A new threat... an unknown enemy... a whole new frontier...              

Gundam Wing: Type 2 

Episode 11: The Siege of Eden

All the pieces are in place, with the hopes of a new Eden emerging from the depths of their prisons, Kiron Gorrs hopes to make a new history for his people. But the motives of Kiron are starting to become clear, and his intentions are not peaceful.

Kiron's ambitions have finally been realized, he wants nothing more than total control of the galaxy, dreams that are slowly being realized as his army is built by the Edenites under his boot. At his control is a legion of warriors that have no choice but to do his every bidding.

On Earth, Aelan Marcus has unveiled two incredible weapons of his creation, and given his equally incredible expertise to the people of the Earth Sphere Unified Nation. In exchange, Aelan hopes that they will in turn do him a favor; helping him free the his home from the sadistic control from one that Aelan used to call his friend…

The President of the Earth Sphere couldn't have imagined that he would encounter such a strange tale when he announced his campaign almost one year ago. He held up his hand to cease all discussion, then said, "This… is all incredible. Advisor Aelan, are you totally serious in what you claim?"

Aelan nodded to the assembly, "Yes, sir. Everything that I have told you is definitely true. I myself have performed actions that upon retrospect were not in anyone's best interests. I cannot change those, but I have tried to reimburse all those mistakes I have made."

Several of the gathered diplomats nodded. Much of Aelan's suggestions and designs had caused humanity to attain levels of advancement they had not anticipated for generations. Many of them could only wonder as to what more he had to give.

"However," Aelan continued, "There is still one mistake I need to remedy, that of my once-colleague Kiron Gorrs. He has enslaved my home, and is using them to build an army in which he can control this entire galaxy. But, I cannot do this alone. I need the help of a United Earth in order to solve this problem."

The President narrowed his eyes, then said, "Continue."

"As we speak, the Fold Generators at L1 Colony and Mexico are being rebuilt. They should be completed in five days. When they are, I hope that the Earth Sphere will be able to launch all available military personnel in a seige of Eden. Kiron's force will not be at full ability, and I think that we will have enough of a chance."

The President thought about this. At first he had questioned Aelan's motives, but reason started to sink in. If Aelan was still siding with Kiron, why help them? Why tell the truth? Why not just continue the subversive measures that had been so successful before? Finally, he made up his mind totally. Almost looking directly at Relena, asked, "Anyone opposed to this measure?" Oddly enough, Relena did not reply, at least… not in the way he expected.

The Foreign Minister stood to her feet, then said softly, "In my journey to Eden, I discovered a world that had no weapons, yet still had no peace. I have seen a world which given the option and the means would destroy anything in its path."

She then addressed the entire assembly. "Do I like fighting? No, but I have come to realize that there are points in which talking will do no good, the evil that plagues a person's heart makes discussion a worthless gesture. These are one of those times. I personally have suffered because of the lies of Kiron Gorrs. I watched a man who has become my friend nearly be killed because of Kiron's lies. If true peace is to be attained anywhere, Kiron Gorrs cannot be allowed to continue his sick ambitions."

The President of the Sphere had now heard everything. Relena Peacecraft… allowing, and giving her blessing, to an act of force? Allowing this to sink into his now racing thoughts, he queried, "Anyone OPPOSED?"

For a moment, there was silence, then suddenly Chief Admiral Noin of North Am stood, "I am opposed."

Aelan was absolutely railroaded. He hadn't seen this one coming. "Lucrezia… what in heaven's name are you doing?"

Noin ignored him, and said, "There is still one chance to resolve this without fighting."

"Explain, Admiral Noin." The President said. Fighting a battle against a superior foe was not his idea of a good bet. If what Noin claimed was true, then he had best pursue it.

"When I was investigating the first sabotage of the L1 generator, I came across a strange individual that broke the case wide open. I know now that the person was Miliardo Peacecraft."

A slight rumbling was heard through the assembly, but Noin paid it no mind. "He gave me a recording that showed Aelan sabotaging the generator, but he also slipped in this…" She held out a small communications unit, most likely Edenite in design from the way that Aelan reacted to it. "I know now that Miliardo is the one who helped Kiron gain Eden. I believe that Miliardo can convince Kiron to cease this. If he can, then there is no need to fight this war."

Aelan was quick to respond, "And what if he can't?"

Noin shook her head, "Miliardo can end this, whether Kiron agrees to it or not." She activated the comm relay, and sure enough, a holographic projection appeared of Miliardo Peacecraft.

"Noin…" Miliardo sighed, "I figured you'd contact me eventually."

"Miliardo, you know what Kiron plans to do is wrong." Noin pleaded her case, "You have to stop him, for everyone's… for my… sake."

Miliardo seemed to smile, then replied to Noin's request. "I've already tried, and I failed. I cannot stop Kiron from what he plans to do."

"WHAT?" Noin shouted, "What in hell do you mean? Do you honestly support this man after all that you have fought against?"

"I have no choice."

"WHAT?"

"Kiron somehow created and used a chemical that allows him to control the actions of his entire army. We cannot do anything other than what he commands. The only reason I can contact you is because he allows it."

"Trius Yadorphine." Aelan mumbled, "An Edenite drug that causes the brainwaves of its subjects to be manipulated. Kiron's medical expertise shining through. It only makes sense…"

Suddenly, Noin watched Miliardo shudder, as if he was struggling against something. When the tremors stopped, Miliardo Peacecraft was a changed man, "Your desire for peace falls on deaf ears, Admiral." He hissed, "Kiron will be the new divinity, and your precious peace and humanity will be nothing more than stains of blood."

Noin was in disbelief, "How can you say these things?"

"Kiron is my new lord and master. Those who accept his absolute power MIGHT be spared. Those who oppose him will be destroyed. It's as simple as that." With that announcement, the communication went dead.

For a moment, it looked like Noin was going to cry, but that quickly changed to seething. She then looked up at the president of the Earth Sphere Unified Nation, and hissed, "For the sake of Miliardo Peacecraft… I have NO objections…"

Four Days Later, the Night before Operation Eden; Mexican Highlands…

Duo looked over the panels of Deathscythe Hell, trying to locate any small fractures in the hull of his mobile suit. Finding none, Duo then ran a thorough diagnostic of the suits internal systems. Nothing again.

Jumping down to the ground, Duo leaned against the foot of his suit, the strong breeze blowing his long braid slightly. "Nothing's out of place on Deathscythe here. Then why does something seem wrong?"

The reason walked right by in a full combat outfit, and down the path to the block of Virgos and other assembled units that would be one half of the siege force. Duo rushed after the pilot, screaming, "HILDE!"

The pilot turned around, and said, "Duo! I figured you and the other Gundams would be stationed here. I was lucky to get stationed with you guys."

Duo grabbed Hilde by the shoulders and shook her gently, "What are you thinking, girl? Are you seriously going into this battle?"

"The call was to ALL able bodied soldiers of the Earth Sphere. I can't turn down that calling." Hilde replied simply.

"Do you understand how likely it'll be that we're all killed?" Duo nearly shouted, "What about all your plans; what about our plans? I can't let you do this!" He was on the verge of tears

Suddenly, Hilde became indignant, "And yet I should let you go off into a warzone like this?" She looked like she was about to follow Duo's lead, "Duo, I don't want to live without you… I'd rather die WITH you."

"No one said I was going to die on Eden!" Duo answered, "I've got the means to survive! Your chances aren't nearly as good as mine!"

"Still… I don't want to hear the news that you were killed, and have to think that maybe… if I was there… one extra soldier. I don't want to think that I could have made a difference… I wouldn't be able to live like that…"

Duo's anger receded. He WAS being selfish. Embracing her, he answered, "All right. I understand, but you better make it out of this alive, you hear me, babe?"

"Same to you… babe." Hilde answered with a slight smile.

Trowa Barton nearly smiled. It was somehow reassuring to have Catherine yelling at him, even if it was only over a telecom. It reminded him that someone cared.

"I can't believe you're doing this!" Catherine screamed, "After all you said that the danger is minimal, now you tell me that the chances are that none of you are coming home?"

"I have to do this, sister." Trowa answered, his face unemotional, "Kiron has to be stopped, even if it means my death."

"BUT WHY YOU?"

"Because I don't want it to be you."

Catherine was brought to silence, more by Trowa's facial expression than his words. He was… crying.

Trowa continued, "I don't want to see you or anyone one of the people I'm close to hurt. Kiron intends to crush anyone that he doesn't see as worthy. I just know that Earth will not be good enough in his eyes."

"Trowa…"

"If my fighting means that you will be safe from this tyrant, I'd fight every single one of his army on my own. I've had enough of the innocent suffering at the hands of an oppressor. No more. NO MORE!" Now Trowa was angry, his fist pounding next to the telecom.

Catherine pulled away from the telecom. He definitely was sure about what he wanted to do. In a mere two minutes, he had shown more emotion than in all the time she had known him.

"Thank you, Trowa… my brother."

Quatre smiled. It was nice to see his sister, Iria, again, but he could have hoped for better circumstances.

"You're going to be… where?" Quatre gasped.

"On the medical frigate, silly." Iria giggled, "I'm not in much danger. We'll be well distanced from the fight."

"That's not so much what I'm worried about." Quatre replied, "I don't want you to see…"

"You getting killed?" Iria finished, "That won't happen, I know it."

"How can you be so sure? After what OZ did to father… Kiron's even worse…"

Iria dropped to one knee, eyes level with the sitting Quatre. "I know you aren't going to die. I can feel it… I just know that we are going to witness a miracle."

Quatre knew that once his sister started getting optimistic, it was catching. Quatre couldn't help but smile, then reply, "Maybe you're right… maybe you're right…"

"Are you ignorant, woman!" Wufei shouted, "You shouldn't be going to this hellhole, especially on the command ship!"

Sally Po was just as stubborn, "And why not? They saw my skills as a tactician, why can't you?"

Wufei clenched his fists, and hissed, "It's not that I doubt your abilities… and before you say it, it's not because you're a woman either. I know that's the excuse I give most of the time, but…"

"Then what is it, Wufei?" Sally asked.

"The woman that I was to be joined with lost her life because I was unable to protect her. On Eden, I won't be able to protect you, either." Wufei admitted. How was Heero able to do this? It was so hard… "If you were to die in that way, I don't know if I could keep on living."

"Wufei?" Sally said breathlessly.

"As much as I tried to close my heart to all feeling, you punched through with that iron will of yours. Now, I stand on that brink once more. I don't want to close myself off again… I'd rather kill myself."

Sally Po was dumbstruck. She had grown quite attached to Wufei, she had to admit, but she had not realized the degree in which he returned those feelings. Suddenly, she found herself doing a 180. "Listen… if you don't want me to…"

Wufei suddenly cut her off, "We DO need to concentrate on winning this battle, first and foremost. I cannot allow my feelings to jeopardize our success, even if the risk of losing you is high. Let me promise you though, if something happens to you, I will not rest until I personally see every single one of those bastards of Kiron's crushed under Nataku's hand of justice!"

Relena leaned against Heero's chest, savoring what could very well be one of her last moments with him. The idea that Heero might not see another nightfall wrenched her heart into pieces. However, as she looked up into Heero's eyes, he seemed so totally calm.

Her mouth asked what her heart had wanted to. "How can you be so calm about all this? Don't you understand just what you are going in to?"

Heero looked back at her, and she saw all the love for her in them. All his dreams, all his hopes, she could see them. Relena didn't want to think that this could be the last time she saw them, "I don't want you to go. I don't want you die… not now, not like this."

Heero looked up at Wing Zero, his thoughts not totally on the battle ahead. "I don't intend to die on Eden." He looked back at Relena, "Even if the very depths of hell were to open to try and swallow me, I will not die. Nothing is going to keep me from you ever again."

Relena was taken aback slightly. His determination even made her believe. Heero then cupped her face in his hand, and said, "For once, I have someone I have total faith in. I trust in you totally. I'm asking you to trust in me. I will return to you. I don't care how big of an army Kiron has. Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, is going to keep me from coming back alive."

Relena responded by kissing him, but not at all like what they shared in Eden's Hell. That one was an affirmation of what might never come again. This one was a promise of what WOULD come again.

When she broke away, she muttered, "Heero, hurry up and come back to me."

He smiled, and answered, "With all of God's speed."

Aelan stared off into space, at the stars that encased his home. At this time of year, the star system that Eden held orbit around would be barely visible over the horizon, that is, if the light from the star had been strong enough to reach such a distance.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Aelan?" Noin asked as she slowly stepped to his side. "After all, you are declaring war on your own home."

Aelan didn't even look at her, but he retorted, "I suggest you worry about your own people, and leave my people to me, Lucrezia. Do you realize that the chances of our victory are barely above 11%, even if we were to strike now?"

"You make that assumption based on a lot of factors that you really have no way of knowing are true. And you aren't including something that Sally Po and I came up with."

"What do you mean?" Aelan answered, staring at her.

"It's a surprise." Noin chuckled, but she whispered it in his ear nonetheless.

Aelan's mouth pursed in thought, and he admitted, "That does change things rather considerably. However, maybe I should turn your question around to you. Are you sure you want to do this? I can see how much you love Miliardo. If push comes to shove, can you do what you need to do?"

Noin dropped her head, and replied, "I can only hope it doesn't come to that."

"Then so can I." Aelan said, with a slight tone of disapproval, "Lucrezia, over the time that I've been here, I've found you becoming one of my closest friends. I sincerely hope that you won't ever have to do what you must consider your deepest nightmare."

"Thank you." Noin admitted, "When I was first brought here, I didn't know what to expect. Your support helped me through all of this, and continues to even up to this point. I'm glad that you consider me such a friend."

"Stay alive, Noin." Aelan almost ordered.

"Only if you promise to do the same."

The Next Morning…

"It's time to go." Aelan ordered over the intercoms. In mere minutes, the entire force was assembled. Thrusters began to ignite as mobile suits of various types and pilots maneuvered into the space-faring carriers that would bring them to Eden.

Once all the suits were inside, the massive hangar doors closed, and Aelan then ordered, "Were all set to go, Amore. Begin fold generation."

A few seconds later, a massive fold appeared in outer space, visible even from the Earth below. A second fold from L1 Colony appeared as well, slightly smaller, but only due from being farther away.

The carriers then lifted off, breaking free from the persistent pull of Earth, and into the fold, emerging just above the atmosphere of the planet that would soon be the sight of a cataclysmic battle.

Eden…

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Next Time…

The battle for the galaxy begins, as Sally Po and Admiral Noin unveil their surprise that levels the playing field somewhat. However, it still comes down to actions that some could consider a miracle to turn the tide in Earth's favor.

As the battle begins to wear down, Noin must make a choice, and Aelan confronts Kiron for the final time…

Coming in Episode 12: Paradise Lost