Fixed Chapters 1 and 2 of spelling mistakes. Thank you, MS Word, for coming back to me! Anyways this episode we will be leaving the Time Arc and moving into the Space Arc. This will be a more political focused episode so keep that in mind when you read on in this episode.

I'll give you my answer for the previous question I ask. For me Yui's color is White while Cell's is black. Yui's is white due to her hair mostly while Cell is black cause his logo and theme is darker in nature.

I hope the last chapter wasn't too much but felt like it was needed to help flesh out how Yui got here and such.

Regardless I would love to hear your answers or present questions you may have about the series through your reviews. Thank you to the people that continue to read!

Anyways let's a go!

Chapter 4

White Space

The Versalius

Yuianna stared out at a window silently eyes trained on the many towering structures that surrounded the Versalius as it was slowly moving backwards. She observed the many massive structures learning what they were while they took their trip back… Home.

For her it wasn't home, just a new and obscure place for her. Giant structures that are hourglass shaped with glass-like panels covering each of the structures. They were slowly backing up into a repair dock for warships like the Versalius with the intent to leave to the PLANTs on a smaller shuttle it would seem as one fly by.

It still impressed her how humanity was able to create such large structures and machines, in space no less. It seems like such an impossible feat back in her time, going from then to now can sure do a number to someone mentally. She was wondering why she took this all in so well, but she had to keep moving forward regardless.

Could just be a case of her body's natural instincts kicking in to a situation and quickly adapting to it all for the sake of herself. Regardless, the PLANTs were more impressive than Heliopolis making her wonder why they looked so much different from one another. She rubbed her chin lightly in thought before being drawn out of her phase.

"They came out well." Said a male voice making Yui turn around to see Rau, around the back of her ears were the pieces of her new visor set up. She silently lifted her hand and presses a button on the left earpiece. A screen covers the front of her eyes with Cell's logo dancing around a bit.

"Yeah, it will take a bit of getting use too." Yui said softly. The screen was translucent, so she can still see Rau before she pressed the button again to turn off the screen. "The mechanics were complaining how much more work it was though. Regardless, Lax said my pilot suit will be done by the end of the day."

Rau looked at the screen and earpieces in detail before nodding. "Small, compact. It is probably more useful than the communicator. I hear the mechanics added some things too?" Rau inquired.

Yui slowly nodded taking off the earpieces pressing the button and they expand out to a tablet-sized screen. "They expanded the uses of it yeah, Lax said it would good to have features like these so Cell and provide better visuals for the mechanics if needed." She turns off the tablet mode and puts the ear pieces back on which helped with keeping her hair back along with her ribbon.

"Its more useful to you than us maybe, just don't complain if you get asked for it to be mass produced." Rau noted as he began to walk toward the door on the right which led toward the hanger area. "Athrun is waiting for us shouldn't keep him waiting." He stated as he opened the door then walked through it.

Yui stared at the open door then heard Cell in her ear as she walked to follow Rau. "Nervous a bit?" Cell asked a bit concerned.

Yui was silent staring forward as she watched Rau hoping over a railing then floating down to Athrun who is standing in front of a shuttle. "A bit yeah. I've gotten use to this ship, going elsewhere is a bit scary since I have no knowledge about the place we are going to." She talked casually to Cell.

Rau looked back hearing Yui's word but smirked a bit. "It is a beautiful place, no need to be nervous Yuianna." He noted to her making her lightly blush.

"I need to remember to not talk to you so loudly." Yui notes to Cell who chuckled a bit which can be heard by Rau and Athrun.

Athrun just stared at Rau and Yui confused looking between them both. "Is something up?"

Yui shook her head as Rau explained. "Yui's visor was completed it seems. She was talking to Cell through those pieces around her ear." Rau noted pointing to the said pieces.

Athrun looked at Yui's ears eyes widening a bit. "Oh, I see! Didn't know they were completed so fast."

"I was surprised too, I didn't believe them when they said they could do it before we arrived." Yui stated.

"Good thing that was the one bet you didn't attempt to make." Cell notes making Yui frown.

"Don't remind me of the Lane bet. I rather not think about that pervert and his camera." Yui sighed out slowly making Cell chuckle again.

Rau smirked a bit before focusing forward then walks into the shuttle. "We should go in- Oh." Rau was cut off as he quickly goes into the shuttle making Yui confused for a minute. She lets Athrun go in next with a motion to let him go ahead of her.

Once Athrun walked into the shuttle she followed suit hearing Rau speaking with a salute. "Master Defense Chair Zala, we hope you don't mind letting us accompany you?"

Yui heard the name Zala which surprised her but seeing Athrun salute made her follow suit unsure what is going on. It was a bit hard to see but it was also probably hard for the Defense Chair to see her as well.

"No need for the formalities." Rau and Athrun lowered their salutes making her follow suit. "In a point of fact: You never saw me on this shuttle." Yui can finally see Zala when he leaned forward a bit which led to him seeing her, but he focused on finishing his statement.

"Do I make myself clear Athrun?" Zala questions Athrun who was silent for a second.

"I understand, it has been awhile father." Athrun stated back making Zala then sit back and focus on both but it was clear he wasn't focused on Rau and Athrun. Rau looked back at her as if to give her a warning which she noticed and stood at attention as Rau and Athrun slowly took their seats.

Yui saw the worried look on Athrun's face but focused on stares Athrun's father was giving her. "You are the young lady from Rau's report I understand?" Zala questioned her, she relaxed herself.

"Yes, my name is Yuianna Shiromi. Pleasure to meet you." Yui stated back leaving out the formalities but her own habits of greeting leaked through.

Zala eyed her silently for a bit. "We will speak later most likely, but for now as I stated. I was never here understood?"

"Understood." Yui stated then got a motion from Zala to take a seat. She complies then slowly went to take a seat behind Athrun still catching an eye on her but relaxed in her seat. Cell was being good and kept silent.

The shuttle began to move looking out the window seeing the hull of the Versalius then the stars of space appearing out at the window before focusing forward. "Without much else to say… I wholly agree with the opinion you expressed in your report about the machines. We had fundamental evidence they developed these machines, we will forget the pilot, I already omitted him from the report." Zala stated to mainly Rau but it was a discussion she can hear at least.

Zala then continued. "The reaction over a Coordinator piloting the one remaining machine would be unthinkable. An admission of such would delay our efforts with the moderate factions arguing constantly needlessly."

Yui stared forward being silent but knew in her head she was questioning the idea about herself being on the ZAFT faction if she was a Natural. Would that be a bad or good thing?

Rau then addressed Athrun. "You would also find it hard to have that in the report right Athrun? About a friend who switched allegiances?"

Athrun was silent as Yui just focused on the back of Athrun's chair silently only looking up to see if she was being looked at. "N-Not exactly sir."

Zala looks back but made it a point not to be able to see her it seems. "The machine performs beyond what we thought it can. Regardless of who potentially is piloting it making these machines even more dangerous than imagined. So, I make myself clear Athrun?"

"… Yes Father." Athrun stated.

Zala focused forward again. "We must perform more serious actions to this situation. It is the only way to create a swift end to this war."

Yui was unsure about the idea of being more serious, it can create it even worse than swift by becoming more serious. She made sure to keep her opinion to herself about it though looking toward the window before being addressed.

"As for you Ms. Shiromi. Despite being a natural your tactical prowess from Rau's report seems to be expertly done. Do you still have that AI with you?" Zala questioned without looking.

Cell stopped being silent talking through her ear piece. "I am here. My name is Cell."

Zala was silent before looking to Rau. "So, the report is accurate then?"

Rau smiled at Zala. "Despite being a Natural she had no problem fighting them or helping us against them. It is as accurate as it can be; the only new thing is that she created a device for better communication for her AI. I sent you those details to you upon completion which was an hour before we arrived."

Zala was silent before looking forward. "I see… Sorry, I have a bias for Naturals Ms. Shiromi but considering the accuracy of the report there is no issue with you being here. I hope you continue to perform above expectations for the good of ZAFT."

Yui was silent before answering. "Thank you for the praise sir. I just wish to repay for saving my life."

Zala was silent before continuing. "Are you aware of Junius Seven?"

Yui thought for a minute. "Scarely from my quick study, I didn't read into it much because I thought it was be offensive to even think or talk about it since I wasn't there. I have no right to even bring it up either." She calmly told Zala.

"I see… Then let me tell you. Even if you weren't there it is important you know." Zala began making Yui listen. "Junius Seven was a terrible act caused by the Naturals during the last war. They launched a warhead at the core of one of our Space Colonies with thousands of people on it. That incident also included my wife, Athrun's mother. So many lives lost over a selfish group of people who disapprove of the Coordinators existing."

Yui frowned hearing the details, especially the one about Athrun's mother. It sounded like a nightmare that never ended. She broke out of those thoughts quickly when Zala looked at her silently before continuing. "Hearing this... I hope you understand a bit more about our situation."

Yui was silent then closing her eyes. "There was a phrase my psychology teacher said: 'Never say you understand.' Is what she told me." Yui noted before opening her eyes. "Before I was sent here regardless of the method. My home was destroyed by a bomb of some kind, killed potentially a million people." She said softly eying Zala.

"I can never understand your pain since I wasn't there. But I can understand the reason why you have hatred a bit. The group from back then, Blue Cosmos, is probably long gone, but they did the same thing you described to my family, friends even." Yui stated slowly frowning before seeing a narrow in Zala's eyes.

"You said Blue Cosmos?" Zala inquired.

"Quite the slip there Yui…" Yui sweats as Cell told her that then continued for her. "But yes, Blue Cosmos. One of my goals was the dismantling and capture of the Blue Cosmos group before they enacted their attack in our time… Clearly I was too late to stop them thus why we are here."

Zala was silent before looking forward. "Blue Cosmos has deep roots in this time Ms. Shiromi..."

Yui's eyes widen rather shocked at the news. "W-What? That was…"

"They succeeded?!" Cell suddenly made an outburst but luckily the volume was down.

Rau looked back. "Indeed, they are part of most of the Earth Forces higher governments. What you said though is news to me, they have deeper roots than originally thought." Rau noted looking to Zala who was thinking to himself before focusing.

"Maybe we can come to an understanding then Ms. Shiromi, the Naturals, Blue Cosmos… They are all the same. I hope you now have an even better reason to fight for ZAFT than just for owing your life to us." Zala stated back to Yui who was sweating a bit still shocked before nodding calming herself.

"R-Right…" She was concerned on how Blue Cosmos rose in power, she only knows bits and pieces about them but Cell, which was his mission, was probably the angriest about this. Which is odd for an AI when one thinks about it.

There was silence for a bit as the shuttle began to dock into the PLANTs with the shuttle door slowly opening shortly after. Zala was the first to stand as did Yui and the others. Zala then turned to Yui. "For now, I welcome you to ZAFT Ms. Shiromi. I hope we can meet later to discuss this further another time." Zala looked at Rau. "Will she be…"

"Indeed, she will be attending as well." Rau responded.

"Good. Then I will see you all at the council meeting." Zala then exits the shuttle. Yui lets the silence settle in before sighing a bit.

"I never felt so scared in my life…" Yui stated softly noticing Rau looking forcing her to look back. "Sorry Commander for not telling you that bit. It was from my time, so I thought it didn't really matter."

"It is fine, just be prepared when you visit Defense Chair Zala later." Rau noted. "Now shall we go?" Rau turned then exits the shuttle.

Yui looked at Athrun. "U-Um… Athrun sorry about the… Topic coming up."

Athrun looked back a bit surprised before smiling. "Don't worry about it, just glad to learn something new about you being here. The Commander filled me in a bit on your situation. I'm still surprised you are from the past a bit."

Yui sweats a bit. "Yeah… This feels so unnatural…" She stated motioning for him to get moving, which he did luckily making her follow.

"I wouldn't be able to imagine… But was that true about the bomb?" Athrun questioned.

Yui was silent a bit. "Yeah… In our time bombs can take out cities, their bomb was experimental and could take out larger spaces… Even if you didn't die from the initial blast the radiation would kill you in theory." She notes softly. "I only know due to Cell randomly showing up and housing in my phone."

Athrun looked at Yui's ears. "You mean you didn't make Cell?"

Yui shook her head. "No. He just randomly appeared on my phone one day as an… Application program. He helped me learn coding languages and such at a faster rate but aside from that… I just let him do what he needed to do and helped whenever he needed me to help. That's how I learned about… Them." She said softly shaking her head a bit. "I still don't get why we couldn't just tell the government."

Cell sighed a bit. "We have been through this. You think secret service, the FBI, or whatever would believe anything we sent them? That's why the only thing we could do is hack into their servers to try and stop the missiles."

Yui frowned still. "Yeah… I just wish we could have done something at least."

Athrun was silent before looking forward. "My Father is a bit extreme, but you can do something now at the very least. Many years late but it is still something."

Yui was silent then eyed Athrun. "I thought you wanted me to just be a civilian."

Athrun shook his head. "I was just surprised, I thought you were just a simple civilian. But you proved me wrong, I rather have a close friend than a distant one..." Athrun trailed off probably cause of the obvious reason. "… You were right that one time after all."

Yui looked forward as they closed in on the elevator. "About your friend?"

Athrun nodded. "He did have friends on that ship. Talked about how he was neutral and such…"

"I would do the same. Choosing between my close friends versus my people. I would protect my friends above all… War is ironic cause people you thought would never go into battle eventually are forced to. Against their will or not." Yui notes as she walked into the Elevator where Rau waited. "Your friend in this case is forced to."

Athrun walked into the Elevator as it closed staring at Yui silently for a moment before turning standing next to Yui as the elevator started to move. "Cause of his close friends?"

Rau looked up hearing the discussion as Yui responded. "Yes, he hesitates to kill you because you were a close friend. But his current close friends took priority of saving. Could you live with… Say leaving your squad mates to die just for a friend?"

Athrun was shocked by the question. "No! I would never do that!"

Yui looked to Athrun. "That is the same thing. Even if part of him wanted too, he knew he couldn't just up and leave his friends to die just for his one friend. Judging from things, he is the only thing protecting his friends aside from that Mobius pilot. Essentially he is being forced to fight for the sake of his friends." She calmly explained looking to Rau. "Sorry for having this discussion in front of you Commander."

"It is no problem, but she is correct Athrun. You need to find the courage to fight your friend. Just as Yuianna needs to find a better reason to fight for ZAFT." Rau stated to Athrun who nodded.

"Right! Thank you, Commander, Yui." Athrun stated to them both. Yui smiled back at Athrun before focusing on Rau.

"Speaking of that… I assume the big deal about me finding a reason to fight is for insurance about my allegiances?" Yui asks bluntly. "Personally, it's just a bit noticeable how I need to hurry to find a new reason to fight suddenly."

Rau was thinking on how to respond to Yui before doing so. "You would be correct, you are still a Natural by definition. That makes it imperative that we make sure to lock you down with some sort of goal to make it less likely that you betray ZAFT."

Yui thought to herself before nodding. "Makes sense Commander, although… That isn't the only reason I suppose? There would be no reason for further discussion otherwise."

Rau smirked a bit looking to the television as it flips on to a press conference it would seem. "You will find out later… By the way Athrun how is your relationship with Chairman Clyne's daughter?"

Yui silently followed Rau's gaze noticing the pink haired girl on the left of the man at the podium. Chairman Clyne… That must be the representative of ZAFT himself from a process of elimination.

"I have not contacted her recently." Athrun stated to Rau.

Rau looked to Athrun. "She is your fiancé, you two are the future of the Coordinators. Please keep that in mind, it would be best for everyone if you contacted her occasionally." Rau looked at the television. "From what I heard she is part of the memorial delegation. It is a wonderful thing for her to do that."

Yui's eyes widen at this news keeping silent so the conversation could end there. She was surprised arranged marriages were still a thing. Politics were forever strong it seems, even the marriage kind.

The rest of the elevator ride was filled with silence which made Yui's wonder off to her discussion with Lax a bit.

The Versalius – Engineering Room

"Your idea sure is a lot of work Cell! The favors I called in are in crunch time right now just to be done in time." Lax stated as a set of mechanics were messing with Yui's ears getting measurements.

Cell chuckles from his communicator. "You say that, yet you add in this 'tablet' idea suddenly."

Lax rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah, we got most of the basics done, but we thought on how we were going to be able to talk to you with the current set up. We want to perform an upgrade when you come back once we have things set up, so you don't have to use the tablet mode all the time. But for now, it makes it easier."

Yui sighs sweating a bit. "You say that as you are just NOW taking measurements." She stated simply rolling her eyes a bit.

"Well it helps take down two birds with one stone. I wanted to help you be more knowledgeable about PLANTs while we set up the ear pieces for the visor." Lax stated as he sat down grabbing some tools once one of his staff gives him the measurements then begins to adjust the finished products of the ear pieces.

The ear pieces in question were black with red outlines to symbolize ZAFT and Cell's colors a bit. Plus, it was the only colors that were around from what Lax told Yui.

Lax focuses entirely on adjusting the support that allows the earpiece to stay on the ear securely pausing then nodding taking a picture with a tablet then handing it to another mechanic. "Send that off to Pan. They need that for the final touch ups with the helmet." Lax told the mechanic then picked up the ear pieces before slowly picking them up then taking them over to Yui.

"So, kid, how much do you know about the PLANTs?" Lax questioned as he careful applied the ear pieces to Yui's ears.

Yui thought for a minute keeping still. "Only that they are large space colonies in space. Thousands of people live on them, but those numbers might be off."

"Correct…Unlike Heliopolis, they are made to be more stylish instead of bulky masses. It allows it to be unique and be more concise in terms of living space. The capital for example has quite a bit of scenery to it. Course the only downsize is less living space depending on the place you go to obviously. Heliopolis is an example of a colony focused entirely on getting as much space as possible." Lax explained. "That's why it crumbled so easily."

"So, because it was so big and designed as such, it made it harder to sustain all of the damage dealt to it?" Yui inquired as the left ear piece was put in place with Lax moving to the right.

"That's what we would like to say. Junius Seven… You probably don't know about it but in that incident, they used a destructive weapon to destroy a PLANTs colony. That's why people keeping calling you a Natural. All because of some stupid power-hungry people." Lax continued to explain as he attached the right ear piece. "There we go…" He taps on the left ear piece. "Press that to activate it."

Yui nods then presses the button before a visor comes out covering her eyes, it was tinted a blue color, but she can see through it. She looks around to test if it obscures anything before nodding. "This works."

Lax grins looking at the other mechanics. "Hahaha! See I told you we could do it! Alright, now we just got to transfer ell over to the visor. Let Pan know about the glass being good enough!" The other mechanics run off as Lax is still in his excited state as he begins to grab some wires and connects one end to Cell's communicator.

"You look like you just solved something impossible or something." Yui noted as Cell's communicator turns off as it is connected to her left ear piece by Lax through the wires. Lax presses a button then they wait.

"Well yeah! It isn't everyday you invent something new with spare parts lying around! Your AI friend there really is something special." Lax stated with a grin, there is a beep then Lax turns to Yui.

There was silence before Part of the screen turns red with Cell's logo popping up on it, "Yep, this is ten times better. Let's see…" Cell begins to mess with the visor with markers popping up on the screen one hovering over Lax's face with his name popping up.

"How is it little guy?" Lax questioned Cell.

"Great! With this I can provide better data to Yuianna in and out of a mobile suit. Thanks, Lax." Cell states to Lax.

Lax shook his head. "Don't mention it. Anyways by the time you come back the pilot suit should be finished." Lax was silent thinking a bit before looking at Yui. "You still plan to fight right? For ZAFT in a mobile suit I mean."

Yui was surprised by the question tilting her head. "I don't have any other reason to not fight for ZAFT… Although I am still new to the whole mobile suit thing."

Lax stared at Yui looking out the window. "I personally don't approve of sending kids out to fight… But we don't really have much of a choice really. We lost quite a few young guys, the battles out there will become more dangerous with those new weapons the Earth Forces created."

Yui was silent looking out the window which gave a view to the hanger. Her GINN was fixed from the look of things, but her GINN was the only remaining GINN of the squad as far as she is aware. "You are saying that because I am going to have to pilot a GINN which is at a disadvantage?"

Lax nodded. "As good as the GINNs are something always comes by that can beat it based on capabilities alone. You may be a good pilot but if the one you face is just as good or better with a stronger machine…"

"It would mean I would lose in a fight basically." Yui continued for Lax as his voice trailed off. She slowly stands up going to stand next to Lax staring at her GINN. "Still not like I have much of a choice. I am a beginner for the most part Lax. I can't get special treatment unless I earn it." She stretches her arms. "That includes using a GINN for the most part."

Lax stared at the GINN silently in thought. "Even if we wanted to upgrade it… It would take longer than a simple pilot suit modification. Time which we don't really have."

Yui nodded staring at the GINN. "Yeah, so for now I'll just have to fight and survive. Simple right?" She smiled looking to Lax who was surprised by her answer then chuckled.

"You are a strange one. I am just a simple mechanic, but we will see what we can do it make sure you don't die in that machine to the best of our abilities." Lax stated rubbing the back of his head. "Just make sure you get to the top of the pilots before you die in a GINN, so you can get a new model."

"I do like how you assume I can even get one… But I guess that would be ZAFT's next step in a way… Responding by making new units of their own." Yui stated eying the GINN before turning away.

Lax kept staring at the GINN through the window. "I suppose so…It really depends on the faction…" Then it hit him. "Maybe we don't need to upgrade the unit…"

Yui looked to Lax. "Huh?"

Lax looked at Yui. "Hey, can you put that into tablet mode?"

Yui was silent taking off the ear pieces before having Lax show her how. Lax took the two pieces then spaces out the two pieces diagonally before pressing a button on the right ear piece then a square screen pops up.

"Oi, Cell… Using the combat data, you have on that Strike and the other new weapons. Is it possible to recreate that rifle?" Lax questioned making Yui confused.

"Rifle?" Cell was silent then a light bulb popped up on the screen. "The beam rifle used by Strike, right? It would take some effort… If I compile the data from the other units..." After a bit of work Cell reveals one schematic. It's a modification of the GINN's current rifle. "If we modify a standard assault rifle we can probably turn it into a beam rifle… We just need to draw power from the generator of the GINN."

Lax stared at the schematics thinking to himself reading it. "Cell can you upload this to my computer? I'll see what I can do, it isn't much, but we can at least equip you with better weaponry with this schematic."

A loading screen appears on the tablet before quickly there was a ding. "Data transferred."

Lax hands back the tablet to Yui. "I'll let the boys know." Lax looked out the window. "Seems we are about to arrive, you might want to clean up and such." Lax stated with a chuckle waving as he exits his office. "HEY BOYS! WE GOT ANOTHER PROJECT TO WORK ON!" Lax shouted loudly into the hanger getting groans.

Yui stared then giggled as she turned off the tablet mode then puts the ear pieces back on. "Since its your idea, be sure to simulate the battle data with your new idea."

"Understood, I'll be sure to do that Yuianna… Wait is this just a way for me to stay quiet and behave?" Cell questioned.

"Yes, it is." Yui stated simply making Cell cry a bit before she left the room herself.

PLANTs

Yui's thoughts came back to Earth as she saw the windows light up making her cover her eyes for a second then seeing the interior of the PLANTs now in view. Her eyes widen at the beauty of the capital all surrounded by what she can only describe as the trunk of the colony with a lake surrounding the capital.

"Beautiful sight, right? Welcome to PLANTs Yui." Athrun stated to Yui, she looked at Athrun before looking forward. It compelled her to move closer to the window to get a better look as the elevator descended.

"I'm still shocked by the fact we have space colonies in general. But this, I was not expecting at all to be the inside of one." Yui stated simply.

"Its not a sight you would see on Earth commonly, only in movies really would there be a place like this." Cell noted back astonished himself from his tone.

Athrun chuckled a bit. "If even Cell agrees it must be something special."

Cell was a bit angry. "H-Hey I am a pretty complex AI. I am basically half human in a way!"

Yui sighed a bit. "Here you go again…"

"A-Again?!" Cell shouted then paused processing this. "… What number does that make it?"

"34." Yui simply stated confused Athrun.

"34 times I called myself basically human huh? So much for Knox's rules." Cell stated. "Self-learning AIs are indeed dangerous."

"Too late now, the rule was already broken." Yui stated rolling her eyes looking at Athrun. "Sorry, Cell always believes since he can comprehend emotions and feelings of a human. It is hard for him to not think he is human sometimes. Its probably the only glitch in his code maybe…" Yui stated.

"I swear it isn't a glitch!" Cell stated.

Rau cuts into the conversation. "Either way, this is the home we are trying to protect Yuianna. I would record the sight you are seeing in your head for future reference if I were you." He stated still sitting in his chair before slowly standing as the elevator enters another tunnel but begins to slow down.

Yui notices the elevator slowing down standing away from the window once the sight was gone then calmed herself standing at attention as the elevator comes to a stop then opens with a soldier there with a salute.

"Commander Rau, your ride to the council building is here." The soldier states as Rau exits the elevator with Athrun and Yui following behind.

"Good, let us not waste time then." Rau stated looking at Yui and Athrun who both nodded as they move onward to get into the car that waited for them then ride it to the 'council' building.

Rau then focused on Athrun. "Remember, you are to just simply report on the details on the machines today in your report to the council Athrun." Athrun nods leading to Rau to look to Yui. "You are to simply watch Yui. Observe and learn as much as you can from the meeting, Cell you must stay quite for this council meeting."

"Understood." State Cell and Yui.

"Good." With that Rau went silent the car following suit as Yui looked out the window to observe PLANTs as the vehicle drove by observing the buildings, the sky, and the landscape itself. She knew it was all manufactured, but it was still amazing to see.

It made her wonder if everything up to now was manufactured, a bad dream that she will eventually awaken from. But part of her knew this was all real like it or not. She entered a future that has a dangerous war incoming with newly made weapons being a spark for that conflict… No, the machines were just the tipping point. A spark was created ever since the Junius Seven incident, there is no way that would disappear even if those machines weren't created.

Coordinators will forever hate Naturals and Naturals will forever hate Coordinators. It's a back and forth fight that will lead people to move away from the war by going to Neutral factions but even that isn't a permanent solution. It reminds Yui of how her time was using it as a reminder that things never change. It would take something drastic to create a time of peace.

Still for now, she can appreciate the views and the goals of one side at least. Modified or not the Coordinators were still humans… Was she human though? Her eyes narrow thinking on how she survived that bomb… Was she the only one to survive? These were questions she couldn't answer on her own. No answers would come most likely as building after building is passed by before she slowly felt the vehicle slowly come to a stop.

Yui comes out of her trance then looked at the door that opened on its own before slowly getting out of the vehicle. The door closes behind her before she turned to move around the vehicle to catch up to Athrun and Rau who were already ahead of her.

There was a stop for her as she took in the sight of the council building, it was rather large, white in color and clean in terms of design. She wondered a bit how it took for architects to focus on design and style instead of use. That could be a flaw if anything, Coordinators focusing on what is best suited for the better of everyone than style. Course that would also mean the Coordinators are not up for changes to a current system as well with exceptions probably since they are still humans.

There was silence before Yui quickened her pace o catch up to Athrun and Rau her eyes looking around to take in everyone around her. There were guards of course with many military uniforms moving about around her as she finally caught up.

They entered the council building getting signed in at the front desk. There were a few moments of checking everything with an eye toward Yui from the secretary making Yui sweat a bit before giving them approval. Rau then led Athrun and Yui to an elevator pressing a button for a higher floor.

"Remember, best behavior." Rau warned again.

"Yes Commander." Athrun and Yui stated. Cell stayed silent probably due to being focused on his simulations and processing the data obtained for the targeting systems.

The elevator dings as it opens allowing them to exit the elevator making Yui look around as she follows Rau. She stopped noticing the prehistoric fossil that was gigantic and in the front of the entrance for the council room before turning seeing Rau and Athrun walking in. She eyes the fossil before going into the council room. "I wonder why they have something like that here."

Yui walks in seeing councilmen seated in a long circle table with one gap to access the device at the center most likely. There were a few faces she recognized, Athrun's father and Chairman Clyne. The rest she did not know at all as she looked to Rau and Athrun who were sitting at a couch off to the side with a podium in front of it.

"So that's what the gap is for. So, they can interview someone as a council…" Yui thought to herself as she slowly sat down on the couch as well relaxing herself as she is only expected to observe.

There were a few eyes on Yui, which was to be expected as it might be a bit weird for soldiers to simply observe a conference. At least that is her assumed reason will be for the stares, but they were quick making her not focus on it.

Chairman Clyne looks around before looking forward. "We will not begin the special council meeting pertaining to the collapse of Heliopolis." Clyne states then stared at Rau. "To start with… Rau Le Creuset, your report."

Rau stands then salutes. "Yes sir." He then approaches the podium before starting to talk. He cites the mission to push to capture the machines noting that one was not captured and is in the hands of the enemy. In Rau's report he points out that ZAFT has no hand in the destruction of the colony itself and it was all due to the carelessness from the Earth Forces that the collapse happened.

Yui wondered how much of this would fly but regardless of what can be said it would just be a series of what about arguments. It was a slippery slope of politics from what she could tell that gave both sides reason to attack each other. It felt like this was all orchestrated to happen, but she had no way of proving that.

"So, as you can see…" Rau began to finish up his report. "The collapse was not due to the work of my soldiers but the work of careless actions from the Earth Forces that instigated the collapse. Thank your kind attention, this concludes my report." Rau salutes then goes to sit down.

"The Earth Forces deliberately broke the treaty themselves! Even Orb was in league with them!" Said a councilman.

"However, Senator…" A woman began to speak but was cut off.

"Those who choose to make Earth their home can't be trusted." Said another councilman. The comment Yui heard confused her unsure where it was going but Zala stood and drew attention to himself with a question.

"Tell me Commander Le Creuset, was our sacrifices worth the capturing of these Prototype Mobile Suits from the Earth Forces?" Zala questions Rau.

Rau stood up. "To illustrate how powerful these machines truly are to you all. I wish to have Athrun Zala explain the details to you. He operated a machine as well as fought the last machine that we were unable to capture."

There was silence the council looking to Clyne who made a quick decision. "I'll allow Athrun Zala to present these details."

Athrun stood then slowly walked to the podium before the screens showed off video of the Aegis to start with as Athrun gave a salute. There were a few murmurs before there was silence so Athrun can present his report.

The Aegis, the one Athrun was piloting, had a major characteristic of capturing units with a high-power beam cannon at the center to threaten the captured unit or destroy it. From Yui's perspective tis also possible for it to grab onto the hull of a shit then fire the beam cannon into the hull of a ship.

The Duel was blue, it seemed to be good at mixing up styles of combat. It seemed more suited to mobile suit combat in a way as it is well equipping to handle dueling with other pilots. It also has a more armored variant allowing it to take more hits if needed.

The Buster which was green and tan, was more suited for long range bombardment. It was heavily powered with large beam cannons, shoulder missile packs, etc. It isn't suitable for close range combat at all, but it has quite a bit of firepower if left along.

The Blitz was the only unit to sport another system on top of the Phase-Shift Armor. It was made from a particle called Mirage Colloid, a complete stealth system that shuts down all ability to fire weapons but gives complete stealth from all forms of detection.

Then there was the Strike, it was a unit that seems to be the basis for the rest aside from the Aegis and Blitz. It had a total of three combat packs that can equip and change onto the strike. One based on speed, another based around fire power, and another one based around close combat. It was diverse, and it was the machine the Earth Forces had left.

"That is all." Athrun stated then salutes before turning around to sit back down.

"They manufactured these monsters. Those dam Naturals!" A senator stated, his hand shaking.

"But they are only in the trial stage, five mobile suits cannot be a threat." A woman senator stated.

"But if they have come this far, the next step is to mass-produce. Are you saying to sit back and wait for them to do such?!"

"This is a clear indicator of what the Naturals are planning for the future. They crave war with a desire to wreak havoc and destruction!"

The discussion soon devolved into all the council members arguing with one another making whatever discussions inaudible. "Silence council members! Silence please!" Clyne shouts to get them all to calm down.

There was finally silence before Zala stood up. "No one here wants to earnestly face the battlefield. We just desire to live peacefully and gracefully. That will always be our one and only desire." Zala stated.

"Who carelessly came in and shattered that desire though?! Who took our freedom away for their own selfish ambitions?! Who exploits the Coordinators so that they themselves can benefit from?! The Bloody Valentine Tragedy! They will never make us forget the destruction of Junius Seven!" Zala calms down a bit but was still angered.

"Over 200,000 people, all were killed one year ago ruthlessly yet we all sit here pondering on a quick solution to end this never-ending war! Minor demands, yet the Naturals always put our efforts to waste time and time again." Zala rose a fist. "We fight because it is the only way we have at protecting our citizens and ourselves! If fighting is the only way to protect! Then we must fight!"

There was silence with a few nods from the council members on Zala's speech. Yui noticed Chairman Clyne's gaze looking around then lowering his head, he must be part of the moderate faction that was mentioned before judging from his reaction.

Clyne then looked up eyes roaming the room then Yui felt those eyes fall onto her. His eyes narrow a bit then turns to Zala. "Defense Chair Zala, Le Creuset gave you the request for the young lady correct? What was the reason?"

Zala was surprised by the sudden question getting the attention of the council a bit. There was silence a bit as Zala looked to Clyne. "She… Is a respectable new member of ZAFT. Commander Le Creuset wanted her to learn a bit more about how things work."

Clyne rose an eyebrow. "A new member of ZAFT? As in fresh out of the academy?"

Zala was silent making Clyne look toward Yui. "Young lady please come to the podium and give your name and rank."

Yui blinked a bit then sweating, rank? There are ranks? Wait of course there are! She joined ZAFT which was basically the military! She was unsure what rank she was a bit as she didn't think about it being that important. However, she was unsure what rank she was since she just entered ZAFT.

Yui slowly stood walking to the podium then saluting her eye trailing to Rau who gave no signals meaning she was on her own with this one. Rau most likely didn't expect this type of questioning. She calms herself as she salutes then lowers her hand standing at attention.

"I am Yuianna Shiromi sir. As for rank… I honestly am unaware. I joined under strange circumstances and the events of Heliopolis's collapse made it difficult to be caught up to speed." Yui explains calmly.

"You joined around the time of Heliopolis's collapse?" Clyne inquired.

"Yes sir…" Yui eyes Zala whose eyes were just closed making her look forward. "Part of my memory is fuzzy, but I woke up badly injured. I made my way to the facility that held the Aegis and the Strike. That's where I ran into Athrun who saved me during a gunfight with the Earth Forces."

"You were a civilian of Heliopolis?" Clyne asked surprised by this news.

Yui stared at Chairman Clyne silently unsure how to answer that. "No sir I am not. I was… I am unsure how to word it… But I guess you can say I was in a very deep sleep before being woken up."

"Woken up?" Clyne continues to inquire.

"Yes… I was, frozen from what I remember. My memory is still fuzzy but… I come from the year 2017, I am a survivor of a nuclear incident from that time. From what I remember… I was being unfrozen and treated by a pair of doctors at Heliopolis up until the attack on Heliopolis where I woke up for real." Yui tried to explain.

Clyne leaned back rubbing his chin. "Cryogenics?" Clyne questioned making Zala look to Clyne.

"That is the suitable explanation, time travel isn't possible after all." Zala noted then looked to Yui. "Ms. Shiromi is a Natural from the past, Le Creuset's report on this strange manner is accurate from what I can tell though."

"A Natural?" A councilman questioned. "Why is she even here or in the ZAFT military anyways?!"

"Calm down!" Zala shot back surprising the council especially after his speech. "She is a Natural by term. However, she can be trusted due to her actions, even if she isn't a Coordinator her skill in her report shows promise."

"But that is only after the fact, right?! What were you thinking letting a random Natural into the military?!"

"Enough!" Clyne shouted making the discussion cease. Clyne was staring at Zala for a moment before moving forward with his questioning since the topic came up. "Le Creuset can you provide us the details on her actions up until now?"

Le Creuset stands. "She has only sortied once which was against the Strike like Athrun sir. But she saved many lives on the Versalius due to her tactical mind at the time when we faced off against the new warship hours after Heliopolis collapsed. She is an asset to ZAFT despite being a Natural, her skills and quick ability to adapt are valuable."

Clyne mused to himself silently before eying Yui. "Yuianna Shiromi is what Le Creuset said true?"

"Yes sir. At least the factual details." Yui stated back calmly focusing on the facts rather than Rau's opinion.

Clyne stared at Yui then looked to Le Creuset. "I wish to be provided the data on Yuianna Shiromi up to now. I also ask that she follow me after this meeting to discuss her rank assignment."

Rau salutes "Understood Chairman Clyne."

Clyne eyes the room. "Any objections?" Zala was staring at Clyne for a moment then eyed Yui giving her a signal. She figured it meant she was to follow up with Zala after her meeting with Clyne.

Silence once again followed before Clyne nodded. "Then this meeting is over."

"Rau Le Creuset a word." Zala called out to Rau getting a nod in return to the order making Rau leave to meet with Zala leaving Yui with Athrun.

Yui breathes in then out feeling a hand on her shoulder making her look to see Athrun there as the council members began to leave. "You did good to keep calm after being thrown into the hot seat."

Yui looked at Athrun then removed his hand with a smile. "Yeah, it spooked me that is for sure." She stated going out of the council room with Athrun hearing Athrun stop making her turn then noticing him saluting. It took her a moment to realize Chairman Clyne was following making her follow suit with her salute.

"No need for the formalities with me Athrun. You as well Yuianna." Clyne said softly to them both with a smile leading them to lower their salutes.

"Yes sir." Yui heard Athrun say with her staying silent. Clyne looked at her then focused on Athrun.

"Just as you returned my daughter is out and about. You two seriously need to find time for one another." Clyne noted as he began to walk forward moving toward the fossil at the center of the room they were in.

"I… Um… Sorry about that sir." Athrun stated getting a giggle from Yui making him look at her.

"W-What?" Athrun questioned.

"It's just that's a really empty sorry is all. Its even for the wrong person Athrun." Yui noted making Athrun go silent then they heard Clyne chuckling.

"Maybe with a friend like her on your team Athrun you can learn a thing or two. It is about to get hectic around here again, you won't have many chances left for anything nice for a while." Clyne commented staring at the fossil as he comes to a halt. "I understand your father's point but…" He was cut off.

"Athrun Zala!" The three of them turn to stare at Rau who was walking in with Zala trailing behind. "We are going after that new warship and mobile suit! I have been granted two teams under my command, we will move out in 72 hours."

"Yes sir." Athrun responded then was silent then blinked looking to Yui then to Rau. "What about…"

Rau stared at Yui then to Athrun. "Due to her status of being unranked I cannot say she will be coming with us anytime soon until that is resolved. As such the order for her will be delayed until further notice."

"But-" Athrun began to say but Yui cuts him off.

"Understood." Yui stated simply. "Thank you for saving me and having me Commander Rau." She stated saluting to him.

Rau salutes back out of respect. "I have confidence you will be under my wing again, until then thank you for saving some of the crew on the Versalius."

"Now if you would excuse us Chairman Clyne." Rau kept the salute then lowered it walking away with Athrun looking at Yui then reluctantly following Rau. Yui looked on at Athrun and Rau as they walked away then eyed Zala who was walking toward her and Clyne.

"We have very little time. What purpose do we have to expand the frontlines of battle?" Clyne questioned Zala. She goes silent looking forward staring at the fossil tuning out the conversation a bit. The fossil of a giant whale of some kind if she were to make a guess. She wonders what this prehistoric animal truly was though.

"The reason is precisely the fact that we cannot forgive them. People who get in our way that is." Zala noted then looked at Yui who was focused on the fossil before turning around. "Send her to my offices after you are done. I wanted to meet with her as well." Zala noted before walking away making Clyne looked back staring at Zala before looking forward at Yui.

"Now then Ms. Shiromi if you would please follow me." Clyne stated making Yui turn to Clyne nodding a bit as Clyne leads her to an elevator then they go a few floors higher before reaching an office-like floor.

"This is your office?" Yui questioned.

"No, this is a back-up tactical office in the event me and the council members are here and there being an ongoing attack. We come here to overlook the said battle that would be in progress." Clyne explained as they entered a small conference room with a large table with an array of chairs then a big desk at the end.

Yui's eyes moving around the place making note of her surroundings as Clyne walked toward the desk in the back taking a seat at it motioning for Yui to sit down. "Please, sit down." Clyne asks.

Yui slowly walked over moving a chair over then sitting down on the other side of the desk as someone walked in holding a tablet. She assumed the person was a staffer or a courier, but that thought went away when she felt eyes on her from the person before they hand the tablet to Clyne.

Clyne looks over the tablet nodding to the staffer who simply turns and walks out without a word. "You… Dealt with a lot of drama it would seem… Waking up badly injured, ending up in the middle of a military operation… Then ending up on the Versalius learning military secrets due to…" Clyne eyed the report then looked up. "An AI?"

Yui was silent then nods. "Cell." She simply stated looking at the ear piece.

"H-Huh? What? Sorry I was still working with Lax on that modified gun…" Cell answered from her ear pieces surprising Clyne.

"Its talking smoothly without issue. Was this AI from the past as well?" Clyne questioned.

Yui nods. "Yes sir, Cell is in the same boat as me, but he is a self-learning AI who is always itching for knowledge. He was concerned with my safety and poked around some files while on The Versalius. The Commander overheard that so… Here I am." Yui stated sweating a bit.

"I'm still sorry about that okay?" Cell stated.

"You are always sorry Cell. Its fine, you were just looking out for me." Yui stated.

Clyne eyed the ear pieces silently. "How high is your AI's abilities if you don't mind me asking?"

Yui was silent looking at the side toward one of the ear pieces. "That I am unsure…" Then Cell cuts in.

"Infinite really. I am a self-learning AI, thanks to the mobile suits and most things running on coding and such I was able to upgrade and transform myself in a suitable level needed to help Yui in this place. I would consider myself high at least. Enough to process combat, and battle data as well as create schematics on the fly" Cell noted.

"Schematics for what?" Clyne inquired leading to Yui to press a button which activated the visor surprising Clyne.

"This for example. It's a tactical visor Cell created to have better use for me. He was also in the process of getting the mechanics to create a pilot suit that can work with the same system. Most recently he was getting the mechanics to convert a GINN's assault rifle into a beam rifle or close to it." Yuianna explained.

"With her becoming a pilot and having to handle something like the Strike… The mechanics thought it would be important to give her the ability to fight." Cell added in making Clyne think to himself.

"For the combat data here on your performances… Judging from things Cell acted as the support while Yuianna shined. Is that accurate?" Clyne questioned.

"Yes sir. Cell handled the data and technology for me while I assessed what it all meant. Course at the time I could only create assumptions like the new warship's powerful cannons." Yui noted.

Clyne looked over the data again and again. "It does feel like you are indeed providing instant contributions to ZAFT in more than one way." Clyne then eyed Yui. "Yuianna are you sure you want to fight in ZAFT?"

Yui was silent staring at the Chairman before answering. "To be honest I really have no reason to fight sir. Even if some things are here that give me reason they aren't the reason I guess that I am fighting. It's a notable lesson I am being told to think about as I arrived here."

Clyne stared at Yui then leaned back in his chair. "Most things are rather dumb. Reasons being one of them in a way. Dumb meaning, they are simple, you don't need a more complex reason to fight. It is all about commitment, judging from these reports you are committed to this Yuianna." Clyne puts down the tablet in thought.

"It does make my job harder though figuring out a rank for you. You are piloting a mobile suit that is only suitable for a certain rank. Then you showed prowess at being tactical on a warship." Clyne chuckled a bit. "It's a wide spectrum here compared to most things."

"So, then what do I do then?" Yui questions making Clyne think.

"Either way… Its possible Zala will try to make you a political tool as well." Clyne notes eying Yui. "That is probably why he wants to meet with you."

Yui was silent thinking on that a bit making Clyne watch with a bit of concern. "For now, don't worry about that. Just focus on your own merits and improving." Clyne started then stared at Yui a bit more. "Yuianna are you feeling alright?"

Yui was surprised tilting her head. "Yes… Why do you ask?"

Clyne stared at Yui silently before shaking his head. "No reason I suppose. You just seemed pale to me."

Yui blinked a bit but made a mental note about it anyways but gave a smile. "Thank you, Chairman, but I am perfectly fine."

Clyne nodded. "For now, we will consider you an elite pilot and tactician. I'll order a uniform for you to be procured quickly. I'll allow you to be assigned to the Le Creuset team. You are free to leave now"

Yui nodded. "Yes sir." Yui began to stand up then turned to leave.

Clyne thought to himself before saying something else. "Work your way up. You have a bright future ahead of you Yuianna. Just don't let yourself get exploited." Yui stops turning to Clyne then nodded.

"Would never dream of letting myself be exploited." Yui stated before she left the room.

Clyne stared at the closed door in silence a bit. "A little girl whisked up into our chaotic war… We are not only affecting the future but the past in an ironic way." Clyne mused to himself before staring out the window thinking to himself.

Yui was riding the elevator in thought still in the council building her visor still activated reviewing the layout of the council building. "Do you know where I am supposed to mean Defense Chair Zala at?"

Cell mused a bit checking the layout before finding the spot. "Seems he is standing by the entrance of the council building. Guess he figured you wouldn't know where to go and would leave the building."

"Not sure if I should take comfort in that thought…" Yui said softly to Cell, she was deep in thought about the meeting she just had with the chairman. She rubbed the bridge of her nose for a bit before shaking her head.

"Are you alright? I didn't notice it until he said it, but the chairman is right. You are looking pale a bit." Cell noted a bit concerned.

"I'm fine, at least I feel fine…" Yui stated softly to Cell to reassure him.

"Feeling and looking fine are two different things." Cell notes quickly.

"I am aware of the difference Cell." Yui noted quickly as she heard the elevator ding. "For now, just don't worry about it."

"If you say so Yuianna." Cell noted before going silent again just as Yui was exiting the elevator heading off toward the entrance.

"Ms. Shiromi?" Yui was addressed suddenly making her stop then looked around before spotting an old man standing next to Zala. There was also a woman next to the two, but it took a moment for her to register that it was Zala that was addressing her.

"Yes sir?" Yui responded to Zala after a brief pause to get her bearings.

"These two scientists for the research division in ZAFT was telling me they had to urgently see you. Have you met them before?" Zala inquired.

Yui narrowed her eyes then stared at the two "scientists" that were standing next to Zala before seeing her vision starting to sway. "Y-Yes sir. They are the two scientists I saw in the fragments… Of my memories I reported to Le Creuset…" She states her voice trailing off as she holds her head.

"You are looking pale Ms. Shiromi- " Zala was about to state before the scientists jumped at Yuianna quickly just in time to catch her from falling. A couple of guards quickly come running about to call in a medic. "What is going on?!"

The old man scientist stared at Zala. "She is destabilizing! Therefore, we had to see you urgently!" The scientist quickly stated before point to the woman. "The stabilizers! Hurry!"

The woman nodded kneeling then opening the case she had with her revealing an array of syringes all filled with some sort of liquid. "Here you go Doctor Shu." The woman quickly handed one of the syringes to the now named doctor who checked the needle before nodding.

"Hang in there little lass!" Doctor Shu noted before injecting the contents of the syringe into Yui's arm before pulling out the syringe once all of the contents were gone.

"Zala! What is going on?!" Said the voice of a concerned Chairman Clyne who just exited the elevator seeing the current scene unfolding.

"I am unsure myself right now. She looked pale then collapsed. These two scientists came in asking for her moments before that and caught her. Seems they had whatever was needed to help her… Is she going to be okay?!" Zala questioned the scientist who stopped Zala by holding out a hand.

"Be quiet you impatient man!" Doctor Shu shouted then waited for a few moments before Yui's eyes began to reopen. "Thank god! Good job hanging in there lass!" Doctor Shu stated in excitement shaking her awake as she looked around.

"W-What happened?" Yui questioned as she tried to sit up but was stopped by the woman.

"Stay like that for a bit, the stabilizers are still circulating and helping your body right now. Give it a few more moments before trying to move." The woman noted quickly confusing Yui.

"S-Stabilizers? For what?" Yui questioned looking between Doctor Shu and the woman.

"That can be explained later. For now, just stay like that. I'm Doctor Shu by the way. The woman over there is Doctor Kimari. Your memory might still be fuzzy, but we are the ones that got you to awaken again back on Heliopolis." Doctor Shu explained.

Zala looked to Doctor Shu. "So, she was under ZAFT's watch this entire time?"

"More of OUR watch. But we did use some of our budget to help her awaken from her frosty slumber. Course it is not entirely accurate to say we didn't change a few things to her body." Doctor Shu stated.

"What changes?" Clyne inquired.

Doctor Shu was silent for a moment then looked to Yui for a moment. "The kind to let her adapt to this current era to say the least."

Yui just stared back at the doctor confused before looking to Clyne and Zala who was still trying to understand what is going on before hearing a click then Cell's voice finally being heard again.

"Good news Yuianna! We were able to…" Cell's voice trailed off noticing the crowd. "…What the heck did I miss Yuianna?"

Yui shook her head with a sigh as she probably just got put into another whirlwind of chaos when it came to her coming to this era and time.