File 03. Divergent Paths
The Strike floats in space. Inside the cockpit Kira sits in shock. The colony was gone. Natarle's voice comes through on his radio, "Kira? Kira Yamato? Come in! Kira Yamato?" Natarle calls repeatedly, but Kira doesn't reply. He stares at the remnants of the once peaceful home he shared with his family and friends. The destruction of Heliopolis was almost unfathomable but a fact. He wonders if his parents were able to escape, if Rena and her father had escaped. He reviews the last moment he saw her; the scared look in her eyes. He closes his eyes. Kira? His eyes open. Rena? He lowers his head, glancing down at the cockpit and controls. Collecting himself, he turns his head toward Archangel and starts over. As he is about to returnhe notices a light blinking in the distance, the light from an escape pod. His heart races and he halts his return to retrieve it.
Mu glances at Murrue, his arms crossed, "So what's our next move?" She glances over, we're still in battle." She sighs, "We have to get out of the area." Mu shakes his head, taking a breath through his closed teeth, "I think it'll be a little difficult with just the Strike Gundam and my Moebius Zero out of commission." Natarle gasps and looks up, "Why don't we try going to the asteroid port of Artemis? It belongs to the Eurasian Federation." Mu tilts his head, "Hmm… the moon is a bit far." Natarle leans forward, "I'm sure that Eurasia will understand our situation and give us assistance." She pauses, glancing at her monitor, "The Strike is finally returning." She sighs, "Kira Yamato! Is your radio broken?" Kira approaches with the escape pod, "No. I can hear you. I'm bringing in an escape pod." She shakes her head in disbelief, "Who gave you permission to bring it in. We can't accept it. Let it go." Kira scowls, "But it was drifting out of control. The people inside will die." They continue to argue but Murrue steps in, "Enough please you two. We will accept the escape pod. Prepare to dock Kira."
After landing, the escape pod is opened and civilians exit slowly and cautiously. Torii, concealed in Kira's jacket, flies off. Kira leaps down after it, "Torii!" Kira catches the bird just as Flay emerges from the pod. She spots him, her eyes wide, "It's you." She flies right into his arms, "Where are we? What's going on?" He stares at her and blushes slightly, "Flay… actually we're on an Earth Alliance ship. Sai, Tolle, Kuzzey, and Miriallia are also here." She nods, a smile on her lips, "Really?" He takes her hand and takes her with him to the others. She spots Sai and immediately goes to him. "Sai!" they embrace, "I was so scared… I was with Jessica and then we got separated." He holds, "But we're safe now." She lies against him. "Sai… Sai Argyle?" He glances over at a pretty red-head, about their age, standing among some techs. "Huh?" She smiles at him. Kojiro crosses to her, "Hey, I think you and I've worked together. Do you think I could borrow you for a second?" She glances at him and nods. "Ah too bad. I guess I'll see you later." Flay glances over, a jealous tone in her voice, "Who is that?" Sai shrugs, "Uh… I don't remember her name but I think we had a few advanced classes together last semester. She works for Morgenroete, I think." Flay stares after her, the same jealous look on her face.
The Aegis docks and Athrun immediately leaps out. He descends toward them and passes. Nicol turns, a sad look in his eyes, "Athrun?" Dearka furrows his brow, also upset. Athrun pauses, "I can't talk right now. I'm going to my quarters." They both watch as the Duel docks and the bay doors close. The hatch opens. Rena peers out first and glances around the hanger. Yzak pushes past her, "Come on. Are you going to take all day?" He kicks toward the ground, his hand gripping her wrist. The other pilots and mechanics stare at her. "A girl?" Dearka glances at her and smiles, "So what's up Yzak?" Nicol stares at Rena as she lands on the ground and glances around at all the staring faces. The mechanics and pilots were all whispering. Yzak removes his helmet and turns to her, "It's ok you're safe now." Some guards enter. "Verena Irmgard-Marlis. Please come along with us." They cross toward her. She takes a step back. Yzak stares at them, "Hey... What's going on? Where are you taking her?" She glances over at him. The soldiers glance at him, "We apologize but Commander Creuset ordered that we escort her to her quarters." They cross over and take her by the arms. She glances from one to the other, "Am I a prisoner of ZAFT?" The men stare at her, "Ma'am this is just a matter…" A radio goes off and a soldier places it to his ear. He lowers it, "We've been told to assure you that you are not a prisoner, but the fact of the matter is that you are aboard a war cruiser. And we cannot allow you to move freely within it. It is a precautionary measure entirely." She stares at the soldiers. Yzak furrows his brow he could tell she was scared. "Where are you taking me?" Another radio interruption. The soldier listens, "Yes sir. We've been ordered to leave Ms. Irmgard in the custody of Mr. Jule." His eyes widen, "What?" The soldier nods, "You have been ordered to escort Ms. Irmgard-Marlis to her quarters as soon as you're ready." They salute and exit. Rena glances over at Yzak. He nods and motions, "Fine… follow me." She glances over at him "Where are you taking me?" Yzak glances over at her, "Your quarters." She shakes her head, "I didn't mean that." Yzak shrugs, "You're coming to Plant where you belong." Rena stares at him, "Belong?" He sighs, "In case you failed to notice there's a war going on out there and those Naturals would shoot you down before even asking questions. You're going to Plant." He starts toward the locker room, "Follow me. We'll get out of these space suits through there." Rena stares at him, "I refuse." They all look at her. She crosses her arms, "I have no desire to go to Plant. Orb is my home." Yzak turns, "Well that's just too bad. You're not leaving this ship. You'll be killed." Nicol gasps. Dearka shakes his head and brushes past them, "Please excuse him. Yzak can be a bit abrasive." He shrugs, "Verena, if I may call you that… I'm sure that you'll be able to return to Orb soon enough, but right now it's extremely dangerous. We're only considering your safety. You have nothing to be afraid of." She furrows her brow and stares at him apprehensively. Yzak glances over at him and rolls his eyes. Dearka bows, "Oh I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself I am Dearka Elsman, I'm am member of the same team as Yzak. You're probably tired and hungry. Why don't you just take some time to relax, we'll have you safe in no time." Rena stares at him and then glances at Yzak, Nicol and the mechanics, "You're all soldiers for ZAFT?" He nods. She tilts her head, "But you're so young." He places his hands on his waist, "Believe me. We're more than qualified." Yzak sighs, "Will you shut up." He steps toward Rena, "Come on." She glances at the Gundam, "Fine. I guess there isn't any other option now is there?" She reaches up removes her helmet. Her long hair falls out. Dearka's eyes widen, she was absolutely gorgeous in person. He gasps, "Wow…" She stares at the gawking men and furrows her brow. He notices the blood on her cheek, "You're not hurt are you?" She touches her cheek, "No…." Tears well in her eyes. Dearka notices Yzak icy glare and takes a step back, "Yzak will take you to get cleaned up, right?" Yzak stood his arms crossed glancing aside. Rena glances over at him and then at Dearka. He continues to stare at her, "Wow. I've seen you on television before but in person… wow." She glances away from him and over at Nicol and the others in the hanger. Yzak scowls at Dearka, "Verena, let's go get you cleaned up. You're sure you're not hurt?" Rena glances at him and nods, "I'm fine." She crosses to him, "Thank you." He glances aside at her, "Right this way." Dearka crosses to Nicol and sighs, "You don't think that this means, what I think it means?" Nicol shrugs.
Rau watches Rena from a monitor on the bridge. Captain Ades glances over at him, "What are we going to tell the Supreme Council? Especially since a neutral colony was destroyed." Rau turns to face him, switching the monitor off. "How neutral could Heliopolis be if it was developing weapons for the Earth Alliance?" Ades furrows his brow, "Well we have no mobile suits left to pursue that legged ship." Rau nods, "Perhaps we should send out our new suits then." Ades shakes his head, "Absolutely not." Rau shrugs, "Well it doesn't matter either way since we already have the data." A soldier turns, "Sir, our radar is picking up something." Rau crosses over and glances at the screen.
"Setting course for Artemis." Murrue glances over, "Launch the decoy missiles. Hopefully it'll confuse ZAFT radar."
Athrun enters his room. He punches the wall and lays his head against it. He pulls back and crosses to his bed and falls back. He places his arms behind his head. His thoughts were on the events of today. They were so cocky just 24 hours earlier and now both Rusty and Miguel were dead. He sits up Kira? What are you doing? Kira Yamato...? "Why did all this have to happen?"
The Archangelcontinues on course for Artemis. Inside some sleeping quarters, Miriallia sits down, "Where do you think we're heading?" Tolle sighs, "Probably to rendezvous with the Earth Alliance fleet." Kira sat silently staring off. His thoughts were preoccupied with Rena. Flay glances at him, "What are you so quiet for?" He glances up. Everyone was staring at him. Sai furrows his brow, "She's fine Kira, and that lady said she was probably with her dad." Kira furrows his brow, "I know but…." Flay watches him. He sighs, "Nothing will ever be the same…" The door slides open and Mu enters, "Hey Kira Yamato? I need you to get to work." They all stare at him. Mu places his hands on his waist, "Hi all. Kira? You'll have to perform the maintenance on your Strike yourself because we lack the manpower." Kira rises, "Why is it suddenly my mobile suit?" Mu shrugs, "Because no one else can control it. You know if you have the power to do something you should put it to good use. We're the only two who can protect this ship." Kira glances off and then races out. Flay stares after him, "What's going on?" Sai and Kuzzey explain the events of the last few hours, most significantly that Kira was a Coordinator and that he piloted the Strike.
"I guess this is it." Rena enters a room behind by Yzak. She glances around. He glances at her, "You've seen a lot today. You should probably get cleaned up." Rena turns to him, "Why are you all doing this?" She thinks about the files in her father's office, "Does ZAFT think they can use me?" Yzak stares at her, "What are you talking about?" Rena stares at him. He had such a firm expression on his face. She glances aside and then turns her back, "Nothing. I'm tired… you can leave now." He stares at her. "Excuse me? You think you can dismiss me?" She sighs, "I didn't mean..." He was boiling over, "We rescued you from those low class naturals and..." She clenches her fists, "Stop it; I'm sick of that rhetoric!" They glare at one another. Rena turns her face, "I am grateful that you saved my life but I would have been content to die on that colony with those naturals, as you call them, than be party to the prejudice beliefs of anyone like you." Yzak scowls, "What kind of naïve fool are you?" Rena turns, "It's better than being an arrogant blind one." He reacts as if she'd slapped him. He was clenching his fists, his face flushed with anger. She glances away, "Please just go away!" She turns her back and crosses her arms. Yzak grits his teeth and shakes a fist at her. He pulls it back and takes a breath, "It's been a crazy day. You're a little overemotional now…" Rena turns and gives him a shocked look, "Overemotional? Hundreds of people may be dead." He glances aside, "It's a war. They kill us..." He glances at her, "We kill them." She struggles not to cry, "Heliopolis was a neutral colony. You have no idea do you? How it feels to have your peaceful life ripped away from you. You fight in war for what?" She shakes her head, "I hate this war. I hate it!" She turns away and covers her face, stifling her sobs. He stares at her, not knowing how to react except to glance downward, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…" She shakes her head, "Just go. Leave me alone." He grits his teeth, "Fine. You can get cleaned up in there and changed. Your mother packed a few things for you." He motions to some luggage. "If you get hungry just use that panel over there to contact someone. I'm sure Cmdr. Creuset will assign you someone to take care of you." Rena doesn't even look at him again. He turns and exits, the door shuts. She glances over at the luggage.
"The Tempest is ready sir." A commander leans on his clasped hands, "This is a precarious situation." He rises, "Things have gotten quite difficult." If all those suits have fallen into the hands of Coordinators.
Isamu sits inside the cockpit of the Tempest. His eyes were closed. "Hey soldier?" He glances up, "Yeah?" The man stares at him, "Kisaragi. You'll be heading out into space with the fleet." Isamu tilts his head and furrows his brow, "But I was scheduled to return to Heliopolis." The man continues, "Hard to do that, Heliopolis has been destroyed." Isamu leans forward, completely shocked, "What? How?" The man shakes his head, "ZAFT destroyed the Colony in an attack. The fleet is heading out to rendezvous and collect potential survivors. The escape pods are programmed to transport into Earth's orbit. But we are unsure if we'll encounter any aggression while we're out there." Isamu nods, "What about the cruisers stationed at Heliopolis? The military presence there?" The man doesn't answer. "Sir? I was supposed to report there after the testing. Shouldn't I locate and rendezvous with them?" The man shakes his head, "The fleet has been entirely destroyed." Isamu's eyes widen.
Athrun straightens the jacket of his uniform and exits into the hall. He stands at a door and presses a button. "Enter." He enters. Rau was seated at his desk sipping tea and looking at a monitor. He turns it off, "Ah Athrun, I've been expecting you." Athrun stands at attention in front of him, "I've come to report as ordered." Rau stares at him, "Fine. I'd like to know what happened inside Heliopolis." Athrun furrows his brow, "I was surprised to see his old friend of mine, a coordinator named Kira." Rau nods, "That is very unfortunate. How do you feel about it?" Athrun looks down, "It's difficult to say." Rau nods, "I understand your indecision to fight against someone you care for so I've decided to excuse you from the next battle." He sets his tea to the side. Athrun looks up and shakes his head, "But sir… that's not necessary. All I need is a chance to talk to Kira. He's a bit naive so I'm sure that he is being exploited by the Naturals." Rau nods. Athrun glances aside, "I know I can convince him to join us." Rau lowers his cup to the table, "Do you? But what will you will do if he refuses?" Athrun stares at him and furrows his brow, "I'll kill him myself." Rau nods, "That's fine that aside, I'm sure your aware of the fact that Yzak managed to retrieve Verena." Athrun looks up, "I don't know what you mean sir." Rau lowers his tea, "You and she are close aren't you?" Athrun shakes his head, "We…" Rau leans forward, "Even so you should become reacquainted with her. It'll put her at ease. She is aboard a strange ship."
Rena sits back against the headboard her bare legs pulled up against her chest. Her hair was still wet from her shower. She clutches her prescription bottle in her hand. She glances sideways at a glass of water. Her cheeks were wet from her tears. She opens the bottle and pops some pills; she reaches over and picks the glass up. The door beeps and she looks up. She rises and wipes the tears from her cheeks as she approaches the door, "Go away! I told you I don't need anything. I'm not hungry! Just leave me alone!" Outside Athrun frowns as he lays his hand on the door. He could hear her crying. He turns to walk away but then goes back and presses the button again. This time the door slides open. "I told you I'm not…" She gasps, "Athrun?" He stares at her, "I… I know this is a bad time so I'll go but, I…." She falls against him and starts to cry all over again, "Athrun… why did this have to happened, I'm scared… I don't know what to do." He freezes up not knowing what to do next. "Verena…" She pulls back from him her crying halted but her eyes still brimming with tears. She wipes a hand across her wet cheek, "Athrun…" He stares at her, "I thought you might want to talk." She shakes her head, "Did you Commander order you? Is this just your duty?" He doesn't answer. She glares at him, "Get out!" He steps toward her, "Ren? You're acting irrationally." She steps away from him, "So now it's Ren? Only my closest friends can call me that," He stares at her, "Ren…?" She holds her hands up, "Stop. I don't know you anymore." She paces away from him. She was beginning to feel some affects of her medication, a little dizzy. "Just leave me alone. I won't tell you anything you want to know." Athrun furrows his brow, "Ren, please I'm here as your friend. That's all. You've been through so much and if I could change anything it would be that you wouldn't have been involved in this at all and for that I'm sorry." She glances aside. Athrun furrows his brow. They stand in silence for several minutes. Rena finally speaks, "I'm so confused. I don't even know what to think anymore. I'm sitting her running everything through my mind. I keep getting more and more confused. What was my father doing? What have I created?" He stares at her. "I'm surrounded by liars. Everywhere I turn. My own memories... I don't even know what's real or what's not." He gasps, "Rena? What are you saying?" She shakes her head, "Ever since Plant and ZAFT have interfered in my life… why couldn't you just leave us alone?" He stares at her, "What you were living was a lie. You're just overemotional because you're finally seeing the truth. Your father had you brainwashed. Coming to grips with that is tough." Rena crosses away and opens her bottle she pops some pills, "No, there must be some explanation." Athrun steps toward her, "What is that?" Rena shakes her head, "It's nothing just a prescription." He furrows his brow. She leans against a side table, "Why did you come to Heliopolis Athrun? Why did you have to destroy it?" He stares at her saying nothing at first. She glances over at him, "It's the war right? It's devastating? People die. Is that the best explanation?" He tilts his head, "It is but what you have to understand is that now you're among friends. We rescued you from those naturals so you could be a part of something greater. Where your gift is nurtured and not exploited. Your mother…" She shakes her head, "No… stop. I may have been blind to my past but I was happy… don't you know what it is too happy anymore?" He stares at her as if he didn't understand. She continues, "No? I was content with my life, as blind as I was." She waves her hand. "With my family, with my father…" She pauses. "My father…" Tears roll down her cheeks. Athrun stares at her, "Rena? He didn't deserve to be your father. He hurt you. He hurt us." She furrows her brow, "Us?" He holds his hand out to her. She turns from him, "No… you didn't know him at all." Athrun glances aside, "I didn't write you because I knew that it would never reach you. Before you and he left he confronted me and told me never to speak to you again. I didn't mention it before because…" Rena shakes her head, "You're lying… you're just trying to make him look worse. I was happy. You can fabricate these lies about him hating coordinators but he accepted Kira, he liked him, he was even going to let me stay a few more days to be with him." Athrun's eyes widen, "Kira? You and he? When did that…" She nods and turns to him, "Yes and he and I were happy. Now he's out there somewhere caught up in this war…" Athrun interrupts her, "I know and he's being exploited by those Naturals just like you were but I'm going to try and convince him to join us." She stares at Athrun, "That won't happen." Her voice was a whisper filled with disdain. "He won't join you Athrun… he won't join ZAFT. Kira isn't a murderer." Athrun's eyes widen. He composes himself and clenches his fist, "Then he'll be killed. Just like he killed Miguel." She gasps, "Liar! Kira wouldn't do something like that." She grabs a water pitcher off the dresser flings it at him. He moves aside just as it smashes against the wall and shatters. "Are you insane?" Athrun crosses over and wraps his arms around her in an attempt to restrain her. She struggles, "Let me go!" He held her tightly. "You need some time to compose yourself. This isn't some dream, it's real life." Rena shakes her head and jerks free hitting him across the face with her elbow in the process, "I hate you!" Rena dashes out of the room. Athrun rises, "Rena!" She brushes past shocked soldiers. He exits her room, "Stop her!" Athrun dashes down the hall. The soldiers start after her. She runs into an elevator and starts to slam the buttons, "Come on... come on..." The soldiers were approaching. She slides against the back wall of the elevator. The door slides shut just as Athrun and the others reach it. He slams his hand against it, "Damn!"
"Our jump point will be from Artemis. Hopefully we'll be able to continue forward in progression and intercept any ZAFT enemies." Isamu sat silently in the darkened war room. He tapped a pen against his lip. His thoughts weren't on the strategist at front but on his uncle and Rena. Hopefully they had also made it to the escape pods. He thinks about the Archangel. He furrows his brow. They don't know about it. It could be still be out there. I have to be sure. "Junior Grade Kisaragi? Kisaragi!" He sits up, "Sir?" The strategist approaches him, "This may seem a bit boring to an ace such as yourself but we do need you to pay attention is that clear?" Isamu nods, "I'm sorry sir. I was just thinking of the family I had on Heliopolis and the possibility of locating my fellow troops." The strategist stares at him, "Unfortunately we have just received confirmation that a majority of the alliance forces were destroyed. The remaining soldiers may be aboard some of the escape pods among the civilians. It is our hope…" Isamu furrows his brow. "I see sir. Permission to take a small crew and head directly to Heliopolis." The strategist shakes his head, "Denied." Isamu clenches his fist, "But sir…" The strategist glares at him, "Junior Grade Kisaragi you may not be a normal member of this fleet but you will obey our orders." The commander seated at the side whispers to his aide. She rises and whispers into the strategists' ear. He nods and then stares at the soldiers, "You are all dismissed until 0400. Your immediate commanders will further brief you. Dismissed!" The pilots rise and salute. Lights turn on and they start to exit. The commander and his aide exit through a door in the back. The strategist crosses to Isamu, "Kisaragi. Please come with me." Isamu glances at him, "Yes sir." He leads him to the door, "This way." They go through the door.
The elevator door opens in the hanger. Rena leaps out and lands on the cold metal floor. The hanger was empty. She glances around for any signs of troops but it was surprisingly empty. She stares at the Gundam and for a moment she is frozen. She grabs a helmet and leaps up toward the cockpit of the Duel. "You're rather resourceful Verena. Can you also pilot a mobile suit?" She turns and scans the hanger. "Who's there? Where are you hiding?" She hears a chuckle. She strains her eyes looking into the shadows, "Who are you? Show yourself?" Nothing. She moves through the fear welling in her chest. "Verena Irmgard-Marlis. You never answered my question." She looks toward where she believes he is. "What question?" He smiles, "Hmm." Rau emerges from the shadows, "You aren't a trained pilot but you know a lot about these suits don't you?" She stares at him. Her eyes narrow, "You're... that... You command this ship." He shrugs, "Well not this ship, that would be Ades but I am in charge of the elite squad." He nods his head, "I'm at your service." She turns away from him, "Thanks for the offer but I don't require your services." He leaps up. She pulls a gun and points it at him, "Stop… I will shoot you." He glances at the gun, "Will you? Can you? You're a pacifist, aren't you? You're not the type of person to harm someone. And I wouldn't want you to become one." She could feel herself getting a bit drowsier from her meds but she jerks aside, "Don't push me. Stay back!" She furrows her brow the tears in her eyes, "I just want to leave." He nods, "I know. I know, and I'm sorry but you can't." She shakes her head, "No you're not. I'm leaving. You help me leave once, why not again?" He stares at her, "So you're actually a mobile suit pilot?" She purses her lips, "No. But how difficult could it be?" He shrugs, "Depends. Most usually enroll in the academy." She shakes her head, "I've seen it done before." He lands near the Duel and glances up at it and then at her, "So you were planning on hijacking a suit?" She stares at him, "So… they don't belong to ZAFT anyway." He shrugs, "Right. But you do know that the members of my team have already begun reprogramming the operating systems. Yzak on this one for example." Rena shrugs, "It doesn't matter. The operating systems of each can be reprogrammed for individual use. The Duel happens to be a standard model from which the others are based thus making it the simplest to hijack, per say." She glances at it, "Of course it hasn't been upgraded yet…" Her eyes widen, what am I saying. Her mind was racing. He stares at her and smiles, "I see. I should introduce you to Senator Yuri Amalfi, the representative of Maius City. He specializes in mobile suit development." Rena stares at him, "Enough talking… move away." Rau kicks back floating, "Are you really planning on shooting me?" She huffs annoyed, "Who are you to think you know me?" Rau crosses his arms, "Actually I know a great deal about you. I won't lie to you. I've been studying you for quite a few years now. You have a phenomenal mind. For example I know that it was you who devised these suits." Her eyes widen and she shakes her head, "No…" He tilts his head, "You're a prodigy. A superior coordinator of sorts. Your father recognized it early on. He exploited your genius for his own gain… he created these suits from your concepts. He treated you like a lab rat and he even left you to die," Rena fires the gun in his direction. "Shut up! He was helping me. The ideas were out of control." Rau stares at her, "How so? You claim not to remember that past?" She shakes her head, "Shut up! I don't know." Rau was silent. Rena lowers the gun and glances aside, "I had so easily forgotten it all… he wanted an ordinary life for me. He was sorry. He never meant to hurt me. Things just got out of hand." He tilts his head, "But you can't escape it now…" She turns to face the Duel, "It's too late now…" Rau comes behind her and lays his hands on her arms. "You have a gift and look at what you've created. They're beautiful... phenomenal. There is nothing to escape from. Your destiny is revealed. Release your fear and doubt." His lips were at her ear, "You were destined to be a warrior. To be a part of this greater world. He was slowly killing you. Drowning you. Let me breathe that life back into you." His voice was so soft so calming. It seemed to penetrate into her. A tear runs down her cheek. "You know where you belong don't you? Where you're safe." She closes her eyes, "I don't know…" He pulls her tightly against him and wraps his arms around her, "Shh… Come with me. I won't harm you I promise. I just want to help you to realize the truth." She opens her eyes, "The truth?" He strokes her hair, "Hush now… you'll be fine. I'll protect you. I'll protect you I promise." She turns to him and stares at him. "Come with me we'll go somewhere to talk more and everything will be fine."
Isamu enters a darkened room. "Junior Grade Kisaragi?" He turns. The commander's aide stood in the room, "The commander would like to speak with you alone. Lieutenant." He nods and then tilts his head, "Lt?" She exits through another door. The commander enters, "Lt. Kisaragi?" Isamu salutes, "Sir?" The commander nods at the aide and she leaves. Isamu watches her, "What is this about sir? The promotion?" The commander stares at him, "Just accept it as a necessity. Since you were on Heliopolis then you are aware of the gravity of what has occurred. If there is the remote possibility that the Archangel survived the destruction of the colony then we must strive to return it safely to Earth." Isamu nods, "I agree but I've already been denied in my request to find…" The commander nods, "I have arranged for a separate mission. What is the point of having the Tempest if it isn't deployed in space against ZAFT? I need you to head out there. You'll be accompanied with a small group and you will be departing immediately." Isamu's eyes widen.
"Here take this it'll calm your nerves." Rau pours the pills into her hand and hands her some water. She stares at the pills. He smiles, "I'm not trying to poison you. You'll be fine." She stares at the pills again and drinks them down. He takes the glass from her, "You know that Athrun is quite worried about you." She glances up at Rau, "I don't care." She glares downwards, "I hate him." Rau tilts his head, "Oh? You shouldn't hate him." She glances up at Rau, "And why shouldn't I?" Rau smiles and turns from her, "He isn't the one that you should be angry with. It isn't his fault. You and he should rebuild your friendship. He cares a great deal for you." Rena felt a strange sensation going over her. She felt groggy; the room felt as if it was spinning. She leans against the back of a chair. "Athrun… cares for me…" Rau stares at her and tilts his head, "Are you ok?" She shakes her head, "I feel strange." He crosses over and crouches in front of her, "You and he are important to the future of Plant and ZAFT you know. The future." She stares off, "But I won't join ZAFT…" Rau nods and laughs, "You have no obligation to yet. Your mother is waiting for you on the Plant, among others." Rena glances up, "My mother…" Rau stares at her and tilts his head, "Aren't you tired of denying your true heritage? Leaving a life with your talents suppressed. You are meant to be so much more than you are." She stares at him. He continues, "You seem so truly unhappy." She glances away from him. "But I was happy with Kira…" Rau stares at her, "Kira?" That same boy Athrun mentioned? She glances up at him. He crosses, "You can be happy again. A new life awaits you. You just have to be open to receive it. Don't you want to be happy?" She glances aside, "Yes…" Rau nods, "Well you belong with us. On Plant maybe even helping ZAFT, you'll be a whole person again." She places a hand to her forehead, "ZAFT… Plant is where I belong?" Rau nods a sideways smile crosses his lips. He rises and holds his hand out to her, "Now you should go back to your room and sleep." Rena holds a hand to her forehead, "I am… I should…" She furrows her brow, "I feel so strange…" He nods, "You'll just need to sleep it off." She nods. She takes his hand and rises.
Isamu stands in the hanger bay of his shuttle. Techs were loading the Tempest. "I told you we'd meet again, but its Lt. Kisaragi now." He glances over. The pretty girl with auburn hair, tied in a sleek bun, stands in the entrance. He stares at her, "Hello again." She holds her hand out, "I guess we haven't had the chance to be formally introduced. I'm Lt. Maria Reyes." He nods and shakes her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you. Are you a mobile armor pilot?" She smiles and shakes her head, "No. I'm actually a Tempest Dagger pilot." Isamu stares at her "Tempest Dagger?" She nods, "It's actually a suit based on the design of your Tempest, of course it isn't as powerful as the original but it serves its purpose. Our team is composed of 3 total pilots. You in that Tempest, myself in my Dagger, and an additional Moebius pilot." Isamu nods. "So this where they store the junk." Isamu and Maria turn. A guy about 25 with blond long hair sleeked into a ponytail enters, "Lt. Reyes? Well, well, well, it's a surprise to see you again." She sighs and turns her head, "I wish I could say the same Sgt. Wentworth." He shakes his head as he shoots off a fast salute, "Still angry are we? Hi you must be the pilot of the prototype." Isamu nods, "Lt. Isamu Kisaragi." Wentworth nods and fires off a quick salute, "Sgt Duncan Wentworth. I specialize in the Moebius." Maria glances at him, "I'm surprised that you're even here Sgt. I thought you had been tossed in the Brig." Isamu glances from one to the other. Duncan laughs, "I was but I got out early for good behavior just in time to volunteer for this detail. I can't wait to start taking out some more of those coordinators." Isamu glances at him, "This mission isn't about killing coordinators." Duncan glances at him, "I know that's just a bonus." Maria sighs, "That'll be enough. We need to prepare for the possibility of engaging the enemy. Since there is a minimal crew we will each need to do our own maintenance. I suggest we get started immediately. It's a pleasure, Lt. Kisaragi. I'll see you around Wentworth." She exits. Duncan glances at her and then Isamu, "You know we probably won't run into that new ship. The place will be crawling with ZAFT." Isamu glances at Duncan. "I'm well aware of the situation Sgt. But I still have hope that it's out there. We'll talk more later." He walks out.
Rena enters her quarters. The soldiers that escort pause at the door. She turns to them and nods, "Thank you for escorting me." She nods at them they exit. Athrun rises from sitting on her bed, "Rena? Are you ok?" She glances at him, "Athrun? Have you been waiting here this whole time?" She stares at him and then glances down, "I'm sorry that I became angry with you. I was confused and upset and…" He rushes at her, "No… it's my fault… I'm sorry." He pulls her into his chest and strokes the back of her head. He whispers in her ear, "I promise I'll do anything to bring Kira to us alive. I don't want to hurt him or you." Rena nods, "I understand Athrun." She pulls back from him. "I trust you to do what's right." She smiles as she reaches up to touch his cheek and then kisses him just to the side of his lips, "You care for me and I know it." Athrun pulls back and stares at her, "Yeah… are you ok?" She stares at him, "I don't think so but..." She smiles, "I had a very insightful conversation with Cmdr Creuset." She yawns, "Although now I'm so sleepy. He's given me something to help me relax. It's made me so drowsy. I think I shouldn't have taken it since I took... my medication." Athrun stares at her, "I'm calling for the doctor..." She shakes her head, "No... don't worry about it." She crosses to her bed, "I'll just sleep it off." Athrun nods and turns, "I wanted..." Athrun glances at her. She sits on the bed, in just an over shirt. His gaze runs up legs from her calves to her thighs. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Rena tilts her head, "Is something wrong?" She moves to a kneeling position. He shakes his head, "No…" His cheeks were bright red. "Athrun?" He glances over at her. She holds her hand out to him. He stares at it and them reluctantly steps toward her. She takes his hand and then strokes his cheek with the back of her other hand. He looks up at her. She smiles at him, "Let's put aside all the bad things and be happy again." He places his hand onto hers. He looks up at her, "I want that…" Her eyes were brimming with tears. "Rena?" A tear rolls down her cheek. She seems surprised, "Oh." She stares at her moistened fingers. She looks at him, "This has been a stressful day right? I should be getting some sleep don't you think?" Athrun nods slowly. She wipes another tear from her cheek, "I'm just..." She starts to cry into her hands. "Rena?" She shakes her head, "I'm ok." She moves to get off her bed but gets a head rush. She plops back down. Athrun crosses, "Rena! Maybe you should just lie down. I'm getting the medic." She shakes her head, "No, I'm fine, really. I just need to sleep." He pulls the covers back. Rena slides in and lays back. "Good night." She caresses his face and kisses him. Athrun's eyes widen but he reciprocates. Rena slowly drifts to sleep, "I love you... Kira. Good night." She falls back against her pillow. Athrun stares at her and furrows his brow, "Good night Rena."
Kira lay back on his bed staring up at the ceiling. How had things gone so wrong? He turns on his side. Why do we have to fight? Flash. Athrun on the verge of attacking. Back. Athrun… I can't believe it, a member of ZAFT. Rena what would you say if you knew. He stares off. She had to have seen him. But she wasn't surprised. His eyes slowly shut.
"We are leaving Earth's orbit, rendezvous with Heliopolis debris E.T.A 6 hours." Isamu inside the cockpit of the Tempest messes around with the OS. He types into a keyboard.