I own nothing save my own characters and machines.

Cassandra Joule is the creation of Artificial Life Creator.

Samorei Joule and Keinn Legwitz are the creation of NukeDawg. The Black Knights idea is also his, and is used with permission.

Morgenroete dock, Onogoro Island, Orb Union

It was a very unusual group that greeted the Minerva on its arrival at Orb. First and foremost was Chief Representative Uzumi Nara Athha. Having the head of the government personally meet an arriving allied warship wasn't exactly common practice, but given that his daughter and son-in-law were onboard, it was to be expected in this case.

Beside him was one of his closest allies among the Orb nobility, Rondo Mina Sahaku. The dark-haired, crimson-eyed woman had once been a thorn in his side, but her brother's death at Cagalli's hand, along with her marriage to a former ZAFT ace, had caused her to reevaluate her goals.

Her husband stood at her elbow. At one time, Samorei Joule had worn the red uniform of a ZAFT Elite. Now he wore the black-and-gold of the Black Knights, a small group of skilled warriors that answered directly to Mina. Though his sliver hair was shorter, he bore a very close resemblance to his brother, ZAFT ace Yzak Joule.

Lacus Clyne stood out somewhat less than usual, mainly because her body double was currently in the spotlight. Not that she minded; she understood the necessity, and it gave her time to rest. At the moment, all she wanted was to see Athrun.

Two young women in ZAFT uniform stood together. Andrea Strassmeier, who had inherited command of her brother's unit, wore red, while Lia Ramius, captain of the Valkyrie and Alex's best friend, was dressed in the black and gray of a ship commander.

Last, but certainly not least, was Captain Kira Yamato, pilot of ZGMF-X10A Freedom and Orb's greatest ace. Gone was the awkward, socially inept college student of January C.E. 71. In his place stood a confident, experienced soldier, with poise befitting a member of one of the Five Noble Families. There was still a hint of innocence in his eyes, but that was perceptible to very few.

Minerva slid into its appointed place at the dock, in line with the majestic white form of the Archangel and the menacing midnight-black shape of the Valkyrie. The main hatch opened a moment later, and several officers stepped out, led by Minerva captain Talia Gladys.

Lord Uzumi stepped forward. "Welcome to Orb, Captain Gladys. I understand your journey was somewhat eventful."

"That's a rather serious understatement, sir," Talia said, clasping his hand. "At the moment, my crew is in desperate need for some R&R."

"And the ship is in desperate need of some repairs," Lia observed. She looked at the other white-uniformed ZAFT officer. "Nice to see you in one piece, Alex. You're lucky you're still alive after what happened at Junius Seven."

Alex gave her a pained look. "Cagalli and Yzak both read me the riot act on that incident. I admit I was overconfident, and paid for it. It will not happen again."

"It better not," Sam said, his expression not quite a glare. "You're supposed to be one of ZAFT's top aces, not some rookie who gets in over his head."

"Sam's right," Andrea put in. There was no almost about her expression; it was a glare. "You pull a stunt like that again and I swear I'll beat you senseless!"

Alex held up his hands. "All right, all right. I told you it won't happen again."

His sister glared for a heartbeat longer, then came forward and hugged him. "Good."

Talia and Arthur Trine looked on in some bemusement. It was unusual, to say the least, for Alex Strassmeier to be in such a situation in public. He'd gone from an emotionless warrior to what looked like nothing so much as an aggrieved schoolboy.

"Theirs is an odd family," Uzumi murmured. "I knew Alex's father, and he was far from normal, even for a Coordinator."

"I…see," Talia replied, wincing as Cagalli tackled her brother, almost knocking him over. Lacus and Athrun, meanwhile, were conversing in quiet tones. "Anyway, Lord Uzumi, we have a lot to discuss."

Uzumi nodded. "I anticipated that."

Athha residence, Uzumi's office

A few minutes later, Uzumi was looking grim. "I see. We had received report of Earth Forces interference, but the reappearance of the Providence is even more ominous."

"That doesn't mean that it's Le Creuset," Murrue Ramius said. She arrived minutes earlier, accompanied by Natarle Badgiruel, Andrew Waltfeld, and Erica Simmons. "For all we know, it could have been an AI."

Alex shook his head firmly. "It was no AI, Murrue. I could sense the pilot; that alone proves that there was a human in there, and one with the same powers as Mu and me. Whether it was Rau Le Creuset himself is open to question; that the pilot was human is not."

"He's right," Simmons said. "An AI is by its very nature predictable, that's why we don't rely only on simulations for training. A simulator can prepare you to fight against a machine; it cannot prepare you to fight against a man."

Uzumi's brother, Homura, looked puzzled. "Why is that?"

"It is impossible for a computer to truly duplicate the human factor," Alex told him. "For one simple reason: computers cannot think. Without that ability, any simulation is at best a partial solution."

Homura nodded. "I see."

"In any case, this is only one of many dilemmas," Uzumi said. "Even if it is Rau Le Creuset, he is only one man in a single mobile suit."

Talia leaned forward. "Has there been any official response from the Alliance, sir?"

"Nothing public, but I will be meeting with the Atlantic Federation's ambassador tomorrow," Uzumi said, unable to suppress a grimace. "I expect it will be decidedly unpleasant."

"That still leaves Eurasia, the South African Union, and the Republic of East Asia," Natarle said.

Alex snorted derisively. "The Atlantic Federation is the only real power player left in the Alliance, Natarle. Eurasia still hasn't recovered from Spit Break; frankly, I doubt they ever will."

Waltfeld raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"

Alex stood and began to pace. "The Eurasian Federation has never been truly united to begin with. Now they're fracturing. National pride, rivalries, hatreds that predate the discovery of the New World, all begin to reassert themselves."

"Kyoji Seiran has been saying the same thing," Uzumi said. "I have to agree, I'm afraid."

"Unfortunately, that doesn't help us much." Alex was still pacing. "The resources the Atlantic Federation can bring to bear alone dwarf Orb and the PLANTs combined. Add in East Asia and South Africa…"

Mu winced. "You're saying we're sunk."

Alex shook his head. "I'm saying that we have a long road ahead." He sat again. "Heretofore, the Earth Alliance has, with rare exceptions, shown a distinct penchant for quantity over quality. Sooner or later that will change, and things will get very bloody."

"Alex is right," Natarle said, more than a little grim herself. "If the Earth Forces, who already have a significant numerical advantage, are able to reach qualitative parity…"

Uzumi closed his eyes. "Then they will be almost impossible to stop."

"And they may well have the means to achieve it," Alex said, "thanks to Armory One."

"What could they get from the Second Stage machines?" Homura asked, turning to Talia.

She winced. "They already have Variable Phase-shift, but reverse engineering the Second Stage models will at the very least allow them to duplicate our new weapon systems and the deuterion-beam recharge system."

"And that's on top of whatever they might be cooking up on their own," Alex said. "Still, that doesn't mean we have no hope. Reverse engineering, duplicating, and mass producing new technology takes time. If we strike fast and hard, we should be able to at least contain the damage."

"In short, a protracted conflict would be to the Alliance's advantage," Uzumi said. "However, there may not be a conflict at all. I understand it is unlikely we can avoid it," he added, holding up a hand to forestall an angry comment from Alex. "However, the diplomatic approach must be tried first. If there is any way to avoid bloodshed without submitting to the Alliance, then as Chief Representative it is my duty to take that road."

Mollified, Alex nodded. "Of course, sir."

"That being said, I agree that it is highly unlikely we will be able to avoid a war," Uzumi continued. "In light of that, Orb forces will be placed on full alert." He looked at Alex, Athrun, Waltfeld, and Talia, the senior ZAFT officers present. "You may inform Chairman Clyne and the Council that Orb will carry out its obligations as an ally of the PLANTs without fail."

"Thank you, sir," Talia said.

Uzumi smiled. "Now you should get some rest. I have no doubt that you are just as exhausted as your crew."

The meeting broke up. Alex and Cagalli had the shortest trip to make; since Cagalli was an Athha, all they had to do was walk down a hall and up a flight of stairs. Alex, for his part, was glad of it; after the colony drop, all he wanted was to sleep for a week.

He had a feeling he was going to need it.

Victoria Base, South African Union

There's only one thing I'm not going to like about this assignment, Jean-Pierre thought, and that's the climate. The heat of central Africa, even somewhat moderated by a breeze over Lake Victoria, wasn't exactly appealing to a native of Montreal.

However, the good far outweighed the bad as far as he was concerned. He'd been transferred off the Seraphim almost the moment they reached Earth, and sent to Victoria Base with a new mission. Jean-Pierre was delighted on several counts; he got a two-rank promotion, and he escaped Neo Roanoke, Xavier Hunter, and Gustav Krieger the Nazi all in one fell swoop.

His new assignment was simple: Assemble and train a new mobile suit squadron, equipped with one of the Alliance's newest units. Unlike the still-secret GAT-04 Windam, which was a multirole machine, the GAT-01DX Duel Stiletto had one purpose, to destroy other mobile suits. As such, its armament was somewhat lacking compared to a 105 Dagger or Windam, just a rifle, sabers, and CIWS.

Proof that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Jean-Pierre had seen the specs for the Stiletto, and was looking forward to seeing them in action.

To his surprise, the base CO was there to greet him in person. "Welcome to Victoria Base, Commander La Flaga," the admiral said.

Jean-Pierre saluted. "Thank you, Admiral Benton," he said. "It's in honor to meet you." Irving Benton was quite possibly one of the most famous officers still with the Atlantic Federation.He'd commanded a Nelson-class warship at Jachin, and destroyed two Nazca-class destroyers before the stolen Blitz Gundam had filled his ship full of holes. Only Benton's leadership and drive had kept what was left of his crew alive.

Some might have seen his assignment command a ground base to be a slap in the face. Benton and Jean-Pierre both knew better.

"At ease, Commander," Benton said. "We have much to do."

Jean-Pierre nodded, falling into step with the admiral. "My orders say that I'm to form a new squadron, equipped with the latest Duel variant."

"Correct. We've already scraped up an experienced XO for you, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Markinson."

"I know the name," Jean-Pierre said. "The only Strike Dagger ace, isn't he?"

Benton nodded. "He shot down five of Orb's M1 Astrays. It would have been six, but he had the misfortune of running into Shiho Hahnenfuss. He barely escaped with his life."

Jean-Pierre whistled. "Five M1s with a basic Strike Dagger, that's better than I'd heard. Not to mention surviving a fight with a CGUE DEEP Arms."

"He had help," the admiral said. "Three 105s came to his rescue. They were destroyed by the Freedom shortly thereafter, but Markinson had returned to his ship by then." Benton's lip twisted. "My ship, as it happened; he was the sole survivor of our squadron."

Jean-Pierre shook his head. "What a disaster."

"Jachin was one disaster after another," Benton said. "Mind you, I have nothing against Coordinators, and I certainly don't condone the nuclear attack on Junius Seven, but the fact remains that the PLANTs were subservient to the sponsor nations."

The young pilot shot a startled look at his superior. "Are you saying it was a mistake to grant them their independence, sir?"

An emphatic nod. "Those space colonies were built with funding from various Earth nations. That alone means that sovereignty rightly belongs to the Alliance. I have no problem with allowing them a certain amount of autonomy, but ultimate sovereignty belongs to us."

"I see," Jean-Pierre said. He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Admiral, do you believe we should reassert authority over the PLANTs?"

Benton smiled. "You needn't be quite so diffident, Commander. Your mission is very important to the Alliance, so you have a bit more leeway than your relatively junior rank would imply." He waved a hand. "In answer to your question, that is precisely the position I take. The people of the PLANTs rebelled, and instead of punishing them, we rewarded them by recognizing their independence." He shook his head. "Never reward lawbreaking, Commander. It only encourages more of the same."

"I'll bear that in mind," Jean-Pierre said.

"That being said, I do not claim that the sponsor nations were blameless," Benton went on. "We were wrong to keep them demilitarized, thus leaving them vulnerable to Blue Cosmos, and we were also wrong to prohibit them from growing their own food."

Jean-Pierre nodded. He agreed with pretty much everything so far. "What about Orb?"

Benton shrugged. "So long as they maintained their neutrality, I had nothing against them. I have no use for this 'inherent responsibilities as a nation of Earth' garbage that the government used in the last war, and will probably use in this war."

"And with about the same effect," Jean-Pierre said sourly. "Athha hated our guts even before his daughter fell for that ZAFT ace. He's not going to go for it, Admiral."

"I know," Benton said sadly. "Much as I dislike it, we will have to go after Orb. Neutral is one thing, actively aiding the PLANTs is something else entirely. If they're not with us, then they should stay out of it entirely."

"Agreed, sir."

They reached the mobile suit hangar, where Jean-Pierre's Rapier Gundam was already being moved. Eleven other mobile suits were visible, painted dark blue with gray trim. The GAT-01DX Duel Stiletto was the latest design based on the GAT-X102 Duel Gundam. It made up for its light armament with increased mobility; indeed, despite the complete lack of anything remotely resembling an airfoil, the Duel Stiletto was quite possibly the most maneuverable non-Gundam unit the Alliance had ever produced.

"I look forward to seeing those in action," Jean-Pierre said softly.

"You will soon enough," Benton told him. "This is the only mass-production model we have that can even come close to the mobility of Orb's Murasame, and yours will be the first squadron to use them."

Jean-Pierre nodded, this time not speaking. He was looking forward to it, all right. He couldn't wait to show Orb and ZAFT that they weren't the only ones who had mastered the art of mobile suit warfare. They'd been too confident for far too long.

Soon, he thought. Soon.

Streets of Orb capital

It was a measure of how much things had changed in the space of two and a half years that five ZAFT soldiers, four of them elites, could walk the streets of Orb's capital and not draw more than an occasional glance. As it was, Shinn and his friends weren't the only ZAFT people in sight; he recognized a couple of classmates who'd wound up assigned to an amphibious unit based in Orb, piloting the new UMF/SSO-3 ASH.

"Nice place," Keinn commented, looking around appreciatively. "Kinda hard to get used to, though."

Shinn looked at him over his shoulder. "Is this your first time on-planet, Keinn?"

"It's the first time for all of us, I think," Rey said quietly, glancing at the Hawkes. "We were all born and raised in the PLANTs, after all."

"Rey's right," Luna said. "We're not used to this kind of wide open space."

Shinn nodded. He recalled Alex telling him about one of his classmates, Kuzzey Buskirk. A resident of the now-destroyed Heliopolis colony literally since birth, Kuzzey had had difficulty adjusting to Earth, particularly once they began their ocean crossing.

Meyrin appeared to be enjoying herself. The cheerful redhead was fascinated by the sights; she'd heard a lot about Orb, mainly from Shinn, and had long wanted to see the place firsthand. Now that the opportunity had arrived, she was having the time of her life.

"Hey, Shinn," Keinn said. "Isn't this where you saw that parade back in 71?"

"Yeah," Shinn said. "It's a big part of why I joined ZAFT." He smiled at the memory. "A whole bunch of mobile suits came through. I'd never seen anything like it."

Nor had anyone else in Orb. Mobile suits in general were still a relatively new phenomenon in Orb at that point. The sight of so many at once, even though most were ZAFT models, had resulted in an upsurge in military enlistment. Of course, just because a machine was ZAFT-built didn't make it a ZAFT unit; Kira Yamato's Freedom was an example, and Orb had recently purchased the ASH.

"This really is a nice place," Luna remarked.

"The Land of Peace," Keinn said, his arms stretched out expansively. "'Course, I'm not sure how peaceful it can be when it's got people like Lady Cagalli, meaning no disrespect to her."

Shinn laughed. "Don't worry about that, Keinn. I don't think she's ever even pretended to be peaceful."

"Point."

Shinn sat on a nearby bench. Aside from the number of ZAFT people visible, Orb hadn't changed much. People went about their business as they always had, the main difference being that they cared more about what happened outside their homeland. Pro-PLANT sentiment was very much in evidence.

His friends, PLANT natives all, found that very reassuring. None of them were afflicted with the anti-Natural prejudice of Zala and his ilk, and all were painfully aware of the PLANTs' strength relative to the Earth Forces. Allies of any kind were welcome.

"Looking at this place, you'd never know we're on the brink of another war," Meyrin said. She was somewhat wide-eyed.

"Don't read too much into it, Meyrin," Rey advised. "It might not look like it, but for all practical purposes Orb is a fortress. That was true even before we allied with them; now…" He didn't need to finish.

Meyrin nodded. She recalled that much from her time at the Academy; the Battle of Orb was required study even for people who would never be sent into combat. The combination of Orb's M1s, the Archangel, and Kira Yamato's legendary prowess with the Freedom were more than enough to give the Earth Forces fits, even without ZAFT added.

"This is what we joined ZAFT to protect," Keinn said, unusually serious. "Our homeland, and our friends," that last with a nod at Shinn, an Orb native.

Shinn smiled. "That's right. I won't let the Earth Forces touch my homeland again."

Orb Parliament Building, Chief Representative's Office

Judging by what Alex could see of his expression, Ambassador Leonard Phillips was not a happy man. No surprise; the message he had to deliver was reportedly more of an ultimatum, so Alex's presence in full uniform, FAITH insignia clearly visible, was unlikely to be a welcome sight. Considering that having Alex there was a not-so-subtle reminder of where Orb's loyalties lay, Uzumi didn't care if the ambassador liked it.

I give it five minutes at most before Phillips objects, Alex though. At which point there was a very real chance of an explosion; Cagalli sat next to Alex, trying not to glare at the ambassador.

"I understand you have an urgent matter to discuss with me, Mister Ambassador," Uzumi said.

Phillips nodded. "I do indeed, Lord Uzumi." He gave Alex a disapproving look. "In private."

That was even faster than I thought. Alex's eyes narrowed imperceptibly. Not exactly subtle, either. What's going on?

"Commander Strassmeier is my son-in-law, and a high-ranking member of an allied military force," Uzumi said coldly. "As such, he would learn of what was said here regardless." He met the other's gaze. "That is my final word on this subject."

"As you wish." Phillips cleared his throat. "In light of the recent 'Break the World' incident, the Atlantic Federation and the Earth Alliance at large has been forced to reevaluate our relations with the PLANTs."

Uzumi tilted his head. "Reevaluate in what way?"

Phillips shrugged. "It is plain that ZAFT was behind the colony drop; we have confirmation of ZAFT mobile suits placing flare motors on the fragment used." He stepped forward and placed a photo on Uzumi's desk. "This was taken by one of our pilots."

Uzumi gazed at it for a moment. "Commander Strassmeier, do you recognize this machine?"

Alex moved to examine the photo, knowing what he would see. "That, sir, is a ZGMF-1017M2 GINN High Maneuver Type II," he said. He gave Phillips a sharp glance. "An obsolete unit, retired in July C.E. 72 once production of the ZGMF-1000 ZAKU hit its stride."

"So it wasn't a ZAFT unit," Uzumi said.

"Ex-ZAFT, actually," Alex told him. "The only GINNs currently in ZAFT service are trainers and a few ceremonial units. None are employed in combat roles."

Uzumi nodded. "Thank you," he said, and turned back to the ambassador. "Commander Strassmeier disagrees with your interpretation, Ambassador, and he is certainly in a position to know."

"He is also in a position to say what his superiors tell him to say," Phillips reposted. "This proves nothing."

Cagalli flushed. "Ambassador, Alex and I were both there. Alex personally shot down several of those GINNs, and then your people got in the way."

"And what of the appearance of the Providence?" Phillips asked.

Alex fixed him with a cold gaze. "Ambassador, that machine attacked Cagalli, Athrun Zala, and myself. That alone proves that it wasn't a ZAFT machine. It certainly wasn't when in the hands of its original pilot; Rau Le Creuset was a traitor."

"Granted," Phillips said. "The fact remains, however, that ZAFT forces were observed at the colony fragment. That alone is sufficient to warrant action."

Uzumi's eyes narrowed. "What kind of action?"

"Well, obviously we don't want war," Phillips said, lying through his teeth. "Therefore, my government will demand that the 'Supreme Council' turn over those responsible."

Cagalli's eyes flashed. "That'll be tough, since they're all dead."

"If that demand is refused," Phillips continued, ignoring her, "then we will have no choice but to open hostilities."

Uzumi seemed to twitch. "In which case you will be fighting Orb as well."

"Not necessarily," Phillips said, pointedly ignoring Cagalli's astonished look. Now he was coming to the point. "The Atlantic Federation would like to extend an invitation to the Orb Union to join the Earth Alliance."

The room was utterly silent for a full minute. Uzumi, despite being a consummate politician, was visibly astonished, and Cagalli was openly gaping. Even Alex, though he kept his expressionless mask in place, was startled; he'd never expected anything quite like that offer.

"Out of the question," Uzumi said at last. "I accepted Chairman Clyne's offer during the war because I knew that Orb could not stay out of it forever, and because our ideals were and remain the same. There was also the information Admiral Halberton brought with him, as well as Andrea Strassmeier's experiences." He nodded at Alex. "And Orb and the PLANTs are bound by more than political ties."

It was the ambassador's turn to be surprised. He hadn't been expecting a response quite that blunt. "I see," he said, forcing himself back on balance. "Still, Chairman Clyne's ideals may not be what he claims they are. As for Lady Cagalli, she could always obtain a divorce."

The last line very nearly sparked an explosion. Uzumi himself was too shocked at the incredible breach of normal diplomatic conduct. Cagalli wasn't so restrained; she flushed bright red. "Youbastard-" she began.

Alex laid a hand on her arm. "Calmly, Cagalli," he murmured, before turning his ice-blue gaze on Phillips. "Mister Ambassador, as a native of the PLANTs I have heard many outrageous suggestions from Alliance officials, but that was still enough to astonish me."

"Your marriage was political," Phillips said.

"The timing of the engagement was political, not the fact of our relationship," Alex countered. "It would have happened even if there had been no such consideration at all."

"In any case, it doesn't matter," Uzumi said, finding his voice again. "While I still live, the Orb Union will never join the Earth Alliance."

Phillips stiffened. "Is that your final word?"

"It is," Uzumi said coldly.

Phillips sighed. "Very well, then. I fear that this will mean hostilities between our nations." He bowed and departed.

Supreme Council Chamber, Aprilius One, PLANTs

Even as Uzumi met with the Atlantic Federation ambassador, Orb's ally at LaGrange point Five received a message of its own from the Earth Alliance. As could be expected, it was much less charitable, and much more threatening.

"So let me get this straight," Tad Elsman said. "The Earth Alliance is demanding that we turn over the perpetrators of 'Break the World', disarm ZAFT, and all of us resign?"

Siegel Clyne nodded. "That is an accurate summary."

"Bastards!" Ezalia Joule hammered a fist on the table. A flicker of pain was briefly visible in her eyes as she thought of her beloved sister, murdered by the Atlantic Federation. "This is nothing less than a demand that we surrender our hard-won independence!"

"I agree," Yuri Amalfi said. "Since the perpetrators are dead, we can hardly hand them over, and disarming ZAFT would leave us vulnerable to anyone who wanted to attack us."

Eileen Canaver nodded. "I understand Orb has been asked to join the Earth Alliance; the Atlantic Federation ambassador is supposed to be meeting with Lord Uzumi about now."

"It won't work," Elsman said flatly. "He knows that Blue Cosmos effectively controls the Earth Alliance, and of course Commander Strassmeier is married to his daughter. There's no doubt where his sympathies lie."

"Representative Elsman is correct," Siegel said. "Lord Uzumi has already sent word that Orb will carry out its obligations as an ally without fail."

The release of tension at that was almost palpable. Though the Earth Forces would still have a considerable advantage in numbers, having Orb and its advanced technology -not to mention Kira Yamato and the Freedom Gundam- on their side would go far towards offsetting that edge. It would still be hard, they all knew, but not as hard as if they'd been alone.

"If Uzumi will support us, then we have only to hold up our end," Gilbert Durandal said, speaking for the first time.

Ezalia nodded firmly. "Orb has two squadrons of mobile suits, one each of Astray Strikes and the new Murasames, stationed at Jachin. In addition to that, Kyoji Seiran brought a special mobile suit with him, and has made clear his willingness to fight in the PLANTs' defense."

Siegel stood. "I hope to achieve a negotiated settlement. However, in case that fails, which sadly is quite likely, ZAFT will be mobilized."

"Are you sure about that?" Durandal asked. "The Earth Forces may see it as a hostile act."

"And this ultimatum isn't?" Elsman countered. "Face it, Representative Durandal, the Earth Forces have been scheming against us from the very start. Even if Break the World hadn't happened, they would've found another excuse to declare war."

Siegel sighed. "I have to agree with Representative Elsman. This was inevitable; so long as Blue Cosmos remains in control of the Earth Alliance, we will not be truly safe." His expression hardened. "I want peace, as I am sure all of you do. However, peace bought at the expense of everything so many of our people gave their lives to attain is not true peace."

He looked at each Council member in turn. "Make no mistake, Ladies and Gentlemen. Though we desire peace, we will not yield to the Earth Forces."

The faces that looked back at him all showed agreement, though somewhat reluctantly in Durandal's case. All of them knew what surrender would mean. Loss of the PLANTs' autonomy. Very possibly the imprisonment of the Supreme Council. And eventually, if Blue Cosmos had its way, wholesale slaughter of the PLANTs' Coordinator population.

"We will not yield," Siegel repeated. "We will not surrender that which so many died to secure."

"No turning back now," Kyoji Seiran murmured. He and Meer Campbell had watched the meeting from an anteroom just off the Council chamber. "It'll be war for sure."

Meer looked up at him. "Are you sure, Kyoji?"

"I visited the PLANTs about a week before the Copernicus bombing," Kyoji told her. "This has the same atmosphere."

"I see." Meer turned back to the screen. "How long do you think it will be?"

Kyoji closed his eyes. "A couple of weeks at the most."

This time Meer made no reply. She just squeezed his shoulder.

Athha residence, dining room

As a noble of Orb, Uzumi of course employed a cook. Normally, it would be that cook who prepared meals, both for the Athha family and for any guests. In this case, however, the man doing the cooking was Uzumi's son-in-law, whose passion for seafood had become almost as much of a legend in ZAFT as Andrew Waltfeld's addiction to coffee.

The family cook didn't really mind. He understood that Alex was very particular about his seafood.

"Let me get this straight," Athrun said, looking at Cagalli. "Not only did the Atlantic Federation ambassador ask Orb to join the Earth Alliance, but he actually suggested that you and Alex get a divorce?"

She nodded, visibly disgusted. "He said that our marriage was political, meaning that we could dissolve it easily for the good of the country."

"Those bastards!" Flay Allster snarled. "Alex has been through hell -because of the Atlantic Federation- and now they have the gall to ask him to get a divorce!?"

Samorei Joule laughed harshly. "That bastard was wasting his time. There's a better chance of the Earth Forces taking a collective bath in a vat of acid than of those two getting a divorce."

Kira Yamato chuckled. "You got that right," he said, smiling affectionately at his sister. "They're both too stubborn for their own good."

"Stubbornness is a Joule family trait," Rondo Mina Sahaku noted. "Sam, Yzak, Alex, and Andrea all have it. And Cagalli, of course, is famous for being somewhat bullheaded."

Cagalli rolled her eyes, while Andrea Strassmeier stuck out her tongue at the dark-haired Orb noble.

"Speaking of marriages," Lacus said, turning to Flay, "congratulations on your engagement."

Kira and Flay both blushed. The two of them had announced their engagement without any fanfare. Indeed, Flay had displayed an aversion to publicity completely foreign to her earlier self. Kira had agreed, despite being an Orb noble by default as well as a famous ace. He definitely didn't want his engagement to be announced in a newspaper or some such.

"Thanks," Flay said after a moment.

"The only reason they took so long was because of Flay's age," Alex said, walking in beside a kitchen robot. The machine's function was to carry food trays, and since Alex had several people to cook for, it came in handy. "They'd already be married if it wasn't for that," he went on, setting several trays on the table.

Cagalli took a plateful of what appeared to be shark; Alex took some delight in the irony of cooking the same sort of creature that cost him his arm years before. She herself hadn't been much into seafood before, but her marriage to ZAFT's biggest enthusiast had changed that. Besides, he made it nice and spicy.

"I still don't get how you can stand stuff that hot," Andrea said.

Cagalli glanced at her sidelong. Ever since their stay in the PLANTs late in the previous war, Andrea had been ragging her over her taste for spices. "I like it. You got a problem with that?"

"I think you're crazy, but we knew that years ago," Andrea said with a shrug. "Alex is the same, but then he's so cold he probably doesn't even notice."

Alex swallowed. "More correctly, Sis, I prefer it strong enough to grab my attention. As you well know." He took another bite. "It helps that Cagalli and I have similar tastes."

His sister shook her head. "At least you're not into mollusks, like Sam here," she said, waving at their cousin."

Sam shot her a dirty look. "It's called calamari, Andrea," he told her in a mock-angry tone. "And Alex makes it just the way I like it."

"I know, I know," Andrea said, laughing.

Everyone else laughed at that. Andrea had a way of lifting people's spirits, often by doing something most people would consider completely insane. While teasing Samorei Joule wasn't exactly insane (especially since the two were very close), the results were still amusing.

"I still don't get it," Kira mused. "Why would that ambassador suggest that Alex and Cagalli get a divorce? Isn't that a bit undiplomatic?"

Sam, Athrun, and Alex rolled their eyes in almost perfect unison. "When the Earth Alliance feels like its threatened, they don't usually care about being polite," Athrun said. "Remember their ultimatum back in 71."

"He's right," Alex said. "Captain Gladys relayed a message from the Homeland about an hour ago."

Cagalli's eyes narrowed. "What kind of message?"

"They demanded that the PLANTs turn over those responsible for Break the World and disarm ZAFT, and that the entire Supreme Council resign," Alex said, visibly disgusted.

Lacus closed her eyes. "Then there will be war," she said softly. "My father will never give in -nor should he- but the Alliance will never accept a refusal."

Athrun squeezed her hand. "I don't like this any more than you do, Lacus. I'll I can say is that we'll do what we have to do."

She squeezed back. "I know. I wish it didn't have to be done, but I understand."

"There's also another faction out there," Kira said. "Athrun, you said the Providence appeared at Junius Seven?" He sounded disturbed, which surprised no one. After all, he'd fought Rau Le Creuset at Jachin.

"Yeah," Athrun said. "It kept Alex, Cagalli, and me at bay the whole time. It was like whoever that guy was, he was playing with us."

Kira swallowed nervously. "Could it have been an AI?"

Alex shook his head. "I've been over this twice, Kira. I sensed the pilot; that alone proves that there was a human inside that thing. Not to mention the fact that no AI could possibly have fought off three ace pilots like that." He shrugged. "Is it Rau Le Creuset? I don't know. All I know is that the pilot is not someone to take lightly."

Kira winced. He still had nightmares about Jachin. He didn't like the idea of facing the Providence again. Nevertheless, if it came to that, he would do it. He defeated it once, so he knew he could do it again if necessary.

Alex had turned back to his meal. "Right now, my main concern is that we be well fed when the fighting starts," he said, deadpan.

Kira grinned, and a chuckle ran around the table. "Yeah, you're right."

Main hangar, Morgenroete testing ground, Onogoro Island

Keinn Legwitz hadn't been so puzzled since Andrea had stuffed a dead fish in his pillowcase at the Academy. He'd been ordered to report to the hangar, there to meet a ZAFT transport. The reason this puzzled him was the fact that he'd been specifically told that he was not being transferred off the Minerva.

He didn't like being puzzled.

"Any idea what's going on, Keinn?" Luna asked. She, along with Shinn and Rey, had dropped in when they heard. Luna and Shinn were simply curious; no one knew why Rey had come along.

Keinn shook his head. "Not a clue. They just told me to meet that transport."

"It looks like a mobile suit transport," Rey said, frowning slightly. "I wonder…"

The huge potbellied aircraft came to a stop. A hatch on the side opened, and a man in ZAFT green stepped out.

"You're Keinn Legwitz?" he said, stopping in front of the four elites.

Keinn nodded. "Yeah. I had orders to report here, but they didn't say why."

The older man smiled. "I'm here to deliver something important." He activated a wrist comm. "Roll it out," he said.

The transport's main cargo hatch opened. A tractor-trailer type vehicle rolled down the ramp, towing what was unmistakably a mobile suit. Moreover, the mobile suit was a dull gray, the mark of a machine equipped with Phase-shift armor. It was, clearly, a Gundam.

"What is that?" Keinn whispered.

The ZAFT green's smile widened. "Mister Legwitz, that is your new machine. ZGMF-X23S Savior, the last of the Second Stage units. It has been assigned to you in recognition of your performance at Armory One and Junius Seven."

Keinn gazed at it for a long moment. He could see a resemblance to the Murasame -it was obviously a transformable machine that could fly in atmosphere- but it was more heavily armed, with two beam sabers and four canons of two different types. Everything about it just shrieked, deadly.

"I can't wait to try that thing out," he said softly. He heard Shinn, Luna, and Rey congratulating him, but it barely registered. He was too focused on his new machine, taking in every line.

Keinn was going to enjoy his next battle.

Author's note: The Minerva reaches Orb, and its crew has a chance to rest. It may well be their last chance for quite a while. Meanwhile, Keinn joins the ranks of Gundam pilots, and Jean-Pierre La Flaga gets a new assignment.

Sorry for the lack of action. The next chapter should make up for it, as the nuclear attack on the PLANTs is imminent.