Behind the thick glass of the hidden Mercury Base control room, King Sirius Nelphime watched the live broadcast of the destruction of Solar Power Plant Sector 4 by his new Mobile Suit unit. His face was filled with cold satisfaction.
"Perfect. The Romeo Blu Gundam has sent a clear message," King Sirius told his technical chief.
The General beside him bowed. "Your Majesty, Lieutenant Wars Stinger and Corporal Aya Rose's performance exceeded expectations. This unit has proven its superiority over the Bishop Mobile Suit created by the other Kings."
King Sirius smirked. "Of course. While the Colonian Kings were busy pointing fingers at each other and wasting time with their newly conceived 'Project Grai,' I had been studying Klaus Kimeza's Mobile Suit data for a long time. I instructed my technicians to secretly create our own prototype. This unit is the Mercury Colony's hidden unit, the true rival Mobile Suit. Let the other Kings play around with their 'Project Grai.' We already have a working unit."
At the Solar Power Plant Sector 4 site, chaos reigned. The old Pioneer units of the Earth rebels, which had been filled with the spirit of victory, were now shattered by a rain of beams and missiles.
Augustina Mcgraven, the rebel leader, saw the destruction from her partially damaged Pioneer unit. She knew that fighting this new unit with Pioneers was suicide.
"All units, listen! Retreat! Abandon the power center! Fall back to the nearest safe area!" Augustina commanded through her communicator with a bitter tone. "We won't die foolishly today!"
Reluctantly, the Earth rebel forces released the Solar Power Plant and retreated, leaving their new base scorched and burning.
Far from the battle area, in a quiet expanse of desert, Wars Stinger landed the Romeo Blu Gundam. The unit radiated heat from its heavily worked dual engine.
"Finally, silence," Wars said, removing his helmet and wiping the sweat. He was a stocky man with a harsh gaze. "This unit... truly a beast, Aya. Stronger than I imagined."
Next to him, the slender and beautiful Aya Rose adjusted her communication headset. "Our Beam Rifle energy is barely affected, Wars. This dual engine makes our beam weapon supply not easily depleted, and the thrusters produce particles that let us hover in the air easily. It's the perfect Mobile Suit."
Wars nodded, then pointed to the backpack section of the unit. There, a large weapon muzzle was attached to the bottom.
"And don't forget our big toy," Wars said with a smirk. "I want to test that Mega Beam Launcher. That weapon is only used in emergencies, or if we face that White Mobile Suit. The muzzle on the backpack will connect to the head, and a powerful beam line will open up. One shot can blow up an entire Colonian armada, but the price is that the Mobile Suit's energy will be completely drained, and we'll have to wait for a long recharge."
They rested, satisfied with the chaos they had created.
In the rebels' hideout, Augustina Mcgraven felt a deep defeat.
"Another new Mobile Suit," she sighed, massaging her temples. "They are stronger than the Bishop, faster, and their beam weapons are unmatched. This makes me think twice about attacking the Colonians again now. We lost too many Pioneers and lives."
One of Augustina's subordinates approached her, carrying an old laptop. "Leader, this... there's an email for you."
Augustina looked at the screen. The letter contained details of supplies and reinforcements for her group, but with a strict requirement: payment in the form of intelligence they obtained from the Solar Power Plant facility.
The letter was signed by the Anveil Corporation, known as the company that made smart robots named HARO.
Augustina paused. A Colonian corporation offering help to Earth rebels? She saw an opportunity.
"Connect me with the sender of that letter. I want to negotiate," Augustina commanded.
The next day at Neo-Veridia School, the atmosphere was much more peaceful.
Zaki Kimeza was with Aurora Anveil in the quiet school library. Zaki sat at a table, reading a thick book about Old Federation Mobile Suit technology, while Aurora sat next to him, just observing.
Zaki finally closed his book and turned to Aurora. "Since when... did you know?"
Aurora smiled softly, her pink flower-like eyes looking straight at Zaki. "Since I looked into your eyes for the first time, Zaki. When I transferred to this school and entered your class."
Zaki frowned. "What did you see?"
"Your eyes are unique," Aurora replied. "I saw a strong desire to protect the people around you, and also a deep appreciation for your environment. You keep trying to distance yourself and do everything alone, but your heart never wants to hurt. You do all that because you feel you must. So does your sister. You both hold hope, which is why my Mind Space Communication became drawn to you."
Zaki listened intently, his heart beating a little faster. Everything Aurora said was true. He led this double life not because he wanted to, but because he had to protect his mother and sister, and continue his father's legacy.
Aurora then extended her hand. In her palm was a small, purple candy. "Take it. As a sign of a friend who trusts you."
Zaki stared at the candy for a moment, then took it. He ate it while reopening his book. Aurora continued to watch him with a sweet, satisfied smile. Aurora had accepted Zaki as a trusted friend, perhaps even more than that, but she just remained silent, enjoying the togetherness.
On the other side of the school, in the indoor court, Maki Kimeza was playing basketball. She was very skilled at this sport; her movements were fast, her jumps were high, and her shots were accurate—her physical advantage as a Mobile Suit pilot. Many students admired her ability, even the Colonian children, although they knew Maki was an Earth native.
After the sports session ended, Maki grabbed her water bottle and drank outside the court, seeking fresh air.
Suddenly, she was approached by a male student. Gills Treyman. Gills was a tall, handsome student with dark purple hair, who had just finished soccer practice on the adjacent field. He was also the school's Student Council President.
Gills knew nothing about Mobile Suits or the Colonian war, but he had been very interested in Maki since the first time they met. It happened during orientation. While Gills was tending to flowers in the school garden, his hobby that he didn't like to show off, Maki, who was a new student, came over.
"Hey, you're so great at taking care of that plant!" Maki had said then, her eyes genuinely sparkling.
Gills was surprised. He didn't like his hobby to be known by others, but somehow, the genuine compliment from Maki made him happy.
Now, Gills stood in front of Maki, his face slightly sweaty.
"Hi, Maki. Your game was incredible just now," Gills said in a flirtatious voice.
Behind Gills, on the edge of the field, a group of Colonian female students could be seen whispering and staring intently at Maki. Gills, realizing he was the center of attention, waved casually at his group of admirers, showing off his Student Council President charm. The female students let out stifled screams, enchanted.
Maki just smiled brightly while sipping her drink. "The secret? Just practice, and enough water!"
Maki began to step away, preparing to go to the changing room. "I need to go change, Gills."
Just as Maki passed him, Gills moved quickly. He grabbed Maki's free wrist.
Maki shivered slightly from the sudden touch, trying to pull her hand away. However, Gills held Maki's wrist, brought it forward, and then, with a subtle movement, kissed the back of Maki's hand.
Maki was startled, her face instantly turning crimson. She felt a strange tingling sensation run down her arm. She quickly pulled her hand out of Gills's grasp, shame and surprise making her panic.
"I'm going first, Gills!" Maki exclaimed, then hurried away with quick steps, almost running toward the hallway.
Gills just smiled widely as he watched Maki leave. "Sure, see you around, Maki."
The female students who admired Gills and witnessed the scene immediately became hysterical and jealous. Maki walked with rigid shoulders, her face still flushed. She was annoyed by the sudden move, but on the other hand, she couldn't ignore the tickling feeling caused by the hand kiss just now.
That evening, the Kimeza family's double life began. Zaki and Maki had returned to the secret base where the White Gundam was located in the mountain forest.
They entered the main operations room and saw Airi talking to a strange woman in front of a monitor. The woman had short white-blonde hair, a shrewd gaze, and wore technician goggles resting on her head.
Airi turned and smiled. "Zaki, Maki, come here. There is someone I want you to meet."
The white-blonde woman approached them.
"I am Augustina Mcgraven," she said with a firm yet friendly voice. "The leader of the Earth rebel forces is pleased to meet you both."
Zaki and Maki were surprised. They had just met the leader of the group they saw on the news.
"Ms. Augustina is here because we agreed to expand the alliance with us," Airi explained. "Mili Anveil will provide supplies and cover, and Augustina will provide intelligence network and field information from the rebels."
Augustina nodded, looking at the two teenagers with a hopeful expression. "I've heard your story from Mili. I know you are Earth's hope. Now, let's talk about that new blue Mobile Suit. I need to know just how strong the Romeo Blu Gundam really is."
The White Mobile Suit pilot, the mechanics expert, the Colonian princess, and the Earth rebel leader had now gathered. This unexpected alliance was ready to face the double threat: the hidden Project Grai, and the Romeo Blu Gundam which had just bared its fangs.
Continue....