Thank you for the reader, to those who follow and favorited this humble story of mine. I hope you guys like this.

The last chapter update for possibly a month. Gotta update my other fic. lol. I busted my butt for this one to make it best as I can. Also, if I can help this story will be 10-ish chapters that's why the pacing is somewhat brisk. I'll do my best to not make this story more than 100k words.

I'll edit (for the many times) this in the future to correct the wrongs I've missed and maybe even fixed the pacing I found not that much satisfied with the result.


The cold feeling running through him didn't wane even after the briefing as he just sat there imagining the worst things that could happen. Cima Garahau smirked at him but he could sense that cold anger coursing through her being that was enough to make him and Sayla shiver. At whom, he didn't know, he didn't know but he suspected he was one of them.

He shifted and rubbed his fingers discreetly from the sensations bombarding him. He could tell that she told the truth and that the document given was real. All their efforts were in vain if Delaz's "Garden of Thorns" had already been emptied for Operation Stardust. If this true, then what's next?

Still, he narrowed his eyes at the woman. What was Cima's angle in approaching them? Was all this a trap or could he believed her intentions were genuine?

Those were questions for later. Right now, he was facing the most disturbing part. Delaz was an ingenious man to have thought of Operation Stardust. Why? For what even!? For a cause that they would sacrifice millions for? He shooked from his spot at the thought of thousands dying because of an ideology.

If it succeeded then the effects would be bad not only for people of Earth and the colonies. They needed to stop him now, but acting too soon without information would not only tip Delaz and Gato and change the plan making him more unpredictable. Also because Delaz gave them separate missions and only he himself knew Gato and Unit 02 was. All they knew was that Cima was to distract the Federation Fleet while someone was given the mission to hijack a colony somewhere. That time that Cima attacked them, Delaz was still in a rush to evacuate the base and sent his fleets to distract the Federation before they escaped. Cima was left to distract them more but here she was now in front of them declaring her betrayal of Delaz.

On the other hand, if this was true then they had the element of surprise on their side this time around unlike back in Torrington Base.

"Permission to speak Admiral," Lt. Burning said to which Admiral Kowen slowly nodded. "What if this is just a ruse? She attacked us before, after all."

"You don't trust me?" Cima laughed but a "dark" feeling rose from her. "I'm wounded, Lt. Burning. Didn't I say earlier we were ordered to distract the fleets circling the shoal zone while they evacuate the base? I came all the way here to deliver that information in exchange for my fleet's pardon and this is what I get?"

Burning glared at her and replied, "you did not even provide where and how Gato will fire the nuke."

"Like I said earlier," she said shrugging, "Delaz was secretive of his plan and only gave us the general outline. My only job was to delay your search while they have evacuated the Garden of Thorns as part of Phase 2. Who or where the colony hijacked is, is out of my hands. What's written there are the only things I can gather. I know you Feddies can do even better than me, but I sweeten the deal by thinking of possible ways they may enact their plan base on the information gathered."

"What about Kycilia?" Sayla asked picking up the document on the table on the middle. "What does she have to do in all of this."

Cima frowned and the cold sensation increased. She leaned back in her seat with a smirk returning on her face "Delaz may have said he has her blessings and act as a vanguard, but Delaz is the one that initiated Stardust before she contacted and supplied him. The two are at odds with each other. Delaz and Gato are Gihren loyalists and sees her as a usurper with her killing Gihren but for this they're working with each other hesitantly because they have the same goal. Maybe Kycilia hopes to kill two birds with one stone."

To damage the Federation and kill her biggest political rival. Was what Amuro concluded. Glancing at Sayla, he expected any kind of reaction, but he sensed nothing. Only questions that remained unvoiced.

"What did she supply Delaz with?"

"That too, my Sayla." With a snap, she closed her fan making her neutral expression clear. "You'll have to figure out on your own. Delaz kept that tightly not even his loyal dog knows, Lt." Despite her singsonging Captain Synapse's rank, her actions only showed her seriousness. Narrowing her eyes, she looked at Admiral Kowen directly at the eye. "Though, what I gather is that Axis sent new units and supplies and spread them across scattered remnant bases gradually that it went past your security and will act when the time is right."

"Like those Gelgoogs our fleet faced." The Captain's gaze darkened.

This is bad. He wanted to clench his fist but not in front of the Vice-Admiral.

If it was anything like those, then their forces would no match since their mainstay was the Type C armed with only machine guns with fewer using the beam spray gun. What if it went further than that and Zeon finished their incomplete projects during the war?

"Oh, that? That was just the tip of the iceberg to try and appease me. The secret lies in its armor. Aside from being tough, it is lighter than the original and increased the Gelgoog's mobility. Wanna know what it is called aside from Axium Alpha?" Her haughty and condescending eyes went each at each of them as she leaned forward before answering. "Scientists from Axis called it, Gundarium Beta."

He froze but his eyes went to his CO's who gave the same look like him. That meant… that Zeon managed to exactly copy one of the things that gave the Gundam's advantage. That would explain its invulnerability to bullets! It was Luna Titanium Alloy!

"The-units with this armor are given to the remnants?"

"For the most part," she replied easily then shrugging before looking at her watch. "I would like to extend this meeting, but duty calls before the fool Delaz searches for me. I'll have more data to send when our pardons are assured."

Vice-Admiral Kowen stood and took her hand. "Thank you for this, Miss Cima. You have given us vital information in stopping another war. I'll make sure to personally give your wishes to Admiral Revil himself."

"Good." She scoffed and turned. "I'd hate to work with traitors for a second time."

"You know what to do," the Vice-Admiral said to the guards who nodded.

When the door closed, Vice-Admiral Kowen returned to his desk with eyes on the folder Cima gave. "I know that you three may have questions for me, but I would like to ask if Cima was telling the truth about the information she gave or anything she said during the discussion."

Ah, now it makes sense. It wasn't spot on, but what Vice-Admiral Kowen was implying was one of the things the Newtype Scientists concluded. He trusted his "guts," so to speak, in knowing a lie from the truth. Others may have deemed it as Newtype powers but it just suddenly came naturally to him and thought no different of it and more like good observational skills. He'd like to think it was because of his maturity rather than what people thought he became.

That wasn't simply an easy question to answer. He could sense genuine desire anger from her and also truths since he detected her smug enjoyment when she gave away the Delaz's plans. That made him determined that indeed she was being truthful, but he couldn't know what was left unsaid. That was what worried him; that she may have left few vital things unsaid that could bite them in the end and that would be a betrayal and ruse he, or the others, would not see.

He breathed deeply and exhaled along with the air his worries and replaced it with calmness.

How should I word it?

"She was sir." He breathed deeply. "But do you really trust her? There could be a lot of things she didn't say. We could sense if someones' truthful somehow, but we can't answer what she left unsaid."

"I agree with Amuro and Lt. Burning, sir," Sayla added. "She was being truthful, but do you trust her? What if she's playing both sides."

Their superior officer cleared his throat and looked at them with a small smile. "Thank you for that honest assessment. Regardless of whether I trust her or not, we have no choice since she's the only lead we have about Stardust. I may not be like you two, but I got all my wisdom to fall back on and could tell she was genuine in her betrayal of Zeon. Regardless of whatever Zeon did to her, we should be thankful for small mercies given at times like these."

"Permission to speak freely sir?" When their superior officer nodded, Amuro continued. "Why are Sayla and I here then?

"I needed you two as my second voice with your abilities. A little part of me was curious and wanted to see if your abilities were really true."

"Do you have your answer, sir?"

Admiral Kowen smiled at him and nodded. "I have high expectations for you two."

It was his turn to calm Sayla down when hot anger rose in her. Amuro nodded at hearing that statement and released soothing and gentle. No harm was done, he conveyed the feeling to her through their connection.

"Sir," Captain Synapse began. "We need a plan to counter this now. If Delaz achieves this then it will destabilize the Federation."

Something flickered in Vice-Admiral's mind but quickly as it appeared, it was also swift to fade.

The Admiral opened a secret compartment on his desk with a thin key and hid the document in it. "I know, Synapse. That's why I'll head first to Konpei and contact HQ for a Def Con 1 Assembly. In the meantime, the Autonomous fleet's objective has changed. With the Naval review nearing, your mission now is to patrol the Solomon sea and protect it any means necessary. Rest assured, you will not be alone in this endeavor for other fleets will join in as well."

"I trust that everything discussed here will not be spoken outside until further notice, is that clear." The man stood straight looking them all straight in the eye unwaveringly.

"Yes, sir." The three of them said back.

He nodded. "Good. Go to hanger 2, Units 04 and 05 are waiting to be transferred to the Albion for field testing and the supply fleet by now has arrived to resupply the fleet. If you have any questions ask Lt. Commander Kajima. Dismissed."

Captain Synapse ordered them to follow him and realized they were going to the hangar. "Good job, you two. I'm glad my faith in you two wasn't misplaced. Burning, I'll leave the job of assigning the two Gundam's pilots to you."

"Yes, sir."

Amuro met glance sent his by the Captain. He was the one that pushed for them to be on that meeting?

Sayla huffed quietly making Amuro brushed his hand with hers gaining her attention. He smiled at her and proceeded to entwine his hands.

"Thank you, sir," Amuro replied.

The captain nodded and on the way to the hangar turned right instead of left and the three of them went to the hangar where Lt. Cdr. Kajima was once again there waiting for them.

"You knew about the Admiral giving Unit 04 and 05, didn't you."

The mn cracked a small smile that was nearly a smirk. "I did Lt. Burning, but it was not my place to tell. So, let me formally introduce you to Gundam Unit 04 Gerbera and Gundam Unit 05 Primrose." He gestured to the two Gundams behind them.

"Sayla, I'm reassigning you to Unit 04. I'll reassign Monsha to your Pixie and have Adel pilot Unit 05," he decided quickly without a moment's pause. "Any problems."

"Are you sure, Lt. Burning?" Sayla turned to the older man. "Why not pilot it yourself?"

Her question was met with an amused scoff. "I could, but I know you would put it to better use than I would."

Burning contacted the two and several minutes later, they arrive.

"Burning! What's the big deal calling us here." A scowling Monsha approached them with Adel behind him. Adel looked at the two new Gundams and back to Burning.

Burning laughed instead of berating him for that unprofessional attitude. "Relax Monsha. It's good news."

Monsha crossed his arms and huffed. "It better be."

"I'm reassigning Sayla to the Gundam Unit 04, Adel to Unit 05 and you're in the Pixie."

"Figures I'll get a second-hand unit," he said bitterly with a scoff.

Adel then replied with certainty. "I figured you would. No reason for you to call us here after all."

"I figured you'd be happy with that news, Monsha. Weren't you always saying you can beat Gato if only you have a Gundam?" Burning patted his friend's back while smirking. "A Gundam's still a Gundam, you know. It's better than nothing Monsha." Monsha glared at his friend which only cause him to smile. "That's the spirit! C'mon, try your new Gundams."

The three of them went to their new units and heard Adel mutter to Monsha, "at least Bate would be jealous of the two of us."

"Heh, can't wait for that bastard's reaction seeing us pilot Gundams."

"Why are two Gundam's assigned to the Albion? Wouldn't it be better if the Birmingham have it since it's a Flagship?" He asked Lt. Cdr. Kajima who stood next to him while they observed the three test their new units.

"This thing can detect the Albion even at this range!" Spoke a very surprised Adel.

"Those units were originally assigned to the Albion after testing of Unit 01 and 02 were done to take part on the Naval review but Unit 02's theft complicated things."

He flinched. Everything had to come back to his blunder. If only he didn't screw that up then the whole thing wouldn't happen.

They watched for minutes the three do basic movements on their unit to get used to it.

"Yosh!" Monsha excitedly said through the speakers. "This'll do. Gato won't know what hit him."

Amuro shook his head in amusement. A minute he was grumbling but now he was happy but was now okay receiving a "hand me down" Mobile suit.

The worry of Amuro resurfaced and doubled. Would this be enough to face whatever Delaz has in store for them? With the Zeon units having Luna Titanium, it meant reducing their weight. It would be dangerous for a new unit, even just a Gelgoog from what they've seen, to possess it.

What if they created more of that MA? The thought made him shiver. A lone unit was bad enough, but produced in numbers?

"You three," Lt. Burning called him. "Everything all green?"

"Yeah. The reaction time and range of this thing's amazing." Adel said still in awe. "This panoramic cockpit is something else. I can see everything without a problem."

They installed a panoramic cockpit to the Primrose instead of the linear one? That made Amuro stop and blink in surprise. Maybe they were testing the effectiveness of it in Recon MS.

"All okay, sir." The Gundam Unit 04 waved.

After a few minutes, they left the Birmingham to meet with their forces. As they traveled, Sayla's enthusiasm rippled and he could tell she wanted to test it out further. So, he contacted her. "How's it handling Sayla?"

"It's amazing. No wonder you like piloting your Gundam. It's as Adel said, this cockpit is amazing. You can see everything and still feel the speed."

Well, it's one of the reasons he liked the full view cockpit concept.

"Right?" Chris said happily. "The first time I tested the Alex it made me dizzy but I got used to it and eventually like the feeling being in it."

"I envy you two for experiencing this and didn't tell me what it feels." He smiled at Sayla's complaint.

"I didn't know that there were more Gundams," Kou said obviously awed by the two Gundams. "If Unit 04 and 05 have a panoramic cockpit, why didn't they install in it Unit 01 and 02 too?"

"Lack of funds?" Keith suggested.

"Highly unlikely." Bate scoffed. "They're still testing it these two units. Unit 01 has adaptability, Unit 04 is testing the panoramic cockpit's effectiveness in high-speed units and 05 is a recon unit."

"Could be," Chris answered. "But why put it on two units only when they could test it on all five Gundams?"

"Beats me," the blond replied coolly. "Ask Nina. She's the mother of the first two units. It's likely to do with ever Gundam has a single purpose so the cockpit didn't matter in the end."

"I wonder what Unit 03 looks like," Kou asked.

Or more importantly, what is it's intended function, Amuro thought since each of the Gundam Development Project Gundams has a purpose in mind. He remembered Kajima's reaction to Sayla's question. Zephyranthes is a General Purpose Mobile suit. Physalis is heavy assault if you count its MLRS weapon. Gerbera is a high-Speed Intercept Unit, and Primrose is Long Range Suppor MS with recon capabilities.

"If I have known there were more I could have requested to pilot a Gundam myself!" Keith whined. "No fair. Everyone gets a Gundam but not me."

"Keith," Burning called. "Are you forgetting one of my lessons?"

"N—no sir!" He responded. "Lesson no. 1: It's the pilot that makes the difference. Not the Mobile Suit."

"Good. Here I was thinking you need more training"

"Heh, you pilot a Gundam, twerp?" Monsha said derisively with a scoff. "You can't aim steadily and you want to pilot one of these bad boys!?"

"Hey, not like you deserve it too, Monsha. You were defeated by Amuro." Bate laughed and followed by Burning and Adel.

"He got lucky, I tell you," Monsha grumbled. "Let the pipsqueak try with me on this baby. And speak for yourself! The greenhorn defeated you."

"Have pride in your unit Keith," Adel said. "GM's can still kick ass if your good with it. How do you suppose we survived the war with Zeon using Doms and Gelgoogs."

"Exactly," Amuro commented thinking of all the pilots he faced during the war. "Even those who piloted the basic GM defeated others with superior MS."

"Lt. Mass," Adel said.

"You can call me Sayla if you want."

"Sayla," Adel said this time. "How does yours handle?"

"Like a charm." She spun and activated all her verniers balancing the Gundam faster than she usually did. "The money spent on the Gundam Development Project was not wasted."

"Agreed," Adel replied. "This one's slower than Unit 01 and 04 but the range it can detect units is incredible! I can detect our fleet and from this distance. Maybe the beam rifle or cannon can also reach that far."

"Heh! I don't need no new unit to defeat Gato!" Monsha said. "This is enough for me."

"Calm down everyone. We'll field test the unit's speed and mobility now. The others can test their units against it if they want to." Burning had Kou radiating with excitement and Amuro supposed that he should participate too if he wanted to test his unit against the GP Units.

Augusta Labs' Pinnacle Project vs Anaheim Electronic's Gundam Development Project.

If he knew Burning from the short time they knew each other, it was that the man had a playful side too if the situation doesn't call for him to be serious. So, this "testing" was just a load of bull.

They all lined up and from the distance, they saw their fleet. "Albion, this is Burning, over. We're testing the new Gundam's mobility so warn them from firing at us."

"Okay," he said after his word was received. "Timers ready?" They all confirmed it. "Three, two, one, go!"

Amuro blasted his thrusters dodging debris along the way a little just behind the Pixie. He could probably go pass Monsha, Chris, and Adel but he needed to see for himself what the other two can do first. He watched Monsha try to chase Unit 01 and 03 but to no avail despite his expert maneuvering on the space debris and rocks.

Behind him, Burning and Keith struggled to chase after them. Deciding that he had seen enough, he dashed past Pixie, 08th and Unit 04 with the aid of his funnels' thrusters unlike in Earth where the Pixie beat him in speed and mobility because it was lighter than his Netix. Space was his Gundam was made for.

"What the!" Someone said in shock.

His thrusters on full burst, he shot through and maneuvered at everything in his way. At maximum speed, still, he was behind the two by a somewhat large margin. The speed of the two surprised him for a moment before putting everything into thrust and still not catching up.

By the time he caught up with them they were already docking on the ship and he could feel the smugness of Sayla and excitement of Uraki radiating.

"Guess that Gundam's just not for show, huh. Couldn't catch up even at all," he said to a smirking Sayla upon disembarking. "How was it?"

"It's a fine Mobile suit. The control is finer than the Pixie."

"Is it so fine that I'll have a hard time piloting it?" Chris asked approaching them. "I can barely keep up with you three."

"Oh yeah, you can," she said. "It's not as sensitive as Amuro's."

"Well, if you have a hard time, then how much more for me." Bate approached them smirking. "You four were beasts. My Custom could barely keep up. Let's see Zeon attack us this time."

"Yeah," Keith said nodding. "No kidding. I don't think they can keep up with two fast Gundams on our side."


"What did the Admiral talk about?"

After that stressing talk with Cima, he didn't oppose to the trio's invitation for a drink. Not that he needed a drink after every situation like that, but it's better if he was with others than to be alone at this time. He needed a good distraction from it now by talking to others than to let it linger while doing something else alone.

"You know we're not allowed to talk about it Monsha."

Monsha's eye narrowed at Burning and huffed as drank. "Gag order, huh. Figures."

"I bet that it has something to do with that Zeon Fleet that just suddenly retreated." He didn't deny nor confirm Adel's statement.

"Got that right. Something's going on and it's unlikely HQ is gonna spill the beans on this one." Bate nodded. "Didn't even tell us there were three more Gundams and gave the new Gundams to you two." He gave the two certain pilots a side glance.

"Hey don't blame them," Chris said. "They didn't even know it was going to be assigned to the Albion."

"What can you tell us then?" Adel asked calmly leaning at the couch arms spread wide behind his two friends.

He glanced at the other three in front of him as he drank then to Chris who sat to his right. She was curious as the trio was and he could tell from her glance alone that she was holding her question back.

He wished he could tell them all about it. The dangers of what Zeon was about to do! But he understood the dangers of leaks and

Burning gave them a single glance before drinking. "Still, those two Gundams are something else though."

"Yeah." Bate scoffed. "It's a shame there's no unit left for us, huh."

"Not exactly." The others looked at him aside from the two that were with him during that time. "There's still Unit 03. Commander Kajima didn't say anything about it, only it was something dangerous."

"Just how many Gundams did Anaheim make?" Adel asked leaning idly on the couch looking curious on the middle of Monsha and Bate. "I can only imagine how much was spent on each unit."

"Probably a million for each unit," Monsha speculated after taking a large swig from his mug. "The Federation has the balls to make that but not mass produce the GM Custom instead of that Crap Type.

"Something dangerous, huh," Bate, gaining an amused expression and excited gleam in his eyes then said. "That sounds like something made for me."

"You wish," Chris chuckled and crossed her arms which Bate just took in stride by drinking. "Burning's gonna get that before you do."

The three in front of him laughed.

"Hah!" It was Bate's turn to scoff this time. "Can your body still handle the speed, Burning?"

Burning grinned. "I haven't just been sitting my ass off and training my team. If Amuro can beat you two, then this old man can still kick the ass of you three."

"That was a fluke!" Monsha roared slamming the bottle on the table. Grinning, he leaned forward that Amuro scrunched his nose from his beer breath. "If the pipsqueak wants, maybe we could try again, eh. Three vs three this time."

"Save that for later Monsha." Burning laughed patting him on the shoulder pushing him back to his seat. "Don't forget my team. Keith may be anxious and Uraki can be a little hotheaded but I've no doubt of their skills."

"Bah!" Monsha waved the words away. "Keith can't even hit well."

Sayla took his other arm and entwined it with hers and leaned more on him. Her amusement echoed to him. "Maybe not now, but give them time and I can bet that he can surpass you."

"Surpass me?" The man pointed to himself and bellowed. "That'll be the day."

Bate smirked in amusement, his silent thoughts broadcast clearly by his silent disbelief, unlike Adel who felt great pride. For what reason? He had an idea as to why.

"Then what about after this whole shebang. All nine of us will have combat training to see once and for all. Loser pays the winning team a hundred dollars!"

Sayla glanced at Monsha then to Chris with a small smirk gracing her lips. Chris returned said expression and nodded a little. "We'll take you on that offer, Monsha," she said.

"Be sure to swallow your pride and admit defeat this time."

"Oi, oi, Mackenzie," the blonde man said to his redhead friend. "Don't be so sure of your victory or you'll jinx yourselves."

"We'll see then." Burning raised a glass. The gentle clank of their glass for a second overtook the music of the lounge. Amuro frowned when behind that smile, was a shadow of a doubt. A doubt of what? He had not the slightest idea.

After hours of drinking with many drinks and joyful laughter, their little downtime had to end. They drank as much, but none of them were drunk. Well, maybe for Monsha who was supported by a very hesitant Bate. Sayla was just tired and fell asleep first, much to Chris' amusement.

"I should just leave him on the floor," he groused. "That's what he gets for drinking too much."

"Heh, I can just imagine him waking up with a hangover on the floor."

"Just help me carry him, Adel."

"I know you can carry him just fine."

He glared at his friend making him smirk. "Fine, fine."

They all went the opposite with the four's quarters on the other side of the ship.

"Do you think after this we can request a shore leave?" he suddenly asked. When they stopped Gato and Delaz, he needed time away to just breathe fresh air. Plus, it was nearly the time of the year for his visit.

"I think HQ will at least give us that. For all this mess that we're in, it's their fault for building that thing in the first place."

"Yeah." He nodded to Chris. What the hell were they thinking when they made Unit 02?

When they turned, Chris bid them goodnight going. Gently, he laid Sayla on his bed careful and fell asleep then.

Sometime later, he woke up and lay there with Sayla with a throbbing head that refused to calm down like his thoughts. Nothing but Cima's information filled his head.

"Are you still thinking about that?" Sayla looked at him frowning. "Or is it about her."

For once he was thankful her presence was not circling him. He hadn't dreamed of her since his talk with Burning. Maybe it's because his worries overtook it or he had one drink too many.

"Stardust," he began. "I keep thinking about what would happen if it succeeded." It would only serve to tighten the hold of the Federation on the colonies making the colonists resent them more.

The tense relations between the Federation and Colonies could also only increase. It doesn't end there, racism between those from Earth and Space would only multiply too with the wariness of each other. From the perceived tighter authoritarianism of the Federation with the threat of nuke hanging above them and paranoia that the remnant would pull another extreme move like it again. It would not do well to heal the connection that was severed during the One Year War.

Soft delicate fingers slowly slid from his abdomen going up until it caressed his jaw. Every touch tingled and gave him warmth that drove the darkness from his mind. "Hey, don't worry about it. We're gonna be there to stop Gato and Delaz from completing their plans. Plus, I trust Admiral Revil will do his best to stop it."

"I know that, but I can't help but worry."

"Me too," she said frowning. "Don't let it bother you too much. It'll do you no good to keep thinking about it."

"What if—"

A finger to his lips stopped him. "Shh," he shushed him silent. "Don't overthink it. We'll stop this."

Looking at her sure eyes, his worry faded as he then breathed deeply. "You're right."

"We have to believe so," she whispered pecking his cheeks heating it up more.


Their journey to Konpei Island was fortunately uneventful and their patrol found nothing out of the ordinary to which he was thankful for. The uneventful time was spent on training to make Sayla, Adel, and Monsha get used to their new units along with improving the piloting skills of Uraki and Keith.

The only eventful thing that happened was that another Supply Fleet arriving now, so here he was on the catwalk with Chris. Sayla, Adel, and Monsha was still training and patroling for anything as they resupply. The last one only brought the supplies they needed to repair the MS and ships along with rations. Well, if they count Keith and Mora hooking up and Uraki and Nina now nearly dating, then that would make three eventful events that broke the normalcy of the patrol.

Though uneventful as it was, the dread slowly filled within him filled itself as the days to the Naval Review drew close. Only two more days left. Yet the Delaz Fleet, nor any other sign of Zeon, was not yet found and this was making him worry.

"Do you think they'll give us better units?"

He shrugged. "Maybe. That'll be good if they did."

He didn't know why, but this entire thing gave him a bad feeling so a little reinforcement would be good in case things went south. It was not just the meeting with Cima that gave him that, it was also what she said. Kycilia supplied the Zeon remnants with something even she didn't know. Most likely it was weapons but the question was; what weapons?

Would it be as deadly as the Elmeth and Big Zam? Or something to supply the hidden remnants like a Gelgoog II or something. He could only guess what weapon Zeon could unleash.

"Alright! We've got mail for you!" One of the officers shouted. The crew hollered in joy.

"Do you some mail for you, Chris?" He knew he didn't have one. There were only two people out there that would and one was in rehab, while the other had forgotten or hated his existence.

She hummed. "Well," she said before shrugging. "I don't know. Bernie doesn't know I'm in the Albion, so he maybe he must've sent his to Cheyenne when I didn't reply to any of his contacts. Mom and dad doesn't send me since they think it's bad luck."

"Monsha!" screamed Mora below them glaring everywhere, and her body tense in fury followed by a panicking Keith. The men and women around her made way and doing their best to look innocent and ignore her. "Keith, I'm going to get you later for giving it away."

"I'm telling you, I gave it all to Kou!" Keith pleaded to a scowling Mora marching around the hangar.

"What's wrong?" Chris asked the woman.

"That pervert! He took some pictures of Nina!"

Amuro shouldn't have been surprised, he chuckled shaking his head. At least he gets to see Mora beat the shit out of Monsha again. The first one was a good show.

"Why I oughta," she glared looking all around. "I'll get him once he returns from his patrol."

"What's going on?" Uraki, carrying lots of books, approached the tall woman and asked.

Mora was quick to spin and hold Uraki by his collar and shook him. "Uraki! Where did you keep the pictures?"

He shook his head. "I shredded it."

"You liar!"

"Mora—"

"Nina! Don't you defe—"

She giggled while picking up the fallen books. "I think that if he's still reading this, then I think it means it he's telling the truth." Nina showed him some books that had Mora laughing. He wondered what books were that?

"Key to Woman's heart, The ABC's of Women, The Female Spacenoid." He heard Nina read the title and he couldn't help but chuckle along with Chris at Kou's topic. Not that he mocked the man but he just found it funny.

Chris chuckled calling down to them smirking. "If you want advice to women's heart, you can always ask Amuro! He knows women like the back of his hand."

"Don't listen to her, Kou. She's joking." He turned to glare at her. He didn't even know the first thing about women. If he was to tell anyone how he and Sayla became together they would just laugh at him.

"I agree. Amuro could give you good advice." The tall woman nodded sagely. "You should listen to him Uraki. He knows what he's doing"

"You're not supposed to agree with her, Mora!" he said narrowing his at her and ignoring his heated cheeks.

"What're you reading, man," Keith whined shaking his head. "You could've come to me if you wanted advice!"

"Uraki! Keith! With me! We're relieving the patrol team. You can gossip all you want later." Lt. Burning approached them and barked his orders. "Amuro, Chris be on standby by 1200."

They both saluted and the three went to their units. That was still a few hours away, they still had time to do rest.

The rest of their time they spent half of it talking and observing the supply delivery then finding out it was the experimental E-Pac Beam Rifles leftover from the project for their units. The other half, playing card games with Bate who invited them. He found out just how good the man was in poker and other card games. Better than Chris, he found out the hard way when he lost lots of money to him.


"Alright, everyone," Captain Synapse began breaking the silence of the briefing. The total anxiety of everyone had him shivering and closing his mind. He knew it came from them knowing something was amiss but was not told of. Captain Synapse was tight-lipped about it when confronted by others. "We've got intel that the Naval Review will be attacked by remnants today. Even with the amassed forces here, we cannot allow that."

Murmurs all around rose but were silenced with a simple gesture of the Captain. "Our job is to be the first line of defense."

The other captains showed from the monitor nodded.

"HQ has assigned us north of Konpei and we'll be covering Sectors F1 to 15. We will divide our fleet into three groups. Manila and Dodoma will be will take sectors 1 to 5, Astana and Freia will take the sectors 11 to 15 and Albion will take sector 6-10. If you see anything out of the ordinary, contact the Albion immediately. Netix, Unit 01, and 04 will act as reserves. Any questions."

This was it. The day of Stardust. Or was the real start of it. The rest of the ship was left in the dark regarding the truth about Operation Stardust, except for the Albion's pilot which suspected something going on, making him and Sayla feel bad for hiding something big as this from them. They hadn't heard nor was informed by Captain Synapse about any counter plan but he hoped that they really did have one for anything Zeon might throw at them.

"Any intel about what we're facing?" Adel asked.

"Nothing concrete as of this moment. As you've all experienced, Zeon may have improved their MS judging by the Gelgoogs we faced. Assume that all units faced will be the same. All teams are to exercise caution. Is that clear?"

Alarms blared before the Captain could reply. "Captain! Signal flare ahead. Distance; 5000. East and West fleet are reporting the same thing," came in Simone's panic statement.

They all ran for their units but Amuro could only watch as the others launched to do their assigned tasks. The Pixie had been repainted in grey hue just like the GM Custom per Monsha's support. Unit 04 on the other hand, was repainted in the original colors of the Pixie.

"Good luck out there, guys." He told all the pilots because with what they unknowingly have to face. They had the numbers, but would that be enough? He can't help but think no. "Don't die," he whispered.

"Thanks, kid," Adel replied.

Monsha scoffed and he could just imagine the man's arrogant smirk. "We don't need luck, shortie. We got this. It looks like you don't have faith in us."

He laughed. "A little prayer goes a long way, Monsha."

"Thanks, Lt...Amuro, sir."

"Keith! On the double!"

"Don't worry, we got this." Chris tried to reassure him but it didn't blow away his worries because she didn't know what this day was going to be. Only what she thought it would be.

One by one they all launched until it was only Sayla, Uraki, and him. The crew all around hustled in preparation for any damage suits while doing final checks on their units.

"Lt. Ray, Mass," Kou called. "What's really going on."

Sayla let her worries be known and he hid his from hers. Both of their thoughts tangled and pulled each other as they silently argued on whether to tell the truth or not. In the end, Sayla reminded him of what the Vice-Admiral said yet relented in telling the truth. He could trust Uraki, he was sure of it.

"Open channel 210.69." He sighed.

If no one knew that he told someone outside of the assigned people, it'd be better. He hoped no one noticed what he did. Plus, it was the day of the operation, he can justify it that if no leak happened because it was during that time. "Sayla and I will explain it best as we can."

When Kou already did as he asked, he began. "In truth, Operation Stardust is…" He told them what they had learned from their meeting with Cima, to Kou's wariness knowing who she was after an explanation, with Sayla telling some of the things he may have missed. With each word he told, the growing horror of Kou increased until they got to the endgame of Delaz.

"How could they! We…," he struggled to say. "We… don't they ever think that enough people had been killed?!"

"Kou relax." Sayla breathed deeply. "Jaburo has already been told of this and I'm sure they already made plans. Right, Amuro." A mental nudge from her made him agree just to calm down the hotheaded man.

"I knew there was something going on when the Admiral Kowen ordered us on a ceasefire at the fleet that attacked us on course with the Birmingham! They quickly turned around without firing. I assume it was because they were intimidated but to think that it was this instead."

None spoke for a while but what Kou felt was enough of a clue as to what he was going to say.

"Why weren't we told of this." He said finally breaking the silence.

"Zeon forces detected. Minovsky particle level rising." Simone said interrupting them.

"Damn it. Bridge, what's the situation." He clicked his tongue. "How many are there?"

"Approximately 100 MS incoming and unknown on the East and West Line with our communications broken. Our units are intercepting them now."

"Is Gato there!"

"Not yet. Unable to verify."

With the particles released it'd be harder to gain info from Konpei. That's not counting what type of MS was Zeon using or whether or not there was a Mobile Armor amidst their ranks.

"Calm down, Uraki," the Captain barked. "He will show himself eventually."

Kou gritted his teeth. "Yes, sir."

They can only wait in silence and anticipation for their turn to aid their allies. He can hear what was being said outside better than their static communication can and sensed all the varying emotions of everyone on the battlefield.

".… fast!" Keith said in distress.

From time to time the ship shook, but he could feel the Albion retaliate with all its weapons. He could only grip the control tightly in his impatience.

"Look out!"

Bate cursed and said something but the distorted communication cut it off.

"What was that!?"

"It's legless Zeon shit! Get your head together Keith," Monsha barked.

It must be a new one then.

The comm beeped. "East and West of Konpei is under attack. Enemy numbers and composition unknown."

"I see a squad of Zudah. It's breaking through our forces!" Adel stated. Three ships already damaged. Chase them down, Monsha."

"Delaz is persistent in their attack," Sayla commented. "Gato will use the situation to get near to bomb most of the fleet."

He looked up when unsettling distress echoed in his mind along with a presence he wasn't aware of that made him shiver from its bloodlust and coldness. The presence pulsed excitedly like a bright cold light that burned the mind's eye. So different from the others around him. Closing his eyes, he ignored Sayla's presence and focused outwards gritting as he did so. The familiar hum of her name lingered but he pushed on seeing these presences. He could see their trails all over the battlefield bright as a star amidst the candlelight that flickered all around them. Did it mean what he thought it was?

"Sayla,—"

"I know."

"Do you think…"

She nodded. "Most likely." He clicked his tongue at that.

With haste, he contacted the bridge. "Bridge! Sitrep."

"Unknown units attacking Sector D, Q, P, and R. Casualties are rising! N Fleet is three ships down and ten MS destroyed. Z Fleet has two ships in critical condition and eight MS down." He hoped that it wasn't what he and Sayla thought it was. If it was, then they're in big trouble then.

"What!" Came Kou's reply. "It must be Gato! Send us out, captain."

"Send Netix and Unit 04 out!" Ordered the Captain. "Netix, assist the N Fleet and Unit 04 to Z. Uraki, remain on standby."

"Captain's right, Kou," Amuro told him. "If Unit 02 shows up, you're the only one who can catch up in that Full Armor." With that external armor with added verniers and propellant, it can reach any sector in a few minutes. "So, keep an eye out for him, will you?"

"Yes, sir!"

Guess they didn't need to convince the Captain to launch. When they were launched, he wasted no time and put everything into thrust. It was a little to the northeast, and while Z was east of Konpei. Despite his fastest, Sayla went passed him and both of them had their silent good luck.

Was it an Ace that attacked those two sectors? Could it be, Char? He tensed at that thought. He best be prepared for it.

As he went to his goal while dodging debris, the dark void was lit up everywhere. Simultaneous multiple explosions flared at the same time numerous fear, denial, and anger multiplied before disappearing like fireworks.

Was this all of the remnants? He could only hope so because it looked like that their current defensive forces weren't holding back Zeon despite their superior numbers. Their tenacity rained down the battlefield.

"...Look out!" Someone screamed but he was already on it and moved right then spun to face up beam rifle already aimed. His beam hit the chest while the bazooka missed. He didn't look back to know that the Dom exploded.

Angry determination rolled off of the Gelgoog that followed the GM now firing at him and grabbed its saber. It thrust its beam saber once in range of the pursued GM. He fired the wrist beam and hit its saber arm before it could swing and blowing the arm and the second shot blew the cockpit.

More MS came sweeping in but he fired his funnels and the GM with its bazooka easily helped in taking them out.

With a grunt, he boosted his MS up and proceeding to meet with the Zaku darting past it before turning and shooting its back. He raised his shield and sidestepped as a beam nearly hit him. From his left, three shots came for him and but swiftly Amuro hit its weapon arm, left leg and the chest.

"How many are there?" He muttered as he glanced for a second at his radar which fizzled with static and showed nothing and some things on the battlefield. His radar may not be clear, but what he saw was the opposite. Space lit up brightly as raged consume the field.

His eyes widened when a burning sensation hit him. It came ever closer. He went passed by a Salamis and turned beam rifle already aimed. The beam hit its targets which was dodging anti-air fire from a ship.

His senses rang loudly for him to move, and move he did. "Everyone! Move!"

By a hair's breadth, a yellow beam passed by him. Not only that, multiple explosion rocked the Salamis—including the MS surrounding it—for its bow, bridge, and engine were all simultaneously hit by something he didn't see but he could feel its presence somewhere. The presence that was near him was gone in a flash.

Spinning, he boosted down whilst facing upward with a shield covering his chest as a beam hit it. Many beams rained on him but none hit except for the beam that dissipated against his shield. Damn it, he had to be prudent in his use of shield against weapons like this.

He sidestepped left a little dodging three beams above, below, and right. The beams were relentless with their attacks but each time he evaded it. Wrist beam opening with arm going on different directions, he fired and clicked his tongue when it missed.

These bits was smaller, and accurate as his every shot he fired was, all missed or just barely grazed it. These were unlike the bits that he faced before with their speed.

His eyes roamed fast looking for the source. The unit these remote weapons belong to was nowhere to be found. If it was like her Mobile Armor, then it had to be around here somewhere for the bits to return to.

"It's fast." He spun letting loose beams at it only for it to flutter away followed by another barrage and popping in a new E-Pac.

A white thing darted around the now destroyed ship. It went by quick that he didn't see it nor could he aim at it, but he was sure it was a Mobile suit. Closing his eyes, his senses extended and he saw the trail left by the bits forming like a web trail. He can see her, he was definite that the pilot was a girl, zigzagging through the battlefield fast as Unit 01 and 04.

Abruptly, he opened his eyes and turned aside as a beam then passed him. Evade after evade and fire after fire he did, and their deadly dance swallowed enemies and allies with their swiftness. He let loose his own fin funnels and circled around the ship and dashed forward.

A GM went for him followed by a Gelgoog, he fired at it. The beam pierced the Zeon unit's head and chest. "Roll up and shield at eight o'clock!" He barked while he took the shot.

His ally shouted his question but otherwise followed, albeit reluctantly, did it stopping the attack above and barely dodging the multi-directional simultaneous attack with grazes everwhere.

"Run!"

He didn't turn to know if the GM heeded his order and instead turned rounding around a ship and asteroid while dodging the following remote weapons. He was right that he was the target because everything around was left alone. Turning, he sidestepped left and went up after firing as an explosion then occurred.

The funnels pulled back and briefly scanned its condition.

His senses flared and looked up. The white Kampfer headed straight for him followed by tiny white bits. It fired and he too retaliated with his wrist along with the funnels. The Kampfer dodged by rolling left and stopping the descent before the beam and spun.

Amuro drew his beam saber avoiding the beams along the way. The sabers sparked as they clashed, but then kick it, or tried to, only for the unit to reverse. Doing the same thing but raising his arms one o'clock and blasting at the offending bit.

Two more raced around him and few shots went towards it instead of him giving him the chance to shoot the others. He reversed letting a beam pass and he willed his funnels to fire. An explosion occurred in the beams line of fire.

One more down.

From the Kampfer's pilot, shock vibrated but was quickly replaced by determination and excitement?

More bits flew out from behind the Kampfer as another went for him, the beams this time was nearer than he expected. Senses flaring, he folded his knees and fired up without looking and moved his funnels barely dodging the barrage that it was about suffered through. He gritted his teeth when the side of the body glowed red.

With gritted teeth, he turned the head and fired his vulcans at the funnel near one of the numerous fresh debris causing sparks then drawing saber deflecting a strike downward and kicking it away. Arms aimed at it, beams launched making it go left and right in evasion. It drew a rifle and aimed up.

He gasped then opened fire causing it to reverse. "Run! You can't take this alone!" He told the incoming GM's.

The only usable funnel left flew and spinning as it did so chasing the bits. Two beams penetrated its body and the GM pilots' presence faded just like those before in this bloody sea making him grip the controls tighter.

How many did this MS kill before I arrived?!

"A….ro."

Many beams once more fired at him, and cursed his feet got grazed but still, he didn't hesitate to dash forward spinning and slashed only to be blocked. He put forth his shield directly in front of the cockpit as a bright flash hit it sending him back.

Small dents formed on the shield, still, he raised it in defense only to let go and reversed when shots from everywhere hit it. The little white bits dashed to him firing.

"...m..o."

Amuro.

He blinked and went pale at seeing a familiar form only for her to disappear a second later. "What!" His Gundam shook and the enemy in front of him. He quickly pushed it away aiming for

Hot vulcans bullets streak the space towards the remote weapons. At the same time beam came above swallowing two more. He willed it to the side and pulled it cursing when the tip of it bleed red on the status screen. Still, better damaged than destroyed.

With a quick press of a button, the communications went silent.

He roared determinedly, with his voice echoing in the cockpit, in stopping this Newtype from passing through and killing more soldiers. He and the Kampfer met again. He raised his shield and moved his rifle up letting loose four shots before a bright light came there and disappeared.

The dents deepened and he reversing letting go of it just as the white MS swung its saber down and he fired with all his weapons.

It's right arm and waist exploded sending it floating back. With no time to lose, he rushed towards it, beam saber ready, spinning and deftly dodging the beams by a hair's breadth. Light all around him blinded him but he trusted his senses and cut upward. His computer beeped but he ignored it and put the foot forward as his Gundam vibrated from the impact. He pushed away with a kick.

The silence of his cockpit was broken by the opening of the helmet and somewhat heavy breaths he drew. His eyes briefly went to the status screen and clicked his tongue. Both funnel bodies glowed red—only thrust support left then— and his legs and shoulders a glaring near red hue.

Still, he can still fight unlike the armless MS before him that retreated. He must be cautious. It still had the remote weapons and just as he thought, attacks all from all over rained down.

The attack ended quickly fast as it began leaving him alone in the debris of his allies without the other Newtype MS in sight.

He breathed deeply letting the agony and regret wash off him unless he wants their souls mingled with his.

"Lt! Zeon… reakin-defense and heading… Sec-rs E-G, W-A…-S falling."

Damn it! They still had no idea where Gato would be! He had no other choice but to return to the ship, he thought gritting his teeth. He won't be able to help the sectors in needing immediate assistance.

For the umpteenth time, he breathed. Reluctant as he was, he turned back to Albion hoping that along the way he can help any allies.


I hoped you guys liked this. I did the best I could with the pacing, action, dialogue. If there were mistakes overlooked, then apologies. The disadvantages of being Beta-less. :p