Gundam Seed - Intertwined Fate
File 00. Burgeoning Destiny.
A team of techs sit inside a surveillance room, wearing headsets.
A girl's voice, "Hey? Are you there?"
A young man's voice groggy, "Yeah…. I'm still here."
Girl, "So what do you think?"
He sighs, "You're still on that topic? Well I don't know."
The girl sighs, "Heliopolis is a colony of Orb. It's neutral. As a Valorous heir I can travel to various outlets of the Orb nation as I please."
The man grunts a bit as if he is getting up, "Yeah, that's true but as Lukas' daughter I know that he wouldn't agree to that argument and besides you're a little too famous to go traveling on public transport don't you think?"
She sighs, "That's why I'll make sure to be very discreet."
He pauses, "Discreet huh? I don't know how I feel about all this. I think you should stay at Orb. Space isn't actually the safest place to be."
A long pause.
"Rena?"
Silence.
The young man sighs, "You're so damned stubborn sometimes. Fine go ahead and do what you want. I can't stop you anyway right? You'd come up anyway."
"Just don't tell father. He'd just get agitated."
He sighs, "To tell you the truth, I'm probably going to be scarce anyway. I'm entering isolation soon and knowing my luck I probably won't be here for very much longer anyway. I'd be shipped off to my next duty station before you get here."
She sighs, "Ahh… that isn't fair. The last time I saw you in person was over a year ago."
He chuckles, "I know I really miss you too. Well I have to get going. Be careful. Love you."
"Love you too Isamu."
Disconnect.
A beautiful woman with striking green eyes and long brown hair sits at a table looking through some transcripts. "I hope you've found out what you wanted to know." She turns, "Patrick. Good morning." He leans over and kisses her on the cheek, "Good morning my love." She strokes his cheek, "Thank you for doing this for me." Patrick Zala holds his hand out, "Of course it was nothing. Shall we go for a walk?" She nods, "Of course." Patrick escorts her out and into a hall, "So your daughter is finally returning to space?" Lenne smiles, "Yes." He stares forward, "I look forward to meeting her." She lays her head against his arm, "I'm so pleased. I hope Athrun will be just as thrilled."
Isamu Kisaragi, a handsome 18 year old with a stylish mess of dark brown hair and light hazel eyes, sighs and shuts the monitor of his computer off. He leans forward on his desk and bites his bottom lip. An alarm starts beeping. He rises and turns it off as he crosses to his closet. He opens it and reaches in for his Atlantic Federation uniform.
A group of people begin to board a shuttle. "Calling all passengers for shuttle 265, departing for the colony Heliopolis, to gate 45." A girl with a scarf on her head and a long light brown ponytail glances at a ticket and heads toward a gate marker. She was dressed in a stylish blouse and miniskirt with heeled boots. She hid her face behind a pair of large dark glasses. The area was busy with various travelers, some military, others civilian going back and forth. A blonde woman glances at her, "Hello there? Are you booked on this flight?" The girl glances over at her, "I… yes…" The woman smiles as she takes her ticket, "Oh…" She clutches the ticket to her chest, "This is such an honor." The girl nods, "I hope I can count on your discretion. I'd prefer to remain anonymous." The blond nods, "Of course… I'm just." She sighs, "I am such a fan. You have such an amazing talent." The girl nods, "Thanks." The blonde nods holding out a paper and whispers, "Can I get your autograph?" The girl nods, "Yes thank you for your discretion." She scribbles her name down. The blonde places the paper to her chest, "Thank you. Oh my friends will be so jealous." Several people start to look over and whisper. The woman notices and nods, "Well… is this your first time in space?" The girl shakes her head, "No… it's just been a long time." The blonde touches her on the shoulder, "Oh don't you worry the least bit. You'll be fine; we'll take great care of you." The girl nods, "Thank you." She glances down at a photograph. A smile spreads across her lips. The attendant glances at the photo, "Friends of yours?" The girl nods, "Yes. They both live in space." The attendant smiles, "Well if you need anything just ask." The girl tucks the photo away and descends into the gate.
A beautiful spring day. The sun is shining. Everything is extremely vivid but dream like. A pretty girl with a chin length bob stands on top of a hill. She watches a pair of boys through a camera lens. She feels a gust of wind. She rubs her arms and glances up at the sky. Why is it so cold? "Ren!" She glances over at the boys who call out to her. She ignores the cold for a moment and laughs as she peers around the side of the camera, her green blue eyes sparkle a huge smile spreads across her young face.
Close up of lips, icy breath, "I'm coming… hold on."
She presses a button biting her bottom lip and steps from behind the camera. They mouth the word, Hurry! She rushes at them. They collide together. She laughs looking from one to the other. They laugh. They look toward the camera. Snap. One of them wraps his arms around her from behind and swings her around while, the other watches laughing.
Body in a space suit floats through space.
Rain drizzles down. It's so cold. The girl stands under an umbrella with one of the boys. The other stood next to them holding another umbrella. A green robotic bird sat perched on his shoulder. She glances over her shoulder a man with an umbrella stood watching and waving her over. She turns to the boy. She wraps her arms around his back and presses herself against him, her cheek lying on his chest, "I don't want to leave you." She glances at the other boy, "Either one of you…" She looks up, the boys face was shadowed and he said nothing. "Athrun?" He still said nothing. She glances at the other boy. "Kira?" His face was clearly in view. He smiles and holds his hand out to her, tears rolled down his cheeks. She smiles through her tears and takes his hand into hers. "Everything will be ok. We'll be friends forever right?" A voice calls "Rena!" She turns. "Father?" She took a single step toward him. The rain kept falling and it was so cold. She felt so sluggish. Her chest felt so tight. The man in the distance just stands staring at her. He raises a hand no sound coming from his moving mouth. "Father?" She holds a hand out to him. Her fingers slip out of Kira's. A cracking sound. She freezes and glances fearfully over her shoulder. The ground starts to splinter it buckles she swings around and glances over at the two boys. They stood in the same spot but now wearing space suits. She furrows her brow. Athrun in a red space suit reaches downward and finally speaks, "Rena! Hold on!" The suction of space pulls her toward the crevice. The girl tries to reach out to him; their fingers graze one another she falls into a dark void. "Verena!" He looks down at her as she falls, a silent scream escaping her lips.
Rena's eyes fly open; she takes a deep breath, "No!" She coughs. A radio was staticy inside her space helmet. She couldn't make out anything but ambient noise. She was floating in space. The shuttle something happened. A locator light blinks on her wristband. All around her is nothing but complete darkness and silence. She notices several other people some dead some still alive floating nearby. She closes her eyes briefly forcing back her tears.
Close up of lips moving, "Ren?"
She opens her eyes and scans the vastness of space. Kira? It was definitely his voice. She could hear it echoing in her mind. Kira? I'm afraid.
What is left of a shuttle floats far off. It explodes. The bright light illuminates the surrounding area.
Rena scans the area illuminated for a brief moment, her eyes brimming with tears. Her breathing becomes shallow. Air was running out. Her sight was getting blurry. Is this how it will all end? Several lights were coming toward them. She furrows her brow. Mobile armors of the Alliance where gathering the survivors. Rena glances aside just as stealth type mobile suit's hand grasps her before everything goes dark.
Bright white light. Rena walks along an ivory hall. Am I dead? I'm so cold. Kira can you hear me? Can anyone hear me?
Medics cut off her space suit. "She's ice cold! She's already in hyperthermia." He glances at vitals on a monitor, "We're losing her!" A guy performing CPR glances over, "Come on breath…." He blows a breath into her blue lips. Another medic opens a needle kit, "No change in vitals... where's that adrenalin?" A pilot in a red suit tries to break through some medics, "No! Verena!" The man glances down, "Come on girl fight!" The medic pushes the pilot back, "Out of the way…" He crosses with the syringe, "I got it!"
Rena pauses and glances backwards.
The same lips, "Rena?"
"Kira?" The voice echoed around her.
"Rena. Don't go. Don't leave me."
Vision appears. A young Kira holding onto her hand. Tears roll down his already wet cheeks. She reaches up and wipes one of them away. He turns and runs off. Rena tilts her head, "Kira? Wait..." She heads back after him.
The Medic stabs the syringe down into her chest.
Kira Yamato, asleep in his room, tosses in bed. His eyes shoot open, "Rena…" He sits up and places his hands over his sweaty face. He glances at his clock. 4:00 AM. He plops back. He tries to go back to sleep but couldn't shake the strange feeling.
A woman glances up, "We've got a pulse." Rena starts to cough. The young man in a red pilot suit rushes through, "Rena? Ren? Can you hear me?" Rena's eyes move under their lids. Athrun? They lift her up and lay her onto a thermal gurney. "Please step back sir." A top slides over her and lights turn on inside. He pulls off his helmet. It drops but floats.
"Athrun? Athrun? Hey!" Athrun glances away from the frantic medics and over at a handsome blond soldier, Miguel Aiman. "We should head back and report in. There's nothing more to do here right?" Athrun nods. Miguel glances over at the pod. "Is that girl going to be ok?" Athrun glances at a medic, "I hope so." A medical officer comes toward them, "Don't worry. You retrieved her just in time. She'll be fine." Athrun steps forward, "Can I see her?" He shakes his head, "I'm sorry but you'll both have to leave. I'm sure you have to report in to your commanding officer." Miguel and Athrun nod and then exit.
Rena furrows her brow. Athrun? Her lungs ached. "She's coming out of it." Her shivering had subsided as the pod warmed her. Her eyes open weakly. Everything is foggy and out of focus. Faces materialize, medical staff, looking down at her. She glances aside at a small group standing to the side. A teenaged blond boy stood next to a man with long dark hair talking with Rau Le Creuset. The dark haired man glances over his shoulder at her, "Rey and I will be going as soon as our shuttle is ready. She'll recover quickly." Rau nods, "Thanks Gil, I'll see you later." Gil places a hand on the boys' shoulder. The boy glances over at her catching her gaze. Her eyes flutter shut.
A bustling campus. People walk in and out of a huge building. Miriallia Haw and Tolle Koenig head across the campus lawn. "This should be an awesome movie. I've been waiting for weeks to finally see it." Tolle looks up from a folded bit of newspaper. Miriallia tilts her head and shrugs, "I know but we better get a move on if…" She glances over at a gazebo, "Hey... its Kira… come on let's ask him to come along." Before Tolle can even answer she runs off ahead of him.
Isamu stands in a hangar bay with 6 mobile suits. "Junior Grade Kisaragi? I would like you to review the OS before we begin the actual tests." Lukas Marlis, a handsome man in his late 30s, with a mustache and goatee, crosses and hands a handheld monitor over. Isamu takes it and glances down, "Sir? I had no idea that you'd be working on this particular series of tests." Marlis nods, "Of course. I'm personally supervising the testing of the prototype, codenamed Tempest." He glances at Isamu, "And the selection of its pilot." Isamu nods, "You were the one who selected me?" Lukas nods, "Of course you're the best and most qualified pilot, among those suggested." Isamu nods, "I'm honored to be a part of this thank you. I will not disappoint you. I've already started the preliminary reviews. I've heard that a few of the other pilots have been having some difficulty with the operations." Marlis pats him on the back, "I'm confident that you'll have no such problems. I hope that the others will follow your example." Isamu smirks, "I'll do my best Uncle Lukas."
Humming, singing, a beautiful voice awakens Rena. She shields her eyes from the harshness and brightness of the room's lights. The humming stops, "Oh you're finally awake." The woman's voice is familiar. Rena sits up. Lenne sat staring at her, smiling. She is dressed in a form-fitting long silver evening gown. "Verena?" Rena stares at her not knowing what to say. The woman places her hands on her hips, "Aren't you going to at least say hello to your mother?"
Kira sits on a bench and stares intently at a laptop. His blue eyes scan the screen. On his shoulder a small green robotic bird is perched, "Kira? Don't you ever stop working?" He looks up, "Oh hey Miriallia. Well, Dr. Kato gave me a lot of work to review so…." Miriallia sits down next to him and glances at a video feed displayed on the bottom corner of the screen, "Ooh Kira… turn that up, I love this song." Kira glances at the video. Rena performs an upbeat song at a concert. He stares at her; a soft smile crosses his face.
Rena splashes water on her face and looks up at a mirror. Flash Young Rena. Back. The face was still the same but more matured. She was now 16, her cuteness replaced by incredible beauty. She runs her fingers through her long light brown hair and sweeps her long bangs across her forehead tucking them behind her ear. She glances over at dress on a hanger. She crosses to it and takes it off the hook.
Miriallia watches the video, bobbing her head to the music. Another window shows news footage. "We interrupt this normal broadcast to bring tragic news." Kira glances at the screen. Tolle comes around, "What happened?" Kira stops typing and adjusts the volume.
Rena emerges from the bathroom and pauses to lean against the door. The dress fit her perfectly. She stares about the room and glances aside at a large monitor showing the news report. She approaches.
"A personnel shuttle on route to Heliopolis collided with space debris. Tragically many of the crew and passengers were hurled into space. Video footage from the shuttle show the last moments." A video comes on. It shows inside the shuttle cabin. Some passengers finish pulling on their space suits, while others, already in their suits, are knocked around. The cabin jerks and suddenly is ripped in half. Passengers are sucked out. The camera is jerky and then the feed is gone. "The Earth Alliance forces in the area were able to recover several of the passengers but many are missing and presumed dead."
Miriallia gasps, "That's so horrible."
"This just in. We have just been notified… this is tragic news… Pop Idol Verena Irmgard-Marlis," footage of Rena attending a formal ORB function with her father is shown, "Daughter of Orb Representative Dr. Lukas Marlis and the famous Coordinator songstress Lenne Irmgard is among those missing. Reportedly she was secretly traveling from her family's estate on Onogoro Island to visit with family and friends on the resource colony Heliopolis before returning home to perform a live concert later on this month." He pauses, "Sources indicate that the chance of locating the missing is… less than 15%..."
Rena's eyes widen, "What?" Her mother enters, "Verena?" She turns to face Lenne, "What's going on? They think I'm dead? Where are we? We have to alert the media."
"No…" Kira stares forward his eyes wide. Miriallia was speechless tears well in her eyes as she holds her hands over her mouth. Tolle glances at him, "Kira?" Kira stares blankly at the screen. Tolle reaches over and shuts the report off, "Hey? Kira? Are you ok?" Kira closes the laptop; he could feel a vise gripping his chest. He couldn't breathe. Tears welled in his eyes. "Kira? Kira are you ok?" Miriallia shakes her head, "This is so horrible." Tolle glances at her and then places a hand on his shoulder and shakes him, "Hey? It'll be ok..." He tilts his head at Miriallia, "I didn't know the two of you were such huge fans of hers." Kira shakes his head, "No… it's not that… I mean... she was… my... one… one of my closest friends." He furrows his brow and then places his hands over his face, "The friend she was coming to visit was me."
"We will keep you updated as more information comes in." Report clicks off and returns to the regular news.
"It's not what you think at all… its misinformation. They don't have all the facts. With the war going on information between them and us is skewed. Besides the news broadcasts are controlled by the Earth Alliance. We're safe aboard a ZAFT ship." Lenne stares into Rena's eyes and nods. "Do you understand? Are you ok? You're so pale." She reaches out and strokes her cheek. Rena shakes her head, "What do you think?" Lenne strokes Rena's hair, "I'm sorry..." Rena stares at her in shock. Lenne tilts her head, "I know it's upsetting but there are quite a few important people you'll meet at this dinner. So please smile." She turns and grasping Rena's hand they enter a dining room.
"I'm sorry but we can't interrupt the testing. Dr. Marlis is unavailable." A woman presses a button and sighs, "Don't they understand that we can't be interrupted?" She glances up at a monitor, "After a few more tests the G-suit prototype should be ready to be shipped back to Earth." Murrue Ramius, in an off-white space uniform, glances over at her, "Hopefully soon we'll be able to ship all the suits."
Rena sits at a long table. Several of the guests kept staring at her and whispering amongst one another. Lenne sat next to her. A man across the table glances over, "So Verena you must perform for us. I've seen you perform, you're quite good." He glances over at another guest, "She's as good as our Lacus Clyne." He smiles at Lenne, "And of course your legendary mother." Lenne smiles, "Verena is very talented." She glances at her, "You'll have to meet Lacus she's very sweet and the two of you should have a lot in common." Rena glances up at them. Images of the shuttle incident plays through her mind. She had been sitting there silently all night. She hadn't even touched her food. One gentleman laughs, "For an idol she's rather quiet isn't she." They all laugh. Ezalia Jule, a woman with white blond hair and ice blue eyes stares at her as she lifts her glass of wine to her lips, "Can you blame her? Perhaps she would feel more comfortable in the company of an escort her own age. Dinner with Senators and advisors must be a bore." Lenne glances at her, "I agree. What do you think Verena?" Lenne glances over at her daughter when she doesn't answer, "She's still a bit tired." The man nods, "I see. Ezalia is right. The company of adults must be such a bore." Ezalia smiles at her, "Then we'll arrange for one of the younger soldiers or my son Yzak to keep her company later on." A man with long blondish hair laughs, "Dearka would be an ideal person wouldn't you agree Lenne?" Lenne smiles, "I'm sure she would enjoy the company of both young men." Rena raises an eyebrow. Lenne leans over and whispers, "They both have sons in the ZAFT elite squad about your age." Rena glances over at her mother a 'what the hell are you talking about' look on her face. Some servants enter and remove the plate and replace it with another course. Lenne places a hand on Verena's, "Eat my darling. You need your strength."
Rau sits at the far end of the table where he had been transfixed on Rena the whole time. He leans over to Gilbert Durandal, the dark haired man from the infirmary, sitting on his right side, "She's much too good for their company." Gilbert glances over at her and then smiles, "She is very special isn't she? You wouldn't be you volunteering yourself would you? Isn't she a bit young?" Rau smiles, "I think you would know me better than that. But you're right she's quite special. She's unlike any ordinary coordinator, I've met." Gilbert sips his wine, "Her potential is grand, that much is true." Rau smiles when he notices Rena glancing over at him. He raises his glass to her. Rena glances away and watches the council members and others laughing and talking. Rau smirks when he senses that she is about to speak. Rena furrows her brow, "What kind of people are you?" The table goes silent. She glances at them all, "How can you all sit here and act as if a tragedy has not occurred?" Her mother stares at her, "Verena? It's not..." Rena stares at her, "Is this a celebration? And of what? People are dead. Innocent people. If you watched the news reports even I'm apparently dead or missing adrift in space. Not to mention those fighting in this senseless war." Lenne stares at her, "Verena! Please calm down." She glances at the others, "I apologize my daughter must still be upset from her ordeal." Rena stares at her, "And my mother must think that I'm still a child because that was what I was when she left my father and me." Lenne reacts as if Rena had slapped her. Everyone was deathly quiet not knowing what to say. Rena tilts her head, "Please excuse me. I feel that I'll soon be extremely ill if I remain here a moment longer." She rises and crosses to the door. Lenne rises but Patrick who sat at her side touches her arm, "Let her go Lenne." She glances at him, "But Patrick." He shrugs, "Teenagers can be difficult to handle as we are all aware." The table laughs. He strokes her hand, "Everything will be fine in time. She's overwhelmed." Lenne furrows her brow a sad look in her eyes but sits down. Ezalia raises an eyebrow as she sips her wine. A woman leans over to her and whispers into her ear, "She's got a lot of fire. She'd be quite a match for your Yzak." Ezalia smiles.
Rena rushes down the hall. She pauses laying one hand on the wall and places another on her chest. Tears roll down her cheeks. She feels a hand touch hers. She gasps and turns around. Rau stood within inches of her. She stares at him, annoyed, "What do you want?" He tilts his head, "I guess I should expect that but please allow me to escort you to your quarters." Rena glares at him, "I don't think that's necessary. Who are you?" He bows, "Rau Le Creuset... commander." Rena leans back as she looks him over, "I'd rather be alone Commander Creuset, thank you." He stares at her, "I understand that you're upset but you shouldn't allow all this to overwhelm you." She turns her face away, "I wouldn't expect you to understand." He reaches over and turns her face to his to which she is surprised, "I understand more than you know. We are all honored and lucky that you are here. This war throws us all into troubling times. But even with this we must come together and still live, don't you agree?" She stares at him for a moment transfixed. He strokes her cheek. "You... your mind is extraordinary. Your talents are beyond amazing." She could feel his breath on her face but she pulls away, "What? What are you talking about? Please... I just want to be alone." She continues down the hall. He places a hand on the wall and watches her float off.
Kira stares up at his ceiling. "Kira?" His mother's voice called from downstairs. "Are you hungry?" He sighs and sits up, "No… I'm fine." He crosses over at a monitor on his desk. He presses a button, "No new messages." He stares at the unblinking light. Flash. The light is blinking. Kira presses the button. The body of a person, talking downward, "Hello there? Guess who?" Kira stares confused, "Miriallia?" The figure sits down now in full view, "Miriallia? Who's that?" Rena looking fresh faced and beautiful smiles. Kira's eyes widen, "Ren?" Rena smiles at him, "Yes... Hello Kira. It's been awhile." Her smile was so dazzling he was at a loss for words. She tilts her head, "So you have a girlfriend?" He stares at her still speechless. Rena stares at him, "Kira have you had an accident and lost your tongue?" Kira shakes his head, "No…" She laughs, "I was just joking. You must be really surprised. I knew I would surprise you." He blushes, "I just I can't believe it. Rena is it really you?" She smiles again and Kira's breath is taken away. She stares at him tilting her head to the side, "Yes it's really me. I'm so glad I found you. Did you know how many Kira Yamato's there are in the universe?" Kira shakes his head. She laughs, "Well not a massive number but enough to keep me busy. Why didn't you tell me you moved to Heliopolis? It took a little bit of research to find my Kira." He smiles and blushes. Her smile slowly fades as she stared at him, "It's so amazing to see your face again… it's been so long." Her eyes seemed slightly sad. Kira furrows his brow, "Is something wrong?" She presses her mouth shut and shakes her head, "No… I guess I'm just feeling a little lonely… I didn't think seeing you again would make me miss being with you…and Athrun… we were inseparable on Copernicus remember?" He stares at her, "I'm sorry… I've missed you too." He tilts his head, "But hey… you're back at Orb right? How is it? How's your dad?" She shrugs, "Well he's not here exactly. Actually he's been busy working on some type of project on Heliopolis. I'm staying at my grandmother's villa on Onogoro. It's beautiful... here look." The video is carried over to a window, "See…." Kira sees an awesome view of the ocean. "Wow..." The camera is turned back onto Rena, "It's beautiful isn't it?" Kira nods. She stares off, "Even so..." She glances at him saying nothing. He glances around uncomfortably, "Is something wrong?" She shakes her head, "No… I just wanted to look at you." He blushes. "There's not much to look at." She smiles, "You shouldn't say that... you're so grown up and so handsome. It's amazing what a few years will do." Kira could feel his cheeks burning, "Yeah... you look amazing too..." She smiles, "Thank you." Kira averts his eyes, "Hey I heard your latest single." Rena smiles, "Really?" He nods. Her cheeks were slightly red now. She glances downward. "Do you like it?" Kira nods, "Yeah. Every time I hear it I wish I could hear it live." He covers his mouth not believing that he had said the last part out loud. Rena looks up, her eyes were bright. "Really? Well my father is on Heliopolis. I have a concert here in a month or so but I could convince my manager to let me make a quick trip out there, to visit with friends. I could come and see you. We could be together again…" Her excitement was evident. Kira's eyes widen and he smiles, "Really? That would be so cool." She nods, "Are you sure? It wouldn't be an inconvenience to you would it? You're enrolled in school and probably busy." He shakes his head, "Of course not." She looks up, "It's a hassle traveling by public shuttle but it would be so worth it just to see you again, face to face. To be with you again." He and she stare at one another. Rena breaks the silence, "Now tell me about this Miriallia." Kira shakes his head, "It's not like that. She's a friend who's dating a good friend of mine." Rena looks at him out of the corner of her eye, "There's no girl you're interested in?" Kira blushes, "Well there is this girl named Flay." Rena tilts her head, "Really? Flay? That's a pretty name…" Back. Kira stares at the blank screen, tears in his eyes. He pulls a desk drawer open and pulls a small box out and opens it. He digs through the various trinkets and items until he finds what he was looking for. A photograph. He pulls it out and stares at it. In it are Kira, Rena, and Athrun. Athrun was laughing leaning toward Rena and Kira. She had her arm around Kira's shoulder, he and she were also laughing but she was looking off toward the camera and he was staring at her. Kira continues to stare at the photo. Had he always been in love with her? His chest ached, he furrows his brow struggling to hold back his tears, but they roll down his cheeks. He buries his face in his arms as he cries.
Rena stands near an observation deck staring out into space. The Vesalius, the name of the ship she found herself on, was scheduled to dock at armory 1 in a few hours. She watched as a mobile suit unit flies by. She places her hand against the glass. It starts to shake. She pulls it against her chest. It's starting. She could hear a hum. She closes her eyes and shakes her head. "We were concerned that you'd gotten lost. Someone told me you headed in this direction." Rena opens her eyes and glances over her shoulder. Lenne stood near a doorway. Rena stares at her, "We?" Lenne crosses toward her, "Patrick and I…" Rena looks back out at space. "Patrick…" Lenne nods, "Patrick Zala." Rena furrows her brow and glances back over, "Did you say Zala?" Lenne nods, "Yes. He's Athrun's father. You remember Athrun don't you? The two of you attended Copernicus together." Rena furrows her brow and turns, "I don't care." Lenne frowns, "He is a pilot for ZAFT now." Rena says nothing. Lenne sighs, "Rau thinks that maybe…" Rena glances over, "Rau?" Lenne nods, "Commander Creuset, you met him at dinner and he went after you in hall." Rena stares at her, "That strange man that wears the mask?" Lenne tilts her head, "Verena." Rena glances away. Lenne nods, "He's really a very nice man and he thinks…" Rena shakes her head, "He doesn't know anything about me, who cares what he thinks." Lenne shakes her head, "As a matter of fact he's knows a great deal about you." Rena raises her brow, "What do you mean?" Lenne crosses her arms, "Well… he's been very interested in your potential. We've had several discussions about you. You're quite brilliant and he recognizes that." Rena tilts her head, "Is that all he's interested in." Lenne gasps, "Verena…" Rena glances aside. Lenne sighs, "Commander Creuset is a gentleman and a good friend. He cares a great deal about your future and whether you'd like to admit it or not we are involved in a war. The Earth Alliance and those purists that back them would very much like to suppress our existence as Coordinators. Rau is very kind and intelligent." Rena shakes her head, "I don't care… I don't want to be involved with ZAFT or Plant. I just want to go to Heliopolis, like I'd planned. I'm an Orb citizen and it's neutral there." Lenne glances at her, "The presence of the Earth Alliance on Heliopolis makes that difficult." Rena glances over, "Then what are you saying? Am I a prisoner here?" Lenne sighs, "No… of course not but…" Rena stares at her, "The shuttle wasn't an accident was it?" Lenne stares at her, "Don't say such things." Rena moves toward her, "What's going on?" Lenne furrows her brow and reaches out to her, "Well the truth is that I've been keeping tabs on you in past few months and yes I requested that you be brought here to me. When I found out you were finally returning to space I couldn't pass up this chance. But the shuttle accident was just that, an accident." Rena tilts her head, a solemn look on her face, "Was it?" Lenne shakes her head, "Do you think I would jeopardize your life that way. You're my daughter. The Vesalius was in that area and because of that they were able to rescue you." Rena stares at her in disbelief. Lenne sighs, "You can believe what you want about the accident but wanting to save you from the prison of a life you live at Orb and bringing you where you belong is my only objective." Rena steps back, "Prison? My life is… was perfect. I don't belong here. I am the heir to the Valorous family of Orb I belong there with father and my friends. My life is not a prison. I'm free to…" Lenne cuts her off, "Free? Tell me then. Why has your father done everything to keep you in Orb. You haven't traveled further than its nation's borders since you removed you from Copernicus. Do you even remember the last time you came to Plant? Do you remember your childhood growing up?" Rena opens her mouth but then realizes that she has nothing to say. "You're just trying to turn me against him. Father only wants to protect me from this war." Tears well in her eyes. Lenne grabs her by the arms, "Verena. Please listen to me. We'll go home together. You'll be at Plant where you belong." Rena shakes her head and pushes her away, "Stop it! You have no right to say any of this. You left me remember… I don't belong with you. I have a life, a different path and a future obligation to Orb. You left me behind when you ran away." She wipes tears away. Lenne turns away, "You don't understand what it was like to live with him, live with his family. They hate us." Rena stares at her, "Us? What are you talking about?" Lenne shakes her head, "Coordinators… the Valorous family of Orb with their ties to the Alliance… their ties to the Blue Cosmos." Rena shakes her head, "No! You're lying. Grandmother and Grandfather were not like that. They never said or did anything that supported their beliefs." Lenne furrows her brow, "Or course they didn't, they adored you because you were their only son's child, but Isamu's mother… me….." Rena furrows her brow, "What does Isamu's mother have to do with this?" Lenne sighs. "Verena, there is so much that you don't know." Rena shakes her head, "Stop… I won't let you poison my mind against my family. You were the one who hated them and me. That's why you left." Lenne stares at her, "No Verena… I left so I could build a better world for you. And I've tried countless times to see you. But your father wouldn't allow it. He's kept you sheltered from everything, even from me. Because he's afraid. Because you're a coordinator." Rena shakes her head, "Stop saying that. I'm not just a coordinator… I'm just me. I don't want to be involved in this senseless debate on Naturals vs. Coordinators." Lenne furrows her brow, "Verena… I didn't mean…" Rena wipes tears from her cheek, "Stop! Please… just stop talking..." Lenne crosses, her hands out, "Verena? Believe me. Everything will be fine in time you'll see. Stop crying. Once we get home…." Rena holds her hand up, "No! I can figure out on my own where I belong! I don't need you! Stay away from me!" She exits, the door slides closed behind her. She leans back against the door for a moment before kicking off down the hall. She barely looks up in time before colliding with a soldier and catches herself. He steadies her, "Hey? Are you ok?" She pushes away from him, "Leave me alone." She moves around him, wiping her tears away with her hand. His hand grasps her wrist, "Ren?" She looks at back at him ready to yell but gasps, "Athrun?" He stared at her, a concerned look on his face, "Hi, It's been awhile."
"How does it handle?" Isamu wearing a helmet shielding his eyes smiles, "No problems so far." He punches some buttons, "I've been working on modifications to the OS to counter the demands of the suit but otherwise it's absolutely awesome." Lukas smiles up at the Tempest, "I'm impressed that you've adjusted so easily to the suit. But not surprised, you're just like your father." The same woman from earlier walks up behind him and whispers in his ear. He turns, "What? Isamu, continue the testing. I want a complete work-up on the funnel system." Isamu opens his face shield and glances at the side monitor, "Is something wrong? Uncle Lukas?" Lukas shakes his head, "I hope not. I have something to check out. Just keep working." Isamu furrows his brow. He bites his bottom lip. Her shuttle should have arrived by now. "Are you sure?" Lukas glances over, "Isamu just focus your energy on the Tempest, the suit and you have to be ready for shipment tomorrow." Isamu nods and lowers his face shield, "Got it." The mobile suit gives a thumb-up, "Roger." Lukas shakes his head and exits.
"I was the one who retrieved you from space but they wouldn't tell me anything about you after the medics took you away. The commander told me that you were here." Rena sat staring up at Athrun. He was leaning against the wall opposite her, "Commander?" Athrun nods, "Commander Creuset. You met him at dinner. He told me that you rushed off upset." She sighs, "That man has quite an influence with everyone." Athrun tilts his head. Rena sighs, "I just can't believe all this is happening." Athrun glances aside. She glances up at him. He looks at her, "And I can't believe that you're actually here." He crouches down and wipes a tear from her cheek, "It hurts me to see you so upset. You'll be fine, just wait. Plant is the right place for you to be." She brushes his hand aside, "No…" She wipes her cheeks, "I'll be fine as soon as I'm allowed to return to my father's side." She rises and Athrun stares up at her, "At Heliopolis?" She nods. He furrows his brow. "That isn't a good idea." He rises. Rena stares at him, "Why?" He stares downward. She tilts her head, "What's going on? Everyone seems to be against me going there." He glances over at her, "We just want to protect you that's all." She stares at him. He couldn't help but stare back. She had been pretty when they were together years ago but now she was amazingly beautiful. She furrows her brow, "Protect me? From what?" He continued to just stare at her. She cocks her head, "Why am I even asking you?" He looks down. She glares at him and then starts to go. "Verena… wait I… please don't walk away from me. Please.... we're friends aren't we? Please hear me out." He holds his hand out. She pauses, "Oh so now you want to talk?" He sighs, "Ren..." She holds her hand up, "Three… I waited three years for you. For some sort of contact. We stopped being friends when you severed contact with me." He furrows his brow. She glances at him, "Why? You told me once that nothing would ever come between us." She floats toward him. "Remember? I guess that was just a lie. And now you think just with a few words, I'll believe anything you say." He glances downward and then up at her, "No… Ren… I'm sorry for the past but those words, I meant it. You were the most important person in my life. But now… things are different." She stares at him, "Have things changed so much? You're still Athrun Zala right?" He furrows his brow. "It's not that easy, I'm sorry. I am Athrun Zala but now I'm a member of ZAFT. I'm not a civilian and the choices I make are not my own…." She glances down, "But that's you now…." He stares blankly at her. She shakes her head, "I wrote to you." He glances aside. She grabs his arm, he glances at her. "Every day, for months." She stares into his eyes. He furrows his brow and breaks eye contact. She shrugs, "But you never wrote me back. Not even once. Most important person? You're a liar." He doesn't answer. She turns her head, "It's ok I got over that heartache a long time ago." She glances at him, "I just thought that you were someone that would always be my friend. I guess I was wrong." He looks at her, "Ren…" She was looking downward. She takes a deep breath, "Even so…" She smiles at him, "It was nice to see you again. To know that you're alive and well. Oh, and thank you for saving me." She starts to go. Athrun kicks over and grabs her hand, "Stop!" He makes an angry face, "Don't tell me that you really want to go back to live among those naturals." Rena gasps and pulls her hand away. She kicks back, staring at him in complete surprise, "Who are you?" She looks him over, "I don't even know you anymore. This Athrun Zala… I don't know him at all." She purses her lips together as they stare at each other for a moment in silence. She cocks her head, "And to answer your question, yes I'd rather be back with the naturals then spend another moment here with hateful, one-sided Coordinators." She kicks off leaving a shocked Athrun standing there staring after her.
Rena kicks down a hallway. She collides with Rau who catches her. She stares up at him. He smiles, "Now, here's the person I was looking for." She pulls back, "What do you want? Stay away from me. I don't want to hear anymore about Natural and Coordinators, and I'm not interested in ZAFT in the least." He acts hurt, "Oh, you misinterpret my intentions. I only want to help you. Senator Zala asked me to find you. He feels horrible about the situation and has come up with a solution that I think you'll approve of." She stares at him cautiously.
Kira, Miriallia, and Tolle enter a huge auditorium attending a memorial service in honor of those lost in the shuttle accident. It was crowded with a lot of different people. They slowly make their way to the front. Kira walks up to a set of memorial caskets and lays a handful of lilies down. He glances across the rows of seats at Lukas dressed in a black suit, he sat among several colleagues. He held his head in his hands and appeared completely devastated. Kira furrows his brow and glances over at a photo of Verena. This is my fault. This is my fault. Tears roll down his cheeks.
Miriallia sits across from Kira in a café, "Are you sure you're ok Kira?" He sat quietly, "Yeah." Tolle stares at him, "You can't keep blaming yourself." Miriallia reaches across and lays a hand on his, "Tolle is right Kira. But if you need anything we're here." Kira smiles, "Thanks." Flay Allster passes followed by Sai Argyle. She pauses, "Miriallia? Hi." Sai waves his hand, "Hey guys." They nod at him. Flay glances at the trio, "What are you guys doing? You all look so upset?" Tolle shrugs, "We just came back from the shuttle accident memorial." Flay nods, "Oh… I didn't know the memorial was tonight. Sai and I had to go to a dinner party my father hosted." Sai shakes his head, "It's horrible what happened. So did any of you know anyone aboard?" Kira nods, "Yeah a very good friend of mine… she…." He stops himself. Flay gasps, "That's so sad. I'm so sorry." He nods, "Thanks." She sighs, "Well we should get going. Sai and I sneaked away from the party to have some dessert and coffee, alone." She giggles, "Let's go." Sai glances at her and then Kira, "I'm so sorry Kira. If you need…" Flay jerks his arm, "Sai, let's go." Sai nods, "I'll you see you three in class tomorrow?" They nod. He sighs when Flay jerks his arm again and they exit. Kira stares at her. She gives him a quick glance before rushing out. Kira glances down at his drink.
Rena watches as a medic injects her with a fluid filled syringe. "Just relax; this will make you a bit drowsy at first." He removes the syringe and swabs the area. Rena lays back, her eyes flutter closed. Rau stands across from her, "Thank you. You can leave us." The medic nods and leaves. Rau crosses and crouches down, "You and I share a destiny. Fate has brought you to me and I will not waste this opportunity." He reaches over and strokes hair from her face. A medic enters, "Commander, you called for me?" Rau glances over, "Yes…"
Rena sits up, placing a hand to her forehead. Rau smiles, "Are you feeling better?" She glances over at him, "Did I fall asleep?" He crosses, "Just for a few minutes." Rena rubs her arm. He tilts his head, "Is something wrong?" She shakes her head. He nods, "I think it's time then." He holds his hand out. She stares at his hand but then crosses to the door.
Lenne floats down the hall and the quarters she shared with Rena, the lights turn on, "Verena? Are you still here?" She enters the bedroom, "Can we talk? We're heading home to Plant soon so I wanted to go over some things. Verena?" She exits and searches around, "Verena?" She starts to the door.
Rena floats into the pilot seat of a small shuttle. She was wearing a space suit and activates the shuttle buttons above her. A screen turns on. Athrun stares at her, "Rena... wait…" She ignores him and takes a seat and straps on her seatbelt. She turns her attention to the hanger bay doors. They begin to open. "Please listen to me. I'm sorry I didn't want to end things so badly." She glances down at her controls, "There isn't anything more to say except good-bye." She glances over at him. He furrows his brow, "I just wanted you to know that I did write to you, a hundred maybe a thousand times. But I…was too scared, too stupid to send anything." Rena pauses. Athrun continues, "By the time I got the courage up, everything changed so quickly and when my mother was killed on Junius 7." He pauses and then glances up at her again, "My life just wasn't the same anymore." Rena glances at the screen, "Athrun… I'm so sorry. I didn't know." He stares at her pleading with his eyes for her to stay. She looks away, "But I can't stay here not like this. Not feeling like I'm a prisoner." He glances aside, "I know." He steps aside. Rau steps forward, "Now Verena. I hope you appreciate our sentiments. The shuttle has been programmed to emit a neutral message, so you'll only need to watch out for debris but otherwise it should be a smooth ride to Heliopolis. I'm sure you're quite capable of piloting it." She nods at him, "I am. Thank you Commander." He nods.
Lenne leaps toward the docking bay. "Rena? Verena!" She sees the shuttle moving off. "Athrun? What's going on? What's happened? Where is she?" He stood watching the shuttle. "Athrun… why didn't you stop her?" He stood silently watching. "I told him not to." Lenne turns. Patrick walks toward her with Rau at his side, "Lenne, I know that it's upsetting to see her go but if she realizes that we did not mean to hold her here against her will them she will be more likely to want to return." Lenne furrows her brow, "How dare you make that decision without consulting me!" Rau glances at her, "Please forgive me Ms Irmgard. I too aided her in this endeavor." He bows down. She gasps and glances at him, "Rau?" He rises, "But I wouldn't worry. Before allowing her to leave I had the medical staff implant a locator device, so it will be easy to find her on Heliopolis." Lenne furrows her brow. He crosses to her, "I swear to you that I will personally bring her back." Patrick nods, "We'll just give her time to realize where she belongs." Athrun stares off into space after the shuttle.
"Dr. Marlis?" Murrue peers into the darkened office. She steps in. "Can I help you with something Lt?" She gasps and glances over. Lukas sat on a couch near the door looking at a framed picture. He looked disheveled, dressed in the same black suit from the night before, his tie was slightly undone. A bottle of whiskey sat open on the table next to him. She stares at him, "I'm sorry to disturb you but the prototype is being shipped this afternoon, they need your confirmation." He places the picture on the side table and then rises. "I'll just need a moment longer. You can show them the specs until I arrive." She nods. He pulls off his suit coat and straightens his tie. Murrue furrows her brow, "I'm so sorry doctor." He glances over, "Hmm?" She glances downward, "About your daughter." He doesn't respond. Murrue turns to go. He rises, "I'll join you in a few moments."
"Hey Isamu?" Isamu glances over his shoulder at a freckly-faced young guy coming toward him. "Hey Porter." He pulls off his helmet and glances at himself in the mirror. Porter stares at him, "Are you excited about going back home?" Isamu shrugs, "It'll only be for a short trip." Porter nods, "Are you nervous about presenting the prototype?" Isamu unzips the top of his flight suit, "Nah." He sits down and pulls his boots off, "It'll be a complete cake walk. Are you all still going out tonight?" Porter nods, "Yeah. We've all been isolated for so long. Besides we have to make sure you have a proper send off, right? Hurry up and shower and meet me out front." Isamu smiles. Porter stops and turns "Hey I forgot to tell you something." Isamu glances over, "What?" Porter crosses his arms, "They say that Mu La Flaga is going to spend some time stationed here." Isamu rises, "Seriously?" Porter nods, "It'll be awesome to be piloting alongside him don't you think?" Isamu smiles, "Are you kidding me? That guy is beyond awesome. I can't wait to get back into space." He pulls off his shirt and tosses it into a robotic laundry bin at the end of the row of lockers. A news report displaying the shuttle accident update plays on a monitor. Isamu passes by and heads into the showers.