From June to August of Cosmic Era 70, the flames of war across the Earth Sphere did not die down despite the global energy crisis caused by Neutron Jammers. Instead, driven by the bitter hatred between Coordinators and Naturals, they burned with ever greater ferocity and despair. With the overwhelming superiority of its mobile suits and its steadily tightening control of space, ZAFT continued its triumphant advance across Earth's battlefields. The Silver Wing Independent Squadron, commanded by Mei Hock, served as a spearhead directly under military headquarters. It deployed frequently on a series of demanding assault, escort, and precision elimination missions. Its precise, efficient combat style, coupled with Akira's almost prescient battlefield insight, made the name "Silver Wing Angel" increasingly renowned in both camps.
June 11, Cosmic Era 70. The battle for Endymion.
At Endymion Crater near lunar orbit, the Earth Alliance Forces had established a heavily fortified forward base, the Gate of Endymion, as a vital staging ground and transit hub for an attack on PLANT itself. ZAFT was determined to uproot this thorn.
A grim atmosphere hung over the Silver Wing's bridge. On the enormous tactical star chart, lights representing friendly and enemy forces clustered and intermingled. The Earth Alliance Forces had built dense defenses around the crater. Countless fixed gun emplacements and missile silos concealed in the shadows formed a killing zone, while numerically superior Moebius mobile armor units used the complicated terrain to launch harassing hit-and-run attacks.
"The enemy has used the crater's terrain to establish a three-dimensional defensive network. A frontal assault would cost us heavily," the executive officer reported, his expression grave.
Akira stood at the center of the bridge, his white field officer's uniform immaculate, his calm gaze sweeping over the star chart. With his ACCORD ability operating at full capacity, he processed everything like a supremely precise supercomputer: the crater's terrain data, the distribution of enemy firing positions, the intensity of energy signatures, and even the orbital parameters of small meteoroids and debris.
"Conventional tactics won't work." Akira's voice was steady, but his resolve left no room for argument. "Order the Mobile Suit teams to operate in pairs. No massed charges. Use the shadows along the crater's inner walls and the complex terrain to penetrate at extremely low altitude. Teams A and B, enter through the Canes and Alps canyons and draw fire from the front. Team C, your route is the Shadow Corridor. There are plenty of abandoned mining facilities there to shield you from radar. Team D, follow me."
"Major, you're going out personally?" Heine Westenfluss, who had been promoted to Red Uniform Elite and now served as Akira's deputy, asked in surprise.
"The most dangerous route needs the sharpest blade." Akira picked up his helmet. "Captain, wait for my order. Once our mobile suits breach their inner defenses and cause confusion, concentrate all firepower on Coordinate Delta. That's their energy transfer hub. Take it out, and the outer turrets will lose power for at least ninety seconds. That will be our opening."
With the orders issued, Akira's custom unit, the Silver Wing Angel, launched first, slipping like a ghost into the crater's enormous shadow. He chose an exceptionally tricky route, flying almost flush against the most rugged sections of the crater's inner wall and using the terrain to evade most radar sweeps and direct fire. His ACCORD ability allowed him to predict enemy patrol routes and the intervals between shots from the gun emplacements.
The battle erupted from silence. When Akira's Mobile Suit squad appeared behind the enemy defensive line without warning, the Earth forces fell into chaos. Piloting the Silver Wing Angel, Akira swept through as though no one stood in his way. Precise bursts from his 76mm Heavy Assault Machine Gun destroyed several crucial energy transmission nodes and communications antennas in succession. He never lingered, striking and moving on, maintaining high speed as he threw the enemy's defensive system into utter disarray.
Meanwhile, following Akira's predetermined timing to the letter, the Silver Wing's captain ordered a salvo from the main guns. Thick energy beams tore through the darkness and struck Coordinate Delta with precision, triggering a chain of explosions. Just as Akira had predicted, fire from the Gate of Endymion's outer defenses dropped sharply in an instant.
"Now! All mobile suits, attack!" Akira ordered the general assault over the communications channel.
Deprived of unified command and power support, the defenders' formations crumbled. ZAFT's Mobile Suit units launched a lethal strike from multiple directions. Caught between attacks from within and without, the Gate of Endymion quickly fell. The Silver Wing flotilla captured the strategic stronghold at minimal cost, and Mei Hock's precise tactical foresight and daring assault command once again earned high praise from military headquarters.
July 29, Cosmic Era 70. The battle for the Nova space fortress.
The Earth Alliance forces held out stubbornly at Nova, an East Asian Republic fortress converted from a small Space Colony in the L3 Region. The fortress possessed formidable firepower, and its defenders fought fiercely to protect this vital supply transit base.
"A direct assault would cost too much," Akira pointed out during the tactical conference. "The fortress's structural strength is concentrated at the front. But the ecological zone at the rear, where it connects to the old Space Colony section, is relatively fragile. It's also a critical node in the life-support system."
He devised a bold plan: the main fleet would launch a fierce diversionary assault from the front, drawing the vast majority of the fortress's fire. Meanwhile, carrying Akira's Mobile Suit squad, the Silver Wing used its excellent stealth capabilities and powerful independent firepower to make an exceptionally risky long-range flanking maneuver. Under cover of battlefield debris and friendly bombardment, it quietly slipped around to the fortress's weakly defended rear.
"Mobile Suit team, your target is the structural seams in the dome over the fortress's rear ecological zone. Use specialized armor-piercing demolition rounds. Structural damage is enough; there's no need to destroy it completely. Triggering cascading failures in the internal life-support system will secure victory. The Silver Wing will simultaneously suppress the rear gun emplacements." Akira climbed into his cockpit and personally led the sortie.
The operation was as precise as a scalpel. While the main fleet fought a raging battle at the front, Akira's squad appeared like shadows behind the fortress, their specialized warheads striking the designated weak points with precision. Violent explosions and structural stress damage disrupted the fortress's internal air pressure and partially crippled its life-support system, shattering the defenders' morale. ZAFT's main force seized the opportunity to launch an all-out assault and captured Nova in one stroke. The battle once again demonstrated Akira's unconventional tactical thinking and willingness to take decisive risks.
The successive victories earned Akira greater prestige and the trust of military headquarters, while also securing him a brief period of rest and freedom to act independently. In early August, citing "warship maintenance and crew recuperation," Akira temporarily handed command of the Silver Wing flotilla to his deputy, Heine Westenfluss, and arranged for the fleet to resupply and undergo repairs in the relatively quiet space near L4.
He himself boarded a small, high-speed transport disguised as a civilian freighter and slipped away from the fleet in absolute secrecy. His destination was Copernicus City on the lunar surface. Using the secret contacts he had previously established with the East Asian Republic through Li Bing, he had already prepared an entirely new identity: Lin Ming, an international student from an East Asian Republic satellite applying to transfer to the Heliopolis Institute of Technology for a short-term exchange program.
After reaching Copernicus, Akira quickly contacted local East Asian intelligence personnel, changed his identity documents, and altered his appearance with a simple new hairstyle and nonprescription glasses. He then joined a group of international students bound for Heliopolis and passed smoothly through Orb's relatively relaxed immigration checks.
Shortly after leaving the Silver Wing, he received news from PLANT through an encrypted channel, forwarded by Heine. Shiho Hahnenfuss had excelled at the ZAFT military academy, ranking near the top in every subject. She had shown exceptional talent in tactical simulations and simulated Mobile Suit combat and was expected to graduate early. What stirred Akira even more was that Luna Maria, Meirin, and even Li Bing had all applied to, or were about to enter, different programs at the ZAFT military academy. Luna had chosen Mobile Suit piloting, while Li Bing had unexpectedly chosen warship piloting. Given her alertness, reflexes, and ability to adapt on the fly, however, she was more than capable of handling a warship. The introverted Meirin had chosen the communications officer program.
After reading the report, Akira was silent for a moment before giving Heine instructions. "Contact the military personnel department and submit a preliminary staffing request on the grounds that the Silver Wing flotilla needs fresh blood, with priority given to promising Coordinator graduates. Put Shiho Hahnenfuss, Lunamaria Hawke, Meirin Hawke, and Li Bing on the priority recruitment list. Handle this discreetly. There's no need to publicize it." He needed to bring the people he cared about under his wing as much as possible if he was to protect them through the greater storms ahead. He also instructed Heine to keep his whereabouts strictly confidential.
Setting foot on Heliopolis again, Akira found himself in an entirely different frame of mind. A few years ago, he had been an orphan struggling to survive here. Now, he had returned as ZAFT's ace commander, carrying a mission to change fate. The Space Colony's interior remained bright and immaculate, its artificial sky simulating pleasant weather. The streets bustled with people and seemed even more prosperous and peaceful than they had a few years earlier. The neutrality policy and ideals of racial equality vigorously promoted by Uzumi Nara Athha, leader of the United Republic of Orb, seemed to have genuinely suppressed Blue Cosmos's public activities. On the surface, everything was tranquil.
But Akira knew that beneath this calm ran currents strong enough to drag the Space Colony into destruction. The G Project, Morgenroete's secret collaboration with the Earth Alliance, was underway. Five Gundams, the Archangel, and Orb's secretly developed machines were all taking shape beneath this peaceful facade. Less than half a year remained before tragedy struck.
On his second day in Heliopolis, Akira made a few simple changes to his appearance to look more like an ordinary student of East Asian descent. Then, following his plan, he first headed to the East Asian Republic's General Office in Heliopolis, located in the satellite's third district.
The office's facade was unremarkable, but its interior was tidy and efficient. Akira handed the receptionist the documents he had prepared in advance to apply for a short-term exchange program at the Heliopolis Institute of Technology. He had chosen this school because, through memories of his previous life and analysis using his ACCORD ability, he knew that its campus contained a relatively concealed, lightly guarded entrance to an abandoned maintenance passage leading to Morgenroete's outer grounds.
While waiting for his documents to be reviewed, he tapped lightly on the reception desk in a particular rhythm. Then, in a low voice laced with coded phrases from old-century poetry that only designated personnel would understand, he said he had "an important business proposal and would like to speak with the person in charge."
The young, lively-looking receptionist's gaze shifted slightly. Her professional smile remained unchanged as she discreetly looked Akira over, then said politely, "Please wait a moment. I need to check the appointment records." She guided him into a quiet lounge next door.
Before long, the lounge door opened, and another man entered-a capable-looking middle-aged man in a dark suit. He gestured for Akira to follow, then led him through several internal corridors into an unmarked room with excellent soundproofing.
Once the door closed, the middle-aged man's expression immediately turned serious and wary. "Mr. Akira, I wasn't expecting you to come in person. I'm the office's security director, code name Carrier Pigeon. May I ask whether PLANT has any... new plans concerning Heliopolis?" His tone carried both probing curiosity and concern.
Rather than answer directly, Akira sat down unhurriedly and looked at him calmly. "Mr. Carrier Pigeon, I've come in a personal capacity. But the information I bring concerns the East Asian Republic's vital interests in the coming storm."
He paused briefly, studying the other man's reaction, then continued. "According to reliable intelligence in my possession, Heliopolis, the neutral satellite Orb takes such pride in, is currently conducting a secret advanced weapons development program code-named G. The Atlantic Federation commissioned it, and Morgenroete is carrying it out. Its products are several high-performance prototype mobile suits and a new assault carrier."
"What?!" Despite having braced himself, Carrier Pigeon was still shocked by the news, his expression changing abruptly. The G Project was top secret. Even as the intelligence chief, he had heard only vague rumors, nothing nearly as specific or certain as what Akira had just told him.
"If... if this comes to light, Orb's neutrality..." Carrier Pigeon's voice was somewhat strained.
"Orb's neutrality was built on sand from the very beginning." Akira's voice was almost cruelly calm. "Once the G Project is exposed, this place will immediately become the front line. ZAFT, especially its hardliners, will never tolerate such blatant provocation. When that happens, Heliopolis will very likely come under direct attack."
Watching Carrier Pigeon's face pale, he offered his first crucial recommendation. "So I advise your country to immediately begin secretly strengthening its military deployments in space, particularly in the L3 and L4 regions toward Orb. Your spaceport in Kaohsiung is also isolated and extremely vulnerable to attack. My assessment is that once the war reaches Orb, Kaohsiung will very likely be among the first targets."
Cold sweat appeared on Carrier Pigeon's forehead. "You mean..."
"There's no need to fight to the death," Akira said firmly. "If Kaohsiung comes under attack and the situation becomes untenable, I recommend that the defenders preserve their strength and undertake a voluntary but orderly 'retreat' toward Heliopolis. Publicly, they can declare that 'after losing the port, they are heading to the friendly nation of Orb for emergency resupply and repairs.'"
"But... why?" Carrier Pigeon asked, puzzled.
"This is an opportunity." A deep glint flashed in Akira's eyes. "If the G Series machines really are in Heliopolis and fighting eventually breaks out, the Orb Self-Defense Forces and the Earth Alliance garrison will inevitably engage ZAFT in fierce combat. Whatever the outcome, the satellite's interior will descend into chaos. At that point, suppose an intact East Asian Republic flotilla 'happens' to be nearby and is 'forced' to enter Heliopolis for resupply..."
Carrier Pigeon drew in a sharp breath, instantly grasping Akira's meaning. "You're saying... we could use the opportunity to... consolidate or even take over the satellite's defenses? At least in some areas?"
"Not just its defenses," Akira added. "Amid the confusion, Morgenroete's databases, or even G Series prototypes and related technical documents that haven't been evacuated in time... would be priceless. They would give the East Asian Republic crucial leverage and the means to protect itself in the situation ahead. Heliopolis could also become a valuable foothold for your country in space."
The plan was bold and risky, but if it succeeded, the rewards would be enormous. Carrier Pigeon's heart pounded. He needed to encrypt this information and send it to his country's highest leadership immediately.
"Mr. Akira, thank you for this... intelligence and advice of exceptional strategic value." Carrier Pigeon's voice held a trace of awe and excitement. "I'll report to our leadership immediately. We'll process your enrollment with the highest priority. It will be ready by tomorrow at the latest."
"Good." Akira stood. "My identity must remain absolutely confidential. While I'm in Heliopolis, we should have no direct contact unless there's an extreme emergency. I'll pass information through prearranged dead drops."
"Understood! Please be careful."
When Akira left the office, he already held a temporary admission permit for the institute. He knew that the stone he had cast had sent enormous ripples through the East Asian Republic's intelligence apparatus. He had done what he could. Next came waiting for the right moment and personally infiltrating Morgenroete to confirm some crucial information and prepare for any "accidents" that might occur.
Walking through Heliopolis's seemingly peaceful streets, Akira looked up at the clear blue sky simulated on the Space Colony's artificial canopy. Beneath the tranquility, hidden currents surged. His pieces were already in motion, and the next storm was quietly gathering. He would not merely watch the winds. He would also be... the one who stirred them.
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