Roberto

Roberto (ロベルト, Roberuto) was a Lieutenant Junior Grade pilot serving with the Anti-Earth Union Group during the Gryps Conflict. Born Ricardo Vega, he was a former Principality of Zeon pilot who served as one of Char Aznable’s subordinates during the One Year War before joining the AEUG under the pseudonym “Roberto.”

Biography

Early life and One Year War service

Ricardo Vega served as a mobile suit pilot under Char Aznable during the One Year War, alongside fellow pilot Andy (who would later become known as Apolly Bay). As one of Char’s trusted subordinates, Vega demonstrated considerable skill as a pilot and proved his loyalty to his commander throughout the conflict.

When the Principality of Zeon fell at the end of UC 0079, Vega escaped to Axis along with Apolly and Char, joining the large contingent of Zeon remnants who had gathered at the asteroid stronghold.

Axis period

During his time at Axis, Ricardo Vega continued to serve as a mobile suit pilot and distinguished himself through his exceptional piloting abilities. His skills were particularly evident during live training exercises, where he overwhelmed Rakan Dahkaran’s entire platoon, demonstrating the combat experience he had gained during the One Year War.

As tensions within Axis escalated, Vega was promoted to mobile suit captain and served during the Axis civil war. His leadership abilities and combat experience made him a valuable asset during this internal conflict.

When Haman Karn began to consolidate her power at Axis and her growing ambitions became apparent, Char Aznable decided to leave the asteroid stronghold. Vega, along with Andy, chose to follow their former commander rather than remain under Haman’s increasingly authoritarian rule.

AEUG service

After leaving Axis, Ricardo Vega joined the Anti-Earth Union Group alongside Char and Andy. To conceal their identities as former Zeon personnel, all three men adopted pseudonyms. Ricardo Vega took the name “Roberto,” whilst Andy became “Apolly Bay,” and Char assumed the identity of “Quattro Bajeena.”

Roberto was commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the AEUG and became one of the organisation’s veteran RMS-099 Rick Dias pilots. He served as one of Quattro Bajeena’s two wingmen, forming an experienced trio that proved instrumental in many AEUG operations.

Roberto participated in the AEUG’s mission to infiltrate Side 7 Green Noa 1 to gather intelligence about the Titans’ new RX-178 Gundam Mk-II prototypes. This operation marked the beginning of the Gryps Conflict when Kamille Bidan assisted in the theft of the Gundam Mk-II units.

Throughout the early stages of the conflict, Roberto served aboard the Argama and proved himself to be a reliable team player. His combat experience and professionalism made him an effective pilot capable of handling almost any combat situation.

Final mission and death

After the AEUG’s successful attack on Jaburo, Roberto accompanied Quattro and his allies to the Kennedy Space Center to facilitate the return of AEUG pilots to space. The mission was intended to transport several AEUG pilots, including Apolly Bay, back to the fleet via space shuttle.

During the shuttle launch operation, the facility came under attack by Titans ace pilot Buran Blutarch in his transformable NRX-044 Asshimar, accompanied by several RMS-106 Hizacks riding Base Jabber sub-flight systems. The Titans succeeded in destroying one of the two space shuttles, forcing Roberto, Quattro, and Kamille to mount a desperate defence.

Roberto valiantly defended the remaining shuttle, successfully destroying two Hizacks and their accompanying Base Jabber. As the shuttle prepared for launch with only seconds remaining, Roberto provided crucial cover fire to ensure its safe departure. However, Buran Blutarch engaged Roberto directly, firing a devastating shot through his Rick Dias’ torso that caused the mobile suit to explode.

Apolly Bay witnessed Roberto’s death from the shuttle’s video monitor, choking back tears as the shuttle launched successfully. Roberto’s sacrifice ensured that the mission succeeded and that his fellow AEUG pilots could return to space to continue the fight against the Titans.

Personality and traits

Roberto was characterised as a serious and diligent pilot, providing a contrast to his more lighthearted comrade Apolly Bay. Whilst Apolly was known for his wisecracks and humor, Roberto maintained a more professional demeanour and approached his duties with considerable gravity.

Despite his serious nature, Roberto was a reliable team player who worked well with his colleagues. His experience as a veteran of the One Year War had taught him the importance of discipline and cooperation in combat situations.

Roberto demonstrated considerable loyalty to Char Aznable, following his former commander from Zeon through Axis and ultimately to the AEUG. This loyalty extended to his willingness to sacrifice his life to ensure the success of AEUG operations.

Skills and abilities

Roberto was an exceptionally skilled mobile suit pilot whose abilities had been honed during the One Year War. His combat experience was evident in his performance during training exercises at Axis, where he single-handedly overwhelmed an entire enemy platoon.

As an RMS-099 Rick Dias pilot with the AEUG, Roberto proved capable of handling almost any combat situation. His piloting skills were sufficient to earn him promotion to mobile suit captain during the Axis civil war, demonstrating his leadership abilities as well as his technical proficiency.

Roberto’s experience with both Zeon and Earth Federation mobile suit technology made him a valuable asset to the AEUG. His familiarity with the Rick Dias, which incorporated design elements from both factions, allowed him to maximise the mobile suit’s potential in combat.

Relationships

Char Aznable

Roberto maintained a close relationship with Char Aznable throughout his military career. Initially serving as one of Char’s subordinates during the One Year War, Roberto continued to follow his commander through their time at Axis and ultimately to the AEUG. This relationship was characterised by mutual respect and loyalty, with Roberto demonstrating unwavering faith in Char’s leadership.

Apolly Bay

Roberto served alongside Apolly Bay (originally named Andy) from their early days under Char Aznable through their final service with the AEUG. The two men formed a close partnership, with their contrasting personalities—Roberto’s seriousness versus Apolly’s humour—creating an effective working relationship. Apolly’s emotional reaction to witnessing Roberto’s death demonstrated the deep bond between the two pilots.

Mecha

RMS-099 Rick Dias

Roberto’s primary mobile suit during his service with the AEUG was the RMS-099 Rick Dias, one of the organisation’s first original mass-production mobile suits. The Rick Dias was well-suited to Roberto’s piloting style, offering the balance of firepower and manoeuvrability necessary for the varied combat situations encountered during the Gryps Conflict.

The Rick Dias featured many design elements reminiscent of Zeon mobile suits, including a mono-eye sensor system, which likely made the transition easier for former Zeon pilots like Roberto. Its standard armament included twin beam pistols, a beam saber, and a clay bazooka, providing options for both ranged and close combat.

Roberto operated his Rick Dias with considerable skill, successfully engaging multiple enemy units during the defence of the Kennedy Space Center. His final battle demonstrated both his piloting abilities and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the mission’s success.

Behind the scenes

Roberto was voiced by Kōzō Shioya in the original Japanese version of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam and by Tommy James in the English dub.

The character appears in several related works beyond the main anime series, including the manga Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam Define and Char’s Deleted Affair: Portrait Of Young Comet. In the Define manga, Roberto’s fate differs from the anime, with the character surviving the Kennedy Space Center battle only to be killed later by Jerid Messa during the battle of Kilimanjaro.

Despite his background as a former Zeon pilot, Roberto wore a Federation uniform with an open jacket during his service with the AEUG, presumably to help conceal his previous allegiance.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam episodes 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 13
• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam Define (manga)
• Char’s Deleted Affair: Portrait Of Young Comet (manga)