Song of the Storm Wolf: Howl of Destiny

by Storm Wolf77415

The year is C.E. 73. Two years have passed since the end of the Bloody Valentine War. The second verse of the Storm Wolf saga begins as Lieutenant General Sebastian Connor joins with old friends and new alike as he faces down the renewed threat of the Earth Alliance and the mysterious Captain Neo Roanoke.

16. Path Across The Ocean Part 1

Disclaimer: See chapter 1

Song of the Storm Wolf: Howl of Destiny

by Storm Wolf77415, Wing Commander White Wolf, and Centurious the Azure

Path Across The Ocean Part 1

The Personal Log of Lieutenant General Sebastian Connor, January 20th, C.E. 74.

It's been two full weeks since we arrived at Carpentaria Base, and tomorrow we ship out for the Mediterranean Sea. Full commendations are to be given to Commander Ibn La'Ahad and his staff for their hospitality to us during our stay here. But all I can focus on right now is the gathering darkness on the horizon. ZAFT and Orb intelligence agencies alike have been getting reports of increased Earth Alliance troop movements in the South Pacific Ocean since the beginning of the year. Myself, Rear Admirals Russo and Ramius, along with Captains Badgriuel, Todaka, and Gladys have all voiced their concerns.

All three new Archangel-class ships were seen on the move, the Dynames, under the command of Vice-Admiral Mark Lamperouge, left Pearl on New Year's Day bound for somewhere in the Indian Ocean, The Virtue, commanded by Rear Admiral Deckard Corusso, arrived planetside on the 12th via San Diego, and the Seraphim, under the command of Rear Admiral Nonette Enneagram, on the 17th near the site of the old JOSH-A base in Alaska. They were all heading for the same location. There's also reports that the Phantom Pain, the Frighteners, and the Blue Knights have been deployed to the area as well.

We don't know exactly where the Earth Alliance base is, and we don't have the luxury of scouting for it. It has to be in the near vicinity. With Orb unavailable as a possible outpost, they would have to look elsewhere. What's also convenient is this base could be right along the course we've charted to reach the Mediterranean. No doubt the Earth Forces intend to keep us from reaching the front lines. After reviewing all the units the Earth Alliance has assembled fills me with a great sense of dread.

The leadership of the Crimson Fox himself, with an elite cadre of soldiers at his command, not to mention backed by the raw strength of three Archangel-class Mobile Assault Ships? With firepower like that, who needs nuclear weapons? I know Anthony would say I'm being pessimistic, but I'm just calling it like I see it. I can't help but yearn for the days when our biggest threats were Rau Le Creuset and Kyle Evans.

I suppose I shouldn't be all doom and gloom. The Seawolf arrived last night, bearing Captain Dupree and the rest of the White Wolves. It was good to see Rachael again. Anthony and Yukimasa have sung the new vessel's praises, so I'll be eager to see it in action for myself. It should give us a much-needed advantage once we're out on the open ocean. Everyone has engaged in a series of wargames over the last few days, some last-minute cramming before the final exam if you will.

Even after I gave Natarle command of the Amaterasu, she wasn't about to be left behind while the rest of us sailed into danger. She took up her old place running the CIC on the Archangel, barking orders just like nothing had changed at all since the day we left Heliopolis. She and Murrue haven't lost an inch, reaffirming why they're such a great command team, despite their very different personalities. It puts me at ease having them together like that.

I also want to acknowledge the hard work of the young pilots of the Minerva. They got off to a very rough start back in October after the Phantom Pain attack at Armory One. But they've grown experienced through Break the World and helping us stave off the Atlantic Federation's invasion of Orb. I can only imagine how much more they have to grow before this war's end.

Turning to matters of a more personal nature, I find my thoughts going back to the enigmatic Neo Roanoke. Since it is very likely Phantom Pain will be present. It is just a matter of time before our swords cross once again. I've lost sleep over this guy, much to Lacus's chagrin I might add, but I can't help it. There are so few people in this world who were able to match me the way the Black Comet did. I made some further inquiries to Sasuke, Rin, and even Lowe. All who tried digging to find anything about this guy. Who he could be and when he trained with Un No-sensei. But the trail has gone cold, none of them could find anything. I guess it's a moot point. We'll meet up soon enough, and I won't have to wait for answers then.

I suppose there's not much else left for me to say. There's no more time to train. No more time to prepare. We can't avoid this fight forever. All that's left is step onto that battlefield, and see how the fortunes of war play out for us. Like countless other commanders before me, and countless other commanders who will follow. The only thing I can do now, is wait for the dawn.

It was with that final pen stroke that a pair of pale, delicate arms encircled around Sebastian's neck. The inviting smell of lilac and strawberries wafted about him. The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due turned to see his Angel of the Stars looking at him with those loving blue eyes, shining with her love for him. "Are you done, sweetheart? Please come to bed now." She cooed in that sweet voice he knew so well. Lacus had on a very sexy pink nightgown, and there was no denying what his wife wanted to do before setting out on their voyage.

Sebastian's weathered fingers brushed along Lacus's cheek, always feeling smooth as silk. She cocked her head slightly, clasping his hand between her hers. "But of course, my love." He closed his logbook and turned off the desk light. The Wolf took hold of his Dove's hand. He then deftly scooped her up in his arms, eliciting a happy squeal from her. The couple kissing once before walking into the bedroom.

(ONS Archangel, Hangar, January 21st, C.E. 74)

Loretta found herself looking at the mobile suit sitting between the Blizzard Frame and Maelstrom. It had a more than a passing resemblance to the Blitz and the Gold Frame AMATU, but the clear sign of a sniper rifle was present. She looked over to Rachel, who had her arms folded. "So I trust it meets your approval?" The Iron Dove asked.

"More than enough, Rach. My baby wasn't quite ready before we shipped out. So it's nice to finally have her here." Loretta smiled. "MBF-03 Frost Prowler Gundam, based on Mina's machine, equipped with full Phase-Shift Armor, a Neutron Jammer Canceler, and a nuclear reactor." The redhead's smile looked pleasant on the surface, but Rachel knew full well how Loretta could get when worked up. "I may not be on the same level as Sebby, Kira, Athrun, or even my husband, but with this, anyone who gets in my way is going to have a very bad day!"

Rachel couldn't deny that for a second. The two had duked it out in more than their fair share of practice battles over the past two years, and the daughter of Aster Dupree had gotten to know her foster brother's wife very well in that time. It was then she heard a whistle from behind them. Where Lunamaria was working on the Phoenix. "I'm guessing that's not from Morgenroete's archives?" she asked, only to find herself wrapped up in one of Loretta's infamous hugs.

"You would be correct, dear. This was a gift from my dear hubby." Loretta smiled, nuzzling the violet haired coordinator. Rachel just rolled her eyes. All too used to her sister in law's antics. "I told him I wouldn't just stay behind and knit while he went out there to fight. He didn't want me just piloting a regular mobile suit, so he had Frost Prowler developed from Blizzard Frame's data."

"Let her go, Lor. The poor girl needs to breathe." Rachel finally came to Luna's rescue. "Welcome to the Archangel, Lieutenant. It's going to be like this all the time!"

"I can't wait." Luna took it in stride. She had heard of the quirks and eccentricities of the Archangel crew, and now she was part of it. So the best thing to do was just roll with it. The Arctic White Wolf then made his presence felt, sweeping in with the fluid grace of the predator he took his name from.

Luna instinctively snapped to attention. "Officer on deck!" She barked out loudly.

Anthony just gave an easy-going wave to her. "As you were, Lieutenant." He then looked to his wife, kissing her right on the lips while she put her arms around his neck, eliciting a giggle from the redhead. Luna started blushing at the show of affection, excusing herself to go back working to Phoenix.

"Oh, to be so young," Anthony remarked, his eyes falling on Frost Prowler. "I trust you're enjoying my gift to you, dear? I know it's not chocolate or jewelry, but it's the best I could come up with on such short notice." Loretta giggled again, and Rachel just folded her arms.

"It's fine, honey." Loretta's ice blue orbs joining her husband's brilliant green ones as she looked at her new mobile suit. "Not going to lie. I'm looking forward to tearing it up against the Earth Forces with this baby." She licked her lips in anticipation. "It's been long in coming."

"And we get to do it together," Anthony said. Before turning to Rachel. "Thanks for showing up with it when you did, little sis. I know she could have done just as well with a Murasame, but I wanted her to have a bit more."

"No problem," Rachel stated, pulling Anthony away out of Loretta's earshot. "Also I was told to inform you that 'it' was added to Blizzard Frame." She frowned, clearly uneasy about it. "Does General Connor know about this?"

Anthony gritted his teeth, before shaking his head slightly, earning a slight glare from his foster sister. "I haven't had a chance yet. It's my hope we won't have to use it. But one can never be too careful in this line of work, Rach." The Iron Dove said nothing, just giving a slight nod. Although there was still a slight gleam of worry in the Iron Dove's eyes.

The White Wolf then went over to Blizzard Frame, climbing into the cockpit as his gaze fell on a small box mounted on the left armrest. The only controls being a keyhole, and a single button. He put his hand on it, noting it was shaking a little. "Tempest, I hope I don't need to summon you, but if my family and friends are threatened. You will blow all of my enemies away."

(Indian Ocean, Lincoln Base, Tarmac, January 25th, C.E. 74)

The fresh sea wind blew through the Black Comet's hair, and Neo Roanoke was never more happy to have on the dark gunmetal mask. As the sun was at its peak, and beating down on him. As always, Daniel was at his side. Along with Jean-Pierre and Takachi. All three men sporting a pilot trademark, mirrored aviator shades. The dark, graceful shapes of the Dynames, Virtue, and Seraphim could be seen from the base harbor. Mobile Suit transports had been coming in over the past two days, and the last ones were about to arrive.

The roar of the engines and squealing of the tires was deafening, as the massive planes slowly ground to a halt. "I think it goes without saying that this is probably the greatest assembly of firepower we've mustered in one place." Takachi roared to be heard over the engines. "As much as I hate to say this, it makes even the Peacemaker Force look like a bunch of lightweights!"

"A rather poor choice of comparison, Takachi, but I have to concur on that one. The fleets assembled for the attacks on Orb and the PLANTs don't even come close." Jean-Pierre and his fellow pilots took in the sight of the numerous mobile suits scattered about the base. GAT-01A1 105 Daggers, GAT-02L Dagger Ls, GAT-04 Windams lined the tarmac and occupied several of the hangars.

Jean-Pierre's own GAT-X509 Rapier stood proudly, the eleven GAT-01DX Duel Stilettos flanking it. The gray and blue color scheme gleaming in the afternoon sun. The Blue Knights were sending a message. They were there to fight for the honor and integrity of the Atlantic Federation, and prove that not everyone in the country were Coordinator hating fanatics like Blue Cosmos.

Neo's own GAT-X505 Tallgeese III also resembled a knight, albeit a knight of shadows with its matte black finish. The massive mega cannon and Gerbera Straight sent its own sinister message. Also present were the two remaining Gundams taken from Armory One, ZGMF-X24S Chaos Gundam and ZGMF-X31S Abyss Gundam, both joined by two more Gundams. One being Nena's GAT-X506 Vajra Gundam, which more than a passing resemblance to the three Gundams of Kurokami. The other could have been the Gaia's clone, albeit all in black like the Tallgeese III. This was the GAT-X507 Terra Gundam, created for the new Extended that took Stellar's place. Finishing the Phantom Pain complement were six jet black GAT-06 Raptor EMDs. The three belonging to Morris and the other Headhunters equipped with their signature beam sniper rifles, while the second trio was equipped with more conventional arms, as well as the CIWS-1B.

The majestic form of the GAT-X510 Reaver Gundam was slowly removed from one of the transports, along with five other Raptors, painted black with bright silver trim, each carrying its own unique loadout. And above them all, the familiar form of the GAT-X511 Patriot Gundam stood on a slight hill overlooking the rest of the field. Much like its master would, the Patriot was in a place of authority. As if the mobile suit itself was looking over the troops under its command. The black and red Windams of Mark's team stood nearby.

Karen Willet emerged from the transport, seeing Neo and his cohorts standing there. She adjusted her own aviators and sauntered up, offering a salute to her fellow commanders, who returned it. "Good to see you again, Captain Roanoke. I'm assuming you're my welcoming committee for today?"

"But of course, Colonel," Neo said, making the introductions. "You remember Commander Daniel Morris, my XO. Let me introduce you to Captain Jean Pierre La Flaga, commander of the 127th Anti-Mobile Suit Squadron, Blue Knights, and Captain Takachi Murakumo, he serves directly under Admiral Lamperouge, commanding his personal squad."

"If it helps you to remember, we call ourselves the Crimson Foxes, as a little tribute to the Boss Man," Takachi said. "Let me just say your team's reputation proceeds you, Colonel Willet. At least what little I've heard. No one really specified just exactly what you did."

Willet put a hand on her hip, the wind blowing her flame-red locks about. "The main reason for that is because it's only the stuff we've done that's officially on the record, Captain Murakumo." Her smile was not pleasant. "Everything else is of such a sensitive nature, the higher-ups don't even want to acknowledge it. At least until now." She looked to her Gundam, which was being moved into the nearest empty hangar. "Reaver and the Raptor EMDs give us a degree of strength that we've never had before. So it means we can fight more openly. My battle with the Freedom during Break the World was just a small taste of what the Frighteners can do."

Jean-Pierre just nodded with grim satisfaction. "The Third Covert Tactical Assault Team will get its proper debut soon enough, Colonel Willet. My squadron fought against Freedom and Justice during the failed invasion of Orb while I was dealing with my rogue cousin. It took everything my men had just to hold their own against them. Everyone's been talking about your little skirmish with Yamato up in space. It almost didn't seem possible than someone could inflict any damage to the Freedom at all, but the proof was there. Many in our ranks are calling you the Silver Shadow as a result."

Morris whistled. "Then credit to the Blue Knights for standing up to the White Knight and Red Knight. It's a testament to their skill all of them walked away with their asses relatively intact."

The English beauty put a hand on her hip, the wind making her lustrous red hair flow in the wind. "The Silver Shadow you say? I rather like the sound of that. I'll admit, Major Yamato certainly put me to the test up there, but that was only round one, and I'm just getting warmed up." Neo cleared his throat.

"I'm certain the reputation of you and your entire team will certainly ignite after today, Colonel." Neo indicated to the headquarters building, pointing up in the sky. "We should get going. Admiral Lamperouge is waiting for us to have a strategy meeting, and it wouldn't be right to keep him waiting."

"By all means, Captain," Willet said, falling into step with her fellow special operations forces commanders. As they walked. The newly minted Silver Shadow took stock of her four male compatriots. Both La Flaga and Murakumo were well known to her, being the personal apprentices of Mark Lamperouge himself. The last son of the La Flaga clan, considered by much of the brass to be a piloting genius. He singlehandedly rewrote the entire Earth Alliance pilot training manual and developed new tactics for anti-mobile suit combat. And the Crimson Fox wouldn't just pick anyone to lead his own personal squadron.

Her eye then fell on Morris and Roanoke. Even though she had been present for the events that had led to the entire war starting. Willet still didn't know the commanders of Phantom Pain that well. Morris is easy enough to nail down. He and his fellow Headhunters are all snipers, more than 125 kills between them. He seeks to be remembered as the greatest sniper who ever lived, which coincidentally just happens to be the White Wolf of Alaska. If Russo is taken down, it would cement his place in history.

But the biggest enigma was the Black Comet himself. Even though his uniform had the same cut as the uniform of every other person on this base, and even in the greater scope of the Earth Forces, the black color was unheard of. The dark gray mask, lined with blood-red trim, made it near impossible for her to get a proper read on him, given how it covered the entire upper part of his face. The only thing he could tell was that he had blonde hair.

But what she could determine, aside from the golden mane flowing out of his mask, was that he walked with a certain gait. One she recognized very well. It was the fluid grace of a swordsman. Willet hadn't seen it during her time up in space, but now it was on full display. He obviously trained somewhere, definitely worth looking into. Although I have to admit, he's very young to be a naval captain. If I had to guess, couldn't be any more than twenty-four or twenty-five. Which means he's either very well connected at the Pentagon or extremely good at his job.

Neo was also sneaking his appraising glances at the Englishwoman, sizing up his would-be ally. No doubt Colonel Willet is probably trying to break me down in her mind. We in the SOF community are known for being a collection of nut jobs. A part of me found her unsettling even when we first met back in October. I had heard of the Frighteners' reputation. Given their lineage, none of them is to be taken lightly, especially her. Putting his thoughts aside, the five entered the headquarters building.

"It just occurred to me. We haven't heard anything from the Eurasians now, have we?" Willet asked as they entered the lobby. "I was looking over the deployment orders before we departed Hereford, but I didn't see anything about them there. I know it's been two years since that whole mess in Alaska. But I know they've managed to build up their forces to a point where they could be useful. I can't imagine Vice Admiral Lamperouge wouldn't want Colonel Smirnov's people involved too."

"A representative of Strigon Battalion is present. He arrived just before you did." Neo confirmed as the door closed behind them. "Granted, I didn't have a chance to meet him myself. He's supposed to be waiting for us in the conference room."

(Lincoln Base Headquarters Building)

Neo took a look around at the headquarters interior. It was extremely clean, but also decked out with the most high-tech equipment currently available to the Earth Alliance. "I'll admit, the base is very well equipped, considering how quickly they threw it all together. It's amazing how much progress has been in such a short amount of time."

"That should be a given, Captain Roanoke." Takachi piped up, also giving an appreciative glance to how sleek the base looked. "This place has the number one spot for top of the line equipment. It's necessary, given Orb and ZAFT's new partnership. It made sense to have an operational base in the region, given how close Carpentaria is to Orb. The brass in Washington wanted us to be able to keep an eye on them."

They went upstairs to the conference room. Neo opened the door. Unsurprisingly, Mark was present but did surprise everyone was the other occupant in the room. A man in his late thirties, wearing the light blue Class A uniform of the Eurasian Federation Armed Forces. Mark cleared his throat. "Ah, welcome to all of you! It's good to see you're all prompt. This gentleman here is here on Colonel Smirnov's behalf. Would you care to introduce yourself, Major?"

The Eurasian stood up, giving everyone a good view of him. His uniform was spotless and well kept, a point in Jean-Pierre's favor. Dark brown hair was slicked back, and his dark gray eyes exuded an air of quiet confidence and a calculating air. He flashed a rather debonair smile, snapping to attention and offering his best salute, speaking in a rich Eastern European accent. "Major Ilya Pasternak, third in command of the 226th Mobile Battalion, also known as Strigon. It's a great privilege to make all your acquaintance."

"Hmm, no fangs, and you're not sparkling in the daylight. So you really can't be a vampire now, can you?" Takachi asked, eliciting a groan from Jean-Pierre, a muted snort from Morris, and an eye roll from Willet. Roanoke just tugged at his mask a little bit, although his lips twitched upwards slightly.

"Oh please, the only time vampires sparkle is when they burst into flames, and even then that's not entirely accurate," Pasternak replied, folding his arms to give a bemused smile. "In the original novel. Dracula didn't flat out die when he was exposed to sunlight. It just left him severely weakened and unable to use his powers. And let's be totally honest, Twilight is scraping the bottom of the barrel, if not just a little bit below it. I figure you would have come up with a better vampire joke, Captain Murakumo, because I've heard them all."

Neo cleared his throat, clearly wanting to keep from getting any further off-topic. "As much as I enjoy a bout of friendly banter, we're here on business. I believe you have a message for us from your commanding officer, Major Pasternak?"

The Eurasian just sighed. "Indeed, Captain Roanoke." He then turned to face Mark. "Vice Admiral Lamperouge, I'm afraid I must inform you and the rest of your compatriots that Strigon Battalion will be unable to participate in the upcoming operation at this time. Both Colonel Smirnov and Lieutenant Colonel Voycheck send on their regrets, but rest assured the entire battle group in its entirety will be ready for the next op."

"Why are they unable to join?" Jean-Pierre asked, "I thought the battalion had made its target force level."

"Oh yes, our force levels are exactly where they need to be. It's just the Terminators aren't ready yet. The final machine rolled off the assembly line just last week. However, they're still being prepped for each individual pilot. Not to mention the command Berkuts for the colonels and myself. It's why the Colonel decided against deploying Strigon in full at this time. That being said." He smirked once again. "Since I am here, and if you have an extra mobile suit available. I have no problem offering my services for this operation. The Atlantic Federation can't have all the fun now, can they?"

(Carpentaria Base, Tarmac, January 28th, C.E. 74)

In the calm of the early morning, a lone figure stood atop the blacktop. Sebastian wore a dark green tank top with white stripes and dark exercise pants. The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due held his faithful blade aloft, the rising sun gleaming off the mirror finish of his faithful blade. It was a spectacle to behold, many of the personnel couldn't help but stop to watch as one of the greatest warriors in the entire Cosmic Era continued to move in his intricate dance.

Sebastian sheathed his weapon, closing his eyes as he steadied his breathing. A single hand resting on the intricately carved handle. At his feet laid a large, rolled-up bamboo tatami mat. Many were curious about what he would do with it. In an instant his eyes flew open, kicking the mat into the air. Faster than even most Coordinators could blink, in a quick slash from left to right. Fenrir returned to its den, as the mat fell in three pieces. The Storm Wolf smirked. "All too easy." He said.

He was met by the sound of light applause. Sebastian turned to see Kyoko standing there, and he just took a moment to admire the beauty that was Kyoko Takatsukasa. The light blue tank top did nothing to hide her hourglass figure, not to mention her pale, creamy legs, showing off due to her dark blue shorts. Sebastian certainly would have contemplated asking her out if he wasn't so devoted to Lacus. The ever-present playful smile adorning her face, framed by those soft blue curls held up in a high ponytail. "Splendid as always, General Connor. Your Iaijutsu draw is top-notch as ever. I couldn't even follow it this time."

"Your praise always means a lot to me, Kyoko." Sebastian dipped his head to her. He took note of the exquisite blade clenched in her hand. A katana, like his own, with a brilliant royal blue lacquered sheath. The handle wrapped with blue and gold twine, the square hand guard intricately carved out of steel with a bronze sheen. He lifted an eyebrow. "I can assume you've come for some training yourself?"

Kyoko's laugh was melodious. "You know me so well. I figured you'd want an actual person to practice with. Considering what's waiting for us, we need every advantage we can get." With that, she unsheathed her blade, Hydra, bringing it up to a guard position. "But enough chatting, General. Come at me!" The Supreme Ace just smirked himself, bringing his own weapon to a ready position. The day was just getting started.

(Carpentaria Base, Hangar)

Naaman had been gracious enough to offer the Orb contingent two hangars to store their mobile suits. Kuro was currently doing maintenance on his Takemikazuchi. It was nicknamed Kaitou or "Phantom Thief", due to its deep black paint job, not to mention a few special extras he had included, namely a copy of the Quantum Computer Virus Transmission System that would allow it to infect a mobile suit's computer and install a virus that would erase the machine's presence from any hacked mobile suit's sensors and cameras. That or create multiple copies to confuse it.

He turned to see Yukimasa stride in, a weary expression on his face. It was one Kuro was all too familiar with as of late. Ever since Yukimura's return, a huge cloud of dread had settled over the entire Sahaku family. He crashed down at the workbench, laden with various gadgets and pieces of technology he tinkered with in his spare time. "You okay, bro?" Kuro asked, tossing Yukimasa a bottle of water, who deftly caught it, imbibing a large gulp of the precious liquid.

"It's hard to say." He groaned lightly, slamming the half-empty bottle on the table. "Ever since Dad reappeared, I've been wracking my brain about what he's scheming. Let's face it, we both know that he's scheming something." Yukimasa got up and began anxiously pacing about the hangar. "It's no coincidence he came back just as we were finalizing our little deal with the PLANTs. He hasn't done anything yet, but we know he's the patient type." He slammed his fist together. "The sooner we get to the Med, the faster we can begin looking for Mori. He's the only one who can possibly remove him from power."

The black-haired engineer shrugged. "It would be nice to see Mori again. It hurt a lot when he left. It hurt even more when Ghina died, even if he did do some pretty terrible things. Family is family, regardless, so if we could get at least one of our brothers back. It would make me happy. Still, I have to play devil's advocate, Masa. Don't you think it's already likely Dad knows where Mori is? Let's face it, he's got contacts and connections everywhere. Certainly, someone would have told him."

"I'm not going to say you're wrong, but we should at least make the effort. Do you really want Dad Vader to have his way, and put us under the thumb of the Atlantic Federation?" He finished the bottle of water before chucking it into the recycling bin. "That's what he's always wanted. He won't be content until he has it all. We owe it to Mina and everyone else back home to boot out Dictator Dad as soon as possible." Yukimasa sighed, his red eyes taking on a hard edge. "It's times like this I wouldn't mind having Captain Tessen and the rest of Tenchu here."

"They're currently on assignment up in space, but I know Jason would drop everything and rush here in a second if you asked him too," Kuro recalled the executive officer of the covert operations unit well. "But until then, Masa. We should at least make an effort and try some degree of diplomacy. I was always the closest to Dad, maybe I can get through to him."

Yukimasa grunted. "Personally I think you're just wasting your time. But if you want to make the effort. I'll respect and support it, Kuro. I just hope it doesn't have greater consequences down the line." Inwardly as he said this, Yukimasa resolved to get in contact with his old unit before shipping out. It never hurt to be prepared.

(EAS Seraphim, making its way across the Indian Ocean, January 30th, C.E. 74)

Sting was lounging in his bunk. He had spent the better part of the day checking over the Chaos. He had come to relish the power of his stolen Gundam. A part of him was eager to go up against the gray ZAFT ship they had battled during the Break the World. He had unfinished business with the pilots of those ZAKUs and that white and blue Gundam. Oh, he was especially eager to go after the Gundam. It was just a matter of time.

The doors slid open, admitting Auel. "Thought I'd find you in here." He crashed down on his own rack, directly underneath his squadmate. "You know, I think it goes without saying that Lieutenant Heim is smoking hot! I swear, every step she takes, boing, boing, boing!" This was the point where Sting would fire back with a witty retort, but there was only silence. Which unnerved the pilot of the Abyss. "Hey, you listening to me?" He craned his head upward to see Sting.

The young Extended was currently gazing at a picture of the two of them and Stellar together one of their very rare days off. All three of them were happy and carefree. Auel's mischievous nature abated some. "You thinking about her too, huh?" He huffed, crashing back onto the bunk. "I hate to criticize the Captain, but it was stupid to send in her alone. All three of us should have been deployed. We could have done it together."

"We can't change what's already happened, Auel." Sting had always been the most levelheaded of the three of them, hence why he was the commander of their element, often needing to rein in Auel and Stellar in their more childish moments. "Neo is our commanding officer, and his word is law. Stellar wasn't able to get the job and she paid the price." He sighed. "Let's face it, guys like us have a short shelf life. If they killed her, it would have been a kindness." Without the regular infusion of drugs, it was a given she'd die slowly and painfully. "And there's always a replacement for us."

Auel growled at that. "Yeah, Stellar could be obnoxious at times with her dancing all over the place, but we were together from the start. We trained together since the end of the last war, and we could read each other easily. And now we have to deal with this Rosamia chick? Seriously, have you seen her? You want to talk about broken!" Sting knew all too well what Auel meant. Stellar's replacement, Rosamia Badam, had come to them not long after Stellar was reported captured. She was a wreck, even by Extended standards.

She had come with her own Gundam even, the GAT-X507 Terra Gundam, little more than a total clone of the Gaia. Rosamia had proven to be a capable pilot, but she just seemed to gravitate between aggression that bordered on sadistic, and then become stricken by a childish fear, screaming and crying in the middle of combat. "Seriously, someone needs to pump up her Valium intake!" Auel grunted.

"I'll be sure to let Commander Morris know that." He stuck the photo on the small corkboard on the wall. "Let's face it, no one will ever be like Stellar."

"Why are you still talking about her?" A shrill voice rang out. The two Extended saw the newest member of their detachment standing in the doorway. Her shoulder-length violet hair bouncing with each step. Rosamia wore the pink volunteer uniform, with a dark mini skirt and white tights, complete with black boots. "She failed in her mission. She doesn't exist anymore!"

"Don't you dare talk bad about Stellar!" Auel was quick to rise to his comrade's defense. "She was twice the pilot you are! The only reason she would get out of control is if we had to use her block word. You can't get through a simple practice session without freaking out over every little thing."

Rosamia just turned her nose up. "If she was stronger she wouldn't have gotten captured. I won't make that same mistake." Auel was about ready to throttle her. Only for Yuuya to stick his head in.

"What's going on here?" He asked.

Sting silently thanked whatever higher power existed for the interruption. "It's nothing for you to worry about, Lieutenant Bridges. We're just having a little disagreement between us. We'll work it out, right guys?" The Japanese-American pilot just gave a questioning stare to each of the Extended. He had only limited interaction with them since joining Phantom Pain, but he could tell something wasn't right.

"Well, be as it may, if you need something, don't hesitate to ask." Yuuya then headed down the corridor, but he made it a point to keep on the youngest members of their team. A part of him wondered if he was crazy for teaming with his old rival, Leon, once more, but the chance to serve in Phantom Pain had been too enticing not to pass up. It helped Sharon had asked him really nicely. Her father was the one who helped him get into the Navy in the first place, so he reasoned he could put up with Leon for a while.

(ONS Archangel, making its way across the Indian Ocean, January 30th, C.E. 74)

Unlike the departure from Orb, the newly minted Task Force Angel, consisting of the Archangel, Minerva, Takemikazuchi, and Seawolf, left Carpentaria with little fanfare, aside from Naaman and a small retinue who saw them off with a solemn salute. It had been two days since departing from Oceania. Sebastian was put in command of the entire battle group, with Anthony, Murrue, Talia, and Captain Hiroshi Todaka, in command of the giant trimaran aircraft carrier, as his seconds.

The atmosphere was tense all around, but everyone continued on with their business. The entire crew showing how much of a well-oiled machine they had become in the past two and a half years. Murrue was reviewing the latest report she had received from Intelligence. The door swished open, admitting Loretta, resplendent in her Orb uniform, carrying a tray with three steaming cups of coffee in hand. "Hey there! I'm bringing a gift!" She chimed, handing a cup to Murrue and the other to Natarle. "If you ask me, the entire ship really runs off coffee, is there nothing it can't do?"

"I'm glad you're able to stay so light-hearted, Commander Frost," Natarle replied, silently grateful for the brown fluid, the smell of the roasted beans already revitalizing her system. "Did you read that last report we got before leaving? Both Corusso and Enneagram commanding the other two Archangels? They really did assemble a dream team for this one. I'm sorry for sounding so pessimistic, Murrue, but we're going to have our hands full with this one."

"Oh trust me, I've been thinking the exact same thing," Murrue said, swirling her coffee. "I know both Deckard and Nonette quite well through Admiral Halberton. He was good friends with Admiral Lamperouge and his wife, all of them got together on a regular basis. It doesn't surprise me the Crimson Fox would have tapped both of them for this. He wouldn't trust anyone else to do it." She drummed her fingers idly on the armrest of her chair. "It goes without saying, the Crimson Fox is more than a little crazy. Look at what he did during the blockade."

"Who does that remind you of?" Loretta smirked, and all three women's thoughts instantly went to a certain sword-wielding pilot they all knew. "You know if the good Admiral had been in ZAFT. I could easily see Sebby serving under him. They would have been a perfect match for each other." The redhead tapped her chin. "Makes you wonder if the Wolf took on the Fox, who would win?" This thought hung in the air for a second, before the alarm klaxon suddenly burst to life. The entire bridge became very chaotic in short order.

"We have radar contact!" Sai's face went pale, he struggled to keep himself composed. "I'm reading three Danilov-class destroyers, two Spengler-class carriers, and…" He swallowed at this. "Three Archangel-class mobile assault ships!" Indeed, the entire battle group in question spread out before them. A dozen Windams equipped with Jet Striker packs were already launching off the carriers. And everyone on the bridge knew was contained in those three vessels that were the dark shadow of their own.

"I guess it's a good thing I brought the coffee then!" Loretta quipped before turning on her heel and heading for the elevator, from there it was straight to the locker room to change. Murrue had grown used to the redhead over the past two years. She knew that despite her airheaded demeanor at times, Loretta was just as capable in the cockpit as her husband or anyone else in their mobile suit corps.

Murrue's eyes narrowed, focusing on the dark Archangel-class in the center of the formation. "Well, Admiral Lamperouge. I guess we're about to find out if I paid attention to all of Admiral Halberton's lessons." She began issuing orders that were well known to everyone. "Arm Gottfrieds and Valiants, load all missile tubes with Sledgehammers and Wombats." As she uttered these words, the Archangel began showing its teeth. As the oh so familiar double-barreled beam cannons opened up on the legs, while the twin linear cannons unfolded out from its mountings on each side.

As for the Storm Wolf himself, Sebastian had been the first to reach the locker room, quickly pulling on the familiar dark green flightsuit. He took a moment to regard the white wolf molded helmet. The young soldier just thinking about Lacus, and the orphans they had come to consider as their own. Every time Sebastian climbed into that cockpit, it was for them, and everyone else he cared for. He grabbed his helmet and headed out the door.

"Pup!" It was then Arctic White Wolf ran up. "Good, I caught you before you launched. I know you normally would be the first man out the door. However, I think it might be a good idea, just for right now, if you hang back and wait out the initial phase of this battle." This earned him a questioning glare from the younger man. Sebastian knew Anthony well enough that he wouldn't recommend something if he didn't have a good reason. "Do you remember your first major fleet action after you were promoted to commander?"

Sebastian just smirked at this. "Of course I do. It was the Battle over the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon. I was put in command of all the mobile suit forces while you were leading the actual fleet. I was scared shitless about commanding not just my own team." It was then it hit the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due what his fellow Wolf was getting at. "So much in fact that I decided to remain on the bridge of the Calvin. That way I could watch the flow of the battle until I had a good idea of the bigger picture. Something I couldn't do in the cockpit of my CGUE."

"I want you to do the same here, Pup. I don't know why, call it my soldier's intuition. It just kind of ate away at me. I'd give it about twenty minutes or so, and then head out in Maelstrom. Don't worry, I'll direct traffic for you in the meantime."

Sebastian nodded, watching as Anthony entered the locker room. He then marched to the bridge, catching Murrue quite by surprise as he entered. "Murrue." He said, putting his helmet in the flag officer's chair before standing beside the captain's chair.

"I thought you would have launched by now, General," Murrue said, watching as more mobile suits continued launching, the Blizzard Prowler hurtling into the sky.

"In due time, Admiral." Was the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due's simple response, just putting his hands behind his back, his blue eyes taking a hard edge to them. "I'll join the hunt in due time." He then addressed Natarle. "Captain Badgiruel, keep me appraised of all mobile suit activity." To which she responded in the affirmative. Meyrin's fingers flew over the instrument panel. The layout of the Archangel's CIC was totally different from the Minerva's, but she was learning quickly with some helpful tips from Miriallia and Sai.

She nearly jumped out of her seat when the master of the Archangel spoke to her. "Private Hawke, tell Captain La Flaga I'm sending him Murasame Team Five as back up. That way he's not going up against his cousin's entire squadron by himself."

"Roger that, Captain!" Meyrin said, who began coordinating with the rest of the Archangel's mobile suits.

(EAS Virtue, Bridge)

Rear Admiral Deckard Corusso pushed back his shoulder-length blonde hair. A twelve-year veteran of the Atlantic Federation Navy. The man had seen action on numerous battlefields, fighting alongside Mark and Cornelia Lamperouge, Lewis Halberton, and Nonette Enneagram, currently commanding the EAS Seraphim. And now the newly minted First Special Operations Fleet was about to face their ultimate challenge.

"So we finally enter combat against a worthy foe." He took in the sight of the three ships, his focus on the Minerva. "That ZAFT ship is certainly a beautiful piece of work. I feel almost bad for having to shoot it full of holes." Corusso then focused on the Archangel itself. A sense of nostalgia, tinged by a hint of sadness seeped in. It had pained him to hear of Lewis's death at Jachin, and that Murrue had decided to join Orb. "I'm not sure why you chose this path, Murrue. However, we all have to follow our own hearts, even if that means we stand on opposite sides of the battlefield."

Down in the hangar bay, the six mobile suits of the Frighteners were all prepped and ready to deliver their special brand of lethality to the enemy. Karen Willet sat in the cockpit of Reaver, helmet in her lap. "This is it, ladies and gentlemen. Our time of living in the shadows is at an end. From here on out, the Frighteners will be known to the entire world."

"You looking forward to a rematch with the Freedom?" Walter asked.

"Oh, but you know me so well, my old friend." The Silver Shadow didn't bother to hide the pleasure in her voice. "Freedom put up a good fight at Break the World. However, that was only the beginning. Our true battle starts right here."

"It also means we'll have to contend with the Justice, not to mention the Akatsuki. The Red Knight is just as good as the White Knight, and the Lioness isn't a slouch either." Eva added. The six members of the Third Covert Tactical Assault Team had spent days going over what little footage they could find of Kira and Athrun in action during the last war. And then included Cagalli as well, just because she was Kira's sister.

"And that's the challenge we've sought for so long. We've taken on each other plenty of times, but never had the chance to really test our mettle against a proper opponent." Malcolm piped up with his thick Scottish brogue. "Go ahead and take on Yamato, Boss Lady. We'll keep Zala and Attha off your back."

"That way you'll be free of distractions," Ioan said.

"I'm eager to see just how tough the Akatsuki's beam reflective armor really is." Irene could barely contain herself. Willet could hear it in her voice. All of them were eager to test their skills against the very best the Cosmic Era had to offer. Kira Yamato, Athrun Zala, and Cagalli Yula Aththa would give them the fight they long sought.

She smirked, opening a channel to the bridge. "Virtue-Actual, this is Frightener-Actual. All machines are lit. We are ready to launch."

On the bridge, Corusso could only smile hearing the transmissions between the Third CTAT. It was like a parent watching a group of overeager kids. "Virtue-Actual acknowledges. You have the green light to launch and engage enemy forces, Colonel. Do me a favor and scare the piss out of them!"

"Done and done, Admiral." Willet secured the visor of her helmet. As the mighty engine of war connected to the Virtue's linear catapult. The door opening on the brilliant blue sky. "Karen Willet, Reaver, launching!" The Freedom's twin vaulted into the air, ten silver wings extending outwards, as the Phase-Shift came to life, coloring in the jet black and silver tones her team was known for. She was quickly joined by the five Raptor EMDs, also wearing the black and silver of their unit.

It was then a squadron of Murasames flying off the Takemikazuchi caught Irene's eye. "How about a little warm-up, everyone?" She offered, producing a beam saber from one of the Raptor's arm-mounted compartments. She ignited her engines and rushed at the Orb machines, Ioan and Eva hot on her trail, igniting sabers of their own. The Murasames, currently in mobile armor mode, began firing their back-mounted Type-72 beam cannons. But the Raptors fast proved their speed and maneuverability, easily dodging and weaving through the emerald lances being hurled at them. The Earth Alliance machines proving to be more than a match for their Orb counterparts.

It was then the two triads passed each other. A chain of explosions ran along the Murasames before they began spiraling toward the ocean before exploding. Willet just looked on with approval. "Not bad, you three. Although the execution could be a bit more precise." The Frighteners had just claimed their first victims, and more would come. The team of six regrouped, watching as Murasames began pouring off the deck of the aircraft carrier. A group of eight fast approached them. "Looks like some more want to play." He drew her Gerbera, while the Frighteners' Raptors produced their ES05s.

The Reaver lurched forward, glistening silver wings trailing red exhaust particles. The Raptors on her trail. Willet's lips were stretched in a thin smile. The Orb mobile suits were fast, but her prized machine was even more so. In a single wide swing, she cleaved off the right-wing of the nearest Murasame. But the pilot wasn't easily defeated. The machine shifted to mobile suit mode, opening fire with its beam rifle, which she handily deflected with her weapon. "Well, you've got some fight in you. That's good!" The Murasame ignited a beam saber, Blades of energy and steel intersecting. "Although it's not going to be enough to help you out!"

The Murasame swung to the left, only for the Silver Shadow to deftly bat it aside with her black and silver shield, before swinging in diagonal slash aimed upwards. The Orb pilot barely had to time to parry it, and the burning tip of his weapon just barely caught Reaver on the knee. However, Willet was faster. The black and blue-hued longsword cleaved the Murasame in half, sending the two pieces plunging into the ocean below.

Willet looked over to where the rest of the Third CTAT were engaging in their own fights, each of them ending as quickly as hers. Walter had plunged his melee halberd square through the torso of one Murasame. Ioan's Raptor dropkicked the Murasame, watching it tumble end over end before ending it with a single slash. Eva cleaved off the arm and leg of another before ending it with a single beam rifle round in the torso. Irene was sporting twin beam sabers, hacking off barrel of her target's beam rifle, before taking off the Murasame's head with the second strike, before slashing upward in half. Malcolm was the last to finish his opponent, riddling it with holes before finishing with a swing from the melee halberd. The Frighteners had acquitted themselves well so far.

"That should send a clear message to Orb and ZAFT, but we don't want to deny our comrades the rest of the fun. We have to face our real opponents now." Willet began scanning the skies, looking for a very specific set of mobile suits. "Come on, Yamato. I know you and Zala are both out there. Don't keep me waiting for too long."

(Minerva, Hangar)

Shinn had wasted little time getting suited up, racing to the Core Splendor. He vaulted into the cockpit. Private Abby Windsor, Meyrin's replacement at the CIC, was already relaying information about the Impulse's various components, not to mention the launch of the Force Silhouette Pack. The cockpit closed and the small aircraft launched, followed by the Leg and Chest flyers, and then the Silhouette Pack. The young redcoat saw Heine in the Savior take off from the starboard catapult, the Gaia was leaving off the port catapult, riding on a Guul.

It wasn't long before two ZAKU Phantoms, one white, one purple, and five ZAKU Warriors, all in standard green, and riding Guuls were airborne, joining the three Gundams. "This is Orange Blaze Actual, all pilots form up!" Heine ordered. Already he was assessing the battlefield, watching the numerous duels and dogfights unfolding before him.

"So where do we begin, Commander?" Juliana asked. They didn't have long to wait as her master alarm began bleating madly. Juliana barely had time to react, before the Gaia put itself in front of her ZAKU, squeezing off a quick salvo of rounds that blew a barrage of missiles clean out of the sky. It took her a moment to register that Stellar had just saved her life.

"I see our targets." Stellar's voice was cool and professional. A part of her was quite glad that she wasn't going up against Phantom Pain at that moment. She really didn't want to face her former comrades. "I'm picking up six mobile suits. Five Windams, and a Gundam, I don't recognize it." The Earth Alliance machines came into visual range, they were all in jet black and blood red trim.

"I think we just found our opponents, everyone. Arm weapons and prepare for combat!" Heine said in a tone befitting the Minerva's new mobile suit team commander, raising his beam rifle and priming the Savior's double beam cannons. He opened fire, the thin emerald beam, and the larger orange and blue bursts reached out, only for the Windams to break formation, and immediately start firing back, beams and missiles flying.

"Everyone open fire!" Rey barked, firing his own beam rifle as well as the Guul's missiles. One of the Windams pulled out a beam saber, closing in on his Phantom. He jettisoned one of his beam tomahawks, the two melee weapons collided.

Shinn was ready to jump in with both fists. He ignited the engines of the Force Pack, drawing a beam saber, going for the nearest Windam. "You're done!" He barked, going for that big overhead swing. Only for the Windam to raise his shield to parry it, his own flaming weapon coming to life. The two blades intersected, producing a slight blue glow. The two broke apart.

Ezra's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the sight of the Impulse. "So that's one of ZAFT's new Gundams." He knew all too well of the power of the machine before him. But he wasn't afraid. In fact, he felt just the opposite. The young Ensign smirked at the golden opportunity that had practically ran into him. "If I take you down, I'm certain to get a commendation. Maybe even a promotion."

So the two young pilots continued their clash. Ezra scored first blood, managing to score a glancing blow across the Impulse's shoulder. Shinn growled, slashing upwards with his own weapon, leaving a molten gash just shy of the cockpit. He let loose with his CIWS, punching numerous holes into Ezra's Windam.

Ezra winced as his cockpit sparked a bit. "So that's how you want to play it then?" He backpedaled, firing a quick beam barrage, and then a salvo of missiles. It was easy for Shinn to avoid most of the beams, blocking with the shield, but a few managed to slip past, along the legs and torso.

They locked blades once more. "You're going to make this difficult for me aren't you?" Ezra sneered. "That's okay, a battle against a Gundam shouldn't be easy anyway!"

(Dynames, Bridge)

Mark's stoic gaze didn't break as the battle continued to unfold. Both sides tore into each other with reckless abandon. ZAKUs and Windams clashing as the Gundams engaged in their respective duels. A small part of him considered having Patriot prepped and entering the fray himself, but he decided against it.

Neo seemed to read his superior's mind. "They're putting up quite a fight." The Black Comet remarked as he stood at the Crimson Fox's side, clad in a black flightsuit, helmet under his arm. "Are you going to launch yourself, Admiral? I'm certain more than a few people will take pause at seeing you personally enter the fray like you did during the nuclear strike."

The older man just let out a rather hollow laugh. "I could if I felt like it. But I won't. We have plenty of G-class mobile suits present, not to mention a slight advantage in numbers. Not to mention there are no glory hounds like the late Admiral Winston to contend with. I'm the top guy here and I need to see the whole picture. What about you, Captain? Considering you're dressed for the part. I'm certain you'd love to go out there and knock some heads together."

Neo just gave a thin smile. "I will, eventually. Colonel Willet, and both Captain La Flaga, and Captain Murakumo are more than capable of directing traffic. Tallgeese III will remain standby for right now. My focus is on a very specific person anyway." His smile just became thinner. "And once he does appear, then we will finish what we started during Break the World." His hand fingered Mugenjin, clenched in his other hand. "I'm certain the Storm Wolf's fangs are just as sharp."

"Your great rival as you put it. I'd be lying if I didn't say I wanted to face him myself." Mark said.

"Now that would be a battle I'd pay cash money to see. The two greatest pilots of their respective generations squaring off? If anyone else could manage such a feat. It would be you, Admiral." Neo tapped his blade against the metal floor. A small part of the Black Comet's mind would certainly relish seeing the Wolf and Fox clash, but only one man would bring down Sebastian Connor, and that was him alone!

In the meantime, the man in charge of the First Special Operations Fleet decided to put his attention elsewhere. "Have the Valiants and Gottfrieds target the Archangel. Tell Admiral Ennegram to target the ZAFT ship while Admiral Corusso provides fire support for us both." Mark's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as his crew went to work, speaking only in the most hushed of whispers. This was what they trained for their entire lives.

"Weapons locked on the Archangel!" Rhythm called out from her place in the CIC. There was a part of her who was quite reluctant to do this. She knew Murrue just as well as everyone else did. "I'm sorry about this, Murrue. Please forgive me if we ever meet after this over!" The youngest of the Lamperouge triplets felt a hand on her shoulder. Nathan just gave a reassuring squeeze, but it still didn't quell her anxiety.

Mark just gave a simple order. "Light them up!" The main battery of the Dynames was the first to speak in the engagement. The telephone pole sized emerald beams and the yellow streaks left by the 110cm shells lanced out, all aimed squarely at its white counterpart. The Minerva and Takemikazuchi both began moving to evade, but the Archangel remained where it was. The Crimson Fox was hoping it wouldn't end like this. But then it did something none of them expected. The white ship vanished from view underwater, while the shells and beams sailed harmlessly off the horizon.

A barrage of Wombats and Helldarts erupted from where the Archangel had once been, all aimed right at the Dynames. "Fire all Igelstellungs!" Mark ordered, as the CIWS did its job, knocking most of them from the sky, but a few did connect, hitting along the dark gray ship's right leg, and farther amidships. The entire bridge shook as everyone struggled to stay in their seats, Neo clinging to the back of the Admiral's chair.

"It appears the Archangel's had some improvements made to it in the last two years." The Black Comet remarked as he found his footing again. "It's actually a rather ingenious modification, giving it submergence capability. That could prove quite bothersome down the line."

"Indeed it has, Captain." Mark chuckled. This battle was shaping out to be an interesting one. Even if he was meant to keep Task Force Angel from reaching their destination. He wouldn't want it to be easy. "Okay then, Murrue. The next move is yours. Don't disappoint me now!"

(Seraphim, Bridge)

"Haha! So Murrue pulls a rabbit out of her hat again!" Rear Admiral Nonette Enneagram let out a hearty laugh. "Lewis would be proud of that little maneuver." Despite pushing the upper limit of the forties. She looked to be no more than thirty. Her light green hair, cut short, one lock braided while the other hung loose, swayed back and forth. "This is shaping out to be quite the fight. It's a shame Nelly is stuck in Africa." She had been a long-time friend of the Lamperouges since their Academy days at Annapolis.

She put her attention on the Minerva. "Hmph, ZAFT must really be reaching. I mean look at it! It's just them copying the Archangel's general design." Her rant was stopped by the firing of the ZAFT vessel's Tristan and Isolde beam cannons. "Hard to port!" She barked, just missing it. "Okay, maybe it does have some teeth after all!" The entire bridge crew just went along with it. They knew their commanding officer was more than capable, even if she was more than a little eccentric.

Nonette smirked. "Okay ZAFT commander. You want to be that way? Then let's get started! Fire Helldarts and Wombats!" The Seraphim belched out missiles. The Minerva's 40mm CIWS blowing most of them out of the skies, but a few managed to connect, hitting the flight deck and along the right-wing. "Gottfrieds, fire!" She barked.

On the Minerva, Talia winced as the ship shook, the alarms blaring. "Damage report!" She called out.

"We took minor damage from the Seraphim's portside Gottfried! Sections 9-A through C have been hit!" Trine called out. "Damage crews are already getting to work on it."

"Prepare to return fire!" Talia ordered. The Minerva's weapons blazed out, her fury resounding just as the mighty goddess she was named for. The Seraphim was struck just below the port Gottfried turret and on the conning tower below the bridge.

Nonette grunted, struggling to stay in her seat. "Contact Commander Morris, tell him to send a couple of his people this way for extra defense!"

"Admiral Enneagram, we're getting a coded message." Her communications officer said. The young white-haired lieutenant was listening intently. "It's the Kalameet, one of our new submarine carriers! It's saying it's in the region and on its way to assist us. It should arrive in about twenty-five minutes!" The older woman's smirk unsettled the poor technician just a bit.

"And it just gets even better!" Nonette smirked. "I almost forgot about those guys. I won't say no to their help."

(Archangel, Forward Deck)

Anthony positioned Blizzard Frame in a kneeling stance, beam sniper rifle in hand. The Arctic White Wolf was in his element. "White Wolf Actual to Iron Dove, Get up there and provide air support, Captain. We need to keep those Windams at bay." He raised his sniper rifle "I'll see if I can't thin out some of their numbers right now." He didn't get any further than that when a barrage of emerald rays passed mere centimeters above the Blizzard Frame's head. "The fuck? They have snipers too?" Anthony became a little frantic when a peal of static ruptured over his radio. "Captain Dupree, respond! Rachel? Loretta?"

"I'm afraid your wife and sister are temporarily indisposed." A male voice drawled. "So we finally come face to face, White Wolf of Alaska. Or should I say scope to scope?" Anthony's thick eyebrows knitted together at those words. "That's right, I'm a sniper, just like you. Don't think you're the only one in the world, Admiral Russo." There was a hint of sarcasm at the way he used Anthony's rank. "Everyone says you're the best sniper in the entire Cosmic Era. Well, excuse me if I think differently!"

"Is that a fact?" Anthony kept his voice level. Although on the inside a part of him was sweating bullets. In all of his time, he had never considered coming face to face with someone with the same skillset as himself. "So tell me, who is it that I'm lining up in my crosshairs?"

"Commander Daniel Morris, executive officer of the 81st Independent Mobile Battalion, also known as Phantom Pain. There's plenty of guys who would love nothing more than to knock you off your throne. I just happen to be the first in line. Let's see how well you do when you face one of your own!" Anthony began nervously scanning the seascape, looking for where this mysterious opponent would strike from first. His eyes flickered to a metal box mounted on the right armrest, a single metal key in the slot, turned to "locked." Anthony's hand twitched a little. Praying he wouldn't need to turn that key during this battle.

He caught a slight glint of light, and opened fire only to hit nothing. A broad emerald beam sliced through the morning air, neatly creasing Blizzard Frame's right shoulder, eliciting an angry curse from Arctic White Wolf. "Come on you bastard, where are you?" He growled, feeling his lupine blood get up. He then saw the white form of Frost Prowler drop-in in a graceful manner. She fired the beam rifle mounted on the Trikeros at one of the Windams soaring overhead, managing to plug the mobile suit in the wing of its striker pack before a kinetic penetrator dart finished if off.

"Hey honey, hope you don't mind if I drop in?" Loretta said.

"You might want to get out of the way, dear. There's a sniper out there who wants my head!" Anthony rasped, He caught sight of a dark form on the forward deck of one the Archangel's. He fired, only for the enemy machine to kick off the deck, launching high into the air where it squeezed off another couple rounds. Anthony fired again, and got his first look at the Raptor, letting out a slight chortle when he managed to catch Morris's mobile suit in the leg and shoulder but winced as beam rounds got him in the right knee and left arm.

The husband and wife stood back to back, each looking for where the sniper would try to hit next.

"I can see why you'd be acknowledged as the best, and while I'd prefer if it just remained mano-a-mano, I wouldn't exactly be a nice guy if I didn't call in my friends!" Morris laughed. "This is Headhunter Actual, Phantom Pain, bring on the hurt!"

Anthony was stoic as he could see two more of the Raptors both packing sniper rifles, as well as what appeared to be the stolen Gundams approaching. His eyes went up a little at the all-black Gaia, wondering when they had time to put something like that together. "Well, I can tell you right now. Wolves always hunt in packs!"

"Got that right, honey!" Loretta chimed, proud to serve alongside the man she fell in love with. "And we always bring an extra surprise!" With that the Seawolf surfaced, the dark shape cutting through the water, the front deck folding open to reveal its linear catapult. A white Murasame with grey stripes on the wings, and an emblem of a gray dove holding a sniper rifle already prepped to launch.

"Loretta, go and join Rachel. She's going to need your help far more than me!" Anthony was rewarded with a simple double click, and a wet smooching sound as the Frost Prowler leapt up into the sky, blasting away at a few passing Windams. The White Wolf didn't have time to admire his wife before another barrage of emerald beams came at him, and his eye went right back to the scope. Daniel Morris wanted to prove himself against the greatest sniper in the world? He was about to be schooled why Anthony earned that title!

(Seawolf, Hangar)

Rachel closed the visor of her helmet as the elevator brought her mobile suit up to the deck. "This is Iron Dove, taking off!" The catapult flung her down the length of the deck and her Murasame was in the air. It was a place she always loved to be. "Iron Dove this is White Wolf Actual. I'm currently engaged with an enemy sniper. He's called in friends, think you and the others can take care of them?"

"Don't I always?" She snarked, watching as the rest of the white Murasames joined in her in standard hunting formation.

"Loretta is going to join you. Be ready though. You'll be going up against the Gundams stolen from Armory One, and the Extended who took them!" Anthony added.

Rachel gave the standard two-click response, watching as the Blitz/Gold Frame hybrid come up alongside her. "We can handle it, Anthony. You just try and stay alive, do you hear me?" She said.

(Serapis, Flight Deck)

On the surface, Jean-Pierre seemed his usual collected self as he brought the Rapier online, but underneath he was burning with anticipation. He knew Mu would be with the joint ZAFT/Orb task force, and with it would come his much-desired rematch. A part of him was just so eager to put his traitor cousin in place.

"This is Blue Knight Actual, Rapier Gundam taking off!" The Duel/Justice Hybrid launched into the air, followed by the blue and gray painted Duel Stilettos. The twelve mobile suits of the Blue Knights slipped into perfect formation. It was the outward expression of their discipline and status as an elite unit.

"Where are you, Mu?" He muttered his breath. "Let's just get this over with right now." Jean-Pierre's wait was brief. He caught sight of the Strike Alpha, followed by half a dozen Murasames from the Takemikazuchi. "So you brought some friends. A wise move on your part, but it will still end the same way!" He drew the mobile suit scale rapier. "Blue Knight Actual to all units, prepare for melee combat!"

He received eleven affirmatives, each drawing their own melee halberd. Jean-Pierre raised his rapier in challenge to his cousin. "All right then, Mu, let's settle this!" Strike Alpha brandished its Type-74, the Murasames transforming to mobile suit mode and producing beam sabers. The scions of the La Flaga clan and their allies rushed each other.

Strike Alpha and Rapier zeroing in on each other right from the start. The sound of metal against metal echoing through the sky as their blades locked. The two machines inches from each other. "So glad to see you again, JP!" Mu said, noting the new melee halberds carried by the Stilettos. "You showing off your new toys?"

"But of course! What proper knight is without his sword?" JP sneered. "General Connor has started quite the trend it seems."

"I'm certain he'll be overjoyed to hear that," Mu said, bringing out the Talon rail guns. "But it's not the only weapon I'm packing!" He fired off a salvo, the sheer friction causing heat to generate. Jean-Pierre neatly evaded the shells, but the gleaming trail behind the left one, managed to actually singe a small part of the Rapier's upper right leg.

"Indeed, A knight's main weapon may be his sword, but he doesn't rely solely on it!" He fired the Fortis beam cannons mounted on the Fatum pack, managing to clip Strike Alpha in the left hip. The two rushed in to lock blades once more. "I said it back at Orb, and I'll say it again, cousin." He spat it out like a curse. "You will pay for betraying your oath to your country, and you will pay for it in blood!"

As the La Flagas clashed, the other Blue Knights battled the Murasames in the background. Jean-Pierre took great pride in knowing he had handpicked the best in all the Atlantic Federation Navy, and they were all going to show it now. Three of the Blue Knights rushed the Murasames, one wielding his blade while the other provided supporting fire with their beam rifles.

The lead Murasame banked to the left, evading the beam round, switching to mobile suit mode, whipping out a beam saber. The blade of fire meets the blade of steel. The two strained, only for a second Duel Stiletto to swoop down, hitting the Orb mobile suit in the back with its beam rifle, before a third finished it off with a swing of the ES05.

Mu gritted his teeth, as Rapier forced Strike Alpha back, watching as a second Murasame fell under the Blue Knights' blades. Jean-Pierre let out a mirthless laugh. "As you can see, this isn't going to be like the last war, Mu! You're about to learn first hand just how much we've all improved in the last two years."

Beneath the narrow visor of his helmet. The Hawk of Endymion just smirked, raising his blade in a ready stance. "Perhaps the Earth Alliance has made a lot of strides in the past twenty-four months, but we've learned a few tricks ourselves!" The Strike Alpha's engines came to life as it met Rapier once again in combat.

Out of the corner of his eye, Mu noticed the squadron of Windams that had taken off from the John Paul Jones was making its way toward the Takemikazuchi. Also present was a mobile suit of a design he had never seen before colored a deep black. "Kazuma, Kyoko, get ready, you're about to have company!"

(Takemikazuchi, Flight Deck)

Kazuma could only watch with concerned eyes at the dogfights and duels unfolding above him. The Namikaze stood on the flight deck of the massive trimaran aircraft carrier. Kuro's Takemikazuchi, as well as the units of Dawn Squadron beside him. He took note of the dozen Windams approaching their position. "Looks like we're about to meet the welcoming committee." He said to Kyoko. "I know that you, Asagi, Mayura, and Juri are up to this. But what about the rest of them?"

"The girls have trained too hard to back out now, Kazuma," Kuro said, feeling the flesh around his eyes tighten up. He was just as protective of the younger members of the team but knew he couldn't shelter them forever.

"They're here, and they're ready. We'll just have to live with that."

"Kuro's right. We can handle the Earth Alliance regulars no problem, Colonel Sasaki!" Aki chimed. "We managed to hold them off during the attack on Orb. We can do it a second time."

"Besides, we can't stay out of this fight forever," Kazusa added, looking all too eager to leap in with both fists. "I for one am tired of watching them throw their weight around all the time."

"It looks you're outvoted, Kaz," Asagi smirked. "At least we're not dealing with the elites like everyone else."

The Sasaki heir sighed in resignation. "I guess we all got to take our lumps eventually. Just remember your training and stay close!" He raised his shield gatling up to bear, beginning spitting out small green bits of energy. The girls also brought up their beam rifles in an attempt to shoot the Windams down.

The Windams were quick to respond. Half of them hung back with their own beam rifles, not to mention tossing out a couple barrages of missiles from the pods mounted on their Striker Packs, causing Dawn Squadron to break formation as the munitions tore into the carrier's flight deck. The other six Earth Alliance machines drew beam sabers, rushing at the Gundam and Takemikazuchis for melee combat. Almost instantly the Namikaze had its dual anti-ship swords in hand, and the Takemikazuchis' back-mounted pylons that held the Type-74s slid forward to deposit them for use.

"Get ready everyone!" Kazuma barked, kicking on his own engines to meet the lead Windam in the air. Letting out a war cry, he swung in a wide arc just as the Earth Alliance pilot did, the two blades locked. Kyoko was quick to intercept the next Windam, wincing at how the flaming blade scorched the torso just above the cockpit. She let out a wordless cry slashing across her opponent's shield, leaving both a sizable dent not to mention a long, jagged scratch across it.

A side compartment then opened up on the Windam's thigh, producing a small knifelike object. "What the hell is that?" Kazuma wondered as it was thrown at him. He raised his shield, letting it get embedded within. He was wondering just what the enemy was thinking when his entire shield exploded. "Oh shit!" He screamed, barely having time to toss away the now useless weapon. He produced the beam revolvers and began shooting, catching one enemy machine in the left shoulder and right knee, but it still continued to persist.

Kazuma took note of the other Windams, now fully engaged with the Takemikazuchis of Dawn Squadron. "How are you doing over there, Kyoko?" He looked to the blue Takemikazuchi, currently dancing in between the Windams, trying to hem her in with a combination of melee and ranged attacks, but Kyoko was proving to be the superior fighter. "They're every bit as persistent as they were back in Orb!" She cried out, managing to catch one in the shoulder and hip with her Type-74, managing to take the tip of the shoulder pad armor. Kyoko managed to smash several dents in one Windam's torso and legs, only for her to get struck by a few beam rounds on the back, and right leg.

She rewarded them with a few rounds from her own beam rifle, melting of the wing of a Windam's Jet Striker pack, followed by slashing at its leg and shoulder. Only for another Windam to get her from behind with a surprise missile barrage. "Look out, Colonel!" Asagi cried, opening up with her beam rifle, backed by salvos from Mayura and Juri, blowing away the projectiles and keeping their commanding officer alive for a few more minutes. The Astray Trio showed they hadn't lost a bit of their signature teamwork. They are on the offending Windam in seconds, Juri and Mayura hacking off the wings of the Jet Striker pack, before Asagi finished it with a beam saber to the torso.

"Nice job girls!" Kyoko voiced her approval, taking in how each of her squadmates fought. Yui was demonstrating her superb technique with the blade, although the Atlantic Federation pilots were easily keeping up, using their beam sabers against the heavy physical blade she carried. There were times when she thought her dear cousin was much too serious for her own good, but Kyoko couldn't deny that Yui moved with the fluid grace of a dancer as she fought. Although she winced when the Windam managed to score a couple of direct hits on the yellow Takemikazuchi in the right side of the torso and on the left leg. But Yui was unfazed, watching as the Windam rushed in with a beam saber. She parried her opponent's weapon, managing to catch the Windam in the shoulder with the blade, rendering it useless. Finished by decapitating the Windam, causing it to fall onto the deck of the ship.

Kazusa was doing likewise, engaging two Windams at once, forgoing her melee halberd for dual beam sabers. Her moves were as polished and refined as Yui's, but in a different way. If Yui's movements were balletic, then Kazusa's was more like a gymnast with all the midair flips and twists she did. It was well known she considered Yui to be her greatest rival, and Kazusa wouldn't let herself be showed up. She swung her left saber, managing a few burns and gouges along the Windam's structure, straining to hold off the Windam on her right. "Clearly you don't know how to treat a lady. So let me school you!" With that she joined them together, giving a demonstrative spin. "I was trained by the Red Knight himself in this regard. Hope you're ready to lose!" She ignited her engines, charging in. Kazusa evaded a missile salvo, raising her twin-bladed weapon for a powerful overhead strike. The Windam pilot raised its shield in defense, causing the beam saber to bounce off.

Shimako, Aki, and Izumi formed their own trio, much as Asagi, Juri, and Mayura had done back in the day. The girls were standing back to back as they squared off against double their number in close combat. One of the Windams zeroed in on Aki, ready to cleave the white Takemikazuchi in twain, only for Shimako to stick her blade in front of her friend's mobile suit, parrying the beam saber away so Aki could swing upwards to knock the Windam back. Izumi, in turn, raised her own weapon blocking a pair of beam sabers, before covertly going for her beam rifle, squeezing off few rounds, catching one in the torso and the other on the right hip, but they quickly retreated. Shimako then shot up, shooting a barrage of missiles out of the sky, only to get a beam round in right hip, but Aki and Izumi were quick to rise to her defense, plugging the offending Windam, but still having to scatter with the cover fire from the other remaining Windams.

"They're holding their own at least." Kazuma had to give Kyoko and Kuro their due in training up Dawn Squadron. Even if it was only their second real battle, and taking a few hits already. They were going strong. However, he thought they could use a little extra aid. He swapped out his shield gatling for the beam revolvers, throwing out emerald rain to give the girls some elbow room to regroup for the next round. It was then a black streak brushed by the corner of Kazuma's field of vision. It was then he remembered the strange new mobile suit that had accompanied the Windams. It had remained behind, but now it was entering the fray, by going straight for the Kaitou. "Kuro, heads up!" He shouted.

(The Same Time)

The youngest Sahaku son thankfully had paid very close attention to the sleek, angular-looking machine that was fast approaching. He tried to draw a bead on it. However, it was difficult for him to get a lock-on. The Earth Alliance mobile suit brought up its own beam rifle, squeezing off a few rounds that Kuro easily evaded. The Raptor produced an equally midnight black-hued ES-05, and the Kaitou responded with its Type-74, hence given its own black paint job to better match.

"Hm, it seems Orb hid a few surprises up its sleeve." A smooth, baritone voice spoke with a strong Eurasian accent, going for a quick upward diagonal slash to the left, only for Kuro to nimbly parry the attack. "This is certainly atypical to their usual design aesthetics." Kuro took a chance with the beam rifle, opening fire from near point-blank range. Only for the Raptor to expertly swat it aside, before the two blades, light and dark clanged together once again. The two black mobile suits were just inches from each other again. "You're quite skilled, may I have a chance to ask the name of my opponent?"

Kuro grunted, not quite believing how skilled this unknown pilot was. "Major Kuroto Takeshi Sahaku of the Orb Defense Forces and you face the MBF-M47S Takemikazuchi Kaitou!" He brought his blade up in a guarding position. "I've introduced myself. I believe it's your turn."

Pasternak let out a light laugh. There was no mockery in the Eurasian's voice. He sounded almost friendly. "Ah, A son of the Five Houses no less. Very well, I'm Major Ilya Pasternak of the Eurasian Federation's Strigon Battalion, and admittedly this isn't my usual hardware loadout. The GAT-06 Raptor is actually the AF's new bleeding-edge mobile suit." The Eurasian ace's smirk grew. "However it will be more than sufficient to deal with the likes of you!"

"Then bring it on!" Kuro snapped, and the two pilots began their battle. Both forgoing their beam rifles for the moment, and purely relying on their melee halberds. Pasternak was quick to take the lead, going for an upward swing with his weapon, which was deflected by the Kaitou's own dark blade. The Raptor's engines flared to life and it climbed up into the sky. But the Kaitou was right on its tail, firing its beam rifle. Pasternak then took Kuro by surprise by cutting its engines out and going into freefall toward the ocean below.

Only for Pasternak to turn his engines on at the last minute, the Kaitou square in his crosshairs. He let loose a withering salvo of emerald lances, catching Kuro in both shoulders and the hip, leaving molten rents and gouges, still glowing. But Kuro was undeterred. Roaring, the young warrior flew straight in, delivering a devastating double slash that left a pair of massive dents in the Raptor's torso.

"Well fought, Major Sahaku. I was hoping to get a swing at the likes of the Storm Wolf, or even the Freedom. However, You're proving to be more of a challenge than I initially thought." Pasternak said. This fight was starting to pick up, and he was never one to turn down a challenge. "So let's begin round two now, shall we?" The Raptor and Kaitou locked blades once again, marking the resumption of combat.

(Archangel, Hangar)

All of Kira's instincts were on high alert as the Freedom launched into the sky. He knew in the depths of his heart and mind his paths would soon cross with Karen Willet and the GAT-X510 Reaver Gundam once more. But this time he would not face the Silver Shadow alone, as a familiar red shape joined him on his right-wing. A little of Kira's anxiety always faded at seeing Athrun fighting alongside him. He knew Justice would always have his back, and return the favor in turn.

But today the White Knight and Red Knight would not take to the skies alone, as a sleek, golden form came up on Freedom's left side. Even if Cagalli Yula Athha wasn't on the same level as her brother and his best friend when it came to sheer piloting skill, she was a highly regarded ace pilot in her own right. Not to mention the Akatsuki's firepower and superior defenses ensured she would and could keep up with them. "So where do we find Willet?" There was no hiding the eagerness in Cagalli's voice for a fight. "I'd like to see how well she does against all three of us."

"Odds are she'll announce herself soon enough, and more than likely, the rest of her team will be present this time around," Athrun said. A part of him full of his own anxiety at what was about to come. He still remembered the briefing from after the Break the World about the sheer competency of the Third Covert Tactical Assault Team. "My guess is the rest of the Frighteners will tie Cagalli and I down while Willet engages you directly, Kira."

"Those are my thoughts exactly," Kira said. He remembered Break the World, how ferocious and relentless Willet had been. The extra sword training with Sebastian helped greatly, but he wouldn't know how effective it would be until Freedom actually locked blades with Reaver. His radar went off, indicating a new, friendly contact. He was surprised to see the Bushido sidle up alongside them.

"Greetings! Hope you guys don't mind me tagging along?" Yukimasa's voice had its usual relaxed tone to it. "I've read the reports about the Frighteners. Willet and her people are legendary in the spec ops community. While I'm certain you guys can prevail against them, four heads are better than three, tell me I'm wrong."

Cagalli rolled her eyes, but before she could make any kind of comeback, her radar sprung to life, six blips appeared on the screen. "I'm picking up new contacts coming straight at us. I think it might be them!"

"I've got a visual on the Frighteners," Yukimasa said, his red eyes narrowing slightly at the six dark spots fast approaching. The black and silver Freedom copy in the lead, followed by the five Raptors in the same hues. He whistled in appreciation at the construction. "And check out those machines they're packing! Definitely not your garden variety mass production model!" He zoomed in, his eyes bugging out at the sight of the weapon layout. "Guys, those mobile suits are packing physical blades that look way too much like the Type-74 for my tastes!"

"How did they manage such a feat?" Cagalli wondered how the Earth Alliance could have produced something like that, but then it hit her. "Could it have been from when they took Yui's blade during the Orb invasion?"

Yukimasa threw in his two cents. "It could have been, although the more likely explanation is they could have had something like this in the works for a while. I heard Ralph Eifman was put in charge of all new mobile suit research and development. He's a true master with this kind of thing."

Kira said nothing, his focus entirely on Reaver. "I guess there's no running away from this fight anymore. Athrun, You, Cagalli, and Yukimasa deal with the rest of her squadron." He slowly drew the black and blue-hued katana, and his precious machine's counterpart drew its own Damascene weapon. Both Kira and Willet were sending a none too subtle message to each other. "I'll handle Reaver."

"Be careful, my friend," Athrun said, connecting both Lacertas together into its double-bladed mode. He fervently wished he could aid his brother knight in facing this, his greatest rival, as great a threat as former White Meteor had been. But the pilot of Justice also knew he couldn't let the other members of the Third CTAT gang up on the Freedom. He'd have to hang back and trust in Kira's prodigious skill in the cockpit, the blade entrusted to him by Sebastian, and the raw firepower of the mighty Freedom Gundam to carry the day.

"Yeah, otherwise I'm sure Cagalli will try to resurrect you, just so she can kill you all over again." Yukimasa quipped, drawing his own Gerbera, the light of the sun making the red highlights of the weapon gleam even brighter than normal, giving it a rather menacing air to it.

"That's enough chatter." Cagalli said, raising her beam rifle, deciding to rely on good old-fashioned firepower for the moment. Although she had gotten in a few lessons with Sebastian and Kira, and Akatsuki's double bladed beam saber was in easy reach. "Let's see how good they really are!" The four mobile suits brought the engines to life, launching toward the Frighteners. Freedom and Reaver wasted no time in picking up where they left off at Break the World.

"So we finally meet again, Major!" Willet swung her longsword about, only for it to be caught on the edge of the katana. Kira parried it away, going for a diagonal slash aimed upwards to the right. "I see you've been brushing up your bladework since last October. General Connor give you some extra lessons?"

"But of course!" Kira grimaced as he parried Willet's next blow again. He squeezed off a barrage from the Freedom's plasma cannons, only for Reaver's counterparts to flip out, firing a barrage of its own. "And I made sure to bring some friends with me this time around!" His eye quickly fell on his comrades. They were holding their own for now, but the Frighteners were fast proving their skill in combat against them.

The Red Knight's prowess with the double blade was as well known as the White Knight's with the black and blue Gerbera. The red Gundam's twin columns of fire pressed against the laminated armor of Ioan's ES05, only for it to be pushed back. Gritting his teeth as he raised his shield to protect himself from a barrage of Eva's beam rifle. Ioan took the moment to slip in, the Raptor's blade landing a heavy blow against Justice's right shoulder. Eva drew her melee halberd, only for Athrun to fire the Fatum's Fortis beam cannons, causing her to swing out of the way.

The Akatsuki and Bushido were back to back, keeping the other three members of the Third CTAT at bay. Cagalli was struggling to keep up with the rapid speed of the Raptors. "Would it be too much to ask if they stood still?" She fired her beam rifle and the Oowashi's Type-73F Kai High-Energy Beam Cannons in concert. Walter barely avoided it while also parrying off Bushido's Gerbera, but Irene wasn't so lucky catching one of the beam rounds in her shoulder and the torso.

"You're going to pay for that!" She responded with her own beam rifle, only for it to bounce off and back. Malcolm took that moment to try and get Cagalli from behind with his melee halberd, only for Yukimasa to slip in, black blade meeting black and red blade. The Sahaku heir opened up with Bushdio's hidden shoulder cannons. It was only due to the sheer speed of the Raptor, and skills honed through much hard training that kept Malcolm Macleod alive at that moment

The Silver Shadow chuckled, she knew all too well what her squad could do, but it was good to see that their opponents weren't pushovers either. There wouldn't be any challenge otherwise. "Your sister and friends are each quite skilled. But as you can see I also brought mine as well, and we don't lose so easily!" The Frighteners were there to prove themselves, and they were only getting started. Freedom and Reaver continued their duel, moving so fast all anyone could see was a streak of white and blue clashing against a streak of black and silver. The two Damascene blades locking and parrying as both pilots struggled to gain an advantage.

(Archangel, Bridge)

Twenty minutes had passed since both battle groups engaged each other, and the battle was now in full swing, Sebastian had been an unmoving sentinel the entire time, never budging from his spot by Murrue's chair. His chin resting in his left hand. The young soldier barely flinched whenever the bridge shook as the Dynames's Gottfrieds and Valiants barely missed them, or a missile from one of the frigates was taken out by the CIWS. "Report on all ZAFT and Orb mobile suits, Private Hawke." He said to Meyrin.

"All units report they have engaged the Earth Alliance mobile suits, General Connor." Meyrin said. "Captain La Flaga and Murasame Team Five are tangled up with the Blue Knights. Major Yamato has engaged the Reaver. Dawn Squadron is fending off a squadron of Windams. Everyone is holding their own for now, but the Atlantic Federation is giving our guys a real beating." The younger Hawke sister's shoulders hunched down a bit.

The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due's blue eyes flashed gold for a fraction of a moment. "Murrue, I think it's time for me to enter the fray. Roanoke's waiting for me." He said, grabbing his helmet out of the chair. "It's my soldier's instincts. He's waited long enough. So I may as well give him what he wants."

"Then go and face him, Sebastian, with my blessing." Murrue nodded. Sebastian spared a moment to look to Flay, who just blew him a kiss. He smirked, saluting his cousin before heading out the door.

The Supreme Ace of the Cosmic Era was in the hangar in mere minutes. Sebastian then promptly boarded Maelstrom. Fenrir being placed in a special rack on his left side. The all too familiar helmet, molded to resemble a wolf came down over his head. He started flipping switches and pushing buttons. Maelstrom's Phase Shift Armor came to life, proudly girthing it in Sebastian's trademark colors of freshly fallen snow white and deep forest green.

"This is Storm Wolf Actual, Maelstrom Gundam, launching!" And so like countless times before, Lieutenant General Sebastian Connor entered into battle. Maelstrom blasted through every engagment, not paying attention to any Earth Alliance mobile suit it encountered, appearing as just a white and green blur to most of them. Willet smirked when she saw the Wolf pass by her and Kira.

Sebastian's eyes scanned about the sky, taking partial interest in each battle being fought, but all of that was secondary to his real target. His gaze falling on the Earth Alliance battle group, ever so closely inching toward their rivals. "Where are you, Roanoke? You want me, I'm right here. If you have the balls!"

(Dynames, Bridge)

Roanoke had watched the battle with a patient eye from the bridge. Everyone was performing beautifully, But there was no holding it back any longer. He had wanted to enter the fray, to challenge the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due. No one had reported seeing Maelstrom launch yet. But Neo knew the minute Tallgeese III made its presence felt. Sebastian would come to challenge him.

"Well, Admiral Lamperouge. I believe I've encroached on your bridge long enough." He picked up his helmet, tucking it under his arm with Mugenjin in the other hand. "I'm going to head out and get some of that action for myself." Mark just gave a slight nod and a dismissive wave. The Black Comet gave a brief salute before striding off the bridge with purpose. Roanoke stepped off the turbo lift and made for the hangar. The odd crewman stopping to give him a quick salute.

The heavy steel doors to the hangar slid open. He smirked as he took a look at the dark form of Tallgeese III. "Come, old friend. Let us meet our destiny." Neo pulled his helmet on before boarding the mobile suit. Mugenjin secure in the rack next on the right side of the pilot seat. He brought the reactor online, a single touch of a button engulfing the mighty war machine in a cloak of darkness. Neo guided the mobile suit onto the catapult. "Neo Roanoke, Tallgeese III, launching!" He vaulted into the sky and started scanning his surroundings. "Where are you at, Connor? I'm right here."

He caught sight of a pair of the Guul mounted ZAKUs from the Minerva engaging a few Windams. One had a Slash pack, the other equipped with a Gunner Pack. "I suppose I can do with a little tuneup match." The giant cannon came up, firing a long emerald dart. The two ZAFT pilots were better than most as they were able to quickly evade before climbing to meet their new foe. The ZAKU equipped with the Slash pack opened fire with its twin Hydra beam cannons, but Tallgeese III just raised its shield to block what it couldn't avoid.

Neo's thin smile was all the more unsettling with how the mask covered most of his face. "Good reflexes, but let's see how well it does against this!" He drew the Gerbera Straight, the giant verniers on Tallgeese III's back blazing as he rushed his opponents.

The ZAKU equipped with a Slash Pack opened fire with its beam rifle, while his wingman hung back providing covering fire. Neo just raised his triangular shield, letting the beams splash off while he avoided the heavier ordnance. The Slash equipped ZAKU braced for the attack, only for Tallgeese III to blow right by it. The Gunner equipped ZAKU's pilot could only blink as the shadowy behemoth loomed over him, the curved blade high overhead. He tried to raise his cannon, but it was too late. The Gerbera came down, cleaving through the cannon, the giant weapon fell away in two sparking pieces before it exploded.

"Pointless." Neo said, bringing his blade around a second time, impaling the ZAKU through the cockpit. The monoeye sensor faded to darkness, and the entire machine plunged into the ocean like a rock. The black machine turned to face the surviving ZAKU. It shouldered its giant blade before making a mocking gesture. The ZAKU pilot accepted the challenge, ditching the beam rifle to bring out the giant beam axe. "I would say you might be compensating for something, but I can't really argue with that now, can I?"

The ZAKU spun the Falx beam axe, moving in for a wide swing. But Tallgeese III was faster and more agile. It brought the giant katana around to block. Neo then delivered a few hard swings in an attempt to break his opponent's guard. He then saw his chance, a single chop and like before, the gleaming blade severed the beam axe's shaft. Neo chuckled, bringing his shield up. The heat rod whipped out, wrapping around the ZAKU's head. "At least you tried." Neo quipped, tearing it off, before kicking the ZAKU toward the wide ocean below. The mega cannon folded out, energy sparking between the twin prongs. He opened fire, immolating the ZAKU and Guul in a single stroke. Only a few blackened slivers of metal hit the water.

"All right, now that I've dealt with the rabble, let's get to the main event." Neo didn't have to wait long when his radar beeped. Neo Roanoke watched as the transponder data came in. A couple seconds later, he got a visual. A sleek looking mobile suit fast approached, with a dark green torso, white head and limbs. Neo's lips spilt open into a sneer of anticipation at the gleaming blade clenched in Maelstrom's left hand. The right arm coming up to fire its wrist mounted CIWS. The tiny emerald darts splashed against Tallgeese III's shield, and along the shoulder, leaving small burn marks on the head crest.

Neo fired back with Tallgeese's own CIWS, leaving several noticeable dents in Maelstrom's own shield. "The king of pilots appears at last, and he's come ready for a fight." Neo Roanoke raised his blade in challenge. "Come at me, Storm Wolf of Jachin Due! Your time as the Supreme Ace ends here and now!" Tallgeese III's verniers ignited once more time, throwing the Black Comet at his rival for the next phase of their private, little war. Letting out a war cry, Neo swung his blade in a broad horizontal arc, only for it be met by the Raikiri.

In the cockpit of the MBF-X05A Maelstrom Gundam, Sebastian's eyes narrowed, having already turned gold. "Round Four you asshole! I'm taking back my blade today!" He snarled, letting out a wordless cry as he went for an overhead strike just barely defended by Neo's own sword. The faces of the two mobile suits were just inches from each other. Tallgeese III's single visor flashed once. "If you're trying to intimidate me, it ain't working!" Sebastian fired his CIWS again, leaving numerous small burn marks and scorched gouges across the black mobile suit's surface. "I'm putting you down for good this time!"

Author's Notes: For 2020 we bring you a double helping of Howl of Destiny. Task Force Angel and The First Special Operations Fleet have engaged in combat for the very first time. But this battle hasn't even reached its fever pitch! Hit the button and see what happens next!