Archangel
One week later
Archangel, Bridge
Murrue sighed with obvious relief as the Archangel finally docked in the JOSH-A base and stood saluting as the commanding officer appeared on the view screen "Captain Ramius you and your command crew are to report tomorrow for an inquisition on the Archangel." He reported.
Ramius nodded "We have some ZAFT prisoners onboard," She said "What should we do with them."
The commanding officer sighed "Unfortunately things are a little hectic with ZAFT's rumored upcoming attack on Panama," He explained "So for the time being please keep them aboard your ship."
The link closed as Murrue sighed sitting back down "I felt more relaxed during combat than talking with him." She groaned making some of the crew chuckle.
"This inquisition worries me," Mu said frowning "Especially since all of the pilots save for me have been coordinators."
"Then when they see the battle data for the Dragon-X and the Buster Rifle..." Natarle added trailing off with her mouth in a grim line "They'll be demanding why we never obtained it."
"Actually we're safe in that respect," Neumann said surprising the others "With Terminal essentially the Fourth major power in this war neither side wants to piss them off, and since the Buster Rifle was the property of a Combat Agent."
"Command wouldn't risk trying to get their hands on it," Murrue finished "But still, get some rest for now, I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a long day."
"Lacus?" breathed Kira. "Wha-? Where am I?"
Lacus smiled reassuringly "You are in my home in the PLANTs," Lacus explained calmly patting Kira's shoulder "You were brought here by a good friend of mine Reverend Malchio who found you injured on a beach."
"No problem!" chirped Haro, jumping from Lacus's hands and back onto the bed next to Kira. "No problem!"
"So, has one of our sleepers awakened?" asked a raven-haired man as he entered the sunroom from the garden. Lacus glanced at the man before responding.
"Yes, Reverend Malchio," she said.
"You must be surprised, waking up here," said the blind reverend.
"I think that's something of an understatement." Kira said smiling grimly.
"Believe me, you were nowhere as surprised as John when he woke up." Lacus said.
"John?" Kira asked, turning around to see a separate bed with two figures inside of it. He instantly recognized them as Corrine and John. "But…how?"
"We don't really know." Lacus said with a slight frown. "but all we can guess was that there was a battle, and somehow the three of you survived."
A slight stir from Corrine interrupted their conversation. The girl's white eyes slowly were dragged open "Good morning, Corrine." She greeted smiling.
"L-Lacus?" Corrine questioned softly focusing her eyes on the pink haired songstress "W-where... am I?"
Lacus smiled reassuringly "You are in my home in the PLANTs," Lacus explained calmly patting Corrine's shoulder "You and the others were brought here by a good friend of mine Reverend Malchio who found you injured on a beach."
"Believe me, I'm just as amazed." Kira said.
"John?" The word seemed to pain the brunette as she whispered it her white eyes glittering with unshed tears fearing the answer.
"He is right beside you." She answered smiling at the sight of her friends eyes widening as it turned to see said teen slumbering peacefully "He woke up about an hour ago and would rest until he was by your side," Lacus explained "He kept repeating that he was sorry to you."
Corrine shakily lifted her hand and ran it along his face smiling as he responded by nuzzling into her hand slightly. Tears of relief and happiness flooded her eyes as she moved herself so that she could properly embrace him sobbing slightly, unaware as Lacus smiled and she and Kira slipped from the protected sunroom leaving the couple be.
Corrine continued to sob for a minute as she clutched at John burying her face into his chest reassuring herself that he was alive and fine "Corrine?" A voice whispered questioningly.
Looking up she saw Corrine groan as his eyes opened and locked on with her own, instantly with her body moving of its own accord she pressed her lips against him killing him furiously with a passion he returned as he entwined his fingers with her hair pulling her closer, when they finally separated Corrine wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled herself into the crook under his chin "I thought, I thought you had died," She whispered with a slight sob gripping him tighter "I thought I had lost you."
"I had thought I was going to die as well," John admitted kissing the top of her head inhaling her scent as a few tears dripped from his eyes "I'm so sorry Corrine," He sobbed out "My actions nearly got you killed and-"
"Enough John," Corrine said firmly holding him tighter "I told you I would protect you back as you protect mine, and that's what we did, I'm just so happy you are alive."
Ryu sobbed lightly as He buried his head into her neck as he clung to her tightly finally allowing himself to break down.
JOSH-A
The gathered officers of the Archangel Saluted as William Sutherland entered the room with two of his aide officers, returning the salute Sutherland sat down followed by everyone else in the room "The navigational data aboard the Archangel already been gathered and is being deciphered," Sutherland said as he leaned forward linking his hands together as he smirked slightly "Quite an impressive record, Captain Murrue Ramius." Sutherland lean back as he spoke again "Now from all of you we will receive and review your reports and testimonies on what has happened thus far," He explained "Then this Inquisition will report to the Military Judicial Committee, anything you say will be reported once the inquisition starts, I hope you answer everything truthfully, understood?"
"Yes sir." Murrue confirmed frowning slightly.
"Well then, file number one," Sutherland started as a screen opened behind him "This is regarding the incident at Heliopolis With ZAFT and EA forces engaging each other, I will now hear the report of Murrue Ramius who was a Lieutenant at the time."
Murrue stood and took a breath calming herself for the political shit storm to come.
Dearka sighed as he laid back on the bed in the medical ward he, Kelsey and Nicol where currently occupying "Wonder what's going to happen to us?" He wondered aloud "I mean we have docked with JOSH-A."
"Who knows," Kelsey rumbled before sighing "I just hope the others are alright, he seemed pissed when they left."
"True," Nicol agreed quietly as he shifted on his bed, mindful of his arm bindings "I wonder how Rusty is right now?"
"Rusty's fine," A voice said as the door opened, and Sai walked in with a sad Mir following "He's recovering well, although he may have some scarring."
The three pilots sighed in relief at the good news "Have you heard anything from them?" Kelsey asked curiously only to receive a headshake.
"Nothing," Sai said "Their signals cut out just as we entered Alaskan Airspace. Now, the four of them are M.I.A for now."
"Do you know what's going to happen to us?" Dearka questioned.
Sai shrugged "For now you're being transferred to the brig," He explained "Command is apparently too busy to collect some prisoners."
Dearka snorted before looking at Mirralia "Mir, what's wrong?" He asked tilting his head slightly.
Mir bit back a sob as tears welled up "Tolle was the pilot of the Skygrasper." Sai explained as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. The Zaft pilots inhaled sharply. "Damn Kyoji." Kelsey whispered.
"Our sympathies." Nicol said with a sympathetic smile.
Dearka continued to stare at Mir seemingly entrapped by her as Kelsey smiled secretly at seeing it.
JOSH-A, Tribunal Room
5 hours later
"I think that about covers everything," Sutherland said as he closed the folder "Is there anything else you or your crew would like to add?"
"No sir." Murrue denied a bitter taste in her mouth as she clamped it shut.
"Very well," He said standing "This tribunal is now closed, remain on standby aboard the Archangel and await your orders."
Murrue sighed once they were alone "That fucking chauvinistic pig." She ground out surprising her subordinates at her outburst "How dare he blame those children, they are the reason we prevented even worse things from happening."
Mu placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder as the crew followed the hallways back to the Archangel "At least we protected them as best we could," He said with a sigh "All we can do now is keep an ear to the ground and hope to get even a slight warning if they try and kill those kids."
The rest of the gathered crew nodded their faces grim as their resolve hardened.
Archangel, Infirmary
Rusty groaned lightly as the consciousness returned to his eyes opening slowly to the roof of the Archangel's infirmary "I'm... Alive?" he questioned slightly surprised.
"That you are," The doctor confirmed appearing at the boys bedside "And quite well with your major injuries healing nicely, so long as you don't do anything to strenuous for the next week you should be fine in no time, although there is one thing though."
"What?" Rusty asked fearfully.
"Nothing life changing I assure you," The doctor reassured as he held up a mirror "Just a scar on you face is all."
Looking at the mirror Rusty was slightly surprised at the thin white scar that went from the middle of his nose and running along the underside of her left eye ending right before her ear "Whoa." he whispered lightly tracing it.
"That's what I said," Scout said appearing in Rusty's view briefly before she started hugging the brunette tightly, being mindful to the teens wounds of course "Thank god you're alright." Scout mumbled into Rusty's shoulder as Rusty began to hug Scout back "When I saw your suit being consumed by the explosion..." Scout trailed off with a sob as Rusty rubbed her back soothingly sending a thankful smile to the doctor who discreetly left.
"I'm alright now Scout," he reassured kissing Scout's temple "And I have a cool scar to boot." Scout couldn't help it as a chuckle escaped her throat tears still spilling out of her eyes as she felt Rusty pull her away to get a good look at her "You haven't been eating properly have you?" Rusty asked sternly looking straight into the younger's eyes "I want you to go and get us both a tray of food, and you are eating everything."
Scout frowned slightly. "This is nothing compaired to what Sarah's going through." She said.
Rusty then became fearful. "What happened?" he asked.
Tears formed in Scout's eyes again. "Jordan…Kira…along with Corrine and John…" she said.
She didn't need to finish as Rusty's eyes widened as well. "No…" he said. "No…matt…matt wouldn't…"
"He didn't do it." Scout said. Shocking Rusty. "Jordan Died…trying to save Kira from Athrun's attack."
"Has Sarah spoken to anyone?" Rusty asked.
"No." she said. "We barley see her. I cant even get her to say anything."
Rusty put his hand on Scout's shoulder reassuringly. "Give her some time." He said. "I went through a very similer stage when my mother died. Now you get that food, alright?"
Scout chuckled again as the tears started to stem a bit "Okay," She agreed "Then how about afterwards I help give you a bath?"
Rusty smirked as he kissed Scout "If it's you giving me the bath I would love it." he replied kissing Scout again, this time more passion enveloped them both as Rusty fell back onto the bed with Scout on top of him.
PLANTS
Kira sat in his bed, thinking about everything that had happened. He wondered about everyone else on the aboard Archangel. He knew Tolle was gone, but did everyone else make it out alive? Had they made it to Alaska? Or… well, he didn't want to think about that.
"It was inevitable, I guess," Kira spoke out as Lacus placed a cup of tea on the small table next to the bed. "He killed my friend. And that's why…"
"So you tried to kill Athrun with all your might and he tried to do the same to you," finished Lacus. "None of that could be helped, now could it?"
Kira glanced at her. "Because that's war," she continued. "And you were both fighting against the enemy. Am I mistaken?"
No, she wasn't. And as much as Kira hated to admit it, he and Athrun had gone from best friends to mortal enemies all because of this stupid and meaningless war.
But why was Tolle the one to pay the price for that?
Later
Lacus hummed lightly as she pushed a cart of some food to the small sunroom where Corrine and John where resting, only to find the bed empty "Not Good, Not Good!" Her Haro stated as she started to look around for them.
"I was so angry," Corrine whispered as she and John looked out over the artificial lake in the PLANT "I just wanted to kill anything around me, including Athrun, and I tried to, I tried to kill him, my own brother."
John held onto he lightly as tears slipped from her eye "I understand how you feel Corrine," He whispered "Don't let the regret consume you though, don't follow the path I did of self blame and hatred."
Corrine gave him a watery smiled kissing him again. "I hope the others are alright." She said. "That fight between Jordan and his brother seemed pretty intense when we left. I just hope their both Ok."
At that moment, Lacus finally found them "There you are," She said as the pair separated "I have some food ready for you if you feel up to eating."
"Thanks Lacus," Corrine said smiling at the teen "For everything."
Adam's Room
"Are you alright Flay?" Adam asked in concern as Flay finished throwing up into the toilet.
"I'm fine," Flay assured "I think our dinner didn't agree with me last night, that's all."
Adam smiled as he rubbed her back and pressed a cool handkerchief to her forehead "Well if it keeps up you should make sure to see the doctor alright?" He ordered gently.
"I will." Flay confirmed leaning into her boyfriend.
Archangel, two days after John, Corrine and Kira waking up
"Here are you transfer orders Commander, Crewman." Said the officer passing Flay and Mu transfer orders "Have a good day."
"Transfer orders?" Flay asked looking at them her eyes wide in shock.
"They're sending me out to California with the Blaze Inferno to train new recruits." Mu said looking at his own orders.
"At least there will be fewer rookie casualties with you training them." Murrue said with a slight smile.
"C-Captain," Flay said getting their attention "I, I can't transfer out."
"Unfortunately we can't change an official order," Natarle said sympathizing with the girl "You can make an appeal, but I doubt they will listen."
"B-but the thing is," She trailed off glancing at Adam nervously placing a hand on her abdomen "I'm sorry I didn't tell you this sooner Chris, I meant to tonight, but the thing is... I'm pregnant."
All was heard was a single thump as Adam fainted dead while the others stared at the red head "Well, that changes things." Mu stated still in shock.
Chamber of the PLANT Supreme Council, Aprilius One
May 1st, C.E. 71
"Olbani's Compromise Plan? What's the point in bringing something like this to the table now?" said Patrick, who'd been elected Supreme Council Chairman a month ago. "Operation Spitbreak will proceed as planned."
"I'm certainly not saying that we accept it as is," said Siegel. "But if we proceed with the Operation, there is no doubt that we will suffer casualties going into battle. We have a chance to avoid that. Shouldn't we at least make the attempt?"
"You raise a valid point," said Ezalia. "But you can't expect us to agree to these ridiculous demands. They're acting like they've won the war."
"Nevertheless, we can use this to call for a temporary ceasefire and return to the negotiating table," said Ian. "It would give the men and women actually fighting this war a chance to rest, and it could actually end the war peacefully. We owe it to everyone that's fighting in this war, to their families and those that have been lost, on both sides, to try."
Many in the Council were still surprised by Ian's steadfast determination. His son had been declared missing in action, likely dead. Yet, unlike Tad Elsman, and Yuri Amalfi, whose sons were also missing, and who had slipped into the background of the Council, Ian was still just as strong and as determined as he always was.
Much to the annoyance of Patrick Zala.
"This is only their crude way of buying time," said Maxwell.
"Of course," said Ian. "They know we're going to launch a massive operation soon. But truthfully, it's unlikely that they could fortify Panama any further without dangerously weakening other important bases. And I don't think Operation Spitbreak will be a success in the long run. I've been looking at the numbers and estimates for the Operation, as well as the latest troop estimate at Panama. And frankly, this Operation could be damaging for us in the long run."
"It's obvious to anyone with half a brain that the best target for us to hit is Panama," continued Ian. "The loss of Panama would cripple their space forces. But the number of the troops at Panama will guarantee at least a loss of forty to forty-five percent of our forces. Our holdings on Earth will be critically weakened afterwards and the Earth Forces could likely take back much of what they've gained. If you go through with this with any hope of succeeding, Chairman Zala, you'll need a very big ace hidden up your sleeve. You have no such ace, though, unless you've hidden it from the Council. This is why I voted against Operation Spitbreak."
Patrick Zala scowled. The bastard was trying to ruin everything! If he revealed Operation Spitbreak's true target, Clyne's supporters would try to stop it because they never voted on an attack on JOSH-A. The weak fools didn't realize anything! Hacking off the limbs of a beast will only weaken it. You have to cut off the head of the beast to kill it.
Worse, the more they delayed, the greater the chance that the Earth Forces may get wind of his plan, ruining everything.
"No. I have not kept anything important from the Council," he said calmly. "You are underestimating our forces and overestimating the strength of the Earth Forces. Operation Spitbreak will be a major success and help bring a quick end to the war. And there is no reason to consider Olbani's proposal at this point. Operation Spitbreak will go ahead as planned."
"Arrogance in war, only leads to disaster," said Ian. "You might wish to remember that Zala. For if Spitbreak fails, it will be those fighting this war that will suffer for it, not us."
Aboard the Hades
"As you all know, we've been ordered to participate in Operation Spitbreak," announced Commander Zar Hellfury to the gathered 'officers' and pilots of the Scorcerer Team. "Specifically, we've been ordered to be a part of the first attack group dropped from space, by Chairman Zala personally."
"Hmph. So, Zala's putting us in the most dangerous part of the Operation," said Jack, punching his palm. "They won't stand a chance against us."
"That's true," agreed Sasha, their newest member. "But don't forget, we'll be fighting on Earth. Something we've never done before."
"Gah… I hate Earth's gravity," complained Cory.
"Oh, shut up," retorted Sasha, punching her teammate in the shoulder.
"Enough," said Zar, silencing the group. "We won't be participating in the Operation."
Most of the gathered subordinates stared at the Commander as if he had grown a second head. They had never backed down from an assignment.
"But why?" asked Sasha, looking at the Commander.
"Anthony approached me with his increasing feelings of dread over this Operation," said Zar.
In that one sentence, every question they could've voiced had been answered. Something bad was going to happen. Anthony's sixth sense about these things was never once wrong. If it weren't for his feelings of dread at Endymion Crater, none of them would have escaped in time before the Cyclops System was activated.
"We will report that we are having mechanical problems and will be unable to arrive in time for the battle," stated Zar. "And this will give us time to get in touch with the Junk Guild,"
"You think they got a message from that contact of yours?" asked Cory.
"Possibly. It's been awhile since we've received a message from him. Either way, the next couple of days will certainly be interesting."
Carpentaria
Athrun walked along the hallways of the ZAFT base heading to the shuttle he was to take home, his arm was currently in a sling and his Coat open to allow him some freedom of movement, under his shirt an Amber colored jewel hung from his neck, it had been given to him by Cagalli who told him he should keep safe, for Kira's sake. On his coat was a medal for bringing down the Strike. Athrun snorted, receiving an Order of Nebula for shooting down a childhood friend how damming. Eric and Matthew got a similer treatment, to witch they equally dispised. He stopped as he saw Yzak waiting for him "Yzak." He greeted slightly surprised.
"I'm going to continue to fight," Yzak said quietly his face oddly calm and serene "Not for honor, not for some skewed version of revenge, I'm going to fight because I am fighting for what I believe is right, they gave their lives for peace," Yzak looked out the window and over the ocean "I could see it when we met in ORB, I could see the future they wanted, and I will achieve it for them, because, because that peace is what I believe in."
Athrun smiled as he walked up next to Yzak and clapped his shoulder "You do that Yzak," He encouraged "But I still will expect you to be the one giving me the orders someday."
Yzak smirked "Have no doubt about that Zala," He said with a trace of his old arrogance "I will be the one commanding you someday."
"I look forward to it Yzak." Athrun said shaking Yzak's hand before continuing his walk to the shuttle 'Fighting for what you believe in huh?' He thought to himself as he joined Anthony, Matthew and Eric on the Shuttle 'What is it I believe in these days?'
Jachin Due Control Center
It's time. Time to cut off the beast's head.
Patrick Zala stood up from his chair on the upper balcony of the control center.
"As we embark on this operation, it is my strongest wish that it bring the war to a swift conclusion!" he said, his voice being transmitted to the ZAFT forces participating in the Operation. "Inspiring the hope in us all that this will lead to true freedom and justice! Let Operation Spitbreak now commence!"
The officers a floor below him scrambled to relay the orders to the ZAFT forces on standby.
"Message from Central Command. Target for Operation Spitbreak is… JOSH-A, Alaska."
Momentary confusion flooded the ZAFT forces. Just about everyone thought they were going to attack Panama and take the last Mass Driver from the Earth Forces. Not attack their central headquarters. But this confusion quickly subsided and everyone resumed their duties.
The Odin
"JOSH-A?" questioned Zar. While that's what he would've favored, if handled properly, he knew ZAFT didn't have the manpower to hold JOSH-A without weakening all of their other holdings on Earth.
"Yes, Commander," said Captain Dren. "They just announced it. Spitbreak's true target wasn't Panama, but Alaska."
"It's a clever gamble," said Cory. "Draw the enemy's strength to where you're most likely to attack and then attack where they least expect it."
"But it won't work," said Zar. "Taking Panama was crazy enough, but in the end, this attack could cost us the war, unless their forces are even weaker than we thought, which is probably what Zala thinks."
"And Anthony felt that something was wrong with the Operation," added Sasha. "There's no doubt in my mind that it will fail. The real question is, how badly will it fail?"
"I don't know yet." Zar said. "But I'm getting a bad feeling about this."
PLANTs
John sighed as he stretched his newly recovered body in the bed he and Corrine where provided by the Clyne's, beside him Corrine shifted slightly her naked body pressing up against him, neither slept clothed often anymore, his thought drifted to the peace they had been experiencing for the last few days as they recovered, here in the PLANTs the war seemed so far away, like it couldn't touch them and it would never effect it, like they could forget it. Looking down at the sleeping Corrine he smiled at the content look on her face as he brushed away a stray strand of hair from her face, the feeling of his finger caused her to nuzzle against his hand like a cat as he chuckled softly at the action "Morning sleepyhead." He whispered as her eyes fluttered open.
"Mm, Morning John." She responded pushing herself underneath his arm so that her head was lying on his shoulder and his arm was wrapped around her.
John chuckled as he pulled her slightly closer "How are you feeling this morning?" He asked curiously.
"Relaxed," She said after a minute of thought "But this doesn't feel right though, I sometimes feel like we should still be out there, trying to make a difference."
John sighed as he ran a hand through her hair "I know," He agreed "Do you want to get in contact with Terminal?"
Before Corrine could answer a knock on the door interrupted the conversation "My father has returned home," Lacus said from the other side "He says he has a message for you John and wanted to talk to you about something."
"Alright!" John answered "We'll be right out!" They had meet the councilman last night, it certainly was an interesting meeting as they found out Siegel Clyne was actually quite the family man with a good sense of humor, however he was not smiling as they joined him in the sunroom with Kira where they was waiting.
"How could we not know this?" Siegel demanded to another councilman over the video link "How could we miss Zala's real objective?"
"He had us all fooled Siegel," The councilman said "What should we do, if it's found out what we are doing..."
"Don't worry," Siegel assured "The proper preparations are in place."
"What's going on sir?" John asked curiously as the three pilots made their presence known.
"Zala's true objective with Operation Spitbreak, it wasn't Panama like he led us to believe," Siegel explained "It was JOSH-A."
Archangel
Adam sighed as he twiddled his thumbs sitting in the pilot ready room, Flay had just been sent off for her reassignment 'Why, why now of all times,' He asked 'Why take her away from me?'
His musing where cut short as the Claxons blared throughout the ship "Level One Battle Stations!" Mir's voice rang out "ZAFT Fleet on approach to JOSH-A, I repeat..." Adam was already in motion as he grabbed his flight suit and quickly putting it on as the others came tearing into the change room.
"Rusty is still to injured to fly so it's the six of us." Scout said quickly as she started to change as well.
"Then we can't fail." Adam stated his eyes hard as he sprinted to his mobile suit.
Submarine Bay
"What's going on Commander?" Flay asked fearfully as the Claxons blared.
"An enemy attack? Here?" Mu asked "And no one knew?" Growling Mu looked around, they had yet to unload his suit from the Archangel so it wasn't there, besides, he had a gut feeling "C'mon Flay, I want to check on something."
Flay nodded as she followed the Commander a slight smile on her face, after all, she was following a superiors orders.
JOSH-A, Command Room
Mu glanced into the command room Flay behind him shaking slightly as she held the gun he gave her awkwardly and narrowed them at the sight of a certain white coated ZAFT commander, Mu quickly pulled back just in time for a bullet to ping off the corner of where his head was "So you're still here are you La Flaga?" Rau questioned "I guess your usefulness to the EA has run out!" Mu shot around the corner only for the elusive blond to duck around another corner "I would love to stay and play with you, but unfortunately we are on a timer."
Mu growled as he felt Crueset get away and debated going after him "Commander look at this!" Flay shouted as she looked at a status signal.
Mu then noticed the state of the Command Center, no one was here, no bodies, as if they just up and left, looking at the computer Flay was at and paled "A Cyclops system?" He whispered in fear "Those bastards! No wonder no one is here, C'mon we have to warn the Archangel!"
Clyne Mansion
At that instant, Kira's eyes widened in shock, and Corrine's face was pale as she leaned against a chair "JOSH-A, the Archangel." She whispered fear clutching at her heart, gulping she straightened herself and looked at John who nodded.
"He's trying to take out the Alliance Command in one fell swoop," Ian informed.
"The Council is in an uproar. We've never approved anything like this," Eileen added. "He's overstepped his authority."
"What do you expect from a man like Zala? I told you all that a man like him shouldn't be in charge," said Ian.
Kira didn't need to pay attention to the rest of the message. His friends were at Alaska and he needed to get back there before it was too late.
"We need to get into contact with Terminal now sir." John said his voice hard.
"That's the other reason I called you," Siegel said as he gestured for them to follow him "I don't have long to explain but I am one of the benefactors and the original founder of Terminal, John your friends have contacted me and told me they have just finished something for you and wants you to pick it up, a new mobile suit, Kira, Corrine, I will help you obtain one of ZAFT's newest prototypes, these new suits should help you protect your friends, I have a fast shuttle waiting for you John, good luck."
With that Siegel left as the young couple faced each other "Be safe you two," John whispered as he hugged Corrine fiercely, something she returned just as fiercely "I'll meet you all in ORB alright?"
Corrine nodded in understanding biting her lip slightly before pulling him down in a heated kiss "Come back alive John." She whispered before following Siegel into the car the that was waiting. While John dashed for the sport vehicle Siegel provided for him.
"Lacus," said Kira, struggling against the tears in his eyes. Lacus looked him over, trying to conceal her worry and fear. The two were now alone. "I have to go back. I can't let them die, and I cant let Corrine and John fight alone."
"I know," said Lacus. "Kira… I…"
"I'll miss you," said Kira. "I'll miss this place. If it's ever possible, I think I'd… really like to live here. It's so beautiful and peaceful… and more importantly, it's where you grew up. It's your homeland."
"Kira…" said Lacus quietly, tears forming in her eyes. However, she managed a smile. "I understand. Please, come with us. I promise… I promise you the power to protect everyone and everything you love."
Half an hour later
Lacus led Kira and Corrine through the corridors of a ZAFT installation. Neither of the two pilots were exactly sure why they were here, but they figured that they were going to find a means to get them back down to Earth in time to save their friends on the Archangel, particularly given Lacus's previous words. They approached a large pair of doors. In front of the doors were a pair of ZAFT technicians and that man in the purple ZAFT uniform that had called Siegel, Ian Mackenzie, if he remembered correctly.
"Hello, Mr. Mackenzie," said Lacus with a smile.
"Hello, Miss Clyne. And you were the pilots of the Strike, and Werewolf correct?" said Mr. Mackenzie.
"Yes," they answered.
"Before we go in, could you tell me what happened to the Inferno and it's pilot?" asked Mr. Mackenzie.
"Yes, he's onboard the Archangel right now." replied Kira sadly. "But don't worry, we'll help him wen we get down there."
Ian nodded.
"Lacus told me that you met him in Orb," he said, looking for the briefest of instances older and worn out, like how he had acted before had been mostly a mask. "When you get down there, well, please tell him that I'm proud of him."
"I will, sir," promised Corrine. Kessel smiled.
"Just Ian will be fine," he said. "You are friends to Rusty, so let's not be formal. And let's not waste anymore time. You three get going while I deal with security."
The doors opened and Lacus entered the dark hanger with Kira and Corrine close behind. It was pitch black inside. All the two could see was Lacus and part of the catwalk they were floating over. Suddenly, the lights in the hanger came on. Standing before the teens were…
"Gundams!" Kira and Corrine said in unison as they stared at the mobile suits in awe.
"Actually, that's not what it's called," said Lacus. "This is the ZGMF-X10A Freedom, and the ZGMF-X15A Hope. But you know, Gundam is better because it sounds more powerful." Lacus giggled slightly.
"Under orders from Chairman Zala, they designed new mobile suits using the technology of the Earth Forces machines they captured, and then added state of the art technology to it," continued Lacus.
"But why?" asked Kira. "Are you giving us…"
"I feel that there machines have the power that you're going to need," she replied with a smile. "Neither will alone nor strength alone will be enough. That's why. Will this take to where you want to go? Will it help you when you get there?"
The two were silent for a moment, staring up at the powerful mobile suits before them. The strongest in existence at that very moment.
"Neither will alone nor strength alone." said Kira, echoing her words.
He turned to her. "Who are you, really?"
"I am simply Lacus Clyne," the pink haired songstress told him. "And you are… Kira Yamato, and Corrine Leese."
"I'm grateful," said Kira with a smile.
"Lacus, there is no end as to how thankful we are!" Corrine said.
Ian entered the hanger. "We've knocked out the cameras," he informed them as he approached the two, two pairs of red ZAFT pilot suits and helmets in his hands.
"So what do you think of the Freedom and Hope?" he asked.
"I think Lacus is right," answered Kira. "We promise, We'll take care of it. You're entrusting them to us, and we'll make sure that that trust is never broken."
"Thank you, and good luck," said Ian, floating out of the hangar after handing Kira and Corrine the pilot suits. "And I have no part in entrusting this to you. You can thank Miss Lacus."
Lacus turned away, allowing the two to change into the pilot suits. A few minutes later, they were floating towards the entrance to the cockpits. Kira took the Freedom, and Corrine took the Hope, helmet tucked under their arms, Lacus at Kira's side.
"Are you sure about this?" asked Kira.
"Yes," said Lacus. "I too will be singing… the great song of peace."
"Be careful," said Kira.
"I will," said Lacus. "You take care too, Kira. My strength goes with you." She leaned forward, kissing him on the cheek the same way he'd kissed her back in Orb. "And now, you should be on your way." Lacus began to push off and head for the catwalk, but Kira grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
"Lacus," he said softly, staring into her diamond-like sky blue eyes with his deep violet orbs. "Before we part ways, there's something I need to tell you. Something I should've told you when you left Orb."
"What?" asked Lacus, feeling a fluttering in her heart. She already knew. There was no doubt about it. But they both knew that he needed to say this. And she needed to reply.
"I love you," said Kira, leaning forward.
"I love you too, Kira," said Lacus, leaning forward as well.
Their lips finally touched in a searing, passionate kiss they'd been waiting an eternity to feel.
Ian and the two Clyne supporter mechanics watching from outside the hangar stared in open shock. While Corrine smiled at the sight.
"Goodbye," said Kira, finally pulling away. "I promise you, I won't die."
"No goodbyes Kira," said Lacus quietly, tears of happiness in her eyes. "I love you. No matter where we are, no matter the distance that separates us, no matter the obstacles in our path…"
"We'll always be together," finished Kira, feeling the same way. He smiled, and gently pushed her away. "It's time. I'll come back for you."
"Don't expect me to wait around," replied Lacus. "I'll follow you soon enough!"
Kira smiled and climbed into the cockpit of the mobile suit. He studied the systems as he booted it up, and noted the start-up display.
Generation Unsubdued Nuclear Drive Assault Module (G.U.N.D.A.M.) Complex
N-Jammer Canceller… over four times the power of the Strike…
But in his heart, Kira knew that all that power was nothing next to what Lacus had truly given him. The Freedom was a symbol of what Lacus had given him. That was its true strength.
Kira and Corrine activated the mobile suits, engaged the Phase Shift Armors, and disengaged the maintenance cables.
"Neither will alone," said Kira to himself as he pushed forward on a control lever, readying the Freedom for takeoff.
"Nor strength alone," finished Corrine, her camera focusing on the closing hangar doors, where Lacus was watching them, waving with one hand clutched to her chest.
Radio chatter filled the cockpit, the ZAFT flight controllers demanding that he shut down and identify himself, but they ignored them, pushing down on a pedal.
The Hope and Freedom took off flying out of the hanger.
Outside, patrolling GINNs watched mobile suits, moving so fast they could barly make it out, emerged from Aprilius One and flew past them, shocking them with their speed. They took off in pursuit, firing their machine guns, but the white Gundams effortlessly evaded them, faster than any weapon the ZAFT pilots had ever seen.
Another pair of patrolling GINNs in front of the Freedom and Hope moved into their path, guns blazing. The Freedom, still dodging without effort, flew past them, moving in a blur as it drew a powerful beam saber and spun, slicing off the heads of both GINNs and as the Hope passed severed their limbs, utterly crippling them without hurting the pilots, all in the space of half a second, before blurring past them, leaving the patrolling ZAFT pilots stunned, numb with shock, the still intact GINNs lowering their weapons in defeat.
They couldn't keep up with those things. It made even the reputation of the Strike and Katana seem feeble in comparison!
Kira and Corrine relaxed slightly, leaning back in their seats, amazed by their new Gundam's powers. But even with all that, it would take him a few minutes to reach Earth, so they pulled out the keyboards and began to adapt the OS's to suit themselves better.
ZAFT Shuttle
A day and a half later
Athrun sat quietly in his seat on board the shuttle. There was barely anyone on the shuttle and those that were on board were mostly soldiers that had been too badly hurt to continue fighting in the war, like the man a few rows ahead of him. The brown haired man had lost his left eye and his left arm and was forced to walk with a cane. Clearly, his days of fighting were over.
He looked just in time to see a mobile suit they'd never seen before fly past the shuttle with tremendous speed, practically a blur, heading for Earth. What they could see showed that it was similar in appearance to the machines built on Heliopolis, yet unlike any of those mobile suits.
Neither Kira, Corrine, Eric nor Athrun realized they had just encountered each other again.
JOSH-A
Adam swore as he fired his short ranged cannons at an oncoming DINN "This is ridiculous, how could they not know they were coming!" He questioned angrily "This is just plain FUBAR!"
"Less chatty more Shooty!" Scout ordered as her gatling cannons opened up destroying a cluster of missiles before they hit the Archangel "But you are absolutely right!"
Bringing his suit around Adam clashed his beam saber with an orange colored GeL both suits pushing hard when his danger senses flashed causing Adam to cut his thrust and fall evading the missile that was fired at him as it missed the GeL. As he powered his boosters again Adam saw the grayish-green SEED fly through his mind and explode as an eerie calm washed over him and his awareness expanded.
Scout
Scout growled as she ducked under a GeL's charge before plant a Firm kick to its midsection and fired her beam rifle piercing the cockpit destroying the suit, bringing her suit around she saw another wave of missiles "You won't sink the Archangel!" She shouted as she fired her gatling cannons again destroying the wave of missiles as a light green SEED flew through her mind and exploded washing a calm over her as she launched another attack on the attacking suits.
JOSH-A Airspace
ZAFT mobile suits filled the air as they headed for their objective: JOSH-A's Main Naval Gate. Unfortunately, when they reached the area, they were surprised by what they saw.
"Hey! Isn't that the legged ship?" asked a GINN pilot.
"I think it is," responded a DINN pilot. "You think if we take it down they'll give us medals like Zala's kid?"
"Hell yeah!" a second DINN pilot shouted. "A round of medals for everyone!"
"Cut the chatter," ordered the team leader from the cockpit of his CGUE. "We have a–"
However, before the pilot had a chance to finish whatever he had to say, a beam shot from above, tearing through the CGUE and Guul, destroying them. The rest of the ZAFT team looked up and eyes widened as they saw a smooth, streamlined mobile armor charging down at them.
Sarah took split second aim and fired all of the Slash's weapons simultaneously with a snarl of anger.
Jordan had given everything to protect his friends, to make sure the Archangel made it to safety, and now these ZAFT bastards came charging in and endangering the ship in an effort to render Jordan's hard efforts worthless! Everything that he, Corrine, John and Kira had fought for, meaningless!
It wasn't rational—after all, this attack had been planned long before the Archangel reached Alaska. But logic often fled a person in Sarah's position.
Darknal, Grimm and Ryu couldn't help but stare in astonishment. In an instant, Sarah had obliterated the entire ZAFT formation! She was fighting with an aggressiveness that was completely uncharacteristic of her.
As more ZAFT mobile suits blazed in, Darknal Grimm and Ryu opened fire, along with the Archangel and all the other Alaskan defenders.
But even still, it was the Slash that was truly proving its worth as never before. They'd always known it was superior to the Guardian, Archer, and maybe the Dragon-X, perhaps the only machine to truly be the Strike and Katana's equal, but with Sarah as she was know… it drove the point home as nothing else could.
Sarah flew forward, evading enemy fire in a manner that seemed almost mocking with the ease Sarah seemed to be handling it. The wings deployed as the Slash barrel-rolled and made twisting turns through the ZAFT formations, the beam blades tearing apart Guuls, DINN wings, and the limbs and weapons of every suit unfortunate enough not to get clear in time.
The Slash drew a saber and slashed the arm of a CGUE that had tried to sneak up on her, stopping its attack cold. Sarah kicked the CGUE off the Guul, landed on the flight platform herself, and in a flash returned her saber to the Slash's hip and drew her Gundam's Exia rifle, firing a shot to finish the CGUE before spinning around and opening fire repeatedly on the ZAFT mobile suits flying through the air.
It was a slaughter, and it made more than a few pilots on both sides feel distinctly inadequate.
"She's getting too worked up." Said Ryu. "Even the others are anything like this!"
"Sarah's different than the others." said Scout. "But now isn't the time. We're having problems below."
"I see that," said Ryu, glancing down at the water.
Down there, the ZnOs and GOOhNs were making their own advance, firing their torpedoes at the various naval vessels defending the base. Unlike the machines in the air that were trying—and miserably failing—to deal with the Slash, Orca, Archer, Guardian, GINN and Dragon-X, there was nothing to stop them from attacking the ships directly. The torpedoes hit their targets, sinking several Arkansas-, Des Moines- and Fraser-class ships.
"I don't think you need me up here," said Ryu dryly as a surprising number of the ZAFT forces tried to escape the Slash's overwhelming fury. The Guardian was proving to be far more agile and speedy than the ZAFT machines, even their DINNs. Yet, despite her aggressiveness in laying waste to hosts of ZAFT mobile suits, Sarah never once got too far from the Archangel.
"No, I don't think we do," agreed Darknal somewhat dryly.
"Alright then," said Ryu as he dived downward.
"What the? The X?" said a GOOhN pilot at the sight of the X. "Intel didn't say anything about the Dragon of Endymion being here!"
"It doesn't matter!" a Pilot of a ZnO said. "Just take him out just like-"
A rocket stuck the ZnO silencing the commander. Two more rockets destroyed a pair of GOOhNs before anyone could react.
"Shit! Attack!" shouted a GOOhN pilot.
Two GOOhNs charged the Dragon-X intending to ram it but Ryu was much faster. He fired his cannon on a low setting at one GOOhN, easily defeating it, as he reached for the first of the four swords on his suit with his suit's other hand, and stabbed the second GOOhN. A moment later, it exploded.
"Who's next?" said Ryu as more GOOhNs and ZnOs approached.
Archangel Brig
"Damn it!" cursed Dearka as the ship shuddered from a few hits of missiles. He was holding onto the prison bars in an attempt to keep steady. The battleship was going through a barrage of fire, but it would take a lot more than that to bring it down. Though this didn't help Dearka's mood as he was once again shook off balance. "What the hell's going on out there?"
"Isn't it obvious? JOSH-A's under attack," said Kelsey lazily as she held onto her bed.
"Wait a minute!" exclaimed Dearka, clearly shocked. "Why is JOSH-A under attack? I thought we were going attack Panama!" They knew they weren't at Panama—Mir and some of the others had been taking a little while to talk to them whenever one of them brought the three their meals.
"Apparently, everyone thought that, too," responded Nicol also holding onto his bed. He was sweating out of nervousness. "But it looks like Alaska was the real target."
The Archangel shook as it was hit again. Dearka, who had been standing in his cell, lost his balance and banged his head against one of the bars and fell over on his bottom.
"Ow! Damn it!" he said.
"You okay, Dearka?" asked a concerned Nicol.
"Yeah. I'm fine," he responded, rubbing his forehead. "Just a bruise."
"Could be worse," said Kelsey. "If this ship goes down, we go down with it."
Archangel, Bridge
Murrue grunted as another explosion rocked the ship "Godfrieds 50 to port, FIRE!" She ordered as the crew obeyed.
"Load missile tube 3-5 with sledgehammers and fire!" Natarle ordered to the CIC "Take out those subs!"
"This is insane!" Neumann growled out between gritted teeth as he fought with the ships controls to keep the ship airborne "Any word from command?"
"The message just repeats itself!" Kuzzey reported fearfully "Hold you position and await further orders!"
"This is nothing but Suicide!" Romeo said from his console "Where the hell is the Panama Fleet!"
"They won't be able to make it in time," Dalida explained "They're just too far out."
'We need a miracle right about now.' Murrue thought to herself as she watched a GINN explode.
JOSH-A Hanger
Murrue led Flay through the base to the hanger bay where he hope to get them a ride out of there looking in he looked around and suddenly grinned at a familiar sight "A it's good to see old friends!" Mu announced as he and Flay boarded the Blaze Inferno "Hang on little lady, this ride will be a little rough!"
Mu Blasted the Blaze's Engines just as a Squad of DINNs appeared only to be greeted by the Blaze's Agni as it launched out into the sky and started searching for the Archangel.
Terminal Research and Development Base Victory
John stepped out of the shuttle and was immediately greeted by a serious Kyle and Alen, something that set the veteran on edge "What is it Kyle?" Ryu asked.
"ZAFT is making a move on us as well as JOSH-A." Kyle stated as he led John through the base "They'll be here soon, but we don't have the forces to repel them."
"That is until you arrived Cyphe-, sorry Leese." A voice cut in, turning John saw an older man with the top of head bald and a monocle in his eye.
"Aeolia Schenberg," John said slightly smiling "So it was you who sent the message?"
Aeolia nodded "It was, follow me." He ordered "Me and alen worked day and night on these projects, you better not waste yours."
They entered a hanger and John spotted a single mobile suit standing in it "What's this?" He asked turning to Aeolia.
"TNMF-X01R Redemption," Aeolia stated "Your new Mobile Suit, the frame is based off of the Hope mobile suit that I believe your wife is hijacking right now, but it also has a couple other features, including a Twin Buster Rifle."
"Twin Buster Rifle?" John asked in shock as he stared at Aeolia who ignored him and continued on.
"It also includes a moveable frame allowing for a faster and more complicated transformation," He said "It is equipped with an experimental DRAGOON unit that should allow you to create shields and be used in atmosphere, it also has a Delta Drive and unfortunately the only melee weapon is the Heat Blade hidden in the shield use this suit well John."
John was in a state of slight shock until an alarm pierced through the din of the Hanger "ZAFT Fleet on approach initiate Data purge!" The control officer said.
"I need to get to our ship, good luck John." Kyle said as he moved off followed by Aeolia.
"Redemption huh?" John asked looking up at the Mobile suit. "Just one of the suits we're making right now." Alen said with a smile.
John faced Alen. "Your making more like this?" he asked.
"Not all of them like this, but similer." He said. "Good luck John." He then followed the others.
John then looked up at the Redemption. "Let's give you a test drive then huh?"
ZAFT Fleet Flagship Burlington
"Terminal base 500 out." One of the crewman said "Switching to Condition Red, Launching all mobile suits."
The Admiral smirked as he looked upon the Terminal base "Who needs to hire the mercenaries when you can just kill them and take what you need." He said to the bridge arrogantly.
"Mobile suit on radar, it's on approach," One of the Crewman stated "It's fast! At least 3x faster than the High Mobility Type GeL's sir!"
"What?" The Admiral questioned ins surprise.
"Attention ZAFT Fleet!" The announcement rang through all the channels "You are in direct violation of Treaty laws, either pull back or be destroyed and your rates increased."
"HA!" The Admiral laughed "Like a single mobile suit can do anything to us!"
"... Very well then," The pilot said "I did warn you."
John
John activated the Phase Shift turning the Hope-like suit from the light grey to Black with a dark green trim and crimson joints he grinned as he saw all the ships fire missiles at him and activated the DRAGOONs hidden in his unit's wings and quickly formed a shield "Nothing like field testing a unit." He said as the Pananormic monitor Cockpit went white from the explosions.
Burlington, Bridge
The Admiral smirked as he saw the explosions surround the mobile suit only for it change to one of abject fear as a pale gold beam erupted from the smoke hitting two High Mobility GeL's that where standing side by side destroying it before bisecting a Nazca-Class "What?"
John
Smirking John transformed this suit into MA mode with the Buster Rifle split in two under his 'wings' and the pair of Balaena Plasma cannons extended as he opened fired on the mobile suits tearing straight into them "You my friend are a dream come true." John said to his mobile suit as it responded to his lightest touch "Let's see what you can really do though." He transformed his suit back into MS mode and pressed a button "Delta Drive!" He shouted his suit glowing gold just as a beam seemingly pierced his suit only for the after image to fade "Charge 200% Firing!" the beam that erupted from the TBR was large enough to rival that of the Gondwana-Class Super Carrier.
Burlington, Bridge
"Thank you Admiral," The pilots voice came back on as the crew of the Burlington stared in shock "You really helped me test out my suit, now bugger off."
"V-very well." The Admiral complied weakly as they saw the suit that decimated their fleet in a single shot transform and fly away "How could this day get any worse?"
"Sir command is on the line," One of the crewman reported "They want to know why we launched an unauthorized attack on Terminal."
JOSH-A
The Dragon-X reached the surface of the water near the Archangel.
"Archangel, I've taken care of the underwater units for now, but more will come," said Ryu. "I'm returning for resupply."
"Roger," responded Miriallia, who was pulling double duty as communications officer in Flay's absence. "Darknal, Adam, Sarah, Scout and Grimm are also heading back for resupply as well, though it was hard to convince Sarah to come back in."
"I'm using too much energy with my cannon," said Ryu as the Dragon-X rose out of the water's surface. "I'll get my rifle and cover the ship while they get resupplied."
The Dragon-X landed on the port mobile suit catapult and entered the hangar. Ryu retrieved a sniper rifle and loaded some clips onto the Dragons' ammo racks. As he turned towards one of the catapults, the catapult door exploded from a barrage of missiles. Ryu swore.
"If we don't get any reinforcements soon, there won't be anyone left to save when they do get here," he said grimly as he moved out and began to open fire.
Suddenly, a new voice came over the radio.
"This is Captain Nicholas Anderson of the E.S.S Kestrel to all ships," said a voice. "The Archangel has held the line well, but they need our assistance. Their mobile suits are in need of resupply and the enemy is still coming strong. Rally around the Archangel! Protect it until its mobile suits are resupplied and don't even stop then! That ship is our first, last, and best line of defense as we wait for reinforcements! Do not let the enemy sink it!"
The Eurasian Federation Captain's words seemed to have a morale-boosting effect as the defending ships followed the order and began to rally around the Archangel to better defend the powerful warship and the Main Gate behind them. Ryu couldn't help but whistle slightly in admiration.
"Glad there are people like him on our side right now," he said as he opened fire.
Archangel, Bridge
"Ma'am!" Dalida shouted in surprise "Commander La Flaga contacted us he is in the Blaze with Crewman Allster and is on his way to our location!"
Murrue sighed in relief "We could use the extra gun." She said as the ship shook again, this time a missile tore the hanger open "Fire Helldarts!"
She saw the Blaze Streak by and fire its beam rifle rapidly destroying several suits before it landed in the hanger.
Hanger
"Inform the Captain about the Cyclops system," Mu ordered as Flay climbed out of the cockpit "We need to get at least 10 miles from here."
Flay nodded and as soon as she hit the ground she was off running. Ignoring Murdoch and the others surprised shock at their arrival.
"What are they doing here?" asked Sarah, the first time she'd really spoken in days, though her voice was still chilled. "I thought they both were transferred off the ship."
"Apparently it didn't stick," said Adam.
Archangel, bridge
Murrue breathed quickly as she processed what Flay just told her, the command center abandoned and the Cyclops system being activated as they speak "Attention crew," She said straightening in her seat "I have determined we have fulfilled the parameters of our mission and am now calling for a retreat, I am making this decision alone."
Natarle chuckled from her seat "The Left flank is the weakest, we can break through there." She informed "Notify the surrounding ships, we are retreating!"
Adam
Adam frowned as he blasted his way through easily his 20th mobile suit and glanced at his power reading "Archangel, I have to fall back onto the ship, I'm just about out of power."
"I'll be waiting then." Flay responded making Adam suddenly choke in surprise as Flay giggle "Don't make me wait to long."
"I have to fall back as well, I'm running on empty here for ammo and power." Scout informed.
"Same here unfortunately," Mu said "Used the thrusters and Agni too much."
JOSH-A Main Gate Defense Zone
"Damned bastards," came Captain Anderson's voice over the radio as the Kestrel stuck close to the Archangel. "Alright, if those bastards think they can abandon us to die then so be it! We won't just lie down like dogs under the heel of those who would support Blue Cosmos! Perhaps it isn't well known, but I know for a fact that the mobile suits of the Archangel are piloted by Coordinators! Four of the heroes who gave their lives to make sure it got here were Coordinators! Perhaps to some, this is a conflict between races, but to me, race has nothing to do with it! But to any who would use the tactics employed here today, genocide is the only path they accept! But we will not accept this, and we will certainly not die for it! All ships, continue to rally around the Archangel! Even if we must give our lives, so long as one ship breaks through and escapes to tell the truth of what has been done here today, we will have been victorious! Now fight on! For those who have died! Fight in the name of the Strike warrior and the Katana Knight who gave their lives so our greatest hope may be safe!"
"Wow," said Adam. "Guess even death won't stop them from doing their part."
"You're right," agreed Ryu. "But that's how it always is for people like them. Their will to protect crosses even the boundaries of death itself."
"He's an inspirational leader," said Sarah softly in agreement. Her fighting now lacked the overwhelming aggressiveness of earlier, but a new determination had filled her in its place. Jordan… I think I understand now. Even in death, you live on. That's why it hurt so much. I couldn't see that. I just wanted you by my side physically. But even though you're not here, you're still with me, with all of us.
Eyes shining with a determination that harkened back to the brunette her thoughts were focused on, Sarah shot forward to clear a path for the Archangel and their Eurasian allies as a sky blue seed shattered behind her eyes.
"For the Katana Knight!" she cried out, swooping down on a ZAFT vessel and opening fire. Other ZAFT vessels let loose a barrage of missiles on the Earth Forces warships. The Archangel managed to dodge them, but the naval vessels lacked the assault ship's ability to fly, and were forced to rely on their CIWS. Two ships were sunk, but the Kestrel and several others remained.
"Heads up!" said Mu from the cockpit of the Inferno. "We've got company!"
A group of ZAFT mobile suits appeared, heading for them, the Duel, The Ravage and a deep blue CGUE leading in the front.
Yzak
Yzak frowned as he move into attack the Archangel 'Sorry, Legged Ship,' Yzack thought 'But you have to sink.' He closed his eyes as he thought of the possibility of his friends being aboard. With that, he turned up the thrusters in his Guul, along with the two CGUE pilots, the three blazing ahead of the group.
Shots were exchanged by the mobile suits and fighters, the group breaking up for single confrontations by silent, mutual agreement.
Mu launched a mortar from the Agni, but Yzak skillfully dodged it.
Yzak responded by firing with his beam rifle and the Shiva.
Mu grit his teeth as he deftly dodged the counterattack—barely. if the Duel closed in with a beam saber, he'd really be in trouble.
Elsewhere, Kane fired his thermal cannon at the incoming Archer. Darknal dodged and responded by firing back with his rifle.
The Ravage's Guul fired off a barrage of missiles. Darknal fired off the Archer's guns, destroying the missiles and then fired his beam pistols at the Ravage. It quickly rose up dodging the shots. Kane drew his sword and threw it like the spear at the Archer. The Archer made a hard right narrowly dodging the makeshift spear.
Meanwhile, Sarah had commandeered a Guul for the battle fighting the CGUE. She could already tell that she'd need it against this machine.
Sarah opened fire, but the CGUE dodged without effort before returning with a burst from its machinegun, skewering Sarah's rifle repeatedly. Gritting her teeth, Sarah backed away and drew a beam saber before charging in. In a flash, though, the CGUE had drawn its own sword, which emitted a beam blade, and caught Sarah's saber before pointing the two cannons at Sarah's Guul. They fired thermal energy blasts, and Sarah was forced to leap away.
"Damn it!" she cursed. This pilot was at least something very close to Kira's equal, possibly even better than him! Liz knew she was in trouble. Just hang in there, Sarah. She could almost hear Jordan say. Help is on the way. Sarah couldn't help but smile. "Fine, Jordan." She said. "Just please keep watching over me." Do you even need to ask?
On top of the Archangel, Ryu fired the last rounds from his rifle, destroying two DINNs.
"You're not sinking this ship," he said as he discarded the spent clip.
At that moment, a trio of DINNs fired off a barrage of missiles, while a pair of GINNs let loose with D-class equipment. The DINN missiles streaked towards the top of the Archangel's hull and the Dragon-X. Ryu swore as he jumped trying to avoid the incoming missiles but several missiles hit the Dragon-X. The badly damaged GINN crashed onto the hull, it's right shin, entire left leg and right bicep destroyed.
"Gah! Damn it!" cursed Ryu through clenched teeth. As if that wasn't enough, the GINN missiles hit the Archangel near its thrusters, sending the massive ship momentarily careening towards the ocean and the Kestrel below it.
Suddenly, just as Neumann managed to regain control and narrowly avoid a collision with the Tarawa-class carrier, a Guul-mounted GINN swooped down in front of the bridge of the warship, its rifle aimed at its crew. Murrue and the bridge crew all stared down the barrel of the rifle in horror, many instinctively ducking, covering their heads with their arms, or closing their eyes in fear of death.
"NO!" screamed Ryu from the cockpit of his crippled machine. He was unable to help them.
Mu, Adam, Darknal, Scout, Grimm and Sarah turned their attention momentarily from their own battles to see the GINN. But they couldn't do anything! The ZAFT machines they fought were giving them a hard enough time, and even if they could break away, they were too far to do anything without risking destroying the Archangel's bridge! Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the GINN pilot started to squeezed the trigger. It was too late. They had lost their comrades!
At that instant, a green beam shot from above and tore through the rifle, effectively destroying the weapon without hitting anything else. Everyone in the area looked up in shock, trying to find the source of the blast. Descending on the GINN and the Archangel with impossible speed were a pair white-and-silver mobile suits none of them had ever seen before. The first mobile suit drew a beam saber and sliced the GINN's head off, as the second sliced its arms away. The GINN backed off as the newcomer took a position in front of the Archangel's bridge, their majestic blue wings outstretched shielding it from any further harm.
People couldn't help but stare in awe of the new mobile suits, the battle momentarily pausing. They were majestic-looking machines, they both projected an aura of power that made them seem like titans, all other machines, even the Archangel, seeming almost small in comparison.
"This is Kira Yamato, and Corrine Leese" came a voice suddenly over the Earth Forces comm. channel. "We'll cover you. Meanwhile, please, withdraw to safety."
Everyone amongst the Archangel bridge crew and all of the warship's pilots gasped in shock. It couldn't be…
But there was no mistaking that voice, that will to protect. The only other person it could've been was Jordan or John.
Shaking off their surprise, the GINNs and DINNs resumed their attacks on the Archangel and the other defenders. Kira, understanding as never before what it was that was special about him, felt an amethyst jewel seed rush through his mind and explode behind his eyes, as Corrine had a very similer vission. The winged mobile suits flew forward, their targeting system rising in the cockpit and locking onto every nearby ZAFT machine as the hip-mounted railguns unfolded and wing-concealed plasma beam cannons flipped over the shoulders.
They squeezed the Freedom and Hope's triggers.
Instantly, beams lanced out from the Lupus rifles, mortars were launched from the Balaena plasma cannons, and hyper-velocity rounds were slugged from the Xiphias railguns. The massive and powerful barrage was perfectly aimed, hitting the heads, limbs and weapons of dozens of ZAFT mobile suits before proceeding to hit another one behind the first, and continuing on like this for several more machines. One victim was the Ravage's head. Stunned pilots of both damaged and undamaged mobile suits backed away from the winged mobile suits and the legged ship, unsure of what to do against the power the newcomer had displayed. The defenders all gaped at the incredible firepower and unbelievably precise accuracy.
"What the hell was that?" shouted Yzak in shock. Even Shiho was somewhat fearful of these powerful new machines.
With nerves of steel, many pilots proceeded to charge back in, all gunning for these new machines, but they dealt with them in a manner that seemed to be mocking to many of the onlookers, treating the ZAFT suits like they were nothing more than mild pests of no real concern.
"Please, stop wasting time, withdraw!" said Corrine, suddenly appearing on the main monitor of the Archangel's bridge.
"Yes, but…" said Murrue. "Well… there's… a Cyclops. Beneath Headquarters! We're all just bait. They planned this! We had no idea!"
Kira and Corrine gasped slightly.
"That's why we can't withdraw," continued Murrue. "We have to get further away from the base."
"I understand," said Kira as he blew away another GINN with the left Balaena. Bringing up the Freedom's targeting system again, Kira locked onto a mix of mobile suits and inbound missiles, flying forward with all weapons at the ready. Corrine activated an outgoing comm. line on all channels.
"Attention all ZAFT and Earth Alliances Forces," said Corrine. "Any moment now, the Cyclops System will activate and the Alaska Base will self-destruct." The two pilots heard more than a few gasps of surprise as they began firing repeatedly, destroying missiles and disarming or otherwise disabling mobile suits. "Both sides, please, cease fighting and withdraw from this area immediately! I repeat: the Cyclops System will activate and the Alaska Base will self-destruct. Both sides, please, cease fighting and withdraw from this area immediately."
More confusion spread across the ranks of the soldiers fighting and their commanders. Was this guy bluffing to try to get the ZAFT forces to flee? Or was he speaking the truth and they were moments away from being annihilated? A few ZAFT soldiers decided that it was better to be safe than sorry claiming that they needed to resupply. Many, still confused over everything that happened in the last few minutes, didn't do anything. The rest simply ignored him and resumed attacking the base and its defenders.
Yzak
Yzak's eyes widened as he heard the voice and what she was saying "Joule Squad Fall back!" He ordered as he grabbed a fall GINN and dragged it with him as he fell back as well "All units, listen to her!"
Aboard the Earth Forces Submarine Pisces
Captain Sutherland sat in his seat at the table waiting along with the rest of the officers from JOSH-A. It was almost time. They had just received word that ZAFT had breached the interior of the base and would soon overrun it. Sutherland had personally told the doomed fools that reinforcements would be there in less then twenty minutes. All they had to do was hold out until then. The door to the briefing room opened, and Admiral Jamitov Hymen entered the room. All of the officers in the room saluted the Admiral.
"Sir. ZAFT has breached the base interior," informed Sutherland. "It's time."
Jamitov nodded. He silently took his seat next to Sutherland. Before both of them were a pair of metal boxes attached to cables with a keyhole in the center. Both men pulled out their keys and inserted them into the keyholes.
"It is my sincerest wish that this terrible sacrifice will bring a swift end to the war," said a solemn and weary Jamitov.
"For the preservation of our blue and pure world," added Sutherland. "Three… Two… One."
Both men simultaneously turned the keys… and unleashed hell upon those at JOSH-A.
Archangel Bridge
"Oh no!" said Sai. "They've activated the Cyclops!"
"Engines to maximum! Get us out of here!" shouted Murrue at the top of lungs.
Arnold didn't need to be told. As soon as Sai informed them that the Cyclops System had been activated, he had gunned the engines. The Archangel pushed forward as fast as its engines could move it, firing desperately and haphazardly to clear the way for its allies. ZAFT mobile suits desperately fled the area, and many escaped.
But many did not. Almost all the surviving Earth Forces naval ships trying to flee proved to be too slow and joined the growing number of causalities. The Guul of a headless GINN near the Archangel exploded. The pilot screamed as shrapnel hit the GINN and he began to fall before the Hope grabbed hold of its arm.
"I got you," said Corrine carrying it and its pilot to safety.
By some Miracle, the Archangel, Kestrel, and several more vessels barely managed to reach a safe distance before the entire base exploded like a massive inferno. The horrified ZAFT forces didn't bother to pursue the six escaping ships.
Aboard the Hades
"I see," said Zar. "So, he meet up with the 8th Fleet, but left shortly after."
"That's right," said Captain Burton of the Junk Guild. "We wanted to give him some new equipment, but we had nothing of real value aside from a few assault knives that he took. But that's not all of it, He also acquired some strange parts. I have no Idea what he wanted with them. If you want, I can give you the list."
"Yes, thank you." said Zar, nodding. Burton gave him the list of material that his…friend had purchased. He stiffened.
He's going to build it. He thought. I honestly didn't think he would, but…
"Thanks, Burton." He said. "I think I know what he's planning."
"Your Welcome." Burton said. "Oh, and before I forget, here's his usual report from the last time we met." He pulled out a disc and held it out to Zar, who took it with a nod.
"Thank you," he said. "You're people have been a tremendous help to us."
An instant later, a voice blared over the ship's intercom.
"Commander Hellfury! Please report to the bridge at once! I repeat, please report to the bridge at once!"
Zar stood up. "It seems something has happened," he said. "Excuse me."
"I understand," said Burton. "I'll be heading back to my ship and oversee the supply transfer."
The two left Zar's office and went their separate ways, Captain Burton heading for the hangar while Zar headed for bridge. A few minutes later, Zar stepped onto the bridge. The bridge was buzzing with activity. Dren turned to him as he entered.
"What has happened?" he asked.
"Spitbreak failed," said Dren bluntly. "The Alliance used a Cyclops to destroy the base and our forces. Early estimates put the causalities as low as seventy percent and as high as ninety percent."
Zar swore as he took his chair. Another Cyclops was just used!
"Bastards," he said. "Contact Commander Darlian immediately! I want a full status report on our holdings on Earth! If the Alliance is preparing a counterattack, I want to know where! And I want the supplies from Burton's ship aboard our ships now!"
The Hades's bridge crew snapped into action, rushing to carry out her orders. A few minutes later, Commander Darlian's face appeared on the main screen.
"What Hellfury?" he demanded, his tone angry.
"Are the reports true? Did they use a Cyclops at JOSH-A?" asked Zar coolly. He did not like this man; Darlian was in Patrick Zala's pocket.
"Yes," grunted Darlian. "They wiped our forces out."
"What's the status on our remaining forces from the attack?" asked Zar.
"What?"
"Don't tell me they're just sitting on the waters outside Alaska." said Zar. "If they haven't already started to, tell them to regroup at Carpentaria."
"Who do you think you are? You can't order me around! I am in command of this Operation!"
"Idiot!" said Zar, standing up and glaring at the man full force. "This Operation is over! We lost! Order the retreat so we can regroup and determine what to do! If you won't then I will!"
Darlian scowled and closed the comm. line. "Arrogant fool," said Zar. "What's the status of our Earth-based forces?"
"From what we can tell, they're fine for now," said Lucius, bringing him a personal computer with the initial reports from Earth. "The Alliance hasn't mobilized any forces to attack our bases on Earth yet. But from the reports coming in, ZAFT is in complete disarray. The entire momentum of the war has changed."
"Indeed it has," mused Dren, standing next to Zar and staring at the initial reports. "Our forces have been devastated today. We won't recover from such a blow for a long time. Perhaps not until after the war is over. The playing field has been virtually leveled now. The question is, what do we do from here?"