Eliard and the others of the Murphy Team continued their rear support for Captain Bask’s operation. During the battle, Carl’s GM Sniper III was heavily damaged. For that reason, he could pilot the experimental Hi-Zack, the TR-2 Big Wig. Word had reached the Aswan that a Zeon remnant battleship had broken through a blockade under Captain Bask’s command and the Murphy Team was ordered to intercept them.

“North Star Coordinates, 090 on a direct like from planetary orbital plane,” came Carl’s voice as it reverberated in the cockpit of Eliard’s GM Kai. He looked at the radar but was unable to confirm it yet. Carl’s Big Wig was a weapon for long-distance use. It’s radar and sensors cover a wide range as well.

Carl’s voice could be heard again.

“The ship is acting on its own.”

“You’re able to tell?” followed Commander Murphy’s voice.

“It’s not sending out an allied ID code. It’s a Zanzibar.”

“It’s probably that guy from last time. If it is, then you-know-who’s Rick Dom and Zaku will be sent out.”

Their movements showed that they were pilots with an extensive military record. They were likely named pilots in the former Zeon Forces.

They’re a worthy opponent for me. Thought Eliard.

They’re worth fighting only if they’re formidable. Veterans were an appropriate enemy for the Titans.

“Show me the goods.” Carl said.

“The hell?” Eliard asked without batting an eye.

“I’ve locked on. I’m gonna fire off a shot.”

Eliard was surprised. The GM Kai’s radar had yet to pick up on anything. It was probably the same for the Commander’s Hazel too. Still, Carl’s Big Wig had already locked on to the enemy.

Eliard used his shoulder thrusters and moved laterally in haste. The Commander’s unit also appeared to move in the opposite direction from Eliard’s unit. In the next instant, a blast was emitted from the Big Wig’s massive long range beam cannon. A high output beam like one fired from a battleships main battery cut straight through the darkness of space, extending straight ahead.

“Whoa…” Carl could be heard saying.

“This thing’s a beast!”

Eliard stared at the sea of stars where the beam had disappeared.

“Did you hit ’em?”

“Nope.” responded Carl, “There’s a slight offset with the sight.”

“Hurry up and adjust it.” Murphy said. “There’s a medal for a team who sinks an enemy battleship.”

“Roger that. I’ll hit them for sure this time. Uh-oh…”

Carl had realized something.

“Two very small blips. They’re probably mobile suits.”

The distance with the enemy was rapidly shrinking.

The enemy battleship appeared on Eliard’s radar too. Soon they’d probably be able to visually confirm.

“They sure sent out their mobile suits fast.” Murphy uttered, “Looks like the threat of the beam cannon worked. That gives us a chance at winning.”

Before long, they were able to confirm the shape of the Zanzibar with the naked eye. And, just as they suspected, the two mobile suits were a Rick Dom and Zaku.

Eliard advanced while firing his beam rifle. By making his opponent move about, it forced them to consume their propellant. The time to carry out an operation depended on the propellant. The longer the mobilization time, gives them the advantage.

“More enemy mobile suits are launching.” It was Carl’s voice.

“Three more units.”

“Hit the ship.” Came Murphy’s voice, “Then it’s checkmate.”

“Understood. I just need a little more time for the charge.”

“In the meantime, leave them to us.”

Eliard saw the approaching Zaku. There were five enemy mobile suits. They had superiority in numbers. But, Eliard had the pride of being a chosen soldier. In the last battle, he struggled through an overwhelming and unfavorable situation. But this time…

“Huh?!”

Carl sounded bewildered.

“The three mobile suits that appeared from the read are heading in the opposite direction.”

“The opposite direction?” asked Murphy.

“Is there anything there?”

“Hand on a sec, there’s something to the rear of the Zanzibar… It looks like a civilian shuttle.”

“A civilian shuttle?!”

“I’m detecting another unit to its rear. It’s an allied ID code. It’s a GM.”

What’s going on? Eliard was perplexed.

But, the enemy Zaku was drawing in closer. There was no time to be at a loss.

He’d leave the thinking to the Commander. Eliard fired his beam rifle again and again. The Zaku went around. Eliard tried to lock onto the back of the Zaku coming around which took some strong G’s.

“Don’t shoot, Carl.” Murphy could be heard saying. “Something’s not right…”

The Zanzibar was approaching. Sure enough, the ship was accompanied by a civilian shuttle. It appeared as though they were escorting it.

“If I do it now, I can take out the Zanzibar.” Carl said.

“No. Our opponent is accompanied by an unarmed shuttle.”

“Do you think they’re hostages?”

“Then that’s all the more. Don’t start a fight.”

“But…”

“Don’t forget a Titan’s pride. We absolutely cannot get civilians involved. We don’t want to end up terrorists like the Zeon remnants.”

Immediately following that, the shuttle behind the Zanzibar exploded.

Eliard was in shock.

He forgot about fighting with the enemy mobile suits and was entranced by the light.

“What was that?” asked Murphy, “Who fired?”

“Could it have been…?” asked Carl, “I think it was from the GM who followed them.”

The Zaku and Rick Dom turned around. It seemed as though they were returning. Still, Murphy said nothing and the Zanzibar passed before their very eyes.

What the hell happened? Why the hell did the allied GM and not the Zanzibar, destroy a civilian shuttle? Silence dominated the sea of stars. The battle was already over.

Having returned to the ship, Eliard and the others were told by Captain Otto Pedersen that Captain Bask’s operation was a complete success.

“You were thanked by Bask. You did very well.”

Captain Pedersen was in a good mood. However, Eliard was unable to shake off the uncomfortable feeling from when the shuttle exploded on the battlefield.