Editing KSGU:Volume 7 Chapter 3

==Chapter 3==

===Part 1===

The sea of clouds expanded below their eyes to the distant horizon, laying a blanket on the land 6000m below. The continent of Australia was already far behind, and at this point, the “Garencieres” should be reaching the skies above the New Caledonia Islands, but it was impossible to see the landscape and the horizon from this place. On looking over, the carpet of clouds was laid around, showing a clear divide with the sky.

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The “Garuda” overlooked the sea of clouds as it gradually rose in height. That was the largest aircraft made in the history of humanity, and even at close to 50km, there were other machines that could be clearly identified. Draped in the background The escort crafts were sesame seeds in comparison to the ship itself, a massive object about in a carefree manner that was like a monster pelican flying, with the clouds draped over it—Flaste stared at the scene on the enlarged window, which caused him to forget the sense of scale, and just when he clicked his tongue, the expanded window had noise on it, and pink flashes covered the window.

The beams grazed past the ship and entered through the clouds, causing the “Garencieres”, which just floated out from the clouds, to be shaken. After a short pause, a thunderclap-like rumble rocked the bright, “EVADE!” Flaste yelled with a voice no softer than the alarm. Alec, on the steering seat, tried his hardest to turn the rotor, and the horizontal G-force struck the ship that was meandering around. Flaste caught sight of the “Garuda” that was continuously firing its beams with his naked eyes, felt a chill from the multiple shots, and turned his stare to the ship’s damage control monitor. They were not shot through by a beam, but the external armor was hit by the scattered particles, activating the warning lights as a result. (Flaste! Bring the ship closer to the “Garuda”!) Ivan’s holler could be heard from the wireless communicator, but the voice was partially drowned out by the sound of the mega-particle bombardments.

(At this distance, our beams are basically out of range. Turn the ship to the “Garuda” and lower us down!)

“Don’t kid around! You’re asking us to charge right at their shots and their transformable mobile suit guards!”

Alec sputtered out saliva as he lashed out and glared at Ivan’s “Geara Zulu”. The “Garencieres” had managed to fly in at an extremely low height to Torrington Base to pick up Ivan’s “Geara Zulu” successfully. At this point, this mobile suit was poking half its body out from the upper deck of the “Garencieres”, and was acting as the only cannon on this unarmed, disguised trading ship that could defend. Kwani’s “Geara Zulu” was also picked up, but it lost an arm and was having emergency repairs. There was no news on the “Zee Zulu” which met up with them after the Battle of Dakar, and they had already lost contact with Commander Kirks’ “Zaku I” for quite some time. As for the other random machines that joined the raid from the Shinbu Base, the “Garencieres” had no means of confirming whether they had escaped or not.

Ivan’s unit wielded the beam machine gun to get ready as he stared at the “Garuda”, looking like he could start an attack anytime soon; however, its thick green armor took quite a bit of damage. (Then what else can we do!?) In the face of this arguing, Flaste bit his lips and swallowed the term ‘cornered’ into his heart.

(The Princess is definitely on the “Garuda”—)

A flash appeared again, and the noise appeared, drowning out the wireless communicator. The flash was brighter than the sunlight as it dyed the bridge, and a turbulence-like tremor struck the “Garencieres”. Flaste glanced aside, spotted Alec lowering the height of the ship to the clouds, and brought the microphone of the wireless communicator to his hand. He was terrified by the thunderous applause of the high heat particles raining down, “THIS IS THE “GARENCIERES” CALLING THE CAPTAIN!” but he still hollered out.

“The enemy’s fire is too thick, and we can’t approach it. it might be better to find another chance. Since we got the brat and the “Unicorn”, we can use them as a bargaining chip—”

(No, follow us outside the “Garuda” range. If we retreat now, we’ll be letting down the Shinbu squad people.)

Upon hearing the strong emphasis amidst the noise, whatever Flaste wanted to say vanished afterwards. Whenever Zinnerman started to speak with such a tone, it indicated that he would not be moved in the slightest. Flaste stared at the “Garuda” in the enlarged window, looked for the “DO-DAI Kai” mixed in with the patrol units, “What do you intend to do?” and growled. (Get onto the “Garuda”). Zinnerman’s words came together with the chaos in the speakers, and Flaste could not exhale any of the breath he gasped.

(I’ll bring the “DO-DAI” as close as possible and land on it by rappelling. As long as I can get inside, the situation will basically be in our control.)

“How are you going to go in? You’ll be shot through many times before you can even get close, right?”

(I’ll find a way. Once I rescue the Princess, I’ll send a signal to you, so don’t miss it. Get ready to retrieve me.)

A second passed after the wireless communicator was interrupted, and the machines surrounding the “Garuda” immediately scattered as they started firing their machine guns at the large machine. The “DO-DAI Kai’ and the “Unicorn” riding on it had most probably started to take action, as the sesame-like machines that were hard to identify were seemingly dancing around the large object like bees, confusing them. “Wha…what do we do…” Alec let out a doubtful voice, but Flaste argued back with momentum, “What else can we do!” and activated the wireless communicator with Ivan’s unit. “It’s good even if we’re out of range. Just fire randomly to attract the enemy’s attention.” He commanded and turned his sights back to the expanded window again.

The “Garuda” continued to fire in all directions, and the patrolling units charged forward like bees, seemingly wanting to protect the ship. Flaste understood upon seeing the machine infected by Zinnerman’s stubbornness that it would be pointless to tell him logical, to fall back once things were alright. He made his resolve as he looked back at the “Unicorn” that would get involved in all sorts of misfortune once it got involved, and then grumbled a few words at the wireless communicator that was cut off.

“Good grief, at least think of your own age…!”

===Part 2===

The beam machine gun had a lag in between its shots that were shot out from the “Garencieres”. However, due to the humidity in the atmosphere, the beams that were sweeping through had mostly lost their power, but their glows were still enough to cause someone to tense up.

The transformable mobile suit opened its legs from the disc-shaped platform and stopped abruptly to evade the beam shots. The other transformable mobile suits in the squadron followed suit; and upon seeing that there was a slight gap in the navigation route, “Charge in!” Zinnerman commanded Besson on the pilot seat.

The thrusters of “DO-DAI Kai” lit up, and the flat machine of the “Unicorn” immediately accelerated. Zinnerman felt a little intimidated as he saw the large shadow of the “Garuda” close in upon him gradually. From up close, the belly of the giant machine looked like a giant wall floating in the air. Also, it was set with numerous anti-air guns and could rip apart the winds that were flowing at 0.8 Mach.

There was no need for this mobile suit mothership to land other than the periodic maintenance, and it could revolve around Earth practically permanently—''Princess Mineva is inside there.'' He however continued to think about this, feeling that this could calm his timid heart, and zipped up the fastener of the pilot suit he got from inside the unit. Once he put on the Federation helmet and latched on the attachments around it and the neck, he told Besson, “Follow it.” The “DO-DAI Kai” crossed through the crossing fire and got right below the “Garuda”. As it was about to spin suddenly, Zinnerman looked over at the transport carrier that was docked at the rear cargo deck hatch. The “Garuda” was extremely large, but it seemed that it was unable to keep the old Medea-type model from Torrington Base, which was why the latter opened its hatch as steps and stopped there temporarily.

''Has the Princess boarded the “Garuda”?'' Zinnerman stared at the Medea that was being held down by numerous cables, looked into the inside of the hatch that was vaguely shown, and summoned the data values of the Garuda-class onto the console monitor. There were 6 such large fleets in the Earth Defense Perimeter, and whenever a situation arose, they could immediately send mobile suits to take it on; this state of defense was the concept behind the Garuda. However, the distractions after the war had already reduced the fleets by half, and the “Garuda” in front of them, a precedent of its class, was definitely one of the surviving few ships. The ship had been modified and modified over and over again until it was called an air fortress, and the structure was no different from the old Garuda-class. Zinnerman could roughly deduce the internal workings of the ship, from the blueprints of the takeoff and landing. As long as they could enter, there was a chance that they could succeed—

“Listen up, Banagher. Once we get onto it, the “DO-DAI Kai” will be controlled by you. Just attack the “Garuda” and make them lower the altitude. We’ll use this chance to get the Princess back.”

He sent the data of the Garuda-class to the “Unicorn”, and gave the instructions through the wireless communicator in the contact loop. It seemed that Banagher’s insistence to save Mineva was just like his, (I can do it) as there was a calm force in his voice.

(But what will do you when we’re escaping?)

“Once the altitude falls below 2000m, we won’t have to use gas masks when parachuting. No matter how big it is, it’s still a plane. When it’s punctured everywhere, it’ll have to lower its height to maintain the internal air pressure. As long as we follow this plan, they won’t even be able to launch the space shuttle.”

The space shuttle was dangling on the bottom of the “Garuda” right wing. It was a medium-sized space shuttle that could ferry 2 mobile suits, and inclusive of the thrusters, its length should be about 50m. However, it looked like a mini-missile from how it was dangling under the wing. If they allow the “Garuda” to reach the stratosphere, the space shuttle ferrying Mineva would be launched into space, and everything would be for naught—the “DO-DAI Kai” went by the back of the “Garuda” and lowered itself into the clouds. At this moment, “We’re going!” Zinnerman aimed for this timing and shouted.

“Fly above the “Garuda” and get rid of the beam cannons. There are 4 we can aim at right at the top—”

(Let me pilot it!)

The interrupting voice ruptured Zinnerman’s ears as the machine suddenly turned to the side, causing him to be nearly shaken out from the assistant pilot seat. The thick beams grazed the side of the “DO-DAI Kai”, and the scattered beam particles that came in scorched the compartment. The fire did not come from the “Garuda”, but from somewhere else. Zinnerman grabbed onto the console and scanned his eyes around at the sea of clouds that was not overly visible. He could see a black machine showing itself through the gaps between the clouds; it was crouched on a round-shaped transformable mobile suit, the beam rifle in its hand was pointed at the “DO-DAI Kai”, and it disappeared amidst the clouds before it could be identified.

The “DO-DAI Kai” piloted by the “Unicorn” started to make an emergency turn, and the latter fired its beam Gatling guns, releasing trails of shots that were absorbed in the clouds. It seemed that an enemy unit had gotten behind the “Unicorn” as there was a mega-particle shot, brighter than the machine gun shots, which went by the head of the “Unicorn”. The “DO-DAI Kai” showed a brilliant light as it staggered greatly, and fell by 100m or so. Banagher immediately adjusted himself to let the machine rise, but Zinnerman tried all he could do to control the track the enemy through the thruster flares. He waited for the targeting screen of the Vulcan guns located on the sides of the machine, and immediately pressed the button the moment the black enemy unit crossed by.

“Fall!”

The anti-mobile suit 60mm Vulcan cannons let out a low buzz, and let out a tracer round for every five shots as it let out a slightly green trail of light in the middle of the clouds. Zinnerman’s eyes however did not let go of the black enemy machine that was dodging swiftly as he only cared about pressing the trigger. (No!) However, Banagher’s call caused him to widen his eyes in a startled manner, and at the same time, the “DO-DAI Kai” lifted its bow as the Vulcan cannons lost their target and let out a blank trail of fire.

“Banagher…!?”

(You’re attacking Miss Marida! She’s on it!)

Zinnerman’s heart jumped for a moment, only to stop seemingly. ”What did you say…?” he asked as he squeezed out this voice, and started to look for the enemy unit that flashed by from the bottom. The pitch black machine raised the angle of the transformable mobile suit it was riding on, and turned upwards as a savage light lit the golden horn on its forehead. The black “Unicorn” was showing intense hatred within its eyes, and as it wielded its beam rifle with one hand, it charged over without hesitation.

''Marida.'' Zinnerman muttered this name in his heart, and at that moment, as he turned aside to look, the sound of the scattered particles rang in his ears. The pair of azure blue eyes that had been serving him, that had been looking back at him, were wiped out by the flash, and a sense of pressure heavier than the G-force was lambasting his heart and body.

===Part 3===

The “Unicorn” dodged the attack from the Beam Magnum, and after that, the “Garuda” rained down a torrent of fire as it awaited the “Unicorn” that was moving through the clouds; Banagher used the shield to block the machine gun shots he could not avoid, and intended to escape from the shooting range of the giant ship above him, but the killing intent from right below caused him to turn the “DO-DAI Kai” diagonally.

The beam of the Beam Magnum grazed the “DO-DAI Kai” abdomen that was tilted almost 90 degrees, and the intense ray of light passed through the clouds and surged upwards, grazing by the wing of the “Garuda” as it created a pillar of light reaching the skies. The “Banshee”, riding on the disc-shaped transformable mobile suit—the RAS-96 Anksha” immediately dashed out of the clouds and raised its beam rifle to attack. The “DO-DAI Kai” was spinning around as it was flipped by the shockwaves, and at that moment, the “Banshee” managed to go up high and arrived at a position where it could look down at the “Unicorn” with the sun behind it.

“Miss Marida!”

The glowing eyes under the sharp golden horn overlapped with the deep blue eyes that had all emotions removed. Banagher clicked his tongue as he used the Beam Gatling guns to fire a suppressing attack, and dodged the beam magnums as it moved up, out from the clouds. “If you can’t hear me…!” he muttered as he drew the beam saber from the side rack of his right shoulder, and then threw it at the “Banshee” following it. The beam saber continued to reverb as it cut through the sky like a flying dagger, attacking the “Banshee” directly.

The black machine managed to use its shield to deflect the flying dagger, but it was rendered unsteady as it swayed about; Banagher did not let go of this chance as he stepped on the pedal and let the “Unicorn” leap up from the “DO-DAI Kai”. It jumped backwards by using the rising air current, and charged at the “Banshee” at a velocity near supersonic. The black machine was chased off the “Anksha”, and ended up clashing in limbo with the “Unicorn” for a moment before it started to fall down

“Miss Marida! It’s me, Banagher!”

Banagher let the two mobile suits cling onto each other closely as they scuffled and called in through the communication circuit. The altitude meter continued to fall, and at this moment, the “Banshee” tilted its head slightly and turned the eyes under its visor at the “Unicorn”.

“The Captain’s on board too. You remember Captain Zinnerman from the “Garencieres”, right? He’s your original master.”

The “DO-DAI Kai” lowered itself at a breakneck speed and got down to the two mobile suits’ feet. Banagher restrained the “Banshee” from escaping and lit its verniers to turn its trajectory to the direction where the “DO-DAI Kai” was falling.

The thrusters let out an exhaust before they machine contact, and the machine negated its falling speed as it landed on the “DO-DAI Kai”. The “DO-DAI Kai” took the weight of both machines as it glided down hard, and the “Banshee” used this opportunity to grab the “Unicorn”, which released its arms due to the impact. However, the “Unicorn” restrained the “Banshee” that was intending to lunge back, and restrained it onto the platform. “Please wake up!” Banagher shouted with all he had.

“You two used to trust each other that much, and supported each other. I definitely won’t let you become the Captain’s enemy! That’s because you’re—”

(Ple Twelve. My master is Alberto Vist.)

The cold voice entered the cockpit through the contact loop. The pitch black armor let out a golden glow from between its gap, and as the eyes lit up to look back at Banagher, the “Banshee” swung its arms to push the “Unicorn” aside.

“Marida…!?”

(Master said before that it’s alright to ensure the cockpit and the pilot. I’ll wreck the machine if you resist.)

The “Banshee” grabbed the “Unicorn” by its visor and pushed it down onto the platform. The beam saber on its right arm was activated afterwards, and a beam that was partially subdued in power shot out, forming a scalpel that was at the “Unicorn” neck—the place that was the equivalent of the human carotid pulse that drives the system.

Marida, no the “Banshee” knew that it had a similar body structure as the “Unicorn”. Banagher could not chase off the black machine riding on him with the beam saber as his vital regions, and gritted his teeth. At this moment, (Marida…) he heard another voice come in. it seemed that the “Banshee” received the same voice through the contact loop as it lowered its arm in a doubtful manner.

(You’re really Marida, right? Can you hear me?)

The voice came from the control seat of the “DO-DAI Kai”, and the questioner sounded cautious, as if he was touching a tumor, but there was an indomitable will in his tone. This voice caused the two Unicorn-type mobile suits on the platform to tremble slightly, but after a short moment of stillness, the “Banshee” immediately turned its beam saber at the “Unicorn”. (Those guys from the Foundation readjusted you, right?) Zinnerman’s voice this time did cause the black machine to freeze.

(But it’s alright. They won’t be able to do surgery on you in such a short time. You’re just confused by the drugs and the brainwashing.)

(What exactly, are you saying…?)

There was clearly a wavering voice from the emotionless black machine. (Pull yourself through, Marida?) Zinnerman continued to call out, and the head of the “Banshee” looked like it was unable to steady itself as it looked left and right, ostensibly trying to look for the owner of the voice.

(Ple Twelve is just a codename. You now have a proper name. Think of the meaning of the name Marida.)

The “Banshee” lost the killing intent in its eyes, (Meaning…name…) and a murmuring could be heard muttered. (Only you and I know the significance of this name.) Zinnerman emphasized, and Banagher tried to see the blue eyes in his memories together with the eyes in front of him. During the moment when he was restrained on the “Ra Cailum”, Banagher once spotted some sort of light in her eyes. If that was her actual will, that meant that she—the latter half of the words did not form in Banagher’s heart however as he held his breath to wait for the “Banshee” reaction for several seconds. He suddenly glimpsed at other machines from past the black shoulder, and the moment of silence was forcefully interrupted.

The “Unicorn” did not wait for Banagher’s body to respond as it sensed danger and raised its Beam Gatling guns to fire. The approaching machine suddenly spun around, and the scatted parts of the disc-shaped machine were covered by the veil of water vapor. However, the machine was not blown to pieces, and the armor that formed the round disc opened upwards as it proceeds to cover the shoulder and forearm. The thruster units below the machine were turned 90 degrees, and once the mobile suit showed its lower body and legs, the goggles of its traditional Federation face stared right at the “Unicorn”.

“A mobile suit…!?”

The “Anksha” had both the beam cannons equipped on its arms, and was ripping through the water vapor as it closed in fast. The mega-particle bullets aimed at each other crossed through the clouds, and the “DO-DAI Kai”, which swayed about as the beams grazed it, lost its balance as it tumbled like a fallen leaf. Banagher let the “Unicorn” steady its feet onto the platform to prevent himself from falling in this battle, and could see the “Banshee” escaping in the sky. He witnessed his opponent use the wind pressure blowing upon its shields to negate the falling speed, skillfully adjusted its balance, and nimbly landed on the “Anksha”  that transofmred into a round disc again.

''They finally managed to get through to each other somehow.'' Banagher grumbled in his heart as he let the machine grab onto the grip of the “DO-DAI Kai” and got down to track the “Banshee” below. (Marida—!) Zinnerman’s agonized cry rang, and the “Banshee” gave a glare after regaining the killing intent it had. (It’s really your style to attack me while I’m confused, you despicable people…!) Marida exclaimed as her words stung Banagher’s eardrums.

“No! I was just—”

(Shut up! The “Gundam” is my enemy!)

The shout faded far away, and the block of energy from the Beam Magnum caused the clouds to scattered. The beam reached out to the sky, missing the “Unicorn” as it blew a hole in the sea of clouds. Banagher immediately felt a chill in it. The “Garuda” was right above, but she did not care when she attacked. She had no thoughts about working together with the defense forces, and what she gave was just her hatred against the “Unicorn”. She aimed at the “DO-DAI Kai” that was dodging around and fired a second shot without hesitation. Banagher raised his height to check the location of the “Garuda”, and his vision was covered by the mega-particles that flew in, “Don’t fire! Miss Marida!” as he raised his voice.

“Audrey’s on the “Garuda”. Princess Mineva is on board!”

There was no response, and what came in through the wireless communicator was the chaotic noise that seemed to have infected Marida. A third beam chased the “Unicorn” as it passed through the clouds, and Banagher was forced to fire a screen of shots to hold off his opponent. The mega-particle shot that was as powerful as a battleship cannon raced through the blue eye, and the beam grazed the straightened rear wing of the “Garuda”, causing the weird bird with its wings spread 500m wide to tremble.

===Part 4===

A sharp painful impact rocked the floor, causing the tremors to rise up to the ceiling above. Mineva grabbed onto the extendable pole of the gondola to support her body that was about to fall, and after a moment, a white light covered her sights, causing her to close her eyes inadvertently. A thunderclap-like boom followed suit, and the wind flowing into the deck paused for a while. She opened her eyes forcefully, turned around, and spotted the mobile suits riding on the DO-DAI SFS.

The mobile suit deck of this “Garuda” was far bigger than the “Ra Cailum” in terms of specifications. It was 60m wide, 200m long, and over 30m in height. The rear cargo deck hatch that functioned as an entrance was as big, but currently, the two thick doors were opened vertically, and the Medea transport carrier could be seen resting at the bottom hatch linking to the deck.

In the end, the large transport carrier that flew in from Torrington Base was being held in by the restrains and the numerous wires on the tail of the “Garuda”, and the machine that had a 70m wingspan was mostly exposed in the sky. The mobile suit riding on the SFS was right beside the Medea, crossing through the sky behind for only a moment, but Mineva could already see the clear image of the “Unicorn” machine in her eyes. The white machine was chased off by the “Banshee” that appeared afterwards, before disappearing diagonally above, and an explosion expanded again, shaking the empty deck.

The Medea machine was starting to lose its shape because of the refracted light, and the external air of 6000m was flowing in from outside the hatch. The air barrier from within was allowing the deck to maintain standard pressure, but the strong winds that were bellowing freezing point still felt chilly. Mineva zipped up the front of her flight jumper, looking for the two Unicorn-type mobile suits in the middle of the void. She was taken in just a little more than 10 minutes ago, and a battle began again, causing everyone to wait on the unsheltered deck for their own doom. The black-clothed subordinates of the Vist Foundation were standing around, looking outside the hatch with pale faces as they watched how the battle developed. The mechanics were all charging over ferociously, and the important personnel of the “Garuda” did not come out to meet them, probably because they intended to let the Foundation people get onto the shuttle directly, or that the unexpected battle caused them to panic. As Mineva wondered about this, a mega-particle beam caused a thunderous boom outside. “Can’t we close the hatch?” Martha asked anxiously. A black-clothed subordinate immediately brought his face to the wireless communicator.

“How long are you going to keep the hatch opened!? Hurry up and move the transport carrier away!”

(Who’s the idiot there? How can we let a transport carrier head to its death in the midst of an aerial battle! If you’re a guest, go straight to the shuttle launch deck and standby!)

The target of this call through the wireless communicator was from the commander of the “Garuda”, most likely stuck in the flight deck. The Medea could not increase in height, and could not launch into space. He was in fact the most anxious as he could not find a way to chase off the troublesome customers. “If the stray shots hit the shuttle, what do we do? We can’t possibly remain alive in the launch deck, right?” The subordinate started to argue back, but an umpteenth boom deafened the ears again as the largest impact up till this point rocked the “Garuda”. A horrifyingly weird sound rang from the empty deck supported by a large number of steel frames, and the wires supporting the Medea were at their limit. “The beam just went by us?” “Did the “Banshee” fire?” Martha glanced aside at her subordinates who in an uproar, “How’s the situation?” and coldly turned her eyes to the man in white clothes.

“There’re irregularities on the specimen’s brainwaves. At the rate this keeps up, the hypnosis will likely weaken. I suppose it’ll be better for her to retreat first…”

The man stood in front of the observation monitor, and turned his balding head at Martha as he made this reply tentatively. Alberto, who boarded the “Garuda” a little later, was standing beside the old man who seemed to be the facility head of the Newtype Research Institute, but he had been staring at the monitor of the observation installation up till this point, and did not seem to care about the surrounding buzz. Martha turned her stare to him and coldly stated, “Alberto, you’re her master, you know.” Alberto’s pudgy shoulders shuddered slightly, and he turned his anxious face at Martha.

“Only the “Banshee” can restrain the “Unicorn”. Think of something. Does it not matter that you’ll lose to your younger brother?”

''Little brother.'' This dissonant yet ever-realistic term was etched within Mineva’s ears, and she looked over at Alberto. He, who was at a loss of words, looked away from Martha, and his face certainly looked similar to Cardeas Vist in some ways. ''Is he''…Mineva thought as she continued to look over at Alberto, who turned his back on her and looked at the monitor on the observation installation. He picked up the wireless communicator and spoke, “Ple Twelve, it’s me, master. Do you hear me?” His calling voice however sounded really weak in the midst of the raging winds.

“Just listen to everything I say. Every other message is a trick by the enemy to confuse you. Listen, I want you to capture the “Unicorn” and bring it here. That guy’s the “Gundam”, the enemy that robbed the “light” from you. As long as you can bring it over, your “light” won’t be taken away.”

''The “light” that was taken away.'' The significance in that term, that ominous feeling stabbed into Mineva’s chest, causing her to feel goosebumps.

''Is that the restraining bolt on Marida? Is that the driving force that forces her to charge into the battlefield emotionally? If that’s the case, what’s driving Marida now isn’t hatred for the enemy, but self-guilt. This thought will normally lead to destruction at the end, including herself. She’s just focusing her self-destructive thoughts on the keyword “Gundam”, and she’s not even controlled by the master—'' Mineva continued to look at Alberto, who was yelling into the wireless communicator, felt a sense of guilt from that back, and intended to walk forward before she suddenly stopped. Two black clothed subordinates blocked her path, and from past their shoulders, she could see the white slender face of Martha looking back at her.

''It’s useless.'' The grin that showed these words spread to the side. She did not know about the buttons they pressed, and would probably only blame Marida’s abnormality on a system malfunction. Things were unlikely to change even if Mineva were to explain it, and she could only avert her stare to the rear hatch. It seemed that the “Unicorn” and the “Banshee” had already arrived over the head of the “Garuda”, and there were no signs of the two mobile suits outside the hatch. The transformable mobile suit called the “Anksha” or something was moving about in helter-skelter, as its round disc body, unable to interfere in the battle, continued to dodge without any contribution.

''There’s only a hundred meters at most from here to the rear hatch, and there’s no other way out. I might as well…'' Mineva muttered as she was driven by her impulse, and clenched her trembling fist. At this moment, she spotted a black silhouette appear in the sky, and it was quickly solidifying.

The machine that was like a fighter jet instantly got bigger and dashed past the “Anksha” squadron as it charged right at the “Garuda”. It decelerated right at the back of the rear hatch, and an explosive vapor immediately surrounded it as its fighter jet form collapsed. The machine, the “Delta Plus”, charged into the mobile suit deck; before Mineva could understand the situation, the machine that had transformed into a humanoid state ducked down the wings of the Medea transport carrier, and the loud sound of the landing spread apart together with the heat waves on the deck. The crewman with the command baton was shocked by the giant that suddenly appeared, and hurriedly dodged away from the hatch.

“What the!?” “Where did that mobile suit come from…?” The “Delta Plus” did not care about the ramblings of the subordinates as the landing impact caused it to charge forward by several meters before finally stopping. The thick grey armor was dyed in burns, and even though it lost its right hand, Mineva could tell from its unedged “Gundam”-like face that this was the machine that brought her to Earth. As the black clothed subordinates surrounding Martha were retreating, Mineva harbored a certain form of premonition as she looked up at the “Delta Plus”. The cockpit at the abdomen opened, the inner hatch slid open, and just like what she expected, a familiar pilot suit appeared from inside.

“That guy actually chased us all the way here…!”

Alberto muttered seemingly to himself, but Riddhe did not seem to care about the numerous stares right at him as he stood on the lift wire beside the cockpit and landed onto the deck from the knelt “Delta Plus”. He removed his helmet visor and fixated his determined stare at Mineva only, and the latter could only look back at him from behind the black figures that immediately got in their way.

It was an unbearable moment. The way both parties made it all the way here without care for each other caused them to feel a premonition of bitterness. “Ensign Riddhe, I don’t believe that I gave the permit to land here, did I?” at this moment, Alberto stood beside Mineva, but Riddhe did not intend to stop as his continued to approach Mineva, his determined look not wavering in the slightest. Alberto pointed his chin to direct the subordinates, and as the latter intended to suppress the pilot suit, Riddhe turned his hands behind his neck. It was too late by the time the black subordinates reached their hands into their chest pockets, as he quickly pointed a handgun barrel right at Alberto.

Riddhe probably prepared some tape on the nape of his neck, and he quickly turned the handgun around to hold off the surrounding subordinates before standing approximately 2m in front of Mineva. The subordinates still had their hands in their chest pockets as they surrounded Riddhe in steps; and the latter detected their motions as he fixated his stare, in unison with the gun barrel, at Alberto. Mineva sensed that Alberto beside her took a step back as she stared at Riddhe silently. The latter was aiming his handgun with both hands, and his beige eyes merely glanced at Mineva for an instant.

“I came to get you.”

He stated his intent firmly, and turned his gun around to hold off the Foundation people. The pressurized anxiousness in his eyes proved Mineva’s premonition, and she turned her face towards Riddhe, unable to make a sound.

===Part 5===

The black “Unicorn” used the disc-shaped transformable mobile suit as a footing and let its large body fly in the sky. It spun its shield skillfully and adjusted its position as the winds struck at it. Once it landed on top of the “Garuda”, it reached its arms out and landed on the wide wings cleanly.

One of the machine gun turrets were wrecked, and at that moment, the black machine that landed on the wing pointed its golden horn at Banagher. The “Unicorn” leapt off the “DO-DAI Kai” platform before the opponent fired its beam rifle. Zinnerman was nearly shaken off the driver seat that was tilted greatly as the mobile suit riding on it abandoned the craft, “That idiot…!” and grabbed the console as he growled. “Let’s fall back first!” Besson shouted, “No!” but Zinnerman yelled back and looked for the “Unicorn” in his extremely shaky vision. He could barely see the white machine land on the wing of the “Garuda”, and it charged in, dodging the cannon attack of the black machine.

Even when considering the measurements of a mobile suit, there was still enough space on the strange bird with a 500m wingspan. It was not inconvenient for both Unicorn-types were about to clash on it as it was wide enough, but the problem was that the wind pressure was flying in at 800km per hour. Banagher sensed that the 30ton machine was about to be blown aside by the wind as he let the “Unicorn” reach its hand out to Marida’s machine. The black “Unicorn” took the wind pressure, skillfully glided on the wing, and once it stopped, it let out a flare from its beam rifle. The powerful impact of the Magnum shot grazed past the top of the “Garuda”, and the scattered particles fell down in the path, causing the wing armor to be ripped off and blown to the back. The “Unicorn” dodged, stepped onto a beam cannon, crushed it, and barely managed to let itself stop on the wing as it struggled to regain balance.

It was not weird for both sides to fall anytime soon—no, the frame of the “Garuda” would not be able to support them before that happened. Marida was obviously acting disorderly, and Banagher was gradually drawn in by her confusion. Zinnerman stared at the wing of the “Garuda” that was fluttering like a bird. ''The Princess is inside there somewhere, and so in the guy who readjusted Marida and made himself the new master. He’s forcing her to fight, the one who’s causing her pain.''

“…Match the relative velocity of the “Garuda” and let the machine land on the gun turret.”

''There’s no other way.'' Zinnerman pointed at the machine gun turret Marida’s unit wrecked as he gave this order. “But if the “Unicorn” isn’t here, the DO-DAI control is…!” Besson argued back with bloodshot eyes. “Stay here.” But Zinnerman forcefully commanded and strapped a parachute container onto his shoulder.

“Once you let me go, drop the machine out of firing range. After 30 minutes…no, 20 minutes, if there’s still no movement, bring the “Unicorn” back to the “Garencieres”.”

He waited for the machine to land, and left the seat. “This is reckless. You’re going in alone…!?” Besson chided, but Zinnerman turned his back on the other man as he opened the dock leading to the cargo deck. The parachute container on his back was a backpack that had equipment on the buttocks till the legs, and there was a spare parachute filled in front of his chest. He carried the heavy equipment that even the paratroopers would be amazed by, passed through the door, climbed down the ladder to the air lock, and reached the cargo deck that was right below the platform. The cargo deck filled with spare supplies looked like an underground bunker, but it could occasionally be used as an explosive depot, as there was a hatch to drop the explosives through on the floor.

Zinnerman closed the helmet visor and activated the installation to reduce the air pressure. As the machine continued to rumble, he pulled the cable from the winch beside him, and fastened the safety harness on his shoulders onto the wire firmly. Once the green light indicating zero pressure was lit up, Zinnerman pressed the release button to open the hatch. The wind that blew into the craft immediately hit the helmet, and he could see the surging clouds below.

The thick grey wings of the “Garuda” covered the white cloud carpet as it appeared in Zinnerman’s eyes. He looked over, and could see ice forming on the wings. “How reckless…” he vented his complains that would happen to him, and stepped onto the ground.

A falling feeling felt like it was going to tighten his buttocks, and the harness embedded upon his shoulders felt extremely discomforting. Zinnerman started to descend down along the rope as he was tossed by the currents flowing below the ship, his body swaying heavily as he relied on merely a rope. The closest the “DO-DAI Kai” could get close to the “Garuda”, without the interference of the wild currents, would be more than 30m. The blown hollow of the machine gun turret was so small as compared to the wide wing that filled his vision, a depressing sight at that, and he immediately felt regret.

===Part 6===

(Banagher, the Captain’s about to land on the “Garuda”! If you can hear me, cover him!)

Besson’s shout rang from amidst the noise, and Banagher’s attention that was captured by the battle in front of him started to move. The heel of the “Unicorn” was firmly etched into the wing of the “Garuda”, and as he let the machine stand on the engine block, he got into attack mode and swung the beam saber that was clashing with the “Banshee” forward.

The “Banshee” tried to retreat quickly as its footing was unstable as compared to the attacker. The black machine glided down the machine and stopped at the edge of the wing. Banagher witnessed this as he let the main camera line the wireless communicator signal to the other side. The “DO-DAI Kai” was trying to match its relative velocity with the “Garuda” as it flew 30m above the wing, and he could barely see a human figure dangling on the wire dropped from the “DO-DAI Kai”.

It was Zinnerman. He had a large rucksack on both front and back, and his waist had a backpack on it; that pilot suit silhouette was landing towards the destroyed gun turret, but he could not fall directly as the air currents continued to rage. His body was nearly dragged off as he could only move down diagonally, and in fact, he looked like a human flag blown by the wind. “Are you serious…?” Banagher muttered, and as he tried to let the machine turn towards the “DO-DAI Kai”, a killing intent from beside him stopped the “Unicorn” in its tracks. The “Anksha” got onto the wing, surrounded by water vapor, transformed into its humanoid form with high shoulders, and drew its beam saber as it leapt onto the “Unicorn”.

There was no room for Banagher to retreat. He went full throttle as he stepped onto the pedal and let the “Unicorn” charge forward against the wind pressure. The thrusters in the backpack were activated, and the “Unicorn” was assisted by an explosive thrust as it raced down the “Garuda”. It clashed beam sabers with the “Anksha”, melted the latter’s right shoulder, and swung backhand as it sliced off the beam cannon on the left hand. At the next moment, a Beam Magnum light went right in front of the “Unicorn”. The high amount of scattered particles charged right at both the “Unicorn” and the “Anksha”, and the latter, which did not have a shield, was immediately blown into blews.

The limbs of the “Anksha” rolled onto the wing of the “Garuda” limply, and the machine immediately exploded on the rear wing. The flying flames and debris were gone with the wind, and the burnt explosion dust made a black smoke trail with the help of the 20 engines. Banagher used this opportunity to deploy his I-field, and barely managed to avoid the attack of the scattered particles, but the impact from the explosion caused the “DO-DAI Kai” in his sights to sway. The machine dropped down greatly, and Zinnerman, who was descending, landed hard on the wing; in an instant, his profile was mixed in with the debris that was blown away.

“Captain!”

The “Unicorn” stepped off the wing surface as it lit its thrusters and charged at the silhouette. The wire was snapped, and Zinnerman’s body rolled down many meters. His hand managed to grab onto the wing rectifier for merely a moment, as the strong winds instantly blew him to the edge of the wing. He flew right by the nose of the “Unicorn” with its outstretched hand, and Banagher immediately chased after the other man who was thrown into the empty sky as he let the “Unicorn” leap out of the wing. Banagher used this momentum of the wind to let the “Unicorn” grab the man that was blown away by the wing.

At the same time, he lit all his thrusters to veer the machine. The “Unicorn” twisted itself in the empty sky, letting out a trail of thruster flare moving forward, and landed back on the edge of the “Garuda” wing. It rolled onto the side of the vertical rear wing and knelt down; upon this, Banagher checked that Zinnerman in his hands was safe. The body wearing the Federation pilot suit moved slightly, and the face under the helmet turned towards him as Zinnerman raised his hand gingerly to give a thumbs up to the main camera.

It seemed that the parachutes on both front and back sides worked as an air cushion, preventing a fatal injury. (Behind you, Banagher!) just when Banagher was feeling relieved, a voice came in through the contact loop, and he immediately diverted the “Unicorn” away. The beam saber that was swung over from the back went by the bottom of the armpit, and the blade ripped the surface of the “Garuda” wing as the backhand strike was launched up at the “Unicorn”.

The “Unicorn” barely managed to dodge at the last moment, and the “Banshee” did not let go of this chance as it swung its beam saber down. Banagher used his shield to block this thunderous slash as he pulled the right hand with Zinnerman on it back to its chest. The heat from the beam saber could rupture even Gundarium, and was definitely not something to be treated idly. If he were to be heat by any of the scattered particles, Zinnerman would end up no different from a target of a high-powered laser.

“Stop it, Miss Marida! The captain will burn to death if we clash like this!”

Banagher retreated back as he yelled out loud. The cold air at freezing point was scattered apart, and the scorching beam saber swung down without mercy as (STOP IT!) Marida’s yell rang in his ears.

(This incessant yelling is hurting my head…! If you want me to stop, just surrender!)

“Your headache is proof that the real Miss Marida is resisting! If that’s the brother unit of the “Unicorn”, you would be swallowed by the machine. Aren’t you the one who told me that my machine has such a terrifying system!?”

(That’s ridiculous…!)

The “Banshee” swung over, and used the momentum to swing an elbow, denting the “Unicorn” shield. The machine was knocked backwards onto the ground, and the wing of the “Garuda” took the massive 30ton frame as a cavity appeared in its wing like plywood. Banagher protected Zinnerman in his hands as he immediately regrouped, but the “Banshee” leapt in from above as it reached its hand to cover his sight. The “Banshee” grabbed the “Unicorn” by the head and plummeted it to the wing, and the reverse grip beam saber tip was pressed against the abdomen of the “Unicorn”.

“The “Banshee” will give me power. This power will burn off all the slugs on me and return me the “light” that belongs to me.”

The high heat of the beam saber caused a  at the back, and a emotionless pitch black figure was swaying. “Miss Marida, you—” Banagher’s words were interrupted as the “Banshee” stared to exert strength on the beam saber it was wielding.

(Nobody can ever think of getting in my way. I’m going to cut your stomach up too…!)

A demonic glow radiated from the eyes of the machine, and the hatred from within was directed at Banagher. ''I’ll be killed.'' Banagher screamed within his heart. (YOU BLACK MONSTER!) another voice entered the contact loop as Zinnerman furiously got up from the palm, appearing in the side of Banagher’s vision.

(RETURN ME MARIDA!)

He yelled as he fired the rocket launcher on his shoulder. The rocket head dragged a trail of white smoke and charged from the “Unicorn” palm to the “Banshee” face, causing a little explosion in the facemask. The “Banshee” stumbled backwards, (Now, Banagher!) Zinnerman growled as his voice followed. Zinnerman abandoned the disposable rocket launcher and pointed at the gun turret on the wing, and at this moment, Banagher understood the other man’s intention. It got up and punched the unmanned gun turret.

The giant fist shattered the glass in the canopy, and the gun was bent like malt candy. Banagher let the “Unicorn” uproot the gun and dropped Zinnerman’s body into the large hole opened in the side wing. (I’ll leave Marida to you!) the back profile exclaimed as it sled from the hand, and Banagher waited for the other man to infiltrate successfully before pulling its beam saber out and turned the back. His prediction that the enemy would attack did not come true as the “Banshee” did not attack during this moment. The black machine had its face looking down after it took the direct rocket hit, and the darkness that had wind blowing upon it was quietly huddled up, not getting up.

(…The “Gundam”, is the enemy.)

The armor on the machine expanded, and the huddled black shadow expanded. “Miss Marida…!?” The “Banshee” did not respond to Banagher’s call as it lifted its head that was looking down, and the exposed Psycoframe started to radiate a golden glow.

(You’re the enemy that killed ''us''. You’re the enemy that robbed the “light” from within me. You, you’re the “Gundam”…!)

The lone horn on the forehead broke into a V-shaped, and the shattered facemask slid up. The “Banshee” rose up, showing the glow of the Psycoframe, and the golden glow ostensibly showing the will of the pilot was flickering. There was no doubt that its form was a “Gundam”—as Banagher was at a loss of words, the “Banshee” in its destroy mode raised its beam saber. The killing intent mixed in with the golden glow spread all around, passing through Banagher’s body as he grabbed the control sticks again.

===Part 7===

A loud boom sounded through the ceiling, making it seem that it was going to collapse, and the massive body of the “Garuda” swayed up and down. The siren showed no signs of ceasing its wail, and the brightness of Zinnerman’s handheld explosive was not easily identified due to the lighting.

Since the battle was held on the wing, it might not be surprising to have a little tremor, but the shaking this time was different from before. ''Is a “Unicorn” shot down?'' He looked up and the ceiling as the dust fell, and felt a little suffocated. The numerous footsteps running down the passage made him lean his body to the wall. He took out a sub machine gun from his backpack and peeked through a slightly opened door to check the situation on the corridor. The furious rampage of footsteps closed in, “You sure you saw him?” someone’s growl rang in his ears.

“Glamel of the 17th cannon said that he saw someone drop from the “DO-DAI Kai” onto the wing.”

“A solo operation? He’s not in freefall flight now, right?”

“Don’t talk about that now. Can’t we chase off those mobile suits? If we let them rampage on, even the “Garuda” can’t hang on!”

BOOM. A certain knocking sound rang inside the machine, and the shaking sound faded with the footsteps. ''They’re all novices.'' Zinnerman muttered as he stuck an explosive beside the wires on the wall, and once he was certain that there was no one on the corridor, he opened the door completely. He was in a Federation pilot suit, but his heavy equipment meant that he could not mix in with the crew. He waited for the group equipped with oxygen masks to pass by, and carried his heavy backpack as he charged out again.

He felt his feet shaking, not because of the interrupting tremors. The reason why he felt an abnormal pain in his flank was most probably due to the heavy fall he had when he landed hard on the wing. His ribs may have fractured, but the situation did not allow for him to slow down. As the two “Unicorns” continued to do damage upon the wings, the “Garuda” continued to increase in height. He had already spent approximately 3 minutes checking the internal map of the monitor sheet and running around the thick wing before finally reaching the corridor leading to the engine rooms.

Each engine room had two main engines, and there were 10 of such rooms along the wings. There were not a lot of crew members as the “Garuda” had successfully converted into automated mode, and it was impossible for the crew that totaled less than 100 to remain on standby at this place. As he had expected, there was not a single guard leading to the engine rooms. He closed in on the 5th engine room door on the inside of the left wing, took a deep breath, exhaled, and pushed aside the unlocked door panel. “Oi, didn’t you hear?” Zinnerman yapped, and there was a man who seemed to be a mechanic, turning his stare around in fright.

“There’s an order to evacuate this block. Tell the other crew to hurry up and leave.”

He spoke in a tone only a war veteran would spoke in. “Ye…yes!” the skinny young mechanic instinctively accepted the order as he froze, and the parachute behind Zinnerman caused him to blink in bewilderment.

“But the engine rooms are completely automated. The inspectors should be in the Central Control room…”

“Very good.”

Eh? The mechanic’s mouth was half opened, but Zinnerman did not see his face as his fist slammed right into the other person’s abdomen; and for added precaution, he added in a karate chop on the neck. He ignored the mechanic who fainted and looked around the cabin. The wing surface was acting as a large cover to protect the fusion core jet engines, and there were numerous switchboards linked to the Central Control room right below the engines. This simplistic scene was basically no different from the air conditioning in an office building.

“Then…”

Zinnerman rummaged through the mechanic’s waist for the keys and opened a cubicle. It was easy to destroy everything with the sub machine gun, but this would end up activating the backup system. He would first have to paralyze the turbine power system and lower the height of the “Garuda”. If there were time after this, he wanted to destroy the mega particle control system as well and create an opening for the “Garencieres” to approach. He considered that he would need to spend quite the effort in saving Mineva, and could not stay here for too long. He pulled out the lead wires of the heat circulation system and cut off 3 of the 5 wires.

Once he was certain that the alarm was lit, he switched off the control valve. The large engines above started to slow down drastically, and the alarm got relatively louder as it rang in his eyes.

===Part 8===

The sounds of the machines became a Figured Bass shook the air of the mobile suit deck, and suddenly, there was an irregular sound. Mineva felt her body float up seemingly and looked back at the opened hatch.

She could slightly see the clouds below her eyes from past the Medea transport craft. Before this, the scenery outside the aircraft was hidden by the hatch and could not be seen. ''Are we falling?'' as she felt puzzled, a crewman shouted, “5th main unit, both engines down!” and hurried footsteps could be heard from above.

“I heard that there’s no external damage. It’s not a power system malfunction?”

“There’s a problem with the 4th unit too. Call anyone that’s free to head to the engine room!”

The crewmen panicked as they notified each other and ran over the catwalk along the wall. ''There was a commotion over a report that someone may have snuck in just now. Is it…'' the moment she thought about it, Mineva looked up at the ceiling far away from the wall. “I can hand you Banagher and the “Unicorn”, but this determined voice caused her to turn to the front in shock.

“But I want her back. If you refuse, I’m going try and get her back with all I have.”

Riddhe aimed his automatic handgun with both hands as he took a step forward. Alberto, who had lost out in terms of willpower, started to back away, and the surrounding black suit subordinates had their hands reached within their chest pockets, but their hands were trembling. In this extremely tense situation, Martha was the only one who showed an emotionless and undeterred expression. “Do you understand your situation here, Ensign Riddhe?” Martha did not move forward nor backwards in the face of the black suit barricade, and even showed a light sneer, but Riddhe’s helmeted head shook slightly.

“We’re in a battle here. Even the prince of the Marcenas’ family won’t be able to escape the fate of an accidental death. Who else will know that you’re dead other than you yourself?”

''Thud.'' The black subordinates let out this sound as they closed the perimeter. However, Riddhe remained unmoved by Mineva’s urge to shout out as he remained calm and turned his stare and the gunpoint at Martha, “The military certainly fusses over the cause of death over anything else.” He said as he gave a stiff smile.

“Everything I said will be recorded in the black box of the “Delta Plus”through the wireless communicator. Let me tell you first, it’s useless to finish me off with the machine. When the machine’s about to be wrecked, the system is set that the information will reach the nearest ally machine.”

A subordinate whispered something to Martha, and the sneer immediately vanished from her face. Mineva deduced that he probably told her that Riddhe was not bluffing. If they were to kill Riddhe here, the “Garuda” and all the surrounding mobile suits would become witnesses. At this point, she finally realized the intention Riddhe had when he barged in here, and turned to look at his tense face again. “You have two choices.” He pressured on as the flashes and boom of the mega-particles shook the atmosphere.

“Do you hand her over to me obediently? Or do you kill me and become an enemy of the Settlement Issues Council? I don’t care what you choose anymore.”

The muzzle was pointed decisively at Martha now, who, upon witnessing that stare full of madness, showed less than a second’s worth of faltering. Her white, slender face showed a little bitterness, and she immediately showed her poker face again as she raised her hands and stopped the subordinates who would shoot anytime soon. All the subordinates removed their hands from the chest when her stare reached everyone, and Riddhe, who had been retreating slightly, turned to look at Mineva.

“Hurry. Get onto the “Delta Plus”.”

Riddhe growled as his gun was pointed at Martha unflinchingly. Mineva looked back at him and stopped her legs from nearly moving on instinct as she clenched her fists and remained here. ''I’m going to say something stupid—no, something vicious.'' She understood this well, and inhaled before turning her chiding stare at Riddhe again.

“What do you intend to do once you take me away? Are you going to lock me in the house again?”

She would not budge unless this was clear. ''BOOM'' an overhead explosion rang again, and she stared over at Riddhe, who did not seem to understand the question as he looked back, and showed a pleading look for a short moment. “We’ll talk about it after we leave!” he turned back to look at Martha again.

“Hurry up and get onto the “Delta Pus”. Those guys are using you as a hostage.”

“It’s the same in the Marcenas residence.”

“Audrey…!”

“What do you want to protect? Me? The secret of the “Laplace Box”? Or do you want to protect this secret to maintain your family honor you maintained up till this point?”

“I DON’T CARE ABOUT MY FAMILY!”

The voice that came from deep within the stomach rang in everyone’s ears, causing Mineva to falter from deep within. Riddhe did not look at the speechless Mineva as he pointed the gun at Martha. “What I care about aren’t about those. The secret of the “Box” isn’t what you think…” he muttered as his face was twisted with anguish.

“Everything spun out of control since 100 years ago…when the Prime Minister Residence “Laplace” was blown up. No matter whether it was me, my dad, or the Vist Foundation people here, everyone ended up being here because of this loss of control. But no matter how crazy the world is, there’re still 10 billion people…what can I do? Am I limited to protecting this kind of world? I can’t topple everything like those people of Zeon…!”

Riddhe turned his pleading stare back upon Mineva, ''Please understand,'' his eyes were sparkling as he expressed these words in his stare. However, Mineva could not find words to answer immediately, whether it was the Prime Minister residence, the explosion…she repeated the unnerving words in her heart, “Tha…that’s right.” And spotted Alberto take a step forward as he said this.

“That’s why we had to protect the secret of the “Box”. Her Highness Mineva knows that too. In that case, you should assist us and extract the information of the “Box” from the “Unicorn”—”

“SHUT UP!”

Riddhe yelled as he aimed his stare and the muzzle at Alberto, whose face tensed up as he retreated weakly.

“You don’t understand anything at all, you’re just someone who only knows how to use your authority. Don’t you dare talk to me as if you understood everything. Your Founder is the one behind everything. Syam Vist took part in the terrorist attack on “Laplace” and took the “Box”. That was where everything began…!”

In contrast to Martha, who narrowed her eyes slightly, Alberto widened his. Mineva suppressed her jolted heart as she looked back at Riddhe’s face. “From your expression, it seems that your aunt has more or less known about what’s going on.” Riddhe glanced aside at Martha as he continued, and deliberately lowered his gun that was pointed at Alberto.

“At that time, Syam was just a twit who had nothing. The explosion attack was not planned by him, and the way he got the “Box” was simply out of coincidence. But after that incident, everything fell into his path. The first Prime Minister Ricardo Marcenas was assassinated, and The Federation administration used that as an opportunity to harden their stance. A certain someone wrote a script, but ended up ruining it as Syam managed to get the “Box” as a weapon and climb up, which still wasn’t nothing up till that point. That was, until the One Year War…where everything changed drastically. At that moment, Syam, and the Federation government that had been following the railpath he set, finally realized after that moment. They finally understood the significance behind what they did, and discovered the true “power” of the “Laplace Box”. Not many can remain calm when bearing such a secret. The ones who know the contents of the “Box” are the leader of the Vist Foundation and part of the government led by the Marcenas. Everyone else doesn’t know the contents and feared it, and to protect themselves, they quietly protected the rules they set…just like a well-trained dog.”

“And you know the contents of the “Box”.”

Mineva spoke up before she could think, and her body took a step forward. As everyone looked over her, she stared at Riddhe and asked, “Please tell me what is this “Laplace Box”.” Their faces met for a while, and Riddhe diverted his gaze away from Mineva to escape.

“Everyone here has the right to know. What exactly is the secret of the “Box” that’s causing you so main pain to such an extent?”

“…So what if you know? Once you know that it really has the power to topple the Federation, do you intend to get Neo Zeon to steal it?”

“Ensign Riddhe…! You knew that I didn’t have the intention and brought me over to Earth, right?”

Mineva strengthened the tone in her words, causing Riddhe, who was unwilling to look back at her, to frown. A hundred years ago, it was said that there was a “Laplace Box” that was born at the same time as the birth of the Universal Century—in fact, no matter what it was within, she could turn her back away from it. She had to face the truth, think and accept it no matter how it was, all in order to solve the situation in front of her. With the noises of the battle still going on behind her, Mineva waited for the other man to say the truth. Riddhe glanced aside, and their eyes met for a short moment before he turned his head away, “…If I can say it, I’ll really do so.” And murmured with a barely audible voice.

“I hope to at least tell you alone so that I can breathe easy, but I can’t. As long as you’re still of Neo Zeon…as long as you’re still in a position to topple the current order…”

He said this as he turned to face Mineva, “Can you become a part of our family?” and his eyes showing the same gloominess when he asked that question. The one asking and the one being asked however had the different situations, and Mineva lowered her head without thinking.

At this point, she felt that this was not the moment to address such problems, but she understood at the same time that all concerns for Riddhe revolved around that premise, and argued silently in her heart as she clenched her fists. ''But you never tried to take me away from that house. You tried to handle all the problems alone and merely pushed the results upon me. That night, if you had not grabbed my hand and wanted me to escape with you—''

BOOM. A dull explosion rang above, casting aside the troubles Mineva had for herself. The machine frame of the “Garuda” was tilted greatly, and she lost her balance as she ended up crashing into Riddhe’s pilot suit.

The hangars installed at the sides were rattling, and the cranes that were dangling from the ceiling were swaying like a pendulum clock. One of the wires holding down the Medea transport carrier snapped, and a wind hollered through the deck in a terrifying manner. “Is it a direct hit?” “Are you sure someone didn’t barge in to mess things up?” the subordinates were yelling. MIneva was supported by Riddhe, who lowered his gun and stood his ground amidst the rocking floor, and upon seeing a strange reflected light on his face, she gasped. The red and golden flashes were clashing, and two colors were gradually mixed into that inexplicable light—the source of the light that shone in from the rear hatch caused the Medea to appear within, and the empty mobile suit deck suddenly became bright and dark.

Her chest was starting to buzz, and her heart was starting to race. She looked out of the hatch, and spotted a thin veil of light covering the blue sky, seemingly swaying in the sky like an aurora. For every pulsation, the lights that were like capillaries formed a film of aurora that flashed through, and rained down tiny light particles that scattered everywhere. Those were similar to the scattered particles from the mega-particle shots, but they were not lights from the beams. The golden and red lights were radiating and clashing, creating a pulsation in the light covering the “Garuda”. That light caused everything within the space to resonate, and gradually created a power that could distort a large obect.

It was just like a nightmare. Mineva and the rest forgot about everything that happened as they were entranced by it. “This light…don’t tell me!” Alberto muttered as he limply backtracked. He pulled up the old man in white clothes and yelled out, “HOW’S THE BRAINWAVES OF THE SPECIMEN!?”showing an abnormal sense of anxiety. Martha, who glared at him from behind, frowned and asked, “What’s going on?” and without waiting for the white old man to operate on the observation installation, Alberto himself proceeded towards it and answered as he continued to tap at the keyboard, saying, “We’re not too sure…no, there isn’t any actual proof, I would say.” He proceeded with the checks quickly, summoned out other windows, and slammed the casing of the installation, ostensibly lost about the development of the situation.

“But there is that possibility. Why didn’t I notice it…?”

Alberto scratched his head as he muttered, ignoring the flustered old man. It seemed that Martha too felt a chill as she asked again, her voice showing anxiousness, “What’s going on?” A pale-faced Alberto turned his head around and spoke,

“The Psycoframes are resonating. The “Unicorn” and the “Banshee” may be resonating…and creating a Psyco-field.”

The reflected light was still swaying, but Mineva could be certain that Martha’s expression changed, and she definitely felt that it was the first time the latter showed such an expression clearly. As she continued to repeat the unfamiliar term Psyco-field, she looked at the sky that was flashing in the midst of this chaotic atmosphere. “That’s the “Unicorn”…is that the light from Banagher?” Riddhe muttered to himself as he too looked outside the hatch. The remaining light continued to fluctuate against each other, regardless of the air currents, flashing away—those were the light waves created by the “Unicorn” and the “Banshee” in their skirmish aboard the “Garuda”. Once she understood this, Mineva’s hairs stood in fright as she continued to stare at the light that shook the world itself. With the “Garuda” at center, the aurora-like light expanded gradually, ostensibly trying to fold the 500m wingspan weird bird under it.

===Part 9===

The machine that was deflected off was pressured by the wind, and the edges of its wings were forced back. The “Unicorn” heel hooks could not grab onto the frame properly, and just when it was about to be thrown off the “Garuda”, Banagher stabbed the beam saber into the wing.

The extremely hot beam saber ripped off the armor of the craft, and the “Unicorn” glided down several meters of its wing before finally stopped at the edge. The wing surface that was flipped up gave off white smoke, and the “Banshee” with its beam saber raised charged through this smoke and right at the “Unicorn”. The eyes under the V-shaped dual horns were glowing, and the face was showing an abnormal look that could terrify anyone’s body and mind upon seeing it. Both beam sabers clashed on the tip of the wing, and Banagher, who spotted an opportunity and got inwards, suddenly had a sensation that felt like it was going to rip his scalp as goosebumps rose all over him.

He had this feeling before when battling the “Kshatriya”, and there was ostensibly an invisible hand reaching for his head—however, this was different, more simplistic and unique. It was intangible, but it was intimidating, and he experienced a pressure that could choke himself. Whenever his machine interacted with the “Banshee”, that pressure would enter him.

The “Banshee” mounted its shield behind its back, and made use of the beam particles coming out from its arm racks to charge forward. Banagher let the “Unicorn” wield its two blades to block as he charged forward, making use of the air current to rush behind his opponent, only to see a golden glow rush out from the “Banshee” at that moment. The light expanded from the core of the machine, forming a translucent sphere that surrounded the “Banshee”, and twisted the wing surface at its feet.

“What in the…?”

That was not a simple glowing phenomenon. The Psycoframe of the “Banshee” was letting out a bright glow, spreading an unknown ‘force’ around. The lightning-like flash surrounded the “Unicorn”, and Banagher had a sensation that he was being pinched by a large hand as he moved the machine back and scanned his eyes around. It was not sunset, but the sky was darkening. The mist of light flashed around the “Garuda” precariously, and the sea of clouds at their feet were churning in waves. It looked like they were in the middle of a storm, but the truth was that this was impossible. Even if the “Garuda” was tilting to the side towards the clouds, probably because of Zinnerman’s demolition work, they did not fall that much. A storm would only occur in lower area regions.

One would get the feeling that the pulsation was the light itself, a light without warmth, but where power could be helped—and in the middle of that vortex, the “Banshee” was standing there, giving off a golden glow. The machine gun turret at the feet of the black machine was twisted by the pressure of the light waves, and the black machine proceeded to attack; “Miss Marida, stop it!” Banagher exclaimed, but the light sphere around the “Banshee” expanded, enveloping the “Unicorn” in it. The gaps on the white armor was giving off the red glow of the Psycoframe, and the glows of red and golden clashed with each other as there were many exploding sounds ringing.

“This light isn’t normal! Please calm down…!”

''—Light.''

Banagher heard a ‘voice’ that was not in the form of a sound as it passed through his mind in the form of a wind, causing him to widen his eyes.

''—The light in my body. The light that’s born in me…!''

The glow that radiated from the black “Gundam” appeared in the form of Marida, and that image that charged at the “Unicorn” was like an Eastern demonness mask; upon witnessing it, Banagher nearly screamed.

''—This light can save me. I won’t let anyone take it away.''

“No! You’re wrong, Miss Marida! This light is dangerous, it’s a light that can take a person’s life away!”

Upon letting out these words that did not exist in his vocabulary, he could not help but shut up. The black machine continued to swing its sabers that were in tonfa form as it pressed forward while turning everything else on deaf years. The tattered shield was finally shattered as the “Unicorn” was tripped by the beam cannons, and fell onto the wing. At this moment, a sharp metallic sound agitated Banagher’s hearing.

The all-view monitor let out a red luminous light, and the NT-D sign glowed on the display board. The restraints on the headrest were lifted, and the assist arms fastening the helmet down were closing in from the sides. Banagher bent down to evade the restraints before he was held down. “No! Don’t let it lead you!” he yelled as he slammed the control sticks with his fists. His fingers were moving along the touch panel of the display board, giving the command to remove this mode. However, the display board did not show any reaction as the NT-D sign continued to give a bloody red glow.

“Calm down, “Unicorn”. If you become a “Gundam” in this situation…!”

''Things will go out of hand here.'' Banagher was driven by the anxiety rising up his stomach as he used both hands to press down the glowing red display board. ''rooh''…the “Unicorn let out a beast-like mechanical friction sound, and the machine throbbed about violent. The glow that could not be suppressed was fighting its way out under the armor, interfering with the glow of the “Banshee” Psycoframe, and expanding the light field in an explosive manner. The light wave patterns spread from the two “Unicorn”, and enveloped the “Garuda” with the cry of twisted metal, blowing away the “Anksha” around them like paper.

===Part 10===

There was a sound, either a human cry or a beast’s roar, causing the mobile suit deck to tremble, and their eardrums to rumble. The maddening light feast showed no signs of stopping as it got more savage. Mineva did not care about the tremors as she continued to look at the sky that continued to glow at the rear hatch. As everyone remained silent and still, “This may have happened.” Alberto spoke up with a stiff tone.

“There are many things we don’t know about the Psycoframes in the first place, like for example, why they glow, and why two different machines can resonate with each other even though the reception range of the psyco waves is limited…no, the term, the name is just a wave that can be observed in electricity, and we have no understanding about its true characteristics. Some people explained the Psycoframe as a metal that can enhance human consciousness, but there had never been an actual case of it, just an analysis of rational human theory. Besides, the “Unicorn” and the “Banshee” are the first machines to have full Psycoframe in history. The battle between these two is completely beyond the manufacturer’s expectations, and we had never had a simulation for it. If we mass-produce such Psycoframes that have this kind of result, what results will there be on the battlefield…I think there is a very likely possibility that a Psyco-field will be produced.”

“A Psycoframe resonance, and an overload of Psycowaves which results in physical energy…you mean that this is a reenactment of the “Axis Shock” again?”

Martha spoke up. Upon seeing her pale face, it was clear that there was no need to pursue on regarding the significance of those words. “In that case, the “Garuda” is basically a paper plane in this phenomenon. Call the “Banshee” to back down, immediately.” Martha commanded next, “Ye-yes” and Mineva heard Alberto’s reply as she looked at the light that continued to dance about wildly without fading. The flashing light itself was throbbing, and there was pressure formed within and outside the “Garuda”; it was appropriate to call it a ‘field’. That was a light that could cause goosebumps on the skin, a light that could agitate the senses; and that was the demonic light that took the rage and sadness of Marida and amplified it, a light that could take a human life away—

“Let’s go.”

Mineva’s shoulder was grabbed unexpectedly, and Riddhe’s face appeared in the direction she was being pulled towards. He forgot to control his strength, and even if it may be caused by anxiety, this caused her to feel a little repulsed.

“There’s no reason for you to be here. Come with me.”

“But Banagher and Marida are still…”

“Marida? Are you referring to that puppet?”

Riddhe simply spoke up, and the moment Mineva’s body inadvertently tensed up, the sound of something breaking rang as the Medea transport carrier, fastened at the rear hatch, tilted drastically.

The wires snapped, and the machine that should be fastened down tilted backwards. The 70m wingspan fell from the hatch, and the Medea, that was gliding in the wind for a moment or so, flipped over and abruptly disappeared from everyone’s sights. After a beat, a light that was bright enough to overpower the Psycofield, and a tremendous boom came in a moment later as it surged its way into the mobile suit deck. The fire and the Medea’s clipped wing flew by the outside of the hatch, and the scattered debris and explosion shock the belly of the “Garuda”, causing a numbing trembling on Mineva’s feet.

“We’ll get onto the space shuttle instead. Tell the captain to raise the height!”

Martha shouted as she held down her blonde hair that was unraveling in the strong winds. “It’s dangerous here, let’s go!” Mineva saw the growling Riddhe’s face as he grabbed her arm, and instinctively shook his hand away.

“Audrey…?”

“Ensign Riddhe, I understand your good intentions, but I can’t leave with you now.”

Mineva understood very well that Riddhe did not have any malice, but he would choose to abandon Marida like a puppet without care, and that was something the old him would do. This man who used to be so understanding ignored all that he could see in the past because he tried to kill his old self, but even with that factored in, the pull he had was not enough for Mineva to entrust her life to. She looked back at Riddhe, giving a veil of rejection in the face of the fists that were trembling and the knees that were practically limp.

“Audrey…Mineva…” Riddhe muttered these names as he lost his voice and looked back at her. If she went with him at this point, she would simply fall into the abyss together—no, that was not the reason. Perhaps it was the feminine aspect within her that gave her the instant conclusion, that this man was not someone she was willing to go down with. His pleading look, and all that was shown in his eyes were causing her to reject them naturally. Even if she did not accept this instinctive response, her face would clearly end up ugly. “What a troublesome knight.” As Mineva lowered her head, she heard a spiteful voice from beside him, and her clenched fists were trembling. Martha gave Mineva a mocking stare as she remained surrounded by the subordinates wielding their handguns.

“But I admire your guts, Ensign Riddhe. It’s because of people like you that there won’t be openings when the world revolves. I suppose you’ll definitely become a long-lasting politician, just like your father.”

It was unknown if these words she said were the biggest humiliation to him. Martha commanded the subordinates as she stared at Riddhe. “Come, Your Highness. This way please. Let’s not embarrass the Ensign any further.” However, Mineva ignored her as she looked back at Riddhe, who stopped looking at Martha as he too turned his weakened stare back at Mineva.

“Is this the order you want to protect/”

Mineva looked deep into Riddhe’s eyes as she took a step towards him. At this moment, his shoulders shuddered.

“If the “Laplace Box” is opened, there’ll be a massive war. I dare believe that a twisted order is still better than a war. But if that kind of order is going to be suffocating…”

Mineva turned her back on Martha and the subordinates as she grabbed Riddhe’s hand together with the handgun. “Mineva…!” Riddhe muttered as he looked at his hand that remained unmoved, “I am the daughter of the Zabi family.” and Mineva continued.

“I can’t abandon my name. As a descendant of a family that had once committed a serious crime, I have a responsibility to carry out my duty.”

“Don’t do that. You’ll be killed!”

The black suit subordinates seemed to realize what was going on as they turned to look at Mineva’s back. ''I know that what I’m going to do is foolish, but there’re too many people who died. As long as I remain a hostage, the sacrifices will continue to increase. If I use myself as an exchange, I can at least remove a source that will continue a wronged situation—''she took Martha’s stare from behind, took a deep breath, and swung a hard elbow at Riddhe’s abdomen with all her strength. “Mineva…!” Riddhe groaned, and she grabbed the handgun from him before turning around to face Martha, only to hear consecutive gunshots fill her five senses.

''I got hit.'' She thought. At that moment, she could not tell whether she was standing as she closed her eyes, but someone knocked her down from behind. A sharp explosion rang, “AN INTRUDER!” and a certain voice rang above Mineva’s head as the gunshots rang. A drum-like machine gun burst followed suit, and she barely opened her eyes to see a slightly yellow smoke.

She could see a scene of Martha running away with the subordinates surrounding her and the flash of someone firing a gun, lighting the place, on the other side of the smoke whirled away by the wind. “Princess!” and heard a voice amidst the gunshots. Upon hearing this familiar voice, “Zinnerman…!?” she got up while wielding her gun, snuck out from Riddhe who was lying above her, and looked for the owner of the voice in the midst of this rapidly thinning smoke. She immediately found a hulking pilot suit figure sweeping through with machine gun shots and running at her, and she immediately turned her body to him as she ran.

“Mineva, wait!” Riddhe’s loud exclamation however was drowned out by gunfire, and the bullets passing through the sky flew by her head. The wind continued to blow in from the hatch, so the smokescreen could not last for long. She could see a white cloaked old man hiding behind the observation installation with a pale face amidst the smoke, and spotted Alberto coughing beside it. She readied the trigger of the handgun as she held it with both hands, holding off any subordinate trying to approach her, and glanced behind before running off. She met Riddhe in the eyes as the latter was unable to move due to the sparks of the bullets flying across the deck, “Excuse me!” a voice called out from behind.

“Hurry, to the rear hatch!”

Zinnerman yelled out with his gruff voice as he threw a new smoke grenade. The explosion shook the mobile suit deck, and the burly arms grabbed Mineva by the collar as he ran away before the smoke covered the black silhouettes again. She hurriedly moved her legs, looked up at the face with the Federation helmet on it, and affirmed that the bearded face under the visor was definitely the loyal servant who was practically her surrogate father. ''How many of them are on board—?''

“What do you plan to do next?”

“The “Garencieres” here. Please drop down with the parachute.”

“And you?”

“There’s still something I have to do.”

Once he finished, Zinnerman immediately ducked into the blind spot of a gondola shaft and fired a spray of machine gun shots at the pursuers. He intended to remove the spare parachute in front of him, but was unable to do so. “Go! I’ll catch up later!” he pushed Mineva in the back, and she ran towards the rear hatch. She leapt over the snapped wires and sprinted forward at the rectangular hole of the hatch. The Medea blocking the entrance had disappeared, and the rear hatch leading to the sky became exceptionally wide.

''Only 50m left. If I don’t get there fast, the crew might lock the hatch up.'' She had no time to look at Zinnerman behind her as she merely focused on running down the wide deck. However, a dazzling flash suddenly appeared, blocking her sight. She, who seemed to be pushed back by the light, covered her eyes with her hands, and at the same instant, there was a loud boom and an impact that entered the hatch, surrounding her body immediately.

She thought that the hatch in front of her had been crumpled like paper right at the instant before she was blown away, but that was an instant impression. The rampaging heat waves grilled her earlobes, and the smell of burnt hair entered her nose. After an abnormally long 2, 3 seconds, Mineva felt pain rising up in her as her back slammed into something. She moved her hands with vigor, and once she grabbed onto something hard that felt suspiciously like a steel frame, she tried her best to cuddle her body that could be blown away anytime. She did not know whether she was standing or lying on the floor, and as she held her breath and waited for the heat wave to pass by, she was suddenly covered with cold wind.

Her hearing was recovering, and the loud wind noises became gradually louder in her ears. she opened her eyelids, and what she first saw was that her hand was grabbing onto a steel bar that was poking out horizontally. She then lifted her head and saw the mobile suit deck that was larger than what her vision could hold. The bellowing smoke scattered quickly, and an unbearable ozone stench lingered in her nose as she spotted the burnt walls and ceiling. It was the stench of the mega-particles scorching the air. The floor near the hatch that was hit directly by the beam had a crater chipped off it.

The severed surface was still red hot, and white smoke could be seen fluttering away because of the strong wing. ''What about Zinnerman and Riddhe?'' Mineva felt worried as she supported herself off the twisted frame again as she stood up, but the loose footing shocked her, and she immediately grabbed onto it and looked at her feet. There was no floor below her feet , only a layer of the frame that was intertwined, forming a little cliff, and the sky was below this cliff. The sea of clouds flowing towards her formed a large vortex, flowing below her feet like a torrent.

Mineva tried to stand up while using the barely collapsed floor as a footing. The beam that was shot down from above blew the hatch away and pierced through the floor. She understood that she was at the edge of the structure as she leaned her body on the frame she could only rely on. If she moved 2m forward, she could stand on the deck, but the few footing points were too weak, and they were being peeled off with the wind. She felt that they would not be able to bear her weight, and did not feel that she had the acrobatics to walk along the steel frame. The frame linking to the deck was twisted halfway through, forming a dangerous arc.

She really wished that she had taken Zinnerman’s parachute, and grabbed onto the frame with her numb hands as she poked her head out to observe the situation, “Princess!” and nearly released her hands because of this voice. Zinnerman reached his head out from the head, saw Mineva in this situation, and gasped for a moment before he yelled, “Wait there! I’ll go right over there!” But once he said that, the sparks from the gunshots grazed his feet, and he disappeared without her reply. The sound of the machine gun was mixed in with the winds, and faded away. “Zinnerman…!” the sudden heat wave and roar caused her to feel the impact from behind, and her body that was leaning on the metal frame tensed up. She turned her head behind, and there was a black giant falling from the wing surface as its vernier flares were etched in her eyes.

The “Gundam” mode “Banshee” readjusted itself as it let out flashes from its back and leg thrusters, and got up onto the “Garuda” again. Mineva had tilted her head away because of the heat waves the giant gave off, but she still witnessed the luminous golden glow from the pitch black machine that was scattering around. It was the light from the Psycoframe –the Psycofield formed by the “Unicorn” and the “Banshee”. The twisted light covered the surroundings, and Mineva held her breath as she felt the two machine clash with each other on the wing as she looked at the clashing lights.

Banagher was in this light, and she could feel that he was fighting hard to avoid being sucked into Marida’s anger. The thing resonating was not a machine, but the two Psycoframes being amplified. Once she realized that this power was born from their consciousness, Mineva understood that her consciousness could be felt as well as she had a sudden thought, and shuddered at it.

She took a deep breath, exhaled it, and closed her eyes to gather her thought in the rumbling light. ''This is something only a mad person would do, but there’s a chance of it succeeding. If a human consciousness can call out and reach out to each other like this, that person with the warm hands who once caught me successfully in “Industrial 7” will definitely—''

“Mineva!”

The voice that came from close by pulled Mineva’s consciousness back to reality. She widened her eyes and spotted Riddhe at the edge of the deck. “Don’t move, I’ll go over!” the white pilot suit went out from the charred black deck, and immediately slid down the tilted surface of the hole without hesitation. He went down the twisted metal frame and reached his hand forward as his eyes met Mineva’s, who lowered her head as she hesitated on whether she too should reach her hand out.

''This isn’t the hand I should be holding.'' She could not think of an appropriate line as she let her stare fall onto the flowing clouds. “Mineva…!?” Riddhe muttered as he reached his hand out, but just when his fingers were about to touch her shoulders, she took a step back from the narrow footing.

“What are you doing? Hurry up and give me your hand?”

“I should have said it before, Riddhe. You’re heading down a different path from me.”

Riddhe gasped as he pulled his hand back slightly, showing despair on his face. “You’re still saying that…!?” he reached out again, but Mineva looked forward and bid farewell,

“I’ll use my eyes to see the true identity of the “Laplace Box”.”

An icy cold gust blew by them, and the shattered deck was peeled off. Riddhe looked back at Mineva, and his body that was grabbing onto the frame lost its balance.

“Perhaps I’ll commit the same crime as my father or grandfather, but even so, I—”

“You still intend to fight against the world?”

The stiff voice interrupted, and she looked over at him in surprise.

“Nobody, whether it’s those who rely on their privileges or those who have dissatisfaction,  believes that this world will rely change. If we can protect the current life, the world 100 years later will mean nothing to them. Do you want to fight against those people alone? What’s the point of sacrificing so mu—”

“I’m not alone.”

Mineva felt the familiar light from behind as she said firmly. ''I know that this choice’s illogical, but the hand I want is in that light. Maybe nothing can be done, maybe we’ll just die with regret, but this is a test to me—a test to see whether this puny me has the fate to interfere with the world.''

Riddhe’s face was twisting in a near-teary state as he reached his hand out with all he had. “Mineva, please…!” Upon hearing this voice he eked out, she lifted her face decisively.

“I assure you that I’ll find the most appropriate method. Goodbye, Riddhe Marcenas. I won’t forget you!”

As she yelled out, she closed her eyes and released herself from the frame. She felt a floating sensation covering her body, “MINEVA!” and Riddhe’s yell faded away in an instant as the sound of the wind blowing by her ears was the only thing she could hear. Her body passed through the hole in the “Garuda” deck floor and fell towards the clouds, not supported by anything as it got dragged with the torrents. The freezing currents swarmed her as she swallowed her realization, and she felt her mind and body freeze as she spun 5000m in the sky.

She felt neither a sense of falling or floating. If she had to describe it, she felt that her body was drifting as it mixed in with the falling shrapnel, dancing wildly in the wind. ''I can’t die now, it’s not time yet. You should be able to sense me, just like how I sensed you now. That’s because you right now are on a machine that enhances a human’s consciousness—'' the words she carelessly muttered deep within became tangible as she felt a pulsation within. It became a thin glow from the forehead, and once it resonated with the surrounding glowing field, her mouth that was blocked by the air currents let out a voice for real.

“Come and catch me, Banagher!”

===Part 11===

A bright light in the form of a voice entered Banagher’s head, causing his body on the cockpit to shake. He suddenly blinked as if he was blown away by the wind below.

“Audrey—!?”

Banagher turned his head around and used the beam saber to block the beam tonfa of the “Banshee”. He used the momentum to let the machine retreat to the edge of the “Garuda” wing, and looked over at the clouds that were passing by below. ''No doubts about it, she’s calling me.'' A certain familiar lifeform was calling out to Banagher, and the direct thoughts passed through the thick clouds as they entered his body.

There was no room for him to make a choice. He held his breath and stepped on the pedal. The “Unicorn” leapt up from the “Garuda” wing and entered the empty sky before ripping through the field of light and disappearing within the clouds.

(Hold it!) Marida’s call was mixed in with the static, and though the massive frame of the “Garuda” had already left his vision, the beam of the Beam Magnum followed him as it pursued the “Unicorn” and grazed it. Banagher managed to evade the scattered particles by spinning around, and gathered his thoughts on the thick layers of clouds. 5000m, 4800m, 4200m, the altitude meter continued to decrease in value, and the “Unicorn” expanded its limbs out wide as it charged down like a rocket. The clouds disappeared soon after as an endless sea surface appeared in front of his eyes, and his main camera caught sight of a certain bean-sized object. Her flight jacket was flapping, and her slender limbs were trembling as her silhouette fell straight down the roaring atmosphere.

''She’s there.'' Banagher widened his eyes as he stared only at Audrey as he gripped hard onto the control sticks.

(You can do it, right? “Unicorn”?)

A rumbling sound, probably a roar, rose up from within the machine, and the NT-D logo blinked. The white armor slid apart amidst the friction from the air, and the sudden low pressure caused the water in the atmosphere to freeze as the “Unicorn” was immediately surrounded by water vapor in an explosive manner. The lone horn on its forehead opened in a V-shape, cutting through the surrounding white mist, and the exposed Psycoframe let out a glow as the machine in its “Gundam” form used up all its verniers. The “Unicorn Gundam” spread its limbs wide to increase the air resistance and negated its falling speed as it approached Audrey.

The person flying through the wind gradually got larger, and the cursor overlapped with her figure on the monitor. Audrey’s hand fidgeted slightly as she turned her body around, and the emerald eyes were slightly opened, staring at Banagher. She had not passed out. It was just like the moment when she was floating in the sky of “Industrial 7” as her body, hoping for survival, appeared, in front of him. He wanted to let the “Unicorn Gundam” reach out to get her, but determined that he would not be in time, and opened the cockpit. With the incoming wind pressure blowing upon him, he brought his body away from the linear seat and reached out from the hatch, just like the last time.

[[Image:KSGU7 252.jpg|thumb]]

Audrey’s profile flashed by in front of him and entered a blind spot in his vision that was formed by the cockpit, preventing him from seeing things clearly. The Intention Automatic System detected his emotions as the machine started to regulate its falling speed. He saw Audrey again, and reached his body out from the hatch; at that moment, he clearly saw the emerald eyes looking back at him. He was prompted by his throbbing heart, and reached out his arm more just when his body was about to be blown away by the air currents. The hands of the “Unicorn Gundam” moved too as they clasp with each other to form a net, caught her gently, and brought her towards the cockpit. Banagher reached his body forward as he held himself from the hatch, and once their fingers matched, he grabbed her hand tightly.

He immediately pulled her towards him, and they fell into the cockpit. After using all his strength to grab that delicate body, he sat back on the linear seat, closed the hatch, and grabbed the control sticks again. ''Haa,'' Audrey heaved a huge sigh, and Banagher could feel the warmth from her forehead reaching his chest, and spreading through his pilot suit. ''She’s alive, alive in my arms.'' He trembled, both in body and in mind as he had the urge to embrace her tightly, but he understood that the situation did not allow for it. The machine had already fallen to below 3000m in height, and there was nowhere to land as he could only see the blue seas below him.

He opened the throttles and let the main thrusters flare out. They managed to slow down and regain approximately 100m in height, but they were still in trouble. Even if they could negate the falling speed, he had no idea how to handle it. If they fell into the sea, the drowned machine could be crushed by the water pressure. “Banagher…” Audrey let out a troubled hoarse voice, and Banagher did not look at her face as he answered, “I’ll think of something!” and answered as he felt the weight of the life on his knees. ''I finally managed to meet Audrey, and now I’m going to crash into the sea?'' He bit his lips regretfully, and just when his trembling hands grabbed onto the control sticks, a siren suddenly rang, and an enlarged window opened on its own as it showed an approaching object.

A familiar triangular ship was descending down the clouds. “The “Garencieres”…!” Audrey exclaimed, but Banagher did not pay attention as he stepped on the pedal first. The main thrusters of the “Unicorn Gundam” let out long smoke trails, and it fell towards the falling “Garencieres”. The 120m long ship body closed in on it, and once it got right below the “Unicorn Gundam” that was trying to elevate itself, Banagher immediately spotted a “Geara Zulu” poking out from the deck, waving at it.

The two machines crossed by each other, seemingly reaching out to each other for aid. The “Unicorn Gundam” got pulled onto the “Garencieres”, and its limbs touched the ground. The “Geara Zulu” put its hand around the “Gundam”, (I caught him! Bring the ship up!) and Ivan’s exclaiming voice rang through the contact loop. The thruster nozzles on the aft let out flares as the “Garencieres” accelerated, lifted its bow, and started to rise up the sky again. Ivan’s “Geara Zulu” quickly ducked inside  the hatch again to reduce the air resistance, and a shockwave created waves upon the sea surface.

(Are you alright, Banagher?)

The machine followed Ivan’s machine as its lower body slipped into the hatch, and Flaste’s voice immediately rang through the cockpit. Banagher met Audrey face to face, and grabbed her shoulder in a daze, “I’m fine! Audrey’s with me too!” he then said that with a thoroughly delighted voice. (Audrey?) However, Flaste asked back with a puzzled tone.

“It’s me, Flaste. Sorry to trouble you.)

Audrey’s sudden interjection caused a stunned moment of silence in the wireless communicator. (Eh, this voice, is that the Princess!?) Soon after, a higher pitched voice rang through the communicator, and Banagher and Audrey gave smiles. The dazzling emerald eyes in front of him suddenly had a sense of life, and he frantically removed his hand that was resting upon her shoulder.

(What’s the situation now? Where’s the Captain?)

“He’s still in the “Garuda”. Please direct the ship there.”

“Don’t say something unreasonable! If the limbering “Garencieres” is to approach it, it’ll just become a target for the enemy unit. Leave the recovery of the Captain to Besson.)

“Miss Marida’s on that enemy unit! Please turn the ship around and bring me there. Also, please take care of Audrey.”

Banagher immediately finished off his words without waiting for a response, and held onto the control sticks again. He let the “Unicorn Gundam” kneel down on the deck, checked the air pressure, opened the cockpit hatch, and leaned the machine towards Ivan’s “Geara Zulu”. He looked over at Audrey, seated on his knees, and gave a slight nod. Her emerald eyes showed a little uncertainly, “Banagher…” as she put her hand on his shoulder.

“I heard your voice clearly just now.”

Banagher held her hand and said this as he looked straight at her. Her fingertips were trembling as she had not regained her warmth yet, and she looked up at Banagher’s eyes.

“I’m so happy. I finally understood why I’m here. You called me here.”

“I’m still…”

“If this feeling is real, the Captain and my voices will definitely reach Miss Marida’s heart. I’ll definitely bring her back, so wait here, okay?”

The “Geara Zulu” on the other side of the cockpit hatch gave a glow in its monoeye as it reached its hand over. “Over here, Princess!” Audrey spotted Ivan, who showed his face from the cockpit, and looked back at Banagher again. She tried her best to remove all uneasiness from her face, showed her dignity as a leader, “I’ll leave it to you then, Banagher Links.” and said as she got up. Banagher endured the sudden loss of weight on his knees as he gave her a look of promise.

“Be careful of that light. It’s a demonic light that absorbed Marida’s sadness and continues to expand. You’ll be sucked in if you fight it directly.”

Audrey brought her feet onto the hatch as she silently gave a warm look right at Banagher. Her tone, her precise insight made Banagher certain that it was the Audrey he knew, “Roger that.” He answered as he closed the helmet visor. She gave him an affirming look, leapt towards the “Geara Zulu” arm and followed it down to the mobile suit deck. The “Unicorn Gundam” cockpit hatch and cover were then sealed as it got up and poked its head out from the upper deck hatch where the wind currents swirled.

The white mist passed by his vision, and the ship approached the “Garuda” that was showing itself through the gaps. Banagher spotted the ship that had one-thirds of its engines malfunctioning with black smoke rising from it, and dismounted the Beam Gatling guns that had a few shots left from the “Unicorn” arm as it wielded the 4-shot guns in both hands. There were a lot of things he wanted to say, he wanted to ask. He would do any task laid before him to avoid any sacrifices, and to buy time for everyone to calm down and face the issues. He looked up at the thin veil of light that was swaying with a dangerous pressure, and made up a suggestion of compromise in his heart.

===Part 12===

The pressure that faded once rose near her feet again. The thoughts of others continued to swarm her mind without relent, and she could not slay them all no matter how she slashed. The “Gundam” continued to stand like a ghost, giving off a pressure—

“Why, why can’t I beat the “Gundam”…?”

(Ple Twelve, we’re going to change the plans to launch the shuttle. You’re to come back and protect it. The substitute Foundation Leader is on the ship—)

Alberto’s voice rang instead Ple Twelve’s head that was full of pain. “Shut up!” she groanded as she opened the helmet and tried to break away from the headrest restrains and bent her body towards the display board, nearly leaning on it. The discomfort of the headache clotted the blood within her head, and her vision was distorted as a result. She spat out some bitter saliva, and the tablet Bentner developed as a sedative entered in. She had consumed countless tablets, but her headaches showed no signs of easing up. The signals of her pain went from her brain to her vertebrae, and her fingertips that were grabbing onto the control sticks were throbbing as well.

''Eliminate the enemy, the “Gundam”. That’s what I have to do. My headache will stop then, and the discomfort in my body will disappear.'' This understanding flashed through Ple Twelve’s mind in the form of signals as she wiped away the spit at her mouth. She gathered her consciousness on the pressure that was closing in, and let the “Banshee”, which was in sync with her, ready the beam rifle. The pitch black machine gave off a golden luminous light, and as the field of light expanded, she felt another pressure, different from the “Gundam”, rising below her feet.

That mobile suit flew out from the rear deck of the “Garuda”, transformed into its Waverider form as it went around the “Banshee” for a shot moment, and then transformed into its mobile suit form as it descended near the edge of the “Garuda” wing. The thick grey streamlined body was looking towards the sea of clouds below it, completely ignoring the “Banshee” as it tilted its head around. The allied machine marker and the name “Delta Plus” were indicated on the enlarged window, but these details did not matter to Ple Twleve. That was because the visor on the main camera was sunk inwards, and the head looked like it had eyes on it; to her, it simply looked like a “Gundam” without the horns

“You’re a “Gundam” too…!?”

Ple Twelve let out an outburst as she aimed the beam rifle at it. The “Delta Plus” showed no signs of dodging as it only cared about looking towards the clouds. The human thoughts inside the machine suddenly entered her head, causing her fingers on the trigger to numb.

''—Mineva, where did you go? Answer me. Don’t leave me alone, don’t leave me… ''

That thought interfered with Ple Twelve’s consciousness like noise, and she could sense the owner of this thought crying. The pleading ‘voice’ became a discomforting particle bouncing around in her mind, and she felt nauseous as she exerted strength into the trigger.

“If you’re just going to weep here, DON’T GET IN MY WAY!!”

The beam rifle let out a flash, and the empty Magnum cartridge was ejected from the gun. The beam grazed the “Garuda” wing, brushed right by the engine block, and the right shoulder of the “Delta Plus” was devoured by the light. As it was deflected by the impact and falling, the engine block of the “Garuda” let out flames as it got hit by the scattered particles that exploded, and the large machine lost another support as it tilted heavily.

The “Banshee” lost its balance as it knelt down, and Alberto’s voice could be heard within the cockpit, (Calm down, Ple Twelve! If the “Garuda” goes down—) she could no longer distinguish noise from human voices as they tormented her head, and she was forced to remove her helmet and toss it away. She felt annoyed by her long hair that scattered, and gathered her concentration upon the actual “Gundam” itself. ''I have to protect Master.'' This forced view flicked in her mind, and just when she asked herself who her Master voice, (Marida, do you hear me? It’s me, Zinnerman.) Another voice rang through the communicator.

“Zinnerman…Master?”

(That’s right. I hated this saying, but you just won’t change. It really suits your stubborn nature, but I’m the one at fault here. I named you, but I always treated you as a subordinate.)

The words came in fast, but the voice that seemed to be reminiscing started to shake her eardrums. At that moment, Ple Twelve’s synchronized vision with the “Banshee” was cut off, and so spotted another thing right in front of her. Where was this place? She knew this place. Her master’s large hand handed her a photo, and she took it during a time when her hair was not as long as how it was at this point.  She could see Zinnerman in his thirties on it and a woman who seemed to be his wife. He pointed at a girl who was about 5 years old in the photo, and muttered that he had never seen this photo for 10 years.

''If she’s still alive, she’ll probably be of the same age as you—that’s right, her name is—'' The interrupted words exploded within her mind, creating a bigger trigger of the headaches as it pressed towards her head from the instead. She desperately pressed down her head that felt like it was going to explode, (Let’s go home together, Marida.) but a voice called out from reality, causing her to open her eyes.

“The “Garencieres” is here, and the Princess is safe on the ship. Everything will be normal when you come back. Come back with me to space.)

Ple Twelve removed her fingers that was entrenched within her scalp, and looked at the hands that had several strands of hair on it. Those were the hands controlling the “Banshee”, those were the hands that killed a lot of humans, and she even killed her Master. She declared war on the world that robbed her of her ‘light’, eliminating everything that tried to hold her down. Right, she killed him. There was no way a killed person could appear here. There was no way the situation could return back to normal, just like how she could not give birth to a ‘light’ in her body.

The “Anksha” advancing forth scattered and fired at the enemy unit. The “Gareniceres” passed through the shots and closed in on the “Garuda”, while the “Gundam Unicorn” knelt down on the ship shot out beams to hold them back. “…It’s impossible to revert everything to normal now.”Ple Twelve let out this voice from her dry throat, and grabbed onto the control sticks again. (Marida…!?) she ignored this call from the communicator and let the “Banshee” face the “Gundam” that was approaching.

“There’s no need to revert things back to normal. EVERYTHING CAN JUST DISAPPEAR NOW!”

The explosion of emotions resonated with the Psycoframe, forming light wave patterns on the machine that scattered around. The armor of the “Garuda” took the impact and was ripped up, and as an “Anksha” was knocked aside by the impact, the “Unicorn Gundam” leapt up from the “Garencieres” as it lit its beam tonfas. The Psycoframe of the white machine was giving off light that resonated with the “Banshee” light waves, ''Miss Marida!'' A ‘voice’ from this response entered her body and mind, and the violating-like thoughts infuriated her. The “Banshee” charged over with its beam tonfas to clash with the “Unicorn Gundam”. There was a light, different from particle interference, formed as it caused the “Garuda” wing to wobble like jelly.

The sound of a certain large object being twisted rang above the head, and the armor was gradually ripped off as the noise spread through the empty mobile suit deck. The term screech would not be enough to describe this sound as the “Garuda” let out a dying cry as it fell greatly, and Zinnerman’s floating body crashed into the wall.

The entire hatch was blown off, and the large crack opened above the deck was letting out air. The roaring winds passed by his ears as he heard the frantic voices of the crew, “Retreat to the deck!” “We might have to evacuate everyone here. Get everyone to the escape pods!” he barely managed to distinguish the yells as he clicked his tongue secretly in the blind pod of the hangar. The Vist Foundation people had already moved to the shuttle, and while they would not be able to head to space from this altitude, they would probably prioritize their escape here. The communicator link to the “Garencieres” was up a little while ago, and the “Unicorn” landed on before it passed by above the “Garuda”; however, there was no news of it at this point. He also could not contact Besson on the “DO-DAI Kai” and no matter how he called out, he could only hear noise.

The noise entered the communicator through the “Garuda” antenna. Whenever the light flashed above, the bad reception would worsen; and whenever the light disappeared, the noise faded. The “Unicorns” were clashing with each other, creating light and noise. Zinnerman could still maintain contact with the black “Unicorn” by the contact loop, and he let the thinning oxygen into his lungs as he called out into the communicator, “Marida!” However, an intense tremor and a loud roar shook the ground; the communicator dropped out of his hands as he fell, and as he remained sprawled on the floor, he hurriedly reached his hand out. At this moment, a man appeared and reached his leg out to step on the communicator, and the gun pointed at his head pressed him down.

“Don’t confuse her any further.”

A man with fat cheeks muttered as he pointed the gun. Zinnerman could tell, despite the ash smeared on the other man’s face, that it was the face of the man wearing the Vist Foundation attire. This man was standing watch with a group of white clothed researchers before Zinnerman launched his raid.

“She’s no long a member of Neo Zeon. Give up and leave this place. The “Garuda” won’t last for long.”

''This person is Marida’s current master. Is his name Alberto?'' the blood surged up Zinnerman’s head as he growled, “What nonsense are you spouting.” and glared angrily at Alberto’s face from past the trembling muzzle.

“You’re the one who should scram. I’ll take Marida back. She’s not the tool you people think she is.”

The gun held in both hands trembled even more. ''This man here isn’t used to such a situation.'' Zinnerman understood that it was not wise to agitate the other man, but he still finished his words. “I KNOW THAT!” however, Alberto responded with an agitated tone that completely defied his expectations.

“SHE’S NOT A TOOL! SHE’S…”

Alberto was at a loss of words, and after twisting his lips, he showed a bitter expression on his face. ''What’s going on?'' Zinnerman frowned for a moment, “Master Alberto! Hurry! The shuttle’s leaving!” and a voice rang as a white clothed old man appeared from the side, covered completely in ash. “Oi, someone’s calling you.” Zinnerman pointed his chin, and Alberto glared back at him as he exerted more strength into his hands holding the handgun. The bloodshot eyes met each other, ''not good…'' and Zinnerman thought as he gritted his teeth. At this moment, the light shining in from the rear hatch suddenly darkened, and Alberto’s body could be seen shrouded in the shadows.

He turned his eyes around in shock, and saw the black “Unicorn” with the thruster lights on its back, followed by the white frame of the “Unicorn Gundam” closing in on it. Both “Gundams” proceeded back and forth within the deck, and the hangar was knocked down as the hot winds of the released verniers spread around. Zinnerman saw the black “Unicorn” fall as its hand flatten the old man in white clothes. Blood and flesh was splattered everywhere immediately, but the impact and noises of the clashes between these several ton machines immediately drowned everything else out as a hot wind swirled about, covering everything as it blew above his head.

The workcar got knocked into the air, crashing right into the compressed gas cylinders, creating an explosion of flames. The energy of the explosion created a quake, causing Zinnerman, who was sprawled on the floor to feel a rumbling, and he lifted his head only when the heat wave passed by. Alberto had disappeared, and the two “Gundams” were in front of him, stepping on the floor and trying to get up. The black “Gundam” was lit by the flames, giving off a similar look as the “Unicorn Gundam” it was facing in this mirage, and the Psycoframe giving off the golden glow was flickering like it was breathing.

The sleeve of the machine gave off the heat of the beam saber, causing the handrail of the catwalk to melt and bend like malt candy. “MARIDA!” Zinnerman covered his face as his skin was being burnt, but the black “Unicorn Gundam” did not care about what was below it as it continued to backtrack and knock over the work vehicles.

===Part 13===

The work vehicle got crushed by the 30 ton plus machines and let out a cry; however, this was merely a piano note in the middle of a big orchestra. Alberto stubbornly lifted his head that was knocked onto the ground, and brought himself up, only to gasp at the sight of the 2 machines in front of him.

The fires were burning through the mobile suit deck, and the “Banshee” and the “Unicorn Gundams” had glowing eyes as they eyed each other, forming two shadows that were facing each other. The Psycoframe for both machines had already decreased in brightness, and the field chose not to activate nearby, probably because it was a self-conscious reaction not to do so in the cramped space? Alberto laid limp as he sat back on the floor, staring at the luminous light that was hard to distinguish; at the next moment, both machines let out the heat they had when they charged forward, drenching him completely in heat. Just when he inadvertently lifted his hands to cover his face, the heavy metal colliding impact rang through the deck, and the interference waves of the beam tonfas created an artificial shockwave.

The overly dazzling beams crossed each other, and the flying high-heat particles was scattered all around as powder of light. The particles landed between Alberto’s legs and let out a melting sound, scaring him as he took several steps back. As he reached behind, his hand touched another person’s arm, and he gasped as he turned around. The white clothed sleeved arm was snapped, and Alberto could recognize that it belonged to Bentner, but he was not certain. That was because there was no body beyond the snapped shoulder, just like the white clothes it hard, and he could only see paint-like blood lying on the floor.

The scattered particles of the beams dropped into the blood, and the deep red color mixed in with the solid objects let out a white steam. The smell of cooked meat entered his nose, and this agitation alone caused him to remain seated even as his senses were numb. (Master Alberto! Please answer! The shuttle’s about to launch!) the communicator at his waist exclaimed, but he ignored it as he merely looked at the soles of the “Banshee” moving up and down. (What are you doing, Alberto!?) It was only up till the point where Martha yelled out hysterically that he finally thought of bringing the wireless communicator to his ears.

(We’re leaving. Forget about that specimen. We just need to find a replacement, whether it’s the machine or the pilot.)

Alberto’s numb senses were jolted awake by this voice, and he looked down at the communicator in his hands. ''She doesn’t understand. Aunt doesn’t understand, and she has no intention of understanding—no, maybe to her, everyone else is just something that can be replaced anyhow.'' (There’s no time. Hurry—) Alberto ignored Martha’s call as he switched the frequency of the communicator. “Ple Twelve, it’s me, your Master. Do you hear me?” he said as he looked up at the “Banshee” clashing with the “Unicorn Gundam”.

“There’s no need to reclaim the machine back. Wreck the “Unicorn”. Hurry up and beat that guy and escape me with. You and I are the only ones left here.”

The “Banshee” deflected the enemy’s beam tonfa and immediately reached to grab the “Unicorn Gundam” by its head and slammed it hard against the wall. The impact of the collision bent the catwalk there, and the shaft of the gondola fell rapidly. The 6 men capacity metal basket crashed down in front of his eyes, giving off sparks, but he did not feel fear from this as he slowly got up. The “Banshee” was already controlled by the NT-D, and the system was gradually losing control due to the resonance of the Psycoframe. The pilot was in the rampaging machine, merely acting as a part used to drive the system, and there was no voice that could reach Marida anymore. Alberto knew that he was futile of him to say this, “Just like that, good girl.” But he looked intoxicated at the “Banshee” as it swung its mechanical beam tonfas. The “Unicorn Gundam” dodged the beam in the nick of time, and charged right at the “Banshee”, which swung its beam tonfa down as the edge of the stick grazed the white machine; the scattered particles flickered like fireworks.

“If it’s you, you’ll definitely be able to beat the “Unicorn”. This guy’s the cause of everything. As long as you destroy it, the path leading to the “Box” will remain sealed, and aunt will only give up. Even my father…”

''Can only give up, right?'' Alberto could not help but ask himself, and shut his mouth as he answered himself. Wrong, that man will never stop. Even with such a change in the situation, Cardeas Vist’s modus operandi was that he will think about what move to make next. He forcefully used his firm self as a basis, determining that those who were weak were simply lazily. That willful foolish man ignored his own son and left the “Unicorn” to the son born out of wedlock. Why did things end up like this? Who let the gears spin out of control first? The mother who could not follow the extremely strong-willed father, and died as a result of her frail heart? The mistress who had a relationship with the father behind Alberto’s back after the mother died? The arrogant father himself who devoted himself to opening the “Box” after the mistress left him? The aunt who proclaimed that they had to eliminate the father? Or he himself who helped execute that plan?

He recalled the expression his father had when he died, that look of despair and pity appeared in his mind, causing the emotions to suddenly appear and dampen his vision. ''No, I’m not the one at fault here. It’s his fault. That Banagher Links took dad away, and even took the machine he built, and he didn’t even know that he stole something at all. That guy caused all order in the world to be thrown out of order.''

''Just looking at that guy alone makes me anxious. For some reason, I just feel anxious for some reason, and I feel inferior, like I’m being taunted for being useless. It’s good if he was never born. If I could be as strong as him, I won’t have a complete breakdown in relation with dad, I€ won’t end up with an abnormal relationship with aunt, and I can’t possibly harm dad—'' Tears swelled in his eyes and slid down his cheeks; he wiped them away and brought the communicator to his mouth. He set the frequency to the public channel and growled. “To all the mobile suits surrounding the “Garuda”, shoot the “Unicorn” on my command!” he then caught sight of the white machine in his wet vision.

“It’s fighting against an allied machine on the “Garuda” deck. Shoot it down immediately when it stops.”

He held the communicator that had only noise as he turned his face to the incoming heat wave. The water droplets stained upon his face was evaporated, and he lifted his lips in a sneer. To his eyes, the Psycoframe glow was increasing, and the white devil was still trying to send the “Banshee” into the brink of insanity. ''I won’t let you take anything else away from me. Marida will beat you. This one life that’s strong-willed, gentle and transience mother-like will defeat you and settle all our debts. I don’t need aunt, and I don’t need dad. I’ll just wait here, until the moment the “Banshee” slice you apart and chase away the darkness that has no way out—''

A little rattling sound rose up his feet, and it seemed that the thrusters of the shuttle had already lit up. His sanity deduced this, and it was blown apart by the rampaging hot winds as he merely continued to look at the lion and the unicorn clashing with each other. The imagery of the tapestry hanging in the Vist residence appeared together with the scene in front of him, dulling the dim flames further.

===Part 14===

If the altitude was at 10,000m, where the air was thin, the momentum could propel the large space shuttle into space. The rocket engine that was as long as the shuttle itself let out a flare, and as it dragged a long trail in the sky, the shuttle draped under the wing of the shuttle was dropped off. At first, the shuttle merely moved forward, and as it left the “Garuda” wing, it accelerated, and after 10 seconds, was faster than supersonic.

The ripples of the shockwaves spread from the front tip of the “Garuda”, and the shuttle gradually moved away from the round shaped shock cone. Despite the massive resistance in the atmosphere, the shuttle used the speed of the “Garuda” itself as a shield, and after continuous acceleration, the flare smoke immediately left a trail that lasted for several kilometers.

The “Unicorn Gundam” released the “Banshee” in its arms and got ready to steady itself, and Banagher was distracted by that sound and tremor for a minute, but the gathered particles swung up from below and sliced through the beam Gatling gun, and he clicked his tongue annoyingly as a result. He threw the melted and severed Gatling gun in his right hand, and used the beam tonfa on his left arm to block the continuous attacks. The feet responded on their own automatically as their reverse hooks stabbed into the gaps of the deck tiles, and though the machine was able to steady its footing as a result, it was really hard to fight against the opponent with such an unstable posture. The deck slightly tilted over, the burning work vehicle and the collapsing frames were thrown towards the wall of the right wing, and the “Unicorn Gundam” slammed into the hangar right behind it.

“The floor’s tilting?”

There were no signs of the tilting being corrected as a large amount of shrapnel fell from the deck that was tilted 30 degrees. This was the result of the shuttle’s launch, and the trim tanks under the right wing were activated to create a balance with the left wing that still had a shuttle on it, but there was a malfunction in their opening mechanism, preventing it from sliding over the fuselage. The “Garuda” lost balance due to the launch of the shuttle and was tilted to the right. The “Unicorn Gundam” managed to avoid tripping as it got on its feet, and the “Banshee” pointed the beam tonfa at the “Unicorn Gundam”. Banagher let the machine turn to dodge, and the impact that struck the cockpit shocked him.

The restrains on the cockpit hooked onto the white machine’s shoulders, and it was too late for Banagher when he realized it as the beam saber charged right at the cockpit. ''Is this the end?'' he did not have the time to ask himself, let alone close his eyes as he looked right at the beam saber, his teeth clattering due to the regret rising in him, as the beam saber charging right at his eyes seemed to stop at that moment.

(Marie!)

At the same time, there was a gruff male voice from the communicator. Banagher tilted his frozen neck, “Marie…?” he uttered out the name as he spotted Zinnerman on the monitor, standing on the catwalk right beside the “Unicorn Gundam” head.

The figure dressed in the pilot suit reached its body out from the bent handrail as it called out for the pilot of the “Banshee”, and then moved from the “Unicorn Gundam” shoulder to the cockpit hatch at the abdomen. “This is too reckless, Captain!” Banagher again looked back at the beam blade that was vibrating extremely close in, and raised the machine’s right hand to the chest.

Zinnerman slid off the cockpit hatch, hurriedly rolled over onto the hand of the “Unicorn Gundam”, grabbed the large finger that he could embrace with both arms, and got up. (Marie. Your name should be Marie.) he called out as he looked up at the “Banshee”, ignoring everything else from his sights, and Banagher could only look at his back in shock.

(I’ve always wanted to call you Marie, but I couldn’t, because I was too scared. I was scared of losing someone important again, and gave up on all happiness I could get. Let’s go home, Marie. Come home with daddy.)

Zinnerman opened his arms wide as he called out from the hand of the “Unicorn Gundam”. The beam tonfa that was extremely near him looked like it was going to burn him, and the “Banshee”, ready with the weapon gave a silent stare. Banagher realized that this was a moment where he could not and should not interfere with as he looked at both of them as they faced off. The “Banshee” silhouette appeared in the mirage formed by the beam blade, and the “Gundam” face seemed to be crying.

===Part 15===

(…I understand that it might be too late to say all this now, and it doesn’t matter if you have no intention of returning. I’ll stay here. I don’t want to lose anything else now, and there’s nothing left for me to lose.)

There was a man, leaning on the “Gundam” hand with his arms opened wide. The black eyes looking back became a foreign object drilled into Ple Twelve’s head, causing her to feel the seeds of pain within her sprouting against as she grabbed her throbbing temples with both hands.

“What is…this man saying…?”

''Daddy, home, these words have nothing to do with me. This man in front of me is not my father, and I can’t possibly have one. This man is Master. He hates to be called that, but he’s been playing the role of master. Just like him, I didn’t dare to take that step forward. I don’t think that a stained person like me can replace the ‘light’ he lost. That’s why I kept following him as a pawn to reduce the collateral damage for each other—so, what about it? What am I thinking about here?''

(Don’t let him get you, Ple Twelve! I’m your master, hurry up and beat down the “Unicorn Gundam”!)

The sobbing voice entered Ple Twelve’s consciousness, and she turned behind. She could see Alberto lying at a corner of the tilted deck, staying right beside the twisted gondola. The round face of the man holding the communicator appeared on the enlarged window behind the burnt wires, and he was giving her a look of dependence. His eyes gave her a bigger pressure than the haunting look of the man in front of her–

(I can save you, and you can save me. Think about it. The “Gundam” is the enemy. Once you beat it, everything will be over. Let’s leave this place.)

Those eyes had the same deficiencies as they were exuberating passion. “The “Gundam” is the enemy…” she muttered as she turned back to the “Unicorn Gundam” in front of her. Her master, Zinnerman was reaching his arms out to her. She was waiting for him in the “Gundam” hand—no, that could not possibly be her master. She had already killed her master. She hated the world that robbed her of her ‘light’, abandoned all self that had nothing left, and snapped her master’s neck.

The machine drew its right hand that was releasing the beam back and aimed it at those opened hands of the man who looked ready to be crucified. ''You’re just someone who’s trying to confuse me with your words!'' Ple Twelve intended to impale the man with the “Gundam” as she pointed the cursor at him, who showed no signs of backing off. That shadow covered the “Unicorn Gundam” that was trapped in the hangar, and a light shadow profile was spread across the wall, and the V-shaped horn silhouette was swaying like hot air.

““Gundam”…?”

She withdrew the machine and looked behind. The “Gundam” was not there. The “Banshee” was doing the same movements as the black shadow, and she turned back to look at the wall. Those hands, legs, body, that mystical silhouette was squirming just like the “Banshee” itself.

“I’m controlling, a “Gundam”…”

She let go of the control sticks and touched her face with her hands. The flames lit the “Banshee” and the shadow of the “Gundam” was reflected on the wall. ''This means that I’m on a “Gundam” too? I’m inside the enemy, and the enemy’s inside me? The enemy that killed my sisters, robbed me of my ‘light’, and continues to remain in it no matter how I tried to chase it or catch it?''

''I’m my own, enemy—''

A snake was wriggling inside her mind, causing the seeds of pain to erupt. Her body and mind were breaking apart, and the ideals that were once connected to her heart were severed as the flesh and blood that were connected to the machine were gradually absorbed as a weak body. ''I’m my own enemy. The one I hated, wanted to kill is the me who can’t protect my own ‘light’.'' A certain person’s voice rang deep within Ple Twelve’s head, and she immediately screeched. Her body was sprung up as her eyes widened; what sparkled in her eyes was the glow of the Psycoframe and the numerous warning windows, and the NT-D logo that was gradually fading became an afterimage etched in her eyes. The beam blade of the tonfa disappeared instantly, the glow of the Psycoframe darkened, and the “Banshee” collapsed on the scene like a puppet with its strings snapped.

The expanded frame started to contract, and the moveable armor completely covered the glow of the Psycoframe. The horns on its head clamped toward, and the giant’s eyes were covered as it lost its “Gundam” shape, lying forward limply. The “Banshee” leaned on the “Unicorn Gundam” itself, and the machine that ceased to move opened the cockpit hatch on its chest. Ple Twelve was ejected from the linear seat, and the air maintaining the pressure within the machine flowed out instantly.

She had neither strength nor ability to protect herself as her body passed through the hatch and onto the “Unicorn Gundam” armor. Thoroughly battered, she last saw the front armor of the waist, and met the dual-eye sensor on the “Banshee” head. The black “Unicorn” seemed to be satisfied that a useless part was ejected as its eyes darkened slightly, and it machine itself became a block of metal. The pain of the splitting headache and the battered injuries faded from her consciousness, and she closed her heavy eyelids.

“Marida!”

The gruff voice immediately rang, causing her consciousness to waver as it nearly passed out. Zinnerman, her master was calling her. Ple Twelve—Marida opened her eyes and rolled her eyeballs that were unfocused. Zinnerman in the pilot suit got through the gap of the “Unicorn Gundam” fingers and slid towards her, reaching his arm to her as his black eyes, showing only concern for her, revealed a glint underneath the helmet. This was the hand that had true warmth, the hand that saved her from the dark underground room…''daddy’s hand.'' Marida muttered subconsciously as her limp body started to struggle. She lifted her heavy arms, and her trembling fingers were reaching for Zinnerman, whom she had not seen for a long time.

(Stop it! Ple Twelve! Back to the cockpit!)

The cockpit hatch of the “Banshee” was still not sealed, and there was a sobbing-like screech from within. ''Whose voice is it?'' Marida’s mind could not think well as she pulled her upper body up with much difficulty, only to feel a killing intent swarming the scene. She quickly turned back, and upon seeing the rear hatch, she spotted the round-shaped object flying into the deck, surrounded by thruster flares.

The “Anksha” resisted the external pressure of the “Garuda” as it successfully passed through the rear hatch, and immediately transformed into its mobile suit mode as it stood firm on the deck. The beam launchers on its arms were aimed at the “Unicorn Gundam” , and Marida, upon realizing that Zinnerman was still stunned and rooted to where he was, “MOVE!” turned towards the “Banshee”. The light in the eyes that were extinguished once flashed by, picked up her thought waves, and immediately raised its beam rifle. The Beam Magnum cartridge was ejected, and the “Anksha” cannons fired their mega-particles, causing two things to happen.

The Magnum shot created a light that surrounded the “Anksha”, and as the exploded machine was knocked out of the cockpit, the crossing beam shot the “Banshee” in the flank. The light of the explosion expanded, dying everything in the line of sight white, and Marida could not think as she took this heat wave, and her body was knocked into mid-air. The scattered particles expanded like smoke, and the body that lost its sense of gravity was pierced through by an umpteenth number of shockwaves. She managed to pick up the scent of cooked meat, and that was the last thing she sensed as the pure white light became the color of flames; a heavy darkness she had never experienced before leapt upon her, causing her to lose consciousness.

===Part 16===

Marida’s tender body was dancing in the sky, mixed in amongst the burnt shrapnel. Her long hair was scattered like the wind, and right before she landed on the deck, Zinnerman charged forward to catch her. 

They fell from the front armor and tumbled onto the thigh. Banagher tried his best not to let them fall as he pushed the “Banshee” aside and raised the Beam Gatling Gun in its left hand to support it. He gathered his concentration on the killing intents gathered behind him as he looked at the rear hatch. The second “Anksha” had already landed on the overheated hatch, and the beam launchers on its forearms were aimed right at him.

“These guys…!”

The 4-barreled gun of the Beam Gatling started to spin, and the mega-particles shots landed directly on the “Anksha” body. The “Anksha” right arm was blown away with the launcher, followed by the left knee. It staggered backwards as its body was giving off black smoke from its bullet holes, and was thrown out of the hatch as it got sucked into the raging clouds outside. Banagher exhaled and opened the hatch in front of the cockpit.

Two figures were lying on the knee armor. “Captain!” Banagher leaned out from the cockpit as he called out, and the latter, who sheltered Marida with his own body, showed a response. Before he felt relieved, Banagher hurriedly got back to the linear seat, and he used the control sticks to move the right hand to where the duo was. Zinnerman hobbled up as he carried Marida, and right before he left the limp and unmoving body lie on the palm, a new explosion rang through the deck. 

Banagher waited for Zinnerman to get up, and brought his right hand up to send both of them into the cockpit. He left the cockpit for a moment to bring the wounded in, but the way Marida looked in Zinnerman’s clutches caused him to gasp.

Her face was completely covered in blood and ash, and there was no sign of her usual beauty. Her pilot suit was tattered by the numerous particles, and the wound on her left flank was open, but it did not seem to be bleeding. The skin probably got burnt by the extreme heat of the particles and clogged the wound. Banagher did not have the guts to imagine the inside of the broken suit, and as he inadvertently retreated. “Don’t dily-daly here!” Zinnerman growled, his voice causing Banagher’s shoulders to shudder. Zinnerman’s bloodshot eyes were glaring at him furiously.

“We finally managed to save her. I won’t forgive you if your blunder ends up killing her.”

His charred black face had the trail of water on it. Banagher felt embarrassed by his moment of hesitation as he reached his hand out to Marida without saying a word. Both of them brought her into the cockpit, and Banagher let Zinnerman, who was using himself to support her as a pillow, sit beside the linear seat. Banagher then closed the hatch, pulled the “Unicorn Gundam” up, and moved towards the rear hatch as it stepped over the collapsed “Banshee”. “Please be careful not to get caught in the linear seat.” Zinnerman however did not respond to Banagher’s concern as he cradled Marida like a baby, and his bearded face, removed from the helmet, continued to look forward silent.

The “Garuda” had fallen into the clouds completely. There was a complete white outside the cockpit, to a point where fingers could not be seen when they were reached out. Despite the visibility that could not be any worse, it was a blessing in the aspect that the enemy units would have difficulty tracking them. “Besson, we got Marida. We’re now escaping on the “Gundam”. Can you catch us?” Zinnerman called out to the communicator, and upon seeing this, Banagher let the machine approach the hatch that had collapsed somewhat. He moved the remaining Beam Gatling Gun to its right hand and tried to look for the “DO-DAI Kai”. At this moment, he noticed someone stumbling near the machine’s feet.

It was Alberto. He, who was dressed in the tattered suit, looked up at the “Unicorn Gundam” in a half-dazed manner. ''He didn’t get onto the shuttle just now?'' Banagher looked stunned as he saw that charred pudgy face on the enlarged window. A moment right after he grabbed onto the sticks, he again opened the cockpit hatch.

This action caused the cockpit, which was regaining normal air pressure within, to let out air. “Oi, what’s that for!?” Zinnerman growled. ''How would I know?'' Banagher hollered back in his heart as he let the “Unicorn Gundam” kneel down and brought the left hand of the machine to Alberto. Banagher could see the doubtful and deterred manner of Alberto’s actions, “GET ON!” and yelled with all his strength. 

“YOU’LL DIE IF YOU STAY HERE! HURRY UP AND GET ON!”

Alberto lifted his head in a dumbstruck manner, and after blinking a few times, looked back at Banagher. “Ignore that man!” Zinnerman growled, but Banagher turned his back on the other man as he continued to stare at Alberto. Explosions could be heard from within the deck, and the collared shirt immediately fluttered with the wind as it flipped over. The burnt fragments grazed by the outside of the cockpit, and the black smoke covered Alberto for just a short moment, only for him to suddenly give a twisted stare back.

“…What kind of joke is this.”

For some reason, Banagher could hear that voice clearly, and felt a chill. Alberto pulled out the handgun in his pants as he yelled back.

“WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO SAVE ME!?”

The bullet was fired without hesitation, and a spark flashed by the hatch of the cockpit. It was a sharp sound of metal, but the intense emotions targeted at Banagher felt like it could penetrate through his body and mind, and he leaned back onto the linear seat.

“Why are you…!”

“YOU’RE THE CULPRIT BEHIND EVERYTHING! YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME! FATHER, THE “BOX”, MARIDA, EVERYTHING WAS…!”

The choking voice entered his ears, and the crisp gunshot sound echoed around the cockpit continuously. A bullet went through the hatch, grazed by the helmet and hit the headrest, and Banagher looked back at Alberto in a horrified manner. “Banagher!” Zinnerman growled as he grabbed the pilot by the arm, and Banagher’s hands were forced to pick up the sticks again. The sparks of the bullets being hit rang through the flank of the cockpit as it pursued the “Unicorn Gundam” that was getting up.

“YOU MONSTER! WHO’S GOING TO BE SAVED BY YOU! SOMEONE LIKE YOU, SOMEONE LIKE YOU CAN JUST…!”

Alberto’s face, which was covered with sweat and tears, vanished from the other side of the hatch. Banagher turned his back on the stare as he held his back and moved the machine. Humans could hate each other like this, even if they originated from the same life…no, it was precisely because of this reason. He had this chilling first-hand experience as he turned his stare to the clouds outside, and ceased all thoughts as he focused on flying the “Unicorn Gundam”.

The machine was spat out from the rear hatch together with the rising smoke, and became a prisoner of gravity. As he watched the “Garuda” disappear from his eyes and into the clouds, Banagher started to look for the “DO-DAI Kai” on the motion sensor. The tilted “Garuda” continued to fire escape pods as numerous signals flashed on the sensor. The front hatch let out what seemed to be a SFS, probably with escaping crewmen inside. He saw the escape pods open their parachutes as they fell into the sea, and picked up on another machine that was rising quickly in the reverse direction. He then used its thrusters and AMBAC system to adjust himself and let the fall trajectory match with the machine. A few seconds later, the flat “DO-DAI Kai” frame appeared from between the clouds as it caught the “Unicorn Gundam” which lit its thrusters for an instant.

Banagher lowered the “Unicorn Gundam” as it landed on the platform, and let the manipulators grab onto the grips. Beams went right above the machine as the “DO-DAI Kai” turned to move upwards, and he was shocked by this unanticipated attack. He hurriedly tried to transfer the control of the “DO-DAI Kai” over, “Leave the enemy alone. Go right at the “Garencieres”!” But Zinnerman roared back. Banagher shook off the thought of Alberto in his mind, caught sight of an “Anksha” squadron closing in quickly from the rear camera, and fired the Beam Gatling to hold them off.

The disc-shaped machines immediately scattered and disappeared in the clouds. The “DO-DAI Kai” used this chance to rise up, broke through the mist, and arrived above the clouds. At the same moment, the sea of clouds below the eyes let out ripples, and a large shadow rose up from below it as the triangular ship appeared in his eyes. The “Garencieres” forced the clouds back like a submarine as it glided through the currents, showing its body. “Very good. Perfect timing.” Upon hearing Zinnerman mutter, Banagher looked down at the “Garencieres” that was moving together, and once their relative velocities matched, he stepped on the pedal.

The “Unicorn Gundam” jumped off the platform of the “DO-DAI Kai”, and after it was blown away for several meters, it leaned down on the deck of the “Garencieres”.  He mounted the Beam Gatling gun back upon the arm, and grabbed onto the grip on the deck with one hand as he reached the other hand for the “DO-DAI Kai” above. There was no way they could get Besson on board without dragging the “DO-DAI Kai” towards the ship and tied its lift wire onto the “Garencieres”. ''The speed was 0.6 Mach, and the “Unicorn Gundam” can barely use pull the DO-DAI Kai with its hands, but will the pursuers catch up?'' Right when Banagher thought about this, mega-particle beams flashed by the blue skies, and the “DO-DAI Kai” was knocked off course by the shockwaves as it deviated off course.

The beam launchers on the side of the round discs fired as two “Ankshas” rose from below the clouds. “Hang on! Steady the machine!” Banagher exclaimed as he reached out towards the “DO-DAI Kai”. However, there was a holler from the wireless communicator full of noise, “Leave me!” and his hand on the sticks immediately tensed up.

(Protect the Captain and Marida! I’ll—)

There was a shrill noise, and a flash appeared above the head. The fireball was instantly blown to the back, and an explosion, followed by the fragments of the shattered “DO-DAI Kai” appeared on the rear camera visual. “Mr Besson…!”Banagher called out, but there was no reply, and the fireball instantly faded away. The two “Ankshas” passed through the black smoke and pursued on as they continued to fire beams.

Banagher gritted his teeth as he fired the remaining shots of the Beam Gatling at the enemy units, intending to shake them off. He was about to let the machine stand up, “Flaste, maximum battle speed.”, but Zinnerman muttered, cooling Banagher’s head down.

“There’s no time to let the “Gundam” enter the ship. Full speed ahead. Let’s shake off the pursuers and head towards space.”

Zinnerman exerted more strength into his arms that were cradling Marida, and restrained the anger on his face as he looked forward. He got something back, and lost something, and at this point, his heart was feeling the weight of these two sensations. Banagher secretly glanced behind to look at him, and then looked at Marida, who was resting peacefully in Zinnerman’s arms. At this moment, a large light exploded from behind, causing Banagher to look up in surprise.

There was a certain light that brightened the clouds below, and after a lightning-like flash, a deep boom echoed through the blue sky. The “Garuda” was most likely destroyed. Banagher let the machine like on the “Garencieres” deck, and even as he could not witness the explosion below the clouds, he continued to look at the light on the rear camera. The flickering black and red glow appeared in one corner of the clouds, and showed the end of this large machine. The “Garencieres” started to accelerate, and that light immediately faded from below his eyes as it entered the blind spot of the ship, and disappeared.

''Big brother.'' Banagher thought of this term that felt surreal as he closed the window. He recalled the face of his blood relative that would leave a scar in his heart forever, and took the incoming G-force with his body while looking at the blue sky expanded in front of him. The “Garencieres” seemed to be basking under the bright sunlight without doing anything as its three engines were at full throttle, rising through the skies. The blue seas that were clearer than the skies appeared, silently sending off a ship that was leaving Earth.

===Part 17===

There was a little opening in the thick clouds, and the sunlight shone upon the landscape like a sword. It shone upon Torrington Base, full of rubble and black smoke, and also lit the front deck of the “Ra Cailum” which had its main cannons wrecked. The porthole of the ordinary bridge was covered by the warm sunlight.

“We got confirmation that the “Garuda” was destroyed.”

Meran spoke as he took up the telegram the communications operator handed over. The battle had ended just an hour ago, and he, who had been raising an eyebrow over how slow their comrades in Torrington were doing, finally started to regain his usual composure. “It’s said that the Captain and everyone else under him managed to escape safely.” Upon hearing this report from behind, Bright turned towards the porthole in front. He looked on at the second main cannon that was still hot after the direct hit bitterly, “What about the “Garencieres”?” and asked without looking back.

“It’s said that they’ve escaped. From their acceleration, it seems that they intend to fly to space. The “Unicorn” is with it too.”

Meran ended his report with a meaningful tone, and stood beside Bright. Despite the unexpected loss of the “Garuda”, the situation was still developing in the way Bright hoped for. “Is that so.” He simply answered as he moved his hand to the bottom of the porthole and inspected the situation of the base located on the ship’s starboard. Ignoring the gentle sunlight shining through the clouds, the only term that could describe the devastation in Torrington Base was messy.

The command tower situated in the center of the base was still smoking, and there were fire trucks and ladder trucks surrounding it. The barracks was basically rubble in the form of a hill, and the relief-aid work was still proceeding as four-wheeled drives of the ambulance squad were rushing through the base. The reason why the vehicles could be seen snaking around was most likely because the drivers had to avoid the holes and cracks on the road. The little MLRS scattershots rained down from above bombarded the surface that could barely be called a road, leaving behind wounds that the base could not remove in short order. The only ones that could move freely were the mobile suits, and the “Jestas” of the “Ra Cailum” were sent out to aid, as he could spot them removing the rubble from the porthole. It would not be an exaggeration to say that they were the only ones moving the burnt debris of the Zeon machines, and two “Jestas” were removing the wreckage of a Dom-type mobile suit on the runway, where there was an explosion that left a radial burn mark.

It was said that the situation was the same on the coast, as the base Defense squadron took tremendous damage while the Zeon forces were completely annihilated. The Zeon remnants could have abandoned the base, but they came to attack with a suicidal intent. Even if there were machines that could survive miraculously, how would those people fare in the future—Bright suddenly thought about it, and sighed hard. He looked up at the “Jestas” with the Tri-Stars logo sprayed on their shoulders, thought of Lieutenant Nigel’s expression, “Inform the mobile suit squad about this too.” And spoke to Meran.

“Once they hear this, those proposing to chase after them will probably give up.”

The Tri-Stars were the ones who proposed to ride on the Base Jabbers and argued for it for some time. Perhaps the way they were shaken off by the “Unicorn” so easily made them really unhappy, as even the usually unflappable Nigel would not back off. '' Ensign Riddhe sure is troublesome for leaving alone like that, how young he is…'' Bright concluded while harboring the thoughts of an old man, “Yes” felt that this reply from his First Officer was not really convincing, and glanced over. Meran paid attention to the stares of the other crewmen in the bridge, and asked,

“Are you certain they can handle this…?”

Meran approached the porthole and narrowed his eyes as he looked up at the sky. “we can only do this now.” Bright followed his stare as he answered.

“Let us believe in them. We can only rely on their luck now.”

Meran continued to look up quietly. There were ''those people'' who were rising up to space, and ''those people'' who were waiting to receive them in orbit. Bright imagined their meeting in between sky and space as he continued to look up at the clouds letting through light. He had already done what he could do, and the rest would have to depend on their luck. The ships and the fleet were attracted by the “Gundam”, and formed a relationship because of it—but one could only hope that they could get along. The only way they could break through the situations where they could not deviate from would be to rely on the power of possibilities humanity had. That boy called Banagher was born with the power called harmony.

''It's all up to you now.'' Bright looked up at the clouds that never stopped with the flow as he tightened the grip on the windowsill. The sunlight, which appeared for a while, was immediately covered, and the thick clouds shadowed the “Ra Cailum” on the ground from above.

===Part 18===

The landing deck at the aft was bent straight and the rear cannon seemed to be packed in under the battleship to hide it. The main thrusters in the middle of the aft were deployed to the back, and once the ballute appeared around the nozzles, the “Nahel Argama” got ready to enter the atmosphere.

“Ballute’s ready.”

“60 seconds till thrust reverse. Everyone, prepare for it.”

Mihiro’s tense voice rang after the navigation officer’s as it echoed through the bridge. Otto put on his normal suit helmet as his hands grabbed onto the Captain’s seat armrests. He went through a similar experience on another ship, but this was the first time he was using the Ballute on the “Nahel Argama”. He looked around at the backs of the crewmen, wearing their heavy normal suits, licked his dry lips, “What’s the movement of our target?” and asked the sensor operator.

“Current altitude is 98km. Course is steady, but it’s not at the speed to leave the atmosphere yet. Estimated point of contact is adjusted at Minus 8.”

“Just like what Commanding Officer Bright, huh…right, continue to send a signal. Our ship[ shall remain right above the thermosphere, and we’ll use the tether cables to pull up this target. All hands, take note of the ship’s height and velocity. If we go in too deep, we’ll be caught by gravity and unable to escape the atmosphere.”

If they become the prisoner of gravity itself, the thruster power of the “Nahel Argama” itself would not be sufficient for them to return to space. Otto did not really hear the tense voices of the crewmen repeating as he looked at the silhouette of Earth that was almost at eye level through the window. It had been less than 2 hours since Commanding Officer Bright suddenly notified them. The entire crew hurried to get ready, and though they managed to catch sight of the target on the sensor, it really felt surreal to him. The target ship got clearer, and he wondered if he got duped by his superior. If the data on the optical sensor was correct, it would be—

“It’s the “Garencieres”—the disguised trading ship affiliated to the”Sleeves”.”

It seemed that Liam too had the same suspicions as she ostensibly talked to herself. Upon hearing this, Otto looked at the tall First Officer standing beside him.

“No doubts about it. It’s the ship that once followed us from “Industrial 7”. Is this fine?”

“There’s nothing good or bad about it. CO Bright gave us this direct order, so we can only follow it.”

“Is that so…”

“Besides, no matter what kind of mission the higher-ups give us is, it’s good to have something to do.”

''This is certainly better than revolving around Earth like a ghost.'' Liam looked back at Otto, who forced this smile, and slowly relaxed her lips as she leapt from the floor. As a comrade who spent the past 2 weeks or so with nothing to do, the First Officer could understand how hard it would be to kill time without a motive. No matter what happened next, it would be better than to feel the emptiness of being unable to do anything. Otto grumbled in his heart desperately, but he found himself much more relaxed than before, and turned his wryly smiling face to the front. Once Liam sat down, “10 seconds to Reverse Thrust.” The navigation officer reported as his vice rang through the corridor. The “Nahel Argama” began its countdown as it hovered in low orbit around the still Earth silently.

Once the countdown reached zero, the reverse thruster flares were lit in unison, and the G-force from behind fell upon the inside of the ship that suddenly stopped. As the ship slowed down gradually, it started to break off from its orbital velocity, and started to fall. The verniers  let out flares to stabilize the “Nahel Argama”, which lifted the only catapult deck it had left as it got ready to head down to Earth from its aft.

The air surrounding the ship got gradually thicker, and as the ship accelerated, it let out a rattling sound as it shook. After falling to below 150km in altitude, the white armor turned red hot, prompting the ballute system, chained with the altitude meter, into action. The armor around the thruster nozzles sprung out, and a large balloon expanded from it, covering the aft of the “Nahel Argama” in an airtight manner. The bowl-shaped air cushion formed a ballute that was 200m in diameter, which worked to negate the resistance from the atmosphere.

The large pressure below the bowl continued to let out high-pressured air, blocking out the frictional heat from the aft. The “Nahel Argama” used its ballute, opened on the back, to dive into the atmosphere. The air in the thermosphere got thicker, and the shock cones surrounding the ship dragged a long tail above the atmosphere.

===Part 19===

(You’re saying the “Nahel Argama” sent us a report?)

A gruff voice reached Mineva’s ears as soon as she stepped into the bridge. She swallowed her urge to ask what was going on as she stood still, but Flaste, who ignored her arrival, “It’s opening its ballute and descending. If this keeps up, we’ll meet the “Nahel Argama” head on!” growled back as he sat on the navigation seat. 

“They say they’re going to use the tether to put this ship. The Federation sure know about our situation here. Do we return to Earth now?”

(No, if we go back now, we’ll just be hunted by the pursuers. Since there’s no place for resupply, space in front of us here will be the last chance.)

The rumbling sound of the atmosphere boomed as it hurled upon the ship, and Zinnerman’s reply was mixed in with this sound through the contact loop. The other crewmen hoped that Mineva would stay at somewhere safe, but she felt that there was no difference in wherever she was in this situation. She stood beside the Captain’s seat and looked up at the red hot light on the bridge window. They were about to go beyond 100km in height, and though the air had become a lot thinner, the “Garencieres” that was flying several times that of supersonic had to bear a burden that was beyond normal. It was not as difficult as landing towards Earth by making use of the atmosphere resistance, but ships moving through the thermosphere had to endure the frictional heat, and the external temperature was already more than 1000 degrees Celsius. One might not see it from this point, but the “Unicorn Gundam” lying on the deck was also surrounded by extreme heat as well, and the white machine was certainly becoming red hot.

Banagher aside, Zinnerman and Marida, who was said to be rescued, could not leave that cockpit. ''Can the machine hang on in such heat and resistance?'' Mineva knew that it was pointless, but she looked up at the ceiling, and at that moment, the turbines let out a dull sound, and the ship rattled. Alec paid attention to her, who supported herself off the wall after this jolt, “Please sit down!” as he called out with a softened voice from the steering seat. there were not too many options on the cramped bridge, so Mineva sat on the empty Captain’s seat. “Now what do we do?” she heard Flaste ask anxiously.

“The ship’s full of symptoms now, and the “Gundam” on the deck will cause more resistance. If this keeps up, we won’t be able to return to space!”

(But we can’t let the Federation ships catch us—)

(That ship’s here to get us.)

A sudden voice interrupted Zinnerman, and Flaste brought his chin back in surprise. Mineva’s body experienced a flash as she understood that it was Banagher’s voice, and brought her eyes to the wireless communicator headset. (What are you saying?) Zinnerman asked, but Banagher answered, (If it’s the “Nahel Argama”, it’s here for us…!) his voice ringing in Mineva’s eardrums clearer than before.

(They’re not enemies, Mr Flaste. Please follow their instructions.)

(What kind of joke is this!? Flaste, lower the height and change our course. Let the “Gundam” enter the hatch. We’ll be able to escape the atmosphere with this ship alone.)

Upon hearing the two voices argue with each other through the communicator, Flaste looked troubled as he exchanged looks with Alec. “But if we lower our altitude now, we’ll enter the enemy’s Defense zone…” Flaste said as he started to calculate the orbit, but Mineva ignored him as she stared at the beacon blinking on the sensor. That Federation ship had predicted the movements of the “Garencieres”, and indicated that it would pull the ship into space by tether. Logically, they should suspect that the ship had an intention to take down the “Garencieres”, but it was too early of them to give the notification. If the ship really intended to defeat them all in one swoop, they would choose to appear at the most opportune moment, and would not have to indicate its ship classification and course. The signal on the sensor was certainly the “Nahel Argama”, and they already sent over the expected rendezvous on their own.

It was just like what Banagher said, there was no antagonistic feeling here. Flaste and the rest felt the same, and that was why they could not respond to Zinnerman’s instructions immediately. She looked back at the ceiling of the bridge, and had a hallucination of the “nahel Argama” approaching them for behind. The Federation battleship was related to her out of fate ever since the “Industrial 7” incident, and would actually appear in this instance. It did not have any intent to antagonize, and declared its intention to pull the “Garencieres” into space; everything just felt like it was planned beforehand—

“Flaste, maintain our course. I want to make contact with the Federation ship.”

Mineva gave this order decisively as she looked forward. Flaste and Alec turned their heads around at the same time, (Princess…!?) and Zinnerman’s doubtful voice rang through the communicator.

(Banagher has a point. That ship’s now beyond the control of both the Federation and Zeon. I don’t think they appeared here just to catch us.”

As she spoke, she asked herself, ''Is that so?'' However, she felt that there was no mistake. She was not as certain as Banagher, but she could sense that the situation was changing. The “Nahel Argama” was a hot potato no one dared to touch after the Vist Foundation made it its pawn, and would certainly be left in Earth’s orbit by the Federation. The “Ra Cailum” had taken damage, but it certainly was not their style not to pursue on, and a certain person’s intention was vaguely hidden in it—Flaste was wondering if she was okay, and she looked back at him,  giving this non-verbal meaning ''You should be able to understand''. Once that was said and looked forward as she held onto the Captain armrest. (Nope, don’t listen to the Princess’ words, Flaste.) Zinnerman’s stubborn voice rang through the communicator.)

“Zinnerman…!”

(Princess, a lot of sacrifices from the ship has been made up till now. We really shouldn’t surrender ourselves and put the deaths of the soldiers in vain.)

“You’re just saying that because of your grudge. If you really want to avenge their sacrifices, you have to follow your heart bravely.”

The words from the Queen herself caused Flaste and Alec to tense their shoulders. Mineva sensed Zinnerman’s speechless breath through the communicator, “You should be able to understand.” And emphasized calmly.

“If it’s really an enemy, it’ll choose a smarter move. The deaths of the many soldiers brought that Federation ship over. Nobody has the right to mess up this chance for the sake of the situation or pride. Marida’s saved already, and you want to put her at risk?”

There was no response from the communicator. The marker of the “Nahel Argama” was certainly approaching, and as time continued to pressure them, she waited for Zinnerman’s reply silently. Banagher too had the same feeling. There was no certain proof, but there was an instinct kicking in, telling them there was no mistake, and she held her breath and waited for Zinnerman’s decision. In this uncertain situation itself, this instinct alone was the only thing supporting Marida from behind.

===Part 20===

The thin air in the thermosphere blew upon the ship, causing the “Unicorn Gundam” lying on the deck to be red hot, and the all-view monitor was dyed a pink light. Bangher held onto the sticks that were vibrating without stopping as he looked at Zinnerman’s face. The bearded face was cradling Marida as he looked at a certain spot silently, but just would not let his silent stare look back. Banagher looked at those black eyes devoid of emotion, and could not tell if he was hesitating.

''Maybe this won’t do.'' The weakened soul whispered to Banagher. There was too much baggage for Zinnerman to act on instinct. This was the gravity called responsibility—but Zinnerman still came to save him. Even if it was the inadvertent result of wanting to get this “Unicorn”, his actions brought about the chance to save Audrey and Marida at the same time.

''Sometimes, if we act not on logic, but by what our hearts say, we’ll get unexpected results.'' Banagher told himself. He could only trust in the other man as he looked at the red vision on the monitor. Audrey had the same feeling too. Even if the world denied it, he still had a strength supporting him, allowing him to fight on based on his beliefs.

The “Garencieres” moved down the Equator to the East, and was intending to use the Earth’s rotation to enter space; the “Nahel Argama” was moving in the same direction as it approached from behind. There was only one chance for both sides to meet. If the “Nahel Argama” orbit the Earth once more, the “Garencieres” would fall due to a lack of fuel. Banagher adjusted the angle of the rear camera, tried to catch sight of that red light on the enlarged window, and felt sweat on his forward. ''Hurry up!'' He resisted the urge to prompt, and as he gritted his teeth, “Flaste.” Zinnerman spoke with a heavy tone.

“Continue forward. Get ready to meet with the Federation ship. Follow their instructions and raise the Grapple Beam.”

Zinnerman glared at Banagher, who looked back inadvertently, and looked away awkwardly, “It’s better than remaining on Earth and getting ourselves picked off. Stay on guard!” Upon hearing Zinnerman add on, (Roger that!) Flaste answered with a somewhat cheery tone. ''As expected, everyone has the same feeling.'' Banagher secretly felt delighted. He recognized that the situation was guiding them to the necessary path, and the power of the common view was with everyone. The term Newtype appeared in his mind for an instant, and he grabbed onto the control sticks tightly as he caught sight of the current location of the approaching “Nahel Argama” on the monitor. The displacement between them was less than 100km. the enlarged window with a lot of noise on it showed the light, and the plasma light from the ballute was the only thing that could be seen as the target looked just like a burnt meteor.

The ballute looked like an umbrella on fire as it opened up from the aft, and the “Nahel Argama” was closing in at a speed of Mach 20. “That’s…” Zinnerman muttered as the ship brought the long tether cable above the “Garencieres” and gave a light signal from the belly. The “Garencieres” shot out its Grapple Arm, and a long crane-like pillar rose from behind the “Unicorn Gundam” that was prowled. The mast hook at the center of the ship looked like a fishing rod, and the pillar that was approximately 20m long started to reach towards the “Nahel Argama”. 

The “Nahel Argama” would immediately shoot its tether to hook onto the mast hook, and the “Garencieres” dangling by the wire would be able to use the other ship’s momentum to gain acceleration, escape the atmosphere, and enter space; this was the theory behind a tether thrust. The “Nahel Argama” gradually passed by above the “Garencieres”, and their displacement was more than 10km. This would be the maximum limit for a standard tether cable, but would they be able to get close? As the signal continued to flash, Banagher and Zinnerman held their breaths as they waited for the wire. However, an impact jolted the cockpit from below, causing their hearts to panic. The “Garencieres” gave a dull sound again, and the ship descended by 10km or so.

The “Garencieres” tried to maintain its altitude, but it could not remain steady as it inched away from the “Nahel Argama” above it, trembling. “What’s going on!?” Zinnerman shouted, but Flaste yelled back, (The turbine output is dropping! We’re at our limit!) Upon hearing their conversation, Banagher looked up at the “Nahel Argama” covered by the shock cones. ''We can’t make it, the tether’s about to fire.'' “Not good…!” Once he inadvertently said this, a white light brighter than the signal flashed by his head, and the tether cable that was fired through left a black line in the middle of the scorching colors.

The thrusters located at the front hook let out a flare, and the tether cable broke through the wall of shock cones as it flew right at the “Garencieres”. The latter ship forced itself to move towards what seemed to be the end of a spider strand dangling right in front of it, and was ostensibly forcing its last ounce of energy on running the turbines. The long Hyper Carbon Nanotube was reaching forward at full speed, and upon seeing it reach above the “Unicorn Gundam”, he immediately lifted the sticks and stepped on the pedal.

The “Unicorn Gundam” got up from the deck, raised its right hand to grab the tip of the tether, and used its left hand to grab onto the Grapple Beam firmly. It raised its thrusters to grab the tether cable that was out of fuel, and intended to pull it down to the arm of the Grapple Beam, but a rapidly falling feeling struck Banagher. The “Unicorn Gundam” feet left the deck of the “Garencieres” which dropped in altitude again, causing it to float into space as it grabbed onto the tether and arm as it experienced a tugging feeling, and it ended up pulled by both sides as it was basked in the scorching currents.

[[Image:KSGU7 301.jpg|thumb]]

The frame was pulled to the limit as it let out a rattling sound trying to pull up the falling “Garencieres”. The overload sign appeared on the display board, and the alarm indicating insufficient power rang by his ears. ''If I let go here—this one line linking them will remain severed forever!'' “Don’t force yourself! The machine will split if you keep this up!” Zinnerman exclaimed, but Banagher ignored him as he used all his strength to pull the sticks up, and opened the throttles of the machine to its maximum.

“This “Unicorn Gundam” isn’t for show…!”

The “Unicorn Gundam” took the mass of the “Garencieres” on one side and the thrust of the “Nahel Argama” on the other as it let out a metallic roar. The Psycoframe was glowing brighter, and Banagher could sense the luminous light shining through the cockpit. He gritted his teeth at the same time as he gathered his entire will into the machine.

(Banagher…!) Audrey’s call faded. The machine let out a cry as it reached its limit, and Banagher felt the pain of his body being ripped into pieces. This was because the Psycommu System was starting to reverse, causing the machine to feel a burden, turning it into a sensation of pain that was transferred to the brain. There was no reason for a mobile sui alone to support the mass of two ships. ''Let go, let go!'' the system was warning him as it echoed through his head, and he let out a groan from his gritting teeth. ''That’s too reckless already, isn’t it?'' the timidity within him started to whisper, and right when his numb hand was about to let go of the sticks, a hand reached over from the side and grabbed it.

The fuzzy warmth of the body came from this other hand, and the tortured senses eased silently. Banagher widened his eyes, looked over at the owner of the hand, and found Marida, who was lying in Zinnerman’s hand, opening her eyes slightly as she looked back at him. ''You should be saying ‘even so’ now, right?'' Her smiling expression let out these words, and that hand that was holding Banagher’s seemed like it was going to spread all the warmth in its body. The raging heat flowing within the body went from the hand to the entire body, and Banagher again gathered strength on his hands grabbing the sticks. The luminous light on the Psycoframe got brighter and brighter, and at that moment, the light expanded as it seemingly saturated.

The red luminous light that came from the machine was swallowed by a new gentle light that rose out, and both lights gradually became one. That light, which may look green, yellow, blue or even red at times, filled the Psycoframe of the “Unicorn Gundam”, and the rainbow-like refracted light spread across to the surrounding mobile suits. Banagher saw a small needle-like  glow scatter around, and saw the “Garencieres” and the “Nahel Argama” basked in that light. “What is this light…?” Upon hearing Zinnerman murmur, Banagher started to hallucinate as he saw his body become light that spread across space.

This light was different from the savage light that appeared when he was battling the “Banshee”, and as it surrounded the “Unicorn Gundam” like an aurora, the machine that was stretched to its limit started to move. Because of the arms pulling the tether and the Grapple Beam, the massive hull of the “Garencieres” was gradually pulled up. As both ships closed in distance, Banagher’s thoughts flew through the light and into space, and sensed the thoughts of the humans on both ships.

Audrey was calling from the Captain’s seat, Flaste and Alec were steering the “Garencieres”, Captain Otto was giving the instructions, Ensign Mihiro was giving notices through the ship, First Officer Liam was running to the engine room, Haro was floating through the corridors of the ship, Takuya in the mechanic uniform was running along the mobile suit deck, and Micott in the refugee block seemed to realize something as she looked up—

However, Marida, who was tightly embraced by Zinnerman in his arms, let out a smile beside the shell Banagher left on the cockpit. Banagher looked down at the two hands pulling the sticks, and felt the warmth of the flesh from them…once his spiritual consciousness realized this, the hook mast was latched on, and the feeling of the tightened rope pulled Banagher back into his flesh.

The “Nahel Argama” lit its Reverse Thrust as it accelerated. The “Garencieres” hull was dragged, and accelerated as it was pulled up. The roaring winds passed by to the back, and the scorching colors of the sky dulled as the unblinking starry space covered the two ships from above while the deafening silence enveloped them. The resistance of the atmosphere covering the ships disappeared, and the power of inertia pushed both ships forward. The “Garencieres” and the “Nahel Argama” left the atmosphere at the same time, becoming two satellites orbiting around Earth. On their paths, one could see the Earth in its night state, space with no signs of the moon, and the countless stars.

The “Unicorn Gundam” pulled the tether cable linking the ships as it too returned to space safely. As the rainbow weakened, the Psycoframe was reverting back to its original red color, and the colors scattered around let out an afterglow of a trail. This afterglow became a belt of light linking the Federation ship and the Neo Zeon ship, also leaving behind a bright aurora that would not disappear from a corner of Earth for a while.

===Part 21===

The flashing colorful light danced in the darkness. It looked like the scales of a butterfly as it spread across the sealed eyelids in a fantastical manner, before disappearing without warning.

Alberto opened his eyes. The light in reality was too sharp, and he closed his eyes before opening them slowly again. What he saw first was the sea surface from the sky. The waves of the glittering seas were reflecting the sunlight, and a strong light that was beyond the level of a fantasy radiated in front of his eyes, stimulating them.

He looked over at the sea surface in a half-awake manner, and once the vibration of the communicator vibrating under his buttocks pulled his senses back to reality, he turned to moe his head leaning on the wall. He was aching all over, probably due to being in the cramped places for such a long time. ''Is this some mobile suit cockpit?'' he touched the curved monitor panel at his feet and intended to look up at the linear seat beside him, but at this moment, a shadow appeared in a corner of the all-view monitor, and his heart jolted, beating his chest.

There was a mobile suit riding on the “Anksha” in its mobile suit form, gliding diagonally below Alberto’s sights. He realized that it was the “Banshee”, and turned his awakened face to the panel at his feet. The machine’s limbs were not damaged. ''The flank should have taken a direct hit. How’s the situation?'' Alberto looked down at the machine lit by the reflected light off the sea, and thought of the name Marida, “We can’t seem to find the pilot.” before a voice rang beside him.

He lifted his face and looked over at the linear seat to find Riddhe Marceans there. Riddhe looked at him for a moment, before turning his somewhat forsaken expression forward as he activated the display board. He opened the expanded window to show the “Banshee” closeup as it laid down on the disc, but Alberto’s face remained unmoved. ''How did things end up like this? Why is this guy—no, where is this place?'' Alberto could not clear the doubts rising up his heart at the same time as he focused on looking at Riddhe’s face. In the end, Riddhe turned around in an annoyed manner, removed his helmet, reached for his blond hair, “Since you’re awake, pull out the assistance chair yourself.” And spoke coldly.

“I’m already out of breath trying to pull your unconscious self on board. You’re an Anaheim employee, so you should know the construct of a mobile suit, right?”

In the face of this glance, Alberto looked around the inner wall of the cockpit again. Since he could see the sea surface, it meant that this mobile suit was not on a Base Jabber, which meant that it could fly in atmosphere on its own. ''This means that I’m on Riddhe’s machine, the transformable “Delta Plus” in its wave rider form?'' Upon realizing this, Alberto calmed down slightly as he exhaled. He searched his tattered clothes, realized that he had no realy injuries, and turned towards Riddhe again. “Why did you save me?” he asked, but Riddhe was unwilling to look at him in the eyes, “That’s how things are going now.” He answered with a sigh.

“I too passed out after I was shot down by the “Banshee”. By the time I woke up and got back to the sinking “Garuda”, you and the empty “Banshee” were the only ones lift.”

Riddhe looked over at the “Banshee”, lifeless like a puppet as it laid on the “Anksha”, and narrowed his eyes. “The “Unicorn” has vanished.” ''And Mineva too…'' some heartfelt words could be heard right after this mutter, and Alberto did not intend to ask further as he looked further. ''His love affair may have ended'', this understanding landed upon the cavity in Alberto’s chest and created ripples in his hollow body.

Both of them were descendants of those cursed by the “Laplace Box”, and both lost their fleeting love—the “Delta Plus” ferried the birds of a feather filled with suspicion and disappointment as it flew through the evening sky. Alberto had no idea of where they were going or where they should go as he looked at the sky and sea that was dyed amber. The “Anksha”, ferrying the unmanned “Banshee”, turned with the sea surface behind it as it pivoted its way through the crimson sky, letting out an empty trail of jet cloud.

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