Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Worlds ❯ Eve of Destruction ( Chapter 11 )

KURIL STRAIT, January 1, A.C. 201, 12:00

The fishermen worked on deck of the fishing vessel. They tried to bring in their daily catch while fighting their hangovers. Suddenly, they heard a low rumbling boom. They looked up to see a column of smoke rise from where the radar station was supposed to be at Mys Lopatka on the tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula. They looked in amazement as the sky darkened due to a large squadron of aircraft flying overhead. They were in so much awe that they did not notice the Sagittarius firing on them with its beam weapon.

ANTARCTICA

The midnight sun shone over the old Antarctica base. Except for the New Year's celebration, things were extremely quiet. The base had no seen any action since the Heero and Zechs duel about six years earlier. It all changed when the mortar rounds started to rain down all about.

Within a minuet three quarters of the base was wasted, and the base personnel had not even seen their attackers yet. Then, the last of the survivors of the base saw their attackers coming over the ridge. They saw APCs and tanks and what looked like odd-looking mobile suits; the oddest were each about two and a half the size of an Aires with six legs and two large pincer-like arms along with a large array of weapons including chain Vulcan cannons and huge missile racks. Smaller mounted guns fired independently which quickly plucked off remaining Earth Sphere personnel. It took less than ten minutes to destroy the entire base. Only one Trojan APC stayed behind to deploy troops who in their arctic garb were able to search about the smoldering ruins to finish off anyone left.

TIS CALIGULA, THE TROJAN FLEET

"What is our status?" Tusen asked.

"We are continuing to decelerate with the Moon's gravity," the helmsman responded. "In about fifteen minutes, we should be passing right between the Moon and the L1 Colony."

"Excellent!" She turned to Lezare. "Sir, you may ready your troops."

Lezare looked to the others of the high command who nodded. As he was giving the orders to his troops the radar man turned and said, "Sir, enemy craft approaching."

"Excellent," Tusen said. "Our first catch of the day. 1 Prepare to engage."

"Are we going to deploy our fighters and MF units," asked the P.A. man.

"No, these fools are totally ignorant for their lack of naval warfare. We shall take them out with our AA guns."

"Yes, sir."

"Wait, on second thought, deploy some units, to make the enemy think those will and not our ships themselves. Yes, deploy a squadron of Sagittarii, but do not them have them directly engage. Just have them keep the enemy preoccupied until they are in medium range. At that point, we will destroy the enemy craft with the Caligula's the anti-aircraft guns "

"Yes, sir," responded the crew.

"Excellent tactic, Tusen," commented Tysyacha. "You truly are worthy to lead the attack."

"Thank you, sir.

The Sagittarii were launched and made several flybys pass the two small merchant craft before the Caligula's small guns destroyed the merchant craft.

"Excellent, hit," Tusen said, "but there may be more." She pointed to the com. "Put me through to the entire fleet." When she was ready, she said, "Attention, all ships. Engage and destroy all enemy craft. Repeat. Engage and destroy all enemy craft."

OFF THE COAST OF VENEZUELA, December 31, A.C. 200, 20:00

The corvette sailed on its routine patrol. Things were very quiet and slow. It was still something the crew preferred not to do on New Year's Eve. Still, they meant to have a party in a few mnutes. Suddenly the sonar man exclaimed that a torpedo was launched from an undetected craft.

* * *

BRUSSELS, January 1, A.C. 201, 01:05

At a New Years party at a convention center near Preventers Headquarters, Une was conversing with some of fellow Preventers staff, dignitaries, and others, including Shtatë, when one of her aides came up and whispered something in her ear.

She turned to her aide. "Are you sure?"

The aide nodded.

"Okay." She turned to her conversationists. I'm sorry. Something has come up. She followed her aide out into the hallway. "Have Lieutenant Colonel Po and the Gundam pilots been informed?" she asked her aide when she felt they were out of earshot.

"We are working on it now, Brigadier," the aide responded. Since the end of the Eve Wars, she never went by her military rank even after an official promotion. The situation has to be extreme.

"Good," she managed to say. "Contact Lieutenant Rayder. Have him take Mariemea to the safe house. I will personally notify Captain Peacecraft to accompany them with her son and daughter."

"Yes, Brigadier."

Back with the conversationist group, Shtatë smiled as he saw Une leave. He looked at his watch. "Sorry, I have to go, too." He went out into the hallway dialing on his cell phone. And when no one was looking, he casually tossed it into a trashcan and left.2

TROJAN SURFACE FLEET, AEGEAN SEA , January 1, A.C. 201, 02:05

As the fleet sailed on, the order was given to launch about twenty cruise missiles. Each skimmed barely five meters above the surface of water as it headed for its target. Most of the missiles went to their targets to the east, but one in particular headed northwest.

HEIDELBERG, January 1, A.C. 201, 01:07

Hilde and Duo were dancing to a loud gyrating Euro-beat with other students in a crowded darkened basement club. Heero was standing with Quatre waiting for their wives to return from getting the refreshments. Quatre couldn't but help but notice how disturbed Heero looked. Just then the ladies showed up.

"Aww," a somewhat tipsy Relena said as she returned with a couple of drinks in her hands. "Is my widdle teddy bear down?"

"I am just worried about you," Heero said taking one of the drinks. "What if there were a fire or something? This place is practically a deathtrap."

"Awww, he is concerned about everyone's safety. Isn't that sweet?" Relena said as she tweaked his cheek up and down.

He looked right at her. "Relena, how many drinks have you had?"

"Just one glass of champagne."

"Relena."

"Okay, and two beers,3 but don't worry I can still think straight," she said less tipsy. "And as for fire, there are three clearly marked exits." She pointed to the exits. "But I appreciate your concern. Now that that is cleared up." She put down her drink and took his hand. "Come on, honey let's dance."

He managed a smile as she led to join the gyrating dancers. They had scarcely danced for three minutes before Heero's cell phone rang. He picked it up. "Moshi-mosh," he said into the phone. "What?----You are sure?----Damn!-----What?" He then looked at Relena. "Yes, she is right here and fine.----Right, we are on our way." He hung up.

"Heero. What is it?" she asked now with a very worried look on her face.

"I'll tell you outside after we have rounded the others." He saw Hilde with Duo who was also putting away his phone.

"Duo," Heero said as he and Relena walked over.

"I know," Duo said, "I'll find Trowa."

As the couples departed, Hilde, who also had a worried look on her face, turned to Duo and asked, "Duo, what is it?"

He faced her and put his hands on her shoulders as he looked in eyes and said, "DEFCON 2."

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

"So what is this plan of yours, Osiem?" Pedwar asked?

"Well, I could cause an excess of plasma to build up in the main drive causing a near melt down. Thereby, the Enforcer would have to be evacuated and leave port. Once well far beyond the docking port, the plasma can be evacuated out of the drive, not only preventing the meltdown, but accelerating the ship dramatically for a getaway."

"But what if you can't stop the meltdown?" Sgohi asked.

"Well, then the drive would go critical, and the ship would be destroyed."

"So either we get to seal the Trojans' most powerful warship, or it gets blown up." Hyaku said before pausing. "Sounds like a win-win situation."

"Unless of course we are all on it when it goes up, and we all die." Hrand said.

"Oh, there you go again," Brad said, "always being the pessimist."

HEIDELBERG, January 1, A.C. 201, 01:16

"I can't believe this is happening," Relena bemoaned as all the G-boys and gals drove in a van to the airport. "The peace that we worked so hard for all these years is gone."

"Crappy way to star off the year," Duo commented. "Sorry, I didn't mean any offence."

Wufei turned to Sally in the driver's seat. "Sally, what are the details of the attack?"

"We don't know," she answered back. "We were not given much of the details since the Preventers don't want anyone to over hear our transmissions, but you boys will be briefed once you get back to headquarters."

"What about us girls?" asked Hilde.

"They should be able to wire some details to us at the safe house."

They soon pulled up to the awaiting transport at the airport Heero, Duo, and Quatre each gave his wife a quick kiss -- naw, make that a long endearing kiss, as if it were to be the last. Trowa gave his sister a long warm hug while Wufei gave Sally a friendly hug followed by a sharp salute while saying, "You take care of yourself, Lieutenant Colonel Po."

"You, too, Lieutenant Chang," she returned, wincing that due to the situation, they reverted back to formal military rank.

They all finished their goodbyes before departing.

TIS CALIGULA, THE TROJAN FLEET

"Approaching colony L1 cluster," the navigator said.

"That is Tekvsmeti's colony isn't it," asked Lezare.

"Correct," Hiliada noted. "If she has had much influence, they should offer little resistance."

"Just the same," Tusen said, "stay on your guard. Keep your eyes on their defensive guns and blow them away if they as much as blink." She felt the stare of the High Command before adding, "Just the guns, nothing else."

"Lezare, you may prepare your first wave troops," Tysyacha said.

"Thank you." He turned to the ISI Supreme Director. "Hiliada, they should let us in with no trouble, right?"

"Shtatë, assured me that he is on it," Hiliada said plainly.

COLONY L1, 00:21

Cxetiri handled the controls for the one of the main hatches for the Colony. She looked on a view screen to see the troop transports approach. It took little trouble to get pass the guards with her forged identification and pass card. She smiled as the transports came into the landing bay. She liked the thought of them not having to blast their way in, but with the help from Szescdziesiat , they were practically walking into open arms. In fact, a few staunch local members of the Colony's chapter of the Party were actually waiting for them near the landing bay for their arrival.

ANTARCTICA, 00:25

Due to desperation for petroleum in the past few centuries, the oil fields under the Antarctic ice were exploited (under very strict guidelines, of course.) The hardest part was getting though the hundreds of meters of ice. Some of the oil workers were working in the midnight sun on their shift while others had turned in to sleep. There was a bit of concern since they had heard a distress call from the nearby military base, but that was cut short and since then nothing. Reality made a dark appearance when the Trojan forces appeared in the distance. The workers quickly figured out what had happened. The also now knew that no help would come from the nearby base, if it was still around, to save them from what was an obviously hostile military force. They radioed a distress message of their own knowing the only good it would do is notify somebody of what had happened. Without firing a shot, the Trojan forces secured the area.

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

Scott entered the room. "It's started," he said.

BRUSSELS, 02:10

Most of the guests of the party were already dismissed, while all of the Preventers were put on duty. In a trashcan, Shtatë's cell phone's buttons and display had been flashing randomly ever since he tossed it in. Suddenly, all its lights started flashing in unison. It then released a huge electromagnetic pulse that knocked out all electronic equipment within a five-kilometer radius.

At Preventer Headquarters, the Gundam pilots who had arrived only a few minutes earlier, were studying the situation when the lights went out.

"What the he--?" Duo exclaimed.

"What happened?" asked Quatre, "A power outage?"

"Not likely," Wufei said. "Seems to be an E-bomb. Everything is out including radar and radio."

"How long would it take to get things going again?" Une asked her staff including the pilots.

"I don't know," Wufei said. "Maybe fifteen minutes."

"Make it five."

Duo turned to Trowa. "Come on let's see if we can work on the radar."

ETOROFU; 10:12

At the early warning detection station, the command crew attentively looked for the detection of anything suspicious. They were already on yellow alert. Just then, they noticed the janitor entering the room as he was sweeping his broom.

"Could you do that later?" one of them asked him.

"Sure," he replied. He picked up his broom as if to leave. But after they turned away thinking he was leaving, he unscrewed the top of the handle to reveal a gun barrel. His hands cocked the gun near the broom's brush. They didn't have time react before he shot them all dead. Huit shouldered his weapon and then commenced to make sure that the eastern invasion proceeded unhindered.

SANKT KINGDOM

The cruise missile skimmed above the surface of Lake Constance. It continued on its way northward as it passed only a few meters above the palace

COLONY L1

Tekvsmeti and Å ttio looked out of her office window at the site of the Trojan transports and troops proceed down the main drag led by lower Party members. The two politicians decided to keep themselves aloof from the demonstration since they didn't want to be too connected with the invasion force. They smiled at the sight. True, the sight of a powerful invasion force did seem a bit disturbing, but it did mean that Winner's reign would soon fall.

OFF THE COAST OF VENEZUELA, December 31, A.C. 200, 21:14

The destroyer was able to evade torpedoes from the unseen foe. Most of the other ships in its battle group had already been wiped out.

"Incoming torpedo," called out the sonar man.

"Release countermeasures and turn hard port," the commander ordered.

"Yes, sir," the crew responded. They were able to evade the torpedo.

But soon the sonarman called out again, "Sir, another contact."

"Another torpedo," asked the commander.

"Negative. This one is faint but much larger. I would say about the size of Cancer. Sir, it is headed straight for us."

"Ready torpedoes!"

"Too late!"

The crew then looked to see a manta-like craft break forth out the surface of the water right in front of the ship. As it sailed in the air, it transformed into a humanoid mecha. It came down and landed on the forward deck of the destroyer. It pulled out a beam rifle and plunged its muzzle into the window of the bridge. As the crew tried to scramble while shielding themselves from the showering glass, the beam rifle sent a low-density spread that spread throughout the superstructure a flame. The Aquarius then leapt back into the water while the destroyer slowly burned

Soon all other Earth craft were either destroyed, crippled, or had surrendered. Large submarines surfaced near the oilrigs as well as the shore and deployed troops that soon secured the area.

TIS CALIGULA, THE TROJAN FLEET

Tusen smiled at the onslaught her fleet was inflicting upon the inept (as she saw it) forces of the Earth Sphere. Ever since they invaded L1, many small ships had vainly tried to oppose them. They must be too used to trying to outmaneuver Mobile Suits , she thought. They just don't know how to deal with a simple gun turret or torpedo from a lumbering battle cruiser. Look how easily they are being wiped out by just the light guns of the entire fleet- wait! Those ships aren't firing at all. Those ships are Venen's battle group. She turned to the communications operator, "Patch me in with Commodore Venen."

Hiliada came up beside Tusen. "What is wrong?" he asked.

"One of our battle groups is not engaging." She waited for the face of the dark woman to come up. "Commodore Venen, why are your guns silent?"

"Why shouldn't they be?" Venen replied in a calm slightly Jamaican accent. "No one has been attacking us for quite some time."

"Our orders are to engage all enemy craft."

"Yes, I know, those were Tysyacha's orders. I have engaged all aggressive space craft."

"You are to engage all enemy craft regardless...."

"Admiral Tusen," a crewman called out. "We are approaching the drop point."

"We will discuss this later, Venen." Tusen gave the signal to disconnect the transmission. "Commence with bombardment." She turned to Lezare, "You may prepare to land your troops." She then turned to Tysyacha, "I would like to request a court-martial for Commodore Venen as soon as possible after the battle."

BRUSSELS, 02:17

"How is the radar working with that jury-rig set up of yours?" Une asked.

"So far, so good," Trowa responded hunched over the screen. "However, there have not been very many contacts. Seems that pretty much of all private aircraft have been staying on the ground."

"Good." She turned to the com-officer. "We still just got audio? What is the status? Any news?"

"Yes, just audio," came the response, "and, it seems that who ever has been attacking just took over the northern coast of Venezuela."

"Da**!! First Antarctica, now Venezuela. What's next?"

"Une!!" Trowa exclaimed. "I just got a signal coming from the south. It's small and fast and..... sh**!!!!! Incoming missile. It's heading straight for us"

"How close?"

"About eight seconds. Too late to stop it. Hit for cover!!"

The missile that had been hugging the surface ever since it was launched from the fleet became visible as it rose up above its target. Homing on the faint signal from Shtatë's phone. It then arced down above a spot near Preventer Headquarters. The heavy non-nuclear warhead detonated and created a shock wave that blasted everything in a five-hectometer radius.

Inside Preventer Headquarters, the personnel had ducked and covered in time to feel the blast pass over. Fortunately, the reinforced building was able to withstand the blast very well, although a lot of dust was kicked up inside as well as the building being generally shaken up. Most other buildings in the blast were flattened.

"Everyone okay?" Duo asked as got up and he brushed the dust off of himself.

"I think so," said Quatre.

"That blast knocked out the radar again," Trowa said. "Fortunately, we still have audio communications."

"At least something is going right." Une said. "Okay, Maxwell, Barton, you two get the radar and visual communications going again. The rest of you check on the damage in the surrounding area. I am sure a lot of people got hurt in that blast. We may have to set up a triage."

"Right!" came back I united response.

As they all left for their duties, Une sighed. Who the h*** are we up against?

TROJAN SURFACE FLEET , ÇANAKKALE, TURKEY, 03:24

As he guided the fleet through the Dardanelles, Sautján looked on the destruction he was afflicting on not only Çanakkale, but also Eceabat on the other side of the narrow waterway. Cruise missiles and orbital bombardment form the Tusen's attack had already taken out most of the Turkish coastal defenses. Now it was mostly the large guns of his dreadnoughts that were doing the bombardment. The ships lobbed huge 500mm shells that each followed perfect parabolic paths before smashing in the city, creating perfect expanding rings of destruction as they detonated.

High above, several drop ships were released from Tusen's fleet as it passed above the Earth just barely skimming the atmosphere. As the drop ships passed through the atmosphere, they made visible streaks.

Sautján smiled as he looked up and saw the streaks approach. He gave the signal to cease fire. He knew that with the reinforcements it was time to actually secure the area. He would mainly secure the coast, while most of the forces landing from orbit would secure further inland. He ordered the launch of his landing forces as well as launch aircraft and MF units.

HOKKAIDO, 10:34

A squadron of fighters took off to intercept the attacking force that had already wiped out most of the ground defenses. One of the Earth fighters went into a cloud and tried to hit a bogey from behind, but to his surprise he saw a gun swivel on the bogey near its tail before the gun blew him away. The bogey's gunner then swivelled again and took out an Earth fighter on its starboard. Other Gemini similarly took out other Earth fighters while Sagittarii easily outmaneuvered others. The squadron of Trojan craft flew on unabated. Soon afterward, the squadron split with half going north while the rest went southward.

PREVENTER HEADQUARTERS, BRUSSELS, 2:52

The blast was followed by other attacks launched by submarines from the North Sea, upping the casualties as well as destroying all aircraft on the ground. Unable to actually join the fight against the attackers, the pilots did what they by coordinating information "You're sure?" Une asked Milliardo.

"Yes, Une," he replied, "it has been confirmed that a fleet of space craft have been commencing a bombing run, as well as dropping numerous transports, over the Earth. They have already attacked the Moon and the L1 Colony."

"What kind of spacecraft?" asked Duo.

"We are not sure, but it does seem that each is about a third the size of Libra."

"And, how many?" asked Quatre.

Milliardo sighed. "About sixty-five."

They all gasped, speechless before, Une managed a "d**n."

"How could we let this happen?" Duo said. "How could we have let a force like this go unnoticed?"

"I am afraid I know," Une said resting her hands on a table, "We have been concentrating so much on preventing sporadic terrorist attacks that we failed to prepare ourselves for an all out multi-front military strike. I failed...."

"Don't be too hard on yourself," Quatre said. "It was only during this season we have only been preparing only for isolated terrorist attacks. We have been cracking down on paramilitary groups all over the Earth Sphere for the past few years."

"But how did this big one get past us?" asked Wufei. "How do you hide a fleet of war craft that large? Even in the ruined Colonies, that is too hard a fleet."

"Whoever they are," said Milliardo, "they have a very good intelligence network. And, not just by avoiding us." He brought up a map and pointed at several points. "I have been studying their attack. Whoever is doing this knew exactly where to hit us. They would have to have been planning this for years."

. "And, we still don't know who is doing this," Heero said.

"Have we tried to hail them?" Wufei asked.

"Of course," Trowa said, "but as of yet they aren't responding?"

"Think the will make themselves known?" Quatre said.

"It is obvious they are securing territory," Une said, "so they will have to. In the mean time all we can do is gather information and wait.

"While local forces get picked off ?" Wufei said.

"Unfortunately, yes," Une said.

"Man, I wished I had Deathscythe now," Duo said.

"We got rid of our Gundams because there was to be no more war," Trowa said.

"Well, it is very, very apparent now, " Heero said, "that war is here."

ISTANBUL, TURKEY, 04:07

As the Geminis, Sagittarii, and Scorpios walked through the streets, unleashing demolition on the city, a group of local citizens were looked at what was hidden in an obscure warehouse.

"Those are Leos!" said one pointing to his old Mobile Suits.

"Yes, they are," said the former leader.

"You have kept them here during all these years?" said another.

"It was easy hiding them because they have been doing nothing for the past few years."

"They were supposed to be destroyed, you know," said one.

"Yes, I do know. What are you going to do, report me to the authorities or help me defend our homeland?"

They all nodded and got into the Leos and took off. Two were able to get behind to get a Sagittarius by surprise, but it took a lot of ammo to take out its armor. They then tried to sneak up on two Geminis from behind, but they were the ones taken by surprise. On the back of each Gemini were what seemed to be a smaller Mobile Suit attached to the larger mecha's back. The Geminis' gunners took advantage of the shocked Leo's and destroyed them. Four other Leos vainly tried to take out a Scorpio, but there was absolutely no effect against the dreadnought-like mecha's armor. With its heavy guns, the Scorpio easily took out the four.

The last group of Leos tried to take out a particular Sagittarius. They fired at the Sagittarius. The Sagittarius cartwheeled as it dodged their shots and then took out two Leos with its beam rifle. It ran toward the others transforming into its bird mode and soared over the remaining Leos, evading their fire from below. The Sagittarius flew away for a distance before turning around and doing an attack run on the last Leos. Only the Leader's was not destroyed. The Sagittarius soared again into the air and returned, this time flying through the artificial canyons of the city only a few meters above the ground, heading straight for the leader. The leader fired, but his shots were deflected. When it was only fifty meters away the Sagittarius transformed again into humanoid mode. As it transformed, it pulled out a beam saber and sliced the last Mobile Suit asunder as it continued with its momentum.

The Sagittarius came to a stop. Its hatch opened. Lieutenant Colonel Engelmar Trettjin looked out over the smoldering fallen Mobile Suits. Hmmf. That was too easy. I look forward to fighting those Gundams. At least they would be a challenge.

SAPPORO, 12: 25

Major Kimnai Sarmsib looked out over the burning city from her Scorpio. The smell of smoke filled her nostrils, and the sounds of explosions, shooting, and screams filled her ears. Hysteria was rampant through the streets. APCs and APDs and ground troops shot at anyone they saw. Other Scorpios shot off motor shells, rockets, and napalm. Other unites also participated in the carnage. She smiled.

NEAR THE RUINS OF TROY, TURKEY; 06:00

Brigadier Harminc looked on proudly as the Trojan standard was raised.. Harminc looked out over the landscape of what would be where the new capital would be built. He was put in charge of this drop assault on Turkey, but soon Jedan would relieve him and oversee the area as the central point of Trojan control on Earth. So he wanted to relish the moment as much as he could.

SAKHALIN; 14:05

General Jedan smiled at the successful securing of the islands oil reserves. He had been notified of the victory on the other fronts. "Operation Anvil" had been a complete success. He smiled at its name. Comparing this operation to the previous one was to humorously be like comparing dropping an avail to that a feather. But further more, like a piece of metal being struck and beaten against an anvil, the Earth Sphere would be tempered into submission and shaped into a new form. Now with all areas secure, the next step could take place.

BRUSSELS; 07:10

In a trailer on the outskirts of town, Shtatë stood next to Dow sitting at the communications console. Both were in full uniform. They just received a message from Jedan. They had also received messages from Sautján and Tusen and the other commanders. However, the ISI officers had not sent any transmissions themselves, until now.

"Patched in now, sir," Dow said.

On a screen, Hiliada's face appeared. Both Shtatë and Dow saluted

Hiliada returned the salutes. "A pleasure to see you again, Shtatë."

"Same here, sir," Shtatë returned, "and may I say it is a pleasure to speak to you in again in real time."

"Yes, time delay can be a bit of a nuisance."

"But that is a sacrifice that must be made for interplanetary control," Shtatë added with a smile.

"Yes, of course." Hiliada smiled.

Dow exchanged nods with Shtatë. She turned to Hiliada. "Ready for your transmission, sir. Stand by."

"Good," Hiliada said. He turned away from the screen for a while before returning. "Initiate communications override."

HEIDELBERG

In their bunker, the girls were getting another update from Preventer headquarters. Une was showing some images of the attacks.

"What kind of a Mobile Suit is that?" Hilde remarked to an image of a Gemini with its papoose like gunner in clear view.

"We don't know," Une said. We don't have record on any of these designs. Even the Gundam pilots, Howard, and others who worked with the Gundam scientists are at a blank."

"So these could not have even have been a secret project of the Gundam scientists." Sally said.

Une shook her head. "Not likely. The design is too different."

"And, so, these unique designs leave us at even more of a loss of who is attacking."

"Exactly, unfortunately."

"So how many people have died due to whoever is responsible?" Relena asked regretfully. "What is the causality account, Une?"

"We are not sure. Communications keep getting interrupted, but so far there seems to be at least over... -- [static] -- ...venty thousand dead and ... -- [static] -- ...dreds of thousa... -- [static] -- ...inj..." The transmission was over come by static.

"What's wrong," Relena asked as Sally came up to adjust the communications console.

"I am not sure," Sally said while she fiddled with the controls. "Something is interfering with the signal."

NEAR BRUSSELS

"Rayder, what is wrong.?" Noin asked Mariemeia's bodyguard as he adjusted communications console.

Rayder was designated as one Mariemeia's bodyguards ever since he shot Dekem Barton. "Something is overpowering the transmission on all frequencies."

"Even our security frequencies?" Noin asked clutching he newborn daughter, Katrina.

"All frequencies, commercial, government, you name it. Wait! Something is coming in."

The static on the view screen was replaced by a crisp clear image of a pickaxe on top of a circle.

At Preventer Headquarters, Une and the pilots looked at the silent image that had dominated all transmissions.

"That is the insignia on the attacking warships and other units," Heero said.

"Looks like we will finally see who is behind this," Wufei said.

Soon sound came from the transmission. "Please stand by for a message from the First Secretary." Grozny them came into view.

"Greetings, people of the Earth Sphere. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sorok Grozny, Imperial First Secretary of the Trojan Socialist Union and acting chairman of the Universal Socialist Party.

"Two hundred years ago, the Earth severed its ties from the other planets, leaving our ancestors to fend for ourselves. Despite the lack of support from the Earth, we not only survived but also became a strong civilization that has stretched from Mars to the far reaches of the Solar System.

"Over the decades, we have decide to leave the Earth alone and observe them from afar. Sadly, we have been disappointed. People on Earth boldly -- " said with sarcasm "--set up colonies in the Lagrange points of the Earth-Moon system. They arrogantly referred this as venturing into 'Outer Space,' as though it were as a whole limited to a million kilometers from Earth; when we all know that it goes well beyond that, but I digress.

"While our civilization and government has remained unified and stable over the decades, the Earth Sphere has seen much strife and disability, particularly between the governments of the Earth and the Colonies. It seemed that many in the Colonies even thought they could break the gravitational ties from the Earth as easily as the political ones. Much of this turmoil has been due to many aristocratic families, such as Romefeller and Barton, and all this has been particularly at the expense of the working class.

"People of the Earth Sphere, we of the Trojan Union can no longer sit idly by. Notably, in light of the recent civil wars and coup de ta's, we have decided now is the time to act and unite the entire Solar System under a powerful central government. We have already landed groups of our peace forces. Regrettably, they have met with some opposition and had to defend themselves. Hopefully, there will be no more need of violence.

"Also regrettably, due to the unstable political situations, the secured areas that have been retained by our forces may have to be under martial law. This I assure you will only be temporary until we can find civil politicians to serve the working class. I and other members of our politburo will not present since pour fleet is mainly doing a flyby and we must return to the Jovian Sphere to attend to other business . That and I have other matters to attend to. In the meantime, the Trojan administration shall be conducted by General Jure Jedan. He will be available to answer any questions. You can contact him at this frequency." A number captioned on the screen. " If any other nations would like to join the Union, he will be fully able to work with you.

"I must conclude now, but may I announce the that this year Mankind shall enter a new era. So may I announce that now this year shall now be After Union 1 or A.U. 1 for short. And glory to this new age. I look forward to it being an age that peace and unity shall be fully obtained. Thank you." His image was replaced by the Trojan insignia. Jedan's frequency was still captioned.

After the message ended, the entire Earth Sphere was silent. It was a lot to take in, especially that an entire organized government was beyond the Earth Sphere, with a substantial military force behind it. It was not long until Jedan was flooded with questions, although they were significantly screened by Dow and others who served a operators. Also Jedan was very careful not to reveal too much with his questions, so that many people were left with more questions than they had before.

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

"Typical politician spouting out propaganda bullsh** ," Pedwar said.

"Can you believe that crap about them their civilization extending to Mars?" Debra said.

"Well, if you excuse me," Scott said, "I am going to contact out other confederates."

BRUSSELS, January 3, A.C. 201, 20:15

"Those people are impossible!" said an aggravated Relena.

They all just got back from meeting with Jedan in Turkey at their new head quarters at "New Troy." It was hoped that an in person discussion could lead to better relations so that the Trojans would end their occupation. Unfortunately, Jedan was very stubborn, saying that he could not do anything without consent from the Politburo which would not be able to convene until Grozny returned to Jupiter which would not be for about two weeks.

"Yes," Duo said, "If there is one thing worse than pompous military, it is pompous military controlled with bureaucratic red tape."

"So, now what?" Said Une. "May not do much good if we have to go through Jedan to work with their politburo even after they convene."

"What if we talk to them directly?" Dorothy asked.

"That would be very hard," Quatre noted. "It takes about an hour for a signal to get to Jupiter then another hour for a signal to get back."

"That would make a conversation very hard," Duo said.

"No, I mean actually in person," Dorothy said.

"You mean actually go to Jupiter?" Une asked.

"Yes. Quatre, do you still have that interplanetary craft you used to get the Gundams four years ago?"

"It has been in mothballs for quite a while, but I guess we can it going again," Quatre said.

"But going right in to their lair?" Heero said.

"It would show an act of trust," Relena noted. "That may benefit relations."

"That may also be pretty risky," Milliardo noted. "For whoever goes, they would definitely be at their mercy."

"I know," Dorothy said softly. "And, I don't expect Relena to go due to her invaluableness, I myself shall go as a representative of Earth."

"And, I suppose I will go as a representative of the Colonies," Quatre said. He smiled at Dorothy."

"But these guys may be biased against someone from Romafeller," Duo noted,. "as well as you two being married."

"In that case," Milliardo said, "I should go."

"You can't go," said Duo. "You have a family."

"No," Lucruzia said. "He is right. He is the best choice. We will be alright."

"Then I suppose we should start getting things ready," Une said. "I actually do like the idea of a direct diplomatic confrontation with their actual leaders. With out the time delay for a signal to travel, they would have less time to think of answers. Speaking of which, we may have to ask if this okay with these Trojans."

NEW TROY

"I don't have any trouble with that," Jedan said. "Do you, Shtatë?"

January 4, A.C. 201, 10:13

Panucci and Ett entered the small conference room occupied by Jedan, Shtatë and Sautján .

"You wanted to ask a question?" Shtatë asked.

"Yes," said Panucci. "I just don't understand why you didn't totally crush the Earth Sphere when you had the chance. I mean I know you could have done it."

"Maybe," Jedan said , "But it is more effective to go slowly to ensure you have hold on the territory you have occupied."

"But why are you allowing them to be able to retaliate?"

"We have not yet showed our full potential," Sautján added. "If we give them a chance to vainly fight back, they will truly then seen that any revolt would be in vain."

"So you like to play with things for a while before domination4," Ett said.

"Yes, you could say that."