Henken Bekkener

Henken Bekkener was a former Earth Federation Forces naval officer who became a key leader of the Anti-Earth Union Group during the Gryps Conflict. Known for his strong but dynamic personality, he was respected by his subordinates despite being notably clumsy when it came to matters of love.

Biography

One Year War

During the One Year War, Henken served as captain of the modified Salamis-class transport ship Suruga, which belonged to the Earth Federation’s 7th Fleet. The ship participated in humanitarian missions, including the transport of space immigrants from Solomon to Side 6.

On 31 December UC 0079, during the Battle of A Baoa Qu, the Suruga was discovered by Principality of Zeon forces while transporting civilians. Demonstrating his commitment to protecting non-combatants, Henken ordered the space immigrants to board an escape launch and entrusted their safety to his mobile suit unit “Jack the Halloween” before engaging in battle. The Suruga was subsequently attacked and destroyed by the MA-04X Zakrello mobile armour, though Henken was rescued safely. During this period, he reportedly sensed the presence of Char Aznable, indicating possible Newtype sensitivity.

Inter-war period

Following the One Year War, Henken became disillusioned with the Earth Federation Forces, particularly with the rise of the Titans organisation. His distaste for the Titans’ oppressive tactics against spacenoids led him to defect from the Federation and join the newly formed Anti-Earth Union Group.

Gryps Conflict

In UC 0087, Henken became the first captain of the Argama, serving as one of the core leaders of the AEUG alongside Blex Forer, Quattro Bajeena, and Reccoa Londe. Despite his military duties, he maintained cover as the manager of Macdaniel’s, a hamburger restaurant in the lunar city of Amman.

As captain of the Argama, Henken commanded the ship during several critical missions, including the successful capture of the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II units from the Titans headquarters at Gryps. His even temper and jovial demeanour created a more relaxed atmosphere aboard the ship compared to more rigid military commands.

Following the rescue of a Temptation-class space shuttle carrying Bright Noa, Henken graciously stepped down as captain of the Argama, recognising Bright’s superior experience and allowing him to take command. Henken then transferred to become captain of the Radish, a new battleship in the AEUG fleet.

On 21 February UC 0088, during the final battle for Gryps II, Henken made the ultimate sacrifice. When Emma Sheen found herself engaged in a desperate battle against Yazan Gable in his RX-139 Hambrabi, Henken ordered the Radish to move in and support her. Yazan single-handedly destroyed the battleship, killing Henken and forcing Emma to watch in horror as the man who loved her died before her eyes.

Personality & traits

Henken possessed a strong but dynamic personality that earned him the respect and loyalty of his subordinates. He was known for his even temperament and jovial demeanour, which contributed to a relaxed but professional atmosphere aboard the ships under his command. His good-natured approach to leadership stood in contrast to more rigid military commanders, making him well-liked by his crews.

Despite his competence as a naval officer, Henken was notably clumsy and awkward when it came to romantic matters. His shy and sometimes bumbling attempts at courtship became a defining characteristic, particularly in his relationship with Emma Sheen.

Relationships

Emma Sheen

Henken’s most significant personal relationship was with Emma Sheen, a former Titans pilot who defected to the AEUG. Shortly after Emma joined the anti-Titans movement, Henken developed strong romantic feelings for her. Initially, Emma rebuffed his advances, finding his approach awkward and inappropriate given their military situation.

However, over time, Emma began to reciprocate Henken’s feelings, recognising the genuine affection behind his clumsy courtship attempts. Their relationship developed slowly throughout the Gryps Conflict, with Emma gradually warming to Henken’s persistent but respectful pursuit. His death whilst protecting her during the final battle deeply traumatised Emma, who was forced to witness the destruction of the Radish and Henken’s sacrifice.

Bright Noa

Henken maintained a professional relationship with Bright Noa, demonstrating remarkable humility when he voluntarily stepped down as captain of the Argama to allow the more experienced Bright to take command. This decision showed Henken’s commitment to the AEUG cause over personal ambition, as he recognised that Bright’s superior tactical experience would better serve the organisation’s needs.

Blex Forer

As one of the founding members of the AEUG, Henken worked closely with Blex Forer in the organisation’s leadership structure. He served as co-captain alongside Blex aboard the Argama, helping to establish the group’s early operational procedures and command hierarchy.

Skills & abilities

Naval command

Henken demonstrated exceptional skill as a naval commander, successfully leading ships through both combat and humanitarian missions. His ability to maintain crew morale whilst operating under difficult conditions made him an effective leader during wartime operations.

Strategic thinking

Despite his informal demeanour, Henken possessed strong strategic instincts and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure. His willingness to sacrifice his own ship to protect Emma Sheen demonstrated both his tactical awareness and personal courage.

Vessels

Suruga

During the One Year War, Henken commanded the Suruga, a modified Salamis-class transport ship belonging to the 7th Fleet. Under his command, the vessel carried out humanitarian missions, including the evacuation of space immigrants during the war’s final stages.

Argama

As the first captain of the Argama, Henken established the command protocols and operational procedures for what would become the AEUG’s flagship. He successfully led the ship through several critical missions, including the capture of the Gundam Mk-II units from the Titans.

Radish

Following his transfer from the Argama, Henken took command of the Radish, an Irish-class battleship that served as his final command. He died aboard this vessel whilst protecting Emma Sheen during the battle for Gryps II.

Behind the scenes

Henken Bekkener was designed as a supporting character who would demonstrate the human cost of the Gryps Conflict whilst providing a romantic subplot that added emotional depth to the series. His character served to show how ordinary people became caught up in the larger conflict between the AEUG and Titans.

The character was voiced by Jūrōta Kosugi in Japanese and Dave Pettitt in English. Notably, Pettitt also served as the narrator for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam and had previously voiced Master Asia in Mobile Fighter G Gundam.

Henken’s death scene was designed to be particularly tragic, as it forced Emma Sheen to watch helplessly as the man who loved her sacrificed himself for her safety. This moment served as a catalyst for Emma’s final character development and highlighted the personal cost of the war.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation - Heir to the Stars
• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation II - Lovers
• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation III - Love is the Pulse of the Stars
• SD Gundam G Generation series