A/n
Okay, I know that this Phase is on the longer end of the length spectrum, but when I originally started outlining what I wanted this Phase covered, there was more. There came a point that I just decided to split the subject matter into two Phases, may be more. Second there is a reason that the starting date is a lot farther ahead from where it was last Phase. I'll explain it at the end and my decision why I have jumped as far head as I have. Other than saying I own nothing from the Gundam Universe, only my characters and musings, on with the show!
Phase 21: An Uncomfortable Reunion
July 3rd, 71 C.E.
-Neutral pov-
Ptolemaeus Lunar Base
The feeling that pervaded over the Alliance's moon headquarters had changed quite a bit over the last five weeks. After what had happened at JOSH-A, there had been a mix of increased morale at the losses that ZAFT had incurred, and for some, pain from those who gave their lives there. Then, came the news of the battle of Panama and the destruction of its mass driver, which had caused lots of worry. The loss of the only mass driver the Alliance controlled, had been a harsh blow and supplies had been rationed out as a result.
The mixed messages that had started coming from their allies on Earth, had been confusing to the general personnel at Ptolemaeus base. The clear point was that their allies were trying to acquire a mass driver to get the supply line back and running, but other than that, not much else could be determined. Then, when the reports of Victoria being retaken came, that had brought relief and hope that this war could end with victory for the Alliance.
However, the view drastically changed when the report of the of a patrol finding what they identified as the remains of the fifth orbital fleet. Like was standard with any of the orbital fleets, it had been made up of more than thirty ships, thirty-six to be exact. Yet, by what the patrol had come across, all thirty-six ships had been destroyed. And after they had investigated, evidence strongly suggested that the Federation Military was responsible and that didn't make any sense to those in command at Lunar HQ. The type of damage and other signs that were seen, the fifth orbital fleet had been wiped out, likely in a short period of time. And since there had been no distress call from any of the ships in the fleet, it was assumed that none had the time to do so.
The Earth Forces had feared that should they go against the Federation military, they would take serious losses. It was the reason they had left them alone while they were battling ZAFT. So, reasons as to why the Federation would attack the Alliance suddenly, none could say. Messages were sent to the Federation for them to stop, for the destruction of their orbital fleets so quickly that no distress calls could be sent out, it was as embarrassing as it was frightening! However, the response that had come back, shocked most if not all commanding officers. The message from the Federation had simply been that due to the recent actions of the Alliance forces, the Earth Forces had declared war on the Human Federation. What made this message more clear and harsh, was ships that were a part of the third orbital fleet, found the wreckage of the fourth fleet a few days later.
Rumors of the message from the Federation military spread through the base and guesses as to what was implied by 'recent acts of the Alliance forces' quickly followed. Natarle Badgiruel found that what was being said, to be seriously worrying and confused her for several reasons, didn't do anything to help her mood, which was low after coming up to Lunar HQ. After reading the reports of what happened at JOSH-A, it had hurt Natarle badly, so many lives lost there. Nothing had been heard about the Archangel, though there were rumors that some of the defending forces had escaped somehow, but nothing else. Then with the Federation not just attacking orbital fleets, but eliminating them in next to no time for no visible reason was scary to comprehend!
Granted, Natarle had heard stories and read some of the report of the instances that the Earth Forces had gone against the Federation military. None of the files she'd read or heard had gone well for the Alliance. However, the Federation's stance of neutrality had kept things on at least non-violent terms with the Federation for the Alliance. So, the question of course, was what had changed that? There had been nothing from their allies on Earth that would suggest anything that would prod the Federation into these actions.
When the call for Natarle to report to the commanding officer in charge here at Lunar HQ, which was in Admiral Maes office. She promptly headed to the man's office, hoping that she might also get some answers to the hanging questions. Upon arriving, Natarle saluted her superior officer and waited to be addressed.
"Lieutenant Badgiruel, thank you for coming so promptly," greeted Admiral Maes.
"Not at all sir, what can I do for you?" Asked Natarle.
The man picked up a folder from his desk, "You're being assigned to the Archangel-class Dominion as its captain, as such, you are being promoted to Lieutenant Commander. In this folder are the files of those who will make up the ship's crew, they have been picked on the recommendations of creditable officers."
Admiral Maes handed the collection of personnel files over to Natarle, "I'm honored that I would be selected for the post sir. However, as good as these people are said to be by others, I will reserve judgement for when we go through a couple of simulations. Only then will I decide whether I can count on them on the battlefield, no offense intended Admiral," she stated.
Maes nodded, "That is completely understandable Lieutenant, getting to know the capabilities of those who are part of your crew is a good habit to have. I see you've inherited that qualities from your Father, Commander Badgiruel. He also would take the time to observe and test all of his crew members before accepting command over them and I respect that. I happened to have had the opportunity and good fortune to work with him," he replied.
"Thank you Admiral, that means a lot to be told that I'm like my father, he was the reason I joined the Earth Forces." Natarle paused and then decided to ask the questions that had been weighing on her, "Admiral, if I may ask a question sir."
Admiral Maes gestured for Natarle to go on, "Has there been any reason determined, for the actions of the Federation military against the orbital fleets?" She inquired.
The man's gaze fell slightly, "I wish I had an answer to that question Lieutenant, I really do. None of us here have been able to come up with anything other than, something happening on Earth that we don't know about yet. Orders have been sent to all the remaining Orbital Fleets, to be on guard and avoid encounters with Federation forces," he returned.
Natarle left the office, still confused as to what was going on within the Alliance. She didn't doubt the reasons the Alliance had for fighting in this war, but some of the methods were extreme and could be done far better. Things had been so much simpler and easier to understand, back when she had been with others, working on the first Archangel.
She headed to the docking area, and stared at the 'Dominion' the second Archangel-class vessel the Alliance had constructed and put into service. The major difference between the Dominion and the Archangel, was the Dominion was black overall and the Archangel was white. Natarle then began the process of transferring her personal things to the captain's quarters of the Dominion. The quarters felt somewhat alien to her, since she had occupied the vice captain's quarters while on the Archangel. Some of the final words that Murrue Ramius came time mind for Natarle, that her former captain believed she would make an excellent captain someday and here she was, a captain.
After settling in, Natarle headed to the bridge and found that a small number of officers were there. When they saw her exit the elevator, they all saluted her, Natarle returned the gesture and floated towards the captain's chair. She asked the ship's status and was told that the final adjustments were being made, and that they should be done within an hour. With the status of the vessel answered, Natarle began skimming over the personnel files.
When the Dominion was ready, it launched out of Ptolemaeus and came to the starting position that had been set for the practice exercise they had today. The scenario was one of the more up to date simulations the Alliance development sections had come up with. The enemy side was made up of two Nazca-classes and two Laurasia-class. No mobile suits were in this scenario, but four against two would make this realistic enough. The Dominion had one Drake-class supporting them, but that was all.
Natarle ordered the offensive and defensive systems on and prepare for combat. She noted the poor reaction time that the bridge operators had and it worried her. Inexperience in whatever they did was one thing, but this was not a time to have it come out. The ZAFT vessels let loose a barrage of their weapons, the beams were disbursed by the anti-beam depth charges. However, the missile interception wasn't happening quickly enough and Natarle could see that some of them would strike the Dominion if that didn't change now. "Counter-measure station, what are you doing?! Speed up the missile interception now!" ordered Natarle.
There was scrambling down in the CIC, but an alarm a few seconds later, signaled the end of the exercise. The Dominion had been destroyed by the ZAFT forces and had failed the simulation. Natarle wasn't happy at that result, but she knew that snapping at the crew here wouldn't help much. She sunk back into her chair, "Congratulations everyone, if this had been an actual battle, all of us would be dead. Let this be a lesson on the need to know your station better and as soon as possible," stated Natarle disappointedly, then she sighed. "Helm, bring us back to dock, once there you are all dismissed. Please learn your jobs and practice them so that this kind of thing doesn't happen the next time."
Admiral Maes had mentioned that the crew on this ship had been picked to be good and experienced personnel. Yet, from what Natarle had just seen, they hadn't taken the time to explore the stations they were to operate or to know each other at all. This crew might as well be a fresh new crew for what they could do was not much better. That would need to change before they entered real combat, or they wouldn't make it through the first fight.
-Line Break-
Capitol Building, Shira, The Republic
The room for the press would meet in within the Republic's capitol building was packed with news reporters from all major media network and others operating cameras. Many were wondering why they had been invited here, for all that had been said was there would be a momentous broadcast made by the Prime Minister herself. For most of the reporters, that reason was enough to get their attention as it was rare for the leader of the Republic to do such a thing. On the few instances she had, the event had been indeed ones of distinguished note and if this one was going to be similar, then none of them wanted to miss it!
Behind the scenes, there were people, including members of the Federation military, that were preparing to send the broadcast out. The broadcast was going to be sent on every single communication channel possible, private and public, on as many transmission frequencies as could be managed. The purpose of this broadcast was to deliver a message to as many human beings as possible and with the assistance of the Federation, this message would reach all members of humanity as was possible regardless where they were or what means they had of communications.
When the press secretary came out and stood in front of the lectern and looked over the crowd, those in the room settled down and became quiet. The man was in a business suit, and after the signal that the broadcast was being transmitted, he spoke. "Thank you all for coming to this presentation, your time that you spend here will not be wasted," snaps of cameras were heard as the greeting was given by the man. The man bowed and gestured to his right, "And now without further ado, the Prime Minister of the Republic of East Asia, Ellen Blass."
There were applause as Ellen came out into the open and walked towards the lectern. Questions began to be asked by the reporters the very second that Ellen came onto the stage, yet she didn't answer them as her Press Secretary moved aside for her, offering use of the lectern. Ellen took the lectern and faced the reporters, "As my press secretary said to you all, thank you for taking the time coming here. I invited you all here for an address I will make to you, the world and to those in space, both on the moon and living in colonies. Once the address is done, then I will take questions that I would not doubt you will have, so please hold them until then."
All the reporters focused their attention on Ellen, not wanting to miss anything she might say now. Ellen took a breath, taking one look to one of those working to broadcast this event, and was given the thumbs up. After seeing that, Ellen began, "To all who are hearing or viewing this broadcast right now, my name is Ellen Blass and I'm the current leader of the Republic of East Asia, one of the member nations of the Human Federation. I make this address, in the hope it will assist all of those who can make a difference come to see reason and save the lives that haven't been lost already. Every human being has either seen or experienced the chaos and violence around us in some way, which comes from the conflict that rages today."
Ellen gazed out on the reporters in the room, "The war between the Earth Alliance and the Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty or ZAFT as it's also called, has been ongoing on officially for five years as of February fourteenth of this year and longer than that unofficially. Neither side has shown any intent or inkling to end this war in the near future in any way, shape or form. Leaders from both sides have made all sorts of promises for an end to this conflict and yet, none have provided anything of the sort, all they have brought is a continuation of the fighting. However, I'm not here to justify any of them, nor what they work for. None of them have shown that they care about those who die in their battles, whether they are soldiers or just happened to be around the fighting."
She paused for a breath before continuing, "This war known as the First Alliance-PLANT war, was brought about because of the hatred of some of those that are viewed as different from others around them. Due to this current conflict, that hatred and fear has spread and fuel the flames of war and destruction. People that wish to live in peace are driven from their homes, fearing for their lives because of this. Places of peace and safety are attacked when they refuse to participate and take a side in this conflict. Or else they are deemed as an 'enemy' of the attackers if the demand of participation is refused."
Ellen picked up a paper from the folder that she had carried in with her, it was the first page of the ultimatum from the Atlantic Federation and showed it to the crowd. "If any wish for an example of such a thing, in my hand is a page of the message that was sent to the Republic before the nation itself came under attack by the Earth Forces. Other member nations of the Federation received similar a form of communication before being assaulted by the military forces of the Earth Alliance. Each occurrence came because none of the nations agreed to the demands from the Alliance to join them in their battle against ZAFT and the PLANTs."
Ellen then, out down the page, "In the words of the senders in reference to their view of the Human Federation, they stated such 'has shown itself to not have the interests of the human species at heart as shown by their actions. The Human Federation's actions are unacceptable and so, the group is denounced as an official group by the Earth Alliance as a whole.' The Claim is asserted even with historical records showing clearly, that the Alliance has recognized the Human Federation as an autonomous faction from any others formed. Then, the senders' demands were akin to the terms of surrender or else be considered an enemy of them."
Some of the reporters gasped and other muttered at hearing what the Earth Alliance had done as well as some denials of the claim. Ellen ignored the reaction and kept going, "That is what kind of actions have become commonplace from this war and none of it has done anything of value or good for any part of the human race. It only has and will take away; destroy and ruin the places we call home and that which one holds dear. And if there are no changes made, then more and more will be taken. This war has stolen many people's lives before their time already and more will follow if humanity accepts this war as it is or at all."
Quiet mutterings floated around the room, and yet still, Ellen kept going with what she wanted to convey. "Many of you viewing and listening right now, understand what I speak of, the pain of knowing loved ones will not be coming home or back to you ever again. It is you, who are glossed over by the ones who insist on keeping this war and the hatred that fuels it, going, I speak to now. To you women that are wives, now in the depths of sorrow being without your husbands because their lives were taken by this war, give heed. To all you men that are husbands, grieving for your lost wives, whether you do so in view of others or when no one sees you, I urge you to listen. To all the children, who don't see one, or perhaps both of their parents any more, even if you are too young to understand why they can't come home to you, lend me your ears. And to all of those, who weep and pine for those who presence is missing because their lives were taken, do not shut out this message. None of you are alone in this horrible pain that is torturing you, for I myself know of the same pain as you feel. I too, have lost some dear to me due to this conflict and wish that they were still alive and with me right now."
Ellen took a calming breath and wiped her eyes at recalling her dear husband and cheerful daughter who had died because of this war. Even if she didn't normally show how much she missed them both, Ellen truly missed her daughter Lana along with her husband, best friend and closest companion, Lance. "I stand here before you today to tell you all that there is still hope for peace and an end to this conflict. It requires that all of us rise up, open our eyes to the truth that others hide and stand together refusing things as they stand right now. That's the first step to end this conflict and stop the loss of lives that is happening a daily basis! These horrible events that take loved ones away can and must be stopped, all the lives lost at Victoria and Panama never have to happen again elsewhere as some shout they must, none of those there were necessary casualties of war nor are any lives, no matter what type of human one is. If the war between the Earth Forces and ZAFT is allowed to continue, then it will not just lead to even more destruction, but to another Bloody Valentine Incident and further, it will take the future from us all!"
The gasping and muttering from what Ellen had said before had ceased and all were paying focused attention to her now. Microphones were pointing at her and many had recording devices running to catch every word. "Today, all will know the truth of what happened at that PLANT type colony, Junius Seven, I will make sure of that. The Bloody Valentine Incident is an event that all know by now, but parts of the account of what happened there and the results, are lies that have been spread since its occurrence. Both people within the Alliance and its military, along with the PLANTs and ZAFT, have tried to hide truths about the colony for different reason, but all of that ends today!" she stated with firmness.
Complete silence hung in the room, as all waited to hear what would be said next. Ellen continued. "It is fact that a missile bearing a nuclear warhead struck Junius Seven, bringing about the destruction of the colony. Close to a quarter of a million people followed the colony with the deaths, those facts are true. However, what the public does not know, is that between a third to half of that population were made up of Natural type human being."
The voices of reporters rose, questions about Ellen's statement being the subject of inquiry. Ellen waited for the crowd to quiet down, before she continued, "The reason this fact is unknown or denied, is because a number of individuals and groups don't wish this truth to be known. For some of them, the fact would have them facing criminal charges before now, while others don't want to admit what Natural type humans being on Junius Seven nor what it implies."
Ellen took a deep breath and then revealed what she had wanted to for years, "Junius Seven was not just an agricultural colony that was home to a large number of human beings, it was also a testing ground to see if Coordinator type and Natural type humans could live in peace and harmony together. The colony proved such a thing was easily possible, so much so that even Milliardo Peacecraft, the leader of the Earth Sphere before the Alliance was formed, was impressed and he was even encouraged by what he saw there. That man, who advocated peace was also on Junius Seven at the time of the nuclear strike took place. Whether that was by chance or by some design, all I can say at this time is that the Federation military is currently investigating it. On a more personal note, to those who would say I couldn't possibly know what it feels like to have lost someone in the Bloody Valentine, I can assure you that I do. My husband was at the colony, doing research that could and would have benefit both the colonies and Earth itself. My ten-year-old daughter was also there at the time and so, because of the hatred of a few towards Coordinators, they are dead, and I can never see them again."
There was silence akin to the silence of the grave and Ellen continued, "All the tragedies from the Blood Valentine to the battles that have happened in this war, none of it is the fault of the soldiers or pilots that fight in them, for they are following orders, some willingly, others unwillingly. Most of them are protecting their homes and what they hold dear to themselves and that is not wrong. The ones who are at fault for this war and what it has brought to us all, can be identified, regardless if they take responsibility for their actions or not. There is a phrase that most will have heard at least once by now, but I will change it slightly to promote understanding. The ones that ushered in this war and keep it going, are 'humankind's true enemy'."
Questions were raised at the last statement Ellen made by some of the reporters. Nevertheless, those who were asking them were quelled as Ellen continued, "I understand that more of an explanation is required so that it is understood, and others do not use my words to justify committing atrocities after this like others had done before now."
Ellen took a moment to gather her thoughts and then began her explanation "First, I will define those who would be considered 'humankind's true enemy'. They are those who use their hatred of others, as the sole reason for attacking and killing people, innocent or not. They are those who insist that war is the only way to settle standing disagreements and more, adamantly claiming there is no other solution no matter the evidence provided to the contrary. They are those, who use their war cries for blood to be spilled and see them as rallying calls for others to join them as well as justification for their terrible and unforgivable actions. They are those, who are more intent on pursuing their vendettas and fulfilling them, than seeking peace for all people. Those who see nothing wrong with using and abusing people, knowingly and unknowingly, then toss them away after they fail or don't provide a use or purpose for those that control them. They are those who promote this war and say it will only end when a whole part of humanity, whether it be Coordinator, Natural, Hybrid or any other form of human being is completely exterminated! Any who do one or more of the points I mentioned, are humankind's true enemy and are as demons dressed in human skin. They are the same as the most villainous individuals in our history, the same as Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler or Musade Muhlan, they used war to kill all they could. And those who are humankind's true enemy will be remembered in the exact same way as those horrible individuals! Like those villains, those who are humankind's true enemy, are not human beings, they are a creature that is less than any type of human is."
None in the room could find use of their voices after hearing the definition that Ellen gave of who it was that was responsible for the current war. So, Ellen kept going in wrapping up her message, "It is individuals and groups that are humankind's enemy need to be stood up against now more than ever. Humankind's true enemy uses fear, intimidation, lies and deception to force others to do the work for their intentions. They require others to fulfill their vendettas and ambitions, and only we can give them that power by listening and giving into them. Now is the time to stand together and stand against them, only doing that will be how this war will come to an end."
Ellen put her hands together, "So, I pled and urge all of you hearing my voice, for all you hold dear and for the future generations yet to come, show the courage within you that all human beings have, no matter what type you are. Use that courage and rise up against those who insist on destroying humanity in any way, they are the harbingers of death for the whole human race; Coordinator, Naturals, Hybrids and any other form of human. Humanity isn't made up of just a single form of humanity, not only Coordinators, just Naturals or Hybrids, but all of them together are humanity. I pray that this horrible, terrible conflict come to an end, so that the least there are still human beings living. Yet, it will take many of us to accomplish this task. No one is too small or beneath notice, everyone can make a difference and it is now, that such amazing potential that all human beings have, needs to be shown and used!"
When Ellen finished her message, reporters began talking over one another, trying to get their question answered first. Ellen took a breath a picked one of the reporters, knowing that this would be a long day with what she had started.
-Line Break-
Victoria Base, eastern African Community
It was a few days after the second battle at the Orb Union that the Alliance's 2nd seaborne fleet arrived at the retaken Victoria Base. Azrael's mood was not a happy one, with what had happened with Orb, he was infuriated, and his mood reflected it. In the end, Mina's suggestion to make a tactical retreat had been correct, if Athha has destroyed Orb's mass driver, then the effort put into getting where they were would have been wasted. Even with knowing those facts, that didn't mean that Azrael had liked it.
Once the Spengler-class had docked at the port, Azrael quickly exited the ship, not wanting to stay on board any longer with his mood. Mina had mentioned that she would take care of the six mobile suits and her candidates and that was fine by him. Azrael was quickly guided to the base's airfield where Captain Sutherland was waiting for him. They got on board an aircraft that would fly over the area of the base so that they could look over the results of the battle to retake Victoria.
As they flew over and took in the view, Azrael's mood improved at seeing how efficiently the base had been taken back in. Around seventy-five percent or a little more of the structures were in fair condition and most of all, the mass driver was in good working order. "I must say Captain Sutherland, very impressive work. Congratulations are in order for taking Victoria this much intact, very well done indeed," remarked Azrael.
Sutherland smiled a bit, "Not at all director. The Strike Daggers are a very well-made weapon and are matches against ZAFT's mobile suits. However, I have to admit, the Sinister, the Bandit and the Raptor did an amount of the work and helped speed the process up. Their pilots might be young, but they are good at getting results as Dr. Moss has claimed."
Azrael frown at hearing the last line, "It would've been nice to see that on my end," he muttered.
Sutherland grunted, "Where I would have been pleased for you if you had taken the Orb Union, as they're members of the Federation, going at them wasn't going to be easy. It's hard to admit, but the Federation has shown itself to be unpredictable and good at defying odds," Sutherland remarked.
The two discussed the recent Alliance operations, while the aircraft finished its tour and returned to the runway at Victoria, where upon exiting the plane, were greeted by Mina. Azrael stared at Mina, "Hope that things are ready on your end Mina."
"The three you had director, are doing better, they should be fine as long as they receive their maintenance on schedule consistently. If someone skips the drug doses for any reason, I guarantee nothing, keep that in mind. Those three are already moving their assigned suits to the transport that's going to go up to space as you requested," Mina stated. "Now, while you go up to space, I would prefer to stop by Lodonia while I'm this close and make sure things are going like they should be. Plus, adjustments with the mobile suits and candidates can be done better and quicker at the Lab anyway."
Azrael shrugged, "I don't see that as a problem, just don't take too long. I still expect to see you and those girls of yours up in space working Mina," he returned.
Mina bowed in understanding and left the two men and headed off. Azrael turned his attention back to captain Sutherland, "You said that the problems at Orb, the Republic and the Equatorial Union came from more the Federation end, care to elaborate on what you mean captain?"
Sutherland began talking about how the Federation had mobile suits, which the Alliance hadn't known until now. Then there was the possibility that the Federation member nations and the military got some of their technology from ZAFT and the PLANTs. The other point was that it was clear that the Federation nations had prepared for attacks. Then the discussion turned to some of the custom mobile suits that had been seen.
"The two machines from Orb, you can call me crazy, but I think those two suits were nuclear powered. That is the only way that I can think of that could power them and help them overpower other machines," Azrael remarked.
Sutherland gained an expression of shock, but then took a moment to consider the idea, "Nuclear powered? Well, if they come from the PLANTs, that wouldn't be all that surprising. They created the N-Jammers, so they could make a way around the devices. The Federation could also possibly have come up with those machines, their technology has always been slightly ahead of the Alliance and ZAFT most of the time."
"Is there any possibility that either or both could be captured?" asked Azrael.
Sutherland said it might be, but they would need more information. They both entered part of the base to discuss what would need to happen next. The shuttle transport would leave later today to head to the Ptolemaeus Lunar base and Azrael intended to be on board.
However, while waiting for the time that the shuttle would take off, Azrael came across a broadcast that made him pause. Irritation filled him as he saw the face of Ellen Blass, the "Dragon of the Republic" and one that caused issues with Azrael himself more than once. With her being the political leader of the Republic was one thing, but for her to be unwilling to cooperate in any way with the Alliance, had complicated plans.
"I make this address, in the hope it will assist all of those who can make a difference come to see reason and save the lives that haven't been lost already. Every human being has either seen or experienced the chaos and violence around us in some way, which comes from the conflict that rages today. The war between the Earth Alliance and the Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty or ZAFT as it's also called, has been ongoing on officially for five years as of February fourteenth of this year and longer than that unofficially. Neither side has shown any intent or inkling to end this war in the near future in any way, shape or form. Leaders from both sides have made all sorts of promises for an end to this conflict and yet, none have provided anything of the sort, all they have brought is a continuation of the fighting," began Ellen Blass.
The woman was a fool in Azrael's opinion, to speak of the chaos that the horrible Coordinators had brought about like it was any other's fault was deplorable! This war would only end when the PLANTs were destroyed, and all other Coordinators were hunted down and killed. That would be the only way this conflict would come to a close and any who said otherwise were fooling themselves.
Yet, Azrael kept watching this farce, and it became laughable to him quite quickly. Blass spoke of hatred and people fleeing their homes, pointless drivel really. The way that Ellen Blass had of speaking was different than many politicians, he admitted it, but it can get boring fairly fast. But, Azrael's attention was brought back as the Alliance was mentioned, "… the Human Federation, they stated such 'has shown itself to not have the interests of the human species at heart as shown by their actions. The Human Federation's actions are unacceptable and so, the group is denounced as an official group by the Earth Alliance as a whole.' The claim is asserted even with historical records showing clearly, that the Alliance has recognized the Human Federation as an autonomous faction from any others formed after the Earth Alliance was. Then, the senders' demands were akin to the terms of surrender or else be considered an enemy of them, which is in the end the same thing."
Azrael felt anger at hearing what Ellen Blass had said, for the blame of things to be put on the Alliance wasn't how things were supposed to go. Then, to use the words which had been in the demand sent to the Republic, the Equatorial Union and Orb, against the Alliance. It fed his anger at the denial of what was rightfully the Earth Alliance's to begin with! Azrael's fury grew as he listened to Blass give 'her message' to the masses and it was dangerous for those like Azrael himself. The ridiculous things that the woman brought up was more than annoying and were damaging to work that had been done thus far to boost morale within the Alliance.
"If the war between the Earth Forces and ZAFT is allowed to continue, then it will not just lead to even more destruction, but to another Bloody Valentine Incident and further, it will take the future from us all!" Ellen Blass was saying, to Azrael's displeasure and anger. "Today, all will know the truth of what happened at that PLANT type colony, Junius Seven, I will make sure of that. The Bloody Valentine Incident is known by all, but parts of the account of what happened there and the results, are lies that have been spread since its occurrence. Both people within the Alliance and its military, along with the PLANTs and ZAFT, have tried to hide truths about the colony for different reason, but all of that ends today!"
The last line the woman said, worried, frustrated and enraged Azrael in so many ways. For her to have brought up the one event that could influence so many, irked him. Then for her to even consider providing more facts of what had happened to Junius Seven would be very problematic! Yet, even with that being the case, the blasted woman Ellen Blass kept going, "It is fact that a missile bearing a nuclear warhead struck Junius Seven, bringing about the destruction of the colony. Close to a quarter of a million people followed the colony with their deaths, those facts are true. However, what the public does not know, is that between a third to half of the population there were made up of Natural type human being. The reason this fact is unknown or denied, is because a number of individuals and groups do not wish this truth to be known. For some of them, the fact would have them facing criminal charges before now, while others don't want to admit what Natural type humans being on Junius Seven nor what it implies."
Azrael wanted to strangle the woman so much right now, for her to dare to say that there had been Naturals on that colony, when lots of effort had been put in to dismissing that as false. But, things didn't stop there, no, Blass kept speaking of things that she shouldn't, "Junius Seven was not just an agricultural colony that was home to a large number of human beings, it was also a testing ground to see if Coordinator type and Natural type humans could live in peace and harmony together. The colony proved such a thing was easily possible, so much so that even Milliardo Peacecraft, the leader of the Earth Sphere and the former United Nations before the Alliance was formed was impressed and he was even encouraged by what he saw there."
To hear the mention of the man that had stood in the way for so long, served to anger Azrael a great deal more. Milliardo Peacecraft, a man that had the 'love of the people', and he had been insistent on peace with Coordinators being pursued. The failed attempt to kill him along with the rest of the fools in the United Nations body, was infuriating as he had been absent. But then the day Junius Seven had been destroyed had come and so many issues had gone away, the foremost being that Peacecraft had been erased. Yet here, the spirit of the cursed peace-loving man haunted Azrael! Peacecraft had been such a fool, explaining to him why Coordinators needed to be wiped out completely had been pointless in the end.
"That man, who advocated peace was also on Junius Seven at the time of the nuclear strike took place. Whether that was by chance or by some design, all I can say at this time is that the Federation military is currently investigating it. On a more personal note, to those who would say I couldn't possibly know what it feels like to have lost someone in the Bloody Valentine, I can assure you that I do. My husband was at the colony, doing research that could and would have benefit both the colonies and Earth itself. My ten-year-old daughter was also there at the time and so, because of the hatred of a few towards Coordinators, they are dead, and I can never see them again." Continued Blass.
The Federation military investigating into the Bloody Valentine Incident was bad news for Azrael himself and others. It could explain why a few individuals had disappeared over the last two years without trace. Still, to hear that Ellen Blass had lost loved ones in the nuclear strike, honestly, felt nice knowing he had helped get a shot in on the 'imperturbable politician' which Ellen Blass had shown herself to be over the years.
The woman didn't help her case as she claimed that the soldiers of both sides weren't at fault, just 'following orders'. This woman was whimsical, a painful annoyance one moment and then a sentimental fool the next. "The ones who are at fault for this war and what it has brought to us all, can be identified, regardless if they take responsibility for their actions or not. There is a phrase that most will have heard at least once by now, but I will change it slightly to promote understanding. The ones that ushered in this war and keep it going, are 'humankind's true enemy'."
Hearing that line, caught Azrael's attention, as much for coining 'mankind's enemy' from Blue Cosmos as the subject matter hinted at. And so, Azrael glared with sheer hatred at the leader of the Republic as she continued her 'address', "I understand that more of an explanation is required so that it is understood, and others do not use my words to justify committing atrocities after this like others had done before now. First, I will define those who would be considered 'humankind's true enemy'. They are those who use their hatred of others, as the sole reason for attacking and killing people, innocent or not. They are those who insist that war is the only way to settle standing disagreements and more, adamantly claiming there is no other solution no matter evidence provided proof to the contrary. They are those, who use their war cries for blood to be spilled and see them as rallying calls for others to join them as well as justification for their terrible and unforgivable actions. They are those, who are more intent on pursuing their vendettas and fulfilling them, than seeking peace for all people. Those who see nothing wrong with using and abusing people, knowingly and unknowingly, then toss them away after they fail or don't provide a use or purpose for those that control them. They are those who promote this war and say it will only end when a whole part of humanity, whether it be Coordinator, Natural, Hybrid or any other form of human being is completely exterminated! Any who do one or more of the points I mentioned, are humankind's true enemy and are as demons dressed in human skin. They are the same as the most villainous individuals in our history, the same as Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler or Musade Muhlan, they used war as a means of extermination of those they saw as their enemies. And those who are humankind's true enemy will be remembered in the exact same way as those horrible individuals! Like those villains, those who are humankind's true enemy, are not human beings, they are a creature that is less than any type of human is."
Azrael picked up the chair in the room and chucked it at the opposite wall in anger at Ellen Blass. She may not have said names, but that was the problem, for with her just describing what she had, actions of people, organizations or faction would be the judge. Blass had made sure that 'humankind's true enemy' was defined in a way that had no bias to use as a loophole or shove blame back on her at all! Her description could be applied to many, Blue Cosmos would be one that could fall into her definition easily.
The situation was made worse as Ellen Blass gave a call to arms against those she had defined. She ended her 'speech' with a plea, "So, I pled and urge all of you hearing my voice, for all you hold dear and for the future generations yet to come, show the courage within you that all human beings have, no matter what type you are. Use that courage and rise up against those who insist on destroying humanity in any way, they are the harbingers of death for the whole human race; Coordinator type, Natural type, Hybrids and any other form of human. Humanity isn't made up of just a single form of human, not only Coordinators, neither just Naturals nor Hybrids, but all of them together make up the human species and race. I pray that this horrible, terrible conflict come to an end, so that the least lives are lost. Yet, it will take many of us to accomplish this task. No one is too small or beneath notice, everyone can make a difference and it is now, that such amazing potential that all human beings have, needs to be shown and used!"
Her rhetoric of humans being inclusive of Coordinators and Hybrids, along with Naturals, went against everything that Blue Cosmos and many in the Alliance claimed! So, to say that Azrael's mood was foul, would be an understatement. Then when he was informed that the Federation military was attacking the Alliance's orbital fleets, his mood got even worse. Things weren't working like they were supposed to, and it was frustrating Azrael so much! He stayed silent and fumed after boarding the shuttle and remained so during the journey to the moon and Ptolemaeus Lunar base. However, he thought about the ways that he could make Ellen Blass pay for what she had done.
-Line Break-
Lodonia Lab, Suez Egypt
The aircraft Mina was on that took off from Victoria, took a few hours to reach Lodonia Laboratories, the place where the Enhanced Human Project was researched and worked on. The project was extensive, but overall was divided into two basic parts and a third piece that worked with the other two. The goal of the project was to take Naturals and get them to be on par with Coordinators. The two parts were more two different methods or variations to achieve the goal, those were 'Boosted Men and Women' and the other was 'Extendeds'. The major difference between the two, were Boosted Men and Women required drugs, specific surgeries and mental conditioning. While the Extendeds were made through surgeries and conditioning, brainwashing and other things. Really, Boosted Men required less work to create and maintain, but tended to be not as reliable or stable over time. Extendeds proved more stable long term, but required more work and a great deal more maintenance than boosted men and women.
Mina along with a couple of others came up with the idea and methodology that made the project possible. Lodonia Lab was the facility that Mina ran along with those she delegated the task to and it was strictly done. There were no arguments tolerated to run the Enhanced Human Project, Mina had made sure that was clearly understood. Her methods of disciplinary methodology had made sure that all who worked in the lab or were subjects there, knew what disobedience got them.
Mina's mood was improving since she had separated from Director Azrael, that man had irked her, and that influence wasn't healthy. And where many if not all the funders for the Lab were people that Mina didn't like or get along with, Azrael had been the worst thus far. Thankfully, Mina didn't deal with most of them, that was left to a colleague who was one of the few friends that Mina had. That was one of the reasons she looked forward to coming 'home' to Lodonia, even her girls who were in seats behind her were showing excitement at returning. She wouldn't have to deal with crap like she had while being away from the lab.
Even with Mina gone for a few weeks, she expected everything was going fine, if not there would be changes made that would make things become so. She had used the excuse of being able to do adjustments quicker at the lab with Azrael to get time away from the blonde-haired idiot that knew so little about science. At Lodonia, all knew and were told what was expected and repetition was most of the time not necessary, that's why Mina wasn't worried. There would be no foolish and idiotic Alliance soldiers to annoy her or that thought they knew better than she did. Plus, there were some candidates, both from the Boosted Men and the Extendeds, which Mina had invested interests in and she wanted to check on their progress.
The plane landed on the lab's runway and all on board came off the craft, Mina was heading for the main complex where her office was. She'd calmed down a great deal and could almost be called reasonable and a tad pleased, which was the mood those in the lab preferred her to be in whenever possible. However, upon entering the laboratory itself, the sight of men in Alliance military uniforms was very unwelcome to Mina and it dampened her somewhat good mood. The sight was made worse as the 'soldiers' were attempting to order around those working here. But, Mina observed that the workers were doing as they had been trained to do and that helped stop her getting ticked off. All that worked in Lodonia knew, an unhappy Mina Moss was something that could easily be akin to a living hell for everyone around her! That didn't mean that Mina was pleased to see the Alliance personnel here, though she was already deciding how to take care of this problem.
Mina told her girls to stay where they were, while she settles a matter, before she strode forward. Without hesitation, Mina walked up to the man that gave signs that they were the one in charge of the soldiers and kicked him hard in his groin. The man let out a pained whine as he crumpled to the floor, groaning in pain with Mina standing over him. The other soldiers staring at Mina, some in shock and other afraid they would be next, "Who in the hell do you think you are, coming around here and thinking you can run the place?! Then, tell me who gave you the authority to act like you can tell anyone here what to do?! For I have choice words for them, listening while a method I employed puts them in serious pain," Mina demanded coldly.
The man that Mina nailed in the family jewels, glared up at her, "Damn you woman!" he growled.
Mina simply gazed down at him, lifted her right leg and stomped down with her heel on the man's back. Mina kept stomping the man, and only after he was groaning with clear pain, did she stop and speak, "This complex isn't an Earth Alliance owned facility, so isn't subject to martial law from the Earth Forces. Never ever forget that fact, you don't give orders here! That power belongs to me and with those I delegate to, none other," Mina stated flatly.
The workers and scientist were going about their assigned tasks and ignored what was going on, knowing that it was the best option for them all. The sooner that Mina disciplined the man she was, the sooner that she could be in a nicer mood and they all could be relieved that the storm Mina was having was over. Yet, five heavy built men came up to where the commotion was happening, "Dr. Moss, good to see you back here," said the man in front in his deep voice. "Is there a problem here that needs to be dealt with ma'am?"
Mina turned to the voice and was pleased to see some of the 'enforcers', which were very heavy-set men, that were here that made sure that discipline was maintained. "Ah, Bruno, the timing of you and your colleagues are as impeccable as ever, good to know that. Yes, there is an issue that you can assist with," Mina said, then pointed to the man on the ground. "This man seems to think he can run things here. I did not delegate to such an idiot like him, and even though I've made sure to give a proper lesson to him, I want to be sure he doesn't forget it. So, I believe a short session in one of the 'time out' rooms should help reinforce the folly of his assumptions. Would you please escort him and make sure he gets there Bruno?"
Bruno nodded, then he and those with him moved forward and picked up the Alliance soldier, then they dragged him off further into the lab. Meanwhile, Mina headed further into the lab to check in on projects, before she would head to her office. Along the way to the interior of the complex, she told a scientist to deliver a message to a colleague for her, that she wanted to see her. Her girls were dropped off to have some tests done on them and have maintenance done while they were here.
While, that was being done, Mina went to the section of the lab where the "Extended" part of the Enhanced Human Project was done. The more long-term part of the project as Extendeds took more work to create, however, thus far, they were proving more stable with their enhancements. There was a minor issue with some of the psychological conditioning with a percentage of the Extended candidates, but Mina was hopeful that the man over the Extendeds would be able to be worked out of them. The Extendeds, like the Boosted Men, were kept in groups of three all the tests and performance in simulations, mostly to instill skills of working with others.
For Mina, lately there had been one trio of Extendeds that were consistently showing results that were above expectations. It wasn't at the same level that Mina's girls from the Boosted Men side, but it was similar in the means and promise of potential. The particular group of three was made up of two males and one female, all three in their latter mid-teenage years in physical development. The trio was the oldest and best performing group thus far, the others that were their age or older were proving to be problematic in a growing number of ways. It was one of the major reasons that Mina had an interest in the three and the Extended half of the project was riding on how they would do a large amount going forward.
Mina arrived at her destination, and saw that the trio in question was having post testing done to get data on their bodies and how they were taking the strain. The female was average looking physically, from her figure to her height. She did have rather silky looking locks of blonde hair and her red eyes were fairly uncommon. The two males were average physically, a tad more muscular than the female, one had dark green hair and the other had a dirty brown. Mina observed the three as they underwent their tests, a bit pleased and hopeful at to the success of the Extended part of the Enhanced Human Project. After watching the trio for a period, Mina began making her way to her office to look over what had been going on while she had been gone.
When Mina had gotten to her office, she looked over the reports that had been written from the scientists. The last few weeks, had been spent demonstrating to Muruta Azrael, that the work of the Enhanced Human Project was valuable. And if it hadn't been for Azrael asking for her to personally show him the point, then Mina would've had another do the job instead. Dealing with Financial backers was always a pain to Mina and it normally only took one meeting for any given representative to wish to deal with a different person than Mina herself. In fact, the colleague Mina had called for was the one who did the selling and impressing of the funders for the Lodonia Lab. A knock on the door brought Mina's attention out of looking at reports and her dislike of Muruta Azrael, "Enter." At the command that Mina gave, the door opened and in came a woman.
The woman was shorter than Mina herself, at five foot four, though the woman's figure was a little more voluptuous than Mina's body was. Her hair was tan and appeared to have a silkier look to it with it falling to her midback. The female's face looked kinder than Mina and the air about her emphasized the impression, including her light blue eyes. And though she was older than Mina by seven years, she gave off a different feel to others, which was seen as more mature than Mina's cold and ruthless feel. Yet, these two women were two of the three who had come up with the foundation and many of the theories that the Enhanced Human Project used. The woman that entered was named Lori Kall and was not only the 'second in charge' but was the face those from the outside of the Lab saw most of the time. She was a Natural, like Mina was Mina's had to best friend or that was the best idea you could call their relationship. Today, Lori was wearing a red t-shirt and black mini skirt, with a long white lab coat.
"Lori, good of you to come so quickly when I asked, thanks," greeted Mina.
Lori shrugged, "It isn't difficult to know when you got back as an air of focus that comes when you're around spread through the lab like wildfire. I take it you noticed the Alliance soldiers that have been trying to show they should run things here already?"
Mina scoffed, "Dealt with already, I had Bruno and some of his helpers drag off the leader of the idiots for a timeout room."
Lori smiled slightly, "I have been tempted to do that, but… well, you know," she trailed off.
"You're the nice one here Lori, I'm not. It's why I do the management of the lab, while you do the representing and presenting for us here, while Ryan and Chris do the maintaining day to day, it works out very well for all of us," Mina finished.
Lori nodded, "Indeed, that's how it has worked for us since those of us that came up with the project started. So, how did you attempt to impress the director of the Earth Alliance's National Defense Industry Association go?"
Mina gained a disgusted expression at the thought of dealing with Azrael, "Horrid, you can have the job back! The outing reminded me why I dislike dealing with those who fund the lab so much. You're far better at it than I am, a better people person than I could be anytime in the foreseeable future," Mina answered.
Lori chuckled, "Quite the compliment from you that is, I assume that Muruta Azrael managed to get under your skin? That's no easy feat to do, not that any should try to get under your skin Mina, not with your temper, no offense intended."
Mina let out something between a shutter and a growl, "None taken Lori. Yes, an apt way of you putting it, but then, that brings me to the subject I wanted to talk to you about."
Lori nodded and gestured for Mina to go on, and she did, "What I'm about to ask, is to be kept between us, not even Ryan or Chris are to know. I want you to start looking into whether the work we do here could be taken to either the Human Federation or even ZAFT. The Federation would be the better of the two and the more likely to say yes, but still, even ZAFT would be nicer than those we deal with currently from the Alliance."
Lori stared at Mina incredulously, "Muruta Azrael rub you that bad a way, did he? Granted, the man is a pain and hard to be around, one of the worst members of Blue Cosmos I've met. However, I would of thought with your famously armored skin that you have, he wouldn't have gotten to you. What did he do to get you to dislike him this much, out of curiosity?" She asked.
Mina frowned angrily, "The blonde-haired imbecilic, seems to think that our work is incompetent and said that what has come from the lab, is faulty. He apparently, had the foolish notion that he was being sold undefeatable soldiers and blamed me for failure without giving me all the factors that played into the problem. The man twists words to benefit him and it was very annoying! Types like him irk me Lori, only demanding results and not caring about anything else and are quick to show displeasure and disappointment when things don't go as they want them to."
Lori sighed, "Yes, people like that are difficult to handle, I can attest to that from experience. Very well, I'll see what I can find out. However Mina, you do understand that if we do take the work we do here to either ZAFT or the Federation, then there will be parts of it that they won't like or allow to be continued. We'll likely asked to give up something to be able to leave the Alliance," she posed.
Mina nodded, "I'm aware of that, but if that's the price to move forwar, then it's fine, as long as it gets us out from under these idiots that are dragging the world into the current chaos. While I don't have issues with chaos in general, the kind of chaos the Alliance is producing is the more dangerous kind and I think it best to avoid such when possible. That requires that we separate ourselves from them as soon as we can."
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
Mendel Colony, L4
With Kurt had just told me that the champions of ZAFT would side with Treize, I was determining how things would go, when Andrew Waltfeld and the woman that I'm sure is his 'partner' or lover came into the room. Waltfeld's gaze went around the room, yet stopped on Kurt and widened, "Well I'll be, now there's a face that I never imagined I would see again. I see that you have some new scars there Roc, I take it there's a story to how you got them?" asked Waltfeld.
The room had gone silent at Waltfeld mentioning Kurt's former ZAFT champion title, while Kurt smirked a bit. "Desert Tiger, fancy crossing paths with you here. Yeah, there's a story to why I have this patch over my right eye along with other new marks I have, for none of them are for decoration. So Tiger, you still into making coffee, or have you given that up? I still have to say that the stuff you made me last time was the best cup of coffee I've ever had before and since."
Waltfeld laughed at the question and then the woman… I think her name is Aisha, still am horrible with some names spoke up. "Rest assured, Andrew hasn't in any way given up his making and 'refining' as he puts it, with his hobby of producing the 'perfect coffee'."
I glanced over at Mu and Krystal as there had been movement from that direction a moment ago. I saw that they had tensed and put up their guard, but then, it's not surprising for them to do so. They're facing the man that had nearly helped ZAFT defeat the Earth Forces at Endymion and likely would have if not for the Cyclops system.
In fact, Kurt went into the story of what had happened back at the battle of the Endymion Crater around the Grimaldi Front. In the battle, the Alliance had been defending a forward base on the moon, while ZAFT wanted the same base gone to have a fairly open path to the Alliance's Ptolemaeus Lunar Base. What the leaders of the Earth Forces didn't tell those who had fought in the battle, was a trap had been planned. Kurt inferred that there was 'someone' that had given the information to the Alliance, to cause the end that had happened. The 'someone' was certainly sounding like a rat, who I've been seeing the action of as of late.
Kurt had escaped the worst of the effects of the Cyclops system, he hadn't gotten out of that without injury. Most of what had happened to him there had healed, but Kurt had lost the use of his right eye, it was close to completely blind now. Really, a group of Federation forces had come across of what was left of Kurt's mobile suit while looking over the battlefield after the fight had ended. After he had healed up, an offer had been made for Kurt to join the Federation in their attempts to get this war to end. And with him, his answer was clearly yes, what his reasons are, I haven't the faintest.
I left the room as the chatting turned to other things, and set out to find something else to do. I could talk to Athrun and Kira later if it was needed, but we had caught up enough. The thought came to me that checking the Federation's Information Network and see what's going on and get a better overall picture. You never know what you'll find out when you look on the network.
The Human Federation's Information Network, is vast and is made up of three basic parts; data gathering, sorting and processing, and application and implementation. The first part, data gathering, was done by informants, lots and lots of them in all sorts of different places. For example, I believe there are couple among the secretarial staff of the leadership of the Earth Alliance. Even among the PLANT's Supreme Council staff there are those who send info to the network. Part two of the network, the sorting and processing of the incoming information, is down by a number of facilities in different locations both in space and on Earth. The complexes actual locations are not made public nor known to ZAFT or the Alliance for good reason. Then the third and final part of the network, the application and implementation was done by some in the Federation military. All the flow and transmissions are encrypted so much that neither ZAFT or the Earth Alliance had come close to getting through or breaking it.
I accessed a console in the port's control room, logged into the Information Network and scanned through the more recent info that was there. Thus far, the Alliance had lost two full Orbital Fleets, and would soon, probably lose a third. The Earth Forces actions on Earth were not explained or even informed to those up in space, according to the reactions of the Alliance forces up here. ZAFT was being quiet and that didn't sit well with me, not with how the war had escalated lately.
However, as I was looking over the data, I came across something I didn't expect at all. At first, I thought I was looking at a picture of a room with people in rows of seats and a lectern at the front. It took me a few seconds to realize, that I knew that room as I had been in it a few times before, it was the Republic's capital building's press room. I could only sit and stare at the screen, wondering what the hell was going on for this picture to be on the screen. After doing some checking, I was further baffled to find out that what I was seeing wasn't a picture, but a live broadcast. My question is what is going on and why is whatever this is being broadcasted on most frequencies?
Within a minute, the man that my mother had serving as her press secretary came out on the stage to the lectern, my gaze became glued to the screen. I then thought better of staring at a small screen when the much larger forward display could do the job. So, I switched the broadcast to the bigger display and continued to watch whatever this was. "Thank you all for coming to this presentation, your time that you spend here will not be wasted," The sound of cameras snapping came, but I kept my attention on the secretary as he bowed and then gestured to his right, "And now without further ado, the Prime Minister of the Republic of East Asia, Ellen Blass."
My mother came out on to the stage, greeted by applause and questions from those there as she made her way to the lectern. While gazed at the screen, I was racking my brain to think of why my mother would be broadcasting something and came up with nothing. I'll be the first to say that my mother can give rousing speeches and freaking how. She'd proven that a couple of times already! It's one of the reasons that she's respected and disliked in the world of politics by those in and outside the Federation. The woman that I call mother can move the masses is ways others can't! But, she doesn't do broadcast often at all, so for her to do so now, was a big deal, more so since this was being transmitted far and wide!
"As my press secretary said to you all, thank you for taking the time coming here. I invited you all here for an address I will make to you, the world and to those in space, both on the moon and living in colonies. Once the address is done, then I will take questions that I would not doubt you will have, so please hold them until then," my mother began. She paused then continued, "To all who are hearing or viewing this broadcast right now, my name is Ellen Blass and I'm the current leader of the Republic of East Asia, one of the member nations of the Human Federation. I make this address, in the hope it will assist all of those who can make a difference come to see reason and save the lives that haven't been lost already."
Mom has given a couple of speeches before now, but this one certainly took the cake and it was a hell of a rich cake, I'll tell you that already and it's only getting started! The overall subject was the ongoing war between the alliance and ZAFT, yet she quickly went beyond what others had gone into before now. Mom laid out bare and bluntly, that neither side showed any resolve or intention to end the conflict. That would send heavy pressure to leaders on both sides to do more for those they represent or are supposed to. She nailed what had brought on this war and what had resulted and the horrid and disgusting results that had come from it all. She did the idea so well, that my jaw dropped! Yes, my mouth was hanging open at what my mother was speeching about, for I was seriously impressed at how mom was nailing this subject. Mom was putting things in a way that most decent people couldn't deny without lying and that's harder than most would think it is.
Mom was getting into the attack on the Republic by the Alliance, when I heard the door to the control room slide open and looking behind me, I saw that Athrun and Cagalli coming in. Behind them, was Kira, Lacus and Siegel, all of them quickly took seats in the chair around me and locked their gazes at the forward viewing screen. Athrun and Cagalli took seats on my left and the other three did the same on my right and all of us focused on my mother's broadcast. And oh boy, was my mother taking the Earth Alliance out to Lunch and making them pay the full bill, including the tip! She certainly was increasing the pressure on the Alliance as a whole. Should they deny it, they would have to explain why all the evidence which shows they attacked as my mother said they did. Within their justifications, the lies would become clear and those responsible will be revealed.
"These horrible events that take loved ones away can and must be stopped, all the lives lost at Victoria and Panama never have to happen again elsewhere as some shout they must, none of those there were necessary casualties of war nor are any lives, no matter what type of human one is. If the war between the Earth Forces and ZAFT is allowed to continue, then it will not just lead to even more destruction, but to another Bloody Valentine Incident and further, it will take the future from us all!" My mother stated.
I wanted to clap and shout in agreement to what my mother said, for I believed what she said one freaking hundred percent! I doubt that I'm the only one spellbound by my mother's broadcast and I say the more the better! My mom was speaking to those who had been this affected the war, appealing a sense of love towards those who had died already. The point of the speech, was to of course convince all listening, that the war needed to end. It would require many stand up together and unite against those who started and worked to continue the bloodshed and killing.
"Today, all will know the truth of what happened at that PLANT type colony, Junius Seven, I will make sure of that. The Bloody Valentine Incident is an event that all know by now, but parts of the account of what happened there and the results, are lies that have been spread since its occurrence. Both people within the Alliance and its military, along with the PLANTs and ZAFT, have tried to hide truths about the colony for different reason, but all of that ends today!" mom declared.
My jaw somehow fell lower I swear at hearing that, gasps from the others were audible and I couldn't blame them. This was a completely unexpected turn and it would be big! It was general accepted that the nuclear missile strike on Junius Seven had been unfortunate, but had been done by a "rouge group" and not a specific organization. That's a lie of course, but there was so much more than those who were responsible for the deaths that had resulted from that attack. What that colony had represented was far more the reason that the attack had occurred than it just being attack on Coordinators like is generally stated. Mom even when into detail what was being done at Junius Seven, that between a third to a half of the 243,721 people there, had been Natural type humans. The idea the colony was testing, had been to see if both Naturals and Coordinators could live in peace, and it was working just fine and was going wonderfully.
Heck, even the leader of Earth before the Earth Alliance came together, Milliardo Peacecraft, had been encouraged by what was going on at the colony. The man had been known for attempts at peace yet, taking a firm stance with what he believed, it's why many had respected and liked the man. He had actually been at the colony when the attack had come even if, by what I'm to understand, he was supposed to have been around there a week earlier. The results were convenient to a number in the Alliance leadership, Peacecraft had stood in their way of attacking Coordinators just because of what they are. With Bloody Valentine, he was dead and gone, at least that's how it looks with the evidence collected thus far that was a planned "benefit". Mom even mentioned Lana and Dad dying there, then went on to say that soldiers fighting are not to blame for the war or its results.
"All the tragedies from the Blood Valentine to the battles that have happened in this war, none of it is the fault of the soldiers or pilots that fight in them, for they are following orders, some willingly, others unwillingly. Most of them are protecting their homes and what they hold dear to themselves and that is not wrong. The ones who are at fault for this war and what it has brought to us all, can be identified, regardless if they take responsibility for their actions or not. There is a phrase that most will have heard at least once by now, but I will change it slightly to promote understanding. The ones that ushered in this war and keep it going, are 'humankind's true enemy'." My mother said.
I paid complete attention at hearing that line, for it was obviously taking Blue Cosmos's label for Coordinators, 'mankind's enemy'. My intuition was screaming at me that what would be said next by my mother would be epic! Mom acknowledged that more explanation was required, "First, I will define those who would be considered 'humankind's true enemy'. They are those who use their hatred of others, as the sole reason for attacking and killing people, innocent or not. They are those who insist that war is the only way to settle standing disagreements and more, adamantly claiming there is no other solution no matter the evidence provided to the contrary. They are those, who use their war cries for blood to be spilled and see them as rallying calls for others to join them as well as justification for their terrible and unforgivable actions. They are those, who are more intent on pursuing their vendettas and fulfilling them, than seeking peace for all people. Those who see nothing wrong with using and abusing people, knowingly and unknowingly, then toss them away after they fail or don't provide a use or purpose for those that control them. They are those who promote this war and say it will only end when a whole part of humanity, whether it be Coordinator, Natural, Hybrid or any other form of human being is completely exterminated! Any who do one or more of the points I mentioned, are humankind's true enemy and are as demons dressed in human skin. They are the same as the most villainous individuals in our history, the same as Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler or Musade Muhlan, they used war to kill all they could. And those who are humankind's true enemy will be remembered in the exact same way as those horrible individuals! Like those villains, those who are humankind's true enemy, are not human beings, they are a creature that is less than any type of human is."
…I can't think of a more direct way that a spike can be driven in to the heart than what my mother had just dished out! It showed that the war and what it had done had pushed things to a really bad place and the attacks on the Federation member nations just acted as a breaking point. She might not have mentioned names of those who can be seen as she put it humankind's true enemy. But honestly, she doesn't need to any more, she's got them in a way that those who are humankind's true enemy that they can't claim bias or use as an excuse. My dear mother had nailed a large number of punks that had previously been seen as close to untouchable on both sides and that is incredible to me! Then, to mention three of the most infamous human scumbags that history ever recorded, added to the point. Adolf Hitler is blamed for the second world war while Stalin was held responsible for what was called the 'cold war', which apparently happened off and on for nearly a century, or that's at least the estimation by historians since there is no exact reference. Then Musade Muhlan, arguably the evilest of the three, since he was one of those who ignited and pushed the Reconstruction War to what it became. The man had used religion to bring the world into its third and worst world war, history isn't entirely clear on much more than that. Hopeful, this will help people watching and listening, to understand they have power to stop this war and that they're needed.
My mother ended her address and began accepting questions then so, I kept watching the broadcast. "Minister Blass, Earth Sphere News Network, you defined those you say can be considered Humankind's true enemy. Can you give any examples of those who would fall under the idea?" asked a reporter.
Oh, I knew that the question or request to hear 'examples' of those who would be 'Humankind's true enemy' would come. Still, mom took the question in stride like the seasoned pro that she is in politics, "As much as I would not doubt some would like me to give specific examples, those that are humankind's true enemy, know who they are and how they fall under the definition I gave. They are on their own side and use others, but I'm afraid it's best I leave it at that, next question."
"Minister Blass, Lunar Associated Press, what is your view of the current leaderships of the Earth Alliance and the PLANTs?" questioned a different reporter.
Now there's a loaded question, yet, my mother is used to this as it's a part of the world of politics. "A complex question, for the Earth Alliance, I've becoming increasingly disappointed in how they are conducting themselves lately, especially their military forces who receive their tasks from the Alliance Leadership. Whether that is due to something with the leadership of the Alliance or something else, I cannot say with what I know. With the recent contact from the Alliance including their attacks, it seems more like Anti-Coordinator sentiment is dictating the Alliance's actions. I would hope that those who lead the Earth Alliance would be less inclined to listen to those who carrier such blinding and destructive hatred that such sediments carry. Whereas the PLANTs have normally been more inclined to be reasonable and tolerant. However, these days that seems to become less normal judging upon ZAFT's actions. Knowing some of those who have been elected to the PLANT Supreme Council, I would hope that work is being done to help end the war with the least lives lost." Mom replied.
My mouth had closed, and a smile formed on my face as I leaned back into the chair I was in, continuing watching my mom do her thing and doing it amazingly.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
Ptolemaeus Lunar Base
A day and a half passed after the first exercise of the Archangel-class ship Dominion. Now the ship was out above the Lunar base ready to start a different scenario then they had done the last time. The simulation had one ZAFT warship, unknown class, but approaching in 'V' formation in attack posture. The other difference in this scenario, was mobile suit might and would likely be in this one where they hadn't in the previous one.
"Sensors are detecting heat sources approaching, distance 500, Orange 14 Mark 233 Alpha… looks like one enemy warship and two mobile suits," called the sensor detection operator.
Natarle focused, hoping that there would be an improvement in the crew's performance from the first exercise. "Stand by for anti-ship and anti-mobile suit combat! Starboard 10, lower bow, pitch angle 15! Activate Igelstellung, target enemy warships, load missile launchers one through four with Korinthos!" Natarle ordered. She noted the sound of scrambling from different stations, which didn't instill much confidence, "Valiants, fire!"
The time between the orders being given and their executions lengthened, only punctured by alarms sounding incoming attacks towards the ship. The pilot managed to tilt the ship to dodge the first wave of beams and missiles, but as the Dominion righted itself a 'shot' from one of the mobile suits came. The sound of the flat tone, signaling the destruction of the Dominion and the failure of the exercise.
Natarle felt the hope she'd had before this exercise, fall at seeing that the crew had failed for a second time. She had to admit, it wasn't as bad or as quick as in the first exercise and the improvement as slight as it was, showed a bit of potential. But, Natarle could honestly say that she couldn't recommend this crew was ready to be sent out to battlefields. Their two performances showed that there was still work for them to do. The man that was the first officer on the Dominion came up out of the CIC, also having a worried expression, "Still seems there is work to be done captain."
Natarle sighed, "Yes, I would agree, but with a show of improvement, then perhaps practice and experience will be all that is needed. Thankfully, we haven't received orders to go out to the field yet, so there still is time to get the crew up to a good standard."
The Dominion returned to Ptolemaeus base dock to assess things. Natarle was going to return to her quarters and leave delegating the need of practice station operation to the first officer. However, the door to the elevator slid opened and Admiral Maes along with a blonde man in a light blue suit came onto the bridge of the Dominion.
All the crew saluted and stood at attention when they saw Admiral Maes, "At ease everyone," Maes said, then turned to Natarle. "Captain Badgiruel, I would like to introduce you to the director of the National Defense Industry Association of the Alliance, Muruta Azrael."
Natarle studied the man, who looked a couple of years older than herself, and could be considered handsome to some. But there was something about this man that didn't seem right to Natarle, but she dismissed the feeling as nothing. Admiral Maes continued speaking, "Along with him, three mobile suits will be coming on board with him, he will be here to observe their performance."
She nodded in understanding, yet then this Muruta Azrael moved forward, "I never expected the captain of the ship we're to be traveling on to be this young and beautiful. Is this an added benefit of some sort Maes?" he asked.
Natarle was taken aback at the question of the man. Of course, to be called beautiful was nice, but to think of it as some sort of added benefit for this man, was odd and uncomfortable in a few ways. The feeling of something being off returned stronger than before, it was confusing. Natarle didn't know how to respond to this clear attempt to flatter her. Admiral Maes cleared his throat, "Not to worry Director Azrael, Captain Badgiruel is very skilled. Her family has a long history of military service and has shown herself to be of the very same high caliber as those that have come previously from her family."
"That may be true sir, but," Natarle started.
"Also, prior to her posting to this ship, she served as the first officer of the Archangel." Maes went on. Then he turned to Natarle, "Captain, I also have your first mission orders, which are to hunt down a rouge ship."
"First officer of the Archangel, the predecessor of this vessel, were you? Well, that would then mean that you're familiar with the Archangel ship class then, yes?" asked director Azrael
"Yes, I suppose you could say that," Natarle replied.
"Excellent then, your knowledge will be very helpful. After all, the rouge ship that the Admiral mentioned is the first Archangel-class which shares the name and we'll be on our way to go and sink her," the blonde man said with slight relish.
Natarle was stunned at being told that she would be assigned to deal with the very ship she had been on. To have to hunt down the Archangel and the crew she considered perhaps one of the best she'd served with. It caused a serious internal conflict for Natarle Badgiruel for her military training and upbringing said to follow orders that she was given and not question them. Yet, something else in her told her that these orders weren't right. What she did, was acknowledge the orders from Admiral Maes.
And so, the GAT series X131, X252, X370 were loaded on board the Dominion, along with the resupply being sped up. After all was made ready, the Dominion launched from Ptolemaeus base and set course for Lagrange 4 and its colony cluster. Natarle went too her quarters once the ship was on its way toward L4, to have some peace and quiet that she couldn't find on the bridge of the vessel. The current situation and mission was nagging at Natarle in ways that nothing else had before.
To take her mind off the conflict, she began looking over the personnel files on the three pilots for the mobile that had been loaded on the ship. The three were in their late teens, maybe around Tyler's age or so. All three had come from somewhere that their files just listed as 'L.L.', which meant nothing to her as to where it could be referring to. Natarle ended out reading the files out loud, "Clotho Buer, Enhanced implants stage three, the biological CPU for the X-370. All personal data has been deleted, data of their training is classified as 'absolutely need to know only', no reason given as to why. Orga Sabnak, Enhanced implants stage two, biological CPU for the X-131. Also no personal data, other data is classified and is unviewable like the first. Then Shani Andras, stage four Enhanced implants, and is the Biological CPU for X-252. Like the others, no personal data and other information is not viewable. So, why are these three treated not as pilots, but as equipment?"
For pilots like this, to be brought on the ship with Muruta Azrael, a man that was more a politician than a soldier was very unusual. Natarle had heard of Muruta Azrael, but his name was pretty much it. Natarle even looked up more information on Azrael, and it didn't help her opinion of the man. Not only was he the director of the National Defense Industry Association, but also the current leader of the anti-Coordinator organization, Blue Cosmos. Natarle had heard of some of the activities of the group and disagreed with what they did, some of the organization were terrorist, even if they deny it. Muruta Azrael wasn't outspoken like some of the member's of Blue Cosmos were, yet nor was he quiet.
After half an hour, Natarle made her way back to the bridge and found that crew members were practicing their stations. That boosted her view that those in… her crew were trying to do their best to do what they could. What had brought the motivation on with them, Natarle couldn't say, but she certainly wasn't opposed to the effort.
However, when Director Azrael came on to the bridge, the air became or tense instantly, "Ah, Miss Captain, see you've come back to the bridge, nice to see that." Azrael said. "Any idea as to the timeframe until we arrive around the colony cluster at L4?"
"Approximately twelve hours or so director Azrael. Nonetheless sir, perhaps you could tell me and the rest of the crew what makes you so sure that those we're hunting will be at the L4 colony cluster?" asked Natarle.
Azrael smiled a bit, "Your wish for evidence can be considered admirable Captain Badgiruel. No need to worry, we're not going to the L4 colony cluster on a wild goose chase. I've good information from a trusted source of mine that what were after will be there," he replied.
Natarle paused, wondering who this source that Azrael could have the information that the Archangel was the L4 colony cluster. And then, it sounded like the director of the Alliance's National Defense Industry Association was after something else other than the Natarle's former ship. "And if I might ask, where did your source get the information, sir?" she asked.
"They come from within the PLANTs, that's all you need to know," Azrael answered.
"But, you can't trust information from the PLANTs! The odds of it being a trap are high then them not being one. So how do you justify believing this source of yours? And what is so important in this mission? You make it sound like the Archangel isn't the real target for you," Natarle questioned.
Azrael clapped a bit, "The Admiral was right about you Captain Badgiruel, you are quite good and figuring things out with limited information. You're correct, seeing the Archangel destroyed isn't what I'm here to do. With that ship, are two machines of interest and they are what I'm here for. The Freedom and the Justice, the codenames of the two machines that are of extreme interest to more than just me." Azrael put a hand to his chin as if thinking, "And then, there's good intelligence that three Nazca-class vessels, which are fully loaded and are heading for L4 too."
Azrael looked at Natarle, "You tell me Miss Captain, if the information is true and those ships suggest that it is, what is there is valuable. We can't afford to miss a chance at acquiring those machines. It's the whole reason for this mission, the Archangel is just conveniently around that area as well, meaning it can be dealt with. So, let's get a point straight, shall we? You may be the captain assigned to command this ship, but people in places higher up look at the overall picture. People like that think things through and give orders, and I'm one of those people. Do try to comprehend such things," said Azrael, before he backed up a bit and continued. "Besides, you've been told to do what I tell you or 'suggest', right? Make sure you don't forget that, Miss Captain."
-Line Break-
Lagrange 1
Three ZAFT Nazca-class which had headed out from the PLANT after the Eternal had been commandeered and had fled. From the information that Jachin Due had sent, if the Eternal's course to go unchanged, they would end up at the Lagrange 4 colony cluster. The lead Nazca was the Vesalius with Le Creuset was leading the group that were tracking down the Eternal.
Creuset was looking over the tactical display of the area of L4, "The colony cluster at Lagrange 4 is made up of abandoned O'Neill 3 and Bernal 1 type colonies, all in varying states of operational status by previous scouting mission reports. The colony cluster has been a nest of issues over the years as they can be a haven for trouble makers. From what we know thus far, the FFMH-Y101 Eternal was put under the command of Commander Andrew Waltfeld. The man has a good record and helped an amount during the campaign in the African Community. It is suspected that he is still in command of the vessel when it launched," Creuset iterated to the three ship captains.
"Andrew Waltfeld? As in the Desert Tiger? I can't see him doing what you suggest Le Creuset, are we sure this isn't just you talking about someone you aren't fond of badly," posed one of the other ship captains.
Ades agreed with the statement, "I've personally met Commander Waltfeld before, I would've never expected this from someone like him," Ades added.
"Whether you expect it of him or not, current evidence says he has stolen the ship under his command. He's a smooth-talking, cheerful man by what I've heard and that being said, it's hard to understand why he would do such, perhaps he has been deceived by the Clyne faction. What is clear, is that he's very likely involved and if he is, then he is to be seen as an enemy," Le Creuset said, bringing the discussion back to the main topic.
The fact as they were, made things worse for some, for Athrun Zala had disappeared around the same time as he was being escorted to be questioned. So, there was a high possibility that Athrun was now on board the Eternal. The mission was to either recapture the Eternal or destroy it and those who might have become involved.
After the discussion between the captains and Creuset ended, the masked man turned to the Vesalius's pilots. The pilots consisted of Yzak Joule, Nicol Amalfi, Miguel Aiman and two other green uniformed young men. "This mission will be difficult, especially for three of you. Yzak, Nicol and you Miguel, understand, if Athrun was on the Eternal, then is now an enemy going forward, can you shoot him down?"
All three pilots in question hesitated at what was being asked, for them to be asked if they can take down one who had been a comrade. Nicol still didn't believe the rumors about Athrun, even when his Father Yuri, who was on the Supreme Council, said that Athrun was being treated as a criminal. Supposedly, Athrun was being accused of treason, what his friend had actually done, had never been mentioned and that made Nicol suspicious. He wanted to talk to Athrun directly before he made any judgement on what Athrun had or had not done.
Miguel was much of the same opinion as Nicol, there was parts of this that didn't sound right at all. Athrun was not the type of person to betray those put trust in him, not without seriously good reason. Then, the current Supreme Council Chairman had been accusing a lot of people lately of really odd things if there was any question made of his actions. At least that was what Miguel had been seeing and hearing from others he had spoken to.
Even Yzak Joule, the picture of a dedicated soldier to ZAFT, had doubts as to whether Athrun was capable of what was being pinned to him. Athrun wasn't the kind of person that would turn traitor, a bit of a coward in Yzak's opinion, but certainly not someone that would turn against the PLANTs. His comrade had shown him that, when he had been there after Dearka had gone down and had been a support. And after losing Dearka, the thought of Athrun being a traitor sounded even more ludicrous. Yzak took in a deep breath, "I know that I can do what it takes to defend this ship and the PLANTs… no matter what it is," he replied.
Le Creuset turned to Miguel and Nicol, who were trying to come to their decision, "Commander, like Yzak, I will do what is needed, but if given the option, I would rather not be forced to him shoot him down," Miguel said.
"We all hope that it doesn't come to that Miguel, and what about you Nicol? Know that none will think less of you should you admit that you can't. One who can say that they are unable to do something, that is a strength to be able to know your limitations," commented Creuset.
Nicol exhaled and then bowed, "Then commander, I'm sorry to say that I'll be sitting this mission out. I need to take time to come to terms with recent events, so I wish the rest of my comrades the best of luck." Nicol replied, to which Le Creuset nodded to him be dismissed, before Nicol left the bridge.
Nicol entered the quarters he had been assigned and closed the door. Even with his answer to the commander being what he felt, Nicol felt bad about it and was conflicted internally. Athrun was his friend and no matter what others said he had done, until Nicol could talk to him directly, none of the rumors were believable or truthful to him.
To occupy himself, Nicol thought he could call his mother as he hadn't been able to get much time to talk to her while around the PLANTs. However, as he was about to call her, a transmission came over every com-channel, which baffled Nicol. He connected to the transmission and found himself looking at a scene that he hadn't seen before. The room was that used for press conferences by most and it was filled with people. As Nicol kept watching, a man took the raised platform and introduced, of all people the Prime Minister of the Republic.
Nicol had never met the woman that had been one of the long standing political leader within the Human Federation, but he'd certainly heard about her. His father had met the woman once and he'd said that she was polite and had a very charismatic personality, but could also be extremely stubborn sometimes. Public information about Ellen Blass, said that she was one of the longer lasting political leaders of the Federation, having held her officer overall for seventeen years thus far by her being reelected over and over. Nicol was now curious why a politician that wasn't known for making speech often, would choose now of all time to make a speech, if that's what this was.
"I invited you all here for an address I will make to you, the world and to those in space, both on the moon and living in colonies. Once the address is done, then I will take questions that I would not doubt you will have, so please hold them until then." Minister Blass began, introducing herself before she began her actual address, "To all who are hearing or viewing this broadcast right now, my name is Ellen Blass and I'm the current leader of the Republic of East Asia, one of the member nations of the Human Federation. I make this address, in the hope it will assist all of those who can make a difference come to see reason and save the lives that haven't been lost already. Every human being has either seen or experienced the chaos and violence around us in some way, which comes from the conflict that rages today."
Nicol found himself nodding in agreement without thinking. The war had become far worse lately than it had been earlier. The casualties in the last six months alone had been higher than the previous year, by a frightening margin of more than three time!
"Leaders from both sides have made all sorts of promises for an end to this conflict and yet, none have provided anything of the sort, all they have brought is a continuation of the fighting. However, I'm not here to justify any of them, nor what they work for. None of them have shown that they care about those who die in their battles, whether they are soldiers or just happened to be around the fighting." Continued Minister Blass.
"Due to this current conflict, that hatred and fear has spread and fuel the flames of war and destruction. People that wish to live in peace are driven from their homes, fearing for their lives because of this. Places of peace and safety are attacked when they refuse to participate and take a side in this conflict. Or else they are deemed as an 'enemy' of the attackers if the demand of participation is refused." The woman then held up a page, "In the words of the senders in reference to their view of the Human Federation, they stated such 'has shown itself to not have the interests of the human species at heart as shown by their actions. The Human Federation's actions are unacceptable and so, the group is denounced as an official group by the Earth Alliance as a whole.' The Claim is asserted even with historical records showing clearly, that the Alliance has recognized the Human Federation as an autonomous faction from any others formed after the Earth Alliance was formed. Then, the senders' demands were akin to the terms of surrender or else be considered an enemy of them."
It was nigh impossible for Nicol to tear his attention away for this broadcast. There had been no news of any attacks by the Earth Forces on the Federation as far as Nicol knew, it brought a worrisome feeling. There had been a whispered rumor that those in charge at the Carpentaria base had asked the Orb Union for a meeting, which isn't unheard of. However, if it had to do with the Alliance attacking the Federation, it hadn't been reported and that was very odd, if not a violation of ZAFT conduct. It was a major change for the war were the Federation to become more involved than they were already.
For the Earth Alliance to consider threating the Federation was an extremely risky move, any could understand that. So, tactically speaking, Nicol could figure parts of the Earth Forces plan of action, but not all of it. With the loss of Panama's mass driver destroyed due to the deployment of the "Gungnirs" and the EMP they made. Nicol himself hadn't been fond of that battle, it had felt almost like ZAFT forces were massacring people after the mass driver was destroyed. So, after losing the one mass driver they controlled, the Alliance had the need to acquire the use of another mass driver or surrender.
What had happened at Victoria was unfortunate, many good people had died defending the base in that battle, but in the end, the Earth Forces had taken the base. The Alliance would want more than one mass driver, they had for a while, but the Human Federation had denied use of the three mass drivers they controlled for military use in any way. Nonetheless, to go straight to attacking the member nations of the Federation was reckless as the Federation could see that action as a declaration of war against them. If the Federation had mobile suits, which Nicol was one of those who was of the opinion that they did, then they probably knew how to use them. So, the one who decided to send the Earth Forces to do something so foolish, it was sacrificing forces.
"Many of you viewing and listening right now, understand what I speak of, the pain of knowing loved ones will not be coming home or back to you ever again. It is you, who are glossed over by the ones who insist on keeping this war and the hatred that fuels it, going, I speak to now. To you women that are wives, now in the depths of sorrow being without your husbands because their lives were taken by this war, give heed. To all you men that are husbands, grieving for your lost wives, whether you do so in view of others or when no one sees you, I urge you to listen. To all the children, who don't see one, or perhaps both of their parents any more, even if you are too young to understand why they can't come home to you, lend me your ears. And to all of those, who weep and pine for those who presence is missing because their lives were taken, do not shut out this message. None of you are alone in this horrible pain that is torturing you, for I myself know of the same pain as you feel. I too, have lost some dear to me due to this conflict and wish that they were still alive and with me right now." continued Minister Blass.
Nicol was beyond surprised at hearing this, for several different reasons. For, he agreed with what was being said by the Prime Minister of the Republic so far. This war hadn't done much if any good in Nicol's view. And to understand that the person that his father and others considered immovable and stubborn, had suffered loss like many people had, was different. The woman kept going saying that there was a need to stand up and refuse to keep accepting things as they were. And hearing about the need to stand up and not accept things as they are, struck a chord in Nicol.
"Today, all will know the truth of what happened at that PLANT type colony, Junius Seven, I will make sure of that. The Bloody Valentine Incident is an event that all know by now, but parts of the account of what happened there and the results, are lies that have been spread since its occurrence. Both people within the Alliance and its military, along with the PLANTs and ZAFT, have tried to hide truths about the colony for different reason, but all of that ends today!" Minister Blass stated firmly.
Nicol's mouth hung open at that last line. Could historical accounts really be incorrected about what had happened to Junius Seven? Part of Nicol screamed defiance to even a thought that history got it wrong. But still, there was something in him that said perhaps there was more to the infamous event.
Ellen Blass kept going, "It is fact that a missile bearing a nuclear warhead struck Junius Seven, bringing about the destruction of the colony. Close to a quarter of a million people followed the colony with the deaths, those facts are true. However, what the public does not know, is that between a third to half of that population were made up of Natural type human being."
There was a pause that had gasps in the background, then the woman continued, "The reason this fact is unknown or denied, is because a number of individuals and groups don't wish this truth to be known. For some of them, the fact would have them facing criminal charges before now, while others don't want to admit what Natural type humans being on Junius Seven nor what it implies."
Shock filled Nicol, was it really possible that a third of Junius Seven's population could have been Naturals? Nicol couldn't recall anyone saying anything about that, but it was possible.
"Junius Seven was not just an agricultural colony that was home to a large number of human beings, it was also a testing ground to see if Coordinator type and Natural type humans could live in peace and harmony together. The colony proved such a thing was easily possible, so much so that even Milliardo Peacecraft, the leader of the Earth Sphere before the Alliance was formed, was impressed and he was even encouraged by what he saw there. That man, who advocated peace was also on Junius Seven at the time of the nuclear strike took place. Whether that was by chance or by some design, all I can say at this time is that the Federation military is currently investigating it," Ellen Blass iterated.
Nicol remembered a couple of conversations he had overheard about 'failed' attempts to see if Naturals and Coordinators could live together in peace, but Junius Seven was never been mentioned in any of those. For that fact to be hidden by the Earth Alliance, wasn't surprising, nor was it nice, more so if Earth's previous leader before the Earth Alliance had been formed had been there. But, if this was true, and Nicol was finding himself believing that it was, then a number within ZAFT had also hidden the fact that Naturals had been at Junius Seven when the strike had occurred. And lastly, to hear that the Federation was investigating the Bloody Valentine still, implied there was indeed more to the event than was publicly known.
Minister Blass spoke again, "All the tragedies from the Blood Valentine to the battles that have happened in this war, none of it is the fault of the soldiers or pilots that fight in them, for they are following orders, some willingly, others unwillingly. Most of them are protecting their homes and what they hold dear to themselves and that is not wrong. The ones who are at fault for this war and what it has brought to us all, can be identified, regardless if they take responsibility for their actions or not. There is a phrase that most will have heard at least once by now, but I will change it slightly to promote understanding. The ones that ushered in this war and keep it going, are 'humankind's true enemy'."
The phrase 'humankind's true enemy' caught and held Nicol's attention, for it was clearly based on the phrase Blue Cosmos used as their rallying cry. And for whoever they were to be blamed instead of the soldiers was different than most who cursed the war that Nicol had heard about. Most cursed the soldiers and those who fought in the war, so it was nice in a way to hear someone not blame those who were fighting to defend others.
"First, I will define those who would be considered 'humankind's true enemy'. They are those who use their hatred of others, as the sole reason for attacking and killing people, innocent or not. They are those who insist that war is the only way to settle standing disagreements and more, adamantly claiming there is no other solution no matter the evidence provided to the contrary. They are those, who use their war cries for blood to be spilled and see them as rallying calls for others to join them as well as justification for their terrible and unforgivable actions. They are those, who are more intent on pursuing their vendettas and fulfilling them, than seeking peace for all people. Those who see nothing wrong with using and abusing people, knowingly and unknowingly, then toss them away after they fail or don't provide a use or purpose for those that control them. They are those who promote this war and say it will only end when a whole part of humanity, whether it be Coordinator, Natural, Hybrid or any other form of human being is completely exterminated! Any who do one or more of the points I mentioned, are humankind's true enemy and are as demons dressed in human skin. They are the same as the most villainous individuals in our history, the same as Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler or Musade Muhlan, they used war to kill all they could. And those who are humankind's true enemy will be remembered in the exact same way as those horrible individuals! Like those villains, those who are humankind's true enemy, are not human beings, they are a creature that is less than any type of human is."
Nicol was speechless at the 'definition' that was given by Minister Blass. The reason being, Nicol could think of a few that could fall under at least part of the definition among other reasons. To make the conundrum Nicol was having harder, the woman summed up her speech by saying that standing against humankind's true enemy would end this war. The speech certainly left Nicol to wonder many things that he hadn't thought about before.
-Line Break-
Mendel Colony, L4
Things settled down a little as time moved forward for those at the L4 colony cluster. Of course, that didn't mean that they were idle or just sat around doing nothing. There was work that needed doing and with the time, preparations were made for whatever would come that could be thought of. In fact, there was quite a list of tasks that needed to be done, like; sorting supplies that had been brought by the Archangel, the Kusanagi and the Eternal, the pilots from orb needed practice in using their mobile suits in zero-G. And with Erica Simmons there, she could also help with doing the needed adjustments on the mobile suit that the Eternal had brought with it, the ZGMF-X11A Regenerate.
Everyone was pitching in on the work, because no one knew when this quieter period would come to an end. The supply sorting was mostly done by the M1-Asrays, along with the Shadow and the Strike. Mu and Krystal saying that they needed the practice in using mobile suits in space just as much as the Orb pilots did. Mu was quickly grasping the suit controls as the OS designed by Kira was much better than what had originally come with the machine. And even if Krystal wasn't piloting the Shadow at the same level as Tyler had shown, but she was doing respectively.
At the same time, Mrs. Simmons was doing a fair job at finishing the needed work on the Regenerate. When it was taken from the PLANTs, it had still required adjustments for real use and no doubt, ZAFT's Integrated Design Bureau had been planning to do the work. But with the premature departure, that hadn't worked out. The theft of the Regenerate, had been Lacus's idea, for having piloted a mobile suit, she felt there might be a need for her to do so again. Plus, she didn't intend to sit by and have to watch Kira, Athrun and Tyler put their lives on the line for everyone else. She would go out and be right next to them if that would make a difference.
The Justice and Freedom were transferred over to the Eternal to join the Aurora in its hanger. With that being the case, the three ships had more equal loadouts. The Archangel was carrying the Strike, the Shadow and the Buster, yet it also still had Mu's mobile armor, even if it had been modified at Morgenroete. The Kusanagi had seven M-1 Astrays and unexpectedly, the Asuka had been loaded on the ship too. Cagalli had been eyeing the machine with visible interest, where that would go, none knew. The Eternal of course, carried the Freedom, the Justice, the Aurora and the Regenerate mobile suits.
However, during what down time there was, the activities varied from person to person, but it quickly became clear that everyone had seen Ellen Blass's speech, whether live or a recording of it. For it was the topic of discussion among most, her speech was talked and thought about at length.
For those that came from Orb, they fully agreed with what Minister Blass had stated. The speech had hit Cagalli directly in the heart, for more than one reason. Not only was Ellen Blass a woman that Cagalli respected a great deal and even saw her to extent, like a mother figure. But seeing her show emotion as she had during the speech was something Cagalli hadn't seen before. Sure she understood that what had happened to Ellen's husband and that she had even had a daughter, that would be very harder. Ellen's speech as a whole, caused Cagalli to seriously consider things that she had thought couldn't change.
Kira had agreed with what Tyler's mother had stated and said. But, to hear of what had been in the messages sent to the member nations of the Federation, had irritated him. It did explain why Tyler could have been mad before if the message from the Alliance had been the same or similar. Granted there were those in the Earth Alliance that seemed to do wrong, but this went beyond just doing wrong. The Alliance attacked others, knowing that it would very likely make the war worse for everyone and to show no sign that they cared in the slightest. The feelings of righteous anger were a strange emotion for Kira as it had not happened to him much.
After listening to the speech, Lacus wished that as many human beings hear the message that Ellen Blass had as possible. It had been so simple and yet rang true in the heart! If people worked together and stood united against this conflict, then peace could come. And if this war came to an end, then people could live happily and not have to fear being killed from fighting. Siegel agreed with this youngest daughter, even if he knew that there was more work to be done for peace to come about.
However, Athrun took the speech of Ellen Blass hard, even if he didn't show any evidence of what he felt. He understood and agreed with what had been said by the woman, yet parts had been painful to hear for him. The part that had affected Athrun the most, was listening to Ellen's definition of humankind's true enemy. It was as a checklist… and each line, Athrun had to admit was a strike against his father. Each quality that Ellen had identified could be applied to his father as of late. Patrick Zala used his hatred he bore towards Naturals as justification for the attacks on the Alliance. His father said this war was the only solution and there was nothing else that could. The man had even used cries of retribution to rally others to his cause, Athrun himself included. He used people knowingly, though mostly unknowingly and then 'tossed' them out when their usefulness ended, Athrun had personal experience in that. Then, Athrun could see now the 'vendetta' that was driving Patrick Zala onward and was promoting the war to keep it going.
The work kept moving forward as the days passed by with little change, but each day that nothing changed increased the feel of the need to hurry. Things came to a head when a meeting was scheduled for the leaders here. The meeting took place on the bridge of the Archangel, most people of note were there. All three commanding the vessels were there, all the pilots, just to name a few in attendance.
Kisaka was the one who started the discussion, "With recent events, the Earth Alliance is the more worrisome of the two other factions right now. There retaking of the Victoria base, got them use of a mass driver as they had been trying to obtain to replace Panama. They are putting the Habilis mass driver to use by reestablishing their supply line among other things."
Mu cursed quietly, "Having a mass driver to use, means it won't be long before this conflict gets worse up here in space. It won't be long before strikes are made at the PLANTs by the Alliance and that gets us nowhere."
"But, what good does attacking the PLANTs even achieve?" Asked Cagalli.
No one answered the question for a time, but then Tyler spoke up, "Because Cagalli, those in control of the Earth Alliance believe that only when all of Earth and space are purged of every single Coordinators will this war end for them in victory. They are convinced and shout that only when every Coordinator is dead will this war stop. The PLANTs are where the largest population of Coordinator are and stands for Coordinator independents from Natural type human control and dominance or that's how it's portrayed.
"I can't see how getting rid of Coordinators would lead to a pure world. I don't know what is meant by 'pure world' in the first place. But, from the PLANTs' perspective, there's nothing worse than being shot and killed for the sole reason to be attacked," Waltfeld continued where Tyler had left off.
Cagalli noted that Athrun had disappear and so, she slipped away to go looking for him. Meanwhile, Andrew Waltfeld kept going, "On the other hand, most of the leaders of the PLANTs look upon the Naturals as pests and beneath them. Both sides claim self-defense and self-preservation as their reasons to fight this war… one is left to wonder how long this cycle will continue and if it will ever end."
"You're pretty much stating the whole problematic cycle that this war is maintained by," said Tyler, "It's the hypocritical and yet horribly ironic, spilling blood stains and taints all around it, making it impossible to have a "pure world". So, to claim killing a group will solve things, is nothing more than a justification that is used for a vendetta of a few. It has to stop soon, or all will die for this war and then it will be too late for anything to change."
"But there is still the opportunity for change to occur, much like Minister Blass said in her broadcast. It isn't to the point that things can't change, and even the influence of a few can make a difference," Lacus insisted firmly.
"Indeed, it is the greatest power that human beings have, the ability to choose a different path and change," said Siegel Clyne.
While the meeting continued, Cagalli searched for Athrun. He hadn't been looking like he was doing well since he had returned from going to the PLANTs. She had heard that things had gone… badly with Athrun trying to talk to his father, at least that's what Kira had said. It was when she came into the observation lounge, that she found Athrun, who was staring out over the docking area. "I finally found you," Cagalli announced.
Athrun turned and saw Cagalli floating towards him, he felt surprised at seeing her. He had come to the port's observation lounge to get time to clear his head, though he hadn't been doing well in that respect. What had happened around the PLANTs was plaguing him, what his father had done kept going through his mind. The broadcast had contributed to the storm in his mind, for he respected and agreed with Tyler's mother, far more than his father now.
Cagalli stopped right in front of Athrun, "I bet your head is like a hamster about now with all that's happened," she said, tones of worry audible. "Your mind going around in circles, getting nowhere with any of the question you have, right?"
Athrun said nothing, she was right, the questions that were bouncing around his brain were still unanswered. He had tried to think of how and why things had ended out the way they did, how he might have missed something that he could have changed yet still, Athrun had come up with nothing. Cagalli kept going, "That's why you need to talk about what's on your mind to others, it does harm if you just keep it inside. All of us here can help you Athrun and we want to help you, there are friends here that are worried about you, me included. Your opinion and knowledge is valuable, so when we gather for meetings, you should be there too."
"Sorry, just don't know what to say right now," Athrun replied.
Cagalli stared at Athrun, seeing he was clearly in pain, both physical and non-physical. Specifically, Cagalli's gaze fell on Athrun's right shoulder, which had bandages wrapping and his arm was in a sling to help the healing process along. "Does it hurt?" Cagalli asked.
Athrun realized that she was talking about his shoulder, "Not really," he said evenly.
His shoulder was sore, but the pain he felt before when he had been shot had been far worse. But even then, the one who had shot him had been more damaging to his heart than the action itself. "You're lying, of course it hurts. You were shot by your own father, how could that not hurt," Cagalli reasoned.
The blonde's justification nailed Athrun in the heart and to the wall, for it summarized what was hurting him. His head fell, and a few tears came to his eyes, "I… I couldn't stop him… I realized it for the first time, just how different things have become with him," Athrun got out, his voice breaking a bit as he spoke.
"Athrun?" questioned Cagalli.
Athrun continued, "I was totally powerless and I didn't understand a thing, even when others tried to tell me how things were. I've been so blind and stupid not to see the changes in him. Tyler tried to soften the blow, to warn and tell me about the change that he saw, but I wasn't willing to see it."
Cagalli grabbed Athrun's left hand and made him meet her eyes, "Everyone feels powerless in the same basic way at some point in their lives. Those who think they understand things as they are that don't experience it themselves, they're only fooling themselves!" Cagalli stated firmly.
"Cagalli," uttered Athrun in surprise, never having expected such from the girl.
"It's still too soon to give up on convincing your father, that his methods aren't the best way to go forward! You still have a chance to talk to him properly, he's your father, so isn't it worth trying," Cagalli continued, the strength of her belief evident.
Athrun got over his surprise at how much sense Cagalli was making at the same time she was showing her strong optimistic view of the world. It wasn't like Kira's naivete, but it ran along the same type of path, the difference was Cagalli knew the world wasn't the simple place that Kira saw. Athrun couldn't help the smile that found itself on to his face, "So, stop standing around alone looking so hesitant, and," Cagalli was saying.
Athrun moved forward and embraced Cagalli with his left arm going around her back. She may have not searched for him and found him to cheer him up, but she certainly had done just that. Cagalli Yula Athha, was like no girl Athrun had ever met; not a Natural, Coordinator or any other type or human being. "Thanks for caring Cagalli, it means a great deal," Athrun said softly.
Cagalli began stuttering up a storm right after Athrun embraced her, for it was the last thing she had expected to come. Yes, she thought Athrun was a nice guy, well-mannered and calm in most situations, yet a kind disposition. But he had never been this forward around her before! She had meant to find him and try to cheer him up however, how it had come to this, Cagalli didn't know.
Her heart rate had shot up when Athrun had hugged her and she felt her cheeks heat up in response. The response brought back to Cagalli's mind a conversation that she had with Ellen months ago. She hadn't thought much about it at the time, for it had been Ellen talking about Cagalli preparing herself for the time when "a boy came along". Cagalli had listened to what Ellen had said, but hadn't really paid much attention to the subject, as spending time with boys wasn't a priority with her. But now, parts of the conversation repeated themselves in her head, for her heart speeding up and cheeks heating up was something particular that had come up in the talk.
And yet, Cagalli for the life of her, couldn't explain why her voice wasn't working right, so couldn't get out more than one to two words, certainly not a full, understandable sentence. It made no sense to her why a boy would have such an effect on her, even though Ellen had said that a boy could have this kind of effect. All she could do was float there and let this happen. Part of her enjoyed the current experience, while another part saying this was far too soon for something like this to happen with a boy, even if Athrun was nice.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
It had been a little over a week since arriving at Mendel within the L4 colony cluster. Things were going fine with the tasks that were being worked on and completed. However, I was getting restless and antsy with each passing day with me having little to do. As is habit for me, when there's idle time, I try to find something to do to occupy that time. as the phrase goes, 'An idle mind is the devil's playground' and I avoid anything like a devil as much as I possibly can. So, even if most thought it was pointless and unneeded, I made the decision that going out for a patrol of the area.
That being said, I suited up and launched out in the Aurora from the Eternal, Aisha didn't see anything wrong with me going out and she had been in command then. Once I cleared the ships, but before I exited the dock, I shifted my suit over to its flight mode and activated the Aurora's phantom stealth system and my suit vanished from all sensors and sight. Where some might see patrolling right now as a waste of time, I disagree. We WILL have company soon enough, of that I'm sure. The real question I believe is left, is who will come first, the Earth Forces or ZAFT, whoever it was, the other won't be far behind I bet.
I cruised around the colony cluster at a fair pace, looking for anything out of the ordinary and for the first thirty minutes, I saw nothing of interest. Nevertheless, that changed when I reached the side of the cluster that faced the moon. I spotted an object for a moment behind an arm of one of the outer colony in the cluster. I came around and swooped to the dark side of the colony in question, need to get a second closer look at what I'd caught a glimpse of. On the dark side, I found myself looking at what was unmistakably an Archangel-class Alliance vessel. The ship was using colony structure to mask their approach, which I would guess is the Mendel colony.
The major difference between this Archangel-class and the Archangel herself, was that the Archangel was white overall and this one is black. For the Earth Forces to build another ship of the class, wasn't shocking, the ship class is powerful, I'll admit it. The downside, the Archangel-class isn't a vessel type that could be mass produced efficiently, quickly or easily. Still, the question of why the Alliance would send only one ship here, says one of two things. Either the one who's in command of the black Archangel, has confidence of their superiors, or the Alliance doesn't know there are three ships at L4. Perhaps there's a different goal altogether, the Alliance has been more unpredictable as of late.
The black ship showed no sign that they had noticed they were being followed by me. So, I connected an encrypted channel to the Archangel, which was audio only. "Archangel, this is the Aurora, be advised, I've found and am following an Alliance ship that has entered the colony cluster from the moon facing side and is using colony structure to mask its approach. I can confirm that the vessel is an Archangel-class and is heading towards the Mendel colony. Hostilities are likely, prepare accordingly, Aurora," I stated clearly, so that there would be no question about what I was saying.
I kept following the black Archangel, coming to be above the ship around where its engines and stern missile tubes were. I was making sure to keep a close and critical eye on this vessel as I figure this ship is here for non-friendly purposes the longer I followed it. In fact, I was more sure that it was here to attack us, and probably something else if it can get away with it. As the black vessel came around the dark side of the colony it was using to hide and came into view of Mendel. The black Archangel deployed it weapons and CIWS, and I noted that the port side stern missile tube opening and prepping missiles for launch. My response was to shift the Aurora out of its flight mode and bring my beam rifle to bear on the port side missile tubes. Switched the rifle over to the stream configuration and then waited to see what this ship to fire its missiles, for I plan to intercept them.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
Sai and Kuzzey were on duty on the bridge, with Krystal being in command at this late hour. Everything had been quiet thus far on the shift, but that change with one event. Kuzzey noted an encrypted communication being received, and on further inspection, noticed it was audio only, which was kind of unusual. "Ma'am, we're receiving an encrypted message, it's audio only," Kuzzey announced.
Krystal turned around, curious as to a message at this time, "Well then, let's hear it," she said.
Kuzzey input the commands for the message to be heard of the speaker system on the bridge, "Archangel, this is the Aurora," came the voice of Tyler, which gained the sharp attention of everyone on the bridge."Be advised, I've found and am following an Alliance ship that has entered the colony cluster from the moon facing side and is using colony structure to mask its approach. I can confirm that the vessel is an Archangel-class and is heading towards the Mendel colony. Hostilities are likely, prepare accordingly, Aurora out."
Kuzzey looked at the transmission, "There is nothing else, just what we heard," he said.
Krystal sighed at comprehending what the message said, "Well, means that peace and quiet time is at its end now." She faced forward and picked up the ship phone, "All hands, level one battle stations, I repeat, all hands, level one battle station!"
Minutes after the announcement, others came onto the bridge and filled the unmanned stations. Murrue floated to the captain's chair, which Krystal vacated as she headed for the elevator to go to the hanger. Those on the bridge, brought Murrue up to speed on what Tyler's warning had iterated. When Murrue had understood what was about to happen, she ordered the message to be sent to the Kusanagi and the Eternal so they could make preparations.
Meanwhile, the pilots on the Archangel suited up and then boarded their mobile suits, waiting for orders to launch out. The Archangel fired up its engines, but before they could exit Mendel's dock, the colony was shaken hard, the cause unknown. The shaking had come from the Dominion, firing one of its Lohengrin at the colony wall behind the docking section itself. The colony wall's integrity took a hit, though the wall itself didn't rupture or melt through from the positron beam.
Inside the colony, Murrue connected com-channels to both the Kusanagi and the Eternal, "What's your ship's status?" She asked.
"The Kusanagi is ready to go," replied Cagalli, with Kisaka nodding to her statement.
"We need a little more time to get the Eternal ready," returned Waltfeld.
"Right then, do what you need to for the Eternal to be ready. The Archangel will head out of the colony and face those outside," Murrue stated. The Archangel lifted off and moved forward towards the entrance of Mendel's dock.
On the outside, approaching the Mendel colony's southern dock, the second Archangel-class, Dominion slowly closed the distance between it and its target. However, when Natarle saw the Archangel exiting the colony's dock, the doubts about this mission returned for the second time. Making a split-second decision, Natarle opened a communication channel, "This is the Earth Forces' Mobile Assault Ship Dominion, Archangel, can you hear me?" Natarle announced.
On board the Archangel, hearing a voice that none of the crew of the Archangel thought they would hear again hit them hard. "Your ship is listed with the Alliance as a rebel ship, therefore, we demand your immediate and unconditional surrender," continued Natarle Badgiruel. "Should you fail to abide by these demands, we will be forced to destroy your ship."
The realization that the opposing commanding officer that they would face in this battle, was to be a former comrade, didn't sit well with anyone. Shortly after the two lines were given by Natarle, video communication connected and Murrue found herself looking at a woman she respected as a friend and an equal. "It's been a while, Captain Ramius. I regret we should meet again under these circumstances," Natarle greeted.
Murrue gave a sad smile, "Indeed, the feeling is mutual," she replied.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
The shot from the Lohengrin had taken me by surprise, I had more figured that missile would be the first weapon to be fired. It was why I had been positioned towards the rear of the ship, ready to intercept projectiles fired. Then, I was thrown an even crazier curveball!
"This is the Earth Forces' Mobile Assault Ship Dominion, Archangel, can you hear me?" Came the voice of none other than Natarle Badgiruel.
Oh boy, of all of those that could be our opponents, it has to be someone that we know… great. Dare I asked how this could get worse? Upon tapping into the communication channel that the Alliance was using, I began hearing the ongoing conversation. "Your ship is listed with the Alliance as a rebel ship, therefore, we demand your immediate and unconditional surrender." Continued Natarle, "Should you fail to abide by these demands, we will be forced to destroy your ship."
What a prompted answer I receive, this situation is going to be difficult and complicated. At least now, I know what kind of tactics I'll need to watch for. "It's been a while, Captain Ramius. I regret we should meet again under these circumstances," Natarle said.
"Indeed, the feeling is mutual," Murrue replied.
To say this conversation is as painful to listen to as it is sad, would be an understatement from my position. Natarle does has some of the worst luck I've seen when it comes to those she has to take orders from. It's sad as the woman, as much as I may disagree with her views, is a capable and decent commanding officer and the Alliance doesn't have a great deal of those types. Her biggest fault that trips her up, is she's blindly loyal and faithful to the Alliance and most of them have clearly shown they don't deserve such loyalty.
"I heard about what went on at Alaska, it was a complicated decision and the results were horrible. However, I strongly suggest that you surrender and talk things over with the top brass. I don't know what help I can be, but I'll do everything I can to assist you. You are fully aware of what this ship is capable of doing, please, make this easier on yourselves." Natarle pled.
Natarle heard about what happened at Alaska did she? What she knows all depends who she was told the information by, for there are two completely different accounts for that event. The two versions are vastly different, with one being the truth of the Alliance's actions and views, compared to them 'fighting the good fight' and making the ultimate sacrifice. But, what I'm more curious about, is what the real reason Natarle was sent here for. Destroying the Archangel is possible, yet it doesn't fit entirely, which gets me thinking what else there was to this.
"Natarle, thank you, but we cannot do that! This isn't only about what happened at Alaska, but what they've done throughout this war," Murrue replied.
Amen to that! I only wish that those on board the Archangel had understood sooner, but better they know the truth now than not at all.
"Harsh things occur in war, but even so, it isn't worth what you're doing," Natarle attempted to reason.
I kind of wish that Natarle understood that those in control of the Alliance, but she clearly doesn't. And while I would agree with the first part of what the former first officer of the Archangel was saying, the second I don't. There are things worth staking your life for, and standing up against those who will do nearly anything to fulfill their vendettas to bring about the extinction to a part of humanity if not stopped is one of them. Or as my mother so eloquently put it, '… those, who are more intent on pursuing their vendetta, than seeking peace for the innocent that they are supposed to be representing.' It is those kinds of people that will be the end of us all if they aren't stopped!
"Then, you even condone the Alliance's attacks on member nations of the Federation," Murrue posed.
Wow, now that's quite the counter, and completely valid! "That's not what," Natarle began saying.
However, before the conversation could go further, another voice came over the com-line and it was one I didn't recognize, "This is a very rousing conversation, but honestly, enough with the foolish bravado. If we could solve everything by talking, then there would be no conflict in this world. Enemies are made through fools voicing their views, and enemies are to be destroyed. It's the way things are and there is no other way that things can change, things will never work that way."
I don't like how this 'man' was talking, for it sounds more like a justification of someone doing horrible things and saying they're right. Yet, I haven't a clue who the man is, never heard the voice that I can recall.
"Director Azrael," said Natarle.
A cold feeling spread through me at hearing the two words that Natarle had just said. Director Azrael? As in the man named Muruta Azrael, the current leader of Blue Cosmos? The man that gathered evidence proves was involved in the nuclear missile strike on Junius Seven? Sure, I had heard of the man by name, read about him in reports and hadn't liked what I'd learned at all. However, I had never thought I would be in close proximity to this dangerous man, who is considered a war criminal by the Federation.
Back at the time that the United Nations created the group that later became the Federation military, there was also a set of rules that the group upheld and enforced. One of those rules, defined what a 'war crime' was and for those who committed such, what types of punishments they would face. So, with Muruta Azrael's involvement in the destruction of Junius Seven, definitely fell under the 'war criminal' category. He was one of the few that had played a part in the Bloody Valentine, who hadn't been taken into custody as of yet.
"Calamity, Forbidden, and Raider, launch! Today the indestructible Archangel falls, and then this war can then move towards the ending it should have had years ago!" ordered Muruta Azrael.
Phase End
A/n
I'll leave off at this point and continue with the actual battle in the next Phase. So, the reason I made the start date what I did, is I feel like I was moving too fast with the passage of time in the story. And I'll go back through and do adjustments when I reach the end of where the Gundam Seed Anime leaves off. In fact, am planning to do some revision once I reach that point, but that's a few Phases away at least. As always, please some of you take the time to write a review, I don't care of the length and tell me what you think, ask question or even tell me I don't know what I'm doing. Until next time, peace out all!