Chapter 221: They're Practically Bombs
Inside the MS cockpit, watching the starlight shift outside, feeling the G-forces press the body into the seat—every MS pilot must have been captivated by that sensation at some point.
MS units were entirely different from any past weapons.
Their humanoid design often gave pilots the uncanny illusion that the mechanical limbs were an extension of their own bodies.
These machines offered overwhelming advantages not just in combat, but also in mining and colony construction.
Yet, no matter how advanced, a machine could never truly become part of the flesh. It couldn't replicate the sensation of human touch, or convey warmth, texture, or thoughts directly into the brain.
A Titans GM-Q pilot pondered this in silence.
Before him stretched a landscape indistinguishable from what the naked eye would see.
A sense of confusion welled up inside the pilot.
What am I doing?
What lay before him was a floor and ceiling of cold steel.
This was the inner port of a colony satellite, bustling with crowds.
The port's gates were sealed—there weren't enough standard suits for everyone here.
"What's wrong? You spaced out for a while."
"Ah, sorry. I just didn't expect things to escalate this far."
The pilot responded to his concerned captain.
His captain had come from Earth, while he himself was a conscripted space soldier.
"What nonsense are you spouting? Didn't we make everything clear during the mission briefing?"
The captain's voice carried a faint trace of irritation.
Then, the sound of gunfire rang out over the comms.
It was the sound of an MS-caliber weapon discharging.
The pilot turned his head. The panoramic cockpit allowed him to immediately assess the situation.
In the direction where the captain had been stationed, a group of people had begun rioting, trying to break through the blockade and escape the port.
The captain reacted swiftly, activating the Vulcan cannon and firing a suppressive burst near the crowd.
Though the shots didn't directly harm anyone, the ejected shells from the MS's head-mounted ports scattered toward the feet of the GM-Q.
In the zero-gravity environment, the shells flew unimpeded, crashing into the crowd, prompting panic. People desperately kicked off walls and structures, trying to evade the incoming metal.
"Captain, this doesn't seem right..."
"We're on a tight schedule and a critical mission. We Titans aren't some soft organization—we act decisively!"
The captain had no intention of continuing the argument, but he did cease fire.
"All of you, get onto the ship immediately!"
He activated the external speakers and shouted at the crowd.
"This is a cargo ship! How can we possibly board that thing?!"
"We protest!"
The crowd erupted again. They seemed to think that if enough people resisted, the Titans would be forced to back off.
More gunfire rang out.
This time, it was from the Titans infantry stationed outside.
Blood blossomed in the crowd.
The infantry deliberately herded the civilians toward the Columbus-class transport ships.
In panic, people shoved and trampled one another as they were driven into the ships prepared by the Titans.
"Listen up! This is a special military operation sanctioned by General Green Wyatt for the peace and stability of the Federation! We Titans are requisitioning this Sweetwater colony satellite!"
Under the captain's shouting, the colony's residents were all crammed into Columbus-class vessels—whether they were ordinary civilians, wealthy merchants, or local politicians.
Soon, the Columbus-class ships were jettisoned into space and began to travel separately.
——
It was a normal day in November, U.C. 0085. Eli sat in the headquarters building of Undertaker, reviewing a report in his hands.
There were many items covered in the report, but what Eli focused on most was the progress of the new Jupiter Fleet's formation.
The new Jupitris-class ship had already completed its launch ceremony, and recruitment was underway at full speed.
Numerous Federation warships were also gathering at Moonlight 2, forming the escort fleet for the new Jupitris.
Even the second ship of the Birmingham-class had been dispatched to this escort mission.
Meanwhile, Cima was leading her subordinates in reequipment training in Londirion, preparing to head for Moonlight 2 as well.
Eli had even promoted her—she was now a major.
At the end of the report was a defense assistance request from Side 5.
With this, Sides 1, 3, 4, and 5 would all have Undertaker garrisons.
All lunar-side colonies would be signing garrison agreements with Undertaker.
To fulfill those commitments, Undertaker would need to expand its forces.
This progress had only been possible thanks to Eli's recent efforts, negotiating with mayors of the colonies and persuading them to push for pro-garrison votes in their Side legislatures.
Even Eli himself was starting to feel marinated in the greasy world of politics.
Even so, Sides 2 and 6 still showed no signs of cooperation.
Eli could understand. They were farthest from Undertaker's bases and had a tradition of neutrality.
Anyone could see the tension between Undertaker and the Titans. For Sides 2 and 6—positioned between both powers—choosing a side too early could be dangerous.
Of course, agreeing to host a garrison didn't necessarily mean they were siding with Undertaker.
"If only some clueless Zeon remnants would show up right now so I could go beat them up."
Eli sighed, covering his face with the report, and leaned back in his chair, ready to take a nap.
"Colonel! Several Columbus-class ships belonging to the Titans are approaching Side 1!"
The urgent report from his subordinate shattered Eli's brief moment of rest.
"Titans? Prep my Gundam!"
Eli, who had just been wondering if he should take a vacation and fly the White Chaser out to hunt Zeon remnants, instantly sat upright at the mention of "Titans."
"…Columbus-class?"
Having barked out an order, Eli finally registered the latter half of the report. He signaled his subordinate to hold off prepping the Gundam and asked again for confirmation.
"Yes, sir. They're Columbus-class vessels, all broadcasting distress signals and heading this way. And not just Side 1—Sides 3 and 4 report the same."
There's no way the Titans loaded those Columbus-class ships with explosives… right?
"Deploy the fleet. Gather all Columbus-class ships together and place them under centralized control."
Eli issued a cautious order.
"Did they say what cargo they're carrying?"
"Yes, sir. They claim it's entirely civilians."
That's not cargo—that's a goddamn bomb.