"In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves... self-discipline with all of them came first."
- Harry S. Truman

Chapter II: An Unexpected Venture

Herod III
October 3, GC 379

Putting all his effort into dodging and maneuvering, Lieutenant Junior Grade Amuro Ray, the White Devil and pilot of Gundam Unit Alpha, jetted with his suit's back to the desert terrain, firing his rifle in return as further magenta beams rained against him. For the life of him he could not remember having to work so hard to dodge enemy fire; even his Newtype powers were providing him little help against this particular foe. In fact, it wasn't long before he was forced to employ both of his beam shields to deflect two or three shots that would have easily struck his cockpit block, to which he responded with a follow up vulcan burst. That seemed to dissuade his foe, from further pursuit – at least for the next few seconds – though two more beam shots were fired for effect. It was only then Amuro was able to right his Gundam, its massive feet touching and grating upon the orange soil below, and reorient to meet his foe head on.

No sooner than he did, the blood red and black triplet to his mobile suit – the enlarged silver 'A' and perched hawk proudly displayed on its left shoulder – blasted its thrusters and surged directly at him, reaching out with its right gauntlet. At first Amuro attempted to raise his beam shield again, only for the opposing Gundam to make a small power jump up and over, to which it stamped its right foot upon the top of the white mobile suit's head. Letting out a snarl as he nearly lost his footing, Amuro twisted around and again fired off his vulcans, but his adversary was faster and easily ascended over the spray, right before elegantly turning about and landing some distance away. Its neon yellow eyes gazing back toward its white brethren somehow chidingly, as though echoing the amusement of its pilot.

Pathetic, Lieutenant Junior Grade Sayla Mass, the Valkyrie of Riah and pilot of Gundam Unit Gamma, commented over their Newtype link in mock disappointment. She smirked dominantly as she watched the man that all of Zeon feared and trembled before struggle before her. Is this really all you're capable of Amuro Ray? This paltry display?

Despite the strain he felt from being trounced on, seemingly from all over, Amuro couldn't help but smirk himself. Once again he couldn't remember the last time he had fought so hard, not even against the Zeon. Every bit of his body was thoroughly strained from their seemingly endless bout, and he could somehow feel his Gundam had been put through the ringer as well. At the same time however, he could also tell his opponent was also struggling to stay ahead of him. That he was actually pushing the Valkyrie of Riah in turn.

Hardly, Amuro also proclaimed through his Newtype power, deciding then was the time to step things up. In fact, I'm only getting started!

With an ease of motion he had long since developed with his machine, he stowed its beam rifle and drew its right beam saber, the magenta energy blade igniting in a fraction of a second. From there, Amuro stood ready for a more direct confrontation.

Now Sayla was even more amused, such that Unit Gamma's head tilted in seeming response. Oh? You want to try your hand that way? she chimed, interest piqued. Surely you're aware of my skill in close quarters…

Damn right I am, and I do! Amuro responded back, the eagerness in his voice outweighing his tension. Everyone aboard the Ark Royal knew of Sayla's skill with a beam saber; in fact, compared to him and Commander Law, she was probably the best at melee combat in general. Yet that made fighting her with a blade even more attractive. Let's do this Valkyrie of Riah!

Another laugh, followed by Unit Gamma drawing its own blade. Well said, Sayla praised, then raising her sword in a duelist's salute, much like what Garma Zabi had done on Anges. Have at me White Devil!

Matching her salute, Amuro then espoused a telepathic battle cry as he launched Unit Alpha at full burn. It wasn't long before both magenta sabers clashed, energy flickering between them as they continually struck one another or the opposite Gundam's shielding, the two mobile suits dancing through the air and the ruin strewn landscape. Not one seemed able to quite dominate the other just yet, but the fight between two of the Earth Federation's top aces had only just begun.

All while the spectators, both from the sidelines and well above, watched with ever present interest.

They really are something, aren't they? Commander Sleggar Law, the Eagle of Arcturus and pilot of Gundam Unit Beta, mused to himself as he watched the action from within his steed along the sidelines. It really was a spectacular show, two cutting edge mobile suits piloted by two of the best Earth had to offer going against one another, bringing about their respective skills and the full powers of their respective Gundams. Even more was the fact that, though it was as apparent, they were also using their more unique powers through their contest, fighting on a plane that very few of humanity could comprehend. Sleggar was very much among the latter, but that didn't stop him from enjoying the show.

Continuing to track as the two Gundams each dueled with their sabers, the Commander could not help but let out a very discreet sigh. For perhaps the first time he could ever think of, he wished he were a Newtype himself. Usually he found the concept of "spiritual empowerment" to be a pain in the ass and more a hindrance than anything else, but just watching Amuro and Sayla go against one another like that was enough for him to wish he had that power as well. He could only imagine the things they "saw" and comprehended; things that the normal five senses could never pick upon. Especially in the mock battle they were having now, which was as much a contest of will and spirit as it was skill and endurance. And that was before one added on the more personal connection that had grown between the two aces, which Sleggar had seen emerge since the aftermath of Jericho and develop through the course of the war.

In any case, it seemed their little side trip was really worth the time and effort after all. Though a field exercise between two mobile suits was probably not the best course of action to take within enemy territory, Sayla had argued her case well enough, namely that traditional simulation would be inadequate for a fight between two Newtypes. Besides the fact that no simulator could ever truly keep up with a Newtype pilot, there was also the fact that the pilots in question would be unable to use their special senses effectively, since there was only the interior of the Ark Royal's hangar outside their cockpits. Thus it was necessary for the two aces to duel in realtime, on an actual planet, albeit one as far away from the eyes of Zeon and its cohorts as possible. Fortunately Herod III fit that line as, outside some sparse ruins from an apparent colonization attempt or two, the world was little than another sprawling wasteland to blight the Milky Way Galaxy. The perfect battleground for a duel between the White Devil and the Valkyrie of Riah.

By that point the two Gundams had moved over a nearby set of ruins, which might have been an actual space colony once upon a time. They were still fighting with their beam sabers, with the occasional vulcan burst and gauntlet attack thrown in, but now they were flitting between the wreckage, trying to outmaneuver one another and gain that "killing" stroke. Neither of them had made any serious headway since their fight had begun, which made sense given that they were both experienced pilots of ace caliber, with similar machines and abilities to boot. However, from Sleggar's perspective, Sayla had a little bit more of an edge, given that she had more battle experience than Amuro, and again out of the three of them she was the best at melee level. Still, that didn't mean Amuro wasn't giving her a run for her money; he had grown much from the mere "test pilot" that the Ark Royal had picked up at Shangri-La.

Taking his eyes off the battle momentarily to look above, Sleggar wondered if his fellows aboard the Ark Royal thought the same. Surely they were watching it all from higher orbit themselves. In fact, it was probably the most entertainment they had all had since their being sent on the original "milk run".

Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Herod III

"Goddamn," Karen murmured as she and the rest of Shrike Squadron, if not the rest of the 13th Carrier Assault Group and everyone else aboard the Ark Royal, watched the action live. "I wish I could move like that in a dogfight."

"Hell, I wish I could move like that period, even outside my Guncannon," Sanders whispered back to her, right as Unit Gamma executed a bifurcating swipe, only for Unit Alpha to reverse at the precise second. "No wonder the Zeeks are so scared shitless of them."

"I don't know Lieutenants, it doesn't look much like a fight from my end," Kai added on, eyeing the fight with his usual, if rightly applied in the present, skepticism. "In fact, I'd say it's pretty damn close to the opposite end."

That earned a few rolled eyes from those who overheard. Indeed, the way the two Gundams were going at the each other was less like a traditional duel and more like a waltz. More than a few of the gathered couldn't help but notice that, as well as a certain intimacy that the suits seemed to reflect from their pilots.

Fraw, who was present alongside, was naturally among them. As she herself continued to watch over the mockfight, and the two Gundams dancing through the atmosphere below, she could not help but visibly and deeply frown. All while the weight within her – the same one that had first come upon her aboard the La Vie en Rose – seemed to grow…

Banking away from Unit Alpha's next slash, Sayla proceeded to fire her vulcans to buy herself some maneuvering room, then banking around the moment the white Gundam raised its left arm shield. She then proceeded to cut at its back, but Amuro was fast enough to deflect with his right shield, and then counterslash, to which Sayla was just able to reverse at the right moment. Amuro pursued however, executing several more attacks that the Valkyrie dodged, right before being forced to parry the last. Both magenta blades remained locked for several more moments, and then both Gundams simultaneously broke away, though Amuro was faster in the draw at firing his vulcans. Not that it really mattered, as Sayla was more than able to dodge and continue through the ruined battleground.

I see you have improved, Sayla observed as she traded further slashes and parries with Amuro, alternating between dodging and deflecting his attacks in her usual graceful fashion and then counterattacking accordingly. Not at all like that whelp from Shangri-La, who pitched quite the fit when he was called into battle.

Do you really have to bring that up? Amuro complained as he darted away from her counterstroke, firing his vulcans in return only for Sayla to bank away again. The resultant beam spray neatly impacted against the side of what appeared to be a colony fragment, during which Sayla launched upward, attempting to cut her opponent down from overhead. Amuro deflected this as well, raising his right shield as Sayla lunged up and over, and then twisting around to intercept her follow up attack. I like to think I've come a long way from that.

As I just said, you have, Sayla retorted, right as she evaded his next impale attempted, and then the following sweep. She then darted back, shifting around another piece of wreckage, before moving around again and striking against Unit Alpha's right shield. Amuro naturally countered against this as well, throwing aside her saber blade and then slashing his against her side, but Sayla easily evaded this as well. Though you still retain your flaws.

Despite the intent of the jab, Amuro allowed himself to smirk. We'll see about that.

With that he gunned his thrusters and launched Unit Alpha forward, attempting to catch Sayla off guard with a point blank charge. Though he was partially successful, the Valkyrie's reflexes, further augmented by Unit Gamma's special system, kicked in nonetheless, allowing her to dodge the oncoming slash attack, and then retaliate with her vulcans against Unit Alpha's then exposed back. Fortunately Amuro was fast enough to bring about his left shield to deflect the burst, and then evade the following gauntlet attack. Rather than counter straight on however, the White Devil chose to move around further debris, with the Valkyrie giving chase.

Again they maneuvered around the ruins, clashing with their blades off and on as they flew. It was a strangely elegant display, the two Gundams maintaining their elaborate waltz as either ace brought forth the whole of their respective skills and battle experience, trying overcome the other's blade while evading or defending with their shields in equal fashion. This in turn was punctuated by the occasional usage of their beam vulcans and gauntlets, which ensured that the battle would not be strictly a fencing match, as well as their taking advantage of the field obstructions to hold their adversary back or by some temporary distance. All while the surreal powers of either Newtype pilot were on full display.

Eventually Amuro launched around another great fragment, only to twist Unit Alpha about and reverse as Sayla once again pursued. Again this caught his opponent partially off guard, but Sayla remained more than able to raise her shield to deflect the oncoming slash, and then fire another vulcan burst to force Amuro back on the defensive. Both blades soon met again thereafter, both Gundams attacking and defending in equal fashion as they danced through the air as only two weapons of war, piloted by two warriors of equal skill and supernatural power, could accomplish.

Still think I'm so flawed!? Amuro question as their blades again locked, sweat and tension now over his face. As exhilarating as their fight was, it was safe to say he was nearing the breaking point now. Only against Char and Garma, as well as Sleggar whenever they had their mockfights, had he fought so hard. And yet the Valkyrie of Riah was so different from any of them.

Sayla herself couldn't help but feel much the same, emphasized by the combination of strain and zeal that she felt from all over. Whether he liked it or not or whether he was even aware of his full power or not, Amuro Ray really was the White Devil, the harbinger of death to all of Zeon. It was no wonder Garma and her brother, two of the highest accomplished aces in the Empire, could barely hold their own against him. Even without invoking his Newtype potential, Amuro was a force to be reckoned with.

But not one that could not be beaten. Very much so!

Breaking the blade lock, Sayla, taking advantage of her Gundam's weightlessness, angled her suit up, bringing its right leg squarely against Unit Alpha's side. Though Amuro raised his beam shield to deflect, the surprise attack was more than enough to dishevel him, thereby allowing Sayla to charge in with her left gauntlet raised to strike. Again Amuro deflected, this time with his opposite shield, but Sayla had intended that. The resultant force may have not been enough to overcome the beam shield, but it did send the white Gundam flying back, impacting back first against another large fragment.

By the time Amuro was able to shake himself out of his daze, he saw Unit Gamma standing over him, saber angled straight at his suit's faceplate.

And the superior wins. Sayla chimed as she stored her blade and reached out to pull Amuro's suit out of the rubble. You have come far Amuro Ray, but you still have much to learn.

Shaking her head from the daze, Amuro couldn't help but smirk. And I suppose you're the one to teach me?

If you would still have me, Sayla retorted, rather teasingly if Amuro wasn't mistaken. Again he felt that specific pressure – the same one he felt off and on from Fraw – emerge from within the Valkyrie's soul.

Heh, you know the answer to that, Amuro responded, the two pilots' eyes meeting through their respective mobile suit cameras. For that one moment, time and space seemed to slip away, as though it were only they in the universe. Naturally it didn't last too long.

"My compliments kids, that was one helluva show," Sleggar spoke as Unit Beta came flying up. Both Unit Alpha and Unit Gamma turned toward their blue sibling as the Commander went on. "Not sure what the odds were, but I'm sure quite a few boys and girls upstairs made a fair buck off of you Shrike Two."

"Some of that better go to the winner," Sayla stated, both to Sleggar and whoever else was listening from the Ark Royal.

"That can be arranged," Sleggar confirmed, before turning to Amuro. "Not that you did too badly yourself Shrike Three. Though you may want to remember that mobile suits can fight hand-to-hand as well, not just with rifles and sabers."

Though somewhat embarrassed that he had, in fact, forgotten that fact, Amuro nonetheless nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll do well to keep that in mind in the future, sir."

"Good," Sleggar responded in turn. Like Sayla, he too saw how far Amuro came from the whiney brat of a Federal officer they had taken off of Shangri-La. Assuming the kid chose to remain in the EFSF – as well as survived – he was well on his way toward a bright future indeed. To say nothing of what he clearly had going on with Sayla.

"Anyway, I think we've all had our fun for the day," Sleggar said. "So how about we head back to the barn and…"

"Standby Shrike Leader," Kikka's voice entered in, causing all three Gundam pilots to flinch from its alarm. "We're picking up intermittent signals coming in from warp."

Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Herod III

"Are they Zeon?" Mirai asked as she and Bright both prepared for the worst. In spite of their "side trip", they were still very much within enemy space. On the other hand, as expansive enemy space was, it should have been very difficult for the Zeeks to find them, even if their ship was a Trojan Horse. So how?

"Negative ma'am," Omar answered, almost sighing in relief as he then reported. "They're ours, or so the IFF claims."

"Standby," Bright responded, still prepared for the worst. It wouldn't be out of character for the Zeon, or any of the other Outer forces, to come charging in under false IFF. It all came down to what happened at that last possible second.

Sure enough, twelve Earth ships did indeed revert for warp, directly off of the Ark Royal's portside. And though they were in formation, their weapons remained inactive while the newcomers simply remained in place, as though observing the lone carrier.

"Nine Chicago-class cruisers and three Montana-class battlecruisers," Omar announced. His face then brightened as he added. "The lead ship is the Magellan."

"Wakkein," Mirai spoke up in astonished relief. As much as she was happy to see an ally, especially one that they knew well, she already had a feeling that this would not be a social visit. A sentiment that Bright very much shared.

Kikka then spoke the inevitable. "Magellan signaling. It's the Admiral."

"Onscreen," Bright could only command.

A moment later, the Admiral's visage appeared on the main monitor. "Captain Noa, Commander Yashima," Wakkein greeted, to which Bright and Mirai both nodded. "Despite present circumstances, it's good to see you and the Ark Royal are all still alive and fighting."

"The feeling's mutual Admiral," Bright responded. "Though I suspect you didn't come all this way for a chat, especially with that taskforce."

Wakkein rubbed the back of his head there. "Actually, that's part of why we've stopped by," he replied. "To fill you in before Operation Bismarck is put into motion."

Before Bright could inquire on that, Wakkein spoke again, this time with a far more serious tone. "You and Commander Yashima better come aboard the Magellan. We'll direct Commander Law to join us as well."

The Admiral's eyes narrowed as he then said. "This is a big one Bright, and I'm going to need all the help I can get for it."

"Namely ours," Bright surmised.

"Precisely," Wakkein answered. "See you when you get here," he finished with, the comlink soon dropping.

Federation Montana-class battlecruiser Magellan
Herod III

Indeed within a few minutes' timespan, a shuttle ferried Bright and Mirai to the Magellan while Sleggar touched down in the battlecruiser's hangar with Unit Beta. From there, it was only another short trip as a yeoman led the trio to the Admiral's wardroom. However, upon the door shifting open, all three officers realized the Admiral would not be the only one present.

"Thank you all for coming," Wakkein opened with, returning the trio's salute upon execution. Standing beside him was a very attractive woman with short blonde hair, the rank tabs of her uniform presenting her as a Lieutenant Commander. "I apologize for the short notice, but as I told you, this is a big one and we couldn't risk long-range communications."

"We understand sir," Bright assured, then looking toward the woman. "And you are?"

"Lieutenant Commander Alice Miller," the blonde woman introduced herself casually. "I'm from Space Force Intelligence."

Why does that not bring my hopes up? Sleggar thought as the introductions went on. Once that was all finished, the five took their respective seats around a nearby center table. "So, I take it we're not heading to Fortuna for the weekend?"

"Unfortunately not," Wakkein replied almost sympathetically. "Rather, our destination is the Zorres System."

Immediately all three heads shot up in attention. Not only was Zorres even deeper in enemy territory than they were now, but it was also the location of a rather expansive set of shipyards and other production facilities. Not a place where Bright would have wanted to take the Ark Royal, especially for a weekend excursion.

"Dare we ask why?" Mirai spoke up, already having a sinking feeling toward this operation.

Wakkein nodded before turning the intel officer. "Commander?"

Miller immediately took her cue. "Not too long ago, our agent in Zorres reported sighting a very specific ship entering the system. We have since lost contact with that agent, but their last transmission contained an image of the ship in question."

At that, the table's holoprojector engaged, generating an image that caused Bright, Mirai and Sleggar to look on in simultaneous dread and astonishment. There, in pure holographic clarity, was the most peculiar looking Zeon ship any of them had seen. Not one that held the angular, almost organic structuring seen on the Musaka or Rewloola classes, but rather a more rectangular design that looked ungainly yet powerful enough. More importantly however were the innumerable gun emplacements that dotted her hull, as well as the line of ports – obviously launch catapults and accompanying hangar decks – that dotted her underbelly. A great titanic beast of a warship.

"Is that…?" Mirai somehow managed to breath out as she at last realized what she and the her ship were all about to face.

"Yes Commander," Miller nodded grimly. "The Dolowa."

Bright resisted the urge to swallow, but it took considerable effort on his part. Even before the war began, there had been rumors circulating around Space Force about a massive Zeon supercarrier; a single ship that held the firepower and force projection of an entire fleet. Though such a ship had never been sighted in battle, much less reported to actually exist, those rumors had persisted long into the present, punctuated by Emperor Gihren's known fascination with the arcane and his sponsoring of various "wonderweapon" projects. Now it seemed there had indeed been truth to those claims, and he, Sleggar and Mirai were about to face it head on.

"We've suspected her actual existence for some time, as there were plenty of mentionings of her within the Imperial hierarchy, but only now has she been 'officially' confirmed to be out there," Miller continued, herself observing the projected image with concealed dread.

"Any idea why the enemy is bringing her out this late into the war?" Bright inquired.

"Nothing solid, but it is believed that her development and production have been protracted, for obvious reasons," Miller answered.

"Which would explain why she is at Zorres," Sleggar summarized. "She's fitting out."

"Our conclusion as well," Miller concurred. "Beside this, we also believe she is taking on her mobile suit force, of which total estimates reach well into the hundreds if not thousands," she let that settle in with the group before proceeding. "This combined with her sheer level of firepower makes her destruction eminently essential to Earth's interests."

It was then Wakkein entered back in. "Suffice to say we cannot afford to let that monster on the loose, especially not before or god forbid during Operation Odessa. She needs to be taken out here and now."

Wakkein's mentioning of Fleet Admiral Revil's upcoming assault on the titular world – which all three knew could very well change the course of the war – only emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed by the Dolowa. And much more the necessity of her sinking.

"And we are going to exactly that, while she is still in dock," Wakkein stated, the holoprojector then switching from the Dolowa's projection to a starmap of the Zorres System. So began the briefing Operation Bismarck.

Zeon supercarrier Dolowa
Zorres Shipyards

"Preparations are being completed as we speak Your Majesty," Captain Ezo Lindermann reported as he stood before the holographic image of his Emperor. "In just a few hours' time, the Dolowa will be ready to sail."

"Very good Captain," Gihren replied in acknowledgement, quite pleased at the aspect of his (current) principle weapon at last entering the war. Much time, as well as resources, had gone into the mighty supercarrier's construction and procurement, but in the end she would be ready. The force of an entire battlefleet, condensed into a single vessel.

The Emperor looked between Lindermann and the other man that stood before him. "You now command the largest, most powerful warship to grace this war. A vessel that surpasses even the Imperial flagship in sheer strength, and is assuredly superior to anything our enemies may have."

The captain could not help but gleam at this, while the one beside him remained forwardly stoic.

"But do not assume yourself immortal or invincible," the Emperor went on. "The enemy will make every effort to fight you, and even as magnificent a ship as this can be destroyed, albeit through considerable effort."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Vice Admiral Johannes Lutjin answered in understanding. "For all of her power and greatness, the Dolowa can only do so much." Especially on her own as you wish her to be.

In spite of that thought, the Admiral remained adhering, at least partially. "Even so, that power and greatness will be more than enough to eradicate the lowborn of Earth."

"In due time Admiral," Gihren replied almost exhaustively, as though he had to remind Lutjin. While he supported the Admiral's ultimate objective in accomplishing what had been denied to them at Arcturus – which the Emperor admitted could just be possible now – there was still work to be done before that. "For the moment, you will content yourself to my original command."

"Of course sire," Lutjin replied, hoping he didn't sound put off by the rebuttal. "I have no desire to do otherwise."

Regardless, Gihren looked upon the Vice Admiral with apparent sympathy. "I understand how much you wish to avenge yourself Johannes. Arcturus was a bitter outcome for all of us."

Lutjin said nothing to this, allowing his Emperor to continue. "Nonetheless, we have no choice but to leave Earth untouched for the moment. It is more essential that you locate and destroy Abraham Revil and his fleet, before they can launch their offensive."

"If I may Your Majesty," Lindermann spoke up again, hoping he didn't sound too dubious. "How sure are we that this offensive is indeed in the making?"

"Quite sure Captain, for it comes from one of the highest of sources," Gihren answered. "Fleet Admiral Revil is concentrating a considerable amount of his forces toward a focal point. One that he hopes will shift the war to Earth's favor."

He then grinned in utmost conspiracy. "That focal point is Odessa."

Again neither Lutjin nor Lindermann said anything to this.

"Though it would be a simple matter to intercept and repulse him and his lowborn miscreants on the day of their reckoning, I wish not to take any further undue risks," Gihren continued, shaking his head. "No, it is best that we end everything early on, before the Earthnoids can gather in strength."

"I agree Your Majesty," Lutjin concurred, then musing to himself. "Admiral Revil is undoubtedly pulling ships from many fronts to make up this combined fleet. The minimal requirements to capture of Odessa alone would warrant a great amount of ships, mobile suits and personnel, potentially more than our forces there could ever handle."

"To be exact, almost thirty percent of the EFSF is going into Operation Odessa," Gihren smiled knowingly. "And though I put little stock in the Earthnoids' capabilities, they could quite possibly overwhelm our defenses and take that world through sheer brute force." To say nothing of the Ark Royal and those three possibly joining the battle.

"On the other hand, if such a force were to be destroyed at once, then Earth would never recover," Gihren's smile once more took on a predatory emphasis. "And our own forces would be uncontested upon our return to Arcturus."

Though he did his best to hide it, certain anticipation welled up in Lutjin toward that. The mere possibility of a renewed invasion of Earth was enough to convince him, as though his Emperor's words weren't enough.

"Yes gentlemen, there is much glory to be had through you voyage," Gihren smiled with his own anticipation now. "Once the Old Man of the Federation and his lowborn rabble are destroyed, Zeon will at last be triumphant, for the whole of the galaxy will truly lay open before us."

"We will not fail you, Your Majesty," Lindermann resolved, his voice crystal clear with focus and assurance.

"No you won't Captain," Gihren responded similarly. "Wherever the Dolowa may sail, let the stars and planets tremble before her, and you."

Upon that declaration, Gihren at last finished. "Sieg Zeon."

"Sieg Zeon!" both Lutjin and Lindermann recited to their Emperor, now more determined than ever to see through their liege's will. Only then did the communique drop and Emperor Gihren's image vanish.

Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Warp

"Upon entering the system, all mobile suits will launch immediately," Sleggar continued to brief his pilots, who were giving rapt attention. "Our objective is to clear a path for the taskforce as well as prevent the enemy mobile suits from reaching them. Since the shipyards happen to be critical to the Zeeks' infrastructure, you can bet they will be heavily defended. Expect Zakus to be crawling out of the metalwork, to say nothing of other nasty surprise the 'highborn' turds may throw our way."

To say that the atmosphere within the pilots' briefing room was intense would have been the topmost of all understatements. After having just barely survived Anges, only to enter battle during their "downtime" at J-292 not too long ago, it seemed that the brass back home on Earth were intent on throwing the Ark Royal and her mobile suits into the fire once again. The fact their target was the largest, most powerful warship the Zeeks had to offer – which alone had a mobile suit carrying capacity equivalent to an entire battlefleet of Lexingtons – helped even less. Despite that however, the pilots of the 13th Carrier Assault Group listened in with utmost intent.

"Shrike and Warhound will act as the vanguard, Gauntlet and Thunderbolt will cover the flanks, and the squadrons from the Magellan and the rest will fall in that line. As usual, the Gundams will lead the charge and dishevel the enemy formations, which should make them easy pickings from then on. Coordinated fire is key in this type of setup, so stay close to your teammates at all times. Likewise, as this is target is well away from the frontlines, it's highly doubtful they will have any aces like Aznable or Ridden or Matsunaga present, but don't take that as a guarantee. If you see any Zakus that are not standard green out there, engage only where necessary."

A sudden point then lit up on the display behind him. "Once the taskforce enters firing range, it will bombard the shipyards with nuclear missiles," Sleggar didn't need to look up to see the whole room flinch at that mentioning. "Which, assuming all enemy suits and interception units are cleared, will obliterate the shipyards and anything within it. Again, for all of her immensity, we at least assume the Dolowa to be a conventional warship and therefore sinkable, especially by nukes. If we can remove a key Zeek installation in the process, then so much the better."

"Won't that destruction affect Zorres Prime?" Sanders inquired, noticing the close proximity that the planet in question had to the shipyards.

"Collateral damage is a possibility, but as I'm sure you can all agree, this is a chance we have no choice but to take," Sleggar answered, earning several concurring nods from his pilots. In this case, nobody was about the risk the target escaping destruction, even if it meant potential civilian casualties. "Once the Dolowa is confirmed destroyed, and assuming the taskforce is still there, we will RTS and depart from whence we came. With any luck, this will all be done before the Zeeks are able to call reinforcements from the outside. Questions?"

Karen raised her hand. "What should happen if the Dolowa launches before the taskforce reaches the firing point? Or, god forbid, she takes part in the system's defense?"

The CAG shrugged. "Then I guess the nukes will be fired off much earlier," he said simply, as though it were obvious. "And if not that, then I imagine we'll make a break for it then and there."

He gazed out to the whole of the assault group. "Make no mistake, the Dolowa was designed to engage whole fleets on her own, so our 'mere' thirteen ships cannot hope to fight her in direct combat. Besides having a mobile suit carrying capacity well within the hundreds, she also possesses dreadnought level armor and firepower, which is part of the reason why the taskforce will be bombarding her with nukes instead of standard missiles or beam cannons."

The Commander then turned toward the tactical image of the supercarrier. "Just a single barrage from her main guns would be enough to wipe out our ships, and she would not even have to launch a third of her mobile suits to deal with us."

Though they knew Sleggar was really referring to the Guncannon teams in that regard, Amuro and Sayla could not help but feel it would take more than that to do either of them in. After all, hadn't they fought far more numerous enemies at Jericho? Even so, neither Gundam pilot said anything as their leader continued.

"Thus I reiterate, Operation Bismarck is strictly hit and run," Sleggar at last stated. "We hit them with everything we got and then we run. No heroics, no unnecessary risks, and I sure as hell want everyone to return alive and in one piece, even if their suit isn't."

Again gazing across the briefing room, the Commander looked for any sign of dissent. When he found none, he nodded in satisfaction before checking his wristcom. "Right, we reach Zorres at approximately 1700 hours. I suggest you use your time wisely from here on. Dismissed!"

Zeon supercarrier Dolowa
Zorres Shipyards

"Over eighty percent of our mobile suits are now aboard Admiral," the lieutenant reported dutifully. "The remaining twenty percent will be loaded within the next hour."

"Good," Lutjin acknowledged as he remained behind his desk, looking over another report from a datapad in hand. It had taken much longer than he had hoped – which he supposed he should have expected given the sheer size of the ship – but at least their schedule had not been compromised. One more hour and they would finally be among the stars. "We're nearing the fated time at last. Is it not so Captain?"

"It is sir," Lindermann answered without missing a beat.

Dismissing the Lieutenant thereafter, Lutjin turned around and placed the datapad back on his desktop. The Admiral's expression was indeed one of thoughtfulness. "It took quite a long time, but it seems this ship will finally be able to sail and take its awaited part in the war."

"Yes sir," Lindermann again recited.

Lutjin could not help but smile at the captain's relative stiffness. "You can be open with me as you wish Lindermann," he assured. "You have long earned that right."

After watching the captain relax somewhat, Lutjin continued. "Having said that, what do you think of His Majesty's earlier words?"

Lindermann did well not to shrug. "He seems very assured that Revil and his combined fleet are out there," he answered. "And that they are poised to strike at Odessa at any time."

"Yes, I know," Lutjin answered back, doing well himself not to wave his flag captain off. "And he is probably right. We've been seeing all sorts of indications that the Feddies are preparing for a big move somewhere, though how he knows it to be Odessa is beyond me."

"His Majesty's words and wisdom are beyond most, Admiral," Lindermann did not miss a beat.

Lutjin actually laughed at that. Lindermann had spoken it so straight faced it would have been quite difficult to tell that he was being facetious. Somewhat anyway.

"Admittedly I understand the urgency of his command," Lutjin went on, activating a display screen behind him that showed a large swathe of the galaxy. "Though we could easily continue the war without Odessa, it is still a critical strategic point for our empire. The Feddies' victory would be well earned should they wrestle it away from us, to say nothing of its effects on the war at large."

Lutjin then frowned. "But even so, at the risk of sound treasonous," he dared speak, as the captain was the only other in the room. "I believe His Majesty is making a potential mistake sending this ship on such an assignment, at least by herself."

Lindermann remained silent to this. Nodding his appreciation, Lutjin rose from his seat. "Do not mistake me Captain, I do not question our Emperor's insight nor his intentions. However, I fear that even with the Dolowa and all that she can muster, we may end up biting off more than we can chew."

"Would you rather we take her directly to Earth, Admiral?" Lindermann inquired. There was no rebuke in his tone, just a simple curiosity.

Again Lutjin laughed. "Does my reputation precede me so much Lindermann?"

"To a degree sir," Lindermann answered. "As His Majesty stated, our defeat at Arcturus was a bitter outcome. However, not many within Zeon believe it to be as great a loss as you do."

Lutjin nodded in understanding. "Perhaps I have been too open about the subject," he admitted as well. "I know many believe my opinions to be of personal nature. And they too are probably right."

The Admiral exhaled. "Even so, it does not change the fact that we were only a stone's throw away from Earth, and we chose to run at the last moment."

"If I may sir," Lindermann spoke up again. "Why are you so fixated on Earth and its bastard federation? Certainly they are a powerful adversary, but hardly the only one we are facing."

Lutjin actually smiled to this. "That is where you are wrong Captain," he stated. "Earth is not merely a powerful adversary. It is our most powerful adversary."

With that, he switched the display to show the planet in question. "Though it has not had as much luck against us as Sanc or Orb, Earth is still the leading Inner Power, as well as the most dangerous."

The Admiral could not help but glare toward the digitized image of the blue and green planet. "The Earthnoids are an unruly yet innovative people, even for lowborn scum. Though we caught them off guard when the war began, they have managed to hinder us on nearly every front if not stop us altogether in key areas. Even more, their will to fight and win is possibly the closest humanity has ever reached toward eternal."

He turned away from the image in distaste. "It would be a simple matter for us to conquer the likes of Gaea, Freeden or Soleil. The war would continue regardless, but we would have removed key players from the game, which would indeed help us in the long run."

When his eyes met Lindermann's, the captain did well not to shirk at their intensity. "But if we were to conquer Earth, we would win the war then and there, because no other world or race would stand against us from then on."

Lindermann said nothing to this, though Lutjin could pick up traces of dubiousness in his expression. Smirking, the Vice Admiral moved to a nearby liquor cabinet, where he produced two glasses and a bottle of fine brandy.

"And that is what I intend to do Captain," Lutjin stated as he poured the almost crystal liquid into either glass. "Whether with this ship or a great battle fleet at my control, I intend to one day finish what we started at failed Arcturus, once and for all."

"As you say sir," Lindermann replied in seeming understanding. Though he was still unsure whether Earth was as critical as his superior claimed, the captain nonetheless saw that the Vice Admiral wholly believed his own words. God, assuming one was out there, help them if they were to be true. "For what it is worth, I would like to be there with you on that day."

Lutjin smiled that much more to this. "I will keep that well in mind Lindermann," he acknowledged, both then raising their glasses. "Zum Wohl!" Lutjin then declared, both taking their respective drink.

The latest test simulation at last concluded, Lieutenant Commander Mallet Sanguine watched patiently as the cockpit hatch opened in front of him, allowing his exit. He had to admit, even though he had yet to take his machine out in actual battle, it had grown on him immensely since he had received it. Surely no other mobile suit could hope to match such sheer performance, such power. Even his old basic Zaku could never hope to compare to his new steed.

On the other hand, as he looked up at his mobile suit's dimmed mono-eye, he couldn't help but feel how out of place it was with the mobile suits around it. Whereas the Zaku was generally big and bulky, his mobile suit was somewhat sleeker and more streamlined, as though its very form was meant to generate sheer mobility. Not that that didn't make sense; from what he understood, much of this suit's internal structuring and equipment had been based on Feddie technology – adapted and upgraded through Zeon ingenuity of course – and the exterior certainly looked like it. Still, such an odd duckling of a mobile suit was more than fitting for someone like him.

Especially when I at last take it against the Feddies, Mallet thought with a violent glimmer in his eyes. His thoughts must have been quite visible, as he could feel certain apprehension from the techs and other pilots around him. Well, no matter, they were inferiors to him anyway. They might have held similar physical strength as he, but that hardly mattered compared to his spiritual strength. A power that they could never hope to understand, much less obtain for themselves, even if Ascension turned out to be truth.

"Commander!" a new, young voice called out from the side.

Smirking to himself, Mallet turned to meet his two subordinates, a young man and woman. Both wore Lieutenant Junior Grade tabs on their uniforms, though beyond that, the woman emanated a specific pressure that he did well to notice.

"The ship is just about finished fitting out sir," Lieutenant Junior Grade Gusta Piper announced. "They're loading the last of the mobile suits now."

"Excellent. About time we got out of here," Mallet responded, looking toward the other Zakus in the hangar. "Damn did this trip take far too long."

"It can't be helped sir," Lieutenant Junior Grade Lilia Flaubert added on. "I'm actually surprised they got this many mobile suits loaded so quickly. Surely we have more Zakus aboard than there are guarding the shipyards."

"Yes," Mallet feigned agreement. More fodder for the enemy at least. "In any case, it won't be much longer before we see action again. And with a vessel and force like this, I imagine it will be quite intense."

He then looked toward his two fellow Zeon carefully. "I trust this will not be an issue for either of you?"

"Of course not sir!" Gusta recited at once. "Where the Emperor commands us, Esser Squadron will go!"

"Good," Mallet nodded before turning to Lilia. And where I go, you shall follow. Is that clear?

Yes sir, Lilia confirmed with the same special sense that she shared with her superior. Such was the foundation of their bond, which surpassed anything that could be held with or by their inferiors.

A moment later, an enlisted rate floated down from above. "Commander Sanguine," he announced to the pilot. "Captain Carlisle wishes to speak to you. Preferably at the earliest opportunity, he says."

"Heh," Mallet let out in the open. God forbid that old bastard should leave me unattended for too long.

That earned a near laugh from Lilia, who easily picked up on the exclamation. She held it back however.

"Very well, I'll be up there shortly," Mallet replied, to which the enlisted man saluted and promptly departed. The Commander turned back to his wingmates. "Go over your Zakus one final time. I don't want to leave Zonnes with faulty equipment, especially in our mobile suits."

"Yes sir," Gusta responded, he and Lilia then saluting as well before departing. As they did, Lilia, while still facing forward, took one final glance with her power back to her superior. Picking up on this, Mallet only nodded in return, to which Lilia then turned back to focus on the trek to her machine.

Once again alone with his mobile suit, Mallet looked back up to its dimmed mono-eye camera, smirking. This will be a most interesting venture indeed…

Federation Lexington-class fleetcarrier Ark Royal
Warp

Quietly entering the observation deck, Amuro once again found Sayla there, her eyes fixed upon the stars streaking by the Ark Royal at warp. Normally this would be a time for one of her lessons to him, but obviously that had been put on hold for the moment being. Even so, Amuro still wanted to be there, by her side, especially before the shooting began anew. Sayla?

It's alright, Sayla answered, allowing for Amuro to come stand beside her, which he did. I just wanted some calm before our arrival.

The Newtype woman couldn't help but frown as she transmitted that. Calm, she mused. It seems like that's getting shorter in supply as we continue onward.

Yeah, Amuro solemnly agreed. It feels like eons since we like we left Shangri-La, yet it's just been from one battle to the next, and always with high stakes.

He shook his head. You think it will ever end?

I'm not sure myself, Sayla replied. Though I would like to think that something better will be there, for all of us, when we've accomplished what we were sent here to do.

Heh, that also seems so long ago, Amuro mused. Back when we were just supposed to take the Gundams back to Earth.

Yes, it was so simple then, wasn't it? Sayla retorted alongside. A 'milk run' Commander Law and the others claimed it to be, just a simple transit to a middle rim colony and then a direct return with our cargo.

And my not having to engage in battle at all, Amuro thought, remembering the boy, no, the child he used to be. This naturally caused him to frown. You're right, I was quite the whelp then.

And still are to some degree, Sayla said, withholding a grin as Amuro nearly flinched. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

So you say, Amuro admonished, sighing. Back then none of this concerned me. The war was just something that happened well away from Earth. Even when the Zeon tried to go through Arcturus, I never really put much thought to it.

He then looked down from the stars for a moment. But now… he continued. Now I've seen so much, done so much, the Newtype man spoke in near confession. Now, it's not that I can run away like I tried to do then. I simply can't.

Several images then appeared in Sayla's mind. That of Amuro holding a weeping Fraw, who had just barely survived the destruction of her home and family. The colony laser shot on Jericho, obliterating the planet and all those on it. Garma's descent and their desperate fight not for victory, but for survival.

I can only fight Sayla, he went on, looking up again. Whether for this ship, Earth or myself, I can only fight to win now, without turning away again.

His eyes then flickered as he said. Nothing like that whelp and coward you found so long ago.

Perhaps… Sayla mused, before taking on a smile. Though not too much I still believe.

Amuro turned to face her with peculiarity, to which Sayla merely smiled back toward him. Moments later, alarm klaxons began to sound throughout the ship.

"This is the bridge, we are now on approach to Zorres," Kikka announced from overhead. "All hands to Level One Battlestations!"

"Right," Amuro sighed out loud. He had hoped their time would last a little longer, but he supposed it was to be expected. "Let's go."

With that, both Gundam pilots turned and made their way back to the waiting hangar deck.

"Captain on the bridge!" Ryu announced as Bright exited the turbolift and took his seat. Once he was settled in, the Commander steeled himself for what lay ahead. "Report."

"Battlestations manned and ready sir," Mirai responded from her own seat, looking as ready as she could possibly make herself. "Weapons and defense systems are online and Commander Law reports his mobile suits can launch at any time."

"Good, good," Bright replied. No doubt the Zeeks had already detected their approach and scrambling their own defenses, but that wasn't something that would hinder them. Once again the Ark Royal had been called to the field of battle, and once again Bright would lead her there with those around him. And God willing, they would exit Zorres victorious, no matter what awaited them there. "Time to reversion?"

"Ten seconds Captain," Katz replied, focusing forward with the rest of the bridge crew. He could only hope that they somehow survived this one as well. "Nine… Eight… Seven…"