-------------------------------------
Spoiler
The tension was prominent in Ryuji's face.
He hadn't slept well, and today would be an intense day both physically and mentally.
Internally, he wanted to bite someone's head off like a monster, but no one deserved it.
Maybe.
Maybe Avent did, he thought. The more he'd reviewed his own recent history, the more he believed that he truly was a Newtype. No matter how he tried to logically distance himself from this complicating reality, the more he was sure of it. If he were anywhere else, this wouldn't be a big deal, but in the eyes of the Trans-Pacific Union, even more so to its military forces, the business of being a Newtype was a very dangerous thing.
He still had close to three years left to go, and getting a discharge without a good reason would be near impossible. But what life awaited him outside the structure of the military?
There was no home to return to, not for him. His curse was the very thing that was any semblance of a family: a Newtype in the military of a collective state that despised Newtypes.
If his captain knew, he was giving a pass. Avent Marquis, however, gave no indication of being remotely generous to him in the matter.
--------------------------------
Caesar-class Augustus
--------------------------------
"You gonna give it a rest?" Smith called up to the Anubis.
Hisham leaned over enough to be heard with clarity.
"No. I want all our mobile suits in top shape."
"Aw, geez." Smith rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, at least take a break. That's what the rest of us are doing." He turned away, and spoke quietly. "Plus, I've had to take a leak for the past half-hour."
Alice swished her drink around in it's can.
"So what else are you going to do?"
"Hell if I know." Smith leaned back. "I've gone over the thing with a fine tooth comb, and outside of having it torn apart to the last screw and cleaned, I don't know what else can be done for tuning."
"He's not usually this uptight, is he?" she asked.
His head shook. "No, but I have a feeling that our recent bad luck has him on edge. Not that I'm blaming him over that."
"Yeah, but shouldn't we be safe?" Blake sat down with them.
"More or less, but that's not going to do anything." Smith took a swig and then continued. "He's not going to ease up until we're docked in Guam...heh, even then I'm not sure he'll loosen up that much."
"He's a real tight arse."
Smith eyed him.
"I wouldn't say that."
"Why not?"
"Everybody deals with stress differently. With Hisham, he's just driven more to make everything's in order. Look, I'm not saying I'm not being driven a little nuts by it, but that's the way he's been ever since I've known him. Probably why Hawk made him is right hand two weeks after he boarded the ship." He drew a casual smile. "In other words, you can trust him that he'll be driven to do what needs done."
"So that's the case?" Bear prodded.
"Correct, the navigation computer has shut down." The tech confirmed. "But, since that last battle, we've been having trouble with it."
"How long will it take?"
"Depends on what's the problem. I'm in the middle of troubleshooting currently, and once I'm done with that, I'll have a better idea. Right now, I think I know, but I won't say unless I've got a certain diagnosis."
"Understood."
-------------------------------
Shanghai, China
-------------------------------
Avent's perturbed sigh foreshadowed what came afterwards.
"Well, congratulations, you managed to live a few minutes longer." He reached over to a keypad in the cockpit, punching in a code. "You're doing it again. You'll do it until it's done right."
Jin's face had draw more sour than typical.
"Damn taskmaster!" He pounded his fist into the seat.
"You're damn right about that." Avent smirked. "I'm the reason they're not trolling the waters for your corpse. I'm here to give you little snots some real training on how to use your mobile suit to it's maximum potential."
"Hey, I know how to use this thing." Jin snapped back.
Ryuji bowed his head, knowing what was to come.
As much as Sky disliked Jin, even she already had developed a sour taste for Avent.
"Corporal Suzaku, get out of that machine now!" Avent snapped, setting the Freya down.
He could see the new Lieutenant had shred Jin’s nerves by the way he exited the Gilgamesh.
Jin was hunched forward, smoldering.
"You-"
It was all he got out before Avent sent him sprawling on the ground.
"Let's get something straight, Suzaku: I know you're a little hothead." He took piercing glances at the Marduk and Lilith. "I've read up on you three, and I know all the right buttons to push."
Blood dripped from Jin's nose to the ground.
Avent continued. "I'm here to maximize these machines, no matter what it takes. You will do what I say, and you'll do it until it's done right. If I have to beat that into your heads with my own fists, so be it."
"I swear, the next chance I get, I'm gonna pound him flat!"
Ryuji looked forlornly at Jin who was sitting, holding an ice pack over his nose.
"Well, you could try to not get ahead of yourself."
An icy glare came at him.
"Right. He'll sport that mobile suit of his somewhere he won't like."
"Hey." Ryuji put up his hands. "I get what you're saying. I don't particularly care for him myself."
As Jin's anger returned focus toward it's initial target, Ryuji crossed his arms and continued.
"I know during training they push you so you're mentally prepared for battle. There's nothing like that with this guy. I kinda sense this is his personality."
"You 'sense' it? Come on, it's seeping from the guy."
Sky, who had been silent, spoke up.
"Normally, I wouldn't think of even siding with you on something like this, but you're right."
Jin looked at her, shocked.
"You mean?"
"Yes, it's as if he gets his kicks off of it. What's worse, he's the type that will get results."
Ryuji looked at her. "He's watching all of us."
"Of course he is."
"Well let me finish." He took a deep breath. "This needs to be absolutely confidential, okay."
The two pilots nodded.
"This is confidential as in I'm dead if word gets out."
He played with his hands, trying to select the right set of words to say.
"That mobile suit that was trying to get us all before we got to port...well, that pilot seems to think..." He struggled with the words that could jeopardize his own life. "He seems to think, heh, I'm a Newtype."
Jin shot to his feet.
"You have got to be kidding me!"
-------------------------------
Caesar-class Augustus
-------------------------------
Elena rubbed her eyes.
For the first time in what seemed an eternity, she could open them without watering.
The ache was still prominent inside her chest, but it had lessened considerably since sleeping some.
Her legs slipped to the edge of the bed, eventually falling over until her feet touched the floor.
She groaned.
She felt worn out, but it was good to stand and stretch.
It'd feel even better under a hot shower.
The water was running in one of the shower stalls when she entered the locker room.
"Hey." A voice called out, a hand fluttering above a partition.
It was Alice.
Elena set her clean clothes off to the side.
She returned the greeting, though it was muffled by her shirt.
"Hey, yourself."
"Elena?"
"Yeah, it's me." She confirmed.
A moment later, Alice heard the shower stall beside hers open and the spray kick on.
"What's been going on anyway?" Elena asked. "I've kinda been out of the loop."
"Ah, let's see. We're in Union territory, so we should be alright."
Elena stuck her hand out far enough to give a thumbs up.
"Then, Hisham's is really on everyone's back to get their mobile suit tuned to the max."
The hand flipped over.
"So, I'm really behind?"
"Not necessarily."
"Oh?" Elena moved her head around so she could hear more clearly.
"Smith's helped out some, but he said he'd have to leave some of it to you. He's such a nice man."
Alice giggled.
Elena played along, acting annoyed. "What are you, my mother?"
"No, but, he did help out. And I really do think he's a nice man."
"He's the obnoxious brother I never had, but he's a good guy." She returned under the stream.
"Anyway, what else?"
"Ship looks like hell and a lot of systems are still down."
"Fantastic."
One stream of water shut off, and a door opened and closed.
"But, we're still moving. I hope you like Guam."
"It's about the next best thing to being home, so I'm fine with that."
Alice paused drying her hair with a towel.
"Oh, yeah, you're from Hawaii, so I guess you'd be used to the climate."
"You got it." She could hear Alice rummaging around. "Hey, what are you doing after this?"
There was an almost singing response.
"Meeting up with someone."
Elena was pretty sure, but she had to ask.
"So, you and Smith are...?"
"Seeing each other? Sorta, but it's at that 'complicated' stage?"
Now Elena was silent.
What if?
What if Smith was killed?
"Elena?" Alice called.
"Yeah?"
"Are you okay?"
------------------------------
Unknown
------------------------------
General Kyoji rocked comfortably in his chair.
"I'd most certainly like to have this process move, but until Deshang has his proof, we're at a loss to have this operation proceed."
"Indeed." The person on the other end agreed. "He will have his proof sooner than later, I hope."
"Naturally. This aggression has been smoldering for some time, and once the proper information has been revealed, the first step will naturally ignite. At this point, we've got too few operatives to use, especially with our most recent loss."
"But the kindling has already been displayed, so the flames this world desires will advance."
The general rested his face in one hand, gently smiling.
"No need for such dramatics. The important measures needed will happen on my end, I can guarantee you that. Unfortunately, the person we need to move to action isn't as easy to push."
"At least currently. Cai Deshang is the man who will initiate the first step. Once he starts to move, we'll begin preparations for the future of man."
-----------------------------
Shanghai, China
-----------------------------
Ryuji locked his helmet in place.
"You ready?"
"No, but I don't have a choice." Jin replied bitterly.
The reply was a pathetic one at best.
"None of us do."
Jin just glared at him, saying nothing.
The unwelcomed voice of Avent Marquis flowed through their cockpits.
"Good morning. I very much hope you've slept well, as we will be perfecting these exercises. Now, let’s refresh what each unit is to do in this scenario. Ms. Cavalier, what role does the Gilgamesh unit play?"
Sky was quick to respond.
"It's a support unit, sir."
"And?"
"And it should be further back to provide assistance to other units in front."
"Did the rest of you hear that?" Avent pointed out. "Both the Gilgamesh, and subsequently Aurora are to remain back. They are not effective close-range units. You do not play hero with those units. You blow up the enemy before they get close, and more suitable units will deal those that slip through with. Does everyone understand?"
"Yes." Said Ryuji.
"Roger." Sky affirmed.
Jin grumbled. "Got it."
------------------------------
Caesar-class Augustus
------------------------------
Elena got up from the table in the mess hall.
"Going so soon?" Smith cracked.
"Yes, it's because of your pit stains."
The whole table laughed.
"No, really, I've got some adjustments to look over. See ya." And she disappeared.
"Hey, now what were you saying earlier about the navigation?" Blake asked.
Smith scratched his head. "Ah, it sounds like they fixed it best they could and we're in China."
"Whoa, that's way off course!"
"Yeah, no kidding, but at least we're not flying blind." He started to get up. "Now, if they'd get some weapon systems up and running, that'd be fantastic too."
Alice was momentarily alarmed. "Those are out too?"
"Yup. That's why I got 'volunteered' to perch up top with my machine for awhile."
"Well, lucky you."
His smile indicated a perverted mindset.
"Hey, I've got the big guns..."
She playfully slapped at him. "Oh, knock it off, you dork."
------------------------------
Shanghai, China
------------------------------
Otto watched the five mobile suits' movements overwhelm and tear through the 'enemy' machines.
The door opening was of no concern to him with the bustle that had been going on.
"They're becoming a tight operation, wouldn't you say?"
He turned his head, seeing a blond man behind him.
"Yes, they certainly are." He said, slightly wary of the man who lacked any military dress. "I'm not exactly familiar with this place, so I hope it's not insulting when I say I don't know who you are."
The man was pleasant in his reply. "Of course, you're not. I'm Anders Cavalier of the Izanagi Military Design."
The two shook hands.
"Alright, I have heard your name before." Otto nodded. "Captain Otto Schraeder of the Union ship Rhine."
"At first, it's odd." Anders mused, but then continued after seeing a slight, confused expression.
"What I mean in 'odd' is about seeing another westerner over in the Union, but I guess I really shouldn't...not with the mass exodus back then."
"There were a lot of people that left then, but I was born in the Union." Otto said, watching at the mobile suit exercise. "Personally, the entire Newtype hysteria is overblown." He turned toward
Anders. "Don't take this the wrong way as I don't pretend to know the full science here, but I don't see Newtypes as anything more than a person with something that's just a variation of a sense.
Anders was surprised at this and started to speak.
"Don't get me wrong." Otto started. "If someone is an enemy of the Union, it's my duty to stop them. What specifics they have in their capabilities or appearance is unimportant. All I'm concerned with is not blacklisting some people when we don't know the full scope. I think we've scared off some incredible talent in our technology fields."
He closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I've said too much from my personal views."
Footsteps were heard as solider walked briskly toward the two men.
He stopped and saluted.
"Captain Schraeder!"
Otto saluted back. "What is it?"
"We just saw a damaged Centurion Guard vessel in the area."
"I don't believe we can offer them help here, as this is a restricted area."
"Yes, sir. However, they have some unique mobile suit, and it's only come up once before in our database."
"When and what mobile suit are you referring to?"
"I think you'd be better suited to tell me, sir. The mobile suit corresponds with one of the units your ship engaged in space a few months back."
Otto had to think several seconds before it registered.
"I see. Where are we monitoring them from?"
"Sir, I'll take you there right now."
------------------------------
"We're going to sortie?" Jin was perplexed.
"Those are the orders." Avent confirmed. "It's time to see if you've learned anything. From what they're telling me, you three should be eager to take on this little excercise."
"Uh, what do you--”?
"Just look at the information on your screens."
It took a few moments, but the image of the mobile suit atop the ship finally registered.
Avent smiled.
"I'm told your last encounter with these people didn't end in your favor last time. Maybe you'd like a rematch?"
Ryuji knew Jin would spring for a chance to take another swing at that group.
"What is the Centurion Guard doing with a Federation mobile suit anyway?" He mumbled to himself.
"Rematch?" Jin broadcast over his own thoughts. "I'd kill for a chance to show them a thing or two with this mobile suit."
Avent's smile drew larger.
"Well, then, shall we move out?"
-------------------------------
Hisham leaned forward inside the cockpit.
"Mobile suits are moving out?" He scrambled to verify what he'd just heard. "Where are we at?"
"It looks like around Shanghai, and yes, there are mobile suits on the move." Bear told him.
"Any contact?"
"Nothing. They haven't said a word to us."
"I see." Hisham rubbed his chin. "I think I'm going to stay on standby with Elena."
"Good move. The Augustus isn't in any position to be engaging a heavy battle."
The comm clicked off and he opened the cockpit hatch. He waved across to the Engel.
"Yeah, what is it?" Elena asked.
"Is your machine ready?"
"Sure is."
"Good. There are some Union mobile suits in the area, and the captain wants to be on guard. I'm going to round up the others, but if there's any trouble, just go an sortie and defend the ship."
The Engel powered on.
"Roger that."
-------------------------------
Even though the damage was clearly seen from a distance, Ryuji still examined it with the long range sensors.
"Looks like they should surrender without a fight."
"I hope they don't." Jin growled. "I want my shot at them."
"Look at the damage to that ship. It won't take much to bring it down, and I doubt they're looking
for trouble with us on our on turf."
"However, they never agreed to end any battle with you, did they?" Avent's words slipped into the other pilots ears.
"Well, no." Ryuji answered.
"Then why, on our own land, are we giving them a chance?"
"But--"
"They attacked you, and you're going to let them waltz away when they're in your sights?"
"Lieutenant!" Ryuji sputtered, not believing what he was hearing from an officer. "What are you saying?"
"Saying? I'm not saying anything. I'm ordering you to disable that ship and any and all mobile suits it has onboard. They're the enemy, so shoot them before they become a problem!"
---------------------------
End Phase 24
---------------------------
He hadn't slept well, and today would be an intense day both physically and mentally.
Internally, he wanted to bite someone's head off like a monster, but no one deserved it.
Maybe.
Maybe Avent did, he thought. The more he'd reviewed his own recent history, the more he believed that he truly was a Newtype. No matter how he tried to logically distance himself from this complicating reality, the more he was sure of it. If he were anywhere else, this wouldn't be a big deal, but in the eyes of the Trans-Pacific Union, even more so to its military forces, the business of being a Newtype was a very dangerous thing.
He still had close to three years left to go, and getting a discharge without a good reason would be near impossible. But what life awaited him outside the structure of the military?
There was no home to return to, not for him. His curse was the very thing that was any semblance of a family: a Newtype in the military of a collective state that despised Newtypes.
If his captain knew, he was giving a pass. Avent Marquis, however, gave no indication of being remotely generous to him in the matter.
--------------------------------
Caesar-class Augustus
--------------------------------
"You gonna give it a rest?" Smith called up to the Anubis.
Hisham leaned over enough to be heard with clarity.
"No. I want all our mobile suits in top shape."
"Aw, geez." Smith rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, at least take a break. That's what the rest of us are doing." He turned away, and spoke quietly. "Plus, I've had to take a leak for the past half-hour."
Alice swished her drink around in it's can.
"So what else are you going to do?"
"Hell if I know." Smith leaned back. "I've gone over the thing with a fine tooth comb, and outside of having it torn apart to the last screw and cleaned, I don't know what else can be done for tuning."
"He's not usually this uptight, is he?" she asked.
His head shook. "No, but I have a feeling that our recent bad luck has him on edge. Not that I'm blaming him over that."
"Yeah, but shouldn't we be safe?" Blake sat down with them.
"More or less, but that's not going to do anything." Smith took a swig and then continued. "He's not going to ease up until we're docked in Guam...heh, even then I'm not sure he'll loosen up that much."
"He's a real tight arse."
Smith eyed him.
"I wouldn't say that."
"Why not?"
"Everybody deals with stress differently. With Hisham, he's just driven more to make everything's in order. Look, I'm not saying I'm not being driven a little nuts by it, but that's the way he's been ever since I've known him. Probably why Hawk made him is right hand two weeks after he boarded the ship." He drew a casual smile. "In other words, you can trust him that he'll be driven to do what needs done."
"So that's the case?" Bear prodded.
"Correct, the navigation computer has shut down." The tech confirmed. "But, since that last battle, we've been having trouble with it."
"How long will it take?"
"Depends on what's the problem. I'm in the middle of troubleshooting currently, and once I'm done with that, I'll have a better idea. Right now, I think I know, but I won't say unless I've got a certain diagnosis."
"Understood."
-------------------------------
Shanghai, China
-------------------------------
Avent's perturbed sigh foreshadowed what came afterwards.
"Well, congratulations, you managed to live a few minutes longer." He reached over to a keypad in the cockpit, punching in a code. "You're doing it again. You'll do it until it's done right."
Jin's face had draw more sour than typical.
"Damn taskmaster!" He pounded his fist into the seat.
"You're damn right about that." Avent smirked. "I'm the reason they're not trolling the waters for your corpse. I'm here to give you little snots some real training on how to use your mobile suit to it's maximum potential."
"Hey, I know how to use this thing." Jin snapped back.
Ryuji bowed his head, knowing what was to come.
As much as Sky disliked Jin, even she already had developed a sour taste for Avent.
"Corporal Suzaku, get out of that machine now!" Avent snapped, setting the Freya down.
He could see the new Lieutenant had shred Jin’s nerves by the way he exited the Gilgamesh.
Jin was hunched forward, smoldering.
"You-"
It was all he got out before Avent sent him sprawling on the ground.
"Let's get something straight, Suzaku: I know you're a little hothead." He took piercing glances at the Marduk and Lilith. "I've read up on you three, and I know all the right buttons to push."
Blood dripped from Jin's nose to the ground.
Avent continued. "I'm here to maximize these machines, no matter what it takes. You will do what I say, and you'll do it until it's done right. If I have to beat that into your heads with my own fists, so be it."
"I swear, the next chance I get, I'm gonna pound him flat!"
Ryuji looked forlornly at Jin who was sitting, holding an ice pack over his nose.
"Well, you could try to not get ahead of yourself."
An icy glare came at him.
"Right. He'll sport that mobile suit of his somewhere he won't like."
"Hey." Ryuji put up his hands. "I get what you're saying. I don't particularly care for him myself."
As Jin's anger returned focus toward it's initial target, Ryuji crossed his arms and continued.
"I know during training they push you so you're mentally prepared for battle. There's nothing like that with this guy. I kinda sense this is his personality."
"You 'sense' it? Come on, it's seeping from the guy."
Sky, who had been silent, spoke up.
"Normally, I wouldn't think of even siding with you on something like this, but you're right."
Jin looked at her, shocked.
"You mean?"
"Yes, it's as if he gets his kicks off of it. What's worse, he's the type that will get results."
Ryuji looked at her. "He's watching all of us."
"Of course he is."
"Well let me finish." He took a deep breath. "This needs to be absolutely confidential, okay."
The two pilots nodded.
"This is confidential as in I'm dead if word gets out."
He played with his hands, trying to select the right set of words to say.
"That mobile suit that was trying to get us all before we got to port...well, that pilot seems to think..." He struggled with the words that could jeopardize his own life. "He seems to think, heh, I'm a Newtype."
Jin shot to his feet.
"You have got to be kidding me!"
-------------------------------
Caesar-class Augustus
-------------------------------
Elena rubbed her eyes.
For the first time in what seemed an eternity, she could open them without watering.
The ache was still prominent inside her chest, but it had lessened considerably since sleeping some.
Her legs slipped to the edge of the bed, eventually falling over until her feet touched the floor.
She groaned.
She felt worn out, but it was good to stand and stretch.
It'd feel even better under a hot shower.
The water was running in one of the shower stalls when she entered the locker room.
"Hey." A voice called out, a hand fluttering above a partition.
It was Alice.
Elena set her clean clothes off to the side.
She returned the greeting, though it was muffled by her shirt.
"Hey, yourself."
"Elena?"
"Yeah, it's me." She confirmed.
A moment later, Alice heard the shower stall beside hers open and the spray kick on.
"What's been going on anyway?" Elena asked. "I've kinda been out of the loop."
"Ah, let's see. We're in Union territory, so we should be alright."
Elena stuck her hand out far enough to give a thumbs up.
"Then, Hisham's is really on everyone's back to get their mobile suit tuned to the max."
The hand flipped over.
"So, I'm really behind?"
"Not necessarily."
"Oh?" Elena moved her head around so she could hear more clearly.
"Smith's helped out some, but he said he'd have to leave some of it to you. He's such a nice man."
Alice giggled.
Elena played along, acting annoyed. "What are you, my mother?"
"No, but, he did help out. And I really do think he's a nice man."
"He's the obnoxious brother I never had, but he's a good guy." She returned under the stream.
"Anyway, what else?"
"Ship looks like hell and a lot of systems are still down."
"Fantastic."
One stream of water shut off, and a door opened and closed.
"But, we're still moving. I hope you like Guam."
"It's about the next best thing to being home, so I'm fine with that."
Alice paused drying her hair with a towel.
"Oh, yeah, you're from Hawaii, so I guess you'd be used to the climate."
"You got it." She could hear Alice rummaging around. "Hey, what are you doing after this?"
There was an almost singing response.
"Meeting up with someone."
Elena was pretty sure, but she had to ask.
"So, you and Smith are...?"
"Seeing each other? Sorta, but it's at that 'complicated' stage?"
Now Elena was silent.
What if?
What if Smith was killed?
"Elena?" Alice called.
"Yeah?"
"Are you okay?"
------------------------------
Unknown
------------------------------
General Kyoji rocked comfortably in his chair.
"I'd most certainly like to have this process move, but until Deshang has his proof, we're at a loss to have this operation proceed."
"Indeed." The person on the other end agreed. "He will have his proof sooner than later, I hope."
"Naturally. This aggression has been smoldering for some time, and once the proper information has been revealed, the first step will naturally ignite. At this point, we've got too few operatives to use, especially with our most recent loss."
"But the kindling has already been displayed, so the flames this world desires will advance."
The general rested his face in one hand, gently smiling.
"No need for such dramatics. The important measures needed will happen on my end, I can guarantee you that. Unfortunately, the person we need to move to action isn't as easy to push."
"At least currently. Cai Deshang is the man who will initiate the first step. Once he starts to move, we'll begin preparations for the future of man."
-----------------------------
Shanghai, China
-----------------------------
Ryuji locked his helmet in place.
"You ready?"
"No, but I don't have a choice." Jin replied bitterly.
The reply was a pathetic one at best.
"None of us do."
Jin just glared at him, saying nothing.
The unwelcomed voice of Avent Marquis flowed through their cockpits.
"Good morning. I very much hope you've slept well, as we will be perfecting these exercises. Now, let’s refresh what each unit is to do in this scenario. Ms. Cavalier, what role does the Gilgamesh unit play?"
Sky was quick to respond.
"It's a support unit, sir."
"And?"
"And it should be further back to provide assistance to other units in front."
"Did the rest of you hear that?" Avent pointed out. "Both the Gilgamesh, and subsequently Aurora are to remain back. They are not effective close-range units. You do not play hero with those units. You blow up the enemy before they get close, and more suitable units will deal those that slip through with. Does everyone understand?"
"Yes." Said Ryuji.
"Roger." Sky affirmed.
Jin grumbled. "Got it."
------------------------------
Caesar-class Augustus
------------------------------
Elena got up from the table in the mess hall.
"Going so soon?" Smith cracked.
"Yes, it's because of your pit stains."
The whole table laughed.
"No, really, I've got some adjustments to look over. See ya." And she disappeared.
"Hey, now what were you saying earlier about the navigation?" Blake asked.
Smith scratched his head. "Ah, it sounds like they fixed it best they could and we're in China."
"Whoa, that's way off course!"
"Yeah, no kidding, but at least we're not flying blind." He started to get up. "Now, if they'd get some weapon systems up and running, that'd be fantastic too."
Alice was momentarily alarmed. "Those are out too?"
"Yup. That's why I got 'volunteered' to perch up top with my machine for awhile."
"Well, lucky you."
His smile indicated a perverted mindset.
"Hey, I've got the big guns..."
She playfully slapped at him. "Oh, knock it off, you dork."
------------------------------
Shanghai, China
------------------------------
Otto watched the five mobile suits' movements overwhelm and tear through the 'enemy' machines.
The door opening was of no concern to him with the bustle that had been going on.
"They're becoming a tight operation, wouldn't you say?"
He turned his head, seeing a blond man behind him.
"Yes, they certainly are." He said, slightly wary of the man who lacked any military dress. "I'm not exactly familiar with this place, so I hope it's not insulting when I say I don't know who you are."
The man was pleasant in his reply. "Of course, you're not. I'm Anders Cavalier of the Izanagi Military Design."
The two shook hands.
"Alright, I have heard your name before." Otto nodded. "Captain Otto Schraeder of the Union ship Rhine."
"At first, it's odd." Anders mused, but then continued after seeing a slight, confused expression.
"What I mean in 'odd' is about seeing another westerner over in the Union, but I guess I really shouldn't...not with the mass exodus back then."
"There were a lot of people that left then, but I was born in the Union." Otto said, watching at the mobile suit exercise. "Personally, the entire Newtype hysteria is overblown." He turned toward
Anders. "Don't take this the wrong way as I don't pretend to know the full science here, but I don't see Newtypes as anything more than a person with something that's just a variation of a sense.
Anders was surprised at this and started to speak.
"Don't get me wrong." Otto started. "If someone is an enemy of the Union, it's my duty to stop them. What specifics they have in their capabilities or appearance is unimportant. All I'm concerned with is not blacklisting some people when we don't know the full scope. I think we've scared off some incredible talent in our technology fields."
He closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I've said too much from my personal views."
Footsteps were heard as solider walked briskly toward the two men.
He stopped and saluted.
"Captain Schraeder!"
Otto saluted back. "What is it?"
"We just saw a damaged Centurion Guard vessel in the area."
"I don't believe we can offer them help here, as this is a restricted area."
"Yes, sir. However, they have some unique mobile suit, and it's only come up once before in our database."
"When and what mobile suit are you referring to?"
"I think you'd be better suited to tell me, sir. The mobile suit corresponds with one of the units your ship engaged in space a few months back."
Otto had to think several seconds before it registered.
"I see. Where are we monitoring them from?"
"Sir, I'll take you there right now."
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"We're going to sortie?" Jin was perplexed.
"Those are the orders." Avent confirmed. "It's time to see if you've learned anything. From what they're telling me, you three should be eager to take on this little excercise."
"Uh, what do you--”?
"Just look at the information on your screens."
It took a few moments, but the image of the mobile suit atop the ship finally registered.
Avent smiled.
"I'm told your last encounter with these people didn't end in your favor last time. Maybe you'd like a rematch?"
Ryuji knew Jin would spring for a chance to take another swing at that group.
"What is the Centurion Guard doing with a Federation mobile suit anyway?" He mumbled to himself.
"Rematch?" Jin broadcast over his own thoughts. "I'd kill for a chance to show them a thing or two with this mobile suit."
Avent's smile drew larger.
"Well, then, shall we move out?"
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Hisham leaned forward inside the cockpit.
"Mobile suits are moving out?" He scrambled to verify what he'd just heard. "Where are we at?"
"It looks like around Shanghai, and yes, there are mobile suits on the move." Bear told him.
"Any contact?"
"Nothing. They haven't said a word to us."
"I see." Hisham rubbed his chin. "I think I'm going to stay on standby with Elena."
"Good move. The Augustus isn't in any position to be engaging a heavy battle."
The comm clicked off and he opened the cockpit hatch. He waved across to the Engel.
"Yeah, what is it?" Elena asked.
"Is your machine ready?"
"Sure is."
"Good. There are some Union mobile suits in the area, and the captain wants to be on guard. I'm going to round up the others, but if there's any trouble, just go an sortie and defend the ship."
The Engel powered on.
"Roger that."
-------------------------------
Even though the damage was clearly seen from a distance, Ryuji still examined it with the long range sensors.
"Looks like they should surrender without a fight."
"I hope they don't." Jin growled. "I want my shot at them."
"Look at the damage to that ship. It won't take much to bring it down, and I doubt they're looking
for trouble with us on our on turf."
"However, they never agreed to end any battle with you, did they?" Avent's words slipped into the other pilots ears.
"Well, no." Ryuji answered.
"Then why, on our own land, are we giving them a chance?"
"But--"
"They attacked you, and you're going to let them waltz away when they're in your sights?"
"Lieutenant!" Ryuji sputtered, not believing what he was hearing from an officer. "What are you saying?"
"Saying? I'm not saying anything. I'm ordering you to disable that ship and any and all mobile suits it has onboard. They're the enemy, so shoot them before they become a problem!"
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End Phase 24
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