UC.088 — FEBRUARY 23
On the battlefield, a small KARABA squad is fighting against the dying remnants of the TITANS, a faction that, despite having already lost a large territory on Earth, continues to resist the rebellion's movements. Two Hi-Zack units fall to the fire of a transformable mobile suit, similar in appearance to the AEUG's legendary white Gundam; it is its sister unit, the Zeta Plus.
—Second Lieutenant, leave some for the squadron hahaha.
—(sigh) Lieutenant, remember we still have those beers due, it would be a shame if you didn't pay me for two Hi-Zacks, wouldn't it?
—You two, concentrate on the battlefield, the operation is almost over, stay focused.
The atmosphere was more relaxed; with the imminent elimination of the TITANS, the squad members were celebrating their victory. However, nothing could have prepared them for the beast they were about to face. The radars began to malfunction, and static and intermittent sounds came and went from the local communication signals. What kind of anomaly could be occurring?
The pilots were confused; the interference tore at their ears and echoed in the heads of those who were under that sunset.
—W-what is this? This feeling? Ugh... it's horrible...
A migraine, along with erratic thoughts, coursed through the ensign's mind, physically affecting him. His movements slowed, as if time itself were slowly coming to a standstill. Amidst the static of the communication signals, only a brief message could be received—one that would put any unit, regardless of its allegiance, at risk.
"M...Mobil... Su.. E...Enemi..g.. G..Gund.. Gunda... Black... G...undam.. ..Black.."
Emerging against the light, the KARABA mobile suits were embraced by the shadow of the monstrous Mobile Suit, which claimed the territory as its own. Communications were restored, and with them, the pilots regained consciousness. The captain gave firm orders.
—Withdrawal to all units.
The lieutenant's Mk-II unit was picked up by the ensign's Zeta Plus, while the allied Nemos boarded the Dodai flight systems. Suddenly, the black Gundam attacked, and within seconds, five Nemo units, positioned at different points, were eliminated simultaneously.
As he fled, the ensign could feel one last thing, a heartbreaking sadness, beyond the fallen comrades, an anguish and emptiness, as if he had lost someone, as if he were searching for someone.