The joint exercise in the Taklamakan Desert did not result in any public news. Or rather, the alliance formed by the three superpowers completely suppressed all information regarding the battle.
The sudden appearance of a large number of mobile suits on Roz Links' side—machines capable of crushing the three superpowers, including two types that were clearly mass-produced models for organized formations—instantly plunged the three superpowers into a stunned silence.
The other reason for their tight-lipped silence was the interference from the Minovsky particles released by Roz.
Although the concentration had begun to drop, the Taklamakan Desert remained in a state where machine communication would disconnect if separated by more than fifty meters.
Furthermore, electronic components within the instruments of any machine that entered the desert were prone to damage.
Even with protection, the lifespan of electronic equipment within the Minovsky-shrouded Taklamakan Desert was measured in mere days.
As a result, the three superpowers were forced to repair and replace damaged electronics.
Once the statistics were finalized, they were shocked to discover the sheer volume of damaged components and the massive range of the full-spectrum interference generated by the Ravens.
However, the three superpowers now had a more pressing matter to attend to.
Inside a hangar strictly guarded by the coalition forces, a heavily damaged Sengoku Astray lay on the ground, surrounded by researchers from the three superpowers who were conducting a thorough investigation.
"Is this... a Gundam?"
Seeing the machine before him, Sergei Smirnov couldn't help but frown.
Despite having his left arm in a cast, Sergei had ignored his injuries and hurried to the site the moment he heard they had "acquired a damaged Gundam."
"While the appearance is similar, according to its original owner—the leader of the AEU's Anti-Gundam squad, Black Flag—this is merely an experimental MS they happened to capture during their time as an experimental unit. It was produced by a Celestial Being defector, and in their records, it isn't even referred to as a Gundam."
At that moment, a male voice spoke up beside Sergei.
"And you are..."
Seeing the blonde young man in a blue military uniform, Sergei straightened his posture slightly.
"Graham Aker, Union 8th Special Tactical Flying Squadron, 'Flag Fighter.' Rank: Captain."
Graham saluted the man before him. "I have long heard of the 'Wild Bear of Russia's' fame, Lieutenant Colonel Sergei."
"I have also heard much of the Flag Fighters' exploits, Captain Graham."
Sergei returned the salute with his functioning right hand.
After a brief exchange of professional pleasantries, both sides got down to business.
"Don't you think the appearance of this Gundam is a bit too coincidental?"
Graham turned his head, looking at the Sengoku Astray as various data points were being logged.
"What is your take on it?"
After a moment of reflection, Sergei had also identified the problem.
"Previously, we spent an enormous amount of manpower and resources to capture a Gundam, even sacrificing many excellent soldiers..."
Graham watched his friend Billy Katagiri and Professor Ralph Eifman as they studied the Sengoku Astray with grim expressions, his brow furrowing.
"And then I'm told that the AEU had one in their possession all along? That they acquired it long ago without any effort?"
"That raises several questions."
Sergei clearly understood what Graham was implying. "Why didn't the AEU utilize the technology from this machine before? Why bring it out now? Why is the timing of this machine's appearance so... convenient?"
"Exactly. And, as funny as it sounds, I was captivated the first time I saw Celestial Being's Gundams and the Ravens."
Graham sighed. "The impact those Gundams had on my soul, that sense of transcending the mundane... I will never forget it."
"But this machine called the Sengoku Astray... I don't feel that same quality from it."
As he said this, Graham cast a subtle glance toward a figure in the distance sitting in a wheelchair, their right leg wrapped in blood-stained gauze.
"That AEU Anti-Gundam squad leader, Black Flag, is suspicious."
Sergei voiced the conclusion they both shared. "What about the others from the AEU? No reaction?"
"That ace named Patrick Colasour spends all day buzzing around his Colonel, Kati Mannequin. And Colonel Mannequin is a bit of a stickler for the rules; she follows the AEU's orders to the letter."
At this point, Graham scratched his head. "Honestly... why would they push something so obviously problematic..."
They knew very well that the AEU intelligence reports indicated Black Flag had lost a leg. Looking at the blood seeping through the gauze now, it was clearly the interface for a biological prosthetic. To have a prosthetic cultivated and ready so quickly suggested that the damaged Sengoku Astray had indeed fetched him a very good price.
"Why accept it? Why give that Black Flag such favorable terms?"
Sergei Smirnov shook his head. "The three superpowers are desperate to prove they can seize Celestial Being's power for themselves. They want to instill the idea in everyone that Celestial Being isn't actually that formidable." Sergei looked toward the Sengoku Astray. "Even if this Gundam only has the outward appearance of one, it's enough for the three superpowers."
"Troubled times..."
Graham Aker sighed. "I have an ill omen about that guy."
"Yeah, me too."
At this point, Sergei looked toward Black Flag in his wheelchair. "I'm going to investigate him—discreetly."
"He definitely has something to hide."
In the distance, Black Flag didn't care at all about what the newly arrived Sergei and Graham were discussing. He was currently dealing with the military leadership of the three superpowers.
"I've given you everything I could—the tech, the machine, all of it. I only have one requirement..."
Recalling his teammates who had died at the hands of the Penelope, Black Flag spoke through gritted teeth. "I want you to repair this machine and enhance it as much as possible."
"Furthermore, I want a massive replenishment of personnel for my Anti-Gundam squad. I want the finest military equipment, and an unlimited supply of ammunition and resources."
At this, Black Flag gripped the handles of his wheelchair as if consumed by rage. "I want to be involved in every single Celestial Being intervention."
"I understand. We will satisfy your requests."
The leaders of the three superpowers' military departments glanced at each other and nodded.
If anything, this deal was too cheap. By simply meeting these demands, they gained all the design data for the Sengoku Astray and a powerful unit dedicated to hunting Gundams... It wasn't just a win-win; they were coming out far ahead.
-----------------------------------
On the other side, Black Flag was pushed back to his quarters by his sole remaining teammate, Morphine. There, he found Four-Eyes, who tapped a key on his laptop and looked up.
"Captain, I can't help but feel you undersold the Sengoku Astray."
"That depends on how you define profit and loss."
Black Flag no longer wore his indignant mask; instead, he looked quite somber. "The price was good, but will we live to spend it?"
"Trading one Sengoku Astray for these resources allows us to complete our mission of seizing a Gundam and stay alive. For us right now, that is a massive profit."
He felt the lingering pain from his not-yet-recovered biological prosthetic. "Four-Eyes, what did you find?"
"Ah... regarding that voice, I found two results."
At this, Four-Eyes swallowed hard. "Amuro Ray, and the other is this world's Ribbons Almark."
"There is no way a local from this world is piloting the Penelope!"
Black Flag slammed the table, his expression darkening. "So, is it Amuro Ray?"
"Dammit... we can't rule out the possibility that the opponent used a voice changer... Have we wasted another opportunity to look up data?"
Roz Links' consecutive layers of deception had forced them into a state of deep paranoia.
-----------------------------------
On the other side, Roz Links, the subject of their discussion, was currently on the bridge with Natarle Badgiruel and Murrue Ramius, engaged in a call with Sumeragi Lee Noriega.
"So, they really are allies from a different department of yours?"
Hearing Sumeragi's words, Roz instinctively recalled the situation in the Taklamakan Desert.
That guy named Johann Trinity had brought his team and Celestial Being's machines to stop Roz from taking action against the pilot who called herself "Nena Trinity," and he had spouted a bunch of nonsense that seemed problematic no matter how you looked at it.
However, Sumeragi had now consulted the computer known as Veda. This "Trinity" group gave Roz a feeling similar to the Earth Alliance's Extended Human pilots—a team that was indeed on the same level as Celestial Being.
"Ah, yes. Furthermore, our role in Celestial Being's interventions has been usurped by them."
Sumeragi sounded exhausted, yet she offered a helpless apology. "I'm sorry. We are very grateful for your help, but right now, there isn't much more we can do for you."
"As long as the intelligence network remains active, that's fine. One of them got away earlier, and I expect there will be big trouble later."
At this point, Roz wished he could go back to that day and simply pull the trigger on the Sengoku Astray without a second thought. "Our cooperation remains in effect as long as the intelligence network hasn't failed."
This was undoubtedly Roz's decision, and neither Murrue nor Natarle raised any objections.
"...Thank you."
Sumeragi opened her mouth, but finding nothing else to say, she could only offer a somewhat dry expression of gratitude.
The call ended there, and Roz couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
One thing after another kept happening, giving Roz a bit of a headache. 'Maybe I should go grab a wrench and beat something into shape to relax.'
"Why don't you go back to your room and rest for a bit?"
Murrue reached out, massaging Roz's temples. "Haste makes waste. we've already taken out several Lord God agents. They'll likely hide deeper now and be harder to find."
"Resting for a bit while waiting for new intelligence is a viable option," Natarle added, well aware of the importance of balancing work and rest as she urged Roz to take a break.
"Captain Roz!"
Just then, Shinn Asuka stood at the entrance of the bridge, scratching his head. He seemed to have something on his mind. "Uh... did I come at a bad time?"
"It's fine. If there's something on your mind, just say it, Shinn."
Roz took a deep breath, trying his best not to let his frustration affect Shinn. After all, some problems wouldn't be solved by venting negative emotions—it would only make things worse. It was better to focus on finding a solution.
"Ah... back when we were in Tokyo, we met a young couple."
As Shinn spoke, he pulled out his communicator. "I think their names were Saji Crossroad and Louise Halevy. That Louise really likes Mayu Asuka..."
"Yesterday, Louise said her brother is getting married in Spain and invited us to the wedding for a bit of fun..."
At this point, Shinn was clearly a bit hesitant.
"Hmm, I'll allow it."
Hearing Shinn's reasoning, Roz nodded without hesitation.
"For Mayu and Stellar Loussier, it's good for their psychological recovery to be exposed to new things and positive emotions."
"However, when you go, don't forget to bring your MS—and keep it hidden."
Here, Roz's expression became serious.
"You've clashed with those Trinity guys; you probably know what kind of situation they are."
When Roz mentioned Trinity, Shinn instinctively thought of the pathetic guy he had sent flying with his greatsword. Supposedly, the tag-team match between him and Stellar had left that guy with some psychological trauma, and his machine had been under major repairs for a long time.
"According to Miss Sumeragi, the right of intervention has been seized by Trinity. You might encounter them."
Roz's tone was solemn.
"Yes, please don't worry."
Shinn gave a very serious salute. "I absolutely won't let them do as they please. Whether it's our comrades or the people of this world... I won't allow them to harm the innocent."
For some reason, when Shinn thought of Trinity—especially Johann's machine—he kept hallucinating it as the Calamity Gundam that had turned his life into what it was today.
Was it an illusion? Shinn wasn't sure.
If anything, he hoped that this vision was truly just an illusion.
......................