The whole Archangel crew, along with Aunt Ning, and Ishmael who took a shuttle from the Kusanagi, were gathered inside the Hanger bay.
The Angelic Gundam had just landed, and those who hadn't seen it before gapped at its sight.
"…Whoa." Murdock said, most of the tech crew nodded in agreement.
Sarah herself was standing in front of the crowd, her hands were laced over her heart. Though she knew that was his voice, and his face on the screen…and that it was his Gundam model brought to life…she wanted to see his face with her own eyes. She wanted to Know it was him.
As the Gundam docked, it's P.S Armor faded from Blue, white, Gold, and Red into its default color of Grey. The chest of the suit then opened up as a figure stepped out wearing a Red, White-trimmed flight suit. Similar to the one Jordan wore when he piloted the Katana, only there was more red than white.
As he lowered himself down, they could make out more details about his suit. On the left shoulder, there was a patch that held the traditional Terminal insignia. But on his right shoulder was a patch that Sarah wasn't familiar with. It was shaped like a shield, and on the shield was a face of a pale white-skinned figure wearing a black Knight helmet. Under the shield were the words: "Ghost of Razgriz"
Then Jordan Removed his helmet, revealing his face.
For a good few seconds, no one said anything.
"J-Jordan?" Sarah stuttered, eyes wide, and staring straight into Jordan's.
He simply nodded. "Yes, Sarah." He said. "It's me."
Suddenly, Sarah rushed forward, running straight at the former-Katana pilot. The brunette slammed into the him, and hugged him tightly as he returned it.
"Please…" she whispered. "Don't leave me like that again."
Jordan smiled as he faced Sarah. "I never left you, Sarah." He said. "I told you back then I would never abandon you, because I love you."
Sobs of joy racked Sarah's body, and more people started to run forward, surrounding the pilot.
Suddenly Jordan was pulled away from Sarah as Adam grabbed him from behind, laughing. "I knew you were alive buddy!" he shouted. "Never doubted ya for a second!"
"Is that what you said in that mood you were in before we reached JOSH-A when you and Flay-" Darknal said with a grin until Adam slugged him.
"NOT NOW DARKNAL!" he shouted a little too close to Jordan's ear,
"Thanks a lot Adam." Jordan said as he started picking his ear. "Now I'll probably be deaf in my right ear for days now."
"Sorry." He said as he let him go.
"Jordan." A new voice said. Jordan then turned, and was then Face to face with Matthew.
For a good ten seconds, no one said anything as Matthew and Jordan's eyes locked. "Jordan I…" Matthew started. "…I know that you probably hate the sight of me…after what I did…I honestly can't stand it myself after everything. You have every right to hate me, and I don't blame you if you-"
"Matt, stop right there." Jordan interrupted him. "First off, I anything but hate you. You said it yourself, you didn't know it was our parents until you saw me. It was all just a massive freak accident. I know you didn't want to kill them. But besides that, I couldn't possibly hate you because…well, you're my Big Brother. No matter what happens, that fact is gonna stay the same. I can't hate family no matter what you or anyone else had done in the past. Because that's just it. It's the past. So why don't you get your head out of your ass, and just face the fact that I don't hate you, and I never have, and I never will."
Matthew, along with several of the Pilots blinked. And then he chuckled. "You can never stay mad at someone, can you?" he said.
"Only a few exceptions." Jordan Admitted. "Only two at the moment. Rau Le Crueset, and whoever is piloting the Ravage."
"That would be Kane Hellfury." Matthew answered. "And yes, he's the son of Zar Hellfury, but their nothing alike."
"You got that right." Jordan said, and he crossed his arms across his chest. "So…What did I miss in the last few weeks?"
Briefing room
30 Minutes Later
I stared wide-eyed at what I was just told. "So…let me get this straight." I said. "JOSH-A got blow to hell by a Cyclopes, Ryu's Girlfriend and John's old teammate are both alive, the Orb mass-driver went down, Corrine, Kira, Cagalli, and Eric are all actually siblings, and to top it all off…Adam got Flay Pregnant."
I was answered with nodded of confirmation, and I sighed. "I'm MIA for a few weeks, and you all just fall apart without me." I muttered.
"We…kinda forgot to wear a…ya know…Condom" Adam said, as Flay blushed.
I sighed again. "Well, at least your all still alive." I said. "That's all that really matters."
"Say Jordan," Ryu asked. "What's that patch you got there?"
I grinned, and pointed towards the Razgriz patch. "A little request I put in." I said. "Remember that book you showed me Ryu? That 'blue dove for the princess' thing? Well, I took the Idea of the Razgriz, and recently…I think that fits us perfectly. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz Reveals itself. First, as a dark Demon. As a Demon, it uses its power to rain death upon the land, and then it dies. However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns."
I smiled. "Just think about it. When Heliopolis was attacked, it was a great change in history, and we started to become known in the E.A and Zaft. In the eyes of Zaft, we were probably a collection of Demons, and as such we managed to fight and kill many Zaft soldiers, 'Raining death upon the land' and then, we by Alliance Records 'Died' at least Me, Kira, John and Corrine. However, after a period of 'Slumber', in my case, a whole week unconscious, we returned."
I patted the patch. "Hence, 'Ghost of Razgriz'" I said. Nagase and Ryu were both grinning. "I like it." Nagase admitted. "It actually fits all of us, in my opinion."
"That it does, Nagase." John said, before he stood up. "I think it's time we hit the hay. It's been a crazy-ass day, and I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of the A-LAW's and the E.A. So it's best if we manage to get some Shut eye."
Most of the pilots all agreed, and nodded as they headed towards their respected quarters.
Me and Sarah went into our own Quarters, and the moment I closed the door, I turned around and Sarah's lips pressed against my own, and I Gladly returned to kiss.
When we finally separated, both of us were smiling. "God I missed that." I said, and we resumed.
About Five minutes later, or longer…I honestly lost track of time, both of us were in bed, me wearing nothing but my under shirt and pants, and Sarah in only her tank-top and Panties, our arms wrapped around one another.
Sarah had already fallen asleep, and I wasn't far behind. Just before my eyes closed, one thought crossed my mind. It feels good to be back.
The Next Morning
The Archangel's Hanger
Athrun finished suiting up as his shuttle was being prepped for launch. It was a small, single seat craft. With it, he would be able to make the lengthy, several days long trip to the PLANTs. Kira, Corrine, John, Matthew, Eric, Scout, Rusty, Kelsey, Darknal, Nicol, Dearka and Anthony were there to see him off. Jordan and Sarah weren't present because no one wanted to disturb them.
"If anything happens to me, I want one of you guys to pilot the Justice," he said.
"No way," replied Dearka. "You're the only one for that mobile suit."
"Yeah. I don't want use any other machine besides my Spark," added Kelsey.
Athrun turned to Nicol, who shook his head. "Sorry. But the Justice just isn't for me."
Athrun looked at Anthony, who also shook his head. "Hey, I just got the Constitution!" he said. "And unlike you, I have no intention of blowing it up." The others chuckled slightly at this.
Finally, Athrun turned to Kira's friends. "No. I'm not piloting a nuclear powered mobile suit," said Adam. "Jordan gave the Shark and Slash Raiser to us as gifts, and we will always pilot them until they are destroyed. And besides, I think Arc tech is better than Nuclear in my opinion." The others nodded in agreement.
"Wait a minute!" someone called out.
Cagalli appeared, virtually tackling Athrun. "Why are you doing this?" she asked. "Why are you going back to the PLANTs?"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you this earlier," answered Athrun.
"Sorry doesn't cut! What will happen if you return without that?" she shouted, pointing to the Justice.
"I'm leaving the Justice here. It's better this way," he explained. "Should worst come to worst, Kira will take care of it."
"That isn't what I'm talking about!" said Cagalli.
Athrun sighed. "I know, but I still have to do this."
Kira then came over and put his hand on her shoulder. "Cagalli, you know why he has to go."
Defeated, she nodded and stepped back.
A short while later, the shuttle took off and sped away. A minute after, the Freedom followed as escort. Whenever everything was done, the plan was to rendezvous with Athrun and both would return to the Archangel. All hands onboard both ships nervously watched as both machines disappeared out of sight.
Although they still had many powerful machines, the Justice was now without a pilot, and the Freedom was gone. Much as they didn't want to admit it, their greatest fighting force had just lost a fragment of its strength.
Patrick Zala's Office, Aprilius One
July 1st, C.E. 71
Patrick Zala sat inside his office and watched footage of the Earth Alliance's battle with Orb. Le Creuset had managed to record a portion of the battle as he returned to Carpentaria before returning to space.
The loss of Victoria had been a heavy blow. Though Thule had managed to save a portion of their forces stationed there, the loss of the Mass Driver to the Earth Forces was a grave turn of events. Just when they had turned things in their favor again, those damn Naturals attacked Victoria. And with those accursed new mobile suits of theirs, the PLANTs were once again in danger.
As he continued watching, Zala spoke with the Captain of their new warship, the Eternal. "Yes, that's right," he said. "Le Creuset returned less than an hour ago and had this information with him. I don't how or why the Freedom and Hope ended up at Orb. Athrun may know, but the little fool and his team haven't reported in yet."
"You did say that their mission was top secret," the man replied. "Needless communications is but one way information can be picked and leaked."
Zala shuddered. Leaked information had become the cause of many of his recent headaches. "The overconfident Naturals have been gathering at the moon. We need to crush them this time, completely," he said, changing the direction of the conversation.
"I understand. I shall give every effort to repay Your Excellency for giving me another chance at life."
Archangel
3 hours later
Sarah woke up feeling a familiar warmth pressed next to her. She opened her eyes to see Jordan lying next to her, sound asleep, and their arms wrapped around each other.
Sarah smiled. She was more than happy that she was right, that he was alive. And she was most thankful that he didn't change…well, at least not much.
Sarah, along with the others, could see the small, subtle changes in Jordan. But there was another difference in Jordan that only she could see.
All the sudden, she could…well…see Jordan more clearly. It sounds weird, she knew that. But it was as if she could understand everything about him all the sudden. Like she knew him for a lifetime. And in all honesty…she liked it.
She could feel Jordan stir, and his eyes slowly opened. When they gazed into Sarah's own eyes, he smiled.
"You had a good sleep I take it?" He asked, and she nodded. "Haven't slept that good in two weeks." She said.
"Same here." Jordan said as he and Sarah unwrapped their arms. "So what do ya wanna do today?" he asked as he got his uniform back on.
"I don't know." Sarah said. "There's not much too do until we reach Mendel. We can check up on the others, see how their doing."
Jordan smiled. "Sounds like a good idea." he said. "Might as well check up on your suit's repairs and upgrades as well." Sarah nodded as she got her own uniform on. Once they were dressed, they made their way to the Hanger.
Later, in the Hanger.
"Hey, John! Corrine!" I shouted to the pair who were looking at the trashed Sword/Rifle's of the Slash Raiser. "How are the repairs going?"
John sighed as he scratched his head. "Could be better." He admitted. "The Sword rifles got cut clean in half, and it'll take a while to fix. But it is fixable, so you two don't need to worry about it. For the time-being though, we gave the Slash Raiser a spare Exia Sword/Rifle from the Original slash Flay pilots now. We upgraded it with a improved Anti-beam coated Condenser Material that will make it easier to cut through the metal on those A-LAW mobile suits."
I nodded. "Also, "Corrine continued. "We took those Upgrades you gave us when you came back, and are implying them to all the suits." She then pulled out a data pad and read down the upgrades.
"Enhanced Energy Batteries for the Slash, and the other Original Gundams," she said. "New beam weaponry that are more effective against the E-Carbon on the A-LAW suits on all of our Gundams. Also, in the areas around Phase shift, we're going to Replaced Lunar Titanium with E-Carbon as the reinforcing material for the P.S armor." Corrine inhaled as she finished reading out the upgrades. "Geeze Jordan, how much free time did you have?" she asked.
I chuckled slightly. "Well, I was waiting for Aeolia and my Father to finish the Miracle, so I had plenty of free time for the week I was awake." I said.
"Y-your father?" Sarah asked incredulously, to which I nodded. "My real father." I said. "I finally met the guy, and we started it off on good terms. He's a nice guy when you get to know him." I looked up to the Miracle. "He was the one who gave me the Miracle." I said.
Flashback
I stared at the mobile suit inside the hanger. It possessed a set of four white Angelic wings, and even though it's P.S armor was off, I could almost see the Blue, Red, and white color scheme on its body.
"It…It…." I tried to say it, but I was in a loss of words.
"Yes, son." Alen said as he walked up behind me, and put a hand on my shoulder. "This is your Gundam brought to life."
"But…how?" I asked. "Why?"
"Because it was a true symbol of Power." A new voice said. I turned to see a man with a pointed beard, a bald head, and a monocle in his eye.
"Aeolia." Alen said. "Jordan, allow me to introduce my closest friend and ally, Aeolia Schenberg. The designer of the A.R.C Reactors."
"All true." Aeolia said. "And it is a pleasure to finally speak to you, Jordan Takeo. John Cypher spoke highly of you. And you have my thanks for saving at least one of the ARC equipped mobile suits from the hands of Zaft at Heliopolis."
"It…was a freak accident, really." I admitted.
"Either way, you allowed my research to continue thanks to you." Aeolia said. "Anyways, the mobile suit you see in front of you is the TMNF-X00A Miracle. It's designs were used in the development of the Katana, Zero, Shadow Scythe, and most other A.R.C Reactor mobile suits. It's designs were first written out many years ago by Alen and Myself…but we never built it in the fears of the E.A or Zaft getting their hands on it."
"What changed your minds?" I asked. "Why build it now?"
"You, Jordan." Alen answered. "Jordan, you are the only person who can truly use the power of the Miracle. You alone have the potential to use it for it's true purpose."
"Which is?" I asked, and Aeolia had the answer. "To Create a world where Coordinators and Naturals alike can live together in peace." He said. "That was the purpose of the Gundams from the very beginning. John once said the people believed the G in G-Weapon was for Genocide. That was false. It stood for Genesis. The Gundam have the ability to forge a new world for Humanity as a whole. A world where we no longer fight each other in meaningless conflicts. Where we all share the goal of a unified future. Regardless of Race, Nationality, Religion, Resources, or Genetics." Aeolia then walked up to me. "You alone have the power to do this." He said. "So do you accept the Miracle?"
I looked back at the Miracle. There was only one answer I could come up with. "Yes." I said. "But I'm not doing it alone. I'll have the help of all my friends as well."
Aeolia smiled. "Of course you will."
End Flashback
"So you finally met him and Aeolia?" John asked, and I nodded as I gazed at the Miracle again. "He said that I alone had the power to change the world." I said. "I think that's the one thing he said that was wrong." I smiled as I glanced at Sarah. "We all have the power to do it." I said. "You, Me, Sarah, Kira…everyone has the power to make a difference in this world. To change it for the better with our Gundams." John smiled as he and Corrine nodded. "That's for sure." He said.
Meanwhile
Onboard the Hades
Zar Hellfury read the report he was given about the unknown mobile suit that almost destroyed his son's suit as he sat in his quarters. So he finished it. He thought. And I can only guess who the pilot is. That was when there was a knock on his door. "Enter." He said. And his son Kane entered. "Commander." He said.
"Son." Zar said, making Kane's eye twitch."I told you never to call me that again." He declared.
"I am your Father, Kane." Zar said. "I can call you whatever I please."
Kane snarled but let it go. "Whatever." He said. "My reasons of coming here was so that I could use your new Prototype to capture or Destroy the unknown mobile suit stated in my report."
"Absolutely not." Zar said simply. "You're not ready to pilot it, and it was assigned to me alone."
Kane growled as his hands balled into fists. "Then how am I suppose to beat that thing!" he shouted. "It's a threat to the PLANT's and must be dealt with accordingly!"
"That may be true…" Zar said. "But a new mobile suit isn't going to give you the skills to defeat it."
Kane growled again, and turned to leave. "It was stupid of me to ask for your help anyways…Father." He said Father as an insult and stormed off.
Zar sighed as he relaxed into his chair. "What have I done to deserve this?" He asked no one. "My own Son hates me, my wife is dead, and the only family that cares about me in the slightest would be my daughter."
He sighed again as he stared out the window, seeing the PLANT colonies in the distance. "What happened to the Zaft I joined to protect you?" he asked the colonies, with no answer.
With Kane
Kane growled as he stormed through the corridors of the Hades. That idiot! He thought. How can he not see that suit is a threat to all of the Plants? It must be destroyed! When no one was looking, he slammed his fist into the ship.
"How am I suppose to beat that thing?" he muttered to himself.
"I believe I can help you in that accord."
Kane spun around, and saw a strange figure with light purple hair, and eyes. She wore a Zaft red uniform, but Kane did not recognize her.
"Who are you!" Kane demanded, drawing out his side arm. "You're not one of Zar's men!"
The figure chuckled. "No, I am not." She admitted. "My name is Revive Revival. And I think I can give you the power to defeat that mobile suit."
Though Kane did not fully trust this person…he felt that he could. "How?" he asked. Revive chuckled. "Tell me, Kane Hellfury." She said, walking up to him smiling. "Have you ever heard of…the Innovators?"
Outside Jachin Due
An Hour Later
Athrun's shuttle reached the defensive perimeter surrounding the space fortress of Jachin Due. He and Kira had already parted ways and Kira now waited at the rendezvous point. A group of GINNs moved in to intercept his craft. He switched to a ZAFT communication channel.
"This is operative Athrun Zala of the National Defense Committee," he said. "My identification number is 285002. Jachin Due Defense Forces, please respond."
The squad of GINNs slowed but didn't stop. They quickly surrounded the shuttle, ready to destroy it if he did anything remotely suspicious.
So far so good, thought Athrun, though since barely not hostile was good, he really hoped it didn't turn bad. I hope I haven't made a big mistake in coming here.
Patrick Zala's Office
Patrick Zala looked over the data of what he planned to be his ultimate weapon in the war against the Naturals: the appropriately named GENESIS, for it would be the genesis of the Age of the Coordinator. It was already in the final phase of its construction and would be operational shortly thereafter. His intercom buzzed and he pressed the receiver. "Yes, what is it?"
"Operative Athrun Zala has arrived at Jachin Due, sir. He was piloting an Earth Forces shuttle."
This was a shock for Patrick. At very least, Athrun should be in the Justice, not an Earth Forces shuttle. And what about Takeo, Palmer, and Leese? Something had happened. Something he knew he wasn't going to like.
"Given the circumstances, he's being detained at this moment," added the officer.
"Bring him here at once," ordered Patrick before turning off the intercom. He had many questions for Athrun.
A short while later, Athrun was escorted into his father's office, flanked by two guards. Once they arrived, the guards saluted the Chairman.
Patrick said nothing at first. He sighed and stood up. "Guards, leave us."
Once the guards left, Patrick looked at his son and continued. "What's happened? Where are the Justice and the Freedom and Hope? And where are your teammates and their machines?"
"I know where they all are. They are intact and safe," answered Athrun. "But I need to ask you something father. What direction are you planning to take this war?"
"What?" demanded Patrick. "What sort of absurd question is that? What about your mission? That's what you need to report on!"
"The reason I've returned is because I needed to speak with you directly," said Athrun. "I'm talking about what happened at Alaska, Panama, and Victoria. You attack because you're attacked and then you're attacked again because you attacked. All the while, war and suffering continues. How much longer will this drag on? How many more will have to die?"
"Where did you get such ideas?" shouted Patrick. "Did Clyne and his daughter get inside your head? Meeting force with a great force is just what we need to win!"
"But how far are you willing to go?" asked Athrun.
"Once every last Natural is dead, that is when this war comes to an end," spat Patrick without hesitation.
Athrun was stunned to say the least. "What did you say? Do you really mean that you plan on killing all the Naturals?"
"Of course!" yelled Patrick as he grabbed Athrun by the collar. "That's been our goal from the start! Now where are your teammates and the four machines?"
"Father, do you really mean what you just said about killing all the Naturals?" asked Athrun.
"That's the whole point of this war! That's why we're fighting this war! Have you forgotten that?" shouted Patrick, throwing him to the ground.
The next moment, Patrick pulled out his sidearm and aimed at Athrun. "You're pathetic! Stop giving me that garbage and answer me! Where are the Freedom, Justice, Conviction and Faith?"
Athrun glared at him but didn't answer, part of him noting the way his father didn't seem to care about the pilots.
"If you refuse to answer, I'll have you arrested as a traitor!" said Patrick.
But Athrun still didn't answer. His father reached for his intercom and called in a group of military police. They surrounded him and aimed their rifles at him. This whole thing had been a big mistake. He never should have come back. His father was locked into his path. Nothing he could say would change that. Suddenly, Lord Uzumi's words echoed through his mind.
"The Earth Forces' present actions are being guided by the leader of Blue Cosmos, Muruta Azrael. To make matters worse, the PLANTs are led by someone who believes Coordinators are a new species, for Patrick Zala rules them now. The way things are developing, the world will soon be trapped between two forces who refuse to accept each others' existence."
As much as he hated to admit it, his father was one of people driving this war on. He got to his feet. What he did next surprised everyone, himself included. Athrun lunged at his father. A shot rang out. Athrun fell to the ground, the bullet having grazed his right shoulder.
"Don't kill him. There is still information we need from him," ordered Patrick. "Arrest him and use whatever techniques necessary to pry information on the Freedom, Justice, Conviction and Faith out of him. I'm very disappointed, Athrun."
The soldiers pulled Athrun up and slapped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists
"As am I father," was his only response.
The guards dragged Athrun outside the government building, where a van was waiting. But he wasn't about to let them lock him up.
He had to escape. He had to contact Lacus and tell her where Kira was. He had to make sure his father didn't learn the location of the Freedom, Justice, Faith and Conviction.
"Get in," ordered one of the guards.
At that instant, Athrun made his move, kicking the soldier who'd spoken and using the momentum to tackle the other before running off.
"Hey, hold it!" said one of the soldiers, raising his rifle. However, the one in front of him suddenly spun and him with his own rifle, then followed Athrun, firing at the other soldiers and throwing a flashbang.
"Didn't expect this," he said, grabbing another flashbang and tossing it. "This way!" With that, he grabbed Athrun and pulled him around the corner of the building. "Get down and turn your back to me, I'm gonna shoot your handcuffs."
Athrun, though confused, immediately complied with the order and his handcuffs were removed.
"You're being way too reckless," said the soldier, handing him a pistol. "Don't you wanna live? I mean, you even knocked over one of my guys!"
"Who are you?" asked Athrun.
"I'm with what they're calling the Clyne Faction," responded the soldier, lifting his helmet slightly. Athrun suddenly recognized him as the soldier who'd accompanied Ian Mackenzie at White Symphony. "You've thrown quite a wrench into our plans."
"I'm sorry," said Athrun. "I had no idea."
"Well naturally, how could you?" replied the soldier as the second soldier he'd hit appeared, firing his rifle.
"DaCosta, hurry up!" said the second soldier.
"Here we go!" said DaCosta, spinning around the corner and firing his gun, Athrun following suit.
The Eternal
Inside a ZAFT Hanger
"Well, let's get to it," said Captain Andrew Waltfield, picking up the phone on his chair's arm, switching to the ship's intercom while suppressing a smirk. "Uh, the ship is beginning its final preparations. Is that understood? The ship is in its final preparations. Get to work."
The Captain's words left a number of crewmen utterly confused… until the others suddenly drew guns on them.
All across the ship, the Clyne supporters amongst the ship's crew quickly gathered up those that weren't and kicked them out as others rushed to bring the Eternal's systems online.
Moments later, the door of the bridge opened.
"Sorry for the delay," came the voice of Lacus Clyne, entering the bridge and taking the commander's chair.
"No worries," said Andy. "As long as you made it safely. So, should we make our exit?"
"Yes," said Lacus.
"No problem, no problem!" chirped Mr. Pink, floating through the bridge as the crew went to work.
"Loading to departure plan C, forced exit," said one of the operators. "Subroutine one-nine-two-zero online."
"Inserting logic array, security disengaged, all systems go," announced another operator.
"Whoa, what are you doing?" came the frantic voice of the dockmaster suddenly. "Your ship doesn't have orders to launch!"
"Whatever," said Haro, perfectly voicing their opinion of the dockmaster's words.
"Commander Waltfield, what's going on? Do you copy me?"
"The security code to the main gate's control system was just changed," said the one of the operators.
"Heh, what a clever bunch they are," said Andy. "They would've been better off leaving things alone." He turned to Lacus. "Now our exit's gonna be a bit messier. It might get rough, so hang on."
"We really have no alternative, do we?" said Lacus. "Because the fact is, the time has come for us to move forward."
"Prepare to fire the main cannon! Target the main gate!" ordered Andy. "Fire as soon as we take off!"
"Preparing main cannon, targeting main gate," announced the fire control officer. Andy looked back to Lacus and nodded slightly. Lacus nodded in return.
"Now Eternal, please go ahead and launch!" ordered Lacus.
The Eternal's engines lit up, propelling the ship steadily forward.
"Eternal, what are you doing?" demanded the dockmaster. "Cut your engines! Alert Headquarters!"
"Fire!" ordered Andy.
The main cannon of the Eternal lit up, blasting apart the main gate in a single shot. While it had nothing on the weapons of the Earth Forces Archangel, the Eternal's main cannon was nearly as strong as both of a Nazca-class destroyer's main cannons put together.
"Where's DaCosta?" asked Andy as the Eternal cleared the dock.
At that very moment, a two-man shuttle raced through hanger, heading for the Eternal.
"Commander!" came DaCosta's voice.
"Head to the aft hatch DaCosta!" ordered Waltfield. "Maximum thrust as soon as he's onboard! This ship's fast, we'll shake them off.
The shuttle entered the rear hatch, and the Eternal's pilot punched the engines up to maximum thrust, the red warship blazing across the stars at speeds no other ship had ever achieved.
But even with that speed, there was one last obstacle to the Clyne Faction's escape from the PLANTs: the space fortress Jachin Due and its defense forces.
Elsewhere
Hiding where the Jachin Due defense forces wouldn't be able to find him, Kira observed the sudden activity. Dozens of ZAFT mobile suits were moving out, armed with the same heavy artillery he recalled seeing used at Heliopolis.
But it would make no sense for the Earth Forces to attack, and they weren't moving in his direction. It couldn't simply be that Athrun was in trouble, either, because over fifty mobile suits would be more than just slight overkill for dealing with a single rogue soldier without a mobile suit.
Also, their movements suggested they were trying to intercept something coming out of the PLANTs. On his long-range sensors, Kira spotted a heat source moving very quickly. In fact, the speed was nearly as great as the Freedom's cruising speed, which was very impressive since the size of the heat source was that of a warship, larger than anything ZAFT had previously fielded.
A sudden feeling filled his heart as he continued to watch the large heat source.
"Don't expect me to wait around," replied Lacus. "I'll follow you soon enough!"
Kira punched the controls, moving the Freedom out to intercept the Jachin defense forces, though he was careful to continue hiding from ZAFT.
The Hades
Near Jachin Due
"Commander, orders from HQ," said the comm. officer. "The Eternal has been stolen from Aprilius One. Chairman Zala is ordering that all available ZAFT forces intercept and destroy the Eternal."
Zar Hellfury nodded. "Very well," he said. "Bring all ships up to Level One Battlestations! Get the GuAIZs ready for launch, and have my Prototype on Stand-by! Bring our ships into position to flank as the Jachin defense forces move in to intercept!"
"Commander, the Eternal is sending out a message to all ZAFT forces," said the comm. officer.
"Oh? Let's hear it," said Zar.
"My name is Lacus Clyne," came the voice of the PLANT Songstress. "Although I am an enemy for Chairman Zala because we imagine different futures for our people, I have no desire at all to fight against you. Please, let our ship go in peace. And I beseech you all once again to think carefully about what we should really be fighting against."
The Jachin defense forces hesitated a moment, but their ultimate response was an attack. The Eternal suddenly let loose with dozens upon dozens of missiles that intercepted everything the defense forces had fired.
"You're orders, sir?" asked a bridge officer.
This was wrong. Just as Zar had long-feared, the ZAFT he'd once known, the ZAFT he'd joined and fought for, was slipping away more and more with each passing day.
It had to stop.
"Do as you please," said Zar. "I'm launching. I will not follow Zala's orders any longer. But I will not force the rest of you into betraying ZAFT. All I ask is that you give me a head start."
No one on the bridge moved for a moment. Then, Captain Dren stepped forward.
"No sir," he said. "I believe I speak for everyone here when I say… to hell with our orders."
"And to hell with Patrick Zala!" added Cory.
Silence filled the bridge for a moment, a small smile gracing the features of the Devil of Endymion.
"Thank you," he said.
"What are you waiting for then?" demanded Dren, both of the commander and of the rest of the team. Zar's smile dropped.
"Bring our ships closer to the Eternal! Scramble all mobile suits!" ordered Zar. "We're protecting the Eternal. I don't want a single mobile suit to get within striking distance of that ship! And do not fire until I give the signal! Is that clear?"
"Yes sir!" came the chorus of replies as the bridge crew rushed to carry out his orders.
"Will you still be going out as well, sir?" asked Captain Dren.
"Of course," said Zar. "I just got my new toy. I've simply gotta try it out. You have the bridge Lee."
Moments later, Zar Hellfury entered the Hanger and saw his new Prototype mobile suit. Painted his traditional blood red from head to toe.
Zar quickly hopped into the Cockpit, and started the Activation sequence.
"ZGMF-X04S, ready to launch." The speakers said. "Commander Hellfury, you are clear for launch."
"Roger." Zar said. "Zar Hellfury, Sazabi, Launching!"
Within moments, all the mobile suits of the Sorcerer Team were launched, heading for the Eternal. The regular ZAFT forces heading for the red warship let out a cheer.
"Those traitors are done for now!" shouted one GINN pilot.
"Yeah! No way can they escape the Sorcerer Team!" said another.
The Eternal
"Damn, Zar's people are here," said Andy. "This won't be easy."
"Sir, we're being hailed by the Sorcerer Team," said DaCosta.
"Put it through," said Andy. "I'm sure Zar will listen."
The cockpit of Zar's Sazabi appeared on the main screen.
"Eternal, this is Commander Zar Hellfury," he said. "We have been ordered to destroy you. However, we can no longer follow Patrick Zala's orders. The entirety of the Sorcerer Team is at your disposal, Miss Clyne."
"Good to hear that Zar," said Andy.
"Andrew? You didn't tell me you were the captain of that ship," said Zar, surprised. Andy chuckled.
"What? You damn traitors!" shouted the commander of the mobile suit force. Dozens of GINNs advanced angrily… when suddenly, several of them were attacked and disabled from the rear. "What the…?"
"We're with you all the way Miss Clyne!" said a GINN pilot, one of several turncoats that had disabled their fellows in a surprise attack.
"While I'm sure everyone appreciates any assistance we can get, you should move in with our forces so you don't get slaughtered," said Zar. The five GINNs in question did so, moving forward and taking up defensive positions around the Eternal with the forces of the Sorcerer Team.
Meanwhile, Jachin Due launched over a hundred more mobile suits.
"Damn you, Patrick Zala, for forcing us to do this," said Dren. "All forces, engage the ZAFT forces. Try to avoid the cockpit if you can. But do not let them near the Eternal!"
The Sorcerer Team snapped into action, attacking the ZAFT forces like men and women possessed. The Hades and its escort ships fired their cannons as did the Eternal. Many GINNs lost heads and limbs to the GuAIZs and the Sazabi of the Sorcerer Team. Sadly, many more were destroyed. But even then, there were too many mobile suits for the Sorcerer Team and other turncoats to hold back. GINNs armed with missile launchers flew past the GuAIZs, heading for the Eternal.
Zar growled as he activated the Six DRAGOON cannons on his machines back. 6 cylinder shaped objects launched and fired yellow beams towards the GINN's, they managed to disable three of them, but the others made it through.
"Stop them!" shouted Zar as he blew another GINN's head off.
But it was too late. A barrage of missiles was fired, all of them heading for the Eternal. The Eternal fired its anti-missile countermeasures, but there were too many for them to stop, and a number of the missiles continued for the vessel.
Lacus though, wasn't worried. She'd felt it.
"Kira," she said softly.
At that instant, a series of perfectly aimed beams tore through space, obliterating all of the missiles in an instant as a majestic white mobile suit appeared from virtually nowhere, moving in front of the Eternal.
Where the Jachin defense forces had even stood against the Sorcerer Team despite their fear, they suddenly found themselves backing away from this new arrival in terror. The Freedom was projecting an aura of power and divine fury that blanketed the entire battlefield.
Without pause, Kira snapped his machine into Full Burst Mode and opened up repeatedly on the entire ZAFT force that had dared try to hurt her.
In the blink of an eye, the battle was over, and more than a hundred GINNs had been reduced to nothing more than useless torsos. None of the pilots were harmed, but every GINN had been stripped of weapons, limbs and head, the ZAFT forces utterly pulverized by the power of the Freedom.
Not only that, but the ZAFT forces had been crippled without any of the Eternal's protectors being hurt by the assault, despite several locking swords with their foes at the time.
"Whoa… that was… I can't even describe it," said Dominic in awe. Even Dietrich was amazed by the display, and Athrun was openly gaping. Although he'd seen what Kira was capable of doing against mass-produced mobile suits and had heard the reports on the Battle of JOSH-A, he'd never thought he'd see something like this.
"Lacus, are you okay?" asked Kira, suddenly appearing on the Eternal's display screen.
"Yes Kira," said Lacus, smiling lovingly at him. "I knew you'd come."
"Hey there youngster," said Andy, grinning at the screen. "You saved our butts."
"Mr. Waltfield?" gasped Kira.
"In the flesh," said Andy, still grinning. "Alive and kicking. Now, where do I point this thing?"
"Lagrange 4," said Kira.
Archangel Bridge
Space Colony Mendel, Lagrange Point 4
"So, who wants to go out and greet them?" asked Murrue as the four warships—three Nazca destroyers and one unknown—closed in on Mendel. The Sorcerer Team was here, and the presence of the Freedom showed that they were there as allies.
"I'll go," said Jordan, appearing on the display screen. "Anthony, you can follow if you like. I know your friends are out there."
Bridge of the Eternal
"So, where's the welcoming committee?" asked Andy as the four ZAFT warships made their way steadily through the debris.
Suddenly, his question was answered as the Miracle manifested from the debris. its wings spread out fully and emitting a beautiful pulses of light.
"Any reason you're being so showy?" asked Kira before the Miracle's cockpit appeared on the display screen of the four warships to reveal Jordan Takeo, wearing his custom pilot suit.
"What am I gonna do with you two?" asked Jordan, his tone that of an admonishing mother. "I sent you out with a shuttle and a mobile suit for a family reunion. You come back, sans shuttle, with five warships, one of which is an Aztec, another the Eternal, and Kira's girlfriend. I don't recall giving you permission to play heroes out there! That's my job!"
"Jordan?" gasped Lacus. Kira and Athrun hadn't mentioned the identity of the new mobile suit's pilot to anyone.
"It's me," said the Teen. "Good to see you Lacus. And Commander Waltfield. That's an unexpected surprise."
"You're a surprise yourself," said Andy. "Everyone on our side thought you were dead."
Jordan let out a laugh. "It'll take more than the Aegis imploding around me to take me out!" He said and made a quick playful glare at Athrun. "Don't you think I haven't forgotten Zala!" he said, smiling deviously making Athrun nervous.
Mendel Harbor
A short while later, the four ships entered the hanger alongside the Archangel, Aztec and Kusanagi. The bridge crews of the vessels and some of their mobile suit pilots had gathered inside a docking passage, waiting to meet the crews of the newcomers. The doors opened and group of mostly ZAFT officers entered. At the head of the group was Lacus Clyne, flanked by Andrew Waltfield and Zar Hellfury.
"Hey Zar, it's been awhile," said Anthony, smiling as he saluted his former commander. "Dietrich, Dominic, Rainer, Bernard, Cory, Jack."
"Anthony Palmer," said Cory. "So For awhile there, I thought you'd really bailed on us, though we all had our suspicions."
"Nah, Anthony here is simply the only one I trusted that I could afford to lose," said Zar, returning the salute.
"Good to know I'm expendable," said Anthony jokingly.
Waltfield turned to Murrue. "Would it be out of line to say it's a pleasure to finally meet you all face to face? I'm Andrew Waltfield."
"Commander Zar Hellfury," added Zar.
"Murrue Ramius," said Murrue. "I must admit, I am quite surprised you're all here."
"I'd say the feeling's mutual," replied Andy, turning to Kira and Lacus. "Right youngster?"
"You have a very good reason to want me dead," said Kira solemnly.
"We're in a war," commented Andy. "Everyone has a reason, yet no one does."
Kira nodded his head. "Thank you."
"And? Who might you be?" asked Zar, turning to the Numazaki noble.
"Ning Takeo Numazaki of Orb," said Ning. "and my nephew and heir…"
"Jordan Takeo," said Jordan. "Ya'll might know me as the 'Katana Knight of Heliopolis'."
"Wait, he's the Katana pilot?" Dominic said. "But…He's just a kid!"
"I can hear you ya know." Jordan said and playfully raised an eyebrow.
"Knock it off Dominic." Dietrich said, stepping forward. "He is one of Alen's kids after all." He then gave Jordan a smile and extended his hand. "Dietrich Silber, formerly of the Silber team." He said. "I must say, you were my greatest challenge back in Africa."
Jordan smiled and returned the gesture. "And it is an Honor to finally meet the White Tiger of Endymion." He said, shaking his hand. "Though in all honesty, I expected you to be…well no offence, younger."
Dietrich chuckled. "Combat has a way of accelerated aging." He joked. Jordan smiled. "I know how you feel." He said.
Elsewhere
"To think that she managed to escape with something like this ship and three Nazca-class ships, and a Aztec class. She's really something," commented Cagalli, staring at the Eternal with Athrun.
"Yeah," he said as Cagalli glanced at Kira and Lacus together in another catwalk.
"You don't mind, do you?" she asked. "She is your fiancée, right?"
"Ex-fiancée," replied Athrun. "Because I was such a fool. I should've realized even before this war started just how those two would be if they ever met."
Cagalli shrugged. "Well, better to realize that now than never," she said, a smile forming on her lips. "And I think Kira is just as much a fool. I guess even Coordinators can do stupid things. So we might as well get used to it."
"You think so?" said Athrun. "I guess you're right."
The two glanced up again at Kira and Lacus.
"My father… he's dead Kira…" said Lacus to Kira, finally releasing tears and sorrow she had held in since she learned of her father's death.
"Lacus," said Kira softly.
She hugged Kira and cried into her chest. Kira simply hugged her back. This war had claimed many loved ones already. Jordan's parents and uncle. Flay's father. Those people on the shuttle. Waltfield's lover. Cagalli's father. And now Lacus's father. It had to stop before more loved ones were killed. They had to stop it.
Darknal watched the two groups from further down one of the catwalks. His eyes went downcast. "Hey, you alright?" a voice asked. Darknal turned around to see Kelsey walking up to him. "You look rather sad."
Darknal sighed. "I'm fine." He lied. But Kelsey didn't buy it. "Come on, we're allies now." Kelsey said. "I think it's best that we talk to each other about things that bother us."
Darknal crossed his arms across his chest. "It's just…" he said. "Everyone else has some noble cause to fight. For Kira, it's to protect his friends and Lacus. Adam protects Flay above all else, Scout and Rusty are keeping each other in check, Jordan's guarding Sarah with his life if need be…everyone has a real reason to fight except me…well, in a way I do…but It's not for that noble of a cause."
"And what would that be?" Kelsey asked as she leaned against the railing. Darknal sighed. "I'm fighting for revenge." He admitted, shocking Kelsey. "The pilot of that Terror thing, Argis Sakris, he's the one that killed my parents and my little sister in the Charleston bombing a few years ago…now I want him dead more than anything…" his grip on the railing tightened. "I've fought him two time already. And I've lost both times! No matter how hard I try, I just keep losing to that Monster!"
"It's because you're doing it alone!" Kelsey added. "That Argis guy obviously has years of Mobile suit experience while you have just a few months short of a year. You need help If you want to take him down!"
"This is my fight! And my fight alone!" Darknal shouted. "If anyone is gonna kill that bastard, it's gonna be me!" he then stormed off, leaving behind a confused, and concerned Kelsey.
Around the corner Ryu sighed as he leaned back against the wall "I'm surprised Ryu you normally would have smacked him by now," Nagase commented as she stood in front of him "What's stopping you?"
"I have no right to tell him not to seek vengeance," Ryu said looking at her "After you disappeared that was the exact reason I was fighting, to avenge you."
Nagase Sighed as she shook her head "That's exactly why you should talk to him," She assured "You have experience, he doesn't."
Ryu relented with a sigh of his own "Alright alright I'll talk to him, but not right now," He said and quickly raised his hands to silence her "He's angry right now, he wouldn't listen to Jesus if he walked through the walls to talk to him, I'll give him some time to cool first, hopefully he doesn't do anything stupid before I talk to him."
Nagase chuckled "It's happened hasn't it?" She asked looking over to the younger crowd "We're only a couple years older but..."
"Even after all they've been through, they still have something resembling innocence," Ryu finished pulled Nagase close "It's their generation, we're just the place holders till they take up the responsibilities."