OVA
Description
Michel Ninorich enlists in the Earth Federation military from Side 2 during the One Year War. Assigned to the 08th MS Team in Southeast Asia, he aspires to pilot mobile suits but instead serves as co-pilot and gunner on Eledore Massis's Type 74 Hover Truck, handling navigation and support. Though disappointed, he develops an effective working relationship with Eledore, but his performance is hampered by a lack of discipline and susceptibility to peer pressure. Michel remains preoccupied, frequently writing letters to his girlfriend, B.B., left behind in his home colony.
In combat, Michel consistently exhibits hesitancy and fear confronting enemy forces. During the Apsalus flight test, he participates in unauthorized firing against orders, revealing the platoon's position. Later, in a desert battle, he briefly operates a Gundam Ground Type, firing one shot at the Apsalus II before freezing in terror as it advances. His unreliable combat performance contrasts with moments of courage, such as deliberately maneuvering the hover truck across water to distract an Acguy, enabling a teammate's escape. His actions inadvertently lead to his commanding officer, Shiro Amada, being investigated for treason after Michel discloses Shiro's prior contact with Zeon pilot Aina Sahalin to superiors, a decision he later regrets.
Discharged after the war, Michel suffers a profound setback upon receiving a letter and photo from B.B. announcing her marriage to another man and the birth of their child. This causes deep depression and excessive drinking. He subsequently accompanies Kiki Rosita, daughter of a guerrilla leader, on a journey to locate the missing Shiro Amada, fulfilling a request from former 08th MS Team members. Their search finds Shiro alive, having lost his left leg, living peacefully with Aina Sahalin.
In combat, Michel consistently exhibits hesitancy and fear confronting enemy forces. During the Apsalus flight test, he participates in unauthorized firing against orders, revealing the platoon's position. Later, in a desert battle, he briefly operates a Gundam Ground Type, firing one shot at the Apsalus II before freezing in terror as it advances. His unreliable combat performance contrasts with moments of courage, such as deliberately maneuvering the hover truck across water to distract an Acguy, enabling a teammate's escape. His actions inadvertently lead to his commanding officer, Shiro Amada, being investigated for treason after Michel discloses Shiro's prior contact with Zeon pilot Aina Sahalin to superiors, a decision he later regrets.
Discharged after the war, Michel suffers a profound setback upon receiving a letter and photo from B.B. announcing her marriage to another man and the birth of their child. This causes deep depression and excessive drinking. He subsequently accompanies Kiki Rosita, daughter of a guerrilla leader, on a journey to locate the missing Shiro Amada, fulfilling a request from former 08th MS Team members. Their search finds Shiro alive, having lost his left leg, living peacefully with Aina Sahalin.