Stories from the One Year War

A fan project with the intent of providing and creating a complete perspective for the entire conflict. Stories will be told through the point of view of mobile suit pilots, common foot soldiers, politicians, civilians and journalists.

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

0079.01.20

My request to patrol was finally approved by both Captain Fullbright and the leaders of Luna II. They were able to fit us into the patrol schedules of Luna II’s Mobile Suit Squads. Our mission was to patrol an area several hundred miles away from Luna II. We were informed that there have been several brief skirmishes in the area but its been quiet for a couple of days.

While on patrol I had my squad work on some new piloting techniques to combat the new Zeon suits. Overall, the Zeek suits were superior to ours in every way imaginable. Speed, thrust, armament and movement, they could fly circles around us. Probably the only thing we have an advantage over them in is our armor, but just by a slight margin. As we patrolled we discussed several ways to take advantage of our suit and mitigate their advantages over us. We tried to come up with new formations and ways to support one another if we ran into any enemy units. Can’t say how effective the formations are until we do some research on them a little later.

Overall it was a pretty standard, boring patrol. We saw no movement, or enemy units. While it was a fairly dull patrol, it succeeded in keeping our minds off of things and to be honest it felt good to be in the cockpit again.

I certainly didn’t expect the reception that I got back when my squadron returned from patrol. After we gave our report about our patrol we went to change out of our normal suits. It was there that I was informed that Captain Fullbright requested my presence. I changed quickly as I was curious as to why the Captain would want to see me. I went to his office where I was greeted by Captain Fullbright as well as the head of Luna II. I still had no idea what was going on, until they told me that I was to receive promotion.

They said that I was promoted due to my actions during and after Loum. Captain Fullbright was particularly impressed with how I maintained my composure during those stressful times, and cited my reorganization of the mobile suit forces on the Tokyo as a main reason for the promotion.

So now I’m a Lieutenant J.G. and have been given full command of the mobile suit squad that I took command of during Loum. I’m glad that they are giving me the opportunity to work with the same squad. Hopefully, we’ll be continue to develop some chemistry and devise successful strategies to fight the Zeeks. It makes me a little hopeful for the future.

While I feel honored for the promotion, I also feel a sense of guilt. A part of me feels like I am receiving this promotion to replace all the commanding officers that were died at Loum. Am I right choice to lead these men into their next engagements? Will I still maintain my composure the next time the Zeeks attack? Am I really ready to even lead let alone take the greater responsibilities this rank gives me?

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

0079.01.19

In a way it would have been better if General Revil had died during Loum, that way those Zeek bastards wouldn’t have a “prize” they could flaunt at us. God this is making me fucking sick. All they do is keep broadcasting about how superior the Principality and spacenoids are over everyone else.

The broadcasts are making my blood boil. I want to go out and do something but Im still suck on Luna II waiting….. just waiting. It seems that these broadcasts are also angering others as well. Many of us are sick and tired of being confined to this rock. It has given us too much time to think about the past days and we would rather not think about them. Well not yet anyways. Also the constant barrage of Zeon propaganda is making many of us to want go out and bring the fight to those Zeek bastards. What the hell are higher ups doing? We need to being doing something to keep my mind busy and focused, instead we just sitting on our asses doing nothing.

I sent in a request to Captain Fullbright to have myself and my squad go out on patrols. He has been hesitant to send us out as he fears we might do something stupid. I understand his concern, but us pilots have been stuck on this floating rock for too long. We need to get back to what we do best, our job. Hopefully he’ll and the commanders of Luna II will approve my request.

Maybe getting back to piloting will serve as motivation and help lift our spirits. If anything it will be a much needed distraction from the current events. All I know is, we might have lost Loum. But this fight and war is far from over. Zeon will pay for their crimes.

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

0079.01.18

Yesterday, the Zeek's  broadcasted pictures of a captured Admiral Revil. He looked disheveled, exhausted and seems to have been wounded in the head but overall he is alright. Apparently they have been broadcasting the announcement of his capture non stop all across the Earth Sphere. I thought our morale couldn’t sink any lower, but is has. It hash’t helped that most of the news outlets have begun to question whether or not this war is already over.

I even heard one broadcaster just come out and say that the EFF should just surrender. Hearing that comment almost made me throw up. How can they think about surrendering? We’ve already lost billions of people, do they honestly think that Zeon will stop their massacres when the war ends? They honestly believe they are superior to everyone and whenever a group of people starts thinking that, death follows.

No. we can’t surrender, we can’t give up. We have to keep fighting.

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

0079.01.18

I… I don't know what is going to happen now. Even though the battle is over, the deaths continue to roll in. Some of the news comes from confirmed deaths, other from people recently dying of their wounds. Jesus fucking christ..... Its like the nightmare won't stop.

Seems like the top brass are trying to decide what to do next and everyone else is basically waiting for their next command. No matter how much the news networks try to spin it, we got beaten. Badly. And just by looking at the losses, I don't know if we'll be able to recover from it. Moral is depressingly low, the ship and Luna II are both as silent as a cemetery. People will pass each other in the halls without even saying a word, let alone look up at each other.

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #34

Date: UC 0079.01.18

We are currently at Luna II where the Tokyo was sent for repairs. The ship was badly damaged during the fighting so the Tokyo, along with other damaged ships, were ordered to head to Luna II after the 5th fleet made it safely back to Earth's orbit. It was a tense flight to Luna II, but who am I kidding, ever since Loum everyone has been on edge. Throughout the trip the make shift mobile suit squads I had to put together were on constant standby for any possible Zeon attacks. My squad was sent out twice for recon duty, luckily we didn't spot any Zeek patrols. Looks like they've pulled their forces back as well.

Only good news I heard the last few days was that the Shiva survived the battle with only minor damage. It took me a while but I was able to get into contact with Allan, he's doing fine thank god. Luckily he came out of the battle unharmed, he only received some minor scratches and bruises when he was jostled around in the ship. Hearing that he was safe and now out of harms way made me greatly relieved and reduced some of the stress that had built up inside of me the last several days. He told me how they lost all of their mobile suit squads during the battle and that their communications was knocked out early in fighting so they couldn't broadcast any updates.

We only talked for a short period of time due to the Tokyo having to broadcast Minovsky particles as we left Earth's orbit and headed towards Luna II, but it was a good talk. While he was glad for the brief conversation, I could tell he was saddened by the loss of his friends from the mobile suit squads. As a mechanic he had a close bond with those guys, so its hitting him hard that they are now dead. Honestly it really is difficult to comprehend that friends we talked to only days ago are now gone. I mean I can still hear Lt. Monroe's laugh echo down the halls of the Tokyo, but I know its just my mind playing a trick on me. He's dead. I saw his suit blow up. God... I hope they're resting in peace.

Being here stuck at Luna II sucks. The more time I have to think, the more frustrated I get. The only thing that kept me from really thinking about anything was doing my job on the Tokyo. But since the Tokyo has been grounded and is waiting for repairs, us mobile suit pilots don't have a whole lot to do. Only thing I've done since arriving at Luna II is sleep, wander the halls and look through old journal entries. Currently I'm sitting alone in a booth in one of the mess halls and its quiet, I mean dead quiet. You could hear a pin drop in this room and its almost completely full. Everyone here looks like they've seen a ghost. Huh, I guess thats what we are when you think about it. We survivors are the ghosts of the Federation Fleet.

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Personal Letters of Tristan Williamson

Maria, 

No doubt when you have received this letter, you will have seen news regarding the Battle around Loum. I hope this letter provides you with some relief that I am alive and unhurt. I saw extensive fighting during the battle but fortunately me and the rest of the squad emerged from the chaos unhurt.

Since we were still assigned the older Zaku I models, my squad was given a support roll throughout the battle. We provided escort and backup for the newer Zaku IIs and also went on several reconnaissance missions to find the location of the Earth Federation fleet. 

After several hours of searching our fleet was able to locate Revil's Earth Federation fleet that was moving outside of Loum. Under Admiral Dozle's command, our fleet smashed into the combined Earth Federation fleet and completely took them by surprise. Our mobile suits obliterated both their fighter and mobile suit cover leaving their ships exposed. They were like sitting ducks, one after the other they took damage and sunk. To be honest, it was surprising how fast they sunk. Some would only take several hits before they exploded into a fireball of death. I later learned that they were destroyed so quickly because of our use of mini nuclear war heads that the newer Zaku IIs were carrying. I really don't like our use of nuclear weapons, so it was hard to watch those magnificent explosions, I hope their use was for the best.

While we performed our jobs to the best of our ability, escorting the newer models proved to be problematic on occasions. The newer models moved at such a faster rate that our suits had trouble keeping up. Gedion was especially frustrated because he was chomping at the bit to get into the action. No doubt he wanted to prove to our superiors that they made the wrong choice when it came to choosing the squad leader and passing him up on the new models. I had to reign him in on a couple of occasions as he wanted to continue his pursuit of some Earth Federation mobile suit and fighters. He, Brandon and Yu all performed admirably and we were in fact praised for our ability to provide a safe escort.

During the battle I was able to shoot down three Fed suits. I was fortunate to destroy all three but I also felt a little sad and disappointed. Our suits were so vastly superior to there's in every way that it felt unfair. I almost felt sorry for those men that we had to face, its like they never really stood a fair chance of coming out of the fight alive. I know I shouldn't complain about this circumstance considering Im fighting a war, but it still felt a little off putting. 

Anyway after my third kill, Gedion mentioned that I was only two kills away from ace status, which of course is a big deal in the military especially the mobile suit branch. It made me feel proud that my training was being put to good use, and that i could possibly be recognized for it as well. Gedion was able to shoot down one fighter and Yu shot down one mobile suit. Brandon wasn't able to shoot down anyone but he did damage a couple.

After the battle I heard that almost all of Side 5 (Loum) was destroyed during the battle. Our unit was nowhere near that area of the fighting, as we engaged the rest of the Earth Federation fleet outside of Loum. Apparently both sides began using the colonies as shields for their fleets when the fighting got the fiercest. The news of this strategy still unsettles me, aren't we fighting for spacenoid independence? I thought that our beliefs pertained to all spacenoids, not just the Principality. I don't know what, but something doesn't seem right about it.

I shouldn't dwell on these thought any longer. As I said earlier, I'm wrote this letter to tell you I am alive and safe. Currently we are heading back to side 3 for repairs and resupply, but I doubt I will have any time for shore leave. I have a feeling that we are going to be transferred to Solomon with the rest of Dozle's forces. From there I have no clue where we will be sent to next.

Anyway I hope you and your mother are doing well. Also, be sure to say hi to my mother and tell her my situation as well. I imagine she is as concerned for my well being as you are. Tell her I miss her cooking and our traditional night of board games. If you have the time could you visit her one night and play some games with her. It would mean a lot to both of us and put my mind at ease knowing she has some company. Thank you so much Maria, your letters have been wonderful to read every night. With the capture of Admiral Revil hopefully this war will be over soon and I can return and see your beautiful smile and electric eyes once again. 

All my Love,

Tristan

Date: UC 0079.01.17

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #33

Date: UC 0079.01.16

Fortunately we have not been sent back out to sortie. It looks like the fleet was able to successfully break off engagement and make an organized retreat. The remnants of the other fleets had been ordered to retreat in varying direction to prevent the Zeon from persuing. Apparently the Zeon have suffered heavy losses as well, but not as heavy as ours. I don't know how much I believe that report. It might be the higher ups trying to justify our losses and boost our moral. From the looks of it, it really didn't work. 

Of course, our moral was already destroyed when we received news that Admiral Revil was captured by Zeon Forces. His Ship, the Ananke, was sunk but he was able to escape. Unfortunately he was soon captured by a Zeon Squad of black mobile suits. There has been no word on what his fate will be. Some on the ship are speculating that he will be forced to sign surrender document or will be paraded in Side 3 to show the might of the Principality. I can't speculate, I'm too tired and don't really want to either. All I know is that we suffered a massive defeat at Loum. While we were able to prevent them from performing another colony-jack, our loses, not to mention the loss of side 5 (Loum), was too great. I'm now wondering if we are actually capable of winning this war. I must not be the only one thinking this…

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #32

Date: UC 0079.01.16

Its taken me about an hour but I've completed Captain Fulbright's orders. I was able to get all of the information of the mobile suit pilots that have landed here on the Tokyo. As the captain has said, these pilots are from all over and can not confirm if the rest of their squad is still alive or dead. After talking with the Master Sergeant Richard, the head mechanic, we were able to determine how many mobile suits we have operational. 

With the number of suits and fighters left, I split the pilots into three squads. My squad, under my command, has been ordered on standby. Lt. Grey, a guncannon pilot from the Hermes, has been placed in command of the second squad and Ensign Barkley, a pilot from the Janus, has been placed in command of the third squad. Both the second and third are ordered to be on call if my squad is launched. Hopefully this ragtag group of pilots will be able to protect the ship and fleet if called upon. At the moment I'm not so sure, we are all tired and need rest. It has been a long and traumatic day.

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #31

Date: UC 0079.01.16

Branson is dead, Michel is dead, Anderson is dead, Lt. Monroe is dead, Carlos is dead, Aiden is dead, Brighton is dead, Captain Yi is dead, Miranda is dead, Lt. Alexander is dead, Conner is dead, Craig is dead, Marcus is severely wounded, Shawn is missing in action, Bob is severely wounded, Andrew is dead, Trevor is dead, Tanner is dead, Reed is dead, Mark is missing in action, Rob is wounded…. and the list goes on. '

I feel empty inside.  

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #30

Date: UC 0079.01.16

Captain Fulbright has informed me that I am the highest ranking mobile suit pilot assigned to this ship. He has given me the task of organizing all mobile suit pilots back into serviceable squads. He wants their names, rank and what ship they were assigned to. Even if they are of higher rank they are to report to me for assignment. Me, an ensign is now in command of multiple mobile squadrons. Hope I don't mess up.

He continues to say that I need to also get into contact with the head mechanic, I need to know how many serviceable mobile suits and fighters we have left. We need to have squads on standby. Although the fleet is in full retreat, it still needs protection from any possible Zeon attacks or raids. He is leaving it up to me to find and organize several squads together, so they can be deployed if necessary. He doesn't care if they are not from this ship, he just needs the suits and pilots ready. Again I am tasked with assigning squads and squad leaders. 

From what the captain has told me about the battle is that our losses have been significant. The entire combined fleet has suffered heavy losses, with some individual fleets being almost entirely obliterated. The fifth and second fleet suffered heavy losses but we apparently are still intact. The rest of the fleets that went with Admiral Revil weren't so lucky, they were practically destroyed. In inquired about the Shiva but he has said there has been no word on its condition. It seems like he and everyone else is more concerned with whether Admiral Revil survived the battle. All of my worry rest with the Shiva. Allan, I hope you are alive and alright.

Just as Captain Fulbright finished giving me orders I see an injured pilot pass by me on a stretcher. He's bee injured pretty bad. He's clutching his upper arm where a dark red spot is slowly spreading across his space suit. His face is covered in deep cuts and are bleeding profusely. God he looks awful. 

How could this have happened? This whole experience has been like a nightmare that I can't wake up from. I will never forget this.

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #29

Date: UC 0079.01.16

Its over. I just received an order from Captain Fulbright, he says that we need to return to the Tokyo immediately, we've been ordered to retreat. Again for the second time today I had to order the remainder of my squad to retreat. Its shocking, we had the greater numbers, the surprise and the heavier guns. We should have defeated the Zeeks and sent their forces scurrying back to Side 3. Instead we're the force that's in retreat. Their strength was overwhelming. Its a disgrace.

My heart has sank even further when I laid eyes upon the Tokyo. Its been heavily damaged. Multiple holes can be seen along its hull and some of its engines seem to not be operational. It looks like it has taken a massive beating. As we fly by I can look down and see into the actual ship. There are bodies… they aren't moving and some don't seem to be whole. God what a nightmare.

The hanger is busy with chaotic movement. The engineers and mechanics are hurrying to get us pilots out of our fighters and suits. They also seem to be pushing out all heavily damaged suits and fighters. I asked one of the head engineers why they are doing that. He explained that due to our heavy losses some squads don't have a ship to go back to. Instead they are being ordered to land on the closest ship, they are making room for them by getting rid of all heavily damage suits and fighters. Just as he finishes speaking a Guncannon comes smashing into the hangar, its lost both its right arm, cannon and leg. Its also been peppered with bullet holes across its chest and head. How that pilot got his machine to this hangar, I'll never know.

One of the mechanics has come over to me. He says there's a call for me from the bridge. Looks like I'm in for some more bad news…

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #28

Date: UC 0079.01.15

Even through the dense minovsky particles we have just received confirmation that nukes have been used. It explains the reason my suits systems are going haywire with the warning of nuclear launches. In fact, I can see them now. Their bright flashes are now peppering across space. They remind me of fireworks exploding across a clear night sky. It would be beautiful if it wasn't so tragic. Those weapons must be killing thousands. The reports have only mentioned that nukes have been used, I can't confirm which side has been using them. Wouldn't be surprised if those Zeek bastards are the ones using them. First poison gas, then the colony drop, now nukes, it seems they are wiling to do anything for victory.

We are taking heavy losses, half of the squad was shot down in the last sortie. We were able to surprise those Zeon Cyclopses, but their superior movements still allowed them to get away and shoot a couple of us down. Lt. Monroe is dead. He was shot down, his Guncannon was hit in the side by multiple shots and exploded. There's no way he survived that. His death has left me in charge of the unit. I bitterly ordered the rest of the squad to retreat back to the Tokyo. We succeeded in our mission of driving off the Zeeks from the colony but our causalities were too great for us to continue our attack. God, this whole battle has been a disaster. Their machines seems superior in every way and we can barely put a dent in them. How did the Zeon's produce this kind of technology? 

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #27

Date: UC 0079.01.15

0079.01.15

I just received word from Lt. Monroe, we've just lost two of our escorts to their new mobile suits. Apparently they swooped in broke through our defensive line and hit them with a barrage of missiles. Both ships went down in a matter of seconds, no survivors. 

This has me worried. I haven't heard word on the Shiva, where Allan is stationed. I hope that means its still operational or if its been hit at least its disabled. The battle's growing more and more chaotic, both fleets have moved in on each other with their second fleet launching a surprise attack against the rest of our combined fleet under Admiral Revil, which is outside the colonies. All I've hearing from that attack is bad news, as heavy losses across all fleets continues to be confirmed when we have any down time.

Currently my squad is on their third sorties of the day. We are using a destroyed Salamis Cruiser as cover while we regroup and move closer to a squad of those damn Zeon Cyclops. They seem to be doing something to one of the Colonies. Hopefully they haven't found us so we can hit them with a surprise. It won't be long now. 

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #26

Date: UC 0079.01.15

Jesus, they just came out of nowhere. Their machines move so damn fast and effortlessly, its almost like they were an extension of their own body. They did maneuvers and attacks that would have been impossible for our suits and fighters.

In my first sortie my suit was damaged, lost the right leg to a missile hit from one of their new suits. My squad and I were able to drive them off and we limped back to the Tokyo where I'm currently being repaired.

From the reports we're receiving, both fleets have not fully found each other yet but our forces are heavily engaging each other in and around the colonies. Apparently some of the colonies already have suffered massive damage from cannon hits and debris hits. God, I never thought I'd see the day when the colonies would be turned into a war zone. Its horrifying.

As my repairs are being finished Im able to get some rest and also catch up on our newest battle plans. God I need sleep.

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #25

Date: UC 0079.01.15

It has just been reported that our forces have spotted the Zeon fleet moving inside Loum. The 5th fleet has been ordered to move into the Loum colony group and prevent any Zeon attempts of a colony-jack. Apparently the 2nd fleet is being sent as well to provide support.

My squadron has been ordered to mobilize for the battle. While we are eager for a fight, we have been told that our mission is to provide protection for our ships. While we know that the Zeon fleet has moved into Loum, the dense Minovsky particle dispersal and the colonies themselves have prevented us from locating their exact position. It seems like the higher ups don't want to take a risk and try to search for their fleet. I think that's a terrible strategy, if we don't know where they are then I can only assume that the Zeon fleet doesn't know where we are either. We should be searching for them and trying to catch them off guard. If we found out where they are, we could surprise them by maneuvering our fleet into a firing line outside of their main guns range. This should be possible since our guns apparently have a longer range.

What in the hell are the higher ups thinking?

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Journal of Jasper Rodriguez

Journal Entry: #24

Date: UC 0079.01.14

Just received our newest orders, we have been deployed with the rest of the 5th fleet to Side 5, Loum. Apparently a large Zeon force is approaching the colonies with the purpose of capturing one of the colonies and dropping it on Earth. We won't let this happen. I won't let this happen.

Our fleet is set to rendezvous with other EFF fleets to create the 1st Combined Fleet under the command of General Revil. Lieutenant Monroe says that we have a chance to deliver a major blow to the Zeon forces with our attack and defense of Loum. While their surprise surprise attacks against us in the opening week of the war caught us off guard, those actions proved little in determining their forces true strength. Here is where we will expose the Zeon forces as the paper tiger that they are.

The squad is eager and confident in victory and are ready for anything the Zeeks throw at us. May the wings of victory guide us. 

- Ensign Jasper Rodriguez, 5th Earth Federation Fleet, 220th Mobile Squadron 

[storiesoneyearwar]

From the Personal Letters of Tristan Williamson

Maria, 

My assessment was correct about our training, it was in preparation for an upcoming engagement. Word around the Nightingale, the Musai that my squad has been assigned to, is that our forces will be engaging an Earth Federation Fleet located at one of the other Sides. Of course this could all be a rumor, since every crew member has given a different answer as to which side this EFF fleet is located.

The crew of the Nightingale are a respectable and good natured crew and they have taken us pilots on without any problems. The head mechanic, Walter Hughes, seems to be the only one who really doesn't care for our presence though. He's a little stubborn and hard headed, but I assume he'll warm to us eventually. From our limited interactions I can assume that he doesn't like being told what to do concerning the repairs or maintenance of "his" mobile suits, especially when those recommendations come from pilots. Yeah, you read that right by the way, "his". The first thing Walter told us when we arrived was that when the mobile suits were in the hanger, they were "his" children and he had the final say on their maintenance. Of course this didn't sit well with Gedion and he immediately butted heads with Walter. I already have a bet going with Brandon and Yu on how long it takes for Gedion and him to get into a fist fight. I have a week, Brandon's got three days and Yu has a week and a half. After witnessing their first confrontation, I gotta say that I don't like my odds.

Anyway even with all the rumors flying around, we have been drilling tirelessly for the last several days and that has left the squad completely exhausted. While we have continued to work on our squad recon and coordination drills, we also began training with the newly formed MS-06C Zaku II's squads. These sessions have us mainly working with them in an escort role, we're with them to watch and protect them from any sudden attack.

I gotta say, you should see these machines move Maria. Its like they have the grace of a dancer and they seem to flow effortlessly through space. At times its almost breathtaking to watch.

Well thats all I can think of for the moment. You might not receive a letter from me for several days, but you needn't worry because thats when we might be shipped out for the engagement. Don't worry I'll make sure to stay safe and come back alive and don't worry about Gedion, Brandon or even Yu. We've got each other's backs.

Anyway I miss you and hope to see your beautiful smiling face as soon as possible.  

All my Love,

Tristan

Date: UC 0079.01.13