Spectre: Another chapter in place! Now that the Japan Arc would conclude here, there may be a slight change of the plan which was supposed to be a Desert Tiger Arc. Apart from the new ideas I have, the next two chapters would focus on two locations in separate chapters; Taiwan and Tibet. And um, you may notice that a few, if not a lot, of parts are quite rushed but you'll see where I'm heading to.
This is mostly about Setsuna, but I'll give the others room in the following chapters. Spoiler alert in this chapter, a new pilot would be joining the Archangel.
Perseus12: Setsuna has gained quite a name for himself, especially for all his efforts at freeing Japan. And a lot would want the 00 Raiser at their hands, especially ZAFT and the EA.
AccelBreaker: Thanks, but the next would be a 'bridge' chapters before proceeding to the Desert Tiger Arc. As for Celestial Being, I wouldn't say rest since Allelujah and Marie wouldn't be appearing in the story due to them leaving after Season 2.
Sheploo: It has been hinted since the fourth chapter, and she has another connection to Anew other than a sibling-like relationship.
Justin: Thanks. Shiratori said, "The Honor Belongs to you Commander", as a reference on the ending of COD WAW.
Dragon lord Syed 101: I wouldn't say Anew is alive as of now but she and Renew shared a strange bond that will be explained in the later chapters. I dunno when Canard would show up just yet, but I do have plans for other Astray characters such as Gai Murakumo and Mikhail Coast.
Dontus -Donut- Powerus: To be fair, Setsuna was like in Neil's place, whereas Kira was in Setsuna's back in 00 Season One, hence more like older/younger brother like relationship by this time other than just a student and mentor. I liked doing battle scenes because that's what could actually kept the readers in track of the flow of the battle.
Blaze1992: Yep it is!
Laxard; Setsuna had the capability to act like/ be a villain if he had to, and I got plans for the captured machines. And yes, they are better than tanks. And I agree with the M1 being rekt at every battle we see, and you'll see a few familiar machines when they visited Orb, thanks to Junk Guild.
Chapter 24: Negotiations and Departure
Siegel Clyne had always reminded himself to relax at every moment and to make a good result out of a bad situation, something that his late wife Lucretia and his daughter Lacus would tell him whenever he was having one of those moments. And in fact, it worked for most of the time, and he was able to keep up with the workload that kept piling up.
And now, what he's experiencing is nothing but a string of bad luck that is represented through a sudden surge of military failures at Japan, and he kept silent as the Council erupted into chaos on the report they had just received at the front, with Siegel leaned on his chair in a slouch manner, his expression was devoid of any emotion whatsoever.
Japan was supposed to be used as a forward base in a future land and aerial assault towards the resourceful regions of Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning of northeastern China, the heartland of the Republic of East Asia once the last Earth Forces stronghold at Kyushu had fallen to their control, in conjunction with their bases at Taiwan towards the southern regions of Guangxi and Guandong, thus securing more resources for both the war effort and of the livelihood of masses within PLANTs.
And while the case of the Blue Flash had shook them to the core since the Battle of Orbit, they at least had the momentum of the 'Land of the Rising Sun' falling down to their control that could potentially cripple the Earth Forces beyond what they could imagine. And for a while, they were confident, especially when they heard that the progress of Kyushu's capture was going well so far.
And that is when things started to go downhill.
All of a sudden, the ZAFT invasion force was repulsed with heavy losses when the Blue Flash and the Legged-ship arrived to reinforce the remaining East Asian and Eurasian forces. And within a span of less than a week, their fortunes plummet further until the latest report showed that the entire Japanese Archipelago was recaptured by the Earth Forces when Commander Wolfe of the Tokyo Headquarters has surrendered in the face of a huge fleet from mainland China that threatened to encircle and destroy them, to which the remaining ZAFT forces of the region of Hokkaido made a hasty evacuation towards the Bering Island bases at northeastern Russia to escape potential encirclement from both the Eurasia and of East Asia.
And surely enough, the report caused an outrage among the Council, to which many began to panic at the aspect of the Blue Flash and the legged-ship capable of reversing their earlier gains in a quick fashion; if it could recapture a nation that fast, how much more could they lose if Alaska manages to mass produce them in greater numbers?
That itself, was considered a cursed thought by the members of the PLANT Supreme Council. Because if it did, it could spell the doom of everything that they have worked for.
"Just weeks ago, we were on the verge on striking a vital blow towards the Republic of East Asia...", Patrick fumed, clenching both his of his fists and trying his best not to cause an outburst amidst the arguing that the Council had been going on ever since they received the report. "But how is that one mobile suit caused everything to fall apart?!"
"We are not talking about one mobile suit, Councilman Zala", Eileen reminded him, wiping the sweat off from her forehead and trying to keep up with him. "There is also the legged-ship and its other mobile suits, one of them being a G-Weapon by itself who coordinated well with him or her"
"All of which were piloted by Naturals, no less!", Jeremy Maxwell spoke in a disgruntled and disgusted tone. "And to think that they managed to deliver a decisive blow to our operations in Asia..."
"With the debacle back at Orbit, and now here, there is no doubt that the Alliance would use this as propaganda to rally the masses to their cause", Tad Elsman spoke in a hesitant tone. "To show the people of Earth that Coordinators are not as powerful as everyone had thought they would be"
That statement caused the Council to strike them like a lightning bolt. With the current climate of the war, many members of the ZAFT military no longer have the confidence that they once have when the war began; they were replaced by either fear and even hesitation at going after the legged-ship and some even began to send in requests to be reassigned to the space forces.
"We're getting off topic!", Patrick interjected, looking towards the black uniform who had came to deliver the news from the front. "What exactly had happened back at Tokyo? And what of Task Force Nova and Le Creuset Team?! Weren't they present when it was under siege by the Alliance?!"
"T-they were sir...", the officer stuttered at the Councilman's fury. "According to the reports here, they were made to intercept the legged-ship and its mobile suits but Commander Wolfe had given them orders to retreat just before he capitulated the city to the Earth Alliance. There is a video footage taken by our scouts during the battle, sir"
Before them, the screen revealed the footage of the Battle of Tokyo taken by Reconnaissance Type GINNs overseeing the battle where they found the Blue Flash clashing with Team Nova, the Hyperion covering the Eurasian armored division with its Lightwave Barrier System compared that of the Roman Tortoise formation that made enemy shots useless against them and only a lesser number of mobile suits were actually sent against them, largely because of an earlier raid by East Asian fighters when it burned the oil fields that could have provided their machines. From there, they also watched as the Strike managed to disarm (Both figuratively and literally) the Aegis and narrowing avoiding death at the hands of the Blitz, whose legs were cleaved off by the knee, only to be rescued by a gray-colored DINN.
For a moment, Yuri Amalfi's heart was racing so quickly out of fear and horror that the Strike was so close in ending his son's life from either being gutted by the cockpit or by falling to his death, but breathed out heavily upon seeing his son being saved by one of the members of Team Nova, thanking whatever deity out there that his son was saved. However, Patrick scowled in disappointment upon seeing Athrun being outclassed by a Natural pilot, not caring that his son could have been killed by that matter.
"Do we have any information as to what happened to the personnel captured by the Earth Forces?", Siegel spoke in a hopeful tone. Despite the grim predicament that they are in right now, he was praying that whatever ZAFT prisoner held by the Alliance were in good hands.
"From the latest reports given by our scouts, about 3,000 are held in a prison camp where the East Asian and Eurasian forces have reportedly plan to use them as barter in exchange for POWs held in Carpenteria and of the Bering Island chains but are nonetheless treated well", the officer told the Chairman, who could only sigh in relief along with the other moderates of his faction. "In addition, at least thirty mobile suits were captured when the city capitulated in the aftermath"
Siegel flinched upon hearing this, seeing that they would most likely utilize the captured mobile suits to their advantage but shook his head in response. The lives of the men captured were more valuable than weapons and he was willing to pay that price if it may be. However, the radicals, particularly Zala, weren't in the mood to negotiate with Naturals at the moment and they were silently yelling at him not to.
"Then inform them that we are willing to negotiate a prisoner exchange with them for the safe return for our men", Siegel informed the officer who complied with the order, leaving the others to be horrified since the Earth Forces would now have access to the usage of mobile suits. Despite the belief that Naturals would be unable to pilot mobile suits themselves, this has been since debunked due to the presence of the legged-ship's mobile suits, showing that they are more than capable of piloting one with the right OS and training.
Patrick gritted his teeth in complete anger, barely holding on to his fury and clenching his fist. 'If Wolfe, Powell and Reichart had the nerve to return to show their faces at this chamber, I will have them shot for this debacle!'
Siegel returned his attention to the meeting. "Right now, we have to formulate a proper strategy as on how we could be able to counter the Blue Flash with what we have and to inform other regional commanders to temporarily halt operations and to focus more on improving or improvising effective weaponry against it before we could think of a more conventional tactic to apprehend it"
"Mr. Chairman, we have to do something to prevent either of them from getting to Alaska!", Ezalia protested in complete frustration, a feeling shared by other members of the Council. "If it may be, I propose that the Triumvirate Project mobile suits be fielded out against the Blue Flash!"
"Sending in untested mobile suits is the best course of action then?", one of the more moderate members of Siegel's faction retorted incredulously. "We could end up losing them instead or, may heaven forbid it, be captured by the Earth Forces because of it!"
"I will have to agree with Councilman Kaslim", Yuri Amalfi chimed in, to the frustration with the silver-haired woman. "The mobile suits themselves require an intense amount of energy that they would not be able to last against the Blue Flash if fielded out, and I unfortunately have made little progress of the system that would allow nuclear energy be used"
"The use of standard GINNs and DINNs against it are already a death sentence for the pilots", Councilwoman Louis Leitner stated. "I propose that the mobile suits of Team Nova be put into limited mass production. We may at least have an edge if sophisticated weaponry in greater numbers"
Siegel Clyne held his chin for a moment, entertaining the idea though itself would be costly and more time consuming. As time had passed by, the morale of the ZAFT military was slowly decreasing, with requests to be assigned to the space forces increasing instead. At this point, many wanted to avoid the Blue Flash and the legged-ship at all costs, but Siegel knew he had to make a choice. Either stop them from reaching Alaska with acceptable losses as Zala and the others would call it or do nothing and let the Alliance mass produce them where greater consequences awaited them.
And none of them would forget the fact that if it was lost, along with it, the survival of the Coordinator race. And such an opportunity could not go unnoticed.
Realizing he has little to no choice, Siegel sighed. "Very well, I grant authorization to Councilwoman Leitner's proposal to improve our current mobile suit lines in response of this development. Inform regional commanders to remain vigilant and to reinforce their current numbers in the possible routes that the legged-ship and the Blue Flash may be taking"
"So, how does it feel to be a hero of an entire country?", Mu asked with a small grin towards the seated form of Setsuna, who was in the process in researching the compatabilities of certain technologies for the 00 Raiser. It has been two days since the 'Liberation of Japan', and the Archangel and her crew were stationed at the capital city for refitting and resupply, to which Murrue allowed the crew, particularly the volunteers, to give themselves a short break from their field work and to explore the city, with a curfew of course. Setsuna opted to spend his break on researching unique mobile suit technologies, figuring out how to outfit them for the 00 Raiser with Kira's help, who is currently also on break with his friends in touring Tokyo (Which was miraculously almost intact, save for a few buildings riddled with bullets and those areas are marked as restoration areas by East Asian troops)
It didn't help that Setsuna became widely known for all his efforts in driving back ZAFT, and Mu could figure that the reason why he opted to stay to the Archangel was to avoid the attention given by the masses or the soldiers present.
"Not much any different personally", Setsuna nonchalantly replied to the Hawk of Endymion, not sparing a glance in one moment. "Except with a lot people tend to look at you in a different manner"
"You'll get used to it", Mu assured him in a carefree tone. "Does Celestial Being ever got recognition for all that you got there?"
"We never did receive any ever since we began our armed interventions", Setsuna replied, shrugging his shoulders. "Even after the fall of A-Laws, we remained hidden in the public eye"
Mu hummed for a moment. "Well you did tell us that you were the black ops type of an organization so it makes sense in your world. But hey, despite your otherworldly origins, you made quite an impact already in this one!", Mu proclaimed stretching both arms in a gestural manner towards the Gundam Meister, to which the latter could not help but gave a small smirk, being reminded by Neil and his sense of humor. "Feared by ZAFT as the Blue Flash and revered by East Asia and Eurasia as the Ao no Kishin!"
"Not what I would say that I am used to", Setsuna honestly said. "Which I would safely assume that is is the same with people calling you by your title in a few occasions"
Mu's smile faded at that, scratching his head with a sigh. "I wouldn't call my title to be something that I'm proud off. Especially on what actually happened back at the Battle of Endymion Crater"
His statement caused Setsuna to raise an eyebrow, sensing that there is something off about the blonde's aura. "I'm sorry?"
Mu waved his hand. "Nah, forget about it. It's something that I wouldn't try at recalling every so often"
Setsuna gave him a blank look, and Mu could swore that he is persistent at knowing what is going on with someone, with Kira being the prime example at that. The blond pilot looked at him for a moment, sighing as he turned to explain things. "It was almost a year ago, back at the Grimaldi Front. Endymion Crater was a major Alliance base located at the moon, and I was still assigned to Zero Squadron of the 3rd Fleet, where our objective was to defend the base from being captured by ZAFT. But things didn't go as planned, and I ended up losing my entire unit in the process and the 3rd Fleet was all but wiped out by ZAFT..."
Setsuna could sense the growing anger within him, and he felt that there is much more to it.
"And then, something else happened. A Cyclops System was detonated within the base, killing any surviving personnel inside the base and the ZAFT forces trying to capture it, without any of us being informed by the High Command. After the battle, I tried to get answers as to what happened back there, but the High Command insisted that ZAFT had set up radio jammers and they had no choice but nonetheless praised what I did back there and gave me the title that I've been known since"
With that, Mu finished his story, pinching his eyebrows especially when telling people of his backstory back at Endymion. He wasn't sure as to why he have to inform him of that final part, but he felt that Setsuna would be at least willing to lend an ear, and sure enough, he could see the pilot frowning upon learning on what had happened back there,
Considering the possible implementation of Human Experiments, and Admiral Halberton's statement that the High Command may be infiltrated by extremists and apathetic members, I wouldn't hold my breath in remaining in the Alliance much longer, especially if we are getting close to Alaska, Setsuna thought to himself. "I have to apologize for what you've been through. But I will have to admit what the High Command did was...unnecessary. Especially when they do not value the lives lost lost back there"
"I wouldn't blame you if you have trust issues with the Alliance ever since Artemis", Mu guessed, know this much. "I'd get your reasons in that case, especially to the fact that you weren't really enlisted to begin with"
"No...not all of them at least", Setsuna replied, as he had already met Admiral Halberton and General Shiratori, and those two had not given him any reason not to as both men valued the lives of their men, and for the defense of their home. "If what you suspect may be true, then we should be wary of the High Command."
"Do you think we should tell this to Captain Ramius or Lieutenant Badgiruel in that case?"
"No. I don't think that would be the best course of action, especially if they are higher ranked officers within this ship", Setsuna reasoned out, trying to figure out a suitable option for those two. "Because if the High Command suspected them of disloyalty, or at least a hint of it, there's no telling what would happen if that is the case"
"You have a point there...", Mu admitted with a nod before he decided to change the subject. "That reminds me, with Tokyo freed and ZAFT's arsenal captured, are you gonna help the locals here use them for their defense?"
Setsuna shifted his gaze away from him, sighing. "In exchange for resupply and a safe passage out of the archipelago, General Shiratori has requested me to lecture his soldiers in effectively using ZAFT's captured arsenal. Kira was fortunately willing to help in reprogramming the OS for Natural use, so at least I'm not alone at this one. Jean, Rena and Jane are likewise willing to help out in the program at the few days that we are going to remain here before resuming our trek to JOSH-A"
Mu whistled, taking a sip from his coffee. "I'd like to think that those guys back there would thrilled to be lectured by a war hero at that matter"
"Which raises the concern. How many mobile suits are we dealing with here?"
"Let's see...12 GINNs, 5 DINNs, 3 CGUEs and 5 ZuOOTs to be exact", Mu recalled for the Gundam Meister. "While not as many as ZAFT would be able to field out, it would at least give the East Asian forces a fighting chance against another ZAFT attempt to re-take the islands. Glad Kira and the others are there to help you out"
Setsuna merely gave a small smile. "Perhaps I am as well"
Seagulls flew across the skies above Tokyo Harbor, where soldiers and civilians alike busied themselves into rebuilding the city after ZAFT's surrender, as soon as cleaning up operations had ended. Personnel belonging to the said organization were detained in a detention camp where they are to be used as barter for a prisoner exchange in territories held in Eurasia and parts of eastern China. At the Yokota Air Force base, about a few kilometers from Tokyo Harbor, personnel of the Republic of East Asia had sat down in one of its meeting halls, having been informed by their General of an important meeting where they awaited until a few people emerged from the sidelines, where they immediately shifted their attention to find Setsuna, Kira, Jane, and Rena standing in front of them where the Gundam Meister stepped forward.
"As you may know, General Shiratori has requested your presence here, where a declaration will be held", Setsuna began in a professional tone, that was all too familiar with the attendees. Kira was slightly twiddling, feeling nervous at himself in front of dozens of allied personnel where Rena lightly pinched him at the wrist, giving him an encouraging smile for him to clam down. "Only a week ago, the city of Tokyo, to the extent of most of the country, was entrenched by ZAFT forces. While the people and its soldiers gave fierce resistance towards them, it was not enough for them to fully resist the invasion and Japan was occupied as a result. Given ZAFT's technological superiority at utilizing mobile suits"
The East Asian personnel, especially to those who fought during the initial invasion, were disheartened at the Gundam Meister's words, but could accept the fact that they were in fact, outgunned and outnumbered by this time. "However, the army held a firm heart in keeping the light of their will to free from any foreign encroachment. Because of that light, the very heart of the people was never broken, and it was the very unity that allowed the people to prevail in freeing their country from ZAFT, even with their superior mobile suit numbers", he added.
The morale of the East Asian personnel was restored almost immediately. It was through his plea of a united front between the Atlantic, Eurasian and the East Asian forces that allowed them to drive back ZAFT at their darkest hour. "He carried a lot charisma compared to most commanders we served under. Right, Rena?", Jane whispered to her colleague, who could not help but agree with a nod.
"Which is why...", Setsuna continued, his expression remained stoic as usual but carried a flame of determination regardless. "The Archangel will be overseeing the drilling of proper mobile suit utilization and combat using captured ZAFT arsenal, as a means to provide a more adequate defense for the homeland"
The Gundam Meister's announcement caused the attendees to shocked at what he was offering to them, and they began whisper amongst themselves, with the mixed reactions of disbelief, excitement, and uncertainty.
"We're going to use mobile suits? Cool!"
"The Ao no Kishin...training us?"
"Is he serious? Can we even do what he's asking?"
Setsuna could understand their reactions, since most believed that Naturals are unable to pilot mobile suits. But only a change of an OS and enough training had already broken that myth. And one of them raised their hand, prompting Setsuna to motion him to speak up.
"With all due respect Commander, but how can we pilot mobile suits? Only Coordinators are able to do so", he said, a statement that was shared by other members of the group.
"That won't be needed firsthand...", Setsuna assured the group in front of him. "And because I am a Natural like all of you"
To be fair, Setsuna wasn't really lying at that part. While becoming an Innovator gave him capabilities that surpassed that of Coordinators through the extensive exposure of GN Particles, he was never born with any genetic alterations within his system, therefore he was naturally born with normal human qualities as they are. Surely enough, this shocked the East Asian and Eurasian personnel present who were sure that Setsuna was a Coordinator.
"T-that's impossible!", one of them exclaimed in shock. "There's no way that a Natural can do all of that! Especially towards the 6th Division and of Tokyo!"
"It is only impossible because you have deemed it so", Setsuna calmly lectured the personnel. "Being a Natural does not mean they could not do what Coordinators could normally do. And it is only through perseverance that everyone could harness their abilities to their greatest potential"
Those words only stunned the personnel inside, and they felt silent at the proclamation. Kira's expression brightened in complete fascination, even though that Setsuna had already made it clear with him some time ago, and yet it shows that genetics never mattered.
"Whether it be Coordinator or Natural, it would not matter as long as effort is exercised and determination is maintained", Setsuna stated. "Which is why I will have to ask this to all of you: do you want to defend your country at any cost?"
The personnel's reply was unanimous. "Hai!"
"If I ask you that you are willing to offer blood, toil, tears and sweat, will you all comply to protect your home and your families?"
"Hai!"
"And then I finally ask you this, could I expect your willingness and your determination of what you needed to do?"
"HAI!", the crowd roared once more, and they began to stand up and cheer at the Gundam Meister, who breathed out in relief, wondering if he had went too far at becoming the 'aspiration' of the people here. He turned towards Kira, Jane and Rena, who merely gave their nod of approval with a smile, indicating that they are willing to help him out.
Again, Setsuna could not help but creep up a small smile as well.
The first two days of the program ran rather smoothly, with technical issues being the primary source of any problem but are quickly fixed with the help of East Asian technicians, who had time to study the aesthetics of the machines and repair possible damages. Kira and Jean had spent their time re-working the OS of the captured machines to make it more suitable for Natural-use, while Jane, Rena and Setsuna lectured East Asian personnel into properly utilizing the mobile suits, with Three acting as a demonstrator in maneuvers that Setsuna would ask him to do.
So far, so good. Setsuna thought to himself as the East Asian personnel were quickly adapting to the OS assigned to them. From afar, he watched Rena properly demonstrating mobile suit use of weaponry using captured dummy rounds, while Kira had just finished of adjusting the OS of a DINN, making them ready for Natual use as a few East Asian pilots were complimenting his skill despite his age, to which the teen found himself to look down bashfully as a result, to which Setsuna chuckled lightly, seeing that Kira still has to work for this self-esteem.
As Kira turned to his direction to go to the next mobile suit needed for an OS configuration, he bumped into a huge mass that stood in front of him, causing him to lose balance momentarily. As he regained his footing, he looked up meet the rather hard gaze of Captain Morgan Chevalier, to which Kira swallowed a lump down his throat upon seeing the Eurasian's rather tall build that made him pale in comparison.
"So...", Captain Chevalier began, in a rather curious tone. "You're the Ao no Kishin's apprentice, and the Archangel's White Devil?"
Kira bristled at the nickname given to him by the Eurasian Captain, not expecting to gain an amount of notoriety for all his sorties. "Y-yes...why?", he asked the man in front of him.
Morgan held his chin for a moment, pondering. "Will I be able to learn how to use mobile suits?"
This caused Kira to blink a few times. "W-what?"
"I wanna to learn to pilot a mobile suit", Morgan said to the young pilot's surprise. "I spent years in the front lines to find the nature of warfare changing from time and time again, and with those machines being the mainstream nowadays, I think it's time for me to shift my duty from Tank driving to mobile suit piloting"
Kira looked at Setsuna for a moment, to which the Gundam Meister gave his approval with a simple nod. "Alright then, how do we begin?"
"I'll start with a GINN...", Morgan replied as Kira guided the Eurasian Captain to the nearest available mobile suit.
Hours later, Setsuna stood in a field along with the East Asian and Eurasian personnel, with his fellow pilots beside him and with a DINN in front of them. "This time, we are going to conduct aerial formations and movements. While the number of DINNs are limited to say the least, the usage of captured Guuls could also suffice. Three Socius here will be demonstrating aerial formations to provide an insight on what you should do, and what you don't do at flight op"
Picking up a radio, Setsuna contacted the pilot, who already boarded the DINN. "Three, you're all set. Show them what you can do"
"Yes, sir", Three replied, as the unarmed DINN's monoeye activated and it began to lift up into the air, only to descend rather abruptly and dropping down in one knee.
"Are there any technical issues from there, Three?", Setsuna inquired, only to be met with silence that only garnered his suspicions.
"Three, do you copy?", Setsuna repeated to the cyan-haired pilot, that is until he began to hear his cohesive breathing, indicating that whatever is happening out there, it was not a good sign. "Three, is there something wrong, over?"
"What do you think happened to him?", Rena wondered, glancing at her other teammates who were now worried for the quiet pilot.
"Check on him, but be careful", the young man ordered, and Rena climbed up to the inactive machine. Opening the cockpit, Rena found Three, breathing out heavily from either fatigue or tiredness.
"I think there's something wrong with him!", Rena called out, getting Three out of the cockpit and helping him down to the ground. However, Three broke free from Rena's grasp as he began to stagger forward, clutching his chest in intense pain as the crowd of pilots gathered around to see what was going on. "Call in the medics!", Setsuna ordered, to which Kira and Jane wasted no time in finding the nearest one in the base. Rena approached the man, rubbing his back gently and wiping the profuse amount of sweat at his forehead. Moments later, the medics arrived, and they strapped Three in a stretcher as they took him into the infirmary. Setsuna watched as the medics leave, not before telling the other trainees present. "Continue on with the practices, I'll take over Three's place in demonstrations!", he told them, before turning to Three's other teammate.
"Jean, do you have any information regarding Three's medication?", Setsuna inquired the blond man, who only took off his glasses and shook his head in response.
"Apparently not, Commander", he replied. "Three is always secretive of the drugs that he take from time to time, but he had just taken his medication just about a couple hours ago, which is odd it shouldn't be for another couple hours until he was scheduled to take it again"
Setsuna nodded, holding his chin he tried to assess Three's status as a Carbon Human. While he may have little information regarding them, he had read enough that cloning is never perfect to begin with, and they would require constant medications in order for them to be stable.
While there had been attempts at cloning back at Anno Domini, all of them had been unsuccessful and they had to abandon the project in favor of using Super Soldiers by using orphaned children, such as Allelujah and Marie. Cloning aside, Three's withdrawal symptoms bare resemblance on how the Innovators mentally and physically conditioned Louise Halevy, giving her drugs that kept her stable. Until her the exposure of GN Particles managed to cure her.
And that gave Setsuna an idea. It would be a longshot, but it may just work.
"Commander Seiei, are you certain that this would work?", Shiratori inquired the Gundam Meister, upon seeing Three Socius, strapped in a stretcher being hoisted the Cherry Picker inside the Archangel, where the 00 Raiser is also in standby with its pilot, making adjustments to the 00 Raiser.
"I will have to admit, I am not sure myself", Setsuna said, pressing a few more buttons onto the 00 Raiser. "However, based on my observations of him and of the medical records provided by the doctors, this may work as well. Is his sedatives wearing off?"
Shiratori looked over the cyan-haired pilot, and he slowly began to jerk uncontrollably in pain, looking as if he was going to undergo exorcism to whatever demons that were inside of him. "Apparently so, Commander"
Setsuna nodded and looked over at the Cherry Picker operator. "Hoist him up!"
With that, Three was hoisted up in front of the 00 Raiser's GN Drive, to the bewilderment of those present as to what Setsuna was planning. Within moments, Cyan particles began to disperse from the 00 Raiser's GN Drive where they engulfed the thrashing form of Three. This lasted about thirty seconds, until Three began to calm down until he became unconscious past the two minute mark where Setsuna turned off the GN Drive and called out to the operator. "Lower him down!"
They did as he asked, and Three was lowered to the ground where the Medics circled around Three, who unstrapped the restrains of the stretcher and they began to conduct medical examinations. To the surprise of the Medical staff, Three no longer has any complications regarding his psyche, and they looked at Commander Seiei for an answer, who merely shrugged his shoulders in response.
"As far as we can note here, you all have been making remarkable progress in mobile suit utilization and practice", Setsuna complimented the East Asian pilots present, with Jean, and the Archangel pilots flanking him from behind as soon as they had finished their daily practice, their second to the last before the Archangel is scheduled to depart from Japan. "While I cannot simply proclaim you as skilled pilots, you all have potential to become one as long as effort is continued to be exercised. Practice the exercises that are given, mindfully. And you will see improvement, you have my word for that"
"Hai! Arigatou, TaichÅ!", the pilots all chanted altogether and they began to disperse from the meeting hall. As soon as they did, a man approached Setsuna. He was a man in his late twenties, with a short blond hair that was low fade at best, wearing the white uniform of the Earth Alliance, except the insignia represented the emblem of the Eurasian Federation.
"Commander Seiei? I am Dmitry Kozlov, of the Eurasian 12th Brigade. K vashim uslugam (At your service), the man introduced himself with a salute towards the Gundam Meister. "I have been assigned by the Command to oversee the reinforcing of ground troops to the Japanese Archipelago at the request of our premier"
"Pleased to make your acquaintance", Setsuna diplomatically replied in return. "But may I know as to why you are here?"
The young man breathed out, feeling as if he was practicing all day for this. "The Eurasian Federation's premier would like to request an audience with you. She would like to meet you personally"
Setsuna's eyes widened for a moment, as did Kira, Jane and Rena.
"You three go ahead to the Archangel, I'll catch up with you later", he told them, as they looked at one another, worried but obliged and they left the Gundam Meister alone with the Eurasian officer. "Lead the way, Kozlov"
The pair walked towards the Eurasian vessel, an Arkansas-class cruiser, where they made their way towards the bridge where Setsuna noticed that not a lot of people were stationed at the ship. And when they did enter the bridge, it was deserted. Setsuna looked at Dmitry who remained calm as he made his way into a nearby shelf, the Gundam Meister's hand nearing his pistol that was concealed behind his uniform. However, that wasn't the case when Dmitry appeared again.
The young soldier pulled out a tablet, activating it after a few taps before placing it leaning on one of the vases before the two. Appearing on the screen was a rather beautiful woman with silky borderline blond or brown hair reaching her shoulders, wearing what appeared to be a green outfit for female politicians at the time, and Setsuna recognized her from one of the news articles he had read back at the Archangel.
"I have been eager to meet you", the woman began with a smile, holding both her hands in a formal matter. "Commander Setsuna F. Seiei. I must say, I was not aware that he would be so...well-proportioned"
Setsuna didn't know how to react at that one, but he brushed it of anyway. "Premier Svetlana Belikova of the Eurasian Federation...", he replied, bowing his head slightly in respect. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?"
"Well Commander...", Belikova began, creeping up a rather odd smile. "In the wake of your achievements in preventing a ZAFT invasion through Japan to the Republic of East Asia. And potentially, Mother Russia herself, I think it would just be fitting to congratulate you personally for your efforts"
Setsuna felt unsettled towards her but decided to play along with it. "I appreciate your words, your Excellency", he replied, though he had to remember a few things. One, Eurasia is one of the Atlantic Federation's rivals. Setsuna, being an Atlantic Federation officer himself, albeit unofficially, knew he shouldn't feel safe with the Prime Minister of the Eurasian Federation. Second, is because of their experience at Artemis, no thanks to Garcia. But that would be a different story here, as there hasn't appeared to be any leverage to be used against him, but he still have to remain vigilant. "But it would appear that there is something else that is needed to be discussed"
"Well, Commander. We can say it is curiosity as to why I requested an audience with you", Belikova replied. "Such as to what type of regiment do you belong in, other than being part of Admiral Halberton's 8th Fleet. Or has the Atlantic Federation treating you well?"
Raising an eyebrow, Setsuna asked. "I'm sorry?"
"The Atlantic Federation has gained a reputation for the treatment of their own men...", Belikova stated. "And I sincerely hope that they are using your talents for the better of the people and of Earth, not to whatever motives they have in mind"
"I do not follow as to what you are trying to tell me", Setsuna said, feigning bewilderedness as he already had little trust for them and from what Mu just told him. "What do you mean that the Atlantic Federation having other agendas of their own?"
Belikova looked at him for a moment before smiling slightly. "Are you aware as to why Eurasia, along with East Asia, had a tense rivalry to the Atlantic Federation despite being allied together in an Alliance?"
"I could think of two factors as to why: Blue Cosmos and geo-political relations since the Reconstruction War", Setsuna guessed, having studied the history of this era at his free time at the Archangel.
"Yes, and yes", Belikova said, visibly impressed on the young man's intellect. "As you may or may not know, the Atlantic Federation is already infiltrated by extremists that influenced both business and politics to make it the leading superpower, not hesitating to show its strength towards its neighbors"
I am aware of that, Setsuna mentally told her and deciding to play along with this charade. "There are rumors, but nothing more than that"
"Hmmm, I suppose they truly are secretive as people thought", Belikova said, holding her chin with her thumb and index finger. "Have you ever recalled the Tragedy of Copernicus?"
Realizing of where this is going, Setsuna replied. "Yes, that terrorists attacked the delegations that killed most of those who presided the negotiations between PLANTs and of the nations of Earth where they placed the blame on the PLANTs at staging the attack, though recent evidence showed no PLANT implication of the attack, which would only leave Blue Cosmos as a possible suspect, and them being in control of the Atlantic Federation, and in turn, the Earth Alliance"
The premier was impressed, as did Dmitry. "My predecessor, Aleksandr Kazov, was among those who had perished on Copernicus, at the hands of these terrorists, to which also left a permanent reminder to me as well", Belikova somberly recalled. "And it was this moment that those terrorists decide to bind the nations of Earth under an Alliance signed in paper, to drag them into fighting their war at the cost of countless lives while using its allies for their own war effort and of their goals that only benefitted them"
"You claim that the Eurasian Federation has nothing to do on what the Alliance has done with ZAFT as well", Setsuna countered. "And yet, the country is still a member of the Earth Alliance, the same group that caused a nuking a neutral colony that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives"
"Oh, but we are, Commander", the premier replied, in what seemed to be an innocent tone. "Eurasia fights in the name of its defense, as did the Republic of East Asia. And yet, extremists whose influence is powerful enough to dictate politics, business and of the military within North America, started this war in the name of their racial and capitalist interests. And to make sure that much of the Earth sphere fights for them, made their so-called Alliance where they have a greater say because of their power that has been growing over years while Eurasia and East Asia lagged behind in progress, pressuring them to do their bidding"
Setsuna is now suspicious. He knew that the Atlantic and Eurasian Federations have their rivalries that had simmered, and guessed that had been going on even with the end of the Cold War. "If so, then why not leave the Alliance if Eurasia fights only for its defense?"
The premier sighed. "Because Commander, if Eurasia tries to leave the Alliance, they will not hesitate to send its troops in the name of worldwide security and force our country to rejoin them, with the possible risk of our government being replaced with another one who had close ties with them, albeit turning Eurasia into their satellite states in league with their racial motivations"
"And you needed something that could potentially sever the bond between Eurasia and the Atlantic Federation?", Setsuna guessed, his suspicions confirmed when he saw Belikova's slight nod. "And by telling me all of this, you expect me to have my own doubts for them, and to work with you. I will have to apologize, but I am not leaving the ship or their crew"
Belikova sighed in dejection. "Of course, you have been assigned to protect their precious cargo from ZAFT. However, there is something else that I prefer that the Atlantic Federation would not know..."
Her statement caused the Gundam Meister to frown. "Of what, your Excellency?"
"With a few helpful contacts and as well as a favor or two, I have found something, rather...interesting regarding your background, Commander", Belikova mused, pulling out a few documents given to her by one of her confidants within the F.S.B. "That Celestial Being is not a recognized military organization within the chain of command nor any records to any known military installation around the world."
Setsuna was by all means, alarmed at what the Eurasian Premier at what declared. But he knew he had to keep calm despite this, otherwise he would draw more suspicion towards him. And yet there is something strange...
If Belikova, the Premier of the second largest power of the Earth Alliance, knew that Setsuna didn't belong to any organization, why wasn't there any attempts to arrest him? Or to the very least, inform their counterparts from other places at the globe regarding this development?"
"But do not fret, Commander...", Belikova assured him, putting up a rather...motherly smile at him that made him unsettled. "In respect to our relations with the Republic of East Asia and to your contributions, we can guarantee you our cooperation to keep your secret safe if you are willing to do the same."
He scowled in reply. "By cooperation, you mean blackmail?"
Belikova appeared to be offended. "Blackmail? Oh, no, no. To blackmail a war hero wouldn't yield positive results. Your safety is in our best interest, and we can ensure your place and your rank within the Eurasian Federation should the Atlantic Federation have wind of this"
"I will have to decline your offer, your Excellency", Setsuna replied in a deadpanned tone. "While I understood your country's need to secure its defense against the Atlantic Federation and not just ZAFT, my machine is something that is too valuable to fall into anyone else's hands"
"And do you really think they would think of you as one of your own? Unlike the Atlantic Federation, we do not stab the back of our allies for ulterior motives that would only benefit them", Belikova professed. "And if you and your friends do reach Alaska, will you still trust the Atlantic Federation of their word? Or will they not compel you to share your secrets with them?"
Setsuna became silent, concerned as to what would happen to Kira and the others should they ever reach Alaska. While he had trust issues with the Eurasian because of Artemis, he has to take note that they are not Garcias. And he has little trust to anyone else in the Atlantic Federation. With the numerous revelations given to them, he had to make a gamble, given to the fact that the Archangel still has to travel a very long route with supplies being a precious commodity along the way.
With everything that he had dug up so far regarding the Atlantic Federation, he knew he had to make some friends, or rather close allies in case something goes out of hand regarding the Archangel and the Atlantic Federation. He had figured that the AF High Command could not be trusted, sans Halberton and the 8th Fleet, and while he had his own reservations for the Eurasians, especially to the likes of Admiral Garcia, they have their own reasons as to why they chose to remain with the Atlantic Federation, and he could see the Premier's sincere plea for him to help Eurasia leave the Earth Alliance.
He had figured that more than a few factions would want nothing more than to obtain the 00 Raiser for their own purposes, and Eurasia itself couldn't be a little different. Could it? Considering its state as a backwater nation compared to the Atlantic Federation, with them using their rival as a junior partner and its resource pile, Eurasia would want to withdraw from the Alliance, but they didn't have the power to see through it. And by telling him of what the Atlantic Federation's rather shady nature and its alignment to terrorists, they were hoping that he would lent them that power. And this gave Setsuna an idea.
People who had known him would find this to be absurd, and he wouldn't even deny that fact. But it may be worth the shot.
"Very well then...", Setsuna said, to Dmitry and Belikova's surprise as they have not expected that he would agree to their terms.
"You do?", the woman asked, though skeptical. "Though I imagine this is not without anything else in return"
"Indeed, because I am not finished, your Excellency", Setsuna interjected. "I will agree to help you and your people. But you will have to follow the demands that I hope, that you will comply with"
"Of course, Commander", Belikova agreed, motioning Dmitry to pull out a notepad and jot them down. "Anything you need, Eurasia will try its best to provide"
"The Archangel will be free to resupply to any Eurasian bases that it would come across, free of any form of harassment from Eurasian personnel", Setsuna first listed out his demand, with Belikova nodding and Dmitry jotting it down. "In case of any altercations within the Archangel and of the Atlantic Federation, the Eurasian government would open its ports as a refuge for the ship and of its crew if possible"
Setsuna's second demand caused both Eurasians to be surprised. "I suppose you have your own suspicions before we met?, Belikova mused, curious. "But we will agree nonetheless. Is there anything else you need, Commander?"
"Yes, that I would like to request trusted Eurasian personnel to keep an eye on the activities of the Atlantic Federation and to be wary of them", he added, if that wasn't obvious enough. "Also, may I borrow a laptop for a moment?"
Dmitry looked at his leader, who simply gave him a nod and he pulled out one of the laptops stored within the ship. Setsuna pulled out one of his spare flash drives from his uniform pocket and plugged it into the computer, copy-pasting a file that is only labeled by the number 09, before opening the said file and showing it to Dmitry, who viewed its contents and left him dead silent.
"Dmitry, is there something wrong?", Belikova inquired her confidant's rather shocked expression, appearing as if his eyeballs were about to pop off because of how he widened them while Setsuna remained calm at best.
Regaining his composure, Dmitry cleared his throat. "Apologies, premier. But I think you would like to see these for yourself"
Sending the file over to Belikova, who was all the way to Moscow, the premier opened her laptop to receive a file sent to her by Dmitry. Opening its contents, Premier Belikova read them over for a moment, her eyes going on left to right clockwise in a fast pace before she looked at Setsuna, who merely crossed his arms.
"While I could not offer anything regarding my machine, perhaps this could be enough for a bargain?"
Belikova began to chuckle ever so slightly, to the surprise of her confidant as he rarely ever seen her like that. "You have yourself a deal, Commander"
"I'm sorry, sir?", Murrue asked, perplexed as she and General Shiratori had met up within the Tokyo Headquarters, a few hours before they are scheduled to depart.
"We could not offer anything else at our disposal for all your efforts in driving back ZAFT", Shiratori professed to the captain. "Which is why, I am going to reassign Three Socius and his machine to the Archangel"
"But wouldn't the East Asian Command protest about this?"
"They wouldn't. Three's talents are almost wasted when he was under my command", Shiratori admitted. "When Commander Seiei and the Archangel came along, his capabilities were utilized at an extent that we never managed to reach. And he would certainly be a valuable asset on your journey to Alaska"
Murrue was silent for a moment, but considering their long journey, they would need the help they can get. With his machine's defensive capabilities, and the Archangel's odd design of its bridge location, the chances of them being shot down would be much less if they have him on their side.
"We appreciate the offer, but has Three been informed about this transfer?", Murrue asked.
"He has, and he complied with it without any protest", Shiratori said. "He has been quiet as usual, but Jean had recalled of Three expressing his gratitude towards Commander Seiei, for curing him at whatever complications that he had endured. He could also use a few friends within your crew, especially to Miss Imelia"
The captain chuckled slightly, recalling on how Rena was eccentric towards the pilot from time to time. "We'll see what we can do, general. And thank you"
At the Tokyo Harbor, the Archangel's crew stood near the ship's entrance, with crowds of East Asian soldiers and civilians watching as they made preparations of their departure. At one side, General Shiratori, his officer corps and the Japanese Civilian government faced the Archangel's, which comprised of Murrue, Natarle, Mu, Setsuna, Jane, Rena, Kira, and their new transfer, Three (To the unsettlement of Rena). One of the elderly statesmen stepped forward, bearing a smile as he approached the group. "Thank you, we cannot imagine how much we are indebted for all of that you have done to free our home. You have ignited the spirit of freedom that we all thought was lost until you came to our darkest hour"
The Archangel's representatives smiled in response as the elderly man continued, "While we have little to offer for all that has happened, the gratitude of our people will lay infinite to all of you. Should you need assistance, we will not hesitate to do what we can"
"We appreciate that, Prime Minister", Murrue said, bowing down in respect along with her crew, a gesture returned by the elderly man alongside with his cabinet. "However, Commander Seiei here may want to give a few final words before our departure"
Setsuna raised an eyebrow where he could hear Mu, Jane and Rena snickering at him. Breathing out, he stepped forward to the Japanese personnel and spoke. "If there is anything that we should thank personally, it would be the soldiers that had fought and fallen alongside with us. It was through their determination that we managed to succeed of our mission, and we could not have reached this far, if it weren't for the East Asians and Eurasians that fought alongside with us"
"Their sacrifices were never in vain, Commander", Shiratori replied, as he placed a hand on Setsuna's shoulder. "You have carried the torch that led us in the darkest hour. You and your allies have shown great conviction. Strength. Courage. All qualities that defined an honorable soldier. It was an honor serving alongside you, Commander"
The East Asian officer corps, led by Shiratori, all approximately saluted the Gundam Meister. Bearing in mind of what was offered to him, Setsuna responded in the same manner in return, followed by the Archangel's own officer corps. Once they have entered the ship, and the preparations for their departure complete, the ship's thrusters roared to life as civilians and soldiers alike cheered their praises and their safe partings, throwing confetti and flowers alike to the departing vessel.
From the windows, Setsuna watched them with a small serene smile. He wasn't proud because of his achievements, but rather the unity that he, the Archangel and the people of Japan to maintain the hope that would all be freed. Noticing a presence behind him, he found Mu, Kira, and several members of the crew wearing proud expressions of their faces of what he had done for all of them, and he only gave a small smile in return.
And for now, he knew that the Archangel and himself had a lot of challenges to go through along the way. And he would see to it that he will help them get through them.
Spectre: Done! Now I'll explain a few things of the chapter:
-You may be wondering, is Svetlana Belikova the same character like we had seen in Resident Evil: Damnation? Well...yes and no I think? Because while she is named and modelled after her, she's not the same character as the one in Damnation; she plays the role of a politician who wanted nothing more but her country to withdraw from the Alliance in order to be spared from ZAFT's wrath, given Eurasia being a backwater nation compared to the Atlantic Federation, which left them unable to withdraw from the Alliance because the AF had a greater say than them, and she tried to enlist Setsuna's help by telling him that the AF could not be trusted and of their actions (Which Setsuna was already aware of unbeknownst to her), and that Eurasia can help him if they discovered his secret (They wouldn't blackmail him too because that would only make them look bad to Setsuna)
So that's where he decided to help the Eurasians, because he would need friends once the AF went nuts, and the data that he provided for them is up for speculation. And considering Eurasia's history, they would do just about anything to gain Setsuna's help.
-Why did I make Three Socius join the Archangel? Well, because the ship really needed an actual shield, and the Hyperion G would be a perfect suit for that. Also, they are like roles from certain MMORPGs such as Setsuna being as Assassin or mid lane, Rena being the ADC, Three being a support/tank because of the Hyperion's defensive capabilities, while Kira and Jane would inter-change roles between the top or the jungler lane so to speak.