Zeon Command Post, Alberta Front – North America
The war room smelled faintly of machine oil and recycled air, a constant reminder that even on Earth, Zeon's strongholds carried the scent of space. A low hum from the data servers filled the silence as Captain Lelouch von Zehrtfeld stood over the tactical display, one gloved hand resting on the table's edge.
On the screen, Federation aerial units flickered in and out of radar range—Core Fighters and the occasional lumbering G-Fighter, darting across the flat expanse of the Canadian plains.
"Makoto," Lelouch said without looking up, "status on the northern recon?"
The young officer adjusted his headset. "Three Core Fighters sighted, bearing east. Pattern suggests they're circling to harass our supply convoy."
Lelouch's crimson eyes narrowed slightly. "Predictable. They're probing for weaknesses before committing their main force." He tapped the map, marking the fighters' projected course. "Send orders to the 12th Zaku Squadron—intercept, but avoid overextending. The Federation's more dangerous when they're luring us into anti-air traps."
Makoto hesitated. "Sir, are we expecting more G-Fighter deployments?"
"Expect them?" Lelouch smirked faintly. "I'm counting on them."
---
Hours later, Lelouch reviewed combat footage from the Alberta front and recent test data from Zeon's new MS line. The Gouf's cobalt frame dominated the screen—sleek, aggressive, and a clear upgrade from the Zaku II in terrestrial mobility. Its heat rod lashed out with precision, striking a Guntank hard enough to force a retreat.
"Compared to the Zaku II," Lelouch murmured into his recorder, "the Gouf demonstrates superior close-range control in atmospheric conditions and can sustain high-speed maneuvers without significant thruster strain. However—" he paused as a Core Fighter swooped low in the footage, strafing the Gouf's exposed side—"the unit remains vulnerable to concentrated air attack, particularly in open terrain. Armor density at the shoulder and rear skirt remains insufficient."
Makoto leaned over from the next console. "Do you think the Gouf will replace all Zakus?"
Lelouch shook his head. "No. The Zaku II is cheap, adaptable, and mass-producible. The Gouf is a specialist's weapon, and specialists are expensive."
---
Outside the war room, the muffled sounds of mechanics working on mobile suits filtered through the walls—impact hammers, welders, the occasional frustrated curse.
Lelouch drafted his recommendations for high command:
> "Proposal: Develop custom-variant MS for high-performing pilots based on Gouf framework. Suggested modifications: expanded rear armor, integrated anti-air vulcan system. Evaluate viability of hover-capable platform for rapid ground assaults—refer to recent Dom trial results from Odessa."
He glanced briefly at the incoming intelligence feed from Europe. Tanya's latest report was highlighted in the queue—footage of the Black Tri-Stars in their Dom units, carving through Federation armor during the Odessa push. Lelouch studied their coordinated assault, noting the efficiency of their hover mobility in wide-open terrain.
"They'll rewrite Zeon's ground doctrine if the Federation doesn't adapt," Lelouch thought, a faint edge of admiration in his voice.
---
"Captain, sir—new reconnaissance confirms multiple Federation air squadrons regrouping south of our position," Makoto said, passing him a fresh data slate.
From the corner, Lieutenant Rezen—one of the Test pilot officers assigned to Lelouch for field evaluation—leaned casually against a console. "If you want, I can scramble my unit to bait them in," he suggested with a confident grin.
Lelouch gave her a measured look. "Tempting, Lieutenant, but I'd rather the bait not get eaten. Maintain readiness; I'll signal if we move."
Makoto muttered under his breath, "You really don't trust anyone, do you?"
Lelouch's lips curved faintly. "Trust is earned, Makoto. And in this war, you earn it by surviving."
---
As the night deepened over the Alberta plains, the Zeon command post thrummed with activity. Outside, the silhouettes of Zaku IIs stood against the floodlights, waiting for orders. Inside, Lelouch's eyes returned to the map.
The war in North America was far from decided, but he was already shaping the next step. The Federation would adapt—he intended to adapt faster.
Odessa Front – UC 0079
The acrid scent of gunpowder and scorched earth filled the air as Tanya von Zehrtfeld's Zaku II rumbled forward over the cratered outskirts of Odessa. Her custom-painted mono-eye flickered in the dust haze, focused and unblinking. Behind her, the GED Vanguard unit moved like shadows, their beam rifles poised for precision strikes.
"Vanguard, hold tight," Tanya ordered, voice cold and precise. "Priority is disabling Federation artillery battery Gamma-7. Avoid unnecessary destruction — send a clear message."
Mila's voice crackled over the comms, steady but tense. "Commander, my Gouf is ready. I'll provide cover fire for the infantry breach."
Tanya nodded grimly. Mila's Gouf was their ace in close combat — fast, agile, and deadly,why Mila pilot Gouf not her because she not trust enough to pilot experimental Mobile Suit.
The squad's attack was swift and surgical. Tanya's Zaku unleashed suppressive fire while Mila's Gouf tore through anti-air emplacements with brutal efficiency. The artillery guns fell silent, their firing mechanisms disabled with calculated care.
But Tanya's instincts were sharp. Rumors whispered through the ranks — murmurs of a mysterious Federation project called Operation V.
"Have you heard anything on Operation V?" Tanya asked quietly during a lull.
Mila hesitated. "Only what I overheard. Some kind of experimental mobile suit, supposedly stationed on Side 7. Federation's trying to change the tide."
Tanya's eyes narrowed beneath her helmet. "Then we end this fight fast. I won't let some Federation toy dictate how this war ends."
---
North America – Zeon Command, UC 0079
In the sterile command room overlooking frozen plains, Lelouch von Zehrtfeld sat with Rezen, the Gouf test pilot. Data streams flickered across the holographic displays, showing tactical feeds from recent engagements.
"Your feedback on the Gouf's performance?" Lelouch asked without looking up, voice calm but analytical.
Rezen's tone was measured, yet carried an edge of excitement. "Close quarters, it's unmatched. The heat rod and machine gun arm are lethal in urban and forested terrain. But its vulnerabilities at range… they're real. Without support, it's exposed."
Lelouch nodded, fingers flying across his datapad as he compiled his report. "This isn't just about the machine — it's doctrine. Pairing Goufs with faster, longer-range units like the Doms could offset weaknesses. We must refine our tactics before the enemy adapts."
Rezen's eyes flicked to another data set. "Have you seen the latest intelligence on Operation V? The Federation's prototype Gundam is near completion on Side 7."
A shadow passed over Lelouch's face. "Then the war shifts again. We need to prepare."
---
Side 7 – Federation Colony, UC 0079
Selene von Zehrtfeld moved silently through the dimly lit assembly bay. The imposing silhouette of the RX-78 Gundam stood before her, a symbol of the Federation's hope and desperation. Her datapad hummed quietly as she scanned systems and structural specs.
"Prototype is operational soon," she whispered to herself. "If deployed, this could negate Zeon's advances."
An alarm blared suddenly, cutting through the stillness. The bay's PA system barked an evacuation order. Selene's heart pounded. The war was entering a new phase—one that could consume all sides in fire and steel.
---
Odessa Front – Later
Tanya's Zaku stepped over smoldering wreckage as Mila's Gouf covered the retreating infantry. Comms buzzed again.
"Commander," Mila reported, "confirmed intel. Operation V is real — Federation's rolling out prototypes on Side 7, they send char aznable to side 7"
Tanya's breath caught, but her voice remained icy. "Then we finish this fight swiftly. No delays, no mistakes."
She pushed forward into the smoke, eyes blazing. The war was far from over.