Ketis experienced an unexpected setback in her plan to guard against any hostile intent from the Heavensword.
She did not expect that the RA was so desperate to reinforce the contested star systems in the Upper Zones that it had compelled many second-class ace pilots to leave the second-class mech forces that they fought alongside with for many years.
If second-class ace pilots of this caliber possessed the power and the resources to pilot first-class ace mechs, yet refused to do so, it was usually because they were committed to defending their comrades.
This was an expression of true loyalty.
It was normally difficult for the mechers or other groups to persuade these stubborn and emotionally committed saints to leave their comrades and fight for a different cause.
Yet this time the RA succeeded.
The Red War had taken such a dire turn that the survival of red humanity came under increasing doubt.