Spectre: Another day, another chapter! Well this took me a while. I'm not much of fan of using a lot of OCs for stories, so I decided to import some characters from the MSV Astray series. The characters of Mare Strode, Riika Sheder and Courtney Heirominus were from the Astray manga, and expect some to appear later onto the story.
Chapter 11: The 8th Fleet
Lights flashed in orbit of Earth, lights that quickly merged into the hulls of a large number of Earth Alliance ships. A single Agamemnon escorted by several Drakes and Nelsons all floated together, the 8th Fleet of the Atlantic Federation. The Archangel, Law and the Montgomery turned and flared their engines, matching the velocity of the approaching fleet.
Aboard the ship, the crew and passengers breathed a collective sigh of relief at that. They had finally reached a safe destination, after spending so much time running from ZAFT. Kira basically buried himself in the work he was doing on the Mobius Zero and its mass-produced counterparts while Setsuna was currently modifying the Strike's OS in order to suit Kira's fighting style.
Along the way, he scrolled through the datapad regarding the Alliance's military. And as a whole, their equipment made Katharon look like experts compared to them. From his analysis, a single GINN could potentially destroy a single Nelson or Drake depending on a pilot and its Moebius Armors, with the exception of Mu's Zero, almost seemed as they're made for target practice for ZAFT pilots and it takes five of them to take down a single GINN. All in all, the Alliance were fighting a war they couldn't win because of their own equipment unless they introduce new ones that could counter ZAFT's advancing tech.
Funny enough, he still had one of his flashdrives containing the data of the Enact, Tieren and the Union Flag, but he shook his head at the thought.
"You're doing a great job down there kid," Mu complimented Kira from the top of the Zero's cockpit, "I don't like when its damaged, but you're doing a hell of a job fixing that up."
Kira shrugged, well barely due to the crammed cockpit, "Better than spending time on the Strike.", he said before looking up at the Strike. "Are you all right in there, Setsuna?"
"I'm all right", he answered, though he didn't pay attention truthfully. "I'm almost done some modifications at the Strike's OS"
Mu then spoke up, "Now that we've reached the Fleet, you're going to be leaving aren't you?"
The question struck Kira silent. Sure he wanted to leave as soon as they reached the fleet, since Setsuna could take the role at protecting the ship but it could be possible that he would leave as well, due to the fact that he was not affiliated with the military either but Kira owed the ship that much at keeping them safe too, and he couldn't leave them, behind. Thankfully, Murdoch deflected the question by asking abut the Strike.
"What are we going to do with that thing anyway?" the head mechanic mused, "Not like anyone else can fly it anymore."
"But if we reset the specs, it's not going tp end well out there," Mu pointed out.
That drew everyone's attention, and they all looked over at the mobile suit Kira had piloted since fleeing Heliopolis. They had all but forgotten that it was impossible for any Natural to pilot it, the OS had been so heavily tailored to Kira's specifications.
"Good point," said Mu, "never thought of that. But I'm not so sure we should return it to its original system, since that would reduce its performance."
Setsuna then came out of the cockpit and spoke out. "If there is someone else assigned, perhaps we can form a more efficient OS if Kira is going to leave"
"Well then, let's hope we can get someone who can pilot it as is," came Murrue's voice suddenly. Kira, Setsuna, Mu and Murdoch, who had all gathered around the Zero, looked up to catch sight of the captain floating towards them, a smile on her face.
"Captain?" asked Kira.
"Sorry to interrupt," said Murrue, landing on the Zero next to Kira. "I just wanted to have a chat with Kira and Setsuna."
"Huh?" Kira asked, bewildered while Setsuna was indifferent but Murrue chuckled slightly in response.
"Oh don't give me that suspicious look of yours," she said, "although, I can't really say that I blame you."
With a slight smile, Murrue pushed herself up from the Zero towards the catwalk in front of the Strike, the center of the trio of mobile weapons they had. Pushing off from the Zero themselves, Kira and Setsuna followed her, landing on the catwalk a moment later.
"I've hardly had a free moment," said Murrue, "so I could never find the time to really talk to the two of you and, well, I just wanted to thank you two properly this time."
Kira looked at her curiously.
"I'm well aware that I've put you two through a great deal of hardship," continued Murrue, "and I'm truly grateful for what you've done for us." Murrue bowed in thanks, to the surprise of Kira and Setsuna. "I put a lot on your shoulders, and made you give us your all. I can't thank you enough."
"Uh, it's alright," Kira replied, a little bit uncomfortable with this show of gratitude while Setsuna allowed a small smile at Kira's bashful nature. "Really, captain."
"I share the same sentiments as Yamato, here", Setsuna answered. "There is no need"
Murrue stood up and smiled at them. "The others may not actually say it to your face," she said, "but each of us is deeply grateful."
"The way things are going right now," she continued, suddenly changing the subject, "I imagine it will be hectic even on Earth. But best of luck." Murrue held out a hand to the two. They had proven to be a formidable duo and while Setsuna was a better pilot in his 00 Raiser, Kira managed to stand out because of the Gundam Meister acting as a Mentor to him.
For a moment, Kira just stared at Murrue's offered hand before reaching out and shaking it. Setsuna followed suit as he shook Murrue's hand, grateful for their help for him. This could be an opportunity to leave the ship and find a way to go back to Anno Domini, however there are more then a few problems along the way.
He couldn't trust anyone else outside the Archangel regarding Celestial Being's technology, and both the Alliance and ZAFT would go after him and his machine as a whole and he could vouch for them in keeping him out of the Alliance High Command's eye. Having GN technology on either side would cause dangerous results, the ESF being proof of it when Alejandro Corner leaked it to the government, and he couldn't imagine that secret societies inside ZAFT or the Alliance would do with this technology, just as what happened with the Innovades and A-Laws.
With a decision first-hand, Setsuna shook Murrue's hand as well, now knowing his next move.
"6th Division will be joining us shortly for the upcoming operation", Athrun informed his two teammates as he looked at the three Nazca-class warships along with three Laurasia-Class joining the Vesalius, Gamow, Ziegler andGalvani.
"They'd go this far?", muttered Nicol, though he wasn't surprised since they're going to face the entire 8th Fleet of the Alliance at that matter.
"If you recall the times where we got our asses handed to us, I'd say they had their reasons to" Dearka added. "We're gonna need the help we can get."
"The 6th Division flagship, Saint Vladimir is requesting communication sir,", the CO of the Gamow relayed to his Captain, where Zellman nodded in response
"Put them on screen," he ordered. Everyone turned their attention to the screen as the face of Grigory Markhov, and with a few other black uniforms.
"It's been while Admiral," Rau greeted to the elderly man aboard the Nazca, Saint Vladimir. "Hopefully, you're doing well"
"I could say the same for you, Le Creuset," Markhov formally replied, though his dislike to the man was somehow visible-he never trusted him. "Your tendencies to rush forward, in addition to your overconfidence nearly cost us aspiring pilots as a result"
"No need to be harsh, Admiral", Rau casually replied with a raised hand, as if he was speaking to an old friend. "Don't tell me you haven't got over Endymion Crate, have you?"
Markhov suppressed a scowl, barely holding off his anger that was quite noticeable to everyone watching him. "Personal matters aside, the Council had ordered me to assist and lead the joint operation against the new Earth Forces warship and their new machines. With that said, we will to meet with you in person aboard the Vladimir and to discuss our next strategy
Rau smirked in response with a salute. "As you wish, Admiral"
The senior officers of the Archangel, Law and the Montgomery, civilian volunteers, and George and Flay Allster were gathered in the hangar as a ship-to-ship shuttle from the Menelaos settled down on the floor of the hangar, though the hangar itself was without gravity, prompying Murdoch and the rest of the Archangel's mechanics to secure the shuttle.
Once secured, the shuttle hatch opened, and a well-built blond man with a mustache stepped out, wearing the white uniform of the Atlantic Federation, the rank insignia of a Rear Admiral on the collar of the uniform.
Duane Halberton, Admiral of the 8th Fleet and the architect of the G-Project.
All of the actual soldiers immediately paid attention and saluted the man
"You know," Halberton began as he floated down to the desk, "when I first heard of the collapse of Heliopolis, I was convinced that that was the end." Halberton grabbed Murrue's arms gently to stop his forward momentum and push them down slightly, indicating to Murrue that she should stand at east. "What a joy it is to see you people here."
"You do us a tremendous honor," Murrue sincerely replied before saluting again. "It's a pleasure to see you again sir."
Resigned now, Halberton returned the salute, and he and Murrue stood at ease.
"I was a bit worried when informed that you were engaged in a battle right before the rendezvous," he said, looking around them. "But given the reports, I'm quite delighted to hear that everyone is alright."
"Yes," Murrue confirmed. "Although our crew is inexperienced, they have managed to pull us through a great deal."
"So it would seem," Halberton agreed, looking at the others. Natarle stepped forward.
"Ensign Natarle Badgiruel," she introduced herself to him.
"I'm Lieutenant Mu La Flaga, of the 7th Orbital Fleet," Mu seconded with a salute.
And then a raven-haired blue uniform stepped in and saluted as well. "Commander Setsuna F. Seiei"
"Ah," said Halberton, moving over to stand before Setsuna as the three officers (Two if titular rank is not involved) stood at ease again. "We were fortunate indeed to have you with us." Halberton held out his hand, prompting Setsuna to shake it though he was inwardly uncomfortable since him being a commander was only titular and he wasn't sure when could he keep up with this act.
"It's an honor, Admiral," he said, glancing briefly at the volunteers. "They had done much for the safety of the ship, and I mean all of them, sir."
"Hm, yes, as I said, I read the report," Halberton said before looking over at the volunteers. "So, who do we have over here?" He knew well who they were, but felt it was best to maintain a certain air of formality.
"Sir, these are the students from Heliopolis," said Murrue. "They've been helping with the operation of the ship."
As she finished, Halberton moved forward, right past Natarle, Mu and Setsuna, heading over to the civilian group. He landed in front of them and smiled as he looked them over. He glanced at the Gundam Meister, where he felt that something wasn't right about him, considering he never had a sixth unit built and it is unlikely that special forces like Phantom Pain or Shadow Company would have made their own
"We've done some checking on the families of each one of you," he said, "and everyone seems to be safe."
"We'd like to extend our gratitude for your assistance during this crisis," he continued, smiling as the volunteers shared murmurs and looks of relief, "and I'd like to add my thanks as well."
"Uh, sir?" Hoffman, Halberton's executive officer and the captain of theMenelaos, intetjected. "We don't have much time."
"Right," Halberton said, turning his eyes back to the civillians. "I'd be delighted if later we have an opportunity to sit down together and have a talk,". He then turned away and left the hangar with Hoffman, Koopman, Monroe, Murrue, Natarle, Setsuna, Mu, and Allster.
A meeting aboard the Menelaos was underway as Captains Murrue, Koopman and Monroe sat along with the others. Mu, Setsuna, Natarle, and Foreign Minister Allster were present as well. Needless to say, some people aren't happy with the situation at hand.
"How could they resort to such extreme measures as destroying Heliopolis and Artemis?" Hoffman bitterly stated towards the Archangel's commanding officer. "All for the sake of this lone ship and a single G-machine…".
"You're forgetting that Commander Seiei's machine, codenamed 00 Raiser, wasn't part of the G-Project, and was made by special forces," Halberton interjected. "However his contributions and skill along with Ensign Yamato ensured that the crew was able to protect this ship and the Strike can be counted as a significant victory."
"It would seem that Alaska does not share that view," Hoffman calmly added.
"Bah," Halberton scoffed at the sentence. "What do they know about the realities of space combat? Lieutenant Ramius has understood all along what I've been trying to achieve." Murrue looked up, shocked at the praise. "Nothing in this matter warrants any concern."
Hoffman pulled out two sheets of paper, looking them over. "Moving on to the topic of the pilot," he said, "are we gonna forget all about them?" He put the papers on the desk, revealing them to be the reports on Kira.
"Kira Yamato only wanted to protect their friends," Murrue began. "That was the only reason he chose to be the Strike's pilot. ."
"Kira fought as hard as any of us, if not harder since he was fighting against his own people," theArchangel'sCaptain replied...inwardly sighing at the shout of indignation from Allster.
"WHAT?!" the man blurted out, "you mean to tell me this kid is a Coordinator! A Coordinator flying our G-Weapon?!"
Allster's outburst was met by a cold glare by his saviour, which sent shivers down his spine. "Is there a problem with that, Foreign Minister?", asked in a rather smooth but cold tone.
Mu, Natarle and Murrue then remembered. He is Kira's mentor and he wouldn't stand at hearing comments degrading his protegé.
"He's our enemy!" Allster replied like it was obvious.
"If he is the enemy as you speak, the how is it that he chose to help you, of all people?", Setsuna asked the man, who couldn't find the words to counter at the Gundam Meister but couldn't find any. And sure enough, he was silenced at that question, where Setsuna motioned Murrue to go on.
"In all likelihood," Murrue continued, "we would not have made it this far if it weren't for his abilties. However, his decision was dictated by events beyond his control; and they did suffer greatly from having to fight against their own people. He is a kind, sincere, individual, and I believe we should repay him for his selfless efforts with our complete trust."
"And yet, if we allow them to go now…" Hoffman added, uncertain.
"What? They'll carry the secrets of the Strike to Orb?", Halberton snotted. "ZAFT already has four of the G-weapons, in case you've forgotten. Besides, ever since I read the report on it, I've been looking into some things, and that machine is going to be remaining with Kira Yamato until he says otherwise." Everyone else shared a confused look at this. "So, as you can see, the G-weapons are hardly a secret anymore; there's no reason not to let them go."
Setsuna and the rest of the Archangel's staff sighed in relief, seeing that they have relieved Kira of any possible stress that comes along the way. However, Halberton spoke up once more.
"Commander Seiei", Halberton began, turning towards the Gundam Meister, that caused him to flinch. "It is said that you belonged to a special forces division. Would you mind telling us what type of organization do you belong in? Or who backed the production of that machine of yours?"
The question caused Murrue, Natarle and Mu to flinch, figuring how to cover him at this one. If they knew that his background was faked, he would be detained for fraud charges at that matter. However despite the question, Setsuna remained calm.
"Black Operations, sir", Setsuna answered in a stoic and obedient tone that surprised the three officers. "We mostly operate outside of any chain of command and to answer your second question, I have been given strict orders not to give any information regarding my machine"
For his part, Setsuna wasn't really lying about his answers. He acted as the leader of his team though he was never really addressed as commander, Celestial Being can be considered as an organization specializing at black ops due to its rather shady nature from time to time, and they were indeed given strict orders not to give any information regarding their Gundams.
To his credit, Halberton seeemed to buy his answer. "It would seem so. That machine of yours managed to overwhelm the other stolen G-Weapons single-handedly and I could see why your division chose not to reveal any information that could fall into ZAFT's hands. And from what I read, you had contributed to Kira Yamato's increasing skill in piloting the Strike that made him an equal, or perhaps more than a match against the other four,"
Murrue then spoke up. "He does sir. He acted as a mentor towards Kira that made him quite the pilot that he is"
Halberton smiled at the Gundam Meister this time. "It would seem so. Captains Monroe and Koopman had told me that your actions have saved most of the Advanced Force. For that, we extend our gratitude towards you
Setsuna turned to see Natarle and Murrue giving him an approving nod while Mu grinned at him with pride, causing Setsuna to give a small smile for them as well.
"Lieutenant Ramius," Halberton spoke up once mire. "The Archangel will be descending with the Strike to deliver the machine to Alaska. While the Law and the Montgomery had transferred some of its crew to the Archangel, we're going to have an additional transfer to the ship including of two of our aspiring pilots due to its capabilities and additional equipment for the Strike's use as well as atmospheric material. The two pilots in hand had contributed for the development of the original G-Project, especially with the OS"
"I'll contact you later with the details for what personnel and supplies will be transferred over, as well as the matter of the civilian volunteers," Hoffman assured them.
Setsuna gazed over at the vast expanse of space as the ships of the 8th Fleet floated in formation with one another. As much as he disliked the idea, he had chosen to stay on the Archangel, since they were the only ones whom he felt comfortable to remain with since he cannot go on alone if he left, and risk on having any of Celestial Being's secrets leaked. But as he remained longer, so did the sense of longing to his friends.
He wondered what could have happened to the rest of his friends back at his timeline. Ian would surely be at the end of a long reprimand by Ms. Sumeragi for his disapperance, Feldt would be worried about him though she had since buried herself at work, Tierria is currently watching over Veda and the rest of the Innovades across the globe, Allelujah and Marie were on their own travelling, Saji was currently taking care of Louise and has since then taken various jobs to make a living, while he and Lyle remained as the only Meisters active as of now, though he hadn't gotten over the death of Anew ever since though he still tried to pull the cool guy outlook.
As much he would want to keep it to himself, he missed them wholeheartedly, feeling a part of him drifting away whenever he remembered the crew of the Ptolomeios. He always remembered the older Lockon, wondering if he would ever approve of the decisions he had made as time passed on. He knew that their mission in fulfulling Aeola's plan is not yet fulfilled, even after the defeat of A-Laws and Innovades but peace has since reigned over the world, without any conflict happening soon.
And now, stuck in a world due to a new system installed, he had no way home at then moment. But at the meantime, he saw how a new conflict tore the world apart in this timeline apart. And as member of the Celestial Being, he was obliged to intervene and put and end to this war, just as he had done to his prior. And now, his thoughts shifted to the crew of the Archangel, finding a lot of parallels from his world to theirs.
Closing his eyes, Setsuna spoke. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence, Admiral?", he turned towards the approaching man and gave him a salute, who was rather taken back, as if Setsuna sensed him approaching.
"Due to circumstances, I simply do not believe that special forces managed to create their own G-Weapon without my authorization", Halberton explained to the Gundam Meister, who was now scowling at him. "But from what Captain Ramius and the others had told me, you are closely attached to that machine of yours, and I am inclined to keep my men and myself from the Raiser, so to speak"
"Hopefully that is the case", Setsuna snidely said. "Artemis apparently tried to do the same"
Halberton scratched the back of his head. "It seems Admiral Garcia's ambitions went over his head it seems", he grumbled, a statement that Setsuna agreed on. "Anyways, I am informed that despite being a Natural, you possessed unusual piloting skills that managed to drive back among ZAFT's best. How did you manage to operate the OS of that machine?"
"Extensive training", Setsuna answered, not meeting the Admiral's gaze. "Nothing more, nothing less along with experience"
Halberton only nodded in understanding. "Just like Houston and Imelia at that matter. But I don't think they are just as capable as you"
Setsuna shrugged at the compliment. However, he pulled up a question as a way to know him a little further, despite his distrust to military officials especially to those back at the ESF.
"What do you fight for, Admiral?", Setsuna asked, causing Halberton to blink a few times at the sudden question.
"I'm sorry?"
"What do you fight for", Setsuna repeated, eyeing the Admiral for any suspicion or deceit. Surprisingly, he had none despite his standing within the military. "Do you fight in defense for Earth, or for the demise of the Coordinators?"
The response given to Setsuna was a sigh from the Admiral, who rubbed his temples. "You may be confusing me for Blue Cosmos. If so, you are mistaken, Commander Seiei. I fought and led my men to the front not at the pretense of the prejudice or the demise of the Coordinators. I only do so is because we fight for the defense of Earth, as that is the main objective of O.M.N.I Enforcer as a whole"
"But the Alliance struck first, have they?", Setsuna pointed out, referring to the Bloody Valentine tragedy where the Alliance launched nuclear missles at the colony of Junius 7. "And yet they labelled ZAFT as the aggressors"
"An incident that many hoped that never happen", Halberton said in a dejected tone, gazing at the fallen colony. "My colleagues and I within the military have no say at the matter firsthand, and the high command itself may had infiltrated or rather influenced by a group of extremists who saw them as enemies of humanity"
Setsuna had an answer in mind. "Blue Cosmos?"
Halberton nodded and turned to explain to the Gundam Meister. "The actions of the head of the National Defense Industry Association caused the war firsthand. Director Muruta Azrael wielded powerful influence within the High Command where many became pawns under his direction such as Captains William Sutherland, Ian Lee and Joaquin Salazar"
"Am I inclined to believe that you're not one of them?", Setsuna asked in a raised eyebrow with a lace of suspicion.
"Judge me if you have to", Halberton said in defense, accepting Setsuna's rather rude questioning. "However, my stand is in defense for Earth. Nothing more, nothing less. Coordinators like Ensign Yamato had done much for the safety of everyone aboard the Archangel, and you cannot call that as an action of mankind's enemy
"You'd accept Coordinators despite the others' reservations towards them?", Setsuna asked again, finding the conviction within Halberton's words.
"Despite what others may think, Coordinators are still human", Halberton firmly said to him. "And therefore are not space monsters as many would say"
The Gundam Meister observed the man a little more, and found the no deceit within his words. In way, for him at least, reminded him of Pang Hercury, despite never meeting the man and he only heard of him through conversations from Marie. However, Hercury's convictions mirror to that of Halberton, as they are loyal soldiers to Earth, and not to the ideals by a few and he began to realize a comparison between them.
He began to see a parallel within A-Laws and Blue Cosmos as both controlled the government from the shadows, manipulating anyone within the Alliance, just as A-Laws had done to the ESF prior. But there are a few who saw through the errors of the ideals that the two enforced, and apparently, Halberton have the potential of being one of them.
As such, he had no reservations of what he had said, though Setsuna would have to remain cautious towards him due to his standing within the Alliance military. "I look forward that you keep upholding your convictions, Admiral", he said, turning back and beginning to walk away from the man. "Otherwise, I am not so fond of people who break their word"
AN: And that's wrap! I hope I didn't stray too much of Setsuna's character regarding his conversation with Halberton but let's admit, I think he would miss his friends for all that matter. As for a certain Admiral, I have plans for him in the future chapters.