Gundam Seed Intertwined Fate

by butterflylisa

Rena Irmgard-Marlis plans to reunite with Kira Yamato, her long lost best friend, at Heliopolis. Her supposed peaceful life is drastically altered, when the dark secret of her forgotten past is revealed. A journey of discovery and loss; love and hate.

2. Truth, Lies, and Love

File 01 - Truth, Lies, and Love.

"Please wait right here." Security guards removes some cuffs from her wrist and exit the room. Rena rubs her wrists and glances after them, "Wait! My name is Verena Irmgard-Marlis, my father is a representative of Orb! This is a misunderstanding. Please…" The door shuts and locks. Rena glances around the cold empty room. She glances up at a camera.

"So do you think that we should be worried?" An older gentleman stares at the screen and glances over at a middle-aged man wearing glasses. "We should be cautious. We were lucky they didn't keep her. Who know though what their motives may be. She is special but I don't think we should hold her for very long…" The door opens, "Mr. Jerome?" The older gentlemen turns, "Representative Marlis. So you were notified." Marlis glares at him, "Of course I was. Now I demand that you release my daughter. She's been through quite an ordeal already." Eyeglasses glances over, "Under the circumstances Dr. Marlis there are a few questions that we have for her." Marlis glances over, "Under our agreement, Col. Taft, my family and I have diplomatic immunity from any investigations. It was a part of the bargain." Taft eyes narrow, "But that was before your daughter arrived to this colony in a ZAFT licensed shuttle." Lukas' eyes widen, "ZAFT?" Taft pushes his eyeglasses up, "And since she is a coordinator we can't trust that she betrayed…" Marlis decks him. His glasses fly off. Lukas holds his fist over him, "I will not allow you to discredit my daughter. How dare you… she has no allegiance to ZAFT." Mr. Jerome rises, "Please, Dr. Marlis calm down, it was not the position of OMNI to do so. Your daughter will be released to you." He glances at Col. Taft, who wipes blood from his lip, "She is not a prisoner. We're just being cautious as you can fully understand."

Rena turns when the door slides open, "Father?" He rushes in and they embrace, "Verena… I thought I'd lost you." Tears fill his eyes. She holds him tightly. "I'm sorry… I was so scared." He holds her at arm's length, "Everything is fine. But next time you plan on coming into space let me know beforehand. Is that understood?" She nods. He escorts her out but not before glancing up at the camera.

"Hey Kira! We're going to be late!" Kira races behind Tolle. They enter the gates of the school. They race down a hallway just as a bell rings.

Lukas glances over at Murrue as they walk. "So the shipping of the prototype went well?" She nods and glances slightly over at Rena who stood a few feet away glancing around, "Yes. It'll arrive on Earth in few hours. How is your daughter adjusting?" Marlis glances over, "She's been rather quiet for the past few days. But I suspect that once she's here for awhile longer that she'll be fine. Verena?" Rena glances over and then approaches. "This is Lt. Murrue Ramius. She's been working on the same project with me for several months. Murrue, my daughter Verena." Murrue holds her hand out and they shake. "I've heard a great deal about you. You're quite talented." Rena blushes and nods, "Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you." Murrue smiles as the shake ends, "Well. I should be getting back to work. We do have… things to finish. It was nice to finally meet you." Rena returns her smile. Murrue turns and heads off. Lukas turns to Rena, "I should be getting back to a few projects myself. I can arrange for a student of Dr. Kato's to show you around Heliopolis." Rena shakes her head, "I can manage." He stares at her, "Be careful. Do you need me to lead you out?" She shakes her head. He kisses her on the temple and strokes her cheek, "And later at dinner… perhaps we'll be able to talk more. Oh I forgot, did you take your medication this morning?" She nods. He smiles, "And the tremors are gone now?" Rena holds up her hand, "Yes, I feel better." He nods, "I'll see you later then." He walks off.

Rena wanders down a hallway. She glances around, "I think I made a wrong turn somewhere." She glances behind her and then turns another corner. A gust of wind blows against her. Rena glances backward but then heads cautiously down a hallway to an open door. She steps through into a massive hanger. She steps in cautiously, "Hello?" She passes a huge storage container and pauses. Her eyes widen and she gasps. Standing in front of her were the GUNDAM. She stares at them, "Mobile suits?" She glances aside at another GUNDAM laying on a flatbed truck. She crosses toward them and stares up at them, an almost déjà-vu feeling coming over her. She suddenly felt a bit dizzy. She falls forward but catches herself against the side of the truck. Various images and schematics filled her mind. Flash. A young girl stands inside a lab. A man with glasses reaches down and takes her hand. Back. Rena pulls back and leans against a wall. She covers her face with her hands and lowers them when the images start to settle down. "Hey who left this door open?" Rena twirls around and ducks behind some covered containers. "This is a restricted area. You think these people would be more careful." The man walks by. "Damn amateurs." Rena heads across behind him. The man turns and scans the area. Rena presses against the side of another container. "Hey are you ready to leave or what?" The man turns, "Yeah everything's clear over here." He runs across the hanger to another guy. Rena waits a few moments and then steps out from her hiding spot. She rushes back to the door, it was shut tight. She heads back and then steps out looking up at GUNDAM as she approaches. Her eyes moved from one to the other, each one was distinctive. Why are they so familiar? She furrows her brow. Her eyes become dull. GAT-X303, 18.86 meters 79.6 tons. Its X300-series frame allows it to transform into a clawed mobile armor form, which can seize enemy ships and mobile suits and then destroy them with its built-in beam weapons. Rena glances at another. The GAT-X105 Strike. 17.73 meters 85.1 tons. Equipped with the same Phase Shift Armor as the others rendering it almost invulnerable to physical attacks, and its shield has an anti-beam coating to protect it from energy weapons. The Strike can also be adapted to a variety of combat situations by attaching different Striker packs. The door slides open, "I forgot my paperwork! I'll be right there!" Rena snaps out of her trance and glances over. She rushes behind the bulkheads. The two men cross over to the GUNDAM, "I just can't get over how cool these are. ZAFT won't stand a chance." Rena slips out the door. One man turns, "What was that?" Rena rushes through corridor after corridor, What was all that? How do I know all that? She leans against a wall and glances aside, catching her breath. Flash. A young girl sits sketching on the floor of the lab. She is surrounded by a sea of drawings. A man crouches down and picks up one drawing. It is a sketch of the body of a mobile suit. Back. Rena shakes her head. "Rena?" She glances over, "Father?" He tilts his head, "What's wrong?" She shakes her head, "I got lost." He crosses and hugs her, "That's fine I'll lead you out. Come on." He glances off behind them but then heads off.

"I'm not looking forward to meeting this… Verena." Yzak sighs and kicks his feet up on a table. Dearka laughs, "What are you talking about? I heard she was hot. You're an idiot." Yzak glances at him, "What do you know?" Dearka closes the magazine he was looking at, "My father was at that same dinner." Yzak crosses his arms, "That means nothing." He glances over at Athrun who sat at on a couch nearby reading a book. "Hey Athrun you saw her right. What do you think?" Athrun looks over, "Hmm?" Dearka nods. "This Verena girl. You and Miguel rescued her from space right?" Athrun nods and goes back to his book. Dearka leans over, "So?" Athrun closes the book, "So?" Yzak glances over at Athrun. Dearka shrugs rolling his eyes, "What does she look like? If she's anything like her mom then..." He smiles. Yzak glares at Athrun, "You saw her huh?" Athrun shrugs. Dearka smirks, "Ah come on Athrun. You were the last person to talk to her. What's she like?" Yzak sits upright and glances at Dearka, "He spoke with her?" Athrun sighs and glances at Yzak and Dearka, "Yes, I saw her and spoke with her." Yzak rises, "How is it they introduced herto you?" Athrun sighs, "It's not like you think. I wasn't introduced to her. Besides I've known Verena since we were 7. We went to preparatory school together on Copernicus. We were… friends." Dearka laughs, "Friends? Really? What would Lacus Clyne think about you reuniting with an old girlfriend?" Athrun blushes, "It's not like that. Besides I haven't seen Ren in a few years." Dearka smiles, "Oh so it's Ren huh?" Yzak glares at Dearka and then Athrun, "So did the two of you catch up on old times?" Athrun gives him a look and rises, "Not really. She left for Heliopolis a couple of days ago." Dearka rises, "What? You mean she's on that colony with those Earth Feddie suits?" Yzak continues to glare at Athrun. Nicol enters with Rusty, "Hi guys." They glance over. Rusty glances around, "What's up with you guys? You could cut the tension in here with a knife." Dearka glances over, "Yzak's future betrothed went to Heliopolis." Rusty tilts his head, "Who made that arrangement?" Nicol gasps, "What? You mean the rumors about Verena Irmgard-Marlis being here were true?" Dearka nods, "Yzak's mom wants the two of them hooked up." Yzak glares at him, "Shut up. Stop spreading stories Dearka." Nicol furrows his brow, "Why would they let her go to that colony with our mission planned?" Yzak glances over, "I have no idea, maybe we should ask Athrun." Athrun glances over, "Her father is there. She wanted to leave." Rusty crosses his arms, "So she chose to be with some Natural instead of her own kind? Your fiancée sure is strange Yzak. You'd make the perfect couple." Yzak glances over, "Very funny jerk. I already said she wasn't my fiancée." Dearka glances over, "Yzak's right. Besides she's run away to Heliopolis." Rusty smirks, "So what really happened Yzak? Did she see your face and run off as fast as she could?" Dearka smiles, "Or maybe she has some boyfriend there already." Yzak glares at him, "Shut up." Dearka laughs. Nicol watches them and then tilts his head, "Aren't you worried that she'll be harmed in our attack?" Athrun glances downward, "She'll be retrieved by Commander Creuset, he's already planned it." They all look at Athrun. "In the meantime we should train." Rusty nods, "Athrun is right. We should practice so that none of you pansies get killed."

"Is Isamu piloting the prototype mobile suit?" Rena and her father sat at a long dinner table. Lukas looks up from his dinner, "What?" Rena glances over, "Ms. Ramius mentioned a prototype." Lukas stares at her, "You know you're really not supposed to know anything about that." Rena glances down. Flash of the GUNDAM, her strange memories. Lukas tilts his head, "Hon?" She furrows her brow, "This war is growing, it seems as if even the neutral nations are involved." Lukas tilts his head, "You shouldn't worry so." Rena stares down at her food, "I know…" She pushes the food around on her plate. Lukas watches. Rena sighs, "I missed another chance to see Isamu." Lukas sips from his wine, "He's in the Federation military Verena, he has a duty to fulfill." Rena furrows her brow. Lukas tilts his head, "You shouldn't worry. He is the most competent and skilled pilot I've ever known." Rena looks up, "Is he staying on Earth long?" Lukas shrugs, "Who knows. I suspect they'll pull him back and station him in space." Rena nods and glances aside. He tilts his head, "I know you're upset at missing the chance to see Isamu but something else is on your mind. Tell me." She looks over at him. He stared at her intently, "Verena?" She nods, "Today when I was lost I saw the mobile suits." He glances at her, "What?" She glances downward, "I entered the hanger where they were stored." He lowers his fork, "Verena…" He grips the table cloth, "Those suits… don't worry about it. It's ok, you won't get in trouble. You shouldn't think about it anymore." She stares forward, "I know but I can't help it." He furrows his brow, "Verena…" She glances at him, "I can't figure it out, but I can't shake their images from my mind. The designs seemed so familiar to me. Why would those suits seem so familiar?" Marlis' eyes widen and he stares at her. She looks up, "Is that strange?" He gulps some wine and shakes his head, "No... you've been privy to the mobile suits we develop at Orb, they just resemble ours. Don't dwell on it… please." She furrows her brow. He sighs, "I'm just sorry you had to learn about their development like this." She stares at him, "Why is Orb involved in this anyway? Doesn't Orb have a strict standpoint on peace and neutrality?" Lukas sighs, "There are things that happen because they must. It really is a complicated matter that has nothing to do with you. Don't concern yourself. As far as you're concerned there are no suits and we are representatives of the Orb nation, supporting it's ideas of peace. Let's not talk about it any further, ok?" His tone was firm and final. She nods reluctantly. He begins to eat again. They sit in silence for quite a long time. Rena stares down at her plate. I was with ZAFT, those Omni officials were worried about me arriving on that shuttle. Do they suspect anything? Do they know about these suits? He stares at her, "Verena? Is there something else on your mind?" She looks up, "Father. We never discussed it. The events surrounding my arrival here but I'm sure you realized that I was almost taken to at Plant." He stares at her, "You almost were taken to Plant, what do you mean?" She furrows her brow, "ZAFT soldiers in the area of the accident rescued me." Lukas nods, "Yes I am aware of that much but why would they want to take to Plant?" She glances downward and bites her bottom lip, "Another ship met up with the one I was on. It wasn't a military one." Lukas leans forward, "What are you getting at?" Rena shakes her head, "It doesn't really matter. I convinced them to let me go." Luka continued to stare at her. Rena bites her bottom lip. "Mother was there." Lukas lowers his fork, "Lenne…" He clenches his fist, "God… I knew it. She is relentless." Rena glances downward. He sighs, "I'm sorry." Rena continues, "She looked like I remember. From what I can remember." She furrows her brow. He glances off, "It scares me that she was involved. This is exactly why I wanted you to remain on Earth, away from her and her ideas." He grasps her hand, "That settles it. After the rest of the project is sent off, we're returning to Orb." Rena stares at him, "What? But when is that?" He glances at her, "In about a week." He picks up his wine glass. Rena stares at the plate in front of her, "But I just got here and I wanted to spend more time here." He stares at her, "I'm sorry honey but under the circumstances I don't think it's a good idea for you or I to remain in space. Who knows what your mother will try next." Rena nods, "You're right. You're always right." He stares at her and furrows his brow, "I'm sorry... but it's for your own safety." She nods. "I have to protect you from…" He trails off. She leans forward, "So we really have to leave in a week… I have so little time." He stares at her, "Little time? You have plans? I thought you came here to see Isamu, there's something else?" She shrugs, "Well seeing Isamu was one of the things I wanted but there's an friend living here, a boy I haven't seen in years and I planned this trip to see him." Her father lowers the glass, "A boy?" She nods, "You know that I have so few friends. I found an old picture of him awhile ago and had been searching… he turned out to be here. I contacted him and then made my plans." Lukas stares at her, "I see." She nods, "His name is Kira Yamato. He and his parents live here on Heliopolis." Her father nods, "I see. So that's the real reason you decided to venture out into space. To visit a cute boy." Rena's cheeks redden, "Dad… stop...." She glances down and plays with her fork, "He's just an old friend of mine from the preparatory school… on Copernicus." Her father furrows his brow. "From Copernicus?" Rena stares at him, "Is something wrong?" He shakes his head, "No... what did you say his name is again?" She shrugs, "Kira Yamato. You probably don't remember him but he was one of my best friends, I introduced you to him once." He stares at her. She stares at him, "Do you remember Kira? It was only a few years ago." He thinks for a moment, "Kira? Was he your little boyfriend?" She shakes her head, "No… that was Athrun… Athrun Zala. I'd rather not discuss him." Lukas nods. Right, the senator's son. Rena continues, "Kira and I were best friends…" She furrows her brow, "Oh no…" Her father looks up at her, "Is something wrong?" She nods, "Kira, like everyone else, thinks I'm missing or dead." Lukas nods, "You're right, especially with the memorial, a lot of your fans showed up. But don't worry I'm working on remedying the situation." Rena nods, "Did you see him there?" Lukas shrugs, "I… don't even recall what this friend of yours looks like. But I'm sure if you made arrangements to visit him he must have attended." Rena rises, "Oh no… he must be completely upset. He would be blaming himself. I have to see him right away!" Her father looks up at her, "Well then by all means go. And since you didn't eat dinner here maybe you can get him to take you out being that he was the reason you came out here." Rena looks down at her plate, it was barely touched. "I'm sorry." She smiles and kisses him on the cheek. He strokes her cheek, "Verena…" He stares at her, "Remember though, we are leaving in a week." She nods before rushing out. He stares forward. And I can't afford for you to remember. He sips his wine. To find out the truth.

Kira taps on some keys on his laptop. The screen was filled with some tech specs on a exoskeleton. He leans sideways on his hand and idly punches a few keys. He was obviously distracted, he glances up at his bulletin board. The photo was pinned up. He continues to stare at it until a slight knock at his door distracts him, "Kira?" He glances over, "I'm not very hungry mom, I'm sorry, I have some work to finish." A pretty woman with dark black blue hair enters, "That's understandable but you have a guest. The two of you should probably go out to eat, since you've missed dinner." She glances out into the hall, "He's right in here. If you need anything I'll be downstairs." She gives Kira a look and a smile and walks off. He stares over confused until Rena peers around the corner and stands in the doorway, "Thank you Mrs. Yamato." She glances over, "Kira… hi. I'm not disturbing you am I?" Kira rises slowly his eyes wide in complete shock. "Ren?" He stares at her speechless, tears welling in his eyes. She smiles and tilts her head, "I'm sorry, for being so long in coming seeing you. My travel plans were…" He rushes over and grabs her and holds her tightly, "You're alive! I knew it. I felt it." She wraps her arms around him, "Kira… I'm sorry for worrying you. But I'm finally here. We're together again." He nods, "Mm hmm." He continues to hold her, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Kira walks a few steps in front of Rena, "I want to make one quick stop before dinner. This is it coming up." He walked up ahead of her down a torch lit pathway in the park. Rena glances side to side, "It all looks so authentic, like a park on Earth." She glances at some trees nearby. A slight alarm sounds. He glances at his watch, "It's later than I thought." Rena glances around, "What is that?" Kira looks up, "Hmm?" She stares at him a frantic look in her eyes, "That alarm sound. Is something wrong?" Kira furrows her brow and shakes his head, "No… don't worry your safe here." He smiles to reassure her. She nods her head. He glances up, "That's just a weather change notice. It's on the schedule, I just lost track of time." He smiles at her. She stares at him perplexed. He chuckles, "It's going to drizzle soon, here at the park." She continued to look at him strangely. He shrugs, "Guess that doesn't happen on Earth huh." Rena smiles and shakes her head, "No… Although we do have weather forecasts but they tend to get it wrong sometimes." A few drops of rain fall. She looks up just as it increases in frequency. She gasps at the chill of the water. "Oh my god." Kira stares at her, he grits his teeth, "I'm sorry, you'll get soaked." She laughs and twirls around. "That's fine. How funny." He watches her for a moment, a smile on his face. The rain begins to fall harder. He reaches out and grabs her hand, "Come on!" They run along the now wet sidewalks and through some gates into a covered section of the park. It was filled with beautiful flowers, the sweet fragrance filling the air. The rain taps rhythmically on the roof. Kira pulls his jacket off, "You're soaked. I'm sorry..." She smiles through her slightly chattering teeth, "So are you." He shakes his head, "I'm fine." She rubs her hands together, "This place…" The gazebo was dimly lit with small lights that seemed to twinkle. "It's magical." She glances around and spots a granite carved water fountain. She sees it and gasps, "Oh Kira." He motions, "This is what I wanted to show you. It's like the one on Copernicus. They say the architect that made it is the same guy." She stares at it and smiles. He continues, "Do you remember? You… Athrun, and I almost got in trouble for sneaking in to that private park." Rena nods, "Of course I remember." She crosses touching the cold stone, "We used to always go there to plot." She steps up onto the edge and starts to walk one foot in front of the other. She glances over at him, "Remember when you fell into the fountain and pulled Athrun in by accident?" Kira laughs. He sits on the side, "Well about that." She glances down at him, "What?" He looks over at her, "Well it wasn't really much of an accident." She tilts her head, "What? But you pulled me in when you fell." He laughs, "Yeah… you were so mad because you had on some special dress." She glances at him, "That was a gift from my grandmother. It was very expensive. I still haven't told my father the real reason it was ruined." She laughs, "It was funny though. Even if it was deliberate." She smiles. He nods, "You really looked beautiful that night." She stares at him, "Did I? Thank you." She leans down and smiles, "Was that before or after you pulled me in?" She stops smiling as she stared into his eyes. He stares back, "Both…" They stared at one another. Drawing closer with each second. Rena furrows her brow, as she felt her heartbeat quicken. "I never noticed how amazing your eyes are. Have they always been like that." Kira could feel his cheeks suddenly starting to burn, "No.. I mean yes…" He draws back and rises, his cheeks were bright red, "I'm still the same Kira as always." Rena places her hands at her waist, "No there's definitely something about you. Maybe I just never noticed it before." Kira gulps as his pulse quickens. He avoids her gaze, "I'm sure your just seeing things." She nods and holds her hand down to him, "Maybe… would you please help me down." He turns and stares at her, cocking his head, "You're not serious?" She laughs, "Kira… I won't pull you in. I promise." He stares at her reluctantly. She tilts her head, "Kira Yamato? I thought we were best friends. Don't you trust me?" He stares at her a playful look on his face, "Should I?" She purses her lips and sighs, "I don't know…" She moves to step down. Her shoe catches and she stumbles forward. Kira reacts and catches her in his arms, "Are you ok?" She nods, "Uh huh. Thank you, that could have been painful." He smiles, "Don't worry, I would never let you fall." She nods and locks eyes with him. "Kira…" Their faces were close. "Ren…" She studies his face, "Those eyes." He just stared at her saying nothing. He moves in, closing his eyes and kisses her. Rena lays a hand on his cheek, closes her eyes and kisses him back. The rain softens and stops, an alarm rings twice. Rena pulls back, "Kira... what's happening?" He tilts his head, "I…." They kiss again. "Hey! This place is closed." An old man crosses toward them. "You two love birds trespassing! I'm calling the authorities." Kira and Rena glance at one another holding in their laughter. He waves as he grabs her wrists and runs off, "Sorry! We were just leaving." They both run for the exit, laughing and rush down the wet streets.

Rena and Kira laugh inside a bistro. "You didn't..." Kira covers his face, "It was almost the most humiliating moment ever. If I could have had just one." Rena laughs. She forks some cheesecake into her mouth, "Oh, I'm stuffed. You should eat some of this. Here." He nods. She is about to feed him a bite. "Kira?" Sai crosses over with Flay behind him. "It is you, hey." Kira looks up, "Oh hey Sai." He stares at Flay. "Hi… Flay." She tilts her head, "Hi." Kira motions, "This is Rena. Rena this is Flay Allster." Flay glances over at her, her eyes widen. Verena Irmgard-Marlis is with him? Rena lowers the fork and tilts her head. Flay? She glances at Kira and smiles. He notices and his cheeks start to go pink. She nods, "It's a pleasure to meet you both." Sai smiles and holds his hand out, "Wow… it's so nice to see… I mean meet you. I'm Sai… Sai Argyle. Kira already mentioned that though." He blushes slightly but quickly regains his composure, when Flay nudges him, "Did the two of you get caught up in the rain?" Rena nods, "It was quite an interesting experience." He nods. Flay tilts her head giving Sai a look. She turns to Rena acting indifferent, "I've never seen you around here before." Sai glances at Flay. Rena tilts her head, confused, "That's because I'm not from around here. I'm here visiting from Onogoro." Flay stares at her acting as if she'd just realized who she was, "Wait a minute. You're Verena Irmgard-Marlis. You look a lot more plain than on television." Rena purses her lips. Flay tilts her head, "Wait a minute, I thought you died or went missing in that shuttle accident. Didn't you go to her memorial?" Kira nods, "Yes but…" Flay tosses her hair off her shoulder, cutting him off, "But you're not dead." Other people in the café start to look over. Rena glances around and then stares at Flay, "No you're right, I'm very much alive." Flay purses her lips. Rena glances at Kira, "I was saved by a passing shuttle and arrived a few days ago." People start to whisper, "It is her. Wow." Kira glances around and then at his watch, "Wow it's late. We should get going. Are you ready?" Rena glances at him. He glances at Sai and Flay. "We actually have to leave." He rises and holds his hand out to and helps Rena to her feet. "I'll see you in class Sai. Bye Flay."

They exit, "Sorry about that." Rena shakes her head, "It's not a big deal. I'm used to it." She puts her arm though his. Their fingers interlock, "So that was Flay huh? She's… pretty…" Kira's cheek start to turn red again. "Uh... yeah… I'm so sorry about that. She's usually really nice." Rena shrugs. "It's fine." Kira glances over at her. She smiles at him, "Really… so she has a boyfriend already huh?" Kira sighs, "Yeah, Sai… he's my good friend so…" He shrugs, "And having you here changes everything." She stares at him. He bites his bottom lip, "Um… not that I'm saying that you and I…" He blushes. Rena tilts her head, "You're so cute Kira. I'm glad I came. Going through the ordeal of getting here was worth it just to be next to you." He and she pause, "I'm glad." They stare at one another. Kira glances ahead, "So do you want to go home? It's getting late." She shakes her head, "No I kind of don't want this night to end." She leans in close to him, "What should we do next? What else can you show me?" He glances over at her his eyes wide.

"Junior grade Kisaragi, is it?" Isamu wearing a flight suit turns, "Yes? Sir." He salutes the approaching commander. The man salutes, "At ease. I hear great things about this mobile suit. It sounds spectacular." Isamu nods, "It is a great suit sir. I'm honored that I was selected to pilot it." The man nods, "Well, the opinion of Lukas Marlis has a profound influence." Isamu furrows his brow. Lukas has close ties with OMNI? That's strange? The man continues, "Let's hope that it meets all our expectations. I'll see you out on the testing grounds in a couple hours. Good luck and get yourself checked in." Isamu nods and salutes, "Sir, thank you sir." The commander walks off. Isamu sighs and heads toward an elevator. "Junior grade Kisaragi!" He glances upward at an approaching young woman. He smiles a bit, "Yes?" She stops out of breath, "An urgent message from Heliopolis has been awaiting you." Isamu smile fades. "Urgent? From?" She tilts her head, "Dr. Lukas Marlis?" His eyes widen, "Did he say what it was about!" She gasps as she shakes her head, "No... something about the shuttle accident." Isamu furrows his brow, "Shuttle accident?" She nods, "Yes, a civilian shuttle originating from Orb hit some space debris a few days ago. A lot of innocent people were killed. Isamu gasps. Rena? Accident. She was heading to Heliopolis. His hand falls to his forehead, he turns pale. The woman gasps, "You can take the message in your quarters."

Isamu rushes into a small dorm room and glances around. He spots the beeping monitor and rushes over. He turns it on. Lukas sat at a desk, "Isamu?" Isamu still frantic leans onto the desk, "Tell me it isn't true! Uncle Lukas? What happened?!" Lukas shakes his head, "Calm down. She's fine. I take it you've just found out about the shuttle accident?" Isamu sighs and slides into a chair, "Why didn't you tell me? This all could have waited." Lukas tilts his head, "No. You were in classified training and also I didn't want you to be distracted. It's important for you to be able to advance your career. Your father and grandfather had great hope in that." Isamu furrows his brow, "But still Rena is more important to me than my career." Lukas smiles. "I know." Isamu tilts his head, "What happened?" Lukas shrugs, "Apparently some debris from a nearby battle collided with the shuttle. A lot of the passengers were injured some were killed. Rena was presumed missing for awhile but she arrived to us safely." Isamu sighs, "Is she ok, was she harmed?" Lukas shakes his head, "She's perfectly fine actually. Not harmed in the least. I just wanted to keep you updated, just in case you heard any opposing news." Isamu glances aside, "Thank you Uncle Lukas. I warned her not to come but she is such a hard head. I don't know if I could have dealt with losing her." Lukas tilts his head, "So you knew she was traveling here then?" Isamu glances over a shocked look in his eyes, "I… yes. She contacted me and I tried to tell her not to but... she... you know how she gets..." Lukas laughs, "Don't worry yourself son... I know very well the power she holds over us all." He nods, "Well I should let you get settled. We'll talk again soon." Isamu nods, "Right. Thank you for letting me know." Lukas nods. The monitor shuts off. Isamu rises and glances at the window of his room. He had an excellent view of the hangers and docks. The base was bustling. "Kisaragi? Your presence is required at conference room 4 in one hour." He glances over his shoulder at the door before glancing back out the window one last time and crossing to the bathroom for a shower

.

Rena holds her knees against her chest. She and Kira sat sprawled in an open field. She sat her knees pulled against her chest, plucking at the grass. Flash of her interaction with Athrun. Kira stared at her, "So no word?" she glances down and shakes her head. Kira furrows his brow. She glances aside, "Do you like being on this colony?" Kira nods, "Yeah." He looks up at the night sky. "It's peaceful here. Sometimes it's hard to believe that there's even a war going on." She nods. He sighs, "It's so wrong, all the fighting… and for what?" She glances downward, "War... is difficult to understand..." She glances at Kira, "Did you know that my cousin Isamu is a pilot for the Earth Alliance." Kira glances over. "Really? I'm sorry... I didn't mean to sound...." She shakes her head, "Don't worry about it." She furrows her brow, "I agree with you. The fighting is wrong. But he chose to follow in my late uncle and my grandfathers footsteps. His dad was an OMNI ace, one of the best ever." She smiles, "He died in an accident when Isamu was still a baby. My dad says that Isamu is just as good." Kira nods. She sighs, "Even so I'm scared that something will happen to him. He tries to reassure me that someday it'll all end and that he'll definitely live to see that day. He's a firm believer that you have to fight for what you want. He believes that his path will lead to peace." She laughs, "Fighting to reach peace. It makes no sense. Since I'm a pacifist sometimes we get into heated debates and…" She shakes her head, "I'm sorry I'm rambling." Kira glances straight at the sky, "No… war is just so devastating. The fighting... so people getting hurt and dying. I watch the reports. There's so much that people don't understand." He stares at the sky, "To fight because you're coordinator or because you're a natural, it makes no sense." Rena lays back. "I agree." Kira glances over at her. She stares upward, "It's so quiet here. There are so few places on Earth that you don't hear about battles. But back home the sky and sea stretch on forever. You feel like you're in different world." Kira glances over at her, "I don't think I'd remember what it was like to be on Earth. I think I was barely walking when my family moved away from Orb. I've always lived in space some way or another." She glances at him, "It's not much different then here and now." Rena turns onto her side to face him her cheeks slightly pink, "And as beautiful and quiet home is... for some reason I would give it all up… to be here… like this… with you." Kira looks at her and blushes. She smiles, "You make me feel so safe and happy." He smiles, "Well then why don't you move to Heliopolis?" She sits up, "I…" She furrows her brow, "I can't. My father and I are leaving in a week and I have thing to do, a major life in Orb." Kira stares at her, "Really? One week." She shrugs, "My father should be finished with his work project by then so he wants to take me back to Earth. The shuttle accident scared him a bit I think. I never thought things would turn out like this though. I don't have very many real friends at home and being with you again feels so incredible." She lays her hand on his and stares at him, "I can do or say anything to you, and you that you won't judge me. Kira, you have always been my only true friend. I regret losing contact with you. That was so much wasted time." Tear fill her eyes, "And now we'll be separated again." Kira leans up and kisses her. "Your rambling." She sniffs back her tears, "I know." He kisses her on the cheek, "It's ok we'll figure it out. We're together right now right, even after being apart all those years." She smiles, "Right." She hugs him, "Kira… promise me that we won't think about how short our time is together and we'll make the most of it." He pulls her against him, "I promise." She nods. He rises, "Well how about I walk you home, it's late. Your dad may never let me take you out again." He smiles. He holds his hand down to her. She nods, taking his hand and rises.

Engineers make the final preparations on the Tempest. Isamu heads toward a conference room. Inside a man sits at a table looking over schematics on a monitor. Techs move around the table, gathering information. A woman crosses, with some security officers, "Name, rank and security clearance." He nods, "Isamu Kisaragi, Junior grade pilot, code 567334." She inputs the info in a hand held monitor. A dossier pops up. She looks at Isamu. He smiles at her. She turns, "Lt Commander Reynolds? Junior Grade Kisaragi is here as ordered." The man seated at the table nods, "Great." Others in the room look over. "We were hoping you'd get here early there are a few test we'd like to run before we head out into the field." Isamu nods, "Of course." Reynolds leads back through the door and toward the Tempest, "I've heard great things about you Junior Grade Kisaragi." Isamu nods, "I hope to be able to live up to those claims." Reynolds nods, "As do we all." Isamu looks up at Gundam. "Wow they've finished installing the armor." Reynolds nods, "The proto-type, GAT X23 Tempest will be ready for battle as soon as we pass the certification testing today." Isamu nods. Reynolds hands him a head set, "Before we head up to the cockpit put this on." Isamu stares at it, "What's this supposed to do?" Reynolds motions some techs over, "We would like to monitor your brain waves during the testing. You'll also need to put on a few other sensors, so remove your shirt" Isamu unzips his suit and pulls off his t-shirt. The techs apply a series of sensors to his chest back and arms. Reynolds nods, "Great we should be all set. You can get suited up and ready." Isamu pulls on his t-shirt, "Excuse me sir. May I ask why this is necessary? Initial tests were already run while I was at Heliopolis. What is it are you so interested in?" Reynolds signs off on some reports and turn to stares at Isamu, "We've read the multiple reports but we'd like to run some of our own. Don't worry. We're just curious about how your body reacts to the suit. The next few days should be very interesting." They climb onto a lift.

Kira waits outside the gates of Lukas Marlis' mansion. Rena rushes out and embraces him. They walk off together. Montage of the next few days. Kira leading her through a shopping district. Walking hand and hand as Kira points out important landmarks. Eating food from a street vendor, relaxing and talking near the fountain, sitting on the hill, hands interlocked, watching the sunset. End. Rena and Kira walk through the gates of the mansion. She was laughing from something funny he had said. She turns to face him. They kiss. "I guess this is good night?" She shakes her head, "My father has to stay overnight at work. Do you want to come up? I want to you to hear something I've been working on, it's a new song." He smiles, "Really? That would be awesome." She opens to front door, "Come on." They enter into an echoing hallway. "This house sounds so empty." Rena nods, "Father is hardly here in the evenings so he lets the servants have the evenings off." Kira nods, "Servants, hmm." Rena smiles at him and starts up the staircase. Kira glances around turning, "Wow, it's huge. It must take a lot of servants to keep it up." He glances over to the stairs. Rena stares at him and smiles. She starts up. He follows.

"Ok Kisaragi. Proceed." Reynolds and a few others including the commander from before watch some monitors. Isamu takes the Tempest out into a battle scarred but empty city. An automated mobile armor flies out. Isamu blasts it. He continues through a series of different attacks and battles. "See. Look at these brain wave patterns. And these physical patterns." The commander shrugs, "What's the big deal. They look normal to me." Reynolds types into a keyboard and pulls up some other files, "Check these out for comparison." The waves are all spiked and erratic. "These are for the other test pilots. While they are good pilots they have to exert a great deal of energy to focus on utilizing the g-suits systems. To him, this is like a walk in the park." The men begin to talk among themselves, "Is this man a battle coordinator?" Reynolds shakes his head, "No. Although his mother was a coordinator. He was conceived naturally. Both she and his father Jin Kisaragi are dead." The commander glances over, "Really? So he's Jin Kisaragi's boy?" The tech nods, "Right." The commander smiles, "No wonder, that alone is what gives him the edge." The tech tilts his head, "Sir?" The commander nods, "Jin Kisaragi is what you would call a natural ace. He was one of the best, OMNI had ever seen."

Rena strums on a guitar as she sings a ballad. Kira, who sat on the floor next to her, watches her, his eyes wide in excitement and awe. She smiles and continues to play and sing. Kira smiles as she finishes her last line and looks over at him. He claps, "That was really good." She bows her head, "Thank you've been a wonderful audience." He sighs, "It's too bad you weren't able to have a concert here on Heliopolis." Rena's eyes widen, "That's what I'll do. After father and I go back to Orb, I'll have my manager arrange a concert, then I can come back and see you." Kira smiles, "that would be awesome, you have tons of fans here. Maybe I'll move to Orb." Rena smiles as she strums a few random chords on the guitar, "Kira?" He tilts his head, "Yeah?" She lowers the guitar to the floor, "You would do that?" Kira shrugs, "Who knows… my parents might not be keen on it but. I'm 16 now so…" She crawls over to him and kisses him, "I can't wait."

Lukas sits in his office. He rubs his eyes as he continues to scroll through schematics on the monitor. He glances aside at a photo on his desk. Isamu in his graduation dress uniform stood with his arm around Rena's shoulder. He stares at the photo a worried look on his face. "Representative Marlis?" He glances over to the door. Col. Taft enters, glancing around the room, "How are things proceeding?" Lukas rises, "On schedule. I know you've received notice of that so what is that you really want?" Taft crosses to the desk. He glances over at the photo, "I received word from a contact of mine. And old colleague of yours from Ledonia labs." Lukas rises, "I'm no longer affiliated with that place." Taft nods, "Of course not. But you must admit the work they're doing there is quite impressive." Lukas scowls, "I wouldn't call it that." Taft nods, "What would you call it then, I was not there. I have no insight, just an opinion based on the videos I've seen." Lukas gasps. Taft nods, "Does your daughter remember much from that time?" Lukas grits his teeth, "Get out." Taft crosses his arms, "I'm sorry to have upset you. Especially since you've done so much for us already but I warn you, that you immunity will only carry so far. We both know what she's capable of if unsupervised." He exits the room. Lukas clenches his fists.

Kira laying asleep on the floor couch, opens his eyes. He glances down at Rena who had fallen asleep against him. She slept so peacefully. He reaches over to stroke some hair from her cheek. Her eyes open slowly. She looks up at him and smiles. "Hi..." He smiles, "Hi..." She sits up and stretches, "What time is it?" He shakes his head, "I don't know." She glances over at a clock, it was after 3 am. She gasps, "Oh it's that late... won't your parents be worried?" Kira stares at her, "It's fine. Sometimes I'm out even later working on school projects." She nods, "I don't want you to get into trouble." He smiles, "I won't. Besides I don't want to leave." She tilts her head, "I don't want you to leave either." Kira sits up, "Then it's settled I should stay." She glances downward, "But if my father finds you here...." Kira tilts her face up and kisses her. "Then I'll come back tomorrow then." She smiles, "Ok." He nods and rises. Kira pulls on his jacket as Rena leads him cautiously down the stairs. She checks the nearby rooms and then motions, "He's still gone. Come on." Kira rushes downward and out the front door. Rena waves to him as he exits the front gate.

Athrun dressed casually, stands inside a beautifully decorated living room. Lenne enters from another room. She was dressed in a form-fitted silk day dress, "Athrun?" She smiles, "I'm so glad you could come so close to leaving." He glances over at her. "Commander Creuset said it was urgent. Is something wrong Ms. Irmgard?" She stares at him, "Athrun, I asked you countless times… please call me Lenne." He nods, "I'm sorry… Lenne, what can I do for you." She hands him a photo, "It's about this." He takes the photo and glances at it. It was of the trio. He gasps, "I can't believe it." He furrows his brow, "This seems like a long time ago." She grasps his hand, "Athrun?" He glances at her. She furrows her brow, "I know that you're engaged to Siegel Clyne's daughter Lacus, but you once loved my Verena right? She had this picture with her. You all look so close and happy." Athrun glances at her. Lenne tilts her head, "I saw the way you looked at her. You and she are a good match." Athrun shakes his head, "I… I care about her but… I can't..." Lenne grasps his hand, "I don't want you to compromise anything that could jeopardize your future but, promise me this one thing that you'll make sure she's returned to me safely? That's all I ask. Protect her with your life." Athrun stares at Lenne and glances down at the picture, "My team and I promise to return her to you."

Rena walks through a darkened hallway. She passes by a mirror, the imaged reflected back at her is her about 5, dressed in an off white pajama like outfit. She stares at herself. Up ahead she hears the cries of young children and the incoherent mumblings of adults. A man ushers her along toward a room, a bright light pours out into the dark hall. into a brightly lit lab. Several other children where strapped down onto gurneys, IVs in their arms. A doctor in a lab coat turns, "Ah… the donor is here." Rena gasps and sits up in her bed. She trembles. She stares at her hands, they were shaking. She clenches them and holds them against her chest. "It's ok… I can do this." She pulls her knees into her chest.

There is a slight knock at the door, "Lady Verena, breakfast is being served." Rena glances over, "I'll be right down." She buries her face in her knees. What's happening to me? Why do I feel so strange right now?

A little later, Rena, looking refreshed and put together walks into the dining room, "Something smells delicious." Lukas glances over. "Good morning darling, sleep well?" She shakes her head. "I couldn't sleep much." HE stares at her concerned, "Bad dreams?" She furrows her brow, "It's nothing, don't worry. You must have come home really late. I tried to wait up for you." He nods, "I'm sorry my love. We'll talk more later. You have a guest. He came calling quite early so I invited him in for some breakfast." He motions to the butler. He exits into an adjacent room. She glances over and smiles when he returns with Kira. She gasps, "Kira?" Kira smiles, "Good morning Ren." Lukas glances at him and then motions to a seat, "Why don't you both sit and eat something ." Lukas sips his coffee. Rena crosses over to the table. Lukas rises, "I have a few things to work on in the study so why don't you take this seat. Your friend can sit next to you." He smiles at Kira and motions to seat at his right. Kira crosses, "Thank you sir." Lukas nods. Rena crosses. Her father kisses her on the temple and he glances over at Kira, "I hope that we're able to get to know one another better, it's Kira right?" Kira nods, "Yes sir, Kira Yamato." Lukas nods, "Well Kira, it was nice to finally meet the young man that my daughter ventured across space for." Kira's face reddens, "Oh... I'm sure that she had other motives." Lukas nods, "I'd like to believe that she missed her father but…" Rena stares at him, "Father… I did miss you." She kisses him on the cheek and smiles. Lukas nods, "Well the two of you enjoy breakfast." He crosses out. Rena sits down, "This is a wonderful surprise." Kira smiles, "I promised you I was coming back."

"So I heard that you did a little studying at a private school." Rena nods, "Where did you hear that?" Kira tilts his head, "Maybe I read it in a magazine article or something." Rena nods, "It's true but it wasn't for very long but I enjoyed it." Kira tilts his head, "Is it something you think you'd like to do again?" Rena shrugs, "I guess." Kira nods, "Then why don't you stay here and study? You could live here or with my family and go to school." Rena lowers her fork, "Kira?" He furrows his brow, "I was thinking about it all night... I really don't want you to leave." She smiles. Lukas reenters, "Sorry to interrupt I forgot… ah yes." HE crosses to a side table and picks up a folder. "How's everything?" Rena glances over, "Kira's invited me to stay… here on Heliopolis with him." Lukas glances at Rena, "What?" Kira glances at her and then him, "I…" Lukas shakes his head, "I'm sorry but that is impossible. Rena will be returning to Orb with me." Rena glances at him, "But Heliopolis is a neutral colony of Orb. I could enroll in the Technical college. Nothing will happen." Lukas stares at the both of them, "It's a wonderful idea but I'd really not like to talk about that any further right now. We'll discuss it later ok? I have to get to work, it was a pleasure Kira." He exits. Rena glances downward. Kira glances at her, "Ren? You'll talk to him about it later right?" She looks up, "My father won't agree to it because my mother..." Kira stares at her, "Your mother?" She shakes her head, "It's a complicated matter." They were silent for a few moments. Kira tilts his head, "So do you want to go out and meet some of my friends today? They want to meet you." She glances at him and smiles, "Yes… I'd like that very much."

Isamu stands under a hot stream in the shower. He walks into his bedroom, drying his hair and switches on his computer. "Two new messages. First message…" Rena appears on the screen, "Isamu? It's Rena." She laughs as she glances over, "Say hello." She looks at the screen, "This is Kira." Kira's face appears on the screen, "Hi." Rena glances at the screen, "I hoped to catch you but I guess I missed you. Call me when you get a chance. Have a great day!" The message ends. "Message two…" Isamu disconnects and dials. It rings for a few times. The images turns on and Kira's face appears, "Hello?"

Isamu raises an eyebrow, "Uh... is my cousin there?"

Kira stares at him, "Oh." He turns, "Rena? It isn't Miriallia." Rena comes on, "Oh Isamu? Why are you calling me?"

He stares at her and raises an eyebrow, "Should I be contacting your dad?"

Rena's cheek were red, "Stop." She glances over at Kira, "We're just hanging out aren't we?"

Isamu glances from one to the other, "Is that what they're calling it these days?"

Rena glances back at him and smirks.

Isamu glares at Kira, "I'll let you know kid that it wouldn't take me long to get back to Heliopolis." Kira's eyes widen.

"Isamu stop!"

Isamu laughs, "Ok… but why are you alone in your room with a boy?"

Rena glares at him, "I'm 16 years old I'm not a child Isamu. And besides Kira and I are catching up on old times."

Isamu nods, "Catching up huh. Kira?"

Kira's face appears on screen. "Yes sir."

Isamu stares at him, "Keep your hands to yourself buddy. And don't call me sir like I'm some old guy I'm only 2 years older than you, you know."

Rena glares at him, "Stop…"

Isamu nods, "Ok... ok... so you look happy. You weren't hurt in the accident were you?"

Rena shakes her head. "No. I'm sorry to worry you."

Isamu shrugs, "Lukas called me and told me everything. Being in training I didn't even hear about the shuttle thing until afterwards. What time is it there?"

Rena shrugs, "Afternoon. How are things down there?"

Isamu rubs his hand in his wet hair, "Actually pretty good. The weather here in Alaska is great. I can't tell you how much I missed being down on Earth. We landed out in California, the ocean was incredible. Better than anything artificial, that's' for sure. How's the colony?"

Rena smiles, "Beautiful."

He nods, "I see. Heliopolis is nice but there must be something else that's making it beautiful for you."

Rena blushes, "Whatever. You be careful. Kira and I are meeting some of his friends."

Isamu nods, "I should get going too. Love you."

She blows him a kiss and smiles, "Love you too. Take care." He signs off.

Rena turns, "Are we ready?" Kira nods, "Yeah I think so." He holds his hand out to her. She takes it and he pulls her to her feet. She wraps her arms around his neck, "Does this seem strange?" He tilts his head, "Huh?" She strokes his cheek, "Being together like this on a daily basis." He shakes his head, "This is how I've always wanted it to be." She smiles, "Really?" He smiles, "Yeah." She hugs him tightly, "Well I could get used to having you around Kira Yamato."

Athrun lays on his bunk looking at the ceiling. He holds the photo above him and stares at it. What happened to innocent days like these? Athrun swings his feet over his bed and crosses to a drawer. He pulls it open and glances in. He pulls a journal out. The door opens and Dearka and Rusty enter. Rusty sits on his bed, "Hey we're going to get something to eat. Hungry?" Athrun shakes his head, "Not really." Rusty glances at the journal, "Doing a little light reading?" He grabs at the book, "Requiem? Is this a journal?" He makes a face. Athrun reaches out, "Shut up! Give it back." Dearka glances over. Rusty had the journal open, "Lenore Zala... it's your mom's?" Athrun reaches over and grabs it. "That's personal." Rusty shrugs, "Sorry." The pages open and a slip of something falls out. Dearka reaches down, "Hey… what's this." He flips it over, "Well, well, well… this is her isn't it." Rusty looks over, "Her?" Athrun's eyes widen, "Hand it over." Dearka shakes his head, "No." He stares at a picture of Rena posing for the picture. It is a close-up. Rusty whistles, "A personal photo? She's pretty cute here Athrun. A little young but cute." Athrun snatches the picture away and glances at it. "This was years ago idiot!" He tucks it into the journal. Dearka glances at Rusty and then Athrun, "Come on. You said that she and you were just friends. Why do you have a picture of her?" Athrun glares at the two of them. "It really isn't your business but if you must know Ren and I were more than friends back then…" He sighs. "What!?" Athrun glances toward the door, "Yzak." Yzak glances around the room, "You were saying? Don't let me interrupt." Athrun glares at him, "It's nothing." Yzak crosses his arms, "I don't really care either way it's not like I even know the girl." Athrun glances downward, I barely know her myself anymore. Dearka glances at him, "So?" Athrun glances at him, "Fine." He glances at Yzak. "Rena was a close friend and... my girlfriend on Copernicus. It wasn't anything too serious. We were kids then." Yzak turns his head, "Your past with her doesn't matter." Athrun stares at him. Dearka raises an eyebrow and glances from one to the other. "Right." Yzak glances at him, "Butt out." Rusty nods, "I guess Yzak's right. The past doesn't matter. She's such a total hottie." Athrun glances at Rusty but says nothing. Rusty raises an eyebrow, "I knew it. You still have a crush on her right? You better fight hard for her Yzak because I think my man Athrun will give you a run for your money." Yzak glares at him, "Shut up. Are we going to get something to eat or what?" Nicol enters, "Sorry I'm late." Rusty shrugs, "We were just going now anyway." Yzak glances at Athrun and then turns to go. Rusty follows him out. Dearka glances at Athrun, "Coming?" Athrun, "I'll be there in a second."

Isamu bench presses in a gym. A spotter takes the weight off. Isamu sits up and wipes his forehead. He glances over at a pair of young cadets talking off in the corner. They glance at him and then continue talking. "You all done bud?" Isamu glances over, "Yeah." He rises and crosses toward them. The guys stop talking and give him a look. Isamu heads past them and out of the gym. "Yeah no matter how you look at it he's really a coordinator trying to pass off as one of us." Isamu pauses to sign out on a log. The other guy glances at him, "His mother's probably some coordinator tramp." Isamu pauses and turns, "What did you say?" The guy glances over, "Nothing." Isamu walks over, "No I heard you cadets say something." The man gulps, "We were not talking about you sir." He had a disgusted look on his face. The spotter had started over. Isamu tilts his head as he looks right in face, "If I hear anything that sounds even remotely like you, disrespecting me. I won't hesitate to take care of the situation. Understood?" The man nods. "Is everything ok Kisaragi?" Isamu glances at the spotter, "Nothing to worry about." He pats the guy on the shoulder. "Nothing to worry about." He turns and exits an angry look on his face. As he heads down the hall he pauses to glance out the window. I wonder if things will ever change. He glances at his hands. With bastards like them I wonder. "They're just jealous." Isamu glances over. A very pretty auburn haired girl stood staring at him. Isamu tilts his head, "You think so?" She smiles, "An ace always gets people talking. Guys like them never amount to much, so they like to act petty. I wouldn't let it worry you." Isamu smiles, "Thanks… I won't, um…." She turns to go, "Lt. Reyes." Isamu gasps and salutes her, "I'm sorry ma'am." She shakes her head, "We're off duty so cut the formalities… Kisaragi." He lowers his hand. She shrugs, "Besides it won't be too long before I'm sure your promoted." He smiles, "That'd be nice. The pay right now, pretty much sucks." She smiles, "It doesn't get much better for awhile. I've got to be going so maybe we'll run into one another again." She waves as she walks off. Isamu reaches out, "Wait." She pauses, "Sorry, I don't have any more time to chat. Later." She disappears around the corner. He watches her and sighs.

"No this seems a little more logical don't you think?" Rena scans over information on a monitor and then types, very quickly, updating the info. Sai stares at her in awe and then smiles, "You're right." He glances at Kira who was seated across the lab with Miriallia and nods. Kira smiles back at him. He kept glancing at Rena. She was intently staring at the screen as Sai now was working on the keyboard. She nods and then glances over at Kira. "So Kira things are getting pretty serious huh?" Miriallia glances up at him and when his face gets red she starts to giggle. Kira glances over at her, "What?" She shrugs, "Nothing. I've just never seen you this worked up before. Well I had thought that you still had a crush on Flay Allster. But you are completely lost in Rena aren't you?" His face was bright red. She glances at his screen and furrows her brow, "I hope you don't plan on turning that in." Kira glances at his screen, nothing but gibberish filled the screen, "Oh crap." He punches into the keyboard, "I must have put in the wrong command. It's locked. No…" He types. Miriallia grits her teeth, "I think that's a fatal error. Did you save?" Kira glances at her. Miriallia's mouth drops, "No… Kira? You never save. I know you're a genius but come on." He bites his bottom lip and keeps typing. "It's still here. I just can't think straight right now." Miriallia gives him a look.

Sai shakes his head, "The calibration still seems off Rena." She smiles and leans over in front of him and types, "Here try this." Sai glances at her and sighs. She was so pretty and down to earth for a pop idol and so smart, he was really impressed. She tucks her hair behind her ear, "I've kind of always had a knack for this type of thing. This should boost the exterior density." Sai nods, "Uh huh." He leans in closer to her, "Wow you smell good..." Rena glances at him, "Huh?" Sai's face was beet red. "Uh… your perfume um…" Miriallia crosses, "Uh Sai? A big problem came up." They both glance over at her.

Sai shakes his head, "Looks like some kind of virus. You do have a back-up right?" Kira stares at him. "Oh crap Kira. This project is due at the end of the week." Rena looks at the screen. "I don't think it's a virus. Let me see. It's probably still in there." Kira glances at her, "Do you think you can fix it?" She shrugs and Sai stares at her, "We have to retrieve all that data." Rena takes a laptop and plugs it into Kira's. She starts to typing. She had a determined look on her face. Kira watches her, a bit impressed himself. Sai stares over, "What's happening?" Rena glances at him and smiles, "It'll be fine. Trust me. Boys can be so antsy." Kira smiles. Sai glances over at Miriallia.

"And then she typed a little here and there and bingo." Miriallia nods. Tolle smiles and glances at Rena, "Wow. So you're not only a pop idol but a computer and electronics genius." Rena shrugs, "Well I wasn't always an idol. Being a geeky computer prodigy is what I really am. Right Kira?" Kira was leaning on his hand stirring his soda with his straw, "Huh?" Miriallia sighs, "Aw. You shouldn't be so bummed Kira. We forgive you for almost failing us." Kira looks up, "Thanks. I could have fixed it you know." Rena nods. Tolle smiles, "Well enough about homework I want to know more about this geeky thing. Was Kira an über geek too?" Kira stares at him, "No." Rena laughs and covers her mouth. Kira glances at her, "I wasn't. Athrun was the geeky one. I wasn't geeky." Rena purses her lips. Kira's mouth drops open. Rena looks at him, "Ok Kira wasn't so much of a geek. He was actually pretty popular later on." Kira stares at her, "Later on?" She laughs.

"Initiating funnel system." Isamu concentrates on destroying the multiple projectiles. They move independently from the Tempest and easily destroy the missiles and begin to attack the various mobile armors. Isamu could feel the strain immediately. He furrows his brow, "Something isn't right." A tech turns to some other techs, "Brain wave patterns erratic." The funnels suddenly behave erratically blasting off in all directions before individually exploding. Inside the cockpit the control panels begin to spark. Isamu was slumped over against the seatbelts. The Tempest's batteries shut down and the suit is motionless.

"Rena?" Lukas looks up from a book through the door as she passes. She enters, "Yes father?" He smiles at her, "Are you going out again tonight?" Rena runs her hand through her long hair, "Kira and his friends are working on a school project. I promised I would help them out." He stares at her, "Oh, they attend the Technical College?" Rena nods, "They're working on an exoskeleton. I'd forgotten how much I liked that kind of thing. I guess I get it from you." He frowns slightly, "Oh. Well when we get to Earth maybe you can take up your studies again." She nods and turns to go but pauses, "Father… I was wondering… can we could talk about… my staying on Heliopolis again… I could study at the Technical College." Lukas rises, "Absolutely not!" She furrows her brow, "I don't understand. This is a neutral colony unless… you don't want me to stay with Kira because he's coordinator." Lukas shakes his head, "What? Don't be ridiculous." Rena stares at him unbelieving. He sighs, "That isn't true. Why would you say something like that?" She furrows her brow, "What am I supposed to think? I'm a coordinator… and you're working for the Earth Alliance." Lukas lays the book on his desk, "I don't work for them. I'm an Orb representative. This is why I didn't want your mother to see you." She looks up at him, "And why is that?" He stares at her, "Verena… what has she got you thinking? Yes, you're a coordinator but you're also part of me, a natural. I would never wish you harm and I would never allow anyone to harm you. You're getting worked up again. I had the feeling that you've been forgetting your medication so I picked up your prescription. Am I right?" She furrows her brow, "Here, you haven't been taking your doses lately have you?" She shakes her head, "I… don't…" He puts his arms around her. She holds the bottle in her hand and stares at it. He sighs, "This is why I want you safe. She's got you thinking crazy and acting irrationally." Rena glances sideways, "I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking." He pulls back and tilts her face up to his, "You're special Verena. So very special. I love you and I want the best for you. You know that right?" She nods. He crosses to his desk and pours some water into a glass. Rena opens the bottle and pops two pills. She drinks the water. Lukas smiles at her, "Now why don't you go spend some more time with Kira. We're going to be leaving in a couple days or so." Rena nods and exits.

Isamu lies back on his bed. He has a bandage around his head. A beep. He sits up and crosses over to his computer console. He presses the button. "Junior Grade Kisaragi?" He nods, "Yes." The man on screen stares at him, "We need you to report to the testing grounds. The funnel system malfunction has been a setback but we have been able to adjust its function to serve a defensive mechanism. Do you think you're ready to handle another round of tests?" Isamu nods, "Sure why not. The quicker we get past these tests the faster I get into space."

Rau sits in his room staring at a monitor. "Subject age 2 exhibits cognitive abilities beyond that which we had originally anticipated. " He presses a button. The video fast forwards. "Subject is able to conceive the construction of advanced mobile technologies." Rau closes the file, "You are truly amazing Verena. I can't wait to get my hands on you."

Kira paces outside the classroom. He glances at his watch. The door slides open, "Kira? Is she here yet?" Kira glances at Sai, "I don't get it she said that she was going to be here. I'm going to call her." He heads down the hall.

Rena sits on the edge of the water fountain. She runs her hand through the still water. She had bit of a dazed look on her face. Flash. Kira and Athrun walk ahead of her talking and laughing. Athrun glances over at her and smiles. Flash. Lenne sat on the kitchen floor sobbing. Back. "Excuse me young lady but the garden is closing early today." Rena glances over and nods. She furrows her brow. Mother?

Kira stands in the phone booth, "I'm sorry to worry you. I'm sure that she's on her way here. She probably got distracted by some fans. Yes sir I'll contact you as soon as I hear from her." Kira hangs up the phone and glances aside. He glances at his watch. Miriallia walks up, "Did you talk to her?" Kira shakes his head, "Her dad says that she left an hour or so ago. Do you think she got lost? Maybe I should go and look for her." Miriallia nods, "We can keep working if you want to go." Kira stares at her, "Are you sure?" Miriallia nods. He smiles, "Thanks." Kira runs down the hall.

Rena wanders aimlessly in the open grassy area she and Kira had spent some time. She falls to her knees. There was so much going on in her head. Flashes of memories that she couldn't make sense off. A humming was constant. She furrows her brow and cover her ears. She falls to her knees, feeling dizzy and disoriented. She lays down onto the ground and stares at the night sky. The stars went on forever. What is happening, why aren't the pills working? She could feel her eyelids getting heavy, until they close completely.

"Momma!" A 3 year old girl in pig tails come running in, "Momma we're home! Momma?" A younger looking Lukas Marlis without a goatee stands in the living room. Lenne exits the kitchen she seemed to be drying her cheeks, "Hi baby! Where have you been. I've missed you." Lenne crouches down and scoops the young girl up and nuzzles with her. She giggles. "Momma…" Lenne glances at Lukas, "I stopped by the school they told me that you took Verena out." He shrugs, "What I can't spend some quality time with my little girl now?" Lenne raises an eyebrow. "It depends? Just where have you been taking her?" Rena glances from one to the other. Lukas shakes his head, "I don't have to face this inquisition ok?" Lenne stares at him. He sighs, "Fine I took her to the lab with me ok? Are you happy? Now you know." Lenne shakes her head, "I don't want her to be there. She's just a little girl." He shakes his head, "No… she's not just a little girl, she's a genius." Lenne glares at him, "I won't allow you to use our daughter as your own personal guinea pig!" Rena starts to whimper. She struggles free of Lenne and rushes from the room. Lukas sighs loudly, "Now look. Seriously Lenne. You're a coordinator you should understand better than anyone else. She's special and she can help make other children special. She can help change the world." Lenne shakes her head, "Stop it!" Lukas sighs, "I don't understand you anymore. Baby!" He goes after her. Lenne storms after him. She grabs his arm, "I'm done, we're done. I'm leaving you Lukas and I'm taking Verena with me." He turns, "What? And where are you going to go? This is about that coordinator colony? About Plant." Lenne nods. He jerks free of her, "You can forget about taking Verena. Because I'll kill you before I let you have her." He shoves her off, "Rena?"

Rena's eyes shoot open. "Rena? Rena!" She sits up. Kira was kneeling next to her, "Are you ok? You were out cold and seemed to be having a nightmare." Rena wraps her arms around him, "Kira..." Tears rolls down her cheeks. He strokes her back, "It's ok, You're ok. I'm here." Rena glances around, "What time is it?" Kira glances at his watch, "Not very late. But I've been looking for you everywhere. I took a chance. I should get you home. You look so upset." Rena shakes her head, "No… I definitely don't want to go home. Can we go to your place?" Kira nods.

Kira enters his room, "I brought you something to drink." He was whispering. "My parents are asleep." Rena sat on his bed. He furrows his brow, "Are you ok? What's wrong?" She frowns, "I don't know." She stares downward at her hands in her lap. She had them clenched. Kira stares down, "Did something happen?" She furrows her brow as she looks up at him, "I've been having these weird dreams lately." Kira sets the glass on a night stand. He crouches down in front of her, "Dreams, what kind of dreams?" She shakes her head, "They're like memories… but not memories that I remember having." Kira furrows his brow, "Do you want to tell me about them?" She covers her face with her hands, "I can't make sense of it, I feel like everything I've known is a lie. I'm having a breakdown. I losing my mind." Kira doesn't know what to do. "Ren…" She stares at him, "Kira… I'm scared..." He pulls her into his arms and holds her tightly, "Everything is ok... I'm here. I'll take care of you." She pulls back, they lock eyes. "Let me protect you." Kira kisses her. Rena wraps her arms around him, "Kira..." He lays her back on his bed.

Rena snuggles against her pillow. Kira slides his hand along her side as he turns over. He pulls himself against her. Rena opens her eyes. It was pitch dark. The room was silent except for the Kira's steady breath. She glances at his alarm clock. It was well after 2 am. She gasps and stiffens slightly. It's so late. Kira groans slightly and then rolls over his back to her. Rena glances over at him. He was sound asleep, his bare back facing her. She reaches over but stops herself just short of touching him. She sits up, holding the covers over herself, as she stares across the dark room before sliding out of bed and quietly gathering her clothes from the floor. She proceeds to get dressed in the same silence. Kira slides his hand over to her side and finding her absent he opens his eyes and sits up. "Ren?" She glances up over at him, "I… Kira…" She tucks her hair behind her ear, "It's late… I have to get home. My father… must be frantic by now." She continues to dress. Kira glances at the clock and is immediately wide awake, "Oh crap." He slides across the bed and rises the sheet around his waist, "Ren wait…." She shakes her head, "I can't believe I let this happen." Kira stares at her. She pauses and glances over at him, "Kira." He looked at her with such a confused and hurt look on his face. "Oh…" He continues to get dressed. She furrows her brow, "Kira I…" He shakes his head, "We made a mistake." Rena, eyes widen and she shakes her head, "Kira… no I didn't mean that… I…" He shakes his head, "It's ok I know what you meant." She furrows her brow, "Kira…" He turns, "We should go, your father has probably called the authorities." Rena rushes over and wraps her arms around him. "Kira wait…." They stand in silence for minutes. Rena whispers into his ear, "I love you. I love you so much. This is not a mistake." Kira turns and holds her.

"Asleep? Out in the middle of nowhere?" Rena sighs, "Yes father. I think there was something different about the medication. My mind was racing, I felt so dizzy." Lukas' eyes widen, "The dose is the same. How long have you been off of it?" She shrugs. He crosses to her, "Verena? Answer me." She shakes her head, "I don't know a couple weeks." He sighs, "No wonder. Have you been having any strange or unfamiliar dreams?" She looks up at him. He stared back at her. She shakes her head, "No should I be?" He shakes his head, "It's possible." He glances aside, "You should just take half the dose and when we get home I'll make an appointment with the doctor." She nods. Lukas glances through the open doorway at Kira who sat silently staring down at his hands on his lap. "You know that you had all of us worried out of our minds. Poor Kira must have been up all night looking for you. I almost called the Alliance out to find you. Thank God I didn't do that." Rena rises and nods, "I'm sorry for worrying you. I've been nothing but trouble to you." Lukas shakes his head, "No, Verena…. Don't say such things. I want to keep you safe, that's all." She stares at him. "Father." He strokes her cheek, "We just need to get some sleep. Now go see your Kira out and apologize to him." Rena nods, "Ok…" She exits and shuts the door. Kira looks up and rises. Rena sighs, "Thank you for waiting." He crosses, "Of course." She turns away from him a bit, "You must be pretty tired." He shakes his head, "No. We slept for a good few hours." She blushes and motions to the door, "Shh… I'll walk you out." She takes his hand and they walk slowly to the door.

They stand on the porch. "So you're definitely leaving day after tomorrow?" Rena glances at him and nods, "Yes unless you've come up with a genius plan to convince my father to let me stay." Kira crosses to her, "I don't think anything will convince him. I don't think he really likes me much either." Rena shakes her head, "No don't say that. I think he like you. Otherwise I don't think he'd allow you to stay at my side. he's always been overly protective. He trusted you to find me didn't he? He definitely likes you. I know it." Kira smiles. "Well I should get going. I have some major tests tomorrow so a majority of my day is booked but…." Rena frowns, "Kira… you should have been studying with Sai and the others but…" He shakes his head, "Don't worry. I know the stuff. I'd wouldn't have changed tonight for anything." She blushes, "Me either." They kiss. She pulls back and glances downward, "I can't believe that soon we'll be apart again and resuming our normal lives." Kira tilts his head, "I don't think life could ever go back to normal without you." She glances at him, "Kira?" He smiles, "Maybe we could go out for dinner tomorrow night and be together." She nods. Kira kisses her softly. She lays her head on his shoulder, "I'm so glad I came here Kira. I am. I don't ever want to leave your arms." He pulls her tightly against him, "I don't want to let you go."

The Tempest moves through the testing ground. Isamu activates switches in the cockpit easily destroying targets.

Kira, Miriallia, and Tolle walk through the halls of the school. They enter their classroom.

Athrun walks along the hallway of the Vesalius.

Rena watches her father leave for work from her window.

Isamu climbs from the cockpit of the Tempest. He walks through the hallways talking with the techs.

Athrun watches techs prepare the GINN.

Lenne stands on the veranda her arms crossed. Patrick crosses up behind her and whispers into her ear. She glances at him and smiles.

Rena slow dances with Kira. "Hey you two love birds." They glance over, a man holds a camera, "Do you want a picture?" She nods, "Yeah." She lays her head against his cheek. They glance at one another. SNAP. Rena sits at a dinner table and stares at the photo, "It's a good picture." She smiles at him. He leans over and glances, "Yeah…" She hands it to him, "Keep it." Kira stares at her. She smiles, "Go on." He takes it and looks at it. He smiles, "Wow, we're both pretty photogenic. We look good together." He glances at her. She was staring sadly downward. He furrows his brow, "Ren?" She looks at him and smiles, "After tomorrow we'll be apart again." He nods, "Yeah… but we can still talk. Every day until I come to visit you. I'll make the plans as soon as I can." Her hand slides onto his. "Kira... maybe… maybe it would be better to remain friends." He grasps hers, "I can't promise that...." She stares at him. He stares at her as he leans in close to her, "Come home with me tonight."

"Sir the ship has arrived." Mu La Flaga glances over at the commander of his ship. "This is definitely an exciting time for us." The commander nods, "Yes. Although I'm surprised that someone with your skill wasn't asked to pilot." Mu smiles, "Thanks for the vote of confidence but I think I'll leave those suits to those other guys."

The Nazca class ship, Vesalius and the Laurasia class ship, Gamow hide behind an asteroid. Aboard Vesalius, Rau glances over at Captain Ades, "The time is quickly approaching."

Kira stands staring down at Rena. He turns and walks off. Rena reaches for him but a hand grasps her wrist. She turns to see Athrun. He glances over his shoulder. Rena sees the shadowed silhouettes of four Gundam. She takes several steps toward them. Through the smoke, their eyes were all she could see. She shakes her head and glances off to where Kira had gone. He walks next to Murrue toward Sai, Miriallia, Tolle, Kuzzey and Flay. Kira takes Flays hands in his. She embraces him. Someone takes her hand. She glances over. Rau Le Creuset smiles at her, "It's time." Rena opens her eyes. "It's time." She gasps and sits up. "Kira?" He was already gone. She takes a note from the pillow, 'Sorry for not waking you, you were sleeping so peacefully. Mom and Dad are already at work so, make yourself some breakfast… meet me after morning class. I'll be at Morgenroete, Inc. Kira.' She slides her legs over the side of the bed and pulls on one of his shirts. Downstairs, Rena pours herself a glass of OJ and crosses to a window, she stares out. Even though it appeared so quiet and normal something stirred inside her. Anxiety. Something is going to happen.

Smaller ships shoot off the Vesalius. ZAFT infiltrates the colony and heads toward the spaceport and the docked Archangel.

"Kira you seem to be in a good mood." Kira glances over at Sai. "Am I?" They were working on the school project at Morgenroete. Sai gives Kira a sly smile, "You and Rena must have had a great date last night." Kira stares at him a little embarrassed, "We just went out for dinner." Sai nods, "I see that would explain your new shade." Kira turns his head, "Shut up Sai." His cheeks were bright red. Sai laughs, "Things must be serious between the two of you." Kira shrugs, "She's leaving Heliopolis today." Sai tilts his head, "Really? That sucks. The two of you are awesome together. Hey you two…" Tolle and Kuzzey mess around with the exoskeleton. Miriallia was adjusting some electrical cords. Kira glances over to the door. Cagalli Yula Athha, in her disguise, had entered and crosses her arms. Kira stares at her, "Who's he?" Sai turns, "A guest of Professor Kato, I guess. They told him to wait in here."

Athrun and the others float through the back vents of the colony. They begin to plant bombs. Athrun motions for the group to move through. He glances at a watch and then programs the time on the bomb, "Final preparations complete. Ok retreat."

"Rena? You look tired, why don't you rest at home. You came home pretty early this morning." Rena glances over at her father He tilts his head. She rubs her arms, "I'm fine." She stares out at the Morgenroete facility, the atmosphere was quite hectic but quiet. She was still a bit uneasy from her dream earlier. "Honey? Are you ok? Did you take your pills this morning?" She glances back at her father, "Yes. I'm just a little distracted… I guess." Lukas nods, he furrows his brow. She sighs and crosses to him, "I hope you don't mind me waiting here. Kira asked me to meet him here after his class. We're going to spend the afternoon together before we leave. Is that ok?" Lukas nods, "Of course but about that... I've decided to stay on here a few more weeks." He signs some waivers. Several trucks holding large containers were getting ready to drive off. She smiles, "What?" Her father sighs, "How could I pull you away from your boyfriend so abruptly. Besides, I think your manager wants to take advantage of your being here to stage a concert. But mostly because I can't bear to see you so unhappy." Rena throws her arms around him, "Thank you father! I'm so happy." She glances out at the trucks. Everything will be fine. Part of her still didn't believe it. Four trucks. Flash the four Gundam in the smoke. "Rena?" She glances at her father a worried look on her face. He smiles, "Why don't you go find him." She nods and starts off. A man rushes past her and over to Lukas and whispers into his ear. Lukas shakes his head, "You're not serious? Impossible. Not now, not like this. Rena!" She pauses and glances over, her heart drops, "Is something wrong?"