Episode 2

It had been three weeks since the attack on colony K-20 and the mysterious Gundams had reappeared periodically ever since, attacking supply ships and resource satellites. Each time they seemed to appear out of now where and disappeared again just as quickly as they came. Since the government had no operational mobile suits it appeared that these rogue Gundams were unstoppable for the time being.

Solo waited impatiently outside the door to Commander Mariemaia’s office. The commander of Preventer’s space operations had called Solo and Lu in for a meeting. Solo knew it was about the new Gundams, and he was itching for a fight. Lu reclined in a nearby chair, his hands combing through his long black hair. He looked worried. Solo didn’t blame him. If they did have to go up against Gundams the chances were pretty slim that they would survive.

The door opened. "Peacecraft, Maxwell, get in here. The meeting started fifteen minutes ago." Commander Mariemaia did not sound pleased.

As they entered the large room Solo recognized several of the faces that were presently turned toward him. There was Commander Mariemaia of course; the section commanders from various colonies, Solo made sure to smile widely towards the commander from L5, and a few junior officers. What caught him off guard was the fact that Lu’s father was on one of the conference room’s vid screens along with his own father on another. Christ this must be serious if they called in the old man.

"Have a seat gentlemen" Commander Mariemaia said motioning to a pair of chairs in the corner of the room. As they sat down Solo leaned over to Lu and whispered.

"Things must be worse than we thought. Pop looks worried."

Lu studied his own father’s expression and nodded as the meeting continued.

***

On an old resource satellite deep in space, Alpha was running. I’ve gotta get out of here before they kill me. Flashes of the previous night’s mission ran through the pilot’s mind.

They had been told that the colony they were attacking had been evacuated, except for a few military personnel. They were to fly in, knock out the communications center and capture the lead officer, so he could be brought in for questioning.

Things started out simply enough; the Gundams had easily disabled the communications center. Tisiphore had gone in on foot to capture the commander. The military had put up little resistance.

Alpha and Megaere had exited their Gundams and were waiting on Tisiphore to return when they heard the sounds of gunfire. The two pilots glanced in the direction of the gunfire scanning for Tisiphore. What the hell was happening? Alpha thought preparing to reenter the Gundam if needed.

Tisiphore’s voice came weakly over the com. "fall back…ambush…heavy resistance…hit…"

"Tisiphore." Alpha cried. "What’s your position? We’ll bring the Gundams…"

"No good…they were prepared… going to blow colony with us inside…fall back."

Megaere started up his Gundam. "Lets go, Alpha, before they take all three of us."

Alpha became enraged at his willingness to abandon Tisiphore. "Negative. I’m not leaving without Tisiphore. I won’t leave a man behind."

"Then you’re a weak fool." Megaere sneered into the com and took off.

"I’m coming Tisiphore. Just hold on a little while longer." Alpha whispered setting the Gundam into motion. The computer had triangulated Tisiphore’s position through her com system. "I’m coming"

Tisiphore’s voice came softly again over the com. "its too late Alecto." She used Alpha’s real name. "Promise me you’ll get out. Promise me you’ll stop this." She was speaking about more than the colony. Ever since the attack on K-20 both Tisiphore and Alpha had began to doubt the righteousness of their cause.

Tears ran down Alpha’s face. "I can get us out before it blows. Tisiphore, I…"

"Promise me Alecto." Tisiphore’s voice pleaded again over the com, between ragged breaths.

Alpha’s body shook. A defeated whisper went over the com. "I promise."

Alpha had managed to get partially clear before the colony blew. The Gundam had taken extensive damage though. The commander was less than pleased when he heard of the dead pilot and the damaged Gundam.

"Do you know how much money has been put into that mobile suit? Your training? Do you realize the damage done to our cause by your weak emotions?" The commander spat into Alpha’s face. "The rise of the Dark Wave will not be delayed because of a fool’s emotions. You will be reconditioned beginning tomorrow morning. You are dismissed Alpha."

Reconditioned…You mean brainwashed. Alpha thought lying in the darkness. I will not let you control me any longer.

It had been easy enough to break out of the pilot’s quarters. But now Alpha had to get off the satellite. Alpha was a deserter. And Alpha knew what happened to deserters when they were captured, they were disposed of.

I will get out, for Tisiphone.