Chapter 2: The Cost of Defeat

(move on to this thread)

The following day, 9:00 AM. It was the day of the duel. Katoma was having breakfast by the river, several miles away from the 24th Mobile Suit Team. He chanced upon a group of fishermen fixing a small boat. Lost, and disoriented, Katoma shouted at them.

"Hey, pal! I'm lost! May I know what this place is called!?" Katoma screamed.

"You're at the base of Mt. Matalingahan, Feddie!" the fisherman replied. "If you know what's best for you, you'd get out of here before the one-eyed giants arrive!"

"Wa---one...eyed..giants?" Katoma gulped. These men were referring to monoeyes. Is he getting closer to Zeon territory? Though Katoma's knees were shaking, he felt the need to continue his journey. After finishing his half-assed meal, he went back to the Guntank and rolled back on the track.

"Shit, it's almost 10:00... won't a battle start here at noon? I gots to camp... I'll shoot that commander down while he's fighting the Gundam..." Katoma said.

minutes from the 24th's temporary base
......

After long hours of travel from Palawan on very little sleep. Shun and the 56th Mobile suit corp were just minutes away from their destination. The 24th mobile suit team's base. Knowing that his team was tired and exhausted from the their journey, Shun ordered to return to normal pace and to prepare for arrival at the 24th's camp.

Intel? Sir? Can you send a final message to the 24th saying that we are at least 15 minutes away from their location and once we arrive we'll start to unload supplies and spare parts and I would like to have a meeting with their team leader? I'll get right on it. Thank you, I appreciate it

The intel officer immediately got on the comm and began to radio to the 24th. 24th Mobile suit team do you copy? This is 56th mobile suit corp. Our arrival to your base will be in about 15 minutes. Once we arrive we'll begin the unloading of your supplies and spare parts to you. We request cooperation in the unloading process. Also, our team leader requests a meeting with your team leader as soon as possible. If you received this message please respond....

The intel officer took off his headset and switched to Shun's GM comm. Sir I've sent the message. Good, make sure to listen if they respond Roger!

Shun thinks to himself. We're so close now....I just hope that we aren't too late

Hana Ban Ban Hotel, that fateful morning...

Clara woke up with a very different mood. She walked past her fellow hostages, not even bothering to glance at them. Looking at their faces now would only weaken her resolve. She held the key to their safety, she realized that just last night. When she found some Zeon guards, she immediately asked for her to be shackled.

"Do it. It's what you want, right?" she asked the Zeon soldier whom she had just given an autograph yesterday. The soldier reluctantly placed handcuffs on her, and led her outside.

"A duel between a Zeon and a Fed... with my life on the line. If that's what makes you happy, do it!" she yelled at Boss Chief. She was ready for anything.

Boss Chief snarled at the little brat. "You're making things easier, eh?" he scoffed at her. "Very well then... tie her to that jeep. Let's go to Mount Matalingahan. We have two hours to go..." Boss Chief ordered his subordinates. They took Clara and roped her, then placed her at the back of the jeep.

Boss Chief snapped his fingers, the AI system of his Gouf responding to him. The Gouf knelt down and scooped the venerable Lieutenant in its hand. It then moved the Chief closer to the torso, giving him access to the hatch. He got in and booted the systems up. "Guadalupe, how I missed you..." he whispered. He named his mobile suit after his deceased wife, whom he was very fond of.

Escorting Boss Chief but only to the base of the mountain was the jeep that contained Clara, and according to his orders, Warrant Officers Aicelle and Thomas, who will be going in their mobile suits. They were told not to attack the Gundam, but to make sure he was alone.

"Aicelle, Tom," Chief told them, "If I die today, avenge me. Shoot down the White Devil for me..." he said. "By the way, if you spot more than one Feddie mobile suit in the area, alert the base. I'll send the Z'goks if need be." Having said that, Boss Chief's Gouf marched forward to Matalingahan, the jeep containing Clara following him.

Outside the hotel, Puerto Princesa,

No sleep. That's what Aicelle's condition is today. She was very anxious about accompanying the Boss today to his grand showdown with the White Devil. Not even two full bottles of extra-hard whiskey was able to put her to dreamland last night. All she could think about, was her important role. Serving Zeon, the motherland... to the extent of her abilities.

"Lt. Guerrero... that man sure is strange. I can never fathom the kind of mind he has," Aicelle told herself. As her Zaku II walked behind the commander's mobile suit, she sat back, trying to relax as the scenery passed her. Below her was a transport jeep carrying Clara. She looked at her every now and then, seeing if she's okay and all.

"Thomas... I hope you find the meaning of your own life. Right now I could not find mine. But following the Lieutenant's orders somehow fills up that large gaping void in my heart," she radioed him, wherever he is.

(C'mon Vangran, we have a task to do! Walk with me!)

Osmond saw the group approaching steadily. He climbed on his GM Cannon and ran to meet the group halfway. When he finally saw them a few meters away, the GM Cannon saluted the 56th Mobile Suit Team.

"Sgt. Paulver Osmond here. On behalf of the 24th Autonomous Mobile Suit Team, I welcome you here. Come, let me introduce you to Ensign Cruz and Ensign Munda---"

Blam! Ensign Mundara had been gone the whole night! His Guntank did not return, and because nobody liked him, they never even bothered to search for him. While he may not be the most popular guy, Katoma Mundara could be out there and might get captured by the Zeon! Or he could be dead! Or worse--defected to the enemy!?

Osmond's mobile suit turned back immediately. "56th MS team, we have a problem as well. One of our Ensigns is missing!" he told Shun.

Meanwhile, far into the jungle...

Katoma's Guntank was moving smoothly across the land when suddenly its treads got stuck. Katoma tried reverse, but he wouldn't move as well. He looked out of the Guntank and found himself in a DIRE SITUATION.

Beside his tank was a water buffalo. It was sinking into the mud, crying for help. Katoma then realized the predicament he was into: His Guntank was caught in a giant pool of QUICKSAND. Katoma filled his backpack with canned food, slung his shotgun on his back and climbed out of the Guntank. Grabbing a piece of vine, he was able to swing himself to dry ground. He could do nothing but look as his prized mobile suit sunk to the large quicksand pit.

Eventually, it sunk so deep only its head and cannons were visible. It was virtually useless.

"PPPPRICK! You stupid mobile suit!" Katoma wailed. He had no other option. Going on foot, and with shotgun in tow, he fought his way into the bushes, and saw that he was indeed near the mountain. With no more mobile suit, Katoma figured would try to hijack one.

Outside Hotel, Puerto Princesa

Warrant Officer Thomas Alexander was a ways back from the group taking up the rear, making sure his Zaku's weapons were functioning as well as everything else while simultaneously making sure there were no enemies in the area, when he heard over the radio:

"Thomas... I hope you find the meaning of your own life. Right now I could not find mine. But following the Lieutenant's orders somehow fills up that large gaping void in my heart."

Activating his own, he responded, "If I ever find it, I will shout it to the heavens so all will hear what Thomas Alexander was born to do. It probably won't come to me until the last second and then it will be do or die. There will come a time in your life where you will be faced with a choice, and your decision will affect millions as you make it. And that day is closer than you think, Aicelle, so be on the watch for anything that will point you there. I can only hope that you make the right choice when it comes. For me, right now, I will do what I'm told and hope it's the right thing to do, and if I know it's not, then I will have to reevaluate my past decisions," he paused, "I wish you luck in your quest of self-discovery. Don't let anyone, even me, turn you from your chosen course. Unless of course it is so idiotic that even you have no idea what you're doing."

He stopped talking and waited to hear what the younger Warrant Officer would say. He could only hope that his words got through.

"HAKHAKHAKHAKHAK!" This loud and maniacal laughter filled the air around the Zeon base. The soldiers looked around and saw nobody. Then, in front of Boss Chief's Gouf, an old building crashed down. As the smoke gave way, an odd shape stood in the way of the Gouf and the Zaku team. It was one of their Z'goks, and it was in a fighting pose, claws fucking pointed at the Gouf.

"If you don't mind, Lt. Guerrero, I will escort you. I'm the new guy, they sent me all the way from Subic Base just to be a part of your fakking team. Name's Rap Goblin, Ensign! Hakhakhakhakhak!" The Zeon soldiers back at the hotel facepalmed. "That was the guy that arrived here a few hours ago, oh well, he has yet to meet the Chief," one of them said.

"I will kill many Feddies! I'll take back their skulls and decorate them on our hotel's porch! HAKHAKHAKHAK!" Rap bragged. The Z'gok then took its place beside the Gouf, marching along with 'em. "Hope you don't mind Lt, I heard about your intended duel with the Feddie Devil. Don't worry, I won't intervene. But I want that fakker's head on a stick, the pilot's head, okay?" he bargained with the lieutenant.

Quote :

"56th MS team, we have a problem as well. One of our Ensigns is missing!"

What!? How could he have left the camp without your notice?! Especially leaving with the Guntank?! Shun quickly radioed his intel officer. Intel? Are there any signs or sounds that are out of the ordinary? Sir, there are some traces of the Guntank's tracks that headed away from the base. I'll say it has been some time ago. But sir? its heading towards where its Zeon occupied territory!

Shun folded his arms and closed his eyes to think. Hmm...this not good. He radios to Osmonds Gm Cannon. Sgt. Osmond? My intel found a trail of your missing Guntank....however, it was heading towards the Zeke area of operations. And with the situation that has already fallen on to us.....Your missing Ensigns actions could've possibly jeopardized the Life of the Civilian actress who is a hostage to those damn zekes Shun takes a look at his watch. We can't go after him at this point in time. We must return to your base, unload your supplies and spare parts then coordinate a plan of a rescue. What say you Sgt.?

Palawan Jungle...

Osmond scratched his head as Shun asked him a question. "Well, I really dunno what to say. I'm not in command here, Ensign Sylvan Cruz is. Besides, we're still formulating a plan to support him. The Zeon commander challenged him to a duel on Mt. Matalinhagan, and we're fairly sure it's a trap. So, we're devising a plan to flank the Zeke. We still don't know what mobile suit we're going to face." said Osmond.

'By the way, are you the team leader? I heard there was an ensign among you, certainly it's not you..." he told Shun. "I would like to speak to him..."

"So, you're the new guy, huh?" Boss Chief acknowledged the Z'Gok pilot. "Well, glad to have you on board. I'm fairly sure you know the mission specifics. And if the pilot's head you want, you can have it. Just don't get in my way," he warned Rap.The Zeon team walked off into the road, along with the jeep that carried the hostage actress.

The jeep driver checked on Clara to make sure she's still at the back of the truck. He told her to stay calm, and that nothing will happen to her if the Feddies play along nicely. "Ey, Chief, she's fine..." the driver said.

Eventually the suits reached an open field where a Gaw Carrier was docked. The three mobile suits and the jeep were loaded inside, a perfect fit. Boss Chief decided to be badass and his Gouf climbed the frigging top of the Gaw.

The transport plane's pilot screamed at Boss Chief. "Who do you think your mobile suit is, Aladdin on his flying carpet?" Boss Chief's Gouf replied with a middle finger using its barrel hands. Left with no choice, the Gaw took off with a ridiculous-looking Gouf standing on its roof.

"He's just badass...that's how he rolls," said the jeepney driver, referring to the crazy Lieutenant. The Gaw headed for the Matalingahan mountain, the site of the showdown. "Less than two hours to go before I tear that White Devil a new asshole..." Boss Chief bragged to the MS carrier plane's passengers.

Daniel finally woke up from his concussion-induced nap, trying to deal with it like a bad hangover, hearing that the 56th MS Team showed up at their camp. He got up in a panicked manner knowing that today was the day of the duel and looked at the display screen of his GM; the time read 10:21 AM. He thought to himself nervously "Only less than 2 hours to go until the duel, what are we going to do?!"

He then saw someone talking to Osmond and upon further inspection of his uniform, found out that he was a Sergeant of the 56th. Kirkland marches over to the Sergeant and salutes "Welcome to the 24th Mobile Suit Team, I am Warrant Officer Daniel Kirkland, what is your business here?"

Quote :

By the way, are you the team leader? I heard there was an ensign among you, certainly it's not you...I would like to speak to him..."

Shun remained silent for a bit. ...................... Shun then looked up and said. I don't know where you heard that from....but I am the Team leader of the 56th who we're transferred from the European Front after our original commander was K.I.A. Before he died, he requested that if anything should happen to him I was to assume command until or if he came back. The rest....is classified information. The 56th Mobile suit team aka the "Phantoms"......are here help in whatever we can

Shun relaxed in his GM cockpit chair. I apologize for the confusion Sgt. Osmond......but now is not the time for a story...

After having a discussion with Sgt. Osmond. Shun sees an officer approach him.

Quote :

"Welcome to the 24th Mobile Suit Team, I am Warrant Officer Daniel Kirkland, what is your business here?"

Shun salutes to Warrant Officer Kirkland. Excuse me Sgt. Osmond. Shun turns to Daniel. My name is Sgt. Shun Anata of the 56th mobile suit team. We recently arrived in Palawan awhile ago but also received information that the 24th was engaged in a battle and was hit pretty hard. We were heading North to claim more ground from the Zekes and establish a foothold in the region. It just so happens your team was on the way to our destination.....along with some disturbing radio broadcasts that were sent. So we left Palawan with extra loads of equipment and spare parts and came here to assist

Quote :

"What equipment might that be, Sgt. Anata, new mobile suits?"

Shun quickly noticed Daniel looking at the cargo. hmmm.....how about I show you.. Shun turned to the loading team on the 2nd transport. Hey mechs! Can you open the hatch for that container on transport 2? Sure thing sir! said the mechanics. Soon the mechanics released the hatch for the container door revealing a mobile suit. I couldn't get much but I managed to get you all 2 RGM-79(G) Ground type GMs. For this type of environment, the GM cannon and Guntank are limited in this terrain. These Ground type GMs are specifically built for the ground and heavy terrains Shun then pointed at another trailer. Then over there are some sniper weaponry for the gms. Though I wish we could've gotten the Ground GM sniper type...but this is what you get. I'll show the rest later

Graham sat atop the 56^th team’s M353 hovertruck, enjoying a short meal and rest following the night long march the team had undertaken to catch up with the 24^th. Of course in typical military fashion, the march had ended with the usual “Hurry up and wait,” situation. However, the hour that Zeke officer had dictated for engaging the Gundam was now fast approaching. Graham shrugged internally.

“Well, this is certainly not the best of situations. Even if the Gundam pilot does defeat that Zeke officer, there’s nothing to prevent them from either reneging and killing him or refusing to give up the hostage. Both scenarios risk our most important combat asset and a supposedly skilled pilot for negligible advancement towards our strategic objective. While I suppose such naiveté is in some ways commendable, out here it’ll do nothing better than creating a needless waste of valuable resources.”

Thanking the Bloodhound driver for his meal, Graham slid off the side of the truck, stumbling for a moment as he stopped himself from falling over in the higher gravity environment of earth. Walking towards the 24^th team’s side of the camp, Graham cut a distinctly different image from the other soldiers, not having had time to exchange his tan EFSF uniform for the dull grey EFA one. His thoughts began to focus not only on the upcoming battle, but also hoping that none of the troopers notice his rank insignia, so that he would not have to explain his situation again.

“Unfortunately it seems that the 24^th has already committed to the Zeke terms for the battle. However, it might be possible for us to take advantage of the GM series’ significantly longer sensor range to send a trailing force to backup the Gundam in case this gambit fails. Either way, I need to find the 24^th’s CO. As the officer in the field, he will have command authority regarding this suggestion.”

Entering the 24^th’s camp, Graham spotted an MS pilot. Hoping that he might know the team leader’s location, Graham decided to approach and ask for directions. Waving to get the man's attention, Graham queried.

“Hey trooper, any idea where I can find your CO?”



OOC: The rank of the trooper is left open for either Uryuu or MSL (or anyone else from the 24^th) to jump in.

After Kirkland finished speaking with Sgt. Anata, he was approached by Ensign Graham Mason.

RX-178 wrote:

“Hey trooper, any idea where I can find your CO?”

He replied "I'm not sure myself, I haven't seen him all day." He tried calling out to Sylvan "Ensign Cruz, sir, Ensign Mason wishes to speak with you!! He waited for a response.

Sylvan wasn't able to get much sleep, still drinking coffee it had been his 3rd cup, he knew it was bad to have too much caffeine but he couldn't help himself. He had the life of the hostage and his team in his hands, thoughts of reckless leadership bothered him, he was used to being alone.

He suddenly felt the ground pound, thinking that it was the effect of caffeine he simply put a hand over his face and massaged his temples instead.

"Did i really allow myself to be put in this? Damn E.F.S.F Forced Recruitment" he said bitterly as he took another sip of coffee.

But then the pounding continued, realizing it wasn't just coffee he looked from the makeshift tent and saw Osmond's GM run into a group of Mobile Suits, no doubt it was E.F.S.F mobile suits. Sylvan sighed in relief, if it were an ambush they would be screwed.

He watched Osmond for awhile stand in front of the newly-arrived Mobile Suit Squad's leading GM, probably it's leader.

Probably discussing formalities and all. He thought.

And then he heard Warrant Officer Daniel call out to him

Quote :

"Ensign Cruz, sir, Ensign Mason wishes to speak with you!! He waited for a response.

"I'm over here Warrant Officer!" He responded with a shout and a quick hand-wave from the small cut opening of the make-shift tent near the Tree the Gundam was kneeling.

He continued to write legends on a small map he had in a desk, obviously trying out various tactics.

Hearing someone step in he took one last sip of coffee and then wiped his lips before standing up to face the person who came in. The man was ranked an ensign basing from the pin that was on his uniform, He seemed Older than he was, basing from the frame of his face. And he was like most E.F.S.F troops, a foreigner.

He saluted back at the Ensign that came inside his tent.

Quote :

"Morning Ensign Cruz, I'm Ensign Graham Mason with the 32-Sorry, with the 56th Mobile Suit Team. Haven�t gotten used to the transfer yet. "

"I'm sorry if we had to talk in this shabby tent, I had hoped to have a better place for guests to stay" he chuckled and then continued on. "What brings the 24th the honor of having 56th here? On a side note I know transfers are an ass sometimes."

Quote :

"Regardless, I take it from the amount of preparation going on around that Gundam unit that you're planning on taking up that Zeke's offer of a duel."

"Yes I would, I plan to save the hostage...although that may seem naive and recklessness to you, There are too many war victims already, i can't have this innocent girl be another one, When i can do something about it." He walked to another opening of the tent that showed the Gundam kneeling down covered in camouflage nets as he talked. "Yet at the same time i can't endanger my men...so there you have it, I need to go in alone."

Quote :

"While I don't fault your motives, presuming for the moment that they are your concerns for the civilian hostage and the rest of your unit, I would advise you to be cautious in this situation. In that regard I would also like to recommend that you bring a trailing unit of GMs with you. With our superior sensor range we should be able to stay close enough to help without the Zekes noticing us."

Sylvan turned to the Ensign and looked at him blankly for a few seconds as he became engrossed in deep thought and then dropped his gaze to the map that was on the table.

"Your offer is well thought Ensign Mason, Truly a product of Experience in a battlefield, commendable. However, the Zeke's being able to broadcast their duel to your area and mine, plus detonating the mines at the right time in the right place where it hit us hard the most under Ensign Katoma's command, It is safe to assume they control the forest, and have a way of monitoring us, we can use the minovsky particles to disrupt those things that they use to monitor us but should they realize that some of those things are out, they would only alert the Chief and the hostage will be killed." He trailed off.

He bent over and examined the map carefully and traced some locations with his pointing finger with his other hand he pulled out a marker and drew a perimeter around the mountain.

Quote :

"Of course, the final decision is up to you and my unit commander. But before going to him, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter."

"But, if what you claim is true you can stay about a few miles away from me, I'll talk to the Zeke leader if he would allow you to get closer than the perimeter i drew, if not you guys stay on standby and if anything should occur i shall shoot a Red flare for you guys to open fire with the Guntank as opening fire as I retreat. but if i win i shall shoot a blue flare for you guys to escort me and act as my vanguard"


As Sylvan was talking he realized something Dire. Katoma went out to patrol, but did not come back when patrolling would only take 2-3 hours. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath.

THAT BASTARD DON'T TELL ME HE TOOK OFF!! He thought to himself.

"E-Ensign mason, please excuse me...would you please shout outside the tent and ask for the other Ensign's whereabouts? I'm sure someone is bound to reply...Thank you."

Shun leaned outside Sylvan's tent with arms across and over heard the conversation.

............... Shun entered Sylvan's tent and salutes when entering. I presume you are Sylvan? I'm Shun Anata of the 56th mobile suit team, "Phantoms". I beg your pardon but......I've overheard you want to do this alone Shun walked on over right next to Sylvan and folds his arms together. Are you really sure that doing this alone is the best option?.....

Azure3 wrote:

Shun leaned outside Sylvan's tent with arms across and over heard the conversation.

............... Shun entered Sylvan's tent and salutes when entering. I presume you are Sylvan? I'm Shun Anata of the 56th mobile suit team, "Phantoms". I beg your pardon but......I've overheard you want to do this alone Shun walked on over right next to Sylvan and folds his arms together. Are you really sure that doing this alone is the best option?.....

"?!" Sylvan was surprised that someone was eavesdropping on them, he wasn't able to salute back after Shun saluted to him, he merely stared at him.

After a few seconds of him being silent, Sylvan had gathered enough thought power to talk.

"I'm very sure with my Decision Mr. Shun, there is no other way. Perhaps it may be the only way, and if there were another this would be the best way. Think about it, They control the forest, they outnumber us. If the Chief Got mad he could just massacre us with a flood of Zeon troops." Sylvan was being pressured by the lives he held but still held his calm. "I thank you all for your concern, but should something happen to me, it would be better than both squads being wiped out. This is what a leader should do."

Shun stared at Sylvan for a moment.......

............hmm, you sound like my former commander Sylvan. Thinking about the lives of his men and......doing a mission alone Shun walked towards a tent window and looks out. It.....was the same thinking.....that killed him back over when we were in Europe.....So, thats why I make a policy in my squad that we work as one body...as a team

Shun turns to Sylvan. Going out alone in this type a situation is guaranteeing your death! Of course it may have to be that way at first......but you should utilize the 56th and the 32th to do the tasks behind enemy lines. I don't know what aspects the 32th are specialized at but for us of the 56th we go behind enemy lines almost on every mission. Shun receives a msg from his team intel. *Sigh* I have to return to my team sir Shun walks out to the tent opening and opens it half way. Sir, I urge you to think about your strategy in a broader sense and use our skills and specialties to make this successful....We've come to the point of no return.

Shun walks out of Sylvan's tent...

11:10 AM Mount Matalingahan, finally.
BGM: "Corridor of Death" (This will be Boss Chief's theme for the RPG)


[Federation boys, you should have wrap up your conversations by now. You should be approaching the mountain base right now, and the Gau Carrier should be visible to you.]

[Zeon kids, get ready, we're about to take control of the mountain. Find a spot near the base of the mountain or stay hidden in the tall trees in the jungle.]

Like a vulture, the Gaw circled the mountain, waiting to hit the right speed and altitude where it will drop the parachute-equipped mobile suits. The Gouf got up from a sitting position, and jumped from the top of the carrier like a paratrooper. Boss Chief pressed a switch, releasing the chute and slowing down the Gouf's descent. Seconds later, the colossal teal giant landed on the summit. Boss Chief then unfurled a large Zeon flag attached to a 60-foot pole and hoisted it on the ground, to serve as a beacon for the Gundam if it will come.

The Gouf's cockpit popped open, and out Boss Chief came with Clara in his arms. He tied her to the flagpole, and attached several bombs on her. Should the Feddies make a mistake of trying to rescue her while the duel goes on, the bombs will explode and her remains will litter the mountain like red rain.

"Don't take this too personally," the suave Zeon commander teased the actress. Boss Chief then had another nasty surprise for the Feddies. Three small planes flew overhead, each of them containing a bunch of Clara's filming crew. At Boss Chief's go signal, the planes released the civilians in the air, letting them plummet to their deaths. They immediately died on impact, the forest littered with corpses of the actors and crew. Some of them were suspended on trees, while those who fell to the jagged rocks of the cliff were torn into bits and pieces.

"Ha ha ha ha ha!" Boss Chief burst with demonic laughter. The remains of these dead civvies should remind the Feddies not to screw up the agreement.

The sun was right on top of them. The intense heat was scorching the parched landscape. Crows started flocking on the corpses and began to eat them. The Gouf stood mightily proud on the mountaintop, holding the giant flagpole. Its single eye glowed bright and noticeable

"COME FLATLANDER! WHITE DEVIL!!! FIGHT ME!!!" Boss Chief announced, the speakers in the forest amplifying his fearsome voice a hundredfold.