The typhoon had finally passed. Personnel emerged from the buildings to clean up the wreckage and remove the window blockades. The storm had left a massive mess; the people at Naha Base joked that unusual objects always washed up after a storm—anything from bicycles and heaps of garbage to entire palm trees. The training grounds and the pool were in shambles. Everyone was busy scrubbing the base and restoring order.
As for me, I headed to the hangar with the other pilots to check the systems on my Zaku II F2. Fortunately, the machines were in perfect working order. Kyosuke, who was helping us, proved to be more than just a pilot; he was a talented mechanic who reminded me of Sam.
"Lieutenant Lydia, how is your Mobile Suit holding up?" Kyosuke asked.
"It's working perfectly. No problems at all, Kyosuke," I replied, finishing the system diagnostic on the Zaku.
"That's good to hear. Back in 0079, we had a major issue. A GM unit's electronics were completely fried by a Level 6 typhoon and a lightning strike," Kyosuke remarked.
"Was the pilot trapped inside?" I asked.
"Yes. They had to manually override the hatch from the outside. Luckily, the pilot was fine, but the suit needed a total overhaul. The head monitor was scorched, and the engine took a direct hit from lightning."
"I see," I nodded. "So that's why these post-storm checks are so vital."
Just then, Aaron called out to Kyosuke. His G-Line had suffered a software malfunction due to the storm; the system was haywire. This meant Aaron would have to use a GM Type-C for the time being if a mission arose. Kyosuke noted that this was actually a perfect opportunity to finally equip the G-Line with its specialized armor sets.
We left the hangar feeling relieved about the Zaku, though Aaron was a bit frustrated about his G-Line's glitch. Still, the prospect of the new armor was a silver lining for the brand-new machine.
"So, Lydia," Aaron asked, yawning.
"How did you sleep through the storm?"
"It was scary, actually. I tried to keep my eyes shut even though everyone else seemed to sleep like babies. What about you?"
"Well... I didn't get much sleep either," Aaron admitted. "I couldn't relax in my room while the wind was howling."
"You should grab a coffee, Aaron. It would be dangerous if you got sleepy inside the cockpit."
Kyosuke approached us then, asking if we were capable of underwater maneuvers. There was an open slot for the RAG-79-G1 Gundam Marine Type—also known as the Marine Gundam, Waterproof Gundam, or Gundiver. Meanwhile, the RAG-79 Aqua GM was reserved for the non-ace pilots. The Zeon Remnants didn't just attack from the sky or land; they were masters of the sea with their amphibious suits.
I felt a pang of anxiety. I had a terrible track record in underwater and space simulations; I was usually defeated instantly unless I was on solid ground. Aaron, however, didn't mind. He felt underwater combat was similar to space, though escaping a sinking cockpit was much more dangerous.
We returned to the hangar to see the Gundam Marine Type standing alongside the Aqua GMs. The RAG-79-G1 was a specialized variant of the Aqua GM tuned for aces. It only bore the "Gundam" name because its head resembled one. It featured improved thrust, a higher generator output, a forearm-mounted harpoon gun, and an underwater beam rifle. It even had a wired periscope on its head to act as a commander unit for Aqua GM platoons.
The Aqua GM itself was an Federation suit built during the One Year War to counter Zeon's amphibious dominance. While its hydrojets were powerful—beating the Z'Gok in output but falling short of the Gogg—its rushed development made it unwieldy. Since it was based on the standard GM frame, it never truly felt "at home" in the water. That was why the Marine Type Gundam was eventually developed.
"So, this is a Gundam for underwater combat," I said, looking up at the machine.
"It's not technically a Gundam, Lieutenant," Kyosuke explained. "It's a tuned-up Aqua GM. It has the name because of the head design, but internally, it doesn't share the Gundam's architecture."
"I see. A Gundam in spirit and looks, but not in parts."
"I think 'Gundiver' is easier to say than 'Gundam Marine Type,'" Aaron said, looking from the suit to Kyosuke. "Kyosuke, I'd like to take it for a spin."
"Sure thing, Captain Aaron. I'll go with you in an Aqua GM."
"Lydia, want to hop in the cockpit with me?" Aaron joked.
"Aaron, don't be ridiculous. The cockpit isn't built for two. This isn't an Acguy, you know!"
"Ahaha, sorry!"
Aaron and Kyosuke headed out to sea while I watched from the docks. Isao and Ohara joined me. When Ohara asked why I wasn't out there, I admitted my poor performance in water simulations.
Isao grew serious. He warned me that even the Gundiver and Aqua GM often struggled against Zeon's specialized amphibious suits. He had seen many Aqua GMs torn apart. He recalled a harrowing battle where he faced a Zogok and a Juaggu. He had won, but his GM was nearly destroyed. He looked away, remembering how his former teammates and squad leader had been wiped out, leaving him as the sole survivor.
Aaron and Kyosuke eventually returned. Aaron was impressed with the Gundiver's handling, and Kyosuke noted that Aaron's movements underwater were as fluid as his movements in space.
Our peace was short-lived. Commander Emiya called us in for a briefing.
Reports from Okinawa locals suggested a Zeon Remnant hideout in the Yanbaru forest. Several amphibious units—Z'Goks, Agguguys, and Zocks—had been spotted hiding in the caves. Their numbers were unknown, but following their recent attacks on Yokota and Tokyo, we suspected they were planning a strike on Naha Base next.
Since the river in the forest was shallow, we didn't need the Aqua GMs. Emiya officially designated Aaron's subdivision as the "Shisa Team," named after the protective lion-dogs of Okinawa.
We suited up and boarded a C-88 Medea Late Type. I was in my Zaku II F2 alongside Emma, both of us armed with Zaku machine guns. Aaron took a GM Type-C with a bullpup machine gun, and Isao sat in his RX-78-1 Gundam. Ohara acted as our operator, while Kyosuke piloted the Medea.
Isao opened the comms channel, his voice crackling with his usual bravado.
"Listen up, Aaron. I'm taking those Zeon punks in close combat. They're no match for me. You just sit back and protect the girls."
"You sure you can handle that alone, Isao?" Aaron shot back.
"Oi, I'm not done with you, shit-head! I want a rematch once your G-Line is fixed. Double beam sabers vs. double beam sabers!"
"Oh, I can't wait for that," Aaron replied, mimicking Isao's delinquent accent.
Emma chuckled. "You two seem to have become fast friends since Aaron arrived."
"No we haven't!" Isao barked. "This punk fights dirty!"
"Me? Dirty?!" Aaron laughed. "I just disarmed your beam saber! That's called winning!"
"Heh," I giggled into the comms. "I never thought you'd make friends so quickly, Aaron."
"It's just because I'm a Newtype, Lydia. Isao wanted to spar, but things got... chaos."
Ohara alerted us that we were over the drop zone. We deployed from the sky. Isao took the lead while Aaron, Emma, and I covered the flanks. The dense Yanbaru forest made it hard to spot the Zeon units, but Isao didn't wait—he opened fire with his head vulcans the moment he saw a shadow move.
The ambush began. Even on land, the Zeon amphibious units were dangerous. The Z'Goks were incredibly fast, firing beams as they closed the distance. The Agguguys swung their claws instead of their usual heat rods. I managed to track one and took it down with a burst from my machine gun.
While the three of us provided cover fire, Isao fought like a madman. He wielded two beam sabers, discarding his shield to fight like a street brawler. A Z'Gok tried to flank me, but I slammed into it with my Zaku's shoulder spikes, knocking it off balance before finishing it with a grenade launcher round.
Isao was in his element, shouting over the radio: "ORA! ORA! WHAT'S WRONG, ONE-EYE? IS THAT ALL YOU'VE GOT?!"
Suddenly, a massive signal appeared on my radar. Two MSM-10 Zocks emerged. These hulking units had five beam weapons and a body that looked the same from the front and back, making them nearly impossible to flank.
"You've got to be kidding... two Zocks?" Emma gasped.
"Damn! Isao, Emma—take the left one! Lydia, cover me!" Aaron commanded.
"Roger!" Emma and I replied.
"Oi! Don't you dare give me orders!" Isao yelled, though he moved to engage anyway.
The Zocks unleashed a barrage of beams. I dodged just in time and returned fire, but my machine gun only did minor damage. Aaron tried to get behind one, but the Zock swiveled its sensors and snatched Aaron's shield away.
"Lydia, aim for the eye from the back! I'll surprise it!" Aaron shouted.
"On it! Tossing grenades!"
I lobbed grenades to distract the Zock. As its main camera tracked the explosions, I landed a direct hit on its primary sensor. Blinded and confused, the Zock slowed down. Aaron seized the moment, driving his beam saber deep into the cockpit area. The massive machine slumped, completely shut down.
Aaron checked on me immediately. My Zaku had some light scorching from a beam graze, but I was fine. Meanwhile, Isao and Emma had dismantled the second Zock, cutting off its claws and finishing it with a combined grenade and beam rifle blast.
The area went silent. We moved to inspect the caves. Isao and Emma hopped out of their cockpits to scout on foot, armed with handguns, while Aaron and I kept watch for any escaping ships. They returned shortly after—the cave was empty. No traps, no hidden warships, and no sign of the stolen Gundam.
We returned to Naha Base as the sun began to set. Back in the hangar, we saw the G-Line was finally undergoing its armor fitment. The mechanics explained it had multiple configurations, including Light Armor and Assault Armor. For now, they were installing the Standard Armor with a new six-vernier backpack.
After a long day, we showered and met for dinner. Aaron, Emma, Kyosuke, and I sat together. Aaron finally asked the question on everyone's mind: how was the original Gundam stolen by Zuckerberg?
"It happened in 0080, right after the war," Emma explained solemnly. "We were supposed to receive an RX-78-2 in white for Captain Koga—Isao's best friend. It was similar to Isao's, but it had antennas instead of a V-fin and more weapon hardpoints. Zuckerberg attacked at midnight, a month before you arrived, Lydia. He was piloting a Gouf Custom. The tragedy is... he shot Captain Koga in the head just as he was reaching the cockpit. Koga fell from the deck... and they took the Gundam."
"Isao wants revenge for Koga," Kyosuke added. "Losing that suit was a massive blow to our reputation."
"Is there any record of where it went?" I asked.
"Nothing," Kyosuke sighed. "No sightings in Japan or abroad. It's like it vanished."
"That's strange," Aaron mused. "Why steal it and then not use it? Is he planning something else?"
I thought about it. Zuckerberg's Gouf had been destroyed by the stolen Gundam's own rifle during the escape, leaving no evidence. There had to be a spy within the base or the transport team, but no one had been caught.
At least for now, Aaron's G-Line was safe. It was a rare, limited-production machine—far more advanced than a standard GM—and we had to ensure it didn't fall into the same hands.
To be continued.