Chapter 6: The Choice

The next morning the Orb ministers informed Cagalli about the events the previous night.

'You can't be serious,' said Cagalli.

'It's true,' replied Unato. 'The Earth Forces launched an attack on the Plants and the plants defeated the Earth Forces with some type of new energy weapon. Even though the Chairman is stating that they will use their strength for defensive purposes only, the Earth Alliance has no plan on calling off this war.'

'So that's why we've decided to sign the treaty making us allies of the Atlantic Federation,' said Yuna.

'I will not allow Orb to become involved in another war,' said Cagalli.

'So you'd rather us say that we aren't part of this world and cause the Earth Alliance to declare us enemies as well?'

'Yuna, I don't think that…'

'This country isn't your play thing to run on your emotions,' interjected Yuna. 'It's time to start listening to what's best for this nation. You don't want Orb to burn again do you?'

'No, but…'

'We're signing the treaty and that's final.'

After the meeting ended Yuna walked up to Cagalli who was upset about what had just transpired.

'I'm sorry for being hard on you in there,' said Yuna as he put his arm around her shoulders. 'But I can't allow the others to think that you control everything.'

Yuna led Cagalli upstairs and sat her on a chair.

'Would you like something to drink or eat?'

'I'm fine thanks,' said Cagalli.

'You're still so young. But I promise to help look after this country and you, as your husband.'

'Yuna, I,' said Cagalli as she fondled the ring that Athrun had given her. Yuna noticed this.

'You should get some rest. The leader or a nation mustn't be tired,' said Yuna as he kissed Cagalli on the forehead before walking off, leaving her stunned at the sudden development.

Meanwhile, up in the Plants, Chairman Durandal and Athrun sat in his office discussion the events that have unfolded.

'I can't believe that the Earth Forces would resort to those measures so quickly,' said Athrun after Durandal told him about the nuke attack.

'It is terrible, I know,' replied Durandal in his monotone voice. 'But the Plants are sticking by their decision to only use our military power for defensive purposes only.'

'I could imagine that the people would be outraged by this attack and would be demanding revenge.'

'Yes, I have thought of that,' said Durandal as the video monitors all around the Plants showed the Lacus look alike.

'My friends,' said "Lacus". 'I know how you all must feel after the vicious attack by the Earth Forces. But there is no need to start uproar for retaliation. The Chairman is doing everything in his power to ensure your safety and end this war. So please, remember that we are people of peace.'

As "Lacus" finished she started singing and the population of the Plants started discussing what was said.

'She has more power over the people than I could ever hope to have,' said Durandal as he saw the look on Athrun's face. 'She is a true ambassador for peace. Come let me show you something.'

Durandal then led Athrun from his office to a shuttle that took them to the armoury. As they entered, Athrun could see the outline of a mobile suit. As the lights came on, Athrun could see that it resembled the Justice and Aegis in some ways.

'This is our latest machine,' said Durandal. 'The ZGMF-X23S Saviour. It's from the same design as the Impulse and the other mobile suits from armoury one, or so I'm told.'

As Durandal saw Athrun looking at it he continued. 'What if I told you I wanted to give you this machine?'

'What?' said Athrun.

'Of course I couldn't give it to a civilian, but if I gave it to a legendary pilot like Athrun Zala who was suddenly reinstated in ZAFT, would you use it to help bring the end to this war?'

'I don't know,' replied Athrun. 'I gave up that side of my life.'

'But you jumped into a mobile suit when Junius Seven fell.'

'That was under different circumstances.'

'I see, but I'd like you to think about it before making your decision. I'll have someone take you to your residence.'

As Athrun entered the hotel he was hit around the mid-section by a pink haired girl.

'It's so good to see you again Athrun,' said "Lacus".

'Who are you?' asked Athrun.

'I'm Meer Campbell, but when we're in public like this call me Lacus okay.'

'Alright,' replied Athrun as Meer started pulling his arm, making him follow her.

'Let's get something to eat, shall we?'

As Athrun sat down at the dining room table, Meer grabbed the menu and started reading out the meals.

'Would you like chicken or fish, Athrun?' asked Meer.

Athrun's mind was elsewhere but Meer didn't notice.

'By the way, I gave a performance today; did you happen to see it?'

'Yeah, I did,'

'And…'

'You were great, exactly like Lacus.'

'Oh that means so much coming from you Athrun. I know that the real Lacus is unable to be here so I'm just glad that the Chairman chose me to help him out until she returns. So tell me all about her. What are her likes and dislikes?'

Meer kept bombarding Athrun with questions about Lacus all through dinner, with Athrun only paying her half of his attention as he kept on going back to what Durandal had asked of him.

The next morning in Orb, Cagalli is standing at the shrine dedicated to her father and the others that gave their lives.

'I need your help father,' said Cagalli. 'I don't know if I'll be able to stop the others from signing with the Earth Alliance.'

'You know you really shouldn't walk around without a bodyguard,' came Yuna's voice.

'I'm fine,' said Cagalli as Yuna walked up to the memorial.

'You know we really should get you father and the others a better memorial then this,' said Yuna as he closed his eyes and placed his hand on his heart in respect.

'No, he'd like it like this. It's simple.'

As Cagalli and Yuna sat in the limo, Cagalli came right out with what was on her mind.

'I know you want something so you might as well spit it out,'

'You should learn to watch you language,' replied Yuna. 'I came to the memorial to pledge my solemn vow to Lord Uzumi. That I would protect Orb and his daughter with my life.'

'Yuna, it sounds as if you're.'

'It would be perfect if we had the wedding the same day we signed the treaty.'

'But I...'

Yuna noticed Cagalli holding Athrun's ring.

'It never would have worked, he's a coordinator. They're our enemy. That goes for your so called brother as well. Little girl's playtime is over. It's time to start acting like a responsible leader.'

As Athrun stood looking out the window of his apartment in the plants, there came a knock on the door. When Athrun opened it, he was hit by a silver headed man.

'Bastard, what are you doing here?'

'Yzak, Dearka?'

'Long time no see,' said Dearka.

'You asked to go outside, didn't you?' asked Yzak.

'That's right; they said they were sending someone, but you two.'

'Don't start, I got pulled off the front lines thanks to you,' said Yzak. 'And if you say we're going shopping, I'll kill you.'

'I promised myself that I'd visit the shrines of Nicol, Rusty and the others if I ever got the chance to come back here.'

The three former members of the Le Creuset Team arrived at the military cemetery and placed flowers at the grave stones of Miguel, Rusty and other friends that were killed in the first war. When they arrived at Nicol's, Athrun placed that flowers and the three saluted. They stood there for a moment before Yzak spoke.

'You know you can come back to us Athrun. I don't know how much influence I have but I can try and have you reinstated in ZAFT. Come back to your home.'

Back in Orb, a man with a scar on his face was sitting at a radio sending out a coded message.

'Come in Minerva. Orb will soon join the Earth Alliance. You must leave immediately.'

On board the Minerva the radio officer received the message.

'Captain, we're receiving another message from an unknown source.'

'Put him on,' said Gladys. 'This is Captain Gladys of the Minerva. What do you want?'

'Well it's finally nice to hear from someone out there. It's just as I told you. Orb will soon join the Earth Alliance so you will become the enemy of Orb. I'm giving you plenty of warning to get out now why you can,' said the sacred man.

'Just like Heero said,' thought Gladys. 'Who are you?'

'You ever heard of someone by the name of Andrew Waltfeld, well I'm doing this on his behalf,' said the man as a snigger came from behind. He turned to see Murrue standing there.

'The Desert Tiger,' said Gladys. 'We understand. Minerva out.'

'What should we do captain?' asked Arthur.

'Seeing how that's the second warning we have gotten to leave Orb, I've decided that we shall leave at dawn tomorrow. Please inform everyone to return to the ship at once and upgrade to condition yellow.'

'Yes man,' replied Arthur.

'Well that went well,' said Murrue as the man shut down the radio. 'Do you think they'll listen?'

'We can only hope,' said Waltfeld.

There two made their way out to the balcony as Waltfeld handed Murrue a cup of coffee.

'I mixed this one with a bit of Hawaiian Cona.'

Murrue took a sip. 'I liked yesterday's better.'

Waltfeld then took a sip himself. 'You know I think I'm beginning to understand your tastes.'

The two stood for a while; letting silence and the sound of the breeze take over.

'You know…' began Waltfeld.

'I...' started Murrue.

'Ladies first, I insist,' said Waltfeld.

'I'd like to hear the gentleman's point of view,' replied Murrue.

'With all that's going on, Kira, Lacus and I were thinking of going to the Plants. It may be the only safe place for Coordinators. We were wondering if you wanted to come with us.'

'That would be nice,' replied Murrue.

Back in the Plants, Athrun sat in his apartment, going over everything that happened. Thoughts of the past war, what Kira, Lacus, Cagalli, Heero, Yzak, and Durandal said, chased each other around his mind until he came to his decision. He walked over to the desk and picked up the phone.

'I'd like to arrange a meeting with Chairman Durandal.'

That's it for chapter 6. Read and Review.