Chapter 48

After the incident involving Brimstone, Japan asked for a formal mutual defense and trade treaty with Orb. Mike agreed, leaving it to Atha to sort that out. Marcenas was working with the UN to sanction China and allow the regulatory commission to ensure that there were no more Brimstones. Taiwan also contacted Atha, asking for an alliance.

Mike was glad to leave this to them. After all, he finally had a lead on one of the missing Zakus. Noin had contacted him stating that satellites had seen what looked to be mobile suits on an empty island in the Mediterranean. The Archangel had picked him up, and they were on their way to investigate.

After getting offshore, the Archangel dove into the ocean before going under the polar ice cap. Coming from above Europe would both allow the Archangel to move undetected but also more quickly so as to avoid whoever had the stolen suit to prepare for their arrival.

Gathered at the briefing table, the crew was reviewing the footage. "Any idea who owns the island?" Mike asked, looking at the isolated landmass.

"No one, it is abandoned, and no country currently claims it." Cassandra answered. She had contacted Barbara for a favor and gotten all the information that Batman and the league had on the island. "It is too close to Themyscira, and no one wants to provoke the Amazon's by claiming it."

"Great, do we need to let them know we are in the area. I really don't feel like Wonder Woman trying to attack us for invading Amazonian territorial waters or something." Mike responded.

"It should not be a problem." She said, "The Amazonians tend to stay on Themyscira, and as long as we do not set foot on the island, they will leave us alone."

Mike nodded she had dealt with more of them than he had, so he trusted her knowledge.

"The island was apparently a German base during WW2." Noin said, reading further into the file.

"Hydra?" Mike guessed.

"Probably," Kitty answered, "They like these out of the way places for their bases. So do others, unfortunately. It could also be AIM, league of shadows, Dr. Doom, or even a country that doesn't want you to know about them yet."

"What is the likelihood of WMDs on the island?" Mike asked seriously.

"No telling," Noin responded, "if it is Hydra, then it is likely they have doomsday weapons in the base."

"Is the factory at Morgonrote producing Zn0s?" Mike asked. If this was going to turn into a battle, they would need more men to ensure that is dod not get out of control.

"Yes, sir, it currently has 8 Zn0s, 3 Zakus, and a Vosguluv class carrier." Noin answered.

"Crew and pilots?" Mike asked.

"Still need both." She replied.

"Stop by Morgonrote, then we will get them the personally they need." Mike replied.

(They will need a captian. Whoever I choose will have to be able to command a variety of forces and be in command of the Orb forces stationed on earth.) Mike thought. He had the perfect candidate in mind. She was a brilliant tactician and was only out witted by one person. Leaving the briefing, he went back to his quarters before summoning her.

"Brigadier General Kati Mannequin reporting for duty," the lady reported with a salute.

"At ease General. I take it the system explained a few things?" Mike responded.

"Yes, sir." She replied, "As long as your forces don't act like the A Laws, then we will have no problem."

"We are proceeding to Morganrote where you will take command of the ship there. please go to the briefing room and review all the intelligence we have about the upcoming operation." Mike told her before walking with her and introducing her to the rest of the ship.

"We are going to need infantry." She pointed out when she looked at the operation.

"I agree we will get the infantry the same time we get the crew for your ship. You will have overall command." Mike answered. "Before we hit the straight of Gibraltar, I want a plan for the operation."

She snapped a salute again "Understood sir. Am I to understand that all forces involved will follow my plan?"

Mike did not take offense to this she was used to dealing with difficult people who would override her plans and ignore her advice. "So long as your plan does not call for us to commit a war crime or cause unnecessary loss of life."

She also asked if he could summon Patrick Colasour whenever he had the opportunity. Mike agreed, it would improve her loyalty and give him a talented mobile suit commander all at the same time.