Daguza Mackle

Daguza Mackle was a Commander of the Earth Federation Forces’ ECOAS 920 special forces team. He led the operation to prevent the opening of Laplace’s Box during the Third Neo Zeon War in UC 0096.

Biography

Early career

In the novel version of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, it was revealed that Daguza was married and had a daughter. He later divorced his wife because of his military obligations. His personal sacrifices for duty would haunt him throughout his career, as he understood the cost of putting mission above family.

During a conversation with his second-in-command Conroy Haagensen, Daguza brought up painful memories from an operation to intervene in terrorist activities, possibly involving Zeon remnants. He led a team of ECOAS members to blow up a building where terrorists were located. Unfortunately, a group of children happened to be at the scene at the same time and were killed in the explosion. Daguza remembered this tragic scene as “a group of dead floating kids.” This incident became one of the reasons why ECOAS was nicknamed the “Manhunters.”

Industrial 7 operation

Daguza first appeared piloting a D-50C Loto during the infiltration of Side 4’s Industrial 7 colony in UC 0096. His mission was to capture the key to Laplace’s Box, the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam. During the operation, he encountered Marida Cruz piloting the NZ-666 Kshatriya. Once he expended all of his Loto’s ordnance, Daguza used an EMP rocket launcher to blind and disable the Kshatriya before fleeing to avoid destruction by the mobile suit’s funnels.

When the Unicorn Gundam, with Banagher Links unconscious inside, was picked up by the Londo Bell ship Nahel Argama, Daguza participated in the examination of the mobile suit. While attempting to open the cockpit, Anaheim Electronics technician Aaron Terzieff mentioned that the Unicorn was part of the UC Project. Daguza inquired about the project, stating that ECOAS wasn’t officially investigating, as their Anaheim representative Alberto Vist would prevent them from getting to the truth.

Interrogating Banagher

When Banagher regained consciousness in the infirmary, Daguza and Haagensen immediately entered to question him about how he came to possess the Unicorn Gundam. Though everyone protested that Banagher was hurt, Daguza could only see a civilian minor who had hijacked a military mobile suit and interfered in a combat situation—charges serious enough to warrant capital punishment. After hearing Banagher’s story, Daguza found it hard to believe that Cardeas Vist would simply give the Unicorn to a boy.

Capturing Mineva Zabi

When the Nahel Argama was attacked by Full Frontal in his MSN-06S Sinanju, Daguza and Haagensen discovered through public records that they were carrying something almost as important as Laplace’s Box itself. They identified Audrey Burne as Mineva Lao Zabi, the last surviving member of the Zabi family and princess of Zeon.

Daguza announced to Full Frontal that they held Mineva hostage, demanding safe passage for the ship. When Frontal refused and threatened to destroy the Nahel Argama, Daguza was tempted to execute Mineva to deal a crippling blow to Neo Zeon. However, Banagher’s intervention prevented this drastic action.

Operation at Palau

When Banagher and the Unicorn were captured and taken to the asteroid base Palau, Daguza led the rescue operation. He and Haagensen sortied in Lotos and stealthily infiltrated the asteroid. Despite their careful planning, it became apparent that the Sleeves were expecting an attack. Though Banagher did not show up at the intended rendezvous, he managed to locate the Unicorn and piloted it in his escape attempt, eventually returning to the Nahel Argama after capturing the Kshatriya.

Journey to Laplace

Daguza accompanied Banagher inside the Unicorn Gundam during their journey to the wreckage of Laplace. When Banagher expressed doubts about his role, Daguza counselled him about responsibility, explaining that he saw himself as a cog in the machine known as the Federation. He reminded Banagher that his friends Takuya Irei and Micott Bartsch aboard the Nahel Argama were depending on him.

Inside the ruins of Laplace, Daguza theorised about the Federation’s creation and purpose. He explained that to save the human race from destruction through overpopulation, a God-like figure was created: the Earth Federation. The sabotage of Laplace had actually been beneficial to the Federation, as it justified its authority under the guise of preventing terrorism.

Death

During the final confrontation at the ruins of Laplace, Daguza made the ultimate sacrifice. He opened the Unicorn’s hatch to let Banagher pilot alone, despite the young man’s pleas for him not to go. Daguza explained that he had seen the psychoframe glow before, as if it was reacting to Banagher’s heart. He realised that the Unicorn wasn’t merely a killing machine to use against Zeon, but was powered by the pilot’s heart, and that the La+ programme tested the pilot’s heart as a guidepost.

Retreating behind a large podium, Daguza stated, “This is not about pride. I’m not trying to redeem myself, I listen to my heart. It’s good to know that even cogs have them. Feels good to have hope.” When the Sinanju arrived at Laplace, Daguza fired a bazooka shot at the mobile suit’s head, which slightly damaged it. He gave a final salute to Banagher before Full Frontal incinerated him with the Sinanju’s twin beam sabre. His death triggered Banagher’s rage, causing the Unicorn to activate its Destroy Mode.

Personality and traits

Daguza was a pragmatic and duty-bound military officer who understood the harsh realities of war. He viewed himself as “a cog in the machine known as the Federation,” following orders without question. Despite this mechanical view of his role, he possessed a deep sense of responsibility towards his subordinates and civilians caught in conflict.

His past tragedies, including his failed marriage due to military duties and the accidental killing of children during a terrorist operation, weighed heavily on him. These experiences made him particularly protective of young people like Banagher, seeing in them the hope for a better future. Daguza’s willingness to sacrifice himself demonstrated that even those who saw themselves as mere cogs in a machine could act with profound humanity and courage.

He had a complex relationship with duty and morality, willing to use ruthless tactics like threatening to execute Mineva when necessary, yet also capable of great compassion and understanding. His mentorship of Banagher revealed his belief that individuals must listen to their hearts to discover their true purpose.

Skills and abilities

As the commander of ECOAS 920, Daguza was highly skilled in special operations, infiltration, and mobile suit combat. He demonstrated exceptional tactical acumen during the Industrial 7 operation and the rescue mission at Palau. His ability to pilot the D-50C Loto effectively in combat against advanced mobile suits like the Kshatriya showed his considerable piloting skills.

Daguza possessed strong leadership qualities, commanding the respect and loyalty of his subordinates, particularly Conroy Haagensen. His interrogation skills and ability to quickly assess situations made him an effective intelligence officer. Despite his pragmatic approach, he had keen insight into human nature and was able to provide guidance to younger individuals struggling with their roles in conflict.

Relationships

Conroy Haagensen

Conroy Haagensen served as Daguza’s second-in-command and trusted right-hand man. Their partnership was built on mutual respect and shared experiences in ECOAS operations. Haagensen understood Daguza’s methods and supported his decisions, even the morally difficult ones. After Daguza’s death, Haagensen took over command of the ECOAS team aboard the Nahel Argama.

Banagher Links

Daguza developed a paternal relationship with Banagher Links, seeing potential in the young pilot despite his civilian background. He challenged Banagher to take responsibility for his actions and understand the weight of piloting the Unicorn Gundam. Their conversations revealed Daguza’s regret about not having a son, as he mentioned that if he had one, he would share the same feelings as Banagher. His final sacrifice was partly motivated by his desire to guide Banagher towards fulfilling his true potential.

Family

In the novel version, Daguza was previously married and had a daughter. However, his military career and the demands of ECOAS operations led to the breakdown of his marriage. This personal failure haunted him and influenced his protective attitude towards younger people, particularly those caught up in conflicts they didn’t understand.

Equipment

D-50C Loto

Daguza piloted the D-50C Loto, a transformable mobile suit designed specifically for ECOAS special operations. The Loto’s small size and stealth capabilities made it ideal for infiltration missions like the operation at Industrial 7. Despite its limited firepower compared to full-size mobile suits, Daguza used it effectively against the much larger and more powerful Kshatriya through tactical positioning and the use of EMP weapons.

Behind the scenes

Daguza Mackle was voiced by Hiroki Tochi in the Japanese version and Richard Epcar in the English dub. Tochi, born 26 May 1966, is known for voicing strong, mature characters in anime and video games. Epcar provided the English voice for the character across all Gundam Unicorn media.

The character was designed to represent the conflict between duty and humanity, serving as both a mentor figure for Banagher and a symbol of the Federation’s complex moral position during the Third Neo Zeon War. His death marked a turning point in the series, demonstrating that even career soldiers could choose to act on their conscience rather than merely follow orders.

In Dynasty Warriors Gundam Reborn, Daguza appears as a non-playable character, reflecting his role as a supporting character rather than a primary protagonist.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
• Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096
• Dynasty Warriors Gundam Reborn