Author's Note: [April 19, 2010] So... This is the first chapter of my Shiho and Yzak fic. I wasn't sure how to begin, but I had a well-detailed layout of the chapters. Seeing as how I need a baseline for this, I had to begin at a low note. Hopefully this doesn't put you to sleep, but... I DO need a place to start, and this is a good medium for me to begin with.

Disclaimer: I, Candide Avedo, do not own anything that has to do with Gundam Seed. Or any other commercial franchise that I fail to mention.

'

Moving On

'

She knew the peace wasn't going to last for very long. So long as there is such a thing as humanity, the restlessness will never end. So long as there is restlessness, she will work hard to stifle anything that disturbs the peace. It's only been one year, but it felt as thought it was only yesterday that peace talks were underway.

Lavender eyes peeked through the messy brown tresses of her hair, and sighed. Her hair was messy again, which was of no surprise. A glance at the mirror across her bed made her sigh deeper. She really had no choice but to claim those baggy eyes her own. After quickly brushing through it's many tangles, Shiho Hahnenfuss tied her hair in the loose ponytail that she always had. Getting up out of bed was no challenge to her since last year's sporadic schedule.

It was still dark at 0600 hours, but she wanted to get an early head's start at preparing for the new assignment she would be placed at. Letting out a tired yawn, she headed for the bathroom to freshen herself up and check up on the last of the items she would be bringing with her to the shuttle that morning.

Shiho doubted that the message had enough time to reach and be read by her superior, in regards to her short notice transfer. It's not that he would care, anyway.

A small smile graced her lips at the thought. He didn't care, which meant that she wouldn't have anything holding her back from expanding her horizons. It was already proven difficult; Dearka knew how much she wanted to stay, and didn't hide the fact that he too didn't want her to leave. Everyone was already used to her being a part of the team. Nothing ever got past her since she was so thorough, which made her quite perceptive of mistakes. Since everything had settled down however, there wasn't as much need for her service in his department as before. Not only that, her father was beginning to question her intentions as to why she would prefer being in the service under Yzak Jule. Shiho didn't want to go through anything awkward like that with her father. Her thoughts about her superior was purely professional. Purely.

As far as she was concerned, her job was well-done. Once her father hears about her new job and how she earned it, she hoped to hear the words that would make her happy.

''Job well done, Shiho.''

Even if he didn't say her name, that was good enough for her. He never said it out loud, but the look on his face was enough to tell Shiho that her efforts just weren't good enough. Her father was convinced that she would be better off as a wife, only fit to follow her husband faithfully. A sour look crossed Shiho's face. She certainly wasn't the type to just follow her husband like a puppy, and serve him like a maid. With a father that preferred tradition, there wasn't much dignity in that as Shiho observed many couples around her. It was very rare that a marriage suited well with the man which kept the woman happy as well. Therefore, not even a mere image of a future wedlock flitted through her mind. That was probably why she refused a few marriage offers. Good riddance.

Fighting back the memory of the disapproval look from her father, she brushed her teeth a little too vigorously, and Shiho winced as her toothbrush withdrew blood from her bruised gum. Great, try extra hard not to smile, Shiho. She scolded herself.

Shiho was excited about having the privilege of working with Lacus Clyne (even if the beautiful and courageous popstar/heroine made her nervous). The transfer was sure to be quite a change from what she was used to. As a matter of fact, even the uniform she was supposed to wear would be different. It would be black and purple, just like the members of the defense council and those bureaucrats associated with ZAFT. She also wouldn't be the oddball woman in the group of men, and there wouldn't be a need to try extra hard to earn respect.

She smiled at the relief of Lacus Clyne hiring her as her special assistant. Lacus Clyne was appointed mediator by ZAFT after the Second Bloody Valentine War. It was expected that she would be given a higher position, but given her age, the council refrained from assigning Clyne the high responsibility. ''One may have the capacity to bear responsibility, yet does not need to be merited it. Lacus Clyne has a promising future ahead of her; however, we withhold taking her youth so soon.'' That was the council's remark when the public vehemently expressed their opinions. It was true, Miss Clyne was young, but it seemed as though the position of Supreme Council Chair had her name on it just as her father had before her.

In all, her part would be almost a second Kira Yamato, but with a more feminine compensation.

0730 hours.

There was time to check the news before she went to say goodbye to her superior.

'

''Thank you, Miss Clyne, I'm Shiho Hahnenfuss.''

''Thank you for coming, Shiho. You can just call me Lacus, okay?'' a warm smile spread across the beautiful woman's face as she addressed Shiho. ''Please sit down.''

Shiho carefully placed herself on the chair across from Lacus, being careful not to upset the fancy glass table in Lacus Clyne's personal office in Aprilius. It was a large office with walls painted Robin's Egg blue with dainty white chairs. A large television screen was mounted to the wall adjacent to the desk, and across from that, Kira Yamato was sitting nearby, casually reading a newspaper from the couch in the corner of the room near the large windows that allowed in much sunlight.

''I'm glad you accepted this transfer in such a short notice.'' Lacus shuffled through a wad of paper. Shiho's resume. ''So Shiho, could you tell me a little about why you're willing to transfer?''

Shiho blinked at her lap. When Lacus called her in for an interview, she hadn't really counted on a real interview. Since the Bloody Valentine Wars, there hadn't been any need for interviews; just everyone hiring anyone. ''Ah, well, I thought it would be a good change from what I had before. I'm interested in what else is out there for me.'' maybe that was a good enough answer for Lacus?

The songstress just smiled, and shuffled through her papers again. ''You have admirable records here. We couldn't resist choosing you because in your report, it said that you are always professional and your work assessments neat and tidy.''

''Th-thank you.'' stuttered Shiho. She glanced up at her, and look down upon her lap again. It was very flattering, what Lacus said.

''Shiho, are you alright?'' Lacus asked, curious sincerity in her tone of voice.

Confusion furrowed Shiho's brows. ''I am, thank you.''

Lacus laughed lightly, and leant forward. ''You look nervous and scared to bits. Your records didn't mention any nervousness or anxiety.'' Kira Yamato looked up from his newspaper to have a peek at Shiho's reaction.

Without meaning to, Shiho could feel her cheeks redden in embarrassment. She was sometimes so obvious. ''I'm just really honored, that's all. I mean, I've got the chance to serve the heroine Clyne and work alongside the Ultimate Coordinator. That and this is something that's pretty new to me.'' maybe they thought she sounded ridiculous now that she voiced out why she was nervous. The fact that Lacus noticed her staring at her lap constantly was enough to make her mind panic and almost speechless.

''Don't worry about it.'' Kira Yamato replied, as he set down his newspaper. ''You do what you can, that's the goal here. There shouldn't be any pressure.'' his girlfriend nodded in agreement.

''We value a person's inner strength as well as their efforts.'' Lacus relaxed in her chair. ''We all had to do what we could in the past. Some of the accomplishments just stood out more, but everything that everyone has done is valued equally. The glory belongs to all.'' she nodded directly at Shiho. ''You should give yourself more credit, Shiho.''

''I-I see.'' Shiho replied. ''Thank you again.''

''We will be needing to leave in about three days to visit Orb, would you be willing to be ready by then?''

''Yes I am, it wouldn't be so hard to pack.'' Shiho replied, lightening up. Orb would be interesting.

Lacus continued. ''Sorry to ask you these questions, but I just want to make sure that you want to be here, and not just being pressured. I hope your experience under Commander Jule was helpful... I don't have an assessment of you from him.''

Shiho was not surprised. ''Commander Jule lets Mr. Elthman do those things. He doesn't really concern himself with those. That doesn't mean he don't care... It's just he gets so preoccupied sometimes, and he never asks for help. Commander Jule is always determined to get the job done, with optimum time...'' She faltered as Shiho realized she went a little out of topic; maybe even contributed a little too much to the conversation. Oops.

Her interviewer however, was smiling again, a thoughtful look on her face. ''I'm sure he had nothing but good things to say about you, if he had the chance.'' She glanced at Kira, who hid himself behind the newspaper once more.

''I doubt he even knows who I am.''

'

Shiho sighed deeply at the flashback. Lacus was very nice, and so was Kira. There was no doubt in her mind that this was a good idea. Accompanying the songstress to Orb as a personal guard was truly rewarding. It was difficult though... She couldn't easily forget her dedication to her admired superior. Then again, her relationship with her commander was... Entirely one-sided. It was just perhaps pathetic of her to be so drawn to his personality; the desire to overcome obstacles, and succeed.

She shut the television off. There wasn't anything of significance today.

Her cell phone rang a monotonous melody. Glancing at the clock, Shiho realized why.

0800 hours.

She was going to be late!

In an organized rush she gathered her wallet, keys, and placed the luggage that she would be bringing to Orb right by the door so she could drop by later to pick it up. With a gasp, she remembered to lay out the uniform she would be changing into later onto the bed, before she boarded the shuttle to meet with Lacus. Then after she was sure everything of value was taken care of and all other electrical equipment that needed to be turned off was off, Shiho locked the door to her room for the last time; until she saw fit to come back again.

'

The morning sun formed awkward silhouettes of machinery. A single tree that stood near a supply shed looked out of place amidst the backdrop of abundant mecca. A flamboyant bird flew from its perch on the hood of a large truck to the tree.

Shiho tore her eyes away from the large window as she turned a corner.

Surely there were more birds and more trees in Orb than here.

Shiho saluted to her comrades as she made her way through the halls to Yzak's office. He was probably going to be surprised and somewhat confused because of her unexpected drop-in, and what she would be saying next. Breakfast was to be at 0900, so she had time linger for a few moments. It was busy already, as she saw various personnel sitting in the dining hall and chatting lightly. The noise was typical. Shiho could see herself missing that in the future.

She took a detour, making her way to the mail department to pick up whatever mail she needed to deliver that morning. A friendly woman verified her authorization for accepting Yzak's mail, and handed her a small wad of papers. Her fingers thumbed through the mail, organizing it from most urgent, to least urgent that went to the back of the pile.

A rough slap on her back made her stumble as she had been staring at the mail. Only one person really did approach her in that manner.

''Shiho, hey.''

She turned around to see Dearka, all smiles this early in the morning.

''Good morning Dearka.'' Shiho continued to walk down the corridor, and surprised that Dearka was walking alongside her. ''Don't you have breakfast to go to?''

He waved a carefree hand. ''Nah, I wanted to talk to you. I was hoping I could catch up to you and Yzak for breakfast.'' Dearka pulled on the sleeve of Shiho's uniform, making her come to a halt. Shiho looked at him expectantly. ''I kept forgetting to ask you. Why did I get a call from Lacus Clyne, saying she wanted your employment records?'' the penetrating gaze of his proved to make it more difficult for Shiho to admit.

''I don't know how to put this, Dearka.'' Shiho began, looking away. Her lip was bit in thought. How hard would it be when she told Commander Jule?

''You're really a guy, but somehow your dad made you look like a girl?'' joked Dearka, but sobered right up as she looked so serious. ''Oh, you're serious. You know you can tell me, right?''

This time she looked at him directly, leaning against the wall. ''Dearka, I'm getting transferred to assist Lacus Clyne. I'm supposed to be accompanying them to Orb for a while.'' Shiho felt guilty at his dumbfounded expression, and his silence. ''It'll be a whole new thing for me; I'm a little nervous, but Ms. Clyne really things I'll do well.''

When no reply came, she continued.

''I'm sorry Dearka, you two will just have to get along without my help. You'd be pretty fine I bet.''

Dearka looked down at her. ''Stupid thoughts, Shiho.'' he suddenly yanked on her ponytail. ''Why do you think we'd be fine?''

Shiho pulled her ponytail from his grasp, and glared. ''First of all, you'd gain the professionalism you seem to lack.'' she snapped. Her remark didn't make him mad however, and she realized why she snapped at him in the first place. It would be pretty depressing to leave.

''Haha, probably. But I have to balance out this ''professionalism'' you and Yzak keep putting out. Also, with you leaving me behind to help out Yzak? I'm not as organized as you are.'' Dearka replied, smiling lightly. ''You know, this sounds a little different from the last time you got transferred.'' he suddenly looked serious. ''You're coming back aren't you, Shiho?''

Was she coming back? Would she be okay with coming back?

''I'm not really sure.''

Her friend rolled his eyes. ''Sometimes you're confusing. What are you doing anyway, deciding to leave like that? I thought you wanted to stay because of-''

''I'm sorry Dearka, but remember that my feelings are entirely respectable. You and I know that.'' Shiho abruptly cut him off, for the fear of anyone overhearing their conversation. She took a deep breath. ''Truthfully, it isn't as though I'm leaving for good.'' Shiho patted Dearka's shoulder. ''Take care of him for me?''

Shiho continued to head for Yzak's office, with Dearka still on her tail. ''It sounds like you're leaving for good.''

She sighed. ''I'm not, I came back the last time.'' Shiho reached Yzak's door, and paused to wave to Dearka.

Dearka smiled, waving back. ''I just think you're running away.''

Shiho's mouth gaped open. ''What?''

But he already disappeared as he shut the door to the men's washroom.

'

Shiho quietly opened the door to Yzak Jule's office, and closed it with a gentle ''click''.

The room was bathed with just the overhead lights, the drapes tightly shut to block any sunlight from getting in. It was a large room, very neat and tidy. A large table, with a hologram map of PLANTs was currently displayed, in the left corner of the room. Military weapons hung in neat rows along one side of the wall, each heavily secured with thick titanium bars. Across from the hanging weapons of mass destruction was a plain black coat. Near the back of the wall, a large desk covered with very neat stacks of paper.

It was there, behind a desktop computer was her superior, tapping away rapidly.

''Good morning sir.'' Shiho greeted Yzak, giving a salute.

''Morning.'' was all he replied, glancing up from his screen. ''Aren't you early today?''

Shiho raised her eyebrows. ''I'm always here at this time sir.''

Yzak paused. ''I was just making sure you know what time to be at work.''

She forced herself to control a smile. ''Of course.'' Shiho frowned. The sun was nice outside, why are the blinds closed? She reached behind the desk to pull open the blinds.

''I prefer if you could leave those closed. The glare on my screen is really counter-productive.'' Yzak suddenly said, and Shiho dropped the control to open the windows in surprise. ''Did you get the-''

''Yes I did.'' Shiho placed the pile of mail on his desk.

Yzak muttered a thanks, and a moment of silence followed.

''Commander Jule?'' Shiho asked silently, standing in front of his desk. She only had a ''Hmm?'' of reply. ''Could I have a moment please?''

The answering stare from behind her screen made her insides seize up in nervousness. His gaze was penetrating, as though trying to see through her well-built facade. It almost made her want to confess her deep admiration for his work, and his highly driven spirit.

''Well?'' Yzak demanded, waiting.

''I know this is sudden, but the notice is probably buried under the entire stack you have there.'' Shiho pointed to the stack of papers that no doubt would probably take an extra few days to get through.

''A notice of?'' asked Yzak, this time curious. Shiho could almost hear the blood pumping in her ears.

''A notice of transfer, sir. I will be joining Ms. Lacus Clyne to Orb as her assistant for a while as of today.'' she could feel a whole spectrum of emotions this time, from light and airy, to heavy, like lead. Like the force of a moving bus, it just hits Shiho that she was indeed, leaving for quite an extensive amount of time. She waited for Yzak's reply.

Don't worry, Yzak, I can handle whatever you say.

Yzak however, looked calm, and thoughtful. ''How long have you been in my team again?''

''Ever since the first Bloody Valentine, sir.'' Shiho replied, and almost smiled as Yzak's face looked surprised. He quickly hid his surprise by clearing his throat.

''You've really done well for the team Shiho.'' remarked Yzak. But Shiho knew he didn't really have any specific idea as to what she did. At least, he didn't remember at all that well.

For Shiho, try as she might, would never forget. Especially her feelings of relief after each war, knowing that he got back safe. ''Thank you very much for all. I also want to mention thank you again for helping me with the Balsam.'' She laughed inside as she could almost see the inner cogs of Yzak's brain processing the familiar name.

''You pilot well, I remember you with your Balsam.''

There you go, now I'll save you the annoyance of saying goodbye.

''Thank you sir, it's been an honour working with you.'' Shiho gave another salute. I think I've exhausted your patience with me long enough.

Yzak returned the salute, perfectly poised. His smooth face remained calm.

''Hope you will rejoin us in the future. We shall miss your hard work and dedication.'' Yzak said, waiting for her reply.

I could pretend to believe that you really mean it.

Shiho this time felt her gut freeze over, and knew that she really did have to leave now. It was a possibility that the ''rejoin us in the future'' would be as soon as now, and she would be stuck with ridiculous ideas in her head once again.

She glanced at him one last time, allowing her facade to fall just a fraction of a moment. Shiho imprinted her superior's last look to her memory, and shut her eyes for a second as though to seal it within her mind.

I guess this is goodbye, Yzak Jule.

Without another look, she turned around, and let herself out the door, shutting it closed quietly.

There was a somewhat definite future that she would see him again. It would be better if she didn't have these ideas in her head.

'

'

'

Author's Note: Okay, so I'm really nervous. I'm really attempting to make Shiho her own character, and for Yzak to stay in character. I can't imagine her being absolutely girly, but I can imagine her with hints of learned traits that could be Yzak-like, since she seems to admire him so. At this point, I've got a general idea how things will go, but I'm hoping it works. If things don't go well, and there's supremely dark and dangerous waters for this story, then I might have to remove. However, I shall try to continue. So far, as I do put them together, I'm developing a strong liking to these two. =) I hope you approve.

Funny, though. Once I finished, I realized I had NO name for this story! Hahaha

C.A. [April 19, 2010]