Here's Chapter 9. Sorry for taking so long with this one. Story inside the spoiler block.
“Ensign Gold, until you are able to work properly within a team, you are banned from engaging in combat operations.”
When I heard those words, I just stood there in shock, unable to believe that McDermott would do such a thing to me. He stood there, holding my gaze. “Do you understand?”
“No, sir, I don’t. There’s nobody else on the ship, in the entire Commonwealth Forces, with my abilities. Furthermore, the Lunapact forces have…”
“I’m well aware of who they have with them, Ensign. I was aware of the fact when I made my decision. Do I need to go over the reasons you are being disciplined again?
“No, sir.”
“Then you are aware that, until you have dealt with your… issues with command of your faculties when she is around, you are a liability on the battlefield. Until further notice, when the Gallipoli engages in combat, you will remain on standby.”
“Yes, sir.”
When I was at Sparta Base, the instructors had been liberal in giving beatings or worse to candidates who failed to properly obey orders, and we all knew we were expected to stoically accept any disciplinary action meted down to us. And so I stood there, accepting my punishment, as McDermott’s words seemed to sting me far worse than any corporal punishment from any instructor ever had. A “liability”. He saw me as someone who, by being on the battlefield, would make things more difficult for my side.
I was someone who, as a soldier, was worse than useless.
“Liability”. The word echoed in my brain, and it felt as if my muscles lost their solidity, turning into some kind of useless goo. It seemed to take all my willpower simply to remain standing as he turned and walked away. After the doorway closed, even that ran out, and I collapsed onto my rear end on the gantry, unable to make myself move.
*****
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM STORM
A Fanfic by Andrew Dynon
Based on “Mobile Suit Gundam” created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yadate
Chapter 9: Under Pressure
*****
“That was indeed an outstanding display of combat skill, father.” Victoria said, as the footage replayed on the screen. “If Forge’s supersoldiers are able to reproduce that level of performance whenever required, they should have no difficulty in dominating the battlefield. Of course, the Mobile Suits your company helped develop were also a factor.”
“I’m glad you can appreciate them.” Albert Castella said.
Victoria smiled. “Father, I think I may be able to surmise the identity of one of the other senior partners within Forge.”
“Do go on.”
“To even consider making the kinds of alterations that would allow enhanced humans such as myself or the supersoldiers to exist, you would need a firm specialising in cutting-edge biotechnology, ideally one with significant space-based holdings. Stella Verde Bioprojects fulfils both of those qualifications. They have enjoyed considerable success in creating bioengineered livestock designed to live on the Moon and Mars, as well as creating and marketing the first human cellular rejuvenation technology. Therefore, that senior partner is Gabriella Wang.” There was no need for Victoria to remind her father of her position as SVB’s owner. Their anti-aging technology had proven workable, but was prohibitively expensive, and therefore restricted to the ultra-rich.
“Well deduced, Victoria, you are correct. Mrs. Wang is indeed one of the senior members of Forge, and provided much of the technology needed to make the kinds of alterations involved in this project.”
“And, while there are other high-ranking figures of government and business involved, the two of you would be considered the prime movers behind the project.”
“That’s essentially correct.” Albert said in a half-hearted attempt at humility. “You seem to understand most of what is involved.”
“Although there is one thing I do not understand, Father.” Victoria said. “Forge’s reasons cannot be to simply spur human evolution for its own sake. The very basics of capitalism would preclude such a massive investment of both money and time from being done simply for ideological purposes, but the potential financial returns on such a project do not seem high enough for the project to be done in the name of profit. So what I wish to know is, what do you hope to gain from this?”
Her father looked at her, perhaps a hint of wistfulness in his eyes. “You are correct. If my goal were simply profit, there would be no point in doing any of this. My own funds are more than enough to retire on, and I would want for nothing. But I believe we all desire something beyond our own wealth and comfort. My goal is to leave behind a legacy, a… gift, if you will, to humanity, that will help it surpass its current limitations. Not for the sake of fame, but simply for the sake of my own sense of accomplishment.”
“I understand, father. I hope that I will be able to provide the leadership required to help the new breed of humanity to reach the potential you dream of.”
*****
Pallas
“Geez, Lieutenant, how long are you gonna spend on that?”
I heard Paul Matthews’ voice behind me as I re-watched footage of the battles between Athene and myself, scrutinizing for any tiny slip or split-second hesitation that I may have been able to take advantage of. Against an opponent of Athene’s calibre, any such flaw would need to be seized upon in an instant if it were to prove decisive in battle.
“Lieutenant?”
“As long as I possibly can.” I replied, a little annoyed. “It wouldn’t hurt you and Perez to do a little more research on the Gundams, either, before we deploy.”
“Hey, you know what they say about all work and no play.”
“Yeah, you told me that before. But supersoldiers don’t “play”, Matthews. If you want to enjoy yourself, go and find Perez – if you haven’t just been doing that. And don’t come crying to me when you end up losing in battle.”
“Geez, I did explain the “squadmates with benefits” thing before. It wouldn’t hurt you to give it a shot.”
“And I explained that I have precisely zero desire to ever do so.”
*****
“Our intelligence indicates that the Lunapact Forces are currently massing for an attack on Moresby Base.” Captain Monash said. “If they are successful in taking it, they will have a staging point from which to send their forces to Earth. At the same time, the Commonwealth’s own capacity for sending Earth-based forces to space will be reduced by approximately forty per cent, and will become reliant on the other two major LEO bases, Nairobi and Amazon, both of which have lesser capacity than Moresby.
“We expect, and our analysis of their forces’ movements indicates, that the Lunapact forces will attempt to attack from as many angles as possible. Given the difficulties of attacking from within Earth’s gravity well, that means a roughly hemispherical formation.
“Our task, following the initial wave of artillery barrages, will be to engage the Lunapact elite mobile suit forces, and keep them away from Moresby Base. We will be joined by the Carriers Beersheba and Khyber for this operation.”
“Ensign Yamada, you have a question?”
“Yes, ma’am. No disrespect, but shouldn’t Ensign Gold be here for this? I mean, even if she’s off combat duty, she ought to know…”
“I’ve excused her from this briefing” Captain Monash said. “Lieutenant McDermott recommended she be given some time to cool her head. Of course, all relevant operational data will be forwarded to Metis for her.”
“Well, if she’s not going to be here, what’s the plan for handling Lunapact’s supersoldier?”
“Concentrate on defense, and try and draw her away from her squadmates, or disable them if possible.” Monash answered. “Once you’ve managed that, you can try and double-team her – but remember, our main objective is to prevent Lunapact from taking the base. Don’t get carried away with fighting her if you can help it.”
“Because fighting a supersoldier who’s out for blood with our own one benched sounds like such a fun time.” Shane muttered under his breath. If his comment caught Monash’s ears, she chose to ignore it.
“We expect combat to begin in six hours. Be ready.”
*****
Six Hours Later
Athene
I kept my expression calm as I stood on the gantry watching McDermott and Yamada prepare to board their Gundams, and tried not to let the leaden sensation that grew in my stomach show on my face, even as I struggled to put a name to it. Was it shame, due to my suspension from active duty? Concern for their safety without me being in the fight? Jealousy, because they were getting to take part in battle while I was denied the opportunity? Some combination of the three? Ultimately, I couldn’t answer. All I could be certain about was the palpable sensation that this should not be.
“Hey.” I felt Yamada’s glove on my cheek.
“…..”
“Yamada… be, uh…” I struggled to keep my expression level. “What I’m trying to say is, well, uh… be careful out there.”
With those words, my struggle came to an end, and I hung my head, ashamed to look him in the eye. “That sounded so ZOINKS pathetic. Like the hero’s girlfriend in some of those shows you watch.”
“It didn’t seem pathetic to me.” Yamada said. “I understand that it must hurt that you’re stuck on the sidelines…”
“You don’t understand! I’m seeing you two about to go out there, and I’m stuck here and supended from duty and I’m a liability and it’s all my fault, and…”
“Alright, I don’t understand!” Shane said, but just as I expected him to become argumentative, he instead calmed down. “But maybe part of that is you keeping everything bottled up. Even a supersoldier like you has emotions, and you need to release them every once in a while. Don’t get so hung up on how you should behave that you forget that.”
“Athene, being out of the fight hurts for you, I do understand that much. But I know you’re going to come through this, and me and Alan are going to be alive to see it. So, yeah, I’ll be careful out there.” He turned and headed for the Lightning Gundam’s cockpit.
“Oh, yeah, and if you do get stuck watching from the sidelines, I’ll buy you a cheerleader outfit! And pom-poms!”
“Arsehole!”
Shane laughed as the cockpit door closed.
*****
Pallas
As I launched from the cockpit, my eyes scanned over the enemy battlelines before me. Our objective was the capture of the octahedral base the Commonwealth fleet was guarding, but I had my own, personal goal in mind.
“Athene, I’ll prove to you that I’m number one.”
There was nothing remotely interesting in the first line of defending forces – just a bunch of GR series grunts sent to try and hold us up. Needless to say, they failed. I barely had to even slow down to shoot them as we tore through their formation.
I continued, looking for Athene, and eventually I laid eyes on two mobile suits, barely more than specks in the distance on my screen – I doubt anyone lacking my enhanced senses would have even noticed them. I adjusted my heading towards them, wondering somewhere in the back of my mind where the third one was, and as I approached, I saw that they were the red and blue Gundam units – not-Athene, and not-Athene.
Where was she? And what was she up to?
Oh, well, I could take care of these two while I was waiting for her.
*****
Athene
After McDermott and Yamada deployed, I spotted Khadija making her way to her mobile suit. I tried to ignore her, but she caught sight of me, and pushed off her gantry to make her way over to me.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, doing my best to glare unsettlingly at her.
“Well, from your body language, it’s obvious that you’re upset, and…”
“It’s got nothing to do with you! Why do you even care, anyway? Don’t you have LunaPact pilots to save?”
“No, I, and the rest of the IPMC, have got lives to save. Which side they’re on doesn’t enter into it. But before that… I heard what happened, and I understand that…”
“Not this again! If Yamada and McDermott can’t understand me, then you’re sure as hell not gonna be able to! You’re not even a soldier!”
She stared me right back in the face, with a look in her eyes I had never seen before, and couldn’t name. As if she were reaching out through them towards the scource of pain in my mind, trying to find words that would be a balm with which to soothe it.
“Maybe “understand” was the wrong word.” She said, her voice softening. “But even if I don’t understand you, I can still tell that you’re suffering, and I hate to see people suffering. So, even if we don’t get along, I’m going to be there for you if you need me. Even if it’s to take your anger out on.”
She turned, pushed back off the gantry, and floated back to her cockpit, back towards the Cadecus. “Well, I shouldn’t delay any more. I’ll see you when I get back.”
*****
“Uh, Sir, is that what I think it is?” Shane asked as he caught sight of the now-familiar black-and-white shape in the distance. He jinked to the right as a beam of energy from the MS in question shot through where his Gundam had been a split-second ago.
“Yeah, it is. Remember our plan, Yamada.”
“Roger that.” Another beam sizzled past Shane as he barely managed to dodge aside and avoid it. For now, the Sirius was out ahead of its squadmates, but Shane was aware the two Denebs were likely not far off, and when they arrived, the situation into a three-on-two.
“Where’s Athene?” Pallas’ voice came over the comms, short and to the point. Just like Athene. Shane recalled how he had managed to beat her in their first simulated battle, by taunting her into acting rashly. This wasn’t like in the sims – as realistic as they were, they couldn’t replicate the intensity and danger of real combat. And he knew that it had gotten harder and harder to trick her or taunt her into acting rashly when he had faced Athene in subsequent sim battles.
Still, it’s worth a shot. Stay on the defensive, wait for an opportunity to present itself.
“She decided she couldn’t be bothered with you. So we get to play instead.”
There was no reply on the radio, but yellow light flared as the Sirius drew its beam saber. Shane opened up the throttle, turned, and boosted in the opposite direction – supersoldier or not, he was sure his opponent couldn’t match the Lightning Gundam’s raw speed. He couldn’t leave her in the “dust” too easily, though – he needed to keep her close enough that he could take advantage if an opportunity presented itself.
*****
Athene
Sitting on standby in the Gale Gundam’s cockpit felt like solitary confinement to me as I watched the battle progress, wanting with my whole being to leap into the fray, yet unable to be anything more than a spectator. I still couldn’t shake the leaden feeling in my gut from McDermott’s criticism after the last sortie, and disobeying him would only prove his point. That I was a liability – which meant I was flawed. That, in turn, would mean that the whole supersoldier project was flawed, and thus non-viable. Therefore, there would be no use for my siblings. And therefore, they would be disposed of.
“I don’t want to be a liability.” I whispered into the darkness, to nobody.
Don’t worry, my pilot. I sat bolt upright in surprise at the voice, even though I had, subconsciously, always known she was there.
“Metis?”
You made a mistake, Athene. Metis said. But you can correct it. Think. Why was Lieutenant McDermott so angry at you?
“Because I disobeyed his orders?”
That is part of the explanation, but by itself not sufficient. Think more.
Metis was right, I realised. I recalled McDermott’s story of his old squadron, the botched operation they had taken part in, and his anger towards his superiors who had gotten many of them killed due to poor planning. Of the sense of duty he felt toward his companions and subordinates, and how, ultimately, he felt it was acceptable to disobey his superiors in order to protect them. And yet, what I had done was…
“I endangered my fellow pilots.”
Correct.
I looked at the monitors showing the battle, searching for McDermott and Yamada. McDermott was engaging the two Denebs at the moment, and looked to be holding his own, his experience counting for enough even in a two-on-one. Yamada’s Lightning Gundam, however, was being pursued by a familiar black-and-white MS, and as much as I respected his skills and, even more importantly, his ability to do the unexpected, I knew the odds are not in his favour.
But if I did sortie, I knew that combative urge that happened when I faced Pallas would rise within me. What if I lost control again?
Don’t worry, my pilot. You have something to hold on to. Just remember that.
“I understand, Metis.”
McDermott and Yamada were my squadmates. It was my duty to assist them in battle, whoever the enemy might be. Even if it was Pallas.
“Captain, this is Athene Gold. Requesting permission to sortie.”
“Ensign Gold, you are under orders to remain on standby.”
“I know, ma’am. But I want to help my squadron.”
“If you had stated any other reason, ensign, I would have activated your Gundam’s shutdown command.” Captain Monash said warmly. “But I was monitoring your conversation with Metis, and it seems you’ve realised your mistake. Permission granted.”
“Roger. Ensign Athene Gold, Gale Gundam, launching!”
*****
Sweat poured down Shane’s forehead as he once again barely managed to dodge a shot from the Sirius. His breathing was becoming heavier, he noticed, and the sweat threatened to drop into his eyes, obscuring his vision. Before long, he feared, his reflexes would begin to slow, and he had serious doubts about his ability to avoid more attacks once that happened.
Gotta take a gamble. He thought to himself. If I can duck out of her view for a second, there’s a chance. In his peripheral vision, he spied a Commonwealth cruiser, and turned toward it, pushing the boosters to full and once again just managing to avoid the Sirius’ fire. His rear camera showed the Sirius in pursuit as he passed under the cruiser and swung up, launching a volley of missiles as he did so.
As the Sirius dodged Shane’s missiles and the cruiser’s point defence system, Shane completed his loop, swinging around and drawing his beam saber, rushing at full thrust toward the Sirius’ back.
It almost worked.
At the last split-second, the Sirius swung around, knocking the Lightning Gundam’s beam saber aside with its shield, and ramming its knee into the Gundam’s torso. Shane felt as though his head were suddenly filled with sand, blurring his vision and preventing him from thinking straight, and when he recovered, he saw that the Sirius was about to thrust its beam saber straight at his cockpit, and knew he had no hope of avoiding it.
There was a flash of pink-white energy, and Shane took a moment before his mind registered the fact that he wasn’t dead. The Sirius had been forced to pull back from him to avoid the shot that had flashed between them, a shot fired from a familiar green-and-white mobile suit.
“Shane, you did well. Sorry I cut it so close.” Athene said, as the Gale Gundam and the Sirius turned to face each other.
END CHAPTER 9
NEXT CHAPTER: “The Winner”
I mean, not even pressing charges against punks who almost raped her? Did she consider that by not doing that, she's setting them free to potentially do it to some other woman? anywho, this isn't necessarily a bad thing; your character provoked an emotional response! That's good, even if I'm hoping you'll kill her off soon. 
