File 49 – Intent of Allies
The Kusanagi finishes its final docking in Earth's Orbit. The Justice and Freedom maintain careful watch over the area.
Murrue stares at Kisaka on monitor. Mu stood behind her. "What about Cagalli?"
He sighs, "She's relaxed a bit now, but… I'm sure her mind is all over the place. Miss Irmgard-Marlis has been staying close to her side."
Murrue nods and furrows her brow as she glances aside, "And how is she?"
Kisaka nods, "Much better than Cagalli. She's being as resilient as ever."
Murrue closes her eyes.
Kisaka sighs, "At least with their shared loss Cagalli's stopped crying for now."
Rena stands in the hallway outside Cagalli's room; she holds a mug of steaming tea as she stares out at the infinite stars. There was still such uneasiness about being back in space.
Flash. Projectiles fire forward from a mobile suit, concealed in shadows. The Freedom dodges but bits of it tear away. Back.
Rena blinks and shakes the images from her mind. She turns her back to the darkness and moves over to the doorway.
Cagalli sits on a bed inside the room. She looks forward in a daze but glances over at Rena as she enters.
The Freedom and Justice dock alongside the Astray aboard the Kusanagi. Both Kira and Athrun kick free and head over to the personnel section. They change out of their flight suits and enter the main hallways.
Cagalli sits silently sipping her tea. Rena sits next to her.
"Cagalli?" Kira's voice comes on through the radio outside.
Cagalli rises.
Outside Kira glances over at Athrun. The door slides open.
Rena rises to greet them. She smiles sadly at him.
He furrows his brow, "Ren… I'm…"
She holds her finger to her lips, "I'm fine…" She turns to Cagalli who sat on the bed silently.
Kira enters the room. Athrun hangs back in the doorway. Rena stays next to him.
"Cagalli?" Kira floats over.
She looks up at him and begins to sob again; she leaps up, crashing against his chest and pushing him back slightly.
Athrun furrows his brow and glances over at Rena. She wipes some tears from her cheeks, trying not to be noticed. She catches Athrun's gaze. He wraps his arm around her. She turns to accept his embrace and rests her head against his chest.
Kira notices and furrows his brow he turns back to Cagalli and places a hand on her head.
Athrun lowers his head and holds even more tightly to Rena.
A small shuttle leaves the Archangel. Murrue and Mu as pilot, inside.
Mu sighs, "But… the problems begin now."
She nods, "Yes."
Inside the Kusanagi, Kisaka leads Murrue and Mu down a hallway.
"The Kusanagi was originally used as a communications ship with Heliopolis." He glances back as them as he explains, "It is equipped with a mobile suit application system and weapons but… it's not at the level of the Archangel."
Murrue spots Asagi and the others waving to them as they pass.
Mu stares back at the group but then looks up at Kisaka, "You divide it into five parts and those on board only need to commute between the central areas? That's pretty efficient."
They reach the bridge.
Murrue catches herself at the communication station, "It resembles the Archangel."
Mu comes around the other side.
Kisaka smiles, "It's the Archangel that resembles this. It was Morgenroete that developed both, after all." He glances over, "Can you bring up the map?"
Murrue glances around.
"Yes."
She gasps and glances over.
Erica nods at her.
Mu glances over, "Chief Erica Simmons?'
She smiles at him, "Hello, Major. They're not used to operating the M1's in space." She turns back to her computer, "They'd have a hard time without me."
She brings up a map monitor right next to Mu. He glances over at it. Murrue crosses over.
Kisaka elaborates, "This is where we are currently." He kicks over, "As you know Plant is at L-5 and Artemis is at L-3."
Cagalli dries off her face. She looks up at the mirror, freshly showered and changed into ORB civilian attire. The picture floats by behind her. She catches it and stares at it once again.
Her father's voice plays in her mind, This may be farewell with your father but you are not alone. You have a brother.
She flips the picture over again to look at the names.
"Cagalli are you ok?" Kira leans against the doorway outside.
Cagalli glances over, "Yeah, I'll be right out."
She tucks the picture in her pocket and exits. Both Kira and Athrun peered over at her.
Cagalli glances around, "uh… Verena?"
Kira nods, "She said she'd be right back."
Athrun glances over at Cagalli. "Did you want me to go get her?"
Cagalli shakes her head, "No… its fine. She'll meet us on the bridge later."
Murrue glances over, "With the Colony cluster at L-4?"
Kisaka glances over, "For now, Kusanagi or Archangel should have enough resources, but the supply is not infinite."
Cagalli floats into the bridge.
Murrue glances over at her. "Water will especially pose a problem."
Kira and Athrun stand back while Kisaka continues.
"The colony cluster at L-4 has been destroyed since the beginning of the war. They were abandoned one by one, and are now deserted. They will be useful as water sources."
Rena, lying down on her bed in her room, stares upward at the ceiling. She replays her last conversation with her father, over and over in her mind. She furrows her brow, Following my heart? She sits up.
"It'll be a good place to get water from."
Murrue furrows her brow, "It reminds me of old times."
Mu crosses his arms and glances back, "It's ok. It's different from Junius 7."
Athrun speaks up, "There are still a few active colonies within L-4."
Kisaka and Cagalli turn to stare at him, as do Murrue and Mu.
"A long time ago after receiving information about a suspicious group residing here, ZAFT came here to research the area. There may be no residents, but there should be a few colonies that have their facilities running."
Kira looks forward at the rest, "Then it's decided, right?"
Cagalli nods and smiles. Kisaka looks back at him.
Mu furrows his brow and turns to Athrun, "Yes, but… are you sure you're okay with this?"
Athrun glances up at Mu.
"And not just you but this question is intended for the other ZAFT soldier as well."
Murrue gasps, "Major?"
Elsewhere, Kojiro and Dearka consult over the Buster.
"I saw you fight at Orb and your actions spoke for themselves. But I can't help noticing the uniform you're wearing. And depending on how things progress there's a chance that we could be fighting against ZAFT."
Rena enters and pauses at the door.
Mu continues, "It's not like what happened in Orb."
Kira glances back at Athrun. Athrun furrows his brow sternly.
Mu does as well, "Are you prepared for all that?"
Murrue glances over at Mu.
Cagalli grits her teeth and glares at him.
Mu continues, "You're Patrick Zala's son aren't you?"
Cagalli speaks up, "Why should it matter whose son he is? Athrun is…"
Mu glares at her, cutting her off, "Abandoning one's own forces is a lot more serious than you might imagine you know."
Kira glances from Mu to the doorway. He glances aside and notices that Rena had already crossed to Athrun's side and was holding onto his arm. Kira smiles at her, even though he was a bit jealous of their closeness.
"Not only that. Imagine your own father being in charge of the nation."
Athrun glances downward. Rena furrows her brow and strokes his arm. Athrun glances over at her and lays his hand onto hers gripping her hand. Kira watches at the two of them.
"Unless you believe in your sides' cause you can't possibly fight a war. It's not so simple when you turn that belief around. Unlike Kira or Verena for that matter, he's officially a ZAFT soldier."
Rena glances over at Mu.
Kira looks forward and down.
Mu glances back at Athrun, "I hate to force this on you…"
Athrun glances over at him.
"But if we fight together can I rely on you? Well? Can I?"
The room is silent as everyone stares at Mu and Athrun.
Athrun finally speaks, "While at ORB… no, even in Plant and on Earth, I saw, heard, and thought many things."
He glances over at Rena. "But what is right and what is wrong? What do I understand? And what don't I understand?" He glances back at Mu.
Kira smiles back at him.
Athrun stood seriously, "Even now, I still don't have an answer to these basic questions."
He glances at Rena again, "But the one thing I'm sure of… is that the world I hope for is the same world that you people hope for. We all have the same hopes."
Rena gasps.
Kira smiles at her.
Athrun looks forward, "Right now that's how I feel."
Mu tilts his head and smiles, "You're very strong-minded."
Murrue glances back at him.
"Nothing like Kira."
Kira glances at Mu his eyes wide and then smiles back at Athrun.
Rena smiles, "He's always been like that."
Kira stares at her and nods, "Since we were kids, the both of you."
Rena crosses forward to Kira's side and smiles up at him. She slides her hand into his and squeezes it. Kira gasps and holds onto it, smiling back at her.
Athrun glances over and smiles at them.
Mu sighs, "The responsibilities Orb has entrusted us with are enormous."
Murrue turns to Mu, "Yes."
Mu tilts his head, "And…" He sighs, "We've only got these two vessels. Frankly it's impossible."
She nods, "You're right."
Mu glances over at the others, "But you're still okay with this, are you?"
Athrun's eyes widen and he glances forward. He gasps when he notices Cagalli staring intently at him. She blushes and glances away.
Kira nods, "We have faith. Even if it's small, a bright light will not disappear, right?"
Murrue and Mu smile.
Athrun speaks up, "There are people Plant, who think the same way."
Kira glances back.
Rena tilts her head, "Lacus Clyne."
"Yes."
Mu stares over, "That pink haired princess?"
Kira glances over, "She's Athrun's fiancée."
Cagalli glances over, her eyes wide.
Athrun glances down, "She's currently being sought after, as a traitor. By my father."
Rena gasps, "What?" She furrows her brow, "And Isamu?"
Athrun glances over, "Him as well… it seems that my father knew about him all along. They've been unable to find them but they're searching."
Rena gasps.
Back at Plant, Lacus' voice is broadcast.
"What did we look forward to and advance toward? What was it that we wanted?"
Soldiers rush around startling the civilians as they search for her.
"Even today our loved ones are dying on the battlefield."
They enter a room set up with radio transmission equipment.
"How long must we live in this tragic state of sadness. We must end this struggle…"
The captain raises his gun shooting at the equipment and ending the transmission.
Isamu opens his eyes and glances aside at the radio at his bedside, "Lacus?"
Lenne crosses to his bedside, "Isamu?"
Isamu sits up, his chest bandaged. He winces in pain as he attempts to climb from the bed.
Lenne stops him, "You shouldn't move your wounds haven't healed yet."
He stares at her, "I don't care, I promised Lacus I'd…"
Lenne furrows her brow.
Patrick Zala comes on the radio, "Please do not be fooled by what Lacus Clyne has to say. She is a traitor who has allied herself with the Earth Military and given away our military secrets. Nobody prefers to fight…"
Lenne shuts the radio off.
Isamu stares at her.
"We haven't been able to keep in contact with Lt. DaCosta or Lacus in a couple days but you shouldn't worry yourself. She's in capable hands."
Isamu stares forward, "Things are falling apart. We planned it so well." He furrows his brow and clenches his fists, "Damn it."
Soldiers move in on a safe house and open fire. A soldier is hit and falls backward. Another pair of other soldiers guards Siegel. They move into the hallway to escape but are caught by the fire of the ZAFT troops. Without even given a chance the soldiers open fire on Siegel, killing him.
Isamu could hear Patrick's voice coming from the next room
"Who else is here?"
She stares at him, "No one you would know. He's an old friend of mine."
Isamu moves to get up again. Lenne tries to stop him but he pushes her aside.
"Just leave me alone."
Lenne shakes her head, "Isamu?"
Isamu heads down the hallway and down the stairs into a darkened room. He pauses and stares at the TV monitor and Patrick in his press conference.
"Defeat will only result in a future even darker than our past."
A man seated in a wheelchair watches the report and takes a sip from his coffee. He glances over his shoulder, "So you're finally awake."
Isamu crosses over.
"Would you like a cup? It's my own special blend."
Isamu gasps, "You?"
Lacus broadcasts from another location, "We and the people of Earth are brethren." She sits at a desk talking into a microphone. "Coordinators are not 'separately evolved beings'. Even with the reform of marriage regulations… fewer children are being born into our world. We are unable to build toward our future. How is that an advanced species?"
Outside the house DaCosta heads over cautiously making sure he isn't being followed. He enters.
Patrick sits at his desk. A pair of soldiers briefs him. He places his hands together, "Is that so?"
Lacus' radio message plays.
He glares at her image on the monitor, "But the daughter is still alive. How long do you people plan to allow ludicrous broadcasts like these to air?"
DaCosta enters Lacus' room. "Risking the future by losing our loved ones to the fighting, do you really think that happiness will be found at the end of that?"
Down at Carpentaria, Rau, Yzak, along with a few other soldiers and Flay watch, one of Patrick's announcements.
"Even if it's painful, we must fight! And look towards a shining, peaceful…"
Rau leans forward and shuts the monitor off. He rises.
Everyone turns to him.
"The Chairman seems to be having a hell of a time." He starts toward the door, "Although I can't imagine that has anything to do with his orders to bring us back."
Yzak stares at him, "However I have a problem believing that she's a traitor."
Rau pauses just in front of Flay, "Clyne's followers are using her for those exact reasons." He turns to face Yzak, "Many refuse to believe she'd do no wrong. But how could you allow yourselves to be tricked too?"
Flay stares at him with awe.
He continues, "The battlefield is a place where the ideals of many people clash against those of others. Never lose sight of what you're fighting'" He turns, "Don't be mistaken." He heads off. Yzak stares after him saying nothing.
The transmission ends.
Lacus sighs and glances over at DaCosta, "It looks like we'll have to move again."
He nods, "Yes, I'm very sorry."
She shakes her head, "No, I'm perfectly fine." She rises and runs her hands through her hair. "Any new information?" She passes by.
DaCosta briefs her, "Victoria and Orb were attacked by the Earth Military, Orb's mass-driver has been destroyed and Victoria's has been confiscated."
She turns to him, "I heard that a large number of ZAFT troops were deployed to Victoria."
He nods, "It seems as though even Earth is utilizing their new mobile suits now."
She turns to her cloak, "Is that so? It looks as if we'll have to hurry as well." She takes the cloak in her hand, "Any word from Isamu?"
DaCosta gasps and shakes his head, "No… and my sources haven't indicated that he's been captured or… so he must be in hiding."
Lacus ties her cloak on and smiles, "Of course. He'll come to us soon. He promised he would return."
Outside men load up a truck with crates. DaCosta leads Lacus out with a pair of bodyguards. His cell phone rings.
He answers, "Hello? What is it?"
Lacus looks over his shoulder.
"What? Siegel sama?"
She gasps.
Down at the Victoria base, Earth troops secure the area, killing any surviving ZAFT troops. Some personnel jets fly over head.
"Well, well how exceptional." Azrael sat next to Colonel Sutherland, "Quite impressive Colonel."
He glances over, "It's nothing. It's the result of the outstanding performance of the Strike squads."
The plane starts its landing, "I'm assuming that you had a tough time in Orb only because of the "unexpected" unit, correct?"
A few cargo jets also land.
Azrael and the Colonel head into a jeep, "There are still too many problems we must face. Considering we attacked them with the Calamity, Raider, and Forbidden. I never expected to have that much difficulty."
A cargo gate opens revealing the three suits.
Azrael stares forward and frowns, "Orb is truly a wicked nation. What were they thinking?"
Sutherland glances over, "They were probably planning for a diplomatic solution and to count their losses. It's a cowardly nation."
The jeep heads toward a large building, "I understand a lot of their technology came from Plant, actually… it's possible that those to machines were made by ZAFT."
Azrael stares forward, "Anyway, we need to come up with something." He glances over at Sutherland, "Can we get our hands on them?"
The three suits step off the cargo jet.
"So that's the reason you're going to space?"
Azrael glances sideways at Sutherland, "I can't help but think that those machines could be running on nuclear power,"
Sutherland gasps, "Are you serious?"
The car comes to a stop and Azrael exits, "I don't have positive proof, but… but that kind of power is impossible with existing energies."
Sutherland climbs out next to him, "Well the N-Jammer is something that the Coordinators made, after all."
The three suits fly over head and land behind the building.
Sutherland enters, "I'm sure that they're able to make something that can nullify it as well, but if it's true then we're in a dangerous situation."
Azrael smirks, "Well now, are you doubting my National Defense Industrial Alliance Director position?"
The three suits climb into a shuttle.
Sutherland scoffs, "No of course not."
The two climb into the shuttle, "We are weak organisms to begin with. An animal with strong fangs needs to be kept securely in its cage. If you don't then, it'll become dangerous."
The pilots exit their cockpits.
"It's kind of uncertain, now that they are roaming free in space."
Azrael glares down at him, "I'm off to subjugate them." The shuttle's thrusters fire off and the shuttle shoots up the mass-driver.
Cagalli heads through the hallways of the Kusanagi. Elsewhere, the Astray girls work on their individual suits. Kira discusses the suit with one of the girls. Rena floats in front of the Revenant as techs finish attaching the last of the fins.
Athrun floats next to an observation window. He thought deeply of the situation at hand and the words Uzumi said about Murata Azrael and also his own father's maniacal tendencies. He closes his eyes and glances downward.
"Athrun?"
He glances aside just as Kira heads in, his helmet in his hand. Kira grabs onto a bar for support. The door slides open behind him and Rena comes through, she pulls her off helmet as well.
Kira smiles back at her, "How's the Revenant?"
Rena sighs and kicks past him and catches herself on a couch nearby, "It's finally complete, if that's what you mean. I just can't believe how advanced it's become." She glances at Athrun and furrows her brow, noticing the pain in his eyes, "Athrun?"
He smiles at her.
Kira nods, "It looks like everything done here, so let's go back to the Archangel."
Athrun tilts his head. Rena glances over at him and furrows her brow.
Kira shrugs, "Well, it doesn't really matter where we are, but they have more than enough M1's here, so…"
Athrun glances downward.
Rena kicks toward him and catches herself on his shoulders, "Athrun? What is it?"
Kira gasps.
Athrun glances over at him and smiles, "I'm fine. Really…"
The door slides open and Cagalli peers in, "Kira?"
Athrun and Rena stare at her as she catches herself on the bar.
"Do you have a second?"
Athrun stares at her and then turns to go, "Oh, I'll just go, Rena?" He takes her hand.
Cagalli closes her eyes but then looks up, "Wait…" Cagalli crosses and takes Athrun's arm, "It's ok, don't go…"
Rena glances at her and then Athrun. She smiles slightly.
Cagalli stares at him, "No, stay here… the two of you." She releases Athrun and crosses over to Kira. She grips the same bar as him.
Athrun floats back. Rena comes around his side and steadies herself against him. Both stare at Cagalli.
Kira tilts his head, "What is it Cagalli?"
She glances back at Rena and Athrun but then nervously reaches in her pocket and pulls the photo out. She hands it to him, "This…"
Kira glances down, "A picture? Who is this?"
Athrun and Rena come in for a closer look as well.
Cagalli looks downward, "Look at the back."
Kira flips it over.
Athrun and Rena peer over his shoulder, Rena's eyes widen.
Kira gasps. He stares at the two names, "Cagalli?" It becomes clear to him and he glances over at her wide-eyed as does Athrun.
Cagalli continues to look downward, "I got it from my father, when the Kusanagi was launching." Tears brim in her eyes. "You're not alone. You have a brother. He said that." She looks up at an astonished Kira. She grabs onto Athrun's arm for support.
Athrun glances at Kira. He stares forward, a look of shock and confusion on his face.
Rena floats over and places a hand on his arm. Cagalli stares forward.
Kira stares at the picture, "I don't…. No way…" His eyes start to quiver. He turns the picture around and then looks at Cagalli again.
Athrun glances from one to the other, "Twins?" He looks over at Rena; she stares forward not knowing what to say.
The Earth shuttle reaches orbit. Azrael taps his finger on his leg glances aside. Sutherland sat back in his chair glances over as well. Crot was into handheld video game as Orga seated one seat apart from him read from a book. In a row behind Shani jams to some music through his earphones. Azrael watches the other shuttles moving in space beside them.
A ZAFT shuttle prepares to take off.
"It's been awhile since you've been home, hasn't it Yzak?" Rau held onto his brief case moves to sit, "Go see your family and put their minds at ease."
Yzak walks up the aisle behind Flay.
Rau opens and overhead hatch and places his bag up.
Yzak glances over at Flay, "Hurry up and sit down."
She gasps and frightened crosses to the seat next to Rau. She stares down at him before taking the seat next to him.
Yzak glares over at her and smugly takes a seat across the aisle and a row behind them. Flay glances nervously over at him her hands clasped in her lap.
Rau smiles, "There's no need to be afraid."
She gasps and glances over at Rau.
"You'll be safe as long as you're by my side."
She lightens up a bit.
"I'll protect you no matter what." He smiles at her, "So be calm, Flay."
She sees her father in him, It's ok Flay. She loosens up and sits back.
Yzak stares at her with the same look.
The shuttle speeds down the runway and takes to the sky. Afraid by the turbulence of launch Flay clings to Rau's shoulder and arm, her eyes closed. Rau glances down at her and smiles.
The Freedom, Justice, and Revenant prepare to launch from the Kusanagi. Kira activates the suits systems. Athrun does the same as does Rena. Cagalli watches them from the observation room.
Flash. Kira speaks, "I'm not exactly sure what to think with just this…"
Athrun glances at Cagalli, "Who is this person holding the children?"
Cagalli shakes her head. Tears fill her eyes, "I can't believe that we're brother and sister. Then, I'm…"
Athrun and Kira gasp.
Rena moves forward and crosses to her side, "Cagalli? Don't worry so much about it."
Kira smiles, "Rena's right and besides. You won't get answers if you worry about it now, Cagalli."
Rena stares at him. She could tell he was only acting as unconcerned as he appeared. Cagalli looks up at him.
Kira continues, "And even if it's true, no matter what Uzumi san was your father. That fact won't ever change."
Cagalli furrows her brow, "Kira?" Her tears fall away like sparkles. Back.
Kira stares ahead on his monitor at Cagalli, standing at the observation window.
"Kira?"
Kira glances over.
Athrun stares at him from a monitor, "Wouldn't it be better to stay with her?"
Kira shakes his head, "No, I think she'd be stressed out if I stayed around."
Athrun looks down, "I see…"
Rena glances downward just listening.
Warning alarms sound as the three suits prepare to exit. One by one they float out. Kira glances downward in thought. The Revenant blasts up next to it.
"Kira?"
He glances over, "Ren?"
She glances aside, "I… never mind."
He opens his mouth to say something but the Justice comes up beside the Freedom, it's hand falls onto its shoulder, "Kira? When we return to the Archangel do you think you could you borrow a shuttle?"
Kira tilts his head, "Athrun?"
Rena boosts in front of the both of them, "Athrun? You're not considering…"
He smiles over at her, "I've been thinking it over and for now I'm going to return to Plant."
Kira gasps.
Rena nods, "To talk with Patrick?"
Athrun nods, "Yes. I think I should have a sincere talk with him. Definitely…" He falls silent.
Kira sighs, "But, Athrun…"
Athrun glances over at him, "I know, but he's my father."
Rena nods, "Athrun?"
He glances at her, "I won't let you stop…"
She nods, "I want to go with you."
Kira gasps as does Athrun.
"You and I together, I'm sure he'll listen."
Athrun shakes his head, "No…"
She stares firmly at him, "There's much I put at stake, in creating those suits that the two of you pilot. He should be open-minded to that fact. I want the chance to speak with him as well. Athrun…"
Athrun stares at her and then nods.
Kira furrows his brow. The thought of her going back to Plant made him nervous. But at least Athrun would be at her side. He stares at her and then Athrun, "Ok. I'll ask Murrue."
Athrun glances down, "Thank you." He glances at Rena, she smiles at him.
The docking gate opens for the three suits.
"Second transport unit, stand by for landing sequence."
The shuttle converges on the Moon Base.
"Team B will transport the fifth vessel fleet quickly. The 22nd Transportation fleet will stand by in orbit."
A shuttle comes to a landing just in front of the Dominion.
"The M-11 development team will support the work at F-pad. That's right; our main priority is the departure of the Dominion."
The doors to a room slide open and Natarle enters. She salutes, "Seventh mobile Fleet… Major Natarle Badgiruel, awaiting your orders."
The Colonel rises, "I hereby assign you, Major Natarle Badgiruel, as the Captain of the Archangel class, second ship, Dominion."
Natarle stands at attention a determined look on her face.
