File 24 – Deconstruction

Lenne sits in bed. She stares forward a stern and determined look on her face, "I just think it's for the best. I can't handle this anymore. I need peace and quiet. Being around all this talk of war is too upsetting."

Patrick sits on the bed next to Lenne. He pleads with her, "But I need you to by my side. I don't understand." He lays his hand on hers, "We can get the best nurses and doctors to come to you. I don't understand why you have to leave."

Lenne glances at him. "Do you really love me?"

Patrick gasps, "Of course… what would make you think otherwise?"

She stares at him and when he continues with his look of innocence she turns away and glances downward, "I know it's not me you wanted. The way things have progressed, the way things ended up. I just…" She pauses and looks toward him, "I think we should separate."

Patrick pulls back, "Separate? What is going on here?"

Lenne furrows her brow, "I can't be with you anymore. I want to be alone. I need to be alone; away from everything."

He rises, "I see. Then you'll have what you want. The wedding will be postponed indefinitely."

She glances at him, "Is it that easy for you?"

He turns to go, "I have to get back to work." He heads out.

Lenne stares forward, "Good-bye Patrick."

Rena stood in the center of a stage she sings a ballad as Nicol plays the piano. Crew and staff sat in the audience listening. The door to the auditorium opens and a figure enters. While singing she glances across the auditorium and see Patrick standing toward the back. She glances forward again and continues to sing. He starts to the stage. She stops and lowers the microphone.

"Patrick?"

He smiles, "I'm sorry to interrupt. That was a very beautiful song."

Nicol rises, "Senator Zala."

He holds his hand up, "Hello young man. May I borrow Verena for a moment?"

She glances at Nicol, "I'll be right back." She heads off the stage and crosses toward him.

He heads up the aisle and exits into the lobby. Rena follows.

"Patrick... I..."

He grabs her and holds her against him.

Her eyes widen, "Patrick…?"

He grips her tightly, "I don't want to lose you as well."

Rena gasps, "Lose me? What do you mean?"

"You and Athrun are my future."

Rena stares off. "Patrick."

He furrows his brow, "I can't lose that."

Rena pulls away, "Patrick. Ending the war means everything to me and I so desperately want to continue my work on the Gundam project…" She glances downward, "But my mother needs me. She's very upset and has forbid me from continuing..."

He places both hands on her arms, "But, she doesn't have to know. Just a week or so and then you can just hand it off to the techs, right?"

Rena stares at him, "But the Unity and Providence are far from that point."

He rests his hands on her shoulder, "Promise me you won't abandon me."

Rena tilts her head, "I can't promise that Patrick."

He furrows his brow, "Please… this is so important."

Rena glances aside, "We'll see."

Siegel sipped from his tea, "Those are quite strong accusations Lenne."

Lenne furrows her brow, "I came to you because I know that your political views differ greatly from his. He's a monster and I..."

A servant enters, "Ms. Irmgard. An urgent call has come in for you, I told them that you were not to be bothered but they insisted on speaking to you."

She nods, "It's fine." She picks up the receiver of the phone. "Hello? Lt. DaCosta?" Her eyes widen, "What?" She rises.

Clyne furrows his brow.

Lenne nods, "Both of them? Oh God." She places a hand to her forehead and lets out a slight sigh of relief. "Of course... by all means. I'll make immediate arrangements." She hangs the phone up and then glances downward.

"Lenne what is it?"

She shakes her head, "A good friend of mine, his fiancée died in combat and he was severely injured, they don't know if he'll make it."

Siegel sighs, "I'm sorry. The war is getting out of hand."

Lenne rises, "Please consider what I've told you. I've made arrangements to go to a hospice; I'll leave my contact information with you."

Siegel nods, "I understand."

She nods. "I should go. Time is short and I'd like to say good-bye to Verena before I go."

Lacus walks down the hallway looking into room after room. She passes the library and spots Isamu. He was leaning against the shelf reading a book. She watches him a moment before entering, "Isamu there you are."

He glances over at her and smiles, "I'm sorry, were you looking for me? I was just..." He closes the book.

She enters, "Yes. You have to come quickly Lenne is here."

Isamu places the book back on the shelf, "And Rena?"

Lacus shakes her head.

He charges out of the room and races down the stairs.

Siegel enters from the front door. He glances at Isamu, "Your Aunt had to leave suddenly. We'll have to postpone your reunion for a later date." Isamu furrows his brow.

Rena connects her belt and adjusts her coat. She smoothes her hair into its bun.

Lenne knocks on the door. "Verena?"

Rena glances over, "Mother, you'll be late for your shuttle; you should go."

Lenne places her hand on the door. "Are you sure you don't want to go with me? Just forget about this project."

Rena nods, "I can't." She stares into the mirror, "Patrick called for you again."

Lenne was silent.

Rena glances toward the door, "I have to finish this and I have rehearsals with Nicol. I'll be by to see you later."

Lenne nods, "Fine." She exits. A nurse leads her down the stairs.

Rena floats down the hallway of the Mobile suit factory.

Lenne sits in a shuttle. DaCosta, looking concerned sat a few rows behind her. It travels to another Plant.

Kira sat in his darkened room staring off.

Flay enters, "Kira?" She crosses, "Kira? Are you hungry?" She held a tray.

He shakes his head, "N..." He clears his throat, "No..."

Rena kicks away from the Freedom and stares at it a sad look on her face.

Isamu walks along a gravel driveway. The house up ahead was dark.

Lenne sits inside a limo, a pensive look on her face. A phone rings. She flinches and answers.

"Lenne?"

She furrows her brow, "Patrick?"

He sighs, "Please... I need to talk with you. Why are you shutting me out? You should be at my side."

She shakes her head, "I'm so very tired Patrick now is not really the best..."

He gasps, "I love you... I can't be without you. Please hear me out. I'll do whatever you want. Don't leave me."

Her eyes widen and tears well in her eyes, "I'm already on route to the hospice. Good-bye Patrick."

She hangs up the phone.

DaCosta who sat next to her glances over, "Is everything all right Ms. Irmgard?"

She nods.

Athrun heads down the stairs with the sound of the second doorbell. He hears the butler open the door.

"Right this way sir."

Athrun pauses as he watches the butler lead Isamu into the house. His eyes widen when he realizes who it was.

"Ah master Athrun. A friend of yours has come to visit."

Isamu glances over his shoulder at Athrun and turns, "Hello… Athrun. It's been a while."

Rena heads down the catwalk and pauses at the exit before giving the partially constructed Unity and Providence a last look, the door shuts. She heads down the hallway. A tech floats over to her.

"Verena?"

She glances at him and hands a monitor to him, "Everything is proceeding perfectly."

He smiles, "I was worried about the status."

She shrugs, "Well you won't have to worry about it for much longer." She glances at her watch, "It's been a long day we should probably get out of here."

He nods, "Call it a night? How about some dinner?"

She gives him a look.

He blushes, "Just as friends of course…"

She nods as they float down the hall.

A series of explosions rock the Factory. The Freedom and then Justice follow. The flames and explosions consumed both suits. Soldiers and techs raced around frantically.

Rena and the tech glance around, "What's happening?"

Soldiers rush toward them, "Take cover!"

Rena turns to face the doors behind them. They buckle and then explode open.
"Get down!"

Patrick sits in a café sipping some tea with Ezalia Jule.

Soldiers enter, "Senator Zala!" They cross and whisper into his ear.

He gasps, "What? When?"

Ezalia tilts her head, "I see you have some pressing matters."

He glances at her, "There's been an accident at the mobile suit factory."

Ezalia gasps, "What?" Her eyes were wide.

He glances aside, "Verena is missing."

Ezalia shakes her head, "How is that? I thought she was taking leave from the project."

Patrick shakes his head, "I asked her to help out for another week or so." He places his hand to his temple. "She was working on the suits when it happened."

Lenne sits on a chaise looking out into a lovely garden. Her mobile phone rings. She gasps at the sudden noise and looks over at bandaged man sleeping in a bed in the center of the room. She rises and slips out into the hallway.

"Patrick? I told you not to call."

"There's been an accident at the factory… Verena is among the missing."

Lenne gasps and shakes her head, "What are you saying? What are saying? What have you done! This is entirely your fault! Don't ever speak to me again. Do you hear me?" She hangs up.

A pair of soldiers rush over, "Ms. Irmgard, is something wrong?"

Lenne shakes her head, "Make arrangements for a shuttle." Her phone rings. "Hello?"

Rena was on the other line, "It's done." The call ends.

Lenne lowers the phone, "Send for Lt. DaCosta, I want him to return to December city with me. Father Malchio will fill him in then."

"What the hell are you doing here?" He glances to the butler, "Call the authorities."

Isamu holds his hands up, "Wait... hold up. I only want to talk to you."

The butler reaches for a phone but Isamu rushes over and rips it from his hand. He pulls a gun, "I didn't want to resort to this. Please, move over there."

Athrun rushes at him but Isamu dodges and points the gun at him.

"You're thinking... how fast could his reflexes really be? Is he a natural? Or is he really a coordinator? Trust me you don't want to test me. Because, either way I'm damn good shot." He steps back from Athrun, "I'm here to see my mother."

Athrun glares at him.

"Athrun? Is something wrong?"

Isamu glances aside.

Aaren stood in the hallway. Her eyes widen, "It's you." She smiles, her eyes brimming with tears.

Athrun glances over at her and then makes his move. He knocks the gun from Isamu's hand. Isamu turns his attention back to his cousin. He dodges Athrun's punches and then hits him across the face. Isamu races for the door and heads out. Athrun picks up the gun, "Take Aunt Aaren to her room and call the authorities." He heads to the door and aims the gun.

"No!" Aaren rushes at Athrun and throws her arms around him. The gun fires but the shot misses. Isamu disappears in the dark.

She was sobbing, "Don't hurt him! That's my son… my Isamu... I know it… please don't hurt him." Athrun stares at her. She rushes to the door and stares out into the night.

"We're nearing the sea."

The Archangel continues through the desert and passes through some dunes. The water stretches out in front of them.

Arnold smiles, "It's the Red Sea."

Tolle's eyes widen and a smile spreads across his face as he takes in the amazing sight.

Kuzzey smiles, "Wow."

As the Archangel passes over the water, dolphins leap out and dive back into the water.

Murrue glances over her shoulder, "I'll authorize visits to the deck as long as they're in short shifts. Tell that to the rest of the ship."

Tolle glances over to Arnold, "All right!"

Sai glances over at Millie and smiles.

Natarle adjusts her hat, "MSgt. Murdoch?"

Sai glances over at her.

"How are the preparations for sonar going?"

Sai glances downward.

Down below Murdoch wearing a headset turns, "We're on it now." He glances down, "The boy is making the final calibrations. Just wait a moment longer."

Kira sat on a small crate typing into a keyboard that was connected to the ships systems. Mu stood behind him watching his arms crossed. Sabine and Jackie stood at the base controls.

Natarle's voice comes over the radio, "Hurry... also how appropriate is it to call someone higher ranking than you a kid?"

Kojiro grits his teeth and places a hand at his head.

Mu glances over, "Huh?"

Sabine and Jackie also glance over and smile.

"That shows that you're not abiding by the ranks. Be aware of that."

Kojiro coughs and crosses, "She says to hurry." He crouches down.

Kira glances at him, "I can't help it. This is... ZAFT equipment so it's not that easy to hook up to ours."

Flay sits in Kira's darkened room staring off, waiting for him to return. Her mind was blank. Torii flies back and forth above her.

The crew and resistance laugh and celebrate into the night. The Archangel back on land was covered with a tarp. Murrue makes a toast along with Saibu, Mu and Natarle. They all drink up. Natarle coughs.

Mu glances over at Saibu, "It'll still be hard on you. Even though the Tiger is gone ZAFT will still be here."

Saibu nods, "And we'll continue to fight."

His son runs into the caves, "Father? The village elder is performing a memorial ceremony for those warriors that passed."

Outside rockets are fired up as the resistance gathers solemnly. The Elder slowly recites the names of the lost. The Archangel crew stands behind them listening. Natarle salutes.

Mu places his arm around Murrue, "Continue to fight huh?"

She glances at him and back at the resistance. In the way back Kira stood next to a sitting Flay. She drank a cup of soup. Kira glances down at her and back at the ceremony. In the middle of the crowd Cagalli grasps her malachite diamond. Sabine hands Sai and Kuzzey some soup and sits down on some steps and stares up at the sky.

The following morning. "That's why you should take me with you." Cagalli pleads with Murrue, "I know the situation on Earth better than you people."

Mu sitting on a crate leans onto his hand.

"Plus, if you have supply problems or difficulties I can be of help."

Murrue glances down, "But..."

Cagalli tilts her head, "Of course I'm not saying that I'd travel all the way to Alaska with you."

Kisaka carries supplies behind Mu and Natarle. He glances at her.

Cagalli looks off, "And I'm not going to join the Earth's military." She glances at Murrue, "You need me now right?"

Kisaka sets the crate down in front of Mu.

Mu waves his hand, "We need you?"

Murrue and Natarle glance over at him.

Cagalli glances downward, "Well, I mean... that's..." She holds her arms out, "I can help in different ways."

Kisaka glances at her. Mu rises.

Murrue places a finger to her lip, "Even if you say help."

Mu crosses, "A goddess huh?"

Cagalli glares at him. She glances at Murrue, "It doesn't matter what you say. I'm going with the Archangel. I've already decided." She turns and heads off.

Mu stares off after her, "And?" He glances at Kisaka, "Exactly what kind of person is she?"

Kisaka shuts the crate.

"You should stay here."

Lenne shuts the door to one of the hospice rooms. She heads down the stairs when she hears the doorbell.

A nurse smiles up at her, "I'll get it, Ms Irmgard, please you shouldn't be moving around so much." She crosses and opens the door.

Athrun stands on the porch holding a bouquet.

Lenne spots him, "Athrun..."

He stares at her, "Lenne." He smiles.

She glances downward, "If you're here to see Rena she's not up to seeing anyone. She's been resting well."

He nods, "I'm glad she wasn't hurt."

Lenne nods, "Athrun… I'm sorry but… well. We've talked it over and she and I don't want anything to do with your family. I'm sorry..."

Athrun gasps and stares at her.

Lenne tilts her head, "I have come to think of you as a son but your father has risked the life of my only child and for that I can never forgive him. I wish you well."

She turns to go.

Athrun steps forward, "Wait… Lenne?"

She pauses.

He holds out the bouquet. "Here... tell her that I... never mind. Nicol is having his concert tomorrow night but I guess she won't make it."

Lenne takes the bouquet. "It's too bad. I'm sure she'll be upset to miss it."

He stares at her, "And you're not returning to December city?"

She nods.

He furrows his brow, "I'll miss you."

Lenne stares at him, "Good-bye Athrun." He heads toward his car. He glances toward the window just in time to see the curtains close.

A ZAFT soldier types into a computer. "Well you're right the files are all here." He scratches the side of his head, "I could have sworn I didn't see them before but…" He nods, "Your academy records are superb. Your graduation fell at the perfect time. According to your orders you will be assigned alongside the Le Creuset team aboard the Vesalius and will land at Gibraltar base." He rises and salutes. "Welcome to ZAFT Lt. Valorous."

A girl with long dark hair and dark eyes stares at him, "For the protection of Plant." She salutes him. Dressed in a red elite uniform she heads through the hall.

The Archangel cruises along in the water. The crew stands out on deck enjoying the great weather and cool breeze off the sea. Miriallia runs toward the side her coat jacket unbuttoned. She closes her eyes, "This feels so good!" A breeze blows over her.

Tolle runs around, "The Earth's ocean. It's been so long!" Tolle leans over the edge of the railing next to Millie.

Sabine crosses and takes a deep breath, "It's so amazing. The salt air the crystal clear water. I never thought I'd see it again."

Kuzzey glances up, "It feels strange for some reason."

Tolle glances over at him, "That's right this is your first time isn't it? You were born on Heliopolis right?"

Kuzzey nods, "Yeah, I was even surprised by the desert."

Sabine smiles, "Really?" She turns her back and leans against the railing.

Tolle glances over, "Were you born on Orb?"

Sabine nods, "My father was a merchant so we traveled a lot, I've been to almost every climate zone before my mother and I moved to Heliopolis."

Tolle nods, "Wow. That's cool."

Kuzzey glances forward, "The desert was bad but it seems like this place is scarier. I heard that some parts of the ocean can be really deep huh?"

Sabine nods, "That's right."

Millie smirks, "There might even be a monster."

Kuzzey gasps in fear, "Huh?"

Sabine covers her mouth to stop from laughing.

Tolle glances at Miriallia, "What are you talking about Millie?"

She giggles.

Kira presses a button opening the door to a smaller deck. He had his jacket over his shoulder. The midday sun practically blinds him. He holds his hand up to shield his eyes and then proceeds out. Seagulls were cawing as he stepped toward the railing.

A female ensign walks along the outside of the base. She spots Lt. Valorous standing staring off at the sky. Her long blue black hair blew in the breeze. "Lt. Amara Valorous right?"

Amara glances slightly over her shoulder, "Yes?"

She nods, "Great. Capt. Ades has requested that all new recruits, including elites, board the ship prior to the arrival of the other troops."

Amara turns, "Why it that?"

The ensign stares at her, "To familiarize you with the ship. Also in your case to familiarize yourself with your GINN."

Amara nods, "Fine."

Kira sat on the deck looking up at the sky. Clouds passed over placing him in shadow momentarily and then in sunlight again. He furrows his brow as his thoughts fall onto Waltfeld and then their last battle and then Mu's explanation of berserker. He buries his face into his knees and places his arms over his head. He closes his eyes. But... if I don't fight... if I don't destroy them...everyone will... He recalls the destruction of the Montgomery and Flay's angry expression, then the shuttle being destroyed and finally Rena from the talk show. Kira opens his eyes and looks up gasping. Rena? He hadn't felt any connection with her lately. The deck remained quiet and peaceful. Kira places his hands onto his head and grits his teeth until he starts to sob.

Behind him the door opens and Cagalli exits. She tilts her head, "So you're on the deck too huh?" She crosses toward him, "It's nice out here." She stretches.

Kira glances over his shoulder at her and then rises. He stares off sadly and then sighs glancing downward.

Cagalli furrows her brow and then crosses to stand next to him. She glances over at him, "Were you crying?"

Kira turns and starts to walk off but Cagalli grabs his wrist.

"Wait."

Kira glares over at her and she averts her gaze. Kira turns to go again but Cagalli runs around him and throws her arms around his chest.

Kira gasps in shock, "Wa...what?"

Cagalli pats his back, "There... there... it's ok... It'll be okay."

Kira stands frozen.

Cagalli keeps speaking. "It's ok... it's ok..."

Kira stops staring off and furrows his brow.

Flay sat on her bed waiting for Kira. Torii flies down near her. She rises and heads out. Torii following her.

Cagalli steps back from Kira and takes his hands in hers, "Feeling better?"

Kira was still in shock and stared at her wide-mouthed. His cheeks were slightly pink.

He nods, "Yeah..."

They both look down at her hands on his.

She lets him go and steps back also embarrassed, "Don't get the wrong idea! I couldn't leave a kid crying out here alone. That's why I'm doing this." Cagalli passes by him and sits down.

Kira watches her, "Hmm."

Flay wanders the halls looking for Kira.

Cagalli leans against the wall watching Kira as he leaned against the railing. He stared sadly off. Cagalli tilts her head, "You... You're weird in many ways."

Kira gasps and glances over at her, "Huh?"

She glares at him, "Telling me virtuous words and even hitting me that one time."

Kira turns to her, "I'm sorry... I meant to apologize before but I didn't get the chance."

Cagalli shrugs, "Well, it doesn't really matter now." She looks up at him, "Why are you a Coordinator?"

He tilts his head, "Huh?"

She leans toward him, "Let me rephrase that. Why are you siding with OMNI when you're a coordinator?"

Kira crosses toward her, "Weird isn't it. I've heard that a lot." He glances off and then sits down next to her.

She stares at him, "I'm not saying that it's strange or anything... but this war broke out because of the hostilities between Naturals and Coordinators, so... I was wondering if you had any thoughts like that."

Kira glances at her, "What about you?"

Cagalli shakes her head, "I don't really have any in particular feelings against Coordinators."

Kira smiles, "Me neither."

She nods, "It's just that we have to fight back if we're attacked in a war."

Kira glances up at the sky, "I agree."

Cagalli stares at him. He glances at her out of the corner of his eye and then looks at her smiling.

Flay stood in front of the Strike.

"It's really the same case for Coordinators."

He watches a seagull fly around.

Cagalli looks up, "But you guys are able to do a lot more things than we can, right? Ever since birth."

Kira shrugs, "That's only if you practice, study or train. Just because you're a coordinator doesn't mean you're talented in everything from birth."

Cagalli nods, "I guess so."

He stares at her, "We definitely won't contract any deadly diseases, and manufacturing various genes in regards to our bodies, is who we are."

Flay approaches the open hatch.

Kira continues, "But wasn't that... how do you say this?"

Flay heads out and pauses when she realizes Kira was talking with Cagalli.

"The perfect dream for naturals, wasn't it?"

Flay ducks back.

Kira stares forward, "That's why we..."

Cagalli nods, "That's true..."

Flay enters the hall again and pulls off her jacket.

"But why were you..."

Flay exits, "Kira? Here you are? Were you hot?" She crosses to him with her undershirt tied up and her jacket off.

Kira stares up at her, "Flay?"

She tosses a hand through her hair, "It's so hot." She bends over in front of him, "I was looking for you."

Cagalli glances over.

Flay lays her hands on his.

"You should have asked me to come along if you were going to come out here." She pulls him to his feet and snuggles next to him.

Kira glances at her, "Sorry." He glances at Cagalli.

She stared up at him and her with a nonchalant look in her eyes.

Flay glances off, "This feels good doesn't it? But we'll get burned if we stay out here too long. Let's go back to our room in a bit ok?"

Cagalli rises, "I'm going in. It seems like I'll be a nuisance."

Kira stares after Cagalli a sincere look in his eyes, "Oh."

Flay glares at Cagalli over his shoulder.