Is this where I belong?
Chapter 10: Failing Negotiations.
So this is the tenth chapter of this story. Sorry if the beginning is a bit messed up and for any mistakes since I was trying to finish this chapter quickly so it was a bit rushed. Beware of possible out of character situations. I don't have that much to say right now so we'll get right on with the story.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed or Gundam 00 and never will. They belong to Sunrise.
Italics-thoughts, dreams, flashbacks.
Bold-yelling, when someone raises their voice , and for emphasis.
Location: Kingdom of Azadistan, time of day: night.
A young women dressed in fine clothes stood gazing out the tall windows of the magnificent room. Even though the sun set ended for quite some time, it wasn't so peaceful this night. Because just outside the palace's walls was several explosions in the urban areas, smoke could be clearly seen rising to the dark sky. Police sirens could be heard from in the distance clearly. Which alarmed the young women's heart.
"So their now bombing the urban areas, Marina-sama." Turning her head to face the speaker she replied.
"Yes it started a few hours ago, Shirin." The older women nodded, it seemed she had much more to say.
"If are domestic balance gets any worse you know who will intervene. Celestial Being."
Stunned for a brief second Marina regained her composure. "Celestial Being." Seeking to give her advice Shirin said, "Before the hands that go against you can throw you from your position, you better make some reforms."
Nodding, Marina easily responded. "It's because our country's economic instability Parliament put me into power and restored the monarchy." Shirin looked at her highness, her eyes wondering what she had in mind.
"Our country's stability relied on oil, but now that the orbital elevators have been created, we must ask for help from the countries that have access to it."
"Since our country didn't participate in the elevator's construction we don't have access to the power it produces." Shirin said, already knowing what the princess had in mind.
Marina however turned back towards the window, concern written all over her face. Their conversation may have ended but the chaos outside didn't...
HRL Joint Command Center:
Inside the modern building were two military officials, the topic was one everyone was talking about.
"So how was it, Sergei? You fought the Gundam didn't you?"
"Yes, sir. It's just my personal opinion, but I believe a mobile suit that can match the performance of the Gundam does not exist in any country of this planet." The commander looking troubled by that news, decided to clarify.
"So it's that powerful?"
"It's merely my personal opinion." Sergei responded, with the necessary respect for his superior.
Smiling he said, "In that case, it seems that I made the right choice in calling you here." Becoming more serious he added.
"Lieutenant Colonel, get your hands on a Gundam. Before the Union or AEU."
"Yes, sir!" Though the meeting wasn't over yet.
"A special task force will be formed. I'll leave the personal selection to you, but there's one soldier I want you to look after." Turning towards the double doors he said.
"Enter." One of the door's opened to reveal a young girl dressed in the standard HRL military uniform. Her hair was, white, long, and straight. Her eyes a strange gold, though, one thing Sergei noticed was there was no emotion in those golden orbs. Which gave him a feeling of unease. What could the commander be thinking? Could this be the soldier he needed to look after? For some reason that answer didn't please him at all.
Walking forward, she stopped a few feet in front of Sergei, standing in a perfectly erect position, she saluted him.
"Pardon me. I was dispatched from the Human Enhancement Agency's technical research facility. I'm Enhanced Soldier No. 1. Second Lieutenant, Soma Peries."
Alarmed, Sergei looked at her. "Human Enhancement Agency?" The commander though decided to provide a explanation.
"Yes, the higher-ups believe that it will be our trump card against the Gundams."
Sergei, though didn't share the same thoughts, looking at the girl he said, "She's too young for a trump card..."
Union's Special Economic Zone Tokyo:
A certain young Gundam meister sat on a park bench alone. Setsuna currently was in a crowded park, sitting right near a huge fountain, it's water arching beautifully in the air. Talking and walking around were civilians enjoying the nice day. The sky was clear and a few clouds here and there.
Setsuna couldn't help but muse to himself that whenever it seemed peaceful, the people's worries tended to fade away. Even though the world around them wasn't experiencing the same peace as they did, people tended to focus on what was happening to them in the present. It seemed as long as their lives were fine they wouldn't care what would happen to others.
A strong whistling could be heard through the air, very similar to when a fast object hurtles towards a target. And that's when all hell broke loose. Hitting directly into the space in front of Setsuna was a bomb. The bystander's screams filling the air as their bodies caught on fire. The explosion reaching out, engulfing the area. Once the dust and light cleared the once peaceful park was no more.
Everything seemed charred and blackened from the attack. Anything left standing was black and burned, buildings damaged and looked as if they would fall at any given moment. On the ground were multiple charred corpses.
His face as serious as ever, Setsuna looked down at one corpse right in front of his feet. The frayed sleeves rustling in the wind, blood poured out of the lifeless limb. In fact anyone but Setsuna was probably dead, he still sat in the park bench, perfectly intact and unscathed.
The silence made it seem as if no one was left alive. Setsuna felt like everyone around him was gone. That's when he heard it...
"Setsuna..."
Where was that voice coming from?
"Setsuna?"
This time the voice was louder, it was easier to hear the concern in the owner's words.
"Setsuna!"
Instead of words, he felt someone's hand on his shoulder. Although in any other situation it would be his first instinct to push the person away, he didn't. The person's touch was warm and comforting, almost enough to make him forget what he just seen. Bringing up his own hand to meet the other's, he pulled the person closer. While wide violet eyes looked at him in alarm.
"Setsuna?" Kira looked at him concerned, he didn't respond. Not really meeting her eyes as he held her hand tightly, looking as if he wouldn't let go any time soon.
Kira's face was filled with confusion. Just a few minutes ago she left to get some food for both of them, then coming back and finding Setsuna looking strange. His normally emotionless features seemed lost... As if he wasn't in the present. After calling out his name several times she touched his shoulder. That action looked like it jerked him out of his haze, though she did expect him to immediately push her away, instead he did the exact opposite...
Sighing inwardly at the situation, she sat down next to him. Kira knew she was blushing from how hot her cheeks were. Handing one of the hot dogs to him, she took a small bite out of hers. Trying hard to keep her blush down as she looked away from Setsuna. Not noticing him watching her from the corner of his eye as he body faced forward. Their intertwined hands resting on the bench between them. If anyone looked over at the two, they would probably assume they were a young couple from the way they looked right now. Two familiar people, unfortunately, had the same thought.
"Kira?"
Looking up she saw both Saji and Louise. Saji looked at the two amazed, he didn't think his two neighbors were in a relationship. But from what he was seeing now seemed to contradict that thought. Louise, however, wasn't sure, her face not showing any signs of being surprised. It seemed like she was carefully watching the two for their reactions. But she was coming up blank. The only thing she could think of was that they were in fact a couple. So finding herself blurting out.
"Our you two together?" Kira immediately looked like she was going to deny it, but Setsuna cut her off.
"You're mistaken." The other three looked at him in surprise. Kira though had a strange feeling in her chest as she looked at him, there was a hint of hurt in her eyes. Even though Setsuna was just telling the truth, she felt disappointed by his answer. As if he really did reject her. The look on her face not missed by either Saji and Louise, as Setsuna though didn't say another word.
Union's MSWAD Headquarters:
Professor Eifman, Graham, and Billy stood in front of Graham's partly upgraded Flag. The Professor explaining all the parts he was able to upgrade.
"Various enforcements to the joints and backpack were made, along with the anti-beam coating on the fuselage." Now referring to the new weapon. "The weapon is a new model designed by the Iris Corporation."
"It's magnificent, Professor." Graham complimented as he inspected his Flag. Though the Professor wasn't done talking yet.
Looking over at Graham he said. "There is still the necessary changes with the O.S. From the information I gathered from most of your recent simulations, we need to upgrade that as well." Looking surprised, Graham looked at the older man, wondering what he meant.
"Basically your performance improved drastically in the last few days, and for your unit to keep up with it, it also needs to be reprogrammed." Looking stunned Graham looked at Billy, his friend never mentioned it to him. Though it was true he did exceedingly well on the battle simulations lately, he didn't give it much thought. It seemed as if he was doing what he normally did, so it felt all the same to him.
"So you won't be going into battle so soon until I have enough time for you to test the new O.S. at one of my labs." Nodding, Graham didn't know what to say, luckily Billy changed the subject.
"Though even with the upgrades, there still is a trade-off. Even with the anti-G system fully functional, you will experience 12 G's at top speed." Silently thanking for the change of subject he responded.
"Well that's exactly what I've been hoping for." But now joining them in the hanger, were two other men.
"Spectacular, so this is the First Lieutenant's Flag." Both men stopped and saluted.
"Warrant Officer Howard Mason, Master Sergeant Darryl Dutch, as requested by First Lieutenant Graham Acre, reporting for duty as part of the Anti-Gundam Investigation Unit."
Smiling Graham saluted as well and said, "So you came. I welcome you, Flag Fighters."
The Professor, however, was not yet done talking with Graham. There was much more questions in his mind that needed answering.
"It's impossible for someone to improve their skills in such a short time. How is it possible?"
Union's President Residence:
The president and his assistant met once again in the his office, talking about the how people were reacting to Celestial Being.
"David, did you see the daytime news? The commentators were discussing whether we should designate Celestial Being as a world police." The president almost laughing on such an idea. "How amusing."
Though David seemed to share the same thoughts. "Though it's a brilliant proposition. Unlike the United Nations, they don't require maintenance fees." However the President's face and demeanor became more serious.
"Though no one will dare join forces with such an organization." Interrupting their conversation was someone urgently knocking on the door.
"Come in." Once given permission a man came in quickly in the office to tell important news.
"Mr. President. We received reports that Taribia will be making an announcement tomorrow." Hearing that news the President's face showed more signs of concern of what will be said.
Ptolemaios:
Sumeragi sat alone in her room, she was going over the plans. Taking in consideration what Veda predicts as well.
"Veda, tell me your predictions." The screen then focused and brought up several key points on the map it displayed.
"I see, exactly like mine." Looking over to her right, she checked another screen with the different course of action they could take. "So we've come up with 12 response plans. Our position will be endangered no matter which one we'll pick." Closing her eyes she said to herself.
"Even though I understand this will happen, the feeling is still unbearable." Those kind of thoughts leading to Kira and the Freedom. It would be quite a while before the Freedom could be unveiled. So for now, Kira was on standby, waiting for when it would be possible for her to step in.
"Though who knows? We may need the Freedom's assistance soon-" Sumeragi's thoughts interrupted by Chris.
"Sumeragi-san! Taribia is making an announcement right now!" Sumeragi's eyes widened, so it was Taribia after all...
Kingdom of Azadistan:
Taribia declares a withdrawal from the Union. (the broadcast will be in bold).
"While the Union appears to be a congressional system with over 50 member states, it is, in fact, a dictatorship, with the distribution of solar energy being controlled solely by the United States."
"Our nation strongly opposes this barbaric American domination."
The broadcast currently being viewed by both, Marina and Shirin. It was early in the morning, so Marina was dressed in her sleeping clothes. Shirin then deciding to share her thoughts.
"It appears Taribia made a move." She said turning to Marina as she nodded.
"There was always Anti-American sentiments in that country, but withdrawing from the Union and demanding independent access to the solar energy is going to far."
Her hands clenched together painfully at the thought. Shirin though looked back at the TV screen, the speaker's still waving at the other officials, which was something he had been doing since the end of his speech.
"Perhaps it's just a power play in preparation for the next election." Going over to pour herself some tea she continued.
"The Union will most definitely accept America's request and launch a military intervention. Of course, Taribia must have predicted this beforehand." Holding the teacup in her hands, she turned back towards the princess.
Though Marina didn't want to believe it. "Predicted...Are you saying that Taribia is trying to exploit Celestial Being?" Closing her eyes, Shirin nodded, knowing that the princess would see the logic in her words.
"The only reason they can get away with it, is because Taribia is located near the orbital elevator. Unlike our country, they have the perfect opportunity."
Worriedly, Marina looked into her advisor's eyes. "Will Celestial Being really show itself?"
Letting that question roll off her shoulders, Shirin responded, "Who knows? But the way Celestial Being deals with Taribia may affect the future of our country."
Once more looking seriously in her highness's eyes she continued, "It means we may be able to make use of them."
Back on the Ptolemaios:
Sumeragi entered the briefing room, everyone present turning to her.
"Initiating the mission. Contact the Gundam Meisters."
With Setsuna:
After receiving the okay, Setsuna immediately left for his Gundam. After checking that Kira would be okay by herself. Though the words she left him with surprised him.
Flashback
"Try not to hurt anyone..." Was the only thing she had to say before she entered the apartment. But not before telling him to be safe.
End Flashback
Not knowing how to respond, he didn't say a word. Why did Kira care so much? But the sincere concern was pleasant. He would admit he liked it and it was better than her not caring. But for now he had to focus on the mission. Thinking only one thought.
"Taribia..."
Pacific Ocean Taribian Coastal Waters:
On a sea carrier, several of the Union's troops waited deployment. Now their troops dominated the air and sea. While the Taribian army was mostly stationed on the ground. The Taribian forces mostly focusing on three specific cities.
That's when one soldier spotted, "Captain! Gundam sighted!" All the soldiers stationed on the bridge looked out to see the unit. The captain in particular had to say.
"So that's a Gundam."
Taribian Prime Minister's Office:
"Prime Minister, Celestial Being has appeared." A man said.
The Prime Minister looked out his window as if he could see the Gundams just out side. "So they came after all."
Though he would never guess what was about to happen...
Instead of assisting the Taribian forces, Celestial Being's Gundams did the exact opposite. Splitting up to target the 3 cities, they began to decimate their forces. But for one Gundam meister, it was difficult. Kira's words continued to repeat themselves in his head. He really did want to follow her advice, but it was hard at such close range. Setsuna, though, managed to slice the unit's legs off so they tumbled to the ground. Instead of what he would have done before and sliced them in half. So he was taking great care not to do so, but he had to put more of an effort to do so.
While Lockon and Allelujah fought from above. Both eventually noticing the Exia fighting more carefully. Which was a big contrast to the way it normally fought...
Taribian Prime Minister's Office:
After receiving the news of Celestial Being's real target, the Prime Minister had no other choice. Looking extremely troubled he waved to his assistant.
"Get me President Bryan on the hotline."
Union's President Office:
"I see, it seems like Celestial deemed your country to be the source of this conflict and began to attack." Nodding to what the other man said he responded.
"I find their actions regrettable. Of course, if you reconsider breaking off from the Union, we will happy to deploy troops to protect your country." Nodding once more he said, "I see very well."
Hanging up he put the phone back in place. Turning to David he gave him the word.
"Our armed forces will commence attacking Celestial Being in aid of our allied nation, the Republic of Taribia.
On the Ptolemaios:
"It seems America's mobile suit units are commencing their operations. As predicted they appear to be heading to defend Taribia." Chris said.
"I see." Sumeragi said. That's when Feldt gave the directions.
"Following the mission plan, all Gundams please proceed with evacuating to the safety zones."
Kingdom of Azadistan:
"I can't believe they attacked the Taribian army..." Marina trailed off, unbelieving of what the news being broadcast.
"It seems like both Taribia and America anticipated that this might happen." Shirin came to stand near Marina while elaborating on.
"After being attacked by Celestial Being, the first thing Taribia did was to ask the Americans for help. Thanks to this, anti-American sentiments within Taribia have been silenced, making it easier for American leadership."
"And now, Taribia's current administration now has American backing and its rule secured. The other countries have also learned their lesson, and will avoid using any ant-American policies."
"I wonder which country benefited the most from these events." Marina looked greatly troubled at those words. Her demeanor finding itself at a loss of words, but it wouldn't prepare her for Shirin's next statement.
"If you can't even see that, then you're not qualified to save this nation. Azadistan's first Queen, Marina Ismail." Shirin's eyes measuring the princess reaction. Marina's eyes wide from those words.
End Chapter 10: Failing Negotiations.
Next chapter: in 2-3 days.
Note: Sorry for this chapter being rushed, especially in several events and the intervention. I promise that it won't happen again. But I was more concerned with getting this chapter out, and I'm already working on Chapter 11, and I promise that one will be much better.
Though you should keep in mind that since Graham didn't get to fight the Gundams this time, he's not going to be happy. So he'll be anxious to get another chance to fight them, and there will be more Kira's POV in the next chapter.
Remember to review!