File 08 – Desperate Tactics.
Rena stands overlooking the hangar bay. The Blitz and Buster return through the bay doors. She smiles. Dearka spots her and waves. She waves back. Nicol climbs from his cockpit. Dearka nudges him. He looks up and waves at Rena. She stares at him.
"She's very pretty." Lacus stares at the picture of Isamu and Rena.
Isamu smiles, "She is pretty cute. I've had a hell of a time playing big brother believe me. I've had to beat up quite a few bums." Lacus giggles. He shrugs, "That was taken when I graduated the Academy." Lacus smiles. Isamu nods, "She was with her father on Heliopolis when it was attacked."
Lacus gasps, "Really?"
He nods, "She's alive somewhere out there."
Lacus stares out into space, "How sad." She glances at the picture, "She looks like the girl in a picture Kira dropped in my room."
Isamu stares at her, "Kira?"
She nods, "He told me that she was someone special to him and that they were no longer together because she must have chosen to be with someone she loved a long time ago. He looked so sad."
Isamu stares at the picture, "Chose someone else?" Flash. "So were you the boyfriend back on Copernicus?" Kira shakes his head. Isamu nods, "The best friend." Back. Isamu furrows his brow. That other guy must be on Plant. No wonder Kira was so upset.
Lacus tilts her head, "Is something wrong?"
Isamu shakes his head, "It is the same girl and I've been giving Kira a hard time about it. But he must have loved her a lot."
Lacus nods, "He said he did."
Isamu tucks his picture away, "Well I should be getting you back."
"It'll be like 8 or 9 hours before we can even rendezvous with the Vesalius."
Rena glances at Dearka, "They'll be searching for this… Lacus right?"
He nods, "Yeah I guess. She's an important idol to Plant."
Rena glances at Nicol, "I can't wait to see Athrun again."
Dearka glances at her, "Why?"
She glances at him, "Because he's my friend and well, the last time I saw him I was a wreck." She pauses.
Dearka glances at her and then Nicol, "Well you've made great progress." Nicol nods.
She smiles and intertwines arms with them, "Thank you Dearka. Let's get something to eat."
He frowns, "Sorry but I have to go out on a recon." She stares at him, disappointed.
Nicol nods, "I have work to do too." She nods, "Oh… ok."
Kira sits inside the Strike typing into the keyboard. He glances over at the crumbled picture. He reaches over and pulls it down. He tries to smooth it.
Flash. Lacus leans down and picks up the crumbled picture. "What's this?" Kira turns, "Oh… That's mine." She smiles, "I can tell... oh... the two of you make a very cute couple." Kira looks at the picture, "You think so?" Lacus nods and smiles, "She's beautiful. Where is she now?" Kira looks at Lacus. "She's with another guy. One she loved more than me I guess." She tilts her head and furrows her brow, "Oh… it must be hard to love someone so much when they don't choose you." Kira glances at her. Tears were in his eyes, "Yeah... but we were just friends anyway…" Lacus floats toward him, "Really? I wouldn't think that looking at this picture." Kira stares at her. Lacus smiles, "If she is with this other guy I'm sure she's thinking of you." Kira gasps, "Why do you say that?" Lacus hold the picture up for him to see, "Look how she's looking at you. She's completely in love with you. You can see it in her eyes." Back.
Kira slides his fingers over her face.
"The Montgomery and two accompanying ships are approaching." Murrue nods, "Wonderful." An alarm sounds, "ZAFT cruiser approaching from behind." Murrue glances aside, "Not now. Everyone to level 2 battle stations."
Isamu pauses near the door. Lacus sat on her bed and tilts her head, "What's happening?" He glances at her, "ZAFT must be attacking. Stay here ok?" He rushes out.
Mu heads toward his Moebius. "Are we ready to go?"
Kojiro nods, "Of course."
Mu glances toward the Strike, "Where's Kira?"
Kojiro shrugs, "Last time I checked he was inside. Spends a majority of his time in there anyway."
Mu nods, "Well tell him to get ready for launch, I'm heading out!" Isamu enters. He finishes adjusting his flight suit. He kicks up toward the Tempest.
The Moebius and Tempest blast out.
Kira tucks his picture into his uniform and then zips his space suit on. He exits the locker room. He collides with Flay in the hall. She stares at him, "Kira what's happening? What's the battle status of the escort fleet?"
He stares at her, "I'm not sure." He turns to head off.
Flay grabs his shoulder, "But we'll be ok right?" He stares at her not knowing what to say. "Kira?" Tears were welling in her eyes as she stared at him, pleadingly. Part of him wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her. He had a crush on her for so long. "My father's ship isn't going to be harmed is it?" She reaches out and leans into him, "IS IT?" She was shaking slightly. Kira places a hand on her shoulder and smiles. She looks up at him.
"Don't worry. I'll be going out there too. Along with the others." She clasps her hands together and watches as he turns and heads off.
Kojiro glares at Kira as he floats up to the cockpit, "You're late!"
Kira nods, "I'm sorry."
Kojiro nods, "Isamu and Mu are already out." Kira nods and kicks into the Strike.
Miriallia appears on his screen, "You'll be facing GINN and the Aegis so be careful." Kira nods.
Sai appears on screen, "Flay's father is aboard the Montgomery so please protect him." Kira nods. The Aile pack is attached.
Outside the few Moebius from the advance party were fighting a losing battle to the GINN and Aegis. The Strike blasts out. Mu appears on his screen, "We have a few GINN and that damn Aegis. I'll leave him to you, kid."
Isamu types in his keyboard, "I'll head toward the Montgomery and provide support."
Mu nods, "Sounds like a plan. Good luck."
Isamu nods, "See you back at home. Kira? Be careful against that Aegis." Kira stares at him and nods, "Roger."
The battle heats up. Isamu takes out a GINN, "Damn they're pretty quick!" Mu dodges and pursues one of his own finally taking it out. Kira fires at the Aegis with his beam cannon. Athrun returns fire.
Flay races through the halls and toward the bridge, she stands in the open doorway.
Murrue glances aside, "What about Lt. Flaga?"
Miriallia looks up, "He's received damage. Being heavily pursued." Flay watches everyone nervously.
Natarle shouts out battle commands. "Gottfried 1 Fire!"
"Missile launched from the Vesalius targeting the Rowe." Flay kicks inside.
Kuzzey glances aside in shock, "Flay?" Murrue glances behind. Sai gets from his seat to head over. Flay looks at Murrue, "What's happening to my father's ship?"
Sai grasps her wrist, "Flay?"
Murrue stares at her, "We are in the middle of a battle! Noncombatants are restricted from the bridge. Get her out of here."
Flay shakes her head, "What's happened to my father's ship?"
Sai pulls her arm, "Flay? Come on."
She struggles against him, "Let me go! What's happening?" The Rowe explodes on screen and Flay gasps.
Sai wraps his arm around, "Flay let's go you shouldn't be here." He moves her toward the exit. Flay is frozen in shock.
"A GINN has moved toward the Montgomery. The mobile armor has one cannon left!"
Sai manages to pull Flay from the bridge. She glances at him, "What about that friend of yours... Kira? What is he doing?"
Sai stares at her, "He's fighting as hard as he can. But the enemy is the Aegis, so it's not that easy."
Flay shakes her head, "But he said it was going to be fine! He said everything was going to be ok!"
The Aegis comes at the Strike. Kira watches it flash by his monitors. Sweat dripped down his brow. I have to protect that ship. Athrun pulls his beam sabers and soared toward Kira. The sabers collide. A cruiser explodes behind them as the two struggle against one another. They blast apart just as a GINN flies through.
Flay and Sai head down the hallway, "It's all right, ok? Your father will be fine." A blast shakes the Archangel. She jerks and tries to head toward the bridge again. Sai grasps her arm, "No… Flay?"
She struggles, "No! Let me go! Let me go!" They hear some singing and turn.
Inside her room Lacus sings holding pink in her hand, "I'm waiting for you on this silent night... to find that lost smile... A bit of time..."
Sai tilts his head, "It's that girl." Flay crosses toward the door, "Flay!"
The door slides open and Lacus turns, "Hmmm? Oh hello?" Flay stares at her.
Isamu heads toward the Vesalius, "I'm going to take out the head of the serpent!"
Mu glances over, "Isamu? We can't we have to retreat!"
Isamu slashes GINN after GINN, "I can do it."
Captain Ades glances over, "The Tempest is approaching."
Rau smirks, "Prepare to fire."
"Fire Loehngrin! Where is the Strike? Where is the Tempest?" Mu appears on Murrue's monitor, "Capt. We can't do this if we don't retreat now we'll be destroyed as well!" She looks up, "But."
The Strike and Aegis continue to battle one another. In frustration Athrun transforms and fires a blast at the Strike. Kira evades and takes a position near the Montgomery. A GINN fires its cannon. The hit takes out the cannons on the Cruiser. Inside the soldiers were frantic, "Cannons unable to function! Engine damage! Fire wall breached!" Flay's father grips the sides of his chair, "What are they doing? Why can't they take out one GINN?" The commander of the Montgomery glances over, "Head to the escape pods."
Athrun grits his teeth and pulls his saber again. He swings at the Strike. Kira blasts back and fires his Vulcans.
The door to the bridge opens and Flay bursts in with Lacus. Everyone glances over, "I'll kill this girl! If they keep firing at my father's ship I'll kill her!" Murrue turns. Lacus stares at her as sad look in her eyes. "Tell those bastards!"
Sai enters, "Flay?"
Flay screams, "Tell them!"
The Tempest soars toward the Vesalius. Isamu raises his beam saber. Rau smirks, "Fire!" The Vesalius fires.
Isamu's eyes widen. The funnel's reacts and swirl in front of the Tempest to protect it from the blast.
Miriallia gasps and turns, "Tempest communication lost!"
Murrue gasps, "What?" The blast penetrates the Montgomery. For a split second everything seems to go in slow motion. Everyone was shocked. Inside the Montgomery Flay's father glances back in fear. The Cruiser explodes.
Murrue watches in shock.
"NO!!!" Flay shakes her head and screams, "No!" Lacus stares at her in shock. Flay floats back into Sai. She shakes her head, "No!!" Murrue stares at her. Lacus clings to Kuzzey's chair staring at the shuddering Flay.
Two remaining GINN now target the Archangel. Alarms begin to sound.
Natarle leaps up, "Captain?" Murrue doesn't answer. She glances downward. Natarle removes her earpiece and kicks up to the top. She grabs the mike from Kuzzey.
Murrue looks at her, "Ensign Badgiruel?"
Natarle opens hailing frequencies, "A message to the ZAFT cruiser and approaching suits! This is the Earth Alliance Archangel!"
A tech turns, "The legged ship is contacting us." Rau smirks, "Of course."
Natarle's face was on screen, "We have senator Clyne's daughter Lacus aboard."
Athrun stops his pursuit of Kira and gasps, "What?" Kira also gasps.
Aboard the Vesalius on screen Lacus is visible behind Natarle. Ades gasps, "It's Lady Lacus."
"We recovered her pod by accident and have been treating her well. But if you continue to attack we will assume that you forfeit your loyalty to her and our crew will deal with her as we see fit. Withdraw immediately!" She glances at Murrue who is glaring at her.
Athrun glares aside, "Those bastards!" Kira stares forward in complete shock.
Mu emerges from his damaged Moebius and kicks up, "Now what..."
Rau sighs. "This is disgusting. Now that they're at the disadvantage they come out like this." Captain Ades turns, "Captain?" Rau nods, "Yeah I know. All units cease fire!" Captain Ades nods.
Murrue and Natarle glare at one another. Natarle floats aside, "We couldn't let the Strike go down as well or this ship."
Murrue glances aside, "I know that..."
Natarle turns, "Someone escort Lacus Clyne to her room!"
Flay lies in the infirmary a doctor looking her over.
A soldier leads Lacus down the hall.
Captain Ades nods, "That's an order all units retreat." Rau watches the main monitor, focusing on the Aegis and Strike.
Athrun glares at the Strike, "Taking harmless civilians as hostages. Is this your definition of justice to be with these cowards? Kira!" Kira sits silently not knowing how to respond. He was embarrassed about what had just occurred.
"Athrun."
Athrun glances downward, "I will rescue Lacus. Definitely!" The Aegis retreats. As Athrun nears the Vesalius he notices the Tempest among the debris of the destroyed cruisers. It is badly damaged. He pauses. His eyes narrow and transforming into claw mode he grasps the Tempest and returns it to the ship. Inside Isamu is slumped over, lights from his monitors blink on and off.
Mu floats near his damaged Moebius.
Sabine enters the hangar and floats toward him, "Lt Flaga? Where's the Tempest?"
Mu glances over, "Huh?"
She shakes her head, "You didn't see it?"
Mu furrows his brow and shakes his head. He kicks toward Kojiro, "Any word from Lt. Kisaragi?"
Kojiro looks over, "Right before the Montgomery… we lost contact. The Tempest was heading toward the Vesalius. It was right in the line of fire."
The Strike is loaded. Kira kicks out of the cockpit and down toward the others, "What are they doing up there?" Mu glares at him. Kira glances at around, "What's wrong? Where's the Tempest?" Sabine looks up at him tearfully. He gasps. "Isamu?" He furrows his brow. Mu glances at him, "What you have to say about our tactics... It'll have to wait."
"The blast seems to have seared the cockpit shut."
Rau tilts his head, "Then blow it." The soldiers nod and some go to retrieve some bombs.
Athrun gasps, "Wait! The suit's OS might be damaged if we do that. There should be a manual release."
Rau smirks, "Even in this current predicament you still remain diplomatic."
Athrun glances aside, "This suit is the prototype remember? Its data could also be valuable."
Rau nods. Athrun kicks toward the cockpit and opens a side panel. He reaches in. The cockpit makes a warping sound. It opens with a hiss. The soldiers hold their guns on the open cockpit. Rau tilts his head, "Perhaps the pilot is already dead?" Athrun holds his hand up and peers in. Isamu was unconscious, "It's hard to tell." He reaches in.
Rau raises his hand, "Athrun!" Athrun pulls back. Rau motions to another soldier. He enters and pulls Isamu out, "He's alive sir but unresponsive." Rau turns, "Well then have him brought to the infirmary. We can't necessarily act undiplomatically."
A doctor exits a room and stands in the hall. Sai glances up at him. He smiles at Sai, "I've given her a sedative. Just let her sleep." Sai nods and peers into the room. Flay lay sleeping on the bed inside.
Lacus sits inside her room holding her Haro.
Ades and Athrun stand looking at star map. Rau is seated in his chair, "It seems that they're heading to the moon base."
Ades frowns, "But we can't stand by and allow them to take her there."
Rau tilts his head, "Where is the Gamow."
Ades shakes his head, "It's more than 7 hours away."
Rau sighs, "That won't be enough time." Athrun furrows his brow.
Sabine stands inside Isamu's room she glances aside at another mechanic holding an empty box.
Isamu opens his eyes. He furrows his brow. His whole body ached. He tries to move his arms but they are restrained. What the hell? His eyes widen. I'm aboard that enemy ship.
Flash. The fins swirl in a shield. Isamu maneuvers the Tempest but the blast disintegrates the shoulder and right arm. Alarms sound inside. The controls spark. Back.
"Feeling any better?"
Isamu looks aside, "Who are you?"
Rau tilts his head, "I'm Commander Rau Le Creuset."
Isamu glares at him, "Creuset?"
He sits down, "I am rather surprised to find a coordinator pilot in that suit. I have to admit I originally thought you were just a skilled natural. It's the prototype Tempest isn't it?"
Isamu glances away, "If you already know all the answers why are you asking questions."
Rau smirks, "So I guess I won't get a straight answer from you so at least tell me your name." Isamu glances at him, "You can just go screw yourself you ZAFT son of a bitch."
Rau sits unmoving. Isamu glances away. Rau crosses his arms, "Your ship is holding a hostage do you think it would be fair to offer you in exchange?"
Isamu glances at him, "What the hell are you babbling about?"
Rau crosses his arms, "Lacus Clyne."
Isamu glares at him, "She isn't a hostage."
Rau nods, "So they were just being desperate."
Isamu stares at him and then glances away. He furrows his brow, "They probably had their reasons…"
Rau nods, "Perhaps you can let me know something else. How you were able to survive that blast."
Isamu looks over, "Maybe I'm just a lucky guy?" Rau smirks. He sighs, "Look Commander Le Cruz or whatever your name is... I'm feeling pretty messed up right now and it seems that I'm your prisoner.... is this boring conversation some sort of new ZAFT torture?" Rau says nothing.
The door opens, "Sir?" Athrun enters. Isamu glances at him.
Rau rises, "Athrun? I was just leaving." They both turn to go.
Isamu stares at Athrun, "Hey... hold on! Where do I know you from?" Rau turns. Isamu motions to Athrun, "Him." Athrun glances at him and stares at Isamu. There was something so familiar about him, he furrows his brow.
Isamu gasps, "You're one of Ren's friends…"
Rau crosses his arms, "Hmm."
Athrun gasps, "Ren? Have we met before? Who are you?"
Isamu furrows his brow, "Rena is my cousin. My name is Isamu."
Athrun steps back. "Verena's cousin?" Isamu nods.
Rau smiles. Jin Kisaragi's boy... interesting. Rau places a hand on Athrun's shoulder, "We have to get back to the bridge." Athrun nods and they exit. Before leaving Athrun stares back at him.
Flay jerks awake screaming.
Sai crosses, "Flay?"
She looks over at him, "Where's my father?"
He glances aside, "Flay…"
She sobs and grasps him, "No… father… father…"
Miriallia enters carrying waters. She drops them. Flay's cries carry out in to the hallway. Kira looks up and rushes over. A water bottle keeps the door from shutting. He enters standing next to Miriallia. Flay was sobbing on the floor.
Kira tilts his head, "Flay?"
She glares at him, "You… why didn't you protect him?!"
Kira's eyes widen. "I…"
She shouts at him, "Why didn't you kill them?" He gasps. She shakes her head, "You said it was okay! You said it was okay because you were fighting too!"
Miriallia shakes her head, "Kira was fighting as hard as he could." Kira looks downward.
Flay shakes her head, "You, because you're a coordinator too! You weren't fighting seriously were you!!!?" Kira looks up at her his eyes wide. Flay lays against Sai and sobs, "Father… I want my father…" Sai embraces her. Kira shudders and fighting back tears he turns to go.
Miriallia reaches out, "Kira?" Kira races down the hall and climbs onto an elevator he heads down a hallway past Kuzzey. He pauses at a window and begins to wail. He lays his hand on the glass and yells.
"What's wrong?" He glances aside. Lacus looks down at him. He stares at her.
Rau tilts his head as he stares at the monitor, "Understood. He'll be released." He turns the monitor off. So the family reunion will be postponed huh? He presses a button, "Ades. Send Athrun to my room."
Isamu lies looking up at the ceiling. The door slides open. He glances over, "Huh?"
Athrun enters, "You say that you're her cousin."
Isamu stares at Athrun, "Yeah… you are him right?" Athrun tilts his head. "The guy she dated on Copernicus." Athrun blushes slightly. Isamu furrows his brow and smiles slightly, "I knew you looked familiar. It was you and Kira. But he thinks that she's with you now. Any truth in that?"
Athrun stares at him, "No… Verena isn't aboard this ship she's aboard another one. The Laurasia class. She is scheduled to be transported to Plant to be with her mother."
Isamu nods, "So that's it. I wondered why."
Athrun looks up, "How did you know?"
Isamu furrows his brow, "I fought against the Duel, the pilot inside mentioned her name. I wasn't sure if it was true. But then Kira also mentioned something."
Athrun glances down, "So she and Kira were together?"
Isamu sighs, "I guess but now they've been torn apart..."
Athrun looks down and aside, "It's his fault for not wanting to come with me."
Isamu stares at him, "You asked him to defect? Kira is fighting to protect his friends. I know he loves Rena but he is forced to make decisions more important than that." He glances downward. "War is like that. It's nothing but pain and loss."
Athrun rises. "I don't need to hear a lecture from an Alliance soldier. We're going to release you." He tosses over a space suit.
Isamu stares at him suspiciously, "What? Why?"
Athrun shakes his head, "It's Cmdr. Creuset's decision." Athrun undoes the restraints. Some soldiers enter. Isamu rubs his wrists.
Lacus reaches out to wipe Kira's tears but he pulls back and wipes his arm across his face, "What are you doing in a place like this?"
Lacus tilts her head and floats up, "I was going for a walk when I heard someone screaming." Kira blushes. He glances out the window, "You shouldn't come out when you want. They'll think you're a spy."
She pushes back toward him, "Oh?" He catches her hand. She motions to the Haro, "this pink one likes to go on walks so even if the door is locked, it'll open it and go on its' own." She smiles. The Haro beeps.
Kira nods, "Oh… but anyway let's go back. Come on." He holds his hand up.
She chuckles and floats up, "So the fighting is over?"
Kira nods and glances out, "Yeah, thanks to you."
She tilts her head, "And Lt. Kisaragi?" Kira glances at her. She tilts her head, "He must be busy, he promised to come and see me."
Kira furrows his brow, "No… he's..." Kira struggles to fight back the tears.
She furrows her brow, "Oh…" Tears well in her eyes, "He was so kind." Kira nods. Lacus tilts her head, "Your face is so sad…"
He nods, "I… It's this war... I don't really want to fight… I'm a coordinator and with Rena lost and now Isamu is gone and Athrun… a really good friend of mine as an enemy."
She tilts her head, "Athrun?"
He nods, "Athrun Zala… he's the pilot of the stolen Aegis." Kuzzey leaning against the wall listens, shocked, he heads off.
Lacus nods, "I see." She floats toward him. He takes both of her hands to steady her. They stand face to face, "You two are very good people. That's what makes this situation even sadder."
Kira tilts his head, "You know Athrun?"
She nods, "Athrun Zala is the person that I will one day marry. He's a very tender person but also very closed off at times." She catches the Haro, "He made me this Haro. And when I said I liked it he made one after another." She smiles.
Kira stares at her. He imagines Athrun making the Haro and smiles, "I see... Athrun hasn't changed then. My Torii was also made by him."
Lacus tilts her head, "Oh really?"
Kira nods and glances down, "Even so…"
She nods, "It would be nice if you two didn't have to fight one another?"
Miriallia sits at a table with Tolle and Sai, "I understand her feelings but what she said was hurtful."
Sai nods, "I feel bad for Kira. Saying because he was coordinator he didn't fight seriously." Kuzzey enters and crosses to get a drink.
Tolle tilts his head, "that isn't true; Kira is fighting so hard to protect us all."
Sai nods, "It's not like I doubt him. Working on the bridge you can see how stressful a mobile suit battle can be"
Kuzzey listens and turns, "Is it really?"
Sai gasps and turns, "what is it Kuzzey?"
Kuzzey turns, "It seems that he stolen Aegis suits pilot is an old friend of Kira's." Everyone gasps. Kuzzey looks down, "I heard him talking to that coordinator girl. Seems that he was a very close friend."
Isamu approaches the cockpit of the Tempest; the ZAFT technicians had taken the liberty on making general repairs. The Right arm was still missing. He sighs. I guess I can't expect them to fully repair it. Oh well.
"How can he fight against his own kind?" Isamu glances at a couple of ZAFT soldiers. "He's probably been raised among those naturals." They stop when they notice Isamu glaring at them. He secures his helmet and climbs into the cockpit. He pulls his seatbelt on. "Preparing the Tempest for immediate launch." Isamu activates the suit.
Rau's face appears on screen, "You'll only have enough energy to reach the legged ship and that will be all."
Isamu smirks, "Afraid I'll shoot you down?"
Rau tilts his head, "We're not complete fools." The Tempest blasts from the Vesalius. Once clear. Isamu pulls the keyboard and begins to type into it; the system begins to run checks. He scans each report. It beeps.
"Weapons disengaged?" He sighs, "Great they stripped it. He opens communication, "Archangel! This is Lt. Kisaragi. Please respond."
Natarle looks up, "The Tempest?" She glances down, "On screen."
Isamu stares at her, "Badgiruel, I'm approaching the Archangel on limited power. I've been captive aboard the ZAFT cruiser. The Tempest's systems may have been compromised; it'll barely make it back. I'll have to lock the systems down. So I'll need to be hauled in."
Natarle nods. "Roger. Ready a shuttle."
Kira sits on his bed. His face lying on his knees. Torii twerps at his shoulder. He glances over and holds his hand up. Torii leaps down to his hand. Flash Lacus, "Athrun Zala is the person I will marry." Back. He continues to stare at Torii. He furrows his brow, "This is still wrong." He climbs from bed and heads out into the hall. Lacus' door opens and Pink activates. Lacus was asleep.
Kira places a finger to his lips, "Hush."
Lacus sits up, "What is it? Oh Kira? What's going on?" She smiles.
He crosses, "Don't say anything and come with me." They head quietly down the hallway. Kira spots Sai and pushes Lacus aside. Sai turns, "Kira?" Miriallia steps out, "Kira?" Lacus peers out and Haro bounces up and down.
Sai points his eyes wide, "Oh!" They cross over. Kira glances aside. Sai peers over, "What are you doing?"
Miriallia glances at her, "What are you doing with her? You can't be..." she gasps.
Kira doesn't look at her, "Please. Just let us go without asking anything. I don't want to get you involved. I hate that we did this." He stares at Sai and Miriallia.
Sai rubs the back of his head, "Well, taking a girl hostage is what bad guys usually do anyway." Kira's eyes widen. Sai smiles, "We'll help you."
Kira smiles, "Sai."
Sabine stares at the Tempest. Her mouth was wide open. It was pretty beat up.
"Looks like a piece of junk now, huh? You have a lot of work to do."
She glances over at Kojiro a smile on her face, "I'm just happy the piece of junk made it back."
Kojiro nods, "I don't think he'd appreciate you saying that about him." Sabine glances over at Kojiro and tilts her head. She smiles.
"So they rescued you and then released you?"
Isamu shakes his head, "I don't understand either Capt. Ramius. But the OS is basically crap, Sabine and I'll have a lot of work to do."
Murrue nods, "That'll be fine."
Isamu furrows his brow, "That easy huh?" Murrue tilts her head. Isamu sighs, "I'd like to be placed in the brig."
Mu glances at him, "What?"
Isamu glances at Natarle, "I'm sure the Vice captain would agree."
Natarle nods, "There is no way to determine whether or not Lt. Kisaragi has undergone counter programming."
Murrue stares at him, "What?"
Isamu sighs, "As much as I hate being punished. You can't risk it captain. Why would the enemy release me and the Tempest without any conditions? They know about Lacus Clyne why wouldn't they ask for an exchange? I was around this Cmdr Creuset…" Mu's eyes widen. Isamu glances at him, "He was a pretty sneaky character. Being around him gave me the creeps."
Murrue stares at him, "Fine but I don't want you locked up for long. Natarle, arrange a complete psych evaluation." Natarle nods.
Kira and Lacus emerge dressed in space suits. With her skirts being so bulky create a bulge at her stomach. Sai stares down. Kira glances at him, "what is it?"
He smiles, "Um how many months has it been?"
Miriallia rolls her eyes, "Must you joke around?" They enter the hangar bay. Kira pauses.
Sai bumps into Lacus, "What's wrong?" He gasps.
Kira glances over, "The Tempest... it's back."
Lacus smiles, "Oh that's wonderful news that means Isamu is alive. I'm so glad. I knew he would return. I do wish I could have talked with him again. Will you tell him that I told him good-bye until we meet...?"
Kira spots Sabine crossing away from it. "Shh... we have to be very quiet." Kira leaps toward the cockpit and climbs in. Sai holds onto Lacus and guides her to the cockpit. Miriallia and Sai glance in.
Lacus smiles, "Thank you for everything. Let's promise to meet again."
Sai frowns, "I really don't think it's likely. Kira?"
Kira glances over. "You're coming back aren't you?" Kira stares at him.
Down below Kojiro enters. "Hey! What's going on up there?"
Sai glances over and then back at Kira, "You're definitely coming back aren't you? To us?"
Kira stares at him and then nods, "Definitely I promise." The cockpit closes.
Sai and Miriallia float back, "Definitely it's a promise right!" The Strike prepares for launch.
Sabine floats up toward Kojiro, "Sgt Murdoch? What's happening?" The Strike detaches it's locks and starts toward the hatch.
"I'm heading out, so take cover ok?" Miriallia holds onto Sai's shoulder.
He yells after the Strike, "Definitely Kira! I trust you!"
Alarms sound on the bridge. Murrue turns, "What is it?"
Natarle looks at the monitors, "It's the Strike! What are you doing Kira Yamato?"
Mu appears on her screen, "It's too late he's taken the girl with him." He looks away, "He's opened the airlock!"
Natarle gasps, "What?" Everyone gasps.
The Aile type parts attach. Kira glances at Lacus, "We're leaving hold on." The Strike blasts out.
Alarms sound on the Vesalius. "We've confirmed a mobile suit has launched from the legged ship." Rau glances over from a space map. A level one alert sounds. Pilots scramble to their GINN. Athrun enters the Aegis.
Kira initiates communication, "This is the Strike, mobile suit with the Earth Alliance's Archangel."
Athrun glances up from his monitors. Rau and Ades gasp.
Kira continues, "I'm handing over Lacus Clyne. However the Nazca class should stop their
ship. The Aegis' pilot will meet me alone. These are my only conditions."
Mu leaps into his Moebius.
"If this condition is not met I cannot guarantee her safety. Please respond accordingly."
Athrun glances aside. Kira?
Ades tilts his head, "what are they planning on doing?"
Athrun's face appears on monitor, "Commander, please let me go."
Ades glances up, "We don't know their true intention yet. Or if Lacus is even with him."
Athrun leans in, "Commander?" Everyone is silent for a moment.
Rau smiles, "Fine, I understand. Permission granted."
Athrun smiles, "thank you sir." He closes communication.
Ades glances at Rau, "Is it all right?"
Rau shrugs, "It's a chance." He smirks, "It seems that their pilot is a youth as well and rather naïve. Stop the ship and prepare my CGUE Ades." He kicks out of the bridge.
The Aegis launches.
Natarle rises, "Capt! He's acting on his own. We should fire!"
Mu shakes his head on monitor, "If we do it'll be the Strike firing on us." He winks, "Probably." Murrue smiles.
The Aegis heads toward the Strike. Kira glances at Lacus. She was watching intently. As soon as it nears Kira raises his beam rifle, "Athrun… Zala?"
Athrun nods, "Yes…"
Kira nods, "Open your cockpit." The cockpit of the Aegis opens. Kira opens his. Athrun squints. Kira glances at her, "Say something."
She glances at him, "what?"
Kira smiles, "He can't see your face. He has to confirm it."
She nods, "Oh right. Hello Athrun." Athrun smiles. "It's been a long time since we've seen each other. How are you?"
Athrun nods, "Confirmed."
Kira nods, "Then take her and go." Athrun undoes his seatbelt and climbs from the cockpit. Kira nods, "Ok." He pushes her from the cockpit toward Athrun. She floats through space toward him. He catches her hand and pulls her toward him. He glances down at the stomach a puzzled look on his face.
Lacus glances over, "Thank you for everything Kira." She glances at Athrun, "You too Athrun." Kira watches, a smile on his face.
Athrun glances over, "Kira… come with me too. You and Rena could be together. It can be arranged. Is there any reason for you to remain with the Earth Alliance?"
Kira gasps he glances aside, "I…"
Athrun tilts his head, "You should come…"
Kira shakes his head, "I can't... I want to, I do and I don't want to fight with you." He thinks of his friends, "But aboard that ship are people I want to protect. Even though I… Ren…." He whispers, "Tell her I'm sorry." He looks down his eyes watering, "My friends are there! My obligation is there..."
Athrun grits his teeth, "Then there's nothing I can do for you." He glances down and then up, "The next time we meet in battle I won't hold back."
Kira glares at him and looks down, "I won't either." His cockpit shuts. The Strike floats back and the gun lowers.
Ades glances over, "Enemy mobile suit increasing in distance." Rau nods, "Start the engines Ades!" The CGUE launches.
Jackie looks at his monitor, "The enemy ship has launched a mobile suit."
Natarle leans over. "The Nazca ship has started its engines." Murrue gasps.
Mu glares, "I thought it would end this way." His Moebius launches.
Athrun glances at the monitor, "Commander?"
Rau glances aside, "Take Lady Lacus back to the ship."
Kira glances aside, "Lt. Flaga."
Mu heads toward the CGUE, "did you actually think they wouldn't do anything?" Athrun and Kira gasp in unison.
The CGUE blasts past the Aegis. Lacus leans over. "Lacus that's dangerous."
Lacus presses a button. "Cmdr Rau Le Creuset. Please stop." Her image appears on his monitor, "Do you want to make a battlefield out of where I, a representative of the memorial party am currently at?"
Rau growls and looks down, What is she saying at time like this?
Lacus continues, "I won't allow you to do that. Please cease all offensive actions now."
Aboard the Vesalius Ades gasps. She continues. "Do you not hear me?"
Rau clenches his fists, "What a troublesome girl. Roger! Lacus Clyne." He turns back and blasts next to the Aegis. Inside Athrun stares at Lacus in complete shock and awe. She stares at him and then smiles.
The Moebius Zero stops near the Strike. Mu glances over, "I don't know what's up but, let's head back too. Going after them will just lead us to more trouble."
Kira nods, "Yeah." They blast back to the Archangel.
"She sure is an unbelievable young lady huh?" Kira watches a side monitor not answering. Rena... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. But I can't be with you… anymore. Tears were brimming in his eyes.
Mu's face appears on monitor, "Uh, what's wrong?"
Kira looks aside, "Nothing." A tear rolls down his cheek.
"The Vesalius shuttle is approaching."
Yzak stands next to Rena, "You'll probably be heading back Plant with Lacus Clyne." She glances over at him. He watches as the shuttle boards but steals a glance. She smiles. He glances forward, "Let's go down." She and he descend to the hangar bay.
Nicol crosses. "Verena?"
She glances at him and smiles softly. "Nicol?"
He smiles and glances at Yzak and then her, "I'll try and see you again. When I return to Plant." She crosses quickly and kisses him on the cheek and embraces him. He blushes, "I'll look forward to it."
She smiles, "Be careful." Dearka stood back his arms crossed. She waves at him. He shrugs and waves. She turns to Yzak, "You should be cautious." He stares at her. Her eyes were wide with concern.
He furrows his brow, "I'll take care of it. Don't worry."
Dr. Jarvis stands among some soldiers near the shuttle. "Verena?" She nods and heads toward the shuttle. Dr. Jarvis stares at her, "Now, now. No tears. They're elite soldiers. They'll be fine. You'll be fine."
She nods, "I hope so." She glances away and boards the shuttle.
