"In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves... self-discipline with all of them came first."
- Harry S. Truman
Chapter XXII: The Hunt for the Dolowa
Zeon Rewloola-class battlecruiser Rennec
Arcturus System
January 15, GC 378
They were close. Only thirty-six point seven light years away, to be exact; thirty-six point seven light years from awaited victory. They needed to push that much more through the onslaught, through the wanton rabble that was hindering them, and Earth would be theirs at last. And with it, over three centuries of bitter hostility and humiliation were avenged, to say nothing of their principal enemy being removed from the War. No, the Conquest.
With this renewed resolve, Rear Admiral Johannes Lutjins concentrated forward, focusing his attention on the Federation ships that remained well ahead of him and his squadron. The usual smattering of Chicago-class cruisers spearheaded by a handful of Montana-class battlecruisers, the magenta-colored beams of their main guns flashing across his bridge monitor alongside the occasional missile burst. Now and then, one of their numbers would be stricken by the return fire from his ships and obliterate, the sparkle of the explosion always causing him some small measure of triumph. Every ship was destroyed, and there was one less to defend Earth properly when Zeon finally came marching upon Sol.
And then there were the mobile suits, who remained ever-present, their much lesser (but by no means less effective) weapons fire a continual presence between the capital ships. From the portside, Lutjins watched as another Zaku team launched straight into the melee, with Federation Guncannons already responding to their approach with cannon and rifle fire. One of the Zakus caught a bad break, being struck head-on by dual cannon blasts, but its two wingmates pressed on, firing their bazooka and machine gun in tandem as they drove forward. Lutjins couldn't tell if they hit anything, as it was only a matter of minutes before they, too, were distant. Still, judging from the exchanged yellow and magenta weapons fire, the two Zeon mobile suits were giving the Feddies quite the handful, just as the rest of their brethren were doing, within and without his squadron's sector.
Lowborn fools, Lutjins thought with disdain as he watched two more Chicago-class cruisers be destroyed, one by his squadron's fire and the other by a Zaku's bazooka strike. It was only by sheer fortune that Zeon had not yet obtained victory. But then, it was also sheer fortune that the Imperial armada had been unable to jump straight onto Earth from the start, "only" being able to get within its doorstep at Arcturus. And though Lutjins would have rather fought the battle within Sol itself, it ultimately did not matter where they decimated the EFSF, so long as Earth was rendered open and vulnerable. Rendered helpless to the power and superiority of the Empire.
Still, the Feddie lowborn was giving them quite the workout for their efforts, Lutjins begrudgingly admitted. Such was the case when a Musakas flanking his flagship was struck head-on, detonating in a brilliant explosion that momentarily rocked his flagship. Cursing at a loss, Lutjins quickly ordered that the hole in his formation be filled and that fire be made to respond, but the point remained apparent. Inferior as they were, the Earthnoids were not about to let their homeworld, and all others aligned with it, fall so easily.
"Additional ships incoming!" the sensor operator alerted. "Three cruisers and a battlecruiser!"
Damn it, Lutjins thought as the bridge monitor centered on the approaching Feddie ships, who were already open firing with their main guns and missile tubes. Two Zaku teams raced to meet them, only to be intercepted by the defending Guncannons and forced into a dogfight. There seemed to be no end of the Earthnoid vermin. "Have Marzal and Meflin intercept! Do not let them close!"
Upon his command, the two designated Musakas separated and concentrated their fire, removing one of the Chicagos straight on while damaging another. The leading Montana immediately responded but was unable to strike either cruiser straight away and was further dissuaded when the Rennec and her support ships turned their own guns about. The Earth ships were thus forced into evasion, averting from their initial vector as neon yellow rain launched at them head-on.
"Guncannons incoming!" Lutjins again heard the sensor operator yell out in warning. Cursing even more, the Admiral braced with the rest of the bridge crew as two Guncannons, a Trooper, and a Hellfire, drove at them, weaving through the Rennec's defending phalanx fire. The Trooper was eventually gunned down before it could shoot, but the Hellfire got in close enough to fire a missile spray right before being forced back by an intercepting Zaku. In turn, the phalanx intercepted at least two missiles, but the rest made it through and hit their target, the battlecruiser rocking again as though an asteroid had struck it.
"Damage report!" the Rennec's captain demanded straight away.
"Cannon turret three lost!" the tactical operator resounded. "Hull damage port midships!"
"Deploy damage control teams!" the captain ordered in turn.
"Maintain offensive," Lutjins ordered calmly, in case anyone had other ideas. "Do not break formation."
Nobody questioned his command, as he had expected. Surely, they all felt what he was feeling now: victory coming closer and closer to their reach. So long as they continued their drive, Earth would be theirs.
A thought that Lutjins thoroughly anticipated.
Lowborn scum, Lieutenant Mallet Sanguine thought in distaste as even more Guncannons came at him, their rifles and shoulder guns firing in tandem. By that point in the battle, he could have dodged such fire in his sleep, even in a mobile suit other than his Zaku. Regardless, he turned his steed around and launched back at them, his machine gun firing rapid bursts that forced the Feddie suits to disperse. One of the Guncannons was easily taken out as he passed, the explosion momentarily flashing over his monitor but otherwise doing nothing to hinder him.
No sooner than he made that latest kill did another Trooper attempt to flank him, firing its beam rifle at his backside. Mallet didn't need his eyes or Zaku's sensors to see the attack. In mind's eye, he saw the Guncannon line up its shot, its Earthnoid pilot grinning smugly as he was going to nail "this Zeek in the ass" with the "money shot." It gave her no small amount of pleasure when he banked away from said "money shot" and flipped his mobile suit around, just catching an image of the dumbfounded Earthnoid before he blew him away with a machine gun blast to the cockpit. Its wingman moved in afterward, but he easily dodged his fire, not even having to use his beam shield as he shot over its head, which was promptly blasted off.
With that same special sense, Mallet could keep track of the field around him and the whole of Arcturus as the battle waged on. However, he purposely dwelled on his immediate surroundings lest he get caught up in the sheer destruction and otherwise distracted. However, there was much destruction to go around; Zeon and Federation ships and mobile suits were now laid to ruin across the field, while those remaining continued to fight one another with abandon. From his perspective, it was almost a tossup, as both sides drove at each other in full force, his side seeking to obliterate Earth's last real defense while the Feddies fought to the last to defend their homeworld. The victor would be the one that blinked last, though Mallet had little doubt his side would outlast the inferiors.
Picking up even more weapons fire, Mallet twisted around to see that a Chicago-class cruiser and four more Guncannons had now targeted him, all launching missiles and beams. He couldn't help but laugh a little at that; a warship was gunning for him, though he was slightly offended that it was a "meager" cruiser. It would take far more than that to kill him, though he supposed the Feddies were fast running out of battlecruisers, and there were only enough Trojan Horses present to go around.
He gunned his thrusters and shot after the cruiser, which immediately redirected its phalanx and threw up a wall of beam fire supplemented by the Guncannons. Switching out his machine gun for his axe, the blade igniting in a yellow gleam, Mallet quickly drew up to the first Guncannon, the resident Commander, and cut it across the middle. It didn't explode by some virtue, so he knocked the corpse aside and moved upon the second Guncannon, dodging its snap shoulder cannon fire and slashing it across the backside. This one exploded, but he jetted away at the right moment, preventing damage or worse.
Both remaining pilots, as well as the cruiser's bridge crew, realizing that they were not up against an average Zeek, the two Guncannons fired in tandem with the Chicago's phalanx and missiles, saturating the surrounding space with beams and projectiles. He danced around all of it, with not a single beam so much as grazing his Zaku while charging straight at the two Troopers. They split apart, so he intercepted one, bifurcating its head with a single axe stroke. It raised its rifle for a point-blank shot, but he easily knocked that aside as the trigger was pulled and then drove his axe blade into its cockpit before it could deploy its beam shield. As had been the case with many before, the pilot's life force was gone instantly. To him, it was a little different than turning an illuminator off.
For the last Guncannon, he had something more special in mind. Feigning a direct attack, he launched his Zaku after it, dodging the now wholly terrified pilot's haphazard shooting as he closed in. At the last second, however, he ascended and moved behind the Federation suit, from which he slashed at its backpack and the Apollo Thrusters mounted there. It attempted to turn around, only for him to cut off both its legs for its efforts and then its arms, all in a spectacular maneuvering display. And then, finally, he removed both shoulder cannons and the head, all with the precision of a surgeon. But he was far from done.
Grasping the now helpless torso, Mallet angled it at the cruiser's bridge and again put his Zaku to full burn. Immediately realizing his intent, the cruiser escalated its anti-air fire, which Mallet weaved through despite the added bulk of the Guncannon torso and the noise of its screaming pilot. Only when he was at a very specific point, which he again used his special senses to identify, did he finally release his captive, allowing the ruined Federation suit to drive headlong into the bridge tower of the cruiser, smashing it and all within in a rather grand display. Finally, Mallet fired his hip-mounted missile launchers, the six guided projectiles driving into the embedded torso and obliterating it, causing the sought-after chain reaction.
The cruiser's destruction was nothing less than extravagant, though against the rest of the battle, it was little more than another pinprick of light. That being said, however, Mallet looked upon that gleam with great pride. Such would be the fate of all physical and spiritual inferiors that stood against her.
Unfortunately, the moment quickly came to an abrupt and wholly unanticipated end. At first, it came across as a flash of lightning in Mallet's mind, a sudden wave of emotion running through the Zeon ranks, all of various makes. Much of it was general resignation, while those of higher bearing held confusion, and then those that retained sheer zeal initially refused. The broadband signal quickly followed, passing to all Zeon units, with Mallet among them.
He could only look upon the resultant command in his astonishment.
Zeon Rewloola-class battlecruiser Rennec
Arcturus System
"Retreat!?" Lutjins let out in sheer disbelief. Between the reported command and the force of his voice, the whole bridge nearly froze in activity.
"Yes sir," the comm operator reported solemnly, having been on the Rennec long enough to know what the admiral was thinking. "Grand Admiral Dozle's direct command."
Such was his disbelief that Lutjins could not conceal it, even if he had consciously attempted to. Retreat? Now? They were practically on Sol's gateway! What was Grand Admiral Dozle thinking!?
On the one hand, Lutjins, while reluctant, could understand the command. They had taken far more losses than anticipated and were unlikely to continue their drive for much longer. On the other hand, however, a darker, much less desirable feeling began to weigh upon Lutjins. One that he feared was not so apparent with Grand Admiral Dozle.
Looking at the main monitor, Lutjins' mind pictured not-so-distant Earth, the capital world of the titular Federation. Once more, Earth had been Zeon's primary antagonist for over three centuries from the days of Emperor Gwadan and Brian Aeno, as well as the centerpiece of the Inner Powers. More than Sanc or Orb, Earth needed to be destroyed on every level. Militarily, politically, and even culturally, it needed to be removed from existence wholesale. The galaxy would be truly open to Zeon's dominance when that was accomplished. Only then would the remainder of their enemies fall, one after the other.
Zeon was now closer to Earth than it ever had been in the last several centuries, once more discounting the days of Emperor Gwadan. With but a single warp jump, they could reach Sol, and as beleaguered as they were, they could still accomplish what they set out for. They could still dictate Earth's complete unconditional surrender or eradicate it straight away. If they could last that much longer, the whole Earth Federation, Zeon's mortal enemy, would fall before them, never to rise again.
If they retreated now, how could they do this again? How could they get this far toward the enemy stronghold when it had already taken so much for them to be there now? How could they win if…?
"Admiral…?" the captain sounded, interrupting Lutjins' thoughts. Turning his eyes toward his subordinate and then the rest of the bridge crew, he saw the uncertainty in all of them. And much more. As he turned toward the main monitor, he saw that several ships were already in the process of retreat, the most damaged being covered by those who could still fight. The Imperial flagship Gwadan was among the latter group, holding back a whole swathe of Feddie warships from closing in as the former ships began entering warp, one after the other.
Sighing audibly, Lutjins knew he had no choice. Now that the withdrawal was in motion, there could be no stopping it, even if he was willing to go against the Grand Admiral's direct orders. "Recall all mobile suits," he commanded. "All ships come about, all ahead full. Standby for warp."
Upon those commands, the Rennec's bridge crew set back to work. The battlecruiser and the remains of its squadron came about as mobile suits gradually made their way back to the waiting hangar bays. Once all remaining suits were aboard, the squadron flashed to warp, Leaving Arcturus and Earth behind in their collective wake.
Zeon Musaka-class cruiser Mistel
Warp
"Goddammit!" Mallet somehow managed to bellow under his breath as his suit disengaged, the cockpit hatch opening before him. He was angry, angrier than he could remember in a long, long time. Whereas his special senses picked up a combination of emotions around him, exhaustion and fatigue being the most prominent, he only felt a burning rage inside himself. A rage that threatened to overwhelm him and potentially those around him lest he wrestle it under control.
They had failed, he knew. They had been unable to gain their strategic victory. Failed to capture or destroy Earth and the Federation with it. Failed to defeat the greatest of the Inner Powers, whose fall would have laid the foundation for the rest of the degenerates to follow. Failed to win the war.
No, he corrected himself as he exited his Zaku and went down to the deck, his short grey hair glistening in the hangar light. They had not failed to win; victory was a setback for some time. He admitted that That was painful, but all was far from lost. Earth would exist for that much longer, and its residents would do everything in their power to hinder Zeon's march, as would the other Inners around it. However, such was only a stay of execution, not a full pardon. There was still more reckoning to come.
No sooner than he touched down did one of the techs hand him a flask of water, which he took gratefully and sipped. The Mistel's hangar was filled with battle-weary, psyche-battered survivors, so much that he could almost physically taste the collective fatigue. Much to his irritation, no matter how superior, the human mind could only take so much before breaking, and the hours of fighting at Arcturus had done much in the way of breaking. How many of these fellow Zeon would recover from the battle and the scars inflicted upon them was beyond him.
Compared to them, however, Mallet Sanguine was a different and altogether superior breed, not merely of physical superiority but of spiritual supremacy. He held power that no others could match, putting him well above his fellow highborn. As a result, once he finished his drink, he handed the now-emptied flask to another nearby tech and then silently moved out of the hangar. Rage continued to burn from within as he made his way to another space.
"In the end, we will yet triumph," he vowed as he went. "In the end, Earth, no, the universe itself will burn."
Zeon Rewloola-class battlecruiser Rennec
Warp
With utmost solemnity, Rear Admiral Johannes Lutjins settled back into his quarters. Now, well away from the fighting and the Feddies, he allowed himself to relax, and the strain overtook him. And with that strain, the darkened thoughts he had held before.
For the briefest of moments, they had Earth, their enemies' stronghold, within reach. They were entirely within mere light years of ending the war and all manner of resistance. For that briefest of moments, they were set to secure complete and undeniable victory over the galaxy. And they had all let it slip away.
What had gone wrong? Why had they run away when they should have been marching onward? He was sure he would find out in the after-battle reports; somebody – or some people – on his side had made a critical mistake, the intercepting Federal Forces proving to be much stronger than anticipated, losses stacking up on the pyrrhic scale, all the usual excuses. However, it did not change that they had gotten closer to Earth than anyone could have ever hoped, yet they had blinked. And now they were in retreat, while the Feddies, as beaten and battered as they were, would undoubtedly continue to fight. Thus denying victory and Zeon's ascendance.
Gritting his teeth at the thought, Lutjins reached into a cabinet and pulled out the much-anticipated glass and bottle. He had originally saved this particular brandy for when they had finally gained the Federation's surrender, but under the circumstances, he supposed he could have it a little earlier. No, this was not the end, he resolved. This would not be the last time he and the rest of Zeon would come this far. Arcturus may have been wrestled away from them, but Earth and its lowborn agitators remained out there, and so long as they did, they would remain the primary obstacle to supremacy. An obstacle that Lutjins himself would see removed one way or the other.
"Sieg Zeon," he murmured as he raised his glass to the air and took the much-needed drink.
Herod III
October 3, GC 379
Putting all his effort into dodging and maneuvering, Lieutenant Junior Grade Amuro Ray, the White Devil and pilot of Gundam Unit Alpha jetted with his suit's back to the desert terrain, firing his rifle in return as further magenta beams rained against him. For his life, he could not remember working so hard to dodge enemy fire; even his Newtype powers provided little help against this foe. It wasn't long before he was forced to employ both of his beam shields to deflect two or three shots that would have easily struck his cockpit block, to which he responded with a follow-up vulcan burst. That seemed to dissuade his foe from further pursuit – at least for the next few seconds – though two more beam shots were fired for effect. It was only then Amuro was able to right his Gundam, its massive feet touching and grating upon the orange soil below, and reorient to meet his foe head-on.
No sooner than he did, the blood red and black triplet to his mobile suit – the enlarged silver 'A' and perched hawk proudly displayed on its left shoulder – blasted its thrusters and surged directly at him, reaching out with its right gauntlet. At first, Amuro attempted to raise his beam shield again, only for the opposing Gundam to make a small power jump up and over, to which it stamped its right foot upon the top of the white mobile suit's head. Letting out a snarl as he nearly lost his footing, Amuro twisted around and again fired off his vulcans. However, his adversary was faster and easily ascended over the spray before elegantly turning about and landing some distance away. Its neon yellow eyes gazed back toward its white brethren somehow chidingly as though echoing the amusement of its pilot.
Pathetic, Lieutenant Junior Grade Sayla Mass, the Valkyrie of Riah, and pilot of Gundam Unit Gamma commented over their Newtype link in mock disappointment. She smirked dominantly as she watched the man that all of Zeon feared and trembled before struggle before her. Is this all you're capable of doing, Amuro Ray? This paltry display?
Despite the strain he felt from being trounced on, seemingly from all over, Amuro couldn't help but smirk himself. Once again, he couldn't remember the last time he had fought so hard, not even against the Zeon. Every bit of his body was thoroughly strained from their seemingly endless bout, and he could somehow feel his Gundam had also been put through the ringer. At the same time, however, he could also tell his opponent was struggling to stay ahead of him and that he was pushing the Valkyrie of Riah in turn.
Hardly, Amuro also proclaimed through his Newtype power, deciding then was the time to step things up. I'm only getting started!
With the ease of motion, he had long since developed with his machine, he stowed its beam rifle and drew its right beam saber, the magenta energy blade igniting in a fraction of a second. From there, Amuro stood ready for another confrontation.
Now Sayla was even more amused, so Unit Gamma's head tilted in seeming response. Oh, you want to try your hand that way? she chimed, interest piqued. Surely you're aware of my skill in close quarters…
Damn right, I am, and I do! Amuro responded, the eagerness in his voice outweighing his tension. Everyone aboard the Ark Royal knew of Sayla's skill with a beam saber; compared to him and Commander Law, she was probably the best at melee combat in general. Yet that made fighting her with a blade even more attractive. Let's do this Valkyrie of Riah!
Another laugh, followed by Unit Gamma drawing its blade. Well said, Sayla praised, then raised her sword in a duelist's salute, much like what Garma Zabi had done on Anges. Have at me, White Devil!
Matching her salute, Amuro espoused a telepathic battle cry as he launched Unit Alpha at full burn. Not long before, both magenta sabers clashed, energy flickering between them as they continually struck one another or the opposite Gundam's shielding, the two mobile suits dancing through the air and the ruin-strewn landscape. Not one seemed able quite to dominate the other just yet, but the fight between two of the Earth Federation's top aces had just begun.
All while the spectators watched from the sidelines and well above, with ever-present interest.
They are something, aren't they? Commander Sleggar Law, the Eagle of Arcturus and pilot of Gundam Unit Beta mused to himself as he watched the action from within his steed along the sidelines. It was a spectacular show, two cutting-edge mobile suits piloted by two of the best Earth had to offer to go against one another, bringing about their respective skills and the full powers of their respective Gundams. Even more was that, though it was as apparent, they were also using their more unique powers through their contest, fighting on a plane that very few of humanity could comprehend. Sleggar was among the latter, but that didn't stop him from enjoying the show.
Continuing to track as the two Gundams dueled with their sabers, the Commander could not help but let out a discreet sigh. For perhaps the first time he could ever think of, he wished he were a Newtype himself. Usually, he found the concept of "spiritual empowerment" to be a pain in the ass and more a hindrance than anything else, but just watching Amuro and Sayla go against one another like that was enough for him to wish he had that power as well. He could only imagine the things they "saw" and comprehended, things that the normal five senses could never pick upon, especially in the mock battle they were having now, which was as much a contest of will and spirit as skill and endurance. And that was before one added on the more personal connection that had grown between the two aces, which Sleggar had seen emerge since the aftermath of Juno and develop through the course of the war.
In any case, it seemed their little side trip was worth the time and effort. Though a field exercise between two mobile suits was probably not the best course of action within enemy territory, Sayla had argued her case well enough that traditional simulation would be inadequate for a fight between two Newtypes. Besides the fact that no simulator could ever truly keep up with a Newtype pilot, there was also the fact that the pilots in question would be unable to use their special senses effectively since there was only the interior of the Ark Royal's hangar outside their cockpits. Thus, the two aces needed to duel in real-time on an actual planet, albeit one as far away from the eyes of Zeon and its cohorts as possible. Fortunately, Herod III fit that line as, outside some sparse ruins from an apparent colonization attempt or two, the world was little more than another sprawling wasteland to blight the Milky Way Galaxy. The perfect battleground for a duel between the White Devil and the Valkyrie of Riah.
By that point, the two Gundams had moved over a nearby set of ruins, which might have been an actual space colony once upon a time. They were still fighting with their beam sabers, with the occasional vulcan burst and gauntlet attack thrown in, but now they were flitting between the wreckage, trying to outmaneuver one another and gain that "killing" stroke. Neither of them had made any serious headway since their fight had begun, which made sense given that they were both experienced pilots of ace caliber with similar machines and abilities to boot. However, from Sleggar's perspective, Sayla had a bit more of an edge, given that she had more battle experience than Amuro, and again, out of the three of them, she was the best at the melee level. Still, that didn't mean Amuro wasn't giving her a run for her money; he had grown much from the mere "test pilot" that the Ark Royal had picked up at Antillia.
Taking his eyes off the battle momentarily to look above, Sleggar wondered if his fellows aboard the Ark Royal thought the same. Surely, they were watching it all from a higher orbit themselves. It was probably the most entertainment they had all had since their being sent on the original "milk run."
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Herod III
"Goddamn," Karen murmured as she and the rest of Shrike Squadron, if not the rest of the 13th Carrier Assault Group and everyone else aboard the Ark Royal, watched the action live. "I wish I could move like that in a dogfight."
"Hell, I wish I could move like that period, even outside my Guncannon," Sanders whispered back to her right as Unit Gamma executed a bifurcating swipe, only for Unit Alpha to reverse at the precise second. "No wonder the Zeeks are so scared shitless of them."
"I don't know, Lieutenants, it doesn't look much like a fight from my end," Kai added on, eyeing the fight with his usual skepticism, if rightly applied in the present. "I'd say it's pretty damn close to the opposite end."
That earned a few rolled eyes from those who overheard. Indeed, the way the two Gundams were going at each other was less like a traditional duel and more like a waltz. More than a few of the gathered couldn't help but notice that and a certain intimacy that the suits seemed to reflect from their pilots.
Fraw, who was present alongside, was naturally among them. As she watched the mockfight and the two Gundams dancing through the atmosphere below, she could not help but visibly and deeply frown. All while the weight within her – the same one that had first come upon her aboard the La Vie en Rose – seemed to grow…
Banking away from Unit Alpha's next slash, Sayla fired her vulcans to buy herself some maneuvering room, then banking around the moment the white Gundam raised its left arm shield. She cut at its back, but Amuro was fast enough to deflect with his right shield and then counterslash, which Sayla could reverse at the right moment. Amuro pursued, however, executing several more attacks that the Valkyrie dodged before being forced to evade the last. Both magenta blades remained locked for several more moments, and then both Gundams broke away simultaneously, though Amuro was faster at firing his vulcans in the draw. Not that it mattered, as Sayla could more than dodge and continue through the ruined battleground.
I see you have improved, Sayla observed as she traded further slashes and parries with Amuro, alternating between dodging and deflecting his attacks in her usual graceful fashion and then counterattacking accordingly. Not at all like that whelp from Antillia, who pitched quite the fit when he was called into battle.
Do you have to bring that up? Amuro complained as he darted away from her counterstroke, firing his vulcans in return, only for Sayla to bank away again. The resultant beam spray neatly impacted against the side of what appeared to be a colony fragment, during which Sayla launched upward, attempting to cut her opponent down from overhead. Amuro deflected this as well, raising his right shield as Sayla lunged up and over and then twisting around to intercept her follow-up attack. I like to think I've come a long way from that.
As I just said, you have, Sayla retorted, right as she evaded his next impale attempt and then the following sweep. She then darted back, shifting around another piece of wreckage, before moving around again and striking against Unit Alpha's right shield. Amuro naturally countered against this, throwing aside her saber blade and then slashing his against her side, but Sayla easily evaded this as well. Though you still retain your flaws.
Despite the intent of the jab, Amuro allowed himself to smirk. We'll see about that.
With that, he gunned his thrusters and launched Unit Alpha forward, attempting to catch Sayla off guard with a point-blank charge. Though he was partially successful, the Valkyrie's reflexes, further augmented by Unit Gamma's special system, kicked in nonetheless, allowing her to dodge the oncoming slash attack and retaliate with her vulcans against Unit Alpha's then-exposed back. Fortunately, Amuro was fast enough to bring about his left shield to deflect the burst and then evade the following gauntlet attack. Rather than counter straight on, the White Devil moved around further debris, with the Valkyrie giving chase.
Again, they maneuvered around the ruins, clashing with their blades off and on as they flew. It was a strangely elegant display, the two Gundams maintaining their elaborate waltz as either ace brought forth their respective skills and battle experience, trying to overcome the other's blade while evading or defending with their shields in equal fashion. This, in turn, was punctuated by the occasional usage of their beam vulcans and gauntlets, which ensured that the battle would not be strictly a fencing match, as well as their taking advantage of the field obstructions to hold their adversary back or by some temporary distance. All while the surreal powers of either Newtype pilot were on full display.
Eventually, Amuro launched around another great fragment, only to twist Unit Alpha about and reverse it as Sayla once again pursued. Again, this caught his opponent partially off guard, but Sayla remained more than able to raise her shield to deflect the oncoming slash and then fire another vulcan burst to force Amuro back on the defensive. Both blades soon met again after that, both Gundams attacking and defending in equal fashion as they danced through the air as only two weapons of war, piloted by two warriors of equal skill and supernatural power, could accomplish.
Still, think I'm so flawed!? Amuro questioned as their blades locked again, sweat and tension over his face. As exhilarating as their fight was, it was safe to say he was nearing the breaking point. He only fought so hard against Char, Garma, and Sleggar whenever they had mockfights. And yet the Valkyrie of Riah was so different from any of them.
Sayla herself couldn't help but feel much the same, emphasized by the combination of strain and zeal she felt from all over. Whether he liked it or not or was even aware of his full power, Amuro Ray was the White Devil, the harbinger of death to all of Zeon. It was no wonder Garma and her brother, two of the highest accomplished aces in the Empire, could barely hold their own against him. Even without invoking his Newtype potential, Amuro was a force to be reckoned with.
But not one that could not be beaten. Very much so!
Breaking the blade lock, Sayla, taking advantage of her Gundam's weightlessness, angled her suit up, bringing its right leg squarely against Unit Alpha's side. Though Amuro raised his beam shield to deflect, the surprise attack was enough to dishevel him, allowing Sayla to charge in with her left gauntlet raised to strike. Again, Amuro deflected, this time with his opposite shield, but Sayla had intended that. The resultant force may not have been enough to overcome the beam shield, but it did send the white Gundam flying back, impacting back first against another large fragment.
When Amuro shook himself out of his daze, he saw Unit Gamma standing over him, saber angled straight at his suit's faceplate.
And the superior wins. Sayla chimed as she stored her blade and reached out to pull Amuro's suit out of the rubble. You have come far, Amuro Ray, but you still have much to learn.
Shaking her head from the daze, Amuro couldn't help but smirk. And I suppose you're the one to teach me?
If you would still have me, Sayla retorted, rather teasingly if Amuro wasn't mistaken. Again, he felt that specific pressure – the same one he felt off and on from Fraw – emerge from within the Valkyrie's soul.
Heh, you know the answer to that, Amuro responded, the two pilots' eyes meeting through their respective mobile suit cameras. Time and space seemed to slip away for that moment as though they were only in the universe. Naturally, it didn't last too long.
"My compliments, kids. That was one helluva show," Sleggar said as Unit Beta flew up. Unit Alpha and Unit Gamma turned toward their blue sibling as the Commander continued. "Not sure what the odds were, but I'm sure quite a few boys and girls upstairs made a fair buck off of you, Shrike Two."
"Some of that better go to the winner," Sayla stated, both to Sleggar and whoever else was listening from the Ark Royal.
"That can be arranged," Sleggar confirmed before turning to Amuro. "Not that you did too badly yourself, Shrike Three. You may want to remember that mobile suits can fight hand-to-hand, not just with rifles and sabers."
Though somewhat embarrassed that he had forgotten that fact, Amuro nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll do well to keep that in mind in the future, sir."
"Good," Sleggar responded in turn. Like Sayla, he saw how far Amuro had come from the whiney brat of a Federal officer they had taken off Antillia. Assuming the kid chose to remain in the EFSF and survived, he was well on his way toward a bright future—to say nothing about what he had going on with Sayla.
"Anyway, I think we've all had fun for the day," Sleggar said. "So how about we head back to the barn and…"
"Standby, Shrike Leader," Kikka's voice entered, causing all three Gundam pilots to flinch from their alarm. "We're picking up intermittent signals coming in from warp."
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Herod III
"Are they Zeon?" Mirai asked as she and Bright both prepared for the worst. Despite their "side trip," they were still very much within enemy space. On the other hand, as expansive enemy space was, it should have been very difficult for the Zeeks to find them, even if their ship was a Trojan Horse. So how?
"Negative, ma'am," Omar answered, almost sighing in relief as he reported. "They're ours, or so the IFF claims."
"Standby," Bright responded, still prepared for the worst. It wouldn't be out of character for the Zeon, or any of the other Outer forces, to come charging in under false IFF. It all came down to what happened at that last possible second.
Sure enough, twelve Earth ships reverted for warp directly off the Ark Royal's portside. And though they were in formation, their weapons remained inactive while the newcomers stayed in place as though observing the lone carrier.
"Nine Chicago-class cruisers and three Montana-class battlecruisers," Omar announced. His face then brightened as he added. "The lead ship is the Magellan."
"Wakkein," Mirai spoke up in astonished relief. As much as she was happy to see an ally, especially one that they knew well, she already had a feeling that this would not be a social visit. A sentiment that Bright very much shared.
Kikka then spoke the inevitable. "Magellan signaling. It's the Admiral."
"Onscreen," Bright could only command.
A moment later, the Admiral's visage appeared on the main monitor. "Captain Noa, Commander Yashima," Wakkein greeted, to which Bright and Mirai nodded. "Despite present circumstances, it's good to see you and the Ark Royal are all still alive and fighting."
"The feeling's mutual, Admiral," Bright responded. "Though I suspect you didn't come all this way for a chat, especially with that task force."
Wakkein rubbed the back of his head there. "That's part of why we've stopped by," he replied. "To fill you in before Operation Bismarck is put into motion."
Before Bright could inquire, Wakkein spoke again, this time with a far more serious tone. "You and Commander Yashima better come aboard the Magellan. We'll direct Commander Law to join us as well."
The Admiral's eyes narrowed as he then said. "This is a big one, Bright, and I'm going to need all the help I can get."
"Namely ours," Bright surmised.
"Precisely," Wakkein answered. "See you when you get here," he finished with, the comlink soon dropping.
Federation Montana-class battlecruiser Magellan
Herod III
Indeed, within a few minutes, timespans, a shuttle ferried Bright and Mirai to the Magellan while Sleggar touched down in the battlecruiser's hangar with Unit Beta. From there, it was only another short trip as a yeoman led the trio to the Admiral's wardroom. However, upon the door shifting open, all three officers realized the Admiral would not be the only one present.
"Thank you all for coming," Wakkein opened, returning the trio's salute upon execution. Standing beside him was a very attractive woman with short blonde hair, the rank tabs of her uniform presenting her as a Lieutenant Commander. I apologize for the short notice, but as I told you, this is a big one, and we couldn't risk long-range communications."
"We understand, sir," Bright assured, then looking toward the woman. "And you are?"
"Lieutenant Commander Alice Miller," the blonde woman introduced herself casually. "I'm from Space Force Intelligence."
Why does that not raise my hopes? Sleggar thought as the introductions continued. Once that was all finished, the five took their respective seats around a nearby center table. "So, I take it we're not heading to Fortuna for the weekend?"
"Unfortunately not," Wakkein replied almost sympathetically. "Rather, our destination is the Zorres System."
Immediately, all three heads shot up in attention. Not only was Zorres even deeper in enemy territory than they were now, but it was also the location of a rather expansive set of shipyards and other production facilities. Not a place where Bright would have wanted to take the Ark Royal, especially for a weekend excursion.
"Dare we ask why?" Mirai spoke up, already feeling a sinking feeling about this operation.
Wakkein nodded before turning to the intel officer. "Commander?"
Miller immediately took her cue. "Not too long ago, our agent in Zorres reported seeing a specific ship entering the system. We have since lost contact with that agent, but their last transmission contained an image of the ship."
At that, the table's holoprojector engaged, generating an image that caused Bright, Mirai, and Sleggar to look on in simultaneous dread and astonishment. In pure holographic clarity, there was the most peculiar-looking Zeon ship they had seen. Not one that held the angular, almost organic structuring seen in the Musaka or Rewloola classes, but rather a more rectangular design that looked ungainly yet powerful enough. More importantly, however, were the innumerable gun emplacements that dotted her hull and the line of ports – obviously, launch catapults and accompanying hangar decks – that dotted her underbelly. A great titanic beast of a warship.
"Is that…?" Mirai somehow managed to breathe out as she finally realized what she and her ship were all about to face.
"Yes, Commander," Miller nodded grimly. "The Dolowa."
Bright resisted the urge to swallow, but it took considerable effort. Even before the war began, rumors were circulating in the Space Force about a massive Zeon supercarrier. This single ship held the firepower and force projection of an entire fleet. Though such a ship had never been sighted in battle, much less reported actually to exist, those rumors had persisted long into the present, punctuated by Emperor Gihren's known fascination with the arcane and his sponsoring of various "wonderweapon" projects. Now, it seemed there had been truth to those claims, and he, Sleggar, and Mirai were about to face it head-on.
"We've suspected her actual existence for some time, as there were plenty of mentionings of her within the Imperial hierarchy, but only now has she been 'officially' confirmed to be out there," Miller continued, herself observing the projected image with concealed dread.
"Any idea why the enemy is bringing her out this late into the war?" Bright inquired.
"Nothing solid, but it is believed that her development and production have been protracted for obvious reasons," Miller answered.
"Which would explain why she is at Zorres," Sleggar summarized. "She's fitting out."
"Our conclusion as well," Miller concurred. "Besides this, we believe she is taking on her mobile suit force, of which total estimates reach well into the hundreds if not thousands." She let that settle in with the group before proceeding. This and her sheer firepower make her destruction eminently essential to Earth's interests."
It was then that Wakkein entered back in. "Suffice to say we cannot afford to let that monster on the loose, especially not before or, god forbid, during Operation Odessa. She needs to be taken out here and now."
Wakkein's mentioning of Fleet Admiral Revil's upcoming assault on the titular world – which all three knew could change the course of the war – only emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed by the Dolowa. And much more the necessity of her sinking.
"And we are going to exactly that while she is still in dock," Wakkein stated, the holoprojector then switching from the Dolowa's projection to a starmap of the Zorres System. So began the briefing of Operation Bismarck.
Zeon supercarrier Dolowa
Zorres Shipyards
"Preparations are being completed as we speak, Your Majesty," Captain Sara Lindermann reported as she stood before the holographic image of her Emperor. "The Dolowa will be ready to sail in just a few hours."
"Very good, Captain," Gihren replied in acknowledgment, quite pleased at the aspect of his (current) principal weapon at last entering the war. Much time and resources had gone into the mighty supercarrier's construction and procurement, but she would be ready in the end. The force of an entire battlefleet is condensed into a single vessel.
The Emperor looked between Lindermann and the man who stood before her. "You now command the largest, most powerful warship to grace this war. A vessel that surpasses even the Imperial flagship in sheer strength and is assuredly superior to anything our enemies may have."
The captain could not help but gleam at this while the one beside her remained forwardly stoic.
"But do not assume yourself immortal or invincible," the Emperor said. "The enemy will try to fight you, and even as magnificent a ship as this can be destroyed, albeit through considerable effort."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Vice Admiral Johannes Lutjins answered in understanding. "For all her power and greatness, the Dolowa can only do so much." Especially on her own as you wish her to be.
Despite that thought, the Admiral remained adhering, at least partially. "Even so, that power and greatness will be more than enough to eradicate the lowborn of Earth."
"In due time, Admiral," Gihren replied almost exhaustively, as though he had to remind Lutjins. While he supported the Admiral's ultimate objective in accomplishing what had been denied to them at Arcturus – which the Emperor admitted could be possible now – there was still work to be done before that. "For now, you will content yourself to my original command."
"Of course, sire," Lutjins replied, hoping he didn't sound put off by the rebuttal. "I have no desire to do otherwise."
Regardless, Gihren looked upon the Vice Admiral with apparent sympathy. "I understand how much you wish to avenge yourself, Johannes. Arcturus was a bitter outcome for all of us."
Lutjins said nothing to this, allowing his Emperor to continue. "Nonetheless, we have no choice but to leave Earth untouched. You must locate and destroy Abraham Revil and his fleet before they can launch their offensive."
"If I may, Your Majesty," Lindermann spoke again, hoping she didn't sound too dubious. "How sure are we that this offensive is indeed in the making?"
"Quite sure, Captain, for it comes from one of the highest sources," Gihren answered. "Fleet Admiral Revil is concentrating a considerable amount of his forces toward a focal point. One that he hopes will shift the war to Earth's favor."
He then grinned in the utmost conspiracy. "That focal point is Odessa."
Again, neither Lutjins nor Lindermann said anything about this.
"Though it would be a simple matter to intercept and repulse him and his lowborn miscreants on the day of their reckoning, I wish not to take any further undue risks," Gihren continued, shaking his head. "No, it is best to end everything before the Earthnoids can gather in strength."
"I agree, Your Majesty," Lutjins concurred, then musing to himself. "Admiral Revil is undoubtedly pulling ships from many fronts to make up this combined fleet. The minimal requirements to capture Odessa alone would warrant many ships, mobile suits, and personnel, potentially more than our forces there could ever handle."
"To be exact, almost thirty percent of the EFSF is going into Operation Odessa," Gihren smiled knowingly. "And though I put little stock in the Earthnoids' capabilities, they could overwhelm our defenses and take that world through sheer brute force." To say nothing of the Ark Royal and those three possibly joining the battle.
"On the other hand, if such a force were to be destroyed at once, then Earth would never recover," Gihren's smile once more took on a predatory emphasis. "And our forces would be uncontested upon our return to Arcturus."
Though he did his best to hide it, certain anticipation welled up in Lutjins toward that. The mere possibility of a renewed invasion of Earth was enough to convince him, as though his Emperor's words weren't enough.
"Indeed, there is much glory to be had through your voyage," Gihren smiled with anticipation now. "Once the Old Man of the Federation and his lowborn rabble are destroyed, Zeon will be triumphant, for the whole of the galaxy will truly lay open before us."
"We will not fail you, Your Majesty," Lindermann resolved, her voice crystal clear with focus and assurance.
"No, you won't, Captain," Gihren responded similarly. "Wherever the Dolowa may sail, let the stars and planets tremble before her and you."
Upon that declaration, Gihren was finished. "Sieg Zeon."
"Sieg Zeon!" both Lutjins and Lindermann recited to their Emperor, now more determined than ever to see through their liege's will. Only then did the communique drop, and Emperor Gihren's image vanished.
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Warp
"Upon entering the system, all mobile suits will launch immediately," Sleggar continued to brief his pilots, who were giving rapt attention. "Our objective is to clear a path for the task force and prevent the enemy mobile suits from reaching them. Since the shipyards are critical to the Zeeks' infrastructure, they will be heavily defended. Expect Zakus to be crawling out of the metalwork, to say nothing of another nasty surprise the 'highborn' turds may throw our way."
To say that the atmosphere within the pilots' briefing room was intense would have been the topmost of all understatements. After barely surviving Anges, only to enter battle during their "downtime" at J-292 not too long ago, it seemed that the brass back home on Earth were intent on throwing the Ark Royal and her mobile suits into the fire again. The fact their target was the largest, most powerful warship the Zeeks had to offer – which alone had a mobile suit carrying capacity equivalent to an entire battlefleet of Lexingtons – helped even less. Despite that, however, the pilots of the 13th Carrier Assault Group listened in with utmost intent.
"Shrike and Warhound will act as the vanguard, Gauntlet, and Thunderbolt will cover the flanks, and the squadrons from the Magellan and the rest will fall in that line. As usual, the Gundams will lead the charge and dishevel the enemy formations, making them easy pickings from then on. Coordinated fire is key in this setup, so stay close to your teammates. Likewise, as this target is well away from the frontlines, it's highly doubtful they will have any aces like Aznable, Ridden, or Matsunaga present, but don't take that as a guarantee. If you see any Zakus that are not standard green out there, engage only where necessary."
A sudden point then lit up on the display behind him. "Once the task force enters firing range, it will bombard the shipyards with nuclear missiles," Sleggar didn't need to look up to see the whole room flinch at that mention. "Which, assuming all enemy suits and interception units are cleared, will obliterate the shipyards and anything within it. Again, for all of her immensity, we at least assume the Dolowa to be a conventional warship and, therefore, sinkable, especially by nukes. If we can remove a key Zeek installation in the process, then so much the better."
"Won't that destruction affect Zorres Prime?" Sanders inquired, noticing the proximity that the planet in question had to the shipyards.
"Collateral damage is a possibility, but as I'm sure you can all agree, this is a chance we have no choice but to take," Sleggar answered, earning several concurring nods from his pilots. In this case, nobody was concerned about the risk of the target escaping destruction, even if it meant potential civilian casualties. "Once the Dolowa is confirmed destroyed, and assuming the taskforce is still there, we will RTS and depart from whence we came. With any luck, this will all be done before the Zeeks can call reinforcements from the outside. Questions?"
Karen raised her hand. "What should happen if the Dolowa launches before the task force reaches the firing point? Or, god forbid, she participates in the system's defense?"
The CAG shrugged. "Then I guess the nukes will be fired off much earlier," he said as though it were obvious. "And if not that, then I imagine we'll make a break for it then and there."
He gazed out to the whole of the assault group. "Make no mistake. The Dolowa was designed to engage whole fleets, so our thirteen ships could not hope to fight her in direct combat. Besides having a mobile suit carrying capacity well within the hundreds, she also possesses dreadnought level armor and firepower, which is part of why the taskforce will bombard her with nukes instead of standard missiles or beam cannons."
The Commander then turned toward the tactical image of the supercarrier. "Just a single barrage from her main guns would be enough to wipe out our ships, and she would not even have to launch a third of her mobile suits to deal with us."
Though they knew Sleggar was referring to the Guncannon teams in that regard, Amuro and Sayla could not help but feel it would take more than that to do either of them in. After all, hadn't they fought far more numerous enemies at Juno? Even so, neither Gundam pilot said anything as their leader continued.
"Thus, I reiterate, Operation Bismarck is strictly hit and run," Sleggar at last stated. "We hit them with everything we got, and then we run. No heroics, no unnecessary risks, and I want everyone to return alive and in one piece, even if their suit isn't."
Again gazing across the briefing room, the Commander looked for any sign of dissent. When he found none, he nodded in satisfaction before checking his wristcom. "Right, we reach Zorres at approximately 1700 hours. I suggest you use your time wisely from here on. Dismissed!"
Zeon supercarrier Dolowa
Zorres Shipyards
"Over eighty percent of our mobile suits are now aboard Admiral," the lieutenant reported dutifully. "The remaining twenty percent will be loaded within the next hour."
"Good," Lutjins acknowledged as he remained behind his desk, looking over another report from a datapad in hand. It had taken much longer than he had hoped – which he supposed he should have expected given the sheer size of the ship – but at least their schedule had not been compromised. One more hour and they would finally be among the stars. "We're nearing the fated time at last. Is it not so, Captain?"
"It is, sir," Lindermann answered without missing a beat.
After dismissing the Lieutenant, Lutjins turned around and placed the datapad back on his desktop. The Admiral's expression was indeed one of thoughtfulness. "It took quite a long time, but it seems this ship will finally be able to sail and take its awaited part in the war."
"Yes sir," Lindermann again recited.
Lutjins could not help but smile at the captain's relative stiffness. "You can be open with me as you wish, Lindermann," he assured. "You have long earned that right."
After watching the captain relax somewhat, Lutjins continued. "Having said that, what do you think of His Majesty's earlier words?"
Lindermann did well not to shrug. "He seems very assured that Revil and his combined fleet are out there," she answered. "And they are poised to strike at Odessa at any time."
"Yes, I know," Lutjins answered, doing well himself not to wave his flag captain off. "And he is probably right. We've seen all sorts of indications that the Feddies are preparing for a big move somewhere, though how he knows it to be Odessa is beyond me."
"His Majesty's words and wisdom are beyond most, Admiral," Lindermann did not miss a beat.
Lutjins laughed at that. Lindermann had spoken it so straight-faced that it would not have been easy to tell that she was being facetious. Somewhat anyway.
"Admittedly, I understand the urgency of his command," Lutjins went on, activating a display screen behind him that showed a large swathe of the galaxy. "Though we could easily continue the war without Odessa, it is still a critical strategic point for our empire. The Feddies' victory would be well earned should they wrestle it away from us, to say nothing of its effects on the war."
Lutjins then frowned. "But even so, at the risk of sound treasonous," he dared speak, as the captain was the only other in the room. "I believe His Majesty is making a potential mistake sending this ship on such an assignment, at least by herself."
Lindermann remained silent to this. Nodding his appreciation, Lutjins rose from his seat. "Do not mistake me, Captain; I do not question our Emperor's insight or intentions. However, I fear that even with the Dolowa and all she can muster, we may end up biting off more than we can chew."
"Would you rather we take her directly to Earth, Admiral?" Lindermann inquired. There was no rebuke in her tone, just a simple curiosity.
Again, Lutjins laughed. "Does my reputation precede me so much, Lindermann?"
"To a degree, sir," Lindermann answered. "As His Majesty stated, our defeat at Arcturus was a bitter outcome. However, few within Zeon believe it to be as great a loss as you do."
Lutjins nodded in understanding. "Perhaps I have been too open about the subject," he admitted. "I know many believe my opinions to be personal. And they, too, are probably right."
The Admiral exhaled. "Even so, it does not change that we were only a stone's throw away from Earth, and we chose to run at the last moment."
"If I may, sir," Lindermann spoke up again. "Why are you so fixated on Earth and its bastard federation? Certainly, they are a powerful adversary, but hardly the only one we face."
Lutjins actually smiled at this. "That is where you are wrong, Captain," he stated. Earth is not merely a powerful adversary. It is our most powerful adversary."
With that, he switched the display to show the planet in question. "Though it has not had as much luck against us as Sanc or Orb, Earth is still the leading Inner Power and the most dangerous."
The Admiral could not help but glare toward the digitized image of the blue and green planet. "The Earthnoids are an unruly yet innovative people, even for lowborn scum. Though we caught them off guard when the war began, they have managed to hinder us on nearly every front, if not stop us altogether in key areas. Their will to fight and win is possibly the closest humanity has ever reached toward eternal."
He turned away from the image in distaste. "It would be simple for us to conquer the likes of Freeden, Soleil, or Tekkadan. The war would continue regardless, but we would have removed key players from the game, which would help us in the long run."
When his eyes met Lindermann's, the captain did well not to forget their intensity. "But if we were to conquer Earth, we would win the war then and there because no other world or race would stand against us."
Lindermann said nothing to this, though Lutjins could pick up traces of dubiousness in her expression. Smirking, the Vice Admiral moved to a nearby liquor cabinet, producing two glasses and a bottle of fine brandy.
"And that is what I intend to do, Captain," Lutjins stated as he poured the almost crystal liquid into either glass. "Whether with this ship or a great battle fleet at my control, I intend to one day finish what we started at failed Arcturus, once and for all."
"As you say, sir," Lindermann replied, seeming to understand. Though she was unsure whether Earth was as critical as her superior claimed, the captain nonetheless saw that the Vice Admiral wholly believed his own words. God, assuming one was out there, help them if they were to be true. "For what it is worth, I would like to be there with you on that day."
Lutjins smiled even more at this. "I will keep that well in mind, Lindermann," he acknowledged, raising their glasses. "Zum Wohl!" Lutjins then declared, both taking their respective drinks.
The latest test simulation at last concluded. Lieutenant Commander Mallet Sanguine watched patiently as the cockpit hatch opened before him, allowing him to exit. He had to admit that even though he had yet to take his machine out in actual battle, it had grown on him immensely since he had received it. Surely, no other mobile suit could hope to match such sheer performance and power. Even his old basic Zaku could never hope to compare to his new steed.
On the other hand, as he looked up at his mobile suit's dimmed mono-eye, he couldn't help but feel how out of place it was with the mobile suits around it. Whereas the Zaku was generally big and bulky, his mobile suit was somewhat sleeker and more streamlined, as though its very form was meant to generate sheer mobility. Not that that didn't make sense; from what he understood, much of this suit's internal structuring and equipment had been based on Feddie technology – adapted and upgraded through Zeon ingenuity– and the exterior certainly looked like it. Still, such an odd duckling of a mobile suit was more than fitting for someone like him.
Especially when I at last take it against the Feddies, Mallet thought with a violent glimmer in his eyes. His thoughts must have been quite visible, as he could feel certain apprehension from the techs and other pilots around him. Well, no matter, they were inferiors to him anyway. They might have held similar physical strength as he, but that hardly mattered compared to his spiritual strength. A power that they could never hope to understand, much less obtain for themselves, even if Ascension turned out to be truth.
"Commander!" a new, young voice called out.
Smirking to himself, Mallet turned to meet his two subordinates, a young man and a woman. Both wore Lieutenant Junior Grade tabs on their uniforms, though beyond that, the woman emanated a specific pressure that he did well to notice.
"The ship is just about finished fitting out, sir," Lieutenant Junior Grade Gusta Piper announced. "They're loading the last of the mobile suits now."
"Excellent. About time we got out of here," Mallet responded, looking toward the other Zakus in the hangar. "Damn did this trip take far too long."
"It can't be helped, sir," Lieutenant Junior Grade Lilia Flaubert added. "I'm surprised they got this many mobile suits loaded quickly. Surely we have more Zakus aboard than there are guarding the shipyards."
"Yes," Mallet feigned agreement. More fodder for the enemy, at least. "In any case, it won't be long before we see action again. And with a vessel and force like this, I imagine it will be quite intense."
He then looked carefully toward his two fellow Zeons. "I trust this will not be an issue for either of you?"
"Of course not, sir!" Gusta recited at once. "Where the Emperor commands us, Esser Squadron will go!"
"Good," Mallet nodded before turning to Lilia. And where I go, you shall follow. Is that clear?
Yes, sir, Lilia confirmed with the same special sense she shared with her superior. Such was the foundation of their bond, which surpassed anything that could be held with or by their inferiors.
A moment later, an enlisted rate floated down from above. "Commander Sanguine," he announced to the pilot. "Captain Carlisle wishes to speak to you. Preferably at the earliest opportunity, he says."
"Heh," Mallet let out in the open. God forbid that old bastard should leave me unattended for too long.
That earned Lilia a near laugh. She easily picked up on the exclamation, but she held it back.
"Very well, I'll be up there shortly," Mallet replied, to which the enlisted man saluted and promptly departed. The Commander turned back to his wingmates. "Go over your Zakus one final time. I don't want to leave Zonnes with faulty equipment, especially in our mobile suits."
"Yes, sir," Gusta responded, and Lilia saluted as well before departing. As they did, while facing forward, Lilia took one final glance with her power back to her superior. Picking up on this, Mallet only nodded in return, to which Lilia then turned back to focus on the trek to her machine.
Once again alone with his mobile suit, Mallet looked back up to its dimmed mono-eye camera, smirking. This will be a most interesting venture indeed…
Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Warp
Quietly entering the observation deck, Amuro once again found Sayla, her eyes fixed upon the stars streaking by the Ark Royal at warp. Normally, this would be a time for one of her lessons to be given to him, but obviously, that had been put on hold for now. Even so, Amuro still wanted to be by her side, especially before the shooting began anew. Sayla?
It's alright, Sayla answered, allowing Amuro to stand beside her, which he did. I just wanted some calm before our arrival.
The Newtype woman couldn't help but frown as she transmitted that. Calm, she mused. It seems like supply is getting shorter as we continue.
Yeah, Amuro solemnly agreed. It feels like eons since we left Antillia, yet it's just been from one battle to the next, and it always has high stakes.
He shook his head. Do you think it will ever end?
I'm not sure myself, Sayla replied. However, I would like to think that something better will be there for all of us when we've accomplished what we were sent here to do.
Heh, that also seems so long ago, Amuro mused. Back when we were just supposed to take the Gundams back to Earth.
Yes, it was so simple then, Sayla retorted alongside. A 'milk run,' Commander Law and the others claimed, was just a simple transit to a middle-rim colony and then a direct return with our cargo.
And my not having to engage in battle at all, Amuro thought, remembering the boy, no, the child he used to be. This naturally caused him to frown. You're right. I was quite the whelp then.
And still are to some degree, Sayla said, withholding a grin as Amuro nearly flinched. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.
So you say, Amuro admonished, sighing. Back then, none of this concerned me. The war was just something that happened well away from Earth. Even when the Zeon tried to go through Arcturus, I never thought about it.
He then looked down from the stars for a moment. But now… Now I've seen so much done. Now, it's not that I can run away like I tried to do then. I simply can't.
Several images then appeared in Sayla's mind. That of Amuro holding a weeping Fraw, who had just barely survived the destruction of her home and family. The colony laser shot on Juno, obliterating the planet and everyone on it. Garma's descent and their desperate fight not for victory but for survival.
I can only fight Sayla, he went on, looking up again. Whether for this ship, Earth, or myself, I can only fight to win now without turning away again.
His eyes then flickered as he said. Nothing like that whelp and coward you found so long ago.
Perhaps… Sayla mused before taking on a smile. Though not too much, I still believe.
Amuro turned to face her with peculiarity, to which Sayla merely smiled back toward him. Moments later, alarm klaxons began to sound throughout the ship.
"This is the bridge. We are now on approach to Zorres," Kikka announced from overhead. "All hands to Level One Battlestations!"
"Right," Amuro sighed out loud. He had hoped their time would last a little longer, but he supposed it was to be expected. "Let's go."
Both Gundam pilots turned and returned to the waiting hangar deck.
"Captain on the bridge!" Ryu announced as Bright exited the turbolift and took his seat. Once settled in, the Commander steeled himself for what lay ahead. "Report."
"Battlestations manned and ready, sir," Mirai responded from her seat, looking as ready as she could. "Weapons and defense systems are online, and Commander Law reports his mobile suits can launch anytime."
"Good, good," Bright replied. No doubt the Zeeks had already detected their approach and scrambled their defenses, but that wouldn't hinder them. Once again, the Ark Royal had been called to the field of battle, and once again, Bright would lead her there with those around him. And God willing, they would exit Zorres victorious, no matter what awaited them there. "Time to reversion?"
"Ten seconds, Captain," Katz replied, focusing forward with the rest of the bridge crew. He could only hope that they somehow survived this one as well. "Nine… Eight… Seven…"
