A/n
Okay, this just keeps coming and though I'm pleased that it is, I really don't know how long this will continue. Anyways, this continues on from where I left off in the last Phase, standard disclaimer applies. Here we go!
Phase 29: The Hunt is on
October 3rd, 73 C.E.
-Neutral pov-
The Minerva
The Federation personnel that had been on the Minerva had gone back to their ship after talking with Captain Gladys and Chairman Durandal. The rumor was that they had been tracking Bogey One because they had done something to the Federation, but there was no info one what the action could have been. Yet, Lunamaria knew that stories implied that the Federation's Military didn't chase ships without a good reason. Plus, Shinn and Rey had gotten to see how Federation mobile suit pilots fought and there was so little viable information on that subject. Lunamaria had been curious if there was much of a difference between overall fighting style other than their use of stealth technology. It took around five minutes for Lunamaria to find and catch up with Shinn and Rey, the two were discussing their observation from the battle inside of Armory One. "There you two are, so did you hear about the guests we had on board," she asked, disregarding that she was interrupting in a conversation.
Rey sighed at Lunamaria's blatant butting in and over a discussion, while Shinn was gazing at their fellow pilot curiously. "What are you talking about Luna," Shinn inquired.
Lunamaria then recounted what had gone on down in the hanger after the ZAKU, the GuAIZ and the Osiris came onto the Minerva. Mentioning that as she had been taking the small group to Captain Gladys, the one that had been identified as Representative Cagalli Yula Athha had let slip that the one with blue hair wasn't named Alex Dino as he had said but was Athrun. The name Athrun wasn't common, and the name was usually paired with the last name of Zala and "Athrun Zala" was one of the war heroes of the Alliance-PLANT war. Each one of them had heard about the things that the former ZAFT pilot had done, he was almost as well known as the Champions of PLANTs themselves.
Shinn was still processing what Lunamaria was saying, yet Rey was nodding, "I think they were telling you the truth Luna, for Aila was in the sickbay," he remarked.
Luna stopped in her recounting at Rey's statement, for she hadn't believed that Aila had actually taken to the sickbay. "Wait, Aila was really taken to sickbay! Is she okay?!"
Luna admired Aila and wanted to be as good a pilot as she was, so to hear she had been injured was not nice. Rey nodded, "The doctor said she'll pull through, she apparently took a bullet through her left shoulder, but nothing vital was struck. Aila will simply need time to recover, mostly from the blood that she lost while she piloted the Osiris."
"So then, what are your views of those piloting the Gaia, Abyss, and Chaos," inquired Luna, showing that she had listened in to their conversation a bit before interrupting.
Shinn and Rey told Luna about how the stolen machines had really been difficult to fight and that underestimating them would be a mistake that could cost one's life. Rey took over the explanation while Shinn was left to his own thoughts. He still was trying to figure out how the incident inside Armory One even started, for it didn't make much sense. He believed in peace between all the factions, it was what he enlisted for, to help in bring such about.
"Shinn… hey Shinn, are you listening," posed Luna, regaining Shinn's attention.
"Huh? What are you saying Luna," asked Shinn.
Luna put her hands on her hips, "I was asking you why you enlisted in ZAFT, I mean you lived in Orb before, didn't you?"
Shinn nodded, "Yeah, I lived in Orb more than two years ago, then my family and I evacuated when the Earth Forces came. Honestly, if it weren't for mobile suits pilots that apparently were part of the Federation that were defending the evacuation route, my family nor I, would still be around. We moved to the PLANTs after that to get away from the war," Shinn iterated, paused considering the decision of joining with ZAFT and the thought he had put into it, before continued. "I seriously considered enlisting with the Federation Military, but as my family were living in the PLANTs, if I joined the Federation Military, then I would unlikely get to see them often. And when I decided to enlist, ZAFT and the Federation have the same overall goal to have peace between the factions, that goal hasn't changed. So, it was logical to join ZAFT as then I could also see my parents and sister more often. Still, I would like to visit the Orb Union again someday, I have fond memories there."
"Wow Shinn, I had no idea that it had gotten that close to you dying, sorry for asking," Luna apologized.
Shinn shook his head, "No Luna, it's fine. My family and I made it and that's what counts, fighting for peace is my way of being grateful to those who worked to protect my family and me. It's those that promote war that even make what we do necessary, if the Earth Alliance did as they agreed and didn't keep scheming in the background, then things would be far better for everyone."
Any further conversation was curtailed as Condition Red was declared, since "Bogey One" had been detected a distance ahead. Pilots were ordered to standby in to launch in mobile suits, and the crew were to report to battle stations.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
The Normandy
The Normandy was cruising towards Earth, now that we would deliver Cagalli back to Orb, during which the ship would get to test the Normandy's ability to go through atmospheric reentry and how the Normandy operates planet-side. I was in my quarters and off-duty, writing up a report on "Phantom Thief" as I should, and there was a lot to get down about the troublesome group. Lisa was on the bridge, and she could take charge of things and could call me if anything came up, so things were good. I still felt a tad sorry that the Minerva was pursuing the unknown Alliance vessel alone, that ship had proven dangerous and unpredictable and just generally a royal pain in the butt.
I was brought out of my musings when a knock came on the door to my quarters. I rose and went to the door, and to my surprise, I found my best friend Athrun standing on the other side. "Athrun… what a nice surprise for you to come visit me, it's always nice of course. So, to what do I owe this particular visitation my dear friend," I asked.
Athrun appeared to hesitate for a moment, "I wanted to ask your opinion on something, if you have the time."
Advice? I'm always happy to give out advice, especially to a friend in need! I gestured Athrun to come in, "Certainly, I have the time to talk, I was just writing up a report, part of the responsibilities of being an officer. So, do please come in," I said.
Athrun came in and we went to the sitting area that my quarters have for whatever reason, it's waste of space if you ask me. My quarters feel more like an apartment than a set of quarters on a ship. Perhaps they were designed with a captain that has a family, which I see little prospect for. Although, there is one who would seriously disagree with me on that should they have their way, but that's besides the point. I was focused on Athrun, waiting for him to begin the conversation, but apparently, whatever it is he want's advice on, is a difficult subject. So, I then spoke up instead, "So, is this seeking for friendly advice on something particular? Fair warning, I am not the one to ask about romantic relationships, they're certainly not my forte, so not best to ask me for suggestions with how to tell Cagalli how you really feel. According to Lacus, I haven't a clue about girls, or at least, that's the general idea I believe she was trying to convey. Honestly, I have little interest in such a relationship, and I will neither confirm nor deny that Sakura could have something to do with that."
"No, this isn't about that… Tye, I feel like, I'm just holding others back, that I'm being useless lately," he replied.
I instantly understood what Athrun was actually saying, "Oh, so you see others making a difference and feel as if you're being left behind, is that it?"
Athrun nodded, "I'm having a hard time figuring out what to do right now. Inside the colony, I did my best to prevent Cagalli from getting hurt, but she still did and that bothers me. I was hoping that maybe, you might have some ideas on what direction I could go in," he posed.
I put a hand to my chin, thinking, "That's an individualistic question really. Although, you saying there is need of a change is progress I would think. It's certainly better than Kira's 'things will work out' mentality, his naivete still doing its thing, but you understand what I'm talking about. But, you know him as well as I, naïve as can be, yet thanks to Lacus, he's getting better slowly but surely. Anyways, my best suggestion, is first, don't think or believe that you will ever be able to absolutely prevent someone from getting harmed or somehow save everyone, it's not going to happen. The answer to that is organize your priorities right and do the best you can and then you can say I honestly did my damnest and none can legitimately argue with that. Next, and please for goodness sakes don't tell Cagalli that I'm the one who said it, is to reflect on where your talents lie and then use them to do your best to work for what YOU believe in. Your heart and faith in your own beliefs will not lead you wrong and others will see that and those with similar or the same beliefs will become your allies. I'm not saying that mistakes don't get made or don't happen along the way, for they do, I assure you, I've had my fair share. But, I don't see you being able to do that with what you're doing with your life right now."
Athrun frowned at my answer, so I continued, "I'm not saying you don't have some seriously nice perks with where you are Athrun. I mean, you to work and protect the gal you more than like, that's like a premium perk my friend!" Athrun blushed at that and I snickered, "I'm more surprised that you haven't said how you feel to her yet. I mean sure, I wouldn't expect Kira to, and I wouldn't doubt you will agree with me on this. Heck I more wondering how long Lacus will be able to handle Kira's naiveté, before she goes at him at some point. I will say that it will be long before Kira makes a move, if that's not the case, then I'll be shocked and impressed."
Athrun let out a laugh finally, which was what I was aiming for, "That's true, but you're not one to talk, by the way, how's it going with you and Sakura," he asked.
That single question shut my mouth for a bit, for it was a reminder of a standing issue I face off and on. Even after the Alliance-PLANT war ended, Lacus' older sister Sakura by no means left me alone, if anything she increased her efforts of stalking me, where she's trying to convince me to have her as some sort of girlfriend! Sure, Sakura has gotten prettier over the years, honestly, she's drop dead gorgeous, but I'm certainly not going to say that to her! Her being good-looking doesn't detract from the fact that she stalks me in any freaking way and to the point that it's a seriously creepy obsession! I let out a groan, "Athrun, you should be grateful you don't deal with what I do in that department. Cagalli worries about you but gives you space, Sakura doesn't do that at all, she gives me no space if I don't avoid her. In short, she's still stalking me, and she's only has gotten more insistent in the practice, which has forced me to take the steps I can to avoid her out of habit. I mean, she'd be okay if she didn't stalk me, but she still hasn't learned that no means 'back off', and not 'try harder'. But, it's nice to hear you laugh, I was starting to think you'd forgotten how the gesture works," I remarked.
"Sorry, guess I've been rather dreary to be around lately," Athrun apologized
I shrugged, "That, plus, I hear; stiff, hardheaded, obstinate… I could keep going, but I don't want to find a thesaurus right now, I think that you get the point I'm going for," I shot back.
"Yeah, I suppose I have come off that way for a while now," Athrun replied.
I smiled, "I say that as a friend, not as an insult, much like I do when I call Kira 'a special kind of stupid' when it comes to matters of social things. Athrun, the best advice I can give, is to just be yourself, you do that, and everything will work out for the better in the end. I know that may sound like something Kira would say, but it is the truth I've found more often than not," I returned.
Athrun and I continued chatting for a while, catching up on what had been going on with the other. It had been more than a year since I'd seen him, since the last time he'd visited his parents' grave markers and that's normally a somber affair. It was nice to spend time with a friend, I don't get to do that as often as I would like anymore.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
The Girty Lue
The ZAFT vessel that had attacked them around Armory One, was detected approaching them from behind around an hour after trying to lose them. There was no sign of the Federation frigate from before, but didn't mean that they weren't around, Federation stealth capabilities were still better than ZAFT and the Alliance, a frustration to the Alliance itself. The Girty Lue only had the three stolen Gundam-type mobile suits to send out now, so tactics would be the determining factor in this encounter since the enemy ship likely had more mobile suit. Thankfully, the trio had all recovered from the issues that had occurred with the theft of the mobile suits and were suiting up to launch out.
The trio themselves, were looking forward to having another chance against one or both of the other Gundam-type machines they had fought in the colony. Sting and Auel were chatting about how they would bring back a trophy from one of their opponents, while Stella was quiet. She understood what Neo had told them they would need to do in fighting against those chasing them. The three, once fully suited up, boarded the machines that they had taken from the colony and headed out from the ship. After the mobile suits launched from the Girty Lue, Neo had Captain Lee fire one of the ship's rocket anchors at an asteroid to swing the Girty Lue around. At the same time, a decoy missile was fired to make it seem that the Girty Lue was still moving forward on an unchanged course. The Girty Lue started its circular arc around the space rock after sending the decoy along. The hope was to fool their pursuers and then, come in from behind and pound them until they were destroyed, then they could be done with this. And with the Girty Lue being designed to be hard to detect if not undetectable, this tactic should work.
Meanwhile, on the Minerva, preparations for combat were being made to go against Bogey One and the stolen mobile suits. Suit pilots were getting ready to head out, and all but Rey would launch, while he would be ready in case something went wrong. So, Lunamaria in the red ZAKU moved to the right linear catapult, her suit was equipped with the "Gunner" set which came with the MMI-M633 beam assault rifle as its primary weapon. Two GuAIZ R machines were readied and sent to the catapults and headed out after Lunamaria. The Impulse was loaded to the its catapult, and Shinn once again boarded the Core Splendor as Aila was still in the Minerva's sickbay. The "Blast Silhouette" was loaded to the lift with the rest of the fliers. The Blast set for the Impulse gave the mobile suit two high-energy long-range beam cannons attached to the backpack called "Kerberos". On the top of the cannons, were quadruple missile launchers with guided missile. Then, on the backpack were two hyper-velocity rail cannons which worked like railguns. For close quarters fighting, this set had two beam javelins, stored inside the Kerberos cannons.
As the odds were high they were going to fight against the three Gundam-type suits with the four mobile suits the Minerva was sending out, it was assumed firepower would be key to ending this quickly. Once the mobile suits headed out from the Minerva, the bridge was lowered to connect with the ship's CIC. And when the command bridge came to the level as the CIC, Arthur informed the captain that two separate signals were showing up; one on an unchanged course, while the other, which was from the Federation's beacon, and it was beginning to circle nearby debris. Captain Gladys trusted that the Federation's beacon was sending more accurate information, "My guess is the signal continuing forward is a decoy, so the one going around the debris is Bogey One. Load and fire a decoy," she ordered, then focused on the helmsman, Malik YardBirds. "Malik, just as the decoy launches, steer us to hide behind debris, cut the engines and use only maneuvering thrusters. We'll have an opportunity to take the enemy by surprise this time, instead of them getting the jump on us. Send an encrypted message to the suit pilots, we're going to be out of their sight for a bit."
The decoy fired from the Minerva and then the ship moved to be among the colony debris that floated around the cluster of Lagrange 4. The movement went unnoticed to the Girty Lue as is was reached half way around the asteroid they had attached to. All they saw was their enemy chasing their decoy as it kept going forward as was hoped.
The mobile suits that had launched from the Minerva, were looking around the debris field, searching for the Chaos, the Abyss and the Gaia. They did receive a message from the Minerva, that the ship would be out of sight of them as the enemy carrier was trying to flank them. This meant the four of them were on their own for the time being, out hunting for the three stolen Gundam-type mobile suits. It was as the four from the Minerva got to the center of the field, when their opponents popped into view and began attacking. Shinn, Lunamaria and their two colleagues, Shawn and Dale were forced to evade the shots coming their way. Yet, the Chaos deployed its weapon pods and took down one of the GuAIZ Rs by one getting in front of the machine and the other behind.
Shinn was trying to get a hit in on any of the three gundams, more so after losing an ally, but all three of them were dodging, even if by small margins. Even hiding behind debris didn't help as the second GuAIZ Rs showed with the Abyss used both 3-barrel beam cannons along with its multi-phase cannon to destroy it. Both Shinn and Lunamaria were evading left and right, shooting back at their opponents as best as they could.
At the same time, the Girty Lue came around the asteroid, expecting to find ZAFT's warship coming into their crosshairs, but to their consternation the enemy ship wasn't there. Neo quickly began to suspect that there was something going on that wasn't supposed to be, when missile came from within the debris field. The enemy warship then, came from behind colony junk, and began assaulting the Girty Lue head on, taking them by surprise. This didn't make sense at all to Roanoke, their enemy should still have been traveling forward after the decoy. Nonetheless, it had been waiting for the Girty Lue to come around the asteroid, like it had already known the Girty Lue was coming and not fooled by the decoy at all.
So, while the missiles flying at the Girty Lue being intercepted, Neo ordered the ship's mirage colloid to be activated. Then the helmsman moved the ship out of the line of fire, which should make it, so their enemy would not be able to shoot them effectively. However, on the bridge of the Minerva, the movement was followed as the beacon transmission broadcasted the ship was moving and so, the assault was shifted to where the Girty Lue had gone. When the enemy's barrage shifted to where the Girty Lue moved to, Neo was sure that the ZAFT ship was somehow able to track them, which shouldn't be possible, but that was the only logical answer to what was going on. Roanoke headed down to the hanger and entered his mobile armor, for the tables needed to be flipped in this situation. Even under the barrage, he launched out from the Girty Lue, with feelings of irritation and frustration at how things were going.
However, as that was happening, Rey also launched out in his ZAKU Phantom. He knew that the sooner that the Alliance vessel was stopped the quicker this battle could end as the stolen mobiles suits would run out of power without resupply. But, shortly after Rey got out of the Minerva, the same odd sensation ran through him that he had felt around the new Alliance mobile armor and it came from ahead of him. The sensation didn't make sense, but when he had it in the last encounter, it had given a warning from what direction the enemy would attack from. And sure enough, beams started coming his way and he dodged before spotting the very same mobile armor from the encounter from Armory One.
Neo had wanted to take down the white mobile suit, but somehow it had dodged the shots, like the pilot had known the shots had been coming. Then there was the repetitive tingling sensation that he got around this machine in particular and it didn't make sense at all. It was annoying, and it was simply piling on the collection that was building up rather fast lately. Then things went from bad to worse when the enemy warship brought out a cannon and fired, which was identified as a positron blaster cannon. It didn't score a direct hit on the Girty Lue, but it passed by close enough to cause moderate to serious damage to the aft engines. Neo could see this battle had changed into a lost cause now, even if he couldn't explain how the enemy had managed to gain such a clear advantage. So, he told Lee to fire a retreat signal and then headed back to the Girty Lue himself.
Once the retreat signal was seen, the Chaos, the Abyss and the Gaia fell back and made their way back to the Girty Lue. Giving up the chance of destroying the Impulse or the Red ZAKU like they had wanted to. Shinn and Lunamaria let them go as they weren't in great condition to pursue them anyways. The Minerva stood down from Condition Red as the Alliance vessel moved away, taking stock on the damages incurred.
While that was going, Aila woke up, trying to figure out where she was and what had happened. The last thing she could remember was getting the Osiris on the Minerva, but things were hazy after that. She looked around the room slowly, and it appeared that this room she was in looked to be the Minerva's sickbay. Then, upon glancing down to her left shoulder, she found bandages wrapped around it as well as an IV in her arm. Memories started coming back to her, the shootout inside the hanger at the Armory, all the new mobile suits other than the Osiris getting boarded by teens, then the fight that followed. Aila rose slowly to a sitting position, feeling pain in her left shoulder as she did so, which brought the Minerva's doctor to the bed she was on. Aila was then told, that she was very lucky, as she had lost a dangerous amount of blood, enough that she had needed a transfusion. Next, she was told that she was to take it easy on herself for the next few days, no work, definitely no piloting a mobile suit.
The doctor's orders were not what Aila wanted to do, but with the injuries that she had, there wasn't much else for her to do. Plus, the Osiris was damage, and would likely be assigned to someone else and she go back to using the Impulse when her shoulder healed. Then, Aila still needed to give a report to Captain Gladys and who knew how that would go. Aila lowered herself back to the bed and resigned herself to letting the doctor check her over, and then hopefully let her leave the sickbay.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
The Normandy
The Normandy was making good time on its journey to Earth, meeting nothing or anyone as it traveled. I came on to do my shift of being on the bridge and in charge, making sure everything was going as it was supposed to. I imagined that the shift would be long and boring, that's how it was for Lisa on her shift before mine. That was the case, until we came upon a skirmish that was between a group of Federation ships and a group of Alliance vessels. The formation of the Federation ships suggested that they were escorts for other vessels a distance behind them. That could complicate thing somewhat as then timing becomes a factor in this if they were escorting non-combatants.
The Normandy hadn't been noticed yet by the Alliance group, so we could get the jump on them. I saw no reason to beat about the bush, so I called battle stations and just moved forwards from there. The response or the Normandy's crew was efficient and did make me proud as they are my responsibility. And if I have things work out right, when Lisa comes onto the bridge, then I'll be heading for the Aurora. The lift open, but instead of Lisa who I'd hoped to see, I saw Cagalli, Athrun and Mr. Winters exit the lift, Cagalli glancing around as she came onto the bridge, "What is going on," she asked.
I turned around in my chair to face Cagalli, "Well, we've come upon an Alliance group harassing a Federation escort, which also means that there will very likely be non-combatants behind them," I said.
The lift to the bridge then opened again and Lisa and others came into the room, I was rearing and ready to go to get out to the field. Heck Lisa and I exchanged looks that said she would take charge here while I go out and whip some sorry Earth Forces' keaster. However, before I could do just that, I caught sight of Athrun's face and it brought me to a halt. He had an expression I knew all too well, the look conveyed frustration at being idle and powerless to change the current circumstances. That caused me to hesitate as an internal conflict of wanting to go out in a mobile suit… or giving that opportunity to Athrun, who appeared to need the idea more than I did. I finally let out a sigh, lowered myself back into the captain's chair, then focused on my blue-haired friend, "Athrun, go suit up," I ordered, and it was difficult to say for me as I wanted to do that.
Athrun gaped at me, before finding use of his voice, "What did you just say Tye," he uttered.
"I said go and get yourself into a pilot suit, please do not make me repeat myself again, there really isn't the time to waste. There should be a pilot suit that will fit you, use mine if need be, then go to the hanger and take the Aurora out. You might be guest on this ship like Cagalli and Mr. Winters, but right now, we need one more mobile suit pilot out on the field. If you are unwilling, then I'll ask Mr. Winters to do the job instead," I iterated.
Cagalli stuttered and began protesting about Athrun getting into a mobile suit, mine no less. But, I ignored her for the time being and waited for Athrun's reply for I knew he needed something to keep occupied. The look of shock and incredulity was plain on my friend's face, but then I'm offering him the chance to do something and use the mobile suit that is unofficially mine and I don't lend out the Aurora to just anyone… or really lend it out at all before now, not even to Kira. However, for Athrun, I would give my opportunity and even let him use the Aurora to brighten his mood and morale, that's the kind of friend I am, I will go the distance!
"I'll do it," Athrun answered.
Cagalli stared at Athrun as if she didn't hear right, "Athrun?! What are you saying," she demanded.
"Then get going and suit up Athrun, time's a wasting," I returned and then faced forward.
Athrun did as I said and entered the lift to suit up and go out. Cagalli on the hand faced forward glaring at me, I could feel her gaze boring into the back of my head. I could've given a retort, or even asked her what her issue was, but honestly, waiting was easier. Cagalli will tell me what was on her mind given enough time and not quietly I bet, she normally doesn't with stuff like this when I step over or around her 'authority'. It took a little less than minute for Cagalli to do as I expected she would and spout her mind, "Tyler! What the hell are you thinking," Cagalli nearly shouted.
I calmly dug a finger into my ear and cleared the wax as well as gather my thoughts of how I would answer nicely, which I could hear irritated the girl. Cagalli should understand what Athrun was going through, even if only to a degree, at least from experience during the Alliance-PLANT War. To have to be on the sidelines and watch, not be able to do much if anything about the idea, it is horrible in ways that words couldn't describe. I took a deep breath and turned around to gaze at Cagalli, "What am I doing you ask, commanding the ship you are on as is my duty as captain. Then for Athrun, I'm giving my best friend an opportunity to do something to help as he was non-verbally scream he wished to do. You Cagalli should understand to an extent what Athrun was going through. Did you not feel frustrated and angry about watching and yet doing nothing during the Alliance-PLANT War, because that was what Athrun was feeling even if you didn't notice," I posed.
Cagalli hesitated, which said I had hit a nerve, "That's not," she started.
I cut over her, "I assure you, that's how Athrun had been feeling lately, and don't blame yourself Cagalli, it doesn't help anyone, just move forward."
Cagalli's head fell a bit, "But," she began.
However, I once again spoke over her, "Have faith in him Cagalli, Athrun will come back just fine, believe in him as you have before."
I turned and faced forward, to find Lisa glancing at me. I gave her a look that said, 'is there something you want to say, if so, then say it'. Lisa got what I was implying and spoke, "I must say Tyler, that was quite nice of you," she said.
One of my eyebrows rose at the remark, "To what, are you referring Lisa," I inquired curiously.
"You, giving your opportunity to go out to the battlefield in a mobile suit to your friend. That was very nice of you, especially giving him the Aurora to use, though it's the only one to work with," she replied.
I had nothing to reply to that comment, it was a compliment, but still, I didn't expect it to come. It took me a few minutes to find use of my voice again, "Yeah, I suppose it was, but that's what friends do for one another."
Picking up the ship phone, I dialed the Normandy's hanger, "Chief Volyon, another pilot is on their way down, have the Aurora prepped to go out, A.S.A.P. if you please," I ordered.
"Sure thing kid, take that means that said pilot won't be you then? Certainly made a hell of an impression with your last outin," replied Volyon.
"Yep, you assume correctly, keep those mechanics of yours doing the good work they do," I sent back and returned the phone to its place.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
As the lift from the Normandy's command bridge descended, Athrun was left to his own thoughts. He considered Tyler a friend and he knew that Tyler would do pretty much anything for him or Kira. Yet, for Tyler to offer him to go out in his place, blindsided him good. Athrun had thought he would be forced to stand by and watch a battle again, he had been gritting his teeth in preparation of holding himself back and down. But, the offer to launch out was more than welcome, yet then had come the second punch, which was the use of 'Tyler's mobile suit', the Aurora. It had been obvious to Athrun that Tyler had wanted to go out himself, Athrun completely understood and could easily relate. Nonetheless instead, he had given that chance to Athrun and foregone it for himself. Granted, he knew Cagalli would be against him going out to a battlefield again, yet Athrun himself had been feeling like he'd been dragging others down and holding them back as he had confided to Tyler. This event would hopefully be the first of many need changes, that was Athrun's prayer.
Athrun got off the lift once it'd stopped and headed for the pilot locker room, which he found a blue suit that he assumed was Tyler's suit. While putting on the pilot suit, Athrun realized that this was the first time that he had gotten up close and personal, let alone worn a Federation suit as he was now. The Federation's pilot suits were clearly a bit bulkier than either the Earth Forces' or ZAFT's suits and it was easy to tell why now to Athrun. The suit had an internal reinforced frame that adjusted to the body of the wearer dynamically and there was equipment built into different areas of the suit. Some of the equipment looked to be for keeping the pilot alive under the harshest situation, and by what Tyler had said a few times, the Federation thoroughly tested their equipment, so it could do as designed. It was more like the designers had built and created Federation space suits for more than just being in space or a mobile weapon, for example, theoretically another world entirely, which was ambitious if that was the goal!
Once Athrun had the suit adjusted as he wanted it and the internal frame fit his body skin tight, he grabbed the helmet and headed for the hanger. When he got there, he stopped to take in the unique hanger for it was one of a kind to Athrun's view. The Normandy's hanger looked to be made and geared towards shifting the mobile weapons to where they could be moved to the ship's linear catapult. It was an interesting mentality to have designing a ship hanger and it had efficiency in mind, but there were drawbacks. The organization of the hanger was just as different as the design, as spare space was in shortage and the cost of the systems that moved the machines to the catapult.
Athrun spotted the only mobile suit left in the hanger, the Aurora, and he headed for the machine. The chief engineer did approach him and Athrun did say that he had been sent down here to pilot the Aurora. There wasn't much argument from those in the hanger and so, Athrun entered the cockpit of the Aurora. Athrun had known that a Federation's mobile suit cockpit would likely have differences between a ZAFT suit cockpit which was what Athrun knew, but there were surprisingly fewer than he had thought there would be. Most of the controls were in the same or in the general area they were supposed to be located as the mobile suits that Athrun had piloted previously, even the Aegis. The one thing that he did take note of, what that went he sat back in the pilot seat, he felt the backpack portion of the pilot suit firmly lock into the seat. Yet, that did explain why there was no other restraints in the cockpit, the backpack held the pilot in and the suit's internal frame prevented the pilot from whipping around the space. However, the seat allowed Athrun to move enough around the cockpit as he was able to lean forward and activate the OS and then watch it come online:
MOBILE SUIT NEX OPERATION SYSTEM
Generation
Unsubdued
Nuclear
Drive
Assault
Module
G.U.N.D.A.M Intrigue
_Series GN125-O7 NR 03-13868_
Federation Military
It was interesting to see that the startup message was very similar to what the Freedom and the Justice had, like minds do seem to think alike. The major difference with the Aurora and ZAFT suits, the Freedom and the Justice for example, were in the OS structure. Athrun had to admit, the system and its structure actually made sense after he went through it and seemed to operate just as efficiently as what ZAFT used if not more so by a small margin but could also be use by a Natural-type human as well. However, by what Tyler had told him once, Federation mobile suits were designed from a cross of their early space fighter and the first mobile suit, the YMF-01B Proto GINN. So then, the operating system would be kind of similar in how they worked overall.
All the Aurora's system passed their checks and showed as green and ready to go, so Athrun was declared good to launch. Athrun sealed the cockpit and felt the Aurora moving towards the far side of the hanger, 'to be lowered to the catapult' he was told. Athrun was curious about the linear catapult system the Normandy had, for he doubted that it was the same or very similar to what ZAFT or the Earth Forces employed. The Aurora turned one-hundred-eighty degrees at the end of the hanger, then tilted backward and lowered into the airlock that led to the outside. Athrun switched on the stealth system the Aurora had, which was called the "Phantom Stealth System".
It was the first view of Federation Stealth technology Athrun had, since they guarded the tech very closely and kept it as an advantage over the other factions. Even at a glance, the methodology employed was kind of similar to the GAT-X207 Blitz's mirage colloid but appeared to be better at not being detected and didn't draw power like mirage colloid would. Then, the other big difference, was that the Aurora's phase shift could be activated at the same time as the stealth system. The phase shift the Aurora had, was also better than the original idea was. However, it was distributed better and more efficiently and so could be used longer.
So, after the two airlocks cycled and the outside one opened, the Aurora lowered into launching position, the electromagnetic acceleration rails down appeared to have slid down from inside the Normandy and they looked ready to fling the Aurora along the bottom of the ship's length. There was a gentle jerk as the Aurora was released from the lift plate that had brought the mobile suit down, only leaving the power cable connected to the Aurora. Athrun had the helmet visor come down and seal the helmet to be airtight, pleasantly surprised to find that Federation helmet visors had an active heads-up display. Athrun focused and waited to launch, "Aurora, your course is clear, timing controls are yours," came a female voice, Athrun didn't know who it belonged to. The launch signal came and Athrun took a deep breath, "Athrun Zala, Aurora launching!"
Athrun was surprised that he didn't feel the G-force from the rapid acceleration that happened with launching, it was less than he had become familiar with launching in ZAFT mobile suits. After Athrun had cleared the Normandy, he flew the Aurora towards the battle ahead of him, then shifted the suit into its flight mode. Athrun quickly discovered that flying the Aurora's flight mode was different than piloting the machine in its mobile suit mode. The flight mode was more like flying a shuttle, while the suit mode was closer to piloting a mobile suit. Athrun got the hang of the difference between the modes and kept moving forward, his mind set on piloting so that he could be doing something.
As Athrun reached the fighting, the lead Alliance vessel was punctured by a positron beam from the direction of the Normandy. There were Alliance had mobile suits on the field, the mass production models that were based on the X105 Strike. Athrun dove in, using the Aurora's beam rifle in the right hand and the shield at the ready, blocking incoming shots. Be that as it may, Athrun had to say that he liked the "Rapid Target Acquisition System" over the Multi-Lock on system that the Freedom and the Justice had, it worked better for medium to close range. The "High-Mobility Aerial Maneuver System" or the HiMAMs was very helpful and Athrun understood why Kira preferred using the HiMAT system with the Freedom.
Athrun got into the thick of the fighting and while the beam rifle was nice, he was still better with close quarter combat. So, Athrun stored the beam rifle, and when he brought up the beam sabers up on a display, he found that the Aurora's two beam sabers had the same ability as the Justice and the Freedom in that they could be combined together. Yet, instead of the combo being named the "Ambidextrous Halberd", the combination was titled, the "Dual Corseque". Athrun combined the Aurora's beam sabers and began hacking and slashing at the Alliance machines.
The Normandy assaulted the Alliance ships, reinforcing their allies, using the "Thor" positron blaster cannon, the beam turrets and missiles. It was less than a half an hour, before the skirmish came to its conclusion, the Alliance forces, or rather what remained of them retreated. The return signal for mobile suits to come back to their ships were sent out and sighs of relief were released. The three Excel Fighters and the Aurora flew back to the Normandy all of them with minor damage from the fight. Cagalli raced from the bridge towards the hanger, worrying about Athrun, with Quatre behind her. Tyler followed a few minutes after them, after he knew the Normandy was okay and that their allies were in good condition as well.
Athrun was exiting the Aurora's cockpit, when Cagalli arrived in the hanger, she quickly spotted him. "Athrun," she cried as she floated towards him and embraced him when she got close enough. "You're such a reckless idiot sometimes," she sobbed.
Athrun patted her head in response, "Sorry for worrying you Cagalli, I just had to do something other than stand and watch from the sidelines," he replied. Athrun spent the next few minutes calming Cagalli down as she was crying quietly.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
I came into the hanger and smiled at seeing Athrun perfectly fine and alive, but I'd never doubted that would be the case. My gaze then shifted to the Aurora and the smile morphed to a thoughtful expression at seeing the minor damage incurred, but nothing that couldn't be undone and repaired. I refocused on the pair and then pushed myself towards the two teens having a 'moment', "I'm still curious if you two intend to ever make your relationship official and clear." Both Cagalli and Athrun twisted to face me, Cagalli's face gaining a red hue, Athrun's face having a small smile forming. I didn't stop there, oh no, I was going to have a bit of fun teasing these two, "I mean, I doubt I'm the only one feeling the heat in this room increasing because of you two lovebirds. Come on Athrun, I personally guarantee that Lord Uzumi would have no problem with you dating Cagalli… can't say what the other nobility of Orb would say, but I wouldn't worry about them, just ignore them, that's what I do."
Cagalli's face was visible red by this point and it was screwing up… think that's my cue to start running and keep Cagalli at a safe distance, for she is about to chase me. And I was not disappointed by the girl, I started moving and she was after me seconds later. "Tyler! Our relationship is none of your business nor anyone else's, I told you that more than once! How we conduct ourselves is even less your concern and I promise you that your mother will be hearing about this," Cagalli shouted as she chased me.
I was laughing as I kept out of Cagalli's reach, "If you're trying to scare or threaten me, by saying that you'll tell my mom, go right ahead. I can save you the time and trouble by telling the response you will get from her. It will go something along the lines of her sighing, shaking her head, while saying that she's tried to break me of the habit of teasing another and enjoying it for years. So, you telling her isn't really a threat to me, but hey, if it makes you feel any better, the two of you are better than Kira and Lacus," I taunted.
It took time to calm Cagalli down and she was restrained for a bit to do that, but she did settle down. Athrun did apologize for the damage on the Aurora, and I told him to not worry about, it was nothing compared to the state I brought my mobile suits back in after the Second Battle of Jachin Due. I had to return to the bridge, as I was still technically supposed to be on duty and Lisa should be resting. So, by the time my shift came to an end, the Normandy was in high orbit of Earth, readying ourselves to descend to Earth's surface.
Reentry wasn't all that bad, it was better than doing it in a mobile suit, that's for sure and I say that from personal experience. The Normandy deployed its ablative gel and the entry angle was shallow, meaning it wouldn't be as rough as a steep angle. The descent was routine, and we came down in the ocean between the Republic and Orb, closer to Orb. Before we touched down into the water, the Normandy's wings were adjusted to be close to parallel with the underside the ship. It was a feature to help the ship work as well on Earth as in space, flying is easier on Earth with the wings like this as well as sailing through the water. There was a jerk as the Normandy came down into the water and kept going forward toward Orb.
It took between fifteen and twenty minutes to travel from where we came down and to come into sight of Orb's mainland. I had to admit that Lars Paris is a hell of a pilot to have landed as nicely and close as he did. Around halfway to Orb, some of their ships came along side us and escorted the Normandy the rest of the way. The Normandy came into dock at the military port on Orb's mainland, Yalafath. There was a few of Orb's military personnel that came onboard, yet I think it was as much to check on Cagalli as to inspect the Normandy as she's a new ship. It was clear that the general facts of the incident at Armory One was already known to high ranking military people and government officials. At least, that's what I got from the questions that Cagalli, Athrun, and Mr. Winters were being asked.
While Cagalli was departing from the Normandy, a message came from Federation High Command, for us to head to the Republic in preparation to head back up to space. Lisa and I agreed that we would head out tomorrow morning rather than right now. It would allow the crew some shore leave, and a happy and unstressed crew, is a good and efficient crew and that is always preferred over the opposite. Plus, while I was around Orb, I could take the opportunity to go and visit Kira and Lacus, maybe getting Athrun to come along with me. It had been some time since the three of us had gotten together and it would be nice to do so.
So, with that goal in mind, I set off, managed to snag Athrun while Cagalli was too busy to notice and the two of us left and headed for the place that Kira lives at now. The place was an orphanage that was among the Marshal Islands, Kira lives there with Lacus and his adopted mother, Cardid Yamato and a man by the name of Reverend Malchio. The orphans that live there are pretty good kids, that just have had bad things happen to them. I've found some homes and families for some of the kids that lived there, and the families have been glad for the kid to adopt. So, I do keep an ear open for opportunities for any of those kids in the Orphanage to find a good permanent home.
The trip to the island was around fifteen minutes by helicopter, then a little over five-minute drive from the landing facility. As Athrun and I pulled up to the large house, many faces of the children filled the four large front windows. We got out of the car and the front door opened and out came Kira's mom, Cardid Yamato, definitely a sweet lady. I waved in greeting, "Hello Mrs. Yamato, always nice to see you and hope you don't mind an unannounced visit," I said.
Cardid smiled at me, "You're always welcome Tyler. All the children enjoy your visits," she replied, then she noticed Athrun exiting the car. "Athrun, this is a nice surprise for you to come by."
I looked to the windows again and saw them empty and then, they came pouring out of the front door. I was quickly surrounded by a good portion of the children, the others crowded both Athrun and Cardid. Kids were chattering away to me all at once and excitedly, I couldn't understand what was being said by the individuals. However, I was having fun with the kids talking and telling me things, since they used to avoid me the first two times I visited.
"Come now everyone, you need to take turns in speaking," said a female voice I knew and looking to the front door again, I saw Lacus standing there in a simple mid-length skirt and white short-sleeve shirt.
I smiled, "It's fine Lacus, this is much better than what I do while I'm out doing the duty and protecting peace," I returned.
"Come now children, let us get inside," said Cardid, gesturing for the kids to go inside the house. Athrun, Lacus and I followed them into the house and for me at least, the stress I'd been feeling since the chase of the Alliance trouble makers began and seeing what they did at the Milos Outpost, melted away from me. Reverend Malchio entered the sitting room as our group came in, a couple of the children raced over to him and pulled him forward, chattering away. "We have a visitor you say," he mused.
I would have bowed, but with the man, it wouldn't be noticed as Reverend Malchio was blind, "It is Tyler McGregor once again, and I brought a friend with me this visit, hope you don't mind," I answered.
"Tye, I was wondering what all the excitement was about," remarked Kira as he came into the room.
I shrugged, "What can I say, I'm popular here, more so when I started keeping an ear out for potential homes and families for these kids. They certainly are cute and deserve a place to call home and families that care about them."
It took time to calm down the children, and I did mention that I had been looking into a possible home for two children to both Cardid and Malchio. I may find the homes, but I leave to choosing which kids would benefit the best with the family they would go become a part of, to those here who know them best. Then I managed to tell Kira that we needed a private word and so, Lacus, Cardid and Malchio herded the kids elsewhere. Athrun stayed in the room and that was fine, but then two others came into the room that I hadn't expected to see. I'd not seen Murrue Ramius, nor Andrew Waltfeld for over a year, so I was surprised to see them here. The two hearing what I wanted to say, was not problematic that I could think of.
Yet, Kira gained my attention, "So then Tye, what is it you want to talk about," he asked.
I didn't speak right away, instead, I put a hand to my chin, but after a bit I did start, "Well, I doubt I need to state how the Earth Alliance's actions are very unhelpful for having peace between the factions. But, the mission I was just on… it gave a view and impression that was different, like groups are making ready for conflict, for war."
"What do you mean, gave you a different impression Tyler," inquired Murrue.
However, before I was able to come up with an answer, Athrun did the job for me in the form of a question, "You're referring to what the Alliance group did at the Federation outpost?"
I nodded slowly, and an angry frown marred my face at the memory of what I had witnessed, "Indeed I am Athrun, but as none other than you and I know what that entails, so I'll give an explanation. Please understand, that what I'm about to tell you is not to be repeated or become public knowledge. Over two days ago, an unknown group raided an out of the way scientific outpost at the far edge of Lagrange 4. Their goal was to gain access to the Federation's Information Network… and they succeeded for a short period before they were locked out."
There were gasps at the last line, "You're saying someone actually managed to gain unauthorized access to the Federation's Information Network?!" uttered Waltfeld.
I did note that Lacus was now standing in a doorway, listening to the conversation as well, with an expression of shock like most in the room. "Yes, the situation has been dealt with and preventative measures will be put in place and others strengthened. Honestly, the intrusion wasn't what irks me the most, it's that the group felt it necessary to slaughter every single person on the station, men, women and children," I growled.
Murrue and Lacus looked horrified, while Waltfeld and Athrun appeared frustrated at the prospect, and Kira looked sad at the lives lost. So, I continued, "It's certainly a new low, and I thought that there were at least enough in the Alliance who had an amount of humanity within them that would tell them murdering innocent people is wrong, but there are clearly those who have little to none that think nothing of such."
"It didn't end there," Athrun spoke up, "the same group then made their way over to the PLANT-type colony Armory One. There they stole Gundam-type mobile suits and decided it would be nice to go around destroying things and killing people."
"Yes, very bold moves in both instances, even if only one paid off for them. It was brazened and daring to not only get access to the Information Network, which I wouldn't doubt they knew would be noticed and responded to, but they also stole newly developed ZAFT mobile suit. All of which they seemed to know enough to pull off with fair success, does anyone else wonder how that was done," I posed.
"I would agree, for an enemy unit to get ahold of information that could help them pull such things, that implies a leak has occurred," remarked Waltfeld.
He wasn't wrong, for I suspected the same, there was likely a leak, the question was where. But, there was still one more thing that had mystified me and with Murrue here I could ask her, "Say Murrue, you wouldn't know where Krystal is these days, I have a question for her," I asked.
The unofficial captain of the Archangel thought for a moment, "I can't say for sure, I know she enlisted in the Federation's Military, other than that, I don't know. What kind of question did you want to ask?"
I hesitated as I know this is not a nice subject for her, "Well, I was wondering if she knew any mobile armor pilots with skills like her or… Mu." The room went silent at the mentioning of Mu La Flaga, but I kept going," I went against a mobile armor outside the PLANT Colony and their skills were similar to Krystal's and Mu's, a little different, but close enough to make me notice. Sorry to bring up Mu, but that's what has come to mind."
"I… I'll ask Krystal," Murrue got out.
I'll take that for the time being, I was about to sum up the discussion, when Kira asked a question, "Tye, you said that there of signs of preparations for conflict and even war, how close would you say that is to happening?"
I didn't have an answer for that exactly, but still I'm not completely ignorant, "That's hard to say Kira. I'm of the opinion that it won't take much to start a conflict that can easily turn into war. However, it needs to be an event that affects everyone in ways that other situations don't. I fear that war is coming, there will be those that will work for that, Blue Cosmos is a good example of the type. It is more going to be a matter of time I think," I returned.
The offer to stay for dinner was nice and I would've said yes normally… but as the question was asked, I had a serious shiver shoot down my spine, and it was unfortunately familiar to me. Now, there's a reason said shiver is unique and one I know, it's a warning to me. So, I respectfully declined the dinner invitation and quickly headed for the door, praying I was not too late! I figure that I should be 'safe' on the Normandy, I can and would lockdown the ship if that's what's required to keep her away from me. I just needed to get back to the landing facility and fly back to the mainland, then I should be okay. However, I only made it a couple of steps out the front door, when the one the shiver warns me of caught sight of me. The sight of Sakura Clyne wasn't a very welcome one, for she still stalks me, she just become more relentless than she used to be, hard to believe, but it's the truth!
Now, in the last two years, Sakura had become as I mentioned, drop dead gorgeous and I'm not kidding! She still had the "model perfect hourglass figure", what she did to maintain it, I haven't the faintest. Sakura had also grown out her hair, which I have to honestly say looked really good with her, it fell to her midback instead of her neck as it did before. And if Sakura was any way to measure, and Lacus ends out being just as good looking as her sister is, then my friend Kira is an extremely lucky guy and has no freaking clue how lucky he is! At this time, Sakura was sporting a white blouse a dark red bow that sat over her upper chest and was tied somewhat loosely around the neck with close to foot long ribbon ends going down from the bow. Over the blouse was a black dress coat and to finish off the outfit, was a pair of dress pants. It's the type of outfit that my mother would wear on regular basis. And Sakura wears it damn good, but I'm not going to tell her that out loud, it would only encourage her!
Nevertheless, back to my situation, Sakura locked her gaze on me and she gained a wide happy smile, which she's gotten somewhat better at than she was before, it isn't as freaky to see with her. She squealed and ran at me, of course, I began sprinting away from her. However, I didn't get more than a few strides, when Lacus' sister pounced at me and took me down to the grassy ground, hugging me tightly, trapping me in her hold. Now, like any sane and logical person, I started shouting for help! I'm not dumb nor ignorant, I can't best Sakura's strength, it's still beyond me! Sakura was affectionately nuzzling my cheek when I started to hear the chattering of children close at hand.
"Sakura? You never said anything about dropping by. What's the occasion sister," asked Lacus.
Sakura hummed contentedly, "Give me five more minutes at least Lacus, I may need more. I have missed embracing my beloved, it hasn't happened for months and I need my fill!" she purred.
I wasn't interested, nor did I intend to give her more time, I wanted her off of ME! "No Sakura, get off me now! I've told you umpteenth times already, I'm not interested in courting, dating or anything like that with you! You're attractive and everything, but you and I are too different for things to EVER work between us. NOW LET ME GOOO," I shouted, ending in close to a shriek.
The sound of kids laughing registered to me, meaning I was being seen as entertainment right now, great. I thrashed and struggled, but Sakura just held fast and didn't release me at all, merely giggled at my efforts and clung to me more. It took close to thirty minutes to get the woman to loosen her hold enough for me to slip out and make distance from her. Lacus was chastising her "older sister" who was simply smiling happily and not paying attention to her younger sister.
While that was going on, I crawled to the car I drove here and climbed in. I might not be able to stand stably at the moment, but I can get into a seat and I can work a steering wheel and that's enough! I drove back to the landing pad on the island and stumbled to the helicopter and then got it into the air and made even more distance from my stalker. It took me another half an hour to get back to the Normandy, it was evening and dark, so I locked the ship's outer accesses so that only the crew could come onboard. That should keep Sakura at bay until morning and that's all I need to shake her off my trail for a time!
My breathing calmed down and returned to the norm by the time I got to my quarters. I changed for bed as I needed sleep, before I flopped down onto the bed, letting out a deep sigh of relief that I was safe for a time. I didn't need to guard myself against Sakura or have to deal with her 'cuddling' and I could do without and be just fine. I laid on the bed for a while, before I started settling in for the night, but just as I was about finished, a knock came at my door. Curious as to whom would be calling on me at this time of night, I walked to the door and opened it to find Feldt Grace standing there. "Miss Grace, to what do I owe the visitation at this hour," I asked tiredly.
She gave me a salute," Captain, I apologize for disturbing you this late," she stated to me seriously.
I waved a hand, "It's okay, I would hope you have a reason to visit, and please, while we're both off duty, first names are preferred, so Tyler please if that's okay with you," I replied.
Feldt bowed to me, "Of course sir… I mean, Tyler. Um… I'm really not doing this well," she was saying in a sad voice.
I gave her a small smile, "It's fine, slow down and take it easy, I'm not a strict tight rear-ended officer, quite the opposite in fact. So then, what did you come by for Feldt?"
"Oh well, um, you see, I was on my way back to the ship when I bumped into a woman that said she knew you and that you even invited her onboard. She didn't seem to be anyone to worry about, so I let her in when I came back on the ship," Feldt iterated.
…Bumped into a woman that knows me, and that I invited? I did no such thing that I recall… I have a really bad feeling about this! As if I need proof of my suspicions I felt the all too familiar shiver shoot through my spine, telling me who it was that got onboard. There was the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway and when I glanced down the corridor, I was Sakura walking down it. *sigh*, so much for hoping for a break from her and feel safety, it's not going to happen tonight, that's obvious. I thanked Feldt and sent her off to her quarters, then I focused on my stalker, who I had clearly underestimated. "Sakura, when did you add being dishonest to your arsenal of tools that your habit of chasing me employs? It's not appealing much at all," I posed.
Sakura smiled and skipped… yes, the most feared ZAFT pilot or rather former ZAFT pilot, the one they called the Black Zephyr skipped her way to me. "Lie? I didn't do that, you left without a word, that's an open invitation sweetie!" she returned.
Great, then she used one of my own crew to get to me, the one way I thought wouldn't be an opening, but apparently, I was wrong. …You know what, I'm exhausted, too tired to resist right now. So… *ugh* if you can't beat them, join them temporarily I guess. I turned around to go back into my quarters, "Fine Sakura, you win for tonight. But, no funny or improper stuff, or I'll personally oversee and help in having you get tossed off the Normandy, which is my ship as I am the captain."
After saying I gave up for the night and stating the ground rule, I went back into my quarters, Sakura right behind me. I headed for the bathroom, to get the last peace for the night I would have to myself as well as to give Sakura the privacy to change should she wish. Once I was ready to consign myself to Sakura's affections, I came out of the bathroom and I saw that not only had Sakura changed, she had a bag with her. That implied that she just might stay on the Normandy, I sincerely hope and am praying she isn't going to, but I'm betting she'll try. Sakura was in a white dress shirt and if I was seeing correctly, she has a bra and panties on but, that was all. Not to say I didn't expect something like this, she tempts me when she can, it's part of the stalking, but normally when it's just the two of us.
I crawled into my bed and under the covers, and shortly after I entered my bed, I felt Sakura do the same. She wrapped her arms around my upper torso and embraced me, pressing herself against me as well. I ignored the squishy sensations pressing against my back and got as comfortable as I could and dropped off to sleep as I would be waking up early tomorrow morning and we then make the journey to the Republic.
Phase End!
A/n
I'll leave off here and continue on in the next Phase. Alrighty then, closing remarks, first I would like to state that the Junius Seven Colony drop will occur, but will not be the reason the Minerva stops the pursuit of the Girty Lue, I'll explain that in the next Phase. Second, I've been asked with what Lacus and Siegel have done, why haven't they gone back to the PLANTs as they were doing the right thing. The reason is fairly Simple, Gilbert Durandal and his tendency to like to control things, even if it isn't seen my others. That's what I got for the moment, please keep the reviews coming, they are wonderful! Peace out fellow Natural-types until next time.
Duked
Well, technically Quatre is based on Quatre Winners from Gundam Wing, whether I go into more depth, I haven't decided yet. I find it fun to bring characters in from other universes, so a small spoiler, there will be a number of characters from other parts of the Gundam universe that will pop up.
Reishin Amara
That is a scary thought actually, can't say that such would be easy or simple to design. I'm still working making and creating ideas for the Destiny timeline.
KakeruPB
I hope that the logically reasoning that Shinn gives in this Phase, does satisfy at least somewhat your question of why Shinn is with ZAFT right now. He didn't lose his family, but as he himself stated, he sees ZAFT and the Federation working for the same thing. With Cagalli, the only thing I can come up with her for a defense, is that she doesn't see the full picture of what is going on. She sees a portion of the political side of thing, but there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes that she doesn't see. As for Kira, yes he had matured, but let's not forget the established fact that he's naïve, even if that has lessen somewhat (we all know it's thanks to Lacus). Granted, while Kira, Athrun and Tyler are considered war heroes, as it's stated, they are three of the most well-known and talked about, but not the only ones. Lacus is seen as one to an extent, yet she also did "treasonous" things, pardoned later on, but still.
Ken Wise
I know that in canon, Shinn pretty much hates the Athhas and what they 'stand for'. However, in this story, Shinn is different in the fact that first, his family isn't dead and that makes a big difference. Second, he isn't the 'angry', 'hate-filled', and honestly, a blind temper-tantrum throwing idiot, that was annoying in canon even if it played a part to story. So, sorry no rant was needed.
Flaxj
They will… for the moment at least, we'll see how things go going forward in this story.
