PHASE 06

THE STOLEN SWORDS OF ZAFT

"I can't see the rest of the fleet!"

"Did the shuttle get away!"
"I think so…damn Naturals are jamming our radar!"

"Westfield can you see the Valiant or Vesalius? Westfield? Marcus? MARCUS!"

"Marcus?"

I awoke with a start as someone shook me gently by the shoulder, sitting bolt upright and almost colliding with the person's shoulder in the process.

Another nightmare. I'd lost count of how many I'd had within the past three days. My whole body was shaking madly as sweat beaded down my face.

"You alright?"

I looked up as Sara stood up to her full height over my bed, her features hidden in the semi-darkness of my personal quarters.

"I…Yes Ma'am," Had I not been only clad in a shirt and underwear, I might have jumped out of bed and stood to attention. As it was, I merely nodded, "Just a bad dream that's all," I frowned slightly, "Why are you here?"

"You're almost late for our meeting," My Commander scowled slightly, "You're just lucky I am too. I was passing by and thought I'd check if you were oversleeping…again."

"Hey!"

"…but then I saw you…dreaming…"

"I see," my mild irration disappeared as quickly as it had arrived as I clutched the thin sheets a little closer, acutely aware of exactly how undressed I actually was, "Thank you for waking me Ma'am. If you don't mind, I sort of need to get dressed."

"Yes…of course," the redhead frowned as she averted her eyes as I rose from the mattress and headed for the closet, "I didn't think you to be the type of person to have nightmares about this sort of thing Westfield. The Battle at L4, Junius Seven, what we experienced a few days back seems almost…trivial by comparison."

"I'm only human Commander," I glanced back with an eyebrow arched as Sara seemed more content to stand with her back to me then to actually leave me to get dressed, "Just because I pilot a Gundam doesn't mean I can't have nightmares…"

"They're coming round for another attack!"

"They're targeting the Gamow! They're trying to sink us one by one!"

"…I'm an engineer," I pulled a fresh pair of trousers from the rack, a part of my mind reminding me to take a shower once the meeting was adjourned, "I'm supposed to evaluate technology, not put it through its paces in actual combat scenarios. I hate war, I hate everything about it…"

"THE GAMOW IS SUNK! THEY'RE CUTTING US OFF!"

"Remain calm! All Gundam pilots keep close to the Archangel, we'll try and loose them in the Belt!"

"And yet you're still a damned good pilot Westfield," I paused at a quiet chuckle as I pulled my boots on, "Just as good as any of the other men assigned to the Gundams. You're a lousy evaluator though. Half the time our prototypes come back broken or destroyed."

"But that's the curse of the Valiant right?" I smirked darkly as I pulled my tunic over my shoulder, "Can't bring anything or anyone onto our home temporarily without it getting damaged…or killed."

"Ugh, that stupid curse nonsense," Sara flicked a strand of hair out of her face as I came up behind her, "Honestly Westfield you can't tell me that…"

Then she turned…and almost crashed into me.

For a moment silence reigned between us, azure looking up to meet with emerald in the dim light, her form visibly shrinking back as memories flashed across our minds.

Memories of Junius Seven, of arms tangled in tight embrace as her cries for her beloved Ellion echoed through the Valiant's hanger.

After a moment or eternity more, Sara turned away.

"Come on," she headed for the door, "we've got to get moving if we're going to make it on time."

"As you all know, since we were cut off from the fleet three days ago we've currently been playing a game of hide and seek with the Agamemnon class carrier and its three Gundam type mobile suits," Sarah slumped into the command chair as I joined the Archangel's remaining pilots on the Bridge's lower tier. "Thanks to a whole lot of luck on our part, we've managed to keep one step ahead of them by hiding in the Debris Belt, but it's been three days people. Our supplies are running low and we can only go round in circles so many times. We need options."

"Well how about the obvious?" Yzak folded his hands across his chest impatiently. "We set course for the PLANTs and let nothing stand in our way."

"Our current position is two thirds of the way through the Debris Belt," Mira Sanchez frowned at her display as she brought up a map of the local area, "Even at full speed, we would not reach the PLANTs for another week at most. The fact of the matter is we don't have enough supplies to last us the trip."

"Besides, I find it unlikely this Agamemnon is out by itself," Sara ran a hand through her hair in thought. "If I was in charge of this cat and mouse hunt, I'd have patrols strengthened between the Belt and the PLANTs if they wanted to make sure we didn't get the Archangel home. What are our closest options?"

"Currently we are two days sail from Earth herself," A series of lines appeared across the map at Mira's command as Yzak pouted in irritation at having his idea shot down. "According to the schematics provided by Canestro, Archangel is equipped to drop into the atmosphere. It wouldn't be hard to land within a ZAFT-aligned nation and find safety there. The only other local installations are either too far away or controlled by the Earth Alliance, like the Artemis Asteroid Base,"

"If we storm Artemis, then we could re-supply the ship and take out an Alliance installation at the same time," Dearka let the suggestion hang in the air, "I mean we still have Earth Forces Identification codes in the database right? And I bet those Naturals we have down in the Brig could be influenced to…"

"We're in no shape to mount another assault on an installation," Canestro scowled darkly, "Maybe if we still had the manpower of the other ships but not on our own. Sure we might be able to take the space dock with the Gundams, but the facility itself would be near impossible with the amount of people we have."

"Besides, we still have those civilians on board," Athrun spoke up, "Up until now we haven't put them in danger intentionally. If we actually go into combat against the Alliance without provocation, it might give several dissidents among the refugees some leverage with the others."

"Is Earth really our only option then?" Sara steeped her fingers before her as she cast her eyes across the map. "It just seems…too obvious. They're bound to have fleets waiting for us in orbit."

Yzak folded his arms, "It's a big planet. They can't have fleets stationed everywhere."

"But they don't need to patrol the entire planet, just the orbital paths over ZAFT controlled territory. We could always try getting down over an Alliance nation I guess, but to get back to ZAFT…"

"What about Orb?"

"Orb?" the whitecoat looked up at me in bewilderment, "What about Orb?"

"Well…we have Orb citizens on board right?" I pushed off towards Mira's station, changing the map to that of Earth's orbit, "Earth Alliance might be the most influence power in orbit, but Orb does keep a few ships up here to above their territory," several dots appeared over the map, white for Alliance fleets, blue for Orb, and red for ZAFT…had there been any, "It's supposed to be a deterrent to insure their homeland isn't invaded via drop pods from space. If we can get into Earth Orbit over Orb, we can broadcast our intentions and maybe seek asylum within the country."

"And what exactly would our intentions be that they would let a ZAFT ship in so willingly?"

"Simple," I smiled faintly as I turned to my unconvinced Commander, "We tell them on an open channel we're carrying refugees from Heliopolis, and we want to return them home."

"But they helped build the Archangel," Athrun frowned, "If we land in Orb…what's to stop them from freeing the prisoners we have in the Brig and taking the ship and the Gundams back from us?"

"We still have the data we collected at Heliopolis. If worst comes to worst we show them the footage of the Nelsons crashing into their colony," I frowned at the sceptical faces before me, "Look, I know this plan is hardly foolproof, but it'll be a whole lot easier getting Earth-side through Orb then it will be trying to break through the Earth Forces Fleet we all know will be waiting over ZAFT territories or plotting some suicide course over an Alliance nation. Anyway, the Orb Union is known to put its people before everything else. That's why they cling to their neutrality, why they won't attack another nation unless they are attacked first. Besides, we've put these people through enough as it is," I folded my arms stubbornly across my chest, "Seeing as our current orders are effectively out the window, I think we owe it to these people to get them safely home."

"…As you have seen from the events you have just witnessed, while the actions that led to Heliopolis' collapse were catalysed by our own forces, events that led to the colony's destruction were instigated by the Earth fleet as a form of Scorched Earth policy. Had the Alliance forces focused solely on our own warships, it is more then likely Heliopolis would have retained its structural integrity with the damage it had sustained and would still be operational today. Thank you for your kind attention, this concludes my report."

Nicol frowned as the click of Commander Le Creuset's boots coming together was lost to the sound of bickering committee members as the Supreme Council argued back and forth over the information they had just seen.

His mind however, was not in the Council chambers, rather it was digesting information he himself had only just come into contact with.

Their fleet had been divided. The Gamow had been lost with all hands, and the Archangel had been separated from the Vesalius and the Valiant. With their GINNs no match for the overwhelming force of the Alliance's remaining Gundam type machines, the two vessels had been forced to withdraw, and would return to the PLANTs by the end of the day.

Three days…he could only hope that somehow, Archangel and all those aboard were alright.

"Tell me Commander Le Creuset," a new voice rose above the arguing, causing the green-haired pilot to look up form his thoughts, "The prototype mobile suits and carrier of the Earth Forces. Are they worth all the sacrifices that were made by our ZAFT Forces in order to secure them?"

Amalfi couldn't help but stare at the voice's owner. Patrick Zala, Athrun's own father, was a man he knew from reputation only. Easily the most outspoken committee member of the council, his powerful stance and commanding voice was considered one of the many reasons he was so popular in the polls for the seat of Supreme High Chairman for the elections later in the year.

To see this man on a television was one thing, to be in his presence was another in its entirety.

"To illustrate to you their phenomenal capabilities, I have here one of our pilots." Le Creuset indicated to his companion, "He operated the machine we brought back with us from the Archangel, and has fought the three remaining suits personally. I would like permission to have Nicol Amalfi brief you on the details."

The redcoat shifted uneasily as several committee members gave each other uneasy looks, but refused to meet his own father's eyes as he sent a troubled look his son's way.

After a moment's silence Siegel Clyne's voice echoed across the Council Halls.

"I will allow Nicol Amalfi to present his report."

For a moment, fear clenched at the young pilot's heart, the urge to be sick almost overpowering as he approached the glass table that separated him from the dozen men and women that sat round the table before him.

Nicol cleared his dry throat, paused a moment more, then began as the displays lit up with data.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the PLANT Supreme Council. I have been called upon to deliver this report on the captured mobile weapons and their space carrier on behalf of my comrades who have since been separated from the homeland by the Earth Alliance OMNI Forces. In order to distinguish between these machines and our own combat units, we have designated these new mobile suits as Gundams, derived from the acronym spelt out by the machine's Operational System: General Unilateral Neuro - link Dispersive Autonomic Maneuver. As of current we have counted a total of eight of these machines, five of which are in our procession.

"To begin with, I present you with GAT-X102, codenamed the Duel. This machine was developed with close combat in mind and has a wide range of uses. It's believed to be the basis for the development of the other seven models. Like the others it is equipped with the anti-air Vulcan system, Igelstellungs. The machine carries a beam saber and a anti-beam shield. In addition this machine incorporates a feature known as phase shift armour, as does all of it's known brethren, which we have yet to test in actual combat. Prior to separation we were reprogramming its OS to maximise its potential, and judging from the specs, this machine we believe is both superior in mobility and power to ZAFT's main weapon; the GINN.

"GAT-X103 is the Buster. This machine was designed to be capable of launching long range artillery attacks. It is believed its main purpose was to provide covering fire from the rear, and to perform sniper attacks. It is not equipped with a shield, however it has a 350-millimetre gun launcher and a high energy focus beam rifle. By attaching these weapons in different combinations, one can form a hyper impulse long range sniper rifle, or an anti armour shotgun. Due to it's unique weaponry, it is one of two machines not equipped with a beam rifle.

"Next: GAT-X105, the Strike. Of the Gundams we have in our procession, we believe this one has the most offensive potential due to its ability to be wielded in various types of combat. This model's design allows it to switch its equipment using models identified as Striker Packs, designated Launcher, Sword and Aile. Aile is this machine's primary general use module, comprised of a larger thruster assembly for increased mobility as well as an extra pair of melee beam sabers stored at shoulder height for close combat purposes.

"Sword has been seen to be the least useful of the packs by its pilot Marcus Westfield due to its sole focus on close combat, incorporating a fifteen metre long anti-ship blade and beam boomerang, thus forcing it to rely on other machines to provide it with covering fire while it gets within range to attack.

"Launcher is by far the most powerful of the Striker Packs, incorporating a three hundred and twenty millimetre hyper-impulse cannon which has been observed to take down a Nelson in a single shot, in addition to a hundred and twenty millimetre anti-ship Vulcan cannon mounted on the shoulder as well as a three hundred and fifty-millimetre gun launcher.

"In addition the machine is the only known model to carry two knives in its hip section. As said before this model has the highest combat potential, but may have to have specially constructed carriers if it were to be mass-produced, such as the Archangel.

"Model number GAT-X207 is known as the Blitz, and is the only one equipped with the feature known as called Mirage Colloid, a revolutionary system in which gas particles are released over the armour's surface. In the eyes of the enemy, this machine becomes virtually invisible. This makes it affective for search and destroy missions, however one of the drawbacks is the Phase Shift armour cannot be used while the system is activated. It's believed this model was developed for Blitzkrieg warfare. It is also equipped with its own weapons; Trikeros and Gleipnir.

"Finally, GAT-X303. Codenamed the Aegis. One major characteristic is its transformation system. Its unique structural frame is fundamentally different to the other seven machines, and allows this particular model to transform into a mobile armour. While in this configuration its primary weapon is the Scylla, a 580-millimeter multi-phase energy cannon, it is also equipped with beam sabers mounted on the arms and legs as well as a beam rifle that is present for all models save for the Buster and the Blitz.

"Now for the carrier. Registration number LCAM-01XA, designation: Archangel. This four hundred and twenty metre long vessel is easily the largest vessel to be constructed by the Earth Forces, and is an extremely powerful warship and carrier capable of holding its own far better then its closest relative, the Agamemnon. Equipped with the twin barrelled beam cannons Gottfried and rail cannon Valiants, what makes this carrier so destructive are the positron blaster cannons mounted beneath the catapults named the Lohengrin. It was this weapon that blasted a hole through the side of Heliopolis and created the catalyst for the colony's destruction. Archangel is also the only vessel capable of effectively launching the Strike due to the specialised equipment allowing it to mount the Striker Packs to the mobile suit. Had we gone through with our initial plan and destroyed the carrier while taking the mobile suits, we believe the Strike would have become for less useful to us as a result.

"Regarding the three enemy Gundam suits we have encountered, our data has been scarce due to the hit and run attacks they seem to employ. What is clear however that these machines were not built at Heliopolis, neither do they appear in Archangel's Combat Database. It is our belief however that these unknown units may be second generation prototypes for the initial five models. While their weapons appear to be more advanced then anything on our captured machines, what is of a greater concern is the amount of control their pilots have over their suits. It is therefore unlikely that ordinary Naturals are at the controls, and more likely that we are going up against other Coordinators affiliated to the Alliance forces.

"This concludes my report, thank you for your attention."

"They've manufactured these abominations?" A committee member spoke up almost immediately as Nicol returned to his seat and the displays returned to the flag of ZAFT, "Those disgusting Naturals…"

"But they're only in the trial stage correct? We can hardly consider eight mobile suits a threat…"

"But if they've come this far, they're next step would be to mass produce, and with three machines still in Earth's procession there's no stopping them from finalising a working model that could rival the GINN. Are you suggesting we just sit back and wait until that happens?"

"This is a perfect indication of what the Naturals are planning for the future. They crave war, a desire to wreck havoc…"

"Silence now," Clyne's voice rose above the babble, his tone more tired then commanding, "Committee Members silence please."

"There is no one, who prefers to fight," the sound Patrick Zala's voice caused the noise of the council to end abruptly as he came to his feet, "Who among us earnestly wishes to face the battlefield? We prefer to live peacefully, gracefully and happily. That has been and will always be our only desire. But who came upon us and so ruthlessly shattered that desire?" he leaned in ominously, his eyes narrowed, "Who took our freedom away for their own selfish ambitions? Who pushes us aside to better themselves?" he rose to his full height, his fists clenched, "Who exploits the Coordinators! Who will never let us forget…the Bloody Valentine Tragedy? The nightmarish destruction of Junius Seven? Two hundred and forty-three thousand, seven hundred and twenty-one people. It has been one year since that loathsome incident which stole from us so many of our fellow citizens, yet we've pondered endlessly to find a quick solution to end this war. Our demands have been minor, however the Naturals have put our efforts to waste time and time again. We fight because it is the only way we can protect ourselves. If we may fight so we may protect, then we have no choice but to fight!"

Silence reigned as Patrick Zala returned to his seat, several Council Members nodding with agreement while others shared troubled looks.

Nicol meanwhile sat troubled in his seat, his hands clenched in his lap as his father nodded in agreement with Patrick Zala's words.

"National Defence Chairman Zala seems to have a lot of support within the Council, wouldn't you say?"

Nicol glanced at his masked Commander in the passenger seat, before returning to the road ahead, his hands clenching slightly around the car's steering wheel.

"If you're asking my opinion of him, then yes I would agree," the redcoat rolled his shoulders slightly, as though he had developed a slight ache in them, "He is right of course; we haven't asked much of the Earth Forces to call for a cease fire since the war began, but those that control the Alliance…it's like they want to exterminate Coordinators…"

"For the preservation of our blue and pure world," the green-haired pilot glanced at Le Creuset as the blond smiled gently, "Blue Cosmos, the anti-Coordinator entity that unofficially controls the Alliance council. That is their mantra, if the rumours are true."

"It seems to fit what the Alliance are trying to achieve," Nicol sighed as he stole a look at passing screens on the buildings ahead, the latest music video of their own Lacus Clyne playing clear across the PLANT, "I'm not saying Chairman Zala is wrong; if you're attacked, sometimes the only thing you can do is fight back, but still…this war's been going on for so long, and the only way peace can be obtained with constant battles is until one side is completely eradicated."

"Then what would you do Nicol, if you had the choice?" Rau regarded the pilot quietly from behind his mask, "Just put down you weapons and refuse to fight?"

"No. I will fight for as long as I need too," the redcoat smiled slightly, "Right now, all I can do is wait, and hope that somewhere amongst those that control the Alliance, there's a strong enough voice who is tired of war and willing to listen to our terms."

"I see," Le Creuset frowned, but didn't seem to want to press the matter as he changed the subject, "Well, with the Archangel missing in action, Vesalius has been ordered to fully evaluate the Blitz before the machine is taken apart. I can have another pilot assigned to it, if you would prefer to be assigned to the Valiant. I hear Captain Tandar has been assigned to the search…"

"I'll…have a think about it," Nicol frowned, "Neither ship heads out before the end of the week anyway right? Besides…there's something I have to do first."

"I hope these are alright Mrs. Zala. Athrun said they were your favourite."

The grave didn't reply, neither did Nicol expect it to as he laid the large bouquet of fresh flowers against the simple stone memorial for Lenore Zala.

"I'm sorry Athrun couldn't be here," Amalfi smiled weakly, "He's on a mission…actually…he's M.I.A. Don't worry though, I'm sure he's just fine. I mean you're watching out for him right?" he laughed nervously as he cast his light brown orbs across the row of memorial stones along which he stood, "I'm sure he likes to hope so. It's nice to think that those we've lost might still be looking out for us…"

"Do you always talk to gravestones, or is today just a bad day?"

The green-haired pilot blinked in surprise as a new voice broke the silence that had enshrouded him, a slight frown crossing his youthful features as he turned to regard the stranger that stood several rows along.

Dressed in simple civilian clothes with a pair of small bouquets of colourful flowers cradled against her chest, the young woman couldn't have been much older then he was, yet she held herself with a certain confidence that made her appear to be more experienced with life. Pale skinned with eyes of sky blue, her long dark brown hair fell to the middle of her back and was tied at the end with a barely noticeable ribbon of red at the end to keep it out of the way, a wall of russet bangs cut to fall just above her eyes, parted slightly down the middle to leave a upside down V across her forehead.

"Do you always interrupt a person in mourning?"

"Not always," the girl continued to smile as she made her way across the rows to where he stood, "But you look kinda awkward, which makes me think you don't do this thing very often," she glanced at the name on the stone, "And unless you're time in space has changed your hair colour or magically de-aged by about thirty years, your not Athrun or Patrick Zala. Which only reinforces the notion."

"Maybe I was just a close friend who wanted to bring flowers to her grave."

"Maybe, but we both know that's not true."

Nicol held the stranger's gaze for a moment more, before letting his shoulders slump.

"You got me," he smiled slightly, "The truth is, Athrun's out on a mission right now and…well he wasn't sure when he'd be getting back. So he asked me to place some flowers on his mother's grave for him," he turned to gaze at the simple stone memorial, "He'll come here eventually of course, but with Bloody Valentine coming up…"

"He wanted to send some flowers for the anniversary," he looked up at his companion in surprise.

"Y…yes."

"Hm. So," she cocked her head to one side, as though studying her companion, "Friend of Athrun Zala, green hair, and a redcoat…I'd say your Nicol Amalfi of the Le Creuset Team."

Nicol felt his jaw drop, his eyes widening to the size of saucers.

"How did you…?"

"Marcus mentioned you in his last letter," the girl grinned as she closed his mouth with a single finger, "Said you were the only guy who actually treated the 603rd's inclusion in the mission with any real enthusiasm."

"His letter? Then that means…" Amalfi frowned as the stranger walked away from him, "Are you…Marcus Westfield's girlfriend?"

"Is that what Commander Michaels called me?" he flinched slightly at the acid tone that entered the girl's voice, "That woman…No, I'm not Marcus' girlfriend. I am Shiho Hahnenfuss," she smirked over her shoulder, "I'm a friend…and his Ex-Fiancée."

For a moment she stopped, her blue eyes watching him, as though expecting him to follow.

After a moments hesitation, he quickly jogged to catch up with her.

"I didn't realise Marcus had even been engaged," Nicol glanced at his companion as they walked slowly amid the graves, "When I gave him the letter the Valiant had sent, I just thought it was a concerned friend or something. I don't suppose you'd be willing to tell me a bit about him?"

"Wouldn't you rather hear his story from him?"

"Ah…well…"

She laughed quietly as he felt his cheeks turn red.

"I'm joking. It's alright, I'll talk. I know he won't mind," Shiho smiled fondly as she held the bouquets a little closer, "I've known Marcus since he was thirteen. He moved to the PLANTs to be with his Uncle, my next door neighbour. Back then he was the quiet sort; rarely spoke, and usually kept to himself. You couldn't blame him though, not after what happened with his parents."

"His parents?"

"Naturals. Not really the bad sort," She winced slightly, "Marcus' grandparents were strong supporters of George Glenn, and his belief that Coordinators were meant to aid regular Naturals evolve and make the transition into space. As such, they had two children, a Coordinator named Robert, and a Natural named Alistair. Alistair is Marcus' father. The idea was that they would teach these two children the advantages and disadvantages of both Coordinators and Naturals, and how one was supposed to benefit the other. And it worked…to a certain extent…" she trailed off uncomfortably.

"If you don't want to talk about it…" Nicol eyed her uncertainty.

"No, it's alright," she smiled again, "Marcus doesn't really talk about his past much, but he doesn't mind when I talk about it with his other friends. If anything it makes it easier on him, because sometimes he has a hard time explaining it all. Like I said, his Grandparents' plan worked well up to a certain point. Robert and Alistair both grew up respecting each other's abilities. Alistair would even marry a similar minded Natural so he could pass on these teachings to his own children.

But when tensions began to rise to near violent levels between Naturals and Coordinators, just after Marcus' birth, things went badly wrong. Marcus is one of the last First Generation Coordinators to be born within the Atlantic Federation, of which Alistair and his wife were strong supporters. They were comfortable with the style of living within the Federation's territory, even though anti-Coordinator sentiments were at an all time high. This led to a rift between the brothers, especially when Robert wanted to take Marcus to the PLANTs due to his Coordinator status. Marcus stayed however until his twelfth birthday, whereupon he also got into a big argument with his parents. He believed if his relations trusted in George Glenn's beliefs on the purpose of Coordinators, they would have moved to one of the neutral nations where Coordinators and Naturals live together as equals, such as the Kingdom of Scandinavia or the Orb Union. His parents however believed that the current tension would eventually subside, and that moving away from the comfort they enjoyed in England was unnecessary. This rift, coupled with the racial stigma Marcus had suffered since the tensions began to rise, resulted in his decision to move to the PLANTs a year later, where his parents wouldn't be able to reach him. He never saw them again, and the only communication between them since was an angry letter from Marcus following the events of Junius Seven."

"I never realised," Nicol frowned as he turned his gaze to the row upon row of memorial stones that stretched out before them, choosing his words carefully, "What happened then, if you don't mind my asking? How did you two end up being engaged?"

Shiho laughed, "It was my father's doing really. He arranged it with Robert Westfield for more my own benefit then Marcus," she paused for a moment, "I….my parents are both Second Generation Coordinators. Which makes me a Third Generation, one of the first. I'm one of many who are born sterile, and more then likely I'll never have children of my own. That makes me less…appealing."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be," she scowled, "I don't need sympathy. These things happen, and no one could have predicted the sterility from happening so quickly. So don't be sorry."

Nicol winced, "S…sorry."

"Forget it. Marcus himself knew very few people outside of his local neighbourhood at the time, and his own Uncle felt that an arranged marriage would be good for him, and with no children to contend with he felt his nephew wouldn't fall prey to the fear of becoming like his father."

"You don't sound convinced."

"Don't get me wrong. I love Marcus, but I'm not in love with him," Shiho cast a far-off gaze across the graveyard, "He's one of my best friends, but I couldn't really see myself spending the rest of my life with him in that way. Marcus understood what I meant, but suggested we keep the engagement on for now, if anything to keep our relations happy, but if I still didn't wanted to go through with it, he wouldn't force me too. I agreed, and he went off to join ZAFT in the summer of Sixty-Eight while I finished my own education," a frown returned to the girl's features as she came to a halt before a pair of memorial stones, "But then…everything changed in the February of 70 CE, when the Earth Forces attacked Junius Seven."

It only took a quickly glance at the names on the grave stones before them for Nicol to quickly grasp what she meant.

ROBERT WESTFIELD

ELLION MICHAELS

"My family was away visiting my Aunt on Januarius Three," Shiho sighed as she knelt before the graves and carefully laid her flowers against the carved rocks , "As such I didn't loose any family members at Bloody Valentine. I lost many friends though…and Marcus lost his Uncle. Ellion Michaels is Sara Michaels' younger brother…he was fifteen years of age, and hadn't even fully completed his training at the Academy. Marcus asked that I put flowers on his grave for his commander. She rarely comes out here, probably to try and forget what the Curse of the Valiant did to her family."
"The Curse of the Valiant?"

She smirked grimly, "Ever since the Laurasia Class Carrier Valiant was assigned to the 603rd Technical Evaluation Unit, almost every temporary pilot assigned to her to evaluate new technologies has been killed during their time with them. Ellion was assigned to the Valiant in an obsolete Proto-GINN. It was the desperate measures taken by ZAFT to try and get as many units as possible out to defend the PLANTs. His death was as hard on Marcus as it was on Commander Michaels. From what I heard afterwards, he went completely berserk moments after the Proto-GINN was destroyed, and refused to be recalled until the Roosevelt was spinning debris. Junius Seven changed Marcus. I'd never seen him so angry before. I can't even repeat half the stuff he screamed into his letter to his parents. He cursed Naturals, he cursed Coordinators, he even cursed them for making them what he was. And when he was hoarse and tired from all his screaming and shouting, all he could do was break down and cry. He never heard from his remaining family again after that. I heard from my father that his parents were killed in the riots that followed the April Fools' Day Crisis," Shiho slowly rose to her feet, casting her gaze across the graves, "I…comforted him as best I could. I was even willing to go through with the marriage if Marcus still wanted it. But he didn't. in fact, he was terrified of getting close to anyone. He didn't want to risk feeling the pain he had felt at the loss of his Uncle and comrade again. My Father agreed to break off the engagement and agreed to take the blame for its abolishment. We stayed friends though, and still write to one another, just as we did before this mess began…"

"He's really lucky then," she glanced at Nichol as he smiled, "To have a friend like you."

"I like to think so," she returned the gesture, before turning her eyes to the artificial sky, "I just hope he comes back soon."

"So you know then?"

"That he's M.I.A.? Of course," Shiho smirked as her companion followed her gaze, "But Marcus Westfield has never broken a promise to me yet. So when he says he's coming to visit as soon as he can, I know he'll deliver."

"…And so, with no other orders to follow, it is the decision of the crew of the Archangel that we make the safety of all refugees aboard our top priority," I smiled at the two dozen or so faces that had gathered before me in the common area that had been set aside for our civilian passengers, "In two days we will breach the Debris Belt, and will then make best speed for Orb controlled orbit. It is our hope following this that we will be granted permission to land, and you will be reunited with friends and family shortly afterwards. All we currently ask from you right now is your continued cooperation and patience. We will update you with any relevant information as the need arises. Thank for your time and kind attention."

A flurry of chatter and murmurings stirred within the crowd as I stepped off the chair to the deck, many filing out towards their various little corners of the room as I breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Public speaking was definitely not one of my strong points, especially due to the fear I felt of the possible rumours that a certain Miss Allster might have spread about me.

"Marcus!"

The sound of my name as I made for the exit brought me to a halt as I turned round to regard the voices owner, my eyebrows hiking up in surprise as I watched Miriallia Haw quickly approach, bringing a slightly reluctant looking Flay Allster behind her.

"Miss Haw," I smiled with a courteous nod, before turning a slightly grim look on her companion, "Miss Allster."

Flay looked away uncomfortably, clearly wanting to be as far away from me as possible. Miriallia merely elbowed her sharply in response.

"Say it."

The redhead winced uneasily at her friend, before turning her sulky eyes on me.

"Mr. Westfield. I want…" she squirmed, before taking a deep cleansing breath, "I wanted to apologise for what I said to you earlier."

"Specifically?"

Allster bit her lip at her friend's prompt.

"Specifically…for calling you a liar, and the slanderous remarks I made about Coordinators in general…but I don't think I warranted getting slapped for my beliefs!" the last remark came out rushed, "But that said…I'm clearly part of a small minority, at least aboard the ship. As such I should have kept my thoughts on this matter to myself," she looked away, only for Miriallia to nudge her again. With another sigh she held out a stiff hand, "I hope you will accept this apology and we can go back to…being on civil terms."

I fought back the urge to laugh at the forced stern look that was currently etched into Allster's face. The formality of her speech was enough to allow a small private smirk to appear.

Regardless, an apology was an apology (Even if it was slightly offensive in some points) and with a careful smile, I gently took the outstretched hand and shook it firmly.

"I accept your apology Miss Allster. For what it's worth, I am sorry I backhanded you. While I think your beliefs are…misguided…I shouldn't have attacked you, and I hope you will forgive me for it."

Flay winced again, and couldn't return my gaze. But she nodded all the same, gave my hand another shake, and left without another word to join Sai at the bunks down the hall.

"Tell me Miss Haw," I glanced at Miriallia as I folded my arms across my chest, "Is she really sorry for what she said, or was she just persuaded to say those things?"

"A little of both," the brown haired girl smiled slyly, "Flay understands what the crew of the Archangel have done for us so far. She knows she'd be dead if you hadn't picked up her life pod. But when your father is the Vice-Minister of the Atlantic Federation, and your spoon-fed their anti-Coordinator propaganda on a daily basis, it's hard to break the habits of a lifetime. She just needed…a little push that's all," the smile faded slightly, "And I also wanted to apologise…for Tolle."

"Mr. Koenig? What about him?"

"His attitude…I'm sorry if he offended you with his accusations," she scowled slightly as she turned away, "He's such an idiot sometimes, I've never seen him so possessive before…"

"Well, you are an attractive young lady," her cheeks flushed scarlet as her eyes rose to meet mine again in alarm, "If you ask me, this low level jealously is a good thing," I tapped her lightly on the nose with a gentle smile, "It means he doesn't want to lose you. At least he's not making a big scene out of it."

"I…I guess so," she lowered her gaze slightly as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "It would be nice if he toned it down a bit more though."

"Well, I'm sure he won't have to worry much longer. It's only two more days until we reach Earth, and I'm sure it won't be much longer after that before you're both back save and sound in the Orb Homeland. Then he'll never have to see me again and have nothing to worry about."

"I guess so," she smiled faintly, a gesture that didn't quite meet her eyes, "It'll…be nice to see the Homeland again.

I merely smiled in return, "Well, it won't be long now. In the meantime, thank you for helping me with Miss Allster. Now, if you'll excuse me Miss Haw, I have other duties to attend to…"

"Miriallia."

"Hm?" I paused mid-turn, an eyebrow arched at the young teen before me, "Say again?"

"Miss Haw sounds…too formal," she smiled as she cocked to head to one side, "Just…Miriallia will be fine from now on, okay?"

"Erm…I don't…" I frowned slightly. I didn't want to drop formalities. I didn't mind so much that she called my by my first name, but if I did the same with her…I only called my friends by their first names. Was I…that comfortable with her?

"O…okay," I smiled shakily, "Alright then. Take care then…Miriallia."

She nodded, and smiled sweetly as I turned and headed for the door, all the while aware that Tolle Koenig's eyes were watching my every step until the doors closed behind me.

I apologise for all who were hoping for a large fight scene at the bgining of this chapter. In truth I did try to write one out, but it just seemed to be a mirror of the earlier attack in the Debries Belt. I'm also sorry for the amount of talking going on here. I didn't mean for it to be one of those infomation chapters, but it just seemed to fit.

Regarding Shiho's status as a Third Generation Coordinator, while I was researching Cosmic Era characters, I noticed next to nothing is known about Shiho's past. She always seemed like an interesting character from the suplimentry stuff she's in and it was a shame she wasn't more devloped in the actual series. I made her a Third Generation mostly because it would be different from all the other Coordinators, who are either firsts or seconds. considering the timeframe that Coordinators were first being born fifty years before the start of the series, I image Third Generations would be rare of Shiho's age, but not unheard of. But like I said, an interesting characteristic for the most part.

Thanks for reading,

Dearing