Gundam Archives

The Sinister Hijackers of Flight 356

In the midst of a tumultuous era, a group of terrorists emerged, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in their wake. This faction, known as the hijackers, played a pivotal role in the Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway movie.

A Brazen Heist

On April 19th, U.C. 0105, the hijackers orchestrated a daring hijacking of Haunzen Flight 356, shortly after it entered Earth’s atmosphere. The group, comprised of six masked individuals, falsely claimed to be affiliated with the anti-Earth Federation group Mafty. Their target was the high-profile passenger list, which included multiple Earth Federation cabinet ministers and key officials en route to the Adelaide Conference.

A Web of Deceit

The hijackers’ plan was to ransom the ministers for “war funds,” a tactic that starkly contrasted with the real Mafty’s goal of assassinating cabinet members to pressure the Earth Federation into evacuating humans from Earth to the colonies. This ruse was designed to conceal their true intentions and identities.

The Hijacking Unfolds

During the hijacking, the group split into two teams of three. One team breached the cockpit, killing the pilots, while the other stormed the passenger compartment, eliminating the security guards. In the chaos, Public Health Minister Hiram Mescher and his wife, Beatrice, were brutally murdered by the impostor Mafty Navue Erin.

The Unexpected Twist

Unbeknownst to the hijackers, the real Mafty Navue Erin, Hathaway Noa, was on board Flight 356. With the help of Kenneth Sleg, Hathaway swiftly took down the hijackers, killing at least two and incapacitating the others. The Haunzen was diverted to Davao, Philippines, and landed safely.

The Aftermath

Although Gigi Andalucia and Hathaway knew the hijackers were impostors, Kenneth suspected that they were part of a splinter group called Mafty’s Army, based in Oenbelli, Australia. One passenger even claimed that the hijackers planned to fly Flight 356 to Australia.

The Enigmatic Hijackers

The hijackers’ true identities and motivations remain shrouded in mystery. Their masks, including the iconic jack-o’-lantern and clown designs, served as a symbol of their anonymity and ruthlessness. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that these terrorists would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

The Legacy of Flight 356

The hijacking of Flight 356 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of terrorism and the importance of vigilance in the face of uncertainty. The bravery of Hathaway Noa and Kenneth Sleg saved countless lives, but the incident also raised questions about the true extent of Mafty’s influence and the motivations of its followers.