William watched his team. He felt bad about having to retreat, but he solice that they managed to get everyone out. The Hover truck kept pace along side the three gundams. Foot soldiers lined the top of the Truck as the waved and cheered up at the three Mobile suits. Another point of concern was Unit 2. So far she hadn't said a word nor moved. Unit 3 was practically carrying her. About halfway back to base. Unit 2 seemed to have come around as she began moving under her own power once again.<br/><br/>William sighed when Isabel admitted to her failure. "We are alive, Corporal. That is all that matters.<em>You</em>didn't fail. If any one failed, it is me. I am the Squad leader, and it is my duty to ensure the safety of my Team. I should have taken into consideration of Zeon suits getting too close to you." William said. Trying to make Isabel Feel better.<br/><br/>_______________________________<br/><br/>Acar grimaced coldly at the news of the capture of Lucille Washburn and Her Governess. In his mind, he would have just left them to rot. However, since she is the Daughter of one of the Highest ranking Officers in the Zeon Military. He simply couldn't just leave them. "Sir, About Catrina's Pick up request?" The Comms officer meekly replied. "Granted, Send some trucks to retrieve them. Also send a demo team to neutralize the Gallup. We don't want the Feddies trying and salvaging it." Acar turned to leave, but as he reached the door, he turned. "Have my Gouf Made Ready. I'm going to lead the Rescue operation, Personally."<br/><br/>_______________________________<br/><br/>The Zeons prisoners began to load themselves onto the trucks that were sent to ferry them back to base. One of them, a mousy private that looked like he should still be in high school. Approached the two female pilots. He was chewing on his lower lip nervously. Having been under Acar's command long enough to know swift reprisals. He questioned what he was a bout to say, but he heard them Curse the Feddies for taking a Young Girl Hostage. He knew he would probably get in serious trouble for speaking in defense of the enemy. "E-excuse me Ma'ams." He started. "I don't think they would have attack if they knew "She" was on board. Even after they took us prisoner. The one horned suit with the "1" on its shoulder. It used its shield to shade Miss Washburn and Miss Grooms from the sun. We also heard him order the one with the "3" to shade the rest of us. They even ensured that we received water when they took The Young Miss and her Nanny away." He spoke meekly. Cringing in fear of being lash out at.<br/><br/>____________________________________<br/><br/>William backed Unit 1 into his berth. Night had fallen by the time they returned to base. The Canopy gave a low hiss as it opened. Taking a rag, William wiped his brow as the hot desert air swirl around him. displacing the cool air conditioning that once filled his cockpit. "Looks like you lot got into a pretty good scrap, Skipper." Mike Commented as he Handed a water bottle to William. "Yeah, We came across a couple good pilots." He said absently as he sipped the water. His mind replaying the battle with that one particular Zaku. "Please try and get the repairs done and the weapons reloaded quickly." William said as he hoisted himself out his chair. His body was aching all over and he felt like he could sleep for a week. "Oh, Sir! Colonel Alexander wanted to see you as soon as you returned." Mike called as William was starting down the Stairs. "Well, He'll have to wait till i get out of a shower. I don't want to offend his delicate nasal passages." William said, showing his disdain for brass and how they can be inconsiderate of others at times.<br/><br/>After a very quick shower, William made his way over to the Colonel's office. While he understood that Field rank Officers were busy. The Colonel was certainly burning the midnight candle. William knocked and waited to be allowed in. "You wanted to see me sir?" He smartly said. "First off, Well done on taking out a Gallup. It was very impressive for your second mission." Edward said as he shuffled some papers. "Thank you sir, but I could not have done it without my team, Sir." William responded without hesitation. Edward gave him a look before continuing. "Do you know whom you captured, Lt.?" He asked lazily. "No Sir." William replied. "You and  your team have picked up a most precious little girl by the Name of Lucille Washburn, and her Nanny, Emma Grooms." Edwards said as he looked up at the Lt. William stared blankly unsure where the Colonel was going. "I guess you wouldn't know her, but you should know her father, Field Marshal George Washburn." It all suddenly clicked. She was the daughter of one of Zeon's best tacticians, and close friend to the Zabi family. "Sir, we are going to return her, right?" William asked. Returning her was William's number one concern. She should have never been allowed in the warzone, but it did explain the number of escorts for the Gallup.<br/><br/>"Yes she'll be returned." Edward answered but his tone didn't sound too happy. "I don't understand sir. Shouldn't we tried to return her to her family?" William Asked. Aside from it being an excellent Morale boost and PR gimmick to increase favor for the Federation. It was simply the right thing to do. "Intelligence wants to get their hands on her first. To<em>convince</em>her and Miss Grooms to do a little Work for us. They will be picking her and her nanny up first thing in the morning." Edward explained. William gasped. "WHAT?! Brainwash that little girl to spy on the Zeons? That's....fucked Up!" William shouted losing his military bearing. The Look in Edwards face said that he completely agreed. "Fucking Spooks. Think they are above any moral obligation." The Colonel Seethed. "We can't simply let them do this. She is a child for crying out loud." William pressed.<br/><br/>"Lt, I understand your night time running equipment is malfunctioning." The Colonel said with a weird expression. The sudden change of subject caught Samson off guard. "Sir?" . It took a moment for William to catch on. "Y-yes sir. My Gundam's Night vision does seem to be acting up. I would recommend a night walk to ascertain the fault sir." William said smartly. Edward simply nodded as he picked up a picture off his desk. It was a beautiful Woman and young girl. The Girl's hair was cut short in wavy brown locks. He brushed his fingers across the glass lovingly. "I had a wife and Daughter myself once. We were living in Sydney, Australia. I was in Jaburo when the Colony was dropped." He said, though not really to William. Sydney, Australia was once a thriving city on the Coast, now it is nothing more than inland sea. the Result of the Zeons dropping a colony to earth. "I know what is like to lose a daughter. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy." Colonel Alexander continued. "Sir, this could be construed as treason." William whispered. "Treason to someone else's ideals, not mine." Edward stated as he continued to stare at the picture. William nodded. Understanding the gravity of the risk the Colonel was taking and asking of him. "Yes Sir. I'll find that fault." William said with a salute.