Hearing the supportive comments from Baker and Jason made the young pilot know that her help has been acknowledged. Actually she felt that they're the third or fourth persons that spoke very supportively to her. With a happier heart she waited for the monitor to show Mariemeia. "Thank you." She replied to both of their comments.

As Her Excellency appeared on screen, Donna took a bow. "Thank you for the audience, your Excellency." She answered, immediately back on her feet. "I have some questions that I hope to see answers for." She took a breath and thought carefully. "We have found that some of us stranded in this world come from different worlds or times, with varying levels from difference. I came from a world where war between Earth and the Colonies reignited that the Gundam were needed again. A comrade I lost came from a time where the Colonisation of Mars started. If I believe so, as the Queen of the World you overthrew the Earth-Sphere United Nations? The Gundam pilots and the Preventers were defeated in their attempt to end your reign?"

"Of course they were defeated. They had no gundams and where forced to used antiquated Leos and Tauruses. Nothing compared to y newer models. They put up a good fight but ultimately where unable to beat me. Only Wufei Chang had a gundam and he had little use for it after he turned on me. The fool thought he could help his friends but there were simply too many of them. Of course Miss Hilde and Noin still see fit to try to overthrow me and that fool Dekim thought he could use me too his own ends but I proved too much for all of them so far. With me at the helm I have made sure no one has the power to dethrone me. Father would say I lack grace but for the peace of the colonies and space I have no choice but to be a bit...brutal in my tactics. What about you? You're a gundam pilot or know one I assume? How are your events in your world? I assume I'm not even a figure head in your universe? I ask this because you speak of me as if I was some little blip on the radar." Mariemaia said as she looked at Donna with a smile and grin unsure about the young woman who sat in front of her all the same she'd prove at least a mild distraction in this story that had proven linear at best so far.

"Hmm..." Reve closed her eyes, mulling over what the two said.

She didn't know who that person Stella mentioned, but it sure as hell sounds better than most of the people in here. As for what they said... Well, she honestly didn't know what to make of it. She herself had pretty much fulfilled her role. There wasn't any reason for her to live or exist anymore. And yet, she still fought to stay alive, for reasons she doesn't have, or understand. It was better when she lived in almost constant war; at least then she had only need to immerse herself in battle and not think too much about anything.

"Ahaha, that sounds stupid." Reve smiled. "Well, it's not like I can't understand. I'd take down anyone bothering you two."

Leaning back, she stretched, looking a bit more relaxed now. "Aah... If there was only something interesting to do..."

Mask headed to the hangar to review his Mobile Suit. He glanced it over, luckily it was repaired, but weaponry was getting stronger the longer they stayed on this planet.
"The Elf Bullock, it may be strong, but it won't last much longer if I can't move it out of harms way." He said to no one in particular.
"Perhaps, one more battle before I request a mobile suit change."
He then began scanning through the new info he had gathered through the last couple days.
He paused briefly when he glanced a sign on a nearby mobile suit.

Donna shook her head. “My apologies if I sounded disrespectful.” She started. “Your army was thwarted by the Gundam pilots and the Preventers.” She explained. “It was brought to an end when Dekim Barton was betrayed by his own men, loyal to His Excellency Treize Khushrenada.” From what the Gundam pilot from her father as he described Dekim as unflatteringly as a boogeyman.

“There was a decade of peace until the Falsons, former members of the Romefeller Foundation built an army in the Colonies and rebelled against the Earth Sphere United Nations. The Falsons took the Earth Sphere by surprise with stronger Mobile Suits and we were forced to mostly use older Mobile Suits such as the Leo and Taurus. The Earth had no choice but to recreate the Gundams. The initial production were done in Space by Winner Corporation but the rest were forced to be done on Earth.” She thought about her own Sandrock. “Lord Lindemann of Berlin worked with the construction of the 4th unit with a scientist called Instructor W, funding with the condition of one his children piloting the completed Gundam. The Instructor chose me to pilot the Gundam and for years I received training from him. Before I arrived in this world, I was meant to go to Warsaw to group with the other Gundam pilots so we would be able to launch our counter-attack against the Falson Coalition: Operation Rising Himalayas.” The pilot thought on whether the long story could be interpreted well by Mariemeia on the monitor.

"What the hell is taking you two so long come on I only got so much time to get us to our points before I got to get to mine. Captain Jason doesn't approve of people who are late to their shifts you know. He'll have my hide and then my team will never live it down. I'm always on their asses about getting to their spots." Grant roared as he shouted at both Jack and Mask as his custom dagger stood on top of a nearby cliff waiting for his 'allies' to get their butts in gear. "Hey Jameson is Mask even in his freakin' suit yet?" Grant said in exasperation. He knew now why they had been 'given' a 'talented' pilot like Mask by Mariemaia. They were just dumping a slow pilot on them. Less food to spend and less wait time.

Grant wasn't in the best of positions to talk about or complain about anything in particular right now though. Jason had put him out of the last battle on purpose. He and his crew were too loud in fights. He didn't want them screwing over the crew. Or at least that's what he thought was the reason. He was an ace pilot one of the best in the OMNI Corps. He had a custom mobile suit for god sakes! Who got a cool paint job and improved gear without having proved themselves? Well...he wasn't Paul who had proven himself more than capable as a pilot. Why or how he had found himself in a gundam was beyond Grant but he assumed Paul was in some sort of program or group since he was ranked so high at such a young age. I mean second to a high ranking Captain in the OMNI Navy? At twenty something? That was crazy. A country boy like him could only dream of getting in a suit like that.
===

"Oh sorry....but thank you for saying you would protect me Reve." Stella said as Nena grinned and shook her head. "Well maybe you need protection Reve but I can handle my own. Heck I bet I could do better than my brothers. But hey if you want some action...I got an idea." Nena said with a smile as she looked over to Virtue. "We can get Jason's permission and launch from the bay on 'guard duty' in reality we'll go pick a fight with those ZAFT pricks Black Star's been bitchin' about. Sounds like my day right? Beating up some losers and causing some chaos. Just another day for Celestial Being." Nena said as Stella looked around unsure about what to do or to say. "I...I won't go if you do. I have to follow orders....Captain Jason's orders. If it's guard duty that i'm sent out on then I will guard. But I don't think I should go. I'm not a fan of violence either way."

===

"Really now? I always figured Dekim was a spineless fool who would sooner betray me than follow me. When I was younger I trusted him but I learned better after he killed Duo Maxwell against my orders. Duo could've been persuaded to join me eventually but Dekim was too short sighted to see that and had him killed. That was the day I figured out he was up to more than being my aide." Mariemaia confided in Donna as she chuckled and shook her head slowly. "Tsk tsk...to think he'd be a fool to let the Preventers actually mobilize. In my universe one of my father's best generals sabotaged Earth's defenses even further. It seems that man didn't either make it or wasn't able to get me or Dekim to listen. By the time I got to Earth Zechs wasn't even able to put up a fight. He tried...he failed...he died. Earth's last savior and hope was ironically it's devil. A man who previously tried to kill the planet with a giant space station...You'd think a giant rock would've done the trick." Mariemaia said dourly as she laughed. "I'm not serious don't worry. I just have a dark sense of humor." Mariemaia said waving a hand at Donna.

"As for you universe's more specifics...well I can't comment it's completely alien. I think the people you spoke of were minor figures if they existed at all in my own time and place. Such a odd incident that would cause our times to completely change from one another. To think that one event or death or even place can cause something to be changed so differently. I'm afraid if you were looking for a person to share in your encounters I won't be able to fufill that desire. I however can sympathize. You universe sounds like a bloody mess. Having said that what is it that you want from me Miss?"

Jack jumped when Grant came on over the com channel and hit his head. "Ow, sonova- Hold on, hold on, I'll check." Turning off the speaker from his end, he muttered to himself and checked the external cameras on his suit. It took a moment of checking, but he finally found Mask looking at the sign on his mobile suit. Turning on the external mic, he finished his grumbling before speaking. "Hey Mask, Grant's getting impatient, let's go!" He cut the speakers and opened the cockpit just enough to pull the sign back in before closing it and starting it up.

"This is Gundam Duel, requesting permission to disembark." The handler quickly gave it and off Jack went, feathering his boosters after jumping to land next to Grant. "Sorry if I wasn't moving fast enough, had to double check some of energy flow through my suit."

Donna nodded with how Mariemeia remarked with how the names spoken were obscure to her. She wondered if the Donna in that world is living a happier life. "That is all." She replied. "I just needed those answers." The Gundam pilot thought about the Winter Princess' penchant for gallows humour, close to Winter as it can be remarked One spark reminded her of one question that lingered in her heart. "Actually I have one more question." She enquired. "Who is Instructor W?" She hoped the Winter Princess would have an answer. The scientist and mentor has always been cryptic of his past, skirting away questions on his identity. With his expertise on Gundams she was sure he was important three decades ago.

"Hm? Who is that?" Mariemaia asked as suddenly one of her soldiers whispered into her ear and she thought to himself before a moment and then looked back at Donna. "I don't believe I could tell you that. I saw that man briefly enough but I don't believe I know him. If I saw him and looked at him a bit further I could have an idea but I'm afraid I can't tell you. If you're so interested in that then I'd say you should ask him personally. I mean who else could know more about the man than the man himself...or his stalker. Either way I suppose you should get on that. Now then I bid you all a good day and please give my regards to your Captain. Mariemaia out." Mariemaia didn't bother with any goodbyes from Donna and the screen turned blank and a line of text indicated termination of the channel. "So then Donna did you find out what you wanted to find out?" Jason asked when suddenly a signal appeared from the deck and Williams answered it. "Oh hello Lieutenant Jameson. Um one moment we need to prepare the launch deck...sending signal to the crew by you...one moment please." Williams responded quickly as she furiously tried to get one of the mechanics to answer her summons and after a moment she finally got someone. One of Yuri's second commands who said he'd get someone to prep the launch bay for Duel Gundam. "Alright when ready you can launch just move to the bay and get into it then give me the signal and I'll activate it. Good luck out there Lieutenant if you need anything I'm here for you. I mean it's not like we're going anywhere right?" Williams said with a sarcastic twirl of her fingers.

"About bloody time Duel. You know the guy who pilots Duel from where I come from is an ace pilot what got you into that seat? I mean it's not like just anyone can pilot one of these things with government backing." Grant asked James as his dagger looked around and adjusted the gun in it's hands. "This freaking thing needs a tune up."

Jack shook his head. "I earned my place piloting a Mobile Armor. When we got the Duel back from ZAFT and finished fixing it up, my CO put my name forward. There weren't many other candidates for it and I tested highest." He wasn't willing to share that he was a Coordinator, even if he was a First Gen. These guys didn't seem to have a lot of love for them, since their ZAFT was made of the same forces as his own.

Mask quickly hopped into his Elf Bullock, pulling his mask off slightly once in to rest his eyes for only a moment. He then placed it back on and readied his suit.
"I need to focus," he said to himself. "But this damn mask hasn't come off in days. I've had no time to myself."
He sat in thought awaiting orders from his current superiors. "This mask is my resolve, a symbol of pride as a Kuntala." He said, sounding as if to convince himself that he was fine.

"Wait ZAFT built Duel or did they steal it? Either way that's a disturbing thought. Lieutenant Lyons could probably tell you more about the gundams than I could but I served with just about all of them at some point in time. I've been around the block. I may be a young guy unlike Beta Leader but I still got guts. I mean I wouldn't be in control of Alpha if I wasn't a badass now would I?" Grant said as he started to lead his detachment down the path towards the border. "As for you Mask you can have all the pride you want but this is just a routinue patrol the chances of anyone actually attacking us is slim to none. We've wiped out two of those fucking Zeon prick groups and one of those supposed Earth Federation Units. Let's just hope we find a way out of this place..." Grant grumbled as his dagger flew roughly in the air. "So yeah you're a candidate, I'm just a glorified grunt, so what does that make you Mask? What's your story?" Grant asked Mask casually.

"Story? What's my Story?" He questioned to himself. He craned his neck momentarily in thought. Should I tell them. Who I truly am? I suppose it does not matter, seeing that this world, and these people, are all disconnected.
"My name... Is Luin Lee. In my world the Universal Century is a very old tale, and newtypes are a legend. Thousands of years ago, Earth was in a food crisis and certain low class citizens were designated as extra provisions." He began, removing his mask.
"We were given this brand," he said pointing to his forehead, "as a reminder of that, and the brand has stayed through the years. Even now, most people treat us like 2nd class citizens." He placed his mask back on feeling naked without it.
"I was a cadet for the Capital Guard, a military group made to defend the Capital Tower, a space elevator which gave the world extra Oxygen, Water, and Photon Batteries. We had a problem with Space Pirates and other countries trying to take the tower so they'd get more, even though we had to ration things out. One day, a threat from space arrived. Her name was Rariya, but she couldn't remember anything. The commanders said she must've hit her head. Poor girl had the mentality of a preschooler after that." He said pausing briefly.
"That's when her Gundam Unit, the G-Self, resurfaced, being used by space pirates to try and Hijack Capital Tower. Myself, the Instructor, and the Grade Skipper overpowered it in our Construction Units and we confiscated it. However the next day the Pirates came back for the Pirate Girl piloting the G-self, and took 2 of my friends hostage. That is when I donned my mask, and was Promoted to a Captain's Position in the new Capital Army. I was top of my class." He said.
"Then I found myself here on my way to rescue them." He said not showing much worry in his voice.

"That sounds grand," Reve stood up. "Way better than sitting here. Let me just get my suit."

Anything to get away from these people. All this sitting around doing nothing will dull her senses; not that she could really be beaten even if that was true. Reve was born for battle after all. Humming to herself, she zipped up her suit and went merrily back to Nena.

"Alright~ shall we go? I'm itching to shoot down something."

Donna nodded, with some slight hesitation. "She was able to give most of the answers I asked." She replied. "Thank you for giving me this time to speak to her." Although most of the questions were answered, Instructor W remained an enigma. When hearing about how Mariemeia has no knowledge of the two Romefeller families though, it gave hope that the Donna in that world is having a happier life. She thought about returning to the hangar to see how everyone there is doing, seeing that her focus must now be on the present. "Captain, I will go back to the hangar. I will be performing maintenance for Sandrock."

"Lee huh? Well I'm not sure if you heard my name so just to make sure it's Grant. Grant Nimitz. Our journey here had us on a secret mission to check out a signal of some sort. Our ENTIRE CREW blacked out apparently. Sounds like your world is a hell. I'd hate to live there that's certainly no fucking world full of civilized people. Who treats people like slaves and turns them into 'provisions'? What the fuck man...that's some twisted stuff...but yeah you may want to focus on piloting Mask. I appreciate you telling me the truth, if that is the truth god knows what's true in this place, but we got a job to do. If you want to talk later in the cafe then I'll gladly do that but for now we need to keep our eyes open...But if you don't mind me saying you may have something in common with Puru. She's from somewhere similar too your world. But she may be from some different point in time. We've had people appear and know one another but from different points in time and places. It's really freaking weird." Grant grumbled as he looked on the horizon and saw nothing worth noting. His screen didn't detect any noticeable heat signatures. He didn't hear anything in the distance other than...wind. It was desolate...was there really an enemy group nearby that they'd need to take care of? And more importantly...was there really ZAFT Operators nearby?

===

"Are you sure? If you want to go do that then do so but I've been told Paul is in the Cafeteria and knowing the others that's where they are as well. I'm going to guess at the least that's where you'll find Hiling Care, and Graham as well. I haven't seen either today." Jason said simply as Baker looked at Donna and sighed. "If you'd like Donna I could also take a small break and talk with you. I'm sure there's a lot on your mind. Maybe a girl to girl talk would help you sort things out." Baker said as Jason grumbled. "She just asked to go to the hanger you don't need to cling to her like some sort of lost sheep. I was merely offering directions if she felt the need to be with a group. All the same I will allow it if you want to speak with Baker as well." Jason offered with some hesitation as he looked at the young lady sitting in the chair next to him. His eyes stared at Baker with the sort of look of someone wondering what game the other was playing.

===

"Alright my suit is over there so I'll go jump in it. Stella get in your gundam. Reve radio the bridge and get them to let us leave. If Stella is with us they'll be more willing to let us go. It's not like we're going to get her to up and leave this place anytime soon." Nena said sauntering off with a new gait in her walking showing off her change from bored to excited at the prospect of doing something. "Reve...if you don't mind me asking...do you trust Nena Trinity? I want to but...something tells me she isn't all to trustworthy. It's hard to explain but I feel like I'm watching a caged animal each time I'm near her and she just wants to be let out like a dog on a leash. Not that i'm calling her a dog or anything that's just what I think." Stella stammered as she looked at Reve. "And to be honest I get a similar feeling from you...just less...primal."

====

"ROCK PAPER SCISSORS SHOOT!" And four people in the cafeteria called out all at once. And once again all of them were paper...sixth time in a row. Puru had been bragging that she had beaten Graham in the child's game that she could beat anyone. Graham had brought in Paul by insisting that the Lieutenant join in and just have fun and if he didn't he was afraid of being beat by Puru. Hiling was taunted into it by Puru saying she wouldn't be able to beat her either. The group was all full of hard heads, and newtypes. Each one was trying to over come the other. Paul was getting frustrated at the constant ties. "This is stupid how did I get into this?" Hiling grumbled as she glared at Puru with annoyance flaring in her eyes. "Because you said you didn't want to be left out I thought? I gotta admit though this is kind of annoying now. Will someone just pick something other than rock or paper?" Puru grumbled as Graham laughed. "No one is going to change now that you said it Puru. You're a newtype so you're probably leeching off me and the second I change my mind-...man this shouldn't be this complicated." Paul grumbled as Graham smiled, "It's a challenge! It's like piloting a suit guys. Just a little less complicated. You got to predict your enemies moves. You've got to psyche out your enemies. Even a simple game like this you need to be two steps ahead of your opponent!" Graham said as Puru shouted that they should do it again. "Ugh fine...ROCK PAPER SCISSORS SHOOT!" each of them shouted as they all brought down their hands and this time...Graham and Hiling with tied as Paul and Puru had chosen scissors and they had chosen rock. "Of course...well only one way to settle this Aker..." Hiling said mildly amused by the situation as Graham smiled and nodded and Puru pouted loudly while Paul laid back on his seat. The day wasn't even over and he was tired of it already.

"Eh? What was that supposed to mean?" She tilted her head questioningly. Reve thought for a moment before speaking again. "If you are talking about our fighting ability, I think I'm better at it than her. I know she'd try to contest that if she heard though."

"As to that other question..." Reve smiled, a rare genuine smile with none of the usual malice behind them. Just for a moment, she looked like an ordinary young girl. "She's Celestial Being. We fought together for a long time; me, Lockon, Allelujah, Tieria, the Trinitys, as well as everyone else. She's one of my trusted comrades."

"Ahaha~ Don't worry, you'll get used to her soon. Speaking of which, do you want to come along with us?"

"I mean it's just that you two know each other but at the same time you're from different universes...what if Nena betrays us or you? I don't think she would without reason but she could. I suppose I could solve my own problem by comparing myself to you and Nena to OMNI but it's different. This is a crew and Nena is one person. It's just a random thought I'm so sorry if I'm overstepping myself. Commander always says I should watch what I say or not to babble." Stella says shyly as she looked at her feet and looked around. "But you make a fair point I suppose...as for joining you. I guess I will. I want to make myself useful to the crew after all. And to my friends. I'll go and prepare Gaia. Remember to radio the bridge if you would Reve." Stella said bowing and wandering off to the other side of the hanger where Gaia stood right next to Puru's and Paul's mobile suits respectively. Stella was not one to hide anything from others was she?

Donna thought about Baker's suggestion. It was probably a good idea to have some time talking to her. "Yes please, that may be a good idea." She responded to the offer with a smile. Although she is from another world, probably voicing some of her thoughts will help. "Perhaps we can talk along the way or find a quiet space to talk about our thoughts." The Gundam pilot suggested. "I am not in a hurry to return to the hangar, provided there are no sudden orders." Although her past few conversations were with the same gender, it will be someone "normal" for the first time. She fiddled with her keffiyeh and waited for a reply.

"Alright then Donna let's head to my room or yours it really doesn't matter. I'm glad to have the chance to talk to you." Jason nodded at Baker who got up from her chair as Williams groaned at the fact that'd she'd have to do even more work until Baker came back. At the very least work was the only real thing to do in this place. James walked over to her and patted her on the shoulder with a sly grin on his face. "Alright cool. Let's get going Donna you lead the way...or should I?" Baker asked Donna as they made their way down the hall down towards the staircase. "You know I don't think we've actually gotten to talk all that much have we? Well I'm happy we get to have a talk even if it's about business." Baker said with a happy grin as she adjusted her beret slightly.