Superior and Gogg Attack Barbados

15 minutes before…

The Superior Gundam, Gogg in tow, flew over the much-traveled waves of the Caribbean toward Barbados with the intent of repossessing the fallen post. News of the base’s fall had raced through the mercenary community like wildfire, and there were those in the North Atlantic who were ready to live up to the informal nickname people from more civilized walks of life gave them. Vultures.

“You sure this’ll work?”

Not wanting to reveal his face for fear of compromising his ongoing mission to defraud Atlantic Federation soldiers of their information, Alastair was still in his Evelyne guise. He was used to other men hitting on him, Zelpher as oblivious to his true gender as most people.

“Yeah Ev, it’ll work. The word is that they’re so damaged from actually taking the base they got nothing to defend it with. We’ll just slide in and inform them that there is new management.”

“But what about the—“

Out of the sky above the tandem mobile suits, Aromar flew down on the pair, firing shot after shot from his Lupus beam rifle. He had heard about an older aquatic type mobile suit in the area, something he figured he could sharpen his much more advanced gundam’s teeth on, but the Superior was an unexpected surprise. He watched as the Gogg leapt from the other mobile suit’s back into the water, the white mobile suit accelerating as it arced through the air, coming back around to engage him.

—

10 minutes before…

“We’re under attack! We’re under attack! Man the battle stations!”

Penny flailed frantically on the beach as klaxons all throughout what was left of Barbados base went off. Kale immediately bolted up from where he had been napping underneath one of the many palm trees on the beach, taking a break from de-mining the sugar white sands of his newfound property. Smirking as he tried mentally tally what was left of the base’s defenses, he scooped up Penny, and began sprinting toward the base. Even as he hurried he stayed on the path he had cleared earlier through the explosive strewn dunes, not wanting to lose a leg or worse.

“Damnit, guests. I suppose I should see what we have in the fridge.”

—

Smoking a cigarette as he worked in the lowest levels of the base, Deacon only giving a knowing “Mhmmm” at the sound of the klaxons before continuing with what it was he was doing.

—

6 minutes before…

Kale hadn’t really planned on staying at the tropical installation, but he had hoped to enjoy the warm sands and crystal blue waters for a little longer before catching up with Hermes and Junius. Repairs on the Dynames had gone slowly, the green mobile suit hardly combat worthy. Next to it the 00 wasn’t much better, Kale realizing as he looked at the be-sworded mobile suit that he hadn’t seen Deacon in a couple of hours…

—

The ambush was going poorly for Aromar the two mobile suits quickly able to recover from the surprise attack and retaliate. He had tagged the Superior Gundam once as he initially ambushed the duo, removing a chunk of its shoulder, but the Gogg itself was a more elusive target as it sped through the water unhindered by its great bulk. Torpedoes seemed to come from every wave as the brown mobile suit would surface only long enough to fire a quick burst before ducking back into the depths. Though the ballistic weapons did only minimal damage against the Justice’s Phase Shift Armor, the kinetic energy still rocked the red mobile suit with each impact.

Inside “Evelyne” piloted the mobile suit with a deftness his effeminate appearance belayed, the water acting as a barrier against the Justice’s pink beams, the Gogg only suffering minor scorches from glancing blows. The red mobile suit was hardly a threat…

Zelpher kept making passes at the Justice, not quite able to make to make a direct hit with the mobile suit’s shoulder mounted beam cannons. The semi-intelligent AI built into the mobile suit itself recorded each attempted shot, making adjustments accordingly before offering a suggestion to its pilot.

Would you like to try the Beam Smartgun? [Y/N]

Taken aback by the computer’s suggestion, Zelpher simply typed a “Y” into his console, ALICE immediately arming the S Gundam’s massive beam cannon.

Beam Smartgun ready to fire at your discretion.

“Alright!”

With only a cursory aim, Zelpher pulled the trigger, the massive beam streaking toward the Justice Gundam. Inside of the red gundam Aromar saw the energy coming at him, flying up quickly enough to lose only one of his mobile suit’s feet to the beam. Realizing that he had overstayed his welcome Aromar cranked the Fantum-00’s thrusters to max, the subflight system carrying him away from the two mobile suits with all haste.

—

Three minutes before…

Already attached to her port, Penny had finished preparing the Dynames for take off, Kale wondering if he would be able to hold the mobile suits. He wanted to leave, having no real attachment to the base, but he wasn’t sure where Deacon was, and he wasn’t going to leave the Assassin dangling in the wind.

“Check complete! GN Rifle unable to fire. GN Missiles have not been reloaded. GN Pistols unable to fire. We’re doomed!”

Penny was ready for the flick, bracing herself so she didn’t spin helplessly in her port, but the affectionate tap never came Kale staring at the man coming from the corner of the hanger. Opening the Dynames’ cockpit up, Kale leaned out, yelling at Deacon as the man walked toward his mobile suit.

“So where’ve you been?”

“Nowhere in particular, you?”

Kale was immediately suspicious of Deacon’s nonchalance, knowing the man well enough to know he did very little without purpose, especially when enemy mobile suits were closing in.

“Just working on some party favors for our guests, but we seem to be running low. Do you have any ideas?”

Deacon had already begun climbing into the 00’s cockpit, broadcasting his response over the COM.

“Not really, my gundam is shot, none of the turrets are really functional, the base itself is pretty much untenable.”

“So what were you doing this whole time?”

“Nothing really, just a little this, a little that. On a completely unrelated topic we should leave. Now. Five minutes ago “now” actually.”

The adventure frowned for a moment, trying to think of what Deacon had up his sleeve until the thought occurred to him.

”Oh you ass! You were going to do it anyway weren’t you?”

Deacon didn’t respond, shrugging in his cockpit as he walked the 00 out of the hangar, taking off as soon as he was clear of the structure. There were somethings that needed doing, and this was one of them. If the ESA didn’t get that this was his private way of giving them the middle finger, they would soon enough. Most rogues ended up bartering the base back to the faction they took it from, or even another faction, what he intended to do was neither one nor the other.

A moment later Kale was in the air as well, the Dynames and 00 both heading toward cooler climes, the Adventurer and Assassin skirting the Superior and Gogg by nearly 100 kilometers as the four passed, two on the way to Barbados, two leaving the tropical island.

—

.5 minutes before…

“There it is, looks like they knew we were coming and abandoned ship. Easy pickin’s eh Eve?”

Just as Zelpher finished his sentence a massive flash of light erupted from the island. The Superior’s pilot had only a moment to mouth something unmentionable as he watched the shockwave racing toward him and the Gogg. The blastwave from the combined detonation of all the munitions stored beneath Barbados sent both mobile suits into the water, flattening the ocean for miles around.

“Damnit! Damn them!”

Zelpher cursed as he watched debris dot the surface of the sea, Alistair much more philosophical about the whole thing, leaving as he realized he had no reason to stay with the Superior or its pilot since the base was now a moot point.

“Looks more like they scuttled the ship to me…”

Outcome: Barbados destroyed, Superior, Gogg, and Justice all escape.
Superior Gundam: 11 VP, 2 days damage.
Gogg: 10 VP, 2 days damage.
Justice: 7 VP, 2 days damage.

Durban Changes Hands

“Let’s get started!” Braddigan Heart, pilot of the Atlantic Federation’s Gundam Leopard, ordered. He had been placed in charge of the land team, comprising of himself and two rogues, Henry Morris of the Astray Red Frame and Phil McCormick of the Rising Gundam. The trio made an interesting group, as each one’s mobile weapon was designed for a completely different aspect of war. Phil McCormick took point, brushing aside trees as the mobile suit progressed through the thick South African jungle.

“Ground team is moving, let’s not fall behind.”Ariel Paz, pilot of the ESA’s Freedom, commented as his mobile suit began lowering into the clouds. “Who put you in charge?” Anton Bertram of the AF’s Akatsuki and Ethan Cross of the SRA’s Nu Gundam replied simultaneously. “I did.” Ariel answered, leaving no room for debate. Anton and Ethan followed the Freedom’s descent.

The moon shined over the South African jungle, its rays glittering off the armored sections of both the ZAFT’s base Durban and its compliment of patrolling mobile suits. Security had heightened due to a recent attack on the base, one that cost it a number of defenses and its command center. Without a proper facility, command functions now operated out of the base’s dock facility. The base’s former commander had been lost in that same attack, and was now being lead by David Livingstone. “I still can’t believe they gave me this promotion.” David spoke casually with his first officer, both men overlooking the dock records of the previous day. “You deserved it, after that last attack.” his first officer replied. “If you say so.” David sipped some tea out of a mug. “Pigeon 01 to base. Pigeon 01 to base. Come in. Over.” a voice came over the makeshift comm center. “This is Flounder 01, er I mean Commander Livingstone. What is it Pigeon 01. Over.” David fumbled over his own words as he spoke, trying to sound confident. “Hostile targets sighted. We’re detecting at least one unit from the ESA, AF, and the SRA. They’re closing fast. Shots fired…” static overtook the pilots voice before the line went dead. “Scramble all remaining mobile weapons. Deploy all base defenses. Put out a distress call for all available units in the area to lend assistance. We can’t suffer another loss like last time.” Commander Livingstone ordered, his first mate rushing to respond.

“Shh. Stay still. There’s a cannon up ahead.” Phil McCormick raised his Gundam’s hand, stopping his fellow mobile suits. Less than 100 meters ahead, the first of many cannons could be seen rising from the ground, scanning the horizon for hostiles. “Good work Mr. McCormick. It doesn’t look like it’s detected us yet. We’re going to need to work fast.” Braddigan moved the Leopard close behind the Rising, watching the cannons deploy. Henry didn’t reply, the Astray Red Frame simply grasping the hilt of its Gerbera Straight katana. Phil and Braddigan took the hint, the Rising grabbing its heat naginata as the Leopard’s inner arm Gatling slid over its left arm. The Rising and Astray stood next to each other. The Leopard nodded, and the duo dashed forward. The closest cannon was split in twain, hit on opposite sides by the Rising’s naginata and the Astray’s katana. Both suits split off in opposite directions, as the Leopard began firing indiscriminately into the thick jungle cover.

“Scout’s down. Not sure if he saw us.” Anton commented as his Akatsuki clipped its twin beam saber back in its holster, the remains of a DINN crashing to the surface below. “He did.” Ethan commented, the Nu picking its Fin Funnels out of its storage rack and manually mounting them onto its hyper bazooka. Ariel watched the Nu, a little confused at both his response and behavior. “Are you sure?” Anton asked, drawing the Akatsuki’s beam rifle, just in case. “I’m sure.” Ethan responded, fixing the last funnel in place by the trigger. Ariel continued to observe the Nu, wondering why each funnel was pointing in a different direction. Ethan and the Nu showed no signs of noticing, as the Nu stored the Bazooka on its now empty back storage rack before drawing its beam rifle. “Shall we?” Ethan asked, as the Nu darted down towards the base. Anton shrugged, following after the Nu. “I thought I was in charge.” Ariel mumbled, pursuing his team as antiaircraft fire filled the air.

“Distress signal? From Durban? I need to move fast.” Victor Masada, pilot of the ZAFT’s new Banshee (also known as the Unicorn Unit 2), listened to the distress signal sent out by Commander Livingstone. “Attention Durban. This is Victor Masada of the Banshee. I’m on my way to assist. Hold out until I get there.” Victor sent his reply to the base, before rushing his mobile weapon to its defense.

In the jungle outside Durban, the land team had hit a wall, literally. Pinned down by a small natural hill in the jungle, all three combatants were being barraged by a combination of heavy cannon and missile fire. The Rising and Astray had their shields firmly planted in the ground, using them to help cover the team. The Leopard continued to fire back blindly at the turrets. Unable to get a clear view, its attacks served little more than to manage the pace of his opponents response. “Well, this isn’t good. Any ideas?” Phil laughed at his own misfortune. “One.” Braddigan replied before hailing the Freedom. “Attention Air team this is Land team. We’re pinned down, unable to advance. Requesting air strike on the following coordinates.” Braddigan rapidly punched data into the Leopard’s systems, relaying it directly to the Freedom.

“Ethan, fire your bazooka on these coordinates. We’ll cover you.” Ariel ordered, relaying the Leopard’s transmission to the Nu Gundam. Ethan didn’t respond. The Nu exchanged its rifle for its bazooka, and began firing almost immediately. “Looks like you stirred up a hornet’s nest.” Anton exclaimed, as each of the base’s GINNs began firing missiles into the sky, followed by a compliment of DINNs. “Dodge dodge!” Ariel ordered as the Freedom began firing wildly at the incoming missiles. The Akatsuki began to pull to its left, before being struck by Antiaircraft fire. “Damn it I said dodge, not die.” Ariel yelled before a beam saber penetrated both of the Freedom’s shoulders. “What?” Anton turned to see the Freedom pierced then tossed downward by a purple Mohawk-ed mobile suit. “What the hell are you?” The Akatsuki fired its 73F cannons at the new mobile suit. It dodged the first volley. “I am the terror of countless nightmares over the millennium. I am… the Banshee.” Victor responded on an open channel, firing back at the Akatsuki with the Banshee’s own beam magnum.

“This is land team to air team. Thanks guys, ground targets are destroyed.” Braddigan relayed to his allies, the Leopard standing over the wreck of a pair of Heavy Cannons. The sound of gunfire and explosions filled the air. “Sounds like our friends are having all the fun.” Phil cracked his knuckles as the Rising took its place next to the Leopard. “The bouncer’s out of the way. Lets see who’s on the guest list.” Henry added, the Astray kicking a piece of the destroyed heavy cannon. Braddigan smiled, the Leopard deploying its skates. “Last one there buys the first round.” Braddigan darted ahead of his teammates, his skates rolling along the jungle landscape, Rising and Astray close behind.

“Commander Livingstone, the enemy on the ground has destroyed all of our turrets on the Northern perimeter. There is nothing left to stop them from entering the base!” the first mate panicked. “Contact the senior GINNs. Have them take the Daughtress units and bunker down in the trenches at the North end of the base. Deploy the GOOhNs, have them circle along the coast behind the last known position of the land threat and flank them. Tell the ZnOs to double back, they’re the last line of defense for this base.” Commander Livingstone barked his orders, struggling to sound confident. “Sir, reinforcements have arrived. The Banshee mobile weapon, a new mobile suit or ours, is attacking the air threat. Our men claim he’s taken down one of the mobile suits already.” the first mate cheered as he relayed the news. “Fantastic. Tell the DINNs to support that mobile suit. Inform the turret gunners he is on our side. And have the GINNs maintain their missile fire.” Livingstone’s confidence grew. He just may live through the night.

“Pigeon 02 closing in on target. Pigeon 03 and 04, stay on my wing. We are to engage the SRA’s Gundam. The reinforcements have the AF’s unit.” The lead of the three remaining DINNs rushed forward, his teammates following tightly. Ethan turned to face his new opponent, dropping his Hyper Bazooka and drawing his beam rifle. “Finally get to shoot you.” The Nu petted its rifle before firing its first shot. The DINNs evaded. “Not the standard ZAFT grunt. The Nu darted back as the DINNs started firing, the wingmen using machine guns as the lead drew her shotgun. Ethan fired the Nu’s one grenade launcher round into the air, forming a high arc above the airborne suits. “Bad shot rebel.” the lead DINN taunted, darting ahead of her team and landing a shotgun blast into the Nu’s chest. Ethan jolted back, the Nu loosing altitude fast. “It was supposed to be.” Ethan smirked. The grenade detonated above the DINNs forcing them to evade downward. A bazooka shell struck one of the wingmen from below, destroying the mobile suit in one blast. “What!” the lead DINN screamed, looking down for the source of the attack. In the sky floated the Nu’s hyper Bazooka, floating down to the ground but supported by a constant set of blasts from the funnels attached, acting as makeshift boosters. The funnel fed through the trigger jostled with each of its own blast, spinning and pulling the trigger in the process. “Damn Newtype.” the lead DINN cursed, as another Bazooka round fired. The shot missed both DINNs, but a subsequent beam rifle blast destroyed the remaining wing man’s own wings. The Nu stood upright, pointing its beam rifle at the lead DINN. “Lets see what you’ve got.” The lead DINN exclaimed, bull rushing the Nu. The Nu fired. The Dinn dodged. The Nu fired again. The DINN evaded. The Nu exchanged its beam rifle for its large beam saber, the Dinn responding with a shotgun blast. The shells struck the Nu’s large beam saber, disabling it. Ethan smiled “Lets go witch.” as the Nu drew its normal beam saber back, pointing its shield forward.

Ariel shook his head, regaining his senses as the Freedom came back to life. “Anybody catch the number of that bus?” he mumbled as the Freedom rose to its feet. He had fallen on the northern side of the base. As his sensors came back on, his suit was violently pushed to the ground. The Freedom reached for a weapon, only to find them all removed. Looking up, a Daughtress stood on top of the Freedom, beam saber inches from the cockpit. “Did I miss something?” Ariel asked. His comm answered. “Attention pilot. Your suit is disarmed. Make no attempt to resist, or we will terminate you. Vacate your cockpit immediately.” a voice came over the comm, most likely the Daughtress pilot. Cameras confirmed, as the Daughtress pointed with its free hand at the ground, where a crew of base personnel waited with assault rifles. Ariel wondered if his suit had any anti-infantry measures. The walls of his cockpit began to creak. “Now.” the Daughtress pilot ordered, pressing its saber on the edge of the Freedom’s armor. “Well shit.” Ariel cursed, before opening the cockpit. He took a long glance at his HK MP-7i, but thought better of it. As soon as he stepped out of the cockpit, armed guards were all over him, quickly handcuffing him, removing his CZ-75 pistols, and violently dragging him to the back of a truck. “So… anyone catch yesterday’s soccer match?” Ariel asked, somewhat mockingly. The guards didn’t laugh, knocking Ariel out with a quick rifle butt to the head.

“Not bad.” Anton was still combating the Banshee in the air. Anton knew he was more skilled than his opponent just by his reactions, but the constant barrage of antiaircraft fire and missiles prevented him from launching an effective counterattack, much less a lethal one. Victor was new to the Banshee, but knew an advantage when he saw one. He charged the Banshee’s beam magnum, firing a massive blast at the Akatsuki. Anton dodged, but the Akatsuki was nailed by a series of guided missiles in the process. The blasts rocked the Akatsuki, almost knocking it out of the sky. The Unicorn charged its opponent, slamming midway into the Nu Gundam, which had crossed in between. Ethan made a quick slash with the Nu’s beam saber, slashing both of the Banshee’s legs clear off before pulling the torso in front of an oncoming shotgun blast from his DINN opponent. Ethan then tossed the Unicorn aside, letting it crash into the water below. “That was my kill.” Anton growled. “Then by all means, take mine.” Ethan gasped as he narrowly dodged the lead DINN, who had somehow managed to dislodge the Nu’s saber with a well placed swing of her shotgun. “It’ll be my pleas… incoming!” Anton hollered as beam fire engulfed the Akatsuki. Anton had moved at the last second, sparing his mobile suit the majority of the blast. He was struggling to stay airborne, as his attacker burst from the water and charged.

“Hello Earth scum. I think it’s time we got tonight’s rave really started.” a creepy, heartless voice came over the comm. Anton wondered if he should be scared or relieved. Such a voice could belong only to a grizzled veteran or a pathetic greenhorn trying to sound tough. The mobile armor that approached sadly hinted towards the former, and the beam blasts it fired certainly helped the argument.

The new combatant fired an almost continuous barrage of beam fire at the Akatsuki. Anton was on the run, his damaged engines struggling to stay clear of the blasts. The troops on the ground cheered. Commander Livingstone grabbed the comm. “Attention unidentified mobile armor. Thank you for your assistance. I’m sorry, but I don’t have your mobile weapon on file. Could you identify yourself.” Commander Livingstone smiled, the first and last of the night. “Oh, I’m no one important. Just a spacer who decided to drop by and enjoy the party. By the way, the name’s Vlad.” the mobile armor Great Zeong replied, turning its attention and a volley of beam fire on the base’s airfield, utterly destroying it. Anton took his chance, landing a shot from 73F cannons on the mobile Armor. The blast dissipated off the Great Zeong’s I-field. “Naughty naughty. Someone needs a timeout.” Vlad taunted, the Zeong firing its chest cannons before charging the Akatsuki again. Commander Livingstone stood at the radio, his mouth agape. The entire staff stared onward in shock and horror. “All units. The mobile armor is a hostile. I repeat, the mobile armor is a hostile!” the first mate shouted into the comm, warning the base’s defenses.

“Haven’t seen much out of us in awhile.” Phil McCormick commented, hacking through the jungle’s trees. The land team had met a section of thick jungle growth, slowing their progression. The Rising maintained point, clearing a path for his teammates covering his back. “We’re almost there. Just be careful. There is no way they forgot about us.” Braddigan ensured his team. He heard the air team’s struggle overhead. In his mind, that half of the assault was already a failure. It was up to his team now.

“Flounder 01 to base. We’ve spotted the target. Waiting for Turtle 01′s team to launch the attack before we flank. Over” Durban’s GOOhN’s were slowly tracking the land team, keeping their distance. They were at a disadvantage on land, and needed to make their shots count if they hoped to survive.

“Turtle 01 to base. The target has cleared the Jungle. Preparing to engage. Over.” the senior GINNs and Daughtress’s had prepared in their trench, their long range weaponry mounted and prepared to fire.

“Engage. Over.” Commander Livingstone ordered.

“And here we go. Smooth sailing from here.” Phil commented as the Rising cut through the last chunk of jungle growth. Braddigan nodded, locking in his inner arm Gatling Explosions and shells rocked the trio, knocking Braddigan’s suit to the ground. The Leopard quickly pulled itself up, the first thing Braddigan saw was the arm of the Rising flying past his mobile suit. “Phil!” Braddigan yelled, firing randomly in the direction of the attack. His suit was struck from behind, maser blasts destroying his inner arm Gatling and knocking the Leopard falling forward. Braddigan felt his suit being pulled to its feet, as the Astray Red Frame dragged the Leopard behind it, desperately running into the jungle growth for some cover. Braddigan took the cue, firing back with its chest cannons as best he could. There was no sign of the Rising.

“Commander Livingstone! We have the prisoner, as you requested.” a base guard rushed into the comm room, as several more guards escorted the dazed Ariel Paz into the room. “Handcuff him to the chair. I want him to watch his friend’s demise.” Commander Livingstone scowled at the ESA pilot. Ariel didn’t reply. “Ariel Paz is it? I see you’re a Coordinator, like us? I had my first mate do some research on you as my guards helped you into our home. I see you were a college student in ZAFT once, even a part of our mobile suit programs. I also see that the suit you’re piloting is stolen property. ZAFT stolen property!” Commander Livingstone spit on Ariel, who sat in silence. “You can just watch while these ‘friends’ of yours die. Who knows? Maybe they’ll actually put up more of a fight than you did.” Livingstone gloated, before returning to the radio. Ariel just lowered his head, examining his handcuffs.

The Astray stopped dead in its track, the dirt displaced by its feet shifting forward in a large chunk, detonating a mine just out of range. Henry turned the Astray around, helping the Leopard back to its feet. “That could have gone better.” Henry wiped the sweat off his brow. “Seriously. I think we lost Phil. I saw a piece of him back there.” Braddigan gestured back to the site of the ambush. Both pilots caught their breath, oblivious to the heavy cannon that quietly deployed and rotated behind their two mobile suits. “You wanna go back, or call it quits?” Henry asked, drawing the Astray’s katana. “We’ve got to go back. Phil may need… do you hear that?” Braddigan stopped mid sentence. Both suits turned around, staring down the barrel of a large Heavy Cannon. “Oh.” Henry started. “Bother.” Braddigan finished.

“Just die already!” the lead DINN’s pilot exclaimed, firing another shot at the Nu. Ethan dodged, slowly gaining an upper hand. For some reason, the Great Zeong was attacking the base and the Akatsuki but was ignoring him. He wasn’t sure why, but Ethan could almost feel a presence invading his cockpit. It was faint, but it was definitely there. Ethan had a thought, and opened a direct line to the Great Zeong. “If you don’t want me to attack you, get this DINN off my tail, fellow SRA pilot.” Ethan threatened, hoping the bonds of government may persuade. Vlad laughed. “The only reason I don’t attack you is because you’re SRA, fellow newtype. But if you can’t even handle a single earth scum.” Vladimir sighed, turning his sights on the DINN as it passed before unloading his entire payload. The lead DINN shrieked as the beams engulfed her suit, vaporizing it. Ethan exhaled. Anton lunged, the Akatsuki plunging its twin beam saber into the Great Zeong’s back. “Here I go and decide to help you, and this is how you repay me? By stabbing me in the back! Earth scum coward!” Vladimir snorted, firing its guns in all directions, blasting the Akatsuki back. Anton recovered, barely dodging a deadly chest cannon blast. Vladimir caught up to the Akatsuki, backhanding the mobile suit down and firing another blast. Vladmir licked his lips, sensing the kill. As his spirit reached out to taste his opponent’s fear, he suddenly felt it retreating, regressing back into the cockpit until it was nothing more than that of an Oldtype’s. Vladimir panicked, rushing the Great Zeong after the Akatsuki, unsure of what was happening. He fired a blast with his chest cannon before hearing a small thud, as something pressed on the back of his mobile armor. The Nu stood on the Great Zeong’s back, its shield pressed against the spot the Akatsuki just stabbed. “Remember when I said I was going to kill you last? I lied.” Ethan pulled the trigger, the Nu’s shield fired its full missile payload, destroying the shield and a portion of the Great Zeong in the process. The Nu reeled back, clenching the stub that was once its hand. Vladimir plummeted toward the earth. “Well, better to go out swinging.” he commented, his senses slowly restoring. The Great Zeong fired in all directions, its blasts obliterating a hangar and a entrenched Daughtress. Vladimir caught up to Anton, and the Great Zeong hugged the Akatsuki. You’ll have to forgive me if I loose my head, but I just feel like I’m coming apart at the seems.” Vladimir cackled as the Great Zeong’s head detached and flew off, followed by the entire body of the Zeong self-detonating in a massive explosion, slamming the Akatsuki violently into the ground below.

A blast shook the earth beneath the Leopard and Astray’s feet. Both mobile suits struggled to keep their balance. The Heavy Cannon in front of them began to fire as a large mobile suit head crashed into it, spinning the cannon. The Astray slashed forward as fast as he could, destroying the Heavy Cannon. “I hope that wasn’t the Rising’s head.” Braddigan was stunned by the odd turn of events. “Come on, we’ve got to move fast!” Henry’s breathing was rapid as the Astray darted back towards the site of their earlier ambush.

Ethan floated above the base. The majority of the remaining mobile suit compliment had been claimed in that last explosion. There were no more DINNs or GINNs firing at him, nor were there AA guns. Ethan scanned the base, spotting a small group of GINNs, Daughtress, and GOOhNs camping by the north end of the base. They didn’t notice him, and had their attention focused out into the jungle. “Land team must still be active. Maybe I can lend a hand.” Ethan wondered, staring at the Nu’s remaining good hand. Using its hand to pull the trigger, and its stump to brace the rifle, the Nu lined up its shot.

“They’re still there. And they’ve got mobile armors with them.” Henry whispered over the comm to Braddigan. “They look aquatic. They shouldn’t be very mobile. Hit them fast and hard. Its those GINNs we need to watch.” Braddigan re ensured his teammate. Braddigan still thought that only he and the Astray were left to take the base. He had lost communication with the Rising and the Freedom, and had to assume the worst. “On my signal. We’ll attack.” Braddigan pointed out his target, the lead GINN. “What’s the signal?” Henry asked. The lead GINN was nailed by a beam shot from above. “That!” Braddigan exclaimed, the Leopard firing its remaining payload.

The Nu struck fast and hard. Its first shot was lethal, aimed so it would disable both of the remaining GINNs. The moment its shot landed, almost as if it was planned, ballistic fire emanated from the jungle, eviscerating the large bulky GOOhNs. The Daughtress had a chance to respond, managing to fire one bazooka shell before the Astray leaped into their trench, dismembering every last Daughtress. The Leopard limped out from the woods, the Bazooka shell appeared to have caused some damage. Ethan lowered his Nu Gundam to the ground, rejoining the land team.

“Glad to see you two still alive.” Ethan laughed form one side of a trench, brandishing the Nu’s severed hand as a testament to the fight thus far. The Leopard limped to the other side of the trench, it’s chest gatling cannons destroyed and much of its interior exposed. “Yeah, for a minute I thought we lost your entire team.” Braddigan replied. Henry rummaged through the trench. “Most of us. Anton’s alive, but his suit’s disabled. I lost contact with Ariel.” Ethan turned to face the base. “Yeah. We lost Phil. I think he’s dead.” Braddigan sighed. Ethan and Braddigan lowered their heads at the words. The Astray popped its head back up out of the trench. “Here he is!” Henry cheered, lifting the one-armed torso of the Rising into the air. Braddigan and Ethan both jumped in their cockpits. “Sorry I couldn’t call earlier. Comm is busted. I’m still functional.” Phil McCormick came over the comm, the remaining Rising pumping its fist. “I’d give you a hand, but, I’m limited as it is.” Ethan replied. Crickets chirped. “Lets just go finish this.” Braddigan mumbled, leading the remaining team. Astray leaped out of the trench, following the Leopard. Nu picked up the Rising, mounting his torso on his backpack storage rack and grabbing his naginata for the Nu’s free hand before following his teammates.

“All base defenses are down. I repeat. All base defenses are down. Hostiles still active.” the first mate jumped from screen to screen frantically. “Contact the ZnOs. Tell them to prepare to cover our escape. Get everyone onto the escape boats.” Commander Livingstone ordered. The first mate began yelling into the comm. When he was finished, Livingstone grabbed his shoulder. “Get to the boat.” Livingstone said calmly. “Sir?” the first mate asked. “We’re done for. This base is doomed. Our men will need a leader. I can think of no one better.” a tear fell down Livingstone’s face. “I’m not leaving without you sir.” the first mate stood at attention. “Someone needs to coordinate the escape. The ZnOs and I will delay the enemy.” Livingstone turned to face Ariel. “I need you to escort the prisoner off base and back to HQ for interrogation.” Livingstone sneered. Ariel sat in silence. “Yes sir. And… thank you sir.” the first mate shook his commander’s hand one last time. Both men looked each other in the eye, knowing it would be the last time either would see the other. The first mate’s eyes watered, before a rush of pride overtook both men. Commander Livingstone turned back to the comm, as the first mate pulled Ariel out of his chair and shover him down the hall at gunpoint.

As the duo navigated amongst the various halls of Durban, Ariel noticed boats pulling out of the harbor. He would be on one of those boats, and then, he may as well be dead. He fell down, smashing his face into the ground. The first mate grunted, bending over to pull Ariel to his feet. The handcuffs slid open, and Ariel grabbed the first mate by his elbow, flipping him to the ground. Ariel scrambled to his feet, a trickle of blood running over his eyes. The first mate rose to a knee and lunged at Ariel, Ariel pushed his neck, causing him to slam into the hall wall. The first mate clenched his face in pain. The first mate began to stand up. Ariel kicked out his knee, causing him to smash into the wall again. The first mate was down. Ariel needed to end this fast. Placing a knee on the first mate’s back, he reached down and in one fluid motion snapped his neck. Ariel patted the man down, searching for keys or anything useful. He pulled out two pistols. “How did you get a hold of these? They’re mine anyway.” he said as he holstered the pistols. Ariel then pocketed a set of keys and a wallet. “Thank you very much… officer Cid Ketard.” Ariel read the dead first mate’s license before placing it in his pocket. “Now, which way was the hangar?”

The remaining team had advanced past the smoldering airfield and hangar and were fast approaching the dock. “No sign of resistance yet. They haven’t surrendered. They must all be dead, or hiding by the dock.” Braddigan reasoned. His guess was right, as two ZnOs came into view and fired their phonon maser cannons. The Leopard jumped back, forcing its teammates to stop. “Targets sighted. Two more aquatic mobile armors. ZnOs.” Braddigan relayed, drawing the Leopard’s beam knife. “Astray, you’re still in good shape. You take the one on the left. Nu, you and your Siamese twin take the one on the right.” Braddigan pointed at each ZnOs position as he spoke. “What about you?” Ethan asked. “I’m going to make a run for the dock. Try to flank any more reserves they may have.” Braddigan made a quick salute before rushing off. The Astray and the Nu nodded at each other. The Astray drew its Katana, the Nu the Naginata it had borrowed, and the Rising its shield. Both suits turned the corner, rushing the ZnOs.

Inside the dock facility, Commander Livingstone still rapidly ran from sensor to sensor to radio, trying his best to help his remaining men. In his frantic haze, he failed to here a former prisoner stumble into the room. Ariel froze at first. Noticing he was not seen, he slowly crept up behind the commander. Drawing a pistol from its holster, he walked within a foot of the commander before lodging the gun into his spine. “Remember me.” he whispered into the man’s ear before pulling the trigger. Blood sprayed over the comm. Commander Livingstone fell across the table, turning his head to look back at his killer. The last thing his eyes saw were a former ZAFT college student with a gun pointed at his head. “This is Flounder 01. Mission failed.” Livingstone gasped as Ariel pulled the trigger, lodging another round in his head and silencing the commander.

The ZnOs fought valiantly. Crab 01 had faced off against the Astray, parrying his katana swipes with his claws. Crab 02 took on the Nu. The Nu had a perfect method of attack, lunging with its naginata, they spinning and blocking any attack with the Rising-equipped shield. Together, the two attacked relentlessly, a combination of spear and shield, a modern day spartan. Crab 02 finally landed a shot, striking the Nu in its shotgun riddled chest. The Nu fell down, hurling the Rising in the air. The Rising tossed its shield down at the ZnO, which it swatted away. “RISING FINGER!” Phil screamed, as the falling Rising struck down at the ZnO with the power of a Noventa Cannon, tearing through the mobile weapon like a steel knife through hot butter. The Rising hit the ground, bouncing along several times before rolling into the water. Crab 01 glanced over, witnessing the death of his comrade. An energy blade pierced his cockpit, the Leopard striking from behind as the Astray thrust his katana forward before slashing up, the lifeless ZnO falling to the ground. The Leopard and Astray faced each other. “There’s no one else left.” Braddigan shrugged. Behind him, the remaining hangar exploded. The mobile suits all turned, weapons drawn. Out of the rubble, a familiar site appeared. “Hey guys. Did I miss much?” Ariel laughed.

Outcome: Durban returns to Atlantic Federation control. Attackers win. Banshee and Great Zeong lose.

Durban: All MS and AA guns destroyed. 3 Cannons, 3 Heavy Cannons, 5 Missile Launchers destroyed. 4X Hangars and 1x Airfield destroyed.

Banshee: 2 days damage. 11 VP, displaced to South Africa
Great Zeong: 4 days damage. 12 VP
Freedom: 3 days damage. 13 VP.
Rising: 4 days damage. 11VP
Leopard: 4 days damage. 11VP
Akatsuki: 4 days damage. 11VP
Astray: 3 days damage. 11VP
Nu: 3 days damage. 11VP