Story - No Quarter

From Gwn

Contents 1 Prelude 2 Chapter 1 3 Chapter 2 4 Chapter 3 5 Chapter 4 6 Chapter 5 7 Chapter 6

Prelude

The stars hung in despair, humanity had turned away from its home. Humanity formed into a strong group from struggle, united under an alliance of the Galaxy Guard. GHOST formed this group of many nations but with one purpose, to defend all. Still, with the power, came the desire to hold it. The leadership of the Galaxy Guard became corrupt. The corruption spread outwards through the various nations, until the Government of the guard became suspicious of the Guard. They were suspicious for good reason.

The leader of the Galaxy Guard stood upon a vast empire of resources. The Guard defeated a violent rival, but in turn adopted many of the enemy’s traits. Their desires for power lead them down a dark path. The leader’s actions continued the sins on the fathers. This brought an inevitable continuation of war. Many within the united nation became suspicious of the Galaxy Guard’s intentions. They saw the continuations of warmongering as a sign of a bad future. They drew suspicious, and leaders within the nation arose outside the influence of the Guard. General Cavendish publically condemned the Galaxy Guard shortly after the appearance of the Trinity from Earth. The Guard could not compete against the Trinity forces, since they continued the old way of fighting. The failure of the Guard became their death knell within the united nation of GHOST. A tribunal cited the Guard as traitors against humanity. The new conflict resulted in the banishment of the Guard from the united nation.

Chapter 1

The setting sun passed over the moons of Zephon. YHWH was the main star, and the gas giant blocked its light from reaching the moons. Zephon now eclipsed the sun, and second sun was too far away to shine light. The darkness overwhelmed the small collection of Galaxy Guard units. They were the best trained and equipped forces in the united nation, and now they stood as fugitives. Still, they were not without their bite. These bases were former OSC installations that served as little but roadblocks to Eudora’s conquest. It took only a day for the Galaxy Guard to conquer this from the united nation. Now the installations remained the Guard’s only sanctuary.

The Trinity, which often kept the united nation’s forces at bay, had receded in weeks from attacking the united nation. While the Trinity did mark all within the nation for death, their forces were surprisingly absent since GHOST ostracized the Galaxy Guard. Many within the nation cheered at the thought, knowing that Trinity gave them grace to eliminate the Guard. The Guard sent its own spies within Trinity, and learned that colonies around the fragile nebula called Sambation were in revolt. This revolt was causing the Trinity a great deal of grief, though many ships remained around Gaia. These forces hung over a dead planet now, which was little concern to the nation. With Trinity concerned with Sambation, the united nation of GHOST would strike soon.

The leader of the Guard, Soldat 000, sat observing a real-time map. The map updated with the latest position of the united nation’s remaining forces. Soldat 000 sat in front of the massive map. He knew his forces were not able to conquer such a growing number. Not far away, the factories of Apolloyon produced ships monthly. The Apolloyon construction yards also produced new mobile suits by the day. A massive array of mechanized factories worked around the clock in the machine for war. Artificial intelligence aided the mechanized arms, giving them with which incredible speed man could not compete. Soldat 000 feared the prospect of this, and spoke out against its construction. Soldat 000 feared the continuing development of artificial intelligence. He knew the cruelty of humanity but feared the cruelty of what machines could do.

Now Soldat 000's power was waning after the attacks on Titan. The united nation started the factories without his consent, and he knew that the united nation would betray him. Within three months parts of the factory had opened. Now 50 percent of the factories were operating, and more than 75 percent of GHOST’s forces assembled around the moon. Most were products from the accursed machine, he scoffed at the idea that they blamed him for warmongering when the united nation constructed such a thing. Now they feared his retribution upon it.

“Five Battalions. They managed to assemble five battalions. The fleet they assembled rivals what GHOST mustered to take the late Presaint down. Oh, I love this attention. Don’t you agree number 052?” Soldat 000 turned to the soldier who stood before him. This soldier helped lead his elite wing of mobile weapons, and trusted him to bring victory. The other Soldat looked over to his leading General, who had a different opinion to the situation.

“This is not good. While our forces have grown, this is unacceptable. Their behavior has warranted immediate action, and we should not just sit here for them to throw that at us.” 052, or Drake was not afraid of GHOST, he was afraid of his leader’s growing incompetence. While he was confident in his own powers, he knew he could not take on an entire army. Soldat 000 did not fear the growing power of the united nation. Drake did, and knew the Guard was weak in this position.

Soldat 000 scoffed at the idea, he thought the opposite of Drake. While yes, GHOST commanded a large force, their weapons would be useless against the Guard’s superior training. They could not waste their efforts on raids when they stood to eliminate GHOST’s forces in one battle. “Guerilla tactics is what Trinity is using, and little good it will do them. They can’t keep the home straight. Perhaps Sambation is whom we need to speak to. We both remain outcasts from... larger powers. They have technology that could be of use to us, and we have news of things they need. I shall send an envoy. We can unite, and destroy GHOST and take down this Trinity annoyance. Discuss this with Talon.”

“As you wish.” Soldat 052 had known for sometime that Talon had been suffering. Something cloudy lessened any magic the Black Knight had achieved on the battlefield lately. While some did not think of it, number 052 suspected poisoning. It was not below GHOST politicians to poison the Soldat, though number 052 could not think of when Talon would be in such a position. Both the slipping of the leader and the Black Knight had worried Drake. He wondered if he would be next.

The Soldat walked from the ready room, leaving the leader to ponder his plans. The halls of the Unrelenting Justice were cold. This ship was large, but understaffed. The ship’s crew was not Soldats, so they gave into the GHOST charges. The guard was unstable. The mooring positions around Zephon’s moons were quite stable for the moment. The contrast was not lost on Drake, and his mind wandered more. Soldat 099 walked up to his co-commander, and punched him in the arm.

“Wake up, or else you’ll miss the fight.” The other Soldat spoke, realizing where 052 had come from. Such a meeting was an honor. Soldat 099 truly believed in number 000's plans. His support remained solid throughout the suspicion and retreat. Soldat 099 also trusted number 052, even if number 099 no longer trusted the Guard. This deception would affect not only their relationship, but it would rattle the guard further.

“I just spoke to the commander, and it does not look good.” Drake’s melancholy spread out in his words.

“Peh,” Soldat 099, otherwise known as Homestead scoffed, “The GHOST maybe have the numbers, but we have the guns. Those antiquated relics they are still producing are nothing compared with the high end technology we have. We will have our victory, especially with us leading the mecha-troops.”

“I suppose. Triple Zero is calling on the Trinity Rebels for help, Homestead. It seems like a weak action to me. Instead of staying here and fighting, I think we should do some strike and fades. They always worked in the past, and now we have the means to dissect GHOST.” The words seemed true. Drake knew that the true strength of the Guard was the mecha units under his command. They mobile Suit teams largely remained loyal, and victories would amplify this loyalty. They needed a victory, but letting the enemy would not bring this.

“Weak? Since when has the Soldat ever been wrong?” Homestead took offense to Drake’s comments, “You need to remember who unified these Galaxies. The majority of GHOST could not hit water if they fell off a boat.”

“I hope you’re right.” Drake said. Now Soldat 052 knew he might be alone in his thoughts. Many other Soldats would follow the leader to the edge of the universe. He would not let them down through any weakness, even if Soldat 000 caused it. “Let us draft some maneuvers then.”

“Now you are speaking my language. They are fighting with mass-produced tin cans. We possess refined instruments of our power. We will be the victory, not them. Then we will secure order throughout the nation, and end whoever else has a beef with us.” Homestead laughed, and both would spend their last moments to perfect a strategy.

“You stand accused to allying with the Galaxy Guard and taking part in their plans. Your actions blur your true intentions, so we ask how do you plead in the charges of treason in alliance with the Guard.” The voice boomed through the hall, a tone of Judgement rattled the walls. The tribunal of magistrates repeated this charge to all the deserters of the Galaxy Guard. GHOST had collected them, and brought them to the colony around Apolloyon. They were soldiers that did not follow Soldat 000's ideals. Such deserters immediately laid down to GHOST threats to the Guard.

Matthew Lockheart stood among the tribunal under his own free will. A former soldier of Eurdora, he never agreed with the Presaint and his actions. Lockheart began to doubt the intentions of the Guard within days of his defection. His placement in the Rosicrucian Guard kept him happy. His past lead him into the Galaxy Guard, but he would not see his future cut short for supporting it. When the decree came down against the Guard, the entire Rosicrucian Guard surrendered to GHOST.

“I plead Guilty.” While normally such a plea would lead to certain punishment, these hearings were different from a criminal trial. Instead of being punished for the crime, The united nation would reward Lockheart for his honesty. GHOST needed everyone they could get, including ex-Guard members. The magistrates were the ones who explained the rules of this game to Lockheart, and he accepted so that he could continue to play his part.

“Then you will be reprimanded with two thousand hours of training, which will be assigned at your commander’s discretion.” Lockheart was ashamed to be punished with something that would never happen. The only way the new commander would ever punish him would be if Lockheart himself committed treason himself. Now he was again captain of a unit, though under a new command through GHOST.

Michael Penland walked in after Lockheart’s hearing, seeing his commander escorted away. GHOST offered him a similar deal of command. Like Lockheart, Penland did not agree with the Galaxy Guard, and only used them to further his own career. When the Guard assigned him within the Guard, he never truly accepted their leadership. Now with pending the treason charge, Penland surrendered to the united nation’s forces. Penland stood facing the same charges that Lockheart did. Like his former commander, Penland would plead guilty and gain a slap on the wrist. The trials would soon end, and GHOST would forgive all.

Hours after the trial, the united nation assembled the Rosicrucians. Former Rosicrucians filled the room with every member, all former citizens of the Eudoran Kingdom. A Major walked in, and the lights dimmed. Every soldier sat at attention. The GHOST Major spoke, “Today is a day for you. Eudora lives within the united nation, and you are its protectors. The Guard betrayed us like the Presaint betrayed you. Now we face a common enemy, one to which we cannot stand down.”

Lockheart did not accept the rhetoric. Words were meaningless to him now. He awaited the deal, the one he had been promised by GHOST in exchange for his guilty plea. He looked over at Penland who seemed very interested in the Major’s words. Lockheart leaned over to his fellow officer, speaking low. “You OK?”

Penland turned to Lockheart, “Yeah. Shush.”

“Now, we are giving you a new model based on the Eudoran units you have been familiar with. This new model of Paladin is based on the Eudoran system and frame, but supports the newest in GHOST and KRIS technology. The Seneschal will be your horse in this new ride of war. We have outfitted it...”

Penland’s eyes widened at the sight of the hologram. The officer recited the technical data, though not many of the Rosicrucians were listening. It was a stalwart example of what Eudora should have been. The main weapon was a large vibro-sword. Such a weapon proved effective against Trinity units, though magnetic I-fields protected these swords. A new form of Shield and armor technology coupled with a massive gun capable of punching through planetary defenses caused the Rosicrucians to pay attention.

“...and with high performance Mark-IIV engines developed by the labs on Ananta, this is the highest technology GHOST has produced except for the Guard’s units. We feel very comfortable with this model, and offer it to all of you to ride into battle.” The Major switched to a new symbol, resembling the old Eudoran crest.

Lockheart knew what was coming. He was a leader before, and now GHOST would call on him to lead these into battle. He stood up, to let the other Rosicrucians know of his strength. “I, Major Matthew Lockheart official submit my request to lead these fine men into battle.”

A secondary character, seemingly hidden amongst the flashy show of the new mobile suit emerged from the shadows. He was a tall, yet stocky man in his middle age. The pipe in his mouth did not smoke, though many could smell the sweet tobacco. Everyone knew who he was, and some saw him as a hero. “Very well, I accept your command of the Red Mobile Suit Squadrons. I would also like to ask Major Michael Penland to command the secondary unit of these Seneschals.”

Penland stood up in similar fashion to Lockheart. He tried to hide his joy, though such actions were now impossible. “Yes sir.”

“Very well,” The General saluted his men. “You will begin training in the new units tomorrow at 0700 hours. After your first mission, GHOST will move your forces to Midgard where your units will be based out of. I salute you, the Red Mobile Suit squadron.”

The rest of the Rosicrucian company followed. Many within the command was overjoyed at the thought of being able to protect their new home world under such a crest. Lockheart’s only question was what was their first mission. Penland knew what GHOST was tapping them for, and turned to his now commanding officer.

“So,” Penland spoke softly, “Ready to visit the Soldats?”

Chapter 2

While GHOST formed the Red mobile suit squadron among high spirits, a pair of unfortunate heros sat in very different circumstances. Captain Ryan Langdon and Lieutenant Sakura Epsilon awaited their doom. The SMR project was on its last breath. Trey Fenix had died, and the cost of maintenance for the machines was too steep. The armed services commission withdrew all funding from the Captain and his project, and Sakura felt betrayed now.

Sakura’s parents had disappeared, but GHOST refused to offer her aid. They were residents of Beta Colony, one of the few Colonies not to consider accepting the united nation treaty of GHOST. Sakura began to hate the united nation, blaming them now for their disappearance. She poked Ryan on the shoulder while they waited for the General, “What do you think they want with us.”

Ryan turned to Sakura. Her eyes were different now, so were his. They had both changed since graduating KRIS and joining the military. GHOST and the Guard never truly accepted Ryan and Sakura like the other soldiers were even after they were forced into the united nation. The soldiers treated them like the younger siblings, and never with much respect. Their honorary status in the Galaxy Guard was just that. The truth was both Ryan and Sakura’s concepts contributed to GHOST being able to shuck off the Galaxy Guard. Now the culmination of Ryan’s weapons theories and Sakura’s programs would help form a backbone of the Brahman Guard.

They were not being honored for their research or service today. GHOST was reassigning them. It had been months since the military allowed both to pilot a mobile suit. Neither of them felt right piloting the weapons. Both enjoyed the theory more than the experience. Now their reluctance and youth would give them new positions within GHOST. Both were frightened at what they were in for.

“I think,” Ryan spoke solemnly, “We are going to be moved to Apollyon. With the shipyards and factories growing by the day, they will probably need us to be desk jockeys. I dunno, I don’t think we should be necessarily upset about it. The Soldats are light minutes away from Apollyon, and that can not be good.”

“What about my parents? If I don’t have to worry about fighting anymore, then maybe I can go look for them.” Sakura spoke with hope in her voice. It pained her to sign their bar away to the bank. It was even worse when she had to force herself to sign a missing persons avadavat. The document was for proof that she had nothing to do with the disappearance. She knew the loss pained Ryan also. He spoke a lot less and never visited Beta Colony anymore.

“I think-”

The room’s only door opened, and the interruption cut off Ryan’s words. A tall Hispanic man walked in, and through instinct Ryan and Sakura stood up and saluted. He returned the gesture, and walked to his seat. The man spoke with a hard and cold voice.

“Captain Langdon, First Lieutenant Epsilon. Thank you for coming, though I wish we could meet on better terms. The situation your program has left GHOST in has been, draining. The Brahmans may have accepted such a burden with the SMR project, but the modern situations that GHOST is being tested to cannot support the project. Also, wasting such talent like you two in Mobile Suit combat when your minds are only starting to blossom in weapon technology is foolish of us. Effective immediately, we will assign both of you to the Windward Asteroid Base outside the Asgard System. Captain, you will become head of mechanical research and design. Lieutenant Epsilon, you will become head of the Psy-W department that will research new forms of newtype and anti-newtype weaponry.”

“I have a request, sir.” Sakura spoke up, “Someone has abducted my parents, I think agents of Trinity-“

“I am well aware of your family’s plight, but as we have told you, GHOST is not sure what happened. If Trinity agents were the cause of the abduction, accepting their death is reasonable. They have all declared us dead, Miss Epsilon.”

“No.” Sakura remained stern. She would not give up on her family and accept their deaths. She knew their strength would keep them alive. “I request aid to find them, and others that Trinity has abducted. If they are capturing newtypes, perhap-”

“Enough of this,” The Commander stood up, looking directly into Sakura’s eyes. It was a hostile gesture at best, “GHOST has other commitments, and you will remember to do as you are ordered.”

Ryan placed his hand on Sakura’s shoulder, trying to calm her down. She looked at him with ferocity, though calmed down through his eyes. Ryan turned to the commander and spoke up, “Thank you, sir. We accept our assignments and will continue to work for peace.”

After the pair of teenagers left the office, Sakura exploded. “HOW DARE HE!? THEY ARE NOT DEAD, AND I WILL NOT LET SUCH AN INCREDIBLE MORON EVEN TRY TO CONSOLE ME WITH THEIR DEATHS!”

Sakura kicked the wall, leaving a sizable hole in the drywall. Another soldier in the hall turned around when noticing her reaction, deciding he would take a detour. Ryan’s eyes were wide. He was not used to such an outburst from her. “You know... he could be right.”

“RIGHT!? NO! DON’T YOU EVEN SAY THAT YOU BAKA! I WILL NOT ACCEPT IT. I will find my Mom and Dad, and then they will...” Something inside Sakura made her think of her parents in a different light. She had always remembered them as kind, even when they were officers for the government. Though through her mind’s eye, she could see them piloting great Gundams of the past. Her father rode in a white suit surrounded by fire, and her mother in a winged, graceful suit. The flash soon ended with the words of that stranger ringing in her head.

Your father was a killer.

“They will protect us, Ryan. I know they will.”

Ryan’s eyes filled with tears. With the collapse of the Galaxy Guard, appearance of Trinity, and the disappearance of the Epsilons, he was not in high spirits. He could feel fear now, for fear overcame Sakura. Little did he know the fear she felt was not of her parent’s death, but of her parent’s past. “Well we just need to focus on living for now.”

“Bring up the command protocols.” Commander Larson looked out upon the new Eudoran fleet, structured within the united nation. Her forces were mostly Eudoran soldiers loyal to GHOST. GHOST now based the Red Squadron with the flagship Abatis. The united nation reconstructed the Abatis from part of the Sel Klez, the great flagship of Eurdora’s past. Now the Abatis stood as the united nation’s contract to protecting Eudora and all of its citizens.

“Rosicrucians Launching.” Lockheart engaged the primary thrusters on the Seneschal. The thrust pushed the twenty units from their carrier ships. The speed of the unit was surprisingly fast, Lockheart thought, then he switched to his command mode. His command carrier was the primary ship of the Red Squadron.

“Roger commander. Secondary unit is moving into position to hold the ships.” Penland moved his formation in a perimeter around the ships. They armed their heavy cannons and moved into defensive mode. A line of suits appeared if out of nowhere, threatening the ships. Penland’s unit was in charge protecting the home vessels while providing support for the lead team.

Lockheart was in charge of the offensive team. It was his goal to ensure victory for his men. When the enemies appeared, each Seneschal unit drew their blades. Because of the I-fields, the swords shone with brilliant luminance. The vibrating blades would easily rip the molecular bonds in the metal of the opposing units to shreds, giving swift victory to the Rosicrucian soldiers.

A surprised transmission for unit Red 4 gave Lockheart his own shock. The opposing mobile suit that Red 4 attacked popped. It did not explode in a fiery wreck, but it popped like a balloon. Lockheart’s own mecha slashed at an opposing unit, to discover a similar result.

“What the hell is going on here? I thought we were practicing with Mobile Dolls?” Command had informed Lockheart he would not be attacking anything but decoy units, a term that had always meant computer controlled units. The supposed aggressors were instead inflatable decoys that could do nothing more than float. “What kind of challenge is this?”

“This,” Commander Larson spoke, “Is a training exercise to get your team familiar as a team. You all have enough combat experience to work as individuals, but you need to utilize your role as a team better.”

Larson was originally a pre-school teacher on Mars. When the great war left her planet destroyed, she moved to the stars with the rest of the exodus. Her fortunes soon came to Eudora, where she served as a drill sergeant for new recruits, but her hobby had always been studying ancient Naval warfare. When Eudora joined the united nation, GHOST reassigned her to learn how to be an officer. Now she was the youngest naval commander within GHOST. “We need to work on our deployment better.”

Penland united his troops into a formation, “Maybe you should give us paint rounds and some practice sabers to mess with the lead formation. Have a test skirmish between forces.”

“Sounds good Major. Load up on the practice munitions.” Larson sent the order out to all units, and the practice codes went up. Penland was happy that someone was taking his suggestions seriously now.

Lockheart felt anxiety about the suggestion. He knew Penland from past missions with the Kingdom, and even further comradery within GHOST. Now sharing command with him made him realize past instances of desire. “Why would we ever need to fight each other, Major?”

“Who knows, who knew we would be fighting the Galaxy Guard? Besides we need all the training we can get. Don’t take it as an offense, unless it will make you more a challenge to my team.” Penland moved into the hangar of the Crimson 2. The ship was the carrier of the Eudoran Defensive Squad, and its mobile contingent was under Penland’s command. The crew of the ship began to arm the Seneschals with the practice weaponry that would only mark the other suits with paint to signify damage.

The large map surrounding the command chair on the Unrelenting Justice provided seven maps. Each map showed a system with the current positions of each GHOST unit. Technicians had installed this security system long ago in each COIN unit, and the Galaxy Guard continued the practice. GHOST used it to track their forces throughout the Galaxy, but now it was a weakness. Soldat 000 made sure he had the most up to date positions of all units, for he planned his actions around it. Trinity was not a concern, nor was the action of pirates and smugglers. GHOST was his quarry now.

A dot on Soldat 000's map moved. This was the first real movement around Apollyon for three weeks. The unexpected activity piqued the Soldat’s curiosity, and he zoomed in on the unit. GHOST labeled it ‘RED SQUADRON’, an unfamiliar designation. No icon was associated with the group, nor was the lead ship’s IDC in the database. The new group appeared from nowhere on Apollyon to the point of having their own name and flagship. “What are they planning?”

Near the command post, Soldat 052 stood going over possible maneuvers to attack any encroaching forces. The young ensign next to him joined the Galaxy Guard because she believed they would end all fighting. Soldat 052 also believed in the Guard in that respect. He pointed to simulation points, but received an alert through his communication unit. An operator ordered him to meet with Soldat 000 again. Drake sighed. “I have to go, Layia. They need me.”

“Take care, Sir.”

Drake walked over to the grand doors to the ready room, where the Soldat’s body guards inspected him. They opened the doors, revealing Soldat 099 was also in the room. Drake Saluted both Soldats, and spoke; “Reporting for duty.”

The main chair revolved, revealing Talon instead of Soldat 000. “Good. Thank you for meeting with me today, gentlemen. I have been watching... with Soldat 000, the GHOST forces map, and a new squadron has broken off from the main grouping at Apolloyon. I have decided since you want some action against GHOST for their betrayal, then...”

Drake looked over to Homestead, Talon was speaking like Soldat 000 would. This further reinforced Drake’s theory that something strange was going on in the command of the Guard. He blamed it for the weakness against Trinity, and the Guard’s betrayal by GHOST. Internal actions of subversion often caused weak leadership from previous strong leadership. Drake figured someone in GHOST might have altered Talon and Soldat 000. This chance to get even with GHOST was too good to pass up.

“What is the plan then, Sir?” Homestead spoke up, also eager to take the fight to GHOST. He had to abandon his friends due to this madness. Revenge sounded good, if even against a small force.

Talon straightened himself, “We will strike against ‘Red Company’. They have moved in near Jukar, and are currently collecting themselves. Many different signals are there, though nothing our computer can match to existing units. GHOST is testing new units to destroy us. Let us attack them while they train. A trio of carriers has been loaded with our units. I will accompany your squadrons to engage the enemy, and eliminate their new forces.”

“Sir.” Homestead and Drake both saluted Talon, who sat conspicuously in Soldat 000's chair. The pair of commanders noticed Talon’s avarice. Both walked out of the command room, heading to the lockers.

“Do you think he’ll bring his... pets?” Drake’s reference was to Talon’s pet project. Through great pain and expense, he created a small force of artificial newtypes with colorful pasts. The truth was, they made the other Soldats nervous. Drake especially did not feel comfortable around them. Their brain-waves were different from other newtypes. He could not concentrate when he sensed their presence. The artificial newtypes just ruffled his feathers.

“Probably. I wonder what other things they do together. We should just ignore them. I mean, hey, GHOST probably kicked us out for that stuff. I never did think we needed them.” Homestead did not agree with the process of artificially creating a newtype. They were different from other weapons, a Gundam was a Gundam, but an artificial newtype was like playing God. This was something he knew that GHOST had some aversions to. Not even KRIS would dare such a task again. Only Gemini had attempted to create such things, and Homestead never wanted to be equated with them.

They reached the locker room, where other pilots changed into the flight suits. Flight suits were a necessity in space combat. The thin material not only provided warmth, but blocked many dangerous forms of radiation in space. The suit also protected against light shrapnel damage, in case battle damaged the cockpit in a fire fight. The flight suits were comfortable, if not snug. Homestead’s suit reflected his mecha unit, featuring a blue toned scheme. Drake on the other hand had a pure black suit. Both pilots zipped up their suits, and put on their Soldat armor above it. They knew this could be the last thing they would wear.

“Let’s do this.”

The flagship of the Brave Mobile Suit Team was the Lincoln. Drake assembled the other pilots, which all gathered Lincoln’s hangar. The hangar was large, accommodating sixteen advanced mobile suits. These new suits were produced right before the ousting of the Guard. The new Aviz units were the successors to the weak Bartolomeus units originally produced by COIN. The Aviz were based on both Homestead and Drake’s personal units, and were designed for an interface with the Q-Fighters.

“SOLDIERS!” Drake’s voice echoed throughout the hangar. The line of pilots stood at attention. Each pilot was hand picked to pilot the Aviz units. They were the best of the Guard. “We stand on the precipice of battle. This is not some rebellious faction we face, or a government who resists peaceful negotiations, this is GHOST. They scoffed at us, and in their jealousy, sought to replace us as warriors. They feared our power, and for good reason! These forces are nothing more than the errand boys of war monger politicians. Our power blocked these Politicians from gaining their own. Now they disrupt peace for what? FOR POWER! Well we have power, and we shall use it. We will fight so others do not have to, and we will prevail for the people who seek us to aid them! LONG LIVE THE GUARD!”

Homestead smirked at Drake’s speech. Soldat 052 had a penchant for the dramatic. Though, if it elevated the spirits of his pilots, then Homestead would let Drake speak all day. Today was for action, and not a day for speaking. “Ok then, armor up, and remember; these units we are fighting are new. We don’t know what is out there. Still, GHOST is pathetic without us. Keep training in mind, follow your orders, and strike fast.”

“YES SIR!”

The pilot’s response was quick, and the line broke as alarms filled the hangar. Within an hour, they would be within miles of the supposed Red Squadron. The Guard would swiftly attack the main ships to cut off any retreat, leaving the suits to fend for themselves. The pilots would rely on remote weaponry, ensuring a quick victory. The Guard’s newtype soldiers were well experienced with the remote weapons, giving them a large advantage against this new squadron.

Drake entered the Mutekikantai, his command suit. Unlike Homestead, Drake still used his unit from prior battles. Homestead preferred an upgraded version of the current ‘grunt’ suit, which meant he was now in command of a custom Aviz. The dark-blue paint job of Homestead’s unit was different from the stale grey of the other units. Drake figured Homestead designed it to draw fire from the inexperienced who wanted to take down a command unit. A quick kill, for if one has avarice in their heart, they cannot kill a man.

The suit powered up, and Soldat 052 strapped himself in. The displays hummed to life. A crisscross of lights solidified into a 360-degree cockpit that gave a full range of vision. This was advantageous, since seeing all in battle was necessary for combat. Sight was important, something green pilots still had trouble.

“All units, key in. Green leader checked in.” Drake gave his call-sign into the microphone in his helmet. Each Aviz unit had a key designation, as did the Q-Fighters that would accompany them. The Aviz were separated into Green and Blue groups. Homestead would command the blue group. The Q-Fighters were on a separate ship, but had purple designations. The purple command was under Talon, and his own escort would share the purple designation.

The true commander of this mission would be Talon, and his face filled Homestead and Drake’s cockpit. “Remember, follow my orders alone. You mess up this mission, and you won’t be around for courts martial. Got it?”

Chapter 3

Talon sat alone as Drake and Homestead left the ready room. Concealed in the shadows, Keziah Meyers watched with concerned eyes. She was Talon’s personal body guard, and one of the artificial newtypes created under his watch. Her gaze was penetrating. Keziah did not trust Drake. He was more aversive since she became stronger. The woman stepped out, standing at Talon’s side.

“Trinity this is not. GHOST’s threat is hardly worth worrying about.” Keziah looked over Talon’s shoulder, “But still, I don’t know if these troops will be effective against them.”

“They will do, with us leading them. Drake and Homestead do not share our vision. They lack the vision that would make them true leaders, instead of exceptional pilots. Now the united nation shares the weakness of greed. Leaders such as us are rare. We will show GHOST why they were only successful with our leadership.” Talon spoke with a deeper voice than usual. His eyes were focused on the map. The red designation for the new squadron was his sole focus.

“The new units that we created should be more than any GHOST unit could handle. Nevertheless, still, I do not if they are able enough.” The truth was Keziah often doubted others. She felt empowered at Talon’s side, her confidence lacked with anyone else. This lack of confidence included herself at times. Even with her enhancements, the toil of war had begun to show upon her.

Talon looked at Keziah. She was an ally to him, and he felt compassion for her. “This is something we will do. This peace will not last with people like them in power. The politicians of the united nation knew that I was going after them while we dealt with Trinity. Fear caused this, and their fear will bring them ruin.”

Talon pushed a small button on the desk. A pair of women responded within seconds, entering the room. They were Talon’s other personal body guards, showing his paranoia even among his own base. They survived the process of turning into an artificial newtype. The fact that all three were female was due to the process being easier accepted by females. Asuka and Ayame were weaker than Keziah, but remained powerful none-the-less.

Talon assembled the trio of artificial newtypes to outline their own attack. Both Talon and Keziah would command using their own mobile weapons. Ayame and Asuka were to command the Q-Fighters using a Quasi-Psycommu linkup in battle. The linkup was a new feature added onto the Quintin, the flagship of the Asylum team. They would command the purple team, meant as support for the blue and green teams. The massive mobile weapons that Keziah and Talon commanded would give them an edge over any GHOST force.

“We strike hard and fast. Let the Aviz units take down the ships with Q-Fighter backup. I and Keziah will strike the suits with our remote weapons. If anything this should be quick, and let GHOST know we are hardly weak.” Talon turned off the hologram of the battle plan. The lights returned to normal, erasing the shadows that Keziah hid in while the other Soldats were in the Room.

“Still,” Asuka spoke, “What about after this? Sure, we will destroy their new forces, but with the factories at Apolloyon, they can easily replace whatever we destroy. The facilities here at Tiryns can only produce so much.”

“You doubt our power? Whatever they make we can destroy. When we demoralize them, we will seize Apolloyon. Then this system will become ours, and we will spread, freeing people from GHOST’s rule. This is our goal.”

Ayame watched with scorn over Talon. In recent months she had grown to hate him. Even as he spoke, he was arrogant and stupid. The truth was, Ayame was sabotaging Talon’s health. She disliked being what she was now, and blamed him for it. The drug that raced through his system even now was very hard to detect. It increased Talon’s paranoia, and rapidly thinned his blood. Soon even a paper cut would not clot, and he would bleed to death. Ayame was waiting for the day she could bleed him to death.

Keziah looked over to Ayame. Something about the moment caused the bodyguard to look at the other. Keziah could feel negativity rise from Ayame. Something about the other had always caused her grief. Ayame’s background with the Eudoran Kingdom did not help matters. Suspicions were high now, and Keziah knew that she was up to something. Proof was the only thing lacking.

“Let us suit up. Let me contact the others before we depart to the Quintin.” The others left the room, and Talon sat upright in the chair. Talon cued his interface into the Mutekikantai’s cockpit. The commander also sent the message to Homestead’s Aviz, but the message was clearly to Drake. Talon knew Drake preferred Soldat 000's leadership.

“Remember, follow my orders alone. You mess up this mission, and you will not be around for courts martial. Got it?” He spoke with a sincere tone, “This will be quick.”

“Copy sir.” Drake spoke from the cockpit of his Gundam. Talon’s own suit was already ready in the hangar of the Quintin, and a short shuttle ride would bring him to his baby.

“We will depart in fifteen minutes. The ETA will be forty four minutes, where we will intercept the Red Squadron. You have your orders. I will see you on the battlefield soldiers. Talon out.”

The new Seneschal units were exceeding performance estimates. Even with the practice weapons, the sight of the suits evoked powerful memories of what Eudora should have been. The statistics amazed the crew of the Abatis, just from the output from each machine. They rivaled most command units, and would serve as a symbol of the united nation. The Seneschal was the vanguard of a new GHOST, and through the Eudorans the nation would eliminate the guard.

Lockheart’s team was failing against the defensive team. Only seven units remained untouched by Penland’s team. The coordination was bad. These Rosicrucians did not work well with each other. There were problems with team work, which was Lockheart’s fault. He was the new leader, and he was responsible for their actions. One of Penland’s units splashed Unit Three with paint, ‘killing’ the unit. Lockheart was isolated now, surrounded with only five other units.

“Surrender to Eudora, and accept our dominance Galaxy Guard scum.” Penland smirked, sending the transmission to Lockheart’s unit. While it was all training, he was enjoying this. The thrill of the hunt was real. “You ready to surrender?”

“I-“ Lockheart was cut off, for a unit to his left exploded. Surprise overtook the Commander. None of the units were equipped with live fire. Energy ripped the Seneschal apart through the explosion, leaving nothing but a burnt out skeleton drifting in space. Alerts rang off through every GHOST suit.

Commander Larson’s face appeared over the red alert screens, she did not have pleasant news. Lockheart and Penland knew something bad had happened, and things were about to get worse. “All units return to home ships. Repeat, all units return. Some unfriendlies are attacking now. We are releasing cover fire.”

The Abatis reacted with great haste. When Penland spoke, the scanners revealed a fleet dropping out of hyperspace thirty kilometers from the practice site. The Guard equipped the ships with remote weapons, which attacked the unit to the left of Lockheart. Now the Abatis projected volley after volley of beam shots into the direction that scanners detected the ships. The crew knew this was the Galaxy Guard. Beam Shields and I-fields that covered the flag ship sprang to life. The battle had begun.

“Crimson One, prepare weapons for all Seneschal units. Team one, move in by twos, then cover the ship until the crews equip all units. Watch out for the funnels.” Lockheart’s unit avoided a beam shot. There was not doubt in his mind that the Galaxy Guard was attacking his squadron. The hangar of the Crimson 1 was never a more grateful sight.

“Don’t worry Red leader.” Larson’s voice entered Lockheart’s cockpit, “We have our own surprise for the Guard. Execute the Affect System!”

The bays of the Abatis groaned with Larson’s order. The lack of newtype weaponry for the Seneschal units was not a design flaw or oversight by GHOST engineers. Scientists equipped the trio of ships assigned with the Red Squadron with a new system kept secret from the Galaxy Guard. They developed it with KRIS scientists that did not want to ally with Trinity, producing a new level of technology. While similar systems existed in the past, the scope of the Affect system was a brand-new undertaking for war. The system creates a sphere approximately 500 kilometers in diameter of interference. The interference blocked newtypes from controlling remote weapons. The Affect system was considered very useful, and its debut would be against the formidable Galaxy Guard. When it turned on, they did not know what hit them.

“Group Seven not responding.” A technician responded to Asuka’s inquiry about what happened to her grasp on the funnels. Ayame looked puzzled as well, for her units were also not responding. The remote weapons were dead in space, no longer controllable. Both artificial newtypes could also feel a strange static in their head, something blocking them. Nothing they tried worked, so they decided to let their boss know.

“Talon,” Asuka spoke, “Our psychic systems are not working. The Technicians cannot figure out why.”

Talon looked into the eyes of his pet. She was nothing more than a project. She was the first step to a better warrior, and she was failing him. Keziah remained his only success, a credit to her stature. Talon decided he would bypass their incompetence, and engage the Red Squadron himself. “Useless. Can’t even do one thing right, fine. All units, purple, blue and green, prepare for launch.”

“A new group of signals, enemy suits, heading your way.” Lockheart took the news well. The crew rearmed the squadron with live weaponry. There would be no more surprises for the Red Squadron now. “Good. Keep that Affect shield up, Commander Larson.”

“Sir. Attention all ships! Move into defensive position and cover team two. Arm all cannons and reduce shielding to 50 percent to conserve power.” The other ships heeded Larson’s orders. The other two ships moved in near the Abatis, forming a cluster. The fleet grouped up to provide a better protection area of the second team.

Lockheart moved his units into battle, but he decided he needed more firepower. “Penland, bring up your two best soldiers with team one to help me deal with them. We will need your help in the front line.”

“Roger, sir.” Penland had a personal score to settle with the Guard. Apart from them humiliating Eudora with their actions in the Versaii affair, the Guard started to change Penland. At first he welcomed the chance to become stronger. The results were not pleasing. The scar process damaged him, and he has been struggling from it ever since. GHOST offered help, and have been trying to reverse the damage on his brain. Still, Penland blamed Talon for the hell that is now his life. Now it was Penland’s turn to reciprocate.

The Seneschals took up a forward line position facing the opponents. Several new mobile units hovered near the Galaxy Guard ships. They were different from the other GHOST units the Guard normally used. A trio of weapons different from the new Guard units, command units. The Abatis relayed the identification numbers of the three units, and all were on record. The Mutekikantai, the Retribution, and the Vindictive. All three were the monsters of the Guard, which caused a ripple of fear throughout the ranks of the Red Squadron.

“Hold fast and remember your training. They’re at the disadvantage here.” Lockheart could barely believe his own words, but without the majority of their ranged weapons, the Seneschals had a chance. He looked over his command data, thirty-three units under his command. With twenty at the front line and thirteen guarding the ships, this was going to be difficult.

“Transmissions encrypted,” Penland turned on encryption to scramble his signal. By the time the Guard could decode the signal, it would be too late for them to care. “They have fourteen other units plus the three beasts. Red 14 spotted a blue newbie, which must be the grunt commander. Im gonna move over with Red 14, Red 15, and Red 6 to approach the Vindictive.”

Lockheart listened to the garbled suggestion. The transmission was more tinny, but understandable. “Agreed, watch them if they move to the ships. They probably want to isolate us here.”

The first exchange of mecha fire occurred. Beams rattled throughout the Red Squadron’s line, followed by volleys of solid fire to the Guard. The shots rattled the lines, and Penland’s force broke from the main group. The Guard units were confused in the first minutes of battle, if expecting something. The pilots observed this also, but they knew what had caused the Guard their grief. They did not expect the Affect system, and its presence messed up their battle plan.

“All units, brace for attack!” Both sides advanced toward each other. The ships provided support fire, but did little to bother the attacks. Several suits on each side exploded, and the blood began to spill. The battle lines converged, and the fighting began.

“Prepare for the launch.” Soldat 052 launched from the hangar. Soon the stars surrounded the pilot in his spherical cockpit. The brilliance of the computer soon tagged all units within the area. The ‘Red Squadron’ units were now haloed with a red outline. This designated them as dangerous threats to the suit. The color choice by the computer was ironic. Normally the computer used the red outline on all hostile units, so GHOST just made these suits even more of a threat. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Talon and his body guard. The Q-Fighters were surprisingly absent.

“Purple leader, where are the Q-Fighters?” Drake’s voice betrayed worry.

Talon appeared on the screen. His face was not an indication of pleasant feelings from the commander. His eyes were narrowed, and his skin was red. The situation reminded him of when he would spot others while weight training. Talon’s face matched that look of strain.

“The newtype weaponry is not responding. There must be a malfunction in the Psycommu, not even the Retribution can operate its remote weapons. Something foul is about this. Move the Aviz units to form a solid line. Purple command will disable the command ships. Homestead, lead your troops well.” Homestead soon replaced Talon’s face, who matched up to Soldat 052's command screen.

“I am going to keep up the line. Move in all units to block the forward push, and try to keep up.” Homestead’s face vanished as well, leaving Soldat 052. He looked down at his name tag, ‘Drake’. The name seemed useless now. He was just Soldat 052 now, not Zane Drake.

“Well then, all units,” Drake knew Homestead was a better commander with the lines. Drake lead by example, but Homestead lead by experience. “Follow Homestead’s blue unit. I am going to find the leader.”

The confusion that assembled the ranks of the Aviz vanished. Even without the Q-Fighter aid, the Guard was not a pushover by any respect. They would rattle the ranks of the GHOST line and vanquish any threat from the united nation. The grunts exchanged fire, both sides glowing from energy explosions. The fighting began, the battle had begun.

An Aviz unit approached a Seneschal on the left flank. The Aviz armed its variable beam cannon, powering up the internal generator. A small gauge appeared next to the Seneschal, indicating the strength of the shot. Instead of arming the beam shield, which would be foolish, the pilot armed the Master Sword and boosted at the Aviz with full speed. With the distance between the two suits shrinking, the Aviz pilot switched the beam cannon to a wide shot. The energy would be lower in output, but the area of damage would expand outward to cover any escape. What the Aviz pilot could not contemplate was resilience of the Master Sword. The GHOST engineers enclosed the weapon in its own I-Field. The field could block the beam from the cannon, and when the wide swath of weaker energy enveloped the Seneschal, it responded with a quick slash. The energy from the I-Field bathed in plasma managed to ‘cut’ through the blast. The sight was much like the biblical parting of the Red Sea, and the pilot could not repeat the shot. The Aviz pilot cursed the cool-down of the variable beam cannon, but it was too late. The next slice of the Seneschal ripped through the shoulder of the Aviz. The vibrating blade of the Master Sword easily separated the armor of the Aviz, and the blade passed through the suit’s cockpit. Reduced to bloody shreds, the pilot and his suit were no longer a threat.

Drake watched only the death blow, for he cursed the united Government. His goal was now clear. Two of the new units bore a communication antenna unlike the others. One raced to Talon’s units, but one remained with the line. Drake knew who this was, this was the leader. A Seneschal challenged his Mutekikantai, standing between him and his objective. The unit held a broad sword, an impressive weapon. Drake had his own, brandishing his Zantetsuken. The bastard sword was his Gundam’s main weapon. The Seneschal kept its bravery, but was no match for the Guard commander. When the Seneschal swung its mighty sword in challenge, the Mutekikantai parried. The strength of the bastard sword shattered the Seneschal’s blade. Drake’s actions stunned the pilot from the Mutekikantai’s strength. It was the last thing she thought, for a pair of beam shots burned holes into the torso of the Seneschal, killing it.

“This weakness, how did they ever expect to win?” The long blade of the Zantetsuken flashed against the light of the main sun. Drake now faced the lead Seneschal unit, the front line commander. The suit did not arm a weapon. Instead, the Seneschal commander just faced the opponent. Drake could feel the inhabitant of the suit.

“...Lockheart?” The mind was familiar. Lockheart was a former Eudoran who gained rank in the Guard. He vanished and the united nation charged him with treason. It seemed to Soldat 052 that they paroled Lockheart. Drake prepared his sword, he would not let this treason go unanswered.

Chapter 4

“Wonderful.” Penland moved his Seneschal past the line, in pursuit of the rogue units. Both of his escorts kept up with him, flanking their commander through the violence that surrounded them. The pair of massive mecha halted to the Seneschals’ approach. The Vindictive moved its position to face the quartet of red mobile suits. Each unit drew their Master Sword. The soldiers raised the brilliant metal of each blade in a guard position.

Penland opened a communication channel to the Vindictive. “Pilot of the Vindictive, this is Captain Penland of the Red Squadron. You are to power down and surrender yourself to the custody of GHOST.”

“You are in over your head.” An image of black mask came into all three’s cockpits. “This unit is faster than yours, more armored than yours. I am a greater pilot then you. Your deaths were not my concern.”

“Big talk...” Penland closed the communication. His Seneschal was just like the others, but he was not. The black masked figure was Talon, and Penland knew it. This opportunity was too precious for him to waste. His tongue glided across his lips, the cockpit felt dry now. A drop of sweat fell form his armpit, landing where his belt secured the flight suit to his body. His hands tightened around the controls of his suit, the joints popping with the stress.

“Flank him!” The Captain screamed the order to the other two units, and Penland began his assault.

Penland decided they would need to use a ‘surround to conquer’ assault. The Seneschal raced to Talon’s behemoth. Michael swung the Master Sword down upon where he thought Talon would be. With a burst of apogee fire, the Vindictive evaded Penland’s attack. Penland smiled over the evasion. A thought came across his mind, but he dismissed it. Talon would probably have planned a defense for it already. Red 14 and Red 15 attacked in complement to Penland’s attack, aiming for the Vindictive’s back cannons. Penland watched the pair slash with their swords. With the slash, each fired off a shot from their shoulder mounted cannons. The attack, while successful, was a millisecond too late. The back cannons fired at Red 14 and 15, destroying both Seneschals after they fired. The shell blasts contacted with the remote weapon rack. One errant sword clipped the wing of the Vindictive’s flight pack.

Penland noticed a change now in the Vindictive’s attack pattern. Talon attacked Penland’s unit with anger. The attacks from the ‘Assault Shield’ where much more random. Talon filled the attack more with frustration above anything. Michael knew this would give him an advantage. Anger made a fighter clumsy. The loss of his remote weapons brought the Vindictive down, and if anything Talon enjoyed elevating himself. Unlike the rest of GHOST, a certain few mobile suits within the Guard were more powerful. This did not escape the notice of others, and the extravagance of Talon’s spending was a charge, depleting the defense budget for his projects and empowered mecha. Penland studied the history of the Guard, and realized that Talon hated to lose.

Penland knew that Talon’s fear of losing was his Achilles heel.

“Red 6,” Penland noticed the unit’s designation, and realized it was rather impersonal to use, “Hitachi, move back and give me some cover fire. I will draw his focus.”

The Seneschal moved in for the kill against the Vindictive. Swinging the Master Sword, Penland’s opponent drew a pair of beam sabers. The Seneschal brought its own master sword down onto the beam sabers. Sparks and energy clashed around the pair of suits, while Red 6 fired at the pair. The shell missed both, but the distraction gave Penland the edge. The Master sword clipped a beam saber hilt, causing it to explode in the Vindictive’s hands. Penland distanced himself after the explosion.

The Guard commander would not be beaten so easily. Talon retaliated, firing two of the remote missiles blind at the Seneschal. Penland had been messing around earlier with his live weaponry during the training. With the launch of the missiles, the Seneschal ignited the I-field around its signature blade. The plasma crawled out along the energy field, radiating a massive amount of heat. The heat damaged the ignition systems of the missiles, causing them to impact harmlessly against the Seneschal’s armor. The thud of the impact shook Penland, but he knew that the alternative would not be so fun.

“SURRENDER NOW, TALON!”

Homestead maneuvered through the energy blasts and explosions to reach a trio of mecha. The beam sabers in the hands of his Aviz carved a path to the three, who were holding a position near the Guard base ships. Any Guard units seeking a quick repair in the hangars were being picked off by the GHOST soldiers. The blue leader would not accept this attack on his men. A blast from one clipped his unit’s shoulder, but the shot was not effective. Homestead thrust one of his beam sabers into the cockpit of the Seneschal.

“Good night, too bad for you.”

The blue Aviz kicked off the now dead Seneschal, and fired its retrorockets to give him a distance. The Aviz’s computer isolated the reactor of the new GHOST units. Within seconds the other Seneschals were firing at the Guard commander, but the Aviz’s Protetor took the shots. Soldat 099 locked both beam cannons on each unit’s reactor, and collapsed the shield. Homestead fired, destroying both suits. A blaze of energy consumed the three units, and Homestead turned to a dead Aviz unit. Taking the undamaged Protetor from the former Guard, Soldat 099 said a small prayer.

“Now, let us hope this gives me better luck than you had.”

The Abatis fired more missiles into the cloud of Guard units that encroached on the offensive line. The defensive Seneschals kept up against one of the Guard’s main mobile weapons, the Retribution. Several Seneschals were destroyed outright, while five were confirmed heavily damaged. On the field of battle, the Red Squadron had destroyed nine offensive units, though all remaining units fought still.

Lockheart’s eyes went over the various data from the battle, identifying areas where his forces needed to help. This leadership position was overwhelming. His eyes moved over each force, the computer illuminated each individual unit on his screen. Surrounding him was two other Seneschals that provided cover fire. A sense of doom filled the commander. The Mutekikantai was approaching his position. Soldat 052 piloted that goliath, but Lockheart had never analyzed his flight data.

“What are the odds? Red 12 and Red 11, move back behind me to form some cover fire. He is going to attack me. I will draw him out, and you pound him with shells.” Lockheart raised the Seneschal’s Master Sword. Drake’s sword outmatched the blade, for the size of the Mutekikantai’s own sword dwarfed the Commander’s. Thinking to humor, Lockheart figured that he would have just to use his sword with greater finesse.

The co-commander of the Guard’s mecha wing broke off from the charge within meters, firing off a pair of beam shots. The Red commander’s newtype reactions gave him the time to block the attack with the Master Sword’s energy field. Lockheart activated the Seneschal’s beam shield, and the other two units behind him followed suit. The Mutekikantai drew its own blade back, and burst into action. A wide slash from the Guard unit came down upon Lockheart’s Seneschal.

“NO!” Lockheart tried his best to parry the attack, but the force of the swing cracked his Master Sword. The sword’s vibration unit caused the tip to fly off into space at high velocity. The energy field bent from the Mutekikantai’s attack, Lockheart immediately sent the data to the Abatis. The attack had damaged the Master Sword, but worked the I-field and plasma units.

The Guard commander drew up another attack, this time aiming the vibro-whip at Lockheart. Outside fire subverted the attack, thanks to cover fire from Red 12. The assistance was short-lived, for three Guard units closed in upon the trio. They attacked the two companion Seneschals, while leaving Lockheart for Soldat 052.

“What sick irony. You were helping to train me in leadership, yet now you want to kill me. I did not want to face you here but-” Lockheart’s computer caught his attention. It isolated a free Master Sword one hundred and sixty meters from their position. The Seneschal’s engines would intercept it in three seconds, but he had to move now. Lockheart engaged the main thrusters, and within seconds, the Seneschal grabbed the Master Sword. Lockheart’s success was short-lived, for something caught his mobile suit’s leg. The Mutekikantai attacked in pursuit, wrapping the vibro-whip around the Seneschal’s leg. Within a second, the blades cut the armor around it. Drake now damaged the commander’s Seneschal, though Lockheart responded quickly.

“It is not my leg...” The Heavy Cannon quickly fired off a round at the Mutekikantai. The shell collided against the opponent’s chest, blowing a large hole through the armor. Confusion bought Lockheart an instant of passivity from Soldat 052, which he seized as an opportunity. The GHOST pilot switched the sword to the mobile suit’s right hand. The Seneschal fired off another shot, but when the Mutekikantai moved to dodge, Lockheart struck. The left arm pointed directly ahead, and a large plasma flare ejected at the Guard Commander. While the armor of a mobile suit would have distributed the heat from such an attack, the large breaks in the Mutekikantai’s chest left it vulnerable. The heat cracked the suit’s computer core, damaging the output.

Lockheart kept his attack against the Commander, swinging the new Master Sword against the Mutekikantai’s shield. The attack split the shield, damaging the arm. Matthew braced for retaliation, but surprisingly there was none. Space surrounded the pair, bringing a sense of calm amidst the chaos. While violence surrounded them, Lockheart and Drake were now isolated. Matthew knew he had to secure the Soldat, so he drew his side arm. Opening the cockpit, he fired a tether line at the hull. The anchor at the end secured itself, and the line reeled Lockheart into the cockpit door. Before he could try to crack the lock, it opened. The Red Commander could not expect what happened next.

“I surrender.” Drake stood, hands raised. The commander of the wing was beaten, and now surrendered himself to GHOST custody. Lockheart looked around, not noticing any more violence around him. The Guard forces were retreating, and the Abatis was growing to his view.

“We won?”

“This is most difficult.” Talon continued his attack upon the Seneschal that dared to encroach upon him. The Vindictive’s green eyes ignited under the dark helmet, bringing a deadly glow to his unit’s head. The sub arms moved in against the Seneschal, swiping their beam edges in deadly formation. The cutting power of a beam shield was not less than a beam saber, giving them an offense edge in close combat. Talon used this fighting style of close combat with his assault shield, a weapon he designed to butcher other mecha units.

Talon was beginning to get annoyed with these new GHOST units. The upstart he was fighting was pressing advantages, and the other was taking cowardly potshots from the rear. Another shot hit the silent prayer unit, shifting Talon’s focus to the other. Arming the remaining missiles, and activating the beam reactors on the remote weapons, Talon launched the Silent Prayer at the aft mobile suit. Even without being able to control it psychically, the aim would be good enough that the reactors would explode by the time it reached its target. The armed missiles would accent the blast, removing that thorn in Talon’s side.

The Seneschal resumed its attack upon the Vindictive. This interrupted Talon’s thought process, but he launched the Silent Prayer anyways. Bringing himself to form, the main Soldat regained his attack. The assault shield sprayed a cloud of plasma upon the right side of the Seneschal. Talon disarmed the beam shield on the Seneschal, cooking the shield’s emitter. Sparks surrounded the forearm of his opponent, and Talon knew he would win.

Instinctively, Talon called up his remote weapons using his psycommu system. The weapons did not respond, though Talon realized that too late. Something was wrong with the battlefield. This jamming was unnatural. There were systems that could, over limited spaces, block the brain-waves of newtypes. GHOST developed something new to bring a change to mecha fighting. The lack of remote weapons on these new units secured that thought in Talon’s mind. GHOST equipped these units to fight close range. Talon knew the Vindictive was stronger in melee combat.

The assault shield slashed at the Red Seneschal, coupled with a stab from the beam saber. Parrying the attack, he could see an explosion reflected off the opponent’s metallic armor. Talon grinned, the attack upon the rear unit occurred, and his computer marked a deactivation of the unit. Talon cracked his neck to the side, and sprayed another curtain of plasma. The Seneschal was cooking now, though the sword was staving off the Vindictive’s attacks. Talon needed to disable the weapon, and fast.

Penland began to sweat even more. Talon took out Hitachi’s unit, though he was still alive. The increased activity of Talon’s attacks kept the Seneschal’s arms moving faster than they should have. The new joint system developed by KRIS was definitely working to Penland’s advantage. The muscle like fibers allowed him to keep up with the multiple attacks, where the magnetic joints of the past would have failed to keep up. Now the attacks were wearing on Penland. He had to change his strategy.

Penland’s Seneschal broke off, and rallied another suit to his cause. He looked at the display, and noticed a grouping around Lockheart’s position. The scanners dimmed, and a wireframe model of Lockheart’s suit appeared on Penland’s display. The commander’s voice came out broken due to jamming and distance. The words were hollowed with a metallic ring, cut by gaps of silence.

“What -odds? Red -and Red -hind- cover.”

Penland’s distraction let Talon land another blow, disabling his left arm. Warnings surrounded the cockpit, and Michael slashed again with the Master Sword. Any advantage the pilot thought he had was lost now. The accompanying Seneschal slashed in vain, and the Vindictive’s beam saber destroyed it. Now the Vindictive had one target. Michael was out of options. He was dead. Nothing could save him now, and his death would prove meaningless. The fear overtook him, his breathing turning shallow. He raised his sword in defeat, now parallel to his mobile suit. Nevertheless, fate was not on Talon’s side, for just then, out of no where, an unseen force tore the arms of Vindictive apart. Penland’s body straightened, the computer identified the culprit. Half a blade moving at an increasing speed almost impossibly hit the forearms of the Vindictive. Luck saved Penland’s life, and gave him the opportunity to win.

Penland slashed down, aiming to kill Talon now. His anger and zeal made him reckless, and the sub-arms on the Vindictive caught the blade. Trapped between two beam shields filled with plasma, the Seneschal’s blade began to melt, damaging the weapon. The isolation of the battlefield repeated between these two suits, damaged through violence and exhausted from desperation.

Talon’s strategy now disarmed Penland, but he was not alone. Several more of the defensive units appeared, following the retreating Retribution. In the distance, one of the red squadron’s ships burned, but the defensive forces heavily damaged the Retribution as well. The Retribution’s hand grabbed onto the Vindictive’s shoulder, giving Talon a hasty retreat. They would not deny him the kill, and Penland responded by firing at the fleeing pair. An order came across his screen, preaching victory over the guard.

“Then why the hell don’t I feel it?”

Talon could not believe this outrage. This moment was unacceptable. Seconds away from killing this impudent worm, this rebel who sought to fight against his former master, and fate delivered the unimaginable. A slight bump would interrupt the passing shock, and he could see part of the Retribution in his fractured cockpit. He did not notice the damage during combat, but a shell buried itself in the chest armor, fracturing the displays. The damage now blocked half of Talon’s view, reflecting his image in the view screen. His eyes focused in on his own face.

“Is it me..?” Talon reached out, touching the reflection on the screen. It was not his face that he saw. The looking glass reflected the dead mask that was Soldat 000. The dark, black mask rotted of death. Talon’s eyes saw the harbinger of his own mortality. He was steeped in the realization that despite how much power he held over the lives of the Guard, he was mortal. If whatever happened before occurred a fraction to the left, he would have died. As much as he had experienced through life, through the grace of the stars, he had not done much.

Talon’s hand visibly shook, and nausea overtook him. His own face was gone, and he realized he was wearing Soldat 000's mask. He was not Talon. Talon was a myth, a figure for the Guard to see as the perfect soldier. Despite who he was, Talon was nothing. He was now and forever Soldat 000, leader of the Galaxy Guard. Any human weakness inherent in his soul would have to be suppressed. He needed to control humanity, for only his guidance could save them. It was only he, and no one else.

“Sir, are you ok?” The face of Keziah filled his view-screen. She was one of the few that knew his secret. Of all of the X-Project’s results, he felt the closest to her. Over the years they were together, they had grown close. She was his, always yet never. In another life he could have loved her, married her, treated her like a flower until she withered away. Such things were contingents, what-ifs in a world that was always moving, deciding the outcome for the individual.

“Snow... um, no. I am fine. We need to reexamine our strategy. Let us assault the main ship directly, so we can end this rebellion.” Talon straightened himself up, ignoring the damage his unit sustained in the battle.

“Sir,” Keziah’s voice was soft, betraying weakness in her thoughts, “We have retreated to the Unrelenting Justice.”

Talon looked at the splintered view-screens. What he thought were stars were actually hangar lights within the primary mobile suit bay. Crews raced around his armor, and flashing lights revealed the injury that the battle had bestowed upon it. The darkness within the rest of the hangar stretched out, past the hull of the cruiser and into the infinite depths of space. Talon felt sick.

“I need...” His mind froze on the word help. The word help was weakness. Such things were below a leader to ask for. Leaders were strong, resilient, and could take care of anything. Leaders rarely fought with their troops, but the ones that did were remembered forever. If he asked for help, his soldiers would worry. In the worry, darkness would overtake them.

“I need this bucket fixed up. We will not let them rest on their laurels long.” Talon removed the Soldat 000 mask, stowing it in his flight suit. The internal cameras were off within the suit, careful so that few would know his identity. Talon was a symbol, though his death would be little effect to the whole of the guard. Now if it were known that Talon was Soldat 000, he would become a target on the battlefield.

“Sir.” Homestead’s helmeted face replaced the technician’s. Worry overtook his eyes, coupled with anger. “Soldat 052 is missing in action. The MSIC lost contact with his suit about the same time X-1 destroyed Red Barge 1, and unfriendlies disabled your suit. From eyewitness reports, GHOST units have captured his unit.”

“THEN GET HIM!” Talon slammed his fist down on the arm rest of his chair.

Homestead looked puzzled, “Sir, the battle was withdrawn over an hour ago. You have been in the hangar since then, we could not contact you. I could not even feel your presence.”

Talon was different from most newtypes. Unlike others, Talon could hide his mind. His brain could repress his psycho waves, deleting them from detection. It made him invisible, a shadow, and a wraith. This let him rise in ranks, undetected unless he wanted to be. This also kept prying eyes from his mind, and helped secure his dual identity.

The cockpit hatch opened, and Talon left the wreck. The shadows of the suit revealed fires within the armor. Sparks erupted from the deep of the suit. He had never seen the Vindictive damaged like this. This insult was beyond words. GHOST crossed the line. He also noticed a familiar absence to his suit. Talon remembered, he had ditched the flight pack mid-battle. The normal plan would be to return to the battleground to retrieve such items.

“Sir, we have confirmed that Soldat 052 has become a prisoner of war. GHOST will put him on trial tomorrow.” The deck officer handed Talon a folder, containing the diagnostics from the battle. The printouts were bleak, each showing a failure in leadership and a lack of new technology. This looked bad against him.

“I see. Prepare Tiryns for siege. They will surround us until they have enough force to decimate us. I will begin to seek out allies. Alert Central command to power up our hyperspace communications.” Talon saluted the subordinate. The man was in his late twenties, and truly believed in what they were doing. The pride in his eyes frightened Talon, what if GHOST also had such people.

Keziah followed Talon to his private office. They remained silent throughout the trip. Talon wanted to speak, but was unable to utter the words. The silence was not golden, and both felt depressed by the current situation. They entered, but the office was dark. Unlike the ready room, it lacked the impressive stature that Soldat 000 incurred. Both stood in the darkness, until Keziah broke the silence.

“They impressed me.” Keziah spoke. Her voice shook in the intonation.

Talon responded with a slap across her face. He did not know why he did it. The force of the hit did not cause X-1 to fall, but the look on her face was one of betrayal. Talon stared at her with anger, she failed him. They all failed, even himself.

The realization over his actions took Talon suddenly. He realized what he had done. His hand visibly shook now, and the fist he did not remember clenching loosened. His eyes softened, and he began to stammer in his speech.

“I am sorry, I...” Talon stopped, the door opened to reveal Ayame. She looked at both, with great scrutiny. She knew what had happened, and he felt a wisp of shame. In the hallway, Talon saw the figure of a woman and child, building a snowman. The vision was hazy, but it snapped away with Ayame’s words.

“Sir,” Ayame spoke, “We have studied the frequency of the jamming, and have figured it came from KRIS. The system reeks of their handiwork. The technicians are already working on a way to break the jamming. Is everything all right here?”

Talon turned around, vanishing into his personal bathroom. His voice echoed to the stunned Keziah and wary Ayame. “Of course. Next time do not fail me in battle, either of you. I need to be alone.”

Chapter 5

“I am Soldier 052 of the Galaxy Guard. I am protected by the Ravenna Treaty of After-” The words from the newcomer to the interrogation cut off Drake’s words before he could recite the preconstructed phrase again. He had repeated it several times now. The phrase fell upon deaf ears now. The soldier standing in front of him was different. Drake noticed the man, and at once identified him as a pilot. Something was familiar about him, though the Soldat could not place it.

“I do not care about your information.” Lockheart spoke. Drake noticed his name from his badge. It identified him as the squadron leader of a mobile suit battalion. The Major’s voice was soft, but revealed a strength much like that of the Guard. He was a Rosicrucian, a former member of Eudora and the Galaxy Guard.

“Traitor. You side with the enemy that defeated your master. GHOST is weak, and you only encourage their follies.” Drake felt disgust for such a soldier. Soldiers fought for their ideology, not for glory. The Eudorans eagerly joined the Guard after the Presaint’s death, though Drake never fully accepted them. Now they served GHOST, adding insult to injury.

“I was the one who arrested you. I was the one who defeated you out there.”

Drake froze, but he realized why the man was so familiar. The pilot was lucky, and Drake had become weak. Drake’s weakness as a commander was the reason he was now in GHOST’s custody. The red squadron now held him. Even if the Guard did stave off an invasion, Talon would kill him for getting captured.

Lockheart continued to talk, “I am here to offer you the same deal that GHOST offered to me. Although you fought with the Guard, GHOST is ready to pardon you if you renounce them. You do not need them, and you are a wonderful pilot.”

“Save it. I am not a coward, nor will I even consider joining up with the spooks. I may not agree with Soldat 000 all the time, I am fighting so others do not. The Guard was set up to prevent civilians from having to witness and participate in war. GHOST now arms itself with brand-new weapons, and where do you think they are getting the crews?” The Soldat straightened himself up, “Now, I demand a lawyer due to the Ravenna treaty.”

“That treaty only applies to enemy soldiers, you are considered a traitor. Since you reject the offer of amnesty, guards will escort you to a military prison for an indeterminate amount of time. You may have survived the battle, but now your life belongs to GHOST.” Lockheart turned to leave the room, and Drake could not accept such a response.

“Well fine, but you will not find what you are looking for.”

Lockheart turned around, “What do you mean?”

Drake closed his eyes, speaking solemnly. “Everyone who lives is looking for something. It is human nature. Even the highest members of the Guard are looking. Talon is looking for power, not wanting to be constrained to mediocrity. His actions may have been ruled treasonous by your useless courts, but he is a warrior with a purpose. Homestead is looking for worth, seeking what he lost in past conflicts. I am looking for peace. If I have to kill to attain it, then it will be sanctified in blood. I do not apologize for my actions, and I will not betray myself. So what are you looking for.”

“I am, I am not looking for anything.” Lockheart’s body language revealed insecurity. Drake pressed this to his advantage.

“You are, and you will find it. Though what it is might scare you, and it could even destroy you.” Drake then smiled at the Major, “But then what do I know, I am a traitor who is going to jail for fighting for his goal. I just hope I never meet you there.”

“Yeah, I doubt that.” Lockheart left the room, leaving Drake alone.

Drake was often afraid of being alone, though now he realized he would never be. While he would be isolated, someone would always be watching him. A horrible sense of security, but it was now his fate. He surrendered at Jukar because he was tired of fighting, it made him feel even more alone. Only soldiers had kept him company in the recent years of his life. The killing isolated him from other people. Being a soldier was not good for him. Now he would be different.

“Tethys, this world is a possible viable center for our moved operations. Trinity may control the outlining areas, but the gasses would keep a colony hidden from sensors. The main area of focus would be constructing a hyper-colloid that would reflect the radiation from the van-allen belts.” The scientist illustrated his point with a diagram. The dark room filled with a brilliant yellow light, reflecting off his glasses. Soldat 000's mask appeared like a specter, shocking the scientist for an instant.

“Why would we need to run?” Soldat 000's voice rang out, and the other soldiers in the room remained quiet. The simple question was a testament to his power, and the silence revealed the authority the Soldat commanded. This power was waning now. GHOST forces created a fractured sphere around the moons of Zephon. The Galaxy Guard lacked both the men and firepower to break the siege. The loss around Jukar crippled the command structure of the Guard. Talon disappeared, retreating to the safety of Soldat 000's armor.

Homestead looked over to Soldat 000. While he trusted the commander, he knew that GHOST could crush the Guard now. They were building up forces to make it a massacre. Retreat was not the answer, but the Guard needed allies.

“What of the Aesir?” Homestead’s voice broke the silence, “They have proved to be a valuable ally in the past. There are also the soldiers fighting for the corporations of Ananta. The numbers of mercenaries have grown since our victories and the formation of the United Nation. These soldiers would be willing to fight for us, since we offer them money and freedom from GHOST’s oppression.”

A small figure in the back revealed herself to be Asuka, X-3 and attache to Trinity affairs. Her research focused on finding anything of value that Trinity would leak. Her voice was strong, “The biggest ally we could find against GHOST would be the colonies in sector 455-A67. The sector contained a large nebula and asteroid field, loaded with valuable minerals and gas. GHOST had originally labeled that sector as a high priority site for mining operations. Trinity beat us to that site by more than three years, forming a network of colonies in the nebula. The Trinity designate is Sambation.”

“So what of the importance of Sambation? Why should we care about some Trinity gas mining colony... unless you have hidden something from us about Sambation, X-3?” Soldat 000 clenched his iron fists together in an aggressive fashion.

“Sambation has rebelled against Trinity. It is why the Hegemon’s Pyramid, designated unit Prime, was not at the Titan battles, and since has not been observed on the field of battle. We are unsure about the purpose of the Revolt at Sambation, but our intelligence reports gather large numbers departing from Titan through hyperspace, and very little returning. Any reconnaissance sent to the system has noted the complete absence of the pyramids and the usual Trinity weaponry we have seen. Instead, the Sambation forces could detect the cloaked observers, destroying them before our units could make any further investigation. The units used have not been fully identified.” Asuka inserted a small data card into the holographic projector. A blurred image of a Sambation mobile suit appeared, firing at the observers. The loop continued, showing a unit more similar to old USF models before the unification of Earth.

“These forces at Sambation reject Trinity, and their death sentence to the new colonies. I will open negotiations with Sambation myself. Homestead, since you are so intent on dealing with mercenaries, then you shall be in charge of mustering up support from... their kind.” Soldat 000 rose in front of his subordinates. They all saluted his masked face, though the absurdity of saluting an enigma never bothered them. Soldat 000 was a strong symbol, not a soldier. “Good luck with your efforts.”

The siege began on July 5, After Colony 288. GHOST forces proceeded to surround Zephon with great numbers, using conscripted troops to fill in the newly created forces. The troops were green, but had superior technology in their control. The massive fleet of GHOST forces outnumbered that estimated in use by the Trinity. The Generals had designed this fleet not only to destroy the Galaxy Guard, but intimidate anyone who stood in their way. This fleet was a symbol of the power of the Unified Nation. It was no longer an extension of Niflheim’s power, rather it stood as a reminder that the Galaxy Guard had united the colonies. Now they stood in judgement before them.

The admiral placed in charge of the siege was Admiral De Base. Her leadership begun in the Martian Confederation, defending against Gemini’s siege as a young Ensign. This was her most important promotion, heading the largest armada assembled for a siege. Not even the Gemini siege of Mars had this many units in its command. Over four hundred mobile suits, eight battalions now stood under the completed command. Another forty different ships accompanied the suits, mostly gunboats and advanced mobile suit carriers. Under De Base’s direct control was the capital-class ship United. This ship was built from the finest materials, incorporated with the latest technology, and protected by a series of defensive units. De Base served throughout its construction, setting up its design similar to Eudoran ships. A collection of ten massive mobile armors were the United’s main defense. These units could be tethered to the ship’s reactors, offering them superior firepower and increased defensive abilities. De Base knew the power of the Guard’s mobile suits, and the United’s mobile armors were designed to specifically combat them.

One of the eight battalions under the United’s direct command was the red squadron of Eudora. The squadron had its own commander under Commander Larson. De Base was familiar with Larson’s command style, but was herself unfamiliar with the Captains of the mobile suits. Captains Penland and Lockheart sat in the Admiral’s chambers. She was not here, leaving the pair of officers to contemplate the meeting.

“I hope she doesn’t pull our command. We worked hard to rise in both Eudora and the Guard. If this big wig thinks she can just yank this from under our noses because we served in Eudora... hell we beat back the Guard!” Penland’s anxiety led him to great concern over his position in the United Nation. It had been over a month since they defeated the commander of the Guard detachment sent to attack the red squadron. While his superior, Lockheart, gained praise for his actions, Penland was left to watch the squadron remain neglected during the siege.

Lockheart on the other hand worked hard to rebuild the squadron after the attack around Jukar. The destruction of the squadron’s support ship, the Crimson 2, pained Lockheart. The ship was supposed to be under his and Penland’s protection, but instead the crew were slain. Another ship, the Crimson 3, was constructed as a replacement, but Lockheart never felt peace. This meeting was perhaps the pair being relieved of command for their failure in capturing more of the Guard’s leadership and their failure in control of their subordinates. “Whatever we get, we deserve.”

“How true.” A tall, dark skinned woman entered the room. Her brilliant white uniform contrasted with her deep skin color. A row of braids encircled her middle aged face. Her eyes revealed warrior’s soil. The admiral’s gait revealed a woman of physical power, and her presence filled in the blanks for the subordinates. They rose in salute to their commander in chief. This attention still made her smile, for she had never gotten used to it. “Stand down, men. We are here to talk at my request, so I shall make the rules. Relax.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Both soldiers spoke in unison, again taking their seats.

“Captain Penland and the Tyrian Lion. It is so nice to finally meet the two of you. I am sorry I was not able to sooner, the bureaucratic red tape around this fleet kept me quite busy. I would like to assure each of you I am not removing you of your command. In fact, I have been quite impressed on how well you dealt with the ambush at Jukar. Your capture of Soldat 0052 has given us a better insight into the minds of the Galaxy Guard at this current time. That information was precious, and helped us defend against their further attacks. Now we have to focus on keeping the Guard isolated on Zephon. Eudoran interests have shown their support if we keep the Guard isolated from the rest of the Galaxy. This situation has become very volatile, so we need people who know how the guard operates. We would not remove such experienced personnel from the field in such a tender area. Your red squadron will be the last bastion of such power. From the ashes of this possible battle, you both will receive promotions beyond what you are currently doing.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Penland spoke with great enthusiasm within his heart. The awe of command filled his heart.

“Yes, thank you, Ma’am. I would also like to thank Ravenna for our suits, they provided to be very apt in combat. The Seneschals have exceeded my expectations.” Lockheart saluted the Admiral, noting the atmosphere.

“I know.” Admiral De Base spoke in a very lyrical manner, “I am just glad we are keeping up. The population has be unrestful when faced with the Galaxy Guard and Trinity. The sad truth is, we are playing catch-up now. Thanks to the manufactories on Apolloyon, we have managed to propel to a state where it seems we have surpassed the Galaxy Guard’s technology. The next project to be started will replace the Seneschal, and should be infinitely superior to it. Unfortunately the Mauri project is still in development.”

“We need custom units.” Penland spoke up, “While the numbers were to our advantage, the Seneschals are in no state to compete with the Galaxy Guard’s main weapons. We need suits strong enough for us to properly lead, ma’am.”

De Base smiled, grinning in reaction. “We have already begun the reactivation of the Gundam Project. I have already commissioned the re-construction of your former Galaxy Guard units, upgraded with our current technology. They will be complete in two weeks. In that time we will also be able to reinforce the Red squadron with new Seneschals and pilots. Also we have commissioned the creation of the Grey Squadron of Niflheim, based out of the Ascalon Port Colony. With the combined force of your units, we should be able to break the Guard’s defenses.”

“Yes ma’am.” Penland announced his support, and looked to his side to see Lockheart remaining silent. The Major noted his commander’s lack of emotion, and wondered what was going on in his head. Ever since the capture of Soldat 052, his attitude shifted. Still, this change was not affecting morale.

“Thank you.” Lockheart spoke softly, although he did not move. “I just hope we keep everyone safe.”

Chapter 6

WE OFFER NO QUARTER.

The message did not bring joy to Talon’s restless mind. He had been confused and anxious lately. All of the Mercenaries he had contacted declined his offer. When the Aesir had declined, he had dropped to rock bottom. His business with Bane and Auriel had always been lucrative in the past, yet not they did not want to be involved. The Guard’s isolation on Zephon drove him mad, and he sought out an ally in the most unlikely of places.

Sambation, as the Trinity called it, was a gaseous nebula enriched with Helium-3, so the Trinity set up a system of colonies to harvest the precious gas. Things had gone wrong when the scientists in the colonies accidently released a virus that changed the population and garrison. The Trinity had spent over 6 months in campaign against the colonies, and had made little gains. Talon had hoped to gain a treaty with the colonies, and perhaps even ask for their aid in driving back the United Nation siege. Unfortunately, their response made clear they would not aid the Guard.

“I do not understand it. I am alone, with my allies, but isolated from those who I once called friends. Now in this hour I realize the folly my quest for power has gained. But no, it is their fault. They do not understand, they could not. Why should I have to submit to them, to their claims of dominance. I AM SOLDAT 000, STRONGEST PILOT IN THE GALAXY! All who hear of me tremble, and will feel my wrath. I will make them sorry, and teach them why you do not mess with me. They will not defeat me, or my guard.” Talon looked around in the darkness of his office. He was alone, only the red response of Sambation illuminated on his data-screen accompanied him. His solitude brought him anger, so he sought to release it.

“KEZIAH!” The hollow echo of his voice called out to his collaborator. Talon often called upon her while his mind was reeling in decision. She was a ground of reason, and a trusted ally. He rued involving her in this conflict, but she was a soldier.

Keziah walked in nervously. Talon sensed her change ever since their loss at Jukar to the Red Squadron. He felt ashamed on how he reacted to her. She spoke with a mousy voice, something that irritated Talon. “...yes sir?”

Keziah looked at Talon inquisitively. She figured he would now explode on her again, like he always did after being alone in his office. His command had waned, and she tried her best to keep a facade up away from the troops. Morale had waned, and she needed a strong figure in Soldat 000 to keep their chance for victory high.

“Do not speak to me that way.” Talon turned away from her, speaking to the wall, “You’re always acting so passive, and I do not like it. I think we have no other choice but to issue a full mobilization. It has been nearly a month since we have been isolated here, and our units are repaired and upgraded. This siege has lasted too long, and I will ride out to face these... traitors.”

Keziah looked to the screen, seeing the message from Sambation. “We have no allies then, do we sir?”

“Better for us! Now we will attain victory ourselves, and will be forever known as the masters of the mobile suit, and victors of humanity.” Talon grinned, looking at Keziah.

“Right.”

“You will accompany me with Homestead, and we will face this Admiral’s fleet head on. The power of our forces and the ability of our elite soldiers will beat the Rosicrucian guard. I have foreseen it. We will attain victory, this is certain... and then will we have control of the dungeon. And once we have the dungeon, no other forces will mess with the Zancock empire. Every Monday will be a holy day to mourn for those lost...”

“Dungeon?” The change of subject shocked Keziah. She had seen Talon slipping in the past weeks, although this shift had completely stunned her. She reacted in the best way she could. “Are you feeling ok?”

“Wonderful! Alert Senator Bradley about our need for funding, we won’t defeat the Zodiacs with just any weapon. Wait, no, it is the united Nation we fight. I apologize, I have worked so hard in the past few weeks. The strategy will work, and if not, we can always go to Prontera to escape from this evil reality. Then I will ask you to marry me, and we can forever live in bliss.” Talon walked up to Keziah, smiling. He took her hand in his, and his fingers rubbed hers.

“Sir, right. I think, though, that Soldat 000 would be better to lead the troops, sir.” Keziah hoped that the sickness would keep Soldat 000 as a leader, although she now feared for her own safety. Talon had grown weak, and she suspected Ayame and Asuka in tainting him. She joined the guard to make a difference, and Talon’s weakness was now apparent.

“Yes, I shall don the mask of my forefathers, and secure my place as the mightiest soldier. The men will inspired by my glory, and I will become... King.”

‘I need Homestead’s help to pull this off.’ Keziah thought, while smiling to Talon. She figured he would be exercising, so she would have to be quick as to not arise suspicion.

“Ma’am?” Homestead saluted Keziah, who approached him in the men’s locker room. It was not usual for a woman to be inside the male locker room, even a superior officer. His hand went up, saluting her. He noticed she looked at him mournfully, as if someone had died.

“Soldat 099, I need to discuss something urgent. I take you’ve received the order for our final ride against the GHOST forces?”

“Oh, I don’t know about final. This should be good, and all the pretty new toys GHOST has surrounded us with will do nothing but slow down my record. This looks to be good, my boys have been itchy.” Homestead tugged on his undershirt, while eying the odd look in Keziah’s eyes.

“Talon is... acting oddly. His last medical report had a foreign presence in his blood work, although it was tallied to his diet. I’ve run a check on it, and I believe he has been poisoned. I suspect X2 and X3, since they have been surprisingly withdrawn as of late. I think, no I know that something is wrong, and I feel we are running into a trap.” Keziah touched her hair, looking down at her boots.

“So, what do you want me to do?” Homestead fastened his flight jacket on, clasping it shut.

Keziah looked at the Soldat directly in the eyes. “I need you to watch the Vindictive.”

“Hey, he can take care of himself.”

“No, something is wrong. I need you to promise me this. I will do what I can, but if Talon starts to act irrationally, I need you to be prepared to disable him. Surrender is an option in this battle, especially if we can prove that Talon was being poisoned to Ravenna. Perhaps we can get pardoned-”

“Fine.” Homestead cut her off, zipping up his flight suit. The armored plates of nano-tubing accentuated his frame, creating a fearsome image “Now if you excuse me, I’ve had enough of this backroom dealings. I have to muster my troops, and prepare for war. Despite your misgivings, the rest of the Guard is well within our senses, and we will not be dependent on Talon’s proficiency.”

“Very good. I shall see you on the field of battle, Soldat 099.” Keziah raided her hand up in a salute.

Homestead eyed her for a moment. His mind raced to the possibility of surrender, noting how nice it would be to go home again. Dismissing it, he remembered nothing in life was simple. He raised his own hand to return the salute. “Everyone dies eventually, we just have to make sure we don’t surrender before we can make a difference..”