobile suits glared into the other's eye cameras, mirroring the ferocity of their pilots. You may succeed in killing Gihren and his ilk… Char stated as he pushed his axe against her blade. But, as long as you remain upon this path, you will never be free of that anguish.
In spite of that, Sayla refused to back down. And you believe yourself so differently, brother? she shot back, putting her second saber against the axe blade again. That you can shoulder the burden of father's vengeance alone? Without becoming so ensnared?
Upon that, the two suits separated and drew back. Sayla fired her vulcans just as Char fired more missiles, both moving to circle the other. Because I can feel your own rage Casval… she glowered back, knocking the missiles out of space again before turning her guns on the Zaku, only for it to jet out of the way. And your own anguish alongside.
Char glared back upon hearing those words. Perhaps… he was forced to admit as he brought his mobile suit around again, slamming its axe against his opponent's swords, again staring into the dual eye cameras of his sister's mobile suit. But even so, the burden remains mine to shoulder alone.
Sayla did not miss the emphasis on that last word. And thus remains your own weakness. she stated in turn, glaring back into the red Zaku's mono-eye. And your own insufferable end.
And so the duel went on, as both red mobile suits flitted through the blue, exchanging blade for blade. Mirroring the ire of their respective pilots.
"These Zeek bastards are really bugging me!" Kai complained as he let loose his Trooper's cannons, nearly hitting a passing Zaku as it moved to another part of the battlefield. Not that it really mattered as two more of its comrades moved against him, firing their machine guns in sequence. Thereby forcing the Federation pilot to pull back and maneuver, as well as engage his beam shield to deflect. "I thought they weren't supposed to find us in here!"
"Apparently they didn't get the memo Twelve," Hayato dryly replied as he came to his wingmate's defense, returning the Zakus' fire with his rifle. Though somewhat more accurate than Kai's marksmanship, the best he managed to accomplish was forcing the Zaku's to abandon their assault momentarily and duck behind their own beam shields. He then tried to capitalize on this by firing his cannons at either Zaku – their beam shields being wholly inadequate to defend against – but the enemy pilots apparently foresaw the attack and move to evade before the beams could connect. Hayato sneered as they moved away. "Though it would have been nice…"
"Cut the chatter kids," Sanders interrupted as he fired his own Guncannon's main gun. Unlike his subordinates, his attack managed to do actual damage, obliterating three approaching Zakus at once. In spite of the all that was happening, as well as what he was going to say next, Sanders found himself inwardly smirking in triumph. Nothing beat his Buster. "We still have a long way to go yet."
Taking that reminder to heart, Hayato and Kai turned back to the task at hand, and that was keeping the enemy Zakus well away from their mothership. No easy task, considering that there were more Zakus than there were Guncannons present. And that was before accounting for the losses the 13th had taken to this point, which had to have been considerable.
Goddamn Zeeks. Hayato thought as he triggered his cannons again, firing another dual magenta burst at another unit of approaching Zakus. It did little good, the Zeon mobile suits breaking formation to evade, but at least it kept them from coming straight at him. At that, Hayato followed up by banking to his left and firing his beam rifle, managing score a hit on one of the Zakus' left shoulder, destroying it and the left arm alongside. Unfortunately, his follow up shot was deflected when the Zaku brought up its beam shield, from which its comrades turned their machine guns and bazookas upon him.
Bringing up his own beam shield as he maneuvered, Hayato returned their fire with his cannons again, while Kai and Lieutenant Sanders added their own Guncannons' fire into the line. This resulted in two more Zakus being destroyed – one from a lucky rifle shot on Sanders' part and the other from a far luckier dual cannon shot on Hayato's – but the rest refused to breakaway, instead charging the Guncannons head on. Another mega beam cannon shot from the Buster managed to take out two more, but beyond that, they could do little to keep the Zeon suits from moving in.
Are we really going to get out of this one? Hayato couldn't help but think – no matter how much he tried not to – as several of the Zakus shot passed them for the Ark Royal herself. He would have pursued, but another one of their number had singled him out, firing its machine gun at his vector and forcing him into defense. Sanders and Kai were much in the same position, forced to hold back their own aggressors.
Upon their approach, the Ark Royal's phalanx immediately turned on the Zeon mobile suits, launching a flurry of magenta beam fire at their direction. Several were taken out as a result, but one unit – a bazooka equipped unit – managed to get through, moving toward the Ark Royal's portside. There, it fired its weapon into the beam cannon emplacement there, resulting in a catastrophic explosion. Only then was the ship's phalanx fire able to take it out with the rest.
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Azure Nebula
"We just lost cannon three!" Omar called as the ship rocked from the resultant explosion. "Outer armor now down to sixty-three percent!"
Bright inwardly cursed. The damage was mounting that much faster now, despite all efforts to the contrary. "Maintain course!" he commanded. "Sink that Rewloola off our bow!"
At that, the Ark Royal's two topside mounted bow cannons angled and fired, their beams streaking at the green battlecruiser in the distance. Though it attempted evasion at the last moment, the four magenta beams easily intersected and pierced its armor, ripping the enemy warship apart in a resultant fiery explosion. Naturally however, there was more where she came from; other Zeon ships moved in its place and attacked, firing their own golden beams and missiles into the stricken carrier.
As the Ark Royal rocked again from the oncoming attacks, Bright, while again grasping the arms of his chair, shouted toward Omar. "Enemy fleet status!"
"Approximately one-fourth destroyed!" Omar responded after going over the readings. "Additional numbers have suffered heavy damage!"
Again Bright cursed to himself. It wasn't enough; nowhere near enough for a breakthrough. The image of multiple Zeon warships remaining on the main monitor – their green hulls now abundantly clear against the vast blue – was implication enough. Even the ones that had suffered the worst damage remained in the fight, seemingly refusing to retreat in the presence of their damned prince. All while, as established before, the damage on his ship kept mounting.
Another explosion rocked the ship. "Musaka off our portside!" Omar called out in warning, just as the designated signal was highlighted on the main monitor. "It just took out the port wing!"
"Counterfire, aft cannons!" Mirai ordered immediately. "Helm, bring us about!"
His orders given, Katz put the Ark Royal into a starboard turn, thereby giving the topside aft cannon more room to prosecute. Eventually the cannon was able to track the Zeon cruiser and fired, shooting it straight through the bow. However, just as the enemy warship exploded, another Zaku team moved in, firing their machine guns and bazooka into the Ark Royal's stern.
As the ship again rocked from the direct attack, Mirai called out. "What happened to our mobile suit screen!?"
"Still present ma'am, but they're taking heavy losses!" Kikka dutifully reported, trying to force the strain out of her voice.
Additional bitterness welled up in Bright over that. Even before the battle, their mobile suit force had been grossly outnumbered as well as largely outmatched; the Zaku remained superior to the Guncannon after all. And though they retained the three Gundams – and their respective aces – even they could do so much in the present situation. There was just too much for them to deal with all at once.
At least Garma and Aznable are off our backs for the time being. Bright thought, taking some measure of comfort in that. Even then, the Red Comet's run at Arcturus remained a fixture in his memories. One that he did well to force back; there were enough Zakus, albeit plain green ones, trying to attempt that now. "Hard to port! Ahead three quarters!"
Letting out a howl, Sleggar smashed his gauntlet into the Zaku's head, obliterating it and sending the rest of the mobile suit flying away. It attempted to recover, but Sleggar easily finished it with a rifle shot to the cockpit, then jetting away as more of its comrades launched after him in seeming vengeance. Gritting his teeth, the ace zigzagged around their machine gun fire while returning it with far more precise shooting, taking down one Zaku after the other. Even so, the enemy remained persistent, the mono-eyed suits refusing to give up their pursuit, even though they were clearly struggling to keep up with his Gundam. He almost wondered if they were willing to follow him to the ends of the nebula.
So long as I can keep them off the Ark. he thought as he banked around a bazooka toting unit's shot, to which he retaliated with his vulcans. That was enough to destroy the Zaku's bazooka – though the Zeon pilot was keen enough to throw it aside before it exploded and took his suit's arm with it – to which it retaliated by firing its hip missiles while its comrades moved in to support. Responding just as quickly, Sleggar reversed and reignited his beam shield, alternating between deflecting the fire – or "swatting" it in the certain cases – and evading it entirely. Once he gained an opening, Sleggar returned to firing his beam rifle, striking down two more Zakus before being forced back into evasion. He then snapshotted another Zaku through the head – straight through the mono-eye even – before finishing it with another two shots through the torso and Apollo Reactor.
From his right, Sleggar was just able to pick up another Zaku moving at him, beam axe drawn to strike. Instinctively he engaged the beam shield on that arm, deflecting the initial attack, though by doing so he was unable to bring his beam rifle about. In its place, he fired his vulcans at the Zaku's head, obliterating it with a single burst, thereby giving him enough space to force the enemy mobile suit away. From there, he fired another finishing shot that took out the Zaku's cockpit, right before gunning his main thrusters to evade another machine gun grouping from the rest. Another flurry of beam rifle shots kept the other Zakus from ganging up on him, but they maintained their attacks regardless.
That was when Sleggar's sensors beeped again in warning, to which he turned at the right moment. Eyes widening in shock, the ace immediately threw his Gundam into a dive, narrowly evading as a barrage of golden tinted beams streaked by where he had been. In the distance, a trio of the Musakas had apparently broken away from the Ark Royal – which was looking even worse for wear now – to track him. At present, the battlecruisers were accelerating away from the main fleet and closing in on Sleggar's position, likely so that they could bring their phalanx against him as well. All while additional Zakus came flying in as well.
You've got to be kidding! Sleggar thought as he switched his rifle to Hyper Mode and fired, the enhanced beam easily reaching and spearing through the center Musaka, which exploded a moment later. That rendered the rifle unusable for a period of time, but that was only an inconvenience to the Gundam pilot, who returned to evasion as the remaining two Musakas maintained their fire. The escorting mobile suits soon entered range as well, adding their machine guns and bazookas into the mix.
Glowering back at the Zeon, Sleggar replaced his rifle and drew his right beam saber, launching Unit Beta forward again. He wasn't a master of the blade like Sayla – he would, and would always be, a gunfighter – but he was still good enough, easily slashing through the Zakus, one after the other, as he moved upon the Zeon cruisers. Phalanx and missile fire soon joined the cruisers' main cannons, but Sleggar waded through those as well, even knocking down some of the missiles with his vulcans. From there, he finally came upon his initial target, flitting toward the bridge tower – so the Zeek crew had a good view of his mobile suit – before diving.
A reflexive battlecry escaping his lips, Sleggar impaled his saber into the Musaka's hull, proceeding to slash an enlarged cut down the line. It wasn't as nuanced as simply shooting the cruiser up, but it got the job done, causing a long line of explosions as the ace moved from bow to portside stern. As a result, the ship began to list to its portside, the engines there flickering out of activity. For additional effect, Sleggar then fired his vulcans into the stern part of the cut, which caused even further explosions to rock the ship, before jetting away toward the second.
The remaining cruiser attempted to turn away, throwing up waves of fire with its stern weapons, but it was obvious that it wouldn't make it. As such, Sleggar easily flew up toward the bridge tower, from which he performed a running slash that "scalped" the structure. Now brainless, the cruiser began to drift as well, though its weapons continued to track and fire upon the flitting Gundam. It was only then that Sleggar redrew his beam rifle – now fully recharged – and fired several shots into the hull, eventually causing the Musaka to detonate entirely. The resulting immolation also destroyed the other stricken cruiser, but not before Sleggar had moved out of the blast zone.
Taking a moment to catch his breath, Sleggar's sensors beeped once more: another group of Zakus were moving upon him. Willing himself back up, he rebrandished his rifle and charged back at the incoming formation, firing as he went.
Deflecting another axe strike with his shield, Amuro countered with a slash at the Zaku's torso, only for his opponent to dash to the left and evade the stroke entirely. He then followed up with his vulcans, but Garma easily brought his own shield forward, deflecting that attack as well. The Zeon prince then attempted to move against the white mobile suit's left side, but Amuro was just as quick to turn and parry its axe with his saber. This naturally brought on a blade lock, in which both mobile suits' camera eyes glared into the other.
"Excellent!" Garma complimented as he held his axe against the Feddie mobile suit's – whose name he still didn't know – energy blade. "Most excellent! You're putting up an even greater challenge than before!"
Rather than respond verbally, Amuro forced Unit Alpha forward, throwing back the Zaku and its axe. He then charged in to make a stab at the cockpit, but again Garma was fast enough to twist his suit around and present his shield, deflecting the strike. He then used his shield to knock the Federation suit's blade away entirely, while simultaneously presenting his missile launchers. As such, Amuro's Newtype senses kicked in, alerting him to the attack and giving him just enough time to reverse, as the Zaku launched a near point-blank missile barrage. Again Amuro fell back on his vulcans for that, shooting the five of the missiles out of space before they could draw close. The last nearly struck, but he managed to slash it away with his saber.
It was then Garma was upon him again, moving to strike his back. Another turn and another flick of the arm brought the Gundam's left beam shield to intercept, to which Amuro again countered with his saber. This time however, Garma deflected the attack with his axe, then banked his Zaku out of the follow up vulcan burst. He then deflected the next two strikes – one with his shield and the next with his axe again – before taking a slash at the Gundam's head. Amuro retracted back, taking advantage of the axe's short reach, before moving to lob off the Zaku's left arm. Another intercept with the axe blade prevented that.
"That won't be the only difference this time around," Amuro growled as the two mobile suits reentered a high speed melee, flitting through the nebula while exchanging their respective blades. "As I said before, I'm going to shut you up for good!"
"Are you now?" Garma shot back, right before maneuvering around another saber attack. He then counterattacked with his own slash, nearly cutting at the white mobile suit's faceplate, but again Amuro evaded at the right moment. He had to admit, that was getting rather annoying. "And yet I seem to remain untouched, Amuro Ray."
"Just you wait!" Amuro bellowed as he unleashed a full combo, slashing at the Zaku from different angles. Unfortunately none of the attacks connected, as Garma easily deflected/evaded each and every slash with ease. The Zaku then lurched up, smashing its foot into the back of Unit Alpha's head in the exact manner as their previous encounter, before jetting away. Easily recognizing the deliberate sleight, Amuro twisted his Gundam around and gave chase, firing his vulcans as he closed in.
Garma laughed as he waded around the vulcan fire. "You're determined, I give you that," he retorted, before twisting around again. "But unfortunately that matters only so much!" he declared as he put his Zaku back into a full charge.
Again Amuro moved to intercept and deflect his attack with his beam shield. However, right as he was about to ignite it, Garma put additional power into his thrusters, allowing him to close the gap that much faster. Thus, before Amuro realized what had happened, Garma's axe fell upon Unit Alpha's left arm, severing it completely from the upper limb as the Zaku flew by.
"What?" Amuro reflexively espoused as his combat computer alerted him to the damage. He barely had time to dwell on it – to realize that had been the first time anyone had actually damaged his mobile suit – as the Zaku swung around again, bringing its axe to bear. This time however, Amuro was able to deflect the attack and counter, but Garma easily evaded his slash and moved at his now open left, nearly cleaving into the Gundam's side. Amuro evaded again, but not before the axe cut a gash into Unit Alpha's torso, just barely missing the cockpit.
"Make no mistake, you are a worthy opponent Amuro Ray," Garma sounded as he pursued, once more exchanging blade attacks with his adversary. "You hold great skill, finesse and as stated before, noteworthy determination."
Amuro wasn't able to respond as his teeth were firmly grit. Both in anger and in response to Garma's newfound offensive.
"What you lack, however, is experience!" Garma continued as he made another slash at the Gundam's head, this time inflicting a gash against its "cheek". "If you had fought in any real battles beside Juno, or against any real opponents beside Char, you would have easily defeated me by now!" he shouted as he pushed further on with his blade.
Amuro just barely managed to intercept the Zaku's axe this time, from which Garma took the opportunity to shove his mobile suit's head against his opponent's. "In fact, the only reason you've gotten this far is because of your mobile suit," he stated. "Had you been in a Guncannon, you would never have survived past Antillia!"
The Zeon ace then reversed, just as Amuro brought about his saber again. The following vulcan burst was deflected just as quickly. "You say you will silence me for good, yet I find myself seeing the exact opposite!" Garma called out as he came around again, his axe once more falling against the white suit's saber. "It is I who shall destroy you!"
Letting out a yell, Amuro moved to counterstrike, only for Garma to deflect it as well. "And not just for that Zeon Cross, or because you're the first worthy opponent I've fought in a very long time," he almost howled. "But because you are a true threat to Zeon! One that should never be allowed to mature and gain strength!"
He drove his axe back in again. "You, more than Project V! More than the Ark Royal!" he rambled on. "You are the enemy of everything I hold dear!"
Suddenly, Amuro felt the familiar surge of lightning through his mind, followed by an assortment of images. Emperor Gihren sitting upon his throne, smiling with clear approval. Various figures, taking the form of an oversized brute of a man covered in scars, a somewhat smaller man with dark greyish hair and a stern expression, an older woman with an equally stern expression and another, younger woman with violet tinted hair, all gazing forward expectedly. And finally, a blonde hair woman – who held another life in her womb – looking toward with love and admiration in her eyes…
"Yes!" Garma shouted, recoiling his Zaku back. "I will destroy you, Amuro Ray! Before you become a true threat to our empire!" he declared. "Before you become the greatest warrior the galaxy will ever see!"
That caused another image, and accompanying feelings, to flow through Amuro's mind: pure white light, the feeling of restraints holding him down to some kind of bed, while a multitude of shadowy figures gazed over him. And pain. An all too certain pain, causing him to cringe as he desperately forced the image back.
"So have at me!" Garma shouted as he renewed his charge, which Amuro managed to bring his right beam shield to defend against. "Silence me, Amuro Ray, before I take your life instead!"
The Zeon glared back into the white mobile suit's yellow eyes, imagining the pilot beyond. "And not because you find me bothersome! But because I am Prince Garma of Zeon! One who seeks the conquest of the galaxy and the subjugation of all lowborn!" he shouted. "Including those you hold dear!"
At that, Amuro snapped his head back, the memories of Fraw's parents and Juno flowing through his mind. Letting out a roar, he brought his saber about, once more slashing and parrying against the purple Zaku's axe. His opponent gleaming with responding euphoria…
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Azure Nebula
This isn't good. Mora thought as she looked over the readings on the number one Apollo Reactor. The constant tremoring from enemy fire was certainly not helping those readings. "I want a stabilizer on that second conduit now!"
No sooner than she shouted that did another tremor erupt, causing the lights to flicker as the engineering crews worked around her. "Reinforce that starboard interlock!" she commanded as she moved down between the mammoth reactor cylinders. "We'll lose the power flow if this continues!"
"We're working on it ma'am!" one of the engineers replied as she hurriedly went about her tasks. More flickering lights didn't help as she and those around her went about their work. "Almost there…!"
Mora was about to reply to that when another tremor hit. One that was accompanied by a large explosion that sent equipment, and bodies, flying across the engineering bay. As well as caused the lights to flicker out, permanently for several.
The tremoring – far more violent than before – and flickering lights – immediately replaced with emergency illumination – had just ceased when Katz looked over his readout. "Main power just went offline!" he called out in panicked warning. "Secondaries are not engaging!"
Mirai quickly tapped her armrest controls. "Bridge to Engine Room, status report!" she yelled, only for static to be the reply. "Repeat, Bridge to Commander Boscht, respond!"
"Zaku incoming!" Omar suddenly shouted before bracing.
At that, the rest of the bridge crew was just able to depict the telltale Zeon machine flying at the bridge. And with the main power presently offline, there were no active phalanx to hinder it.
Gritting his teeth, Bright could only give the order. "Brace for impact!" he called out, just before the enemy enacted its strafe. More tremoring and flickering lights, as well as the sounds of explosions, soon followed.
Sayla had just managed to force Char back when a sudden surge channeled through her mind. "The Ark Royal!" she let out unintentionally while a new display window, one that held her mothership front and center, appeared on her monitor.
Already heavily damaged, the beaten and battered Ark Royal was now adrift. Her outer lights were now darkened, her main engines no longer emitted thrust and, worst of all, her guns were completely silent. This naturally didn't stop the Zeon ships from attacking, as even without her sensors or Newtype powers, Sayla could feel the enemy ships drawing in for the kill, enticed by their bleeding prey. The sight of additional neon yellow beams streaking into the broken carrier only emphasized that feeling.
It seems you're about to lose your ship after all Artesia. Char communicated again as his Zaku streaked back into the fold, Sayla bringing her saber about to deflect its axe strike. For his part, it was rather regretful; given how much the Ark Royal had endured to this point, he had expected more from her than to be destroyed like this. Especially since he had bet on her against Garma, who would all too likely be insufferable from then on. You may want to consider surrendering at this point.
Rather than respond with words, Sayla simply let out another bellow as she threw her brother's axe back and charged on, resuming the melee between them. All while her ship – her only means of moving beyond the nebula – continued to drift within that still active display.
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Azure Nebula
"Report!" Bright forced himself to order, even with the pained ringing in his ears. Through the blurriness of his eyes, he could see that the Ark Royal's once pristine bridge was in near complete ruin, debris being in abundance and the overhead lighting now heavily dimmed. However, it was still intact, and the crew still very much alive, if not completely unwounded.
Chalk it up to sheer luck. Bright managed to think through the ringing, his peripheral vision barely picking up Mirai stirring in her own chair, a slight trail of blood now coming out of her temple. If that Zaku had been equipped with a bazooka instead of a machine gun…
"Main power is still offline!" Katz called out, being the first to recover. "Outer Armor now down to thirty percent strength!"
"Hull breaches reported on decks three, six and seven!" Kikka followed up with. "Heavy casualties are coming in throughout the ship!"
The point was emphasized again with an even more violent tremor. Through the static induced main monitor, the bridge crew could see the Zeon ships steadily converging on them, spearheaded by a pair of Rewloolas. One standard green, the other an all too familiar red.
"Is there any way we can get weapons back online!?" Mirai demanded.
Slamming a fist into his station after attempting to input commands, Ryu could only shake his head in frustration. "Negative ma'am!" he called out. "I can't get power from anywhere!"
Suddenly, Kikka brought a hand up to his headset. "Captain, the enemy flagship is signaling," she said, a trembling hesitation in her voice. "The Zeon are demanding our unconditional surrender."
Silence, for the first time since the battle had begun, descended upon the bridge at that. And also for the first time, since Arcturus so long ago, Bright could feel the gaze of all present upon him, their bearers holding a mixture of inquisition and uncertainty. As damaged as his ship was, he was still the captain. Surely, they thought, he had something else up his sleeve. Or was there nothing else for him to play?
Feeling those unspoken questions against his skin, Bright's eyes steadily closed as he let out a quiet sigh. In truth, there was still hope; he did have another trick to utilize. One, as much as he had so wished, he thought he would never use again. One that he would never have dared to use in their present setting. "Is our warp drive still operational?"
Suddenly, the eyes shifted between themselves, their uncertainty growing tenfold.
Bright's impatience grew with them. "Answer me!"
Hearing that, Ryu checked over his monitor. "Affirmative, we still have warp capability," he answered. "But only enough for one jump!"
The more things change… Bright thought, not missing the irony. He would have smirked had the situation been different.
Kikka grimaced against her headset. "The Zeeks are repeating their demand!"
Bright shook his head at that. Had he still possessed weapons, he would have given them a certain traditional Earth response to such demands. Unfortunately though, he didn't have that option, and so focused on his present agenda.
"Prepare for emergency warp speed!" he called out to the crew, who instantly began going back to work. As reluctant as they all were to do such a thing in their present environment, it was their only option now. "Recall our mobile suits immediately!"
Kikka shook her head on that. "Our transceiver is damaged! We can't send out any signals, just receive them!"
Another beam cannon shot indicated Zeon's repeated demands. Bright knew that was their final warning. "Then use flares!" he ordered.
You can't be serious! Sleggar thought as he detected the three multi-colored flares on his monitor, which were illuminate even through the sheer blue. A retreat signal. One that easily indicated Bright's next plan.
Swallowing, Sleggar could only make quick prayer to God for that plan's success; that he and those around him wouldn't join the ranks of those who had tried, and failed, to pull off that particular stunt before. He then toggled his comlink for broadband. "All units, return to ship!"
From there, Gundam Unit Beta turned about and gunned its thrusters toward its drifting mothership, which was already taking fire from the Zeon warships again. He was quickly followed by the remaining Guncannons.
Having seen the flares herself, Sayla felt a smirk appear on her lips. With that in place, she wouldn't have to consider surrendering at the very least. Though there was a high possibility that she wouldn't be able to consider anything else when all was said and done.
Even so, she looked back at her brother's mobile suit. My apologies Casval, but I'm afraid surrender is not in my purview. she communicated as the two mobile suits held their respective blades against the other. I'm afraid we must settle this another day.
Before Char could reply to that, Sayla suddenly broke the blade lock and – once again mirroring her brother's favored maneuver – kicked the offending Zaku away. From there, the Valkyrie of Riah then turned her mobile suit about and launched after her retreating forces. It wasn't long before she too disappeared into the distance, merging with the other Federation mobile suits as they moved back to the Ark Royal.
At first Char was tempted to follow her – if only to try and convince her that surrender was preferable to the destruction her ship would likely endure – but he held back. Even if he could catch up with her, which was an unlikelihood in itself, it was clear his sister would not be swayed. Any more than he had attempted in their previous encounter.
So be it. Char thought as he turned his own suit around and began making his way back to the Ralmel.
A retreat signal? Amuro thought, having caught a glimpse of the three flares during his fight. It was only for a brief moment, however, before Garma charged back, axe renewed to strike. Again Amuro blocked the attack with his saber. "Sorry, but I don't have time to play anymore!" he called out to his opponent.
Garma only laughed at that. "Who said you had a choice!?" he responded, again slashing his axe at the enemy mobile suit's head. Again Amuro just managed to evade. "We're just…!"
"Shrike Three!" a new voice called out as Amuro's sensors picked up a pair of Guncannons moving in. Before the Gundam pilot could respond, the two standard mobile suits – which had visibly suffered respective heavy beatings – fired their remaining weapons, launching beams after the purple Zaku. "We'll take care of him! Head back to the ship!"
"Are you insane!?" Amuro called out as the two Guncannons streaked by him, in apparent pursuit of the Zaku. "You're no match for…!"
"It doesn't matter, we're dead anyway," the other Guncannon pilot called out, right before letting out a violent cough. Even without his Newtype powers, Amuro could tell that blood and fluid had just exited that pilot's mouth. "Least we can do is cover for you, White Devil!"
With that, the two Guncannons increased their barrage. And though none of their shots actually struck the Zaku, they kept it back just long and far enough. There was no way it would be able to catch Gundam Unit Alpha if retreated then and there.
Uncharacteristically taken back by this, Amuro could only close his eyes in resignation and nod. "You have my gratitude," he replied with utmost solemnness before turning his Gundam away and launching toward the Ark Royal himself.
"Lowborn vermin!" Garma hollered as he immediately switched back to his machine gun. "Don't get in my way!"
With but two bursts of beam fire, the two Feddie suits were promptly finished. Unfortunately however, as Garma's sensors showed, the White Devil was well away from him now. And traveling at a speed that his Zaku couldn't hope to match, let alone overtake.
Slamming his fist into his display, Garma turned back to his fleet. "All units, this is Admiral Garma!" he called out with authority. There was still the original objective to fulfill. "Finish that damned Trojan Horse once and for all!"
"Outer armor now down to twenty-one percent!" Omar reported as the tremoring became more intense by the minute. "We won't last much longer!"
Resisting the urge to bite his bottom lip, Bright turned to Kikka. "Are they all accounted for!?"
Kikka opened her mouth to reply, only to halt midsentence. Once again, her hand reached up to her headset as she verified the call. "Affirmative!" she replied hurriedly. "Hangar reports they just received the last unit!"
Hearing that, Bright turned back forward. "Helm, get us out of here!" he ordered. "Best possible speed!"
"Aye sir!" Katz replied as he inputted the command. All the while praying – like the rest of the bridge – it wouldn't be the end.
An instant later, the sheer blue of the Azure Nebula was replaced by the flashing of light as the Ark Royal accelerated well passed the speed of light. Only to quake violently once again as additional explosions sounded throughout her…