Von Braun Space Battle pt. 1
WHO: Char Aznable, Amuro Ray, Roy Fokker, Claudia Grant, Ridley, Vanilla H, Camille Bidan as MYSTERIOUS RACER X, others in relevant radio chatter
WHERE: Outer Space just above Von Braun City, the moon, UC Plane
WHEN: 6/17-18. Does time matter?
WHAT: Zeon and Space Pirate forces create dangerous distractions while Haman's team raids the city itself for lunar titanium. The IPA respond, along with a strange newcomer.
WATCH FOR: Char and Amuro screaming at one another a lot, the SDF-1 firing off the Big Gun, Metroids, Vanilla healing a space fortress, Newtypey confusion and some pathos on Y-Black Sheep and Fac-IPA.
Sci-Fi Sector - Side 3
In the year Universal Century 0079, the orbital nation known as the Principality of Zeon declared its independence from the Earth Federation, prompting the devastating One Year War. Side 3 is the location of Zeon, at the second Lagrange Point (L2), placing it on the far side of the Moon and out of sight of the Earth. It consists of some hundreds of orbital colonies, and the asteroid space fortress A Bao A Qu.
Each colony is a large, cylindrical spacestation holding roughly a million people, powered by a mixture of nuclear and solar energy. Within each colony, cities can be found, complete with manufacturing and commercial elements. The government of Zeon, however, directs their colonies in a totalitarian, fascist manner, to utilize their resources to the fullest in the war against the Earth Federation.
This makes this area a heavily militarized, tense place underneath the rule of the oppressive Zabi family. Nationalist rhetoric is at a premium, broadcasted throughout Side 3 nearly constantly. The military forces of Zeon are always on hand, stationed at A Bao A Qu, to protect their homeland and insure the populace stays in line for their war of independence against the Federation.
Federation Forces patrol the area around and above the Von Braun City lunar colony and mine, protecting both the Fed base, its storage areas, its supplies and its close location to a mine of valuable lunar titanium. The city looks peaceful from above, a circular dome-city partially submerged in the surface of the moon, with ships and GM mobile suits flying past on daily patrol. Like space itself, all is, temporarily, quiet.
Char has brought out his full combat section, today. Five Musai-class light cruisers register on the Federal Forces' alternative sensors and then by line of sight; the Minovsky jamming began in earnest earlier, limiting communications to laser or nothing but nearly crushing static. The things occupy a V-formation, as they approach. Cannons swivel, and mega particle beams begin lancing out towards the Salamis- and Magellan-class ships.
Then, the catapults open. Zakus begin pouring out in short order, bursts of light erupting behind them; a red one takes the lead, aiming its bazooka forward. Char, the pilot inside, smiles for a moment. "Perfect. Not enough resistance. All forces, attack!"
A quick glance is paid to his rear monitor. He is expecting some assistance from his Syndicate allies.
Behind Char's fleet is the flagship of the Space Pirates, Ridley's personal Mothership. Ship bays open on either side, releasing the fighter ships. Large blue pods with tails housing a single pirate each. They forgo formations and move randomly toward the target.
Small guns appear on the Mothership, preparing for attack. Inside the control deck, Ridley stares into the main screen. "Hahaha. This should be fun."
Back at the SDF-1, which was in another zone, Roy was sitting in the lounge of the Prometheus, with Vanilla. "...then after we cleaned up the pineapple salad, we had a good laugh! And you see, that's why Claudia and I are getting married." he finishes explaining to the fellow Black Sheep Squadron member.
Up in the Bridge Area, Captain Gloval suddenly gets a FLASH message. "Boishe Moi!" he exclaims, coming out of his office on the bridge. "Claudia, we have reports of an attack at an allied base. Prepare to move to the following coordinates.." As he relays the coordinates for the base, he adds, "Lisa, deploy the Skull Squadron, they are on standby."
"Attention: All valkyrie squadrons, this is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. Skull, Vermilion, Red and Green squadrons prepare for launch." Spoken from one of the bridge of the SDF-1 to the respective RDF and IPA crafts, there's an well-practiced battle combat calm among the crew positioned here. Next to Commander Lisa Hayes, Lieutenant Claudia Grant follows quickly after her friend and ranking officer with practiced ease, "Transformation sequence complete." Toggling the switch that patches her directly to the IPA personnel, she reports, "All IPA crafts, you are to launch from Prometheus."
Klaxons and lights start to go off and flash around the Prometheus, as Roy stands up, "Well, kid, looks like we're in the soup again, you coming?" With that, he grabs his helmet, running to the flight deck. Within minutes, he and the rest of the Skulls are in the air, racing for the scene of the report. "Hey Claudia.." he says into the radio, his commo icon coming up. We may have a guest for dinner, Vanilla was visiting, so set an extra place." Yes, he can talk about things like that at a time like this.
It does not take long for the warning signal to go off as GMs shout cries of help on the radio before being incinerated. It is also not long before the Federation calls upon its alliances in the IPA to protect this city base with its precious resources, and upon its current strongest weapon.
The RX-78-2 Gundam is launched quickly, blasting right out of the SDF-1 where it had been stationed temporarily. Amuro didn't even have time to say hello to Roy, Claudia or Vanilla before he was ordered to report to base, and right now, he's only got one thing on his mind. Reports spoke of Zeon troops following a red Zaku II.
The Red Comet.
As the Gundam blasts out, it readies its pulse rifle as Amuro scans the area. Where are you, Char Aznable?
Out of place among the Veritechs that scramble to intercept the attack is a large, green craft. On the front it has what looks like a massive 30 foot shield, and the only visible armanents are a pair of large cannons mounted along the bottom. "GA-005, Harvester, taking off. I shall support the squadrons as best I can." These words are spoken by the pilot, a young girl by the name of Vanilla. She does not move to intercept the incoming forces, at least not yet.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "The Red Comet is out there!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Scanning."
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami says, "There are three mobile suits."
Dren frowns, sharply, aboard the flagship of the Zeon forces, the Falmel. The light cruiser is no match for the mile-long Super Dimensional Fortress; it would be hardpressed to meet it in battle and handle it. Even five Musai-class cruisers would be hardpressed to handle that. He looks to his communications officer, and nods his head once. "Ask the Space Pirates to engage the IPA battlecruiser. We'll provide logistical support."
"Yes, sir," the soldier says. The Zeon officer presses a button. "Commander Ridley. We'd like to ask you to engage the newly arrived battlecruiser. Can you do so?"
Amidst the Mobile Suits, Char frowns. He didn't need the RDF's battle fortress either. The man shakes his head, looking forward again as he sweeps the skies for any sign of the Gundam or the Federation forces. "All units, form up on me," he states. "We want to push forward and keep them occupied. Move out!"
The Red Zaku hits its thrusters and goes flying forward - a powerful burst of light results, and its green twins follow afterward.
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "Y-yeah, and we d-don't know what's hidden...is that a guy looting a hardware store with little robots?"
(Fac-IPA) Amuro Ray says, "Are they of Zeon type, if you can tell? -Little robots?"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "There he is."
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "Maybe I'm seeing things...how're things up there?"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "I know."
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami says, "They seem similar... I cannot see the hardware store."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Vanilla H says, "Why do so few understand that violence solveds nothing? May God have mercy on their dark souls."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "I understand, Vanilla, but we have to fight right now. And sir, with your permission? I wish to engage the Red Comet myself, if possible."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Vanilla H says, "I have no intention of remaining idle."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker makes a non-commital noise. But finally, "We'll keep the flight lines clear. Vanilla, make sure none of his troops interfer. Claudia and I look to have our hands full."
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "I'm coming to assist! Give me a minute or two."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "Good luck to all of us..."
(Citizen's Band) Shinji Ikari says, "S-syndicate forces! This...this is the Interplanar Police Agency! S-surrender now, and you w-will not be harmed!"
(Citizen's Band) Shinji Ikari, trying to sound authoritative. Innit cute?
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "We'll provide what support we can, but our sensors are displaying incoming towards the SDF-1."
(Citizen's Band) Klaus von Wulfenbach | Bangladesh Dupree laughs. It is actually a fairly nice sound.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Right, I'll go out there to shake and bake em, Claudia."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Vanilla H says, "I will not allow them to harm you."
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari, flipping through some kind of instruction manual! "Okay, r-regulations say we can e-engage now. I think. The kanji are so small on the translated page..."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "She's so cute. Maybe she could be our flower girl, Claudia."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker, so so random.
(Fac-IPA) Roy Fokker says, "Hey, Shinji, right?"
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "Yup. The evil laugh is our cue!"
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "Um, yes? Sorry."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "Roy! We're in the middle of a combat situation!"
(Fac-IPA) Roy Fokker says, "Go ahead and go after them, kid. I'll make sure to keep anyone that gets on your case off of you."
(Fac-IPA) Nanoha Takamachi says, "Isn't grand theft with giant robots a bit... excessive?"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Yeah, I noticed that. Notice I didn't ask if Lisa was going to be the maid of honor."
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "Oh. Okay. Sorry, t-this is my first mixed sorte..."
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "You'll be fine! Just don't get in the way!"
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami says, "Please support us, until you are ready."
Inside the Space Pirate Mothership, Ridley is alerted to the message. He replies, "It'll be my pleasure." He issues a message to the Pirate fleet, "Converge on that battlecruiser, and take it down! For Pirate Glory!" A chorus of "For Pirate Glory!" issues from the radio as Ridley gets comfortable on his perch and watches the battle.
The ships all change directory and begin moving toward the IPA Battlecruiser. Plasma cannons on either side of each ship begin firing, sending a large amount of small plasma pellets towards the ship.
Ridley critically strikes Claudia Grant with his Plasma Spray attack.
As the pirate ships open fire on the SDF-1, Roy frowns, calling out to his squadron. "Skulls, go after those ships, but keep the firing lanes for the SDF-1 open!" he calls out, radioing back to the SDF-1. "Don't worry ladies, we have your backs."
With that, the Valkyries of the Skulls roll in, all of them launching swarms of missiles that leap from hardpoints along the wings of the fighters and towards the Pirate Fleet.
Roy Fokker critically strikes Ridley with his Missile Barrage! attack.
Amuro is truly relieved to have the RDF backing him up, along with the Federation troops who are engaging the scattered enemy forces. He hopes his request was not selfish or reckless. He knows the Red Comet is out there, and the burst of light with a red flash is the proof.
The Gundam blasts forward, a flash of white light from the Minovsky Particle "flames" left in its wake as it pursues the red Zaku and its allies. The pulse rifle is brought forth and aimed, as Amuro concentrates, concentrates. He can hit Char, this time! He's confident of it.
He can feel it.
You get a glancing blow on Char Aznable with your I AM RIGHT HERE YO jab.
While Lisa is busy coordinating the RDF squadrons, Claudia is managing the IPA side of things while clutching at the edges of her console - much like the rest of the bridge crew as the hits impact the ship at various places. "We have confirmed hits on decks 40 through 45. Only minor damage to Macross City." Hopefully, they can keep it that way. They don't dare use the main gun yet. Nevermind that it's still charging. However, the guns and missles designed to activate in defense are already targeting the individual pirate ships. Much like the valkyrie squadrons that are falling back in defense of the battlefortress. As to her reply to Roy? There isn't one. Not in the middle of combat! She'll answer later.
Claudia Grant hits Ridley with her Anti-Aircraft Defenses! attack.
Nestled comfortably inside the Harvester, Vanilla calmly scans the situation. She's clearly no match for the forces arrayed before her. Were she to merely rush in, she'd find herself in an uncomfortable position, provided those pirate's fighters could manage to get past the Emblem Frame's defenses, that is! Moving the mecha away from the SDF-1 and it's veritechs of doom, she tries to edge outwards to the outskirts of the skirmish. Once there, she proceeds to open fire! Yes, the thing is capable of fighting as well as playing group healer, as one of those little pirate ships finds out first hand. "Go in peace, corrupt soul." she says, her eyes closing as she opens fire.
The laser cuts into the side of Char's Zaku, leaving a grazing wound on - some blistered armor, but thankfully no critical systems hit. Char's eyes narrow, and he turns his head to the side. Right there, he realizes - that would be where his enemy is. The man turns his thrusters to full, twisting the Zaku II around with a few AMBAC movements, and banks sharply until the white and blue of the Gundam come onto his monitor.
Ahead of him, the Musais and Zakus begin engaging the EFF's forces. Char smirks a bit, as he swings down towards Amuro, and takes aim with his bazooka. A rocket round shoots out, snaking down towards the armored Gundam. The pilot inside is familiar, somehow; it provokes something in his mind, and makes him realize something.
Now, to be sure. "Is that all, Gundam pilot? Is this the best of the Federation?"
Char Aznable hits Amuro Ray with his 360mm Bazooka attack.
Nearly half of the Pirate Fleet is taken out as the enemy focuses their fire on them. Inside the mothership, Ridley grins. "Pirates! Scatter and surround that Battlecruiser and ignore all other ships!"
The ships move quickly to surround the ship, creating great distances between them. All the while the ships fire upon the massive ship, specifically aiming for the anti-aircraft guns.
Ridley hits Claudia Grant with his Surround and Destroy! attack.
"Oh no you do not." With Roy's unit being ignored for the most part, he calls the Skulls into position, and looks towards where the ship is under attack. And then he calls out to the unit to launching the attack.
And as he does so, the Valkyries rush in, transforming to their various modes as they start to launch various attacks, between lasers, missiles, and cannons.
Roy Fokker misses Ridley with his Valkyrie Rush! KEKEKKEKE! attack.
Vanilla H has done her job in ridding the galaxy of a few of those pirates. But now she's got a new task before her. Recovering all the damage the SDF-1 has taken would be a rather tall order for even her, but she can do the Fortress some good at least. The anti-aircraft guns are being taken offline one by one and that simply won't do. Her eyes close, as if she was piloting using the Force, only she's not. She seems to be doing an admirable job not running into things, however. "Let your powers be renewed..." Emanating from the Harvester itself, a wave of green fires forth. It isn't an attack, however, it's target is the area of the Fortress that is under attack. The result would look rather akin to magic as the damaged systems begin to immediantly repair themselves, damaged systems coming back online and, perhaps even more startling, destroyed cannons begining to actually grow back into place as if the ship was made of clay and the green wave was sculpting it into the shape it wanted.
Vanilla H heals Claudia Grant with her Repair Wave action.
The Gundam takes the hits square-on from the bazooka, its heavy armor plating keeping it from too much internal damage as it holds its shield up to take the brunt of the missile fire. Amuro shuts his eyes in shock as the impact hits, and then slowly opens his eyes as he listens to Char's voice on the radio. The same voice that laughed with his troops at Milliway's. The same voice from the figure with the strange mask and the overconfident smirk. The same one that is now addressing him like some kind of /weakling./
He calls out on the radio in response, his voice clear and angry. He doesn't even care about keeping his identity secret from the Zeon ace anymore. Let that pompous, arrogant Zeon stooge hear and feel a torrent of his own frustration. "That's right, Red Comet! The pilot of the White Mobile Suit is a kid! Some awkward, low-ranking kid drafted only a few months ago. Does it make you feel better to know that?! Does it boost your confidence to see someone like me facing off against you?!" The Beam Saber flares outward, and the Gundam swoops in, attempting to sideslash the Zaku.
You miss Char Aznable with your ANGER OF YOUTH AND FRUSTRATION AND A WHOLE LOT OF ANGST RIGHT UP YOUR TAILPIPE attack.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "He knows it's me."
The SDF-1 may be like the Energizer Bunny - Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Err, in this case, that may be firing as the case may be. As the craft get close to the ship's hull, if they're not encoutering the pin point barrier system? They're getting past it.
On the bridge, there's a lot of coordination going on. These are not like your normal Zentradi ships. "Sir? Main gun is beginning to charge, we can't keep getting pouonded like this." Pause. "Wait. We're getting reports of power being restored," Claudia reports, seeing it but not believing it if the readings weren't true. The Bridge Bunnies are also reporting at nearly the same time. "Something's happening out there, Captain!" "We're getting operational strength back from some of the port side guns!" And all the while, the firepower is taking over some of the defense duties from the valkyrie squadrons.
Claudia Grant gets a glancing blow on Ridley with her Those Guns Keep Going and Going and... attack.
"I could care less, Amuro!" Char shouts back over the connection. As the beam saber comes stabbing in, he hits a few verniers; the thrusters shoot the vehicle just to the side, as the red blade of energy slashes well past the red Mobile Suit. The Mobile Suit then rears backward. "War is cruel, and pulls in people of all ages! Do you think that you will somehow be spared? Do you think that talent alone will save you? You're running against the clock, Amuro!"
The red Zaku draws back its feet, and then kicks hard - sending a leg towards the white Mobile Suit, in an effort to kick it backward. "Sooner or later, it will catch up with you! Can you really hope to survive the finest of Zeon's war machine?"
Char Aznable misses Amuro Ray with his Patented Char Kick attack.
Ships scatter as the Valkyries attack, evading them, but after the SDF-1's continued attack, only half of the Pirate Fleet remains intact. Ridley watches the battle with glee, until the Harverster begins healing the battlecruiser. "Gah! This isn't fair! That's cheating! It's time to get serious. Pirates! Fire all missiles! Annihilate them!" The ships all move to face the SDF-1. Bays on the bottom of the ships open, releasing missiles. They fire towards the the ship. On impact, they release a glowing, blue, radioactive substance: chemical warfare.
Ridley misses Claudia Grant with his Phazon Missiles! super.
As the Phazon missiles are launched, Roy barks to the Skulls, "Take them out!" With that, the Skulls as a unit, launch a group of missiles at the larger Phazon missiles. They impact within the grouping of the larger missiles, causing them to explode into a massive green cloud in space. Skull Squadron's Valkyries will need a decontomination. Racing through the cloud, they streak back into the defense of the SDF-1.
After 30 seconds or so of constant contact, the Harvester's repair wave cuts off. In the cockpit, the little pilot slumps over, concious but winded. It takes her personal strength to control that thing. It's enhanced by the Emblem Frame's systems, but she's the source. An electronic voice speaks up from her lap, coming from a small pink doll. "You're going to hurt yourself if you keep that up, Vanilla." the doll says. The girl, as she always does, ignores him and patches through to the SDF-1's bridge. "Harvester reporting. I have done what I could to keep your systems functional. It will be 3 minutes 28 seconds before my body can handle the repair wave a second time without damaging itself. Please try not to die until then." That said, the emblem frame sends all power into it's shields, completely negleticing it's weapons systems. It's not going to be destroying anything anytme soon.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Skull Squadron, surround and protect Vanilla!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "Yes, sir!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Amuro, keep pounding away at that guy, we'll protect the gal."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "-Yes, sir!"
"They've fired missiles!" "All stations brace for impact!" It's controlled chaos up there on the bridge, relaying the warning to all decks of the battlefortress. This time, Claudia's manning the PA system for all of the people to hear - all the way into the shelters. This is for military and civillians. From Lisa's station, the brown haired woman reports, "Main gun fully charged and ready. Transmitting to all RDF and IPA craft to deviate out of the main gun's path. Firing in sixty seconds."
In the meantime? Thank goodness for the pin point barrier system. Or PPS, for short. And the Skull Squadron. Whatever the valkyries miss, the barrier deflects. Including debris as the main gun lowers into position. Claudia toggles the connection between the bridge and Vanilla to report, "That's good. Keep out of the blast radius. We're about to fire the main gun!" And what is it like? Big. Very, very big.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "Vanilla, be careful!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "Roy! Keep her and yourselves out of the main gun's path!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "@$@!! SHEEP, CLEAR!"
Something tingles in front of Amuro's vision and inside of his brain, and the Gundam abruptly veers out of the way of the Patented Char Kick. A kick. He should try that himself sometime.
He doesn't let off the radio, either, for the moment. "I don't expect anyone to spare me! But what makes you think you're different? Wearing a mask, laughing it up like you're some kind of combat god! You could die just like anyone else!" The young pilot maneuvers the levers and steers the Gundam to sweep towards Char, trying to ram it with an "elbow" and shove it back.
And then something else tingles in his head seconds before an order is given, and his eyes turn to the massive beam being fired from the SDF-1. He is silent for a second.
You hit Char Aznable with your Push Comes to Shove jab.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "-What was /that?!/"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "That was a reflex cannon."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "The SDF-1's main gun."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "You okay up there, sweetheart?"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "That's my question to you, Roy. We're fine up here. Work as normal."
(Fac-IPA) Roy Fokker says, "Prometheus, get me a load of reflex warheads! I'm coming on for a hot reload."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Vanilla H says, "I remain undamaged."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "I'm fine here..."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Honey, I'm as cherry as the first day you met me."
Pirate ships scatter, completely dodging the station's main gun. This cheers Ridley back up after all of the missiles missed. "Troops! Change tactics! All ships commence containment procedure on the battlecruiser!" The ships regroup and reconverge on the battlecruiser. The plasma cannons begin to glow blue, then fire blue beams of light at many of the ship's guns. The beams that were originally developed to contain Metroids are now being used in an attempt to freeze ships's weapons.
Ridley stuns Claudia Grant with his Containment Beams! action.
(Fac-IPA) Claudia Grant says, "Warheads will be ready.. wait. Did you say reflex?"
(Fac-IPA) Roy Fokker says, "Copy that."
(Fac-IPA) Amuro Ray says, "Reflex? What are those?"
(Fac-IPA) Claudia Grant and the bridge crew can be heard reacting to the latest attack. Shouts? Well, they are all women except for the Captain.
One of the Veritechs cuts away from the rest of the Squadron, which has gone to protecting Vanilla. As Roy pours on the power, he converts to Guardian mode, sliding on the deck of the Prometheus, as they work to try to quickly load up six large missiles on the hardpoints of Skull One.
Roy Fokker switches armor modes to Veritech Guardian.
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "What the heck is-"
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari laser beam noises. "A-aaah!"
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami says, "Umbilical cable severed - Ikari."
This could make the Zentradi very proud. They've been after the battlecruiser for months now and those beams cause the ship from attacking back directly. Then again, there's also a problem. "Wha-?! Over eighty percent of our guns are disabled, Captain! Skull One is requesting an emergency landing on Promethus and Reflex warheads." Claudia will clear it once Gloval gives his okay, just like that. Reading the printouts, the girls behind her are also reporting their own bad news. "Engineering is reporing a power drop. Engines are not responsive! We're not able to evade, Sir!"
"Hmmm." Gloval considers. "Allow Skull One to land and reload." he responds, then cusses in Russian as the lights in the command center flicker. "Engineering, lower outputs to Macross City, keep full power to the hospitial!"
The elbow slams into the Zaku II; some of its armor dents inward, but it holds together well enough. The pilot inside frowns and reaches a hand down; at the same time, the Zaku grasps its heat hawk and lifts it. The superheated edge lights up, and Char swings the blade down for the Gundam's shoulder armor with one, hard chop. "I have experience! I have fought long and hard in this war--and I have more that must be done!"
Char Aznable critically strikes Amuro Ray with his Heat Hawk attack.
Ridley cackles as his maneuver is successful. "Excellent! Now that the enemy is immobilized, commence Kamikaze strikes!" "But sir! We have plenty of weapons left, we don't need to resort to suicide attacks." "Silence! I want Kamikaze attacks! Obey me!" "Yes, Lord Ridley!" Most of the ships in the fleet recharge their weapons after the containment attack. Those that were earlier designated for the Kamikaze attack engage maximum thrusters, and shoot straight towards the SDF-1.
Ridley critically strikes Claudia Grant with his Kamikaze! attack.
Claudia Grant is no longer stunned.
Ridley hits Ridley with his That's gotta hurt. jab.
As the SDF-1 is nailed, Roy, down of the deck of the Prometheus, just finished with the reload, he scowls. His friends.. and the love of his life are on that ship. Lifting off the ground, Roy immediately sends one missile screaming towards the fleet as he transforms from Guardian to Fighter.
Roy Fokker hits Ridley with his reflex warhead 1! attack.
Silently, Vanilla is listening to the condition the SDF-1 is in. The entire battleship is in danger! Thousands upon thousands of lives are at risk. And the risk is that much worse with the enemy closing in without any attempt to stop. Are they really going to ram into the ship?! "..I cannot wait any longer." Her fingers fly over her controls while Normad, the aforementioned plushie, protests. "Vanilla. What are you doing? You're not ready yet. It hasn't been long enough." As could be expected, the girl ignores him. There's too much at stake for her to be selfish. "...Don't push yourself to hard at least." The wave that comes forth this time, amidst the incoming suicidal pilots, is not as bright as the previous one. The affects are not as clearly obvious, either. But even so, it's enough to make a difference as hundreds of thousands of tiny nanomachines sail outwards from the Harvester and into the SDF-1's 'wounds'. Moments after it begins, the little pilot all but loses conciousness. It's only a strong will that keeps her awake. The people on the SDF-1 are her friends too, even if she isn't vocal about expressing that friendship. She's not about to let them down!
Vanilla H heals Claudia Grant with her Repair Wave MK. II action.
The Heat Hawk cuts deep into the Gundam's armor, exposing sparks and machinery in a big gash that will need to be repaired soon. A few alerts sound on the monitor, but the Mobile Suit should remain functional for now. "I don't /care/ why you're fighting in this war! You think you're more important than anyone else?!" Amuro's only vaguley aware of how hypocritical it is for him to accuse Char of that, for he himself already feels he's 'different.' But Char doesn't need to know about that. He's different from the Red Comet!
He pulls out the pulse rifle again, jetting back and sending forth a steady stream of pulse fire at the Red Mobile Suit.
You critically strike Char Aznable with your Amuro Is Not Happy With Him attack.
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari |Those folks with visual interfaces get to see just what Shinji looks like before a Berserker attack, before the comlink shudders and breaks into a wall of static.
On the SDF-1's bridge: "We have outer hull breeches on decks eighty to one hundred." "There are explosions being noted on..." And the reports keep coming in as the impacts hit the fortress. Even Claudia's too busy other than to relay to Roy that the approval had been cleared before going back to checking damage to the city. "Sir! We have repairs being reported again!" It must be someone's doing. Whatever it is, no one seems to be complaining. Especially once the guns come back online and resume their auto firing sequence. The destroids stationed on the ship's 'arms' are still firing, thanks to the fact they're actually manned by real people.
Claudia Grant gets a glancing blow on Ridley with her Auto-Firing Guns and Destroids attack.
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami looks stoic for those with video feeds. "I will stop Unit One."
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "...What was that noise?"
(Fac-IPA) Amuro Ray says, "Is everything okay?"
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami does not answer.
"Do you honestly believe that all men are equal? That is simply unacceptable!" Char barks over the radio. The Red Comet grits his teeth as the pulse blasts hit the Zaku. They tear through it like a warm knife through butter. Systems wail, as he finds fuel and air leaking out in parts. His eyes narrow, and he hits the thrusters as well. The Zaku II swoops upward, putting away the heat hawk, and draws the machinegun back out.
The Mobile Suit spirals away from Amuro, before taking aim. The machinegun lets out another burst, releasing a stream of shots in the direction of the Gundam. Char takes a deep breath, then looks worriedly at some of the systems. Things are getting bad.
Char Aznable misses Amuro Ray with his Machineguns in SPACE attack.
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto, with a misc. crashing sound in the backgroun, "Not sure! Busy fighting!"
(Citizen's Band) Shinji Ikari and Unit-01's "voices" begin to meld together, as they bellow a rage-crazed, animalistic roar!
(Citizen's Band) Darth Revan says, "Mmmmmm....I know that scream."
Ridley cackles inside the Mothership even as his ships are destroyed. "Excellent! The chaos! The destruction! I love it! Now, all troops fire a second round of missiles! They won't know what hit them! Hahahaha!" The few remaining ships comply. Missiles are released from the bays and fly towards the battlecruiser. Again, they will release glowing blue Phazon up detonation.
Ridley gets a glancing blow on Claudia Grant with his Phazon Missiles, Take 2 attack.
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "Here it goes again!"
(Citizen's Band) Amuro Ray says, "...Shinji?"
This is why Vanilla never flies into battle alone. Her best abilities tend to weaken her a great deal. If she was under heavy fire without anyone to protect her, then she'd be done for in an instant. The way it is she's unlikely to unleash a third repair wave anytime soon. She wasn't kidding when she said it would hurt her if she did it again too soon. All those nanomachines have to draw power from somewhere, and she's the source. She's still concious at least. "SDF-1. I am unlikely to be able to repair you a third time. Please keep this in mind. I am attempting to withdraw to a safe position for the time being." She's used to 'healing' the other emblem frames, not mile long ships. It's more then a little taxing on her. "I shall provide cover fire if possible."
"The main gun is online." Spoken from Lisa's station, the young woman is already keying the sequence as Claudia takes over in informing the friendly squadrons. And to Vanilla, "Land if you need to. Just stay out of the way of the main gun. You should see it's firing pattern. I'm sending it to you on a secure link. We'll be fine." She hopes. The extra assistance went a long way in ensuring that they have this second chance at the pirate ships. As the guns begin their sequence, the allied craft should be used to it. Hopefully.
The Gundam veers out of the way of the machinegun fire, holding up the shield to intercept anything in its way. "Isn't that the line you Zeons spout? You're fighting against inequality? You're not all hypocrites, are you!?" Amuro's Gundam grabs the Beam Saber again, as he shouts into his radio and swoops into a closer range with the Zaku II. "Thinking yourself some kind of superhuman...you don't even know what you're talking about!" And he swings, slicing down at Char as the light of the beam saber, visible from his monitor, reflects against his Normal Suit helmet.
You miss Char Aznable with your All dramatic-like attack.
(Fac-IPA) Amuro Ray says, "SDF-1, is everything alright therE?"
(Fac-IPA) Vanilla H says, "I am attemping to keep the SDF-1 functional. I am only having mediocre success."
(Fac-IPA) Claudia Grant says, "She's doing well, actually. But we're still going to have to access the damage."
The guns of the battlecruiser finally finish the job. Every Pirate ship is blown to smithereens. Ridley doesn't even flinch. "Excellent! Time to have some /real/ fun! Engage the thrusters! Move towards the enemies! Destroy them all! Hahahaha!" The great Mothership begins moving for the first time since the battle started. The guns begin charging. Soon, it will be in range.
Ridley switches armor modes to Mothership.
"That isn't what I said at all," Char replies with a growl. Ignorant young fool. The heat hawk is grabbed and brought to life quickly; Amuro's beam saber collides against it, held at bay by the superheated edge. His eyes narrow, and he hits the thrusters hard - sending his machine hurtling forward, towards the Gundam. The Zaku's spiked shoulder armor is aimed for it, in an effort to ram the spikes into the Gundam's chest. "Are you incapable of /listening/!?"
Char Aznable misses Amuro Ray with his Shoulder Ram attack.
With the pirates destroyed and the SDF-1 in retreat, it seems that Vanilla has time to relax for a moment. However, such is not the case at all, as Ridley's mothership makes itself known. This must of been how those tiny little pirates felt going against the massive super dimensional fortress. The difference was, there was a lot of them and only one Vanilla. It seems as if she's not going to be able to come out of this one. But does she retreat? Naturally not. At the very least she can buy the SDF-1 time to get away before that ship destroys it. "I hope they will not be angry with me for dying today." And in an act of sheer foolishness, the girl puts the Harvester directly in the path of the alien mothership. She may not be able to beat it one on one, but she's not trying to, either. She just needs it to spend some time dealing with her. The twin laser turrets on the bottom open fire. The damage they could hope to do to something so massive is minimal, however.
Vanilla H hits Ridley with her Desperation Shot attack.
This time, Amuro doesn't have any angry retort to Char, a spark in his mind prompting him to swing out of the way of the shoulder-ram. It's only a temporary victory, though, as the young pilot's eyes fall on that massive mothership approachng them, just as the SDF-1 is in retreat.
"...oh...crap."
He takes a deep breath, sending a radio message to his ally in the Harvester. "Vanilla! Just stay out of the way of that ship's fire! Be careful!" His heart pounding, he weighs rushing in to stop the girl in the healer mech, but there is a Red Zaku in his way.
"Get out of my WAY!" The Beam Saber is raised, and the redheaded Gundam pilot slashes it upward at his rival.
You get a glancing blow on Char Aznable with your H8 U jab.
Ridley laughs as the Harvester moves before the ship. "Ha! Like a toad in front of a tank! Rip it to shreds! Fire all turrets on that ship! HAHAHAHAHA!" The turrets positions all over the ship rotate to point towards the harvester. They all fire at once, sending streaks of plasma toward the ship. "This is an excellent day for the Space Pirates!"
Ridley gets a glancing blow on Vanilla H with his Turret Fire attack.
The beam saber slashes along the Zaku, blistering it along one arm - but it doesn't sink through and destroy the arm, as Char moves it backward quickly. He sucks in another breath, then swings the heat hawk out again, trying to catch the Gundam in the face this time. "I don't think so!" the Red Comet growls. The superheated edge leaves a trail of bright light across his monitor, as he swings the weapon out. "Do you honestly believe I'll let you help her against that thing?"
Char Aznable hits Amuro Ray with his Heat Hawk attack.
Vanilla H weathers the first attack well enough. None of the energy even touches the Harvester's hull, instead reflecting against a green barried, bouncing off harmlessly and vanishing a moment later. Of course that was merely the first attack. How she handles the upcoming ones will determine if this is her last day alive. Her fingers run over her controls. "No damage sustained. Commencing counterattack." Who's she talking to? Herself, it makes her feel better. Nothing wrong with that! Flipping a few switches with a practiced flick of her wrist, she reveals that the machine does actually have other weapons. Electromagnetically fired missles launch from missle ports that open along the things hull as she does something clearly foolish and actually moves closer to the massive mothership. Perhaps she'll find a weakness. Perhaps an easily accessed exhaust port she can launch missles into to destroy Ridleys fully operational battle station.
Vanilla H gets a glancing blow on Ridley with her Look! Missles! attack.
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami lets out a wavering, agonized shriek.
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "/What the Hell?!/"
(Citizen's Band) Shinji Ikari and/or Unit-01 let out a triumphant, bestal roar!
(Citizen's Band) The Doctor says, "Now, that didn't sound good."
(Citizen's Band) Amuro Ray says, "What's going on there?!"
(Citizen's Band) Greed says, "They'll let any clown on the radio these days, won't they?"
(Citizen's Band) The Doctor says, "I have no idea but it sounded much like a tortured soul screaming out in pain and rage as he struggled with deep seated psychological issues in the midst of existential and physical combat against foes who are merely ciphers for the real problems boiling inside. Though I may be reading too much into things. Perhaps it's just a bear having eaten someone with a radio."
(Citizen's Band) Greed says, "Maybe it's a figment of his imagination?"
(Citizen's Band) Ridley says, "I need to get a bear."
(Citizen's Band) The Doctor says, "A figment of the Bear's imagination? No, I think not. Bears have very limited imaginations."
Hopefully, the various armies have been paying attention to their scanners. Or at the very least, keeping on their guard. Because something mighty unfamiliar to them seems to be coming their way. In fact, if one were to direct their cameras they would see something. Whether or not they know what it this thing is is another question. But from the looks of it, it's BIG. About the size of a space-capable battleship. It looks nothing like the current ships of either side, except a similarity to the White Base due to the white paint job. But before anyone can figure it out, it seems to already be sending out its message in the form of... well, a single mobile suit, streaking towards the scene of the battle.
Stay tuned for PART II!
WHERE: Outer Space just above Von Braun City, the moon, UC Plane
WHEN: 6/17-18. Does time matter?
WHAT: Zeon and Space Pirate forces create dangerous distractions while Haman's team raids the city itself for lunar titanium. The IPA respond, along with a strange newcomer.
WATCH FOR: Char and Amuro screaming at one another a lot, the SDF-1 firing off the Big Gun, Metroids, Vanilla healing a space fortress, Newtypey confusion and some pathos on Y-Black Sheep and Fac-IPA.
Sci-Fi Sector - Side 3
In the year Universal Century 0079, the orbital nation known as the Principality of Zeon declared its independence from the Earth Federation, prompting the devastating One Year War. Side 3 is the location of Zeon, at the second Lagrange Point (L2), placing it on the far side of the Moon and out of sight of the Earth. It consists of some hundreds of orbital colonies, and the asteroid space fortress A Bao A Qu.
Each colony is a large, cylindrical spacestation holding roughly a million people, powered by a mixture of nuclear and solar energy. Within each colony, cities can be found, complete with manufacturing and commercial elements. The government of Zeon, however, directs their colonies in a totalitarian, fascist manner, to utilize their resources to the fullest in the war against the Earth Federation.
This makes this area a heavily militarized, tense place underneath the rule of the oppressive Zabi family. Nationalist rhetoric is at a premium, broadcasted throughout Side 3 nearly constantly. The military forces of Zeon are always on hand, stationed at A Bao A Qu, to protect their homeland and insure the populace stays in line for their war of independence against the Federation.
Federation Forces patrol the area around and above the Von Braun City lunar colony and mine, protecting both the Fed base, its storage areas, its supplies and its close location to a mine of valuable lunar titanium. The city looks peaceful from above, a circular dome-city partially submerged in the surface of the moon, with ships and GM mobile suits flying past on daily patrol. Like space itself, all is, temporarily, quiet.
Char has brought out his full combat section, today. Five Musai-class light cruisers register on the Federal Forces' alternative sensors and then by line of sight; the Minovsky jamming began in earnest earlier, limiting communications to laser or nothing but nearly crushing static. The things occupy a V-formation, as they approach. Cannons swivel, and mega particle beams begin lancing out towards the Salamis- and Magellan-class ships.
Then, the catapults open. Zakus begin pouring out in short order, bursts of light erupting behind them; a red one takes the lead, aiming its bazooka forward. Char, the pilot inside, smiles for a moment. "Perfect. Not enough resistance. All forces, attack!"
A quick glance is paid to his rear monitor. He is expecting some assistance from his Syndicate allies.
Behind Char's fleet is the flagship of the Space Pirates, Ridley's personal Mothership. Ship bays open on either side, releasing the fighter ships. Large blue pods with tails housing a single pirate each. They forgo formations and move randomly toward the target.
Small guns appear on the Mothership, preparing for attack. Inside the control deck, Ridley stares into the main screen. "Hahaha. This should be fun."
Back at the SDF-1, which was in another zone, Roy was sitting in the lounge of the Prometheus, with Vanilla. "...then after we cleaned up the pineapple salad, we had a good laugh! And you see, that's why Claudia and I are getting married." he finishes explaining to the fellow Black Sheep Squadron member.
Up in the Bridge Area, Captain Gloval suddenly gets a FLASH message. "Boishe Moi!" he exclaims, coming out of his office on the bridge. "Claudia, we have reports of an attack at an allied base. Prepare to move to the following coordinates.." As he relays the coordinates for the base, he adds, "Lisa, deploy the Skull Squadron, they are on standby."
"Attention: All valkyrie squadrons, this is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. Skull, Vermilion, Red and Green squadrons prepare for launch." Spoken from one of the bridge of the SDF-1 to the respective RDF and IPA crafts, there's an well-practiced battle combat calm among the crew positioned here. Next to Commander Lisa Hayes, Lieutenant Claudia Grant follows quickly after her friend and ranking officer with practiced ease, "Transformation sequence complete." Toggling the switch that patches her directly to the IPA personnel, she reports, "All IPA crafts, you are to launch from Prometheus."
Klaxons and lights start to go off and flash around the Prometheus, as Roy stands up, "Well, kid, looks like we're in the soup again, you coming?" With that, he grabs his helmet, running to the flight deck. Within minutes, he and the rest of the Skulls are in the air, racing for the scene of the report. "Hey Claudia.." he says into the radio, his commo icon coming up. We may have a guest for dinner, Vanilla was visiting, so set an extra place." Yes, he can talk about things like that at a time like this.
It does not take long for the warning signal to go off as GMs shout cries of help on the radio before being incinerated. It is also not long before the Federation calls upon its alliances in the IPA to protect this city base with its precious resources, and upon its current strongest weapon.
The RX-78-2 Gundam is launched quickly, blasting right out of the SDF-1 where it had been stationed temporarily. Amuro didn't even have time to say hello to Roy, Claudia or Vanilla before he was ordered to report to base, and right now, he's only got one thing on his mind. Reports spoke of Zeon troops following a red Zaku II.
The Red Comet.
As the Gundam blasts out, it readies its pulse rifle as Amuro scans the area. Where are you, Char Aznable?
Out of place among the Veritechs that scramble to intercept the attack is a large, green craft. On the front it has what looks like a massive 30 foot shield, and the only visible armanents are a pair of large cannons mounted along the bottom. "GA-005, Harvester, taking off. I shall support the squadrons as best I can." These words are spoken by the pilot, a young girl by the name of Vanilla. She does not move to intercept the incoming forces, at least not yet.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "The Red Comet is out there!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Scanning."
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami says, "There are three mobile suits."
Dren frowns, sharply, aboard the flagship of the Zeon forces, the Falmel. The light cruiser is no match for the mile-long Super Dimensional Fortress; it would be hardpressed to meet it in battle and handle it. Even five Musai-class cruisers would be hardpressed to handle that. He looks to his communications officer, and nods his head once. "Ask the Space Pirates to engage the IPA battlecruiser. We'll provide logistical support."
"Yes, sir," the soldier says. The Zeon officer presses a button. "Commander Ridley. We'd like to ask you to engage the newly arrived battlecruiser. Can you do so?"
Amidst the Mobile Suits, Char frowns. He didn't need the RDF's battle fortress either. The man shakes his head, looking forward again as he sweeps the skies for any sign of the Gundam or the Federation forces. "All units, form up on me," he states. "We want to push forward and keep them occupied. Move out!"
The Red Zaku hits its thrusters and goes flying forward - a powerful burst of light results, and its green twins follow afterward.
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "Y-yeah, and we d-don't know what's hidden...is that a guy looting a hardware store with little robots?"
(Fac-IPA) Amuro Ray says, "Are they of Zeon type, if you can tell? -Little robots?"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "There he is."
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "Maybe I'm seeing things...how're things up there?"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "I know."
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami says, "They seem similar... I cannot see the hardware store."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Vanilla H says, "Why do so few understand that violence solveds nothing? May God have mercy on their dark souls."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "I understand, Vanilla, but we have to fight right now. And sir, with your permission? I wish to engage the Red Comet myself, if possible."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Vanilla H says, "I have no intention of remaining idle."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker makes a non-commital noise. But finally, "We'll keep the flight lines clear. Vanilla, make sure none of his troops interfer. Claudia and I look to have our hands full."
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "I'm coming to assist! Give me a minute or two."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "Good luck to all of us..."
(Citizen's Band) Shinji Ikari says, "S-syndicate forces! This...this is the Interplanar Police Agency! S-surrender now, and you w-will not be harmed!"
(Citizen's Band) Shinji Ikari, trying to sound authoritative. Innit cute?
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "We'll provide what support we can, but our sensors are displaying incoming towards the SDF-1."
(Citizen's Band) Klaus von Wulfenbach | Bangladesh Dupree laughs. It is actually a fairly nice sound.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Right, I'll go out there to shake and bake em, Claudia."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Vanilla H says, "I will not allow them to harm you."
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari, flipping through some kind of instruction manual! "Okay, r-regulations say we can e-engage now. I think. The kanji are so small on the translated page..."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "She's so cute. Maybe she could be our flower girl, Claudia."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker, so so random.
(Fac-IPA) Roy Fokker says, "Hey, Shinji, right?"
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "Yup. The evil laugh is our cue!"
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "Um, yes? Sorry."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "Roy! We're in the middle of a combat situation!"
(Fac-IPA) Roy Fokker says, "Go ahead and go after them, kid. I'll make sure to keep anyone that gets on your case off of you."
(Fac-IPA) Nanoha Takamachi says, "Isn't grand theft with giant robots a bit... excessive?"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Yeah, I noticed that. Notice I didn't ask if Lisa was going to be the maid of honor."
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "Oh. Okay. Sorry, t-this is my first mixed sorte..."
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "You'll be fine! Just don't get in the way!"
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami says, "Please support us, until you are ready."
Inside the Space Pirate Mothership, Ridley is alerted to the message. He replies, "It'll be my pleasure." He issues a message to the Pirate fleet, "Converge on that battlecruiser, and take it down! For Pirate Glory!" A chorus of "For Pirate Glory!" issues from the radio as Ridley gets comfortable on his perch and watches the battle.
The ships all change directory and begin moving toward the IPA Battlecruiser. Plasma cannons on either side of each ship begin firing, sending a large amount of small plasma pellets towards the ship.
Ridley critically strikes Claudia Grant with his Plasma Spray attack.
As the pirate ships open fire on the SDF-1, Roy frowns, calling out to his squadron. "Skulls, go after those ships, but keep the firing lanes for the SDF-1 open!" he calls out, radioing back to the SDF-1. "Don't worry ladies, we have your backs."
With that, the Valkyries of the Skulls roll in, all of them launching swarms of missiles that leap from hardpoints along the wings of the fighters and towards the Pirate Fleet.
Roy Fokker critically strikes Ridley with his Missile Barrage! attack.
Amuro is truly relieved to have the RDF backing him up, along with the Federation troops who are engaging the scattered enemy forces. He hopes his request was not selfish or reckless. He knows the Red Comet is out there, and the burst of light with a red flash is the proof.
The Gundam blasts forward, a flash of white light from the Minovsky Particle "flames" left in its wake as it pursues the red Zaku and its allies. The pulse rifle is brought forth and aimed, as Amuro concentrates, concentrates. He can hit Char, this time! He's confident of it.
He can feel it.
You get a glancing blow on Char Aznable with your I AM RIGHT HERE YO jab.
While Lisa is busy coordinating the RDF squadrons, Claudia is managing the IPA side of things while clutching at the edges of her console - much like the rest of the bridge crew as the hits impact the ship at various places. "We have confirmed hits on decks 40 through 45. Only minor damage to Macross City." Hopefully, they can keep it that way. They don't dare use the main gun yet. Nevermind that it's still charging. However, the guns and missles designed to activate in defense are already targeting the individual pirate ships. Much like the valkyrie squadrons that are falling back in defense of the battlefortress. As to her reply to Roy? There isn't one. Not in the middle of combat! She'll answer later.
Claudia Grant hits Ridley with her Anti-Aircraft Defenses! attack.
Nestled comfortably inside the Harvester, Vanilla calmly scans the situation. She's clearly no match for the forces arrayed before her. Were she to merely rush in, she'd find herself in an uncomfortable position, provided those pirate's fighters could manage to get past the Emblem Frame's defenses, that is! Moving the mecha away from the SDF-1 and it's veritechs of doom, she tries to edge outwards to the outskirts of the skirmish. Once there, she proceeds to open fire! Yes, the thing is capable of fighting as well as playing group healer, as one of those little pirate ships finds out first hand. "Go in peace, corrupt soul." she says, her eyes closing as she opens fire.
The laser cuts into the side of Char's Zaku, leaving a grazing wound on - some blistered armor, but thankfully no critical systems hit. Char's eyes narrow, and he turns his head to the side. Right there, he realizes - that would be where his enemy is. The man turns his thrusters to full, twisting the Zaku II around with a few AMBAC movements, and banks sharply until the white and blue of the Gundam come onto his monitor.
Ahead of him, the Musais and Zakus begin engaging the EFF's forces. Char smirks a bit, as he swings down towards Amuro, and takes aim with his bazooka. A rocket round shoots out, snaking down towards the armored Gundam. The pilot inside is familiar, somehow; it provokes something in his mind, and makes him realize something.
Now, to be sure. "Is that all, Gundam pilot? Is this the best of the Federation?"
Char Aznable hits Amuro Ray with his 360mm Bazooka attack.
Nearly half of the Pirate Fleet is taken out as the enemy focuses their fire on them. Inside the mothership, Ridley grins. "Pirates! Scatter and surround that Battlecruiser and ignore all other ships!"
The ships move quickly to surround the ship, creating great distances between them. All the while the ships fire upon the massive ship, specifically aiming for the anti-aircraft guns.
Ridley hits Claudia Grant with his Surround and Destroy! attack.
"Oh no you do not." With Roy's unit being ignored for the most part, he calls the Skulls into position, and looks towards where the ship is under attack. And then he calls out to the unit to launching the attack.
And as he does so, the Valkyries rush in, transforming to their various modes as they start to launch various attacks, between lasers, missiles, and cannons.
Roy Fokker misses Ridley with his Valkyrie Rush! KEKEKKEKE! attack.
Vanilla H has done her job in ridding the galaxy of a few of those pirates. But now she's got a new task before her. Recovering all the damage the SDF-1 has taken would be a rather tall order for even her, but she can do the Fortress some good at least. The anti-aircraft guns are being taken offline one by one and that simply won't do. Her eyes close, as if she was piloting using the Force, only she's not. She seems to be doing an admirable job not running into things, however. "Let your powers be renewed..." Emanating from the Harvester itself, a wave of green fires forth. It isn't an attack, however, it's target is the area of the Fortress that is under attack. The result would look rather akin to magic as the damaged systems begin to immediantly repair themselves, damaged systems coming back online and, perhaps even more startling, destroyed cannons begining to actually grow back into place as if the ship was made of clay and the green wave was sculpting it into the shape it wanted.
Vanilla H heals Claudia Grant with her Repair Wave action.
The Gundam takes the hits square-on from the bazooka, its heavy armor plating keeping it from too much internal damage as it holds its shield up to take the brunt of the missile fire. Amuro shuts his eyes in shock as the impact hits, and then slowly opens his eyes as he listens to Char's voice on the radio. The same voice that laughed with his troops at Milliway's. The same voice from the figure with the strange mask and the overconfident smirk. The same one that is now addressing him like some kind of /weakling./
He calls out on the radio in response, his voice clear and angry. He doesn't even care about keeping his identity secret from the Zeon ace anymore. Let that pompous, arrogant Zeon stooge hear and feel a torrent of his own frustration. "That's right, Red Comet! The pilot of the White Mobile Suit is a kid! Some awkward, low-ranking kid drafted only a few months ago. Does it make you feel better to know that?! Does it boost your confidence to see someone like me facing off against you?!" The Beam Saber flares outward, and the Gundam swoops in, attempting to sideslash the Zaku.
You miss Char Aznable with your ANGER OF YOUTH AND FRUSTRATION AND A WHOLE LOT OF ANGST RIGHT UP YOUR TAILPIPE attack.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "He knows it's me."
The SDF-1 may be like the Energizer Bunny - Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Err, in this case, that may be firing as the case may be. As the craft get close to the ship's hull, if they're not encoutering the pin point barrier system? They're getting past it.
On the bridge, there's a lot of coordination going on. These are not like your normal Zentradi ships. "Sir? Main gun is beginning to charge, we can't keep getting pouonded like this." Pause. "Wait. We're getting reports of power being restored," Claudia reports, seeing it but not believing it if the readings weren't true. The Bridge Bunnies are also reporting at nearly the same time. "Something's happening out there, Captain!" "We're getting operational strength back from some of the port side guns!" And all the while, the firepower is taking over some of the defense duties from the valkyrie squadrons.
Claudia Grant gets a glancing blow on Ridley with her Those Guns Keep Going and Going and... attack.
"I could care less, Amuro!" Char shouts back over the connection. As the beam saber comes stabbing in, he hits a few verniers; the thrusters shoot the vehicle just to the side, as the red blade of energy slashes well past the red Mobile Suit. The Mobile Suit then rears backward. "War is cruel, and pulls in people of all ages! Do you think that you will somehow be spared? Do you think that talent alone will save you? You're running against the clock, Amuro!"
The red Zaku draws back its feet, and then kicks hard - sending a leg towards the white Mobile Suit, in an effort to kick it backward. "Sooner or later, it will catch up with you! Can you really hope to survive the finest of Zeon's war machine?"
Char Aznable misses Amuro Ray with his Patented Char Kick attack.
Ships scatter as the Valkyries attack, evading them, but after the SDF-1's continued attack, only half of the Pirate Fleet remains intact. Ridley watches the battle with glee, until the Harverster begins healing the battlecruiser. "Gah! This isn't fair! That's cheating! It's time to get serious. Pirates! Fire all missiles! Annihilate them!" The ships all move to face the SDF-1. Bays on the bottom of the ships open, releasing missiles. They fire towards the the ship. On impact, they release a glowing, blue, radioactive substance: chemical warfare.
Ridley misses Claudia Grant with his Phazon Missiles! super.
As the Phazon missiles are launched, Roy barks to the Skulls, "Take them out!" With that, the Skulls as a unit, launch a group of missiles at the larger Phazon missiles. They impact within the grouping of the larger missiles, causing them to explode into a massive green cloud in space. Skull Squadron's Valkyries will need a decontomination. Racing through the cloud, they streak back into the defense of the SDF-1.
After 30 seconds or so of constant contact, the Harvester's repair wave cuts off. In the cockpit, the little pilot slumps over, concious but winded. It takes her personal strength to control that thing. It's enhanced by the Emblem Frame's systems, but she's the source. An electronic voice speaks up from her lap, coming from a small pink doll. "You're going to hurt yourself if you keep that up, Vanilla." the doll says. The girl, as she always does, ignores him and patches through to the SDF-1's bridge. "Harvester reporting. I have done what I could to keep your systems functional. It will be 3 minutes 28 seconds before my body can handle the repair wave a second time without damaging itself. Please try not to die until then." That said, the emblem frame sends all power into it's shields, completely negleticing it's weapons systems. It's not going to be destroying anything anytme soon.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Skull Squadron, surround and protect Vanilla!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "Yes, sir!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Amuro, keep pounding away at that guy, we'll protect the gal."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "-Yes, sir!"
"They've fired missiles!" "All stations brace for impact!" It's controlled chaos up there on the bridge, relaying the warning to all decks of the battlefortress. This time, Claudia's manning the PA system for all of the people to hear - all the way into the shelters. This is for military and civillians. From Lisa's station, the brown haired woman reports, "Main gun fully charged and ready. Transmitting to all RDF and IPA craft to deviate out of the main gun's path. Firing in sixty seconds."
In the meantime? Thank goodness for the pin point barrier system. Or PPS, for short. And the Skull Squadron. Whatever the valkyries miss, the barrier deflects. Including debris as the main gun lowers into position. Claudia toggles the connection between the bridge and Vanilla to report, "That's good. Keep out of the blast radius. We're about to fire the main gun!" And what is it like? Big. Very, very big.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "Vanilla, be careful!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "Roy! Keep her and yourselves out of the main gun's path!"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "@$@!! SHEEP, CLEAR!"
Something tingles in front of Amuro's vision and inside of his brain, and the Gundam abruptly veers out of the way of the Patented Char Kick. A kick. He should try that himself sometime.
He doesn't let off the radio, either, for the moment. "I don't expect anyone to spare me! But what makes you think you're different? Wearing a mask, laughing it up like you're some kind of combat god! You could die just like anyone else!" The young pilot maneuvers the levers and steers the Gundam to sweep towards Char, trying to ram it with an "elbow" and shove it back.
And then something else tingles in his head seconds before an order is given, and his eyes turn to the massive beam being fired from the SDF-1. He is silent for a second.
You hit Char Aznable with your Push Comes to Shove jab.
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "-What was /that?!/"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "That was a reflex cannon."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "The SDF-1's main gun."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "You okay up there, sweetheart?"
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Claudia Grant says, "That's my question to you, Roy. We're fine up here. Work as normal."
(Fac-IPA) Roy Fokker says, "Prometheus, get me a load of reflex warheads! I'm coming on for a hot reload."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Vanilla H says, "I remain undamaged."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Amuro Ray says, "I'm fine here..."
(Y-Black Sheep Squadron) Roy Fokker says, "Honey, I'm as cherry as the first day you met me."
Pirate ships scatter, completely dodging the station's main gun. This cheers Ridley back up after all of the missiles missed. "Troops! Change tactics! All ships commence containment procedure on the battlecruiser!" The ships regroup and reconverge on the battlecruiser. The plasma cannons begin to glow blue, then fire blue beams of light at many of the ship's guns. The beams that were originally developed to contain Metroids are now being used in an attempt to freeze ships's weapons.
Ridley stuns Claudia Grant with his Containment Beams! action.
(Fac-IPA) Claudia Grant says, "Warheads will be ready.. wait. Did you say reflex?"
(Fac-IPA) Roy Fokker says, "Copy that."
(Fac-IPA) Amuro Ray says, "Reflex? What are those?"
(Fac-IPA) Claudia Grant and the bridge crew can be heard reacting to the latest attack. Shouts? Well, they are all women except for the Captain.
One of the Veritechs cuts away from the rest of the Squadron, which has gone to protecting Vanilla. As Roy pours on the power, he converts to Guardian mode, sliding on the deck of the Prometheus, as they work to try to quickly load up six large missiles on the hardpoints of Skull One.
Roy Fokker switches armor modes to Veritech Guardian.
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari says, "What the heck is-"
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari laser beam noises. "A-aaah!"
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami says, "Umbilical cable severed - Ikari."
This could make the Zentradi very proud. They've been after the battlecruiser for months now and those beams cause the ship from attacking back directly. Then again, there's also a problem. "Wha-?! Over eighty percent of our guns are disabled, Captain! Skull One is requesting an emergency landing on Promethus and Reflex warheads." Claudia will clear it once Gloval gives his okay, just like that. Reading the printouts, the girls behind her are also reporting their own bad news. "Engineering is reporing a power drop. Engines are not responsive! We're not able to evade, Sir!"
"Hmmm." Gloval considers. "Allow Skull One to land and reload." he responds, then cusses in Russian as the lights in the command center flicker. "Engineering, lower outputs to Macross City, keep full power to the hospitial!"
The elbow slams into the Zaku II; some of its armor dents inward, but it holds together well enough. The pilot inside frowns and reaches a hand down; at the same time, the Zaku grasps its heat hawk and lifts it. The superheated edge lights up, and Char swings the blade down for the Gundam's shoulder armor with one, hard chop. "I have experience! I have fought long and hard in this war--and I have more that must be done!"
Char Aznable critically strikes Amuro Ray with his Heat Hawk attack.
Ridley cackles as his maneuver is successful. "Excellent! Now that the enemy is immobilized, commence Kamikaze strikes!" "But sir! We have plenty of weapons left, we don't need to resort to suicide attacks." "Silence! I want Kamikaze attacks! Obey me!" "Yes, Lord Ridley!" Most of the ships in the fleet recharge their weapons after the containment attack. Those that were earlier designated for the Kamikaze attack engage maximum thrusters, and shoot straight towards the SDF-1.
Ridley critically strikes Claudia Grant with his Kamikaze! attack.
Claudia Grant is no longer stunned.
Ridley hits Ridley with his That's gotta hurt. jab.
As the SDF-1 is nailed, Roy, down of the deck of the Prometheus, just finished with the reload, he scowls. His friends.. and the love of his life are on that ship. Lifting off the ground, Roy immediately sends one missile screaming towards the fleet as he transforms from Guardian to Fighter.
Roy Fokker hits Ridley with his reflex warhead 1! attack.
Silently, Vanilla is listening to the condition the SDF-1 is in. The entire battleship is in danger! Thousands upon thousands of lives are at risk. And the risk is that much worse with the enemy closing in without any attempt to stop. Are they really going to ram into the ship?! "..I cannot wait any longer." Her fingers fly over her controls while Normad, the aforementioned plushie, protests. "Vanilla. What are you doing? You're not ready yet. It hasn't been long enough." As could be expected, the girl ignores him. There's too much at stake for her to be selfish. "...Don't push yourself to hard at least." The wave that comes forth this time, amidst the incoming suicidal pilots, is not as bright as the previous one. The affects are not as clearly obvious, either. But even so, it's enough to make a difference as hundreds of thousands of tiny nanomachines sail outwards from the Harvester and into the SDF-1's 'wounds'. Moments after it begins, the little pilot all but loses conciousness. It's only a strong will that keeps her awake. The people on the SDF-1 are her friends too, even if she isn't vocal about expressing that friendship. She's not about to let them down!
Vanilla H heals Claudia Grant with her Repair Wave MK. II action.
The Heat Hawk cuts deep into the Gundam's armor, exposing sparks and machinery in a big gash that will need to be repaired soon. A few alerts sound on the monitor, but the Mobile Suit should remain functional for now. "I don't /care/ why you're fighting in this war! You think you're more important than anyone else?!" Amuro's only vaguley aware of how hypocritical it is for him to accuse Char of that, for he himself already feels he's 'different.' But Char doesn't need to know about that. He's different from the Red Comet!
He pulls out the pulse rifle again, jetting back and sending forth a steady stream of pulse fire at the Red Mobile Suit.
You critically strike Char Aznable with your Amuro Is Not Happy With Him attack.
(Fac-IPA) Shinji Ikari |Those folks with visual interfaces get to see just what Shinji looks like before a Berserker attack, before the comlink shudders and breaks into a wall of static.
On the SDF-1's bridge: "We have outer hull breeches on decks eighty to one hundred." "There are explosions being noted on..." And the reports keep coming in as the impacts hit the fortress. Even Claudia's too busy other than to relay to Roy that the approval had been cleared before going back to checking damage to the city. "Sir! We have repairs being reported again!" It must be someone's doing. Whatever it is, no one seems to be complaining. Especially once the guns come back online and resume their auto firing sequence. The destroids stationed on the ship's 'arms' are still firing, thanks to the fact they're actually manned by real people.
Claudia Grant gets a glancing blow on Ridley with her Auto-Firing Guns and Destroids attack.
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami looks stoic for those with video feeds. "I will stop Unit One."
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "...What was that noise?"
(Fac-IPA) Amuro Ray says, "Is everything okay?"
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami does not answer.
"Do you honestly believe that all men are equal? That is simply unacceptable!" Char barks over the radio. The Red Comet grits his teeth as the pulse blasts hit the Zaku. They tear through it like a warm knife through butter. Systems wail, as he finds fuel and air leaking out in parts. His eyes narrow, and he hits the thrusters as well. The Zaku II swoops upward, putting away the heat hawk, and draws the machinegun back out.
The Mobile Suit spirals away from Amuro, before taking aim. The machinegun lets out another burst, releasing a stream of shots in the direction of the Gundam. Char takes a deep breath, then looks worriedly at some of the systems. Things are getting bad.
Char Aznable misses Amuro Ray with his Machineguns in SPACE attack.
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto, with a misc. crashing sound in the backgroun, "Not sure! Busy fighting!"
(Citizen's Band) Shinji Ikari and Unit-01's "voices" begin to meld together, as they bellow a rage-crazed, animalistic roar!
(Citizen's Band) Darth Revan says, "Mmmmmm....I know that scream."
Ridley cackles inside the Mothership even as his ships are destroyed. "Excellent! The chaos! The destruction! I love it! Now, all troops fire a second round of missiles! They won't know what hit them! Hahahaha!" The few remaining ships comply. Missiles are released from the bays and fly towards the battlecruiser. Again, they will release glowing blue Phazon up detonation.
Ridley gets a glancing blow on Claudia Grant with his Phazon Missiles, Take 2 attack.
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "Here it goes again!"
(Citizen's Band) Amuro Ray says, "...Shinji?"
This is why Vanilla never flies into battle alone. Her best abilities tend to weaken her a great deal. If she was under heavy fire without anyone to protect her, then she'd be done for in an instant. The way it is she's unlikely to unleash a third repair wave anytime soon. She wasn't kidding when she said it would hurt her if she did it again too soon. All those nanomachines have to draw power from somewhere, and she's the source. She's still concious at least. "SDF-1. I am unlikely to be able to repair you a third time. Please keep this in mind. I am attempting to withdraw to a safe position for the time being." She's used to 'healing' the other emblem frames, not mile long ships. It's more then a little taxing on her. "I shall provide cover fire if possible."
"The main gun is online." Spoken from Lisa's station, the young woman is already keying the sequence as Claudia takes over in informing the friendly squadrons. And to Vanilla, "Land if you need to. Just stay out of the way of the main gun. You should see it's firing pattern. I'm sending it to you on a secure link. We'll be fine." She hopes. The extra assistance went a long way in ensuring that they have this second chance at the pirate ships. As the guns begin their sequence, the allied craft should be used to it. Hopefully.
The Gundam veers out of the way of the machinegun fire, holding up the shield to intercept anything in its way. "Isn't that the line you Zeons spout? You're fighting against inequality? You're not all hypocrites, are you!?" Amuro's Gundam grabs the Beam Saber again, as he shouts into his radio and swoops into a closer range with the Zaku II. "Thinking yourself some kind of superhuman...you don't even know what you're talking about!" And he swings, slicing down at Char as the light of the beam saber, visible from his monitor, reflects against his Normal Suit helmet.
You miss Char Aznable with your All dramatic-like attack.
(Fac-IPA) Amuro Ray says, "SDF-1, is everything alright therE?"
(Fac-IPA) Vanilla H says, "I am attemping to keep the SDF-1 functional. I am only having mediocre success."
(Fac-IPA) Claudia Grant says, "She's doing well, actually. But we're still going to have to access the damage."
The guns of the battlecruiser finally finish the job. Every Pirate ship is blown to smithereens. Ridley doesn't even flinch. "Excellent! Time to have some /real/ fun! Engage the thrusters! Move towards the enemies! Destroy them all! Hahahaha!" The great Mothership begins moving for the first time since the battle started. The guns begin charging. Soon, it will be in range.
Ridley switches armor modes to Mothership.
"That isn't what I said at all," Char replies with a growl. Ignorant young fool. The heat hawk is grabbed and brought to life quickly; Amuro's beam saber collides against it, held at bay by the superheated edge. His eyes narrow, and he hits the thrusters hard - sending his machine hurtling forward, towards the Gundam. The Zaku's spiked shoulder armor is aimed for it, in an effort to ram the spikes into the Gundam's chest. "Are you incapable of /listening/!?"
Char Aznable misses Amuro Ray with his Shoulder Ram attack.
With the pirates destroyed and the SDF-1 in retreat, it seems that Vanilla has time to relax for a moment. However, such is not the case at all, as Ridley's mothership makes itself known. This must of been how those tiny little pirates felt going against the massive super dimensional fortress. The difference was, there was a lot of them and only one Vanilla. It seems as if she's not going to be able to come out of this one. But does she retreat? Naturally not. At the very least she can buy the SDF-1 time to get away before that ship destroys it. "I hope they will not be angry with me for dying today." And in an act of sheer foolishness, the girl puts the Harvester directly in the path of the alien mothership. She may not be able to beat it one on one, but she's not trying to, either. She just needs it to spend some time dealing with her. The twin laser turrets on the bottom open fire. The damage they could hope to do to something so massive is minimal, however.
Vanilla H hits Ridley with her Desperation Shot attack.
This time, Amuro doesn't have any angry retort to Char, a spark in his mind prompting him to swing out of the way of the shoulder-ram. It's only a temporary victory, though, as the young pilot's eyes fall on that massive mothership approachng them, just as the SDF-1 is in retreat.
"...oh...crap."
He takes a deep breath, sending a radio message to his ally in the Harvester. "Vanilla! Just stay out of the way of that ship's fire! Be careful!" His heart pounding, he weighs rushing in to stop the girl in the healer mech, but there is a Red Zaku in his way.
"Get out of my WAY!" The Beam Saber is raised, and the redheaded Gundam pilot slashes it upward at his rival.
You get a glancing blow on Char Aznable with your H8 U jab.
Ridley laughs as the Harvester moves before the ship. "Ha! Like a toad in front of a tank! Rip it to shreds! Fire all turrets on that ship! HAHAHAHAHA!" The turrets positions all over the ship rotate to point towards the harvester. They all fire at once, sending streaks of plasma toward the ship. "This is an excellent day for the Space Pirates!"
Ridley gets a glancing blow on Vanilla H with his Turret Fire attack.
The beam saber slashes along the Zaku, blistering it along one arm - but it doesn't sink through and destroy the arm, as Char moves it backward quickly. He sucks in another breath, then swings the heat hawk out again, trying to catch the Gundam in the face this time. "I don't think so!" the Red Comet growls. The superheated edge leaves a trail of bright light across his monitor, as he swings the weapon out. "Do you honestly believe I'll let you help her against that thing?"
Char Aznable hits Amuro Ray with his Heat Hawk attack.
Vanilla H weathers the first attack well enough. None of the energy even touches the Harvester's hull, instead reflecting against a green barried, bouncing off harmlessly and vanishing a moment later. Of course that was merely the first attack. How she handles the upcoming ones will determine if this is her last day alive. Her fingers run over her controls. "No damage sustained. Commencing counterattack." Who's she talking to? Herself, it makes her feel better. Nothing wrong with that! Flipping a few switches with a practiced flick of her wrist, she reveals that the machine does actually have other weapons. Electromagnetically fired missles launch from missle ports that open along the things hull as she does something clearly foolish and actually moves closer to the massive mothership. Perhaps she'll find a weakness. Perhaps an easily accessed exhaust port she can launch missles into to destroy Ridleys fully operational battle station.
Vanilla H gets a glancing blow on Ridley with her Look! Missles! attack.
(Fac-IPA) Rei Ayanami lets out a wavering, agonized shriek.
(Fac-IPA) Koji Kabuto says, "/What the Hell?!/"
(Citizen's Band) Shinji Ikari and/or Unit-01 let out a triumphant, bestal roar!
(Citizen's Band) The Doctor says, "Now, that didn't sound good."
(Citizen's Band) Amuro Ray says, "What's going on there?!"
(Citizen's Band) Greed says, "They'll let any clown on the radio these days, won't they?"
(Citizen's Band) The Doctor says, "I have no idea but it sounded much like a tortured soul screaming out in pain and rage as he struggled with deep seated psychological issues in the midst of existential and physical combat against foes who are merely ciphers for the real problems boiling inside. Though I may be reading too much into things. Perhaps it's just a bear having eaten someone with a radio."
(Citizen's Band) Greed says, "Maybe it's a figment of his imagination?"
(Citizen's Band) Ridley says, "I need to get a bear."
(Citizen's Band) The Doctor says, "A figment of the Bear's imagination? No, I think not. Bears have very limited imaginations."
Hopefully, the various armies have been paying attention to their scanners. Or at the very least, keeping on their guard. Because something mighty unfamiliar to them seems to be coming their way. In fact, if one were to direct their cameras they would see something. Whether or not they know what it this thing is is another question. But from the looks of it, it's BIG. About the size of a space-capable battleship. It looks nothing like the current ships of either side, except a similarity to the White Base due to the white paint job. But before anyone can figure it out, it seems to already be sending out its message in the form of... well, a single mobile suit, streaking towards the scene of the battle.
Stay tuned for PART II!