Chapter I: Captured

She was getting good at cooking over a campfire. Raman noodles over the fire was definitely her favorite. She finished cooking them and headed back into her large tent. She was out on yet another job. After the second war finished she went back to being a war photographer. She found it very fulfilling. She walked over to her desk and loaded up the pictures she had taken that day. She ate and browsed the photos. She was completely lost in her own world when the phone rang. She looked at the number and was surprise.

She pressed the button to answer "It's Wednesday." She answered coldly "You're late. You were suppose to call me yesterday" Every Tuesday and Friday he called her a 7 like clock work. Every week except this one.

"Sorry honey"

"Don't call me honey." She snapped. "Especially when I'm already mad at you!"

"Listen I have a good reason why I didn't call I promise. They're… They're making me a Commander, with the black uniform and everything"

Her jaw nearly dropped. "You?! You're going to be a ZAFT commander? As in you Dearka Elsman!"

"Ouch. Is it really that hard to believe?"

"I just can't imagine you being organized enough to handle it." she joked.

"Hey my work life and home life are two very different things." He said half joking.

"I know… I was only kidding. You're going to make and amazing Commander. When do you start?" She asked.

"There will actually be a banquet in my honor. They do it for all new Commanders. It's a little boring a stuffy but… I was hoping you'd be my date. What do you say Miriallia?"

"I'd say maybe you should find a girl up there, not your ex-girlfriend who is a natural. I can't imagine them wanting me there"

"Number one, you're the only girl I would want by my side there. Ex or not you're still my everything." He said like it was an obvious fact "Besides Lacus is the Chairwoman now. I'm sure she would be ecstatic if you came."

"Dearka… " she said sadly. She knew where this conversation was going. The same place it always seemed to go.

"Miriallia you know I still love you right?"

"I know and I love you too"

"Then why keep doing this? Why stay just friends. I want you back in my life like you were before. Before the stupid fight. I was wrong about you. This… it's what you are meant to do. I've seen your work... it's amazing. I'm sorry I ever tried to stop you from pursuing it."

"It's not just the fight we had… It's our Romeo and Juliet relationship. It can't last. Natural and Coordinators may have stopped fighting but the damage has been done. We will always be on opposite sides of a great war. The fighting may be done, the treaty may be signed but a war is still going on, you just don't see it. It's silent and invisible but there is a cold war going on. Maybe someday that will all fizzle away as well but it could also turn into another true war"

"Lacus and Cagalli will never let that happen. The ideals of our people have changed. BLUE COSMOS has been over since before the end of the second war. People are tired of fighting"

"Just because the organization is over do you really think that means that all naturals who hated coordinators as gone. That they won't take matters into their own hands" she argued.

"Mir…"

"I'm not saying I don't believe the fighting will stop. I know someday it will be safe for us to be together out in the open. When a natural and a coordinator being together is not a crazy scandalous thing. But that is not right now. And maybe by the time it happens we will both be happily married to other people. To our own kind. But we will still be able to celebrate the progress even if we will never take advantage of it."

"I would wait for you forever Miriallia… no woman could ever replace you. I would put up with every single whisper, ever rumour and ever gasp of shock if it meant I could sit down with my friends and family at that banquet with you by my side. The only way progress can be made is if someone fights for it. I'm ready to go to war for you. I'm ready to fight to do whatever it takes to prove that we can be together out in the open and happy"

"You would really tell your family about us. Even your natural hating father?"

"Especially him." He stated.

Miriallia looked around her lonely tent. She did miss Dearka. She did love him. "Where and what time… and before you get too excited I'm just your date for the night. Nothing more. We're just dipping our toes in to see how many waves we create"

"Thank you… I can't wait to see you. To hold you in my arms again" he said sweetly.

"Don't get ahead of yourself Dearka." She said when a notification popped up on her computer showing she had an email. She clicked it. It was the details for the banquet. "Listen I have a lot of work to do if I'm going to go to this thing. So I better go. I see you in three days"

"Promise"

"I Promise"

"I love you Miriallia. Have a good night, stay safe out there"

"Don't worry so much… and… I love you too. Bye"

"Bye honey"

She hung up the phone. It was always good to hear from him. The truth was she did love him. But after all the things she saw in both wars and the aftermath of them it was hard to believe it would work out between them. There was a rift between their people. Too many things had been done to too many people. And she wasn't sure it could ever be mended. But if Dearka was willing to fight for it, she was too. After all he grew up hating naturals… now he told her he loved her any chance he got.

She quickly sent an email to Lacus letting she know she would be attending the banquet as Dearka's date. She wanted to make sure Lacus knew so that she could handle any disturbance that may arise from her being there. Before long Lacus replied back and they started to chat back and forth. During their chat Miriallia booked the necessary shuttles to get herself to the PLANTs. She never thought she would step foot on those colonies. It was kind of exciting. After about an hour talking with Lacus online she excused herself so that she could continue working.

Miriallia put a schedule of things she needed to get done before packing up and leaving. Somehow she needed to cram 3 days worth of work into 2. It looked like it was going to be a long few nights. She stretched her arms up high to crack her back before getting back to work. It was so quiet out here. Only the crackle of the fire, the typing on her keyboard and the clicks of her mouse could be heard. That is until she started to her a ticking noise.

She looked up from her computer "What is that?" She asked herself she reached into her desk drawer and pulled out a handgun. She stood up and started to walk toward the doorway of her tent. She didn't make it all the way there before and explosion went off. The force of the blast sent her flying across the room. She hit her head against the desk knocking her out. The whole tent was soon engulfed in flames. Her clothes started to catch fire burning her. She would have died there had two men not come in and rescued her. Not that it was really a rescue since they had been the one to set off the bomb.

"We finally have her." Said Xavier.

"It took long enough to track her down. Now it's time to get revenge. She will make the perfect weapon." Gayle said looking down at her.

At the Banquet three days later

"Dearka honey? It's time to come in. Dinner will be served soon. You've already missed cocktail hour being out here. You can't miss it all, this is all for you"

Dearka looked down at his pocket watch. He was worried. Miriallia was never late nor did she ever break a promise. If Miriallia Haww said she would be somewhere come hell or high water she would be there. "I know mother… She… She should have been here by now."

"I think you need to face the fact your date stood you up" She said.

"It's not like her. She would have called or emailed if she wasn't coming."

"Maybe she was scared you would talk her into coming even if she didn't want to." She said hugging her son. She pulled away and held his hands. "It's her loss if she misses this big moment of yours. She'll come to regret it. It is up to you to decide if you can forgive her for it or not."

"Thanks mother"

They walked back into the banquet hall. Dearka began talking with the other guests. They all laughed and talked about his future. Soon dinner was ready and they all sat down. Lacus looked sadly at the empty seat beside Dearka, she couldn't believe Miriallia stood him up. After all she was excited about this boring stuffy dinner. She was excited to see Dearka again so why would she miss this.

"Sorry to interrupt Chairwoman Clyne" A soldier said saluting her. "I have an urgent message from Princess Cagalli Yula Attha."

Everyone looked at each other. What could this be. "What is it concerning"

"A young woman named Miriallia Haww" he said. Dearka looked over at her. He could see she was just as confused as he was.

"What about Miss Haww?"

The soldier stepped aside as Athrun walked in. They were surprised he had come all this way. "There has been an accident. A bombing near an abandoned battlefield in Crete. Miriallia was on assignment in that area. The bombing happened three days ago. We still have yet to find her. We were however able to find the place the bomb was set off. Directly outside a military tent. The remains of it were mostly burned down but a undamaged laptop remained. It belonged to her"

Dearka was mordified. Miriallia was attacked. It explained in the worst possible way why she would stand him up. "Miriallia hasn't attempted to contact anyone since the incident?" Dearka asked trying to remain calm.

"At 0800 hours every day she contact me with an update on her location. It was for her safety after what she did in Orb. She hasn't updated me in three days."

"What do you mean what she did in Orb Athrun? Do you have an idea who may have done this?" Lacus asked concerned.

"About seven weeks ago there was mounting protest outside the Attha mansion. They were protesting against coordinators being allowed to live in Orb. Miriallia rushed in and broke up the protest single handedly with a moving speech. She spoke about her time on the ARCHANGEL, how she forgave me for killing her boyfriend and how she even was in love with a coordinator. She told the protestors that she believed naturals and coordinators could live in harmony. That Orb's ideals were more than just ideals but the way of the future. They all listened and held onto her every word. Soon they began to disburse. A few days later she began receiving death threats. People believing her body was tainted because of her emotional and sexual involvement with a coordinator. Cagalli wished to put Miriallia under protective custody but before she could Mir fled the country." He explained.

"Why would this girl flee?" Dearka's mother asked. "She knew she was endanger so why not take Orb's protection?"

"Because… She was willing to die to prove naturals and coordinators could be in love" Dearka said. "If she hid behind an army her words would lose meaning. Instead she wanted to live her life the that she would have had she not done that. Am I right?" He asked looking at Athrun.

"Yes. A few days later she contacted us and promised she would continue to do so. She also informed us she was in contact with her ex and should she feel in any danger she would contact him for help."

"What could that girls ex do?" Tad Elsman asked thinking he was just some coordinator that was hiding out in Orb pretending to be a natural.

"He could send ZAFT soldiers from any military base on Earth to protect her. Because he connections similar to Cagalli" Dearka explained. "She is a friend of both Orb and the PLANTs. Lacus wouldn't hesitate to grant her ex-boyfriend's request."

"You really think this girl is that special? Or her ex for that matter" Tad asked half laughing at his son.

"Yes… I do" He replied a bit ticked off. "She is the most important person out there… at least to me. As for the 'ex' of hers Athrun keeps dancing around… you're looking at him." Dearka admitted shocking both his parents. "She was suppose to be here tonight and I was going to introduce her to the two of you. See what kind of waves it would cause. Truth is I still love her, and she loves me."

"A natural Dearka! Are you insane! How long did you run around with her!" He yelled standing up angry.

"Tad darling stop" His mother said putting her hand on his shoulder. "This girl is missing right now. She might be in danger because of being in support of coordinators. I don't think yelling at your son is going to help that situation."

"Athrun what is it that Cagalli wants us to do?" Kira asked.

"She was hoping that Lacus could send a team to help search for her."

"Don't they have enough people searching for Dearka's lover?" Yzak said in disgust. "She's just one weak little girl after all" He had met her a few times. Each time ended with Yzak calling her a homewrecking whore and her telling him he was a genuine asshole. Dearka was a little ticked at Yzak's tone, but then again it didn't surprise him either. In reality Yzak actually kind of liked Miriallia. She wasn't afraid to stand up to him or yell at him. He respected her for that.

"It's not just to search for her. We are also gathering a team in infiltrate Lodonia Lab."

"Lodonia Lab? What exactly is that?" Shiho asked curious.

"According to Mwu La Fllaga it is a Biological CPU laboratory. It was where the Boosted Men and Extends were created. It had remained unused since LOGOS was defeated but a day before Miriallia's disappearance there was activity reported from that area. Not only that but a day after that a doctor in a near by area went missing. He specialised in treating burn victims. Mwu believes they may have been hunting her for weeks. Dearka when you spoke to her did she ever say anything to imply she was being followed?"

Dearka started to think back on their many conversations over the past few weeks. Mostly it was just life updates and him joking about how she was going to take him back. She had never even told him about her big speech in Orb. Then something hit him. Something she said in one of their calls. "When I spoke to her a few weeks ago she asked me where the best place was to shoot someone that would stop them without them dieing. I thought it was strange. Miriallia's not a violent person, in fact she hates guns. Whenever I used to visit her she wouldn't even hug me if I had a gun in my holster. I answered and then asked her why she wanted to know. She told me it was for research purposes. I never questioned her further."

"That explains the gun we found. We thought it would have belonged to the assailant but only found her fingerprints on it."

"You believe they want to make this girl into an Extend?" Tad asked. Being a biologist he knew what becoming an Extend would do to the girl.

"She is close personal friends with many in Orb as well as ZAFT. Cagalli and Lacus are her two best friends. Socially she was the perfect candidate. She is the key to getting access to both. "

"But if she's not a good candidate biologically the gamma glipheptin will kill her. If her mind fights too hard they will have to continue to administer it. She could overdose or become too dependant on it" He explained. He turned and looked at the Chairwoman "Lacus I suggest you approve a team. Even if it is not this girl Extends can not be allowed to live. Once those drugs take full hold there is no telling if the effects can be reversed or how strong they will be."

"Councilman Elsman do you think that you would be able to research ways to reverse it?"

"Not without any test subjects." he informed her. "But I would be willing to try. If there truly is a victim in that lab bring them to me and I will do what I can to reverse any effects. But if I can't you need to be willing to do what is right and put them out of their misery."

"FATHER!" Dearka yelled "How dare you even suggest that!"

"It is what needs to be done Dearka. For the preservation of the peace treaty." his father replied. "If it is this girl then everyone close to her is in danger. They can erase, alter or even replace her memories. With the help of this drug they can convince her of anything. Including pretending to be a victim. They could get her to act like she is herself. If you rescue her Dearka it could be exactly what they want. She has become a symbol for peace between naturals and coordinators. Can you imagine what would happen if she killed a coordinator in cold blood. Or worst. Her targets could be Representative Athha and Chairwoman Clyne. Do you understand what could happen if she even attempts to attack them? It could spark a third war!" His father explained. "If you're not willing to end it there then stay away from that lab"

"I'm not going to barge into that Lab and kill her. You said you would to reverse the effects."

"Only if you can take control of her." He argued. "It won't be like any other time you've been around her. By now she is probably training to fight you. These drugs will help her injuries to heal quickly and her strength to grow fast. And I promise you she won't be shooting you where she won't kill you."

"I will go to Earth and I will bring her back safely." He said with his voice full of conviction. "And when I do you'll bring her back to me."

"You can count on me as well Athrun. Miriallia has been a good friend of mine ever since I first was in Orb." Kira said. "I joined the military to protect her, and I always will"

"I'll go too" Yzak volunteered surprising everyone. "That girl may be a nuisance but she doesn't deserve this. Besides… if things go south, if she needs to be put out of her misery I know none of you will do it" He said looking away from all them.

"Yzak… " Dearka said sadly.

"Don't get me wrong Dearka, I'll do whatever it take to save her. But if she's too far gone… if she hurts you then it has to be done." He said.

"Then it's decided" Lacus said. "Kira, Dearka and Yzak you will go help provide Athrun and his team to infiltrate the Lab. May luck be on your side. Bring her home safely." They all nodded and stood up from the table. This was not at all how Dearka thought his first day as a Commander would go. He needed to find her, if it was the last thing he did.