Spectre: Another chapter guys! Had to take a break because of health issues, but I'm back in good health! Also, this chapter features another flashback segment and adding more characterizations to certain characters. Leave a review if possible!

Also, the Japan Arc would still run in a couple of chapters before we're proceeding to the Desert Tiger Arc. To those who think that the Archangel had a shorter journey to Alaska, I have something planned for that.

Chapter 20: Next Moves

"You're doing well in the physical and mental assessments", Renew remarked, wearing the standard green A-Laws uniform, and looking over the latest results given by the proctors where she was visibly impressed on Anew's progress. This was to be expected, as her abilities were already given by Veda prior, but it was better to be safe than sorry and they have the the bio-terminal run through numerous trial runs. There she proved her worth because of her skill in engineering, mobile suit piloting, and research, which all would prove to be valuable at her mission at infiltrating Celestial Being through Wang Liu Mei. However, Ribbons had given her orders to improve Anew's skill in lethal and close-quarters combat once her mission is complete despite specifically being an Intellegence Gathering Innovade, which Renew did and was surprised as to on how Anew was quick to adapt from her elder 'sister', managing to outmatch her at some of their practices. "Pass the few ones left and you'll be shipped out to Celestial Being"

Anew nodded sheepishly, walking over Renew who gave her results back. The elder Innovade noticed her rather uneasy expression, knowing how Anew tend to be the withdrawn and quiet one between her and Revive and of the expectations placed to her by the other Innovades, particularly Bring and Hilling . "Is there something wrong, Anew?", she inquired, placing a hand on her shoulder.

The younger Innovade shook her head, trying to put up a smile at her. "It's...it's nothing", she told her, shifting off from Renew's gaze, who crossed her arms with narrowed eyes.

"You know very well that you need to be open to everyone in the organization if you don't want to attract any unwanted attention, Renew reminded her, putting both hands on her waist with a worried expression. "And I'm not denying that I felt the same"

Anew remained unsure, averting the elder bio-terminal's gaze. "I know what my mission is, but I'm just not sure if I could do this..."

"If you're worried as to what Hiling or Bring would say about you or your mission, then don't give a single thought about it", Renew told her with a concerned expression, trying to provide whatever advice that the younger Bio-Terminal needed. "Your opinion about yourself mattered because this is your mission, not theirs"

The younger Bio-Terminal looked unsure as to what she would say to her elder 'sister'. And she spoke, "But what if I couldn't? What if I couldn't blend in with everyone like you always do whenever you were in a mission?"

"You have your tools and training. Your targets and your goals", she reminder Anew of the training she just underwent. "Why are you certain that you wouldn't succeed?"

"We're only Bio-Terminals, Renew", Anew finally spoke, her voice becoming hollow and trembling. "Failures and expendables are meant to be replaced for Veda's goals"

She felt a sudden grip a her shoulders being gripped by a pair of firm hands where she met the firm gaze of the Assassin, which sent shivers on her spine. Renew looked at her, feeling as if she was staring at her own reflection. "Never were, nor you'll ever be one. Not to me", she assured her, causing Anew's fears to fade by Renew's words, loosening her grip at each second has passed, and the younger bio-terminal looked unsure of what Renew had just told her. They remained in silence for quite some time until Renew's earpiece rang where she let go of Anew.

"Yes?"

"Renew, proceed to Hangar Six at Langrage 2", the voice of Devine Nova was heard by the two Innovades. "The Gaddess is laid out at the moment and Ribbons has requested a test pilot for Katagiri's research. Hands are full to the Empruss, unfortunately"

"Copy that, Devine. We'll be on our way"

Switching off her communicator, she returned her attention towards Anew. "As I said, we're not expendables. And don't let anyone vex you while you're on the mission. Maybe you'll be able to show them a thing or two for their surpise"

"Like how Hilling Care does to you?", Anew asked, now smiling lightly at the support that Renew gave her, causing the assassin to roll her eyes at the mention of the Innovade who craved for Ribbons' attention like a lost puppy.

"Let's not talk about her. Come on, I'm betting that Katagiri's not gonna wait anytime soon to see the Gaddess being tested"

Anew nodded where the two began to walk through the door, where she popped up another question. "Do you think I could be friends with anyone in the organization?"

Renew was about to speak but she was unsure as to how she would answer her question. "I'm not sure myself, Anew. It is never wrong that you could be friends with anyone, but this is an enemy organization we are dealing with"

Anew looked down for a moment, her expression becoming sober. Renew internally groaned to herself and tried to cheer up the younger Innovade. "Well, maybe if you could convince anyone to come with you, it is possible"

And just like that, Anew's smile returned, which caused Renew to slyly smirk at her. "Are you hoping that there is someone out there waiting for you?", she teased, to which Anew's cheeks becoming pink at the moment she popped up the question.

"N-no!", she sputtered, causing Renew to chuckle at her. "Can we just go quietly?"

The assassin smiled. "Whatever you say, Anew"

Expendables, huh?, Regina recalled those words after going through memory lane as she walked over to one of the hangars within Carpenteria base. To people like Zala and Le Creuset, I won't disagree that some people are under their thumb.

It has been a few days since they had landed to the PLANT-aligned Oceania Union base of Carpenteria, where the Coesteau was said to be stationed and she gave time for members of both Nova and Zala Team (As Rau had made Athrun their de facto leader while he was out assisting for the preparation of Operation Spitbreak) to prepare for their next mission. Acting on the information given to her and ignoring the looks that the other mechanics and soldiers alike gave her, she entered the building where their machines were assigned, where she she found Mare Strode, whose expression translated to awe and fascination when looking at the new machines onto the datapad given by the mechanics. "Something impressive out there, Mare?"

"Sure is, Lieutenant!", Mare said in complete fascination as he handed Regina the datapad containing the information regarding the new machines, and she was impressed at what ZAFT had given them for their mission. "I mean look at them!"

Before them are the prototype machines at their new disposal, all of which were managed by the mechanics and engineers at Carpenteria. The farthest to the left was immediately recognized to be a GUAIZ, except this had more modifications and upgrades compared to the prototype unit that Regina piloted back at space. One, its external arrestors were replaced by pair of folded, MMI M15 Xiphias Rail Cannons, and stored on top of that, were a pair of MA M01 Lacerta Beam Sabers for close combat along with the standard shield of the GUAIZ, in purple colors. Attached onto its back, is a prototype, three-thruster Sub-Lifter that is MA-4B Fortis beam cannons and four GAU5 Volucris machine guns. On top of that, the machine also had the luxury of being equipped by a Phase-Shift Armor System, which explains to the gray appearance of her machine. Hence it was called the GUAIZ Experimental Firearms Type by the engineers and this is her assigned unit.

Despite the payload and the aesthetics of her machine, Regina knew there are serious drawbacks considering the amount of both weaponry and of the system installed with it, which concerns the power capacity and consumption, which she would have to request a power extender to last long against her targets, especially to the Gundam in hand, meaning she would have to be mindful and careful in using its arsenal.

Right next to the GUAIZ was an entirely new unit, though it was developed from the current AMF-101 DINN. Its torso structure was similar, though this time, the machine was equipped with an Ardor Multi-Phase Cannon, which was based from the Aegis' Scylla Multi-Phase Cannon, its arms were much blockier in shape, and so is its legs, except the feet were much conventional in shape rather than the pointy ones from the CGUE and DINN. On its side skirts were a pair of beam sabers, and had a new backpack made for aerial combat and had the ability to switch to a Mobile Armor form, which she surmised would be effective in hit-and-run raids. The unit's name was called AMF-950 BABI Trial Type, and this is going to be piloted by Mare, but she knew he would prefer oceanic environments rather than aerial ones.

On the third was a CGUE, except this was in a white color scheme with red panel linings. Unlike the ordinary CGUE, this had a very different arsenal. Replacing the submachine gun was a four-barreled beam gun attached to its forearm, which is capable of firing small, but multiple beams akin to that of a rifle with high firing rate like the Beam Lances used by the GN-X series. Replacing the wings was a black and white folded flight pack, disregarding the need for a Guul sub-lifter. For close combat weapons, it has the original heavy laser sword from the CGUE Deep Arms attached at the sideskirt and what made Regina became interested, is the prototype Slayer Whip rod, which has similarities to the Empruss and the Regnant's Egner Whips, which would be quite useful, but would require great precision and accuracy at using the weapon beforehand. The unit, called the CGUE Special Ops Type, would be piloted by Courtney, which she would have to guide him into effectively using these weapons. (AN: This is technically a CGUE with the GOUF Ignited's weaponry and backpack)

The final unit was a DINN, which retained most of the original DINN's design. The difference is, that this has a gray-colored scheme, and much of its original weaponry was replaced; the assault machine gun was replaced with a standard beam carbine used by the prototype GUAIZ, its shotgun was replaced by a Tyrfring Rocket Anchor based on the Blitz's Gleipnir Rocket Anchor, which was more closely similar to the Egner Whip. Like the BABI Trial Type, it also has its own pair of beam sabers for close combat. The most defining system that the unit possessed was the Mirage Colloid system, which was made through the data of the Blitz. As such, they call it the DINN RAVEN (ReconnaissanceAttack AdVancedElectronic iNstallation), which is going to be piloted by Riika.

She has to be honest, the Mirage Colloid was more effective than Celestial Being's Optical Camouflage in more ways than one, so this could help a lot if used correctly.

"I'll admit, ZAFT has stepped up its game if we're going after a fleet-killing mobile suit", Regina stated, as she gave back the datapad to Mare. "But it won't be a reason as not be careful when facing the Blue Flash"

"Duly noted", Mare agreed with her before an idea struck him like a lightning bolt. "Hey Lieutenant, do you think I could-"

"No", was her immediate reply to the blond pilot.

"But I haven't even finished, Lieutenant!", Mare whined, where Regina looked at him with a deadpanned looked before returning her attention to her datapad. "You probably don't even know what I'm talking about here!"

"Courtney and Riika told me about it. Mare, just because the Council agreed to give what we need for our mission, doesn't mean any of us had the right to take advantage of it", Regina firmly reminded her teammate, not sparing a glance at him as she continued to observe the machines further. Mare tried to look shocked, going as far to place his hand onto his chest in a dramatic fashion.

"I am offended that you assume that I would sink that low!"

"Knowing you back from the Academy, I'd say you do", the lavender-haired Lieutenant shut him down, causing Mare to slump his shoulders.

The meeting hall within the Ashiya Airfield was neither luxurious or decrepit unlike to those of the Atlantic Federation. In front of the seated forms of the Archangel's crew were members the General's officer corps and a few members that represent the Japanese government. Though many were still uncomfortable due to their experience back at Artemis, this is their best chance to make the good out of it.

"You'll have to excuse the rather meager provisions provided", Shiratori apologized to the group as one of his officers poured tea into his cup. "But we'll do the best we can to accommodate your needs at the meantime"

"It is to no concern, thank you", Natarle said on behalf of the crew. "Though hopefully this is not in complicit of the relationship between the Atlantic Federation and of the Republic of East Asia"

"Ensign Badgiruel!", Murrue scolded her for the comment which caused some of the officer staff from the East Asian and of the Eurasian Federation to glare at her, to which the General raised his hand in dismissal.

"I understand your mistrust due to our respective allegiances", Shiratori said in a polite tone. "However, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, therefore arbitrary differences would not matter if we are facing a common enemy that is ZAFT"

A few others from the Archangel sighed in relief for the General's statement, which Setsuna was relieved that Shiratori didn't seem to share any traits as to that of Admiral Garcia back at Artemis. "However, we had received news as to what had happened to the Atlantic Federation's 8th Fleet and of ZAFT's 6th Division..."

And now Setsuna's relief was replaced with a scowl, which was noticed by the other crew members around him, to which Shiratori gave a small smile in re-assurance.

"That many lives were saved through the efforts of one machine that overtaken one of the finest squadrons that ZAFT had to offer, something that no one within the Alliance had managed to do", he continued which caught Setsuna by surprise. "The people who had watched what had happened, began to long for the day that the Kishin would come at the most desperate hour. And in the end, hope that our country would still be freed still remains for our people"

Mu, Kira, Jane, Rena and Murrue all smiled at Setsuna, who kept up a neutral expression at being referred to by that title given to him by the people of Japan, which he disliked as he was meant to end war by all means, not to become the actual embodiment of it.

Though he had to be honest with the irony of him being someone who is good at dishing out violence is something to be considered.

Deciding to change the subject to more important matters, Setsuna asked. "If you won't mind, what is the current situation here in Kyushu?"

Shiratori's face became grim, a trait shared by the other officers. "After Kaoshiung's fall, refugees from Honshu and Hokkaido fled to Kyushu to evade ZAFT occupation. Calls for reinforcement or resupply from mainland East Asia and Eurasia were thwarted by the coastal blockade made by ZAFT", Shiratori explained to the group, shifting his attention to Setsuna. "While I find it unlikely that help was going to arrive, how did you learn of the ZAFT assault on the island, Commander Seiei? Given to the fact you have to pass through dozens of ships or so to reach the island"

"One of your informants or spies who had information of the ZAFT invasion had been caught by ZAFT authorities", Setsuna said, causing Shiratori and a few Eurasian officials to widen their eyes.

"Is the man named Xist Elwes by any chance?", an officer asked, to which Setsuna nodded.

"Yes", Setsuna confirmed. " It was through his information that I made my destination towards Kyushu through means I dare not speak off. Though I have requested him to stay with a couple of scavengers until further notice"

Mu and Murrue looked at one another, knowing only a single organization that specializes in scavenging parts and were glad that Setsuna ran into them.

"Then it appears his mission was not doomed after all...", Shiratori said, sighing in relief for the informant. "Regarding the status of the people of Hokkaido, do you have any information you could give, Commander Seiei?"

"Not much I could come up, I'm afraid", the Gundam Meister said, recalling the rather miserable conditions that the citizens of Osaka had to go through when exploring the city with Liam and Lowe. "What is ZAFT doing with the territories they conquered? Other than military occupation?"

"It is more on strategic and material incursion rather than a geographical one", the general said, looking over the marked territories that ZAFT occupied throughout the globe. "With the limited natural resources at PLANTs, they resorted into exploiting the Earth's resources to keeping their War Machine running, at the expense of the people living in these areas. Hokkaido and Honshu were no different and civilians were evacuated to the island to escape their aggression. And we were already running low in supplies ever since the two had fallen to ZAFT"

"The Archangel would be willing to share with the locals and personnel within the island. We had been recently re-supplied by the 8th Fleet prior to our landing", Murrue said, which caused Mu and Natarle to look at her uncomfortably, since they aren't even sure if they could even accommodate everyone in the island though the other members were all right with the idea firsthand. Shiratori and members of the Japanese Civilian Government gave a thankful nod at her. "Although I find it difficult to comprehend as what ZAFT had been doing to occupied territories"

"If that is to be considered, I have heard that pro-ZAFT governments were set up in each conquered territory under their watchful eye, where they were being sponsored from Aprilius One, heeding every one of ZAFT's demands", Natarle recalled.

Mu chirped in support of the vice captain, crossing his arms. "The way I heard it, they confiscate essential goods and resources from civilians and Earth-based markets and sold them five times the price to black market dealers or to private investors sympathetic to their ideals"

"Indeed", Shiratori agreed with them with a frown. "Examples would include the North African oil fields and Chinese steel factories to continue to support their materiel needs once the Kaoshiung Mass Driver had fallen. Same could be said for Japan's coal and copper mines"

"However, as to ZAFT's next move is what we have to be prepared with, considering they might come back in greater numbers", the General continued, placing his hat at the desk. "If ZAFT had went as far as to bring in the 6th Division against a prototype vessel and a few mobile suits, there is no doubt that they will go and call in reinforcements from the occupied territories from Guam, Hawaii, and the island chains in the Bering Sea, which had fallen not long ago to serve as a curtain to any vessels intending to journey to the Atlantic Federation headquarters"

Murrue, Mu and Natarle gasped slightly, where the Captain stood up in shock. "They had formed another blockade at the east?!", Murrue exclaimed in shock, as they had expected for a short journey to JOSH-A when they had landed to find Setsuna. But now that ZAFT practically increased their holdings to the west, going over there would be suicidal, even with the capabilities of Setsuna's machine.

Not that she doubted them, but she knew there was a limit to his machine especially after his excursion at space which most likely burned out his energy capacity and that was only against nine ships compared to the dozens that ZAFT would bring.

Shiratori looked at the crew sympathetically, understanding their shock. "However, there is another way, though it will be a lenghty process"

"What would that be, General?", Natarle inquired. The crew members were likewise eager as to what he had to say for them.

Shiratori stood up, walking over to a map where he grabbed a long wooden rod where he first pointed to the map of Japan. "The Archangel would travel westward, crossing over the the Indian subcontinent, Central China and Asia", he said, dragging the rod to the west, crossing the North African strait up to Caribbean Sea up until Canada then to Alaska. "And then towards the Atlantic Federation headquarters"

The crew were baffled at the General's suggestion, as they don't know whether or not they would be capable in actually circling the globe in that case. "The Archangel does not have the sufficient supplies to make that journey, General", Natarle said in a as-a-matter-of-fact tone. "Also, we cannot proceed until we could find a way out of the ZAFT coastal blockade that encircled much of the Japanese archipelago"

"That is also taken to consideration", one of the East Asian officers agreed on her point. "Unless we could break through the blockade, no ship could enter the Archipelago by any means. But the longer the blockade lasted, the more it is less likely to pass through when they kept on sending in troops. For now, with the damage inflicted to their forces, they would not be inclined to send in any at the meantime"

"Which could be our best chance, given that the enemy had retreated to their bases", Setsuna interjected, which caused many of the room's occupants to be wide-eyed at his words. "While I am in no position of dictating the campaign of the Earth Alliance, an attack to the center island of Honshu may be our only chance if Japan is going to be freed from ZAFT control and for the Archangel to proceed to its journey"

"You're asking the impossible, Commander Seiei", one of the East Asian officers protested. "We are facing a sizeable force that could destroy any ships on sight. In addition, our forces are ill-equipped to even launch a raid, onto the Japanese mainland!"

"Not to those of the Atlantic Federation, apparently", Shiratori pointed out, turning towards Setsuna, having seen their potential when they came to their rescue. "We understand that the longer the blockade lasted, the situation worsens, but how do you plan in staging an attack with a meager force against ZAFT's mobile suits, counting dozens, to a few machines from your ship?"

"I have an idea, but I will be requiring the full cooperation of every personnel available", he said, shifting his attention to Murrue. "Captain Ramius, is it possible that the Archangel could submerge underwater?"

Murrue was taken back for a moment at whatever idea he has, as did Mu and the others. "Y-yes. What is it that you need?"

"You asked for a meeting, Chairman Clyne?"

Siegel turned around to find Markhov entering his office with a salute, a gesture he returned and motioned the black uniform to take a seat in a chair in front of his desk. "I have, Admiral. I trust that you are notified on Team Nova's new mission and their transfer to Earth along with Le Creuset Team?"

"I have, from Lieutenant Renew", the black uniform said as he took his seat. "Though it was a surprise as my mobile suit team is assigned into capturing the new Earth Forces machine"

"Do you have any doubts of their abilities, Admiral?", Siegel asked, where he saw Markhov's small smile regarding the subject. "I do not have any, personally", he replied but his smile quickly faded. "But if there is anything I would be worried about, it is the extent of the Blue Flash's abilities. And my doubts are directed to the chances of them actually capturing the machine, despite the new machines being assigned to them"

"I understand your worries, Admiral", Siegel assured him. "But if this machine could actually alleviate or possibly completely cure the growing issue that the younger generation had faced, then it is to no wonder as to why the Council have made an unanimous decision that even I could not oppose"

"The use of politics to make an indirect impact in enforcing their ideals is their way of them being heard and supported by the people", Markhov added.

"That is what I fear", Siegel said, rubbing his temples. "With the days of my term numbered, I fear that Zala's ambitions would be in motion as soon as he ascended to the position of Supreme Council Chairman"

Markhov frowned, crossing his arms as he knew that the warmonger's popularity had been growing due to ZAFT's military successes back at Earth and the people supporting his agenda in ending war, which involved his racial ideals that could evolve into another, or perhaps an even worse version of Junius Seven. "Knowing him, he would escalate the war further in a way that none of us would want to imagine. And should the Blue Flash ever be captured, he will not hesitate to use its power to enforce his racial ideals"

"Losing Leonore and many of his fellow compatriots at Junius Seven was the last straw for him", Siegel grimly recalled the tragedy. "And he would see to it that young men would carry out his wishes without any regard for their well being. That unfortunately includes his own son, Athrun"

"Athrun is a good soldier, but a better man if not binded by his own duty", Markhov remarked for the bluenette. "But his father's position within the PLANTs made it difficult for him to decide whether or not he was doing for the greater good"

"I know", Siegel said, going over his drawer where he picked up a flash drive hidden in a compartment. "But with the upcoming election, I have my own doubts of my chances on overtaking Zala. And he would see to it that moderates have no place within the society he wish to build"

"That is a bold accusation you have there, Chairman", Markhov said in a mock surprised tone but gave him a firm look. "But I cannot deny that as a possibility. You still have allies behind you. Canaver and the rest are, and the 6th Division, though crippled, will ensure you and faction's safety"

"You are a soldier, Grigory", Siegel firmly reminded the Admiral by calling him by his first name, placing a hand over his shoulder. "I don't want you or any of your men break to your oath to protect the PLANTs, into causing internal conflict within our home"

"Good soldiers follow orders", Markhov recalled the words he had lived by, but gave the Chairman a look of determination. "But better men know when to disobey them"

Siegel sighed at his defiance, but chuckled slightly. "I will not oppose your own philosophy. Should anything happen, I'll have to entrust the safety of the people who opposed Zala's ideals to you", Siegel instructed, to which Markhov nodded in reply without question before adding.

"Watch over Lacus, my friend", Siegel requested him as he handed him the hard drive, where the Admiral accepted without question. "She would need her godfather at this time of peril"

Markhov looked down for a moment, but quickly regained his disciplined visage and promptly saluted the Chairman. "Nothing will happen to her, Chairman. You have my word.", he assured him, shaking Siegel's hand when it was offered to him. "And besides, I could imagine Lucretia coming back to give both of us a piece of her mind like she did when we were younger if something happens to her little Cherry Blossom"

Siegel laughed slightly at Markhov's comment, fondly recalling a few memories when the PLANTs were still at their early years. "It appears so, Grigory. She he too much of her mother. Her determination and her hatred to war"

"And her own father's idealism", the Admiral added with a smile.

AN: And done! This took me a while and I hope you like how I added some lore of the war between the Alliance and ZAFT as well as some characterizations of Regina and Markhov, as well as the mobile suits that Team Nova would be piloting in their pursuit of Setsuna alongside Zala Team. Speaking of Setsuna, we're likely going for another fight within Japan as per his suggestion. Rate and Review if possible!

To those who don't know, Kishin means Wrath/War God in Japanese, largely because on the destruction that Setsuna did at Orbit and because on how maejstic it looked when he activated Trans-Am Burst.