Author's Note- Just a reminder so I don't get sued. I do not know Stargate SG-1 or Gundam Seed, or anything else mentioned in the following story. If you need money please sue someone else. Happy Labor Day
Chapter 6- Down to Business
Ughh… there she goes again. Luna was never this sea sick on the Minerva. Meyrin had the joy of waking up to the lovely sound of her sister losing her stomach for the third day in a row. The Phoenix was currently cruising through the Federated States of Micronesia, partly submerged using the exposed upper superstructure and extended solar sail to appear like a pleasure yacht in case anyone got to close.
"Knew I shouldn't have eaten the sushi last night," Luna groaned praying to the porcelain bowl.
"You alright in there?" Meyrin asked.
"I'll be fine… Bleeaaaa," Luna called back as another round of retching started.
"That's the last time I'm eating Shinji's sushi," Luna said as she staggered out of the bathroom.
"That's odd, I had the sushi to and I didn't get sick," Meyrin replied. "Are you going to be ok to fly?"
"I'll be fine," Luna replied. "I'm more worried about the plan to slip in under their radar system."
"I know, but at least we will be off the ship for a while," Meyrin replied.
"True and I don't have to go to school again," Luna giggled.
"Why me," Meyrin groaned as they headed for the hangar. "I already graduated with top marks from the ZAFT academy."
"And yet I was the red shirt, little sister," Luna said.
"Yeah, yeah, you're just lucky I didn't want to be a pilot," Meyrin shot back.
"Anyway we need you to make nice with any of the kids whose parents might work at the base, and you'll be the communications officer for the mission." Luna explained.
"I know I just wish I didn't have to go back to school again," Meyrin pouted.
"Hey, at least you don't have to pretend to be married to Otto," Luna quipped.
"True," Meyrin said nodding agreement.
"Hey honey you ready to go," Otto called out standing next to the cosmo graspers while Luna scowled back.
"Why do you get to be married to her?" Ile griped.
"Because, she is less likely to kill me," Otto replied.
"And you better not try anything," Lisa said.
"They won't if they know what's good for them," Nene said from behind the plane loading the last bits of equipment into the missile bays.
"We're almost in position here Tessa, are they ready to go," Cagali said over the com as Tessa watched the last few pieces of cargo loaded into Proto-Savior. While it wasn't anything close to aerodynamic, the massive power output of the nuclear powered machine more than made up for it. While it wasn't designed for it, Tyler Simmons son of the legendary Erica Simmons who helped to design the original gundams, managed to jury rig the impulses force pack to the cosmo grasper. The extra power boost would be essential for the extended flight time of the mission.
Luna was a little put out by the massive booster pack currently attached to her core splendor, extending its range while carrying some of the crucial cargo needed for the mission. I wish I could take the Impulse, but I guess it can't be helped. The power transfer from the Proto-Savior better work or we are screwed.
"Ready when you are," Tessa replied as the Savior was moved onto the catapult.
"Good," Cagali replied.
"Ile, Nene you're up," Tessa said as they entered Proto-Savior.
"If you try anything, I'll show it to the crew," Nene said while crawling over him to reach a small alcove at the back of the cockpit.
"You wouldn't," Ile shot back starting to sweat.
"Then you'd better behave," Nene said.
"Proto-Savior Launching," Ile called out slamming Nene into her seat ending the conversation as the large craft shot out into the evening sky. The three craft shot out in rapid succession arcing high into the atmosphere, flying in tight formation as they disappeared into the darkness.
"Phoenix this is Ile, preparing to engage the N-jammer," Ile said quickly approaching the North American radar net.
"Roger, Proto-Savior, remember to keep the neutron jammer range as short as possible. Stay safe and good luck," Mirialla replied.
"Roger, Phoenix, Proto-Savior out," Ile replied.
"Luna, Otto, I'm raising the N-jammer," Nene said.
"Roger," both pilots replied as the low level jamming field took effect masking their flight into North America.
Section Break
"Are you sure this is such a good idea Lacus," Cagali asked as the Strike Noir headed for Pingelap Island loaded with medical supplies to set up a small clinic run by Duelo and Maya along with several other crew members.
"We don't have a choice at this point. There are one hundred of us, and that's just too many people to try and sneak under the radar at this point. Splitting up is our only option to remain undetected for now," Lacus replied. "Besides it's not like your projects are any different."
"I know, but we are going to need an orbital presence, if we stand a chance of helping this Earth survive the full Gou'ald onslaught. It's only a matter of time until they get serious." Cagali replied.
"Just be careful, the people may not be ready, for some doors to be opened," Lacus replied. We could just as easily bring ruin as salvation, we very well be the catalyst for this version of earth to head toward a new dawn.
"I will," Cagali said. ORB you will not be just a memory, your ideals will rise again.
"Exus 1 through 3 are ready to launch," Mirialla said.
"Go ahead and launch, but remind them to be careful those new parts Ryuuta installed for them to operate in atmosphere haven't been tested yet." Lacus replied.
"Great," Umi groaned.
"Ryuuta if I die I'm coming back to haunt for the rest of your life," Hikaru called.
"It's not the fall that kills you but the sudden stop at the end," Fuu added.
"Cut the chatter you three," Mirialla ordered. "If you botch the landing on Yap you'll take out the school Kuzzey is setting up and trust me you don't want to see him angry."
"Yes, mam," the trio replied before setting off. Letting out a loud yawn Mirialla stretched her arms over her head. Dam I could really go for some coffee.
"I know I could go for some of Commander Waltfelds coffee, it was always guaranteed to brighten me day," Shiho said watching the three mobile armors fly away just meters above the water's surface.
"You actually liked his stuff, his tastes were odd at best," Cagali added.
"Exactly, I could always get Yzak to try it for me. He would make the funniest faces afterward always good to brighten up my day," Shiho replied with a chuckle.
Clutching her sides in pain as laughter spilled from her mouth Mirialla managed to get out. "Does Dearka know you do that?"
"No, and he gives Yzak a hard enough time already. So let's just keep this a secret between us girls, please." Shiho replied.
"Deal," Mirialla and Cagali said in unison.
"Speaking of Coffee is there any chance of the ship getting resupplied anytime soon?" Mirialla asked.
"No, not until our funding improves," Cagali replied. "Lina and Noaka have only just gotten setup in Singapore. We have some startup funds available, but we risk showing our hand if we move any faster."
"Well, can we at least get some new clothes. I don't exactly want to try and be an ocean tour guide and dive instructor wearing this," Shiho said highlighting her threadbare ZAFT uniform.
"Not much we can do until we get the cash," Mirialla added as the others nodded in agreement.
"Where to next captain?" Tyler asked taking over as the main pilot of the ship with Otto now out on a mission.
"Go ahead and land the ship, and set a course back towards Pohnpei," Lacus ordered.
"Yes, mam," Tyler replied.
"The rest of you get some sleep I'll keep watch tonight," Lacus said releasing the weary crew.
"Are you sure?" Mirialla asked skeptically.
"I captained a ship through three planetary conflicts, I think I can keep watch for a couple hours," Lacus said smiling.
"I know, but?" Shiho added.
"Thank you for your concern. I'll be fine. If anything happens you'll be the first ones I call. Now get some rest, you three look exhausted." Lacus said shooing the trio off the bridge.
Section Break
If not for the fact that the pair was walking through Harajuku, they would have made quite the sight, but they blended right in with the multitude of cosplayers crowding the streets. Thrown into the universe with little more than the ship and the clothes on their back, the survivors were in need of more than just fuel, and supplies to keep the Phoenix combat ready. Lina and Noako, were using small amounts of the gold smelted from spare parts to insert themselves in the Singapore financial markets, but it would still be some time till their investments began to pay off. In desperation, Cagali and the crew were even starting several small businesses to help make ends in as they blended in with the local population.
"Lacus," Kira said as the pair continued to receive an odd stare or two dressed in ORB uniforms that were stashed on the ship that Setona modified to make them look a bit more civilian.
"Yes, Kira," Lacus replied happy to be off the ship for the first time.
"When you said you wanted to go to Japan, I thought you wanted to go to one of the smaller villages and purchase some clothing for everyone on the ship, not downtown Tokyo?" Kira asked.
"I do, but I have to get the money for it first," Lacus replied grabbing his arm as several teenage girls eyed Kira like a piece of meat.
"Um, isn't that why Lina sent over those debit cards," Kira replied.
"Kira those cards only have maybe one hundred dollars on them, do you have any idea how much clothing cost?" Lacus replied.
"Not really, Kira replied with a shrug.
Stunned Lacus stopped dead in her tracks. He can't be that clueless can he? Ugh, ultimate coordinator or not he is still a guy. I guess there are something that can't be removed if genetically you have a Y chromosome. "Kira, how did you get new clothes then?" Lacus asked staring wide eyed at her long time boyfriend.
"When I was on the Archangel, I could just requisition a new uniform when I needed one, and the clothing fairy would leave stuff for me when we were at the orphanage. Sometimes Cagali would throw stuff at me if I wore my uniform too much. Personally I don't see what the big deal is. It's the person inside that counts." Kira explained.
Oh my god you have to be kidding me… Laughing heavily Lacus took several minutes to compose herself. "The clothing fairy, you mean you let your mother buy clothes for you, come on. It's time to make some money," Lacus said pulling Kira into a small nondescript building.
"Wait, Lacus, what are you doing?" Kira said being pulled along by the pink princess.
The serene confidence that normally radiated off of Lacus vanished as she stepped into the lobby, gazing around the sleek business like façade. Leaving Kira behind, she slowly made her way to the receptionist's desk, nervously holding her hands over her chest. Standing patiently she waited for the receptionist to finish working before making a sound.
"Can I help you?" The receptionist asked eying the curiously dressed girl in front of her.
"Um, well, you see," Lacus said barely above a whisper.
"Are you lost," the receptionist asked eying her bright pink hair.
"Um, this is Joint Dream Planning right?" Lacus squeaked.
"Yes," the receptionist replied. "But that doesn't tell me why you are here," She added growing agitated with the odd looking girl.
Lacus looked down to the floor shrinking away from the imposing woman. "Well, um, I always wanted to be a singer, and my parents dying wish, was for me to follow my dreams so my friend," Lacus said pointing over to Kira, before continuing. "Brought me all the way from our home on the island to Tokyo so I could try and become a singer like Rei Tanaka, she's my idol. Lacus said looking up starry eyed.
"This isn't exactly how we find new talent," the receptionist replied.
"I didn't know what else to do, everyone tells me I'm really good. Could I at least talk to someone, about the auditioning process? I'd feel really bad if I drug my friend all the way from Micronesia for nothing," Lacus asked bowing low a few tears rolling down her cheeks.
Handing a sniffling Lacus a tissue she quickly replied. "You just go take a seat, and I will see what I can do."
Straightening up Lacus's demeanor brightened considerably. "Thank you very much," Lacus beamed skipping over to Kira, like everything was alright in the world.
"What was that all about," Kira asked still in shock.
"Signing bonuses can be pretty large, and I needed to get my foot in the door," Lacus whispered back sitting down in a far corner of the lobby.
"How do they know, they will take you?" Kira asked quietly.
"I was the pink princess, the songstress of peace, the hope of the PLANTS, who wouldn't want to sign me on once they've heard my songs." Lacus replied.
Kira could only sit in silence stunned by her assertions. Lacus does have the voice of an angel, but this isn't exactly keeping a low profile, and how much money can she really make. "But what if they don't?" Kira asked.
"They will, this company made a big splash with Haruka a couple years ago, but they have only had mediocre talent since then. They need a big star, but can't offer the money to attract the big up and comers. However, they will be perfect for our needs. Don't forget I was the voice of the PLANTS, Mr. Ultimate coordinator." Lacus replied elbowing Kira in the ribs. Several hours past while the pair waited for someone to talk to them. Tired from the long flight from Micronesia Kira drifted off to sleep resting his head on her shoulder as people slowly came and went.
"No, Commander Laflaga, Mrs. Marue, Mr. Waltfeldt, Mom, Dad Kira muttered in his sleep his body tensing violently.
Kira, I'll make sure you find happiness. No one else will have to be sacrificed for the petty ambitions of others. Lowering his head into her lap Lacus began to sing softly his body relaxing as her soft voice filled the lobby. Entering her own little world Lacus continued to sing as a small crowd gathered in the lobby, her words touching the hearts of all those listening.
"To the place where stars fall, I want my thoughts to reach you. I am always by your side Since I will embrace that coldness. Even though we're apart now, We will definitely be back together. In the quiet night..." Lacus sang softly ending her song surprised by the small crowd. Sensing their interest she placed a finger to her lips as she made Kira as comfortable as possible on the small couch.
"Ms. we would like to talk to you," a large middle aged man in a Hawaiian shirt said.
"Really," Lacus beamed creating a pillow for Kira out of her jacket.
"Yes, I'm sure Mrs. Sachicko will have no problem looking over your boyfriend here," the large man said.
"OK, but could I leave a note for him?" Lacus asked.
"Sure," the receptionist said handing her a pen and paper.
"Thanks, and please don't try and wake him, he doesn't take surprises well," Lacus said penning a quick note and handing it to the woman.
Section Break
"You have quiet the voice, miss….." the man Lacus knew to be the president said.
"Sheryl Nome, and thank you," Lacus replied.
"The pleasure is all mine. It is not often that I get to hear an angel sing," the man added watching Lacus sport a luminescent blush.
"I'm no angel," Lacus said hiding her face.
"Nonsense, now did you write that song of yours?" the man asked.
"Yes, I write all my own songs, did you like it," Lacus asked slowly looking up at the excited man. "I have some pop songs to."
"Excellent," the man exclaimed. "Haruka get in here," the man called out.
"Yes," a young woman said entering the small office.
"This is Sheryl she is going to be your first client," the president said.
"Whaaa… but I've never done anything like this before," Haruka replied.
"You've been in the industry a couple years now you'll be fine. Just make sure Ms. Nome here is well taken care of. She is going to be a star," the president shot back.
Hehehehehe… jackpot…. and you have no idea…. "Does this mean I'll be a singer," Lacus said looking hopefully at the pair.
"Yes, you'll be even bigger than Megumi Hayashibara," the man exclaimed.
"Wow," Lacus gasped. "Um… Do I have to sign a contract or anything now, because Kira always said to read anything before signing it," Lacus added.
"Your boyfriend is a smart one, I'll have Haruka draw up the contract," the man replied pulling out a stack of forms. "Now I'll let you two get to work I have a recording session to book," the president said leaving the room.
"This is the standard contract we use for all our talent. We will of course be tweaking a few areas since you are a singer and we typically deal with models and TV personalities." Haruka said handing the papers over to Lacus.
Ok, typical boilerplate stuff…. hhhmm that could be a problem, but not for a while at least. The royalties are a bit low, but nothing I can't work with. Wow, they definitely haven't done much with with vocalists if I get to keep ownership of my music. We'll see how this photographer is, but I think getting Mirialla in here may be in order. Looks like I'll have to push for the signing bonus though.
"Is there a problem," Haruka asked.
"Um, well I don't think so," Lacus replied biting her lower lip.
"Go ahead It's ok," Haruka urged.
"Do I get a signing bonus or something. I mean every time someone famous gets hired the media talks about a bonus they get for just signing the contract?" Lacus asked. "I mean it's ok if I don't get one, it's just that I don't have a lot of money left, and my friends really helped me out to get this far and I want to get them something nice for all they have done for me," Lacus said misty eyed.
"I'll see what I can do," Haruka said.
"Thank you very much," Lacus said with a thousand watt smile. Jackpot…
Section Break
"I still don't think this is the best idea," Yzak said finding the normally spacious cockpit of the Blue Duel increasingly cramped as it approached the Australian coast line.
"Why, it will be nice to get out of the ship for once," Shiho Hahnenfuss replied from her seat on Yzak's lap.
"Well this isn't the most comfortable …." Yzak said struggling to keep his lower body under control as Shiho's well formed lower body moved squirmed in his seat.
"Are you saying I'm fat," Shiho shrieked jumping off him as she managed to spin around in the small cockpit her long brown hair smacking yzak in the face.
"Shiho what the hell," Yzak yelled jerking on the controls as the Duel skimmed across the waves.
"I'll have you know, you jerk that my BMI is 19 and happens to be well within the normal range for a woman my age, we can't all be a stick like Lacus and Cagalli." Shiho said in a huff moving to the small cramped storage space behind the pilot's seat. The nerve of that bastard calling me fat, can you be anymore inept with woman. Miriallia is lucky to have that goof Elsman, he may be an idiot but at least he knows how to treat a girl right.
"Shiho that's not what I meant," Yzak said spotting a secluded beach west if Cairns to hide the Duel in while they explored the city.
"What did you mean then," Shiho asked as they touched down in a wooded thicket just off the beach.
"What I meant is that mobile suits aren't meant for long distances," Now what would Dearka say. "Nor is it meant to transport a lovely women like you for a day on the town," Yzak replied causing Shiho's face to breakout in a luminescent blush.
"Why thank you Yzak, does this mean tonight is a date then," Shiho giggled climbing down from the cockpit giving Yzak a nice view of her shapely behind as she climbed out from behind him.
Shiho doesn't giggle. Crap what did I say? Nice view. Dam it I'm not Dearka! Yzak followed after her closing the hatch as the mobile suit powered down. After spreading a few EM absorbing camouflage nets they began they joined Deakra and Mirrialla before heading towards civilization.
A short swim brought them from a secluded barrier island to empty beaches just outside of Cairns Australia. A thoroughly worn out Mirialla was helped out of the surf by Dearka onto the deserted beach. "Ok, I understand, the three of you on this little excursion, but why the hell did you drag me along," Mirrialla panted.
"Controlling the idiot," Yzak replied quickly.
"Hey I resent that," Dearka yelled.
"Did you ever tell her why you got demoted after the first war," Yzak said.
"I thought it was for joining the three ship alliance after the first battle of Orb." Mirrialla replied. Shiho broke down into a fit of giggles, while Yzak cracked on a rare smile.
"Dearka what did you do," Mirialla said stomping over to him.
"Nothing," Dearka replied scratching the back of his head.
"I don't call taking the shirts from the backs of several council members, nothing," Yzak scowled.
"Not my fault they couldn't hold their liquor. They should have known better than to drink while gambling," Dearka replied.
"You're lucky my mother was still on house arrest," Yzak said.
"How was I supposed to know Council Woman Canaver was a closet exhibitionist, or that she used to play strip poker with my dad when they were younger," Dearka blurted out, as a dark presence grew behind him.
A soft female voice called out from behind him, "Dearka."
"I am going to assume that this happened after we broke up, and that a large amount of alcohol was involved, but there will be no poker for you anymore unless I am with you. Got it," Mirialla said grinning wickedly.
"Yes mam," Dearka blurted out.
"Good boy, otherwise I am going to punish you," Mirialla said. "Now come along, I can't go to a casino looking like I just swam a marathon." Mirialla added pulling Dearka along.
Dearka let out a sigh of relief as they headed into town. I almost forgot how scary she can be when she's angry. I'd rather tell Kira and Athrun I was peeping on Lacus and Cagali.
"Ugh, tell me why we had to get dressed up in these monkey suits?" Dearka wined pulling at the collar of his suit.
"Because you moron we need to blend in and look like high rollers so they don't think we are gaming the system," Yzak hissed as a high class town car rolled up to the front of the Casino.
Dearka rolled his eyes at his long time friend. "Yeah yeah, … wow…" Dearka said his jaw dropping as a stunning woman slowly stepped out of a shiny black town car. Her svelte body encased in a form fitting red cocktail dress highlighting exquisite figure. Dam, she is a babe, it's impossible but I think I've seen her before.
"I think you broke him," a second woman said stepping out of the car, her long legs on display as her sleek purple dress parted nearly to her hip.
"Do I know you?" Dearka asked the enticing woman in front of him, only to be punched in the arm.
"It's me you idiot," Mirrialla said sharply.
"Wow, Mirrialla, you're ….." Dearka began before Mirrialla began dragging him inside.
"We are in public so think before you finish that statement," Mirrialla said.
"Gorgeous," Dearka replied carefully.
"Good boy," Mirrilla replied as they hit game floor. "Now let's see just how good you really are."
"Nothing to say Yzak," Shiho said as they watched Mirrialla lead Dearka inside.
Crap….. Where is that idiot when I need him… "Um…. I like it a lot better than your uniform. The dress really suits you," Yzak replied.
I guess that will have to do. "Why thank you Yzak," a blushing Shiho stated.
"Shall we," Yzak said offering his arm.
"So what games shall we try tonight," Shiho asked as they entered the casino.
"Dearka, will be at the poker tables all night," Yzak answered.
"Craps or black jack then," Shiho said.
"We'll start with blackjack, how were you at statics at the academy," Yzak said.
"Good enough to be an elite red," Shiho replied as they approached the table.
Section Break
Noako was sipping her morning coffee waiting for Lina to finish up with Galatea before planning the days financial maneuvers. Selling off the gold as badly made jewelry and collectable coins netted them a nice ten grand American which was one of the major currencies in the international markets. It was enough to get them started, but they needed more cash if they were going to be able to support everyone and acquire the resources to begin Cagalli's projects. Hhhhhmmm might as well check my email.
Junk, junk, junk, ….. Dam only been here a week and I'm already getting junk mail. Hot dam, ….. No wonder they banned coordinators from casinos. Hhhhhmmm what does Lacus want, … Holy shit… "Lina get in here," Noako called out in shock.
"What's wrong?" Lina replied walking into the kitchen of their small apartment holding a giggling Galatea.
Shaking her head Noako replied. "Nothing, but we need to change our plans. It looks like we might be able to move forward a lot sooner than expected."
"How?" Lina gasped in surprise.
"Lacus is restarting her singing career and has already been signed to a small label, and we hit it big at the casino's in Austraila," Noako replied.
"How big, they only had maybe a grand between them," Lina replied.
"Well from I can gather from Mirrialla's emails is that some of the local poker pro's took Dearka for a noob, before he cleaned them out. Yzak, and Shiho to the casino to the cleaners at the black jack and craps table." Noako explained.
"So how much do we have to work with?" Lina asked.
"A cool one million dollars US," Noako answered.
"Hot dam, when are they going back," Lina said.
"Don't know, but we can start Cosmic Era Industries a lot sooner," Noako said.
Author's note- I know this chapter was a little boring but I needed to set the stage for the next part of the story so it didn't seem like an ass pull. I promise you will see some of the Stargate characters in the next chapter. Also I will be moving around some events of the minor events in the Stargate timeline to make things more interesting.
