Yuri Amalfi's voice trembled despite his efforts to steady it. He gripped Mei Hock's hand tightly, his knuckles whitening with the strain. His normally imposing eyes held only urgency and pleading, and his voice unconsciously softened. All his official authority fell away, leaving only a father's helpless fear for his beloved son. "Major Hawke, Mei Hock! Tell me, how is Nicol? Is he... is his life in danger?"
Akira gently patted the back of Yuri's hand, speaking steadily and firmly, hoping to offer the anxious father some comfort. "Military Attaché Amalfi, please stay calm. Nicol's injuries are serious. Metal fragments pierced his abdomen and shoulder, and he has a mild concussion, but we stopped the bleeding in time and stabilized his vital signs. He's in the operating room now for further surgery. The doctors said that as long as the operation goes smoothly, with PLANT's finest medical care afterward, he'll recover. But he won't be able to pilot a Mobile Suit or take part in combat for some time."
At the words "won't be able to take part in combat for some time," Yuri's tense body actually relaxed a little. The urgency in his eyes faded, replaced by relief and lingering fear. Compared with losing his only son, keeping him off the battlefield was already the best possible outcome. He slowly released Akira's hand and turned to look at the red light above the operating room door. Taking a deep breath, he spoke in a voice still faintly hoarse. "Thank goodness... thank goodness he's still alive... Major Hawke, thank you. Truly, thank you. If you hadn't arrived in time and blocked that fatal slash, Nicol would have..."
Yuri's voice choked, and he could not continue. After years working in national defense, he had seen countless lives lost and loved ones parted on the battlefield, but he had never imagined such danger would befall his only son. Mei Hock, an ace among ZAFT's younger generation, had not only saved Nicol with his formidable skills, but also prevented a tragedy that would have left Yuri devastated. He would never forget that kindness.
Akira remained silent. He understood Yuri's feelings and knew that no words of comfort could mean as much as news that Nicol was safe. He leaned against the wall, his gaze settling on the operating room's red light as well, and silently prayed that Nicol would survive the surgery and recover completely. It was not just for Yuri, but for himself too, so that his intervention would leave no regrets.
The red light remained lit. Only their heavy breathing and the faint hum of distant medical equipment broke the silence in the corridor. After an unknown stretch of time, Yuri finally composed himself. He turned to Akira again, his eyes filled with gratitude and solemn resolve. His voice regained its usual authority, though now it carried greater sincerity. "Major Hawke, I, Yuri Amalfi, will never forget what you've done. Nicol is my only son, the person I care about most in this world. I cannot let him face danger again, and I will never send him back onto a battlefield to endure another brush with death."
Akira nodded slightly. He understood Yuri's decision. After a close call like this, no father would willingly send his child back to war to face death. "Councilor Amalfi, I understand how you feel. Nicol's injuries are severe, and he'll need a long recovery. Staying away from the battlefield will help him heal."
"Exactly." Yuri nodded, then changed the subject, his gaze growing more solemn. "In fact, before Nicol left on this mission, I commissioned the development team belonging to Chairman Tad Elman's faction to secretly build him a cutting-edge, nuclear-powered X Series Gundam. I intended to give it to him when he returned, so he would have greater strength to protect himself and carry out his missions. But now Nicol cannot return to combat anytime soon, and even afterward, I will never let him set foot on a battlefield again. This machine no longer has its original purpose."
Akira's interest stirred, and surprise flashed in his eyes. He had never expected Yuri to have secretly developed an X Series Gundam for Nicol. The X Series machines represented ZAFT's finest combat power, each requiring enormous manpower and resources to develop. Aside from the Zala Faction's Freedom Gundam, Providence Gundam, and Justice Gundam, such projects were rarely undertaken lightly, much less tailored specifically to a young pilot.
Seemingly noticing Akira's surprise, Yuri spoke slowly, his voice carrying a father's love and hopes. "The development team built this machine on the Freedom Gundam's balanced high mobility and the Providence Gundam's long-range suppression capabilities, specifically addressing the weaknesses of both. Its performance is exceptional. It's an all-purpose, battlefield-dominance assault Mobile Suit, originally intended to give Nicol enough power to protect himself without constantly facing mortal danger like other pilots."
After a pause, Yuri fixed his gaze on Akira. His tone became utterly solemn, carrying an earnestness that left little room for refusal. "Major Hawke, you saved Nicol's life, and you've demonstrated piloting skills and composure far beyond others your age. Rather than leave this machine gathering dust in a hangar, I would like to give it to you. I believe your abilities will bring out its full potential, allowing you to protect PLANT and giving you the strength to protect yourself in this brutal war. Consider it a small repayment for saving my son."
Akira froze. He had never imagined that saving Nicol would bring him such an extraordinary reward: a specially developed, nuclear-powered X Series Gundam. It was the pinnacle of equipment countless ZAFT pilots dreamed of, and the personal Mobile Suit he had always wanted. With it, he could escape the limitations of mass-produced machines, gain greater strength, intervene more effectively in the plot, and change the outcome of the war.
Coming back to his senses, Akira immediately straightened and gave Yuri a solemn military salute. His voice carried excitement and determination. "Councilor Amalfi, thank you for your trust and generosity! I'll never forget this kindness. Rest assured, I'll take good care of this machine and bring out its full potential. I'll protect PLANT and the people worth protecting, and I won't disappoint you. I'll also do everything I can to ensure Nicol can live in peace from now on, free from the ravages of war."
Seeing Akira's earnest expression, Yuri nodded in satisfaction, a trace of reassurance entering his eyes. "Good. Well said! I knew I hadn't misjudged you. The operation will take some time yet. I'll have someone take you to the hangar. The machine is already waiting there for its new owner."
Akira nodded again. "Sorry for the trouble, Councilor Amalfi. Please let me know as soon as Nicol's surgery is over, so I can put my mind at ease."
"Don't worry, I will." Yuri nodded, then gave a few instructions to the bodyguard behind him. "Take Major Hawke to the underground hangar. Accompany him the entire way, and make sure he receives every courtesy."
"Yes, Councilor!" the bodyguard answered respectfully. He turned and gestured for Akira to proceed. "Major Hawke, please come with me."
Akira gave Yuri a slight nod, then followed the bodyguard toward the hospital's underground hangar. The soft corridor lights illuminated his faintly excited face. Anticipation filled him. He was intensely curious about what this cutting-edge machine looked like and just how powerful it was, combining the strengths of the Freedom Gundam and Providence Gundam while overcoming both their weaknesses.
The underground hangar lay on the third basement level of the Armory One base. Yuri had arranged it as a temporary storage location specifically for this new machine. Security was tight, with patrolling guards everywhere, and its walls were made of high-strength alloy capable of withstanding various attacks to keep the machine safe. After following the bodyguard through two heavy alloy doors, Akira finally entered the hangar.
The hangar was dark, lit only by the faint glow of a few emergency lights. A huge silhouette stood at its center, tightly covered by a dust sheet. Its precise form remained hidden, yet Akira could still feel its formidable presence. It possessed the aura unique to a top-tier Mobile Suit, steady and fierce, like a dormant beast ready to unleash staggering power at any moment.
"Major Hawke, the machine is over there." The bodyguard stopped and gestured toward the figure at the center of the hangar. "The councilor instructed us to turn on the lights and remove the dust cover once you arrived."
Akira took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and nodded. "Go ahead."
At Akira's words, the bodyguard pressed the control button in his hand. Hundreds of overhead lights came on at once. Brilliant white light poured down, illuminating the hangar as brightly as day, while the dust cover slowly slipped down along the machine's contours, revealing its true appearance.
The instant the lights came on, Akira froze completely. His gaze locked onto the machine at the center of the hangar, his eyes filled with awe and wonder. For a few seconds, he even forgot to breathe. It was more striking than he had imagined. Its streamlined silhouette favored the Freedom Gundam's clean, crisp design while discarding the Providence Gundam's bulk. Its torso was slightly broader than the Freedom Gundam's, striking just the right balance between space for internal equipment and mobility. Its lines flowed smoothly and sharply, brimming with power.
The machine bore the standard ZAFT X Series paint scheme. Its main body was a pure silvery white, lustrous and soft as moonlight, with deep crimson accents along the shoulders, back thrusters, and edges of its legs. Their stark contrast with the silver-white body lent it an even fiercer, more commanding presence. The chest beam cannon covers were a subdued black, while the shield was an understated silver-gray. The overall appearance was highly distinctive, separate from both the Freedom Gundam's blue-and-white scheme and the Providence Gundam's silver-gray coloring. It stood apart without sacrificing the imposing air of an X Series machine.
Akira slowly approached, studying the machine that now belonged to him. He lightly touched its armor, and the cool sensation beneath his fingertips intensified his excitement. The head combined features of the Freedom Gundam and Providence Gundam, with sharp, vivid blue eyes. Small, streamlined sensors sat on either side, without prominent sharp corners, preserving the Freedom Gundam's style while improving its radar stealth. A small DRAGOON System storage bay sat on each side of its back, with the outlines of the Funnels faintly visible inside. Without the Providence Gundam's enormous DRAGOON System mounting platform, it looked cleaner and carried less weight. Foldable auxiliary thrusters were fitted to its shoulders, Beam Saber storage slots lined both sides of its waist, and fine anti-slip grooves were etched into its legs, clearly designed to improve ground mobility.
This machine had never appeared in the original story. A cutting-edge, nuclear-powered X Series Gundam developed specifically for Nicol now belonged to him. An indescribable mix of excitement, relief, and resolve rose within Akira. He knew that from this moment onward, this machine would become his most dependable partner on the battlefield, accompanying him as he rewrote this brutal war and protected the people he wanted to protect.
Just then, the bodyguard handed Akira a thick manual and spoke respectfully. "Major Hawke, this is the machine's detailed manual. It contains its specifications, core design, weapon systems, and operating instructions. Please take your time reviewing it."
Akira took the manual, gently brushing his fingertips over its cover. Printed on it were the machine's official model number and name: ZGMF-X17A, Justicar Gundam, with the Japanese name ジャスティカー・ガンダム and the English name Justicar Gundam. The name alone conveyed an air of passing judgment on all things and defending justice, perfectly matching its role as an all-purpose battlefield-dominance machine.
Akira opened the manual and read it carefully, unwilling to miss a single detail. With every page, his understanding of the Justicar Gundam grew clearer.
The first section contained the machine's detailed specifications. The Justicar Gundam was a prototype nuclear-powered, all-purpose battlefield-dominance assault Mobile Suit. It stood 18.52 meters tall, between the Freedom Gundam's 18.03 meters and the Providence Gundam's 18.86 meters, with well-balanced proportions accommodating both mobility and weaponry. Its empty weight was 85.7 tonnes, and its fully equipped weight was 98.3 tonnes, placing it in the middle of the X Series range: neither so light that its defenses suffered nor so heavy that its mobility was compromised. Its power source was an ultracompact nuclear fusion reactor equipped with a Neutron Jammer Canceller. Its output exceeded the Freedom Gundam's, and its operational endurance was unlimited, constrained only by the pilot's stamina. Its armor was enhanced Phase Shift Armor, incorporating the Freedom Gundam's lightweight armor technology to balance defense and mobility. Beam resistance was improved by 15% over the Freedom Gundam, allowing it to withstand both enemy beam fire and projectile attacks effectively. It was manufactured jointly by the ZAFT Navy's Rhein Design Bureau and the Earth Alliance Arsenal No. 1 development team, under the ZAFT PLANT Supreme Council. Its single-seat panoramic cockpit featured a Psycommu Support System for stable operation of the DRAGOON System. It was suited to both space and atmospheric environments, with optimized ground mobility allowing it to handle difficult terrain such as deserts and mountains, overcoming the dependence of some X Series machines on space combat.
The second section covered the machine's core design, divided into mobility, weapon systems, and core systems. Its mobility design drew on the Freedom Gundam's large variable back thrusters and body-wide attitude-control nozzles. Two main thrusters on its back offered 20% greater output than the Freedom Gundam's, while twelve auxiliary thrusters were distributed across its shoulders, waist, and legs. Removing the Providence Gundam's massive rear DRAGOON System platform reduced its weight, enabling high-speed cruising and Instant Burst Maneuver. Its speed in space reached 1.1 times the Freedom Gundam's, while its ground speed matched it. It also incorporated the Providence Gundam's high-precision attitude adjustment system, allowing complex maneuvers such as hovering and high-speed turns. Its close-combat mobility far exceeded the Providence Gundam's and approached the Freedom Gundam's suitability for melee combat. Combined with the nuclear reactor's unlimited endurance, this eliminated the usual endurance problems of conventional combat operations. It could conduct prolonged raids or fleet-suppression missions without frequently returning to a warship to replenish its power.
The central concept behind its weapon systems was to preserve the Freedom Gundam's balanced firepower and multiple-target locking capability, introduce the Providence Gundam's DRAGOON System, and add enhanced melee weapons, fully addressing the Providence Gundam's weak close-combat performance and the Freedom Gundam's limited long-range, wide-area destructive power. Specifically, the machine carried six types of weapons, covering close defense, medium range, long range, melee combat, and protection: two MMI-GAU27D 12.5 mm head-mounted CIWS guns, improved versions of the Freedom Gundam's close-defense weapons with a higher rate of fire, primarily used to intercept missiles and enemy Mobile Suits at close range. They provided all-angle defense as the machine's first protective barrier. One MA-M21KF high-energy beam rifle, an optimized version of the Freedom Gundam's rifle with 10% greater output, could switch between single shots and three-round bursts. Compatible with the multilock system, it could attack three targets simultaneously and served as the primary medium-range weapon. Two MR-Q17X Beam Sabers were carried as a pair, combining the saber designs of the Freedom Gundam and Justice Gundam. Their blades were longer, with the same output as the Freedom Gundam's sabers, and they could be joined into a double-bladed configuration, compensating for insufficient beam melee weapon power and providing greater lethality in high-speed close combat. Seven DRAGOON-7 miniature Funnels were optimized versions of the Providence Gundam's DRAGOON System units, reduced in size and weight. They could be stored in the bays on either side of the back without a large mounting platform, supported both psychic and manual control for stable operation, and had a maximum attack range of ten kilometers. They provided omnidirectional attack coverage, with slightly greater power than the Providence Gundam's Funnels and significantly improved mobility, addressing the difficulty of operating the Providence Gundam's DRAGOON System and its limited maneuverability. Two MMI-M100 chest-mounted beam cannons formed a newly designed twin arrangement, concealed within the chest armor with adjustable firing angles. They were primarily used for surprise attacks and suppressing enemy fleets, delivering unexpected lethal blows. One newly designed MX-703 dedicated defensive shield matched the Justicar Gundam's dimensions. Made from lightweight Phase Shift Armor and equipped with a small beam barrier generator, it could withstand beam cannon fire, projectiles, and other attacks, while also serving as a melee shield, balancing offense and defense.
The Justicar Gundam's core systems were comprehensively upgraded from those of the Freedom Gundam and Providence Gundam. Its multilock system was an upgraded version of the Freedom Gundam's MCS Multilock System, capable of locking onto twelve targets simultaneously, exceeding the Freedom Gundam's eight and the Providence Gundam's eleven. Supporting both conventional weapons and the DRAGOON System, it enabled immediate attacks upon acquiring a lock, greatly improving combat efficiency. Its Psycommu Support System refined the Providence Gundam's psychic operating system, reducing the strain on the pilot while retaining high-precision control. It increased the DRAGOON System's hit rate by 30%, allowing even pilots who were not Extended to draw out its full power. Its Phase Shift Armor control system optimized the Freedom Gundam's armor energy distribution system, automatically concentrating energy in different areas according to battlefield conditions, such as the torso during close combat or the shield during ranged engagements. This reduced energy consumption and improved survivability. Its emergency escape system drew on the Freedom Gundam's cockpit ejection design, adding an emergency energy shield that could withstand attacks briefly during ejection. This greatly increased the pilot's survival rate, providing a second layer of protection for their life.
The third section covered the machine's exterior design, exactly matching what Akira saw before him. It described the overall silhouette, head design, paint scheme, and distinguishing details, further confirming its unique, purpose-built nature. Every element balanced practicality and appearance, and every detail served to improve performance. From the streamlined silhouette and carefully coordinated colors to the concealed weapon storage, everything demonstrated the skill of ZAFT's top development team.
The fourth section covered the machine's battlefield role and weaknesses. As an all-purpose battlefield-dominance assault Mobile Suit, the Justicar Gundam could independently perform various combat missions, with three primary roles. The first was raiding: its high mobility and unlimited endurance allowed it to strike enemy fleet flagships or secret bases alone, unexpectedly destroying key targets. The second was fleet suppression: its DRAGOON System and multiple-target locking capability allowed it to suppress enemy Mobile Suit formations and warships simultaneously, opening attack routes for friendly fleets and breaking enemy defensive formations. The third was confronting elite combat units: it could fight top-tier X Series Gundams such as the Freedom Gundam and Justice Gundam head-on, overpower the Providence Gundam in close combat, and suppress the Freedom Gundam at long range. It could handle complex battle conditions and demonstrate formidable strength in both space and ground combat. Its weaknesses were comparatively minor. It weighed slightly more than the Freedom Gundam, leaving it marginally less agile in extremely close-range combat. Although its DRAGOON System had been optimized, prolonged intensive use still consumed considerable energy and placed demands on the pilot's mental strength, requiring exceptional concentration and control.
After reading the manual, Akira slowly closed it. The awe in his eyes had already become resolve and confidence. The Justicar Gundam perfectly suited his needs. It possessed the Freedom Gundam's high mobility and balanced firepower alongside the Providence Gundam's long-range suppression capability, while overcoming the weaknesses of both. Close combat, ranged suppression, or solo raids-it could handle them all with ease. With this machine, his strength would rise to an entirely new level. No longer constrained by the performance of mass-produced units, he could intervene in the plot with greater confidence, protect Nicol, prevent more tragedies, and even change the outcome of the war.
Akira approached the Justicar Gundam again and reached out, gently stroking its shoulder armor. Excitement and gratitude filled him. He could imagine piloting it across the battlefield, passing judgment on evil and protecting the people he wanted to protect. That unprecedented sense of strength and assurance filled him with longing.
Just then, Akira's communicator rang. Yuri Amalfi's voice came through, carrying a note of satisfaction. "Major Hawke, I imagine you've seen the Justicar Gundam and finished reading its manual by now. What do you think? Is it to your liking?"
Akira immediately answered, unable to hide the excitement and gratitude in his voice. "Councilor Amalfi, it's perfect! Thank you. This machine is incredibly powerful, far beyond my expectations. I'll pilot it well and prove worthy of your trust and generosity."
"I'm glad you're satisfied." A hint of a smile entered Yuri's voice. "Nicol's operation is still underway, but the doctors say everything is going smoothly. You needn't worry too much. Right now, the battlefield situation is urgent. The Battle of Alaska is about to begin, and both the Earth Alliance Forces and ZAFT are continuing to muster their forces. As a ZAFT ace pilot, you have an important mission to fulfill."
Akira's heart tightened, and he immediately set aside his excitement. His voice became steady and firm. "Councilor Amalfi, I understand. The Battle of Alaska will determine the course of the entire war. I won't take it lightly."
"Very good." Yuri's tone grew solemn. "The Justicar Gundam's performance is sufficient for you to enter the atmosphere independently and reach the battlefield on Earth. I've made the arrangements. You can pilot it directly to Earth and take part in the preparations for the Battle of Alaska. You can order the Silver Wing to make its own way into Earth orbit and provide cover from space during the battle, helping the ZAFT fleet hold off the Earth Alliance Forces' space forces and providing support from above for your deployment on the ground."
"Understood!" Akira answered solemnly, his decision already made. "Councilor Amalfi, I'll depart for Earth in the Justicar Gundam immediately. Please be sure to notify me as soon as Nicol's surgery is over, so I can put my mind at ease. Also, please tell Nicol that I'll come see him once he recovers. With this Justicar Gundam, I'll protect him and everything we both want to protect."
"Don't worry, I will." Yuri's voice held a note of reassurance. "Be careful on your journey, Major Hawke. May you win a swift victory and return safely. And may this Justicar Gundam help you carve out your own place on the battlefield, pass judgment on the course of this war, and protect PLANT's future."
"I won't let you down!"
Ending the call, Akira took a deep breath and settled his emotions, looking resolutely toward the Justicar Gundam's cockpit. He leaped up, quickly climbed to it, opened the hatch, and jumped inside.
Blue lights flickered within the cockpit. The panoramic screens clearly displayed the hangar, and the control panel was clean and precise, its buttons and control sticks neatly arranged. The Psycommu Support System activated automatically, enveloping Akira in a faint warmth. He immediately felt a connection with the machine, a sense of shared intent he had never experienced while piloting mass-produced units. It was as though this machine had been born to become part of him.
Akira sat in the pilot's seat and gripped the control sticks. His fingertips brushed the control panel as he started the machine's engine. The Justicar Gundam's main back thrusters and auxiliary thrusters across its body activated simultaneously, producing a deep, powerful roar. Blue energy surged out with tremendous thrust, slowly lifting the machine off the ground until it hovered at the center of the hangar.
"Justicar Gundam startup complete. All parameters normal. Power output stable. Weapon systems ready. Psycommu Support System functioning normally. Preparing to depart!" Akira's voice was steady and firm. His eyes stayed fixed on the panoramic screens as he guided the machine slowly toward the hangar exit.
The hangar's alloy doors slowly opened. Dazzling sunlight streamed in, illuminating the Justicar Gundam's silver-white body. Akira guided it out of the hangar, then raced toward space. Its engine ran at full power, and its thrusters unleashed tremendous force. The Justicar Gundam accelerated, far surpassing a Nazca-class warship, streaking across PLANT's sky like a bolt of silver-and-crimson lightning as it headed toward the atmosphere.
On the way, Akira contacted the Silver Wing's executive officer and issued his orders. "This is Mei Hock. I'm piloting the Justicar Gundam to Earth to take part in the Battle of Alaska deployment. The Silver Wing is to change course immediately and proceed independently to Earth orbit. Provide cover from space during the Battle of Alaska, assist the ZAFT fleet in holding off the Earth Alliance Forces' space forces, and cover our ground forces' advance. Remain ready for my orders at all times. No mistakes."
"Understood, Major Hawke!" the Silver Wing's executive officer answered respectfully. "All crew members are ready. We'll adjust course immediately and head for Earth orbit at full speed to carry out our cover mission. Your orders will be followed without fail!"
"Good." Akira nodded slightly, ended the call, and pushed the Justicar Gundam to greater speed.
The Justicar Gundam raced through space like a silver-and-crimson meteor, moving at an astonishing speed that far exceeded any ZAFT warship. Stars and nebulae swept rapidly backward along its path. Akira guided the machine toward Earth while constantly assessing the situation surrounding the Battle of Alaska and planning his subsequent deployment. He knew it was a pivotal battle, and an important opportunity to rewrite the plot and protect his companions.
Before long, the Justicar Gundam reached the edge of Earth's atmosphere. Without hesitation, Akira activated its atmospheric entry mode. The chest beam cannon covers opened slightly, and the back thrusters ran at full power, generating tremendous thrust. At the same time, the Phase Shift Armor automatically adjusted its energy distribution, forming a thick energy shield around the machine to withstand the intense heat and impact caused by atmospheric friction.
"Justicar Gundam commencing atmospheric entry. Energy shield stable. Machine status normal!"
As Akira finished speaking, the Justicar Gundam plunged into the atmosphere like a blade. Blazing fire engulfed its body, but protected by its energy shield, it raced steadily toward Earth's surface. Against the searing flames, its silver-white frame looked fiercer and more resolute than ever, like an Arbiter heading to the battlefield. Bearing the conviction to protect and the determination to win, it flew toward Earth and the Battle of Alaska, the battle that would decide the course of the war.
Seated in the cockpit, Akira stared ahead with unwavering eyes, a single thought filling his mind: This time, with the Justicar Gundam in my hands and my intervention, I'll change the outcome of the war. With the power of judgment, I'll protect everyone worth protecting and bring about true peace.
Before you continue