The Southeast Asian air was thick and stifling, the jungle surrounding the Apsalus Project alive with chirping insects and distant rustling. Tanya von Zehrtfeld stood on the observation deck of the facility, her eyes scanning the perimeter with clinical precision. Eight days had passed since Garma Zabi's death, yet even in this remote location, the aftershocks of Zeon's internal turmoil were felt.
Ritcher adjusted his gloves nervously. He had flown with Tanya before, but the tension of standing guard over a strategic project in the dense jungle kept him alert. "Commander," he said, keeping his voice low, "all sensors show no significant movement yet. But the perimeter seems… uneasy."
Tanya's lips curved into a sharp grin. "Uneasy is good, Ritcher. It means the Federation is probing. They're testing our response. They're waiting for us to slip. They won't get that chance."
Mila, second-in-command, approached with her datapad in hand, eyes scanning the readouts. "Commander, scouts report small enemy movements along the northern approach. Likely reconnaissance. No heavy forces detected."
Tanya glanced at the display, her grin sharpening. "Recon this close? Either they're bold, or they want us to be aware. Either way…" She paused, eyes sweeping the dense tree line. "…they don't know what they're stepping into."
Below the observation deck, the hangar gleamed under floodlights. Three Doms, freshly added for the GED elite squad, flexed their servos. Each pilot had trained extensively, and Tanya trusted them completely. Beside them, her own Gouf Flight Type rested, thrusters polished and humming with potential energy.
Norris Packard moved through the hangar, checking over the systems of Ginias and Aina's units. He was not part of the GED elite; instead, he served as a reliable retainer, ensuring their mobile suits were mission-ready. "All systems nominal," he reported quietly, ensuring that the two ace pilots would have no issues during sortie.
Juno leaned against one of the Doms, arms crossed, eyes scanning the perimeter with quiet confidence. Zhou Wei was nearby, performing final checks with methodical calm. Mila's stance remained commanding, every bit Tanya's equal in vigilance and readiness.
Ritcher shifted uneasily near his Zaku. He was still the newest in this theater, still learning, but he had already flown alongside Tanya in combat. That experience had forged him, giving him a determination that edged out natural fear.
Tanya's voice cut sharply through the low hum of machinery. "Ritcher. Stop fidgeting. Focus. This is not a rehearsal."
"Yes, ma'am," he said quickly. "Just… remembering our last sortie."
Mila's gaze was firm. "We all have memories of battle. Use them to sharpen yourself, not weaken you."
Juno smirked faintly. "Or you freeze up, and Mila hauls you out herself."
Mila's glare promised swift retribution. "Keep talking, Juno. Let's see who survives the next engagement unscathed."
Zhou Wei's calm voice cut through. "Save the banter for later. Discipline keeps us alive."
Tanya allowed herself a brief chuckle, enjoying the mix of tension and confidence in her team. "Exactly. We thrive because we're prepared, not because we're reckless."
The scouts' reports were consistent. Movements along the perimeter, careful probes into sensor range, but no assault. Tanya's brow creased as she considered the Federation's tactics. "They're testing us. Nothing more."
Ritcher frowned. "Do you think it's just recon? Or are they waiting for something bigger?"
"Patience, Ritcher," Tanya replied. "We act when we must. Until then, we watch and prepare."
Mila joined her at the observation deck, datapad still active. "I've coordinated with the Doms. They're ready for deployment at any moment."
Juno tilted her head. "And the Gouf?"
"Fully operational," Tanya said confidently. "Flight systems, weapon alignment, targeting. Aina and Ginias will have Norris backing them. Nothing gets past us unnoticed."
Norris checked Ginias' unit again, adjusting a thruster. "Ready for command," he said. "All support systems are green."
Aina appeared, nodding to Norris. "Thanks, Packard. Keep our units at peak performance. I'll handle the rest in the field."
Tanya studied the jungle through the viewport. "Good. Let them play scout, we'll be ready."
Hours passed with careful vigilance. Scouts reported the same minor movements, but the Federation still hadn't committed to any strike. Tanya's grin never left her face. This was the calm before the storm, and she intended to turn it to her advantage.
Ritcher kept close, noting Tanya's ease under pressure. "You really trust them, don't you?" he asked, indicating the Doms.
"They've earned it," Tanya said simply. "Every pilot here has proven their skill."
Mila's datapad chimed. "Commander, GED squad is prepared for immediate launch. Doms fully operational. Juno, Zhou Wei, and I will deploy together. Elite coordination ready."
Tanya nodded. "Good. Ritcher, stay with me. We'll handle the Gouf."
Juno smirked. "Commander, do we need to brief the new guy again?"
Ritcher straightened. "I'm not new anymore," he muttered.
"You've flown with her, you're battle-tested," Mila said. "But stay sharp. Tanya doesn't forgive mistakes easily."
Zhou Wei adjusted his controls. "Understood. Precision and timing will dictate the sortie."
Tanya activated the communications link. "All units, confirm readiness."
"All green," Juno replied. "Sensors aligned, weapons locked, systems nominal."
Mila confirmed. "All units ready for deployment."
Ritcher felt his nerves spike. Tanya's confidence was infectious, but also intimidating. "Understood, Commander. Standing by."
Tanya's eyes flicked toward the observation deck. "Let them come. We'll show them why the Apsalus Project is untouchable."
Minutes later, reports indicated minor reconnaissance probes approaching the perimeter. Tanya's grin widened. "So it begins."
Juno, Zhou Wei, and Mila climbed into their Doms, ready for immediate response. Tanya entered the cockpit of her Gouf Flight Type, systems glowing as the thrusters hummed.
Ritcher followed, securing himself and checking his Zaku's systems. "Ready, Commander."
"Good. Norris, stay with Aina and Ginias. Support if needed," Tanya ordered.
"Yes, ma'am," Packard replied, taking his post at the auxiliary console.
Tanya's mind raced through tactical possibilities. "They're cautious. They want to see our reaction. But we'll control the battlefield. Keep your focus sharp."
The Doms launched, thrusters igniting with controlled precision. Tanya's Gouf took flight beside them, weaving through the humid air above the facility.
Juno's voice came over comms. "We're in position. Scanners show minor Federation probes."
Mila added, "We'll engage only if they cross the line."
Tanya's grin sharpened. "Exactly. Let them test us. Every move they make is information. Every hesitation we exploit."
Ritcher adjusted his sensors. "It's quiet… too quiet."
"Quiet before the storm, Ritcher," Tanya said. "Stay ready."
Hours passed with careful observation. No Federation assault came, only probing movements that confirmed Tanya's instincts.
Packard's voice came over comms. "All support systems stable. Aina and Ginias ready if needed."
Tanya allowed herself a short laugh. "Excellent. Every piece in place. Now we wait, and we strike only when it counts."
Juno glanced at Tanya's HUD. "Commander, this feels almost… easy."
"Easy is relative," Tanya said calmly. "The real challenge is maintaining vigilance when nothing happens."
Zhou Wei added, "Preparedness is our advantage. We hold the line, they falter."
Ritcher looked over the cockpit console. "I see why you're confident. The squad's coordination is flawless."
Tanya's voice was sharp, authoritative. "And it will stay that way. GED elite pilots, Packard supporting Aina and Ginias, me in the Gouf — nothing gets through."
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the jungle in shadows. Tanya's squad remained vigilant, thrusters ready, eyes unblinking.
Minor movements persisted, but nothing daring. Tanya's grin never faded. This was a test, and she was ready.
Hours of observation reinforced her confidence. She trusted her pilots implicitly and knew that the Apsalus Project would not be breached.
Ritcher finally allowed himself a small smile. "We're actually ready for whatever they throw at us."
"Always ready," Tanya said. "And if they overreach… they'll regret it."
Juno smirked, eyes on the sensors. "Then let them come. We'll make it memorable."
Mila's calm voice confirmed, "All systems green. No anomalies detected. Team coordination perfect."
Zhou Wei added, "We control the field. The Federation is predictable."
Tanya's eyes swept over her team, her heart steady. "Good. GED elite, Norris, Ritcher… remember, this is our line. And no one crosses it without consequence."
The jungle darkened further, the hum of machinery mixing with distant wildlife. Tanya's grin remained, a symbol of unshakable resolve.
All units remained on alert, ready to defend, ready to respond, and ready to strike if necessary. The Apsalus Project would remain untouchable, at least while Tanya and her squad held it.