Phase 10: Separate Ways
Unknown location…
A lone man sat in a room with several monitors around him. On the monitors were shaded silhouettes so that their identities were secure. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe you know why I've called for this meeting."
"The Allies and ZAFT are the only nations in the Earth Sphere with access to mobile suits."
"My nation has resisted joining the EU for decades. If they chose to evade us with those Minutemen, we would be mulled down in an instant."
"Our man inside NATO is already close to hacking the blue-prints for their next line of mobile suits."
"Hold up! Do really want to protect ourselves with the inventions of the coordinators?"
"They might be a slap in the face to nature, but they sure can make weapons."
"That doesn't mean we can accept their practice of altering genes before birth. Tampering with genetics to create the perfect human is exactly what the Nazis tried to accomplish."
"But to the world at large, we're nothing but a bunch of radical terrorists."
"We're trying to save humanity! We don't have time to worry about something as petty as public approval."
"Well squawking like a bunch of hens isn't going to get us anywhere." The man said as he poured himself some wine. "After all, everything we do is for the preservation of our pure and blue world." He raised the glass before drinking it.
The Vesalius…
The Aegis returned to the hangar as its phase shift powered down. Athrun signed as he remembered the fight with those two Minutemen. "In the span of two weeks, they were able to add beam weaponry to their regular mobile suit units. It seems that stealing the G-Weapons hasn't stopped them completely." His face turned into a scowl as he remembered seeing the Strike attack a Laurasia-class. "Have you really become an enemy? Will I have to shoot you down, Kira?"
The Montgomery…
The four ships floated close to each other as a shuttle left from the Archangel. The passengers left the shuttle and headed toward the bridge. The doors on the bridge opened as Murrue, Mitsukai and Chester saluted.
"Lieutenants Murrue Ramius, Mitsukai Nagasawa and Manchester Black reporting sir." Murrue said.
"At ease." Coopman said with a salute. The four commanding officers put their arms down.
"Geez, Coopman. I forgot how big that honker of yours was." The male coordinator said trying to stifle a laugh.
"Chester!" Mitsu growled.
"It's alright. Nothing I haven't heard before." Coopman said. "So I take it you three are the respective captains of the three ships."
"That's correct sir." Murrue responded. "The Archangel and the Balder are the only ships that survived the raid on Heliopolis while the Dallas joined us after it we resupplied at Artemis."
"Speaking of which, how's the situation there?" Chester asked.
"Three days after you departed, they managed to bring the lightwave barrier back up and running. They had some trouble with pirates, but the Jerichos took care of them."
"Nice."
In the Archangel, technicians gathered around the Astray Green as they looked at it in awe. The cockpit opened and Cassandra floated out of it.
"So what do think of the Firebrand?" Zeke said as he floated toward her.
"It's amazing! But I have to ask. How could a blast like that not drain out the Gundam's battery?"
"That's because it's not powered by the mobile suit alone. Remember how the back of the Firebrand ejected?" The pilot nodded. "Well that was the micro-reactor. It generates enough energy to create that powerful laser attack. However, it overheats after one use so it has to be replaced it after each blast."
"Well how many were able to make on Heliopolis?"
"About twenty-three, not including the one you just used. Until I can get back to Morgenroete, I won't be able to make any more of them."
Cassie looked at her mobile suit as it stood in its birth. "In other words, we have to be smart about when we use it."
The Misfit…
Miguel entered his room and fell on his bed, tried from the fight. He thought back to sight of the Vandal being sliced in half by the Astray Green and the when he fought against the new mobile armors. "The people on Earth came up with some crazy weapons." He started to chuckle. "I guess they're as unpredictable as ever." He reached into his bag and pulled out an electric guitar. He adjusted the strings and started playing a light beat.
On the bridge, Alex was having a video chat with Adas and Rau.
"Even if we continue to pursue them, our fleet is too damaged for an extended battle." Adas stated.
"And it's likely that their next move to rendezvous with the lunar fleet." Rau followed up.
"So do we just sit back and let the legged ship gain more reinforcements?" Alex asked. "How soon can the Gamow get here?"
"It'll take at least seven hours before it joins us here." Adas said.
"They'll be linking up with the lunar fleet well before then." The masked man said. "This is a tough one."
George entered the Archangel as he looked around the corridors. He walked around the corner and saw a familiar head of red hair. "Flay?"
Said girl turned around the saw him. "Dad?" The girl teared up and ran towards her father, burying her face in his chest."Dad! It's really you!"
The vice-minister wrapped his arms around his daughter as he smiled. "Flay. Thank god, you're alright."
The red-head looked up at her father as tears of joy fell down. "When those ZAFT ships were attacking you... I … I thought that you were going to…"
"Okay honey. I'm here." The two of them hugged again. Kira and his friends saw this, their hearts warmed up by this touching reunion.
Meanwhile, Gaius stood in front of beverage machine as he looked at the selections. "Geez, how do they come up with some of these flavors?" He pressed the button and the machine ejected a beer.
"Lieutenant Ismail." He turned and saw Takashi and Mikeva.
"Hey. You guys did okay for a couple of rookies."
"Thanks." Mikeva said with a smile. "But give yourself some credit. You single-handily saved the Montgomery."
"To be honest, thank was more of a reckless last minute gamble if anything else." The middle-eastern pilot said rubbing the back of his head. "The lightwave barrier did most of the real work."
"He's got a point." Takashi said. "But there's no doubt that it was that single act of desperation is what saved many lives today."
"Sometimes all you need is a few seconds of insane courage." The three pilots turned around saw Lieutenant Wallace in her pilot suit. One look at her and Takashi was smitten. He walked up to her with a confident smile.
"Well hello there. I don't think we've meet." The tall pilot held out his hand. "I'm Takashi Ikari, Minuteman pilot, pleased to meet you."
Wallace was stunned before she chuckled. "That's cute. But I don't date kids." She walked past Takashi as his smile was replaced with a frown.
"I'm not a kid. I'm twenty-two." He said in a sad tone.
Mikeva held in a laugh while Gaius chuckled. "Always breaking hearts as usual, but did you have to be so blunt Liz?"
"If I recall, you broke some yourself, Mr. Junior Grade." The Icarus pilot said as she hit a button and grabbed a beer.
"And again with the rank pulling. Oh well." He raised his soda and Wallace did the same. "To the future victories."
"I'll drink to that." They hit their cans together and drank.
"My. Everyone seems to be having fun." Everyone turned and saw Lacus and her pink Haro.
In the hangar, Luke and Gale high-fived each other. "Dude, that was sweet! We owned that ZAFT bastard!" Luke said.
"Serves him right for stealing our mobile suits." Gale said with a smirk. He turned and saw Cassie talking with Zeke as he worked on a terminal while Haro bounced around.
"Hey, have you noticed that Cass has been hanging around that techy from Morgenroete a lot?"
Luke turned and saw the two. "Oh yeah. Well it's none of our business." The smaller pilot said as he walked away, while Gale watched the two with a look of concern before leaving.
The Misfit…
Miguel's orange GINN hid behind a rock as its mono-eye sensor looked around. The blonde green coat breathed heavily as he reloaded his assault rifle. Out of the corner of his screen, he saw four small blades. "Oh Sh…" A blast of machine gun fire interrupted him as rifle, eye, and shield were destroyed. The screen went dark as two large red words appeared on his screen.
Simulation Over
The young coordinator unbuckled himself. He exited the simulator as Alex did the same.
"You only won because of those gunbarrel things." Miguel complained.
"Quit whining." The red coat replied. "You've lasted longer than most of my sparring partners."
"Well you are the Dragon of Nova." The blonde said. "Not all of us can take down twenty-three enemies and sink two escort ships."
"If I recall, you made your career when they were moving Nova to Lagrange 3."
"Yes but there was only one battle, the rest of the time I spent babysitting a giant rock as it moved through space."
"My instructor once said that you can't expect every mission to be glamorous." Alex turned toward one of the officers. "Has the council made contact yet?"
"Chairman Zala has sent a private message to Commander Creuset. Other than that, we haven't been given any new orders."
Alex rubbed his chin as he thought for a moment. "Miguel, you've served under Le Creuset. What's your honest opinion about him?"
"Well, he's a definitely an ace pilot and strategist. He also has an uncanny sixth sense for battle, like he can see the future or something. But, he's also made some questionable decisions."
"Like Heliopolis, for example."
"Right. At the time, I was more focused on trying to destroy the Strike. But part of me had doubts about using D-type weaponry inside of a colony just to destroy one ship." Miguel looked his superior officer in the eye. "Why ask all these questions?"
"I don't why, but old silver mask gives me the creeps." The black-haired pilot said. "Especially since the council didn't punish him for actions at Heliopolis."
"He is one of our best pilots. And we are at war, so we need every good pilot out on the front lines."
"Even so, I say we keep an eye out on him." Alex floated toward the exit. "That guy just screams crazy."
The Archangel…
Flay and George sat across from each on opposite beds of the living quarters. The young girl had a sad expression on her face.
"So what did want to talk about?" The vice-minister asked his daughter.
The redhead thought for moment before responding. "When ZAFT started their attack, I was afraid that you would die. Kira, one of the pilots, promised me that the ship you were on would be safe. He promised that with a smile even after the horrible things I said."
George raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What horrible things?"
Flay looked down in shame. "I said that I didn't want any coordinators acting friendly me."
"During the battle, I saw one of the escort ships as it blew up. I started thinking that with all those enemies out there that the pilots wouldn't be able to save you. So I took one of the coordinators, someone important to ZAFT. I was going to demand that they stop attacking or… or else I would kill her."
George gasped, shocked that his little girl would do something like that.
"Luckily one of the engineers stopped me, but still… Daddy I'm so sorry." Flay said as she looked at her father with tears in her eyes. George signed as he rubbed his temples.
"I can't say that I'm not disappointed, but if the situation were reversed I might've done something just a crazy. However, I'm not the one you should be apologizing to." The vice-minister said as he looked at her sternly.
Meanwhile, Mikeva was in her pilot suit as she peeked into hangar. Lacus floated behind her in a spare space suit. Since she wore her dress underneath and had to crumble it up, she looked like she had a heavily pregnant belly. The idol held her pink Haro in her hands as her friend looked around.
"Okay, let's go." The two women floated toward Mikeva's Minuteman. Zeke was typing on his computer as his Haro turned and saw the pink Haro held in Lacus' arm.
"Brother! Brother!" The ball yelled. Zeke turned to see what the fuss was about and saw the two women about to enter the Minuteman.
"Mikeva? Ms. Lacus?" The young engineer pushed off the floor and approached them. He saw Lacus' suit and stared blankly at her stomach. "What the hell?"
"Hello Mr. Hudson." The pink-haired girl replied.
"What's going on here?" The engineer asked.
"Mikeva is returning me to the ZAFT forces."
"Won't get in really big trouble for this?" Zeke asked the pilot in question as she opened the cockpit.
"Zeke, you stopped Allster from hurting Lacus. I'm not going to let the top brass use her as bargaining tool."
The emerald-eyed coordinator thought for a second before smiling. "Then you'll need someone to operate the catapult."
"I want to help too." The three of them turned and saw Kira in his pilot suit. "There might be chance the enemy ships will open fire before we get the chance to talk."
Mikeva nodded. "Lacus, go with him. You'll be safer in the Strike."
"Okay." She nodded before turning toward him. "I don't believe I know your name."
"I'm Kira Yamato."
"Then please take care of me Mr. Yamato."
The young pilot smiled and gave a thumb's up. "You got it."
A few minutes later, the two mobile suits left their births and started moving toward the catapults. Lacus floated in the cockpit of the Strike and Zeke worked at the catapult controls. "Opening the hatch!"
On the bridge, alert signals appeared on the computer screens. "What's going on?" Kuzzey asked.
The twin catapults opened up. The officers on the Montgomery saw this.
"What the hell?" Chester said. "Contact the Archangel."
"Natarle, what's happening?" Murrue asked as soon the com turned on.
"It's the Strike and one of the Minutemen!" Natarle exclaimed. "Yamato, Lago! What are you two doing?"
"Forget it guys. The kids have taken Ms. Cylne out. The airlock's already been opened so it's too late." Mu responded.
"Ms. Cylne?" Coopman asked.
The Minuteman grabbed its beam submachine gun and its shield while the Strike was equipped with the Aile Striker.
"Here we go." Mikeva said.
"Right." Kira responded.
The two mobile suits launched from the ship as the Strike's PSA activated. They made a U-turn and headed towards the ZAFT fleet.
The Vesalius…
"We've confirmed two mobile suits launching from the legged ship." The radar officer reported.
"All hands, level one battle stations! All mobile suit pilots prepare for launch at once!"
Athrun entered the Aegis and started prepping it. On the Misfit, Alex did the same as he sat in his CGUE.
Outside, the two mobile suits started to close in on the ships. "This is Weapon 2 of the NATO vessel Archangel. Within the Strike is the daughter of PLANT Supreme Council chairman Siegel Cylne. We rescued Miss Lacus Cylne from the debris field and as a gesture of good will; we will return her to you." Mikeva declared.
The ZAFT officers were shocked by this revelation.
"Lacus was on the legged ship?" Athrun said to himself. "And the commander ordered us to destroy it."
"Is this some kind of trick?" Miguel thought.
"The Nazca and Laurasia-class vessels are to cut their engines. We will hand her over on the condition that we are meet only with the pilot of Aegis. If you do not meet these demands, we cannot guarantee her safety." Kira stated.
Cassandra sat in the cockpit of the Astray Green as it walked to the catapult. "Kira's friend is piloting the Aegis, so he won't shoot on sight." She thought as she buckled her safety belts. "And Mikeva would follow to make sure her friend is safe."
"What could they be up too?" Adas asked. "If this is some kind of trick, it's a Ludacris one at that."
"They wouldn't risk the losing the Strike if it was. And they did take a shortcut through the debris field." Rau said.
"Commander, allow me to go." Athrun pleaded.
"Their intentions are still unknown. We haven't even confirmed if Ms. Cylne is with them!" The captain rebutted.
The masked white coat smiled. "Alright, you have permission."
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
"Are you sure about this?" Adas asked.
"This could also be seen as a chance for us. Bring the ship to a halt and prep my CGUE for launch Adas."
The Aegis launched from the Vesalius and flew towards the enemy machines.
"They've done this without any authorization." Coopman grit his teeth. "A noble gesture that might get them killed."
"Have all mobile prepared to intervene." Mitsukai ordered.
"Enemy vessel engines no longer running."
"Aegis approaching."
The transformable gundam stopped in front of the two NATO mobile suits as they pointed their weapons at the red machine.
"Athrun Zala?" Kira asked.
"Yes that's right." Said pilot responded.
"Open your cockpit." The Aegis did just that and Strike did the same.
"Say something." Kira told Lacus. "He can't see your face from here. He has to be convinced it's really you before you can leave the cockpit."
"Oh, I understand." She turned on her helmets speakers. "Hello Athrun! It's me! It's very nice to see you again." She said as she waved hello as Haro flapped its ears.
"I confirm its Lacus."
"Then prepare to receive her."
Athrun unclipped his safety belts and floated toward the opened platform of the cockpit.
"Go on." Kira helped her out and she floated towards the Aegis. Athrun held out his hand and Lacus took it. She stood on the platform as Athrun pulled her in for a hug which she returned with a smile, letting Haro float around them. Seeing this brought a smile to Mikeva's face. Lacus had told her about her fiancé who enlisted as a mobile suit pilot. When Kira said his name she was at first surprised to find out that he was one of the pilots who tried to destroy the Archangel. The two young lovers broke their hug as Lacus looked at the Minuteman Weapon.
"Thank you for everything you've done Mikeva. You too Mr. Yamato."
"No problem."
"Kira, you come along with us too!" Athrun exclaimed. "There isn't any reason why you should remain with NATO."
"Believe me, the last thing I want to do is fight against you." He thought about Sai, Tolle, Mir, Kuzzey, Zeke and Cassie. "But abroad that ship are people I feel obligated to protect. My friends are on that ship!"
Athrun was surprised by his outburst before smiling. "You haven't changed one bit Kira. But just know this. If you fight with NATO, then you fight people who won't hold back like me."
"I know." Kira responded as the Strike's cockpit closed. The Gundam and the Minuteman started to float away from the Aegis as Athrun and Lacus looked on, seeing their best friends depart.
"Try to stay out of trouble Lacus." Mikeva said. She saw her friend nod her head.
"The enemy mobile suits are withdrawing." Adas reported.
"Now start up the engines." Rau said as his CGUE launched from the catapult.
"Mobile suit launching from the Nazca-class!" An officer on the Montgomery reported. "Nazca-class is firing its engines."
"The lead Laurasia-class is also launching a mobile suit.
"Damn it! I knew this would happen." Mu said as the Zero and Astray Green were launched.
The gray machine blasted toward the NATO mobile suits. He was about to order Athrun to return to the Vesalius, but an object collided with his CGUE as his cockpit shook widely. He looked and saw the CGUE Asura holding onto him.
"Alex, what the hell are you doing?!" Rau yelled.
"Stopping you from getting the chairman's daughter killed in a firefight!"
"Commander Rau Le Creuset, stop this at once!" Lacus yelled through the Aegis' com-link. "Are you attempting to make this place a battlefield in the presence of a memorial representative like myself? I will not permit this to happen! You are to cease any and all hostile actions immediately!"
"What a troublesome young lady." The white coat mumbled to himself. "I understand Ms. Cylne. I apologize for my actions."
The two CGUEs turned around and flew away with the Aegis tailing them. The Zero and Astray meet up with the Strike and Minuteman.
"Not sure what just happened, but we better return too." Mu said. We don't want to stir up a hornet's nest."
"Roger." The mobile suit pilots responded as the NATO machines headed back to Archangel.
On the Archangel, Flay looked out the window with a sad as the mobile suits and armor returned. "Guess I won't be able to apologize now."
Next time: The Awakening Sword
What will you forge in the space you burn through Gundam?
AN: Sorry for the late update. My internet crapped out on me.