A/n
Alrighty then, had better mojo while writing this chapter which I hope you readers appreciate. As usual, I repeat that I don't own nothing to do with the Gundam Universe, as neat and cool as that would be. Just take credit for my characters and musings. So then, on with the tale.
Phase 19: Down to Earth
February 15th, 71 C.E.
The Archangel
The descent thus far had been going according to plan, and with the enemy forces forced back things were looking okay. However, the Archangel's mobile suits had yet to return to the ship and that was getting more problematic every passing second. "We are entering Atmospheric Interface phase three, deploying ablative gel in preparation for entering the thermosphere," Arnold announced. And shortly after he had made the statement, the Archangel began to shake noticeably as the effect of friction with Earth's Atmosphere, and most visual pictures became distorted from the atmospheric heat.
Mu and Krystal were looking around for the mobile suits with time having run out for combat. Krystal spotted the machines to their right and worryingly, they were a sizable distance away from the ship. "Mu, to your right, it's the three mobile suits," she shouted with tones of growing dismay.
The crew also stared in horror as the Strike, the Asuka, and the Shadow came into view of the bridge viewing ports and the sight of them plunging into the atmosphere on their own caused serious worry and panic. The feelings increased as it became clearer that the three mobile suits were falling in completely different paths from one another and the Archangel itself. The Strike was a shorter distance away than the other two suits, but even the Strike was a sizable distance from the ship as it fell. Perhaps if they had full or three-quarters power levels, the Strike might be able to make it back to the ship, yet the Asuka and the Shadow even with fully charged batteries, it would be a stretch for them to return to the Archangel. However, all three were likely low on power after the battle, due to its length and the odds stacked against them, so they were in a harsh position that they may have to do atmospheric reentry on their own.
The sight of their friends in trouble and said trouble setup to get much worse made the volunteers unable to stay quiet. "Kira! Lacus! Tyler," Tolle cried as he watched what the scene playing out. "No way," Sai muttered with growing concern. If their friends couldn't make it back, they may die in the atmosphere if reentry went wrong.
Natarle's thoughts were racing as if the mobile suit pilots situation didn't change, then they would be forced to do atmospheric reentry on their own. The specs for the G-Project's units said that atmospheric interface and the condition therein were survivable in them. However, the point that designers and engineers stated was possible had never been tested. Sure, the suits had been doing fairly while fighting in atmospheric conditions thus far, but that was in high orbit. So there were serious doubts in Natarle's mind if the specs were right or not. And while Natarle may think the teens shouldn't be fighting as they were, that didn't mean she wanted them dead. Yes, even Tyler she didn't want to see die, notwithstanding the frustrations he caused her. "They're not seriously thinking of attempting reentry on their own," Natarle questioned incredulously.
"They may not have a choice any more with the situation as it is," Sophia said. "How accurate are those specs on the suits mentioned before, cause there is a very good chance they're going to be put to a real test?!"
Arnold was still working to keep the Archangel on its entry vector which wasn't easy as the conversation was going. Honestly, the specs didn't matter in the end, the ship's mobile suits were going to be separated if they didn't get back. If the mobile suits were separated, then it didn't matter if they reached the JOSH-A base, it would be for little to nothing. "The specs don't matter at this point," Arnold stated loudly, "their descent angle differs from our own. Even if they make it through reentry, they're going to land in completely different places than we will!"
Arnold's statement got most to pause as he had a point. Their mission was to get a mobile suit to an OMNI base intact, if they didn't then all they had done would be in vain. Instead of arguing, Tolle pushed aside his worry about his friends, knowing that panicking wouldn't help in this. He quickly started inputting data on his console to do something that would help in this situation. Once the data of where the suits would end out with their current descent vectors came up Tolle read what was on the screen, "Calculations say that Lacus will land around the coastline to the south of the Middle East," he said pausing as the calculations for the Asuka's and the Shadow's courses appeared. "The Asuka and the Shadow will be somewhere within the Equatorial Union boundaries, but likely in different places."
Hearing the calculated landing zones for the mobile suits caused worry in the bridge crew. The "Middle East" area was a part of the Eurasian Federation, but at its edge and ZAFT territory was close by on the African continent. Eurasia wasn't a great deal better if what happened at Artemis was anything to go by. "That puts the Strike very close to ZAFT territory," Pal exclaimed, "The other two would be separated from us for who knows how long or if they would get help."
Murrue knew that the situation was grim, and if nothing changed then the Archangel would essentially fail its mission. "And there's no way for any of them to make it back here in their current state," Murrue muttered to herself considering the options there were to change things. She only saw one that could give their pilots a chance, even if it complicated the Archangel's mission for an amount of time. As the mobile suits' own power wouldn't be enough, then the Archangel's own would have to make it up. It would come with the price that the ship would miss the planned descent point that would end out in the Pacific Ocean, but there was no other option. "Alright then, bring us closer to them. The Archangel's thrusters should be powerful enough to get the Strike and give the other two a chance to get to the ship!"
"Yes ma'am," Arnold replied without hesitation. He began diverting their course. Arnold knew that doing during this phase of reentry or later is risky as it could do extensive damage and cause the ship to have a more difficult time through reentry if the ship got through at all. But the risk was seen as worth it to give all three Archangel mobile suit the chance to get back to the ship and not have to do reentry on their own. Those suit pilots had protected this ship and those on board more than enough for them all to wish to help those young Coordinators out of the jam they were in.
Sophia could see what Murrue was trying to do, which made her wonder about the suit pilots more. She'd heard a few things thus far from the crew, and the things that had been said portrayed the pilots as good teenagers, maybe even heroic to a degree. And if the mobile suits could get to the Archangel's upper deck, then they could have the heat shielding the ship had.
"If they can get on the top deck, then the Archangel should be able to shield them from the worst of the atmospheric heat," Sophia iterated doing some quick figuring of the dangers that the pilots still faced. "Haw! Instruct them to land on the upper deck as soon as possible!"
The Archangel fired up all its thrusters hard and moved itself closer to the falling mobile suits. Lacus noticed the movement the Archangel was making and felt grateful as she had been thinking about what she was going to do. Yes, she stated the mobile suits could do reentry solo, but that didn't mean she had confidence that it would go well. As Tyler had mentioned to Kira and her, the specs on the OMNI units said they could do many things, but that it was in theory rather than tested. ZAFT used entry capsules to get mobile suits through the atmosphere and even that was difficult for an amount of the pilots. Sakura said that ZAFT pilots had to do a solid few months of simulation training before they were cleared for such maneuvers. So, Lacus pushed the throttle forward and got the Strike over to the ship and landed on the upper deck.
Those on the white ship stared in the direction that the figures that were assumed to be the Asuka and the Shadow, hoping to see them get closer so that they could land on the ship. Miriallia hadn't been able to reach Tyler or Kira, there was too much interference from the atmosphere for radio contact. Time was running for the pilots as they were passed the point of no return for those that weren't ships or shuttles. The next thing any knew, one of the figures started flying towards the Archangel at a rapid speed. A moment later, the figure clarified into the Asuka tumbling in the ship's direction. The spinning increased when something hit the Asuka's shield which got the suit closer to the ship.
Kira was unable to right the Asuka with the tumbling it was doing, his heart was in pain at the same time making things harder. Tyler's farewell was echoing and bouncing around Kira's head, that Kira himself was the better choice to get to the Archangel. Kira had kept the Asuka's shield in front of the cockpit as Tyler instructed, and the impact from the Shadow's railgun told Kira why. He trusted that Tyler would do his best to make sure Kira get to the Archangel, but the sacrifice didn't sit well at all with Kira. When the forward display showed the Archangel intermittently as the spinning continued, Kira used his thrusters to slow the spinning.
Lacus saw what Kira was doing and had the Strike leap upward sticking out a hand to catch the other suit. Kira managed to have the Asuka's right hand out and seized the Strike's outstretched hand. Lacus steered both machines back down to the Archangel's upper deck and land safely. With two out of the three mobile suits on the Archangel, hope began to grow slightly, but the Shadow was still a ways off. Sai was looking over his station's display which still showed the signals of the three mobile suits, two now on top of the ship's. Yet, the separate signal started to get weaker, and his eyes widened as it disappeared from the screen. "Captain, we've lost the signal of the Shadow," he reported.
All the students looked worried as they understood that they didn't know where Tyler was anymore. None of them believed for a second, that Tyler had died, where he was none could say, but alive they were sure of. Murrue gritted her teeth and sighed at the difficult decision she was about to make. That the Shadow's signal disappeared meant either it was gone or more likely the atmospheric interference had gotten to the point sensors were having issues. "I'm sorry to say that the Shadow will be on its own. Arnold hold our descent vector as it is now and continued on our present entry vector," she ordered.
Arnold hesitated as did all the rest of the bridge crew, even Natarle at being told that Tyler would be on his own paused. He had become a member of the crew not too long after coming back, so to be told to leave them was weighing on all of them. Then the Archangel's primary pilot nodded, "Understood ma'am, continuing descent down to Earth," he returned but paused a moment, "and good luck to Tyler on getting through reentry and landing." The rest on the bridge nodded and muttered agreement to the statement as the Archangel resumed its journey down to Earth. The view of the southwestern most area of the Eurasia Federation was getting larger all the time as the Archangel flew lower and lower.
At the same time, seconds after Tyler had sent Kira off, the Shadow got caught up in an updraft. Alarms were going off in the cockpit, which Tyler already figured were screaming about his dropping altitude and the minor tumbling the Shadow was doing. Tyler glanced at the readout for altitude and saw he had just passed eight-hundred-twenty Kilometers. Tyler didn't like the way he'd had to part with Kira, but there hadn't been a real choice. He would have like to watch and make sure that Kira made it to the Archangel, but the thermal updraft had slashed that wish. Kira Yamato, as naïve as he is at times has the heart of gold and the resolve to protect those on board the Alliance vessel if the need arises, Tyler had no doubts about that.
Tyler brought up the systems that would be employed for reentry and found that he worries about the specs were founded. Successful reentry required some complex calculations, and the OS deferred to the pilot for those currently. Tyler brought out the keyboard and quickly typed in the needed calculations, thankful that his dad had insisted he take advanced math course when Tyler hadn't wanted to. It took half a minute to enter the equations and have the system integrate them. He also shut off any system that wouldn't help in reentry and landing rerouting the power to what systems would. After Tyler stored the keyboard, Tyler had the Shadow flip to face forward and down.
Tyler's sight went between the forward display, the energy readout, and the altitude display. The Shadow was dropping around an average of a Kilometer every few seconds, though he knew that interval was shortening the longer he fell. So at the rate of falling the Shadow was doing, Tyler would hit the Thermosphere in the next few minutes. The Shadow's battery was at ninety percent at the moment which Tyler was glad to have as he wanted as much as he could get. The phase shift was helping cut the heat down, and that required power, and the system was draining it slowly. And Tyler wasn't looking forward to doing reentry, mostly as he didn't have confidence in the machine's capability to make it through the process in enough of a working order to land. He was still facing Earth's surface specifically at the southern half of the Asian continent. Seeing his homeland helped calm Tyler's nerves a bit which he would take since the reentry process would take concentration.
The temperature inside the cockpit was already above a hundred degrees and still climbing, it felt to Tyler that he was in an oven. He expected his suit's medical system to activate soon enough, the rising temperature would require it. The medical support system in Tyler's suit was one that's standard in Federation pilot suits. The system's function was to assist the body in working at times that the pilot is injured or is in serious trouble. It would make sure Tyler would make it through the atmosphere if the suit managed it.
Tyler was keeping his breathing steady when he spotted something descending to be beside him through his peripheral vision. He looked to his right and saw a Delta Fighter coming into position alongside the Shadow. Now as nice as Tyler felt that he would have company for the journey down to Earth, it was a risk for anyone. Tyler did have an educated guess as to who it was in the space fighter, "I take it you're planning to join me for the reentry process then, are you Lisa?"
Lisa had to admit that Tyler had gotten himself into a harsh situation, even if he didn't actively contribute to get there. Now he was in an untested mobile suit about to do one of the most dangerous process for any machine or craft. That being the case, Lisa wasn't about to let Tyler solo atmospheric reentry and end out in worse trouble. Lisa had told Luke and Alan to go back to the Donnen and hook back up at a later time while she went after Tyler. "I certainly don't intend to allow you to go through the process alone, especially in an untested mobile suit," she replied.
Tyler wouldn't argue with Lisa for she had a valid point which Tyler already was well aware of. And if did prove that the Shadow wasn't able to do the process, then Lisa could help Tyler out to make it through. "Not going to argue with you Lisa," Tyler replied, "I would be lying if I said I'm not worried about what's ahead. I'm not confident in the systems this machine has to 'get through' the atmosphere. But as we both know, it is far too late to change the current circumstances as they are." Tyler paused for a moment, "So then, can I assume that Allen and Luke won't be joining us for this and will be meeting up with us later?"
Lisa was already having her fighter shift its wings to position for descent as Tyler posed his question. "You would be correct Tyler, they'll return to the Donnen for the time being," she answered.
The shaking that the Shadow had been undergoing became worse than before and Tyler saw that he had gone below seven-hundred-seventy-five kilometers. That wasn't that far away from where the harder part of reentry began. There are three different parts to the process of reentry to get down to earth; descend into the atmosphere, getting through the atmosphere itself, and lastly, landing. Tyler kept his concentration on the steps of reentry to distract himself from the thought of hunting the designers of the Shadow and make them do what he was.
Tyler's attention was then caught by two signals popping up on his sensor screen that weren't there a moment ago. The Shadow's sensors weren't very specific on what the signals were due to the atmospheric interference. So, Tyler had the Shadow turn slightly to perhaps get a better look as to who was close by. To Tyler's slight surprise, he saw the Aegis and a black CGUE a distance above where he and Lisa were. The Aegis was in its mobile armor attack mode with its four limbs outstretched to grab and hold objects. Tyler assumed that Athrun was trying to grab the CGUE and then attempt to get out of the atmosphere. While a nice thought, Tyler knew that his friend was fooling himself that they could escape Earth's gravity. And Tyler was willing to bet that the Aegis's battery wasn't close to full, reinforcing the point that escape was not going to happen.
That made Tyler begrudgingly admit that his friend and the other with him would be joining Lisa and himself in reentry. The other thing that Tyler was having a conflict with was that the CGUE pilot was none other than Sakura Clyne. Tyler was in no way comfortable with the way the woman acted around him and it went beyond getting on his nerves. However, that certainly didn't mean that Tyler was okay with Sakura ending up dead in some way. First, were Sakura to die, Lacus would be heart broken and Tyler couldn't bear seeing that and knowing that he did nothing to prevent that. Second, Tyler knew that Sakura wasn't anywhere near as horrid as her reputation suggested. Finally, with Athrun in the mix, Tyler would go whatever the distance to help him and in this, Sakura benefited from that.
Tyler sighed as the conflict was unfair but couldn't be considered in depth, then he opened a channel to the two behind them. "You know, an individual's hobbies are their business and shouldn't be up to scrutiny of others normally. However, I feel I should say something when those that should know better about risky hobbies. And I assure you, when thrill seeking leads you to something as dangerous as atmospheric reentry, you've gone beyond risky and even reckless and are dancing with suicidal tendency."
Athrun glanced ahead and saw the Shadow and a current Federation space fighter model. Granted, Athrun had seen Tyler dive into the atmosphere earlier and had even fought him for a bit. But that didn't explain what he was doing here falling deeper into Earth's gravity well. Athrun, after dropping commander Creuset off, had gone off to do what he could to get commander Clyne out of the atmosphere. CGUE suits weren't designed to do reentry on their own without an entry capsule. It was likely going to be hard if not a horrible choice to try with the Aegis not freshly charged, but Athrun want to try. "Tye," Athrun muttered.
At hearing her beloved's voice, the current circumstances were ignored by Sakura and she got a warm feeling in her heart. Oh she had been surprised to find out Tyler had been the pilot for the enemy black machine. Nevertheless, to meet up with him again so soon was a sign of fate to her, that she and Tyler were meant to be together. She would convince Tyler of that given enough time, Sakura was sure of that. "Tyler! Fate has brought us together once again," Sakura said happily.
Tyler would have chastised Lacus's older sister if there was the time, but there wasn't so he would do the point later. There were far more pressing matters to get through first before other things were looked into. "Now's not the time for that Sakura, do give attention to the current situation, please," Tyler chided, "mistakes in this environment can easily get you killed and normally do so." Tyler shook his head as there needed to be adjustments made now before things got rougher. He did some quick thinking as this definitely was a "flying by the seam of the pants" situations. Tyler then noticed Athrun started moving over to the CGUE, "Don't even think about it Athrun you won't make it out."
Athrun glanced over at the Shadow, "Tye what are you talking about?"
"What's the power level on the Aegis right now Athrun," Tyler posed. Athrun looked down at the display and saw the battery level was at thirty-six percent. Yet Tyler continued, "If it is sixty percent or lower, you will not make it out of Earth's gravity alone, definitely not with another. I know the specs of that machine you're in better than you would think so don't challenge me in this. Atmospheric reentry is a give now, so don't fight it, you'll end out doing more injury to yourself."
Athrun wasn't one that normally argued, more so with Tyler as he tended to be right the majority of the time. But how would Tyler know about atmospheric conditions if he hadn't been in them before now? "Tyler," Athrun began, "You don't know that-"
Tyler cut over his friend, "Yes I do, I did reentry over a year ago and so know what I'm talking about. Now put as much of what you have left into the Aegis's phase shift armor system, it should provide the best possible protection from the heat. Then use the Aegis's attack mode and latch on to my suit, it should be able to provide enough shielding from heat to make up for power your suit's lacking and get you through reentry." Tyler paused for a brief moment, "And you Sakura, since ZAFT CGUE suit models weren't built with doing atmospheric reentry without an entry capsule, you'll have to ride my colleague's fighter down."
What Tyler was suggesting wasn't crazy exactly, but it was pushing in that direction and he didn't normally do that. Oh, Athrun had seen there were times that Tyler came up with outlandish ideas, though those plans seemed to work somehow. It normally took some explaining for Athrun to get onboard with Tyler's "unusual" ideas/plans. "Tye, what are you-"
Sakura could see the general idea that her beloved was talking about, and it could work to get all four of them through reentry. She believed that Tyler knew the specs of the stolen OMNI units, even if she didn't know how he would. And since time was so short, the time for hesitation was over, "Do as he says Zala," Sakura cut over. "We're going to go through atmospheric reentry period, there is no way out of that anymore, we're in too deep."
Tyler readjusted the Shadow to return it to the vector he'd been on before noticing Athrun and Sakura. As he made the adjustment, a message on his helmet's visor told him that his suit's medical system had activated. His rising body temperature slowed down and Tyler found it slightly more manageable to concentrate. Tyler glanced at the altitude readout and saw it was at seven-hundred-fifty kilometers and dropping. That put Tyler's group at around a minute left until they hit the Thermosphere.
Sakura meanwhile steered her CGUE to land gently on the Federation space fighter and held on to what surfaces she could. If she made it through this, Sakura would take some time off as this mission had been stressful for a few reasons. Plus, it had been a while since she had taken time to spend with her family or her beloved Tyler. Descending together gave a good chance they could spend time with one another, and Sakura was all for that. Also, Tyler seemed to know where Lacus had been and likely where she was going to be. Sakura wanted to catch up with her little sister and find out what she had been doing lately that got her into this mess.
Athrun after hearing his "orders" from Commander Clyne, stopped his arguing and did as he was told. He moved the Aegis forward and switched it to its cruising modem and then latched onto the Shadow. Next, Athrun brought out the keyboard and began having the suit's system reroute the available power to the phase shift armor. Athrun understood why Tyler said to route power to the system, the armor did blunt the heat even if it didn't block it fully. And Athrun was left to wonder how he came to be in the current situation, it was just such an unexpected one.
Tyler felt the Aegis connect and latch onto the Shadow, though he was focusing on getting the descent angle he wanted. As Tyler didn't trust the suit's specs, he wanted the descent to be over as quickly as reasonably possible. That meant an angle that was deep enough that it made the journey through the Thermosphere short, but shallow enough to not make the drop deadly. And Tyler judged that a twenty-five degree angle would fit the bill even if it would be unpleasant and require extremely firm steering. "Lisa, make your entry vector angle twenty-five degrees," Tyler ordered.
Lisa wasn't sure she heard right, for Tyler had said a fairly steep angle to descend at. True, it wasn't suicidal right out of the gate, it was still rather deep to go down at. "Tyler," Lisa began, "wouldn't you say that's a bit steep to descend at?"
"Yes, but we are going to get through this before the possibility of failure can occur," Tyler replied, "so steep as it is, that's what we're going with."
Lisa sighed knowing there was no point in arguing and there was no time for it either, "Fine, we'll go with that," she said. Lisa then made the needed adjustments for her fighter to drop at the right angle of descent.
Tyler eyed the altitude reading and saw it was at seven-hundred-twenty-five kilometers and falling. He was already griping his controls hard even though the shaking wasn't as violent as it was about to become. "Entering the Thermosphere in ten," Tyler started keeping as calm as possible, yet memories of his last experience with atmospheric reentry were popping up in his mind. Tyler kept counting down and when he said zero the shaking they were feeling got notably worse. Also, the "bubble" of heat got brighter by a margin showing the increase of friction the group was having.
By what Tyler saw with the altitude meter, he estimated it would take between four and five minutes to get through the Thermosphere. It was enough time to have Tyler somewhat worried, but not so much that he was concerned of making it through. What Lisa had said about the entry angle being steep was true, but Tyler felt that would be better than spending more time in the Thermosphere. The concern Tyler had was if the Shadow and his "comrades'" machines weren't in working order after getting through the atmosphere, then landing would be much more difficult in not impossible. And as the rocking continued, Tyler could tell that gravity was helping accelerate the falling mobile suits and fighter. Tyler felt the temperature still climbing slowly making it harder to concentrate on holding his descent. His hands clenched the controls tightly in what was close to a death grip doing the utmost to maintain the entry vector that he'd set.
As Tyler's group fell, their descent was noticed by the OMNI shuttles that had been released from the Menelaos. After being saved by allies from the ZAFT suits, the shuttle pilots had been focusing on descending down to Earth and getting their passengers there safely. Admiral Halberton had given them orders to get these people to Earth and that the fleet would do their utmost to help them. And so, when the lead shuttle's pilot saw objects falling close by them, he glanced to his left. The sight of a fighter craft and the allied black mobile suit sinking in the atmosphere was hard to not look at. The other thing that the shuttle pilots noticed was the mobile suits and fighter were sinking at a faster rate than them.
Some of the passengers spotted the objects coming slowly past the shuttles they were on. And it didn't take long for a number of them to realize said objects were two mobile suits and a fighter craft. That one of the mobile suits was the black one that had blocked the attacks aimed at the shuttles made some of the passengers wonder and worry. A pilot had put their life on the line for all of them, and now it seemed said pilot was falling potentially to their death.
Back with Tyler, he made sure that his group didn't get close enough to the OMNI shuttles to touch them. After all, he at least had put forth effort to save the refugees onboard those shuttles and so he didn't want to play any part to potentially killing them even if by accident. Tyler kept his death-grip on his main controls to hold Athrun and his descent path. The task was becoming harder as the minutes slowly ticked by and Tyler's group kept decreasing altitude. Tyler was definitely glad he had made sure to tighten his restraints for his pilot seat, they were keeping him from bouncing around in the cockpit.
The view of Earth's surface was now narrower but still of the southeastern part of Asia, which included the Equatorial Union and the Republic of East Asia. There was also the northern half of the Oceania Union in the view that the group had, but it was disappearing. Tyler's group's course would have them coming down close to the eastern coastline of the Republic. Tyler saw that as a good thing as if things didn't go well, he could count on assistance close by to bail those with him and himself out. And Tyler wouldn't count on the Shadow being good to go after the Thermosphere fall through. He wouldn't be against his suit being usable and dependable for the landing process, but he wouldn't put his full faith in that. Tyler hoped to get some time to recover after this at least, but he couldn't say if he would be getting that.
Tyler kept an eye on the altitude readout and the shaking died down right after his group passed four-hundred kilometers. That was combined with the orange glow of the flames that came from the friction from the atmosphere going away. And Tyler wasn't feeling the greatest after the trip through the atmosphere, dead tired if Tyler told the truth. That would make landing safely down-right difficult if not nigh-impossible to do effectively. Tyler was already fighting to not lose consciousness from the effects of the steep reentry. If not for his pilot suit's medical system, Tyler would be in a worse state and he knew that, it made him worry about the others in his group. And of course, crashing rather than landing was not acceptable as that would likely lead to death.
After the shaking stopped, Athrun had the Aegis release its hold on the Shadow it had during reentry. Athrun felt beyond tired and was drained of most of his strength which wasn't a good thing right now. None in the group of four he was a part of had landed on the ground yet and that was a needed step. He looked over the Aegis's system display and saw that a number of them were having issues. The Aegis's power was at twenty-one percent and so the phase shift would shut off very soon. Athrun questioned what would work that would help in landing at this point, but he didn't want the answer.
Lisa was also looking over her fighter's main systems and found they were okay and would manage landing. However, she could tell by how she felt, that she wouldn't be awake when the craft touched down. But then, that was one of the reasons that Federation space fighters were equipped with setting to do a remote landing. Should the pilot of a fighter be unable to perform or in some way be compromised, the automated systems could take over.
At the same time, Tyler was checking over the Shadow's systems and wasn't likely what he was seeing. And when he pushed the throttle for the suit's thrusters forward there was nothing but audible bang a second later. Tyler's intuition was telling him that the bang he just heard was a sign that landing was going to be impossible unassisted. Next moment, an alarm began going off and upon looking at the forward screen, Tyler saw the cause of the bang was being displayed. By what was iterated, all eight thrusters had taken enough damage in the Thermosphere so that they weren't responding to commands from the cockpit controls. Tyler figured it would be best to get the whole picture of the issues he and his group were dealing with before getting down to a solution. "Okay, what is everyone else's status, and please don't sugar-code it," Tyler inquired.
The tones in Tyler's voice only worried Athrun more as it implied he was doing little if any better than he was. The Aegis's thrusters on the side binders weren't responding and were sending back errors. And with the descent speed not slowing down much, landing without something to slow them down wouldn't end well. "The Aegis's thrusters aren't working at all," Athrun managed to say as his vision was blurring. Tyler could clearly hear that Athrun was fighting to stay awake from the draining effects of reentry much like Tyler was.
Lisa was breathing hard and working on not fainting, yet she knew that she wouldn't last all that much longer. In fact, Lisa was already switching her fighter's system to automated settings so they would be in place before she passed out. "I'm okay," Lisa spoke up, "but I don't know how much longer it will stay that way."
Sakura was listening to the conversation and was aware that all in the group were having some degree of difficult functioning. She was no exception, Sakura was fighting to stay in control and not keel over and have her seat's restraints hold her in. Sakura had already looked over the main system of her CGUE and found the suit would need repair before serious use. The main thrusters were damaged, the side ones were barely working and that wasn't enough to land with. "I believe we are all in that position," Sakura commented tiredly.
Sakura had summed up the standing issue and Tyler knew it better than any, they couldn't land without help. And as Tyler looked at his sensors, he spotted the OMNI shuttles they had passed earlier coming into range. It was seeing that which had Tyler making the decision to contact the Federation military command that was in the Republic. He switched over the com-channel and took a deep breath, "This is Commander Tyler McGregor, identification code 13 A 57 U 62 E 29 S, calling in a code 3018. My team and I are unable to land on our own, machines' thrusters are not responding. Team is made up of two unclassed mobile suits, one ZAFT CGUE, and one Delta space fighter. There are also two shuttles coming in behind us with Federation refugees from Heliopolis onboard, over."
In the command center within the Republic built into the mountains a distance east of the territory's capitol Shira Tyler's message was received. A code 3018 was used to inform of a situation that involved issues landing. Normally, it was used to say an immediate landing problem that needed others to help as soon as possible. The command center operators homed in on where the communication had come from and identified the signals which matched what the speaker had stated. The voice and identification code did match personnel files to prove it was who they said they were. "We hear you commander," one of the operators replied, we have you and your team on sensors."
The officer on duty looked at the information on the consoles, "Scramble a fighter squad asap," the officer ordered. "Have some of them pick up the team and the rest escort the two OMNI shuttles." The officer twisted around to look at another console operator, "Call up Shira's airfield tower and have them clear two runways at least."
"Yes, sir," the latter returned before doing as ordered.
The officer turned back to the first two operators, "Tell the commander that we are scrambling a squad to help them, we will handle the shuttles as well."
Both operators nodded and one got to the squad scramble while the other got back on the radio. "A fighter squadron is scrambling to assist you as we speak commander," the operator stated. "We also have the two shuttles and will take care of them and refugees when they land."
Down in the base's main hangar, a number of aircraft were being readied to catapult out. They modeled after the Pre-Reconstruction War's Grumman F-14 Tomcat fighter planes that were used by some militaries. There were red lines alone the wing edges and the back fins which were over the dual thrusters were housed. Their overall length from nose to thrusters of the craft was eighteen-point-six-nine meters. The aircraft was the current Federation earthbound fighter craft used by its military designated the HFC-S51 Valkyrie.
When the preparations were finished, the aircraft pilots got into their craft and where soon launched out of the hangar. The fighters took up formation and sped in the direction that the team that had radioed in were supposed to be. A minute later, the squad leader spotted the team and had four fighters go towards them while the rest followed the squad leader heading over to the OMNI shuttles.
Tyler was actively fighting to stay aware, when he caught sight of four Valkyrie units passing his group. They then positioned themselves below the mobile suits before Tyler got any communication. "Commander McGregor, this is Flight Lieutenant Coal, we're under and slightly ahead of you," Coal stated, "See if you can land on top of us and then we'll take you and your team into land."
Tyler could see what they helpers were setting up to do, they would be the platform to land rather than the suits themselves. It was a sound plan Tyler would admit, much better than anything Tyler could come up with at the moment. "Got it," Tyler said before he started to maneuver the Shadow downward towards the aircraft. A short period of falling and Tyler felt a clunk as the Shadow landed on the aircraft.
Athrun had seen the aircraft that were the Federation's machine used on Earth come to be under him. He took that to mean the Aegis was to land on the craft for landing safely so Athrun had the Aegis come down onto the fighter. And a moment after the Aegis landed and got a hold, Athrun slumped forward and blacked out.
Tyler looked at his sensor screen and saw the Aegis had landed on the other Valkyrie, "Athrun, you still with me," he asked. There was silence as Tyler's reply which he took as Athrun had fainted by this point. Tyler had to shake his head as his vision blurred for a moment saying he would not be conscious much longer. "Lisa, you still with me," Tyler questioned, "We already lost one of us so far I believe."
Lisa's vision was blurring badly and a grey ring had begun to come in at the edge of her sight. She had finished switching the fighter's controls over to doing an automated landing since she could tell she was about to faint. "My fighter with do an automated landing sequence," Lisa gasped, "I'm… out…" The ring on the edge of Lisa's vision went from grey to black and she collapsed into her seat.
Tyler heard the sound of Lisa collapsing as she fainted, and he knew that he and Sakura were the last ones. And Tyler knew that there were still things that needed to be said before he fainted himself. The access codes of the Shadow and Aegis being among the information that needed to be exchanged. That in mind, Tyler got back on the com-line and told Coal that the Aegis would need OMNI codes that were third tier ranking. Next, he transferred over the access codes that he had changed while working on the Shadow's OS. Tyler managed to get the info over just before his vision went black and he fell into the embrace of unconsciousness.
The Valkyrie craft which were carrying the mobile suits moved forward heading toward Shira's Southeastern airfield. The collection of runways and airport complex was at Shira's end right by the coastline of the city. Meanwhile, the rest of the fighter squadron maneuvered themselves to come alongside the OMNI shuttles. The squad leader radioed the lead shuttle, "Attention OMNI shuttles," the man began, "You have been given emergency clearance to land at Shira's Jing Airport complex on strips fourteen and fifteen. We will escort you in until your final approach."
The lead OMNI shuttle pilot was letting out a sigh of relief at hearing that message. It meant that they could land and the nightmare their passengers had been in could come to an end. "Understood," the shuttle pilot replied, "we're locking in approach, thank you, and bless you." The shuttle pilots steered the craft to point to the Jing Airport that was a few kilometers away from their current position. The Valkyries to up position to escort the two OMNI shuttles as they descended towards a separate runway ahead of them. Many of the refugees on the shuttles were praying that they would land safely even when the shuttle pilots said they would be coming to land a nation of the Human Federation.
The four Valkyries that had gone to help the mobile suits down were descending and approaching the runways they would use. The aircraft holding the Shadow in the lead came down and landed on the open runway they had been told to use. The magnetic deceleration system caught the landing gear and began to assist the fighter to slowdown as the Shadow provided extra weight for the fighter to have to balance with. While at the other end of the runway, a magnetic repulsing emitter was also helping the fighter come to a stop safely. The second Valkyrie with the Aegis atop bumped down onto the runway in a path parallel to the first craft. It also when through the same magnetic deceleration assistance before coming to a stop. The space fighter had come and linked with the laser guidance system built into the runway. It came to land in the magnetic decelerator docks as the space fighters didn't have wheels in their landing gear. The space fighter came to a stop with the assistance of the magnetic system the CGUE still holding on top of it.
The first OMNI shuttle locked in its approach and lowered its landing gear coming down with a bump. As the wheels of the lead shuttle bumped onto the runway, a number of the passengers were breathing sighs of relief as the craft they were on was on the ground in one piece and alive. Others were crying in joy that they were now in a place of safety after the long and uncertain journey from Heliopolis.
On the west side of the airport complex, cranes had moved into position to lift off the mobile suits. The Shadow and the Aegis were flipped and then set down on platforms so that the hatches to their cockpits were facing upward. Both mobile suits' phase shift had shut off and so were grey with all but critical systems running out of power. Federation pilots and airport workers were putting forth their efforts to open the Shadow's cockpit. As Tyler had given them the access codes, it didn't take long for the hatch to open and reveal the cockpit with Tyler inside. Tyler's body was limp but still held in the seat though he was breathing raggedly yet there were no other signs of him being aware. The restraints were unbuckled, and Tyler was lifted out of the cockpit by two Federation pilots and with the help of others was lowered down towards the ground.
The sound of an ambulance with its sirens wailing drew attention to the vehicle barreling over the runways towards the mobile suits. By the time Tyler was at ground level, the paramedics had gotten out and retrieved a stretcher and headed towards the small group carrying him. Tyler was quickly laid on the stretcher, his helmet removed so that an oxygen mask could be put over his face, then he was being pushed back towards the ambulance. The paramedics already found that Tyler's temperature was higher than it should be and so the young man would need to go the hospital.
Sakura had gotten her CGUE off the Federation space fighter and into a kneeling position before opening her cockpit. There was a staircase rolled over to help Sakura get to the ground without falling. Two people got on either side of her as she descended the stairs as she was shakily on her own legs. The two people helped take her helmet off while her vision started going in and out. She did catch sight of Tyler on a stretcher being moved towards an emergency vehicle. Just after she had the view, Sakura wasn't able to stay standing and then she, the last of the four that had descended to Earth fainted. She was quickly put into the ambulance along with Tyler and then were driven to the closest hospital.
While that happened, the unloading of the two shuttles began shortly after they landed on the runways at Shira. Government personnel quickly appeared and helped organize the process of unloading and identifying the refugees from Heliopolis. The vast majority of them were tired and shaken but were grateful to feel solid ground under their feet. Cagalli made her way down the stairs that had been rolled up to the shuttle looking around as she went. The shuttle pilots never stated specifically which member nation they were landing in and she was curious.
Cagalli was kind of hoping she wasn't in Orb yet since she wasn't ready to face her father. So much had happened since she had snuck off to investigate Heliopolis, just thinking about it made her head spin. The journey aboard the Archangel hadn't been all that much better, but she had been keeping a low profile around the ship's crew. Cagalli didn't think it would go over well if the OMNI personnel found out someone with connections to Orb's council was looking into their activity. Plus, she had caught occasional glimpses of the two that had helped her, who turned out to be the ship's mobile suit pilots.
Nonetheless, as Cagalli glanced around, she took in enough landmarks to know she wasn't in the Orb Union, but in the Republic of East Asia. Specifically, Cagalli figured she was at one of the two airports the Republic's capitol Shira had. The city encompassed an area of over fifty kilometers in total and was close to an oval shape. As Cagalli recalled from the times she'd come here, Shira was divided into five major sections, the northern sector, which was mostly used for residential purposes. The eastern sector was commercial and business used areas while the western was the industrial district where factories tended to end out in. Then the docking facilities, one of the airports and other things that go with the two, took up the southern part of Shira. Then finally, the central sector of the city was where the government and administration buildings were which was where Cagalli had been most.
Knowing that she was in Shira comforted Cagalli a bit as it possibly meant she could see and talk to Ellen Blass. Cagalli could really use a listening ear and she had no doubt that Ellen would give her that as the woman always had. Ellen was like the mother Cagalli had never had or could remember since she couldn't remember her mother Lady Athha. Ellen had never complained when Cagalli had called in the middle of the night and woke her up just to talk to another female about what was going on in her life. And Cagalli hadn't really had another female around her that she could talk to about things that she felt she couldn't speak to her father about. Of course, Cagalli knew that Ellen was kept busy with running the Republic, but she always said she would make time if Cagalli needed her to.
Cagalli looked over to the stations that had been setup and were manned by government personnel. She wondered what she would say to them since she was still on a trip that was a secret. Should she tell them who she was, it wasn't that she would be questioned, it would be that Orb officials would be informed about her present here. That wasn't the way she wanted her father to find out what she'd been doing that way. However, as Cagalli thought about it, she could also say that she'd been staying around the Republic for personal reasons. It wasn't uncommon for Cagalli to make a trip over to Shira to see Ellen from time to time so it would be believed.
As things were moving along, a black car pulled up close to the stations setup for the shuttles and a woman got out of the vehicle and looked over the scene. She was five foot six in height with Hazel eyes, which were looking over the numbers of people coming off the space craft. Her hair was mostly brown but had a small number of grey strands coming in, most of it in the back. The hair style was that of a braid that fell on the left side of the lady's face and went down to her upper chest. The woman was wearing a business suit that was black and made up of a suit jacket and dress pants. The white blouse had ruffles that could be seen between the V of the suit jacket that was held shut by a silver button a little more than halfway down.
The woman was Ellen Blass, the prime minister which led the Republic with her cabinet. She'd come here as soon as she had been informed of the unfolding situation to take it in herself. What had befallen these refugees from the Orb's Heliopolis colony was truly unfortunate in many ways. Ellen had heard the worries that Uzumi Athha had last night when he had called her to talk and the times recently as well. The events that had happened to Heliopolis and its citizens wasn't Uzumi's fault, and yet the man blamed himself even when Ellen had told him not to. At least now, Ellen could soon put Uzumi's mind at ease with the citizens that had been unaccounted here now on Earth and safe.
Uzumi had been a friend to Ellen for years now and had helped her through hard times as well. Ellen didn't believe she would have managed to keep herself together when she lost her husband without Uzumi's support. The man knew what it felt like to lose your closest friend and life companion personally as he lost his wife years earlier. And with the political tensions as they were lately, any good news was a welcome thing. That in mind, Ellen looked forward to calling Uzumi and being able to help him in ways he had done for her.
Ellen came up to one of those trying to keep order and asked him how things were going with the refugees. She was told that for most of the refugees were tired, battered, and shaken, but most were calming down now they were on Earth and away from the fighting. The feeling was completely understandable, Lord knows that these people had seen far more of the ongoing war between the Alliance and ZAFT during the trip here than they should have to. After being briefed on the situation, Ellen walked through the crowd of people trying to assist where she could. It was this habit of hers that had made her known as a representative of the people and was beloved by the citizen of the Republic.
She'd never had an issue getting down to the same level as even the most impoverished person and treat them like they were a friend close to family. That practiced habit had been put to the test with her husband Lance as he got so wrapped up with his work and research. There had been times it had been so bad that Ellen swore that their children were science projects to Lance. She knew that Lance had loved their son and daughter but getting him out of his "scientist" mindset to interact with them and others had been a challenge. But then getting him to talk on a level most people could understand had been a separate difficulty. Now, Ellen made sure she did what she could for both of them, both for their homeland and for those they loved.
As she mingled with the refugees, Ellen came across a man that she didn't expect to see at all, especially not with these people. The man was middle aged, around the same age range as Ellen herself and had dark brown hair and brown eyes. The man was wearing a light brown suit that was not well kept at the moment. Ellen herself had met the man, his name was George Allster and since he was the Atlantic Federation's Vice Foreign Minister, she'd been required to interact with him from time to time. George notice Ellen but the woman beat him to speaking, "George Allster, quite a surprise to find you among these people. Perhaps you're working on a change in yourself and position?"
George faced the woman that was the leader of the Republic of East Asia. He had never really liked the woman himself, she'd always been extremely annoying to deal with. She was ridiculously stubborn to suggestions always sticking to the Federation's values. Blass had earned her nickname "the Dragon of the Republic" George had to admit that begrudgingly. That she would suggest that he would change or even needed to was almost insulting. "Blass," he snapped, "of course it would be you. Out of all the Federation's member nations, I have to end out in yours. I'm not changing things for myself and what would you care anyways?!"
It was disappointing to Ellen that George was so adamant sticking to his ways even when they didn't help him at all. His hatred of Coordinators was unfounded and only assisted the war in continuing. His wasn't as bad as members of Blue Cosmos, but it was still restrictive and held him back. So, Ellen sighed at Allster's reaction, "I see, I suppose that hoping for you making improvements is still unfulfilled."
The conversation that ensued between herself and George Allster was of the kind that Ellen wasn't fond of. But then, the times before this that Ellen had been forced to be around this man had not been pleasant to her. George Allster had proven to Ellen beyond a shadow of a doubt that his judgement was affected by his disliked and distain of non-Natural-type humans. Although, even if Ellen didn't say it, such mentality didn't sit well with her at all, more so with her son being a Coordinator. So, Ellen was silently relieved when the man moved along and ended their conversation.
Ellen resumed moving among the people from the shuttles seeing what needs they had and if they could be met. This went on, until Ellen came across a young blonde-haired girl that was under the age of ten and she was clearly upset about something as she was quietly sobbing. Ellen knelt down in front of the child, taking out a handkerchief, "There there dear, things will be okay." Ellen brought the little girl into an embrace, quickly feeling the girl hugging back. Memories of her daughter Lana came to her mind as times that she had comforted her had felt quite similar to this. Ellen had the girl blow her nose and managed to calm down the child, "Now then dear, what has you crying? Perhaps I can be of help to you."
The girl Elle had grown scared when she had realized she'd been separated from her other in the crowd. She had looked around for her but had not seen her mother anywhere and so had broken down crying. Elle sniffled and looked up at Ellen, "I-I lost my mommy, a-a-and I can't find herrrrrrrrrr," she sobbed before breaking down into crying once more.
Ellen's heart went out to this poor child, to be apart from their parents was a horrible thing. And Ellen wouldn't doubt that the mother of this girl was out of her mind with worry as she searched for her. So, Ellen scooped up the girl and rocked her in her own arms, "Don't worry yourself about it, there are a lot of people around here, so finding one person is harder. But I will help you find your mother, I wouldn't doubt that she's just as worried and sad at not knowing where you are as yourself," Ellen soothed.
The girl looked at Ellen, "You'd help me find my mommy," she asked hopefully.
The woman whose formerly crisp looking blouse was now somewhat messy from the crying girl pushing her face into the piece of clothing, smiled at the girl. "Of course I will dear, so then, what's your name," Ellen returned.
"My name is Elle nice lady," she replied.
Ellen continued to smile as she rose back up to her full height with El in her arms, "Well then Elle, let's go find your mother then, shall we?"
It took a little over five minutes until El spotted her mother. Ellen made her way in the direction that the girl had indicated her mother was in. The woman was overjoyed to see her daughter again and was thanking Ellen for bringing back her daughter when one of the government personnel saw Ellen. The man snapped to attention at seeing Ellen, "Madam Prime Minister! There was talk that you were here, but I didn't know that you actually were ma'am."
Ellen had long ago gotten used to being treated formally by government employees, even if she didn't prefer it. She'd given up correcting people and asking them to not be so formal, they still insisted. So, Ellen waved at the man, "No need to be so formal during this kind of event, the more help in this the better I would say. That in mind, I came down here as soon as I could to see what could be done to help these people. They have gone through far more than any should have, seen the horrible things that the war between the Alliance and ZAFT has brought about. It's best that they get some actual rest and peace of mind as quickly as they can."
The man nodded and continued along his way while Ellen turned back to the pair of mother and daughter. Elle was staring curiously at Ellen while her mother was looking at Ellen with a bit of embarrassment at spotting the mess that her daughter had very likely caused to Ellen's blouse. "Why was that man acting like that? And what is a brime minester," Elle asked.
Ellen smiled at the young girl, "The man was being unnecessarily formal, some are like that. Then, the title is pronounced 'prime minister' and it simply means that I'm the one that manages and leads the country that you are currently in," Ellen answered.
Elle's mother bowed to Ellen, "I'm so sorry for the trouble my daughter has caused," she said, clearly worried.
Ellen waved a hand in a dismissive gesture, "Oh don't worry about it. It was no trouble at all really, glad I was able to help. I'm not as intimidating as leaders from the Earth Alliance or ZAFT would say I am, especially with the nickname they have given me, I'm quite the opposite in fact. I tend to be one that will get to know most of those who I represent, and that's apparently why I keep getting reelected as prime minister when elections come up."
Both Elle and her mother continued forward towards the check points that were screening people through and letting them into Shira. It was as Ellen was about to keep moving through the crowd to see what could be done, when she spotted a blonde-haired teenaged young woman a short distance from her current position. The teen, who looked to be between fifteen and sixteen years of age, stood at five and a quarter feet in height, and appeared fit, yet not muscular. Her blonde hair was medium length and ended at about the bottom of her neck with the exception of her bangs which came down to just above her eyes. The girl had amber eyes, which complimented her blonde hair. She was wearing tan pants and a red-orange short-sleeved shirt.
The reason that Ellen noticed her was she recognized the girl even if she hadn't seen her for months, nor spoken to her in that time frame and that was unusual. The teen's name was Cagalli Yula Athha and she was the daughter of Uzumi Athha, the leader of Orb. Ellen knew her as Cagalli would often visit and call to talk to Ellen herself. She didn't mind it, Cagalli was a sweet and passionate girl and Ellen could respect that. Cagalli was also almost like a daughter to her, and Ellen knew Uzumi had no qualms with that relationship. If anything, then Uzumi had been asking Ellen to help Cagalli refine herself. In fact, it was more like Uzumi had been glad that his 'wild princess' daughter that she could sometimes be like found a woman that she could honestly talk to. And perhaps learn some skills and good manners from, Uzumi had confided that could hope for such a thing for Cagalli. So, Ellen closed the distance that separated her and Cagalli and put a hand on the teen's shoulder, "Cagalli? I can't say that I expected to see you here, at least not with the Heliopolis refugees."
Cagalli twisted around and looked at Ellen, her eyes widening slightly. True, Cagalli wanted to see Ellen, but she hadn't expected to find her here. Cagalli didn't want to embarrass Ellen in public, so she didn't call her by name, "Prime Minister Blass," she uttered quickly going into a bit of a panic.
Ellen smiled a bit, "I've told you to not use the title, Ellen is fine especially with the relationship we have." She brought Cagalli into a hug, "And you being among the refugees could explain why your father is as worried as he's been the last few weeks."
After Cagalli got ahold of herself, she and Ellen moved out of the crowd and entered the car that Ellen had used to get here. The car drove back to the Minister's residence and shortly after arriving, Cagalli found herself sitting in a chair facing the leader of the Republic. It wasn't like Cagalli was nervous or afraid of the older woman or anything like that. So, she ended out looking at the frame that had the Republic's motto which hung on the wall of the office. She read it as she had done many times:
"The Republic accepts those who wish to live in peace, but that also requires order. For peace to be present, calm, Strength and a willingness to work are necessary. Diplomacy before violence, be slow to anger, stand and protect what is dear and important, only doing these will bring peace."
Cagalli was trying to sort out her thoughts and figure out how to say them without sounding desperate. She hadn't told her father about her trip to Heliopolis in anyway only a select few knew about it. The journey was supposed to be just to check on the rumor that the Alliance might be using Orb for their own purpose. However, the simple trip had gone so wrong, so quickly that Cagalli couldn't understand how things developed into the way events had played out. In fact, Cagalli found herself, talking about everything that had happened without being able to stop herself from doing so. The whole chain of events had spiraled out of control and had become crazy so fast, even Cagalli had wondered how things had got to what they were. Ellen sat in her chair and just listened to Cagalli get the time away from Earth off her chest for it seemed that the girl had been through a great deal.
It was in the middle of Cagalli telling her story, that an aide of Ellen's came in and handed her a note. Ellen glanced at the note and he attention wavered a bit as it stated her son was in the hospital. The note stated that he was in tensive care due to high fever and other problematic symptoms. He wasn't up to seeing visitors right now, but that he was in the hospital was worrisome. Ellen pushed the worry about her son to the back of her mind and refocused on Cagalli.
The chain of events that had come upon this girl and those from Heliopolis were far harsher than Ellen had imagined they were from the reports she'd read. None of it should have happened to begin with from the attack on Heliopolis to the refugees seeing the battlefields they had. Granted, it probably would've been better if Uzumi had announced that the Orb Union had joined the Human Federation last year. Nevertheless, she knew of and understood the reasons that Uzumi had to not announce the idea, but still. Unfortunately, Uzumi hadn't found who it was that had gone behind all the rest of Orb's government and had done an under-the-table deal with some from the Atlantic Federation. He had eliminated a good number and so was closing in on who it could be, but a sizable amount of damage had been done already.
It was also apparent, that Cagalli wasn't aware that there had been behind the scenes dealing with the Atlantic Federation by some within Orb's governing body. It hurt worse as Ellen knew Cagalli had a good heart and that it was in the right place. She only hoped that her son who had been around Heliopolis had been watching out for himself. It was pretty much all she could do for him these days with him being in the Federation's military.
While that was going on, the Archangel had finished its descent through the atmosphere and came down off the coast of what was once Oman. The landing point was technically in Earth Alliance territory but bordered the part of the Arabian Sea that the Federation had control of and ZAFT territory to the west. The ship itself had weathered reentry well enough, no major damage to speak of. However, the mobile weapon pilots hadn't faired as well as the Archangel had though. Both Mu and Krystal were okay but had been ordered by the ship doctor to get rest and drink fluids. Kira and Lacus on the other hand, were in bed in the ship's sickbay due to the high fevers they had gotten.
For the two teens, they found themselves alone and falling through a sea of blackness, plummeting endlessly through the void. As they fell, voices shouting from unknown places from within the void, "Kira! Lacus! Tyler!" Random images floating around both Lacus and Kira as they kept falling forever through the black nothingness. Countless heavy attacks bearing down on them, ships of different shapes and sizes fighting one another flashed all around them at random. The names of important people…
Athrun… Sakura…
Sai… Miriallia…
Tolle… Kuzzey…
Flay…
Tyler…
In the sickbay, Kira and Lacus were on the parallel beds tossing and turning intermittently in their beds while in their fever-induced sleep. They had both been brought here after being pulled from their mobile suits, for they had been in no condition to get out themselves. Their body temperatures had been dangerously high, even for Coordinators, and they hadn't gone down much with the time that had past. The doctor was doing what he could to attempt to get their temperatures down, but his methods were having little effect. He had them both on drips to make sure their bodies had the needed fluids yet that was all he found to help in any way. "Birdee," came the mechanical chirp of a green robotic bird as it flitted from one high place to another as it looked at two young teenagers.
"Lacus! We got a problem! Lacus," demanded a different robotic voice belonging to a pink ball shaped robot. The said robot was bouncing up and down, and then sometimes rolling around the floor of the room, repeating the one line over and over as it did so.
The volunteers from Heliopolis had been taking turns, including Flay watching over their friends. But there was so little they could do and that frustrated them more than watching the two in their current condition. At the moment, Flay was watching over both Kira and Lacus along with Sai which meant they were sitting by the beds. The others came in after a bit and were asking the doctor if there was anything they could do, much like they had many times now. Doctor Mark Graham didn't mind them asking the same thing over and over, it was easy to tell they were extremely worried about their friends. And he reassured them that with Kira and Lacus being Coordinators they would be fine given time. He would have said more, but Kira accidentally knocking the curtains around his bed open, and he thrashed around. That drew the attention of the friends there to attend to them.
Meanwhile Mu and Murrue were in the captain's quarters, discussing the situation as it now stood. Natarle and Krystal were on duty to keep things running as smoothly as it was possible at the moment. "This is Alaska," Mu stated pointing to the northwestern most section of the deep blue province of North America. Before moving his hand across the map and pointing to a place that was close to the dark red region of northern Africa to the west and a blue area to the north that was Eurasia's Middle Eastern coastline. Further east was white territory, which was the color that was used on digital map displays to signify Human Federation territory. "And this is our location currently. It could be worse, but not by all that much. We're in neutral territory, yet close to Eurasia, who are on none too nice terms with us since Artemis. ZAFT territory is behind us with the northern African Community and then we have Federation member nation, the Equatorial Union ahead of us."
Taking a sip of her coffee before sighing, Murrue spoke up, "There wasn't much choice," she said sadly. "Our alternative was to get separated from the Strike and Asuka, and we couldn't afford to do that." Murrue leaned forward slightly, twirling her hair around her fingers while she frowned, "I wish we could have retrieved the Shadow before coming down to Earth, but that wasn't possible at the time. It had to be done the way it ended out." Murrue hesitated, "for the best for all of us on the Archangel. Despite what happened, our ship's objectives and destination remain the same. We need to make our way to JOSH-A and deliver the Strike."
Mu caught the tone of regret at not being able to assist Tyler up in the atmosphere. Mu didn't feel the best about the kid being on his own, but Tyler had proved he could take care of himself. So Mu was confident that Tyler was alive wherever he was and would somehow find a way back regardless of how difficult or 'impossible' it may seem. "I wouldn't doubt that Tyler made it and we'll come across him at some point. The kid is resourceful in ways I haven't ever seen before and his drive is something else. But aside from that, is everything all right?"
"They should be," replied Murrue absent mindedly.
"I meant the issue with the deputy commander," Mu clarified seeing that she misinterpreted his question.
Murrue glanced at him, remembering her brief confrontation with Natarle on the bridge when the woman gave the three pilots approval to launch. "Everything's all right," Murrue replied wanting to reassure him and herself. "Natarle made the best decision back at the time, now that I've had time to think back and assess things." If the mobile suits and armors hadn't launch when they did, ZAFT forces that were breaking through the Eighth Fleet, probably would've destroyed the Archangel rather than just managing to divert the original planned course. Then neither Mu or herself would be here right now, and that was the truth.
"Very pleased to hear that," Mu remarked. "Let me see now, think I'll stop by to see how the kids are doing, and then I'll get some shuteye." Mu stood up and strode out of the office, stopping at the door to look back at the captain, "You should get some sleep too. A commanding officer mustn't allow herself to get worn out and exhausted. Not good," his voice held a slight teasing tone that Murrue found more than a little exasperating, but before she could respond, he left the room.
While back in the infirmary, Doctor Graham was explaining in more detail the condition of his two charges. "So, as I said despite their fevers, there's no sign of internal damage or infection," he said to the newly enlisted students along with Flay and Sophia, the latter two attending to Kira and Lacus. "Right now, we can't do much more than give them plenty of liquids and try to lower their body temperature."
"That's all that can be done," Sai inquired not liking just sitting and doing nothing for his friends.
"Well," the doctor began a little hesitantly, "this is the first time I've had to give medical treatment to Coordinators. I don't claim to be an expert when it comes to diagnosing them medically by the symptoms. However, what I do understand is that their physical functions are far superior to ours. So, if I were you, I wouldn't worry too much about it, though I wish I could do something for these teens. They're some of the bravest I've met, to go out and do what they did, most would shrink from what they've faced in recent days."
"But still," Sai began.
"As much as they may look the same as the rest of us," Sophia spoke suddenly, drawing everyone's attention, " they're internal capabilities are on a completely different level from ours."
Flay didn't say anything, but was mentally agreeing, Coordinators surpassed Hybrids, and she was familiar with the sorts of abilities Hybrids could have. Graham nodded, "They have bodies physically capable of greater strength," he iterated, "and minds capable of acquiring more knowledge, and so on. No fatal disease will develop with that immune system they have, rest assured. Sure, a bullet wound could prove lethal, and sometimes they may get sick, but it would be a greater risk to us than to them."
Lacus moaned softly, drawing Flay's attention, and the girl gently wiped away some of the sweat collecting on the rosette's head. She glanced back at Kira who seemed to be doing better than Lacus was at that particular moment. It made her wonder if there was a difference between the two of them that made what they went through result differently. Flay couldn't think of any qualities they didn't have in common, but that didn't mean there weren't any. "For example, did you hear about the extreme temperatures they were exposed to inside their mobile suits cockpits," Graham asked.
The volunteers paused as they hadn't heard everything their friends had experienced in atmospheric conditions. Granted, they had been told that being in Earth's atmosphere was a dangerous thing to do, but not much detail. There had been no mention of temperature that any of the teens could recall. They had seen the visible signs of heat around the ship as it had descended, but that was it. "No, we didn't," Tolle piped up.
"Well, I can assure you none of us would be doing anywhere near as well as these two," Mark said. The sheer heat the teens had been in would have possibly killed Naturals, it would cook humans to an extent. And his two patients had gotten back to the ship while the third pilot had been forced to do reentry. Mark didn't want to imagine what the pilot McGregor had endured during his descent. "I can only assume for the other pilot I've heard about that he went through more having to experience the full reentry process."
That reminded the younger crew members about their other friend who had once more become separated from the Archangel. None knew or had even a clue where Tyler could have ended out, sight and signal of the Shadow had been lost in the atmosphere. The assumption was that he in the Shadow had gone through atmospheric reentry and managed to land somewhere. Where that was none knew or calculated, not without the vector the Shadow would have been on and no one could even guess that.
Sophia could tell that the teens were worried about their friends in the sickbay and the one that was no longer on the ship. "I heard about it as well," Sophia commented, "It's strange, Yamato, Christopher and I wouldn't doubt this McGregor that I keep hearing about, all made it out of some really tough stuff. My little brother Ken," she paused as she didn't often bring up her brother, "well, he's a Coordinator too and can do incredible things. I've studied genetics as something of a hobby myself as well as to try and understand my brother. But it is my understanding that even most Coordinators wouldn't only come off with fevers as the only effect to worry about from those temperatures. And that's not taking into account the fighting they were doing at the same time. All of that really increased the heat they were experiencing out there, who knows? They'd probably be recuperating in their rooms if not for those factors."
"An interesting point Lieutenant," Graham replied before turning back to the former students. "Anyways, there's nothing to worry about. These fevers are nothing in comparison to those cockpit temperatures."
"La Flaga here," came Mu's voice from the other side of the door, "I'm coming in." The infirmary door slid open and the mobile armor ace stepped through, glancing at the civilian volunteers or cadets now in surprise. "Huh? Is there something I should know about?"
"Uh, no, nothing's wrong lieutenant," Graham said standing up. "I was just taking the time to explain to these youngsters that their friends will be fine."
Sai watched them quietly for a moment before he looked away, 'I always knew that their internal abilities were on an entirely different level from ours,' he thought, 'but still, I hate it when something like this drives it home. It feels like the world is trying to force a barrier between us and them…'
Kira was Sai's best friend, the idea of a barrier like that forming between them was unbearable for him. Yet it was then, something that Tyler often said came to his mind, 'whether one is a Natural or Coordinator or any other type of human, they are first and foremost human beings. Nothing will change that fact as much as many would love to deny it. That fact alone proves that we have more in common than many would admit or think about. One just has to stop looking at the differences and start looking at what's the same between us, then you can see there is more in common than different.' As Sai considered the idea that Tyler had been making, it was like a light turned on in his head and he understood better what he had been saying. Tyler had been saying no matter which kind of human you are, the fact is you're still human and that wouldn't change. That point alone would always be one that Sai and Kira would have in common, and Sai held to that, thankful that he had remembered that line from Tyler.
Back with Tyler, he opened his eyes slowly, feeling pain, mostly a throbbing in his head. However, he wasn't sweating puddles like he'd been doing while coming down to Earth and Tyler would take that. Next thing he noticed was there being an IV in his right arm along with the oxygen tube over his face and the ends put into his nose. Tyler certainly felt tired both physically and mentally as he took stock of his situation while lying in a bed.
The last thing that Tyler remembered was that he, Lisa, Athrun, and Sakura were falling. They had just gotten through the main part of reentry, but landing would be impossible alone. Tyler did recall calling for help and it coming a short period later, but things became hazy after that. He assumed that he'd fainted before getting to the ground, but how he had gotten to where he was Tyler couldn't say. As he tried to make sense of things, a soft groan escaped Tyler in response to the pain he was in.
The sound of the door opening to Tyler's right drew his attention getting him to turn his head, still on the pillow to see a woman in a nurse's uniform. Tyler took the nurse to mean he had ended out in some sort of clinic or hospital. It would make sense, Tyler's health after what he did wouldn't be the best, good as Tyler was at his job. The lady glanced over the room and locked her gaze on Tyler, seeing he was awake. The young man by the name of Tyler McGregor had come in with a high fever and had been close to a comatose state. That had been around a day ago, so for him to be conscious was quite impressive, "Oh, Mr. McGregor, you're awake, that's good," she said in a tone of slight relief. "Let me go inform the doctor on duty, so that they can check you over."
The nurse then turned and left the room to go get the doctor to check the young man over. Tyler was left to wonder just how he had come into this place with the nurse's tone. Granted, he imagined that his body temperature was notable higher than it should be. Yet Tyler was thinking by the nurse's behavior he'd been in rather poor straits. The pain he was feeling would agree that Tyler had some things to deal with before saying he was fine. And while Tyler had hoped for some time to rest and recover, he didn't want such to be forced on him by poor health. There was one other personal thing that Tyler was not looking forward to while around home if that's where he was, but that could be seen to later.
In what seemed like near no time at all, the nurse returned and this time with another blonde-haired woman in a white doctor's coat. The doctor came over to the bed Tyler was in and looked the young man over. "Good evening Mr. McGregor, I'm Doctor Hessing. Tell me can you understand what I'm saying to you?"
Tyler could comprehend what was being said, his hearing was doing well enough that it wasn't garbled or anything. So he nodded, "Yes, I do," he replied, "Where am I doc?"
Doctor Hessing smiled as it seemed that Mr. McGregor was doing far better than when he was brought in. By what she'd been told by others, the young man had been in a bad state when delivered to the hospital. He had been in intensive care for about two hours yesterday to make sure his temperature went down and his vitals were not critical. Once he had come out he had been in a hospital room to wait for him to wake up. Nurses had regularly checked up on him, but there had been no sign of him getting close to waking up before now. "You're at Whereta General Hospital in the western sector of Shira and you've been here for close to two days since you landed. You here with a high fever and somewhat comatose state, common symptoms that comes during and stays after the atmospheric reentry process," Dr. Hessing said in answer.
Tyler would have nodded with what he was told, but his head was pounding so he grunted in acknowledgement. To be told that he was in his homeland as he guess was kind of comforting as it had been around a year since he'd been here. It wasn't the way Tyler wanted to return home but there was no changing that now. Then apparently, Tyler had been at this hospital for around two days knocked out and unaware. Tyler didn't know where those that had been with him in the descent were or what they condition was. And Tyler worried about Athrun and Lisa since he didn't want them to be in serious trouble. He figured Sakura would somehow shake whatever she got from the descent off, it wouldn't surprise him if she did.
That said, Tyler knew his situation wasn't improved much from what it was when he was in the atmosphere. His mission was still unfinished as the Archangel still had dangerous data and a working mobile suit on it. The longer that was the case, Tyler knew there was a growing risk of failure and that would endanger citizens of the Federation. Tyler agreed with Federation high command in OMNI getting mobile suits would only create more problems and make the war worse. However, Tyler decided to look on the bright side of things and not make more issues for him to stress over.
Doctor Hessing checked over Tyler's vitals and while she was, Tyler was becoming more aware of his surroundings and what was going on. Once, the doctor was done, she told Tyler that he did have a visitor as the hospital's front desk had informed her of that. There had been mention of the visitor being the Republic's prime minister, which was kind of odd, but it wasn't Doctor Hessing business.
Tyler was left to wonder who would visit him while he was in the hospital, there weren't that many he could think of. And for the majority of those that Tyler could think of, they wouldn't know about Tyler being in the hospital. Yet, Tyler said a visitor was fine, his question was answered as the door to the room opened again and someone walked in. The moment Tyler saw who it was, he sat up in the bed which caused him to feel pain shoot through him. The woman that stepped into the room and her hazel eyes swept the room and came to stop on Tyler.
Ellen gazed at her son Tyler, once again which he had chosen something other than military service for his life. She was proud that he wanted to serve others, but military service put his life in danger which caused her worry off and on. And the last message that she'd gotten from Tyler was from Heliopolis and that he was doing fine. Ellen certainly lost sleep last night not just from talking with Cagalli, but with her concern with Tyler. He was the only family she still had and though his actions often frustrated her, she couldn't help but love him nonetheless. She even understood why he went by a different name in public and she wasn't bothered by it. Tyler didn't want Ellen herself to have to pay for things he did while in the Federation's military.
Tyler hadn't a clue why his mother had come by, she was usually kept pretty busy more so these days. She was the Republic's Prime Minster after all and had held the position for sixteen years thus far. Tyler had been two years old when Ellen had been elected and had been pregnant with his little sister Lana. The citizens have kept reelecting her as they have come to trust her to keep the people's best interest in the forefront of the decision made by the government Tyler knew. So, she could probably have the job for as long as she wants before retiring when she chooses to. And while the visit was appreciated, he hadn't talked to her for a time and his recent activities were not the nicest. Tyler smiled slightly, "Hey mom, you're looking well since last time I was able to make the time to swing around home."
His career in the Federation's military kept him from home most of the time, it gave Tyler normally a couple of weeks to spend around the Republic. The two got to talk more over a com-channel rather than face to face, which Ellen didn't like though accepted it. As Ellen closed the distance between her and Tyler, he prepared himself for a lecture about how he shouldn't put himself in danger. It wouldn't be the first time Tyler had received such a lecture, nor in different variations since he hadn't been the safest decision maker throughout his life. Instead, Tyler felt his mother embrace him which wasn't what he expected but he carefully returned making sure that the things connected to himself didn't come out as they would be put back in. "Why do you insist on putting your life in jeopardy Tyler," Ellen asked. "Do you have any idea how I dread that I will receive a report that you've died on one of the missions you're assigned?"
Tyler knew he worried his mother and was likely one of the causes of his mother's hair starting to go grey. He did try to keep the life-threatening situations to a minimum, but lately that was much easier said than done. "Sorry mom, I don't try to do such things," Tyler replied, "but circumstances just so love putting me in the position that I put my life on the line for others."
Ellen saw so much of Lance in Tyler, and it wasn't just his appearance since Tyler looked a great deal like his father. Many of Lance's qualities had rubbed off on Tyler some taught others not. And for the majority of those qualities, Ellen was happy Tyler had, but there were those that caused worry and irritation. Tyler's insistence of helping others was one of those that both made Ellen proud and frustrated her. It had him doing reckless things that put him in danger and made her worry and lose sleep when she found out about. Ellen drew back and sighed, "You are so much like your father, always thinking of others before yourself, it can be irritating as well as endearing," she remarked.
To be told that he was like his father, the man that he respected more than any other was the highest compliment and even humbling to Tyler. His father Lance was the kind of honorable man Tyler wanted and aspired to be, though not the scientist part. That in mind, Tyler smiled in response, "I take that as a compliment to be told I'm like dad. It means a lot to me to be compared to him."
Dr. Hessing returned with a clipboard in hand, "Forgive the interruption Madam Prime Minister, but Mr. McGregor's tests are done, he is good to check out," she stated. "However, I wouldn't recommend that he drive himself just yet, the pain killers are still in effect."
Pain killers running through him would explain why Tyler was not feeling as crappy as he figured he should. Just from what he'd been told about how he had been when brought here hadn't been nice to listen to. And where Tyler wasn't one to demand drugs, he wouldn't deny they did help in really bad circumstances. Plus, right now, Tyler was too tired to argue or complain about things, he just wanted to sleep, but preferably somewhere else.
Ellen nodded to the information and suggestion about Tyler, especially with his driving style. Her son had an extremely concerning driving style and she had attempted to break of him of the thrill he had, but she hadn't managed it. Put simply, he was a "dangerous" driver when he got behind the wheel and could get away with what he did. With adding drugs to the mix, Ellen didn't want to see how much worse her son's driving could become. Also, she didn't want to have extra law enforcement on the road just for Tyler and others to not get hurt. Memories of Tyler's sixteenth birthday and him showing off using his driver's license hadn't been a pleasant day, the paperwork from local law enforcement had been a hassle. Ellen didn't want a repeat of that day and she feared that Tyler driving while under the influence of drugs would go that direction. "Yes, thank you for your efforts doctor, they are appreciated," Ellen said before she glared sternly at Tyler, "I'll make sure he doesn't get behind the wheel of a car, I assure you."
Tyler flinched at his mother glaring and talking about not letting him behind the wheel of a car. He knew that his mom wasn't please, happy, or okay with his driving style in any way. It was the reason that Tyler no longer talked about how he drove or offered his mother a ride. Then, Tyler didn't want to have to deal with Shira's local law enforcement since they knew Tyler by name. The local police became aware of Tyler on his sixteenth birthday due to his driving escapades. They tended to keep an eye on him when he was around home which limited Tyler where he could drive as he liked. And he figured that being drugged would be a poor excuse that law enforcement would shake their heads at and ticket him harder than normal.
The nurse in the room started to take out the tubes and other devices that were attached to Tyler. After he was free, Tyler was given his pilot suit to put on as he couldn't take the hospital gown. Tyler would have liked to put something else on, but since there was nothing else for him to work with, he walked to the bathroom and slipped into the suit. He left the collar of the suit open and decided he would be taking a shower before he fell onto a bed. Tyler exited the bathroom after which Ellen and he made their way to the hospital's front desk. The check-out process was fairly simple and so not that time involved. Then Ellen guided Tyler to the car she had waiting, and they were driven back to the place Tyler had for himself.
At first, Ellen hadn't been sure it was wise to let Tyler have his own place even when she believed he should learn to take care of himself. However, Tyler had shown he was more mature overall than normally expected for those his age. And so, Ellen had discussed with Tyler the idea and they had settled on a compromise of Tyler having a small place and he displaying he could maintain it. That agreement had been standing for about a year and a half thus far and Tyler had been holding up his end of the bargain Ellen would admit. It gave him freedom and responsibility and Ellen wanted her son to not just learn responsibility in his life but also practice it regularly.
The house wasn't fancy Ellen had made sure of that so that Tyler wouldn't be tempted to do inappropriate things. The place was a four bedroom with two and a half bathrooms in a six-hundred square foot area. The entrance was on the south side of the house and the front door was on the inside and on the left of the front porch. The master suite was in the west side of the house along with the garage that contained Tyler's car. The east side was made up of the three other smaller bedrooms with one slightly bigger than the other two, along with the other bathroom and a half. In the center of the place was where the kitchen, dining area, living room and a small room for utilities.
Upon arrival at the house, Ellen helped Tyler out of the care and escorted him to the room he used. Before she left, she firmly instructed her son to rest and come check in with her before he thought about going off and doing something potential harmful. Tyler knew the tone his mother used, he'd been on the receiving end of it before, so he agreed to the terms. After his mother left, Tyler headed to the shower before falling on the bed and going to sleep faster than he had in a while.
As Tyler woke up the next morning, he took stock of his condition to find it was a marginal improvement. He was less tired than he was yesterday in the hospital bed though he wasn't fully recovered yet either. Tyler's brain was functioning much better than before even if he was still sore, which he attributed to the pain killers having run through and left his system. But he could endure an amount of pain, and the current level wasn't the worst he'd had before. Tyler rolled out of his bed and visited his shower again to make himself at least somewhat presentable. Once dressed in comfortable clothes, Tyler decided to find out where those that had been with him had ended out. They could have been taken to the same hospital, but they also could have been sent somewhere else.
Tyler grabbed a set of his own clothes in case Athrun might be awake and aware since Tyler hadn't appreciated being back in the pilot suit. And while Athrun may be a tad shorter than Tyler himself was, his clothes would fit his friend well enough for the time needed. Nevertheless, Tyler thought about how he might provide the same curtesy to the two females he'd been with. His clothes wouldn't fit them and it wasn't height though Lisa was an amount shorter than Tyler was. It was more the ladies' proportions that caused the difficulty for Tyler as his clothes weren't made with women figures in mind. Tyler needed clothes for women and really the only one he felt comfortable asking such a thing of was his mother. Plus, Tyler had said he would check in with her before he went off to do much, so he should go see her anyway.
That in mind, Tyler headed to his garage as he could officially say he wouldn't be driving under the influence of drugs now. After turning on the light, Tyler felt a smile come to his face at the beautiful sight of his car. The vehicle was based on a model of car which was considered a classic once known for speed, power, and a sleek design. The car model was still referred to as a Lamborghini, and where the name came from Tyler had never figured out. However, he could say without reservation that the car certainly had power and speed and Tyler liked that. Specifically, the model of Tyler's car was a Murcielago Lamborghini which according to historical records was meant for street racing. The vehicle was black and had the driver seat and passenger seat next to that along with two back seats, which wasn't standard to Lamborghinis historically.
The engine in his car wasn't the old fashion V-12 gasoline block type like Lamborghini cars used to have in them. Due to the uses of fossil fuels dropping tremendously after the end of the reconstruction war caused by heavy embargoes and tax that were put on those products as they put out heavy pollutants. Advances in science instead provided vehicles with a fuel cell to replace gasoline as it's the more efficient alternative fuel. Tyler had once looked at what people use to pay for fueling their cars and had been appalled at how much money they had put into it. Fuel cells could be recharged easily and at a fraction of the historical average price paid for fuel.
Tyler had paid a fair price for his car, more than a fair price in his opinion but he had liked it enough that he'd been willing to pay the money. His mother had given him a lecture on spending after he had purchased the car as it had been his military pay for half a year. Tyler felt his car was a valid and somewhat reasonable purchase, but he knew that at the time it had been better to shut up and listen to his mother's lecture. It was what he did as he respected her even if he didn't agree with her opinion a portion of the time.
Tyler opened the driver side door and put the set of clothes he'd grabbed for Athrun in the back of the car. He then pulled the door closed and buckled himself into the seat with the five-point harness that was installed. Tyler said that the harness was there because the car historically had them, but he did have another reason which he rarely said out loud. With his driving style, Tyler had what some called a "lead foot", at least when he could get away with the idea. He also had a passion for the sport known as drifting since it thrilled him so much he just couldn't help loving it. Tyler's mother didn't like his drifting, but it was the reason that Tyler didn't mention it any longer. Tyler just denied any involvement in things that other said he may or may not have done with his car as the majority couldn't prove anything.
He started the car by pressing the starter button and glanced over the dashboard and central display screen. The central screen showed that the engine was running in good shape, told Tyler energy consumption compared to mileage, along with the basic readouts of the car's condition. Tyler took a breath to calm himself, he knew that gunning his car and showing off wouldn't be a good idea right now. First, no one would be around to see Tyler do his thing, which took an amount of the fun out of it. Second, as he was going to see his mother, if he got there too quick, that would earn him a lecture and he didn't want that. And third, Tyler wanted to make sure his friends and Lacus's older sister were okay as soon as he could.
So, once everything looked to be in working order, Tyler shifted his car into reverse and pulled it out of the garage. The trip to the minister's residence was uneventful, mostly since Tyler had missed the morning commuter traffic and it was not noon yet. He was stopped momentarily at the front gate where he had to show his ID more as a formality. The staff that helped around the residence knew Tyler as he'd lived there while he'd been growing up. Tyler soon got to talk to his mother and laid out his plight of having two female companions and trying to be thoughtful.
While Ellen was glad to see her son was doing better than he was yesterday, she wasn't as pleased at seeing him already pushing himself when he should be resting. His wish to help those he viewed as friends was a good quality and Ellen was proud that Tyler did think of others. Tyler mentioning Athrun Zala certainly had Ellen wondering what Tyler had gotten himself into. The last she had heard of Athrun was when he finished school and said he was considering enlisting in ZAFT. Then for Tyler having a "lady" friend, this was the first she'd hear of such a thing. Ellen hoped that it could mean that Tyler did have an interest in getting married at some point and having a family. Still Ellen did agree to lend Tyler some clothes for the girls he mentioned had come down with him from space.
Tyler figured that since his mom was the nice person she was, that he would have little trouble in getting help from her. It was also her example that Tyler modeled his "formal" mannerisms which he reserved for proper occasions. Ellen went and fetched two outfits for the ones Tyler had told her about and brought them back to him. Tyler assured his mother he would return the clothes clean and in neat condition. He then returned to his car and placed the clothes in the back seat with the set he had for Athrun. Tyler then headed to Whereta to start searching for his companions and he'd move on from there as needed.
Tyler started his search at the front desk of the hospital asking if there had been others brought around the same time he'd come in. It was the most logical question to get the answers he wanted that Tyler could come up with. And to Tyler's good fortune, he was told that there had been three other individuals brought here the same day Tyler had been. Upon further questions Tyler concluded that the three mentioned where those he was looking for. In fact, the receptionist informed Tyler that one of the females had woken up a more than an hour ago. That was all Tyler needed to know along with the room number to be off to check on his companions.
Tyler headed back to his car and grabbed one of the sets of female outfits he had borrowed from his mother before he headed back into the hospital. Along his way, Tyler ran into the doctor on duty and he learned that Athrun and Sakura hadn't woken up yet, but he did find out which rooms they were in. Tyler also asked about Lisa's condition and was told that she was doing better and was well enough to leave after checking out. When Tyler made it to the room that Lisa was in, he knocked on the door and waited to be told he could enter.
Lisa had woken up earlier this morning and had found she was in a hospital in a bed, likely recovering from the after-effects of reentry. Nurses had already looked her over and had stated that after a meal and a doctor giving her a once over, she would be able to leave. She had not heard anything about Tyler or the other two that had been with them through the descent. Lisa figured Tyler would be fine given enough time to recover, he was hard to keep down, she'd learned that personally. For all she knew, he may have woken up and been deemed fit enough to be discharged from the hospital. Lisa was brought out of her thoughts when a knock came from the door, "Come in."
The door opened and Tyler walked into the room observing that Lisa was sitting up and looked to be in fair health currently. Tyler was glad to see Lisa was doing okay, she was a friend that had been made on the last mission they had been on. He didn't want that friendship to end anytime soon, certainly not by a reckless stunt. So he smiled, "Nice to see you sitting up in bed Lisa."
Lisa smiled softly at Tyler coming to check on her, it was very nice of him to do when he was likely still recovering himself. He really was a good individual she'd found over the last year, he went out of his way to help in what ways he could. "Thanks for the visit Tyler, it is appreciated since I would bet you are still working on recovery," she replied.
Tyler snickered at the last bit, "You got me there Lisa, still trudging towards average health," he returned. He knew that he probably didn't look the best right now, likely somewhat pale were he to guess, but he was where he felt he should be. Tyler moved over to the one armchair in the room and took a seat, "So, how do you feel?"
Lisa thought for a moment on how to answer Tyler's question since she couldn't truthfully say she was fine. She was in pain, thought she believed that there were pain killers running through her that were dampening the pain. There was still an amount of exhaustion hanging over her that she couldn't shake off currently. Her condition was the expected outcome of steep reentry so it wasn't surprising to her. "I've been better, but it could be much worse, around the same the last time I had to do atmospheric reentry in a single pilot craft. I did get a call from Alan saying that he and Luke will be coming down to Earth sometime in the next week," Lisa iterated. She paused as the other event for that happened was a more personal one.
The call from her mother had been unexpected with its timing and it had been nearly two years since she had spoken to her. Lisa hadn't seen her family for getting close to five years, ever since she left after fighting with the man that had been her father. As far as Lisa knew, her family still lived in the PLANTs the Maius Two colony specifically. It was due to Lisa's father supporting the more radical views that made the war worse that had driven Lisa out. Really only her mother would talk to her every once and a while, which Lisa believed her father never knew about. She had mentioned to Tyler that she had family issues and gave sparce details, though he had never asked for more information. Lisa exhaled, "I also received a call from my mom, around an hour ago."
Tyler winced at Lisa mentioning her mother as he knew that she had family issues. She hadn't made them what they were as far as he understood, that had been done by her father. Tyler had never asked for many details as it was clearly an unpleasant subject for his friend. Lisa's father works on the Legislative Committee according to her, one of the governing sections of the PLANTs and have representatives on the Supreme Council as well. Her father was a big supporter of ZAFT and leaned towards the radical standing in politics. She still talked to her mother every once and a while, got updated with the family she used to have is. But her father doesn't really speak to her since she left the PLANTs and changed her last name. "It's not my business," Tyler began, "but how did it go talking with her?"
Lisa appreciated Tyler's concern for it was nice of him to care as she knew that he valued family. And while it was true that it wasn't his business, he was a friend so it was okay for him to know some details. To the question, Lisa shrugged, "About the same as it usually does, she's polite to me, yet I think she wants me to visit. But her husband," Lisa paused as she hadn't said her father's name or given him that title since she left, "Legislator Minti stands by what he said when I left over five years ago. I'm not his daughter anymore, I'm a stranger to him and am not welcome around him or his family."
Tyler frowned at Lisa's response, it hurt to know his friend dealt with such issues when she had just stood up for what she believed. Lisa was a sweet person, Tyler was grateful to have her as a friend. And unfortunately, Tyler had encountered the type her father was, the "stubborn and unyielding" kind. Those types didn't listen to what others had to say or what they thought, it was either you agreed with them or you were against them. And family support was really needed during the current turbulent times Tyler believed. "Sorry to hear that Lisa, has to suck to have such issues," Tyler remarked. "Anyways, the doctor I bumped into said that you were good to check out. That said, it's lucky that I happen to bring a set of clothes for you to wear out instead of your pilot suit which I assure you hasn't been cleaned."
Lisa smiled at the fact Tyler saw it as common manners to think of another and be the "gentleman" as it did. That he remarked about his pilot suit meant to Lisa that he'd had to wear his out and it hadn't been pleasant. "Still a gentleman I see," Lisa commented. Tyler set the clothes down on the bed and stepped out of the room to be polite and give his friend her privacy. Lisa appreciated Tyler's action and did change into the clothes that had had provided. The style was that of a business suit and so she suspected Tyler had borrowed it from his mother. Tyler had briefly mentioned his mother did official stuff in her job, but never said what the job was. Lisa figured that it had to do with something Tyler wasn't saying and she wouldn't doubt there was a reason. The clothes fit okay, the pants were a tad long, and the blouse was somewhat tight, but it wasn't unbearable.
Tyler stood outside the room in the hall and waited for Lisa to change into the clothes that he borrowed. He was thinking about Lisa and he dropping by the room Athrun was in and at least peek into Sakura's before leaving the hospital. If either of them happened to be awake, then they could perhaps leave as well, if not, then Tyler would come back later. He kind of hoped that Sakura would still be out while he peeked in as he wasn't up for her behavior around him with his health as it was. Lisa exited the room about five minutes after Tyler had left it, now dressed in slacks and a blue collared blouse. He had to admit that she fit the clothes pretty good considering the small difference in figure and size from his mother.
"I take it, that you borrowed these from your mother judging they're more a formal style," Lisa posed. "You've mentioned that she wears such things for the job she has."
Tyler hadn't told Lisa who his mother was or what she did, he just hadn't gotten around to telling her about that secret. With Tyler's mother one of the main political leaders of the Federation, he went to great lengths to make sure his actions weren't connected back to her. He saw it as the least he could do for his mother, not let his troubles be shoved onto her. So, Tyler nodded, "Yep, you would be right." Tyler gestured for Lisa to follow him and he led the way back to his car to fetch the other two sets of clothes.
At the same time, Athrun opened his eyes and found himself looking at a white ceiling. He tried to recall how he could have gotten wherever he was right now, which Athrun still didn't know. The last thing that Athrun could remember was going through the atmosphere and the group he was with was falling. The Aegis's thrusters hadn't been responding, Tyler had been saying something but Athrun couldn't recall what his friend had been saying. And now Athrun was waking up in a strange room tired as could be wondering where he was. The sound of a door opening to his right got Athrun to glance in that direction and see a woman in a nurse's uniform. That told Athrun he was likely in a hospital or clinic after coming down to Earth to recover from reentry.
Knowing that he was in a hospital brought a number of questions to Athrun's mind foremost of which was where were those that he'd been with. If Athrun was in poor health, then he assumed and expected that his companions were in similar conditions. He worried about Tyler as he was one of his best friends regardless of having fought against him recently. And then, Athrun may not get along the best with her, but he hoped Commander Clyne was doing okay as well. Yet until his health improved an amount, Athrun wouldn't likely have answers to the questions going about his mind. The nurse began checking over Athrun while he answered the simple question he was asked by them.
Meanwhile, Tyler and Lisa had fetched the clothes Tyler had for the other two that had come down from space with the two of them. Tyler decided to look in on Athrun first and peek in on Sakura after seeing his best friend. Tyler wouldn't be able to consider himself Athrun's friend if he didn't visit him when in poor health. Tyler didn't with being trapped in a hospital on most as it was tedious and down-right boring. He'd down the idea a time or two and he hated those experience as he had gone stir crazy quite quick. Yes, Tyler didn't wish a forced hospital stay even on Sakura, though her behavior was irritating.
Tyler knocked on the door to the room Athrun was in and a nurse came to the door. Tyler asked the lady if the one inside was awake and he was told that they were. Then he and Lisa were let into the room, Tyler saw that Athrun was sitting up still being checked over. Tyler was happy to see his best friend was up and moving, it meant his health was at least improving. A smile came to Tyler's face at seeing his friend was on the mend, "Good morning Sun Shine," he greeted.
Athrun looked towards the door to the room again and saw Tyler standing there with a woman slightly behind him. Tyler was looking a tad paler than he would normally but Athrun attributed that to recovering from the affects of reentry. And it was nice to have a friendly visitor Athrun would admit with not feeling the best. Tyler made his way over to the bed as the nurse finished up her tests, "Tyler," Athrun began, "thanks for visiting."
Tyler put the clothes he had on a table and then grabbed a chair spun it around and straddling the chair next to Athrun's bed. Tyler glanced his friend over for a moment and saw he was likely going to need days to recover fully. Lisa was staying by the door watching the silent interaction between the two friends. "Like I wouldn't come to see you when you are in poor health Athrun," Tyler posed. "What do you take me for, a naïve idiot like Kira?"
Athrun chuckled at that, "No, but it is still nice of you to come and see me."
Tyler shrugged, "So then, how do you feel Athrun?"
Athrun considered the question of how he felt, truthfully, the exhaustion was the worst he was dealing with. He had no serious injuries as far as he could tell from coming down to Earth. That did bring a thought to Athrun's mind about Dearka and Yzak having done atmospheric reentry as well. He hoped they made it through without serious complications, but as he didn't know where they were he couldn't say. But then, Athrun didn't know where he was currently other than likely a hospital. Athrun smiled softly, "I'm okay overall, just trying to figure out what is going on."
Tyler could understand what Athrun was feeling, it was the same when he'd woken up yesterday. So, he nodded in response, "Well, I certainly can understand that feeling, what I had yesterday." Tyler paused and took a breath, "To help your figuring along, you're currently at Whereta General Hospital in Shira within the Republic of East Asia. That said, you will have time to recover and not have to worry about your safety from the war and the stuff that comes with it." Athrun was going to acknowledge what Tyler had said, but noise from the room next door interrupted that.
In the next room over, Sakura had regained consciousness, and found herself in a bed in an unknown room. The circumstances that Sakura found herself in were not acceptable to her and she wouldn't stand for them. She struggled to get her upper body up, even against others in the room telling her not to do so. Those in Athrun's room heard the commotion next door and Tyler sighed as he figured he would need to go over and deal with Sakura. He'd hoped to avoid that for a little bit longer, but that had been wishful thinking, "If you two would excuse me for a bit," Tyler started. "It sounds like I better go and see what is happening one room over, or rather get Sakura to calm down and behave." Lisa and Athrun watched Tyler leave the room, the latter wondering if Tyler was thinking clearly. Sakura Clyne wasn't one to listen to others and do what she was told with the exception of Admiral Treize. What could Tyler do that others hadn't tried already to get Commander Clyne to cooperate? Athrun was getting concerned for his friend, though Athrun could do little to help him while in bed.
Tyler made his way to the room Sakura was in wondering how much trouble the woman could cause while in poor health. When Tyler opened the door he witnessed a nurse hitting a wall before sinking to the floor. Tyler looked at a scene of Sakura out of bed shaky on her legs striking fear into those in the room. She'd gotten the nurses to back up from her causing other minor problems which Tyler knew he would have to deal with. His stalker had outdone his initial expectations on how much trouble she could cause when left to her own devices. Tyler's right eye began to twitch in annoyance as he was getting ticked that Sakura was once again his issue. He took a few calming breaths and then went over to the nurse that had been shoved into the wall and knelt down. "Are you okay," Tyler asked.
The nurse nodded but then told Tyler how Sakura was fighting any that approached her and wouldn't let any look at her. Tyler glared at the pink-haired woman that was being a pain to him as she seemed to be so adept at doing. "Sakura Clyne," Tyler stated clearly, "You are to get off you antagonistic high-horse and get back on the bed and let the staff here do their job. You keep up your current attitude, then so help me, I will find whatever material I need and I'll bind you to the bed!"
Sakura stiffened at hearing her beloved's voice and her sight moved over to land on Tyler. The expression on his face was stern and was directed at her clearly. She moved to the bed and sat back down on it as she was told. Tyler sighed at her actions, "Honestly, attacking hospital staff is terrible and embarrassing, let them do their job and not have to fear for their lives. Don't make them have to sedate you or me tie you to the bed please," Tyler iterate, "And rest assured I would tie you up if you make it necessary." Tyler then turned to the nearest nurse, "I'll be back in a bit, please check her over to make sure she can check out of the hospital." Tyler left Sakura's room and headed back to Athrun's to get his friend good to go so that they could leave.
Athrun and Lisa had been listening to the commotion going on next door, though they couldn't hear what was specifically being said. Tyler had been gone for a few minutes before he came back through the door and from what Athrun saw he looked okay. Tyler's voice had been raised slightly as heard through the wall, so it made Athrun wonder what happened. Lisa saw the tired expression on her friend's face and could only imagine that he had done something unpleasant to him. "Things calm down over there," Lisa questioned simply.
Tyler glanced over at Lisa with an annoyed look, "Felt like I was dealing with a child misbehaving to tell the truth. Ended out having to threaten tying her to the bed and/or sedation to get her to calm down sadly." Tyler exhaled heavily, "I mean, I knew Sakura would be difficult when she woke up, but still." Tyler turned to look at Athrun, "Sorry for complaining, how about we get you changed out of that hospital gown and into clothes and work on getting you out of here?"
Athrun nodded weakly still trying to figure out what Tyler had done in the room next door. He couldn't remember any time he'd seen or heard of Sakura being forced into doing anything. Tyler helped Athrun to his feet and over to the bathroom grabbing the clothes he'd brought along the way. Athrun changed into the outfit that Tyler handed him which turned out to be a tad loses but not by all that much. Once ready, the three headed over to the room Sakura was in to find the nurses were finishing up their tests. Tyler gave Sakura a stern look, "I see you have calmed down, would recommend you keep that up," he stated.
Sakura smiled, "Do I get a reward if I behave," she asked, "For I can think of a few things that I would like." Thoughts were running through Sakura's mind of what Tyler could do for her as a reward. Yes, he had been firm and even a little dominating moments ago and normally Sakura resisted and turned that to her favor. However, it had felt a tad interesting to have her beloved order her around. Sakura still intended to be the one that made the rules over all, but Tyler could still be an equal and she would be fine with that.
Tyler paused at Sakura's question of a reward, and the thoughts that were coming to his mind weren't nice ones. The times that Sakura got her way, Tyler had been forced to defend himself and attempt to escape the woman. So, what Sakura may ask for as a reward more than just concerned Tyler, it scared him a bit. He'd learned you don't agree to something blindly, it rarely went well for the receiving end. You got detail on what you agreed to, Tyler had too much experience with his mother to not do that by second-nature. And yet, if Tyler said nothing to Sakura's question she might misbehave and he didn't ant to deal with that again so soon. "Behave and we can discuss that," Tyler replied carefully, hoping to leave himself protected from Sakura's antics.
Tyler grabbed Athrun and dragged him out of the room so that Lisa could help Sakura change. It also gave Tyler time away from his stalker and with her question about a reward, he wanted separation. As Athrun was dragged out of the room, he was trying to process what he had just witnessed since he couldn't believe his eyes and ears. Commander Clyne had been almost pleasant… and like a normal woman that one would encounter. Athrun had used his fingers to clean his ears out when she asked for a "reward" as it didn't fit what he knew about her. Sakura Clyne did what she wanted when she wanted period, every single ZAFT soldier knew that, it was a part of her reputation.
After the boys had left Lisa stared for a moment at Sakura, wondering how she and Tyler had ever crossed paths. They were so different from one another personality wise and it was obvious that Tyler didn't like how the woman was around him. It possibly explained why Tyler wasn't the best around women, though Lisa never had asked for details. At the same time, Sakura studied the woman that had been with Tyler when he came back. The woman looked to be around her own age from what Sakura could tell, but she was no more pretty than other women. Thus Sakura didn't see this woman being competition in the looks department, but that she knew her beloved Tyler didn't sit well with her.
The clothes that Sakura was given caused her pause for a moment. The business suit style clothes wasn't a kind that Sakura was fond of wearing at all. She only wore such when absolutely required, like in official meetings or functions. However, Sakura assumed that the pilot suit she'd been in would dirty from the sweat created during descent. So even with the style of clothes being less favorable, it was better than slipping into a sticky dirty suit. That in mind, Sakura put on the clothes and found over all with one exception they fit okay. The blouse was tight around her bust to the point that buttoning up was difficult and the top two buttons couldn't be connected. Sakura glanced over at Lisa, "And where did this outfit come from if I might ask," she inquired.
The tone that Sakura used was even but had a slightly unpleasant tone to it which Lisa noticed. She assumed that Tyler hadn't mentioned to this woman what his family situation was or about them at all. With what she'd seen thus far, Lisa doubted that Tyler had said much to Sakura Clyne about his personal life. The things that Lisa had heard about this woman didn't paint her in a good light, even within the Federation. Sakura Clyne may be beautiful by most standards, but her attitude and personality overwhelmed that. Lisa exhaled, "Tyler borrowed it so that you and I didn't have to put on the pilot suits were in before. If you want to know where he borrowed them then ask him yourself, but he was trying to be nice you know."
Tyler and Athrun waited for a few minutes outside the room while Sakura changed, saying nothing to each other as they waited. When the ladies came out Tyler hesitated for a moment at seeing Sakura. Tyler admitted that Lisa filled out the clothes he had given her well, even if she was slightly shorter than his mother. However, Sakura more than just "filled out" the blouse that Tyler had borrowed from his mother. Tyler even noted and quickly forced himself ignored the blouse being open at the top and showing some of Sakura's cleavage. He knew that Sakura had a more voluptuous figure than most of the women he knew had, easily larger than average. It made him curious if Lacus would grow up in the same ways as her older sister. If she did, then Kira would be an amazingly lucky boy, though Tyler knew his friend wouldn't have a freaking clue about it.
Tyler led the way to the hospital's front desk and got them through the process of getting Athrun and Sakura checked out. The group was told to take it easy as they were still recovering before they were told they could leave. Tyler was on Athrun's side while Lisa was on Sakura's as they made their way to the parking lot. Athrun wondered what kind of vehicle that Tyler acquired to convey them to wherever he had in mind. To his surprise, Tyler brought their group to one of the nicest looking cars that Athrun had seen. Tyler noticed his friend's gap at seeing his car and he smirked a bit, "A beauty isn't she?"
Athrun shut his jaw from the gaping he was doing, and twisted to face Tyler, "where did you get this car Tyler," he asked. It was fancy and excessive even for renting, which just came back to the question of where Tyler had gotten it and why. "It is excessive to just get us around," Athrun stated, "and you're not one to show off."
Tyler chuckled at the question and Athrun saying he had 'rented' his car as it was sort of funny to him. "Oh Athrun," Tyler began, "this car is mine, I didn't rent it."
The group piled into the car, Lisa and Sakura were in the backseat while Athrun sat in the passenger seat. Tyler had that arrangement as he wasn't going to let Sakura be in the seat next to his own. He didn't trust her to keep her hands to herself while he was driving and he wanted to avoid a crash. Athrun did notice that the driver's seat had a more heavy-duty harness for the driver than the rest had. It made Athrun recall that his friend had a thing for drifting cars, which he'd been treated to. Those experiences had been unforgettable for Athrun, and while he knew Tyler wouldn't intentionally put others in danger, he could still make you flinch really good.
Nonetheless, Tyler drove the group safely and with no "fancy" driving to his house where he would board them for the time being. Tyler was a tad hesitant with Sakura with what she could possibly do while staying there. There was the chance she could assault him, but Tyler couldn't prove that intent for sure. Yet, even with that possibility Tyler couldn't come up with a solid reason to deny Sakura. And Tyler wanted to give Lacus's older sister the benefit of the doubt even when his intuition screamed at him to be on guard and deny her.
Tyler gave a short tour of his house even when it was a simple place that didn't have much to show. He also thought about how his female guests would need other clothes so he could return those he borrowed. The best way to change that would be let the two ladies go out shopping but Tyler had a bad feeling about that. However, Tyler could come up with no other option at the moment other than them wearing his stuff or nothing neither of which would be acceptable. So, Tyler went to Lisa as he trusted her more than Sakura to understand the idea and not go overboard with it, more so with his money. And hard as it was, Tyler gave Lisa permission to use his car as well and the two women headed off into town to do their shopping.
After the women left Tyler and Athrun move to his living room, Tyler sat in one of the recliners and Athrun took the sofa across from him. Athrun stared at Tyler, trying to order his thoughts and the questions he had of his friend. There were so many things that Athrun wanted to ask and clarify with Tyler as he seemed to know some of the things that led to where they were now. Athrun was attempting to wrap his head around how he had gotten from following orders for a mission to Tyler's home, he was having trouble making sense of it all. And Athrun was doing a lot of contemplating as of late looking back and he was still not coming to sensible conclusions.
Tyler could see the pensive expression on his friend, what was causing it Tyler could only guess. He knew that he and his two best friends needed to catch up and discuss what had drawn them in. However, Kira was absent with the Archangel wherever it came down since Tyler hadn't found that information yet. That in mind, a discussion now would be somewhat limited as Kira's part would be left out. But there was still a benefit in Tyler's mind to talk with Athrun and with the women gone it was a perfect time. "So my friend, clearly you want to ask questions of me, now is a good a time as any," Tyler stated, "I'll answer them the best I am able, there are things I can't reveal right now, so fair warning."
The offer to answer questions was welcome, but there were just so many in Athrun's mind he didn't know where to start. The mission to Heliopolis that had begun this journey had felt off to Athrun and others. A number of those that had misgivings were either assigned to other things or dead now. So, Athrun was silent for a bit ordering his thoughts to form his first question to perhaps have a chance to understand. After he decided where to begin, Athrun took a breath, "First, why were you at Heliopolis," he asked. "You mentioned something about a Federation investigation team being sent there."
Tyler took a moment to think on how to answer Athrun's question as there was a lot to talk about with it. His mission to Heliopolis was over and done so was no secret any more and not classified as far as Tyler knew. And Tyler was aware that there were parts of what happened to Heliopolis that Athrun would blame himself for. Nevertheless, Tyler figured it was better to get this over with and then help Athrun, "Officially, records will say that I was there on an educational exchange." Tyler paused for a moment, "However if it wasn't obvious, that was a cover for what I was really there to do, which unofficially was to look into information that had been acquired by Federation intelligence."
Athrun nodded, "I assume that intelligence had something to do with OMNI being there working on their project?"
Tyler acknowledged the question, "Indeed, that is what intelligence had gathered in a nutshell." Tyler took a breath and continued, "The team was to look into a rumor that a 'group' within the Earth Alliance was doing weapon development in neutral territory. That was the details I was told about, but I won't doubt there's more to the story that is being left out of the public report."
What Tyler said made sense in a few ways to Athrun, and it also filled in a gap or two that had mystified him before. ZAFT had gotten wind that OMNI was "working" on something, that was what ZAFT intelligence had stated. When the images had been acquired the investigation had been seen more as a priority. From what Athrun would guess, the Federation were already looking into the idea by the time ZAFT had found out OMNI was busy. That wasn't all that surprising to Athrun, the Federation had their Intelligence Network and it was nothing short of incredible. And with Tyler and the team at Heliopolis at the time, they had likely already gathered an amount of info that ZAFT didn't have going into that mission. "You at some point found out Morgenroete was being used by OMNI, but at what time did that happen?"
Tyler hesitated at his friend's inquiry, more since the answer wasn't one he liked or more what followed. In his mind, when the Archangel had been discovered and the construction of the mobile suits seen, that should have been the end of it. All of OMNI's project should have been confiscated and those involved punished for the treaty violation. Granted, Tyler had learned that an amount of the OMNI personnel were good people at heart. So, they would have likely been chastised and sent back to the Atlantic Federation. Yet, the decision at that time hadn't been up to Tyler but those above him which was a frustration. He assumed that the delay in the order to do what Tyler had wanted had something to do with politics or an agreement that the Federation has with someone else.
Nevertheless, it was in the past so Tyler could do nothing about what had happened back at Heliopolis. He would still grumble about the results and entertain thoughts about Creuset facing consequences for his actions. Athrun could see that Tyler was contemplating how to answer his question and whatever the answer was didn't sit well with his friend. "A tad less than six months before the colony collapse," Tyler replied. "And I assure you I was not happy waiting for the decision to handle the situation as long as those of us involved did. However, the decision power on what was to be done was above me even when I would have used that happy power in the same way."
Athrun was a tad stunned at Tyler's answer since it was not just odd, it didn't make a lot of sense. The Federation weren't normally ones that wasted time when there was a clear threat to them or their citizens. They had proven that in the years the war had been going on and had left no doubt about the standing. Tyler's frustration about having to wait was something that Athrun could understand and sympathize with. Tyler had obviously seen the danger OMNI's mobile suit project posed when he had discovered them. So then, why would Federation higher-ups hesitate in handling such things which would have made ZAFT's actions unneeded? "Almost six months," he questioned, "But why would the Federation wait that long against a clear threat?"
Tyler wanted the answer to that very question but his queries to higher-ups had gone unanswered thus far. He had thought about asking Admiral Moses when he'd been talking to him but there had been other priorities at that time. So, Tyler shrugged, "I haven't the faintest idea and I would like to know the answer as much as you. As I stated, it wasn't my choice to make though I made it clear that there was a threat." Tyler shook his head tiredly, "I didn't like how long it took, but there is nothing that can be done about that anymore. However, when the decision was finally made I know I felt a sense of relief that things were going to wind down without more complications." Tyler frowned before continuing, "But as we know, a ZAFT commander by the name of Rau Le Creuset interfered and caused a serious chain of events that could have been prevented."
Athrun looked away from Tyler and at the floor at the last sentence as it was true. It sounded like the Federation had things in hand before ZAFT had gotten involved. They had plans to confiscate OMNI's mobile suits and ship, it would have been cleanly taken care of. The Alliance couldn't say anything to the contrary as that would require admitting they had violated treaties. However, ZAFT had wrecked that, and Commander Creuset's hunt had made things worse than they could have been. If the mission to Heliopolis hadn't been done, then maybe those lost there would still be alive. Tyler could see Athrun was feeling regret and so he sighed, "Don't blame yourself for what happened Athrun," Tyler remarked. "It won't change how things are right now, you'll only beat yourself up and that isn't healthy. Instead let's move on to the next question and not dwell on the might have beens that are gone."
Tyler was right, it wasn't good to dwell on the past and blame oneself and/or others, and Athrun knew that. But knowing what was good and doing it was easier said than done and Athrun had experience in that. And there were other facts that Athrun hoped to get to make sense of the chain of events. "So," Athrun began, "where did the black and winged suits come from?"
Tyler had seen that question at least coming, and he didn't blame Athrun for asking about the Asuka and the Shadow. He'd been surprised to find them as he hadn't seen them until the ZAFT raid and being forced into the factory. And after examining the Shadow, Tyler believed that Federation personnel had been around Morgenroete. He didn't have proof other than what he'd found with the Shadow, but Tyler planned to do some research into that when he had the chance. "Yes, those machines, I happened to come across them while the theft of OMNI's prototypes by you and your comrades was going on. They were at the back of the Morgenroete factory floor when I was forced into the structure. I was slightly confused and surprised to find them in construction docks as that was the first time I'd seen them."
Athrun was thinking about that as it seemed like the Federation's team had been rather thorough in their investigation. For them to miss not one but two mobile suits being built suggested that those machines had been kept secret from perhaps even OMNI. That could mean that the two unknowns weren't a part of OMNI's project but just had elements of it. That could partly explain why those two seemed better than OMNI's suits in their original states. Athrun had discussed with Nicol that the two unknowns seemed different than the rest of OMNI's prototypes and this helped make possible sense of that. Tyler drew Athrun's attention back as he spoke, "So, a question for you Athrun, have you noticed the change of perspective within the PLANTs and ZAFT held by many?"
Athrun blinked as what Tyler asked sunk into his mind, and a feeling of a cold shiver ran through him. He kind of knew what Tyler was referring to though he didn't want to admit it since he knew some that showed what Tyler was talking about. Tyler continued after a moment, "The shift towards the more aggressive and radical view that all Naturals should pay for things that have been and are done to Coordinators. Not naming names, but I would assume you know the type I'm referring to." Athrun didn't meet his friend's gaze at the inquiry as he knew that one of those he was referring to was his father. Athrun's father had been changing slowly but surely to blaming Naturals for most things that went bad these days. Athrun's silence was answer enough for Tyler, "So you have noticed the shift then?"
Athrun was uncomfortable with the subject that Tyler was getting into, even though he knew it as truth. Perhaps it was that Athrun didn't want to admit that his father had been changing into essentially the same as those he once detested. Athrun hadn't even confronted his father and tried talking to him, but then he hadn't made the time to make that attempt. Instead of acknowledging Tyler's point, Athrun decided to change the subject, "You said back at the PLANTs that you would go back to the," Athrun paused to recall the name that Tyler had used for the legged ship, "Archangel if given the chance, why?"
Athrun was changing the subject to avoid it and while Tyler could understand that, it didn't help in the long run. Yet, Tyler didn't press his blue-haired friend as Tyler had been inferring his father without naming him. So, Tyler put a finger to his chin, "Well, by choice yes, my reason was to protect friends I made at Heliopolis. OMNI merely benefitted from my help while I did that, though there were some that would disagree to an extent."
Athrun tilted his head at the last part of what Tyler said. Defending friends he understood, that was Tyler, he went above and beyond for those that he saw a friends, Athrun had personal experience with that. But the last sentence of OMNI benefitting yet some of them not seeing it that way got Athrun wondering. Tyler had shown to Athrun that he was a heck of a pilot, any side would stand to gain from that kind of help. So, what did Tyler mean by 'some would disagree'? "What did you mean by some would disagree," Athrun asked.
Tyler snorted as thoughts of what he had dealt with when he and Natarle had clashed came to mind. The woman had been the first in a period of time that had not taken kindly to his attitude and given amazing reactions to it. "Oh, you see, there was an officer that well," Tyler paused for a moment trying to consider how to word the idea, "They didn't quite like me doing things my way. I believe as it was put, "you're behavior is rebellious and unacceptable" or something along those lines."
Athrun exhaled understanding now what Tyler was implying about 'attitude' and some not liking it. He'd seen that Tyler did things his way and didn't care if others preferred it or not, and normally that was fine. Tyler got things done even if the methods didn't sit well with those that viewed the situation. However, Tyler had a "thing" that when someone reacted not just badly but in such a way that amuse Tyler, it served to encourage his friend to "prod" said individual. Athrun had seen it once before but that was all he needed to know that Tyler would do such to others if the circumstances were there. "And I would doubt you did anything to make yourself look better instead prodded whoever they were," he said tiredly.
Tyler smiled, "You have to ask," he posed, "The woman just gave such wonderful reactions I just couldn't help myself." Tyler took a deep breath, "But back to the point, I didn't have to make a choice as I was assigned to chase the Archangel making the idea easy. The mission overall is to prevent OMNI and through them the Earth Alliance from getting something that would give them mobile suits. I am not allowed to give details as it is an active assignment, so please don't take offense."
Athrun comprehended that active missions were not something you talked about with just anyone, ZAFT had much the same policy. And it made sense that the Federation would not want OMNI to have mobile suits. There was as much the possibility that the Alliance would turn around and use such on the Federation member nations as there was OMNI continuing to go against ZAFT. But now there were four of their prototypes in ZAFT hands and the last one was with the ship, it sounded like Tyler was implying there was more. "No offense taken, but by how you said what you did, there is more than just the prototypes, what do you mean?"
Tyler couldn't give direct details about what he was supposed to do, or how he was to do it which was up to him in the end. And with having found the blueprint data he had weeks ago, taking care of that was a priority. The Strike was a problem still, but not as much as the data as it had full blueprints of all five prototypes along with what specialize systems they had. With that information, OMNI wouldn't need to reverse engineer anything, they were ready to mass-produce from that. "Well, originally the prototypes were problematic, and the one the Archangel has will need to be handled. However, some time ago, I found that some on OMNI's project were actually kind of smart and came up with a contingency," Tyler admitted.
Athrun gained a confused expression when Tyler said the prototypes were a problem but not the biggest threat. Yet as he processed what else was stated, he began to see perhaps what Tyler was talking about. "You say OMNI came up with a contingency, what kind of idea are your referring to," Athrun asked. "If they get the last prototype, that would be the worst-case scenario isn't it?"
Tyler shook his head, "A mobile suit brought to them would work in the end and effort is being put forth to prevent that. With a mobile suit, they have to take the time to reverse engineer it before starting production. If they get their hands on the blueprints they hid that would have other more problematic repercussions. Blueprints will not only allow OMNI to begin producing mobile suits in mass immediately without further work, they would also have five different variations to start with," Tyler iterated. "I don't know about you, but in my view if OMNI gets one model of mobile suit that's bad, if they get multiple models, that causes much more issues."
Athrun frowned at the information as Tyler was quite right on the results should OMNI get mobile suits. One model was not good for ZAFT or the Federation, it was expected they would use it. However, if what Tyler said about blueprints of OMNI's prototypes had been hidden for them to find, then that would be worse. And it sounded like Tyler had confirmed said blueprints did exist and were in some way on route to OMNI. So, Athrun swallowed rather hard, "And you confirmed these blueprints exist?"
Tyler nodded, "Unfortunately, yes," he returned. "They are being carried by the Archangel, though the crew have absolutely no idea they're there." Tyler hesitated for a moment as it was his opinion with what he learned that there had been distrust among those in OMNI's G-Project. Evidence suggested there had been the "group" who wanted the project to succeed, and the "group" that impatient to have the results. Group two didn't trust group one but didn't make that public but had been pushing during the second half. Group one was irritated with group two's insistence and had started doing things that the other group wasn't aware of. Group two had suspected something, and had the blueprints copied and hidden in the Archangel which was where they were now. Tyler figured that the crew was more a part of group one than two which meant they knew little. "I think there was a division in those involved in OMNI's project, but I can't say for certain. Evidence points to that which led to the blueprints being hidden in the ship that was supposed to carry the prototypes."
Athrun didn't doubt that Tyler was right, the Alliance wasn't really very good at working together, more so recently. And with how the war had been going, it wouldn't be odd for there to be difference of opinion. So, for OMNI's contingency to be data on the prototypes to be carried by something else that had a chance to make it to their hands would be wise. "That would make logical sense, if something happened to either the ship or the mobile suits themselves, then there would be a second way to guard the information and get it to those who can use it," he said.
Tyler had come to the same conclusion as Athrun had just stated and he had the evidence to back it up. He had to admit, that if he was in OMNI's position, he'd done the same idea of having data that could be retrieved if something happened. Which led to Tyler needing to find out where the Archangel was sooner rather than later. "So then," Athrun began wanting to confirm something, "OMNI getting mobile suit is seen as an issue by the Federation?"
Tyler was trying to think where to begin on the answer to his friend's query as it was complicated. It was more an expectation that should the Alliance have the ability to mass-produce mobile suits, then they would use it against the Federation. The current strained relationship between the Alliance and the Federation made that rather clear. So, Tyler sighed, "The answer simply put is yes," Tyler replied. "The Alliance and their OMNI dislikes that the Human Federation has remained neutral in this war of theirs. Now granted, ZAFT hasn't been very appreciative of the point either, but they accept it and left the Federation mostly alone thus far. I assure you that OMNI hasn't been doing the same, they've been constantly trying to sway and convince any they can to join them in their fight against the "evil Coordinators" that make up ZAFT and live in the PLANTs."
Athrun winced, "Is it really getting to that point," he asked holding his head in his hands. "Have they had any success?"
Tyler shook his head, "No, the Federation has made its standing clear and that won't change no matter how many times it's challenged. That doesn't stop those in high and/or in influential positions setting and adding fuel to the fire that is the hatred and fear of Coordinators. And they make sure it is not forgotten that the Federation accepts and welcomes Coordinators, though they leave out we do the same for Naturals." Tyler exhaled heavily, "Honestly, I believe it's no longer a question of if, rather of when the Alliance gets mobile suits even if my mission works out for the best. And when they do get them, it won't be long before they use them to enforce their views on those that disagree and assert their control like any dictator does?"
Tyler wished he was wrong in his views, but the Federation's Information Network only confirmed what he and others were seeing coming. And he also knew that politics were souring faster as well, which only lent credence to OMNI attacking the Federation in future. Then with a number of Alliance leaders being members of Blue Cosmos and similar groups didn't help their standing. Tyler had heard about some of the Alliance leaders from his mother and it hadn't been nice to hear. The Atlantic Federation was the worst these days as they were the most pushy and insistent in their "suggestions".
Athrun understood the concern that Tyler had and he agreed, it was more a matter of time for OMNI to gain more power and use it. That was what the war had been, escalation to worse and worse ideas being used to fight and kill. And while OMNI having mobile suits would cause more bloodshed, Athrun was more afraid of what was yet to come. The prototypes proved that OMNI had future plans in mind, and Athrun feared that some of those may involve nuclear weapons. Only it wouldn't just be a repeat of Junius Seven it would be an extermination of horrifying proportions. Athrun knew he wasn't the only one that had the fear of nuclear weapons being used at some point. It was a matter of overcoming the N-jammers that stopped factions from producing such weapons. Those devices had bought time against mass destruction to the colonies and Earth even if others said otherwise.
To lighten the mood, Tyler and Athrun began talking about what had happened since they had last had a chance to catch up. There was a great amount of things that had occurred to both of them over the last five or so years. And it didn't take long for them to be smiling and laughing at what he other was saying. The sound of a car brought Tyler's attention back to the world around him and Athrun. Tyler glanced down at his watch and saw that almost two hours had passed since the girls left. He was left to wonder how bad things could be for his finances with two girls shopping. He wasn't worried about Lisa, Tyler trusted her to not go nuts and do a spending spree, Tyler couldn't say the same with Sakura.
As Tyler heard footsteps coming from the path that led to the garage, he turned and glanced in that direction. Less than a minute later, both Lisa and Sakura entered the room bags hanging on their arms. Tyler instantly took in the number of bags they were carrying between themselves and he was hoping his bank account wasn't empty!
Lisa saw the expression on Tyler's face that said he didn't believe that she and Sakura had so much stuff. The shopping trip had definitely been an experience that she wouldn't forget and wished she could have done without. Had someone come up to Lisa while she was out and told her that her companion was ZAFT's Black Zephyr, Lisa would have said they were lying or didn't know what they were talking about. Lisa knew the reputation that Sakura Clyne had, most soldiers had heard things or read reports about what the woman did. And yet, when they had gone shopping Sakura had been nothing like her reputation said.
The woman had been almost like a teenager in a mall or something similar with the glee she had shopped with. The number of stores they had visited was horrible to Lisa, she would have done two or maybe three, Sakura had insisted on nine separate places. The clothes that Sakura had said she needed had been diverse but also with some unsettling ones. Lisa had the impression that the woman had some sort of feelings for Tyler, but Lisa worried what those feelings were. The two lingerie stores had made Lisa concerned for Tyler especially with some of the "styles" Sakura had looked at. Lisa had done what she could to make sure they didn't spend too much as it was Tyler's money, but there was only so much she could have done. So, Lisa looked away from Tyler not sure what to say to him about what happened while she and Sakura had been out.
Tyler's concern wasn't lessened in any way when Lisa looked away, in fact, he was even more worried. He felt that lending them money without setting an amount or expectations had been a bad idea. And yet, when Tyler glanced at Sakura, she appeared to be like a child on their birthday, having been let lose in a toy or candy store. Tyler suspected he would be forced to see what Sakura at least purchased. With the time the two girls had been gone, Tyler didn't want to know what they got, but he feared that Sakura would have likely got lingerie and would be showing Tyler those. Thus far, Tyler had managed to not see Sakura with less clothes on and he wanted to keep it that way. And the memory of Sakura asking about a reward was coming to mind, and he frantically hoped it didn't have them in a bed alone.
But with the girls back, Tyler could lay down the ground rules for his guests as he had a few. Granted, some of the rules he had in mind were for Sakura specifically but that was for good reason. And Tyler would bet even laying down the rules wouldn't do much to stop Sakura or even slow her down. Still, he let out a sigh and got down to business, "Okay, nice to see you back ladies," Tyler stated evenly. "We can discuss what purchases you made with my money later. Moving on to room assignments as you three will be staying here for the time being." Tyler paused and twisted around to face Athrun, "Athrun, you'll get the first bedroom down the hall." Tyler pointed toward the west side doorway in the Living room to motion where he was talking about. Then he continued, "Lisa, you get the bedroom in the middle," Tyler stopped for a moment and turned to Sakura, "You Sakura get the bedroom at the end of the hall."
At hearing the room that she would "have" while she was here, Sakura shot down the hall to it so that she could change into the clothes she had. She would show Tyler her beauty and would do her best to captivate him. Tyler stared at the doorway that Sakura had rushed down and his concern increased a great deal. And he hadn't even gotten to laying down the ground rules yet, Tyler was already not liking how things were going. He blinked a few times before he turned to face Lisa, "Okay, should I even ask why she would be running to the bedroom as she did? Or perhaps you wish to warn me of what's coming since I've a feeling she'll show me soon enough."
Lisa frowned as she suspected that Sakura would be showing what she got off to Tyler. The gusto she had when picking out clothes had suggested that she wanted Tyler to like how they looked on her. She just hoped that the woman would have decency to not go with just underwear here or later. "She picked out clothes with you seeing them in mind I believe and did so with quite some joy," Lisa replied. "I did my best to keep her gusto under control, but it was rather hard to do."
Tyler wasn't happy with Lisa's reply though he didn't blame her for whatever Sakura did. In fact, he felt sorry for whatever Sakura put her through during the shopping trip as he could only imagine. And by the undertone that Tyler heard from Lisa, he also figured that Sakura had been the one leading the trip to the places they went. That in mind, Tyler exhaled heavily, "Okay, next question, do I ask how much you two spent or would it be better for me not to and just assume that it was more than I had figured?"
Before Lisa could answer, Sakura burst back into the room in clothes different that the suit Tyler had lent her. She was wearing a pink blouse and blue knee length skirt which got Tyler to stare without being able to stop himself. Sakura spun around clearly to show Tyler what she got and she was pleased that he was staring at her. Athrun was in shock at seeing Sakura Clyne, the Black Zephyr in clothes any girl might wear showing off. Not only that, she was smiling and clearly happy with the activity. Athrun had never seen the woman like this at any time he'd been in the same room or area as her. Lisa grabbed Athrun and pulled him to the hall leading to the rooms they would use. She wished Tyler the best of luck and hoped that he would not be running before she got back.
With the others out of the room, Sakura used the opportunity to show Tyler everything she had found while shopping. She had difficulty remembering the last time she'd had so much fun and was so happy. Tyler forced to view what clothes Sakura bought felt he was being tortured for some reason. No, he didn't see the whole experience as bad, but that was a problem in itself in Tyler's mind. Sakura was good looking, he wouldn't deny that if pressed, but she had stalked him for long enough he didn't like the time he was around her. But what Lisa said about the reasoning Sakura used while purchasing clothes made sense. Sakura wanted to impress him, and though he didn't want to admit it, she was doing a fair job at the task.
After dinner, Tyler knew he still needed to establish a ground rule before all retired for the night. It was more to cover himself and make less risk as he feared Sakura might just sneak into his bed. That said, Tyler gathered everyone back into the Living room so he could make sure all knew the rule. "Okay, before we all go to bed, I would like to declare some rules as is my right as the owner of this house. First, we respect one another's space and don't invade it. From that, no sneaking into another's room or bed." Tyler pinned Sakura with his gaze, "Admittedly, that is specifically for you Sakura as I don't see Athrun or Lisa doing such things. You on the other hand, I can see you trying, so read my lips, do not sneak into my room or bed during the night!"
Phase end
A/n
Okay, that's where I'll leave off for this chapter long as it is. This phase is pretty straightforward in its flow from start to finish. The story portion that it covers is close to the same, though as you may have noticed I expanded sections out. There were some changes as I wouldn't doubt some of you noticed of course. I'll start with the "aircraft" that were mentioned during Tyler's group's landing sequence. So, there were suggestions to me by some that it would be interesting if the Federation had different machines when on Earth. I agreed with that as space has different factors than in Earth's environment. And so I did take time to do research for inspiration for an Earth-base unit for the Federation, which I started a couple of Phases ago. I won't say where the basis of the Federation's Earth units come from yet, I leave that as a surprise for later.
Next, the hospital section with Tyler which changed an amount as well. So, I got to thinking, and it occurred to me that realistically, a guy and girl wouldn't be put in the same room. In the original version, Athrun and Sakura were in the same room, in real life that would unlikely happen. Plus, it added opportunity to put in a kind of humorous moment between Tyler and Sakura we got to laugh at. And then it transitioned better into where Tyler took his group back to his house. So, to finish off, as I normally do, please some of you write a review and tell me what you think. Reviews do help me improve my writing and that in turn, makes the story better.