Genre: Drama/Romance
Rating: T
Notes: My latest GSD fanfic - where I shall totally change parts whereby I actually disliked in its' main series. Therefore, a total Alternate Universe - this story will be.
Pairings: Auel/Lunamaria & Athrun/Meyrin
Chapter 39 - Runaway (Part 3)
Cosmic Era 73, October 31
GMT: 18 00 hours
Venue: Gibraltar, ZAFT Military Headquarters
Meyrin Hawke left her room, hiding her anxiety behind a mask of complete coolness. Making herself seemed totally unaffected by the idea of having a spy lurking about in the shadows, Meyrin Hawke passes by the various officers and guards patrolling the corridors - calmly. Nodding at them, as she passes them by.
Once safely outside the hostel building, Meyrin Hawke headed for the direction of the carpark. Flashing her identity pass at one of the lower-ranking soldier whom was in charge of guarding the Military vehicles, Meyrin easily gained access to one of those green jeep reserved for official Military uses.
As she seated herself behind the steering wheel of the jeep, Meyrin took a deep breath to calm herself down. After which, she gripped the steering wheel tightly as she stepped on the accelerator - heading for the back of the hostel building, where she knew Athrun Zala was patiently awaiting for her arrival.
Earlier on, when she headed out towards the carpark using her room's door. Athrun Zala had climbed out using the balcony of her room, and had stayed hidden in the dark - by hiding in between the bushes situated directly below her room's balcony.
Upon her arrival at the specified venue where she had told Athrun to wait for her, Meyrin honked the car twice. That was their agreed signal, for Athrun to jump into the passenger seat of the jeep - and hide himself from view by positioning himself in a half slanted, position.
Although, neither Athrun nor Meyrin had shown any outward reactions towards this whole prediacment. They were both swarmed with the feeling of anxiety, after all ... they would both be in deep trouble if the ZAFT guards were to find them together, now.
Forcing herself to look right ahead, Meyrin tried blantantly to avoid glancing to her side where Athrun Zala remained hidden from view. To the others, they could only see Meyrin - whom was speeding her way through the Military base for reasons unknown. While the others could be easily fooled, the same could not be said for Rey Za Burrel.
Rey Za Burrel was about to head off towards the port where the alarm had been triggered off, when he caught sight of the speeding jeep and Meyrin Hawke. Thinking back on the various events and happenings of the past, Rey began to suspect the possibility of Meyrin aiding Athrun Zala in the latter's attempt to escape from their pursuit. While the idea of it may sound absurd in the ears of many, it was not entirely impossible for Rey.
After all, his experience aboard the Minerva with Meyrin Hawke and Athrun Zala over the past month had proved to him that - those two had somewhat of a history, dated way back. It could all be seen from the way how Meyrin dealt with Athrun, when the fellow Coordinator was on the verge of bursting from anger. That, and the fact that how awfully close the two of them seemed to be - despite their difference in rank and abilities on board of the Minerva.
Making up his mind, Rey borrowed a rifle gun from the guard seated next to him on the patrolling jeep. After which, he ignored the desperate calls for him and jumped out of the vehicles - chasing after the speeding car that passes him by, earlier on. Careful to hide himself from view, Rey proceeded about his task as stealthily as possible - which was not hard, considering his good results achieved during his training days.
GMT: 18 30 hours
Venue: Gibraltar Military Hangar
Athrun Zala stared up at the whole army of immobile units of 'Gouf', before glancing over at the redhead with a slight frown marring his features. Not that he was unhappy about the idea of escaping, that had been his intention - after all. However, now that he was standing in front of the various units of 'Gouf' that might provide him with the possibility of getting himself to safety - he found himself, hesitating.
After all, the redhead had all the credits for helping him to get this far. If it had not been the redhead's quick wits to save him from being pursued, he might still be stuck within the hostel building - hiding away from the guards whom were still searching for him.
Therefore, he was worried of what might befalls the redhead if he were to simply turn and go. Hence, his hesitation when he could have simply boarded one of the stationed 'Gouf' unit and left without a backward glance. Just then, the soft voice of the redhead broke into his thoughts - drawing him back to reality.
"Athrun ... there's no time to lose. You would have to leave now, the false alarm over at the port would not keep them busy for long ... Leave while you still can ... " Meyrin urged, glancing about their surrounding warily.
"Meyrin ... but ... what about you? " Athrun finally asked, his voice laced with unhidden concern.
Meyrin smiled sadly, before shaking her head and replied. "I'll be fine ... in time ... but you would not be, if you lingered on any longer ... Hurry and leave! Though, I still had no idea about what exactly was going on - but I could always make a wild guess ... "
With that said, Meyrin turned away from the blue-haired Coordinator attempting to leave the area - only to be startled by the sounds of gunshots.
Letting out a yelp of surprise, Meyrin narrowed her eyes upon the new-comer. The new arrival was none other than Rey Za Burrel, himself.
"I knew it ... there must be something fishy going on with Meyrin driving this fast, at this hour ... " Rey said, as he glared at both Athrun and Meyrin with unhidden venom.
"... Rey ... " Athrun gritted out, in both irritation and frustration. Meyrin, in the meantime, kept her features blank from emotions. Silence served as her response to Rey's accusations, never did once did she attempted to argue.
Another series of gunshots sounded, and one of the stray bullets nearly hit Meyrin - but Athrun managed to drag her aside and ducked for safety. The sounds of several survilence cameras breaking, indicated to them both that some of the bullets that were being directed towards them had hit the cameras by accident. Another bullet grazed by Meyrin dangerously, causing Athrun Zala to let out a low growl of irritation.
Leaving Meyrin behind where he had them hidden earlier on, Athrun Zala jumped out into the war-zone and started firing his own bullets towards Rey. One of his bullet then hit the side of Rey's rifle gun, causing the blond to drop the rifle in response. Making full use of that opportunity, Athrun held out his hand towards Meyrin without giving much thought.
Meyrin, on the other hand, had wasted no time in putting her own hand in Athrun's strong one. There was no need for her to think twice on the situation, Rey's actions at attempting to shoot her together with Athrun was evidence enough. If remaining behind meant getting herself killed ultimately, then she might as well choose to place her life in the hands of Athrun Zala. At least, there was still the possible chance of the fellow Coordinator fleeing the area - successfully.
Together, they made their way up to the nearest 'Gouf' unit stationed ahead of them. The cockpit of the said 'Gouf' unit closed itself off in time, just as Rey returned with another rifle gun in hand.
Rey Za Burrel cursed aloud, upon the sight of Athrun Zala and Meyrin Hawke hiding themselves within the cockpit of the 'Gouf' safely. Throwing his newly accquired rifle gun aside, Rey turned on his heels and started to make his way towards the direction of the warehouse. He had no doubt that Athrun Zala would be attempting to escape using that newly accquired unit of 'Gouf', he had to stop them.
Knowing that the two newly manufactured units were superb in terms of power and speed, Rey took out the walkie-talkie that he had on himself and proceeded to notify the guards situated within the warehouse - to get the two units ready for action.
During which process, Shinn whom was about to head for dinner - had been called back by the guards on duty. Curiosity gaining the best of him, Shinn had ventured back only to hear the sound of Rey commanding the guards to get the two units ready for launch.
"Rey? Why? What happened? Why the sudden need to get the two units for launch? " Shinn blurted out, his eyes reflecting utter bewilderment.
"Shinn, no time to explain. We are going after a spy whom had stolen one of the 'Gouf' unit and was now attempting to make his escape ... " Rey summarized, as he ran towards the direction of the warehouse.
"Huh? Spy? Since when did the task of catching the spy befalls on us? " Shinn could not help but asked, as that was usually the job of the lower ranking officers.
"Shinn, this spy was no ordinary person. The spy we are going after - right now ... just happened to be Athrun Zala. " Rey concluded, just as he stepped within the warehouse.
Throwing the walkie talkie towards the guards standing guard outside the warehouse, Rey made a bee-line for the 'Legend'. Seeing as the guards on duty had already double-checked the status and had configured the system for him - all Rey needed to do now, was to start the engine.
Once settled within the cockpit of the 'Legend', Rey established an internal connection with the 'Destiny' before linking up with the Chairman's office.
"Chairman ... " Rey started, only to have Gilbert Durandul cutting him off with a nod. "I know, I've heard already ... "
"Reporting Sir, the venue where the alarm was triggered had been located! It's from the room of Meyrin Hawke, a fellow Minerva crew member. " One of the officers in charge of tracking the alarm, reported with respect.
Talia Gladys, whom had been within the same room as the Chairman and several other officers had been shock. However, before she could react - there was another stunning piece of news being dropped upon them. There had been report of their utmost secret operation plan, the 'Ragnarok' had been hacked into.
"One could not hacked into the official system of the ZAFT Forces that easily ... However, if they were to have the help of an expert in such areas ... " Someone was saying, before the Chairman shifted his attention back to Rey.
"Rey, did you happened to see Meyrin anywhere - just now? " The Chairman asked, sounding concern.
Rey replied, matter-of-factly. "She's with Athrun Zala ... even at this point of time as we speak. "
The Chairman appeared to be in deep thoughts, before asking. "Was there any signs of her being held hostage by Athrun Zala? "
"No ... according to what I'd witness earlier on - it would seemed that Meyrin had agreed to leave with Athrun Zala willingly. Athrun had held his hand out to her, and she had accepted without hesitation. " Rey responded, with respect.
There was a pause, before Rey spoke up - again. "Sir, I request the authority to shoot them down - if they refused to surrender. "
The Chairman pretended to weigh his options for a minute, before nodding and said. "Permission granted. "
"Thank you, Sir! " With that, Rey disconnected the link between the 'Legend' and the Chairman's office.
During which period of time, Shinn Asuka whom had the honour of listening in to the conversation between Rey and the Chairman through the 'Destiny' shared channel with the 'Legend' was in shock. First, Rey told him that Athrun Zala was the spy - then now, Meyrin was involved. Just what exactly was going on ? He could not helped but wondered, as he followed Rey's example of setting out towards the direction where the 'Gouf' was last seen heading towards.
GMT: 18 40 hours
Venue: ORB Union, Akatsuki Island - Archangel
Lunamaria Hawke paced about her living quarters on board of the Archangel uneasily, she had been feeling exceptionally jittery - the whole of today. Ever since morning, her eyelid had been twitching uncontrollably. Not that she was being superstitious, but the fact remains that her gut feeling had always turned out right. Hence, her uneasiness was not exactly unfounded.
The last time she had felt this way, was during the Armoury One incident. Soon after, the three alliance 'Extended' pilots had turned up and stole the three newly manufactured units - 'Gaia'; 'Chaos' and the 'Abyss' after killing all the personnels involved. The only exception being herself, but that was only because Auel's subconscious had wanted her to live.
Then again, it was because of her uneasy feelings that arises that very fateful morning - that resulted in her heading towards the exact warehouse where she met up with Auel again, after ten years of separation. Otherwise, she could still be on board of the Minerva - instead of the Archangel, now.
Just then, the door leading to her room opened up to admit the entry of the brown-haired CIC officer of the Archangel - Miriallia Haww. The sudden entrance of Miriallia startled Lunamaria badly, but the redhead managed to keep her reaction hidden and under control. It would do no good for the others' to think her - timid, and cowardly.
"Erm ... Ms. Hawke, news from Colonel Kisaka had came in ... and Kira told me to get you - for somehow it concerns your younger sister ... " Miriallia started, sounding awfully formal - for she was not exactly sure of how she should be treating the fellow Coordinator.
Upon hearing Miriallia's words, Lunamaria felt her stomach drop to its' pit. A very bad feeling was starting to get to her, while she sincerely hoped that the news that concern her younger sister was nothing tragical. It was bad enough that she had lose her mother to the 'Bloody Valentine' event, then followed by her father's death from heart failure. If anything bad were to happen to her younger sister, now - Lunamaria had no idea just how on earth was she going to get through the shock, this time around.
Arriving at the bridge, Lunamaria took in her surrounding in details. Whatever news that was being send in today, must have been something relatively important to the crew. Since, literally each and every crew members had been gathered on the bridge. Even Kira, whom was still recovering from his wounds received during the battle with the 'Impulse' - a few days ago.
"What is it ? " Lunamaria eventually managed to ask, when she noticed all eyes being centered upon her.
"... " The blonde princess seemed to be just as oblivious as Lunamaria, for she - too had just arrived on the bridge.
Sharing a look between themselves, Captain Ramius took a deep breath and said. "Kisaka had send in news that Athrun Zala was currently on the run from the ZAFT Forces ... The reason was unknown, but the official address being given to the general public of the Gibraltar territory - was that Athrun Zala had been caught spying on them. "
A sharp gasp from the blonde representative was heard, but before the said blonde could start reacting. The Captain continued on her speech, "That's not all ... apparently, Athrun Zala had an accomplice in his spying activities ... and that accomplice was a fellow CIC officer on board of the Minerva ... "
With that said, both the Captain and Kira glances over to where Lunamaria had been standing. Unlike the blonde princess of ORB, Lunamaria's reaction had been calm and collected.
"It's Meyrin ... isn't it? The so-called accomplice of Athrun Zala ... It had to be Meyrin, else I would not be notify of the situation ... " Lunamaria stated, matter-of-factly.
There was no signs of emotions being shown on Lunamaria's features, nothing could be seen from the seventeen year old facial expressions - too. Since, there was nothing but a cool mask of nonchalance.
"Luna? " Auel started, hesitantly. A frown marring his features, as he tried to figure out the fellow Coordinator's thoughts.
Lunamaria, though - ignored the pale-haired 'Extended' concern for herself, instead she turned towards Kira and asked. "Was that all that was being related? What about their current situation or status ? "
Kira shakes his head, before answering. "That was all that we received for the time-being, for all we know - they could have escaped already ... Until Kisaka notify us of the outcome - we would have no ways of knowing things out there ... "
Lunamaria nodded, understanding Kira's point - perfectly. There was nothing they could be doing now to help the situation, anyway. The Archangel was completely powerless right now, the damage taken during the last battle with the Minerva had been drastic. The repairing work was still in progress, and according to what the technicians and the engineers report - the repair would take another two or three weeks to complete. Depending on the manpower available, as well as the stocks of their resources left in the underground facility.
"Escape ... maybe ... if they're lucky enough. Though, I'll say - that would be hardly impossible ... Knowing Rey and Shinn ... a battle between them would be inevitable. Granted if Athrun still had his saviour, the chance of escaping unharmed would be higher ... but the Savior had been rendered completely useless by the 'Freedom' back then.
The chances of them making their escape using one of those mass-produced units was the highest - whereas, Shinn and Rey would no doubt be using their custom units ... The possibility of Athrun Zala escaping without harm - would be downright impossible. Especially, if he had my sister with him as a tag-a-long ... " Lunamaria commented, eventually - with a dash of irony.
"What makes you so certain that Athrun would had your sister together with him ? " The blonde representative could not help but asked, though Lunamaria thought she could sensed an underlying hint of jealousy from the former's words.
Lunamaria Hawke looked at the blonde for a spilt second, before answering matter-of-factly. "First of all, according to Mr. Kisaka's words - the two of them were currently on the run from ZAFT Forces. Secondly, my sister was a fellow CIC officer of the Minerva - not a pilot like myself. If Athrun was not with her, how on earth did they managed to get away from the base ? Especially, considering the tight security about the Headquarters - how could one get away without the use of Mobile Suits? "
There was a significant pause while Lunamaria waited for everyone to absorb her words, before adding on. "Besides, Athrun Zala would never leave Meyrin behind - now that the ZAFT Forces was treating her as his fellow accomplice. After all, leaving a damsel in distress behind was hardly a honorable thing to do - for a gentleman like Athrun Zala.
Last but not least, Athrun had known us since we were still in diapers - the least he could do was to keep my sister safe and sound. Otherwise, he would find himself having trouble answering to me! " Lunamaria finished her explanation, solemnly.
Towards the end of Lunamaria's reasonings and explanations, the listeners' reactions was really an amusing sight to watch. Kira, whom already knew about the family history between the Zala's and the Hawkes' only smiled in understanding, whereas Cagalli was openly gaping. Auel, in the meantime, was throwing Lunamaria a look of annoyance - probably because she had never told him about it. The rest of the Archangel crew had their eyes widen in surprise, before recovering themselves.
"But ... but I thought your sister was just an old friend whom Athrun knew from his schooling years? " Cagalli questioned, still in disbelief.
"... " Lunamaria glances over at Kira, wondering why the former had never informed the blonde about what he knew from Athrun - back in their childhood days. However, all Kira did was to shrug in response before smiling innocently at her.
"Ms. Cagalli, that too - was true ... In fact, Athrun; myself; Meyrin and Kira went to the same school back in Copernius City situated on the Moon, about ten years ago. So, Athrun's claim of Meyrin being an old school friend was true as well ... but the fact remains that we practically knew him from the moment we were being born into the world.
Our mothers' were very close friends, and they were colleagues as well - therefore, when the 'Bloody Valentine' incident happened ... they were both on 'Junius 7'. That was when we started to lose contact with one another, but prior to the Junius 7 tragedy ... Our families were so close that, sometimes our mothers' allowed us to sleepover at one another's place. " Lunamaria recalled, as memories from her childhood days flooded her mind.
"Those were the days ... " Lunamaria mused, before excusing herself from the bridge. "Let me know when there's updates' on the situation ... I'll be in my room, for the whole of today ... "
~ to be continued~
Date started: 18/08/08
Date completed: 19/08/08
Date edited: 20/08/08