Disclaimer: See chapter 1
Song of the Storm Wolf: Howl of Destiny
by Storm Wolf77415, Wing Commander White Wolf, and Centurious the Azure
Crimson Chronicles Two: Orbital Drop
(June 3rd, C.E. 71, New San Diego Colony, L1)
"Hey Barkeep, give me a cold one." Lieutenant Commander Takachi Murakumo said to the bartender, who nodded and slid him a bottle of Budweiser. He popped off the cap and took a big swig, letting out a frustrated grunt. "Man…I like leave as much as the next guy, but come on, what is command doing? We've been spinning our wheels ever since Panama fell. I'm bored out of my mind." Takachi's ship, the Agamemnon-class carrier, EAS Liberator, was in port at the Island 3 class colony for a lengthy refit, so the crew was left with little to do but run drills and wait until they got their marching orders from Washington.
While many of the crew were enjoying the extended shore leave, Takachi was starting to get edgy from being out of combat for so long. But little could be done, even since the Porta Panama mass driver had been destroyed nearly a week and a half ago, the Earth Alliance's space-bound forces had been cut off, and the brass planet-side were scrambling to find a solution to the problem, which from Takachi's point of view meant several old men sitting around a large conference table, arguing about it nonstop before they pulled something out of their ass.
He downed the frosty cold liquid when he noticed Lieutenant Junior Grade Rhythm Lamperouge, his captain's daughter, enter. Takachi waved to the purple haired beauty, who took a seat on the barstool next to him.
"Can you get me a beer, please?" she asked the bartender, like Takachi, the youngest of the Lamperouge triplets was in civilian attire, jeans and a leather jacket with a patch of the Liberator's logo sewn on the left side, and a black t-shirt containing the Liberator's logo on the front. Her violet hair in a ponytail.
"Make that two, and I'll pay for the lady's," Takachi said. "As a friend that is." He amended when she glared at him, but it turned into a warm smile. The two of them had known each other for years, and Takachi was as good an older brother to her. The bartender put the two bottles down in front of them. "Drink up!" He said, they clinked the bottles together and took a big gulp. "Well, what's the word from the boss? How's the ship looking?"
Rhythm just rested her chin in her hand, it was in that moment that Takachi could see despite how much she resembled her mother, there was an inkling of her father as well. Mark would often sit like that in his command chair when he was deep in thought about something. "At least another couple of days, a week at the most. Dad says the higher-ups have been confabbing a lot lately. He thinks there may be some kind of big operation in the works, but none of the brass are talking, yet at least."
Takachi glanced over his shoulder when the door creaked open. His eyes bulged at the new arrivals. He did his level best to stifle his laughter. "Rhythm, as discretely as you can, look at what strutted in the door!" She did so, promptly tried to hide her own laughter. The man known as the Hawk snickered. "Exactly, Douchebags on parade!"
A group of five young men, all civilians from their clothing, stood in the front entry hall, like they owned the place. They were all the same, spray on tans covered by ludicrous amounts of ink, way too snug shirts with the collars popped up. They would actually pose every so often, showing off their stupidly ripped abs, looking like they came from an Abercrombie and Fitch or Tommy Hilfiger ad. As one they sauntered over to a table, and sat down, lecherous eyes combing the bar for potential targets.
The youngest Lamperouge was far from impressed. "Oh brother! Lecherous pigs every last one of them! They think they're badasses, but really they're just buffoons!" Rhythm snorted to Takachi. "They wouldn't last five minutes in the service! Mom, Dad and Nathan would make sure of that." She covered her mouth. "Not that it wouldn't be hilarious to watch!"
"No argument here, guys like that…" He indicated to the preppies in the corner. "Are all about partying, their public image, and how many chicks they can nail in a single night, the shallowest lifeforms on the planet. If you'll excuse me, Lieutenant, I've got to use the latrine. Then, we'll head back to base." Takachi headed for the men's room, while Rhythm finished up her beer. She was about to slide off her stool when a meaty, tattooed arm stopped her.
Rhythm found herself facing three of the five idiots, struggling not to gag from the scent of the very strong cologne they were all wearing. "Excuse me, can you get out of my way? Personal space and everything?" She said dryly. But the guys were not taking the hint. In fact, this just made them close in that much closer.
"Hey gorgeous, couldn't help notice you sitting here all by yourself. We all took a vote, and you get the pleasure, for one night only, of hanging out with the finest men on the planet, no scratch that, the entire fucking Earth Sphere! What do you say?" The middle punk gave what he thought was a debonair smile, but Rhythm just rolled her eyes.
"Sorry, I don't date pricks. So you can kindly drop dead." Rhythm said, trying to shove the dude's arm away. But it wouldn't budge. The lecherous glint in his eye grew, and Rhythm started to get worried. Come on Takachi, where are you? She thought.
"Ooh! Playing hard to get. That just makes this all the more exciting." He brushed aside her jacket and took note of the t-shirt she was wearing underneath, with the Liberator's emblem on the front. "Oh, a military girl. I like women in uniform. I also wouldn't mind seeing what's underneath that uniform…what do you say, babe? Feel like coming back and giving us a…private show?" He breathed into her ear, reaching down towards her rear end.
Rhythm didn't waste any time. Her foot came up and crashed down on his foot. She palm struck him on the chin and elbowed him in the face. "Ooh! you bitch!" The punk raged, checking his face to make sure she hadn't broken anything. "Oh, here I am, just trying to be a nice guy and this is how you pay me back?" The veins in his neck bulged as he spoke. "Do you know who I am? Do you know who my father is? He runs this town and he'll make sure that your career is shot out of the airlock!"
Rhythm was ready for another counterattack, but then she smirked. "No, and I could care less, but uh, look behind you."
The douchebag turned around, finding himself face to face with Takachi, a cheesy, fake smile on his face, but his eyes burned in silent rage. "Sup?" He asked, his cocked back fist ramming forward to connect with the ringleader's face. The other two guys still at the table sprung up. Two of the Liberator's other pilots were quick to spring up to aid Takachi and the daughter of their captain. Takachi and Rhythm looked to each other, their expressions predatory. Rhythm kneed one of the other guys in the groin, while Takachi rammed his knee into the lead douchebag's stomach.
A full out bar brawl started, and despite their magnificent physiques, the five punks were not fighters by any stretch. Takachi, Rhythm and their fellow pilots were beating the tar out of the morons, and enjoying it maybe a little too much. If the way the youngest Lamperouge daughter was repeatedly striking down low. When asked later by her sisters, Rhythm would just tell Melody and Harmony. "I'm just doing my part in keeping the gene pool a little bit cleaner."
A shrill whistle stopped everyone in their tracks. Forty-five-year-old Captain Mark Lamperouge, master of the EAS Liberator, stood at the door with Commander Nathan Anderson age twenty-eight, his first officer, next to him. Both looking very displeased. Takachi was equal parts terrified and relieved that his superiors had shown up. During his time at Annapolis, It was a joke among the cadets that the last person you want to break up a fight is the captain himself.
So he was rightfully afraid that he would be held responsible for getting Rhythm involved in the first place, but at the same time he was very relieved because Takachi knew Mark would never let any slight against his daughter go unanswered, so he could imagine the world of pain waiting for the idiot brigade. So it was Takachi and the other pilots snapped to attention, saluting.
Rhythm smiled at the sight of her father, before turning to the guy who had tried to feel her up earlier, his face a bloody mess thanks to Takachi's fists. "So, you asked me if I knew who your father was earlier?" She let out a little titter that held no levity at all. "Well, let me introduce you to MY father! Captain Mark Lamperouge…the Crimson Fox!" The punk's face went ash white at those three words. "Yeah, I figured even a buffoon like you would know his name." She threw a happy smile to her Mark. "So nice of you to join us, Daddy."
"Good to see you as well, sweetheart," Mark said in a pleasant tone, before turning all business to Takachi. "Lieutenant Commander Murakumo, would you care to explain to Commander Anderson and I, just WHAT is going on here? And why you're involving my daughter in this?"
Takachi stood ramrod straight. "Yes, sir! These wonderful gentlemen right here were harassing your daughter." He pointed towards the bruised punks. "One of them actually tried to feel her up. He didn't like it too much and the three of us rose to her defense. I think they need to be disciplined sir." The buffoons cowered at the way he spoke those words, for there was nothing but cruelty in them. "In only a way that you can administer."
Mark looked to Nathan. "What do you think, Commander Anderson?"
The bespectacled executive officer's response was to simply pull out a pair of black leather gloves and slide them onto his hands, clenching a fist as he did so. The older man pulled out a pair of his own gloves, putting them on and cracking his knuckles. "Commander Murakumo, you and your fellow pilots please escort my daughter off the premises. A lady such as her doesn't need to see what happens next. We will discuss this later." Takachi and the other two pilots snapped to attention once more, offering their best salute. Rhythm took his arm and they walked out.
For the next fifteen minutes the sounds of pained cries of anguish and pleas for mercy could be heard from the bar, before five battered bodies were thrown out of the front window in quick succession, and the douchebags were hauled off by the military police, and Mark and Nathan walked out, dusting off their hands before heading back to base. In all, a pretty good night for the crew of the EAS Liberator.
(Present Day)
Everyone in the pilot's lounge couldn't help but laugh hard at their commanding officer's story. There was a wistful expression on Mark's face. "Ah yes, I remember that night, oh so well. The gloves were a Christmas gift between Cornelia and myself. Just in case we ended up in a situation where weapons would be frowned upon and we had to defend ourselves the old-fashioned way. Of course, they were also very good for breaking the faces of punks who tried to make a pass at my daughter just as well."
Takachi pulled his own pair of gloves out of his jacket pocket. "You got Nathan and I these gloves for our birthdays." He slid on one, flexing his fingers. "Steel reinforced knuckles, plus a steel plate on the back for extra protection. More than enough to give anyone a bad day. Although not really needed against those dummies with their glass jaws."
"And very poor quality glass at that, captain," Mark remarked, tucking them back into his jacket pocket. "However, as amusing as that was, this whole incident merely serves as a lead into the real meat of the story. Indeed, a massive operation was being planned. As Captain Murakumo was about to find out in the next coming days."
Mark looked to his faithful Commander Air Group as he said this, who just responded with a slight nod of the head.
(June 5th, C.E. 71, EAS Liberator, Captain's Quarters)
Takachi tugged at the collar of his uniform. He had expected Mark to have called him to his office immediately after retuning to the ship, but no summons had come. The man known as the Hawk thus went to sleep without giving it much more thought. But then the moment he dreaded had come when Nathan had ordered him to report directly to the Captain. While a part of him was confident that Mark would be lenient. The overarching fear still prevailed on some levels.
Taking one last breath to compose himself, Takachi knocked on Mark's door. "Enter." Came the familiar sound of his commanding officer's voice. He opened the door, finding Mark sitting at his desk, with Nathan standing to his right, and Rhythm to is left, all in full uniform. He snapped to attention. "Stand at ease, Lieutenant Commander." The Crimson Fox just rested his arms on his desk, letting silence hang in the air. "I apologize for not speaking to you right away, but I've had my hands full with more pressing matters."
"In my defense, Captain Lamperouge, I was only doing what I thought was right, sir." Takachi was quick to defend himself. "Rhythm is like a sister to me and I didn't want to think what would happen if anything happened to her on my watch." But that was as far as he got when Nathan raised his hand.
"We're all very aware of what happened Wednesday night, Takachi." The Steel Fox said, a thin smile on his face, which unsettled his old friend just a little bit. "And we're going to make sure you get what's coming to you." Rhythm was clearly trying to stifle some laughter.
Takachi wasn't sure what was going to happen next. So he really shouldn't have been all that surprised when Mark reached into his desk, producing a small, dark blue box, which he then pushed into his hand. "This is for you." The Crimson Fox said. The younger man's eyes widened a little as he recognized what he was being given.
He opened it up revealing a rank insignia with two narrow yellow bands and one blue tab sitting on a cushion of navy blue silk. Takachi couldn't believe his eyes. "I'm being promoted to full Commander? Not that I'm complaining sir, but can I ask why? I haven't done anything of serious merit lately to warrant this."
"How about defending the honor of my little girl from those thugs? It was done at Lieutenant Lamperouge's recommendation." Mark said. Rhythm just smiled warmly, her cheeks lighting up. "In fact, she practically insisted on it, and contrary to what you might think, Mr. Murakumo. Yes, you have warranted it. In fact,"
"Besides, you're not the only one who's ranked up, Takachi," Nathan said. The man known as the Hawk then inspected the collars of everyone currently present in the room, and it became very clear why he had been promoted. Rhythm was now sporting an extra blue tab on her insignia, showing she had been elevated to full Lieutenant. Nathan now wore the two narrow bands and double blue tabs of a Captain, and the broad yellow band of a Rear Admiral now adorned Mark's uniform.
"You are out of uniform, Mr. Murakumo. I suggest you fix that right now." Nathan smirked. Rhythm came up, removing the insignia pins from the box, she then placed the new rank on Takachi's uniform before mouthing 'Thank You' and winking at him.
Mark then stood up, standing in front of the newly minted Commander. "Takachi Murkuamo, I hereby promote you to the rank of full Commander in the Atlantic Federation Armed Forces, with all the rights and privileges there to it. I'm so very proud of you, Takachi. I hope you will continue performing as you always have."
"Of course, Admiral." Takachi struggled a little with his CO's new rank, but personally, he thought if anyone deserved to have such a promotion it was the Crimson Fox. "So, what's going on here, Boss Man?" Takachi asked, now taking in the full weight of his new rank. "Is there some kind of op coming up?"
Mark nodded. "Indeed, Commander Murakumo. A very big op is coming up, it's the reason why we've been high and dry as of late, but that will change very quickly. Tomorrow morning at 0830 hours, a special briefing will be taking place and you will be part of it." His brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed. Takachi immediately shivered inwardly. Anytime Mark had that look it meant someone was in for a world of hurt, as the punks from a few days ago found out the hard way.
(June 6th, C.E. 71, New San Diego Colony Naval Base, Auditorium)
Takachi whistled as he looked around at the collection of officers assembled here. "Wow, this really is a big operation." He said to no one in particular. "I think the Boss Man gathered every ranking officer of note in this part of the Earth Sphere. Whatever they're doing must be huge!"
"Indeed it is." A cultured voice spoke. Takachi locked eyes with the young man approaching him, blonde hair cut perfectly to regulation length. His crystal blue eyes holding a calculating gleam to them. "Considering our current logistical situation, this operation is an absolute must." He quirked a small smile, holding his hand out. "How are you, Takachi? It's been far too long."
"Jean-Pierre La Flaga. It has been a while since you left us to strike out on your own." The two men sat down, eager to catch up with each other. "I heard you've been making serious waves, getting our mobile suit corps up and running. Is it true you rewrote the entire pilot training manual by yourself, JP?"
He just smirked bemusedly. "Well, I can't take all the credit now, I did have some help in revising several areas, but I did lay down the main parts of it. Mobile suit combat is unlike anything we've ever seen before, and ZAFT has the advantage up to this point." His expression turned slightly evil. "Something I intend to change. My eventual goal is to start a squadron who's sole purpose is to fight other mobile suits. It would only consist of elites. It would be something of an experimental unit, making sure the new tactics work in actual combat conditions, before spreading it to the rest of our troops."
"We could certainly use a unit like that. The 13th Corps did okay at Panama until ZAFT dropped the Gungnir on them." Panama was still fresh in everyone's mind. Jean-Pierre had an especially sour look on his face.
"An unfortunate turn of events to be sure. Which is why this anti-mobile suit squadron will be so vital in the future. I've already managed to get the interest of several of the brass at the Pentagon. Depending on how this op goes. They may greenlight it. In which case, I could be looking at a two-rank promotion, which would put me ahead of you."
Takachi chortled a little. "Upset you'll have to salute me for a while?" He fingered his new rank insignia.
"Oh get over yourself, Murakumo," JP said before Mark took the stage, his commanding presence bringing all conversations to an end. Nathan and Rhythm flanking him as always. "It looks like the show is about to begin."
"Good morning to you all." The Crimson Fox's deep voice reverberated through the room. "Thank you for being so prompt. I don't want to waste any more of your time than is needed, so I'll get right down to business." The large screen behind him blinked to life, showing footage of the Battle of Panama. "Now I don't need to say what happened on the 25th was a heavy blow to us. The supply lines between Earth and our space-bound forces have been severed. The suits on the hill and the Joint Chiefs want the door to space opened ASAP."
"So we're going after one of the mass drivers then?" One of the officers asked. "Which is it, Admiral? Victoria or Kaohsiung?"
"Uh, that's complicated." Mark grimaced slightly. "You see, the main objective right now is to try and acquire the Kaguya mass driver located in the Orb Union." Both Takachi and Jean-Pierre just looked at each other. What possible reason why they would choose that particular mass driver? Luckily they did not have to wait long. The Crimson Fox bore a look of slight revulsion as he spoke. "This is being done at the request of Muruta Azrael, the CEO of the Defense Industries Association. He believes that Orb has been remiss in its duties as a nation of Earth and must make amends by letting us have access to their mass driver."
"Okay, that is total bullshit!" Takachi whispered to JP. "There's no way in hell that the Orb government will listen to a sleaze bag like Murata Azreal! He's not interested in the mass driver. He just wants access to Morgenroete and all its technological secrets! You and I both know what that bastard really does!"
The future Blue Knight said nothing instead, standing up. "Permission to speak freely sir?" Mark just nodded. "You'll pardon my frankness, Admiral Lamperouge. I don't believe I need to say it's no secret Azrael is the director of Blue Cosmos. Uzumi Nara Attha would never accept any demands from scum like him. So the only way that we would get Kaguya is by force, and even then I'm certain they'd destroy it just to deny it to us. So you'll forgive me if I find it hard to believe we've been invited to take part in this particular operation."
Mark's response was to start clapping. "Bravo, Commander La Flaga. You are correct in every regard, and I agree with you completely. However, we need to accept some hard facts. Mr. Azrael does have many powerful friends in Washington, in the Pentagon, on the Hill, and unfortunately, in the White House. Those friends are just desperate enough to listen to anything he says. Now, he's given them a solution to this problem and they're jumping on it. But like you, I think whatever plan he comes up with is doomed to fail. He's a businessman, not a soldier, and has no place on the battlefield."
"So then why are we here in the first place?" Another officer asked from the left side of the auditorium. Mark held up a hand before any further protests could break out.
"Because most of the other flag officers are still pretty dubious about his motivations anyway. So they want a backup plan ready when this whole thing does go south on us. In which case, our objective is the Habilis Mass Driver at Victoria Base. Between Spitbreak and Panama, ZAFT's terrestrial forces are spread thin, and they're in no position to send serious reinforcements, but that can always change." Mark took a deep breath. "So it's vital we take the base before they can act. And this is how we're going to do it, Captain Anderson, the floor is yours."
"Thank you, Admiral. Lights, please!" The Steel Fox barked. The lights dimmed and the massive screen came on, revealing an overhead map of Lake Victoria and Habilis Mass Driver, located right next to it. "ZAFT has not been idle since taking the base back in February. They've taken considerable measures to shore up their defenses, as such, it's the largest concentration of ZAFT forces left on the planet. Estimates put nearly 275 mobile suits of various models there." Nathan demeanor was cool and relaxed, as he adjusted his glasses, the light from the screen giving him a rather sinister air. "Now that may sound impressive, but the situation's changed. The playing field is even now, we have our own mobile suits and it's time to put them to work."
"We started mass production just before Spitbreak, it probably would have made a big difference if we had a few Daggers at Alaska." Rhythm said. "Right now we have three main models." A wireframe image of the Strike Dagger appeared in a small inset window superimposed over the map. "First off is the basic GAT-01 Strike Dagger, which will serve as the backbone of our mobile suit force. It's bare bones to be sure, but it's cheap to build and easy to maintain." A second image of a mass-produced version of the Buster appeared. "Second, we have the GAT/A-01E2 Buster Dagger, providing heavy artillery on the battlefield."
The next image was of a mass production unit of the Duel. "Third, is the GAT-01D1 Duel Dagger. Now, these guys have a special role in mind." Rhythm's smile was deceptively innocent. "Given their sheer speed and mobility, it makes them perfect as shock troops and will be used in an anti-mobile suit role. Lieutenant Commander La Flaga will be in charge of that particular facet of the operation." Jean-Pierre just smirked giving a slight nod of acknowledgment. "With our current production capacity, we estimate we'll have over 300 mobile suits in time for the Victoria operation."
Nathan then resumed speaking, the images of the mobile suits vanishing leaving just the large map. "The plan is to split our forces into five main battle groups. Battle Group Two will approach from the north, and Battle Group Three will approach from the south, Battle Group Four from the west, and Battle Group Five from the east." He then looked at Mark. "As for Battle Group One, well let's just say we're pulling a page from ZAFT's own playbook for that one!"
"What are you talking about, Captain?" one officer asked.
"What he's talking about is an orbital drop, son." Mark cut in. Takachi and Jean-Pierre quickly mirroring the devious smirk on their commanding officer's face, as they realized just what their commanding officer had in mind. "And to anticipate your next question, why. It's because the last thing ZAFT would expect us to do. Orbital drops were always one of ZAFT's specialties, and any reinforcements would be delivered in such a manner. So they wouldn't even begin to expect that the mobile suits coming in aren't theirs. As such, it's something we can exploit. It would be quite damaging psychologically when we start raining fire on them, and the landbound forces start rolling in. With us coming in from all four sides, and right down on their heads. The bottom line is pretty simple. ZAFT is in a lot of trouble."
"That doesn't mean they'll just give up, Admiral," Takachi said. "Say what you want about them. ZAFT isn't run by cowards or buffoons."
Mark nodded. "I never said they would give up, Commander Murakumo. In fact, it would be a rather cheap victory if they did. The main objective of this operation is capture the mass driver, But personally, I want ZAFT to be humbled a little bit. They've held their precious mobile suits over our heads for the past two years now. I want them to see what we've accomplished. I want them to put up a fight and maybe know a little fear in the process. However, that's just my own personal feelings on the matter. We have a job to do. In the next few days, you'll receive your assignments and your role in the operation. Any questions can be directed to either Lieutenant Lamperouge or Captain Anderson. That is all, dismissed!"
(June 16th, C.E. 71, Victoria Base)
A ZAFT transport shuttle slowly taxied to a halt. The hatch opened an imposing figure at five foot eleven, his dark brown hair was cut short, feathering out around his ears. His dark complexion was offset by the brilliant blue eyes that radiated experience, and a calculating nature. He wore the pristine white uniform of a senior ZAFT team commander. He came down the ramp, where an officer wearing black, flanked by two green coats, all stood at attention to greet him.
"Welcome to Victoria Base, Commander Ibn-La'Ahad." The black-clad officer said, offering a parade ground level salute.
"Thank you, and please, just call me Naaman." the Arabic commander returned the salute. "There are days I wish my last name wasn't such a mouthful." This got chuckles from the two greencoats but were quickly stifled by their superior clearing his throat.
"Regardless, your presence here is a relief to many of us." the blackcoat said. "Morale has suffered considerably after the Earth Forces' little stunt during Spitbreak. Having a veteran like you here will raise everyone's spirits." He then took notice of the mobile suit being unloaded from the transport's cargo hold. A sleek deadly looking machine, it looked like the GINN and CGUE, but sleeker and beefier. "Is that one of the new mobile suits I've been hearing about, sir?"
Naaman smirked a little bit as he looked up at it. "Damn right. You're one of the first to feast their eyes on the ZGMF-600 GuAIZ." He looked up admiringly at the mobile suit, painted in his trademark color scheme, gold trimmed in red. "Weaponry includes Picus CIWS, a beam rifle, a shield with beam claws, and a pair of extensional arrestors, basically rocket anchors that can grapple onto enemy units. This is actually unit 001, the first off the assembly line and it's all mine. Command gave it to me so I can put it through its paces."
"Your chance may come sooner than you think, Commander." A troubled frown on the blackcoat's face. "I'm certain you heard about what happened in Orb, right?"
Naaman's weathered face tightened. "Indeed I have. Apparently, the Earth Alliance tried to take their mass driver and failed. Which means they'll most likely come here next. I trust the men haven't been idle, have they?"
The other officer shook his head. "I can say with all pride they have not, sir! All the troopers stationed here have been very diligent. They even train in their off hours just in case the enemy does come calling. But enough about that. I imagine you must be quite tired from the long journey, Commander. If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your quarters, they have already been prepared." Satisfied, Naaman followed the other ZAFT officers into the main building, as his GuAIZ was moved to one of the hangars.
"Hold on a moment, Admiral Lamperouge," Alyssa asked. "How do you know what Naaman was up to? You weren't there for that."
Mark just sighed fondly. "I know because he told me so himself. After the first war's end, I reached out to him. Asked if he wasn't interested in a meeting when we weren't trying to kill each other. So we got together at Copernicus and spent a few days swapping stories. Naaman is actually a very amiable man. Our rivalry, if you want to call it that, was never one of loathing. Just the opposite, in fact, we both garnered a deep respect for one another, might even go so far as to call each other friends."
"Just two guys on opposite sides doing their job," Ezra said, the respect for his commanding officer growing by the second. He could see the respect Mark had for Naaman in his eyes. How despite everything, when they weren't fighting, the two men had their shared connection as soldiers.
"You couldn't have put it in a better way, Ensign Kanitz." Mark's eyes became distant once again, recalling the fateful day. "While I personally never had anything against Coordinators. A small part of me did want to put ZAFT in their place. They had become rather smug, I wanted to remind them that we weren't all buffoons. Because of that, Naaman and I clashed once again."
(June 18th, C.E. 71, EAS Liberator, Upper Earth Orbit)
Mark sat quietly in the darkened cockpit of his mobile suit, the only illumination coming from the primary screen in front of him. His helmet on his lap. Like many of the great commanders before him, the Crimson Fox would personally lead his men into battle. At the head of Battle Group One, consisting entirely of the Earth Alliance's secret weapon, the GAT-01A1 105 Dagger, so named because it was what the Strike Dagger was meant to be, a fully mass produced version of its now infamous progenitor.
The Crimson Fox's unit was even more so because it was equipped with Trans-Phase Shift Armor, a feature reserved for team commanders and ace pilots. set in his preferred colors. Most of the upper body in a glossy jet black that was reminiscent of the deep void of space, and the head and legs in a brilliant flame red. His screen came to life, showing Nathan on the bridge, as Mark pulled his helmet onto his head.
"This is Liberator Actual to Crimson Fox Actual, we are approaching the drop zone in thirty seconds, Boss Man. The other battle groups have reached their initial positions and all are waiting for your order, Admiral." The Crimson Fox's response was simply to close the visor on his helmet.
"The order is given Captain Anderson." He brought his mobile suit to life, the lights in the cockpit coming on, reflecting off the visor. Mark began issuing orderings. "All shuttles to deploy, and tell both Commander Murakumo and Commander La Flaga to begin their assault."
"All shuttles launch!" Nathan's deep voice roared. The hangar doors opened and a quartet of high-speed shuttles dropped out of the Liberator's hangar bay, joining the multitude of others as they all descended to the planet below. Unlike with ZAFT, who had dedicated drop pods built into their ships, The Earth Alliance would have to improvise some. The shuttles would carry the mobile suits into the upper atmosphere, and then jump out like the paratroopers of old. And like how it was in those days, Mark's 105 Dagger was the first one out.
He was soon flanked by five other Daggers, the units which would compromise his personal squadron for this operation. "Okay boys here's hoping that the warranty on these things hasn't expired yet!" The other pilots quietly laughed, but soon their objective was in sight. Lake Victoria and sprawled out next to it, the Habilis Mass Driver. The Crimson Fox zoomed in as far as his main camera would let him. He could see the faint images of the various models of mobile suits that were stationed around the installation. None of them had any idea of what was about to happen.
"A part of me almost feels sorry for ZAFT. It sounds like they were really going to be caught flatfooted by this attack." Nena said.
"Especially with the orbital drop. ZAFT is so used to getting their reinforcements that way, everyone in the command center probably shit their collective pants when they realized those weren't GINNs and CGUEs coming down on their heads." Ezra said.
"Actually, Naaman said that very thing once the attack started. Every single one of them was caught off guard." Mark smirked a little.
(Victoria Base Central Administration Building)
Naaman was sitting in the office he had been allowed for his use while he was on Earth. It had been quiet the last couple of days, but he felt uneasy. His soldier's instinct, honed by many years of battle was telling him that something big was about to happen…and very soon. Deciding to clear his head he stepped outside onto the balcony, taking in the sight of the entire base, out to the lake itself. The surface would have been a mirror if not for the very slight breeze that made the water ripple just a bit. It was in all a very tranquil setting.
He then took notice of several dark shapes appearing on the far shore of the lake. "What is that?" Naaman mumbled, eyes narrowing. More of them were starting to appear. And then, the peace of the morning was broken by the sound of gunfire and explosions. Emerald bursts, yellow streaks, and the white contrails of missiles flew across the lake, tearing into the idle mobile suits, blowing them apart, and anyone unfortunate enough to be standing near them at the time.
Naaman sprinted to the operations center, but not before grabbing a pair of binoculars, hoping to get a better view of their attackers. The uneasiness from earlier was now registering a full-scale red alert in the back of his mind. He brought the field glasses up, and his heart nearly stopped at the sight of mobile suits on the far shore, some of the mobile suits that bore more of a passing resemblance to the schematics of one of the prototypes the Le Creuset Team had captured back in January, the Buster if he remembered right and some that looked like the Duel. But the bulk of them were of the same type deployed at Panama a few weeks back.
Saying nothing more, Naaman ran back to the Operations Center. He entered the find the place in bedlam. People running about in a panic as the room shook from the bombardment. The Arabic commander's stomach twisted as he caught snippets of various conversations from the personnel as he marched through the labyrinth of consoles.
"We're estimating nearly a hundred Earth Alliance mobile suits converging on us from all directions, and more are arriving by the second!"
"They're bombarding us from across the lake, massive casualties are mounting up!"
"I want all nonessential personnel to their designated shelters at once! Bring all anti-air and anti-armor defenses online now and order all pilots to their mobile suits now, emergency launch!"
Naaman took the time to gawk at the various screens and monitors and it was beginning to sink in at the sheer scope of the force the Earth Alliance was bringing to bear in order to take Victoria Base. The flesh around his eyes began to tighten up at the sight of mobile suits, OMNI Enforcer mass production mobile suits, launching their attack. He recognized the bulk of the attack force composed of the same machine from Panama. But there was also another mass production unit that bore a striking resemblance to the Duel leading the attack, and those were definitely mass production version of the Buster acting as artillery.
While the Buster Daggers continued providing fire support, with a few of the Strike Daggers remaining to protect them. The Duel Daggers led the bulk of the other mobile suits pressed into the base perimeter in a full out blitzkrieg, overrunning the fixed defense emplacements and tromped through the gate. Several of the personnel in the Ops Center felt a sense of great dread as they slowly moved in, targeting any idle mobile suits and other combat vehicles before they could come online.
One of the Duel Daggers opening fire on a trio of DINNs, the emerald lance piercing them all in succession, and exploding. "Those things are all equipped with beam weapons!" Naaman just rolled his eyes at the staff officer's brilliant assessment of the totally obvious.
He inwardly winced at the carnage unfolding just outside the steel and concrete reinforced walls. A small force consisting of a few BuCUEs led by a LaGOWE, backed by DINNs, plus a few GINNs and a single CGUE on Guuls rushed to meet the enemy mobile suits, missiles, linear rounds, and beam rounds launching. But in the back of his mind, he knew they were sorely outnumbered. A Duel Dagger and a pair of Strike Daggers speared a DINN and the CGUE out of the sky, while another Strike Dagger ignited its lone beam saber, hacking off a wing of the BuCUE before burying the blazing weapon into the quadruped' machine's battery, consigning the pilot to a fiery death.
Naaman had seen and heard enough. His eyes narrowed knowing exactly where his skills would be put to the best use. "I'm going out there to take command of the defense personally. Get as many pilots to their machines as possible!" He addressed the ranking officer in the room. The fellow whitecoat gave a grateful nod. Naaman turned on his heel, marching out with no further words. He wasted no time going straight the hangar where his GuAIZ was located, not even bothering with his flight suit as he went up the line into the cockpit. He strapped in and brought the mighty war machine online. "This is Gold Sword Actual, I am taking command of all mobile suit forces!" He ordered.
"We read you loud and clear, Actual. You have point, Commander!" The Operations Center responded, everyone very grateful for having Naaman take the lead. This is the exact reason he had been sent to Earth, in order to keep morale high. It wasn't long before he was joined by a pair of CGUEs, several GINNs, and some BuCUEs. Naaman began issuing orders
"Listen up, the Earth Alliance is pushing in with everything it has. Their main objective is the mass driver. We have to make our stand here at the Operations Center. Half the force will form a defensive perimeter while the other half will come with me and we'll try to push a counterattack. Move out!" Leaving one of the CGUEs to head up the defense of the Ops Center, Naaman, and his makeshift platoon immediately headed into the combat zone.
"It looks like they're focused purely on taking the command center." One of the redcoats remarked. "They're ignoring everything except what's right in their path, Commander."
"They don't want to risk harming the mass driver," Naaman replied, letting out a low growl. "This has proven to be an even bigger mess than I initially thought. The Earth Forces have completely pulled the rug out from underneath us on this one." His musings were cut short when one of the GINNs was cut down by a salvo of beam fire as a few Strike Daggers emerged from the smoke and flames. The veteran ZAFT commander's rage had been building ever since the invasion started, and now it was time to cut loose. "Give me some support." He said, igniting the beam claws mounted on the GuAIZ's shield. "I'll handle this!"
He kicked on his machine's engines, leaping up into the air. The Strike Daggers opened fire with the weapons but were unable to hit it. "You may have beam weapons." Naaman snarled, the barrel of his MA-M21 beam rifle glinting in a menacing fashion. "But so do I!" He yelled, opening fire, neatly striking the nearest Earth Alliance machine, a Duel Dagger square in the chest. The sheer force causing it to collapse before exploding. Another Duel Dagger went to avenge his fallen companion, igniting a beam saber.
Naaman's response came in the form of a pair of blazing claws of fire coming out of the robust shield mounted on the left arm, catching the enemy combatant's own blade between the beam claws, batting it aside. He slashed downwards, raking across the Duel Dagger's chest, leaving a pair of smoldering gouges. The visor went dead, and it slid off the beam claws, lifeless. A pair of Strike Daggers tried to attack Naaman, but he then launched his GuAIZ's extensional arrestors, impaling one apiece and sending them to oblivion, before finishing off a third with his beam rifle.
"Not bad, Boss Man. That GuAIZ is an absolute beast in your hands." One of the green coat pilots said. Already Naaman's presence was doing its job. Everyone present was beginning to feel a semblance of hope they even if they were unable to keep the Earth Forces out. They would at least survive the fight with the Golden Sword of ZAFT leading the charge.
"I'm just getting warmed up, Private. The real fight is about to begin." Naaman said, taking in the sight before him, hundreds of Earth Alliance mobile suits approaching them. "This is Gold Sword Actual to any active ZAFT mobile suits, converge on my position and prepare to hold the line." He rolled his eyes at having to utter those last words. "That is so cliche." He muttered under his breath. Nevertheless, he brought up his beam rifle, as the GINNs and lone CGUE raised their own machine guns. "Light 'em up!" He roared.
The soldiers of ZAFT let out a collective war cry and let loose a massive barrage of shells and beams, but their Earth Alliance counterparts were quick to respond, a huge wave of green bolts lancing right at them. At the head of the Earth Alliance troops was Jean-Pierre. The young La Flaga scion was brimming with anticipation, for Mark had charged him with leading his squad of Duel Daggers to act as shock troops, clearing a path to the Ops Center as quickly as possible for his comrade. The future Blue Knight had no desire to disappoint the Crimson Fox, for his former mentor had put his trust in him and he would not betray it.
"This is Blue Knight Actual, Duel Dagger Team we're the tip of the spear, breakthrough at all costs!" He ordered, going for the beam rifle. He zeroed in on one of the airborne DINNs, plugging the aerial mobile suit square in the head, taking a chunk out of the aeroshell helmet that extended out in flight. He fired again, catching it in the wing, before finishing it off with a single round to the torso. the DINN's thin armor good as paper against it. The smoking wreck crashed to the ground. Jean-Pierre didn't waste time in hunting for his next target, this time igniting a beam saber as he went after one of the GINNs.
The ZAFT green coat pilot fired its machine gun at the blue and gray machine, but the Duel Dagger was made for greater speed and agility than its Strike variant cousin. And in the hands of a master pilot like JP, it was even more so, gracefully weaving in and out of the 76mm rounds sprayed all over the place. A single swing and the barrel of the oversized rifle flew off. JP's opponent drew its heavy sword, but another downward strike and the hapless green coat could look at the smoking remains of his sword, looking to the beam saber, and then back to his own destroyed weapon, before his cockpit was run through.
Jean-Pierre just shook his head, only for his master alarm to start blaring. He looked up to see his view screen filled by a rapid approaching machine that he had never seen before, sporting a pair of wicked looking beam claws on the shield. He twisted his machine to the side in order to keep from being impaled, also blocking with his saber, sparks flying from where blade and claws intercepted. "It appears ZAFT still has a few tricks up its sleeve! They have a new model!" He said.
Naaman strained against JP's beam saber, finally pushing the Duel Dagger back, launching one of the extensional arrestors, but his opponent used his machine's greater agility and speed to avoid being impaled. The two exchanged beam salvos, managing to get a few light hits on each other. JP gritted his teeth. "It's not enough that I'm up against a totally unknown model of mobile suit, I have the misfortune of fighting the Golden Sword of ZAFT himself!" He knew that color scheme well, not to mention the stories from Mark himself of how the two men had clashed during the blockade in 69 and during the Battle of Yggdrasil.
The future Blue Knight prided himself on being a good pilot, but against a true veteran like Naaman, even he had to admit he was outmatched. It was then his sensors went off, showing a series of new contacts. He just smirked, as he knew exactly what was coming, and would have loved to see the looks on all the ZAFT pilots' faces once they realized who was dropping in to say hello.
"What is that?" Naaman asked, as his screen showed the same thing. "Reinforcements?" He wondered. "I didn't think Command would be able to rally any kind of large scale response this quickly." A sense of uneasiness was forming in the pit of Naaman's stomach. "Gold Sword Actual to Ops, are you picking up those new arrivals?"
"We are, Commander!" The black coat who was the one in charge sounded visibly relieved. "Looks they didn't forget us after all. We're going to be okay!" Naaman just groaned, realizing they had just been jinxed! As then a massive barrage of beams colored green, red, and blue rained down from the heavens.
"What in the hell is this, Commander?" The redcoat piloting the CGUE asked before he was immolated. Naaman desperately tried to get out of the line of fire, taking shelter between two of the buildings. He could look on at his comrades who weren't lucky to find cover get obliterated. But then he began doing something he didn't expect…Naaman started laughing.
"Those Earth Alliance bastards! They're pulling pages out of our own playbook! Whoever thought of this is a cut above the average grunt!" He aimed his GuAIZ's main camera at the sky to see if he could get a look at their attackers, and there they were. A squadron of mobile suits, unlike the other models he had fought up to this point. They resembled the Strike Daggers to a point, but were better armored, and appeared to be outfitted with the same kinds of equipment packages the Strike was known to carry.
Jean-Pierre could only smirk as Mark's 105 Dagger, equipped with an Aile Striker Pack, made its presence felt. It was then Naaman's GuAIZ came out of cover. The two mobile suits aiming their beam rifles at each other. The Blue Knight knew what was about to come, and he was quite eager to bear witness to what could be a truly thrilling fight.
"Hello, Naaman. It's been a while." The Crimson Fox raised his beam rifle in salute. "Sorry for dropping in on you like this, if you'll excuse the bad pun. Do you like our new toys? Allow me to introduce you to the GAT-01A1 105 Dagger. I see you have one yourself."
"Mark Lamperouge." The Golden Sword brought up his own weapon. "Indeed, this is the ZGMF-600 GuAIZ, created with the technology taken from your own stolen prototypes." A bloodthirsty smirk crossed Naaman's lips. "You know what? I'm glad you're here, Admiral. I'm glad the Earth Forces finally developed their own mobile suits. That means I can finally take you on equal terms, and put this beauty through her paces! So I hope you're ready to get schooled!"
Mark mirrored his rival's expression. "A sentiment I share all too well, but don't think you're going have an easy time of this! Foxes may not be the biggest or nastiest creature in the forest, but we're damn dangerous when cornered. I'm about to show you how dangerous!" The two men threw out warcries, ignited the engines of their respective machines, and met in combat.
"Now this is what I'm talking about!" Ezra said, his hands curling into a fist before slamming it into his open palm. He was now fully into the story and wanting to hear more. "A fight between two of the very best in all the Cosmic Era one on one! I bet if the Gundams didn't exist, that battle would have been remembered for ages to come!"
Mark just let out a bemused chuckle. "Maybe, the battles Naaman and I fought never quite reached the levels of the four on one fight between Storm Wolf, Freedom, Justice, and Akatsuki vs the Providence at Jachin Due, but I won't forget any of them, most definitely our battle at Victoria. It was the first real battle I had ever had in a mobile suit. so I was a little bit nervous. I knew Naaman well enough. He wouldn't just roll over and die because I had some shiny new hardware. He was an absolute beast in a GINN, so I could only imagine what he could do with a GuAIZ."
"Yeah, but a 105 Dagger isn't exactly made of cardboard either, Admiral," Asher said, equally as into the story as the rest of his squadmates. Even Taylor, as impassive as she usually was, there was a gleam in her eyes that showed she wanted to know how the battle went down. "So tell us about what happened next?" The old Admiral just chortled and resumed the story.
Even with all the frenzied action going around as the Earth Alliance and ZAFT forces clashed over control of Victoria Base and its mass driver, if a soldier from either side had a chance they would sneak a glimpse and see where a clash of titans was commencing. Neither Mark Lamperouge nor Naaman Ibn La'Ahad had any reason to hold back on this one.
Mark's 105 Dagger, with beam saber in hand, went for a sweeping upward diagonally strike, only for it to be parried by the beam claws of Naaman's GuAIZ. He, in turn, launched one of the extensional arrestors, The thrusters on the Aile pack carried the black and red mobile suit into the air nearly thirty feet before landing behind his rival, answered with a barrage from the beam rifle, the emerald bursts splashing off the laminated armor shield.
The Crimson Fox managed to score the first hit, the beam saber taking a pretty little chunk out of the GuAIZ's left shoulder. Naaman cursed in Arabic, returning the favor by gouging out a piece from the 105 Dagger's right hip, sparks occasionally shooting out from the still smoldering hole in the laminated armor. Namaan couldn't help but be impressed by the power of the mobile suit and the pilot. "I definitely need to let command know to step up production of the GuAIZ. The Earth Alliance's new machines are more than capable of overcoming the GINN and CGUE. And even Naturals can be genuinely skilled! This man has proven that much to me!"
Both machines began firing their CIWS, lobbing 40mm and 76mm shells at each other. a few rounds plunging into the machine, leaving perfect holes in the armor. The saber and claws strained against each other once again, the former raking across the GuAIZ's chest while the latter took a huge chunk out of the side of the Dagger's beam shield. They opened fire on each other with their rifles. Naaman gritted his teeth, dodging to the left to avoid the rifle rounds and a subsequent grenade. He launched the extensional arrestors, only for Mark to knock it away with the shield. Naaman wasn't sure why the IDB thought to include such a useless weapon, but he would use everything he had at his disposal.
Fingers twitching on the control grips, Mark sized up his opponent. "Well, so far I can say. The 105 Dagger has performed beyond my expectations, and the fact I'm still breathing proves I've got some skill myself. Although I can't drop my guard against an opponent of Naaman's caliber at all. Yggdrasil showed me that!" He smirked. "But of course, this time I'm not in a piddly little mobile armor, and I've still got plenty left in the tank!"
Naaman wasn't exactly tired either. Once again the two elder statesmen of combat were exchanging fire as they used the buildings and rubble as cover, the beam rounds catching on both shields, leaving a series of blackened scorch marks. Saber and claws collided once again. Mark managing to snag the GuAIZ on the left leg, and Naaman melting off the armor covering the 105 Dagger's right shoulder. The two men were at a standoff once again. "I know the reason you're here. You won't get the mass driver!"
Mark just let out a low chuckle and a sorry shake of his head. "I'm sorry, Naaman. Unlike with Azrael, I'm not here to fail." This was the cue for an explosion to go off behind the ZAFT lines. "I believe Captain Murakumo's squadron just making it to the Operations Center."
(Operations Center)
The entire room shook. It had caught everyone off guard when the Earth Alliance's artillery mobile suits started bombarding the administrative complex with everything short of destroying it. "All mobile suits gather at the entrance! We cannot let them get in here!" The senior most blackcoat captain ordered. The view on the screens was the last thing any of them wanted to see. The arrival of Mark and the other 105 Daggers had been the turning point, tying up Naaman and a large part of Victoria Base's defenders.
Takachi, commanding Battle Group Three, had been told to hold back and wait until the other units had managed to overrun enough of the base, that way he could lead his troops in and claim the command center. A few barrages courtesy of the Buster Daggers had managed to thin out some of the defending GINNs and BuCUES surrounding the place. He zeroed in on the CGUE, piloted one of the redcoats Naaman had left in charge earlier, reasoning that it had to be the machine in charge of the defense. Taking him out would go a long way to shake enemy morale.
He rushed in as the CGUE opened fire with both machine gun and shield gatling. Even if it was a rushed knockoff, the Strike Dagger was still far superior to its enemy counterpart. Takachi nimbly dodged and weaved through the gunfire. letting loose with his beam rifle, managing to catch the 76mm machine gun in the middle. the CGUE tossed it aside before it took the arm with it, immediately going to the blade hanging at its side, but it wouldn't do much against the beam saber Takachi's machine already had in hand.
The Hawk went for the killing blow. Takachi could sense it, watching as the CGUE raised its sword to try and block the attack. "All too easy!" he smirked, crying out as he brought the flaming blade down one last time, ready to strike the enemy machine down. At least that's what would have happened, but the saber had been deflected, and Takachi's jaw dropped. "That's not part of its standard armament!" He gaped at what the white mobile suit was holding.
Indeed, the CGUE wasn't armed with the regular MA-M4A heavy sword its sister units carried. Rather it was equipped with an NOL-Y941 heavy laser sword, based off data taken from the prototypes, it was a cousin to the "Schwert Gewehr" 15.78m anti-ship sword used by the Strike as part of the Sword Striker package. As the fighting had begun, this industrious redcoat had found it lying unused in one of the hangars and picked it up, reasoning it would be useful, and now it was paying off. The laser edge had come to life just before Takachi's saber had sliced through it. The fight was now on more even footing, but only by a narrow margin.
Takachi swung upwards, only for his beam saber to meet the glowing edge of the laser sword one more time. The shield gatling opened fire, spraying 28mm shells at point blank range. His screen began showing places where the rounds had penetrated his armor, but he paid it no mind, going for another swing, this time going for a backhanded slash, and managed to catch the CGUE on its left leg. leaving a nasty gouge mack across the thigh. But the ZAFT pilot wasn't about to just die. The laser sword came around, managing to take a chunk out of the Strike Dagger's right forearm.
Cursing in his native tongue. Takachi opened fire with his beam rifle, but the CGUE used the same tactic Mark used earlier by hitting the thrusters and leaping into the air, while at the peak of his trajectory the ZAFT mobile suit fired its shield gatling, raining down on the Earth Alliance pilot. As it came back down, Takachi brought up the beam rifle, looking to hit it dead center in the torso, only for him to be blindsided from behind by a barrage of missiles. Takachi looked to see a missile-equipped BuCUE, and then he looked back to where the CGUE was coming back down, laser sword held high overhead. Time seemed to slow down, only for a blue and gray streak to fly up, and in the span of a few seconds both ZAFT machines exploded, and Jean-Pierre's Duel Dagger stood in front of Takachi.
"Are you all right, Commander Murakumo?" the future Blue Knight asked, holding a hand out to pull Takachi's machine to its feet. "That was a very close call."
"Yeah, that was like something straight out of a damn movie!" Takachi joked, as the rest of JP's Duel Dagger team, along with a few Strike Daggers joined them. "Let's get to the control room. We need to wrap this up now and claim the mass driver!" The force of about a dozen mobile suits headed straight for the Administrative Compound. Takachi and Jean-Pierre, both now armed with assault rifles, lead half of their number into the building while the others formed a perimeter. They swept the place room by room before finding Ops.
Making a hand signal, one of the pilots put some plastic explosive on the heavy, reinforced steel doors. The detonator was hit, and the explosion blew them both inward, leaving just enough room to squeeze through. "Everyone hands in the air and get on the ground!" Takachi barked, pointing his assault rifle at the understandably terrified staff. "You don't do anything funny, we don't blow your heads off!" One by one, the ZAFT officers and soldiers reluctantly went down on their knees and raised their hands.
Smug in their victory. Takachi contacted Mark. "Crimson Fox Actual this is Fire Hawk Actual, we have taken control of the command center. The mass driver is ours! The door to space has been reopened!"
"Roger that, Hawk Actual, but you'll have to excuse me. I'm a little occupied at the moment!"
(Outside)
The battle between the two men was winding down. The two men's machines had numerous gouges and burn marks from the beam saber and claws, not to mention countless bullet holes from the CIWS. Mark's eyes flickered to his remaining battery power. "I'm at less than forty-five percent. But I've left my mark." He snickered at the inner pun. "Although that new mobile suit is definitely a problem. It's more than equal to a 105 Dagger but far superior to Strike Daggers. Perhaps it would be worth putting in a mention to Headquarters about pumping up 105 Dagger production."
Naaman rasped, very glad he hadn't worn his flight suit with all the sweat dripping off his face. He too checked the charge in his battery. "Thirty-nine percent, He pushed me harder than I thought. I guess foxes are more dangerous than people thought!" His expression hardened. "But I've come too far to give up now. We need to wrap this up!" The GuAIZ's beam rifle came up, squeezing off a few more rounds at Mark, who instantly fired back with his own rifle, leaping up into the air with a rocket-assisted boost from the Aile Pack, opening fire with the CIWS and the feet mounted anti-infantry cannons.
The 40mm and 12.5mm shells slammed into the GuAIZ, leaving numerous bullet holes over the entire mobile suit's structure. The extensional arrestors lashed out once again, one of the beam sabers came out and in a single swing, Mark cleaved the beam tipped claws off, the emitters sparked and died as they crashed about on the tarmac. The 105 Dagger's beam rifle came out and he fired point blank range, melting off the GuAIZ's tall head crest.
Naaman roared, impaling the Dagger's head with his beam claws, ripping it off, Mark bodychecked Naaman's mobile suit, the saber taking off the machine's right forearm before Naaman destroyed the 105 Dagger's left arm at the shoulder. It was then a few rounds were fired overhead and a small group of Strike, Buster, and Duel Daggers surrounded the two commanders. Naaman looked up to find himself staring down the barrel of Mark's beam rifle. "It's over Naaman…you've got two choices…surrender or die." There was no joy or smugness in the Crimson Fox's voice. Just a man having to do a hard thing to someone he considered a worthy opponent.
The Gold Sword hung his head in defeat. "Just promise me that my men will be treated fairly. We both know what your superiors would love to do to them all."
The Crimson Fox nodded. "You have my word that none of them will be abused in any way, shape or form, Commander Ibn La'Ahad." He spoke in his most authoritative voice. "That is my word as a soldier of the Atlantic Federation." He held a metallic hand out, helping his enemy to his feet.
Ezra whistled. "Wow, that's brutal, Boss Man. But you actually managed to bring down a guy like Naaman, and got him to surrender?"
Mark nodded. "Yeah, although he wasn't a prisoner for very long. ZAFT Special Forces rescued him just a couple weeks later when he was being transported to the camp. Obviously, Zala and his people didn't want any intel getting into our hands. I had been assigned command of the Fifth Orbital Fleet, and I never ran into Naaman again until we met up after the war's end. Probably a good thing, I had my hands full with other problems anyway."
"Still, it sounds like Victoria put you on the map," Nena said, having been captivated by both of the elder pilot's stories. "I really can't wait until we get into the fight now. ZAFT isn't going to know what hit them!"
"Just don't be too eager Ensign Triton. It's a fast way to get yourself killed." Mark warned. It was then the door opened, admitting Rhythm.
"Hey Dad, just thought you should know, we're about to arrive at Truman Base. Best get ready for the meet and greet!"
Mark slipped back into command mode. "You heard the lady, people. Get cleaned up and look presentable. The real fight begins now!"
Author's Notes: And so the old warrior instills his knowledge in the young soldiers of tomorrow. A new battle looms on the horizon, and eventually the Fox will face down the Wolf.
I want to give credit where it's due to one of my regular reviewers, the GirlWithFarTooManyIdeas for inspiring the last two chapters. I had put forth Mark being one of the Earth Alliance's best, thus why he was heading up the hunt for the Archangel and Minerva. She said "Prove It", wanting to see examples of his badassery firsthand. And from there the Crimson Chronicles were born. So thank you so much for the inspiration. I hope it's what you hoped for.