A/n
The Revision continues, hopefully to everyone's liking. Now once again, I don't own nothing from the Gundam Universe or the ideas I use from other Universes. I do own my characters and inspiration and take pride in them! Okay, on with the story!
Phase 7: Meetings and Rescue
February 7th, 71 C.E.
-Neutral pov-
The Archangel
On the bridge of the Archangel, those there watched as the sparring match between the two Moebius Zero armors going against the two mobile suits. It'd become pretty much a daily ritual, over the last week, not too long after the Archangel came out of the Debris Belt. These matches served two purposes, they helped the pilots keep their skills sharp and it broke the monotony of their journey towards Earth. However, it hadn't taken long to witness a clear difference in skill levels between all five pilots.
Where Kira and Lacus might not be the best out of the pilots, they were quickly improving with the practice that came from these matches. Krystal was good with her mobile armor, though not as good as Mu himself, but like Kira and Lacus, she was improving. Her experience had shown, but with the constant rotation of pilots, she was being forced to adapt by trying new ways of flying her armor. Mu, was though to be the most experienced pilot among the five initially, proved that his experience in the war was not just for show. Yet, he was well aware that he still had room for improvement. The recent fights with ZAFT mobile suits had shown him that.
Nonetheless, it was Tyler that'd surprised the crew the most out of all the pilots. Sure, word of him being a Federation pilot had spread around the ship and the stories of what Federation pilots had done and were capable of weren't uncommon as many onboard had heard some. But, even with the stories, that didn't explain or prepare any on the Archangel as they watched the mock battles that Tyler participated in. The skills that Tyler had and the performance level he'd shown was astounding and had quickly put him at the top of the skill pile. And it didn't seem to matter whether he was in a mobile suit or mobile armor, the performance was still amazing!
In fact, throughout all the mock battles that had played out, Tyler hadn't lost once. It had looked close once or twice, but he had always ended out the victor against the others. The record certainly hadn't gone unnoticed by the other four pilots, they had taken it more as an unofficial challenge to beat Tyler in some way just once. None of them had succeeded yet, but that didn't stop them from trying their hardest to do just that. It more served as a motivation for all the pilots to keep improving their own skills. It also frustrated some, when Tyler was asked just how much experience he had, and the answer that came was nothing.
Today's match, had Mu and Krystal in their mobile armors versing Lacus in the Strike and Tyler in the Shadow. Mu was going against the Strike, while Krystal was doing her best against the Shadow. Mu was holding his own against the Strike, though Lacus wasn't making it easy by any means. Krystal was attempting moves with her mobile armor that she had never done even in a simulator, putting her armor close to its limits. Her movements, were forcing Tyler to do some truly amazing maneuvers that had him pulling some heavy Gs. Yet, Tyler didn't sound winded at all when he spoke over the radio, even with the stress his body was being put under.
It was the communication officer Pal that shifted everyone's attention on the bridge off the match, "Captain, we're receiving a coded pulse… It's Earth Alliance," he said.
"What, are you certain?" asked Murrue, looking over Pal's shoulder as he manned the com-station, since Miriallia was on her break and they weren't in a combat situation right now.
Pal took a moment to double check what he was seeing, "There's no mistaking it," said Pal. "This is a coded pulse of the Earth Forces 8th Orbital Fleet."
"Can you retrieve it?" asked Natarle, coming up from the CIC.
"I'm doing that right now," said Pal. Static filled the speakers from the station, as well as the screen itself. "Deciphering it…" muttered Pal.
A voice filtered through the speakers, "This is the Montgomery," said the voice, "of the Earth Alliance Forces 8th Fleet advance troop. Archangel, respond."
Murrue smiled in a combination of joy and relief. "The 8th Orbital Fleet… that means they're under Admiral Halberton's command!" she said.
The Earth Alliance's 8th Orbital Fleet, one of the large space fleets that the Earth Forces had as a presence in space. Yet, the 8th had a reputation that the other space fleets didn't, for in the majority of the battles against ZAFT which it had participated in, the fleet had made a difference, even if the battle hadn't ended in victory for the Alliance. The one in command of the 8th fleet, Duane Halberton, was also as well-known and recognized as the fleet. He was one of the best tactician that the Earth Forces had, and was good at getting results.
"So then, they're looking for us?" asked Arnold, momentarily leaving his station to join the other three bridge crewmen gathered around the communications station.
"It looks that way, they're still a significant distance from us by what I can tell," said Pal.
"But if we link up with them, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief," said Arnold.
Murrue nodded in agreement, "Indeed, things are finally starting to look up for us," she said.
Rear Admiral Halberton was Murrue's mentor and she respected him a great deal. He'd supported the G-Project and said it would help bring about an end to this war. Although, Halberton had been vocally against the war with ZAFT during the beginning of it, saying that it was a mistake. Murrue had herself asked what the Admiral had meant by the war being a mistake, yet had received a confusing answer. With current events, it would be nice to see the man again and show him at least one of the fruits of the project that he supported.
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The Vesalius
The Vesalius met up with the Gamow shortly after the events that occurred at Artemis. Once the two ships met up, they left the other two Nazca-class ships and continued forward in pursuit of the Alliance vessel. However, it was only a couple hours before the two ZAFT vessels were approaching the border between Earth Alliance and Human Federation territory.
"What's the matter Ades?" asked Le Creuset, coming up behind Ades as the Vesalius moved through space in search of the legged ship.
"Two things commander, we're on the border between the Alliance and the Federation's territory and then, we've also detected a small group of Earth Forces ship on long range sensors ahead of us as well as the legged ship," said the captain. "Although, can't say what they're doing out here."
"Hmm, indeed, a strange occurrence," murmured Le Creuset, moving backwards to the tactical board, Ades following him. After a moment of studying the information and display, Le Creuset spoke, "If the legged ship were journeying from Artemis to the moon's Earth Forces Headquarters," he posed, "What would they need to do to get there with a chance of success?"
Ades thought about the question for a moment, then replied, "Well, they would need resupply at some point… So then, those ships are naval vessels to either give them supplies or to get them to those supplies."
"That would be my assumption, but for them to enter Federation territory… I wonder what or whom decided to do that," said Le Creuset. "The Federation have proven they don't allow others in their territory without permission, so either those vessels are confident that the Federation won't notice them. That's highly unlikely, or they believe that the Federation forces won't shoo them away, and I don't know why they would believe that."
Creuset paused for a bit, the musing that he had done out loud, sinking into the rest of the bridge crew. Ades had to admit that the commander had a point, the Federation weren't friendly to those that went into their territory without permission. It didn't matter if it was Alliance or ZAFT ships, the Federation had a tendency to use them for target practice and they had no need for the practice. Le Creuset spoke again, "They haven't detected our presence yet, have they?" Ades shook his head, "Then don't lose sight of them, follow them carefully, while not being noticed, we need to run silent and hope that the Federation misses our presence," ordered Le Creuset.
"Very well sir," said Ades.
"And contact the Gamow," added Creuset. "Send them this information and tell them to plot an intercept course. I want them to throw all the power they can spare into their engines… weapons, maintenance, everything not necessary to keep the crew capable. Even with the addition of three GINNs, our forces alone won't be sufficient to defeat the legged ship."
"Right away sir," said Ades turning to go back to his seat, hoping that it would be as easy as the commander made it sound.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
The Archangel
Once the skirmish of the day was done and we came back to the ship the whispers were already going around. I didn't listen at first, just was thinking about getting a meal and then have time with the bed in my quarters. My undefeated record still stood unbroken, though I applaud the effort, for the fight had morphed into at the end a three on one battle, a single guess as to who the "one" was, yep, it was me. Still, I have to admit, the skirmishes were fairly fun, at least more fun than doing the boring things I had been doing other times.
It was as I made my way into the mess hall, that the feeling of relief hit me enough for me to pause and observe what was going on more carefully. News of a rendezvous with an advance force was the message I was getting and upon listening further, I learned that the force was from the Alliance's 8th orbital fleet. That caught my attention for a couple of reasons, since they shouldn't really be in the area to begin with. I didn't really care that Alliance ships were heading in our direction. It did make cause me to wonder just how valuable the Archangel is seen as, we're still in Federation controlled territory, not Earth Alliance after all.
The reason that makes such a difference, is the Federation military doesn't see any difference between ZAFT or Alliance vessels being in Federation territory without permission given before entering. If they come into our area when they shouldn't, they get shot at and that has been the consistent response. Both sides are well-aware of that consequences of entering Federation territory, so they've taken care not to toe the line usually.
That being said, the ships heading our way are either ignorant, which I doubt, or their crazy. The chances that they have permission or even asked for it from Federation High Command or anyone representing the Human Federation are low. So, as to why this ship hadn't been given the customary single warning shot, followed by the aimed shot, I can't say for sure. It depends on a couple of factors, such as who's having the Alliance vessels coming with indifference and disregard to treaty and territorial ownership and who's onboard. The 8th orbital fleet's head, Duane Halberton, knows better than to just send ships into Federation territory like this. The man is smarter and wiser than to do something so clearly stupid and asking for trouble.
So then, who is it that's having these ships head this way and risk a serious military fiasco… Or perhaps this is political? It's possible, many politicians I've been around from the Alliance don't understand the consequences of unthoughtout military moves at all. They all usually claim freaking diplomatic immunity, which just means they get escorted out of the territory instead of chased out.
I personally wasn't excited or exactly happy like most others were at the news of the word that an advanced force was coming our way. Kira and Lacus were reacting with apprehension, not that I blame them. With what happened at Artemis, by their own accounts, the treatment they'd received had been more horrible than what is expected. And then, my previous experience with soldiers from the Earth Forces, wasn't the nicest from a sizable portion of them either. Oh but wait, there's still yet more to the current situation that most don't see or acknowledge, the ZAFT end of this situation.
I'm sure that Le Creuset is still hunting the Archangel, he has far too strong a reputation of being one that gets his quarry. I would bet that being in Federation territory won't slow him down, nor deter him really, so I can't see us meeting up with allied ships doing any better at getting the man to leave us alone. With that in mind, while others on the ship were relaxing and letting out sighs of relief, thinking we were safe, foolish as it is to do so with things as they are. I was working my butt and the rest of my body to the bone. Kira and Lacus quickly followed my example of keeping busy from the moment that we woke up, to when we returned to our quarters to sleep.
Kira and Lacus practically more than doubled their time they were spending in the simulator, and even I took time in the machine when I could to get some practice. We weren't the only ones who had the working mentality, Mu and Krystal were encouraging us to keep going. They both took turns in the simulator to keep up their skills, Hell, I gave them a pointer or two, along with writing a scenario for the simulator, that were far harder, but accurate of a battlefield. I could do okay with the scenario, but the others had great difficulty with it. Krystal had been the first to ask me where the heck I could've come up with such a simulation. I simply replied that it was a more realistic practice form, not saying that it was based on advance pilot training the Federation uses.
The zeal that we pilots were showing after hearing that we would be meeting up with the 8th orbital fleet's advance force, shortly began worrying quite a few people. I heard poorly hidden whispers from some that the five of us getting paranoid. The other thing that was a common subject was talk from some of the crew of how our job of protecting the ship was going to come to an end soon.
Not a single one of us let such mutterings phase any of us, we just kept to the grindstone. I know for myself, in this kind of situation, preparation is key and it has a tendency to pay off in spades if done right. So, I stuck to my view of preparing for the worst possible scenario and with Le Creuset, the worst case wasn't pleasant to contemplate. There were a few on board the Archangel that didn't see a problem with our actions, were the mechanics. It was nice to have at least some support us in what we do.
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-Neutral pov-
Approximately forty-seven hours after the initial contact, putting the time at around 0837 hours, the Archangel got close enough to make contact with allies. The Archangel establish direct video contact with the Montgomery, the lead ship of the advance force. On the bridge of the Archangel, the screen flashed and showed Mark Copman, the captain of the Montgomery.
"Greetings captain, the arrival time at the rendezvous point with our fleet will be as scheduled," said Mark Copman. "Once we link up, the Archangel will come under the command of the Montgomery and we'll proceed together to the main fleet, which is waiting a distance ahead. You've almost made it captain, you've done well to get this far, going above and beyond the call of duty. So, all of us on the Montgomery, Bernard and Law wish you safe passage the rest of the way."
Murrue nodded gratefully, before she noticed that alongside captain Copman, there was a slightly older than middle aged man in a light brown suit. The man in the suit had dark brown hair and a healthy complexion and was sitting next to him in the flag chair. He moved forward a bit, "Greetings I am Vice Minister George Allster, of the Atlantic Federation," he introduced. "I'd like to thank you for your initiative in managing the civilian rescue operations. It's people like those on board the Archangel that bring honor to the Earth Forces and Alliance. Oh, and one other thing. I was scanning the list of recently acquired passengers and, of course, you can imagine my surprise and delight at seeing the name of my daughter, Flay."
Murrue gasped slightly, for she'd known the name Allster had been familiar, but had been too busy and distracted to connect Flay to this man. It seemed that, besides saving a number of lives, the rescue of that lifeboat may have scored them points with Allster himself, which would be helpful to them. Particularly if they ran into trouble over the presence of three Coordinator volunteers amongst the crew. And that had been weighing on Murrue heavily as she hadn't been able to think of a way to justify the action had been done.
"I'd be more than grateful if I could get even a glimpse of her," continued Allster.
"Vice Minister, you'll have plenty of time to see her when they join us," remarked Copman.
"That's Flay's father," said Sai, smiling slightly to himself. "There's no doubt about it…"
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
Kira, Lacus and I, were spending time down in the hanger, doing work on the mobile suits. Rumors of the Archangel making contact with the lead ship of the Alliance advance force, a Nelson-class by the name of Montgomery, had been quickly trickling down. There had also been something said to the effect that the Vice Foreign Minister of the Atlantic Federation was traveling on board that ship too. It could serve as an explanation as to why the Earth Alliance ships entering Federation territory without permission, politics think they are above the rules set to keep peace for some reason.
What had surprised me in the news, was when Kira had mentioned that Flay was the daughter of the Minister. Yes, I'd known that having the name of Allster, meant that Flay could be related to the man, but it didn't mean she absolutely was. I was kind of hoping she wasn't, since I haven't heard good things about the man. My mother had deal with the man and said he could be difficult to be around at times, especially with Coordinators.
Anyway, Kira and I were doing the fine tuning on the machines, and even though Lacus was there, she was more keeping us company. The pink-haired girl wasn't as tech savvy as Kira or I am, but her moral support is appreciated. However, that's not to say that Lacus didn't know how the OSs of the mobile suits worked, for she had proven to be a quick learner. She may be an idol singer, yet by what she said, a few years back she'd decided to attempt to tackle a number of additional subjects.
I can respect the wish to improve oneself, it's not the most common value to be held by people these days. The subject she'd chosen was computer programming, for the purpose of pursuing such as a possible career after singing passed. It shows that Lacus has foresight as she didn't she see herself singing for her entire life, even though she loved sing. Although, that wasn't why she'd originally started to expand her knowledge base in order to pursue the career path. It was more that Lacus herself wasn't going to let others make choices for her and she wasn't going to let one decisions dictate the rest of her life.
I can respect that, for I can understand the position. My mother had wished for me to go into politics like she was in. I hadn't been interested in the field she's in, though I respect her for how good she is in it. I'd ended the ongoing conversation, by enlisting in the Federation military and my mother had from then on, let me make my own choices.
Back to the present, Chief Murdoch floated to the catwalk that was across the Asuka, checking on how Kira was doing. I had been gaining a growing respect for the chief mechanic of the Archangel, was really a good guy. I kept working on the Shadow's system, but kept my ear open to listen, just in case there was something interesting said.
"Oh, I'm just making a few minor adjustments to match the off-set values," said Kira.
Murdoch laughed, gaining Kira's attention, "You just do what's needed," said Murdoch. "It's still your job till we've made it safely to the rendezvous point at the very least."
I'd a nagging feeling that things won't as simple or easy as just making it to the rendezvous point. Especially if, or rather when Rau Le Creuset decides to interfere and cause trouble and issues. The masked man wants another chance at taking down the Archangel, no question in that. I popped out of the Shadow's cockpit, "Thanks for not say that we're wasting time Chief, the sediment has been getting a tad annoying if you ask me." I commented.
"Sure McGregor, I can understand the reasons you probably have, we're still not with the fleet yet and until we are, ZAFT could still attack us. Plus," continued Murdoch, "We're not really sure what'll happen to the Asuka or the Shadow when we meet up with the Orbital Fleet. It's supposedly an Orb machine after all… I suppose you could always end up as its permanent pilot when you get back to Orb. No idea what will happen to the Shadow," remarked Murdoch laughing slightly at his joke as he pushed off.
"Birdee! Birdee!" chirped Tori.
I glanced over to see the green robotic bird and a small distance behind it, spotted a pink ball, "Lacus! Lacus! We have a problem!" called Haro as it seemed to be Tori's constant boon companion.
Haro was bouncing off what it could to reach its partner, which was unexpected by most of us. Kira tends to keep Tori with him, but having kept Tori in his or Lacus's quarters seemed to be the best way to keep Haro there and under control. Yet now, it would seem that putting those two robots together had backfired, though it more appeared that they were both restless with what was happening. Wonder if Athrun did something to make them like this?
Tori flew into the Asuka cockpit, looking towards Lacus, seeing her smile as Haro sailed and landed in her hands. Lacus paused for a moment, then opened her mouth:
Remember, on the day we decided to escape this despair,
What lay before us was nothing but the passing wind?
Lacus's singing voice echoed through the whole hangar, causing almost everyone to pause, listening. I pushed myself back into the Shadow's cockpit and was going to resume working on the OS, but had a smile on my face. It had been a while since I'd heard Lacus sing and the girl is really something when she sings!
The more feelings I have to convey, the more my words fumble.
Unable to tell you anything, the truth is I live in uncertainty.
As Lacus sang, I couldn't help but pause and close my eyes and simply listen to the sweet sounds of my friend's voice. I stopped working and just leaned back into the pilot seat and listened to Lacus. Wouldn't doubt that Kira was doing something similar to what I was, he gets to hear Lacus singing more than I do. They've been friends with one another longer than I've been friends with the two of them.
If humans could somehow see tomorrow,
Then we probably wouldn't have to live on our dreams.
Lacus trailed off for a moment, perhaps because it had been a bit of time since she had sung, I don't know. She resumed singing, and once she had, felt more at ease and relaxed than I had in weeks! There was just something about Lacus singing that could bring calm unlike most other means can.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
The Vesalius
"This is the projected course of the enemy ships," said Ades, the tactical board marking the course with a red line. "As you can see, given enough time, they will meet up with the legged ship."
"It's unfortunate that the Laconi and Porto teams are joining us later than scheduled," commented Le Creuset. "Thus far, the Federation seems to not be giving us any attention or notice, which works out for us right now. Those vessels may be there to resupply the legged ship and I'm betting they are. With that in mind, we certainly can't ignore them," the masked man smirked slightly, glancing at Athrun and the other pilots currently onboard. "Fortunately, the Gamow should be able to provide support, though they may be a little late to arrive before the battle starts."
"Yzak will probably be irritable over not being able to get back into the Duel," commented Athrun.
"Well, I think the humbling experience might do Yzak some good, wouldn't you agree Athrun?" said commander Le Creuset lightly. "Besides, the repairs on the Duel aren't complete just yet, are they?"
"The mechanics estimated another day, if not two to finish repairs on it," said Ades, "Adapting the parts is not easy. Regardless, the Duel cannot be fielded, and shouldn't be considered in any of our battle plans. Mr. Joule can and will live with it, or he can have some time in the brig to cool off instead."
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
The Archangel
With all the 'joy' that was being felt at the contact with an advance part of the 8th Orbital Fleet, I decided to slip away and try getting some well-earned sleep. The keyword being 'trying', see there's a difficult for me to get good quality sleep with the things I've seen over the last few weeks. At least, I haven't gotten what a medical professional would consider proper sleep since the Archangel had scavenged around the ruins of Junius Seven. … Seeing the body of my younger sister and part of my dad… The images still haunt me.
Arrived back at the quarters I was using, I changed my clothes and just went over to the bed, closing my eyes. Even with the calm that Lacus's singing had brought to my mind, hours went by with me in a fitful sleep, that nightmares populated. Those nightmares involved images of Lana, and those would shift into my friends here on the Archangel, which made the nightmares worse. The 'sleep' or more the lack thereof was taking a toll on me, there were bags developing under my eyes and my face was starting to appear hollower than it should be. I'd been contemplating going to the doctor on the ship and asking for something that would help me get actual sleep, it was getting to that point.
A soft beeping brought me out of my fitful sleep, and upon turning towards the sound, which was coming from the desk in the room. More specifically, the source of the beeping was the Federation com-unit sitting on the said desk. Got myself out of the bed and went over to the desk and picked up the unit and held it up to my ear, "Yeah, it's me, what's going on?" I asked tiredly.
There was a pause before I heard the reply, "You sound tired Tyler, there a reason?" Came the voice of Lisa.
"I don't want to talk about it, but yes, there's a reason. There one for you to call Lisa, I was trying to get some sleep since I was able to slip away and get some time to myself. I'm not doing so good at the sleeping, but still," I replied.
"Well, I assume you know about the small group of Alliance ships coming towards the Archangel," posed Lisa.
I was becoming increasingly irritable as I was tired and being prevented from sleeping right now, "Yeah, I do, many on board the ship are freaking excited about that to the point that their getting lax about things and they think that those of us busting our butts are nuts. What's your point Lisa? Is there some new development? Or did you wake me up for the fun of it… perhaps Luke put you up to this? He has shown that he enjoys pranking… just say that he told you to do this and I'll make him regret doing so." I answered flatly.
"No, Luke didn't put me up to this. Yes, there's a new development and that's the point of me calling. It looks like two ZAFT vessels have entered Federation Space, a Laurasia-class and a Nazca-class. And they're heading in the direction of that small Earth Forces group." My friend remarked.
A ZAFT Laurasia and Nazca… That combination is unfortunately familiar, don't tell me that means that cunning trouble making man is making his move already. He had managed to shift blame off himself when evidence would convict and condemn him, so I expect him to make problems, just not yet! "Are you saying that Le Creuset has ignored bounds of territory and insists on continuing the hunt he started? Granted, I assume he would, but this is earlier than I thought he'd get on it," I uttered with frustration.
"It's more than likely, taking into account that the man is known for bending the rules if not just ignoring them entirely. Can't be sure at this time, but thought you should know," returned Lisa.
I exhaled heavily, "Thanks for the info Lisa, see you out on the field soon then." I said before severing the connection and putting the com-unit down on the desk.
I shook off the tiredness I felt and didn't hesitate after that, just got dressed as quickly as I could. Then I raced out of my quarters, heading in the direction of the pilot locker room then would go to the hanger.
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-Neutral pov-
The Vesalius
"Once again, the commander shows that he has a real knack for sensing these things… Reaching the advance ships before the legged ship does, that's something," commented one GINN pilot as his suit launched with a Logus 500mm bazooka.
"Yeah, the commander does have that uncanny knack. Athrun, show us how that machine performs now that it's fully working," said Miguel as he also launched, armed with a Barberus ion beam cannon.
"Yeah, sure thing Chris, Miguel," muttered Athrun in reply as he watched Miguel's GINN move into the catapult path equipped with the armaments. The GINN quickly shot out of the catapult, and Athrun followed a moment later in the Aegis.
Seeing the others ahead of him, Athrun shifted the Aegis into its mobile armor mode and quickly gained ground, intent on catching up. If the legged ship did enter the battle, then they'd need his Aegis there to even out the field since the Alliance vessel had multiple mobile suits. Athrun just hoped more than anything that his friend Tyler hadn't reached the Alliance vessel already. He really didn't want or wish to have to fight Tyler… or Kira for that matter if he was still on that Alliance ship like his friend had said he might be. The worry just wouldn't leave Athrun's mind as he made his way towards the target.
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Earth Alliance Nelson-class Cruiser Montgomery
Klaxons blared as the enemy alert sounded throughout the entirety of the Montgomery.
"Hurry and deploy our mobile armors," ordered Copman calmly. "Load all missile and anti-beam depth charge tubes."
As he ordered this, the mobile armors detached and deployed away from the ships they were attached to. The Moebius armor, which was once considered a high-performance machine, especially during the early parts of the war. However, thanks to the invention and increased deployment of ZAFT's mobile suits, their enemy outmatched them a growing margin. On average, it took five Moebius armors to bring down just one GINN. Fortunately, although the Drake-class to which the Bernard and the Law belonged weren't normally built for carrying mobile armors, four had been strapped to the hull of each one and had now been deployed.
The Montgomery itself lacked linear catapults, but did carry five mobile armors of its own close to airlocks so the pilots could board their machines. Still, they were now effectively counting on the enemy being an average squadron with only two or three GINNs, maybe four if they managed to stretch things.
"Heat sources detected sir!" announced the Montgomery sensor officer. "Nazca-class has launched three mobile suits!" the officer paused as he took the time to identify the signals better, "Two of them are GINNs… The other… Is the X303-Aegis!"
Copman had heard and read the reports that ZAFT had stolen most of the prototype mobile suits, but there had been no information on which ones had and which one hadn't been taken. This would be the first encounter with one of the G-weapons as a foe. Copman was a veteran captain, so even he could see how grim things were for their Earth Forces group. Things didn't improve when Minister Allster came onto the bridge, looking all annoyed, "Now what's this all about?" he questioned. "How could you not have noticed the enemy ship until this moment? And the enemy is using one of our own prototypes against us?!"
Copman ignored him, political figures didn't usually understand how things went on the battlefield and likely never would. "Lower bow, pitch angle thirty degrees!" he ordered. "Turn to port, elevation angle negative fifteen degrees. Activate ship cannons and defensive systems and prepare for combat." As the Montgomeryinitiated the maneuver, Copman turned to look at his com-officer. "Send a message to the Archangel, tell them to withdraw at once!"
"Are you serious?" asked Allster, before he lost all the air of confidence and arrogance, "But then I…"
"There is't another choice in this situation," stated Copman.
The vice foreign minister seemed to be having a hard time processing what he was being told, "But if we don't meet up with them, then I came all the way here for nothing!" said Allster.
"If that ship ends up being destroyed," returned Copman, "then it'll have been for less than nothing."
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The Archangel
"Increased heat distribution ahead," announced Kuzzey. "It looks like it's around where the advanced force is supposed to be, it looks like a battle is starting!"
"They're entering into a battle?" questioned Sai, glancing at Kuzzey's console.
"Dispatch from the Montgomery," Miriallia said as she was handling the communications station. She gasped at what she saw on her console. "The message reads: 'Canceling rendezvous. Archangel is ordered to leave the area at once and continue forward to the 8th fleet'!"
It took a few seconds for that to sink in for everyone, "Well captain, what are your orders?" asked Natarle.
"What's the enemy's battle strength?" asked Murrue, contemplating what options they had in this.
"A Nazca-class," said Kuzzey. "Yellow… two fifty-seven, mark… four zero two. That's all that can be detected for the moment," Kuzzey answered.
"It's more than likely that it's the Nazca-class we've been having to deal with," she said softly.
"Well then captain?" repeated Natarle. The battle, they knew, would unlikely go well for the advance fleet.
"But… remember who's on that ship," murmured Tolle, looking back from his seat at the copilot station. Everyone was silent, waiting for Murrue's answer.
"There's really no guarantee of us escaping," said Murrue at last, "even if we did withdraw and make a run for the rest of the fleet." She sat up straight, glancing around at her crew. "The last time," she continued, "we sought to avoid the enemy because we weren't ready. But I believe that this time will be different and so, I'm counting on all of you. Don't let me down."
Everyone gave her grim nods. Murrue returned the nod slightly, "All hands, level one battle stations!" she ordered, voice loud and clear. "The Archangel will provide backup for the advance fleet!"
"All hands, level one battle stations!" ordered Miriallia over the PA, in a tone that was unusually professional. "I repeat, all hands, level one battle stations!"
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
With the speed I was going down the corridors, you would think I was some sort of pinball in an old fashion pinball game machine. It took only a few minutes for me to reach the pilot locker room, since I took a less used route, so there was less people to slow me down. Wasted the least time possible in slipping into my pilot suit, yet as I was finishing adjusting it, the announcement to confirm the information that I already knew sounded. "All hands, level one battle stations! Repeat, all hands level one battle stations!" came Miriallia's voice over the intercom system.
I finished up by clipping the neck clasp of my suit shut and then sped out of the locker room, going to the hanger. My hand sailed into the switch for the door, but didn't stop the momentum I had going forward and moved through the doorway. It'd been a little less than a minute since the announcement had come, and so, I got wide eyed stares from some of the mechanics. Chief Murdock was the first to find his voice, "What the… Have to say kid, you're sure quick! I mean, the call to battle stations came around a minute ago!"
I looked towards the man, but still kept going towards the Shadow, "No time for chit chat Chief Murdock! We've got company, get ready to send my suit out!" I commanded.
Coming to a stop in front of my mobile suit, I opened the access panel and input the sequence to open the cockpit. I pulled myself into the cockpit once it had opened, taking the time to adjust myself into the seat and buckling in. I flicked the switch to close the hatch and started the OS booting up, getting myself into the zone for serious fighting. Then, I felt the jerk of the Shadow being moved to one of the catapults and I got to thinking. I may dislike the methods that the leaders of the Earth Alliance employ more often than not, but that doesn't mean that members of the Earth Forces are all like that and deserve to die.
The Shadow's systems fully booted up and were ready to go by the time I came to launching position, even with the modifications that had been done. Most of the changes were done, would be considered minor by a number of people, but they were meant to streamline the suit's operation and that's what counted. The two major or at least noticeable changes for the Shadow, were with the shield and the mirage colloid feature.
The mirage colloid in itself, while it was quite a system on its own, isn't what I would consider to be finished or made to be the best it could be. Originally, it'd sucked down power at a heavy rate, limiting the length of time it could be used. The other side of that was a bad flaw of giving away its general location through heat from the thrusters of the propulsion. Now, the draw on the battery the Shadow had, was a great deal less, fixed through changing the energy distribution to the emitter network for the colloid. The flaw of giving away location, had been corrected by modifying the heat disbursal from the propulsion, so now the Shadow can truly be undetected with the implementation of mirage colloid. I was certainly looking forward to testing how good the mirage colloid could work now.
Meanwhile, the shield the Shadow is equipped with, is still the same basic shape and weight. However, the shield's top layer of metal had been replaced with a material that the Federation uses and produces called Zencium. The metal Zencium is an artificial material that's strong and is very hard to penetrate, it really takes a concentrated and high-energy beam to have much of a chance to get through this metal. Positron energy, I suppose in theory could get through, I would rather not find out how that would work myself. However, Zencium does have an amount more resistance than ZAFT mobile suits and Earth Forces mobile armors do against projectiles and other weapons in general. Add the top layer of the shield is coded with anti-beam coding to increase the defense against beam weapons, it's a wonderful package! The shield modification had taken the longest as it'd been stripped down, but now with the improvements done, the time spent will be well worth it, I feel it!
The Shadow came to a halt and then dropped into the linear track connectors in preparation for launch. There came a series of bangs that came from the air tight shutter closing from my right, suggesting that I was in the left catapult. I heard the sound of air being quickly drawn out of where I was, signaling the airlock was being depressurized in preparation to use the catapult. Shortly after the process finished, the outer door on the left 'leg' of the Archangel rose, revealing the stars. The electron acceleration rails came into place and extended out, then hummed into life. The launch signal appeared and I shot down the catapult and out of the Archangel. I flew towards the battlefield that was lighting up in the distance, activating my suit's mirage colloid shortly after coming out of the Archangel.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
When they heard the order, Kira and Lacus had practically flown out of their quarters and started up a mad dash for the hangar. "Kira, Lacus!" called a voice suddenly, giving them reason to pause.
They looked back to see Flay running up to them, "What's all this about going to battle stations?" she asked. "What happening to the advance fleet?"
"We, uh, have no idea," said Kira. "We don't know what's going on," he turned to leave, but Flay reached forward and grabbed the sleeve of Kira's uniform.
"It's… going to be okay, right?" asked Flay. "The vessel that my dad's on won't be destroyed, will it? Will it?" she repeated in a small tone.
"Everything will be alright, Flay," reassured Kira. "Lacus, Tyler and I… We'll all be there helping, okay?" With that, he ran off, Lacus on his tail.
They quickly put on their pilot suits and then went to the hangar. Mu was already boarding his Zero armor at the same time Krystal was getting into hers. Kira and Lacus upon entering the hanger, spotted both mobile armors moving to the catapults. The very next thing they both noticed was that Tyler's mobile suit, the Shadow, was missing from its dock.
"There you two are!" said Murdoch, standing next to the Strike cockpit. "You're late!"
"We're sorry, Mr. Murdoch!" said Lacus.
"Mr. Murdoch, has the Shadow already launched?" Asked Kira as both he and Lacus moved towards the Strike and the Asuka.
"The Shadow? Yeah it has, McGregor was in here around a minute after the order to battle stations came in his pilot suit. It was like he already knew what was going on… I can't say much with how that kid seems to know about things. But enough of that you two, get into your mobile suits and prepare to go out!" Replied the chief mechanic.
Both Lacus and Kira got into their respective machines, "The enemies you're up against are the Nazca-class, two GINNs and the Aegis. Be on alert, as we have yet to spot the Laurasia-class," said Miriallia. "So, be careful."
'Athrun,' thought Lacus as the Strike was moved onto the starboard catapult. She had still not gotten around to telling Kira who the pilot of the Aegis likely was. Lacus hadn't figured out a good way to brake the subject to Kira.
"Kira, Lacus, Flay's father is there with the advance fleet," said Sai. "Don't forget."
"Not to worry, we won't," said Kira, closing his helmet visor as the Asuka was moved to the catapult. "Le Creuset hasn't deployed yet. If we move fast, we can probably take out the GINNs before he launches."
"Any additional weapons?" asked Miriallia as the Aile Striker was mounted on Lacus's machine in the starboard catapult.
"No," said Kira, "if Le Creuset intervenes, there would be too much chance of losing the equipment, and we can't afford that."
"Understood Kira, Lacus, you are go for launch." Miriallia said to them.
"Kira Yamato, Asuka, let's do it!" he said, flying the Asuka out from the Archangel.
"Lacus Don, Strike, launching!" Lacus announced, leaving the ship.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
Shortly after leaving the Archangel, I met up with my three teammates, who took up formation behind me so that I was in the lead. Luke was on the right side and Alan fell in on the left, while Lisa brought up the rear in the formation. "Things aren't looking too good ahead mate, the Earth Forces are on the loosing end by what I see," commented Luke.
"There is a second Federation cruiser on its way and should be in range to assist in the next few minutes. Yet, I don't know how much will be left to help by that point," spoke up Lisa.
"Then that's all the more reason to haul our rears over there and see what can be done." I said with an air of authority.
We sped up and quickly reached the battlefield and the view that we got didn't help improve the scene. The Alliance forces were sending thirteen mobile armors forward, which I applaud the effort and dedication they're showing. But honestly, they're going to be whipped and whipped good with the odds they have!
As if I needed more to enforce how things would play out, I looked over to see what ZAFT had coming to fight for them. On the point of mobile suits, there were two GINNs… And the Aegis just behind them. Luke's voice came over the com-line, bringing our attention to the Laurasia-class coming up from behind the Nazca, which was likely the Vesalius. From the Laurasia came the Blitz, the Buster and a third GINN, all heading towards the Alliance forces.
Without further hesitation, the four of us dove into the fray and began doing what we could to stop this battle from resulting with many deaths. Luke and Alan went for the three GINNs and began to do what they could to distract them from the Alliance ships. Lisa veered off to head at the Blitz and the Buster, which had to have taken some guts, but then Lisa is experienced at piloting. Plus, I think that she was letting me have the Aegis to myself and I needed to have a serious chat with Athrun about this crapshoot! I made a b-line for the Aegis, cause damn it, what's being done and going to be done on this field, is just wrong, whether Athrun is just following orders from Rau Le Creuset or he chose and agreed to this!
I switched from using mirage colloid to phase shift armor being up just as I came into striking range of the red mobile suit, with my shield in front of me. I slammed into the Aegis and pushed, making both of us tumble a bit before we righted ourselves. My actions brought the red machine's progress forward towards the Alliance forces to a halt. As the mobile suit faced me, I connected to a com-channel, "So then friend, you care to tell me how what is happening right here, right now can be justify? This interference that Rau Le Creuset is ordering is just as bad and ridiculous as those he did for Heliopolis. Doubt I need to tell you just how many treaties and agreements that he's either ignoring or blatantly disregarding starting this fight," I posed to one I called friend.
"Tye," uttered Athrun.
It wasn't that I was mad at Athrun, for I wasn't angry at him at all. I was more irritated and frustrated at his commander Rau Le Creuset for what he's doing and believing that there'll be no consequences for it. I can say that I'm gaining an understanding of why Federation High Command disliked Le Creuset as much as they do. The masked man is a frustrating pain in the rear with his disregard to the rules and treaties that stand and then worming his way out of punishment. "You haven't answered my question Athrun, how in the hell can you reason that this fight is okay?" I repeated to the blue haired ZAFT pilot.
Athrun was silent for a moment, before replying to me, "I could ask you the same question Tyler McGregor!" He said, and at the same time rushing forward, the Aegis bringing its right arm downward at me with its beam saber ignited.
In response, I raised the Shadow's shield and blocked the saber, I growled a little from the downward force. "Really Athrun? Please tell me, what did Creuset say to wave off that this is taking place in Federation territory where ZAFT has no business coming into or permission to be? I'm really curious what kind of excuse he's got for this crap, or didn't he mention that point to you or your fellow pilots before hand?" I retorted. "But then, this is the same man that attacked a colony that belongs to a member nation of the Federation, just to get a shot at the Alliance. Thinking nothing of what danger that puts the citizens of the colony in, nor what effects his actions bring."
Shoving back and moving forward to force the Aegis to float back from me, I shot with my Igelstellungs. The fight grew more intense around the two of us as we fought, but neither of us took much notice. Athrun quickly got frustrated with me blocking him from getting around me and going after the Alliance forces. "Get out of the way Tyler!" Athrun shot at me.
There was a flash of an explosion behind me, and as I blocked Athrun once again I caught a view of one of the Drake-class vessels fragment into debris. The number of mobile armors had been reduced by more than half within the couple of minutes that had gone by since my team and I had entered this battle. Then out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the Blitz was heading towards where Athrun and I were duking out our difference in views. Our mobile suits separated once more and the Blitz closed the rest of the distance, bringing its beam saber down on my shield. Athrun appeared to be having an internal conundrum, probably whether to help me or help his fellow pilot.
Suddenly something zoomed past us and a respectable distance and nicked one of the three GINNs. Another shot flew past us and this time nailed the GINN causing it to explode into a fireball. I shoved the Blitz back and gained some distance, turned slightly to see that the Archangel had arrived on the battlefield.
The Blitz changed direction and flew towards the second Drake-class vessel, which was in trouble as the Buster was firing at it at its leisure. I was about to pursue the black twin of my mobile suit, when the Aegis got in front of me, stopping me from chasing the Blitz. I tried to get around Athrun, much like he had been doing before with me. Our fight against each other resumed, neither of us gaining ground against the other. A white machine passed our skirmish behind Athrun, a CGUE type… Meaning that Rau Le Creuset was now on the battlefield. That seriously complicated things in this battle, which was already messy enough as it is.
However, I doubt Athrun was just going to let me past, even if I ask him nicely. Yet, it was my friend's voice that regain my attention, "Why are you siding with the Alliance?! How can you do that after what they've done?!" Athrun shouted at me.
I was a tad taken aback at the accusation that was being put to me, "Wait what?! I'm stopping a senseless slaughter, that's not siding with the Earth Alliance!" I shot back.
"You're protecting the Earth Forces!" stated Athrun.
I let out an irritated sigh, "No, I'm bringing a stop to an unnecessary fight as is the duty of a Federation pilot, it's what I do Athrun," I answered sharply.
Athrun is losing sight of what this is about, this battle is part of the vendetta of Rau Le Creuset and it has to stop! Nevertheless, Athrun didn't stop at my attempt to reason with him, "With the Human Federation's famous neutrality, you should stay out of this! The Earth Alliance needs to pay for what they've done," He got out.
…My friend has been spending too much time around his father and others of the same mind lately, that much is for sure. Is starting to sound much like them and that's horrible! The Athrun I know is so much better than that, to blame the Earth Alliance or more specifically Naturals for what's happening and has occurred. It worried me to hear Athrun, talking like he is right now, "Athrun, you pinning the blame on one large group and saying they're all evil is wrong! Hell, you're sounding like your father Athrun, and he's talking like those that belong to Blue Cosmos! Is that what you want? To be compared to scum like them?" I snapped back.
My snapped reply, silenced Athrun for a moment, "That's not…"
That's all I heard from Athrun, before the Aegis transformed into it mobile armor mode and flew off towards the Nazca-class ZAFT vessel. The guilt of knowing that what I had just said to Athrun had hurt him washed over me. It had to be done, my friend had been blinding himself by the influences around him.
I glanced around to gage how the battle was going thus far, saw that the Alliance forces weren't doing well. However, the arrival of the Archangel with the Strike, Asuka and the two Moebius Zero armors had helped. Currently, Lieutenant La Flaga in his zero had engaged one of the two remaining GINNs and was doing decently. The blue zero, with assumedly Major McAlester piloting, was occupying the other GINN.
Mu deployed his gunbarrels to surrounded the GINN he was taking on and managed to damage one leg of the suit. Yet, the GINN brought the beam cannon it had to bear on the mobile armor and let lose a bolt from the weapon. Mu attempted to evade the shot, but the shot grazed the Zero, scoring a hit on the underside, missing the cockpit however, damaging the main thruster.
"Damn it!" cursed Mu over the com-channel. "I can't do much of anything, not like this." With the main thruster of his mobile armor out, Mu was forced to bring the gunbarrels back in and use them to limp back to the Archangel. Kira moved to cover the man's retreat.
After observing the scene that Mu La Flaga had experienced, I'd seen enough to know that this battle needed to end. And the best way that I can think of to do that is to focus on something specific. Tactically speaking, 'when you want your opponent's attention, then go for something they can't afford to ignore'! Mobile suits are effective and everything, but if their transport is out of the picture, there's no resupply, no repair, no switching out, end of story. Yet, that would be difficult for me to accomplish disabling the ZAFT vessels alone… it would really go a lot smoother if I've some help in this. "Hey Lisa, you hear me?" I asked over the channel the Federation uses.
"Yes, what is it?" she replied.
"Well, I've an idea that I could use your help on," I began.
I gave a short explanation of what I had in mind. It was relatively simple, to get the ZAFT forces to leave, target their ships and disable them enough for them to either have to retreat or call back their mobile suits. Even Le Creuset can't afford to ignore his ships being at risk for very long without things going really bad for him. As I've said, there are a number in the Federation military that would like Le Creuset to disappear, I'm among that number as of a few weeks ago. With what the masked man had done to Heliopolis and the risk to its citizens he caused, then getting out of facing the consequences… I dislike those like him! So, I'm more than happy to make his day horrid and miserable, it will be a pleasure!
Once I had explained the plan I had, Lisa agree to help me. She headed in my direction, while I shut off the Shadow's Phase Shift in preparation to turn on the mirage colloid system. When Lisa met up with me and we set off towards the two ZAFT ships. The first target of the two ships, the destroyer that Creuset has been riding on.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
Kira had finished covering Mu's retreat after his mobile armor had gotten damage, he was about to go and assist Lacus, who was fighting the Blitz. However, Kira got a particular feeling that was familiar and not in a good way. Reacting on instinct, he pulled the Asuka off his current course, managing to dodge the incoming fire from the silver CGUE of Rau Le Creuset. Kira quickly assessed the situation and knew he was in trouble. True, Kira had survived the previous encounters with the masked ZAFT Commander, but the man had more experience and skill that Kia himself did. Lacus was busy with the Blitz and Krystal was going against one of the remaining GINNs, meaning Kira was on his own.
Meanwhile, the Archangel was firing on both ZAFT vessels, but not too much affect, due to the interference and range. That's not to say the Archangel wasn't scoring a hit every now and then, yet it wasn't having the desired effect on ending the battle quickly. However, one good thing that was coming from the effort, was the Montgomery was now doing much better for itself. The cruiser didn't have any of their mobile armors left, but with allied forces assisting, the crew of the Alliance ship was beginning to hope that they would make it out of this battle alive.
That by no means meant Copman wouldn't scold Murrue for disobeying his orders to leave later, but he supposed that would be the extent of it. Yet, the hope and looking forward changed when one of the two GINNs managed to land a shot on a decidedly "inconvenient" location.
"Main turret's been hit!" announced the fire control officer.
"This is just intolerable!" exclaimed Allster. "What do your people think they're doing? Why can't they shoot down that single GINN?"
"Vice Minister," said Copman, turning to look at Allster, "Proceed to the lifepod."
"What?" asked Allster incredulously.
"You are on my ship and so, subject to my authority," said Copman authoritatively. "Proceed to the lifepod immediately. The Archangel will survive, so if the Montgomery is lost, they can at least retrieve you."
Allster stared at him in shock—despite his opinions, his own job and his criticisms of the Montgomery crew's inability to take down the lone GINN. Leaving the ship and leaving the crew here to die… didn't sit right with him.
"Vice Minister, that is an order!" commanded Copman. "This is just a precaution, you are more valuable than anyone else on this ship, so we mustbe ready if the worst should happen."
Slowly, Allster nodded, to Copman's relief. Truthfully, there was another reason for sending Allster to the lifepod. That was getting him out of Copman's hair so that he could focus on the battle. In this situation, the crew needed to focus, and the opinions of a civilian who'd never seen combat were a potentially fatal hindrance that could get people killed.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
While on route towards the opposing ships, I managed to catch a glimpse of the Asuka engaging a white CGUE type suit, likely with Le Creuset piloting. By what Kira has told me, it sounds like Rau Le Creuset has developed a worrisome interest in Kira. The other thing I saw was that the last remaining Alliance ship, the cruiser was having problems due to one of the two GINNs having a go at the ship.
If there were ever a time to turn the tide, it would be now! Thankfully, Lisa and I reached the area that the ZAFT destroyer was, despite the Archangel firing at the ship… not knowing that Lisa and I were going in that direction. But, now that Lisa and I are with in the distance one customarily takes potshots, I say why the hell not start shooting!
Lisa got on the right side of the ship and I moved to the left, once in those position, we commenced the before mentioned potshoting. I used my rifle to nail the beam cannon that was on the left side of the front section of the destroyer, disabling the cannon from being used. At the same time, I deactivated the Shadow's mirage colloid and switched the phase shift armor back on. Lisa meanwhile, damaged the ship's railgun on the right side as well as getting smoke to stream out of the ship around the railgun. We kept targeting the destroyer's weapons, one at a time, including the missile tubes.
The turning of the tide gained further momentum when the second Federation cruiser arrived and their fighters took the field. That team managed to get the GINN along with the Blitz and the Buster backing off. That didn't mean ZAFT forces left the field, but they were now forced on to the defensive. As I kept taking potshots at the destroyer, listened to the Federation com-channel and got to hear about how the crew of the Alliance ship was evacuated. That was good, as the Alliance vessel, with the beating it had sustained, ended out exploding.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
Le Creuset grunted slightly as he was pressed into his seat by the sudden G-forces that came from him performing a quick dodge of the Asuka's vulcan gun. He soared back in, swinging his sword down on the Asuka. However, Kira managed to raise his shield to block the attack and counter with his beam saber. Creuset ducked under the slash and lashed out with a kick to the Asuka's mid-section, aiming specifically for the cockpit. That sent Kira tumbling back, before he recovered and retaliated with fire from the Igelstellungs in the Asuka's head.
"What an amazing mobile suit," muttered Le Creuset calmly as he pulled away, avoiding the shots and countering with his shield-vulcan.
The Asuka's phase shift armor blocked a few rounds, before Kira pulled out of the attack using the superior thrust of his mobile suit's flight system. The CGUE caught a few rounds on its shield, but was very quick to get out from under the barrage. Frustrated, Kira stored his beam saber and grabbed his rifle once more, activating his targeting computer. He quickly attempted to bring the cross hares over the CGUE, yet the machine was dancing about too quickly for him to get a solid lock for long enough to get a good shot. So, giving up on landing a hit with his skill level, Kira just pulled the trigger whenever he got close enough. As Tyler would often repeat to Kira, get your opponent to go away, then you don't have to kill them.
What Kira didn't realize, though, was that the G-forces Le Creuset was experiencing were beginning to build, and he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep this up, especially with how fragile his body was. Unfortunately for him, the building pressure caused him to mess up his maneuvers, and for just a second, Kira's targeting computer managed to line up a shot.
In an instant, a dart of white energy flashed across space and hit the CGUE right in the left shoulder joint, blasting the entire arm off and hitting the wing behind it. A few secondary explosions followed on the CGUE's torso in the area of the left shoulder. Le Creuset grunted, "You've improved quickly," he said. "I wonder how long you can keep it up for… Nemesis."
"Commander! We're under attack by Federation forces! The Vesalius is taking heavy fire!" said Ades, his voice strained.
"Their response time is impeccable, I'll give them that. I understand Ades, I'm withdrawing and returning to the ship!"
Creuset shot back at the winged suit and then retreated back towards the Vesalius. Even from a distance, the damage done was apparent and it wasn't nice. However, along the way, Creuset came across, of all things, the odd black mobile suit that he had faced at Heliopolis. The machines pointed its beam rifle at Creuset's CGUE, "How funny the whims of fate are, that our paths should cross again so soon Le Creuset," said a young male voice over an open com-channel.
Rau Le Creuset recognized the voice, even if he hadn't though he would have heard it so soon again, "Mr. McGregor, fancy meeting you on this battlefield, the whims of fate are indeed interesting. One would question what a Federation pilot like yourself would be doing helping out the Earth Alliance," responded Creuset.
"You seem to have forgotten a rather important fact in this situation Rau Le Creuset," Tyler shot back flatly, "You're in Federation space currently, and bending the rules for one's own reasons or vendettas isn't acceptable with the Federation as it sometimes can be with ZAFT."
The Shadow shifted its beam rifle to point directly at the cockpit of the CGUE, which Creuset didn't miss. "So, move along Le Creuset, or else you better start asking yourself just how far your luck will be able to get you. I wouldn't doubt you of all ZAFT commanders, know what the standard response if for intruders that enter Federation territory without permission are Le Creuset, do keep that in mind." Tyler said emotionlessly.
Le Creuset knew that as things stood, the risks were high were he to engage Tyler McGregor and this black mobile suit. So, he flew past the Shadow towards his ship and said nothing more.
The Shadow along with the Delta Fighter with him, traveled back to the battlefield as there were still two GINNs and the Buster and Blitz to deal with. Upon arriving near the Archangel, they saw that the Strike was going against the Blitz, while the Asuka was dancing with the Buster and the two GINNs were dealing with the Federation fighters, with Alan and Luke in front. Lisa flew her fighter went off to join up with Alan and Luke. Tyler activated the Shadow's mirage colloid to disappeared from sight and moved unseen to be behind the Blitz.
The Blitz was concentrating on the Strike, so when something grabbed the mobile suit from behind, Nicol jumped. When he looked back to see what was going on, he felt real shock at seeing the black mobile suit there that looked close to the same as his own mobile suit, the one from the reports from Heliopolis. The machine had come out of nowhere, no warning, nothing on any sensors, not even the Blitz's mirage colloid could do that task so completely! Nicol was forced to struggle out of the hold and retreat from the two enemy mobile suits, still left worried by the sudden appearance of the black mobile suit and what that could potentially mean.
As ZAFT fell back from the battle, the Shadow looked over at the Asuka, "Hey Kira, you okay in there?" Tyler asked kindly. He had already hurt Athrun today, and Tyler didn't want to do such to both of his best friends in one day.
Kira didn't respond to Tyler for a little while, but he did reply, "We failed…" Kira uttered.
Tyler felt baffled, "Um, excuse me?" He muttered, not knowing what else to say as he didn't understand what Kira was talking about.
"Kira, it wasn't your fault," reassured Lacus.
Tyler noted the signs that something was off, "Either of you mind cluing me in on what you're talking about that has both of you in such a state as you are in," he requested.
"The Montgomery… was destroyed," said Lacus.
Tyler considered what Lacus said for a moment, "You mean the Alliance Nelson-class cruiser?" He inquired.
"Yes, that one… we promised someone that we wouldn't let that happen, yet we failed," Lacus finished.
It was from that, that Tyler began comprehending what the issue might be in this. Tyler of couse knew that the crew of the Nelson-class had been evacuated before the ship was destroyed. However, the Federation had done that without being seen, so there would be few outside of the Federation that would know. Tyler was about to inform both of his friends of the fact, but then a signal was picked up by the Shadow's sensors. It took him a couple of seconds to identify the signal and found to my surprise that it was the beacon from a lifepod. Tyler glanced back to see that Lacus was getting Kira to head back to the Archangel. That made Tyler realize that neither of them had noticed or picked up the signal from the lifepod. So Tyler, being who he was, flew off in the direction of the lifepod and after a minute of traveling, he located the small pod. The Shadow gently grabbed the pod and then began the journey back towards the Archangel, Tyler just hoped that he wasn't bringing a problem back with him.
-Line Break-
The Archangel
Both the Strike and the Asuka were moved into the hanger, just after the blue zero armor was taken in. After being put into the mobile suit docks, Kira and Lacus exited their cockpits, before heading towards the locker room in a very somber mood. However, Lacus stopped halfway across the hanger, looking around the large room, "Kira, where's Tye?" she asked.
Kira came to a halt and also scanned around the hanger, pausing on the empty dock where the Shadow would normally be. Then shifted between both sets of airtight shutters that led to the catapults, which were closed for the moment. Seeing this, mystified Kira, for Tyler had been behind both Lacus and himself, "I thought he was right behind us," muttered Kira, before he shook his head. "He's probably coming in as we speak Lacus."
The two teens continued to the pilot locker room while, on the Archangel's bridge, clean up from the battle was being seen to. "The Strike and Asuka have returned," reported Miriallia.
Murrue acknowledged the report, reviewing over how things had come out, for the battle had ended badly by pretty much all accounts. Even with the Archangel had come back to help, in hopes of saving lives, they had failed to stop the destruction of the advance force. Murrue was lost in thought, when Miriallia spoke up again, "Um ma'am, the Shadow is approaching the right catapult, but it seems to be carrying something," she said hesitantly.
Murrue glanced down to the CIC at hearing the Shadow was 'carrying something'. "Carrying something?" asked Murrue.
Natarle felt a growingly familiar irritation, Tyler McGregor had been blatantly ignoring orders and mission guidelines and it had irked Natarle. She got on the com-channel that was connected the mobile suit in question herself, ready to reprimand the pilot! "X209 Shadow, what the hell are you thinking?! Let go of whatever you're carrying and return immediately," she commanded.
There was an interval of static and crackling, before Tyler's voice came and all on the bridge heard him. "Let go of… so, you're telling me that I should just chuck this Alliance lifepod back out to space and pretend that I didn't find it at all?! To not take into account that there is likely someone in it and what they have gone through? Is that what I'm hearing from you, Acting Vice Captain!?" replied Tyler with an incredulous tone. "Goodness Gracious, I've been around a some mean, tight uniformed officers before, but just how heartless can you be woman?!" Tyler paused for a moment, "I recommend that whomever is at the controls to operate the catapults makes sure to keep the right one open for me to come in, and then, have someone around that can open this pod. It's coming into the Archangel with me regardless whatever anyone else says, shut up and accept that. Any of the commanding officers that wish to argue or reprimand me, can feel free to do so later, should any of you need of something to do and feel inclined to waste the time. For I guarantee that I won't be listening, but if that's how some of you get your kicks, more power to you I guess."
By the time Tyler had finished, Natarle was fully ready reprimand the teenager for the insubordination he was showing and get as close as she could to court marshaling him! The young man had not only called Natarle heartless, but he was completely ignoring the order he had been given once again! However, Murrue cut in before Natarle could give Tyler a piece of her mind, "Ensign Badgiruel, it's clear he doesn't intend to leave the pod, and if it really is an Alliance lifepod as Tyler says it is, then we may have a survivor of one of the ships' destruction."
Natarle exhaled at having to accept it, she still planned to tell Mr. McGregor how unwise his blatant disregard for orders was later. "Understood Captain, you're right," she returned.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
When I came into the catapult, I waited for the outer door to close and the airtight shutters to open once the pressure cycling is complete. Although, I must say, it had been quite something listening to Natarle Badgiruel, it's one of the more sorrier displays I've seen from her. I mean, telling me to 'let go of whatever I was carrying'… it's like she thinks I'll pick up random junk or something! If the woman that was second in command of this ship didn't already understand, I follow the orders that I see reason to, not every single little ridiculous command I get told! She's certain among the some of the meaner tight uniformed officers I've been around, can't say where she would exactly rank on the list though.
I switched off the phase shift armor to conserve power and just because I didn't need the system running anyways. The shutters into the main hanger area slid open after around thirty seconds and I moved my mobile suit in. Yet, what caught the attention of most in the hanger, was the pod I brought in with me, just hope they have someone that can open it. I set the pod down on the hanger floor, before I moved towards the dock the Shadow usually occupied. Once in the dock itself, one of the mechanics toggled the controls to lock my machine into the cage, I unbuckled the restraints that held me in.
I opened the hatch and pushed my body forward, sailing out of the cockpit and into the hanger itself. As I floated along, I removed my helmet, before glancing around to take in what was going on in the hanger. Now that the battle was over, I couldn't help the wave of relief that washed over me for no matter the results, it was over. "Whoo, thank God that mess is over and done with, was not nice out there really at all," I said out loud, mostly to myself.
"Hey Tyler!" came the voice of Chief Murdoch.
I turned my body to face the source of the voice and saw Chief Murdoch. I was about to ask him what I could do for him, then realized that I'd dropped the pod smack dab in the middle of the hanger, in the way of most all else. I gave the man an apologetic expression, "Oh, sorry for putting that pod in the middle of the hanger, I didn't exactly know where to set it down. I hope you have the means to pop it open chief," I returned, opening the collar of my pilot suit.
There were already a couple of mechanics that were bringing over equipment, which I assume was to open the pod. I stopped my forward momentum, and watched as the mechanics worked on the pod. Shortly after the stuff was connected, there was a hiss from the pod and a hatch snapped open, followed by a man coming out of the pod itself. "That was close," he muttered. "But… I can't believe we lost Copman… with all of this."
I made my way over to the man, "So then, there was someone in this pod. Good thing I picked it up then," I remarked coming to a stop in front of him.
The man turned to me, "You brought the lifepod in?" he asked.
I smiled and nodded, "Yes sir, I did indeed. I do hope you didn't get bumped around too much in there along the ride, if so, my apologies. My name is Tyler McGregor, and whom did I help out, if I might ask?"
The man smiled a bit, "No, thank you for carrying the pod Mr. McGregor, my name is George Allster," he answered.
"Well then, since you're on board now, let's get you to the captain and go on from there, shall we?" I suggested, putting the diplomacy skills that my mother drilled into me when I was young to use.
Minister Allster agreed with me and so I guided him out of the hanger. However, I never did make it to the bridge, as we bumped into a group on our way. Said group consisted of Kira, Lacus, Sai and Flay, Sai looking to be trying to comfort Flay. I was about to speak up and greet them when the Vice Minister recognized his daughter, "Flay!"
The group turned in our direction and Flay instantly locked her gaze on her father, "Daddy!" cried Flay, tears of joy leaving a trail behind her as she pushed herself down towards her father.
"Flay!" exclaimed Allster, wrapping his arms around Flay as she crashed into him.
I couldn't help the small smile that formed on my face, at seeing the reuniting of father and daughter. But that made me wonder a bit, my mother had said that George Allster could be difficult to be around and get along with. I haven't seen anything that would lend credence to such a description and I know my mother is an accurate judge of people.
Kira and Lacus came over to me, looking to be in a far better mood than when I'd talked to them a little while ago. I acknowledged them as I kept watching the scene in front of me, "You're okay…" sobbed Flay, clinging to her father's suit. "Just like he promised," she smiled and turned slightly to look at where Kira, Lacus and I were watching from.
"Thank you Kira!" called Flay, to which Kira smiled slightly. "You too Lacus and you Tyler. My father is still alive because of all of you!"
Kira nodded in modestly in acceptance of the gratitude, while I smiled, "You're quite welcome Flay, glad to be able to help your father," I said.
"Don't worry about it," replied Lacus, which I can understand, she would likely be just as happy if her father was save from a similar situation.
Minister Allster gained a confused look, "Flay, who are they?" he asked, pointing to Kira and Lacus. He already knew who I was as I'd introduced myself to him when he came out of the pod.
Flay smiled at him, I believe not seeing the slightly suspicious expression that was among the confusion, "Kira Yamato, Tyler McGregor and Lacus Don," she said. "They're volunteers from Heliopolis and they were piloting the mobile suits out there."
Shock replaced the confusion upon Allster's face, "What? A couple of kids did that?" he murmured. "How though, they're only civilians and yet, they did that? Even trained soldiers should've had difficulty… even I know that."
The lines that Vice Minister Allster just muttered worry me, for they were going towards what my mother described to me. The man had seemed like a reasonable man when I'd talked with him before we had come upon the group. It also matched what I'd heard about the man, from information within the profile the Federation had on him. However, the fact that my mom had mentioned, was that Allster didn't like Coordinators and said as much. Then I can be mistaken for being a year or a little older than I really am by some.
"They learn quick," replied Flay.
"But, to put children in mobile suits," started Allster.
"They were the only ones," said Flay softly, looking down. "Only Coordinators could operate those machines…"
And so, now we'll see just how much he is against Coordinators… "What?! Coordinators?!" said Allster, shocked. He glanced up at us, eyes focusing briefly on Lacus's distinctive hair, then over at Kira and I, before going down to Flay, shaking his head. Odd, he didn't appear to have any problem with me when we had introduced ourselves before, but he hadn't known I was a Coordinator.
"Come on, Flay, I think we should talk," he said "I can meet with the captain later…"
Flay nodded, looking confused but she followed her father as he went, leaving those of us here just standing where we were. Mu and Krystal came up from behind us and looked at the scene, Kira was the first to break the silence, "But… shouldn't he be meeting the captain first?"
"Yes, that's normally what happens with one in politics coming on board a ship, heck that's where we were heading before we bumped into all of you," I said warily.
"Yeah, Tyler is right, Vice Minister Allster should see the captain first," said Mu, frowning. "I don't like this…"
"You're not the only one that has a bad feeling about his Mu," remarked Krystal.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
The Gamow
About thirty minutes had passed since the battle with the Alliance, in which ZAFT had been forced in the end to retreat. The Gamow had caught up with the Vesalius and those on the Gamow had been more than surprised to find the Nazca-class damaged like it was. Yzak himself, was more than a little irritated at the sight, "So, let me get this straight," he said, staring at the Gamow's display screen, containing his fury and consternation. "Not only did you fail to do anything to the legged ship, but the mobile suit that was in the report about back at Heliopolis that is similar to the Blitz, reappeared and disarmed the Vesalius?"
"That's partly true, we didn't manage to do damage to the legged ship and it was the Blitz look-a-like did disable the weapons of the Vesalius however, there was also a Federation fighter assisting in that damage," said Athrun calmly, ignoring Yzak's temper which was showing.
The damage to the Le Creuset Team's flagship was extensive, as most of its weapon systems had become unusable. Clearly, that they wouldn't be able participate in the next battle, so Le Creuset scheduled a rendezvous with the Gamow a distance away from where the battle with the Alliance had taken place. Once the meeting had occurred, the Aegis was transferred to the Gamow, while the one GINN left, which was Miguel Aiman's stayed on the Vesalius. Engineers began the repairs to both ships, though the main focus was on the destroyer as it had the most damage.
"Yzak, the enemy warship possessed far greater combat capability than we had anticipated," said Le Creuset simply. "The two mobile suits, are showing themselves to be very skilled. Add to that, the two mobile armor pilots who are known to be good and capable of taking on mobile suits by themselves. Then their pilots are improving a great deal between each battle, no doubt the work of the Hawk of Endymion and the Lunar Peregrine. None of them are repeating any amateur mistakes from the first few encounters we've had with them. Then, the reappearance of the second unknown mobile suit from Heliopolis changed a number of things. Finally, with the untimely appearance of Federation forces, the outcome was predicable in the end."
Yzak was silent with his commander's assessment, for even Yzak had to admit that Le Creuset had a point. That black suit that was like the Blitz appearing had been unexpected, and though Yzak hadn't faced it himself so he couldn't say much about it. But, by what he'd seen, the pilot was either very lucky, very frequently, or they weren't a novice at using the machine really at all. Then Federation military forces popping up… well, they always made things more difficult for ZAFT, the Earth Alliance or both. Then in respect of the enemy pilots, whether they were just good at getting lucky or it was their skill, was uncertain, Yzak leaned towards the former. What irked him, was Creuset saying that the winged suit's and the Strike's pilots were improving a sizable margin.
Le Creuset turned his attention away from those communicating from the Gamow, probably listening to a damage report before looking back to the camera. "When you catch up to the legged ship, you are to do what you can to slow them down, preferably destroy them. The Gamow should be able to put up a sufficient barrage to keep the enemy warship preoccupied, so that the mobile suits can finish it in theory. The key to success will be how well you can keep the three enemy mobile suits and mobile armors. How you do this, will be up to all of you, methods and means don't matter to me in this as long as the results are obtained. The one piece of advice to all of you is not to underestimated that ship or the mobile weapons it carries, nor those who use them," finished Le Creuset.
"Sound reasoning commander, with how much damage the Vesalius took in the battle, it won't be able to actively participate in future battles without reaching dry-dock or have a full repair crew. However, if the Gamow doesn't go on alone, there's too great a chance that the legged ship will rendezvous with a large number of reinforcements. Then we'll have to wait for reinforcements of our own before even attempting to do something about them," remarked Nicol.
"Nicol is quite right, and it's good to see that at least one of you is looking ahead to see what could happen," said Commander Le Creuset. "Very well then, I'll leave the mission of hunting the legged ship in the four of your capable hands. And Yzak Joule… do try to avoid another incident like the last battle you used the Duel in. I'm well aware of your over eagerness, and though I appreciate your determination in completing a mission, show restraint. The lack of restraint nearly cost you your life last time, even if you got out of it with only a damaged mobile suit to show for it. Such insubordination cannot be allowed to continue, even if it is from the son of Ezalia Joule. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir, crystal clear," said Yzak through grit teeth, swallowing his pride. Le Creuset nodded at the response, "Dearka, the same applies for you as well, do not be recklessly gung-ho. Nicol and Athrun, I'll be counting on you both to make sure that your hotheaded companions exercise restraint and keep their attitudes and pride in line," Le Creuset stated before severing the transmission before any could say anything else.
Phase End!
A/n
That's where I'll end the chapter, no change in that. Please take the time to write a review or PM me and tell me what you think of this story. Peace out, until next time!
