Phase 19: Negotiations
It hadn't been long since Liene had last set foot on Orb territory, however this time was different, he was here under the guise of truce. He was really here to cause Meiko irreparable harm, so she would never consider defying his orders again. His cover story was that he was going to "negotiate" with Lacus Yamato and Cagali Zala. Yes, he referred to them by their proper names, where as most of the world did not. However his negotiations would have to wait, Cagali's assistants had informed him that negotiations would not begin until the arrival of Lacus, Kira and Athrun who were all due in from space soon.
(A/N: I'm taking a bit of a change to hierarchy here, Athrun Zala's international company, Zala Industries had purchased Morgenroete when it became apparent that war seemed likely to end and Orb slowed its manufacture of mobile suits to a point where the facility was having debt issues and the government refused to bail it out. Although it caused incredible controversy, Athrun bought the company and thus ensured that it stayed afloat and continued researching and developing weapons should the time where they be needed ever arrive.)
Orb's Morgenroete Facility – Athrun Zala's Office
Lacus, Kira and Athrun sat in Athrun's luxurious Office in Morgenroete's bunker. They'd been informed that John Liene was already in Orb and that Cagali wished to speak with them all somewhere private, Athrun had suggested his Office in the bunker. Cagali had agreed, leaving Kira and Lacus wondering where this "bunker" actually was.
"So," Lacus queried, "How long ago did you buy Morgenroete Athrun?"
"It was about 5 years ago," Athrun answered, "Cagali didn't want to sell it off to the public or shut it down, so I made some changes to my business life, and here we are."
"That must of caused some problems," Kira remarked, "I mean, you are the Chief Representitive's Husband, how does it look, you owning the Countries largest military facility?"
"It doesn't look good" Athrun chuckled, "But Cagali and I proved a point. We stood firm and a vote of the Countries representatives went 12 to 1 Our way."
"So who opposed the acquisition?" Lacus asked curiously,
"Gratsler wasn't impressed," Athrun was chuckling harder now, "I out bid him!"
"Yes, and you made us spend a week with him thrashing out the finer points of you acquiring the business" Cagali butted in from the door way, "Theres nearly nothing left of Zala Industries anymore, its all just real estate and Military contracts."
"That real estate and those military contracts pay for things though," Athrun teased her, indicating her wedding ring.
"Any way, enough of the arguing over my business decisions," Athrun smiled, "What do we need to talk about before we engage the enemy in 'negotiation'."
Cagali sighed, trust Athrun to be hostile towards ROW when they needed to try and talk Liene into removing the Sting from Orb territory. "We need to talk about our plan of attack," Cagli insisted, "Obviously, being the madman he is, Liene isn't going to remove the Sting just because we ask or tell him to."
"I think we need to just destroy ROW, personally," Athrun sighed, "However, since hostility isn't going to be a bright side for our cause here, I propose we bribe Liene into removing the Sting."
"And how do you propose we achieve this?" Lacus and Kira asked at the same time, curious, Athrun's dark side was breaking free.
"Liene bought Meiko Virea with him," Athrun stated bluntly, "One 'accidental' kidnapping could really turn his plans upside down."
"You want us to enrage the strongest military commander in the universe when he could annihilate the country with a single blow from his weapon?" Cagali cried.
"Second strongest," Athrun stated again, bluntly.
"What do you mean by second strongest?" Kira asked, curiously, "What do we have that he doesn't?"
"My purchase of Morgenroete had double reasoning behind it," Athrun explained, "I purchased it not only to save the countries major military facility from bankruptcy, but also to research and develop weapons of our own. The Minerva was even secretly equipped with some of these. For example, it no longer possesses a Positron Cannon. It has something much stronger."
"So is that why Meyrin hasn't used the main cannon yet?" Lacus queried,
"Yeah, what I had installed puts a Positron Cannon to shame." Athrun chuckled.
"Athrun, what on God's Earth did you equip the Minerva with?" Cagali asked, horrified.
"A Micro-Nibelung System, taken from the original which was designed by Logos." Athrun answered sternly, "The ship has generators which can produce enough power for 100% of the original Nibelung's output in less than 10 minutes. It is a weapon I hope to avoid using, but its there if we need it."
"Athrun, the building of such weapons was prohibited when we re-took Gibraltr," Lacus answered coldly.
"No it wasn't," Athrun sighed, "The production of Nuclear Weapons was banned. Not the use of powerful generators, to power a super weapon."
"Enough on weapons," Cagali sighed, "My husband unfortunately is right, we need these weapons for the purpose of defence. But stopping Liene, is another matter."
"I propose, that before we head to this meeting we issue an order to all the Clyne and Orb ships," Athrun spoke up, "Liene might be using this as a moment to trap our forces and fire the Sting again. Give them the order to evacuate if the Sting advances, the Tranquility might be in Orb, but we still have Cagali's black ops military. The Minerva has enough power to blow John Liene's toy ships back to Mars. So IF the Sting makes to fire, all ships are to evacuate and the Minerva will fire off a warning shot from Nibelung, should that fail to stall them, the Minerva will be authorised to begin an all out assault with whatever power it deems necessary."
"A bit drastic wouldn't you say?" Kira queried, "You'd be ending 100's of lifes out there."
"Does it look like I like the idea?" Athrun asked, his face answering for him, "I find it repulsive that we might even need to end a life, especially after we nearly lost Uzumi, but I will do what I need to in order to protect the people that I care about."
"You haven't changed at all," Lacus sighed. "Fine, let us leave Liene alone no longer, let us meet him. Athrun, transmit the order to our forces then meet us there."
"Sure," Athrun replied cooly.
On the way to the meeting...
"Cagali, Athrun doesn't look like he's been well recently, what happened to him?" Kira asked,
"Nearly losing Uzumi hit him hard," Cagali answered, "On top of that he still has his worst memories with him. The public had an outcry when he first came back to Orb. The High Priest of the Orb Catholic Church wanted him to be tried for being a traitor to the nation from both the First and Second wars, and they got the public behind him. It wasn't good. Athrun did what anyone would do, he retreated to his office and locked himself away for months. He never told me what he was doing in there, but when he finally emerged, he came out a changed man. "
"How do you mean changed?" Lacus queried.
"I mean he came out changed in his way of thinking," Cagali answered, "His anger was gone, he was proud of what he'd done for Orb. He went to the High Priest, he refused to beg for forgiveness, but told him of each of the sins he'd committed throughout his life, and that though he didn't deserve the peoples respect, he didn't deserve their undying hatred either. The priest agreed, three weeks later, I became pregnant with Uzumi and thinks smoothed over."
"So, I'm not the only one haunted by both the past and the present" Kira said, "Its remarkable actually that it took him this long to succumb to it."
The meeting...
When Cagali, Athrun, Kira and Lacus arrived at the delegate's meeting rooms, they proceeded into the main hall and met John Liene.
"What a pleasant surprise, Lacus, Kira." Liene spoke harshly, "Oh, and we shouldn't forget Athrun either, afterall, he's the biggest thorn in our side at the minute."
"What do you mean?" Cagali questioned.
"Zala Industries owns your countries military facilities, he shouldn't be able to own such a thing being related to the Chief Representative." Liene sneered, "I'm no fool Cagali, I know he is responsible for the recommissioning of the Minerva, and when I find proof, I'm going to hang you both with it."
"I have no idea where you found that dogma Liene," Athrun stated bitterly, "I seem to remember that my late father owned considerable interests in the Z.A.F.T Military as well. It was never a point of contention. As a matter of fact," Athrun sneered, "I don't know where the Minerva came from, I've been making inquiries like everyone else, though my chosen contacts have come up short."
"Then explain this!" Liene hurled a photo of the Minerva in Morgenroete's hangar at Athrun, "You claim to know nothing yet this ship was under your very nose in your facilities."
"This photo is a fake," Athrun snarled.
"It couldn't possibly be," Liene stuttered, "I have reliable sources within Morgenroete who tell me it was there."
"So you admit to having spies within Orb's military facilities Liene?" Cagali answered him coldly, "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't let Athrun execute you, now!"
"Because if you do, the Sting will fire on Orb." Liene snarled. "As a matter of fact, I'll order it to give a demonstration now."
Liene pulled out a radio, muttered something and then Athrun's phone rang. "Sir, the Sting is approaching space over Orb."
"I see, well then, make sure no one is injured and do your best to stop it." This was Athrun's signal for the Minerva to attack.
Everyone watched the vidphone screen in the meeting room and Liene was stunned to see the Orb and Clyne ships retreating while the Minerva was closing on the Sting.
What is Zala doing, whats going on?
On board the Minerva Up in Space...
"All hands Level 1 Battle Stations. Activate Power for Nibelung. Aim Nibelung." Meyrin cried.
On board the Prejudice
ROW's forces were stunned to see the Minerva's cover for its main cannon retract, they thought there was still a Positron Cannon in there, that it wouldn't even damage one ship. They were wrong.
"Sir, we're detecting a massive energy build up from the Minerva." The CIC Officer announced. "Also detecting laser designators targeting the Sting's advance fleet."
"The Orb and Clyne ships have retreated behind the Minerva, sir." Another crew member announced.
Whats going on, The ROW Admiral thought, What is that ship doing? Oh no!
"Warn the fleet immediately," the Admiral growled, "The Minerva is about to open fire."
Back on board the Minerva...
"Ma'am, all the Orb and Clyne ships are clear of our target. The Nibelung is charged at 100%, ready to fire any time." Arthur announced.
"Starboard 10, Descend 8. NIBELUNG FIRE!" Meyrin cried.
The Nibelung moved forward from its protected position and it fired. The huge energy emission produced by the Minerva worried the ROW forces plenty, but they had no time to evade. It came straight through and decimated the fleet nearest the Sting.
"Watch for any signs of retaliation," Meyrin shouted, "Keep a keen eye on the Sting at all times and recharge the Nibelung quickly."
Back on Orb...
John Liene was stunned by the amount of decimation caused by the Minerva, he'd never seen anything that powerful for a warship. All of a sudden his phone rang.
"Yes," Liene answered, "What do you mean annihilated? Theres no way that second rate ship could wipe out an eighth of our forces. Yes. Yes. I understand, yes, yes, all forces are to withdraw immediately."
"So it seems even we have some defenders Liene," Kira was mocking Liene, "I don't think you knew what you were dealing with when the Minerva re-emerged. Neither did we. Now we all have an idea. They seem to be acting on behalf of the innocent people of the world. Wouldn't you say?"
"That weapon is illegal, no ship could charge such a weapon so fast," Liene spat.
"The Sting is no legal weapon either Liene." Lacus retorted, "I think it would be in your best interests to leave Orb alone for now."
"And what are you going to do if I don't Lacus?" Liene sneered, "The Minerva isn't going to be there for you every time."
"We have received credible information that one of your delegates, Meiko Virea was taken hostage earlier today," Cagali spoke firmly, "We will do our utmost to ensure she is returned to you safely, however, if you don't halt your attack and leave our country immediately, I cannot guarantee anything."
"This is blackmail," Liene screamed.
"So what if it is," Athrun jeered, "You of all people understand the significance of a good Mobile Suit Pilot Liene. Do you want her safe or not?"
"You're playing a dangerous game Zala," Liene spat, "Don't think I'll forget this. You people will rue the day that you put that blasted weapon onboard the Minerva."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Athrun sighed, "The Minerva's reappearance has nothing to do with Orb. Haven't you seen our press releases?"
"Yes I have, what a load of crap" Liene was angry now, "You people are lying."
"Are you insane?" Cagali interrupted him, "Do you honestly think we would risk the lives of our citizens for the sake of one ship Liene? No, we wouldn't and no we haven't, so..."
"So," Athrun spoke with malice, "Will you be leaving, or will Mieko be making her way back in pieces?"
"Fine, I'll leave for now." Liene smiled, "But this 'meeting' will be broadcast all around the world in a matter of hours. Z.A.F.T are going to know Lacus Clyne was here, in Orb, and when that happens, Carpentaria, Gibraltr, the entire Lunar Fleet, they'll all be on their way here."
"Liene, nothing you do is going to dissuade us." Kira smirked, "Now, get out of Orb and stop wasting our time so we can find your 'perfect soldier'."
After the meeting, the Zala Mansion, Orb's Main Island
Athrun, Kira, Cagali and Lacus had made their way through the Morgenroete tunnels to the Zala's home and then took the lift into the entrance hall.
"I thought he wasn't gonna leave," Kira moaned, "I really hate dealing with politicians."
Cagali and Lacus glared at Kira and he corrected himself "Most politicians".
"He's not a politician," Athrun spoke, "He's a madman running the worlds second strongest military force. Third if you count Redemption."
"Athrun, what do you actually know about Redemption?" Kira asked,
"A bit," Athrun sighed, "They came out of the shadows not long after ROW, their leader, 'Milady Redemption' is said to be a former member of ROW who has dedicated her life to stopping ROW. Her real name is unknown, but she supposedly once lived in Orb and I suspect from what Reverend Malchio told me, that her name is Rayla Frost. Aside from that, I know they run an incredibly advanced Mobile Suit complex, nearly enough to outclass Morgenroete. Nearly. Their Mobile Suits are mostly trial suits based on the emotions of the pilot, they've proved to be highly unstable weapons so far."
"Athrun," Lacus asked, "I have the largest list of Underground Contacts in the known world and I've never heard half of this. Where did you find out all of this?"
"Some bits from an anonymous former Z.A.F.T pilot who is apparently with Redemption, some from Reverend Malchio and some from the Underground Mobile Weapon Society," Athrun recited.
"I've never heard of the 'Underground Mobile Weapon Society," Cagali and Kira both spat. But Lacus wasn't as behind as they were, she knew what it was, she just refused to be associated with it.
"It's where the original idea for the Visage and the Journey came from," Lacus sighed, "The weapons anyway. I refuse to be associated with it. But I guess Athrun knows the right people there."
"Yeah, well, running an Underground Base for a Private Military tends to do that to you," Athrun chuckled, Cagali cringed and Kira just stood there.
"Ok, so wheres the next go to point?" Kira asked, "We've got nothing on Liene now, we've released Mieko."
"Uh, no. We haven't." Cagali announced, "She's before the High Court right now. Charged with Espionage."
"WHAT?" Kira and Lacus sprang forward.
"You do realise Liene will hit the roof when he finds out that you did that, don't you?" Kira queried,
"Yep, and its exactly what we want." Athrun smirked, "Think Kira, if you announce a stance on ROW to the world without actually doing it maliciously or in the way of war, you've nailed Liene. He can't apply for political clemency because Mieko Virea actually has no official records. Therefore, she doesn't exist. And if he gets stupid enough to admit she exists on the world stage, we've got a victory."
"What court in the land is going to hold up an espionage charge against someone who doesn't exist?" Lacus queried.
"Orb's," Cagali answered, "We will not attack another nation, will not allow another nation to attack us and will not intervene in the conflicts of other nations. Mieko Virea is a direct threat to our nation, she'll be dealt with accordingly. Officially, she'll be in an isolated cell in the highest security prison we have. Unofficially, she'll be taking a luxury stay at the Zala mansion to explain herself."
"You're letting her stay here?" Kira asked.
"Yes we are," Athrun stated, "Uzumi requested it."
"He still believes her?" Lacus asked, showing hope.
"Yes he does," Cagali answered, "Though why he does I still want to know."
Heres the end of the chapter. Yeah, I write less than WinterChill does, but I think its still a sizeable amount. Don't forget to review. REVIEW! Reviews are what will make this story move faster, the more people reading and reviewing, the more I am motivated to write it rather than do homework. I welcome your opinions.