KSGU:Volume 3 Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Part 1

<Norm Basilicock. Romeo 001, launching>

As he reported that he was leaving the ship through the wireless communicator, squad leader Norm’s “ReZEL” number 1 slid out from the catapult deck. Riddhe saw his thruster flare on the all-view monitor, and grips onto the control stick.

“Riddhe Marcenas, Romeo 008. Launching!”

The display of the countdown timer showed 0. The G force seemed like it was trying to rip off the flesh on the bones as it struck the body, and the catapult deck beside his feet was immediately at its end. Riddhe stepped on the pedal and let the “ReZEL” number 8 fly out of the “Nahel Argama”. The wasteland that was right below the ship—the destroyed scenes of the colony flashed by his eyes, and in less than 2 seconds, the machine thrusted itself into the dark vacuum.

Perhaps they were crushed by the pressure from the inside. The debris of the colony look just like crumbled waffles. The passing scenery that was tightly packed together showed the scenery of a phantom city in the vacuum. No matter whether it was the width of 1km all around or the amount of gas floating about, even though this place had many conditions that allowed for the “Nahel Argama” to hide its presence, one would still want to look far away after seeing that white ship object being buried by junk. It looked like there were bugs or something clinging tightly onto the back of wilted leaves and climbing up.

The ship was floating around with shrapnel of all sizes floating around, and the cloud of space junk that was 100km wide in diameter expanded up, forming a debris field that was much thicker within the shoal space region. This was the aftermath of that first battle of the One Year War that increased to such scale that it became the largest fleet battle in history—the colony that was destroyed in the Battle of Loum now looks like this. The Earth Federation and Republic of Zeon clashed with each other directly in this Battle of Loum, right before the Antarctic treaty that forbade the use of weapons of mass destruction. It was said that several colonies were destroyed by the notorious nuclear bazookas. When they were suddenly sent flying into space with the rubble of the artificial land, did the people manage to realize that they died? Realizing this, Riddhe felt a chill down his spine. He shook his head slightly and turns his gaze to the front.

And right in front of Riddhe, the following descendants of those who did such damage—the remnants of the Neo Zeon army who were given the derogatory term “Sleeves” were moving towards them. <Using the IFF, not responding and not slowing down.> The wireless radio let out a signal and he could hear the Lieutenant Homare’s “ReZEL” number 4 moving beside him side by side. Riddhe makes a simple check to see that his mobile suit had stopped accelerating. The core reactor was still in good condition, and as he was equipped with a large weapon, the beam launcher, the machine itself was a lot heavier than usual. Riddhe stepped on the pedal and lets the boosters flare out its jets to maintain the machine’s posture. He increased the output to 1.5 times to match the equipped beam launcher.

<Romeo 001 to all units. We’re using Delta formation. Make effective use of the remains>

As he moved in front, Squad Leader Norm activated the main thruster and moved right at the target. Riddhe and Homare’s machines take the two sides. The “ReZELs” formed a triangular formation in the debris. As there was a chance that they might crash into the debris that was overly packed, Riddhe and gang did not change their machines into waveriders. The 3 mobile suits boosters let out short bursts as they moved forward, matching the speed of the remains that were of varying sizes and keeping their hands at a position such that they could shoot immediately when needed.

“We’re approaching the ship. Please respond. This was the “Nahel Argama” of the Earth Federation army’s Londo Bell. Please state your affiliation and stop your flight. Your ship has entered out ship’s defensive line.”

There were no Minovsky Particles nearby—because there was no need for that when they could hide their whereabouts in the shoal space region–the communication operator’s voice sounded a lot clearer than usual. It was not Mihiro, but Communication Officer Bellard this. Mihiro was left to be in charge of the civilians, and it seems that she is removed from active duty for now. As he wondered about this, Riddhe removed the safety of the beam launcher. He used the 30m long rock as a shield and pointed at the target.

They were at the border of absolute defense at the target, and the distance was less than 10m. The target’s movements were not changing. Even though it was moving slowly in a straight line while showing the form of debris, one could still detect heat signature from it. On the debris that was formed by the war 16 years ago, joking aside, there might still be heat left in it.

“You terrorists, even if you want to pretend to be a stone block…”

Muttering this, Riddhe placed his hand on the trigger on the control stick. This movement caused the “ReZEL”s mechanical arm to move, and the beam launcher that’s the size of an enemy unit points itself at the front. I’ll scare the enemy by pretending to shoot, and then immediately move my position to provide cover for squad leader Norm. As Riddhe again reaffirmed the basis of the attack he was taught, he stared at the target inside the reticule. Suddenly, <Wait!> Norm’s voice rang.

Norm’s unit, which was supposed to be the offense unit, moved to the front. Riddhe kept his position such that he could shoot anytime, moved to a distance such that the optical sensor could detect the profile, and stared at it. The enlarged window of the all-view monitor appears in the corner, and the image that was somewhat crude in definition was corrected by CG. The target’s length was less than 50m, and the shape was…

“What the heck…?”

Riddhe’s fingertips, which were locked on the trigger, shuddered slightly.

Part 2

“You say it’s junk?”

It’s been 6 minutes and 30 seconds since the order was given to begin battle. On hearing the report from the mobile suit squadron that was launched, Otto Mitas could not help but ask. “That’s what they said.” First Officer Liam Borrinea calmly said.

“We’ve determined it to be the debris of a Salamis-class ship. It seems that the backup power was still working, and the heat sensor ended up determining it to be something unknown. There were no signs of enemies nearby, and there were no signs of survivors.”

“It would be amazing if there were. That’s a ship that was sunk more than 10 years ago.”

Otto grumbled at the report made by the communications officer and sighed, undoing the fastener of the helmet’s latch. Most likely, it was the dead souls of the Loum battle and other bodies knocking into each other or something and started to float around ending up reaching the sensor range of the “Nahel Argama”. The backup power source that was thought to be an unknown object seemed to be activated when it collided, causing a short circuit. That should be the case.

Vice-Captain Liam and the rest removed their helmets as well and pulled their normal suits collars out to allow air to move in. The horse-shaped bridge on the highest level of the “Nahel Agrama” was not as wide as it looked to be from the outside. In this space that was only about 10m, there’s the Captain seat at the middle rear area, which Otto was sitting at, a seat on the left and right side, one for the communicator and the other for the sensor monitor operator, each facing the panels on the side walls. At the front end of the bridge, starting from the left, there were the navigator, steering operator and weapons controller seats, and right above their seats, there was the main screen on it with many monitors. The windows were set halfway around the bridge, ensuring that it had visibility of ships in the Minovsky era. This layer of window was made of extremely hard plastic, and it could block radiation and even the heat of beams. The front of the bridge was covered with 4 such layers of this thick window panel, and the back part was reinforced with multiple bulletproof armors. With this, they would not have to deploy the protective shutter in battle and could see the outside scene with their eyes, but on the other hand, the bridge that’s pressured by the thickness of the shells became much narrower.

In the current age where ordinary bridges were built separately from a battleship’s bridge, one could not deny that the “Nahel Argama” bridge’s construct resembled more of the old styled concept. But during the One Year War, there was neither time nor technology for the ship to have that level of protective measures. Otto looks at the main screen in front of him, saw the debris of the Salamis-class ship that had 2/3 of its body chiseled away, and felt a little spooked out as he stared at that burnt remnant now.

Most probably, the turbine took a direct hit, and the inside immediately exploded. In that situation, nobody would be able to escape successfully. “Really…are all the parts that aren’t human taken away from the junk here?” Otto muttered to himself as he turned his back on the main screen. If it were his grandmother, she would probably draw a cross in front of her chest. But to Otto, who was an atheist, it was rather rare for him to even pray silently in his heart for a single moment.

“Even if it’s that kind of thing, it’s a piece of treasure to those guys from the recycling business. Shall we contact them to earn some bucks?”

Otto tried to speak up in a motivated tone to hide the fear inside him, but the laughter he hoped for never appeared, and he could only see First Officer Liam, who’s returning back to the navigation seat, roll the thick eyelids. That large burly 40 year old female, both horizontally and vertically, was larger than Otto himself, and like usual, stares at him without a smile, showing a frivolous attitude as she turns back to the console. Otto breathed hard through his nostrils to make up for this blank timing and ordered with a somewhat tired voice, “Alert removed. Operations to resume as per normal. Let the mobile suits return back to the ship.”

Communications Officer Bellard broadcasted this to the entire ship, and Liam looks back at Otto again, saying, “Was this good?” Otto was overwhelmed by that abnormally forceful poker face, and asks back, “Was there a problem?” Her face that was covered by some form of unknown make-up was staring at Otto, and she turned back forward without saying anything. What’s going on? Otto did not even have the strength to sigh out as he removed the helmet and looks up at the ceiling.

It’s said that a captain’s nightmare would be two things, one, losing a ship, and two, riding on a ship with a crew that’s not on good terms with him. However, Otto himself felt that there should be an additional item, and that will be having a large woman who was so hard to handle that he could not let his guard down around her as the First Officer. Otto managed to fight his way to the rank of a captain without any obvious battle accomplishments or camaraderie with people, only through his general qualifications. It was one thing for the battleship itself to be an unorthodox model that was hard to maneuver; it’s another thing for First Officer Liam’s existence to prick his nerves no matter when. Instead of saying that there were too many incompatible things between them…it’s more like she never had any intent of getting along. Whether it’s for good or bad, one could say that Liam had the temper of an artist, but her silent presence will sometimes overpower the captain and even dominate the atmosphere inside the bridge. Of course, it’s not like she herself didn’t try to avoid this situation through her own means, but her expression that already lacked emotion could give off a frivolous vibe. Sometimes, the crew on the ship will even say random things like “Captain Liam, First Officer Otto”.

In fact, in terms of instinctively detecting danger like an animal, her instincts were sharper than his, and her simple personality of ensuring the safety of the ship was guaranteed. That’s why he could not just leave her alone like that. Otto had already been looking forward to an ordinary life with no extraordinary events, but the aftermath of the battle this time may affect him in some way. No, I might not even be able to guarantee that I will survive this time. Thinking about it this time, Otto’s heart was covered with a layer of gloom.

Ever since the battle started, the command given by the advising headquarters were to ‘retreat’ and ‘remain on standby’. They were only told to first leave “Industrial 7” before the media surrounded them; remain on standby until reinforcements arrive, and nothing else. They lost more than half of their fighting capabilities, and the enemy was still out there, so even without instructions, they could only retreat. Even though they entered deep inside the shoal space region and use the debris of the colony as a place to hide, it’s been more than half a day since they were left alone.

The retreat point was sent from the base coordinates of L1, so there’s no reason why the reinforcements could not find as. Since this mission is so special, is the reason why the reinforcements are so slow was because the higher-ups were arguing over ‘adjustments’ because of the unexpected damage from the battle? This might be more appropriate. It will be alright if we can get contact with the command of Londo Bell, Otto thought. If there’s something, the Londo Bell fleet will be on standby. Once they know that an ally is in trouble, they will hurry over to assist without waiting for the senators to make their decisions. But since we’re undertaking this secret mission under a direct from the Senate Council, we could not just make contact with our original affiliation as we wish—

Do we even have a next move? Otto felt tired over his thoughts that were going nowhere, and felt that it’s time to tidy his head that had been thinning in hair over the past few hours. He saw Commander Daguza Mackle walk in front the automatic door at the back, and hurriedly puts the captain’s hat that was hung on the side of the seat.

Daguza was wearing a deep dark brown normal suit which one would identify him as a member of ECOAS, and he removed his helmet, turning his head around to look. He seems to understand what was going on with such a motion, and turns his narrow eyes at Otto, saying, “May I know if it’s true that you mistook debris for an enemy unit?” Daguza asked with a voice that sounded courteous “Just like what you’re seeing.” Otto answered back coldly.

“Luckily, we’re not facing the enemy…up till now, there were still no signs of our army appearing.”

Otto finally said with a wry tone. To Otto, the reason behind so much trouble was because of the unshakeable fact that ECOAS used them as a transport. To this transport captain who did not have much authority, ECOAS and the higher-ups of the Federation could be said to be birds of a feather. However, Daguza did not seem to mind. The large body with the cast wrapped around his left arm was standing beside the Captain’s side,

“Leaving aside our allies, the enemy will definitely arrive.” He continued without emotion,

“Unlike us, the “Sleeves” have a very simple objective. A simple enemy will be much faster in their movement.”

Liam gives a sinister look at Daguza. All the crew in the ship felt repulsed by the ECOAS members, but ever since they left the dock, she seemed to have twice the hatred for Daguza than anyone else. Why in the world is this guy here? Otto leaves aside Liam’s expression that was telling him this, sighed and says, “That “box” they were talking about…?”

“That’s right. The enemy felt that we’ve taken the “box”.”

“How can you conclude so?”

“There’s no evidence to deny this. Even though the enemy’s depleted as well, that four-winged mobile suit is still out there. Once there’s a chance to get it, they will use force to come over to check.”

One could feel that beside Liam, everyone in the bridge suddenly jerked. Everyone knew that with their current firepower, they could not match the enemy machine that’s equipped with psycommu and was like a monster. Do I have to say it? Liam glares at Otto with the blaming look, “Looks like you’re trying to say that now’s not the time to leisurely wait for reinforcements.” Otto seized the initiative to talk.

“Yes. We’ll first break through with this ship before the enemy discovers us. It will be smarter to leave this space region.”

“Do you want me to ignore the orders from headquarters? Something like this…”

“Is within the jurisdiction of the current commander. A captain makes a decision by considering the safety of the ship and the crew, and after that, he could get recognition when everyone saw that he managed to preserve the weapons.”

Otto cannot say anything that will ensure the pride of a captain in response to Daguza’s solid logic. At this moment, Daguza seized the initiative and added on, “We should hurry and return back to “Lunar Two”.”

“The Gundam -type mobile suit that was taken back may very likely be related to the “Box”. The Senate Council will also hope for us to do such a thing.”

This report did reach headquarters. “But…” Otto’s eyes start to look away. He would not have any standing if he let Daguza beat him completely in giving suggestions. “I agree, captain.” Otto was panicking over what to argue back about as another voice rang inside the ship.

“But we’re not heading to “Lunar Two”, but the moon.”

As he says that, Alberto makes his way into the bridge. The normal suit he’s wearing makes his plump body stand out further as he stood beside the captain’s seat. He glanced at Daguza and gives a polite smile that was hard to stomach, saying “Unlike “Lunar Two” that’s on the other side of the Earth, the moon was just nearby, so it will be easily to head there, I suppose?” More than that, I’m really bothered that you would just randomly come in here. Before Otto could say that, Daguza let out a calm voice and said, “Not necessarily.” The fuse starting the debate immediately lit up.

“The enemy’s predicting that we will head to the Moon as well. There’s a possibility that we will be ambushed on the way. No matter how far the distance will be, we should move towards “Lunar Two”.”

“Space is large. I don’t think it’s easy to ambush us. Besides, we can still break through the ambush with our remaining fighting strength, right?”

“Our movements within the shoal space region are limited. Besides, in terms of military affairs, losing two-thirds of our fighting strength is practically total annihilation. Right now, it’s not a situation where we can simply force our way through.”

“In that case, we could not get to “Lunar Two”, right? Aren’t you a little too hasty to bring that “Gundam” back to the military, Commander Daguza?”

“We’ll naturally feel anxious if we don’t get reinforcements. That’s because the military command seems to have some civilian pressure in this mission.”

“That sounds like an excuse from you. You have to finish any mission. Isn’t that what a soldier should do? It will be unreasonable to blame it on us when the mission fails.”

“Because of this, I have to speak up as a soldier. Right now, we should have this ship break through this space region and return back to “Lunar Two”. There’s no other way to complete this mission.”

“What was your mission? To prevent the “Box” from falling into the hands of Neo Zeon? Or to use this chance to grab the “Box” and let the army use it?”

“Since you say so, Mr. Alberto, what do you plan to do after taking the “Box” back to the moon? Are you going to lock the “Box” back into the shared treasury between Anaheim and the Vist Foundation like the past?”

This tug-of-war that left the captain aside finally paused at this point. As Alberto immediately tried to argue back, “KNOW YOUR PLACE!” Otto roared to stop him.

“This is a bridge, not a place for you to carry out your debates, and definitely not a place where outsiders can randomly come and go at will! I agree that ECOAS can do whenever they want to in this mission, but I didn’t say that your suggestions are welcomed, Commander Daguza.”

Daguza was definitely a mature adult for shutting up and backing away, but on the other hand, Alberto gives a smug look while looking like he managed to win this time, “ YOU TOO, MR. ALBERTO!” and Otto could only do the same to him.

“Even if this is a secret mission, the limits of our ship’s actions are completely based around counter-terrorism. The reason why the reinforcements are delayed is simply because of a problem with the procedures, nothing to do with the “Box” at all. I hope you don’t forget your role as a civilian inspector.”

Even though he already knew that these would be words of an idealized scene, Otto said so as he stood by his words. “If that’s the case, I’m fine with it…” Alberto looks like he was not listening as he scratched his sagging cheek.

“Right now, the “Nahel Argama” is an independent force that was commanded by the Senate Council at the last minute. Under the jurisdiction of the counter-terrorist laws, our ship is already considered one of the few fighting forces who can act on their own without the Federation Senate’s permission, right? Who knows how much time we will take letting the main forces mobilize…as an inspector, I still suggest that we head to the moon. This is to prevent you from having to resign over such a large responsibility, captain.”

“Londo Bell has carried out countermeasures, but the Senate Council may be deliberately withholding information. Londo Bell might not even know that we’re waiting here to while they’re wary of multiple terrorism acts. I feel that we should head back to “Lunar Two” and wait for the Senate Council’s instructions.”

Daguza spoke up after Alberto did so. “I AM THE CAPTAIN HERE! ANYTHING WITHIN THIS SHIP WILL…” suddenly, a siren rang, causing the roaring Otto to swallow his words.

While everyone was still frozen there, Liam had already turned towards for the sensor operator’s seat. “What’s the matter!?” Otto asked with an enraged tone. “Another misjudgment. It looks like the piece of debris just now was slowing down.” The sensor operator’s voice caused Otto to be rooted.

“It’s probably some cooling agent or something accumulated inside spraying out. The target’s heat source is unstable. It’s a little hard to determine the identification conditions for it.”

Once the alert instruction was removed, Liam said with a calm voice. A Salamis-class debris floated here through some coincidence, slowed down due to some coincidence, triggering the motion sensor and the alarm? Otto holds back his sigh and asked, “What’s the relative velocity?”

“Zero. It’s already floating right above our ship.”

The main window shows the remnant that just so happens to be right above the ship. If the speed and heat weren’t stable, the Salamis-class debris would be mistaken as an unidentified unit once it changed trajectory. Though he could only pray for it to hurry up and leave the range, it just had to be of the same relative velocity as the Nahel Argama. “Was there a dead soul of Loum occupying it?” Otto glanced aside at Alberto who was saying it like it was somebody else’s business, grabs onto the handrail tightly and sighs hard. As a captain, I must not randomly roar out. I have to remain calm. Otto muttered to himself within his chest that’s about to explode and commands with a highly restrained voice, “Let the mobile suit squad remove it.”

“We should be able to push it out if it’s of that size.”

“But they returned back.”

The already impeccably calm Liam answered. “What?”

“They’ve returned back to the ship as you commanded before.”

That’s what I was trying to ask you just now The emotionless Liam’s expression was saying so. Be clearer so that I could understand! As Otto argued back deep inside his heart while biting his lips, Communication Officer Bellard says, “Should we order them to launch again?” Otto saw that Daguza was looking away in an unimportant direction, and Alberto was giving a vague smile. The self-restraint he had several seconds ago was pointless as he roars, “SHOOT IT DOWN WITH THE MAIN CANNON!”

“Yes…” The weapons operator answered as he looks past Otto and right at ‘Captain” Liam’. “Why aren’t you repeating it!?” Otto’s enraged voice overwhelmed his doubt.

“Yes, main cannon, ready to be fired. Bridge’s designated target is…” The weapons operator frantically turned his face to the console and hurriedly sent the instructions to the gunnery room. Otto snorted out warm breath from his nose and steadied himself on the Captain’s seat again. Liam gave him a hesitant look. To heck with that, I’m the captain here. I can’t let my First Officer’s expression affect my own view, and there’s no reason for me to be told off by other squads or civilians. To a crew, a captain has to have god-like authority here. Isn’t this the pride and tradition of the seafarers ever since the times of the Navy?

Even so, wouldn’t it be too casual for me to use the main cannon? As a fearful wind brushed Otto’s back, the weapons operator’s report can be heard, “Front cannon, firing preparations complete.” causing Otto to swallow his saliva. Daguza and Alberto are looking at well. I could not take back the order. I’ll be looked down on by others all the more. As he made up his mind, Otto squeezed out a voice, “Get ready!”

“FIRE!”

Part 3

A mega-particle cannon of a battleship-class ship could be seen, and the power output was vastly different from a mobile suit’s beam rifle. The beam released by the enemy ship was a thin light that looks like a thread, and one could see it with the naked eye. The Salamis-class debris that was directly hit gave out light in the explosion and scattered all over the place, becoming small flickering lights. Marida Cruz saw all of that.

<Just as expected. They even earnestly used the ship’s cannon for us. Now we know the position of the enemy>

Gilboa Sant’s voice echoed throughout the bridge, and they could tell that he was extremely agitated through the wireless radio. Marida let her body float behind the steering seat and stared at the pitch black vacuum that extends out infinitely outside the window. Gilboa Sant’s “Geara Zulu” was about 90km away from this “Garencieres”, and was making full use of the sensors of the machine to detect the space region the enemy ship was in. From the relative position of less than 200km away, they should be able to see the beam and the explosion clearly. If the situation was good, they might even be able to detect the enemy’s correct position.

They found a piece of debris that was of the right size, caused it to produce heat, and let it float to the shoal space region that might have the enemy ship hidden inside. Once the enemy ship mistakes it for an unknown enemy unit and sends out units to intercept it, they could deduce the location of the ship through the units’ location. The “Sleeves” basically viewed the Shoal Space Region as a garden, so it was not hard for them to deduce a specific coordinate from a vague position. Also, the enemy ship firing the main cannon so carelessly allows them to save a lot on manpower. “Alright, call Gilboa to come back.” Leaving aside Suberoa Zinnerman’s voice, Marida asked herself, What kind of enemies are they…

From the experiences of what happened in Industrial 7, I could tell that they’re a squad that’s not used to battle. An ordinary Federation ship that viewed daily training as part of work…are they such an enemy? Then what’s the mysterious pressure I feel—

“We’re moving to an area where we can carry out laser communication, and we’ll send out a message to the “Rewloola”. Is there still no action at Industrial 7?”

“Just ships moving to and fro from the moon. Side 2 is sending aid, but there’s no signs of any forces residing there.”

In response to Zinnerman’s question, the other crew member who took over Gilboa’s seat answered as he sat on the navigator’s seat. The optical sensor received the visual image that’s far away, and there was an interrupted electronic news broadcast from long distance that was mixed with static. In the past few hours, he had been keeping his hand on the headset to listen to the situation. “Don’t tell me that ship got abandoned.” Flaste Schole said as he sat at the steering seat. Half a day had passed since then, and even the civilian aid had started. It was really strange that there was not even a Federation ship coming over for reinforcements. “They probably suffered by undertaking such a dishonorable mission and were most likely viewed to not have existed in the first place.” Leaving Zinnerman’s words behind, Marida focuses her consciousness in the vacuum.

The debris floating around absorbed the sunlight far away and let out white lights that were vaguely bright and faint at times. This was the shoal space region Marida was used to seeing, the space dust that distorts with the bright light. On that side, the remains of the colony were gathered, having a hidden heavy ‘presence’ inside. It was not the kind that could be felt on the battlefield, the ‘presence’ that would come over at her, but the ‘presence’ that’s coming out from a certain existent, one similar to the breathing of a beast…

“What is it, Marida? You sensed something?”

The doubtful voice hit her from behind as the consciousness that was being sucked into the vacuum returns to the body. Marida turned to the captain’s seat and looked at her master who detected her reaction through her eyes. They do have reinforcements, but the “Garencieres” had a setback in the mission, and was now isolated without help, which makes them not so different from the enemy ship. Marida sensed Flaste and the rest pricking their ears, and she, who was relied on as the sensor amongst the crew, was shown looks of concern. She lowered her head and says, “No, it’s just…”

“I feel that the princess isn’t in Industrial 7 anymore.”

Unexpected words came out from Marida’s mouth, and she shut up. She had never thought of this before until now—but she did realize it when she said it out. She sensed ‘her’ presence when she went by the mysterious pressure given off by the enemy’s ship. That’s right, did I hear ‘her’ voice before when I fought with that white mobile suit that’s most likely kept there…?

“You’re thinking too much.”

Zinnerman approached Marida from behind and put his hand on her shoulder, causing her to jerk.

“The “Rewloola” will immediately attack that ship. Whether they have the “Box” or not, we just need to go back to Industrial 7 after that. We’ll definitely find her.”

Marida felt a sense of warmth in her shoulder that was touching. That’s right. It’s not my job to think. I just need to follow this person who’s giving me warmth from his hand behind me. “Understood, master.” She answered softly and temporarily releases the strength inside her. Zinnerman supports her loosened body with one arm and scratches the hard beard on his chin.

“Let’s check out Full Frontal’s abilities.”

Part 4

“The “Garencieres” sent a report to us?”

The moment he entered the door, Angelo Sauper asked with a voice that was loud enough to echo throughout the entire bridge. Sitting on the Captain’s seat was Ship Captain Hill, who gives an unhappy look to him, frowning as he says, “We’re able to search out the target’s L1 basic target thanks to their report.”

“It seems that they’re near the remnants of the colony. There aren’t any other enemies around. In another three hours, we can capture the enemy in our range.”

“Just like what we expected. Those guys are left on their own. That’s what happens to those who failed in their own secret mission.”

The smile on Angelo’s lips widened as he put his hand on the back of the Captain’s seat. Even though it might be viewed as being unruly, Hill had no intent on correcting him. As the piloting crew of the transport carrier was in charge of protecting their forces, the atmosphere was such that they will allow for any forms of insubordination and overruling of authority. Amongst them, Full Frontal’s own escort squad’s identity was even more unique. Angelo ignored the Vice-commander’s look of frustration as he turned his eyes to the navigation screen.

Down the indicated arched trajectory of L1 in a block of shoal space region, the light spot representing the target was blinking. The coordinates were <L1+02373.E39034.N44393>. The speed and distance in space could only be indicated in relative terms, but the relative positions between the Earth and the Moon would remain constant. If the average value of the gravity of Earth and the Moon was used, they could at least mark an absolute value on the coordinate trajectory. At their current speed, they will need 3 hours before reaching their target. If they accelerate, they would reach the target earlier, but it was no picnic accelerating too much in the shoal space region. Even though they were using their own shoal space region maps that were much more detailed than the universal specifications, they could not avoid all the debris, and the ship itself was grazing by space dust and rubble of all sizes. Angelo felt that Ship Captain Hill’s judgement was correct and simply looked around at the bridge with more than ten communication operators working.

The bridge of the “Rewloola”, which had entered space for less than 5 years, was still considered a new model. This bridge in particular had an outstanding view and wide space, which Angelo really fancied. The unique traits were the ceiling that was most likely two levels high and the setup that puts the navigator’s seat cleanly in mid-air with support, allowing the operators to work right above the Captain. The observation window that was designed for one purpose only was put at the front to preserve sight, the 3-dimesional space was effectively used, and all the designs on the bridge could be used independently in battle. It could be said that the “Rewloola” itself was one of the results of the ship-building ideas during the Minovsky era that was maximized.

The ship’s shape itself had quite the characteristics as well. The ship’s body looked like a triangular block from above, and had many curves all over it to make it look alive. The 6 ball shaped booster tanks that were placed on both sides of the hulls look like the eggs of a living thing. It was not a far-cry to say that the “Rewloola” inherited the design of the large battleship of the old Republic of Zeon’s army, the Sadalahn-class. As for the reason why the ship itself was painted scarlet red, that was because the ex-commander-in-chief Char once rode on this ship, leaving behind a great influence.

The second Neo Zeon war was also known as Char’s Counterattack. Char Aznarble was the commander of the army at that time—as the son of the deceased Zeon Deikum and also the Zeon army’s Red Comet that terrorized the Federation. It was impossible for the flagship he rode on before not to be painted with the color red. He was about to send the hammer of judgement to the Federation to let the world known that the son of Zeon was to end his time of hiding. The “Rewloola” had to have the color red on it.

After an intense battle, the Neo Zeon army retreated in defeat, and the commander-in-chief Char disappeared as well, but such a closure made it hard to actually decide the winner. Londo Bell, which was the frontline of the Federation, took a devastating blow, letting the Neo Zeon fleet. After spacing into the Shoal Space region, they had an idea of using the remaining forces to launch special attacks, but after having lost their spiritual leader in Char, the Neo Zeon army was basically divided. At least half of the survivors scattered, and the fleet that became an empty space stayed in an asteroid full of resources that was basically a wasteland to catch their breaths, waiting for their annihilation—until that man called “The Second Coming of Char” appeared again, prompting Neo Zeon to rise again for the third time.

It had been 2 years after that. The “Rewloola” regained the life it had back then, and right now, the revived Neo Zeon army that was derogatory called “Sleeves” started to make use of its capabilities as a flagship. Including the Captain, most of the members were new, but there were still some deserters amongst the NCOs. Angelo felt there would not be an end to this if he was to pursue this, and he had no intent of doing so as well.

These activists included people who once escaped and yet came back after knowing that Neo Zeon was coming back, people of the Deikum sect and the Zabi sect who had been arguing against each other and started fighting over the basic ideologies as well. Angelo felt that they were all existences that could not be replaced. What the revived Neo Zeon army needs were the passion of young people and young blood. Only the young who will not dwell in their past defeats and focus all their efforts on revolution could became the core of the organization. That man had admitted this as well. That man who had the innate nobility and talent to lead us from birth intend to fulfill the ideas of Zeon and the real independence of Spacenoids. The pain and loneliness of Mankind that’s bestowed to the world was ultimately not what the vast number of vulgar people could understand. As he looks around at the bridge crew that were giving him stupefied looks, Angelo fluffs up the fringe that’s sagging down to his forehead and says to Ship Captain Hill, “We’re getting ready to launch.”

“The battle will end in ten minutes. We just need to watch the battle here, Captain.”

“Sounds really intense. Will it really be that easy?”

On hearing Hill’s distressed tone, Angelo stopped his feet that were about to turn.

“The Federation had already done this trick of using optical observation on the shoal space region. They probably know about where we are. While they will normally let us go, this situation now involves that Laplace Box or something, right? If it were so secretive that the Manhunters have to be mobilized to take it back, the news that we’re closing in should be received by the enemy ship.

“The Federation’s ability to adapt isn’t that good. The number of forces they can hide is limited. Right now, they should be arguing amongst themselves over what they should be doing. None of them want to take responsibility for this.”

“That’s good if that were the case.”

“There’s no sign of reinforcements, right? No one’s backing them, that’s why.” Angelo showed a formal smile and let his body float towards the door. “Besides, if those guys were so efficient, we would be annihilated. The human economy isn’t so solid that it can be balanced in complete safety after all.”

“An occasional terrorist attack isn’t anything much if we consider the millions of jobless people, is that so?”

“That’s the case. That’s why there’s a need to change this rotten society, to allow humanity to live on for another 100 years.”

Captain Hill narrowed his eyes slightly as he answered with silence. You’re still green, these words were telegraphed to Angelo’s back, and Angelo answered in his heart I’ll remember that as he left the bridge.

Part 5

The moment he arrived on the mobile suit deck, the smell of grease and the body heat permeated the air inside the enclosed space, and the air that was heated by the electric cables let out such a smell. Angelo was bothered that the smell of cologne on his uniform was nullified as he kicked the floor, passed through a passage and floated to the large deck.

There were 12 mobile suits docked inside the “Rewloola”. In the large and expansive space, 6 mechanical hangars were lined up on each side, and one could see the main machines “Geara Zulu” placed them. The mobile suit silhouette itself was based on the Zaku-types of the Republic, and the part that was basically the wrist had a sleeve logo drawn on it. One could tell its affiliation from the logo’s color or the design itself, and this was the reason why the Neo Zeon army was derogatorily called “Sleeves”. Also, leaving aside the blade antenna that indicated the leader’s machine, even the shoulder armor all had flexibility that allowed affiliation or rank to be changed, which allowed the “Geara Zulu” to show the characteristic of not being a mass-produced suit.

Amongst them, the most eye-catching would be the escort squad’s machine. Angelo let his body flot towards the 3 escort squad machines on the deck. The machine had sharp armor plates on both shoulders, and the fixed shields were removed, making the silhouette more offensive. The back had two thruster tanks and stabilizers, and they were attachments that were taller than the shoulders, and one could imagine them to be like angel’s wings. The other thruster tank and stabilizer that was not installed was on the back of the butt, poking out like a tail, causing the entire appearance to be more suitably described as a demon, a ferocious demon that protects the Red Comet—

Most notably, Angelo’s squad leader machine was designed with a purple base coloring, making it stand out from the thick green machines. While checking the preparations for his own machine, Angelo went for the mechanical hangar’s platform. As the mechanic officer and the rest were inspecting on the spare parts, the other two pilots of the escort squad quickly saluted Angelo.

These two people were the tall, lankly blond with good looks, Lieutenant Cuarón and Ensign Sergi with cold green eyes. Both of them were officers in their early 30s, and the green uniforms of the escort squad really suited them. These two backup pilots and the other mechanics on this ship who were less than 30 years old were all part of Full Frontal’s own personal escort squad. However, they were given special privileges in equipment and training. Each of them was strictly chosen from the army, talents who were able to beat 100 enemies. Angelo stepped onto the platform and notified the duo, “We’re sorting out in 3 hours. Remain on standby until then.” Cuarón and Sergi stood still “Yes, Lieutenant Angelo.” They chanted.

“It will be your first battle as part of the escort squad for you today, Ensign Sergi. How does the “Geara Zulu” of our escort squad look?”

“Yes! The machine’s more specialized in long distanced combat than I imagined, but I’ll try to get used to me. I won’t forget your kindness in nominating me for the escort squad.”

“Don’t give yourself pressure. Meritocracy is Zeon’s tradition. Just perform as per usual…besides, there probably won’t be any chance for you to perform this time.”

Cuarón gave a meaningful smile, and Sergi frowned in a puzzled manner. Angelo flicked his own fringe and told Sergi, “The Captain will be sorting out today. There’s no work for us.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“You’ll understand once the battle starts.”

Angelo inadvertently curled his lips and turned his eyes to the mechanic behind him, ordering them, “Captain Full Frontal will be coming over. Don’t ever ease up the atmosphere in the mobile suit deck until the end.” The mechanic answered, “Yes, I’ll inform the rest!’ and floated away from the platform. Angelo watched him leave, and in his eyes, he saw a mobile suit that was docked in the deepest part of the deck. The crimson red giant was larger than the “Geara Zulu”. As Angelo stared at the cockpit that was basically the abdomen of the machine, the excited Sergi whispered to him, “So the rumors are really true?”

“Like how the Captain won’t wear a normal suit when sorting out.”

The green eyes flickered, and Sergi looked like he wanted to say “It’s like…” Angelo corrected Sergi inside his heart. It’s not that it seems, but that it is, “Yeah, there’s no need for that for the Captain.”

“That’s because he has the belief that he will definitely return from the battlefield.”

Sergi’s boyish face turned slightly red as his eyes were captured by the red mobile suit. Cuarón turned his back on Sergi, smiling proudly, while Angelo turned his eyes onto the machine that was waiting for the master to arrive. The MSN-06S “Sinanju” was a crimson red machine that used a large around of curves as part of Zeon’s flair and had a elegant and streamlined contour. That is the only mobile suit that matches that man, the Red Comet who will snatch the Box, which has a secret that can topple the Federation, and liberate the world. Angelo was immersed in his own motivating thoughts as he smiled away in a fanatical manner.

Part 6

<All personnel, regaining space visual department. All passages open.>

A vague voice could be heard as it echoed through the speakers inside the ships. As he saw the sergeant beside him heave a sigh and remove his helmet, Banagher asked, “Is it over?”

“Yeah. You can take it off too.” The sergeant answered while he took off the fastener of the normal suit. This middle-aged sergeant who was giving off a vibe that he trained officer was an NCO who was assigned to guard the command post, and it seemed that he was an old-timer who had the most experience in being a guard. He was the one who brought Banagher here to evacuate after the siren alert for battle rang. They were near the “Unicorn”s maintenance hangar, and several rows of normal suits were lined up in this room. Currently, he and Banagher were the only ones around.

As the wireless network in the ship was activated during battle, they could hear the conversations between the bridge and all the other departments. However, Banagher still could not say that he could even vaguely understand the conversations that included lot of technical jargon. Even though he could roughly tell that this raid was a bogus judgment, it was still a mystery why the main cannon of the ship was fired. As they were evacuating, he could hear messages like <Backup personnel, swap duties 5 minutes earlier> and <Execute Assignment A>, and he could see the passengers walking around frantically at the doors. They’re working, huh? Banagher thought blankly. Even if they’re the military, there’s nothing unique about them. They’re just like the workers in the factories, doing their own duties to let the ship move, that’s all—

“That’s why I’m asking where you’re bringing me to…haa? How will I know if the squad leader doesn’t?”

The sergeant growled angrily into the room’s internal phone he picked up. The lax assignment of duties caused the crew to be unable to handle the unexpected situation. Everyone’s not used to an actual battle, huh? As he thought about that, Banagher was about to keep the normal suit he put on as a familiar color and shape crossed by him.

“Haro…?”

Banagher did not think that he made a mistake in identifying it. He went after the green ball that moved past the door and arrived outside the locker room. “Oi, don’t just run out like that!” the sergeant growled. “That’s mine.” Banagher answered and held onto the grip lift. “Oi, wait!” Banagher kicked the floor as he ignored the sergeant who left the phone behind.

Banagher thought that he could catch Haro immediately, but it ignored his calls as it flapped its ears and nimbly turned around the corner. “Oi, you! Hold it!” as he heard the sergeant’s growls behind him, Banagher switched grip lifts at a cross junction and moved down a narrow passage 90 degrees aside. That’s weird. There’s no reason for Haro to ignore me like this. Maybe somebody else gave it a verbal command. If the memory’s not deliberately deleted later, Haro will treat the owner and anyone it talked to for a long time as a friend. If it can follow even a simple command, the only ones on this ship who are registered as friends are Takuya, Micott, and as for the rest—

At the second turn of the cross junction, Banagher finally caught up to Haro just before it turned around the corner. As he carried it, he felt that it stopped on its own, and said, “This isn’t good. You have to be with everyone.” Haro’s eyes merely flickered as it answered, <Haro> Banagher was about to return to the locker room when a hand reached out for the coat of the collar.

Banagher was pulled from the back of his head and went into a door on the passage that was opened. He wanted to share it off immediately, but got a glimpse of the emerald green eyes that shone in the dim light, and his heart pounded crazily.

“There’s no time, Banagher. Listen to me.”

Audrey. The mouth of the emerald-eyed girl covered Banagher who was about to call her name, and she showed an irritated look, muttering quickly, “Oi, brat. Answer me!” On hearing the sergeant’s angry growl pass by the door, Banagher nodded at her. Audrey released the hand holding Banagher down and led him deep into a room that was like a storeroom with all the lights switched off.

The light that shone in through the door caused the purple cape that fluttered with the air to appear. Why is she here? What happened to Ensign Mihiro and the rest? There were a lot of things Banagher really wanted to ask, but he did not even have the time to ask as Audrey pushed him to the pile of cardboard boxes that was fastened with a belt, and brought her face close to a distance where he could feel her breathing. She let out a questioning voice, “Did you really activate the “Unicorn Gundam”?”

“Unicorn…Gundam?”

The term was something he knew, yet it felt alien to him. Banagher repeated the term that was that felt like a mysterious curse, sometimes safe and sometimes dangerous like a parrot. "So that was the name of that machine." Banagher accepted it in his heart unconditionally. “What happened?” Audrey’s anxious voice repeated.

“Seemed that way…”

“You say it seems—”

“I don’t really know. Everything happened so quickly. There wasn’t even a warning or something…”

Banagher diverted his eyes away from the frowning Audrey as his eyes escaped to the shadow formed by the gaps between the boxes. The bloodied face in his nightmare appeared in the shadows , causing him to clench his fists.

On one hand, Cardeas talked about believing in possibilities and doing what one had to do. On the other hand, he could hear Cardeas talk through the wireless network like a war merchant. "Which one is the real you?" Banagher thought as he recalled the words Alberto said. “Alright.” At this moment, Audrey sighed. She turned away as she made up her mind.

“Can you still activate it?”

Audrey’s voice sounded rather sound. "Eh?" Banagher thought as he looked up. As he was held down by the intimidating stare in her eyes, he answered, “I guess…”

“Then, leave this place with me.”

Her calm voice caused Banagher to hold his breath and gasp. He looked around meaninglessly, and then asked, “Here, as in, this ship?” as he stared at Audrey who was floating 30cm away from him. She however did not even nod.

“Impossible. I can’t do this.”

“There’s always a way when you get onto the Gundam. The ship crew here isn’t experienced enough. The remaining problem is to shake off the Special Forces.”

Audrey said as she diverted her eyes to a corner of the ceiling. Banagher realized that there was a surveillance camera there, and exchanged looks with her serious expression. He eked out a voice, “Audrey…”

“You can still make it back to Industrial 7 now. Once you reach there, I’ll deal with the machine. You’ll be fine when you say that you were threatened, right?”

“But…”

“That’s a dangerous machine that can’t be handed to anyone. We have to destroy it before it docks in the Federation base…”

“Please wait for a while, okay…!”

Banagher was driven by the fear that was about to blow him up from within as he subconsciously grabbed Audrey’s shoulders. He pulled her body down from the air and stared at the eyes that were at the same height level as him. Audrey looked over with an expression that was hard to discern.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying. What did you say that mobile suit is? Please explain it clearly to me.”

“There’s no time now. I’ll explain the details to you later. First…”

“How can I decide on something without knowing what’s going on!? Why must you talk to me like this!?”

“Like this…?”

“Like you have to do this, like there’s a need to do that. It’s really too sly to try and force someone to accept it in such a way…besides, ain’t I not someone you don’t nee?”

Even though he felt that it was sneaky of him to say it, Banagher still said it. Everyone only thought of saying what would be convenient to them and not actually talking heart to heart. Even though those were the words of others, he could only feel empty as he was left in the lurch. "What can I believe now when some things have to be decided in such a situation now?"

Banagher felt that his stomach was starting to heat up as he shut up and turned his back on Audrey. He pressed a fist against a cardboard box and muttered with clenched fists, “Everyone’s making decisions on their own…”

“You too, the people here too, even that man…” The heat continued to swell and rise in him, breaking through his restrain. Realizing this, Banagher closed his eyes and squeezed out his remaining words, “Saying that he’s my father out of a sudden…”

“Father?”

“Forcing that kind of mobile suit to me, saying it’s the curse of the Vist Family, and the Laplace Box or something…I don’t even know what’s what now!”

Banagher felt that Audrey held her breath. “Are you talking, about that Cardeas Vist? Then, you’re the Vist family—”

“I don’t know! I was separated from him when I was young, and I couldn’t even remember his face. He didn’t come over to mother’s funeral, he wouldn’t even meet us, and now out of a sudden…”

The thoughts after that never became words. The hatch limiting his emotions was gone. Fear and anger raged on in his abdomen as if it was a backlash of emotions that was held for several hours. After a stunned silence, Audrey muttered, “Such things happened…” Banagher could hear the surprised voice that seemed to understand something from behind him as he moved to reach for Haro that was floating in the air with nowhere to go.

This was an old toy that he continued to maintain and update ever since he received it as a Christmas gift at the age of 5. The familiar touch entered his clutches safely. At that time, the fad for toys ended in less than a year, and it was a long time ago since the time when the manufacturer stopped sales of Haro. Even so, Banagher never let go of Haro when he entered middle school. He would try his best to repair it himself whenever it was spoilt, and his mother would often nag at him in an annoyed manner,

“Just give it up already. Haro’s already at its limit. Isn’t it weird to go around with an old toy?”

“It can still move if I repair it. That’s nothing bad about it.”

How did the mother feel when she knew who gave that Haro to this son of hers who argued back? No, Banagher had already realized that it was a gift from his father, and his mother knew that Banagher already knew about that. Even though nobody said it out, both of them viewed that as an unspoken secret and accepted Haro as a family member. Why am I still bringing it around? Is it because it’s the only thing linking me to the father I know? I never had the feeling of wanting to meet my father before.

No—I probably still want to meet him. I created an impression of father myself though mother’s words and the immaturity of my sealed memories. I let myself believe to make up for the ‘absent’ reality, and there are still a lot of things I should really look forward too. Banagher was hoping that he could one day lift his head up high and meet the man who was his father, and such an idea gave him his minimum level of aspiration and made him not stay inside the slums that were his hometown. Perhaps it was this motivation to improve that was effective in a certain way that was able to allow him to endure his mother’s death and take on that loneliness of being isolated by the world.

But in reality—Banagher put down Haro and closed up the seal of his memories. Haro floated around in zero gravity, hit the wall and flicker its eyes, flapping its ears and making some sounds.

“…A long time ago, there was a story that was passed down like a legend.”

As Haro made noises, Audrey’s voice directed itself at Banagher, who moved his face slightly.

“Once the Laplace Box is opened, the Federation government will reach its end.”

Banagher was driven by a pulsating feeling and turned behind. He saw Audrey rooted over there, a figure in the darkness.

“This isn’t something everyone knows of. However, something that involves the center of what they call society will naturally reach some people’s ears somewhere. One must fear the Vist Foundation. They have the Box. Those that follow the Foundation will have riches and honors, and those who disobey will have death…”

It felt like a supernatural story. Banagher swallowed his saliva, but Audrey shrugged him aside as she continued to state calmly,

“Nobody knows what was inside that Box, but they knew it really existed. The Laplace Box was a form of convenience obtained from the government, an invisible pressure on the government’s eyes. The most triumphant example is the Anaheim Electronics company. It single-handedly controls the military needs and public needs, and won’t be pursued even when it was helping Neo Zeon. Without the backing of the Vist Foundation, it would be impossible to imagine that they would have such rights.”

Banagher unwittingly used his hand to touch the chest of his jumper. The initials and crest of Anaheim Electronics was printed on it, and they left a rough feeling on his fingers.

“Cardeas Vist intended to hand that Box over to the “Sleeves”…Neo Zeon. The location was Industrial 7, the colony builder that was under the name of the Vist Foundation. However, the Federation army sniffed out signs of the deal and sent this ship and the Special Forces over. And then…”

That battle happened. Banahger sense that his body was about to tumble over as he used his hand to hold onto the pile of cardboard boxes.

“I had to prevent the Laplace Box from being handed over to Neo Zeon. I don’t know Cardeas Vist’s real intent. However, Neo Zeon still can’t use that Box. Once that power that can topple the Federation land in their hands, there will undoubtedly be a war that will be like the One Year War, causing devastation on both sides.”

Banagher recalled the history shows he once saw on the television, the images of the colony landing on earth. It was an idea of ‘throwing a colony down’ that a colony in orbit was slowed down to act as a mass bomb. The military country controlled by the Zabi family, the atrocities of Zeon, the moment the megacity was wiped out, and how the landscape was changed as a result, bringing about all sorts of calamities onto the earth. There was no need for special technology and expenses. By manipulating the resources around them, they were able to cause a disaster that never happened before—that’s right, it’s not difficult to destroy the world just like that. Banagher abruptly thought.

With some imagination and madness to do it, it’s not difficult to destroy the world. There are definitely many chances to start a war of total annihilation, but people probably haven’t discovered them yet. If the Laplace Box contains such methods, and if they end up in the hands of Neo Zeon that is the descendant of Zeon…

“Neo Zeon hasn’t obtained the Box yet, but since they know it exists, they will come for it no matter how many times. The same thing as yesterday will happen again. A war will start. We have to destroy it before it actually happens.”

“Don’t tell me, that is…”

There’s no need to hear the answer. Audrey answered with her eyes.

“It’s not the Box itself, but a guide to the Box. Cardeas Vist handed the key to open the Box, the “Unicorn Gundam”…that machine to you, his heir.”

The last words Cardeas left behind and the words about the “Unicorn Gundam” everyone on the ship was rambling about started to echo in Banagher’s head. He slowly floated around in zero gravity, leaning his back on the cardboard boxes. Audrey stared at him and twitched her long eyelashes slightly.

“I don’t feel that the current world is perfect. We have a lot we want to say as well, but if we let so many people die…I think there’s still a way to gradually change the world’s thinking. Up till now, humanity has managed to survive like this. It’s better not to have such a thing like the Laplace Box—”

“Who, who are you?”

I couldn’t listen to everything you said. He said. Audrey’s shoulders jerked slightly.

“It’s like you know everything about Neo Zeon…it’s like I’m listening to some great person. It’s different from your voice in Industrial 7.”

Audrey lowered her head and closed her mouth. It was the same whenever she faced him and raised some unreasonable requests; it was the same when she said that she did not need him, the helpless look she showed during that short moment after she finished her words. The wavering of emotions that were restrained showed that she was actually rather delicate. She was smart and had a strong sense of responsibility, but in contrast, those emerald eyes would not see anything else once she was determined. The side of her face that showed a slight smile when she called herself duckweed was alluring enough to drag him in. It was not simply because Banagher could resonate with her emotionally, but that he realized that there’s a spark in the resonance to her existence.

Right now, Audrey did not have that charisma. Even as she pretended to talk in like an adult, it was the same. The way she held back by her position as she spoke covered her up. Is it because she can’t remain undefended against me once she feels that I’m necessary to her? If that’s the case, I might as well be someone unnecessary to her. “Let me hear your voice.” Banagher said. This alone won’t be able to create a spark because I’m not smart enough to act based on logic.

“I want to hear, not about what you have to do, but what you want to do. If you’re willing to tell me…”

What can I do then? Banagher’s voice softened as he spoke, and he was unhappy about his own sputtering as he waited for Audrey to speak up. Logic doesn’t matter. Just find something that allows you to find your passion. Find a passion that allows us to be together, that passion that can’t be created in the disjointed world, that passion that can resist the icy cold world. Banagher felt that no matter whom Audrey was, that would be enough for him to escape from here. To save her, I have to bear the weight of the world—even if Cardeas’ words became reality.

Audrey lowered her eyes and clenched her fists, having finally showed an expression of realization. She stared at Banagher.

“I want—”

“What are you two doing?”

A cold voice suddenly rang, interrupting the rest of the words. Banagher froze and at the door from past Audrey’s shoulders, who in turn was stunned. With the light source shining from the corridor, Banagher could tell that it was Micott standing at the door.

“Being all sneaky over here…what are you doing, you? Pretending to be missing along with everyone, is there something you want to discuss with Banagher?”

Micott let out stinging words as she grabbed tightly onto the door frame. Banagher felt the icy expression from her eyes as he stood in front of Audrey. “I’ll take to you later, Micott…” he said “WHEN’S LATER!?” Micott’s loud voice echoed throughout the room, causing the skin to tremble.

“A lot of thing was messed up ever since this woman appeared here! Are you one of the terrorists allies? Now you’re intending to trick Banagher? What are you planning?”

I just entered a trap I dug myself and forgot about—he had such a feeling. “I…” Audrey muttered softly, only to stop midway and bite her lips. Banagher saw this and instinctively growled back, “Micott, that’s not right of you.” “What…” Micott cringed back as her eyes showed signs of tears.

“The colony we lived in is ruined! Slyvia and Mario disappeared like dust! Even Anaheim Electronics was blown with the ground…do you think I can forgive her!?”

No response. He felt that Micott’s response was the normal one, and yet felt that he had to continue to keep a secret. Both these issues bore down on Banagher’s heart, and the thought of him being the worst traitor bored down on his heart. I can’t go back to Industrial 7. I can’t remain in the days with the disjointed feeling. It’s really a path of no return. All sorts of thoughts appeared in Banagher’s heart.

“If you’re allied with the terrorists, I—”

She stared at Audrey with teary eyes and eked out a voice before stopping there. “Ah, over here.” “Miss Micott, disappearing like that out of a sudden is really…” as they wondered why other voices came over from the passage, Takuya and Ensign Mihiro appeared at the door.

Takuya first noticed them in the room as he blinked and said, “Huh, Banagher?” Mihiro, who put his hand on Micott’s shoulder, showed a shocked expression as she said with an absent-minded tone, “What are you doing here, Miss Audrey? Everyone’s been looking for you.” After a short pause, “Sorry, but I’m still not used to controlling the liftgrip.” Audrey said the answer she had already prepared beforehand. Banagher looked back in Micott’s direction after seeing Audrey answer, and realized that they would be doomed if things were revealed here. However, Micott did not look at anyone as she merely shook of Mihiro’s hand to leave the scene.

“Wait, Miss Micott!” Mihiro called out as she chased after her. Banagher too got onto the corridor and witnessed Mihiro turn around the cross junction. Takuya then got up from behind to clamp Banagher on the neck and whisper, “What exactly is going on?”

“Even if you ask…”

“I did help you speak up the last time, but actually, I still haven’t accepted things yet.”

Takuya put his hand on Banagher’s hand and glanced at the door of the room where Audrey was in. Banagher’s fingers that were placed on Takuya’s arm shuddered slightly.

“Her lack of immigration record will be exposed once we get back to “Industrial 7”. You better put an end to this before that happens.”

Takuya quickly finished and released Banagher, stepping on the floor to leave. He’s not actually angry, but worried about me. Banagher stared at the back of Takuya that gave this vibe and saw a glimmer of hope. He then met Audrey’s eyes at the door. Put an end to this—how? As both their eyes gazed into each other’s “You brats actually came all the way here!?” a rude grol rang through the corridor, and the guard showed a completely different expression as he stood at the cross junction.

Part 7

The reason why Daguza could not avoid that shadow completely was because he had to protect his lleft arm that was fastened with the cast. He quickly kicked the wall and barely managed to avoid direct collision. After seeing that person who lost her balance slightly, he gasped a little.

The person had slight wavy long black hair and long legs under her shorts. The girl who basically did not look like she was a member of the ship crew was the reason why he gasped. She probably did not use the liftgrip, but used inertia to move over. Daguza grabbed the girl as she looked like she was going to slam into the wall quickly and let her hold onto the liftgrip well.

“Excuse me…”

“No worries.”

The girl did not look like she minded about this as she held onto the liftgrip and slowly moved. She was one of the civilians he met in the recreation room, the girl who brazenly said that her father was a factory owner. Daguza saw this girl who looked a little lifeless, completely different from before and mused in his heart: To think that they’ll let civilians move around the ship like that… and sighed as he got ready to hold onto the liftgrip again.

It’s worrying that the fracture’s unable to heal because of long-term exposure to zero gravity. I want to hurry up and get to a place with gravity, but how are we going to let the ship move to “Lunar Two”? Daguza thought of that very bothersome Alberto’s face and was about to think of a way as a troubled voice could be heard from behind. “Erm…”

The black-haired girl stopped in the middle of the corridor. The half-turned face showed a hesitant expression, and once their eyes met, it looked like she intended to avoid Daguza, who noticed that the girl’s eyes were drenched in tears.

“There’s something I don’t know who I should talk to about…”

Despite being troubled, the girl said with a depressed-sounding voice. Daguza moved his hand away from the liftgrip.

Part 8

The metal door to the monitor room was pushed open. Conroy, who leaned the his big body on the terminal monitor, had his eyes half opened in a dazed manner.

“I want to connect with the ship’s database archive. Can it be done?”

Daguza quickly spoke to stop Conroy before the grumbling about how he should be sleeping came. Conro’'s expression changed the moment he saw the ID card that was obtained. “Please use it.” Conroy said as he stopped his half-completed assignment and gave up his seat in front of the terminal. Daguza pulled the chair and swiped the ID on the card reader beside the computer.

Daguza typed in the 10-digit password he remembered on the keyboard with his free right hand. The log-in screen shown on the access page was the database network managed by the Federation Central Intelligence, a download right a Londo Bell ship would have. Of course, only those of cadre class could log in, and the important classified information were removed from here. However, it was an important treasure when searching for particular information—for example, the appearance of a terrorist or a fugitive. Daguza first chose the picture comparison option, and entered the ship staff’s database, entered the name and gender and let the program pick up the selected photographs.

“Are these the civilians kept on board?”

Conroy let out a surprised voice as he looked at the photo shown on the terminal. All the civilians had their face photos and fingerprint data collected before they were taken on board the battleship. “This may be it.” Daguza did not actually believe that girl, Micott Bartsch’s testimony completely without belief, but once she mentioned it, he did notice something. He had an impression that he saw this somewhere before when he saw that person. As the relation between those two was too sudden, Daguza’s mind did not have time to actually think.

The forehead, eyebrows, eyes. The data match with the photo appeared in that order, and gradually formed a complete face. The search ended, and the face that was no different from the photo was shown on the matchup column. It was a front face photo that was secretly taken, CG repaired. The name was—

“This person is…”

Conroy let out a hoarse voice as he brought his pale face to the terminal. Daguza held his fingertips that looked like they were trembling, trying not to show any emotion, and briefly answered, “Keep it down.”

“Don’t take your eyes off ‘her’.”

That’s all we can only do right now. Daguza gave this command to a still-puzzled Conroy and closed the database.

Part 9

The Captain’s room was not a place a pilot should be entering unless there was an order. Besides, it made even less sense for a pilot to be welcomed by the captain so much if the pilot had not achieved such a huge accomplishment.

“Ah, you’ve arrived. Come now, take a seat here.”

However, such an unreasonable situation was happening. Riddhe was prompted by Captain Otto’s mysterious courteous smile as he sat on the sofa of the reception room. Right beside him was Squad Leader Norm, who was invited in earlier, giving an ugly expression as compared to Otto. Riddhe could not tell exactly what was going on as he was suddenly summoned in after being on standby, and could only remain cautious and wait for the unexpectedly excited Otto to speak up. The officer room attendant wearing a white servant uniform served some cutlery for tea and poured red tea into the trio’s cup.

“This is an actual produce from Earth. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of the few forms of relaxation for me. I normally bug my wife to let me carry this onto the ship. Here, have some.”

The attendant left the room as Otto said with a very good mood. Riddhe glanced aside to check on Norm’s expression, deduced the moods, and realized that there would be no problems for him to start drinking as he sat properly, took the teacup, and answered, “Yes! I’m tucking in.”. Riddhe took the teacup, had a sip, and tasted the sweetness amidst the bitterness. “Ah, that’s right.” Otto suddenly patted his thigh as he said this. Riddhe barely managed to take a first gulp as he resisted the urge to spurt out the red tea.

“You’re born on Earth, Ensign. I suppose things like this red tea from England aren’t something rare?”

Otto chuckled while giving the vibe that he’s forcing things. Riddhe saw Norm’s slightly moving cheeks, understood that he intended to laugh with it, and pretended to give a smile as he answered, “No, not at all.” Both of them gave empty smiles that stopped inside this reception room, giving the mood that something annoying would be discussed within this room.

“Then, there is no special reason why I invited both of you. I suppose you can understand the situation in our ship now, Ensign?”

“Yes…”

“Ever since the battle started, we had only two instructions issued from the Central Council. Retreat, and standby. I really want to assist in the colony evacuation, but since we are on a special mission from the general headquarters, we can’t show ourselves in front of the media. We could only leave the colony after taking back the spare parts of that Gundam.”

Shouldn’t this be part of the Captain’s jurisdiction? Riddhe really did not want to laugh with him as he put the red tea to his lips to avoid answering.

“We’re hiding inside the shoal space region like this…but there’s still no sign of reinforcements. It seems that Londo Bell has taken action, but just on usual alert. We can tell that the headquarters on Londenium have not grasped our location. Even if we want to alert Command, we can’t communicate with them when we’re under special orders even though we belong to them.”

Otto, who took a sip of red tea, showed a faint glint in his eyes. At this moment, I thought of you.” On hearing these words, Here we go again. Riddhe thought.

“If I’m correct, your father does have quite the high standing amongst the Central Council, correct? Ronan Marcenas. It’s said that he’s the chairman of the Settlement Issues Council, and also very active on national defense, a truly impressive important senator.”

And an ‘if I’m correct’ to top it off. Riddhe thought. “That’s correct, I presume?”

“I hope you can contact your father through a private message and raise the issue that our ship is isolated without any traces—“

“Please allow me to refuse.”

Riddhe answered before he even heard the end. At this moment, he did not even look at Norm’s face as he stared right at the blinking Captain Otto, trying to answer reasonably, “Isn’t this against Military rules?”

“How can we send private messages during a secret mission? If it’ll be against Military rule, just ask ‘Londo Bell’ for assistance, and things will be solved, right?”

“That’s the hard part. If we send out an official request, we may be isolated by the headquarters and left out in the cold. This is the consequence of the magic of the Laplace Box’.”

The Box—Laplace Box. This term that shut everyone up the day before caused Riddhe to quieten down.

“You heard of this before, so I’m not going to hide anything here. The chances of that Gundam-type mobile suit being heavily related to the Laplace Box are very high. The higher ups seemed to be keeping still while trying to decide what to do with that mobile suit. There are people who want to use this chance to get the ‘box’, and the people who want to restore it back in its original position; both sides are fighting it out. Well, basically, the army and Anaheim Electronics are having a tug-of-war here.”

“Won’t this be easy? We’re soldiers, so let’s just follow what the army intends.”

“There are complicated costs and benefit relations involved in this. Basically, there are all sorts of people amongst the cadres in the Central Council, like those highest executive cadre members who intend to become senators and enter politics, and those congressmen who intend to move under Anaheim once they resign…it’s because of these people tussling with each other that reinforcements won’t come in no matter how long we wait. Even as Londo Bell asks for reinforcements, a certain level will intercept. Right now, the “Nahel Argama” can be said to be a small-scale version of the being two different sides being in the same boat, but the Manhunters and the Anaheim employees. There are so many people trying to lead the ship…that’s why.

Otto put the finished cup back on the plate, and heaved a deep snort. I see. So it’s a political issue? Riddhe’s body that half-gave up on Otto reluctantly cooled down, and he drank the red tea that had no taste left. I understand this, but it’s annoying even if this is the case. That unhappy damp feeling that covered the ‘family’ made it all the way here—

“However, we might have a chance of surviving if your father can pull some means from within, like give a call to Londonium’s Commanding Officer Bright Noa. If it’s him, he will send reinforcements while letting people think that it’s a patrol. With Senator Ronan’s assistance, the Central Council will not be able to get in the way much.”

“It’s hard to say…he’s someone who views cunning policies as his life. I can’t guarantee that he will take action based on the hopes here.”

“His cute son is on this ship too. There’s no way he will leave you alone.”

The shackles binding Riddhe’s heart was about to be broken as he faced the nonchalant sounding Otto. He clumsily put the teacup back on the plate and intended to glare at Otto. “I’ll ask for that too.” However, the voice that was let out stopped his idea.

“I think I can understand how you feel, but there’s no one we can rely on now.”

Norm, who had not said a single word since just now, and had no intention of putting the red tea to his lips, was clenching the fists that were placed on his knees. “Squad Leader…” Riddhe answered as he saw his mobile suit squad leader who lowered his head and would not lift it back up, his voice stuck in his throat.

“If the reinforcements don’t come, we won’t be able to take revenge for those brothers who died. I can only ask of you this.”

Norm’s shoulders trembled violently as he lowered his head such that it was nearly hitting the table. Riddhe saw the shoulders that were trembling because of this anger and regret that was more than his, and saw Otto, who swallowed his saliva as he witnessed this. He let out a sigh from deep within.

Part 10

There’s no other choice. Riddhe returned back to his room and ended up spending 2 hours writing a mail to his father.

He had never sent a phone call for the past few years, let alone a message. His body did not have a function to communicate with his father, and he felt a chill when he started off with ‘Dear Father’. He wrote the letter while his heart was basically in agony. Riddhe was really about to faint when he ended off with ‘From your son Riddhe’. Someone like me actually ended up writing a request for help from that dad—

No outsider would be able to understand this mental trauma that was like forcing a painter to step on his own painting. He quickly finished the mail, sent it to the bridge, and felt a surging urge to kill Otto for merely giving a ‘sorry to trouble you’ formality on the surface.

Our ship will now be heading to an area where radar communication can work. We will be on second-level alert when leaving the shoal space region, but please remain in your own room, Ensign.”

“It can’t do if we make a request to the senator while getting his prince hurt!”

Otto gave a wink that gave the impression of a frozen face, and cut off the chatter linking from the bridge. To Riddhe, this might be a good thing. “DAMN IT!” Riddhe’s outcry caused his soles to be expanded on the monitor, but luckily, this scene was not seen by the Captain. Riddhe stamped on the communicator panel and went to lie on the bed.

Soon after, the siren telling the crew to remain on standby could be heard, and the engine which sounded like an air-conditioner increased. This was the sound of the Nahel Argama being ready to launch. They were leaving the remains of the colony towards a place where they could send messages by radar—a place where the radar would not be affected by the debris. On hearing the noise that came with the jerking of the furnishings in the room, Riddhe thought in the heart: Whatever you want. No matter where I go, the Marcenas’ name will never let me go. It’ll reach to the ends of the universe and surround me with its irritating damp feeling. The man who walks through that moisture leisurely will then give an arrogant wry smile and say: It’s about time for you to become an adult. Humans have roles they should perform since the moment they’re born. You shouldn’t be having a role of such a character on the other end like a pilot.

Then, what’s my role? Am I going to use my parents’ protection as a weapon? Reclaim the mantle to my family to answer everyone’s expectations? Do they want me to stay in this world where every corner is grey? Learn how to distinguish between black and white? Don’t joke around. I want to distinguish between black and white with my own power. A pilot doesn’t have a grey region. The superiority of abilities can decide life and death, and I survived from it. I tried my best. That’s because I ran away from ‘home’ and never thought of relying on it once.

However—the actual battle from before proved that the biggest difference between life and death was luck. It taught Riddhe that the difference between sitting or standing when the god of death swung its scythe would decide things. The thing that decided these differences was the change in situation, and a pilot, a character on the far end of the spectrum, had no power to change the current situation. This ship is asking me for the power to change this situation to break this deadlock. They’re not asking for this pilot called Riddhe, but the direct blood kin of the Marcenas…

He was tired. He had no motivation on wanting to escape to another place. Riddhe yawned as he noticed the thing floating his eyes, and widened his eyes that were about to close. The plane model that was placed on the table seemed to be floating because of the tremor from before. Riddhe grabbed onto the red baron plane model that was famous during an old century war, and let it float in the air where gravity had no effect. He thought, Oh yeah, my beloved Grumman is still kept by someone else. I left it with that mobile suit maniac kid…Takuya, was he? Riddhe got off the bed, stretched and moved towards the room door.

The civilians that were kept were kept at the recreation room in the same gravity block. It was tiring to talk to that brat, but it sure is better to shake off my thoughts instead of being gloomy by myself. Riddhe was rather excited about meeting Audrey again. He left his room and took his first step towards the recreation room as an intense tremor from the floor caused him to stop in his tracks.

Riddhe did not know what was going on. His body slammed into the ceiling, recoiled back onto the floor, and the corridor lights changed to the emergency red lights. Another tremor rocked the ship, activating the siren. The announcement from the operator was blocked by the explosions that rocked the ship, and a force that was 3 times stronger than before caused Riddhe to fly off.

This time, Riddhe got into a protective stance and kicked towards his footing that was either the ceiling or the floor. An enemy attack—and the ship took a direct hit. This is fast. Where is the attack coming from? There won’t be an answer even if I think here. Riddhe held onto the liftgrip that was jerking slightly and let his body glide towards the mobile suit deck.

Part 11

In this era where Minovsky Particles could render electronic weapons ineffective, the concept of guided missiles had long vanished from the battlefield. The times where guided missiles that would not let go of their targets, the era of the button wars had become a relic. This battlefield that could be seen before the Middle Ages was brought up to space as both sides fought it out while being able to see each other’s locations. The mobile suit that was at the front acted as a cavalry, while the ship at the back took on the role of moving its base. The missiles in this era would be less effective than even flaming arrows if the ships do not engage in close combat.

Even so, production of long-ranged missiles had never ceased even till this point, and the missiles viewed as important armaments for navigating ships. The concept was similar to the cavalry battles of the old ages, where throwing weapons were often viewed as treasures. Even though they could not use radar navigation to do precision attacks, the missiles would fly right at the targets once they caught sight of the enemy’s locations and determine the course for impact. The missiles, if used with conjunction with the rockets that could not be controlled when fired, would be very threatening in terms of distance and destructiveness. In particular, two direct hits from large anti-ship missiles could sink a battleship.

At this point, these anti-ship long-ranged missiles passed through the shoal space region and hit the debris of the colony where the Nahel Argama was hiding in. based on initial observations and the L1 basic coordinates that were derived after some time, it showed that 12 missiles were shot out from a Rewloola-class. 4 missed their target, while the remaining 8 hit the outer wall of the of the old colony debris, igniting the explosives that were filled within.

Blueish-white flashes continued to appear and expand, each expanding as the impacts collided with eac other. The 8 fireballs converged with each other, covering the debris of the colony. The supersonic impact caused the outer wall to be partially shed off, and the massive heat melted the materials. The common drainage built underneath were ripped apart, and the energy that crushed the buried dirt to break through the other debris, spurting through the inner walls.

The debris field had still had artificial land mass since the War before, and for a moment, looked to be surrounded by smoke. It was an impact tremor that could be felt from right below, as the dust that was on the building or ground—small particles that piled up after many years of floating in space—danced around. Also, the flash that appeared from underground was leaked out through the gaps of the earth plates, showing a chessboard-like network that spanned 1km of debris. Red flames shot out a second later like lava flowing, eroding the debris in the vacuum, and depicting the scene of uprooting perfectly.

The Nahel Argama had kept its scout camera ball, which was used for outside surveillance, back in, and intended to leave the debris. This was a shocking thing to them. The scout camera ball was a complex sensor that was operated through long cables, and was originally tossed outside amidst the debris to act as a coordinate where the ship could see its blind spot. The Nahel Argama kept it to move, and basically lost its eyes that could see what was going on inside the debris for the time being, while the missiles seemed to rush here at this precise moment.

The debris that was floating in the silence of vacuum suddenly corroded, causing a large amount of debris that flew to hit the bottom of the Nahel Argama, and the uprooted street lights and half-wrecked electric cars hit the ship directly with blazing trails. The giant ship that was almost 400m long was obvious shaken as all the items that were not fastened within the ship were all flying. The crew started bouncing several times between the ceiling and the floor. The gravity block was no exception as Banagher and the dining tray were sent flying, Takuya and Micott slammed into the wall, and Audrey held onto the foot of the table. Mihiro beside them took the internal phone of the recreation room, but was knocked together with the receiver into the air by the continuous shaking. Banagher grabbed onto Mihiro’s waist to catch her, and both of them slammed together into the monitor panel on the wall.

Daguza was slammed into the ceiling of the corridor, while Alberto was curled up like a ball as he fell in the room he made his own. The cranes and the frames let out metallic cries that sounded like they were going to snap. Gibney and the other maintenance soldiers were moving all over the place in response to this. Norm, Riddhe and the other pilots leapt into their own cockpits. There were equipment that could not be used, starting with the anti-air machine guns that took direct damage from the debris, but the bridge had to confirm the damage of the ship later. They were already on standby, but First Officer Liam and the others who had not put on normal suits were thrown off the chairs. Captain Otto ended up having his head crash into the ceiling.

Cries and grunts caused the cries and all the noise to be messed up within his skull that was numb with pain. The scolding hot debris grazed past the front window of the bridge, and numerous red vestiges entered their eyes. It looked like the top of an erupting volcano—

“ENGINE ACCELERATE! EMERGENCY RETREAT!”

Liam finally managed to sit back in her chair and shouted out this command without waiting for the captain to make a decision. The steering crew member recited the order and turned the steering wheel into the designated direction. The bow of the Nahel Argama lifted by almost 90 degrees, and Otto, who saw that the ship was heading up through the colony debris, recognized Liam’s immediate decision in this situation. He also had the thought of accelerating forward to escape, but the rubble was scattering, and they were trying to limit the hit area to the smallest possible. The Nahel Argama left the colony debris and managed to escape with the scattered debris hitting the stern of the ship.

“CHECK THE NUMBER OF CASUALITIES! HURRY! WHAT’S THE AIR SURVEILLANCE DOING!?”

Otto shook off the heavy impact his head took as he started yelling. He received the normal suit from the warrant officer waiting on the bridge. “There’s no sign of any enemy around!” The sensor operator’s growl entered Otto’s ears.

“The guess is that the attack came from outside the radar range.”

“Impossible. Look for it. There’s definitely an enemy disguised as a debris out there nearby.”

Otto slipped his legs into the normal suit and pulled the zip. The sounds of the rubble hitting the ship could still be heard. The remains of the colony below them were gradually crumbling as he saw the saw of it scattering everywhere through the monitor. He then turned his eyes on the searching sensors located on the left flank of the ship. There were direct hits from the anti-ship missiles—and it was not just 2, 3 hits. There was definitely an enemy ship that fired countless missiles from very close distance. It was less than a minute since they kept the scout camera ball and reduced their detection ability. It was basically impossible for an enemy ship to get close, fire missiles and retreat back outside the radar.

“It’s not guided missiles from the radar era we’re talking about here. It’s impossible for missiles to be so accurate once they’re fired and control is lost, and from that distance too…”

Otto unwittingly said these words, and felt a chill on his back. An attack from afar. If there are no signs of enemies nearby, this is the only thing we can deduce. If we use outer space as a background, the enemy ship will merely be a speck of dust. There’s only one way to shoot from outside the radar range and into a 1km radius full of debris. That will be to deduce the absolute coordinates of the target and clear all obstacles in the way before shooting off all the missiles.

That’s right. The enemy knows where we are exactly. I carelessly used the main cannon just now because of the trouble with the Salamis-class rubble and revealed our location—

“We’ve been had.”

Liam, who looked like a bear as she was wearing the normal suit, whispered beside the captain seat. Otto saw the tense look from the side of the First Officer’s face and wordlessly looked forward. “High-heat object, closing in rapidly!” Shocked, he lifted his head once he heard the voice of the sensor operator.

“4 targets, coming in from above the ship. Estimated time before reaching, T-minus 3.3”

It’s different from the first wave attack coordinates. We’re surrounded. Otto temporarily left aside this worst case scenario as he asked, “Missiles again!?”

“No, this movement is of a mobile suit, but…”

The stuttering voice showed fear. Otto looked at the back of the sensor operator from behind Liam’s shoulder.

“It’s unreasonable for it to fly through the debris at such a speed. A unit leading the squad is moving in 3 times faster than the mobile suits behind!”

The sensor operator lifted his head from the control panel, looking rather pale as he turned to the Captain’s seat. “What did you say..?” Otto felt his muttering mouth widen as he stared at the sensor image.

The unidentified unit left behind the units at the back as it flickered mysteriously. It’s a completely different unit from the ‘Sleeves’ mobile suits before, including that four-winged—Otto heard his skin give off goosebumps as he unwittingly grabbed onto the armrest of the Captain’s seat.

Part 12

The attacking speed of that red mobile suit was definitely far above the Geara Zulus that were following behind. The high-output thrust unit installed on the back was a reason for this, but that was not all. The red mobile suit was also skilled and stepping on the debris in its course, utilizing superb technique of recoil and thruster jet use to move forward.

The unit immediately floated through the countless metal debris and stone rubble that were far larger, crossing each side, leaping on each debris piece, shot out thruster jets at full power to the next debris piece, and kept going through the shoal space region at this accelerated dash. Of course, the debris would move with the course, so it was not able to gain a proper footing beforehand. It predicted the course of the debris beforehand, chose the next landing point before having footing, and chose the shortest path to the next target. Even a high-capacity computer would not be able to compute in time, and this was an amazing skill that was like climbing a cliff by jumping off falling rocks. The pilot of the red mobile suit—the “Sinanju” could do it however. The angelic-looking wings of the thruster unit flared as the red mobile suit leapt through the torrent of debris like stepping stones, elegantly dancing through space.

As it moved forward, the colony debris that hid its trails was crushed as a Federation ship emerged from the chaos of debris. The face of the masked pilot wrinkled with a smile as he saw the white ship emerge into the underworld. His hands were wearing thing gloves as he held onto the control sticks, while his feet that were covered with boots stepped on the pedal. The pilot was wearing a crimson red uniform that had gold ornaments, and was not wearing a normal suit.

“Let me see the capabilities of that new model Gundam then!”

The bushy blond hair felt vitalized as it swayed gently in the air. As the “Sinanju” passed through the torrent of debris, Full Frontal chuckled in the cockpit.

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