Eyes in Seed

I do not own the rights to Gundam Seed or Gundam Build Fighters/Try. All characters that are not mine are owned by their respective series creators. Please enjoy.

Chapter 11

Murrue watched as both the Skygrassper and Eyes took to the air, breaking off to search in different directions to locate their missing mobile suit and pilot. Secretly she hoped to find the pilot than the mobile suit. Kira had done so much and sacrificed more in order to protect the ship as he had done to just fall to a storm. He deserved better than that. She sighed and settled back into her chair, though her heart still raced with the anticipation of any word from their remaining pilots. She thought back to Adam as he was beginning to launch, the man promising to bring the boy back no matter the cost. He was far too devoted to finding him. Did he feel responsible for Kira's disappearance? If he did she could only image how he would act should Kira not have survived the storm.

For now though they were to head to the downed Skygrassper's last location and retrieve the aircraft before joining back up with their pilots. The Storm was letting off enough for them to move. That also meant that their pursuers were going to be moving too. No doubt they would be circling the island. The choppy waters would slow them down, giving them enough of a head start seeing as they could easily pass over the land. But searching for Kira and recovering the Skygrassper was stabbing at their lead. They couldn't handle too much. Munitions were running low and the crew was getting tired. At the rate they were going they wouldn't make it to Josh-A.

Don't think like that, she berated herself mentally, a huff of agitation released for such a thing. They would make it. They had to make it. The best course would have them pass by Orb boarders, and considering the crew was made up of some of their citizens she hoped it would give them some passage into their harbor. If not it would make things much harder, especially with ZAFT nipping at their heels.

"Problem, captain?" asked Natarle, the woman sitting perfectly calm in the CIC. She had been watching Murrue for a good minute now, noticing the woman was on edge. No doubt from the circumstances they were facing. She wouldn't willing admit it unless pressed but she hoped to recover Pilot Yamato and the Strike. Both intact of course.

Murrue looked to Natarle, then faced back to the front with a sigh. "I feel myself getting older every passing second I'm sitting in this chair," she admitted. "Makes me wonder how Halberton can do it as an admiral."

"Time and experience?" Natarle asked, sparing a glance to Murrue before looking back at her own console. "I don't think anyone is really prepared to take that seat when the time calls for it."

Murrue gave a slight smile. "From what I hear Winslow was willing to take the seat."

Natarle froze slightly.

"And something about a you needing a massage?"

Miriallia stifled a giggle. Others tried their best to hide the amusement they were getting from seeing Natarle blush and stammer in her defense and Adam's accusation. No one however noticed the bright blush from Arnold, who found his station to be very, VERY fascinating at that very moment.

EYES

Samuel took a small sip of bourbon from his glass just as the door to his cabin door opened. The young man, Kira, was ushered in. His hands weren't bound like before, and unlike his cellmate didn't put up any kind of fight. Seeing the boy though made the captain frown. The kid looked tired. Maybe he was ready to give up and give them the lockdown codes. That would just make his day. However…

A fresh pitcher of clean water was at his side, courtesy of Sven, and Samuel wasted no time to poor Kira glass. Sven stepped back with his hands behind his back. Pushing it to the end of the desk for him to reach it, Samuel gave a nod. "Drink up." Kira hesitated at first but took the glass, downing the water quickly. Samuel pushed the pitcher over, and Kira took in another glass full. Sven was close though in case Kira decided a broken glass pitcher would work as a decent melee weapon. But he was sure the boy wasn't considering that train of thought. Samuel leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping along its surface. "I'm not lying when I say I hate having to hold children as prisoners. And you are just a kid, Mr. Kira Yamato."

A snarky remark came to mind but the Strike pilot bit his tongue on it. "And Yzak?" Kira asked, never looking to the man.

Samuel frowned at the thought of the spoiled boy still locked in their makeshift cell. "He's the son of a council member, which unfortunately gives him a lot of pull and room to do as he pleases. He's a red coat as well, and I'd hope it was from his own hard work and not some influence from his family. But judging by your interactions you would know better than me."

Kira was silent for a few seconds before responding. "He hasn't made it easy that's for sure."

The captain's fingers tapped the desk's surface one last time. "I'll make you a deal Kira," Samuel said leaning forward, hands locking together and resting on his desk. "I can tell you don't want to be here. Just from our brief interaction you are a good kid who got thrust into a life of serving the Alliance and fighting a war." He paused to watch Kira mull over his words. "So here is the deal. Go ahead and give us the codes to unlock your machine, and we'll take you to wherever you want to go."

Kira looked to him. "Anywhere?"

Samuel nodded. "Anywhere. You name it."

"Why do you want my machine? Why do you want either?"

Samuel chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "No doubt you've seen what we have on hand. What few mobile suits we use and maintain. Being defectors leaves us with what we took or held on hand. To be honest we're not like the pirates of old. We take what we need to survive because we know there is no returning to the Plants. Patrick Zala would have us hung. We take what we can from cargo ships that travel between Orb and Eurasia. Unfortunately that doesn't include munitions and parts. Considering Orb is nearby and ZAFT holds most of the territory on the coast, attacking the Alliance is a no go. And if we attack our former comrades Zala will sick the bloodhounds on us." He stopped it there. No need to tell him about the little hiccup his crew ran into when trying to knock over ship carrying food goods between the mainland and Orb just a month prior. "I'm doing what I can to keep my men alive till this war ends. And to do that I'm going to need something like that fancy machine of yours."

"Your men are working on it," Kira stated.

"Yea, and getting a bloody headache for all its worth. Joule's machine may take some time but we'll get it but yours… My boys are willing to just shoot themselves than to continuously try and hack your machine." He gave a chuckle but Kira didn't. "So how about it, kid? Codes to your machine for freedom from all of this?"

Kira looked down. His eyes shifted across the surface of Samuel's desk in thought. The captain just watched patiently for the boy's reply. And he could tell the boy was considering it. He honestly hoped he would too. Children shouldn't be fighting in their war. A war started by foolish adults with petty and jealous ambitions.

"If I do what you ask…" The captain looked to Kira, the boy looking him in the eyes. "… what happens to my friends? The ones on board our ship, the Archangel? Who will protect them?"

Samuel frowned, taking in a deep breath through his nose. "I'm sorry but their fates aren't in my hands…"

"But they would be. You're taking my machine which they need to protect them. Would you protect them in my stead if I handed the Strike to you? Would you protect them from ZAFT?"

"No," Samuel said bluntly. "They signed on…"

"Just like I did," Kira said, interrupting the captain. "Yes, I sometimes hate the decision I made. I hate fighting. I hate killing. Especially the killing." Kira's fist clenched. "I hate having to fight a friend of mine who is aligned with ZAFT. I hate having to make new acquaintances and end up having to fight them."

Samuel arched a brow at that. This kid does have it rough, he thought "Those are the breaks, son. When in war we don't get what we want. Take for instance holding a kid as a prisoner. I don't like it. Makes me feel like some goddamned looser. But you and that spoiled brat back in the cell have some fine looking toys you don't need to be messing with. So I'll say it plane and simple now. Give the codes, we let you go. If you don't, you sit in that cell with no food or water till we crack the codes ourselves." He shrugged. Was he willing to go that far with the kid? He sounded the part that was for sure. But would Kira call him on it? Yzak sure would. Kira though was hard to tell. Right now he was showing a bit of spine, but given enough time like Samuel threatened?

Before Kira could give his full answer the door opened. The boy turned to see another member of the crew enter, a look of worry on his face. "Captain, we've got a problem."

At that instant the ship shook from what all guessed was an explosion, though it felt like it came from the surface. Samuel sneered and stood from his desk. He marched around, roughly pulling Kira to his feet and shuffling him along with himself and Sven to the bridge. It took a good minute and during that time another shock rocked the sub, but with the sounds of rocks falling from the ceiling and onto the armored hull of the ship. Kira was stashed to the side as they entered the bridge, Sven keeping close to him so he wouldn't make a run for it. The captain made his way to his chair. "What the hell is going on up on the surface? Do we have a visual?"

"Barely, sir," one said from out of Kira's view. "Surface camera is a bit staticy at best."

"Get what we can on the main screen."

"Aye, sir."

Kira looked to the main monitor, the view changing from outside of the ship to the surface, which flickered between a view of rocks and open dark skies, indicating it was drawing very close to nightfall, and that of static snow. But what Kira also saw and brought a smile to his face was the form of the Eyes, rifle out and taking a few shots into the ground. The rumbling above happened again at the point of contact from the beam. And just at the feet of the Eyes gundam were two ZAFT machines, legs and arms severed with the torsos intact. Well, former ZAFT machines. The patchy black armor signified that they were Samuel's men; Evens and Stiffler.

The two pilots' images appeared on the screen next to the main view of the mobile suit. Both looked to have better days. Stiffler with tousled hair matted with blood running down the left side of his face. Evens looked better, not a scratch on his bald head but he looked ashamed more than anything.

"Evens," Samuel spoke, Kira's eyes turning to him immediately. "What the hell…"

"Sorry, captain," Evens said in a tired voice before giving a cough. Some smoke could be seen in the cockpit, a small extinguisher in his hands. A fire must have popped up inside his machine and he was quick to put it out. "We were nearing Conrad's machine when this guy jumped us."

"Came out of nowhere," Added Stiffler, the man wincing as he spoke. "Like he fell from the sky."

"Didn't stand a chance."

Samuel looked to the white and purple/blue machine that held a heavy resemblance to both of the machines the kids piloted, though with its much smoother surfaces and more regal appearance. He looked down to Kira, the boy looking away. "Is he one of yours?"

Kira nodded. "He is."

Samuel looked back to the front. "Hail'em." It was only for a few seconds before a response was made, and the image of a pilot in full flight suit and helmet appeared on his screen. The visor was down but Samuel could notice a faint glow. Probably light from his dash reflecting off the helmet's visor. "This is Captain Samuel Teague of the Kraken. To whom am I speaking to?"

The pilot was silent, his head turning slightly to the side before replying, "Greetings captain. I'm pilot Adam Winslow of the Gundam Eyes."

Samuel leaned back in his chair just a little. "Gundam. Odd name. Strong though."

"It's a designation for this type of machine, along with the two you hold down below along with the pilots." His head turned and he looked right in Kira's direction. "Hey Kira."

Samuel growled and looked over, seeing the boy was just right in the view for the pilot to see him. Sven winced slightly at the glare Samuel gave him, and pulled the boy back and out of view. "Well then we can skip that bit of back and forth then," the captain continued, adjusting his seat as he suddenly felt uncomfortable. "We're willing to release the boy if you…"

"You're in no position to make demands, captain," Adam stated flatly. His machine moved to one of the down machines, the end of the buster rifle aimed directly at the cockpit. "You will release both your prisoners and their machines or I'll kill your men."

Samuel stood from his chair, more anger than Kira was ready for appearing on his face. "You dare!? What makes you think you are in any position to makes such demands!?"

"Call it a gut feeling." The buster rifle was pulled away, only for the foot of the Eyes to step onto the suit slight pressure applied. Enough to send Evens into panic as his image cracked, the sound of metal groaning under the brief strain. "Think of it as an even trade. Two men and their machines for the ones you're holding."

"And if I refuse and decide to kill the two and just keeps the machines?" He glanced over and saw Stiffler looking a little shook up while Evens looked more worried about the machine crushing his cockpit.

"Do that and I will burn this whole rock of an island with you inside it to glass."

The binders on the back of the Eyes folded over the shoulders, light condensing between the two as it charged up its Alvaaron Cannon. Only a few seconds passed before it fired, the beam angle low so as to dig a trench into the ground. The force though was enough to shake the cavern the Kraken was in with more rocks from above falling loose and slamming into the sub. Those within the makeshift hanger sought shelter from the falling debris. When the shaking ended, the Eyes folded the binders back. The surface camera had tilted slightly from all the shaking, though it had enough of an angle to show the end results. Initial contact from the blast did as Adam had said, was burning till it looked like smoldering glass. As the beam had stretched on though it carved a long path in the ground.

"That was at only twenty percent power," Adam stated calmly as he focused on the captain once more. The Eyes applied more pressure to the suit it stood on, Evens crying out a little as a side screen burst, shards of glass flying towards him. "Again, captain. Give me the pilots and their machines, and everyone walks away alive."

Samuel growled. "I doubt you gave my man Conrad the same ultimatum.."

"He was planning to kill one of my fellow pilots when her craft was shot down. She had no way of defending herself." Adam squared his shoulders. "I wasn't going to let that happen."

Cagalli was shot down!? Kira thought as he could only think of one her that was a pilot on their ship. "Is Cagalli okay?" Kira asked suddenly, stepping forward but was pulled back by Sven.

"She's a little banged up from the crash, Kira, but she's alive," Adam answered.

Kira sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. He never noticed Samuel looking down at the boy with a slight mix of annoyance and possibly pity? It was hard to tell.

"Let me ask you something, pilot," started the captain as he focused again on Adam. "Why fight for the Alliance? Why either of you? You're obviously a Coordinator seeing as you're piloting a mobile suit…"

"I'm a Natural, Captain Teague," Adam stated flatly, getting mixed looks from the bridge crew.

"But how are…" Samuel shook his head. "Never mind. I figured it wouldn't be too long before the Alliance managed to work a way around the complex controls of a mobile suit. Damn fancy and powerful ones too. But why is he so special?" he asked nodding in Kira's direction. "If you're a Natural and he's a Coordinator…"

"Screw titles, we're both human."

Samuel paused, jaw dropping slightly. He honestly didn't have a response to that and looking down at his men, even over to Sven, they all looked just as confused.

"Everyone wants to profile. Coordinator. Natural." Adam shrugged. "No one is better than the other. Either one is capable of doing great good or evil upon one another. I don't see Kira as a Coordinator. I see a frustrated kid who got roped into this shit and honestly I'm partially to blame for it."

"Adam…" Kira started.

"I was suppose to watch his back and because I failed at that he's a prisoner aboard a pirate ship." A tinge of anger was laced into Adam's voice and his head dipped just slightly. With his helmet on and visor closed it was just a little bit intimidating. "So let me make this very clear captain. I don't care that he's a Coordinator. He's my wingman and a good friend." He reached up and pulled his helmet off, giving Samuel a good look into his blue eyes. "And I promise you if anything happens to him I will make you and your whole crew pay. Coordinator or not."

"Then why do you want the other pilot? As a matter of fact, how do you know we even have a second pilot and machine?"

Adam shrugged. "Gut feeling."

Samuel wasn't so sure on that. Kira hadn't been on the screen long enough for him to give some kind of signal to the man for him to know that Yzak was there. Perhaps the machines then? Were either of them putting out a signal that his machine was picking up. They did look similar to one another. He glanced at his men on the screen. Maybe one of them said something? He did locate their base of operations. He was damn near right on top of them. "Say I release them. What guarantee do I have you won't attack?"

"You don't. But honestly you and your men aren't my concern. Me and mines are just wanting to get to Orb to drop off some civilians before we move along on our way. I have no quarrel with you so long as Kira is handed over with the Strike, unharmed."

"And my men?"

The Eyes removed its foot from the down machine. Reaching down, the Eyes pried open the cockpit to the down GiNN, allowing Evens to climb out and take in a deep breath of fresh air. The gundam stepped away from the two and simply stood there. "Your men and what's left of your machines for the prisoners and their machines. We have a deal?"

EYES

Yzak growled in frustration, the gag in his mouth soaked with his spit from the constant barking and muffled yelling. When they took Kira off he kept shouting for answers as to what was going to happen to him. Not of concern of course but as to why they were being separated. When he wouldn't be quiet though two men came in and put a gag in his mouth, stating maybe it would shut him up.

Then the room shook a few times. Were they under attack? There was no alarm though he had a feeling they didn't have one set up in their poor excuse of a stronghold. For a while the shaking stopped. A few good minutes pass and then there was another shock to the underground base, small loose rocks falling down on Yzak. He had to dodge one nasty looking one that would have surely left a mark on him had it hit. When that stopped everything was quiet again. He waited and waited and nothing came of it. Was it the storm? Was it still roaring above them? No. Even before he could feel that awful storm through the rocks and it had died down considerably some time ago. This was an attack, but by who? Maybe one of the captain's men had activated the distress call by mistake and lead his team to his location.

More time passed and soon his cell door was opened, two armed men moving in with that man Sven with them. Yzak was pulled to his feet and pushed out the door. With a gun to his back he was lead down the same path of tunnels as before till they reached the makeshift hanger. Instead of going towards the sub though he was ushered towards the mobile suits. He looked around and saw the traitor Kira standing just at the opening of his machine's cockpit. Had they broken him? Was he willingly giving them his machine? Coward, thought Yzak bitterly. He had thought the boy had some spine on him but from what he could see, he caved in. Maybe they were thinking he had too.

His gag was removed and he felt his hands were freed from his bindings. Looking back he saw his escort step back but kept their weapons trained on him. "Get going," Sven said with a slight sneer. "You're free to go."

"What?" Yzak looked at each one of them, anger in their eyes but not one of them answered. He looked to the Strike and watched as Kira stepped inside, alone. The hatch closed and quickly the suit was alive, coloring returning to its armor. A ramp to the side was open to the surface, where two other GiNNs stood at the ready. The Strike moved forward and towards the ramp, arms up and away from its weapons. The CIWS could still do some damage at close range but it wouldn't do much if those two decided to jump him.

Yzak moved to the climbing wench and was pulled up to his cockpit. He saw nothing out of the ordinary, though the controls looked a little dirty. Grease no doubt from the men trying to get into the system and unlock his machine. Releasing the lock he Started the machine up and immediately closed the hatch. The PS armor shortly came on, changing the dull gray colors to the silver and blue the Duel was known for. He turned to see the GiNNs now aiming their weapons at him. Neither fired however. Yzak was still baffled about what was going on. Why were Kira and himself being released? The exit was open, dull light shining through. The GiNNs were just far enough apart for him to pass. He waited a full minute before moving on, carefully watching the GiNNs as he made his way to freedom.

Carefully reaching the surface, Yzak looked to see the sky was clear with small patches of clouds. It had grown dark though with the approaching night. But it was far more comfortable than ceiling made of rock. Turning for the Strike, he saw it moving over to none other than the Eyes. As the machine drew closer, the Eyes rested a hand on the Strike's shoulder. The two machines paused, no doubt in a private comm chat before the Strike began to move off. It paused to look back at the Duel, but turned and moved on. A short burst of its jets launched it into the air, the gundam coming down some meters away before making another leap. The Eyes looked to Yzak. The young Coordinator growled, hands gripping his controls tightly. Had he done this? Had he somehow convinced the pirates to let them go? He looked to the ground and saw two damaged GiNNs that looked similar to the two down in the base. The pilots sat on their machines, looking battered and tired.

"Yzak Joule."

He looked up to the Eyes, his machine prepared to strike back should the Alliance mobile suit decided to attack. "What?" His energy was low, but much higher than what it should have been. No doubt the pirates had hooked up some rig to recharge his machine but it didn't go a good enough job. But forty-five percent was better than nothing if maybe he was facing the Strike. The Eyes however was a different story.

"You're free to go," was the reply. And that was it. The Eyes turned and began to walk away.

Yzak blinked. That was it? No boasting? No fighting? With both the Eyes and the Strike, he was sure he would be overpowered. So why? He gave a growl. He took up his beam rifle, aiming it at the back of the Eyes. The machine turned and aimed its buster rifle, no doubt the pilot detecting a lock-on to his machine. Neither fired though and Yzak found his hand shaking, finger barely over the trigger. Why was he shaking though? He wasn't scared. He was sure of that considering how many times he faced death in his service to ZAFT and the Plants. So why was he shaking now? "Why?"

"Why what?" was the simple reply.

"Why are you letting me go!?" Yzak shouted. "You have your chance to take me down right now. My power is low, and I'm alone. You and the Strike could easily overpower me and either kill me or take me in as your prisoner so why are you letting me go!?"

"Would you have killed me if the roles were reversed?"

"Y…" but he stopped himself. Would he have tried to take him out if the roles were reversed? Yes… maybe before. Kira's words and attitude flashed in his mind for a second. His grip on the controls tightened. He's the enemy, he thought. I shouldn't just be standing here talking. Damn it! The Eyes lowered its weapon. No doubt from the lack of an immediate response from the young red coat. Yzak slowly did the same. "I don't know. You… your actions are just plain weird!" He really wanted to hit someone at that moment.

For whatever the reason, the Eyes gundam shrugged its shoulders. "I get that a lot. Now get going. I'm sure your people are looking for you."

Yzak cautiously watched the Eyes as he turned to leave, pausing before he made his first burst jump. "Just so you know. Mesa Fiore is alive."

"Mesa's alive?" the pilot asked, shock in his voice. "Is she okay?"

"Why do you care?" Yzak asked. "She's a Coordinator."

"Again with that crap," Adam muttered with a bit of a growl. "It's like I told her. Its one thing shooting a machine when you don't know the person inside of it. You tend to forget there is a person in it that has friends and family that are expecting him or her to come home. But when you know the person inside it, it gets difficult to pull the trigger. Especially if you have no real ill will towards them. At least for me." He sighed. "It was brief, but I learned her name. I got to see her face and gain a bit of knowledge on her attitude. At least towards me. It gets me thinking that if the circumstances were different… maybe we'd be friends."

Yzak didn't know how to reply to that. How would he? Mock him maybe for something so foolish? He wasn't sure. He was beginning to notice he wasn't acting entirely like himself. It nerved him. Cutting the comm channel he turned his machine and with a burst of his verniers he was in the air crossing the distance in a good leap before coming down gently for another boost.

From his point Adam watched Yzak leave, a sigh escaping him. God he was lucky half of that bull shit plan of his worked. His heart was racing a mile a second as he stared down that captain and threatened to kill him and all his men if Kira was hurt. He was worried he would have had to go through with crushing the man inside the cockpit. That no doubt would have haunted him for some time if he had. Hell, he was just lucky that he ran into those two as they were making their way to the downed Skygrassper when he had. The fight had been short lived of course considering he attacked from above. They wouldn't talk of course, so he had to improvise, dragging them along as he shot the ground in order to get a response. There was no base on the surface so he had to assume there was one underground. Watching enough anime and playing enough games gave him a solid idea of how some bases worked. The captain responding to his attacks was just part of his thinning luck. He was damn sure it wouldn't last very long.

"You really are a strange man," Samuel stated.

Adam blinked, completely forgetting he was still on an open channel to the captain. "I've been called worse."

"Well the deal is done."

"Yes. Your men are free and you can come to claim them. I'll be on my way and you have no worries about my people coming after you. Can't promise anything with Yzak though."

"I'll deal with that bit of mess if and when it comes," Samuel growled, obviously none too thrilled about the situation.

Adam paused for a second then looked back to the captain. "You defected, right?"

Samuel narrowed his eyes. "What's it to you?"

"So I take it your stance on this war is neutral?"

"What's it to you?" Samuel repeated the question.

Adam didn't reply immediately. His mind raced with ideas of what could possibly play out in the future. And idea or two popping to mind that could possibly work… or get him killed. "I'll let you know the next time we meet."

"Is that a threat?" Samuel growled.

Adam turned as he picked up movement some meters away. Two GiNNs emerged from the earth. Both were armed but kept their weapons down though he was sure they would draw them up to fire at a moments notice. Behind them was a mobile flatbed. No doubt to ferry the damaged machines down into their base. Adam moved his machine back and away from the two machines and their pilots. A target warning came up, indicating one of the GiNNs was locking on to his machine. Adam watched its rifle begin to move but his left binder snapped up, taking aim right at the GiNN. It froze in place. "No threat, captain," Adam finally responded. "But just keep your eyes on the sky for the time being."

The Eyes crouched before launching into the air. The GiNNs took aim but didn't fire as they watched the gundam sail off in the direction of its ship. With it gone the flatbed and its crew were quickly moving to their comrades and their machines, medical teams jumping down and racing to the two pilots.

Samuel settled in his chair. He ignored the subtle glances from his crew. Sven however looked to him, waiting for his next order. But what could he say at the moment? They lost their latest haul in exchange for two of their crew. He wasn't sure how that looked in the eyes of his crew but he had lost enough within the time he had been made a captain. Defecting had cost him everything but the pride he had. He was lucky the number of crew members he had remained with him. "When we're sure both Alliance and ZAFT forces are gone, go collect our other machine and scan the coast for salvage from their battle. I'll be in the hanger area overseeing the repairs."

EYES

Flay stood by the window of the guest bedroom. She stared out as the sun disappeared and the night began to blanket the sky. The storm that had hit had put a pause on all her evening plans with Sai and his parents, and with everything wet she was sure to be stuck indoors for the night. She focused on her transparent reflection in the window. She was far different in appearance than what she was up in space. She noticed her attitude was different as well. No doubt from having to leave her friends behind. Well, Miriallia at least. Kuzzey, Tolle, and Kira were barely friends to her, though they were good people. For what was probably the millionth time she thought back on how she had wanted to stay. At the time she was steadfast in wanting to stay and help on the ship but after some time on the ground was it really a good idea? What would she have been able to do? She had no skills of any kind that would have contributed to the situation. Though she was sure they would have trained her in something. Miri was learning on the spot. She know doubt could have done the same.

She really hoped they were ok. She even prayed once when she was on the ground. Prayed that they were okay. Flay truly believed that both Kira and Adam would do everything they could to protect them. But a little bit of praying wouldn't hurt.

Flay turned at a knock at the door. "Flay?" It was Sai.

Flay gave a sigh. Her small moment of solitude was gone. Not that she really wanted to be alone but Sai had been hovering around her constantly since they had spent the day together. She liked the attention but sometimes Sai could get… annoying. She still thought him sweet though. Maybe it was something to do with how she had given him the cold shoulder for so long. "Come in," she called.

Sai stepped in, dressed casual. Flay assumed he thought the same thing as her and figured they were going to stay in. He noticed her standing by the window wearing one of the new dresses she bought. The flowing white sundress brought out her petite figure, leaving Sai to blush a little. It brought out the color of her eyes and cherry red hair, which he still found made her look more mature with it being as short as it was in comparison to how it used to be. Even now it was strange seeing her like this.

Sai stopped short of her by a few feet, taking in her appearance and gave a smile. "You look good."

Flay smiled, giving a small spin to show off the dress, though she had tried it on back at the store for him. "I was hoping to wear it out tonight." She glanced outside. "Though I don't know if that would be a good idea considering the weather." She held a card up, Sai recognizing it as Flay's father's credit card. Since she had arrived she had been using that card constantly at her own leisure. Everything from paying for their cab drive from the airport to the shopping they had done just hours ago. She even bought his mother a new dress using that card. Not even batting an eye. All on the first day of her arrival and again on the following day. Sai's parents had questioned her on it but assured that it was fine with her father. "I was even going to pay."

Sai gave a worried look. "Flay, you've used that card a lot since you arrived," he said stepping closer. She gave him a questioning look. "I mean I could have taken care of a lot of the stuff you paid for. You didn't have to use it. I mean its for emergencies isn't it?"

Flay flicked the card between her fingers before placing it down on the bed. "What I do with it is my business," she stated, a bit of the old Flay rising up. "Not like daddy really cares about what I do," she added in almost a whisper.

It didn't get by Sai though. "Flay, he cares. You know that." He was worried this would come up. When they had first arrived back on Earth she had hardly said a thing to him and when it came time for them to go home, she still refused to talk. Her father did all the talking and she had hardly responded. When he had tried calling her, and she had ignored his calls he had begun to worry till she finally responded. They talked for a good time but whenever he asked about her father she changed subjects. Even before when they were spending time with his family and his father asked about Flay's father she simply answered with 'He's fine' and went on to another subject. "He's just a busy man."

"Yes, of course he is," she spat, a glare forming and aimed at nothing in particular. "So busy he has hardly bothered to check on me since I left. I wonder if he even knows I left at all."

"You… you didn't tell him you were coming!?" Sai asked with a slight bit of hysteria in his voice. "Flay he'll be furious."

Flay gave a shrug of her shoulders. "Not like I'm in any danger, Sai. Should he call and I mention I'm with you, he'll drop it."

"You can't believe that, do you? Flay the man boarded a warship to come after you in space. He won't take it easy if he finds out you aren't at home."

Flay plucked her cell from the bedside table, waving it in front of her future 'husband'. "I'm just a call away."

Sai gently took the phone from her, a tight grip on it. For a while Flay was acting differently from her usual self. Almost mature. But now she was acting like the spoiled brat he had failed to notice some time back. "This isn't a game, Flay. If you don't call him I will."

Flay frowned, and could see the light of her phone's screen coming on at a press of the on button.

Sai flinched when Flay slowly moved towards him. He stood his ground though as she advanced. " I mean it Flay. You call him or I…" He was quickly silenced when Flay closed the short distance between her and himself. Both were frozen in place as her arms circled his waist. "Flay?"

"Please," she whispered. Her hold tightened. "I just don't want to be alone right now."

The tension in Sai's body slowly faded. With a press of a button the phone was off and he too held Flay in a hug. "You're not alone Flay. I won't leave you alone, promise."

Flay's pulled herself into Sai as much as she could, her breath tickling across his neck. At this angle he couldn't see the smile she was making as she said, "Thank you."

EYES

The second Yzak exited his machine onboard the carrier, you would think he was getting a hero's welcome. A good portion of the hanger's staff was there, along with his fellow teammates. Whistles and cries of joy greeted him as he touched down on the floor from the repel wench, the team rushing to him with Dearka the first to take him up in a massive bear hug. "Dearka, put me down!" Yzak cried, his usual temper flaring slightly.

"I knew you weren't dead!" the tanned red coat called, putting his fellow pilot down. "Oh man, its good to see you."

"Glad to see you back and well, Yzak," Athrun said, keeping it professional unlike Dearka. He was the team commander. But that didn't stop him from smiling. Nicol smiled as well, but kept quiet. "We were beginning to worry."

Yzak looked to his squad commander, giving him a look. "I'm sure you did," he said, causing Athrun to frown.

"That's enough," called Rau as he approached the team, all turning at attention. He waved them off though, the team relaxing slightly as Rau approached Yzak. "I truly am glad to see you safely returned, Yzak. We about feared the worst."

"A lot happened, sir," Yzak said, sending a brief glance towards Athrun.

"You can put it down in your report. But right now you probably need rest. Get out of that uniform and hit the showers. The rest of you check your machines and be ready. Now that we're back up to full strength we'll be continuing our pursuit…"

"Commander Ceurset, sir!" a green coat called, approaching quickly. The blonde commander turned to him, the young man giving a quick salute to him before continuing. "Captain wanted to let you know you have a priority call. Said to take it in his quarters."

Rau sighed. "Very well. Carry on. The rest of you are dismissed."

The reunited Zala team watched as Rau made his way from the hanger. Athrun followed the white coat out before looking to his team. "Could you guys give Yzak and I a minute?"

Nicol looked to Athrun. "Everything ok?"

"Just want to ask him some questions."

"Come on Athrun," Dearka said stepping up to his team commander. "He just got back. You two can chew each other apart later."

"Its okay, Dearka," Yzak said while locking eyes with Athrun. "You go on."

Dearka gave a huff but turned to leave with last glance to Yzak and a slight glare to Athrun. Nicol left to go tend to his machine, shaking his head at the situation. He was sure he was going to hear some shouting.

Yzak watched the rest of the team disperse to their machines and again looked to Athrun. "So you want to do this here or somewhere else."

"Locker room," Athrun said, leading the short walk to said room.

Yzak followed just a few steps behind him. He knew this was going to come. Either it was going to be him that would start or Athrun.

Once inside and the door closed, Yzak moved to his locker, dumping his helmet onto the floor. He then began the task of unbuckling and unzipping the top half of his flight suit. He didn't even bother to face Athrun. "So what is it you want to talk about?"

Athrun clenched and unclenched his fists. With the knowledge that both Kira and Yzak were lost out there together, he knew one of neither of them would return. And seeing Yzak alive and well told Athrun that one of his fears had come. But he wanted to hear it first. But what would he do? How would he take it? He had ignored this moment never bothering to let the thought cross his mind since Yzak had been lost in the storm. But now…

Yzak paused in removing the rest of his suit, and looked to Athrun. "Well?"

"What happened to the Strike?"

"Oh. The Strike?" He dropped his arms at his sides. "Don't you mean Kira?"

Athrun stepped back as if he had been pushed. How'd he know Kira's name? "How?"

Yzak snarled. "Not even going to bother denying it?" He stepped up to Athrun. "Since the start I knew something was wrong with you when it came to the Strike. You held back too many times and you more than once tried to drag that machine and its pilot back alive but I couldn't understand it till now." He moved up and grabbed Athrun by the collar of his coat, the two rushing back till Athrun's back slammed into the lockers. A hand came up and gripped his wrist while the other took hold of the collar of his white under shirt. "You knew who he was and held back! You knew who he was even after everyone we knew was killed by his hand!"

"What would you have me do!?" Athrun fired back, pushing Yzak off with a snarl. "He's my friend! Do you know how hard it is to aim a gun at a friend!"

"I know what its like to loose friends! He's with the enemy, Athrun. Shooting us down one by one and you've done nothing but protect him."

"I've tried to save him! To bring him back to where he belongs."

"He's made it very clear where he belongs. More than once."

"You didn't answer the question," Athrun said bringing the question back to the table. "What happened to the Strike and Kira?"

"If I told you he's dead, what would you do?"

The anger instantly vanished from Athrun's eyes. His back hit the locker again. He couldn't breath. It was like that feeling of knowing what had happened to his mother when Julius Seven was destroyed. His eyes focused on something on the floor, but what made no difference. He just stared.

Yzak huffed and turned away, grabbing a towel from his locker. "He's alive," he grumbled as he moved towards the shower room. He wanted to be as far away from Athrun at that point as he possibly could get. Unfortunately he didn't have a ship off the planet so going to the showers was best he could do.

EYES

"You're serious about this?" Rau asked, his hand balling into a fist just out of view of Patrick Zala. The urgent call was the man explaining his latest plans for operation Spitbreak and that he needed Rau to lead the event. He had hardly brought up the news of Yzak's return before the man told him what he needed Rau to do. "We just got Yzak back and are about to continue our pursuit of the Alliance warship. With our numbers back at full we can finally…"

"That will have to be dealt with by Athrun. He will take command while you and Joule return to the Plants for Operation Spitbreak." Patrick's image distorted slightly by static snow but cleared a second later.

Rau's fist unclenched, resting on his knee. "I can understand myself but why Yzak?"

Patrick frowned in annoyance. "Ezalia got wind of your last report on Yzak's disappearance. Its only been a short amount of time but Yzak was all she has left and with him gone at the time has… well I'm sure I don't have to explain. With this news that he's alive and well she'll need him back as quickly as possible." Rau watched him shift slightly in his seat. No doubt he had been sitting for some time dealing with his end of the war and how to deal with it. Not to mention his future plans. The man looked like he could use some sleep. Not that Rau cared.

"And the rest of my… team?" He was still hesitant at times to refer to the rag-tag group that replaced his former teams. Especially Victor. How long before that man decided to act out again Rau's orders, he couldn't tell.

"I guess my son will have to learn to deal with more under his command." The screen began to fill with static again, Patrick frowning at it in annoyance. "Times like this I hate the N-Jammers."

Not as much as I do, Rau thought. His bitter hatred of humanity would lighten if the use of nuclear weapons were once again in play. To see both sides burning in radioactive fire would be a blessing to existence and to himself. "How soon?"

"I already have a ship coming your way to pick up both you and Yzak along with your machines." His hands locked together on his desk, the man leaning over slightly. "Speaking of your machine, I read your report but I want to hear it directly from you."

Rau leveled his own glare from behind his mask. "You mean how the Eyes G-weapon was able to learn of the coolant system for the main weapons of the DEEP Arms?"

"Those machines were new, using the latest of our R-and-D's research on the G-weapons abilities, and yet that machine and its pilot knew where to shoot."

"I don't know what you want me to say, councilman."

"Any chance there has been a leak of information?"

"Are you accusing one of my own?"

"You do have that girl with you."

Rau knew that was coming. Mesa's situation of being tied to that man, Winslow, had painted a target on her and anything giving that pilot and his machine an edge lands a blame on her. His plan had worked in some sense, though with the pilot possibly having Spatial Awareness gave Adam an advantage when Rau was on the field. He had no problem firing on him but hesitated when in regards to the others possibly piloted by Mesa. "Pilot Fiore is no traitor, sir. I personally checked all communications records and saw no sign of her revealing any information to the enemy."

"Are you sure of that?"

"Very sure, sir."

Patrick sighed as he ran a hand over his face. "We can't have any leaks before Spitbreak. If something gets out…"

"The only person onboard this ship that knows of Operation Spitbreak is myself and I alone."

"I expect it to remain as so. I look forward to your return, Creuset."

The second the image winked out Rau's fist slammed onto the top of the desk. "Damn you Zala," he growled. Chasing that ship and its crew for so long, only to get dragged back. They were so close, and knew where ship would likely head towards. Orb was within spitting distance; a day at the most. The Archangel was able to pass over land and with that advantage they could easily pass over the island and reach Orb before his people could catch them. And this little hiccup was slowing them down even further.

The image of that machine popped into his mind. He was there and now Rau was going to have to leave him be. Again he felt like hitting something but schooled his emotions, taking deep breaths to calm himself. It was close to taking his medicine anyway and that would help in calming his nerves. But he was sure his blood pressure would rise once again the minute he told the news to the pilots. Victor will no doubt be livid the minute he learns he will be taking orders from Athrun. The man had a hard enough time taking orders from Rau. Athrun as his commander would be a serious blow to his ego. That simple thought brought a smile to Rau, but he schooled himself as he left the captains quarters.

EYES

The captain wasn't too surprised when Rau entered the bridge. The look Rau had told the old captain enough. "Nothing too good I assume."

"It would seem that pilot Joule and myself are needed back at the Plants," Rau responded, standing at the captain's side, staring out the main window. "A ship is coming to pick us up. Your ship and crew are to continue the chase."

The captain huffed, adjusting his position within his chair. Sitting for so long in the same position became uncomfortable. The rear tends to get numb, same as the thighs. He was long overdue for stretching his legs. "The 'chase' isn't going our way, Creuset. While we wait for your ride home the target is getting further and further away." He watched Rau frown, an expression of anger forming behind his mask but only the well trained eye would pick it up. Others would think he was just upset but the captain beside him picked it up easily. "However we'll do our best to catch them. I can guarantee that."

"That's all I can ask for, it seems. At least our numbers are greater than theirs. That'll give us an edge."

"From the reports I've read that one machine could even the odds all on its own," the captain remarked, head titled slightly to peer at Rau.

"My team is prepared for it," Rau countered.

"Not from what I saw of the last fight. And I will not be held responsible if one of those hot shots decides to do something reckless like the Joule boy."

"I'll make sure of it, captain. The only one who may give you some problems is Skrull."

"I'm well aware of that hot head," the captain growled. "Knew of his reputation before he got bunched with his former team."

"Well Athrun will be leading my former team in my stead. So you can easily guess how he will react."

The older man gave a hard sigh, his body slouching just slightly. "Great."

EYES

The first thing Adam's eyes landed on was the recovered Skygrassper. It looked a lot worse out of the storm than when it was still in it. It was a miracle that it was in good enough condition that the crew was willing to swarm over it like ants in order to get it into relative working condition. But Adam knew that was not going to happen.

The ship was already on the move for Orb, and Adam knew what was going to happen next. That was if there wasn't any other hiccups along the way. You'd have to be blind from Adam's position to not notice things were different. New mobile suits, a storm far worse than what it should have been, pirates… Adam should have saw this coming. A drop of water causing ripples, and he was the drop. The only thing he could do though is to ensure that the timeline doesn't divert too far from its intended path. That doesn't mean he won't try and save as many lives on the good guys side as he possibly could. He just hoped that none of the other survivors from the last timeline don't end up dead in the process.

A quick shower and change in the locker room, Adam was now roaming the halls of the ship. Crew members mingled and moved about. Some he knew, others who were just faces in the background that he never noticed before or never existed in the show. But none of them were his concern. He was searching for Kira. He no doubt met up with the medical chief to get a quick checkup and possibly something to eat. That is if Kira was a normal enlisted soldier. Kira was a hormonal driven teen who just ended up a PWO… possibly POW. They were pirates that weren't affiliated with ZAFT so just a prisoner so that didn't really land him in the category of a prisoner of war did it? He'll work it out later. That aside Adam had an idea where Kira was, and that was his quarters probably brooding. He wouldn't be surprised if the kid managed to make friends with the crew of the Kraken and so was no doubt placed in a difficult position. Adam was at least relieved that he did have to fight anyone otherwise Kira would have no doubt stepped in his way.

Coming around the bend Adam spotted the young pilots room, pausing and ducking back as he noticed a certain blonde standing at the door. Watching around the corner, he watched Cagalli step through the threshold into the pilots rooms. A part of Adam said to let them be. Kira needed to probably talk with someone his own age and one of his friends. Even one who he only knew for a short time, would be a good thing for him. However…

The door was still open, the rooms light out as Adam moved to just the edge of the door frame. He kept his shadow away from the opening so not to give himself away, but was close enough to listen in.

Within the room Cagalli spotted Kira sitting on the edge of his bed, looking up to her through the bangs of his hair. He was in his dress pants and a white shirt. No doubt he was planning to get some sleep. At least Cagalli thought so and started to mentally kick herself for disturbing him. "I'm not interrupting you am I?"

Kira gave a tired smile and shook his head. "No, its fine," he answered, pausing as he glanced at the wrap around her head. "I should be asking how you're feeling. You doing okay?"

"Yea. Just a little headache but I'm fine." She moved over, standing at the end of his bed. Kira gave the bed a pat and she accepted the invitation. "I heard about what happened."

Kira nodded his head. "A whole new experience."

"They didn't do anything to you, did they?"

Kira shook his head. "No," he answered while absentmindedly rubbing his wrists. There were no real marks from his former bindings but the phantom feeling of them on was still there. "Most they did was stick me in a cell with the Duel's pilot."

"That couldn't have been pleasant."

The boys shoulder's dropped slightly. "You have know idea. But I managed somehow though I'm sure I ticked him off even more."

Cagalli gave a chuckle at that. "I can see that. You do have a knack for driving some people up the wall."

Kira frowned. "Ouch."

She giggled again, this time giving the boy a light punch in the arm. When Cagalli settled down the two just sat in silence. Cagalli looked about the room, finding nothing out of the ordinary except the little robot bird which stood on edge of Kira's night stand. She'd heard Kira call it 'Birdie'. She found it to be a simple name for something so sophisticated. Who had a robot bird that acted so alive? Definitely wasn't a normal toy for anyone. There was nothing else though with the room. Just the bed and Kira himself who just looked down at the floor.

"Can I ask you something?" Kira suddenly asked breaking the silence.

"Sure."

"If you were in my shoes and was given the chance to leave all of this behind, would you have taken it?"

Cagalli tilted her head slightly. "You mean if I piloted the Strike and was given a choice to leave it and the responsibilities with it?" She looked away in thought. She never thought of such a thing really. She's fought in the past, obviously, but if she was the one to pilot the Strike and fight the battles that Kira had? She believed in peace, in the teachings and rules her country follows under but to be stuck in it like Kira was and to find a way out? "Its kind of hard to say really." She looked to Kira. "Though it's a weapon, one I guess you could consider a WMD depending on the pilot and how it was fully used, the Strike could be used for something good. Used properly the Strike could be used to protect people. If I could pilot it that's what I would do…" she stopped short when she uttered those words. She instantly thought back to why she was at Heliopolis. To see for herself that Orb was helping the Alliance in building mobile suits not just for the EA but for Orb as well. Something she was strongly against. If anyone outside Orb were to learn that they were building weapons for themselves they may take it as a threat, no matter how small Orb may be.

If I could pilot it, she thought. What would I do with it? She had already dipped into the war with her actions back in Africa, though her identity was hidden. Lord knows what would have happened if anyone had found out the daughter of Uzumi Nara Attha was fighting in the war when she hailed from a country that wished to stay neutral. What would Kira think of that if he knew. Better question why was she worried if knew? She felt her cheeks warm over slightly.

Thinking she was still mulling over the answer to his question, Kira just moved on with what he really wanted to say. To get off his chest really. "The pirate captain gave me an opportunity to go home."

Cagalli snapped from her thoughts and looked to Kira. Unbeknownst to the two Adam's whole body tensed. Kira had the opportunity to get out of this mess? That had Adam thinking over the possible negative effects the whole timeline would have had. No Kira, not Strike. Even worse was no Kira, no Freedom. No Athrun either. Holy hell if Kira had bailed there's a possibility that I probably would have had to face off against the whole Gundam line that ZAFT would build. Minus the Dreadnaught… that's beside the point! Shaking the horrid thoughts from his mind Adam again focused on the conversation.

"He said if I released the lock on the Strike he would take me anywhere I wanted," Kira continued. "Even home." He looked to Cagalli. She just stared back at him silently. "Would you think me selfish if I said I considered it?"

WHAT!? Was what blasted out in Adam's mind.

"Kira," Cagalli whispered, eyes widening slightly. She was honestly a little shocked. Kira had fought hard to keep the Strike from ZAFT and protect the ship. To think he almost considered abandoning it all. "Why, Kira?"

Kira sunk under her gaze. He even trembled slightly. "It's hard, Cagalli. Going out knowing I'm going to have to kill someone in order to keep myself alive. To protect the ship I have to take life after life." He shook slightly. "When the Duel hit me into the waters, we bounced around in the waves before I hit my head but I kept thinking that was it. I was going to die. And to find myself taken prisoner by pirates? It felt like someone was laughing at me. Tormenting me. I wasn't dead yet and there I was. I was going to experience something else someone like me shouldn't have to endure. I held on as best as I could but when the captain said he would take me anywhere…"

Cagalli watched Kira begin to shake. His head dipped and the sound of him sniffling started. Her heart ached seeing him like this. She hadn't thought once that everything had been piling on him. And now he had hit his breaking point. So close to Orb and Kira was ready to call it quits.

"I tried…" he continued. "Tried to think of a reason to stay. I thought of my friends, the captain. To think of something to tell myself to not take it but…" He rocked once, his head dipping into the palms of his hands as he sobbed. "I just want to stop. I want a break from this. I just want to go home."

Instinct took over and Cagalli found herself reaching around Kira, taking the boy into her arms as he sobbed. His face was buried into her shoulder, tears soaking into her shirt. His body just went limp as he cried, something he had needed to do for some time.

In the hall Adam leaned his head back against the wall, listening to the boy cry while a single word crossed his mind. Shit.

To Be Continued…

Holy hell this took longer than I wanted it to be. I dragged and dragged this out way longer than I should and I apologize for it. Honestly this should have been done months ago but damn to I get distracted easily. Plus this chapter was just a 'ugh' chapter for me. Filler I guess or perhaps a progression in some areas, however you may take it. Samuel will reappear, do not worry about that. Adam, and myself, already have plans for him later on and it may lead right into the sequel story.

Now for my other stories… I'm going to have to pause on them. This fic is my most popular and because I keep typing away on some other fics and playing games I keep getting distracted from this so my other stories will have to take a break. Even the side story tied to this. They aren't being abandoned, it just that by this point I should have put out another chapter or two and I haven't. That's bad of me and again I'm sorry. So once this is posted I'll begin the next chapter and hopefully I can get it done within a reasonable time.

Kinda sucks I'm pausing on other projects. Had a Spider-Man fic lined up and I was really thinking on that Power Ranger/Mass Effect crossover. Another time I guess.