Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Space, to The End of a Flash (機動戦士ガンダム外伝 宇宙、閃光の果てに…, Kidō Senshi Gandamu Gaiden: Sora, Senkou no Hate ni...?) is a Japanese manga written by Tomohiro Chiba and illustrated by Masato Natsumoto set within the Universal Century timeline of the Gundam

Gundam

The is a metaseries of anime created by Sunrise studios that features giant robots called "Mobile Suits" ; usually the protagonist's MS will carry the name Gundam....

 Metaseries.

Plot

The story revolves around a second Pegasus class ship named Thoroughbred and its crew. Tasked to intercept a Zeon supply route behind the Moon that leads to Space Fortress Solomon in preparation for "Operation Star One". To accomplish this, the Thoroughbred has been given two Gundams piloted by ace pilots Ford Romfellow and veteran Lusse Kessel.

The game's story is playable in the Thoroughbred mode of Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space

Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space

Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space is a Third-person shooter video game for the PlayStation 2 released in 2003. The game is centered on space based mobile suit combat...

, where the players success (or lack thereof) in some missions alters the course of the team's history.

Earth Federation Forces

Ford Romfellow

An Earth Federation pilot, Ford is tasked to the Thoroughbred with the RX-78-5 Gundam "G05", one of the Federation's testbed Gundams. He is very professional, mainly wanting to know specifics within operations he also has a joking side to him, however in battle he frequently gets excited. It is unknown if he remained with the Thoroughbred during U.C. 0083. Ford reappears with the Federation during the Gryps Conflict part of the elite Titans taskforce of Bask Om. He does not approve of their methods, believing they breed more conflicts.

Lusse Kessel

A Veteran of Loum, Lusse is tasked to the Thoroughbred with the RX-78-4 Gundam "G04" another testbed Gundam of the federation. Lusse is supportive to his teammates, frequently encouraging them to do their best in battle and at their jobs. Lusse acts as a mentor to Ford during the events of the manga up until his death. In his final battle: Lusse is forced to use an experimental beam rifle for his Gundam (the RX-78-4) to destroy a Zeon Fleet coming towards earth. Though he is successful, his Gundam overheats and the left side of the cockpit explodes. Lusse is brought back aboard the Thoroughbred but succumbs to his wounds.

Miyu Takizawa
The attractive operator of the Thoroughbred, She is in charge of both Gundams and their pilots. She argues with Ford often when he teases her. She cares about Ford more than she shows however.

Annie Pielpig

Mechanic on the Thoroughbred, Annie is responsible for the condition of both Gundams and three Guncannons aboard the Thoroughbred. Originally part of a MS corporation, she is conscripted by the federation for her role on the Thoroughbred.

Lombard Dunst

Captain of the Thoroughbred, Lombard is a veteran of Loum, he is very torn about a friendly fire incident that killed his son, he was directly responsible for the incident.

Principality of Zeon

Sanguie Mallet

A Zeon Ace pilot, He is captain of the special squadron anchored to Granada. He pilots the Pezun Asteroid's MS-11 Act Zaku, often displaying an implacable absolute confidence in his abilities, he becomes obsessed with destroying the Thoroughbred and develops a rivalry with the RX-78-4 and its pilot, Lusse Kessel. After Lusse's death, Sanguie starts fighting Ford (pilot of the RX-78-5). in his final battle: he and Ford engage in MS combat. Ford finds an opening in his attack and pierces Sanguie's cockpit with a beam saber, instantly killing him.

Carlisle Yuiman

An experienced Zeon pilot, He pilots a Rick Dom II into combat. Part of the special squadron anchored at Granada, he taught Sanguie while still a teacher at the Academy. After Sanguie's death he joins the Zeon remnants.

Lilia Flaubert

The youngest pilot of Sanguie's squadron, she pilots a Rick Dom II. Lilia has a timid personality, allowing her to easily fold to Sanguie's will. She believes in Sanguie's ideals, leading her to join the Zeon Remnants after the war. Voiced by Kae Araki

Kae Araki

, better known by the stage name , is a Japanese voice actress. After standing in for Kotono Mitsuishi when Mitsuishi had appendicitis, Araki originated the role of Chibiusa in the same series soon after...

Piper Gyusuta

Another experienced Zeon pilot, pilots a Rick Dom II. He takes his role somewhat lightly, much to the chagrin of his wingmates. He joins the Zeon Remnant with Lilia and Yuiman. Voiced by Jun Fukushima.