[Hathaway's Flash] Vol.03 Ch.08

CHAPTER.08
UNDER THE FOREST

　As Kenneth and Director Yeoksan engaged in their clandestine conversation, Hathaway and his squad nestled in a valley roughly fifty kilometers southeast of Adelaide. Once they crossed the mountain range of fifteen, sixteen hundred meters, they would reach Adelaide. An unlikely meeting place, it was so close yet strategically hidden enough to divert suspicion.
　Here, even the colossal shape of a Gundam could vanish within the dense, verdant cloak of the slopes.
　"Fabio, you've handled this well," said Hathaway, "Perhaps, when the time is right, we'll head downstream to Lake Alexandrina or Encounter Bay. We could also retreat inland, lay low until it's safe, and then escape the continent."
　The laughter in Fabio's voice betrayed his grim words. "We'll handle this, I promise. But the loss of two Galcezons and six Messers... It's a severe blow, no?"
　Hathaway shook his head. "No, this is as expected."
　"Once we've concluded this assault, you'll retreat to Lodoicea?"
　"Yes, we will disengage one by one."
　Fabio's question carried a hint of hope. "So, we're bound for the southern sea next?"
　A faint smile touched Hathaway's lips. "Send my best to Chang and the others," he answered.
　His duties called him, a final bombing of Adelaide to ensure a safe retreat for Fabio's team and the undercover operatives in the city.
　Hathaway scaled the rope to the Gundam's cockpit, offering a final, reassuring smile to Fabio and his team as they vanished beneath the forest canopy. Their presence here signified a crucial detail - the Gundam could be resupplied for further strikes on Adelaide.
　By the time Hathaway accessed the Gundam's console panel, the hum of an engine from the trailer below filled his ears. They were set to blend in as harmless vegetable transporters, their escape plan in full motion.
　With a push of a button, Hathaway released a balloon from the Gundam's head, its attached camera scanning for the Galcezons and Messers that lay in wait. The Messers were refueling the reserve missiles mounted on the Galcezon, preparing for another attack. The camera of the Gundam captured the heads of two Messers and a flock of rose-breasted cockatoos.
　"We're certain to succeed," he murmured to himself.
　"Our success is certain. I'm glad we didn't have to drive Gigi away," roared
　Gawman Nobile over the contact line to the bridge after he landed onto the 4 Galcezon under Kaussaria Geese to replace his missile pods.
　"I'd like to think it's because we're lucky, but..." Kaussaria retorted a bit.
　"That's jealousy speaking, Kaussaria. The Festival Center is nearly demolished. It doesn't always go our way," he retorted, not hiding the ire in his voice.
　"Half our mobile suits are down. Emeralda's taken out too!" Tension rose in the air as Kaussaria's fury spilled out, her crew wary of her wrath.
　"Captain, please remain composed," pleaded the copilot, but Caussaria wasn't to be silenced. "We all knew what we were getting into when we signed up. If we don't boost Rey's morale, we'll lose hope. We can't let Emeralda's fate befall us all!"
　Gawman's stern voice filled the receiver, and silence fell upon the scene. The time for mourning was yet to come - it was a luxury they couldn't afford now.
　Once Caussaria processed Gawman's words, she found another target for her fury. "That woman, Gigi, I bet she reported to Circe. This mess is her doing!"
　Gawman, understanding her anger yet knowing it was misplaced, suggested, "If you're so sure, why not execute her after we finish this operation?"
　As their tense exchange filled the air, the Gundam moved, looming over the scene. A moment of silence was broken by the rustling of the trees, swaying violently under the Gundam's wake.
　"It's about time. Let's move!" cried Gawman.
　Kaussaria's voice crackled in his receiver one last time, laden with a sob. "You're too nosy..."
　Hathaway's gaze locked onto the Messer affixed to Raymond's unit. Its mere presence, a grim reminder of the now absent Emeralda, sent a pang coursing through his heart.
　"Golf! Request Raymond to release the prisoners!"
　"Huh? Got it."
　When Hathaway conveyed this to Golf's unit, which had finished replacing the missile pod, by touching the Gundam's manipulator, Golf passed it on to Raymond.
　"It's happening now."
　"I see..."
　As they awaited Golf's response, Hathaway maneuvered his unit upwards, the Gundam's monstrous form shadowing over the dense eucalyptus forest below. The vegetation trembled under its might, revealing a flurry of figures between its branches.
　The liberated prisoners, led by Kimberly Heyman, gradually emerged from the confines of the Galcezon. Amid the chaos, the slight figure of Gigi slipped through, a phantom amongst the trees. The sight of her stirred a torrent of emotions within Hathaway, compelling him to soar higher.
　He yearned for the warmth of a final farewell, but he swallowed that impulse. The need for pragmatism over sentimentality took hold. An optimistic whisper within him murmured, "We'll meet again, Gigi."
　That's what he wanted to say.
　In the twilight gloom beneath the eucalyptus, Gigi exchanged hushed words with Heyman before vanishing into the verdant maze. Her indifference was a stark, chilling blow. Yet Hathaway clung to his optimism and steered westward, his thoughts running parallel with the clouds.
　The foreboding uncertainty cast a long shadow, but leaving a trace, he reasoned, was the grim art of war survival. It might be a somber trait of humanity, but it was a poignant testament to endurance.
　Amidst the looming Galcezons, Hathaway sought comfort in the realization of his shared human predicament. His attention darted between the airborne giants—five machines equipped with a single Messer, two operating solo. Their remaining firepower was a stark reminder of their dwindling resources.
　As the Xi Gundam gently traced the mountain slope, Gawman's craft leaped off the deck of the 4 Galcezon and approached from behind.
　A slight vibration managed to shake off Hathaway's sentimentality.
　"What's this?"
　One of the advantages of a Minovsky Craft was its ability to support a weight equivalent to one Messer.
　"Don't you reckon Kimberley and Gigi are still worth something?" Gawman purposefully instigated this conversation.
　"I'm open to a suicide mission, but the prisoners—particularly Gigi—aren't superfluous. Shedding their weight could buy the Galcezons some time," Gawman argued, his pragmatism echoing Hathaway's.
　"But isn't that a touch fatalistic?"
　"Worried, are you?"
　At that moment, Hathaway was just contemplating the advantage of having something left behind. He wondered if Gawman was being more pessimistic.
　"Just a bit..."
　"No worries. Leaving Kimberley behind will showcase Mafty's mercy. As for Gigi, she serves as a reminder for Kenneth. It'll keep him vigilant."
　Hathaway's retort had a teasing edge to it.
　"Planning for the aftermath of Adelaide?"
　"Of course. Kimberley becomes our living proof, illustrating our humanity. Even if they lie, their survival in itself will surely spark public outrage, a victory for Mafty. We'll be returning soon, you know?"
　"Well, I understand, but reconsider the suicide mission, will you?"
　"I apologize. I'll rephrase. I vow to make a strategic withdrawal from the battlefield."
　Upon hearing this, Gawman exhaled a sigh of relief. Hathaway didn't seem as crushed by the loss of their comrades as he'd anticipated. A leader, he realized, needed to uphold a certain emotional aloofness.
　Now, Gawman's gaze shifted to a lone Galcezon. Its flight was steady.
　It would spell trouble if Raymond, having lost Emeraldaa, gave in to despair. Yet, observing the Galcezons soaring low over the mountain in formation, he could gauge the pilot's frame of mind.
　"He's likely thirsting for Emeralda's vengeance..."
　"Here we go!"
　Following Hathaway's declaration, a flash of light erupted from the main nozzle of the Gundam, now at full thrust.
　"Hathaway?!"
　Gawman, having lost his foothold, began to fall. Adjusting his verniers, he quickly approached a lone advancing Galcezon and touched down on the deck.
　Golf's suit took a step back and offered its support.
　"How's Ray faring?"
　"He's holding up."
　"I see..."
　Even as he listened to Golf's voice, Gawman focused the multi-monitor of his visual display on the bridge skylight of Raymond's craft. He could just make out Raymond's shoulders.
　"Well, he appears stable..."
　With that, Gawman shelved his worries for his comrades.
　"In a few moments, I might be the one shedding tears..."
　It was then that he tasted the sour reality of being an unattached middle-aged man since his initiation into Mafty. The harsh reality of having no one to truly mourn his death made the prospect all the more terrifying.
　"I can't die before I've found a good woman or had children!"
　Voicing the phrase aloud, he plunged deeper into contemplation.
　"If not, then what's the point of all this? What have I been living for?"
　This determination stirred up a resolve within him, a resolve that declared, regardless of the opposition, he would survive.
　The Galcezons crossed over a grand ridgeline, their sights set on the peak beyond.
　Adelaide awaited them.
　But by then, the silhouette of the speeding Gundam had vanished from their view.

　"Miss, wait up!"
　Their voices, sugary and insidious as a feline's purr, left her with little option but to increase the gap between them. Gigi had intended to dawdle, to watch the silhouette of the machine, less daunting than the Gundam, fade into the tree line. Alas, time was a luxury she didn't possess. In her desperation, she wormed her way through the rich, verdant ivy, ascending ever higher up the gradient.
　"You've got the keys, haven't you!"
　"That's what the Base Jabber pilot said!"
　The four soldiers, led by Kimberly Heyman, were hot on Gigi's trail. But they were hampered, their hands cuffed behind their backs, running awkwardly and struggling with the uphill climb.
　Gigi, ensuring a reasonable distance from her pursuers, unfastened the leather bag bestowed upon her by Raymond Cain.
　Inside, sure enough, were five keys. However, Gigi resented the instruction she received when Raymond gave her the bag.
　"Perhaps there's some merit in aiding them," he'd hinted.
　A swarm of vibrant, roseate parrots took flight overhead, their raucous squawks echoing through the clearing.
　Unbeknownst to her, the forest was alive with the calls of countless birds.
　"You're here to keep an eye on us, aren't you! You've got the keys! Miss!"
　The sight of a stocky middle-aged man floundering through the dense woods in her pursuit was something she cared little for.
　"Oh, please. I was taken captive by Mafty, too. I'm hardly the type to be trusted with keys."
　Gigi, telling a lie, continued to climb the slope.
　"You were on the bridge of the Galseson. You're not a prisoner of war."
　"But looking at how I'm dressed, you can tell I'm not part of Mafty's crew!" Gigi stumbled on a pebble, nearly falling.
　The crunching noise of the men blundering their way up through the rustling ivy fueled her fear.
　"Ugh…!" Her hand slipped on some slick moss, and her foot, shod in an insect-crushed shoe, skidded.
　"I… I want to get away from both Mafty and you guys," Gigi declared, crying out as she made her way through a few more trees to an old paved road.
　The path was blanketed in asphalt, yet it was so overrun with grass and tree sprouts pushing through the cracks that it was hardly discernible as a path at all.
　"Huff… Huff…!"
　Despite this, it bore evidence of past vehicular journeys. Gigi sprinted, aiming to stay on the remnants of asphalt still bearing resemblance to a road.
　"Hey! Young lady!"
　The men's voices were faint and distant. To Gigi, their tone was one of forced compassion. She took several turns on the asphalt road before daring to peek towards the right, from where the voices emanated. She spotted the captives' heads bobbing amidst the foliage.
　"Hey, you lot! Does this look like a key to you?!" Gigi brandished the leather bag, hollering.
　"So, you did have the keys!"
　"Mafty instructed me to do this! If you think there are keys in here… find them yourselves! Then your hands will be free!" With that, Gigi flung the cluster of keys into the forest with all her might.
　Thwoomp!
　There was a dull sound in the distance, but it didn't echo.
　"You!"
　"Oh, spare me! I was instructed to do this!" Gigi fabricated yet another tale. She saw three of the younger captives dart in the direction of the sound. Gigi, now devoid of any reason to look back, commenced a desperate sprint. She had to get closer to Adelaide. That was her conviction.
　"Huff… Huff…"
　Gigi questioned her frenzied escape. Hathaway had bid his farewell. There was no rationale for rushing towards the place where a man like that met his demise. Yet, Gigi found herself running, undeterred.
　"Ah!" Her foot got caught in a crack in the asphalt, resulting in a painful fall. Her hand protested with the raw sting of a scrape. The sun's rays stabbed the cracked asphalt road, drawing heat from the depths. Steam began to curl from the underbrush.
　Looking at the black tire tracks on the asphalt, Gigi picked herself up. They seemed to point, like signposts, to Adelaide. If she could get over this small range of hills, she'd be okay. However, if Adelaide lay beyond this hill and if vehicles were to come from that direction, they were likely to be Federation military vehicles. If that were the case, she might be captured by them.
　"What should I do?"
　The dense undergrowth of the woods on either side looked treacherously thick; confidence waned in her ability to navigate through it.
　"Comb the area! The keys must be here!"
　Faint voices echoed like ghostly residues, creeping closer to Gigi.
　"If it's not a military vehicle, maybe they'll give me a lift…"
　Gigi, reduced to a weary walk, braced herself, all while deliberating her next move. Even in these dire straits, she must persist, she decided. Perhaps she could hitch a ride to Adelaide in the car coming up from below, if it weren't military, she thought. But by that time, that car would likely have already been seized by Kimberley and the others.
　Nonetheless, she decided to navigate the tumultuous asphalt road at a brisk pace. Gigi realized that without verifying Hathaway's circumstances, she wouldn't be able to decide how to proceed, even if she was left to fend for herself. For this purpose, she had forsaken her supposed life of ease in Hong Kong.
　Gigi ran on.
　Her chest constricted painfully; it was sweltering.
　And then, her worst fear materialized. The growling hum of several vehicles, a sound like a descending titan. Gigi hid in the thickets by the road. The engine noise, though suggesting a few cars, was a gross underestimation. It was exponentially larger. More than twenty cars maneuvered the precipitously uneven slope in a convoy, the majority being electric, Elecar, making minimal noise.
　"Soldiers?!"
　Although they were civilian vehicles, most of the people in them were dressed in military uniforms. Moreover, they appeared as a group of defeated people, clothes torn and sooty; they were the ones beaten in the first Mafty attack. There would likely be more vehicles of this sort. Gigi reasoned this road was now off-limits. Before that realization fully sunk in, another hit her: Kimberley Hayman and his lot would halt this vehicle convoy, unlock their shackles, and begin their search for her.
　Despair seized Gigi.
　"I'm always just hiding..."
　Despite such thoughts, Gigi was ultimately saddened by her fate, which seemed doomed to end in the hands of someone else.