Yo everybody. Not much to say today. Though some people have been asking me about the way the war itself will go. I've said it a few times during later chapters of SEED, but I'll say it again. One of my biggest complaints against Destiny was the war itself. It was universally one-sided for ZAFT and always depicted the Alliance evil, LOGOS-controlled oppressors. That won't happen in this story. While there will be times when one side has the upper-hand over the other, like right now, but overall, the war will be a stalemate. Even after Durandal reveals LOGOS.

As for Heine, I have plans for him. You'll all see in due time.

Phase Ten: A Father's Spell

"A nuclear attack?"

Athrun was stunned. How could the Alliance resort to nukes so early? It was unthinkable.

"Yes. Fortunately, they only used nuclear missiles against our Solomon Base rather than the PLANTs themselves." Durandal replied.

"No way… That's impossible…"

Durandal wearily shook his head. "I wish I could say that too, Athrun. I really do. But, a fact is a fact.

Durandal pulled out a small remote and pushed a button. Footage of the nuclear warheads striking Solomon played on the giant wall-mounted screen in the office. Athrun gasped in horror as nuclear fire consumed the asteroid base. Chairman Durandal sat down on one of the chairs in front of his coffee table. "Please, have a seat, Alex." he said.

Athrun joined him, sitting down on the couch across from Durandal. "Still, it's not like I hadn't expected this. And yet, I was completely caught off guard by quickly and eagerly they declared war on us, and then to jump to using nuclear weapons on us."

"It was unusual enough for them to declare war on us given the situation on Earth, but to follow it with something so extreme…" Durandal shook his head. "This is no ordinary war."

Athrun nodded. Everything seemed to be spiraling out of control ever since Armory One. "That's true."

"Even though the Alliance has withdrawn back to their lunar bases at moment, they won't back down. Not after taking out three of our largest bases."

Again, Athrun was caught off guard. "What?"

"Yes. It hasn't gone public yet, but while they attacked the PLANTs and destroyed Solomon, they also attacked both Gibraltar and Carpentaria. Both have just been captured." he explained. "The morale of the Alliance soldiers is currently high while our forces are panicked and worried with the nuclear attack and the losses of Gibraltar and Carpentaria."

Athrun needed answers. That was partly why he had come here. He couldn't bare the thought of the PLANTs repeating his father's actions. "With the declaration of war and this attack, what are the PLANTs planning on doing with this situation?" he asked, determined to find out what Chairman Durandal was planning.

Durandal sighed. For brief moment, the Chairman weary and looked older than he normally appeared. "There are a lot of people in the PLANTs right now that filled with anger and fear over what's happened. And they want to lash out the Earth Alliance. If we were to respond by retaliating, the world will once again be entangled in quagmire of war."

Images of the Bloody Valentine and bloody war that followed filled Athrun's mind. As did the deaths of Miguel and Rusty, Nicol's near death, his own killing of Kira's friend Tolle, his brutal battle against Kira, and the deaths of those that died at Jachin Due all played out in his mind. Athrun clenched his fists. Another war and more pointless deaths.

"Of that, I have no doubt." Durandal continued. "Needless to say, I want to avoid a war at all costs. But there's no denying how grave the situation is. If they knew the full details, the people would rage in anger. They would want vengeance. How do you think we should proceed? The clock is counting down, just like it did in the previous war. And this isn't the first time they've attacked us with nuclear weapons. How do we stop this process all together?"

Athrun closed his eyes, pushing out the images of the attempted nuclear attacks on the PLANTs during the final battle of the war from his mind. "Mr. Chairman." Athrun said, opening his eyes. "I understand what you're saying, but please reconsider. Fighting is not the answer. We can't let anger and hatred control us. If we attack each other now, the world will become battlefield once again. Nothing will be gained. Everything will be lost. You can't let that happen!"

"Alex… I-"

"My name is Athrun Zala." Athrun said cutting him off as his hands trembled. "Son of Patrick Zala, the man who fanned the fires of war that spiraled out of control and poisoned the whole world with his hatred. I believed in my father's words, I fought in the war, killed the enemy and I fought my best friend. Even after I realized how wrong it was, I couldn't stop him and I lost everything. And yet my father's words live on." Athrun's whole body began to shake from sorrow, anger, and shame. "We must never repeat that tragedy! Never!!"

"Athrun!" Durandal called out, putting a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. The Chairman rose from his seat, walking towards his desk. "I know what the terrorists at Junius Seven said." He stopped, looking over his shoulder at Athrun. "It must have been difficult for you to hear."

"No. Not really." Athrun lied. "It's better that I know the truth. Otherwise, I'd be blind to what really happening. Again."

"Don't blame yourself Athrun. It's not your fault. You aren't responsible for their actions." Durandal said. "It's sad that the memory of your father pains you. That it's a source of such bitterness for you. But I suppose that it can't be helped. And yet, I doubt that Chairman Zala was always like that."

Athrun remembered what his father had been like before the war. Before the Bloody Valentine. Before his mother was killed. While his father was never a moderate like the late Seigel Clyne, his father wasn't the angry, hate-filled man had become by the end of his life. "No, he wasn't."

"In his capacity as Chairman, there is no doubt that he made grave mistakes. But he always sought to protect the PLANTs, to protect us, and create a better world for his people." Durandal continued. "The best intentions of great men can lead them to make terrible mistakes. Then there are those with agendas who will hear the words of people with power and twist them to support their warped ways of thinking. Like those who dropped Junius Seven. They had no outlet for the anger and sorrow they felt. So they used the Chairman's word as an excuse. When they lashed out, they believed that they were in the right because Chairman Zala said so." The Chairman paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "You shouldn't let yourself be bothered by such things. You are you. The terrorists were the terrorists. Chairman Zala was Chairman Zala. Whose son you are is irrelevant. Don't let this drag you down Athrun. None of this reflects on who you are."

Athrun stood up. "Chairman, I-"

"You are the one who came here, wishing to prevent war from breaking out again. Just keep that in mind. Stop holding yourself responsible for all this." A smile crossed the Chairman's face. "But I am very happy that you came here Athrun. Those who feel like you do, Athrun, need to stand together, for you will be the ones to save the world. Call me a dreamer if you like, but that is was I believe in."

As Durandal and Athrun spoke, all across the PLANTs, people began to gather. People that were frightened and enraged at the recent nuclear attack on Solomon buy the Earth Alliance, and were afraid that more nuclear attacks would follow. They demanded action. That the PLANT Supreme Council strike back against the Naturals that had attacked them. Shouting and chanting while waving signs proclaiming; 'Protect the PLANTs', 'Down with the Alliance' and 'Remember Junius Seven'. It wasn't long before these rallies were on the verge of becoming full-blown riots. But before any violence could break out, a broadcast was transmitted all across the PLANTs.

"My friends, it is I, Lacus Clyne…"

Athrun could only stare at the screen, his expression was one of surprise as the girl he had met earlier began to speak.

"My friends, it is I, Lacus Clyne. Everyone, please calm down and listen to what I have to say. The recent tragedy with Junius Seven, the Earth Alliance's declaration of war, and the attack on the PLANTs themselves, these events are all sad and tragic. I feel the same resentment that you are all feeling. I am just as shocked as you are. How could they use nuclear weapons against us again? But please my friends be calm and let reason carry the day. Letting yourself be consumed by anger, crying out words of hatred, will only lead to more conflict and suffering. Even as I speak, the Supreme Council is doing everything possible to avoid the worse case scenario. I'm call on all of them, each and every one of you show the world that you want peace. Chairman Durandal and Supreme Council are working hard to find the right path. Please remain calm during this time."

"You can go ahead and laugh." Durandal said, pulling Athrun's attention from the screen. "It's quite pitiful that I have to resort to such a deception, but it can't be helped. I'm sure that you've already seen the young woman the Earth Alliance as well as the anger of the people of the PLANTs over this recent attack. The truth is her influence is great, much greater than my own. I'm sure you that must think of this utter foolishness on my part, but I fear that without Lacus Cylne, the anger of the people will blind as it did the last war." Durandal sighed. "I am in need of her strength right now. Just as I am in need of your strength."

Athrun's head was spinning from everything he had just heard. Everything just so confusing right now. "My strength?"

Durandal nodded his head. "Will you come with me Athrun?"

The Voltaire

The nighttime fills the sky

Stars alive, go floating by

So still the evening air so warm and soft

Peace everywhere I see a world in harmony

A world of peace and humanity

Where people walk free like water in a stream

Flowing on forever more

The Commander turned off the monitor in his desk. He rubbed eyes and sighed. His team had been luckier than most. They only lost a single man. Of course, the whole battle had been a disaster for ZAFT. He couldn't help but wonder how they could successfully turn things around. Then there was Durandal's clearly fake Lacus Clyne. A figurehead to the masses. "Why did you do that? Even if she is a fake, I do find that song quite relaxing."

The Commander turned to the ghost from his past, sitting across from him. "Not that I would publicly admit it of course." the ghost added.

"No. You never would." the Commander replied.

The ghost began to tap a finger on small glass case. Inside the case was a FAITH badge. "Still having doubts about accepting this? That's not like you. You were once so… determined and sure of yourself once, back then. Now it seems you're filled with nothing but doubts and hesitations. Quite a difference from the person you once were."

"There are many things to consider. Many possibilities. Many outcomes. It is like a game of chess with half the field submerged in darkness." he replied, turning his chair away from the ghost, and looking out the viewport of his quarters, into the void of space. "And I am no longer that person. He died at Jachin Due. It's better to leave him dead and buried than to try and relive the past."

"Should he really be dead?" asked the ghost.

"You of all people should know the answer to that."

"True. But why have second thoughts now on becoming a part of FAITH? I told you before, why not use the position to your advantage? Use it to keep a close eye on things within ZAFT?" the ghost suggested. "You would have authority over nearly everyone else in ZAFT."

"Perhaps."

"I know what it is, you don't want to be indebted to him for all the things he's done for you. The promotion, this ship, and then that badge."

"I don't have to explain myself to you. I'm walking the path that I have chosen for myself."

The ghost laughed. "Your path. I can't help but wonder about the truth of that. Is truly your path, or is it just the path that others have set you on? After all, people are created and shaped from by those they meet, by those they call friend and by those they call enemy. So can they walk their path, or are they just walking the path set before them by others?" the ghost commented. "Take that fake Lacus. She was an ordinary girl who just so happened to have a voice like Lacus Clyne's. Had Durandal not found, she would have lived an ordinary, mundane life. But Durandal has now set her on a path she never would have walked otherwise. Maybe you fear that the Chairman is trying to shape you into his tool. Maybe you fear that you're already sliding down the path he wants you to walk."

The Commander scowled and spun his chair around, but the ghost was gone. He sighed, putting his hand on the FAITH badge. Had he made the right decision in accepting this? Or was he putting himself in position that he shouldn't be in? He had much to consider…

Aprilius One

Chairman Durandal had led Athrun into a ZAFT base and into a darkened hanger. In the low lighting, Athrun could see the outline of a mobile suit as they walked across the catwalk. Once they reached the center of the catwalk, the lights came on. Revealing a…

Athrun's eyes were wide with surprise. "This is a…"

"The ZGMF-X23S Savior." Durandal said. "Though its abilities are different, it was developed alongside the Impulse, the Specter, the Chaos, the Gaia and the Abyss." Durandal turned to Athrun. "If I said that I want to entrust this unit to you, what would you do?"

The surprises just didn't seem to stop coming. "What are you talking about? Entrusting this unit to me? Are you asking me to return to ZAFT?" Athrun asked a defensive tone in his voice.

He had left ZAFT for a number of reasons and truth be told, Athrun wasn't sure if he was ready to return. Or if he'd ever be truly ready to return.

"That's not what I mean." Durandal answered, looking at the Savior. "As I said, I want to entrust this mobile suit to you. While it may look like you've returned to ZAFT from an official standpoint; my thoughts on this matter are as my Lacus said. I am trying to find the right path for ZAFT and the PLANTs. However, our world is a complicated place. The thoughts of opponents, advisors, and organizations become muddled together, making it difficult to accomplish things. That's why I need all those that believe as I believe to stand together with me." The Chairman turned to Athrun. "If at all possible, I would like nothing more than avoid a war altogether. But that doesn't mean that I'm not going to let ZAFT go down without a fight. If the time came, I feel that it would be better for you to have power, real power."

Athrun wasn't so sure. Not counting Armory One and Junius Seven, he hadn't piloted a mobile suit since Jachin Due. And those two times were different. He had been protecting Cagalli and Flay and then fighting to break Junius Seven before it could destroy the Earth. This was different. Durandal was asking him to enter a mobile suit and fight in a war again. "Chairman…" Athrun started.

But Durandal cut him off. "You fought in the last war, and I know you have antagonized yourself over your father's actions and his legacy. I'm sure that you, no matter the circumstances, will stay true to your path." he said, turning to Athrun. "If it looks like we're about to stray off our path, I want you to be the one to correct us. But in order to do that, you'll need power."

Athrun blinked. Just what was the Chairman asking of him? Did he want him to be somekind of watchdog for ZAFT?

The Chairman turned and started to walk away, Athrun with the Savior. "I know it's very sudden which is why I won't ask you to make a decision right away. But there are things you are capable of doing and there are things you want to do." He stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "There is only one person that has the answers you seek. You."

The Gondwana

Yzak stepped out of his personal bathroom, drying his wet hair with a towel when the console built in to his desk started to beep. He rushed over to his desk and sat down. He pushed a button on the console. The face of one of the Gondwana's communication officers appeared on the screen. "Commander Joule, there's a message for you from the Supreme Council."

Yzak's calm face hid the surprise he was feeling. Why would the Supreme Council send a message to him? "Send it here." he said.

A text message appeared on the screen. Yzak read the message and then swore. He couldn't believe it! This had to be somekind of joke! Yzak double checked the message's authentication code. It was good. This orders were real. Yzak slammed his fists on the desk in frustration. He quickly changed into a clean uniform and rushed out of his quarters, heading for the quarters of the ordinary pilots. He reached Saul's and Nicol's quarters first and entered. Only Saul was inside, lying on his bunk, asleep with a book on his face. "Get up!" Yzak snapped.

Saul jolted up, the book falling off his face. "Huh… What's going on?" Saul asked with a yawn. "What's got you so angry? Your girlfriend dump you?"

Yzak hit Saul's head. "We're being called up to the Supreme Council."

Saul stretched his limbs. "Whatever it is, I didn't do it."

"No, they don't just want you. They want you, me, Nicol, and Dearka. So get ready to leave." an extremely annoyed Yzak answered. "Where's Dearka, Nicol and Shiho?"

"Think they went to get something to eat. When are we leaving?"

Yzak left without saying anything else, heading for the mess. As Saul said, Dearka, Nicol and Shiho were there, eating. "And he spent half the concert sleeping while Saul was awake for the entire time." Nicol told Shiho and Dearka, earning laughter from the two.

Yzak approached the three. "Dearka, Nicol, we've been called to the Supreme Council."

"What? Why do they want to see us?" Dearka asked.

"I don't know. But they want you, Nicol, Saul and me to report to the Council immediately." Yzak replied in a bitter tone. He then turned to Shiho. "You're in command until I return."

Shiho nodded. "Alright Yzak. Do you know when you'll be back?"

"They didn't say." Yzak answered. "But I just want to get this over with and get back here."

Aprilius One

Later

"Athrun, do you like meat or fish better?"

Athrun turned away from the hotel window and his thoughts to the girl sitting across from him, the girl impersonating Lacus, Meer Campbell. Athrun found it a little disturbing how physically identical the girl was to Lacus. And yet, Meer's personality was quite different from Lacus's. While Lacus was kind and cheerful, she had a serious side as well; Meer was constantly cheerful and giddy. Seemingly an endless ball of energy. To be honest, she reminded him more of one of Lacus's fans than anything else. "I'm fine either way." he answered.

"Let's have the chicken." Meer said, ordering for them. "Oh, by the way, did you happen to see my performance earlier today?"

"Er…"

"What did you think? How was it?" Meer excitedly asked. "Was it like the real Lacus?"

Athrun hesitated, causing Meer's expression and demeanor to completely reverse. "Or was I terrible?" she added quietly.

"No, not at all. You're really quite good." Athrun quickly said, trying not to upset the girl.

Meer instantly perked up. "Really?"

"Yeah. It was just like the real thing. You really have her mannerisms down pat."

Meer's eyes lit up. "I'm so glad. That means so much to me, especially coming from you Athrun."

Athrun turned back to the window as Meer continued on. "To tell you the truth, I've always been a fan of Miss Lacus." she said. "I've always loved her songs and singing them myself too. After awhile, people started telling me that I sound just like her. Then one day, the Chairman called for me."

"And that's how you started doing this?" Athrun asked.

Meer nodded her head. "Yes. The Chairman said that he needed my strength, for the sake of the PLANTs."

"It's not your strength he needs, it's Lacus's." he bitterly replied.

Meer's expression saddened. "You're right. But at the moment… No, not just now, Miss Lacus will always be needed." She turned to the window, staring at her reflection in the glass. "She's strong, beautiful and kind. I'm just Meer. No one needs me. But I don't mind, even if it is just for now. As long as I can be of help to the Chairman and the people for Miss Lacus, I will do so gladly."

Meer continued to speak, but Athrun stopped listening to her. His mind drawn to the Chairman's words.

"…there are things you are capable of doing and there are things you want to do."

"There is only one person that has the answers you seek. You."

Athrun found himself at a loss. What was he to do? The war had started there was nothing he could do to change that. But maybe…maybe he could do something to bring the war to a quick end.

The PLANT Supreme Council Chambers

"This is unbelievable! The Naturals have completely humiliated us!"

"Calm down! The Naturals have us in bad position, but we can recover from this. We just need to disrupt the momentum they've gained."

"Indeed. Defense Committee Chairman Kessel, I trust that the Defense Department has come up with a strategy to do just that." Durandal said, turning to Ian.

Ian nodded and stood up. "Solomon has been destroyed; both Gibraltar and Carpentaria have fallen to the Alliance. The battle that was fought here was just a diversion while they hit our three largest military bases. A clever ploy and one that could have disastrous consequences for us. Our foothold on Earth is hanging on by thread. If we don't have any presence on Earth, the fighting will shift to here at the PLANTs. That's why we've come up with a plan for an Operation. It's risky, very risky, but it's the only option we have left."

"We don't have much choice given the situation." Durandal said. "Please, explain the Operation."

"We call it Operation Reclaimer. We would assemble a large force, consisting of four battle groups. Two of said battle groups would be equipped for an orbital drop." The screens displayed a 3D map of the Earth. A cluster of red dots appeared over Gibraltar and Carpentaria while four clusters of green dots appeared a distance off from the planet. "As you can see, two Alliance fleets are blockading the two best locations to drop our forces on Carpentaria and Gibraltar." Two groups of the green dots headed for the red dots. "The other two battle groups will attack these two fleets as the two drop groups will be nearby, on standby. The attack groups' main objective will be to clear a path for their drop group." The green dots pushed opened a gap in the center of the red dots. The two remaining groups of green dots headed for the openings. "Once a path has been cleared, the drop group will move into position while their attack group covers them as they commence a combat drop onto Gibraltar and Carpentaria. Now we've also managed to get in contact with many of our forces that were providing relief support at the time of the attacks and were stranded. They will attack the bases at the same time as our drop forces land. Hopefully, the combined assaults will allow us to retake both bases."

"Casualties estimates?"

"High. No one has ever tried a combat drop while in combat. The two groups attacking the Alliance fleets can expect to receive heavy losses. The estimates of the forces that will be dropping in will be much more favorable, though there is the danger that the Alliance forces will be able to shoot down the drop pods as they begin their descent. And even if this does succeed, both bases will be operating at far below their normal capacity for awhile. But it is the only option we have at this moment. If it fails, we'll have suffered heavy casualties and by the time we manage to regroup for a second attempt, both bases will be heavily fortified. Once that happens, our chances to gain a foothold will drop substantially and in all likelyhood, we'll be boxed in here in the PLANTs. I don't need to explain how dangerous that is."

"What about the Minerva? What is their status?" Durandal asked an urgent tone in his voice.

"They were among the first that we managed to get in touch with. They are still in Orb, but they are ready and able to participate in the Operation. They will leave Orb and lead the ground assault against Carpentaria." Ian answered. "Now, I hope this meet with your approval and you will support this plan."

"It's as you said, this may be our only option. We must purse it and pray that we are successful." Durandal said. "But I want our military to be used defensively. If we lash out at the Alliance, things could spiral out of control like did in the last war. I wish to avoid that at all costs."

Ian nodded. "I understand Chairman Durandal. We will put every effort into Operation Reclaimer."

The Next Morning

Athrun stepped out the shower, drying himself off, and then changed into his clothes. The Chairman had offered to put him up in a rather high end hotel room. It was certainly a nice room, though to be honest, Athrun was never one for this type of fancy accommodations. Suddenly, there was a knock at his door. Athrun opened it. Standing before him was…

"Yzak?"

"You bastard!" Yzak shouted, grabbing him by the collar and pushing him back. "What the hell is going on here?!"

"Hey! Wait a minute! I have no idea what's going on!" Athrun said, trying to calm his old friend down.

"Alright, break it up you two." Dearka said, pulling the two apart as Saul and Nicol entering the room behind him.

Needless to say, Athrun was confused to see the four of them here. "What's going on here?" he asked.

"You tell me Athrun. We were called down from the frontlines to the Supreme Council and told us that we've been assigned to be your bodyguards." Yzak replied, half-shouting at Athrun.

"Jeez Yzak. Can you scream that any louder? I think I can still hear in one ear." Saul said sarcastically, rubbing his ears. "But yeah that's about it. We're supposed to keep an eye on you while you're visiting."

"Given the state of things in Orb and the Earth right now, the Chairman and the Council felt it would be wise to have someone watch over you. They chose us. Guess they felt that you could use a visit from some familiar faces" Nicol added. "So where do you want to go Athrun?"

Yzak scowled. "I swear if you say shopping, I'm going to kill you."

"Let's go shopping Athrun!" Saul cheered mockingly.

Yzak glared at Saul, earning laughter from him. "Don't mind him Athrun. He's just upset that we're being transferred."

Athrun raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're being transferred."

"Yeah." Dearka said. "Don't tell anyone but we're-"

But Yzak cut him off. "Hey! Dearka! You can't tell him that! He's a civilian from another nation!"

"See, I told you he's upset." Saul said with a grin. "He's all broke up over leaving his girlfriend behind."

Yzak hit Saul in response. "Ow! Okay, okay, I'll knock it off."

Nicol cleared his throat. "So where will we be going today, Athrun?"

Athrun had only one place in PLANTs he wanted to visit, the cemetery for ZAFT's fallen soldiers. He wanted to pay his respects to Miguel and Rusty. Though Yzak had asked to stop at a grave belonging to a girl named Saya Hawke. As they saluted her tombstone, Athrun briefly wondered if she was related to the Hawke sisters aboard the Minerva before they moved on.

Athrun placed down a bouquet of flowers upon Miguel's tombstone. The five young men than saluted their fallen friend. "Deployed for self-defensive purposes only." Athrun said, echoing Durandal's words from a press conference earlier today. "So ZAFT is preparing to take action?"

"Are you surprised? We can't just sit around after they used nuclear weapons against us." Yzak answered.

"The four of us were running interception missions when those dummy nukes were used." Dearka added in a quiet tone. "When we saw those missiles, we were terrified. We thought that they were trying to wipe out the PLANTs in one strike. I still think that may be what they're trying to do."

"And what about you Athrun? What are you doing back here in the PLANTs?" Nicol asked.

"And what about Orb? What are they doing?" Yzak asked as well.

"I don't know." Athrun admitted.

There was a pause for a moment. "Come back Athrun." Yzak said, surprising them all. "I'm sure there'll be some obstacles, but I'll take care of them. You can come back to the PLANTs Athrun."

"Hey. Don't go pressuring Athrun to come back." Saul argued. "He has to decide to come back on his own. Not because anyone was pressuring him."

Yzak ignored him. "I often think of something that Chairman Durandal once said. 'Though it was the adults that started the war, it was actually the young who fought it. And if we label those that made mistakes as criminals and punish them, then I ask you, where will the future leaders of PLANTs come from? We should honor the young for their sacrifices and look to them to build a peaceful tomorrow.' That's why I still wear a military uniform. It's the only thing I know. And also, because I think that I can make a difference for the PLANTs…and all the friends who died."

"Yzak…"

"That's why you have to do something too." Yzak continued. "You have the ability; why not put it to good use?"

Athrun didn't answer. They then silently headed towards Rusty's grave. Suddenly, Saul spotted something. "Hey look Nicol. It's still up."

The four of them turned to a grave. Written on it was Nicol's name.

"That's the military for you. Couldn't even take down a single tombstone in two years." Saul commented with a grin. "Makes you wonder how they ever get anything done."

After a moment, Dearka, Saul and Yzak started to walk away. Athrun turned to join them, but stopped when he noticed Nicol wasn't moving. "I must admit, I surprised that you're here Nicol." he said to his green haired friend. "Even more than Saul, you were sick of the fighting and… well you weren't really a-"

Nicol turned to him. "A soldier? Yeah. I admit I'm not like you, Yzak and Dearka, I'm not really the type to be a soldier. My father even tried to use his old connections to have me assigned to a desk job rather than the frontline."

"Well, you did nearly die on us in the last war."

"Just between you and me, I wasn't reactivated." Nicol said quietly. "I rejoined."

"What?"

"As Saul and I watched Junius Seven fall, I couldn't help but wonder could I have done something? If I had been there, would it have made a difference? Then when we learned that it was terrorist attack, I felt that I should have been there with you guys, fighting those lunatics and breaking up Junius Seven." Nicol explained. "As the tensions rose between ZAFT and the Earth Alliance and it looked like another war was going to break out, I knew I had to do something to help out. So I did the only thing I could do, I rejoined the military. It may not be much, but I just can't sit around while others went out and fought. I owe that much to our friends and comrades that didn't survive the last war."

With that, Nicol turned and walked away from Athrun, heading for the others. He stopped and glanced over his shoulder, "Are you coming Athrun?"

"Yeah… I'm coming." Athrun said, his thoughts were on the words of Nicol, Yzak and the Chairman.

Once again, Athrun found himself wondering what he should do. Nearly everyone, even Nicol, was getting involved in the conflict, fighting for what they believed in. So why was he still sitting around?

And that's all for now. I rather enjoyed this chapter. I know it was mostly just a rehash of a number of scenes in Destiny, but many of those happen to be among my favorite, non-combat scenes of Destiny. And yes, the scene between the Commander and the ghost was inspired by the clip show episode that had Durandal playing chess with the ghost of Rau. I will say one thing about Destiny; it's the only series that has clips show episodes that I liked. Which is really bizarre, because I hate clip shows. And I do plan to have more scenes in Destiny, along with that scene between Durandal and Rau.

As always review! Especially my regular fans that haven't left reviews in a number of chapters. You know who you are.