[MONTHLY] Beltorchika's Children Ch.11

　The fleet of Ra Cailum evaded the sporadic missile attacks from the Rewloola fleet, putting up a barrage of anti-missile and particle fire to maintain distance.

　The flash of Axis's nuclear nozzle was still observed piercing through the Earth's night side.

　"Conserve the anti-missile particle rounds!"

　"Roger! Observation team, any enemy mobile suits?"

　"Retreat of enemy mobile suits confirmed! Allied mobile suits, recover in sequence!"

　Control had switched from the combat bridge to the regular bridge. Helmets could now be removed, but there wasn't time to take off their normal suits.

　Each ship's catapult decks and landing decks were chaotic with the returning Base Jabbers and mobile suits.

　"Don't think you can use the fixed attachments! Use wires!"

　Astonaige and his mechanics crew and deck personnel frantically worked to recover the Jegans.

　Several crew members fired cables at the approaching Jegans, securing them in place.

　The damaged Jegans, regardless of the extent of damage to its own body, desperately wants to return to its mothership. If not careful, a Jegan on the verge of explosion might even manage to reach the deck.

　Chief Hanna, overseeing mobile suit recovery on the upper deck, approached Astonaige and whispered something to him—an intimate touch conversation.

　"Kayra?!"

　"By the rear hatch."

　Leaving the deck command to Hanna, Astonaige headed toward the rear of the Ra Cailum.

　The Gundam had returned. Further in, on the deck in front of the Gundam's outstretched manipulator, Astonaige saw several normal suits crouched down.

　"..."

　Astonaige couldn't believe it, but his body instinctively moved in that direction. He lost the courage to counterthrust, letting inertia carry him to the scene.

　The closest pilot suit turned around and shouted, "Astonaige! Don't come any closer!"

　"No way..."

　Astonaige landed on the deck in one swift motion, looking down at Kayra's pilot suit, which had become mysteriously crumpled and torn.

　"What is this? It's not in its original shape, not the same volume as Kayra's body... It can't be Kayra..."

　That's what Astonaige thought.

　"Astonaige."

　Beltorchika's muffled voice was heard near Astonaige's headphones.

　Only then did Astonaige notice the crumpled Kayra's pilot suit helmet visor. Beneath it, Kayra's colorless eyes stared at him. Her cheeks appeared swollen, and her short bangs clung to her forehead.

　"What?!"

　Astonaige's knees buckled, and he bent down to check if Kayra was alive.

　"Kayra!?"

　"Get her out of here! Hold Astonaige back! Don't let him see!"

　Amuro's sharp reprimand echoed through Astonaige's headphones, but there was no way he could hear it.

　"Kayra?! Kayra!"

　As Astonaige's scream began, the mechanics lifted up the crushed pilot suit of Kayra Suu. Men grabbed Astonaige from both sides, holding him back.

　Watching this unfold, Beltorchika's normal-suited upper body swayed back and forth—a painful sight for Amuro.

　"Beltorchika..."

　Amuro's pilot suit embraced Beltorchika.

　"How was she killed?"

　"Kayra... She suffered..."

　"I can imagine... Oh, God!"

　Beltorchika's sob was heard through her visor while Astonaige's crazed voice echoed in their headphones.

　"I can't die until I've taken down Char, who made this happen..."

　"...!? Stop it! Don't say that! It's cruel to the baby!"

　Beltorchika spat out the words, clinging to Amuro's pilot suit.

　"Without that, there's no meaning in fighting! There's no meaning!"

　Amuro had no words to respond.

　Determination was, after all, just an abstract concept.

　Now, Beltorchika, a woman with a physical presence, is attempting to embrace the reality she has just mentioned, even if it means holding back her once assertive personality. When a man comes to terms with this reality, abstract concepts like determination and self-righteous thoughts like male pride are quickly discarded, leaving the man with no option but to kneel before the woman.

　"A baby...?"

　Amuro finally asked, moving his parched lips.

　"It seems I'm pregnant. It's not even three months yet, but I'm sure. So please, don't say things like that now."

　"I see... Our child...?"

　As Amuro watched the mechanics carrying Kayra, he said it once more.

　"I see!"

　The confined briefing room aboard the Ra Cailum buzzed with tension as main staff members, ship captains, and pilots from each squadron filled every available space, akin to ants in a colony.

　"The crux of the matter is that the Neo Zeon fleet at Luna II has nuclear weapons at their disposal, intending to detonate them here at Axis, thereby accelerating its trajectory."

　As the operations officer, Tooth, elucidated the movements on the monitor above the Axis model, some of the captains and pilots quickly consumed combat rations. At the very least, steaming cups of tea were in everyone's grasp.

　"Even if we manage to thwart Axis's descent, a single detonation of the nuclear weapons from Luna II in low orbit would still spell success for Char's strategy."

　"To counter this, we must either destroy Axis's tail nozzle to alter its course or detonate the remaining five nuclear missiles near Axis, effectively splitting it apart."

　Amuro, his impatience palpable, rose to his feet.

　Bright, who had been observing from the right corner, held up four fingers inquisitively. "Are we aiming to split Axis apart?"

　"Yes... Only four nuclear missiles left?... This section is its Achilles' heel."

　Amuro gestured toward a spot just behind the center of Axis on the display, then toggled the screen to reveal a cross-sectional view of Axis's intricate tunnel system.

　"I see, the most convoluted part of the tunnels. So, we're left with no alternative but to mount an all-out fleet assault, correct?"

　"While executing the kamikaze attack, we'll also employ the tube. The ν Gundam's Hyper Mega Bazooka Launcher, powered directly by the Ra Cailum's main engine, will target Axis's nozzle. Concurrently, we'll assault with nuclear missiles. If that fails, we'll infiltrate Axis and obliterate this block from within."

　"Splitting Axis will drastically alter its mass, and if we don't adjust its entry direction, Axis's orbit will shift, ejecting it from Earth's sphere. Even if it plummets to Earth, destroying the deceleration nozzle beforehand ensures it disintegrates in the atmosphere."

　The crew members paused their meal, riveted by Shin and Tooth's detailed plan.

　"Rather than deeming it a possibility, I'd say we stand a fighting chance."

　"It's a brute force tactic. I initially believed the Neo Zeon, with potential reinforcements from Luna II, held the upper hand. But with this plan, we can emerge victorious!"

　Murmurs of agreement rippled through the cramped briefing room.

　"Alright, it's a three-stage plan. We must execute it before the enemy reinforcements arrive from Luna II."

　Bright stepped in front of the display, prompting the assembled staff to stand at attention.

　"Synchronize our time!"

　"Zero synchronization. Ten, nine... two, one, go!"

　In the hushed aftermath, Bright saluted and solemnly implored, "I apologize, everyone. Would you give up your lives?"

　The assembled team members returned the salute with determination etched on their faces.

　Axis had already reached the perilous point where Earth's gravity threatened to consume it.

　Despite this, frantic activity persisted in the control booth of the nuclear nozzle, which continued to propel Axis. Efforts were being made to ensure the designated crash site would be Mexico City. To accomplish this, a nuclear explosion for speed control had to be placed at the front of Axis, programmed to react to any interference.

　This was a challenging task, as it could not be completed until the nuclear nozzle was activated and its effective output confirmed.

　It was fortunate that the Ra Cailum fleet had temporarily withdrawn. The Musaka and Rewloola-class ships concealed themselves beneath Axis's shadow, awaiting task completion while hastening the maintenance and resupply of mobile suits.

　"Cruiser 4 will enter Axis's port in ten minutes."

　Mesta Messa glanced at Char's face, noting his evident fatigue.

　At Luna II, Char had been tense and solitary, and Mesta felt as if she hadn't seen him for over a week.

　The two stood atop the armor above the Nightingale's head, which flowed beneath Axis.

　"Once the fourth ship docks at the port, secure it and evacuate the crew. When Axis dives into the lowest layer of the Van Allen belt, detonate the nuclear weapon aboard the fourth ship."

　"Yes... So it's a race between the Londo Bell ships and the fourth ship?"

　Mesta pressed her visor against Char's, inquiring, "Can we talk through the vibration of the visor?" Char had been so engrossed in monitoring the ships and Axis's defenses that Mesta had inadvertently closed the gap between them. She yearned to touch Char's body.

　"Glarv's overprotectiveness of Quess might cause him to overreact and confront the Londo Bell fleet."

　Char's irritation was palpable, but he refrained from responding. Mesta, sensing his annoyance, hastily tried to justify her statement.

　"Isn't it better that way? It allows Glarv to fully demonstrate his abilities..."

　She emphasized, though her true intention remained unspoken.

　"The judgment of the Newtype Labs' director would be more accurate than mine, right?"

　As always, Char replied with these words and pulled away his visor.

　"Yes..."

　Within her normal suit, Mesta clenched her teeth in frustration.

　Had they been in an atmosphere, Mesta lamented that the situation might have unfolded differently – a realization that seemed to come too late.

　At Axis's port-side facility, several mobile suit repair beds lined the area, and the mechanic crew bustled about, equipping funnels to the Psycho Doga and resupplying the Geara Doga.

　"I left the Musaka on my own and performed well in combat earlier... But now, with both the Captain and Mesta gone... They're ignoring me..."

　While ensuring the smooth resupply of the Psycho Doga, Glarv felt uncertain about his next move.

　"Glarv!"

　Quess, clad in her pilot suit, floated over. Her demeanor seemed to have entirely erased any memory of her previous naked distress, leaving Glarv bewildered.

　Quess's expression and bearing radiated an innocent charm. At that moment, it was unbearable for Glarv Guss.

　Glarv knew that his actions could result in his expulsion from the military, shattering the dreams he held dear. He wasn't entirely arrogant, and he recognized that without Neo Zeon, he would be lost. All of this was because of Quess, who was now drawing nearer.

　As Quess approached, blissfully unaware of Glarv's turmoil, he felt the urge to slap her.

　"Quess? Weren't you with the Captain?"

　"Mesta took him away."

　Giggling, Quess brought her face close to Glarv's. Her exquisitely shaped lips lingered just before him.

　"You think they're just talking business?"

　Glarv attempted to dismiss the thought.

　"But, Glarv, even if you intervene, the Captain will still be mine, alright?"

　Quess offered a knowing smile, her expression more mature.

　"Don't think like that!"

　Glarv encircled Quess's waist, and with his pilot suit's verniers ignited, they soared away from the mobile suit maintenance area and delved deep into Axis's structure.

　"What are you doing?!"

　"You know, I wiped out all of the enemy nukes at once! I even fought to capture the ν Gundam!"

　Glarv's impassioned declaration resembled that of a fervent youth, which wasn't entirely unappealing to a girl like Quess. However, this time, it felt somewhat abrasive.

　Glarv led Quess to a mine deep within Axis, where a miniature, mid-20th-century mining town from the previous century was recreated, built for resource extraction.

　Short streets of the mining town were flanked by red streetlights casting long shadows on the duo as they descended. The fact that the lights were on testified to the precision of the nuclear pulse engine's operation.

　"I can achieve more than the Captain himself. Don't waste your time on that middle-aged man!"

　"It doesn't matter!"

　Quess retorted, squirming in midair.

　"It does matter! Everyone at the Newtype Labs knows it! They know why the Captain tries to approach you even while maintaining a relationship with Mesta!"

　"Who cares! I like the Captain!"

　"Listen! The Captain is obsessed with a young girl he met during the One Year War. He's sick. You don't know that!"

　"What...?!"

　Quess clung to a streetlight pole to steady herself and gazed at Glarv with a puzzled expression.

　"People think he has a thing for young girls!"

　Quess couldn't comprehend what he meant.

　"What?"

　"Char has a lolita complex, nympholepsy, call it whatever you want!"

　"If that's an illness, it's different! Char is an adult! He's with Mesta, isn't he?"

　Quess believed a more dignified description of Char was appropriate. Unfamiliar with the term Glarv used, she felt compelled to resist his desperate attempt to slander Char.

　"It's just a facade. He flaunts his relationship with Mesta to maintain the image of a dignified leader! Many girls have heard the Captain muttering Lalah's name in his sleep."

　"You...!"

　Quess pushed off the ground and slapped Glarv's cheek with all her might.

　Then, she activated her pilot suit's verniers and quickly ascended back the way she had come.

　"Quess! The Captain started this war because he lost Lalah to Amuro. That's not the mark of an adult! He's not reliable!"

　"Go to hell! That's why I can't stand young men!"

　The three ships, spearheaded by the Ra Cailum, surged through the decoy asteroids at full speed. Meanwhile, the Jegans' unit stood at the ready atop the Base Jabber, and Amuro prepared to launch the Gundam, fitted with the tube-connected system, from the catapult deck.

　"Amuro...!"

　Beltorchika, who had come from the catwalk, floated before the Gundam's cockpit, clutching a small basket.

　"A lunchbox...!"

　"Huh? Oh...! Do you have something to drink?"

　Amuro peered into the basket.

　"The white pack is water, blue is pure tea, and pink is coffee, right?"

　Beltorchika entered the cockpit and explained the contents, which included several drinkable packs.

　"Thank you. This is truly helpful."

　Amuro closed the hatch, lifted his visor, and kissed Beltorchika.

　"Thank you..."

　"...Why?"

　"I never imagined that I, abandoned by my parents, could become a parent myself... I'm a fortunate man. Thank you for giving me a wonderful child. That's why I won't push you too hard. I asked Bright to have you brought up to the bridge."

　"No, that's not necessary..."

　As Amuro caressed Beltorchika's belly over her normal suit, he said,

　"I can't wait to meet our child..."

　"...Soon. After this battle is over..."

　"Yeah..."

　Amuro kissed Beltorchika once more.

　"Don't be reckless, alright?... This battlefield feels haunted by Char's bitterness. Do your best, okay?"

　"Char knew about the construction of this Gundam. And he even afforded me the opportunity to utilize the psycho-frame. I think I understand Char's feelings well... I can't turn down his challenge. Otherwise, I'll never be able to become a father, nor will I be able to surpass Char."

　"...Are you confident?"

　"I've made thorough preparations, and for our baby's sake, I will win... No, that's not it. Char never had the chance to meet a woman like you, Beltorchika, or have a child. But I have you and the baby inside you. This difference is an absolute power."

　"Oh... Amuro!"

　After receiving Amuro's kiss, Beltorchika finally retreated from the Gundam.

　The Gundam's manipulator grasped the hyper mega beam launcher fastened to the Ra Cailum's wall.

　"I'll be waiting, Amuro!"

　With a whoosh, the νGundam's exhaust gas billowed, and Beltorchika's voice grew distant through Amuro's headphones.

　From the command deck, Bright intently observed the Gundam's departure, his anxiety manifesting in the unzipping of his normal suit and the absent scratching beneath his undergarments.

　"Captain, should we have Hathaway join us on the bridge?"

　"Hmm... We might all meet our end in this battle. Would you really want to do that?"

　"We've prepared a capsule for recording last words, if necessary..."

　"Sorry."

　With urgency in his voice, Meran opened the console panel's display and called out, "Bring Hathaway to the bridge!"

　"Prepare the tube for release! 3, 2, 1!"

　From a makeshift cable box affixed to the Ra Cailum's rear engine, two energy cables were launched. They connected to the Gundam, which was waiting fifty kilometers ahead. Of course, this was done while both were moving at high speed.

　"........!"

　With precision, Amuro navigated the approaching tube, aligning the Gundam parallel to one cable while expertly evading the other undulating one. The makeshift apogee motor offered little in the way of accurate cable control.

　Undeterred, Amuro maneuvered the Gundam to grasp one cable, connecting it to the waist engine while skillfully avoiding the second cable.

　"Excellent..."

　Activating the Hyper Mega Beam Launcher, the barrel emitted a brief glow, coinciding with a momentary dimming of the lights on the Ra Cailum's command deck before they returned to normal.

　"Connection successful! The tubes' flight angles are limited! Adjust the apogee as quickly as possible, if feasible!"

　"Understood! Retracting the tubes! Mobile Suit units, exercise caution!"

　Bright was acutely aware that adjusting the apogee was out of the question as they needed to maintain a direct course for Axis, but the relief he felt upon the test's successful completion was palpable.

　"Ah, Hathaway...!"

　Upon hearing Meran's voice, Bright turned toward the rear-left hatch, where Hathaway was being led by a guard.

　"The combat bridge is restricted. However, if you can remain quiet, you may observe. Consider it a learning opportunity. Also, have you prepared your final words? Place them in a capsule, and we'll release it."

　"Y-Yes, sir!"

　Bright breathed a sigh of relief as he observed Hathaway, resolute while listening to Meran's instructions.

　"Captain, what are your thoughts on this?"

　"Huh?"

　Bright examined the display that Claire Thrune presented to him.

　"Federation fleets mobilizing? These must be from Luna II, and these here from Side 2 and 5, correct?"

　"Could it be? Are they really our fleet?"

　"Based on their movements and trajectory, there's no doubt..."

　"Are they coming to support us?"

　"Or perhaps they simply wish to bear witness?"

　Though not beautiful, Claire's expressive features were endearing. Her lips formed a pout, accentuating her well-shaped mouth.

　"Periodically update them on our position."

　"But Axis will target us."

　"We're launching a suicide attack regardless. There's no reason to hold back."

　"Should we cease dispersing Minovsky particles?"

　"Fool!"

　As Bright chastised her, Hathaway observed from behind, penning his final words on a sheet of paper atop Haro's head.

　"Axis in range! Heat signature intensifying! Axis has accelerated!"

　"Should we deploy our mobile suit forces?"

　Meunier Thuhigg inquired of Bright.

　"Stick to the plan! Fleet kamikaze! Tubes! Mobile suit combat! Nuclear missiles! Proceed as planned!"

　"Switch control to the combat bridge!"

　"Transfer to the combat bridge!"

　As the bridge crew relocated, Meran glanced at Hathaway, diligently composing his will. He swiftly skimmed the document.

　"Very well-written, isn't it? You even wrote something up for your father."

　"Then…!"

　"Indeed…"

　Meran collected the will, folding it as he floated toward the combat bridge. Bright, the last one remaining on the regular bridge, addressed Hathaway, seated in the auxiliary chair.

　"Put on your helmet. The visor will close automatically if it becomes a vacuum."

　"Yes…"

　"If you get scared, head to the study room. It's the deepest part of the Ra Cailum."

　"Sure, Dad."

　Bright descended to the combat bridge, leaving Hathaway alone with Haro in the dimness of the regular bridge.

　In the southern reaches of Guangxi, China, roughly a dozen kilometers from Hepu, an aged land cruiser navigated an asphalt road marred with cracks as if a violent earthquake had struck.

　Mirai Yashima was at the wheel, with Cheimin clutching a small teddy bear in the passenger seat. The rear seat held a meager collection of luggage, too sparse for those leaving their home behind.

　As they climbed a gentle slope, a queue of vehicles carrying refugees like Mirai and Cheimin came into view. Drawing to a halt at the end of the line, Mirai instructed, "Wait here. I'll see what's happening," before sprinting toward the gathered crowd ahead.

　"Ugh…!"

　A chilling wind blew. Clouds had hung heavy in the sky since the meteorite struck Lhasa, plunging the world back into winter's embrace.

　Although the cloud cover was temporary, it heralded the approach of a long-term cooling trend. Sitting in the driver's seat, Cheimin nervously fingered the small handgun concealed beneath her sweater, doubting her ability to wield it effectively.

　The crowd was curiously composed mainly of Caucasians, local faces few and far between. This stemmed from the forced migration to space and the privilege afforded to those remaining on Earth. More crucially, the ethnic distribution of the planet had been thoroughly disrupted in this era.

　Elbowing her way through the throng, Mirai gasped at the sight of the valley where the asphalt road had been torn asunder. The road had been gouged out for several meters, brown water snaking below it amidst overturned cars. Observing people sliding down the slope, she realized the ground was carpeted in a thick, viscous mud.

　It would be quite some time before passage was possible. To either side, a barren wasteland stretched out, the once fertile fields now surrendered to the ravages of nature.

　"Even though they say we have to go south via the mainland… if we waste time here, we'll be caught in the catastrophe when the meteorite strikes Hong Kong…"

　"Is it true that another meteorite is going to fall?"

　"The rumor is that it'll fall in North America."

　"If it turns into a nuclear winter, nobody will survive more than twenty years, no matter where they are. The ozone layer will be in shambles too…"

　Overhearing the murmurs around her, Mirai shivered and ran back to the car.

　"…Let's abandon the car. If this weather persists, solar batteries won't help, and I doubt any gas stations will sell us gasoline."

　"Are we going to walk south?"

　"Yes, being closer to the sun increases our chances of survival, right? One piece of luggage each?"

　Mirai retrieved a suitcase from the rear seat and began packing their belongings.

　"But… I'm definitely taking Mimasa with me."

　"I won't carry it for you, you know?"

　"!"

　Cheimin showed off the small teddy bear she was holding. Suddenly, they were bathed in warm light, and Cheimin widened her eyes. The sun had peeked through a break in the clouds.

　"Yay! It's the sun!"

　"Hey! It's the sun!"

　Cheering erupted among those who had parked their cars. Both Mirai and Cheimin squinted, astonished by the sun's ability to kindle hope in their hearts.

　"Huh…?"

　"What's that…?"

　In the sun's brief appearance, they glimpsed a solid shadow—distinctly not a cloud—slowly traversing the solar disc.

　The silhouette resembled a vertically elongated rectangle.

　"Is that… Char's meteorite…?"

　For the first time, Mirai saw the physical entity that the man she once knew, Char, was connected to, and her entire body trembled.

　However, that shadow was soon obscured once more by the roiling clouds.