I don't have much to say... This is a pretty length chapter, one thousand and something words. I hope you like it, and the length of it, but please R&R and most of all… Enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed/Destiny

CHAPTER TEN- An Old Acquaintance

Athrun sat in his office as every morning called for; he flicked on his miniature television and stood up. Athrun opened a window and breathed in the fresh air; he eventually closed his eyes… imagining an escape from his stuffy office.

"Mr. Zala." There was a knock on the door.

"Come in." He opened his eyes and slammed the window shut.

The door opened and his secretary Lily entered the room, "A letter for you. It was left at the front desk." She explained.

"Thank-you. Just leave it on my desk for me?" Athrun replied. The secretary placed it on his desk then left the room, closing the door behind her.

He took a few steps towards his desk and lifted the envelope into his fingers. It was addressed to him, sent from an unfamiliar address. Athrun tore the letter open and opened up the folded piece of parchment.

Dear Mr. Athrun Zala,

I would like to inform you that the culprits that captured Miss. Lacus Clyne have been found. The Joule team has been unable to capture them, and their identities are not clear. All we know is that they call themselves Sting Oakley, Auel Neider, and Stellar Loussier. The three soldiers Yzak Joule, Dearka Elsman, and Shiho Hahnenfuss can identify their physical attributes but there is also some shocking news. I would like to inform you of this in a more private setting, and in person please contact this number if you are available 464-2375. Thank-you for your valuable time and effort.

Sincerely,

Ledonir Kisaka

Athrun was relatively surprised at this letter, Kisaka? He was Cagalli's former bodyguard.

He picked up his office phone and dialed the number in, "Hello?" A man's voice answered.

"Hello, this is Athrun Zala. Does Ledonir Kisaka happen to be available?" He asked.

"Yes, Speaking." Kisaka answered.

"It's been a long time Kisaka." Athrun spoke, taking a seat at his desk.

"Indeed Mr. Zala. It is good to hear your voice, but I have some news and I'd like to meet up with you as soon as possible." Kisaka spoke urgently.

"I have a lunch break soon, within ten minutes. Where would you like to meet?" Athrun replied, hiding his concern.

"The main sector of town. Have you heard of Cartels…the café?" Kisaka suggested.

"Yes I know of it." Athrun spoke.

"I will see you then Mr. Zala." The phone clicked off and Athrun hung up right after. 'What could possibly be this urgent?' He pondered to himself.

He arrived at the café a bit early, and he was seated at a table near the window.

"Mr. Zala." Athrun glanced up to see none other than Kisaka himself. He still had long black hair, tanned skin and eyes to match his hair.

"Kisaka. It's very nice to see you again." The two men shook hands.

"Getting down to business…" Kisaka began. "The Joule team had reported that they suspected the culprits were the Blue Cosmos, but…"

"Continue, please." Athrun leaned forward.

"It turns out, it was the Earth Alliance all along." Kisaka spoke, his expression contorting.

It didn't register at first, but eventually Athrun's expression went into shock, then amazement. "The…. Earth Alliance?" He repeated, making sure he had heard this all clearly.

"The Earth Alliance." Kisaka confirmed. Athrun sat back in his chair, dumbfounded and speechless.

"You see, with Yuna Roman Seylan's arrival, and his father Unato things have been going awry for Princess Cagalli." Kisaka began, "Especially politically. She's been taking a lot of blow, and I believe Mr. Seylan will use this as his advantage." He finished.

"So you're suggesting that you want me to help Cagalli. Remove her from that situation." Athrun folded his hands together.

"Yes. I know it is asking a lot Mr. Zala, but… I think she really needs a vacation." Kisaka sighed.

"I understand." Athrun touched the man's shoulder, sympathetically.

"Thank-you. This means a lot to me Athrun." Kisaka spoke, relieved.

"I can't promise anything. But I'll try." Athrun said.

"I'm mostly concerned… well, not because of her personal issues. But because in this political state, Cagalli is at a large risk. I'm worried the three Earth Alliance members will go after her… like Miss. Clyne." He explained his concern.

"I will take care of her with the best of my capabilities." Athrun spoke. "I'll take her to the PLANTS and have her taken care of there." He finished.

"Yes. Erica Simmons and I will take care of Orb while she is gone. We'll make sure the balance doesn't tip into the Seylan's grip, and Cagalli will be safe." Kisaka smiled.

"That sounds good." Athrun nodded his agreement.

"Thank-you, I knew you'd understand Athrun." Kisaka spoke, and shook hands with Athrun, saying their farewells.

After work that day Athrun picked up a newspaper and bought a ticket for a flight to Orb.

His flight was set to leave tomorrow, in the early morning. He packed his belongings for a long trip, and for a few weeks at the PLANTS.

When Athrun arrived at Orb, he was met with a lot of security checks and other precautionary measures before he was finally allowed to see Cagalli. He finally knocked on her door with his suitcase in hand.

Two guards stood next to him, escorting him. He felt exhausted from the journey, but at least he knew Cagalli was well protected. "Come in!" She shouted. He opened the door and the guards followed him.

"Athrun!" Cagalli smiled. Her amber colored eyes lit up at once. Cagalli looked very tired as well. She was dressed in a pair of maroon pants, and a jacket to match.

Cagalli's hair wasn't very well brushed, and her eyes looked slightly dim with fatigue. She came over and hugged him; Athrun dropped his suitcase and modestly returned the sign of affection.

She eventually released him and cleared her throat, "So what are you doing here?" Cagalli asked.

"I'm taking you to the PLANTS." He said.

"What?"

-Alright, so that's it for Chapter Ten. R&R and thanks for reading up to this chapter:)

Next Time…

Athrun convinces Cagalli to visit the PLANTS. Meanwhile, the Minerva is getting dispatched into space again on duty. But that is only covering up their main mission… to seize and capture the three kidnappers.