[X] "Noblesse Oblige: Principles of a more Civilized Era" produced by the Buch Concern
An army marches across a grassy field. From the sky, as the camera drops lower, their uniforms become more defined. They're knights on horseback, led by a banner bearing the crest of their lord.
A nobleman stands in a courtyard, practicing his form as he thrusts with a rapier.
"Mankind grows, develops, becomes more than what we once were," a man narrates deeply, "even now, we enjoy luxuries never before dreamt of by our distant ancestors. So how is it that we went from this-"
The scene changes to that of a muddy field where young men, practically children, run away in a panic from a Ground GM as it fires cannon rounds at them. It marches steadily, unimpeded as its prey is.
"-to this? Why must the powerless, the poor, and the helpless fight battles on behalf of rich and powerful men who never have to stain their hands with the blood of their enemies? It's simple. Mankind has forgotten an important virtue."
The words "Noblesse Oblige" scroll across the screen, with the Earth in the background.
"Noblesse Oblige," the man continues, "is a way of life, a structure, a society. In simple terms, it can be described as thus: With Great Power comes Great Responsibility. If you have the power and means to act, to protect, to save, to provide, then you must."
A fat, bloated man in a suit sits at his desk in a modern office, smirking smugly at a thin man who seems to be begging him for something.
"Some will always have more power than others. However, there are things that must be done if we wish to stay Human."
A 20
th century city stretches towards the sky, providing a magnificent skyline.
"Civilization is not a natural state of being. It does not come from our base desires. It is an organization that we collectively form so as to better protect each other from the ravages of the natural world. We all must do our fair share to contribute towards our collective wellbeing."
A serf tills the soil, sweating under the hot sun.
"A peasant of olden times. A hard existence, to be sure. They must work the Earth, producing food and crops that will mostly be taken and sold, with the proceeds never reaching them. However, this is the extent of their duties. Aside from their own family, they need not provide from anyone. Should a foreign army come, they are not forced to risk their lives in combat. For that is not their role."
A nobleman, the same as earlier, sits in a well-decorated lounge, cradling a book.
"The nobleman and other aristocrats like him are not asked to toil in the sun, to work themselves every day. The labor of the peasant allows them the privilege of study, of training, of culture. They may become skilled diplomats, administrators, warriors. And in times of strife, they must put these abilities to use to protect the community that supports them."
A quick transition and the nobleman is on a battlefield, swinging a large sword and shouting in exertion.
"When duty calls, they must put their life on the line to protect those under them. They take this responsibility so that others don't have to."
Another transition, showing a modern man in a business suit, sitting in a limousine.
"But the modern leader, the modern politician, although they too are supported by the common man, do they rise to the occasion? Do they protect those whom their livelihood depends on?"
The camera switches to a battlefield, only this time in a modern city, where GMs and Zakus fire at each other down narrow streets. Foot soldiers exchange gunfire around the giant feet of the Mobile Suits.
"No, it is both the common man who must support and protect. The leaders of today never risk their lives for those beneath them. How is that fair? How is that progress?"
A slow fade to the man who was speaking, as he stands solemnly before a grand fireplace.
"My name is Scharnhorst Buch," he states with a dignified air, "founder of the Buch Concern. Today, I will be explaining the role of leaders throughout history. When I am done, I sincerely hope you come to agree with me that, as a people, we have truly lost our way. There is another, better way for us to move forward."
Buch closes a large tome he was reading from, the echoing words of Mineva Zabi fading away.
"It is clear to me that the future lies with the Aristocracy. The Laplace Declaration and subsequent upheaval has only clarified that for me, and I hope for you too. Things cannot progress as they are."
He smiles gently, placing the book down before meeting the camera's gaze.
"Thank you for listening to me. I know that it is hard to change, but I believe that we as a species are strong. Remember what I have said, and try to apply it in your lives. If you have power, use it for the good of all. For only you can."
The screen fades out and credits scroll.
…
That was… it made a lot of sense, yeah. Why should the rich and powerful have their cake and eat it too? They're the ones who want to force the status quo, why don't they be the ones to fight and die for it?
But you're just one person… one person with a Gundam. Your influence flows from the barrel of your Beam Rifle. You have the power to change things. To protect. To change the flow of history.
You quickly scribble down the contact details of the Buch Concern. If things don't work out with Londo Bell, you might want to talk to them, see if they're willing to sponsor a girl with a Gundam.
Bellerophon-Main Bridge
"We're approaching the defensive perimeter now," the helmsman of the Bellerophon announces somewhat nervously, "IFF is functioning, Minovsky Particle density is low enough that allies can receive it… should receive it, anyways."
You glance at the guy. He's some civilian from Cascadia who happened to have a license to fly cargo ships. He's been the helmsman ever since the ship left Cascadian airspace. You'd like to talk with him more, but circumstances have never really made it convenient.
You stand off to the side with the others. Theo and Eris are looking attentively out of the window whilst Sicilia fidgets impatiently. She's a bit bored it seems… not much you can do about that, sadly.
"Passing the defensive perimeter… contact dead ahead, attempting identification." The Sensors officer reported, bringing the image up on the viewscreen.
You're… not sure what to make of it at first. Looks like a squat giant skirt with a big cannon on the side, a single Monoeye staring at you from the top.
"Is that a-?" Theo asks uncertainly, and then it finally hits you and Eris at the same time.
"-Baund Doc!" She exclaims in excitement, drawing an irritated glare from the Captain who was about to say the same thing.
It pulls up in front of the bridge, matching velocity as the entire frame shifts. Two large legs extend from below the skirt, while the top folds open to allow a tall, thin frame-like body to rise up. With a new head it stares through the windows, eye sweeping from left to right. It strikes an intimidating figure, as of befitting a Titans Mobile Armor. The paint job is closer to a Jesta, however. Dark blue with gunmetal gray. With one large clawed hand it touches the side of the bridge.
"…Bellerophon," the pilot of the Baund Doc transmits, "You're late."
He seems to look past your ship, adding, "Are you towing salvage?"
"Rude!" Elle's voice echoes through comms, "This is the Argama! The Argama!"
"A lot has happened since we launched." Captain Nouri explains tiredly, "We've picked up some potential recruits, along with a shipment from Anaheim. Feel free to escort us in if you're worried."
The Baund Doc pilot considers the situation for a minute before replying, "Alright, I'll guide you in."
He moves off and takes point. As he leads the Bellerophon closer to Londenion, you see some other Mobile Suits come closer to get a visual on the Argama and Bellerophon. A lot of Jegans and ReZELs, but you're noticing a considerable number of Gryps War MS, something that Eris sees as well which sends her into a fit of fangirling.
"I don't think finding out that Londo Bell is using museum pieces in frontline roles is something to get excited over," you mutter to Theo as Eris rattles off trivia about the various Mobile Suits that pass by the ship, "rather, I'm worried."
Theo shrugs, "I don't know, it's not like the Baund Doc doesn't exactly hold up. Remember that one sim we ran? It wiped the floor with us."
You wince as you recall that day. Yeah, it was a simulation, but you won't deny that it was a bit terrifying seeing that Baund Doc rip your Jegan's head off with its claw and core the cockpit with its Beam Saber. You swear, you saw your life flash before your eyes before the "Simulation Over" message flashed across the screen.
"Yeah, I guess that one is still a good Mobile Suit, but I think I see Barzams out there." You mutter, more than a bit concerned. You know that Londo Bell got most of the surviving Titans gear after the Gryps War, but seriously! There's a limit to how long Mobile Suits should stay in service!
Nouri glances over at the two of you, adding quietly, "I don't know what you two know about the current events, but between the Laplace Incident, the war with the Federation, and supply issues with Anaheim, we're just lucky that we haven't had to dip into our supply of GMs yet. I know the Federation is already fielding GM IIIs and IIs in some areas."
"…GM IIs," you repeat incredulously, "You have got to be kidding me."
Finally tearing herself away from the windows, Eris rejoins the conversation in time to add, "Oh, she's not joking, I actually fought a GM II in that last battle. Poor schmuck. They barely got off a single shot before I blasted off the head and limbs. Then I threw the torso into a Salamis and shot the reactor."
…
Ouch.
Well, if the Federation is resorting to GM IIs to fight their battles, then maybe things aren't as bleak as you feared.
…
You think.
You hope to any god that's listening that you only imagined that Zakrello variant that just passed by the ship.
A couple of Jegans and that Baund Doc from earlier guide the Bellerophon into port, keeping weapons trained on it as the docking arms secure the ship. You have to admit, it's a bit unnerving.
"Any reason for the…" you ask the Captain as you gesture to the MS standing guard.
"We had a few incidents a couple of months ago," Captain Nouri answers with a sigh, "Paramilitary group, probably hired by the Federation for deniability purposes, but they snuck into port using a cargo vessel as cover. They were just using a handful of old GM Cannon IIs, but they almost completely destroyed two berths, along with a month's worth of supplies. So of course, we're wary of a ship returning days late from what was just supposed to be a several-hour shakedown cruise."
Yeah. You guess that makes sense. Still doesn't make you any less uneasy staring down the barrel of three Beam Rifles.
You just hope that things get smoother from here on out.
Londenion. The Capitol Colony of the Londo Bell military state. Or, as you've heard it colloquially referred to, the Free Colonies.
Doesn't look that free to you.
Sure, there aren't any Federation banners, and Londo Bell is tasteful enough to not drape their cities with their emblem at every opportunity, but having to pass military checkpoints every few minutes is… jarring.
"Don't worry, Mom," you hold your mother's hand as she anxiously avoids the soldier's gaze, "We're almost there."
Lieutenant Riddhe was kind enough to escort you to the hospital, and sure he's a well-known face with a high enough rank to streamline the process, but your mother's behavior was bound to attract some stares.
"So what do you know about this doctor?" you ask as the soldiers clear you to pass and Riddhe pulls the car away from the checkpoint, "Is he any good?"
"Dr. Bidan?" Riddhe mulls over his response, "Well, I've only met the man a few times. You'll probably see his wife too, they work at the same hospital, although she's a pediatrician whereas he's a psychologist. He can be a bit intense at times, but usually he's pretty considerate. I'm sure he can help your mother."
Bidan? Bidan…
"I could swear I've heard that name before." You mutter… it sounds like the name of that famous AEUG pilot from the Gryps war… Cameron Biden?
"You probably have. He's Kamille Bidan, that famous Newtype from the Gryps War." Riddhe answers before you can open your mouth and embarrass yourself, "He served under Captain Bright with the AEUG."
Right. Kamille Bidan. You'll have to remember that.
"I did hear about him in school. Eris's family museum had a little exhibit about him… but if he was a Mobile Suit Pilot, why is he a doctor now? And during a war too?"
Riddhe shrugs, "You'll have to ask him. I don't want to speculate."
Yeah. You think you will. What that Buch guy said is sticking with you. If Kamille was such an amazing Pilot, what is he doing sitting on his ass in a comfy office now? People with the power to fight have the responsibility to fight!
Londenion- Hayato Memorial Hospital
"Dr. Bidan will see you now." The receptionist waves you in, and you finally get to leave that stuffy waiting room. Urgh. So many people…
You're not sure what you expected in Dr. Bidan's office. Maybe some military commendations on the wall? Medals? His PhD?
Well, the PhD is there, framed and everything, but there's nothing here to indicate that this is the office of a famous war hero. Even Dr. Bidan himself is dressed in a normal doctor's coat.
"Mrs. Naese and daughter, yes?" he looks up with kind eyes, "Please, sit down."
You help your mother into one of the soft lounge chairs he indicated before sitting down in one yourself. Comfy.
"The Bellerophon's nurse sent me your mother's medical information," he pulls up the chart on his computer, "I was also able to retrieve her files from the medical database. It's a couple months out of date, but should still help…"
He pauses, turning to the two of you and folding his hands on the table.
"…My condolences on your colony." He says, looking down, "If it helps, I know what you're going through."
Pity. You don't like being on the end of it. But you aren't going to begrudge him for it.
"…So, Ms. Naese," Dr. Bidan meets your gaze, "Please, tell me what's happened to you and your mother? Reading the medical report is one thing, but I want to hear everything firsthand."
Firsthand? Probably so he has a better idea of what the two of you went through. So you do your best to explain…
"I see," Dr. Bidan nods understandingly, "So it was after your brother died that she began to relapse?"
"Yes, doctor," you reach over to your mother to hold her hand comfortingly, "I just… I don't know what to do."
She's almost like a different person now, and so distant. She
hit you! You love her, but if she stays like this you don't know if you'll be able to take care of her.
"Well, it's definitely trauma," he sighs, "which is both the good news and the bad news."
"How is that good news?" you ask, miffed at his phrasing.
"Because it could have been much worse," he answers, "When it comes to Newtypes, there are all sorts of mental problems that can arise. When I heard that you were a Newtype, I feared the worst for your mother, but thankfully she's an Oldtype, so this is regular trauma. Trauma nonetheless, but there are tried and true methods for addressing it."
"… On that, Doctor Bidan," you add, "you say I'm a Newtype, and I mean I've certainly felt some strange things in battle, and when-"
When Kaylen died.
"…but what does it really mean to be a Newtype? I can control Funnels, but what else is there? How do I grow as one?"
He fixes you with a serious gaze, and for a second you could swear that he's seeing
into you.
"Is that really what you think Newtypes are for?" he asks with a flat tone, "Combat? War?"
"N-No, I mean, ever since the One Year War…. Isn't it? Aren't they? Aren't we?"
He shakes his head dismissively, "With thinking like that, mankind won't ever change, won't ever progress. Yes, it's true that the Newtype legend became a reality when Amuro Ray became the first famous one during the One Year War, but we are so much more than that."
He looks into your eyes, and it's almost like the office is disappearing around you, leaving you suspended in a star-filled sky.
"The ability to understand one another without words. To sense emotions and intent. To expand the capabilities of our mind. Do you honestly believe that the only applications for that are warfare?"
As he speaks, you see… flashes. Flashes of things that have happened, things that are happening, almost as if you were there. What… What is this?
As you begin to try and wrap your mind around what you're feeling, you're suddenly back in Dr. Bidan's office, in your chair, in your body.
"What… What was that?" you ask, feeling your arms just to reassure yourself that you're
here,
now.
Dr. Bidan looks back to his computer, typing in something, "It means that you're barely a Newtype, Cybele Naese. But you are one nonetheless… and before you ask, I too am fighting. This hospital is my battleground, the afflictions my patients face my enemy. With my insight, my abilities, I can do far more than any normal doctor, help more people than I ever could in a Mobile Suit. So no, I am not
'sitting on my ass like a useless coward'."
"O-Oi, I never said that." You protest, raising your hands in defense. What the hell?! You were thinking that a little but-!
"You were thinking it." He replies simply, "Your mother will be staying here, where we can properly care for her. I don't like to give estimates for these sorts of treatments, so I won't. We'll give you some contact information so you can stay in touch with your mother during her stay… and I would also like to schedule some appointments with you."
Wait, with you? You don't need to see a psychologist!
"I'm fine, Dr. Bidan." You retort, crossing your arms, "I don't need any help."
"With all due respect, Ms. Naese," Kamille gives you a side glance, "You are not. You just lost a family member in a brutal, violent manner. It has been mere days. I barely touched your mind and I already know that you are the furthest definition from 'fine'. If you don't agree to, at the least, remote counseling then I can and will deem you unfit for duty."
"…I'm not a soldier," you scowl, growing increasingly irritated with him, "You can't stop me."
"Not yet, but you're thinking about becoming one, and I almost certainly can prevent you from leaving this colony in a Mobile Suit if I think you're going to do more harm than good." He shuts his computer down and faces you, "Please understand, Ms. Naese, I'm not your enemy here. I'm only trying to help."
Damn it. This asshole might stop you from piloting the Woundwort! Not only that, but he used Newtype bullshit to read your mind! Violated goes way beyond what you're feeling right now! But even so… you felt a bit of his mind too. He genuinely wants to help. His intentions are good.
Still, even if Newtypes can understand each other, that doesn't guarantee an agreement.
[][Dr. Bidan] Agree to regular appointments to help work through your "issues".
[][Dr. Bidan] You'll see a shrink, but not him. You don't want to have to deal with a mind-reading psychologist.
[][Dr. Bidan] Fuck him, there is nothing wrong with you!
Londenion-Londo Bell Central HQ
Kamille Bidan's office was the farthest thing from a war hero's office that you could imagine.
Bright Noa's office, however? Oh yeah, this guy was military through and through.
Commendations, awards, medals, commemorative pins and certificates, all pinned up on the wall behind his desk. A couch on the side under a giant oil painting of the White Base, and on the other side of the office was a display cabinet featuring little scale models of every ship he's ever commanded.
You're here with your friends, the Island Cascadia Gundam Team (working title) & team mascot(?) Sicilia to talk with Captain Bright, Commander of Londo Bell.
Oh, and Mort. Ensign Mort Mallory is here too.
The five of you sit opposite of possibly the most famous commanding officer of the Universal Century. Captain Bright Noa, Commander of Londo Bell.
Honestly you expected someone with a more regal air, and although he certainly carries himself in a dignified manner, he comes off as way more casual than you expected.
"Welcome to Londenion, all of you." Bright greets you as the five of you sit down, "I heard what happened to your home colony. I'm so sorry we weren't able to save more."
"It's alright sir," Eris answers with a giddy grin, "I'm just happy we survived."
"A sentiment I hope is shared with the rest of your fellow refugees." He smiles slightly, "We'll provide housing and support for everyone until you all get settled down here… although you four have some options. I'm guessing you know why."
"It's because we're good Pilots, with good Suits, right?" you reply confidently, "I mean, I don't think you're putting Pilots in Barzams because you like their aesthetic."
Eris glares at you for speaking like that to Bright Noa, a man you're sure she puts on a pedestal, but you don't care.
He sighs, and you notice something like weariness in Bright's eyes, although it passes.
"Yes, although I don't think the latter applies to the Ensign's GM III, no offense intended Ensign." Bright apologizes to the man, "I've reviewed the combat data from your fights with the Federation forces, and to be honest I'm impressed. Ensign Mort, given the specs of your Mobile Suit I would have expected you to be the first on the casualty list, but here you are. It speaks volumes about your skill."
"Or his luck." You mutter under your breath. Mort isn't anything special.
"Eris Kallis, I understand you defeated two Jegans in a Mobile Suit from the One Year War. That's impressive, and your performance in the MK. III would put even some of my more experienced pilots to shame."
Eris positively beams at the praise. Predictable. Not that you think any less of her for that.
"Theo Gataki, Lieutenant Riddhe told me personally how you handled your new Mobile Suit," Theo blushes in embarrassment at that, but Bright continues, "That Suit was tuned to be so sensitive, that I would have expected any other Pilot to crash it immediately. You didn't. That, combined with how you somehow managed to make a Saberfish somewhat effective in this decade, means you show great promise as a Mobile Suit Pilot."
Duh. He wouldn't be part of your little team if he wasn't. But you guess Bright doesn't have access to the data of the thousands of hours spent in simulations by your group.
"-And you, Cybele Naese," you straighten up a bit as he speaks your name, "The way you fight… well, I've got a feeling about you. If you're willing to continue fighting for us, we would be glad to have you."
Captain Bright Noa wants you to fight for Londo Bell? Like, you personally, not just as another face to fill the ranks?
Well… that's something.
Admittedly you still aren't clear on a few things, so while you have him here…
"Captain, if I may ask," you raise your hand, "What's with all the security? I can't travel a block without a soldier stopping me and asking for my ID."
Bright answers pretty promptly, "Frankly? The Federation isn't above using subterfuge to defeat us. I apologize for the inconvenience, but we have to be vigilant here. We may be self-sufficient now in terms of food and amenities, but we're only an act of sabotage or two away from resource shortages. I would rather avoid that if possible."
Okay. That's a reasonable answer. You just hope that they don't become like the Titans.
"Mr. Bright," Sicilia, who had been quiet up until this point, raises her hand, "Can I stay with Big Sis Cybele? I don't wanna leave her."
Now, you don't have a good read on the man, but you could swear that he's been avoiding looking at her, and now that he does he briefly looks like he's seen a ghost, but quickly gets a hold of himself.
"Rest assured, I wouldn't think of separating you from your… big sister," he gives you a puzzled glance, "I'm not comfortable with putting someone as young as you in harm's way, but considering your circumstances, I'll allow it so long as you know what you're getting into."
You wonder why he seems uneasy about Sicilia. You'll have to ask later.
You quietly talk with your friends about things, but it's clear that you have way more to discuss than is possible during this meeting.
"Captain? Is it alright if we have some more time to think about it?" You ask, "We're interested, but… we need to talk things over."
"Of course, I won't force you to decide now," he hands over a few folders stuffed with papers, "but there are a few missions that I intended to assign at the end of the week. If you would like to join us, then I would have you on one of those missions, under the command of Captain Nouri on the Bellerophon."
So, he wants you to continue working with her? You can agree to that. You accept the folders, and after Eris gets Bright to sign a photo you see yourselves out.
Ensign Mort, however, enthusiastically declares that he does want to join, and you hear him and Bright discussing the terms as you leave.
Londenion-Londenion Grand Hotel
The hotel Londo Bell put the four of you up in is nice. They even gave you a big suite so all of you could stay together. Still, there's no time to relax. You pore over each of the reports, although Sicilia is no help at all and instead watches TV. Some cartoon called "For the Barrel". From the bits you're catching, it's not very good.
"These seem like reasonable missions, I think," Theo speculates as he finishes up his folder, "Nothing too difficult, especially if the Bellerophon is going to be getting a full complement."
Eris nods, "Yeah, as much as I like to fantasize about being a part of the White Base crew, I do not want to be in their situation. Understaffed, undersupplied, and undergunned. No way."
"Well, we have to give Bright his answer," you sigh, "and if we don't join them, where should we go?"
It is a tough question…
Anyways, Bright wants the four of you to go on one of three missions. According to what Captain Nouri told the three of you after you informed her of your talk with Bright, Londo Bell isn't hurting so much in the force projection department that the missions you don't go on will be ignored.
This whole situation makes you a bit excited. What if one of these missions is a turning point in history? You better choose wisely.
The first one is pretty simple. There's been Federation activity detected around the ruins of Axis. While there shouldn't be anything valuable left there, it still needs investigating. Should be a simple scouting mission, although the Republic of Zeon has dispatched some forces towards Axis, so you might need to negotiate with them to avoid a conflict.
The second one is a bit more involved. Londo Bell has been in talks with an anti-Federation group down on Earth, but they want to see a representative before talks can continue. You'd be escorting the representative down to Earth, then back to Londenion. You have to say, visiting Earth at this point doesn't sit well with you.
The third is more mysterious than anything else. A lot of it is classified and redacted too. But what details you can glean is that the Federation has dedicated the flagship of the Newtype Corps to hunt down a Mobile Suit. A
single Mobile Suit. The model of that Suit is redacted, but it's only three digits judging from the black ink covering it…. You don't know of any Suit that matches that description off of the top of your head. Anyways, this mission seems to be important enough that Lieutenant Riddhe is assigned to it already, and you wouldn't be on the Bellerophon for it, but the
Ra Cailum.
What the hell sort of Mobile Suit are they hunting?!
You start to discuss it with your friends when you get a call. You barely get it to close to your head when Rhea shouts, "You're joining Londo Bell, right?!"
"I haven't decided yet," you keep the receiver a good distance from your ear, "Why?"
"They have TR-6 parts! I think. I'm pretty sure! They let me look at their manifest of Titans assets in storage, and while they don't have precise information on the equipment in this storage unit, I saw the photos they took. They're TR-6 Option Parts! I'm 90% certain that this is where all the unaccounted materials from the Titans Test program went! If you join Londo Bell, I bet I can convince them to let us have it all, then I can augment the Woundwort to levels you've only dreamed of!"
She pants, catching her breath, and you ponder what she just said. If she's right… well, you were worried about being undergunned compared to a lot of modern combatants. Perhaps this is the solution? But that would mean definitely tying yourself to Londo Bell…
[This decision will define the upcoming narrative, and the mission that you pick will have a different outcome than if you hadn't chosen it. That being said, you may only choose one.]
[][Story Arc] "The First Newtype" (Mission Option One)
[][Story Arc] "Hathaway's Fall" (Mission Option Two)
[][Story Arc] "Phoenix Hunt" (Mission Option Three)
[][Story Arc] "Souls Unbound by Gravity" (Independent)
