Chapter 12: Preparations
"They have joined up with the 8th Fleet," Markhov observed, looking down at the board, calculating possible movements in between ships. He had gathered all of the commanders, as well as Le Creuset team aboard the Ares.
"Our sources indicate is that Admiral Duane Halberton was the major backer for the project," Rau began. "It would suffice to say to why they would join him."
"From the times I fought against him at Aprilius One and Yggdrassil, it could be possible," Markhov agreed, holding chin as he analyzed the numbers along with his Lieutenant. "He is a man of focus, commitment, and sheer will. While he is not as favored among the Atlantic Federation High Command, he is still a formidable opponent, and therefore will not back down at any circumstance."
Regina nudged Markhov's elbow where he nodded, where she reached forward slightly and tapped the 8th Fleet markers on the board. "As for the overall strategy, Lieutenant Renew will provide an insight of the possible course of action of the enemy fleet", the black uniform then motioned the woman to go ahead.
"Rather than setting course at the moon" Regina began, placing index her finger before dragging it across Earth, Alaska specifically. "It could be an alternate route that they would descend to lower orbit and regroup at Alaska, JOSH-A specifically. Which is why I would like to request permission from Admiral Markhov to give my suggestion at how this will work with all sides."
"Permission granted, Lieutenant", he told her, giving her the green light to speak up while motioning the rest of commanders to hear her out.
Regina breathed out before she began explain the nature of her suggestion. "First, what our overall strenght regarding manpower?"
"The Achilles has a full hangar of six GINNs," Captain Edouard Vauban of one of the 6th Division's Laurasia Class frigates answered. "Same could be said for the Patroclus, Hector, and the Priam"
"The Galvani and Ziegler as well", Captain Hermann Tirpitz of the Galvani added.
"The Vesalius can sortie my CGUE," Rau added, "and the Gamow can sortie the Buster, the Blitz and the Aegis; we also have a spare GINN and the Duel, but with Yzak's condition, he is not combat-ready at the meantime, and we've lost most of our pilots to the legged ship."
"I have heard the reports," Markhov chimed in. "The Ares can sortie the newly GUAIZ protoype, a GINN High-Maneuver Type, a CGUE Deep-Arms and a CGUE Assault type.
"So that gives us 36 GINNs, three CGUEs and the three prototypes," Nicol then spoke up, looking from the board to Regina. "The 8th Fleet consists of around three dozen ships or so, and probably a hundred mobile armors at best. They may have numerical superiority but not technological advantage"
"An astute observation, Amalfi", Markhov praised, causing the boy to basfully look down while Athrun smiled at him. "However, victory is not a guarantee. It never is, at possibility that the enemy has something else hidden beneath them"
Regina then continued. "Even with our technological advantage, the Alliance is bound to have wildcards at their sleeve", she continued. "Wildcards as the Strike and especially...the Blue Flash"
The members of the Le Creuset team along with Captains Zellman and Ades were taken back at the codename of the unknown mobile suit that is superior at every aspect to every mobile suit they had, which caused supposedly succesful operations to end in disasters, such as that of the Duel's pilot.
"It was more powerful than we expected", Rau admitted, causing the members of his team to be surprised at their commander. "Its speed exceeded to that of any of the G-Weapons, and based on his movements and battle awareness, it is most likely that the pilot is not a Natural, so to speak. In addition to its very unique arsenal, it is capable of jamming communications as well as forming a barrier made by unique particles that came from its binders"
Regina frowned, familiarity surging in from Rau's description. 'He may be referring to the GN Particles or a GN Field at that matter,' she thought but kept herself silent.
"As such, it is of outmost importance that we destroy the legged ship as well as the 8th Fleet if possible", Captain Konstantine Nikos of the Patroclus spoke up with a hardened gaze, knowing the possible risks if any of the two managed to escape. "I propose for an direct bull horn formation against the fleet and towards the flaship. Without it, they will lose their will to fight"
Markhov held up a chin before replying. "An intricate plan, but not worth the risk", he told him. "Despite their already aged state of their ships, they are not to be taken lightly. The two G-Weapons had proved to be capable of damaging or perhaps at the worst case, sinking any of our ships at the fleet, in addition to the legged-ship's firepower"
"The legged ship could be handled with proper coordination by the four G-Weapons that we have", Regina pointed out, her voice firm. "However, the performance of the Strike had grown significantly, as a result from its experience from previous confrontations, likely as a result of Le Creuset team's tendendices to rush things over without proper planning"
"Now hold on just a minute!" Dearka tried to protest but Regina gave him a blank look that evolved to a glare, daring him to say anything.
"While I cannot deny of the Aegis, Blitz, Duel and Buster's capabilities, you may had been overconfident or perhaps allowed their pride to get the best of them at the belief of superiority", she pulled out a remote and played the last footage between the trio's last confrontation against the legged-ship where she gave the team a hard look. "The three of you rushed in without any clue of where did the other machine went, and it nearly cost us the Gamow as a result even though reports say of it being equipped by a Mirage Colloid System. Luckily, Nicol's decision to attack the legged-ship caused the machine to turn back from the Gamow before it could get worse. Elsman's overconfidence turned into frustration that hindered his focus against a supposedly puny mobile armor. And if it wasn't for Joule's impulsiveness, then perhaps we wouldn't be wasting bandages by now"
The team looked at one another before turning to Yzak, who was seething at the comment that this woman gave him. It was bad enough that he was scarred by the two machines who humiliated him, and it gotten worse when salt was added to his already wounded pride.
"However, unless there has any objections from the higher ups, Lieutenant Renew's team will have to provide support in the next battle," Markhov said, pressing a button on the tactical board that would call the lavender-haired woman's pilots in. "I hope this would be a reminder to everyone. Anyone who fails, wether deliberately or not, at following orders will risk the entire team and the mission at hand"
"That could be arranged, Admiral", Rau agreed to his suggestion, to the chagrin of two members of his team. "As such, her team would be spearheading the field operations at hand"
The Admiral nodded where he motioned his Lieutenant to contact her team through her earpiece. The door to the bridge opened and four pilots stepped inside, in ZAFT Red just as the rest of the Le Creuset team. Their arrival drew everyone's attention, and Regina gave a slight nod.
"Le Creuset Team, meet Task Force Nova", Regina began introducing each member where a young man who had a hard expression wen first.
"Mare Strode", she gestured to the blond with light blue eyes, who stepped forward. Upon looking at him, Yzak felt he was not looking forward in working with him. Truth to be told, the feeling is mutual for Mare, having heard of the silver-haired pilot's attitude. "Courtney Heirominus", a light brown haired man came next. "And Riika Shedder", an oranged-hair girl wearing a pair of glasses came last, who glanced at Nicol before averting his gaze, looking down.
He had to admit she looked cute when she does that but as he looked back at his teammates, he saw Dearka and Athrun giving him a raised eyebrow with the former giving him a devious smirk and a smile from Athrun, where he paled at the possibility that Dearka would have something to bug him for.
Once introductions concluded, the three members of Nova saluted Le Creuset team, prompting the other team to do the same before Admiral Markhov spoke up.
"As for the assault on the 8th Fleet, we would have to divide our forces into three seperate groups", Markhov began, dividing the pieces of the Hector, Patroclus and the Priam from the main fleet on the left flank while seperating the pieces of the Achilles, Vesalius, and the Galvani onto the right, leaving the Ares, Gamow, and the Ziegler on the center. "Captains Vauban and Nikos, the two of you will break off from our main fleet and flank the enemy the eastern side. Captains Zellman and Tirpitz will assault the right flank. By staging a two-pronged attack, two groups' attention will shift to another, leaving legged ship and a few ships open for bombardment from the Ares, Gamow and the Ziegler"
Athrun raised a hand, prompting the Admiral to let the redcoat speak of his opinion. "Would the mobile suit teams be divided at the same manner?", he asked. "My team along with the stolen G-Weapons will head for the center, and it would be a great risk should all our mobile suit teams be focused on the legged ship alone"
"Good observation, Zala", Regina complimented him. "Our team will head for the legged ship while the GINN teams from the Achilles, Priam, Patroclus and the Hector will go after scatter the fleet all throughout. However, should the Blue Flash sortie out from the legged ship, withdraw form a safe distance in order to coordinate"
Nicol held his chin before realizing the reason for the distancing. "This is to make sure we aren't affected by communication interference made by that unit"
Regina nodded. "Yes. The plan is not to simply meet them head-on in this case, which is why Admiral has decided to divide our forces for a three-pronged attack"
"However", Markhov then continued in a firm tone. "You are not clear to engage the legged ship directly until we have diverted the attention of the left and right flank. We will exploit our advantage on mobile suits at breaking them up before launching a counter-offensive. Remember, do not let confidence of who you are get in the way or under-estimate your enemy. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir!", was the response of the entire attendees of the meeting before a certain masked commander spoke.
"Will this truly catch Halberton by surprise, Admiral?", he inquired to the elderly officer who shrugged his shoulders.
"Perhaps. Perhaps not," he answered with uncertainty. "From the occassions I faced with Halberton, he is a man of surprises. And considering the legged ship along with their mobile suits, it is very possible that he may do it again along with his tenacity and charisma to his men. And those traits made him a formidable opponent", he then turned his attention towards the gathering.
"You are all dismissed," Markhov ordered. "The assault will begin tomorrow since it will take time for the fleet prepare the flanking maneuvers. I will need everyone of you to be prepare for tomorow, so rest up."
Murrue looked over over the list of supplies that are being loaded from 8th Fleet tender ships into the Archangel: munitions, fuel, water and food were all answered by the 8th Fleet. They were also being given a pair of Skygraspers, support fighter craft for the Strike, though Mu would soon be their only pilot, and the other pilots they'd had had been piloting the mobile suits anyway.
What made her widened her eyes are two transfers that she didn't think were possible for the Alliance at that moment. In addition, there was also a variety of new potential equipment for the Strike—a bazooka, and prototype Striker packs that it could use along the way.
There were also transfers made since the ones from the Law and Montgomery had to return to their original ships en route to the Lunar Base. The transfers were mechanic, a doctor, and two pilots who were all known by the Alliance and she recognized one of them as the instructor of the G-Weapons' original five pilots before the attack on Heliopolis as well as one of her colleagues back at the academy.
Hoffman's idea to address the matter of their volunteer crew was included since there were treaties in place that prohibited civilian combatants, they would simply be retroactively commissioned as crewmen of the Archangel, and Hoffman will be bringing in the discharge papers when he and Halberton returned tomorrow.
And then, the 00 Raiser and its pilot were to remain at Setsuna's own behest, despite Murrue initially thinking that he would go on his own matters since he wasn't affiliated with the Alliance at the first place, being from another timeline at all. The Admiral had requested that he remained in order to ensure the protection of the Archangel and its crew on its way to Alaska. However, the suggestion was based on the Gundam Meister's own words, causing Murrue to think that he chose to stay for reasons unknown as yet.
Finally, the fate of the Strike—Murrue now understood what Halberton had been saying about the machine sticking with Kira until he said otherwise. She had figured that the boy would be free to leave if he wanted to along with his friends, which would be fine as Setsuna, Mu and the two transfers would be okay but she noticed the firm conviction that Kira possessed nowadays, something that evolved from a student to a soldier but she couldn't figure out what.
"Discharge papers?" Tolle inquired about, the papers he and the other volunteers had been given by Hoffman.
"So… we were soldiers all along?", Miriallia seconded.
"Assigned to theArchangel of the 8th Fleet," Kuzzey added.
"Where is Kira Yamato?" Natarle asked as others looked up at her, then at one another. "Never mind, just give these to them later." the vice captain handed another sheet to Sai.
"It may have been an emergency situation that forced it," Hoffman began, explaining the situation to the group, "but the fact is, it's illegal for civilians to take part in combat. We want to avoid any potential problems, for yourselves and for us as well, so this is our solution. You will all be recognized as volunteer soldiers who entered the military when you came aboard; don't lose those discharge papers, or it could lead to a lot of trouble for you in the future. Furthermore, any information you learned while on board should be treated as confidential, even after you return to Orb."
"Excuse me,", Flay spoke up, stepping forward a bit.
"You were not involved in combat," Natarle sharply told her, "therefore, you're not required to go through these procedures."
"No, that's not it," Flay replied. She took a deep breath. "I… I would like to join the Earth Alliances Forces as a crewman of the Archangel."
'He's fast!', were the words Kira had in his mind as he engaged in a simulation match with Setsuna inside the Strike while the Gundam Meister was in the 00 Raiser.
This was the third session of their pratices, and they had been at it for at least a couple hours, and for Kira, it felt as if adrenaline surged on his veins as he fought the pilot who bad been acting as his mentor using a machine that is said to be significantly weaker than the 00 Raiser.
Even from there, Setsuna still proved to be his superior in terms of piloting, and it was safe to say that it was frustrating him to no end.
The Aile Strike boosted towards Exia, firing its beam rifle at the opposing machine, where Setsuna side-stepped out of the way before returning fire with his own from the Exia's GN Sword, forcing Kira to evade the shots through barrel rolls before igniting one of his beam sabers, prompting Setsuna to parry the incoming blade with his GN Sword before breaking the lock between them.
Dashing towards one another, the Strike and the Exia where the two rocketed towards another, trading slash after slash with no damage to the other. However as they went for another blade-lock, Kira failed to sense Setsuna kneeing the Strike onto the waist, sending him back as Exia ignited one of its beam sabers. Pulling out a beam rifle, Kira fired a few shots towards the incoming blue machine but to his shock, Exia sliced through the emerald beams like something straight out of a sci-fi film before the Strike's right elbow was severed by the Exia's beam saber.
And that is when their simulation had ended since the rules applied on their match is a lost limb of an opponent by the other combatant.
Kira sighed, inwardly telling himself that he couldn't beat Setsuna just yet until he heard the Gundam Meister's voice spoke to him. "A little more practice is what you'll need", he reminded him. "You're improving well at this point"
"But I lost to you, how is that improving?", Kira said in a deadpanned tone, causing Setsuna to let out a small smirk.
"Improvement through experience and perseverance", he said back in encouragement for him. "That's what you had for that moment"
Kira smiled and the two went out of their cockpits upon hearing supplies being transferred to the Archangel that would suffice their needs to come. Deciding to check them out themselves, Kira and Setsuna went down from their machines and approached Mu, who was speaking to the mechanics present.
"I'm guessing they're from the 8th Fleet?", Setsuna inquired as he and Kira neared the group.
Mu scratched the back of his help. "Yep. Enough for the voyage to Alaska if you ask me, but according to the guys who sent these, there will be a few additionals coming into our ship"
Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, Kira inquired. "Really? Who is it then?"
"One of them would be me", came a voice coming up to them. There, it revealed to be a woman wearing a white uniform of the Earth Alliance. She had blond hair and blue eyes and she appeared to be slightly younger than Mu but a little older than Setsuna. The other mechanics, including Murdoch, were swooning at her.
"Well, well, well...", Mu began, smirking at the blond woman in front of him who smirked back before she approached Mu. Raising a hand each, the two met with a firm handshake with one another in front of the Archangel's crew, indicating a strong comradery with one another
"Didn't expect meeting the Hawk of Endymion so soon", she mused, smiling at the man in relief. "We thought we lost you back at Heliopolis when Captain Aldrich's Marseille was blown up"
"Hey, I'm the man who makes the impossible, possible", Mu joked, gesturing himself to the pilot before he realized that there are people around them.
"Ah. People, this is Jane Houston, a fellow pilot as I am", Mu introduced her to the crew, who were all seem to be open with the idea of another personel joining. "Jane, meet some of the Archangel's crew. The finest ship carrying the firmest hearts within the Alliance military"
The blond woman smiled, reaching out a hand towards Setsuna. "It's an honor to be flying alongside with all of you, Commander Seiei", she kindly said on behalf of the crew with a grateful smile. "Though I'm more of an ocean person myself. I heard the tales of the ship driving back ZAFT at more than one occassion, even when using the four stolen G-Weapons"
"If they're gonna sink this ship, they might as well go through us!", Mu boasted, causing some members of the group to chuckle at his antics. "But yeah, if it wasn't for these guys, we'd be space dust by now"
She turned around to find two of the blue uniforms of the Archangel's pilots where she eyes them rather curiously, particularly on the teenager present. "You're Kira Yamato, the Strike's pilot, am I right?
"Y-yes...", he stuttered, averting her gaze whereas Mu and the others scratched their heads awkwardly at the exchange.
Jane smiled at the teen. "No need to be shy to a friendly face, Kira. I heard your feats along with Commander Seiei during your previous run-ins with Le Creuset team", she informed him, causing the boy to look uo rather bashfully. "It's not everyday that you guys could beat back elite pilots with state-of-the-art weaponry. And I look forward working with you aboard the Archangel"
Kira smiled back before he shook her hand. Jane then turned towards the Gundam Meister, whose face remained stoic but analytical towards her. "And you must be the Archangel's Blue Flash", she mused, causing Setsuna to raise an eyebrow at the nickname given to him. "From the reports I read, you caused quite a tremor at ZAFT and managed to get yourself quite a record within the Alliance military"
"If that is your assumptions, then you are mistaken", Setsuna corrected her, though he remained mindful of ZAFT's newfound attention. "I fight for the defense of the ship and of its crew, apart of owing to civillian presence whose safety is prioritized"
"Now, that's what you don't see everyday", Jane complimented, thoroughly impressed by his motivations. "Special forces really had tricks up to their sleeve to send in people like you. Maybe practice some other time?"
The group were taken back at the suggestion before she chuckled, motioning them to follow her. As they did, they found what appears to be a mobile suit. Its color pattern is identical to the Strike, but the blue is more predominant than the white, and beside it is the usual arsenal of a beam rifle and a different shield. What gives it a distinct appearance is that its 'eyes' were covered by a visor-like screen. Same could be said to the other unit next to it, but it was very similar to the Buster this time, only lesser number of missile pods at the shoulders.
"That over there, would be my machine", Jane said, pointing the machine. "The GAT-01A1 Dagger, a testbed based on the Strike when the G-Project is still ongoing. The other is my colleague's other unit, the GAT/A-01E2 Buster Dagger, a testbed based on the Buster."
Setsuna and Kira looked at the machine with an odd look. From the name itself, this looked disturbingly similar to the Strike at some degree, except with notable changes such as beam sabers being stored at the sideskirts rather than an Armored Schneider.
"I'm guessing this one is a prototype?", Murdoch mused, to which Jane nodded in confirmation.
"From the latest reports regading production, the High Command wanted to have a quick mass production to the Dagger, but would cost them quite a penny unless they would have to do with a watered down version of this", she explained to the group as Setsuna walked over to the other side of the hangar and something caught his eye ther
"Ms. Houston", he called out, with the blond turning his attention towards him. "Are these for the Strike's by any chance?
"Yep, and also to mine", she confirmed, motioning the group to follow her. "These are two Striker packs designed by Morgenroete that is supposed to be en route to Heliopolis just before ZAFT had to ruin everything", Jane explained to the pilot. "The one on the left is the Lightning Striker Pack, originally made by IDEX Industries but was perfected by Morgenroete after tinkering a thing or two that rendered the first a failure. Equipped with an electromagnetic cannon that can act as a makeshift sniping weapon, this could give the Strike a 150% operating time thanks to the three energy packs that came along with it"
The mechanics, particularly aboard the Archangel and Kira, were fascinated by its capabilities because of its statistics and potential payload, though the pilot in hand kept in mind of the possible disadvantage when it comes to close quarters combat, where he would have to resort in using the Armor Schneiders firsthand.
Jane then paid attention to the right, where its apperance gave it an impression that it specializes in atmospheric capability because of its folded, jet-like wings that had several rocket pods as its payload. "There, is the Jet Striker Pack, the soon-to-be standard pack for the 105 Dagger and future variants up in the air. While not as effective as the Aile Striker because of its lack of any combat-friendly weaponry, it is useful for flight op whenever aerial combat is needed"
Murdoch then turned to Mu, remembering a crucial factor. "That reminds me, since we're going off to Earth, you won't be able to use the Zero"
Mu sighed, scratching his head. "Hate to say it, but I'll have to go for the Skygrasper once we made our landing. Which kinda sucked since Gunbarrels weren't to be used at the atmosphere"
Jane placed a hand on her waist, laughing slightly at Mu's current mood. "Well you could always compensate with the Striker pack compatability that the Skygraspers had", she told him.
"Well, I guess it's better than nothing", Mu grumbled, a little dejected at the aspect. "If only we could manage to create remote-controlled weaponry on the atmosphere"
"You all right there, Lockon?", Ian asked as he worked onto the Cherudim when Lyle sneezed while browsing on his datapad
"I'm fine", the younger Lockon assured him. "I kinda felt that someone is talking about Bit weaponry at some point"
A while later...
"Now that there is a possibility that you'll be free to leave, are you going to take that chance?", Setsuna asked, crossing his arms as leaned on the catwalk railings.
Kira thoughtfully looked at the Strike, still unsure of what he needed to do. Sure that the new transfers of the Archangel would suffice at countering whatever attack ZAFT would at them, but a part of him wanted to remain, not wanting to risk the ship who took them in at the hands of the other four stolen G-Weapons, one of them being piloted by his best friends.
"I don't know if I should", Kira admitted, shifting away from the Gundam Meister. "Ms. Murrue, Mu, Mr. Murdoch and the others, I owe them that much at keeping my friends safe"
Setsuna raised an eyebrow. "And that is what is keeping you from leaving?"
Kira reluctantly nodded. "I just can't leave them behind, not with ZAFT still in pursuit. And what if they're in danger once I choose to leave them behind? I can't let that happen, Setsuna"
"Mu once said that you have the power", the Gundam Meister recalled to the boy, causing him to flinch slightly when he remembered their first meeting. He then gave Kira an encouraging smile. "Then why not put it into good use? Just like what you did with everyone of who you have protected"
Kira then felt as if a lightning bolt surged at him, feeling a sense of duty that both Mu and Setsuna helped him discover when piloting the Strike. He knew he had the power to make a difference for the world, and he would choose to do it for the sake of everyone aboard the Archangel at that matter.
"A little nostalgic are we, now that you're disembarking?" Halberton's voice was suddenly heard, drawing the two pilots' attention as he walked down the catwalk towards them. He came to a stop next to them as they straightened themselves up.
"Kira Yamato, right? I've read a great deal about your actions in the reports along with Commander Seiei's"
"Uh...yes," Kira replied, looking down bashfully, still not getting used at receiving compliments from anyone at the military, causing Setsuna to give a small smile for him.
"Considering the circumstances, you both proved yourselves quite a formidable pair," Halberton complimented, sweeping his eyes over the entire hangar, including behind him, focusing briefly on the Strike and the 00 Raiser before looking back at the pair.
"Still, it's a surprise that you would be here. Even more surprising is what the two of you have done with these machines; they were only meant to be a counter to ZAFT's mobile suits, but with you inside, piloting them, they are capable on destroying them, yet you both refrained at doing so. I can't help but find myself once again amazed at the abilities of Coordinators such as yourself, Kira."
"I will be frank, sir", Kira then spoke up. "But but that is not everything that defines us as a whole."
"Could you explain that viewpoint?" Halberton countered, curious. "And I in no way mean to offend; I am merely fascinated by your abilities. Only a very few can pilot a mobile suit."
"As long as practice is to put in priority, everyone can be capable of doing so", Setsuna interjected, to which Halberton nodded in agreement.
"This has been an interesting discussion," Halberton mused. "I won't pry into any personal matters for you two; but I would like to thank you, regardless, for the assistance you have rendered to this ship. It is my hope that, with this, we may be able to bring a quick end to this war. Perhaps when it does end, we can all meet again. Until that time, I wish you the best of luck, and hope that being Coordinators will be able to improve your futures; few others seem to be so fortunate."
"The understanding with one another without envy connecting them, is what could end this conflict", said Setsuna, seeing that envy with towards genes is what ignited conflict at the first place. With his capabilities, he should be able to draw a connection between them
He smiled at the proclamation that the Gundam Meister gave him. "A future that I would look forward to, Setsuna. And Kira?", he then turned to the Strike's pilot. "Don't let the others bring you down just because you are different than them. Just being yourself is already a great example to provide"
"I will, Admiral," Kira replied, finding encouragement from those words.
"Sir!" An officer grom the Menelaos called out before saluted. "The Menelaos needed you back on board at once; there are suspicions of ZAFT activity in the area."
"I see; I guess it was too much to hope they'd leave us alone," the Admiral said with a sign of resignation before he looked back to the Archangel's pilots. "Well, at least we were fortunate enough to have a decent chat! May the two of you live to see the dawn of a better era." Halberton gave them a quick salute as a show of thanks and began to walk away, prompting both pilots to do the same though they are not enlisted personel but not before Kira called out to him.
"Sir!"
"Hmm?"
"Uh, so what happens now to the Archangel?" the teen asked. "And to Lieutenant Ramius and the others?"
"The Archangel will be heading to Earth, just the way it is," Halberton informed him, "so they'll be returning to the battlefield."
"Sir…" Kira began, but not before trailing off once again; he continued after a moment's pause where he glanced at the Gundam Meister, giving him a nod. "If I have the power to make a difference, I should put it to good use, right?"
"Only if you have the will to do it!" said Halberton. He turned to leave, but continued to look at the two of them. "Anyone who lacks the will never does see it through to the end."
With that, the Admiral left the two pilots. "We need to be ready in case of another ZAFT assault", Setsuna spoke with urgency in his voice. "There's no telling how long they'll last without any support"
Kira couldn't help but smile slightly and nodded, confident of himself and of the choices he would make.
"You do realize what you're trying to say here?" Natarle asked, shocked just as the rest of them.
"I've been thinking about it ever since my father came aboard, when Kira and Setsuna saved him from ZAFT.", she explained, trailing off slightly. "Ever since I came here, I always thought what I should do to help, just as the others were risking their lives to protect one another. I can't just sit around and wait for an uncertain fate. And it's because..."
She looked at the other volunteers, and remembering all the times that Kira and the others risking their lives to protect her and the others aboard the Archangel.
"I owed Kira and the others for my safety as well as everyone else here", she continued, her expression hardened with determination. "I just felt that, I should help in whatever way I can for them, after all that they had done. The ship is understaffed, and I want to help with that, in whatever way I can, and I can't just leave everyone behind while I could just sit around and watch, always hoping for the best"
She bit her lip, mustering every ounce of courage she had within her. Ever since the day Setsuna spoke to her, she had been proven wrong of what her father had told her about Coordinators-Kira and Lacus had proven to be the living proof of that. Her father may disagree with but she wasn't a little girl anymore, and she knew this. She wanted to help Kira just as he had done without question other than the friendship she still hopefully had for him.
And maybe, as a way for making up all the prejudice or hate she had for him just because he was a Cooedinator
"Everyone's been doing their best they can on this ship and everyone aboard… all except me," she continued. "So… please, allow me to join the crew."
Hoffman and Natarle nodded slightly. "Very well then. Come with us. We should probably discuss this with your father."
"I'll have to do that privately," Flay quickly interjected, since she was the only one who could talk some sense to her father.
With that, the two officers left with the redhead, leaving the rest of Kira's friends behind where they looked at each other.
"Like she said, the ship is still understaffed," Sai mused, "and a war's still being fought, on Earth and in space."
Everyone looked at their discharge papers and that is where Sai tore his discharge papers in two "What Flay had said sums up my current opinion," he explained with a smile, seeing the changes that Flay slowly went through. "Besides, it wouldn't be right for me to leave her alone, now would it?"
"Hmm," Tolle uttered, before ripping his own papers in two, resulting his girlfriend being shocked at his decision
"The Archangelis still short-handed," Tolle added. "I'd feel partly responsible if sometime down the road, it got shot down."
With those words, Mir didn't hesitate after that, and tore her papers in two as well.
"You too Mir?"
"If you're planning to stay, then so am I," she proclaimed. They then turned as they heard the sound of more paper ripping, and saw Kuzzey holding his torn discharge papers.
"You're all staying, can't expect me to leave," he added.
"You're a crazy," Tolle teased to the often shy boy. At that moment, things between the three boys effectively degenerated into some playful name-calling
"Welcome to the Archangel," Murrue greeted to the three new crewmembers that had arrived from the 8th Fleet. "I apologize for not being able to greet you properly earlier."
A woman in a white uniform, who had black hair and red eyes, stepped forward with a smile towards the ship's captain.
"Can't argue with that assesment," Rena Imelia mused before the two embraced one another. "And I thought you were a gonner, Murrue."
"Same here," Murrue replied, returning the smile as they let go with one another. "Though I will have to apologize for the fiasco back at Heliopolis.
Rena shook her head in dismissal. "You weren't in control of the situation, Murrue", she argued, sighing. "If anything, ZAFT would have to pay for what they did. From I recall, the Strike is aboard the ship?"
"Yes", Murrue confirmed. "A teenaged civillian from Heliopolis managed to pilot the Strike by modifying its OS. And since then, has served as one of our three pilots"
The statement caused Rena to raise an eyebrow in confusion. "I'm sorry, three?", she repeated rather incredulously. "I only recall the Hawk of Endymion being the other"
"That's a long story, he's another mobile suit pilot who acted as a mentor to Kira Yamato, the Strike's pilot", she then motioned Rena to follow her to a nearby monitor where the red-eyed woman's eyes widened at seeing the 00 Raiser standing beside the Strike and Jane's 105 Dagger.
"Murrue, I don't recall a sixth unit being made in the project", she firmly told the captain. "Unless if he is from special forces"
"He is", Murrue lied, though it was still better than explaining that he was from another timeline that would make her look crazy at that matter. "Black ops division and he was ordered to ensure the safety of the ship until we reached Alaska"
"Huh...", Rena trailed off, crossing her arms. "How did he managed to configure an OS to his machine?"
"He modified it himself", Murrue explained to her. "And he's not just another pilot, he managed to beat back the four stolen G-Weapons single-handedly on at least four occasions ever since he was assigned here"
That statement caused Rena to stagger back. "Four of the G-Weapons?!", she exclaimed in both shock and disbelief. "Who is he exactly?!"
Murrue sighed, a little bit used at Rena's antics whenever someone does the seemingly impossible back at the Academy. "Well, he had more experience and training than we thought and has since acted as Kira's mentor in mobile suit piloting. It wasn't long before the two became quite a pair in the field"
Rena imprinted the information on her head, figuring she would like to know who this pilot was. Straightening herself up before the captain and deciding a change of topic. "Moving on, I am assigned by Admiral Halberton to ensure that the last weapon be delivered to Alaska. With that said, me and Jane would be aboard the ship as pilots along with the others with our machines. Though, not as good as the G-Weapons, so to speak"
"We appreciate whatever help we can get. And welcome aboard, Rena", Murrue reached out her hand, prompting the other woman to shake it.
A short while after Halberton left, Kira and Setsuna headed to where the Menelaos' shuttle that would be ferrying them to the flagship waited. Once aboard the Menelaos, they'd be transferred to a shuttle en route for Orb; Kira didn't know the details of how they were going to get When they arrived, they found the secondary hangar bay already was filled with refugees. From what Kira had heard, Flay's father had already boarded the shuttle, en route to Berlin where he would be going on a diplomatic mission to the Eurasian Federation.
Setsuna wasn't sure wether Flay's father was stil in okay terms with him ever since he was informed of Kira's Coordinator origins or his rebuttals back at the meeting but if the man had at least the mind to do so, he should appreciate the boy of who he is and perhaps change his point of view towards Coordinators.
"Oh…" the little girl from earlier spotted the two pilots where she pushed away from her mother towards them.
"C-come back, El!" her mother called for her. The girl laughed slightly as her momentum was stopped by Kira and Setsuna, and she landed on the deck. She reached into her bag, and pulled out a pair of paper flowers.
"Thank you for protecting the rest of us till now," she happily told the two pilots. "The nice lady with red hair told me all about how you were protecting everyone." That surprised the two, had Flay told her about them?
The two hadn't realized, but when the last battle began, they'd been in such a rush that they'd failed to notice when El had tripped, trying to avoid crashing into where Kira entrusted her to the redhead. Flay had comforted the frightened girl, and reassured her that they'd be safe, since Kira and Setsuna would be fighting to protect them.
Leaning down, the two smiled at El and took the flowers. Setsuna picked out a flower and felt his heart ache for a moment. He couldn't bear to see the girl and her being harmed, not wanting her to suffer as he did before. And if someone does anything to her...
There's no telling what he could do.
"Thank you," Kira gratefully told her girl smiled and turned around, pushing off back towards her mother. As soon as she was grounded next to the woman once more, she looked back at the pilots and waved to them.
Kira was becoming increasingly less certain as more and more people boarded the shuttle and his friends still failed to show up.
"Kira!" came Sai's voice from behind, and Kira turned with Setsuna to see all of his friends, still in uniform, floating towards them.
"We couldn't find any of you guys and…" Kira began, but Sai grabbed his hand and placed a sheet on it.
"This is meant for you", Sai said, referring to the sheers. "They're your discharge papers."
"You guys are going alone," Mir added. "We've all decided to remain here."
"Yeah, with the Archangel," said Tolle.
"Huh?"
"Three Nazca-class, one Laurasia-class," announced the enemy search detection officer as alarms began going off in the carrier's bridge. "Green eighteen, distance five hundred. Enemy engagement in about fifteen minutes."
"They've set a course straight for the fleet?" Hoffman asked incredulously.
"At a time like this," Halberton cursed, but not before his radar operator became shocked at what he's seeing.
"No… but this is…!"
"What's the matter?"
"We've identified three more Nazca-class and Laurasia-class!" the operator relayed with urgency on his voice. "Admiral, it's the Ares!"
"Markhov...", Halberton uttered the name in caution, recalling every confrontation he had against the ZAFT black uniform. "They really brought him him and his division..."
"I can't believe it," Murrue uttered, at the sight of the entire ZAFT fleet, six of them belonging to the man who had spearheaded the asaaults on Yggdrassil and the Endymion crater. "They had sent in Admiral Markhov and the 6th Division..."
"They'd go this far in order to have this ship sunk," Rena mused with a frown. "His brilliant maneuvers during Yggdrassil, Nova, Endymion Crater and Jachin Due earned him the title of Admiral by the ZAFT High Command though not in rank."
"Cease loading and seal off the bay at once," Murrue quickly ordered before turning to Pal. "Has the Menelaos launched yet?"
"Not yet, captain,", Pal replied.
"Tell them to hurry," Murrue ordered. "All hands, level one battlestations!"
She turned her attention towards Rena. "At this point, we would need your help at this one. Is your machine re-fitted for combat?"
Rena give her an assuring smile. "As always, Captain. Jane and I will sortie at once!", he told her before running off to the hangar.
"You're staying?" Kira asked, bewildered. "What do you mean?"
"Flay decided to volunteer," Kuzzey informed him.
"Huh?!" exclaimed Kira, shocked at the news, whereas Setsuna allowed a small smirk to grace his lips, figuring that she may have found her calling from all that has happened to her.
"So we thought we'd do the same," Kuzzey added.
"Lieutenant La Flaga will be launching in the Zero," one of the mechanics in the hangar said to the group. "Houston and Imelia will soon follow up with him as soon as possible"
"Kira, we need to go...", Setsuna urged the boy. Without another moment to spare, Kira crumpled his papers before he and Setsuna ran off to prepare for the impending battle at hand.
"Admiral, the Ares is requesting a communication line with us.", the CO of the Menalaos informed Halberton, who thought for a moment before caving in.
"Very well", Halberton agreed. "Let's see what the Admiral of ZAFT had in mind."
"Yes sir."
Moments later, the face of the elderly black uniform appeared on the display screen, saluting the Alliance Admiral upon seeing his presence, prompting his Alliance counterpart to do the same. "Admiral Duane Halberton… it has been a while", Markhov greeted him.
"I could say the same, Admiral Grigory Markhov," Halberton firmly replied. "Hopefully age hasn't been too cruel for you?"
"Not as cruel as the reality of war", Markhov replied diplomatically. "However, out of respect for your previous performances back at Nova, Yggdrassil and Endymion Crate, I will be issuing an ultimatum"
"And what would that be?"
"Surender of the legged ship and its personnel. Compliance will result of the withdrawal of the entire fleet and you and your men could leave, unbothered", Markhov announced before adding. "Refuse, and suffer the consqeuences"
"Tempting, but I'll have to pass", Halberton firmly declared to the elderly Admiral. "Out of respect for you and your record, we will not falter to anyone, not even you"
Markhov sighed at his defiance. "Brave, but foolish as always. Yet, admirable and reckless. I do expect full on resistance in compliance by your own word. If so, then I will remember this as the day of reckoning. And hopefully, we can still speak to one another after this"
The screen blinked out, leaving the Admiral to prepare for the impending assault. "Registering mobile suit deployment from the ZAFT warships!" the sensor operator called out.
"What do you think, guys?", Courtney asked from his maroon CGUE Deep Arms to his teammates. "Of Le Creuset team?"
Mare scoffed from his GINN High Maneuver regarding the team. "If anything, scarface got it handed to him. Props to the guy for damaging that prick's ego"
Courtney raised an eyebrow. "If I recall correctly, you pretty much acted like him some time before", he reminded the blonde, who merely smirked.
"I was trained by the best", said Mare, referring to his Lieutenant. "If anything, she made me bettet than that"
"What about you, Riika?", Courtney asked the orange-haired teen, who replaced her glasses with a set of support visor to help her vision whenever combat would ensue in her CGUE Assault Type.
"I don't know...", Riika answered, shaking her head after a certain red uniform invaded her mind. "Zala and Amalfi looked all right to me"
Mare smirked at his teammate's choice of words. "You did look smitten with the green haired one. Found the guy you like?
"What?! No!", Riika sputtered, red in embarassment at the implication. "That's now what I meant!"
"Don't worry Riika, once we get back, I'll give you some tips on how to talk to boys you like!", Courtney joked, to the orange-haired pilot's expense.
"Shut up, Courtney!", she shot back towards the brown-haired pilot, who snickered along with Mare.
"Okay, that's enough you three", Regina amusingly called out to her team, who fell paid attention upon hearing their leader as the lavender-haired woman boarded her proto-type GUAIZ. It always warms her heart whenever she heard playful banter among teammates, as it proves the bond of the team as a whole.
"We have a mission to complete, and remember. Should you engage the unknown machine, take extreme caution" she reminded them, a hint of worry on her voice. "If three G-Weapons couldn't best them, I cannot say we'd win if we weren't careful"
The three members of Task Force Nova agreed with her, who nodded in compliance to her word.
"Understood Lieutenant!
"Got it!"
"Yes, ma'm!"
Regina smiled at the three as the ship's catapults opened with their machines being prepped for combat. From there, she began to worry for the safety of her teammates. She was no stranger to war, much less on being on the battlefield, but the fact that they're possibly going against the unknown machine made her heart stutter, praying that they would be safe after this battle.
They were like younger siblings to her, and she couldn't bear at losing them at the hands of that unknown machine. Not since she had lost her own.
Shaking her head before those memories could come back, she heard the voice of the Ares' operator, announcing for the clear for takeoff. Breathing in and out she prepared herself on what is to come.
"Regina Renew. Launching!"
AN: This took me a while. Now Flay wouldn't be doing any of the BS she had for Kira, and now that we do have two new mobile suits for the Archangel, which are prototypes and I do hope that Markhov's interaction with Halberton is quite effective. Also regarding Regina's unit, the GUAIZ isn't her main unit. You'll see later ;)