[MONTHLY] Beltorchika's Children Ch.05

　The Ra Cailum fleet was making its way to Londenion as if it were in pursuit of Char.

　Hathaway was situated just outside the airlock to the officer's mess, peering through a telescope and taking in the sights of Side 1's airspace and the location of Londenion. This region, set in a unique position as if in pursuit of the Moon, was home to the first space colonies ever built, housing over a hundred colonies and nearly two billion people.

　"That's a space colony?! If we can build something like this, then it makes me think people really can evolve!"

　Quess peered through the telescope, her eyes wide as she gazed upon the space colonies, each with three long mirrors attached to slender cylindrical structures.

　"Yeah! It makes sense why the Zabi family from the Principality of Zeon in the Side 3 colonies on the Moon's far side would seek independence from Earth."

　"Oh, I get where you're going! The One Year War. The one where the Zeon made war or something."

　"Yeah. And don't forget, Char, the legendary Red Comet, was part of the Zeon forces during that war. Do you think he's the one leading the Neo Zeon now?"

　"Didn't he also serve the Federation Forces at some point?" Quess asked, still fixated on the view through the telescope.

　"During the Titans rebellion, I believe. After the Principality of Zeon lost the One Year War, Char fled to the asteroid belt. No one knows exactly what he was up to, but he came back from his mysterious stint and aligned himself with Amuro and my dad to take on a sinister Zeon woman as part of some anti-Earth Federation Forces."

　Hathaway explained though he wasn't entirely sure of all the details.

　"You're talking about the Gryps War, right? And now they say he's trying to freeze the Earth?" Quess asked, turning to Hathaway.

　"That's the rumor. But why would he do that? I can't wrap my head around it."

　The young Hathaway struggled to comprehend Char's twisted motives.

　"Really? Well, I get why he's doing it. Char is carrying out his beliefs. His father, Zeon Deikun, was the one who advocated for independence for Spacenoids, right? He was assassinated by the Zabi family, and they co-opted his name. That's why Char joined the Zeon forces to seek revenge against them. He's always stood behind Deikun's declaration, and even I can tell that he will do something about people whose souls are being weighed down by the Earth. So that's why there's an operation to freeze the Earth! If you just took a step back, you'd see that too!"

　"..."

　Hathaway was left speechless, simply staring at Quess.

　"What's wrong?"

　"How do you know all of this?"

　"What? I saw it all on TV and in newspapers."

　"It's impressive how you've pieced everything together, but I'm not sure. Do you think that gives him the right to plunge Earth into a freeze?"

　"Uh, well... I don't know if it's right or wrong to do that."

　Hathaway was taken aback by Quess's straightforwardness, but he couldn't help but be impressed by her quick thinking.

　"I thought that Char was a Newtype. But then why would someone like him even consider wiping out Earth?"

　As if laughing at Hathaway, she grabbed the railing and flung herself down the corridor. Hathaway thought it was beautiful seeing her body floating through the air.

　"I also met Amuro, who they say is a Newtype too. But I got the sense that there's more to him than just being a kind person," she said, her body contorted towards the ceiling.

　"Everyone says he actually knew how to pilot the first Gundam the moment he sat in the cockpit and even wiped out a Zeon Zaku!"

　"You think that's true?"

　"Apparently, he just took one look at the console panels and understood the mobile suit's circuits and movements."

　The story was most likely exaggerated, as rumors often are the more they're repeated. But it still caught Quess by surprise.

　"Huuuuh?"

　"What?" Now it was Hathaway's turn to be surprised.

　"Bahahaha!" Quess suddenly erupted into laughter. "Sure! I suppose."

　She approached the window once more.

　"What's so funny?"

　"Nothing, really. And that makes him a Newtype?"

　"In a way, yes. As humans adapted to life in space, they developed new abilities due to their exposure to zero gravity and altered sense of up and down. And the more they exhibited these abilities, the more they evolved into beings like espers."

　"That's different from what Christina told me. She grew up with me in India, and she says that a Newtype is able to comprehend people and things without misunderstanding. No matter how far away they may be."

　"Yeah, that makes sense! Back when humans only lived on Earth, they were only able to use half their cerebral cortex, right? But when they went into space, people started using the other half. That's why they improved their telepathy and precognition abilities. Otherwise, families living apart in colonies and on Earth would lose their connection to each other."

　Quess shifted, looking somewhat lonely, "Is your family like that?"

　"Somewhat. But is your dad always strict?" Hathaway asked.

　"Our family has always lived on Earth. It's terrible," Quess said, her face pressed against the window staring out it.

　To Hathaway, Quess's silhouette was shrouded by a bleak shadow.

×        ×        ×

　A gnawing fear plagued Quess that she might never lay eyes on Amuro Ray again. But, on the other hand, it was only natural, given that the ship was about to dock in less than half an hour. With that in mind, she steeled herself and made up her mind to return to the mobile suit deck without a moment's hesitation.

　Surprisingly, no guards were stationed at the hatch leading to the deck. Instead, the crew seemed at ease; the atmosphere relaxed as they approached the port. Quess cautiously opened the hatch and peeked down the catwalk deck that hugged the wall, making sure it was empty before slipping inside.

　The mobile suit deck was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle she had heard from beyond the tarped-off area earlier. The towering Jegans, illuminated by dim lights, looked like ancient Buddha statues she had seen on her travels to India.

　"...?"

　"Hey, you there!"

　A voice from below interrupted Quess' thoughts. Peering over the railing in confusion, she looked down to see Beltorchika Irma floating by the Jegan's legs, dressed in civilian attire.

　"This area is off-limits to civilians," snapped Beltorchika, throwing Quess off-guard. But as she watched the woman ascend towards the catwalk deck, she had a hunch as to why.

　"She's got quite the temper...but there must be a reason for it," Quess pondered.

　"You wouldn't be Vice Minister Adenauer Praya's daughter by chance, would you?" asked Beltorchika, causing Quess to meet her gaze and smile in response.

　"You're..."

　Beltorchika's eyebrow arched as she looked at Quess quizzically before letting out a forced laugh.

　"What's the matter?"

　"You're... pregnant, aren't you?" Quess said softly.

　"What? You're kidding. In the middle of a war?" Beltorchika scoffed.

　"Hahaha!"

　Quess couldn't help but find the woman's irrational reaction amusing.

　"A tad bit impolite, would you say?? Are you really his daughter?"

　Beltorchika chuckled as she realized the peculiar nature of her own inquiry but still felt the need to defend herself.

　"You grown-ups always miss the point."

　"Adults? Adults..."

　Beltorchika pushed off the Jegan's manipulator she was holding onto and drifted up to the catwalk's deck railing.

　"Sorry. It's just that your entire demeanor emanates a different kind of strength if that makes any sense?"

　"Then I'm relieved."

　"Mm, is it Amuro's child?" Quess asked hesitantly, but it was something she needed to know.

　"You're sure? But how?"

　"No, no... it's fine."

　Quess replied, trying to put some distance between herself and Beltorchika as she felt her shoulders relax.

　"Ms. Paraya?"

　"It's Quess. Just Quess is fine."

　Quess was left feeling powerless, a sense of betrayal coursing through her as her interest in Amuro waned.

　"Quess!"

　"Forget it! Later!" Quess replied, drifting through the hatch of the catwalk deck without even looking at Beltorchika.

×        ×        ×

　From the front window of Ra Cailum's bridge, the third hatch of Londenion's port opening could be seen as they approached.

　"Do you think Char will go through with his plan to freeze the Earth?"

　Bright asked Amuro as he came onto the bridge.

　"What's making you doubt it?"

　"In order to send Earth into a total Ice Age, he has to crash another asteroid into the planet. But think about it. The Federation Forces control everything within the Moon's orbit. Char succeeded in threatening the Federation government by dropping Fifth Luna. He's pushing to get Sweetwater recognized as Neo Zeon territory. You think he plans to end the war?"

　"Do you think Adenauer Paraya came to outer space to negotiate?"

　"Most likely. If the high and mighty of the Federation government are going to live on Earth themselves, they'll have to acquiesce to Char's demands. They don't give any consideration to Spacenoids."

　"So then, why did Char build those ships in outer orbit? Why else would he need all that firepower?"

　"Maybe people with kids are way too optimistic?"

　"You think so?" Amuro asked as he flashed a grin and tilted his chin towards Bright. Meanwhile, the guide beacons started to illuminate from the entrance of Londenion's port.

　Below their vessel, the damaged shuttle Tian Lu was detached and towed toward a harbor just below theirs.

　The airspace referred to as "outer orbit" here is beyond the orbit of the Moon, where several small Island 1-type colonies that served as the base for the space colony construction era remained.

　Some were abandoned and sold to the private sector, while others were used as Federation government-controlled astronomical observatories or bases for meteorite collection. However, the true nature of all the small colonies is not entirely clear. It wasn't until Char led his five warships to occupy the space colony of Sweetwater on the outer edge of Side 5 that their forgotten existence came to light once more.

　Established several years prior, Londo Bell is an independent, functional unit designed to stem the rise of anti-Earth Federation movements epitomized by the Zabi family, remnants from Haman, or the Titans, all within an army that had essentially become a glorified unemployment reliefs project. However, Londo Bell was under-equipped, a precaution taken by the Earth Federation government to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for rebellion.

　At such a time, Char suddenly returned to the Earth Sphere and made a forced occupation of Sweetwater.

　The Ra Cailum was now docked at Londo Bell's pier, and the crew, led by Captain Bright, lined up on the upper deck to bid Adenauer Paraya and Quess farewell. Hathaway stood among the crew, trying to conceal himself.

　"I'm relieved you got us here in time, Captain. Thanks to that, Earth can be saved."

　"I have some concerns about Char. The attack on the shuttle was also a signal to intimidate you and to show that he means business in your negotiations. If not for the fact that we didn't have the Nu Gundam yet, we would have been destroyed right then and there."

　Bright's somewhat disparaging comments fell on deaf ears with Adenauer.

　"Negotiations? With whom? Where?" Adenauer asked, coughing.

　"You give orders to the Space Forces from Lhasa. I can't imagine you came out here for sightseeing."

　"No one must know I'm here. Until the Federation government makes an official announcement."

　"Sir!"

　Bright saluted as Adenauer nodded slightly and then nudged Quess on the shoulder, guiding her towards the lift grip on the ramp that led to the luxury limousine waiting on the pier.

　"Welcome, sir. I'm Cameron Bloom from Londenion's Audit Bureau."

　The administration official waiting and holding the door introduced himself, and as Adenauer and his daughter got into the limousine, he closed the door. As Bright and the others observed from afar, he turned towards Ra Cailum.

　"Captain Bright Noa, huh? Seems like Miss Mirai made a wise choice in her partner," Cameron mused as he turned toward the passenger seat of the limousine.

　"He has the Londo Bell unit to search out the remnants of Zeon, yet before we even know it, he conveniently opens up a direct channel with Char."

　"But that's what politicians do."

　Beltorchika smiled and nudged Amuro in the elbow while she watched the girl who had made the strange prediction earlier sway across the rear window of the limousine.

　"That girl seems troubled..." Beltorchika thought for no reason at all.

　"I can imagine how the Titans who rebelled must have felt after witnessing something like that," a voice was heard among the crew. As the limousine disappeared in the direction of the elevator along the guide rails on the pier, everyone dispersed after seeing it off.

　Beltorchika glanced at Hathaway, sulking behind the crew, and gave a wry smile, then took Amuro's elbow and headed for the mobile suit deck.

　"Hathaway looks pretty down. You think he's okay?"

　"He'll be fine. He's just at that age."

×        ×        ×

　Beltorchika caught Amuro murmuring to himself inside the zero-gravity sleeping bag, but she was still feeling drowsy and knew it wasn't time to get up just yet.

　The mobile suit maintenance section was located by the side of the pier where the Ra Cailum was docked.

　Amuro had discovered that the performance of the Psyco Doga's psycho-frame didn't interfere with his own psycommu, which led him to suggest attaching a part of the frame to the Nu Gundam. Fortunately, the cockpit of the Nu was in the center of the frame, so there was space around it, and the Psycho Doga's frame could be cut and added as reinforced plating.

　It all seemed like a pointless endeavor for someone like Amuro, who was said to have innate Newtype abilities. However, he had his doubts about his own abilities, and so he had taken it upon himself to undertake this task.

　"I just want to ensure that the control of the funnels is precise. If it helps reinforce the Nu, I'll do whatever is necessary," was his justification.

　Desperately longing for the Psycho Doga's unique psycommu, October Saran was sacrificing the time they could have spent returning to their quarters together.

　The psycommu, which could be considered a brainwave amplification device, was primarily in a single device, as evident with the one designed by Amuro and equipped on the Nu Gundam. The Psycho Doga, however, had psycommu chips infused into the frame around the cockpit.

　"I heard rumors that our materials development lab was working on it, but..." October tried to defend himself.

　"So, the Neo Zeon... Did Char provide it to you?"

　This was one of the issues that cropped up between Amuro and October.

　"..."

　Despite there only being two people in their shared quarters, the air was stuffy and muggy. In an effort to get some fresh air, Beltorchika tore open the tape that held her sleeping bag together, but the air remained stagnant, leaving her with the feeling that she needed to wash her hair.

　"How could you say that?! Lalah!"

　Amuro's voice startled her as she caught a glimpse of him in the dim light filtering in from the mobile suit deck. He was thrashing around in his sleeping bag, the belt holding him down creaking as he moved.

　"Amuro?" Beltorchika spoke softly, realizing that talking in his sleep was not unusual for him, but this level of intensity was new to her.

　Slipping out of her own sleeping bag, she drifted over to him. Amuro's breathing was ragged and unsteady, and she could barely make out the contours of his face as they came into focus.

　"That he's pure?!" she heard him say before his words trailed off. The faint grinding of his teeth was audible, sending shivers down her spine.

　"..."

　Perhaps it was the sound of her heavy breathing that caused him to wince, but suddenly his eyes flew open.

　"Oh, sorry. Did I wake you?"

　"Yeah."

　Realizing it was her, he relaxed, and she placed her hand on his forehead, feeling the clammy sweat. Grabbing a towel from the basket, she wiped his face and chest.

　"Thanks. Did I say anything?"

　"No, not really."

　"I was pitiful when I used a Jegan. I even managed to put the Re-GZ out of action..."

　"That's not true at all. You've gotten stronger, Amuro. And, in fact, you weren't talking in your sleep. You just seemed to be having a nightmare. Something from long ago, something about Lalah and 'seeing time.' Mumbo jumbo like that."

　Amuro undid the tape on his sleeping bag and rose to his feet, rotating his head to ease the stiffness.

　"I feel like my body is becoming weaker..."

　"Because you're with me, I wonder?"

　"It could be. I feel like I've become complacent and lost my edge."

　"So, are you saying that all married men lose their edge?"

　"Well, part of me leans towards that notion. I mean, I am a man who triumphed over Char as the Gundam pilot, a groundbreaking mobile suit in its time. And yet I'm just kept on the payroll of the Federation Forces. Char can construct a sleek new red mobile suit, and only now have we caught up. Not to mention the concept of the psycho-frame... I'm falling behind."

　"You think so?"

　"I do," he responded, twirling her hair around his fingers - a habit that she found irritating but chose not to mention.

　"I mean, we're talking about Char here. The Psycho Doga? That's the name of the mobile suit in the manual. He allowed me to capture it simply to flaunt it in front of me. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten away as easily as I did."

　"You think there's some meaning behind all that?"

　"There is. He took pity on me because I could only use a mobile suit like the Re-GZ, plus he gave me research materials..."

　Amuro stared intently at Beltorchika, and she could see the moment when everything fell into place for him.

　"Char had Anaheim's Granada factory build the Psycho Doga, but he must have known that the Nu Gundam was constructed at the Von Braun factory, right? That has to be it. He was aware of the Nu Gundam's capabilities and was shocked by it, which is why he offered me the Psycho Doga."

　"No way! There can't be any merit for Char doing something like that!"

　"No, for him, there is. An operation to freeze the Earth gave him a chance."

　"?!"

　"No, that's it. I finally understand what Lalah meant when she said that Char was pure. That's who he truly is. He has been preparing to defeat me since our battles against the Titans. And now, with no obstacles in his path, he has returned to the Earth Sphere. He wants to defeat me by fighting with mobile suits on an even playing field."

　"That sounds like a childish fantasy to me!"

　"Char put his life on the line for that. And to carry out the purge of mankind."

　Beltorchika couldn't fathom, let alone agree with, Amuro's perspective.

　"That's absurd!"

　She thought about adding "especially for a man who is about to become a father," but she wasn't certain herself yet. So instead, she simply gazed up at Amuro, who was standing there with excitement and let out a sigh.