JSmooth: Setsuna can pretty much re-supply his energy, so no worries about that.

ChunkyFunkyMunky: Regina is an OC, but she is easily imagined since she shared the same genetic template as Anew and Revive, and that's not even her name. Most introduced characters here are from the Astray Manga, with the OCs being featured here are Regina, Markhov and Tirpitz along with the 6th Division (Except Riika, Mare and Courtney, they're from Astray) Also, the 00 didn't have the original drives because both of them were destroyed by the end of season two, and I to think ways on how could I have the Raiser keep on giving out GN particles since the GN Condenser Type wouldn't be effective, hence why I made the upgraded GN Tau.

EternalKing: Re-checked it, and yeah it's not as good as I thought it would be and I changed it at the meantime. Still can't see Setsuna being in love with anybody tho...

Redrat8: SEED has a lot of potential because of its locations, and I decided to try my hand onto exploring East Asia at that one and giving featured Astray characters some screentime.

Ghostly: Very possible. In fact, I know just how to do it.

Dat-boi-waddup: As I said at the upper comment, that is the reason why.

Chapter 16: Renewal

"Target is moving southeast from our position...", a man with short red hair and brown wearing an attire for a businessman with a dark brown trenchcoat relayed through his earpiece as he blended with a crowd amidst in a World Summit. "Renew, do you have a visual?"

"I don't have a visual yet" , a woman wearing a black suit along with a pair of black shield glasses replied as she blended with a group of security operatives while waiting in the sides. However, something caught Renew's eye. "Wait...Devine, I think I see him"

Indeed, the man arrived with a pair of security guards, his calm demeanor was merely a visage of feigned courage, but he was worried in reality, and was trying his hardest not to divulge any attention whatsoever. The man in hand was Alexander Mackenzie of Australasia, the current Prime Minister of the country.

And secretly, one of Alejandro Corner's close associates and his puppet, one of the last remaining in existence, and the man they have gone to kill, having eliminated all Corner's other remaining associates on orders from their leader. By eliminating one puppet, another one takes his place, a pawn to be used until it runs out in time.

The pair patiently waited as Mackenzie spoke with the other world leaders at the country's entry onto A-Laws, where it took the man in all his willpower to remain focus at the debates that he was giving to other world leaders. Once it has ended, Renew and Devine observed the security detail scrambling the area when Mackenzie had ordered them to do so. Seeing the coast is clear, Devine approached the man with a kindly smile.

"Prime Minister Mackenzie, I am Günther Kreiss, office assitant of Vice Minister Heinrich Heisenberg", Devine introduced himself with a handshake towards the man, using a fake identity to get closer to the man. "I have been sent to deliver a message by Heisenberg himself, as he was still pre-occupied at his duties at home. May we discuss this at your quarters?"

"Ah...of course..", Mackenzie struggled to come up with what he was going to say but was relieved at hearing the name of his associates, trying to escape the clutches of a mysterious group that continously murdered the others on orders by Corner's former assistant.

With security lessened, they made their way through am empty office room where the Prime Minister sat on a couch flanked by two of his security guards while Devine stood before him, silver briefcase in hand. Behind him were three members of Mackenzie's security detail, closely watching him.

"I have heard that you have something to deliver from Vice Minister Heisenberg?", Mackenzie remarked as both Devine stepped forward and placed the briefcase on the table before opening it. Mackenzie and his security detail to be shocked and horrified on what it came out.

It was the peeled off face of Vice Minister Friedrich Heisenberg, bloody and his face horrified as its socketless eyes stared at Mackenzie, who stepped back in complete fear. Devine took off his glasses to reveal a pair of brown eyes, where the man's guards behind him immediatley readied their pistols."You...", Mackenzie began to realize who the man was. "You're one of Ribbons Almark's men, are you?!"

As he said those words, two small pocket Swiss Knives slid down from the sleeves of the operative at the middle, who retracted the blades and stabbed two of Mackenzie's guards at the throat before forcing the blades down, resulting of them bleeding to death. In the confusionn Devine quickly pulled out a silenced pistol from his coat and shot the man's two guards behind the Prime Minister at the head just as they drew their pistols, where Mackenzie screamed in fear

A guard holding a rifle barged inside to see what was going on where Renew acted quickly and disarmed the guard by forcing the firearm up and elbowing his face, followed by stomping his knee, before pulling out her own silenced pistol and shot the guard directly at the head.

Just as Mackenzie began to make a run for it, Renew stood up and threw one of her pocket knives at the man's calves, resulting of him tripping and bleeding upon impact. The man held onto his bleeding calf, groaning in pain just as the two walked towards him.

"No...please!", the man begged as he cowered before the two Innovades, their eyes changing to a golden hue color. "I already gave him the location of Corner's other associates and of their assets! What more does he ask for?!"

Devine and Renew only looked at him impassively before the woman pointed her silenced pistol right onto the man's head.

"Tying up loose ends", she told him, her cold eyes glaring at the man's fearful ones. "And severing a few along the way"

And then the trigger was pulled.

"Quite a mess you got there, Renew", Devine remarked with a smirk towards the lavneder-haired woman, pointing at her blood-stained jacket. "I thought you said that we're gonna keep it clean?"

Renew smirked back to her companion as they walked towards the living room of the mother ship, Celestial Being. "We do the dirty work and the world stays clean. You can't complain about that"

"Touché", Devine replied with a chuckle. "And people say that I don't share Bring's tendency to be quiet like him"

Renew smiled soflty at him. "We may be clones of different templates but that doesn't mean we have to be an exact copy of another", she told him, causing Devine to look away from her with pink cheeks. "And I think that's what makes you different, but in a good way, from Bring"

Devine scratched the back of head in embarrasment "Don't get me started on those, Renew"

"And try not to get a swell head over it, Devine", she teased back, just as they made their way to an impressive living room where the two immediatley put up a disicplined and obedient expressions just as they arrived.

"We confirm that Alexander Mackenzie of Australasia has been eliminated, just as you had ordered"

The two stood in an elegant room where a couch was in place. In it, a man with green hair sat, crossing his legs with a smirk at the report given to him. "Nicely done", the voice Ribbons Almark complimented, glancing behind him to look at the standing forms of Renew Renewal and Devine Nova, who bowed their heads in obedience to him. "Hopefully that detatching a few strings left by Corner wasn't so hard for the two of you?"

The red-haired man stepped forward, clearing his throat as he turned to address his leader. "We have encountered some resistance along the way", he answered in a polite tone. "But it was nothing to worry about. And what of Rosenberg at Europe? Are we to go after him?"

Ribbons waved his hand, his aura of both superiority and confidence visible to the two. "You don't have to worry about that. Saachez will see to it that he will finish the job as soon as he made a full recovery from his fight with Celestial Being"

The mention of the organization caused the two Assassins' ears to perk with interest. "Are we to pursue what have remained on Celestial Being? If they had hidden themselves from the public view, isn't it the right time to strike?", Renew asked, causing Ribbons to held his chin with his thumb and index finger and pondered of the idea.

"No...", Ribbons replied, earning a surprised look from Devine and Renew. "Our priorities and resources lie in pacifying the world through whatever means necessary. And I don't think Celestial Being would pose a threat anytime soon"

The two Innovades looked at one another, inwardly frowning at Ribbons' visible arrogance. Even though the organization created by Aeolia was believed to have fallen at the hands of the ESF, they are not to be underestimated, and they could spring back at any point possible. "Besides, even if they could return, do you honestly think then have the strenght to oppose A-Laws or our power?"

Renew and Devine both frowned at Ribbons' hubris, but kept themselves silent, something that Ribbons was well aware of but he didn't care. "With the last of Alejandro Corner's associates and the Observers dead, we can now set forth in fulfilling Aeolia's Plan. And for an Era where we can guide humanity for the dialogues to come. Though I still have to deal with Beside Pain at the meantime"

"Are we to go after him?"

"I need him for the moment...", Ribbons nonchalantly replied, with the two knowing well of their association. "However, I will be giving you new assignments, now that Ali will be taking care off...retiring any potential adversaries"

Renew and Devine looked at one another in silence, wondering what their purpose would be, as their role as assassins is what gave them their purpose when they were first made by Veda. "Now that is all taken care off, Devine you will be joining Bring in testing out the new mobile suit models, particularly the Garazzo and the new mobile armor, Empruss. To see if its current features would provide any...inspiration for future candidates", Ribbons ordered the redhead, who merely nodded in obedience with a bow before the Innovade leader turned towards the lavender-haired woman. "And Renew, you will be tasked in making sure that Anew Returner is capable at infiltrating Celestial Being"

Renew was caught by surprise at the order. "With respect, Ribbons. But I have heard that her memories and her abilities are already implanted by Veda prior. I do not see how training her would make a difference"

Ribbons lightly smiled at her, causing both Renew and Devine to be cautious as they had known how unpredictable Ribbons at whatever actions he had, especially on how he pulled Alejandro Corner's strings beforehand. "Oh no, not what I had in mind truthfully", he corrected her, chuckling slightly. "But rather observe her, to see if her programming is a success and is suited for the task. If so, then we'll have Wang Liu Mei insert her to their ranks"

"And if she doesn't?", Renew asked with a raised eyebrow, crossing her arms.

"Simple", Ribbons said, turning back from the two. "You know your role, I'll entrust that task to you if she doesn't"

That statement caused Renew to widen her eyes slightly at the implication at what she was ordered to. Devine looked at her and noticed her discomfort, knowing how Renew was fond of the bio terminal, but didn't say anything firsthand.

"If I may", Renew interjected, her voice laced with curiosity. "What is the end-result of removing leaders of world powers and replacing them with the same humans that we, as Innovades, so despise?"

"That is a difficult question you have there Renew", Ribbons pointed out, but his expression shows that he was more than happy to give his explanation. "The people had always wanted power, but they never truly have it because of the values that set their boundaries. Here is the reason why: they were never capable of handling that power. Which is why their inferiority to consolidate their power is the reason on why WE are destined to guide them to the dialogues to come. They may never say it, but they want to be told what to do. They yearn for it and it is up to us to fulfill that role. It is to no wonder why, since all mankind was built to serve to fulfill that purpose"

Renew was taken back at the explanation given by Ribbons. He was practically telling them that their role as Innovades was to control humanity through their weakness, his strings onto the puppets he had placed and questionable tactics in enforcing his own ideals. For all the years she lived as an Innovade, she lived to eliminate the enemies of Aeolia's plan, never doubting the words of the leaders she served under.

Devine wondered for a moment before he commented. "Through men guiding the people through the guidance by the Innovades, is the reason why we are sent to deal with our enemies?"

Ribbons smirked. "Through our strings, along with the terror inflicted upon the weaker wills of humanity, is how we can achieve this. Do you have any objections or rebuttals, you two? Or of your next task, Renew?"

"Not at all", Renew said, shaking her head. Without another word or any objection, Renew bowed her head slightly in obedience towards the leader of the Innovades. "It will be done then"

Ribbons smirked, before turning back and taking his seat once more. "Then you two are dismissed. We still have much more to do"

Regina's train of thought ended when Mare's outburst was heard by the entire team, not in favor of their next task given to them by the PLANT Supreme Council

"Are they nuts?! It's almost as if they wanted to turn us into bodybags!", Mare said in an outraged tone as Team Nova walked over to the Ares' hangar. "We just got lucky with our lives that one time, and now they wanted us to capture that unit?!"

Regina sighed exhasparately. "As much as I wanted to Mare, but I am in no position to refuse orders that came directly from the Council", she explained, though her tone was convincing enough that she was not looking forward to fulfilling those orders.

Courtney crossed his arms with a frown. "And I'm guessing Le Creuset had something to do with it?"

"Makes sense since his own team got the short end of the stick", Mare mockingly remarked. "What of Scarface by the way?"

She placed a hand on her waist, sighing. "The Council has decided that Yzak Joule would be tried for insubordination and attempted murder of non-combatants. Though the latter may be blamed as to why the unknown machine had went berserk against the 6th Division"

Mare gave her a blank look before nodding mockingly. "Not what I was expecting, but okay.."

"As for the orders that came from the Council, we'll join Le Creuset team aboard the Vosgulov-class, Cousteau while they are on their pursuit towards the legged ship and of the Strike", she told them before quickly adding when she saw Mare and Courtney's obvious dismay at working with them. "Now I know that most of you aren't looking forward at working with them, but we're gonna need the help we can get against the Earth Alliance and of their new machines"

"We'll do what we can Lieutenant", Riika assured he. "As long as we could find a some sort of link that could be connected them..."

Regina raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're saying that because you would like to know more about Mr. Amalfi?"

Mare and Courtney snickered at Riika's now flustered expression. "Not you too Lieutenant!", she whined, pouting before turning back on them with a huff. Regina laughed slightly as the three bickered with one another, sighing in satisfaction of the bond she had made with them upon their graduation from the Academy.

A part of her wished that she could always help them with the best of their abilities, and would always keep them safe no matter what...

"Where are we?" asked Murrue.

Flay rubbed her eyes before looking map on the main monitor. "Ma'am, I think we're at the East Sea, in between the coasts of Korea and of Japan"

Natarle had a grim look. "Then we have landed on East Asian territory"

"Is that a bad thing?", Tolle wondered. "I mean, isn't East Asia allied with the Earth Alliance?"

"That is not the problem, Ensign Koenig", the Archangel's vice captain assured him. "It's the current state of the nation rather..."

It was already dark outside, and the cold winds outside along the vast ocean was enough to give the shivers. Murrue was grateful for this, as it would help to hide the ship's radar signature.Not to mention give us a moment to catch our breath.

They had landed about a while, and had spent the time thoroughly checking over the ship. Good news to say, no damage had been suffered during the descent, although the interior was a bit of a mess due to all the turbulence. "Captain, we are receiving an incoming transmission from Admiral Halberton!", Sai informed Murrue, who sighed in relief and motioned them to accept the call. Sure enough, Halberton's face had appeared on the monitor, with the crew saluting the leader of the 8th Fleet, a gesture he returned.

"It seems time and fate has been kind to all of us", Halberton mused with a smile to the crew. "Either way, I am relieved that you have safely made it to Earth"

"Likewise, Admiral", Murrue replied with a smile. "For a moment, I thought that the worst has come for the 8th Fleet. Not even I could comprehend on what would happen back there at Orbit. As such, we thank you for your assistance"

"I will not take credit, however", Halberton told her. "Both safety was ensured through the efforts of Commander Seiei. And we would like to extend our gratitude and thanks for him"

The mention of the Gundam Meister caused the Archangel's crew to gasp slightly, remembering as to why they changed course rather than JOSH-A. Halberton noticed their discomfort and quired the Archangel's captain. "Has something happened to Commander Seiei, Captain?"

Unsure how to address the situation, Murrue scratched her cheek with her index finger sheepishly, adding to Halberton's growing worries. "Well..."

"Finally! We made it to Earth!", Rena said in relief, unzipping and lowering the upper half of her pilot suit to reveal a sleeveless tank top to cool off. "But we're not at North America are we?"

"Nope", Jane confirmed, drinking her water bottle while throwing one at Rena, who wasted no time removing the cap and gulping it. "But I'm not gonna say it's bad either"

"Until ZAFT found us at least...", Rena mumbled as soon as she finished her bottle before remembering the strange phenomenon back at Orbit that. "Hey Jane, you saw it too didn't you?"

"That time where Setsuna went into a killing spree against the 6th Division to the point where he nearly wiped them out before unleashing a majestic wave of particles that connected us mentally while he proclaimed of not having a future unless there is understanding. That thing?"

"Yeah...", Rena said, trailing off at Jane's summary about those events at Orbit. "What do you think about he said back there? You think it would work?"

The blond woman sighed dejectedly. "As long as racists and supremacists lead either side, I couldn't see that happening soon", she told her. "But I don't see why I could even doubt about his capabilities at getting it done?"

The brown-haired woman raised an eyebrow. "You believed in him?"

"Well, how do you think countless lives were saved because of him?", Jane argued, recalling how Mu told her about his exploits when he arrived at the Archangel. "Just think about it.."

Rena sighed. "Sometimes I wish I shared the same positivity as you are. Now that we got a job to do in bringing the Strike to JOSH-A"

They looked at the grey G-Weaoon before their eyes looked down to find there, they found Kira Yamato tiredly sitting down at one of the crates, with a towel wrapped at the hem of his neck. He looked tired at first glance but when Jane looked at him a little bit closely, he looked... disappointed?

This was a little bit unusual since she saw the fire ignited within the boy, where Mu told him of his desire to protect the rest of his friends. Is it because he felt... inadequate compared to his mentor? She didn't have the answer for that and the two turned to see Lieutenant Commander La Flaga, who had come to the hangar from the bridge. "Hello ladies, enjoyed our happy landing?"

Jane smirked at Mu. "Can't really say though. Any word from Captain Ramius?"

"She's talking to Admiral Halberton right now", Mu informed them, glancing at Kira worriedly. "Right now, wle're trying the best we can to find Setsuna before ZAFT does"

"If that is what we're going to do before going en route to JOSH-A. I won't be complaining", Rena assured to the Hawk of Endymion. "You see what he could do up there. And having ZAFT mass produce his machine's capabilities is certainly not part of our bucket list"

"But where are we exactly?", Jane interjected curiously.

"Between the coasts of Korea and Japan, the East Sea to be exact", Mu told them, causing the two to grimace at the location. "ZAFT has already occupied most of Japan except Kyushu. There's a small Alliance outpost at the northern region at Korea but the trajectory states that Setsuna and his machine had landed onto Japan when he made an atmospheric re-entry to Earth"

"That can't be good...", Rena grimaced, crossing her arms against her chest. "Do you think friendlies had found him along the way?"

"Hard to say...", Mu said with a scowl. "If he does, he should've at least made contact with the Archangel. Given on how East Asia and Eurasia had close relations and are rivals to the Atlantic Federation, I have the feeling Setsuna would be going through Artemis again..."

"All the more reason, why we have to find him?", Jane pieced out, where the two Alliance pilots nodded in agreement. Mu looked over at Kira in worry where he approached the boy, gaining his attention when he plaved a hand on his shoulder.

"Maybe you should change first before you rest, kid", Mu reminded the Strike's pilot, who nodded. "Your friends are also worried about you, so best if you go check them out once in a while"

"Sure, Commander", Kira complied, his voice trailing off as he made his way to the locker room.

"I see", Halberton grimly said with a frown after Murrue told him what had happened back at Orbit. "I'm sorry to say that we cannot provide any support, not with the 8th Fleet still recovering from the onslaught back at Orbit. However, you realize that you are near enemy territory?"

"We do, sir", Murrue said. "We simply cannot leave Setsuna out in the open, not after everything he did for all of us. Which is why we will be taking responsibility at our next task in hand"

"I do not oppose your decision, Captain", Halberto sincerely assured her, earning a surprised look from her and the rest of the crew. "As such I will be issuing new orders"

"What would that be, sir?" Natarle inquired.

"Your next task is to locate Commander Seiei and see to it that he and his machine safely return to the ship before continuing your journey towards JOSH-A", Halberton gave out his new order, something that Murrue and the rest of the crew are willing to follow. "This is also to ensure that ZAFT will not get their hands on him or his group's secrets. Not with possible dire consequences"

"We'll do at the best we can, Admiral", Murrue assured him. "You have our word"

Halberton nodded with a salute. "Very well then. I bid you farewell and a safe journey out there. Good luck, Archangel"

Murrue and the rest of the crew saluted Halberton before his face vanished from the screen, where Murrue's newfound determination was visible to the crew. "We'll move towards the Japanese mainland! We have a pilot to rescue!"

AN:

You might be thinking, that Devine Nova was out of character but I'll explain it soon as the plot thickens while giving Regina a portion of her background. Also, I hope I nailed how Ribbons interacted with Renew and Devine (Largely because of his ego and his hatred to humanity), especially when one of his quotes was inspired from Haytham Kenway back at Assassin's Creed.

While featuring Regina's lethality as an assassin, I intend to feature Setsuna's lethality as a guerilla fighter at the next chapter. You'll see soon enough!