"Another Strike?" said Waltfeld in amazement, the screen was showing what Buster could see and no one could believe it. Out on the battlefield Both Gundams stood in shock as well.

"Kira, how?" said Dearka.

"I have no idea," said Kira, suddenly the communication screen on Strike flickered showing a short blonde haired girl in the controls of the Gundam. Kira recognised her at once.

"You...you're the girl from Heliopolis" said Kira.

"When we heard of designated pilot of Strike we looked up your data. To be honest I'm not surprised its you Kira Yamato. I am Cagali Yula Athha," said Cagali.

"Yula Athha?" said Dearka confused then it hit him. "You mean to tell me you're the daughter of Uzumi Athha?" he shouted.

"Uzumi Athha? Orb's leader?" said Kira in shock.

"HAND OVER OUR GUNDAM OR FACE STRIKE ROUGE," shouted Cagali and Rouge fired its rifle. Strike dodged but Rouge took flight still firing with Strike dodging and trying to escape. At the same time Sky Grasper Jets and tanks began firing on Buster. Dearka thought fast and pulled back, firing both guns and managing to shoot down four jets.

"Move in, prepare the BuCues and ZuOOTs for immediate combat" ordered Waltfeld. Lesseps at once began moving.

Strike turned and fired both Rifles at Strike Rouge, Cagali moved the Gundam to dodge at the last second however the shots hit three tanks.

"She dodged it, but she's not that quick she must be a rookie" thought Kira.

"How can that kid use a mobile suit like that?" thought Cagali. Rouge fired again however Strike flew forward and blocked the shots with its shield and kicked the rifle out of Rouge's hand.

"Bastard" shouted Cagali and Rouge drew its beam sabre. "Don't think I'm weak", Rouge moved in for an attack. Strike raised its shield to block the attack, quickly it placed its rifles away and drew its own sabre. Rouge pushed Strike and kicked it in the side forcing it to land on the ground. Luckily it was hard ground so the Gundam didn't sink into the sand.

"She's good," said Kira as Rouge landed and ran at Strike bringing its sabre down. "But I'm not giving up". Strike went for a lower attack however Rouge's shield blocked the attack while Strike's shield blocked Rouge's sabre attack. Both Gundams struggled to make the other fall, Kira kept his cool but Cagali was starting to grit her teeth.

"Yamato, he's my enemy" said Cagali, "yet…"

"…why do I sense something about her that feels familiar" thought Kira.

"INCOMING" yelled Dearka, Rouge and Strike pushed back as a hail of missile fire filled the area. BuCues were starting to climb out of canyon while ZuOOT mobile suit tanks gave cover fire along with Lesseps bu firing upwards.

"CAGALI, Blue Cosmos has retreated," shouted one of the rebel soldiers over the radio.

"Pull the tanks back, those cowards have allowed them to get near the village" shouted Cagali.

"Village?" asked Kira, "no one told us about a village" said Kira as he got on Radio to Dearka.

"We were just told about a rebellion faction. But there's a village about four miles away from here" said Dearka as Buster landed next to Strike. Rouge picked is rifle and looked at the two Gundams.

"Continues with your orders, we will fight to the end" said Cagali, Rouge took off and flew alongside the retreating tanks as the BuCue continued to charge forward still firing their weapons.

"Keep on them, we have to disable them before they can get to the village" shouted Cagali.

Waltfeld came racing up to Buster and Strike in his BuCUE.

"Good work you two, this battle is ours" he chuckled.

"This is wrong" whispered Kira.

"What did you say man?" asked Dearka.

"This battle should not have happened," said Kira and Strike launched at full speed heading towards the battling forces.

"KIRA" shouted Dearka but no one could stop him.

Rouge and the tanks were now right outside the village where scared villagers were now hiding in their houses afraid to move. Some prayed for a miracle but some thought their prayers would fall on deaf ears. Taking a different route the ZuOOTs and Lesseps now joined the BuCues as they prepared to attack.

"If we are to die" said Cagali, "we go down fighting, take AIM" she yelled.

"STOP THIS POINTLESS BLOODSHED", Strike landed right in the centre of the space between the two forces and drew its rifles, one aiming at ZAFT, the other at Rouge's forces.

"This has gone on long enough. ZAFT it is wrong for you to attack these people, All they wish is to live in peace and harmony. Does attacking their families count as a victory? And is ORB not mean to be a pacifist nation?" Strike turned to look at Rouge. Cagali didn't say anything, every soldier on either forces just stood in amazement as Kira refused to let this battle go on. Both Dearka and Waltfeld joined and watched.

"Damn, he's got guts," said Waltfeld.

"Find a way to live in peace, I will over see it myself, but if you want to shoot me try it" said Kira.

Following what was to be known as Yamato's stand the rebel desert forces and the Desert Tiger's forces called a truce and ZAFT left the villagers alone. Cagali returned to ORB shortly after, although at first her father was shocked at her actions he was happy to have her back and thanked Kira personally for his help. Upon returning to PLANT the ZAFT council congratulated Kira for his valour and bravery giving him a medal for honour in the battlefield.

Five weeks later- The Battle of Artemis, thanks to leadership skills of Athrun Zala and Kira Yamato the supposed invincible base of Artemis was taken over by ZAFT thanks to Blitz Gundam and the Mirage field which disabled the shield towers. With this both Zala and Yamato became heroes and were branded Ace pilots of ZAFT. Athrun was promoted to Captain and became the new command of the Creuset squad now called the G-Unit. Rau le Creuset now sits as a member of the ZAFT council. Also inspired by the events of Yamato's stand 5 of the Alliance army now joins ZAFT. Also talks among ZAFT and ORB have begun offering a truce. Kira Yamato leads this idea with his belief that united together the Alliance, ORB and ZAF can bring peace at last. However those who wish to bring war must be killed if the innocent are to live free.

While some like Kuzzey have now left to live a normal life Milly and Tolle have now joined the ZAFT military and are now training to join the ranks of the red coats. Also Mu LA Flaga and Murrue now lead a new project which is to design a new Archangel class ship. When completed this ship is to used as the new ship of the G-Unit. A week after the victory at Artemis Zala and Lacus Clyne called off their engagement. After talking with Athrun Kira has been advised to go see Lacus.

With Tori perched on his shoulder Kira walked up to the Clyne Mansion and knocked the door to be greeted by Signel. Kira was wearing his red coat uniform but had the button undone since he felt he needed some air.

"I'm taking you were told" said Signel.

"Yes, and I'm sorry if this is a bad time" said Kira.

"Not at all, come on in," said Signel and Kira stepped into the house.

"I hear that another 5 of the Alliance army had join ZAFT. Your one more step towards the total peace dream" said Signel.

"And what a day that will be" a sly voice enter as a blonde haired man wearing a blue suit was walking towards the door. Kira at once recognised him and under his breath growled.

"Kira this Azrael" said Signel.

"One of the leaders of Blue Cosmos, yes I know of you" said Kira, Azrael had a sly smile on his face as he looked at Kira.

"I am here on terms of a peace propositions of course. I'll contact you for another meeting Signel, good day" he said and without looking at anyone let himself out.

"Can he be trusted?" asked Signel.

"Not for a second, I got some interesting data on him from Cagali. You remember when we found 79 battalion beat up and tortured. It wasn't for information. But for his pleasure" snarled Kira.

"So is it possible for peace terms?" asked Signel.

"No, these guys hate Coordinators, I personally just want to shoot them all," said Kira. Tori looked up and chirped, standing on the staircase in her dressing gown as Lacus with a concerned face, she had heard everything Kira had said.

While Signel decided to retire to bed Lacus and Kira stood outside looking at the garden. The leaned on separate posts not looking at each other.

"So how are you? Most of PLANTS in a confused state over the news" said Kira.

"I'm fine, Athrun and I agreed this for the best. And guess why?" asked Lacus with a smile. Kira smiled back, every time he had visited ORB for talks with Uzumi Athrun had accompanied him. And every time Athrun was always talking to one, Cagali. It has clear as spring water that there was spark between the two.

"He really likes her doesn't he?" he asked.

"Yes, when we said he wanted to call the engagement off I understood why. And to be honest I'm glad" said Lacus.

"Why?" asked Kira.

"Remember what you told me on the Vesalius?" asked Lacus, "you told me that I should be able to be with whoever I want". Kira went a little and smiled childishly.

"Well it's the truth you know" he said turning his head not realising slowly Lacus was coming towards him. "And I'm sure whoever you choose is good man". As he said that he felt Lacus place her hands on his shoulder making him turn his head to face her.

"He is" she said and slowly moved her head in and kissed him. Kira's eyes nearly exploded as he couldn't help but keep them open. His body went absolutely numb and his hands were out stretched like a zombie. Then slowly his brain came back to him. Slowly his eyes relaxed as his hands placed themselves on Lacus' waist. A few seconds later they drew away but kept linked together. A small smile came on their faces. Kira looked her and saw amazing beauty. One of his hands parted some of her hair from her eyes and brushed her soft skin.

"Lacus…I…I…I" Kira stuttered but Lacus just smiled.

"I love you Kira Yamato" she whispered. Kira's heart missed a few beats but then found him drawn into her again. She felt the same, as they kissed again time stood so still that not even Haro or Tori spoke.

Arriving back that the apartment Kira walked in shaking a little and lay against the closed door. He looked to see Athrun staring at him with a smile on his face.

"It was always you Kira. I could tell the second you two were together in the same room," he said.

Kira was a little surprised hearing his best friend said but then a smile came across his face and then the two began to laugh. Athrun got up and gave Kira a huge hug, Kira then opened the window and gave out a huge cheer and then yelled at the top of his voice.

"LACUS CLYNE I LOVE YOU".

"You are JOKING" laughed Dearka the next day while checking out the new Archangel ship.

"I'm serious, I've never seen him this excited in my life" laughed Athrun. Kira had been floating round checking out the new ship like it was a dance. He was humming and singing to himself.

"He's been doing that since he got here" Nicol told Murrue who was watching Kira with great amusement.

"Never would have guessed he would be the romantic type" she chuckled.

"He's seeing her again tonight, it's nice to see him so happy" said Athrun. "Oh and by the way Murrue, since you know more about the ArchAngel class ships my father has requested you and Waltfeld be acting captains" said Athrun.

"Me? A Captain again?" asked Murrue with surprise. She had been so busy as a technician she had not thought about being a captain again.

"A uniform has already been dispatched to your home. You can still be a technician as well. But with yours and Waltfeld's leadership skills we believe you would be valuable assets to the ship" said Athrun. Murrue was speechless and was about to speak when Nicol noticed something.

"Hey guys, isn't that Azrael?" he asked. Kira stopped floating and joined the others as they looked. Inside a room with huge windows Mu was talking to Azrael. With them were three men wearing Alliance Uniforms. One was the green haired man Kira saw some time back, another had short blonde hair and the other had pink hair. All had serious expressions. Azrael and Mu stopped talking and shook hands before departing. The man with Pink Hair was about to leave but looked down at Kira before leaving.

"What was that about?" asked Dearka.

"I don't know," said Kira with a serious expression "but we better keep a eye on them. Something is amiss".

That evening Kira was led to a private table on the top floor of a restaurant on a balcony. A string band was playing in the background. Kira was now wearing a black suit with a white shirt, he sat down and ordered a glass of water. He was not waiting long when he felt a hand brush his shoulder and Lacus kissed him on the cheek.

"Wait long?" she asked.

"Just thirty seconds" said Kira, Lacus sat down, she was wearing a red dress with her hair loose with her favourite hairpin in to keep it together. She ordered a glass of water and they chose to have a fish special each.

"Remember no one knows about us yet" said Lacus, Kira nodded then Lacus smirked, "except my Haro's, father and friends" she giggled.

"Well no one knows, except the entire ZAFT military, Athrun told Dearka, Dearka told Nicol, some soldiers over heard, well you get the idea" laughed Kira. The pair couldn't help but play a little footsie under the table. Some people looked didn't say anything.

"I hear Athrun has decided to go by himself for the next ORB peace talks?" asked Lacus when their meal arrived.

"Why he has booked a private log cabin under his and Cagali's name along with a expensive bottle of Champagne I'll never know" said Kira, Lacus giggled and raised her glass.

"To Athrun and Cagali" she said, Kira toasted and looked at Lacus.

"To us" he said, Lacus went a little red and nodded.

"To our future" she said. After the meal they left, the colony weather was set to windy so Kira let Lacus wear his red coat. They walked back to the mansion, which was just fifteen minutes away. No one noticed that a celebrity who just broke off her engagement was walking hand in hand with an ace pilot. They turned corner while talking about moments from their past when Kira heard someone call his name. In front of them was a figure wearing a black trench coat and hat. However Kira recognised him at once.

"I saw you when Mu and Azrael were talking, you looked at me and my friends" he said.

"I know you will feel uneasy but listen I'm someone you can trust, my name is Clotho Buer. I'm a member of the Alliance and unlike my fellow comrades I agree with your ideals of untied peace" said the pink haired fellow.

"Really?" asked Kira.

"We can't talk for long but what I heard about you made me realise this war will drag on if both sides keep doing this fighting" said Clotho and quickly handed Kira a small package.

"Show this only to those you truly trust, Kira be warned, don't let Azrael's peace talks fool you. Something is amiss with the Alliance and Blue Cosmos is behind it. Be warned" said Clotho and walked away.

Neither Kira nor Lacus said anything but Kira saw Clotho reach into his pocket taking out a small tube with a sort of liquid in it and drank it all down before picking up the pace.

Returning to the mansion Kira opened the package to find a computer disc and another tube of the liquid. He at once had it sent off to the labs for examination. With Signel's permission he was allowed access to the family computer and used his own area on the ZAFT computers to gain access to every segment of data there was. Placing in the disc in the drive he opened it, Lacus watched with him and what Kira saw made his eyes widen.

"My god" he said.

Following their little vacation both Athrun and Cagali returned to PLANT. Along with Tolle, Milly, Dearka, Murrue and Nicol Kira showed them what he had found. Mu had joined Rau on a scouting mission.

Kira first showed photographs, which were in the desert. They showed Azrael with the Alliance Commander known as Garcia. But with them were six ZAFT shuttles with soldiers and Mobile Suits.

"Those are the missing ships from two weeks ago," said Dearka in horror.

"They turned traitor," said Athrun.

"A few former Alliance soldiers talked about this base" said Cagali. "Rumours swirl somewhere in the desert is a base called Sandrock".

"This confirms it, and Garcia is still alive" said Nicol.

"He's the worst, loves nothing more then to kill Coordinators, it's like fox hunting to him" said Murrue.

"So it seems a few ZAFT soldier are not happy with Kira's arrival in ZAFT" said Milly.

"Let them try and kill Kira, we'll be ready" said Dearka.

"Right on" said Tolle.

Kira was listening and nodded but then his eyes looked around the picture. Just near Azrael in the background was a small yet familiar figure. Clicking enlarge he went in for a closer.

"Oh it couldn't be" he said, Tolle and Milly looked and their mouths dropped. In the background wearing an Alliance uniform was Sai, on his left sleeve was the Blue Cosmos symbol. Sai had turned against his friends. And Kira knew why, Frey Allstar.

Two months later- "I christen this ship, Dominion, may god go with her and all who fly on her" shouted Zala throwing a champagne bottle on the new ship.

The crowd cheered and soldiers saluted as the crew of the Dominion climbed aboard along with various special guests. Captain's Waltfeld and Murrue were the first to be congratulated by the council as its new leaders. Murrue wore a white uniform while Waltfeld chose a more fancy black. Once they had left port Dominion would fly out twenty miles away from PLANT and return. While the crew on the bridge kept a close eye the decks and cabins and halls were full of people sitting, standing and drinking while talking at a small party. The whole ZAFT council and the Zala Team were onboard. By now the news of Athrun now dating Cagali and Kira dating Lacus was known to everyone. Although at first it almost stirred trouble everyone had come to accept it.

"So I hear you are to join the G-Unit was you've graduated" said Rau.

"Yes, I've been told my application was accepted. I've spent a lot of time training for this and are ready to face all challenges" said Tolle.

"Well I hope you do well," said Rau with a grin.

"God news is at the peace talks between ZAFT and ORB are going well, both Kira and Athrun have done well" said Cagali who was representing ORB.

"This uniform, I can't stand it, when can I get a red coat?" groaned Milly trying to get comfortable in her ZAFT uniform.

"Not for another week I'm afraid" laughed Nicol. On the bridge Kira, Lacus, Murrue, Athrun and Waltfeld looked out at space.

"This ship takes me back to the Archangel" sighed Murrue as she sat in the chair she sat in long ago.

"Archangel was and still is the best ship that was created so its no wonder we created the Dominion" said Waltfeld taking a sip from his coffee.

"Captain, we're at our destination point, permission to join the party?" asked one of the crew.

"Agreed, but don't drink too much, we still have to get this ship safely back to port" said Murrue.

"When in doubt we'll eat some of Waltfeld's coffee beans" muttered DaCosta to Athrun who chuckled. As they floated off out of the bridge Waltfeld gave DaCosta a glance.

"Are you coming Kira?" asked Athrun.

"No its okay I'd like to stay here for a small while" said Kira looking out the window.

"I'll stay too" said Lacus. Athrun nodded and closed the door. Waiting on the other side were Murrue, Waltfeld, DaCosta, Dearka, Nicol, Cagali, Milly and Tolle. Athrun quickly gave the thumbs up and everyone listened.

"It's so nice out of here, makes a change to the Cities" sighed Lacus.

"Yeah…Lacus, I wanted to thank you," said Kira.

"Thank me?" asked Lacus confused.

"Ever since I joined ZAFT it was your words and caring that got me through all this, you always tell me that I am human and not a killer. When I first came here I was scared, scared I would become a killer. But I have my friends and especially you to thank. I know that I have been a little nervous at times and shy. That's why what I must do will be the hardest thing in my life" he said.

"Kira" said Lacus as she looked at him and decided to hold his hand for encouragement, as she did Kira let something slide from his sleeve and placed it onto Lacus' finger. She froze for a second and looked down, it was gold ring with a small pink diamond in the middle. Lacus stared at it and felt like she had been knocked off her feet. She looked at Kira who had an innocent smile on her face.

"Lacus Clyne" said Kira getting down on one knee "will you marry me?" Lacus said nothing then a tear trickled down her face and she began to laugh. She knelt down and looked Kira in the eyes.

"Yes, I will marry you Kira Yamato" she said. Kira's eyes beamed and he smiled with glee and laughed. The two hugged each and kissed at least three times. With a bust of cheer and laughter the entrance doors opened and Athrun and the others jumped in and there was celebrations all around. Kira had never felt so happy before, he was the woman he loved and nothing would change that.

To be continued

Coming up in chapter nine- The look back on Kira's rise to commander concludes with a thrilling battle to the death as the Forbidden Gundam, Calamity Gundam and Raider Gundam attack PLANT under the command of Azrael. Milly finds herself placed on a secret assignment which means defecting to the Alliance. Mu hijacks Strike Gundam and rejoins the Alliance but not before he causes Athrun to swear revenge against him. Rau steps up a major leap in the hierarchy of power. Also the appearance of the M1 ORB Gundams, Clotho's life or death operation and Kira teams up with Lowe Gear pilot of Red Frame and Gai pilot of Blue Frame in a attempt to get Strike back. All this and how Kira became ZAFT commander and how he and Athrun come up with Projects Freedom and Justice.