Gundam Crucible - [An AU Universal Century Quest]

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X] Head for the Londo Bell ship. Londo Bell are the guardians of the Spacenoids, aren't they? They're the last thing stopping the Federation from outright wiping out all of the colonies! They have to help, that's what they do!

You want to save your mother with your own two hands, but the low fuel indicator flashes on the control panel. You definitely don't have the luxury of pulling off any extreme maneuvers anymore.

"…Damn it," you turn the Woundwort around, "Okay, let's head for the Londo Bell ship. Worst case scenario, we get some fuel from them and do this ourselves."

You use as little fuel as possible and end up coasting for a while in silence. You spend the time going over the status of your Gundam, trying to think about anything other than your brother. Kaylen… you wonder what he would have said right now if he were alive? You try to imagine his voice, but… it just hurts.

---

"Sis, I think I see it!" Little Sis points ahead at a shape hidden in a cluster of asteroids… no, that's a ship covered in dummy asteroids.

"Is that… no way," you squint, leaning forward as much as your position will allow.

It's a Pegasus-class Assault Carrier! The same type as the legendary White Base! Granted, the configuration is post-OYW, the four giant wings, extended hangar bays, and expanded engine blocks are a dead giveaway. Still, the class itself is practically ancient! You weren't even aware that any of them were still operating!

"Looks like their starboard hangar is open," you push the controls slightly, "Let's float in, nice and easy."

Strange, you'd normally have encountered an air patrol by now. Are they seriously not escorting themselves? There's no way Lt. Riddhe's Mobile Suit is their only MS, right?

But you get closer, you notice something that might explain why. This ship is… new. Like, seriously new. You can hardly see any wear on the paint, something that occurs normally on all ships that travel in the Earth Sphere. Any ship that's been flying around for long enough will have a close encounter or two with lingering clouds of debris spawned by everything from the One Year War all the way up to the Third Neo Zeon War. So unless this ship has been sitting in a shipyard all this time…

The Woundwort drifts through the hatch, and it closes promptly behind you. Nudging the thrusters, you set down and wait for the hangar to pressurize. Honestly, you're lucky that all that fighting didn't crack a hole in the cockpit. Without a Normal Suit, you wouldn't last long. The hangar itself is pretty big, you think it could accommodate a whole team of Mobile Suits! And this isn't the only hangar either, if memory serves you right, then there are three more. Strangely, the hangar itself is entirely empty except for the maintenance equipment.

Just as your Gundam registers a normal air pressure, several doors in the sides of the hangar open and a handful of soldiers pour out, each aiming a rifle at you.

"Seriously?" you bristle, jamming the PA button, "If I were an enemy, I'd be outside tearing you to bits, not landing in your hangar!"

You zoom in on the soldiers, scrutinizing their uniforms. ECOAS. Not good, ECOAS was one of those Federation military branches that didn't cleanly break or stay with the Feds, they kind of fractured all over and scattered to various groups. Any rising anxiety fades though as an officer in a Londo Bell uniform walks past the soldiers up to your Gundam. She looks like she's in her mid-20s or something, maybe, you're not good at judging age. Her hair is pale, and she's a bit tanned… tall. Yeah, you're gonna be looking up when talking to her.

"Just precautions," she reassures you calmly, "for our own safety. If you would like to come down, we can talk face to face."

"…Okay, just a second," you switch the PA back off and unbuckle yourself and Little Sis, "I'm going down. They try anything funny, fire off some warning shots or something."

She nods, and you pop the hatch.

The officer watches as you swing around the head and float downwards. The ECOAS troops have also lowered their guns, which is somewhat reassuring.

"Thank you," she smiles in relief as you touch down, relaxing a bit, "My name is Sarina Nouri, Captain of the Bellerophon. I take it you're not out here on a pleasure cruise?"

"Yeah," you nod, "I'm from Island Cascadia. I heard you answered our distress call? Thanks… didn't think anyone still cared."

"You're welcome. How did you notice our presence? Are we not camouflaged enough?" she asks, slightly concerned.

"Oh! No, you are," you think back to the pilot who rescued you, "Lieutenant Riddhe Marcenas told me to come here. I don't think there's any saving my colony, but we have a ton of survivors in at least one shelter. He said that you might be able to help."

Sarina shares an uncertain glance with one of the ECOAS soldiers.

"…Perhaps, but not as much as you might think," she finally replies, "We do have a few shuttles. However, we don't have enough qualified pilots. If this shelter is anywhere near capacity, it may take several trips. Not to mention, we can't provide escort for them either."

"Not enough pilots? No escort?" you ask incredulously, "Am I hearing that right? An Assault Carrier that doesn't have pilots?"

She gestures to the hangar, "You may have noticed the distinct lack of Mobile Suits. We were on a shakedown run. Even Lieutenant Riddhe was only here because he decided to scout ahead of our route to ensure we didn't blindly run into enemy patrols."

Are you serious? Some saviors these guys are turning out to be!

"Fine, give me some fuel and I can run escort," you grumble, "I don't want my mom to get shot out of the sky."

"Just you? No, our shuttles stand a better chance of survival if they don't have a Mobile Suit near them to draw attention. I'll ask for volunteers among the crew. If we have enough, I'll send out a rescue party. We'll also increase Minovsky Particle density so if the Feds get any ideas, it'll be harder for them to shoot our shuttles down."

"And give me more fuel so I can help with all that!" you repeat, only for her to hold up her hand, stopping you from continuing.

"Look, I respect your confidence, but I'm not sending you out there just to get killed. Just hang tight, our people will get yours back safe. You look exhausted, why don't you sit down for a bit?"

Sit down? Right now? Who does this lady think she is?!

"She's right, Sis!" Little Sis touches down next to you, and behind you the Woundwort whines as it powers down, "You need to rest for a bit!"

Sarina looks at Little Sis in surprise, "There were two of you in there? And… where are your clothes, young lady?"

As the Captain fusses over Little Sis, you silently admit to yourself that maybe you do need to take a breather. A… A lot has happened.

Londo Bell is going to help. That's what's important.

---

"You were in luck," Sarina pats you on the arm, "There were quite a few volunteers."

Out the windows in the port hangar, two large passenger shuttles exit the hatch and begin their journey. A round trip for them should be somewhere around half an hour, so you've got time to kill. Most of their time is going to be spent loading anyways.

"…Thanks," you sheepishly look up at her, "It means a lot that you're helping. Really. I just wish…"

"Wish that we could do more?" she finishes, sighing, "So do I, kid, so do I. Believe me, I'd risk the ship if I thought that we had a chance, but right now all I've got is a skeleton crew. Our shakedown wasn't supposed to go anywhere near a combat zone."

It's all on Riddhe's shoulders… he better be up to the task. You don't know him that well, but the impression you got from him was that of a strong, confident Ace. For the sake of everyone, you hope you're right.

You sit down in one of the chairs of the hangar's control room, and so does Little Sis. The two of you take a few seconds to enjoy how comfortable they are… then you look to her.

"So… still don't remember your name?" you ask, "I can't keep calling you 'Little Sis' all the time."

"I don't mind…" she shakes her head, "but no, I don't remember… although I think someone used to call me P-42. That's not a name though…"

Yeah, that isn't much of a name at all. More of a designation.

"You need a better name than a letter and a number," you decide, nodding, "How about-?"

---

[] Write in…

Author's Note: Behold, the most important vote in the quest! Choose wisely.
Also, I updated the informational posts on the first page.

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X] Sicilia

"-Sicilia!" you suggest, "It's a pretty name, don't you think?"

She thinks for a second, then nods cheerily, "Yeah, it is! I like it!"

The newly-christened Sicilia repeats her name silently to herself, and you notice the Captain looking at you with an amused grin.

"You know, that's not a very common name these days." She comments, "I'm surprised you went for that."

You give her a questioning frown. Off the top of your head, you don't know why that would be notable at all.

"Kycilia Zabi?" Sarina points out, "It's the same reason you don't see many Gihrens, Garmas, Dozles, or Degwins these days."

…Yeah, you do suppose the names being associated with war criminals would put them out of fashion. Still, Sicilia is just a little girl, there's no way anyone should draw any parallels between her and that Zabi woman!

A young girl in a Londo Bell version of the Federation cadet uniform (it just has different insignia) comes into the room with a smile, heading straight for Sicilia.

"Good news, I found a uniform your size! We can get you out of those robes!"

Sicilia gives you a worried look, but you just motion for her to go get changed. She looks ridiculous in that bathrobe. It's meant for a full-sized adult!

After the two leave the room, you go back to waiting. It's agonizing. Is your mother going to be alright? Did Lt. Riddhe distract the Magellan for long enough? You want to help, but Captain Sarina is right, your Woundwort would just attract attention. You just have to pray that those Londo Bell pilots are as sneaky as they think they are.

"Lt. Riddhe is coming in for a landing!" the crew at the hangar control station announces, "Preparing the bay for arrival!"

Sarina stands, and motions for you to follow, "Come on, I need to get a report from him, and you can help provide details too."

---

The Normal Suit is a bit stuffy, even after fiddling with the environmental controls. You hope you get out of this soon. You and the Captain stand near the airlock as the silhouette of Lt. Riddhe's Gundam slowly gets larger… wait, didn't it have two legs?

The black Gundam lands rather roughly, that ugly patch job of a Jegan leg seems to have been slagged clean off just below the joining point. It looks rather worse for wear than when it came to your rescue.

"…I see why Commander Bright told me to bring a spare leg," the Captain mutters.

Is… Is losing that leg a regular thing for him?

The hatch pops and a young man, Lt. Riddhe presumably, pushes himself out and floats down to the deck.

"Well, Lieutenant," Sarina folds her arms behind her back, looking pointedly at the destroyed leg, "what's the situation out there? And what did that to the Banshee?"

You finally get a good look at the man now that he's right in front of you. You can't make out the color of his eyes through the helmet, but his hair is blonde. And he's pretty young. Definitely an adult, but you'd say barely?

"Some good news, some bad news, Captain," Riddhe cringes, "A Gundam from Island Cascadia heavily damaged the two Salamis. They withdrew from the combat area. There is a Magellan Kai though, and it's still operational."

"Did it do that?" you point to the leg, and he nods. The two of you meet eyes, and he has a flash of recognition as you feel his presence momentarily brush up against yours.

"Oh, you're the girl from that Gundam," he reaches out his hand, you shake it firmly, "I'm glad you made it. Where's your friend?"

"She's getting dressed," Sarina answers, "Now, Lieutenant, what's so special about this Magellan? I would have thought that the Banshee alone would have been more than a match for it."

Riddhe scowls in frustration, "The Federation has extensively refit that ship. It had an I-Field so strong I couldn't do more than scorch the paint a bit, even with the Beam Magnum. I had a bit more luck with the Armed Armor, but any damage I inflicted can get buffed out in a day or so. I held out for as long as I could, but I must have gotten lazy. One of their main guns grazed me. With the loss of those verniers on the leg, I decided to disengage."

"I see," the Captain nods, "We'll have to be careful of that ship. Go take a break, we may need you out there again later. I'll also see about replacing that leg."

As Riddhe thanks her and heads off, you notice another Mobile Suit incoming. It's hard to make out at this distance, but… wait-

"What model is that?" Sarina asks, miffed, "Kind of looks like a Zaku…"

"No," you correct her, "It is a Zeon MS though. The Zudah. Prototype Suit meant for Mass Production, lost out to the Zaku II. Had a limited production run late in the war as a long-range fire support unit."

She gives you a look, and you shrug.

"One of my friends lives with her dad in this little museum. They have one in their backyard as a showpiece."

Yeah, Eris. Longtime friend and two years your senior. You're a bit embarrassed to say, but you haven't thought about your two friends who frequent the simulators with you, you guess you just didn't think they'd let themselves get into trouble. Still, you hope Eris survived. If only how you could tell her how you saw a working Zudah. You didn't even know that someone in the area had another one!

…

Wait, that's the same Zudah.

"I… I think I know who's flying that," you tell the Captain, a bit incredulous at the conclusion you're coming to. There's no way, right? Eris and her dad said that thing was just a showpiece for years, unfit to fly! Although, now that you think about it, they never did offer to show you inside the cockpit, something about it being too filthy.

…

Son of a bitch.

It lands in the hangar, one hand grasping a long Anti-Ship Sniper Rifle, and in the other two severed Jegan heads.

… Yep. You know who's flying that. Only one person you know could be so dramatic.

The hatch pops open, and the pilot emerges in an orange Normal Suit. You watch as she drifts down to the deck. Yep, no question about it.

"Eris!" you grab her hand and you both pull each other into a quick hug, "Is this why you're always picking that old cockpit setup at the sims? And why didn't you tell me this old thing actually worked? I thought we were friends!"

She scoffs, smirking smugly, "The more people who thought this old thing was just for show, the better. Besides, dad and I didn't actually think we'd ever have to use it. At least, until last year. Only just got the rifle working last month, actually."

You point to the Jegan heads, "You used an Anti-Ship Rifle to take out two Jegans?!"

"Nah, had a couple of Sturm Fausts," she chuckles sadistically, "and I got the drop on them. Those two idiots were so busy shooting up the local shelter they didn't notice me until I was right on top of them."

"Damn," you nod appreciatively, "does your Dad know that you took this out for a spin? This isn't going to be like when you borrowed his car, right?"

Her smile vanishes, "Dad didn't make it. It's just me."

"Oh," you feel your good mood drop away, "I'm… I'm sorry. Did the Feds kill him?"

"Nah, entirely unrelated actually." She clicks her tongue in scorn. It looks forced. "He was drinking again this morning and passed out. Sirens woke him up, but he was so piss drunk he fell down the stairs and broke his neck… always told him it'd happen one day."

The two of you stand there in silence for a second, before you quickly switch topics, "Oh yeah, Captain Sarina, this is my friend Eris Kallis."

"Pleased to meet you," Sarina shakes Eris's hand, "I will have to have a talk with the Bridge though. They can't keep letting unidentified Mobile Suits land on us."

"Well, I did wave the heads as I came in," she points out, bouncing back to her usual smug self, "so that probably let them know I was a friend."

"Still," Sarina shakes her head, sighing, "anyways, the shuttles should be back soon. I'll go coordinate on the Bridge. Clearly whoever is up there isn't covering for my absence."

She heads off, and you touch helmets with Eris to switch to a private audio feed.

"Did you see Theo anywhere?" you ask, "And how did you find this place?"

"No, I didn't see Theo," she mutters darkly, "That asshole better not have died on us, or so help me god…"

Theo is the third member of your little MS Simulator gang. The three of you regularly practice the same scenarios, and you're pretty good at them too. He's the only guy in your group, and you think Eris has a thing for him, although she expresses it by lightly bullying him… that can't be healthy, but you've never been brave enough to bring it up with her.

"Anyways, this ship kind of sticks out," she continues, "or maybe it's just because my Zudah has a really good Monoeye. How did you get here anyways? Do you have a secret Mobile Suit too? Girl, if you've been holding out on me, I'm gonna slap you."

You laugh nervously. She wouldn't do that, right?

"It'd be neat if I did have a ship or a Mobile Suit stashed away, but I actually found a Gundam at the old Titans facility. Don't ask me how I ended up there, it's a long story."

She nods slightly, "Yeah, you owe me the whole story. But later. Where are your folks, should we go back and get them?"

"Londo Bell sent shuttles to get my mom and some others, but Kaylen," you choke up, closing your eyes as you force out the rest of your sentence, "he… he didn't make it. A Fed Newtype in a Gundam killed him."

"…Fuck," she holds your hands, her demeanor softening a bit, "I'm sorry, Cybele. I just… none of this is fair…"

You nod, pushing back down the grief that's welling up, "He was there, and the next… I'm sorry, you don't want to hear this. It's just, I felt him die."

"Wait, you felt him die?" Eris asks, amazement creeping onto her face, "Cybele, are you-?"

She's cut off when movement outside the hangar catches your attention and hers. Multiple shapes getting closer… It's the shuttles! And they brought other survivors! That GM III you saved earlier, the Gaza-C that was defending the shelter with Kaylen, a handful of Cascadia Petits, and even a Saberfish!

Wait… why did the Mobile Suits come with? Who's guarding the shelter?

You tune your Normal Suit back into ship comms, only to be hit with a lot of chatter.

"-we've landed, secure all craft! We can sort the refugees out later!"

"Ensign James, what about the rest of the survivors? There's no way you got everyone over in one trip!"

"Dead! They're all fucking dead! And we will be too if we don't-!"

A beam pierces the rearmost shuttle, and Ensign James's audio cuts out with a scream as the entire craft bursts into flames. You feel sick. Was your mother on that one? No, if you really are a Newtype, and you feeling Kaylen die was your ability, then surely you would have felt if your mother died.

Yes, in fact you know she's still alive. You don't know how, you just know.

The remaining two shuttles make rough landings in the hangar, sparks flying as they brake themselves against the metal deck. The Saberfish barely stops itself before it hits the far end of the hangar. The Petits go about lashing the craft down, and the GM III guards the entrance as the hatch begins to close. The Gaza-C, however, turns around and speeds off in the direction of the beam fire.

"Lt. Shasta, where are you going?!" the GM III pilot shouts, but the Gaza-C pilot (Lt. Shasta presumably), just chuckles in response.

"This is just something I gotta do," he says, and you can almost hear the smirk, "You be sure to tell my story next time you go bar hopping, okay Mort? Good lad."

"Lieutenant!" Mort calls out one last time as the hatch closes and air begins to rush into the space. The Bellerophon shudders, the sound of thrusters firing reverberating deep in the hull.

As soon as the air pressure reaches normal, you and Eris pop your helmets. The Petit pilots do the same, and the shuttles begin to open their doors. The Saberfish raises their canopy, and the pilot-

"Theo!" Eris shouts with exaggerated anger, stomping towards your frightened friend as he cowers in the cockpit, "How dare you go and scare us like that! I'm gonna tear you a new-!"

You wince and tune out the exchange. You're used to it.

"Sis! Sis Cybele!" the airlock opens and Sicilia runs out, now dressed in a pink cadet uniform, "I went up to the Bridge to see what was going on, and that big battleship is after us!"

The Magellan? You try to recall the acceleration of a Pegasus class versus a Magellan Kai… but neither of these ships is normal or typical of their era. You might be wrong. Still, in theory this ship should be faster. Better thrust to mass ratio.

Still, your mother is here, you know it. You just need to find her. But what if she's still in danger? What if you need to protect the ship?

…

Well, the Captain isn't screaming over the PA for you and the other Mobile Suits to sortie, so she must be confident that she can get away.

Still, maybe you should do something to ensure that everyone stays safe?

---

[] Get Lt. Riddhe, Ensign Mort, Eris, and Theo together to form a plan to delay the Magellan so the Bellerophon can escape. Just in case.

[] Get Sicilia situated. Right now you're the only one she can rely on, and you feel responsible for her.

[] Go find Lt. Riddhe to thank him again, and to ask some questions about what the hell just happened.

[] Go find your mother. She's probably worried sick about you and Kaylen… you'll have to let her know what happened.

[] Hang out with Eris and Theo. Swap stories and compare kill counts. Anything to get your mind off of Kaylen… you don't want to tell your mother yet.


Author's Note: I also updated the info posts on the first page.

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X] Get Sicilia situated. Right now you're the only one she can rely on, and you feel responsible for her.

You should probably go talk to your mother right now, tell her what happened. You need to tell her that Kaylen is dead…

….

"Say, Sicilia," you pay your adoptive little sis on the head, "What do you say we go find a room for us? We're Gundam pilots, we should get our own room!"

"Is that normal?" she asks, and you just shrug.

"Dunno, but it should be."

You leave the hangar with her. You think you hear Eris shout, "Mrs. Naese!" but you just walk faster.

---

"Wow, this room is so nice!" Sicilia gushes, spinning happily in the center of your assigned room. Captain Sarina was kind enough to assign one of the pilot's quarters to you and your little sis. As expected of the legendary Pegasus-class, these are nice enough accommodations that it wouldn't look out of place on a civilian liner. A twin bed with crisp sheets, a modest desk, a padded lounge chair, a dresser for your clothes, a large screen that doubles as a pseudo-window, and even a dedicated bathroom!

Definitely a step up from your apartment back in Cascadia. Not that there's really anything left of that…

You didn't miss Sarina's subtle hint that you might be able to keep the room if you stay with Londo Bell. Guess Lt. Riddhe really gave you a shining review, huh?
…

Oh, they totally got the combat data from the Woundwort, didn't they? Yeah, they absolutely did, there's no way they'd be so impressed with you otherwise.

"Big Sis, there's a bathtub in here!" Sicilia exclaims happily, wasting no time in throwing off her clothes, "I call dibs!"

She shuts the door after her, and you soon hear the sound of rushing water. All in all, she seems to be taking everything rather well. Although you suspect that she's simply avoiding thinking about what happened. Shit, to wake up only to find that all your siblings were dead.

…

And now that you're alone, you can't avoid it either.

You sit down on the edge of the bed and stare at the wall. Picking up a little remote on the nightstand, you switch the screen to window mode, and it displays some lovely scenery from Earth. A calm windswept beach backed by the rolling ocean and setting sun. It bathes the room in a soft orange as you dim the lights.

"… Hey, Kaylen," you speak to empty air, "So I guess I'm a Newtype, huh? I don't think I could get Funnels to listen to me otherwise…"


"… Say, this is just a rumor, but I heard that Newtypes can talk to the dead. Crazy, right?"



"Yeah, I know, that's ludicrous. But I just wanted to try. You'd know what to say. I bet if I died you wouldn't be as messed up as I am over you. You're just like that. My strong older brother…"



"…Not… Not that I'm ungrateful that you tried to protect me, I am. It's just… weren't we supposed to change the world together? You and me, a couple of Ace Pilots, just like the White Meteor and the Red Comet? So… why am I the only one here?"



"……. What am I gonna tell mom, Kay? She doesn't know yet… What am I going to say to her? What did you want to say to her? I still remember how she was when dad died… this is going to break her, Kay."




"Please Kaylen, just… just talk to me. I can't do this alone… please."







Tears roll down your face as you try to hold in your grief. From the bathroom you hear muffled sobs, the running water failing to cover up the sound.

You guess everyone has their own despair to deal with.

---

After she took her bath, Sicilia just chatted with you in your room. She wanted to know everything there was to know about her new Big Sister! You were more than happy to oblige, and for a while you forgot why you cried.

But even Newtypes can't avoid hunger, you guess, and the two of you leave to go find the Mess Hall.

You're halfway there when you hear her.

"Cybele!"

You freeze, turning to face your mother. She rides track down the hallway, letting go of the handle as she nears you.

"I've been looking everywhere for you! Eris told me you were here and safe, I was so relieved! I don't know what I would do if I lost you and your brother! Where is Kaylen, by the way? I don't remember what Mobile Suit he flies, and I haven't seen…"

You didn't say anything, but you can't stop your emotions from spilling onto your face. You take a step back and try to control yourself.

"…Cybele? Where's Kaylen? Where's your brother?"

You clench your fists, almost tight enough to draw blood. You don't… you can't do this. You can't say it.

"… Hey, Sicilia," you force a smile, "I'm sure you're hungry, let's go get some dinner, okay?"

"…Big Sis?" she looks uneasily between you and your mother. You just pat her on the head and take her hand, leading her towards the Mess Hall, but your mother grabs your upper arm, stopping you dead in your tracks.

"Cybele!" she pleads, desperation in her eyes, "Where's Kaylen?!"

"Kaylen…" you mouth, throat dry. You… You don't want to say it… not directly.

"Kaylen… Dad would have… would have been proud of him…"

Her grip weakens, and her hand falls away. Her face is stricken with horror and despair. Her gaze seems to almost be pleading for you to be lying, to be joking, but you just look down, then away.

"No… Please… no…" your mother trembles, staring down at her hands, "Kaylen… not my boy… please god…"

You… You can't be here. You grab one of the handles on the track and let it pull you away. Sicilia looks back in concern.

"Not him too… god why… I…. I can't…" her sobs cut into you, and you look back. She curls into a ball, floating there as she's wracked with grief.

You should comfort her. You should be there for her. Kaylen wanted you to take care of your mother in his place.

But…

"… I'm sorry Kaylen," your whisper quietly, "I just… can't take much more of this."

You round the corner with Sicilia, your mother's wails echoing behind you.

---

The next morning Captain Sarina stands at the front of the briefing room, a stellar map of the Moon and all the surrounding Sides on the screen behind her.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming here," she gives an appreciative nod to the small group, "I know that this isn't the best of circumstances, and most of you are just civilians caught up in the fighting, but we're all in literally the same boat right now… so I appreciate your willingness to cooperate."

You nod slightly, and others do the same. Most are civvies, yes. You only see a couple of Cascadian uniforms, one of them being Ensign Mort. The guy is around your brother's age. Looks nothing like him though. Kinda scruffy.

Your friends are also here. Eris and Theo are near the back, the former whispering something to the uncomfortable-looking latter. She must be bullying him again. Really, she should just be honest with herself.

You and Sicilia sit near the front, next to Lt. Riddhe. He insisted, and you have to admit he's rather good looking. Kind of old relative to you, but hey, nothing wrong with admitting that he's attractive.

"As you know, the Magellan forced us to take evasive action, and as a result we missed our transfer window. We don't have nearly the supplies to wait for the next one." She holds up her hand, stopping those who started to talk, "Yes, I know, we aren't anywhere near capacity on this ship, but we only had enough supplies for the skeleton crew for a week, tops. As it stands, we won't last a day, which limits our options."

She highlights your current trajectory.

"Luckily, there's a transfer window to Von Braun City coming up. If we deorbit soon, we'll be there before the end of the day. As we all know, Von Braun City is primarily controlled by Anaheim Electronics, who have maintained neutrality in the ongoing conflict between Londo Bell and the Federation. Both the Federation and Londo Bell maintain non-combatant branches here as well. Once we're inside the colony's port, we can expect relative safety. Any refugees from Cascadia who wish to leave will do so at that point." At a sudden rise in chatter, Sarina adds, "You may share that information with the others. If you wish to stay, however, we will consider that an application to join Londo Bell, and we will begin your onboarding process. Now, if that was all there was to this, I would have simply made this announcement over the PA… but here's the issue."

She highlights a marker following the Bellerophon, the Magellan. As your ship's projected course changes during the simulated deceleration, the Magellan's path intersects yours.

"Right now we are at the same relative velocity. Once we decelerate, however, we do not expect the Federation warship to begin their deceleration burn until they are within striking range of us. There will be approximately one hour between us coming within their range, and us entering Von Braun's No-Fire zone." She scans the group, "I won't lie, our chances of surviving that timeframe aren't high. This ship did not leave port with a full crew, and putting civilians on gun turrets isn't that much better than having them unmanned. So… I need ideas. Suggestions. You all brought your equipment from Cascadia, so you know their capabilities better than I do."

She switches the display to a lineup of Mobile Suits, presumably the Federation forces.

"Our estimates, taking into account their losses already, put their strength at a Mass-Production Nu Gundam, a slightly-damaged Delta Kai Gundam, two Jegans, a ReZEL, and possibly some more support MS, like long-range heavy weapons platforms or an EWACS unit. The Magellan itself is virtually impervious to our weapons. Their I-Field is strong enough to deflect Battleship-grade beam fire, and the Bellerophon does not have any kinetic munitions for Mobile Suits in storage. We hardly have any weapons in storage, in fact. So, ladies and gentlemen, your suggestions please."

Everyone begins discussing possible plans of action amongst themselves, and Riddhe motions for you and Sicilia to lean in close.

"I saw your combat data. The two of you are naturals." He looks at your Little Sis, "In fact you remind me of someone I used to know… but anyways, we have the two most potent Mobile Suits on the ship. It's our responsibility to make sure everyone else here makes it out unscathed."

You kind of agree, but…

"If they want to help, they should," Sicilia says what you were thinking, "It would be mean to leave them out."

"…I suppose," he nods reluctantly, "but honestly your colony's weapons, excluding your Gundam of course, look more like antique show than a military force. I'm worried they'll just get in the way."

"Hey, don't underestimate antiques," you smirk, "I mean, you should see what my brother can do with a GM! He's the quickest-!"

… You freeze, smile fading. Oh yeah, that's right.

Kaylen is dead.

"…I also saw how your brother died," Riddhe softly addresses you, "my apologies, if only I'd arrived sooner, then maybe…"

You cut him off with a raised hand, steadying your breathing as you try to focus and recenter yourself. You can't grieve now. You'll fall apart if you do. The time for tears is later. You can mourn later. Now…. Now is not the time. You repeat that to yourself.

---

After much spit balling of ideas, three distinct plans form, each with their own supporters. Ensign Mort is the mastermind of the first, which has been dubbed "Plan Stampede". The Bellerophon has the numerical advantage, even if most of those numbers are museum pieces. If you throw everything you have at the Magellan, they might get spooked and change trajectory, allowing you to descend to Von Braun unmolested.

Eris came up with the second plan, called "Plan Long Slap". There is exactly one weapon onboard that could bypass the Magellan's I-Field at range, that being her Zudah's Anti-Ship Rifle. If someone, probably one of the Gundams, spots for her she can dial in her shots and hit something important on the Magellan, forcing them to decelerate sooner to get out of range of her gun. Then they can't attack the Bellerophon directly!

Lt. Riddhe suggests a third course of action. "Plan Misdirection" involves you and Riddhe sortieing in your Gundams, then moving as if you both intend to attack the Magellan alone. Then, as Minovsky Particle Density reaches combat levels, a small strike force leaves the ship and attacks the Magellan while its Mobile Suits are fighting with you and Riddhe.

Honestly, all three of them are good plans, even though the first is rather simplistic.

"… Captain," you ask as you consider which plan to back, "What weapons do we have in storage that I could equip to my Gundam? The loadout is otherwise pretty basic."

Sarina thinks for a minute before answering, "We have several Beam Rifles meant for Jegans in the hold. There are even a few thigh-mounted missile racks we could try to equip to your Gundam, if you wanted."

"I think I saw some Enhanced Maneuverability Option Parts too," Riddhe adds, "You might need those, or that Delta Kai will run circles around you."

You look to Sicilia, who just smiles.

"I'll do whatever you want to do, Sis."

---

[] Plan Stampede

[] Plan Long Slap

[] Plan Misdirection

[] Propose your own plan (Write in...)

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X] Plan Fiver III
-[X] Jury rig a respec of the Woundwort using a pair of ReZEL legs for extra thrusters and cannibalizing some Defenser Units to make a Cross Thrust Binder for mobility (Shoulder and hip hard-points). Re-arm using the biggest cannon that the ship has available, or failing that, a Beam Magnum. Set the shield booster rifle on the backpack to add additional thrust. The funnels unfortunately can go unless they fit on the shoulder mounts. There's probably a second seat booster somewhere around here so a second pilot can act as fire control. Whatever remaining hard points can go to missiles.
-[X] Play hit and run distraction and spotter for Eris. The main goal, contrary to everything, is actually to draw the Gundam Delta Kai and Mass Production Nu onto the battlefield. Afterwards, disengage and allow the Banshee to funnel hijack. If Riddhe needs Sicilia to do so, then he gets Sicilia.
-[X] After the defenders are appropriately crippled, Heat Blade directly to the Magellan's secondary bridge, convert to claw mode to rip open the armor, and open fire with the Mega-particle Cannon straight inside it. Repeat till something critical goes.


After some more thought, you come to the objectively correct and completely unbiased conclusion that Eris's plan is the soundest of the three, and both Riddhe and Mort came up with plans that are complete ass.

Still, you can do better.

"Captain," you turn to Sarina, "Lieutenant Riddhe mentioned parts that could increase the maneuverability on my Gundam, but do you have spare parts for the ReZEL on board as well?"

"Um, yes," she nods, "Not enough to make a full Mobile Suit, but we have plenty of spare parts for everything but the torso."

Good, good. You remember seeing some attachment points on the diagram of the Woundwort. If you're right, you can cannibalize a pair of ReZEL legs for their thrusters, and maybe even a Defenser unit for a makeshift Cross Thrust Binder. Your Shield Booster should be relocated to the backpack, allowing it to add to the amount of thrust you have available to you. The Funnel rack has to go, though, seeing as there aren't even anymore Funnels left to use.

"Is a Jegan rifle the biggest gun you have?" you ask hopefully.

"Apart from my Beam Magnum, yes," Riddhe answers, "Why, what did you have in mind?"

"Then two Jegan rifles will have to do. I hope it's enough," you sigh. You had a look at the specs on the Beam Magnum earlier, and it would tear the Woundwort's arms off if you used it. You're not quite that desperate.

With that settled, you turn back to the group, "Eris, your plan is good, but I have a proposal on how to make it even better."

---

"Why can't I sit on your lap again?" Sicilia pouts from the pilot seat as you finish securing the booster seat in place.

"Because it's dangerous," you remind her and push the seat a bit, testing its strength, "If things had gone differently last time, we might have broken some bones. This way we're both safe."

She nods, still not happy about it, but she gets it. Still frowning, Sicilia pulls up the systems display for the Woundwort, the schematic already dramatically altered by all the additional parts, "You've got a lot of thrust now, Big Sis, but aren't you worried about the fuel consumption?"

"Not really," you shrug, "I still have a reasonable amount of propellant to burn. If we really do start to run low, I can just purge all the additions. That should lighten us up enough to make it back to the ship."

Sicilia pops the hatch, crawling out. You shut down the systems as you leave too. Everything is almost set! Your Mobile Suit is visually an abomination now, with mismatched colors and so many addons that the base Gundam is all but unrecognizable, but you've ensured that you now can exceed the factory specs of both enemy Gundams!

At least for about 20 minutes. Then you really need to worry about if you have enough fuel to catch back up with the Bellerophon.

Well, hopefully the fight doesn't drag on for that long. You did add missiles onto every free hardpoint, so that should give you a bit of an edge.

Lined up alongside your own monstrosity are the other Mobile Suits involved in this operation. Eris's Zudah, which is still on sniping duty. You'll be her spotter. She'll have to come closer than is generally wise in order to receive audio signals from you, but it'll be worth the increase in accuracy. For close combat (although you hope it doesn't come to that) you were able to rip a couple of Head Vulcans out of a spare Jegan head and jury rig them to the Zudah's left arm. Super basic, but functional.

Riddhe's Banshee has been repaired, the right leg now a… a Re-GZ leg, you think. Looks ridiculous, but hey, if it works it works.

Ensign Mort's GM III has been augmented with additional sensors mounted on the shoulders and numerous E-PACs stored all over the armor. He's staying with the ship to act as the final line of defense. Granted, if it ever gets to that everyone is screwed anyways.

The Petits are lined up on the opposite side of the hangar, the few Cascadian Defense members helping the civvies prep their small MS for point-defense duty, if it ever comes to that.

Come to think of it, are you still a civilian? No, you suppose you aren't. The Federation certainly aren't going to consider you one after you murdered seven of their Pilots, and who knows how many sailors on board those two Salamis Cruisers.

….

You killed seven people. You're going to kill more.

"Big Sis?" Sicilia looks at you with worry, "You're shaking."

You force a smile. It's fine. Everything is fine.

"I'm okay Sicilia, thanks for checking," you pat her on the head, and she beams. You need to stay strong, not just for her, but for everyone. You can't fall apart now.

As you approach Riddhe you catch the ending tail of his discussion with the Captain and Eris.

"-on how many Funnels they deploy," he shakes his head slightly, "I've practiced a few times and I've been told that I'm making progress, but hijacking Funnels isn't something I'm confident in yet."

Eris gives him a light bop on the shoulder, "Come on Mr. Newtype, don't tell me you and your Full Psychoframe Suit can't pull this off! I thought that was how Newtypes work, you just get all determined and then break reality!"

He gives your friend an unamused frown, "I wish it were that simple. However, despite what you may have heard, Newtype abilities are nowhere near that magical. True, I've seen some amazing things done with Psychoframe, but I know my own limits, and five Funnels is where I cap out. Any more than that and they all go out of control."

"Out of control is fine," you cut in, "We just need those Funnels out of play. Without his Fin Funnels, that blue dog is relatively weak."

"Blue dog?" Sarina asks.

"Yeah, it's a nickname we came up with for that Newtype kid in the Nu," Eris explains, recalling the little talk you had while she helped you bolt ReZEL thrusters to your Woundwort, "His Gundam is blue, and he's like an attack dog. So 'blue dog', what do you think?"

"I don't know, it's not that memorable," Riddhe muses, "What about the 'Blue Hound'?"

"Ooh, that's good!" Eris smirks, "I like it, sounds dangerous!"

"We're not giving my brother's murderer a cool nickname." You push back, but Eris seems to have already latched onto the title. Urgh. You liked "blue dog" better. Sounded like an insult.

"If we're done giving the enemy interesting monikers, are we prepared for the operation?" the Captain dryly asks, to which she gets a chorus of affirmations. Everyone is ready to get started.

"Alright, everyone listen up!" she raises her voice, making the hangar fall silent, "We will begin our deceleration burn in ten minutes. After we are finished adjusting our trajectory, we will begin launching our Mobile Suits. The ship will descend from the current high orbit to a sub-orbital trajectory, one that passes directly over Von Braun city at low altitude. As we approach the city we will execute a landing burn and then maneuver into port. As for our Mobile Suits, Cybele Naese will assault the enemy warship and draw out their Mobile Suits. Lieutenant Riddhe Marcenas will provide backup for Miss Naese. Both will also act as spotters for Miss Kallis, who will lay down fire on the enemy warship outside of visual range."

Sarina smiles slightly, "With enough luck, this should prompt the Magellan to execute their own deceleration burn, ensuring that the Bellerophon does not enter their weapons range. Once that occurs, all Mobile Suits are to adjust their trajectories and return to the ship. Do not, I repeat, do not pursue the enemy Magellan. Our objective is not their destruction… but if the opportunity presents itself, take it."

Nods all around, and Eris looks particularly excited. You remember when the two of you watched a documentary about the One Year War. Anti-Ship Rifles were fearsome weapons against Magellans. You'll get to see their effects firsthand now.

"Suit up and prepare to launch," the Captain finishes, "I'll return to the Bridge and-"

"Cybele!"

Your mother's voice, frantic and shrill, cuts through your focus. Why is she here? You see her near the airlock, a couple of ECOAS soldiers holding her back. She's reaching out towards you, desperate.

"Cybele, you aren't going, right? You can't go!" the grief in her voice carves into your mind. You step back and cover your ears. You don't hear this. You aren't hearing this.

"Cybele please, don't go! You're all I have left! If you die too-!"

"Mom!" you shout, refusing to look at her and instead stare at the floor, "I'll be fine. You'll see me again soon, don't worry."

"Your father thought that too! So did your brother! Now you're leaving me too, Cybele?! Please, God, no, not my daughter as well!"

She's not even talking to you anymore, just pleading to something that'll never answer her. You don't know if God is real or not, frankly you don't really care. But if they do, you're sure they forsook Humanity the moment Island Iffish turned Sydney into a crater. The only thing that can save mankind now is mankind itself.

And the only person who can save you is you.

"Let's go," you look to Eris, who glances between you and your mother, clearly unsettled.

"…Cybele, are you sure you don't want to talk to her?" she asks quietly, "If you leave things like this-"

"What, you think I'm not coming back either?" you snap at her, irritation grating behind your eyes, "I'll show the both of you. Come on, Sicilia, we have a Gundam to fly."

You head for the locker room to suit up, tuning out the almost primal screams coming from your mother as the soldiers drag her away. She's afraid, you know, but fear won't save this ship. Fear won't protect the people here.

And fear won't kill the bastard who murdered Kaylen.


You will.

---

"Riddhe Marcenas, Banshee, launching!"

"Mort Mallory, GM III, deploying!"

"Eris Kallis, EMF-10F Zudah, here I go!"

"Cybele Naese-"

"Sicilia-"

"-TR-6 Woundwort, go!"

The G Forces push you back into your seat as the Bellerophon's catapult flings your Gundam out of the hangar, the other Mobile Suits receiving similar treatment. Already the Pegasus-class is descending, her deorbit burn finished a couple of minutes ago. Ensign Mort maneuvers to match his trajectory with the Bellerophon, but you, Riddhe, and Eris immediately accelerate in the direction of the oncoming Magellan. None of you can see it yet, but you're still getting a data feed from your ship, and it can see that you're on the proper intercept course.

If you really think about it, you're actually braking right now and lowering your relative speed to the Moon, so in reality the Magellan is just coming to you faster…

It's kind of amazing to think about it, really. Maneuvers like this would have been at best suicidal just a century or two ago. The efficiency and power of thrusters has risen sharply in the last handful of decades… but you guess that's just what war does to technological progress.

"Theo Gataki, Saberfish, taking off!"

Say what now.

Silicia glances backwards, and as she sees the small fighter craft approaching deadpans, "He's not serious, right?"

Eris beats all of you to the punch, immediately shouting.

"Theo! You idiot, what do you think you can do in that antique?!"

Theo huffs, "Jeez, I'm just trying to help, Eris. Besides, it's not like you're flying something new either."

"You'll just get in the way!" your friend counters in irritation, "Come on, Lieutenant, tell him!"

Riddhe doesn't say anything for a few seconds, then asks, "Theo Gataki, stay away from the fighting, but keep within sensor and communications range. Worst case, we may need you to return to the Bellerophon and update them on the situation."

"Thank you, sir!" Theo takes up position alongside your group, "I swear I'll be helpful!"

Eris grumbles something under her breath before adding, "Fine, but if you die, I'm going to kill you, got it Theo?"

"Cut the chatter," Riddhe interrupts the two firmly, but you can hear a bit of frustration from him, "Remember the plan. Cybele, you and I will engage the enemy warship and attempt to draw out their Mobile Suits. Once their Gundams deploy their Funnels, I'll seize control of them. This should create an opening, and you'll attack the ship with your Heat Blade. All the while, Eris, you will keep firing on the Magellan, only stopping when Cybele begins her attack. Everyone, provide spotting data for Eris. That includes you, Theo. Everyone good?"

A chorus of affirmations, and the lot of you throttle up to reach the Magellan a little faster.

Come on baby, come to mommy…

---

It's like an oncoming train, slowly taking up more and more of your cockpit's monitor, and already you're reversing thrust to match relative velocity. It would be bad if you slammed into the ship at orbital speeds, after all. Gundam or not, you'd become roadkill!

"This is Kallis, maintaining distance from target," she states as her Zudah's thrusters burn harder, "Get me that targeting data, you three. I'm counting on you."

Her MS pulls away from the group in the opposite direction of the Federation warship, eventually dropping out of range of visual recognition.

"Gataki reporting, relocating to perimeter of the combat area," Theo's Saberfish pulls up, "Go get them, you two."

"Don't need to tell us," Riddhe's Gundam hefts his Beam Magnum, aiming it downrange, "Shall we give them a knock, Miss Naese? It's only polite, after all."

You grin, crossing the two Jegan rifles over your chest before levelling them towards the enemy. "Let's give them an invite to the fireworks show. You ready, Little Sis?"

"Yep!" Sicilia chimes in from her booster seat as she taps away at her own controls, "Missiles locked! We'll be expending about six."

"Good," you squeeze the trigger, "Go!"


View: https://youtu.be/Pt4mXtc80gs

Riddhe's Beam Magnum roars, the pillar of energy racing downrange. Your beam rifle shots seem to surround it, and the missiles spiral around it all in jerky, halting maneuvers. The beams hit the invisible I-Field in front of the bow of the ship and scatter out into space but the missiles get closer, all but one getting shot down in a hail of Anti-Air fire. That sole missile hits the hull, creating a small explosion but not setting off a reaction.

"I think we got their attention," Riddhe quips as your Suit identifies the silhouettes of two Mobile Suits launching from the enemy ship, too small to make out at this distance.

"I'm closing in, be ready to engage the enemy Gundams when they show up," you push the Woundwort forward, and Riddhe follows. Two more thruster trails can be seen leaving the Magellan. A bit of a delayed reaction, did they not expect you to try this? Apparently not.

Your MS immediately begins trying to identify the enemy MS. Good thing the crew of the Bellerophon updated the OS when you were all refitting the Woundwort. Back at Cascadia, it couldn't recognize the Jegans at all.

The first two MS finally get close enough to be identified. At first they first pop up as Jegans. Then one of them exhibits two flashes from the shoulder, and the HUD immediately changes the designation.

Stark Jegan.

"Break!" Riddhe calls out, and the two of you burn in opposite directions. A few seconds later, there's a couple of detonations in front where you just were, and the space fills with shrapnel. The Stark Jegan changes course, going for you.

Oh, they're going to regret that.

"Brace yourself!" you switch to Mobile Armor mode and go full thrust, strafing relative to the enemy. It leads you and fires another two missiles. You swap back to MS mode and quickly spin 180, the extreme maneuver only possible because of AMBAC. The entire Gundam groans around you at the stress, and both you and Sicilia are pressed into your seats. You switch back to MA mode, then thrust in the other direction. The Stark Jegan's missiles miss.

"They've only got two more!" you reorient towards them and Sicilia locks ten missiles onto them as she adds, "They won't get to use them! Firing!"

The missiles streak from their racks, the spent racks ejecting immediately afterwards. The Federation pilot tries to change position, but is just a bit too slow and the missiles hit their legs, blowing them clean off and sending them into a spin. You switch back to MS mode.

"There!" you level your rifles at them and fire. Glowing bolts tear into the Stark Jegan, detonating their reactor. The battlefield is awash in light and fire. Off to the side, you see the other Jegan struggling to track Riddhe as he systematically dismembers the MS. Already it's down to its right arm as it comically waves a Beam Saber in an attempt to hit the much-faster Banshee.

Killing intent, direct left. You kick the Woundwort into reverse and the space you just occupied is pierced by a powerful beam. The ReZEL hefts a Mega Beam Launcher, aiming again in your direction. You spin to face it.

Stowing your Beam Rifles and grabbing the Shield Booster off your back, you activate the I-Field and block the next shot. As soon as the beam cuts off you aim your own Long Beam Rifle and fire. They jink to the side. A miss. You grab one of the Jegan Beam Rifles back out with your off-hand and fire again, this time using the Jegan rifle to box them in, and the Long Rifle to nail them in the shoulder. An explosion sends them spinning and your next shot tears their backpack clean off. Uncontrolled, they begin to fall away. Time to switch targets.

The Magellan finally opens up with its AA guns, filling the space around it with beam fire. Pretty inaccurate though, you're more than capable of avoiding this much.

Then it catches your eye. That distinct shade of blue as it emerges from the Federation warship, accompanied by a white blur.

"Found you," you scowl, "Riddhe, the Gundams have come out!"

Finishing off the last other MS, the Banshee moves to join you. As it does, you spot a blur. It only appears for a millisecond on your screen, then it's gone. An explosion on the Magellan, near the bow.

"Eris, you're doing great, just keep that up!" you transmit her the results of her shot, then reposition your Shield Booster and dual wield the Beam Rifles again, "Now it's my turn."

You unload in the Nu's direction, making sure he can't maneuver as he'd like. He fires back, forcing you to move. The two of you begin a strange sort of dance, dodging the others beams as you each shoot in turn. Your second rifle runs dry, and you start to put it away before Sicilia fires a few missiles and forces the Nu to dodge those. Chance. You throw the spent rifle at him at shoot it as it passes.

The detonation throws him off course, and you sense a bit of panic from him. Good, you're going to take your sweet time with this. The Fin Funnels on his back detach and flit out. There it is!

"Lieutenant!" you shout, preparing for it, "Now!"

Nearby, as Riddhe fights his own duel against the Gundam Delta Kai, he backs off and executes the trap. There's an almost intrusive Pressure that comes off of the Banshee, and both the Fin Funnels and the Proto Fin Funnels immediately begin moving around erratically. So Riddhe really can't control that many Funnels, but at least he took them out of action! The Delta Kai and MP Nu seemed momentarily shocked, so much so that Riddhe even closes the gap between the two and forces them into close quarters combat.

Another explosion on the Magellan. Eris is dialing in her shots, this one was closer to a turret. They haven't started to decelerate yet, maybe they need a bit more prompting!

"I'll get to you later," you glare at the MP Nu, "but you can watch as I sink your ship!"

Sicilia lets out an excited shout as you rush past the Nu and slam your Heat Blade into where you remember the Magellan's CIC as being located. The Heat Blade cuts deep, but just to be sure, you convert it to Claw mode and tear off a huge swath of armor! Now, switch to beam mode and-!

"I won't let you!" the boy in the Nu shouts, his voice transmitted through optical again. You have a moment to brace before he full on tackles you off the Magellan, the two of you tumbling in front of it.

"Are you that determined to kill everyone on our ship?!" he shouts, angry and aggrieved. You just laugh bitterly.

"Yeah, maybe I am!" you punch his Nu in the face a couple of times for good measure, even as he kicks the thighs of your Woundwort, "It'll be just a taste of what you did to my colony!"

The Vulcans on his head blaze, and one of your Cross-Binder wings is blown off. You fire your own Head Vulcans in kind, and a few of his cameras shatter. The two of you focus in on each other, your rage growing until you can clearly feel the fury of the other.

Then the two of you sense it. Danger. You turn at the same time to see it. The Magellan has accelerated, and that bow is seconds away from introducing itself to the two of you at an alarming speed. You both try to pull away, but you're tangled up.

You and Sicilia scream as the impact jars the Gundam, violently throwing you and the MP Nu apart. On your displays, warnings blare as the systems reports the destruction of many of the additions you just installed. There's no way you're going down like this! Quickly you purge the damaged components, leaving you with only half of a Cross-Binder and the ReZEL thrusters. Now lightened, the Woundwort steadies itself easily.

"Cybele, look!" Little Sis points up at the Magellan as it rushes past overhead, overtaking all four of you.

"Um, guys?" Eris's voice comes across, staticky and uneasy, "It's not getting farther away. It's getting closer!"

Before you can boost back up to stop the warship, you're forced to raise your Heat Blade and block the Nu's Beam Saber. The two weapons spark angrily against each other.

"Get out of our way!" you kick his Gundam back and try to throttle up, but the fuel display flashes red. You're bingo on fuel. If you don't start heading back now, you won't be able to land on the Bellerophon.

…

Well, lucky for you that you can still land. Gravity is nice like that, you'll admit.

"If that ship gets to the Bellerophon, everyone will be in trouble!" Sicilia pulls up some orbital trajectory predictions, showing that if the Magellan continues on its course, it'll make contact with your ship sooner than expected, "We should head back, Sis!"

You should. Eris might need your help. Who knows what Theo might do, that guy might get himself killed.

Still… the boy who killed your brother is right here. No Rifle (he lost that when the Magellan rammed the two of you), no Fin Funnels, no Beam-Cannon Shield. All he's got is a Beam Saber that, most of the time, can't land proper hits… unless he slips under your I-Field somehow. Regardless, now is the best time to finish him off. If you try, though, you'll never make it back to the Bellerophon under your own power. Even though you have Plasma Jets linked straight to your Reactor, they can't provide sufficient thrust to correct your orbit to the degree needed.

You… You wish you could be selfish right now. You want to be. What would Kaylen say if he could tell you what to do?

---

[] He'd tell you to go save your friends, to go save your mother. Avenging him can wait.

[] What your brother would say is irrelevant. You desire vengeance.

[] Ask Sicilia if she has any Newtype tricks up her sleeves and let her take the controls. If she was some kind of Neo-Zeon CyberNewtype, then surely she can make better use of this Suit than you could! Maybe she could let you have your cake and eat it too!

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X] He'd tell you to go save your friends, to go save your mother. Avenging him can wait.

… If Kaylen were here, he'd sat that avenging him could wait. Go save your friends and your mother.

Tch.

"Hang in there Eris, Theo, I'm on my way," you switch over to MA mode for increased thrust, "Sorry, dog, I'll have to put you down another day."

"Wait!" he boosts forward, trying to grab you but you successfully accelerate out of his reach and towards the Magellan. He won't be able to catch up, although he's trying to.

"I'll be right there," Riddhe says as you near his fight, "Just let me finish this up!"

Nearby, you notice the hijacked Funnels from earlier still erratically moving about. How many did he say he could handle? Five? You lock onto the Proto-Fin Funnels and blast them, then shoot down the excess Fin Funnels. There, five. They immediately stabilize and zip towards the fight.

The Banshee and Delta Kai are locked saber to saber. The Banshee lashes out with a kick, pushing the Delta Kai back. The Federation Gundam starts to emit some kind of blue flame from its joints, but before it can do whatever that was, the hijacked Fin Funnels start to tear into him. Within seconds all the limbs are off, and one shot lands on the backpack. There's a secondary explosion, and it starts to fall.

"Commander!" The Nu breaks off his pursuit and heads for the Delta Kai. Looks like those two are out of the picture.

Riddhe lets the Fin Funnels fall away and links up with you. He grabs onto your Woundwort and uses you as a subflight system, adding his own thrusters to lessen the extra load he's placing onto you.

"I didn't think they'd accelerate," Riddhe's face appears on your monitor as he establishes a video feed, "They're making some pretty severe course corrections too."

"Yeah, this is worrying," you pull up the projected trajectory of the Magellan, "For an approach to a city, this is nuts… unless they're trying to arrive before the Bellerophon."

Riddhe frowns, running his own projections before sending the data to you, "If they keep this up, they will definitely arrive before our ship. Then they can shoot our ship down as it descends."

"Not good…" you mutter, before noticing the shape of the Magellan's orbit. It just keeps accelerating, and although their periapsis is still low over Von Braun their apoapsis keeps rising… and rising… rushing right past high lunar orbit until it's-

"…Oh wow." You giggle incredulously, "What are they even doing… Lieutenant, are you seeing this?"

"…I… I am…" he answers, his expression utterly dumbfounded, "Did they just achieve Lunar escape velocity?"

"They did!" Sicilia pipes up, "Look, they've stopped accelerating!"

She's right, they've stopped, and their trajectory takes them right out of Lunar orbit and into a weird high Earth orbit… that may or may not hit the atmosphere.

"The G forces when they decelerate are going to be brutal." Riddhe remarks, "They must really not want us to land."

"…when they decelerate…" you repeat under your breath, and it strikes you. A grin slowly widens on your face, "…that is, Lieutenant, if they decelerate. Do you get my meaning?"

Riddhe nods, "I get it. Let's hit them."

Sicilia cheers as she warms up the Heat Blade, and you increase thrust to catch up with the Magellan sooner.

"Eris, Theo!" you call out to the two, "On us! We're hitting the engines!"

"Affirmative!" Eris replies, "I'm not having any luck hitting the front anyways, I think they added more armor."

Riddhe releases his grip and begins his own attack run. You switch back to MS mode and do so as well. Two distinct drive plumes can be seen approaching from different angles, most likely Theo and Eris. The Magellan opens up with its AA defenses, the hail of low-power Beam shots missing but still enough to make you do some basic evasive maneuvers.

Eris is the first to strike. You see two flashes from her rifle, and there are two small bursts of metal debris as the rounds tear deep into the uppermost right engine. The blue glow of the thruster immediately gutters out, and it instead spews red flames. A couple of secondary explosions sends the engine's guts flying out into space.

Theo fires off all his Saberfish's missiles and rides in with them, only pulling away at the last second. All six missiles hit the uppermost left engine, and the thruster dies. It didn't explode, though, so it was probably only enough damage to trigger an emergency shutoff. Riddhe ensures it never turns on again when he hits it with four AP rounds from his Revolving Launcher, the glowing munitions punching deep into the engine and blowing it apart the next second.

The bottom left engine is yours, and with no small amount of exhilaration you rip into it with Heat Blade and Claw, When the vulnerable guts of the thruster inside are exposed, you fire into it with the Claw's Beam Gun. The resulting explosion basically shatters it, leaving the Magellan with only one main thruster left!

"Good, they won't be able to decelerate in time with only one main thruster," Riddhe sighs with relief, his Banshee backing off, "They'll overshoot Von Braun entirely."

He's stopping there? You scowl. No way. These bastards massacred your colony, and Riddhe thinks that he can just let them go? Not on your life! With a scream, you deploy your Heat Blade again and start tearing into the fourth and last engine.

"Cybele! What are you doing?!" Riddhe grabs onto your arm, "Without that, they could enter an unstable orbit! They might even crash into the atmosphere!"

"Yeah," you snarl, "That's the point!"

You break free from his grasp and plunge the Heat Blade into the engine, and another burst of flame signals the death of the Magellan's last thruster. You pull back, putting distance between you and the Magellan. Seeing it trailing flames, smoke, and debris feels kind of satisfying.

"So, lithobraking or aerobraking?" you chuckle, "What's it gonna be, fellas?"

Your group links back up, beginning the return trip to the Bellerophon. Riddhe grabs onto the Woundwort's arm and his face appears on the monitor. He looks horrified.

"Cybele, what have you done?" he stares at you accusingly, "We didn't need to go that far! Do you realize how many people might die now?!"

"I do realize," you answer, still giddy at the satisfaction of enacting some vengeance for Island Cascadia, "In fact, I'm betting on it. I hope every last soul on that ship dies. They all need to face justice for what they did to my home."

"Cybele, most of the crew on board Federation ships are just enlisted service members," he continues, his outrage growing, "They had nothing to do with what happened to your home! It's awful, yes, but blaming their janitor isn't going to bring back your colony! What would your brother think of you?"

You give Riddhe a cold glare, "Don't you put words in my brother's mouth. Don't you dare do that, ever. And I'll blame their goddamn janitor if I want to. So what if most of the people aboard that ship were just regular men and women? I don't even care if they were drafted! Did they stop the Federation from razing my home? From slaughtering my friends, neighbors, and family? No! I don't see why I should extend to them the respect they won't even give me."

The Magellan's maneuvering thrusters roar to life at full power, and the ship begins to dive slowly. Their course correction is slow, but if they keep this up they'll probably crash just as they pass the city's No-Fire zone.

Eris whistles, "Looks like they've made their choice, Cybele. That's going to be one rough landing."

"All those people…" Theo mutters, "Did we really need to do that?"

You should answer that, but you don't. The excitement is wearing off a bit. His words cut a bit deeper than you thought they would.

"…What's done is done," Riddhe shakes his head in disappointment, "but we're going to talk about this later."

"Sure." You dismissively look away, "We saved everyone on the Bellerophon. That's all I care about."

He bites back whatever retort he was going to say, and just cuts the video feed.

You run out of fuel about halfway back, but Eris gives you a boost, and you still have your Plasma Jets. Thank god for those, and that the main engine on the Zudah is so freakishly overpowered, or else you'd have to walk to Von Bruan!

---

By the time you land back at the Bellerophon, it's already begun its descent into Von Braun's spaceport. The four of you land on the top of the hangar and ride it down through the gates. Riddhe gives the Captain his report privately over comms, and you can't help but worry a bit. What is he going to say about you?

"Hey, Big Sis," Sicilia touches your arm comfortingly with a smile, "It's okay, we won! We should celebrate!"

You give her a pat on the head, "Yeah, you did a great job, we totally should do something to celebrate."

"Oh! Oh, I know!" she practically bounces in her seat with excitement, "Are there parfaits in Von Braun?"

"I'm sure there's at least one parfait place here," you can't help but laugh a little at her behavior. She really is just a kid, huh? Sure, she can get unnervingly serious when it comes to Mobile Suits, but that must be whatever CyberNewtype shit Neo Zeon did to her. At heart, she really is just a little girl.

As the Bellerophon enters port, you whistle in appreciation at the sheer size of this dock. Such a high ceiling, this waste of space wouldn't be seen in a colony! But the dock itself is pretty large, big enough to hold six warships. And it looks like it's almost full to capacity. There's an old Columbus being used as a civilian freighter, an old Gwazine from the Republic of Zeon, and… a Clop in Federation colors.

"Um, Captain?" you open a line to the Bellerophon's bridge, "Are you seeing that?"

"Relax, Cybele," Sarina replies promptly, "Von Braun is a neutral city. The Feds won't start anything here. Likewise, don't you instigate anything either. The city authorities are pretty strict on the matter."

You nod. Wouldn't do to piss off the cops. You'll behave so long as those Feddie scum do as well.

"No way…" Eris gasps, pointing to another ship as it comes into view, "Cybele! Look!"

What's got her all excited? You zoom in on the ship she's pointing at and… oh, very nice.

"An old Agarma-class," you look over the ship, bow to stern, "Haven't seen one of those in a while. It's got civilian markings, but it still has the guns. Cool."

"No no, you're looking at the wrong thing!" she points again, "The name, look at the name!"

You zoom in on the registration markings on the side. You squint. No fucking way.

"…Agarma. The Agarma?" You scrutinize the ship again, "Wasn't that thing sold for scrap a while back?"

You remember the event. It was about five years ago. Didn't receive much news coverage, but among Military Hardware Enthusiasts it was really big news. The Earth Federation was selling the Agarma for scrap. While it had been repaired and refit by Karaba during the First Neo Zeon War and subsequently got absorbed by the Federation Armed Forces, the damage to the spaceframe was deemed too severe, and so it was retired. Rather than making it a museum piece or a memorial, the Feds decided to sell it to the scrapyards. A historical preservation society tried to scrape together the funds to buy it, but some salvage company out of Shangri-La outbid everyone. From there, news about that ship kind of just dried up.

"Well damn," you laugh at how excited Eris is getting, "Maybe you should head over there! They're flying a museum piece, you're flying a museum piece, I bet the lot of you would get along nicely."

"Heh, maybe I will!" she replies, and you can almost see her Zudah shaking with excitement.

…

Oh, no, that's just the ship slowing itself for landing.

With a shudder, the Bellerophon sets down.

At long last, you're safe. Temporarily, but safe all the same.

You let out a long sigh, the tension flowing out of you, and slump in your seat. The past two days have been… awful.

You place your head in your hands, close your eyes, and just clear your mind. Maybe you and Sicilia can go have some fun? Would your mother want to come along? Will your mother forgive you for taking such risks?

You… You hope so.

---

The hangars of the Bellerophon are awash with activity. City officials are going through the refugees, getting paperwork sorted for everyone who wants to disembark. Some Londo Bell personnel from the local branch are bringing in supplies and a few of the ship engineers are talking with them about ship maintenance.

You look around, but your mother's nowhere to be seen. Sicilia helps you look around for a bit, but eventually Captain Sarina shows up and motions you over.

"You better come with me," she whispers. Your heart freezes in your chest. Did something happen to your mother?

The trip through the ship is nerve-wracking, and your fears become reality as Sarina leads you to the Medbay. Your mother is sitting upright in one of the beds, but she's staring off blankly into the distance. She doesn't acknowledge you as you enter.

"She had a breakdown after you left," the Captain says quietly with a somber tone, "she was hysterical to the point that one of the soldiers sedated her. When she woke up, she was like… this."

You rush to her bedside, "Mom? Mom, it's me, Cybele!"

She blinks, slowly turning to look at you. She smiles, but her eyes are still unfocused, like she's looking through you.

"…Cybele… my baby girl… have you seen your father?" her voice is soft, almost frail, "He probably went out with Kaylen… you know how your father loves to take him out into the city…"

Why… Why is she talking about them like that?

"Mom… I'm…"

"Please… tell them to come home soon?" She continues like you didn't say anything, "Your father probably lost track of time again…"

You reach out and take her hand. She doesn't give any indication that she feels it.

"I'm sorry, Mom," you lean close, hugging her tightly, "I didn't mean for this to happen. I was just… I was just trying to protect you."

Lie. You were chasing vengeance.

She doesn't move to reciprocate, and you eventually let her go. She just goes back to staring blankly at the wall, muttering something indiscernible to herself, like a conversation with the air.

The Captain leads you back out of the room, and you shut the door behind you.

"What happened?" you ask quietly, not daring to raise your voice lest your grief escape from your chest.

"I'm not a doctor or a psychiatrist, but… I've seen this before, or something similar," she sighs, gaze distant, "My uncle had a family, they lived on Island Iffish at Loum before the war. He was away on a business trip when… well, you know what I'm talking about."

She closes her eyes, the painful memory twisting her features, "He used to be such a cheerful, open guy. Always took me and my sisters out for ice cream when he visited. After the colony drop, he came to live with us, but the man who arrived at our house… he was barely a shadow of himself. At first he was withdrawn, spent all his time in bed, usually crying. Then he just went into denial, started talking to his wife and our cousins like they were still there. Stopped responding to us entirely. He was living in his own delusion. He passed away just a couple of years ago."

"Yes, but… I'm here!" you choke back a sob, clutching your hand to your chest, "I'm still here, aren't I? I'm not dead! I was just leaving for a short while, I wasn't going off to die!"

Sarina just shakes her head sadly, "I'm sorry, I wish I could say more. But she clearly needs help. We can set you up here with a doctor if you want to stay in Von Braun but we have an expert in Londenion who has personal experience with mental trauma, if you're willing to stay with us."

You… You need to think about it. You mumble as much before pushing past her and staggering down the hallways towards your room.

The door slides open and Sicilia says something to you. You don't hear her. You shut the bathroom door behind you and lock it. She's still talking, and hitting the door, but you aren't listening. Clutching your arms together you slump against the bathroom wall and slide to the ground, this feeling of despair rising up in your throat.

Don't break down. Don't cry. You can't. You won't. You…

You scream. Grief, Fear, Despair, it's all there, pouring over you.

It's all you are now.

---

…

You don't know when Sicilia overrode the door. You don't know when she dragged you into bed.

What a strong little girl.

You stare at the ceiling for a long time. Your Little Sis is really worried about you. You mumble some words, enough to reassure her that you aren't comatose like your mother. You're still here… although you wish you weren't.

If only that Blue Hound hadn't killed your brother.

If only he'd taken you instead.

Your older brother would have known what to do, how to act, how to handle the loss. He's always been the strong one. Isn't that right, Kaylen?

You… You couldn't even take care of your own mother. What kind of daughter are you?

Sicilia eventually leaves to go get some food. She doesn't come back. Good. Better to stay away from you. You just want to disappear.

The clock says that half a day has gone by when the door chimes, and it opens after you don't answer.

"…Cybele?" Captain Sarina steps inside, "Are you alright?"

"…No," you shake your head slowly, "but that doesn't matter, does it?"

"Maybe it does," a new voice cuts in, an older male, maybe mid-30s or early 40s with short cropped light brown hair, somewhat sharp features, and wearing an immaculate business suit with an Anaheim pin steps in after Sarina, "it depends on whether you're in any state to make a deal."

You finally turn to look at them. He nods in greeting, although he's looking down at you. You can see it in his eyes.

"My name is Wong Lee, I'm with Anaheim Electronics." He introduces himself, "I would like to welcome you to Von Braun, and if you have the time I would like to discuss a potential business arrangement with you."

"…What?" you finally sit up at the sheer incredulity of that statement, "I'm a penniless kid from a colony that just got reduced to space dust. What could I possibly do for Anaheim Electronics?"

Wong Lee frowns slightly, "It's not about what you can do, Ms. Naese, it's what you have in your possession."

"That Gundam you have, the TR-6, we wish to purchase it from you. It's the only known intact example in the Earth Sphere. I was surprised to hear that a child was the owner of such a Mobile Suit, but as the Captain here has informed me," he takes a moment to glare at Sarina, "the TR-6 is legally yours by right of salvage, minus the horrid… modifications you made to it. I am authorized to negotiate the selling price if you-"

"No," you cut him off, "The Woundwort is not for sale. It's mine."

You… You feel oddly attached to it. In a similar way that you feel attached to Sicilia. A person and an object you met just days ago, and yet it feels like you've known them forever.

"…Very well," Wong Lee looks rather disappointed, "I have an alternative proposal, then. The Woundwort is a singular example of revolutionary technologies that we thought were lost to time. It would be a shame if it was destroyed without its design studied. So, if you will allow an Anaheim technician to accompany you and study your Mobile Suit, we will lend them to you as a mechanic for the TR-6 as well."

That… That is actually a good offer. You spend a good minute thinking about that. It's a great deal, but…

"…I want more," you finally answer him, "Give me something else in addition to that and I'll agree."

His frown deepens, "As I said, I can negotiate, but there are limits. This is already a very generous offer."

"Generous maybe, but you said the TR-6 is a one-of-a-kind, right?" you grin slightly at him, "I bet there are a lot of people who would jump at getting to work on and study my Gundam, with their reward being whatever engineering marvels it has. So why should I give the privilege of studying the Woundwort to Anaheim?"

Wong's eyebrow twitches. Got him.

"What," he clenches his fist, seemingly restraining himself from becoming violent, "did you have in mind?"

"What indeed?" you smile, feeling a whole lot better than you did minutes ago, "Well…"

---

[][Deal] You want your pick of equipment to add to the TR-6 out of Anaheim's catalog. Nothing illegal, of course, but price shouldn't be an issue.

[][Deal] Theo is flying a Saberfish right now. Eris is piloting a museum piece. That won't do. Your friends get their pick from Anaheim's lineup of MS.

[][Deal] Psychoframe Cockpit. Gimme.

[][Deal] Anaheim Electronics sold a Mass Production Nu Gundam to the Federation. You want any backdoor codes to that Mobile Suit that they have.

---

Still riding your high off of wringing that sweet deal out of that Anaheim suit, you decided to go into the city with Sicilia to grab some parfaits. The local tourism bureau was more than happy to recommend a few places! Sadly Theo and Eris declined to come with. Apparently the Agarma is owned by heroes from the First Neo Zeon War, and your friends are palling it up with them. Interesting, but you did promise Sicilia parfaits, so…

As the two of you walk down a busy street, you can't help but notice the… unusual individuals mixed into the crowd. A Federation uniform there, Londo Bell here, Republic of Zeon over there… it's so strange to see them all together here in this time of strife.

Well, you suppose people are just people, at the end of the day.

You're about halfway to the shop when you run into a crowd gathered in front of a large television screen hung on the side of a building. They're all watching with mixed reactions of curiosity, horror, and elation. On the screen is a blonde woman with short hair cropped at the neck and eyes of deep blue. In her early 30s at the most, she's speaking animatedly on a podium, dressed in a red version of a Zeon official's uniform… Huh, she reminds you of-

"Big Sis, I can't see!" Sicilia reaches up, and you pick her up to rest her on your shoulders. Together, you watch the broadcast.

"-years the Federation has promised peace and stability. And yet their actions prove their dishonest intent." She speaks somberly, gravely, her words weighed with passion and mourning, "Even now, we learned of the atrocities committed at Island Cascadia, the last surviving colony of Loum. The refugees arrived at Von Braun just yesterday, and their stories chill the soul. Millions dead, slaughtered without reason or rationale. They were not the collateral damage of a battle, they were deliberately targeted and exterminated! Mothers, Fathers, Children, Infants all wiped out! And for what?! Millions of innocents die at the hands of our oppressors, how can we be content to just let this happen? Is this the world we want to leave to our children?!"

She falls silent, shaking her head slowly.

"No. It is not… Like a good friend of mine, I wanted to believe in Humanity. I still do, but also as a Human Being I can no longer stand by and do nothing when I know it is within my power to affect change. It is within my power, within our power, to end this cycle of hatred!" The roar of a crowd can be heard from the broadcast. The woman lets it run its course.

"My brother knew the power of our name when he assumed the mantle of Zeon. It's a heavy burden, and one that I do not assume lightly. I take no joy in this, but there are things that must be done. May my father forgive me for using his name once more when it already has been abused by so many, but I do this so that future generations may not suffer as we have."

Wait, her brother? Zeon? Her father? No. That eye color, that hair, she can't be-

"As daughter of Zeon Zum Deikun, I, Artesia Som Deikun, hereby accept the position of Prime Minister of the Republic of Zeon. From this day forth, we proclaim our complete independence from the Federation! We will harbor all refugees from the Federation's tyrannical rule! Newtypes may find safe haven in our borders! We do not desire war with the Federation, but if we are challenged, we will respond with force!" She raises her hand in a Zeon salute, and you notice that she hesitates for just a moment, "For the freedom of all Spacenoids, and for a brighter future for Humanity, Sieg Zeon!"

The chant is repeated through the broadcast, and the crowd around you starts to mutter and argue.

"-Can't be, Deikun's daughter?"

"-probably a fake."

"There wasn't even an election, I heard it was a straight up coup!"

"-Federation won't stand for this."

"Just another fucking Zabi!"

"Sieg Zeon!"

That… That wasn't from the broadcast. You look up, and see Sicilia fixated on the screen, her arm raised in salute.

"Sieg Zeon!" she shouts, drawing the attention of everyone around you, "Sieg Zeon!"

Everyone is staring. Many of them are unkind. There are a few who are looking at her with respect though. A man in a worn military jacket raises his own arm.

"Sieg Zeon!" he cries out, looking around and motioning for others to follow him, "Sieg Zeon!"

"Zeon bastards!" a Federation soldier grabs the man by his shirt. Another man grabs him off and throws him to the ground.

"You Fed pigs are all the same! Fuck you!"

"Get off him you Zeek!"

"Sieg Zeon! Sieg-!"

"Let go of me! I said-!"

Sicilia is still chanting. The crowd is turning violent, turning on each other. It's only a matter of time before you get pulled into it, but for the moment people are choosing to stare at the pile of men tearing at each other's faces.

---

[][Riot] Run. Von Braun enforces neutrality. This won't end well.


[][Riot] Fight.
-[] Side with the Zeon rioters.
-[] Side with the Federation rioters.


[][Riot] Hide. You need to get Sicilia out of the spotlight, ASAP.

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X][Deal] Theo is flying a Saberfish right now. Eris is piloting a museum piece. That won't do. Your friends get their pick from Anaheim's lineup of MS.

"…my friends aren't exactly flying anything you would describe as 'new'. I'd like for them to pick out one Mobile Suit each from your lineup that we can take with us and use. Spare parts included, of course."

Wong Lee raises an eyebrow, "Pick one out? If you are with Londo Bell, then you can just place an order-"

"No," you cut him off sharply, "Not from your mass production line. I'm talking about your prototypes, your high-performance limited production MS. Those. We want machines with personality."

"That's-!" he starts to snap back, before pausing and considering your proposal. Surprisingly, he eventually nods with a neutral expression.

"That can be arranged. It just so happens that we have a number of such Mobile Suits in storage here at our Von Braun facility. If you go there this evening, I can arrange for you and your friends to see our… selection."

The two of you shake on it, and you can't help but notice that he squeezes a bit harder than needed. You try to outdo him, but as much as you hate to admit it your grip strength isn't great.

"After you take delivery of your new Mobile Suits, our technician will arrive here. I trust you will allow them full access to your TR-6?"

"Of course," you force a smile, hiding the reflexive wince from his grip. Ouch.

You stick your tongue out at him as he leaves, making sure he doesn't see. You really don't like him, but this is a good deal for you! You had no intention of learning how the Woundwort was built anyways, so it's not like you were going to monetize its design.

… Although you do suppose it would be bad if later Anaheim began to mass produce the TR-6. Oh well. The design itself is nice, but it's not like the thing has the power to commit major atrocities or anything like that. Ha! You giggle to yourself thinking of your little Woundwort as having the power to level cities. Ridiculous.

---

[X][Riot] Hide. You need to get Sicilia out of the spotlight, ASAP.

You have no intention of getting dragged into a riot! You quickly drop Sicilia into your arms and head away from the fighting, weaving through the crowd. Thankfully she stopped chanting the moment you lowered her from your shoulders, and now she just looks like she's shaking off a dizzy spell.

"Sicilia, hang on!" You barge through the edge of the crowd, the shouting growing louder behind you as you duck into a back alley. Looks like you made the right choice, you're hearing screams now.

You set Little Sis down on the ground and snap your fingers in front of her face. She blinks.

"…Big Sis?" She looks around in confusion, "I thought we were watching the TV. Why are people shouting?"

She really doesn't remember? Maybe once you get to Londenion you should have that doctor look at Sicilia too. Maybe he knows something about Neo Zeon's CyberNewtype conditioning methods.

You lead her away from the riot as calmly as possible, and as you do a large demilitarized RTX-65 Guntank painted in Police colors rumbles past you towards the riot, blaring something from its PA about dispersing. Guess you were right to leave.

That parfait will have to wait.

---

"You can call me Carlos," the scruffy bespectacled young man, an Anaheim employee, says as he guides the four of you through the large security gate into one of the corporation's many warehouses, "and I'm the Supervisor of this storage facility, although I prefer to think of myself as a Museum Curator."

He shuts the gate behind you and flicks on the lights. Massive floodlamps flicker on, illuminating row after row of Mobile Suits, each one unique and distinct from each other.

"Oh. My. God." Eris gapes, pointing wildly at a golden Mobile Suit, "Is that the Hyaku Shiki?!"

"The spare, technically," Carlos answers smugly, "but yes."

He goes on about the history of the various MS as you pass them, Eris fawning over each and every one. It's like a hall of fame in here. You recognize many of the Gundam models here. They all played a role in major conflicts since the One Year War. There are even a ton of prototypes that you never even knew existed!

"I've never seen so many Gundams in one place before!" Eris gushes excitedly, running from MS to MS, "Oooh, which one should I pick?"

You smirk, calling out to her, "Something designed in the last decade, please. We're not trying to swap out your museum piece for another one."

"Technically these are all museum pieces," Carlos proudly corrects you. Theo looks to him as he says that.

"Even this one?" your friend points to what looks like an RB-79 with a giant Gundam faceplate welded out of scrap metal.

"…Even that one," your Anaheim guide cringes as he looks at it, "Let's move on, though. I doubt you want or care about that one."

As you move onto the next row, Sicilia spots one giant green MS and runs over to it. It's a big one, like a chunky Zaku with four large wings. Are those Funnels on the underside?

Little Sis seems enraptured by the thing, and Carlos notices.

"Ah, taking note of the NZ-666, are you? Sadly we can't claim credit for this design. We were, however, commissioned to make replacement parts for it. What you see here are all those replacement parts assembled together, minus the cockpit. It's non-functional as a result. The customer failed to take delivery of it before the Mobile Suit in question was destroyed, so… here it sits."

Amazing. This MS seems to radiate power from its design… but if it's missing its cockpit, then it really is just a hunk of metal. You wonder why Anaheim didn't make a spare cockpit?

"Oh! Carlos, what's this one?!" Eris calls him over. You and Theo follow.

Your friend gestures to a large Gundam painted in bright red with black highlights. Rising above its shoulders are two large Beam Cannons, somewhat reminiscent of a One Year War Guncannon but slimmer.

"Ah, you have a good eye, young lady," Carlos nods in appreciation, "That, my friends, is a Mk.III Gundam. We call it 'Unit 8'. It was a custom order, but the client didn't take delivery. So, again, it languishes here."

"Who was it for?" Theo asks, and Carlos looks at him as if he were stupid.

"…No way," you look back at Unit 8, the significance of the red paint job hitting you, "Don't tell me this Mobile Suit was meant for-!"

"Char-Freaking-Aznable?!" Eris finishes, practically giddy, "The Red Comet? This Mobile Suit was meant for him?!"

"I mean, he was going by Quattro Bajeena at the time," Carlos smirks haughtily, "but yes. We were indeed making a personalized Mobile Suit for the Red Comet. Technically we have three times. His Rick Dias, the Hyaku Shiki, and the Sazabi."

Eris looks back at the Mobile Suit with immeasurable awe.

"Mine," she walks forward and places her hand against the foot, "This one is mine."

Carlos chuckles, "Looking to be the next Red Comet, miss? Are you sure you don't want one of our newer models?"

Eris wraps her arms around the foot, eyes practically sparkling, "I've never wanted anything in my life more than I've wanted this Mobile Suit. Give me."

"Alright, we'll have it sent to your ship then." He nods, then looks at Theo, "And how about you, young man? Any of these wonderful marvels of engineering catch your eye?"

Theo looks around, then stops on one tall white Mobile Suit.

"Um," he looks up at it, "Isn't this… Full Frontal's Suit?"

You do a double take, but Theo is right. It's white, the head ornamentation is different and... well, there's a lot that's different, but it's definitely a Sinanju. You recognize the basic design from old propaganda vids the Sleeves used to put out.

"Ah, the Sinanju Stein…" Carlos nods, eagerly adding, "Would you like to take this one home? I don't suppose I need to expound upon the properties of this Mobile Suit. If you're familiar with Full Frontal, you already know what it can do."

You give him a side glance, "Eager to get rid of it?"

He laughs awkwardly, "Well, you know, not a whole lot of buyers for this thing!"

You suspect that that's not all there is to it, but you let him off with just that. This is good.

As Carlos has Theo and Eris sign some paperwork, you go back to Sicilia, who's still staring at the NZ-666.

"You sure you don't want something, Sicilia?" you ask her, "We're probably doing them a favor, taking these anyways. They'd just be taking up storage space otherwise."

From what you can tell, most of the Mobile Suits in here are too customized, too old, too bizarre, or too useless to ever find a buyer. You can see that basic maintenance has been done on them too… must be quite the money sink. Someone in corporate is a bit of a pack rat.

Either that or these are still here in case the opportunity to reuse them ever arises.

"… I'm good," Sicilia shakes her head, "Maybe later. I like flying with you, Big Sis."

"And we're done!" Carlos announces as he stows the papers away in his bag, "Ms. Naese, we'll have these two Mobile Suits delivered to you at your ship's berth, and accompanying them will be the technician that you discussed with Mr. Lee."

You briefly shake his hand but before you can let go, he pulls you in closer.

"Take care of these Mobile Suits, you hear?" He whispers, "I hate it when our clients abuse our products."

"…They're literally war machines," you reply, miffed, "We're definitely going to get damage that we can't buff out."

He just smiles and lets go of your hand. It's official, this guy is a bit of a nutcase.

---

As the four of you head back towards the port, Eris suddenly suggests something.

"Oh, hey Cybele, you have got to come with us to meet the crew of the Agarma," she says with a sparkle in her eye, "You're going to flip when you find out who they are!"

"Unless it's Char and Amuro arisen from the grave, I doubt that." You reply in deadpan.

"Not quite, but they're war heroes all the same," she insists, "Even Theo was fanboying over them!"

He bristles indignantly, "I was not! And you were freaking out just as much!"

Who are these people? Well, you suppose it could be anybody, really. You aren't too well versed on famous pilots outside of Amuro Ray, Char Aznable, Kamille Bidan, and…. What was his name again? Judy Ashtray?

"I don't know, I was going to try and get a parfait with Sicilia," you pat your Little Sis on the head, "We tried to get one earlier, but kind of ran into a crowd."

And incited said crowd into a riot. That too.

"Come on, please?" Eris playfully begs you, "I promise, you won't regret it! Who knows, maybe they have some parfait on their ship that they'd be willing to share? You won't know till you go!"

---

[] The parfait has waited long enough. It is time to partake of parfait.

[] Fine, you might as well see who's got Eris so excited.


Author's Note: Informational Posts updated with your friends' new Mobile Suits.

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X] Fine, you might as well see who's got Eris so excited.

The Agarma isn't really what you envisioned it to be. Granted, most of the footage the AEUG ever released was from the Gryps War. From a distance, it still appeared to be as majestic as you remember it.

You know about its service history during the First Neo Zeon War. Descended to Earth, suffered a lot of damage, and then was caught in the shockwave of a Colony Drop. Karaba repaired it, and afterwards it got folded into the Federation Forces, but after some years flying it about they decided to take a deeper look at the ship's inner spaceframe and then promptly decommissioned it. After it was stripped and sold for scrap, you didn't think anyone could restore it to its former glory.

You, uh, still don't.

Up close it's a piece of junk.

Most of the hull plating is scrap beaten into shape and welded on, then painted to look like the original. You can spot several empty spots where equipment, sensors, or weapons would have gone. Up close you can tell that at least two of the main guns are fake, just scrap metal bent into the right shape to imply a gun turret.

The only part of the ship that looks decent is the flight deck and catapult, which looks brand new.

"Eris," you look to your friend as your little group stands near the loading ramp, "I am not impressed so far."

"I know, I know, the ship's in really bad shape, but you should see the photos from when they bought the thing, the Feds had it gutted."

She walks up to a little makeshift intercom terminal built into the side of the loading ramp (which also appears to be made of salvage) and presses the button.

"Shangri-la Spirit Salvage, your trash is our treasure, how can I help you?" a woman asks, her voice coming through scratchy on the crappy speaker.

"Hi! It's me again, Eris!" your friend grins, "I brought my other friend to meet you, the one I mentioned that flies a Gundam?"

"Really? Wait a second…" a flap above the loading ramp's gate flips open, revealing what seems to be a Monoeye rigged as a camera. With a loud and distinct BWOM it looks down at your group, "I see yo-PLE?! I-! Wait, why is she so young?! W-Where did you find her?!"

"Long story," you speak up at the Monoeye, "Can we come in? If you're going to interrogate me on that, I'd rather be sitting down."

"Of course, come on in! Everyone is going to want to meet you!"

The flap closes and the gate begins to lurch open. Without missing a beat Eris leads everyone inside the ship. The loading area is a bit spacious, as you'd expect of a staging area for cargo. The wall paneling does look original, surprisingly, but you notice that quite a lot of it has visible damage. At one point in time this ship was probably bright and welcoming, but only half of the light fixtures are working, and all of the working ones are new replacements. There are plenty of burned-out light strips.

"They're still at work I see." Theo remarks as the four of you gingerly step over a piece of deck plating that's been removed to provide access to the power conduits underneath.

Sicilia seems to find this fun, giggling as she navigates various obstacles consisting of open wall panels, abandoned tools, displaced pipes, and other pieces of detritus.

"Are we in a ship or a scrapyard?" You mutter somewhat incredulously as you find yet another exposed fuel line, courtesy of missing panels.

"They launched the ship as a rush job, apparently," Eris tells you as you enter the hangar, "I'll let them tell you the whole story."

The hangar of the Agarma is pretty big, enough to hold a whole team of Mobile Suits. It's mostly empty, however, save for two MS parked close to the elevators. One looks like a teal Methuss with some kind of large Beam Cannon on the tip of its MA form's nose. The other bears a very strong resemblance to the ReGZ, if it had the back armor of a Zeta Gundam.

They, like the rest of the hangar, appears immaculate. You suppose it would have to be, if they wanted to actually use it.

A few people wearing mechanics jumpsuits can be seen inspecting, cataloging, and taking apart various pieces of scrap around the hangar itself. An older woman notices your group and gestures for the airlock leading deeper into the ship.

"Bosses are in Lounge 2, by the kitchens. Take two rights and a left. You can't miss it."

Eris nods, thanking the woman. Apparently she's been there before.

You have to admit, you're getting kind of curious as to who these people are.

---

"Ple?!" A ginger-haired man with freckles gawks at Sicilia. A blonde woman with her hair tied up into a ponytail elbows him.

"Don't be rude," she admonishes him before turning to greet your group with a smile, "Sorry, where are our manners? Please, sit."

They were thoughtful enough to provide some snacks and drinks, and Sicilia wastes no time grabbing a cookie and juice box. She promptly chooses the softest-looking part of the couch and plants herself there.

"Nice ship you have here," you force yourself not to remark on how much you don't believe that, "My name is Cybele Naese. My little Sis over there is Sicilia. Not 'Puru' or whatever you just called her."

"Sorry," the man smiles sheepishly, "I was just surprised. My name is Beecha. Beecha Oleg. I own Shangri-la Spirit Salvage along with my three friends and business partners here, Elle Vianno-"

"Hi!" The blonde woman, Elle, waves.

"-Iino Abaav-"

"Pleased to meet you," another man with short brown hair and a kind face nods.

"-and Mondo Agake." Beecha indicates a shorter young man with tan skin and dark brown hair, and an overall scruffy appearance. Mondo cheerfully raises his hand in greeting.

You take a seat as your friends do. These are kind of an odd collection of people, but if Eris likes them then they're weird, but safe.

"Ah, so to explain," Elle begins, looking at Sicilia, "You know who she is, right? Or rather, where she comes from?"

"Not really, no," you shake your head, "I found her in a Cryostasis machine. She said her sisters were in other machines that were in the room, but… they didn't make it."

Sicilia stiffens a bit when you say that, but continues sipping her juice.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Beecha shakes his head sadly, "but it does explain why she's so young. Your friend, Sicilia as you call her, is a clone of an old friend of ours."

A… clone? You notice Sicilia glancing worriedly at you. She looks more concerned about your reaction than the information itself. She had claimed memory problems when you first met her. Was that a lie, or did she only just recall recently?

"Towards the end of the First Neo Zeon War, there was a man named Glemy Toto," Elle explains, "He was the leader of a faction within Neo Zeon. We don't know all of the details, but we know that at some point he succeeded in 'creating' a Newtype capable of controlling an unprecedented number of Funnels. Her name was Elpeo Ple. We don't know whether it was through selective breeding or genetic engineering, but he made several twins of her. Well, clones. Again, we're unclear on his process, we just know the end result."

"I see," you mutter, "how many did he make?"

Beecha thinks before saying, "I remember hearing something about a Ple-Twelve recently, but we haven't been able to nail down a number. Neo Zeon didn't keep a whole lot of records on this stuff. Has your Pl- I mean Sicilia mentioned a number?"

Did she? Sicilia did mention a number, didn't she? What was it again? You can't quite remember the second digit, but…

"Yeah, she did," you nod, "Forty-something."

Elle was sipping on juice, so it was unfortunate that you replied right then. She immediately spits out all of it, which ends up covering Mondo.

"Forty?!" she sputters in shock, "I-! Wait, you said there were other Cryotubes, how many were there?!"

You go silent as you recall the appearance of that room. All those dark tubes, covered in dust. There must have been…

"It wasn't a large room," you answer slowly with dawning horror, "but there must have been at least twenty, not including Sicilia's."

"….Twenty…" Elle covers her mouth, looking quite ill, "That's… That's awful!"

"Can…" Sicilia speaks up finally, loud but a bit unsteady, "Can we stop talking about this, please?"

The lot of them flinch, guilty faces all around. You didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

"…So what's the big deal with you guys anyways," you point to them with a puzzled frown, "Eris said that you were war heroes or something?"

"…Seriously?!" Eris gestures wildly at them, "The Gundam Team? Nahel Agarma?!"

"Yeah, what about them?" you ask, and your friend looks absolutely scandalized.

"Cybele," she grabs your shoulders, "The names of the Gundam Team. First Neo Zeon War. Nahel Agarma. Names."

Ah, she gets like this when you get historical facts wrong, but what's her issue right now?

"Um… Emma Vovo, Beach Ollie, Momo Akagi, Rope Loopy, Innie Abba, and… Judy Ashtray?"

Every one of them looks offended. Why would that piss them off? They have totally different names-

…

Oh.

"What are they even teaching kids these days?" Elle sighs while Beecha and Mondo fume.

"At least you almost got Judau's name right," Mondo wags his finger indignantly at you, "but who the hell is 'Momo' supposed to be?!"

"How does 'Oleg' sound like 'Ollie'?!" Beecha gets in your face. Shit, he looks mad.

"Jeez, I'm sorry!" you back up, holding your hands up in what you hope is a placating gesture, "I'm not a history buff like Eris, alright? Cut me some slack!"

They do back off, but still, they don't look too happy.

"Wait," you count them, "Where's Rudy and Jubilee?"

Eris stares at you and asks tiredly, "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

Beecha looks at Eris, remarking, "I don't think I like your friend."

"Big Sis isn't doing anything wrong!" Sicilia jumps to your defense through a mouthful of half-chewed cookie, "It's not her fault she can't remember Rupee and Jumpy's names!"

Eris places her head in her hands, "Oh god, now she's doing it too."

"How are the guesses worse every time?" Iino seems almost impressed.

"I'm uninviting your friend if she keeps doing this," Elle tells Eris, utterly unamused.

Eris grabs you again, by the shirt this time.

"Repeat after me." she says, somehow making it sound like a threat, "Beecha Oleg, Elle Vianno, Mondo Agake, Iino Abaav, Roux Louka, Judau Ashta."

"Beecha Oleg, Elle Vianno, Mondo Agake, Iino Abaav, Roux Louka, Judy-I mean Judau Ashta!" You squeak, absolutely terrified by that look in Eris's eyes. She does not like being embarrassed in front of famous people, apparently! Not that you think most people would.

---

It takes a few apologies and several insistent cries from Sicilia that you did nothing wrong, but you are eventually forgiven and allowed to stay.

You do agree silently with Sicilia though. You did nothing wrong.

"So…" you ask the Gundam Team as your Little Sis starts on her tenth cookie, "what brings war heroes like you lot to Von Braun in this piece of shi…p. This ship."

Nobody missed what you were about to say, but they don't seem to take it that badly.

"Well, it's a long story," Beecha begins, pouring himself some coffee, "and I'll tell you ours if you tell us yours afterwards. Deal?"

You nod and settle in to listen, cookie and juice in hand.

"I used to be a Captain with Londo Bell," Beecha begins, "with Elle as a pilot under my command. We followed Captain Bright when the AEUG and Karaba were folded into the Federation. However, a few years before the Laplace Declaration, both of us resigned. We had objections about what the Federation was doing."

Elle points over at Mondo and Iino, "Our friends had started a salvage company back at Shangri-la with their pay from our service with the AEUG. It was pretty small time, but with the wages we saved up during our time with Londo Bell, we were able to hire more staff and became a real company. Then we blew the rest of our savings buying this rust bucket."

"Hey, the Agarma is a very important ship!" Beecha protests in indignation, "I thought you wanted to save her too, Elle!"

"Yeah, I did," Elle shoots back, "until I found out that there was hardly anything left save for the Spaceframe."

"So it was a bit of a fixer-upper," he admits sheepishly, "but you have to admit, we've done a good job!"

"At the cost of any profit for the last three quarters," she counters, "but anyways, we'll continue this later."

Looking back to you, Elle continues, "When the Laplace Declaration happened, business became a bit hard. We're known Newtypes, and a lot of our clients just stopped buying. Then the Federation came knocking so…"

"We ran," Mondo finishes with a chuckle, "This junk pile was hardly space worthy, but we didn't have much of a choice. All our employees who wanted to come with boarded the ship with us, and we made a run for Von Braun. It was tough, over half the ship still isn't airtight."

"It's totally movie material, don't you think Cybele?" Eris asks excitedly as she spaces out, her imagination going wild, "It could even be a documentary…"

"Um," Theo whispers to Beecha, "Didn't you have something to ask us?"

"Oh! Yeah, I almost forgot!" The ginger-haired man laughs, "We were wondering if we could have a chat with your Captain. We need to ask for a favor."

A favor? Hm…

"I don't mind referring you to the Captain," you shrug, "but I'd like to know what you're going to ask. If it isn't a problem, of course."

They share a glance, then after an unspoken exchange Beecha turns to address you, "Frankly, we need a tow."

You stare blankly at him, "…We aren't a tugboat."

"I know, I know," he sighs, "but as we said, the Agarma wasn't exactly ready to fly again. We overstressed the engines getting here and blew them out during our landing burn. We've tried hiring some tugs, but nobody will take on the job, and we need to be out of here by the end of the week."

"Why would you want to leave?" Eris asks, just as confused as you are, "I mean, this is a neutral city, if you do leave, you'll just get chased by the Federation again. As long as you stay here, they can't do anything."

"How do you think Von Braun has managed to stay neutral? It's not like the Federation doesn't put pressure on them." Elle tells her, "They have a compromise. Non-residents can only stay in the city a month. After which, they have to leave no matter what. We can't repair our main thrusters here, since the Federation has bribed and threatened every company that could provide us the parts we need. If the deadline passes, we're going to get towed outside city limits and then apprehended immediately."

"So you want to hitch a ride with us to Londenion," you nod, understanding dawning… but dozens of potential issues come to mind, "You realize that you'll slow down the Bellerophon, right? And you only have two Mobile Suits to contribute to our defense. It'll be me and my friends who are responsible for most of the fighting."

"Of course we understand that," Beecha says, "but don't underestimate my Elle! Her Re-GZID is no pushover! It was made for Amuro Ray, I'll have you know!"

So, not a ReGZ, but a Re-GZID ("Re-Gazi-do"). You've never heard of that model.

"Wait, that was for Amuro?" Eris immediately gets a dreamy look in her eyes, "My Mk.III and your Re-GZID… it's like two legends reunited!"

"She just got a Mk.III Gundam meant for Char," you explain to the very confused Gundam Team, "So who's flying the Methuss?"

"Methuss Kai," Mondo corrects you, "It has a High Mega Cannon. I can pull my weight."

A High Mega Cannon? That's actually pretty great. Between you and your friends, your strongest weapons are just slightly-different Beam Rifles. You think. Yours is a bit deadlier by virtue of being a Heat Blade and wire-guided.

"…I suppose it wouldn't be a problem to ask the Captain to talk with you. Strength in numbers and all that, right?" You smile slightly, "Plus, you have at least a few real gun turrets. The additional covering fire would be more than welcome."

"None of them work yet, not even the real ones," Iino admits, "We need more capacitors for the guns. We haven't had much luck salvaging any out of the scrapyards nearby either."

… Huh?

"Please tell me that the Hyper Mega Particle Cannon still works?" That gun was so freaking powerful! Hidden behind those side shields, if you remember correctly. With that, breaking through any Federation blockade would be-!

"The Feds stripped that out," Elle answers, "We rigged up a Hyper Mega Launcher on a gimbal in there though, does that count?"

… Dear god this will end badly.

---

Big Sis hasn't said anything about not eating more cookies, so you take another one.

You really wanted that parfait, and coming to this place instead isn't as much fun. At least they gave you cookies and juice, though.

Big Sis starts telling the "Gundam Team" what happened to her colony, and how she came upon you. As she recounts the part where she woke you up, you can't help but feel the absence of your sisters.

It's not like you don't love Big Sis! You really do! She's nice to you in a way that no one else has ever been, and her presence makes your heart all tingly, in a good way! Your sisters did the same thing, but a bit different…

Anyways, you're just waiting till you leave.

The man named Iino leans forward, "You're Sicilia, right? You know, we know one of your sisters."

You stop mid-bite. They know one of your sisters? Which one? He seems to guess your question and pulls out a slip of paper and pen.

"Her name is Ple-Seven," he scribbles something down, "she met our friends Judau and Roux at Jupiter, and they said she asked them to look for any of her sisters."

He hands you her contact information, "Here. Send her a message when you feel ready. There's no real-time communication between here and Jupiter yet, so you'll have to send a recording. Still, I'm sure she'll be glad to know that you're alive."

You accept the slip, pocketing it nervously. Ple-Seven? You've never met her. You don't think she was born with your immediate sisters at the lab in Cascadia. You've never met any of your sisters who were in the single digits.

Still, she's your sister, right? You should probably talk to her. Maybe… Maybe it'll make you feel better?

…

You take another cookie.

---

You really aren't sure if this whole arrangement will pan out, but Captain Sarina agreed to talk to the Agarma crew, so you suspect that it will go ahead. After all, the Gundam Team served directly under Bright, you doubt that any Londo Bell team would willingly abandon them and risk their commander's wrath. No sense in worrying over it.

Anyways, you got other issues to deal with.

Namely, the delivery from Anaheim.

"It's beautiful!" Eris fawns over her Mk.III as the truck from AE offloads its cargo, "I never thought I'd own a Mobile Suit connected to the history of the Red Comet! This is a dream come true!"

The Sinanju Stein is already offloaded, and you can see Theo checking something in the cockpit. As for yourself…

"My name's Rhea. Rhea Pagonis." The technician from Anaheim greets you, her grey eyes looking right past you at your Gundam, "You're the Woundwort pilot?"

Her hair is red like yours, although better kept. You think she must be in her mid-20s or something. Honestly, you kind of expected that the technician Anaheim was going to send you was going to be a guy. You don't really know what that says about you.

"Yeah, I am," you walk in front of her, forcing her to look at you, "I'm Cybele. Don't screw with the Woundwort without my permission and we'll be fine."

She shakes your hand, then walks around you to look at your Gundam again.

"…Urgh, who did these horrid aftermarket modifications?" she asks, poking at one of the ReZEL thrusters on the legs, "No taste…"

"I did," you reply, utterly unamused, "It was to increase mobility before battle. I had to outmaneuver a Gundam Delta Kai, and the original configuration just wasn't going to cut it."

"Well duh," she replies dryly, "The base TR-6 is basically just a survival craft. It's like a Core Fighter if a Core Fighter was a Mobile Suit itself."

She points to the chest, "And it even has its own escape pod. The Titans knew their stuff when it came to redundancy."

Your Woundwort is just… the core of the Gundam? What?

"So if this is just like a Core Fighter," you ask, "where's the rest of the Mobile Suit?"

She smirks excitedly, "Titans facilities that helped develop the TR-6 often had a ton of Optional parts on hand. So tell me where you found this bad boy, and we'll go pick up the rest."

Oh… oops.

"Uh… that's kind of hard to do," you wince, thinking back to the explosion, "A Doven Wolf crashed into the hangar and I had to fly this thing out as-is. Then the Doven Wolf exploded."

Her mouth drops open.

"…What? The facility was destroyed?!"

You nod.

She slumps, looking utterly deflated.

"My Hrududus…." She moans pitifully, "My Primroses…."

"What're those?" you kneel down next to the despondent Rhea. That was a mistake. She is instantly upon you, shaking you violently.

"The Woundwort is a highly modular and adaptable platform!" she shouts, "It could be modified to contend with any scenario you could possibly think of! It even has a configuration that can solo entire fleets!"

She releases you, but your head doesn't stop spinning. While you try to steady yourself, she continues.

"The TR-6 is Konpeitoh Arsenal's masterpiece, their crowning jewel, their magnum opus! We tried to get a hold of their research materials and development data after the Titans were disbanded, but just to spite us all their data and materials were destroyed!" She takes a deep breath, "We thought all examples of the TR-6 were lost forever, but here one stands! And what have you done, but weld scrap to it?!"

"If I hadn't 'welded scrap to it'," you growl back, "it would be scrap itself! We barely got here in one piece! So just be thankful I'm even letting you look at this thing! Christ, I'm starting to regret that decision!"

"Don't be so quick to judge!" Rhea wags her finger at you, "I am Anaheim's leading expert on the TR-6. Recreating this Mobile Suit was my life's dream. But now that I have access to an intact example, I can improve it! I can finally realize my father's dying wish!"

This lady has a screw loose. But improving your Gundam… you have to admit, that does sound enticing.

"What kind of improvements are we talking about here?" you ask, already hooked on the possibilities.

Rhea grins, "I'm so glad you asked, Ms. Naese. You see, I have recently been attempting to recreate the Composite Shield Booster as a weapon compatible with General-Use Mobile Suits. But now that I have an intact example, it would be trivial for me to modify my prototype into a second Shield Booster for yourself. Once I have done so, producing replacements would be simple. Alternatively, Anaheim Electronics does possess an inoperable example of a Hrududu. The OS was wiped, and what technology we could derive from it already has been derived, so it would be a fairly quick affair to have it brought here and clone the OS from your TR-6 to it. If I'm correct, that should bring it back online. Which would you prefer first?"

"You still didn't tell me what a Hrududu is," you frown, "Quick and simple, please."

She clears her throat, then begins, "The FF-X29A G-Parts. A Support Fighter developed for use with the TR-1. It doesn't have mid-flight docking capabilities, but it can be attached to the TR-Series MS to augment their functions. I believe I can attach it to the TR-6, which would grant you additional thrust, another Claw Unit, an additional fixed beam weapon, and a Beam Reflector Shield. Not to mention an earlier version of the Long Blade Rifle. Or you could have someone fly it like a regular fighter."

You admit, you still don't quite understand everything Rhea is talking about, but you're not going to turn down an opportunity to increase the combat potential of your Mobile Suit!

---

[][TR-6] Additional Composite Shield Booster. You need the extra firepower, and you know how it works.

[][TR-6] Hrududu. Sounds kind of funny, but you are a bit intrigued about the modularity of the TR-6.

---

As Rhea works on your Gundam, you find yourself with some downtime. Your friends are busy getting their new Mobile Suits all set up, so you could help them with that. It would be good to learn what kind of machines you'll be fighting alongside, after all.

Alternatively, you could try talking to your mother. You should be taking care of her. Maybe you can get through to her?

…Or you could keep Sicilia company. Find a fun movie to watch with her? Von Braun surely has a theater the two of you can go to!

In the city… that broadcast… now that you think about it, you haven't really read the news ever since the day your colony was destroyed. Even before that your attention to current events was spotty. Not for lack of trying, though. It's just that Cascadia didn't always get the clearest transmissions from outside the debris field.

---

[][Downtime] Help your friends with their Mobile Suits.

[][Downtime] Try to help your mother recover.

[][Downtime] Go see a movie with Sicilia.

[][Downtime] Catch up on Current Events.

Author's Notes: Updated Informational post. Rhea Pagonis added.

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X][TR-6] Hrududu. Sounds kind of funny, but you are a bit intrigued about the modularity of the TR-6.

[X][Downtime] Try to help your mother recover.


Rhea is busy with the Hrududu in the hangar, leaving you time to try and help your mother.

You do love your mother, it's just… it hurts to see her like this. Last time she was anywhere close to her current state you had Kaylen with you to help, but now it's just you.

Well, you and Sicilia.

"Hi Mrs. Naese," Sicilia peers over the side of the bed, "Cookie?"

When your mother doesn't respond, Sicilia just places it in her hands. Your mother blinks and looks down. At least that got a reaction.

"Hi mom," you pull up a chair, reaching out to take her hand, "Are… Are you feeling better?"

She looks you in the eyes, but you can tell she's still mentally checked out. You have seen this before, but never for so long or so strongly. Back when your father died, she'd occasionally drift off into these dazes, but they only lasted until someone spoke to her. Hell, even something as small as the soft rattle of the apartment's ventilation would bring her back.

You can't tell whether she's in denial, in shock, or whether her mind has been shattered by all that's happened recently. You're not a psychiatrist, you don't know the first thing about healing the mind.

"When we get to Londenion, there's a doctor there who'll be able to help you," you squeeze her hand, "So just hold on until then, okay?"

She smiles slightly with a vacant look, "That sounds nice Cybele…"

You're just at a loss. This feeling of helplessness, it's just awful. Your mother is right here, why can't you fix her? Since Kaylen is gone now, it's all up to you!

If only there was some way to reach her…

"… Mom," you open up her bag which the doctor placed near her bed, "Do you want to read the letters Dad left us?"

There. Her eyes focused for just a moment. Maybe this will work! You pull out the three envelopes. You'll finally get to see what Dad wanted to say to you. The one addressed to Kaylen though…

You set that aside. You'll look at it after you finish yours.

But your mother comes first.

You carefully open the envelope and pull out the paper inside. It's somewhat yellowed, but the ink is still clear and visible. You unfold it and hold it out for your mother. She accepts it, holding it carefully by the edges as if it would crumble away if she gripped it too hard. You can tell that she's reading, she's scanning the page line by line. You won't try to read over her shoulder.

So you open your own. Sicilia moves to read with you, and you let her. The two of you have been through enough that you feel comfortable sharing this.

The script is handwritten, a rarity in this day and age. The stationary is plain, most likely something he scribbled down a day or two before he died. Letters like this usually came with a Will, ejected in an escape capsule before a big battle. You have to wonder where the Will is… but since his affairs were in order when you received the news, you assume that everything was already taken care of when the capsule was found.


My Darling Cybele,

I think I must have written quite a few of these already. None of them have had to be delivered to you yet, and fortune permitting this won't have to be either. I'm going into battle once more, fighting for a cause that I know you don't quite understand now, but one day you will. This fight might determine the future of the Earth Sphere, or maybe it'll just be another one of many. Nevertheless, if I don't come back from this one, I want you to know a few things.

I love you, your mother, and your brother so much. It hurts that I have to be away from you all and risk leaving you without a father, but sometimes there are things that a man has to do. With all the injustices happening on Earth and all her colonies, I just couldn't stand by and do nothing. I believe that it's every father's responsibility to create the world they want to leave to their children. So that's what I'm doing, trying to bring about the world where you, your brother, your mother, and I can live happily for the rest of our days.

If you're reading this though, I guess that means I won't get to see that world with you all. I won't get to see your brother become a man, or you become a woman. I won't get to grow old with your mother. I'm so sorry that I will miss all of these things, that I won't be there for you. I just hope that I made a difference, and that neither you nor your brother will ever have to put your lives on the line for the same cause I died for.

In closing, if I make it home, you'll never have to read this and I'll give you the biggest hug I've ever given you. If not, then please take care of your mother. Your brother will help, I'm sure, but she needs the two of you more than either of you know. Become strong, so that nobody can use you for their own ends. That is the last piece of advice I can give to you as a father.

Love, Dad


You stare silently at the page, the paper wrinkling a little around your fingers from how hard you're holding it.

"You really thought you were coming home," you force back the tears, imagining him as he sat in his room writing these words, "huh, Dad?"

Sicilia reached out and touched the letter, feeling the paper between her fingers.

"He sounds nice," Sicilia looks up at you, "Was he a good dad?"

"The best." You fold the letter back up, slip it back into the envelope, and place it in your jacket pocket. This is going in a safe place.

You turn to see if your mother is done reading hers. She actually looks… present, but she's crying silently, still focused and staring at the page. You move to try and get a look at the letter, but she folds it back up before you can. Ah, private, you got it.

So you reach over to open Kaylen's letter.

You've just started to peel open the envelope when your mother reaches out and grabs your hand.

"Cybele," she looks at you, and this time her eyes are so focused it's almost scary, "What are you doing?"

"Opening Kaylen's letter," you wince as her hand squeezes you harder, "Mom, that kind of hurts."

"Your brother needs to open that first," she insists, her grip tightening, "you can't open your brother's letter."

"Well he's not going to open it!" you drop the envelope and try to pry her hand off, "Mom, please, you're hurting me!"

As soon as it hits the bed, your mother snatches the envelope and holds it close to her chest.

"Your brother has to open it first," she repeats, shaking her head, "You can't read his letter, Cybele!"

"If we don't, who will?!" you stand, almost shouting as your frustration boils over, "What if Dad had something important to tell him?! Kaylen is dead, Mom!"

"Don't say that!" she shrieks in anguish, curling in on herself, "He isn't!"

"But he is!" you grip the edge of the bed, grabbing her shoulder, "Kaylen is dea-!"

Whack

The room seems to spin and you land on your side. The left side of your face is numb. No, it stings a little. Sicilia is by your side, asking if you're okay. You just touch your cheek as your slowly process what happened. You look up, and your mother's arm is still raised, frozen in the follow-through. The anger in her face slowly drains away, replaced with horror.

She… She hit you.

Your mother hit you.

"Cybele… I, Cybele, I'm sorry," she weakly gasps, looking between you and her hand as if she can't believe what she just did, "I didn't mean, I…"

You pull yourself up, still holding your cheek.

"I'm… I'm going to go," you stagger towards the door. She calls your name but that doesn't stop you. You just… can't be in the same room with her right now.

---

"…You look like shit," Eris says in concern, "Something you want to talk about, Cybele?"

"No." You answer her succinctly, as you continue making adjustments to the Woundwort's Linear Seat, "Please leave me alone."

She gives you that look, the one that says she isn't going to do that.

"I'm guessing whatever is bothering you has something to do with that red handprint on your cheek," she points to the angry red mark on your face, "What's that about?"

Should you tell her? Well, you don't have a reason not to, you guess… she is your friend.

"My mom hit me." You touch your cheek, the slap still fresh in your memory, "She's in denial about Kaylen. I tried to get through to her and…"

You don't need to finish that sentence. Eris nods, understanding the implication.

You continue fiddling with the suspension settings on the seat. You'd rather not think about your mom right now, but… so long as Eris is here…

"…Does it ever get any better?" you ask, stopping to look at her, "Like, did your dad handle it just as bad as my mom is?"

Eris ponders that for a second, then just sighs, "Look, Cybele, everybody processes and handles grief differently. What my dad went through isn't going to parallel what your mom is going through. Still, if you want to know… well, how much have I told you about how my mom and uncle died?"

You think back to your past conversations, "Not much, just that they died in the Fifth Luna impact."

"Mmhm, my Mother needed to get a surgical procedure done on Earth. My Uncle was generous enough to pay for and travel with her to make sure she was safe," Eris leans up against the side of the cockpit, "Their plane got hit by the shockwave on their way back to the spaceport. It went down, all hands lost. As you might imagine, my dad didn't really react all that well to hearing his wife and brother were dead… hell, I didn't handle it too well either."

You had suspected something like that, but hearing it for certain… it's sobering. More innocents caught in the crossfire.

"I eventually came to terms with it. The funeral helped. I still miss her, but it is what it is." Eris looks down, her gaze distant, "My dad, though… he started drinking. Thank god he's just a sad drunk, but… well, you know what he was like."

Yeah, you do. You don't think you've ever seen Mr. Kallis sober. Ever. He never really struck you as a competent adult. For the most part it was Eris taking care of him rather than the other way around.

"I can't say whether your mom will come to terms with this or not," she concludes solemnly, "but you need to be there for her. Regardless of how it all turns out, you're all she has left. And… well, vice versa, I guess."

Grief and anger war in her eyes before she forces it all back down. You don't think you've ever seen Eris like this before.

You set down your tools and pull her in for a hug.

"I'm sorry about your dad," you whisper as you feel her hug you back.

"Thanks." She mutters, "He may have been a useless old drunk by the end, but… he was still my dad, you know? I really got no one now."

"What? No!" you hug her tighter, "You have me, and you have Theo! I'm sure Sicilia likes you too! We can be like a little family, what do you say?"

She pulls back gently with a sad smile, "Thanks Cybele, but… well, I gotta deal with this in my own way too. If I need someone to talk to though, you'll be first on the list, okay?"

Halfway through the hatch she stops.

"Oh, and Cybele?" she doesn't turn to look at you, but her voice comes across clearly, "If there are things you want to say to your mother, you shouldn't wait to say them. You never know when it'll be too late."

"Speaking from personal experience?" You ask, then wince as you realize what you just said. Damn mouth moving faster than your brain.

"…Yeah." She replies, and then she's gone.

---

You're just trying to get some tea from the lounge when he shows up.

"We need to talk."

You glare at Lieutenant Riddhe. Seriously, now?

"Not a good time, sir." You try and move past him but he steps in front of you.

"It'll never be a good time," he says, "but nevertheless, we still need to have this conversation."

He's really not going to give this up, is he? Ugh. Well, you'll listen, but you don't have to take anything he says to heart. You pretty much stomp over to the couch and plant your ass down on it, crossing your arms and legs and fix him with your most irritated frown. If it bothers him, he doesn't show it.

"First off, let me say that I understand your anger." He sits down, setting his cup of coffee down on the table, "Your rage, your resentment, I've felt that before. I know what it's like."

"Seriously? I doubt that." You huff, glaring at him out of the corner of your eye, "Isn't your family basically Earth nobility? I bet your home life was all sunshine and rainbows."

"My father fired a Colony Laser at me."

What?

You stare incredulously at the Lieutenant. Isn't he going to laugh or smirk or say he was joking?

...No, he's dead serious.

"I'm..." you try and formulate a response to that, any response, "...sorry?"

"Well, he wasn't aiming for me, just the colony I was near," he shrugs, "not that it makes the whole situation any better. Commander Bright told me that my father didn't know I was there until after he'd given the order to fire… but that's irrelevant. You're right, when I was your age, I didn't have anywhere near the kind of hardships that you're going through."

"Still, two years ago I was in a similar mindset as you. I was consumed by my own anger, and sought only to destroy what I saw as the reason for my misery." He blows on his coffee and takes a sip before continuing, "You have much more justification for your rage than I did. I'm not going to say that the Federation doesn't deserve your ire. You're right to hate those who destroyed your home, right to hate the one who killed your brother, but you can't let that hate consume you."

You scowl, resisting the urge to throw your tea in his face, "Do you want me to be angry or not? I want justice. I'm going to kill the pilot who murdered my brother. Are you condemning me for that or not?"

"…I don't know enough about that pilot's situation to say whether or not he deserves to die. The situation with Newtypes in the Federation is complicated." He sighs, sparing a glance at part of his uniform where the insignia of the Federation was ripped off, "What I'm saying is that hate… does things to you. You can't even recognize when others are trying to help you. I know I couldn't. I didn't even realize what I was becoming until I did something that I can never take back."

"Like what?"

"I murdered someone."

"So? You're a Pilot, you kill people all the time."

"This was different." He counters, "She… She was only trying to help me. She wasn't even fighting back when I pulled the trigger. She could have destroyed me, but she didn't. She just stood there, and I… I killed her."

Silence falls, save for the soft whooshing of the ship's ventilation. Riddhe's stricken expression is just… you can't bring yourself to snark about him or retort. The emotion in his voice is so… raw.

"If I'd just listened, if I'd taken a moment to think, maybe she'd still be here." He closes his eyes, his fists clenched so tightly you can see the whites of his knuckles, "She'd suffered so much in her life, and just as she'd found some happiness, something to live for, I…"

Riddhe chokes up, and it takes a moment for him to continue, "Cybele, I'm not trying to dissuade you from seeking revenge. The soldiers who killed your family deserved to die. The politicians who caused this tragedy to happen need to be brought to justice. I just don't want you to end up like me. Don't let your anger take over completely, or else you're going to do something that you can never take back."

You… You want to mock him, to shout at him, something to reaffirm that you're right, and that he's wrong, but you understand what he's trying to say. You wouldn't want to kill an innocent either. If a friend was trying to help you, you wouldn't want to lash out at them in anger.

He's right, but admitting it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

"Lieutenant?" you lean back into the couch, nursing your cup of tea, "About that battleship earlier… I know. I know there were those on that ship that probably didn't deserve to die. But in the end, who was responsible for their deaths? Me, who forced the ship to crash? Or the Federation, who placed them in that situation? Ultimately a warship is a legitimate target during combat. But… I'll keep your words in mind."

"Thank you." Riddhe gives you a relieved smile, "We all have to live with what we've done. Don't do anything you can't live with."

He stands, finishing off his coffee before tossing it in a waste bin, "I'll be in the hangar if you need to talk some more. Anaheim is shipping me some replacement legs, special order."

"Does your Gundam not accept standard parts?" you ask, before realizing the answer to your question, "Oh yeah, Psychoframe."

"Each RX-0 unit is custom built, I can't really ever replace lost parts," he nods, "but I can at least restore the aesthetics of my suit."

The door shuts behind him, and you find yourself a little puzzled. Sure, you didn't recognize his model when you saw it, so it's no surprise that you don't recognize the name either, but… RX-0? What kind of model designation is that?

---

"Ta-da!" Rhea gestures to your Gundam with dramatic flair, "Behold!"

You stare in abject horror.

"What have you done?!"

The only real hardware modifications she's done is mount the Hrududu on a sort of custom launcher scaffold held in place by the left hand. That isn't the issue, it looks fine.

The problem is she's painted the damn thing in Titan colors!!

"What I've done is restored functionality to the Hrududu!" Rhea goes on, oblivious to your growing outrage, "The OS from your Woundwort still had legacy code in it, so it was plug and play with only minor tweaks! Sadly the mounting points on the TR-6 didn't accept the Hrududu parts without major modifications, so to save time I instead made an adapter you could hold with the left arm, and to control it I installed a Psycommu receiver in the cockpit! Making it work with the controls was a pain, but I managed. So, voila! Remote Support Fighter!"

That is really impressive… but that's not the issue here!

"That's great, but the paint job!" you wave your arms at the horrid dark purple, yellow, and white, "Why?!"

"Oh, well I was going for historical accuracy," she answers cheerily, "and the color scheme it had before was a lesser-known variation of the Titans palette, so-"

"Change it back!" you grab her by the shirt.

"But this is a TR-6!" she protests, "It looks best in Titans-!"

"NOW!"

---

[][Paint Job] Revert to the old paint job. (Titans Test Team)

[][Paint Job] Go for mostly white with some yellow, blue, and red. (Classic RX-79-2)

[][Paint Job] Paint it like a Jesta. (New Londo Bell)

[][Paint Job] Paint it bright racecar red. (Red Comet)

[][Paint Job] Metallic Gold is the way to go. (Quattro Bajeena)

[][Paint Job] Green with dark blue, perhaps? (AEUG)

[][Paint Job] (Write in…)

---

The paint has only just dried and the last Anaheim crate locked down in the second hangar when the ship's alarm goes off, summoning everyone to action stations.

As you rush towards the locker room to change into a pilot suit, you take a peek through a window at the rest of the hangar. The Clop that was sharing the same dock is lifting off, as is the Gwazine. Something is going down.

The others are already changing by the time you get to your own locker. Even Sicilia is about to finish zipping her suit up. Mort is hopping around on one foot trying to get his boot on, though. Classic Ensign Mallory. You mentally designate him as resident clown of the Bellerophon.

"Anyone know what's going on?" You ask your fellow pilots as you tighten your gloves, "Is it related to that Gwazine and Clop that just took off?"

"Yeah, Captain just made a last-minute decision. We're leaving now." Theo answers, struggling with his zipper, "We're towing the Argama too. A battle is about to break out and she wants to sneak out during it."

"Sneak out," you repeat incredulously, "during a battle. The Republic and Federation are going to fight, and we're just going to fly through that?!"

Thankfully, Eris explains before you can panic more, "The battle looks like it's going to happen on the opposite side of the city. We're headed away from the fighting, not towards it. Plus, it'll pull every Federation ship away from patrol, so they'll ignore us."

"I get the logic," you frown, confused, "but this seems kind of risky."

"Don't worry, Big Sis!" Cybele looks up to you, her smile visible through her visor, "We can handle it! I know we can!"

Her confidence is… a bit infectious, you have to admit. You pat her on her helmet and continue suiting up.

This is going to be rough, you just know it.

---

"Comm check!" Rhea's voice chirps over your helmet as you and Sicilia strap yourselves in, "Cybele, do you copy?"

"Copy," you reply, "I take it you're briefing me?"

"Yep! Plus I need to inform you of a few additions to your Woundwort."

You maneuver your Gundam onto the launch catapult, Eris queuing up behind you. Mort and Theo went to a different catapult to prevent a line. Riddhe is nowhere to be seen, which probably means he already launched.

"Okay, so as I mentioned earlier the Hrududu is Psycommu-controlled," Rhea explains, "so I installed some transmitters into your helmets. They're not standalone, but meant to work with the Psycommu in the cockpit to let you and Sicilia there easily hand off control of the Psycommu weapons to each other."

That's handy. You were wondering what would happen if you and Sicilia ever tried to control the Shield Boosters at the same time in wire-guided mode. Thankfully that didn't happen. Maybe something would have happened, maybe nothing would have, but now it's not a concern.

"The Captain's orders are simple, defend the Bellerophon and Argama. The enemy shouldn't be focusing on us, but if any Fed suit comes near us, shoot it down." The Anaheim technician continues, "The Argama will launch a Re-GZID and Methuss Kai to help support our withdrawal. Be sure not to target them."

"Got it," you nod, "Say, do you know why the Republic and Federation are having it out so close to Von Braun? I thought this was a neutral zone."

"It is," she answers, sighing, "but that neutrality ends at city limits. Everyone is buying Mobile Suits from us, but recent policy changes mean that we can no longer deliver our own MS. Clients have to pick them up themselves. That's why one of your hangars is packed with shipping containers, you're one of the first Londo Bell ships to arrive at an Anaheim facility in about a month. If I had to guess, I'd say that the Republic has been having similar issues taking delivery of their orders as well, so this time they decided to escort their convoy to ensure the cargo arrives safely. The Federation obviously doesn't like that, especially with the recent declaration, so… well, it looks like the fighting is going to start soon. The Republic fleet is almost here."

That's interesting. You didn't know about that recent change. It does make sense that the Federation would prevent Mobile Suits from being delivered to their enemies… although you do worry about the extra weight from all the cargo.

"Cybele Naese and Sicilia, TR-6 Woundwort, launching!"

The sudden acceleration presses you back into your seat, and once clear of the ship you toggle the Gundam into Mobile Armor mode. Circling the Bellerophon, you get a good view of the situation.

Towards the west you can see two Clops and a dozen Salamis Kai cruisers taking defensive positions right outside the city's borders. They've already launched Mobile Suits, if those shapes zipping around are any indication. Loitering just inside the city limits but keeping their distance from the Federation ships are warships from the Republic. A massive red Gwazine flanked by a few old Musai cruisers hover in formation, their guns oriented towards the Federation fleet. The lights from MS thrusters can be seen flitting around their motherships.

You almost wonder why they haven't started fighting… but a glance downwards reminds you. Spread out all over the surface of Von Braun are ReZEL Defenser-b units painted in Anaheim colors, their Mega Launchers aimed at both fleets, ready to fire. Seems the city takes their no-fire zone seriously. Very seriously.

The Republic ships are probably waiting till the main fleet gets here before exiting city limits. You know that's what you would do.

Then, some distance from that whole mess, there's the Bellerophon. You can see her thrusters firing at maximum, the reason for their exertion hanging below the ship. Numerous cables stretch down to the Argama, the ship hanging like dead weight from the Pegasus-class carrier. Two Mobile Suits can be seen launching from her own catapults, probably the Re-GZID and Methuss Kai.

"Isn't she gorgeous?" Eris croons as she pulls up alongside your Gundam in her own red one, the history nerd still geeking out over the antique.

You take another look at the Argama… Yeah…

"She's something alright," you mutter.

"AAaAaaAAAhHHHHHhhH!!!!" a scream cuts in and both you and Eris kill your momentum, watching in horror as the Sinanju Stein rockets past the two of you, flailing almost uncontrollably. Theo tries to stop himself, but grossly overcorrects and is sent flying in the opposite direction, forcing the two of you to dodge again.

"That looks fun!" Sicilia giggles from her seat. You don't know what her definition of fun is.

"Theo, um, what the fuck?" Eris asks, dumbfounded, "Are… Are you okay?"

"This MS is responsive!" He yelps as he accidentally sends it into repeated backflips, "Too responsive! Someone make it stoooOOOOOP!!!!"

Oh man.

"You two checked out the specs and ran simulations before launching that thing, right?" you ask Eris, who just makes her Mk.III shrug sheepishly.

"We did," she says, "so I don't know what's going on."

You really have to wonder what's causing that. You really hope that Anaheim didn't pawn off a defective piece of crap onto your friend.

A black blur races towards Theo, catching him in its arms. Lt. Riddhe, to the rescue! You owe him a soda or something.

He starts carrying Theo back to the Bellerophon. Hopefully they get this sorted before any fighting starts.

A few minutes pass. Things look to be going well. You share a few snacks with Sicilia while the two of you set the Woundwort to keep formation near the Bellerophon. You still keep an eye out, but not a single MS from either side comes to check out the Pegasus carrying an Argama. You must appear conspicuous though, surely.

"…Something's coming." Sicilia suddenly says, staring off in the direction the Bellerophon is heading. Huh? You don't see anything- wait. No, you do feel something… a pressure. A sort of presence approaching.

Glancing back at the Federation fleet, you see that they're starting to enter a combat formation, readying themselves for the Zeon Republic fleet just coming over the horizon.

Then it arrives.

Screaming in from the east, two red blurs blow right past the Bellerophon like twin comets, followed by four golden ones. They fly right into the Federation fleet, and you see explosions.

What the hell? You mean, that was an amazing feint, assuming those were Zeon MS, but violating Von Braun's No-Fire zone? Well, you guess you're about to see what several dozen Mega Launchers firing at once looks like. You peer downwards to see them fire…

…

Not a single Anaheim suit in sight. They all went inside when you weren't paying attention. Such timing too can only mean one thing…

"I hate politics." You grumble, closing your helmet, "Alright everyone, looks like things are about to get crazy, watch for stragglers!"

Sicilia launches the Hrududu, and you discard the launch cradle to save weight. It boosts a short distance away to act as a sort of Pseudo-Funnel. A quick glance at her and you can tell, she's concentrating hard. Best not to talk to her unless you need to give an order.

Elle's Re-GZID comes up next to you and Eris, "Did you two get a good look at the Mobile Suits that passed us? Those red ones looked kind of familiar."

"Forget the red ones!" Mondo shouts, his own Methuss keeping its High Mega Cannon pointed at the fight, "Those gold ones, they were-!"

The two red craft weave around a group of Federation Jegans, leaving them dismembered and shattered. Some kind of fighter craft? Then as you watch, they rendezvous in front of a Clop, combining to form a Mobile Suit! Whipping out a Beam Saber, it cleaves one of the ship's engines from the hull before engaging a ReZEL, their duel leading away from the heavily-damaged ship.

"A Bawoo!" Elle remarks on the red MS, "Those moves, that pilot has to be a Newtype!"

The pressure from that pilot is… it's even stronger than what you felt from that Blue Wolf!

…Damn it, now you're calling him that too. Stupid catchy name.

The Zeon Republic ships are starting to fire, their Mobile Suits joining the fray, and even though the Bellerophon is starting to put some distance between itself and the fighting the combat area is slowly spreading as the individual combatants put distance between their allies, leaving less chance for friendly fire. It won't be too long before the ship is sucked into the battle.

One of the golden MS decelerates near the Bellerophon before shooting back towards the fight, little golden Funnels launching from what looked like a tail to join it. You finally got a good look at it too. You pull up the footage on your screen, looping it to analyze the loadout.

"See, what did I tell you?" Mondo's voice comes through again, "Those golden Mobile Suits, those are-!"

"Qubeley!" Sicilia all but screams from her seat, "Sister? I… I'll help!"

The Hrududu jets off towards the fight, firing its beam rifle as it goes.

"Sicilia, what are you doing?" you ask the girl, but she's laser-focused now, and ignores you entirely. Damn it.

You hear Eris sigh, "I don't think we can avoid combat anymore… I'm taking the initiative. Let's give the Bellerophon the time she needs to get out of here."

"I'm with you!" Elle replies, and the two of them are off, thrusters burning brightly as they plunge into the furball. It's pure and utter chaos in there…

"…Screw it, Beecha better give us bonus pay for this," Mondo grumbles before switching to MA mode and boosting after Elle. You even see Ensign Mort accelerate towards the fight. What does he think he can do in a GM III?!

"…Damn," you shake your head. If you don't join in now, you'll look like a bit of an asshole. Only one thing to do about it.

"Riddhe, Theo, watch over the Bellerophon and Argama, I'm heading in!" you transmit to the two. Without waiting for a response, you switch to MA mode and charge.

It's mayhem. The Federation ships are in disarray, having long since fallen out of formation. Republic Hizacks and Gelgoogs are dueling with Jegans and ReZELs, and you even spot quite a few old GM IIIs in Federation colors.

Then there are those golden Funnels everywhere, tearing into any Federation suit stupid enough to put distance between itself and the enemy. The MS that launched the Funnels (Qubeley, Sicilia called them?) are no slouches either, attacking with shoulder cannons and beam guns built into their hands. The Federation is getting slaughtered here.

Unless you want to butt into someone else's fight, there's not much you can do… but you do see a few openings.

The Hrududu Sicilia is controlling is attacking a Loto that's firing from the deck of one of the Clops. It's not doing too well. You could help your support fighter out, but that would mean engaging the Clop too…

Sicilia took an interest in those golden Qubeley MS, maybe you should go assist them? They don't need the help, but hey, you might learn something about Sicilia.

Eris and Elle have tag-teamed what appears to be a mass production Nu. It's not the same one that you fought earlier; you can tell. Different loadout, different markings, different pressure… but still a Newtype. Or a Cyber Newtype. Three's a crowd, but the sooner it goes down, the better.

That red Bawoo that led the surprise attack is nearby, and it actually does look like it needs a bit of help. You don't know whether it got separated from its escorts or whether those Qubeleys were even escorting it in the first place, but it's getting dogpiled by four Mobile Suits, each one bearing a striking resemblance to a Doven Wolf, if said Doven Wolf suits had their heads replaced with Gundam heads, and were painted silver. The fight looks tilted slightly in favor of the Federation MS… but if you intervened, you're sure it would quickly turn in favor of the Bawoo.

You need to decide quickly, before someone in this dogfight decides for you.

---

[][Fight] Back up the Hrududu and sink the Clop.

[][Fight] Assist the golden Qubeleys.

[][Fight] Help out Elle and Eris to kill a Feddie Gundam.

[][Fight] Help out the Bawoo.

[][Fight] Analysis Paralysis. You can't decide…

Author's Note: Informational Posts updated

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X][Paint Job] Black with Green and Dark Blue as secondary colors.

You could have painted this thing in Londo Bell colors, or imitated the iconic paint jobs of a famous Ace. Hell, you could have painted it like an Island Cascadia Mobile Suit, although that didn't occur to you until later.

No, you want something distinct.

Distinct, but important to you.

Well, you've got an idea.

Black. Black as the primary color. Sure, there's the practical reason, that being it'll make you visually indistinct from the backdrop of space (but stick out like a sore thumb against anything else) but it's almost like… space itself. Fitting to embody the void where all Spacenoids live when you're fighting those who seek to wipe all of you out.

Also, you know, it looks cool.

As for secondary colors, you decide to go with green and dark blue, the colors of the AUEG. A nod of sorts to your father and the cause he died for. Besides, what is the current day Londo Bell if not just a reversion to their AEUG/Karaba days? Honestly, how stupid was the Federation to attempt this purge whilst their elite special forces were still mostly composed of and led by former insurgents who'd fought against that very kind of behavior?

Well, people have short memories, and you guess that still holds true for Earth's Elite.

Nice. Looks great if you say so yourself.

You can't wait to take this baby into battle.

Spoiler: New Digs

---

[X][Fight] Back up the Hrududu and sink the Clop

Meh, everyone has their own fights in hand. You've got a bigger fish in mind.

You switch to MA mode and head in the direction of Sicilia's fight. You have to weave around a few fights, jinking to the side to avoid one brawl as a Federation GM III without arms fires its Head Vulcans in a desperate attempt to stop a charging Republic Marasai. You pass them just the red Mobile Suit buries its Beam Saber into its opponent's chest, coring the cockpit. Ouch.

"Doing okay, Sicilia?" you ask her as you enter the combat area, executing some basic evasive maneuvers to dodge the sudden bursts of AA fire in your direction.

"Yeah Big Sis, doing fine." Sicilia frowns as she continues controlling the Hrududu. Even from a distance you can tell that she's making it move more like you'd expect a Funnel to move rather than a fighter. It must be burning through propellant like mad.

You see it deftly dodge a burst of AA fire and pepper the offending turret with the Beam Guns in the claws. Took out that gun, but it's clear that Sicilia isn't doing a whole lot of damage. So… your turn.

You switch the Woundwort over to MS mode and start to weave. You don't want that ship's main guns getting a bead on you. As you close in it redirects its point defenses away from the Hrududu and towards you. But it's too late for that. Far too late.

A handful of beam shots bounce off your I-Field, not nearly enough to give you pause. The Long Heat Blade swings out, glowing a bright orange. Your target, the Bridge! This ship is going down!

You remember what Riddhe said… but that doesn't apply here. A warship is a valid target. If you want to make sure it can't fight, what's the issue?

The Heat Blade digs into the side of the Bridge, and for just a split second you see the officers on the Bridge through the window. Some of them unaware of their fate, others screaming, none of them spared as your weapon carves through the entire deck. Steel or flesh, all of it melts away before your blade, pushed aside as a molten slurry. The follow-through rips the blade out the other side of the superstructure, slag spraying out in an arc.

Was that… actual screaming you heard? Just for a second? No. Couldn't be.

Their command center destroyed; the ship's defenses fall into disarray. Some guns even fall completely silent.

But that's not good enough. You won't be satisfied until the whole thing is a wreck.

"Sicilia," you smirk, readying your Heat Blade once more, "Let's carve this thing up like a roast chicken."

She nods, and you see the Hrududu pull back for an attack run, its Heat Blade now glowing too.

Like a part of ravenous hyenas, you descend upon the doomed vessel.

Sicilia makes pass after pass, each time carving a new deep cut into the hull. Out of some of those breaches you see fire, gas, or atmosphere erupt, spilled into the void.

You see people fly out of one too.

As for yourself, you destroy the Flight Deck and Hangar. Air vents through the large gash you leave in the hangar doors, and you fire your beam rifle through the crack for good measure. Flames pour out as fuel ignites and munitions cook off.

"Big Sis!" Sicilia calls your attention. Three Stark Jegans in High-Mobility configuration are rushing towards you, and you notice stylized Orcas painted on their units. An Ace team, maybe? Well, you aren't afraid to throw down with them.

"Oh, I'm sorry boys!" you mock them over comms, "Was this your ship? Well, don't worry, you won't have to worry about finding a new home…"

Your thrusters fire up, launching you from the deck of the smoldering Clop towards the three Feddies.

"-because you won't be going home at all!"

You move to cut the Jegan in the center completely in half, but it jets out of the way. In the same motion it fires both Beam Rifles at you. That move that would have absolutely destroyed an MS without an I-Field. Too bad for them, you've got one.

Before the surprise wears off you rush them and swing again. They're no amateur though, and are already moving to dodge. Instead of splitting them down the middle you instead lop off their left arm at the elbow.

The displays flash with alerts as your I-Field blocks several beam shots from the rear. That one Jegan that Sicilia couldn't engage. Well, as long as it only attacks with the Beam Rifle, you've got nothing to worry ab-what is it grabbing off its legs?

It throws something in your direction, something small and cylindrical. You quickly tap the trigger on your Head Vulcans, and a brief spray of bullets intercepts the thing a handful of meters from you. It explodes. Violently.

Hand grenades. Lovely.

A burst of Vulcans from the first Jegan pepper you, and the second Jegan grabs another grenade.

Yeah, these guys are going to be a problem.

"What I wouldn't give for some Funnels." You growl. You'll have to see about installing some. For now, you've got to make do.

Long Rifle out, wired mode. It weaves across the battlefield as you do your best to dodge the next grenade. That other damn Jegan firing its Head Vulcans gets lucky and pops one of your sub-cameras, making a portion of the lower screen flicker. It won't get its way for long.

Your Long Rifle finally loops back around, rushing that Jegan from its flank. It transforms into Claw mode, slamming into the Jegan's head and grasping it tightly. You pull the trigger, and with two flashes the Beam Gun inside the claw shoots through the Jegan's head.

"Big Sis! Behind us!"

Sicilia's cry makes you glance back, only to see the third Jegan charging at you, Beam Saber drawn.

And there you are, with your I-Field not on your person.

Oh shit.

You retract the Shield Booster, but it won't get back soon enough. Will the Vulcans be enough? They'll have to be!

"Back off!" you jam down the firing button. The entire cockpit vibrates as you send hundreds of rounds towards the approaching Federation MS. Despite the impressive-looking barrage, most of the small-caliber rounds just bounce off of the Jegan's armor. You can't stop it!

Are you going to have to eject? Rhea showed you how to trigger the ejection sequence for the Primrose II, but you practically just got this Gundam! And isn't it a one-of-a-kind? It's irreplaceable!

You've almost made the decision to do it when a burst of beam fire forces the Jegan to change their course. That red Bawoo from earlier rushes in, Beam Rifle in its right hand and Beam Saber in the other. Both of the remaining battle-worthy Jegans immediately switch their focus to it, which is both a relief and an annoyance. What are you, chopped liver?! The Long Rifle finally returns, and you fire off a couple of shots to remind them that you're still here.

"Don't look away from me!" you growl, coordinating with Sicilia's Hrududu as it rejoins you, the two of you pressuring the first Jegan with repeated shots from your Long Beam Rifles. You finally land a hit, blowing its right arm clean off at the shoulder! At the same time, that red Bawoo destroys part of its opponent's backpack with their Beam Saber, and immediately the last two Jegans break off, presumably to flee and link back up with that third Jegan you beheaded earlier.

"….So, what do you think they were called?" You glance back at Sicilia, pushing down that horrifying realization that you almost just died, again.

"The Lame Lameys." The young Cyber Newtype huffs.

"That's… an interesting name." You force a smile. Note to self, don't let Sicilia name anything, ever.

"I'm running low on propellant," she adds, looking to you, "Should I send it back?"

You nod, and the Hrududu speeds away back towards the Bellerophon. That was a short deployment, but hey, for something so old it held up pretty well on the battlefield.

You check up on the Clop. Still going down. Well, that's-wait. You can just barely make it out, but you're pretty sure that's a Beam Saber cutting its way through the hangar door from the inside! You thought you got the whole hangar! Guess there was still a Mobile Suit inside! Well, you don't see why you should let anyone get away!

You switch to MA mode and head towards the Clop just as the MS inside finishes cutting an escape hole. It's barely clambered out awkwardly onto the deck when you arrive, barely finishing your transformation into MS mode before slamming into them and pinning them to the deck. It's a Jegan with no backpack and covered in scorch marks. Guess it was down for maintenance. Well, bad luck for whoever's inside! It struggles, trying to bring its Beam Saber to bear, but you keep that arm pinned with your leg as you raise your Heat Blade.

A shriek echoes over the contact link. Not the voice of an adult. It's a child.

"No! Please!" They scream, and you pause.

That pause creates an opening. An opening that a ReZEL uses to body slam you off the Jegan. Sicilia cries out in shock, while you growl in irritation. Alerts blare in the cockpit as damage reports stream in from the left arm. A few sensors went dead, and there's slight structural damage. Damn it, who is that?!

You push off from the deck and distance yourself from your assailant, readying your weapon. Out of the corner of your eye you notice the Bawoo form up alongside you. The Pressure that pilot is exuding… they must be a Newtype too. You don't need to be a Newtype though to know that they're offering a team up against this new guy. You'll take it.

The ReZEL eyes the two of you, and you take the moment to evaluate it. Green eyes and sensors, with long Wing Binders. It's also hefting a Mega Launcher. Must be a Commander-Type. A bit higher-performance than a normal ReZEL. This shouldn't be that big of an issue, you think.

The ReZEL snaps up its Mega Launcher, and fires it right at you. Your I-Field completely dissipates the attack, and you return fire with your Long Rifle. The Bawoo joins in with its own Beam Rifle. The ReZEL dodges your shot and uses its shield to block the Bawoo's fire. Ugh, they treated their shield with Anti-Beam coating! This will be a pain.

You move to flank their left, while the Bawoo moves to approach from the right. The Fed pilot does a sort of cartwheel in midair, bringing its Mega Launcher to bear on the Bawoo while aiming its Beam Cannon Shield at you. With both weapons, it engages the two of you. You hardly need to dodge a Beam Cannon. Your I-Field will take care of it! You accelerate towards them, and then you see two grenades fire from above its wrist. Shit, explosives! You fire your verniers to dodge whilst holding down the trigger for the Vulcans, and one of the grenades explodes, intercepted.

The other hits the very tip of your right leg, and the explosion shakes the Woundwort.

You wrestle with the controls to stabilize yourself after the impact. Damn it! You quickly glance at the diagnostic readout. Looks like you lost your right "foot". That thing was like landing gear, hardly vital. Still, best not to get hit again.

The Bawoo flips and spins around the fire from the ReZEL, before its Wing Binders swing out to the side. Six white missiles scream away from it towards the Feddie, and it ceases its attacks to raise its shield in defense. All the missiles hit, engulfing the ReZEL in smoke and flames. It bursts from the cloud, trailing debris from its left shoulder, now missing the arm.

Chance!

You fire your Long Rifle again, hitting the Mega Launcher dead on. The explosion decapitates the ReZEL, but it keeps on flying. Stubborn thing.

You have half a mind to finish the thing off when it transforms, sparks flying from the deformed body, and speeds away. Looks like this is your win.

The red Bawoo moves closer, touching your Gundam's arm. At this distance, you can see that it's pretty beat up. The shield it had earlier is gone, the mounting point for it blasted apart. Guess it took a hit. Maybe a few hits.

A video feed pops up on your screen, and you get a good look at the pilot. A blonde woman in a red Normal Suit… and you think she has blue eyes. Wait, isn't she-?

"I take it that you're an ally in this fight," Artesia Deikun greets you, "Are you alright? Did your Mobile Suit suffer any serious damage?"

"Honestly, I think you're worse off than I am," you answer, taking note of all the scorch marks and warped armor plates on her MS, "I'll be fine. Do you need any help?"

She smiles, "Thank you for your concern. Your help is appreciated, but you don't have to lend anymore assistance if you don't want to. The Zeon Republic has more than enough forces to win this battle… and speaking of which-"

Almost as if on cue, another formation of Mobile Suits enters the combat zone. Much more modern Geara Zulus bearing all manner of weaponry descend upon the remaining Federation Mobile Suits and ships. The fight, which was previously only slightly in favor of the Republic of Zeon, immediately turns into a rout for the Federation.

The last surviving Clop, missing a whole engine block and trailing smoke and flames, launches a flare signaling retreat. None of the surviving Fed ships or Mobile Suits waste any time fleeing… although you do see one Salamis trying to flee in the direction of the Bellerophon and Argama.

"Oh boy," you open a line to your mothership, "Bellerophon, you've got one Fed Salamis inbound on your position. Should we intercept?"

"It's okay Cybele," Elle transmits from somewhere nearby, "Beecha's got it."

They… have it? Oh right, the Argama is armed, right? It's got a High Mega Launcher in one of the side compartments. If you zoom in, you can see it opening. The weapon extends on a gimbal, just like they said.

…

That isn't a gimbal.

A cobbled-together High Mega Launcher held by a disembodied Zaku arm extended on makeshift hydraulics takes wobbly aim at the approaching Salamis. Somehow, despite your expectations that it might explode, the thing somehow fires. The bright beam lances out… and misses the Salamis, instead hitting a floundering GM III on the other side of the combat area and annihilating the poor bastard in a large explosion.

That wasn't what the Argama was aiming for, but it was still enough to scare the Salamis off and they changed course… but still.

Honestly, you're surprised that the Argama crew isn't flying makeshift Mobile Suits too. It would fit this whole scrapyard aesthetic they've got going on.

---

Artesia Som Deikun. Daughter of Zeon Zum Deikun, Sister of Casval Rem Deikun. Better known as Sayla Mass, one of the famous members of the White Base Crew. You… didn't seriously think you'd ever meet anybody that famous, even in passing.

"So, what was she like, huh?" Eris grills you excitedly amid the noise and din of the Bellerophon's hangar, "What was it like to meet her? Oh man, it must have been amazing, right?!"

Sicilia tilts her head, confused, "Who are you talking about?"

Before you have a chance to answer either of their questions, Eris switches target.

"Excuse me, I'm only talking about Sayla Mass, born Artesia Deikun, daughter of the Zeon Deikun and sister to the infamous Char Aznable! A woman who helped defeat the Zabi family and win the One Year War, and who just became leader of the Republic of Zeon in the past few days! How could you not know of her?" Eris sighs, looking a bit faint, "To think I shared a battlefield with her, and while flying a Mobile Suit meant for her brother too! Did she see me? Did she mention my Mk. III at all?"

"Uh…" you stare at your friend, "No."

"I've heard those names before," Sicilia asks with childish curiosity, "Who were they?"

Eris gasps in an almost theatrical fashion, before looking to you with a determined expression.

"Cybele. I'm borrowing her." Your friend declares, brooking no argument as she proceeds to drag Sicilia away, "Little girl, you may be woefully uneducated, but fear not! You're about to learn the history of the One Year War, Abridged version! Straight from the Kallis family museum!"

You smile apologetically at Sicilia as she looks helplessly back at you. It's for her own good. Eris may be a bit over-enthusiastic about this, but Sicilia really needs to learn this stuff if she's going to stay involved in this conflict. Historical context is important, after all.

…

Not that she should be involved. Same goes for you.

None of you should have to be laying your lives on the line… but while you can't speak for others, you can say that you can't stop fighting. If you do, what did your brother die for?

---

The Bellerophon still has that new furniture smell in the lounge areas. You doubt it'll last long, especially when the ship gets its full crew complement… but will you stick around long enough to see that? You don't mean in a mortal sense. Once you reach Londenion, there will undoubtedly be the question of what you intend to do. Will you stay with Londo Bell? Try to go independent? Join another group like the Republic of Zeon? The Captain said that there's a doctor in Londenion who can help your mother, but can they really help her, or is the Captain just saying that?

Well, when you get there, you'll demand to speak to the man in charge. You don't entirely trust Londo Bell as a whole, but Bright Noa, now that's a man with a solid reputation for being up front and honest. You mean, he's a war hero four times over! If what Eris has told you is true, he can give you a straight answer.

In the meantime, you're crashing hard in the lounge. After the battle and all that adrenaline, you just want to… not think. The Bellerophon doesn't have a large media database, but it has quite a bit of content. There's also that live feed from the networks broadcasting out of Von Braun.

---

[The next post will be an interlude, describing whatever Cybele watches.]
[The narrative will resume as the Bellerophon arrives at Londenion.]
[Ranked Voting will be utilized]​

[] "The White Meteor of Side 7" produced by Londo Bell

[] "Newtypes, Existential Threat or Evolutionary Leap?" by Dakar News Network

[] "Noblesse Oblige: Principles of a more Civilized Era" produced by the Buch Concern

[] "The One Year War in Retrospect" produced by the Republic of Zeon

[] "How to Make the Perfect Parfait" sponsored by the Vist Foundation

[] "History of the RX-series" produced by Anaheim Electronics

[] "Char Aznable: The Man, The Legend, The Red Comet" by Axis Entertainment

[] "The Mightiest Mobile Suit" by the RB-79 Preservation Society

[] Live News Feed from Von Braun News Network

Author's Note: Sorry that this took so long to finish! I was having problems writing after Finals were over. Hopefully that won't be an issue anymore. And yes, these bits of media do contain plot-important info. Well, most of them.

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[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 20th​ 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)