1Chapter 37
Lightning Judgment
Following his arrival at the PLANT capital; Athrun was just bombarded with one piece of bad news after another. As he reached the entrance to his father's new office as Supreme Chairman; a soldier told him to wait a few moments until he let Athrun inside. Upon entering he saw his father in a conversation with Nicholas Peacecraft. He managed to catch part of the conversation as he heard Nicholas informing his father.
"After the transmission was heard my suspicions about the strategy the Naturals had in mind were realized. Judging by the way their forces were organized and how many were there to defend the base. It seemed very foolish that such a small force left to defend their HQ was something a foolish military leader would do; even a child knowing even the basics of military tactics wouldn't have made such a mistake. Even if their Mass Driver was under threat to be attacked I wouldn't leave such a small force behind had I been with the Earth Alliance."
"So you suspected a trap or some unseen strategy?"
"Yes sir. I couldn't at the time put my finger on what they were planning. It did seem like a possible ambush or a trap. So until I figured it out I told our forces to stay alert."
"Then that burst transmission our forces heard confirmed what you suspected?"
"Yes sir...having heard of the destructive capabilities of the Cyclops System; I called for our forces to retreat, and in the mists of our retreat the system was activated. We should consider ourselves lucky that we didn't suffer far greater losses than the ones the Naturals suffered."
"I agree. The retreat order you gave saved many lives."
"Thank you Supreme Chairman Zala."
"Now how should we handle the situation regarding Panama?"
"I will lead the attack personally. I believe laying their base to waste in Epyon would be little challenge to me."
"Actually Commander Peacecraft I have another idea for that?"
"Sir?" Nicholas asked as he seemed slightly confused.
"Commander Rau Le Creuset has captured the Wing Zero recently, and I have heard the repairs on it are complete. I wish to send him out to lay Panama to waste as you put it." Chairman Zala paused for a moment before he continued. "I also want to take this as a chance to see the Wing Zero in action; used to its fullest potential."
"I see...very well I'll let Commander Le Creuset have his fun with it. But I'll keep Epyon on stand by just in case he losses his mind in it."
"On the contrary Commander Peacecraft I have another mission for you."
"What sir?"
"Word has reached us that up the coast from the Panama Mass Drive is located we have discovered a MS factory and training camp. It seems the Naturals have caught up with his; while Commander Le Creuset destroys the Mass Driver. I want you to take that factory and the base out, but I want our recon teams to collect data on those new machines as we can. Although I am certain our machines will be superior to them, but just the same the data would be helpful."
"Of course sir" Nicholas looked to the chairman and asked. "However sir before I leave might I make a suggestion?"
"Go ahead."
"In light of what happened at Alaska. You could use it to your advantage?"
A hint of interest in Patrick Zala's eyes appeared.
"We have more than enough intelligence to prove that the Atlantic Federation was behind using a Cyclops Bomb to destroy our forces with while planning to use forces from the Eurasian Federation and its other member nations. Even...unwanted people from their own country just to bait us into attacking Alaska. Can you imagine what would happen if the world was aware of this?" When Nicholas noticed how interested Patrick was in his plan he went on. Even through Patrick Zala had a strong dislike for naturals; even he was no fool to deny the logic in Nicholas's suggestion. "We could deal some indirect blows to the main power base the Earth Alliance draws support from." Nicholas paused again. "The mindless masses they control. If we can trigger an internal power struggle within the Alliance itself, or better yet a civil war if we are lucky enough would work well to our purposes. That would work well to our favor."
"Are you certain of it?" Patrick asked.
"Indeed...even think of the effect something like this would have back home?" Another pause came. "The people of the PLANTs would be horrified to see how cruel the Alliance is, and how desperate it was to the point that it would use their own people as sacrificial lambs. If we had some survivors from the incident to say in their own words how the Alliance horrendously betrayed them. That would add more to the effect. It would then make our cause to defeat them a just a noble one in the eyes of others."
"You proposed an interesting idea." Patrick had one hand on his chin as he thought about it. "In fact I can't think of a more painful gesture of irony to use. Using their own plan which was meant to cripple us and then expose it to the world to inflict damage against them. I like it." Nicholas smiled at the concept of what the plan he laid out.
"Thank you sir"
"We'll discuss more about the matter later. Right now I would like a moment alone with Athrun if you do not mind Commander."
"Of course sir" Nicholas saluted before he turned and left the room.
Once the two were alone; Athrun was informed of the grave news regarding Lacus being branded as a traitor and the theft of the Freedom Gundam. Along with his new set of orders to take the almost prepared ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam to recapture it or destroy it. Meanwhile one earth the Archangel sat in the middle of the ocean miles away from Alaska. The crew was discussing what to do next since they are considered deserters.
"So that was their strategy?" Kira asked Mwu and Murrue.
"Yeah" Mwu answered as Murrue supplied Kira with details.
"Headquarters decided not to tell us a thing about their plan."
"It is evident that The Alliance knew that ZAFT was going to attack Alaska, and they knew for some time; otherwise it would have not been able to set up the Cyclops System under the base like that."
Kira mumbled something under his breath as he asked the two a question. "What are the Archangel's plans now? Have you given them any thought?"
"Our plans?" Murrue asked.
"Because of N-Jammer interference and large amounts of electromagnetic waves in the area due to the Cyclops System's detonation; we haven't been able to make contact with anyone." a crew member commented as Arnold mentioned.
"Should we make repairs in the fields then head for Panama on our own?"
Mwu shook his head and said. "Oh do you think they will be happy to see us? We know too much about their plans. They'll say we deserted battle and then we face a firing squad."
"Then we're dead if we go back now." Arnold noted as Pal added.
"That would be another black mark on our records."
"It is becoming more and more difficult to understand who or what we are supposed to fight against."
"Then Ms. Murrue what do you think we should be fighting against to end all of this." All eyes fell on Kira. "I believe it is time we start fighting against it."
Later Murrue and Mwu were talking about their plans. One thought was to head for Orb; since it is unlikely that anyone wanted to go back to the Earth forces after what happened. They even discussed how Kira had changed. Back at the PLANTs; after searching Lacus's home for clues to her whereabouts. Athrun tracked her to an old theater called the White Symphony. It was the first place where Lacus Clyne sang in public. He entered the building after escaping the rain, but as he preceded deeper inside he heard someone signing a song. It was Lacus. Moving carefully; Athrun pulled out a machine gun and moved towards the main stage. There sitting on a large rock; there was Lacus Clyne. As the future pilot of the Justice walked towards her; men outside the theater arrived. No doubt agents sent by Patrick Zala to hunt down Lacus, but they weren't alone. Not far behind them another car was parked across the street.
A man wearing a large black poncho was seen watching the men go in. He soon followed them in side. Inside; as Athrun got closer, Lacus's Haro jumped out of his pocket and rushed over to her. She stopped signing to grab it as it hopped into her hands. "Well hello Mr. Pink." Lacus turned to Athrun and replied. "I was certain you would be the one to find him and bring him here. Thank you very much."
"Why Lacus?" Athrun demanded.
"Why what?"
"Explain yourself. What have you done?"
"I am sure you have heard all about it. Otherwise you wouldn't be here to see me right?"
"Is it true you are guilty for providing assistance to an enemy spy? How could you do that?"
"I did not provide assistance to an enemy spy?"
Athrun was taken back by Lacus's reply.
"All I did was decide to" She paused for a moment. "To provide Kira with a newer and better sword."
Athrun was naturally surprised to hear Kira's name mentioned.
"Because I felt he had need of it now, and I felt it would ultimately best serve its purpose best in Kira's hands."
"What are you talking about? Kira is gone. I killed."
Lacus cut him off short as she finished. "Killed him with your own hands?" Athrun was surprised she knew. "Don't look so worried. He is alive."
"You're lying!" Athrun shouted as he pulled the gun up and pointed it at Lacus. "What kind of trick are you trying to pull now Lacus Clyne?" Lacus wasn't afraid; she remained calm. "What you are saying is crazy? Its impossible he could have survived."
"Reverend Mariko found him and brought him and his brother Canard to me. Then I learned about what had happened between you two. Kira told me." Athrun was in a state of shock. "Don't you believe what I am telling you? Do even believe what you have seen with your own eyes?" Athrun lowered his weapon. "On the battlefield and after you returned home after so long. Haven't you noticed things are different?"
"Lacus?"
"What is it that you are fighting for? What do you believe in? Your father's orders or for that medal you received."
"Lacus!"
"Because if that is true. Then you will most likely find yourself fighting Kira again as your enemy, and you will be fighting me too." Lacus rose from the place where she was sitting. "If I am your enemy then you might as well shoot me now. Athrun Zala: soldier of ZAFT."
"I, it is so."
"Confusing?" a voice from the shadows said.
Lacus and Athrun turned their heads to the side to see the man in the black poncho standing right there looking up at them from the ground in front of the stage. The man jumped up onto the stage. He pulled black the hood of his blood covered poncho to reveal the face of Nicholas Peacecraft. Blood dripped from the sides of the poncho mixed with the rain water.
"Hard to decide isn't it?"
"Commander Peacecraft? But how?"
"Athrun? Lacus was being tracked by ZAFT intelligence. As slow as they are they figured out where she was, but I found out about this place before you did. It wasn't hard to figure out, and since this was place abandoned. I dealt with them when agents sent by your father came to kill her. You can tell by the blood on my poncho. It's not mine by the way?"
"What?"
"Oh and tell your men hiding in the seats behind me not to worry, as well as your men hiding on the stage. If I wanted to harm you those two. I would have done so by now."
Da Costa's men stood up from their hiding places and were surprised the young coordinator had figured them out.
"Don't worry...had I been in Ms. Clyne's shoes I would have put men in those spots too."
"Why are you here?" Athrun demanded.
"I came to confirm the fact to you that Kira is alive. I knew all along. But before I explain myself allow me to say how sorry I am for using you and your father Lacus?"
"What?" Lacus said as she seemed confused.
"Did you think those two would have arrived on Reverend Mariko's island by mere chance? After their machines sank to the bottom; Divers under my orders recovered them before they died and brought them to that island. I knew you spoke with him often so I knew once he realized who they would. They would have been entrusted to your care. I even made certain Freedom could be taken by him. I practically gave it to him."
Athrun's eyes went wide in shock.
"What happened during you last battle outside of Orb was no accident. I had secretly arranged for the Zero System to be installed on the Strike while it was in Orb. Then to activate once the Strike was engaged in battle against you and your friends. Kira was needed to learn a lesson, and so were you. Now I am pleased to see the fruits of that lesson."
"You...you set us up. But why!" Athrun shouted as he pointed his gun at him.
"Even in a game of chess...a player needs his pawns."
"You bastard!" Athrun was about to shoot him, but with lighting fast reflexes. Nicholas rushed forward ripping Athrun's gun from his hands and dismantling it within seconds. He dropped the pieces of his weapon to the ground before kicking Athrun in the stomach.
"Nice try. But your anger is pointed in the wrong direction. I did what I did because it would not have brought you here to this point. Some lessons Athrun cannot be learned, but have to be lived. I am sorry for what happened to Nicol, but I hope you two understand now the lesson I gave you two. How cruel war can be when friends are forces against one another. You two were only lying to yourselves when both you thought neither one of you would ever face the other, but in true it would have happened sooner or later. What I did to you two made you see that mistake sooner than later when it would have destroyed you both."
"But why did you do that? The set us up like that?"
"I wouldn't really say set you up per say, but that conflict between you and Kira WAS going to happen sooner or later with or without my interference."
"So what are you trying to do now? I doubt you came here just to tell me this?" Athrun shouted.
"I came to tell you that White Fang and my loyal followers within ZAFT will do all that they can to derail the search for Lacus Clyne and her father as long as possible. However I advise they should leave the PLANTs soon before you two are found. Even my agents can't prevent that forever."
"Why are you interested in protecting Lacus and her father?"
"Because one of them will play an important role in events to come that is the reason."
"What?"
"What exactly are you fighting for Commander Peacecraft? What is it you believe in?" Lacus asked as Athrun turned his head to look at her.
Nicholas smiled and answered "I want the world to be able to exist peacefully between coordinators and naturals, but first I need to remove those who will prevent it and keep those who will bring it into existence alive. I will do whatever it will take to accomplish this, but I also intend another thing to happen, but I'll tell you that another time." Nicholas turned and began to walk away, but before leaving the stage he looked back at Lacus and told her. "You know I do admire you Lacus Clyne."
"Huh?"
"I do really...not because of your songs, but because of your strong will and determination as well as your mind set you are displaying. I am impressed. You have earned my highest respect. It makes me envious that you and Kira are interested in one another. But I suppose men like me aren't meant to love. I hope that you will happen the protection of the stars and those around you Lacus. Good luck to you and do take care." With that Nicholas disappeared into the darkness leaving Athrun silent for a moment or two while Lacus didn't say a word. Da Costa walked up to her however and asked.
"I think we better Lady Lacus."
"I agree we should be on our way? Did Reverend Mariko find a way off safety?"
"He managed to find a shuttle and left in one piece."
Athrun was still silent until.
"Kira is on earth Athrun."
He looked up at her.
"I suggest you should go there, find him and then you two should have a talk. Take care Athrun." Lacus left with Da Costa and her supports as Athrun departed moments later.
Later at the factory where Justice was being kept at as it was finally prepared for launch. Athrun was in the cockpit of the Justice starting it up as he reflected on events that had taken place within the theater. Once all systems were go, and he had received clearance to launch he overheard on his com. "May Justice have the divine protection of the stars."
"Athrun Zala: ZGMF-X09A Justice taking off!"
The Justice shot off into space and departed for earth. About two days later after completing what repairs they could perform; the Archangel set a course for Orb. In the meantime however; on board the same ZAFT submarine that carried Rau Le Klueze, and now currently the Wing Zero after it was brought over to him from a supply plane flown over night from Carpentaria. After final checks on the machine were being made before the attack on Panama tomorrow. Rau was sitting alone in his cabin as he was reviewing a transmitted reported from one of the spies aboard the Archangel that were under Nicholas's orders before they were discovered.
"Following my report on the ship's status and crew moral; I should report the status on Kira Yamato."
A thin smile appeared on Rau's face. This was the part of this final report he was waiting for.
"It seems after a short live relationship; Kira Yamato and the female crewmember Fllay Allster had broken up. Not because of the jealously crew member Ssigh Argyle showed about the pair even though as I mentioned in my past report Ssigh and Ms. Allster were originally engaged to be married by parental arrangements." There was a pause. "But it seems that Ms. Allster was using Mr. Yamato as a means to get revenge on his fellow coordinators for killing her father when the Le Creuset Team sunk the ship he was on when they attempted to meet with the Archangel in space following the Operation Meteor incident in the debris belt. She went as far as...well...having a...how should I put this...a very intimate evening with him if you catch my drift. But as I observed her; it seems those feelings turned from false into something more real, but her unstable psychology makes it difficult for her to acknowledge this, and her lack of understanding makes this a problem as well. In short she loves him, but has no wish to admit it."
Rau ended the recording after hearing the information he required from it. He rose from his seat while envisaging of a way to use this to his advantage. In moments before reaching the door; he had a plan brewing in his mind, and by the time he exited the room...he knew what to do to make it a reality. As for Ssigh; he was sent back with the transport plan to Carpentaria to be sent off to the academy. He would be useful to the masked commander later. But for now he decides to give Fllay his full attention.
He had a soldier bring Fllay to the main hanger where she saw Rau Le Klueze waiting for her by something that appeared to be something close to being similar to Skygrasper simulator on the Archangel, but its controls seemed more ideal for that of a mobile suit. The soldier escorting Fllay turned and left them after the soldier gave Le Creuset a salute and after the masked man returned it. Once they were completely alone; Rau looked at the girl and asked her.
"Ms. Allster could please try out this simulator?"
The red head was taken back by the request. She wasn't expecting that.
"But why?"
"I just want you to try something."
"What?"
"Play through the simulator the best you can that is all?"
It sounded simple enough to the young woman, so without another word or another thought she climbed into the simulator and began playing through it. After learning the basic controls of the simulator which took about a few hours and more than four dozen failed missions to do; she lasted about five to twenty seconds longer in the simulated mission. But during one mission; something was tingling in her mind which forced her to react slightly faster than before. As the feeling in her mind increased so did her abilities with the game until finally about another three hours later she won the training mission.
"Well done Ms. Allster. That will be all."
Fllay quickly left the room without a second thought. But if she had paid closer attention; she would have noticed the small control remote in Le Creuset's hand. Once she was gone; Rau pushed a button behind the machine to eject a disk. He pulled it out and looked up on it as he smiled. Thank you for volunteering to be my test subject Fllay Allster. You'll be useful against Kira Yamato. With you...I'll use you as my tool to reinvent the Zero System so I can use you and it to my own advantage.
Three days later; the Archangel arrived in Orb, and was docked in their hidden port on Onogoro Island. Not long after arriving; Uzumi Nala Athha greeted the crew on the bridge personally as Cagalli searched the ship for Kira after hearing he was alive. As the two had their reunion; Uzumi greeted Murrue, Mwu along with a few members of the crew on the bridge. "I see so the Atlantic Federation has resorted to repugnant tactics I see."
"If I hadn't rushed into the command center I wouldn't have found out about the Cyclops System and I wouldn't have had the chance to warn the Archangel about it."
"Yes, but now we have no where else to go. If we head back...we'll only have a death sentence to look forward to."
"I understand. I should perhaps also update you on what has happened following those events, but please for now rest. When you are ready I will show you the recent news reports that has been flowing into our country."
"Thank you Lord Uzumi." Murrue thanked.
After that; Cagalli found her friend: Kira. Or rather found him by tackling him to the ground first. The two adjourned to the hanger where the Freedom was kept. It was there Cagalli updated him on how after Athrun defeated him and Canard he defeated Heero which resulted in the Aegis being destroyed and the Wing Zero captured by ZAFT. All of this was unpleasant news, but to top it off he heard Fllay and Ssigh were kidnapped by White Fang agents during the Strike's last battle. But he was relived that Athrun and Heero survived.
"After we found him; he was crying how he had killed you. He was devastated."
"I see."
"So if you guys were best friends then why did you fight one another? In fact why did you stay with the Earth Alliance?"
"Well I thought I could stay and protect the others. I never even thought once that we would ever fight to the end, but during that last battle I was overcame by something. Something that forced me to fight to the bitter end against Athrun; I don't know what it was, but."
"It was Epyon's Zero System." A voice replied as someone was approaching. It was Heero, and it seemed he had made a full recovery. "After the remains of the Strike was collected. Zechs examined it, and as he sat in the cockpit reactivating its systems he discovered Epyon's Zero System was installed inside. It had been programmed to activate when you enter another battle with the Aegis."
"Nicholas's doing." Kira said with a hint of dislike in his tone.
"But why would he do that? To Athrun even...I mean wasn't he on his side?" Cagalli asked.
"I think the reason behind it was to teach both Kira and Athrun a lesson."
"A lesson?"
"Yes Cagalli a lesson. I know Nicholas well, and I think his intent was to teach Kira and Athrun two things?" There was a pause. "He wanted to show them that even if you two were friends. But if you are on different sides during a war you'll be forced to fight one another sooner or later. Regardless if you two wanted to or not."
"What was the second?"
"I think he had wanted you two to realize something else. I think he wanted you two to know that you two may be fighting the wrong enemy." Heero explained to Kira.
"The wrong enemy?" Cagalli asked as her face was drawn up in expression of confusion.
"I think that part of the lesson I think he was trying to teach." Kira answered as he had a good idea what Nicholas wanted Kira to see in his battle against Athrun. "But I don't approve of the methods he used." Kira looked to Heero who only stood there as the pilot of the Wing Zero didn't speak another word.
"So what happens now?" Cagalli asked.
"I believe the time has come for the crew of the Archangel to decide for themselves as to what role they will be playing in this war as far as what we should be fighting against?" Heero answered.
"I already know what I will be doing?" Kira answered.
"I see, but was that something you saw in the Freedom's Zero System? I heard it has it right?"
"Yes, but I haven't used it. In fact; after what happened between me and Athrun I have no intention of ever using it."
"Is it because you are afraid?"
"No!" Kira snapped. "It's because I don't want to use anything evil like that system."
"I understand." Heero said, but he felt that Kira may be forced into using it sooner or later.
Meanwhile it was the night before the attack on Panama, but inside his cabin as his own vessel was closing in on its destination point. Nicholas was receiving a coded transmission from Carpentaria. As he read the text message his expression lit up in surprise as he smiled before typing in a reply for the person in question to be brought to Carpentaria to be held there until he arrives to greet the person himself. The following morning; the ZAFT submarine fleet has arrived at their destination and was deploying their forces. But instead of going into battle; they were setting up a perimeter to prevent any enemy forces from escaping as Rau was activating the Wing Zero. Dressed in his own purple and white commander's flight suit; Rau was ready to launch as he shouted.
"Rau Le Creuset: XXXG-00W0 Gundam Wing Zero taking off!"
The catapult within the vessel shot the Gundam into the air; once it was high above the submarine. Wing Zero spread forth its wings and rocketed towards the Panama Space Port and military base. "Now show me Wing Zero! Let me see what possible futures await me! Show me your full power! Let me see all you have to offer me. Let me see if I am worthy of potential mastery of the Zero System." Raww declared to the machine as the Zero System activated. At the same time up the coast; Epyon was just launched and with Nicholas at the controls. It was heading straight for the Alliance's MS factory and base.