(AN): I want to thank all who reviewed.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Destiny.
Chapter Eleven
Fated Encounter
Space-Border to Zaft and Earth Alliance
"Captain we are picking something up," an officer said.
Cagalli looked up and so did Lacus, but Lacus clutched her heart it was hurting again, like the time when she last saw Kira.
"What is going on?" the captain said.
"Sir we have incoming at three o'clock, their fast, there is three of them," an officer said.
Kira's Unit
Immediately after taking off Rey led the team like Kira had ordered him to, and like protocol he assessed the situation as they arrived, this area was very wide open on three sides but they did have the debris field which surrounded the passage to the shipping lane, the area would normally be to wide open for an attack but all of these machines were top of the line so that wasn't on Kira's mind, besides if they failed was no matter to him, he had his suit standing by.
Rey led the way with the two others behind him, he patched into the long range radar on his unit which was impressive and like Kira said the Orb escort was right in place.
Rey broke radio silence knowing that their frequency was different from what Orb uses, "I am picking up our targets straight ahead, two Izumo class ships along with our target ship, mobile suit teams unknown, we will be in range in a few minutes, Shinn make the opening shot at the lead escort ship," Rey ordered as Shinn had the long range gun on his suit.
Shinn knew this would be his chance to shine, he overlooked his unit's capabilities and was most impressed with this machine, he hated the designer but he couldn't question this machines ability.
"Don't worry I have waiting a long time for this," Shinn replied as his hatred for Orb was now beaming.
Rey gave a few more orders, "I overlooked all our machines before hand, Luna you and Shinn will handle the escort ships and I will take the target ship myself," Rey ordered as it was the best strategic option especially if there could be suits launched from the ships.
Shinn was a little angry as he wanted glory, "Whatever," Shinn replied as they were drawing closer.
Rey knew now that Kira's choice not to make Shinn the leader was the correct one, he was not capable of being a team leader with his attitude and longing for glory.
"I copy," Luna responded as they brought up the ships on radar which they would be detected in a few seconds.
Shinn prepared the Destiny as the long range Beam cannon moved into the Destiny's hand.
Shinn saw the lead ship in his range as he was locking on.
Rey and Luna prepared their machines for battle as Rey had to large beam rifle and Luna aimed the impulses Beam rifle.
Shinn waited as he was finally locked on and he opened fire.
The beam was shot at long range as it was a direct hit to the lead escort ship causing sever damage to the haul, the shot was a tad off but the damage was heavy as their was a large explosion taking out several of the Ships weapons.
Rey saw that now was the time, "Launch a full attack," Rey ordered out as all three units now rushed for their targets as Shinn switched from the beam cannon to the beam rifle, but he wasn't at the same pace he accelerated his machine to the max.
Nazca Class Ship
Right after his team left Kira made a few orders of his own.
"Have my unit standing by and prepared to launch," Kira ordered as he remained seated.
The captain did as Kira was told and the Armageddon was set on the launcher.
Kira had a very strong advantage in this little ambush as since it was Cagalli he knew what Orb's frequency code was so he would easily be able to hear the ships communicating with the others, he didn't need it to win he wanted to hear their fear and suffering after all their a strong part of why he is the way he is, yet they can live happy little lives not anymore as Kira was going to end it today.
Kira had his teams communication placed on the speakers as the entire bridge of the ship would know what was going on.
Kira listened and when he heard Rey give the orders to fire Kira only smiled.
Outside Aprilious One
Right after they broke out Athrun immediately searched for any incoming targets but right now found none, which was very strange. Athrun had to do a crash course on this machine which was called the Savior, he overlooked the weapons and quickly set the OS to his liking, it was the same with Dearka and Yzak but they were in the same machine it was just upgraded so they had a much quicker time.
They checked and saw that Andrew and Dacosta were right behind them, all Yzak could think of was that a great betrayal had occurred and if Andrew was right which by the proof he knew he was then all were in serious danger, this Ryu was obviously very dangerous. Yzak remembered what that squad leader of the assault team had said something about a judgment which meant they were dealing with people that would obviously destroy any that objected to their ideals.
Athrun finally finished preparing his machine as he looked back and saw no one following them, "Why are they not coming after us?"
Andrew piped in from the ship, "That is simple, they are not going to report to the chairman they have to find a way to get in touch with that vice chairman."
It then hit Athrun, "What about Cagalli, we have to find her," Athrun said as Andrew cut him off.
"Go after her, she should be following course to the shipping lane," Andrew told him.
"How do you know that what if?" Athrun didn't want to think about it.
"He wouldn't finish her in the capitol he would go after her out of sight, you have to go, if they finish her he will have likely have what he wants," Andrew said seriously he knew that this vice chairman was trouble, they didn't even have conformation he was behind it but Andrew knew, which is why he implanted Dacosta to research all around this new chairman.
Athrun knew he was right, "What about you guys?"
"This clunker ship will only slow you down, don't worry about us after all I came very prepared I brought my Murasame with us, just head towards the shipping lane and I'm sure you'll find her," Andrew replied as they crammed it into the already packed ship.
"Alright then," Athrun said powering up the thrusters when Yzak spoke up.
"You need a hand?" Yzak asked.
Athrun was surprised, "I thought you wouldn't fight for Orb?"
Yzak was slow in answering, "I am not fighting for Orb, the sooner I can break this up the better I get proof I can take back to the chairman, if I go back now they are probably expecting that so it would be useless, once we break this up we can restore order."
"You can count me in," Dearka replied.
Athrun smiled, "Alright then let's go," Athrun said as all three took off heading for the shipping lane.
Andrew and Dacosta watched them leave as they accelerated to the fastest speed the ship could go, it was not very maintained but it used to be a Laurasia class ship.
"Are you sure it was the vice chairman sir?" Dacosta asked.
Andrew looked at him funny, "You were investigating, you should know that."
Dacosta was cautious, "True I was hearing strange things, but I know for a fact that he didn't build those eight machines, and once we settle this…" Dacosta said as Andrew cut him off.
"You heard what that assault leader said Dacosta, he said the new chairman, only that Ryu was next in line and from his tone they were moving on him as well, there is nothing we can do about that, and now we have eight powerful machines on our side, I have a feeling this isn't going to be a pretty situation," Andrew replied as they sped off.
Debris Field -Earth Alliance Fleet
Neo led the fleet like Jibril said and they entered the debris field proceeding very cautiously, and immediately after they entered Neo contacted all ships to tell them to start preparing, and that was what they did the entire time inside, but they got very serious when they were reaching the edge of the debris field.
The captains of the Agamemnon ships had the nukes loaded as they fell towards the back letting the nelson and Drake class ships lead the back along with Neo. They were running drills the entire time as they were fast approaching the edge of the debris field and leading into Zaft space.
Neo knew they were close as he contacted Jibril.
"We will be in Zaft space very shortly sir," Neo said.
Jibril was down on earth not in any danger, "You are cleared to begin, keep a link to me as I will witness what that fool Azeral failed to do."
"Yes sir," Neo said as he made sure Jibril and all he was with would have a feed to the ships and as promised to Unato Seiran Jibril set one up for him as well, this would be the day that the coordinators would be no more.
Neo opened a channel making sure all of his ships could hear as they were about to clear, "We have the green light, all ships you know what to do," Neo said as he sat back down about to make a few orders when he received something from one officer on the bridge.
"Sir, we have several heat sources up ahead, one large one with several other smaller ones…I think it is a battle sir," the officer said.
Neo looked confused, how could there be a battle out here, "I want details as we cannot stop this assault now," Neo said as Zaft forces out here would give away their surprise.
"Proceed!" Neo shouted as they moved on.
Orb ships Battlefield
The escort ships reported in as they all of a sudden a large beam was fired and an explosion was heard.
The explosion rattled the ship as Lacus and Cagalli looked up in horror as Lacus couldn't get the feeling out of her chest.
Lead escort unit
The lead escort ship that was struck was in the most panic at the moment.
"What is the status?" the captain of that ship ordered.
Bridge teams were quickly assessing the situation, "Sir our main haul was damaged, the shot breached several locations."
The captain could see the damage as it was right in the front of the ship, "That wasn't even a direct hit; give me a status on…" The captain said but was interrupted.
"We have incoming sir, three heat sources, I…I don't have a signal, but they appear to be mobile suits," another officer said.
The captain looked at the main screen, "I want an assessment of our ship…can we launch our machines?"
"Our main weapons are off line sir, we have all our counter measures and a few missile pods but the rest of the power is being averted to lock down that haul," another officer said.
"The hanger was undamaged sir, we can launch our machines now," another officer said.
The captain looked around, "Get me in contact with our other ships and launch all machines, take them down," The captain ordered as he got in contact with the other ships.
Secondary escort ship
Initially after the shot this captain immediately went to work.
"Sir that was a long range shot," their bridge officer said.
"Go to alert status one," the captain ordered as the bridge crew went on.
"The ship took some heavy damage sir, we are detecting three incoming machines, signals unknown, I will bring up the screen now," the com officer said.
The captain looked as these three machines were very different and the massive one in the middle seemed to be leading them.
"Get me in contact with the other ships, launch all mobile suits and prepare to engage in battle," the captain ordered as the crew followed through.
The captain waited until the link was open to the other machines.
Cagalli's ship
Cagalli and Lacus were almost knocked out of their seats as the explosion was extremely close.
Lacus got back to her feet first as Cagalli soon followed as they went to see the pilot.
"What is going on here?" Cagalli asked.
"Our lead escort ship has taken severe fire my lady, we are under attack," the pilot said quickly.
Lacus knew the situation was very serious but the feeling in her heart made her feel worse.
"Attack by whom?" Cagalli asked looking at another damaged ship.
"We are detecting three unknown machines my lady, I will establish the image for you," the copilot said as they brought it up on the small screen.
Cagalli and Lacus looked on at the charging machines.
"Who do they belong to?" Cagalli almost demanded.
"Unknown my lady, all we know is they mean business…I am receiving communication from both ships," The pilot said.
"Put them through," Cagalli ordered as the screen was split showing the two captains.
"What is the status of your ship?" Cagalli asked the damaged captains ship.
"Not very good, that was a long range attack, we are currently taking defensive measures and we are launching all our machines," the captain said.
"We are doing the same, we will defend your ship with our lives my lady," the other captain said.
Cagalli looked on in horror as both ships were now maneuvering themselves to block her smaller ship.
Cagalli looked at the copilot, "Get me a link with Zaft quickly."
"…We tried my lady….but we are being jammed by an unknown source," the copilot said as that was the first thing they tried.
Cagalli knew the situation wasn't good.
Lacus watched in horror as the mobile suits launched from the ship were now preparing to move into formation, the images of the three machines were on the screen as she couldn't help but notice those machines looked very familiar, their designs were different a little but something was familiar about them.
Cagalli and Lacus knew that at this point there was nothing they could do.
They watched in horror as the three machines began to engage.
Kira's team
Rey was in the lead but Shinn maxed out the thrusters surpassing his speed, all Shinn could think about was to things, showing his commander he wasn't as weak as he made him out to be and the second was getting his revenge on Orb.
The mobile suit teams which were now consistent with the new Mursames and a few older Astrays were preparing to counter.
The captains of the two warships waited and as soon as they got in range they opened fire, their ships aimed and fired the Gottfried, and all missile pods released firing at the machines.
Rey noticed, "Incoming, spread out," Rey ordered.
Shinn was ahead as he quickly dodged the Gottfried shots which were at him as he released the Vulcan guns of the Destiny's head firing at a few missiles taking them out.
Luna had to avoid the missiles but since she didn't have a beam shield generator and just a beam shield she had to be more cautious about the beam fire, she took the opposite way that Shinn went as she easily dodged the missile fire.
Rey of course stuck with the middle as used the dragoon blasters taking out the missiles in his path but he didn't launch them out yet, they stayed attached to the Legend.
The three machines Kira made were extremely impressive and the pilots were getting used to them very fast.
The two warships had to stop firing when the three got to close to their mobile suits.
The mobile suit teams showed no fear as they stayed in formation and spread out heading for all three machines. There were about twenty machines they had the numbers but those machines were impressive.
Rey noticed their formations as he decided to recall his units.
"Change of plan, join back up with me and we will take a ship at a time, we will begin with the damaged one," Rey said quickly.
Shinn was the first to reach a Astray and a Murasame, he heard the order but he wanted them out first, Shinn used his speed again as he fired one shot with his beam rifle striking the mobile suit in the cockpit, the astray blew up but the Mursame quickly removed his beam rifle and made a move towards Shinn, Shinn responded by taking hold of his long anti ship sword and Shinn accelerated the machine faster then the Mursame expected as Shinn cut the machine straight into two making it explode.
Shinn was shot at by other machines afterwards but he fell back following Rey's orders and joined back up with him.
Luna took fire two from the Orb machines but she dodged and blocked the shots with her beam shield before aiming her own beam rifle, she remembered her training and fired the machine striking it straight in the torso making it blow up as she returned to Rey.
Rey was in the center as he was approached by one Astray with a lot of guts, it came at him straight with a beam saber drawn but Rey countered with his beam Javelin striking the machine straight through the cockpit.
Rey returned his javelin as the two others joined up with him; they had four machines down and a damaged ship.
Rey gave orders, "We will punch our way through and target the damaged ship, since they aren't using their main weapons they are probably out of commission, we head straight for the front and take the ship down, fire your main weapon once we get in front," Rey ordered.
"I will take the left," Luna replied.
"I could do this myself but I will handle the right," Shinn replied.
"Ignore all other machines and head straight for the ship but be cautious of the other one," Rey said as they went for it.
Cagalli's ship
Cagalli was watching the battle with Lacus as they felt so powerless, they watched the four machines explode so easily, and their pilots were not spared.
Cagalli and Lacus looked on as what they saw next was tragic.
Kira's team
Like Rey said they went for it.
Rey and Shinn led the way as the beam shield generators easily took care of the fire from the Orb mobile suits; Luna was right behind them as the shield she held would slow her down a little if hit so she was using them as a shield firing a few rounds at the suits they passed.
The Orb suits didn't at first know what they were doing but then it hit them.
The captain of the damaged Orb ship now saw it as well, "Their going for it, turn the ship fire the missiles," the captain ordered as that was all that was operational.
The crew quickly worked as the tactical officer did what he was told.
Rey and the team cleared the mobile suits as they saw the incoming missiles, which Luna easily was able to pick off most of them as Rey and Shinn did the rest, they couldn't break this formation and then they got right next to the ship.
The Orb captain's eyes went a little big, "It has been an honor with all of you," the captain said, as the crew knew it.
As soon as they were cleared Luna moved to the left of the ship and aimed her beam rifle straight at the engines, Shinn moved to the right and aimed his Palm Beam cannon straight at the bridge.
Rey got right in front of the ship as the dragoon blasters on the back all angled themselves forward as he had multiple locks on the rest of the ship.
"Fire," Rey ordered as all three opened fire.
All three fired as Luna fired at all the engines, Shinn had a small smile as he released the beam from the Destiny's palm and Rey fired his payload as the ship had no chance, the shots struck in all locations as the ship finally succumbed to the blasting and blew up.
Cagalli's ship
Cagalli watched in horror as the ship blew up as she had a few tears in her eyes, seeing her people like this made the tough exterior break, Lacus felt the same way her mind feared the worse and she had strong regrets he she was going her today, she didn't want to think about it as their was still to much to do, she clutched the picture she had as that was her greatest fear.
Kira's team
Shinn had a large smile as the ship blew up and Luna flew next to him.
Rey however didn't like that they were dropping their guard, and it showed.
"Fall back," Rey ordered as the legend flew upwards.
Shinn and Luna caught sight as the other Orb ship had his Gottfrieds aimed at the location and they fired.
They were to busy celebrating as they tired falling back, Shinn activated the shield generator as Luna raised the beam shield but it was little to late.
The blast destroyed the Impulses shield causing damage to her left arm.
Shinn however took the worst as he was late in catching on, he was to busy smiling at his victory, the shield generator was activated a little to late as it took some of the blast but it tore the Destiny's right arm straight off taking the beam rifle with it.
Shinn was skilled enough that he moved in time otherwise that shot would have gone straight through the body.
Rey saw what happened, "I warned you two now regroup," Rey ordered.
Luna assessed the damage as it wasn't too bad, but Shinn lost half the arm and his rifle.
"Those cowards," Shinn shouted into the radio.
"There isn't time, we have to move now," Rey said knowing their assault was now in jeopardy so he gave a new order, "Both of you cover me…I am heading for the target ship, we will end it now," Rey said as the Orb mobile suits were regrouping to engage.
"Copy that," Luna replied as Shinn was a little slow but he agreed.
"We have to do this fast come on," Rey said as they went for it again.
Shinn had one arm but that didn't stop him from taking hold of his long range beam cannon as he fired straight at the Orb suits making them scramble.
Luna flew with Rey as she would provide Medium support; Rey flew on dodging attacks as the Orb ships caught on to where he was going.
Shinn fired at long range not hitting anything but he kept them on the run.
Luna kept the suits off of Rey as she engaged them at a medium distance.
The remaining Orb ship fired at Rey but he dodged making his way around and since there was only one ship it was a lot easier.
Rey cleared the ship as he was right in front of Cagalli's ship, and he took aim.
Remaining Orb ship
After the captain saw his comrade ship blown up he ordered the Gottfried's aimed as he fired at the two machines that looked to be celebrating, after they struck he was pleased.
"That was for our comrades, now keep at it," the captain ordered as the mobile suits regrouped and they fired a few more times.
As Rey and the team joined back up they saw something strange happen.
"Where are they going?" the captain asked.
Then after the actions it hit him, "Sir, it's the representative's ship!" The officer screamed.
"Do whatever you have to," the captain quickly ordered but it was too late as the cover fire was being fired keeping all away.
When Rey got in front of Cagalli's ship they feared the worst as he took aim.
Cagalli's ship
Cagalli watched as their other ship damaged two of the three machines and they were gaining back confidence.
Lacus was feeling better but that pain in her heart was worse.
They watched as the suits regrouped as the pilot caught on.
"They are heading for us," The pilot said as they had no weapons it was only a civilian ship they used.
They watched as that large machine cleared the ship and stopped right in front of them.
Cagalli watched in horror as Lacus clutched her heart and the picture.
With Rey
When Rey cleared them he took aim with his large beam rifle aiming straight at the ship as he began pulling the trigger, but as he did he got an alert of a heat source approaching from the direction of the plants as it was a shot and he quickly evaded and had to abort his shot.
Cagalli's ship
They expected the worst but they detected the same heat source as the mobile suit was driven off, Cagalli and Lacus looked on as a red machine was heading straight for them, and what looked like two familiar machines behind it.
Both Cagalli and Lacus were in relief as the attack was broken off and they were surprised to hear the voice of Athrun.
"Sorry I am late," was all Athrun said as Cagalli smiled.
Nazca Class ship
Kira watched all the action unfold on the screen as well as the communication that he got from their transmissions, Kira was at first satisfied with his new team, but that didn't last for to long, Kira kept an eye on the time as it was taking them far to long to complete their mission in above first rate machines.
When Kira got close enough to get an image he saw the first ship explode but it wasn't that ship he was concerned about he had his eyes focused solely on his sister and Lacus' ship, which currently still stood.
All Kira had in his mind as he watched that ship was the memories and they were not pleasant as all turned into nightmares as his flashbacks flew into his mind again. Kira did the only thing he could while reaching into his pocket for his pills but this time he downed several which was lethal to normal coordinators but he took far more before so that wasn't concerning him.
The captain ran things the best he knew how to, Kira was silent as he wasn't giving any orders so he ordered the ship to halt their heading as they would not be involved in this conflict.
Kira focused and returned his eyes to the screen as his so called team was starting to blow it; the first ship blew now he saw both Luna and Shinn take a stupid hit by a ship of all things.
Kira had enough.
"Those pathetic fools!" Kira said loudly as he stood straight up.
The captain and most of the crew looked back at him as the captain looked towards the com officer, "Prepare for commander Hibiki's unit to launch," the captain said as Kira walked straight out of the room and down towards his machine, Kira had mixed emotions, first he was angry with his team for doing so poorly and the second emotion was that of relief, the reason was simple that meant he could end it with his own hands.
Kira made his way down towards the hanger of the ship and when he arrived in the hanger his unit was already on the launcher connected to space, Kira still didn't bother with a flight suit as he started heading up the line to the Armageddon's cockpit. Soldier and mechanics saluted as they quickly cleared the way.
Kira sat down as he immediately began powering up the machine, Kira brought it on line as the cockpit doors were shut. Kira brought all systems on line as everything checked out and the mobile suit's eyes flashed as Kira contacted the bridge.
"Open the doors," Kira ordered.
"Yes sir…however we detected three new machines that just arrived on the scene, apparently they are helping the Orb ships," The captain replied.
Kira didn't bother looking up at his face on the screen, "That doesn't really matter now does it captain?" Kira said as the doors to space started opening.
Once they were opened Kira moved forward as the outer hanger doors opened and the Armageddon was launched into space.
Kira quickly activated his ultra phase armor as he accelerated the thrusters as the Armageddon flew off at maximum speed.
Orb reinforcements and the Archangel
After all Orb ships that were to launched did they met with several others that were already in space, Murrue who was in charge of the Archangel looked around as this simple escort that fool Seiran told them seemed like something totally different, it was like they were going to a war zone.
However the threat was real so Murrue led the ships to the shipping lane which led into Zaft space, the space around was clear as their wasn't even any earth force presence, they were taking the straight path as everything was standard along the way there, they had absolutely no problems.
They were on a steady heading when Murrue finally was able to calm down and speak to her crew, it was awhile since she saw many of them, they caught up as they even spoke about the situation they were in now, sending ten powerful ships along with the Archangel along with the mobile suits stored was extremely strange.
They pondered that for most of the way and when the reached the Debris field near the shipping lane it got a little stranger as the Earth alliance fleet was entering into radar range ahead of them and it looked like they were heading for the Plants.
"Captain there are multiple sources located in the Debris field," Miriallia said as she was in charge of that function.
Murrue looked back as she was about to address the situation but ahead of them they were picking up more heat sources, and these looked like a battle.
Murrue ordered it up on the screen as all in the bridge were shocked.
Orb ships Battlefield
Cagalli and Athrun
Cagalli was very relieved to hear Athrun's voice, as well as the rest, Cagalli watched as he was joined with two other machines that were very familiar.
"What took you so long?" Cagalli shouted relieved.
Athrun smiled she was back to normal, "Long story, commander Waltfeld should be along shortly…I am just glad I made it in time," Athrun said relief in his voice.
Cagalli snapped back into reality, "You know who is doing this they attacked us out of nowhere?" Cagalli said quickly.
"Answers will have to wait, but all I can say is that a takeover is in progress, we were attack and almost destroyed so we bowered these machines," Athrun replied.
Cagalli and Lacus were stunned at the words, "Attacked by who?"
Athrun looked back ahead as Rey was not going to sit still for very much longer.
"The vice chairman, and we believe it might be too late for the chairman, it is a chance all of this is connected but we will talk later," Athrun said as he signed off as he had to engage.
Yzak and Dearka arrived in their machines as what had happened was clearer then ever, and to set it right again they had to fight.
"Are you ready for this?" Dearka asked.
"I was always ready for battle," Yzak replied as it was time to test out the new machines.
Kira's team
Rey backed off after Athrun fired at him as Luna and Shinn caught on.
"What are they?" Luna asked as she was quickly trying to join Rey.
Shinn one armed Destiny now followed or he would fall prey to the other Orb suits that were still firing which he returned with his long range beam cannon.
Rey looked at the machines and he knew them immediately they were the ones that the chairman was developing, but why were they fighting them, and why were they even out in the first place, he hadn't heard from Gil in awhile and he thought this was all apart of Gil's plan.
Rey however had to get in contact with him, and fast but as he quickly tried on his personal communication line that Gil gave him it wasn't working at all, it was being jammed, but Rey had one more thing he could use, he wouldn't be able to communicate at all but he would be able to send what his machine was seeing straight to Gil's office, Rey taking advantage of Athrun speaking with Cagalli pushed the communication disk straight into the Legends main computer system as he tried a few things and luckily he was able to get the images through now all he saw would show up on Gil's screen back at the headquarters.
The team joined up with him as Rey gave a few new orders, "Abandon the ship for now and focus fire on these machines, watch your six as the other machines are still on the move, we will not fail this mission," Rey ordered as Shinn wouldn't look like a fool to Kira he was going to show him up here and now.
Luna knew their machines were the best but now these new ones looked like new models as well.
Rey assessed the situation, "The red one seems to be the leader I will handle him, Shinn take the long range buster two, and Luna the mark two Duel is yours," Rey said splitting the assignments.
Luna and Shinn heard him say the names of the machines, as it looked he knew them.
They were going to question him when the Mursames and Astrays caught up with them as Rey charged straight for Athrun and they followed suit.
Kira's team and Athrun's team
Rey led the first assault as he fired his large beam rifle at Athrun several times, Athrun broke off communication with Cagalli as he quickly had to dodge the attacks, Athrun saw that this machine the Savior moved pretty well as he now quickly returned fire with his own beam rifle making Rey go on the defensive.
"This guy is good," Rey said out loud as he could tell immediately.
Athrun wasn't giving this massive machine the chance to move as Athrun transformed the machine into its mobile armor mode and fired his two beam cannons and his two plasma beam cannons.
Rey responded as he activated his beam shield generator taking most of the blast as he was pushed back a little.
Athrun was surprised at the technology seeing as he only had a shield, but he had far more experience.
Athrun quickly transformed his machine back as he removed a beam saber trying to go for a short ranged attack.
Rey saw that coming and could tell this guy would be superior in that department so he shifted the dragoon blasters forward again firing several beams trying to make Athrun back off and Athrun did as he was forced to fall back.
Athrun regrouped himself as he did notice that this machine was big but quite fast for that, but he still held the speed advantage so that would be his key to win this battle.
Luna moved the Impulse straight for the Mark two Duel, where Yzak was piloting, as soon as Yzak saw the machine it immediately reminded him of the Strike for some reason.
Luna was the first one off firing her beam saber but as Yzak noticed this machine didn't have a beam shield any more it had a shield generator, the beam rifle on the Mark two Duel was several times more powerful as well as their were several more short range weapons, instead of two he had six beam sabers all over the suit, two beam boomerangs that attacked to the back, with another beam javelin, it was far easier to move and his power supply was infinite with the reactor, other then that it was the same machine.
Yzak used the shield generator to block the beams as he countered with his own fire. Luna was surprised at this machines speed but she was able to dodge the attacks, and Yzak knew right away he had to get her into short range battle, it was practically the same strategy as Athrun but with Yzak's suit it was made for short range battle.
Yzak accelerated removing one beam saber as he reached for his beam boomerang throwing it straight at her, then taking another beam saber in his second hand.
Luna saw the attack as she dodged but then the boomerang followed her as she turned around and aimed at it, but that was when Yzak was approaching her, Luna had to use the Impulses other arm to grab a saber but as she did she backed off a little as the boomerang cut right through her beam rifle destroying it.
Luna couldn't worry about that as she blocked the first slash by Yzak with the beam saber but Yzak brought the other one around as she barely dodged it.
Luna was doing her best but it was clear she was a good pilot, Yzak however was also a good pilot with more experience plus she wasn't used to the suit yet and this was the former Duel for Yzak so he had the advantage.
Shinn was left with Dearka normally he would have taken another foe like Yzak but his suit was damaged and he could only match up long range battles, leaving Dearka his opponent.
Like with the Mark two Duel the machine was basically the same except it was far more maneuverable it as well had a shield generator on both arms and he had options for two beam sabers as well as two armor Schneider's located on the hips other then that it was the same old Buster.
Shinn being Shinn made the first shot at the machine, with his beam cannon, Dearka saw that coming as he dodged taking action as he transformed the two guns of the Buster into the shotgun formation releasing several beams towards Shinn.
Shinn was forced to dodge as his shield generator taking some of the blasts.
Shinn knew going long range with him was nuts so with one arm he grabbed the anti ship blade limply and used the speed of the Destiny to head straight for Dearka.
Dearka smiled the kid was good but he was careless in his opinion, Dearka moved backwards releasing the missiles he had in the two pods that were in the shoulder.
Shinn saw the attacks as he was forced to abort the attack, Shinn cursed real loud as he wasn't able to get close and patience was losing fast for him, and now the Orb machines were firing at him so he was forced to dodge those.
Cagalli's ship
Cagalli and Lacus watched as the battle began, it seemed they now had a real chance; the words Athrun spoke of were still ringing in their ears.
"I believe we will make it my lady," the pilot of Cagalli's ship said.
The other Orb ship said the same as they had to stop firing or they could hit their own machines.
Cagalli watched as Athrun and his team had the strong upper hand.
Lacus was relieved but then a sudden surge entered her heart as she had to clutch it tightly.
Cagalli noticed, "What's wrong Lacus?"
Lacus couldn't put her hand on it, this was the same feeling outside the hotel, and it was just that it was getting stronger and stronger each second.
With all of them
All units continued their battle as the Orb ship and Cagalli's ship now caught a heat source heading straight for them at tremendous speed.
"We have incoming captain," the officer of the remaining Orb ship said.
The captain didn't think anything else could go wrong today.
Cagalli was worried about Lacus as the pilot spoke up, "My lady something is fast approaching from the same direction the other three enemy suits arrived from."
Cagalli looked at him as Lacus' feeling was growing closer and stronger.
Outside the source was extremely close now as the mobile suits were picking it up.
Athrun and the rest caught it, "What is this now?"
Yzak saw it, "It appears to be another machine."
Dearka got it, "I can't identify the source."
Rey and the rest of Kira's team finally got the signal at the same time as Athrun's team, but they knew the signal.
"We will have reinforcements any second," Rey said as they saw the signal of the machine.
Luna was relieved but feeing terrible for Orb.
Shinn growled in annoyance as he hated that signal as it was almost near them, and now his glory would be taken by him again.
The Orb ship finally got it close enough to id it, "Put it on screen," the captain said.
The officer did as all on the bridge's eyes went wide, that was the same machine they saw that day when their first ship blew up.
They quickly transferred the image to Cagalli's ship.
The pilot of Cagalli's ship got the image, "We have an image my lady."
"Put it on screen," Cagalli said as the image was transferred.
The image of the gold silver and black machine was clear and it was coming at high speed.
"That the one from the Plant," Cagalli said.
"Maybe help has arrived again my lady," the pilot said as they saw that machine helping back at the Plant.
Lacus looked at the screen as the reddish black eyes of the machine looked like they could pierce straight through her soul; she had a very bad feeling.
Most didn't know what to expect, the captain and the pilot were about to communicate with each other when a signal started breaking in through all channels.
Lacus and Cagalli were assessing the situation of what was going on when the signal broke through.
"Someone is activating all channels," the pilot said.
Cagalli and Lacus looked on as did the rest as the voice spoke to all in the area.
"How I have waited so very long for this moment," The voice said deep and cold.
Outside Athrun immediately froze, Yzak didn't know what was going on and Dearka knew that voice sounded familiar.
Inside the ship Cagalli froze like Athrun, that voice wasn't one they heard in three years.
Lacus however immediately dropped her photo as she clutched her heart, she knew that voice anywhere, she stumbled a little grabbing on to a chair to balance herself, the voice sounded filled with hatred and anger, but it was still the voice she would never forget.
"…Kira…" was all Lacus said as the voice spoke again.
"It's judgment day," The voice said as it sounded off as it came into the area with lightning speed.
Aprilious One
Headquarters
When Ryu arrived at Aprilious One he knew from his loyalists that everything was already set up for what he planned to do today.
Ryu knew that Kira would be starting the attack soon so he first headed straight for the main command center inside the headquarters, once he arrived he worked with those he had in place and set up a jamming field, as of now all contact heading to the capitol was cut off.
When Ryu finished setting up he then connected with the signals from Kira's team as well as a feed he had from their suits, Ryu was pleased as he watched their progress at first, but like what Kira agreed with they were taking far to much time, Ryu saw the battle starting to head downwards a little, Ryu knew that Kira wouldn't wait much longer, as the attack began the team inside intercepted a signal that was trying to enter, but it was heading straight up towards the chairman, it was to late to counter as the signal was something a little different then they expected, Ryu had them run a trace as it was sent from Legend, that action didn't surprise Ryu as Rey was a loyal little puppet to Gil, but that would soon change.
With the action gone through Ryu knew it was time to head up to the chairman's office, he was going to wait for this to be over, but now would have to do as Ryu went straight up to Gil's office.
Gil's Office
Gil was going over Zaft matters when he received the signal, it was on his private line and he immediately dismissed the room as he opened the file, it seemed their was no communication it was only from the mobile suit feed, As soon as Gil saw the file his anger built up.
Gil watched as the Orb representative was under fire and the battle was fierce, Gil dropped what he was doing as he looked on, He saw three machines that should even be out there since they were the ones he commissioned to have built. What was worse was that it was Kira's team that was doing the attacking.
Rey sent the signal just for the machines he believed this action was ordered by Gil so he didn't question it at all.
Gil watched more as he then saw the Armageddon, Gil immediately slammed his fists on the table, he was preparing to discharge Kira's help after he was finished here today but now Kira was making an act of war against one of his allies.
"What is he doing, that fool!" Gil shouted as he heard a voice.
"You seem much stressed sir," Ryu said as he entered the room.
Gil looked towards the voice, "Look at this!" Gil shouted as he brought it up on the main screen.
Ryu looked on as he approached the desk, "Isn't that interesting," Ryu replied.
Gil walked behind his desk and straight over to Ryu, "You were the one that convinced me to attain his help, he is a loose cannon…I want him arrested or destroyed immediately, contact his team immediately," Gil said walked back over to his desk and for a communicator.
Ryu couldn't let that happen, as he pulled something out.
Gil had his back turned as he heard the sound of a gun aimed straight at him.
Gil heard the sound as he slowly turned to see Ryu pointed the gun straight at him, "What do you think your doing?" Gil asked.
Ryu smiled, "Your use to me is over."
"I trusted you…you were the one behind this!" Gil shouted.
Ryu lightly laughed, "Since the beginning, Kira was never with you he supports and fights for my cause, not the worthless one you try to achieve."
Gil was still in shock, "You planned all of it?"
Ryu looked at him, "The attack everything, all this time, don't worry though our goal is simple," Ryu said explaining it to him.
Gil looked on in horror, "You monster that will never happen."
Ryu now laughed, "It is already in motion, and since I have to start I am very tired of looking at your presence, you played your part nicely, but all foolish men most suffer their ultimate fate, goodbye someone that was never worthy of that title," Ryu said.
Gil raised his hand, "Wait…….." Gil said his final words as Ryu pulled the trigger finishing him with one shot.
Gil feel back on the floor as Ryu walked over to him, "Phase two is now complete, it is now time for the final phase as it all truly begins now," Ryu said pressing a button on his desk.
Two of his soldiers entered with the carcass of Leonard.
"The chairman was assassinated by a traitor, get everything I asked for set up, I have planned this carefully so when I present this to the council and the people everything will make Gil looked corrupt the earth forces did another heinous attack, and I am the new chairman," Ryu said as he left out all the details of how he achieved this for now.
Ryu sat down in the chairman's seat as he turned off the jamming equipment and contacted Kira.
Secret Satellite
In the Doomsdays hanger Captain Willard was making the final checks as everything turned up green, the Doomsday was fully ready for combat, all the crew was gathered all they needed was orders.
Battlefield-Near Shipping Lane
"…Kira…" was all Lacus said as the voice spoke again.
"It's judgment day," The voice said as it sounded off as it came into the area with lightning speed.
Lacus took that voice in it was completely far worse then anything she ever heard before.
Cagalli and Athrun were still stunned that voice was not heard in three years.
They saw the mobile suit now enter the battlefield as seeing it with that voice made it look now much like the freedom.
With Kira
Kira flew to the battlefield and knew immediately that he could toy a little with their minds, which is why when he was near he made the announcement, but now it was time to back it up, after Kira said his second phrase he cut the radio back to his normal channels.
Rey and the rest of Kira's team saw their commander enter the battlefield; Shinn felt hatred as the others were a little relieved they were on the verge of losing.
Kira slammed more pills down as he saw his first targets and that was the Astray's and Mursames in his way.
Everyone was turned towards his direction as the reddish black eyes flashed as Kira went to work.
Kira lightly smiled as the Orb mobile suits were starting to take aim, Kira only smiled, he flew towards all of them as he activated the Plasma beam cannons from the Armageddon's wings as they came over his shoulder, and the two rail guns that lifted up from the hips, as Kira also used his beam rifle targeting the machines, Kira got in range as he fired all his weapons at the same time.
The Orb pilot's freak, as all beams connected with the mobile suits, each one struck the cockpit something Kira never targeted in the last war, all pilots screamed as they blew up from the shots, in that one barrage five machines were destroyed. Kira broke formation as a few other machines freaked out and fired at him, Kira knowing his armor only stopped as the beam connected with his armor and then went straight back machines that fired striking them to their deaths.
In less than thirty seconds Kira had seven suits down, inside his machines Kira had a small smile as he completely snapped, all this bent up anger was coming out now and the Orb machines were the first to face the wrath of the destroyer.
With Lacus, Cagalli, and Athrun
They watched the onslaught with shock, that voice and the attacks were extremely similar to Kira.
"That…cannot be my brother…" Cagalli said as she watched it.
Athrun came back on the radio, "I…I know his voice but I believe you are right…that machine, Kira does not fight like that," Athrun said as he powered up his machine again.
Yzak came on the line, "That confirms everything, there is a power shift going on, we have to stop that machine," Yzak said the calm one.
Dearka came on, "That thing is powerful."
Lacus was shaking badly, the others were in high doubt, but she knew, Lacus could feel his presence and she could tell it was him, the tears threatened her eyes, as she could only ask why, Lacus was trying to regain herself as her strong personality was crumbling just like Cagalli.
Lacus had to hear his voice again.
With Kira
Kira finished off seven machines as he noticed the other three ones by the target ship, as Kira came on the radio only to his team.
"I should have known you wouldn't have been able to handle this, engage the three machines again while I handle this, you have all disappointed me greatly," Kira said in a murderous tone.
Rey copied as did the others as Shinn hated his guts even more, but his machine was too bad to do anything about it, missing only one arm he was still superior to other machines but he wouldn't be able to handle Kira.
All three flew off to engage the other machines.
Kira saw there were nine machines left, but first he wanted to take care of that warship.
Kira returned the beam rifle to his forearm holster as Kira removed all four beam sabers connecting them all together; Kira powered up the Beam spear he created as two large beams emitted from each end, Kira wasted no time as he charged for the ship.
The captain of the ship saw what was happening, "Fire all weapons, keep him off of us."
As Kira was heading for him he got a communication from Ryu.
"Yes commander," Kira replied as he didn't take his eyes off the ship dodging all the shots and missiles fired at him.
Ryu came on, "The title now would be chairman commander, our problem is over, I am in complete control."
Kira slightly smiled as he dodged the Gottfried attacks as another Mursame fired at him only to have the beam bounce back and strike him to his death as Kira used the large beam on one end to swipe down an Astray taking out two more.
Kira got right in front of the ship staring at the bridge.
"Then it all begins, I look forward to giving you a positive report Your Excellency," Kira replied as he used the beam saber.
The Orb ship saw what was going on, and when Kira got in front of them their was little they could do, Kira used the beam spear he made and swiped the bridge straight off the ship shifting the other end of the spear straight down straight through the ship.
Kira smiled as he flew back up as the ship completely blew up, and Kira returned all four beams back to place.
Ryu watched as he smiled and relaxed in the chairman's seat, today so far was a perfect day.
With Lacus and the others
Athrun had to know which is why he tried going after that suit but as he did Rey countered him as the other two fired and attacked Yzak and Dearka, they were keeping them away from that machine.
All became aware when Kira neared the ship and when Kira swiped through it; Lacus again clutched her heart as Cagalli became overwhelmed with grief all of this was too much for all of them.
Lacus' tears went down her face as she knew what she had to do, looking at the picture she picked up she made her way to the pilot and grabbed the communication equipment.
With Kira
After the ship was down Kira saw the three machines preoccupied but his team wouldn't hold out long and Kira knew it.
Kira activated his Mirage Colloid as he decided to take out the remaining machines in stealth, with six machines left Kira picked them off like nothing all the while taking in their fear as they turned in all directions trying to find the source but to no avail.
Before they found him it was to late as Kira struck through all the cockpits leaving only the target ship left, it was time finally it was time to end it all.
Kira took the ship in sight, Kira deactivated the Mirage Colloid as he quickly approached the ship with only one thing on his mind, burying apart of the past that still haunted his soul.
Kira got right up to the ship as he stared at it, and then his beam rifle slid down into the Armageddon's had.
Athrun and the rest watched as they were able to gain the upper hand on Kira's team, but it was far too late to stop him now.
Kira took aim when the voice was echoed throughout all channels, a voice he thought he would never hear again.
With Kira and Lacus
Inside the ship Lacus grabbed the com equipment from the pilot as she quickly turned the frequency to all channels, she wasn't really concerned about his actions yet as she had to hear his voice again, everything else was blocked out.
"Kira!" was all the voice said with a tone to sadness in her voice.
Kira heard the voice, one of many that was his enemy, Kira heard the voice and didn't hesitate at all, but decided to humor himself as he switched his communication equipment over to Orb's channel.
"I truly believed that you of all people would understand," the voice said.
Athrun and the others froze outside again, Cagalli heard the voice it was clear.
Lacus turned her worry and sadness into high confusion, "I know that is you Kira…show me your face!" Lacus demanded with a sob that escaped her voice.
Kira stood silent for a second before granting her request, as he brought up a visual link to the Orb ship.
Lacus watched as her tears flowed again as his face came on the screen, and immediately she saw the uniform and scar on his face, it was him from the other night, but the most terrifying feature was his eyes, they were completely filled with hate, anger and rage, they were a lot darker then she ever remembered.
Kira saw her, and didn't feel a thing; his heart was completely swallowed in the darkness of his soul.
Lacus studied the screen, "What are you doing Kira? I…" Lacus said as Kira cut her off.
"What I am doing is simple Clyne, I am fulfilling my destiny, and like I said earlier it is judgment day for all that stand in our way!" Kira said in a murderous tone.
Lacus felt wobbly again as Cagalli was still frozen, this creature on the screen was not her brother, It couldn't' be, deep down she knew he was but she refused to believe it.
Lacus looked back up at him, three long years of searching, three long years of worrying, three long years of agony for her heart and now this.
"What are you saying Kira…the chairman didn't say…" Lacus said as Kira cut her off again.
Kira this time lightly laughed, "The chairman is no more Clyne…we have a new chairman, one I am proud to serve."
Lacus remembered what Athrun said, "You're talking about Ryu…what has he done to you?" Lacus sobbed out, she couldn't think clearly right now.
"It is my destiny like I said, and all that stand against us will be destroyed!" Kira replied.
Lacus and Cagalli didn't know what he was talking about, just what was this judgment and why was Kira helping.
Lacus looked at him, again her heart was latterly shattering at the sight, and she had to know, "Why are you doing this Kira…so many sacrifices, the people…." Lacus said but that hit a nerve for Kira as he exploded.
"The people the people the people, I am sick and tired of hearing about the people, the people only have one fate," Kira said breathing heavily.
Lacus and the others were stunned at his outburst, it was like he completely snapped, as they couldn't help but tremble a little.
Kira looked back at them, "The people this, the people that," Kira said with a slight smile, "Do what you do best Lacus, call the people to fight for a just world, one filled with peace and liberty," Kira said in a mocking tone.
Lacus' tears fell again.
Kira slightly smiled slamming back more pills as they watched, "Call the people Lacus, that will only make it more fun for me," Kira's mocking tone ended as he completely shouted in anger, "You will face our judgment!" Kira shouted as he cut the link which was to the Orb personal.
Kira aimed again as all of a sudden he got an alert on his radar, his radar equipment was far better then any other ship or anything and several things were coming from the debris field.
Lacus heard him sign off as she feared the worst mostly not for her but a few others, Lacus then saw him what looked like hesitating, but deep down she knew that wasn't it.
Kira focused the radar more as there were massive heat sources approaching and now another fleet was behind that heading for the shipping lane.
With Kira and Ryu
Kira looked closer as he id it, "That didn't take them long," Kira said as he now contacted Ryu back at the headquarters.
Ryu was watching everything and when Kira stopped he knew something had to be wrong as he got a signal from him.
"What is it?" Ryu asked.
Kira's face came on, "I have an alliance fleet coming from the Debris field and another one by the shipping lane."
Ryu looked at his image, "That didn't take them long…recall all your units and reposition yourself…I just received word the Doomsdays ready we will finally show our power."
Kira smiled, "I will fall back immediately sir."
"It's time to show them all our power, let your former comrades watch, let them feel our judgment, I am recalling the Zaft forces and we will intercept them, they will hold them off along with yourself until the Doomsday is ready to fire," Ryu said as Kira knew that was a perfect idea.
"Yes your Excellency," Kira replied as he contacted his team.
"All units all back to the ship, we are pulling back, orders directly from the chairman," Kira said over the Zaft channel as Rey, Luna and Shinn complied they couldn't hear when Kira was talking to the Orb ship since he switched to an Orb frequency but it was strange.
They immediately started falling back, which was noticed by Athrun and his team.
With Kira and Lacus
Kira switched back to the Orb channel, "Your lives have been spared for now, you will witness my full power before your demise, I suggest you enjoy your lives while you can," Kira said beginning to max out his thrusters.
Lacus and the rest heard, "Wait Kira…you have…" Lacus tried to say but Kira flew off ignoring her.
Lacus dropped to her knees, she wasn't able to ask what she wanted, the shock wasn't making her think clearly, Cagalli and Athrun weren't able to get a word in as Kira flew off.
Lacus couldn't contain her emotion as she for the first time cried in the presence of others then Kira, Kira changed from the worst she had ever seen, he was completely monstrous, she clutched her picture again as Cagalli's ship was then again contacted this time by something coming from the shipping lane.
Lacus looked up again as the Armageddon disappeared again, and she couldn't help but ask why, her chance was gone as Kira flew off, his anger was easily directed towards them and that hurt her deeply, Lacus knew her chance to ask was gone but it was far from over, she had to speak to him again.
Kira flew off hating the chance to finish his nightmare, but he believed this would be a lot better, he would show them his full power let them tremble in fear and then finish them, Kira's eyes this time did not return to normal, he was aching for more battle as they returned to the ship following Ryu's orders.
To be continued…
(AN): I hope you liked this chapter, Kira and Lacus finally talked briefly, next chapter their talks will be longer as Kira confronts all of his former allies as the Doomsdays brought into action. It shouldn't be to long, maybe. See you later.
