Chapter 27 - Chapter 26: The Queen Project Twins by Armen Itsuki Group

In the unfathomable depths of the Pacific Ocean, nestled within the pitch-black Mariana Trench, lay the concealed research headquarters of the Armen Group, led by the brilliant yet burdened Professor Itsuki. Their base was no mere bunker; it was a colossal underwater station, protected by layers of ultra-thick steel and the crushing force of the abyssal water column. This immense pressure served as a natural, impenetrable shield, yet within the high-tech facility, the quiet calm felt like a deceptive lull, occasionally punctuated by the faint, ominous pings of distant Colonian sonar patrols.Professor Itsuki, a man whose hair had greyed not merely with age but under the crushing weight of secrets and decades of technological warfare, stood in the main command room. He was flanked by his highly competent chief technician, Dr. Lena Lowe, and a handful of remaining core staff.The atmosphere crackled with tension. Itsuki had just received chilling confirmation: their IBIS Unit, the advanced submersible Mobile Suit he had counted on to strengthen their hold against the Colonies, was now in enemy hands—the hands of the mysterious Earth Rebels operating the elusive White Gundam. Even worse, data indicated that a prototype Grai Gundam, intended as a key Colonian project, had been stolen by his former imprisoned colleague, Klaus Kimeza.Dr. Lena, her face etched with profound worry, stared at the sonar monitor showing Colonian vessels patrolling far above. Her expression was pale, reflecting the deep concern and unbearable pressure."Professor Itsuki, we have no time! We've lost the IBIS and critical Mobile Suit data. We must make a bold move!" urged Dr. Lena, her voice slightly strained, echoing softly in the sealed command room. "The Colonies will blame us for the theft of the Grai and they will hunt us down to the bottom of the ocean! Especially after they showcased the Royalty Gundam, they will be looking for a scapegoat!"Itsuki walked over and gently touched the massive tank wall, which contained their Mobile Suit models in a pressurized fluid. He shook his head firmly, his eyes blazing with renewed resolve. "Not the Colonies, Lena. We cannot rely on them, and we cannot fear them. They are merely imitators and bullies. We must create units that can change the game—units that surpass the White Gundam, the Royalty Gundam, and even the stolen unit piloted by Klaus. We do not fight for the Colonies. We do not fight for the old Federation. We fight for balance."He turned back, pointing to a complex diagram on the main screen that merged three crucial technological elements: the core engine data from the Colonian Project Grai, the remaining Hydro-Propulsion technology from the lost IBIS, and the newly perfected Neural Link system developed solely by the Armen Group."We will combine the foundational power of the Project Grai Mobile Suit with the superior maneuverability of the IBIS. This unit must be our new hope. We call it Project Queen."Project Queen yielded two sister units, designed for absolute synergy and efficiency across all terrains, capable of transitioning from sea to land and air with high efficiency, thanks to the refined IBIS data.The Twin Units EmergeThe First Twin: The TORTOISE GundamThe TORTOISE Mobile Suit materialized with a muscular, defensive design, dominated by white and deep blue accents. It looked like an immovable object."The Tortoise will be the shield. This unit requires a calm, tactical pilot, one who can withstand immense combat pressure," Itsuki explained. "Lena, you must pilot this unit. Only you can manage its complex energy output balance and lead from the front lines, all while monitoring the Queen's movements. We must act immediately. The world does not wait for us."Dr. Lena paused, gazing at the formidable Mobile Suit. She was a scientist, not a combat pilot, but for the sake of her daughter and the future of the resistance, she knew this was the only path. "Very well, Professor. I will fly it. I won't let us be defeated." She immediately put on the bespoke white and blue pilot suit. She felt the heavy mantle of duty—not just as chief technician, but as a defensive commander.The Second Twin: The QUEEN UnitNext, Itsuki gestured toward the QUEEN Unit—a sleek, intimidating unit, predominantly white with striking purple accents, engineered for extreme speed and precision strikes. This unit took the IBIS Hydro-Propulsion system to a new level, allowing it to move rapidly underwater, on land, and in the air."The Queen is our spear. This unit requires the fastest reflexes, the highest instinct—someone who can read every enemy move and respond instantaneously. Its pilot must have a perfect Neural Link connection to the unit, enabling attacks impossible for an ordinary human." Itsuki turned to Lena, his gaze serious. "I know the best pilot.""Who?" Lena asked, tightening her pilot suit gloves, her heart pounding with anticipation."Your daughter, Lena. Tasya Lowe," Itsuki replied, his voice soft but resolute.Dr. Lena's face instantly drained of color. She stepped back, shaking her head vehemently, an expression of shock, fury, and fear clashing across her features. Her usually steady frame now seemed fragile."No! Not Tasya! I beg you, Professor! I will find another pilot! A professional pilot! I will search for the defected Colonian pilots, Wars Stinger and Aya Rose, they are great pilots the Colonies are hunting for!" Tears welled in her eyes. She clenched her hands at her sides, rejecting the idea with every fiber of her maternal instinct."Why, Lena? Tasya possesses incredible reflexes and passion. She is the best simulator pilot we have ever trained—even better than the former IBIS pilot we recruited," Itsuki urged, his tone soothing but uncompromising. He knew how invaluable Tasya was, not just as a pilot, but as the daughter of his closest friend.Lena's tears started to stream down her cheeks. She couldn't hide her anguish. "I know her abilities! But have you forgotten, Professor? The Queen Unit uses a similar system to the Grai, with the pilot's brain connected to the Mobile Suit! Excessive Neural Link usage can damage the mind! If an energy feedback occurs, it could cripple or even kill her! I won't risk that with my daughter! She's just a teenager, she's still in school! She's at Neo-Verdia School on Earth right now! She has a peaceful life there, good friends, especially a girl named Maki! She has a future to live!"Itsuki grasped her shoulders, his gaze unwavering. "Precisely because she is my friend's daughter, I know she will maintain secrecy and possess the necessary resolve. I am not asking her to fight, I am asking her to be our hope. And this Neural Link system has been perfected. The risk of feedback is drastically reduced. We need her. We need her instinct to counterbalance the White Ghost if we ever ally with them, and certainly to defeat the Colonian Royalty Gundam."Lena closed her eyes, letting her tears flow for a moment, torn between her motherly instincts and her duty to Earth. She thought of her daughter, Tasya, who was likely laughing cheerfully at school, on the surface, beneath the warm sunlight. Maki. She remembered the name. The quiet girl with incredible potential, Tasya's friend. The irony of their fate was crushing."Alright," Lena said, her voice choked, surrendering to the pressing urgency that was bearing down on the ocean floor. "Get her from school. We must bring her to this base immediately. But I will monitor her Neural Link every second, from the Tortoise cockpit. If even the slightest feedback occurs, she is out of the cockpit. Do you understand, Professor?"Itsuki nodded with respect and a solemn promise. "I understand, Lena. Her life is worth more than these Mobile Suits. We must now prepare to make contact with any remaining anti-Colonian resistance forces. These two units are the key to restoring balance to Earth."Interlude: Friendship Under ThreatConcurrently, far above on the Earth's surface, in the bustling cafeteria of Neo-Verdia School, Tasya Lowe was enjoying lunch with her best friend, Maki Kimeza. The school felt like a sanctuary, a protective bubble of normalcy amidst the galactic conflict.Tasya, with her characteristically cheerful energy and long black hair tied in a high ponytail, was animatedly describing their grueling gym class."I'm serious, Maki! Coach Park nearly collapsed while I was running. I didn't even feel tired at all!" Tasya laughed, taking a bite of her chicken sandwich. "It's like, I feel like I can run faster and longer than anyone in class."Maki offered a small smile, stirring her cream soup. She seemed slightly distracted, her gaze occasionally drifting toward Gills Treyman, who sat at the Student Council table with his impeccable smile. Ever since the school trip incident, Maki felt as if the entire world was watching her. Zaki had issued a stern warning about Gills."You've always been energetic, Tasya," Maki said softly. "Maybe you are destined to be a professional athlete.""Athlete? Maybe," Tasya shrugged, then her eyes locked onto the large television screen hanging in the corner of the cafeteria. The screen was showing a bombastic Colonian news report, showcasing the Royalty Gundam's dazzling debut at the North American Logistics Dock."Look at that, Maki," Tasya pointed excitedly. "The Royalty Gundam! Gold and black! It's terrifying, but seriously cool!"Maki, on the other hand, felt a cold knot in her stomach. She, the pilot known as "The White Ghost," knew the horror beneath that golden facade. She remembered how the advanced aquatic Mobile Suit, the IBIS, was crippled by their attacks. Now, the Colonies had something vastly more powerful."They call it Royalty," Maki commented, trying to sound neutral. "They really want to dominate everything, don't they?"Tasya ignored Maki's cautious tone and instead became absorbed in her own military analysis, an unconscious habit that belied her hidden talent."It's not just about dominating, Maki, they are desperate," Tasya stated, her eyes narrowing as she watched the footage of the Royalty Gundam's Knife Funnels disabling the Pioneer Mobile Suits. "That Mobile Suit (Royalty) is no ordinary Mobile Suit. It's a Gundam. Look how those funnels move! That's not old technology. Those are incredibly fast and precise autonomous drones."Tasya continued, setting down her sandwich as if analyzing a tactical whiteboard. "And you know what? They launched it just to fight old Pioneer Mobile Suits. That means they are absolutely itching to lure out the White Ghost. The White Ghost is their biggest threat. If I were the Royalty pilot, I would wait until the White Ghost shows up, and disable it with a long-range barrage from those funnels. The White Ghost has to be extra careful. Speed might not be enough against an attack coming from all directions."Maki stared at Tasya in surprise. Tasya's analysis of military tactics and technology was startlingly sharp, far beyond the average student. She spoke about funnel strategy with an almost veteran pilot's instinct. The irony choked Maki. Her friend, so casual and cheerful, possessed a mind as sharp as a combat blade."How do you know so much about Mobile Suits, Tasya?" Maki asked cautiously.Tasya shrugged, smiling broadly. "My mom works in tech, you know. She always has cool simulator games at home. I just love to play. In the simulator, the fast, agile units are always my favorite. I can take down everything before they touch me. And yeah... I heard my mom sometimes mention a fancy 'IBIS Project'."Maki just nodded, her heart racing. IBIS. That was the name of the unit they crippled. Tasya's connection to secret Colonian technology seemed far closer than she had ever suspected."I just hope the White Ghost is okay," Maki whispered, looking at the screen. Zaki had told her, the White Gundam was hope. "Someone brave enough to fight the Colonies... he must be a hero."Tasya nudged Maki's shoulder playfully. "Heroes hide in the shadows. But he's got to be fast and have crazy piloting instincts. I bet he'll figure out a way to beat those trash funnels! Maybe he can hide in the water! Where the Royalty can't follow him!"Maki offered a faint smile. If only you knew, Tasya. She thought of the White Gundam in Pelican Formation, and the new IBIS now piloted by Feres. Tasya's casual suggestion unintentionally aligned perfectly with the Rebels' new strategy.Suddenly, a serious voice came over the school intercom. "Tasya Lowe, please report to the principal's office. There is an urgent family emergency. Repeat, Tasya Lowe."Tasya frowned. "An emergency? My mom rarely contacts me during school." She stood up, grabbing her bag. "Well, looks like I have to go, Maki. I'll text you later, okay?""Of course, Tasya. Be careful," Maki replied, her gaze filled with a complex mixture of feelings. A sense of foreboding crept into her heart. A feeling she couldn't shake off.The AbductionAt the back gate of Neo-Verdia School, a non-descript black Colonian car, deliberately devoid of any military insignia, was waiting. Inside, Dr. Lena, now dressed in civilian clothes, looked stressed. Beside her was an Armen Group technician.When Tasya arrived, Lena hugged her daughter tightly, a hug that felt too fierce and too emotional."What's wrong, Mom? Is Dad okay?" Tasya asked frantically."Your father is fine, darling. But there's a... very urgent work situation. We have to leave immediately. This is top secret," Lena whispered, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I need to take you with me. Just for a little while."Tasya, sensing her mother's acute distress, didn't press for details. She had seen enough on the simulator and the news to know that when her mother spoke of "urgent work situations," it usually meant something was terribly wrong with the secret technology.On the drive to the discreet landing site, Lena offered a brief but carefully crafted explanation. She could not disclose the secrets of the Armen Group, or that she would be the Tortoise pilot, or that Tasya would pilot the QUEEN unit."There's a new unit, darling. A highly classified Project. A Gundam. I need someone with the best reflexes to test its new system, and that's you, Tasya. Just for a few days, then you can go back to school."Tasya, upon hearing the words Gundam and Secret Project, instantly shed her fear, replaced by sheer excitement. All the simulations, all the tactical analysis she possessed, now had a real-world purpose."A Gundam? Awesome! I'm ready, Mom. We'll show that Royalty Gundam what real speed is!"Lena could only stare at her daughter, her heart torn between pride and terror. She was handing her child over to a machine that could potentially destroy her mind.The Queen's ReturnHours later, Tasya and Lena returned to the secret headquarters in the Mariana Trench, breaching the water in a high-speed submersible craft.When Tasya saw the colossal, hidden underwater facility, and then laid eyes on the sleek QUEEN Unit, dominant in white and accented with mesmerizing purple, she fell silent. The unit exuded an aura of advanced technology that surpassed any Colonian Mobile Suit she had ever seen on the news."Is this... real?" Tasya whispered, her eyes wide with awe.Itsuki, who greeted them, managed a small, tired smile. "This is the Queen, Tasya. Designed for you. It will be the fastest, and the deadliest. This unit will only respond to instinct, not caution. It needs a pilot who doesn't second-guess."Dr. Lena immediately put on her pilot suit and entered the cockpit of the TORTOISE Gundam, which was already prepped. From there, she activated the Neural Link monitoring panel for the QUEEN Unit."Tasya, listen to your mother. I'll be here. I will monitor you every second. If you feel a headache, or any strange pressure, tell me immediately. Do not force the Neural Link connection if the system asks you to exceed the limit," Lena instructed, her voice now calm and focused, prioritizing her duty as both monitor and pilot.Tasya nodded, her gaze already shifting from the cheerful teenager to the serious pilot. She felt the energy of the QUEEN Unit calling to her.She entered the QUEEN Unit's cockpit. As the Neural Link connection activated, Tasya felt an overwhelming sensation—her mind and the machine fusing together. The Mobile Suit felt like an extension of her body, not just a vehicle. The power output of the Project Grai engine and the modified IBIS Hydro-Propulsion system gave her unimaginable strength and agility."QUEEN system, online," Tasya said, her voice steady and intensely concentrated.From the TORTOISE cockpit, Lena monitored her daughter's brain waveform. "Itsuki, her Neural Link is stable, far better than the Grai data suggested. Her connection... it's perfect. She truly has the instinct we need."Itsuki sighed in relief. "Excellent. Now it's time to move. We cannot hide any longer. We must contact any anti-Colonian resistance forces that we can find. They have the White Gundam and the stolen IBIS. We have the QUEEN and the TORTOISE. It is time to form the true balance that the Earth desperately needs."In the dark abyss of the ocean trench, the two twin Mobile Suits, QUEEN and TORTOISE, prepared for launch. With one unit for unmatched speed and one unit for steadfast defense, they carried new hope and a new layer of complexity for the Earth Rebels. In the TORTOISE cockpit, Dr. Lena Lowe, a mother fiercely determined to protect her daughter, prepared to monitor the safety of Tasya, the QUEEN pilot, who had just been recruited from her normal school life. This war was about to become far more complicated and deeply personal.To be continued....