Gundam - Those Who Wonder (IC)

[VanceXentan]

OOC: http://roleplayerguild.com/showthrea...o-Wonder-(OOC)

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The different galaxies of gundam have been turning like gears. Events happen, people die, people survive, live and prosper and likewise many other things happen. One universe may have peace while the other is in a constant state of war. Pirates and rogue factions like the Delaz Fleet, Zeon, OZ, The AEUG, The Titans, ZAFT, and many others, along with others in their own universes have been causing problems and wars. However now there is something that combines these universes...some sort of signal is clearly the cause of it. While no one is aware of it this signal will cause a massive fight on a scale never seen before as universes clash and heroes fight other heroes and a new story will be written. However will it be that of the failure of humanity to cope with their differences or something else altogether....?

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The Start of Lieutenant Paul Lyons and Captain Jason Hiyan's story...Cosmic Era Alternate 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1xbRNRKQ0k

It started about two days ago for Lieutenant Lyons and Captain Jason Hiyan when they received word to report to the HQ of the Special Operations Units. The two men had just gotten back from subduing rebels who had made a base on the moon. The report came unexpectedly and without warning as they were supposed to be on shore leave for a couple of days after this mission was completed.

"Do you have any clue what is going on?" Paul asked Captain Jason who was wearing a fine gray and black uniform that was standard issue for most officers on it were two narrow yellow bands, and two blue tabs to identify him as a high ranking captain in the navy. Paul was also wearing one, the difference being that it had one narrow yellow band, two blue tabs showing that he was a lieutenant that was rare for a man as young as Paul, as he walked down the sparkling clean hallway in the middle of the day. Various staff and soldiers walked by and some saluted others went about their own business. The rebels on the moon were crushed without much effort thanks to the Impulse Gundam's amazing versatility in combat, Paul's natural talent and the skills of the pilots in the Daggers who fought in the battle. It was pathetic how easy their mission was and Paul found it rather more of annoyance than some plot to overthrow the government. Why would someone want to do it anyway it hardly ever succeeded and when it did it nearly always crumbled in on itself. Even ZAFT was little more than an annoyance even with the gundams they captured back in London. He figured it was just a mindset of people and or their own personal choices however it was foolish of them to try anything in the first place. After the Four Month War which culminated in a ceasefire of ZAFT and OMNI Enforcer forces however it was an unsettling peace.

Regardless Jason Hiyan was deep in thought so he missed the question. Jason was like this at times stern and brutal but also a thinker and was surprisingly clever. Which Paul respected of him for however, Jason was a veteran of the wars before and after the Four Month war with a lot of experience under his belt. There were rumors of how he fought and where he fought but in the end it was all classified and hidden by Jason's own request. There were rumors here and there about him being a former high ace pilot having received a record of kills in the hundreds some say it was 189+ kills and many battles. Others say he was originally supposed to be a gundam pilot but was reassigned after he punched a commanding officer, which is the most likely false from what Paul knew of the man, and many others of the sort. However it also annoyed him greatly because when he got in this sort of thought Jason tended to block everything else out including his friends and officers. So Paul asked again slightly more louder and more sternly and then Captain Jason shook his head getting of his thoughts for the moment. He still was in his considering something as he looked down at his fellow colleague and sighed. Paul was always so impatient with things and it tired him to no end. The boy was a natural pilot without any doubt but in the end he was still a young man. Jason felt responsible for the guy and knew he was quite old for his age of twenty but that did not stop him from disliking the kid’s attitude at times. However after so many missions together and after meeting Miss Lacus, who he thought would even out Paul's attitude, he had learned to accept him for who he was.

The two men had an older brother-younger brother relationship and he would hate to see Paul come to harm’s way even if Paul felt otherwise at times when Jason made a call that angered him for whatever reason. "Yes...yes I'm sorry for being lost in thought. I was just trying to figure out what this mission is going to be and nothing came up in memory. So I would have to say no I don't but it may have to do with the resurgence of ZAFT forces in the colonies. There also might be something down here on Earth that might need our attention." Jason said but it was more or less a mumble. Paul nodded and opened up the door using the panel. As they walked in it was General Patrick Patton, Grand Commander of the EA (Earth Alliance) and OMNI Enforcer forces on the planet, who greeted them. He was wearing his full admiral suit and no one else was present in the room besides him.

Confused Paul wondered what could bring such a high ranking official out to greet them. He was suspicious now and curious of what this mission really was. Jason on the other hand saluted and greeted the man in the way officers normally did. As they sat down General Patrick told them about a recent signal that was being reported by various captains and forces in the region. The commanders and generals believed that it was ZAFT forces making some sort of space station and there were also reports of odd signals going around that were heavy in static and could not be interpreted.

"I see. So you want us to go and investigate this and report back to you on whatever we find correct? I will accept the mission." Paul said as he stood up and looked at the screen. Jason himself could only stare, brows furrowed, trying to get this whole thing in his head. There were also reports coming in from other captains of odd mobile suits signals in the area of unusual design and varying strength and numbers. It seemed ZAFT was at its job again and making more units despite the agreement made at the end of the Four Month War which made a certain ceasefire between the Earth Alliance and the ZAFT Colonial Forces.

"Will we be receiving reinforcements and will our suits be repaired? We just got back from a mission and our crew is tired. I will need fresh units and parts along with food, fuel, and munitions to cover the entire field General Patrick sir." Jason said formally but he knew Patrick did not get to be a general by dealing with political crap so he assumed that Patrick had indeed done so already. It was confirmed as the General informed him of the stolen ZAFT GINNs being all pulled out and replaced by Daggers designed after the Strike Gundam that was captured by ZAFT during the battle of London. They were also told of the ORB Union that was formed in the time they have been gone. The Union had given them a handful of special units that were then mass produced in the short amount of time the Sundown had been gone and fighting at the moon. The Murasame was a special unit and had its own designated units and pilots. Indeed the general had thought of everything these were improvements over the GINNs but Jason requested that they leave a few on-board as auxiliaries just in case. Patrick was confused since the Sundown, an Minerva Class ship that was made specifically for Paul's unit's usage, to which the General told them he would do what he could. He finished up by saying they would be receiving plenty of extra crew.

Paul and Jason than said goodbye to the general and sent messages to the officers and staff of the Sundown before going to where the Daggers being stored and moved to the ship. The Murasame units were also being brought onboard. The Paul looked at them as they were brought aboard the ship. He was thinking why such a huge military force was being made to combat a bunch of ZAFT lackeys and fools. He swore he caught a glimpse of an odd looking mobile suit being stored in a giant crate and brung aboard but he was not sure maybe it was just some sort of prototype Murasame unit. Regardless he looked around and saw a group of pilots in dark green jump suits walk up to Jason and introduced themselves as SIGMA squad and were being transferred to his command. Jason saluted them and told them where to go and who to report to before they returned the salute and went aboard the ship.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wcxvl378nI

However he heard a familiar female voice calling out to him and knew a who it was by Jason's grin. A pink haro unit was also with her Lacus Clyne, daughter of the Chairman of the PLANT (who had sided with the EA) and singer, ran up to him and hugged him tightly and pulled him close. Paul smiled and chuckled as he hugged her back and patted her back. He figured that she'd arrive soon after all even though he was a soldier and she a peace loving girl who was two years younger than him they had a strong relationship. She hated war but knew it was needed in order to make the universe a safer place. Paul was a soldier, a war monger, full of hate and bitterness inside. He keeps his emotions away hidden and he was a killer, a glorified killer in the eyes of his superiors and government, but he was a killer none the less. She cared for him deeply and thus he was able to actually find an outlet for his frustrations and become more normal and calm around her. "I was hoping you weren't hurt and I'm glad you and Jason both returned safely. I told you stop fighting these wars they are wrong! I know that you know nothing else but this but still I'm sure you can do anything you put your mind to. I worry about you when you go off and fight despite the fact that you are defending the weak and those unable to defend themselves but still you ever think what I'd do if you died out there. You are my soldier and I won't let you just throw away your life like that." Lacus in quiet pride making her worry for her future husband clear said as Haro looked up at them both saying its name over and over again and then Captain Hiyan walked off hiding a smile and muffling a chuckle he'd let them be alone for a few moments. It would be good for Paul to do in the end. Lacus was a beautiful, kind, and sincerely caring young woman. He smiled at the fact that she was with Paul who he had seen ruthlessly cut down the enemy soldiers in his Force Impulse days before hand.

"I told you Lacus I can't stop fighting like you said I know nothing else. There are very few people with my skills and I made a promise to my father to keep Earth safe...to keep you safe. I have to go to war Lacus if I don't who will protect the weak? If I don't who will and don't say no one because you know that is not true. We, as humans, can't possibly stop fighting. I aim to change that so the less fortunate won't be crushed and that we can finally understand each other as hopelessly idealistic as that sounds." Paul said letting his gentle side sink out of him. However it was still bluntly honest of course he would never lie to Lacus but at this point in time he was still tired and he had to go back into the ship into space and fight again. It never seemed to end but he was glad she was here to help. But despite this he said it was a kind loving passion and let it show that he believed in what he said.

It was a rare moment for the man as he was normally stern and cold. He was also sarcastic and cruel at times but when he was with his family and friends he let that go for a moment he slipped off his mask to show the boy lost and killed at adolescent. Lacus meant a lot to him she was kind and caring where he was brutal and a killer. She gave him the confidence he needed to move on with his life and ever since George fought him in the Aegis that was a part of his Father's G project he did not know what to think. Lacus gave him the love he needed if it was not a very thin line that would shatter it like glass. Paul depended on many things and his family was one of them even his guilt ridden father who had rejected the military and went into living alone until Lacus's father convinced him to move in with Paul and Lacus.

"I understand that Paul, I know you have your own battles to fight, but if I lose you...I...I don't know what I would do. I know about George your friend from long ago who was with you up until a year ago. You may have forgotten but you told me about him when we first met and I know you've fought him. Maybe you can stop fighting and work things out with him! Please he is the closest thing to a brother you ever had surely he will listen to reason and to you!" She pleaded tempting Paul with sad eyes and her natural charismatic nature. She always knew that Paul Lyons's soft spot was his old friend whom he had nearly killed once before. However that soft spot was buried under many other emotions including a passionate flaming hatred that burned Paul's soul like a fire.

Paul got slightly angry at this but then was appalled at how he was about to react and calmed down. He loosened his tightening grip around her and sighed. He could never confront George again in civil terms unless he truly wanted to make amends for their conflicts. However that was unlikely George was passionate man He knew that he would have to fight him...and one of them would die otherwise the conflict would continue. However deep down in his heart Paul wished he could solve their problems and understood that it was a futile hope. The hatred was strong but...was the past stronger?
"Look Lacus...Please understand I need you to go home and keep things prepared while I go on a mission. You need to take care of my father and everyone else there. You are their friend and you are family to the whole community. I'm truly sorry but that's what will happen and I have no choice to otherwise I'd be court marshaled understand? Please I don't like it either but it's for the best at the moment. What if I lose you and Jason as well who will be there for me then?" he said pulling away slowly from her reluctant to leave her side and then patted Lacus on the shoulder she kept his head down for a moment composing herself then looked up fiercely at him. "Promise me you'll come home and I'll leave now." Lacus said stubbornly she did not want him to go away on another month long mission on some war torn and bleak area again. It was too much to ask of him or any soldier to make such a promise however Paul did indeed promise her he would but it was rather unconvincing. Despite that she seemed satisfied enough and decided to leave and said good bye before picking up Haro and holding it in her arms. She did so and looked behind her back once As Paul walked up the ramp and entered the Sundown. The crew members did whatever they could to hurry up the launch and many outside where still getting ready. OMNI Enforcer was doing everything they could to prepare themselves for the flight.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co_9m...feature=relmfu

As he entered he saw the familiar and new faces and saluted those who did it to him, which was nearly everyone since he outranked the majority of them even at his age, and entered the bridge. Captain Jason was sitting in his chair and confirmed to Paul everything was green except they were waiting on some people and that they were launching soon as well. Paul nodded "Good the sooner we get there the better. We need but Jason grabbed Paul's shoulder gently. "Did she take it hard again? She is a stubborn girl that one. Don't keep ignoring her feelings." Jason said in the way a best friend would speak to another as Paul faced away from him. "It hurts I won't lie I'll make it up to her though. I'm going to go run checks on the Impulse before we go there. Thanks for the concern though." Paul said as he pulled away from him. As the ship lifted off all the crew could think about was the journey they were about to go on. Paul sat down modifying the GAT-X56S Impulse Gundam. Captain Jason left the control room to take a look his normal priorities and as the last of the creates were set aboard after come hindrance by the apparent ineptitude of the supply officers. The Murasames were being loaded and SIGMA squad was settling in, roughly, with the rest of the crew. A repair group also came aboard but Jason had the second commanding officer to clear them before they came in. As the last of the shipments where brought aboard the Sundown took off. Paul was in his room and he would remain there until the time came. The Core Splendor was already tuned into his specs but he was not sure how much he trusted this new ORB Union. The ship rumbled as it tumbled into orbit and went on its course.

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Hitting the Signal and being Stranded...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G7jQ...feature=relmfu


As the Sundown approached the signal point two days later after they launched everything seemed fine. However they lost communications with Earth about an hour ago and were now on their own as far as they were concerned. There were no mysterious mobile suits or anything remotely suspicious however there were unknown communication lines surrounding it they were faint and unrecognizable but Jason was sure there was more to this place than meets the eye. SIGMA squad was convinced to enter into daggers meant for space flight instead of their Murasames who could not act properly in deep space. OMEGA squad, Paul Lyon's personal squad, also set out as Paul got into his uniform and helmet. He walked into the meeting room and discussed the battle plans with SIGMA his wing men from OMEGA. They agreed, after some arguments, to go in slow and if any hostiles are there they are to be taken out. As the men launched in their Daggers, after rushing to the hanger, Paul entered his core splendor and put his helmet's face shield down and sealed it there. He turned on the Splendor and waited for the Impulse's legs and body to arrive before launching and in midair started to reconnect. "This is Lieutenant Paul Lyons OMNI Enforcer Launching in Impulse Gundam Core Splendor Fighter..." Paul said casually as the unit connected with its locks and formed the Force Impulse Gundam after the silhouette pack was put in its proper place. "This is Jason you and your men are clear to investigate the anomaly permission to kill granted if needed. Don't engage unless need be. Sundown out." Jason said as he sat back down on his chair. Paul went further ahead to investigate this strange occurrence and noticed his systems got a bit clunky as he approached it suddenly however one of his pilots complained about a head ache and SIGMA 3 told him to shut it and keep it clean. However soon after the dots on the radar vanished and before Paul understood what happened he was blacking out his last thought was of what was happening and of Sundown...

Later....

Paul woke up suddenly like he just got hit on the side of the head or had drunk to much like a sailor of old. He felt woozy and not in control of himself he looked around and remembered he was in Impulse gundam...however something seemed odd....He panicked for a moment and looked on his radar and noticed he was no longer in space after checking his main camera...everything was intact nothing was different...The Sundown itself was....landed nearby completely unharmed...What was going on here. He was in the middle of a military base on the top eastern side of the area. North east was a gigantic citadel...Where in the name of god was he at? He pushed the communications button to call Captain Hiyan. "This is Paul come in Sundown are you ok? I repeat: This is Paul come in Sundown are you ok?"

Jason woke up to the sound of Paul's voice calling out in a calm but slightly intense state as he inspected the cabin his crew was all unconscious he went over to the coms officer's chair and woke him up. Jason told him to go and tell everyone to wake up immediately. Paul's call came again and this time he was responded to. "This is Sundown please calm yourself my friend. "What is our situation?" We appear to be a fortress or citadel of some sort resembling ancient Japan." Jason said to Paul as he thought to himself Well then it seems we are also cut off from all OMNI forces and we're stranded somewhere as well...what is happening here? he said as he sat down and his crew started to wake up. Impulse gundam was now on its feet looking around.

[Agent B52]

February 24th, UC 79 - Space near L4 - Zanzibar class Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus

"So... Now what?" Vladimir Dragovich asked. His commander did not answer immediately, looking out the window of the Zanzibar Cruiser's bridge. Matthias Cromwell's single eye was focused intently on the starry diorama.

"The same thing we always did Vlad. We hunt." he said finally. He turned to the bridge crew floating around him.

"We know the trade routes right? Plot a course to the ones between Axis and Earth. Let's get some supplies first." Matthias said.

"Are you insane? We're going to turn to piracy?! Attack the Jupiter Fleet?!" Jean Leclerc said. The junior grade Lieutenant was hanging onto his command chair to stop himself from spinning off.

"Unless there's a lot of food stashed away under that peaked cap of yours we will run out of food in around three weeks, and that's with strict rationing. If you have any better ideas I'm all open for 'em." Matthias countered.

"The federation might..." Jean muttered, looking at the floor.

"The feddies might what? Not after operation British clusterfuck mate." Phillip Stoker commented.

"Face it, we were all counting on Side 6, well, waiting with open arms would be the wrong term, but at least be a little accommodating to a ship full of refugees." Matthias stepped in.

"Well, what with Zanzibar's being about the most expensive ships in the fleet you have to admit Zeon has a damn good reason to be pissed with us. On top of us being Spacenoids who don't fit into their little 'Spacenoid Superiority' propaganda bullshit." Vladimir added.

"We're drifting off topic. Jean has a point though, the federation is our only other option but frankly I think it will lead to a long stay in a dark dungeon. I hate to say it but I vote piracy." Matthias said.

"Agreed." Phillips said.

"Arr, I vote aye!" Vladimir said.

"Well, someone has to keep the ship safe while you're all off gallivanting through space. I'm in." Jean said with a sigh, shading his eyes with his peaked cap.

"Our captain has an eyepatch. This cannot possibly go wrong." Oriko said. The female MS pilot had been silently observing throughout the meeting, only now drifting to the fore. Silence drifted across the command deck for a moment.

"... You know, I hadn't even realised that. Now we just gotta get you a parrot and a hat. One of those really fancy big ones. With a feather in it." Vladimir said with a grin. Matthias shrugged.

"Whatever you say. Meeting over, let's go get grub."

----

March 3rd, UC 79 - Mars 01 trade route - Space

Their opposition consisted of two Salamis class cruisers, a Magellan class battleship and a cargo ship. Obviously a federation convoy. Not that Matthias cared that much, but it felt slightly less repulsive to perform their first heist on a former enemy transport. The plan was relatively simple, drift in close under the cover of an asteroid and then overwhelm the convoy with their Zaku's. Due to the diplomatic immunity of the Jupiter fleet the vessels were only lightly guarded, making them easy pickings. Theoretically anyway.

"Thar she blows! Fasten eyepatches and secure yar parrots, it's time to pillage!" Vladimir said enthusiastically.

"Hornet two, ready." Oriko reported in simply. Matthias took a deep breath.

"You two focus on the Salamis first. The Magellan is mine. Then we go after the carrier. Let's go." he ordered.

The trio of Zaku's kicked off the asteroid simultaneously. The cruisers responded first, turning to face the incoming suits while the Magellan dallied behind, staying alongside the transport. A static-filled broadcast came in over the radio.

"Zeon forc@#$%tand&^*wn, you¢#re violating the@!#$§•@$!% treaty. Repeat, stand-"

"Oh, choke on a sock!" Vladimir interrupted, punctuating his statement with his machinegun. Armour buckled under the onslaught, and a fire broke out on the unfortunate cruiser. Immediately space began to fill with anti-aircraft fire as the Federation forces responded. Matthias carefully began to weave through the barrage. Duck right, barrel roll around incoming fire, apply just a touch of thrust to come out over the firing line of another turret. Aces like the Red Comet made it seem so easy. Twist, target the engine block, were they seriously trying to shoot him with their mega-particle cannons? A bright glowing beam shot went wide, even as his own attack struck home. The secondary explosions caused by the ship's thrusters cooking off took care of the rest.

Magellan dealt with, Matthias looked over to the pair of Salamis. Vladimir's had been reduced to an expanding cloud of debris, while Oriko's target was dead in the water but still mostly in one piece. Decent enough for salvage later, Matthias noted. The trio sped off to intercept the transport ship, by now engaging in a full emergency burn to try and get away. The lumbering vessel had nothing on their much more manoeuvrable Zakus though. Heat hawk drawn, Matthias landed in front of the ship's bridge.

"Federation transport vessel this is Captain-" Matthias halted, did he really want to announce himself by his own name? He decided he did not, and said the first name he could come up with.

"Skyraider, you are surrounded and outgunned, surrender now." he ordered.

"Fuck you zeke!" was the eloquent reply. From the corner of his eye Matthias saw the ships meagre single AA-turret swing around. Contemptuously he dodged the shots, applying the heat hawk to the bridge in the same move. Oriko was on the turret before it could do anything else.

"Vladimir, go give Jean the all clear. Let's salvage these puppies." Matthias ordered, putting his heat hawk back in place.

----

April 24th, UC 79 - Asteroid Belt - Zanzibar class Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus

"You want me... to do what precisely?" Matthias said. The Zanzibar's spare MS hangars had been transformed into an impromptu salvage deck where all their loot was sifted through for usable items. Everyone helped out, even as leader of their group Matthias was no exception. Except that when his shift came around, he was approached by a nervous looking Oriko and her civilian boyfriend.

"Marry us." said the boyfriend again. Jake? Jerome? Something with J, Matthias mused, pretending to think deeply about the matter.

"Very well." he said, having had enough of letting the couple writhe under his stern gaze. "We'll get a proper party planned out of course. The last batch of loot contained a bottle of champagne, and I think we can squeeze everyone in the number four hangar if we sort this stuff out. Congratulations you two."

Oriko positively seemed to shine, while the boyfriend (Johann, that was his name!) struggled to hold back tears.

"Thank you sir!" the two said in unison.

"Ah no problem. Remember though, first got to get this batch sorted. Ensign, with me. Johann, I think Vladimir is trying to do something horrible to the MS' again, go stop him." Matthias said.

"Yes sir!" "Right away."

As soon as Matthias was alone with Oriko, he gave her a level look.

"Care to tell me what brought this on?" he asked. Oriko did not stop smiling, but her eyes immediately turned serious.

"There was talk of a riot. This ought to relieve some of the stress." she said.

"Plus this also happened to be something you really, really wanted." Matthias added for her. Spinning a crate around in the zero gravity, the asian woman nodded.

"Yep. Can you believe I had to be the one to ask the question?" she said, finding the crate's lock and opening it with ease.

"That's feminism for you. So who was instigating the riot talk then?" Matthias replied as he began working on a crate of his own.

"Bah, more like the death of chivalry. Instigating is too strong a word, people going stir crazy is a better term. We need a shore leave somewhere." Oriko said. "What the hell? A chainsaw?"

Matthias looked up in surprise.

"Why are they sending chainsaws to Jupiter?" he asked the obvious question. Oriko shrugged as she inspected the powertool.

"Shipping error?"

"Must be. As for shore leave, well, I wish I could do something about it. I can't just clap my hands and make a planet appear you know." Matthias said, clapping his hands for emphasis.

With a tremendous cacaphony of collapsing crates, everything went black.

----

Date unknown - Location unknown - Zanzibar class Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus

Jean Leclerc awoke groggily, his head filled with wool. There was something very, very different. Slowly picking himself up from where he was draped over the captain's chair, he looked around first and foremost for his hat. The hat was important. Strangely enough, his limbs felt heavy, like lead. Almost like earth gravity he mused. In fact, everything looked like it was influenced by earth gravity. Funny, he distinctely remembered steering the Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus towards the strange anomaly near the asteroid belt instead of Earth. There shouldn't be gravity here. The force persisted in it's existence regardless.

Gods, did they have a party or something? He couldn't remember. Around him, the collapsed forms of his bridge crew stirred. Jean staggered over to the navigator.

"Did we have a party?" he asked the man. The petty officer blinked.

"I don't... I don't think so, sir." the man replied.

"Good. That would suck namely. Having a party and then forgetting all about it." Jean said. Idly, he looked out the window.

"Huh. Is that supposed to be there?" he asked no one in particular.

"The planet surface, the bright blue sky or that big... thing in the distance?" the communications officer replied. Jean thought long and hard about that and could say only one thing in reply.

"What the hell just happened?"

Down in MS bay five, Matthias was asking himself pretty much the same thing. He and Oriko were desperately trying to get to MS bay three, where they could hear the pained howls of their comrade Vladimir. What ever had happened had apparently moved them enough that their fainting spell and subsequent reintroduction to gravity would not hurt any crew, or at least so it seemed. The same could not be said however about the crates and equipment, which had pretty much fallen straight down, creating a tremendous mess that had pretty much locked them in. Also going by Vladimir's howls not everyone had been lucky enough to escape unscathed. Digging through another collapsed crate worth of powertools and magazines, Matthias finally spotted a way though.

"Vladimir? Vladimir hang on buddy, we're nearly there!" he called out through the hole he had made.

"Help me up." he told Oriko. With her assistance, he managed to fit through the space between two bulk containers. Landing head over heels in the other MS bay, he spotted Vladimir on his knees in a puddle of liquid. Matthias blinked as an alcoholic scent permeated his nostrils.

Sobbing, Vladimir picked up the lower half of a shattered bottle.

"The rum is gone." he half cried, and looked up at Matthias.

"Why is the rum gone?"

[OkamiKing]

Conflict

UC. 0099

I grew up in conflict. I never asked to be born in a situation where man had to kill one another. I didn't ask for my father to die protecting what he believed in. I didn't expect to be left stranded for a cause I believed in. I gave up my cause, my dreams, my hopes, simply to survive another day. I work for a company that helps incite violence, that continues these "Meaningless" struggles. I am ashamed. I test these weapons, these machines. What do I get in return? To live a better day? I fail to see how living here or living in prison makes little difference. No matter where I am, I'll still be prosecuted for my beliefs. I'll still be haunted by the souls I shot down. I fail to see the joys of victory. I have yet to win a battle that is meaningful, and for all my skill I have yet to find a cause to fight for.... What is war? Superficial ideas fought by with men in power? Or hopes and dreams for the soldiers in the battlefield? Sometimes I just want to escape it all.....

"Hey! Hey Z! Get the hell over here! Check out what your testing tonight!" David called out Julian s name with a hint of spite, as much as he wanted to test drive the custom RX-78, he had poor experience piloting Zeon based equipment. Not to mention Julian was just a better pilot over all, serving in actual combat and being a newtype gave him a better advantage over everyone else, and gave the others an excuse to dislike him. Z is the initial for his middle name, but here it was a nickname. It stood for Zeon Fanboy, a title that stuck with him since he started working with Anaheim Electronics. Julian lifted his head off the desk his was sleeping on and walked out into the hangar bay of the La Vie en Rose. Not the original one of course, that one was damn near scrap, but a similar ship meant for testing old and new mobile suits. Julian stared at the Red Gundam with a sense of irony and displeasure. "You've got to be kidding me" Julian said rubbing is forehead.

Julian walked down to see his boss Jesse. "I'm not testing this." Julian said sternly.

"Look this isn't up for debate" Jesse replied slightly annoyed.

"Yes this is, it will be, and its going to be." Julian raised his voice, "I'm. Not. Testing. This."

"And your reasoning?" Jesse asked sarcastically

"You know damn well why I won't pilot a gundam!" Julian snapped. Jesse glared at Julian, she's been here as long as he has, she knows why. "Look I understand your situation, I agree with it wholeheartedly, but this isn't about modifying the damn thing, its a comparisons test to see how it stacks up with our original design. I already pleaded for your case, but the guys upstairs said that if you don't pilot it your out..... I'm sorry." There was a hint of sincerity in her voice, she was telling the truth. Julian stared at the bloody gundam and sighed, "I won't the hear the end of this from David will I?"


--------------------------------------------

"Ok we are only doing target practice this time around. We put up four targets for you to hit. You have a full charge, knock em dead Julian." Jesse was communicating through the ship while he tested the newly found mobile suit outside. Although he had wondered how Anaheim got their hands on the custom RX, he then repeated the question in his head. "It's Anaheim...." "What was that?" "Nothing, I got it Jesse."Julian raised his head and focused his eyes on the targets. The four targets were stationary modified work balls, easily replaceable. The targets were placed north, south, east, and west respectively with Julian and the RX in the center facing north. "Starting test..... NOW!"

Julian aimed north shooting the first target, then instead of turning for the next target, aimed east by turning his right arm. He then pulled the RX's arm over his torso aiming west hitting the target, then violently spun around for the south target shooting it directly. "Done." Julian said slowly. "Not bad there, come on in so we can replace the rifle, were going for a full 16 target test next." "Funny how outdated this thing is, yet during the war it decimated Zeon troops eh Z?" David intercepted the conversation on Radio. Julian ignored the statement and was about to head over. "Wait a sec.... Thats weird...." Jesse sounded concerned, "There's a strange signal north east from you." "Is it a mobile suits?" "No... I don't know what it is. Hold on I'll get security to check on it." "No need, I'll check it myself, if it turns to be a hostile, atleast I won't waste the rifle ammo."

Julian headed over to the unknown signal, however as soon as he reached his destination, a violent crash hit the RX and he blacked out.

---------------------------------------

Unspecified time and date

The Char Custom RX-78 lied on the ground near a few boulders. Julian had been asleep for god knows how long and now he awakes in the cockpit. "What.... What in the hell?" Julian got up with a slightly sore back and cracked his neck. He turned on communications and tried to contact Jesse. "Jesse, Jesse, what just happened?" No response. He turned on the main camera to see he was on to see he was in a vastly different area. "....This is not space....." Julian started the RX-78 custom and got it to rise over the area. He couldn't recall how he got here, all he remembered was during the test he had encountered a strange signal. Wherever he was, he was alone. And either the La Vie en Rose is looking for him, or they left him stranded. "All alone again huh?"

[Arthanus]

Ptolemaios, Space - 2308 A.D. Three Months after Exia's disappearance

Roy laid in his room on the CBS-70 Ptolemaios spinning his black Haro on his finger while he waited. The Haro unit yelling it's name in fear as it spun. Today was just like any other go to another asteroid field and commence a search for the Gundam's Exia and its Pilot. Celestial being had just recently taken a big hit, loosing two of their Pilots and having three Gundam units damaged it was critical to fine the Exia ASAP in order to rebuild their strength. Roy's beeper went off and he got up knowing what that meant. He got dressed into is Standard Celestial Being Flight suit (in black) and headed out the door with the Haro under his arm. When the door opened Allelujah stood in the hall waiting. "So Another asteroid belt to search today? Wish I could go with you, but the Kyrios is still under repair. I know this might not mean much coming from me, but thanks for looking for Setsuna we have lost to many already and well we don't need to loose that kid as well" He says as Roy starts to make his way to the Container where his Plutone is stored. "Don't mention it, From the news reports I saw, we will defiantly need that kids help if we are going to bring an end to war. I know this must be hard on you, loosing your friends like this I'll make sure I bring back Setsuna for you, it will be my way of thanking you for giving me this chance. I never thought I would see another Super Soldier who survived, even less likely be fighting beside one as a comrade. we got to stick together you know, not many of us around you know." Roy responded before making his way into his Gundam, He gave a wave and a smile to Allelujah before putting on his Helmet and closing off the capsule. He set the Haro unit into its fixture and started his checklist to launch the Gundam.

As Roy goes over his checklist Miss. Sumeragi's voice comes over the com "Roy, don't push yourself to hard, we are still trying to find Setsuna, But With Kyrios and Virtue still under repairs your the only defensive force we have. Play it safe, if things seem fishy return to us do not engage enemy forces that might be hiding around here got it?" She went over as she had the last few missions

"Roger that Miss Sumaragi, Do no't engage enemy forces, return to Ptolemaios if anything seems wrong" He responded as he went over the last bits of his check list. "All systems are green and good to go, open capsule, Roy Galent, GNY-004B Black Gundam Plutone Launching" The Plutone launches from it's capsule and Roy makes his way to the nearby asteroid cluster. Once at the cluster Roy begins a scan to look for something anything that could help him locate Setsuna and the Exia. He gets a ping back and his Haro starts to yell. "A DISTRESS SIGNAL, A DISTRESS SIGNAL!!!." "Looks like I found something not far from here, looks like a distress signal, Doesn't match anything our enemies use. I'm going to go check it out. Don't worry I'll be careful." He relays over the com system before heading toward the signal. Suddenly things start to go black as Roy begins to pass out the last thing he can remember is his Haro yelling "WARNING, WARNING, TURN BACK ANOMALY AHEAD!!!"

Later

Roy woke up with a headache as his Haro beeped at him "Wake up! Wake up!" He slowly got up "Ya, Ya I'm up, now Haro where are we? and what happened?" He asked as he started to power up his Gundam. "Unknown, Unknown The Haro replies. "Great.... well it looks like we aren't in space anymore, but we didn't take any damage from reentry into the atmosphere. run a Scan of open com lines in the area, lets listen in on what is going on before we do anything. Roy started to look over the surrounding area noticing a nearby fortress that looked like something out of Feudal Japan. "Well you don't see that kind of architecture much anymore, Haro did you find anything? he asked while moving his Gundam somewhere more out of site. He knew he had very few friends planet side, and didn't want to be caught in the open in case some sort of patrol came by.

[VanceXentan]

"So whats your orders Captain?" Paul asked as he finally got Impulse to stand up properly. The damn thing's legs were stuck and he had to figure out how to use his thrusters to push him in a way in order to get back up right without removing anything vital. In the end he ejected his top half of his gundam and then thrusted upward then reattached. He cracked his neck and grumbled in discomfort at this damable situation. However he sensed something nearby....another newtype? No there weren't many of those around anymore...But it was still a feeling Paul had in the back of his mind coming west of their location. He also felt odd...like the world was distorted around him but at the same time was not. Meanwhile Captain Jason had most of the crew up by this time, surprisingly quick considering how big the ship was compared to the original Minerva Class, and they were scanning the area, hoping no one picked them up, and were powered up again. The ship's helmsman got their ship moving and their thrusters going thanks in part to the engineers. Then SIGMA squad, who were landed nearby, sent out an open signal to the Sundown thinking no one else was nearby, "This is SIGMA we are up north...we woke up...infront of this huge citadel thing...Are you close by Captain Jason? We have confirmed there are no life forms here in this area and there are no mobile suits docked here either...just a bunch of unconfigured data...." SIGMA leader said as the Sundown rose above the small cliff nearby and moved to the Citadel field. Paul, in Impulse Gundam, was already on his way as he used his quickly landing down with the rest of OMEGA squad rejoining him. They had been nearby and landed next to SIGMA. "One thing at a time boys...We need to confirm our situation...no casulties were reported however a good number of suits from SIGMA and OMEGA are not responding and their suits were nowhere nearby...I don't think ZAFT Is behind this however...this is beyond their level of technology to make us all pass out like that. Plus why weren't we stripped out of our machines and stations on the ship..." Jason said as the bridge started filling up with personal again. Jason had sent them off to check on the other crew leaving him, the coms officer, the helmsman, and the first mate with him to run the ship's controls properly. The ship's gunner came back soon he had checked the Tannhauser canon and deemed it was still fit for firing if they needed it. Jason was relived for that meant they could fire back against any ambushs if this was a ZAFT trap. "I see...well then aren't we disorganized...if the generals saw us here in this condition we would be thrown out or court marshalled for being this unprepared..." Paul joked over the com as he set his Force Impulse down next to SIGMA leader and looked up at the massive structure infront of him. How very...interesting...he had not expected this no indeed he did not expect this..."SIGMA go check the surrounding areas and scout out any potential threats or anything that may give us a clue to what the hell is going on here..." Jason said as he looked at the digital map and found it a blank this was definately not a colony or earth for that matter...

[Agent B52]

Date unknown - Location unknown - Zanzibar class Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus

The hallways were in chaos, people trying to clear the mess of the sudden onslaught of 1 gee gravity as well figuring out what in the world just happened. Although they needed to clear out three cargo bays of unstable piles of crates and assorted, it seemed no one had been hurt by the event. Matthias ignored it as he made his way to his Zaku. Just that was enough to calm people down, the confident appearance of their leader reassuring them. Changed into his pilot suit, he entered the machine and immediately radiod to the bridge.

"Jean, talk to me. What's happening." Matthias said, even as he started to re-configured the MS for combat in a gravity well.

"Don't know sir. All of a sudden we wake up, planet surface around us and no memory of how we got here. We're busy trying to determine where we are, but currently we're- Hang on." the ship's commander cut off.

Matthias did a double take at the revelation but kept his mouth shut. There was a planet there all of a sudden? He tilted his head to the side as a familiar sensation ran through him, one of his infamous hunches. There was something or someone in east.

"Matthias, we just picked up a radio signal from around fifty clicks to the east. Turns out Minovsky particle density is at an all time low around us. Patching you through." Jean said.

The signal was crystal clear, and for a moment Matthias thought that it was a direct land line. So this was what radio was like pre-Minovsky.

"This is SIGMA we are up north...we woke up...in front of this huge citadel thing...Are you close by Captain Jason? We have confirmed there are no life forms here in this area and there are no mobile suits docked here either...just a bunch of unconfigured data...."

Matthias hummed to himself. Given there was talk of 'we' meant multiple contacts, possibly suits. Sounded as confused as his own crew at the moment.

"Where's the signal coming from Jean?" he asked.

"Don't know precisely yet sir. It's from the east, we can tell that much."

Matthias grinned. So his hunch proved once again spot on.

"Al right, here's what we're going to do. Vladimir will stay with the ship, Oriko and I will check out the source of these signals. Tell Phillips to prep his boys for mountainous terrain in the meantime." Matthias ordered. "Oh, and get the techs working on creating Wappas as soon as possible." he said.

"Will do sir. Stay alive." Jean replied.

"Same to you." Matthias said, finishing his adjustments.

The hangar door opened with a weird grinding noise, far from the familiar whoosh of de-pressurising air. Matthias slowly eased the Zaku from it's perch, taking his time to get used to the feeling of gravity again. He'd rather be in an O'neill cylinder any day of the week where you at least got an adjustment period. As he took his first few tentative steps into the wastelands they were stranded in, he took a long look around. So this is what a horizon looked like. It felt... unnatural. Looking up, he saw only the deep blue sky, with no solid roof overhead. For a moment he braced himself, expecting the vacuum of space to start sucking the air away at any moment. The only thing that happened were Oriko and Vladimir getting out beside him.

"Damn this feels weird. How can Earthenoids live like this, without a solid roof over their heads?" Vladimir wondered out loud over the laser-comms.

"Don't know man, but right now- ... Vlad, do I even want to know?" Matthias replied, glancing over to his comrade.

"Want to know what?" Vladimir asked innocently.

"What the hell is up with your suit?" Matthias said through grit teeth.

"Well, I figured since we're no longer regular military I figured I could, you know, add a few personal touches and stuff. Tell me this doesn't look badass." the pale man replied.



Matthias could practically hear Oriko palming her face.

"Vlad." the redheaded former lieutenant said.

"Yes sir?" Vlad replied.

"As soon as we're back, all the suits are going in camo paint. All of them." Matthias said.

"But sir!"

"No. Arguments." Matthias said. "Okay, we've dallied here long enough. Oriko, with me. Laser comms only. Vladimir, stay with the ship and keep it safe."

"Yes sir." both pilots replied, Vladimir noticeably more subdued than Oriko.

"Alright Oriko, here's what we know. More than one person is out there, from the sound of it they are just as confused as we are. I want to try and get a look at what we're up against before we try and contact them, but if we're discovered try to come across as non-hostile as possible. Let's go." Matthias said. Oriko's mono-eye flashed once in affirmative. The first kilometres were left behind them quickly right up until the halfway point.

Matthias stopped first, pulling up to a small hill for cover and aiming downrange with his machinegun. Oriko sped on to the next available cover, setting herself up in an aiming position before flashing a laser pulse at Matthias. Acknowledging it with a small nod of his suit's head, Matthias began to move forward again. Covering one another in this fashion, the two slowly moved in on the source of the radio transmission, one Zaku on look out while the other advanced. The manoeuvring cut their speed in half, but this way would at least somewhat prepared in case of an ambush.

[Arthanus]

As soon as Roy was able to hide His Gundam from sight his Haro started to go off. "Found Something! Found Something!" then the Haro patches Roy into the open channel so he could listen in on what they were saying. One thing at a time boys...We need to confirm our situation...no casulties were reported however a good number of suits from SIGMA and OMEGA were are responding and their suits were nowhere nearby...I don't think ZAFT Is behind this however...this is beyond their level of technology to make us all pass out like that. Plus why weren't we stripped out of our machines and stations on the ship..." After the chatter stopped Roy disconnected himself from the com. "Haro, keep an eye on that channel I wan't to know what they are up to. but more importantly who in the world is ZAFT?" He pulled up the historical database that was stored on the Haro unit and began to search any records he had for an organization under the name of ZAFT. After a little searching and not finding anything Haro started to chime again. "Movement! Movement! Movement detected in the Area!" Roy threw the screen to the side and sat up. "Haro keep up your search ill be back time to do some scouting." He said as he opened the hatch to the Gundam's cockpit. he slowly made his way to the top of a nearby hill and looked over the area. In the distance he sees a group of mobile suits making their way East. He watched their movements keeping himself low to not be seen while his Gundam remained hidden. " Now who are these ones and what kind of suits are those, could they be that ZAFT group?" he asked himself as he continued to watch.

[VanceXentan]

As the Impulse came to a halt outside of the citadel Paul adjusted his camera looking up at it as the SIGMA men came over to him. "Status?" Paul asked them through his speakers. He did not really care for this place, it felt to strange and ancient...but at the same time it was new and there were no people nearby to ask about this place. As he thought to himself SIGMA responded "There is a military facility, empty, north west of our location sir. Its a dead end after that so we came back here." SIGMA squad was reduced by...about fifty percent and pretty much all of his OMEGA squad was missing as well. "Good I want you to secure th-" Paul said as his senses once again felt the newtype presense nearby. This time he knew it was not some sort of after head ache feeling and he disliked it. His feelings were reinforced by Staff Sgt Williams of the Sundown who radio'd him on his secured com line, "Leiutenant Paul we have enemy units marked on the radar on the Sundown encroaching on your....wait a second whats going on the map is getting all fuzzy...some sort of disruption..." Williams said as she tried her best to clear it up but then her entire signal became blurred and he decided to call it off. His radar also became some what screwed up something nearby was causing it...was it these mobile suits nearby? He guessed it had to be he told them to fan out immediately and prepare for engagement. "If you can hear me Captain I want you to send me my Blast Impulse pack." Paul said over the channel hoping it got through. Jason was likely busy getting the Sundown to the citadel up north to try anything. He guessed he was on his own for now.."Damn ZAFT forces....trying to sneak up on us...is it Lao La Lugara?" Paul thought to himself as he remembered the man who had fought him in London prior to George's betrayal...he thought he was dead after all they had recovered that damn mobile suit with the funnels and he was useless without that...however this seemed like a classic Lao trap. Paul studied about his enemies and Lao was a sneaky son of a bitch alright...

[EarnFX]

AG 141 – Aboard the Fa Bose class mothership Menas, near the Colony Nortram

Zeheart Galette had just finished briefing his subordinates on the plan of the operation. As he was heading for the hangar deck with his two subordinates he was stopped in the corridor, his brother, Desil had caught up with him and complained to him after finding out that he wasn’t going to be fighting, quite violently at that and with bloodshot eyes, and how he refuses to be assigned to the reserves and that he wanted to be on the front lines so he could fight the gundam. The confrontation between the brothers had been extremely short. The result was that Zeheart had refused to give ground which left Desil with no other option than to walk away, angrily.
“We can’t overlook this any longer”, commented Medel Zant, Zeheart’s deputy, on Desil’s latest act of insubordination.
“What should we do?” Zeheart’s right hand man Daz Roden asked.
“I’ll consider his punishment.”

As he was about to enter the Zeydra's cockpit a voice called out to him.
"Commander Zeheart."
Dole Frost, one of the pilots of the Majestic Eighth, a special corps consisting solely of elite X-Rounder pilots came up to him.
"This operation is too reckless." Dole bluntly said.
"We should reconsider."
The operation in question involved docking Vagan's largest space fortress, Downes, to the colony Nortram. This would serve as a base of operation for the following invasion of Earth. The colony's inhabitants could be used as labor, and as hostages to deter Federation assault.
"Dole, remember the horrendous plight of our homeland," he paused before continuing.
"I made a vow... That I'd help Lord Ezelcant create his Eden-a paradise where humans are able to truly live as human beings, devoid of conflict and suffering-even if it cost me my life." In Zeheart's mind a vast field of greenery spread out, broad, blue skies were above him. The winds were gently blowing. As he he were saying these words, he was looking at this wondrous scenery. The scenery then disappeared, dispelled by him.
"Vagan has no future without that Eden." Zeheart declared. There was no doubt in his mind.
"You truly do-" Dole was surprised at how Zeheart genuinely wished for the future of his people.
Before Dole could continue his sentence, Zeheart affirmed once more, "I'll open it with my own hand-" he held out his right hand in front of him. "-the door to our future" He clenched his right hand into a fist with emotion.
Understanding his commander's resolve, Dole proceeded to his own mobile suit.
"Dole." from behind him Zeheart called out.
"No matter what happens, don't die. If you do, Fram will be sad."
"!"
Leaving him with these words, Zeheart entered Zeydra.

Zeheart got into Zeydra's cockpit and closed the hatch. Complete darkness was only momentary, the entire cockpit was soon lighted up by the 360 monitor display and the purple Vagan themed menus started popping up. Piloting his suit, the Zeydra descended from the mothership and ignited its boosters, momentarily augmented by the catapult, launching the Zeydra forward into the battlefield at great speed.


"Zeheart, Second Moon's long range scanners are detecting a signal of unknown origin within the nearby asteroid field. It is believed to be caused by the EXA-DB. You are the only one nearby I can trust, go and investigate it immemdiately before the Federations get their hands on it."
An encrypted recorded message by The Supreme Leader of Vagan, Fezarl Ezelcant was relayed through multiple conduits within Vagan's sphere of influence and sent to Zeheart's MS, Zeydra. On hearing this Zeheart ordered Medel to take command and hastily headed for the asteroid field.
Zeydra's speed was being pushed to the limit. The red mobile suit streaked through space at rapid velocity in a straight blurrly reddish-yellow line and occasionally zigzagged as to avoid collision with asteroids. Zeheart's X-rounder abilities were working at 100% as he further increased Zeydra's speed and predicted collision course and avoiding them. On the radar the dot was getting closer and closer. The great speed has caused sound to disappeared and Zeheart's vision also became blurry. His body was automatically dodging the incoming asteroids, but his mind was soon nearing its limit. And as he finally approached the signal, he lost consciousness.


"Ughh... was that the suit's limit, or my own?" Zeheart muttered as he regained consciousness. As if it were waiting for him to wake up, the monitor lighted up and showed him the surrounding. What greeted his eyes filled him with surprise and shock. "There's a sky and ground.... and gravity... what happened?" Zeheart was surprised. Heaven and earth and the force of attraction, this meant that he was on Earth or a planetoid. "This is not possible, I was in space just moments ago!" Setting aside his surprise and shock, he thought that he needed information. So with that in mind he launched the Zeydra up in midair, high in the sky to take account of his surroundings. What he saw was of course surprising, but he realized that it's time to stop being surprised. Blow him, below Zeydra, there was a weird structure, the word 'Fortress' would suffice in describing it. Yeah, he knew of Fortress, he was commanding one just before he got caught up in whatever this place was. There were also two warship nearby that crash landed. Zeheart wondered if the the crew of the ships were in the same predicament as his own. Zeheart made his decision prompty and headed for the Fortress looking thingy, it was his best bet of figuring out what's going on.

As the Zeydra approached the Fortress, the radar blacked out. "Something's interfering with the signal. I never heard that the Federation possessed something that could jam our advanced tracking system..." The possibility that his enemies were 3rd party popped up in Zeheart's mind, a remote and crazy possibility that this isn't Earth also came with it, but for now he could neither believe or deny it without further proof. The proof could be within that Fortress Zeheart thought. "Even without radar, the Zeydra's 360 optical cameras won't be beaten!" The Zeydra continued on its way to the Fortress.

[OkamiKing]

"I cannot believe the shitty day I am having right now... First I test out a Gundam, then I get stuck on some barren wasteland which is god knows away from what shit hole I call home, and now in said Gundam I have no communication with said base. If god was a stand up comedian, the crowd must be laughing a storm right now." Julians frustrated voice was blocked out by the sound of his fist slamming the wall in the cockpit. He took a long winded breath and turned on the main camera. No damn city or civilian in sight. The debris surrounding him most likely happen from the crash he made landing there. He started up the Gundam and stood up scanning the area. His first goal was to make any form of communication. He turns on the open comm link, "..... Hey.... Anyone out there?.... This is Julian Z. Caesar; test pilot for Anaheim Electronics. I'm in a custom RX78 painted blood red. If anyone's out there.... Could you give a call? Its sucks out here." No use wasting power moving about in foreign land. If no one had responded in the hour, he was screwed. Plain and simple.