OVA
Description
Steiner Hardy, alternately known as Hardie Steiner in updated sources, commands the Zeon Principality's elite Cyclops Team as captain. Early translations used "Steiner Hardy," later standardized to "Hardie Steiner." He pilots mobile suits including the MSM-07E Z'Gok-E. Hardy displays calm professionalism and strategic pragmatism, maintaining a composed demeanor. His skilled conversation allows effective civilian disguise during covert operations. He prioritizes mission success over personal Zeon pride and avoids unnecessary killing, yet exploits any advantage—even using children—to achieve objectives.
During the One Year War, Hardy leads critical Cyclops Team missions. He orchestrates a prison break, permitting rescued prisoner Gordon to execute a Federation base commander for vengeance while cautioning Gordon about the consequences. Later, Lieutenant Colonel Killing assigns Hardy’s team Operation Rubicon: infiltrate neutral Side 6 to destroy the Federation's RX-78NT-1 Gundam "Alex" prototype. Hardy requests an experienced replacement for fallen comrade Andy Strauss but receives rookie Bernard Wiseman instead.
Infiltrating Side 6, Hardy manipulates local boy Alfred Izuruha into becoming an "honorary Zeon member" after Alfred reports the team. This tactic prevents leaks and isolates Bernard from core planning. Privately, Hardy voices disillusionment about the mission's feasibility and Zeon's looming defeat, even contemplating peaceful life in Side 6 post-operation. He later realizes Killing intends the Cyclops Team as expendable pawns to justify nuclear strikes on the colony, regardless of outcome.
Hardy suffers mortal wounds during the Federation base infiltration. Bernard evacuates him to a forest, where Hardy asks about the Alex. Bernard falsely claims its destruction to comfort him; Hardy recognizes the lie but accepts it without challenge, succumbing to his injuries shortly after.
Outside the primary OVA continuity, separate continuities like *Super Robot Taisen OE* depict Hardy surviving the mission. There, he retreats with Char Aznable’s forces and later urges Bernard to surrender after the Cyclops Team's defeat, avoiding his canonical death.
During the One Year War, Hardy leads critical Cyclops Team missions. He orchestrates a prison break, permitting rescued prisoner Gordon to execute a Federation base commander for vengeance while cautioning Gordon about the consequences. Later, Lieutenant Colonel Killing assigns Hardy’s team Operation Rubicon: infiltrate neutral Side 6 to destroy the Federation's RX-78NT-1 Gundam "Alex" prototype. Hardy requests an experienced replacement for fallen comrade Andy Strauss but receives rookie Bernard Wiseman instead.
Infiltrating Side 6, Hardy manipulates local boy Alfred Izuruha into becoming an "honorary Zeon member" after Alfred reports the team. This tactic prevents leaks and isolates Bernard from core planning. Privately, Hardy voices disillusionment about the mission's feasibility and Zeon's looming defeat, even contemplating peaceful life in Side 6 post-operation. He later realizes Killing intends the Cyclops Team as expendable pawns to justify nuclear strikes on the colony, regardless of outcome.
Hardy suffers mortal wounds during the Federation base infiltration. Bernard evacuates him to a forest, where Hardy asks about the Alex. Bernard falsely claims its destruction to comfort him; Hardy recognizes the lie but accepts it without challenge, succumbing to his injuries shortly after.
Outside the primary OVA continuity, separate continuities like *Super Robot Taisen OE* depict Hardy surviving the mission. There, he retreats with Char Aznable’s forces and later urges Bernard to surrender after the Cyclops Team's defeat, avoiding his canonical death.