Yo everybody. Got another chapter for you all. And from the sound of it, a fair number of people have been waiting for this one. So enjoy.

Mobile Suit Serial Number: ZGMF-600 GuAIZ 'Panther'
Unit Type: Customized general purpose mobile suit
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: 2x MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm CIWS, fire-linked, mounted on head; 1x MA-MV03 composite shield, 2x EEQ7R extensional arrestor, mounted on back, can be fired out on a line, 1x MA-M21G beam rifle, 1x beam saber, stored on the underside of the shield
Pilot: Diana Kessel
Color: Dark purple with black strips on the forearms and shins. White trim and a white roaring panther head on the right shoulder.
Info: Diana's GuAIZ. Like the other GuAIZs, while it's capabilities have been improved over the normal GuAIZ, it's only a slight improvement compared to the level of improvements their GINNs had over normal GINNs.

Mobile Suit Serial Number: ZGMF-600 GuAIZ 'Tyr'
Unit Type: Customized general purpose mobile suit
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: 2x MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm CIWS, fire-linked, mounted on head, 1x MA-MV03 composite shield, features dual beam claw on tip, mounted on left arm, 2x EEQ7R extensional arrestor, mounted on back, can be fired out on a line, 1x MA-M21G beam rifle
Pilot: Lucius Raveshaw
Color: A rather plain dark green with gray trim. A black fist on the right shoulder. The right hand and forearm are painted black.

Mobile Suit Serial Number: ZGMF-600 GuAIZ 'Hyena'
Unit Type: Customized general purpose mobile suit
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: 2x MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm CIWS, fire-linked, mounted on head, 2x beam claws, mounted on the forearms, 2x EEQ7R extensional arrestor, mounted on back, can be fired out on a line, 1x MA-M21G beam rifle
Pilot: Ajay Cortez
Color: Light brown with crimson claw marks on the forearms, shins and left shoulder of the machine. White teeth are painted along the area under the machine's monoeye and a trio of white teeth on the right shoulder

Mobile Suit Serial Number: ZGMF-600 GuAIZ 'Bruticus'
Unit Type: Customized general purpose mobile suit
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: 2x MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm CIWS, fire-linked, mounted on head, 1x MA-MV03 composite shield, features dual beam claw on tip, mounted on left arm, 2x EEQ7R extensional arrestor, mounted on back, can be fired out on a line, 1x M69 'Barrus' heavy particle cannon
Pilot: Basque Gideon
Color: Dark gray with black trim. A crimson fireball on the right shoulder.

Mobile Suit Serial Number: ZGMF-600 GuAIZ 'Lady Luck'
Unit Type: Customized general purpose mobile suit
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: 2x MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm CIWS, fire-linked, mounted on head, 1x MA-MV03 composite shield, features dual beam claw on tip, mounted on left arm, 2x EEQ7R extensional arrestor, mounted on back, can be fired out on a line, 1x MA-M21G beam rifle
Pilot: Lisa DeCosta
Color: Dark green with crimson trim. A pair of red stylized L's on the right shoulder..

Mobile Suit Serial Number: ZGMF-600 GuAIZ Speartip Team
Unit Type: Customized general purpose mobile suit
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: 2x MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm CIWS, fire-linked, mounted on head, 1x MA-MV03 composite shield, features dual beam claw on tip, mounted on left arm, 2x EEQ7R extensional arrestor, mounted on back, can be fired out on a line, 1x MA-M21G beam rifle (Hilda), 1x 170mm anti-armor rocket-propelled grenade launcher (Mars), M68 'Cattus' 500mm recoilless rifle (Herbert)
Pilot: Hilda Harken, Mars Simeon, Herbert Von Reinhardt
Color: Black torso, hands, feet and head, dark purple shoulders, arms and legs. A black star on the right shoulder of each machine.

Phase Twenty-Seven: Lacus Strikes

The Archangel's Hanger

Athrun finished suiting up as his shuttle was being prepped for launch. It was small, single seat craft. With it, he would reach the PLANTs in a couple hours. Kira, Chris, Saul, Nicol and Dearka were there to see him off. "If anything happens to me, I want one of you guys to pilot the Justice." he said.

"No way. You're the only one for that mobile suit." Dearka replied.

"Yeah. I don't want use any other machine besides my Surge." Saul added.

Athrun turned to Nicol, who shook his head. "Sorry. But the Justice just isn't for me."

Finally, Athrun turned to Chris. "No. I'm not piloting a nuclear powered mobile suit." he said. "You and Kira can pilot those things, but I'm never gonna pilot one of those machines or any like them."

"Wait a minute!" someone called out.

Cagalli appeared, virtually tackling Athrun. "Why are you doing this? Why are you going back to the PLANTs?"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you this earlier." Athrun answered.

"Sorry doesn't cut! What will happen if you don't return without that?" she shouted, pointing to the Justice.

"I'm leaving the Justice here. It's better this way." He explained. "Should worst comes to worst, Kira will take care of it."

"That isn't what I'm talking about!"

Athrun sighed. "I know, but I still have to do this."

Kira then came over and put his hand on her shoulder. "Cagalli, you know why he has to go."

Defeated, she nodded and stepped back.

A short while later, the shuttle took off and sped away. A minute after, the Freedom followed as escort. Whenever everything was done, the plan was to rendezvous with Athrun and both would return to the Archangel. All hands on board both ships nervously watched as both machines disappeared out of sight.


Patrick Zala's Office

Aprilius One

Patrick Zala sat inside his office and watched footage of the Earth Alliance's battle with Orb. Le Creuset had managed to record a portion of the battle as he returned to Carpentaria before returning to space.

The loss of Victoria had been a heavy blow. Though Thule had managed to save a portion of their forces stationed there, the loss of the Mass Driver to the Earth Forces was grave turn of events. Just when they had turned things in their favor again, those damn Naturals attacked Victoria. And with those accursed new mobile suits of their's, the PLANTs were once again in danger.

As he continued watching, Zala spoke with the Captain of their new warship, the Eternal. "Yes, that's right." He said. "Le Creuset returned less than an hour ago and had this information with him. I don't how or why the Freedom ended up at Orb. Athrun may know, but the little fool hasn't reported in yet."

"You did say that his mission was top secret." the man replied. "Needless communications is but one way information can be picked and leaked."

Zala shuddered. Leaked information had become the cause of many of his recent headaches. "The overconfident Naturals have been gathering at the moon. We need to crush them this time, completely." he said, changing the direction of the conversation.

"I understand. I shall give every effort to repay Your Excellency for giving me another chance at life."


Aboard the Vesalius

Armory One

"Well Miss, I think I found the reason you've been getting sick in mornings." the doctor said. "I believe congratulations are in order."

Flay's eyes widened in surprise. "You don't mean..."

"Yes. You're going to be a mother."

Flay felt an overwhelming tide of emotions as her subconsciously reached for her abdomen. She was going to have baby. She felt joy. Worry. Fear even. But mostly joy.

But then dread entered her mind. Had she found out a few weeks ago, she would have known instantly that Chris was the father. But after Panama... After Panama, she was Le Creuset's assistant by day and at night... She barely managed to suppress a shutter. She had heard some of rumors going around about her. And they weren't far off. She just wasn't his willing lover.

While she was overjoyed at the thought of having Chris's child, the thought of baring that man's child sickened her. But quickly realized that as much as the possibility of it being Rau's child sickened her, she wouldn't dare harm it. If it was his child, she would cross that bridge when and if she came to it. For now, all that mattered was ensuring the safety of her unborn child and trying to find a way back to Archangel.


The Vesalius's Hanger

Yzak wondered through the hanger as the crews worked on the new mobile suits that had been loaded onto the Vesalius. He walked pass his Duel and Zane's new mobile suit. Next to them was a second new mobile suit, identical to Zane's save that it was currently in the process of being painted purple, and a CGUE DEEP Arms. Shiho Hahnenfuss's CGUE DEEP Arms. Yzak was familiar Shiho and had met her a few times. She was skilled pilot.

Yzak stopped at the third new mobile suit. It was painted in the colors of a CGUE and a technician was working on it. "Is this the new model GuAIZ?" he asked.

"Yes, it's a new mass production type from MMI." the technician replied. "The assembly lines are all retooling for this guy. Once we get them rolling out, we'll stamp the Naturals out of space in no time."

Yzak doubted that. The new Earth Forces machines while inferior to his Duel, were more powerful than the rest of ZAFT's arsenal. And the Earth Forces could field a lot of those mobile suits. But then again, the GuAIZs had no doubt been made with the technology gained from the mobile suits from Heliopolis. He took another look at the machine and shrugged before walking off.


Outside Jachin Due

An Hour Later

Athrun's shuttle reached the defensive perimeter surrounding the space fortress of Jachin Due. He and Kira had already parted ways and Kira now waited at the rendezvous point. A group of GINNs moved in to intercept his craft. He switched to a ZAFT communication channel. "This is operative Athrun Zala of the National Defense Committee." He said. "My identification number is 285002. Jachin Due Defense Forces, please respond."

The squad of GINNs slowed but didn't stop. They quickly surrounded the shuttle. Ready to destroy it if he did anything remotely suspicious.

'So far so good.' Athrun thought. 'I hope I haven't made a big mistake in coming here.'


Patrick Zala's Office

Patrick Zala looked over the data of what he planned to be his ultimate weapon in the war against the Naturals. The appropriately named GENESIS. For it would be the genesis of the Age of the Coordinator. It was already in the final phase of its construction and would be operational shortly thereafter. His intercom buzzed and he pressed the receiver. "Yes, what is it?"

"Operative Athrun Zala has arrived at Jachin Due, sir. He was piloting an Earth Forces shuttle."

This was a shock for Patrick. At very least, Athrun should be in the Justice. Not an Earth Forces shuttle. Something had happened. Something he knew he wasn't going to like.

"Given the circumstances, he's being detained at this moment." the officer added.

"Bring him here at once." Patrick ordered before turning off the intercom. He had many questions for Athrun.

A short while later, Athrun was escorted into his father's office, flanked by two guards. Once they arrived, the guards saluted the Chairman.

Patrick said nothing at first. He sighed and stood up. "Guards, leave us."

Once the guards left, Patrick looked at his son and continued. "What's happened? Where are the Justice and the Freedom?"

"I know where they are both are. They are intact and safe." Athrun answered. "But I need to ask you something father. What direction are you planning to take this war?"

"What?!" Patrick demanded. "What sort of absurd question is that?! What about your mission?! That's what you need to report on!"

"The reason I've returned is because I needed to speak with you directly." Athrun said. "I'm talking about what happened at Alaska, Panama, and Victoria. You attack because you're attacked and then you're attacked again because you attacked. All the while, war and suffering continues. How much longer will this drag on?! How many more will have to die?!"

"Where did you get such ideas?!" Patrick shouted. "Did Clyne and his daughter get inside your head?! Meeting force with a great force is just what we need to win!"

"But how far are you willing to go?"

"Once every last Natural is dead, that is when this war comes to an end."

Athrun was stunned to say the least. "What did you say? Do you really mean that you plan on killing all the Naturals?"

"Of course!" Patrick yelled as he grabbed Athrun by the collar. "That's been our goal from the start! Now where are the Justice and the Freedom."

"Father, do you really mean what you just said about killing all the Naturals?"

"That's the whole point of this war! That's why we're fighting this war! Have you forgotten that?!" Patrick shouted, throwing him to the ground.

The next moment, Patrick pulled out his sidearm and aimed at Athrun. "You're pathetic! Stop giving me that garbage and answer me! Where are the Freedom and the Justice?!"

Athrun glared at him but didn't answer. "If you refuse to answer, I'll have you arrested as a traitor!"

But Athrun still didn't answer. His father reached for his intercom and called in a group of military police. They surrounded him and aimed their rifles at him. This whole thing had been a big mistake. He never should have come back. His father was locked into his path. Nothing he could say would change that. Suddenly, Lord Uzumi's words echoed through his mind.

"The Earth Forces' present actions are being guided by the leader of Blue Cosmos, Muruta Azrael. To make matters worse, the PLANTs are led by someone who believes Coordinators are a new species, for Patrick Zala rules them now. The way things are developing, the world will soon be trapped between two forces who refuse to accept each others' existence."

As much as he hated to admit it. His father was one of people driving this war on. He got to his feet. What he did next, surprised everyone. Himself included. Athrun lunged at his father. A shot rang out. Athrun fell to the ground, the bullet having grazed his right shoulder.

"Don't kill him. There is still information we need from him." Patrick ordered. "Arrest him and use whatever techniques necessary to pry information on the Freedom and the Justice out of him. I'm very disappointed, Athrun."

The soldiers pulled Athrun up and slapped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists "As am I father."


The guards dragged Athrun outside the government building, where a van was waiting. But he wasn't about to let them lock him up. He kicked one of the guards and tackled the other before running off. To Athrun's surprise, one of guards followed, firing at the other soldiers and throwing flashbangs. The pair rounded a corner of the building. "Turn your back to me so I can shoot the handcuffs." the soldier ordered.

Athrun complied and his handcuffs were removed. "You're being too reckless." the soldier said, handing him a pistol. "Are you trying to get yourself killed? You even got one of my guys."

"Sorry about that. But who are you?" Athrun asked.

"I'm with what they're calling the Clyne Faction." the soldier replied. "And you need to be more careful. Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Sorry."

At that moment, the second soldier he had hit appeared, firing his rifle. "Come on DeCosta! We need to get out of here!"

DeCosta nodded and turned to Athrun. "Come on!"


The Eternal

Inside a ZAFT Hanger

Commander Andrew Waltfeld glanced at his pocketwatch and smiled. DeCosta should have recovered the kid by now and heading to meet up with them. Now it was time for phase two of their plan. Andy picked up the phone in his chair's arm, switching to the ship's intercom. "This is Commander Waltfeld. The ship is now entering it's final preparations. I repeat, the ship is entering it's final preparations."

All across the ship, the Clyne supporters amongst the ship's crew quickly gathered up those that weren't and kicked them out as others rushed to bring the Eternal's systems online.

Moments later, Lacus Clyne entered the bridge. "Sorry I'm late." she said as she sat in the command chair.

"No worries. As long as you're safe." Andy replied. "Shall we be heading out now?"

Lacus nodded. "Yes."

"Loading departure plan C, forced exit subroutine one nine two zero online."

"Adding logic array, security is disengaged. All systems go."

Suddenly, the frantic calls dockmaster filled the bridge. "Commander Waltfeld! What's going on?! You don't have clearance to launch!"

"Sir. They changed the codes to the main gate."

"Those people are so clever." Waltfeld said mockingly. "They should've left it as it was."

He turned to Lacus. "Our exit is gonna be a bit rougher now. So brace yourself."

"We have no other choice, since we must go." Lacus replied.

"Prepare to fire the main cannon! Target the main gate!" Andy ordered. "Fire immediately after take off!"

"Eternal, please launch." Lacus said.

The Eternal's engines fired up, propelling the ship forward. Moments later, the Eternal's main cannon fired, destroying the gate and providing them with a way out.

"Where's DeCosta?"

At that very moment, a two-man shuttle raced through hanger, heading for the Eternal. "Commander we're were." Martin said as he pulled the shuttle alongside the Eternal.

"DeCosta, move to the rear hatch." Andy ordered. "Once they're on board, get the ship up to maximum speed!"

Once the shuttle safely landed on board, the Eternal reached it's maximum speed. Outrunning all of their pursers. But there was one last hurdle before they could consider their escape successful. Jachin Due and it's defense forces which would be waiting for them.


The Odin

Near Jachin Due

"Commander, orders from HQ." the comm officer said. "The Eternal has been stolen from Armory One. Chairman Zala is ordering that all available ZAFT forces to intercept and destroy the Eternal."

Diana Kessel nodded. "Bring the ship to Level One Battlestations! Get the GuAIZs ready for launch! Bring the fleet into position to flank the as the Jachin Due defense forces move into intercept!"

"Commander! The Eternal is sending out a message to all ZAFT forces!"

"Let's hear it."

"Hello. My name is Lacus Clyne. Although I have become enemies with Chairman Zala because we hope for different futures, I do not intend to fight against you. Please let our ship go. And I also ask each one of you to think about what we really should be fighting against."

"You're orders sir?" a bridge officer asked.

This was wrong. What they were doing was wrong. The ZAFT she had once known was slipping away more and more each day. It had to stop. "Prep my mobile suit for launch." Diana ordered. "I will not follow Zala's orders any longer. But I will not force the rest of you into betraying ZAFT. All I ask is that you give me a head start."

No one on the bridge moved.

"No ma'am." Lucius replied. "I speak for everyone when I say, we'll not follow your order."

"Then arrest me." she said. "I will not fire on that ship or follow that man's orders."

"We're not going to arrest you either."

"But-"

"Ma'am, again I speak for everyone when I say, to hell with our orders and to hell with Patrick Zala."

For the briefest of moments, her normally cold demeanor dropped as a slight smile spread across her lips. "Thank you." she whispered under her breath.

Then the smile dropped. "What are you waiting for then?! Bring the Fleet closer to the Eternal! Scramble all mobile suits! We're protecting the Eternal!" she ordered. "I don't want a single mobile suit to get within striking distance of that ship! And do not fire until I give signal! Is that clear?!"

"Yes ma'am." came the chorus of replies as the bridge crushed rushed to carry out her orders.

"Will you still be going out as well, ma'am?"

"Of course. You have the bridge Lee."

Minutes later, all of the mobile suits of the 11th Fleet were launched, heading for the Eternal. The ZAFT forces heading for the Eternal, let out a cheer. "Those traitors are done for now!" one GINN pilot shouted.

"Yeah! No way they can escape the 11th Fleet!" another said.

"Damn. The 11th Fleet." Andy said. "This isn't going to be easy."

"We're being hailing by the 11th Fleet." DeCosta said.

"Put it through. Let's hope that Miss Kessel will listen."

The cockpit of Diana's GuAIZ appeared on the main screen.

"Eternal. This is Commander Diana Kessel of the 11th Autonomous Mobile Fleet." Diana said. "We have been ordered to destroy you. However, we can no longer willing follow Patrick Zala's orders. The entire 11th Autonomous Mobile Fleet is at your disposal, Miss Clyne, Commander Waltfeld."

The rest of the ZAFT forces and most of the Eternal's crew were stunned by this announcement. Both Andy and Lacus smiled. "It looks like we may just make it after all." Andy said as the colored GuAIZs formed a defensive ring around the Eternal.

"ZAFT forces, withdraw now and you will escape with your lives." Diana said to all the advancing ZAFT mobile suits. "If not, we will slaughter you all."

The ZAFT forces were in a state of panic and disarray. ZAFT's own propaganda worked against them in this case. They made the 11th Fleet out to be a dreaded, unbeatable fighting force within their military. Added to this was the recent events at Panama, where the 11th Fleet had attacked their fellow soldiers in the defense of the Naturals, left no doubt in their minds that they weren't bluffing. As a result of this, many ZAFT soldiers started fleeing the battlefield in fear, rather than face the unbeatable 11th Fleet in battle. But many more stayed, forcing the 11th Fleet to battle their, now former, comrades in arms.

"Damn you, Patrick Zala, for forcing us to do this." Diana said. "All forces, engage the ZAFT forces. Try to avoid the cockpit if you can. But do not let them near the Eternal!"

The 11th Fleet snapped into action, attacking the ZAFT forces like men and women possessed. The Odin and it's sister ships fired their cannons as did the Eternal. Many GINNs lost heads and limbs to the GuAIZs of the 11th Fleet. Sadly, many more were destroyed. But even then, there were too many mobile suits for the 11th Fleet to hold back. GINNs armed with missile launchers flew past the GuAIZs, heading for the Eternal. "Stop them!" Diana shouted as she blew a GINN's head off.

But it was too late. A barrage of missiles were fired. All of the heading for the Eternal. The Eternal fired it's anti-missile countermeasures, but there were too many for them to stop. And a number of the missiles continued for the vessel.

At that moment, perfectly aimed beams tore through the missile. Destroying every missile. Everyone turned to the source of the beams.

It was the Freedom.

With the missiles destroyed, Kira turned his attention to the ZAFT forces. He fired. His perfectly aimed shots tore through the weapons, limbs and heads of ZAFT mobile suits. Leaving only the mobile suits of the 11th Fleet untouched. "Whoa...That was amazing..." Ajay said as he surveyed the area.

"Indeed." Lucius agreed. "I've never seen such power."

"Cut the chatter." Diana ordered. "The Eternal is safe. Everyone, return to the ships."

The GuAIZs all returned to the Odin and it's sister ships. The Freedom pulled alongside the Eternal as the Nazca-class warships tailed the pink vessel.

Kira opened a comm channel to the Eternal. "Kira Yamato here." he said as his face appeared on the Eternal's main screen.

Lacus smiled. "Kira."

"Hey there youngster. You saved us." Andy said with a grin of his own.

The sight of a former adversary who he had thought was dead, was beyond a little stunning. "Mr. Waltfeld?"


And that's all for today. Now I'm not going to say who the father is. So don't even think about bugging me about that. I will reveal that it is a boy. But other than that, you'll all have to wait for Destiny.

Next up Mendel and all it's dark secrets. I'm gonna enjoy that. As always, please review!