Opening Theme: 'Strength' by Abingdon Boys School

Link: http : / www . youtube . com / watch?v=Kw8LGEUYRqU

Brig

Yuuka sighed as she looked up at the ceiling of her cell and shifted in irritation 'I'm probably already listed as MIA,' she mused to herself 'I hope mom and dad are doing alright.' She looked up as she heard loud footsteps approaching and saw Liz stomp into the brig with a rare scowl on her face "You look like someone just ran over your dog," Yuuka commented bluntly "What's wrong?"

Liz sighed as she leaned against the bars to Yuuka's cell "Some girl we met briefly back at Heliopolis during the attack," she explained "We had shoved her into an escape pod before heading to the one across from the Mobile Suit factory where the Gundams were stored, turns out she join the guerilla resistance here, she pretty much was being a bitch to us for piloting the Gundams."

Yuuka grimaced in sympathy "I understand how you feel," she said standing up and moving over to Liz and placed a hand over hers "My own sister was a bitch to me after joining ZAFT, she had a boyfriend that was a part of a protest group, only the group were extremists and her boyfriend wasn't aware of the fact and he ended up getting killed during a military sanctioned raid."

Liz winced "I heard about that one," she admitted before sighing "Normally what she said wouldn't hurt me, but..."

"The wound is still fresh." Yuuka finished with a sympathetic look to which Liz nodded with a sigh.

"Thanks for listening Yuuka." She whispered gratefully.

Yuuka shrugged lightly "Eh, not much else to do," she dismissed before grinning as Liz headed for the exit "Besides, you're too cute to be walking around angry!" She added just as Liz was closing the door making the dirty blond freeze for a moment processing her words before blushing like mad with a small smile on her face.

Ryu's room

Jade followed Jordan and Mathew through the hallways of the Archangel as they led her to Ryu and Kira's room "Here it is," Jordan announced stopping at the room "Would you like some time alone?"

Jade smiled a little "Thank you for the offer but that's fine," She assured "I wouldn't mind the help." Taking a breath she entered the room and looked around and let out a small chuckle "Definitely Ryu's room." She commented wistfully "Only he could make military precision look comfortable."

The two brothers' chuckled in agreement as Jade opened the box they packed Ryu's possessions into, on the top where two pictures, the first was of the Falcon squad standing in a hanger in their pilot suits with a mobile suit four Moebius Zeros in the background, the second was a picture of Ryu's family, Ryu stood with his arms around a younger Jade and another male that looked to be his brother while their parents stood behind them.

"It's been so long since that day," Jade said "It was the day before he shipped off for training that we took this, the first, and only, Coordinator in the Hisanaga family, there was a lot of pressure on him to join the military because of this, although, I think there might have been something more to it."

Jordan looked at her in confusion "What do you mean 'Something more'?" He asked curiously.

Jade looked blankly across the room with a slight frown on her face "I had overheard Ryu and dad talking one night," She admitted "Dad was saying something he didn't pay that much money into the project just for Ryu to do something other than become a soldier like he was meant to be, Ryu wasn't particularly happy because he had actually planned on joining either the Junk Guild or Terminal after he completed the military school he was sent to."

Mathew frowned "He was forced into the service than?" He asked with a slight hint of anger.

Jade looked at Mathew with the 'are you kidding' stare "No one could force Ryu into anything," She countered "I think he joined in the end to prevent the pressure falling on me and Jin," She smiled faintly "He would always watch out for the two of us, hell there was one time he snuck out of the Military Academy to beat the shit out of a bully who had been picking on me and Jin at school, I don't think I ever seen anyone more scared in my life then when Ryu popped out of nowhere in his uniform growling at the bully."

The three shared a laugh at the picture she painted "Sounds like an interesting experience to grow up with him as a brother." Jordan said "Although I think I'll stick with you as my brother, Ryu is a bit too crazy in all honesty."

Jade chuckled as she looked around "Who was in the room with him?" She asked noticing the box on the other bed.

"Ah," Jordan replied "That would be his girlfriend Kira Yamato; they only recently hooked up actually."

Jade blinked in surprise before sighing "Let me guess, Mu assigned them these rooms?" She speculated earning chuckles from the brothers "Ryu often told me in letters about his squad, when I heard what happened at Endymion I felt horrible not being able to let him know I was alive."

"How come?" Mathew asked in confusion "I mean if he was still in the military than it wouldn't be that hard to get into contact with him."

"Because of the fact he's a Coordinator and was supportive of sitting down for the peace talks," She replied "If Blue Cosmos caught wind of my survival..."

"They would have used you as a hostage to control Ryu." Jordan finished as realization dawned on him "And when he left the EA he went under the radar."

Jade nodded "Never could be found unless he wanted to be," She confirmed.

Jordan then stepped forward. "I know that losing a sibling is tough," he said. "But just keep on hoping that Ryu might have survived." Jade blinked. "You…lost someone too?" She asked.

"Almost did." Jordan said, gesturing to his Brother. "I knew my Brother lived at Junius 7, but he never told me and my family that he was in the Zaft military now. When the nuke went off…I…I felt terrible. Matthew taught me so many things, he kept me and Amy safe from bullies like Ryu, and he taught me the four reasons a person should fight. Family, Friends, Honor, and life."

Jade smiled. "That sounds a lot like Ryu." She said. "But if Matthew here was in Zaft, how did he join the Archangel?"

Matthew sighed. "I was part of the Le Cruset team during the Attack on Heliopolis." He answered. "While the rest of the team got their mobile suits, Me and my 'Teammate' Kane were ordered to look for any extra or hidden machines. When we entered a hidden hanger…there were two Morgenroete workers inside, trying to protect three of the Gundam's. Kane shot at one of them, killing him…that was when I realize…those two workers were my Parents." Jade gasped.

"I tried to not kill Mom…" Matthew said. "But Kane…he didn't hesitate. He just…killed them. Because he wanted too."

"And I saw him do it." Jordan said. "I was with Ryu as he tried to get us all into shelters. I got separated from the others, and I followed my Parents. When…when I saw Kane kill our mom…I heard him say 'Pathetic Natrual's'…and I went ballistic. I shot at him. But Missed, and he was about to kill me…"

"Until I stopped him." Matthew said firmly. "Kane may have killed my Parents…but I'd be damned if he killed my own Brother."

"Those that abandon the mission are Trash." Jade said, shocking the others. "However, those that abandon their friends and Family are worse than Trash." She smiled. "Ryu taught me and Jin that. It was one of his most important lesions." standing up with the box of Ryu's gear "Thanks, I better get ready to transfer back over to the Saberwing, I enjoyed talking with you."

"Thanks for telling us about Ryu;" Mathew said "He never really talked about himself much before he joined the military."

Jade grinned "If you see him, tell him that John wants to talk to him," She said "I want it to be a bit of a surprise when I show up."

Desert Dawn Base

"There she is." John said as the Archangel strode into the Desert Dawn Base. It seemed like any ordinary base, however there were things that they took note of that didn't belong. First, was the large ship that was similar to the Archangel, if not more lightly armed. It was Steel Grey with an Ice blue trimming.

Second, there were the numerous mobile suits that were in the base as well! Most of them were different types of GINN's, while there were also a few ZuOOTs and CGUE's as well. Some of them were patrolling the area, while others were just docked in make-shift hangers.

John was specifically pointing at the ship at the moment. "The Saberwing II." He said proudly. "It's a Cornelius-class Salvage/Tender ship that we found in the Heliopolis Debris belt with the Silver Frame. There were two of these ships, but we sold the spare since we didn't need two of those things. Since then, we've made quite a few upgrades to the ship. Adding a few new weapons like the 75mm Auto-cannons, and the Anti-air/ship missile tubes. We also made it so that it works in atmosphere a lot better than it did originally."

Mu let out a low whistle. "A fine Ship." He said. "But I can't help but notice all of the Zaft suits all around the place."

"Well, simply put," John answered. "A while ago, just about a week before you came here, my team and the Desert Dawn raided a Zaft Armory where they had a whole bunch of mobile suits stocked. After the battle, we got ourselves 10 ZuOOTs, around 30 or so GINN ORCHER types, a few CGUE's and even two DINN's. Since then, we've been trying to make a Natural-friendly O.S so the Rebels can properly use them. We've made a few breakthroughs, but it's still not perfect."

"Then search no more." Graham said, surprising John. "Thanks to Ryu, we have a fully working Natural O.S that Mu has been using on the Hyperion in the Hanger, and will be using it on the Lightning." John blinked in surprise, and then chuckled. "Looks like I owe that guy another one." He muttered. "Just send it to the Saberwing's bridge crew, and we'll start uploading the O.S's into their suits. With the Mobile suits working at full, this should even the odds considerably."

Later

Hanger

Mu sighed bitterly as he entered the hanger area and looked up at his new suit, the Lightning, although, with the upgrades he had planned it would be a new suit altogether, hence it was renamed the Lightning Strike.

Armed with the Dragon's Dynasty Heat Shotels, and a Murasame arm unit along with a shield on the opposite arm. It can also use the Striker Packs, and the different weapons from the Striker packs. Like the Agni, the Swartz Grewder, and so on. It could now also use the Beam Shields the Hyperion used, as well as the beam knives, and beam SMG.

The schematics Ryu had left behind had a design plan on a new experimental battery for the Gundams and the Lightning Strike was currently being outfitted with it, it theoretically had over two times the regular output of a normal battery, there was some kind of hidden feature on it that no one could make heads or tails out of, but due to the fact it was a critical piece of the battery they kept it in anyways, once the Lightning Strike was refitted with its new armaments and battery the Raptor was next in line for upgrades followed by the Raven, then the Thunder, the GINN would be last.

Each pilot oversaw the upgrading procedure and took part in it. Moving over to the Hyperion that sat in one of the restraints to prevent it from tumbling about he climbed in the cockpit closing it behind him and flicked the computer on and brought up an old photo that he had transferred from the Moebius Zero, it was a photo of the Falcon Squad shortly before Endymion happened, each member was sitting around a table smiles on their face as they played a game of poker with Yuna having the largest stack and a large smirk on her face.

Mu sighed "I hope you guys are watching over us," he whispered softly closing his eyes as he wiped his face "Because we will need all the help we can get."

'What the hell are you talking about La Flaga?' Kyle's voice echoed through his head 'That doesn't sound like a member of a Falcon squad!'

'Yeah, where is you never say die attitude?' Mickey's voice asked ''To make the impossible possible', that's your, our, motto isn't it?'

"What do I do though?" He whispered "I feel so lost."

'Than start walking soldier!' Yuna's voice ordered 'You'll never find your way out like this!'

'One step at a time La Flaga,' Ryu's voice whispered 'You're on the right path so far, just keep at it.'

'Just make sure you pick yourself up when you fall though, okay?' Kira's voice supported 'we're behind you one hundred percent of the way.'

'And make sure that NO ONE TOUCHES MY STUFF WHILE I'M GONE!' Ryu's voice said.

Mu smiled lightly as he felt their presences fade from his mind "They're right," he whispered with renewed determination "One step at a time, never surrender, never falter and always get back up, no matter what."

Training Room

Chris grunted as he furiously punched the punching bag letting out his pent up anger onto the innocent bag, thoughts running through his head 'I know it was impossible for me to save them,' he told himself 'So why do I blame myself, why do I keep thinking 'If only I was faster, if only I was stronger.' If only, if only, IF ONLY!' he mentally screamed as he delivered a round house kick to the punching bag actually making some of the bolts holding it to the ground to loosen slightly.

"Chris?" A hesitant voice asked, turning he saw Flay standing there with a concerned look on her face "Is everything alright?"

Chris sighed as he placed his forehead against the punching bag "Not really," he admitted "Just lingering self blame about Kira and Ryu."

Flay frowned in concern "You couldn't do anything about it," she reassured placing a hand on his shoulder "You did everything you could, more than what anyone asked of you."

"But I should have been able to do more!" He shouted in protest "I don't know how but I should have been able to do more!"

Flay sighed and proceeded to shock the Coordinator and everyone else in the room by slapping his harshly across the cheek "Get over yourself," she ordered harshly "You are a Coordinator yes, but you are not Superhuman, you can't save everyone, besides, they did what they felt, they believed they needed to do, and this is how you honor their last wishes? By blaming yourself?"

Chris stared at her in surprise and looked down in shame "I, I never thought about that," he admitted softly "I was so wrapped up in trying to figure out what I could've done I forgot about what they wanted done."

Flay smiled and hugged the teen "Just relax a bit Chris," she advised "You are plenty skilled, but sometimes, you have to accept the fact that you can't save everyone, no more than can you travel through time. Besides, it's like Jordan said. Maybe, just maybe they could me alive out there."

"Thanks." Chris whispered gratefully as he gently returned the hug before separating with a sigh "I best get back to my duties, see ya around, and thanks again Flay."

Flay merely smiled and nodded at him and watched him leave the room with an odd expression on her face 'What is it I'm feeling around him?' She asked herself 'Am I falling for him?' Flay sighed in frustration and headed out to complete her own shift 'Maybe I'll talk to Amy or Liz about this later.'

Lesseps

"DaCosta here sir," said DaCosta as he knocked on the door of the commander's room aboard the Lesseps. "I am entering, sir." As he said that, the door opened, and stepped through.

To see the legendary Desert Tiger leaned over on his desk, staring intently at a fresh brew of coffee he was mixing. The aroma was thick enough that DaCosta momentarily covered his mouth.

"Commander, what do you say we ventilate this room?" he asked.

"It was that urgent you had to barge in here and tell me," said Andy, acting as though DaCosta's 'suggestion' was why he was there.

"Lo… no sir," said DaCosta. "That's not why I…" DaCosta suppressed a sigh as Waltfield poured the new brew into a mug. "Preparations for sortie completed, sir."

Andrew sniffed the coffee. "Alrighty," he said. "I was really hoping we wouldn't have to resort to these drastic measures. But… guess it can't be helped." Andy took a sip of coffee.

"Mmm…" he murmured "Ah, this is good."

Meanwhile

In the Saberwing II

Graham and walked into the hanger of the Saberwing, and they were shocked that it was very similar to the hanger of the Archangel, if not exactly the same.

Placed in their respective racks were Calista's GINN, John's GuAIZ, Jack's CGUE, Jordan's 'Silver Frame', and Jade's Specter. There was also a silver Work GINN as well.

"Well, they definitely have the guns to put up a fight." Graham commented, and Hikari nodded.

"SHIT! WATCH OUT!" a woman's voice shouted. Graham's eyes darted up as another Work GINN carrying a large crate with its hands accidentally dropped its load. Reacting quickly, Graham pushed Hikari away, and the crate landed on the ground making an echoing 'BAM' through the hanger.

"Hikari! Are you alright?" Graham asked.

"Y-ya…I guess." Hikari said, blushing. Graham then noticed that in pushing her out of the way, they were now practically nose-to-nose with each other's faces, gaining a blush from both of them. Graham quickly stood up; helping Hikari up as well as the pilot of the GINN disembarked and ran up towards them. "Shit, I am so sorry about that!" She said. "My suit's arms have been acting weird all day, and I didn't see you two down here."

"It's alright." Hikari reassured. "No one got hurt, right?"

"Ya, true…" The pilot said. She was 21 and stood at 5'9" with black mid-back length hair and silver eyes, and was definitely athletic. She was wearing an orange mechanic jumpsuit. "By the way, Name's Deborah Marks, but everyone calls me Ratchet. Who are you?"

"I'm Graham Aker, I pilot the Aviator." Graham said.

"I'm Hikari Sierra, pilot of the Phoenix." Hikari said. Ratchet nodded. "So you pilot the brother unit of the Specter?" she asked.

"Ya, I guess." Hikari said as she looked at the Specter. "By the way, why is this suit so similar to the Phoenix anyway?"

"Simple, it was based off of its old schematics we found from an abandoned E.A base Terminal came across." Ratchet answered. "Before the G-Weapons were thought up, the E.A wanted an All-purpose mobile suit. A unit that can operate in land, space, sea, and air. The Phoenix was made for that, but when the G-Project was starting up, the project was pretty much abandoned. However Terminal saw the potential in it, and used captured data from the Phoenix Series, and added some stealth Tech onto it, and gave it a more sleek design. Hence the Specter was born. And it fit's Jade's fighting style perfectly."

Hikari nodded in approval. "Is there any way to give this Stealth Tech to my Phoenix?" she asked.

"Sure!" Ratchet said. "Thought the external design is different, there are not too many differences from the Phoenix and Specter. I'll have Pop's help you out with that."

"Pops?" Graham asked.

"Pop's is the chief mechanic here." Ratchet answered. "In fact, here he comes now." She then gestured to a 52 year old man, with a short black beard, a bald head, and blue eyes. He was wearing a black utility suit. "Ratchet what was that!" he shouted as he approached them. "Didn't I tell you to be careful with those?"

"Sorry, Chief." Ratchet said as she sheepishly scratched the back of her head. "It was an accident."

Pops sighed. "Well, at least no one got hurt." He said, and then he faced the others. "I don't recall seeing you two before."

"They're from that E.A ship John and the others rescued," Ratchet said. "Their names are Hikari and Graham." Pops nodded. "Well, nice to meet you two." He said. "The name's Peter Beagle. But everyone here calls me Pops."

"Nice to meet you, Pops." Hikari said, while Graham frowned. "Have we met somewhere before?" he asked. "Cause you look awfully familiar."

"I get that a lot." Pops said, shrugging. Though she was still unconvinced, she just let it slide. "Well, since your new here, Might as well give ya the grand tour of the Saberwing II."

"What happened to Saberwing I?" Hikari asked.

"Damaged beyond Repair." Ratchet answered. "We just salvaged what we could, and strapped it onto the II."

Medical Room

"First, we have the Med-lab." Pops said as they entered the Medical room. It was rather empty which was a good sign, with the exception of a young 18 year old girl. Stood about as tall as Hikari was, had crimson red hair with deep violet eyes that reminded her of her sister, only without the red tinting. She was typing away on a Laptop. She looked up from it for a moment, and smiled.

"Ah, hey Pops, Ratchet." The girl said, standing up. "Who are they?"

"They're from that ship that landed here, the Archangel." Ratchet answered. "Doc, meet Graham Aker, and Hikari Sierra. Guys, meet Allana Fortier. Or Doc for short. She's our medical expert."

"It's nice to meet you."Hikari said. Graham nodded.

Doc Smiled. "Nice to meet you too," She said. "But if you excuse me, I got some work to do guys." She sat back down, and started back onto her Computer. The four then left her in peace.

Later

Bridge

After exploring most of the ship, their tour ended as they reached the bridge "And finally, the bridge." Ratchet said.

"Wow, it's pretty much identical to the Archangel's…" Hikari said, and Graham nodded in agreement.

"So, are they some of the new arrivals?" asked one of the bridge occupants in the Captain's seat. She was about as tall as John was, if not a little shorter, with long, curly brown hair, and brown eyes.

"Yes Ma'am." Ratchet said. "Graham, Hikari, this is our Tactical Forecaster and first Officer Leesa Kujo." Leesa just waved them off as she drank from a flask. "Eh, just Kujo will be fine." She said.

"Ma'am, how many times do I have to repeat myself, we don't drink on the bridge!" Said the 18 year old male manning the CIC. He was slightly scrawny but still had some muscle to him, and rusty red jaw length hair with amber colored eyes.

"We're not in a combat situation, so stow it Brain." Kujo replied.

'Brain' just sighed. "You'd best let them be, Brain." Said a female voice next to him, a 21 year old girl with should light brown hair, and brown eyes, and wearing an orange shirt with dark green cargo shorts, and brown fingerless gloves as she typed away on her terminal. "We remember what happened last-time someone tried to take her alcohol away."

"And you'd best remember, too." Kujo said firmly, causing the two too shiver.

"Those two are Fred 'Brain' Nelson, and Yumi Nakomi. They're our Electronic Warfare and Communications specialists." Ratchet said. "Anyways, also here is our ship pilot/Weapons specialist Fredric Slegier, or Tank as we call him." A 6'7 Giant that had a massive muscular build, blond military style hair and grey eyes, and wearing a Black/White terminal uniform gave them a quick peace sign. "Sup." He said.

"I can only wonder why you're Called Tank." Graham commented causing Tank to laugh like the heavy from TF2. "Ah, I get that a lot." Tank said.

"So, this is your whole team?" Hikari asked. Ratchet nodded. "Yup, that's everyone." She said.

"We use to have more than this," Pops said. "But a lot of our guys went to Terminal when we got onto the Saberwing II. They said they would meet back up with us at Orb."

"Why Orb?" Hikari asked.

"Orb is where one of our 'Safe Havens' is." Pops answered. "In fact, we've done quite a few missions for Orb in the past."

"Orb may not be able to intervene in the War, but we can." Kujo said. "Don't you just love Loop-holes?"

Meanwhile

Flay walked down the halls of the Archangel, as she made her way towards Jordan and Amy's Room. The Captain wanted both Matthew and Jordan present when they spoke with the Desert Dawn Leaders and the Saber Team members.

When she approached the room, she was about to knock…but then she heard a pair of loud moaning sounds.

Flay took a step back for a moment, beginning to blush furiously, she then shook her head, and knocked on the door.

She heard a series of curses coming from Jordan and Amy. "Who is it?" Jordan shouted, Flay could hear the anger in his voice.

"Um…Flay." She said a little nervous now. "That Captain wants you and Matthew to participate in the briefing with the Desert Dawn and the Saber Team Merc's."

Flay could hear Jordan growl. "We'll finish this later." She could hear him say. About a minute passed, and Jordan then stepped out of the room. "Alright, let's get this over with." He muttered as he started walking down the hall.

Flay took a quick peek into their room, and noticed Amy was in there…half naked in their bed, causing Flay's Blush to return as she started walking down the opposite side of the Hallway.

Desert Dawn Planning Room

"This is our frontline base. Our homes are in the towns," said Sahib "At least, if they haven't been burned to the ground. Tatsil, Moula, and even as far as Banadiya. Our group is all volunteers, expect for the Saber Team, who are Mercenaries we found and hired."

"Not really just for Hire," Calista said. "We're just evening the odds, is all."

Sahib nodded, pouring a cup of coffee. "Coffee?"

John took a sip of coffee and immediately spat it out on the ground. "Okay… Who made this swill?" said John in annoyance. "If you can't make a decent cup of coffee, then don't even bother making it."

John immediately poured the pot of coffee on the ground and started making a fresh pot.

Sahib shook his head. "You'll have to forgive Mr. Cypher. He's an excellent strategist. But he has an eccentric love of coffee."

"Hey there's nothing wrong with wanting a good cup of coffee in the morning." John said.

"You average a dozen cups a day."

"Okay… There's nothing wrong with wanting a good cup of coffee in the morning, afternoon and evening."

"You haven't changed a bit, John." Mu said.

John took a moment, and looked at Jordan and Matthew. "Say, who are you two anyways?" he asked. "You look familiar."

"I'm Jordan Takeo." Jordan answered. "And this is my Brother, Matthew." John then smiled. "Ah, so you're related to Alen Takeo, then?" This drew attention as Matthew and Jordan's eyes went wide. "Y-you knew out Father?" Jordan asked.

"Knew him? Hell, He was my squad lead!" John said. "He was like a Brother to me and the rest of Galm Team."

"Galm Team?" Matthew asked for confirmation. "Our Dad…was the leader…of THE Galm Team? The famous Mercenary squad in the world?" John chuckled a bit. "Yup, he was the White Devil after all." He said. "He tough me, Pixy, and P.J everything we know about piloting Mobile suits. For quite a while we stuck together until he got called away to Mendel with his Wife, Gineta. By the way, how is your Mom, anyway?" He instantly regretted asking that seeing the sorrowful expressions on their faces. "She's…dead." Jordan said. "She got killed during the attack on Heliopolis."

John sighed heavily. "I'm…sorry to hear that." He said. "I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."

"No, it's fine." Jordan said. "Besides, both I and my brother cants stand pity." John smiled. "Looks like the apples don't fall far from the tree." He said.

"So what's her name?" said Mu, motioning to the blond girl.

"We call her the Goddess of Victory." Sahib said.

"And I call the Overemotional Goddess," said John.

The blond let out an annoyed growl and threw an empty coffee cup at him. John merely sidestepped it, intent on the coffee.

"See," he said. "Overemotional." Jordan and Matthew both barked a laugh.

The girl scowled and left the room.

"Okay…" said Mu "But that doesn't answer my question. What's her name?"

"Cagalli Yula," said John. Jordan's head snapped up, staring at him.

Okay… that can't be a coincidence, I'm sure of it.

"While this area may be under the domination of ZAFT, it's not like they have enough forces can control the entire desert," said Sahib. "Yet only three days ago ZAFT conquered the Victoria Base. Since then, they've extended their control over the area."

"Did you say Victoria?" asked Natarle. Jordan's breath hitched. That would leave Panama as the Earth Forces only remaining spaceport, and in turn, put Orb in greater danger.

"Hmm," murmured Sahib. "The African Community of this area has traditionally sided with the PLANTs. The lower region, the South African Union resisted as best they could. But in the end, the Earth Forces still abandoned them anyway." Sahib heaved a slight sigh. "Everyday, the frontlines are being pushed back, farther and farther."

"But that hasn't stopped you guys, now has it?" said Mu.

Sahib took a long hard stare at him. "As we see it, ZAFT and the Earth Forces are no different. They both come to gain control and take away what is ours."

"Something we agree on," said Matthew, drawing a stare from the others. "When you look at the whole, you can never really have a good opinion of any large military organization."

"That's true," said Mu. Murrue gave the smallest nod of agreement, while Natarle remained quiet, unsure whether to add her own agreement or object to Matthew's statement.

"How well does that ship of yours' fare in Earth's atmosphere?" asked John, pouring a cup of coffee. "Anyone else want some coffee?"

Murrue, and Natarle, declined. Mu, Matthew and Jordan took a cup.

"It can't fly at high altitudes," admitted Natarle.

"If it can't fly over a mountain range, then your other option is to try to break through the Gibraltar Base, we have the same problem with the Saberwing." said Sahib. Jordan snorted.

"Oh come on!" he said. "There's got to be a better option than going and committing suicide!"

"Well, there is another way," said John, taking a sip of his coffee. "But it's potentially as dangerous as Gibraltar."

"And what would that option be?" asked Murrue.

"You could take the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, and then over to the Pacific Ocean," explained Sahib.

"But, there's one critical obstacle in your path," said John.

"That would be?" asked Mu. John smirked dangerously.

"The Desert Tiger."

Meanwhile

Darknal walked through the base of the Desert Dawn. Though he had seen many images of bases like this in old war books, and such, he never would have thought he'd see the real thing in person.

There seemed to be a few families that also lived in the base, living in make-shift tents, and surrounding camp fires, women holding their children, and such.

He then noticed two of the members of Saber team around one of the Campfires. Jake Ranger and Calista Shae if he remembered. In between them was a 12-13 year old young boy who was resting his head on Calista's lap.

"Is this spot taken?" Darknal asked as he approached the two. They looked up, and shook their heads no. Nodding, Darknal took a seat next to the fire.

"So, you're the pilot of that Custom GINN?" Jake asked, and Darknal nodded. "Ya, I call it the GINN sniper custom…well, for now at least." He said.

"I'll admit, it's a fine machine." Calista said, almost as a whisper not trying to wake up the boy in her lap. "I was thinking of making similar upgrades to my own GINN so it could fly a lot better than it does now."

Darknal nodded. "So, who's the kid?" he asked, gesturing to the child.

"He's an Orphan." Calista answered. "His Parents were killed by Zaft a few weeks ago. We found him, and we've been taking care of him. You could say we've practically adopted him." Jake chuckled a bit. "He's already starting to call me and Calista Mommy and Daddy." He said.

"I see…" Darknal said. "I know how he feels."

"Huh?" Calista asked.

"I know what it's like to lose family." Darknal said. "When I was 12 me and my brother's parents and our little sister were killed in a Blue Cosmos Terrorist attack. The Orb Bombing of the shopping district."

"I'm…sorry to hear that." Calista said. "I wish I could say I knew too, but I really don't remember my family."

"She was an Orphan for most of her life." Jake answered. "She never got to know her real parents."

"The Orphanage was caught in the crossfire in a battle between Zaft and the E.A, and I lived on my own for a while until, well until I met Jake and the rest of Saber team." She smiled as she looked at Jake, who smiled back. "We've been together ever since. I was actually one of their first recruits besides Jake and John."

Darknal smiled a bit, and nodded. "So, what's the Kid's name?" he asked, pointing at the child.

"He said his Name is Soran." Calista answered. "Soran Ibrahim."

Outside Tatsil

"The whole town is asleep sir," said DaCosta.

"There are some who would put them to sleep permanently," said Waltfield. "There are those who like that approach. Not me. We'll give them a warning first then attack fifteen minutes later." He turned to look at DaCosta. "Well, go on. Warn them."

"Sir." said DaCosta, getting into another jeep.

The jeep sped off for the town.

Eighteen Minutes Later

Most of the kids from Heliopolis were all gathered around one of the many campfires in the rebel base, eating and taking amongst themselves.

"Things were certainly taken a strange turn," said Sai. "Who would have thought that we would end up in a rebel camp of all places?"

"It's better than being alone the desert with only ZAFT Forces for company," said Liz.

"True," said Sai. "But it's still pretty strange."

"Well, strange things happen," said Chris.

"Hey, where's Jordan and Amy anyways?" asked Matthew. "John said they were out here with the rest of you."

Liz shrugged. "Amy said there was something she needed to do a little while ago. Who knows?"

However, Hikari noticed Flay blushed a bit. "Flay, you alright?"

"I…think I know where they are…" she said, blushing as she spoke.

"Flay, what are you talking about?" Hikari asked.

"Well…when-"

"The sky! It's burning!" someone shouted suddenly, interrupting Flay and drawing everyone's attention.

"It's coming from Tatsil!" shouted another guerilla. Standing up, the kids saw that the sky was, indeed, lit up brightly in one direction, and sudden fear gripped all of them—none more so than Flay, who easily the most fragile amongst them.

Ending Theme: 'Unlimited Sky' by Tommy Heaveny6

Link: http : / www . youtube . com / watch?v=QhDlnWE9qCQ

Ship Name: Saber Wing II
Unit Type:
Cornelius-Class Salvage/Tender ship
Special Equipment:
Manipulator arms
Armament:
2 x 'Lohengrin' Positron Blaster Cannons; 2 x 'Valiant Mk.8' 110mm Linear Cannons; 6 x "Igelstellung" 75mm Automatic Multi-barrel CIWS; 2 x 6-tubed anti-air/ship missile launcher
Crew:

John Cypher (M.S Pilot, Captain)

Drake Connor (M.S Pilot)

Peter N. Beagle (Chief Mechanic/Engineer, M.S Pilot)

Jake Ranger (M.S Pilot, Second in Command)

Calista Shae (M.S Pilot)

Jade Hisanaga (M.S Pilot)

Yumi Nakomi (Communications)

Fredric 'Tank' Siegler (Weapons Operator/Pilot)

Fred 'Brain' Nelson (Electronic Warfare Specialist)

Leesa Kujo (Tactical Forecaster)

Allana 'Doc' Fortier (Medical Officer)

Deborah 'Ratchet' Marks (Engineer, MS Pilot)

Mobile Weapons:

1 x MBF-P04 Astray Silver Frame

1 x ZGMF-1017 'Works GINN Pops Custom'

1 x ZGMF-1017 'Works GINN Ratchet Custom'

1 x ZGMF-515 'CGUE Jake Ranger Custom'

1 x ZGMF-600 'GuAIZ John Cypher Custom'

1 x ZGMF-1017M 'GINN High Maneuver Type Calista Shae Custom'

1 x TVMF-01 'Specter Jade Hisanaga Custom'

3 x Mistrials
Color:
Tan brown with orange trimming
Info:
After the near destruction of the first Saberwing, in the Heliopolis debris belt they found two Cornelius-class tender ships. Since they only needed one of them, they kept one and renamed it 'the Saberwing II' while they sold the second one. Later that one would soon become the ReHOME